Category: Nigerian Tribune

The University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, has called on stakeholders in the health sector to build on the enduring legacy of renowned physiotherapy pioneer, Pa (Dr.) Thompson Abayomi Oshin by embracing innovation, research and technology to strengthen rehabilitation services in Nigeria.

The Chief Medical Director of UCH, Prof. Jesse Abiodun Otegbayo, made the call at a public lecture titled ‘The Past, Present and Future of Nigerian Physiotherapy’ held in Ibadan to mark Pa Oshin’s 100th birthday.

Represented by the Chairman, Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC), Prof. Bukola Adesina, Otegbayo described the centenarian as the father of physiotherapy in Nigeria and Africa, whose pioneering contributions transformed the profession and produced generations of specialists.

According to him, Pa Oshin, who joined UCH in 1955 as the country’s only chartered Nigerian physiotherapist, pioneered key rehabilitation units, became the hospital’s first Head and Consultant Physiotherapist, co-founded the Nigeria Society of Physiotherapy and helped establish the University of Ibadan’s physiotherapy degree programme.

He said physiotherapy has become a vital component of modern healthcare, with practitioners playing key roles in rehabilitation, preventive care and the management of chronic and neurological conditions.

Otegbayo stressed that the profession must embrace artificial intelligence, robotics, tele-rehabilitation, digital health solutions and specialist training while strengthening research and interdisciplinary collaboration.

He urged younger physiotherapists to emulate Pa Oshin’s values of excellence, integrity and selfless service, saying the centenary celebration underscored that true impact is measured by lives transformed and institutions built rather than years lived.

The guest lecturer, Dr Kamaldeen Sanni, urged the Federal Government to recognise physiotherapists as first-contact healthcare professionals, arguing that graduates of the Doctor of Physiotherapy (DPT) programme are equipped to assess patients independently and make referrals where necessary.

He also called on the government to abandon plans to introduce physiotherapy technicians, describing the proposal as retrogressive.

Sanni, however, advocated greater investment in training more physiotherapists, expanding rehabilitation services and supporting the establishment of faculties of physiotherapy and Colleges of Rehabilitation.

‘The future of physiotherapy is already here. What we want is for that future to be brighter,’ he said, noting that physiotherapy has become indispensable in the management of stroke, neurological disorders, chronic pain and other rehabilitation needs.

In his goodwill message, Emeritus Professor Oluwole Akande, pioneer Provost of the College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, described Pa Oshin as a national treasure and Africa’s foremost physiotherapy pioneer whose century-long life exemplifies dedication, integrity and service.

He said the centenarian laid the foundation for a profession that has restored hope and mobility to millions and inspired generations of physiotherapists through his vision and commitment to excellence.

Also speaking, the Oyo State Commissioner for Health, Dr Oluwaserimi Ajetunmobi, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Health Sector, Dr Akinfemi Akinyode, reaffirmed the state’s commitment to advancing physiotherapy and rehabilitation services.

She highlighted Oyo’s historic role as the cradle of physiotherapy education in West Africa and noted that the state has the largest government-employed physiotherapy workforce in Nigeria and is the first to deploy physiotherapists across all 33 local government areas at the primary healthcare level.

She reiterated the government’s vision of positioning Oyo as Nigeria’s rehabilitation hub through sustained investment in specialist training, research and policies that integrate rehabilitation into universal health coverage.

Earlier, the Head of the Department of Physiotherapy, UCH, Dr Raymond Oluseyi Olaseinde, said the lecture was organised not only to celebrate Pa Oshin’s remarkable achievements but also to inspire reflection and renewed commitment to advancing the profession.

He urged younger physiotherapists to uphold the values of excellence, integrity and selfless service exemplified by the centenarian.

YOUTH leaders in Plateau State have pledged to mobilise one million votes for the re-election of President Bola Tinubu in the 2027 general election, expressing confidence in the administration’s policies and programmes.

The youths also commended the Federal Government’s expansion of the Nigerian Army through the creation of additional divisions, describing the initiative as a strategic step toward improving operational coverage, addressing security gaps, and strengthening the nation’s response to emerging security challenges.

The commitment was made during separate strategic meetings convened by the Plateau State Director of the City Boy Movement (CBM), Mr. David Daser, with members of the State Working Committee and Coordinators from the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

According to Daser, the meetings were organised to review the outcome of the recently concluded National Retreat of the movement and to fine-tune strategies for grassroots mobilisation ahead of the 2027 elections.

‘I shared key takeaways from the recently concluded National Retreat, where we reviewed our direction as a movement and the responsibility before us. Together, we aligned with the Operation Rock Solid initiative, a statewide commitment to mobilise one million votes for the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in 2027,’ he said.

Daser described the engagements as strategic planning sessions aimed at strengthening the movement’s organisational structure and preparing members for effective grassroots mobilisation across Plateau State.

Speaking on security, he applauded the Federal Government’s decision to establish additional Army divisions, noting that the initiative would improve operational effectiveness, eliminate security blind spots, and enhance the military’s capacity to respond swiftly to security threats across the country.

He also highlighted key infrastructure projects initiated by the Tinubu administration in Plateau State, including the Akwanga-Jos-Gombe Road, the Babban Lamba-Sharam Road, and the Mararaba Jama’a-Pankshin-Langtang-Mikang-Taraba Road, describing them as practical demonstrations of the Renewed Hope Agenda.

Daser commended members of the State Working Committee and the 17 Local Government Coordinators for their dedication and commitment to the movement’s objectives.

‘The passion, unity, and commitment demonstrated by our members give me great confidence that together, we will build a stronger and more effective City Boy Movement in Plateau State and contribute meaningfully to the re-election of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu in 2027 under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC),’ he added.

EVEN 20 years after the passing of Dr. Abdul-Jelil Adebayo Amoloye, his life continues to offer profound lessons on the true meaning of leadership, public service and human development. While many political figures are remembered for the offices they occupied or the influence they wielded, Dr. Amoloye is remembered for something far more enduring – the values he embodied and the lives he transformed. His famous assertion that ‘the whole essence of politics and leadership is in itself defeated if the people do not have references to point at as dividends’ remains one of the most compelling definitions of responsible governance in contemporary Nigeria. It reflects a philosophy that places people above power, service above self-interest and measurable development above political rhetoric. Today, in an era where citizens increasingly demand accountability and impactful governance, the relevance of his ideals has become even more apparent. His memory therefore survives not merely because he once held public office but because he demonstrated that politics could become a noble instrument for social justice, empowerment and collective progress.

Born on 22nd May 1950, into the respected Ona-Onibode royal family of Igboho in present-day Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, Dr. Amoloye’s early life reflected an uncommon passion for knowledge and self-improvement. His educational journey began with Islamic and Arabic studies under the tutelage of his father, a renowned cleric, before expanding through rigorous studies across towns such as Iwo, Ede, Ilorin and other places. Yet, despite his strong religious foundation, he recognized that modern education was equally indispensable for the advancement of individuals and society. This conviction led him to pursue Western education, eventually gaining admission to the University of Ibadan in 1970, where he earned his Bachelor’s, Master’s and later a Doctor of Philosophy degree in Arabic and Islamic Studies. His academic accomplishments were never pursued for prestige alone, rather, they became tools for intellectual liberation and community development. Even as a student, his emergence as Amir of the Muslim Students Society (MSS) reflected qualities of discipline, moral courage and visionary leadership that would later define his public life.

The defining characteristic of Dr. Amoloye’s leadership was his unwavering commitment to servant leadership, deeply rooted in his religious convictions and personal philosophy. Unlike many who perceive political office as a pathway to privilege and personal enrichment, he viewed leadership as a sacred responsibility entrusted to those willing to sacrifice for the common good. Humility, integrity, diligence, compassion and selflessness were not merely virtues he preached. They were principles he consistently practiced. He believed that no leader deserved comfort while followers remained neglected and it became widely acknowledged that he would never personally benefit from the proceeds of a collective struggle until the needs of the least privileged had first been addressed. This rare disposition earned him extraordinary respect across political, religious and social divides. Whether interacting with traditional rulers, civil servants, market women, students, religious leaders or ordinary citizens, he displayed the same humility and accessibility. His leadership proved that true greatness lies not in the distance between leaders and the people but in their closeness to the everyday realities of those they serve.

Throughout his political career, Dr. Amoloye occupied several strategic positions, each of which he approached with remarkable dedication and visionary purpose. His participation in the Constituent Assembly of 1988 and the Constitutional Conference of 1995 demonstrated his commitment to strengthening Nigeria’s democratic foundations. His contributions to the creation of Oorelope Local Government and his advocacy for additional local government structures in Oke-Ogun region of Oyo state, reflected his deep understanding that political inclusion and administrative accessibility are essential ingredients of grassroots development. Likewise, his unwavering support for the advocacy of the realization of Oke-Ogun State illustrated his desire to ensure equitable representation and balanced regional development. Although he experienced both electoral victories and political disappointments, he never allowed temporary setbacks to diminish his commitment to public service. Instead, he remained steadfast, proving that genuine leadership is measured not by uninterrupted political success but by consistency of purpose and unwavering devotion to societal progress. Perhaps nowhere was Dr. Amoloye’s transformative vision more evident than during his tenure as Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology in Oyo State under the administration of Governor Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja (now Kabiyesi the Olubadan of Ibadan).

He understood that education represented the most powerful instrument for breaking the cycle of poverty, ignorance and social inequality. Consequently, he championed bold reforms aimed at restoring confidence in the public education system.The construction of additional secondary schools, the implementation of the thirty-pupils-per-class policy and the restructuring of tertiary institutions were all deliberate interventions designed to improve educational quality and accessibility. Importantly, his commitment to public education extended beyond policy pronouncements into personal conviction. Demonstrating uncommon consistency, none of his own children, including Azeezat Amoloye-Adebayo, a university don and a reputable professor of Law, attended private universities because he believed leaders must place confidence in the systems they ask citizens to trust. Beyond institutional reforms, perhaps his greatest educational contribution was facilitating access to higher education for thousands of indigent students. By opening doors for an estimated 30,000 young people to pursue tertiary education, he invested not merely in individuals but in generations of future leaders whose contributions continue to enrich society today.

Dr. Amoloye’s greatest achievement, however, cannot be fully measured through political appointments, policy reforms or physical infrastructure. His most enduring legacy lies in the transformation of human consciousness. He inspired people to discover their worth, embrace education as a pathway to liberation and believe that integrity could coexist with political leadership. He cultivated followers rather than dependents, empowering individuals to think independently while remaining committed to collective progress. This explains why, many years after his death, his influence continues to grow instead of fading. His followership has evolved into a living institution, carrying forward the values of justice, equity, compassion, discipline and community service that he tirelessly promoted. Such enduring relevance is rare in political history, where influence often diminishes soon after a leader leaves office. In Amoloye’s case, however, his philosophy has become self-sustaining because it is anchored not in personality cults but in timeless principles capable of inspiring successive generations.

As we reflect on Dr. Abdul-Jelil Adebayo Amoloye’s remarkable life, we are reminded that history reserves its highest honour for leaders whose impact transcends their lifetime. His vision was never limited to his generation, it was an investment in the future of his people. The political institution he established, the educational opportunities he created, the culture of integrity he exemplified and the enduring network of loyal followers he nurtured remain living testimonies to a life devoted to humanity.

The greatest tribute we can offer is not merely to celebrate his memory but to preserve and practice the ideals for which he stood. In an age where ethical leadership is increasingly scarce, Amoloye’s life continues to illuminate the path towards responsible governance and people-centred development. His story reminds us that genuine leadership is ultimately measured by the opportunities created for others, the hope inspired within communities and the enduring legacy left behind. Indeed, while Dr. Amoloye may have departed this world, his vision continues to inspire, his values continue to guide and his legacy continues to challenge every generation to build a society founded on justice, knowledge, humility and selfless service.

The Accountant-General of the Federation (AGF), Shamseldeen Ogunjimi, has told the House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the Presidential Foreign Intervention Promotion Council (PFIPC) that a letter from his office, which could have exposed alleged forged documents used by the council, was intercepted by its self-acclaimed Director-General, Adeniyi Adeyemi.

The AGF made the disclosure on Monday while appearing before the committee probing the controversy surrounding the PFIPC, including the ?1.3 billion allocated to the council in the 2026 Appropriation Act.

According to the AGF, the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) received a request in November 2024, purportedly from the State House, seeking the creation of an administrative code for the council to facilitate its budgeting, accounting and financial reporting.

He explained that the request was written on State House letterhead and appeared authentic, prompting the treasury to process it and create the requested administrative code.

The OAGF subsequently replied to the State House on November 29, 2024, while forwarding a copy of its response to the Budget Office of the Federation.

However, Ogunjimi told lawmakers that the response never reached the State House because it was allegedly intercepted by Adeyemi.

‘The letter that was written to the treasury for us to give an administrative code was responded to.

‘Unfortunately, as events unfolded, it was discovered that that letter did not get to the State House. It was hijacked, precisely by the same man who claimed to be the director-general.

‘Because if our letter responding to the request of the State House that an administrative code should be issued had gotten to the State House, definitely the State House would have noticed that the letter requesting an administrative code was never issued by the State House,’ he said.

The AGF said the interception delayed the discovery that documents submitted by the promoters of the council were allegedly forged.

He disclosed that subsequent investigations revealed that the documents presented to the treasury, including the Act purportedly establishing the PFIPC and the appointment letter of its leadership, were fake.

‘What the fake agency did was to submit a fake Act-so we can call it fake now because we have seen it to be fake-purportedly enacted by the National Assembly, a fake letter of appointment; everything that was submitted to the leadership in treasury was fake,’ Ogunjimi told the committee.

He noted that treasury officials processed the documents in good faith because they appeared to have originated from the Presidency, giving no immediate cause for suspicion.

The AGF also addressed questions regarding treasury officials who had been working with the PFIPC.

He explained that two staff members from the OAGF had initially been deployed to the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President in 2010 and 2013.

‘We never knew. We believed, based on the records available to the Treasury, that those officers were still with the Office of the Chief Economic Adviser to the President.

‘It was when all this matter came to light that we got to know that two of our staff were actually working or had been absorbed by the fake agency,’ he said.

The investigation is linked to Adeyemi’s claim that he was appointed Director-General of the PFIPC by the Chief of Staff to the President, Femi Gbajabiamila.

However, the Chief of Staff has denied issuing any appointment letter to Adeyemi.

Adeyemi was arrested by operatives of the Police Intelligence Response Team in Osun State on July 14.

Meanwhile, the House of Representatives ad hoc committee has directed the Inspector-General of Police to produce Adeyemi before lawmakers on Wednesday to respond to questions regarding the allegations surrounding the council.

Ghanaian singer, Charles Nii Armah Mensah, popularly known as Shatta Wale, has explained that Ghanaian artists earn pennies compared to Nigerian artists.

Speaking during a recent episode of The Honest Bunch Podcast, Shatta Wale said many Ghanaians do not appreciate the success of their entertainers.

He also claimed that artists in Ghana earn little from their careers, adding that he experienced similar financial challenges.

‘Nigerians appreciate success, Ghana doesn’t appreciate success. As a star, I was sleeping on the street as big as I am. At one point, my girlfriend who was living with her parents’ was the one accommodating me.

‘Even as a big Ghanaian artist, back then, I take taxis to shows. Not just me, a lot of Ghanaian artists do that. Ghanaian artists earn pennies, while their Nigerian counterparts earn big,’ he said.

According to Shatta Wale, the situation reflects the level of support entertainers receive in Ghana compared to Nigeria.

The 41-year-old singer also urged his colleagues in Ghana’s entertainment industry to set higher standards and work toward improving the industry’s value.

ABOUT 441 cases of cholera outbreak and 14 deaths have been recorded across four local government areas of Plateau state.

The Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr Nicholas Ba’amlong, who disclosed this in Jos, also confirmed 20 positive Rapid Diagnostic Test (RDT) cases and six laboratory-confirmed cases through culture, with infections affecting 25 wards and 107 settlements.

He stated that only three patients remain on admission in Jos North, describing the development as an indication that government’s interventions are yielding results.

According to him, the outbreak was first detected in Mangu Local Government Area in June, prompting the ministry of health to activate a coordinated multi-sectoral emergency response in collaboration with local government areas, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control and Prevention (NCDC) as well as development partners.

Ba’amlong said Mangu, the epicentre of the outbreak, recorded 53 suspected cases, with 10 testing positive through RDT and four confirmed by laboratory culture, while 10 deaths were reported across nine wards and 64 settlements.

He said there is currently no active cholera case in Mangu, with the last reported case recorded on July 22.

He further disclosed that Jos North has recorded 277 suspected cases, seven positive RDT, one laboratory-confirmed case and four deaths, affecting 61 settlements in 14 wards.

In Jos South, the commissioner said only one confirmed case was recorded, adding that the patient had been successfully treated and discharged without any fatality.

He added that Barkin Ladi Local Government Area recorded its first case on July 16, with 23 suspected cases, two positive RDT, no laboratory-confirmed case, and no death reported, while two settlements in one ward have been affected.

Grammy-winning Nigerian singer, Damini Ebunoluwa Ogulu, popularly known as Burna Boy, has reached a new career milestone after his collaboration with Colombian singer Shakira Isabel Mebarak, popularly known as Shakira, ‘Dai Dai,’ became the highest-charting FIFA World Cup song in Billboard Hot 100 history.

The song climbed 25 places on this week’s Billboard Hot 100 to a new peak of No. 17, overtaking Shakira and Freshlyground’s 2010 World Cup anthem, ‘Waka Waka (This Time for Africa).’

In addition to its Billboard success, Burna Boy’s ‘Dai Dai’ rose to No. 3 on the Canadian Hot 100 and is currently competing for the No. 1 position on the UK Official Singles Chart.

The latest chart performance makes Burna Boy ‘Dai Dai’ the highest-charting FIFA World Cup song to date, adding another milestone to Burna Boy’s international career. The track has also emerged as one of the standout songs of the 2026 FIFA World Cup.

Meanwhile, Billboard has announced that it has discontinued its World Digital Song Sales chart, with the final edition published on June 27, 2026.

The chart tracked some of the best-selling digital songs from markets including Nigeria, Asia, the Caribbean, South Africa and other regions.

Nigerian artists such as Wizkid, Mr Eazi and Rema previously reached No. 1 on the chart.

The Oyo State Government on Tuesday bolstered its security architecture with the delivery of two surveillance aircraft, as Governor Seyi Makinde said the investment would significantly improve intelligence gathering, aerial surveillance and rapid response to security threats across the state.

The aircraft were received by the governor at the newly upgraded tarmac of the Samuel Ladoke Akintola Airport, Ibadan, about one year after the state announced plans to procure them as part of efforts to strengthen security operations.

Speaking with journalists shortly after taking delivery of the aircraft, Makinde said the procurement was conceived long before the recent abduction of pupils and teachers at Ahoro Community Grammar School, Oriire Local Government Area, stressing that the acquisition was part of a strategic security plan and not a reaction to the incident.

According to him, the decision was informed by the vast geographical size of Oyo State and the need to complement conventional security operations with aerial surveillance.

‘When we took the decision to purchase these surveillance aircraft, it was because of the sheer landmass, the size of our state. We knew that we had to complement the boots on the ground,’ the governor said.

Makinde noted that while some critics questioned the delay in the arrival of the aircraft, the government remained focused on delivering a long-term solution to the state’s security challenges.

‘We didn’t know that Oriire was going to happen. I’ve seen people criticise us and ask, ‘Where are the aircraft?’ But we planned for the aircraft so that we would be able to cover as much of the landmass of our state as possible within the shortest possible time.

‘I’m glad that now it’s here and I believe we will always do what is right in the interest of our people because, in an atmosphere of insecurity, you can hardly do anything.’

The governor described security as the foundation for development, saying no meaningful economic or social progress could be achieved where lives and property are under threat.

He expressed relief over the recent rescue of the abducted schoolchildren and teachers in Oriire, saying the state was now moving forward with its broader development agenda.

‘People can say it is better now because our children are back, our teachers are back and we are moving on with the plan for Oyo State,’ he said.

Makinde also disclosed that the surveillance aircraft would be deployed for operations immediately through a partnership between the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Air Force (NAF).

According to him, the aircraft were flown into Ibadan by Air Force pilots, while an operational framework has already been put in place to ensure their effective deployment.

‘We are hitting the ground running. You can see they were flown by Air Force pilots. We have negotiated a Memorandum of Understanding with the Nigerian Air Force and we will be working on this together,’ he said.

He explained that the collaboration with the Air Force would ensure that the aircraft are professionally operated while strengthening intelligence sharing and coordinated security operations across the state.

The governor reassured residents that his administration would continue to prioritise the protection of lives and property, promising that the government would sustain investments aimed at keeping Oyo State safe for residents and investors.

‘My message to the people of Oyo State is that their government will always be there to serve them,’ he said.

Following the collapse of a two-storey building at Baale Road, Ajuwon, in Ifo Local Government Area of Ogun State, on Monday, the State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, has ordered a comprehensive technical investigation into the incident.

Governor Abiodun, in a statement issued by his Media Adviser on Information and Strategy, reaffirmed his commitment to protecting lives and preventing similar incidents across the state.

The statement said the incident happened following a severe thunderstorm, which claimed one life, while several occupants were reported to have narrowly escaped.

According to the statement, preliminary findings by a multi-agency investigation team revealed that the structure suffered a catastrophic structural failure, causing the lower floors to sink into the ground, with only portions of the upper slab remaining visible above the debris.

Eyewitnesses said the incident occurred at about 3:00 p.m., shortly after a heavy downpour accompanied by intense thunderstorms and a reported lightning strike in the vicinity.

Two women and their children reportedly escaped moments after noticing signs of structural distress, while a young man sustained minor injuries as he fled the building before it gave way.

The statement said that emergency responders, including officials of the Ogun State Safety Office, State Fire Service, Ministries of Environment, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Works and Infrastructure, the Nigeria Police Force, and the Ifo Local Government Water and Environmental Sanitation Department, immediately mobilised to the scene and commenced coordinated search-and-rescue operations.

Contractors working within the Akute-Alagbole and Agbado axis also swiftly deployed heavy equipment to the site, joining the rescue efforts less than 10 minutes after the collapse.

It was gathered that initial surface searches did not locate any victims, while traces of blood and footprints beneath the rubble prompted emergency teams to undertake a carefully controlled excavation exercise.

The operation eventually led to the recovery of one deceased victim, whose identity had yet to be confirmed at the time of the report.

The investigation team noted that while adverse weather conditions preceded the collapse, the exact cause of the structural failure could not be determined at the scene. Experts explained that only detailed structural, geotechnical and forensic engineering investigations would establish whether the incident resulted from foundation failure, soil instability, construction defects, the use of substandard materials, or other underlying factors.

Consequently, Governor Abiodun has directed specialists from the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development, the Ogun State Building Control Agency, the Building Production Management and Material Testing Agency, and other relevant regulatory bodies to conduct comprehensive assessments of the collapsed structure, evaluate soil conditions, examine construction materials, and inspect adjoining buildings to determine whether they have also been compromised.

Governor Abiodun expressed deep sadness over the tragic incident and extended his heartfelt condolences to the family of the deceased, while sympathising with all those affected by the collapse.

He also commended emergency responders, first responders, volunteers and community members for their prompt intervention, which led to the successful rescue of several occupants and helped minimise further loss of life.

The Governor assured residents that the State Government would provide every necessary support to those affected while investigations continue. He stressed that anyone found to have violated approved building regulations, deviated from approved plans, or compromised construction standards would be prosecuted in accordance with the law.

The Ogun State Government also expressed appreciation to the Lagos State Government for its support during the emergency response, describing the collaboration as a demonstration of the strong partnership between both states in protecting lives and property.

Reaffirming its commitment to strengthening enforcement of physical planning regulations across the state, the government urged property developers, builders, artisans and residents to obtain all statutory approvals before commencing any construction project and to adhere strictly to approved building plans and specifications issued by the Ministry of Physical Planning and Urban Development.

The government warned that unauthorised alterations to approved building designs, the use of substandard materials, and non-compliance with established construction standards pose grave risks to lives and property. It stressed that strict adherence to building regulations remains the most effective safeguard against avoidable structural failures.

The Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board (LGSPB) has commenced the payment of ?3 billion in gratuities to more than 1,000 retired primary school teachers, local government workers and next of kin of deceased pensioners across the state.

Speaking at the flag-off ceremony held on Tuesday at the Local Government Staff Training School, Secretariat, Ibadan, the Chairman of the Board, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, said the payment exercise would be carried out across the state’s geopolitical zones.

Ige disclosed that Governor Seyi Makinde approved and released the ?3 billion for the exercise, describing the gesture as another demonstration of the administration’s commitment to the welfare of retired workers.

He said, ‘The Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, has approved and released the sum of Three Billion Naira for the payment exercise. I congratulate all the beneficiaries of this gratuity payment.’

The Chairman urged residents to continue supporting the Makinde administration, saying, ‘A government that cares for its workers and pensioners deserves our collective support and prayers.’

He also advised the retirees to make prudent use of their benefits and avoid falling victim to fraudsters.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary of the Local Government Staff Pension Board, Tpl. Olufemi Akinwale, said the Governor had remained committed to the welfare of pensioners since assuming office.

According to him, ‘In his characteristic manner of ensuring that adequate planning is put in place for sustainable payment of gratuity and other retirement benefits, the Governor has recently approved the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS). Unlike other states, the Oyo State Government will contribute 12 per cent, while the enrollees will contribute eight per cent.’

He added, ‘All hands must therefore be on deck to ensure the successful implementation of the new pension scheme that will run alongside the Defined Benefits Scheme.’

In his goodwill message, the Majority Leader of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanjo Adewoyin, congratulated the beneficiaries and commended Governor Makinde for sustaining the payment of gratuities and other retirement benefits. He also praised the appointment of Hon. Ige as Chairman of the Board, describing him as experienced, committed and dedicated to the development of the state.

The event featured the symbolic presentation of cheques to selected beneficiaries.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mr. Adisa Gafar and Mrs. Bejide thanked Governor Makinde for prioritising the welfare of pensioners and consistently putting smiles on the faces of retired workers and senior citizens.

Dignitaries at the event included the Permanent Secretary, Ibadan Zone I, Barr. Jubril Alaga; Acting Head of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Musibau Ladele; Chairman of the Retired Primary School Teachers Wing, Comrade Dosu Akinpelu; Chairman of the Retired Local Government Staff Association, Alhaji Muniru Adesope; Secretary of the Retired Primary School Teachers Wing, Comrade Tunji Ogunwale; and heads of departments of the Local Government Staff Pension Board.