Economy

Oyo Handovers 90.2 Hectares to FG for Dry Ports

By Web News 243

By Iyabo Adebisi

Oyo State government has handed over 90.2 hectares of land to the Federal Ministry of Marine and Blue Economy for the construction of dry ports.

Speaking at the handing-over ceremony held at Moniya-Akinyele Dry Port, Governor Seyi Makinde, represented by the Deputy Governor, Chief Adebayo Lawal, said the decision was aimed at boosting the economy and urged the federal government to use the land for its intended purpose. 

Governor Makinde added that the multimodal initiative of the federal government, if well-operated, would help decongest the nation’s seaports, enhance industrialisation, and improve the agricultural value chains.

Reacting, the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Mr Michael Olufemi, noted that allotment of the 90.2 hectares of land highlighted the clear shared vision between the federal and Oyo State government towards expanding the nation’s economy. 

Earlier, Oyo State Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Mr Williams Akin-Funmilayo, said the documentation would formalise the interest of the federal government in its quest for partnership with Oyo State on Blue Economy on 26th June, 2024, saying the partnership would enhance mutual benefit in the interest of the public.

The Director of Nigeria Shippers Council, Ahmadu Yahaya Gatta, said the marine economy would further serve an extension of seaports, direct services to import and export, with a positive impact on the regional economy, including agriculture and logistics, among others.

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Politics

Adeleke is Osun State Governor – Supreme Court

By Web News 2217

The Supreme Court has affirmed Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP as the elected Governor of Osun State.

Mr Gboyega Oyetola and his party, the All Progressives Congress, APC, approached the apex court in a suit numbered, SC/CV/510/2023, praying the court to set aside the decision of the Abuja Division of the Court of Appeal, which voided the judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal, which returned Oyetola as the winner of the November July 16, 2022 governorship election.

Mr Oyetola and APC in their case filed to Supreme Court by their lead counsel, Prince Lateef Fagbemi (SAN), want the apex court to determine whether the appellate court was right “in declaring as nullity the judgment of the tribunal delivered on January 27 notwithstanding the earlier resolution of the same court that Section 294(1) of the Constitution is inapplicable to a tribunal”.

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

In the majority judgment, the tribunal upheld a petition filed by the former governor of the state, Adegboyega Oyetola of the APC who came second in the election.

It 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.

However, in his dissenting judgment, the third member of the panel, Justice P. Agbuli, affirmed Senator Adeleke as the valid winner of the election and struck out the petition that was lodged by Oyetola and the APC.

The development triggered the Adeleke and his party, to approach the Appeal Court, and prayed the appellate court to set aside the verdict of the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, which sacked him from office.

The court, which found Adeleke’s appeal meritorious and allowed it held that the lower tribunal was “wrong to reach the conclusion that there was over-voting during the state governorship election held on 16 July 2022″.

Justice Mohamed Lawal Shuaibu, who prepared and delivered the unanimous judgment held that “the lower tribunal was wrong to have come to the conclusion of overvoting based on the document presented by the first and second respondents (Oyetola and APC) and also on Exhibit BVR, which requires demonstration in public court”.

The Court of Appeal noted that Oyetola and the APC “did not tender the voters’ registers and Bimodal Voters Accreditation System (BVAS) machines,” which captured data of eligible voters at the Osun governorship election and held that the foundation of what transpired at the polling units would only be established by the evidence that is contained in the voter register and BVAS machines, which are the foundation of any election”.

Aside from setting aside the judgment of the lower tribunal, the appellate court awarded 500,000 naira cost against the APC and its candidate, Gboyega Oyetola.

Similarly, the court dismissed the cross-appeal filed against the judgment of the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal by the former Osun State governor and his party.

The cross-appeal which centred on the educational qualification of Governor Adeleke was thrown out for lacking in merit.

Culled/Tribune/Maxwell Oyekunle

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Economy

Over 50 SMES Benefit From Osun Food Support Scheme

By Web News 388

Osun State Government has successfully engaged over 50 Small and Medium-sized Enterprises (SMEs) since the introduction of its Food Support scheme one year ago.

The state governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola made this known at the flag-off ceremony of the 12th edition of the monthly food support programme at the Government Secretariat, Abere.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, SSG, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the governor said the positive impact of the scheme on the economy cannot be over-emphasized as it had helped to promote local production, encourage local entrepreneurs and by extension, alleviate poverty and hunger.

He noted that the impact of the scheme that was introduced to provide food support to vulnerable residents had been very holistic and greatly felt by different sectors of the State’s economy.

The governor stressed that the initiative had helped to feed 360,000 vulnerable residents with multiplier effects on over one million people constituting various households that had benefited in one way or the other since the inception of the programme last year.

In his remark, the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Engineer Olalekan Badmus said the execution of the initiative had been very participatory, collective and holistic.

Engineer Badmus noted that the scheme had brought a paradigm shift to local production just as it had really helped to advance and promote the cause of local entrepreneurs who were hitherto not fully engaged.

Abiodun Adeoye

Religion

Pray for unity and progress of Nigeria – Gov. Oyetola

By Web News 503

Muslim faithful have been urged to take the advantage of the holy month of Ramadan to pray for the peace, unity and development of Nigeria.

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola stated this in Osogbo at the Pre-Ramadan meeting of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria.

Governor Oyetola stressed the need for Muslims to extend their hands of support to the poor and needy as preached and practised by Prophet Muhammad.

He emphasized the need for Muslim clerics to encourage their followers to live in peace and harmony with their neighbours irrespective of religious, ethnic or political differences.

In a lecture, Professor Ismaila Shehu of the department of Political Science and International Studies, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, emphasized the need for Muslim leaders to play an exemplary role in the propagation of truth and good leadership.

Earlier, the president of the Nigeria Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Sheikh Abdulrashid Hadiyatullah, charged Muslims on the need to remain united.

Sheikh Hadiyatullah enjoined Muslims who are yet to register for PVC to do so before the closing date saying that is the only tool to choose their leaders.

Abiodun Adeoye

Environment

Obey Traffic Rules, Other Necessary Precautions, Oyetola Urges Motorists

By Web News 584

Osun State Government has opened the Olaiya Flyover for public use.

At the official opening ceremony, the state governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola appreciated motorists and other road users for their patience while the construction lasted.

Governor Oyetola said the road was opened to reduce the hardship being experienced by motorists who had been using alternative routes while the project was ongoing.

He appealed to them to obey traffic rules and take other necessary precautions while using the flyover.

The governor gave assurance that security personnel would be around the area throughout the day.

 Some road users including Mr Gasaliyu Sunmibola and Dara Adewumi expressed joy over the development calling on the government to do more impactful projects in the state.

Abiodun Adeoye

Politics

Don’t sell your membership cards – Governor Oyetola

By Web News 793

With a few days to the All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship primary election in Osun State, the state governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has warned members of the party not to sell their membership cards.

Governor Oyetola gave the warning in Iperindo, Osu and Ilesa while addressing party members in Ijesa South Federal Constituency during his strategic engagement tour to the area.

The governor who was welcomed by thousands of enthusiast members sought their support in the primary election saying the power to cling to the second term ticket lies with members.

He welcomed some members of other parties who defected to APC and appealed to all aggrieved members to embrace peace saying everyone will benefit from the party.

Governor Oyetola during his visits to royal fathers in the area was asked by the Paramount ruler of Ijesa land and the Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran on the possibility of establishing Ijesa University which the governor said it would be possible.

At the palace of the Olosu of Osu, the royal fathers in Atakumosa West Local Government appealed to the governor to help rejuvenate all the farmland that has been destroyed by the activities of gold miners.

Abiodun Adeoye

Economy

Osun Govt Boosts SMEs With 100M Seed Loans

By Web News 717

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola says his administration has adopted a proactive strategy to stimulate the economy of the state in the face of Coronavirus pandemic.

Governor Oyetola stated this in Osogbo while presenting cash as seed loans to two thousand successful trainees of Skills Upgrade and Entrepreneurship Training Programme.

He said the Skills Upgrade and Entrepreneurship Training Programme was designed to generate 15,000 direct and indirect sustainable job opportunities for the people annually.

Governor Oyetola explained that the administration had set aside one hundred Million naira for disbursement to beneficiaries of the scheme, as seed loans of one hundred thousand naira was given to each participant.

He urged the beneficiaries to utilise the skills and knowledge acquired in the course of the programme positively to add value to themselves and to enable them to compete favourably in the industrial and commercial sectors.

In a remark, Osun State Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr. Bode Olaonipekun, said the programme was put together by the government as part of efforts to address the adverse effects of the Covid-19 pandemic and ameliorate the disruptions to livelihood of the citizens.

Executive Director, Micro Enterprise, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, commended the Administration of Governor Oyetola for building a virile and healthy economy for the state.

Some of the graduands commended government for the gesture saying it would go a long way to improve their lives.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Security

S/West Governors, Traditional Rulers, Security Chiefs Meet In Ibadan

By Web News 729

South-West governors and some first class traditional rulers in the Southwest zone of the country are currently holding a security meeting at the Executive Chamber of the Agodi Government Secretariat, Ibadan.

The meeting which commenced at about 3 pm has in attendance the Chairman of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum, NGF, Dr Kayode Fayemi, Governors Rotimi Akeredolu of Ondo, Dapo Abiodun of Ogun, Gboyega Oyetola of Osun and the host governor – Mr Seyi Makinde of Oyo State.

Among the traditional rulers that are participating in the meeting are the Ooni of Ife – Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo – Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Akarigbo of Remo – Oba Babatunde Ajayi; Olugbo of Ugbo kingdom – Fedrick Akinrutan; Olubadan of Ibadan – Oba Saliu Adetunji and Olugbon of Orilegbon – Oba Francis Alao.

The Deputy Inspector General of Police, in charge of the South-West – Mr David Folawuyo, the Oyo State Commissioner of Police – Ngozi Onadeko and other heads of security agencies in Oyo State are also in attendance.

The Chief of Staff to President Muhammadu Buhari – Professor Ibrahim Gambari; Inspector General of Police – Mohammed Adamu and the Director General of the Department of State Security, DSS – Yusuf Bishi could not make the journey to attend the meeting due to bad weather.

It is expected that the chairman of the Southwest governors’ forum, Governor Akeredolu will brief journalists at the end of the meeting.

More details to come.

Iyabo Adebisi

Politics

Gov. Oyetola Directs Council Boss to Vacate Office

By Web News 602

The Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has dissolved elected officials of local governments in the state.

Consequently, the governor directed all political office holders to vacate their offices and hand over the administration of their councils to the most senior personnel.

In a statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, the dissolution follows the expiration of the tenure of the local government elected officials.

The outgoing officials came into office on the 5th of February 2018 through a parliamentary election conducted into the thirty constitutional local government, thirty six Local Council Development Areas and two Area Administrative offices.

Adenitan Akinola

Economy

Minimum Wage: Osun Government To Begin Implementation November 1st

By Web News 815

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has approved the new minimum wage for workers in the state.

Governor Oyetola who disclosed this via his official Twitter handle, @gboyegaoyetola also lifted embargo on annual salary increment, promotion and conversion.

The governror announced that the implementation of the new minimum wage for the workers will take effect from November 1, 2020.

The approval followed the recommendations of government and Labour Committee which was set up to work out modalities for resolving all workers’ welfare-related issues.

Governor Oyetola lauded the state workforce for their commitment towards the development of the state.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Security

Gov. Oyetola Approves Relaxation of Curfew

By Web News 674

Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, has approved the relaxation of the curfew period, effective from today October 29, 2020.

Consequently, the curfew will now run from 8:00 pm to 6:00 am daily while Security operatives will still remain on the streets to enforce the new curfew directive with a view to maintaining law and order in the state.

A statement by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, said motorcycle operators will now operate from 6:00am to 8:00pm daily and this subsists even after the curfew  is completely lifted.

The statement lauds residents and citizens of the state for their show of understanding and cooperation in the last five days of the curfew.

It warns that effective from Thursday, October 29, anyone found to be in possession of any looted item will be arrested, investigated and prosecuted 

The statement enjoins residents to be peaceful and be law abiding as all efforts shall be made to protect them and their property.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

#EndSARS: I will ensure justice is served – Governor Oyetola

By Web News 1416

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has appealed to youth protesting against police brutality in the state to maintain calm as government is ready to accede to their demands.

Governor Oyetola who joined the #EndSARS protest in Osogbo, said their agitation for police reform was understandable owing to harassment they had being subjected to by the men of the defunct Special Anti-Robbery Squad.

He noted that government had resolved that justice must be served and the families of those who had been killed by the squad must be compensated.

Governor Oyetola who maintained that the youth had fundamental rights to protest against any unpopular policy of government urged them to do everything within the ambit of the law.

Some of the protesters lauded the governor for identifying with them and urged him to take their grievances to the federal government.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Culture

10th Coronation Anniversary: Gov. Oyetola Lauds Ataoja of Osogbo

By Web News 2099

Governor of Osun State, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, has described the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun as a pillar of support of his administration.

Mr Oyetola stated this at the 10th Coronation anniversary of the Ataoja of Osogbo and formal launch of Ataoja palace project in Osogbo.

Governor Oyetola, who was represented by his deputy, Mr Benedict Alabi noted that the monarch and his subjects had been very supportive in making government’s efforts to transform the state.

The governor described the tenure of the traditional ruler as being peaceful, which, according to him had brought about social stability,

good road network, and other infrastructure in the state capital.

Governor Oyetola noted that royalty was vital to life and culture and development of the people, commending Oba Olanipekun for distinguishing himself as a worthy royal father and leader of men since ascending the throne in the last decade. 

In a remark, the Atoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun thanked God for giving him the opportunity to serve the community and the state for a decade.

Oba olanipekun assured the people of Osogbo that he would continue to promote culture and traditions of the ancient community.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Lifestyle

Governor Oyetola Inaugurates Gender-Based Management Committee

By Web News 603

Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has inaugurated Gender-Based Management Committee.

Performing the inauguration in Osogbo, Governor Oyetola said the initiative was in furtherance of the government’s commitment to ensure a deserved place for women and children in the state.

Lamenting the surge of anti-women and children crimes in the country, the governor noted that the move would go a long way to give them the latitude to achieve their dreams and potential.

He urged members of the newly inaugurated committee to carry out their task with the highest level of integrity, trust, dedication, patriotism and diligence

In her remarks, the chairman of Gender-Based Management Committee and wife of the Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola maintained that women and children constitute major part of the world population, and they deserve to be treated as important people.

She lauded Governor Oyetola for keeping his promise of supporting the fight against gender based violence in the state.

On his part, the Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye expressed the need to continue to name and shame perpetrators of rape and other gender-based violence in the state.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Economy

OSHA Approves Revised 2020 Budget with 37.2B Naira Reduction

By Web News 874

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has approved the reduction in the state budget after the Appropriation Amendment Bill 2020 passed through the third reading.

This follows a motion moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Taiwo Olodo.

Tagged Osun State Appropriation Amendment Bill 2020, the state budget was reviewed from 119.5 billion naira to 82.2 billion naira with a difference of 37.3 billion naira representing 35 percent reduction of the initial 2020 Budget. 

In his remark, the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, explained that the House approved the amendment after considering the economic effect of Coronavirus pandemic on the state.

The Speaker noted that the appropriation amendment bill earmarks over nine billion naira which is 11.5 percent of the budget for fighting COVID-19 and post-COVID recovery.

Mr. Owoeye pointed out that the revised budget size reflects current economic realities, noting that the parliament duly considered it before passage.

Also speaking the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Taiwo Olodo remarked that the amended budget would be financed chiefly by recurrent revenue including federal allocation, generated revenue and capital receipt.

It will be recalled that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had requested for the amendment, in his letter, which he said was occasioned by the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on global economy as well as that of the state and Nigeria.

Funmi Adekoya

Lifestyle

Four LGs in Osun to Go on Total Lockdown from July 7

By Web News 993

Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola has ordered a week lockdown in Ijesaland.

This decision was the fallout of the meeting between the government and the stakeholders from the area. 

The lockdown is expected to commence on Tuesday, July 7 and it will be for one week in the first instance. 

A  statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs. Funke Egbemode said the decision to impose a total lockdown on the four local government areas of Ijesaland was aimed at containing the spread of the virus in that axis .

Mrs Egbemode noted that government had every reason to believe that there was already community transmission in the area and as such there was the need to come up with measures to arrest the trend.

The commissioner stressed that the lockdown would be total and  residents of the axis would not have opportunity to go to worship centres and markets during the period. 

She also said there would be no vehicular movement within the affected areas except for only those on essential duties such as health, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers,who would be allowed to move.

Mrs. Egbemode added that intra-state travel to and within the affected communities and to other parts of the state would be banned during the period of the lockdown, warning that violators of the lockdown order would be severely dealt with. 

The four affected local governments include Ilesa West, Ilesa East, Atakumosa West and East.

Wasiu Ajadosu 

Security

Osun Police Inaugurates Community Police Committee

By Web News 1560

Osun State Police Command has inaugurated the Community Police Committee

Speaking at the event which was held at the Osun State Police Headquarters in Osogbo, the state governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola said the government would support every effort aimed at incorporating the grassroots into their own security.

Mr Oyetola who was represented by the State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftain Affairs, Prince Bayo Adeleke also charged local government authorities and the traditional rulers to support the police in this regards.

The governor expressed confidence in improved security of lives and property with the renewed coming on board of the community policing initiatives.

In his welcome address, the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Johnson Kokumo said the initiatives were aimed at making the people more active in their own security.

The Police Commissioner explained that the Federal Government was committed to ensuring the effectiveness of the community policing as a potent tool to protect lives and security.

Mr Kokumo charged the various communities to take ownership of the initiative by supporting the police to make the whole state safe.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi who was represented by the Lowa of Ile Ife, said since the people knew themselves and people in their domain, their security could not be the sole responsibility of police alone.

Similarly, another Monarch, the Eburu of Iba, Professor Adekunle Adeoogun commended the Federal government for recognising the relevance of the traditional rulers in the security of their kingdom.

The Chairman of the Harmonised Vigilante Group of Nigeria, Alhaji Ridwan Hussein warned against the politicisation of the community policing scheme.

Residents of some rural communities who attended the inauguration told Radio Nigeria that the people at the grassroots were happy with the development.

Adenitan Akinola

Education

15 Batch “A” Corps Members Sanctioned in Osun

By Web News 1134

Osun 2019 Batch “A” Corpers: 9 to Repeat, 6 to Serve Three Months Extension

Nine participants of the outgone 2019 Batch “A” corp members in Osun State are to repeat their service year, while six will serve three months extension.

The Osun State Coordinator of the National Youth Service Corps, NYSC, Mr Ayodele Adegoke gave the information during the passing out parade of the year 2019 Batch “A” corps members in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

Six other corps members were also rewarded for outstanding performance during the service year.

Explaining reasons for the punitive measure on the 15 corp members, the State coordinator, Mr Adegoke said the affected corps members were investigated and found guilty.

On the other hand, the coordinator commended the philanthropic gesture of the six outstanding corps members, who paid for external examinations of some students, organized free coaching classes and purchased sanitary pads for girls among others.

In his farewell address, the state NYSC coordinator explained that the corps members impacted on the state significantly, including the provision of manpower in rural health centers, schools, leading awareness campaign for the eradication of Lassa fever and other infectious diseases.

He charged them to leverage on the skills acquired in the SAED programme during the service year, rather than waiting for white-collar jobs that were not available.

Declaring the Passing Out Parade closed, Osun State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola lauded the outgoing corps members for their contribution to the socio-economic development of the state in the last one year.

Mr Oyetola who reminded the participants that sustainable development was only possible in a stable polity, maintained that they had roles to play in achieving a stronger, more secured and prosperous nation, considering their youthful capacity.

In an interview with Radio Nigeria, some of the corps members, including Mr. Mohammed Sulaiman and Miss Obaraye Aisosa expressed delight at the opportunity to serve their father land.

They appealed to government at all levels to make the issue of infrastructure a top priority so at to create an enabling environment for young entrepreneurs.

Two thousand three corps members participated in the 2019 Batch “A” service year in Osun State.

Adenitan Akinola