Author: Optimal Times

By Wuraola Oyedokun The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC), on Sunday , said it engaged over 18,000 communities in the first and second quarters of the year. Engr. Francis Agoha, Acting Managing Director of IBEDC, who disclosed this in a statement made available to journalists, emphasised the significance of the initiatives. Agoha also underscored the importance of feedback in improving service delivery, saying: “Listening to our customers is vital. The insights and feedback we gather through these engagements help us pinpoint areas for improvement and implement solutions that benefit everyone. Our goal is to foster a customer-centric environment where every…

From Rasheed Rosiji  Adeyemi, Ibadan  The Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) and  Vice Chancellor of Lead City University, Ibadan, Prof.  Kabiru Adeyemo have urged the Federal Government to encourage a multi-stakeholder approach to finding solutions to challenges facing Nigeria’s energy sector. They made the call during the seventh Engineer  Ifedayo Akintunde Annual Engineering Lecture in Ibadan. The lecture was in collaboration with Lead City University. Engineers’ demand, among several others, was part of resolutions of the NSE, Oluyole branch. The annual lecture had the Acting Director, Renewable and Rural Power Access Department, Federal Ministry of Power, Dr Owolabi Adio, as…

By Wuraola  Oyedokun The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) Southwest, on Monday, gave a five-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to remove the  Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State,  Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, over what the body called illegal expulsion of students of the polytechnic. This was contained in a statement made available to journalists in Ibadan, and signed by Southwest Coordinator of NANS, John Alao; the zone’s Secretary-General, Sanni Sulaimon Olamide;  and the Public Relations Officer,  Oluwadamilola Bamigboye. NANS said the recent expulsion of students over a  peaceful protest of May 9, 2024, was a flagrant violation…

By Wuraola Oyedokun A chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party  (PDP )  in Oyo State, lawyer and former Deputy Governor,  Alhaji Hazeem Gbolarumi, on Sunday, said President Bola Tinubu’s speech was a beautiful nonsense. Gbolarumi stated this while speaking with journalists in Ibadan. Gbolarumi said: “The broadcast says nothing. The President is not in touch with reality.  Food prices are high and the minimum wage has less purchasing power. The workers cannot get anything from the minimum wage. The party has been in power for over nine years. The speech is pretty non-sense.  The President did not address the real…

In a momentous occasion highlighting exemplary academic achievements, Federal Polytechnic Ayede, Oyo State, Nigeria proudly announces the recognition of one of its distinguished faculty members, Prof Dr. Mufutau Popoola from the Department of Business Administration and Management. Prof Dr. Popoola was recently honored with a Certificate of Appreciation for his outstanding contribution at the 2nd International Maritime Conference (IMC – 2024) in India. Held on 30th May, 2024, the conference focused on the theme “Sea Opportunity: Enhancing Maritime Transportation and Global Connectivity” and was organized by the Centre of Research and Innovation in Maritime Affairs at Minhaj University…

Legendary Nigerian singer and actress, Onyeka Onwenu has  died at the age of 72. She was said to have died on Tuesday night at the Reddington Hospital in Lagos after slumping at the birthday party of Mrs Stella Okoli. TheNiche reported that an eyewitness who was at the party confirmed the news. “It is very sad. Onyeka Onwenu just performed at the birthday of Mrs. Stella Okoli today (Tuesday, July 30, 2024), and after performing, she slumped. “She was taken to Reddington Hospital and she couldn’t make it,” the eyewitness said. However, the deceased’s family has yet to announce her…

…Calls for Environmental Sustainability, Climate Action By Wuraola Oyedokun According to the Global Food Security Index 2022, Nigeria ranked 107th out of 113 countries. This position highlights the need for intervention measures to address food insecurity issues in Nigeria and promote climate friendly farming practices. Additionally, Investment in Climate Education ensures that people are better equipped to adapt to climate change and can boost the economy by creating green jobs and promoting sustainable practices. The Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, CYFI, is a dynamic youth-based initiative launched in 2011 by the U.S. Consulate General, Lagos. Over the past six months, Fellows on the…

… Approves hazard allowance for OYRTMA staff By Wuraola Oyedokun Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Monday,  charged the newly-recruited officers of the Oyo State Road Traffic Management Authority (OYRTMA) to contribute their quota to the development of the state through diligent and dedicated service. The governor charged the officers not to misplace their priorities or focus on enriching themselves unjustly. Governor Makinde, who reiterated that his administration would continue to prioritise the welfare of workers, declared that he had approved hazard allowance for OYRTMA officers with effect from August 1, 2024. The governor stated this on Monday at…

The Speaker, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin, on Monday, warned against any form of violence in order to prevent a repeat of the devastating End SARS protests that rocked the nation in 2020 especially in Oyo State as calls for nationwide protest gather momentum. The Speaker called on security agencies to identify potential hotspots, and secure protesters in Oyo State ahead of the planned nationwide protest. Speaking at a youth stakeholders’ meeting held at the House of Chiefs, Parliament Building Secretariat, Ibadan, Ogundoyin emphasised the need for peaceful protests and urged security agencies to take proactive measures to prevent…

By Wuraola Oyedokun The Senate leadership of the National Association Of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Saturday, declared that students in tertiary institutions across the country will not be part of  the proposed nationwide planned protest slated for August 1 to 10 , 2024 The student body, in a communiqué read by  the NANS Senate President,  Babatunde  Akinteye at the 84th National Senate Sitting held at The Polytechnic, Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, noted that student would  not be part of those who want to cause chaos and disrupt  peaceful atmosphere of the country. Akinteye said Nigerian students will suffer most…