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.

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

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.