Lifestyle

By Mojisola Oladele

The Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has congratulated the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on the occasion of his 63rd birthday.

This is contained in a congratulatory message signed by Media Aide to the Speaker, Mr Kunle Alabi in Osogbo

Mr.Owoeye described Governor Adeleke as an individual whom God has blessed and shown favour in all sphere of life.

The Speaker prayed God would continually grant Senator Adeleke the grace to make Osun proud and enviable in the comity of states in Nigeria.

Politics

Candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State won 25 out of 26 seats in the Osun State House of Assembly in Saturday’s election.

But the All Progressives Congress won Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency seat with its candidate, Olufemi Popoola, polling 15,594 votes to defeat PDP’s Adesina Aina, that got 14,817 votes.

According to the official results of the polls made available by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, on Sunday, the rest 25 constituency seats were won by the PDP candidates.

The Speaker of the Assembly, representing Ilesa East, Timothy Owoeye, running on the platform of the APC, seeking 5th term, lost his reelection bid to the PDP’s Olatunbosun Oyewole who was returned elected.

Kofoworola Babajide won reelection as a lawmaker for Ede North, while Adewumi Adeyemi, won reelection as the lawmaker for Obokun State Constituency.

Other results indicate that in Ilesa West State Constituency, Olawale Akerele was returned elected, Tajudeen Adeyemi, won the seat for Ifelodun State Constituency, while Akinloye Bajepade won Ila State Constituency seat.

Kashope Abolarinwa won the Ifedayo State Constituency seat, Adekunle Oladimeji won Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency seat, Adewale Egbedun won Odo-Otin State Constituency, while Olaide Ajibola won Olorunda State Constituency seat.

Candidates of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State won 25 out of 26 seats in the Osun State House of Assembly in Saturday’s election.

But the All Progressives Congress won Boripe/Boluwaduro State Constituency seat with its candidate, Olufemi Popoola, polling 15,594 votes to defeat PDP’s Adesina Aina, that got 14,817 votes.

According to the official results of the polls made available by the Independent National Electoral Commission’s Resident Electoral Commissioner, Dr. Mutiu Agboke, on Sunday, the rest 25 constituency seats were won by the PDP candidates.

The Speaker of the Assembly, representing Ilesa East, Timothy Owoeye, running on the platform of the APC, seeking 5th term, lost his reelection bid to the PDP’s Olatunbosun Oyewole who was returned elected.

Kofoworola Babajide won reelection as a lawmaker for Ede North, while Adewumi Adeyemi, won reelection as the lawmaker for Obokun State Constituency.

Other results indicate that in Ilesa West State Constituency, Olawale Akerele was returned elected, Tajudeen Adeyemi, won the seat for Ifelodun State Constituency, while Akinloye Bajepade won Ila State Constituency seat.

Kashope Abolarinwa won the Ifedayo State Constituency seat, Adekunle Oladimeji won Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency seat, Adewale Egbedun won Odo-Otin State Constituency, while Olaide Ajibola won Olorunda State Constituency seat.

In Osogbo State Constituency, Rasheed Lawal won, Sanmi Areoye won Atakumosa East and West State Constituency, Abiola Awoyeye won the Ife Central State Constituency seat, Olumide Fatunmise won Ife East State Constituency seat, while Akinyode Oyewusi, won Ife North State Constituency seat.

Lawrence Adeoti won Ife South State Constituency, Olakanmi Ajibola won the Oriade State Constituency seat, Folorunso Ogundare won Ayedaade State Constituency, Elisha Oderinwale won Ayedire State Constituency, while Taofeek Olayiwola won Ede South State Constituency.

For Egbedore State Constituency, Rotimi Ogunrinade won, Ibrahim Abiola was elected the lawmaker representing Irewole/Isokan State Constituency, while Rabiu Adesina won Iwo State Constituency.

Ibrahim Abiodun won the OlaOluwa State Constituency seat, while Olujinmi Asagade was elected the lawmaker representing Ejigbo State Constituency.

Punch / Titilayo Kupoliyi

Politics

By Mojisola Oladele

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr.Timothy Owoeye has congratulated the President-elect Asiwaju Bola Tinubu on his victory at the February 25th Presidential election.

Mr. Owoeye in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr. Kunle Alabi described the victory as well deserved, that the time was now for a better and prosperous Nigeria to be birthed.

The Speaker assured that with the victory of the new President-Elect, the people of Nigeria would prosper in their businesses and career in line with his manifestos. 

He affirmed that Asiwaju Tinubu would surround himself with Technocrats who are willing to drive the economy to achieve a better Gross Domestic Product, GDP.

Mr Owoeye said that the majority of the voters had done well by voting for the best man for the job, a man who would give the Nation renewed hope for a better Country.

He, however, called on people to be peaceful and patriotic, adding that the unity of Nigeria must be paramount in the minds of Nigerians, irrespective of political leanings.

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Crime

Mojisola Oladele

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has condemned the killing of Ebenezer Alaro a member of the All Progressives Congress APC in Ilesa.

The Speaker in a statement by his Media Aide, Mr Kunle Alabi called on the Nigeria Police Osun State Command to leave no stone unturned in unravelling the circumstances leading to the murder of Alaro. 

He stated that such heinous crime if not quickly investigated and perpetrators docked, could aggravate an already tense situation that could lead to a breakdown of law and order in the State during the forthcoming elections.

Ebenezer Alaro was killed in front of his father’s house at Aromire Street in Ilesa.

In his words, “It is quite unfortunate that one of our devoted party members was murdered after our rally on Friday, politics shouldn’t be do-or-die affairs. The young man who was actively involved in the rally was shot in front of his father’s house.

The Police and other relevant security Agencies must be seen to be alive to their constitutional responsibility of protecting the lives of citizens. A quick investigation into the murder will serve as a deterrent to people who are hell-bent on distrusting the peace of our society.

The times we are in calls for serious actions by security Agencies so that the already tense environment doesn’t lead to a situation where citizens will resort to self-help and jungle justice.

It is my belief that the state Commissioner of Police will leave it up to his responsibility, not allowing the state to slide into anarchy by urgently seeing to it that culprits in the said murder are brought to book.

I want to appeal to our people to allow for peace with the hope that the Police will in no distant time resolve the case of Ebenezer Alaro’s killing.”

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Politics

In a bid to clear the air of misconceptions about the debt profile of Osun State, The State Parliament has set up a committee of inquiry to ascertain the accurate debt profile in the interest of Residents and Investors.

The Committee includes Chairman House Committee on Public Account, Honourable Gbenga Ogunkanmi and the Chairman House committee on Finance and Appropriation, Honorable Taiwo as Co-Chairmen with other members Honourables Tunde Olatunji, Festus Komolafe, Michael Adetoyi, Hadrullai Adegbile, Lateef Jayeola, Babatunde Ibirogba and Kofoworola Babajide while Clerk of the house, Mr Simeon Amusan would serve as secretary of the committee. 

The Speaker of the Parliament, Right Honourable Timothy Owoeye made the announcement during its Plenary at the Assembly complex in Osogbo.

Right Honourable Owoeye emphasized that the need to embark upon a thorough investigation of the exact debt profile of the State became necessary, so as not to discourage prospective investors. 

The Speaker who cited Section 129 of 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as Amended which empowered the State House of Assembly to set up the investigation committee gave the committee one week to submit its report. 

In their separate remarks, the lawmakers commended the leadership of the House for setting up a committee to look into the debt profile of the state.

In another development, the Osun State House of Assembly read for the first time, the Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board Amendment no. 1.

In its Policy Thrust, the Majority Leader, Honorable Maroof Olanrewaju pointed out the bill would also improve the productivity of the board and help to harmonize health law to be in accordance with other states.

Mojisola Oladele

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Health

Accessible Health care facilities would help reduce Maternal and Child mortality rate among people in remote communities. 

Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola stated this shortly after the inauguration of a three bedroom maternity center in Irewolede/Olomilagbala Community, constructed by the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Timothy Owoeye. 

Represented by the the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji, Governor Oyetola explained that the Maternity Centre should be regarded as a collective property.

While commending the Speaker for constructing the Health facility, the state helmsman maintained that Political Office Holders are expected to give back to the people who placed them in the position of Authority in no small measure.

 He stressed that the mutual understanding between the Legislative and Executive arms of government made his administration in the last four years a success. 

In separate remarks, An All Progressive Congress, APC Chieftain in Ijesaland, Elder Kunle Odeyemi and Chairman Ilesa west, Mr. Olanrewaju Balogun said the love Hon. Owoeye have for the Community made him construct the Maternity Center worth Millions of Naira. 

Elder Odeyemi and Mr.Balogun urged members of the community to maintain the facility. 

Also speaking, the Host, Honourable Owoeye explained that Olomilagbala Community had existed more than four decades without a maternity center emphasized that people should see genuine representation in him, in other words ,if he is given another opportunity to serve, he would gladly do more for Ilesa West State Constituency.

Mojisola Oladele

Education

Osun State governor, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has assented to the law for the upgrade of Osun State College of Education, OSCOED, Ilesa to a full-fledged University.

The governor’s assent followed the successful passage of the Executive Bill into Law by the Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, in August this year.

Speaking shortly after assenting to the law, Governor Oyetola reiterated the fact that the decision of the government to upgrade the College to a university was “not a product of fanciful effort”.

He said the proposed university had been carefully conceived as a thoroughly entrepreneurial and innovative institution to be co-funded by many sources.

“The proposed university has been carefully conceived as a thoroughly entrepreneurial and innovative institution that would be funded through a mix of sources such as the government, community, industry, and other stakeholders without exerting unnecessary pressure on the finances of the state.

While receiving copies of the University Establishment Law from the Governor, Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye, noted that the signing of the bill into law is a new dawn in the entire Ijesa land in particular and the state in general.

“This is a huge development for Ijesa people and Osun State. This is what we have been clamouring for, for over 40 years. As a matter of fact, the College which was established in 1979 is more than 40 years now, and thinking to upgrade it to a full-fledged University is a welcome development. We commend and appreciate Mr Governor for his magnanimity and generosity to the Ijesa people”

“I want to assure you that the establishment of this University will attract a lot of developments and improve on the socioeconomic activities of Ijesa land; and by extension, it is going to turn Ilesa into a tourist centre as Ijesas home and abroad will come to support the government. I can assure you that the government will not regret upgrading the College to a University”.

The Chairman of the Implementation Committee of the proposed University, Professor Olu Aina, applauded the governor for the swift response, saying the signing will give the Committee enablement to continue to conclude the implementation process.

“The work is not yet completed. What we had today is the enablement for us to continue to conclude the work of implementation. I can see three major stages ahead of us.” 

“First, the constitution of Governing Council and appointment of Principal Officers of the University, and secondly we will start work and, begin to recruit staff and finally we will open up the classrooms for academic activities.”

“With this, the government is opening up more opportunities for youths to have and access quality education. This is going to be the first university of its type in Nigeria to have a Public-Private-Partnership and the provision of quality education which will be vocation-orientated. We are all looking forward to it.”

Abiodun Adeoye

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Education

The University of Ilesa, Osun State, Establishment Bill 2022 has scaled through it second reading. 

The motion was moved by the Majority leader, Mr Maruf Olanrewaju and seconded by the Chairman House committee on Education, Mr Babatunde Ibirogba during the plenary.

In separate remarks on the importance of the Bill, Members representing Ilesa-West , Mr Wale Adedoyin, Egbedore , Mr Babatunde Ibirogba, Olorunda, Mr Kunle Akande, Ejigbo, Mr Adekunle Oyekunle and Obokun, Mr Adewumi Adeyemi noted that the Bill would provide a framework that will regulate the powers and duties of the University Authority. 

They described Ilesa College of Education as one of the oldest Institutions in the State and called for accelerated passage of the Bill which would go a long way in providing more jobs for the unemployed, and boost the Internally Generated Revenue, IGR of the State amongst other importance. 

The Sponsor of the Bill and the Speaker of the House, Mr Timothy Owoeye said the upgrading of Ilesa College of Education to University of Ilesa status will not add an additional burden to the State Government but would rather foster the Economic Development of the State. 

The Speaker commended the members for their efforts toward making the Bill acceptable beyond Political Affiliations. 

The house later referred the Bill to the committee of the whole for further consideration.

Mojisola Oladele

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Politics

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Mojisola Oladele

Environment

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye says the importance of the Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, NIS, towards structural and infrastructure development in the state cannot be over-emphasized.

Mr Owoeye stated this when members of the Nigerian Institute of surveyors of the state branch visited the Assembly premises as part of activities to mark the Global Surveyor’s Day Celebration.

Represented by Mr Adeyemi Adewunmi, member of, the House Committee on Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, the speaker said the 7th Osun Assembly has passed the Urban and Regional bill to safeguard against incidents of building collapse and promote professionalism.

He said the assembly is also aware of the operation of charlatans in the building construction sector and that the Urban and Regional bill will help to weed out quacks in the building construction sector.

In a remark, The Chairman, Nigerian Institute of Surveyors, NIS, the State Chapter, Mr Tunde Fadahunsi appreciated the state Assembly Speaker and other Law Makers  for giving surveyors in the  state the needed support to operate.

The NIS Chairman however charged members of the public to always engage qualified surveyors/professionals in their building projects to avoid incidents of building collapse.

Mr Fadahunsi explained that surveyors and survey plans were crucial in any building construction all over the world.

He said a lot of people do not know the importance of surveyors in their building project and that Surveyor’s Day is a day set aside to sensitize the people about the roles of surveyors in anything construction.

He stated that professional architects and town planners always work with and work on surveyors’ plans to get their work done perfectly and that surveyors are very essential in building constructions.

“Before you can build a house, you need a survey plan. The survey plan is what the architect will design.

“Also, before contractors start building, the surveyor will still come to setout the building and even after completion of the building, if the building is a high rise, the surveyor will check the alignment, both vertical and horizontal, then begin to monitor the building in case the building is tilting or sinking.

“In summary, a Surveyor had to be involved in any building and road construction,” he said.

Mr Fadahunsi, however, decried several building collapses across the country, blaming the incidents on poor handling and non-engagement of professionals in the building process.

He thereafter urged members of the public to always patronize registered surveyors and other building professionals for their building projects.

Mojisola Oladele

News Politics

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye  has described agitation for financial autonomy of the state Legislature as a weapon to curb the excesses of Executive arm of government.

Mr. Owoeye who stated this during the plenary at the State House of Assembly, Osogbo, frowned at the non implementation of the financial autonomy by the Executive arm of government as contained in the Constitution section 121 (3) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
He noted that the issue of financial autonomy had been a national issue since 2018, stressing that the financial autonomy for legislature is a way to liberate Houses of Assembly financially.
Reading the Policy Trust of the Bill, the Majority Leader, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju enumerated benefits of the bill to include provision of legal framework for various committees and improve legislative workers Welfare’s.
In their various comments, the Lawmakers noted that the bill if passed into law would enhance every activity of the House of Assembly positively and less dependent on the Executive arm of government.
They maintained that the Bill would allow House of Assembly to be more focus on their constitutionally assignments adding that the Bill would deepen democracy and enable each arm of government to run it’s affairs independently.
The Bill scale through the second reading after the motion moved by Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju and seconded by member representing Ayedire State Constituency, Mr. Gbenga Ogunkanmi.

FUNMI ADEKOYA

Religion

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has urged Christians to explore the spiritual opportunity derived from Easter to pray for the peace.

The Speaker in a statement by his Media Secretary, Kunle Alabi while congratulating Christians on successfully going through the 40 day Lenten period which climaxed with the celebration of Easter, said the country would overcome most of his challenges soonest. 

Mr. Owoeye, said with various challenges facing the country, Nigerians must use every available opportunity to seek the face of God for peace to reign.

He stated that what the country needed at this time were intercessory prayers for God to continuously stabilize it.

The Speaker advised Christians and people of other faith to supplicate God to assist the country in critical areas of needs such as insecurity, hunger, unemployment, decayed infrastructure, corruption which had all held Nigeria down.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Osun HIV and AIDS Antidiscrimination Bill 2021 has been passed into law on the floor of the Osun House of Assembly.

The bill was passed into law after third reading at the plenary sitting with the motion moved by Majority leader, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju, and seconded by a member representing Ifedayo state constituency, Mrs. Elizabeth Abioye.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye in his remark noted that the bill would protect people living with HIV and AIDS against discrimination and stigmatization.

He said that the bill was necessary for the people living with HIV /AIDS as many were being denied the right to live like a normal person, especially at work.

Meanwhile, the Osun State Corona Virus Disease, COVID 19 Health Protection bill 2021 also passed through the first reading.

The bill was sponsored by the Deputy Speaker of the House Mr. Olufemi Popoola.

The Speaker, has, however, directed the Clerk of the House, Mr. Simeon Amusan to send the bill to the Ministry of Health to avoid duplication of an existing one.

Funmi Adekoya

Security

The Osun State House of Assembly has promised to put an end to Secret Cult and Secret Societies in the state.

The Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye stated this during the plenary sitting at the Assembly Osogbo.

He noted that the Executive Bill was sent from Governor Gboyega Oyetola tagged: “Secret Cult and Secret Societies activities Prohibition Bill 2020” for considerations.

Mr. Owoeye noted that with the bill in place the state would be free from all secret cult related activities saying the bill would allow proper penalty for offenders in the state.

The Speaker then committed the Bill to House Committee on Legal and Judiciary to work more on the bill.

Funmi Adekoya

Security

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye has condemned the wide spread looting and vandalisation of private and public property in the state.

The Speaker in a statement by his Press Secretary, Kunle Alabi called on Osun youth to give dialogue and peace a chance in the interest of state development as envisaged by Osun founding fathers.

Mr. Owoeye said the protesters have make their demand known and that youths can build a better society without first bringing it to ashes.

He noted that the wanton looting and destruction by some few youths will do the state no good but put a clog in the wheels of development and progress.

He posited that peaceful protest is a constitutional rights of every citizen, but it seized to be legitimate when it becomes an avenue for looting and destruction of our collective heritage.

Mr. Owoeye while commiserating with individuals and the private sector over the temporary set back assured investors that the Oyetola-led administration is on top of the situation of making their investments safe in the state.

He also commended security agencies for calming the tensed situation without force, saying the minimal force exhibited is well appreciated by all and sundry in Osun.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Members of political parties have been advised to have a good and smooth relationship with one another for development.

The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Timothy Owoeye gave the advice during the screening of Mr Adebayo Waliu Salma as Commissioner of Judicial Service Commission at the hallowed chamber of the Assembly in Osogbo.

Mr. Owoeye said, there was need to have the interest of Osun State to fast track development in every part of the state.

He described the Governor’s nominee as good ambassador of the state who will not disappoint Government and the people of state in the discharge of his duty.

Similarly, the Speaker introduced the new Special Adviser to Governor Gboyega Oyetola on Legislative Matters to the members of Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Kamil Oyedele.

He described new special adviser as a man of honour who is now an intermediary between the Executive and Legislative arm of government.

He urged him to ensure good relationship between the two arms of government and maintain the integrity he’s known for during his tenure as lawmaker in the state.

In their various remarks, the lawmakers described Mr. Kamil Oyedele as good leader and mentor full of experience, straight forward and a financial expert.

Funmi Adekoya

Economy

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has approved the reduction in the state budget after the Appropriation Amendment Bill 2020 passed through the third reading.

This follows a motion moved by the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Taiwo Olodo.

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Tagged Osun State Appropriation Amendment Bill 2020, the state budget was reviewed from 119.5 billion naira to 82.2 billion naira with a difference of 37.3 billion naira representing 35 percent reduction of the initial 2020 Budget. 

In his remark, the Speaker, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, explained that the House approved the amendment after considering the economic effect of Coronavirus pandemic on the state.

The Speaker noted that the appropriation amendment bill earmarks over nine billion naira which is 11.5 percent of the budget for fighting COVID-19 and post-COVID recovery.

Mr. Owoeye pointed out that the revised budget size reflects current economic realities, noting that the parliament duly considered it before passage.

Also speaking the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Mr. Taiwo Olodo remarked that the amended budget would be financed chiefly by recurrent revenue including federal allocation, generated revenue and capital receipt.

It will be recalled that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had requested for the amendment, in his letter, which he said was occasioned by the effects of the ongoing COVID-19 pandemic on global economy as well as that of the state and Nigeria.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye says the state Assembly will review the State Anti-Rape Law 2002 to make amendments that would stipulate special punishment for people who committed rape for ritual purposes. 

Mr. Owoeye, who was speaking during the plenary session, directed the Assembly’s Director of Legal to commence with the review of the State Anti-rape law in order to identify the clauses for amendment that would capture those raping for ritual purposes.

The Speaker, emphasised that anybody that rapes for ritual purposes or ask anyone to rape for ritual purposes should be specially punished by the law.

He maintained that with the increasing cases of rape, there was need to review the existing Anti-Rape law, not only from the female angle but also from the men angle as the male gender also get raped.

Similarly, the Speaker directed the House Committee on Environment to write a letter to the state Ministry of Environment to fashion out ways to stop illegal mining in the Ijesha axis of the state, as it is affecting farming activities.

He said illegal miners were encroaching and taking over the farm lands in the Ijesha Gold deposit areas noting that if the trend was not addressed, it would put the future of farmers in the region in jeopardy.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Wife of the Osun State Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola wants the state House of Assembly to tackle stigmatization if rape victims by encouraging them to speak out.

Mrs. Oyetola, who was at the Assembly to solicit support in stopping the increasing rape incidents in the state, noted that despite various laws in the state against rape and domestic violence, it was still unfortunate that sexual violence were still prevalent despite the laws.

She said rape and domestic violence cases should not be allowed to assume an uncontrollable situation in the state as female children are no longer safe in the society.

She urged the lawmakers to sensitise the people in their constituencies to fight against rape and encourage victims to promptly report.

In his remarks, the Speaker of the Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye, the commended the governor’s wife for her initiative and campaign against rape in the state

Mr. Owoeye said the Assembly had already passed an anti-rape law since 2002 which stipulated 14 years imprisonment for attempted rape and life imprisonment for convicted rapists.

He however said all existing laws on rape, sexual violence and gender based violence would be reviewed by the lawmakers and that a law would soon be passed that would lead to the establishment of a special court to handle rape and sexual violence related cases in the state.

Earlier, the Assembly had passed the Osun Public Procurement Law Amendment Bill 2020, after it was read for the third time, with the Speaker saying it would become law as soon as it is assented to by the governor.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr. Timothy Owoeye says the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission, ICPC and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC, should have no business in investigating government finances and expenditure, if there is an efficient House of Assembly.

Mr. Owoeye stated this after the second reading of the “Osun Public Procurement Law Amendment Bill 2020” at the Assembly’s plenary session in Osogbo.

The Speaker explained that the oversight function of the legislative covers checking government expenditures, which would not allow EFCC and ICPC to further investigate state’s government financial activities, if the legislative arm of government has ensured proper accountability.

He, however, said the Procurement Amendment Bill, if passed into law, would make the financial activities of the state government more transparent and accountable for, saying the bill would give room for the creation of a board, which would oversee government procurements in the state.

He also explained that  the bill, when passed into law would give room for transparency in governance and the state procurement process, and inturn giving value for money, which is very important.

The Speaker added that, the procurement law would equally set guidelines for the boards of directors on how to manage the expenditure of the state government and thus making it more accountable to the public.

The policy trust of the Osun Public Procurement Law Amendment Bill was read by the Majority Leader of the House, Mr. Maruf Olanrewaju and the bill was passed for second reading.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye says the state assembly is considering a post-COVID-19 stimulus bill to assist the people of the state and better it’s economy.

Mr. Owoeye, stated this at the special plenary session to mark the first year anniversary of the 7th Assembly.

Our Correspondent, Funmi Adekoya was there for Radio Nigeria.

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The Speaker, Mr. Owoeye said the assembly was concerned about the effect of the Coronavirus pandemic on the global economy which has brought about economic recession and loss of jobs.

The speaker urged the state government to quickly reel out its post COVID-19 economic plan saying the proposed stimulus bill would be given accelerated passage upon presentation before the House of Assembly.

Highlighting the achievements of the state assembly in the last one year, Mr. Owoeye said the assembly, through quality legislation, has passed eight bills that has direct impact on the people of the state.

He said effective oversight of ongoing developmental projects in the state and making the assembly accountable through publication of activities and effective public engagement and E-parliament were also done.

Mr Owoeye thanked the governor of the state, Mr Gboyega Oyetola and the people of Osun for their support and for allowing peace to reign in the state saying the state lawmakers would rededicate themselves to serving the people more in the second year of the 7th Assembly.

In his remarks, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola said the state admires the monumental achievements and people-oriented legislation the state assembly had delivered in the last one year.

Governor Oyetola appreciated the lawmakers for their understanding during the raging Coronavirus pandemic, saying he looks to the future with hope, confident that the state has what it takes to make it to the desired level in the days ahead.

He therefore urge the legislators, who are the representatives of the people to continue to mobilise the people to support the government.

Present at the special plenary session were Deputy Governor, Mr Adegboyega Alabi, former speakers, past lawmakers, as well as other government functionaries.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Osun State House of Assembly, OYHA, has passed “Osun Public Financial Management Bill 2020”.

This bill was passed at the plenary after amendments made to form part of the bill and read for the third time with a motion moved by the Majority Leader of the house Mr. Maroof Olanrewaju and seconded by member representing Ayedaade State Constituency, Mr. Taiwo Adebayo.

In his remark, the Speaker of the House, Mr. Timothy Owoeye noted that the bill would reduce and curtail excess expenditure of the state government.

He said the bill would control tax flow of the state government and assist local governments in having a proper accounting system.

The Speaker urged the state Governor to assent the bill for the benefit of the people and state in general.

In their various contributions, the lawmakers commended the state government for the bill, saying, it would help government to reduce waste in financial management.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr Timothy Owoeye has appealed to people of Osun State not to politicise the Covid-19 pandemic.

Mr. Owoeye made the appeal during plenary session while reacting to comments of some people on social media condemning the efforts of Federal and State governments to give palliative to the people.

He said the issue of coronavirus affects the whole world which calls for contribution and understanding of individuals.

While commending state government and all committee constituted by the Governor in the fight against coronavirus, the Speaker urged residents of Osun State to obey the lock down order and stay safe to prevent the spread of the disease.

Meanwhile, the Speaker, Mr. Owoeye, has directed the Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Needs to appear before the House tomorrow to update the House on the disbursement of cash palliatives to residents of the State.

He said it is important for the Commissioner to appear and intimate the House on the beneficiaries and the modalities for disbursement.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

The Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, has passed the “Osun State College of Health Technology Ilesha Establishment Bill 2020”.

This follows a motion moved my Majority Leader, Mr Moruf Olanrewaju and seconded by member representing Egbedore State Constituency, Mr Babatunde Ibirogba.

In his remark, the Speaker, Mr Timothy Owoeye said the passage of the Bill would upgrade the School of Health Technology Ilesha to a College to make the school autonomous in running its academic and administrative affairs.

Mr Owoeye while commending his colleagues for their contribution to the passage of the Bill called for the speedy ascent of the bill by the Governor.

It will be recalled that the “Osun State College of Health Technology Establishment Bill 2019” sponsored by the Speaker was presented to the on October 15, 2019.

Also, at the plenary the “Osun State Revenue Administration and Tax Codification and Consolidation Bill 2019” scaled through the first reading.

Funmi Adekoya

Politics

Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, OSHA, Mr. Timothy Owoeye wants the authority of the Nigerian Police Force State Command to give legal and moral support to the South-West Security Initiative “Operation Amotekun”.

The Speaker made the call while receiving the Osun State Commissioner of Police, Jonhson Babatunde with his entourage who paid a courtesy visit in his office.

Mr. Owoeye reiterated the commitment and readiness of the 7th Assembly under his watch to render necessary assistance geared towards enhancing efficient and effective policing.

He reminded the police boss that OSHA is currently working in ensuring a legal framework on Operation Amotekun Bill pointing out that Amotekun cannot work without the support of the Police Force.

He also used the avenue to inform the Osun State Commissioner of Police of the Anti-Kidnapping bill which the assembly is giving adequate consideration aimed at curbing the spate of the incessant kidnapping in the state.

The Speaker said the Assembly is set to organise a public hearing on Anti-Kidnapping and Operation Amotekun bills where stakeholders such as security outfits, opinion moulders, religious leaders, market women, and men will be able to donate ideas for the realisation of the bills.

Earlier, Commissioner of Police in Osun State, Jonhson Babatunde had explained that the purpose of the visit was to seek prompt and timely support of the legislative arm of the government, noting that they are the accredited representatives of the public.

The Police Commissioner said the Inspector General of Police is committed to the community policing hence pledged the readiness of the command to work assiduously for the realisation of the Operation Amotekun.

Funmi Adekoya