The Oyo State Government has announced that the 2026 edition of the Oyo State International Trade Fair, EXPOYO 2026, will hold from October 26 to November 1, 2026, at the Permanent International Trade Fair Complex, opposite Ventura, Sango–UI Road, Ibadan, under the theme, “Trade Without Borders: Connecting Oyo Entrepreneurs to Africa’s Business Opportunities.”

The Commissioner for Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry, Professor Salihu Adelabu, disclosed on Friday in his office, saying that the formal opening ceremony of the event is scheduled for Tuesday, October 27, 2026.

He expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for approving the hosting of the trade fair.

The Commissioner explained that the event is being organised in collaboration with the Oyo State Council of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (OYCCIMA), describing the initiative as a demonstration of the state government’s commitment to economic growth, investment promotion, trade development and the advancement of indigenous enterprises.

Professor Adelabu noted that EXPOYO 2026 would provide a valuable platform for entrepreneurs, manufacturers, investors, artisans, traders and other business stakeholders to showcase their products, establish business connections and explore opportunities within and beyond Nigeria.

He stated that the event aligns with the state government’s commitment to strengthening trade, promoting local industries, attracting investment and expanding market access for businesses across Oyo State.

The Commissioner commended Governor Makinde for his continued support for initiatives that stimulate economic activities and create opportunities for businesses to thrive.

He reaffirmed the ministry’s commitment to working with OYCCIMA and other relevant stakeholders to ensure that the trade fair achieves its objectives and further positions Oyo State as a destination for trade, investment and enterprise development.

In his remarks,the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Olajide Mamud Okesade described EXPOYO 2026 as an important platform for connecting businesses, strengthening commercial relationships and showcasing the economic potential of Oyo State.

The Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and a member of OYCCIMA, Mr Salawu Wahab, appreciated Governor Makinde for approving the hosting of the trade fair and acknowledged the state government’s support for the initiative.

He noted that the organising committee was working towards delivering an event that would offer exhibitors and visitors opportunities for product promotion, business networking and access to wider markets.

The Vice Chairman of the EXPOYO 2026 Organising Committee and a member of OYCCIMA, Chief Abiola Alli, called for stronger collaboration among relevant government institutions to ensure broad participation and effective coordination.

The trade fair will also feature a raffle draw, with various prizes to be won by participants who purchase raffle tickets.

Similarly,the Oyo State Government has continued to demonstrate its commitment to improving the business environment as Independent Verification Agent (IVA) field verification agents assessed the implementation of the State Action on Business Enabling Reforms (SABER) Programme at the Ministry of Investment, Trade, Cooperatives and Industry.

The exercise which formed part of the SABER Year 3 (2025) Annual Performance Assessment, focusing on the Ministry’s grievance redress mechanism for business-related complaints.

The verification was designed to assess the Ministry’s records, processes and arrangements for receiving and addressing grievances from traders and other business operators.

Receiving the verification agents in his office ,the Commissioner, reaffirmed the importance of accountability, effective service delivery and continuous improvement in implementing government reforms.

He commended the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, for his commitment to policies and initiatives aimed at creating an enabling environment for trade, investment and economic growth.

The IVA field verification agents, Mr. Victor Odesola and Mr. Emmanuel Kolade, explained that the exercise was intended to verify the Ministry’s performance under the SABER Programme.

They expressed satisfaction with the efforts made so far and encouraged the Ministry to sustain and improve its performance while intensifying public sensitisation on the trade grievance redress mechanism to ensure that traders and business operators across the state are aware of the available channels for reporting complaints.

E-Signed* :
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Chairperson of the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA), Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), has declared that there will be no sacred cow in the enforcement of the Oyo State Anti-Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, warning that violators risk a fine of ₦500,000 or 5 years imprisonment for first offence.

Justice Aderemi gave the warning during a live Radio interview in  Ibadan, said  OYRLEA was established in April 2024 by Governor Seyi Makinde to put an end to lawlessness and ensure total compliance with extant laws on environment, traffic, agriculture and public order.

She revealed that the Authority has commenced intensive enforcement operations, including dawn operations that led to the impounding of cattle at Atowoda in Ido LGA, Batake Village along Ibadan-Eruwa Road, Idi-Iroko, Moniya, and government farm settlements in Ido, Ijaye and Akinyele.

“Open grazing is illegal in Oyo State. The law is very clear. Our farm settlements are for farmers, not for herders. If you want to rear cattle, go to the Ministry of Agriculture, get a licence and get a ranch allocated to you. You cannot destroy people’s crops and livelihoods and go scot-free,” she said.

The retired jurist cited Section 16(1) of the Oyo State Open Rearing and Grazing Regulation Law, 2019, which prescribes 5 years imprisonment or ₦500,000 fine for first offenders, and 10 years or ₦2 million for subsequent offenders, in addition to compensation to victims based on Ministry of Agriculture assessment.

On the allegation of bias and extortion during enforcement, the Chairperson dismissed it as false and misleading.

“Our operations are based on petitions from farmers and verifiable evidence of crop destruction. Due process is always followed. Anyone who feels aggrieved should report to us, not blackmail the Authority on air,” she stated.

Justice Aderemi disclosed that OYRLEA has also sustained massive sensitization through radio and television jingles, stakeholder roundtables with farmers, herders, traditional rulers and livestock dealers, and the establishment of joint conflict resolution committees to prevent escalation.

She therefore urged residents to report violations promptly, stressing that public cooperation is key to achieving a cleaner, safer and food-secure Oyo State.

“We are not targeting any tribe or occupation. We are protecting the rule of law. Whether you are rearing cows in a residential area, dumping refuse or trading on the road, the law will catch up with you,” she warned.

E-Signed* :

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government, through the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board (OYSPHCB), in partnership with the Asido Foundation, has called for greater inclusion of people with lived experience in mental healthcare planning and service delivery to improve the quality of care and address stigma and discrimination.

The call was made on Wednesday during the 2026 World Mental Health Day commemoration held at Tamunominini Hall, Ibadan North-East Local Government Area of Oyo State, under the theme, “ Lived Experiences Heard: Real Voices, Real Change.”

Speaking at the event, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, emphasised the need to prioritise mental health as an essential component of overall well-being.

He called for increased public awareness, early identification of mental health concerns and improved access to appropriate care through primary healthcare facilities.

Olatunji noted that effective mental healthcare must reflect the needs, experiences and dignity of affected individuals.

He stressed that listening to people with lived experience would help healthcare providers deliver more responsive and inclusive services.

He further highlighted the need to integrate mental health promotion, early identification, referrals and support services into routine primary healthcare delivery to ensure that individuals experiencing mental health challenges receive timely and appropriate assistance.

In her remarks, Director of Family Health, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Zainab Hamzat, highlighted the importance of open conversations about mental health.

She called for the creation of supportive environments where individuals can freely share their experiences and seek help without fear of judgement, stigma or discrimination.

Hamzat noted that sustained mental health education would help correct misconceptions, reduce stigma and encourage people to seek professional assistance.

She also emphasised the importance of collaboration among Government agencies, healthcare professionals, development partners and communities.

In her goodwill message, the Programme Manager of the Asido Foundation, Dr. Toluwalope Orotoye, stressed the role of partnerships in strengthening mental health advocacy and public education.

She called for greater recognition of the experiences of people living with mental health conditions.

In his goodwill message, the Director of Special Duties, Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Abiodun Akande, called for collective action to address mental health challenges.

He highlighted the roles of Government institutions, healthcare providers, families and community leaders in ensuring that affected individuals receive appropriate support.

Delivering a paper titled “Lived Experience: Patients at the Centre of Care,” a consultant psychiatrist at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, and the Asido Foundation, Dr. Oyeyemi Afolabi, emphasised the importance of incorporating patients’ experiences and perspectives into mental healthcare planning and service delivery.

He also highlighted the role of people with lived experience as valuable contributors to advocacy, service improvement and policy development.

Participants were encouraged to challenge stigma, discrimination and harmful misconceptions that prevent people from seeking mental health services.

They were also urged to promote empathy, respect confidentiality and treat affected individuals with dignity.

E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA) has formally commenced full-scale operations at its new permanent headquarters in Agodi, Ibadan, with a landmark Environmental Protection Tribunal session and a powerful dedicatory prayer meeting, marking a new chapter in the enforcement of the rule of law in Oyo State.

At the Environmental Protection Tribunal sitting today, October 20, 2026, presided over by Mr. Kunle Abimbola, Esq., three defendants were arraigned for improper refuse disposal and other environmental infractions. The first defendant pleaded guilty to Count One but not guilty to Counts Two and Three; the second pleaded guilty to all counts, while the third pleaded guilty to Count One and not guilty to Counts Two and Three. The Tribunal fixed penalties at ₦30,000 for Count One, ₦20,000 for Count Two and ₦10,000 for Count Three, in line with extant environmental laws.

Speaking after the proceedings, the Chairperson of OYRLEA, Hon. Justice Aderonke Adekemi Aderemi (Rtd.), F.DRI.F.ICMC, said the commencement of activities at the new headquarters is a call to higher responsibility. She charged officers and staff to be more zealous and proactive in the discharge of their duties.

“To whom much is given, much is expected. The Governor has given us a befitting headquarters and all the resources we need. Now is the time to be on top of our game. We must embrace enforcement with renewed vigour and ensure compliance in every part of this State,” she declared.

Justice Aderemi further charged personnel to uphold the highest standards of work ethics, discipline and professionalism, noting that regular training and retraining would be institutionalized to sharpen operational efficiency. According to her, OYRLEA will no longer be confined to Ibadan but will extend its operations across all local government areas and geopolitical zones of the State.

“We must go out, we must cover the length and breadth of Oyo State. Markets, roads, public spaces and our environment must reflect order, safety and cleanliness. We cannot afford to fail the people of Oyo State,” she added.

Later in the day, the Authority held an inaugural prayer session at the conference hall of the new headquarters, attended by the Chairperson, members of the Board of Directors, management and staff of the Authority.

The General Overseer of Riverside Victory International Christian Ministry, Reverend Joseph K. Afolabi, delivered a stirring exhortation, urging staff to see their assignment as a divine calling to serve humanity and promote justice.

He admonished the workforce to work in unity, love and with a single mind in pursuit of the Authority’s mandate.

Reverend Afolabi prayed that the Almighty God would continually shield, protect and preserve all officers of the Authority as they go about their enforcement duties.

He also offered fervent prayers for unity and progress of the Authority, for peace and sustainable development in Oyo State, and for the Oyo State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, D.Sc., GSSRS.

The combined court session and prayer meeting underscore OYRLEA’s dual resolve to enforce environmental and public order laws without compromise while seeking divine guidance for effective service delivery.

The Authority reaffirmed its commitment to ensuring a cleaner, safer, healthier and more orderly Oyo State.

E-Signed:

*Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has marked the 2026 World Food Day by celebrating farmers and agricultural organisations contributing to food production across the state. The celebration featured the presentation of Awards of Excellence to outstanding farmers.

Speaking at the grand finale held on Friday, at the House of Chiefs, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye,
called on residents to turn available spaces around their homes into productive backyard farms.

He also urged residents to cultivate vegetables and other food crops in available spaces around their homes.

He noted that backyard farming could reduce household food expenses, improve nutrition and strengthen food security across the state.

Olaleye commended farmers and other agricultural stakeholders for their contributions to food production and economic development.

He also acknowledged the efforts of the Oyo State Government under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde and called for sustained collective action to improve agricultural productivity and ensure sustainable food availability.

The commissioner explained that recognising outstanding farmers and agricultural organisations demonstrated the government’s commitment to promoting excellence in agriculture.

He added that the awards would encourage more people, particularly youths, to explore opportunities in the agricultural sector.

The Oyo State chapter of the Smallholder Women Farmers Organisation of Nigeria (SWOFON) received the Best Women Farmers Group Award, while the state chapter of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) was honoured as the Outstanding Food Security Champion.

Mr Israel Oyeyemi received the Best Youth Agricultural Innovator Award, while Elder Omidokun Oyekunle was recognised as the Best Livestock Farmer of the Year. Other farmers and agricultural organisations also received awards.

The programme concluded with an exhibition of agricultural produce by farmers from across the state.

E-Signed :
Prince Dotun Oyelade
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board has flagged off a two-day free eye screening and reading glasses distribution exercise for civil servants within the State Secretariat and other eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held at the Board’s headquarters, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Hon. Dada Awoleye, described the exercise as a significant intervention aimed at promoting preventive healthcare, improving vision, and enhancing the quality of life of beneficiaries.

He explained that the outreach was designed to improve access to essential eye care services, particularly for individuals experiencing presbyopia, an age-related condition that makes it difficult to see objects clearly at close range.

The initiative is being implemented by the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, with support from the Clinton Health Access Initiative (CHAI), through the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare’s National Eye Health Programme.

Awoleye emphasised the importance of regular eye screening, particularly among adults aged 40 and above.

He noted that good vision is essential for productivity, effective service delivery and overall well-being.

He stated that the initiative would provide eligible beneficiaries with free eye screening and reading glasses, where clinically appropriate, to address the challenges associated with presbyopia and improve their ability to perform daily activities.

The Chairman commended the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government, led by the Executive Governor, Engr. Oluseyi Makinde, for their collaboration and support. He reaffirmed the Board’s commitment to working with relevant stakeholders to expand access to essential healthcare services across the State.

The Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji, was represented by the Director of Disease Control and Immunisation, Dr. Mustapha Festus, who highlighted the importance of integrating preventive health interventions into routine healthcare delivery.

He noted that visual difficulties could affect productivity, independence and daily activities. He therefore encouraged eligible civil servants and other beneficiaries to take advantage of the outreach, stressing that partnerships between government institutions and development partners remain crucial to improving health outcomes.

The representative of CHAI, Dr. Adebayo Durojaye, underscored the importance of collaboration in expanding access to eye care services, particularly for adults with limited access to routine screening and corrective eyewear. He explained that interventions of this nature help identify common vision problems and facilitate timely access to appropriate care.

The State Eye Health Programme Officer, Mrs. Aderonke Ogunlade, explained that the exercise was designed to provide free presbyopia screening and distribute reading glasses to eligible beneficiaries aged 40 years and above. She encouraged civil servants within the State secretariat and other qualified participants to take advantage of the opportunity to assess their eye health.

Presbyopia is a common age-related condition that gradually reduces the eye’s ability to focus on nearby objects. It can cause blurred near vision and difficulty reading, writing and performing other close-up tasks, making early identification and appropriate correction important.

Through the two-day outreach, eligible beneficiaries will receive eye screening and free reading glasses where clinically appropriate. Individuals identified with other eye conditions requiring further attention may be referred to qualified eye care professionals for additional assessment and treatment.

The initiative is expected to increase awareness of eye health, encourage routine screening and reduce barriers to accessing basic vision care, particularly among adults whose professional and personal responsibilities depend on clear near vision.

The Oyo State Primary Health Care Board appreciates the Federal Ministry of Health and Social Welfare, the National Eye Health Programme, CHAI and the Oyo State Government for their collaboration in delivering this important intervention.

The Board reiterates its commitment to strengthening primary healthcare services, promoting preventive health practices and working with relevant stakeholders to ensure access to quality, equitable and people-centred healthcare across Oyo State.

*E-Signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade

Hon. Commissioner for Information,

Oyo State

The Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) has rejected claims that its fines are “cut-throat” and place an undue burden on motorists, saying the penalties are necessary to deter dangerous driving and save lives on the state’s roads.

The Executive Chairman of the Authority, Major Adesagba Adekoya (rtd), stated this in response to an article by Maroof Asudemade titled, “OYRTMA’s ‘Cut-Throat’ Fines: Makinde’s Government Piles More Burden on Struggling Motorists.”

The OYRTMA chairman said traffic fines were not merely an economic matter but “first and foremost, a matter of life and death”, stressing that the penalties were intended to deter conduct that had cost Oyo State hundreds of lives and left many families with permanent disabilities.

He faulted the article’s comparison of OYRTMA fines with those of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), describing it as “deeply flawed”.

According to him, the FRSC fine schedule cited in the article is rooted in the FRSC (Establishment) Act, 2007, and the National Road Traffic Regulations 2012, with fines such as ₦2,000 for seatbelt violations, ₦3,000 for wrongful overtaking and ₦4,000 for mobile phone use having remained unchanged for decades.

He said the Senate had passed an amendment to the FRSC Act in 2026, proposing increases of up to 300 per cent in some fines, with penalties for driving under the influence of alcohol and speed-limit violations rising from ₦5,000 to ₦100,000. He said the amended Act was awaiting presidential assent, while OYRTMA reviewed its fines in June 2025 to make them a genuine deterrent.

The Chairman also compared OYRTMA’s fines with those of peer agencies in other South-West states, which according to him, the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), under the Lagos State Transport Sector Reform Law, 2018, prescribes up to three years’ imprisonment for driving against traffic, ₦100,000 for driving under the influence, ₦50,000 for driving on restricted routes, and ₦50,000 each for dangerous and reckless driving.

He added that LASTMA had also ordered mandatory psychiatric evaluations for motorists caught driving against traffic, while also, the Ogun State Traffic Compliance and Enforcement Agency (TRACE), which is responsible for traffic management and enforcement in Ogun State, also uses measures such as vehicle impoundment, fines, community service, mandatory psychiatric tests for certain route violations and prosecution of offenders.

He said OYRTMA’s fines were in line with, and in some cases lower than, those of its peers, noting that its ₦10,000 fine for wrongful overtaking was significantly lower than Lagos State’s ₦50,000 fine for reckless driving.

Citing road crash data, Major Adekoya (Rtd) said the FRSC recorded 304 crashes in Oyo State in 2024, resulting in 222 deaths and 779 injuries. He also recalled that 146 persons died in road traffic crashes in the state between January and June 2023, while the Oyo State Police Command recorded 351 deaths from 751 auto accidents between January and September of the same year.

He added that OYRTMA’s records showed 195 deaths and 643 injuries from road crashes in the state in 2025.
The chairman cited specific incidents, including the June 24, 2025 multiple crash at Sanyo on the Ibadan-Lagos Expressway involving seven vehicles and claiming five lives. He said the crash was attributed to speeding, wrongful overtaking and loss of control.

He also mentioned a February 2026 incident in which a fuel-laden truck trapped a commercial Nissan Micra against a beverage truck at Iwo Road, Ibadan. He recalled that in December 2024, OYRTMA arrested 1,079 traffic offenders, while seven fatalities, including a nursing mother, were recorded along the Iwo Road-Ojoo stretch of the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

“The fine is not the punishment; the fine is the warning. The punishment is the funeral. The punishment is the permanent disability. The punishment is the child who will never see her mother again,” He said.

He rejected suggestions that OYRTMA operates as an arbitrary fining machine, pointing to the Traffic Violation Tribunal constituted by the Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority (OYRLEA).

He said the tribunal, which commenced sitting in September 2024, is a court of record where offenders are given a fair hearing. In its first session, he said, 27 cases were treated, with some offenders found guilty and fined, while others were discharged without fines.

From September 2024 to July 2025, Adekoya said OYRLEA tribunals tried no fewer than 6,000 traffic offenders and 3,000 environmental offenders.

He added that counsel were available to defend suspects, who could also apply for bail depending on the nature of the offences, while the tribunal collaborates with the Nigerian Bar Association and the Legal Aid Council to ensure access to legal representation.

The OYRTMA Chairman also stressed that the purpose of a fine was deterrence, not revenue generation. Quoting the Road Safety Toolkit developed by the International Road Assessment Programme (IRAP), he said road rules were more likely to be obeyed when road users believed that non-compliance would result in detection and consequences such as fines or licence cancellation.

He argued that a ₦2,000 fine for failing to wear a seatbelt, an offence he said accounts for 35 per cent of fatal road crashes, was not sufficient deterrence but a minor inconvenience. A ₦10,000 fine, he said, was more likely to make a driver reconsider such behaviour.

“The goal of OYRTMA is compliance, not punishment,” he said, adding that the Oyo State Government under Governor Seyi Makinde had invested in infrastructure, public enlightenment and road safety campaigns, with fines serving as a last resort.

“OYRTMA is not an enemy of the motorist. We are the protectors of the motorist. Every fine we impose is a life we are trying to save. Every offender we bring before the tribunal is a potential crash we are trying to prevent,” he said

He invited the author to visit the tribunal and observe its proceedings, insisting that OYRTMA was “not a cut-throat agency” but “a life-saving agency” committed to protecting lives on the state’s roads.

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Oyo State Government has partnered with the European Union (EU), the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), and the International Labour Organization (ILO) to review and finalise the state’s Social Protection Bill under the Sustainable Social Protection Systems in Nigeria (SUSI) Project.

The Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Oluwaseun Ojo, stated this while delivering the keynote address at a two-day workshop on the proposed legislation, held at Plaza De Haruna Hotel, Oyo.

The Commissioner said the partnership would provide the technical expertise, institutional support, and stakeholder engagement required to strengthen social protection in the state.

He noted that the initiative was designed to address the vulnerabilities faced by children, women, persons with disabilities, farmers, informal-sector workers, and the unemployed.

According to him, the proposed bill seeks to replace fragmented interventions with a coordinated, inclusive, and sustainable social protection system.

He explained that, when passed by the Oyo State House of Assembly, the bill would provide a legal framework for the coordination, implementation, financing, monitoring, and evaluation of social protection programmes across Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), as well as relevant non-state actors.

In his goodwill message, the UNICEF Lagos Office representative, Mr. Mohammed Okorie, described Oyo State as a pace-setter, stressing that social protection was vital to addressing poverty and building resilience.

Okorie said stakeholders were working to institutionalise the social protection framework to ensure that the life-changing programmes outlive the current administration.

The Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adedoyin, pledged the legislature’s support for the bill, assuring stakeholders that, once it had scaled the necessary executive processes, the House would give it expedited attention and work towards its speedy passage into law.

In his remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Julius Ayanleke, appreciated the EU, UNICEF, and ILO for their continued partnership, technical support, and commitment to the welfare and development of the people of Oyo State.

E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon.Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Oyo State Government  through the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, has rejected a publication alleging harsh, unsafe and unconducive working conditions for Ad hoc Environmental Vanguards engaged by the State Government, describing the claims as misleading and a misrepresentation of the Government’s commitment to their welfare, safety and effective deployment.

The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, said Environmental Vanguards remain an important component of the State Government’s environmental sanitation and enforcement architecture, stressing that their engagement is aimed at supporting the restoration and maintenance of environmental sanity across Oyo State.

He explained that the present administration has continued to strengthen the workforce through the re-engagement of Environmental Vanguards, sweepers and packers to support sanitation operations. He added that efforts have been made to deploy personnel closer to their places of residence to reduce transportation costs, while their monthly payments are made alongside other government workers.

Aderinto further disclosed that the monthly remuneration of Environmental Vanguards had been increased from N30,000 to N80,000 under the present administration, describing the improvement as part of the Government’s commitment to supporting personnel engaged in environmental sanitation and enforcement.

The Commissioner clarified that Environmental Vanguards deployed to identified black spots are specifically charged with preventing indiscriminate disposal of refuse on road medians, open spaces and other prohibited locations. He explained that personnel are expected to educate members of the public on proper waste disposal and, where necessary, facilitate the apprehension of offenders in accordance with the law.

He stressed that the directive is not intended to punish personnel or compel them to generate fines, but is part of the Ministry’s strategy to address persistent environmental infractions and ensure that areas under their supervision remain clean. According to him, the primary objective of enforcement is compliance and environmental sanitation, while penalties are applied only where prescribed by law and due process.

Aderinto noted that whenever Environmental Vanguards are given clear responsibilities and achieve positive results in their areas of deployment, the Ministry recognises such performance as a means of encouraging and motivating them to remain diligent. He said positive results are not intended to constitute undue pressure or victimisation of personnel.

The Commissioner also dismissed claims that members of the Environmental Vanguard were arbitrarily dismissed from service. He explained that personnel identified with performance related concerns are first warned or placed on probation, while those who perform below expectations continue to receive their payments before any administrative decision is taken. He added that the Ministry believes in correcting, guiding and giving personnel opportunities to improve.

On safety, Aderinto said the Ministry takes concerns about attacks, security threats and operational challenges seriously and would not deliberately expose its personnel to unnecessary danger. He explained that Environmental Vanguards primarily operate within the metropolis and during daylight hours, where an existing security architecture is in place, adding that it would not be practicable to attach dedicated security personnel to every field officer.

He, however, disclosed that the Ministry has an emergency security response arrangement that can be activated whenever an alert is received. He said the Ministry maintains security collaboration with the Oyo State Rule of Law Agency, Operation Burst and the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, while personnel have been directed to promptly report threats, resistance or situations that could escalate for appropriate intervention.

The Commissioner said the Ministry has consistently responded to reported security concerns and would continue to provide necessary assistance where circumstances require it. He added that operational arrangements, including security and logistics, are regularly reviewed in line with prevailing circumstances and the responsibilities assigned to personnel.

Aderinto also explained that the participation of Environmental Vanguards in the Oyo Soro Soke Sita (OYO SSS) initiative forms part of the Ministry’s broader strategy of involving the public in environmental enforcement. Under the initiative, environmental infractions may be reported through photographs or by facilitating the apprehension of offenders and reporting such cases to the Ministry.

He disclosed that while the collaborator’s share under the OYO SSS programme is 10 per cent, the share applicable to Environmental Vanguards who facilitate the apprehension of offenders was increased to 15 per cent to accommodate expenses that may be incurred in the course of carrying out such assignments.

The Commissioner stressed that the Ministry’s environmental enforcement activities are not designed to witch-hunt, intimidate or unduly punish members of the public, but to promote compliance with environmental laws and create an orderly environment necessary for public health, safety and economic activities. He urged enforcement personnel to carry out their duties professionally and within the ambit of the law, while members of the public are expected to comply with environmental regulations and desist from indiscriminate waste disposal.

He further noted that the Ministry maintains regular interaction with Environmental Vanguards through periodic meetings to discuss operations, exchange ideas, receive feedback and address emerging concerns. He therefore urged the public to disregard misleading reports about the welfare and working conditions of the personnel, stressing that the Ministry remains committed to the welfare of its workforce and that all legitimate salaries and approved entitlements are duly attended to.

E-Signed:

Prince ‘Dotun Oyelade,

Hon.Commissioner for Information,

The Oyo State Government has conducted an on-the-spot assessment of the Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Ibadan, following a viral video alleging the absence of doctors, nurses and other medical personnel at the facility.

The Chairman, Oyo State Hospitals Management Board (OYSHMB), Hon. Adekunle Bankole, Esq., who led the assessment alongside the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Dr. Anifat Ibraheem, described the claim in the viral video as misleading.

Bankole said the state government remained committed to strengthening the health sector and ensuring that residents have access to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare services.

He disclosed that Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital has 31 doctors, 132 nurses and other health professionals who are actively attending to the healthcare needs of patients.

The Chairman commended the medical and other health workers at the hospital for their dedication and urged them to sustain their commitment to delivering quality services to residents.

He also commended the Oyo State Governor, Engr. ‘Seyi Makinde, for his continued support and investment in the state’s health sector.

In her remarks, the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Anifat Ibraheem, highlighted some of the achievements of the present administration in the health sector.

She listed them to include the recruitment of healthcare professionals across various cadres, prompt payment of salaries and gratuities to workers and pensioners, as well as the renovation and upgrading of healthcare facilities across the state.

According to her, the measures are part of the government’s efforts to provide sustainable, affordable and accessible healthcare services for the people of Oyo State.

*E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon.Commissioner for Information,