A student of the University of Ibadan and a former President of the Association of Veterinary Medicine Students, Ahmed Saheed Olaide, has been announced as the winner of the World Veterinary Association Global Veterinary Award.

He was named a Veterinary Student of the Year 2025.

Mr Ahmed’s winnings, according to an e-mail from Ms Magda Lourenço, the Executive Manager of the World Veterinary Association, include a cash prize among other gifts.

Mr Saheed is expected to attend the WVAC 2025/AVMA Convention in Washington, DC, USA, to receive the award.

Power: Illuminating Oyo’s Path to Industrialisation
In the race to industrialise, the ability to generate reliable and affordable power is the game-changer. If you’ve ever tried running a factory, a business, or even an office without steady electricity, you’ll understand the crippling effects of power outages on productivity and economic growth. You might as well be trying to grow crops in a desert. Just ask the industrial giants of the world. Singapore, a nation renowned for its incredible economic growth, has placed energy security at the forefront of its development strategy. Similarly, Rwanda, while smaller in size and resource base, has worked hard to ensure energy availability is not a bottleneck in its industrial progress.

Now, Oyo State, with its bold industrial aspirations, must ensure that its path to industrialisation is lit – literally. But how does Oyo, a sub-national entity, tackle the monumental challenge of energy provision in a country where the national grid remains unreliable? The answer lies in innovation, Public-Private Partnerships (PPPs), and leveraging the resources we have. Let’s explore how Oyo can power its industrial dreams and avoid the power paralysis that has stunted growth in many parts of Nigeria.

Power: The Foundation of Industrialisation
What does industrialisation require at its core? ‘Energy’!!! The world’s most successful industrial economies didn’t just invest in infrastructure and labour – they made sure power was a non-issue. Imagine the tech titans of Silicon Valley or the manufacturing hubs of Germany. Their energy needs are met reliably, ensuring factories, plants, and offices keep running without interruption. Similarly, Singapore’s explosive growth as a global business hub owes much of its success to consistent and affordable power.

Rwanda, too, understands the importance of energy in industrialisation. In the last decade, the East African country has made great strides in electrifying its rural areas and improving its energy mix, which has enabled the growth of industries, especially in agriculture and manufacturing. Today, power is no longer an obstacle but a stepping stone for Rwanda’s ambitious industrialisation goals.

But what about Oyo? What can we learn from these nations, and how can we bring that to life in our state?

Energy Innovation: A Key to Oyo’s Future
The most important lesson from Singapore and Rwanda is that energy is not just a commodity – it is a tool for industrialisation. Oyo has vast potential in this area, but the key to unlocking it is through innovative solutions. Traditional energy infrastructure is often limited by bureaucratic inefficiencies, outdated technology, and systemic corruption. To bypass these hurdles, Oyo State must think ‘outside the grid’ as follows:

1. Solar Power: Oyo’s Sun-Kissed Future
One of the most exciting possibilities for Oyo State is ‘solar energy’. With abundant sunshine year-round, Oyo is in an ideal position to tap into the growing solar energy sector. If Singapore can embrace sustainable energy and harness its geographical advantages, then why can’t Oyo? Oyo needs to expand provision of solar-hybrid mini-grid beyond Otefon, Otu and two other communities for inclusive growth.
By investing in large-scale solar farms and encouraging smaller, community-based solar projects, Oyo can begin to address the energy deficit while also positioning itself as a leader in green energy within Nigeria. This could mean powering both rural and urban communities, as well as creating a sustainable energy future for the state.

2. Off-Grid Solutions for Rural Areas
One of the unique challenges facing Oyo – and much of Nigeria – is that a large portion of the population lives in rural areas where the national grid does not reach. However, this can be turned into an advantage. Off-grid power solutions, such as solar mini-grids, bioenergy, and wind power, have become popular solutions for rural electrification in other parts of the world. Oyo State could spearhead such initiatives, especially in agricultural communities where energy is critical for food processing and storage.
With the commissioning of first phase of the 11 MW Oyo Independent Power project, a private investment of Elektron Energy in December, 2024, the level of preparedness of Oyo State for off-grid is visible but go beyond urban areas.
Additionally, solar-powered irrigation systems could revolutionise agriculture in Oke-Ogun, Ibarapa and other farming areas, making it possible to farm all year round, even during the dry season.

3. Gas Infrastructure: Oyo as an Energy Hub
Oyo is home to large reserves of natural gas, and tapping into this resource could propel the state into the energy elite. Imagine Oyo becoming a regional energy hub – supplying power not just to its own industries, but to neighboring states as well. By investing in the development of gas pipelines, processing plants, and power plants, Oyo can establish a steady and reliable energy source that will fuel its industries for decades to come.

Oyo’s partnership with Shell Nigeria Gas to build $100million build gas distribution network is commendable while other global energy giant, like, ExxonMobil and many successful indigenous energy companies like Makon and IMSE who have already shown interest in Nigeria’s energy sector and Oyo State in particular. A well-managed gas infrastructure could attract multinational companies to Oyo, creating thousands of jobs and stimulating economic growth. With this energy capacity, the state can confidently push ahead with industrial projects, knowing that power is no longer a limiting factor.

Powering Oyo’s Industrial Revolution: The Role of Public-Private Partnerships
In both Singapore and Rwanda, government leadership combined with private sector participation was the winning formula for solving energy challenges. Oyo State must follow suit. Public-private partnerships (PPPs) can help pool resources, expertise, and investment to create a sustainable and affordable energy ecosystem.
Take, for example, the development of the Oyo State Solar Power Plant in partnership with international investors. This facility could become a symbol of Oyo’s commitment to energy independence and industrialisation. But the state must go beyond just building power plants. We must create an energy ecosystem that includes research into energy storage technologies, smart grids, and energy efficiency programs to ensure that power is used optimally and sustainably.

The Role of the Private Sector in Energy Development
While government plays a key role in laying the groundwork for energy development, the private sector will drive its expansion. Oyo can attract energy investors by offering incentives like tax breaks, land grants, and a stable regulatory environment. We must make the state an attractive destination for global energy firms to set up operations.

Local businesses should also be encouraged to embrace energy solutions. By making energy conservation and sustainable power sources a key component of their business strategies, businesses can reduce costs, improve productivity, and play their part in the state’s industrial transformation.

Security and Stability: Power for Progress
But power alone is not enough – it must be ‘reliable’. For industries to thrive, the energy supply must be stable and uninterrupted. Oyo’s power infrastructure must be shielded from vandalism, theft, and the political instability that can affect the national grid.

To achieve this, Oyo must ramp up security efforts around power infrastructure. This could include working with private security firms and community leaders to establish energy protection units that ensure that power lines, power plants, and energy resources are safeguarded.

Call to Action: Powering Oyo’s Future
Oyo’s industrialisation cannot succeed without reliable and sustainable power. The time to act is now. As citizens, we must support initiatives that focus on alternative energy sources like solar, gas, and wind. We must advocate for partnerships between the state government and private energy companies to develop the infrastructure needed to power Oyo’s future.
Oyo’s energy future depends on the actions we take today. Whilst acknowledging the innovation and foresight of His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde and the brilliant execution of the mandate in the State’s Energy sector led by my dear brother and friend Hon. Seun Ashamu, let us embrace and protect the alternative energy solutions pioneered by our government and encourage innovation in our businesses to mirror these strides – Being aware that switching may be at some investment cost, but it is worth it long-term. Oyo State has the potential to become an energy hub in West Africa – but it requires action from every citizen, business, and policymaker.

In the next series, we will delve into ‘security’ – another crucial pillar of industrialisation, ensuring that Oyo State remains a safe and conducive environment for investment, innovation, and growth.

Stay tuned, Oyo is rising, and we have just begun.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye

The President General of the Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII), Chief Ajeniyi Ajewole, has said that Ibadan people are ready to follow Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State anywhere he leads.

Ajewole, who disclosed this in an interview with journalists, described the governor as an icon and a pride for Ibadan people.

“Seyi Makinde is a pride of Ibadan people. He is a holder of one of the highest awards of CCII. He got the award in 2017 when he was not yet the governor,” he said.

“So, he is well respected, he has been an icon to sons and daughters of Ibadan even before he became the governor. That is why Ibadan people will be willing to follow him anywhere. I am very sure of that; he has more than 90 per cent support of the Ibadan people.

“During the last election, he got 72 per cent of the popular vote from Ibadan. So, he is well appreciated and he will continue to be appreciated because he is doing a good work, not only for Ibadanland but the whole of Oyo State. We love him, we respect him.”

The CCII President General, who noted that Governor Makinde has been outstanding in infrastructure development and workers’ welfare, cited the Ibadan Circular Road, which had been abandoned since 2007 but resuscitated by the current administration.

He added that the governor has not limited his administration’s infrastructure revolution to just Ibadan, as all other parts of the state have had their share of road construction and rehabilitation.

He also lauded the governor for his intervention in agriculture, which culminated in the transformation of Fasola Farm Estate into Fasola Industrial Hub.

Appreciating the governor for his leadership ability, the CCII President General said, “He made sure that the issue with NURTW (National Union of Road Transport Workers), which was a major problem he inherited from his predecessor, he ensured that he resolved it. He always ensures that if there is a problem coming, there will be an answer immediately.”

Speaking on Makinde’s support for the building of Olubadan Palace, Chief Ajewole said, “When I came into office, we had a palace that had been abandoned for over seven years. When I went to see him, I had three requests. The first was that we wanted to complete the Olubadan Palace.

“To the surprise of the four of us that were there, he said, ‘My President General, this is possible and it will be done. The Olubadan Palace belongs to 11 local governments in Ibadan, so they will contribute to its building, and I as a person, not Oyo State Government, will donate N250million.’ The four of us were surprised.

“This is someone I, in person, and the whole of Ibadan, I am speaking on behalf of the whole of Ibadan, have a lot of respect and regard for, even our elders. We see him as God-sent. To the best of my knowledge, Governor Seyi Makinde is a God-sent and a blessing to Ibadan and Oyo State.”

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, esteemed legal icon and President of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation, extends heartfelt felicitations to Christians across Nigeria and around the world on the occasion of this year’s Easter celebration.

In a message brimming with encouragement, faith, and renewed hope, Amofin Adeoye urges believers to embrace the true essence of Easter—the resurrection of our Lord Jesus Christ. “Easter is not merely a season,” he said, “it is a divine reminder of Christ’s sacrifice, His triumphant victory over death, and the unshakable hope we have as His followers. It teaches us that no matter how dark the night, the dawn of resurrection will surely come.”

He called on Christians to reflect deeply on the life and teachings of Jesus Christ, who epitomized love, unity, humility, and sacrifice. “Let us live as Christ lived. Let love lead us. Let unity bind us. Let sacrifice for one another be our lifestyle. That is the true way to celebrate Easter.”

Amofin Adeoye also used the occasion to speak hope into the heart of Oyo State and its people. “To my beloved people of Oyo State,” he said, “be encouraged. Just as Christ rose from the grave, Oyo State will rise again. We will not only return to our former glory but exceed it. We are a people of rich history, culture, resilience, and brilliance.”

He pointed to the illustrious past of Oyo State—home to pioneering educational institutions, visionary leaders, and a deeply rooted tradition of excellence. “From the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s progressive policies that laid strong educational and infrastructural foundations in the Western Region, to the era of statesmen who brought pride to this land, Oyo has always stood tall among her peers.”

In the same vein, Amofin Adeoye acknowledged the efforts of the current administration under Governor Seyi Makinde, who has shown a commitment to infrastructure, education, youth empowerment, and good governance. “Governor Makinde has rekindled a vision of purposeful leadership, and we must support him and other well-meaning leaders in prayer and action. Together, we can build a stronger Oyo.”

He emphasized that rebuilding the state is a collective responsibility. “We must all arise. Whether you are in Ibadan, Ogbomoso, Oyo, Ibarapa, or Oke-Ogun, we all have a role to play. Let us support one another. Let us lift the weak. Let us invest in our communities. Let us pray without ceasing for our leaders and our land.”

Drawing strength from Romans 15:13, he concluded: “May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace in believing, so that you may abound in hope through the power of the Holy Spirit.”

As Christians around the world mark the resurrection of Jesus, Amofin Beulah Adeoye calls on everyone to remain steadfast in faith, fervent in love, and firm in hope—for brighter days are ahead.

“Oyo State shall rise,” he declared, “and not only shall we rise, we shall shine!”

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has declared that his political future lies in the hands of his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), stressing that fixing the party remains his current priority over personal ambition.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Tuesday night, the governor noted that while he believes he has the capacity to aspire for higher office, such a decision must align with the will of the people and the direction of the party.

“In politics, you may have a personal ambition, but the structure and health of your party matter. If my political journey ends here, I’m also happy. I didn’t come into politics with the mindset of being a governor,” he said.

Makinde, who joined active politics in 2007 with the hope of becoming a senator, said he never imagined he would achieve more than that.

“When I joined politics in 2007, my ambition was to go to the Senate. Today, I have surpassed that, and I am grateful,” he said.

The governor insisted that building a viable platform for the future is more important than chasing personal ambition.

“What I want to do now Is it what Nigerians are asking for? Is it what my party is asking me to do? We must fix our party and have a structure that can take us to where we want to go,” Makinde added

Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde and other PDP Governors elected on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), under the aegis of the PDP Governors Forum (PDPGF), have declared that the party will not join any coalition or merger but would welcome any party or persons willing to join it or work with it to wrest power and enthrone good leadership in the country.

The governors, in a communiqué read at the end of their two-day meeting in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, maintained that the party would resolve all its issues before 2027.

This was as the PDPGF declared that, in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, it had been resolved that the National Executive Council (NEC) Meeting of the party would hold on May 27.

The Forum constituted a Zoning Committee to address issues relating to zoning of party offices as well as a National Convention Committee subject to the ratification of NWC and NEC, adding that the party is to also hold an early convention in August 2025.

The Forum also noted that going forward and in alignment with an earlier position taken in Asaba, Delta State on the issue of the PDP National Secretary, it recommended that the Deputy Secretary of the party continues to act as National Secretary pending the nomination and ratification of a substantive National Secretary from the South-East zone.

The PDP governors equally reiterated their condemnation of the suspension of the Rivers State governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, through a state of emergency declaration by President Bola Tinubu, stating that they would stand with the embattled governor till the end and that they had approached the Supreme Court for interpretations on the provisions of the constitution on state of emergency.

It decried the worsening insecurity in the country, sympathising with the government and people of Plateau State over wanton and heartless killings visited on the state recently, while also calling for a reordering of strategies that would allow the development of a bottom-up template to enable sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.

The communiqué read: “Noting the nationwide speculations about possible merger of parties, groups and/or associations, the Forum resolved that the PDP will not join any coalition or merger. However, the PDP as a major opposition party welcomes any party, persons or groups that are willing to join it with a view to wresting power and enthroning good leadership in 2027.

“The Forum reiterates its position taken in Asaba on the issue of National Secretary of the party, but in the wake of the Supreme Court judgment, the Forum resolved to recommend that the Deputy Secretary acts as National Secretary, pending the nomination and ratification of a Substantive Secretary from the South-East Zone at its next meeting.
“The Forum reasserts our collective determination to avert a rape of our constitutional democracy, hence the decision of approach Supreme Court to give a clear-cut verdict on the interpretation of the law on the declaration of State of Emergency in any state.
“The Forum restates its solidarity with His Excellency, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, on the ordeal into which his state and people are being plunged by the declaration of a state of emergency. And, we reiterate our commitment to stand with him till the end.

“The Forum, working in conjunction with the National Working Committee (NWC) and other relevant organs of the party, resolves to hold a NEC Meeting on the 27th of May, 2025; constitute a Zoning Committee that will address all issues relating to zoning of party offices and hold an early convention in August 2025, precisely on the 28th, 29th and 30th in the city of Kano.

“The Forum equally recommends the constitution of the Zoning and National Convention Committees for ratification by the NWC and NEC as follows; Zoning Committee: Gov. Douye Diri, Chairman; Gov. Dauda Lawal – Vice Chairman and Gov. Caleb Mutfwang-Secretary, while the National Convention Committee has Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri as Chairman; Gov. Ademola Adeleke as Vice Chairman and Gov. Peter Mbah as Secretary.
“The Forum finds alarming the worsening security situation in the country, as evidenced in parts of the country especially Borno, Katsina and Edo states. While raising the concerns above, we condemn the recent attacks in Plateau State, and commiserate with government and people of the state, especially those who lost their lives and properties during this unfortunate mishap.

“The Forum calls for review and reordering of priorities and strategies including adopting a bottom-up template that guarantees the sub-nationals to constitute an effective line of defence against security breaches.
“The Forum expressed its gratitude to the Host Governor, His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the government and good people of Oyo state for their hospitality.”

Earlier, host of the meeting and governor of Oyo State, ‘Seyi Makinde, declared that the PDP would resolve its internal wranglings ahead of the 2027 general elections and also form the next government at the federal level.
Makinde, who stated this at the gala night held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Ibadan, to welcome his colleagues in the PDPGF to Ibadan on Sunday, appreciated them for their commitment to the party.

He said that all the organs of the party that attended the Ibadan meeting had signified that the party leaders and members remained committed and that the party would go in the right direction.
He said: “I want to thank you all for your commitment to the party and for coming to Oyo State despite all of the challenges.
“If people are saying that our party has this or that issue; all organs of the party that are here tonight have demonstrated total commitment to this party.

“For those who have been speculating that this is a meeting that would define the direction the PDP would go, let me tell you that PDP will go in the right direction. And, by the grace of God, this is the party that will form the next government at the federal level in Nigeria in 2027.
“We have the capacity within the PDP; we have the people and the maturity to solve our internal issues. They [other parties] should face their internal issues as well. Just as I said before, I will repeat that the 2027 elections will be between the APC and the people of Nigeria.”
Similarly, the chairman of the PDPGF and governor of Bauchi State, Senator Bala Mohammed, said the governors’ presence in Ibadan was in continuation of the PDP’s tradition of connecting, assessing and peer-reviewing governance across states in its control.

He commended Governor Makinde for delivering super-impressive infrastructure across the state, including the ongoing upgrade of the Ibadan Airport to international standard and other achievements in building human capital.
Mohammed noted that the PDP remained united and that governors and other organs of the party had been working together to ensure that all issues beleaguering the party were resolved.