Makinde approves ₦25m compensation for state anthem composers

Estimated reading time: 2 minutes

The Oyo State Government has approved ₦25 million as compensation for the composers of the state anthem, Asiwaju Ni Wa.

Governor Seyi Makinde, who announced the compensation after the Executive Council Meeting on Tuesday, commended former First Lady, Mrs. Florence Ajimobi’s foresight and initiative in bringing the anthem to life.

The Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Prince Dotun Oyelade, disclosed this in a statement on Wednesday. According to Oyelade, the composers will also receive parcels of land, and have streets named after them, and a documentary will be produced on the anthem’s history by the Ministry of Information and Orientation.

Oyelade added that Asiwaju Ni Wa became the official anthem of the state about a decade ago without any form of compensation for the composers, which led to the council setting up a committee last year.

ALSO READ

• Debo Macaroni debuts ‘engagement’ photos with Mummy Wa
• Tinubu inaugurates National Assembly library, calls for collective action on unity
• IPOB bans Nigerian anthem in S’East schools
• How Naira depreciated over the past four years — NBS
• Lagos-Calabar Highway: Here is all you need to know about this project

In addition to this, Oyelade announced the review of promotions for 1,629 state workers, including nurses who were affected by administrative errors during the 2017 to 2020 promotion exercise.

Furthermore, the council approved the reinstatement of 47 civil servants wrongfully dismissed by the previous administration, as requested by the state’s Head of Service, Mrs. Olubunmi Oni.

Oyelade added that124 workers who were sacked in 2012 have also been pardoned, while the dismissal of 823 workers accused of submitting fake certificates was upheld.

Additionally, 180 workers employed just before the last administration’s exit in 2019 had their termination approved.