Politics

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has urged key stakeholders in his administration to be innovative, diligent, prudent as well shun every form of corrupt practices which can have negative impact on the people of the State.

Governor Adeleke made the call at a 3 day Strategic Retreat and On-boarding Programme for political office holders and key stakeholders of Osun State comprising Commissioners, Special Advisers, and Permanent Secretaries in Ede.

The Governor speaking on the theme “Setting a New Tone for Osun State”, maintained that his administration was poised on 5 point agenda which include workers welfare, boosting businesses and revive the State economy, through the introduction of policies that will enhance State GDP.

He noted that his government appreciated local suppliers and plan to expand local economy by avoiding importation of contractors and services from outside the State to avoid the mistakes made by past administration.

He advised the political appointees and permanent secretaries to avoid infighting and work within the public service rules as a team to achieve the desired goals.

Governor Adeleke, who commended the State House of Assembly under the leadership of the Speaker, Mr. Adewale Egbedun for supporting his administration, tasked the Ministries and Agencies of government to carry various House Committees along in their activities, adding, the three arms of government must work together for the success of his administration.

Delivering his paper, the lead consultant, Dr. Dare Victor, stated that for Governor Adeleke to achieve his goals, all hands must be on deck to ensure the quick transformation of the State.

He noted that, Osun is blessed with mineral resources which can make the State rich, urging the stakeholders to resist slothfulness and be dedicated to service to help the State grow.

In his goodwill message, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin noted that governance is difficult but can be managed through capable hands.

Earlier in his address of welcome, the State Head of Service, Mr. Ayanleye Aina advised the participants to work together for the fulfilment of the 5 point agenda of the Governor, urging them to prioritize public service rules, interest, integrity in their dealings.

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Labour

By Funmi Adekoya 

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has approved the payment of another batch of half salary debt alongside the state workers’ July salary.

This according to a statement by Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed is in line with his pledge to pay up salary debt in the state public service.

The fresh payment makes it the third time the Governor will pay the half salary debt in line with the template issued early this year to pay the debt on a quarterly basis.

The administration has paid that of the first and second quarters while workers will receive the third quarter payment alongside their July salary.

Governor Adeleke had during the electioneering campaign promised to pay the salary debt on installments basis which his administration inherited about 26 billion naira in half salary debt and about 50 billion naira in pension related debt from the previous government.

Commenting on the approval, the Governor restated his commitment to the faithful implementation of the template for the payment of the inherited salary debt, adding that the template is a consensus among all stakeholders on how to exit the half salary rope.

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News

By Funmi Adekoya

In order to strengthen the governance in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has appointed 30 Special Advisers, out of which 10 are of cabinet member rank.

This is sequel to securing approval for five more Special Advisers in addition to the previously approved 25 Special Advisers.

A statement by Governor’s Spokesperson Mallam Olawale Rasheed indicates that the inauguration of Advisers, Board Chairmen and Vice Chairmen will take place tomorrow by 10am at the Local Government Service Commission, Government Secretariat, Osogbo.

The statement adds that the portfolios of the Special Advisers are to be announced during the inauguration.

The newly appointed Special Advisers are as follows:

1. Azeez Badmus 

2. Hon. Mosudi Yakubu

3. Femi Carena

4. Hon. Stephen Akanfe Atidade

5. Dr. Adekunle Akindele

6. Mr. Tunde Balogun 

7. Mr. Eniola Odeniyi 

8. Alhaji Muniru Adebayo Raji

9. Mr. Goddey Olijeh

10. Mr. Seyi Babatunde

11. Hon. Kamoru Ajisafe

12. Sunday Komolafe 

13. Tope Victor Anjorin

14. Princess Oyeboade Rashidat Oyewale Afolabi 

15. Odelade Sarafat OLanrewaju

16. Hon Moji Omisore

17. Nurudeen Emiloju

18. Hon. Ropo Oyewole

19. Hon. Emiola Fakeye

20. Hon. Yemi Ayodele

21. Bankole Omisore 

22. Mrs. Halid Sekina Temilade

23. Hashim Abioye Esq

24. Ajetunmobi Akinwale 

25. Alhaja Hawa Ahmed

26. Durojaiye Isaac Kolawole

27. Princess Adebimpe Koyi

28. Alhaji Abiodun Olaniran

29. Alhaji Adam Akintunde Akindere

30. Mallam Olawale Rasheed

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Environment

By Adenitan Akinola/Funmi Adekoya

Properties worth millions of Naira have been destroyed as massive flood hit Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of Osun State, on Saturday.

It was gathered that a heavy downpour witnessed in the community led to the flooding.

 The rain according to report started around 8am on Saturday and lasted several hours.

The affected areas in the town included; Oja-Ale, Atoto, Naira and Kobo junction, Fulani, Mateba, UNIOSUN Road, Campus area and many others.

The flood was reported to have sacked over 100 residents, shops, students hostels, destroyed farmlands and killed livestock among other things.

Some belongings of the victims including buses and other valuables were sighted floating on the water, as residents struggled to save their children from drowning.

Commuters on the Ikire – Ibadan express way were stranded as the flood restricted vehicular movements,while some vehicles that dared it got stuck in the flood.

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has expressed his sympathy with the people of Ikire in the flood disaster that wrecked havoc in the town, assuring the people of his government’s commitment to address the root cause of the flood and the fast tracking of the ongoing state flood prevention plan.

In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said his administration had previously embarked on prevention actions and initiatives, citing the massive rainfall as cause of the sad event.

He said his administration had activated emergency measures to rescue people and livelihoods affected by the flood, assuring victims of the incident that the government will do all in its capacity to support them.

The Governor said he had directed the Commissioner for Environment to take necessary steps to address the root cause of the flooding so as to forestall future occurrence.

Governor Adeleke, who urged the people of Ikire and Osun to be rest assured that his government would mobilize every resources to confront flooding and keep them and their properties safe, advised them to stop the practice of dumping refuse on water ways among other factors that could cause flooding.

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News

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has issued a directive for the immediate payment of pension entitlement as planned in the template released earlier this year.

This was aimed at the government’s plan to enroll contributory pensioners in the state health insurance scheme.

The Governor, according to a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, stated this while receiving pensioners’ leaders who paid him a sallah visit at his country home in Ede, Osun state.

He noted that, the template released earlier this year on clearing of outstanding salaries and pensions is still in force and subsequently directed the Head of Service to fast track the implementation by ensuring the payment of the pension arrears in line with the approved template.

The Governor maintained that, his administration is prioritizing workers’ welfare which covers in-service and out of service workers, assuring the pensioners that, they are not and cannot be forgotten.

He added that, said his administration’s pro-pensioners plan, is almost finalizing a plan to enroll the pensioners under the state health insurance scheme to address their health needs.

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Religion

By Iyabo Adebisi

Governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde has felicitated the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and across the country on the occasion of the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.

The governor congratulated all residents of the state on witnessing the 10th day of Dhul-Hijjah 1444 A.H., marking the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir, praying to Allah (SWT) to accept the worship and sacrifices of the Muslim Ummah across the country. 

Governor Makinde, who appreciated the Muslims for their support and prayers during the four years of Omituntun 1.0, called on them to continue to pray for his administration, the state and Nigeria.

According to the governor, the continued peace and prosperity of Oyo State and the success of his government are hinged on the prayers and support of the people.

The governor maintained that once the people continue to support his administration, the government would be able to deliver on its commitment to move the state to greater heights through the action plans highlighted in his Roadmap for Sustainable Development, 2023-2027.

He said: “I use this occasion to congratulate the Muslim Ummah in Oyo State and, indeed, all residents of the state on witnessing the 2023 Eid-el-Kabir.

“I appreciate their prayers and support over the years and call for more prayers and support as we work round the clock to improve the lives of our people and deliver sustainable development as promised during the electioneering.

“My prayer is that Allah (SWT) will accept the act of worship and sacrifices of our Muslim brothers and sisters. “Barka De Sallah.”

Funmi Adekoya 

Similarly, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated the Muslim faithful and entire Osun citizens on the occasion of the Eid-el-Kabir celebration. 

The governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, extolled the citizens of the state for their exemplary good virtues while urging them to use the occasion of the celebration to rededicate themselves to their creator.

He urged Muslims to use the occasion to spread love through cheerful giving, identifying obedience as key to unlocking the unending grace of Allah.

Governor Adeleke restated the determination of his administration to create a just, harmonious and prosperous state for all and sundry, stressing that a better Osun state beckons under him.

The governor, who stressed the importance of harmony, enjoined the people of Osun state to tolerate one another and live peacefully, noting that development and progress are only possible in a peaceful environment.

He called on Muslim faithful to use the occasion of the Eid ul Adha celebration to renew a sense of sacrifice and brotherhood, saying the lesson inherent in the act of Prophet Ibrahim (ASWM) is that there is reward in obedience.

Governor Ademola Adeleke encouraged the Muslim ummah to exhibit the lessons of Eid-el-Kabir which includes, Faith, patience, love and sacrifices 

Bolanle Adesida

In the same vein, Ogun State Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun in felicitating Muslim Ummah called on Nigerians to imbibe the spirit of selflessness, sacrifice and patriotism in the quest to build a virile and economically viable country.

In his Eid-el-Kabir message, Governor Abiodun said sacrifice, love and unity would lift the country to a greater height.

Governor Abiodun who stressed the need for Nigerians to contribute their quota towards ensuring  national unity and economic growth,

also urged Muslims to follow the example laid down by Prophet Ibrahim.

The governor reiterated the determination of his administration to improve on the wellbeing of the people of the State through various intervention programmes.

While congratulating Muslims on this year’s celebration, Governor Abiodun urged them to pray for the peace and progress of the country.

Mosope Kehinde

In its message to celebrate Eid with Muslims, the Oyo State House of Assembly urged all the Muslims to use the occasion to pray for themselves, the country and the state in particular. 

This is contained in a statement issued by the Chairman, House Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Honourable Waheed Akintayo, the Speaker of the House, Right Honourable Adebo Ogundoyin.

Ogundoyin charged them to spread love to the less privileged, orphans and the physically challenged by sharing the festival goodies with them so that they can feel the importance of festive season. 

He also admonished them to pray for directions and guidance for the country’s political leaders, stressing that the country will soon overcome the current hard time it is going through.

The statement also enjoined all well-to-do Nigerians to uphold the teachings of Islam by sharing foods, meats and drinks with their neighbours and other less privileged in the society.

Ogundoyin prayed for the safe return of all Nigerian pilgrims who are currently in the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for 2023 Hajj, while assuring Oyo State residents that Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration of Omititun 2.0 will continue to take dividends of democracy to their doorsteps.

Oluwakayode Banjo

On its path, Oyo All Progressives Congress, APC, on the occasion of the Eid-el-adha, urged Nigerians, particularly Islamic faith adherents to use the sacred period to seek Allah’s increased wisdom and guidance on the nation’s leaders to enable them move the country forward.

Eid-el-adha is celebrated globally on the tenth day of the last month of the Islamic (Hijrah) calendar and a day after pilgrims on Hajj exercise have completed possession rites on Mount Arafat in Saudi Arabia. 

In a special Eid message contained in a statement issued in Ibadan and made available to news men by its Publicity Secretary, Olawale Sadare, Oyo APC implored Muslims to imbibe the the spirit of faithfulness, altruism and love for humanity as exemplified in the lives of Prophet Ibrahim, his son (Ismail) and the family members. 

“Events in the last one year have further indicated that Nigeria is a divine project as we have been made to appreciate the good plan of Allah (God) for our dear country. The dramatic emergence of the best individual as the APC presidential candidate from a crowd of good aspirants, his electoral victory on February 25, 2023 and his inauguration as the 16th President of in the country, against all odds, remain pointers to the fact that God is involved.

“And now that the global community has been made to see the prospect and promise in the new administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, it is important we all support his government in all ramifications. We call on all and sundry to intensify prayers for Nigeria and the world at large so that the desired peace and stability will be entrenched and sustained.

“Meanwhile, Oyo APC uses this medium to congratulate the Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba (Sen.) Mahood Olalekan Balogun, and the Chief Imam of Ibadanland, Alhaji Abdulganiy Abubakre (Agbotomokekere) as well as all other eminent leaders and residents of the state on the occasion of Muslim festival while we pray Allah to grant them longevity, bliss and prosperity.” Oyo APC stated.

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Crime

By Funmi Adekoya 

Osun State Government has denied rumours on social media that it is plotting to subvert the judgment of death sentence on Dr. Rahman Adedoyin, affirming that there is no plan to pardon the proprietor of the Oduduwa University.

In a statement by Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke, while reacting to the rumour of possible state pardon for the businessman, said his administration had never and would never intervene in the judicial process.

The statement describes those who peddle the fake news as evil minded political operatives who are merely grasping at straws in their desperation to blackmail the state Governor.

It affirms that Governor Adeleke has not contemplated exercising the prerogative of mercy or whatever the report calls it on a matter under adjudication which has generated deep interest among local and global communities.

The government urged members of the public to ignore the repeated rumors of state pardon by Governor Adeleke for the convict and the push to link service records of a state judicial official to a popular verdict on the gruesome murder of a postgraduate student.

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Labour

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reassured the Osun State workers that his administration is focusing on worker’s welfare because it is the duty of the government.

Governor Adeleke, who gave the assurance at this Workers Day celebration at Osogbo Township Stadium, said as a Comrade Governor, he is committed to workers’ welfare and ensuring workers’ friendly government.

He noted that workers in Osun State had passed through tough moments l of neglect and anti-labour which led to several dead and life plans disrupted.

On the issue of the appointment of Permanent Secretaries, which is one of the requests of workers, the Governor said the Head Office had been directed to look into it.

Governor Adeleke called for the collaboration of workers towards the development of the state adding that his administration is open to ideas on how to fast-track the development of the state.

In his address, the Chairman, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, Osun State Branch, Comrade Adekola Adebowale, said there is an urgent need to declare a state of emergency in the pension department of the service noting that Workers now see retirement as a death sentence because there’s no hope of getting retirement benefits years after disengagement from active service. 

He added that the Governor should look into the issue of contract staffing as the practice is inimical to the spirit and ethics of the service and against the International Labour Organisation laws and the world’s acceptable working standards.

Also speaking, the Caretaker Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Osun State, Comrade Modupeola Oyedele called on Employers of labour to respect labour laws and end all discrimination against workers.

Highlights of the event were matched past by the workers from different union groups.

Present at the event were top government functionaries in the state, including the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, elected members of the state Assembly, Royal fathers as well as Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and dignitaries.

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Lifestyle

By Funmi Adekoya

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has condoled with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, over the fire incident that gutted a building apartment within the courtyard of the Palace

Governor Adeleke in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, described the incident as unfortunate and prayed that God will continue to protect the monarch and his family. 

The governor, while thanking God that no life was lost to the inferno, expressed grief that the building was destroyed.

The fire incident triggered by a power surge which exploded through electrical appliances in the affected apartment happened around 11:30 pm yesterday.

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Politics

By Oluwakayode Banjo

The court of appeal sitting in Abuja has reinstated Ademola Adeleke as the governor of Osun state.

Delivering judgment in the appeal filed by Adeleke on Friday, a three-member panel of justices held that, the election tribunal erred when it ruled that, the 1st and 2nd respondents Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress, APC, proved their allegation of over-voting.

According to the panel of judges which issued its verdict on Friday, Adeleke is the duly elected governor of the state.

The Osun governorship election tribunal, in January, held that Oyetola was able to prove that, there was over-voting in some of the polling units.

Consequently, the majority judgment of the tribunal ordered INEC to withdraw the certificate of return issued to Adeleke and issue a fresh one to Oyetola as the duly elected governor of Osun.

Dissatisfied with the ruling, Adeleke appealed the judgment at the court of appeal.

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Politics

By Adenitan Akinola

The Court of Appeal in Abuja, will today, by 12 pm, deliver judgment on the appeal filed by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to challenge the nullification of his election by the state Governorship Election Petition Tribunal.

The appellate court had, on March 23, 2023, reserved judgement in the appeal after parties in the matter adopted their written addresses and announced that, the date for the judgement will be communicated to parties.

Adeleke, and the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, are praying to the appellate court to set aside the verdict of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which sacked him from office.

Justice Tertsea Kume who led a three-member panel of the tribunal, had on the 27th of January, in a split decision of two-to-one, voided the declaration of Adeleke as the winner of the governorship election that was held on July 16, 2022.

The Tribunal held that Adeleke did not score the majority of lawful votes, adding that, the conduct of the election was not in substantial compliance with provisions of the Electoral Act, 2022.

According to the tribunal, the petitioners, Gboyega Oyetola and the All Progressives Congress, APC, successfully established that there was overvoting in 744 polling units in the state.

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Politics

By Funmi Adekoya

Barely six days to the Presidential and National Assembly elections in Nigeria, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has urged residents of the state to go about their lawful businesses peacefully without fear.

Governor Adeleke made the call at a closed-door meeting with representatives of security agencies including the Army, Air-Eorce, Navy, Police, NSCDC, Immigration, Customs, FRSC, Corrections, DSS, NDLEA and Amotekun.

Briefing newsmen after the meeting which lasted for hours, the Governor said the meeting, which was strategic in view of the general election, identified all flashpoint areas and mapped out relevant security strategies to combat any possible breakdown of law and order.

He, therefore, called on the people of the state to come out en masse on the day of the election to exercise their franchise, saying that there would be adequate security before, during and after the election.

Speaking on behalf of the Security Chiefs, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Kehinde Longe said the command and all other security agencies had resolved to nip any crisis in the bud.

He assured residents of the state of adequate protection before during and after the polls.

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Politics

Local Government workers in Osun State have been urged to cooperate with the present administration and contribute their quota for the development of the state

The President, Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees, NULGE, Osun State, Dr. Kehinde Nathaniel Ogungbangbe made the call at a special New Year get-together of members of NULGE in Osogbo.

Dr. Ogungbangbe, who described Governor Ademola Adeleke as a compassionate governor who prioritises the welfare of workers, said local government employees must be ready to reciprocate by being diligent and committed to work.

“We must work together with our amiable and Workers-friendly Governor, for him to have a successful tenure.

“He has promised to make sure workers enjoy their benefits as and when due, we must reciprocate this kind gesture of our Governor by discharging our duties effectively “.

Identifying workers as the engine room of any successful administration, the NULGE President said, the local Government staff must work to ensure a good working relationship with those in posts of authority for the state to enjoy peace and development.

He noted that implementing Local Government autonomy would go a long way to ensure meaningful and sustainable development at the grassroots.

The NULGE President also advised the Local Government staff to be effectively productive and punctual at their duty post.

Earlier, the Chairman, of Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Osun State, Comrade Jacob Adekomi in his goodwill message advised workers to have another source of income, such as a farming business, to make them financially independent.

Comrade Adekomi also urged them to plan for their retirement not depending on stipends paid to retirees which he said are not enough to take care of their needs.

Funmi Adekoya

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Economy

Osun State Government has disengaged all consultants and revenue collectors on all quarry sites across the State with immediate effect.

The disengagement according to a statement by the Secretary of the Committee, Barrister Hashim Abioye was directed by Chairman Committee on Solid Minerals, Mr Samuel Oyedotun.

Barrister Abioye the decision was necessary to stem the tide of loss of revenue for the State, warning all the illegal revenue collectors to steer clear of all quarry sites in the state.

“The Committee is in receipt of information that some unauthorized agents have been collecting revenues purportedly for the State government on quarry sites, which end up in private pockets”.

The statement adds that all quarry operators and stakeholders in the quarry business in the State should contact the Committee on Solid Minerals for information about the new arrangement.

Funmi Adekoya

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Politics

The Osun State Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned Governor Oyetola and his allies against the diversion and looting of government assets and public properties.

In a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Senator Adeleke alert the general public of clandestine moves to convert public properties to private ownership and bankrupt state finances ahead of the change of government.

The Governor-Elect notes that Osun state assets within the state, Kogi, Lagos, Abuja and outside the shore of the country are being tampered with for private acquisition stating that he has detailed reports of several properties currently being processed for ownership transfer involving serving commissioners and top government officials, hence serious warning to those involved in the illegal deals.

He pointed out that emerging reports indicate several shady conduct ongoing within the state finance ministry aside N17 billion loan allegedly taken by the Governor to prosecute the lost election as well as emergency contract awards, hurried processing of payments vouchers and an agenda to incur further debt under the guise of project implementation.

He, therefore, warned all those involved in the criminal activities to desist from such adding that all government officials involved will be called upon to account for their deeds and handling of government assets.

He further urged the good people of Osun State to report any such criminal moves which they may sense regarding this public alert.

Meanwhile, Osun State Government has described as untrue, the claim by the Governor-elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke, and his party, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, that government officials are diverting or looting government assets and property.

Reacting to the statement, the State Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, accused the PDP of peddling lies and propaganda to curry underserved public sympathy.

Mrs Egbemode insisted that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola does not have a background of pilfering or misappropriating funds, saying that the records are there for all to see.

The Commissioner said Governor Oyetola administration did not take N17 billion loan to prosecute the election, just as no government official has embarked on any looting or diversion of any government assets/property as being claimed by the PDP.

She said the present government remains a responsible one that has discharged its duties meritoriously, to the admiration of fellow governors, including those in the opposition.

Mrs Egbemode urged the people of Osun state to ignore the fake report by the PDP and Governor-Elect, Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Funmi Adekoya