Author: Optimal Times

The United Nations Children’s Fund, UNICEF, on Wednesday, said  half a million children lack access to basic services such as water, nutrition, health, and education in Oyo State,  urging the state government to prioritise children’s well-being in budget planning and implementation. The UNICEF Chief of Lagos Field Office, Ms. Celine Lafoucriere, disclosed  during an engagement with Accounting Officers in the UNICEF Line and MDAs and other relevant stakeholders, organised by the Oyo State Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning in Collaboration with UNICEF, held at the Ibadan Business School, Old Bodija, Ibadan. She  emphasised the need to ensure children’s…

In the landscape of Nigerian governance, local government autonomy has been a long-sought goal, heralded as a significant step towards decentralization and grassroots development. Hon Adebo Ogundoyin, the Speaker of the Oyo State House of Assembly and the Chairman of the Conference of Speakers in Nigeria, has been a stalwart advocate for this cause. Recent criticisms have misconstrued his remarks about the implementation challenges of local government autonomy, portraying him as an opponent of the very reform he has championed. This misrepresentation is not only unfair but also distracts from the substantive issues at hand. Under Hon. Ogundoyin leadership, the…

Balogun Olaseni Borokini on behalf of Lagos Indigenes in North America In recent discussions surrounding the potential bill to return Nigeria to a regional system of government, a narrative has emerged on social media, particularly among some Igbo commentators, suggesting that Lagos is not a Yoruba land. This debate can be traced back to this statement by Jaja Wachukwu, who was the Principal Secretary of the Igbo State Union from 1948 to 1952 said in one of his lectures that Lagos is “no man’s land.” As proud Lagosians and member of the Yoruba community, it is important to address…

…Varsity organises leadership workshop at IITA  By Wuraola Oyedokun  The Vice Chancellor,  Emmanuel Alayande University of Education, Oyo Town, Prof.  Lanre Olaniyan, has pledged to continue prioritising human capital development in order to make the university a world-class institution. Olaniyan made the pledge during a leadership workshop for the staff of the education university held at the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. According to a release made available by the University’s Media and Public Relations Officer, ‘Wale Adeoye, the goal of the workshop was to scale up administrative efficiency and effectiveness at the top, middle and lower level. The…

..Say it’s mandatory for Yoruba monarchs  practise Isese, say traditional worshippers  By Wuraola Oyedokun  The President, International Council for Ifa Religion (ICIR), Dr. Fayemi Fatunde Fakayode has called on governments and monarchs in Yoruba land to worship no other religion than traditional religion, which they claimed can bring succor to the ailing economy and boost the nation’s recognition abroad. Fakayode made the call at the 2024/2025 World Ifa Festival, which was held at the World Ifa Temple, Oke-Itase, Ile Ife, Osun State, where the Ooni of Ife, Oba Eniitan Ogunwusi, Oluisese Awodotun Owolabi Aworeni, the Araba Agbaye and other dignitaries…

By Wuraola Oyedokun  The Gallant Female Unit of Man o’ War Nigeria, Oyo State Command, led by DSM Salako Azeezat, on May 28,2024, marked the third edition of World Menstrual Hygiene day ,tagged: ‘PAD HER UP 3.0.’ The day is dedicated to sensitising girls all over the world on the importance of good menstrual hygiene and fostering self-confidence. DSM Salako Azeezat, who is the gallant female officer in charge of the unit gave  lectures on good menstrual hygiene. In a statement released by the State PRO, AMC Adeniyi Ademiluyi (JP FCSS), the project was approved by the State Commander; Alhaji…

There are strong indications that the strike embarked upon by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) may be suspended today. This is following the agreement of the labour centres to return to the negotiation table. As gathered, the suspension of the strike will pave the way for an all-encompassing negotiation. The Federal Government has agreed to pay more than the N60,000 it initially proposed as new minimum wage. The decision was taken at a meeting the government had with labour leaders on Monday night in Abuja to address the dispute over the national minimum wage…

The Inspector- General of Police, Dr.  Kayode Egbetokun, on Monday, blamed the internal security threat on the pervasive culture of corruption and impunity within Nigeria’s governance structure. Egbetokun stated this  while delivering the first Distinguished Personality Lecture of the TETFUND Centre of Excellence in Multidisciplinary Studies, University of Ibadan at Trenchard Hall, Ibadan,  with the theme:”The Nigeria Police Force and the Management Internal Security’’. The police boss lamented  that lives and properties had been lost to the internal security threat across the six geo-political zones of the country. He highlighted factors affecting the socio-economic growth of the country to include the…

The Federal Government has agreed to pay more than the N60,000 it initially proposed as new minimum wage. The decision was taken at a meeting the government had with labour leaders on Monday night in Abuja to address the dispute over the national minimum wage in response to the nationwide strike declared by the organised labour.. The meeting, held in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, on Monday evening aimed to resolve the impasse and bring an end to the industrial action that had paralysed various sectors across the country. At the end of the…

In a major strategic move aimed at further consolidating our transformation journey, the Board of Directors at Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) has announced pivotal changes in leadership and direction. Following the expiration of his  tenure, Engineer Kingsley Achife’s contract as Managing Director will not be renewed. The Board extends its sincere gratitude for his invaluable contributions and the solid foundation laid for our ongoing transformation. In a seamless transition, Engineer Francis Agoha, who has been an integral part of the executive team as Chief Technical Officer assumes the role of Acting Managing Director. Agoha brings over 20 years of experience…