The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Adegboyega Oyetola

  • Oyetola’s ambitious fish production initiative and other matters

    Oyetola’s ambitious fish production initiative and other matters

    • By Ismail Omipidan

    President Bola Ahmed Tinubu did not mince words when he declared upon assumption of office in May 2023 that transformation of the economy was central to his agenda.

    To ensure the realisation of the agenda, the President set out by unbundling some of the ministries to give room for robust engagements and promote friendly economic environment to foster rapid growth.

    Incidentally, one of the new ministries established is the Marine and Blue Economy and to pilot the ministry is someone who is vast in private and public sectors operations, in person of former Governor of Osun state, Adegboyega Oyetola.

    Realising that there is no time to waste, the minister hit the ground running by meeting with stakeholders in the  new ministry, which is expected to generate revenue for government  and entrench a culture of global best practices in the maritime domain.

    The minister declared from day one that the ministry would embrace the Public-Private Partnership (PPP) models to transform the sector. He assured the indigenous ship owners that the PPP initiative would not in anyway impede the growth of local players, but would rather provide an avenue for them to create and extract more value from the sector, especially through ship construction, maintenance, and repairs.

    At the first Stakeholders’ Roundtable Engagement on Advancing Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Marine and Blue Economy sector, convened to bring together players in the sector to discuss and chart a roadmap/direction that will advance the industry’s potential, promote sustainable Blue Economy investments and ensure global competitiveness within the sector, the minister noted that the PPP model, a collaborative synergy between the private sector’s efficiency and the public sector’s oversight, would bring about transformative impact on the marine and blue economy as well as boost the creation of substantial job opportunities and the facilitation of increased trade and investment in the nation.

    As part of efforts to walk his talk, the minister, last week, met with an indigenous Delta Systematics Group, led by Professor John Onwuteaka, to X-ray a Strategic Plan for enhanced fish production to position Nigeria as a global leader in fisheries.

    The comprehensive Strategic Plan for the Enhancement of Fish Production, the minister noted, aims at transforming the marine and freshwater fish production in Nigeria with the aim of reducing the country’s dependency on imports, increase domestic production, and establish Nigeria as a net exporter of fish.

    The initiative, led by the minister, is divided into short-term, medium-term, and long-term programmes.

    Each of the  programmes, it was noted, has specific goals within a structured timeline. The short-term programme has the innovative GIFT Tilapia programme.

    The programme is expected to produce over 3 billion fingerlings to adult fish within four years, generate over 2 million jobs across related sectors, and contribute over 4 trillion Naira to Nigeria’s GDP.

    In the medium- and long-terms, the focus would be on addressing the crucial challenges of insufficient fish meal production for feed and enhancing artisanal fisheries.

    Also, the strategic exploitation of Nigeria’s Exclusive Economic Zone (EEZ) is anticipated to produce trawling and sea farming export-oriented revenues exceeding $5 billion. This, would no doubt further secure Nigeria’s position as a formidable player in the global fisheries and aquaculture market.

    The strategic initiatives that were X-rayed for the enhancement of Nigeria’s fisheries sector include several key projects, all of which are aimed at modernising and expanding the industry’s infrastructure and capabilities.

    To drive home the plan, the meeting recognised the urgent need to resuscitate and modernise existing storage and processing facilities. It also emphasized that the effort would be complemented by the strict implementation of biosecurity and traceability infrastructure, which is critical for maintaining the health of aquatic stocks and ensuring the safety and traceability of seafood products from “catch to consumer.”

    Similarly, a comprehensive digital infrastructure would be implemented for managing fisheries data in an integrated manner. The platform, it was noted, would provide a cohesive framework for managing aquacultural and artisanal fisheries data, facilitating decision-making and ensuring regulatory compliance. The plan also includes the establishment of fishing harbours and terminals in both coastal and inland areas, alongside the formation of fisherfolk cooperatives. These facilities and organisations aim to support the livelihoods of local fishermen, while simultaneously promoting sustainable and profitable fishing practices and inducing tourism.

    The plan would also develop national pond and cage aquaculture clusters accompanied by associated farming cooperatives. This initiative aims to increase and double domestic fish production; reduce reliance on imports; and secure the supply chain, contributing significantly to national food security and economic growth.

    Read Also: Electricity tariff: Don’t derail plans in power sector, FG begs Labour

    Interestingly, the indigenous Delta Systematics Group, is peopled by prominent Nigerians who are experts and critical stakeholders in the industry. The team of experts, it was further gathered would be instrumental to integrating essential public and private initiatives into the heart of Nigeria’s fisheries enhancement strategies.

    “This strategic plan not only aims to revitalise our fish production sector but also to ensure long-term sustainability and food security,” Oyetola added.

    Apart from the ambitious fish production initiative, Oyetola since assumption of office has carried out several activities, including ports inspections and quality assurance exercises, and meeting with the Customs’ headship on the imperative of deploying scanners at the country’s sea ports to enhance the ease of doing business.

    As part of port efficiency across all the country’s ports,  the International Maritime Organisation (IMO), in conjunction with Port Community System Association, helped to develop the PORT Community System framework report, which was handed over to the minister recently. The ministry has since  initiated contractual bidding processes for the implementation of the Port Community System across Nigerian ports, just as work on the development of Marine and Blue Economy Policy document has reached an advanced stage.

    Additionally, the minister has completed some of the projects he inherited. Some of these projects are: the Funtua  Dry Port, Port Access Roads in Onne and the rehabilitation of some access roads in Tin Can and Apapa ports.

    One of the landmark breakthroughs of the minister in the last eight months of being in the saddle as the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, is putting an end to the multi-billion naira yearly loss to Lagos ports traffic gridlock.

    The minister had, in December 2023, held a stakeholders’ engagement, to examine  the challenge of extortion and illegal checkpoints on the port access roads. After blaming the enumerated illegalities for traffic congestion along the port access roads, he promised to eliminate extortions of truck drivers, illegal checkpoints, and unapproved parking of trucks along the port access road within one week.

    According to the minister, the maritime industry is germane to the development of the economy and the goal is to ensure that players in the industry do not lose money due to congestions and traffic gridlock. To the amazement of the stakeholders, today,  sanity has returned to the Tin-Can Island Port corridor as the perennial traffic gridlock on the  Mile 2 and Tin-Can in Lagos has since given way, following a recent clearance operation.

    For close to a decade, the Apapa gridlock had been a pain in the neck of federal

    and state law officers, with the persistent gridlock defying all known solutions.

    Oyetola’s efforts at changing the narrative in the Marine and Blue Economy is gradually yielding results. Although it is not about brick and mortar, the minister is determined to position Nigeria as a premier maritime nation by utilising the potential of its blue economy to diversify revenue, assure sustainable development, and cultivate environmental stewardship.

  • Osun APC to Oyetola: You’re on threshold of distinguished governance

    THE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has told Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, that he is on “the threshold of a distinguished career in governance “as he turns 65 today.

    Oyetola’s performance, according to the APC will not “only astound his friends and supporters, it will also confuse his political foes.”

    The party’s director of publicity, Kunle Oyatomi said in a congratulatory message in Osogbo, that   the governor has “a unique opportunity to transform the next decade of his life to one of exceptional service to the state and people of Osun.”

    According to him, “We have no doubts in our minds that this event which comes close to the first anniversary of your governorship, brings with it the good omen that our people desire

    “Regardless that protracted legal challenges considerably hindered your ability to devote full attention to governance, you still had time and the will power to address those urgent issues that impacted the lives of our people.

    “Your efforts on healthcare infrastructure since you assume responsibility as governor have been remarkable.

    “You have also since then resurrected that cost efficient culture, (which predated our Independence), of fixing broken and failed sections of our roads before they become death traps.

    Read Also: How diversification policy can succeed, by Oyetola

    “You have also refurbished and opened up roads leading to towns, villages and communities that had for some time now been very difficult to access.

    “You have shown extraordinary compassion to civil servants, who might have been in some discomfort, but also for their understanding of your position

    “Above all, you have been spotted and recognized by the world for your commitment to opening access to our rural communities in which regard the French Ambassador to Nigeria came visiting the other day to pledge further assistance to the state.

    “From all of the above, we have no doubt that our governor is on the threshold of a distinguished career in governance that will astound friends and confute foes in the coming months and years.

    “So, by celebrating this birthday event with the state governor, the APC is not only making a statement of delight and confidence in the governor’s ability to govern exceptionally well.”

  • I’ll ensure quality, affordable education in Osun – Oyetola

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State on Thursday said his administration would continue to ensure that every child in the state had access to good, quality, qualitative and affordable education.

    Oyetola spoke while inaugurating Telemu Comprehensive Middle High School and Morinu Community Elementary School in Ola-Oluwa and Iwo Local Government Areas of the state respectively.

    The governor, who noted that children were the hope for a better future, said it was an offence for parents not to allow their children to go to school.

    He said his administration was leading other stakeholders to achieve its goal of using education as a tool for delivering prosperity and development to the people.

    Oyetola said his administration’s resolve to invest in the education sector was aimed at achieving the state’s objectives of delivering a better life for the people and driving development in the state.

    The governor appealed to parents to ensure that their children and wards were registered in schools and were well-behaved.

    He also said there must be a synergy between the government, parents and teachers for the state to achieve its desired goals of making education the bedrock of development.

    “Education is the plank upon which the success and future of our state rests, let us give it our optimum so that Osun can take its place in the comity of states and contribute its quota to achieving the Sustainable Development Goals.

    “The projects are an investment in the lives of our children who are our leaders of tomorrow.

    Read Also: Education is critical component of my agenda, says Oyetola

    “It is also a fulfilment of our agenda to provide quality, affordable and equitable education to our people’” Oyetola said.

    In his remarks, Dr Olowogboyega Oyebade, the Head of Service and Chairman, State Education Steering Committee, said the projects were indication that the current administration would not abandon the good works of the previous administration.

    Also Speaking,  the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi and Olowu of Telemu, Oba Madojutola Ajiboye, expressed gratitude to the government for priorising education in the state.

    NAN

     

  • Free train ride for Osun citizens

    Osun Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has approved free train ride for its citizens living in Lagos, to commemorate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir (Ileya) celebration.

    The gesture is in continuation of its practice during festive periods.

    The government said those travelling from towns on the route between Lagos State and Osun State would also benefit from the free trip.

    A statement from the Office of the Chief Press Secretary said the free train transportation will convey holiday makers from Iddo Terminus of the Nigerian Railway Corporation, Lagos to Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

    The schedule of movement indicates that the train will depart the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 10a.m. on Friday, August 9 and will be expected to arrive at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Train Station in Osogbo by 6pm of the same day.

    Read Also: JUST IN: Man jumps to Osun river

    For the return journey, the train will depart the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Train Station in Osogbo at 10am on Tuesday, August 13, and arrive at the Iddo Terminus in Lagos by 6pm, of the same day.

    Since assumption of office about eight months ago, the administration of Governor Oyetola has been providing free train services during festive periods to meet the needs of the people of the state, who might not be able to afford the cost of transportation during festive periods.

  • Oyetola to build 120-bed wards as Specialist Hospital gets facelift

    OSUN State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has approved the expansion of the state’s specialist hospital in Osogbo with the construction of 120-bed wards and a 30-flat doctors’ quarters.

    The move is seen as another boost to healthcare services.

    According to the Supervisor for Works, Mr. Remi Omowaye, the governor will perform the turning of sod of the project this month.

    The project is part of the ongoing revitalisation of the state’s Specialist Hospital in Asubiaro, Osogbo, the state capital.

    Omowaye spoke during an inspection tour of the ongoing face-lift of the hospital on Tuesday.

    With him during the inspection were members of the state’s Health Revitalisation Committee, Dr. Simeon Adeyemi Afolayan and Dr. Rafiu Isamotu.

    Afolayan said: “This project started barely a week ago, and now people can testify to the infrastructural development this place has witnessed.

    “As it is, work is ongoing at the laboratory section, accident and emergency unit, central blood bank unit, trauma centre, children ward, theatre section among others.

    Read Also: Oyetola seeks focus on technical education

    “This is a demonstration of extreme commitment to the welfare and well-being of the citizens by the Osun State government.

    “We are grateful to the government because when these projects are completed, they will go a long way to support the health needs of the people, particularly those that cannot afford to go to private hospitals for medical care.”

    Omowaye reiterated Oyetola administration’s resolve to ensure that all citizens have access to quality healthcare facilities in the state.

    He said health sector revitalisation had been designed to cater to the needs of every section in the health sector, adding that both infrastructure and personnel welfare will be affected.

    He said: “This place is one of the hospitals visited by the governor a few weeks ago and as a matter of fact, this hospital has witnessed a significant transformation and total turnaround.

    “In addition to the ongoing reconstruction of the hospitals across the state, we are expecting Mr. Governor to by next week flag-off the construction of 120-bed wards and 30-bedroom doctors flats in this hospital.

    “We are currently working on the Ejigbo hospital which is 80 per cent completed as well as the Ifetedo hospital. This is in addition to the revitalisation of 332 Primary Healthcare Centres out of which more than 100 will be ready by this month.”

  • Oyetola seeks technology-based approach to end insecurity

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has advocated a technology-based approach in the fight against insecurity.

    He urged the security agencies to adopt a new thinking that will galvanise optimum results and set the country on the path of peace, unity, progress and prosperity.

    Oyetola spoke yesterday during  the 2019 National Security Conference and Public Lecture, organised by the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) of Osun State Police Command in Osogbo.

    Oyetola, who spoke on the theme of the conference, “Kidnapping and banditry: Understanding the twin menace,” said winning the war against kidnapping and banditry requires a deep understanding of the history of insecurity vis-a-vis the forms of crime, causes, threats, strategies for containment and eradication.

    He said the security agencies must begin to appraise the successes and failures so far and weaving a workable strategy around them in a bid to stem the tide and rid the nation off the menace.

    According to the governor, kidnapping and banditry are unarguably two dreaded monsters, adding that both crimes are fallouts, in the main, of real or perceived injustice in the nation accentuated by youth unemployment and poor economy.

    Oyetola, who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole  Oyebamiji, said the dire security situation in the country has become a national issue that must be tackled squarely without ethnic or religious inclinations.

    He said kidnapping and banditry have constituted a menace to the Nigeria’s national and corporate image, thus posing a threat to people’s personal safety and business.

    The governor said: “We must understand as a people and as government that kidnappers and bandits are our common enemies who are waging a war against us.

    “Security experts contend that war is fought and won on the altar of strategy. We require a strategic and creative thinking and employment of technology to win this war.

    “Security must be well-funded and security agencies must be provided with state-of-the-art arms that are superior to what the bandits use to secure all of us.

    “For our intervention to be successful, we need to bridge the gap between planning and implementation. We must change our perception by seeing kidnapping and banditry as crimes and treat them as such.

    “Perpetrators must be prosecuted and brought to justice. Giving any crime for that matter ethnic toga weakens the war against crime and gives more arsenals to our common enemies to continue to terrorize us”.

    The governor called for a collaborative effort among the stakeholders, saying the dire security situation in the country requires meaningful contribution of all.

    He said his administration has been working assiduously to keep the state safe and sustain its status as one of the peaceful and safest states in Nigeria.

    Oyetola held that his administration will spare no effort to continuously safeguard the state and her people, guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizenry and as well ensure the welfare of all.

    “Part of the proactive approach that our government adopted in frontally tackling the security threat is to meet with security stakeholders in Osogbo and Ilesa to galvanise the people behind our plans.

    Read Also: Oyetola seeks focus on technical education

    “Governors in the Southwest states have held a security summit which took the decision to work in concert against the security challenge. A follow up meeting to examine the approach was held in Akure last weekend.

    “The Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari, met on Tuesday here in Osogbo with our traditional rulers to perfect the plans against banditry.

    “Apart from the collaboration with neigbouring states, we have mobilised vigilance groups and local hunters to police the flash points and other parts of the state.

    “I have visited mining sites to assess the security situation there and the extent of environmental degradation. Following wide consultations, I have the full support of all the security agencies for our security plans.”

    Chairman, Osun State Chapter of the Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Amitolu said the programme was organised to reawaken the people’s consciousness to security in the country.

    Shittu said theme of the conference, “Kidnapping and Banditry: Understanding the Twin Menace” was carefully chosen to address and find workable solutions to security challenges confronting the state and Nigeria as a whole.

    The guest speaker, Mr. Segun Fanu, identified lack of institutional capacity, loss of communal values, weak security system, unemployment and poverty among others as reasons for a kidnapping and banditry in the country.

    The Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, advocated community policing as panacea to insecurity in the country.

  • Oyetola inaugurates 228.5km rural roads, grants LGAs autonomy

    Osun State governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday, said the provision of good road networks is central to the agenda of his administration.

    He said his administration will continue to build and develop infrastructure in the state.

    Oyetola spoke at the commissioning of the 228.5km rural roads, rehabilitated and reconstructed under the Osun Rural Access and Mobility Project, at Akeredolu town, along Onikoko-Osi Sooko road, Ile-Ife, Ife-South Local Government.

    Governor Oyetola, who described infrastructure as the bedrock of socioeconomic development, pledged to fulfill all the electoral promises he made while seeking office.

    He said, his administration would continue to breathe life into every nook and cranny of the state and ensure proper construction, rehabilitation and reconstruction of roads.

    Governor Oyetola said the decision to embark on mass rural road construction was in response to the citizenry’s popular demand.

    According to him, the roads were built to link rural communities with the nearest markets and urban areas, and boost the economy and social development of the people.

    He implored beneficiaries to cultivate good maintenance culture of the roads.

    He said: “Provision of good road network is central to the agenda of our administration as it breathes life into commerce, agriculture, economy, youth empower, security and the overall well-being of the state and the people.

    ”We are, therefore, happy to be here to make good one of the major electoral promises which is provision of good road network.

    ”Three hundred and eight (380km) rural roads are currently being fixed across the state, which is the second phase of the project implementation.

    ”Osun Road Access Mobility Project (RAMP) is involved mainly in construction and rehabilitation of earth roads. It gives consideration to road maintenance in order to make these roads to last longer. This is component two of the project.

    ”Under the arrangement, rehabilitated or constructed earth roads in use for more than 12 calendar months are mechanically restored to their good transport condition. Routine maintenance is also carried out by road maintenance groups all year round,” he said.

    The Project Coordinator, Osun Rural Access and Mobility Project, Adesola Adewumi, applauded the administration of Governor Oyetola for building infrastructure to secure a better future for the state.

    Read Also: Photos: Oyetola visits Osun illegal mining site

    He said, the agency has constructed several kilometers of roads to support the socioeconomic and political lives of the people of the state, particularly the rural dwellers.

    At the backdrop of his development projects, Oyetola has declared that local government Councils in his state operate freely without interference.

    He said it will be unfair for any governor not to allow elected chairmen at the local council level to decide what they want in terms of human, capital and infrastructure development.

    Oyetola said this, while he hosted the delegation of the Local Government Project Monitoring Team from the Office of the Secretary to the Governor of the Federation (SGF) at the Government House in Osogbo.

    He described the local government council as a critical arm of government that should work to deliver development to the people.

    ”I believe in the functionality of local government administration. That is why we have given all the local governments and the Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) the independence to operate,” he said.

    Meanwhile, the Buhari Support Organization (BSO), in the southwest, has pledged to work with the Osun State governor, Gboyega Oyetola, to give dividends of democracy to the residents of the state.

    At a press briefing in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the coordinator of the group in the southwest, Prince Felix Awofisayo, said the Supreme Court verdict, which affirmed Oyetola as winner of the September 22, 2018 governorship election, is also an endorsement of the expression of wishes of the Osun voters during the exercise.

    Describing the governor’s victory at the apex court as a testimonial of the doggedness and tenacity of the people of the state to pursue the progressive agenda, the group acknowleged that Osun is on the path of development.

    Congratulating Oyetola for the victory, he said the governor can now “leave behind him all distractions” and “use his God-given administrative talent and managerial sagacity” to improve the lives of Osun residents.

  • Osun to stop environmental pollution by regulating mining, says Oyetola

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has declared that mining activities will henceforth be regulated in Osun State.

    He spoke after seeing the level of environmental degradation caused by unregulated mining activities going on in many parts of the state.

    The governor was at Ifewara in Atakunmosa West Local Government to see a huge landscape that has been degraded by illegal miners. He was also at Ibodi in the same local government.

    According to the governor, the form of regulation will soon be decided.

    Oyetola told reporters after a tour of the illegal mining sites: “I am here to see things for myself. It is unfortunate that our land is being damaged and farming activity has been destroyed. With what I have seen, one cannot do farming here again because the land has been seriously damaged.

    “The grievous damage is the fact that the entire land space had been totally destroyed which hitherto could have been used for agricultural purposes and socio-economic development of our state.

    “The whole environment has been polluted by dangerous chemicals applied to explore gold. These chemicals are not only dangerous for human being, but hazardous to farming.

    “Though it is important for us to explore the possibilities in mining, it must not be at the expense of the welfare and health of the people.”

    He added: “Mining must be done with proper regulation, and in any case, what is going on here is purely illegal mining; they are destroying everywhere.

    Read Also: You are a worthy ally – Oyetola tells deputy

    “So, I am here to prevent what happened in the Niger Delta from being replicated here. We are not saying people should not do mining, but this has to be regulated.

    “Mining is a very sensitive thing. One cannot just do mining; there should be a proper environmental impact assessment report that will guarantee that such exercise will not resort to adverse effect on the livelihood.

    “So, what we have done is to see things for ourselves and also to come up with an informed decision.

    “We are committed to protecting our community, we are committed to protecting good environment for our people and we will not allow the means of their livelihood to be compromised.”

    The governor said his administration is putting reports together “because government cannot just take a decision on emotional reaction”.

    He added his administration would put the interest of the people first and also take appropriate action after the visit to all the sites.

    “We will sit down and review our report to come up with a law, but we can’t allow this thing to continue, and the action we will take will depend on the perception of the people as regards their interest.

    “As a government, it is our responsibility to guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizens while the people’s welfare should be the priority.”

    Adimula of Ifewara Oba Hezekiah Adeniyi Owolola implored the state government to accelerate its decision at putting the permanent solution to illegal mining in his area.

    The Loja of Ibodi, Oba Omisade Agboluaje, applauded the government for prioritising the security and welfare of the people.

     

     

     

  • Hajj 2019: Oyetola urges Osun pilgrims to obey Saudi laws, pray for state

    The governor, State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, has urged the 2019 Osun pilgrims to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to conduct themselves in line with the law of the holy land.

    The governor gave this admonition while speaking at the farewell meeting with the pilgrims to the holy land of Mecca held on Saturday in Osogbo, the state capital.

    He advised the 670 Osun pilgrims not to allow distractions of trading and other personal interests spoil the bountiful rewards of Hajj, which he described as one of the five pillars of Islam expected to be performed by every believing Muslim at least once in their lifetime.

    The governor said: “I am glad to be here meeting with all the lucky pilgrims in the State of Osun journeying to the holy land of Mecca in Saudi Arabia to perform the 2019 Hajj.”

    Read Also: 10 facts about Osun State Governor Oyetola

    Oyetola also reminded the pilgrims that the holy land of Mecca is a place where God showers His mercies on His genuine worshipers and answers their prayers, urging them to remember his government and the State of Osun in their prayer during the Hajj.

    “Mecca is a holy land where God hardly denies the prayers of His worshipers. I also went there to pray before and after my election as the governor of the state. By the grace of God Almighty, I will still go there to glorify His Holy name for making us triumph at the Supreme Court.

    “Remember the State of Osun in your prayer during the Hajj. Pray that God should assist this government to enable us fulfil all our campaign promises to the good people of our state. Pray for God to provide money for the state as this will strengthen the government’s drive and commitment to improving the welfare of the people and take our dear state to greater heights.

    “Count yourselves lucky among thousands of Muslims who aspired to perform 2019 Hajj but could not make it. I congratulate you all and wish you journey mercies to the holy land.”

     

  • Ijesa monarch to Oyetola: ban mining in Osun

    Paramount ruler of Ijesaland Oba Adekunle Aromolaran has urged Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to ban mining activities in the state.

    The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland spoke when he led obas, chiefs and political leaders in his domain on a visit to the governor to congratulate him on his victory at the Supreme Court.

    He said: “It is hoped that you will assist us to rid Ijesaland of the unwanted visitors in the guise of gold miners, whose influx into Ijesaland has been giving Ijesas great panic, fear and embarrassment. We want the governor and your government to put a ban on gold mining indefinitely.”

    He also urged the governor to give “favourable attention” to his area in terms of development, adding that appointment of traditional rulers in his domain without his consent as prescribed by Chiefs’ Law should stop to avoid rancour and other social problems.

    Ijesaland hosts the major mining sites in the state, where many of the displaced miners from Zamfara State are now operating.

    The Oba said the influx of illegal miners had led to displacement of farmers, whose farm lands and landed property are being destroyed by the activities of these miners.

    Read Also: Alaafin, Fasanmi, Wase congratulate Oyetola

    He promised that the traditional rulers would continue to lend their voices on things that will strengthen peaceful coexistence, unity and stability in the state.

    Oyetola said his administration would not relent in his efforts to stamp out illegal miners from the state.

    Hailing the efforts of the royal fathers at curbing crime and criminality, the governor noted that his government would continue to partner the traditional rulers and chiefs

    He added: “The issue of illegal mining has reached the front burner” and it is time to nip ugly incidents in the bud.

    “We are working assiduously to keep our state safe and to rescue our land from being damaged by illegal miners.

    “There is no doubt in the fact that the perpetrators are destroying our land, which could have been used for farming.

    “We are working so hard to come up with a law that will be regulating mining activities in the state. This will further attest to our commitment to the welfare of our people.

    “We understand the danger posed by this act and we are assuring our people of prompt action.”