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Tag: Oyo State

  • Gratuities: Oyo Govt. Urges Pensioners to Avoid Swindlers

    Gratuities: Oyo Govt. Urges Pensioners to Avoid Swindlers

    …Resuscitates Monthly Payment of N206m

    The Oyo State Government has alerted the general public that some unscrupulous elements have been swindling pensioners in the state, with a promise to fast track their gratuities.

    The Commissioner for Establishment and Training, Hon. Adeniyi Adebisi stated this on Friday, in Ibadan, Oyo State capital. 

    He recalled that the Oyo State Government has approved the resuscitation of monthly payments of Two Hundred and Six Million, One Hundred and Fifty Thousand Naira (N206,150,000) as gratuities, adding that 92 beneficiaries were catered for in the last release.

    The Commissioner explained that the Ministry is aware of some insinuations by some persons to defraud pensioners who are awaiting gratuities.

    He urged the general public to be wary of such, in order not to fall victim to the ungodly practice perpetrated by the faceless group of people.

    Mr. Adebisi stated that any retiree processing his or her gratuity should approach the Ministry directly, adding that they should desist from engaging any intermediary to guide against exploitation.

    Adeniyi Adebisi however, promised that Makinde’s administration would not tolerate such unacceptable action, saying anyone found guilty will face the full wrath of the law. 

    Also speaking, the Permanent Secretary, Mr. Olajide Okesade implored pensioners to cooperate with the Oyo State Government in achieving its desired goals.

    Okesade reiterated that the Ministry’s doors are open for consultation, adding that the ministry is working assiduously to chart a new course of processing of retirees’ benefits that will be convenient.

  • Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited’s Innovative Agricultural Development Approach, A Huge Boost to Oyo State Agricultural Development – Makinde 


    Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited’s Innovative Agricultural Development Approach, A Huge Boost to Oyo State Agricultural Development – Makinde 

    His Excellency, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Executive Governor of Oyo State, has commended Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited for its approach to agricultural advancement in Oyo State with its processing plant Akinyele and farm at Awe in the pacesetter state.

    Governor Makinde made the commendation when he visited both farms on Monday, 9th October 2023, where it has produced quality Day-Old Chicks of Layer, Broiler, Noiler, and Point of Lay Pullets.

    He said the pragmatic approach adopted by Amo Farm aligns with his administration’s move in advancing agricultural growth in the State, a boost to the State economy, and making food available to Nigerians.

    He stated that the company’s empowerment and job creation initiatives for rural women through chicken poultry is unparalleled as it has helped in improving their living standards and would like to partner with Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery to further strengthen its drive to make animal protein available, not only in Oyo State but across the country.

    He promised to improve the electricity supply in the area and construct the Akinyele roads to create improved access for the distribution of agricultural products across borders.

    On his part, Dr. Debo Akande, the Executive Adviser to the Governor on Agribusiness and International Co-operation and Development, who was also in the Governor’s entourage, said the company’s investment in agriculture is massive and calls for effective partnership, considering Amo Farm’s significant contribution to the economy of Oyo State. 

    Responding to His Excellency’s positive comments and commendations, Dr. Ayoola Oduntan, the Group Managing Director of Amo Farm Sieberer Hatchery Limited, said he was very elated about the Governor’s visit because of his personality, charisma, intellect, the hard work he has brought into governance in Oyo State, and that the move was to explore avenues of collaboration between his company and the state.

    He stated that Amo Farm produces a million-day-old chicks a week and the company plan to raise the production by over 30 percent on a year-on-year basis.  He added that the idea behind the company’s huge investment is to develop a world-class business with skills that will meet the growing requirement for animal protein which is very nutritious and essential for the body.

    Dr. Oduntan said this has prompted the company’s empowerment of over 1.3 million rural households with the innovative bird, Noiler, with an emphasis on women. “With this, we have laid a solid foundation that could be multiplied to spread across the whole of the country, and even the rest of Africa. 

    To further enhance the standard of living of the average Nigerian, Dr. Oduntan said the company aims to put 20 Noiler birds in 2.5 million households by 2025 through strategic partnerships.

    The indigenous, world-class company is a national company with a Hatchery in Owerri, and feed mill in Jos is poised to improve rural protein consumption and create a sustainable source of income for rural women in Africa, who engage in small-scale farming, especially with the Noiler bird which it launched in 2014 after several years of research and development.  

    Noiler is a genetically improved dual-purpose chicken breed that is similar in looks and taste to the native chicken, but is resistant to diseases, and produces four times more eggs and three times more meat. Like its eggs, which are very nutritious for all age demographics, the Noiler’s meat contains all essential amino acids and is low in saturated fats and cholesterol.

    At Akinyele where the company has one of its abattoirs with others in Uyo and Kaduna for its natnudO brand for ready-to-eat and cook products, Governor Makinde was shown the automated chicken processing plant where chickens are processed, packaged, and branded as natnudO Foods, which are made available across Nigeria.

    Also, at the Awe Farm, His Excellency was taken through the various chicken sites, the hatchery sections with day-old chicks, the egg units, and other parts which he was very impressed with. Amo Farm has demonstrated innovation by being the first to adopt artificial insemination in Day-Old chick production which has improved productivity in the sector.

    He also visited Amo Byng which is the animal feed-producing arm of the group. He was shown the company’s innovation in locally fabricated machinery that could reduce the cost of importation of foreign machines and the cost of production in the poultry value chain. 

  • Oyo Govt, Christian Mission Offer Free Hydrocele Surgery to 100 Indigent Patients

    Oyo Govt, Christian Mission Offer Free Hydrocele Surgery to 100 Indigent Patients

    The Oyo State Government through the Primary Health Care Board, in partnership with the Christian Blind Mission (CBM) has commenced surgical intervention for 100 indigent patients with Hydrocele and Lymphedema Management across thirty-three local government areas of Oyo State.

    While Speaking on Sunday, at Oke-Are Primary Health Care Center, Ibadan, venue of the surgery, the Executive Secretary, Oyo State, Primary Health Care Board, Dr. Muideen Olatunji disclosed that the programme was targeted at indigent patients who cannot afford the operation in any Private Hospital.

    According to him, “the board in conjunction with Christian Blind Mission (CBM) is offering free Surgical intervention on Hydroceles and Lymphedema Management for close to 90 to 100 indigent patients across 33 local government areas of the state.”

    “We have one of our programme interventions that we refer to as Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs) and there are many diseases under the NTDs, one of them is this hydrocele and many people tend to have these health issues. The health issue tends to cause embarrassment to whoever has it, so  CBM is supporting us to operate on most of these people that may have financial challenges”, he said.

    “We are conducting this programme in 33 local government areas of the state and we have mobilized people through our local NTDs coordinators to search for those who may have features, to enlist them and bring them to this facility to be operated free of charge”. 

    “Today, we operated more than ten, and we wish to go further and continue with the programme, using this place as the central point that patients will be coming. In fact, there is a commission for them, when they come, like the cost of transport back home will be taken care of because we understand that they are not financially buoyant. 

    He said the gesture by the partners and the Oyo State Government is to support them, urging them to visit Oyo State primary health facilities for follow ups.

    “You know the government has already renovated and upgraded most of these facilities”, he said

    “The turnout is so impressive, and we are still expecting some that have these kinds of diseases”.

    Earlier in his speech, the Project Director, Christian Blind Mission (CBM), Enan Williams Adamani, who spoke through the Project Manager, Elizabeth Ezeobele, explained that the organization is in partnership with the Oyo state government to conduct lymphatic Filariasis morbidity and management disability prevention for residents of the state.

    He maintained that the Oyo state government through the Primary Health Care Board focused on Neglected Tropical Diseases (NTDs).

    He commended the Oyo state government and its officials for the support they have shown towards the success of the programme.

    While speaking on behalf of his son, who was among the beneficiaries, Mr. Sheriff Adeyemo, applauded the governor of the state for the gesture. 

    He also thanked the partner and medical team for prompt and qualitative health care given to his son at no cost.

  • NCC reiterates Commitment to Strengthen Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector

    NCC reiterates Commitment to Strengthen Nigeria’s Telecoms Sector

    The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) has said it remains committed to its regulatory role of continually implementing requisite reforms to strengthen the communications sector in Nigeria.

    The Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management at the NCC, Adeleke Adewolu, stated this while addressing stakeholders at the combined second and third quarters 2023 meeting of the Industry Working Groups (IWG) on multiple taxation and regulations in the telecoms sector.

    The meeting, which held in Ibadan, Oyo State on Tuesday, was convened as a precursor to a more elaborate Regional Stakeholders Workshop on Multiple Taxation and Regulations, scheduled to take place in the State on Wednesday.

    Addressing the meeting, attended by senior executives of telecom licensees and their umbrella body, the Association of Licensed Telecom Operators of Nigeria (ALTON), as staff of the Commission, Adewolu said the IWG’s activities are geared towards ensuring fair tax policies and eliminating every incident of multiple taxation and regulations impacting the Nigerian telecommunications industry.

    He stated that a lot of milestones have been recorded by the industry since the establishment of the IWG over two decades ago, as the platform has proven to be effective in articulating industry concerns in this area and also proffering solutions to these issues.

    “Considerable industry gains have been recorded lately, particularly as it relates to the issue of multiple taxation. For instance, His Excellency, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu recently signed Four Executive Orders designed to curb multiple taxation in the Country.

    “Key amongst them is the Executive Order for the suspension of the five per cent Excise Duty on telecommunication services as well as Excise Duties escalation on other locally manufactured products,” he said.

    He described the gains as laudable as, according to him, they continue to serve as inspiring landmarks for the industry, underscoring what can be achieved when the entire industry come together harmoniously to speak with one voice on existential concerns undermining the economic health of the communications industry.

    However, the Executive Commissioner said there remains a lot of work to be done as the industry was still beguiled by arbitrary Right of Way (RoW) charges, hidden nuisance taxes and unauthorised regulatory encroachment into the communications industry.

    As such, he said the Commission has continued to work assiduously to ensure harmonisation of RoW charges across the country.

    He said aside several existing agencies the Commission has been working with, it is also collaborating strategically with sister agencies such as the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), in line with the National Economic Council (NEC) resolution of 2012 and the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA).

    “We are also working with the Nigerian Mainstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), all in a bid to ensure the regulatory actions taken by the agencies are well synchronised with the regulatory objectives of the Commission, in a manner that boosts market development and industry sustainability,” he said.

    While tasking telecom licensees to continue to bring burning issues on multiple taxation and regulation to the attention of the Commission as they experience in their daily operation, Adewolu also assured them of NCC’s decision to always make necessary regulatory intervention to boost industry growth.

    “The Commission is always inclined to executing the requisite reform that will strengthen the Communications Sector and deepen market development,” he said, as he urged all stakeholders at the IWG meeting to deliberate frankly and productively in highlighting pressing and key issues that require urgent attention.

  • Fearless Energy Drink Powers Upcoming Tor’Q Autofest slated for Nov 26

    Fearless Energy Drink Powers Upcoming Tor’Q Autofest slated for Nov 26

    … set to ignite Car Drifters, Super Bikers for Electrifying Displays

    Nigeria’s number one energy drink, Fearless, one of the products of Rite Foods Limited, has thrown its weight behind the TOR’Q Autofest scheduled for November 26, 2023, at Eko Hotel and Suites , Lagos.


    Fearless Energy Drink takes on the role of headline sponsor, aiming to enhance and amplify the car drifting and super bikers’ event, promising sensational performances and an even grander spectacle.


    Themed ‘TOR’Q 23: The Fearless Showdown,’ the award-winning Fearless Energy Drink brand is fully geared up to rejuvenate the car drifters and bikers, infusing the positive energy for which the brand is renowned. The event promises a vibrant showcase of talents in auto-sports and motorbike racing.


    In light of this sponsorship, Mr. Seleem Adegunwa, Managing Director of Rite Foods, commented, “The premium Fearless Energy Drink brand remains committed to endorsing initiatives that nurture talent across diverse spheres, ensuring the realization of set goals and in the realm of sports entertainment, as evident in our partnership with TOR’Q, we aspire to elevate the platform, offering an exhilarating experience for car drifters, super bikers, and enthusiasts alike.”


    He said the Fearless energy drink brand which is known for its inventiveness and superior marketing activities in the entertainment industry and auto-sports will ignite the passion of the contenders to effusively excite consumers and fun-seekers while actively showcasing their talent in motorsports.


    On her part, the Assistant Brand Manager of Fearless Energy Drink, in Rite Foods Limited, Kanyinsola Sangowawa, said the market-leading energy drink would continue to support platforms that resonate with the brand’s DNA of identifying with activities that improve lives, innovation, creativity, with courageous spirit and the ability to attain success in undertakings.


    She said the brand will always refresh its consumers and steer them to stardom, instilling the willpower to do things perceived to be difficult with the boldness it offers, like the I CAN, I AM mentality of the brand.


    TOR’Q 23: The Fearless Showdown will serve as a stage for excellence, celebrating exceptional qualities with displays of supercars and bikers. Attendees can anticipate immersive consumer experiences and musical performances by Nigerian Idol winners Progress Chukwuyem and Victory Gbakara from Seasons 7 and 8 respectively.


    Adeniyi Bakare, Head of Strategy at Xhibit Ideas, the organizers of the TOR’Q Autofest, expressed gratitude to the Fearless Energy Drink brand’s significant contribution to the event’s realization in November.


    He emphasized the commitment to seamless execution across all event facets, projecting the autofest to draw participants from various African regions, establishing it as the country’s premier motorsports event, accompanied by an array of side attractions.
    He pointed out that the autofest would attract participants across the African continent, thereby making it the biggest of all motorsports in the country, with other side attractions.


    Bakare stated that it is a free event for all fun-lovers and entry by a bottle of Fearless energy drink, for a wonderful experience with what the event offers.

    Mike Nwogu, the face of TOR’Q 23, a prominent Nigerian socialite and entrepreneur, anticipates a motorsports spectacle that includes lady bikers showcasing their impressive skills, captivating the audience alongside other engaging activities and attractive prizes.


    Last year, the Fearless Energy Drink brand sponsored the Autofest 2022 in the ancient city of Ibadan, Oyo State. The brand elevated the event’s magnitude and excitement, commencing with a roadshow in Lagos, featuring the Fearless Geng of power bikers and skaters.

    Fearless Energy Drink also powered the successful ‘Gombe Grand Converge,’ an event uniting horses and bikers under the rallying call, “Embrace the Thrill.” This aligns with the brand’s dedication to sponsoring exhilarating sports that encourage consumers to transcend comfort zones, surpass limits, embrace audacity, and revel in the electrifying sensations they provide.                                                                 

  • 16,000 young people upskilled by Alliance for Youth Nigeria

    16,000 young people upskilled by Alliance for Youth Nigeria

    Mustapha Fasasi, a 34year old indigene of Oyo State, South-West Nigeria, is excited about his recently acquired skill of solar panel installation for homes and small businesses. With prior interest in solar and renewable energy, he signed up for the vocational skills training hosted by the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, as soon as he heard about the training through a radio program. 

    “The training was an extremely rewarding experience for me as I have been equipped with the handson skills and knowledge required to immediately commence solar panel installations and start earning income to support myself and my family. I look forward to further personal development till I become an expert in this sector”, he said.

    Mustapha is one of over 500 young people, who are beneficiaries of the vocational skills training held in Ibadan and Kano. 

    Despite young people being a tremendous resource for sustainable development, Nigeria’s youth unemployment rate stands at 53.7% according to the National Bureau of Statistics. There is therefore a pressing need for innovative and hands on interventions, including entrepreneurship education, in reversing this trend. 

    The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is addressing this need, with the recent conclusion of a vocational skills training program, delivered in collaboration with Whitefield Foundation.

    The training which enables young people acquire knowledge, skills and confidence for selfsustainability, covered four skillsets – Solar panel installation, Graphics Design and Social Media Management, Beauty Care (make-up, aromatherapy and massage) and Web Development and Digital Marketing. The selected skill sets were identified as quick-to-market and high-impact economic areas with immediate opportunities for earning a decent income and improving livelihood.

    Launched in August 2021, the Alliance is a business-driven movement of organizations passionate about working together to help young people around the country acquire the necessary skills to thrive in the world of work or create their own enterprise. Members of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria include Nestlé Nigeria, Jobberman Nigeria, Big Bottling Company, the United Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria and U-Connect HR Limited with the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development, Lagos State Employment Trust Fund and Activate Success International as partner organizations. 

    The member and partner organizations are committed to equipping young Nigerians with employability and entrepreneurial skills to enable them secure gainful employment or set up businesses of their own. They have also positioned themselves to invest in joint and individual projects to give young Nigerians meaningful work experience, internships, readiness-for-work training, and mentoring opportunities and are committed to contributing towards the United Nations Sustainable Development Goal 8 – to promote sustained, inclusive, and sustainable economic growth, full and productive employment, and decent work for all by 2030 and Goal 17, Partnerships for the Goals.

    Over the last two years, the Alliance has empowered over 16,000 young people with employability and entrepreneurial trainings, internship and mentoring opportunities equipping them for the world of work and business.

    In commemoration of the 2023 International Youth Day and second-year anniversary of the Alliance, high-flyers of the vocational skills training in Ibadan and Kano, were gifted start-up kits to enable the speedy commencement of their businesses. High-flyers from the graphics design and digital marketing trainings were provided laptops, those from the Beauty, massage and aromatherapy training were provided make-up tool kits and massage beds while high-flyers from the solar panel installation trainings were awarded complete toolboxes for their vocation.

    According to Ahmed Alaga, President of the Alliance and Program Manager Partnerships, Jobberman Nigeria, “Young people are the engine for growth and development, a huge resource and great asset for national advancement. The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is committed to supporting young Nigerians with the skills, trainings and knowledge that will increase their chances of getting gainful employment opportunities or becoming entrepreneurs, unleashing their true potential”.

    In his comments at the Ibadan event, Shakiru Lawal, Vice President of the Alliance and Country HR Manager, Nestlé Nigeria PLC said, “Young people are central in building the nation we all desire. At Nestlé, we believe that communities cannot thrive if we fail to offer a future to them. This is why we are committed to working with stakeholders and like-minded organizations to help young people develop their skills so they can find jobs or create their own businesses. I am delighted that the trainees have acquired capacities and capabilities to make a difference, enhance opportunities for selfemployment and economic productivity. To the exceptional trainees being provided with start-up kits today, I urge you to positively use these skills to make a living and serve your communities”.  

    Tumi Onamade, Secretary of the Alliance and Senior Manager, Participant Engagement &Programmes, UN Global Compact Nigeria Network who was at the Ibadan event said, “Today we stand united in celebration of two impactful years of collaborative youth empowerment. At the United  Nations Global Compact Network Nigeria, we recognize that scaling up action and investing in the youth not only creates economic opportunities but also helps businesses grow and stay sustainable, echoing SDG 8: Decent work and Economic Growth. To the beneficiaries of the start-up kits, you are now empowered with skills and equipped with tools, embrace this opportunity to turn your dreams into thriving realities. Your journey starts now! As we commemorate the International Youth Day, we reaffirm our commitment to the Alliance for Youth Nigeria, fostering SDG 17: Partnerships for the Goals. Our journey as an Alliance remains unwavering, bound by purpose and guided by the firm belief that by investing in youth today, we build a stronger tomorrow”.

    In a statement, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development,  Abubakar Ismail said, “With the huge number of youth entering the labour market annually in Nigeria, and limited job opportunities in the formal sector, skills based entrepreneurship remains a viable option for economic empowerment, job creation especially in the small and medium enterprise sector, and improvement of the general standard of living. Globally, entrepreneurs have advanced development through innovations in all sectors. The Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports Development is committed to the development of appropriate Policy Frameworks, such as the National Youth Policy which has employment and entrepreneurship as strategic thrusts and the Nigerian Youth Employment Action Plan, with priority focus on employability, entrepreneurship, employment creation equality and rights. We are delighted to be part of the Alliance for Youth Nigeria and will continue to collaborate with stakeholders to create opportunities for youth development”.

    Expressing his delight on behalf of his colleagues, Mustapha Fasisi said, “Thanks to the facilitators, the training is of huge benefit to us as it was very easy to understand and implement. We are deeply grateful to the Alliance for investing in upskilling young people and further awarding those of us who excelled at the training with start-up kits. We promise to maximally deploy the skills and tools to commence our businesses”.

    On her part, Mariya Ahmad Jibrin, who participated in the Kano training in the graphics design category expressed her gratitude to the Alliance for the transformative training experience which has equipped her with the skills to create impactful designs, affirming that the laptop provided to her as a start-up kit is an invaluable and treasured support for her business. 

    The Alliance for Youth Nigeria is committed to continued investment in capacity development of young people, equipping them with the right skills and experience in a rapidly evolving world and for a better future.

    With 70% of her population under 30, Nigeria has one of the largest youth population in the world, representing a remarkable opportunity for development and growth. 

    The International Youth Day internationally and nationally, and other stakeholders to draw attention to youth issues worldwide, particularly as related to health, education and employment while celebrating the potential of youth as partners in today’s global society. 

    The theme for this year’s celebration is “Green Skills for Youth: Towards a Sustainable World”.

  • Oyo, Brazil to Collaborate on Black Heritage Day

    Oyo, Brazil to Collaborate on Black Heritage Day

    The Oyo State Government is set to collaborate with the/ Brazilian custodian of culture, Oba Awurela, Kabiyesi Sangokunle Adekunle Alayande, on the Black Heritage Day.

    The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Dr. Wasiu Olatunbosun, while receiving Oba Awurela in his office, on Tuesday, declared the Oyo state government’s readiness to parley with Brazil on promotion of culture and tourism.

    Dr Wasiu Olatunbosun lauded Oba Awurela for his plans to expand the frontiers of tourism in Oyo State, using culture as a tool, which will, in turn, boost revenue in the State. 

    Olatunbosun shed light on the mapped-out strategies to drive tourism in the state, through cultural heritage.

    He called for further international investment and cooperation to harness the state’s tourism potential.

    Oba Awurela, a paternal descendant of Awe in Oyo, said their mission was to propagate the image of his paternal household and further build cultural ties between Oyo State and Brazil. 

    The monarch sought collaboration of the Oyo State Government in the celebration of Brazilian Black Heritage Day, otherwise known as ‘Searchie November’ which is a yearly celebration to commemorate Brazil’s freedom from the Europeans. 

    Speaking further on the existing cultural integration, Oba Awurela said Brazil and all Diasporans in South America have an Academy that integrates religion and cultural heritage. 

    He spoke on the plan to create the Oyo Empire in Brazil, which will be known as ‘OYOTEDO’.

  • Oyo Govt. Sets Up Palliative Committee

    Oyo Govt. Sets Up Palliative Committee

    The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde has constituted a committee on SUSTAINABLE ACTION FOR ECONOMIC RECOVERY (SAfER).

    The Committee, according to a statement by the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, is in accordance with the governor’s promise made during a statewide address to the people of Oyo State.

    According to the statement, the Committee is saddled with the implementation of various palliatives for the citizens of Oyo State, in the light of the hardship caused by the subsidy removal.

    The 15-man committee is headed by the Chief of Staff, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, while the Secretary is the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Musibau Babatunde.

    Other members include the Commissioner of Finance, Mr Akinola Ojo; Commissioner of Agriculture and Rural Development, Bar. Olasunkanmi Olaleye; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy matters, Mr Segun Olayiwola.

    Also in the Committee are the Commissioner of Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade; the Special Adviser, Labour Matters, Comrade Bayo Titilola-Sodo; Senior Executive Assistant, General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; the Executive Assistant, Finance, Budget Economic planning, Alh. Kolawole Gafar.

    Other members of the committee are Commissioner of Police, Sunday Odukoya (rtd); Senior Special Assistant, Special Duties, Miss Ololade Ajibola.

    The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and Muslim community are represented by Bishop Daniel Oluwajimade and Alh. Muniru Ogundipe.

    The Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Mr. Ademola Babalola represents the union, while Mr. Jide Bamgbose represents Civil Society Organizations.

    The governor advised the committee to let the sufferings of the masses propel their loyalty and admonished them to move with speed and efficiency. 

    The committee will have its inaugural meeting on Tuesday.

  • Olomi-Olojuoro Road: Oyo Rep. Akande-Sadipe Calls for Termination of Contract

    Olomi-Olojuoro Road: Oyo Rep. Akande-Sadipe Calls for Termination of Contract

    The Member of the House of Representatives representing Oluyole Federal Constituency, Oyo State, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe has raised an alarm over the deplorable state of the Olomi- Olojuoro, Ijebu-Igbo, Ita Egba-Owonowen road.

    The Lawmaker during plenary, therefore, urged the House to mandate the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing to ensure the termination of the contract awarded to DC Engineering Limited.

    According to the Oluyole Federal Representative, the road, which serves as a crucial link between Oyo State and Ogun State, has tragically turned into a death trap, posing significant risks to the lives and safety of road users.

    Hon. Akande-Sadipe highlighted the numerous petitions and complaints from constituents, recounting how the road’s deteriorating condition has led to multiple accidents and fatalities. 

    “The once vital transportation route has now become virtually impassable, inflicting untold hardship on the people, hampering economic activities, and negatively impacting the local economy”, she said.

    The lawmaker noted that Despite yearly budgetary allocations and the disbursement of funds to the contractor, the Olomi-Olojuoro road remains in a state of disrepair, shattering the community’s hopes for timely rehabilitation. 

    According to her, the contractors have continuously failed to execute the necessary construction and rehabilitation works, leaving the people to suffer the consequences of their inaction.

    “The gravity of the situation cannot be ignored. The Olomi-Olojuoro, Ijebu-Igbo Ita Egba-Owonowen road’s poor state has inflicted severe socio-economic consequences on the constituents and surrounding communities, causing transportation difficulties and impeding access to essential services. The Olomi Olojuoro road has become a death trap, claiming lives daily, and this demands urgent intervention,” Hon. Akande-Sadipe passionately asserted.

    With an urgent call to action, the honorable Member moved the House to establish an Ad-Hoc committee to conduct a comprehensive investigation into the contractors’ consistent failure to fulfill their contractual obligations. 

    The investigation will thoroughly scrutinize the construction and rehabilitation of the Olomi Olojuoro road and review the yearly budget allocations for the project.

    “To ensure transparency and accountability, the Ad-Hoc committee will be mandated to provide regular updates to the House on the progress of the Olomi Olojuoro road construction project”, she said. 

    Akande-Sadipe in her prayers added that the contractor’s inability to deliver on its obligations led to the road’s current dire state, and as such, a competent company should be entrusted with the rehabilitation and construction project.

    Due to a meeting at the Villa with all female legislators and the First Lady, Hon. Olumide Osoba of Ogun State kindly stood in for Hon. Akande-Sadipe and read the motion on the floor of the National Assembly in accordance with the law.

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO: We are poised to Revolutionize Dairy Sector- Langat

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO: We are poised to Revolutionize Dairy Sector- Langat

    Known in multinational circles as a turnaround business strategist, the Managing Director of FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Sub-Saharan Africa Cluster, Ben Langat, has maintained steam in the sustainable dairy breakthroughs that the firm has championed in more than a decade.

    Since 2010 and still counting, FrieslandCampina WAMCO has invested over N21 billion in the Nigerian dairy sector even as the dairy giant continues to lead the transformation of the sector. Media visits to the dairy development sites of the firm across several states in the country show how the lives, living and livelihoods of thousands of farmers, their wives and children have gradually upscaled; improving their nutrition, health, earnings and access to child education, among other benefits that had eluded them for decades.

    Thriving on its corporate commitment to nourishing Nigerians with quality dairy products, FrieslandCampina WAMCO continues to help solve issues of malnutrition, poverty, herders and farmers’ incessant clashes, as well as promote sustainable dairy practices through intense and creative backward integration.

    The company has created over 100,000 employment opportunities, directly and indirectly through on-farm and off-farm activities; improved the livelihood of over 12,000 smallholder dairy farmers and pastoralists, which they have organized into cooperatives and integrated them into FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s fresh milk supply chain, which provides for the local dairy farmers guaranteed incomes and market access all-year round.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO provided access to potable water for communities and livestock with the construction of 109 solar-powered boreholes and proficient extension services for value chain actors; extensive farmer2farmer training where Dutch farmers visit Nigeria to train local farmers on animal health, hygienic milking, and best global dairy practices.

    Besides developing productivity and efficiency in farm management, FrieslandCampina WAMCO is the highest off-taker of fresh milk produced locally for manufacturing in Oyo, Osun, Ogun, Kwara and Ondo and have spread their footprints into northern Nigeria as champions of the nation’s march towards a prosperous and self-sufficient dairy industry.

    Speaking to the media recently, the eminent dairy management maestro, Langat fielded these questions among others, thus lending credence to the impact his company has made in the dairy sector…

    How do you sustain local content for your products?

    To grow high milk-yielding cows, you must put in extra effort like we have been doing for over 12 years. FrieslandCampina WAMCO is the highest off-taker of fresh milk produced locally from five states in Nigeria. Our Yoghurt factories are running on local milk, so we can say we have brands that are 100% Nigerian in our portfolio. However, to meet the total dairy nutrition demands in a country as large as Nigeria, the available local milk is still very much inadequate. In my opinion, the model that the country will run will still have a reasonable mix of importation of some of the raw materials while local content is developed over a period of time.

    What impact do your dairy activities have in your host communities?

    We are doing all the right things if you look at it from the employment perspective. Among the 12,000 farmers we work with, there are about 1500 Fulani women who had been at home. Today, they are productive and are regularly paid for raw milk and their families are much more prosperous than before – the farmers, their wives and children. In some cases, their mud huts have been rebuilt to brick houses and their children now go to school, which they could not afford before.

    How have you dealt with the paucity of Forex and threats of insecurity?

    We have had to restrict our Forex needs as much as we can and source it legally. We sometimes source from commercial banks in addition to whatever the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is able to make available. Also, some of our service providers are able to source Forex and supply us products in Naira. This invariably means that the cost of raw materials will go up and ultimately affect the retail prices of our products. On insecurity, we have regular conversations with relevant government security agencies. We will never risk the lives of our people. Where we have security challenges around areas where we operate, we pull out for the time being like the case of the Bobi Reserve in Niger State. We had to withdraw from the location due to banditry to avoid risking our people’s lives. We are now in eight states in Nigeria; we work with 23 dairy cooperatives; we collect more than 40,000 litres of milk daily at peak periods and have best-in-class raw milk quality, one of the best in Africa.

    BIO: Bernard Cheruiyot Langat joined FrieslandCampina WAMCO Nigeria in 2017 as the Managing Director and in July 2021, his role was expanded to Sub-Saharan Africa Cluster. He has over 30 years’ experience having worked in leading multinationals – Unilever, Coca Cola Hellenic – and across African markets in Kenya, Malawi, Ghana and Nigeria, where he has consistently led businesses to accelerate performance and build long-term growth strategies and has delivered impressive results even during volatile times.

  • 10th Assembly: Lawmaker Empowers Constituents, Facilitates Medical Equipment to PHCs

    10th Assembly: Lawmaker Empowers Constituents, Facilitates Medical Equipment to PHCs

    Member, House of Representatives, Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, on Sunday, distributed cash grants aimed at economically empowering about 40 members of her constituency.

    The grants were given after the constituents completed a 3-day training with the support of the National Commission for Refugees Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

    Speaking in Ibadan, Akande-Sadipe said the training was aimed at economic empowerment of her constituents.

    Akande-Sadipe added that the gesture was in fulfillment of her campaign promises made to the people, that her second term will engage them into more economic opportunities.

    Mrs. Tolulope Akande-Sadipe, the former Chairman, House Committee on Diaspora, also called on the government to provide soft loans for the people as a way of empowering them economically and reducing poverty in the country.

    “Today 40 members of my constituency were cleared for cash grants after participating in the ‘Business Entrepreneurship and development’ capacity development program”, Akande-Sadipe said.

    “I urge the participants to use the knowledge garnered during this training to be self-reliant and to improve their standard of living,” she said.

    Akande-Sadipe said in addition to today’s gesture which earmarks the beginning of her participation in the 10th National Assembly, she has successfully trained thousands of youths in different skills.

    She said the past training programs have enabled many to become self-reliant, and have contributed their quota to the development of Oluyole constituency.

    On selection criteria of beneficiaries, she said her constituency office threw it open to residents of Oluyole by reaching out to community leaders, as well as religious leaders.

    The lawmaker who is representing Oluyole Federal Constituency on a 2nd term mandate, also facilitated medical equipment to Primary Health Centers, in the Constituency.

    This, according to her, is part of her bid to elevate the standard of healthcare delivery across her constituency. 

    She said the intervention came against the backdrop of the growing demands for equitable access to quality health services in the rural areas of Oluyole.

    Hon. Akande-Sadipe however, assured members of Oluyole Federal Constituency of continued excellent representation in the 10th Assembly.

    Speaking earlier during a Thanksgiving service to commemorate her inauguration as member of the 10th Assembly, the Superintendent, Christ Apostolic Church, Temitope Zonal Headquarters, Pastor Richard Akinlayo Adepoju, applauded Akande-Sadipe’s unapologetic love for Oluyole, which is hinged on godliness and honesty. 

    He commended her for touching every community in her constituency positively, calling for its sustenance as she begins her journey through the 10th Assembly. 

    The State Secretary, All Progressives Congress, Mr. Tajudeen Olanite, called on residents of Oluyole to continue to support Akande-Sadipe, for more dividends of democracy.

    One of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adewale Egbedun, thanked the lawmaker for the gesture and assured her of their support at all times.

    Witnesses at the event include Clerics, party stalwarts, community leaders, family members and friends of the lawmaker.

  • OkehoNews goes Digital

    OkehoNews goes Digital

    OkehoNews, arguably the longest surviving community newspaper in Oyo state now publishes daily. According to a statement signed by the publisher of the newspaper, Bola Olalere, the newspaper will now publish articles and news stories daily on it’s website okehonews.com in addition to it’s normal monthly paper publication.

    The statement also stated that the newspaper will also add to it publication a digital version of all its editions for easy online distribution across the world.

    OkehoNews which was first published in November 2002 is a community newspaper that primarily reports activities within Kajola local government area of Oyo state and other related state, national and international news stories.

    The statement also stated that interesting contents will also be available on OkehoNews YouTube channel ( OkehoNewsTV) 24hours everyday and enjoined the good people of the area to subscribe to the channel.

  • World Milk Day: How WAMCO is Boosting Dairy Sector, Farmers’ Lives – Moyosore

    World Milk Day: How WAMCO is Boosting Dairy Sector, Farmers’ Lives – Moyosore

    The Managing Director, Genius Dairy Farms in Oyo state, Rafiu Olatunde Moyosore, has praised FrieslandCampina WAMCO for creating jobs and steady incomes for indigenous farmers through its Dairy Development Initiative, in commemoration of the World Milk Day, June 1.

    Speaking with news writers at his sprawling smallholder farm in Oyo state, Moyosore, who is a FrieslandCampina WAMCO beneficiary, described how he scaled up from cattle rearing for meat to dairy farming for milk.

    He said that majority of the cows in Nigeria are raised for meat, not milk. However, FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s heavy and committed investment in the dairy sector has supported farmers to produce more milk for domestic consumption, facilitated knowledge exchange, and provided employment for tens of thousands plus steady and increased incomes for over 12,000 farmers.

    “We started Genius Farms about 13 years ago from our humble five acres and five cows. Then we came across FrieslandCampina WAMCO who told us about the opportunities in dairy farming. Before now, what we used to do was fatten our cows and sell them for meat. Our cows were giving us very few litres of milk, about 1 or 1.5 litres per day but they said I shouldn’t worry about it.

    “Presently, we produce an average of 10 to 15 litres per cow per day. They introduced us to artificial insemination and crossbreeding with our local cows, thus improving their genetics so they can produce more milk. In 2013, we inseminated 10 cows out of which three successfully gave birth to crossbreed calves. Their mothers are here; the calves are also here. From there, they continued reproducing and now we have about 110 cows.

    “Presently, we are running on 30 acres of land which we keep acquiring from different places. We are still expanding. As you can see over there, we just got four more acres of land so that we can expand. Our target is to build a kind of cluster around here whereby farmers that have about 10 acres of land with few cows can join us to do business together.”

    During the field trip to FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s dairy sites in Iseyin, Oyo State, journalists visited Moyosore’s farms and he said FrieslandCampina WAMCO has influenced his business, his life and that of his family tremendously in so many ways.

    Said Moyosore, “When you have a product and you have who or where to sell it to constantly, definitely your livelihood will improve. We got enough knowledge about cows through FrieslandCampina WAMCO. I told you earlier what we were doing before, a maximum of 1.5 litres per cow per day. But at the moment, we are getting an average of 10 litres per cow per day, which is true knowledge. That’s one of the benefits we have enjoyed.

    “FrieslandCampina WAMCO trains us within and outside the country. We’ve been able to learn a lot about how to manage and improve the genetics of our cows. Presently, we produce about 170 litres from 13 cows per day.”

    On the challenges facing the business, the dairy farmer called on the government to put policies and infrastructure in place to improve the dairy sector, saying: “There are lots of challenges. First are the feeds. Cows eat a lot of feeds to be able to produce good quality and quantity of milk especially when it comes to the dry season.

    “So, what we do is we buy a lot of by-products from beverage companies which act as feeds to our cows. This is because we don’t have enough silage to feed the cows. It takes about one hectare of land to feed just one big cow all year long.

    “Apart from feeding, there’s also cow health challenge. There aren’t sufficient vaccines in the country. In the past, we struggled to get FMD vaccines; FMD is the foot and mouth disease that afflict cows. We’ve been looking for the vaccines and we now have them. Another one is Lumpy skin disease, LSD. If not for the intervention of the Oyo state government, we used to import the LSD vaccines from our neighboring country. So this year, we are so lucky because FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Oyo state government partnered to get us the solution regarding LSD.”

    In addition, Moyosore emphasized that FrieslandCampina WAMCO’s backward integration initiatives have put an end to the bloody clashes between farmers and herders within the axis. He stressed that it is counter-productive for nomadic farmers to roam their cows across great distances in search of pasture and water.

    Such cows are often malnourished and exhausted, and they produce too little milk. This ardent need for good pasture that will boost high yield in milk cows has also been addressed by FrieslandCampina WAMCO.

    The news men felt privileged to have seen in Moyosore’s Genius Farms, two out of over 30 first generation Crossbreed Girolando calves that FrieslandCampina WAMCO just recently welcomed their births. They are reputed to be very high yield milk cows and the first ever in Nigeria.

    According to Moyosore, “These Girolando calves are 75% crossbreed of ‘Milking Gir’ from Brazil and Holstein Friesian from the Netherlands. Girolando is the next generation of dairy production in the country.”

    It would be recalled that the Food and Agriculture Organization of the United Nations in 2001 designated June 1 as World Milk Day to raise awareness about the benefits of drinking milk and the challenges of the dairy industry. The theme for this year is “Sustainable Dairy.”

  • Gov. Makinde Dissolves Waste Task Force

    Gov. Makinde Dissolves Waste Task Force

    The Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde on Thursday ordered the dissolution of the State Task Force on Waste Management.

    The Chairman, Transition and Inauguration Committee, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi, who disclosed this in a statement, said the dissolution is with immediate effect.

    The statement read, “I have the directive of the Executive Governor of Oyo State, His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde to inform you of the dissolution of the Oyo State Waste Management Task Force with effect from today, 25th May, 2023”.

    “The Task Force is by this directive required to officially hand over and submit all government properties to the Transition & Inauguration Committee”.

    His Excellency appreciates your tremendous contributions to the development of our dear State and wishes you success in your future endeavours”.

  • FrieslandCampina WAMCO DDP Revolution Delivers Nigeria’s First Girolando Crossbreeds

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO DDP Revolution Delivers Nigeria’s First Girolando Crossbreeds

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO has announced the successful crossbreeding and birth of 25 Crossbreed Girolando calves achieved locally across various farms in Oyo, Ogun and Kwara states, thus spearheading a production revolution and transformation of Nigeria’s dairy sector.  

    The announcement made by the dairy company’s Executive Director, Corporate Affairs, Ore Famurewa, explained that the Girolando breed is a composite of ‘Milking Gir’ from Brazil and Holstein Friesian from the Netherlands and has produced tremendous results for many decades in Brazil, leading to its transformation to a world power in dairy production. 

    “In addition to having a high milk yield, the Girolando breed is heat-tolerant, tick-borne disease resistant and possesses other characteristics ideal for production in tropical countries like Nigeria. The Girolando calves are the first generation of a new high milk producing breed in Nigeria” Famurewa said.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO continues to contribute to the development of the dairy sector and national food security through its Dairy Development activities and partnerships such as the Value4Dairy Consortium.

    Launched in April 2021, the Value4Dairy Consortium made up of four strategic partners namely FrieslandCampina WAMCO (Nigeria’s foremost dairy Company), URUS (the largest cow genetics company in the world), Barenbrug (a leading grass seed company) and Agrifirm (a leading feed and supplement company in the Netherlands).

    The consortium is making progress in implementing sustainable strategies to fast-track growth and development of the Nigerian dairy sector, with proven track records in various agri-related value chains.

    Two partners of the Consortium, FrieslandCampina WAMCO and URUS Group LP, the global leader in cattle breeding and dairy herd management programs, selected the Girolando breed for introduction to Nigeria and subsequently signed an agreement with a local breeding farm-SMAP Farms Limited. The strategic partnership will maximize success in crossbreeding and increased milk yields on local farms in a sustainable way.

    In 2022, 1400 Girolando semen straws were produced and 610 artificial inseminations achieved, and 25 Crossbreed Girolando calves have been birthed till date. FrieslandCampina WAMCO sees this key milestone achievement as an important step to give smallholder farmers access to affordable good yield dairy cows in Nigeria.

    FrieslandCampina WAMCO and other partners of the Value4Dairy Consortium remain committed to providing scalable solutions to agri-related challenges in the Nigerian dairy sector.