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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.”
The lawmaker representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Engr. Aderemi Oseni, has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Oyo State and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo, popularly known as Able, describing his demise as a painful loss to the progressive family.
Oladipupo, who represented Ibadan North-West Constituency in the Oyo State House of Assembly, was widely regarded as a grassroots politician and committed party loyalist until his passing.
Oseni, who is also the Chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency and the APC candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District, said the late politician’s death had created a vacuum within the party and among those who benefitted from his unwavering commitment to public service.
In a condolence statement issued on Monday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, the federal lawmaker described the late Oladipupo as a dependable progressive, humble political actor and loyal party stalwart whose impact would remain indelible.
He said the deceased dedicated his life to serving humanity, strengthening the progressive movement and supporting the aspirations of many at the grassroots.
Oseni said, “The death of Hon. Akeem Abimbola Oladipupo (Able) came to me as a rude shock. Oyo State and the progressive family have indeed lost a committed, loyal and selfless leader whose passion for service, humility and dedication to the people stood him out.
“He was not just a politician but a bridge-builder, a dependable ally and a grassroots mobiliser who believed strongly in the ideals of our great party. His contributions to the growth of the APC in Oyo State and his service to humanity will remain unforgettable.”
The APC senatorial candidate noted that the late former lawmaker remained steadfast in promoting peace, unity and political development, adding that his simplicity and accessibility endeared him to many across political divides.
According to Oseni, the late politician’s legacy of service and sacrifice would continue to inspire younger politicians and party faithful.
He, however, urged members of the APC, associates and family members of the deceased to take solace in the remarkable life he lived and the positive impact he made during his lifetime.
Oseni also prayed for the repose of the deceased’s soul and for God to grant his family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.
State governors have proposed a new national minimum wage of N100,000 for Nigerian workers as part of efforts to cushion them from the biting effects of inflation and the rising cost of living.
Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq of Kwara State, who is also the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF), disclosed the proposal on Saturday in a post by the state government’s official Facebook page. He said the move aims to improve workers’ welfare while ensuring that government finances remain sustainable.
“State governments recognise the urgent need to improve workers’ welfare in response to the current economic realities facing Nigerians,” AbdulRazaq said.
“We are actively engaging with the Federal Government and organised labour to arrive at a wage structure that is fair to workers and sustainable for government finances.”
The NGF chairman explained that ongoing discussions are focused on balancing the need to boost workers’ purchasing power with the capacity of governments to deliver essential public services and development projects.
“The goal is to improve the living conditions of workers while ensuring that states can continue to meet their obligations and sustain projects that directly impact citizens,” he added.
The proposed N100,000 minimum wage is expected to intensify national debates on salaries, inflation, and broader economic reforms as Nigerians continue to contend with rising food prices, transportation costs, and other living expenses.
Currently, Nigeria’s statutory minimum wage stands at N70,000 per month. Some states, including Lagos, Rivers, and Imo, are already paying above the national benchmark to support workers amid the country’s economic challenges.
Meanwhile, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has continued to call for a comprehensive review of salaries, insisting that workers deserve a living wage that reflects present-day economic realities rather than merely guaranteeing survival.
The average retail price paid by consumers for Premium Motor Spirit, popularly known as petrol, rose to N1,532.93 per litre in April 2026, representing a 23.69 per cent increase compared to the N1,239.33 recorded in the corresponding period of 2025, findings by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) have shown.
The sharp rise in petrol prices came amid mounting inflationary pressure and worsening living costs, with Nigerians grappling with soaring transportation and food expenses that have continued to shrink household purchasing power.
The NBS disclosed this in its Premium Motor Spirit (Petrol) Price Watch for April 2026, released on Friday.
The report further showed that on a month-on-month basis, petrol prices rose by 18.97 per cent from N1,288.54 recorded in March 2026, underscoring persistent volatility in the downstream petroleum market.
A breakdown of prices across states revealed that Yobe recorded the highest average retail price for petrol at N1,599.05 per litre during the review period.
Edo and Bauchi followed closely with average prices of N1,595.74 and N1,589.07, respectively.
However, Niger residents paid the least for petrol at an average of N1,403.89 per litre, while Sokoto and Katsina recorded N1,404.16 and N1,406.28 respectively.
At the zonal level, the South-South recorded the highest average retail price at N1,566.76 per litre, while the North-West posted the lowest at N1,508.81.
The latest petrol price increase comes as millions of Nigerians continue to battle the ripple effects of rising inflation, with higher energy costs worsening transportation fares and the prices of essential commodities.
Similarly, the NBS said the average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder of Liquefied Petroleum Gas, also known as cooking gas, rose by 13.73 per cent month-on-month to N8,706.93 in April 2026 from N7,655.73 recorded in March.
On a year-on-year basis, the price increased by 10.42 per cent from N7,885.60 recorded in April 2025.
Lagos recorded the highest average price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,745.10, followed by Nasarawa at N9,451.70 and Bayelsa at N9,422.74.
In contrast, Anambra recorded the lowest average price at N7,204.76, while Ondo and Ogun followed with N7,239.49 and N7,825.75, respectively.
At the regional level, the North-West recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 5kg cylinder at N9,025.07, followed by the North-East at N8,847.16, while the South-East posted the lowest average price at N8,224.37.
Also, the average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder of cooking gas increased by 13.89 per cent month-on-month to N22,382.20 in April 2026 from N19,652.83 in March.
Compared to April 2025, the price rose by 10.43 per cent from N20,268.06.
According to the NBS LPG Price Watch for April, Katsina recorded the highest average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N25,596.71, followed by Kogi at N24,558.25 and Gombe at N24,438.97.
Ogun recorded the lowest average price at N19,564.36, while Bauchi and Anambra followed at N20,178.87 and N20,511.90 respectively.
The North-West recorded the highest zonal average retail price for refilling a 12.5kg cylinder at N23,276.95, followed by the North-Central at N22,865.29, while the South-East posted the lowest average at N21,060.92.
The latest figures signal growing pressure on household energy costs, raising concerns over the implications for inflation and the cost of living in the coming months.
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