The Osun State Security Network Agency, otherwise known as Amotekun Corps, said it has arrested a resident of the state, Banji Olaniyi, following the disappearance of one Damilare Akinranti, whom he took to a farm.
The two men were said to be living in Mooro until November 6, 2022, when, Olaniyi, 31, took Akinranti, aged 24 to a farm located in Iguede Village.
Since that day, Akinranti has not been found while Olaniyi returned to Mooro, but later allegedly relocated to an undisclosed location and changed his mobile line.
A statement by the spokesperson for the Corps, Yusuf Idowu, obtained in Osogbo on Saturday, said people became suspicious of Olaniyi and a search was launched which later led to his arrest in Jagun village in Irewole Local Government Area of the state, over 11 months after Akinranti got missing.
The statement partly read, “Eleven months ago, precisely Sunday, November 6, 2022, at around 9am, Banji Olaniyi Julius convinced Damilare Akinranti, aged 24, to follow him to a farm in Iguede, Area 5, a distant farm in that same local government area; only for Akinranti to get missing since then. “The suspect who lured his victim to a farm in Iguede without his family members’ knowledge, had since absconded from home when it was discovered that he took Akinranti to a farm in Iguede and did not return with him. Aside from changing residence, he also changed his mobile phone number.
“The suspect was arrested in Jagun village of Irewole Local Government Area. He has been on the radar of the Osun Amotekun since a complaint was lodged against him by the family of the missing person at the Ife North Command of the Corps.
“Luck ran out on him, following a tip-off from our extensive intelligence gathering. Upon his arrest and preliminary investigation, the suspect confessed to having lured the missing person and many others to the same farm in years past.”
The Corps said the suspect has been handed over to the National Agency for Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons in the state for further action.
The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described sound infrastructure as a condition for economic growth and development.
Governor Adeleke who stated this at the launching of a 100 billion naira infrastructural plan for Osun State at the Governor’s office, Abere, said the infrastructure plan is to address the infrastructure deficit and boost the state economy.
He pointed out that his Administration is building confidence of investors by upgrading the state infrastructure thereby, laying the foundation for effective public-private partnership.
The Governor explained that the infrastructure plan will be carried out without any loan from financial institutions while all the projects will be completed within 12 months.
He assured that his administration would follow procurement law & due process, ensuring localisation in the implementation process through sourcing of materials and workforce locally with a plan to transfer skills and economically empower the people.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. Kolapo Alimi, had explained that governance is about people hence the decision of the Governor to develop the state with basic amenities to enhance the standard of living.
The infrastructure plan include, rehabilitation of 345 Health Centers in the 332 Wards, rehabilitation of 31 schools in the 30 Local Governments and Area Council, recruiting new teachers.
Construction of five Flyovers in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ife and Owode-Ede, dualisation of Roads in Osogbo, Ede and Ilesha, as well as construction/rehabilitation of 45 roads of at least one kilometer in each of the 30 Local Governments.
Others are, provision of potable water in 332 wards, installation of street lights in all major towns and quarterly Imole Medical Outreach.
Osun State Government wants Journalists to uphold the profession’s ethics by making Political officeholders in all levels of governance accountable for their leadership.
The State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made the call while declaring the 2023 Nigerian Union of Journalists, NUJ Press week opening ceremony with the theme: “Nigeria at 63 the journey so far “, held at the Press Centre Technical College Area, Osogbo.
The Governor represented by the State Commissioner for Information, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi noted that there is the need to drum it into the ears of the national leaders in the State of Nigeria @ 63.
Governor Adeleke who said the programme was apt, noted that the importance of the Event could not be emphasized hence the need to organize events of such at regular intervals.
He expressed his Commitment towards prioritizing on welfare of workers, pensioners, artisans and other residents of the state.
Earlier in his Royal message, The Orangun of Oke-ila, Oba Doctor Adedokun Abolarin who urged Media Practitioners to perform their duties in line with international best practices called on all and sundry to ensure that the interest of the Nation’s Development remains paramount above personal interest.
In Separate Remarks the Discussants including; A Politician, Archt. Goke Omigbodun, An Activist, Comrade Ayo Ologun and A Public Commentator, Mr. Kanmi Adebiyi emphasized the need for the Continent ” Africa” to have Common Currencies, to stop blame game Politics, to understand the value of hard work amongst other vital solutions.
In an interview with Newsmen, the Host, Chairman Osun NUJ, Mr Wasiu Ajadosu said the event was organised to proffer solutions to problems affecting the nation since independence as regards infrastructural decay, quality Education, inadequate power supply, high-level unemployment hence it became imperative to review the 1999 constitution to guarantee good governance for Nigerians.
Highlights of the event included the presentation of the award to the state Chairman of PDP, Mr. Sunday Bisi who was bestowed a meritorious award of excellence of “Grass-root politician of the Year”.
Following the near death incident on Monday, where three pensioners collapsed, the Osun State Government has directed that all bedridden pensioners and others with serious health challenge will henceforth have their audit exercise conducted through telephone.
A statement signed by the State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi reveals that such pensioners, would no longer be required to be physically present at the venue of the screening exercise.
The statement adds that pensioners who are currently outside the State would have their screening conducted via the same means.
It also says “Pensioners outside the state at the moment no longer need to travel down to Osun State as they will also be having their screening through the telephone. “Additionally, pensioners in the diaspora will also be screened only through video calls.
“In line with the above, the Pension Board is expected to make available all the particulars, especially pictures of pensioners to the Consultant, for ease of identification during the video call screenings. “The above directives take immediate effect.”
Recall that three members of the Nigerian Union of Pensioners (NUP) Osun State chapter on Monday collapsed , during the ongoing staff audit exercise of the state workforce at the Center for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo.
Retirees, numbering about 2,000 old men and women who are visibly aged, frail and in some cases sick, were seen at the venue of the screening.
A number of them who could not withstand long standing were seen either, lying down, sleeping or sitting on the bare floor to avoid eventuality.
Osun State House of Assembly says all hands must be on deck to resuscitate Sports activities in the State to improve its Economy.
The Chairman House Committee on Youth, Sports and Special Needs, Mr. Abiola Awoyeye stated this during an oversight visit of the Committee to Osogbo Sports Stadium.
Mr. Awoyeye who expressed disappointment about the state of the Osogbo Sports Stadium noted that it was an indication that Sport development was neglected by past Administrations of the State.
He lauded Governor Ademola Adeleke who during his ten months in office had sponsored Osun United amongst other policies aimed to improve Sports activities in the State.
The Lawmaker who assured residents of the State of the Government’s resolve to further improve the Sector, urged the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Osun Cares and the Ministry of Sports and Special Needs to ensure effective synergy with the Committee to collectively attain the 5-point Agenda of the Governor.
During a visit to the State Ministry of Youth, Mr. Awoyeye explained that the committee had gone through the report submitted by the Ministry and promised to act on it in due course.
Corroborating his view, Member Representing Ifedayo State Constituency, Prince Kasope Abolarin stressed the need for all to ensure things were done in line with the policy of Governor Ademola Adeleke .
Earlier in a remark, the State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Mr. Olalekan Olagunju noted that lots of programmes are in the pipeline for Youths and appealed for improved Budgetary Allocation for the Ministry.
Other members of the team are The Deputy Chairman of the committee, Prince Kasope Abolarin, Member Representing, Irepodun/Orolu, Mr. Adekunle Oladimeji, the Permanent Secretary Ministry of Youth, Mrs Taiwo Oladunjoye, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Sports and Special needs, Mr.Olawuni Oladele, the General Manager Osogbo Sports Stadium, Mr. Rotimi Dunmoye, amongst other stakeholders.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke says his administration will revive the dying adult Literacy Centres across the State and facilitate skill acquisition for all, especially for women and young girls.
Senator Adeleke stated this while speaking at the International Conference of Nigerian National Council for Adult Education, NNCAE held at the University of Ilesa, Osun State.
Represented by the Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole, the Governor’ said adult education was now more relevant today than ever before in the history of the country.
He said due to new technological ideas and innovations to learn, there is a need for more skills to be acquired for sustainability and prosperity.
Senator Adeleke noted that due to the increase in teenage pregnancy, early marriage, child labour, irresponsible parenthood and societal violation of the Universal basic education ethics, adult education is essential. He appealed to NNCAE to expedite action with adequate collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education to ensure that Nigerians were given second chances to achieve basic literacy and numeracy.
The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun has reiterated the commitment of the Legislative Arm to support policies of the State Government aimed towards making life better for Residents.
Prince Egbedun gave the assurance while presiding over its plenary held at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.
He called on the Legislators to continue to uphold Standards and remain devoted to the Primary motive of the Assembly.
Under matters of Urgent Public Importance, a member representing, Irepodun/Orolu , Prince Adekunle Oladimeji appreciated The Governor of the State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Deputy Governor and other Stakeholders for swift intervention in Ifon / Ilobu communal crisis.
Prince Adekunle who noted that though the 24-hour curfew is still in progress expressed the hope that the situation would be permanently resolved to enable residents of these communities to resume their normal day-to-day activities.
However, the Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Authority Bill 2023 and Osun State Skating Restriction Bill 2023 scaled through the Second Reading.
The Majority leader of the House, Mr. Babajide Kofoworola while presenting the policy thrust of Osun State Estate Agency Regulatory Authority Bill 2023, noted that the bill would regulate the activities of the estate agents in the State, enable the members to renew their membership amongst others benefits.
Also, a member representing, Oriade State Constituency, Mr. Kanmi Ajibola during the policy thrust of the Osun State Skating Restriction Bill 2023, noted that the skaters had caused several road accidents in the State and the nation at large therefore, the Bill when passed into Law would stop the activities of skaters on the major roads.
Some Lawmakers in separate contributions described skating as a good sport practice and stressed the need for the Government to construct skating routes to prevent Road mishaps.
Meanwhile, Osun State Anti-Corruption Agency Establishment Bill 2023 passed through the first reading while Osun State House of Assembly Service Commission Establishment Amendment no 3 bill was discussed intensively during the Committee of Whole during plenary.
The Nigeria Bar Association, NBA, has demanded improved welfare for magistrates and presidents of Customary Courts in Osun State.
In a letter to Governor Ademola Adeleke, the NBA berated the poor conditions of service of the judicial personnel, ranging from poor emoluments, Infrastructure deficit and serviceable cars among others.
In the letter signed by the Chairman and the Secretary of the Osogbo Branch of the NBA, Messers Yemisi Abiona and Ibrahim Hassan, the Nigeria Lawyers’ Association called for the upward review of salary and emoluments of magistrates and presidents of Customary Courts.
“Many States in the Federation, including some of our neighbouring States like Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo and Ekiti with which we share common heritage have taken giant and commendable stride to guarantee enviable condition of service for their magistrates having regards to the delicate nature of their jobs and particularly the need to insulate them from any kind of immoral or corrupt inducement and distraction”.
The NBA also pointed out that most of the buildings housing the courts were old and almost dilapidating structures, leaking when it rained, while the crevices in their walls are safe haven for snakes and other reptiles.
The Lawyers also noted that “some of the officials had not been given official cars since appointment over ten years ago, while those who were allocated official cars got theirs twelve years ago or thereabouts”.
The NBA maintained that their concern for the judiciary as Lawyers was borne out of the pride of place which the judiciary occupies in a democracy and which the constitution of the federal Republic of Nigeria had entrusted on the Institution.
“As legal professionals within the State united under the Nigerian Bar Association with a mission to promote the Rule of Law, we feel obliged morally and ethically to inform Your Excellency about any development that is capable of hindering the smooth and efficient administration of Justice”.
The NBA commended Governor Ademola Adeleke for his indelible mark on the pattern of governance in Osun State and with this, Osun, in no time will become a model and State to beat among it’s peers in Nigeria.
Osun State government is set to enact modalities to give six months maternity leave for nursing mothers in the State’s civil service.
The Special Adviser on Public Health to the Osun State Governor, Dr. Akindele Adekunle stated this at the one day symposium on celebrating enabling breastfeeding environment for working mothers held at the Local Government service commission, Abere.
Dr. Akindele said in line with the Wold Health Organization, W.H.O, recommendations and in concerted effort with the Wives of Nigerian Governor’s Forum advocacy for approval of six months paid maternity leave for nursing mothers, Governor Adeleke is set to send a bill to the House of Assembly to domesticate enabling law.
He pleaded and advised the public that whenever there’s any public hearing by the House of Assembly concerning the bill, all stakeholders must raise their voice in support of the bill.
Dr. Akindele further assured of the governor’s readiness to carry out a face-lift of the primary and secondary health facilities across the Osun State.
In a remark, the Wife of the Governor, Chief Titilola Adeleke also affirmed her readiness to advocate and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the agenda.
“I use this medium to tell this gathering that I am committed and will work tiredlessly with other critical stakeholders to ensure the approval of six months paid maternity leaves and other favourable maternal policies for working mothers in the State ” The Governor’s wife stated.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has ordered immediate payment of the retirement benefits of retired Judges which he had approved since March this year.
Governor Adeleke gave this directive while receiving the senior members of the Osun State Judiciary who were led on a courtesy visit to the Governor by Retired Justice Kunle Ajeigbe.
The Governor who expressed disappointment at the development that after giving approval for the payment of gratuities of the retired Judges in March, the retired Judges have not been paid after 7 months, directed the office of the Accountant-General for the State to immediately effect the payment in line with the approval.
Earlier, former president of the Customary Court of Appeal in Osun State, retired Justice Wasiu Akanbi thanked the Governor for his uncommon show of love and compassion lamenting that some of their colleagues are now finding it difficult to keep body and soul together having spent their active years in the courts.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has called on Nigerians to pray for the continuous peace and prosperity of the country.
The governor stated this in his message to commemorate the 2023 Independence Day celebration.
Governor Adeleke, while acknowledging the unfavorable prevailing economic and security situation across the country, urged all political, religious, traditional, and business leaders to unite purposefully and find lasting solutions to the issues bedvilling Nigeria in line with the vision of heroes past who fought hard for the nation’s independence.
“We are currently in a difficult situation; the precarious economic situation is affecting everyone. This is our reality, and we must face it. As leaders, we must collaborate to find lasting solutions irrespective of our cultural, religious, political, and social affiliations. We must also seek for divine intervention from God, I believe in prayer, so I will always urge us to continue to pray” the governor said.
He called on the leaders to be committed to the progress of Nigeria’s society, while the followers must hold the leaders accountable, stressing that everyone must play their roles for the sake of posterity.
“At IPADE IMOLE, I will be giving a full report of my stewardship directly to the people of Osun State. I shall be opening the governance book of the state for everyone to see. I am determined to run an all-inclusive government that is owned by the people and truly for the people.”
The governor said he is determined to be a more responsive and accountable leader, to repay the faith reposed in him by the people of Osun State with their votes.
“In the spirit of celebrating the Independence Day, I urge the people of Osun State to continue to pray for the success of our administration while we remain steadfast in our development agenda that is pro-people and pro-good governance”, the statement concluded.
Residents in rural communities and the underserved areas in Osun State have continued to groan over dilapidated, ill-equipped facilities and poor attitude to work of staff of Primary Health Centres spread across the State.
The unimaginable state of the Health Centres has led to avoidable loss of lives like that of Mrs Roseline Omidele who recently died after giving birth to a set of twins at a Primary Health Centre in Ola, Ejigbo Local Government Area of the State.
The Victim, Mrs Roseline Omidele was expected to return home with her set of twins when she fell into “labour” and was rushed to Community Primary Health Centre in her town, Ola, where she earlier had a six month ante-natal care.
Unfortunately, she could not live to behold the set of twins she was delivered of as she died after delivery.
Her death, which threw the entire town into mourning was said to be connected with alleged shortage of manpower and lack of adequate medical facilities in the health centre, while the health personnel expected to work in the maternity are always absent from duties.
Speaking with Radio Nigeria, a community leader and spokesperson of the family, Pa. David Omidele said, the medical personnel at the Maternity told them that there were no drugs to take care of the deceased when she was rushed to the maternity for medical attention.
Narrating the ordeal, the deceased’s husband, Mr. Ayo Omidele mentioned one ‘Iya Eleedu’ as the medical personnel attached to the maternity but was not visible at the health centre, hours after his wife’s delivery, leading to loss of excessive blood which resulted to her death.
Mr Omidele said,” my wife registered for antenatal in the hospital. They knew the pregnancy was a set of twins. We have paid for every medical material demanded by the health centre. I’m weak and old, this woman, that Iya Eleedu killed was the one taking care of me”.
Another resident in the community, Mr Simon Dada recalled a sinister experience and in particular when an expectant mother had to deliver on bare floor in the Health Centre due to the absence of personnel at the time.
Investigation conducted by Radio Nigeria reveals that, the diseased arrived the health centre at around half past five in the morning, but no one was on duty, which prompted her relative to reach out to a Community Health Extension Worker, CHEW employed by Ola people.
The CHEW personnel arrived at 7am and took the delivery,while she reached out to the OIC who was nowhere to be found. The CHEW officer left the patient in the hospital to her fate while she went home.
In her own narration, another resident, Mrs Oloyede Julianah said the OIC known as Iya Eleedu (charcoal seller) arrived the hospital at 9am and proceeded to the Regent’s place to seek fund to purchase drug and IV.
” By the time she got back to the hospital, the case had become worse and had to transfer the patient to Ejigbo, but died few minutes after they departed the hospital “.
Ola, a town with about 100,000 population is served by only this health centre which is being funded largely by indigenes of the town at home and in the diaspora.
One of the indigenes, a medical professional and the Vice President of Association of Nigeria Nurses in North America, Connecticut branch, Dr Victoria Odesina said many indigenes of the town are providing support for the health centre, including a Six Thousand Dollars grant she personally facilitated in November last year to equip the Centre and provide manpower .
Dr Odesina who told Radio Nigeria that many residents in the community had suffered avoidable loss due to negligence of personnel, explained that the health centre was supposed to have 6 trained medical personnel which the community facilitated and trained in March this year.
“There were several midwives that were posted to Ola PHC by the end of February and they were supposed to start work by March, but immediately after their training which we facilitated, they did not show up for work. The newly deployed staff nurse midwives indicated their displeasure at their assignment to the PHC and informed us that they could not work there for personal reasons.
Some of them said they could not work night duty, some said RN could not work under an officer in charge that has a CHEW certificate, some of them are from the area and we’re avoiding working close to their families, some said I lived in Lagos and I could not transfer.”
Corroborating her position, the Chairman of the Osun State Primary Health Agency Development Board, Alhaji Adisa Tajudeen who visited the family of the diseased, regretted that inadequate medical facility and manpower were responsible for the incident.
Radio Nigeria met with the Commissioner for Health, Mr Jola Akintola who confirmed described the regrettable loss of the mother of twins at the Ola Primary Health Center, as unfortunate.
Mr Akintola who did not give an explanation on the probable cause of death of Mrs Roseline Omidele told Radio Nigeria that “a committee of inquiry has been put in place to look into what actually caused it and report back to us. So we are waiting for the report of the committee, it will be too hasty for us now to jump into any conclusion”.
Unfortunately, Osun State has over 1000 Primary Health Centres across its 30 Local Government Areas.
While over 90% of these facilities were not functional due to dilapidated structure, lack of basic medical equipment, drugs and trained personnel, the present administration in Osun is funding what it refers to as free medical care, conducted in specific local government areas on designated days
Unfortunately, the immediate past Administration of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola secured a World Bank grant of over 20 Million Dollars, amounting to 7.5 billion Naira in year 2019 which it expended on rehabilitation of selected 332 Primary Health Centres, One per Ward across the 30 Local Government Areas
The rehabilitation, according to a government document available to Radio Nigeria included sinking of boreholes and purchase of drugs for each of the benefiting hospitals.
Alas, the Primary Health Centre, Ola in Ejigbo Local Government where the instance incident occured was part of the 332 Health Centres captured in the World Bank SOML fund under the administration of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola as indicated by a document obtained by Radio Nigeria.
However, most of the jobs were shoddy jobs as exposed by Radio Nigeria in one of its Investigation published in year 2021.
The problem of manpower had always been a problem of the primary health centres as Radio Nigeria also published in one of its Investigations in year 2022.
Most of the Primary Health Centres visited during the Investigation were manned by Community Health Workers known as CHEWs, who are not qualified to head such primary medical facility.
The CHEW, according to Annals of Family Medicine published by the National Library of Medicine, “are trained individuals with limited to no formal medical education who provide patient-facing support and services in primary care. They carry out functions that are person-centred, support team-based care.”
Residents of Iba community, Ifelodun Local Government area of Osun State, are in palpable fear after gunmen allegedly killed a nursing mother simply identified as Khadija inside a bathroom.
It was gathered that the unfortunate incident happened on Tuesday around 10:00pm at Oke Akute area of the ancient town.
Radio Nigeria learnt that, the assailants suddenly appeared and shot Khadija, who was nursing a three-month-old baby while she was bathing.
Subsequently, she was rushed to a private hospital in Iree community for treatment by her relatives.
However, she died on Thursday at the private hospital around five o’clock in the morning.
Speaking with our correspondent, a resident of the town, Mr Sodiq Kehinde said that the people of the ancient town were still in shock over the unfortunate incident.
Mr Kehinde lamented that similar incident occured in the town five years ago, calling on security agencies to come to fish out the perpetrators.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, Osun State Command, Kehinde Adeleke confirmed the incident.
She said investigation into the crime had commenced.
Osun state government has again reiterated its efforts at curbing the menace of cultism in the state. The media assistant to the state Governor, Mr Bukola Alalade gave the assurance while reacting to the recent killings by some groups of cultists in Ilesa metropolis.
Cult clashes have continued to cause stress in some states in the South-west and Eastern part of the country.
The situation has become worrisome in Ilesa in the recent times following incessant cases of cult killings with residents living in perpetual fear.
Speaking on this development, Mr Alalade called on parents to inculcate good morals as well as religious teachings into their children at their early years.
Also speaking, Osun state chairman, National Association of Nigerian Students, Mr Adedamola Ogungbe advised youths to engage themselves positively, noting that, an idle hand is a devil’s workshop.
Mr Ogungbe also implored unemployed youths to engage in skills and vocational works rather than expecting white collar job that may never come.
In her Contribution, the State Police Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, promised that, the command would not fold its arms to allow cultists to turn Ilesa and its environs into a state of anarchy.
Mrs Opalola called on members of the public who are in possession of illegal firearms to submit them at the Divisional Police Headquarters nearest to them.
Also speaking, the State Corps Commandant of Amotekun, Rtd. Brigader -General Abiodun Adewinbi advised residents of the state to report any strange gathering, explaining that security is everyone’s job.
Retired brigader -general Adewinbi reassured that the corps would do everything possible to make the state safe for all.
It would be recalled that within two weeks in Osun State, five persons were murdered as two rival cult gangs, Aiye, and Ave, battled for supremacy in Ilesa.
Osun State Police Command says it has arrested some suspects in connection with the Ifon-Ilobu crisis and killing of a 28-year-old man, Ibrahim Kudus in Okanala, Irepodun Local Government area of the Osun State on Sunday.
In a statement in Osogbo, Police spokesperson for the command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, noted that normalcy had returned to the area while some suspects had been arrested.
She said, “We have made arrests concerning the incident and the CP, Kehinde Longe, has deployed officers to the area to maintain law and order”.
“Presently, Police officers are on ground in the area and normalcy has returned, and people are going about their normal duties”.
Mrs Opalola gave assurance that justice would take its course.
Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to launch special operations to arrest and prosecute cultists engaging in rivalry war across Ijeshaland.
Reacting to spate of violence and attacks in parts of the East senatorial district, Governor Adeleke described the development as shocking and reprehensible, calling on the police and other security agencies to act decisively to stop the cult clashes.
Lamenting the loss of innocent lives of residents, the Governor directed that the special operations should include intelligence gathering to arrest masterminds of the attacks, warning that all perpetrators will face harsh penalty of the law.
“I have been duly briefed on the developments in some parts of Ijeshaland. We will no longer tolerate actions capable of disrupting the peaceful atmosphere in the state. We will not allow any group or individuals to use their internal wars to endanger public peace.
“This is a matter that threatens law and order. We must enforce the law and ensure peace without delay. This is one violence too many.
” I have directed the Commissioner of Police and other service chiefs to swing into action without delay. Violence and attacks must stop and perpetrators must be brought to book as urgently as possible”, the Governor added.
Osun State House of Assembly wants Ministries and Agencies of the State Government to see the development of the State as a collective efforts.
The Chairman, House Committee on Youths , Sports and Special needs , Mr. Abiola Awoyeye made the call during the maiden meeting of the committee with the Ministry of Youth , Osun Cares and Osun Sports Council held at the Parliamentary section of the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.
Mr. Awoyeye explained that the essence of the meeting was aimed at exchanging views on ways to develop Sporting activities in the State with a view to boosting the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.
He urged the Ministry to ensure that the Legislative Arm is carried along with thier day to day operations and decisions as it affects the Ministry of Youth Affairs, Osun Cares and Osun Sports Council.
Mr. Awoyeye however directed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and its affiliates furnish the House with their financial activities from the inception of the present administration for clarification.
In separate remarks, Deputy Majority leader, Mr. Adekunle Oladimeji and Member Representing Ifedayo State Constituency, Prince Kasope Abolarin described the Youths as key in the development of any society , hence the need to support them.
While emphasizing that they are acting within the confine of the Rule of Law, the legislators said they would soon visit the places of intervention by the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to know how they were being utilized.
Earlier in his address , the State Commissioner for Youth Affairs, Mr. Moshood Olagunju who said work was in progress as regards IMOLE YOUTH CORPs recruitment , informed the committee of its challenges, various Interventions of the State Government and called for increase in Budgetary allocation for the Ministry.
Other legislators in the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Youths , Sports and Special needs are Mr.Olatunbosun Oyewole and Mr.Olujinmi Asagade.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke is to deliver a state broadcast to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of the state on Sunday, August 27th by 7 a.m.
A statement by Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi indicates that the broadcast is to be aired simultaneously on the radio and television of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, OSBC, and other broadcast channels in the state.
It enjoins the people of Osun state to tune in and listen to the anniversary address.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his administration’s readiness to drive sports development in the state through Public-Private Partnership, PPP.
According to a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke stated this while responding to an address by a British born Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball executive and President of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association, NBA, Masai Michael Ujiri.
Governor Adeleke, who assured the readiness of his administration to develop sports in the state, extended a state invitation to Masai Ujiri to further consolidate his administration’s plans and efforts for the sector.
He added that Osun is open for sports as a tool for economic development.
Mr. Ujuri who addressed the delegation of Nigerian Governors at the ongoing leadership retreat organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum in Kigali, Rwanda, disclosed that sports as an important sector needs proper attention by the government and to drive the needed development in the sector.
He said government needs to bring in private investors, citing examples of how commercializing sports has helped many developed countries.
Osun State Government has described the existing mega schools buildings in the state as mere display of architectural wizardry which has not added value to the quality of the Teaching-Learning process.
The state Commissioner for Education, Mr Dipo Eluwole expressed this concern at a press conference to announce the State Education Summit to address challenges confronting the state’s education sector.
Mr Eluwole noted that the gigantic classrooms built by one of the previous administrations in the state did not address the needs of the students, neither do the buildings make school attractive to students despite their architectural beauty.
The Commissioner argued that Osun state education sectorial problem was hydra-headed and required urgent overhaul, otherwise the damage could become irredeemable.
He highlighted some of the challenges confronting education sector in the state to include shortage of teachers and lectures, collapse of Infrastructure, non-functional school inspectorate services mandate of the state ministry of education, parents’ reckless abandonment of their roles as sponsors of their children’s education among others.
Mr Eluwole said, “Available records have it that the state is rated as being the most poorly rated in public examination performance index which puts Osun State among the last three in the nation for some time now. The state is also having the largest out-of-school children in the South West Nigeria and probably the least in adequate teacher-pupil-ratio. These are descriptions that were alien to the State education sector in the past, because the founding fathers bequeathed a befitting education legacy to the State.”
Giving insights into the state 2023 education summit billed to take place between August 22 and 24, Eluwole said the summit would address “the rebirth of learner-centered policies that will make schools and its environment child-friendly, conducive, safe and motivating not just an ostentatious display of architectural wizardry.”
He said there would be critical look into the standard required for recruitment of teachers, lecturers and education officers without interference from the political class among other solution-driven areas.
In a remarks, the chairman of the education summit, Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, said, “The opening ceremony will hold at UNIOSUN Auditorium of and will be declared opened by the Governor.
Professor Aremu gave assurance of the government’s determination to implement the recommendations of the summit, a development which he said influenced his accepting to serve on the summit committee.
Two kidnappers have been killed while nine others sustained bullet injuries after a gun battle with police and local hunters in Iwo forest, Osun State. Radio Nigeria gathered that armed kidnappers numbering about eleven invaded a Fulani settlement at Agbese village near Idi Araba, Oke Oba, Iwo Local Government to kidnap a cow merchant identified as Alhaji Adamu.
A top security source disclosed that the kidnappers took their victim into a forest around the area while a resident of the village informed the local hunters in the area.
The source said the local hunters later informed the police who mobilised to support the rescue team.
The security source explained that “The police led the rescue operation in conjunction with the local hunters. We combed the forest and sighted the abductors and their captive. We engaged them in a gun battle, during the cross-exchange of fire, two of the abductors were neutralized while others escaped with gunshots injury.
“We rescue the victim and took him to a hospital in Iwo town. The remains of the fallen abductors had been taken to the Police station in Iwo.”
When contacted, the spokesperson of Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola confirmed the incident.
Osun State House of Assembly says Ilegal Mining Prohibition Bill 2023 will put an end to environmental hazards in the State.
This was the remark of the lawmakers during the Policy Thrust of Osun State Illegal Mining Prohibition Bill 2023 during the plenary of the State House of Assembly.
They noted that the bill if passed into law would protect the environment at large
The Lawmaker Stressed that the Bill seeks to establish a task force to curb illegal mining whereby culprits are fined for engaging in illegal operations.
In his remarks, The Speaker of the Parliament, Prince Adewale Egbedun urged the lawmakers to do more investigative research on the proposed bill.
However, under matters of urgent public importance to the House, the Chief Whip who doubles as the lawmaker representing llesa West State Constituency, Mr. Olawale Akerele brought to the notice of the House the deplorable condition of major roads in his constituency.
Mr. Akerele explained that the condition of Oke- Ese, Odo-Ere, Araromi and Atakumosa roads are in bad condition for business activities.
He called for government urgent intervention to ease the suffering of the people.
In his remark, the Speaker of the Parliament urged the various heads of the Committee to work together with their members to achieve positive results.
He called on lawmakers to embrace the principle of teamwork to fast-track the socio- Economic development of the State.
The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Prince Adewale Egbedun has assured stakeholders that the 8th Assembly is ready to cooperate with other arms of government to actualize the developmental agenda of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Prince Egbedun gave the assurance in a goodwill message delivered during the ongoing strategic retreat and onboarding program for new political office holders and key stakeholders of the State, organised by the State Government.
The Speaker who emphasized that the 8th Assembly under his leadership had laid a solid foundation aimed to actualize the agenda of the Governor noted that laws that would ease governance and make the State attractive to investor.
He mentioned some of the bills including; the Osun State Local Content Bill, the Osun State Community Social Responsibility Bill, Osun Illegal Mining Prohibition Bill, Osun State Disability Protection Bill, amongst others.
Prince Egbedun added that at aside from lawmaking, the State House of Assembly would efficiently discharge its oversight duties to ensure the proper implementation of government policies.
The retreat which is ongoing in Ede, Osun State, will climax on Wednesday.
A farmer identified as Banji Idowu has been kidnapped by some yet-to-be identified kidnappers in Osun State.
Idowu, a retired teacher in Lagos was abducted on his farmland located at Iregun via Ilowa in Obokun Local Government area of Osun State.
The ugly incident according to a family source took place on Monday, July 24, 2023 around 4:00pm.
The information gathered by our correspondent indicated that the kidnappers left some live bullets suspected to be that of AK 47 riffle at the scene of the incident indicating the kind of the arms they have in their possession.
“Banji Idowu was a teacher. He was teaching in Lagos before he retired and after his retirement he relocated to Ilesa and farming at Iregun village.
“On the day of incident, on Monday July 24, he spoke with his wife on phone and some minutes after 4:pm in the evening, his number could not be reached again.
“We received a call from the kidnappers on Tuesday. They demanded for a sum of N30 million to release him. We have reported the matter at the Ayeso police station, but we were directed to go and report at Obokun police division, in Ibokun.
“Police and members of the local hunters are combing the bush in the area.
“Amotekun men are also involved in the search. But currently, the victim is still with them (abductors). They later called back late yesterday asking us to pay a sum of N15 million with a condition that the ransom must be paid in cash” the family source said.
Osun Police Command Public Relations Officer, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, when contacted on Friday confirmed the incident.
She said, “we are already working on the incident. He will be rescued.”
Osun state government has given approval for the immediate appointment of Mr. Alabi Kehinde as the acting rector of the Osun State Polytechnics, Iree following the suspension of the erstwhile rector Dr. Tajudeen Odetayo.
This is contained in a letter signed by the permanent secretary, Osun State ministry of Education, Mr. M.K Jimoh dated July 11.
Mr. Jimoh in the letter said that the erstwhile rector should step aside while investigation into the allegations of corruption and abuse of office levelled against him are to be thoroughly investigated.
The appointment of Mr. Alabi Kehinde takes immediate effect.
