Politics

By Mojisola Oladele

The Seventh Assembly of Osun State House of Assembly said that it had passed 32 Bills and 38 Resolutions during its four years duration. 

The Outgoing Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Timothy Owoeye who disclosed this in a valedictory statement by his Media Aide, Mr.Kunle Alabi, appreciated the people of Osun, the executive arm of government under Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Senator Ademola Adeleke, as well as the judiciary for their support towards the success of the 7th Assembly.

He noted that the 7th Assembly delivered on quality legislation for the good of Residents through effective oversight functions on several developmental projects with a view to having value for money and ensuring transparency, accountability, and probity in public project execution.

While congratulating his colleagues for a fruitful 4-year tenure in office, Mr.Owoeye solicited the support of the people of the State and other arms of government for the incoming 8th Assembly leadership. 

Notable among the bills passed into law are the State of Osun Security Network Agency and Amotekun Corps Establishment Bill 2020, State of Osun Anti-kidnapping and other related crimes Bills 2020, Osun Youth Development Commission (Establishment Bill), 2020, University of Ilesa, Ilesa (Establishment) Bill, 2022, State of Osun Environmental Protection Bill, 2022 amongst others.

Recalled that The 7th Assembly, which was inaugurated vide a proclamation on Thursday, 6th June 2019, had a total of 32 bills passed into law and 38 resolutions.

The statement quoted in part, “At the inception of the 7th Assembly, we formulated a Legislative Agenda which includes Quality Legislation, Effective Oversight, Accountable and Democratic Assembly, E-Parliament, Effective Public Engagement and Legislative Research Centre. This legislative agenda became a public document and guiding principle for the lifespan of the 7th Assembly.

“We conducted all our plenary sessions, executive sessions, and committee meetings during this 4-year period in a rancour-free manner, making us to be adjudged as one of the peaceful House of Assembly in Nigeria, he said.”

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Politics

The Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Kunle Alabi says the relationship between the Speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye and other Lawmakers remains cordial contrary to unfounded reports in some quarters that the Assembly is in crisis.

Mr. Alabi stated this in an interview with Goldfm in Osogbo while reacting to a recent report, where some lawmakers accused the Speaker of cheating them on a N40m Christmas gift received from the Governor. Ademola Adeleke.

Mr Alabi who explained that all the allegations by faceless sources raised against Mr Owoeye were mere speculations, said the Speaker had been transparent and fair on every affair relating to the welfare as well as activities of the parliament.

He maintained that the lawmakers who were currently on recess, are united and would continue to remain so under the leadership of Mr Owoeye. 

Earlier, report has it that some members of Osun State House of Assembly are divided over allegations of misappropriation against the Speaker and what they described as handedness on his part. 

The Speaker’s spokesperson, Kunle Alabi, “As far as Osun State House of Assembly is concerned, we remain one irrespective of whatever change in government.

“There was no need for money creating any division. Whatever the House got was its legitimate earnings,” he said.

Mojisola Oladele

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Lifestyle

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye has congratulated the former Governor of the state, Chief Bisi Akande on the occasion of his 84th birthday.

This is contained in a congratulatory message signed by the media aide to the Speaker, Mr Kunle Alabi, in Osogbo.

Mr Owoeye said that Chief Akande’s tenure as governor in the state was remarkable, with his selfless service to the people and transparency in governance.

He described the former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, APC, as an exemplary leader whose courage in public service had helped the nation. 

Mr Owoeye said Nigeria’s political history would be incomplete without adequate mention of the eminent roles played by Chief Akande.

The speaker, while praying for a longer life for the elder statesman, said his experience was still much required for the task of building a virile Nigeria envisioned by the founding fathers.

“Baba Bisi Akande is a democrat of no small status when the history of democratic struggles in Nigeria is written”.

 “His emergence as the Governor of Osun in 1999 proved to be one of the best things to have happened to our dear state”.

“In saluting the courage of this eminent elder statesman, we must not fail to recognise his roles in the conception, actual formation and the sustenance of ruling party, the APC”.

 “Baba Akande demonstrated an uncommon agility and vigour in all the activities leading to the successful birth and stability of our party”. Mr Owoeye added.

Mojisola Oladele

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Politics

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye has called on Nigerians and the good people of Osun to put behind them the hardship of the outgone year and move ahead with hope for a better Nigeria of their desire in the new year 2023.

The Speaker in a New year message by his Media Aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi said that Nigerians should strive to ensure that tested and quality politicians were voted for in this year’s general elections so as to herald a speedy recovery of the economy.

Mr Owoeye stressed that residents and citizens must wait in hopes that all which was lost with economic hardship of the previous year could be recouped through determination, hard work and perseverance.

He reiterated that the Nation would surmount it’s economic and security challenges as Nigeria is entering into a new phase of economic prosperity in the New year.

The Speaker said, “I encourage my good people of Osun and Nigerians to rise in hope and take their destiny in their hands as they step into year 2023. That little contribution for the development of the country by all and sundry will go a long way in having a better Nigeria.

“We must also take seriously the general elections this year, every hand must be on deck by ensuring that election is free and fair from violence, quality people who can move Osun and Nigeria to a greater heights must be voted for.

“When voting, our tribe, religion or personal interests should not come into play, we must vote for the best. Our common enemy is ‘poor infrastructure’, it doesn’t know you, it doesn’t respect you, we will all suffer together unless we do the right thing with our votes.

“A little contribution from you, a little contribution from me and we shall eventually have a better state and country.

“You and I know very well that with darkness, there can be no success and no breakthrough. No matter how hopeless a case may be, it can be changed with the right attitude, if we all put the country first in all we do, the change we all desire will happen in our lifetime”. The Speaker stated.

Mojisola Oladele

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Economy

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye wants all ministries, departments and agencies of government to raise the bar of Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, to attain efficient budget performance for the year 2023.

Mr Owoeye gave the advice during the commencement of the 2023 budget defence exercise at the Osun State House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

He stressed the need for government MDAs to improve on their internally generated revenue for the state to grow and move forward.

The speaker who advised MDAs and institutions to block all the loopholes of revenue generation called on the various MDAs to be factual in their presentation and explanations.

Earlier in a remark, the Chairman House Committee in Finance and Appropriation, Mr Taiwo Olodo urged the various MDAs to be factual in their presentations.

Mr Olodo warned that the Assembly would not hesitate to serve any erring MDA with an audit query.

He also commended the Ministry of Health and Chief Medical Director of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Professor Peter Olaitan for their outstanding performance in the state concern health services.

Amongst the various MDAs that appeared for the defence exercise on Monday were the Ministry of Works and Transport, Office of Transportation, Osun Road Maintenance Agency, OSUN Health Insurance Scheme, Osun Primary Health Care Development Board and Ministry of Health. 

Others are the Osun Hospital Management Board, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Osun State Water Corporation, Ministry of Water Resources and Energy, RUWESA and Osun Water Regulatory Commission.

Mojisola Oladele

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Education

The University of Ilesa Establishment Bill 2022 has been passed into Law.

This was decided at a plenary presided by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye.

Mr. Owoeye said the State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola may proceed to appoint a working committee that would see to the take-off of the process to change The Ilesa College of Education to The University of Ilesa, Ilesa.

The Speaker commended members for their support and contributions geared towards accelerated passage of the Bill.

Earlier, Mr Owoeye who sympathized with the minority leader, Akogun Kofoworola Babajide over the dastardly act of some hoodlums who burnt down his parent’s house last week Friday prayed to God to continue to protect him and his family.

He warned Youths to desist from Political thuggery while stressing the need for all and sundry to sustain the existing peaceful atmosphere of the State.

The Speaker read a letter from the Governor seeking the confirmation of Honorable Kolawole Ismaila and Honorable Akinola Olasunkanmi as members House of Assembly service commission as well as Honorable Rotimi Makinde as Member Judiciary Service Commission.

The nominees were asked to appear before the ad-hoc committee headed by Deputy Speaker, Honorable Femi Popoola with their 35copies of the Curriculum Vitae between now and Wednesday this week for screening.

Mojisola Oladele

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Health

The need for collective cooperation between stakeholders to address the challenges posed by illicit drug abuse amongst the Youth, has again been stressed.

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call on his Twitter handle to mark this year’s International Day Against Drug Abuse and illicit Trafficking. 

Mr Owoeye stressed the need for more awareness for members of the public on the dangers inherent in drug abuse and to lay emphasis on safe guarding the future of the Nation.

While lauding the activities of The Nigerian Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA in curbing the menace, the Speaker urged  personnel of the agency to intensify more on their duties.

The United Nations, UN, had set aside 26th June every year to campaign against Drug Abuse and illegal drug trade across the world. 


Mojisola Oladele

Politics

Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has confirmed the extension of Local Government Caretaker member’s tenure which expires on 12th July, for another six months.

The motion for confirmation was moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by Member representing Atakumosa East/West LGA, Mr Babatunde Komolafe.

Responding, Mr Olanrewaju said the need to extend their tenure became necessary to prevent a vacuum of operations in the local councils, as the state prepares for its governorship polls.

During the sitting presided over by the Speaker of the House,Mr. Timothy Owoeye who read two letters received from the State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, requesting for the confirmation of the appointment of Osun State Local Government caretaker committee and the nominees for commissioners and Special Advisers including, Mrs Giwa Abiodun, Barrister Bukola Olaboopo, Mr Henry Olanipekun, Mr Sholagbade Oladepo ,Mrs Olanike Omoworare and Bakare Akande.

Mr Owoeye set up a 7-man screening committee headed by the Deputy Speaker, Mr Femi Popoola to check the credentials of nominees and submit the report to the House in the next one week.

He commended the state’s helmsman for lifting ban of the state civil servants’ promotion exercise which had been on hold for 5years and congratulated them for a successful promotion.

Mr Owoeye appreciated the members of the 7th Assembly for their commitment, doggedness and zeal to take Osun State to the next level urged them to sustain the brotherly love existing amongst them not putting to cognisance of the outcome of the just concluded party primaries.

In another development, under personal Observation, the member representing Ife South State Constituency, Mr Gbenga Ogundipe appreciated Governor Oyetola for provision of transformers which restored power supply to his constituents after 10 years of blackout.

Mr Ogundipe called on the people to reciprocate the governor’s efforts by reelecting him on the 16th of next month.

The House adjourned till Monday next week.

Mojisola Oladele

Religion

Muslims are urged to sustain the lessons of the holy month for a better nation.

The speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye who stated this in a statement by his media Aide, Mr Kunle Alabi to commemorate the end of Ramadan, also called on Muslims to allow the lessons learnt during Ramadan to continue to radiate in their consciousness for a better nation.

Mr Owoeye called for tolerance and understanding of Nigerians to move the nation forward.

He emphasized that the period of fasting teaches Muslims to be more pious, disciplined and self controlled, while shielding their hearts from greed and immorality.

The speaker also asked for sustainable harmonious relationship among Nigerians to enhance the much needed stability of the nation, saying through this, the development of the country is assured.

Mr Owoeye added that the month of Ramadan presented Muslim faithful with the opportunity to reignite faith by desisting from acts that could take away their rewards from Almighty Allah after the Holy month.

He said, “We as Muslims must ensure that the lessons we have all learnt during our fasting period must be written in gold in our subconscious, we must all strive never to go back to our sinful ways. The good deeds during Ramadan must continue.”

“It is on record how fervently we have always prayed for a better society during the Holy month. Now that Ramadan is over, we should endeavour to continue to pray for the good of the land, and always learn to speak positively to the development of Nigeria.”

“May Allah accept all our Ibadah this Ramadan, lessons on peaceful co-existence, self control and purity have been learnt, May Allah make it easy for us to follow it through.”

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

Osun State House of Assembly has rejoiced with newly appointed All Progressive Congress, APC, Chairman, Senator Adamu Abdullhai, Secretary, Otunba Iyiola Omisore and other members of the National Working Committee during the just concluded Saturday National Convention in Abuja.

The Speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the remark during the plenary at House of Assembly Osogbo.

Mr Owoeye appreciated all the members for their perseverance so far while congratulating the new executives of the ruling party, APC for the success recorded during the National Convention.

In another development, the House of Assembly also dissolved into the Committee of the Whole for further consideration of Osun State Environmental Protection Bill, 2022.

The lawmakers debated thoroughly on the mentioned bill while corrections and amendments were made to Clauses 7, 8, 9 and 10 respectively.

Meanwhile, Osun State House of Assembly has congratulated the National leader of All Progressive Congress APC Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu on his 70th birthday celebration.

Earlier, the Speaker, Mr Owoeye has directed the House of Assembly Committee on Judiciary and Public Petitions to visit Egbejoda Zone C in Woru Egbedore South Constituency of the state issue and submit the report on Thursday next week respectively.

Mojisola Oladele

News

The newly inaugurated Osun state House of Assembly civil service commission has promised to do all within its capacity to uplift staff of the commission.

Chairman of the commission, Mr Akinwale Awolola gave the assurance during the resumption of duty at the House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

Mr Awolola who stressed that the welfare of Staff would be effectively be prioritized urged civil servants to show diligence in the course of duty.

Mr Awolola appreciated the state Governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola, the Speaker of the house, Mr Timothy Owoeye and other stakeholders for giving him and his team the opportunity to serve the State.

Earlier in a Remark, The Permanent Secretary, Osun State House of Assembly Commission, Mr Sola Omiyefa while emphasizing that the commission is made up of efficient members of Staff, expressed the readiness of members of staff of the unflinching support for the commission. 

Other members of Osun State House of Assembly Civil service commission Mr Ismail Kolawole commissioner 1, Mr Akinola Adufe commissioner 2, Mr Isreal Aloba commissioner 3, Mr Akinloye Oluseye commissioner 4, Mr Omidiora Afolabi commissioner 5 and Alhaji Afolabi Adegboyega commissioner 6.

Mojisola Oladele

News

Nigerians have been enjoined to shun activities that could plunge the country into  economic and political instability.

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call his New year message made available to Newsmen in Osogbo by his Media Aide, Mr Kunle Alabi.

Mr Owoeye stated that residents and citizens should always have it in their minds that individual actions make a summation of the society.

He Expressed the hope the Nation would surmount it’s  economic and security challenges as Nigeria is entering into a new phase of economic prosperity in the New year.

The Speaker encourage Nigerians to rise in hope and take their destiny in their hands as they step into the new year, stating that a little contribution for the development of the country by all and sundry would go a long way in having a better country.

He emphasised the need for the Electorates to Elect competent people into power irrespective of tribe, religion or personal interests. 

Mojisola Oladele

Lifestyle

The Need for Nigerians to make positive impact while alive for better Society, has again been stressed.

Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye stated this during a special session in honour of former deputy speaker, late Pa Moses Oladipo Gbotosho on the floor of the house.

Mr Owoeye said late Pa Gbotosho was an hero and a political gladiator who served humanity wholeheartedly, irrespective of religious differences.

He admonished the family to take courage, and emulate good virtues of the deaseased, stressing that his demise has created a big vacuum in the political arena in Ilesa and Nigeria at Large.

In separate remarks, the Speaker of second assembly, 1999 to 2003, Professor Mojeed Alabi, serving and past lawmakers described the deceased as not just a role model but a pillar of political stability in the state.

Special prayers were also offered for the deceased for the repose of his soul.

Present at the Event were, Family, friends, Colleagues and Associates of Osun state second assemblyr from far and withint at the special sitting in honour of late Pa Moses Oladipo Gbotosho who was deputy speaker Osun house of Assembly between 1999 to 2003.

Pa Moses Oladipo Gbotosho who was a deputy speaker and Chairman house committee on ethics and privileged, chairman house committee on creation of local government between 1999 to 2003, died on September 19, 2021.

Mojisola Oladele

Health

The Osun State House of Assembly has pledged to give its support to National Orientation Agency, NOA, in other to put an end to Female Genital Mutilation FGM in the State.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye stated this at a One-Day Advocacy Dialogue with State Legislators to support the implementation of laws and policies against Female Genital Mutilation in Osun at the State House of Assembly Oshogbo, organised by National Orientation Agency.

Mr. Owoeye while commending the efforts of NOA and other sister agencies for the campaign against the act, noted that FGM law has been passed into law since 2004 in the state stressing that there female circumcision has no benefit to women and girls.

He said there is need to amend some of provisions in 2004 law passed to involve traditional and religious leaders on FGM to achieve success.

In their contribution, some Lawmakers condemned the act calling for stiffer sanctions against the perpetrators.

Earlier, the Osun State Director of NOA, Mr. Oluropo Ibikunle and UNICEF representative in the state Mrs. Olutayo Aderonke acknowledged the efforts of the state House of Assembly for the passage of laws against child abuse and Female Genital Mutilation,calling for more support from state Lawmakers to eradicate the devilish act.

Meanwhile, under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance, the Lawmaker representing Ife North State Constituency and Chief Whip of House, Mr. Babatunde Olatunji brought to the notice of the House of Assembly the power outage in some communities in Ife North Local Government since past 5 month.

Mr. Olatunji noted that the power outage has crippled the commercial activities and life of the people in Ife North area.

The Speaker, Mr. Owoeye in his remark, lamented the poor electricity supply in the state and the country at large.

He then called for the appearance of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company IBEDC, National Electricity Regulatory Commission NERC and Federal Competition Consumers Agency FCCA before the state lawmakers on 13th October, 2021 to explain issues surrounding poor electricity supply.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

The Osun State Legislative Fund Management Bill 2021 has passed through the first reading on the floor of the Osun State House of Assembly.

This is sequel to a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr. Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip Mr. Olugbenga Ogunkanmi.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye in his remark, noted that the Bill when passed into law would make funds available for the Assembly and various standing committees to carry out their legislative duties.

The Speaker, committed the Bill to the House Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, Public Petitions and Legal Matters to study the Bill critically and do the needful.

He commended members of the Judiciary Staff Union, JUSUN and Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, PASAN for their steadfastness during the strike embarked upon by it’s members across the country for financial autonomy of the Judiciary and  Legislature.
In another development, the Osun State House of Assembly has assured people of the state that the process of putting Administrators at the Local Government, Local Council Development Areas, LCDA and Area Councils administration would begin soon.

The Speaker, Mr. Owoeye maintained that for the people to properly feel the impact of government, a local government administration must be in place.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye wants Nigerians to put behind the negativities of the outgoing year and forge ahead with hope that the year 2021 will be a year of prosperity. 

The Speaker in a New Year message by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Alabi said people and governments at all levels must strive to ensure that the New Year herald a speedy recovery of the economy.

Mr. Owoeye stressed that residents of Osun must wait in hopes that all that was lost with happenings of the previous year would be recouped through hard work and perseverance.

He stated that the 7th Assembly under his watch in Osun while passing the year 2021 Appropriation Bill into law ensured that it was a budget that would bring dividend of democracy and prosperity to the people of the State. 

The Speaker maintained that the House of Assembly in collaboration with Governor Oyetola-led executive ensured that the 2021 budget focused strongly on post COVID-19 recovery with huge investments in the economy and a sum of 1.4 billion naira budgeted for youth development programmes.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye wants Nigerians to be more cautious of the second wave of Coronavirus pandemic.

The speaker in his Christmas said all hands must be on deck to stem the devastation that may want to arise from the second wave of Coronavirus.

He encouraged Osun State residents to begin to take necessary precautions to prevent community transmission of the disease as they celebrate the birth of Christ.

While urged the state government and relevant health stakeholders to coordinate an early response system to curtail the second wave, Mr Owoeye advised the people to ensure that all COVID-19 precautionary measures by governments are observed. 

He advised Nigerians to avoid long trips to family members and physical contact should be avoided as much as possible, but should take advantage of technology by connecting to Christmas party through video conferencing.

The speaker urged well-meaning Nigerians to help the needy during the Yuletide period, stating that sharing of love and food will go a long way in cushioning the effect Coronavirus on the masses.

Funmi Adekoya

Economy

The Governor of Osun State, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has signed the 2021 Appropriation Bill of about 109 billion naira into law.

Signing the budget in his office, Mr Oyetola said the estimate would offer greater hope of job opportunities; improved welfare for all; human, capital and massive infrastructure development than the previous year.

The governor said his administration was resolved to follow time-tested economic principles to enhance optimum results of the 2021 budget.

He reaffirmed the administration’s commitment to employing creative and probity strategies in the implementation of the budget to effect maximum performance.

The governor who described the budget as a product of reality, said modalities had been put in place to ensure that the budget offered more hope as government is determined to perform better than before.

The Osun State helmsman maintained that, the state was on the path of delivering its development agenda in the year 2021 with 54 percent for capital and 46 percent for recurrent expenditure allocations and creative income strategies. 

He announced that the 2020 budget recorded over 90 percent performance and the results were demonstrated in the massive delivery of programmes and projects across the state during the year, despite the fact that government was only able to perform for less than six months because of the lockdown occasioned by the COVID-19 pandemic and the EndSARS protest.

While presenting the Year 2021 Appropriation Bill to the governor for signing, the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye, commended the governor for his sterling performance in the implementation of the 2020 budget.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Professor Olalekan Yinusa, maintained that the success of the 2020 budget was due to the ingenuity and proactiveness of Governor Oyetola in spite of the challenges witnessed during the year.

He said the 2021 budget was prepared based on realistic and stringent conditions to meet the statutory obligations.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has implored the state government to invest in Agriculture, Mining and Tourism as a way to fund 2021 Budget and job creation in the state.

The speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call during the General Talk on 2021 Budget with the Ministry of Economic Planning and Budget at the floor of the House in Osogbo.

Mr Owoeye observed that there should be a law to allow the state government to generate revenue through Mining and invest in the tourism and agriculture sectors.

While urging the executive to always carry the lawmakers along in the implementation of the budget, the Speaker said the House will not approve budget of any ministry or agency who refused to reply its budget query.

Osun State Commissioner for Economic Planning and Budget, Professor Olalekan Yinusa said the state government is set to partner with organisations in the tourism sector and also invest more on Agriculture to fund 2021 budget.

Professor Yinusa said major programmes such as the anchor borrowers scheme to would be put in place to fund 2021 budget.

The commissioner assured the House of budget implementation and performance in the fiscal year of 2021.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye has promised a speedy passage of the Disability Bill.

The speaker in a statement by his Press Secretary, Kunle Alabi, to commemorate the International Day of Disabled Persons noted that the 7th Assembly under his watch will be committed to making life more meaningful for people living with disabilities through quality legislation.

He said the observance of the day aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilize support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. 

The speaker also noted that the bill seeks to increase awareness of the gains to be derived from the integration of persons with disabilities in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

He maintained that the 7th Assembly is working on a bill, saying the House is already working with critical stakeholders in developing a bill that would address all the needs of Persons with Disabilities.

The speaker said when the bill is passed into law, people living with disabilities will be safeguarded against any form of discrimination and also have equal access to a conducive socio-economic environment.

On the passage of the disabilities bill, Mr Owoeye promised to work with the executive under the leadership of Governor Gboyega Oyetola to ensure a speedy passage of the bill.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye has congratulated the governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola on the celebration of his two years in office describing the two years of Oyetola-led administration in the state as one that has contributed to the transformation of the state.

The speaker in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Kunle Alabi commended the administration for doing everything possible to bridge the gap between government and the citizenry through frequent engagements with the public on government policies.

He also lauded Governor Oyetola for embarking on numerous capital projects despite the pandemic that ravaged the entire world economy.

Mr Owoeye reiterated that the 7th Assembly would at all times be a partner in progress in ensuring that the lives of Osun State people becomes better than the way it was.

The speaker while praying that the remaining years of Governor Oyetola witness more progress and sustainable growth, called on residents and people of the state to cooperate with government by paying their taxes for the state to witness more development.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Osun State governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola is to present 2021 budget to the Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, on Tuesday.

This is contained in a letter sent to the speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye which was read during the plenary session.

The speaker, urged members to be on ground by 10 O’clock in the morning for the plenary and budget presentation.

Earlier, the speaker, had also read a letter forwarded by the governor, titled, “Medium Term Expenditure Framework 2021 to 2023”, to which the governor is seeking approval of the assembly to implement.

Mr. Owoeye said the governor is seeking speedy consideration, ratification and passage of the expenditure framework, saying its financial submission forms part of the 2021 budget of the state.

He said the expenditure framework contains what the government have and intend doing for the people of the state in the next three years.

Funmi Adekoya

Lifestyle

Media organisations have been urged to always cross-check their reports to prevent inciting the people against government.

The speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye made the call when the management of Gold FM Ilesha paid him a courtesy visit in Osogbo.

Mr Owoeye who noted that the role of the media was to promote the activities of government, said the media should not allow themselves to be used by some people to cause dissent in the state.

The speaker while commending Gold FM for its various impactful programmes assured the management of the State Assembly’s readiness to partner with the station in enhancing the station.

Earlier, the General Manager of Gold FM, Mr Adedamola Tinubu had called for more collaboration between the station and the Osun State House of Assembly.

Mr Tinubu had in his entourage the Assistant Director, Marketing, Mrs Olukemi Oni, Manager News, Mr Akintunji Akinleye, Manager Programmes, Mr Abayomi Adewale and Acting Head of Finance, Mr Tope Oluwadare.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has urged Nigerians to be committed to the sustainability of one indivisible Nigeria.

The speaker in a statement by his Press Secretary, Mr. Kunle Alabi to commemorate the 60th Independence anniversary of Nigeria said, all hands must be on deck to save the country from the brink of failure.

Mr. Owoeye maintained that he believes in one indivisible country, saying irrespective of predictions of the naysayers that the country has failed, Nigeria will bounce back to her rightful position.

He said though the economic development of the country is not progressing and there are several security challenges, it is not enough for the country to be labeled as failed.

The speaker however admitted that the development witnessed in the country is not commensurate with the 60 years of independence.

Mr Owoeye also condemned the secession being promoted by some few disgruntled Nigerians, cautioning those calling for break-up of the country to have a re-think and jettison such negative thoughts.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State has forwarded the names of the nominees for the board of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, to the state House of Assembly for ratification and approval.

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye at plenary acknowledged the receipt of the names of the OSIEC board nominees with Mr. Segun Oladitan as Chairman and six other members, selected across the three Senatorial Districts of the state.

Mr. Owoeye said the state governor, exercising his powers under sections 197 and 198 of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, has constituted members for the state electoral body and that the state assembly would carry out its duty of screening the nominees.

While appealing to his colleagues to quickly work on the ratification of the names because of its importance, the Speaker directed the nominees to submit 35 copies of their Curriculum vitae to the Assembly by Thursday while their screening on the floor of the House will take place on Wednesday, 27th May 2020.

In another development, the House issued warning to CHAMS Nigeria Limited (the consultant responsible for payment of salaries to Osun workers) for failing to provide the Assembly with the reports of their activities in the state.

The Speaker who said he was displeased with the attitude of the management of the company, said since May 5 that the Assembly had written the company to furnish it with reports of their activities, the company had not replied or bother to provide the House with any explanation.

Mr. Owoeye said the action of the company shows disregard for the state legislature and that section 128 (1&2) of the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended) empowers the Assembly to disengage their services with the state.

He therefore instructed the Clerk of the House to write the company again, as the last warning before sanctions would be taken against them, to furnish the Assembly with the requested reports.

Funmi Adekoya