Author: Optimal Times

As a further demonstration of the commitment of the Governor Seyi Makinde’s administration towards encouraging children to succeed in life, the Human Capital Development (HCD) Office visited and celebrated the 2024 Children’s Day with the Jesus Children Missions Outreach (JCMO), New Bodija, Ibadan, the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Akobo Estate, Ibadan as well as the Rehabilitation Centre for Disabled Persons at Temidire Area, Moniya, Oyo State. While delivering the goodwill message from His Excellency, the Executive Assistant to the Governor, Rev, Idowu Ogedengbe, who was accompanied by Mr. A. O. Kolapo, Director (Administration & Supplies), admonished…

Two armed robbery suspects on Tuesday attempted to evade trial by jumping from a two-storey building located within Iyaganku Magistrates’ Court Complex in Ibadan, where they are facing trial. Damilare Adeniran, 27, and his friend simply identified as Victor, jumped simultaneously as  Magistrate G. Oladele was about to give the next adjourned date. The police had  charged the duo and three others with conspiracy and armed robbery. According to the prosecutor, Insp Femi Omilana, the five suspects had been remanded by the court since 2023 pending advice of Oyo State Director of Public Prosecution in the case. Omilana alleged that the…

After  nine hours at the Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC), the ICIR Executive Director, Dayo Aiyetan and the reporter, Nurudeen Akewushola, have been released. As gathered,  Akewushola was however released on bail. THE Nigerian Police Force National Cybercrime Centre (NPF-NCC)  held the duo after they honoured its invitation on Tuesday, May 28. Before their release,  The ICIR in a statement released Tuesday night, had raised concerns over their continuous detention, noting that Aiyetan and Akewushola accompanied by the company’s lawyers had been unreachable since 12pm when they arrived at the centre in Abuja. The organisation said it gathered that…

Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, called for calm among parties involved in the lingering crisis at Ajayi Crowther University Oyo, while security agencies investigate to ascertain the origin of the incident for appropriate action. The Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof Salihu Adelabu in a statement issued and made available to journalists, said that the state government has been discussing with the management of the institution towards finding lasting solutions to the crisis. He said that the Seyi Makinde led administration is committed to providing a peaceful environment for academic excellence; hence, there is a need for the students…

By Wuraola Oyedokun  Oyo State Government, on Tuesday, unveiled its plans to train and empower 500 youths in the state for lifetime opportunities under a programme tagged: ‘Omituntun 2.0 Enterprise Skill Development Programme (OEs-DEP)’. The state government noted that the mega youth empowerment programme is meant for graduates, who are mainly youths and indigenes of the state across the 33 Local Government Areas, including people living with disabilities. Addressing a pre-event press conference at the Press Briefing Room of the Governor’s Office, Secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan, the Oyo State Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Miss Wasilat Adegoke, appreciated the state governor,…

By Wuraola Oyedokun  Stakeholders in the educational sector have urged governments at all levels to come up with policies and laws to protect children against the dangers of online media and technology. The stakeholders made the call during a parent-teacher’s forum organised by Jesus Children Missions Outreach (JCMO). The stakeholders  included the State Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), Pastor Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe; the founder of JCMO and Proprietress of Tenderlift Care Mission Schools, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo; and others. The programme was held at the premises of Tenderlift Care Mission School  Ashi,Bodija, Ibadan. The school is one of the projects of JCMO. The…

The Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin has advocated the strengthening of governance mechanisms at sub-National level to enhance sustainable development. The Chairman stated this in an address he delivered at a National discourse on good governance at the sub-National level organised by the House of Representatives in Abuja. Hon. Ogundoyin said for Nigeria to enjoy good governance at the local government level, transparency, accountability, Inclusivity, responsiveness among others must be bolstered. “Good governance is no doubt the bedrock of a prosperous society. It encompasses transparency, accountability, inclusivity, and responsiveness. At the sub-national level,…

…Declares three-day mourning, fasting, prayer …Beefs up security, assures parents safety …Reiterates zero tolerance to cultism, bullying …Says 12 in police net over death By Wuraola Oyedokun  The Management of Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo Town, on Monday, declared a three-day mourning as well as fast and prayers over the death of Akor Alex who was killed by his colleagues on Friday. Alex, a  200-level Mechanical Engineering student and 22 years old, was killed by his colleagues over the alleged phone theft. The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Timothy Adebayo,  disclosed this while addressing journalists at the Council Chamber of the school…

As the 2024 Children’s Day celebration draws nearer, stakeholders have urged  governments across all levels to come up with policies and laws to protect children against the dangers of online media and technology. The stakeholders, who  included State Coordinator, Child Protection Network (CPN), Pastor Oluwatoyin Ogedengbe, the Proprietress of Tenderlift Care Mission Schools, Dr. Rosemary Odigbo, Bodija, Ibadan and others, made the call  during a parent-teacher’s forum organised by the Tenderlift Care Mission Schools. They emphasised the importance of keeping children safe from various negative acts   associated with online media and technology. The forum had the   theme: ”Protecting the Nigerian Child…

The Senator representing Oyo South in the National Assembly,  Sharafadeen Alli, on Monday, extended heartfelt felicitation to children across the nation in celebration of Children’s day, urging them to uphold virtues of good behaviour and discipline. This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Akeem Abas, and made available to journalists in Ibadan. Alli expressed his best wishes to them,  emphasising the importance of childhood and the role of children in the future of the nation. “Let’s embrace their dreams; so pure and bold, with love and kindness, let their dreams unfold. Nurture their talents…