News
We’ll deliver on our mandate, Makinde assures Oyo residents
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, declared on Thursday that his administration was determined to deliver on the mandate given to him by the people of the state.
He also maintained that his government would continue to respect the rights of all citizens irrespective of their religious affiliations.
Governor Makinde, who was speaking during a courtesy visit by Bishops of the Anglican Dioceses in Oyo State, said that his administration remained committed to providing good governance.
A statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Makinde, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the Governor as stating that his administration remained committed to providing good governance and services that will be beneficial to residents across all religious lines.
He said: “This visit to congratulate this administration is actually not coming late because, about seven weeks ago, we were still talking about the Supreme Court judgment. When that judgment of Oyo State was delivered, another judgment was delivered which took away the mandate in Imo State. Having gone through the lion’s den, it is not late to congratulate us and I am appreciative of the visit.
“I also want to use the opportunity to thank you, spiritual leaders, because I got maximum support from you during the electioneering campaign and on the election itself. Of course, the support that we got cuts across the religious line.
“We have switched to the governance world because we are through with the electioneering. Now, we are set to deliver to the people of Oyo State, irrespective of their religious leanings.
“I am actually surprised when Bishop said we are doing very well but I know the Bishop’s Court in Ibadan and I know that going there right now, it’s very dusty. From around Islamic where they stopped the dualization going towards Akobo-Oju-Irin side, I know people living in that area and I have got feedback on what they are currently experiencing. So, I will just use this opportunity to let them know that we are feeling their pains right now. Of course, the contractor that was given that job happens to be one of the non-performing contractors in this state.
“The process is on to determine that contract and put people that are serious on the project. Also, for the rest of the state, we are looking at connectivity; how we can get our infrastructure to target our economy but you are also all aware of this local government issue going on. Apart from spiritual counselling, we also need prayers. We need you to remember us as individuals and also the state. Every time you are on the altar, remember us and pray for the state.
“I want to say that one of the major tasks for us is to tackle poverty and take the state from poverty to prosperity. Sometimes, people look at their individual interests and they say they worked and want to get their own benefits. Yes, positions may not go round; but if we fix that road from Moniya to Iseyin, and if that road is able to lead to more economic activities around that axis, anyone who is not lazy will derive some benefits from what we have done.
“Also, in the area of security, if we can secure an entire neighbourhood, then it will not matter whether people living in there are Christians or Muslims or traditional worshippers. We would have been able to provide security for everybody. We want to deliver on the mandate that we have right now.
“Please, support us and keep pointing out to us areas where we are falling short. We will pay attention and try to make amendments where possible. And where we cannot amend, we will provide explanation and justifications why we have taken the position that we have taken.”
The Anglican bishops, led by the Archbishop of Ibadan Ecclesiastical Province, Most Reverend Segun Okubadejo, with others including the Bishop of the Diocese of Ibadan, Most Reverend J.O. Akinfenwa; Bishop of Oke Ogun Diocese, Rt Revd Cornelius O. Adagbada and the Vice Chancellor of Ajayi Crowther University, Professor Dapo Folorunsho Asaju, among others, stated that their visit was to congratulate Governor Makinde on his victory at the poll and at the Supreme Court and to also pledge their spiritual and prayerful support to the Governor.
Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Most Revd. Okubadejo said: “So far so good, we are encouraged by your leadership style. You have been demonstrating in word and in action that you are a servant leader; the one who has truly come to serve his people. We are happy with this. We have also observed that your policies in management strategies, which are people-oriented are seen loud.
In the education sector, we know what is going on. In the health sector, you have performed well. The welfare of the workforce, which is the prompt payment of salary, payment of backlogs of pensioners’ entitlements; security of lives and property; equipping the Police Force and the emerging Amotekun outfit. We are happy with other things happening in Oyo State.
“So, all the Bishops in Oyo State are saying Seyi is working and Oyo State is on the move. Your Excellency, please be free at all times to seek spiritual counsel and guidance on any of these matters and concerning religious harmony in the state. We will be glad to offer our counsel and guidance.
“On this note, we want to thank you very much for all we have seen so far. People are asking if this administration will be able to sustain what it has started. Before, they were asking if they can do it. Now that you are doing it, they are asking if you can sustain it. But we believe that God will back you up and empower you to sustain it.”
President Bola Tinubu has transmitted a Constitution Alteration Bill to the Senate seeking the establishment of state police as part of efforts to reform Nigeria’s security architecture.
The proposed legislation, contained in a communication dated June 15, 2026, was read during plenary on Tuesday by Senate President Godswill Akpabio.
Tinubu said the bill was aimed at providing a legal framework for a dual policing structure that would allow states to establish and operate their own police services alongside the Nigeria Police Force.
According to the President, the proposed amendment forms a key component of ongoing efforts to restructure the country’s policing system to improve security and enhance the protection of lives and property.
He explained that under the arrangement, communities, municipalities and local government areas would play more active roles in policing, enabling local authorities to detect suspicious activities and promptly relay intelligence to security agencies.
Following the presentation, Akpabio referred the bill to the Senate Committee on Constitution Review and directed it to report back on Wednesday.
Speaking on the importance of community-based policing, the Senate President said local authorities were better placed to identify security threats and support proactive responses by law enforcement agencies.
“You will know when foreigners infiltrate Nigeria and alert security agencies so they can react proactively rather than reactively,” he said.
Akpabio expressed optimism that sustained collaboration between the executive and legislative arms would ensure the successful passage and implementation of the initiative.
He disclosed that the process would be undertaken in phases through constitutional amendments and subsequent Acts of Parliament.
“We will do it in two phases through alteration and an Act of Parliament. There will be a lot of safeguards; let us come and do this important task. It is extremely important that we come tomorrow,” he said.
The Senate President also informed lawmakers that plenary would not entertain other major business following the death of a member of the House of Representatives, Yahaya Tongo of Gombe State.
Similarly, the Senate Leader urged senators to attend the next sitting, stressing the significance of the proposed state police framework.
“We need a minimum of two-thirds of members to vote on constitutional alterations. The issue of state police is non-partisan and cuts across geopolitical zones and interests,” he said.
The latest development came barely two weeks after the Senate passed an executive bill on state police for second reading.
Akpabio said the fresh Constitution Alteration Bill transmitted by the President builds on the earlier proposal and seeks to provide the constitutional foundation necessary for the establishment and operation of state police services across the country.
The family of the late veteran actor and scholar, Chief (Prof.) Adekola “Kola” Oyewo, has expressed deep appreciation to Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, and former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, among other Nigerians, for their messages of condolence and support following the death of their patriarch.
In a statement issued on Saturday by Dr. Adewale Oyewo on behalf of the family, the bereaved household said the overwhelming show of sympathy, prayers, visits and acts of kindness from across Nigeria and beyond had served as a strong pillar of comfort in their period of grief.
The family described the late Oyewo as a respected community leader, accomplished academic, devoted family man, and traditional title holder whose life was defined by service, integrity, and unwavering commitment to societal development.
According to the statement, the tributes received in his honour reflect the far-reaching impact he made on students, colleagues, cultural practitioners and the wider society.
The family particularly appreciated Governor Ademola Adeleke for his condolence message and prayers, noting that his support had been deeply comforting.
It also expressed gratitude to the Ooni of Ife, whose words of encouragement were described as uplifting and consoling during the mourning period.
The statement further acknowledged the Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba (Prof.) Adekunle Ashamu Oyeyemi (Tewogbade I), the Oloba-in-Council, and other traditional institutions for their fatherly support and solidarity.
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar was also commended for his message of sympathy, which the family said brought reassurance in their moment of loss.
The family extended appreciation to professional bodies including the National Association of Nigerian Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP) and the Theatre Arts and Motion Pictures Practitioners Association of Nigeria (TAMPAN), as well as academic communities of Obafemi Awolowo University, Redeemer’s University, Ekiti State University, and Elizade University, where the deceased served.
They also thanked friends, associates and well-wishers who stood by them with prayers and support.
“As we continue preparations to honour the life and legacy of our beloved patriarch, we humbly seek continued prayers and support,” the statement added, praying for the peaceful repose of his soul.
The Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, has appointed Anietie Iniedu as the new Public Relations Officer of the Nigeria Police Force, succeeding Anthony Placid, who was appointed to the position barely three months ago.
The appointment was announced in a statement issued on Friday by Placid, who described his successor as a seasoned police officer with extensive experience in public communication, operational policing, intelligence management, institutional accountability and administration.
An indigene of Etinan Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom State, Iniedu holds a Bachelor of Science degree in Pure Chemistry from the University of Uyo and has attended several professional courses in investigative interviewing, crime scene management, intelligence analysis, strategic communication and human rights-based policing.
Before his latest appointment, Iniedu headed the Complaint Response Unit at the Force Headquarters, Abuja, where he coordinated the management of public complaints and drove initiatives aimed at deepening transparency, accountability and public trust in the Nigeria Police Force.
He also served as Public Relations Officer of the Police College of Information Technology, Kobape, Ogun State, in addition to holding several operational and administrative positions across the country.
His previous postings include Operations Officer at the Maisandari Division in Yobe State, Area Crime Officer at the Umuahia Area Command in Abia State, Staff Officer at the IGP Secretariat, Force Headquarters, Second-in-Command of the 50 Police Mobile Force Squadron, Kubwa, and Officer-in-Charge of the Force Headquarters Situation Room, where he coordinated the dissemination of crime and security information nationwide.
The statement quoted the Inspector-General as expressing confidence in Iniedu’s capacity to lead the Force Public Relations Department, noting that his wealth of experience and professional background would further strengthen the police’s strategic communication architecture and enhance engagement with members of the public.
-
Politics1 week ago2027: Oseni Mobilises Oyo Artisans, Traders, Targets One Million Votes for Tinubu
-
News3 days ago
Kola Oyewo’s family to Adeleke, Ooni, Atiku: Your condolences are our pillar of strength
-
Opinion7 days ago
The Silent Thief in Nigeria’s Petrol Stations | By Solomon Oroge
-
Politics5 days ago
Oyo APC rejects Makinde’s planned December LG poll, vows boycott
