We received a delegation from the European Union (EU) led by the Ambassador to Nigeria and ECOWAS, His Excellency Gautier Mignot which included Prof Leila Ben Amor Mathieu. Our discussions centred on the ongoing partnership between the EU and Oyo State.
Specific areas of cooperation discussed include Climate Smart Agriculture under the Global Gateway Investment Strategy as the EU has interests in the value chain in the dairy and cocoa sectors. We also discussed ongoing collaborations on Education, Social Protection and the fight against Gender-Based Violence and future collaborations on Tourism.
All in all, we had a very productive meeting and look forward to strengthening our partnerships for the benefit of our citizens. I also had a private meeting with the ambassador afterwards.
We received an entourage led by Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command, Abubakar Abdul Suleh who represented the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Vice Marshal Sunday Kelvin Aneke on a courtesy visit today. The visit gave us an opportunity to appreciate the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) for their assistance especially during the current security challenge in Oyo State.
Earlier today, I signed Executive Order No. 2 of 2026 on the Regulation and Enforcement of Vehicle Registration and Traffic Management in Oyo State to enhance security across our State. This includes a restriction on the operations of commercial motorcycle operators, popularly known as Okada riders between the hours of 10:30 p.m. and 5:30 a.m. throughout Oyo State.
In my remarks, I restated our commitment to ensuring the safe return of our children and teachers who were abducted from Oriire LGA. I said that we may not be able to disclose every step being taken because of the sensitive nature of the operations involved, but asked our people not to mistake our silence for inaction. Read my full remarks here https://t.co/hxGvtRNAWE
Today we visited Oriire LGA to meet with the family members of children and teachers that were abducted about two weeks ago. After listening to them, I gave them the assurance that we are doing everything humanly possible to ensure the safe return of those who were kidnapped, and that by the grace of God, they will be reunited with their loved ones very soon.
We handed over 100 operational vehicles to the Oyo Amotekun Corps this afternoon. Our administration remains committed to ensuring that we support Amotekun who are working collaboratively with other security agencies to keep our dear state safe and secure.
Earlier today, in order to comply with the deadline set by INEC, the Allied Peoples’ Movement (APM) conducted primaries for elective posts at all levels for Oyo State as well as the presidency. Let me once again, congratulate all those who emerged as candidates of APM, including Bimbo Adekanmbi, the governorship candidate.
In my remarks, I once again gave the assurance to parents whose children have been abducted and family members of the teachers that they will return safely. This is a very tough period for me personally and for our State.
I also talked about the fact that security is one of the major pillars of our administration. This is why we worked with other South West Governors to establish the Western Nigeria Security Network codenamed Amotekun as a stopgap measure in the absence of State police.
The Houses of Assembly in all States in South West except Lagos State passed the law which led to the creation of Amotekun. And despite the fact that the Federal Government has not permitted Amotekun to be properly armed, they continue to support other security agencies to secure our States.
We are grateful to Oyo State Amotekun and all security agencies that continue to put in the work to secure our dear State.
This evening, we met with service commanders and heads of security agencies in Oyo State to receive an update on the kidnapping incident in Oriire LGA.
Afterwards, I held a press briefing. Watch.
I heard Seyi Makinde carries his own bag. He doesn’t have a house in Lagos or anywhere outside Ibadan. I hope Peter Obi, being a statesman, will step down for someone like Makinde—meets the southern candidate criteria too—who is much younger and has the recency bias capacity for good leadership.
Makinde continued the Flood management project he inherited from Ajimọbi, Ajimọbi did 2 projects, one out of which is unfinished, Makinde completed 23 flood management projects in his first term and they have saved us from perennial flooding we used to witness.
PSM is UP