Education

Osun Government Approves Hijabs For Schools

By Web News 1118

After years of legal framework, the Osun State Government has finally
approved the use of hijab in public schools.

According to the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Education, Mrs
Christianah Olaniyan, only female students are allowed to use the
the religious dress that it should not be below the navel.

Mrs Olaniyan said the hijab should not be made compulsory by school
authorities for all students, especially non-Muslims.

She therefore warned public schools against flouting the directive,
stressing that the move would be in contempt of court.

It will be recalled that the state Muslim community in February 2013
took government to court seeking an order granting female Muslim
students the permission to use hijab in schools.

The court granted the order with a clause that the hijab should not be
below the navel of the female students.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Crime

Osun Govt. Hands over Recovered Loots to Owners

By Web News 1012

Osun State Government has begun to hand over recovered public and private loots to their respective owners.

Speaking with journalists, Secretary to the Committee on Loot Recovery,  Mr Samson Owoyokun revealed that government had earlier carried out enumeration in collaboration with the Police to officially itemize property lost by individuals in order to prevent wrongfully claim of ownership.

Mr Owoyokun informed the media that the house-to-house search which had commenced in some areas in the state would be based on an intelligence report from the JTF and Amotekun corps.

Some of the affected people who said many of their items were yet to be recovered expressed hope that more items would be recovered.

Our correspondent reports that all the recovered items are displayed in the open for easy identification by owners.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Crime

72-Hour Amnesty: There shall be no extension – Governor Oyetola

By Web News 680

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola says there will be no extension of amnesty beyond the 72 hours earlier announced for looters to return stolen items.

He stated this while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo.

Governor Oyetola said he had been briefed that the returned loot
represented about 20 per cent of the total stolen items, thereby urging
those who are yet to heed to the call to so do within the next 24 hours.

He warned that after the expiration of the 72-hour amnesty as announced, government would go after the looters and make them face the wrath of the law.

On the curfew imposed on all parts of the state, the governor said he would meet with security chiefs to review the curfew and come out with a resolution.

The Osun State helmsman noted that the level of compliance has been very impressive and if it could be maintained, there was no point preventing people from going about their normal daily activities.

Folake Oye

Crime

Palliative Looters: Osun Government Begins House-To-House Search

By Web News 716

Osun State government is to embark on house to house search to retrieve looted items following the expiration of the 72 hours amnesty granted the looters by the governor.

Governor Gboyega Oyetola gave the information while inspecting some of the items voluntarily returned by some of the looters in the Government House Osogbo.

Correspondent, Adenitan Akinola was there for Radio Nigeria.

Adenitan Akinola

Transportation

Osun Govt Limit Okada Operations Till 8 PM

By Web News 860

Osun State governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has directed full documentation and registration of all commercial motorcycles operations and operators in the state within the next two weeks.

Governor Oyetola who gave the directive at a meeting with the leadership of the associations of commercial motorcycle operators in the state also ordered a daily 8 PM closing of operation period for them.

The governor said anyone who is not covered in the registration risks suspension of their operations.

He described the move as part of efforts to firm up security in the state, following recent looting, vandalization of government and private properties and general disruption of peace.

The Osun State governor expressed displeasure at the way motorcycle operators allowed themselves to be used to cause unprecedented damage around the state in the last few days.

Mr Oyetola maintained that commercial motorcyclists were involved in ferrying looters from house to house to perpetrate evil as well as being paid to transport hoodlums to destroy people’s businesses.

He said the government was aware that okada business was a source of livelihood and not all of them were criminals but the events of the past few days had shown that the criminal elements among them had become a threat to the peace of Osun State.

In their response, the representatives of the various associations of the commercial motorcyclists in the state apologised to the governor for the role some of their members played in causing devastation across the state and promised to comply with the directives of the state government.

Adenitan Akinola

News

Radio is an indispensable tool – Osun SSG

By Web News 604

Radio has been described as a useful tool for educating and informing
and entertaining people.

Secretary to the Osun State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji stated
this while hosting the management of Radio Nigeria, Gold FM, Ilesa,
led by the General Manager, Mr Adedamola Tinubu in Osogbo.

Correspondent Zion Oyelade, who was part of the entourage, has the rest
of the story.

His report…

Economy

Worship Centers, Markets, Resume Full Operations in Osun

By Web News 671

Osun State government has ordered the reopening of markets and places of worship in the state.

In a new guideline easing the lockdown induced by the COVID-19 pandemic, the state government said all markets are now allowed to commence full operations, while worship centres that were restricted to once-a-week meetings can now commence their weekly services, subject to compliance with COVID-19 safety protocols.

In a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode, the Osun State government said the new guideline takes immediate effect. 

The statement notes that government appraised the current status of the state in the ongoing fight against the COVID-19 pandemic and decided to relax some of its lockdown measures following some emerging positive indices. 

It urges citizens to continue to wear nose masks in public places, and also ensure regular use of hand sanitizer especially at the end of every exchange.

Worship centres are also enjoined to observe regular precautionary measures of wearing of face masks, hand washing, temperature screening and avoidance of physical contact in public places.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

29th Anniversary: Osun Congratulates Citizens

By Web News 675

Osun State Government has congratulated its citizens on the occasion of the 29th year anniversary of the state’s creation.

A statement by the state Commissioner for Information and Civic Orientation, Mrs Funke Egbemode said the government appreciated its citizens for being people of peace and understanding.

Mrs Egbomode noted that the values contributed to the development of the state by citizens could not be underestimated hence the need for government to place priority human and material resources.

The commissioner said the steady growth recorded in the state since 1991 was as a result of commitment of successive government in the state to  good governance.

She called on residents to continue to support government in its quest to reposition the state for economic development.

In a related development, a traditional ruler in Ile-Ife, the Lowa Adimula, Oba Adeyeye Adekola has congratulated the people of the state over the celebration of 29years creation of the state.

Oba Adekola, who stated this in a chat with newsmen in Osogbo, noted that the state had witnessed development in some sectors of its economy.

The traditional ruler maintained that the present administration led by Governor Gboyega Oyetola had demonstrated commitment to human and materials development.

He called on people of the state to continue to support government in its quest to reposition the state for economic advancement.

In the same vein, Executive Chairman, Isokan South Local Council Development Area in the state, Mr Wasiu Oyelami expressed hope that the state would witness unprecedented development under the leadership of Governor Gboyega oyetola.

Mr Oyelami, who said the state was ahead of its contemporaries in terms of developments, noted that the state had fared well in the last twenty nine years in all area of human endeavors.

He called on the state government to harness the state potential in the mining and tourism sector for wealth and employment creation.

Wasiu Ajadosu 

Lifestyle

Osun Govt. Announces Demise of Senator Ayo Fasanmi

By Web News 839

Osun State Government has announced the death of elder statesman, respected politician and national leader of the Afenifere, Pa. Ayorinde Fasanmi.

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

Mrs Egbemode said Senator Fasanmi’s death was confirmed by his first son, Justice Obafemi Fasanmi,

The statement describes Pa Fasanmi as an epitome of humility, integrity, a selfless personality who made enviable and remarkable contributions to his profession, the socio-political development of Yorubaland, and to the nation at large.

It notes that in the old Western Nigeria, Pa Fasanmi served as a member of the Board of Directors of the Old Western Nigeria Housing Corporation and National President of the Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria in 1977.

The statement also recalls that Pa Fansami was also a member of the National Constitutional Conference Commission in 1994.

Pa Fananmi who was second republic senator passed on at the age of 94.

Wasiu Ajadosu

News

Eid-El-Kabir: Osun Government Bans Gathering Eid Grounds

By Web News 780

Osun State Government has cancelled Eld-el-kabir prayer in line with global health emergency practices to forestall the spread of Covid-19 in the state.

In a statement issued by the Secretary to Osun State Government, SSG, Prince Wole Oyebamiji said only Jumat service will hold on Friday in line with the existing safety protocols and guidelines.

Prince Oyebamiji noted that the state was still recording rising figures of confirmed COVID-19 cases amidst an active community transmission stage of the pandemic in the state.

He hinted that the cancellation of Eid-el-kabir congregation became imperative since people whose COVID-19 status has not been ascertained would be travelling into the state from different parts of the country, in the spirit of the celebration.

Prince Oyebamiji maintained that government cannot afford the impact of any form of large gathering such as the kind expected at praying grounds and the associated difficulties of enforcing the safety protocols against COVID-19.

He however urged the Muslim faithful in the state to celebrate Eid-el-kabir with moderation.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Crime

Osun Government to Prosecute Policewoman over Child Abuse

By Web News 904

Osun State Government has disclosed plans to arraign a policewoman,
who allegedly maltreated her six-year-old stepdaughter.

Osun State Commissioner for Women, Children and Social Affairs, Mrs
Bukola Olaboopo made this known to newsmen in Osogbo.

Mrs Olaboopo said government was “convinced about the maltreatment of
the subject, an action contrary to the provisions of the child rights
law of the state.”

She warned that violation of the child rights law in the state was a
criminal offence, adding that the suspect would be charged to court.

Mrs Olaboopo added that the present administration led by Mr Gboyega
Oyetola has zero tolerance for rape, child molestation, child labour
and other vices that can endanger the lives of children.

Gold FM

Health

Senator Fadahunsi Tasks Osun Govt. on Use of World Bank’s Health Grant

By Web News 814

Osun State Government has been advised to use part of the 20million dollar health grant by the World Bank to procure testing kits and establish more testing centres to contain community transmission of Covid-19 in the state.

A member representing Osun East in the Senate, Senator Francis Fadahunsi gave the advice in an exclusive interview Radio Nigeria Gold FM.

Isaac Haastrup has the details.

Economy

There’s no reason for protest – Osun Pensioners

By Web News 952

The Triangular Group of Pensioners says, there is no reason for any group or groups of pensioners to embark on any form of protest against Osun State Government.

The group hinges their resolve on the commitment of the Gboyega Oyetola’s administration prompt payment of all pension and salaries since his assumption of office in 2018.

Chairman of the group, Mr Rotimi Adelugba was speaking at a press conference organised to address issues of pension and gratuity in the state.

Mr Adelugba said the group was constantly negotiating with government on issues bothering on payment of 142% and 30% arrears to entitled pensioners, monthly arrears owed by the past administration, gratuities of those who retired before 2012, full monthly pension among others.

He noted that most of these demands were being touched by the state government-based on available resources from the Federal allocation and internally generated revenue.

Some pensioners in Osun State had last week reportedly protested in Ile-Ife over nonpayment of gratuities and pension arrears owed by the administration of immediately past government of Mr Rauf Aregbesola.

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

All Exco members to be tested for Coronavirus – Osun Health Commissioner

By Web News 810

Osun State Government has dispelled the rumour that another executive
council member tested positive for coronavirus.

Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, Commissioner for Health, Doctor
Rafiu Isamotu said all executive members would be tested for the virus.

Doctor Isamotu hinted that the only member and Secretary to the State
Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, who tested positive recently, is
getting better.

Gold FM

Economy

Osun Govt. Unveils Plan to Generate 15,000 Jobs Annually

By Web News 637

Osun State Government has unveiled plans to generate fifteen thousand jobs annually through the advancement of vocational and technical trainings.

The state Commissioner for Commerce, Industry, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Doctor Bode Olaonipekun stated this in Osogbo while addressing journalists after a technical meeting  with the leadership of the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency (SMEDAN)

Doctor Olanipekun said the initiative was aimed at empowering the residents of the state and generate employment for the unemployed youths.

The commissioner, who described the move as a way to rejuvenate the economy, noted that it was part of government  efforts  to stimulate the economy after the COVID-19 pandemic.

He maintained that the present administration had taken human capital development and capacity building as one of its cardinal objectives to reposition the state.

In a remark, the training consultant, Mr. Bolaji Jegede, assured the people of the state of his readiness to equip the participants with relevant skills that would make them to be self-employed.

Mr Jegede maintained that training would go a long way to reduce unemployment in the state as well as opening the state for economic development 

Wasiu Ajadosu

Politics

Osun Goes on Total Lockdown, Records Second COVID-19 Case

By Web News 613

The Osun State Government has announced the total lockdown of the State on Tuesday following the confirmation of the second case of the deadly Coronavirus.

The Government reaffirmed the commitment to shut down all the land boundaries effective from midnight, Sunday, March 29, 2020.

The Governor of the State, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, made the disclosure during a statewide broadcast on Sunday morning.

Oyetola maintained that there would be no movement within the State during the shutdown while those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty.

He described the decision as imperative in view of the devastating nature of the pandemic, adding that the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens when an emergency occurs.

Governor Oyetola, who expressed sadness over the latest incident, reiterated that the decision remained the only way to go if the State was to contain the spread of the disease.

“Following a review of our current situation, we have in addition to the subsisting measures taken in the past one week, decided to shut down all our boundaries, effective from midnight Sunday, March 29, 2020. In addition, a complete lockdown of the State will come into effect from midnight, Tuesday, March 31, 2020

“We believe this is the way to go, if we must contain the spread of this virus. To this end, we urge citizens and residents to take advantage of the hours between now and Tuesday to stock up provisions that will last them two weeks in the first instance.

“During the lockdown, there will be no movement within the state. The closed boundaries also means there will be no inter-state movements. However, those on essential duties such as health personnel, fire service, environmental officials, security personnel, power and water supply agencies, media and telecommunication officers will be on duty. Also, pharmaceutical and medical outfits will be allowed to open.

“We have mandated and mobilised the State’s taskforce and security operatives to enforce measures to the letter. We, therefore, strongly advise our people to remain in their homes during the period of the lockdown.

“When an emergency occurs, such as the one at hand, the first priority of any responsive and responsible government is to respond effectively to protect its citizens. This is what we will continue to do”, Oyetola added.

The governor urged the residents not to panic by the new measures but continue to adhere to government’s instructions and directives on the need for them to continue to observe necessary precautionary measures, including regular washing of hands with water and soap and also maintain the prescribed social distancing.

He lauded the critical stakeholders led by the former Health Minister, Prof. Isaac Adewole; taskforce and health officers for their selfless service to humanity.

Ban Funmi

Economy

Work-From-Home Order: Oyo Workers Hail Makinde

By Web News 733

Reactions have been trailing the work-from-home policy by Oyo state government for civil and public servants to contain the spread of coronavirus in the state with effect from today Friday, 27th March 2020.

Some of the workers who spoke with Radio Nigeria described the step as a welcome development by Engineer Seyi Makinde-led government.

While appreciating the government for the initiative, the workers urged their counterparts in both the private and public sectors to do their part to further prevent the spread of the virus in Oyo state.

Cue out

With this development, civil service activities have been in the southwest have been scaled down as only essential duty officers expected to show up at work on a regular basis.

Osun State governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola had granted workers in the state two weeks leave while both Lagos and Ogun state governments ordered employees on Grade levels 1 to 12 to work from home as well as Ekiti and Ondo states.

Iyabo Adebisi