The Oyo state chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has slammed governor Seyi Makinde over Wednesday fire incident that raveged part of popular Aleshiloye market in Ibadan.

APC lamented incessant losses of lives and properties of residents of the state, blaming the cause on negligenc on the part of the state government.

A statement by the publicity secretary of the party in the state, Olawale Sadare, urged Makinde to admit his failure and brace up to arrest the ugly situation.

APC’s lamentations apparently came against the background of the Tuesday inferno which ravage the popular Aleshinloye market in Ibadan.

Recall that midnight fire, which raged for several hours, resulted in the loss of properties and other valuable materials estimated at billions of naira as it was the case in many other popular markets in the state in recent times.

The statement reads, “Our thoughts and prayers are with many traders and others in the popular Aleshinloye market who lost so much in money and property as a result of the unfortunate Tuesday night fire incident even as such cases have become a recurring decimal across the state in recent times.
“While we sympathize with all the victims, there is a dire need to challenge the Makinde administration on their approach to issues of safety, accident prevention and management in the state.

“Questions are being raised regarding the ceaseless reports of inability or helplessness of the State Fire Department to rise to the occasion whenever one case of emergency or the other arises in any part of the state.

“Credible sources confirmed that the Tuesday inferno raged for many hours as men of the Oyo State Fire Service could not do anything to help the situation due to lack of basic equipment.

“How does one explain to the world that Oyo state can only boast of only one or two fire fighting truck even when Gov. Makinde announced to the world that he visited Turkey in 2020 to purchase 10 of such service trucks with state money running into several millions of naira?

“Another issue of concern is the damage being done to the master plan of many major market places across by the agents of the state government to enable them build lock-up shops and malls indiscriminately.

“Good examples are found in Bola Ige International (New Gbagi) market, Agodi-Gate Motor Spare Parts market, Bodija market, Aleshinloye market among others where new structures have been developed illegally for the purpose of enriching some individuals within the corridor of power in the state and without recourse to physical planning law and safety standards.

“They use state power to build on access roads, car parks and reserved spaces while they also convert toilets, waste houses and worship centres to lock-up shops.

“Meanwhile, we appeal to Gov. Makinde to empower the State Fire Service Department and ensure that adequate manpower is available for its operations in every part of the state. It is equally important for the state to prioritize safety measures such as orientation and education of members of the public on how to prevent fire incidents everywhere at all times.

“Also, we demand detailed information on the 10 fire fighting trucks believed to have been paid for and imported from Turkey in 2020 while measures must be put in place to arrest the unabated trend of inferno and related disasters in the state.”

The new Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Johnson Adenola, on Wednesday, resumed duty as the 47th CP in the state police command.

PUNCH Online reports that Adenola succeeded Ayodele Sonubi, who recently retired as the 46th CP in the state.

A statement by the state Police Public Relations Officer, Adewale Osifeso in Ibadan, the state capital, said the new CP was deployed to the state by the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun.

Osifeso said, “CP Adenola was born on May 6, 1966. He hails from Ijebu Ipari-Nla in Ijebu North-East Local Government Area of Ogun State, Nigeria.

“He was enlisted in the Nigeria Police Force on May 18, 1992, as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police. As a distinguished professional and exemplary gentleman, Adenola is a highly trained and decorated police officer who has earned his stripes through decades of dedicated service.

“His extensive experience encompasses Operations, Investigations, Intelligence, and Staff Duties, all grounded in the core values of commitment, devotion, and selflessness.

“Adenola began his career in the NPF at Owerri Urban Divisional Police Headquarters, following his commissioning in December 1993. In March 1995, at the conclusion of his mandatory one-year attachment, he was posted as the spokesperson for the Imo State Police Command, a position he held till January 1997.

“He then moved to the Lagos State Police Command, where he held various key positions. It is worthy to note that Adenola’s career trajectory is marked by a series of impactful roles across diverse domains within the Force, thus positioning him as a distinguished leader in modern policing, embodying integrity, professionalism, and excellence.

“These include the PPRO, Imo State Command (1995-1997). Divisional Traffic Officer, Sabo Division (1997-1999).Team Leader, Surveillance Section, State CID, Yaba Lagos, 1999–2002.2i/c Banking Fraud Unit, FCID Annex, Lagos, 2002–2003.

“Civilian Police Mentor at the United Nations Mission in Sierra Leon, October 2003 to December 2004. Divisional Police Officer, Hajj Camp Division, Airport Police Command, Lagos January 2005 to January 2006.

“United Nations Police Reforms & Restructuring Coordinator, United Nations Missions In Sudan; July 2006 to March 2008.Divisional Police Officer, Domestic Airport Division, Lagos, 2008. Divisional Police Officer, Akinpelu Division, Lagos State, 2009.O/C Homicide, State Criminal Investigation Department, Lagos, 2009-2011.

“2i/c Mushin Area Command, Mushin, Lagos, January-April 2012. Divisional Police Officer, Maroko Division, Lagos May ’12 to May. ’14. O/C X Squad Lagos State-2014 -2015.”

He was AC IGP Monitoring Unit FHQ Annex, Lagos 2015 – 2017, Camp Commandant, FHQ- 2017, AC CID Kogi State – June 2017- May 2019, AC Discipline FHQ Abuja – May 2019 – January 2020. Deputy Force Secretary -January 2020 – August 2021, DCP Operations, Delta State Command – August 2021 – November 2023, Principal Staff Officer to the IGP – 08/11/2023 – 04/03/2025.

“In his quest for career excellence, the CP attended various courses to better position him for the arduous leadership tasks ahead. Some of these courses include SPOs Traffic Management Course at Police Staff College, Ikeja, Lagos 1999.Advance Detective Course at Police Staff College, Jos-2002.Junior Command Course at Police Staff College, Jos, 2003.

“Disaster Victims Identification Course by German DVI Team FHQ Abuja- June 2010. Security Risk Management Course at Amsterdam, Holland- October 2020, Tactical Leadership Command Course at PSC, Jos, Plateau State, Strategic Leadership Command Course at PSC Jos 2019, Plateau State.

“Part of the modalities designed by the CP for a more secure ambience in the state is the adoption of a eight-step Action Plan as follows; Strict Discipline at all Policing levels; Respect for the rule of law and rights of citizens; Strict Enforcement of all existing laws; Capacity-building and ethical regeneration for Police Officers through training and retraining; Advanced Intelligence & Technology-Driven Policing; Increasing layers of Supervision for the officers and men of the Command; Implementation of Inclusive Policing Strategy with focus on community engagements; Robust Inter-Agency Collaborations with sister services and partnership with Civil Society Organizations and all security stakeholders.

“Academically, the CP. holds a BA (Hons) History and Master of Public Administration from Ogun State University and University of Ilorin respectively.”

Seeding Africa, a registered non-profit organization based in the State of Georgia, USA, is expanding its mission in Ilorin, Nigeria, by providing data science and Analytics training to women.

Originally focused on supporting women through business development, the organization is now emphasizing STEM education.

Founded and led by three women, Rafat Bello, Vivienne Umusu, and Susan Desmond, “Seeding Africa” aims to empower women in Africa through education and resource provision.

The organization’s initial focus involved providing for women with the tools and training necessary to establish their own businesses. Now, they’ve added a technology-focused initiative.

The program, currently training over 25 women, aims to equip participants with vital expertise in data-related fields, addressing the growing demand for tech skills in Africa. The program prioritizes women’s participation in STEM disciplines within the larger aim of enabling women to achieve financial independence and contribute to their communities’ economic development.

“Before this program, I thought data Analytics was just for big corporations,” said Student , a participant from Ilorin. “Now, I see how it can help solve problems in my community, from tracking healthcare trends to improving agricultural yields. This is more than just learning code; it’s about building a better future.”

“The most valuable thing to me is the realization that I can actually do more than I thought I could, with the help of my tutors and mentors found a renewed determination and courage to explore even the most scary things.
This training has made me realize everything is achievable if one put in the required effort with consistency.”

The program’s focus on practical application and real-world projects is designed to ensure that participants are well-prepared for the job market. “We’re not just teaching theory,” explained a program coordinator. “We’re giving them the tools and experience they need to succeed.”

I believe leadership demands the resolve to act decisively for the common good—a principle I see as vital to Oyo State’s progress. Our land is steeped in heritage and brimming with potential, it thrives when those at the helm prioritise integrity over expedience. For me, daring to do the right thing isn’t just a phrase—it’s my deliberate choice to champion justice, opportunity, and unity. I envision decisions that uplift the farmer in every geopolitical zone of our state, maybe in Orire LGA, and even the artisan in Eruwa, and the entrepreneur in Ibadan, to ensure every community plays a role in building and benefits from our collective success.

The people of Oyo State are the foundation of its strength, and I feel their pulse every day. Our collective aspirations—voiced in various markets, crowded classrooms, and quiet homes—drive my determination to serve. Striving for them is my commitment to amplify their needs and direct resources where they matter most. I see the current efforts to enhance infrastructure and services as a reflection of this dedication, and I’m resolved to sustain that focus. My goal is a system that accommodates every citizen and is empowered to thrive, to build a state that mirrors our resilience and ambition.

Young people, to me, represent Oyo State’s greatest asset. I have a responsibility to that age bracket, because I feel and am the same. Their energy and ingenuity inspire me, and I’m convinced they are the key to our future. I want to harness this potential through robust education, skills training, and economic opportunities. I applaud initiatives like tech development in urban centres and agricultural programs in rural areas, and my aim is to expand them further. The youth aren’t just beneficiaries in my eyes—they’re active partners and participants in progress. Ensuring their voices shape decisions is how I plan to secure a legacy of growth that lasts.

I see effective leadership as a call to serve, not to dominate. For me, it’s about balancing vision with pragmatism, uniting diverse voices under a goal I hold dear. Oyo State has witnessed significant gains—improved roads, bolstered healthcare, expanded markets—and I view these as proof of a governance model that delivers. Yet, I believe leadership must stay dynamic, it must adapt to new challenges while safeguarding these achievements. My approach is rooted in service and accountability, positioning our state to meet the demands of a fast-changing world.

Driving change is a disciplined pursuit I’m passionate about. I see it as leveraging our cultural wealth and human capital to tackle modern needs. The strides in education and commerce give me a platform to build on, and my task is to elevate them higher. I imagine change through investment in sustainable systems—renewable energy, digital connectivity, robust security—that transform every region. Through encouraging partnerships between government, private sectors, and communities, I aim to turn challenges into opportunities for advancement. We can do just that, it’s achievable.

My perspective on leadership centres on continuity and enhancement. Oyo State’s progress fuels my pride, and I’m determined to build on this foundation. I envision a state where rural and urban areas prosper together, where small enterprises I support grow into regional powerhouses, and where education equips every child for global competition. My vision demands bold, yet practical steps—refining policies, strengthening institutions, and prioritising outcomes I can measure over promises that fade.

The essence of leadership, in my view, lies in a resolved dedication to what’s just and effective. This means I’ll tackle pressing issues—job creation, infrastructure resilience, healthcare access—with precision and foresight. I respect the current administration’s efforts, which have built trust and stability, and my resolve is to amplify this momentum. I want every policy I back and every resource I allocate to serve the people’s immediate needs while securing their prosperity for years to come.

Friends, I’ve been saying this, and I’ll say it again, that, looking at the future of our dear state, I hold unity as our strength. My dream is a state that encourages every citizen of Oyo state, from anywhere in the state, to feel part of its story and actual citizenship. To the Muslim faithful, I say Ramadan Mubarak from the depths of my heart—I’m fasting with you this season, sharing the meals at iftar, and feeling the weight of reflection in my own life. This month grounds me, and reminds me why I strive to serve Oyo State in its highest capacity. Together, we can honour our past achievements and boldly shape a future that lifts every one of us.

~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, March 7, 2025

Anyone who’s determined to succeed at any task must understand the essential role of mentorship and mentoring. As a matter of fact, he must know that to see farther than the other, as Isaac Newton once proclaimed, he must learn to stand on the shoulders of giants. By all account, great mentors are like guides and guardians. In their best, they provide insights and foresights. And like guardian angels, they emerge to illuminate the path of the seekers and ensure mentees are insulated from things that both derail and distract.

Like a coach is to a team, a mentor ensures mentees play with passion and uphold the principles that makes the game worthwhile. In politics and business, standing on the shoulders of a giant is the surest way to see farther than the other – and to turn out wiser and better than others. Of course, the giant here is the mentor who provides the tools and tactics to navigate and negotiate one’s way out of any challenges and obstacles. First civilian Governor of Lagos State, late Alhaji Lateef Jakande was persuaded to join politics by the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. By the time ‘Baba Kekere’, as he was fondly called by his supporters was kicked out of power by the military junta in 1983, he has transformed Lagos into a beacon of hope and prosperity.

Apart from his investment in free education, free health, integrated rural development and gainful employment, his stewardship at bridging the housing deficit stood him out of the packs of other Lagos politicians. For instance, he built the low-cost housing scheme located in areas such as Amuwo Odofin, Ijaiye, Ikorodu, Dolphin and Oke-Afa in Isolo. That alone demonstrated his efforts and vision at providing affordable housing for residents in his state. In other words, when preparation meets the right mentoring, the result is always transformational and phenomenal. While Governor Makinde of Oyo has repeatedly dismissed the claim of having a political godfather, he has kept the Governor Advisory Council to close to himself. The GAC is filled with political bigwigs who often advise the Governor on contentious state matters. While not constitutionally sanctioned, the council has helped the Governor navigate the curves and contours of the state political terrains. The result is a Governor whose approval ratings, scorecards, popularity, acceptability, and credibility have soared to a record number. “I have no godfather. God is the father”, Governor Makinde quipped sometimes in 2021. He was reacting to the news that suggest his administration was being teleguided by some powerful and influential figures in the state.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye is a firm believer in the power of mentoring and mentorship. As a son of one of Nigeria’s leading Professors of organic agriculture, he learned the act of listening to the words of elders from home. Following his success at the University of Ibadan where he graduated with a first-class degree in Law, he proceeded to Klyneld Peat Marwick Goerdeler (KPMG) for an internship. Not surprising that he was retained thereafter.

By design, internships are meant to walk graduates through the nitty gritty of works at a specified firm. Typically, they also provide avenue for smart alecs to learn from mentors. Amofin Beulah Adeoye was patience enough to learn, unlearn and relearn from various industries giants. It is no coincidence that his career has been marked by his meteoric rise in law, finance, philanthropy, leadership and certainly, politics.

Olajide Hamzat writes about the various prospect and potential of Oyo state while projecting Amofin Beulah Adeoye as a solution provider, problem solver and creative, adaptive and innovative leader and thinker with compassion and empathy.

Players and officials of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC), the Oyo State-owned football team, were left stranded in Akure, Ondo State, after their team bus broke down multiple times, SaharaReporters has learned.

The incident, which occurred just 48 hours before a crucial Nigeria Premier Football League (NPFL) match against Katsina United, has sparked outrage among fans and stakeholders, who are now calling on Governor Seyi Makinde to urgently intervene.
A passionate appeal made available to SaharaReporters on Wednesday evening by a club loyalist and sports journalist highlighted the dire situation.

According to the statement, the bus—donated by the Makinde-led administration in 2021—has become unreliable, subjecting players and technical staff to undue hardship.

The statement added that the delay and discomfort could severely impact the team’s performance as they continue their quest for a continental ticket for the first time in over 20 years.

The statement reads: “The Oyo State Government’s immediate attention is required to address a critical situation affecting the Shooting Stars. The team’s bus, provided by the Engr Seyi Makinde-led administration in 2021, has broken down multiple times, leaving the players and technical crew stranded in Akure, Ondo State.

“This unfortunate incident occurs just 48 hours before a crucial NPFL match against Katsina United, where the team is chasing a continental ticket for the first time in over 20 years. The current condition of the bus not only affects the team’s motivation but also poses a significant risk of fatigue, which could hinder their performance.

“As a die-hard 3SC fan, and Sports Journalist, I implore His Excellency Engr Seyi Makinde to intervene promptly and provide a reliable transportation solution for the team. While the regular payment of their monthly subvention is appreciated, it is insufficient to guarantee the team’s success.

“Time is of the essence. I urge the Oyo State Government to take immediate action to support the Shooting Stars and ensure their safe and successful participation in the NPFL.”