Latest news with #SeyiMakinde
Zawya
8 hours ago
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Makinde has increased Oyo economic growth index by over 4% — AfCTA
The African Continental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) has disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state has been able to grow the economy of the state by over four per cent in the past six years. Secretary General of AfCFTA, Wamkele Mene disclosed this during his visit to Ibadan, Oyo state at the weekend. He submitted that the Oyo economic growth index bested that of the average Country on the continent. 'We see the average growth rate across the continent being 3 or 3.5 per cent. To scale up above that is a testament to your leadership. 'I think it helps that you came from the private sector, you have a sense of getting things done,' he said. On the purpose of his visit, Mene said, 'We discussed this visit a few months ago when the governor and his team visited the secretariat. It was the first time that we hosted a governor. 'The purpose of us coming here is first to consolidate the collaboration between the AfCFTA and Oyo State. Second, it is for us to be aware of what investment opportunities are available in the state. 'It is very important for us to be aware. Just last week or the week before, we were in South Korea. 'We have a Memorandum of Collaboration with Korean International Trade Agency and all of the large Korean corporations are members. We meet about twice a year and the question they always ask us is where should we invest? 'There are big companies that have no presence anywhere in Africa. What we have been telling them is that they have to invest in Africa. 'This is a very important visit because it gives us a very strong investment case to make when we meet with those that are seeking to invest. 'Another reason this meeting is important is that yesterday, we had to give a report to President William Ruto on African Union climate change and we mobilized all of our development finance institutions. 'The President tasked me to bring them to the table so that we can jointly identify opportunities to invest in green infrastructure, agro-processing etc. 'We came out of that meeting with a long list of bankable projects and investment portfolio that will be spread across the continent. 'We are well positioned to support the establishment of a green industrial technology sector, we have the capability for solar or renewable energy', those kinds of projects would be supported through this syndicated financing that we are agreeing to with the development financing institutions that I have mentioned.' In his address, Makinde has assured intending local and foreign investors of adequate legislation that would enable their businesses to thrive The governor said, 'I know that political risk is something that most investors don't want to deal with. While I am here, I believe we have the opportunity to lock things up for the next 25 to 30 years and back it up by law. We have a legislative arm that is on the same page with the executive in terms of how to develop our state.' Speaking on the comparative advantage of the state, Governor Makinde said, 'Oyo State is central in the geography of Nigeria and that of West Africa. We share a common border with the Republic of Benin, which means we have access to the West African sub-region in terms of developing the market. 'We are upgrading our airport in Ibadan to international standard. Why we took that decision is not far-fetched. In Africa, you have three major airlines that go everywhere. 'The largest is Ethiopian Airline, followed by Kenyan Airline and the Rwandan Air. Oyo State is bigger than Rwanda but they have an airline that goes everywhere. Nigeria is in the centre geographically. So, how come we are connecting through Ethiopia, Kenya, Rwanda or Morocco? Wherever you are going, you first go Far West or Far East and then you try to connect elsewhere. 'We felt because of the geography and in terms of how much is spent on fuel and trying to connect, if we develop a Kigali-type of airport here in Ibadan, we may be able to attract people who don't have too much time to waste connecting. 'The air side will be ready in September; the terminal itself will be ready in the second quarter of next year. 'We have a land that is arable; you can literally grow anything here. In terms of agribusiness, we have a competitive advantage. We also have competitive advantage in terms of solid minerals. 'This is a major lithium belt. We believe that we can also develop that quickly.' The governor also said that the state plans to turn the Rasidi Ladoja Circular Road axis into a world-class environment, a city that would be planned to international standards right from the outset. He said, 'We just set up a new authority in Oyo State through which we are trying to have new towns and cities developed to international standards, a first world environment. The Circular Road is a 110-km road round the city of Ibadan and we have another 4,000 hectares into a new city, which we believe will be up to international standards. We have the opportunity to plan it right from the scratch. 'The first segment of the Circular Road will be ready before the end of the year. It will be ready for concessioning as well with all the real estate around it.' Copyright © 2022 Nigerian Tribune Provided by SyndiGate Media Inc. (
Zawya
14-05-2025
- Health
- Zawya
Nigeria: Oyo govt has built three PHCs in 351 electoral wards since inception — Makinde
Oyo State Governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has disclosed that his administration has built three functional Primary Healthcare Centres (PHCs) in each of the 351 electoral wards since inception. He expressed his administration's willingness to share the template with the Federal Government in its plan to build 8,800 PHCs across the country. Makinde made this disclosure during the launch of the 2025 Omituntun Free Medical Mission at the Ibadan North-East Local Government Secretariat, Ibadan. He noted that his government decided to build PHCs in each ward to make healthcare delivery more accessible to the people. He maintained that, since the template is working in Oyo State, it would also be effective for the Federal Government, adding that his administration would continue to prioritise healthcare delivery in order to achieve a healthy population, which in turn would drive economic expansion and poverty reduction. He said:'In the health sector, this government will continue to focus on ensuring a healthy population and tackling poverty in the state. 'Only recently, the Vice-President announced the Federal Government's plan to build 8,800 PHCs nationwide. However, before this, we had already commenced the renovation and equipping of functional PHC facilities in each of our 351 wards. 'We are pleased to offer our template to the Federal Government. It has been successful in Oyo State, and I am confident it will succeed at the national level as well. 'We have made significant progress in our commitment to primary healthcare, and we must sustain the momentum. 'I want to use this opportunity to thank everyone who has contributed to the success of our health sector initiatives. Special thanks to Professor Temitope Alonge and Dr Muideen Olatunji, who have done remarkably well. 'I also appreciate the Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr Akin Fagbemi, and the Permanent Secretaries in the Ministry, as well as all healthcare practitioners.' The governor stated that his administration has continued to deliver on its promises across four key pillars: education, health, security, and economic expansion, with its policies and programmes yielding tangible results. He declared that the state has successfully tackled insecurity, while assuring residents that efforts would continue until everyone can sleep with their two eyes closed. Makinde also highlighted the excellent performance of Oyo State students in the recent Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination (SSCE) and the Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME), attributing the achievements to sound policies implemented to improve education and grow the economy. He noted that his administration has been injecting approximately N24 billion into the state's economy every month through salaries, pensions, and infrastructure development to support private sector growth. The governor emphasised that his government has achieved this positive transformation by staying focused and avoiding the blame game, choosing instead to justify the trust placed in him by the people. He said:'I want to thank the residents of Ibadan North-East Local Government for their support, and also commend all Oyo State residents for playing their part, starting from the home. The successes we are recording are due, in part, to residents doing the right things at home. 'I also appreciate your support and prayers. The stability we enjoy in Oyo State today can be traced back to how our people are managing their homes. 'I had no prior political office until six years ago when I became governor. People often compare past governments with the present, but as far back as 2018, I was not interested in what previous administrations failed to do. The people themselves know which government delivered and which did not. 'In 2019, we campaigned not on the failures of others, but on what we intended to achieve — in education, health, security, and economic expansion. 'Today, we have made remarkable progress in security, but we will not rest until it is perfect. 'On education, the improved WASSCE and UTME results are evidence that our initiatives are working and our children are receiving quality education. 'In terms of economic expansion, this administration injects N24 billion into Oyo State's economy every four weeks — this is government-driven alone. We have also provided the infrastructure to allow private businesses to thrive.' Earlier, in her welcome address, the Commissioner for Health, Dr Ajetunmobi, thanked the governor for his unwavering commitment to improving healthcare access in the state. She highlighted his administration's robust investments in health infrastructure, human resources, and initiatives aimed at strengthening the sector. She explained that the Free Omituntun Medical Mission would adopt a clustering model, with each cluster operating for three full days to ensure comprehensive healthcare delivery and post-operative follow-up for surgical cases. Dr Ajetunmobi also revealed that efforts are ongoing to facilitate the enrolment of beneficiaries into the Oyo State Health Insurance Scheme under the Basic Health Care Provision Fund (BHCPF) via the OYSHIA Gateway, to ensure continuity of care beyond the outreach. She encouraged beneficiaries to take responsibility for their health by retaining their service codes and adhering to post-care instructions. In his goodwill message, the Chairman of the Oyo State Hospital Management Board, Dr Akin Fagbemi, expressed gratitude to the governor for the recent recruitment of medical personnel. According to him, this has led to the state securing full accreditation for physiotherapy practice, which had been denied for the past 30 years. The event was attended by the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal; former Deputy Governor, Barrister Hazeem Gbolarumi; Deputy Speaker, Rt Honourable Mohammed Fadeyi; former Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi; and the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni (mni). Also present were the Senior Executive Assistant to the Governor on General Duties, Chief Bayo Lawal; Commissioners, Permanent Secretaries, and the Chairman of the Local Government Chairmen in Oyo State, Hon Sikiru Sanda, among others.
Zawya
06-05-2025
- Politics
- Zawya
Nigeria: Oyo govt cracks down on illegal miners
In its bid to checkmate the activities of illegal miners in the State, the Oyo State Government has launched a Joint Task Force backed by Executive Order 001/2023. This development is a pointed to comprehensive crackdown on unauthorised mining activities and non-compliance with regulatory frameworks. The state government representatives, traditional rulers, community representatives, and security agencies at separate events held at Babaaro, Igbeti, and Iseyin City Hall, Iseyin reaffirmed their collective commitment to responsible resource management and environmental protection. The Director-General, Oyo State Mineral Development Agency (OYSMIDA), Mr Abiodun Oni in his address declared that the state will no longer tolerate illegal mining activities. He said 'The Joint Task Force has come to stay in Oyo State. Anyone found engaging in illegal mining will be held accountable and prosecuted. The law will take its full course', he said. He commended Governor Seyi Makinde for his visionary leadership and unwavering support in ensuring the security of Oyo residents and the protection of the state's natural resources. He also urged residents to report suspicious activities, saying, 'If you see something, say something. We must all join hands to curb this menace.' As a sign of commitment, the government is providing amenities such as a borehole to serve the local community. The General Manager, OYSMIDA, Mrs. Olufunke Omidiran, described the initiative as a strategic response to the growing threat of illegal mining, emphasizing that the Task Force is well-equipped and tasked with promoting sustainable mining practices and environmental stewardship. In his address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Migrant and Homeland Security, ACG Segun Adegoke (rtd), highlighted the link between illegal mining and organized crime, including banditry and kidnapping. He said 'This Joint Task Force includes all constitutionally recognized security agencies, including the Amotekun Corps' In a related development, the state has begun strict enforcement of Executive Order 001/2023, which mandates mining stakeholders and host communities to comply with the signing of Consent Letters and Community Development Agreements (CDAs) as stipulated by the Nigerian Mining Act. During a stakeholders meeting in Iseyin, Mr. Oni reaffirmed that the directive is designed to safeguard mining communities by clearly defining the responsibilities of all parties involved with a particular emphasis on the role of traditional rulers. According to him, 'Progress has been slow due to limited cooperation from some stakeholders, particularly traditional leaders. This enforcement meeting is to re-emphasize everyone's roles and ensure no one claims ignorance of the process,' Traditional rulers and Local Government officials unanimously appointed His Royal Majesty, the Olu of Igboora, Oba Jimoh Olajide Titiloye, and Hon. Kazeem Olayanju, Vice Chairman of ALGON and Chairman of Olorunsogo Local Government, as key figures in grassroots implementation. Oba Titiloye expressed the traditional institutions' readiness to support the government's efforts, while Hon. Olayanju underscored the importance of ensuring community benefits from mining operations. 'Although mining is on the Federal exclusive list, our communities must still benefit. Miners must register with the State and enter into CDAs before obtaining community consent,' he noted. Representatives from Operation Burst, NSCDC, the Old Oyo National Park, and the Zonal Mining Officer charged the newly inaugurated Task Force to remain focused and proactive in intelligence gathering and enforcement.
Zawya
28-02-2025
- Business
- Zawya
Nigeria: Gov Makinde approves $6mln for renovation of Oyo schools
Governor Seyi Makinde-led Oyo State Executive Council has approved N9.97 billion for the immediate construction and rehabilitation of schools across the State. This is aimed at providing a more conducive environment for students and teachers alike to foster educational development in the State. The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, was quoted in a statement as disclosing that the contract would cover perimeter fencing, construction of toilet facilities, drilling of solar boreholes, installation of solar lights, and procurement of furniture. It was added that the intervention involves 50 Contractors at a cost of ₦9,974,332.00. The Council also approved the second phase upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport. According to the Council, Governor Seyi Makinde has determined that the stipulated standard of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO) is conformed with. The second phase upgrade will cost ₦7,008,688.00 Governor Seyi Makinde had said at the flag-off of the airport last year that the State will not compromise the upgrade of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport to International status and that all due diligence will be followed in this regard. Several Aviation Experts from the Federal Airports Authority Of Nigeria (FAAN) and the Nigerian Air Force, are members of the Airport Upgrade Committee. According to the Commissioner for Information, compensation of ₦2,399,428.00 (Two billion, three hundred and ninety-nine million, four hundred and twenty-eight thousand naira) has also been approved by the Council for the 32.2km Southeast segment of the Senator Rashidi Ladoja Circular road project. The Council also took a decision on the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAfER) phase two. The Council recalled that after the successful implementation of the first phase, which included intervention in transportation, food relief packages, food security, health insurance, and Micro, Small & Medium Enterprises (MSME), it has therefore approved phase two of SAfER, which will concentrate on the continued subsidy on transportation and healthcare, the cost of which is ₦2,000,588.00 (Two billion, five hundred and eighty-eight thousand naira). The Commissioner said that the Governor expressed his delight at the concept and the implementation of the first phase because the template of SAfER in Oyo State is not only more sustainable but more helpful to the masses in a time of need. The Council also approved the scope of work on the Asphaltic improvement of some roads in Ibadan metropolis at a cost of ₦1,700,000.00 (One billion, seven hundred million naira). The roads include the NNPC/General Gas road, Anglican Church road off Kolapo Ishola junction, and some others.
