Author: Optimal Times

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…

Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has approved the recruitment of Amotekun Forest Rangers. This was disclosed in a release signed by the  Commandant of Oyo Amotekun Corps, Col. Olayinka Olayanju (retd). Olayanju said interested applicants who are between the ages 25 and 50 years, medically and physically fits with no criminal records or an ex-convicts are advised  to register online. Olayanju said: “His Excellency,  the Executive Governor of Oyo State,  Engr Seyi Makinde FNSE has graciously approved a fresh recruitment of able bodied local hunters and  others into Oyo State Amotekun Corps as members of Amotekun Forest Rangers. Interested…

The Executive Chairman of Oluyole Local Government, Engr. Akeem Olatunji has rolled out his first appointments since assumption of office. Azeez Babalola, the immediate past secretary of the local government has been appointed as the Chief of Staff to the executive chairman. Olatunji also announced Olatunji Sulaiman Akande popularly known as Lexyman as Personal Assistant while Olayiwola Qudus Ayoshola was appointed as Special Assistant on Media. This appointments was contained in a statement on Saturday by the executive chairman and made available to newsmen. Azeez Babalola, a seasoned local government administrator with a proven track record of leadership, is expected…

The  Star Children Development Initiative in collaboration with Jars Education Institute, the  United States of America,recently organised a Mental Health Awareness Walk in Ibadan. The mental health week had  the theme: “Moving Together For Trauma Care”. The road walk was part of activities marking  the mental week. The Oyo State  Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Inclusion, Mrs Toyin Balogun; some senior officials of her ministry;  Mrs. Fadesola Adelani of  The Star Children Development Initiative, officers of Red Cross Society, and others were part of the walk. They walked from Kunle Ara Pharmacy to the Ministry of Women Affairs and…

In Africa, when a man loses his virility, he is subject of scorn, ridicule and disdain. Male impotence or infertility is not only disdained but tabooed. In a continent where child-making is almost an obsession, Africa couched a number of hurtful epithets for one who loses his virile member. Failure to get this critical member standing up leaves sour overtones of frustration, pain, social ostracism, stigma, marital instability, discomfiture and even sometimes, suicide. Among the Yoruba, virility victims are named Okobo. The rural Shona tribe in Mhondoro-Ngezi area of Zimbabwe could not stand the virility challenge. To ward off this…

By Wuraola Oyedokun  A music promoter, Purified Entertainment Company,  on Saturday, said it will continue  showcasing young talents and musical creativity into the world. This also came as the company unveiled its new artistes, David Konwei popularly called Davidaino and Feranmi Adediran otherwise known as De Rave. Speaking at the unveiling of the artistes, the Chief Executive Officers (CEO) of the record label, Agboola Babawale,  said the firm is determined to contribute its quota towards bringing quality entertainment to people. Agboola  stated that the motive of the firm was to empower young talented Nigerians in creative arts, nurture their talent and…

The Leader of Afenifere, the pan-Yoruba socio-cultural and socio-political organization, Chief Reuben Famuyide Fasoranti,  on Tuesday, congratulated President Ahmed Bola Tinubu as he marks one year in the saddle. The congratulation was contained in a public statement issued by Afenifere National Publicity Secretary,  Jare Ajayi, as the administration of President Tinubu  turns one. Ajayi quoted Fasoranti as expressing delight on some bold steps that the President has taken in the last one year aimed at repositioning Nigeria adroitly. “Before, during and after the Presidential election that brought you into the office last year, I gave you some ideas regarding how…

No fewer than 28 brilliant, but indigent students from Ijesaland, Osun State, were presented with bursary cheques by The Ijesa Society on Sunday in Magodo, Lagos. The presentation which saw each of the successful applicants coasting home a sum of N200,000 each took place during the meeting of the society. In all, the society doled out a total sum of N5.6million to the lucky sons and daughters of Ijesa land which spreads across six local government areas in Osun state. These local government areas include Obokun, Oriade, Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Atakumosa West and Atakumosa East. Speaking on the awards,…

Two  teams of Computing students from the University of Ibadan  have clinched the Grand prizes in Computing and Cloud tracks of the just concluded Huawei ICT Competition global final in Shenzhen, China. Grand is the highest prize. A UI team comprising four students, namely Rufus Olusoji Adisa, Tolani Adekunle Adisa, Chibueze Emmanuel Ibekwe, and Lawrence Chukwuemeka, won the grand prize in the Computing Track category. In the Cloud Track category, another UI team won the grand prize. The students include – Lukman Oyeniyi Abdulyekeen, Sodiq Babawale, and Temiloluwa Oloye.