OPEN LETTER TO HIS EXCELLENCE, ENGINEER SEYI MAKINDE ON LAUTECH ISEYIN CAMPUS

 Your Excellency,

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‎We, the Youths of Iseyin land, are compelled to write to you with utmost urgency and desperation, seeking your immediate intervention to address the existential crisis facing our campus. The situation is dire, and we implore you to act swiftly to grant our campus autonomy, lest we risk losing a generation of students, the brilliant contribution they would add to the education body in the country and the beautiful vision of your Excellency to expand the economy beyond the capital city.

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‎Since its establishment in 2021, the campus has been subjected to neglect, marginalization, and deliberate attempts to stifle its growth and development by the main campus in Ogbomosho. This happened because the campus relies solely on the latter – the sole reliance has resulted in:

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‎- Inadequate infrastructure and resources, forcing students to travel to Ogbomosho for practical

‎- Unwillingness of lecturers to relocate to Iseyin, compromising the quality of education

‎- Denial of opportunities for research and innovation, stunting the growth and development of our students

‎- A sense of hopelessness and frustration among students, staff, and the community.

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‎Please be informed Your Excellency that the main campus, backed by Ogbomoso indigene, has consistently prioritized its own interests over the needs of our students and campus. We are being held hostage by a system that seeks to suppress our aspirations and stifle our progress. In just a year, the students have protested three times, obviously playing the character in a movie written and directed by some wicked lecturers to facilitate their return to Ogbomosho. The recent visit by lecturers to Iseyin campus, attempting to lure students to demonstrate again for a return to Ogbomosho, is a stark reminder of the sinister intentions of the main campus.

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‎As you are aware sir, the Iseyin campus is supposed to have 20 farm units, including poultry, piggery, and others, to facilitate practical training for our students. However, most of these units are non-existent, while those available were not put to use by the lecturers till they became bushy, moribund and useless. Thus, our students are being denied the opportunity to gain hands-on experience in their chosen fields. The lack of farm practicals is a clear indication of the neglect and marginalization of Iseyin campus by the main campus in Ogbomosho. Even as some Iseyin private farmers are ready to release their facilities to the institution for research, the management is thwarting these efforts.

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‎Dear Sir, the consequences of this neglect are dire. Our 400-level students are being neglected, as there are no practical units for them to undertake their projects. The (ANS) Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology departments have even instructed their 500-level students to return to Ogbomosho to complete their projects in their lecturers’ various private farms – this is a clear indication of selfishness and the lack of faith in the Iseyin campus.

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‎We are at a crossroads, Your Excellency. If we do not act now, the consequences will be catastrophic. We risk losing our students, our staff, and our reputation as an institution of higher learning. We risk perpetuating a cycle of poverty and underdevelopment in our community.

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‎We cannot afford to wait any longer. The Local Government, Community Stakeholders and leaders have tried their best to make the Campus work better, through the special committee established to handle LAUTECH Iseyin Campus matters - The efforts of this committee are obviously being strangulated by the base management. We need your leadership, Your Excellency. We need your courage, your vision, and your commitment to justice. We need autonomy, and we need it now.

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‎Your Excellency, we propose the following immediate actions:

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‎1. Grant LAUTECH Iseyin Campus autonomy to function independently

‎2. Establish a separate management structure, with a Vice-Chancellor and management team appointed by the university council

‎3. Appoint lecturers who are willing to relocate to Iseyin

‎4. Allocate a fair share of the university's budget to our campus

‎5. Allow our campus to develop its own curriculum and programs, tailored to the needs of our students and the community.

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‎We believe that with autonomy, we can overcome the challenges facing Iseyin Campus and provide quality education to our students. We are also confident that with your support, we can make a significant contribution to the development of Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole. We are ready to work with you to make this vision a reality.

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‎We await your urgent response and action.

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‎Yours sincerely,

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‎Qs Babajide Oniyo, MNIQS, RQS,

‎President, Council of Iseyin Youths Organisations.

‎

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‎Co-signed:

‎Joint Actions Forum, Iseyin

‎Iseyin Youth Development Group

‎Federation of Iseyin Local Government Students

‎Movement for Ekunle Development

‎Iseyin Youth Assembly

‎National Youth Council of Nigeria, Iseyin

‎ Nigerian Youth Congress, Iseyin

‎Iseyin Youth Forum

‎Isalu Youth Development Forum

‎

ASEYIN: UPC APPOINTS ASEYIN OF ISEYINLAND AS GRAND PATRON, SOUTH WEST ZONE

Traditional Institution Strengthens Grassroots Empowerment as Club Rallies Leaders for Unity, Peace

The United People’s Club (UPC) of Nigeria has appointed His Royal Majesty, Oba Sefiu Olawale Oyebola, Ajirotutu I, Adeyeri III, the Aseyin of Iseyinland, as Grand Patron of the Club, South West Zone, in recognition of his exemplary leadership, moral authority, and sustained commitment to community development.

The appointment, contained in an official letter dated 11th December 2025, acknowledges the revered monarch’s role in promoting unity, peace, and the socio-economic advancement of his people. According to the Club, the Aseyin’s wisdom and dedication to service have continued to inspire confidence and progress within Iseyinland and beyond.

Delivering a keynote address, the National Deputy President of UPC, South West Zone, Hon. Adeosun Adesanya, Lagos State, described the appointment as a strategic partnership between a people-oriented organization and a respected traditional institution. He stressed that the guidance of the Aseyin would further strengthen UPC’s mission of authentic empowerment and inclusive development across the South West.

The event was anchored under the leadership of the National President of UPC, Engr. Olarenwaju Shittu, whose vision has continued to reposition the Club as a platform for grassroots engagement. Dignitaries in attendance included the South West Director, Hon. Adeosun Adesanya; Lagos State Chairman, Alhaji Muftaideen Afolabi; Oyo State Chairman, Hon. Fowosere; Oyo State Women Leader, Mrs. Dupe Ayilara; Director of Women Affairs, South West, Mrs. Olukemi Osotoye; Senatorial Women Leader, Oyo North Senatorial District, Hajiyat Oluwasayo Oladimeji; and the South West Media Director, Mrs. Owonikoko Balqis, among others.

Speaking on behalf of the host community, the Chairman of UPC, Iseyin Local Government, Honourable Oluwatoyin Mukaila Sanje, described the appointment as a landmark recognition of the Aseyin’s enduring contributions to peace and development in Iseyinland.

The United People’s Club reaffirmed its loyalty to the throne, expressing optimism that the partnership with the Aseyin of Iseyinland would further deepen unity, service delivery, and sustainable development across the South West Zone.

Iseyin Community Raises Alarm Over Alleged Academic Neglect at LAUTECH Agric College, Iseyin

The Iseyin community and students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources, Iseyin Campus, have raised serious concerns over what they described as deliberate actions by some lecturers and staff aimed at frustrating academic activities and undermining the growth of the newly established campus.

Speaking under the umbrella of the Iseyin Development Union (IDU), community leaders accused a group of lecturers—allegedly led by the Dean of the Faculty of Agricultural Sciences—of sabotaging efforts by both the government and host community to ensure stability, quality teaching, and sustainable development at the Iseyin campus.

The allegations were made on Monday during a press conference held at the palace of the Aseyin of Iseyinland. Addressing journalists, the National President of the IDU, Alhaji Mubasiru Azeez, first expressed profound appreciation to the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, for relocating the College of Agricultural Science and Renewable Natural Resources to Iseyin and for approving the financial and logistical support required for its successful takeoff.

According to him, the relocation brought renewed hope to the people of Iseyin and the wider Oke-Ogun zone, while the community has continued to offer full cooperation and support to ensure the success of the institution.

However, the Union lamented that these gains are now being threatened by what it termed “unacceptable and deliberate neglect” by some academic staff members. It was alleged that since academic activities resumed at the Iseyin campus on October 13, 2025, several lecturers in key departments—including Crop Production and Soil Science, Crop and Environmental Protection, and Agricultural Economics—have failed to resume teaching duties.

The IDU further disclosed that only one lecturer reportedly showed up in each of the Animal Nutrition and Biotechnology, and Animal Production and Health departments, while just four lecturers were said to be actively teaching in the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development department.

Alhaji Azeez noted that the situation has caused widespread anxiety among students and parents, stressing that the community had initially refrained from accusing anyone of sabotage, but said the pattern of events could no longer be ignored.

“The Aseyin of Iseyinland, Oba Sefiu Oyebola Adeyeri III, Ajirotutu I, the Council of Traditional Chiefs, religious leaders, elders and the entire people of Iseyin remain deeply grateful to Governor Seyi Makinde for his uncommon goodwill towards our community,” he said. “Unfortunately, the actions of a few disgruntled individuals now threaten the future of our children and the credibility of this institution.”

The Union recalled that students were forced to protest on January 20, 2025, following prolonged teaching deficiencies. It alleged that more than half of the students had been compelled to return to Ogbomoso, where some were reportedly engaged in farm work on private livestock farms belonging to their lecturers and supervisors instead of receiving formal academic instruction.

Further allegations include the deliberate withholding of 400-level results of students currently in 500 level, allegedly to create frustration and provoke unrest. The IDU also claimed that a poorly coordinated timetable was deliberately designed, with multiple courses scheduled simultaneously in the same lecture halls, leading to confusion and overcrowding.

According to the Union, these actions culminated in unrest within the town on December 8, 2025, with claims that some lecturers instigated students and parents against the state government, encouraged litigation, and fueled negative narratives against Iseyin and the broader Oke-Ogun region.

The Union also alleged that despite students paying levies for 2025 farm practical's, no practical training had been conducted, while final-year students were allegedly subjected to the stress and financial burden of shuttling between Ogbomoso and Iseyin for project supervision, as some lecturers reportedly refused to relocate to the Iseyin campus.

“These actions show a blatant disregard for the welfare, safety, and academic future of the students, all in an attempt to blackmail the state government and frustrate the system,” the Union stated.

In a passionate appeal, the IDU called on Governor Makinde to urgently intervene, restore order, and ensure that all lecturers posted to the Iseyin campus comply fully with their academic responsibilities.

Also speaking at the event, the Chairman of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Oyo State Chapter, Comrade Tiamiyu Taiwo, who led a delegation of LAUTECH Iseyin campus students, echoed the call for swift intervention. He urged relevant stakeholders, including the university management and governing council, to enforce compliance among lecturers, noting that students have endured prolonged hardship, uncertainty, and academic disruption.

The press conference concluded with a unified call by community leaders and students for immediate action to safeguard the future of the LAUTECH Iseyin campus and protect the academic dreams of its students.

Signed:

Alhaji Azeez Toyin Mubasiru, FCA, ACTI

National President,

Iseyin Development Union (IDU)

Iseyin and 2023 Election

 Now that the struggle to take over the Government house in various state has begun, diverse kinds of promises from the aspirants are what we wake up daily to read. Oyo state is of no exception, other parties like Labour Party, APC, Accord, and so on are all jostling to occupy the Agodi garden house of government.

While some of these manifestoes are what we can term logical, some are not worth to write home about! When an aspirant just decide to turn a general applaudable projects to an unworthy design when he takes over the power, you can easily read between the lines that something is wrong. 

We appreciate all the good works of the incumbent governor of Oyo state under Peoples Democratic Party(PDP), he has set great records in his administration in which any other incoming governor in the state will have to tight their belt to surpass. He has given us the reason why developmental projects should be spread across the regions in the state unlike the past executives who always concentrated in developing only one region and gives out only the remnant projects to other region.

It is during this regime that we witness the restoration of projects that have been hijacked by the superpower region, for example the Oyo State Agribusiness Development Agency. Saki. 

In Iseyin, the administration of the Governor Seyi Makinde has been so favourable to the city that Iseyin has now been turned to an efficient commercial hub in Oyo state. Various projects that previous administration cajoled us to be impossible are been made releasable. Ranging from the agricultural development to Education and road infrastructure, it has been a positive development to the city.

All we have to do is to support this His Excellency, Engineer Seyi Makinde to complete all the good works he has started in our city and region. It will be a suicide attempt to allow an unknow/another individual, who has not hidden his high level of hatred to Iseyin and Oke-Ogun region in the course of his manifestoes. For example, one of the aspirants in other political parties has said seriously that," the new Iseyin - Ogbomoso road does not have any economic benefit to the state". This kind of setback statement is a pointer to the kind of relevancy this type of aspirant will  have for our dear city.

At this point in time, continuity is what we need in Iseyin especially when everything seems to be turning around for our good. 

Thank you.

History of Iseyin, Oke-Ogun Region

 The emergence of Iseyin was not arbitrary; however, its geographical endowment was an attractive feast to the earlier farmers and hunters being a fecund forestland harbouring both mild and wild games, thereby promising to agriculturists and game-hunters to thrive upon. The slight modification in its landscape whereby Iseyin City tucks into itself within an expanse of land surrounded by four high hills has a link with history.

Aaba Odo-Iseyin with his people plumbed the depth of loneliness as the first set of settlers to exploit the earlier bewildered forest now called Iseyin. He was an ordinary hunter of no royal or chieftaincy extraction migrated from Ile-Ife for hunting purpose, so he could not have established himself as the owner of the land and probably the Oba. But he built for himself and his people a Camp Base at Ipokun where they rest and reside after daily work. The base was later relocated to Igbo-Odofin. Aaba belonged to Oro Creed.

Ipale, another valiant hunter, later joined Aaba and led his own people to settle at another part of the forest to continue their work. Like Aaba, he had no link with royal hegemony and he was also of Oro Creed. It is noteworthy that no name had been given to this forest at this time when these hunters were moving in.

Oke-esa and Jagun Ilado, in order, migrated in to settle as hunters. They together with their peoples settled at different portions of the land. Jagun had his Base at Igbo-Iwoye(in present Ilado Area). They were not different from the previous hunters in mission, origin and creed.

Aaba took it upon himself to convince the other hunters to visit Ebedi in submission, and he invited them to a meeting at their meeting place. They all came, and he discharged the message. Despite all his explanations, only Ipale and Jagun were convinced to visit Ebedi and they did so. Oke-Esa considered such invitation disdainful and refused to tow the path of his colleagues. When Ebedi got wind of this, he was not hesitant to place a statement on Oke-Esa, and put an eternal ban on him and his descendants from being a chief or community head in history of Iseyin. And since then no Aseyin has dared it appoint anybody as Baale in Oke-esa Community till today.

All the other three hunters were appointed the heads of their respective communities. Their titles are Aaba Odo-Iseyin (Dunmoba Community), Ipale (Ekunle Community), Jagun (Ilado Community). Ipale was also given the right to apportion land to strangers who wished to settle in Iseyinland. Among the beneficiaries were Baale Koso and his people, Onikosa and his people, Baale Ladogan and his people, and many others.

Aaba later made arrangement to settle Ebedi at Ekunle, he accepted and settled there. Ebedi was of Sango Creed (Sango god of thunder), but for the humility of the three hunters submitted to him who were of Oro extraction, he approved Oro Oracle as the official oracle with which Iseyin was created, and decided to honour it by celebrating it yearly(the time during which women in the town are confined in for some hours daily for a week, and peaked the seventh and seventeenth day with full day confinement).And this was the beginning of yearly Oro festival in Iseyin as depicted in one of its panegyrics `Iseyin Oro Omo Ebedi`. In addition, he endorsed `sacrifice to Oro` a part of rites necessary to make any Aseyin.

Then, after when Ebedi had settled down at Ekunle, as a valiant and responsible leader he deemed it necessary to provide security for his subjects against external aggression and intrusion rampant then. So he set out to Dahomey(now Benin Republic) to seek powers to ward off insurgence and enslavement from this newly established town christened Iseyin, the name emanated from palm kanel proccessing. The assignment took Ebedi a very long length of time which his people construed to mean that he had been beset with a calamity beyond his control so made his return impossible.

And a community without a leader is on the brink of disorder, they decided to appoint an Oba. They chose Ebide’s brother Ogbolu as the first Aseyin of Iseyin city. The event turned dramatic at the time Ogbolu’s intallation ceremony was at his peak, Ebedi resurface with an army of supporters including sophisticated security experts and servants both males and females.
Not too far at the outskirts, Ebedi caught winds of drum beats and tunes signifying a grand celebrating in the town. Ebedi ordered his entourage to stop a bit, he sighted a pregnant woman plucking leaves nearby, and he approached her and elicited from her what was happening in the town.

Ebedi was sad and disappointed with the development. With courage and a great sense of patriotism, he sent all his security outfits he brought from Dahomey and their usage through the women to his sibling, the new Oba. He informed the woman to instruct Ogbolu that he could no more enter the town to avert anarchism or possible breakdown.

Consequently, Ebedi transmogrify into a high hill (Ebedi Hill). Thus, it has been in tradition that all installed Aseyins must make sacrifice to Ebedi Hill yearly. His entourage followed the same footstep. Ogba, one of his charms experts transformed to river (Odo-Ogba) and channeled across through the length of Iseyinland. His chief servants; Oluofi, Eyinjue and Atamafon also transform into high hills at different location on the outskirts of the town making Iseyin to be surrounded by four historical hills. Others in the entourage who transformed into rivers are Igbobi, Atori and Ajumoda. Ogidiyi, Adabo, Iserin and Okutapamo also transformed into some other things out of disappointment and inability to go back to Dahomey.

This made Ebedi a very popular hero and most mentioned name in the history of Iseyin, and that Ebedi is a substitute to Iseyin as the name of the town.

The first eleven to ascend the prestigious throne were from patricia lineage. Abu Oniside was the 11th Aseyin. He went to war in Ondo for so long a time that the palace became benighted.

Then the princess Ogbekun Omosopo Adeyi called on the council of chiefs to find a replacement for the Oba in war as they presumed him dead thereupon his inability to return. The chiefs reasoned and made moves to install another person as Oba. But, because Aseyins then did not live long, all the princes where chary of ascend the throne. Also, nobody wanted to release his son for the job. The chiefs invited princess Ogbekun and informed her about the development and she was charged to release her son. She accepted and went to Alaafin of Oyo to inform him of the development and that Alaafin should endorse her matrimonial family lineage to be producing the Aseyin of Iseyinland as agreed upon by her and the council of chiefs. Based on the reasons adduced, Alaafin endorsed the move.

Princess Ogbekun invited his son, Ajisibi Alao who was far away at Ajase. Ajisibi came home with his first son Akando Ariwi. On gething home, Ajisibi was informed that he would be the next Aseyin of Iseyinland. He accepted to become the 12th king of the land. Akando took over after the death of his father in 1833 as the thirteenth Aseyin. Oba (Dr) Abodul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau (Ologunebi-Ajinese I) is the 29th and the incumbent Aseyin of Iseyinland. He ascended the throne in 2006 after the demise of his predecessor Late Oba Ganiyu Adebayo Alobalowo.

Oba (Dr) Abdul Ganiyu Adekunle Salau (Ologunebi-Ajinese I) joined his ancestors on July, 2022.

Buhari sends Salah greetings to his constituency, seeks prayer on University

In his Salah message to members of his constituency to celebrate the occasion of Eid-El-Kabir, Senator Buahri AbdulFatai Ph.D has urged the people of Oyo North to join him in prayer so that President Muhammadu Buhari  will assent to the bill seeking for the establishment of Federal University of Agriculture and Technology,Oke-Ogun which will be sent to him immediately after the Salah holiday.

It was just of recent that the House of the Representative passed the concurrence bill after it has been passed by the Senate House few months ago.

Of course, Thousands of Iseyin indigenes have started praying for the positive result from the President of the federation, as they look up unto him for a positive payback after been supporting him and the party during the general election.

Gruesome murder in Iseyin by Custom Officers

 Courtesy: Are Babajide Oniyo

ACCOLADES DESERVING.

Senator Fatai Buhari won my heart again by the weekends, as he did not only paid condolence visits to the bereaved families of those killed by the Customs Officers' stray bullets on Thursday. But also took every bit of records of what transpired for presentation at the National Assembly come Tuesday this week.

I watched and listened to him on Agbami Òshèlú aired by Fresh FM this morning. I was shocked when he started mentioning names of the victims vis-a-vis the condition they were before being sent to the great beyond.

He said, "Ibrahim Mojeed took his children to their grandparents on Wednesday and was on his way to take them back home on Thursday before being hit by the bullet."

"Timothy Gbadegeshin was in a vulcanizer workshop to adjust his motorcycle tires when he was sent to early grave by stray bullet."

"Tobi was with a friend when he was brought down by a bullet."

"Abdullah Azeez was buying tea at a 'Maichai' shop before his life was terminated abruptly."

"And the 5th person is a 'Malla' pushing wheelbarrow to sell watermelon 🍉 before his termination. His barrow is still there as no one could identify his people."

"It will surprise you to know that they trailed a Mazda carrying only 40 Bags of rice to Iseyin, which they can't intercept about 160km away to Ijio which is the border town. This is contrary to the law which stipulates 40km."

You could feel passion and at the same time anger from his presentation for his people and to the Nigeria customs respectively. He promised not to only stop at the committee level but present the issue at the general assembly as a motion. He said, "À n báwon wí lówó lórí Erù tí wón lookó ní Bódíjà àti Ojà Oba n'ibadan. Wón tún loo kó ojà ní Ògbómòshó. Wón tún wáá ló pa èèyàn máárún ní Ìséyìn l'ójó Odún. Mo ní ànfààní l'áti gba Orúko díè nínú àwon tó sishé láabi náà, màá sì dárúko won nípàdé ilé."

What more can we say of a leader!

May Allah bless the Senator with more wisdom and guidance for his wonderful representation and on his bid to unravel the situation behind the ugly incident, ditto bringing the perpetrators of the dastard act to book.

It can always get better.

© Babajide Oniyo.

NYSC: FG builds Ultra modern clinic at Iseyin Orientation camp.

 FG BUILDS NEW CLINIC AT NYSC OYO STATE ORIENTATION CAMP, ISEYIN

Credit to NYSC :

The Federal Government has built and equipped a new ultramodern Medical Centre at the NYSC Oyo State Orientation Camp in Iseyin.

Speaking today at the inauguration and formal handover of the clinic to NYSC, the Chief Medical Director, University College Hospital Ibadan, Professor Jesse Otegbayo said the project was conceptualized by the Federal Ministry of Health as part of steps to fulfill President Buhari's vision of providing adequate health coverage for all Nigerians.

Otegbayo said UCH, through which the project was executed, would continue to supply manpower to the clinic, and  ensure that all Staff and Corps members enjoyed good Medicare.

The CMD said since the inception of NYSC in Oyo State, the UCH had been partnering the Scheme on the provision of health services at the Orientation camp.

"As health managers, we will be more committed than before in sending our personnel and we will have direct link with NYSC," he said.

He used the occasion to commend the Director-General for his mentorship of Nigerian youths.

In his address, the NYSC Director-General, Brigadier General Shuaibu Ibrahim, said the provision of the clinic was a demonstration of the Federal Government's commitment to the success of NYSC.

He remarked that the facility would go a long way in boosting healthcare services for Corps members, NYSC Staff, and the Community.

The Director-General added that given the importance of quality healthcare as one of the key welfare provisions for Corps Members, the Scheme  had remained committed to ensuring that Orientation Camp Clinics were of acceptable standard.

"Management has continued to invest in equipping the clinics within the limits of available resources while also reaching out to host Government as well as public-spirited individuals and corporate bodies for support.

"This gesture by the Federal Ministry of Health is not only heartwarming, but should also spur other stakeholders to action in providing similar facilities for other camps," he said.

Ibrahim reaffirmed the commitment of NYSC to the provision of health services to communities across the country through its Health Initiative for Rural Dwellers and the regular outreaches of the Corps Medical teams.

He further stated that the Scheme would intensify collaboration with stakeholders for support in making its health interventions more impactful through the donation of mobile clinics.

The Director-General said Corps Members had been using the platform of NYSC Community Development Service to build, renovate and equip hospitals in communities across the country.

He assured that Management would continue to encourage them to add value to their host communities with impactful projects.

FEDERAL UNIVERSITY OF AGRICULTURE AND TECHNOLOGY, OKE-OGUN BILL PASSED!

 #TodayInSenatePlenary

PROCEEDINGS OF THE NIGERIAN SENATE OF WEDNESDAY, 2ND DECEMBER, 2020

 Welcometo a new Legislative Day in the Senate of the Federal Republic of Nigeria! 

Senate President, Dr. Ahmad Lawan, Ph.D, CON led the Principal Officers into the chambers; took the official prayers; 

and began the day’s proceedings at 10:50am.

VOTES AND PROCEEDINGS

Senator Yakubu Oseni moved for the adoption of votes and proceedings for Tuesday, 1st December, 2020. 

The motion was seconded by Senator Betty Apiafi.

PETITIONS

Senator Barinada Mpigi raised a petiion on behalf of his constituent who was illegally arrested and imprisoned in Mozambique 

Petition was laid and referred to the Committee on Ethics, Privileges and Public Privileges and to report back within four weeks.

 PRESENTATION OF BILLS

1. Finance Bill, 2020 (SB. 585) By Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

   Finance Bill, 2020 (SB. 585) was read the First Time.

2. NDLEA Act CAP N30 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 582) By Senator Uba Sani

   NDLEA Act CAP N30 LFN 2004 (Amendment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 582) was read the First Time.

3. Nation Wide Toll Bill, 2020 (SB. 583) By Senator Ibikunle Amosun

   Nation Wide Toll Bill, 2020 (SB. 583) was read the First Time.

4. FCT Boderline Communities Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 584) By Senator Sani Musa

   FCT Boderline Communities Development Commission (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 584) was read the First Time.

5. National Human Rights Commission Act CAP N46 2004 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 586) by Senator Opeyemi Bamidele

   National Human Rights Commission Act CAP N46 2004 (Repeal & Enactment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 586) was read the First Time.

CONSIDERATION OF BILLS

1. A Bill for an Act to Amend the Capital Gains Tax Act; Companies Income Tax; Personal Income Tax Act; Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Establishment) Act; Customs and Excise Tariff, etc (Consolidated) Act; Value Added Tax; Federal Inland Revenue Service (Establishment) Act; Nigeria Export Processing Zone Act; Oil and Gas Export Free Zone Act; Fiscal Responsibility Act; Companies and Allied Matters Act 2020; and Public Procurement Act; in order to make further provisions in connection with Federal Government Financial Management; Public Revenue and other relevant matters connected therewith, 2020 (SB. 585) by Senator Yahaya Abdullahi (Senate Leader)

Minority Leader seconded.

"I rise to support some of the highlights of this Bill. This is the time for us to expand our revenue net so that government can be able to finance some of the challenges of infrastructural development...If we want a change and we want to expand the net, it must be holistic." - Senator Smart Adeyemi 

I wish to commend some of the ways the Executive has put before us, measures to fund the 2021 budget. Some of them are really commendable. But Some of the ways here might be counter productive. I want to single out the use of unclaimed dividend to fund the 2021 budget. I think it should be reviewed by the Executive because if eventually  the owner of these funds come up to claim them, the fund will not be readily available for use. I urged the Federal Government to look at something like the Pension Fund Administrative instead of hoping on the unclaimed fund." -  Senator Suleiman Kwari 

"Let me commend the Executive for bringing this Bill. This reflects a dynamic system that is responsive. One very point that this bill seeks to attend to is to enable us create jobs and ensure infrastructural development. Let me say very clearly that the issue of SMEs being given a boost here is a very strong innovation. The small and medium enterprise absorbs more than half of the workforce." - Senator Sabi Abdullahi

"There is need to review our tax system. This will go a long way to stimulate the economy. Unofficially, the global economy is collapsing as a result of the pandemic. We need to put provisions in place to stimulate the economy. There is need for us to raise more fund. Some of these provisions by the Executive cannot give us the kind of fund we need. " - Senator Solomon Adeola

"We have what we call autonomous consumption. Those who come to the National Assembly hoping that they will run into a Senator who will give them fifty thousand to go and feed. How do the tax system capture such peoples? Because if we don't do something a lot of people will continue to deviate into that system and it will become difficult to control." - Senator Gabriel Suswam

"The Finance Bill (Amendment) is coming at the right time. So many countries are going into recession; the same thing as we are today. We have to look inwardly to see how we can support our economy. This Finance Bill is coming at the right time. But my major concern is the issue of collection and remittance from all those revenue generating agencies. This Bill should look into that. This Finance Bill should make a provision whereby all these revenues that are being generated should go to TSA immediately. Most countries today operate the same thing and it works for them. If it works for them, I see no reason why it should not work here. I believe if we look at these areas, the Finance Bill will make us exit recession as quickly as possible." - Senator Sani Musa

"We need to increase our revenue and to increase our revenue we must create a system that is friendly, not a system that people will run away from. A lot of things are happening in our banking sector. These days, a lot of people are afraid to invest in shares. Some that died, their next of kin could not access the shares. We need to create a system that will provide jobs for our youths. Let us encourage our medium and small scale enterprises, they are the one that will make our people to work. Just as Senator Suswam said, a lot of people are out there begging. Nobody likes to beg. We Need to take actions that will better the lives of our people." - Senator Ibikunle Amosun

"There is shortfall in revenue from oil and there is need to look inward. The informal sector has not been captured in this Bill. Our ports are very expensive, that is why many importers are now running to neighboring ports to clear their goods and bring into the country without paying import duty. There is need to make our ports more friendly so businesses can thrive in these ports. There is need to look at ways of reducing import duty. There is need for us to look into the way we can reduce import duty so importers can be encouraged to bring in their goods. Doing that will increase revenue collection by Customs Service." - Senator Adamu Aliero

"Whatever we do with taxation must be people friendly. No tax regime should be oppressive to our people. One way to make this happen is to interrogate this Bill and put it into public domain and allow sufficient people to contribute. We must not hurry this bill. It is important that we put it into public test and see what the Nigerian people will say. We must ensure that the people of Nigeria are carried along." - Senator Ike Ekweremadu

The Bill was read the Second Time and referred to the Committees on Finance, Customs, Trade and Investment to report back within two weeks with Committee on Finance as Lead Committee

2. A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of University of Aerospace and Aeronautics Oka Akoko and for matters of administration, discipline of students and for other connected matters therewith, 2020 (SB.409) by Senator Ajayi Borrofice

"Aerospace means a lot to us in Nigeria and now that our airports are developing gradually, it will open up Africa. So I support this Bill." Senator Nicholas Tofowomo

A Bill for an Act to provide for the establishment of University of Aerospace and Aeronautics Oka Akoko and for matters of administration, discipline of students and for other connected matters therewith, 2020 (SB.409) was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND and to report back within four weeks.

3. A Bill for an Act to provide for Legal Framework to establish the Federal Medical Centre Owutu Edda and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 295) by Senator Michael Nnachi

"I rise to second this Bill. I believe that we are all aware that the recent pandemic has taken a great toll in the lives of our people. Some of these deaths are caused by the inability of patients to access medical services. I believe that in accepting that this Bill be read the second time, this Assembly would have gone one step further in convincing Nigerians that we attend to their wellbeing." - Senator Abba Moro

"I rise to support this very important lead debate on the establishment of Federal Medical Centre, Owutu Edda in Ebonyi State. Senator Nnachi has done a very good job and I want to commend him for this. The need to access the Federal Medical Centre is of paramount importance." - Senator Sam Egwu

"I commend Senator NNachi for bringing up this Bill. Provision of good medical facility in any community cannot be overemphasized. When people have good medical facility, they will live a good life and the community will experience development." - Senator Akon Eyakanyi 

A Bill for an Act to provide for Legal Framework to establish the Federal Medical Centre Owutu Edda and for related matters, 2020 (SB. 295) was read the Second Time and referred to the Committee on Health, Secondary and Tertiary to report back in four weeks

CONSIDERATION OF REPORTS

1. Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND

Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200) 

by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad

- That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the 

Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200)

2.  Report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND

Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159) by Senator Babba Kaita Ahmad

- That the Senate do consider the report of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on the 

Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159)

Senator Tolu Odebiyi moved that the Senate do consider the reports of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on:

1. Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200)

2. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159)

Senator Elisha Abbo seconded.

Senate resolved into Committee of the Whole for the clause by clause consideration of the reports of the Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND on:

1. Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200);

2. Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159).

Senate reverted to plenary to report progress.

Federal University of Environmental Technology Saakperwa Tai Ogoni, Rivers State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 200) was read the Third Time and Passed. 

Federal University of Agriculture and Technology Oke-Ogun, Oyo State (Establishment) Bill, 2020 (SB. 159) was read the Third Time and Passed. 

MOTIONS

1. Approval for the restoration of Two (2) State Constituencies from Ushongo State Constituency of Benue State and the restoration of Agasha State Constituency from Guma State Constituency in compliance with the decisions of the Courts and Section 115 of the Constitution by Senator Gabriel Suswam

"I stand to second the motion as presented by Senator Suswam. The highest court in the land has given approval and so I ask my colleagues to join us in supporting this motion so things could be done normally." - Senator Orker-Jev

"I rise to lend my voice and my support to the motion ably moved by Senator Suswam. I do so because this motion is very timely and apt. We have a similar situation in my home state. I rise to support this motion while awaiting to include that of my state in the additional prayer." - Deputy Senate President, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege

"I rise to support this motion. There is no doubt that the suppression of these two state constitueuncies have deprived these people of effective representation in Benue State House of Assembly. I therefore lend my voice for the restoration of these constituencies." - Senator Abba Moro

Senate resolved to:

i. Approve the restoration of Mata State Constituency from Ushongo State Constituency as directed by the Federal High Court comprising:

 i. Ikov (2);

 ii. Mbagba (07);

 iii. Mbagwaza (08);

iv. Mbayegh (10); and

v. Uange (11).

ii. Approve the restoration of Mbagwa State Constituency from Ushongo State Constituency as directed by the Federal High Court comprising:

i. Artikyese (01);

ii. Lessel (03)

iii. Mbaaka (04)

iv. Mbaanyam (05)

v. Mbaawe (06); and

vi. Mbakuha (09);

iii. Approve the restoration of Agasha State Constituency by altering the boundaries of the current Guma State Constituency to create two State constituencies namely: Agasha State Constituency comprising Saghev, Ndzorov, Kaambe and Abinsi council wards, Guma State constituency comprising Uvir, Mbadwem, Mbabai, Mbawa, nyiev and mbayer/yandev council wards;

iv. Direct the Independent National Electoral Commission to comply with this resolution to ensure the restoration of Mata and Mbagwa State Constituencies from Ushongo State and the restoration of Agasha State Constituency from Guma State Constituency, to be effected in the next State House of Assembly election after the current life of the Benue State House of Assembly in compliance with Section 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended; and

v. Seek the concurrence of the House of Representatives in line with Section 115 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

2. Need for the Re-construction and Dualization 0f Kano - Dmbatta - Kazaure - Daura - Niger Boarder Road by Senator Barau Jibrin

Senate resolved to:

i. Urge the Federal Ministry of Works to designate the road for immediate Re-Construction and dualization; and

ii. Urge the Federal Government to allocate adequate funds in the 2021 budget, currently being prepared, for the reconstruction and dualization of the Kano - Dmbatta - Kazaure - Daura road.

3. The urgent need for priority attention and completion of the Yenegwe-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass Road in Bayelsa State by Senator Degi-Eremienyo Biobarakuma

Senate resolved to:

i. Commend the Federal Government on efforts at building and maintaning critical road infrastructure in various 

regions of the Country;

ii. Urge the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Works to make adequate provision in the 2021 Budget to expeditiously execute the Yenegwe-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass Road with the aim of completing it before the end of 2023; and

iii. Urge the Federal Government to classify the Yenegwe-Okaki-Kolo-Nembe-Brass Road as a top priority project.

4. Urgent need to deal with the outbreak of a strange ailment said to be Yellow Fever, ravaging Epeilo-Otukpa and 

Itabono-Owukpa communities in Ogbadibo Local Government Area of Benue State by Senator Abba Moro

Senate resolved to:

i. Urge the Federal Ministry of Health, the National Arbovirus and Vector Research Centre (NAVRC) to investigate each case and respond to outbreaks;

ii. Urge the Federal Ministry of Health to mobilize focal persons to the are to quickly complement the efforts of the Benue State Government to ascertain the nature of the ailment;

iii. Urge the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) to promptly take action to contain the disease and see to the

treatment of victims and protect others from further contracting it;

iv. Further urge the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) and the Primary Health Care Development Agency 

(NPHCDA), to synergize and support the people of Benue South Senatorial District and in particular theEpeilo-Otukpa and Itabono-Owukpa communities, to treat, prevent and or reduce the number of cases and deaths; and

v. Further urge the Federal Ministry of Health to immediately activate and set up a multi-agency yellow fever Emergency Operation Centre (EOC) in Benue South, should the result come out positive for yelloe fever, to conduct mass vaccination and  awareness campaigns in Benue South Senatorial District, being that yellow fever is a completely vaccine-preventable disease as a single shot of the yellow fever vaccine protects for a lifetime; and 

vi. Urge the Federal Government to approve a special grant to tackle the strange ailment in research and providing remedial solutions.

ADJOURNMENT

Senate Leader moved that Senate do adjourn plenary till another legislative day. Minority Leader seconded.

Plenary was adjourned till Thursday, 3rd December 2020. 

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Signed 

New Media Unit

Office of the President of the Senate

Federal Republic of Nigeria