The Oyo State Government’s sustained investment in sports development has continued to yield remarkable results as Pacesetter Queens Football Club returned home with two major trophies, a feat that underscores the state’s growing dominance in grassroots and women’s football.

In a colourful reception held at the Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, the Honourable Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, received the management of Pacesetter Queens FC following the club’s impressive victories in the Oyo State Challenge Cup and the Ibadan Football Association (IFA) League.

The trophies, formally presented to the Oyo State Government, symbolise not only the club’s success but also the impact of Governor Seyi Makinde’s unwavering commitment to sports development, youth empowerment and talent discovery across the state.

Welcoming the victorious team, Hon. Wasilat Adegoke, represented by the Permanent Secretary Oyo State Ministry of Youth and Sports, Dr. Sunday Akinwale Moradeyo described the achievements as a testament to what can be accomplished when government support is matched with dedication, discipline and determination. She noted that the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde has consistently prioritised sports as a vehicle for youth development, social inclusion and economic opportunities, adding that the latest triumph by Pacesetter Queens further validates the government’s vision.

“You have demonstrated that champions are made through discipline, teamwork and perseverance. Do not relent because this is only the beginning of greater accomplishments,” she said.

Speaking on behalf of the club, the Team Manager, Prince Babatunde Adegorowa, expressed profound appreciation to Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support for sports development in Oyo State.

He disclosed that the club emerged champions of the Oyo State Challenge Cup and the Ibadan Football Association (IFA) League, describing the victories as products of the enabling environment created by the present administration.

Prince Adegorowa assured the government that the club would remain committed to sustaining its winning culture and bringing more laurels to Oyo State.

The celebration was more than a ceremonial presentation of trophies; it was a reflection of a government whose deliberate investment in sports is producing champions, inspiring young talents and projecting Oyo State as a force to reckon with in Nigerian football. As the trophies were handed over amid applause and admiration, they stood as shining symbols of a vision that continues to transform sporting dreams into lasting achievements.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.

Oyo Govt To Begin House To House Waste Bin Enforcement, Gives Residents One Month To Comply

The Oyo State Government has announced the commencement of the enforcement of mandatory waste bin provision for every residential and commercial building across the state, giving residents and property owners one month to comply with the directive with stringent enforcement effective from September 1st,2026.

The Honourable Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, disclosed this while addressing journalists in his office, stating that the initiative forms part of the State Government’s renewed efforts to strengthen environmental sanitation and ensure proper waste management across Oyo State.

Hon. Aderinto explained that every household, residential building, business premises, shopping complex and plaza must provide designated waste bins that are commensurate to the size of the building, the number of occupants and the volume of waste generated.

The Commissioner stressed that all residents and business owners must patronise only government accredited Private Sector Participants (PSPs) responsible for waste collection and evacuation, warning that anyone found engaging unapproved waste contractors or disposing of waste through unauthorized means would face the full weight of the law.

He urged members of the public experiencing challenges with waste collection services or those uncertain about accredited PSP operators to report to the Oyo State Solid Waste Management Authority (OYOWMA) or the Department of Environmental Health Services of the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources for necessary guidance and clarification.

Hon. Aderinto further revealed that government enforcement teams would also verify evidence of payment of waste evacuation fees during inspections, noting that residents and businesses are expected to remain up to date with their monthly waste disposal payments as part of the requirements for compliance.

The Commissioner explained that the new enforcement exercise is an extension of the state’s daily environmental sanitation initiative, emphasizing that having a waste bin and engaging an accredited PSP alone is not sufficient if the surroundings remain dirty.

E-signed:

Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State

The Oyo State Honourable Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, has expressed deep sorrow over the passing of renowned journalist, author, historian and cultural ambassador, the Abese Olubadan of Ibadan Land, Oloye Lekan Alabi describing his demise as a monumental loss to Oyo State, Ibadanland and the entire Yoruba cultural heritage.

In a condolence message, Dr. Olatubosun said Oloye Lekan Alabi dedicated his lifetime to preserving, documenting and promoting the rich history, traditions and cultural values of the Yoruba people through his writings, public engagements and advocacy for cultural renaissance. He noted that the late Abese Olubadan of Ibadanland was an outstanding ambassador of culture whose contributions would continue to inspire generations.

The Commissioner described the late elder statesman as an encyclopedia of Yoruba history whose knowledge and commitment to cultural development made him a dependable reference point for scholars, government institutions and cultural enthusiasts.
“Oloye Lekan Alabi lived a life of purpose and service. His passion for promoting our cultural identity, preserving our historical heritage and projecting the image of Oyo State and Ibadanland remains unmatched. His passing has created a vacuum that will be difficult to fill,” the Commissioner said.

Dr. Olatubosun further noted that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism had benefited immensely from the wealth of knowledge and experience of the late cultural icon, whose counsel and support for initiatives aimed at promoting tourism and preserving cultural heritage were invaluable.

The Commissioner extended heartfelt condolences to the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rasidi Ladoja and the Olubadan-in-Council, the Alabi family, the people of Ibadanland, the journalism profession and all lovers of Yoruba culture over the irreparable loss. He prayed that Almighty God would grant the departed eternal rest.

Signed

Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun
Commissioner for Culture and Tourism

..as OYACA organises A -3 Day AI Training for Staff

The Executive Director and Consultant of Grace Alone Concept and Systems Ltd., Dr. Wole Oyeyemi has called on stakeholders in governance and accountability to embrace artificial intelligence (AI) as a critical tool for detecting and preventing corruption in public institutions.

He said the adoption of AI would strengthen, sustain, and enhance anti-corruption efforts through improved collaboration, transparency, and accountability.

The don made the call on at the formal opening of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency (OYACA) three-day staff training on “Applicability of Artificial Intelligence (AI) in Detection and Investigation in the Public Service,” held at Koltol Hotel, Ikolaba, Ibadan, sponsored by the Center for Democracy and Development (CDD),Abuja.

Delivering the keynote address, the Executive Director and Consultant of Grace Alone Concept and Systems Ltd, Dr. Wole Oyeyemi said the future of anti-graft work lies in predictive, data-driven investigations rather than the current reactive approach.

According to him, traditional methods of investigation can no longer cope with the volume and complexity of financial and procurement data in government.

“Corruption now lives in databases, trails, e-payment platforms, and procurement portals. AI gives us the microscope to see patterns humans will miss for years,” Dr. Oyeyemi stated.

He noted that AI tools such as machine learning, network analysis, and natural language processing can flag ghost workers, contract inflation, bid-rigging, and suspicious transactions in real time.

“AI analyzes complex data and suggests leads. Human discretion drives on various prosecution questions for agencies like OYACA to ask and act on,’ Dr Oyeyemi added.

Dr. Oyeyemi, whose firm specializes in technology and systems consulting, stressed that while AI is powerful, it must be guided by clean data, ethical frameworks, and trained investigators.

He called for stronger collaboration between government, tech firms, and civil society to build the necessary infrastructure.

In her remarks, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency [OYACA] Dr Folasade Ajibade said the agency is committed to adopting innovation to protect public resources in Oyo State.

“Corruption is evolving. So must the methods of fighting it. This conversation on AI is timely as we seek more intelligent ways to ensure transparency and accountability in governance. ”

The Executive Secretary noted that OYACA recognizes technology as a force multiplier in tracking leakages and enforcing compliance with anti-corruption laws at the state level.

Participants at the capacity building were Director administration and supplies, Mr Wasiu Alimi, Director of finance and account, Mr Tajudeen Azeez, among other OYACA Staff.

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

The Oyo State Council on Climate Change has held its maiden meeting, reaffirming the commitment of the Oyo State Government to addressing climate change, strengthening environmental sustainability and advancing climate resilient development in line with the visionary leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde.

The inaugural meeting, held at the NEWMAP Conference Hall, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Ibadan, was presided over by the Vice Chairman of the Council and Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Ademola Aderinto, on behalf of the Chairman of the Council and Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde.

Speaking during the meeting, Hon. Aderinto described the commencement of the Council’s sitting as the fulfilment of a vision that had been nurtured for nearly three years.

He expressed appreciation to Governor Makinde for inaugurating the 20 member Council on June 15, 2026, noting that the administration has continued to demonstrate unwavering commitment to climate governance and environmental protection.

The Commissioner explained that the Council serves as the highest decision making body on climate change in Oyo State, with the responsibility of formulating strategic policies and providing direction for climate action that will safeguard the environment while promoting sustainable socio-economic development for present and future generations.

The Council extensively deliberated on the draft Oyo Climate Action Plan (OYCAP) 2026–2040, which is awaiting presentation to the Chairman of the Council. The document provides a comprehensive roadmap for building climate resilience, promoting environmental sustainability and integration of climate action into the policies, programmes and projects of all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) across the state.

Hon. Aderinto further disclosed that Governor Makinde has approved the operationalisation of the State’s Carbon Desk, a strategic initiative designed to position Oyo State to access climate finance and carbon credit opportunities while leveraging local and international partnerships to attract investments for climate resilient infrastructure and sustainable development.

The Council also considered measures aimed at strengthening climate related legislation, improving enforcement of existing environmental laws and ensuring that climate considerations become mandatory in government planning and implementation across all MDAs.

The Commissioner expressed optimism that the Council’s activities would further enhance Oyo State’s climate governance profile, noting that the state has recorded remarkable progress by moving from 34th to 7th position nationally within one year.

Members also discussed strategies for the adoption and implementation of the Oyo Climate Action Plan, climate financing opportunities and institutional collaboration.

In his vote of thanks, the Secretary of the Council and Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources, Dr. Sunday Ojelabi, commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership in constituting the Council. He urged members to work collectively towards the successful implementation of the Oyo Climate Action Plan.

Those in attendance included the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barr. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Barr. Ayobami Oluwaseun Ojo; Director-General of the Oyo State Mobilisation Agency for Socio-Economic Development,(OYMASED)

Dr Morohunkola Thomas,the Special Adviser to the Governor on Intervention and Donor Funds, Mrs. Aderonke Tejumade Adedayo; the Special Assistant to the Governor on Environment, Mr. Lamidi Kazeem Ajibola; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology is Mrs. Bamidele Toyin Oyinloye; Chairmen of relevant agencies, development partners, environmental experts, representatives of academia, private sector stakeholders and other members of the Oyo State Council on Climate Change.

*E-Signed:
Prince Dotun Oyelade,
Hon. Commissioner for Information,
Oyo State.
30th July, 2026

Radio owners and managers have been advised to imbibe the welfare mentality of the current administration in Oyo State in the day-to-day running of their businesses.

The Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, gave the advice today during the official commissioning of Wells Radio, Ibadan.

He said those put in charge of broadcast management, be it Government or private, must be discrete and sensitive to the vagaries of their work environment.

Prince Oyelade, who commended the Chief Executive Officer of the radio station, Mrs. Lillian Bademosi, for being the first female radio enterpreneur in Oyo State, urged her and her contemporaries not to downsize their workforce, considering the current economic challenges in the nation.

He said that for the avoidance of doubt, the current administration in Oyo State has the record of not downsizing its workforce since 2019 when it came to power.

He recalled that at the time, the outgoing administration deliberately effected a policy that made the salaries of workers increase by almost 100%.

Prince Oyelade said rather than seek ways through the back door to downsize, Governor Seyi Makinde reabsorbed scores of civil servants whose appointments were wrongfully terminated, adding that the pattern will continue till 2027.

“Rather than bellyache over the obvious mischief, the Seyi Makinde administration has been labouring successfully to cater for the welfare of civil servants and has even engaged in addition financial incentives to motivate the workers”, he said.

Prince Oyelade further argued that the astronomical growth of radio stations in Oyo State in the past four years can be directly traced to the investment-friendly policy of the Seyi Makinde administration.

“One of the fastest growing industries in Nigeria today is the broadcast radio industry, saying Oyo State has 51 stations,” he noted.

He said, “By the turn of 2019, Oyo State, according to the National Broadcasting Commission NBC records, had barely 20 radio stations, but today, we have 51”.

“With these statistics, only Lagos and River States and the Federal Capital Territory have more radio stations than Oyo State, and these are essentially the States that drive the nation’s economy.”

Speaking earlier, Mrs. Lillian Bademosi said the radio station, which started as an online platform in 2017, seeks to church out wholesome contents and inspire its listeners.