The newly elected executives of the Outdoor Advertising Practitioners Association of Oyo State (OAPAOS) have commenced strategic advocacy visits to key stakeholders and agencies. These visits are aimed at fostering industry growth, strengthening partnerships, and enhancing professionalism within the outdoor advertising sector.

The advertising practitioner paid a courtesy visit to Oyo State Signage and Advertisement Agency (OYSAA) The Director-General of OYSAA, Hon. Eso Ajanaku, the executive also paid a visit to the Zonal Head of Arcon Mrs Hadiza Bello and the Commissioner of Police Oyo State.

The newly elected officials who were there was Chairman: Tony Rowland Awobode, arpa, CHMC (Rock Tof Media) General Secretary: Engr. Abe Akinbobola BEng, arpa, OAAN (Goldmender Media) Treasurer: Adedayo Labade (D’Fab Multi Global Ltd) PRO: Anthony Abiodun (Always Connected Media) Legal Adviser:
JAMES O. IGENE, ESQ, BSc (PCR), LLB, BL, arpa Assistance PRO: Asiwaju Ezra Okebisi BSc, arpa, PMP
(Citycrier communication Ltd)Assistance General Secretary: Olowa Aderemilekun
(PEEGEE MEDIA CONCEPT)

Mr. Ajanaku emphasized the importance of the relationship for the advancement of Oyo State and its stakeholders. Additionally, Director of Operations, Mr. Lawal assured the association of an enhanced collaboration through OYSAA’s enforcement committee.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria on Special Duties, Yusuf Kamorudeen, has empowered Ogun State youth with over N60 million to boost youth development in the state and in Nigeria.

The empowerment program involved the distribution of grants to support young entrepreneurs. This initiative includes ₦500,000 each for 50 medium-scale business owners and ₦200,000 each for 100 small-scale entrepreneurs, totaling ₦45 million in direct business support.

In addition to this, the empowerment program also includes support for market women’s empowerment, with ₦200,000 each for 30 market women across Ogun State, as well as student scholarships and innovation grants in the technology sector.

Furthermore, Mr. Kamorudeen Yusuf has demonstrated his commitment to educational development by donating classroom furniture to six primary schools across Ogun State’s three senatorial districts. Each school received 50 sets of tables and chairs, which will improve the learning environment for 900 students across the beneficiary schools.

“The City Boy Movement, as many of us know, was instrumental in galvanizing grassroots support for President Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the last election.

“We stood firm in our belief in his vision, a vision rooted in inclusivity, development, and a renewed hope for Nigeria. Today, we continue that mission not just as supporters but as active stakeholders in driving the success of his policies, right here at the grassroots, where real change begins,” he noted

The President’s son, Mr Seyi Tinubu during his speech described it as a nice innovation from the youth wing of the cabinet, noting that everyone should emulate this to achieve a better goal with the president.

A massive fire has engulfed the popular Araromi spare parts market at Agodi-Gate in Ibadan, Oyo State, destroying property worth millions of naira.

The blaze reportedly started around 2am on Saturday and continues to rage, with firefighters still battling to contain it.

Confirming the incident to The PUNCH on Saturday morning, the General Manager of Oyo State Fire Services, Akinyemi Akinyinka, said: “We are battling with a serious inferno at Agodi-Gate. Help us to call water tanker owners to assist us. We are still here battling with the situation.”

The cause of the fire remains unclear as investigations are ongoing.

Source: Punch

Sports have been a lot of things for decades and centuries for different races and generations. It has an incredible power to unite people across cultures, borders, and generations, it cultivates belonging and shared pride. This beautiful aspect of human endeavour brings people together, helps to celebrate their achievements that goes outside geographical boundaries or limitations. The resilience and determination of athletes inspire me personally, it showcases the very best of humanity, – like every other human endeavour and career path that is predicated on shared purpose and beautiful spirit.

I have keenly observed that the path to greatness in sports have been paved by legends who left an unforgettable impression and profound effect on history. I believe these pioneers were driven by passion rather than financial gain (because there’s really no money then), and they have inspired new generation of athletes. Today, sports have evolved, it has offered opportunities for athletes to combine their passion with financial success and mouthwatering brand endorsements. However, it remains a very competitive constituency. Besides, the essence of sports remain a validation to human spirit and perseverance. The likes of Pelé, Muhammad Ali, Usain Bolt and other exceptional athletes have become synonymous with excellence, they now inspire countless young athletes to follow in their footsteps. Would you tell what could be more humbling and legendary?

Coming home, I am increasingly proud of African and Nigerian athletes who have made their mark on the global stage, shattering glass ceilings and competing at the highest and biggest levels. They have proven that Africa’s giants are a force to be reckoned with, showcasing our capabilities and potential. Austin Jay-Jay Okocha’s mesmerising skills, Kanu Nwankwo’s magic exploits, others alike, Nigerian athletes have consistently demonstrated excellence, and I couldn’t be more proud. This legacy continues with Ademola Lookman, Victor Osimhen, Azizat Oshoala, and their likes who have taken the world by storm. That’s how to be a Nigerian.

Friends, again, I congratulate Ademola Lookman, Atalanta and Nigeria’s talisman, on being named Africa’s Best Player for 2024 on Monday by the Confederation of African Football (CAF). His humble beginning from Wandsworth and unwavering commitment on the pitch have earned him this prestigious honour, it further solidifies his position among the continent’s elites. Beyond that, I also think Lookman’s achievement is a tribute to his dedication, hard work, and passion for the beautiful game, above all else, his love for his country. His success has brought joy to millions of Nigerians, and I believe it inspires a new generation of young athletes, particularly lovers of football.

Nigerian athletes have consistently demonstrated excellence in various sports, defying stereotypes and pushing boundaries. Azizat Oshoala’s reign as African Women’s Best Player for over half a decade is another striking illustration to our athletes’ prowess. Her achievements, alongside those of her male counterparts, have redefined the Nigerian narrative, – it showcases our capabilities to the world, our can-do spirit and daring passion. These heroes deserve our accolades all times.

This is the only way I choose to see Nigerians. Yeah, these athletes truly define us as Nigerians, they carry the national spirit and emblem with pride, – they share their accomplishments, and paint a positive picture of our great nation. Even despite some not-so-sweet narratives, they are the face of hope, redefining the Nigerian story and identity. Their achievements have now become a source of national pride that transcends our various ethnic and linguistic divides.

As proud Nigerians, we must acknowledge our challenges and history. Of course. However, we cannot let a few individuals (who or who not share history with us), with personal or political agendas define us. Instead, we must celebrate our heroes, like Lookman, Chiamaka Nnadozie, Kanu, Azizat, and Osimhen, who showcase our true identity. We must project our country in a patriotic light, and promote a positive image for the international community.

Folks, sports have the power to unite and inspire us, to strengthen us, to promote a sense of shared purpose and pride. And as we can see, it can bring the deserving accolades, national place and global respect. We must celebrate these heroes and acknowledge their achievements as what they are. Ademola Lookman and all Nigerian athletes who have made us proud are the Nigerian story, nothing else.

~ Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, December 20, 2024.

The Oyo State Police Command has confirmed the dead of 35 children at the stampede in Ibadan yesterday.

The Police made the disclosure today in a statement made available to newsmen.

The Police also disclosed that various individuals connected to the incident have been arrested and currently in custody. The arrest was made following a tragic stampede that occurred on Wednesday, December 18, 2024, during a funfaire held at the Islamic High School, Basorun, Ibadan.

It was confirmed that the ace broadcaster, the owner of Agidigbo FM, a radio station partnered with the organizers of the funfair that led to loss of many lives has been hospitalized and is currently undergoing treatment in an undisclosed hospital.

The event, organized by the Wings Foundation and media partners Agidigbo FM, was intended to be a funfair for children, but turned into a nightmare as chaos erupted.

Oyo state Police Public Relation Officer, SP Adewale Osifeso confirmed this development in a statement made available to newsmen on Thursday, December 19, 2024.

According to the Police, the arrested individuals include key figures involved in organizing and overseeing the event.

They are Prophetess Naomi Silekunola, 31, the primary sponsor of the event, along with Fasasi Abdulahi, the Principal of Islamic High School; Genesis Christopher, Tanimowo Moruf, Anisolaja Olabode, Idowu Ibrahim, and Abiola Oluwatimilehin.

The Police disclosed that these individuals face various charges related to their roles in the tragic incident.

The police assured that the public that the case is being treated with the utmost seriousness, as the investigation has been transferred to the Homicide Section of the State Criminal Investigation Department (SCID) in Iyaganku.

The Police stated that the Deputy Commissioner of Police is personally overseeing the investigation.

The Oyo State Police Command however, extended its condolences to the families affected by the tragedy.

“We sympathize with all the families and loved ones affected by the tragedy and assure the good people of the state that justice will be served accordingly,” he said.

Authorities have also assured residents in the affected area that additional police presence and high-level patrols will be deployed to prevent any potential disturbances or exploitation of the situation by criminal elements.

The Oyo State Police Command urged the public to stay calm and to reach out to emergency services in the event of any further incidents. The toll-free emergency line for the Oyo State Call Response Center is 615, and the Police Command Control Room can be reached at 08081768614, 09054133071, or 09061299291.

“The investigation continues, and the Oyo State Police Command remains committed to ensuring justice is served for the victims of this devastating event., ” The statement concluded.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye, the President of the Beulah Adeoye Foundation, has sympathized with the families of the children affected by a tragic event in Ibadan.

It was gathered that lives were lost and others injured, particularly children, during the Ibadan Fun Fair Carnival.

According to a statement made available to the pressmen, the legal icon remarked, “It is a tragic day for us in Ibadan. It is a profound pain. I sympathize with the parents whose children were victims of this sad incident, and I commend the State Government for their swift action.”

“It is my prayer that those receiving medical care at different hospitals recover speedily”.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has said that his administration will fully explore the benefits in the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) to expand the state’s economy.
The governor stated this on Wednesday at the opening ceremony of the Consultative Forum on the Development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Sub-national Implementation Strategy for Oyo State held at the International Conference Center, University of Ibadan.

Makinde said the state would act as a significant player in AfCFTA with a view to unlocking more of its economic potentials to provide job opportunities and uplift the people of the state from poverty to prosperity.

The governor added that Oyo State Government would leverage its geographical location to maximize the benefits from AfCFTA by fostering cordial relationships with other African countries.
The governor identified seven areas that the AfCFTA would be beneficial to Oyo State.

Expatiating on the areas, Makinde said: “Since 2019, agribusiness has been one of the key drivers of the Oyo State economy. With cash crops like cocoa, cassava, maize, yams, and cashew nuts, we have agricultural produce that we can export to other African countries. We still have work to do in improving farming methods and adopting technology for value addition.
“This leads us to point number two: facilitating the establishment of agro-processing industries to convert these raw produce into high-value exports.

“I must say that this is the route that we have chosen here in Oyo State. We have made it one of our key policies to create an enabling environment for the private sector to thrive. Presently, we are working on constructing agro-industrial hubs. One at Fasola, in Oyo West Local Government Area, which is about 90% complete and the other, which we just started at Eruwa in Ibarapa East Local Government Area.
“We are open to further private public and development agency partnerships.

“A third way that AfCFTA can benefit Oyo State is in trade and logistics.”
The governor added, “AfCFTA’s liberalisation of services trade can benefit Oyo State’s education, healthcare, and ICT sectors. Also, taking advantage of our international border, we can attract students, medical tourists, and tech-based businesses from neighbouring countries. To do this, we have to position Oyo State as a hub for quality education and healthcare services. So, this is one area we should be paying attention to. As I always say, the best thing we can leave behind after our tenure is institutions for the future. Of course, policies drive institutions.”
According to the governor, “AfCFTA provides opportunities for Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) to access larger African markets. And here in Oyo State, we have thousands of SMEs.
Some are already trading internationally, but with AfCFTA a lot more can be done. The upside is that this will create more job opportunities for our dear state and contribute to growing our economy.”
Other benefits identified by the governor are in the area of tourism and infrastructure.

In her opening remarks/presentation on the rationale, role and process for developing Oyo State AfCFTA sub-national strategy and objectives of the consultative forum, Chairperson of the technical working committee who also doubles as the Special Adviser, International Trade and African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA), Ms Neo Theodore Tlhaselo, said the Consultative Forum on the Development of the African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) Sub-national Implementation Strategy for Oyo State is mandatory as set by the AfCFTA Secretariat in the crafting of a domesticated AfCFTA strategy to delve into a crucial conversation about future of trade, economic empowerment and also explore ways to create real tangible avenues for success of businesses, communities and individuals across the state.

She added that Oyo State Government has a unique comparative advantage that sets it apart from other states through agribusiness, manufacturing, investment, market expansion which would add more value to the economy of the state.
Ms Tlhaselo charged stakeholders to support Governor Makinde’s development agenda for progress and building a stronger Oyo State that can play a leading role in AfCFTA.

In his goodwill message, the Osun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev’d Bunmi Jenyo, while promising Osun State Government’s support to the vision, lauded the developmental strides of Governor Makinde in transforming Oyo State and urged the South West states to prioritize and maximize opportunities to invest in manufacturing, harness opportunities in agriculture and tourism, increase employment opportunities and cultural exchange among other countries.

Also in their separate goodwill messages, the Executive Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Export Promotion Council, Mrs Nonye Ayeni, represented by the Southwest Regional Coordinator, Mr Ganiyu Gbolagade, and Dr Daniel Gbadero, representing the Organized Private Sector (OPS), noted that the project would boost trade, foster economic growth and accelerate development. They encouraged stakeholders to be committed and see it as a collective task.

Earlier in his welcome address, the State Commissioner for Trade, Industry Investment and Cooperative, Mr Adeniyi Adebisi, noted that the essence of African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is to eliminate trade barriers and accelerate the intra African trade position in the global market by strengthening Africa’s common voice and policy space in global trade negotiations, adding that the project is an opportunity for Oyo State to promote socio-economic growth development, reduce poverty and broaden its economic inclusion.
He explained that Oyo State Government, under the leadership of Governor ‘Seyi Makinde, has embraced all the objectives and protocols involved in the AfCFTA programme.

He also assured that the committee working on the programme would leave no stone unturned in ensuring a conducive environment for trading activities in Oyo State which is the hallmark of economic development.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; former deputy governors of Oyo State, Engr Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hazeem Gbolarumi; former Oyo State’s First Lady, Chief Mrs Mutiat Ladoja; the Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; and a former Minister of Trade and Investment, Chief Mrs Onikepo Akande.

Also in attendance were former Speaker of the House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sumonu; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni; Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon Fola Oyekunle; Chairman of Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon. Sikiru Sanda; Chairman and Co-chairman Elder’s Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese; Babaloja General of Oyo State, Chief Yekini Abass service commanders, labour union leaders, religious leaders and traditional rulers, among other dignitaries.

The Oyo State Government mourns the tragic loss of lives at a children’s carnival in Ibadan.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, a stampede occurred at the private children’s fun fair held at Basorun Islamic High School, leading to loss of lives, mostly children, with some others injured in the early hours of today.

According to the statement, the State Government swiftly mobilised a rapid response team following the breaking of the incident.

The commissioner noted that victims have been swiftly transported to various hospitals within the Ibadan metropolis for medical attention.

While appreciating the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, for immediately activating all available response teams to provide assistance at the scene of the incident, Prince Oyelade in the statement, said the State Government will do all in its power to stand by victims of the fateful incident through this trying period.

According to the Statement, the State Government was not involved in any of the planning, neither was the Ministry of Health requested to provide any logistics to support the private children’s end of the year funfair.

It emphasized the importance of proper coordination when organizing events of such magnitude, especially those involving children and elders.

The Commissioner indicated that they are currently awaiting a detailed report from the Commissioner of Police to clarify the total number of victims involved in this unfortunate incident.

The commissioner said Parents who are concerned about the whereabouts of their children are urged to check the following medical facilities in Ibadan where children affected were taken for proper medical attention with valid means of identification:

– Patnas Hospital, Basorun
– Western Hospital, Basorun
– Ringroad State Hospital
– Molly Specialist Hospital
– University College Hospital (UCH)

The statement further said that the Oyo State government extends its deepest sympathies to the families affected by this tragedy while also urging the public to remain calm and cooperative as relevant pieces of information are gathered and necessary supports arranged for the victims.