Author: Optimal Times

“I suspect that the airport will be the true city of the 21st century. The great airports are already the suburbs of an invisible world capital, a virtual metropolis…” J.G. Ballard The quote above is from J.G. Ballard in the article ‘Airports: The True Cities of the 21st Century’ published in the September 1997 edition of the Blueprint magazine. The piece speaks to the massive commercial benefits and development potentials that a strategically positioned, well equiped and managed airport brings to the table, ceteris paribus. Governor Seyi Makinde recently announced that the pacesetter state has received presidential approval to…

By Wuraola Oyedokun Oyo State Government, on Thursday, called upon religious and traditional leaders to play a more proactive role in promoting peaceful coexistence among various faiths in the state with a view to engender harmonious living and social justice. This appeal comes as stakeholders gather in Ibadan to strategise on charting a new course towards sustainable peace in the state. The initiative, spearheaded by the Special Assistant on Interfaith Matters to the Governor of Oyo State, Reverend Femi Ibikunle, was the grand finale of the statewide tour to the 33 Local Government areas to promote peace and unity among…

By Wuraola Oyedokun Oyo State House of Assembly has urged the executive arm through the waste management authority, to Implement and enforce strict waste regulations at Lapite dump site, Akinyele Local government to control the disposal of waste at the dumpsite. This followed a motion brought to the house by member representing Akinyele state constituency 1, Hon. Lekan Abiola during plenary on Thursday. According to Hon. Abiola the Lapite dumpsite on the Oyo-Ibadan expressway is reeking out disgusting smell to people in the communities and road users thereby becoming an alarming threat to both human health and the environment. Hon…

By Wuraola Oyedokun The University of Medical Sciences, the first specialized University of Medical Sciences in Nigeria, has appointed Isaac Oluyi as Principal Assistant Registrar (Public Relations) and Head of the institution’s  Public Relations Unit. Isaac Adesuyi, OLUYI is a PR Practitioner with over 17 years of experience in administration and public relations. Isaac Oluyi was educated at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, where he graduated as the overall best student from the Department of English Studies in 2001.  He also holds a Master’s degree in Mass Communication with Distinction from Lead City University, Ibadan. He started his public service…

…describes him as a blessing to our generation Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Vice-Chancellor, Professor Olanrewaju Olaniyan has described Archbishop Lawrence Ayo Ladigbolu as a blessing to Oyo town and Nigeria as a country. In a release made available by the Media and Public Relations Officer, Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo, Wale Adeoye, the University Chief Executive made this statement while felicitating Emeritus Archbishop Lawrence Ayo Ladigbolu on his 86th birthday today, June 27, 2024. According to the renowned economist, “Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Management, Staff and Students are glad to celebrate our revered father, Archbishop…

There was a fire outbreak on Wednesday at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos. Reacting to the incident, the Chief Corporate Communications Officer of Dangote Group, Anthony Chiejina, disclosed in a statement sent to Vanguard that the fire has been contained and there is no cause for alarm. The statement read: “We have swiftly contained a minor fire incident at our effluent treatment plant (ETP) today, Wednesday, 26th of June. “There is no cause for alarm as the refinery is operating normally, and there are no recorded injuries or bodily harm to any of our staff…

A resident of Iseyin, Oyo State, Mr. Sulaimon AbdulAzeez has pleaded for justice following the assault meted on him, his veiled wives and other family members on Eid ul adha day by soldiers hired by a pastor-neighbour. Speaking with journalists,  Mr. Sulaimon lamented the impunity which Pastor Busari Stephen who heads the Christ Apostolic Church, Oke Imuse, Iseyin, enjoys despite the ongoing suffering inflicted on his family. He added that the Pastor who heads the church opposite his house, had involved his son, a soldier named Damilola Stephen (aka recruit soldier) who led 17 other soldiers to unleash havoc on…

The Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has rejoiced with the State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Adegoke Wasilat, as she celebrates 30th her birthday. The Speaker in a congratulatory message said he was happy to celebrate one of his own on her birthday. Hon. Ogundoyin commended the Youths and Sports Commissioner for her unwavering dedication and remarkable contributions to the development of youth and sports in Oyo State. ” Your tireless efforts and passion have significantly impacted the lives of many young people, fostering growth and opportunities in our dear State. As you celebrate…

The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has rolled out alternative measures towards resolving the issue bordering on the continuous disconnection of power supply to the Lalupon  community and its environs , Ibadan for over 10 years. It would be recalled that residents of the communities, had on Monday,  staged a peaceful protest at the IBEDC office. Giving an update on the power supply situation in the area during a press briefing in Ibadan, the Coordinating Head, Corporate Services, Mrs. Angela Olanrewaju said as  part of solutions taken currently, 65 percent of customers on the feeder are receiving supply, with 40…

Many have argued that homosexuality in Nigeria is a Western import, a concept imposed through colonization and Western influence. However, historical evidence and cultural narratives suggest otherwise. George Olusola Ajibade’s examination of Yoruba oral literature in 2013 unraveled ideas of lesbianism and gay culture among the Yoruba people, including references to same-sex relationships and gender fluidity. Among the Hausas, the existence of the yan daudu, men who adopt feminine roles, dates back to periods long before the arrival of Arab Islamic traders. Similarly, in Igbo culture, there are accounts and practices that acknowledge same-sex relationships and non-binary gender expressions. These…