The Oyo State Government has expressed its readiness to collaborate with key stakeholders to enhance domestic tourism and cultural activities for economic growth and development.

The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatubosun, stated this on Tuesday while receiving the National President of the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN), Prince Adetunji Fadina, in his office.

Dr. Olatubosun emphasized that the Ministry of Culture and Tourism has significantly changed the tourism narrative in Oyo State through various initiatives. He noted that these efforts have positioned the state ahead of others in tourism development.

“Our target is to make Oyo State the preferred tourists destination. Governor Seyi Makinde has created an enabling environment for tourism to thrive by improving infrastructure, security, and road networks. This ensures that tourists can move freely and enjoy their visits,” he said.

In his remarks, ATPN President Prince Adetunji Fadina commended Governor Makinde for appointing Dr. Olatubosun as the commissioner for the newly created ministry, describing it as a “round peg in a round hole.”

He praised the commissioner’s efforts in promoting tourism in the state and assured him of ATPN’s commitment to collaboration.

“I am aware of your activities in the ministry, and I believe it is only right to be part of this progress. I can assure you that we will work together to develop tourism and boost revenue for the state,” Fadina said

Also the Nation Vice President of the Association Hon Samson Nunayon Prince Apata in his remark commended the commissioner for his open arms and pledge collaboration with the ministry and other relevant stakeholders.

The commissioner  and the ministry’s permanent secretary and directors  was decorated as member of the ATPN.

Oyo State Executive Council has approved the Business-Enabling Reforms Action Plan (BERAP) in order to push the economic development agenda of the State in 2025.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the approval will further enhance the ease of doing business and encourage more investors to come to the state to do business.

Presenting the memo before the Executive Council on Tuesday, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musbau Babatunde, said BERAP will improve access to skilled labour for corporate organisations through the use of the labour electronic register.

According to him, it will also facilitate the establishment of an Export Cluster for cashew, shea butter, arts and crafts.

He noted that, by the approval, the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the State will improve while the expected Non-Oil Export revenue will trigger the economy of the State.

According to the plan, the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning is to work with the Ministry of Trade, Industry and Cooperatives, the Oyo State Investment Promotion Agency and the office of the Accountant-General to implement the Business-Enabling Reforms Action Plan, starting from 2025.

The Council also appreciated the kind gesture of Governor Seyi Makinde through the financial support he gave to Mr. Sola Ajayi, a Senior Cameraman with the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS) who had spinal cord injury as a result of an accident.

The Governor thanked members of the Executive Council for their focus and cooperation during the outgoing year and said that year 2025 will be more challenging even as he assured that government will remain resolute in achieving its objectives.

Oyo State Government has approved the provision of additional 14 Mobile Court vans and Security vehicles for the newly established Oyo State Rule of Law Enforcement Authority headed by Justice Aderonke Aderemi (Rtd.)

This, according to the Government is in a bid to quicken the dispensation of Justice by fortifying the legal and security arms.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade gave the hint in a statement on Friday.

He said the resolve was reached at the 12th State Executive Council meeting.

The Commissioner recalled that Governor Seyi Makinde had said that justice delayed is justice denied, hence the provision of legal empowerment to the Rule of Law Authority to expedite judgement and sanction law breakers on the spot.

He added that the Executive Council also approved the procurement of equipment for the improvement and integration of security agencies communication network.

“In the same manner, the Council approved the branding of 42 vehicles for Operation Burst and Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority, OYRTMA.

“The Commissioner recalled that early in the year, over 100 vehicles with communication gadgets were procured for Amotekun and Operation Burst, including the Military and the Police”, the statement reads in part.

Oyo state government has banned heavy-duty trucks and trailers from plying the newly commissioned Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Expressway.

Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade said the decision became necessary in safeguarding the integrity of the road which is pivotal for enhancing agrarian transportation, trade, and intercity commuting.

He stressed the Ministry of Public Works has been mobilised to act immediately to prevent damage to the expressway, which was designed for lighter vehicles such as cars and buses.

Corroborating the stance, Commissioner for Public Works, Professor Dawoud Sangodoyin explained that the move came in response to the diversion of heavy-duty vehicles from the incomplete federal government Ibadan-Oyo-Ogbomosho Road.

He emphasized the importance of the expressway in boosting the state’s economy.

He said, “This road was designed primarily to link the state’s agrarian transportation, traders, and intercity commuters, all targeting the development of Oyo State’s economy.”

He added that the incursion of heavy trailers could structurally affect the road, despite its resilience, and defeat the purpose for which it was built.

“Only buses, cabstars, and cars are permitted to use the route until further notice”, he added.

Sangodoyin said the Iseyin-Fapote-Ogbomoso Expressway, spanning 76.67 kilometers through previously uncharted terrain of lakes and rocks, was commissioned on May 30, 2024.

He added that project is expected to enhance transportation and economic activities within the state.

Oyo State Government is set to screen 347, 304 individuals as ‘Project 10 Million Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers’ commences in Ibadan, the capital city.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi stated this at the unveiling of the Project 10 Million with the members of the State Executive Cabinet at the office of the Governor.

According to the Commissioner, the Project 10 Million is a nationwide screening initiative, aimed at screening 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes across the 36 states of Nigeria and the FCT within a 7 days period in October, 2024.

Dr. Ajetumobi explained that the objective of the project is to screen 10 million Nigerians for hypertension and diabetes, promoting early detection, prevention, and control of cardiometabolic diseases, using the slogan – “Know Your Numbers, Control Your Numbers”

She added that “knowing your vital health metrics empowers you to take timely actions and make the right decision concerning your health, while controlling them prevents complications that may arise from ignorance or neglect”.

The Commissioner said the screening will include blood pressure and blood sugar tests to detect hypertension and diabetes, alongside other anthropometric measurements that pertain to the health of the heart, blood vessels and general body metabolism processes.

She stressed that the screening process is safe and uses standard, point-of-care testing.

“The Nigerian Health Commissioner’s Forum is initiating the project and executing in partnership with professional bodies, developmental agencies, and donors. Project 10 Million will utilize a team of trained healthcare workers who will visit various communities within each state.

They will set up temporary screening stations at designated locations, making the screening accessible to the community”, she said.

The Commissioner concluded that everyone aged 18 years and above are eligible for the screening and the screening is absolutely free.

She added, “This means that you do not have to make any payment for the registration as well as other services accessed during the screening exercise”.

Dr. Ajetumobi said participants will receive their test results and counseling on the spot.m, adding that people who have abnormal results will receive some first contact care or be referred to nearby government-owned health facilities for further evaluation, treatment and follow-up care.

Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun on Saturday said Governor Seyi Makinde has done more for the people of state than during his first tenure in office.

This, he said has allayed the historical phobia people usually have of second term governors and their performances.

According to Oyelade, 335.19km of roads have been constructed since 2019, out of which 144.37km were constructed in the first four years and 190.82km commissioned in just 17 months into the second term.

He said the ongoing 110km circular road project has its bridges and interchanges on the South East segment of the circular road completed with a projection of 100 percent delivery in 24 months, adding that the circular road will make the state most accessible to all road networks in the country.

The Commissioner recalled that, earlier in the week, the Civil Service Commission announced the recruitment of 791 workers into the mainstream, noting that 692 education officers, 60 environmental health officers, 19 lands officers, 30 lawyers had also earlier been recruited into the mainstream of the Oyo state Civil Service.

“If the 791 new recruits are added, the Seyi Makinde administration would have broken the employment record of the State by recruiting 1,592 into the Service, half way into its second term.

“It would be recalled that at a leadership retreat held for top government officials on October 4th 2023, shortly after his re-election, Governor Seyi Makinde promised that his second term in office will witness more accelerated growth in all sectors than in his first term with people-friendly policies.

“The Governor at the retreat warned members of his cabinet that the people of Oyo state will neither take excuses nor stories from his administration and therefore gave them a matching order to perform better than his first term achievements”, Oyelade stated.

The Commissioner also assures that before the end of the month, 7,000 Primary School Teachers out of the 46,000 that sat for the Computer Based Test, will receive their employment letters.

He said “The 7,000 new teachers being recruited is obviously more than the 5,000 Secondary School Teachers the Seyi Makinde administration employed in his first term.

“Governor Makinde’s efforts since 2019 has repositioned the Ibadan airport, now Samuel Ladoke Akintola airport, recently upgraded to International status which will make Oyo State the Commercial Hub of the Southwest.

“Also the Fasola industrial estate has become the transformative initiative of Governor Makinde in Agribusiness and currently has 10 Industries on the 1,100 hectares farm that has become the destination for private local and International investors.”

Oyo State Government has approved the recruitment of about 791 officers of cadres into the mainstream of its civil service.

Civil Service Commission Chairman, Alhaji Kamoru Aderibigbe, said the recruitment would encompass the absorption of 213 education officers and 561 officers.

He told reporters: “This recruitment will be the highest into the mainstream of the civil service in the last two decades.

“I believe we could have had more, but for the fact that the governor has constantly approved the conversion of officers, who were employed into the lower cadres in the civil service by the previous administration, but possessed higher educational qualifications.’

Governor Biodun Oyebanji of Ekiti State has hailed residents especially youths for boycotting the nationwide protest. At the same time, his Oyo counterpart, Governor Seyi Makinde also lauded residents for their peaceful conduct during the rally that started on Thursday.

Oyebanji who had appealed for calm in a statewide broadcast, in a statement said he was thankful to the people of the state for listening to his plea to embrace peace.

The governor urged them to continue to maintain their peaceful conduct, assuring that the current economic challenges would soon become a thing of the past.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Prince Dotun Oyelade, Governor Makinde, appreciated all youths and parents in Oyo State for ensuring peaceful demonstrations across the state against hunger and hardship raging the country.

The governor expressed his gratitude following the sustenance of the peaceful protest which has entered the third day.

The statement recalled that Governor Makinde was among the first set of leaders across Nigeria to publicly embrace the constitutionality of the #EndHungerProtest with an admonition that the protest must be peaceful to achieve the desired result.

Makinde further appealed to Nigerians to be law abiding and ensure that their agitation is without rancour and incitement throughout the period.

The governor praised the people and most especially the youths for keeping their end of the bargain as they expect the federal government to make life better for all and sundry.

Governor Makinde equally called on Nigerians in states where various degrees of violence have been recorded during the protest to allow peace to reign as the search for good governance continues.

Meanwhile, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress(APC), Chief Oladele Okeya has praised the peaceful conduct of residents of Ekiti State in the ongoing nationwide protest.

Okeya gave the commendation while speaking with journalists in Emure-Ekiti, on Saturday, ascribing the peaceful conduct of Ekiti residents to Oyebanji’s purposeful leadership, which he, has brought a new lease of life to all and sundry in the state.

Oyo State government has absolved itself from the rumoured plan to stop or scuttle the ambition of anyone from becoming the next Olubadan.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, the government said it believes that it is not only premature but also unfair and preemptive for anyone to start discussion on the next Olubadan when a new Olubadan has just been successfully installed.

The commissioner said, “It is embarrassing that few days after the coronation and presentation of staff of office to the new Olubadan, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, some citizens are already looking over the shoulders of the new Oba and ascribing the government gazette that implemented the recommendation of the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to a ploy to disqualify certain individuals.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the last Olubadan, Ọba Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, set up the Ibadan Chieftaincy Review Committee to review and deliberate on the needed reforms of the Ibadan Chieftaincy, the extant chieftaincy declaration and composition of the Ibadan land local government traditional councils and make the necessary recommendations.

“After extensive review and deliberation, the committee recommended among others that the 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-In-Council be elevated and approved as beaded crown wearing Obas.”

The commissioner revealed that the late Oba Balogun, Alli Okumade II, in a signed letter to the Governor of Oyo State and dated February 5th, 2023, proposed that the reform be incorporated into the Ibadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1957.

He added that “Few months later on 14th July, 2023 precisely, the amendments were gazetted.

“The governor did this not only because it was a legitimate prayer from His Imperial Majesty, Oba Dr. (Sen.) Mohood Olalekan Balogun, Alli Okumade II, but also in deference to the tradition and culture of Ibadanland.

“The state government advised the people not to heat up the polity as government will continue to uphold what is right and the cherished tradition and culture of our people.

“Government wishes the Olubadan of Ibadanland, HIM Oba Owolabi Olakulehin, Ige Olakulehin I, good health and wisdom to pilot the affairs of Ibadanland.”

Oyo State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade has charged owners of broadcast stations to wake up to contemporary media challenges and reaffirm their roles in educating, entertaining, and informing the public.

Speaking at the inauguration of the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters, Oyo State Chapter, held at the NTA Ibadan Network Centre, the veteran broadcast manager expressed concern over the poor performance of government-owned stations in recent years and the negative impact on their ratings.

Oyelade, who has been in the business of broadcast media and management for the past 47 years called for a renewed commitment to excellence, stressing that government broadcast stations should embrace the innovative practices that have allowed private stations to thrive and re-assess their strategies to keep their heads above water.

He said “Referring to data from the National Broadcasting Commission Zonal office, Oyo state has experienced a remarkable growth in the broadcast industry. As of February 2024, the state could boast of 51 radio stations, a significant increase from 20 stations in 2019.

“However, private stations have dominated the landscape, with government-owned stations facing decline in their ratings and struggling to attract advertisers.”

Prince Oyelade further urged the management of government-owned stations to think innovatively and seek collaboration, even with competitors, to navigate the tough business climate citing the example of the British Broadcasting Corporation (BBC) which was established in 1922 by the British government but operating independently and publicly funded as a successful model.

Earlier in his address, the Chief host and former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, who has equally had decades of successful management experience in the broadcast media, said broadcasting remains a credible profession.

He said the Society of Nigerian Broadcasters which was mooted in 1963 became formally registered in 1994.

In his key note address, the Vice-Chancellor, Lead City University, Prof. Aderemi Adeyemo said Broadcasting, a vital component of modern communication, plays a crucial role in shaping public opinion, disseminating information, and providing entertainment.

He said as media consumption evolves, broadcasters face a delicate balancing act between maintaining high professional standards and adopting sustainable practices.

The guest speaker noted that political influences can undermine editorial independence, leading to biased reporting and a loss of credibility.

Identifying that financial constraints can lead to compromises in content quality and ethical standards, Prof. Adeyemo added that media houses must be financially stable to sustain operations by diversifying revenue streams, such as advertising, subscriptions, and partnerships.