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Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Alaafin, Aregbesola give antidote to relative peace, stability

    Alaafin, Aregbesola give antidote to relative peace, stability

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged Nigerians to be optimistic about the future of their fatherland.

    The governor advised them to face the future with confidence, discipline, patriotism and honesty.

    He said with discipline, hard work, selflessness, patriotism and dedication, the Nigerian ship will sail safely to the shores to the surprise of everyone across the world.

    Aregbesola addressed reporters yesterday at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, after held a closed-door meeting with some traditional rulers, led by the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi III.

    The governor noted that since security is the first order of a nation, no nation can survive without it, while peace, law and order as well as all other functions of the country cannot be effectively carried out.

    He said: “There can be no national development without relative peace and stability. Since security is the duty of all Nigerians, all of us must have the courage and honesty to get to the root causes of our current state of insecurity, underpinned by criminality and insurgency/terrorism.

    “The present administration has been taking steps – short and long–term – to consciously respond to current threats by architectonically designing and building a security system which will create a stable and relatively peaceful environment, conducive for national development.”

    Oba Adeyemi cautioned Nigerian leaders against manipulating ethnic and religious identities for their selfish ends.

    Leadership, the monarch said, is not all about privileges to loot public treasury or push personal interests to the disadvantage of the public, but a responsibility and an obligation to demonstrate commitment, integrity, honesty and decency in handling the affairs of a heterogeneous groups.

    He said: “Nigeria’s ethnic, sectional and religious diversities ought to serve as sources of national unity, cohesion and integration. But unfortunately, these have, over the years, constituted serious threats to peace, security and national development because the elites have always tended to manipulate these identities for their parochial interests.

    “It should be noted that with a population of over 140 million people, over 400 ethnic nationalities and adherents of the two most populous religions in the world – Christianity and Islam – Nigeria is obviously one of the most diverse countries in the world.”

  • Aregbesola: councils’ autonomy negates federalism

    Aregbesola: councils’ autonomy negates federalism

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said local government autonomy is an aberration that negates the principle of federalism.
    The governor urged those clamouring for it to consider its demerits.
    He said the 16 years of internecine war among various groups in Yoruba land was the fallout of the resistance against one group that usurped power.
    The governor noted that it was a direct effort at preserving federalism.
    Aregbesola said local governments were under absolute control and ambience of states, adding that the only organ of the state empowered by the constitution to make laws for them is the House of Assembly.
    The governor spoke yesterday while opening this year’s NULGE Week during the public lecture organised by the state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees at the Aurora Conference Centre in Osogbo, the state capital.
    The war, he recalled, was instructive because the Yoruba wanted autonomy, which true federalism guarantees, to the extent that one group would not subdue the other in the administrative system.
    Aregbesola said the campaign for local government autonomy could destroy federalism and the nation.
    The governor described the belief that local governments should be independent of state governments as strange and anti-federalism.
    He said there were only two tiers of government in a federal system of government: the Federal Government and the government at the federating level.
    Aregbesola noted that it is awkward for Nigeria to be the only federation in the world where there is only one police system.
    According to him, it is strange for the Federal Government and the constitution not to allow for police in the federating units of the country.
    The governor said the problems with local government administration in Nigeria could be corrected with the laws of the states.
    He said: “Nigeria is not just a republic, but a federal republic. A federal state is where every distinction of nationality is recognised, respected and honoured. None of the units of the federation is, therefore, superior to the other. Every unit is empowered by law to administer itself under the general guideline of the constitution.
    “Few things are awkward about federalism in Nigeria. Nigeria’s federation is strange to the extent that only one police force maintains law and order. In other federations, there would be a Federal police force and other federating unit police. Nigerian nationality and people must seek to correct this abnormality.
    “Another anomaly that people, because of their frustration to some aspects of administration, are equally making a mistake on and needs correction is that a federation has two tiers of government. There cannot be three tiers in a federation. The moment you have three tiers, you no longer have a federation.”
    Aregbesola emphasised that the problem with the administration of local government can be corrected with the laws of the state in a federation.
    He noted that it is not by assaulting the fundamental principle of federalism that the challenges and weakness being faced by the administration of local governments can be corrected.
    Chairman of Osun State NULGE Comrade Deji Adeyeye hailed Aregbesola for prioritising workers’ welfare.
    Adeyeye said gone were the days when the state’s workers were paid once in three months or sometimes once in four months.
    He said the current recession was not peculiar to Osun but to all states of the federation.
    The NULGE chief said labour unions in the state were banking on the governor’s promise on the backlog of salaries of workers above Grade Level 8, who were being owed between 20 and 25 per cent of their salaries.
    Adeyeye said: “Once upon a time, workers in the state were paid once in three months or once in four months. But our governor ensured that we moved out of this terrible situation.
    “Grade Levels 1 to 7 have always been receiving full salaries while Grade Level 8 and above were placed on constant half salary.
    “Not too long after, Grade Levels 8 to and 10 were paid 75 per cent of their salaries while workers on Grade Levels 12 and above maintain a consistent half salary.
    “It is noteworthy that each time we meet with the governor over the backlog of salaries of workers on Grade Levels 8 and above, we always receive a positive response.
    “Aregbesola has given his words on several occasions that as soon as funds are available, the backlog would be cleared.”
    NULGE National President Ibrahim Khaleel said reports on Aregbesola showed he was a worker-friendly governor.
    He hailed the governor for his commitment to good governance.

  • Aregbesola: varsities must lead initiative

    Aregbesola: varsities must lead initiative

    OSUN State Governor  Rauf Aregbesola has called on  universities to make their impact felt in the society .

    The Visitor to Osun State University spoke yesterday at its10th year anniversary and sixth convocation in Osogbo.

    The governor said any academic activity which does not instil good character in the learner spells  doom for the society in the future.

    Aregbesola said: “We need to begin to learn with good character or else we are preparing for the beginning of  vices in the country.

    “All the negatives in the country are results of learning without characters in our universities.

    “There is no limit to the extent of evil a man who is learned but without character can do, such a person is like a time bomb.”

    Aregbesola urged universities to engage in researches that will impact positively on the society.

    The governor added that  universities must be interested in building a virile society.

    He said: “The university must be relevant to the host community and the nation. The community must feel the impact of the university.

    “The university must be interested in development and how it is  managed.  You must engage in researches that can benefit the society.

    “I urge our universities to begin to think beyond producing graduates, “ he said.

    In his opening remark, the Pro-Chancellor and chairman governing council, Mallam Yusuf Alli, said theuniversity’s 10 years of existence was a period of preparation and now is the time for consolidation.

    According to the legal luminary, the university needs to cultivate in its students exemplary and exceptional leadership, academic excellence, scholarship and best international practices.

    The pro-chancellor stated that the university must be committed to Science, Technology and Information Technology, saying the university cannot be a global participant if it relies on obsolete and outdated knowledge.

    The Vice Chancellor, Prof Labode Popoola, said the university made tremendous progress as it developed.

    According to Prof Popoola, the 10-year-old university has graduated 6,493 students.

    The don noted that the university does not only admit students but aims at developing a total individual.

    The Chancellor, Mrs Folorunso Alakija, expressed delight at the transformation the university is going through.

    Alakija praised the governor for his efforts in creating a sound learning environment and laying of a good foundation for quality education.

    The chancellor, who promised to build a  paediatric hospital for the university, called on stakeholders to support the institution in charting a new course.

  • Sukuk bond: Aregbesola’s vindication

    When Governor Aregbesola began moves to introduce the Islamic bond, the product attracted so much anger in the Christian fold to the extent that the achievements Governor Aregbesola made in Osun State almost fizzled out. Some of his critics reasoned that Nigeria is a secular state and so the introduction of Islamic bond smacks of Islamising the state. They believe that the introduction of the sukuk bond was not appropriate in view of the destructive activities of Boko Haram.

    To this effect, Nigerians, who lost relations or were injured, maimed or frustrated by the unscrupulous behaviour of Boko Haram, form the bulk of critics of Islamic bond. Some prominent Christian leaders said it will further inflame religious violence. The Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) also condemned the introduction of Islamic bond because to them it was a ploy to introduce Islamism into Osun State.

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenceýs Commission (ICPC) has described the petition of the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State against Governor Rauf Aregbesola as baseless and unsubstantiated. ICPC, in a letter with reference number ICPC/INV/NGB/T.E2/003, addressed to the petitioner, Chairman, Civil Society Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State, which was copied to the Osun Secretary to the State Government, stated that its investigations have not established an act contrary to the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 as none of the allegations were substantiated.

    The commission stated that having diligently investigated the allegations and finding nothing against Governor Aregbesola, the allegations have been dismissed. The Government, through the Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, reminded Nigerians that the ICPC’s final decision was a vindication of the repeated claims by the government that the group was one of those hired for the purpose of tarnishing its name.

    ICPC, in the letter titled, Re: Petition against Osun State Governor- Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, for criminal and reckless mismanagement of Osun State funds since November 2010 to August 2015,  held that all of the allegations brought forward have been looked into conclusively with no infraction substantiated.

    According to ICPC, “The above case bordering on fraudulent diversion of N11.4 billion obtained through Osun SUKUK bond to private foreign account, money meant for building of schools regardless of the N13.9 billion intervention funds from the Federal Government through UBEC for the purpose of building classrooms has been investigated conclusively with no infraction substantiated.

    “An investigation ofý the above allegations confirmed that Osun State government raised N11.344 billion from the issue of the SUKUK bond through Nigerian commercial banks. Investigation also revealed that after the issue of the bond, Osun State Government sought and got approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and Shariah Board of Lotus Capital Ltd. to amend the schedule of schools to be constructed from 27 mixed schools to 11 high schools and to furnish the schools. The approval of SUKUK holders is still pending.

    “Also contrary to the allegation that the SUKUK proceed was diverted to private foreign account, it was disbursed from Osun SUKUK company accounts with 13 Collecting Nigerian Commercial banks and used for payments of contractors awarded the contracts of construction and furnishing of 11 senior Secondary Schools in various part of Osun State.

    “Furthermore, contrary to the allegation that N13.9 billion was disbursed by UBEC to Osun State, the total of N7,192,585,041.64 has been disbursed to Osun SUBEB for the period 2011-2015. This amount consists of Universal Basic Education matching grants, Special Education Funds, Teachers Professional Development Fund and state’s counterpart funds lodgement in line with UBE Act 2004.

    “In view of the above paragraphs, investigations have not established an act contrary to the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, 2000 as none of the allegations were substantiated. Therefore the matter is hereby laid to rest, “ the Commission said.

    The Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, stating the Government’s position over the outcome of the ICPC’s investigations, said the Aregbesola government was never in doubt that the group was an illegal one which was only being used by traducers of the administration to diminish its many achievements.

    “When the so-called group was everywhere making its highly irresponsible and frivolous allegations, we never minced words on the fact that it was an unregistered group of few disgruntled, hired individuals to tarnish the image of the government and seek to diminish the massive good governance initiatives that are the hallmarks of our interventions here.

    “The ICPC’s dismissal of the frivolous allegations is a vindication of our earlier position on the group and other collaborators in their ignoble campaigns of calumny.

    “The Aregbesola administration has instituted the most transparent, people-friendly government in its six years and more and we do not intend to depart from this path. This is because we are convinced in this lies the brighter future of our dear state,” Okanlawon added.

    The funds were used to finance construction of education projects, among other development initiatives with which Governor Aregbesola hopes to lay a solid foundation for the future of the state. Eleven High Schools with a total of 792 classrooms are at various stages of completion across the state. Two other High Schools are proposed for construction in Osogbo to accommodate the total population of high school students in Osogbo metropolis. There are 11 schools in all to be financed by the sukuk bond.  The bond is exclusively for high school development.

    The High Schools are: Ilesa High School, Wole Soyinka High School, Ejigbo, Ataoja High School, Osogbo, Fakunle Unity High School, Osogbo, Osogbo High School, Adventist High School, Ede are completed, while Oduduwa High School, Ile Ife, Ila High School, Ila-Orangun, Iwo High School, Iwo, Akinorun High School, Ikirun and  Ayedaade High School, Ikire have reached 70% completion.

    When Governor Aregbesola adopted Sukuk, an Islamic bond to help the state execute it projects, his critics were calling for his head. Many said it was part of his ploy to Islamize Osun. Not quite long, the government of United Kingdom also stated its resolve to obtain Islamic bond, Sukuk, to execute government projects. A petition about Governor Aregbesola was sent to ICPC concerning sukuk fund but he has been vindicated.

     

    • Donald sent this piece from Benin City
  • Tinubu remains pathfinder of a rare breed, say Aregbesola, Osun Assembly

    Tinubu remains pathfinder of a rare breed, say Aregbesola, Osun Assembly

    OSUN State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the House of Assembly under the leadership of its Speaker, Najeem Salam, yesterday described All Progressives Congress (APC) stalwart Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as one rare breed of a pathfinder.

    Aregbesola and the assembly, in different statements, saluted Tinubu on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

    The governor specifically said history has already recorded Tinubu “as having found ways, where there were none and created opportunities for humanity, where many did not see any”.

    The Osun State governor’s message signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, recognised Tinubu’s immense contributions to the political and economic growth of Nigeria and Africa.

    It said Lagos began to emerge as a truly habitable state after what he described as “Tinubu’s mega-development vision”, adding that “the success story of Lagos has rubbed off on the Southwest, Nigeria and Africa”.

    Aregbesola said Tinubu’s capacity for talent hunt and leadership recruitment were unparalleled.

    According to him, the APC stalwart’s ability to spot the best hands for crucial assignments have elevated him to that pedestal of rare leader of men.

    “Today, we are celebrating a giant pathfinder; one whose contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic growth have provided development scholars serious models for academic studies.

    “This is one Nigerian politician, whose politics is known to have impacted heavily on humanity. From Lagos, where God used him for the emergence of a new state, to Nigeria as a whole and indeed, the continent of Africa, where his influence continues to be felt, Tinubu manifests in our lives in all ramifications,” the statement said.

    The governor prayed for longer life for Tinubu just as he expressed the wish that his visions of a greater Nigeria and the Black race would continue to blossom.

    In a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the assembly described Tinubu as a quintessential, larger than life politician, with passion for democratic ideals and commitment to national development.

    It noted that the former governor is a man of many parts, a bridge-builder, philanthropist, master strategist and patriot, who in many ways, has raised the standard of civilisation and human dignity.

    The Assembly said Nigeria owes Tinubu a huge gratitude for his determination, consistency, doggedness, vision and fearless disposition in the strengthening and enthronement of good governance.

    The parliament noted that Tinubu, “who is acknowledged by friends and foe, far and near, as a rounded politician, pathfinder, investor, generous and people person, through his  extraordinarily large heart and unusual magnanimity of character, raised countless men from miry clay, produced several remarkable politicians and business leaders”.

    The statement noted that Tinubu’s warm disposition, visionary leadership and cares for the oppressed and the under-privileged had endeared him to all and sundry.

    The Assembly advised the celebrator to remain focus in the days and years ahead at ensuring that democracy, which he fought for, “is not left to drift or suffer any form of setback”.

    Wishing him many more years in good health, the assembly added that Tinubu’s many legacies and contributions to nation-building, party politics and wealth creation were eloquent testimonies of his great personality as a distinguished Nigerian and pan-Africanist.

  • Ile-Ife: Aregbesola seeks justice for all

    Ile-Ife: Aregbesola seeks justice for all

    •OPC, ACF disagree on police handling

    ACF to Yoruba elders: don’t give ethnic coloration to crisis

    Northern Socio-Political group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday urged Yoruba elders to restrain from giving ethnic coloration to the crisis that erupted in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
    The Northern socio-cultural group, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Muhammadu Ibrahim, said: “Unfortunately, subsequent events after the preliminary investigation report of the police into the Ile-Ife crisis, there have been accusations by some Yoruba leaders that the police report was biased, as the suspects paraded by the police were alleged to be mainly Yoruba.
    “ACF’s position in this regard is to appeal to the respected elders of Yoruba not to give unnecessary ethnic coloration to the unfortunate Ile-Ife clash as criminality knows no ethnicity or religion.
    “Any slightest disagreement between individuals or groups of persons that are regarded as ethnic or religious tend to deepen hatred and division among Nigerians. Elders are known for their wisdom in settling disputes and not to fan embers of divisions.”

    OSUN state governor has raised a five-man judicial commission of inquiry into the disturbance of public peace that claimed some lives in the ancient city of Ile-Ile town on March 20. The committee has four weeks to turn in its report.

    The move came even as the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (OPC) disagreed on the reactions trailing the mayhem, especially the arrest of 20 suspects.

    In a statement, OPC President Fredrick Fasehun accused the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris of bias, tagging him an ethnic jingoist for arresting the hosts in a clash involving resident-settlers. He called for the police chief’s sack “over charges of tribalism and prejudice”.

    But in another statement through its Publicity Secretary Muhammed Ibrahim, the ACF warned Yoruba leaders to be cautious in their reactions, saying that crime and violence have no ethnic colouration.

    Reiterating his administration commitment to the promotion of communal peace in the Living Spring State, Aregbesola called for cooperation with security agencies in the process of unravelling the masterminds of the March 8 mayhem.

    In his speech entitled “Justice for all, never again in the Land of the Virtuous (Ipinle Omoluabi), shortly after inaugurating the five-member panel at the weekend, the governor tasked the committee to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the crisis.

    He named Justice M.A Adeigbe as the panel’s chair. Other members are:  Mrs. Bose Dawodu DCP (rtd), Barrister Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr. Bisi Babalola who will act as the secretary.

    He urged the panel to identify the perpetrators and their extent of involvement, determine the extent of injury suffered by any individuals or group.

    The committee was also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal action to be taken against the perpetrators, make appropriate suggestions to the State Government towards the prevention of future occurrence and also recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.

    He said: “You have four weeks to carry out this assignment. The report that small arms and light weapons were deployed freely during the crisis was disturbing and frightening.

    “It has implication for security of lives and property and the potential for more conflicts beyond the immediate theatre of war, if not nipped in the bud.

    “I want you to look into this. The sources and the current location of these arms and their custodians should be investigated and determined. They should all be recovered.

    “There are also reports that cultists who have no regard for human lives were recruited into the mayhem for a fee. This is most disheartening. Please investigate this and unearth the roles they played and let the law be applied without fear or favour.

    “I charge this commission to be courageous and fearless. Undertake this assignment with all seriousness and the fear of God. You should pursue the truth and not fear where it will lead to.

    “We want justice for all, like Martin Luther King Jr, once said, ‘Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream’, to the victims and the perpetrators alike, as I wish you success on this crucial assignment.”

    The governor warned against pre-empting the outcome of on going investigation, saying it will be prejudicial to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies, he however expressed confidence that the crisis is not an inter-ethnic, inter religious or inter regional conflict.

    In his response, Justice Adeigbe promised that his panel will discharge its job without fear or favour.

    He said the commission would go all out to ensure that the real perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book and ensure that all warring factions are appeased.

    The panel chair said: “Mr. Governor, I assure you that we will not let you and the people down. We will carry out this task you have given us to the best of our ability.” Myself, and my members will ensure that the perpetrators of the sad event which occurred at Ife are brought to book.”

    Fasehun, who accused Idris of acting an ethnic script said: “The IG just confirmed that only Yoruba were arrested in a conflict between Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani people; that is prejudicial and that is unacceptable.

    “Idris is a man with an agenda. He has shown himself a bigot. And he is unfit to be the IG of Police in a cosmopolitan and pluralistic country like Nigeria. Before he smears President Muhammadu Buhari, the President should offload him.”

    According to the OPC leader, for the IG to have made such a statement was “an admission of tribalism, unbefitting of the exalted position of the Inspector-General of the Nigerian police. It is a confirmation that the police under Mr. Ibrahim Idris took the prejudicial step to arrest only Yoruba people although the crisis pitched two tribes against each other.”

    Fasehun accused the police chief taking sides and that contrary to his training and oath of office, foreclosed an open case between two conflicting groups.

    “The IG has admitted that only Yoruba suspects were arrested and that it was deliberate. It is a clear case of prejudice,” he emphasised.

    He called for the immediate release of the Ife-20, saying, their arrest neither followed due process nor the facts on the ground.

    Fasehun warned that such a prejudicial stance by security agents like the IG could embolden herdsmen to inflict violence and death on communities across the country.

     

    Fasehun said: “Is there any wonder why under Idris’s watch, the police has been unable to apprehend, prosecute and check the mayhem inflicted by Fulani herdsmen at Agatu in Benue State, where they have sacked communities and continue to graze their cattle with impunity, in Delta State, in Ekiti State, Ogun State, Nasarawa State, Benue State, in Plateau State and in Southern Kaduna?

    “Despite the havoc being unleashed and continued against citizens in Southern Kaduna, the police under Idris has been unable to apprehend and prosecute a single culprit.

    Pointed out that the police have swing into action only in cases where victims put up resistance against, he alleged   that the police often arrest people defending their homes and farms against invaders.

    “Everywhere communities rise up to resist agents of death, Idris would quickly rise up to arrest citizens for daring to protect themselves,” Fasehun reiterated.

     

     

  • ICPC dismisses group’s allegations against Aregbesola as baseless, unsubstantiated

    ICPC dismisses group’s allegations against Aregbesola as baseless, unsubstantiated

    The Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) has described the petition of the Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State against Governor Rauf Aregbesola as baseless and unsubstantiated.

    ICPC, in a letter addressed to the petitioner, Chairman, Civil Society Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State, which was copied to the Osun Secretary to the State Government stated that it’s investigations have not established an act contrary to the Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Act, 2000 as none of the allegations were substantiated.

    The commission stated that having diligently investigated the allegations and finding nothing against Aregbesola, the allegations have been dismissed.

    The Government, through the Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, reminded Nigerians that the ICPC’s final decision was a vindication of the repeated claims by the government that the group was one of individuals hired for the purpose of tarnishing its name.

    ICPC, in the letter titled, Re: Petition against Osun State Governor- Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, for criminal and reckless mismanagement of Osun State funds since November 2010 to August 2015 held that all of the allegations brought forward have been looked into conclusively with no infraction substantiated.

    According to ICPC, “the above case bordering on fraudulent diversion of N11.4 billion obtained through Osun SUKUK bond to private foreign account, money meant for building of schools regardless of the N13.9 billion intervention funds from. The Federal Government through UBEC for the purpose of building classrooms has been investigated conclusively with no infraction substantiated.

    “An investigation of? the above allegations confirmed that Osun State government raised N11.344 billion from the issue of the SUKUK bond through Nigerian commercial banks. Investigation also revealed that after the issue of the bond, Osun State Government sought and got approvals from the Securities and Exchange Commission and Shariah Board of Lotus Capital Ltd. To amend the schedule of schools to be constructed from 27 mixed schools to 11 high schools and to furnish the schools. The approval of SUKUK holders is still pending.

    “Also contrary to the allegation that the SUKUK proceed was diverted to private foreign account, it was disbursed from Osun SUKUK company accounts with 13 Collecting Nigerian Commercial banks and used for payments of contractors awarded the contracts of construction and furnishing of 11 senior Secondary Schools in various part of Osun State.

    “Furthermore, contrary to the allegation that N13.9 billion was disbursed by UBEC to Osun State, the total of N7,192,585,041.64 has been disbursed to Osun SUBEB for the period 2011-2015. This amount consists of Universal Basic Education matching grants, Special Education Funds, Teachers Professional Development Fund and state’s counterpart funds lodgement in line with UBE Act 2004.

     

     

  • Aregbesola inaugurates commission of enquiry on Ife crisis

    Aregbesola inaugurates commission of enquiry on Ife crisis

    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has inaugurated a five-man judicial commission of enquiry into the crisis that erupted between the Yoruba and Hausa  in Ile-Ife on March 8 in which  lives were lost  and property destroyed.

    A  media aide to the governor,  Mr Semiu Okanlawon, made this known  in a statement in  Osogbo on Monday.

    The statement quoted the governor  as urging  members of the  commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate causes  of the mayhem.

    He also mandated them to recommend appropriate civil or criminal actions  to be taken against the perpetrators and make appropriate suggestions to the state government  in order to prevent a  future occurrence.

    The governor  further urged the commission to recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals during the crisis.

    He said: “You have four weeks to carry out this assignment.

    “The report that small arms and light weapons were deployed freely during the crisis was disturbing and frightening.

    “It has implication for security of lives and property and the potential for more conflicts beyond the immediate theatre of war, if not nipped in the bud.

    “I want you to look into this. The sources and the current location of these arms and their custodians should be investigated, determined and all should be recovered.’’

    The Chairman of the commission, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, said the commission would  ensure that the perpetrators of the dastardly act were brought to book.

    “Mr Governor, I assure you that we will not let you and the people down, we will carry out this task you have given us to the best of our ability, ” he said.

    Other members of the panel are  Mrs Bose Dawodu, Mr Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr Bisi Babalola ,who will act as the secretary.

  • Fed Govt hails Aregbesola for infrastructure in Osun

    Fed Govt hails Aregbesola for infrastructure in Osun

    The Federal Government yesterday praised Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola for improving learning atmosphere in schools.
    Minister of Education Adamu Adamu, who was represented by Prof. Kamoru Olayiwola Usman, at the opening of new high schools, said the Federal Ministry of Education is proud of the governor’s efforts.
    Thousands of pupils officially began learning at the Ataoja Government High School in Osogbo; Wole Soyinka Government High School, Ejigbo; Osogbo Government High School and Adventist Government High School in Ede with an opening ceremony that happened simultaneously at the four venues.
    The minister also lauded Osun for realising that education can only thrive in an environment that is conducive, saying education should not be limited to a situation when a person can only read and write, but how such person can impact positively on the larger society.
    He held that Osun would enjoy the seed being sowed by the present administration with the building of the state-of-the-art schools across the state.
    “If we want to forestall what happened in Ife, we must continue to educate our people by making sure that we build more schools with an atmosphere that is conducive to learning,” the minister stated.
    The governor, in his opening address, noted his administration has redefined the architecture and environment of quality education.
    According to him, each school has four principals with three superintending over 1,000 pupils each, and an overall senior principal.
    It is standard that each school has 72 classrooms of 49 square-meters, each capable of sitting 49 pupils”.
    “It has six offices for study groups. It is also equipped with six laboratories, 48 toilets for pupils and another eight for the teachers, one science library, one arts library, facility manager’s office, a bookshop and a sickbay.
    “Other facilities are the senior principal’s office, three principals’ offices, a bursar’s office, three general staff offices, a record store and security shed/reception. They are all fully furnished. The schools have borehole and power transformer.?”

  • Who succeeds Aregbesola?

    Who succeeds Aregbesola?

    Correspondent SOJI ADENIYI examines the preparations for next year’s governorship election in Osun State, the issues that will shape the exercise, the contenders and their strengths and weaknesses

    Politicians in Osun State are warming up for next year’s governorship election. No fewer than 17 aspirants want to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola, who will complete his two term in office in 2018. While some of them are making underground moves, others are building their structures across the state and using public functions to register their aspirations for the exalted position. Groups within and outside political parties are also being established to project them in preparation for the shadow polls.
    Osun, like other states, is not unlikely to pay attention to zoning in the struggle for power. Contenders from the three senatorial districts – East, West and Central – are already discussing the rotation of power, not as a matter of constitution, but convention. To observers, the East, where Aregbesola comes from, should not join the race since it must have spent eight years by next year. The Central produced Chief Bisi Akande (1999 – 2003) and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (2003 – 2010). Since 1999, the central and East have taken shots at the governorship in an unbroken succession order. But, since the creation of the state in 1991, the West has only enjoyed the slot for less than two years (1993/1994) when Senator Isiaka Adeleke was elected as governor. Also, the four Yoruba sub-groups – Oyo/Oyo, Oyo/Osun, Ijesa, Ife and Igbomina – may be factored into zoning. The advocates said Adeleke from Ede had used the slot of Oyo/Oyo. Oyinlola from Okuku represented the Oyo/Osun. Akande from Ila-Orangun is from Igbomina and Aregbesola is using the slot of the Ijesa. The proponents insist that it is the turn of Ife in 2018.
    Eyes are on 20 big wigs in four political parties – the All Progressives Congress (APC), the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the Labour Party (LP) and Accord Party (AP). In the ruling APC, no fewer than nine are in the race, althrough two of them have publicity signified intention and are mobilising suppport for their aspirations. For the PDP, seven aspirants have shown interest in the exalted position. The LP and the AP are lagging behind. Those in the APC include the Chief of Staff to the governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola from Iragbiji – West, the Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Lasun Yusuf (Ilobu – Central), and Adeleke (Ede – West).
    Others are the former Chairman of the defunct Action Congress (AC) and the Secretary to the Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, a financial expert and the Managing Director of the Osun Investment Company Ltd, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji (Ikire – West), the Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam, former Speaker, of House of Assembly and member representing Ejigbo/Iwo Constituency in the House of Representatives, Prof. Mojeed Alabi (Ejigbo – West), immediate past Commissioner of Regional Integration and Special Duties, Dr. Ajibola Basiru, and former Chief of Staff to the Oyinlola administration and Chairman, Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Babalola.
    PDP aspirants include former deputy governor and former chairman, Appropriation Committee in the Senate, Dr. Iyiola Omisore, former chairman, Irewole Local Governemnt and former Federal Commissioner in the National Population Commission (NPC) in Osun State, Chief Lere Oyewumi (Ikire – West), former Speaker, House of Assembly and Iyiola Omisore’s running mate in the 2014 election, Adejare Bello (Ede – West), former chairman of Ife East Local Government, Chief Gbenga Owolabi (Ife – East).
    Others are former Minister of Youths Development and senator repsresenting Osun West in the Senate Olasunkanmi Akinlabi (Gbongan – West), member representing Oriade/Obokun Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Wole Oke (Esa-Oke – East), and a former PDP candidate for Odo-Otin/Ifelodun/Boripe for the House of Representatives election, Kayode Oduoye (Ikirun – Central).
    The only visible aspirant in the LP is the former Secretary to Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade (Iwo – West).
    The 2014 governorship contest shook the state. but, to many people, it may be a child’s play to the next year’s poll.
    In the APC, the governor is a factor. Less than two years to the poll, a gang up is underway. This was demonstrated at an empowerment programme organised by the deputy speaker of the House of Representatives, Lasun Yusuf, in his Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Constituency, where an APC chieftain, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele, had described Aregbesola as a sole administrator, who must be resisted in his bid to install a successor. The thinking is that a foreigner may succeed the governor. But, one of Aregebsola’s aides, Niyi Aluko, asked: “how do you define a foreigner? Are peope being referred to as foreigners not indigenes of this state with many of them having the elemenatry and secondary and tertiary education in Osun before they wnet out to cities for greener pastures and unequalled exposure which many of them levarage upon to add technical values like Aregbesola had demonstrated in his own case? Those talking about home-based politicians against the so-called foreigners are doing so for selfish reason and personal aggrandizement. People are wiser than ever before.”
    Aregbesola is still on top of the situation. As a political guru and a master on top of his game, he is believed to be back in the trenches. His preoccupation is the rapid development of the state to justify the need for a continuity in governemnt. He is building political structures among professional and non-professional groups ahead of 2018. Analysts said Aregebesola as a political fighter is already strategising, knowing that 2014 and 2018 can not be the same. He has always been a visioner, strategist, fighter and executor. A political commentator, Niran Fadile, said Aregbesola would continue to enjoy popularity and have control of the state as long as he is in touch with the grassroots through his projects.
    But, to the opposition, Aregbesola”s undoing will be his smartness and “using lies to cover up more lies”. A chieftain of the PDP, Prince Diran. Odeyemi said, questions should be asked about the cost of the projects by the Aregbesola administration and their values to the people. The PDP is not happy about the irregular salaries to workers.
    The economic challenge is not peculiar to Osun. It is a national, if not global phenomenon. But Aregebsola’s ability to use his expertise to manouvre where many states have failed is another pointer to his skill to and competence.”
    Another factor is the effect of last year’s Ondo governorship poll, Rotimi Akeredolu emerged as the candidate of the APC without the support of key figures of the party in the Southwest. Some aspirants believe they can survive without Aregbesola’s support.
    Also, some have vowed to ask for their pound of flesh from Aregbesola, alleging that they have been schemed out of governance in the state. Analysts said the struggle for power would be within the APC and not a contest between the APC and other parties. According to them, Aregbesola has always been in a dilema since he assumed power on November 27, 2010, following the Court of Appeal judgment that sacked Oyinlola after spending seven and a half years in power. They said from day one, Aregbebsola had made it clear that his administration would not be a Father Christamas to party members like his predecessor. That had also pitched him against many people, who believe they suffered before the party eventually retrieved Aregbesola’s mandate. Also, the reforms in the civil service, which brought about some changes and blocked many loopholes have been criticised by the opposition. But, a senior special assistant to the governor, Lani Baderinwa, said Aregbesola has done his best to manage a very terrible situation and therefore, should be celebrated for his vision, courage and doggedness. Also, Remi Omowaye, an engineer, said if Aregbesola had shared the scarce resources to please party members, he would not have had anything to showcase as acheivements as he is doing to today. He said: “The state in the last six years has changed. Look at massive world class infrastructural development in schools, hospital and roads. You will check out the state layout and road network, particularly in Osogbo, the state capital . Also, many government policies and programmes in agriculture, education, health and youth empowerment put the state ahead of others. All these happened in Aregbesola’s tenure.”
    No matter what is said in favour of the Aregbesola administration, some people grumble about how some of those who served in his cabinet in the first term had become rich overnight. They allege that many of them, now parade choice property in exclusive areas in and outside the state, to the surprise of poor residents. According to observers, these former appointees are bad public relations officers of his government and therefore, may affect the fortune of a candidate that Aregebsola would want to put forward.
    But, traditional rulers, artisans, students, civil servants and ordinary people on the street believe that Aregbesola is a good leader. They say the PDP is not an alternative to the APC in the state despite some of the shortcomings of the Aregbesola administration. The only visible opposition is the PDP, but the wranglings which have factionalised the party may be a prelude to disaster at the poll.