Monarch praises independence for Oyo travel document office

n n

The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Akeem Owoade, on Friday described the establishment of a passport office in Oyo as essential, saying it decentralises critical government services, eliminates long-distance travel to state capitals, reduces overcrowding at regional centres, and stimulates grassroots economic and social development.

n

According to a statement issued by his Director of Media and Publicity, Bode Durojaiye, in Ibadan, Oyo State, Oba Owoade made the remarks through a high-powered delegation led by a member of the Oyo Traditional Council (Oyo Mesi), High Chief Asimiyu Atanda, during a visit to the Oyo Passport Office to felicitate its management on the autonomy granted to the office, allowing it to operate independently of the Ibadan Passport Office.

n

Until recently, the Oyo Passport Office operated as an appendage of the Ibadan Passport Office.

n

With the new development, the name of the Oyo Passport Office will appear on international passports processed in Oyo.

n

The paramount ruler said, “The office would bring biometric capture and documentation services closer to rural or semi-urban residents, saving travel time and transport costs.

n

“It would also alleviate massive workloads and long queues at central state or regional passport headquarters, increase local commercial activities as travellers from neighbouring towns visit the city for administrative processing, as well as create jobs directly through facility staffing and indirectly via local micro-businesses that support office visitors.”

n

Earlier, the Chief Passport Officer of the Oyo Passport Office, Assistant Controller of Immigration Oladejo David, who appreciated the visit by the Alaafin’s delegation, said the achievement would not have been possible without the efforts of the monarch and the support of prominent indigenes of Oyo, particularly Alhaji Daud Igi Ogun.

n

David solicited the support of the Alaafin in creating awareness among residents to patronise the Oyo Passport Office instead of travelling to Ibadan or Ilorin.

n

He promised, “The Oyo Passport Office would serve the people better as it would be faster to get their passports.”

n

Members of the delegation included the Director of Administration to the Alaafin, Prince Adesola Sanda, and a renowned Islamic scholar, Alhaji Daud Igi Ogun.

n n