News
FG, Oyo host finals of Basic Education Sports competition in Ibadan
The final stages of the maiden Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education Schools Sports Competition, held at the Olubadan Stadium, Iyaganku, Ibadan today.
The 2023 Edition of the ‘Governor Seyi Makinde Basic Education School Sport (BESS) Competition’ was organized by the Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC).
After zonal qualification, across the eight educational zones, the third place match was played between L.A Primary School, Ilora, Oyo and Baptist Primary School, Ajegunle.
The team from Oyo defeated the Ajegunle based team through penalty kick-out, after a goalless 90-minute match.
In the finals, a resilient St. Brigid’s Primary School, Mokola, Ibadan held their opposition team from Iseyin, Anglican Primary School, Igbomara, to a goalless 45 minutes, in the first half.
However, the Iseyin team walloped St. Brigid’s Basic School, in a penalty shoot-out after a stalemate from both sides in the second half.
The State Commissioner for Education, Prof. Abdulwaheed Adelabu who took the kick off of the final match reiterated the commitment of the state Government to Sports development.
Stressing the resolve of the government to boost participation of youths in grassroots sports, Adelabu lauded the efforts of organizers of the competition to actualize the vision of the present administration.
The Commissioner, who spoke on behalf of the Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde, said youth is the mobile segment of Nation’s population which must be activated through games and sports for the high duty of nation building.
“Our young ones are the building block that must be treated through sports to acquire the requisite resilience to endure the pressure and strain of a competitive world”, he said.
He noted that the goal of the competition is to develop the skills of the pupils and fish out new talents among them at grassroot level to represent the State at National and International Competitions.
“Consequently, the Oyo State Government through the State Universal Basic Education Board has been facilitating a qualitative learning process with the provision of quality learning materials, prompt payment of teachers’ salaries and allowances as at when due, regular training and workshops that will improve their skills/performances”, he stressed.
He therefore urged the participating pupils in the competition to exhibit the intellectual abilities and resourcefulness expected for the success of this competition.
The Executive Secretary, Oyo State Universal Basic Education Board, Mr. Jacob Dairo said the maiden competition featured games and sporting activities amongst Public Primary Schools in the 33 Local Government Areas of Oyo State.
He said the positive roles sports play in advancing national unity and ensuring Basic Education pupils are dissuaded from partaking in anti-social activities, cannot be underestimated.
“Education is the bedrock of all developmental efforts and that the entire system of education rests on the basic school level. It is in this regard that the government of Oyo State under the able leadership of Engineer ‘Seyi Makinde feels fully committed to accord basic education its pride place of priority. His Excellency has assisted OYO SUBEB in the attainment of an excellent position to lead other SUBEBS in the Federation, remaining a pace – setter Board in the realization of various goals of the Universal Basic Education (UBE) Programme.Permit me to put it on record that the present administration has done a lot on massive encouragement of grassroots sports through Oyo SUBEB via the following remarkable achievements in sporting activities:
The game was supported by the National Primary Schools Games and Sports Teachers (NAPSGAST).
Present at the event were the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adeniyi Olusanjo; the Coordinator, Sports Facilities, UBEC, Dr. Lydia Gbagi; Education Secretaries, and other stakeholders.
Senator representing Anambra Central Senatorial District, Victor Umeh has denied his involvement with 42 other Senators who received $10,000 each to support President Bola Tinubu’s declaration of state of emergency in Rivers, saying he was absent from Wednesday’s meeting where the money was allegedly shared.
He reacted to viral allegation that Senators received $10,000 each to support the state of emergency in Rivers in the red Chamber, when the motion comes for ratification.
His denial was contained in a statement on Friday, where he distanced himself from Senators who shared the money, insisting that he was not among the 42 senators who collected $10,000 the previous day in order to pass the state of emergency resolution.
According to him, he came out to clear his name because reports in the media suggested that he was the one that coordinated the meeting along another Senator where each of them was offered $10,000, insisting that he wasn’t in that meeting and never benefitted from the bribe for support.
“I did not receive any money to support the state of emergency in Rivers State. I was not at any meeting where such payments were allegedly made,” Umeh stated.
Umeh explained that on the evening of Tuesday, he attended the traditional IFTAR (Breaking of Fasting) gathering at the Senate Guest House with their Muslim brothers and sisters, where he was asked to say the Christian prayers after Senator Adamu Aliero said the Muslim prayers after the IFTAR.
”I prayed for God to grant peace to all parts of Nigeria and reconciliation to all the warring parties in Rivers State.
“I prayed for love and for all Nigerians to embrace one another, for the good of our nation.”
“We did not discuss the State of Emergency in Rivers State at the IFTAR.”
“There were other Labour Party Senators at the IFTAR.”
Dismissing the allegations as backmail, the senator, assured his constituents that such reports would not distract him from providing good Representation, adding that the aim of the detractors was to create disaffection between him and the people and impugn his reputation.
He vowed that “I will not be distracted by their false reports, and I will continue to serve my constituents with dignity and integrity.”
Twelve persons have been arrested by officers of Kaduna State Police Command in connection with attack on a mosque which killed a worshipper during the Tahajjud prayer at Rigasa, in the Igabi Local Government Area of the State.
In a statement by the Command on Friday by the Spokesperson, DSP Mansir Hassan, and made available to journalists in Kaduna on Friday, said hoodlums’ attack on the mosque led to the death of a worshipper.
The statement noted that, “On 21st March 2025, at about 0200 hours, the police received a distress call from a m
concerned citizen, reporting that a large group of armed hoodlums had mobilised from Malalin Gabas, Tudun Wada, Rafin Guza, and Unguwar Baduko areas to attack worshippers performing Tahajjud prayer at Layin Bilya, Makwa Road, Rigasa, Kaduna.
“Upon receiving the report, the Divisional Police Officer (DPO) led a team of officers, accompanied by the Commander of the Civilian Joint Task Force (CJTF), to the scene in an attempt to apprehend the suspects.
“However, before their arrival, the assailants had already stabbed one Usman Mohammad, a 23-year-old victim, with a sharp knife. Despite being rushed to the hospital for urgent medical attention, he succumbed to his injuries hours later and was confirmed dead by the attending doctor.”
In response, the police swiftly apprehended twelve suspects who confessed to having participated in the attack and recovered several weapons from them.
A full-scale investigation has been launched to uncover the full details of the incident and ensure justice is served.
rom engaging in these criminal activities, stating that they will face the full weight of the law if caught.
News
Oyo College of Nursing matriculates 147 students as Governor Makinde urge students to uphold ethics
The Oyo State College of Nursing and Midwifery, on Friday, held its second matriculation ceremony, with the Oyo State Governor, Engr. Seyi Makinde, as the special guest of honour.
The event was held at the main auditorium of the College at Eleyele, Ibadan.
Speaking at the event, Governor Makinde represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Soliu Abdulwaheed Adelabu said the future of healthcare in Nigeria has taken a significant step forward with the intake of 147 new students of nursing program.
“This matriculation ceremony, marking the college’s second for the national diploma program, is a significant milestone for these aspiring nurses as they began their journey to become healthcare professionals”, he said.
He congratulated the matriculants, encouraged them to embrace every lesson with an open mind, and shun examination malpractices.
Governor Makinde emphasized the importance of resilience in the nursing profession, urging them to uphold the college’s high standards of virtue and ethical conduct.
The Governor further reiterated his administration’s committment to the education system in Oyo state, especially the nursing education.
He commended the Provost and the college’s staff for their dedication to fostering excellence, noting the significant progress made by them to elevate the college to its new heights.
In her speech, the Provost of the College, Dr. Gbonjubola Owolabi also extended her congratulations to the students, urging them adhere to the college’s rules, and strive to be ambassadors for the institution.
She said, “Let me remind you, our matriculation students, that you are now ambassadors of this great institution. Let excellence be your watchword, and may you go on to make remarkable contributions to the Nursing profession and society at large.”
She encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The Provost said the Oyo state College of Nursing and Midwifery stands as a beacon of academic excellence, committed to producing highly skilled and compassionate nurses who will make a difference in the world.
She also said, “our curriculum is designed to equip you with the necessary theoretical knowledge, practical skills, and ethical grounding essential for success in the nursing profession.”
Dr. Owolabi praised Governor Seyi Makinde for his unwavering supports and commitment to the development of the institution. 
She pointed at the avalanche of approvals and infrastructural advancements granted to the college under Makinde’s administration.
The Director, Nursing Services, Dr. Arinade Oyebode enjoined the students to get acquainted with the ethics of Nursing profession.
She also encouraged them to study hard, while they put God first in their academic activities.
A Professor of Nursing from the University of Ibadan, Prof. Chizoma Ndikom encouraged the students to prioritize their studies and dedicate themselves to achieving their academic goals.
The event was filled with excitement and anticipation as a new student, Islamiat Lawal was rewarded by the Commissioner, the Provost, and other guests for her adherence to punctuality.
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