Environment

Osun Govt. Decries Activities of Miners

By Web News 452

By Folake Oye

Osun State Government has warned miners in the State to desist from improper excavation of mining sites and ensure that they treat water coming from the excavation sites before it is being released into the Osun River. 

The Permanent Secretary Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Oladele Olawuni gave the warning while speaking at the flag-off of the reclamation of the Osun River in one of its tributories at Idominasi(do-mi-do-do-do) as part of activities lined up to commemorate 2023 World Environment Day. 

Mr. Olawuni stressed that the activities of the miners had made it important for the State Government to look into ways to make the water safe for use.

He said the State Government has observed that the activities of the miners have continued to have adverse effects on some tributaries that run into Osun River thereby making it necessary for the renewing of Osun River. 

The Permanent Secretary admonished the miners to always follow the procedures for mining in order to make the communities around the excavation sites safe for living .

He however disclosed that the Ministry would continue to monitor them and any miner found to have gone against the rules and regulations set for them will be sanctioned and if possible, get his or her contract terminated.

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Politics

We never directed LGs to contribute N2.9 billion- Osun Govt.

By Web News 502

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun Government has debunked the alleged directive to Local Governments to contribute N2.9 billion naira.

According to a statement by Governor’s Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the government says the allegations were senseless like the fake news of a plot by the Adeleke government to demote one million workers.

The government called on members of the public to ignore the new round of misinformation and disinformation, noting that the administration is governed strictly by due process and transparency within the context of public finance regulations.

The statement adds that the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has zero tolerance for corrupt practices as he focuses daily on the delivery of good governance and people’s welfare.

It assured that the Ipade Imole to be held next month, will give Osun people and all stakeholders the opportunity to receive and contribute to the stewardship report from the state government.

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Labour

Demotion of workers, half salaries are fake news- Osun Govt.

By Web News 773

By Funmi Adekoya

The Osun State Government says there is no plan to demote workers or plan to pay half of the salaries to state workers.

 In a statement signed by the Governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the government described as falsehood and wicked fabrication, the fake news about the demotion of workers and alleged plan to pay half salaries.

The statement indicates that the fake news was fabricated to undermine the strong bond between Governor Adeleke and Osun workers, both in the formal and informal sectors.

It states that Governor Adeleke, since assumption of office, has since been working round the clock to restore public confidence in government, bridge the infrastructural gap, clear backlogs of salaries owed to workers, rebuild the public service, sanitize public finance, and digitalize Osun economy.

The Government, therefore, urges members of the public to ignore the fake news about the demotion of workers and the re-introduction of half salaries.

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Economy

Delay in salary due to computation of promotion arrears- Osun Govt

By Web News 497

By Funmi Adekoya 

Osun State Government says the delay in the payment of March salary is due to the ongoing computation of promotion arrears of civil servants promoted without pay in the last four years.

According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the compilation of what is due to each promoted officer is followed with due diligence to ensure that there is no error in the eventual payment.

According to the statement, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that compilation, analysis and computation of the promotion arrears should be completed and paid to the affected civil servants.

The State Government, therefore, reassures workers that the payment of March salary will be paid along with the payment of promotion arrears which will be ready next week.

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Lifestyle

Vulnerable Groups Receive Assistance from Osun Govt

By Web News 661

Mojisola Oladele

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his administration’s resolve to ensure constant mobilization of resources to better the lots of rural communities and the vulnerable groups in the State.

Senator Adeleke gave the assurance when he handed over cheques to different clusters of persons living with Disabilities and Schools of Special Students under the Osun State COVID-19 Action Recovery and Economic Stimulus, OSUN CARES held in Osogbo the State Capital. 

The Osun State helmsman represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi said his administration had supported Osun Community Social Development Agency, Osun CSDA with over five Million Naira for the implementation of multi-sectoral and socially inclusive micro-projects for them, under World Bank Assisted Osun CARES. 

He reiterated that issues affecting persons with disabilities remain a priority for his administration hence, the need for people to embrace and provide the necessary support for them, to enable them to contribute their quota to national growth and development. 

While maintaining that there is ability in disabilities, Senator Adeleke congratulated the beneficiaries and expressed the belief that the projects would be well implemented within the stipulated time. 

Earlier in a welcome address, the General Manager of Osun State Community and Social Development Agency (Osun CSDA), Mrs. Aderonke Abokede explained that the project was an event geared towards activities marking the first 100 days in the office of Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Mrs. Abokede stressed that the State had constantly demonstrated its readiness to build an inclusive community where everyone regardless of their disabilities thrives.

Representatives of the beneficiaries, the state’s Chairman, Joint National Association of Persons with Disabilities JONAPID, Mr Stephen Olufemi and Mr. Lanre Olakusibe expressed appreciation to the State Government and Osun CSDA for the giant stride, which would go way to improve the lives of the Vulnerable in the State. 

Highlights of the event included a cultural display by Osun State Council for Arts and Culture and students from the School for Persons with Special Needs, Osogbo. 

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Economy

Osun Govt Flags Off Food Support Scheme

By Web News 472

The Osun State government has flagged off the 19th edition of its monthly Food Support Scheme, with the distribution of food items to another set of 30,000 people who belong to the vulnerable segment of the population in the State.

The State Governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola attributed the consistency and sustainability of the initiative, in spite of the attendant challenges to the fulfilment of his covenant to God and the Osun masses.

Speaking at the flag off of the 19th edition of the initiative, Governor Oyetola said the Scheme had come to stay in view of its wide acceptance by the citizens to whom the scheme was targeted at.

He noted that God had really helped him to keep faith to his electoral promises as manifested in the fulfilment of many of the vows he made while seeking mandate to serve the people.

The Governor expressed satisfaction with the impact of the Scheme in the lives of the beneficiaries just as he reaffirmed his commitment to continue the initiative.

Mr Oyetola who was represented at the flag off ceremony by the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, thanked the people of Osun for their support and cooperation which he said, had culminated to the numerous successes recorded so far by his administration.

“This edition indeed marks the 19th of its kind as 570,000 households had benefitted directly across the three Senatorial Districts of the State. This is done with no recourse to political, religious and social affiliation. It has been appreciated by the people. In the last editions, we have done wheats, rice, beans, garri among others.

“There are no challenges at all because Mr. Governor is always willing and this has become his testament as he vows to continue to do it to the last day of his tenures in office. It has been well -appreciated by the people, if you look at the turnout of the people and the way they identified with the government, you will know that this programme is truly for them and this cannot be quantified

“Despite the fact that the price of rice continues to soar, despite the fact that logistics always posed a serious challenge and posed serious impact on the programme where we have flood ravaging parts of the country and food become essential commodities for the people, we kept faith with our promise. It is a covenant he has vowed to fulfill to the last day of his office”, he added.

In his short remark, the Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Engr Olalekan Badmus, said the choice of rice for the 19th edition was informed by the need to balance and meet the immediate needs of the beneficiaries.

“We have in the past considered local producers and that is why we have been doing some of the local food items. But this time around, we felt it is also important to distribute rice to our people. The aim of the programme is still very much intact, that is why we have remained very consistent”, he added.

Adenitan Akinola

Telecommunication

Govs. Raise Concern over Journalists Safety, Fake News

By Web News 493

Osun State Government wants stakeholders to come out with measures that will protect Journalists against the prevailing issues of digital attacks.

The state government noted that this becomes imperative for the continued guarantee of press freedom in the era of digital communication.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode.

It lauds journalists and media professionals, describing them as unsung heroes of the nation’s democracy, reaffirming its continued commitment to upholding both local and international statutes guaranteeing essential freedom of expression.

The Statement also assures journalists, especially those practising in Osun State that it would continue to do all that is legally possible to protect and make their operations as smooth as possible them.

“It is a pleasure to join the government of states and nations in the 2022 commemoration of the World Press Freedom Day, as a reaffirmation of the noble role of a free press in a democracy.

“We as a government appreciate the efforts and labours of journalists and media professionals, the unsung heroes of our democracy, who have continued to provide citizens with information about our nation, our government, our lives. Their contributions have been critical to the ability of citizens to hold leaders accountable, as they explain and analyze government policies just as the constitution requires of them.

“The freedom of the press remains an essential pillar of a democratic society. Upon this recognition, the Osun Government has continued to uphold both local and international statutes guaranteeing freedom of expression, but unfortunately, the freedom of the press has continued to be attacked especially by non-state actors who are particular about circumventing the truth.”

It says this year’s theme, “Journalism under Digital Siege”, is very apposite to the goings-on in the media space, as it aims to highlight the multiple ways in which journalists and journalism are endangered by surveillance and digitally meditated attacks.

“The sponsors of this brand of attack have an agenda, which is inimical to public good and wellbeing. This explains why on a day like this, and indeed going forward, relevant stakeholders, including policymakers, journalists, media representatives, activists, cyber security managers, and legal experts, should come together to explore these issues and develop concrete solutions so that the threats posed by increased digital mediation to press freedom and privacy can be addressed.

“We seize this occasion to register our respect and sympathy to journalists who are being harassed, are in danger, and those whose lives have been lost in the cause of their professional duty.

“On our part as a responsible and responsive government we will continue to do all that is legally possible to protect journalists and journalism in the State of the Virtuous, in the collective interest of the good people of Osun”, the statement read.

Also in Ogun, the state Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun, wants media professionals to tackle fake news vendors and abstain from propaganda capable of truncating security and peace in the country.

In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Kunle Somorin, Governor Abiodun stressed the need for Journalists to always ensure accurate and objective reportage.

The Governor described journalists as the bastion of democracy and urged them not to allow themselves to be used to destabilize or heat up the polity.

Governor Abiodun who noted that though media professionals work in hostile environment in some countries, they have been able to discharge their duties of informing, educating, entertaining and setting agenda for development and growth.

While urging Journalists not to derail from performing their constitutional and social responsibility, the Governor said media as the Fourth Estate of the Realm, would be accorded a priority in his administration.

He reiterated that his administration would continue to create conducive atmosphere for the media to thrive and discharge their duties without fear or favour.

Bolanle Adesida / Abiodun Adeoye

Health

Health Stakeholder Partners Osun Govt. On Free Surgery

By Web News 909

Over 100 adults and children in Osun State at the weekend benefited from the free surgery initiated by the Ilerioluwa Medical Outreach. 

Herniorhaphies, herniotomies, excision of various lumps, and hydrocelectomies surgeries were conducted on patients by the medical team. 

The medical fiesta which was sponsored by the Osun State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Mr. Remi Omowaiye in partnership with a private Therapist organisation was held at the State Specialist Hospital Ilesha, Osun State. 

Speaking at the venue of the surgery, Mr. Omowaiye said the gesture was to complement the effort of the government in providing medicare for the ordinary citizens.

Mr. Omowaye who said the intervention cost millions of naira maintained that the beneficiaries were not members of any party, but just people who had the announcement on Radio Nigeria Gold FM and decided to take advantage.

He added that the surgery covered four areas and over 100 people including 40 children and 70 adults, both males and females, while he also assured that their post-surgical treatment would be attended to. 

Leader of the medical team, Dr Simeon Afolayan said about 50 medical personnel including experienced surgeons, anesthetists and nurses were part of the team.

Dr Afolayan who commended the efforts of the sponsor, Mr. Remi Omowaye said the exercise was limited to cases such as hernia, breast lump, outer lumps and lipoma.

Similarly, former Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH Teaching Hospitals, Osogbo, Professor Femi Fadiora who is renowned surgeon described the gesture of hinted that each of the beneficiaries  would not have paid less than 62 thousand naira, while others could be as much as 400 thousand naira  in public health institutions for the surgery.

A beneficiary, Mr. Funminiyi Isadare noted that he would have had his herniotomy removed a long time ago, but for the financial constraints, thanking the commissioner for the kind gesture.

Many women who had the surgery performed on their children betrayed their emotions as the rolled on the ground in appreciation of the Commissioner.

Adenitan Akinola

Education

Teachers Recruitment: Stakeholders Task Osun Govt. on Capable Manpower

By Web News 722

As eleven thousand candidates enter the second stage in the ongoing Osun State Teachers recruitment exercise, stakeholders want the government to fully adhere to global best practices in the selection of the would-be teachers for primary and secondary schools in the state.

Commenting on the exercise in Osogbo, the stakeholders believed this would ensure quality manpower in the sector.

Correspondent, Adenitan Akinola completes the story.

Education

Osun Govt. Closes Secondary School over Invasion by Suspected Cultists

By Web News 644

Osun State Government has announced the closure of lfeoluwa Co-Educational Grammar School, Osogbo, after the school was invaded by suspected cultists.

The spokesperson for the Osun State Police Command, Mr  Yemisi Opalola, told journalists in Osogbo that about twenty youths carrying cutlasses and other dangerous weapons had stormed the school premises and caused chaos.

Mrs Opalola noted that police officers were deployed to the scene and a suspect was arrested at the scene with a machete cut on his left arm and head.

She warned the hoodlums parading themselves as students to desist from the act as the state police command was poised to rid the state from any  form of criminality.

However, Osun State Government in a statement by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Education, Mr Kehinde Olaniyan, said the closure was to avert further breakdown of law and order in the school.

Wasiu Ajadosu 

Education

Osun Govt. Announces Date for Teachers’ Recruitment Exercise

By Web News 585

Osun State Government has announced date for the teachers’ recruitment exercise.

A statement  by the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Education, Mrs Christiana  Olaniyan indicates that the recruitment examination which will be conducted by the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, will hold between Tuesday, 9th and Wednesday, 10th February at all JAMB CBT Centres across the state.

The statement urges Prospective applicants to visit https//osun.csm.ng as from Monday, 1st February, 2021 to print out their Examination slips, which will admit them into the venues of the Examination.

It notes that examination will be in batches with each candidate allotted time and batch, which will be clearly indicated in his/her Exam Slip. 

The statement advises candidates to arrive at their CBT Centres not earlier than 30 minutes before their allotted time/batch, as there will be no room for clustering outside CBT Centres to avoid flouting COVID-19 Protocol.

It enjoins them to adhere strictly to the guidelines against prevention and spread of COVID-19 as released by the Federal Government and the state government.

Wale Ajadosu

Crime

Osun Govt. Clears Air on COVID-19 Palliatives Carted Away

By Web News 936

Osun State Government has cleared air on the COVID-19 palliatives looted from a ware today.

The clarification is contained in a Press Release by the Secretary, Osun Food and Relief Committee, Alhaji. Bayo Jimoh.

                                      TEXT

Ede Warehouse Attack: Putting the Records Straight

We are in receipt of information that the Warehouse in Ede, where we kept the relief materials donated to the Osun Food and Relief Committee by the Private Sector Coalition Against Covid-19 (CACOVID), has been attacked and food items carted away.

It has therefore become imperative to put the records straight in view of the falsehood and the misinformation making the rounds about the donated relief items.

One, it is not true that the food items were hoarded.

Two, the food items have no direct bearing with the State Government, as they are within the purview of the Food and Relief Committee.

Three, the items can only be distributed after a formal flag-off by the CACOVID Office, Abuja. 

Four, we do not have the authority to distribute the food items without approval from Abuja.  

Besides, the Committee is still expecting the rice component of the donated items, which is 40, 230 bags of 5kg. 

All these are part of the reasons the items were still in the warehouse up till the time of the invasion.

The following items were donated: Pasta FMN – 29, 992; Pasta OLAM -10, 282; Noodles- 80, 644; Garri -40, 322; Salt- 40, 320; and Sugar – 40, 227. 

However, the rice components of the donated items are yet to be delivered up until now.

The Committee wrote to CACOVID as recently as September 28, 2020, reminding it of the rice component, which is yet to be delivered.

Part of the letter reads: “I wish to refer to our letter on the above subject and wish to request for the recent update on the rice component expected to have been delivered to the State, and also to seek your advice on the exact time the State should expect delivery, considering the fact that items already received into the Warehouse are food materials and are perishable with limited shelve lives.

“May I recall in our previous discussions that the delay experienced is due to increase in cost of rice and delivery, that the amount paid to suppliers could no longer cover cost of purchase and delivery to Osun. “

However, up until this moment, we are yet to receive response from CACOVID. 

This is the truth about the status of the donated relief items until their unfortunate looting.

Signed:

Alh. Bayo Jimoh

Secretary, Osun Food and Relief Committee

Security

We did not sponsor thugs to disperse #ENDSARS Protesters – Osun Govt.

By Web News 647

Osun State Government says it did not sponsor thugs to disperse the #ENDSARS Now protesters in Osogbo on Thursday morning.

In a statement in Osogbo, the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Ismael Omipidan explained that the government had been engaging with the protesters since the agitation began on Monday.

The statement is a reaction to an earlier release credited to a Socio-Political organisation, the Democratic Socialist Movement, DSM which alleged that the government sponsored attack on the protest.

He stated that the government also invited leaders of the protesters for an interface with the police, saying that they declined claiming that they had no leader.

The government maintained that it was committed to protecting the right of citizens in all forms.

In the DSM statement credited to its Osun State coordinator, Mr Alfred Adegoke and Secretary, Mr Kola Ibrahim, the DSM said the nature of the attack and earlier move of the government suggested that the attack on the peaceful protesters was sponsored by the state government.

Recall, that some people numbering about 10 early on Thursday dispersed about 20 protesters moving from Okefair to Olaiya.

PR/Adenitan

Education

Osun Govt. To Employ Three Thousand Teachers

By Web News 1956

Osun State Government says it will employ about three thousand additional teachers to ensure quality education for its students.

Special Adviser to Osun State Governor on Education, Mr. Jamiu
Olawunmi stated this while speaking with gold FM on the new date
for schools resumption in the state.

The special adviser stressed that responsible parenting is a catalyst for child’s education development hence parents must put in extra effort for their wards educational advancement.

Mr. Olawunmi explained that the third term of the abridged 2019/2020 session called for the need to refresh the brain of the students who
had been at home for over three months due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

According to him the old tradition of parents/teacher synergy would
also be revived to promote effective teaching.


Isaac Haastrup