Author: Seyi Oduneye

Ogundoyin douses tension in Oyo Assembly, says no lawmaker ‘ll be suspended
Suspension
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Ibadan, June 27, 2024 (NAN) Speaker of Oyo State House Of Assembly, Adebo Ogundoyin, on Thursday, said that no lawmaker would be suspended over allegation of working against the leadership of the assembly.
Ogundoyin stated this on Thursday while addressing the House at the plenary.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that tension had been brewing in the assembly over alleged plan to suspend 11 members by the speaker.
NAN also reports that all the 11 lawmakers, who are first-timers in the assembly, consist of seven from the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and four from the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).
The affected legislators were said to have previously reported the speaker to Gov. Seyi Makinde through a petition written under the aegis of Unity Forum.
The petition dwelled on allegations of sidelining them by the speaker in the affairs of the assembly and management of Eid-el Kabir gifts from the governor, among others.
However, Ogundoyin, while speaking at the plenary on Thursday, said that suspending any member would only create a vacuum that would make the electorate and the constituents to suffer.
He stressed the need for the lawmakers to prioritise the needs of their constituents above their own personal interests.
“It has come to my attention that we have concluded plans to suspend the so-called erring members of the 10th Oyo State House of Assembly. I want to assure you that this is not true.
“We were elected to serve our constituents, and we must prioritise their needs above our personal interests.
“Suspending any member will only create a vacuum that will make the electorate to suffer and we cannot allow that to happen,” he said.
Ogundoyin said that the false news and rumors being peddled in the last few days by some members under whatever guise or group were capable of creating unnecessary tension and causing avoidable conflicts.
“I stand before you today to address the events of the past week or so, which have been marked by unnecessary tension and division.
“Some members have chosen to portray themselves as unity or dissident group and, in doing so, have created a seemingly toxic atmosphere in this house.
“Their actions have put us in bad light and have presented the so-called aggrieved members as being out of touch with the priorities of our constituents.
“Let me remind you all that we have come to this house to do is to serve and represent our people, not to pursue personal interests or agenda.
“We have a sacred responsibility to work together for the betterment of Oyo state and its citizens. We must not allow petty squabbles and selfish ambitions to derail us from our noble mission,” he said.
The speaker urged the lawmakers to avoid sponsoring false news and casting aspersions on the leadership of the assembly.
“We must work together and avoid bickering and unfounded rumours.
“This house will not be distracted from its constitutional responsibilities and duties,” he said.
The speaker, who described the media as a powerful tool, either for good or bad, said that members of the assembly should not to use it to spread falsehood or fuel division.
“Instead, let us use it to inform, educate and enlighten our constituents on the good work that we are doing.
“We need to focus on the task at hand and work in unison to deliver on our promises to the people of Oyo state.
“We cannot allow personal interests to derail us from our duties. It is not business as usual, and we must rise above petty politics to serve our constituents with integrity and dedication.
“Let us put our constituents first and work together to build a better Oyo state for all,” he said.
Ogundoyin appealed to his colleagues to be mindful of the sensitivity of their words and actions.
“We must be aware of the impact our statements can have on our colleagues, on our constituents and on the stability of this house.
“We must work together, even in the face of disagreement, in order to achieve greater things.
“Let me say here that no member or members will be victimised or deprived of their rights and entitlements as duly elected members of this honourable assembly,” he said.
The speaker also called for harmony and collaboration between the legislature and other arms of government.
“Let us avoid issues that could pitch the executive against the legislature and be wary of the antics of external influences whose major aim is to cause disunity and distabilise the house,” he said. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SEY/WAS
Edited by ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 27, 2024
Basketball camp: Participants commend organiser
Commendation
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Ibadan, June 23, 2024 (NAN) Some participants at the just concluded annual Aminu Good WorK Foundation (AGWF) elite basketball camp have commended the organiser for successfully hosting the event.
The participants in separate interviews told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) that they learnt so much in the three days camping.
NAN reports that the annual basketball camp has been organised by Al-farouq, 2015 AfroBasket Champion, and former D’Tigers forward.
NAN reports that 35 boys and 41 girls of U-19 categories from Oyo state, participated in the event which impacted so much knowledge in the participants.
Daniel Oladejo, a 17-year-old participant, said that the camp was very nice and worthwhile.
“We did not only learn about basketball but about life issues. We were taught punctuality, honesty, neatness and many more.
“It gave us an opportunity to play with the best players in the state,” he said.
Another participant, Victor Ariyo, 13-year-old, said he had been playing basketball for two years now but that it was his first time at the camp.
“This is the second camp I ever attended. But this appeared to be the best.
“I learnt how to dribble, post man move, court vision and so on.
“I hope we get another opportunity soon so that we can keep learning and improving our skills,” he said.
Okikiola Akintayo, a 14-year-old participant, said he can now pass and cut and had also learnt how to move to the last angle and footwork.
Akintayo said that It was a good experience and exposure.
“I came not expecting much, but they exceeded my expectations. They made us comfortable and they provided us with all that we needed.
“We were fed; they provided clothes and took good care of us,” he said.
Pelumi Ogundele (15-year-old), said this was his second time attending the camp.
“We came from home, and I guess the economic situation of the country caused it.
“I now know the proper way to jab, chase down and be calm on the court,” he said. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)
SEY/EMAF
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Edited by Emmanuel Afonne
June 23, 2024
Basketball camps helped in making me who I am — Olawuyi
Basketball camps helped in making me who I am — Olawuyi
Basketball
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Ibadan, June 22, 2024 (NAN) Adenike Olawuyi, one of the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket winners says attending basketball camps helped in making her who she is today.

Adewuyi disclosed this on the sideline of the ongoing annual Amimu Good Work Foundation (AGWF) elite camp, at the Obafemi Awolowo Stadium, Ibadan.

‘ I attended this camp in 2019, and it was a good experience; I really learned a lot from this camp, and honestly, it was really a good camp.
” I started basketball in 2017 and it was more like I was found on the streets by my coach.
“He said, ‘you can’t be wasting your height like this’, and he encouraged me to start playing basketball.
“I asked for time to think about it. and I gave in after a while.
“I remember by first training session, it was good, and I told my second coach that ‘I think I’m getting interested in basketball’.
“From there, I started putting in hard work, and I made sure I attended morning and evening practice every day.”
She said that she went to so many camps and the first was Oyebode Adebowale camp in Akure where she emerged the most valuable player (female) in 2017.
“The second was Olumide Oyedeji in 2018 and I also got most valuable player for girls, Hope For Girls also in 2018 and many more,” she said.
The NKA Universitas Pecs players said that in 2019 , she got a scholarship to travel to Hungary to play basketball in high school.
” I spent four years in high school in Hungary, and now I’m in the university there.
“It was one of my dreams to play for Nigeria, and last year I came to Nigeria and saw that there was trials for the D’tigress.
“I went for the trials in Lagos and I was picked to join the second phase in Abuja.
“I was in Abuja with other 19 players, and luckily, I made the final list to the Afro basketball.
“It was really a tough one because I was the youngest player, and I learned a lot from the older players.
“My team mates and coaches kept encouraging me and kept saying they see a lot of potential in me.”
NAN reports that the D’Tigress defeated Senegal to win the 2023 FIBA Women’s Afrobasket title in Kigali, Rwanda. (NAN) www.nannews.ng
SEY/SOA
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Edited by Oluwole Sogunle

June 22, 2024
Oyo Assembly passed 16 bills, 170 resolutions in 1 year- Speaker
Oyo assembly passed 16 bills, 170 resolutions in 1 year- Speaker
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Bill
Ibadan, June 13, 2024 (NAN) Mr Adebo Ogundoyin, Speaker of Oyo State House of Assembly on Thursday said the 10th Assembly, under his leadership ,has passed 16 bills since it was inaugurated in 2023.
Ogundoyin disclosed this at a special plenary to commemorate the first anniversary of the 10th Assembly in Ibadan.
The speaker said that nine of the bills had been assented to by Gov. Seyi Makinde.
He also said four other bills were at various stages of legislative process in the Assembly.
Ogundoyin said that the Assembly also passed 170 resolutions during the period under review.
He added 68 motions were moved by members and 35 oversight reports were presented by different House committees.
Ogundoyin stated that members of Assembly would continue to strive for excellence, good governance and socio-economic uplift of the state.
According to the Speaker, this will be achieved through enactment of people -oriented bills, passage of resolutions and motions, among other constitutionally assigned responsibilities.
” There is no doubt that we have witnessed steady progress in the last 12 months.
” We have not only worked tirelessly to review and pass important bills, we have also debated on ethical issues, and represented our constituents with dedication and pride.
“We have also remained united and cohesive under “Omituntun 2.0 agenda” of the governor.
” I commend my fellow legislators for their high level of commitment and patriotism to the welfare of the good people of Oyo state.
” This is in tandem with my acceptance speech during our inauguration, where I promised that the 10th assembly will work vehemently to surpass the achievements of past assemblies.
“From the available records, the achievements of the 10th assembly in its first year has surpassed the achievements of the first legislative record of the 9th assembly,” he said.
Ogundoyin said that the Assembly also passed a bill that aided the implementation of the Sustainable Action for Economic Recovery (SAFER Programme) Agenda of the state government.
The speaker, however, urged his colleagues to do more ,with sincerity of purpose and determination, to make the House among the best houses of assembly in Nigeria.
“The 10th assembly is poised for greater services to the people of our state.
“As legislators, we shall not rest on our oars in ensuring that the dividends of democracy are delivered to the people of our dear pace setting state,” he said.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Makinde had on June 13, 2023 proclaimed the 10th state house of assembly.(NAN) www.nannews.ng
SEY/VE/BHB

Edited by Buhari Bolaji

Edited by Victor Adeoti

June 13, 2024
Oyo Governor’s Cup: Bishop Philips Academy whip Bashorun High School
Cup
Ibadan, June 11, 2024 (NAN) Bishop Phillips Academy of Ibadan on Tuesday defeated Bashorun High School 4-0 to win the 2024 Oyo State Governor’s Cup male football competition at the Lekan Salami Stadium.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the winners, like they did en route the final match, were ruthless and dominating and left their opponents wondering what hit them.
Adeniyi Charles scored with two headers in the first half to give them a comfortable 2-0 lead by half-time.
Babatunde Lasisi rounded off the scoring late in the game with a sumptuous free-kick.
Earlier in the day at the same venue, Olanipekun Memorial College of Kisi had defeated Government College Ibadan 2-0 to clinch the third place.
Ibrahim Fadare, the coach of Bashorun High School, later acknowledged that the better side won their match.
Fadare however said he was impressed by his players’ performance.
“We’re a school without a proper football field. We train on a makeshift narrow open space in the school.
“In this tournament, we played nine matches, and this is the only one we lost,” he said.
Speaking during the competition’s closing ceremony, the state’s Commissioner for Education and Technology, Prof. Salihu Adelabu, commended the event’s organisers, Peculiar Ultimate Concerns Ltd.
He said a major domain had been developed for the students as they needed extra-curricular activities to achieve a balance.
“All work and no play is not good. Nigerians are very talented people with many hidden talents.
“The organisers have helped to bring out hidden talents in schools which need to be groomed,” Adelabu said.
Mutiu Adepoju, an ex-international, while addressing the gathering also said many talents abound in the state and the competition has helped to bring them to limelight.
Adepoju said such a competition had been lacking in the state to expose students’ potential.
“With what I’m seeing at this finals, there are so many promising potential,” he said.
The former Super Eagles midfielder however urged schools to prioritise coaches’ education so as to impact the right teachings.
“Coaches need to teach rightly. You can only teach the right thing when you know it.
“When the coaches’ education is given utmost attention, they can harness the full potential of the students.
“There are some things I have seen today that only the right teaching can help in correcting.
“We have many young players that can be infused into the leagues,” he said.
Adepoju then advised the players to pay adequate attention to their studies while playing football.
NAN reports that 220 schools participated in the three-week competition.(NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SEY/OLAL
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(Edited by Olawale Alabi)
June 11, 2024
Okunola, Ayodeji emerge winners of 2024 Ibadan Week competitions
Competitions
By Oluwaseyi Oduneye-Ogunwomoju
Ibadan, June 4, 2024 (NAN) Omotola Okunola on Tuesday emerged the winner in the table tennis category in the competitions organised by Central Council of Ibadan Indigenes (CCII).
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Babajide Ayodeji also came first in the Ayo Olopon category in the competitions, as part of the activities marking the 2024 edition of Ibadan Week.
Speaking at the competitions, held at Ibadan House, Oke Are, the CCII President-General, Niyi Ajewole, thanked all the participants for their sportsmanship and lauded the winners in both events.
Ajewole said that the competitions were organised to engage the youth in table tennis and ayo olopon, a traditional game.
“All the participants are winners; the competition is not about who wins or who loses, but about participation and encouraging the youth not to stop,” he said.
The CCII president commended a table tennis legend, Waidi Ekun, for ruling the world in his hey-days, thanking God that Oyo State was blessed with someone like him.
“I charge our participants to emulate what Waheed Ekun achieved in the game of sports and even aim to go beyond that and achieve more laurels in your different fields,” he said.
NAN reports that while Okunola went home with N100,000, Moruf Ogboriefon, who came second got N60,000.
Olufemi Opadere and Emmanuel Akintunde, who came third and fourth, went home with N40,000 and N20,000 respectively.
Similarly, Ayodeji, who came first in ayo olopon, received N50,000, while Oladimeji Oyewole got N30,000 for coming second.
Ismail Lebe and Adeoye Asimiyu came third and fourth, with awards of N25,000 and N15,000 respectively.
Okunola, in his response, thanked the organisers of the competition and expressed happiness for emerging the winner.
He promised to engage more in the game by sharing and impacting the knowledge in the younger ones.
NAN recalls that Waheed Ekun, an Ibadan indigene, won the National Sports Festival Table Tennis Championship by defeating Sunday Eboh at the final at the age of 17. (NAN) (www.nannews.ng)
SEY/KOLE/WAS
Edited by Remi Koleoso and ‘Wale Sadeeq
June 4, 2024