The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Aregbesola has done well in education sector, says NUC chief Rasheed

    •VCs laud Osun education revolution

    The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Prof Abubakar Adamu Rasheed, has lauded the Osun State government under Governor Rauf Aregbesola for raising the education bar.

    He said the state had revamped education, as reflected in the laudable achievements it recorded in the sector since the inception of the Aregbesola administration.

    Also, the leadership of the Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) hailed the government for revolutionising education.

    The heads of the nation’s universities had met at Redeemer’s University campus in Ede, Osun State, for their 33rd conference, where topical issues were discussed on how to improve tertiary education.

    Rasheed spoke at a get-together organised by the state government for the conference participants.

    The dinner was attended by Osun State Deputy Governor Mrs Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; the senator representing Osun East, Babajide Omoworare; Acting Secretary to the State Government (SSG) and Commissioner for Cabinet Matters, Senator Mudashiru Hussain; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, Bursary and Scholarship, Profr Grace Akinola; Prof Rasheed; former NUC Executive Secretary, Prof Peter Okebukola; the host of the conference and Vice-Chancellor of Redeemer’s University, Prof Debo Adeyewa, other vice-chancellors of Federal, state and private universities.

    Others included Osun State Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun as well as popular musicians Innocent Idibia and Tony Tetuila.

    Rasheed described Aregbesola as an intellectual per excellence.

    He said: “Our presence in Osun is not by accident but a deliberate move to acknowledge the unparalleled impact of Governor Aregbesola on the Education sector in the state.

    “There is no doubting the fact that Osun has blazed the trail at ensuring that education is given the utmost and topmost attention in all strata as reflected in the giant strides the state has witnessed so far under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola.

    “We are fully aware of the successes the present administration in the state has recorded over the years to ensure that education is advanced, democratised, uplifted and standardised in line with the global practices.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Aregbesola: we’ve laid solid foundation for Osun’s future

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has predicted a brighter future for the state.

    The governor hinged his prediction on the fact that his administration has laid a solid infrastructural foundation upon which the future of the state could be erected.

    Aregbesola gave the assurance when he addressed the residents on the 27th anniversary of the creation of the state.

    Osun was created in 1991 from the old Oyo State.

    The governor said his administration had laid the foundation for prosperity and enduring development in the last eight years.

    He said: “The path to greatness remains good and qualitative education. We must all strive to provide it for our children and those in need of it around us. We must remain creative and use our God-given talent to solve problems around us. We must all work hard and love and have peaceful disposition towards our neighbours.

    “In our own way, we have contributed significantly to the growth and development of Osun. Despite the daunting financial challenges we faced in the second term of our administration, we are leaving Osun far better than we met it.

    “Osun has recorded political, economic and physical development in the last eight years, more than at any point in its history. From the 30 local government areas and one area office, Osun now boasts additional 31 local council development areas (LCDAS), three area councils and two administrative offices.

    “Elections were conducted into them under the parliamentary system of government and the councils have since been inaugurated and are providing democratic governance to our people at the local level.

    “Under our watch, the economy of Osun has received a big boost. We engaged over 40,000 youths in social work, empowered more than 150,000 artisans and traders with more than N20 billion soft and interest-free loans.

    “We have transformed education with reforms in all areas, which include the building of brand new 21 elementary schools with 531 classrooms; 30 middle schools with 770 classrooms and 11 high schools with 792 classrooms, in addition to refurbishing old ones.“

  • ‘Aregbesola has successfully steered Osun ship, despite challenges’

    Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has hailed his Osun State counterpart, Rauf Aregbesola, for putting the state on the world map of socio-economic, political, commercial and infrastructure development.

    The Kano governor lauded the Aregbesola’s leadership style, saying it had helped the state to witness a total turn-around in all aspects of life.

    Ganduje spoke at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, during a visit to Aregbesola.

    He was accompanied by his Special Adviser on Water Resources, Alhaji Muwtari Ishaq; Special Adviser on Media, Mallam Alihu Tanko Yakasahi; Managing Director of the State Zoological Wildlife, Alhaji Lawan Kew-Kew, among others.

    The governor said he was in Osun State to pay homage to a senior colleague, discuss governance and national issues with Aregbesola and tap from his repository of knowledge on how he had been managing the state in the last seven and a half years.

    He said: “…As we know, I have been on the seat for just three and a half years. For that reason, I see the need to come to my brother and learn some things from him as regards governance.

    “I congratulate you for the good governance that you have offered for almost eight years in the state and for the quality of infrastructural projects that you have successfully executed for the benefit of the good people of the state.

    “You have brought genuine leadership to the state and there is no doubt that you have steered the ship of Osun successfully, despite the financial constraints that affected not only the state but the entire ?federation.”

    Aregbesola called for unity, love, peace and political stability in Nigeria.

    The governor noted that the nation could only grow if the people speak with one voice.

    He described Ganduje as a genuine nationalist, patriot and true democrat.

    Aregbesola acknowledged the transformational projects Kano had witnessed through Ganduje in the last three and a half years.

    He added: “We must thank Governor Ganduje for the labour of love, hands of fellowship and commitment ?extended to us to be here today.

    “There is no doubt that he remains one of the few genuine nationalists and patriotic leaders? who, by the circumstance of their position, impacted meaningfully on the lives of the people.

    “To me, to build a very strong, united and formidable Nigeria, we must see the need to be our brother’s keeper and be sensitive to the plight of one another.

    “I have been to Kano State too and I have seen the wonders in terms of infrastructural development which Ganduje’s administration has made in the last three and a half years.

    “I am also a witness of the giant strides going on in Kano, which will be difficult to rival in Nigeria.”

     

  • Pray for successful poll in Osun, Aregbesola tells intending pilgrims

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged intending pilgrims to Saudi Arabia to pray for the successful conduct of next month’s governorship election in the state when they arrive in the holy land.

    The governor said the prayers became necessary since this year’s Hajj is the closest to any election held in the state since he assumed office about eight years ago.

    Aregbesola spoke during a farewell ceremony at the state secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital, for this year’s pilgrims from the state.

    The governor urged the 599 intending pilgrims from the state to seek God’s guidance for free, fair, credible and peaceful election.

    He said: “We need prayers for the success of the governorship election as it is not a coincidence that this year’s Hajj is the closest period to our governorship election since we assumed office almost eight years ago.

    “So, the only thing I need from you (intending Hajj pilgrims) is to pray for the success of the 2018 governorship election in the state because we want peace to continue to reign in our state.

    “Since Saudi Arabia is the Holy Land where prayers are answered, I want you all to dedicate prayers for the free, fair, credible and peaceful election to elect a worthy successor who will continue from where we will stop.

    “However, it is on records that Osun has witnessed all-round growths and development in all aspects of life, a feat that can never be allowed to stop.

    “We have recorded giant strides in all sectors, we have made a difference in the socio-economic and political landscape of our state as these claims could be attested to in the successes we made in the last seven and a half years of our administration.

    “So, we appeal to our people to continue to support our administration and display same gesture by voting for continuity as our state cannot afford to be backward again.”

    The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Simeon Obawale Adebisi, said 599 intending pilgrims were leaving the state for this year’s Hajj in Saudi Arabia.

    He said: “The last editions of Hajj were success stories. It is our plan and hope that this year’s exercise will be much more successful in terms of planning, execution and result.

    “At the beginning of this year, the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON) in Abuja allocated 964 Hajj seats to the state on the strength of which forms were sold to the public and people from other states.

    “For this year’s Hajj, 599 self-sponsored pilgrims and officials are embarking on the holy journey to Saudi Arabia.

    “To make adequate arrangement, the preparation for this year’s Hajj started last November with the interview and screening of intending pilgrims to ensure their physical, medical and spiritual fitness for the exercise.

    “Mr Governor has magnanimously approved all the expenses for the board to organise the Hajj operation and our pilgrims have been provided with uniform dress, bags, Saudi sim cards among other incentives.”

     

  • Aregbesola receives honorary doctorate degree in Edo

    The Samuel Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State, yesterday conferred an honorary doctorate degree in Public Administration on Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State.

    The Vice-Chancellor of the University, Professor Ben Aigbokhan at the special convocation extolled the qualities of Aregbesola, which he said stood him out for the honorary degree.

    He said the good leadership qualities of the governor had placed his state among the top five with lowest unemployment rate in the country.

    “Osun is also second in human capital development in Nigeria,” he said.

    The university, he said, would continue to do its best in promoting healthy tradition, within available resources.

    The vice-chancellor said the university was committed to producing globally relevant, competitive and entrepreneurship-minded graduates.

    In his remarks, Aregbesola thanked the University for the honour and advised government at all levels to commit resources to funding education even if it would require borrowing.

    Also speaking, Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo urged Aregbesola to continue his humanitarian work, adding that the award symbolised unity in Nigeria, given that the recipient is a Muslim.

     

     

  • APC chief hails Aregbesola over free primary

    A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Chairman of Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, Adebisi Gbolagade, has expressed appreciation to Governor Rauf Aregbesola for ensuring a transparent governorship primary that produced Chief Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola.

    He urged former aspirants to unite to enable the party win the September 22 governorship election.

    Gbolagade expressed optimism about the victory of APC, being the only party that is solidly on ground in Osun State.

    The former local government chairman expressed appreciation to members of the Primary Election Committee as well as Aregbesola for ensuring credible and transparent process.

    He also expressed appreciation to the governor for his unequalled performance in the State of Living Spring in the last eight years.

    He thanked the delegates from Ifelodun Local Government Area for casting their votes for Oyetola.

     

  •  Aregbesola bags best governor award

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has been honoured as the ‘’Best Performing Governor’’ in Nigeria’s southern region, by Business Day newspaper.

    Aregbesola also received recognition on  the ‘’Best Social Investment and Social Protection.’’

    According to the organizers, the awards were in recognition of the new grounds the administration has broken in the State, culminating in an enduring legacy that will span 50 years.

    The organisers noted that in the last seven and half years, the Aregbesola administration has invested heavily in social security, rural and urban development with quality infrastructural development projects and a vibrant education sector.

    “From 2010 till date, over 1,000 km of urban road construction projects in Osun created over 5,000 direct jobs and over 12 ,000 indirect jobs for the local welders, plumbers, bricklayers, food vendors, iron steel suppliers as over 500 new areas across the 30 local government areas opened up for development.”

    “While in the rural areas, over 500km of roads as government ensured that no community, village, settlement or town in the state is not connected to its nearest cities. Aside the rural roads, state-of-the-art standard roads with 9 big bridges; a feat unprecedented in the annals of the state have also been put in place by the Ogbeni Aregbesola administration.”

  • Aregbesola: Encounter with an unusual leader

    In the next few months, there will be a change of baton in Osun State. It has been eight tough years since a Marxist took the state by storm, after a protracted and iconic struggle. From Lagos, I drove to Osogbo on a Sunday morning, consuming the over 200 kilometres in three hours. The cloud had been threatening heavy downpour at dawn, but it turned out to be brag.

    The Lagos humid fumes soon gave rise to a cooler, chilling atmosphere as I got closer to the hinterland. I arrived the State House as the sun battled the cloud for recognition. The little birds on the vast lawn at the state house were already brightening up, prattling.

    He was decked in immaculate white, with his trademark peasant “Aminu Kano” sandals and tops, the concave cap, clean shaven head, constantly mushrooming moustache and the permanent frown that dot his eyebrow. Always looking tough yet slim but firm. Around him is usually the scent of affection and power. A handshake with him was like holding a piece of steel, his veins stretching with confidence, strength and glamour.

    Hundreds of visitors milled around. He sees hundreds in one day, sometimes the count of visitors could be more than three digits, all from different parts of the country. Apart from that, a horde of radical former student leaders, Marxist ideologues, labour leaders, from the north and south, civil society people, young and old revolutionaries, have made Osun their permanent home in the past close to eight years where one of them has been in power.

    “Comrade Aregbe is like the nest. We are like the bees that sting those hovering to pull the net down” one of the former student union leaders told me as we sat in the lobby with many others waiting to see him. He said many of them have converted Osogbo into “the head office of revolution” adding that they converge on the town to offer meritorious services in the form of counselling and constructive public engagement by educating the masses on the trust of his economic and cultural policies. This may have been responsible for the setting up of the Ola Oni Centre, tailored to recruit and give ideological training to locals. This is apart from the Awolowo Philosophical School, also in Osogbo.

    As I walked into the visiting room, it turned out to be a short encounter. There was a programme already lined up. I sat next to him in a public bus with a capacity of 40 people. It was a spacious bus, offering the opportunity for security operatives and the people in the bus to freely chat with the governor. We first drove into the Mandela Park he had built in honour of the African National Congress, (ANC) icon, Nelson Mandela.

    After the Mandela Park event organized by a religious community, we drove for some hours, visiting other events across the state, seeing projects like the schools and others under construction. Impressive observations: As we drove on the highways and inner recess roads to Iwo and the surrounding towns and villages, locals trooped out, waving, grinning and shouting his name; a mixture of excitement, enthusiasm and affection demonstrated by locals. He shot back with the V-sign. Anyone would wonder if it is the same governor that has received several arrows shot at him mainly from the opposition camp who often wave aside his fame.

    In many of the communities where we came down to interact with the people, the crowd milled around him, shaking his hands with a deep sense of pride and honour. Many natives told me that the eight years of the regime of Comrade Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has recorded more gains than loses. Many are glad to cite what they see as legacy projects across the state irrespective of the lean purse and the negative impact of the dwindling oil windfall. Many believe the paradigm shift in Osun in the past eight years is legendary. It appears that one of the stimulators is his own life of piousness, virtue and modesty, devoid of extravagance, lousy portrait and spendthrift.

    He explained to me that in the past four years, Osun had witnessed downturn in revenue owing to the drop in oil prices that affected federal government’s allocations to states. This came at a time gigantic capital and recurrent projects have been embarked upon by the state not anticipating the economic mood swing to a sudden decline.

    This has stirred opposition who consciously avoid references to the objective conditions. In fact, Osun in the past eight years is like a rock bullied persistently by the whirlwind, but nevertheless, remains unyielding. In spite of the attacks, his golden milestones cannot be denied. Osun is rated as one of the five states in the lowest unemployment rung in Nigeria by the National Bureau of Statistics in 2013. She is ranked second in human capital on Nigeria’s first sub-national competitiveness index released by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria. The state also has the lowest poverty level and rated as the second richest state in Nigeria by the United Nations Multi-Dimensional Poverty Index in 2017. She also came second in the national assessment on infant and maternal healthcare delivery.  There are exploits that cannot be denied.

    The Internally Generated Revenue has increased from N300million to about N1.5 billion. A total of N1.5billion has been given to support farmers, 550 rural roads built, 150,000 pupils are proud owners of laptops, the highest average in any African country, with 17 core subjects. Eight thousand pupils were trained in Calisthenics. Yet, observers see his mastery of resource allocation and distribution as startling. Many see his intervention in education as revolutionary.

    They cite the construction of the world-class schools and the school feeding project as some of the most laudable. In the past few years, Osun had built schools of European standards across the 31 local government areas. This is responsible for the applause the state has received from UNICEF and the United Nations. Seven years ago, he introduced the Osun Rural Access and Mobility Project (Osun RAMP-2). This has been described by many as one of the projects that have touched the lives of the poorest of the poor in the entire Southwest. It has opened up 448.855 km of roads linking up the deep valleys and tributaries into the mainland.

    As we settled for dinner later in the evening, I asked him: “What is your greatest achievement.” He told me “Omoluabi” the value of ethics and good character which he devotes a lot of energy promoting across the social strata in the state. He said the dialectics of human development revolves around the finest morals, integrity and principles. Surprisingly, he hinted that he looked up to being a clergy, preaching the words of Allah, in the years ahead, in order to change a troubled society where values and humanity are consistently trampled. I left him around 2am, but the crowd of visitors had not receded and he did not show any sign of despair. The September election in the state will determine if the legacy of his party, the All Progressives Congress, (APC) means anything to the people or not.

     

    • Adeoye, a journalist lives in Lagos.

     

  • Oyetola: Why I should succeed Aregbesola

    Gboyega Oyetola, Chief of Staff to Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, is among the 17 governorship aspirants in the All Progressives Congress (APC). Group Political Editor EMMANUEL OLADESU examines his chances at the primary.

    He is not controversial. He prefers to work behind the scene. He loathes public glitz. Despite the enormous influence he wields, he is reticent, humble and unassuming. Although he is perceived as the major pillar behind the Rauf Aregbesola administration, he has never displayed the peculiar trait of a political gladiator. He is loyal, non-combative and goal-oriented.

    However, having worked assiduously to ensure the success of his boss, reality dawned on him that, for the legacies to be protected, there is need for continuity. Governor Rauf Aregbesola will bow out of office in November. The question is: who succeeds him? No fewer than 17 aspirants are scrambling for the All Progressives Congress (APC) ticket for the September 22 election. But, according to observers, Gboyega Oyetola, the Chief of Staff, stands tall among the contenders. He is a technocrat with a difference. Many believe that Osun will gain a lot from his experience and savour more dividends of democracy like Lagos State under the indefatigable leadership of former Governor Babatunde Fashola (SAN) and his successor, Akinwunmi Ambode.

    So popular is the suave and urbane ‘politician’ from Iragbiji that those who cannot measure up to him are evolving the previously non-existing criterion of zoning to edge him out of the race. While zoning did not play any role in the emergence of former Governors Bisi Akande, Olagiunsoye Oyinlola and Aregbesola, external forces have instigated some party chieftains to intensify their agitation for power shift or zoning to Osun West to knock out the Chief of Staff, who is from the Central District.

    A man of many parts with vast experience in politics, finance management, business and public administration, Oyetola is a man of deep conviction and a religious devout, who has progressed in his endeavours through the grace of God, the dint of hard work and uncompromising position integrity. In appreciation of his loyal services, Aregbesola has acknowledged him as the cornerstone of his government, who has endowed his office with honour and wisdom, unlike some chiefs of staff in other states who have earned public condemnation. In the time of crisis, Oyetola has handled government/union relations, thereby earning the applause of political leaders and civil servants.

    Born in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government, Oyetola attended Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo before proceeding to the University of Lagos, Akoka where he bagged a Bachelor of Science Degree in Insurance in 1978. He obtained his Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1990 from the same institution. He did his mandatory one year National Youth Service between 1978 and 1979 at Potiskum, Yobe State, where he lectured at the Staff Training Centre.

    In 1980, he joined Leadway Assurance Company Limited as Area Manager. In 1987, he left for Crusader Insurance Company Limited as Underwriting Manager. In 1990, he moved to Alliance and General Insurance as Technical Controller and served in that capacity until 1991.

    In 1991, he established Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited. He served as Managing Director until his appointment as Chief of Staff in 2011. Oyetola was Executive Vice-Chairman, Paragon Group of Companies, with interest in Oil and Gas, Mining and Real Estate. He was also Chairman of Ebony Properties Limited. He was a Director of Pyramid Securities Limited.

    Oyetola was a founding member of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Osun State. He was a chieftain of the defunct Action Congress (AC) and the Action Congress of Nigeria (CAN). Although he is not a political noise maker, he is a silent worker and effective grassroots mobiliser. He is a philanthropist of note, who has empowered many indigenes. No fewer than 400 people have benefited from his scholarship scheme for indigene students.

    For his public service, he has received many honours and awards. They include Distinguished Merit Award by Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo (2014), the Guardian Award for Exceptional Chief of Staff in the Federation (2017); Distinguished Award of Excellence in Public Administration by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council (2015), Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Osogbo Branch (2016); Award of Excellence by Osun State University, College of Law, Ifetedo (2016); Award of Excellence as ICON of Good Governance by Network of Non-Governmental Organisation (NETNOS) State of Osun Branch. November, 2017; Award for Exemplary and Exceptional Support and Fellow of Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, January 2017; Grand Patron of the Local Government Chapel of Osun State NUJ, November 2016; and Leadership Award by International Association of Lions Club, District 404B2, Nigeria, February 2016;

    Others are NAOSS-NHQ Award of Excellence in Administration and Good Governance, May 2016; Award of Excellence in Public Administration by Rotary Club of Osogbo, Rotary International, July 2016; Meritorious Award by NAOSS, Obafemi Awolowo University Chapter, February 2017; African Students Union Parliament (ASUP), and Pan-African Distinguished Leadership Honour as Icon of Nation Building in Nigeria 2018.

    Oyetola is an Associate Member, Chattered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria. He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM). He is a member of the prestigious Ikoyi Club. He is married with children.

    Declaring his intention in Osogbo, the state capital, he adopted the slogan: Ileri Oluwa (God’s promise). Oyetola noted that, in the last seven and half years, he has been actively involved in “service-driven governance, a government of purposefulness, of untainted vision and of courageous leadership,” which has resulted into “massive infrastructural renewal and revolution in agriculture, education, job/wealth creation, health and other social investments.”

    The aspirant said on the threshold of history. He said he decided to offer himself for leadership and service, to take Osun to greater heights by buiding on the giant strides of the Aregbesola administration. He added: “Having been a privileged member of the team that has brought the current transformation our state has witnessed these past seven and a half years, I know what the issues are. I know what our people need is an agenda of continuity and revitalization that will deepen the current gains in infrastructural development.

    “I know what we need is to continue to work and even harder to increase our revenue base to support the payment of salaries, pensions and other deserved emoluments of our teeming workers. In furtherance of the enormous achievements we have already made, we need a leader with steady hands, whose words are his bond, who can further invest in the prosperity of our people.

    “We need a bridge builder, who would continue with the leadership values of the incumbent administration to unite our people, inspire them to jettison primordial sentiments and work for the development of their people, and secure a prosperous state for the benefits of our generations yet unborn. What our state needs urgently is to further soar with inclusive, innovative and unwavering governance. We cannot afford to retrogress. Not anymore. The job at hand is too urgent to be left alone for just anyone unprepared.”

    Oyetola promised a government of prosperity, saying that, if elected as governor, his administration will come up with stronger strategies to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions, pursue workers’ welfare, seek a gradual and inclusive civil service reform, make the work environment more conducive, stimulate development, introduced reward mechanisms and keep workers morale high. He said he will promote an enviable culture of excellence and service.

    Raising and spending of money is the business of government. Oyetola reflected on the poor revenue base of the state. He said: “We will, working with our well-meaning bureaucrats, urgently increase our internally generated revenue (IGR) base, block all leakages and waste of the Osun commonwealth.”

    He added: “While working even harder to improve our IGR, we will specifically continue to cut leakages in tax collection and tax administration processes. Consequently, we will run a transparent and accountable government, steeped in single-minded pursuit of reducing dependence on federal allocation as a means of funding government.”

    Oyetola also unfolded his programme in education, which he said, will build on the achievements of Aregbesola in the sector. The aspirant said there will be an innovative way of providing jobs for unemployed youths. He said: “Job creation is uppermost in my mind. A study that we commissioned has indicated that 25-30 factories employing over 30,000 workers can be created within a period of three to four years across the length and breadth of the State of Osun.

    “I will therefore, pay critical attention to the establishment of light manufacturing industries, such as those focusing on agricultural processing, meat and fish preservation and packaging, leather goods, building materials production, woodworks etc.  This is because Osun has the necessary inputs for a competitive labour intensive manufacturing sector.”

    Oyetola also said he will continue to fight the infrastructure battle in the State of Living Springs.

    He said: “With the PPP model, our administration will focus on upgrading facilities and infrastructure available for education, health, sporting activities, skill acquisition, poverty alleviation and environmental care.”

    Oyetola promised to boost agriculture and food security by strengthening the laudable programmes introduced by Aregbesola

     

     

  • Aregbesola, Ganduje congratulate governor-elect

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Kano State Governor Abdullahi Umar Ganduje have congratulated Ekiti State Governor-elect Dr. Kayode Fayemi on his victory at the governorship election held on Saturday July 14.

    Hard fought and won battle, says Aregbesola

    In a statement made available to the media in Osogbo by his Media Adviser, Mr. Sola Fasure, Aregbesola described the victory of the APC as a “hard fought and won battle that brought liberation to the people of Ekiti State”.

    According to the governor, “The victory of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), came after a hard fought and won battle that brought liberation to the good people of Ekiti.

    “It is also an indication of the rising popularity of the APC across Nigeria in a swift sweeping of the electoral stakes in the country that began in 2015 and continues till now.

    “In spite of the challenges and the formidable opposition, the people of Ekiti stood behind the party and voted for our candidate on Saturday, giving our party a fresh four year mandate to provide leadership and good governance.”

    Aregbesola added: “That victory signposts the wrap up of the Southwest by the APC; Ekiti State being the last bastion of the dying PDP dinosaur that has wreaked havoc in the region and Nigeria in general. It is a new dawn of progressivism in the Southwest and an opportunity to re-enact the golden era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo under whose progressive platform the region had unprecedented development, through regional integration and socio-economic cooperation.

    “I, therefore, wholeheartedly congratulate Dr. Fayemi, his running mate, the progressive family in Ekiti State and across Nigeria, the leadership and all members of our party that worked hard for this victory.

    “On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun, I wish him a fruitful and successful tenure in the service of the people of Ekiti.”

     

    Ganduje: end of politics of rascality

     

    To Ganduje, Fayemi’s victory marked the end of “politics of rascality”.

    At a briefing prior to the Executive Council meeting at Council Chamber, Government House, Kano, Ganduje said: “Our victory in the just concluded Ekiti State election marks the end of politics of rascality.

    “It is a great victory that attracts celebration. It marks the end of politics of hate speech. It also puts a stop to the mocking of our dear President unnecessarily.

    “Our success has beaten under the sun the so-called Reformed-All Progressives Congress (R-APC). Some of them that are on the fence and those that are within but undermining our party are put to shame.”

    He derided those collaborating with the enemies of the party and Nigeria to see to the destruction of the party, “simply because our honest President Muhammadu Buhari is effectively fighting corruption for the overall development of our dear nation”.

    The APC victory in Ekiti, according to Ganduje, has disappointed those who thought that the party was dying.

    The governor insisted: “APC is still very strong and a working party. They are put to shame. So, they need to go back to the drawing board. Simple.”