governance

BODIJA ESTATE CRISES: THE NEED FOR GOVERNMENT INTERVENTION

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About two weeks ago, precisely on the 8th of August 2023, the body of Miss. Omoniyi Boluwatife a graduate of Nursing of Lead City University, Ibadan was discovered with her womb already gone after a night hangout with friends to celebrate her induction into Nursing and Midwifery Council of Nigeria at one of the leading lounges within the Bodija Estate and environs which brought an unnecessary negative attention to the environs and inhabitants of the estate. In 1958, Bodija Estate came into being for residential purposes setting the pace like every other pace setter establishment in Oyo State as the first housing estate to be developed in the country as a leafy residential estate created by Old Western region. Bodija Estate was once home to expats, professionals, and high-ranking civil and public servants. However, a recent uncontrolled sprawl and emergence of commercial activities has since changed the face and bastardized the estate with clear indications that the state is now prioritizing what many may see as immoral economic interests above welfare and healthy living of people living in the area. The level of pollution, indiscriminate parking, unnecessary loitering by miscreants and prostitutes around the estate has reached an all time high and are all in a clear contrast of the state housing law of 2001 being aided by the activities of lounges/nightclub owners. A recent reports Indicated that the surge in security breaches is already reaching an unacceptable maximum threshold that was preceded by the residents on behalf of Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) crying for mercy and intervention of the state government as far back in 2021 when Tribune Online in her publication December 21, 2021 reported about efforts of the residents asking His Excellency Governor Seyi Makinde to regulate the approval of night clubs and lounges due to the amount of noise and other criminal activities causing them sleepless nights. The article went further to report the indiscriminate parking on both sides of the road and other available space that has now characterized the estate due to the growing uncontrolled commercialization of the “residential” estate which is a clear contrast to the rules behind initial set-up of the estate, thereby preventing occupants of the estate a reasonable level of peace. In response, as indicated in another Tribune Online publication dated January 7th 2022. The then Chairman of the corporation who is now the Deputy Governor of the state in person of Barrister Bayo Lawal and other top management staff on behalf of government held a close door meeting with lounge and club owners within the estate, security operatives and umbrella body of the residents, Bodija Estate Residents Association (BERA) in a close door meeting to mediate and ensure there are regulations in place for the smooth running of operations of the club owners. At the end of the meeting, a 12-points resolution was agreed upon. Inside Oyo News (another online publications of the same date) revealed that part of what was agreed in the communique was to investigate any outfits that has changed purpose of use from the original, strengthening of culverts to allow ease of accessibility into respective premises of establishments, provision of uniformed security guards to not only provide adequate security but also swift control of traffic which further directed that vehicles are only allowed to park on the left hand side of road in a strict adherence to traffic act, erecting of signposts that reads “No Loitering”, “No parking” and working with Nigeria Police Force to ward off insecurity and prostitutes from lining themselves along this road amongst other points listed in the communique. A recent Investigation revealed that fight broke out one night few days ago around Arigidi street which left plenty broken bottles littering the street gate. About four boys from nowhere looking for club/hotel chased a whole neighborhood guards from their duty post and went as far as ensuring that the nearby armed security was not spared. Lounges are now being built right behind people’s residential apartments playing loud and uncensored music not suitable for young kids, which is aside the drug abuse at night, plastics and environmental pollution that has now characterized the face of Bodija Estate. A morning drive around Awolowo Avenue down to Osuntokun to Aare perimeters on either of Thursday, Saturday, Sunday and Monday will leave one wondering the caliber of people who now inhabits the estate. These and many more are a pointer to what is to come if drastic actions are not in place to forestall unexpected occurrences. Findings and reports revealed that the growing concerns of the residents has since led to efforts in getting the audience of the Governor to wade in and put the matter to rest as a matter of urgency necessitated by recent happenings. A meeting which was scheduled to be held on Wednesday 16th of August between the Deputy Governor, Club/Lounge Owners and representative of BERA has since been postponed to Wednesday 23rd of August 2023. Going into this meeting, it is important to ask the following questions as regards the supposed implementations of the resolutions from the communique released after the meeting that was held last year when the Deputy Governor was still the Housing Corporation Chairman. When was the last agreed quarterly meeting held? How many of these lounges/night clubs complied with the sound level being reduced to 45 decibels from 10pm? It was also agreed that drugs should not be allowed to be peddled around and within premises of these outfits, yet some of them did not only allow for open smoking of all sorts of illicit drugs without control but went as far as accommodating kiosks that now allegedly sells these secretly without anyone reporting cases to appropriate agencies in fulfilling their own end of the bargain to prove innocence. It is very important to also ask questions about the activities of ministry of environments and natural resources with respect to their continued silence over the activities of these night club/lounges. Issues that surrounds environmental

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OPEN LETTER: Idris Animasaun writes Governor Seyi Makinde on need to address rising cost of food commodities despite the heavy investments in Agribusiness

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As an independent observer with extensive grassroot coverage, it is that important that I speak on the current situation of increasing cost of living and particularly the ever-rising cost of food commodities in Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. This is a national problem: ‘Nigeria declared a national emergency on food security July 13, 2023, as record inflation has made basic foods unaffordable for many. The president’s spokesperson also said authorities would boost the security architecture to protect farmers ‘. For observers and political commentators, it came as a surprise that the government of Oyo State did not respond immediately to this public declaration. The people of Oyo State are aware of the massive interest the Oyo State government has in Agriculture. In fact, Agriculture was one of the major areas of focus in Omituntun 1.0 and remains one of the key areas of focus of this administration. There were also massive investments in agriculture and agribusiness with Agricultural Hubs being proposed and one being built, and a major agriculture summit held in 2021 and another business summit held in London recently that had agriculture as one of the main areas of discussion. With all these, Oyo State should be expected to be reaping the yields from all the effort put into agriculture in the last 4 years. Some of the government programmes that were lunched include: Oyo State Agribusiness Park programme Oyo State Regional Agribusiness Development Programme Oyo State Sustainable Rural Cities Development Programme Oyo State Agribusiness Policy and Governance Programme Oyo State Agribusiness Park Programme Oyo State Youth in Agribusiness Programme There was also the YEAP programme, various trainings in collaboration with private partners and so on. The question now is what is the current impact of all the efforts and investments of the past 4 years on the citizens in Oyo State? A quick glance at the website of the Ministry of Agriculture and that of OYSADA does not provide any direction for agriculture in Oyo State both of which have not been updated lately. The bottom-line in agriculture for the ‘Baba Taju or Iya Ronke’ is high food production which will translate to cheaper food commodities, no matter how much foreign investors/investments that come into the State, if food prices do not come down then the ‘Baba Tajus and Iya Ronkes’ all over the State will not benefit from these investments. The government need to involve farmers that can practice farming and reduce the reliance on ‘agricultural policy experts’ many of whom have little practical experience. It is a sad situation that we do not have farm products with the Oyo State label on them in the market today. Too much money has been spent and too many meetings and programmes have been lunched, we need results that impact on the masses that is physical food products in the markets and on the tables in the family homes. We must separate the policy developers from the practical farmers, both roles cannot be rolled into one as it has not served us well. During Omituntun 1.0, there was massive investments in agricultural input distributions, inputs were distributed in 2020, 2021 and 2022. Although these were laudable actions at the time, the question now is how do we measure the effectiveness of these distributions which involved massive financial investments? With all the money spent on agriculture in the last 4 years both by the Oyo State government and the private investors, Oyo State should be the model from which other State come to learn. However, this does not appear to be the case. Oyo State is the Pacesetter, and it is high time we take our rightful place as the ‘Food Basket’ of Nigeria. I believe there is a simple solution to significantly boost our food production. Instead of investing billions into the building of massive structures on farm settlements, the government should purchase Tractors and agricultural machineries that can be leased to farmers at subsidised rates. The Oyo State government has Nine (9) farm settlements, the government can select one for example Eruwa, embark on large scale irrigation of the farmland on this selected farm settlement and bring in the YEAP trained youths to cultivate the land focusing on Vegetables that are high in vitamins, corn and sweet corn, tomatoes peppers, fruits etc. The irrigated farmland allows for all year-round farming and food production. The irrigation can be done within the next 3 to 4 months and by April/May 2024 the State will have its first massive yield of farm produce to help boost food production. The State can then purchase these food items and distribute to the poor. Doing it this way will also ensure accountability and transparency as we will be able to monitor all costs and record all inputs distributed and all outputs achieved. A major part of the immediate solution is also to provide direct investments to our local farmers, I do not mean the usual seed and chemical distribution, what is required is bringing the Farmers associations, cooperatives, and communities to the table. We must go down to the Ward level and not just rely on the list of names coming from government officials and political groups. Elections are over and government programmes must positively touch everyone in the State irrespective of political association. Many of these groups are prepared to work with the government if the engagement process is conducive and well though through, we must remember that the local farmers are the main drivers to a sustainable food security. It is important that there is a change of approach as the previous farm distribution exercises has not translated to increased food for consumption. It is also important to note that foreign investors will only stay around when the going is good, but the local farmers will remain come rain come shine. Foreign investments are good, but they usually will not give the necessary quick gains required in this difficult time. Therefore, it is key that local farmers, farmer

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Re: Makinde Bans Street Trading

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While I commend His Excellency for taking this bold step in sanitizing our environment, one would expect that this announcement was preceded by the provision of waste bins and receptacles across various markets, shopping malls, health care facilities, hospitals, shopping malls, churches, mosques, stadia, car-parks, bus terminals, and other public places in our collective efforts to curb open dumping. Is it that the ones provided by Mottainai, Oyo State Waste Management Consultant during the inauguration of the Governor were ceremonial and for such purposes only ? There is already a growing need to put up infrastructure for collection from source: recycables and non recycables. Everyone and every household should be able to Bag their waste from source, then the government should pick up as at when due. Advocacy for waste separation from source to reduce “open dumping of waste” which is theme for this year National Sanitation Day. The ministry of environment that is expected to lead with examples is also a shadow of herself as a recent visit to their office in secretariat does not show anything to reflect strict adherence to practices that promotes sustainability, wellness and cleaniness. Awareness, advocacy, enlightenment and proper Environmental education should go beyond organizing webinars but airing of gingles, programs centered around these issues, consistent visit to schools, market places, collaborations and partnership with relevant agencies. May the administration of Governor Seyi Makinde succeed in his quest to reposition our state to be among the front runners of sustainable environments. Animasaun Ajibola Idris Co-founder @impactpassion_org Public Affairs Analyst and Environmental enthusiast writes from Molete, Ibadan.

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POTENTIALS IN THE OYO STATE TRANSPORT SECTOR, Idris Animasaun and Adetoro Toheeb writes another open letter to Governor Seyi Makinde

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The Executive of Governor of Oyo state, H.E Governor Seyi Makinde. Sequel to my publication on 21st of June, 2023 where I highlighted five key factors on reform of public transportation in oyo state which includes digitalization of incentive collection, registration of transport workers, code of conduct of Park Management officials, amidst other important key factors enlisted in the publication. The fruition of my publication could be evidenced with the abduction of digital means of revenue collection by governor of Abia state, H.E Gov. Alex Otti which also includes issuance of identification and registration of transport workers in the state which is in line with global practices to curb corruption and enhance security of the state. It is best understood that the government of Oyo state has good interest in reformation of public transportation in the state in line with creation of Park Management System which was expected to profer a lasting end to hooliganism, thuggery, factionalism, maiming amidst many other social vices of National Union of Road Transport Worker and It’s counterpart, Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria in 2019 but however, upon appointment of leadership of the board (P.M.S) every concerned observers and residents of the state will doubt the intention of the government because it was indifferent to “pouring the old wine into a new cup”. Despite heavy political criticism on the multimillion spent on construction of central bus terminals by the state government, it is undoubtable that if the public transport service is well organized and put to proper usage, government investment in construction of the central bus terminals is indeed a threshold to bringing sanity and civilization to public transportation within the state. However, it is gainsaying for anyone to commend the spending of the government due to how the terminals are currently underuse. The built bus terminals under Omituntun 1.0 is an eye opener on how to curtail the issue of road hawking, and ineffective road usage in the state as majority of traffics are caused by road hawkers and car parks. Government has to do more in creation of more simple bus terminals at every stops within the state example of those terminals is that at Ojota and Berger at Lagos state where the road width is extended at such stops for road hawkers and car parks. Through such innovations, the roads are able to serve its full purpose and it will drastically reduce road accidents since that will put a lasting end to the scrambling between road users and road hawkers. The good intention of government investments in building bus terminals and creation of Park Management System became a subject of query and is perceived unwanted because government is yet to do enough in aspects of drawing proper usage and enforcement of reform policies that will directly benefit the transport workers and residents of the state. Part of which includes registration and provision of means of identification for transport workers to further reduce kidnapping and hence strengthen security of the state against other related criminal activities. Digitalization of incentive collection policy to reduce corruption practices and to promote transparency and accountability of the revenue generated by the management system. Such incentives should be targeted at welfarism of transport workers, direct taxpayers such as provision of health insurance, birth cares and emergency purposes instead of preceding manual ways of enriching few individuals. Lastly, one of the prime cause of road accidents is the usage of “moving scraps” as cabs, drunk drivers, and obstruction caused by road abuse. Therapeutic rehabilitation with stiffened penalties should be enforced to road abusers. All this will reduce traffic congestion, road accidents, promotion of security, reduce environmental pollution, beautifies, and strengthened the state’s economy.

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THE OYO STATE PARK MANAGEMENT SYSTEM: THE HULLABALOO

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Globally, public transportation is key to social, economic, and general human development. Public transportation is a means to create employment opportunities for citizens, a source of revenue and taxation and an avenue for well meaning members of the public to create a business enterprise with which they can earn an income, become an employer of labour, and pay taxes to the government of whichever jurisdiction in which they operate. The public transportation system in Oyo State is no different to what obtains globally. The Oyo State government has its own buses, with private groups and individuals have the larger share of the public transportation sector. There are also the different unions that operate at various carparks who control the revenue collection at these parks and all these activities are controlled by the union chairman. It is important to note that the funds required to be an investor in the public transportation sector are quite high ranging from about NGN300,000.00 (Three Hundred Thousand Naira) for a motorbike (OKADA) to the multimillion Naira buses. The rewards are quite high as well, however, there is no clear figure as to the average income as this is usually decided by the owner of the motorbike, taxicab, or bus. The hullabaloo within the public transportation sector across most States in Nigeria is down to the revenue collection at the various motor parks, and Oyo State is no different. The question that always come up whenever there is a change of government or handover or renewal of tenure at the State level is: ‘who controls the motor parks?’, in other words, ‘who becomes the chairman of the road transporters’. The answer to these questions usually leads to major physical conflicts between different groups within the road transporter union, these fracases have in the past led to fatalities. In 2019, to avoid the usual conflicts that accompany the change of chairmanship, the Governor set up the Park Management System and appointed Mr Mukaila ‘Auxillary’ as the State Chairman. This appointment came with its baggage, and some people felt it was the wrong appointment considering his antecedents and the role he played during Late Governor Ajimobi’s years. Fast forward to the current situation, the Governor has removed ‘Auxiliary’ and appointed someone else. As a neutral observer, the issue of ‘old wine in new wine skin’ comes to mind. What is the difference between the new appointee and the old one ? There are certain questions neutral observers want answered, they are: What support has the government put in place to help manage the emotional stability of these men in the motor parks? Have these men undergone any form of therapeutic rehabilitation? What training, campaign or code of conduct has the government put in place to manage issues relation to alcohol and substance misuse, personal presentation, Health, safety and security around the motor parks, proper road use, vehicle maintenance, customer care which will include adult and child safeguarding etc? Will there be an introduction of automated revenue collection in and around the motor parks? If yes, when, and how? Will the government provide the PMS staff with proper registration including ID cards, uniforms? The situation that unravelled in the last 4 years makes answering the above questions key to the development that is expected within the Park Management System over the next 4 years. It is important that anyone involved in the PMS undergo serious training in several key areas to ensure history does not repeat itself. To be fair to the immediate past Chairman of the PMS, there was no obvious rehabilitation, training or human relationship support. Auxiliary had history, he had been in prison for some time before he was released and saddled with such enormous responsibility. He handled the role the way he knows best, and to be fair it is a generally accepted fact that the role of the chairman of transporters is not for the faint hearted. Although, majority of the men that fill the chairmanship role are gentle and kind in nature, they must however, play the role of ‘hardmen’ to maintain authority. For example, the very first day I met Alhaji Akewusola Tokyo was about 25+ years ago at his Elere residence which is along Odo-Oba/Boluwaji road. I can tell you from that very first impression that such a man with how he treated me that day gladdens my heart, and it was difficult to believe he is the same person everyone feared so much. My mother who at the time was a friend to one of Alhaji’s wives maintained a concurrent relationship with Alhaji Tawa’s second wife who also lived less than a kilometre away. It is a fact I grew up visiting the homes of Alhaji Tawa more often and the feeling is yet the same. I had hoped that I would be able to work with Alhaji Mukaila Auxiliary before his recent travails in order to remodel the management system of our motor parks and road transport union so that they become more community friendly and have a more presentable image. To have grown up in Molete that was once regarded as the headquarters of Ibadan and Oyo state politics with the kind of brigadance that characterized the carriage and news around Baba Adedibu is also a contrasting image of how compassionate Baba is to me at my very first meeting (this was documented in my last post). We must all realise that behind all these men there exists, someone’s father, a husband, a brother, a friend. Rather than stand on the side-line criticising the current situation, there must be an open and honest dialogue with everyone willing to accept their failings and the needed correction made. It is in line with this that I reached out verbally to those I know can get words to the Governor on what we need to do to salvage the already difficult situation we found ouselves with escalated public perception of our security situations beyond what truly applies. None got back

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Democracy Day: My Encounter With Late Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu — Self Acclaimed Mogaji Molete, Idris Animasaun Shares Experience

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Walking through Molete this evening brought back nostalgia of those early years. And how at times we lined the street waiting and waving at dignitaries making their way to palatial home of Baba. The sirens, police escorts, luxury vehicles and joy of the goodies being shared at the aftermath of these guys leaving our neighborhood. My first contact with Baba was in 2002 when I went to deliver a letter I have written on behalf of my late aunt. As I approached the waiting chamber, I saw large crowd of people gathered also in waiting for his supposed attention. It was around 10am in the morning and initially I cared less about the huge number of people loitering by his gate and in the compound until I saw the ones that filled up his lounge. I went straight in and made my way to about the only space that looked comfortable for me to sit. Obviously anyone who’s familiar with Baba’s Lounge will remember this curvature chair that had just a centre part of it cut out. That is exactly the one I made my way to sit into as I didn’t have any idea of what it was meant for or any significance until I heard some women yelling at me not to sit there as it was reserved. I was deviant and as I about sitting, Baba appeared and told them to let the little boy alone. Baba sat beside me, I was struck by his humor and before I could make any statement one Alfa knelt and offered him prayers and everyone said Amen. He dipped his hand into his pocket and offered some few naira notes, then came a pastor who did the same and he replicated the same. It is like everyone taking turns to narrate their ordeals while he attends to them one after another. Then came a sudden interruption, as a white bus made its way into the arena with a lot of people singing his praises as he’s being ushered into another private chamber not far from where we all sat. Baba excused himself and directed his PA to attend to me immediately, I responded with a fierce look that I was told to deliver the letter to him personally. As at that time, it didn’t dawn on me that these PAs are privy to some of the things we thought are of private concerns. I had felt the content of the letter is deeper beyond what a 3rd person should know about until the man started to describe my aunty even before I could say jack. He went further by asking if the letter contained an agreement to a subject matter I have written to decline such requests. Few moments later, Baba made his way back as the meeting was a brief one, the hailings and chants made me later realized it was Senator Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja who came visiting Baba. Baba who had joined PDP ahead of the 2003 general elections was victorious not only in Oyo-State but PDP winning across the entire South-West cemented baba as the a major force to reckon with in the country. Baba who “mastered the art of political mobilization, demobilization and necessary coercion” meant different personality to different people due to his involvements in activities and events that may make or mar people’s interests. In fact, he’s reported to have lived a day at a time and is reknowned for contradicting himself some of the times. To Ladoja who he won an election for, he’s father and enemy at the same time. He got Ladoja removed from office as Governor and installed his deputy, denied him a second term ticket that earned the Ogbomoso born Alao Akala his election as the Executive Governor of Oyo State in 2007 (the party primary is not without drama). Looking at some of the timeline of events between 2003 until his death, one will agree to the fact that he’s till date the most colorful, controversial and ofcourse a peaceful person who hardly does anything without putting the interest of his people first. In pursuant of political relevance, the interest of his candidates and followers Baba philanthropical live was shrouded by mechanisms he adopted in getting the much needed results that consistently endeared him and the same time dreaded by his followers. Some the activities engaged by him involved; *House for the blind In Sabo. Bills of uncountable number of children. Salaries to many old people. Friday donations to all manners of people in need of help. Baba share rams and cows yearly. He renovated Mapo Hall Bulldoze Akala Express road and made motorable. Baba believed that freedom is basic and in whatever way it secured, should be pursued. In 1993, he pursued a conditional release of MKO Abiola but his adversaries disagreed with his position and later led to death of a Man who’s regarded as the hero of our Democracy. Baba loved his people, and leveraged on his strategies, smartness, boldness, to stay with them in 1983 when people like Richard Akinjide and Meredith Akinloye fled to exile for fear of incarceration. and a never give up person. Twice he lost an councilor election. Baba has a personality that doesn’t give up and such is seen when he lost councilorship election twice in 1954 when he ran with Action Group and 1956 with NCNC only to win at the third attempt in 1976 when he ran on his own name as an independent candidate. The aristocratic power broker gave up the ghost on the 11th day of June 2008 and buried on this day of the same year at the age of 80years old. The vacuum of leadership of people like Baba is greatly missed till date.

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SAFEGUARDING THE CHILDREN: WHY SEYI MAKINDE MUST PUT THEM FIRST IN HIS OMITUNTUN 2.0 PLANS

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In the last couple of months at least five(5) children died due to alleged negligence/abuse of Private Schools across Nigeria. In Oyo State there has been cases of alleged child neglect/abuse recorded within the Private and Public School system over the years. The question remains, what is Oyo State doing to eliminate this menace?

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ELECTION 2023 MEMOIR 1: The “near” fatal supplementary election in Ibadan wrongly reported.

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Why is no radio station bold enough to go around to ask questions from random people on the street and have their opinions aired?  Or maybe I missed such program because I was in transit. If so, can anyone fill me in. Sadly, I witnessed first hand how people were crying, lamenting how they were manhandled, threatened, beaten and denied the opportunity to exercise their rights across the affected polling units.

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OYO STATE AGRIBUSINESS DEVELOPMENT AGENCY: ONGOING ONLINE PALAVA

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It is no longer news that there are certain people ‘Concerned Citizens’ that appear to have an issue or issues with the Agribusiness setup in Oyo State. These people have taken aim at the DG of the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency OYSADA in some recent online publications which I have been following keenly since my outburst about the agency in an online publication on my Instagram account on 3rd Decemeber 2022. Certain claims have been made online via different news platforms such as westerdailynew.com and oyoecho.com requesting the State government to set up a panel of enquiry to look into the activity of the agency headed by Debo Akande. One will wonder what these detractors stand to gain as the election is over and Gov. Seyi Makinde has won his second term. So why now, why OYSADA, why not any other ministry or agency? OYSADA on their own part have since come out fighting with different articles to defend their position and to discredit the articles from their detractors which indeed confirmed to me that something must really be going on. Blogs such as goalpoacher.com, flowerbudnews.ng and oyotruth.com have since been employed to not only respond but fire back. As a neutral observer who has been following the various articles on the OYSADA/Agribusiness topic from afar since some friends who went on the so called training in Nassarawa returned back without any serious form of engagements at neither of the state owned farm settlements or some sort of empowerments. There are so many aspects of this whole issue that is confusing and should be laid bare. On the side of the so called ‘Concerned Citizens’, what exactly are they after, what do they stand to gain? They have claimed that there is mismanagement in OYSADA, what proof or evidence do they have? The must provide details. On the OYSADA side, the DG claimed that 600 out of 3300 youths from YEAP have been empowered, OYSADA should provide the names of these 600 and how they were empowered. This information will kill off the rumour being peddled by their detractors regarding this project. The DG talked about the management staff in an article by Adewale Owoade “Gov. Makinde places Oyo State a step ahead of others on agribusiness development”. He clamed that IITA was responsible for funding the management staff of OYSADA, and that OYSADA decided to make do with two management staff even though it has the statutory powers to recruit more staff. This is where this gets tricky, is the DG saying OYSADA has only two management staff? This needs to be cleared. Why is IITA funding OYSADA staff, does IITA have shares in OYSADA or are they just helping the State out for free. Then who are the two management staff and who appointed them and when? The DG has left so many more questions unanswered. Simple research into the staffing of OYSADA shows that the secretary of the organisation is a civil servant and there are several directors that are also civil servants. Are these not management staff, and are they being paid by IITA? The Western Daily News published a report on the 1st of April 2023 and mentioned a Mr. Peter and a Miss Gift, are these two people the management staff being funded by IITA? Who are the people giving their sweat and blood for the project to succeed? Are there people working for free in OYSADA? Are the pictures posted in the Western Daily News really from the Centre in Awe? If not the OYSADA must file an official compliant with the NUJ. The Oyo State Independent Monitoring Group’s (OYSIMG) investig ative unit also need to provide information on the detailed and thorough investigation they conducted. What is being alleged has to do with mismanagement and misappropriation of funds, so the question is, did the investigators go through the financial records and contract award records of OYSADA, did they physically visit all the sites under the supervision of OYSADA for example Saki, Fashola, Awe. Who invited OYSIMG to carry out the investigation? Why not invite the Oyo State Anti Corruption Agency (OYACA) for accountability, credibility, and transparency? AN ADVICE TO THE DG: To clear this issue the DG should showcase the work done in AWE, SAKI, FASHOLA for the public to see. Also, whenever the DG is representing OYSADA he should hold such meeting on an OY SADA site instead of IITA. This will shut his detractors up permanently. Further investigation is being done on this topic. It is important to ensure that the government of Gov. Makinde is not distracted from its good work. However, it is important to ensure that all the above is cleared up and facts are separated from rumours.

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Governor Seyi Makinde Beware The Ides Of March

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Most people do not realise that the Ides of March has a non-threatening history. Kalends, Nones and Ides were ancient markers used to reference dates in relation to lunar phases. Ides simply referred to the first new moon of a given month, which usually fell between the 13th and 15th. In fact, the Ides of March once signified the new year, which meant celebrations and rejoicing. However, the soothsayer’s warning to Julius Caesar in William Shakespeare play has not only branded the phrase, it also marked the phrase as a dark gloomy warning of eminent danger. In relation to Oyo State politics and the GSM factor, it is important that GSM is wary of all the hangers on around him. Some are appointed close allies and others are friends. GSM needs to investigate and carry out enhanced due diligence on some of these allies who follow him around. Some of these people are so far from reality that they believe they are GSM supporters, but their personal greed, arrogance and outright wickedness has become a major issue for the GSM brand. These people have directly and indirectly enriched themselves over the last three and a half years. The actions are a direct contradiction to the position which GSM himself tries to project to the masses. Governor Seyi Makinde presents himself as a man of the people, a man accountable to the people, a man that loves the people and a man ready to fight corruption. It is however so sad that there are a couple of major cases of corruption and financial mismanagement going on right under his nose. No one is sure if his is unaware, aware but likely scenarios or what then is the reason for the creating OYACA which is an agency established by the virtue of the Oyo State Anti-Corruption Agency cy Law, 2019. The activities of OYACA would plug revenue leaks in the government purse and stop the act of mismanagement of office by public office holders and government workers. Till date, there has never been a record of prosecution of any high profile case in the state. From what we see, GSM appears to be ‘unaware’, at least from his words and sometimes even his body language. His Excellency talks about the improvement of education in the claims that things are better than they were before he came into office state. Same in Health, Education and Security. However, the facts on ground do not appear to agree with his statements. HEALTH A good example is the Medical Outreach by Omituntun Initiative in the Diaspora (OID) and Seyi Makinde Volunteer in partnership with the Oyo State Ministry of Health held last December, 2022 in Adamasigba Stadium, with many state officials, hangers on and allies attending for the photo opportunity. In a State where Billions of Naira has been spent to supposedly rehabilitate the primary health centre (about 350 of them) across the state, you will think the government will partner with the sponsors of the Medical Outreach to publicise the rehabilitated primary health centres. Really the sensible thing to do would have been to use several primary health centres as venues of the outreach, thereby show casing the work of the government. They used the stadium, brought in several government officials and allies and then supposedly donated medical supplies to the state ministry of health. The question that should be asked is that if these government had improved the health facilities and health awareness, such outreach would not be necessary. Such programmes should be run by the opposition not the ruling party. We are all familiar with the usual practice of politicians seeking attention to carry out such programmes in other to get noticed in their efforts to be considered for a position in the future. In the area of health there was more audio work done than in real life. However, GSM can provide facts and figures, pictures by going to campaign in front of several of the rehabilitated and functioning primary health centres. EDUCATION In the area of education, at the primary level there are no obvious changes, GSM’s cancellation of the NGN3000.00 paid by the students is the major change at secondary level. Regarding education, there seems to be a whole lot of noise at the tertiary level. This however can be associated with the acquisition of the sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso. Rehabilitation of old buildings is currently ongoing at several Polytechnics across the State. Oyo State they claim is becoming the centre of higher education. Even though they started poorly due to the initial choice of a commissioner in the ministry which was a colossal disaster. This is a man that is not known to have run any major organisation before becoming commissioner, and as such his tranfer or should we say demotion to the Ministry of Establishment became imminent. He was later moved to Ministry of Works (A Professor of Statistics) ? The people of the State particularly Ibadan can attest to his incompetence going by the state of the roads in the ancient city. Although, there are several major road projects going on in the State reliable source claim the Governor is directly handle these ‘deals’. And we are going to really do business going forward, we are better start by meaning them with right appointments in rightful positions. SECURITY In the area of security, there has been a couple of high-profile robberies, kidnappings, murders, and thugs going on rampage in the State under this government. Reliable sources also point to the obvious fact that a certain individual who can be considered as a major security risk is a close ally of the government and a regular visitor to the Governor’s house. The Amotekun security outfit championed by the Governor are poorly trained and there has been a few allegations of members being involved in crime. This will remain a problem until the government understand the importance of enhanced vetting of

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