Oyo State Governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday, announced a cabinet reshuffle.

According to a statement by his Special Adviser (Media), Sulaimon Olanrewaju, Governor Makinde has relieved the Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Kudirat Adeyemo, of her appointment with immediate effect.

Professor Musibau Adetunji Babatunde has been appointed as the new Secretary to the State Government.

The statement further said that Barr. Temilolu Seun Ashamu has been moved from the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources to the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

Also, Governor Makinde has announced his Senior Special Assistant on Public Works, Ademola Aderinto, as a commissioner-designate. He will consequently be presented to the Oyo State House of Assembly for screening.

The statement also announced the appointment of Honourable Abiodun Adedoja as Special Adviser on Energy Security and Kolawole Elijah Akanmu as Senior Special Assistant on Budget and Economic Planning.

Signed

Dr Sulaimon Olanrewaju

Special Adviser (Media) to Oyo State Governor

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo has said that the present administration in the State would continue to partner with men of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to reduce the use of drugs in the society.

She stated this during a courtesy visit paid by the management staff of the (NDLEA), Oyo State Command at the SSG’s conference room, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She hinted that the present administration in the State under the Leadership of Engineer Seyi Makinde is always interested in something that would benefit all the citizens of the State.

The Secretary to the State Government said the Inauguration of the State Drug Control Committee (SDCC) is to reduce the supply and production of illicit drugs,  including the illicit narcotics, precursor, psychotropic substances and other Nationally and internationally controlled drugs.

She added further that drug demand reduction needs an aggressive sensitization, advocacy, prevention and treatment programme.

Professor Adeyemo maintained  that the State Government would partner  NDLEA through the Ministry of Health and other Government relevant agencies for result focused collaboration.

Responding, the State commandant of the Agency (NDLEA), Commandant Olayinka Joe-Fadile appreciated the State Government for working relatively well with the security agencies in the State.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

The Secretary to the State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo has said that the present administration in the State would continue to support women to reach the peak of their career in all ramifications.

She stated this while hosting the women wing of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the SSG’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

Professor Adeyemo said NLC women’s wing should seek partnership to empower their  members and not occupy the back seat in the scheme of things.

The Secretary to the State Government said the present administration in the State under the leadership of Governor Seyi Makinde believes so much in women’s capability to deliver whenever the need arises.

She charged the association to intensify efforts to ensure that women folks are not relegated to the background in the society.

She said “always seek partnership to empower women and collaborate with Government, Corporate bodies to bring out empowerment for the Women”.

She added that the present administration is ready to partner with women organizations and has been empowering women and will continue to collaborate with the women associations in the society to bring out the best in them.

In her remarks, the Chairman of the group, Comrade Olumide Lawal Bolanle commended the present administration in the State for bringing women on board  in its Government, saying that it is commendable.

Abiodun Atilola

Media Officer to the SSG/HOS

… He is a role Model – Deacon Taiwo Adewale

The Permanent Secretary, Service Matters, Office of the Head of Service, Mr. Paul Oyekunle is bowing out of Oyo State Civil Service today Friday, August 8, 2025.

The State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni, Some members of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, General Managers, Inspectors General of Education, Tutors General of Education lavishes encomium on him.

Dr. Adekunle Oyedele is the Permanent Secretary, General Administration. Governor’s Office. He described Mr. Oyekunle as  a very dedicated civil servant, loyal and an advocate of quality service.

He posited that Mr. Oyekunle has contributed immensely to the growth of the service, describing him as an Encyclopedia of the Civil Service because of his vast knowledge of the service rule.

Mr. Taiwo Niran Mustapha, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Establishments and Training said Mr. Paul Oyekunle has traversed most part of the service, Establishment Matters, Transfer Issues, Promotions, Discipline, Salary Negotiation, Appointment with deep knowledge on issues that related to service matters. I want to say that he is a man of action, voice of reasoning and he has contributed immensely to the growth of service, I wish him happy retirement, he would live long in good health to reap all he has laboured for in the service.

Alhaji Mustapha continued. “I wish him happy retirement, the service will remember him for his legacy of hard work, Dedication, Commitment, Integrity, Humility, Leadership and other numerous contributions to the service”.

Interestingly, Dr. Mofoluwake Ibitoye,  the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Inclusion in her goodwill message described Mr. Paul Oyekunle as a legend in the service of Oyo State, his administrative prowess to resolve crisis is top notch and he is well respected in the circle of the Forum of Permanent Secretaries.

Deacon, Taiwo Adewale, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Service Commission said Mr. Paul Oyekunle can hardly hurt a fly, he is not self centered, he doesn’t believe in aggression, he is an encyclopedia of the service when it comes to service matters, he addresses issues with no sentiment, no bias and he doesn’t allow his work to affect his social life, he attends all occasions of the Permanent Secretaries without discrimination, he is a role model.

Comrade Kayode Victor Muyiwa, the General Manager, Oyo State Government Printing Press and the Chairman, Forum of Administrative Officers of Oyo State commended Mr. Paul Oyekunle for playing a fatherly role for all members of the forum of administrative officers  in the service.

TPL. Akinwale Olufemi Akindele,  Permanent Secretary/Administrator Local Government Service Commission, Ibadan Zone -2, said, Mr. Paul Oyekunle is an embodiment of Civil Service rule and tenet, he is very vast in it, I wish him happy retirement and long life.

Mr. Olusola Ojelabi, Permanent Secretary, Cabinet and Special Services said “when the need arises and you  assigned a role for Mr. Oyekunle go and relax, he will do it very well without backlash, he is a repository  of knowledge, when it comes to service matters”.

Commander Ayoade Adeoye, the General Manager, Oyo State Road Maintenance Agency (OYRTMA) said Mr. Paul Oyekunle has done so much in re-building the service, he always puts round pegs in a round hole, he is a good administrator.

Nevertheless, Like one popular Yoruba Adage  “Egungun nla lo n keyin Igbale”  the number one Civil Servant in the Pacesetter State, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni, mni in her remarks said Mr. Paul Oyekunle, a thoroughbred Administrator, is bowing out of the Civil Service meritoriously without blemish after many years of positive contributions.

“His remarkable dedication and unwavering commitment to service delivery are unequalled, Oyekunle is a seasoned Administrator who exemplifies the core values and ethos of the Civil Service and these attributes he demonstrated working as the Permanent Secretary (Service Matters) in the office of the Head of Service”.

The number one Civil Servant pointed out that despite his vast knowledge of service-related matters, he exhibited humility and compassion in the discharge of his duties and he finds it easy to crack difficult nuts, particularly issues on establishment matters. It is therefore not surprising that he was labelled “the Encyclopedia of the Service”.

“You are indeed a good example to emulate and the indelible legacies you are leaving behind in the Civil Service of our dear State will be etched in the minds of many”.

“I therefore use this medium to felicitate you on your retirement from the Service of Oyo State after many years of impactful service and enduring legacies. It is my fervent prayer that Almighty God will grant you long life and sound health as you start another chapter of your life which will be sweet, blessed and more fulfilling than ever before”

Meanwhile, the Head of Service and the Permanent Secretaries in their separate remarks appreciated Governor Seyi Makinde for setting the pace in the Pacesetter State.

However, Former UK Prime Minister, Sir. Winston Churchill said; “After a Time, Civil Servants Tend to Become No Longer Servants and No Longer Civil”.

Congratulations and Happy Retirement Mr. Paul Oyekunle.

Abiodun Atilola

Head of Media and Publicity, SSG/HOS Office.

The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo Lawal, today convened a strategic stakeholders’ meeting with contractors handling projects under the Rural Access and Agricultural Marketing Project (RAAMP), with a view to fast-tracking implementation and ensuring adherence to quality standards.

The meeting, held at the Conference Room of the Office of the Secretary to the State Government, had in attendance the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, Barrister Olasunkanmi Olaleye; the Project Coordinator, Oyo RAAMP, Engr. Mrs. Adeola Ekundayo; as well as key officials and representatives of contracting firms involved in the project.

Adesoji O.O
Development Communication Officer
Oyo RAAMP.

COMMENCEMENT OF ONLINE APPLICATION FOR ADMISSION INTO NIGERIAN NAVY MILITARY/WELFARE SCHOOLS FOR 2025/2026 ACADEMIC SESSION

The Nigerian Army online sale of application forms for admission into Junior Secondary School (JSS 1) of the Nigerian Navy Military School. Ikot Ntuen and Eight (8) others and Nigerian Navy Secondary school for the 2025/2026 academic session has commenced.

Listeners are enjoined to please circulate this information to eligible indigenes of Oyo State that entrance examination into the Nigerian Navy Military School and Nigerian Navy Secondary School is scheduled to hold on Saturday 28th June, 2025 and Thursday, 5th August, 2025 in designated centres across the Federation respectfully.

Interested parents/candidates are expected to visit the Directorate of Naval Education Website at www.nnedu.ng for guidance on the admission process.

The application fee is Three Thousand and Fifty Naira (#3,050.00) only for Nigerian Navy Secondary School and a Three Thousand Naira (#3,000) for Nigerian Navy Military School, all processes are done online.

The Nigerian Navy Secondary Schools are located at Lagos, Portharcourt, Abeokuta, Calabar, Ogbomosho, Kuje and Imeri for further enquiries call these numbers: 08035416305/08030704785.

Thank you.

ANNOUNCER

Professor Olanike Adeyemo, FAS FTWAS

Secretary to the Oyo State Government

NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY SCREENING TEST FOR 77 REGULAR COURSE

The Nigerian Defence Academy Screening Test for (NDAST) for 77 Regular Course earlier scheduled for Saturday, 24th May, 2025 have been rescheduled to hold on Saturday, 14th June, 2025 at the Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan at 7;00am  prompt.

Oyo State has been earmarked as one of the States where the Nigeria Defence Academy Screening Test (NDAST) will be conducted.

Listeners are enjoined to please circulate this information to eligible indigenes of Oyo State for general awareness that the Nigerian Defence Academy Screening Test for 77 Regular Course will take place on Saturday, 14th June, 2025 at 7:00am prompt at Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan,  Oyo State.

Thank you.

ANNOUNCER

Professor Olanike Adeyemo

Secretary to the Oyo State Government

..Calls for improved Educational System

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde has inaugurated a 12—man steering committee  for the second phase of the European Union funded Education and Youth Empowerment Project in Nigeria.

The committee inaugurated on Tuesday at a two – day State Launch and Inception Meeting of the EU — UNESCO Project: Education and Youth Empowerment in Nigeria: Expand, Integrate and Strengthen Systems (EISS) to build Teachers’ Capacity and Resilience from 2024 to 2028 at Kankanfo Inn, Ibadan is expected to provide overall guidance for project implementation in Oyo State.

Speaking shortly after the inauguration, Governor Makinde harped on the need to revamp the educational system in Nigeria to meet the global practices.

Represented at the event by  the Deputy Governor, Barrister Bayo Lawal, the Governor identified the EU – UNESCO Education project as one of the key  interventions and collaborations required to change the narrative in the education sector of the Country.

He called for concerted efforts from relevant stakeholders in ensuring that the pupils get the right knowledge from the appropriate quarters.

He charged the committee members to design a clear road map for the project and make attainment of conducive learning environments in schools part of their priorities.

He explained that  Governor ‘Seyi Makinde led administration put Education on the front burner, which he said responsible for the 21.44 percent allotted to education in the current budget of the State.

The Governor appreciated EU-UNESCO for assisting the State in raising the bar of education at the basic level.

In his remarks, the Head of UNESCO, Abuja Office,  Mr. Albert Mendy,  explained that the overall objective of the project is to contribute to improved student attainment and Nigeria’s human development by Innovatively increasing the number of qualified and resilient teachers through relevant teacher education policies and programmes in line with Agenda 2063 (Goals 1 and 2) and Agenda 2038 SDG 4, 4.5 and 4.7).

According to him, through the 48-month project, individual teacher capacities will be built by developing an expanded teacher education programme focused on strengthening teacher resilience for challenging job demands in fragile contexts as well as support the  development and implementation of teacher policies for improved teacher preparation, recruitment, and management.

“The project will support improved quality of teaching and learning for  all, especially at the basic school level through capacity development of teachers (in-service and pre-service), professional development opportunities, learner-centered participatory and inclusive instruction, the provision of adequate teaching and learning materials and the use of digital media and education-technology (EdTech) approaches inside classrooms for an inclusive, safe and resilient environment to deliver sustainable education services for the improvement of quality learning.

Also speaking, Magdalene Anene- Maidah, UNESCO, Abuja Office, revealed that the project is funded by the European Union, while technical support were provided by UNESCO.

She submitted that building a cluster of teachers at community level is crucial in promoting teachers — students based teaching and learning in various communities.

She also emphasized the need for teachers to be familiar with the elements in the new reversed curriculum and versatile with the use of Information Communication Technology for effective teaching and learning.

Earlier, in his welcome address, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Oyo State, Professor Salihu Adelabu, said the EU- UNESCO project align with the education agenda of the present administration in the State .

Prof. Adelabu expressed gratitude to the European Union for selecting Oyo State as a key partner in the educational development project of such magnitude.

E- Signed

Media Team, MoES&T,

Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, has sworn in Mr. Rotimi Babalola and forty-seven (47) as newly appointed Permanent Secretaries in the State Civil/Public Service, urging them to discharge their duties effectively and do their best for the State.

He urged the new Permanent Secretaries to work hand in hand with his Government to achieve its vision of sustainable development in the State.

The Governor stated this at the Executive Council Chamber of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, on Monday, shortly after the Oaths of Office and Allegiance were administered to the newly appointed Permanent Secretaries.

Governor Makinde described the event as historic, adding that the process of their appointments was based on objectivity, merit and without any interference from anywhere.

The Governor noted that the appointment of Permanent Secretaries in education and local government sectors was done to encourage and motivate people working silently and also to institutionalize the sectors in the service.

He congratulated the new Permanent Secretaries, while he also appreciated the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, for handling the appointment processes diligently.

Governor Makinde said: “History is being made today, because appointing 48 permanent secretaries is no joke but those are vacancies that have to be filled. We didn’t play politics with it. We did not create those positions, as they have been in existence. It’s just that over time, we have had mostly Coordinating Directors but now, we have appointed Permanent Secretaries.

“If you remember, when this administration came in, what we met on ground was a situation where the appointment of Permanent Secretaries was discretionary. But we started a new culture when we came in. We had the exam and we were picking from the list.

“Let me use this opportunity to thank the Head of Service for handling this situation diligently. She deserves all the accolades. You will notice that in the education sector, we took time to appoint Inspectors-General and Tutors -general.

“Our future is about how we are able to educate our children because they are the future. So, if you have people that are contributing to building our future, how do you encourage them? That is why we opened up that space so as to institutionalize the process whereby teachers and people in the education sector can also be compensated.

“The same obtains for those in the local government sector. At the local government level, we felt that you have people also toiling day and night because it’s the closest government to the people. But every time I look through the record, I see that it is always a token for the LG. We are trying to redress that so that we can encourage the people working at that level to be at the peak of their career as well.

“When you work hard, the reward is more work. So, I want to say to you that this is just the beginning. You have to put in your best to justify the appointment.

“Also, you need to know that you swore to an oath to be fair to everybody. So, don’t forget the oath when you are taking decisions and writing memos.

“Please do your best for our State. ”The 48 new Permanent Secretaries include three (3) Permanent Secretaries earlier appointed and fifteen (15) newly-appointed Permanent Secretaries from the mainstream; fifteen (15) from the Education sector comprising Inspectors-General of Education and Tutors-General; and six (6) from the health sector.

Others are seven (7) from the local government sector; Permanent Secretary/Clerk of the House and the Surveyor-General of the State.

The event had in attendance the Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barr. Abdulraheem Bayo Lawal; PDP National Deputy Chairman (South), Ambassador Taofeek Arapaja; former deputy governors, Engr. Hamid Gbadamosi and Barr. Hasim Gbolarumi; Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin; Chief Judge of Oyo State, Justice Iyabo Yerima; Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Olanike Adeyemo; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Otunba Segun Ogunwuyi and Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni.

Also in attendance were former Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Senator Monsurat Sunmonu; Oyo State PDP Secretary, Alhaji Wasiu Adeleke; chairman and co-chairman, Oyo State Elders Council, Dr Saka Balogun and Elder Wole Oyelese as well as commissioners, among others dignitaries.

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Professor Olanike Adeyemo fas ftwas has advised Secretaries of the Local Government in the State to work harmoniously with their chairmen for accelerated development at the grassroot level.

She stated this while hosting the Forum of Secretaries of Local Government, Oyo State Chapter at the SSG’s Office, Secretariat, Ibadan.

She said the State Government would mandate Local Government Chairmen to always come with their Secretaries to official functions of the State in order to foster growth and unity within the local government system.

The Secretary to the State Government said Governor Seyi Makinde has been enjoying support from the good people of Oyo State since he assumed duty in 2019, hinting that, the Governor has also been rewarding people with good governance in the State.

She said “the Constituency I have is Governor Seyi Makinde, our Governor is running people-centric Government and I am happy to be part of it as a University Scholar”.

Professor Adeyemo congratulated all the Local Government Secretaries in the State for being part of the Omituntun 2.0, urging them to put more effort and work harmoniously with their chairmen to bring dividends of democracy to the door steps of the masses.

Responding, the State Coordinator of the Forum, who is also the Secretary, Egbeda Local Government area of Oyo State, Hon. Mrs Temitope Aworele commended Governor Seyi Makinde for giving them the opportunity to serve at the grassroots level.

Hon. Aworele said the Forum would work for the success of Governor Seyi Makinde’s Omituntun 2.0 at Local Government level.

Abiodun Atilola
Media Officer to the SSG/HOS