Constituents from the nine local governments in Oyo South Senatorial District have benefitted from an empowerment programme facilitated by Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South).

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to newsmen on Wednesday.

The initiative, aimed at alleviating poverty and providing economic support, is ongoing, with Senator Alli pledging to continue the distribution.

The initiative, aimed at alleviating poverty and providing economic support is still ongoing as the facilitator pledged continuous distribution.

At the event, beneficiaries received Point of Sale (POS) terminals, accessories, and a N50,000 start-up capital to launch their businesses as POS agents.

The programme, tagged “Capacity Building and Skill Acquisition on Poverty Alleviation in Oyo South Senatorial District,” was designed to provide skills that could lead to long-term financial independence.

Senator Alli, who was represented by one of his aides, Mr Ayo Adedokun, expressed commitment to empowering constituents through practical and sustainable initiatives.

He reiterated his dedication to improving the living conditions of his constituents, noting that the empowerment initiative would create new avenues for financial growth.

“We are focused on ensuring that our people are not left behind in the digital economy,” he said.

“This POS scheme will enable beneficiaries to become business owners, contributing not only to their personal income but also to the overall economic development of Oyo South.”

Hon. Mojeed Olaoya, the Oyo South Senatorial Chairman of APC, echoed similar sentiments, emphasising that POS business is a thriving venture.

He advised the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the kits and capitalize on the growing demand for cash withdrawal and financial services in their communities.

“This is more than just an empowerment; it’s a lifeline..Use this opportunity to transform your financial situation,” Olaoya said.

Hon. Jelili Agboola, a former Commissioner for Establishments and Training, also commended the beneficiaries and encouraged them to seize the opportunity.

“This is a unique initiative that will open doors for you. It is up to you to make the most of it and build a stable financial future,” Agboola said.

Also an APC Chieftain, Alhaji Ghandi Omilabu, urged the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the kits, saying it would help them a lot.

He described the programme as a great initiative compared to other form of empowerment, saying beneficiaries had already gotten a great lifeline.

Some beneficiaries expressed gratitude for the initiative, lauding Senator Alli for his continued efforts to uplift constituents through impactful and sustainable empowerment programmes.

Mrs Mulikat Ayandeji from Ibarapa East Local Government , expressed gratitude to the senator, saying the initiative would provide her with a valuable opportunity to enhance her livelihood.

“I wholeheartedly commend Senator Alli for his unwavering commitment to the well-being of constituents through sustainable empowerment programmes,” she said.

Mr Ibrahim Bolarinwa from Ido Local Government, expressed appreciation for being a beneficiary of the empowerment programme, acknowledging how it would positively transform his circumstances.

He applauded Senator Alli for consistently prioritising the needs of we constituents through meaningful initiatives.

Mrs Ajoke Wahab from Ibadan North Local Government, also commended Senator Alli’s initiative, highlighting the positive impact it would have on her life.

She praised the senator for his dedication to uplifting the community through impactful and life-changing empowerment efforts.

Oyo State is grappling with a severe public health crisis marked by indiscriminate waste disposal, open defecation, and a lack of potable water. These factors have culminated in the prevalence of communicable diseases, most notably a recent cholera outbreak. This dire situation has already led to the tragic deaths of two (2) residents in the Gbekuba area of Omi Adio LCDA, seven (7) cases reported in Akinyele LG and three (3) cases in the Mokola area of Ibadan North LG, underscoring the urgent need for comprehensive public health interventions.

This situation calls for immediate action, drawing on the lessons from John Snow, the father of epidemiology. His pioneering study in 1854 demonstrated the critical role of water sources in spreading cholera, a lesson that remains relevant today as we confront similar challenges in Oyo State.

John Snow’s investigation into the cholera outbreaks in London’s Golden Square area led to a groundbreaking discovery about waterborne diseases. By creating a spot map linking cholera cases to water sources, particularly the Broad Street pump, he provided compelling evidence that cholera was spread through contaminated water, fundamentally changing public health strategies.

The recent cholera deaths in Oyo State are a distressing reminder of the importance of access to clean water. The primary water source for the residents of Gbekuba is the Oluweri River, which is heavily contaminated with human and animal waste due to prevalent open-defecation practices. This dire situation is exacerbated by the government’s insufficient attention to leveraging scientific knowledge, employment of adequate environmental health officers and technologists, and robust public health policies to prevent such outbreaks.

The current crisis underscores the critical need for skilled environmental health practitioners. These professionals are essential in disease surveillance and prevention, waste management, detecting and mitigating health risks, ensuring compliance with health regulations, research and development, and community education and engagement.

This outbreak in Oyo State is another wake-up call for the urgent need to integrate scientific insights into public health strategy, as exemplified by John Snow’s work. The government must prioritize the engagement of Environmental Health Officers to address the current crisis and prevent future outbreaks. Ensuring the health and safety of its residents should be paramount, and this can be achieved by investing in proper water sanitation, robust public health education, and strict enforcement of environmental health regulations.

Immediate action is not just a necessity—it is a moral imperative to prevent further loss of life.

Kunle Adesiyan, a concerned citizen writes from Oyo Town.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, President of the renowned Beulah Adeoye Foundation, known for its outstanding contributions to community and youth development projects, has extended his heartfelt felicitations to the Muslim faithful on the occasion of this year’s Maulud Nabiyy.

In a statement made available to the journalists by Amofin Adeoye’s Chief of Staff, Ridwan Fasasi, the respected legal luminary emphasized the significance of Maulud Nabiyy as an opportunity to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) and evaluate their devotion as directed by Almighty Allah. “This celebration is a moment to realign our commitments to Allah’s instructions, inspired by the life of the Prophet,” he remarked.

Adeoye further urged all individuals to use this time to foster unity, love, and compassion, allowing the Prophet’s teachings to guide their paths towards peace and righteousness. “In moment of celebration like this, let us extend love to all and sundry, while allowing the light of the Prophet’s teachings to illuminate our paths to peace and righteousness,” he added.

The Beulah Adeoye Foundation, known for its positive impact across different sectors, continues to stand as a beacon of hope, promoting initiatives aimed at improving lives, especially in marginalized communities.

‘Working In The Shadows Of Death,’ Professor Ayodeji Omole’s intellectual journey will be laid bare this Thursday, 19th September, 2024 at the Trenchard Hall of the University of Ibadan.

The inaugural will see the scholar talking on his academic journey, experiences, contributions to scholarship as well as what it takes an academic to, not only work in the shadows of death, but what it means to be walking through the forests, which is akin to the shadows of death.

The 561st inaugural lecture in the history of the premier university would be delivered by the don on behalf of the institution’s faculty of renewable natural resources.

The don, who is currently the pro-chancellor and chairman of Council, Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTEH), is of the department of forest production and products, UI.

Invited guests, part of which include some top government functionaries from Oyo State as well as management team from LAUTECH, who are billed to grace the event are to be seated before 5.00 pm.

As the Executive Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, Zacch Adedeji, Ph.D, clocks one year in office, the lawmaker representing Oyo central senatorial district, Yunus Akintunde, Ph.D, has said that it was a remarkable 365 days.

Akintunde, in a personally signed statement to Adedeji, who he said is one of his constituents, explained that anyone who is close to the revenue boss would attest to his high work ethics and knack for achievements, even in difficult places.

According to the Oyo-born All Progressives Congress, APC, lawmaker who was commissioner for works and transport when Adedeji was handling finance under the administration of late former governor Abiola Ajimobi in Oyo State, President Bola Tinubu would be proud of your tremendous contributions to the economic development of the country.

“The last one year at the Federal Inland Revenue Service, FIRS, has been marked by many achievements. I am not surprised at all. I was one of those who told people, especially my colleagues in the National Assembly that this man was going to perform and he has not let the nation down. To say I am proud of this my constituent is an understatement because to serve the country at this difficult time and succeed is no mean feat.

“The country, more than ever, is in need of revenue to put in place infrastructure, revamp education, facelift health system and others. This is because returns from oil that we depended largely hasn’t been like before. I recall how FIRS under Dr Zacch Adedeji has been doing well. From surpassing the target last year to restructuring at the Service, introduction of new tax collection tools as well as workers’ welfare. I have no doubt in my mind that FIRS, under the supervision of my brother, would do better this year and the coming years.

“I want to use this occasion to tell him that he has been a good ambassador of our senatorial district and Oyo State. He’s providing a direct and indirect mentorship to those coming after him with the achievements in his current and previous assignments. He is indeed one of the poster boys of this administration and I make bold to say President Bola Tinubu would be proud of him,” Akintunde added.

Senator Sharafadeen Alli (APC-Oyo South) has felicitated with Muslims across the nation on the occasion of this year’s Eid-el-Maulud, commemorating the birth of the Holy Prophet Muhammad (SAW).

This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas and made available to newsmen on Sunday in Ibadan.

Senator Alli urged Muslims to use the occasion to reflect on the teachings of the Prophet and their relevance in today’s world.

He emphasised the virtues of peace, love, and tolerance as exemplified by Prophet Muhammad (SAW) throughout his lifetime.

The lawmaker called on Muslims to imbibe these virtues, especially in the current global environment where peace and harmony are increasingly challenged.

“The Prophet’s life remained a timeless model for humanity, one that transcends religious and cultural boundaries.

“As we celebrate Eid-el-Maulud, it is important that we recommit ourselves to the ideals of justice, compassion, and mutual respect, which are the hallmarks of the Prophet’s teachings.

“Let’s actively seek ways to promote peace and national cohesion, in line with the Prophet’s example of fostering unity and mutual understanding. Our country, Nigeria, will benefit immensely if we all strive to live by these values,” Alli said.

Alli appealed for unity among Nigerians, stressing that division along religious, ethnic, or political lines could only hamper the nation’s progress.

He congratulated the Muslim community in Oyo South and Nigeria at large for the successful observance of the Maulud celebration.

The lawmaker prayed for continued blessings, guidance, and protection for all citizens, urging them to remain steadfast in their faith.

Senator Alli reiterated his commitment to the welfare of constituents and dedication to the socio-economic development of Oyo South as well as Nigeria at large.

He called for cooperation and prayers for the leaders of the country to lead with wisdom and justice.

Lifting of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), also known as petrol from the 650,000 barrels per day Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday, September 15, the federal government has confirmed.

Following the official rollout of petrol from the refinery, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation Limited (NNPCL) disclosed that petroleum products from the refinery will flood the market from September 15, Tribute Online reports.

The Presidential Committee on the Sale of Crude Oil and Refined Product, through one of its members and Chairman of the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Zacch Adedeji, while briefing journalists in Abuja on Friday, confirmed that the loading of the first batch of petrol will commence on Sunday.

The FIRS boss said that from October 1, the NNPCL will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira.

“I am glad to announce that all agreements have been completed and loading of the first batch of PMS from the Dangote Refinery will commence on Sunday 15th September,” Adedeji stated.

According to Adedeji, the agreement that the nation’s oil company will be the sole off-taker of petrol from the refinery still stands, despite reports of NNPCL debunking it, saying the refinery is free to sell to anyone. He explained that Dangote Refinery will in return supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira.

He added that the committee also reached resolutions on the sale of diesel in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker.

“From 1 October, NNPC will commence the supply of about 385kbpd of crude oil to the Dangote Refinery to be paid for in Naira

“In return, the Dangote Refinery will supply PMS and diesel of equivalent value to the domestic market to be paid for in Naira.

“Diesel will be sold in Naira by the Dangote Refinery to any interested off-taker. PMS will only be sold to NNPC, NNPC will then sell to various marketers for now. All associated regulatory costs will also be paid for in Naira.”

Meanwhile, the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), on Tuesday, disclosed that it may continue importing petrol into the country amidst uncertainties surrounding the pricing of the products from Dangote Refinery.