From Promise to Reality: Makinde Changes Oluwadaisi Cheshire's Life with New Home

I Never Thought I Would Become a Landlord, Let Alone Own a Big House Like This”, Says Recipient

There was excitement in Moniya on Monday as Oyo State Governor, Seyi Makinde, fulfilled his promise by handing over the key to a new house and a wheelchair to Mr. Babatunde Oluwadaisi Isiah Chesire, a person with disability.

The symbolic presentation was done at the new house located behind King’s College, Moniya by the Director General of Oyo State Agency for Persons with Disabilities, OYPWD, Barr. Ayodele Adekanmbi, alongside the Executive Assistant on Disability Matters, Hon. Olufemi Timothy, who signed as witness.

Governor Makinde had in January publicly promised to provide shelter for Mr Ikudaisi Shesire after he solicited for help during the “Oyo at 50” programme for persons with disabilities at Omololu park, Airport Junction.

Oluwadaisi Chesire, who has been on a wheelchair for several years, said he was chased out of his former residence in Moniya with his wife and children.

While commending the gesture, Barr. Adekanmbi, who supported the family with cash, described the presentation as the fulfillment of a promise and the restoration of a life.

He said: “Today is not simply the presentation of a house and a wheelchair; it is the fulfilment of a promise and the proof that compassionate governance finds its highest expression in restoring dignity where life once knew limitation.

“Governor Seyi Makinde's noble gesture reminds us that the greatness of leadership is measured not by the height of its promises, but by the depth of its fulfilment. A house offers security, a wheelchair restores mobility, but together they proclaim that every life deserves hope, inclusion, and purpose.

“This enduring legacy of inclusive governance stands as a testament that in Oyo State, no citizen is invisible and no disability diminishes human worth.”

Barr. Adekanmbi however urged Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire to preserve the house as a legacy and warned against selling it. 

He added that the agency, under the leadership of Governor Makinde, would continue to support persons with disabilities in the state.

In his own brief remarks, Hon. Olufemi Timothy also described the gesture as a great opportunity and appreciated the governor for his consistent support.

This is not the first time he has been doing this for us. Many people have benefited from this government through job opportunities, cars, lands, and empowerment”.

“The Governor has also made us relevant in his government. We are praying that he will become President of the country to further advance the benefits being enjoyed by persons with disabilities under his leadership,” he said. 

An emotional Oluwadaisi Chesire, in tears of joy, prayed for Governor Makinde, saying “I never thought I would become a landlord, let alone own a big house like this”.

Narrating his ordeal of being abandoned by his parents in Ogbomoso since childhood, Mr Oluwadaisi Chesire said Makinde remains the only Oyo governor who has shown genuine love to persons with disabilities.

Makinde's Infrastructure Revolution Set to Position Oyo as a Global Investment Hub — Economic Expert

Economic expert Olatunji Smith Balogun has praised Governor Seyi Makinde for what he described as a bold infrastructure revolution that is strategically positioning Oyo State as one of Nigeria's most attractive destinations for foreign investment.

According to Balogun, the ongoing construction of the Ibadan Circular Road and the transformation of the Ibadan Airport into an international airport are not just developmental projects but long-term economic investments that will reshape the state's commercial landscape and open new opportunities for investors across the globe.

He explained that such visionary infrastructure projects would improve connectivity, boost trade, attract multinational businesses, create employment opportunities, and strengthen Oyo State's competitiveness in both national and international markets.

Balogun maintained that only a leader with foresight and a long-term vision would commit significant resources to projects that may not yield immediate political rewards but will benefit generations to come.

Drawing from history, the economist compared Governor Makinde's leadership approach to that of his late father, Dr. Ganiyu Kolawole Balogun (GKB), the pioneer chairman of the Ibadan Municipal Government (IMG) between 1976 and 1979.

He recalled that his father faced intense criticism after initiating major road construction projects across Labiran and Oke-Are, yet those roads remain vital transport routes decades later.

"When my late father started road construction across Labiran and Oke-Are, he was heavily criticised by people who could not see beyond the present. Today, those roads continue to serve thousands of residents daily. Governor Makinde is facing similar criticism because he is building for the future. History has shown that visionary leadership is often misunderstood before it is appreciated."

Balogun urged residents of Oyo State to support developmental initiatives that prioritise sustainable economic growth over short-term political interests, stressing that the governor's infrastructure agenda has the potential to transform Oyo into a leading investment destination in West Africa.

He concluded that history will ultimately judge leaders by the lasting impact of their projects, noting that Governor Makinde's legacy is steadily being defined by strategic investments capable of driving economic prosperity for decades to come.

2027: Why Oyo South Needs Odidiomo – A Voice for Innovation, ICT, and Inclusive Representation

As the countdown to the 2027 general elections begins, the people of Oyo South Senatorial District are looking beyond promises—they are looking for visionary leadership, innovation, and a representative who understands the demands of a rapidly changing world.

Odidiomo has emerged as a candidate whose message emphasizes the importance of technology, youth empowerment, and inclusive development. At a time when Information and Communication Technology (ICT) is transforming economies around the world, Oyo South deserves a senator who recognizes that digital innovation is key to creating jobs, improving education, supporting businesses, and opening new opportunities for young people.

From promoting digital literacy to advocating for improved internet infrastructure, ICT hubs, innovation centres, and technology-driven entrepreneurship, Odidiomo's campaign highlights the need to prepare Oyo South for the future.

But beyond technology, leadership is about being accessible, accountable, and committed to the people. Every community deserves a representative who listens, engages, and works tirelessly to ensure that the voices of the people are heard at the national level.

The 2027 election is more than a political contest—it is an opportunity to choose the direction of Oyo South for the years ahead. It is a chance to invest in leadership that values education, economic growth, youth development, women empowerment, and sustainable progress.

If you believe in a future driven by innovation, opportunity, and effective representation, then your vote is your strongest tool for making that vision a reality.

Support Odidiomo for Oyo South Senatorial District.

Vote for visionary leadership. Vote for innovation. Vote for ICT development. Vote for progress. Vote Odidiomo in the 2027 General Elections.

Together, let's build an Oyo South where every community has a voice, every young person has an opportunity, and every vote counts.

Why I stopped attending church — AY Comedian

Nigerian comedian and actor Ayo Makun, popularly known as AY, has questioned the role of the church after revealing that he was removed from participating in a church programme over concerns about public perception.

In a video shared on his Instagram page, the comedian said he stepped away from church for a period, not because he had lost his faith In God, but because he was dealing with a difficult personal season following negative narratives about him online.

AY explained that he later joined another church, where he was warmly received by the pastor, his family and members of the church leadership.

According to him, he was initially invited to take part in one of the church’s upcoming programmes before the decision was reversed.

“At some point, I was invited to be part of an upcoming programme. Later, after some internal discussions, I was told I would no longer be participating because of concerns about public perception surrounding me.

“I respected the decision, but I left with a question. When did public opinion become stronger than one’s relationship with the altar and faith?” he said.

The comedian said the experience prompted him to reflect on what the church truly represents, arguing that regardless of whether the allegations against him were true or false, the church should remain a place of grace, truth and restoration.

AY also reaffirmed his Christian faith, referencing Jesus’ invitation to those who are weary and burdened.

“He didn’t say, ‘Come after everyone has accepted your story.’ He said, ‘Come.’ No matter what you’re going through, just come. Even the Bible says all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God,” he added.

He concluded by posing a question to his followers and fellow Christians.

Dates, time, places ‘dreaded’ Oloolu masquerade will visit in Ibadan from tomorrow

The Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja, recently issued a statement warning residents and visitors to Ibadan, particularly women, to avoid the most popular masquerade in the city, known as Oloolu.

The monarch, in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Chief Ayoade Olugbemiga, the annual Egungun Oloolu festival will commence on Monday, 27th and end on Thursday, 30th July 2026, with the masquerade coming out every day for that period.

Tribune Online gathered that the Oloolu masquerade will be out every day by 4pm till dawn from Monday till Thursday.

However, the palace in the statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Olubadan of Ibadanland, Chief Ayoade Solomon Olugbemiga, and made available to Tribune Online, warned that it’s a taboo for women to see or cross paths with Oloolu.

“It is a taboo for women to see Oloolu Masquerade; consequently, women are thoroughly advised to avoid the Masquerade at all costs and not cross his paths in their own interest,” the palace warned.

Ahead of this popular Egungun festival in the ancient city of Ibadan, Tribune Online takes a look at the places the popular masquerade will visit during the period of the festival.

Oloolu will on Monday offer prayers for Olubadan, his council members, indigenes, residents and Ibadanland as a whole, and later visit the Otun Olubadan Oba (Sir)) Eddy Oyewole’s residence at Foko Area of Ibadan the same day.

On Tuesday, Oloolu will visit His Excellency the Executive Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Seyi Makinde at Government House, Agodi, Ibadan; he will later visit Aliiwo, Yemetu, Oje Market, Isale -Afa, Oke Aremo, Popo – Yemoja, Bode Market, Molete, Isale-Ijebu, Elekuro, Kobomoje and then to Oranmiyan.

On Wednesday 29th July, Oloolu will visit Ojagbo, Alafara Olubadan, Ita-Bale, Ogboriefon, Labo, Kobomoje.

On Thursday 30th July, which is the last day of the Oloolu Masquerade festival celebration for this year, the masquerade will visit Ile – Aperin, Agugu, Iyana Idi-Iroko, Awotunde Jegede, Itamerin-Gangansi, Babanla.

The monarch cautioned Oloolu and its worshippers against violence, while also calling on the law enforcement agents to be alive to their responsibility of safety of life, property and reduction of crimes that used to characterize Oloolu Masquerade Festival.

The statement further described the Oloolu Masquerade Festival as an Ibadan annual event to entertain and appease the gods and goddesses of Ibadanland to bless, guarantee peace, promote unity, and progress of Ibadanland.