100DAYS IN OFFICE: ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN MAKING TRANSPORTATION NOW SEAMLESS AND CHEAPER FOR OYO STATE INDIGENES

100DAYS IN OFFICE: ANOTHER STEP FORWARD IN MAKING TRANSPORTATION NOW SEAMLESS AND CHEAPER FOR OYO STATE INDIGENES

His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde FNSE has remarkably championed the democratization of benefits for the people of Oyo State, exemplifying an unwavering commitment to enhancing the essence of democracy. 

One of the most notable strides in this pursuit is the introduction of the Omituntun SAfER Bus Scheme, a pioneering initiative revolutionizing transportation accessibility and affordability for the state's residents. Under his leadership, this visionary project has transformed the lives of citizens, providing a reliable, cost-effective, and efficient means of commuting, ensuring ease of movement for all.

The Governor's relentless dedication to fostering inclusive growth and development through such initiatives resonates with the true spirit of democracy, offering tangible solutions that significantly impact the everyday lives of the people. 

Governor Seyi Makinde's strategic and forward-thinking approach towards creating a more accessible and interconnected society through the Omituntun bus scheme truly reflects his commitment to advancing the welfare and progress of Oyo State populace.

Here are five traceable ways that the Omituntun bus scheme has been making impacts:

TRANSPORTATION NOW SEAMLESS FOR PEOPLE IN RURAL AREAS

The Omituntun bus scheme has significantly improved accessibility to transportation in Oyo State, particularly in remote areas that were previously underserved. The scheme has introduced new routes to connect these communities to major towns and cities, making it easier for residents to access essential services and employment opportunities. For example, the scheme now operates buses to rural towns.

The scheme has also made it easier for people to travel within major cities like Ibadan. The buses are well-distributed throughout the city, and the routes are designed to connect key destinations, such as markets, schools, and hospitals. This has made it easier for people to get around without having to rely on private vehicles, which can be costly and time-consuming, especially during peak traffic hours.

2. ALMOST EVERYBODY CAN AFFORD IT

The Omituntun bus scheme offers affordable fares, making it an accessible mode of transportation for people of all income levels. The fares are significantly lower than the cost of using chartered buses, or private vehicles, such as taxis or motorcycles. This has made a significant difference in the lives of low-income residents, who can now afford to travel around more easily without having to worry about the financial costs.

The scheme also offers discounts to students, senior citizens, and people with disabilities. This makes it even more affordable for these groups to use public transportation, which is essential for accessing healthcare, and other essential services.

3. IT IS CONVENIENT AND COMFORTABLE

The Omituntun bus scheme has made commuting more convenient for passengers by providing a reliable and efficient mode of transportation. The buses are well-maintained and equipped with modern amenities, such as air conditioning and comfortable seating. They also operate on a regular schedule, so passengers can plan their trips accordingly.

The scheme has also introduced dedicated bus lanes on some roads, which gives buses priority over other vehicles. This has helped to reduce travel time and improve the overall reliability of the service. As a result, passengers can spend less time commuting and more time on their other activities.

4. IT HAS CREATED JOB OPPORTUNITIES FOR THE PEOPLE

The implementation of the Omituntun bus scheme has created new job opportunities within the transportation sector. The scheme employs a large number of drivers, conductors, agents and super agents, monitoring and compliance teams and maintenance workers. This has helped to boost employment and economic growth in the state.

In addition, the scheme has also led to the establishment of new businesses in the transportation sector. For example, many entrepreneurs have started operating bus shelters and convenience stores along the bus routes. This has further boosted the local economy and created even more jobs. 

5. IT IS SAFER FOR THE ENVIRONMENT

The Omituntun bus scheme is also having a positive impact on the environment. By encouraging people to use public transportation, the scheme is helping to reduce the number of cars on the road. This, consequently, leads to reduced traffic congestion and air pollution.

In addition, the buses used in the scheme are relatively new and fuel-efficient. This further helps to reduce emissions and improve air quality.

Meanwhile, there is another good news for the good people of Oyo state as I round off. The leadership of PTS under the distinguished Hon. Dr. Dikko Salami Chairman/Sole Administrator have installed free WiFi into all the buses while installation of trackers and CCTV are in the pipeline.

Your Supportive Nature is Incomparable – Mayegun Benedict Akika Felicitates Bashorun SaintAbbey On Birthday

Your Supportive Nature is Incomparable – Mayegun Benedict Akika Felicitates Bashorun SaintAbbey On Birthday

 The Mayegun of Akoboland and AgbaAkin of Olorunda-Abaa, Omoluabi Pataki Oloye Benedict Akika has felicitated with the founder of Street Circle Foundation, Bashorun SaintAbbey Industreet on his birthday, saying his supportive nature is unquantifiable.

Chief Benedict Akika said despite these huge credentials and feats, SaintAbbey's humility and love for the downtrodden are amazing, saying he is nothing but a God-sent person, who has touched lives through his activities.

Akika, who is the Omituntun Benedict Forum in the statement, said: 

“I appreciate and felicitate with you today, my good brother and indefatigable support system as you celebrate your birthday.

“You are no doubt a transformational personality.

"Your achievements and contributions are testimonies to your selfless service in all areas of life

“Your love for our dear Oyo State is unquantifiable and that distinguishes you from others.

“I pray that God gives you more years in good health and wealth to continue making positive changes and adding values.

Why Olubadan Sacks Aide, Announces Replacement

In a bid to bolster his reign’s effectiveness in Chieftaincy Matters, The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Sen. Lekan Balogun, CFR, Alli Okunmade II, has relieved his former Personal Assistant on Chieftaincy Matters, Chief Isiaka Akinpelu, of his duties and appointed Alhaji Lateef Muibi Balogun, Baale Afijagba, as his replacement.

In an official announcement, Oba Balogun stated that this decision is part of an ongoing reorganization within the palace. He has tasked the new appointee with collaborating closely with other staff members to ensure the seamless handling of Chieftaincy Matters at the palace.

The appointment of Alhaji Lateef Muibi Balogun takes immediate effect, and Oba Balogun emphasized the importance of using this role to promote unity among all stakeholders and enhance the reputation of the Aliiwo Dynasty.

The letter to the former aide, titled ‘Relieve of Appointment as Personal Assistant on Chieftaincy Matters,’ personally signed by Oba Balogun, conveyed that this decision was made with reluctance due to the ongoing reorganization within the palace. Oba Balogun expressed his gratitude for the former aide’s contributions and wished him success in his future endeavors, instructing him to hand over all relevant documents to the Secretary of the Olubadan Advisory Council, Mr. Kamorudeen Liasu.

Additionally, Olubadan has approved the appointment of Alfa Monsur Bello as the Personal Assistant to Baba-Kekere Olubadan, Sen. Dr. Kola Balogun, encouraging him to use his youthful energy to assist his immediate boss effectively.

In response to his new role, Alhaji Muibi Balogun expressed gratitude to the monarch and the Aliiwo Dynasty members, pledging to give the assignment the attention it deserves to promote a successful reign for Kabiyesi and uphold the good image of the Aliiwo family.

MAYEGUN BENEDICT AKIKA LAUNCHES YOUTH EMPOWERMENT TRAINING

Mayegun Omoluabi Pataki Oloye Benedict Akika, A philanthropist and founder of Omituntun Benedict Forum launches Youth Training and Empowerment Program on Baking/Pastries Making.

Chief Benedict Akika, AgbaAkin of Olorunda-Abaa and Mayegun of Akobo-land made plans with Kiitan Cakes and Pastries to empower youths with skills in baking and pastries for individual and event purposes.

The programme is launched through his NGO, Omituntun Benedict Forum, and to provide young people with access to training on making different varieties of cakes, cakes decoration, pastries respectively.

The philanthropist has recorded impressive achievements both on the community & human development and medical outreaches.

Sharing the inspiration behind the new project, he said, “I hate seeing youth roaming about due to idleness, so we put up this program to empower youths and strengthen job security in the state.

“Our focus is to empower as many young people as possible and we aim to add new training as the programme progresses. As an organisation with human heart, we believe in empowering and providing opportunities to alleviate poverty and avail reliable means of livelihood for mankind”.

While appreciating the convener of the program, the proprietress of Kiitan Cakes and Pastries shared her testimony of starting from little to plenty in the baking industry and she encourages the beneficiaries to take the training very serious.

“I want to implore you all to take this training very seriously as any aspect learnt from it will make you financially stable for life.

One of the beneficiaries also appreciated Mayegun Benedict Akika for the opportunity to alleviate poverty and avail reliable means of livelihood in their lives.

The programme commenced with cakes class on 7th November and will cover other training within 5 days.

Sports Minister Inaugurates Main Organizing Committee of 2024 National Sports Festival.

Sports Minister Inaugurates Main Organizing Committee of 2024    National Sports Festival

. Charges the Committee To Deliver a Successful Games

Minister of Sports Development, Senator John Owan Enoh on Tuesday inaugurated the Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the 22nd National Sports Festival slated to take place in Ogun State next year. 

Inaugurating the committee at the media center inside the MKO Abiola Stadium, National Stadium Complex Abuja, the minister charged members of the committee to work hard to deliver a seamless and successful games next year. 

The minister who noted that delivering a successful games requires hardwork however noted that with the commitment of Ogun state government and the caliber of members of the committee, he was optimistic that the committee would surmount all the challenges to deliver a successful games.

Senator John Owan Enoh observed that the normal practice was for the funding of the games to be shared between the Ministry of Sports and the state hosting the games. He stated that with the National Sports Industry Policy kicking in, sports should be seen as not only recreation but business.

He observed that after 22 years, the National Sports Games has become a brand capable of attracting corporate  sponsorship. The minister therefore encouraged the committee to package the games in such a way to make it attractive for the private sector to sponsor. He described sports as a multi billion business adding that if private sector driven sports industry could work in other climes, there is no reason it should not work in Nigeria.

Senator Owan Enoh appealed to the private sector and corporate organizations to support sports development in the country. 

Responding on behalf of the newly inaugurated committee, Ismaila Abubakar,the Permanent Secretary of the ministry and Chairman of the Organizing Committee informed the Minister that members of the committee were fully aware that the responsibility of organizing successful games rest on them.

He assured him that the committee would mobilise both human and material resources to ensure that the games is hosted without hitches. 

Earlier, Wasiu Isiaka,the Ogun state Commissioner of Sports assured the Minister that the state was fully prepared to deliver a successful games.

The Main Organising Committee (MOC) of the National Sports Festival comprises Ismaila Abubakar, Permanent Secretary of Sports Development as Chairman and Bukola Olapade, (Chairman LOC) as Vice Chairman. Other members of the committee are Dr. Paul Onyeudo, Olufehinti Olusegun, Mohammed Manga, Gregory Zi, Ms Fadeke Fadeyibi, Engr. Abolore Alanamu, Patrick Okeke, Mrs. Amaka Ashiofu, Prof. Olawale Moronkola, Engr. Habu Gumel, Sunday Odebode, Emmanuel Utobo, Bamiduro Olumide and Brendan Ndifon.

Credited:

The Media Office of the Honourable Minister of Sports Development.

Guinness World Records confirms Irish chef dethrones Hilda Baci

Guinness World Records confirms Irish chef dethrones Hilda Baci

Alan Fisher, an Irish chef based in Japan, has broken two Guinness World Records related to cooking.

This was made known in a post shared by the Guinness World Records on their X account on Tuesday.  

Sharing the news, GWR said, "Nigerian cooking queen Hilda Baci has been dethroned 😳

"Alan Fisher from Ireland cooked for an incredible 119 hours and 57 minutes at his restaurant in Japan 🥄"

Alan secured the title for the longest cooking marathon (individual), setting a new record with an astonishing time of 119 hours and 57 minutes. 

This achievement surpassed the previous record held by Nigerian chef Hilda Baci by over 24 hours.

In addition to this, Alan also claimed the title for the longest baking marathon (individual), clocking in at 47 hours and 21 minutes, surpassing the previous record held by Wendy Sandner from the USA, who had a time of 31 hours and 16 minutes.

Alan took on both challenges consecutively, spending over 160 hours in the kitchen with just a little over a day of rest in between the two record-breaking attempts. 

Credit: X // GWR

We Will Continue to Improve, 3SC Coach Ogunbote Assures

We Will Continue to Improve, 3SC Coach Ogunbote Assures

The 4-1 defeat of Niger Tornadoes FC of Minna by the Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) in Sunday's Matchday seven encounter was as a result of the determination on the part of the team.

Technical Adviser of the Oluyole Warriors, Gbenga Ogunbote, while reacting to the handsome win over the Ikon Allah Boys, said the team was all out on a redemption mission, after the 0-3 loss to Remo Stars on matchday six.

"It was a game we made up our mind to give our all, with the aim of redeeming our image and also to make our fans happy after that loss in Ikenne.

"We actually worked for it, even when we conceded that goal, we were still optimistic that we will make it. So it was a game of sheer determination in which everybody was at his best to ensure that we get the result", the gaffer stated.

He assured that the team will always get better as the season progresses, stressing that the team, made up mostly of new players, was still been knocked together.

Oracle, as the sweat merchant is popularly called, gave an update on the injury of first choice goalie, Darlintin Ovunda, saying that the medics have given an assurance that the former Rivers United goalkeeper will soon return to action, just as he defended goalkeeper Chinedu Anozie for the goal conceded against Tornadoes.

GOVERNOR SULE INSPECTS LAFIA CITY STADIUM AHEAD NNL SATURDAY'S KICK-OFF DATE

GOVERNOR SULE INSPECTS LAFIA CITY STADIUM AHEAD NNL SATURDAY'S KICK-OFF DATE

Nasarawa State Governor, Engr. Abdullahi A. Sule, on Monday, inspected the Lafia City Stadium ahead of the 2023/24 Nigeria National League's opener between Nasarawa United versus Zamfara United scheduled for Saturday, 11th November, 2023. 

The visit was to ensure the facility receives finishing touches and meets the required standard for the new football league season.

The Governor who was received by the Commissioner for Youth and Sports Development, Hon. Jafaru Ango, alongside the Ministry's Permanent Secretary, Chief Barr. Isaac Danladi disclosed that sections of the stadium that needed urgent repairs included the VIP and Popular Stands as well as laying of Tartan Tracks.

Sule explained that the NNL Organizers had written him on the choice of the Lafia City Stadium as venue to host the curtain raiser for the 2023/24 League campaign between hosts, Nasarawa United, versus Zamfara United this weekend, adding that part of his earnest desire is to ensure the immediate return of the Solid Miners to the top-flight football league in Nigeria by according them the necessary support.

The governor promised to host the historic league opener and provide visitors the rich hospitality and components of the State.

Shortly after the inspection tour, the Governor shared a moment with officials and players of Nasarawa United FC who were training at the time.

He thanked the Management headed by Dr. Othman Ibrahim Ahmed and Coaching Staff led by Usman Adams for ensuring the selection of the best players for the new season.

"I am happy with the development going on in the team. It means we are gingered towards an improved league season.

"At the end of the day, we should have the best for the team so that we can face the challenges ahead with the best.

"I thank you for showing interest in the State. This period, we want to ensure that we go back to where we belong, that's the Nigeria Premier Football League, and we are being encouraged now by the leadership of the NNL who have chosen the Lafia City Stadium to herald the 2023/24 League Season.

"So, I felt it won't be nice to do that leaving our stadium the way it's looking, which is why I have to come myself and discuss with the contractors and instruct them to do some facelifts to serve as encouragement and morale booster to the Club.

"As a Government, we are also interested in what you are doing, we are interested in the Club, and we are ensuring we give you the needed support wherever we can.

"As regards your request for a brand new Club's bus, Insha Allah, you will get it in due course", the Governor promised.

Captain of the Club, King Osanga(MON), appreciated the Governor for visiting the team, stating that it's a morale booster.

He thanked the Governor for appointing a new Management for the team, assuring that they would collaborate effectively to return the team to the elite domestic football league, the NPFL.

On the entourage of the Governor were the Secretary to the Government of Nasarawa State, Barr. Ubandoma Aliyu Mohammed; Accountant-General, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Musa Mohammed; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Sports Affairs, Comr. Hamza Ibrahim Moyi; Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Youth and Students' Affairs, Rt. Hon. Shuaibu Sani, among others.

Credited:

Eche Amos (Fellow, CBS)

PRO,

Nasarawa State Ministry of Youth and Sports Development.

06/11/2023

Don't blame or curse me for what DNA test brought out - Tella Oluwatoyin Olanrewaju reveal

"Never you blame or curse me for what DNA test brought out. My husband can't perform at all, and I disclosed this secret by meeting other men outside for us to have children " - Tella Oluwatoyin Olarewaju reveals 

Oluwatoyin Olarewaju Tella aka Mummy G.O, whose DNA test revealed out that her husband was not the biological father of all her four children, has revealed the secret behind this. 

According to her, while addressing the group of Journalists at Ikire, in Osun State, she stated that she married her husband since 2007, and later discovered that he can't perform on the bed. 

She spoke further that, she doesn't want this secret to leak to their church members and the general public that's the reason why she stepped outside to meet other men for sexual intercourse. 

She also stated that the family should tell him to look for another woman and sleep with her to confirm what she said. "Let him or his family get him another woman and sleep with her, and confirm what I said", she said.

Tinubu’s Minister Lists Refineries That Will Start Working Next Month, Others

President Bola Tinubu’s Minister, Heineken Lokpobiri, who heads the ministry of State for Petroleum (oil), has stated that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) should be held accountable if the deadline for rehabilitating Port Harcourt and Warri crude oil refineries is not met.

Speaking to journalists after the recent ministers’ retreat in Abuja, the Minister emphasized that NNPCL assured him that phase 1 of the refinery rehabilitation work would be completed, as part of the President’s directive. He explained that the rehabilitation of the refineries was initiated by the previous administration and that he had been briefed on the progress.

“Yes, the refinery’s rehabilitation, if you remember, was started by the previous administration and as part of the President’s directive. I have gone around all the refineries, and from what they have briefed me, Port Harcourt has three phases.”

“So Phase 1 will be ready by the end of this year. I am not the one who is directly in charge of rehabilitation; it is the NNPCL, and they have told me, and I am holding them accountable. “For the Warri refinery, they said Phase 1 will be ready by the end of the year. Phases 2 and 3 in Port Harcourt will be ready next year, and the whole Kaduna refinery will be ready by the end of next year.

“That is what they said, and I am holding them accountable for their words. I believe that those refineries, if we can achieve some level of rehabilitation by the end of this year, will also improve our domestic refining capacity. “That’s why I said unless we produce sufficient quantities, even if the refineries are rehabilitated, there will be no feedstock. So, my challenge is to ramp up production to see how we can feed not only the big refineries but also the modular ones. These are the real employers of labour, and they will do the magic,” he said.

DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A COUNCILLOR?

DO I HAVE WHAT IT TAKES TO BE A COUNCILLOR?

By~ Akinkunmi Afeez Akinpelu (KURE)

Hon. Akinkunmi Afeez Akinpelu (Kure) People's Democratic Party Councilorship Candidate of Ward 2 Ibadan South East Local Government has analyze the duty of local legislator through his social media handle which read as follows

Councillors demonstrate their enthusiasm for their local community every day. They draw on many skills, attributes and diverse knowledge to help guide their decision-making and to connect with their community in positive ways.

Useful qualities for councillors to have include:

a commitment to behaving with integrity and in an ethical manner in adherence to the Code of Conduct

strategic thinking with an ability to engage with the community

effective communication and negotiation skills, including respecting other opinions, listening, mediation and conflict resolution skills

ability to analyse and problem solve to reach successful solutions

ability to work as part of a team

understanding of financial and budget processes and reports

time management and organisation skills

resilience

understanding, or be able to acquire an understanding of, local government legislation.

SAfER: Governor Seyi Makinde sets to pay #25000 to state civil servants, #15000 to state pensioners respectively for six months

 

This morning, His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE (The Executive Governor of Oyo state) addressed Oyo State workers and labour union leaders at the State Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan. 

He informed them that his administration had approved the payment of N15,000 to each pensioner on the State’s payroll and N25,000 to each civil servant. 

The payment will commence from October 2023 for six months.

He said that they would work towards a more sustainable solution for Oyo state workers within the six months. 

He also promise them that his administration will continue to prioritize the welfare of workers while at the same time ensuring that  they will also prioritize the needs of the good people of Oyo State.

BREAKING: Naira Marley, Sam Larry Granted Bail Over Mohbad’s Death 

Marlian Music boss, Naira Marley and showbiz personnel, Sam Larry have been reportedly granted bail after weeks in detention over death of singer Aloba Promise, with stage name “Mohbad”.

They are both required to provide three sureties with a substantial sum of 20 million naira.

As part of their bail conditions, the court asked them to surrender their international passports and make weekly appearances at the State Criminal Investigation Department (CID).

The magistrate overseeing the case warned that any attempts to contact her directly would be recorded and potentially disclosed in open court proceedings.

The duo were arrested on their return to Nigeria after they were linked to the death of Mohbad.

Videos on social media had shown Larry physically assaulting the late Mobad, while other videos showed boys suspected to be under the orders of the Marley attacking the late rapper.

The Seyi Makinde administration is turning the moribund Fashola Farm Settlement into an agribusiness and industrial hub. - Edmund Obilo

 The Seyi Makinde administration is turning the moribund Fashola Farm Settlement into an agribusiness and industrial hub.

Welcome to Gate 2 of the hub.

The hub is in Oyo West Local Government Area of Oyo State. It’s an ongoing project.

The key areas of the hub are:

Cultivation area

Processing Zone

Cattle Ranching

Offices, apartments and associated facilities 

The pictures here are that of the Farm Estate consisting of apartments for farm owners, workers and business persons. This section has a golf course and a golf house. More houses and other facilities will spring up in this section as work expands.

Note:

This project is a social contract between Makinde and the people. Completing it is keeping to the terms of the contract. In the document “Roadmap to Sustainable Development 2023 - 2027,” Makinde says:

“Before we came into office, the same things were being done: buy fertilisers and other inputs and distribute them to “farmers”; procure agricultural equipment and lend to “farmers”; create schemes that would inadvertently end with giving “loans” to “farmers”. This led to about 90% of the total budget for agriculture going into the funding of “smallholder farmers” while reporting very little growth.”

Makinde says his plan is to leverage on agriculture to grow the economy by adopting three approaches:

1. Private sector-led government-supported projects

2.Developmentagency-ledgovernment- supported projects

3. Government-led private sector- supported projects

With these approaches, Makinde is focusing on rural infrastructural development, financial and technical resources mobilisation, and developing the agribusiness value chain and capacity development for young entrants into agribusiness. 

State Affairs team’s visit to the hub was to see the impact of the approaches.

Stay with us as we bring you more pictures and videos of the hub.