Lifestyle

By Adenitan Akinola

Former governor of Osun State, and pioneer chairman, All Progressives Congress, APC, Chief Bisi Akande has identified corruption and the lazy attitude of Nigerians as the bane of the nation’s development.

Addressing journalists at his residence in Ila-Orangun, Chief Akande said a large number of Nigerians want wealth and success without work.

Chief Akande explained that this unbridled desire for wealth accounts for the rise in fraudulent practices among citizens resulting in endemic corruption, a cankerworm that had put the country on its knees.

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The former pioneer chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress added that religious organizations have not helped matters as places of worship focused much on prayers for financial miracles and breakthroughs without work.

He argued that the development was worsened by the about thirty years of military rule in Nigeria which destroyed the moral fabric, political and economic progress of the country.

Chief Akande pointed out that the pain being experienced under the current administration were unavoidable consequences of the previous maladministration, stressing that the country must be made to work for the people.

The elder statesman, however, called for attitudinal change, which according to him is cardinal to any desired socio political and economic progress, as no government can any perform magic without disciplined citizens.

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Education

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has called on tertiary institutions within the state to collaborate with one another and the state government to improve the quality of education and reduce the unemployment rate.

Speaking at an event in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, Governor Adeleke pledged that his administration will serve as a facilitator to ensure the success of the collaboration between Polytechnics, Universities and Colleges of Education within the state.

The Governor who called on universities, polytechnics and colleges of education in Osun State to explore innovative win-win relationships between the state and the schools, pointed out that his government is open to partnership and collaboration on various aspects of the state economy. 

He noted that such a relationship would strengthen efforts to get the graduating students out of the streets.

“We call for ideas and plans on how to build on existing solutions to address the aspirations of our young ones. Research work must get to the public for application. This proposed partnership is a sincere offer to create a club of societal developers for Osun State.”

“My admonition to you flows from the reality of the present-day economy. The national economic crisis has worsened unemployment figures even as many states are finding it hard to pay the salaries of existing workers. In many states, the public sector is over-bloated. Where vacancies exist, the capacity of the state to pay is suspect.

“The above scenario left the nation with only one option- to support job seekers to become job creators and employers of labour. To that end, the government must provide an enabling environment for small and medium businesses to thrive. The state must serve as the facilitator rather than a regulator”, the Governor noted.

Governor Adeleke also said that his administration is implementing several sectoral reforms which include harmonization of payable taxes thereby eliminating double taxation as well as policies that would make Osun residents employers of labour instead of job seekers.

“We are also implementing several sectoral reforms to open up the state economy, expand its base and enhance its capacity to engage the Nigerian youth. We are doing all these to make it easy for Osun residents to become employers of labour rather than job seekers”, he added.

The Governor congratulated the graduating students advising them to commence a plan to be self-employed as the job market is getting tight and complicated daily.

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Politics

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated his counterpart in Akwa Ibom, Pastor Umo Eno, on the affirmation of his election by the nation’s apex court, describing the verdict as an end to distractions.

The Governor also congratulated Governors Kabir Yusuf of Kano State, Bala Muhammed of Bauchi State, Dauda Lawal of Zamfara, Jide Sanwoolu of Lagos State and Caleb Muftwang of Plateau State for overcoming challenges posed by electoral litigations, noting that the end to litigation will provide them the needed focus to deliver on the mandate of the people.

Governor Adeleke lauds the Justices of the Supreme Court for rising to the occasion of safeguarding democracy by serving justice on the governorship litigations decided, charging politicians to learn to accept the will of the people in democracy.

While wishing them success in their respective states, Governor Adeleke anticipated sustained collaborations in the effort to resolve challenges facing the country through the Nigeria Governors Forum and the National Economic Council.

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Security

By Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has promised to give maximum support to security personnel in the state to enhance effective security. 

Senator Adeleke made the promise while hosting the newly deployed Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Doctor Micheal Adaralewa in his office at the State Secretariat Abere.

Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Governor observed that living together in peace is cardinal and centre to his administration, noting that the present administration is leaving no stone unturned to actively support security personnel in the State.

In his remarks, the new NSCDC boss, Doctor Micheal Adaralewa appreciated Osun State Governor for the reception and being supportive to the Agency at all times.

He promised that NSCDC would intensify efforts at maintaining law and order by synergizing with other security agencies in the state.

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Agriculture

By Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has promised to revitalize cocoa production in the state to boost its economy.

Senator Adeleke made the promise while speaking at the International Cocoa Conference in Lagos. 

Represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Tola Faseru, Senator Adeleke, who described the importance of cocoa to the diversification of the nation’s economy recalled how Chief Obafemi Awolowo developed the old western region with earnings from cocoa production.

Unveiling the comprehensive agenda of his administration to revitalize cocoa production in the state, Senator Adeleke emphasised that cocoa-producing states have a direct challenge and obligation to introduce new innovations that will help to revive the sector and increase the productivity level of cocoa farmers.

 He emphasized the need to support cocoa farmers and ensure that young farmers enter the sub-sector and collaborate with research institutions such as the Cocoa Research Institute of Nigeria (CRIN) for new cocoa breed 

Senator Adeleke listed the agenda his administration is implementing to revive cocoa production and enhance the revenue base of the state.

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Security

By Folake Oye

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has assured the Police that he would make the environment conducive to maintaining the prevailing peace in the State.

Senator Adeleke gave the assurance while hosting the newly posted Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone XI, Mr Patrick Ogon Edung and the Commissioner of Police, Mr Bzigu Dali Kwazhi in his office at the State Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo

He said his administration was ready to give them maximum support to get rid of criminals in the land, stressing that he would always attend to their needs. 

Senator Adeleke noted that due to the prevailing peace in Osun State, investors were already coming in and wanted such to continue so that the state could develop to its fullest.

Earlier, the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone XI, Mr Patrick Ogon Edung thanked the Governor for receiving them and appreciated him for the current security architecture of the state.

He assured Adeleke that his team would maintain the reigning peace in the State. 

Also speaking, the newly deployed Commissioner of Police, Mr Bzigu Dali Kwazhi said he would ensure that residents of the state sleep with their eyes closed, noting that Osun must be rid of all criminals.

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Security

By Funmi Adekoya-Ojo

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has emphasized the need for veterans to assist in finding lasting solution to the nation’s security challenges.

Governor Adeleke, who stated this during the official launching of Emblems for 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day, saluted the sacrifice of the Nigeria Army for their service to protect the nation.

The Governor noted that the retired security officers still needed to work with the government and security agencies to fashion out ways to tackle insurgency and other security challenges facing the country.

He pointed out that the fallen heroes who lost their lives during service deserved the gratitude of everyone for their sacrifice of love for the nation.

Earlier, the Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Osun State, Comrade Oladipo Peter explained that the gallant soldiers who lost their lives while protecting their country to ensure peace and stability should be remembered and celebrated.

He appealed to the Governor to look into long-standing requests of the Legion including provision of Official Vehicle, approval of Monthly Subvention to State Headquarters and mandatory support for the Legion by the Local Government.

Present at the event were the Service Chiefs, from the Nigerian Army, Air Force, Nigerian Navy, DSS, FRSC, NSCDC, Immigration, Nigeria Police FORCE,  Royal Fathers, the Babalojas, Iyalojas, and government functionaries.

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Transportation

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Commissioner for Transportation, Mr. Sesan Oyedele says the Palliative Buses provided by the Adeleke administration to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal has not been withdrawn from the roads.

The Commissioner stated this in reaction to the news that Senator Ademola Adeleke’s administration has withdrawn the buses from the streets due to lack of maintenance.

Mr. Oyedele in the statement urged members of the public to disregard the false information, noting that it is the handiwork of political marauders from the opposition party. 

He said the buses were only undergoing some skeletal services in preparation for students’ resumption.

The Commissioner added that the buses will be on the road from tomorrow for the usage of the people of Osun. 

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Security

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government has reaffirmed its commitment to continue to give all necessary support to the fallen heroes, who fought gallantly to keep Nigeria, one. 

Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye stated this position while inaugurating a special committee put in place for the year 2024 Armed Forces Remembrance Day. 

Alhaji Igbalaye, who is also the Chairman of the Committee, charged members of the Committee to work as a team to ensure a successful commemoration of the event by the state government.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Cabinets, Office of the Secretary to the State Government and Social Services, Mr. Olusoji Wojuade, the SSG said the annual event was aimed at honouring the fallen and retired heroes of the Nigerian Army.

While expressing confidence in the ability of the committee members drawn from the Army, Navy, Air force, Police, NSCDC, DSS, FRSC, The Legion, Religious and non-religious organisations, Health and Media sectors including the Osun civil service, emphasised the need for the tasks ahead to be carried out with all sense of responsibility. 

Speaking on behalf of the Committee members, the Director of Social Services, Office of the SSG, Mrs. Bola Olawuni, assured the SSG that, the standing committees would organize a befitting Armed Forces Remembrance Day programmes that would, just as she promised that the media committee would give the events adequate publicity.

The programme highlights for the week-long event include, the launching of the Special Appeal funds for the commemorative emblems, to be performed by the Governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Adeleke at a day and time to be announced soon, Jumaat and church services at Osogbo while the grand finale comes up on the 15th of January 2024 at the Military Cenotaph in front of the Osun House of Assembly complex, off Osogbo- Gbongan road, Osogbo with the laying of the ceremonial wreaths on the graves of the unknown soldiers.

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Security

By Folake Oye

The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC, Osun State Command has rescued a middle-aged woman who jumped into Gbodofon, Osun River.

 Speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, the spokesperson of the command, Mr Kehinde Adeleke said the command received a distress call from a member of the public and in less than ten minutes the search and rescue team was at the scene to rescue the victim, resuscitate her before taking her to the hospital for medical attention. 

When she regained consciousness, the woman explained that she came from Iragbiji to Osogbo to jump into the Osun river because she was feeling fire burning in her body and the only way to quench the fire was to jump into the river.

Speaking on the incident, the Commandant of NSCDC in the state, Mr Sunday Agboola commended the search and rescue team, led by Mr Ishola Oluyinka for being responsive and for bringing their training in disaster management to bear in such a critical situation that could have claimed the life of a fellow citizen.

Mr Agboola assured Osun State residents of the command’s commitment to protecting lives and property even during emergencies. 

He enjoined them to take care of their mental health, stressing that his men would pay close attention to all the rivers in the state to avoid recurrence

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Culture

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government at the meeting of the Executive Council has approved the appointment of six new traditional rulers in the state.

In a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Chief Kolapo Alimi says all the appointments are with immediate effect. 

While congratulating and wishing the newly appointed traditional rulers success and peaceful reign in their respective domains, the statement urged all the subjects in their respective communities to give the newly appointed traditional rulers the best support and cooperation they deserve. 

The newly appointed traditional rulers approved by the Council include Prince Haastrup Adeola Ojo as Aloro of Iloro-Ijesha in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Prince Mark Adeniyi Ajewole as Onise of Ise-Ijesa also in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Prince Adekunle Waheed Babatunde as Elende of Eko Ende in Ifelodun North Local Council Development Area.

Other newly appointed Obas are Prince Sulaimon Adebayo Olalekan as Olu of Alajue in Ede East Local Council Development Area; Prince Badmos Rafiu Omotoso as Alagbeye of Agbeye in Odo-Otin South Local Council Development Area; and Prince Johnson Oyewale Ajiboye as Olola of Ola in Ejigbo West Local Council Development Area of Osun state. 

The  Council meeting also approved the elevation of 11 more traditional rulers in Osun State to a Part II (Recognised) Status of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of Osun state, 2002.

The newly elevated Obas include:

Olu Ilu Oba Oyeyemi Town in Egbedore Local Government; Alayetoro of Ayetoro Ijesa, Onikajola of Kajola, Bowaje-Ijesa, Olorogoji of Orogoji-Ijesa, in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Onimelu of Ifemelu -Ifewara; Alarunde of Arunde Ifewara; Esemo of Iyemogun (Atakumosa West Local Government); Olosuntedo of Osuntedo( Ejigbo Local Government); Olu of Araromi-Owu; Olu of Akiriboto-Isale (Ayedaade Local Government; and Onijimo of Ijimo-Ijesha. 

All the elevations are with immediate effect.

The Council however stepped down consideration of the Koka kingship stool, directing investigation and correction of the  alleged abnormality and irregularity in the selection process. 

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Labour

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has urged workers to continue to maintain cohesion, love and support for the government under his leadership.

Governor Adeleke made the call at a special prayer to begin the activities for the year 2024 at the Governor’s office parking lot at Abere, Osun state.

The Governor who expressed his deep appreciation to workers, staff and top management across Ministries, Departments and Agencies enjoined them to continue to seek the face of God across the faiths for the success of the present administration.

Governor Adeleke while soliciting the prayers and guidance of royal fathers and religious leaders, said he believed that with God and people, the state government would achieve its lofty goals and agenda for the state.

Earlier in a message, the Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ayede, Oyo state, Imam Taofeek Abdulhammed advised the Governor not to be carried away with praise singers and political sycophants who will not tell him the truth.

Also in short exhortation, the Chairman, of Osun State Christian Association of Nigeria, Reverend John Adeleke urged the Governor and other government officials to work with the fear of God

Prayers were offered to God for the Governor, state government, workers and the state for a great year 2024.

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Labour

By Funmi Ojo

In line with Governor Adeleke’s promise to Osun workers and retirees, wage award alerts have started dropping for Osun workers and pensioners.

Governor Adeleke had two weeks ago approved the wage award to cushion the effect of the subsidy removal.

Serving state workers were awarded Fifteen Thousand Naira while retirees were granted Ten Thousand Naira.

Workers and pensioners are to enjoy the wage award for six months starting from December 2023 to June 2024.

As at this morning, the beneficiaries are already receiving alerts, causing jubilation among the workers.

It would be recalled that the state government had also paid the December 2023 salaries while almost Three Billion Naira bond was issued  to pensioners at a recent ceremony at the state secretariat.

Speaking on the payment of the wage award, Governor Adeleke restated his commitment to workers welfare, ensuring that no stone will be left unturned to strengthen the well being of retirees and serving workers in the state.

Governor Adeleke further restate his commitment to the well being of the people.

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Lifestyle

By Funmi Adekoya

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described the death of his Ondo State counterpart, Arakunrin Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), as a huge national loss.

Governor Adeleke, in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, expressed shock at the news, saying Arakunrin Akeredolu made great contributions to Nigeria in the legal field and public service.

The Governor said Arakunrin Akeredolu was one of the finest minds in the country’s legal profession, and as a member of the Governor’s Forum, his wise counsel and constructive contributions will be missed.

Governor Adeleke condoles with the Acting Governor of Ondo State, Mr. Lucky Aiyedatiwa, the family of the deceased, the Government and the people of Ondo State over the painful loss, urging them to keep his memory alive by sustaining his legacy of good deeds and impacts.

“In this moment of grief and pain, I offer my deepest sympathy to everyone touched by Arakunrin Akeredolu’s demise and pray to God to grant him eternal rest while hoping for his immediate family, the government and the people of Ondo State that he left behind find comfort in the life full of accomplishments that he lived.”

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Entertainment News

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described Nollywood as the uncelebrated booster of the national economy which must be harnessed for sustainable development.

Governor Adeleke stated this while hosting top stars of the Nollywood industry at his country home in Ede, Osun state.

The governor, who unveiled his administration’s plan for the creative industry including entertainment, culture and tourism, assured Nollywood stars that his administration was prepared to collaborate with Nollywood to make Osun State a global tourist destination.

He explained that his agenda for the sector involved hosting several global standard events, creating of entertainment village in the three senatorial districts, infrastructural upgrade of tourist sites, logistics support for Osun as a film location and cluster industry for craft sub-sector.

The Governor maintained that his focus on infrastructure upgrades in the last year was to attract investors and the creative industry people to Osun, noting that his administration is working to provide good roads, quality healthcare facilities and security.

Earlier, the Founder of BON Awards, Mr. Seun Oloketuyi who led the Nollywood team to the governor commended him for hosting the 2023 BON Awards, describing the governor as a lover of the entertainment industry.

In attendance at the event were the publisher of Ovation Magazine, Akinrogun Dele Momodu, Fred Amata, Adebayo Salami, Keppy Ekpeyoung, Toyin Adegbola, Shushu Abubakar among others.

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Education

By Folake Oye

There was no case of food poisoning under the Osun State Home Grown School Feeding Programme, O’meals.

The state Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi stated this while receiving a team from the National Home Grown School Feeding Programme, Abuja, led by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Mrs Yetunde Adeniji. 

Prince Adewusi said the narrative of food poisoning was orchestrated by political mischief makers, who only had the mission of ensuring that they dented the image of the Adeleke’s administration. 

He recalled that the pupils, who claimed to be poisoned, were in school the next day ready to be fed again and continue with their examination. 

The deputy governor warned against political propaganda, saying the lives of children are not to be toyed with, as the present administration is keen on ensuring that the best is given to it’s citizenry. 

In her address, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on School Feeding, Mrs.Yetunde Adeniji said it was necessary for the team from Abuja to investigate the case, as it deals with the lives of children.

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Lifestyle

By Folake Oye

Wife of Osun State Governor, Mrs Titilola Adeleke has distributed N100,000 each to over 250 aged residents in the spirit of festive season.

The gesture was part of the efforts of the Wife of the President, Mrs Oluremi Tinubu to cushion the effect of the current hardship occasioned by fuel subsidy removal.

Distributing the cash on behalf of Mrs Tinubu in Osogbo, Mrs Adeleke emphasized the need for the elderly to embrace routine checks to ascertain their health status. 

While appreciating Mrs Tinubu for the kind gesture, Mrs Adeleke tasked members of the society to be alive to their duties to ensure the betterment of all. 

She urged parents and guardians to nurture their children in the way of God and be friendly with them to know their strengths and weaknesses to tackle them.

In an address, the wife of the Deputy Governor, Deaconess Olusola Adewusi admonished the beneficiaries to make judicious use of the elders’ financial support scheme 

The physically elated beneficiaries unanimously prayed to God to replenish the conveners and grant the administration a resounding office success.

The beneficiaries of the Wife of the President “Elderly Support Scheme were drawn from the thirty Local Government Areas and Modakeke-Ife Area Council.

The 250 beneficiaries were also given free medical checks at the event.

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Environment

By Folake Oye

Osun State Government has stepped up efforts to make the environment clean for healthy living.

The Senior Special Assistant to the State Governor on Sanitation, Mr Pelumi Ojo stated this when he led a sensitization campaign ‘Operation Keep Osun Clean’ to the heart of Osogbo, in an effort to clean the environment.

He emphasised that the sensitization campaign was meant to let the people know the adverse effects of a dirty environment.

While advising the people to take advantage of the waste they generate and turn it into wealth, Mr Ojo said the government was ready to give them the necessary support to make the environment clean.

Also speaking, the Director of Environmental Health and Sanitation, Osun State Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, Mr Wale Akala noted that the campaign was in response to the complaint received that Osogbo is dirty.

The campaign, which commenced from the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, led the team including market women and sanitation officers to Oja-Oba market through Ibokun road during which people trooped out to dump their waste in the refuse truck provided for the purpose.

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Human Angle

By Folake Oye

Legacies are enduring, hence the need for Christians to live a life worthy of emulation.

The Bishop of ljebu-Jesa Diocese of Jehovah Jireh African Church, The Right Reverend Rafael Osonuga, gave the admonition in a sermon at the funeral service of Chief Akintoye Ogunkola held at the Jehovah Jireh African Church Ijebu-Jesa parish, Osun State.

Bishop Osonuga, who observed that a country with many unrighteous people would never move forward, enjoined leaders and citizens of Nigeria to put the country at heart.

He described the deceased as a righteous person whose service to God and humanity both in Nigeria and in the Diaspora could not be forgotten.

Bishop Osonuga encouraged Nigerians to have a good legacy to write about.

Chief Ogunkola was a staunch Christian, patron and father to many before his death at the age of 103.

Special prayers were offered for the wives, children and the Ogunkola family in general.

Dignitaries on the occasion included representatives of Elegboro of Ijebu-jesa, Oba Olufemi Agunsoye, Osun State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr Olutola Faseru, staff of Radio Nigeria Ibadan and Ilesa, among others.

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Human Angle

The funeral activities of Chief Solomon Ogunkola begin tomorrow with a Service of Songs at Christ African Church, Isale IJEBU Street, Osogbo, Osun State at 3 p.m.

Lying-in-state and Christian Wake will hold at his residence, 34, Odo Ese Street, Ijebu-Jesha on Friday, 15th December at five o’clock in the evening.

The statement by the Family indicates that the funeral service and thanksgiving will take place on Saturday, 16th of December at Jehovah Jireh African Church, Palace Road, Ijebu Jesa area of Osun State at 10 a.m. while entertainment of guests follows at Ijebu Jesa Grammar School.

Chief Solomon Ogunkola, who died at the age of 103, is survived by children, grandchildren and great-grandchildren among whom is Mrs Kemi Ogunkola of Radio Nigeria, Ibadan.

Moyinoluwa Afolabi

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Lifestyle

By Funmi Ojo

The Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has arrived in Nigeria after a month of working vacation outside the country, 

The governor, who arrived at the Murtala International Airport in an elated mood, said he felt refreshed and recharged for more service to the good people of Osun State. 

In a statement by governor’s spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor said he is now recharged and refreshed to deliver more good governance and service delivery to the people of Osun.

The governor explained that the insinuation as to whether he was sick was unfounded, saying he went on a working vacation to recharge and meet partners for the development and progress of osun state.

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Education

By Funmi Ojo

Osun State Government has ordered full investigations into the reported cases of food poisoning at St James Primary School B, Owoope Osogbo.

About 18 pupils of the school were on Monday rushed to various hospitals by their parents after reacting to alleged contaminated food that they were served by O’Meal vendors.

The school children were said to have vomited and defecated repeatedly after consuming cooked rice and eggs.

According to their parents, the egg they were served was already rotten.

Meanwhile, the state’s Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi, said in a statement that Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed immediate action when the matter was reported to him by the Special Adviser on O-Meal, Mrs. Grace Ayodele.

The Governor has subsequently directed the stoppage of further food cooking at the affected school pending the outcome of the investigations.

The Governor has also directed enforcement of food standards and control as well as the auditing of the O-Meal structure to forestall future occurrences while the affected cooks in the said schools alongside the Planning officer for the O-Meal programme have also been summoned to a meeting this morning.

In a remark, the Chairman of the Local Government Education Authority, Mr. Nathaniel Ojetola explained that the Government is settling the medical bills of the affected students.

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Labour

By Funmi Adekoya

In fulfilment of his electoral promises, Governor Ademola Adeleke has again paid another half-salary debt, making four months of repayment since assuming office.

The Governor had earlier this year approved a memo for the phased payment of the 30 months’ half salaries debt inherited from the previous administration. 

A similar agreement was reached with the pensioners for the payment of outstanding pension and gratuity of 75 billion naira.

In his remark on the payment of the fourth quarter half salary, Governor Adeleke restated his commitment to the agreement he had with workers to gradually pay the huge salary and pension arrears inherited from his predecessor.

The Governor said he would continue to pay the inherited staff debt as he promised during his campaign to become governor of the state, stressing that he promised to address the staff debt issue with all seriousness and political will.

He assured workers that we would stick to the circular while the implementation would continue unabated alongside other welfare packages for both active workers and retirees.

The Governor added that he was committed to the implementation of the payment of palliative allowances recently approved by him for both workers and pensioners across the State, including local government workers.

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Health

By Mathew/Idowu

Osun State Government has assured the state’s residents that it will stop at nothing to prioritize their health status.

The Special Adviser to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Primary Healthcare,  Dr. Michael Oyerinde gave the assurance today at the inaugurating of Ola Primary Healthcare renovation by the National Association of Nigerian Nurses in North America(NANNNA) in Ola, Ejigbo Local Government of Osun State 

Dr. Michael said the governor had always shown tremendous interest in the health of its residents, and would always do that. He said that good healthcare services would be restored to all the primary healthcare centres that have become moribund in Osun State.

 While commending the effort of Ola residents for working together to renovate the healthcare centre, Dr. Michael explained that Senator Ademola Adeleke would continue to be concerned about their welfare 

In his remarks, the Alase of Ola, Chief Oluwafemi Fasanya pleaded with the state government to pay attention to the poor staffing at the Ola Primary Health Centre.

Speaking via Zoom, a representative of NANNNA in Nigeria Dr. Esther Oshunluyi said the primary aim of facilitating the project was to promote healthcare services at the grassroots level and to engage community leaders in terms of good healthcare delivery.

   Dr.  Esther Oshunluyi further called on the state government and other well-meaning indigenes of Osun State to see good healthcare delivery as a responsibility.

 Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman, Ejigbo West LCDA, Mr.Emmanuel Akinola lauded the efforts of Ola philanthropists in Nigeria and abroad for coming up with the idea of renovating the healthcare centre, noting that Osun State Government would complement the effort by providing necessary drugs for the centre.

The inauguration of the renovated Ola Primary Healthcare Centre witnessed the presence of sons and daughters of Ola at home and abroad.

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Economy

By Mojisola Oladele  

As the Budget defence exercise continues at the Osun State House of Assembly, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Reverend Bunmi Jenyo says efforts are in top gear to give Aiyegbaju International Market a standard facelift.

Reverend Jenyo stated this during the ongoing exercise held at the Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

He explained that owners of locked-up shops in Aiyegbaju, Aje and New Orisumbare International Markets in the State capital had been contacted to open the shops for use else it would be withdrawn from them.

The Commissioner for Commerce and Industry stressed that plans were underway to construct a shopping mall in Aiyegbaju International Market, Osogbo to boost the business activities of the Market.

In his remarks, the Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Olumide Fatunmise emphasized the importance of Ministries, Departments and agencies doing well by working around the clock in actualizing the 2024 budget estimates.

Mr. Fatunmise called on the  Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment to

Engage more youths meaningfully in skills acquisition to reduce youth restiveness.

While reacting to the budget presented to Ministries, Departments and Agencies, lawmakers including; Mr. Laide Ajibola, Prince Adekunle Oladimeji, Prince Kasope Abolarin, Mr. Lawal Bamidele, Mr. Elisha Oderinwale, Mr. Abiodun Ibrahim and Mr. Waheed Ibrahim stressed the need for the Ministry of Rural Development and Community affairs to see the pressing plight of the dwellers of the rural communities.

They also called on the Osun State Sports Council to improve sports activities to generate more income for the State Government.

Ministry of Rural Affairs and Community Development, Ministry of Home Affairs, Ministry of Commerce and Industries, Ministry of Youth Affairs, Ministry of Sports and Special Needs, Osun State Sports Council, Ministry of Cooperative and Empowerment and the Osun Micro Credit Agency appeared for the budget defence exercise.

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