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IGBAOTUN: Beyond Politics || Olajide Hamzat

By
Oyo Mind
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The idea that politics is dirty, deadly, and dangerous has gained traction beyond the shore of Africa and much of the global south. Like wildfire, it has spread with remarkable gusto; especially in places often dubbed democratically stable and mature. In Nigeria particularly, this warped idea has congealed into a widespread anxiety. Ask anyone on the street to express their views about politics and you will be gob-smacked at their ill-informed revelation and half-baked rhetoric. Oftentimes, they find a way to lump politics and democracy together. How wrong can they be? For one, politics precedes modern-day democratic governance by a wide margin.

Perhaps, this idea of ignorantly painting anything and everything with politics as a dark and unsettling endeavor has extended beyond the realm of the literate and the elites alike. Those at the bottom-most rung of the social economic and political ladder also suffer from this fallacy of false generalization. Whether in Nigeria or America, this palpable apprehension that often grips people once the word politics is uttered appeared utterly confounding, manifesting in despair, apathy, and pessimism. In a way, the recently concluded elections in the US buttressed this cogent point vividly. American people went to the polls to elect their President and members of Congress last week Tuesday. The election held the world by the throats as global citizens watched with batted breaths the next US commander-in-chief whose policies will have an overarching effect and influence on foreign relations, global trade, globalization, global peace and stability among other things.

While the rest of the world had no stake in the choice of the American leaders, the eventual fallout of that democratic ritual is felt beyond the confines of the American 50 States well into the curves and contours of the rest of the world. Described as one of the most keenly contested races in the modern time, Kamala Harris and Donald Trump fought a good fight, dragged each other in the politics of mudslinging, attacked each other’s policy ideas and matched on each other’s neck with unbridled passion, on campaign trails, interviews and in debates. In the end, the American people finally returned Donald Trump to the White House, for the second time, thus capping one of the greatest political comebacks in the history of the American democracy.

For those who think politics is all shades of vilification and calumny, I have good news for you: politics can also serve as the avenue for intellectual debate and discourse. It can help electorates to have a closer look into the mind, mindset and state of the mind of the candidates. It can provide an opportunity for those undecided voters to make up their minds through the place rhetoric and revelation of those aspiring for public offices. Politics also reveal the minds of the smart and the strong. It offers insight into the heart of the kind and the generous. While politics offers the ladder to the seat of power and influence, any aspiring public servant must look beyond politics to see humanity. Amofin Beulah Adeoye is aware of this fact. He has devoted his life to lifting people up rather than pulling them down. His views about politics are devoid of desperation and power grab. He knows that politics is just a step towards a higher ideal and the expression of greater ideas. He is prepared in spirit and soul to fight for the collective interest of the people regardless of their class or caste, region or religion.

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.

You Are a Poor Student of History Because you Keep Alcoholics as Friends – Atiku‘s Associate Carpets Makinde

By
Oyo Mind
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Hon. Dimeji Fabiyi, an associate of Atiku Abubakar, the PDP presidential candidate in the 2023 election, has described the remarks by Governor Seyi Makinde on the qualifying criteria for presidential candidates as portraying the Oyo State Governor as a poor student of history.

Governor Makinde had made a remark insinuating age as a limiting factor for presidential hopefuls.

But Fabiyi, a leader of the PDP in Ogun State and pioneer financial officer of the PDP in his response to Makinde noted that Atiku is of sound mind and body, with the intellectual firmament that measures far ahead of Seyi Makinde.

A press statement signed by Fabiyi on Tuesday noted that while Atiku may be older than Makinde, he has the experience and a cosmopolitan ability to problem-solve.

“As a matter of fact, I challenge Seyi Makinde to an intellectual contest with Atiku, and we shall see how his arrogance and presumed youthfulness will be humbled.

“I have known Atiku for almost three decades, and I can tell you for free that he’s an avid reader. When next Seyi Makinde is in town, he should seek out how resourceful and flourishing Atiku’s library is.

“Atiku is not  a connoisseur of expensive wines and doesn’t keep the company of cringe drinkers. Rather, he’s a lover of books who reads widely.

“Unless Makinde believes that leadership is determined by aerodynamic strength, he should have been more guided before making a comment that makes him look like a clown,” Fabiyi said.

The PDP chieftain further admonished the Oyo State governor to  take a lesson from the just concluded presidential election in the United States where President-elect Donald Trump won overwhelmingly against a much younger opponent.

“Politics is a marketplace of ideas. As a matter of fact, it is a place where experience and age are undeniable assets.  President Trump is Atiku’s contemporary in age. But it is clear by the convincing win he secured for the Republicans that the electorate in the United States  acknowledges more leadership assets in him than his main opponent.

“It is on this note that I will admonish Governor Makinde to devote more time to reading good books and familiarise himself more with intellectuals, instead of keeping the company of alcoholics, so that when next he speaks he won’t be mistaken for someone who prides himself for drinking 40 years old whiskey,” Fabiyi said.

BREAKING: University of Ibadan Graduates 418 First Class Students

By
Oyo Mind
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University of Ibadan has produced 418 First Class graduates from 15 faculties, its distance learning centres and affiliated institutes for its 2024 convocation.

Vice-Chancellor of the university, Prof. Kayode Adebowale, disclosed this at the first day of the convocation ceremonies in Ibadan on Wednesday.

Adebowale, while speaking at the occasion, urged the 6,664 graduating students of the institution to make positive impacts through their talents, passion and unique perspectives.

He commended the graduating students on the feat achieved through resilience, creativity and perseverance, enjoining them to use their skills, knowledge and values that had been developed.

“With the foundations that the University of Ibadan has given you, I have no doubt that you are already empowered to competently and courageously embrace the future.

“Nevertheless, as you venture forth, remember that your education is only a foundation, not a destination.

“The world needs your talents, passion and unique perspectives. Therefore, go forth with confidence, empathy and a commitment to making positive impacts,” he said.

The vice-chancellor told the graduating students that they would be faced with complexities, uncertainties and challenges as they continued in life’s journey, adding, however, that they were oftentimes invaluable life opportunities in disguise.

“Draw upon the skills that you have learnt here to navigate, innovate and lead. Stay curious, adaptable and open to lifelong learning.

“You are joining a global network of alumni, united by a shared experience and commitment to excellence.

“Stay connected, support one another and inspire others. You now belong to a global community,” he said.

Adebowale said that the institution had continued to produce globally-competitive graduates, even in the face of its myriad of challenges and threats.

He particularly mentioned funding challenge and inconsistent educational policies as two major hurdles in the university’s way of fulfilling its vision and mission.

“The current nationwide economic challenges make it even harder to scale the hurdles.

“Nevertheless, I must acknowledge the intervention of government in easing the challenges, and commend the approval of new private universities,” he said.

According to him, despite the increase in the number of institutions, access to university education remains a daunting issue, as federal and state universities account for more than 95 per cent of the access.

“Therefore, there is a pressing need for renewed commitment to educational advancement through effective, consistent and harmonised policies.

“At Ibadan, we have been taking initiatives to seek support from our alumni network.

“It would be greatly appreciated if the government could facilitate operations for public universities by enacting policies that provide a degree of financial autonomy without unnecessary restrictions,” he said.

The vice-chancellor described every graduate of the institution as an asset for national reform across various fields of endeavours.

In his convocation lecture, Managing Partner of Afe Babalola & Co., Mr Kehinde Ogunwumiju, urged the graduating students to embrace the principle of gratitude capable of enabling them to succeed in life.

Ogunwumiju, a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) and alumnus of the institution, shared how the culture of gratitude had helped in harnessing human and other resources around him, thus enabling him to achieve his goals in record time.

“I urge you to carry the principle of gratitude with you as you move forward into the world. Let it inform your actions, enhance your relationships and guide your decisions.

“The world awaits your contributions, and the practice of gratitude will illuminate your path, providing clarity and purpose,” he said.

The Valedictorian, Usman Oyekan, appreciated the institution, parents and guardians for their contributions toward achieving the academic feat in spite of some setbacks, such as COVID-19 and strikes by workers’ unions.

(NAN)

Beulah Adeoye Foundation Holds Unity Debate Competition in Kajola LGA

By
Oyo Mind
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The Beulah Adeoye Foundation has held Amofin Beulah Adeoye Unity Debate Competition in Kajola Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The debate competition held at Onjo High School, Okeho, Kajola LGA after it was launched in Ipapo, Itesiwaju Local Government Area of the State.

The educative project is designed to promote healthy competition, refine talents, and foster patriotism among secondary school students. The topics of the debate were; “Why I Love My State: A Journey Through Its History and Achievements” and “My Identity and Pride: The Place of My Birth.”

According to Ridwan Fasasi, Chief of Staff to the foundation, said the foundation is committed to extend the educational initiative to entire 10 local governments in Oke-Ogun zone of the State.

Mr. Fasasi assured that the laudable initiative
will take place in other zones of the State.

Below were the names and positions of the debaters who participated in debate competition held on Tuesday;

Oyinlola Leah (A.D.S Comprehensive High School, Ilero) – 1st Position with 93 points.

Adegoke Fathiat (Onjo High School, Okeho) – 2nd Position with 86 points.

Abiola Kabirat (Iwa Community Grammar School, Ayetoro-Oke) – 3rd Position with 83 points.

Adegoke Rebecca (Onjo High School, Okeho) – 4th Position with 80 points.

Azeez Iradat (A.D.S Comprehensive High School, Ilero) – 5th Position with 67 points.

Ayanwale Martins (Iwa Community Grammar School, Ayetoro-Oke) – 6th Position with 55 points.

Dotun Sanusi Takes Free Medical Outreach to Iwajowa LGA

By
Oyo Mind
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Residents of Ijio, Ilaji-Ile and others in Iwajowa local government area of Oyo state have benefitted from the free medical outreach sponsored by the Jagunmolu Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi.

The free medical outreach and palliative distribution which has been going round the state is being organized by Jubril Dotun Sanusi Actualisation Team. This is part of the philanthropic gesture of the owner of Ilaji Hotel and Resorts, Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi.

While speaking, the coordinator of the Jubril Dotun Sanusi Actualisation Team, Prince Adeyemo Amosun said the philanthropic gesture of Chief Sanusi does not have bounds as it cuts across everywhere, everyone especially for the poor and needy.

He said good health is very important as it serves as a foundation to our existence in life. He said that’s why the fee medical outreach and palliative is going round the villages and towns across the state.

He added that free medical tests will be done, drugs will be administered free of charge to the people and foodstuffs will also be given.

He said that Chief Sanusi has been helping people even before the political season adding that the free medical outreach is not targeted towards politics but humanity. He said he prayed and hoped Chief Sanusi will yield to the calls of those calling him to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial race in the race.

He advised the residents to use their drugs as prescribed by the medical team urging them to take their health and well-being as top priority.

His words: “The philanthropic gesture of Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi knows no bounds, as it cuts across everywhere, especially for the poor and needy. Good health is very important, as it serves as the foundation of our existence in life. The free medical outreach and palliative distribution is not targeted towards politics, but humanity.

“Chief Sanusi has been helping people even before the political season, and this free medical outreach is a testament to his commitment to the well-being of the people.

“I pray and hope that Chief Sanusi will yield to the calls of those asking him to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial race.”

Beneficiaries who spoke at the event thanked and commended Chief Jubril Dotun Sanusi for extending the gesture to Iwajowa local government area.

They also pledged their loyalty to him urging him to yield to the call of people calling him to contest in the 2027 gubernatorial election in the state.

Makinde to Present 2025 Budget to Oyo Assembly on Wednesday

By
Oyo Mind
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Oyo State Governor, Engr Seyi Makinde, will present the 2025 Appropriation Bill to the Oyo State House of Assembly on Wednesday, November 13, 2024.

In a statement by his Press Secretary, Sulaimon Olanrewaju, the governor disclosed that the presentation will take place at the House of Assembly Complex, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

According to the statement, the presentation follows the Stakeholders’ Consultative Forum Meetings held across the state’s five zones regarding the 2025 Budget, where inputs from residents were gathered.

Governor Makinde also noted on Monday that the 2024 Budget performance had reached 64 percent as of November.

2027: Supporters Converge in Oyo Town to Show Solidarity, Pray for Dotun Sanusi Over Gubernatorial Ambition

By
Oyo Mind
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Thousands of supporters gathered in Oyo Town to show their solidarity and pray for the easy emergence of Jubril Dotun Sanusi as the next governor of Oyo State in the 2027 elections.

The event, which was filled with enthusiasm and optimism had in attendance Alhaja Lawal Abegbo among other notable personalities.

The gathering demonstrated the growing popularity of Chief Sanusi, a renowned Ibadan philanthropist and owner of Ilaji Hotel and Resorts.

The supporters, who came from various parts of Oyo town converged where they offered prayers and expressed their commitment to ensuring Chief Sanusi’s success in the forthcoming polls.

They hailed his numerous contributions to the development of Oyo State, citing his exceptional philanthropist qualities and vision for a better future.

This gathering is not an isolated event, as Chief Sanusi has been gaining massive support across the state. Just a few months ago, thousands gathered at Ilaji Hotels & Sports Resort, urging him to run for the Oyo governorship.

The event’s organizers expressed gratitude to the supporters for their unwavering dedication and assured them that Chief Sanusi would continue to prioritize the welfare and progress of Oyo State.

With the 2027 elections drawing near, this show of support is a significant boost to Chief Sanusi’s candidacy.

As the political landscape in Oyo State continues to evolve, one thing is clear, Jubril Dotun Sanusi has become a force to reckon with.

His supporters are determined to ensure his easy emergence as the next governor, and this gathering was just one of such efforts.

Reconsider your Decusion to Withdraw from the 2027 Gubernatorial Race – Supporters Urge Dotun Sanusi

By
Oyo Mind
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In a surprising turn of events, supporters of Jubril Dotun Sanusi, a prominent businessman and philanthropist, have urged him to reconsider his decision to withdraw from the 2027 Oyo State governorship race.

This development comes despite the Ilaji hotel and resorts owner’s willingness to step down for some reasons.

The Jubril Dotun Sanusi Solitary Group, a collective group backing Sanusi’s candidacy, dismissed rumors of his withdrawal, emphasizing that the grassroots clamor for his leadership remains strong.

The group expressed skepticism about the withdrawal rumors, citing Sanusi’s unwavering commitment to the people of Oyo State.

Recall that earlier, Hon. Babatunde Oduyoye, a former Whip of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the House of Representatives, also weighed in on the matter.

He noted that Sanusi cannot withdraw from a race he never officially entered, as he has not publicly declared his candidacy.

Oduyoye emphasized the need for a candidate with the best interests of Oyo State at heart, someone who can effectively build upon Governor Seyi Makinde’s achievements. He stressed the importance of a leader who can improve the state’s infrastructure, education, and healthcare systems.

As the 2027 governorship election approaches, the Group remains steadfast in its support for Sanusi, urging him to continue his pursuit of leadership.

The group’s enthusiasm is fueled by Sanusi’s vision for Oyo State, which prioritizes education, healthcare, and infrastructure development.

With Sanusi’s willingness to withdraw now in question, his supporters are more determined than ever to encourage him to stay in the race.

UI-Town Connect 2024: DVC Stresses the Need to Turn Research Into Innovation, Innovation Into Development

By
Oyo Mind
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The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Administration, University of Ibadan, Professor Peter O. Olapegba, fspsp, FNPA, has called on researchers to turn research into innovation and innovation into development for societal impact.

He made the call on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor, Professor Kayode Oyebode Adebowale, mni, fspsp, FAS, at the opening of the University of Ibadan Research and Development Fair, UI – Town Connect 2024.

The theme of the Research and Development Fair is “Re-focusing Research and Innovation Towards Scaling-Up Nigerian Brands for Commercial Value.”

Professor Olapegba reiterated that all researchers should focus their research on general values, which would lead to regional development and commercial value.

The DVC noted that the celebration served triple purposes: homecoming for alumni, networking for past, current, and future collaborators; as well as brainstorming to review future plans.

The Keynote Speaker, Pastor Olukayode Pitan, former MD/CEO, Bank of Industry, an alumnus of the University of Ibadan, an astute corporate and investment banker commended the University management for organising the Research Fair which he described as a significant and timely event that showcases the institution’s dedication to research, innovation, and knowledge sharing.

He noted that the Research and Development fair would provide an opportunity to draw attention to some of the revolutionary ideas developed through research and to bring these to the attention of industry in a bid to handshake and facilitate the abundant wealth trapped in ideas that have not been translated to commercial value.

He identified the dynamics involved in the scaling-up of Nigerian Brands as identification of products, goods, services and natural endowments that place the nation at comparative advantage over other nations, and to leverage such for economic and commercial advantage.

Pastor Pitan explained that the actualization of this requires a cordial/mutual handshake between the “gown” and “town,” through innovative research that is multidisciplinary and collaborative in nature targeted at providing value chain around the products of interest.

According to the keynote speaker, Nigeria offers numerous opportunities for synergy between the “gown” and “town” to follow this proven route of wealth and prosperity creation by tapping into this kind of collaboration on numerous valuable but neglected products that are capable of being developed into unique brands that will be sought after all across the globe.

He suggested that to refocus research and innovation toward scaling up Nigerian Brands for commercial value, investment in research and development, collaboration, government policy, capacity building, access to funds, market access and infrastructures development are steps to be taken.

Pastor Pitan assured that multidisciplinary/collaborative research,
development of long-term capacity building/training for researchers, connection between gown and town for application of already existing innovative ideas with small scale business end users, increasing long-term funding for local content research and giving of grant tax incentives to research and development related activities and services by the government will help to upscale the commercial value of Nigerian brands as desired.

The Chairman of the occasion, a Fellow of the Nigerian Society of Engineers, a generous alumnus of the University of Ibadan and global ambassador of African Art and Culture, Prince Engr. Yemisi Shyllon said UI stands out amongst other universities.

He commended the University management and members of the university’s “research and innovation” fair team for the success of their laudable efforts so far.

According to Prince Shyllon, the University of Ibadan, must have accumulated a large volume of innovations, inventions, research and development materials in the over 76 years of its existence, which must be waiting for revenue harnessing.

He, therefore, advised that the university management should further look into strengthening its commercialization of intellectual property.

This, he said, could be done with the creation of a technology transfer unit, functioning within the Vice Chancellor’s office, with a technology licensing officer of senior management cadre, appointed by the university.

He assured that this will further boost the hereto, largely untapped huge revenues waiting to be tapped by the University of Ibadan for its better global positioning, revenue generation, growth, and development.

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor, Research, Innovation and Strategic Partnerships, University of Ibadan, Professor Oluyemisi A. Bamgbose, SAN, stated that research is not just a tool for academic purposes. Rather, it plays a vital role in shaping economies and building industries.

She affirmed that through research, Nigerian Brands have the power to create novelties, innovate and expand the economic horizons of Nigeria, saying that through proper research, we can give the term “Made in Nigeria” a new meaning.

Professor Bamgbose said that the UI RESDEV Fair Committee was entrusted with the mandate of aligning town and gown for revolutionary national development by integrating the vocabulary of the University into the daily life of the town through an annual fair.

The Director-General, DAWN Commission, Dr Oluseye Oyeleye FIAP, FIIHP, said collaboration with UI RESDEV was to technically simplify the nexus between town and gown at the same time to disrupt the much-percieved dichotomy that exists between University researchers and development practitioners.

He reiterated that by re-focusing research efforts, fostering innovation ecosystems, and building strategic partnerships, Nigerian brands can be supported in realising their full potential.

Dr. Oyeleye called on researchers, entrepreneurs, government bodies, and the private sector to break the silos that separate research from commercialisation to bridge the gap between ideation and market impact for sustainable development.

The Chairman of the University of Ibadan Research and Development Fair, Professor Andrew. O. Fadoju stated that the programme was designed to bring together world class academics, researchers, accomplished industrialists, entrepreneurs, technocrats, artisans and students with a view of collaborating on how to harness the products of research and innovation for the benefit of the society and industry.

He said targeted stakeholders were government, industry, and the general populace to ensure better partnerships and collaborations in order to improve the world we all live in.

A goodwill message was delivered by the Oyo State Commissioner for Trade, Industry, Investment and Cooperatives through Mr William Albert Olujide. The Vice-Chancellor of Kabarak University, Nakuru, Kenya, Professor Henry Kiptiony Kiplangant also gave a good will message.

A special Guest of Honour at the opening of the UI RESDEV Fair was an alumnus who is making waves in industry, Mrs Yemisi Iranloye, CEO, Psaltery International Company Ltd.

Mrs Iranloye, who obtained a degree in Biochemistry from UI, charged the students to be tenacious in whatever they do, have confidence in themselves, and be ready to persevere in whatever they do.

The high point of the UI TOWN CONNECT 2024 was the presentation of awards with cash prizes to 3 out of 6 students teams that participated in the UI RESDEV Gen-Z Hackathon 2.0 Grand finale.

The awards were in 4 categories:

1st position with a cash prize of ₦200,000 – Team Dokia

2nd position with a cash prize of ₦150,000 – Team Clime Technology

3rd position with a cash prize of ₦100,000 – Team Uniguide

Most Innovative Idea with a cash prize of ₦50,000 – Team Dokia

UI RESDEV Gen-Z Hackathon 2.0 Grand finale participants included:
● Team Dokia- 79.875 points

●Team Clime Technology – 74.625 points

● Team Uniguide – 72.50 points

● Team Edugaze – 70.25 points

● Campus Market Place – 65.125 points

●G – Stream – 60.5 points

The University of Ibadan Research and Development Fair : UI Town Connect 2024 spanned two days with many activities that involved the staff, students, departments, faculties, units and centres of the institution, as well as participants from outside of the University Community.

UI Don Calls for Improved Framework of Genetics Research

By
Oyo Mind
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A Professor of Genetics/Molecular Biology and Public Health at the Institute of Child Health, Professor Olukemi Kehinde Amodu has stated that there is a great need to improve on the existing framework of genetics research in Nigeria through sustained multidisciplinary research.

She called for the interplay of basic sciences, clinical sciences, epidemiology with molecular sciences, and epidemiology with the ultimate goal of improving health outcomes in Nigeria.

She gave the recommendations while delivering
the 566th Inaugural Lecture of the University of Ibadan on behalf of the Faculty of Clinical Sciences.

The lecture was entitled “My Genes are to Blame, or Not?!”

It was the sixteenth in the series of inaugural lectures for the 2023/2024 academic session.

Professor Amodu said that it is only through such collective efforts that Nigeria can address the growing burden of diseases and pave the way for a healthier future.

She noted that even though there are advancements in genome facilities, challenges still persist.

She identified limited medical genetics testing services, clinics, and genetic counsellors in Nigeria

The inaugural lecturer therefore recommended that there should be a concerted focus on improving genetics research in Nigeria.

She suggested that this should entail fostering collaboration across various disciplines, securing local and international funding and government support.

She stressed the need for the Nigerian government to invest more in genetics research by providing funds.

She also called for an effective interface among the academia, industry, society, and government, as espoused by the quadruple helix model.

Professor Amodu urged universities to set up innovation hubs for knowledge production, science and technology, and social innovations for direct impact.

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