Oyo Gov't Set To Screen Players For Women Team

Wasilat Adegoke

Oyo State Government is set to embark on an exciting initiative to identify and nurture young talents for its women football team.

According to a statement, signed by the State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ms. Wasilat Adegoke in Ibadan on Wednesday, the screening exercise which is to commence on Tuesday 6th February, will take place in the seven geo-political zones in the state.

The screening exercise for Oyo Zone will take place on, Tuesday at Durbar Stadium Oyo, between 9am and 11am, while at Ogbomoso Zone will be held at Soun Township Stadium from 1pm to 3pm same day.

At Kisi Zone on Wednesday, 7th February the screening will start from 9am to 11am.

Adegoke said for Saki and Iseyin zones, on February 7th, prospective players will be screened at the Saki Township Stadium by 12 p.m and Iseyin Township stadium by 4pm.

"Similarly, the Ibarapa Zone would take a queue for the screening at Methodist Grammar School Igboora and Eruwa Township Stadium on Thursday, 8th February at 10am to 12noon and 3pm respectively", she added.

The Ibadan Zone Screening will take place on 17th February at Ikolaba high School, Ibadan, at 10 O'clock in Ibadan.

The Commissioner commended Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde for supporting sports development.

According to her, the program aligns with the long-term vision of the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration to establish a robust developmental team, and identify talents from the State.

N5 Per Bird Levy: Oyo Poultry Association Seek Gov Makinde's Intervention

The Poultry Association of Nigeria (PAN) has called on the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde to save the association and poultry farmers from impending peril.

The association in a statement issued and signed by the Oyo PAN Chairman Elder Oyekunle Omidokun and made available to newsmen tagged: “Save Our Soul (SOS)”, following the directive issued by the State Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development that stipulates a mandatory payment of Five Naira (N5:00k) per chicken slaughtered and processed in privately owned chicken processing plants across Oyo State.

“We appreciate the effort of His Excellency, Governor Seyi Makinde in ensuring that farmlands in Oyo State are secured and his continuous effort in ensuring food security in the state and Nigeria as a whole, while aligning with the mandate of the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Bola Tinubu, who has designed policies that will create and sustain food security by creation of agricultural hubs to increase food production and engage in value-added processing and other best modern practices that will minimize perennial conflicts, with the overall goal of ensuring that food is abundant and less costly. We also appreciate the free distribution of maize and ongoing soft loan to poultry farmers by the Executive Governor.

“We poultry farmers are still faced with enormous challenges of scarcity and unavailability of raw materials. Where cost of doing business has tripled in the last one year and forcing many of our poultry farmers to abandon the business and the country for greener pastures, we find it very discouraging to hear that this burden of tax is about to be introduced by the Oyo State Government.”

The association further explained the quantum effect of this impending policy. “This implies that poultry farmers in Oyo State are at a disadvantaged position in the poultry market space where other chicken processors operating in other states are not burdened with such tax.

"We only want to rear, slaughter and process our birds without added pressure.

“We are in the food processing space and should not be treated differently from other food producers and processors by charging fees of N5:00k for every unit of raw materials used.

"Live birds are our raw materials used in chicken processing plants.”

“The poultry market space is currently heavily challenged with unavailability of raw materials which has made feed materials scarce and very expensive. In turn, there is scarcity of poultry meat and egg in the market due to the continuous shrink in size of the poultry industry and its players in the country.”

The association also reminded the Executive Governor that their business is met with high volatility, high risk of mortality with the outcome of highly perishable products.

It is noteworthy that NAFDAC and SON have regularly regulated and carried out inspection of the activities of the poultry processing farmers in line with their enabling statuses covering the area of food regulation and standard formulation with compliance respectively, for which fees for certification and quarterly inspections are being demanded and paid to the aforementioned agencies.

In furtherance, all PAN members, just like every other business entity, are subjected to other taxes, charges and levies which are remitted to Local Governments where they are based, the Oyo State Government and the Federal Government of Nigeria. Some of such taxes are multiple and are currently causing a huge burden to many of the members and threatening the continued existence of poultry business in Oyo State and Nigeria at large.

“We hereby implore Gov. Makinde to intervene by ordering outright reversal of the impending levy which can cause huge calamity to the poultry industry”, the statement reads in part.

Hon. Omikunle Light Up Odinjo/Academy Zone, Promises More Dividend Of Democracy

The Landlords Association Of Odinjo/Academy joint zone in Ward 8 area of Ibadan South East Local Government have lauded the Honourable member representing Ibadan South East Constituency 2, in the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon.Olayinka Omikunle  for fulfilling his electioneering campaign  promises.

The lawmaker on Monday led his powerful team to install solar light across the nine zone within the Odinjo/Academy zone including Ajigbotoluwa, Lawal layout, Field layout, Alubarika layout, Ireakari layout, Alhaji Barika layout,Temidire layout, Oredebi 1 and Oredebi 2 respectively. 

In a letter of appreciation signed by the General coordinator of the association, Venerable Babatunde  Omikunle, the association appreciated the lawmaker for fulfilling his promises and describing him as an Omoluabi per excellence. 

They further charged other political leaders to emulate Hon. Omikunle and ensure that the dividends of democracy get to the people in their constituency.

In his reaction, the lawmaker appreciated his constituency for supporting  him during last year and further vowing not to disappoint them.  

Hon.Omikunle who noted that their support was not going unnoticed as their votes makes him the first state lawmaker to have won in all the six wards under Ibadan South East Constituency 2.

He therefore promised to continue working towards ensuring that dividends of democracy are provided to the people of the constituency.

The Chairman, House committee on Public Private Partnerships at the Oyo State 10th assembly further charged all residents of the community to support the government and ensure that they report any suspicious activity within their community to the law enforcement agencies.

How Barr. Eleto Was Assaulted By Gov. Sanwo-Olu’s Aide, Ogungbo, Wife

In what would be considered as an affront in the house of God was committed on 2nd January during an annual general prayer meeting of Mahdiyyat Muslim Congregation when a lawyer, Barr. Yakubu Eleto was assaulted by the Special Adviser on taxation and revenue to Gov. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Hon Abdulkabir Ogungbo and his wife.

According to an eye witness account, the aide to the Lagos Governor, his wife, Mrs. Anota Ogungbo and some people in his entourage pounced on the legal practitioner in the present of the congregation at the prayer session in the mosque.

What could have prompted the action of Hon Ogungbo was not immediately known but according to eye witness, it was after a little altercation with the legal practitioner that the trouble started.

An eye witness and member of the organization who pleaded anonymity said “it disheartening that someone like Hon Ogungbo who is a respected member of Mahdiyyat Muslim Congregation should be involved in this type of rancour especially within the mosque’s vicinity.”

Speaking further, “what happened was Barrister Yakubu Eleto who is the chairman of Ajodun planning committee was trying to get access to the Chief Imam while Hon. Ogungbo insisted that he should not pass his front, and that was from the point arguments started between them and the Police officer attached to the Special Adviser poured water on the face of Eleto.”

“This unwarranted action attracted everybody’s attention towards them. The matter was later compounded when the Hon. Ogungbo’s wife stormed the scene and rained slaps on the Barrister. This unjustifiable actions and misused of the public position was grossly condemned by all of us that witnessed the drama,” said the eye witness.

The Police Public Relations Officer of Ogun State Command, DSP Abimbola Oyeyemi when contacted said he’s yet to be brief about the matter but promised to do the needful by conducting a thorough investigation into the case whenever it gets to his notice.

Ojelabi Donates Equipment To Oyo Netball Association

Amb Ayinde, Chairperson Netball Oyo State receiving
 equipment from father to the donor, Mathew Ojelabi

 A United Kingdom based businessman, Anthony Olufemi Ojelabi has fulfilled his promise towards the revival of netball game in Oyo state by donating equipment for the development of the game.

Mathew Ojelabi, who was represented his son, Anthony, was at the Kayrom Lee gym and fitness center,  Obafemi Awolowo stadium, where he presented balls, skipping ropes, pumping for ball and other item for netball.

Speaking with newsmen after the presentation, Mathew Ojelabi said he was surprise when his son asked him to bring the items to Ambassador Romoke Ayinde because he has promised to support the revival of the game of Netball in the state.

“The last time, my son, Anthony was in Nigeria, he said he has promised to assist the revival of the game of netball in Oyo State.

“When I hear this, I was very happy because for him to think of assisting people with his own hard earn money and I prayed that God will continued to help him more,” Mathew Ojelabi said.

It would be recall that during his last holiday in Nigeria in October 2023, Anthony promised to purchase equipments for netball from his UK base to support the revival of the game because of his unrelenting love for the youth and his experience with Amb Ayinde, who is the pioneer Chairperson of the association.

On what could have motivate his son’s gesture, Mathew Ojelabi said it can only be love of God and the love he has for his fellow human being and advised other well meaning people in the society to emulate him.

In her reaction, Chairperson of Oyo State Netball Association, Ambassador Romoke Ayinde was very happy for the kind gesture of Anthony Ojelabi and urged well-meaning people in the society to emulate him.

The donor, Anthony Ojelabi with Amb Ayinde

“I’m happy that people like Anthony have the same set of believe of giving back to the society. Mr Anthony Ojelabi deserves an accolades for his philanthropic gesture and more people should emulate him for the development of our youth who are tomorrow's leaders.

"We cannot leave everything to the government but we must contribute our own quota to the development of sports in our country," Amb Ayinde fondly called Kayrom Lee, said.

Some of the equipments donated 

CAC President Charges Nigerians To Be Optimistic As Church Dedicate New Secretariat

Pastor Henry Ojo, President CAC Worldwide

The President-General of the Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Worldwide, Pastor (Dr) Henry Ojo has re-assured Nigerians that things will get better in year 2024 while urging them to be optimistic. 

Pastor Ojo in a chat with newsmen at the dedication of the official secretariat of CAC Worldwide at Atanda Osengere, along Ibadan Ife road on Monday, said what the country needed most now is divine intervention and that only God, who can change the heart of men can help Nigeria.

“We cannot rule out divine intervention in the case of Nigeria. When God steps into our case, things will turn out to be for our good. I believed miracles would make the heart of men to be changed. One of the problems we have in Nigeria is leadership and followership problem, when we do the right things, Nigeria will be a better country”. 

Pastor Ojo further urged President Bola Tinubu not to relent in tackling the rising insecurity plaguing the nation, while stating that the country will overcome its present challenges. 

Prophet Richard Kolawole

Speaking on the dedication of the church secretariat, Pastor Ojo said the project is long overdue because of our vision and we now decided to have a proper place as our administrative headquarters

“It took us time to build this secretariat because of our vision. When we come on board, we felt that any soldier without a barrack is a rebel and for us to have a place where everybody could come and be able to do proper administration, there is a need for us to have standard secretariat. That is why we worked on this vision and we are thanking the Lord because He has helped us to achieve it to this level”.

"When you look at the federal government, we have the federal secretariat, state and local goverment secretariat. If there is no secretariat, the administation will no go smoothly. This edifice provided will serve as a place for proper adminmstration for Christ Apostolic Church. We have in this place, sunday school, youth and men department. We will be under this roof to do the right thing," Pastor added.

Also speaking at the event, the presiding pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Arogungbogunmi, Prophet Kolawole Richard further stated that the building and dedication of the church secretariat is a testament that the church fund is judiciously spent, while vowing that that the leadership of the church will protect the name and integrity of the church. 

“Any members that see the structure put in place by the leaders of the church, they will try to do more because this edifice shows that their money is justifiably spent.

"This will also show that the leadership in place are on a rightful mission and they are doing everything possible to protect the integrity of the church.

"The edifice will strengthen the faith of the members of the church to give more and support the work of God. This place is spacious enough to accommodate our large workforce,” Prophet Kolawole, who is also a General Evangelist of CAC Worldwide said.

Cross section of Ministers of God at the event

Makinde Condoles With Muslims Over Death Of Grand Mufti Of Ibadanland

 Sheikh Abdulfatai Alaga

Oyo State governor, Engineer Seyi Makinde, has expressed his condolences to the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere and the Muslim Ummah in the state over the death of the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Sheikh Abdulfatai Alaga.

The governor, who equally sympathised with the immediate family of the Grand Mufti, prayed to Allah to grant repose to the soul of the late Alfa Agba, as he was known in Ibadanland.

Describing the deceased Sheik Alaga as a great cleric, who worked hard with others to foster the religious harmony being enjoyed in the state, Governor Makinde said his death has left a huge vacuum among Muslims in the state.

He said: “I received the news of the death of the Grand Mufti of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdulfatai Alaga, this morning.

“I express my condolences to the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Sheik Abdulganiyu Agbotomokekere and the Muslim Ummah in Ibadanland on the death of Alfa Agba.

“I equally commiserate with his immediate family and pray to Allah SWT to grant him Aljanah Firdausi.

“Sheik Alaga worked hand in hand with the Chief Imam of Ibadanland and other top clerics to ensure the religious harmony we are enjoying in Oyo State since 2019 when I took office as governor.

“He will be greatly missed.”

Deviates From Commercialization Of The Church Or Face God's Warth - Prophet Kolawole Warns Men Of God

From left, Prophet Kolawole Richard, President of Christ Apostolic Church Worldwide(CAC), Pastor Henry Ojo and Prophetess Christiana during the program

The presiding pastor of Christ Apostolic Church, Arogungbounmi, Ibadan, Prophet Richard Kolawole has warned men of God who have deviated from preaching the true to beware because of the warth of God coming on them this year.

Delivering his annual predictions during the church Freedom Festival 2023 tagged “Arogungbogunmi, Above All Other Gods, Exodus 7:12,” Prophet Kolawole, who is also the General Evangelist of CAC Worldwide, stated that the warth and vengeance of God will come upon all ministries, churches and men of God who have deviated from true gospel to commercialization of the church.

"All ministries or churches which have deviated from preaching the true word of God to monitize or commercialize, God said he will visit them with his warth and vengeance and He will set His people free from their bondages and shackles.

"God's general on earth will surely die by the visitation of God's warth and vengeance, This says the Lord," Prophet Kolawole said.

Speaking further, Prophet Richard said “The Lord said we should use praises to open the door of year 2024. Hence, ministers of God should organize praises in their various churches or ministries.

“All Christians should join hands in praying to God for the success of year 2024. God said the first three month of year 2024 will be difficult but God will surely see his own people through, no matter the turbulence.

“God said the government and leaders in the position of authority should find means of curbing the shedding of innocent blood because the blood of the innocents are crying for vengeance.

“God said he is out to deal with the leaders of this country if they turn deaf ears to the cry of the poor, He will visit them with untimely death and terminal diseases. However after the three months there is light at the end of the tunnel if government does the needful.God said there are a lot of saboteurs within the Nigerian security personnel and high level of ethnicity ties, tribalism and nepotism.

“God said if President Tinubu will revive the economy of this country, he should be ready to touch the untouchables and move the immovables.”

He said that God made him to know that Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo state will perform better than he did in his first term in office, “so let us continue to pray for him.