Crime

Police Confirm Burning of Osun Minority Leader Parents’ House

By Web News 632

Osun Police Command has confirmed the attack on the Ede residence of the parents of the Minority Leader of the State House of Assembly, Akogun Kofoworola Babajide by some hoodlums.

In a statement in Osogbo, the state capital, the Police Public Relations Officer, Yemisi Opalola said that the crime was perpetrated by some unidentified hoodlums on Friday night.

Mrs. Opalola hinted that investigations had begun on the incident to arrest those involved for immediate prosecution.

Meanwhile, the state Caretaker Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party, PDP, Dr. Adekunle Akindele has called on Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and security agencies to immediately arrest the situation in Ede and other parts of the state before it escalates.

Dr. Adekunle Akindele condemned the attack on the House Minority Leader, describing the attack as barbaric and uncalled for.

He appealed to the people of the state, particularly residents of Ede to remain calm and be vigilant as the party would work with security agencies to bring the perpetrators of the heinous crime to justice.

The yet-to-be identified hoodlums last night burnt down the residence of the parents of the Minority Leader of the Osun State House of Assembly and Akogun of Ede, Kofoworola Babajide in Ede.

Chief Babajide representing Ede North State Constituency in the Assembly in a chat with Radio Nigeria explained that some armed thugs had earlier attacked members of PDP during a ward meeting in Ede.

He claimed his father had not been seen since the incident and was not sure whether he was inside the house when it was burnt down by the hoodlums.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Osun Transition Bill Will Facilitate Smooth Handing Over

By Web News 776

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye said Osun Transition Bill 2022 would facilitate the smooth transition of one government to another.

Mr Owoeye made this known during the plenary of the House of Assembly complex in Osogbo.

He noted that the bill which came up for the first time in the history of the state would bring sanity into the transition of power.

The bill passed the second reading after the motion was moved by the Majority Leader, Mr. Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by Mr Babatunde Ibirogba representing Egbedore State Constituency respectively.

The Speaker also noted that the bill if passed into law would balance the transition teams of both incumbent and the incoming government.

He urged the lawmakers to give the bill accelerated passage for the good people of the state.

In their various comments and contributions, the lawmakers noted that the bill is very essential at this critical period of coming transition.

The lawmakers described the bill as a Nobel bill that encourages transparency and accountability in governance.

They also noted that the bill would give room for proper briefing and enhance the peaceful handing over of government power.

However, Osun State Local Government Areas Creation and Amendment no 5 bills 2022 and State of Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC) bill 2022 were also read for the first time

Earlier, the Speaker of the Parliament commended the lawmakers and citizens of the state for their roles play during the last gubernatorial election in the state.

In another development, the Speaker also congratulated Miss Tobi Amusan an Ogun State indigene who won 100 meters women’s Athletic in the USA according to him had made the country proud in the eye of the world.

According to him, “The bill if passed into law, will enhance the smooth transition of government in the state”.

“The bill spells out comprehensive handling over and regulates political power transition in Osun” he added.

The House adjoined till Tuesday. 

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

Osun Assembly Extends Tenure of LG Caretaker Committees

By Web News 560

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

Politics

87 APC Aspirants Jostle for Osun Assembly Tickets

By Web News 477

The screening committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has revealed that eighty seven 87 aspirants have obtained forms to contest the twenty six seats of Osun State House of Assembly.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the enlightenment exercise for the aspirants at the APC secretariat in Osogbo, the chairman of the committee, Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu, said the 87 aspirants would be screened ahead next year’s House of Assembly election.

He said the number of aspirants that had shown intention within the APC was a confirmation of how popular the party is across the country.

According to him, 81 of the aspirants purchased their forms in Abuja while 6 others bought their forms in the state.

He said the aspirants had been tutored on the requirements to present for the screening, assuring that there would be fair and equal treatment for all the aspirants.

“There are constitutional requirements and there are party requirements, but basically, we want to be sure they are Nigerian citizens. We want to see local government certificates, they must be party members, they must be voters, and we also want to know their age, we want to see their educational qualifications, if you claim to be a doctor, you must provide a certificate to prove it.”

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

Osun Speaker Demands Police Investigations Into Leaked Audio Tape

By Web News 1164

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has called on the State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olawale Olokode to investigate a audio recording circulating on social media alleging his involvement in the cover-up of cult related activities in Ilesa.

The Speaker in a petition to the Commissioner of Police held that an unknown man suspected to be a Police Officer defamed him by alleging that he reached out to top Police hierarchy in the state to set free a suspected serial killer and cultist.

In a statement by his Media aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi,Mr Owoeye  said the audio has become a source of concern for the Speaker’s family, loved ones and political associates, stressing he has worked and lived in Ilesa all his life contributing his quota to the development of the town.

The petition quoted partly “I am a proud ijesa man who loves my community and its inhabitants so dearly, I have made so many efforts both overtly and covertly ever since the cult clashes began to make sure Ilesa is a peaceful abode for all and sundry.

“Noteworthy is my commitment and support to the Nigeria Police Committee on Cultism ( POCACOV) during their outreaches is to ijesa land. 

“May I at this point urge you to urgently investigate the audio which is capable of lowering people’s confidence in me. it is also important considering the fact that your name was mentioned and that of our revered Monarch.

The said officer in the audio where he also disparaged Owa Obokun and the stool of his forebears, alluded to being part of a recent security meeting and as well confirmed that he is a security official.

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

Osun Assembly Deliberates on Environmental Protection Bill 2022

By Web News 607

Osun State House of Assembly has deliberated on Environmental Protection Bill 2022 with corrections and amendments made to long titles, enactment, citation and clauses 2 to 12 respectively.

The motion for all the amendments, corrections, citations and enactment to part of the bill was moved by Majority Leader, Mr Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by Mr Adewumi Adeyemi representing Obokun State Constituency respectively.

Earlier in a remark, the Speaker of the House, Mr Timothy Owoeye had welcomed the new members of Osun State House of Assembly Service Commission to its plenary.

Mr Owoeye described the members of the commission as seasoned politicians and solicited support from all members of the commission.

In another development, the executives of the Alumni of Ekiti State University Ado- Ekiti paid a courtesy visit to the Osun State House of Assembly on the occasion of the 40th anniversary of the institution.

The team was led by the Vice-Chancellor of the university, Professor Edward Olanipekun.

In another development, Osun State House of Assembly has commiserated with the family, management and staff of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation on the demise of Mr Tunde Adeyemo, who passed away recently.

The Speaker of the Parliament, Mr Timothy Owoeye expressed condolence to the management of OSBC during the plenary at the House of Assembly Osogbo.

Mr Owoeye described the late Tunde Adeyemo as a gentleman in his chosen career and a man of a good character and prayed for the repose of the deceased soul as well as the wellbeing of the family he left behind.

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

Governor Oyetola Signs 129.7 Billion Naira 2022 Budget

By Web News 688

Osun State governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has signed the 2022 budget of 129.7 billion naira.

Speaking at the ceremony, Governor Oyetola commended the legislature for diligent work on the budget and noted that with 83 per cent performance of 2021 budget as at the 3rd quarter, the 2022 budget would witness an improved performance.

Governor Oyetola who said the 2022 budget was developed with a passion for human development and citizens’ welfare, solicited more support from critical stakeholders for improved budget performance.

In his remark, the speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye noted that early presentation of the 2022 appropriation bill to the assembly by the governor gave room for thorough screening of budget proposals by government Ministries, Agencies and Departments.

Mr Owoeye who solicited prompt funding of the Osun Internal Revenue Service, OIRS, stressed the need for revenue-generating agencies and departments to double their efforts.

Earlier in a remark, the Osun State Commissioner for Budget and Planning, Professor Yinusa Olalekan noted that the budget had input from citizens across the senatorial districts in the state.

The 2022 budget christened “Budget of Sustainable Development” is 17 billion naira higher than the 2021 budget.

It has over 53 billion naira as recurrent expenditure while capital expenditure takes over 75 billion naira.

Abiodun Adeoye

Economy

We will continually prioritize youths’ empowerment – Governor Oyetola

By Web News 763

Osun State Government has reiterated its resolve to improve the economic status of residents especially the youth through continuous empowerment programmes.

The state governor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola gave the assurance during a multidimensional empowerment programme organized by the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye, held at Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent, Mojisola Oladele was part of the event.

Her Report.

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

OSHA Adopts Report of Proposed 2022 Budget

By Web News 781

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has adopted the report of Finance and Appropriation Committee on the proposed 2022 Budget of the State.

The Speaker, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye in his remarks during the presentation of the report at the House of Assembly Osogbo, observed that the #129, 256, 450, 790; catered for entire citizens welfare of the State.

Mr. Owoeye called on revenue agencies of government to increase their revenue drive. 

The Speaker implored the government to provide facilities for ministries, department,s and agencies of government saddled with the responsibilities of generating revenue for the state.

Earlier in a remark, the Chairman House of Assembly Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr Taiwo Olodo while presenting the report noted that the budget christened Budget of Sustainable Development catered for state development.

He maintained that the 2022 budget estimate must be revenue-driven and effectively implemented.

Mr. Olodo said 78 Ministries, departments, and agencies of government appeared for screening exercise that lasted for 14 days.

However, the motion for the adoption of the report was moved by Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation Mr. Taiwo  Olodo and seconded by Mr. Wale Adedoyin representing Ilesa West State Constituency respectively.

Mojisola Oladele

Politics

OSHA to become fully autonomous in 2022 – Owoeye

By Web News 951

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye says the Assembly would be fully autonomous from January 2022 as the committee for its startup has already been set up.

Mr. Owoeye, who was speaking at the budget defence exercise organised for the state Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), at the state assembly, said the state “Assembly Autonomous Bill” has already been signed into law by the state governor.  

The speaker noted that Governor Gboyega Oyetola, is committed to giving the assembly autonomy, but for some administrative bottleneck that is still serving as an impediment to having a full-fledged autonomy.

He pointed out that the Assembly would be starting full-fledged autonomy next year which means it won’t have to take its files, financial demands, expenditure and salaries to the governor for approval again.

Mr. Owoeye later commended his colleagues for the successful budget defence exercise, adding that the autonomy of the assembly, however, does not translate to more money for them.

The Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Moruf Olanrewaju, later presented the sum of N1.9 billion as the budget of the state Assembly for 2022.

Radio Nigeria Correspondent reports that Osun MDAs 2022 budget defence came to an end with the Office of the Governor, Osun  House of Assembly and House of Assembly Commission appearing to defend their budgets.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

OSHA Charges Ministry of Environment On Proper Sanitation

By Web News 1275

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has charged the Ministry of Environment and Sanitation to ensure the free flow of rivers and drainage across the state.

Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Adebayo Olodo, made the call during the budget defence of MDAs at the House of Assembly, Osogbo.

Mr. Olodo urged the ministry to be effective in ensuring a clean and hygienic environment across the state.

He maintained that a clean environment gives room for healthy living, hence the need to monitor water channels and drainages across the state for free flow of water.

He assured that Osun State House of Assembly would make a law to give legal backing to the activities of the ministry.

Some of the lawmakers in their contributions advised the ministry to look into the activities of miners in the affected local governments across the state.

Earlier, the Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Sola Oladepo and Special Adviser to Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Rufus Oyegbile, explained that the ministry is working to ensure the smooth running of private sector participation (PSP) in the state for a clean environment.

They said the state government is planning to plant trees in all school free areas in the state.

Other Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government that appeared for budget defence are the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Osun Signage Holding and Advertisement Agency, Osun Waste Management Agency, Osun Parks and Gardens Management Agency and Office of Natural and Minerals Resources.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Prayers, key to victory over national challenges – OSHA Speaker

By Web News 607

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has identified prayers as the solution to the challenges being faced by the country.

Mr. Owoeye who stated this at the special interreligious quarterly prayer by the House of Assembly said the 1999 constitution of Nigeria as amended gave room for religious gatherings.

He maintained that the consistent prayer meeting by the lawmakers and staff has brought a peaceful atmosphere to the Assembly.

Earlier, the Chief Imam of Osun House of Assembly Mosque, Abdulfatah Adebisi in his message said prayer is very important for individuals to live a fulfilled life.

Also, the Chaplain of the House of Assembly Church, Pastor Muyiwa Ayeni in a short exhortation, noted that prayer can deliver Nigeria from all calamities ravaging the country.

Prayers were offered to God for peace and tranquillity in the House, Osun State and Nigeria.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Osun Assembly Puts Civil Service Commission Budget on Hold

By Web News 668

The Osun State House of Assembly has put the budget of Civil Service Commission on hold.

The Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Adebayo Olodo stated this during the budget defence by Ministries and Agencies of government in the state.

Mr. Olodo said the Budget of the Commission was put on hold as the commission did not appear before the House Committee for pre-budget meeting where grey areas in each Ministries and Agencies budget are first discussed.

He therefore, directed the Commission and other ministries and Agencies to ensure to attend the pre-budget meeting with the committee for necessary discussion before appearing for  budget defence.

Mr. Olodo also commended the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs for ensuring peaceful resolution of all Chieftaincy tussle in the state.

He urged the Ministry not to relent in ensuring peace in all the local governments of the state.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

OSHA Charges OSIEC On Credible Elections

By Web News 597

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has charged the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission, OSIEC, to be more tolerant during election periods.

Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Adebayo Olodo made the call during the budget defence by Ministries and Agencies at the House of Assembly Complex, Oshogbo.

Mr. Olodo who appreciated the efforts of members of the commission in discharging their civic obligations advised the commission to be up and doing in its undertakings.

He promised that the Osun State House of Assembly would give necessary support to the commission to succeed.

He advised Nigerians to be actively involved for credible, effective and smooth elections.

Responding, the OSIEC Chairman, Otunba Segun Oladitan urged various political parties to always do the needful in presenting their candidates ahead of elections.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

OSHA Warns MDAs On Budget Defense Boycott

By Web News 727

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, says heads of revenue-generating agencies who failed to appear for the defence of their budget for the 2022 fiscal year will get zero allocation.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye stated this while declaring open 2022 Budget defence by Ministries, Departments, and Agencies in the state before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation exercise.

He said the Assembly would be thorough in the consideration of budget proposals presented by Ministries and Agencies of Government.

The Speaker advised Ministries and Agencies to improve on their Internally Generated Revenue drive by looking inward as well as blocking all revenue leakages and loopholes within their jurisdiction.

He urged residents and business owners in Osun State to ensure timely payment of taxes and levies which he noted would lessen the stress of funding of budget.

Earlier, the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriations, Mr. Taiwo Olodo said the Assembly is set to help the MDAs improve on their services, so as to enable them to generate more revenue for the state government, asking them to table their challenges and constraints before the committee.

Commissioner for Education, Mr. Folorunso Oladoyin led the Ministry of Education and five agencies of government to appear before the joint House committees of Finance and Appropriations and House Committee on Education, to present their year 2022 budget estimates.

Funmi Adekoya

Health

OSHA Pledges To End FGM

By Web News 842

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, 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 State at the Osun State House of Assembly Complex 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 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 in the fight against FGM to achieve success.

In their contributions, 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 Osun State House of Assembly for the passage of laws against child abuse and Female Genital Mutilation.

They called for more support from state lawmakers to eradicate the devilish act.

Meanwhile, under Matters 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 Assembly, the power outage in some communities in Ife North Local Government for the past 5 months.

Mr. Olatunji noted that the power outage has crippled the commercial activities, and has adversely affected the lives of the people in the area.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy 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

News

OSHA Assures Pensioners Of 30 Months Salary Arrears Payment

By Web News 793

The Osun House of Assembly, OSHA, is to receive the state’s budget estimate for 2022.

This is contained in a letter sent to the assembly by the governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola and read by the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye during the plenary.

Governor Oyetola is expected to lay the 2022 budget estimate before the assembly on Tuesday, October 5, 2021.

Under the Matter of Urgent Public Importance, the lawmaker representing Ejigbo State Constituency, Mr. Israel Oyekunle brought to the notice of the House the fire incident that occurred at Secretariat of Ejigbo South Local Government Development Area, Ilawo which destroyed local government property.

The House advised people to be careful when using electrical appliances at home and government offices.

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has assured pensioners under the Contributory Scheme in the state that their 30 months half-salary arrears would be paid in due course. Mr. Owoeye gave the assurance while addressing the pensioners who came to House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo to register their grievances.

While appreciating the manner in which the retirees registered their grievances, the speaker, said the House would take necessary steps to address their issue.

He noted that the present administration has the interest of the retirees in mind, assuring them that he will meet the state governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola by next week on their issue and promised a positive result concerning the payment of their 30 months arrears.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Fiscal Strategy Paper Will Aid Proper 2022 Budget Planning – OSHA Speaker

By Web News 552

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has received the Economic and Fiscal Update, Fiscal Strategy Paper and Budget Policy Statement from the Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye during the Plenary, explained that the paper is a review of the last budget performance of the state.

He noted that the paper would provide information on budget process for year 2022 to year 2024.

While commending the lawmakers’ performance at the last budget retreat, the speaker urged his colleagues to make use of knowledge acquired during the retreat to prepare for the forthcoming year’s budget.

He said the fiscal paper was in compliance with Appropriation Law of 2012 which mandated the Ministry of Finance to do the midterm review of budget in the fiscal year.

Mr. Owoeye urged the lawmakers to study the paper and come up with the needful points to work on during the next deliberation.

He then committed the paper to the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation to give the House full report on the paper.

Funmi Adekoya

Judiciary

Osun State Audit Amendment Bill 2021, Scales 1st, 2nd, 3rd Reading

By Web News 763

A bill seeking to amend the Osun State Audit Laws 2019 has passed through the first, second and third reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly. 

The Bill, entitled Osun State Audit Amendment Bill 2021, was announced at the plenary by the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, following a letter addressed to the House by Governor Adegboyega Oyetola. 

According to the governor, the bill is to make adjustments to the preexisting Osun State Audit Laws 2019 in order to meet global best practice. 

While presenting the Policy Trust of the bill, Majority leader, Mr. Maruf Olarenwaju, noted that it would, among other things, provide proper perspective for the functions, tenure and powers of the state auditor general while eliminating waste. 

After the House dissolved into the Committee of the Whole to deliberate on the Bill, the Speaker reported that relevant sections of the Principal law were amended to clearly spell out circumstances surrounding the appointment of the Auditor General.

He also mentioned that the amendment involved provision for the Auditor General to work without undue interference. 

In a separate development, the House of Assembly confirmed the nomination of Mrs. Iyabo Jimoh as the representative of Ward 10a, Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Osun Assembly Charges Ministry On Youths Development

By Web News 579

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, wants the Ministry of Science, Innovation and Technology to use its ideology to develop the youths across the state.

The Chairman, House Committee on Science, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Babatunde Olatunji made the call while addressing newsmen after a meeting with officials of the ministry at Osun State House of Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

Mr. Olatunji advised the ministry to bring improvement into the system especially branding of foods known with the state like “Dodo-Ikire” to make it more attractive.

While urging the ministry make meaningful impact on the youths for improvement, the lawmaker said the development of the state is the duty of everyone.

In their contributions, members of the committee noted that the ministry could make use of new ideas to turn things around, urging it to be more focused on innovation for better change.

Earlier, the Osun State Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Dr. Olawale Babatunde and the Special Adviser to the governor, Mr. Kareem Ismail had told the committee that the ministry would make use of innovation and technology in a manner that would make room for the development of the state.

They confirmed that the ministry was in partnership with a private company established a technological hub to train youths of the state on ICT skills.

The commissioner assured that the Osun Hub center would soon commence work to assist the youths and the state at large. Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Herdsmen Attacks: OSHA Calls For Improved Security

By Web News 778

The speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye wants the Commissioner of Police in Osun State, to beef up security within the state against killer herdsmen.

The speaker made the call when member representing Ifedayo State Constituency, Mrs. Adenike Abioye raised the issue of the attack by herdsmen on the people of Ora in Ifedayo Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Owoeye also enjoined the Commissioner of Police to provide utility vehicles for easy operations and patrol of officers in Ifedayo Local Government Area.

Similarly, the speaker has directed the Ministry of Environment to continue dredging of waterways in the state to reduce flooding.

Mr. Owoeye also warned residents dumping of refuse on water channels to desist from it as it has wreaked havoc to residents and market women.

In another development, the Osun State Animal Gracing Regulation and Cattle Ranches Establishment Bill 2021 has passed through the second reading on the floor of the Osun State House of Assembly.

Reading the policy thrust of the bill, the Deputy Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Kunle Akande, said the bill when passed would seek to regulate activities of herdsmen and encourage arable farming.

Some of the lawmakers in their contributions, called for the speedy passage of the bill saying it would boost the economy of the state through Agriculture.

The speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, in his remark, explained that the bill when passed would curb clashes between farmers and herdsmen as well as regulate activities of herdsmen in the state.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Former OSHA Speaker Accuse Osun Congress Committee of Bias

By Web News 686

Former Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Dr. Najeem Salam has alleged the Congress Committee set up by the National leadership of the APC to oversee Osun State Ward Congress of bias.

Dr. Salaam told newsmen in Ejigbo that the committee was only working with the list presented to it by the governor and not the one agreed to by party members.

He said members of the APC in his ward and across Ejigbo Local Government Area trooped out in large numbers to participate in the exercise, while INEC officials were also available to observe it, but the supervising committee members appointed by the national headquarters of the party were not seen anywhere at the polls.

The former speaker wondered why those in government in Osun State were afraid of election within their party when they would be facing a general election next year.

Dr. Salaam who is the Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development of NIGCOMSAT maintained that imposing consensus on the party was a deliberate attempt to force some loyal members out of the APC, a development which he said would be impossible.

He called on the national leadership to address the situation to ensure that internal democracy and popular participation was deepened in the APC.

Adenitan Akinola

Politics

Osun State Legislative Fund Management Bill Passes Second Reading

By Web News 526

The Osun State Legislative Funds Management Bill has scaled through the second reading on the floor of the Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA.

The bill, which would ensure accountability, transparency, effectiveness and efficiency in the utilisation of funds for the House of Assembly was considered at the Committee of Whole.

The lawmakers, during the Committee of the Whole took turns to effect some corrections in some clauses of the bill.

After thorough deliberations on the bill, the Majority Leader, Mr. Maruf Olarewaju moved a motion that the amendment and corrections made on the clauses should form part of the bill.

According to the bill, all moneys due to the Osun State House of Assembly for capital and recurrent expenditure shall be paid by the State Commissioners for Finance and Accountant-General into the Assembly’s account in Proratal basis in accordance with provisions of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

It also stated that the account of the Assembly shall be audited annually by the auditors appointed from the list of auditors, in accordance with the guidelines issued by the Auditor-General of the state.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

OSHA Confirms Oyetola’s Nominees for Council Appointments

By Web News 580

The Osun State House of Assembly has confirmed nominees of Governor Gboyega Oyetola for appointment as Chairman, Vice Chairman, Secretary and Members of the Caretaker Management Committee of 30 Local Government Areas, 32 Local Council Development Areas and 7Area Councils.

The House earlier screened the Secretary nominee for Obokun East Local Council Development Area

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye in his remark, advised the Caretaker Management to work together to develop the state.

However, the Minority Leader, Mr. Kofoworola Babajide from People’s Democratic Party, said his party was not in support of Caretaker Management in the Local Government and LCDAs, noting that the people of Osun State have been denied the right to vote for the candidates of their choice.

Responding, the Speaker Mr. Timothy Owoeye who explained that nobody denied the electorates to vote for their choice candidates, said they were circumstances that surround not conducting Local Government elections in the State.

The Speaker has therefore advised the Governor to go ahead with the swearing-in of the confirmed nominees.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

OSHA Rejects 1 Chairmanship Nominee, 2 LCDA Nominees Over Violent Behaviour

By Web News 855

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has stepped down the names of a chairman and two councilor nominee during the screening of Local Government caretaker nominees.

Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye during the screening exercise stepped down the name of the chairman nominee for Olaoluwa Local Government for attacking member representing Olaoluwa State Constituency during a protest.

Mr. Owoeye who maintained that the Assembly would not condone violent acts by political office holders, said he would write to the governor to replace the nominee.

Also, two councilor nominees from Ifedayo Local Government were stepped down.

The Speaker, however, stressed that only caretaker Nominees who presented their tax clearance to the Assembly would be confirmed.

Mr. Owoeye also commended his colleagues for their contributions during the screening despite closing late yesterday at 7:30pm.

10 Local government, 11 Local Council Development Area, LCDA, and 4 Area Council nominees were screen on the floor of the Osun State House of Assembly in Osogbo, Osun State. 

Meanwhile, the Speaker commiserated with the family of the local security agent who died during the search and rescue operation launched to rescue the abducted passengers in Obokun Local Government Area of the state.

While selecting lawmakers to pay a condolence visit to the family of the deceased, the speaker appreciated the local security outfit for their determination and patriotism.

Funmi Adekoya