Author: Optimal Times

After alleging his life and family were in danger, FirstNews editor, Segun Olatunji, walked out on his job and the messy situation of Nigeria’s state security agents going feral on him. Their actions were not out of character. When a situation embarrasses one of the country’s many self-important “big men,” violence is always their resort. In this case, the big man with a punctured ego is the president’s Chief of Staff, Femi Gbajabiamila. FirstNews had written an unflattering story bordering on corruption and abuse of office about him, a civic action that turned out to be a mistake on the part of journalists who…

Appoints eight others  By Wuraola Oyedokun  Oyo State governor, ‘Seyi Makinde, on Wednesday, appointed Chief Adewale Atanda into the Oyo State Advisory Council. This is just as a former chairman of Ibadan South-East Local Government and former member of the Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Akeem Ademola Ige, has been appointed as the chairman of the Oyo State Local Government Staff Pension Board. A letter signed by the Chief of Staff to the governor, Hon. Segun Ogunwuyi, indicated that the governor has also appointed eight other people into various positions. The other newly-appointed persons are as follows: Akeem Oladeji-…

The Vice-Chancellor of the University of Ibadan,  Prof.  Kayode  Adebowale,  has stated that the University of Ibadan, as a leading research institution,  is uniquely positioned to play a pivotal role in addressing the challenges facing Africa’s food systems. The Deputy Vice-Chancellor [Administration], Prof. Peter Olapegba, who represented the VC, stated this  at a public lecture. The VC said that by leveraging its expertise across disciplines,  from Agronomy,  and Plant Science to Economics and Social Policy, the University is able to tackle complex issues from multiple angles, using collaborative research,  training future leaders, educating  and empowering the next generation of agricultural…

Oyo State lawmakers, on Tuesday,  appealed to the State Government through the State Ministry of Energy and Mineral Resources to consider more communities and rural areas in the 3rd phase of its Light-up Oyo Project. The lawmakers made the appeal while contributing to a Motion jointly brought before the House by Hon. Abiola Monsuru Olalekan (Akinyele I) and Hon. Oparinde Oladeji (Afijio) on the need to extend Light-up Oyo Project to Akinyele-Onidundu and Afijio axis as well as other areas of the State. The lawmakers noted that the light up Oyo project was a good initiative which should be replicated…

The Deputy Vice-Chancellor (Administration) of  the University of Ibadan, Prof. Peter Olapegba, has stated that African nations ought not to have problems with feeding their people because Africa is blessed with  arable land. Professor Olapegba  spoke on behalf of the Vice-Chancellor,  Professor Kayode  Adebowale,while receiving the Deputy Director General, Partnerships for Delivery at the International Institute for Tropical Agriculture (IITA), Dr Kenton Dashiell who was on a courtesy visit to the Vice-Chancellor’s office. The DVC noted that Africa is considered poor because the people are unable to feed well. He said that inability to feed is a major indicator of…

The Oyo State House of Assembly has commended Governor Seyi Makinde for approving the report of the House Committee set up to review the integration of SUBEB-seconded teachers into the Post Primary Schools Teaching Service Commission, TESCOM. The Speaker, Oyo State House of Assembly, Hon. Adebo Ogundoyin gave the commendation on Tuesday shortly after the letter of approval from the Head of Service was read by the Clerk, Mrs. Oludara Awe at the floor of the house. The Speaker said it was a cheering news that the issue which started during the administration of late Governor Abiola Ajimobi had eventually…

The Governing Council of Ajayi Crowther University has assured that the institution will ensure justice for the female student of the institution who was allegedly raped by two vigilance employees of the school on Thursday. A statement signed by the university registrar and secretary of the council, Dr Jadesola Babatola, said the council also condemned the act, while commending the management for taking prompt step to address the allegation. The statement added that the university would cooperate with the police in their investigation. The statement by the governing council said, “The attention of the Governing Council of the…

Prominent Nigerians and groups, have  reiterated that the way Nigeria is currently constituted is not working, and  called  for restructuring into Regions. The leaders included  Ambassador Yemi Farounbi,Prof John Bunmi Ayoade, Dr. Sadiq Abubakar Gombe; Chief Ndidi Benjamin representing Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu, President-General, Ohanaeze, Chief Okorie, Ohanaeze, Oyo State; Representative of Hausa Community, MOSOP President; Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu,Deacon Owolabi Oladejo, Comrade Jare Ajayi and others. They made the call during a one-day symposium held  at the Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Oyo State, Nigeria. The Symposium was organized by The  REBIRTH GROUP and Rebuilding Nigeria. The theme of the symposium…

The Olu-Odo of Odo-Ijesha, Oba Olufemi Olayinka, on Sunday, mourned the passage of Pastor Isaiah Olufunso Aduroja. Pastor Aduroja, who slept in the Lord on April 20,2024, was an illustrious son of the popular Aduroja family of Ogbon-Okun Street, in Odo-Ijesha. In a statement he personally signed, Oba Olayinka prayed for the repose of the soul of the cleric. The monarch described the demise of the Pastor as irreparable, praying for the fortitude for his family, Odo-Ijesha people and his friends to bear the great loss. Oba Olayinka also prayed that “our ancestors will continue to protect the family…

The Student Assembly of the Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo ,on Friday,  said there is no cover-up on the alleged rape of a female student in the university. This is contained in a release signed by its executive president, Ibukunoluwa and the General Secretary, Hebron Olayiwola. The release is attached below: