The Oyo State Government has made significant strides in addressing administrative lapses and injustices affecting workers and cultural contributors in the state. Following the Executive Council Meeting, Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration approved the review of the promotion of 1,629 state workers, including nurses, whose promotions were delayed due to administrative errors during the 2017-2020 promotion exercise. The announcement was made by the Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade.
Additionally, the government has approved the reinstatement of 47 civil servants wrongfully dismissed by the previous administration, based on recommendations by the State Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni. In a related move, 124 workers who were dismissed in 2012 have been pardoned and restored to their positions. However, the Council upheld the dismissal of 823 workers who were removed from service for submitting fake certificates, while also confirming the termination of 180 workers employed in 2019 during the final days of the previous administration.
In a separate development, the Council has approved ₦25 million as compensation for the composers of the Oyo State anthem, Asiwaju Ni Wa. The anthem, which has served as the official state anthem for over a decade, had not previously earned its creators any form of compensation. The Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, commended the foresight of Chief (Mrs.) Florence Ajimobi, wife of the former Governor, who initiated the anthem’s composition. In addition to the financial compensation, the composers will receive land allocations, have streets named in their honor, and be featured in a documentary produced by the Ministry of Information and Orientation on the history of the state anthem.
Prince Oyelade further explained that these actions follow the recommendations of a committee formed last year to review the situation. The compensation recognizes the importance of the anthem in reflecting the values and identity of Oyo State.
The Executive Council also approved various infrastructural improvements, including road markings, kerb paintings, and patching work on key roads in Ibadan metropolis. The Commissioner for Public Works, Prof. Daud Sangodoyin, noted that the project will be carried out through Direct-Labour Intervention and will feature the use of Oyo State colors for the kerb paintings.
In addition to these decisions, the Council greenlighted three important Bills for transmission to the State House of Assembly. As presented by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Hon. Abiodun Aikomo, these Bills include:
- The Oyo State College of Health Sciences and Technology Bill, 2024
- The Oyo State Flood Management Agency Bill, 2024
- The Oyo State Drug and Health Commodity Management Agency Bill, 2024
These legislative proposals are expected to bolster the state’s healthcare infrastructure and contribute to its overall development, improving the quality of life for Oyo State residents.
With these wide-ranging initiatives, Governor Makinde continues to demonstrate his administration’s commitment to correcting past errors, enhancing public services, and recognizing contributions that uplift the state’s heritage and identity.
