Economy

We are ensuring ease of doing business – Gov. Adeleke

By Web News 438

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described business as the bedrock of national development.

Governor Adeleke stated this when he received the leadership of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, MAN, comprising of Osun, Oyo, Ekiti and Ondo states at the Government House, Oke-fia, Osogbo.

The Governor who maintained that developed countries thrives due to the industrial revolution said Osun is industrial-friendly and will never undermine business establishment.

He said his administration has been partnering with Osun State Chambers of Commerce and Industry, stressing that the State government is ensuring ease of doing business.

While describing MAN as top employers of labour, creating national wealth through entrepreneurs, the Governor said the State is open for business to address poverty and create wealth.

Earlier, the Chairman of the Association, Mr Lanre Popoola had said the association is working towards contributing to the growth of manufacturing Industries in Osun State through collaboration with the Government to address challenges such as infrastructural development; access to finance and markets.

While soliciting the support of the government on the Akoda-Ede Industrial Estate construction, Mr. Popoola maintained that this would attract investors that can contribute to the economic growth of the State as well as improve the well-being of the people of the State.

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Lifestyle

Oba Balogun’s reign was tranquil – Gov Adeleke

By Web News 528

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunade II, as devastating, saying the late monarch will be missed for the peace and tranquillity that his reign witnessed in Ibadan.

Governor Adeleke commiserated with his Oyo state counterpart, Engr. Seyi Makinde, the Olubadan–In–Council, the people of Ibadan and the immediate family of Oba Balogun, whom he said used his revered stool to promote unity and progress of the Yoruba race.

He added that Oba Balogun was a highly respected monarch, who served the people of Ibadan with passion and honour, noting that his exit to the great beyond will leave a void for Ibadan he served for years to come. 

“On behalf of the Government and the people of Osun State, I extend my heartfelt condolence to the Government of Oyo State and the people of Ibadan on the passing of the 42nd Olubadan of Ibadanland, HIM Oba Dr. Moshood Lekan Balogun, Alli Okunade II,” the Governor was quoted to have said in a condolence message. 

“Oba Balogun was a great source of inspiration in impactful leadership, and his demise means we’re denied the immense benefits of the quality of his insights, wise counsels and unrestrained passion for the physical growth of Ibadanland and its people.

“It is my prayer that Eledumare comforts everyone touched by this huge loss and as Yoruba culture infers, may Oba Balogun rest well as he joins his forebears.”

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Education

Lawmakers Want to Reposition Osun Tertiary Institutions 

By Web News 529

By Mojisola Oladele

Osun State House of Assembly has reiterated its support for improving the standard of state-owned tertiary institutions and their internally Generated Revenue, IGR, capacity.

The Chairman House Committee on Education, Alhaji Sikiru Bajepade stated this when he led other members of the Education Committee on an oversight visit to Osun State College of Technology, Esa-Oke and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree.

At the institutions, the Rectors conducted the team round the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, projects and the Tetfund Assisted projects.

Alhaji Bajepade, who expressed satisfaction with the state of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke and Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, urged the management of the schools to give room for improvement in terms of increasing IGR and quality of graduates from the institutions.

He lauded the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke for his usual intervention for the state-owned tertiary institutions to ensure standard practice in line with international best practices.

 “Our assessment of both Esa-Oke and Iree, we are impressed with the efforts of the Management of both schools for upholding the required standard”

He commended the management and staff of Osun State College of Technology Esa Oke for prioritizing innovation targeted at driving development and attracting global attention to the state.

While emphasizing the essence of oversight function, the Chairman, the House Committee on Education, said the exercise was part of the legislative duty of the state House of Assembly, aimed at monitoring and ascertaining the state of completed and ongoing projects in state-owned tertiary institutions.

Corroborating Alhaji Bajepade, the Vice Chairman of the committee, Engr. Abiola Awoyeye and a member Prince Adeyemi Adewumi noted that the oversight function is one of the components which propels development geared towards asserting the principles of checks and balances.

Earlier his remark, the Rector, Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, Doctor Samson Adegoke explained that the intervention of Governor Adeleke had paved the way for various innovations which are beneficial to the school.

“We have made lots of innovation, and if investors partner with us we can go places. For instance, we have a generator that can be controlled remotely anywhere you are in the world, you just text a message to switch it on and off “

Doctor Adegoke stressed that the students of the institution were able to innovate an automated door and coded remote security doors.

Also during an oversight of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, The Rector, Mr. Kehinde Alabi lauded the legislators for the visit and assured them that efforts would be intensified to improve the internally generated revenue, IGR, of the Institution.

Mr. Alabi added that plans were ongoing to partner with some universities which would allow the institution to run Conversion Courses, to upgrade its standard. 

Other Legislators on the tour, included the Deputy Chairman, the House Committee on Education, Engr. Abiola Awoyeye, Prince Adeyemi Adewumi and Mr. Rotimi Ogunrinade.

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Infrastructure

Governor Adeleke to Launch Infra Plan, Approves Royal Arena

By Web News 461

By Funmi Ojo

As work continues on the state’s multi-billion naira infrastructure plan, Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to launch road dualisation at Ilesa and the underpass at Ikirun.

In a statement issued by the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the procurement process on the Ilesa dualisation and the Ikirun underpass is reported to be ongoing and nearing completion.

Between now and next month, the procurement process will be completed and actual work will start in earnest. Mr Governor was recently at the palace of His Majesty, the Owa of Ijesaland and he restated his firm commitment to the development of Ijesaland and other parts of the state.

Mr. Governor has further directed that additional features be included at Owa’s Palace end of the dualisation from the Brewery area. A royal arena is to be included right from the palace of Owa. This will add colours to the ancient city of Ilesa.

While reaffirming the Governor’s resolve to develop all parts of the state, the Spokesperson restated that Governor Adeleke has not borrowed a kobo since he assumed office either for the ongoing multi-billion naira infra plan or for other purposes.

It must be stated that the funding for the infra plan is coming from savings from government revenue and inflows as well as blockage of leakage from revenue space. A dedicated project account serves as a holding point.

The public may also want to note that the Governor’s prudent management of public resources accounted for the successful take-off of the University of Ilesa as well as recent approval for the reconstruction of all internal roads within the university.

Aside from the dualisation , it is important to stress that the infra plan also covers 1.5km across all the 30 local governments in the state including the area office, complete renovation of 31 selected schools, fresh 332 water projects for each of the  332 political wards and renovation/upgrade of primary healthcare centres across the local government.

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Infrastructure

Dangote Hails Adeleke for Osun Multi-Billion Infrastructure Plan

By Web News 862

By Funmi Ojo

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote has thrown his weight behind Osun State multi-billion naira infrastructure plan, calling the initiative commendable and historical.

Speaking while receiving Governor Ademola Adeleke in his office, Alhaji Dangote said the Osun infra plan and other developmental policies are laudable policies for which Governor Adeleke should be commended.

“I have followed your programmes and policies and I must note that you are doing well. Don’t relent. You must continue this path of delivery and service.

“We will support you. We will partner with your government to deliver on your infra plans”, the richest man in Nigeria noted.

The Spokesperson to Osun Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed noted in a statement that Governor Adeleke briefed Alhaji Dangote on the multi-billion naira infra plan which covers flyover bridges, dualisation of roads, complete renovation of selected schools, alternative water provision across 332 wards, complete upgrade of primary healthcare centers and construction of 31 kilometers of new roads across the local governments.

The Governor told the business mogul that he was at his office to update him on his administration programmes and plans and moving progressively on the implementation adding that his government is seeking partnership to achieve the targets.

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Judiciary

Adeleke Lauds JUSUN for Calling off Strike

By Web News 422

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria, JUSUN, for calling off its three-month strike action, describing the resolution as a direct outcome of his arbitration.

In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor was reacting to the reopening of the court system in Osun state, which he noted was due to a series of positive interventions by the executive arm of government.

“We all know the executive should not intervene in judicial matters. We are all aware the issues are centred on human resource management and sundry operational matters. I believed all along that the judicial management in the state should take up the matter.

“This expectation was not fulfilled. So I was compelled to act because the matter was degenerating and negatively affecting the administration of justice in the state.

“At first, I ordered fresh re-payment of the withheld salaries of some judicial staff, hoping this would put an end to the strike. However, the dispute persisted over other issues such as wardrobe allowance and other operational questions.

Governor Adeleke, therefore, appealed to signatories to the agreement to abide by its terms to ensure lasting peace in the judicial sector.

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Health

Family Planning: Osun Govt. Says Comprehensive Strategy Implemented

By Web News 418

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State government says it has implemented a comprehensive strategy to address concerns in family planning among reproductive women in the state.

The Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akintola made this known at a special media interactive session to mark International Women’s Day.

The discussions at the media interaction underscored the pivotal role of family planning in advancing gender equality, women’s rights, and sustainable development.

Addressing Journalists, the Commissioner for Health, Mr. Jola Akintola explained that targeted interventions and community outreach programs had been carried out to ensure the strategy’s effectiveness.

The Commissioner reaffirmed the government’s commitment towards enhancing women’s health and well-being across the state. 

In a remark, the Coordinating Director, World Health Organisations, Dr. Oluwatoyin Ojediran noted that for two decades, from 2000 to 2020, Africa witnessed the Maternal mortality ratio decreased by 33 per cent while the proportion of women satisfied with modern family planning methods has increased from 47 per cent to 56 per cent in 2022.

Also speaking, the state Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Ololade Abatan said the government is steadfast in its dedication to women’s health emphasising the importance of comprehensive reproductive health services, including access to contraceptives, education, and healthcare resources, in empowering women to make informed choices about their bodies and futures.

As the world celebrates Women’s Day, Osun state government focuses on the theme “Inspire Inclusion: Inspire others to understand and Value Women’s Inclusion to Accept Contraceptives”.

International Women’s Day celebrated on March 8 is a global day recognising women’s social, economic, cultural, and political achievements.

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Economy

Osun Commences Distribution of 9296 Bags of Maize

By Web News 524

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government has commenced the distribution of nine thousand two hundred and ninety-six bags of maize palliatives to all local government and LCDAs for onward distribution to the people across the 332 wards in the State.

Osun State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Dr Bashiru Salami stated this during the stakeholders meeting for the disbursement of the fuel subsidy removal palliative held at the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs.

Dr. Salami explained that the meeting was to ensure all the stakeholders followed the due process and maintained the template for the disbursement of the items that were meant to cushion the effects of fuel subsidy removal.

The Commissioner said four thousand bags of maize had earlier been distributed out of the total sixty-four thousand bags expected from the federal government.

He said the maize is being distributed in batches in line with how they received the palliative from the Federal Government.

In a remark, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Regional Integration and Special Duties Dr. Kamal Adekilekun said the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke is for all without political affiliation.

Dr. Adekilekun pointed out that the 2nd batch of maize, when received, would be disbursed to local governments while awaiting the arrival of the remaining bags of maize which would be distributed soon.

He said the Governor is magnanimous in the sharing formula as he said all palliative is shared among the indigene and residents of the state.

Also speaking, the Secretary, the Association of Local Governments of Nigeria, ALGON, Mr. Lukman Afolabi urged all the stakeholders to give adequate account of what transpired at the meeting in their different groups 

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Infrastructure

OSHA Thumbs Up Governor for Road Projects

By Web News 465

By Mojisola Oladele 

Osun State House of Assembly has passed a vote of confidence on Governor Ademola Adeleke on the spate of the ongoing road infrastructure projects executed across the State.

The Chairman of House Committee on Works and Transport, Mr.Waheed Abiola alongside members of his led Committee during an oversight function to ongoing road construction in Osogbo, Iwo/Ibadan road and Oke-Gada to Akoda junction dual carriageway in Ede.

Mr. Abiola said projects are an indication of the commitment, dedication and proactiveness of Senator Ademola Adeleke in the area of infrastructural development across the State.

Accessing the level of work done on the site compared to the last visitation, the Chairman House Committee on Public Works and Transport, commended the Contractor in charge for doing a fantastic job so far.

He explained that the oversight functions carried out by the Assembly have propelled the contractor to be alive to his duty.

In a remark, Commissioner for Works and Transports, Engineer Bashir Bello noted that the magic recorded by the Ministry has been teamwork, competent professionals and division of labour.

Also in his words, The Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Duties, Mr. Akinwumi Odejobi explained that the Governor is working towards equipping the state with the best of infrastructure and all hands should be on deck to see it come life.

Other Legislators who were part of the tour included; Adeyemi Adewumi, Lawrence Adeoti, Kasope Abolarin and Oladiran Olatunbosun.

“His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke is a very passionate governor and if you look at our 2024 budget, you will know that he’s so passionate about infrastructure. And Infrastructure as I said earlier in one of the points we stopped is the bedrock of society, and the governor has put so much towards this infrastructure”. Mr. Abiola

“So, I’ll continue to plead with the contractors not only to finish the jobs in record times but to finish it to international standards where we will not continue to maintain the roads over and over again, I mean standard quality jobs, that’s what we expect from the contractors”.Mr. Abiola 

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Lifestyle

Osun Govt. Commiserates with OAU over Fatal Lion Attack

By Web News 404

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has sympathised with the Management and the entire community of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) in Ile-Ife over the tragic loss of its long-serving Veterinarian Technologist, Mr. Olabode Olawuyi, to a lion attack.

The Governor, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed describes Mr. Olawuyi’s sudden passage as agonizing especially coming from a lion he has been feeding for the past nine years.

He commiserates with the immediate family and everyone touched by the unfortunate incident, noting that the Government and the people of Osun stand with them in this moment of grief and anguish occasioned by Mr. Olawuyi’s unfortunate demise.

Governor Adeleke prays to God Almighty to comfort everyone touched by this tragic incident and grant them the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.

He further prays for the repose of the soul of Mr. Olawuyi while praying to God to fill the void of his death for immediate family and everyone who depended on the deceased while he was alive.

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Economy

Adeleke Inaugurates Committee on Food Security

By Web News 416

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke is set to inaugurate a committee on food security in response to the increasing economic hardship facing residents of the state.

In a statement by the governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed the committee to comprise representatives of civil society groups, youth organizations, farmers’ associations, security agencies, religious groups, market associations and relevant commissioners will be headed by the Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Dr. Bashiru Salami.

The Committee is to work on farm security for food production, expand farming activities through state incentives, track foodstuff marketing and pricing, review operations of ongoing palliatives measures with a view for improvement if any and recommend immediate actions to further relieve the suffering of the populace.

Meanwhile, Governor Adeleke has reiterated his commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people under this national economic emergency.

The Governor who made the remarks while hosting the association of Osun indigenes residents in Bayelsa state said his administration has daily been introducing one measure or another to cushion the effect of the current crisis.

“Our government is built mainly on the welfare of the people. We just launched the distribution of cash grants to almost 20,000 very poor segments of our population. Another 60,000 is being enrolled for ATM cards.

“I have directed the Commissioner for Transport to ensure efficient working of the Imole Bus Service. Before new buses arrive, we must make judicious use of the refurbished buses to ply key routes where the services are needed.

“Our administration is ramping up efforts to deepen the state economy. I have directed the Commissioner for Power to expedite action on the Osun State Electricity bill.

Governor Adeleke maintained that the government is pumping millions of naira into the grassroots through hundreds of community associations, to build health centres, boreholes, and school rehabilitation in order to boost the local economy.

“ We are rebuilding our roads, bridges, schools, hospitals, and water works to make the economy work, to expand economic activities and attract investors. The multi-billion naira infra plan is ongoing.

While commending the Bayelsa state government for the developmental projects in the state, Governor Adeleke appealed for support for Osun through collaborations.

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Politics

Tenure of LG Caretaker Committees Extended in Osun

By Web News 431

By Mojisola Oladele 

Osun State House of Assembly has extended the tenure of local government Caretaker Committee members by six months in line with the request of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

The extension was a sequel to the reports made available to the legislators that the Caretaker Committee members were doing well,

The decision was also in line with the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, and to ensure there is no vacuum in the third tier of Government.

In separate contributions during a deliberation on the letter received from The Governor, legislators including Mr Abiola Awoyeye, Mr Kanmi Ajibola, Mr Olumide Fatunmise and Mr Olujimi Asagade affirmed the good works being carried out by the Caretaker Committee Members in their Local Governments, Councils, Local Council Development Areas, LCDAs and Area Councils across the state, both seen and reported. 

The tenure of the Caretaker Committee members which expired was extended following a motion moved by the Majority Leader, Mr Adewunmi Kofoworola and seconded by Member Representing, Ilesa West State Constituency, Mr. Olawale Akerele.

Prince Egbedun congratulated the Caretaker Chairmen, Vice Chairmen, Secretary and members and wished them a successful tenure.

The next six months therefore span from the 17th of February, 2024, to the 16th of August, of the same year.

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Governance

OSHA Wades into Community, Army Dispute

By Web News 525

By Mojisola Oladele 

Osun State House of Assembly has assured members of Kelebe/Omu Landlord Association in Osogbo the state capital that the complaint brought to the Assembly would be resolved in no distance time.

The member representing, Obokun State Constituency, Prince Adeyemi Adewunmi, under Matters of Urgent Public Importance, informed the House about the peaceful protests held by Kelebe/ Omu Landlord Association who alleged the Nigerian Army of chasing them out of their lands, despite two court injunctions in their favour.

Lawmakers, including Mr Tajudeen Adeyemi, Mr Kanmi Ajibola, Mr Abiola Awoyeye, Mr Taofeek Olayiwola and Mr Femi Popoola suggested that a preliminary investigation Should be taken before further decision on the matter.

In reaction to the issue, the Speaker of the House, Prince Adewale Egbedun, who presided over the plenary, assured the community that their petition would be looked into with possible solutions soon, and urged the members of Kelebe /Omu Landlord Association to maintain calmness.

Similarly, under Personal Explanation, a member representing Ila State Constituency, Alhaji Sikiru Bajepade drew the attention of the House to the hardship faced by people of Ajegunle Community in Ila Local Government following a collapsed bridge which linked the two communities. 

Alhaji Bajepade, who lamented about the situation, called for urgent attention of the State Government to fix the bridge and repair the Ila/ Otan Ayegbaju bad road before the rainy season sets in.

The Speaker called on the Chairman House Committee on Public Works and Transport, Mr. Waheed Abiola to look into the matter.

Meanwhile, The Osun State Senior Secondary Education Board Establishment Bill 2023 and Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board Amendment 2023 have passed through the first reading during plenary.

The Majority Leader of the House, Mr Babajide Kofoworola, a member representing Olaoluwa, Mr Ibrahim Afeez and a member representing Ife Central, Mr Abiola Awoyeye moved the motion for the adoption of the Bills during plenary held at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun urged the legislators to carefully study the bills in preparation for the policy thrust.

Also, the legislators dissolved into the committee of the whole House to make amendments to the report of the Public Hearing of Osun State Discrimination Against Persons with Disabilities Prohibition Bill 2024, held in September last year.

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Labour

JUSUN: Adeleke Sets Up Committee to End Strike

By Web News 700

Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke, has set up a committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, to resolve issues that led to the ongoing strike by the Osun chapter of the Judiciary Workers Union of Nigeria.

Courts in the state have been shut since November 22, 2023, when the leadership of JUSUN declared an indefinite strike after they were dispersed by police operatives on the premises of the State High Courtin Osogbo, where they staged protest over non-payment of their wardrobe allowances and alleged high-handedness by the Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo.

A statement by the spokesperson for the governor, Olawale Rasheed, on Sunday, said as part of efforts to end the strike, Adeleke had also given the committee a seven-day ultimatum, adding that letters were also sent to the Attorney General of the Federation and the Chief Justice of Nigeria seeking their support for amicable resolution.

Rasheed said Adeleke set up the committee “with a direct mandate to get this dispute resolved whatever it will take, noting that his action is to restore normalcy and not to interfere in the judicial arm of government.

“We are being careful all along not to be accused of meddling in judicial matters. But it is now almost an emergency. We must get the issues ironed out. I told the national leadership of JUSUN to mediate. I am also reaching out to the Attorney General and the Chief Justice. We need to get our courts running for regular dispensation of justice.

“The committee, led by the Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, is to find a lasting solution to the crisis within the judiciary within seven days.”

Punch/Simeon Ugbodovon

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Politics

House of Assembly Reinstates Ede South LG Boss

By Web News 465

By Mojisola Oladele 

Osun State House of Assembly has lifted the suspension order placed on the caretaker chairman of Ede South LG, Mr Lukman Afolabi.

This was contained in a statement made available to journalists by the Chief Press Secretary, CPS, to the Speaker, Mr Olamide Tiamiyu.

According to him, the decision was taken during the parliamentary meeting of the Legislators after reviewing the investigation conducted on Mr Afolabi.

Given this, the Speaker, Mr Adewale Egbedun, recalled the Caretaker Chairman of Ede South LG, Mr Lukman Afolabi to resume office with immediate effect.

Prince Egbedun advised Mr Afolabi to be more focused in the discharge of his duties, as the House of Assembly pledged to continue to play its supervisory role of ensuring prompt and adequate dispensation of the dividend of democracy to the people.

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Crime

Oba Aromolaran Condemns Ilesa Cult Killings

By Web News 781

By Olufunke Adeosun

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran has condemned Tuesday’s night cult killing in Ilesa, describing it as alien to the culture of the land.

Oba Aromolaran, while reacting to the recurrent bloody clashes between the Eye and Aye confraternities in Ijesaland, said all hands must be on deck to check the barbaric behaviour.

The paramount ruler regretted that several efforts had been made in the past to address the menace to no avail, challenging the security agencies to deploy more intelligent network security to curb the ravaging problem of cultists in society.

He pointed out that the constitution of a youth vanguard known as Omo Owa, Omo Ekun, and the administration of traditional oaths to some youths to renounce membership in different cultist groups had been part of the measure to stop the menace.

He regretted that this did not effectively bring the antisocial behaviour under check.

The Owa Obokun urged the State and Federal governments to take decisive action on the madness to prevent more loss of lives.

Meanwhile, efforts to speak with the police Public Relations Officer, Osun State Command, Yemisi Opalola to ascertain the number of casualties of the recent attacks proved abortive as her phone was busy all through.

However, sketchy information at hand put the number at six.

Among those allegedly killed were identified as Sikiru Onibread at Roundabout and Igwe in the Igbogi area.

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Infrastructure

Urban-Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2023 Scales Second Reading in OSHA

By Web News 374

*Assembly Suspends Council Caretaker Chairman

By Mojisola Oladele 

The Osun State Urban and Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2023 has scaled through its second reading on the floor of the State House of Assembly, during its first plenary session for the Year.

The Bill is expected to put in place an agency for the maintenance of Class and Class roads in the State, rekindle the hope of the People in the Rural Areas, to reduce the wastage of Agricultural produce amongst other relevant benefits.

The Majority Leader and member Representing, Ede North State Constituency , Mr. Babajide Kofoworola moved the motion for the adoption of the Bill and was seconded by , Member Representing, Atakumosa East and West, Mr. Sanmi Areoye after discussing its policy thrust. 

In separate contributions during the policy thrust, a member representing Ife South, Mr Lawrence Adeoti, a member Representing Ede South State Constituency, Barrister Taofeek Olayiwola, a member representing, Ife Central, Mr Abiola Awoyeye and a member Representing Ife- East, Mr Olumide Fatunmise who posited that the Bill would add value to the rural areas, improve the State, Internally Generated Revenue, IGR, called for the accelerated passage of the Bill.

In a remark, The Speaker, Prince Adewale Egbedun who presided over the session alligned with the Legislators and noted that the Osun State Urban and Rural Access Roads Authority Bill 2023 will have series of benefits for Residents of the State, when passed into law.

Prince Egbedun thereafter welcomed the Lawmakers back to work after the recess and urged them to continue work in peace, Happiness and love to achieve the set goals of uplifting the State.

The Speaker also read the Message of the State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke on a bill entitled “Osun State Secondary Education Board Bill 2023” aimed to regulate the activities of secondary schools in the State.

In another development, the Osun State House of Assembly has suspended the Caretaker Chairman of Ede South Main Council, Mr Lukman Afolabi for misconduct. 

The Chief Press Secretary CPS, to the Speaker, Mr. Olamide Tiamiyu made this known in a statement made available to newsmen.

The suspended chairman is expected to hand over to his Vice immediately.

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Judiciary

Strike: Sheath Sword, Adeleke Urges JUSUN

By Web News 336

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again called for an amicable resolution of the ongoing strike action by the Osun State Chapter of the Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria, expressing unhappiness on the delay of justice administration due to the industrial action.

Speaking while hosting a delegation of the national leadership of the judicial union led by its President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, Governor Adeleke narrated his interventions to resolve the strike to include the payments of the withheld salaries of some judicial workers and negotiations with the union on their wardrobe allowances.

Describing the dispute as purely a judicial matter, Governor Adeleke said the subject matter of the industrial action has nothing to do with the Executive arm of government, stressing that his intervention was to avoid further delay in the state’s justice administration system.

“I thank you for visiting Osun State. We value your interventions. I have tried to address some of the issues, but most of them are not within my purview. Your presence in Osun will speed up the resolution efforts.

“As the national body, help us interface with all the parties to find amicable resolutions. You have my full support for this assignment “, the Governor told the team.

Responding, the JUSUN National President, Comrade Marwan Mustapha Adamu, described the industrial action and the protracted paralysis of the Osun judiciary as unfortunate, saying his late intervention was due to his health condition.

Comrade Adamu who assured Governor Adeleke that industrial peace would soon be restored to the state judiciary said he was in Osun state to find a lasting solution and meet with all stakeholders.

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Education

Osun Executive Council Approves Recruitment of Teachers

By Web News 620

By Funmi Ojo

The Osun State Executive Council has approved the immediate recruitment of five thousand teachers and two hundred and fifty education officers to fill vacancies in the state teaching service.

The Council also approved a contract for the rehabilitation of Ora Igbomina water works at over 1.3 billion naira.

The Council noted that the approval for the recruitment of teachers follows the conclusion of the need assessment which the Governor ordered last year.

The Council directed that the Ministry of Education should fast-track the process of recruitment to strengthen the education system.

On the Ora Igbomina water works, the Council directed that the mobilization of the contractor should be handled immediately given the worsening exchange rate.

Governor Adeleke had earlier charged members of the council to be innovative and think out of the box to deliver on their ministerial mandate.

“To achieve a lot, let us think out of the box. Let us be innovative. We should not be giving excuses. We have a job to do and we must deliver, no matter the condition”, the Governor charged the cabinet members.

Also, the Executive approved the appointment of Prince Peter Oluwole Akinyooye as the new Olufon of Ifon in the Orolu local Government area of Osun State.

In the same vein, also at the meeting, approval was given to the appointment of Prince Najeem Abefe as Onisara of Inisa 1 in Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area.

Meanwhile, in line with the Chieftaincy Declaration in consonance with the Chiefs law, Cap 25, laws of Osun State 2022, appointments of Chieftaincy Declaration Oluwata of Iwata as well the  Authority, to henceforth be a beaded crown Oba has been granted by the Osun State Executive Council to the Oluwata of Iwata in Ejigbo South Local Council Development Area.

While congratulating all the newly approved Obas, the Osun State government wishes them the best in their present and future endeavours as custodians of customs and traditions in their respective domains.

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Governance

Return Vehicles in Your Possession, Osun Govt. Tells Former Appointees

By Web News 498

By Folake Oye

As the Osun State Government embarks on assets recovery mission, the Secretary to the State Government, Mr Teslim Igbalaye has called on those who took away government vehicles to return them as quickly as possible.

Mr Igbalaye made the call in a statement in Osogbo while reacting to the criticism that greeted the government’s decision on asset recovery by the opposition.

He noted that official vehicles bought during Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration were taken away by appointees of a former governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola. 

Mr Igbalaye, who is a former chairman of the Association of Local Government of Nigeria, ALGON Osun State under the administration of former governor’ Oyinlola, however, disclosed that ALGON members took away any official car.  

He maintained that no fake news would stop the recovery of vehicles and other assets belonging to the state, noting that the task force would soon commence operation.

It would be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke had set up a committee and task force to recover all assets allegedly looted under the administration of his predecessor, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola. 

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Education

Adeleke, Oyetola Throw Barbs over Out-of-School Children

By Web News 422

By Folake Oye

Osun State Government has attributed the large number of out-of-school children in the state to the neglect of the education sector by the previous administration.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi in Osogbo.

The former governor, Alhaji Oyetola, had on Saturday alleged that the high number of out-of-school-children was due to the sacking of teachers recruited by his administration

Mr Alimi observed that Oyetola’s allegation was an insult to the people of the state, stressing that education in the state suffered neglect under the last administration.

IMr Alimi maintained that if the former Governor was interested in addressing the rot in the education sector, he wouldn’t have waited till he lost the election before rushing through the recruitment of teachers against due process 

IHe maintained that poor learning conditions, dilapidated school infrastructures, parental economic crisis and overwhelming dislocations within the school environment were the real reasons for the high number of out of school children inherited from Oyetola government.

The commissioner said the state government organized an education summit which proffered far reaching recommendations covering all sub-sectors of the state education system in its bid to clear the mess of past government.

Mr Alimi said the state government was planning to recruit 6,000 teachers into the public primary and secondary schools in the state before the end of June 2024.

He said the recruitment is part of the Adeleke administration’s three-pronged approach to redressing the deficit in the education sector in Osun State.

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Infrastructure

Bores Holes: A Case of Mixed Fortunes for Osun Residents

By Web News 504

By Adenitan Akinola

On January 18th last year, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke announced the construction of boreholes in each of the 332 political wards in the state to cushion the effect of water scarcity.

It was one of the cardinal programmes to mark his 100 days in office.

As announced by the Governor in his January speech, on the 27th of March last year, Adeleke told Osun people that boreholes had been constructed in each of the 332 wards in the state with water running satisfactorily from the Boreholes.

On July 3rd, 4 months after government claimed that the boreholes were working well; Governor Adeleke distributed generating set to each of the 332 locations to power the boreholes.

Investigation by Radio Nigeria reveals that the boreholes are functional in some areas, while they do not exist in other locations, and not functional in some other places visited.

At Ward 2 Aruru Balogun Compound as well as ward 5 both in Olorunda local Government, the boreholes had been abandoned by the residents due to its poor state of service and weeds have taken over the place, save for the dry season.

A resident of the Aruru Balogun Compound, Mr Sherif Abideen commended the siting of the borehole in area but maintained that it had never produced a drop of water since then.

Similarly, at Ward 2, 6 and 14 of Osogbo, the state capital water was not running in the facilities despite provision of generating sets to power the boreholes.

Radio Nigeria also visited locations in Boripe, Irewole, Olaoluwa, Ilesa East and West where only few of the boreholes were functioning well.

The borehole overhead tank at Ward 7, Irewole Local Government had collapsed.

One of the residents, who spoke to Radio Nigeria Mr Jamiu Olatunde shared the harrowing experience of people of the area, whom he said had resorted back to the stream in the area.

An Osun based civil society organisation, the Osun masterminds had earlier criticized the 332 borehole project, describing it as lacking in due process, while it observed that many of the boreholes were not functioning.

Consequently, sometimes in October last year, the Osun Masterminds dragged the government before the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC over the borehole project as confirmed by the group’s spokesperson, Mr Ayodeji Ologun, who alleged that the Borehole contract was not advertised,bidded and awarded in compliance with the Osun State Public Procurement Law, 2015.

However, the state government maintained that only few of the Boreholes had issue due to insufficient technical appraisal of their locations before construction.

The Osun State commissioner for water resources, Me Sunday Oroniyi explained that only few of the boreholes had  issues which are already been addressed.

Mr Oroniyi said government was already working on the phase two of the boreholes across the 332 wards, but would play more emphasis on technical evaluation of the areas to be cited, to avoid challenge faced during the first phase.

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Education

Committee Reverses Suspension of OSSCE’s Provost

By Web News 377

By Funmi Adekoya-Ojo

The Investigative Committee set up to look into the leadership crisis rocking the Ila Orangun College of Education has reversed the suspension of the college’s Provost, Professor Jimoh Afolabi and ordered status quo ante pending the outcome of the investigation.

At its meeting chaired by the Committee Chairman who is also the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, both the Governing Council and the College management were directed to revert to the state of affairs before the crisis.

The committee also instructed the Provost and the Governing Council Chairman, Peter Babalola to avoid further escalation of the matter through media or litigation.

Alhaji Akinleye reminded the principal officers of the college’s enabling law,  the public service financial regulations and the oath of office they took upon their appointments.

“We also don’t want the crisis to paralyze the school. Any protracted leadership crisis can disrupt academic activities and even the peace of the Ila Orangun community.

The Committee Chairman noted that it will ensure the protection of public funds as it has made recommendations to prevent any future re-occurrence of such confrontation.

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Governance

Osun Government Releases White Papers, Lists Priorities

By Web News 686

Funmi Adekoya-Ojo

Osun State government has released six white papers, five on various committees which investigated issues raised by the Executive Orders issued by Governor Ademola Adeleke at the inception of the administration in November 2022, as well as a White Paper on Education Summit.

The White Papers earlier approved by the State Executive Council were finally ratified after further review by a special committee chaired by Governor Adeleke in line with the Governor’s promise to ensure due process, in-depth consultation and compliance with the rule of law.

Among the white papers approved include those of Committees on Chieftaincy Matters, Contracts/MOU/Agreements Review Committee, Solid Minerals Committee, Assets Inventory and Recovery Committee, Staff Audit/Appointments/Promotions Review Committee, as well as white paper on Education Summit.

In the report on the Chieftaincy matters chaired by Commissioner for Cooperatives, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo, the white paper prioritized compliance with legal requirements as a basis for final decisions.

According to the report of the White Paper, all previous steps taken concerning the installation of Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo stands nullified and the all-inclusive selection process for a new Aree of Iree and Owa of Igbajo, respectively, should commence immediately.

Specifically on Aree of Iree Chieftaincy, the substantive chiefs are enjoined to withdraw their suit before the court to allow for the commencement of the selection process in line with due process and tradition. 

On the stool of Owa of Igbajo, the White Paper nullified the previous selection process, which produced Prince Gboyega Famodun and directed an all-inclusive selection process for a new Owa nominee.

On the disputed Akirun stool, the White Paper directed that the parties await the outcome of the case before the Court of Appeal and that the stool remains vacant.

On other disputed kingship stools, the White Paper further recommended compliance with the requirements of the law concerning the Alawo of Awon stool where the government accepted the committee recommendation that the government should await the outcome of the pending suit before the Supreme Court.

The State Government has directed the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment to publish the six white papers in the official government gazette.

Members of the public interested in acquiring and possessing copies of the white papers are to approach the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment, State Secretariat, Osogbo.

Meanwhile, the State Government has also directed the setting up of a task force for the recovery of government vehicles carted away by officials of the former Governor Gboyega Oyetola administration.

In a related development, the Osun State Government says the provision of quality health service, supporting Small and Medium Scale Business, prompt payment of salaries, training of workers and infrastructural development are its priorities.

Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Public Enlightenment Mr. Eniola Odeniyi stated this during a grassroots public enlightenment tour by the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment to Owode Market, Apomu in Isokan Local Government Area of the state.

Mr. Odeniyi maintained that the present administration was focused on the speedy development of all the sectors of the state.

The Special Adviser, who highlighted people-oriented programmes and policies of Governor Ademola Adeleke in meeting the yearnings of the people, solicited continued support of the people of Apomu, particularly market men and women of Owode market, Apomu.

He assured the determination of Governor Adeleke to continue to ensure the welfare of people, both indigene and non-indigene, through enhancing the economy of the state.

In her remark, The Iyaloja General of Osun State, Chief Mary Oyebode noted that Governor Adeleke was interested in ensuring that market women and men benefited from his administration.

Also, some market women and men, in their separate remarks described Governor Ademola as a listening Governor, stressing their unwavering support for the present administration.

Earlier, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Eniola Odeniyi had led principal officers of the ministry to the palace of Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi Atoyebi II where they paid homage.

The Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Afolabi Atoyebi II commended the developmental projects of Governor Ademola Adeleke in Apomu, adding that if the Owode market in Apomu is given a facelift, it would contribute to increasing the state Internally Generated Revenue, IGR.

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