Author: Aderogba Mahmoud

Governor Seyi Makinde has approved the elevation of 16 senior civil servants to the rank of Permanent Secretary, marking a significant reinforcement of the leadership structure within the Oyo State Civil and Public Service. Leading the list of newly appointed accounting officers are Engr. Rhakheemat Abisola Adabanija, an experienced technical lead in the mainstream service, and Mr Jubril Adekola Alaga, a veteran administrator from the local government sector.The appointments were formalised in a statement issued by the Head of Service, Mrs Olubunmi Oni, mni, who noted that the move is part of the administration’s ongoing efforts to institutionalise meritocracy and…

The Crescent Club of Saki organised its Annual Ramadan Lecture and Benevolence Programme for the aged and less privileged at the Saki West Local Government Secretariat Mosque, Saki, with a strong call for sustained charity, empowerment and spiritual accountability. Delivering the lecture, Barrister Nasirudeen Muslim spoke on the theme, “Ramadan: Mercy for Some, Regret for Others.” He charged Muslims to prioritise zakat and not limit their giving to occasional sadaqah, stressing that believers should not rely solely on yearly charitable activities. According to him, Muslims should cultivate the habit of giving regularly so they would not face regret at the…

The Muslim Ummah has been informed that Tuesday, February 17, 2026, corresponding to the 29th day of Sha’aban 1447AH, has been set aside for the sighting of the new moon of Ramadan 1447AH. In a press release issued by Prof. Sambo Wali Junaidu, Wazirin Sokoto and Chairman, Advisory Committee on Religious Affairs, Sultanate Council, Sokoto, Muslims across the country are requested to begin searching for the new crescent on the designated date. The statement urged all Muslims who sight the moon to promptly report their observations to the nearest District Head or Village Head for onward communication to Muhammad Sa’ad…

Hon. Chief Dr. Makanjuola Ayoola Joe, the Odofin of Ago-Are Land and a former Commissioner for Youth and Sports in Oyo State, has passed away. His death, which has been confirmed by leaders of the Ago-Are community, marks the end of a long career in public service that spanned local government administration, state governance and traditional leadership. He was also a former Executive Chairman of Atisbo Local Government. Throughout his years in public office, Ayoola played notable roles in grassroots administration and youth-related policies in Oyo State. His service at the local government level and later as a member of…

Ansar-Ud-Deen Society High School, Saki, has launched a donation appeal to support its participation in the Oyo State @ 50 Anniversary Football Match, following its qualification to represent Saki at the state-level sporting event. The anniversary football match is scheduled to be held on Saturday, January 31, 2026, at the Lekan Salami Stadium in Ibadan, as part of the activities marking the 50th anniversary of the creation of Oyo State. In a statement issued by the National President of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society High School, Saki Old Students Association, Hon. Adekunle Tunji Rafiu, signed by the National Public Relations Officer, Alhaji…

The Alaafin of Oyo, His Imperial Majesty Oba Abimbola Akeem Owoade I, has officially confirmed the appointment of Alhaji Bilaal Oseni Akinola as the new Chief Imam of Oyo, describing the selection as both a divine trust and a historic moment for the ancient city. In a formal statement personally issued by the monarch, Oba Owoade expressed his heartfelt joy over the appointment, which he said reflected Allah’s mercy and blessings upon the new Chief Imam and the entire Muslim community of Oyo. “Having passed through the duly constituted screening teams, I have the pleasure to inform you that you…

Intending pilgrims across the country have been handed major financial relief following the approval of a significant reduction in the 2026 Hajj fare by the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON). The downward review, which follows the directive of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, offers substantial cuts across all operational zones, easing the financial burden on Muslims preparing for the holy pilgrimage. According to the figures released by NAHCON, the highest reduction was recorded in the Southern Zone, where the fare has been slashed by ₦792,943.83. Pilgrims in the zone will now pay ₦7,991,141.76 for the 2026 exercise instead of the…

The family of the late Pa Amos Adetunji Akande has expressed profound appreciation to all those who attended his funeral ceremony held in Otu on November 1, 2025. In a message issued on behalf of the family, Prof. Adeolu Akande conveyed sincere gratitude to friends, associates, and well-wishers for their prayers, thoughtful gifts, and presence during the burial rites of their late father. The family noted that the outpouring of love, solidarity, and support brought comfort to them during the period of mourning and helped ease the emotional weight of the ceremony. “We sincerely express our deepest gratitude for your…

The Saki Parapo Association, under the aegis of the Okere of Saki, His Royal Majesty, Oba Dr. Khalid Oyeniyi Olabisi Oyedepo III, has appealed to the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Saki Branch, to exercise restraint in its operations and resume the sale of petroleum products without increasing pump prices. In a statement signed by the Secretary of the association, Dr. Ismail Adewoyin, the group emphasised the importance of preserving Saki’s image as a welcoming and investor-friendly community. “As Saki emerges as a new destination for the Federal Government’s economic drive, we anticipate an influx of foreign investors.…

It was a colourful and memorable gathering on Sunday, August 17, 2025, as family members, friends, associates, religious leaders, and well-wishers converged on the residence of Alhaji Azeez Ayinla Beride to celebrate his retirement after years of remarkable service and commitment to community development. The event, which blended spiritual reflection with intellectual engagement, began with special prayers and an Islamic lecture delivered by Alhaji Jimoh Ajewumi, Chief Missioner of Ansar-Ud-Deen Society, Tede. In his sermon, Alhaji Ajewumi urged the celebrant to remain steadfast in gratitude to Almighty Allah and reminded the audience that retirement should be embraced as a period…