Tag: Abiola Ajimobi

Ajimobi Presents N267bn Budget Of Stabilisation For 2018

Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi presents 2018 budget of N267 billion to State House of Assembly with about N60 billion higher than the N207 billion presented in 2017.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the appropriation bill tagged, `Budget of Stabilisation, has capital expenditure in the bill was N149.1 billion while the recurrent expenditure was estimated at N118.37 billion.

The governor stated that capital expenditure and recurrent expenditure in the budget stood at 55 and 45 percent respectively.

Ajimobi also said that N156.42 billion was realised out of the estimated N208.65 billion revenue in the 2017 Appropriation Act as at September.

He said that revenue performance stood at 46.95 percent against 62.63 percent in September, while expenditure performance stood at 46.62 percent against 62.19 percent.

Ajimobi said recurrent expenditure, particularly on personnel cost, was heavier due to the continued commitment to payment of workers’ salaries.

“It is to be recalled that apart from consistently utilising more than the stipulated minimum of all the recurrent intervention from the Federal Government to settle salary/pension and arrears, our administration had conceded 100% monthly allocation from the Federation Account to payment of salaries and pensions of the state’s work force.

“This is hinged on our philosophy that only a motivated workforce can facilitate productive performance of an administration for the actualiSation of the delivery of expected dividends of democracy,’’ he said.

He, however, said that his administration was confronted with several challenges during the outgoing fiscal year, noting that government experienced decline in the monthly federal allocation throughout the year.

Ajimobi stated that the situation impacted negatively on the level of budget performance, adding that the 2018 budget was structured toward consolidating upon the gains of the previous years.

He appealed to tax defaulters to perform their civic responsibilities and join hands with others to contribute to government efforts at advancing the development of the state.

“To ensure the realisation of our internally generated objectives, we must continue to restructure government agencies in charge of receivables including the Bureau of Internal Revenue.

“This is our commitment for a well- structured financial system which will give us the impetus to demand from the people their obligations to government,’’ he said.

The governor said that his administration had in the last six years ensured security of lives and properties and massive infrastructure development.

(NAN)

2019: Shittu Desires To Succeed Ajimobi

The Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu has expressed certainty that he would succeed Gov. Abiola Ajimobi as governor of Oyo State in 2019.

Shittu made an affirmation with newsmen in Ibadan after a meeting with members of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) from Egbeda Local Government and Ajorosun Local Council Development Area.

The minister, who is a governorship aspirant, said he would take over from Ajimobi to improve on the good work already started.

According to him, he is the most experienced of all the aspirants, having held several public offices and learnt politics from late Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

“I was a member of the State House of Assembly in 1979 and two-time Commissioner in the State. I have also contested the governorship seat in the state twice before I became a minister.

“These are experiences you cannot buy. Oyo is advanced and sophisticated to be handled by inexperienced administrators,’’ he said.

Shittu dismissed the ongoing re-alignment in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), saying the party was a non-starter at the state and federal level.

He stated that no fewer than 38 road contractors had abandoned work across the country two years before President Muhammadu Buhari assumed office.

The minister stated that the development had contributed largely to unemployment as several workers, including labourers, bricklayers and iron benders were laid-off.

He alleged that the PDP administration’s negligence and incompetence in handling the Boko Haram at inception were responsible for the magnitude of the present security challenges the country was confronted with.

“Boko Haram would have overrun the country if not for Buhari’s emergence.

“The Buhari administration on assumption of office had evolved several efficient and effective strategies for reducing the threat drastically,’’ he said.

Speaking on the call for restructuring, he stated that the APC was presently collating views of Nigerians so as to ensure the people chart a new course for the future.

He said that the outcome would subsequently be presented to the National Assembly.

The minister said that the National Assembly was the only constitutionally recognised institution vested with the powers to amend the Constitution.

The minister also donated an 18-seater bus and cash to the party in the local government.

Govt To Review LAUTECH Tuition Fees – Ajimobi

In a bid to make Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, self-sustaining, government will review tuition fees being paid in the institution, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi, has announced.

The governor made the announcement on Saturday in Ibadan, while featuring on a programme tagged “Saturday Special’ aired on the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS).

LAUTECH is co-owned by both Oyo and Osun state governments.

The institution had in recent times been enmeshed in crisis over the default of the owners to pay subvention and staff salaries.

Ajimobi said his administration had since assumption of office in 2011, paid N22 billion to the institution.

He described the amount being paid as tuition fees in LAUTECH as `abysmal,’ adding that it would be reviewed for the institution to be self-sustaining.

“The default in the payment of subvention and salaries was as a result of economic downturn. When we came on board, we reduced the tuition fees to N65, 000.

“There are secondary schools that charges from N150,000 to N200,000, while some universities charge from N500,000 to two million naira.

“Till date, we have subsidized LAUTECH heavily and we are still giving them.

“Imagine, the institution has 99 accounts and some could not be traced,’’ he said.

The governor said that government had taken steps to resolve the crisis in the university, among which was the auditing of its account to determine its viability to be self-sustaining like other institutions.

He said that staff of the institution had initially refused the auditing firm access but had promised to allow them recently.

Ajimobi said that government had constituted the institution’s governing council which was expected to submit its report after the current holiday.

He promised that the crisis in the university would soon be over and the institution would be given take-off grant for three months.

Commenting on Oyo State Technical University, Ajimobi said that the institution, which would take-off in October, was a specialized institution, adding it was not a university for all.

He said that his administration had evolved several initiatives to reform education in the state, particularly public schools.

He added that the efforts had started to yield the desired fruits.

Ajimobi To Olubadan: Stay Out Of Politics

History was made yesterday in Ibadan where 21 monarchs were coronated – against the wish of Oba Saliu Adetunji, the Olubadan.

The Governor of Ibadan Abiola Ajimobi urged Oba Adetunji to stay away from politics and not allow himself to be used by those he classified as disgruntled elements.

He said:  ”We also congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland and advise that Kaabiyesi should remain the father of all Ibadan citizens and not allow himself to be used by disgruntled elements as observed in his recent utterances, which tend towards the political. It should be noted that Obas are not expected to play politics.”

The Olubadan was absent at the event following his opposition to the upgrade of 21 former Baales and 11 high chiefs who are members of the Olubadan-in-Council, to Obas’ status.

Each of the 32 upgraded obas bear the “His Imperial Majesty” title.

The governor, who explained that the elevation of the baales and chiefs would in no way affect the status of Oba Adetunji, said his administration was not altering or tinkering with the traditional succession and ascendancy system of the Olubadan chieftaincy structure.

The new monarchs are those whose communities have history of near-independent origin but which are part of the larger Ibadan land.

The governor said: “Each of the high chiefs will now be addressed as “His Royal Majesty” because they are now Obas, the former Baales will be addressed as “His Royal Highness”. All of them are under the Olubadan of Ibadanland.”

“The review of the Olubadan Chieftaincy Declaration of 1959, according to Ajimobi, will further elevate the throne of the Olubadan and bring traditional governance closer to the people. The high chiefs will still move up the ladder as vacancies come up.

“In practice, while the high chiefs still maintain their top positions as they operate as Obas, the most senior will be elevated from a second class oba to the position of the Olubadan once there is a vacancy.

In all, 21 new obas received their staffs of office at the Mapo Hall amidst fanfare.

Former Oyo State Governor Rashidi Ladoja, who is the Osi Olubadan, who was among the 11 elevated high chiefs, was also absent. The 21 newly crowned Obas include eight high chiefs and 13 Baales.

The new Royal Majesties who received their insignia and instruments of office are: Senator Lekan Balogun, who is also the Otun Olubadan; Akinloye Owolabi Olakuleyin, who is the Osi Balogun ; Tajudeen Ajibola, the Ashipa Olubadan; Oba Eddy Oyewole and the Ekerin Olubadan, Abiodun Kola-Daisi.

Others are:  Oba Latifu Gbadamosi Adebimpe, the Asipa Balogun of Ibadanland, Amidu Ajibade, the Ekarun Olubadan of Ibadanland, and Dr. Kolawole Adegbola, the Ekarun Balogun of Ibadanland.

The new Royal Highnesses are:  Oba Lasisi Akano, the Onijaye of Ijaye; Ismaila Opeola, the Oniroko of Iroko; Moses Akinyosoye, the Onikereku of Ikereku; Mudasiru Adebayo, the Ololodo of Olodo; and Victor Sunday Okunola, the Elegbeda of Egbeda.

Others are: Oba Gbolagade Babalola the Onido of Ido; Olabamiji Thomas, theAlakufo of Akufo; Wahab Okedina, the Oloke of Okelade-Okin; Dauda Omotoso, the Alawotan of Awotan and Adeboye Salako, the Olofa of Offa. Rafiu Alawusa the Onilagun of Lagun; Tiamiyu Ladipo, the Alaba of Aba-Nla and James Obisesan, the Alakanran of Akanran.

The arrival of the Oluwo of Ibadanland introduced a new twist into the event as he led all the monarchs to an inner chamber where all the traditional rites were performed.

The monarchs acknowledged cheers from a crowd of well-wishers as they returned to the venue after the rites.

Ajimobi said he was not changing the history of the chieftaincy system but elevating it. He assured all that the coronation would neither undermine the authority of the Olubadan nor alter the Olubadan succession plan in any way.

He added that the administration was rather consolidating and elevating the status of the Olubadan, who as a Commander-in-Chief should have lieutenants.

The governor accused some individuals of manipulating the the Olubadan after he enjoyed the understanding of the monarch with a mutual agreement after series of meetings.

Stressing that he has no grudge against any individual over the resistance to the move, Ajimobi noted that the Olubadan remained his father, stressing that nothing can ever separate them.

He promised to visit the Olubadan again to reassure him of the implication of the ceremony on the Olubadan traditional system.

The governor said the coronation and promotion of the obas enjoyed the support of the Ibadan Elders Forum, the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes, Olubadan-in-Council, Mogajis, community leaders and many prominent indigenes of Ibadan, adding that all the new Obas as stakeholders also desire the elevation of the Olubadan chieftaincy title to be in line with modern realities.

He challenged the obas to use their positions to develop the people and the state, urging them to distance themselves from partisan politics that can have negative effects on their position.

The governor, who arrived at the venue at about 1:40pm in the company of his wife, Florence to a rousing welcome from the jubilant crowd, went down memory lane to explain that the review of the chieftaincy matter was not new. He said he would only be remembered as the first governor to implement the recommendations of the panel of inquiry.

Oba Balogun, in his vote of thanks on behalf of the new obas, maintained that nothing was changing in the Olubadan traditional succession but that the innovation would add more prestige to the status.

He said: “What we are doing is catching up with the rest of Yorubaland. This has been done in all other states of the Southwest. If we are asking for Ibadan state, are we going to have only a king for the state?

“If the Olubadan is going out now, he will not go out alone because all kings in Ibadan will now go with him as the Imperial Majesty.

“The governor has done the city a good favor. We are not contesting anything with the monarch. He remains the father of all of us in Ibadan and history will not forget Ajimobi for what he has done. I still remain the Otun Olubadan, so nothing has changed. The only thing that has changed is fashion and nomenclature.

“Instead of being a high chief, I became a king under the Olubadan. The crown is just a fashion to give respect to our position and prestige to the Olubadan, who is the head of all kings in Ibadanland.”

At the event were: Deputy Governor Moses Adeyemo; Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Olalekan Ali; Chief of Staff to the Governor Gbade Ojo; Commissioner for Information, Culture & Tourism Toye Arulogun, his counterpart at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Matters, Bimbo Kolade and other top government functions.

Others include: Speaker of the House of Assembly Micheal Adeyemo, who led other lawmakers;  Chief Adebayo Akande, Chief Lamidi Ajadi; Chief Niyi Akintola (SAN); former President of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII) Chief Bayo Oyero;  Chief Bayo Akande, Oloye K.O Latunji, Gbenga Arulogun, Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu;  the Aare Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Daud Akinola; the Mogaji of Ile Ajimobi, Wasiu Ajimobi and All Progressives Congress (APC) state chairman Chief Akin Oke, who was represented by the State Secretary, Mojeed Olaoya.

Other dignitaries include a former military governor of Lagos and Ogun states, Gen. Raji Rasaki; Chief Lanre Oyelade and a member of the House of Representatives, Saheed Fijabi.

APC Women Hail Ajimobi For Appointing Fatima Hassan SA On Student Affairs

The APC Young Women Forum has commended Governor Ajimobi of Oyo State for appointing Ms. Fatima Hassan as Special Assistant on Student Affairs. The group described the governor as a true progressive and expressed appreciation for finding one of their members worthy of being included in his cabinet.

 

This was contained in a statement issued in Abuja on Friday by Shirley Aipoh, the forum’s public relations officer.

 

“The APC Young Women Forum would like to thank Governor Ajimobi for finding our Oyo state coordinator, Ms. Fatima Hassan, worthy of being in charge of the affairs of students in the state. We have had to fight an uphill battle concerning the inclusion of not only young people, but young women in particular in governance; with this appointment, Governor Ajimobi has proven to be a true progressive.”

 

“We have utmost confidence in Ms. Hassan’s ability to deliver on this mandate as she has proven her mettle over time. She is a student leader to be reckoned with not only in Oyo state, but in the South West as a whole. The capacity of our members when it comes to youth mobilization is without question and we are grateful for this opportunity given to her and by extension, the Forum.”

 

“We hereby call on other governors, not just within the APC, to ensure that youth representation in their respective cabinets extends to young women. Ours is a demography which is grossly underrepresented in politics and governance and it is, therefore, important for all to note that the term ‘youth’ includes young women also.”

 

“We wish our able coordinator all the best with her new assignment, and will be on ground to support her with whatever she needs in order to execute her duties to the best of her ability”, the statement read.

 

Tinubu, Amosun, Ajimobi Mourn

The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, has described the late mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun as a great mother and an epitome of motherhood who always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers through thick and thin.

Commiserating with Aregbesola on the death of his mother, Tinubu, in a condolence message from his Media Office in Lagos said, “Mama was like a mother to me as well. We would miss her and her prayers. She passed on while her son was away in Kebbi, Kebbi State in the course of national duty.

“Governor Aregbesola was very close to his mum.  I wish I could find the right word to comfort him. I have been through that way too. I know how it feels to lose a mother. A mother’s place is huge in our life. No one can take the place of our mother.

“No matter how old she may be, we never wish that our dear mother leaves us. My prayer is that our prayers help comfort Aregbesola.

“My condolences also go out to other members of the Aregbesola family. We will never forget mama. We would pray for her as she prayed for us. May God grant her eternal rest.”, Tinubu said.

Also, Governors of Ogun and Oyo states, Ibikunke Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi respectively, have commiserated with Aregbesola over the death of his mother, Alhaja Saratu

Amosun, in a statement, signed by his Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, said the Governor’s late mother, popularly called ‘Iya Olobi’, was a devout Muslim, who dedicated her life to the relentless teaching and zealous practise of the core values of Islam.

Also, Oyo State Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, described Madam Aregbesola’s demise as depressing and disheartening.

Ajimobi described the deceased as a pride to womanhood and pillar of support to her son. The Governor said Mama Aregbesola deserved to be celebrated for living a life worthy of emulation and for nurturing her children to stardom.

We Are Irrevocably Committed To Make LAUTECH Best University In Nigeria, say Aregbesola, Ajimobi

…….As Two Owner States Inaugurate new Governing Council
The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Oyo state counterparts, Senator Abiola Ajimobi on Monday evening reaffirmed commitment to turn Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) the best university in Nigeria.

The governors of the two owner states said no iota of distraction from any quarter would prevent them from resuscitating the university and make it the most viable citadel of knowledge in Nigeria and Africa.This was as even the two Governors inaugurated a 7-man Governing Council for the university to pilot its affairs for the next four years.

The newly inaugurated Governing Council is headed by a retired Head of Service of the Federation, Professor Oladapo Afolabi as Chairman and Pro-Chancellor of the institution.

Other members of the Governing Council include: Professor Lai Olurode, Prof. (Mrs) Olaide Adedokun, Mr. Abiodun AbdulJelil Owonikoko SAN, Mr. Isiaka Olagoke, Mr. Tise Adenipekun and Bade Adesina respectively.

While inaugurating the new Governing Council at the Oyo state Governor’s Office, Ibadan, Oyo state, the Governors of the two owner states called on the new Council to do all humanly possible to rejuvenate, revamp and reposition the institution to the greater heights being aspired by all.

In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who described the university as one of the few higher institutions in Nigeria with best products, said the two states would not relent in their efforts to galvanise every opportunity that could help the university to accomplish her aims and objectives.

He said the two states on assumption of offices have been working assiduously to strengthen the joint ownership of the institution, a move which according to him had earned the university several accolades and achievements.

Governor Aregbesola said the two governments of Osun and Oyo have done much in maintaining the good reputation and rank of the institution as been designed by the founding fathers.

While charging the new members of the Governing Council on the need to complement the already established myriads of development and transformation in the citadel of knowledge, Aregbesola said it is time for them (members of the new Governing Council) to do the needful and take great advantage in the current situation to uplift the university in the interest of both states and public at large.

According to him, it is not a doubt that the newly inaugurated Governing Council members are crop of seasoned and eminent personalities that have all it takes to move the university forward at this critical times.

“From your distinctions in various aspects of life to your track records, you are highly distinguished and unique.

” I am highly proud to have you as members of the new Governing Council of our great University.

“I expect extra-ordinary performance from you all. That is not to say your predecessors were not good. To us those you are succeeding did their best to administer and represent us as the supervisors of the university but the uniqueness on your own calling now, is the circumstance that you are beginning your tenure.

“You must be committed to the efforts made by the owner states to sustain the joint ownership of the institution in line with the spirit of the founding fathers and make the university the best of all in the country.

“The present governments of Osun and Oyo have not only brought about huge transformation but also maintained the trends of quality high education as being reflected in the institution’s track records.

“It is for this reason that we want the new Governing Council to within the shortest time possible to rejuvenate the university, reposition it and bring it back not just to enviable position but to make it the best university in Nigeria.

“There is no doubt that LAUTECH was known to be the best university in Nigeria and we want you to maintain this tempo in placing our university above its peers in Nigeria in churning out graduates not only virile in academics but distinguished in character.

“We want you to perform miracle if possible as being done by Jesus christ who turned water to wine according to christiandom so as to ensuring that the university is not only resuscitated but placed to great heights ever known in history.

“We want every member of this Council to perform another miracle that will turn around the fortunes of the university for the betterment of all.

“We want to use your tenure to perform wonders in making the comatose of LAUTECH within the shortest possible time the best university in Nigeria”, Aregbesola tasked the Governing Council.

Also, the Oyo state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi attributed the inauguration of the new Governing Council to the fulfilment of one of the recommendations given by the Visitation Panel set up by the two owner states.

He said the steps were taken towards the  sustainability and achievement of the aims and objectives of the founding fathers in making the University to be the best in Nigeria.

Governor Ajimobi said the two states were through the inauguration of the Governing Council showcasing to the world their absolute commitment to goals and objectives of the founding fathers.

According to Governor Ajimobi, “LAUTECH is an institution owns by the Osun and Oyo governments and we are irrevocably committed to this joint ownership just as we are determined to make the university the best in Nigeria.

“Like all institutions, there are challenges and anyone who claims to be a leader or manager wants results must never be afraid of the challenges.

“Infact, it is because of these challenges that made us to be here because we are ever committed to surmount those challenges as LAUTECH is no exception as we all know the historical perspection of the institution.

“We are carefully selected the members of this Governing Council whose track records can not be faulted and there is no doubt in our minds that all the members of new Council are eminently qualified not only to resurrect LAUTECH but to reposition the institution.

“We assure you that looking at the membership that we have, there is no doubt in our minds that within the next three months, we will start to see first thing to avert the undeserving trends that we have and to begin to reposition LAUTECH accordingly.

“It is based on this that we quickly implement one of the recommendations of the visitation panel to ensure that we inaugurate and put in place a Governing Council.

“We are also working seriously to ensure that LAUTECH remains sustainable and achieve the aims and objectives of the founding fathers in making the University to be the best in Nigeria.

“We are recommitting ourselves to that goals and objectives of the founding fathers as we are sure that by what it will take, we would reposition and reopen the university and LAUTECH must work”, Ajimobi stressed.

While appealing to striking workers of the institution on the need to reason with Government’s stance and support on the new move to reposition the university, Ajimobi said the owner states will do all possible to turn around the institution.

“We are committed to ensure that we have a forensic audit of the financial of the management, students and programmes of the university just as we are taking this opportunity to appeal to all the stakeholders to please allow sanity to prevail.

“There is no where in the world where employees of an institution will prevent the owners from repositioning the institution. There is no where in the world where workers unions of the institution will prevent the forensic audit of that institution.

“So, we are appealing to either the Union, the Workers or students of LAUTECH to please allow us to promote this university and reposition it according to the dictates of modern day management and institutional development.

“It is on this note that we are saying, that the new Governing Council has now been given all the powers to do whatever necessary to resuscitate, to develop, progress and reposition the university so that it becomes the number one university in Nigeria”, Ajimobi added.

Responding on behalf of other members of the new Governing Council, the Chairman of the Council, Professor Oladapo Afolabi assured the owner states of improved and better performance.

Ajimobi Mourns Outstanding Broadcaster, Chief Adebayo Faleti

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has described the death of ace broadcaster, writer, poet and actor, Chief Adebayo Faleti, as shocking and devastating.

Faleti, aged 86, died on Sunday at the University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan.

In a statement by the governor’s Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr Yomi Layinka, Ajimobi also described the octogenarian as a repository of Yoruba culture and tradition.

Faleti was also a good ambassador of the state, he said.

“Even though Baba Faleti died at the ripe age of 86, his passing away is very unfortunate, disheartening and sad.

“Part of the things that endeared him to my heart was his simple lifestyle, his dislike for material wealth and commitment to the progress of the Yoruba race.

“Instead of allowing his humble background to serve as a barrier for his career progression, Chief Faleti defied all odds.

‘’He ensured that he trained himself up to the university level, even at a time when education was not too attractive.

“As a pioneer staff of the first television station in Africa, Western Nigeria Television (WNTV), he exhibited his dexterity in broadcasting, while he imparted morals in the younger generation through his various books, poems and acting.

“In recognition of his contributions to the development of Yoruba culture and tradition, the Federal Government conferred on him the national honour of Officer of the Order of the Niger (OON),” Ajimobi said.

Ajimobi said that with Chief Faleti’s demise, the state had lost one of its cultural icons who had brought it fame and honour through his various activities in broadcasting, publishing and film industry.

He, however, called on members of his immediate family, friends and associates to celebrate rather than mourn the deceased, having lived a fulfilled life worthy of emulation.

Ajimobi Inaugurates CBN Project At TechU Varsity

Gov. Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State on Tuesday in Ibadan inaugurated an e-library and administrative block built by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN)  at the Technical University (TechU) in Ibadan.

Speaking at the inauguration, Ajimobi expressed appreciation to the board and management of CBN for the donation, promising that the facilities would be put to good use. The inauguration was initiated by the Oyo State Government and he also spoke on the location of the varsity. The university is located at the Lagos -Ibadan expressway.

The governor said the institution will offer degree programmes of the international standard through collaboration with relevant global institutions.

“Our vision is to be a world-class institution for technical studies that are anchored on entrepreneurial practices, innovation and commitment to international best practices.

“We plan to produce exceptional graduates who are not only socially conscious but technically competent enough to turn around the fortunes of the state and Nigeria,’’ he said.

He stated that no government could single-handedly bear the huge responsibilities of providing qualitative education.

The governor said partnership in repositioning the education sector in the state was desirable and appreciated.

The CBN governor, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said that the country was experiencing an acute shortage of high quality and world class educational institutions.

Emefiele, who was represented by Mr Adebayo Adelabu, CBN Deputy Governor, Operations, said that this shortage informed the surge in the number of Nigerian students going abroad to seek quality education.

“This has implications for the demand for foreign exchange and supply of qualified personnel to support the productive capacity of the country.

“Our primary mandate at CBN includes maintenance of price and exchange rate stability, functional and stable financial system, effective payment system and credible currency.

“We have a responsibility for development financing through regular intervention in critical sectors of the economy of which education is one to bridge the manpower and infrastructural deficits accumulated over time,’’ he said.

He urged the beneficiaries, including staff and students of the university, to make use of the buildings and derive the full benefits for which the project was intended.

“I want to take this opportunity to express the hope that the university management will adopt the necessary maintenance culture to keep the buildings and equipment for many years.

“Government cannot fund education alone. The private sector equally has very important roles to play.

“Tertiary institutions are supposed to be the drivers of research and innovation relevant to industry and commerce,’’ he said.

The Pro-Chancellor of the University, Prof. Oyewusi Ibidapo-Obe, on his part, described the e-library as one of the best in the world.

“We intend to work very hard to ensure that the minimum achievement of any student must be a second class lower.

“We are going to run the university as a scheme of 12 programmes,’’ he said.

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, and the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, in their remarks, commended the governor for establishing the university.

While Adeyemi said that the governor had planted a legacy that would linger for many years, Adetunji, who was represented by High Chief Lekan Balogun, described the institution as a great innovation.

 

Oyo State Govt. To Offer Free Medical Services

The Oyo State Government on Sunday said it would
commence series of free medical services on Monday.

Mr Toye Arulogun, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism,
made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Ibadan.

He stated that “the Gov. Abiola Ajimobi Free Health Mission would hold across the six geo-political zones of the state, namely Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa and the two zones in Oke-Ogun.”

Arulogun noted that the services were — free surgeries, screening and treatment of high blood pressure, diabetes, malaria, family planning, HIV screening, immunisation and vitamin A for children under one year.

The commissioner said services would start at the Adeoyo Maternity Teaching Hospital, Yemetu in Ibadan on May 15, as part of events to commemorate the sixth anniversary of the Abiola Ajimobi Administration in Oyo State.

He explained that “the programme was borne out of the present administration’s concern for the well-being of the people and to provide quality healthcare delivery.”

He added that the free health mission for Ibadan zone would hold in Ibadan on May
15 and May 16 at Adeoyo Maternity Teaching hospital, Yemetu, while that of Ibarapa zone would hold on May 18 and May 19 at General Hospital, Eruwa.

Arulogun said Saki zone would hold at State Hospital Saki on May 22 and May 23,
and move to General Hospital in Iseyin.

The commissioner stated that the free health services would hold at State Hospital, Oyo on May 30 and May 31, while the one for Ogbomoso zone would take place at State Hospital, Ogbomoso on June 1 and June 2.

He reiterated the state government’s resolve to take medical services to every nook and cranny of the state to improve the health conditions of the people.

He announced that Gov. Ajimobi would soon unveil the recent two million dollars
worth of medical equipment at the Cardiovascular Centre of the State Hospital, Adeoyo in Ibadan.

He added that the state government received the equipment from the U.S.

Abiola Ajimobi Warns Traders Against Street Trading

Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State has warned that traders who prefer to display and sell their wares by the roadsides instead of moving into the neighbourhood market stalls freely allocated to them by the state government will soon lose them.

Ajimobi while restating the government’s decision against street trading during an unscheduled visit to the neighbourhood market at the Scout Camp, Molete, Ibadan, on Thursday lamented the loss of lives and property attributed to street trading in some parts of the state.

The governor enjoined the traders to join hands with the government in its determination to end the practice once and for all.

The market was built and inaugurated in 2013 by the Ajimobi-led administration, with over 3000 spaces and lock-up shops, which were allocated to traders free of charge.

Ajimobi had by then said that the initiative was meant to create a safety net for traders who could not afford to rent a shop and particularly as part of the administration’s long-term plan to eradicate street trading.

For the market to be self-sustaining in the area of cleaning and security, the governor advised the traders to meet and decide on the modality for the collection of tokens as levies for its development.

“I’m appealing to you to hold on to the spaces allocated to you in this market. Those who were allocated spaces here, but decided to trade by the road will soon lose their allocation. We have preached and sensitized our people enough. We say no more to street trading.

“It’s unimaginable that some traders that were allocated spaces in this market free of charge along with you have decided to abandon them and move to the roadsides. In fact, we shall revoke their allocation. We shall start to enforce the law against street trading.

“There is nowhere in the whole of this country where government constructed this kind of modern market without collecting money from those allocated spaces. Henceforth, you should find a way of levying yourselves so as to have the financial strength to do things like cleaning of the environment and maintenance of security.”

He, therefore, called on the leadership of the market to urgently come up with an affordable payment scheme for the sake of keeping the market environment safe and clean.

Babaloja of the market, Mr. Kehinde Tewogbade lauded the initiative of the Ajimobi-led administration on the construction the market, which, he said, was completed within the promised six months.

Tewogbade said his members would be delighted if the government could go ahead and enforce the laws against street trading, adding that only by strict regulation and enforcement could ensure compliance occur.

“Ajimobi has always supported us. He promised to construct and complete the market within six months and that came to pass.

“We will not forget the N20million revolving loan he approved and gave us in 2013. All these are attributes of a good leader that cares for the downtrodden.

“I can say it openly that the leadership of this market is in agreement with the decision of the governor to enforce the law against those that have continued to trade by the roadside; they deserve it”, he said.