Oyo State Library Board Celebrates Governor Makinde’s Six Years of Progressive Leadership

 

OYO STATE LIBRARY BOARD CELEBRATES GOVERNOR MAKINDE’S SIX YEARS OF PROGRESSIVE LEADERSHIP

 

The Oyo State Library Board, under the leadership of Hon. Yemi Taiwo, has congratulated His Excellency, Engr. Oluseyi Abiodun Makinde, FNSE, on the occasion of his sixth year in office as the Executive Governor of Oyo State.

In a statement released today, the Board commended the Governor’s unwavering dedication to good governance and transformative leadership, which has significantly improved the lives of citizens across the state.

Since assuming office on May 29, 2019, Governor Makinde has demonstrated a steadfast commitment to infrastructure development, education, healthcare, and socio-economic growth. His administration’s achievements have set a benchmark for excellence, earning him widespread acclaim and reinforcing public confidence in his leadership. The Oyo State Library Board lauded the Governor’s visionary policies, which have fostered inclusive development and positioned the state as a model of progress in Nigeria.

The Board particularly highlighted Governor Makinde’s investments in education and knowledge empowerment, describing his efforts as revolutionary. Under his leadership, libraries across Oyo State have witnessed remarkable upgrades, ensuring that residents, especially students and researchers, have access to quality learning resources. This commitment aligns with the Governor’s broader agenda of promoting literacy and lifelong learning as catalysts for societal advancement.

Hon. Yemi Taiwo, Chairman of the Oyo State Library Board, praised the Governor’s resilience in overcoming governance challenges while maintaining focus on delivering people-centered projects. He noted that the Governor’s ability to navigate complex issues with wisdom and determination has been instrumental in sustaining the state’s growth trajectory.

In his remarks, Mr. Awotona Samuel Olukayode, the State Librarian, expressed gratitude for the Governor’s consistent support for the library system. He emphasized that the administration’s policies have not only revitalized public libraries but also integrated digital learning tools, making information more accessible to underserved communities.

As Governor Makinde marks this milestone, the Oyo State Library Board reaffirmed its commitment to supporting his vision for an enlightened and empowered citizenry. The Board pledged to continue collaborating with the government to enhance educational initiatives and expand library services to all corners of the state.

The statement also acknowledged the Governor’s humility and approachability, qualities that have endeared him to public servants and civil society organizations alike. His open-door policy and willingness to engage with stakeholders have fostered a culture of transparency and accountability in governance.

Looking ahead, the Board expressed optimism that the Governor’s next phase of leadership would bring even greater achievements. It called on citizens to continue supporting the administration as it works towards fulfilling its promises and elevating Oyo State to new heights of prosperity.

The congratulatory message concluded with prayers for divine wisdom, good health, and continued success for Governor Makinde as he steers the affairs of the state. The Board joined millions of well-wishers across Oyo State in celebrating this historic milestone and wishing the Governor more years of impactful service.

 

WASSCE Tragedy: Ibadan Book Club Demands Justice for Student Killed by Police Bullet

 

WASSCE TRAGEDY: IBADAN BOOK CLUB DEMANDS JUSTICE FOR STUDENT KILLED BY POLICE BULLET

 

Ibadan Book Club has strongly condemned the tragic killing of a student in Ibadan, Oyo State, who was struck by a stray bullet fired by a police officer while on his way to sit for the West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE).

The shocking incident has sparked widespread grief and anger among residents, stakeholders in the education sector, and the general public.

The deceased, a promising student whose identity has not been officially disclosed, was reportedly inside his father’s car en route to his examination centre when the fatal shot was fired. According to eyewitnesses, the bullet was discharged by a member of the Nigerian Police Force under circumstances that remain unclear and highly condemnable.

In a press release issued in Ibadan on Tuesday by the founder of the Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, the group described the incident as a senseless and avoidable tragedy that stressed the continued lack of accountability and professionalism within the Nigerian police force. "The loss of such a young, promising life in this manner is heartbreaking and unacceptable," Adedoyin stated.

The Club noted that the death of the student is not only a personal tragedy for the family but also a national shame that further erodes public trust in the security agencies meant to protect citizens. “This student had a future ahead, dreams to chase, and a life to build. His journey was cut short not by fate, but by the carelessness of those paid to safeguard lives,” the statement read.

Ibadan Book Club called on the Oyo State Government and the Nigerian Police Force to launch a full-scale investigation into the matter, identify the officer involved, and ensure that justice is served swiftly. "The era of impunity must end. We cannot continue to bury our children because of institutional recklessness," Adedoyin emphasized.

The Club also extended its condolences to the bereaved family, urging them to stay strong in the face of their unimaginable loss. "Our hearts go out to the family of the deceased. We mourn with you, and we demand that his death will not be in vain," the statement added.

As a community of intellectuals, readers, and writers, Ibadan Book Club further called on civil society groups, educational bodies, and human rights organizations to rise in protest and demand urgent reforms in Nigeria’s policing system, especially regarding how officers are trained in handling firearms and engaging with the public.

“This tragic death must serve as a wake-up call to our leaders. Our students should be nurtured, protected, and supported—not gunned down on their way to examinations. We owe them a better country,” the statement stressed.

The Club also urged the National Human Rights Commission and other relevant agencies to monitor the case closely and ensure that the rights of the victim’s family are protected, and that fair compensation is awarded. Nothing can bring back the lost life, but justice and accountability can bring some form of solace and prevent future occurrences.

In closing, Ibadan Book Club reaffirmed its commitment to advocating for justice, equity, and human rights and called for urgent national dialogue on how to protect the lives and aspirations of Nigerian youth, particularly students whose future must never again be stolen by the bullets of state actors.

 

Adebolu, Omeiza To Headline May Edition of Ibadan Book Talk

 ADEBOLU, OMEIZA TO HEADLINE MAY EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK TALK

The Ibadan Book Club (IBC) has announced that two distinguished Ibadan-based literary voices, Goodness Adebolu (popularly known by her pen name, Ola Chi) and Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza, will headline the May edition of its monthly literary event, Ibadan Book Talk. 

Scheduled for Saturday, May 31, 2025, the event will hold at the Board Room of the Oyo State Library Board, opposite Cocoa House, Dugbe, Ibadan, beginning promptly at 12:00 PM.

The announcement was contained in a statement issued by the Founder of Ibadan Book Club, Wole Adedoyin, who expressed great enthusiasm about the event and its featured guests. He described the upcoming edition as “a celebration of both emerging and established literary voices,” adding that Adebolu and Omeiza “represent the vibrancy and diversity of Nigeria’s evolving literary landscape.”

This edition of Ibadan Book Talk is being organized in collaboration with the Redeemed Writers Network (REDNET) and Global Word Crafters (GLOWCRAFT)—two literary bodies committed to promoting creative writing and literary excellence. The partnership is expected to strengthen the local literary community and provide more opportunities for engagement, dialogue, and artistic collaboration among writers, poets, artists, and readers.

Goodness Adebolu, known by her pen name Ola Chi, is an international ESL teacher, playwright, blogger, and author. A literary enthusiast from a young age, she credits her parents for nurturing her love for books and storytelling. Her storytelling journey began early, culminating in recognition when her short story Adizah won third runner-up in the Princewill Okigbo Short Story Prize in 2019.

Ola Chi’s work is known for its emotional depth and engaging narratives. Her short story The News is currently available on Amazon. In addition to her writing, she is an active member of the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Oyo State Chapter, and a British Council-trained teacher trainee.

Joining her as a co-headliner is the prodigious Abdulrazaq Godwin Omeiza, a Senior Secondary School 2 student of Government College Ibadan. An emerging voice in poetry and prose, Omeiza is fast gaining recognition for his talent and literary vision. He recently emerged as the winner of the Dr. Wale Okediran at 70 National Poetry Competition, a testament to his growing influence in literary circles.

Omeiza’s poetry explores themes of nature, transformation, memory, and the human condition, drawing deeply from his surroundings, school life, and mentors. His literary inspirations include prominent figures like Prof. Wole Soyinka, Prof. Niyi Osundare, and his own teachers—Mrs. Sobo Olajumoyimikaakiri, Mr. Omotosho Seun, and Mr. Ogundare Abiodun—who have significantly shaped his writing path.

As Ibadan Book Talk continues to build its reputation as a literary hub in the southwest region, this May edition promises to be a memorable and enriching experience for attendees. Writers, readers, students, and lovers of art are invited to attend and engage with the featured guests in a celebration of literature, creativity, and community spirit.

For inquiries and participation, interested attendees can contact the Ibadan Book Club via 08072673852, woleadedoyin@gmail.com. Admission is free, and all are welcome.

Images From The April Edition Of Ibadan Book Talk

 

IMAGES FROM THE APRIL EDITION OF IBADAN BOOK TALK