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N24bn Monthly Salaries Drive Oyo’s Economic Stability — Gov. Seyi Makinde

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Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, has stated that his administration has maintained economic stability by ensuring the monthly payment of approximately “N24 billion” in salaries to state and local government employees.

Makinde shared this information on Sunday when a group of “Muslim clerics,” “traditional rulers,” and “political officeholders” visited his “Ikolaba, Ibadan” residence after attending “Eid-el-Fitri” prayers at the “Agodi Eid Ground.”

According to a statement from his media adviser, “Sulaimon Olanrewaju,” the governor emphasized that his administration’s dedication to economic growth has attracted private sector investments to the state.

The governor stated, “My prayer has always been that this state will never go back to those periods, because if we have patience, all the things we want will be achieved.”

He further added, “One of those things we desire is economic stability in our state. Now, every four weeks, “N24 billion” gets into the economy of “Oyo State” through workers’ salaries. The wage bill of the state is now around “N14 billion,” while that of the local government is about “N10 billion.”

“Similarly, on the private sector side, a lot of people are now comfortable coming and investing in this state, and we have seen quite a lot of investments. Yesterday, we were at the “Ijaiye Farm Settlement” because of the “Farmers’ Wholesale Market” that is coming in there. I went there to inspect the place, and you will be surprised that in that settlement, we have “27,000 hectares” of land. We have asked them to carve out just “3,000 hectares” out of the “27,000” for that project.”

He urged residents to maintain peace and unity, emphasizing that development flourishes in a stable environment.

He said, “Let me also use the opportunity to say one or two things. When we cast our minds back to “2007,” a lot of things have happened since then. We can all see here how our people from different “political parties” went for the prayer at the “Eid Ground,” and everyone came together and came to greet me as the governor.

“We used to have the opposite of this in this state back then. You would hear people say before “Eid” that this one should not come and that one should not come.

“We passed through those periods and we saw the result and effects and we can compare them with what is obtained now. When we have an atmosphere of unity and live in peace with ourselves, there will be development and progress. That is what we are witnessing in the state today.”

The delegation, led by “Deputy Governor, Bayo Lawal,” included the “Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Ladoja,” “Senator representing Oyo South, Chief Sharafadeen Alli,” “former Deputy Governor and the Peoples Democratic Party Deputy National Chairman, Taofeek Arapaja,” and “Kamil Oloso,” among others.

The governor congratulated the “Muslim Ummah” on the successful completion of “Ramadan” and the celebration of “Eid-el-Fitri 2025.”

He praised them for their prayers, patriotism, and dedication to the state, as well as their support for his administration. He noted that the economic stability and progress being experienced in the state result from the peace and harmony among its residents.

Makinde encouraged all citizens to continue fostering this environment, emphasizing that every positive change they desire for the state is dependent on maintaining peace and unity.

“Let me also say this: “political office holders” across the country should do their best to improve things because it has been a difficult and challenging period for the people, but as they say, tough times don’t last, only tough people do,” he added.

Delivering a message from the “Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Owolabi Olakulehin,” the “Otun Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Ladoja,” urged the people to remain patient, steadfast, and hopeful despite any challenges.

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Obasa Hails ‘Jandor’s’ Return To The APC

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Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has hailed the return of former Peoples Democratic Party governorship candidate in the 2023 election, Abdul-Azeez Adediran, popularly known as Jandor, to the All Progressives Congress, describing it as a positive development and a major boost for the ruling party in Lagos.

Speaker Obasa, who hosted Jandor on Tuesday at his official residence in Ikeja GRA, expressed excitement over his return to the APC, describing it as the only political platform that truly reflects the aspirations of Lagosians, and indeed, Nigerians.

“We are happy to have you back. This is a very good move,” Obasa said, assuring Jandor of full reintegration and collaboration in the party’s collective pursuit of good governance. The Speaker further praised Jandor for his courage and conviction, stressing that the APC’s inclusive structure provides the right platform for unity and development.

Responding, Jandor, who returned officially to the APC fold in March, thanked Obasa for the warm reception and pledged his commitment to working with the APC for the benefit of Lagos State and Nigeria because, “It is only through unity of purpose, shared sacrifice, and responsible leadership that we can secure a brighter and more prosperous future for every Nigerian.

He also lauded President Bola Tinubu’s recent tax reforms, saying, “Though demanding, the President’s reforms are courageous steps toward re-engineering our economy and laying a firm foundation for progress and prosperity.”

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Stop Giving Money To Miscreants, Lagos Tells Celebrities, Influencers — Says It Fuels Insecurity, Environmental Problems

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The Lagos State Government has cautioned celebrities, social media influencers, and residents against giving money to street miscreants, warning that such actions worsen insecurity and environmental issues.

Tokunbo Wahab, the commissioner for environment and water resources, issued the warning in a statement posted on X on Tuesday.

“Celebrities, influencers, and even well-meaning Lagosians must stop giving money to these miscreants. Each time you hand them cash, you are not solving their problem; you are encouraging them to stay on the streets, emboldening them to multiply, and reinforcing a cycle of lawlessness,” Wahab wrote.

He added that what many regard as an act of kindness complicates enforcement and creates broader security challenges.

His remarks followed a complaint by a resident, Olukayode Ajenifuja, who reported harassment along the Lekki-Epe Expressway. Ajenifuja urged the state to deploy the Lagos State Neighborhood Watch to curb extortion, assault, and intimidation by homeless boys and teenagers in the area.

The warning also came after a viral video showed touts and luxury car content creators chasing a convoy believed to be carrying Afrobeats star Burna Boy, attempting to solicit money while recording content. The singer’s security team prevented them from reaching his car.

Wahab said the state government is committed to tackling the menace but urged residents to support the efforts by refusing to encourage the miscreants.

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Leave Before Visa Expires Or We’ll Remove You — UK Warns Foreign Students

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The United Kingdom has warned international students whose visas have expired to leave the country or risk deportation.

The Home Office, in a new enforcement campaign, said it has begun sending direct text and email messages to students, marking the first time such a measure is being applied.

According to the BBC, about 10,000 students whose visas are due to expire have already received the messages, while tens of thousands more will be contacted in the coming months.

The message from the Home Office reads: “If you have no legal right to remain in the UK, you must leave. If you don’t, we will remove you.”

The agency also warned that asylum claims considered “lacking merit” would be swiftly rejected.

Data released by the Home Office showed that between July 2024 and June 2025, a total of 41,100 asylum claims were lodged by people who had entered the UK legally on visas, with students making up the largest share.

Figures indicated that international students filed 16,000 asylum claims in 2024, almost six times the number recorded in 2020. Although the number has since dropped by about 10 percent, the British government said it expects a further reduction.

The department noted that asylum claims by skilled worker visa holders have decreased within the same period.

Earlier this year, the UK government reduced the period foreign graduates can remain in the country after completing their studies, cutting it from two years to 18 months.

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