A Nigerian professional group in the Diaspora, the Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID), has praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his achievements in office as Oyo State marked its 50th anniversary, describing his leadership as transformational and people-centered.

In a statement issued after the week-long golden jubilee celebrations, OID said the anniversary events were the biggest in the state’s history, showcasing Oyo State’s rich heritage, developmental strides, and future aspirations, while strengthening unity and pride among its citizens.

The group noted that the milestone provided an opportunity to reflect on the state’s journey since its creation and the remarkable progress recorded under Governor Makinde’s administration, stressing that his accomplishments compare favourably with those of past administrations.

OID also paid tribute to the founding fathers and mothers of Oyo State, acknowledging their sacrifices and resilience in laying the foundation for the state’s growth and development.
In the statement signed by its spokesperson, Barrister Ayotomiwa Adebayo, the Diaspora group commended Governor Makinde’s people-centered approach to governance, integrity in public service, and commitment to sustainable development across critical sectors. It said the administration has recorded measurable progress in economic growth, job creation, infrastructure development, education, healthcare delivery, security, agribusiness, renewable energy, and civil service reforms.

The group particularly highlighted the prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensioners’ gratuities, noting that fiscal discipline, accountability, and transparency have remained hallmarks of the Makinde-led administration.
According to OID, Governor Makinde’s people-focused governance has restored public confidence in government and repositioned Oyo State as a viable destination for investment and innovation. The group described his leadership style as a beacon of hope for the foreseeable future of Nigeria, adding that it offers a model for good governance at both state and national levels.

“The 50th anniversary celebration was not only a remembrance of Oyo State’s past but also a strong statement of how far the state has come under Governor Makinde. His administration has redefined governance and laid a solid foundation for long-term prosperity,” the statement said.

OID further noted that the governor’s inclusive leadership has ensured that development reaches both urban and rural communities, describing Oyo State as one of the most attractive states in the country to live, work, and invest in.

The group congratulated the people of Oyo State on the golden jubilee and urged residents to remain united, rise above differences, and continue supporting the Makinde-led administration in consolidating existing gains to secure a stronger and more prosperous future for the state.

Chairman of the Nigeria Revenue Service (NRS), Dr Zacch Adedeji, has canvassed a paradigm shift in dependence on raw material exports to one that embrace ideas, innovation and the production of complex products as a pathway to sustainable economic growth and national prosperity.

Adedeji made the submission while delivering the maiden distinguished personality lecture of the Faculty of Administration, Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, on Thursday.

A statement by his Special Adviser on Media, Dare Adekanmbi, said Adedeji, in the lecture entitled, ‘From Potential to Prosperity: Export-led Economy’, stressed the need to rethink growth through the lens of complexity by not just producing more of the same stuff.

He lamented that Nigeria possesses a high-tech oil sector and low-productivity informal sector as well as lacking “the vibrant, labour-absorbing industrial base that serves as a bridge to higher complexity.”

The NRS boss stated that Nigeria witnessed stagnation in its exportation drive for three decades between 1998 to 2023, and only added six new products in its export basket list between 2008 and 2023.

“Because of our current position, the Harvard Atlas concluded that we are positioned to take advantage of very few opportunities to diversify using what we already know.”

Adedeji urged Nigeria to learn from the world by comparative study of success and failure like Vietnam, Bangladesh, Indonesia, South Africa and Brazil.

“We are not just looking at numbers in a vacuum; we are looking at the strategic choices made by nations like Vietnam, Indonesia, Bangladesh, Brazil, and South Africa over the same twenty-five-year period. While there are many ways to underperform, the path to success is remarkably consistent: it is defined by a clear strategy to build economic complexity.

“When we put these stories together, the divergence is clear. Vietnam used global trade to build a resilient, complex economy, while the others remained dependent on natural resources or a single low-tech niche.

“There are three big lessons here for us in Nigeria as we think about our roadmap. First, avoiding the resource curse is necessary, but it is not enough. You need a proactive strategy to build productive capabilities.

“Vietnam’s success came from integrating itself into Global Value Chains (GVCs). They positioned themselves as the assembly hub for the world’s electronics, importing high-tech parts and exporting finished products.

“This allowed them to “borrow” technology and management skills from abroad to build their own know-how.

“Nigeria, on the other hand, remains a supplier of raw materials to these chains, not an active participant within them. We must realise that productive capabilities are not permanent. The examples of South Africa and Brazil show us that you can actually lose your industrial edge if you are not careful. Over-reliance on the easy path of resource extraction creates economic and political incentives that crowd out the difficult, long-term work of building an industrial base.”

He added that for Nigeria, which is at an even earlier stage of development and even less diversified than these nations, the warning is stark.

“Relying solely on our natural endowments isn’t just a path to stagnation; it’s a path to regression. The global economy increasingly rewards knowledge and complexity, not just what you can dig out of the ground. If we want to move from potential to prosperity, we must stop being just a source of raw materials and start being a source of ideas, innovation, and complex products.

He added that President Bola Tinubu has already begun the difficult work of rebuilding the economy to ensure collective knowledge to innovate, produce and build a resilient economy.

“The journey from potential to prosperity is not a short one, but with the right map and the right resolve, it is a journey we can finally complete,’ he added.

Engr. Hamzat Opeyemi Olunlade has once again demonstrated his unwavering commitment to the welfare of party members and grassroots development as he extended cash support to 64 loyal party faithful.

The Ibadan North-East State House of Assembly hopeful for Constituency I, Engr. Hamzat Opeyemi Olunlade, put smiles on the faces of beneficiaries when he made the presentation during the last local government party meeting held on Tuesday, 3rd January 2026. The gesture, which was warmly received, reflects his people-oriented leadership style and deep appreciation for the dedication, loyalty, and sacrifices of party members at the grassroots level.

Engr. Olunlade reaffirmed that the support was part of his continuous efforts to motivate and empower party faithful while also strengthening unity and collective resolve within the party. According to him, sustainable political success is built on the wellbeing of committed members and inclusive engagement with constituents.

Party members commended the initiative, describing it as timely, thoughtful, and a clear reflection of a leader who understands the needs of the people and leads by example. They expressed confidence that Engr. Hamzat Opeyemi Olunlade’s vision and generosity will further consolidate the party’s strength and translate into effective representation when elected.

Engr. Hamzat Opeyemi Olunlade also sought the support of party leaders, stakeholders, and members toward his ambition to represent the good people of Ibadan North-East Constituency I at the Oyo State House of Assembly.

Overall, the intervention stands as another testament to his readiness to serve, connect with the people, and deliver purposeful leadership to Ibadan North-East Constituency I.

No fewer than 400 prospective candidates in Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency of Oyo State are set to benefit from the 2026 Free JAMB Forms initiative of the Akinjide Kazeem Akinola Foundation (AKA Foundation).

The educational support programme, which commenced in 2022, is designed to ease access to tertiary education for young people through free Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) registration, tutorial classes, and scholarship opportunities for outstanding beneficiaries.

Findings revealed that the number of beneficiaries has steadily increased over the years, from 150 candidates in 2022 to 200 in 2023, 300 in 2024, and 400 in 2025.

According to information made available to journalists in Ibadan, the 2026 edition of the initiative will again accommodate 400 candidates, with the free UTME forms to be distributed evenly between Egbeda and Ona-Ara Local Government Areas that make up the federal constituency.

Speaking on the initiative, founder of the foundation and House of Representatives aspirant for Egbeda/Ona-Ara Federal Constituency, Akinola Kazeem, through his Media Assistant, Akinloye Yusuf said the programme reflects his long-standing belief that education remains the strongest tool for sustainable development and effective representation.

He noted that his aspiration for public office is anchored on human capital development, stressing that empowering young people through education would remain a core priority if elected to represent the constituency at the National Assembly.

The foundation added that the initiative is part of its broader commitment to educational advancement and youth empowerment, describing it as a non-political intervention aimed at securing a better future for the next generation.

The Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) has raised alarm over the alleged destruction and removal of federal railway assets worth several millions of naira in Ibadan, an action it says was carried out under the watch of the Oyo State Government.

In a statement issued on Tuesday by the Chief Public Relations Officer of the Corporation, Callistus Unyimadu disclosed that the incident occurred on Monday, February 2, 2026, along its legally protected railway right-of-way at the Mile One–Ten axis in Ibadan South-West Local Government Area.

According to the NRC, the Chairman of Ibadan South-West Local Government, Hon. Kehinde Adeyemi Amanda, personally led the operation which resulted in the vandalisation of critical railway infrastructure. The operation allegedly involved a group of thugs, individuals dressed in Nigerian Army uniforms, and operatives of the Oyo State Security Network Agency, Amotekun.

The Corporation further alleged that the Council Chairman openly claimed to be acting on the instructions of the Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, a development that has raised serious concerns about the possible involvement of state authorities in the destruction of federally owned assets.

Items reportedly destroyed and carted away during the operation include rail tracks, sleepers, signal poles, billboards, and perimeter fences belonging to NRC tenants operating legally within the corridor. The NRC stressed that the affected location is a clearly demarcated and statutorily protected railway right-of-way.

Efforts by officers of the NRC Police Command to stop the operation were reportedly resisted, forcing them to withdraw from the scene, further escalating fears of a breakdown of law and order.

Describing the incident as a grave violation of federal law, the Nigerian Railway Corporation said it is compiling comprehensive documentation of the vandalism and will pursue appropriate security, administrative, and legal actions to protect its assets and prevent future encroachments across the country.

The Managing Director of the NRC, Dr. Kayode Opeifa, called on Governor Makinde to immediately rein in the Ibadan South-West Local Government Chairman, warning that continued inaction could worsen tensions and lead to sustained abuse of the rights of railway workers.

Dr. Opeifa reaffirmed the Corporation’s commitment to maintaining law and order despite what he described as provocation, noting that the NRC would not hesitate to seek federal intervention if such actions persist.

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade, was absent from activities organised by the Seyi Makinde-led government to commemorate the Oyo State 50th anniversary (Oyo @50) celebration.

The week-long celebration featured several events that traditionally involve the participation of royal fathers across the state. However, the Alaafin did not attend any of the programmes.

Oyomind recalls that the Alaafin’s seat was vacant during the opening ceremony of the Oyo @50 celebration held at the International Conference Centre, Ibadan. The seat of the Soun of Ogbomoso was also vacant at the event.

The grand finale, held on Tuesday at the newly constructed Banquet Hall of the Oyo State Government House, had reserved seats for prominent traditional rulers, including the Ooni of Ife, the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso.

Oyomind can confirm the presence of the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Soun of Ogbomoso at the grand finale, while the Ooni of Ife was represented by one of his wives. The Alaafin was again absent.

The continued absence of the Alaafin from the Oyo @50 celebrations is believed to be connected to the recent decentralisation of the chairmanship of the Oyo State Council of Obas and Chiefs.

In January, Governor Makinde inaugurated the reconstituted council, marking a shift from the long-standing permanent chairmanship to a rotational system. The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, was named the pioneer chairman under the new arrangement.

The Alaafin had earlier expressed reservations over the amendment establishing rotational chairmanship and publicly disagreed with the policy. Since then, the monarch has reportedly stayed away from state-organised official functions.

The ancient town of Abiola in Moniya, Akinyele Local Government Area of Oyo State, was agog with excitement as the House of Representatives hopeful for Akinyele–Lagelu Federal Constituency, Hon. Wasiu Ajao, popularly known as “Danladi,” was formally installed as the Otun-Agbaakin of Abiola.

The installation was performed by His Royal Highness, Oba Liadi Abiola, the monarch of Abiola Kingdom, in a ceremony that beautifully blended tradition, culture, and community celebration. The event attracted several traditional rulers from across Akinyele Local Government, including the Alakinyele of Akinyele and the Onijaye of Ijaye, among other revered monarchs who graced the occasion.

People from all walks of life trooped out in large numbers to witness the historic moment, reflecting Hon. Danladi’s deep-rooted connection with the grassroots. Prominent political figures were also present, including Hon. Wale Murphy, Hon. Joshua, popularly known as Atiku, and the APC Senatorial Chairman for Oyo Central Senatorial District, all of whom came to honour the new Otun-Agbaakin.

Immediately after the traditional rites, the atmosphere shifted into a joyful celebration, with guests treated to food and drinks while a solo musician thrilled the audience, adding colour and warmth to the fun-fair.

In his remarks, Hon. Ajao ‘Danladi’ expressed profound gratitude to His Royal Highness, Oba Liadi Abiola, the traditional institution, political leaders, supporters, and community members for the honour bestowed on him and for their overwhelming presence. He described the chieftaincy title as both a privilege and a responsibility, assuring the people that the support and goodwill shown would not be taken for granted.

The installation further cements Hon. Danladi’s bond with the people and highlights the enduring relevance of traditional institutions in fostering unity, leadership, and community development within the Akinyele–Lagelu Federal Constituency.

The Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) has declared the Lekan Salami Stadium, Ibadan unfit to host home matches of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), citing deteriorating condition of the facility.

The decision came just hours after the Confederation of African Football (CAF) approved a request by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to change the venue of the 2026 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match between Nigeria and Senegal, originally slated for the Ibadan stadium.

In a statement signed by the NPFL Chief Operating Officer, Davidson Owumi, the league stated that Lekan Salami Stadium is no more suitable for NPFL matches directly 3SC popularly known as Oluyole Warriors to select an alternative home venue.

According to the statement, 3SC is required to choose between the MKO Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, and the Mobolaji Johnson Arena, Lagos, for the hosting of their home fixtures.

“We bring you compliments of the Board, Management and Staff of the Nigeria Premier Football League. We wish to inform you that subsequent to the broadcast and television rights entered into by the Nigeria Premier Football League recently, it has become necessary to inform you that the LEKAN SALAMI STADIUM is no more suitable to host NPFL matches.

“Based on the above, you are required to choose an alternative venue between the MKO ABIOLA STADIUM ABEOKUTA and the MOBOLAJI JOHNSON ARENA LAGOS to host your home fixtures. Your reply should reach the NPFL secretariat on or before the close of business on Monday 2nd February 2026, or the NPFL will be forced to allocate a venue for you.

“This is for your information and immediate compliance. Accept the assurances of our best sporting regards.”

The twin decisions by CAF and the NPFL have raised concerns among football stakeholders over the current state of the Lekan Salami Stadium, which was renovated and recommissioned about five years ago.