I’m again filled with gratitude and some relief for the overwhelming response and feedback from you friends across Oyo state, Nigeria and even global opinionists from my last column. Your various engagements have enriched the understanding of our democracy, and also represented the role of technology in amplifying our voices. But more importantly, I wish to extend my deepest appreciation to our friends in the media, whose efforts have enabled my words to reach a wider audience, and have engineered a national conversation that transcends geographical and ideological boundaries.

The media is the backbone of modern democracy, – it shoulders the weight of information dissemination, accountability, and social commentary. It’s nearly impossible in today’s world for democratic principles to flourish without the media’s touch, torch and watchful eye, – they shed light on societal ills, promote transparency, and facilitate public discourse, – the media empowers citizens to participate meaningfully in various democratic processes. This symbiotic relationship between media and democracy is paramount, it ensures that power remains accountable to the people.

Globally, the media has been instrumental in advancing democratic causes, from advocating human rights to exposing corruption. In Nigeria, the media has played a crucial part in shaping public opinion, holding leaders accountable, and championing social justice. The likes of Norway, New Zealand, and Finland demonstrate how a free and active media can elevate a nation’s democratic standing, and cultivate an environment where citizens engage constructively with governance. Our own nation’s history is also replete with examples of media-driven reforms that showcased the sector’s potential as a catalyst for progress.

In developing nations, a robust media institution can be a transformative force indeed. By helping to promote good governance, highlighting development priorities, and amplifying marginalised voices, the media can drive social change and economic progress. The intersection of technology and media has created unprecedented opportunities for citizen engagement, and makes it an exciting time for democracy. In all of these conversations, we must recognise the media’s true capacity to shape public discourse, influence policy, and hold leaders accountable.

Truly, we must acknowledge the media capacity for harm. Fake news, disinformation, and hate speech can spread like wildfires, and they’re fueled by media platforms. It’s bad, ugly and cancerous. Yet, it’s important to recognise that media isn’t the spark that ignites these destructive forces; rather, it’s a reflection of deeper societal and ideological fissures. The media can amplify, that’s right, – but it didn’t create these toxic narratives. We can combat this when we address the root causes of these issues, rather than merely treating symptoms. We can counter harmful ideologies and promote inclusivity, empathy, and truth, – we can look beyond the battlefield of misinformation and drive the ideal of a responsible, ethical media that uplifts our shared humanity.

While traditional governance structures once thrived in the past without modern media, today’s world demands adaptability. The pace of technological innovation (like I noted last week) necessitates a dynamic and responsive media environment, capable of responding to emerging challenges, – rather than clinging to outdated models, we can harness this evolution to strengthen our democracy. This requires our intentional resolve, to embrace innovation, invest in media literacy, and encourage collaboration between media outlets, civil society, and policymakers.

Regrettably, media personnel worldwide face increasing threats, from censorship to physical harm, simply for performing their duties. These assaults on media freedom are an affront to democracy itself. I vigorously oppose such clampdowns, we all must, and recognise the media’s indispensable role in safeguarding our collective rights. The global community must also unite in condemning attacks on media freedom, and ensure journalists and media institutions can operate without fear of reprisal.

I believe strongly in a steadfast advocacy for media freedom, because the institution has a potential to build an ideal democracy. Through my experiences, I’ve seen the media’s capacity to hold leaders accountable, drive reforms and institutional change, and promote social progress. A functional media is our best hope for a resilient and inclusive democracy. When we actually support media independence, we empower ourselves as citizens, we help to build a society where diverse voices are heard and valued.

Folks, can we envision a society where the media’s voice is silenced or severely curtailed? The consequences would be catastrophic, – to imagine the least; information blackouts, unchecked corruption, and social stagnation. It’s our collective responsibility to safeguard media freedom, and ensure its continued role as the guardian of our democracy and its lifelong existence. In this pursuit and understanding, we must also recognise that a strong media is not an adversary, but a great partner in our shared quest for a more just, equitable, prosperous and democratic society.

Let me know how you are using the media to push change and for our collective good, and how you think the institution can serve us better. See you next week, but until then, please, enjoy your weekend.

Amofin Beulah Adeoye
Friday, October 4, 2024.

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, has reiterated that his administration will be remembered for leaving behind a legacy of institutions that can ensure that the state continues to make progress, noting that a new public/civil service is on the horizon in the state.

Governor Makinde stated this on Thursday while receiving the report of the Committee on Review/Update of Public Service Rules and other regulations in the state Civil/Public Service, chaired by a former Secretary to the State Government/Head of Service, Chief Adebisi Adesola, held at the Executive Chamber, Office of the Governor, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

The governor noted that most of the Public Service Rules are obsolete, hence the need to review the rules to bring about a standard practice that will transform the State’s Civil and Public Service as well as the entire workforce.

He said that a technical committee will produce the white-paper on the report within a short period of time, which will be followed with immediate implementation.
“With the work you have done as members of this committee, I make bold to say that it validates my position regarding the legacy I want to be remembered for and what I want to leave behind for our state. It should not be the number of kilometres of road constructed.
“We commissioned the LG House yesterday. Yes, it’s a good thing to do but that is not what I want to be remembered for. Our legacy should come from the institutions that we are able to put together such that good governance will continue in Oyo State even after we are long gone from the system. And this is one of them.

“Once we are able to implement and operationalise what you have done, we will have a different civil service in Oyo State.”
The governor, who maintained that his administration had put in place a lot of measures to improve the Civil Service system in the state, said he would forge ahead to put in place strong institutional frameworks that will ensure that the state continues to experience good governance even after the expiration of his tenure in 2027.
He said, “When we came in, I met the Governor’s Project Monitoring Committee, which was set up in the Governor’s Office.

We scrapped it and joined it with the Bureau of Public Procurement.
“After our first tenure, we evaluated the work of BPP and set up the Project Performance Monitoring Agency. We said BPP should midwife projects but won’t be part of the performance monitoring. If you are monitoring the project performance, you cannot come back and say you want to review variation requests. You will have to go back to BPP so that we can have checks and balances in the entire process. So, the heavy work has been done.”
Presenting the report, the chairman of the committee, Chief Adesola, on behalf of the committee appreciated the governor for the opportunity to contribute their quota to his vision and his desire to bring positive development to the State’s Public Service, which he described as a viable institution and a vehicle for good governance.

Chief Adesola commended the governor for prioritising the welfare of workers with his notion of transforming the state from poverty to prosperity and for various steps taken in ensuring that the Civil Service Commission works effectively.

He noted that adoption of the documents presented would birth a new Civil Service that would be more responsible and result in greater output and better delivery of services to the global practices.
The four documents presented for considerations are;

(i) Public Service Rule Volume1, renamed Public Service Rule Volume I Administrative Regulations;
(ii) Public Service Rule Volume 2, now Financial Regulations;
(iii) Public Service Commission Rule 1978 renamed Civil Service Commission Rule; and
(iv) Operational handbook for Civil/Public Service in Oyo State.
The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor, Barr. Bayo Lawal; PDP Deputy National Chairman (South) and a former deputy governor of Oyo State, Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi.
Also in attendance were the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo; Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni); Deputy Chief of Staff, Hon. Fola Oyekunle; Chairman, Oyo State Advisory Council, Chief Bolaji Ayorinde (SAN); Commissioners, members of review committee, labour union and other government functionaries.

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has said he would have a say in determining who will occupy the Agodi Government House to succeed him in 2027.

He said that although he may not have his way in the final choice and eventual occupier, he will still have his say, noting that the final decision on the successor solely lies with the people of the state.

He also said members of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state will have him to contend with in making a final decision, adding that he is still the one controlling the party structure in the state.

Makinde spoke on Thursday, October 3, while receiving the report of the Committee on Review and Update of Public Service Rules and Other Regulations in the State Civil/Public Service.

The brief ceremony was held at the Executive Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Oyo state Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, and attended by top government functionaries, and party stalwarts, among other dignitaries.

The committee was headed by a former Secretary to the Oyo State Government (SSG)/ Head of Service, Chief Bisi Adesola.

Says govt will provide adequate security for businesses

Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Tuesday, assured both local and foreign investors that his administration will continue to provide adequate security for investments and businesses in the state.

He called on investors to bring their money to invest in the state, noting that the state has an enabling environment to support their businesses, adding that his administration is ever ready to support investors who are ready to partner with the government to expand the economy of the state.

Governor Makinde stated this while commissioning the JAGZ Hotels, Iyaganku GRA, Ibadan, noting that his government will continue to do everything to secure the lives and properties in the state, which according to him, are major prerequisites that investors look at before going into a state.

Governor Makinde also used the opportunity to congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 64th Independence anniversary of the country, advising them to focus on things that unite the country rather than those that divide it.

He said: “I want to use this opportunity to greet everyone on the occasion of the 64th Independence Anniversary.

“I also want to congratulate Engr. Kayode Adebulugbe and the entire team. I was glad when you told me that this is almost 100 per cent local content.

“Not only that; you mentioned to me that you did not have any formal contract. To be honest with you, I have done businesses in millions of dollars just on handshake, yet, people say Nigerians are dishonest. Well, this is a validation that there are Nigerians that are honest; who would do what is right. So, I thank you for this investment in Ibadan and Oyo State.

“The Oyo State Government only provided the enabling environment for this to happen. We did not put any government money in it. So, this is a demonstration of the Oyo State model; we provide the environment and the investment will come.

“What we are commissioning today is the resilience that we are talking about when it comes to Nigeria and Oyo State. Some people may decide that they want to fold their arms and complain from today till tomorrow. But others who are serious would have an appreciation of the environment that we are in and would sodier on.

“So, I want to say congratulations to Kayode and his team. I thank you for not being one of those people that would just sit back and complain.

“You and the team were bullish to put this investment in here. And, as a government, I can tell you that we will do everything within our powers to ensure that this investment is protected.

“Under Omituntun 1.0, we focused on four major pillars including education, health, expansion of our economy and security. For this to continue, people have to feel safe and secure in this environment. So, we will do everything to ensure that people feel safe and secure.

“Under Omituntun 2.0, as part of a move to expand our economy, we added tourism and solid minerals development. So, this is a commitment to that ideal.

“Every Friday, it is always difficult to get hotel rooms in Ibadan because people are coming from all over the state, especially Lagos. People should keep coming as we are happy. So, this is an edifice that we would protect at all cost.”

Earlier in his opening remarks, the

Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, The JAGZ Hotels, Ibadan, Engr Adebulugbe, lauded Governor Makinde’s developmental policies and infrastructural development drive in the state, describing him as a man of many parts, who has been toeing the footsteps of Pa Obafemi Awolowo.

He added that the JAGZ Hotels is strategically located in Ibadan, the home of many ‘firsts,’ thanking the governor for creating an enabling environment for investors and creating opportunities to maximize profits.

He promised to support the governor to achieve his vision of expanding the economy of Oyo State through tourism and hospitality development.

The governor was accompanied by top PDP leaders and government functionaries.

Today, Nigeria, the most populous African nation is 64. In 1960 when the British colonial masters finally agreed to let go of one of its most precious and priceless assets, the news sparked widespread and exciting conversations that reverberated across the country’s lengths and breaths.

In that distant past, millions of Nigerians who had witnessed and endured the brutality, rascality, and impunity of colonialism basked in the glow and euphoria of our newfound sovereignty, one that will truly unleash and unlock the greatness and giants within our nation’s nooks and crannies.

By projection and prediction, Nigeria, a resource-rich land was tipped to shine like diamonds and achieve greatness in all spheres. For all its imperfections, Nigeria had the means to dictate the tunes of regional and global power dynamics. Nigeria’s greatness, at a time when United Arab Emirates (UAE) was still a blistering desert, and Singapore was still caught in the cobweb of the Malaysian federation imbroglio, was quite heavenly. Indeed, Nigeria demonstrated that rare trait of greatness in the early stage of its freedom. For instance, it played a pivotal role in the formation of Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS) alongside Togo, and was a leading light in the fight against all forms of foreign oppression, domination and subjugation on the continent.

In Angola, Nigeria fought and won against the imperialist and in South Africa, it empowered Blacks against the Apartheid regime – to the chagrin of the West. Undoubtedly and undeniably, Nigeria had more than potential, it had the seeds of greatness in it. All that was required for that greatness to blossom was nurturing. Sadly, for the past 64 years, it has endured various topsy-turvy. Those seeds of greatness have withered. They’ve turned to mustards of poison and toxicity. Perhaps, nothing suggest Nigeria is still a nation that will liberate the black race and take them to the promised land.

For millions of Nigerians, the hope of a nation built on justice and equality has faded and disappeared into the thin air. Whether on the streets or in the creeks, assuring impoverished Nigerians of a better country amid the current wave of turbulence and tumult sounds like a dirge. For sure, many have resigned to fate while others have written off the nation’s prospect. Quite depressingly, palpable pessimism and cynicism have become the staple of most Nigerians. Still, despite its flaws and shortcomings, the nation still commands relative respect particularly as its citizens continue to set the pace and blaze the trail globally. With her challenges and failures, many still believe the country will escape its current trappings and flourish beyond imagination. One of those firm believers in the Nigeria project is Amofin Beulah Adeoye.

Where others see challenges, he sees opportunities and the chance for growth. He believes Nigeria can rewrite the story of her greatness and that such audacious efforts are only possible when everyone irrespective of the region or religion is brought to the table of discussion and dialogue. He believes Nigeria, particularly Oyo state still has the strong tie to its greatness and that the challenges currently ruffling the feathers of the nation will soon pass. He equally believes the task of rewriting Nigeria’s greatness story requires both individual and collective efforts, one that unite everyone to see beyond ethnic affiliations and religious inclinations.

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.

The founder and president of Beulah Adeoye Foundation, Amofin Beulah Adeoye has joined eminent learned silk, the good people of Oke-Ogun and well wishers across the globe to celebrate and extol the virtues of legal luminary and extraordinary philanthropist, Alhaji Ahmed Adeniyi Raji, SAN on his birthday.

Amofin Adeoye described Ahmed Raji as illustrious son of Oke-Ogun whose love for genuine development and investment in human capital transcend his Oke-Ogun and Oyo State in general.

He described his contributions to legal profession as unmatched and perfect template for young lawyers aspiring to be great beyond courtrooms.

“On this momentous occasion of your birthday, I extend my deepest prayers for a day filled with joy and appreciation for the remarkable legacy you continue to build.

“As a leader, your commitment to the legal profession, your notable impact in the political sphere, and your lifelong dedication to the development of our beloved Oke-Ogun and Oyo State are worthy of the highest recognition.

“As a distinguished Senior Advocate of Nigeria, your contributions to jurisprudence have not only advanced the cause of justice but also inspired countless young lawyers and professionals who see in you a beacon of excellence and leadership, which I also look up to. Your work transcends the courtroom, influencing the broader socio-political landscape and championing the voice of the marginalized.

“Your efforts in politics, particularly as the President-General of the Oke-Ogun Development Consultative Forum (ODCF), demonstrate a steadfast commitment to elevating our region. You have continuously shown that true leadership is about service to the people—whether through your advocacy for rural development, education, or healthcare reforms. Oke-Ogun and the entirety of Oyo State have been beneficiaries of your strategic insights and wisdom, which have shaped policy directions and fostered unity within our communities.

“Your mentorship and guidance have also been invaluable to me personally, and I am incredibly proud to share our roots in Oke-Ogun. As I follow my path in the advancement of our state, your example of principled leadership rooted in integrity and a deep love for the people is what will be my gubernatorial vision.

“As you celebrate another year of life, I wish you continued health, prosperity, and the fulfilment of your grandest aspirations. May this year bring even more milestones in your journey of service to our people and the country at large.

“Thank you for your unwavering leadership, mentorship, and your continued commitment to justice, development, and progress. Happy Birthday, sir”.

The founder and president of Beulah Adeoye Foundation, Amofin Beulah Adeoye in his 64th Independence Day message urged government at all levels to rise up and proffer sustainable solutions that will drive the growth and development of the country.

Amofin Adeoye in his message advised the teeming youths to remain focus and contribute their own quota to the peaceful coexistence and development of the country.

Dear Nigerians,

Like free birds, we are equipped with the freedom to fly, lead, and choose the life we desire—fluttering our wings across the length and breadth of the sky. Yet, like wounded birds, we are truly free but with broken wings too weak to soar to our coveted altitude. This painful experience is a troubling reality for many of us as citizens of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

The celebration of 64th Independence Day comes with so much reflections, especially while considering the trajectory of our nation in recent years and the prevailing crisis of hunger, high poverty rates, low income, insecurity, high cost of living, inflation, shortage of Nigerian economic manpower among others.

Regardless, I remain optimistic about a better Nigeria, but not without the collective efforts of all of us in negotiating unity and shared responsibility. We have the duty to set our standards, redefine our history, and contribute our quota while establishing impeccable legacies for generations yet unborn.

To achieve this roadmap of sustainable development, we must embrace patience, and sacrifice, and be constantly reminded that our actions, decisions, and policies affect our posterity.

As we commit to making these tough sacrifices, our government all at levels must be reminded that we, the people, are the backbone of our democracy—our true independence—and that our rights and benefits must be safeguarded from corrupt political nincompoops determined to loot our treasury and take us backward.

Together with us, the government must take a firm stand, rejecting ethnic division and religious conflict while embracing peace, which will bring us equity, justice, tolerance, and fairness.

The government must make rapid decisions to make lives bearable through the introduction of incentives and citizen-friendly policies aimed at economic growth and advancement.

In particular, youth empowerment must be at the forefront of these solutions. And this is because, the youth are the driving force of our nation’s future, and by providing them with opportunities for growth, entrepreneurship, and leadership, we can pave the way for a prosperous Nigeria. The time to act is now—let us rise to meet the challenges of today for the betterment of tomorrow.

Let this Independence Day not just be a moment of reflection but a call to action. Our strength lies in our unity, our resilience, and our determination to shape the Nigeria we all dream of. Together, with unwavering resolve, we can rewrite the narrative of our nation and create a future where every Nigerian, no matter their background, can soar to their highest potential.

– Amofin Beulah Adeoye
President, Beulah Adeoye Foundation.