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Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Aregbesola targets N4.1b monthly IGR before exit

    Aregbesola targets N4.1b monthly IGR before exit

    From an average N500 million monthly Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said his administration intends to take the state’s IGR to N4.1 billion before he leaves office in November.

    He noted that for the state to achieve the objectives, it should generate N10 billion monthly.

    Aregbesola spoke at the Envisioning/Capacity Building Workshop on the 10-Year State Development Plan (2018-2028) organised by the Ministry of Economic Planning, Budget and Development at Iloko-Ijesa.

    The governor challenged the leadership of the Ministries, Agencies and Departments (MDAs) and other government corporations to raise the state’s revenue.

    He described IGR as the only sustainable economic wheel of progress that can catalyse and stimulate a prosperous economy.

    Aregbesola said this informed the need for the state’s total rededication to a robust socio-economic drive through taxation.

    The governor urged the people to look inward and imbibe the culture of paying basic taxes.

  • Aregbesola, Magu at Fountain varsity’s convocation decry corruption in Nigeria

    Aregbesola, Magu at Fountain varsity’s convocation decry corruption in Nigeria

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, and the Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, yesterday, decried corruption in the country.

    The duo expressed concern about the looming danger that corruption poses to the corporate existence and socioeconomic lives of citizens.

    They spoke separately at the seventh convocation and 10th anniversary of Fountain University in Osogbo, the capital.

    Aregbesola said: “I wonder if it is because of level of corruption that we are largely unproductive; because if not, the pace of corruption in the country would not have reared its ugly head as we are currently experiencing.

    “We all forget the fundamentals that emphasised productivity as the basis of existence in the civilised society. A country that is based on unearned income can never fight corruption, just as lack of productivity and absence of innovation ýbring about socioeconomic backwardness.”

    Advising Nigerians, particularly youths, to champion productivity and inculcate the spirit of hard work, Aregbesola said a nation can only progress if its economy is driven through productivity.

    He added: “The array of our challenges requires serious work, productivity, critical thinking and innovation to overcome and succeed as a nation.

    “If our country, in spite of its several years of independence, could still be spending billions of naira on importation of refined petroleum, food items and other household equipment, thus we must be productive.

    “Every sector in this country requires productivity because it is unheard of that in spite our vast mineral resources and vast land, our productivity has been very low.

    “We must promote knowledge-based education that would help to meet the present and future needs and as well transform our economy ýfor the betterment of all.

    “Those who can think, innovate and seek means of finding solutions to challenges can never be poor, thus informing us on the needs to champion the course of productivity.”

    Charging the graduating students to be solution providers, Aregbesola said: “You must study your environment, identify its problems and find solutions to them.

    “You must take the present challenges confronting our nation as an opportunity to make a difference and must work hard as good ambassadors of this renowned university to transform your individual’s lives, your immediate society and our nation’s economy.”

    In his convocation lecture, titled: The Damaging Effects of Corruption in a Growing Economy, Magu said the EFCC, in the last two years, had recovered over N738 billion illegally acquired by corrupt individuals.

    Magu, who was represented by his Chief of Staff, Mr Olanipekun Olukoyede, said the money stolen by just 55 people between 2006 and 2013 was well over N1.3 trillion.

    The EFCC chief regretted that one-third of the money, using the World Bank rates and cost, could have built 635.15 kilometres of roads and 183 schools; educate 3,974 children from primary to tertiary level at N25.24 million per child; built 20,062 units of two-bedroom houses across the country and do more.

    He said: “Officers entrusted with the commonwealth saw that as an opportunity to enrich themselves to the detriment of the poor and impoverished masses.

    “Public institutions were worse off, arising from the corruption that was endemic in the public service. Our public-owned educational institutions, hospitals, water boards, roads, mass transportation systems, among others, are in a sorry state because the funds voted for their construction, repairs, upgrade, or supplies are criminally misappropriated and diverted by dishonest government officials.

    “Consequently, the poor state of our education, the tragic condition in our hospitals, the dilapidated roads, and absence of germ-free water flowing from our taps, are what we are reaping due to the corruption of the few that have found a place in the public service.

    “Corruption showed its head even in the fight against Boko Haram; money meant for purchase of arms to fight the insurgents was misappropriated, misapplied and outright embezzled.

    “In our effort to do what we have been established to do, we have been attacked, castigated, maligned and some of my colleagues have been killed in the line of duty. We face huge challenges because corruption fights back! The corrupt are not going to quit quietly without giving us a fight, they have the resources and the network to try and stop us doing our job.”

    Fountain University’s Vice Chancellor Prof. Abdullateef Usman said the institution had been growing from strength to strength as it made giant strides in academic activities.

    He said: “The journey to the top has just started and I want to urge you to remain focused and determined because one of the very important tools you have acquired from Fountain University is the fear of Allah and the analytical skill to identify and determine the right from the wrong direction.”ý

    The ýChancellor, Sheik Ahmed Lemu as well as the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Prof. Is-haq Olanrewaju Oloyede, urged the graduating students to be worthy ambassadors of the university and Nigeria.

  • Aregbesola urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari’s son

    Aregbesola urges Nigerians to pray for Buhari’s son

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has enjoined Nigerians to pray for the recovery of Mr. Yusuf Buhari, son of President Muhammadu Buhari.

    Aregbesola spoke at the closing ceremony of the 19th edition of the Annual National Conference organised by the Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen (Society of Nigeria), at City Hall, Iwo.

    The governor said the call was necessary to support the administration, adding: “The comfort of the President is the comfort of all.”

    Yusuf Buhari had an accident on his motorcycle in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

    Aregbesola described prayer as the only instrument that can rescue Nigeria, hence the need to attach priority to prayers and fasting.

    The governor urged religious leaders to dedicate prayers for President Buhari, his sick son as well as for the socioeconomic prosperity of the country.

    He said: “I am happy that every religion emphasises this. As it is, something important we can do to support the present administration is to pray and fast for the leaders.

    “As we all know the condition of President Buhari’s son. I urge Nigerians, regardless of our socioeconomic, political and ethnic differences, to pray for the quick recovery of Yusuf Buhari, who is currently recuperating.”

     

  • Methodist Church lauds Aregbesola

    Methodist Church lauds Aregbesola

    The leadership of the Methodist Church Nigeria has commended the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for securing and safeguarding the present and future of the citizens in the state.

    The church also extolled Aregbesola’s unprecedented leadership displayed on promoting religious harmony, peace and unity across religious divides.

    The Archbishop, Methodist Church Nigeria, Most Rev. Amos Akindeko, made the statement at the special prayers organised annually in honour of the governor and the prosperity of the state and her citizens.

    Akindeko, who led other men of God to Osun Government House at Oke-Fia in Osogbo, said the church identified with Governor Aregbesola, having seen the wonders his administration has recorded and is still making in all sectors.

    The cleric whose district covers seven dioceses in Osun, Ekiti, Kogi, Kwara and Niger States affirmed that the leadership of the church is aware of the development the Aregbesola’s administration has made, particularly on education, road and security.

    According to him, “we are happy to be here this year. I was personally here in 2015 and the leadership of the church has been coming every New Year like this to pray for the state.

    “To us as Methodist Church Nigeria, we are very happy to associate with Aregbesola, not just because he is the governor but because he has a clear vision on how to develop the state.

    “We have seen in him, a patriot, democrat, nationalist and crusader of good governance, the virtues he had clearly demonstrated in the course of administering the state since about eight years ago.

    “We have seen that the state under his watch has made tremendous landmark achievements in the last seven years, particularly in the areas of education, security, health and infrastructure.

    “As a religious organisation, it is our duty to pray and support those in the positions of authority, according to the teaching of our faith, and we are indeed happy that our governor has not disappointed us, but rather is making us proud,” Akindeko maintained.

    The clergyman assured the governor of the church’s utmost solidarity and support, saying, “We believe in you and your leadership; that is why we are solidly behind you.”

     

    He added, “We have a clear and divine mandate to support you. We have strong belief in you and your leadership to move Osun and Nigeria forward? and we are ready to support you with prayers.

    “We won’t be part of those distracting you and your government but rather join hands to ensure that you end well as you started well.”

    Also, the Lay President, Ilesa Diocese of Methodist Church Nigeria, Festus Olusuji Morakinyo, applauded Governor Aregbesola’s interventions in all sectors.

     

     

     

     

     

  • My Trumpet flyover bridge will stop preventable deaths -Aregbesola 

    My Trumpet flyover bridge will stop preventable deaths -Aregbesola 

    Governor  Rauf Aregbesola  of Osun State said  yesterday that the flyover bridge  he built on the Osogbo/Ife-Ibadan expressway would stop incessant motor accidents and preventable deaths on the road.

    Speaking at a colloquium organised by Progressive e-Group in Osogbo, the state capital to review his seven year old  administra-tion, Aregbesola said he had fulfilled his campaign promises and made positive impact on the lives of people of the state.

    “We have completed the Trumpet flyover bridge on the Osogbo/Ife-Ibadan expressway and this will certainly stop incessant motor accidents at the Gbongan junction and preventable deaths on the road,” he said.

    “Motorists are already using that bridge and when I looked at that bridge, I told myself that even on the day of judgement, that bridge alone is enough to speak for me before God.”

    The governor commen-ded the Progressive e-Group and all youths in the state for their genuine interest in the development of the state and charged them to remain committed to the growth and progress of the state.

  • Omisore, PDP not morally qualified to criticise me –Aregbesola

    Omisore, PDP not morally qualified to criticise me –Aregbesola

    Governor  Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State  has said that former deputy governor of the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore, and his People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lack the moral and political integrity to fault his government’s achievements.

    The governor declared yesterday  that the legacies that he is leaving behind in the state surpass those of   previous administrations in the state especially the seven and a half years that  the PDP was in charge of  the state.

    Aregbesola spoke at a  new year party organized by the Yoruba Patriots Movement (YPM) in Ila-Orangun, Ila Local Government Area of the state.

    He said the state ,under his watch over  the last  seven years,has  witnessed tremendous turnarounds, compared to what he inherited  on assumption of office .

    Omisore had dismissed the Aregbesola administration as as a failure .

    However,the governor responding to the statement said Osun State   was almost run aground when Omisore and PDP government were in power.

    Aregbesola deplored the incompetency, bad governance and complete waste of the PDP government, noting that Osun would have collapsed ibut for the rescue mission of his administration.

    “One needs not be told before knowing the fact that he (Omisore) did nothing while in the Senate to support the state as the state was abysmally governed and misruled for seven and a half years that PDP ruled.

    “The statement credited to him (Omisore) showed his gross administrative incompetence and lack of understanding of what good governance is all about because he is supposed to ask himself what he did while he was in government.

    “He (Omisore) was in the Senate for good eight years and he couldn’t help to facilitate the construction of Ilesa to Ife road through Osu town.

    “He was in the Senate and nothing was done through him to support the growth and development of the state; rather his party bastardized the economy and left our people in abject poverty.

    “The economy of the state was in a total shambles while the state was retrogressively backward in terms of the basic infrastructure development which our government has addressed.

    “I challenge him (Omisore) and any other member of the opposition to come out and tell the whole world what they did to support the state while PDP as a political party was in government for seven and a half years.”

  • Aregbesola: no other govt built five bridges like us

    Aregbesola: no other govt built five bridges like us

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday said his administration built five overhead bridges, a feat he said is unprecedented anywhere in the country.

    The governor said his administration would complete all projects, particularly schools, roads and bridges, before expiration of his administration.

    Aregbesola spoke at the inter-religious service to usher in the New Year at the parking lot of the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, the capital.

    He said: “We have delivered on our mandate to the people of the state as we have laid an enduring legacy in all aspects of the economy.

    “We all knew how Osun was before we assumed office and we all know how Osun is today. We have impacted tremendously in all aspects of our people’s lives.

    “Our administration remains the only government in Osun to have built five bridges since its existence, either as part of the defunct Western Region, Western State, the old Oyo State and now Osun State.”

    Regretting the state of the nation’s economy, Aregbesola said Nigeria got to its present stage due to mismanagement of its resources by successive administrations.

    The governor attributed the economic woes to bad governance, saying Nigeria would have been better, if leaders had done the needful.

    According to him, the 16 years under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were wasted as the government could not point at tangible projects.

    Aregbesola said: “The PDP ruled Osun for seven and a half years, but it is quite unfortunate that it cannot point at any meaningful development.

    “Unlike our administration, which made immense transformation in virtually all sectors, the PDP failed woefully while in power in the state.

    “As we can all see, Osogbo, which is the state capital, was like a glorified local government headquarters. But today, the city now wears the real look of a modern state capital through good road networks, urban renewal and other infrastructure development.

    “We built, among others, five overhead bridges, namely: Chief Adebisi Akande Trumpet Inter-Change Bridge at Gbongan Junction; we built four in Osogbo at Oba Adesoji Aderemi Osogbo East/West bypass dual carriage road.

    “We have done much on security, health, education and agriculture as our people’s lives have been positively touched in the implementation of our policies and programmes.”

    Hailing Osun workers for their understanding, patience and sense of commitment despite the harsh economy, Aregbesola said his administration enjoyed collaboration from the workforce.

    The governor hoped that his administration will pay backlog of salaries and pensions owed workers and pensioners before end of his tenure.

    Commissioner for Home Affairs Dr Obawale Adebisi lauded the governor’s dedication to the growth and development of the state.

    The Bishop of Methodist Church for Osogbo Diocese, Rev. Amos Ogunrinde, urged residents to seek God’s face in their endeavours.

    On behalf of the monarchs, the Ogiyan of Ejigbo, Oba Omowonuola Oyeyode Oyesosin, prayed God to send divine helpers to help the administration.

  • ‘Why I want to succeed Aregbesola’

    ‘Why I want to succeed Aregbesola’

    After 15 years of legal practice, Kunle Adegoke, a native of Osogbo, capital of Osun State, is planning to take a temporarily leave from the bar. He has his eyes on the Osun State Government House, which will be vacated by Governor Rauf Aregbesola in November.

    “Governance is a serious business. In post-Aregbesola era, a competent person should be in the saddle to continue the work of development,” he told reporters in Lagos where he unfolded his ‘Roadmap to Osun Prosperity.’

    Although Adegoke may not have effectively participated in politics in the last two decades, he has not been off the radar. He has played a major role in the enthronement of progressive governments in the Southwest as a lawyer. Many stolen mandates have been retrieved, following his legal intervention in titanic litigations. Thus, in the All Progressives Congress (APC) family, he is perceived as a loyal member, who has established himself in defending party interests. Having weathered the storm with the progressive forces, he has now fully enlisted in the camp as an office seeker.

    His foray into politics is consistent with his radical posturing as an undergraduate student at the universities of Ilorin and Lagos, where he was rusticated for Maxist-Leninism. As the National Secretary of the Student Union of the University of Ilorin, he rejected the obnoxious policies of the military government and alleged complicity on the part of the university management. Thus, he stayed longer in the university than his mates. But, today, his associates say he is stronger for it.

    Adegoke is throwing his hat in the ring at a very difficult time. His native state is in a difficult situation. In his view, this calls for an urgent intervention.  Osun has become a victim of a prostrate economy. Despite Aregbesola’s infrastructure battles, the infrastructure deficit is still visible. Civil servants are complaining about delay in payment of salaries. The state has potentials. But, its financial poverty is its bane.

    How will the lawyer-turned politician salvage the situation, if he becomes governor? What difference can he make? Adegoke’s solution consists in his four-point agenda of economic revatilisation, education, infrastructural development and tourism. “What we will use to develop Osun is available in Osun and we will harness the potentials,” he said.

    The starting point, in his view, is creative financial engineering. Adegoke said Osun’s continued reliance on Abuja for funding is dangerous, adding that the state must critically look inward. The solution is not automatic. It requires painstaking effort, a great deal of commitment, cooperation of residents, patience and sacrifice. “N10 billion Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) monthly can be achieved,” he added.

    Taking a cue from the Federal Government’s efforts, the aspirant said the route is agriculture. “We must revive the old farm settlements of the Awolowo era. We have the land. We should engage in food production and preservation. Lagos and parts of Ogun State closer to Lagos need our foods from Osun. Agriculture will fetch us money for development,” he added.

    Also, Osun is naturally endowed as a vast tourist centre. In the Southwest, no other state can boast of the same tourist sites. “Look at Olumirin Water falls. What about Erin-Ijesa Water Falls? We need to develop these sites and make them more income-yielding,” he said.

    Adegoke promised to take Osun through the path of industrialization by establishing the largest clay, ceramics and granite industry because the raw materials are available. “How do we want to create jobs? I0,000 jobs annually for graduates are possible through investment in agriculture,” he said.

    The next government in Osun may inherit a civil servant with a low morale. While Aregbesola is making frantic efforts to defend their welfare, the economy constitutes a setback. Deliberately, labour leaders pretend as if they are not conversant with the limitations of a malevolent economy. Adegoke did not shed light on how to resolve the crisis. But, he promised a reform of the civil service without retrenchment.

    The aspirant lamented that, despite the massive investment in education in Osun, the anticipated gains are slow in coming. He pointed out that the WAEC result is an eyesore. He promised to re-introduce and enforce discipline in the school system.

    Adegoke thanked the governor for building fantastic schools. He promised improved welfare package for teachers. “Teachers need training and re-training. In the higher institution, we will introduce a loan scheme and students can pay back when they start working,” he said.

    Noting that health is wealth, the aspirant said “a hungry health worker is a licensed killer.” He added: “We need to make our health workers happy. We will tackle medical emergency by providing helicopters that can take people to hospital during emergencies,” he added.

    The primary may not be a walk over for any aspirant. In the race are Secretary to Government Alhaji Moshood Adeoti from Iwo, Attorney-general and Commissioner for Justice Dr. Bashiru Ajibola, House of Assembly Speaker Nagim Salam from Ejigbo, House of Representatives Deputy Speaker Lasun Yusuff from Ilobu, Chairman of Local Government Service Commission Elder Peter Babalola, and  Finance Commissioner Bola Oyebamji. There are many chieftains also rooting for the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

    Will zoning play a role in the selection of a flag bearer? The people of Osun West Senatorial District are clamouring for power shift. Before he passed last year, Senator Isiaka Adeleke was a top contender from the area. But, the people of Osogbo are also agitating for power shift, saying that the state capital has not produced any governor. How will this controversy be resolved?

    Adegoke said zoning is not a factor, adding that it was not a factor when Chief Bisi Akande, Olagunsoye Oyinola and Aregbesola became the flag bearers.

    “We will all go to the primary and the delegates will decide our fate,” he added.

  • No vacuum at end of tenure, says Aregbesola

    No vacuum at end of tenure, says Aregbesola

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said his administration will not leave “government in a vacuum” at the end of his tenure on November 26.

    In a New Year message to the people yesterday, Aregnesola said: “This is an election year in which our tenure will end and a successor must emerge. It is my solemn promise that we will not leave in a vacuum.”

    The governor said he was consulting with leaders and members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on how to select a person of integrity to succeed him.

    He said: “In consultation with our leaders and the member of our great party, we will carefully select and present to you a successor who belongs to our political tradition of progressive, people-oriented leadership, a person of integrity.

    “He must be someone who shares our aspirations and will take governance to the next level from where we stopped.”

    Aregbesola thanked Osun State residents for their support and sacrifice for his administration.

    The governor hailed workers, especially those he said endured 75 per cent and 50 per cent salary regime since July 2015.

    On the 2018 budget, Aregbesola said he intended to implement it in full.

    He urged the people to support government by paying their tax.

    Aregbesola said: “All the things we desire, like good roads, functional education, recreational facilities, security of lives and property and a conducive environment for the pursuit of happiness and so on can best be provided by the government.

    “No individual or private organisation can provide them to the satisfaction of all the people.

    “This is why we all need to support the government by fulfilling our financial obligations to it in order for it to be able to carry out all its projects satisfactorily too.”

     

  • Aregbesola won’t leave vacuum at end of my tenure

    Aregbesola won’t leave vacuum at end of my tenure

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola said has his administration will not leave “government in a vacuum” at the end of his tenure on November 26.

    In a New Year message broadcast to the people yesterday, Aregnesola said: “This is an election year in which our tenure will end and a successor must emerge. It is my solemn promise that we will not leave in a vacuum.”

    The governor said he was making consultation with leaders and members of the All Progressive Congress (APC) on how to carefully select a person of integrity who would succeed him.

    He said: “In consultation with our leaders and the member of our great party, we will carefully select and present to you a successor who belongs to our political tradition of progressive, people-oriented leadership, a person of integrity.

    “He must be someone who shares our aspirations and will take governance to the next level from where we stopped.”

    Aregbesola thanked Osun State residents for their support and sacrifices for his administration in the past seven years.

    The governor also hailed the state’s workers, especially those he said endured 75 per cent and 50 per cent salary regime since July 2015.

    On the 2018 budget, Aregbesola said he intended to implement it in full.

    He urged the people to support government by paying their tax.

    Aregbesola said: “All the things we desire, like good roads, functional education, recreational facilities, security of lives and property and a conducive environment for the pursuit of happiness and so on can best be provided by the government.

    “No individual or private organisation can provide them to the satisfaction of all the people.

    “This is why we all need to support the government by fulfilling our financial obligations to it in order for it to be able to carry out all its projects satisfactorily too.”