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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 Minister-designate for Power, Joseph Olasunkanmi Tegbe, has firmly clarified that he never promised to fix Nigeria’s national electricity grid within three months, describing such claims circulating in sections of the media as a misrepresentation of his Senate screening remarks.
A statement issued after his appearance before the Senate stressed that Tegbe was deliberate and cautious in his presentation, avoiding unrealistic timelines while outlining a structured reform pathway for the power sector.
According to the clarification, Tegbe explained that while Nigerians can expect early signs of progress, particularly in grid stabilisation within his first 100 days in office, comprehensive reforms will be guided strictly by technical assessments, stakeholder consultations, and sector realities.
He noted that critical challenges such as gas supply constraints, metering gaps, infrastructure decay, and commercial inefficiencies require coordinated interventions that cannot be resolved through arbitrary timelines.
“My commitment to this distinguished chamber and to Nigerians is clear: we will deliver visible and measurable improvement in the power sector,” Tegbe stated during the screening.
He assured that his focus would include stabilising the national grid, modernising transmission and distribution infrastructure, strengthening commercial frameworks, and enforcing accountability across the electricity value chain.
On tariff policy, the minister-designate reaffirmed that reforms would be carefully designed to balance sustainability with social protection, ensuring that vulnerable households are shielded while also restoring investor confidence in the sector.
The statement further emphasised that Tegbe’s approach reflects discipline, technical understanding, and a reform-minded agenda aimed at delivering lasting solutions rather than short-term political promises.
It added that he remains open to responsible media engagement and constructive clarification where necessary, noting that accurate reporting is essential to public understanding of ongoing efforts to reposition Nigeria’s power sector.
Tegbe reaffirmed his readiness to lead a transparent, results-driven reform process anchored on accountability, realism, and measurable progress.
A grand cultural renaissance celebrating the enduring legacy of legendary Yoruba war hero and statesman, Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, will take centre stage as the 2026 edition of Ogedengbe Fiesta holds from July 29 to 31 across Osun State and Ekiti State.
The three-day heritage festival, unveiled by organisers on Wednesday, is themed, “Ogedengbe Agbogungboro Legacy: Leadership, Security, and Statecraft for Modern Governance in Nigeria.”
The event is designed to preserve Yoruba cultural heritage, deepen historical consciousness, promote tourism and stimulate national conversations on leadership, peacebuilding and governance.
According to the organisers, the fiesta will commence with traditional homage at Atorin and heritage excursions to notable Kiriji War historical sites in Imesi-Ile, where participants will relive significant moments in Yoruba military and political history.
The programme will also feature guided visits to the historic Ogedengbe Cave, Ibu Latoosa Site and the Yoruba Peace Treaty Grove, all regarded as symbolic monuments of Yoruba resilience, diplomacy and unity.
As part of activities lined up for the celebration, participants will tour the gardens of renowned legal icon and elder statesman, Afe Babalola, in Okemesi-Ekiti.
The organisers further disclosed that a Legacy Awards and Hall of Fame Investiture ceremony would hold in Ilesa to honour individuals who have contributed immensely to the promotion of Yoruba culture, leadership and community development.
A distinguished personality lecture in honour of Aare Afe Babalola, SAN, OFR, CON, and Arole Fabunmi of Okemesi-Ekiti is also expected to headline the event, with scholars, traditional rulers, cultural enthusiasts and public intellectuals billed to discuss pathways to strengthening governance and security through indigenous values and historical lessons.
The organisers noted that all activities would commence daily by 11am, adding that the festival would serve as a rallying point for lovers of Yoruba culture, history and tourism across Nigeria and beyond.
They described the fiesta as not only a celebration of the heroic exploits of Ogedengbe Agbogungboro, but also a strategic platform to inspire a new generation of leaders through the ideals of courage, unity, patriotism and visionary leadership.
The Federal Government on Tuesday ruled out any plan to reinstate fuel subsidy despite worsening economic hardship and mounting public pressure.
The Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Taiwo Oyedele, stated this in Paris, France, during a meeting with global investors alongside President Bola Tinubu.
Oyedele said the government would also not introduce price controls, stressing that market forces remain the preferred mechanism for determining petrol prices.
“We will not bring back fuel subsidy because it creates distortions for the economy, and we won’t introduce price control because we believe in the market,” he said.
The minister argued that the subsidy regime had long undermined economic efficiency, adding that emerging global energy shifts, including developments in Iran, present fresh investment opportunities for Nigeria.
The removal of petrol subsidy in May 2023 triggered a steep rise in inflation, worsening the country’s cost-of-living crisis.
Nigeria’s headline inflation climbed from 22.41 per cent in May 2023 to 34.19 per cent by June 2024 — its highest level in nearly two decades — driven by surging fuel, food, and transportation costs.
Food inflation further accelerated, exceeding 39 per cent by October 2024, while transport fares soared by nearly 300 per cent, compounded by currency devaluation.
Despite the economic strain, Tinubu defended the policy, saying it had stabilised the foreign exchange market.
“Subsidy that was a burden to the entire country was removed, and ever since we have achieved FX stability,” the President said, according to his Special Assistant on Social Media, Dada Olusegun.
In a related statement, the President’s Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, Bayo Onanuga, said the administration’s reforms were aimed at eliminating structural distortions, strengthening macroeconomic stability, and laying the foundation for inclusive growth.
He added that the government remained committed to fiscal discipline and transparency.
Highlighting economic progress, Oyedele disclosed that Nigeria recorded an 11.2 per cent growth in Gross Domestic Product in dollar terms in 2025, describing it as a major step towards the country’s ambition of building a $1tn economy by 2030.
He also pledged that the government would begin publishing quarterly financial reports to enhance accountability and public trust.
Also speaking, the Director-General of the Debt Management Office, Patience Oniha, assured investors of Nigeria’s commitment to prudent borrowing and sustainable debt management.
The Federal Government has continued to defend its reform agenda despite growing public discontent, insisting that the long-term gains will outweigh the current economic pains.
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