Author: Optimal Times

Yes, it is a season of claims and counter-claims. Yet, cost of living is hitting the roof. Hunger is pelting the bellies of both the righteous and the infidel. Living life is almost becoming a rocket science. Charles Soludo, luxuriating in public acclamation of “one of the most cerebral Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governors,” is in his season of pontificating. Last week, he offered an escapist defence of the Nigerian establishment which citizens’ hunger could not penetrate. Soludo’s latest proffer for the people’s hunger is that the current government met a dead economy; a dead horse was…

A requiem for my mother by Festus Adedayo  Last Friday, November 24, around 1pm, I was getting pleased with myself for having scaled the hurdle of yet another chapter in a school dissertation I was writing when my phone rang. Before then, I sat cross-legged like someone who had just won tombola, thinking of further routes to take to arrive at the final destination of this academic obsession I wangled myself into. These days, when my younger brother called, I was always seized with trepidation. Thirteen years ago, September, 2010, to be precise, he had similarly called me. It was…

By Odunayo Agboluaje  The need to restructure and expand its transportation system as well as give the state the much-needed infrastructure face-lift prompted the state government to incorporate the construction of bus terminals into its infrastructural revolution agenda. As a result of its vantage location, Iwo Road was designed as the destination for one of the terminals. To build the terminal at the Iwo Road axis, many structures had to give way for development. One of such structures and monuments that needed to pave the way for development to spring up is the Adogba Central Mosque. The mosque, which…

The Oluodo of Odo-Ijesha, Oba Olufemi Olayinka, on Thursday,  rejoiced with the Aladamo Ijesha, Hon. Niyi Ajetunmobi on the occasion of his birthday. In a statement by Rotimi Agboluaje,  Oba Olayinka described  Hon. Ajetunmobi is a rare musical maestro, prodigy and virtuoso who is redefining the Adamo music genre. The royal father said: “I am delighted to celebrate you as  one of the notable and acclaimed sons of Odo-Ijesha. “You are a maestro who has  redefined the Adamo Ijesha music genre.  Little wonder you are bestriding  Adamo’s music brand  like a colossus, garnering a plethora of accolades and awards for superlative…

The Oluodo of Odo-Ijesha, Oba Olufemi Olayinka, has congratulated one of the prominent sons of the town, Elder Tope Funsho Fabunmi, as he marked his birthday on November 22,2023. In a statement made available by Rotimi Agboluaje, Oba Olayinka rejoiced with the retired public servant for witnessing another celebration on earth. The monarch said: ”It is gratifying to join millions of people and well-wishers who have celebrated you on the occasion of your birthday. “You are an epitome of excellence; a model superlative public and a paragon of selfless services to humanity”. The traditional leader prayed for a long…

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibadan Zonal Command has arraigned the trio of Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Olanipekun Olawale Joseph and Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim before Justice Adebukola Olajide of the Federal High Court sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State. They were arraigned on Tuesday, November 21, 2023 on three-count charges bordering on conspiracy and  diversion of  33.360 metric tons of Cocoa beans worth N97, 578, 000.00 . The count one of the charge reads: “That you, Lateef Jamiu Babatunde, Oyetunde Abioye Ibrahim, Wahab Yusuf Adisa (at large), Razaq Afeez Babatunde (at large), Ayobami Yusuf Bello (at large), Ibrahim Akin Fatai…

The Oyo State Government, on Wednesday,  issued a marching order to commercial motorcycle and tricycle operators in the state to immediately proceed to enrol with the Oyo State Residents’ Registration Scheme before 31 December, 2023. Governor of the state, ‘Seyi Makinde, made this clear shortly after the state’s Security Council Meeting. The governor noted that the state has decided to address the menace associated with commercial motorcycle and tricycle operations, with a view to further securing the state. He added that from the 1st of January, 2024, no unregistered motorcycle or tricycle operator would be allowed to operate in the…

By Odunayo Agboluaje The Olu-Odo of Odo-Ijesha, Oba Olufemi Olayinka, has congratulated one of the illustrious and industrious sons of the town, Mr Isaac Abiodun Oladiran Coker The celebrant marks his birthday on November 20 of every year. In a congratulatory message, Oba Olayinka described Mr. Oladiran Coker is a special and rare breed personality whose contributions to humanity and national development are unquantifiable. The royal father prayed for long life, sound health, and many more fruitful years ahead for continued services to humanity and nation-building. The monarch said: ‘’You are not just a…

 As the nation battles with various economic crises, the President of the Nigerian Economic Society {NES}, Prof. Adeola Adenikinju, has called on the federal and state governments to consult the Society to help them address the myriad of challenges bedeviling them. The professor of Petroleum Economics at the University of Ibadan made the call while speaking with journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.  The former Director of the Centre for Petroleum, Energy Economics and Law { CPEEL}, UI, stated that members of the Society were poised to make their expertise available to the governments in order to set the…

By Bukayo Agboluaje, Ibadan The Chief  Medical  Director (CMD) of the University College  Hospital (UCH) ,Prof.Jesse Otegbayo, on Monday,  called on well-meaning Nigerians to assist the hospital to deliver robust  healthcare services to Nigerians. Prof. Otegbayo made the call during a press conference organized by the hospital management to celebrate the anniversary. The CMD emphasized  that it is not possible for the government alone to provide all the needed funds and infrastructure to adequately address the needs of the hospital. He therefore urged wealthy Nigerians, corporate and non – governmental organizations, to consider UCH as a point where their generosity can be extended to…