Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday presented a total budget of N891,984,074,490.79 for the 2026 fiscal year to the House of Assembly, unveiling a major push for economic expansion through agriculture, health, and climate-focused interventions. Presenting the appropriation bill, christened “Budget of Economic Expansion,” Makinde highlighted that substantial provisions were made to scale up cocoa rejuvenation across the state, strengthen the health sector, and fund climate resilience projects expected to safeguard livelihoods and boost productivity. He explained that the multi-billion-naira commitments were designed to accelerate Oyo’s long-term development goals, enhance food security, and position the state to benefit more…
Author: Admin
President of the Nigerian Economic Society, Professor Adeola Adenikinju, has said that given the accomplishments of Governor Seyi Makinde in Oyo State over the past 80 months, he will score him a distinction.Professor Adenikinju said this during an interview with The People’s Verdict. His words: “I will give the governor a distinction, an A. He has done well. He can do more, but he has done relatively well.”He added, “I will say he is a performer. He doesn’t talk too much, but he performs.”Substantiating his verdict, Adenikinju lauded the governor’s efforts in improving the state of infrastructure in the state.He…
The South West Governors’ Forum has introduced a series of major regional security measures following an emergency meeting held on Monday, 24th November 2025, at the Governor’s Office Secretariat in Ibadan, Oyo State. The session, attended by the governors of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Ekiti and Ondo States, focused on strengthening safety, stabilising the region’s economy, and improving inter-state coordination. While the governors reviewed issues in agriculture, economic development and regional growth, the meeting placed strong emphasis on addressing ongoing security challenges within and outside the South West. They commended President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for efforts in combating insecurity and…
Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar’s long-anticipated political move became reality on Monday as he formally registered as a member of the African Democratic Congress (ADC) in Adamawa State, marking a significant shift within Nigeria’s opposition politics ahead of the 2027 general elections. His registration followed an earlier weekend announcement to ADC supporters and stakeholders in Adamawa, where he signalled plans to take on a more structured role within the coalition party. The development was later confirmed in a statement by his aide, Abdul Rasheeth, obtained by PUNCH Online. Videos and photos from the event captured the excitement that greeted Atiku’s…
Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, on Monday used the presentation of the 2026 Appropriation Bill to rally political stakeholders, traditional rulers, and citizens behind what he described as the state’s next phase of economic growth. Presenting the N891,984,074,490.79 budget before the House of Assembly, Governor Makinde said the proposal—christened the “Budget of Economic Expansion”—was crafted to transform the state’s current stability into fresh opportunities by strengthening infrastructure, human capital and innovation. A deeper look at the figures shows a strong emphasis on capital investment. Makinde disclosed that about N502 billion has been earmarked for capital projects, while recurrent expenditure stands…
Strengthening Nigeria’s Multicoloured Weave Nigeria stands at a decisive moment. With a population now above two hundred million and more than two hundred and fifty ethnic groups spread across thirty-six states and the FCT, the country remains one of the most diverse societies on the continent. Our religious landscape is similarly balanced, with a near-even distribution between Christians and Muslims. Diversity is therefore not an optional consideration. It is the very material out of which the Nigerian project must be woven. Yet, the evidence of the past decade shows a country struggling to manage that complexity. Across roughly five years,…
Introduction As the world grapples with the challenges of climate change, urbanisation, and energy sustainability, cities are seeking innovative solutions to reduce their environmental footprint. Africa’s urban population growth is straining city resources, exacerbating pollution, congestion, and inefficient transportation. With road transport accounting for 15-23% of global CO₂ emissions, primarily from petrol and diesel vehicles, African cities face significant challenges to air quality and climate. Electric Vehicles (EVs) offer a transformative solution, promising cleaner, efficient, and future-ready cities. Widespread EV adoption, paired with renewable energy, could cut urban transport emissions by 40-50% in the next decade, improving air quality, public…
Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli (APC- Oyo South) and Ekaarun Balogun of Ibadanland, has congratulated former Senate Leader, Senator Teslim Folarin, on his elevation as the Agbaakin Olubadan of Ibadanland by the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja. This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan. Senator Alli described the honour as a remarkable recognition of Folarin’s outstanding contributions to the socio-political and cultural development of Ibadanland. Alli commended and congratulated the Olubadan, Oba Ladoja, on the elevation ceremony in line with the Olubadan ascendancy system, describing it as…
Senator (Dr) Sharafadeen Alli (APC–Oyo South) has congratulated his Oyo North counterpart, Senator (Dr) Abdulfatai Buhari, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a remarkable lawmaker whose contributions to national development remain exemplary. This is contained in a statement he personally signed and made available to newsmen on Friday in Ibadan. Senator Alli said that Buhari has, over the years, distinguished himself as a committed public servant and patriotic Nigerian, whose passion for the progress of Oyo State and the nation is widely acknowledged. He said that Buhari’s exceptional legislative engagements, consistent advocacy for good governance, and visible…
Grassroots development begins where the people are — in their communities, their streets, their farms, and their everyday struggles. At this level, the local government is not just the closest tier of government; it is the heartbeat of democracy. It is the platform where real issues meet real solutions, and where policies translate into visible improvements in people’s lives. As Majority Leader of the Saki West Legislative Arm, I have seen firsthand how the work we do at the local level shapes the future of our communities more than any other tier of government. Local governments carry the direct responsibility…