Osogbo is the state capital of Osun, no doubt. It hosts two powerful Local Government Areas, Osogbo and Olorunda, with the prime Council (Osogbo) situated at the indigenous locality of the capital city.

The city is the Headquarters of Osogbo Federal Constituency comprising Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Local Government Areas. It is also the Senatorial Headquarters of Osun Central Senatorial District comprising Osogbo, Olorunda, Irepodun, Orolu, Ifelodun, Odo-Otin, Boripe, Boluwaduro, Ila and Ifedayo Local Government Areas respectively.

The Senatorial District is made up of 3 Federal Constituencies namely Osogbo, Ifelodun and Ila Federal Constituencies and since the creation of the state, Osogbo Federal Constituency and Osun Central Senatorial District have been observed to be the most populous zone in the state.

Electorally and administratively, the zone is considered first in the scheme of things due to the inclusion of the state capital in the zone.

Successive governments’ functionaries had been calling the shots in the zone since the creation of the state. There are former Federal Lawmakers both members of the House of Representatives and the Senate that have served in different capacities for the upliftment of the zone.

Those legislators had, in one way or the other contributed their respective quota significantly to the growth and development of the zone as seen in what some of them did while representing the good people of their constituencies and district.

The Federal Constituencies and the Senatorial District have been ruled interchangeably by lawmakers from either the progressive party- All Progressives Congress (APC) or People’s Democratic Party (PDP) over the years.

It is on record that the immediate past Senator, Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashiru of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) who served the people of the District between 2019 and 2023 recorded unprecedented/monumental achievements in the history of the District.

As a sitting Senator and first termer who rose to the leadership position at the Senate as the Senate Spokesperson, the position was judiciously and meticulously used to orchestrate development for the District, the state and the nation.

His tenure, no doubt, brought unparalleled socioeconomic and political gains as well as quality representation and advanced legislations to the District within four years.

Ajibola equally brought to bear his vast knowledge of governance, particularly as it relates to legislation and pool of experiences in public and private sectors while serving the good people of Osun Central Senatorial District. His achievements are too numerous to be stated here but the records are there for whoever is interested to fact-check.

However, the same Senatorial District where Osogbo, its headquarters has been the cynosure of all eyes due to the presence of development is now begging for serious attention.

In the build up to the election, the incumbent government promised to turn the state capital to a mega city in no distant time of assuming office. Lies were sold to the public and unsuspecting electorate to discredit the immediate past administration’s efforts at turning around the socioeconomic fortunes of the state in general and Osogbo, the capital city in particular.

As part of his electoral promises, the incumbent Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke boasted to have come with local and foreign currencies not only to matchup the oppositions financially at the polls, but to invest in the economy of the state if elected governor.

Quite unfortunate, some indigenes of Osogbo who were PDP card carrying members and sympathizers openly embarked on campaign of calumny against the then incumbent government of the erstwhile Governor Adegboyega Oyetola tagging it all short of unprintable names to oust it. While some notable personalities went on underground anti-government campaigns at different fora prior to the 2022 gubernatorial election.

Clandestinely, the then government was worked against for no just cause as reasons behind their decisions were neither justifiable nor logical. Though, it became a good riddance to bad rubbish. The erstwhile Governor is now a Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Unconscientiously, they voted against the Oyetola’s administration forgetting that the same government on assumption of office began its infrastructural development strides in the state capital and other notable towns and cities in the state as many roads that were hitterto begging for attention were fixed in record time.

Alekunwodo network of roads were fixed despite the obvious global coronavirus pandemic that ravaged the entire world as at the time the roads were under reconstruction vis-a-vis other selected roads within the state capital. The then administration didn’t only give the state capital due attention but a deserved facelift of development in all strata of the economy and human endeavour.

Regrettably, the electorate were seemingly manipulated to vote massively for the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with a target that the city will earn the largest chunk of government attention in the scheme of things. But where is the attention now?

The incumbent government while canvassing for votes also promised to effect change on assumption of office whereby Osogbo would become Nigeria’s London of England. But the reality is dawn on the people today.

They overrated themselves. They overblown their capacity. They blew their competence out of proportion forgetting that they lacked political prowess and administrative wherewithal.

They promised heaven and earth while canvassing for people’s support and seeking for votes. They vowed to deliver good governance and meet the people at their point of needs.

They pledged to uphold the fundamental objectives and statutory obligations in the discharge of their duties. They swore to an oath to champion the collective cause of the masses regardless their socioeconomic, political or religious differences.

Meanwhile, a painstaking assessment of the government in the last 11 months of administering the affairs of the state has shown the stagnation bitting the state capital with little or no significant infrastructural development to up the game.

The Osogbo-Ikirun-Inisa-Okuku-Ila-Odo Kwara State boundary dual carriage road that was initiated by the past administration of former Governor Rauf Aregbesola which was continued by the immediate past Governor Adegboyega Oyetola in which a section of the road was completed to Ikirun by the present administration remained the only thing one can make reference to as worth beneficial to the state capital not minding the fact that the immediate past government had completed the segment of the road by 70 percent before exiting office.

One would have expected a rapid development, astronomical progression and monumental development as promised by the current administration but quite unfortunate, the reverse seems to be the case.

It is on record that most of the past administrations began their developmental projects in the state capital and the initiative usually worked for them. We were all alive when Osun was carved out of the Old Oyo State with Osogbo the state capital. From the military administrators to the civilian governors, Osogbo had been the topmost priority not until recently.

Though, the development of the capital city has always been a collective responsibility as legislators from the Federal Constituency and Senatorial District do complement the state government’s efforts to meet the yearnings of the people across sectors. Quality representation always play a pivotal role in the development of the city and this has been the experience in the past. Alas, nothing as such at the moment.

It is pertinent to ask the impact of the state government and the lawmakers representing the good people of the District since their emergence. Are we saying there is no unity of purpose and direction that can bring about the desired development to the city and the people? Are they truly representing us?

Very bizarre, the pictures taken from the ongoing construction site of the Community Hall (Isale-Osun Multipurpose Hall) were very ridiculous justifying same with what expected to be expended for same purpose.

The indigenous people of Isale-Osun had been promised by their lawmaker to construct an ultramodern Community Hall for their benefit but what is ongoing at the site is far from expectation.

The picture of the #70million ongoing construction of Community Hall (Isale-Osun Multipurpose Hall) is attached to this piece.

Can we say this is a proposed cinema hall or viewing centre in view of its size and architectural design? Can we say it is a supporting building for the main building that is yet to be constructed? Is this what #70million will bring?

These and many more are the questions agitating minds of the discerning citizens and concerned residents of the state capital.

Indeed, publics are watching painstakingly while the socioeconomic and political analysts are taking notes of events. Another election season is knocking the door.

May Almighty Allah continue to protect our dear city, Osogbo in particular, Osun State and Nigeria in general.

May God heal our land!

Mr Ndidi Mbah, the General Manager (GM), Public Affairs, said this in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi on Sunday.

He assured that the company was diligently working to extend the restoration to Kebbi and other areas affected by the unfortunate Birnin Kebbi Substation fire incident that occurred Thursday night (Sept. 14).

“The bulk power supply to Sokoto State was reinstated through the Talata Mafara Substation.

“Our engineering team, along with the Managing Director/CEO and the Executive Director, Transmission Service Provider (TSP), are on-site, putting in every effort to reconnect Kebbi and its environs to the grid through another substation.

“Also, our engineers are actively working on transferring load to the 150MVA and 60MVA power transformers in the substation, which were fortunately unaffected by the fire incident.

“Additionally, cables are being rearranged, and reinforcement teams from other TCN regions have equally arrived at the substation with the necessary materials to expedite repair work,” he confirmed.

The general manager recalled the commitment of TCN’s Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Dr Sule Abdulaziz, who expressed deep concern about the unfortunate incident at the Birnin Kebbi Substation.

Abdulaziz had pledged to ensure the restoration of bulk power supply to Sokoto state through the Talata Mafara substation and to collaborate with the engineers to temporarily back-feed Kebbi, while connecting the 150MVA power transformer as a permanent solution to bulk power supply in the area.

According to him, TCN greatly appreciates the patience and understanding of the government and people of Sokoto and Kebbi States and environs.

“We are fully committed to expediting work at the substation to ensure stable and reliable bulk electricity supply to all the affected areas,” he assured.

Source: NAN

Baba Ijesha, who has been in detention since April, 2021, arrived at the court in the company of his colleague, Yomi Fabiyi and other supporters, as well as family members.

The judge, however, denied him bail and remanded him in the police custody.

The actor was arrested by the Lagos state police after he was alleged to have sexually molested a minor serrially for seven years, from the age of seven.

He was later granted bail on May 17 — after spending about 25 days in police detention by magistrates in charge of prison decongestion.

But he has remained at the Gender Unit of the State CID, Panti, Yaba Lagos despite the bail on account of not being able to perfect the conditions attached to the bail.

When the matter came up on Wednesday, Kayode Olabiran, his counsel, prayed the court to release his client, citing his deteriorating health.

He said the controversial nature of the case has made it difficult to secure his release despite his bail as intending sureties were scared of the likely consequences.

But in his ruling, Magistrate P. E Nwaka, held that the court could not grant the actor bail because the matter is beyond its jurisdiction.

The judge also explained that the case has already been filed before the high court.

Also speaking, Yetunde Cardoso, the superintendent of police in charge of the case, said the matter is now beyond the police.

“Mr Olanrewaju was actually granted bail during the JUSUN strike and based on the conditions given, he couldn’t meet them and he was properly charged today (Wednesday),” she said.

“Just like the court stated, the case has already been filed before the high court and the Directorate of Public Prosecution (DPP) of Lagos State Ministry of Justice has taken over the matter from the police.

“So presently, we have handed over to the DPP so the case is before them (DPP). It has nothing to do with the police anymore, it’s now left for the DPP to handle it.”

The President of the National Association of Nigerian Students NANS, Comrade Asefon Sunday Dayo and his Members on Tuesday met with the Honourable Minister of State for Education, Honourable Chukwuemeka Nwajuiba in his office at the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja over state of education in the country

Issues bothering on the improvement of the educational sectors were painstakingly presented to the minister

As a staunch agitator of free education in Nigeria, NANS President who spoke on behalf of the high-powered delegation pleaded for reduction of School fees for Federal government owned tertiary Institutions across the Federation.

He explained how countless of Students can’t afford to pay due to the exorbitant fees making a lot to drop out.

In his words “Students are the hope of this country and if they are given better treatment by government, they would come back and serve the country in good faith”

The Revolutionary President who bitterly decried the excruciating and worrisome spate of insecurity in the country highlights the extent at which heartless bandits have been terrorizing the students, with the rate of kidnapping becoming so alarming.

He however seeks Government’s intervention in bringing this insecurity to a standstill

Furthermore, Mr Asefon also hinted the Honourable Minister about the planned security summit which wil be holding soonest

According to him, “The security summit will be an avenue for Security experts, political gladiators, development experts and well-meaning Nigerian Stakeholders to come together and highlight ways in which insecurity can be seriously tackled in the Nation. The Security Summit by the leadership of NANS would undoubtedly bring peace, tranquility and serenity to Nigeria after rigorous security discourse”.

The NANS President didn’t mince words as he informed the honourable Minister about the proposed NANS exchange program for Nigerian Students in diaspora. This according to him would enable us engage our diaspora Students, inaugurate their leadership and mobilize them for National development, Mr president said.

The Revolutionary President hereby seek adequate funding of the program by the Federal government.

Oluwasegun Aina, Ado-Ekiti

Counting down to the 2023 general election, Political leaders of the All-Progressive Congress (APC), from South-West region are assiduously working for the purported Presidential Bid of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu

Led by Senator Adedayo Adeyeye under (SWAGA), the political actors arrived the state capital of Ekiti State Ado-Ekiti for the official Inauguration of their project.

Chairman of the team, Prince Adedayo Adeyeye said SWAGA advocacy has reached all the States within the southwest region before making Ekiti the venue for the SWAGA inauguration.

According to him “Southwest Agenda for Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu (SWAGA) project is a collective bargain by the Progressive fold for the development of Southern part of Nigeria ahead of the coming political dispensation. We are on course for the realization of the course after the expiration tenure of the incumbent President Muhammadu Buhari. The zoning arrangements of the party has justifiable alignment between the Northern and Southern part of Nigeria. We see Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu clinching the chance of becoming the next President of the country considering his tremendous achievements and contribution in Nigeria’s political space

“Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu candidacy is a Divine one. He’s a leader of leaders. As distinguished Nigerian, he has the capability and ability to guide the country right come 2023” … Prince Adebayo Said

Earlier, the team was at the Ewi of Ado Ekiti palace to seek royal blessing

The Ewi of Ado-Ekiti Oba Rufus Adejugbe uses the opportunity to admonish Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu being a Credible leader from South-West with wealth of experience which can be as a great advantage to be Nigeria President come 2023.

He also advised all political actors to put the interest of the masses at heart and be upright as the election draw nearer, minding their utterances in not bringing down their opponents.

Senator Tony Adeniyi who was part of the entourage also appealed to the general public to preach SWAGA gospel across the country.

According to him “The journey has not been easy but the determination and oriented focused has given the journey limelight’s”. The former lawmaker said SWAGA activities in Ekiti State has not been easy following the harassment and molestation of Interested members from the government of the day

The key leaders are: Senator Adedayo Adeyeye Chairman, Senator Rilwan Adesoji Akanbi, Hon. Bosun Oladele, Senator Tony Adeniyi, Hon. Oyetunde Ojo, Hon. Adewale Omirin, Hon. Femi Adeleye, Hon. Femi Fakorede, Hon. Rotimi Makinde, Hon. Ifedayo Sunday Abegunde, Alhaja Kafilat Obara, Hon Bayo Sanwolu, Hon. Lanre Odugbote, Hon. Adewale Adeogun, Hon Taiwo Micheal Akintola, Professor Yemi Oke, Hon. Mukaila Musa, Hon. Ahmed Olaofe, Hon Bakare, Hon. Bama Basua, Hon. Ogidan, Hon Dotun Olakole, Hon. Ladi Owolabi, Hon. Francis Adeijebi and host of others.

The Ekiti State chapter of SWAGA was Inaugurated by the Chairman Senator Adedayo Adeyeye for purposeful realization of their project come 2023.

Glowing tributes were paid in a separate remarks during a ceremony marking the Democracy Day held at the Multipurpose auditorium of the Government House, Maiduguri.

Shehu Garbai, who speaks on behalf of all traditional leaders in Borno said, Zulum’s landmark achievements is unprecedented.

“I wish to commend you for all that you have been doing for the people of Borno, especially on education, health, agriculture, job creation, social services, poverty alleviation, and distribution of food to the IDPs etc. The people of Borno are grateful to you in person and to your administration. We wish you many more years and Allah’s guidance.” The Shehu said.

Senator representing southern Borno, Mohammed Ali Ndume spoke on behalf of 3 Senators from Borno. He commended the Governor for his outstanding performance in two years of his tenure.

“Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, we thank God for what our Governor did in just 24 months. Alhamdulillah, I am very proud and we are all very proud of what you have been doing. Alhamdulillah that we have a son that is determined to bring Borno back to its feet. I was really excited and humbled yesterday when I met two important personalities, one was a former Head of State, though he begged me not to disclose his name. He told me, Ndume, you guys are very lucky. There are only two Governors in Nigeria at the moment. One is Babagana Umara Zulum and the others.” Ndume said.

“I was equally opportuned to have an interaction with President Buhari. He told me that your Governor is taking unexceptional and exceptional risk in order to develop your State. I prayed for him every time I know he is going out somewhere.” Ndume added.

The Chief Whip of the House of Representatives, Barr. Mohammed Tahir Monguno who speaks on behalf of his colleagues representing different constituencies in Borno said Governor Zulum will always be remembered in the history of Borno.

“We are all thrilled to the array of achievements that were rolled out by the Commissioner for Information, and with all sense of humility and responsibility, I made bold to say that these achievements were unparalleled and unprecedented in annals of the history of Borno State. Your Excellency, for the rare feat that you have exhibited of bringing governance to the doorsteps of the people. For making governance responsible and accountable to the yearning and aspirations of the people, your name will be written in gold in the history of Borno State.” Bar. Monguno said.

The Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Hon. Abdulkarim said, 28 members of the house were the number one witness to the achievements and projects undertaken by Governor Zulum’s administration.

“Your Excellency, we are the number one witness to the kind of projects and achievements you have recorded in Borno State. Your Excellency, the entire people of Borno have seen the unprecedented achievements you have recorded. Your Excellency, I assure you that the State Assembly is always behind you to support you to achieve more for the betterment of our people.” The speaker said.

In the opening remarks, the Secretary to the State Government, Usman Jidda Shuwa enjoined residents to support Zulum’s administration; “Your Excellency, I wish to appeal to the people of Borno State, particularly, politicians, our business class and intellectuals, our religious leaders and leaders of thought, and our public servants to keep their unalloyed and unflinching support and assistance to His Excellency, the Executive Governor, Professor Babagana Umara Zulum because of his tested demonstrable commitment and undeniable determination to uplift the standard of living of our people.” The SSG said.

“Your Excellency, based on my experience of over 40 years in both Federal and State levels, and having worked with two former military Heads of State directly and other Heads of States indirectly and Governors, civilians and the military, I can hardly find, and I say with all sense of responsibility and humility, somebody like Babagana Umara Zulum who could perform as Chief Executive in the State leveled as His Excellency Babagana Umara Zulum.” The SSG added.

In his remarks, Chairman of the Borno Elders Forum, Amb. Gambo Gubio has commended the State Governor, Babagana Umara Zulum for the achievements he recorded in two years.

In a goodwill message delivered on behalf of the heads of security heads in Borno, the Garrison Commander of the 7 Division, Nigerian Army, Brigadier General AGL Haruna said Governor Zulum has provided good leadership for Borno people.

“Your Excellency sir, we in the forum of security heads in Borno appreciate your leadership provided for the people of Borno State. Your efforts were aptly captured by the Commissioner for Information here. I appealed to the good people of Borno to give all the necessary cooperation to His Excellency. We the security operatives will continue to do our best by providing an enabling environment to attain His Excellency’s vision.

The representative of the civil servants and Chairman of Trade Union Congress, Borno Chapter, Comr. Babayo Hamma Shani said Zulum had undertaken a complete revolution of the civil service.

“Your Excellency, for the record, you are the first Governor in Nigeria that implemented the new N30,000 minimum wage. You are also the first Governor in Nigeria to release N12b to be paid for the retired civil servants in Borno. The workers of Borno State Government were very happy with your achievements as it affects them directly and indirectly. Your Excellency, I want assure you of the unflinching support by the workers of Borno State.” Chairman TUC said.

The Commissioner for Information, Baba Kura Abba Jato in a graphic presentation said, Zulum has undertaken 556 projects, 70% of which have been fully completed with many being put into use, while 30% are at various completion levels.

The Commissioner explained that the 556 projects do not include policies and programs, even when most of them are capital intensive.

Giving the breakdown of the projects, Jato explained that 194 capital projects were delivered on education, and they encompass rehabilitation, completion and fresh construction of mega-size Government technical colleges and primary schools in different communities.

He noted that 63 capital projects were delivered on Governance, and another 63 capital projects on roads, transport, rural and urban development, while 59 capital projects were delivered on water and environment.

The Commissioner also said that Zulum delivered 58 capital projects on health, which include establishment of 74 primary healthcare centres, new doctors quarters, and overhaul of 8 hospitals in MMC, Biu, Damboa, Monguno and Magumeri.
He explained that 53 capital projects were delivered on reconstruction rehabilitation and resettlement which involve more than 6,000 resettlement houses for IDPs and refugees in 15 towns.
Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, has since approved 10,000 resettlement houses in Borno State, with four thousand already completed.

Jato noted that 28 capital projects on jobs creation, youths empowerment and humanitarian support which include an all-inclusive vocational training centre with 14 workshops for capacity development of 1,500 persons per annum. He said 15 capital projects were delivered on commerce and industry; 13 capital projects on agriculture and 10 capital projects were executed on security.

He also recalled that monthly allowances of volunteers in the civilian JTF, hunters and vigilantes was increased while over 700 vehicles and other logistics were needed to enhance their operational roles of complementing armed forces in fighting Boko Haram.

Fellow sons and daughters of Borno State,

I once again, thank you for supporting our administration. I remain grateful to everyone, for your support, well wishes, prayers and above all, for being good citizens.

Insha’Allah, our President, Muhammadu Buhari, will be coming to Borno State on Thursday, the 17th of June, 2021.

The President is coming to appraise security situation in the northeast, during which he will commission some of developmental projects executed by the state government.

The President will also commission the first phase of 10,000 houses which he generously approved and funded, for the resettlement of IDPs and refugees.

I am glad to once again, confirm to you, that the Federal Government under President Buhari has completed 4,000 out of the 10,000 houses approved for our IDPs. Some of these houses are sited in Kaleri, Dalori and more locations.

Fellow citizens, the 10,000 houses approved by Buhari is so far the largest Federal Government housing intervention, sited in one state.

Let me also add, that our ongoing housing resettlement is only made possible by the relative peace in most of our local government areas.

While I must admit that we still have security challenges, at the same time, if we cast our minds back to the realities before President Buhari’s coming, we would factually recall, that many of our communities in northern, central and southern Borno, were mostly, no-go-areas.

President is focused on our security situation.

President Buhari has regularly demonstrated deep compassion and love for Borno State.

Not long ago, President Buhari gave approval for the NNPC, to establish a power plant for us in Borno. This aims to address our electricity problems in Maiduguri and environs. This landmark project will insha’Allah, greatly impact on small, medium and large scale business to thrive. The project will improve our social conditions and communal security.

President Buhari has also approved the take off of a Federal Polytechnic in Monguno. The President is also likely to approve a Federal College of Education for Borno.

Fellow citizens, until Buhari gave us Polytechnic, Borno had since 1976, remained without a Federal Polytechnic a Federal College of Education, and this is whereas, most of Nigeria’s 36 states have these Federal Government institutions.

President Buhari has approved other different interventions for Borno State.

President Buhari has since directed the Nigerian Customs, the Northeast Development Commission and the National Emergency Management Agency, to always support our IDPs with food intervention. A large amount of the food items we share to IDPs through Buhari’s intervention.

President Buhari is concerned about our humanitarian situation and he is sincerely committed to finding peace in Borno. This is why he is visiting us on Thursday.

I most respectfully invite and urge all of us, to come out and honour a President, whose love for Borno has been so obvious.

I urge us to demonstrate Borno’s creed of hospitality.

Borno is known with the culture of dignity, the culture of respect and the culture of honoring our guests.

Let us once again, show the Borno in all of us, as we host our President.

Buhari dearly loves Borno and he does so, with purity of intention, with purity of love, purity of compassion, and the purity of hope for a safer and greater Borno State.

I thank you all, as I look forward to our communal hospitality, as we host our President on Thursday, insha’Allah.

…’plan to complete 200km of access roads through RAAMP on course’

Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Friday, expressed happiness over the inclusion of 1,300 women in the state, who are to benefit from the Support to Women Entrepreneurship in the Agri-food sector in Nigeria (SEFAN/SWEAN) programme.

The governor, while speaking at the official launch of the training programme at IITA, Ibadan, stated that the relationship between Oyo State and the French Government always brings about development.

He equally appreciated the French Government for its part in the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), noting that the state has mapped out the roads that will get the interventions.

He maintained that the plan of the government is to complete 200km of access roads in Oyo State before the end of 2021 remained on course.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Taiwo Adisa, quoted the governor as expressing delight at the selection of Oyo State women for the programme.

Makinde maintained that the relationship between the state and the French Government has been bringing about development, especially in the area of collaboration in the agriculture sector.

He said: “I want to formally extend a warm welcome to you, Your Excellency, Ambassador Jerome Pasquier. Welcome to Oyo State. You are no longer just a visitor to us here, you have become more of a friend.

“This is your fourth visit to us here in Oyo State since 2019, if I am not mistaken. And each time we have met, our meeting has always been followed by development. So, I must say this is the type of friendship and relationship that we favour.

“I remember in one of your visits, one of the requests that we had made was that you should look into investing in our human capital development.

“I am glad that you took that request to heart and we are seeing the result in the form of this Support to Women Entrepreneurship in the Agri-food sector in Nigeria (SEFAN/SWEAN) programme. “So, let me again say thank you for honouring us in this way.

“We are delighted that our women in Oyo State are among the 300 direct beneficiaries of this programme. You have indicated that there will be 1,000 indirect beneficiaries in the immediate and, if my math serves me right, your projection is that each of the women will influence 3-4 other women. So, the reality of interventions like these is that they have the potential of accomplishing even more than is projected.

“Historically, our women have been known to be very enterprising. They do not only farm but they also find markets for their produce. Some even go as far as merchandising, making the best use of the informal structures that they have been exposed to.

“So, with the training they will be receiving during this SEFAN/SWEAN programme, I have no doubts that they will excel even more.

“I am always of the opinion that when the right people are given the right opportunities, they thrive. And knowing the antecedents of the French Government I know that the women you have chosen must have been carefully selected and they will put in their best and be worthy ambassadors of Oyo State and Kaduna State.”

The governor asked for more interventions for the state, pledging that any investment made in the state will go directly to the people, just as he noted that the state government’s collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) on the Start Them Early Program (STEP has begun to yield positive results.

According to the governor, the programme has expanded the STEP to six more schools in all the zones in Oyo State, while the government has also decided to increase the number of beneficiary-schools to 12.

“Oyo State remains open for business and we will continue to play our part to see that every investment you choose to make in Oyo State yields the desired results,” Makinde added.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Hon. Jacob Ojemuyiwa, said Oyo and Kaduna States are the only two states selected for the SEFAN/SWEAN programme, which he described as a great opportunity for women.

He added that the training will go a long way to expand skills development of women agribusiness entrepreneurs in the two states.

He said: “Women are involved all along every value chain in Oyo State from farm to table, about 30 per cent in food production, 90 per cent in the processing of crops, livestock and fisheries, and up to 55 per cent in other business ventures.

“Training and supporting women have a far-reaching effect on the whole population. Women are known to be better managers of resources and they use their wisdom for multiplying the effect of any training given to them.

Women are known to repay loans given to them one hundred percent.

“It is a great strategy by the French Ministry of Europe and Foreign Affairs in Nigeria for the development of agriculture in Nigeria.”

He assured the French Ambassador that the involvement of Oyo State women in the programme is a good decision that it will be proud of, saying: “wherever we are, we set the pace and this programme will not be an exception.”

The personalities at the launch include the wife of Oyo State governor, Mrs. Tamunominini Makinde; Secretary to the State Government, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Chief Oyebisi Ilaka and other government functionaries.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu has delivered two strategic projects aimed at saving lives and securing property in Epe Division of Lagos State.

The Governor, on Monday, commissioned a fully equipped 110-bed Maternal and Child Centre (MCC) built in the ancient town to reduce maternal mortality rate and address complications that may lead to birth defects.

The four-storey Epe MCC makes it the fourth to be delivered in two years by the Sanwo-Olu administration. Others are located in Eti Osa, Alimosho and Badagry.

Also, the Governor formally inaugurated the Emergency and Security Regional Dispatch Centre in Epe town for swift response to emergencies and management of disasters. The emergency infrastructure is to raise the capability of the State Government in responding to emergency situations in the eastern part of Lagos.

Jubilant residents led by their traditional rulers trooped out to welcome Sanwo-Olu for the projects’ inauguration. In the Governor’s entourage was the Deputy Governor, Dr. Obafemi Hamzat – a native of the town – and members of the State Executive Council.

Opening the maternity hospital, Sanwo-Olu said the overarching goal of his administration’s investment in provision of healthcare infrastructure was to eradicate infant and child mortality in Lagos by creating quality care for pregnant women.

The Governor said the Epe MCC would not be the last, stressing that his Government had an objective to build more maternal child centres across the State, thereby improving access to quality care for expectant mothers in pre- and post-natal management.

He said: “There is no better time than now to put an end to preventable maternal and child deaths, using advanced technology, modern equipment and well trained health workers. The process of bringing life into existence should no longer lead to the loss of another life. Health is a major pillar of our administration’s THEMES Agenda, which focuses on improving quality and access.

“Our Government remains committed to addressing maternal and child mortality in Lagos, and this is the basis of our consistent action and smart investments in provision of health infrastructure. Our women must no longer die while giving life. This 110 bed-Maternal Child Center is another essential facility built to achieve safe childbirth and reduction in maternal and infant mortality.”

The MCC, which is a secondary public health facility, will provide services related to reproductive issues, including obstetrics, gynecology, paediatrics, family planning, immunisation, laboratory services and radiology.

Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi, said the MCC’s inauguration by the Governor came three weeks after the facility began full operation. He noted that the hospital had already received 590 patients and performed 100 birth deliveries.

He said the facility would raise the capacity of the State to combat medical challenges accounting for infant mortality.

Sanwo-Olu said the delivery of the regional Emergency and Security Dispatch Centre was strategic for the efficient and rapid deployment of first responders to emergency situations within Epe and neighbouring towns.

The emergency infrastructure serves as a hub and one-stop facility for agencies, including Lagos State Emergency Management Authority (LASEMA), Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA), Lagos State Fire and Rescue Services Agency (LSFS), Lagos State Neighbourhood Safety Corps (LNSC), Lagos State Ambulance Services, Lagos State Environmental and Special Offences (TASKFORCE) Unit, and the Rapid Response Squad (RRS).

The facility also houses two magistrate courts built by the Ministry of Justice to strengthen the justice administration system in the division.

The Governor said: “The delivery and commissioning of the Regional Emergency and Security Dispatch Centre reinforces the commitment of our administration to the provision of a seamless and efficient safety, security and emergency management approach in Lagos. It demonstrates the premium our Government places on the safety of lives and property of residents, irrespective of where they choose to live within the State.

“The synergised efforts of all the safety agencies within the Centre will enhance efficiency in terms of the ability of our officers to effectively tackle emergencies and improve response time to emergencies. As a proactive Government, we will not deviate from the goal of ensuring every part of Lagos is safe and secure. We will continue to invest in human and capital resources that guarantee the safety and security of all residents.”

Commissioner for Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Tayo Bamgbose-Martins, said the LASEMA Response Unit had been equipped with a mini fuel dump and 100,000 litre water storage facility for usage of fire trucks.

Chairman of traditional rulers in Epe Division and Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamarudeen Animashaun, conveyed residents’ appreciation to the Governor for the projects, whom he described as “bountiful gifts”.

The monarch said there would no longer be a need for emergency personnel to travel from Lagos central for rescue operations in Epe.

He said: “I am convinced that the siting of the maternity hospital and LRU in Epe town will not only bring comfort to our people, but also create a lot of job opportunities for our youths, thereby leading to wealth creation for the populace.”

Chairman of Epe LGA, Hon. Adedoyin Adesanya, hailed Sanwo-Olu for the projects, saying pregnant women seeking comprehensive care would no longer go to Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) and Lagos Island General Hospital.

The delivery of the project, the council boss stressed, is an “overwhelming reciprocity of support” shown by the Governor during his election.

Also, Hon. Abiodun Tobun, representing Epe Constituency 1 in the House of Assembly, described the projects as an honour, pointing out that the gesture was an indication that the Governor listened to the cry of Epe people.