The Nation Newspaper

Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • ‘No rift between Aregbesola and Tinubu’

    ‘No rift between Aregbesola and Tinubu’

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has described as laughable, a publication claiming that the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, was under security watch.

    The party, in a statement by its spokesperson, Kunle Oyatomi, said the report revealed the extreme desperation of some media houses to create bad blood within the APC leadership.

    It said there was no basis for such an action because the relationship between Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari and other senior members of the party remains excellent.

    The APC said: “For any news outlet to systematically demonise the national leader of our party is most unpatriotic act against a leader who put his life on the line in conjunction with others to save Nigeria from the brink of collapse.”

    The party denied that there was a rift between Governor Rauf Aregbesola and Tinubu on ministerial nomination.

    Oyatomi said the party never unilaterally submitted names of ministerial nominees.

    “To have therefore suggested that there was a disagreement between Aregbesola and Tinubu on this issue is false and mischievous.

    “The party appeals to the media to be responsible and patriotic. The state of the nation calls for patriotism on all sides.

    “Our collective struggle should be allowed to grow democracy, promote freedom and enshrine peace and progress in Nigeria. We should not encourage insidious news report, capable of destabilising the country,” the statement said.

  • Aregbesola inaugurates panel on IGR, salaries

    Aregbesola inaugurates panel on IGR, salaries

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has inaugurated a 17-man committee to oversee government revenue and its application to the payment of workers’ salary arrears.

    Speaking at the weekend inauguration of the committee, headed by former Secretary-General of the Organisation of the African Trade Unions (OATU), Hassan Sunmonu , the governor reiterated his administration’s commitment to workers’ welfare.

    The committee is made up of government officials and labour leaders, including Chief of Staff to the governor   Gboyega Oyetola, former Commissioner for Information and Strategy Sunday Akere, Chairman of the state chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Jacob Adekomi.

    Others are Bayo Jimoh, Bola Oyebamiji, Bayo Adejumo, Rufus Adeyemi, Comrade Wakil Amuda, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Idowu, Gbenga Oyebode, Akeem Ibrahim and Y. A. Afolabi.

    Aregbesola said the committee was inaugurated to ensure that the apportionment of net revenue accruing from federation accounts and Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) to government coffers is sufficient for payment of workers’ salaries, pensions and other critical expenditures.

    The governor, in his speech, titled: “We Are in Extra-Ordinary Time”, noted that the state of the nation was not ordinary.

    Aregbesola, who noted that Osun was the first to alert the public of the impending financial crisis, said no government has ever attempted the inauguration of such committee in the country.

    He added that Osun was also the first state to form a committee to assess and evaluate the accrued revenue from all sources.

    The governor said the government and its workers agreed on how to spend the fund.

    He said: “As we are all aware, the financial tsunami that entered global lexical in 2008 and swept throughout the federation, beginning from July 2013.

    “This, however, crippled the finances of the states and Federal Government, though some people did not believe this, as the traducers attributed our economic crisis in the state to financial recklessness.

    “This scenario of financial crisis made the payment of workers’ salaries difficult, but what some people do not realise was that the financial crisis which ravaged the country led the former minister of finance, Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala to announce that the Federal Government  borrowed N476 billion to pay workers.”

    The governor decried the report that the state collected and fixed the bailout funds to accumulate interest.

    “Our traducers announced two weeks before the CBN publicly announced the release of the bailout funds to the state that we have collected and fixed the loan.

    “Well, we thank God that our political enemies did not succeed because our people are wise enough to justify all the circumstances and arrive at the truth,” he said.

    Sumonu pledged to do the work assigned to the committee without any rancour.

    He promised that the welfare of the people would be prioritised and urged  workers to remain focused.

  • Aregbesola: pupils’ performances have improved

    Aregbesola: pupils’ performances have improved

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola  yesterday reeled out statistics showing that pupils’ performances in public examinations have confirmed remarkable improvements in the quality of education in the state.

    The governor described as unfounded the allegation of detractors that the performance of pupils had gone down under his watch.

    Speaking at the World Teachers Day in Osogbo, the governor said a remarkable 61 per cent improvement was recorded.

    He said: “In 2007, government put forward 36,171 for WAEC examination, of which 2,483 representing 6.86 per cent had credit passes in five subjects, including English and Mathematics.  In 2008, it was 37,715 candidates with 3,813 passes, representing 10.11 per cent, in 2009 it was 39,676 candidates, with 5,545 passes, representing 13.98 per cent. In 2010 it was 43,216 candidates, with 6,777 passes, representing 15.68 per cent. These four years gave us an average of 15.68 per cent.

    However, our administration started sponsoring candidates in 2011, we fielded 53,293 candidates, had 11672 passes, representing 21.98 per cent. In 2012, we fielded 51,463 of which 11,431 passed, representing 22.21 per cent. In 2013, we also fielded 47,013 candidates, recorded 9,301 passes, representing 19.78 per cent. The average performance for our first three years was 21.32 per cent.

    “Compared with the average performance (13.26 per cent) of the three years that preceded us, the percentage improvement in performance during our tenure is 61 per cent. You can’t fight with figures.”

     

  • Aregbesola: Nigeria’ll rise again

    Aregbesola: Nigeria’ll rise again

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said Nigeria will arise again.

    Aregbesola said the greatest challenges confronting the nation are nation-building and selfless leaders.

    In a statement, Aregbesola praised Nigerians for their efforts and sacrifices towards building a democratic, just and humane society.

    “We are in a critical stage in our journey for sustainable democracy.

    “Therefore, we must do everything humanly possible to protect this democratic process, the longest in our political evolution.

    “Our founding fathers, with sincerity of purpose, fought for a country where there will be equal opportunities, freedom of expression and association as well as security of life and property.

    “I have strong, unwavering conviction and sincere hope that this country will still stand tall and become great again.”

    Bayelsa State Governor Seriake Dickson urged Nigerians to remain focused and supportive.

    He called on them to always see the peace, security and unity of the country as a collective responsibility.

    According to him, Nigeria’s diversity has proved to be one of its greatest assets.

    Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governors praised Nigerians for their perseverance and for keeping the country united.

    The governors, under the aegis of PDP Governors Forum, said Independence has become one of the proudest moments for Nigerians.

    The statement said: “The significance of the day lies in the fact that it binds all Nigerians as one.

    “Today, as we celebrate our nation’s 55th anniversary, please take time to remember those famous freedom fighters and leaders, who not only inspired the  independence struggle but also celebrated our nation’s first anniversary.

    “As we observe the day with unmatched nationalistic ardour, let us resolve to contribute our quota to the growth of our nation.”

  • Aregbesola praises Fasanmi’s courage at 90

    Aregbesola praises Fasanmi’s courage at 90

    •Lecture on Wednesday

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has described Senator Ayo Fasanmi as an elder statesman and politician, whose high moral and loyalty to the progressive course is worthy of emulation.

    In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola congratulated Pa Fasanmi on his  90th birthday.

    He said Pa Fasanmi has demonstrated an astounding trait of progressivism for over half a century of his political career.

    The governor added that Pa Ayo Fasanmi has been fearless in his fight for a just society and return of the military to the barracks.

    He said: “Pa Fasanmi is a role model, his devotion to integrity of character and loyalty to the progressive course are rare in a country, such as Nigeria.

    “Senator Ayo Fasanmi at 90 has a fantastic record of not shifting grounds in his loyalty to democratic values, freedom and justice.”

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has also congratulated Fasanmi.

    In a message by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, the party said Pa Fasanmi had faith in the APC political leadership and philosophy.

    According to the party, Pa Fasanmi is devoted ethically, morally to progressive politics.

    The party said: “Today, Pa Ayo Fasanmi crosses a massive, glorious line from being an octogenarian to becoming a nonagenarian.

    “This is a no mean achievement. It is one that most people wish for, but very few ever attain.

    “To be one of the few living this long is a testimony to the extraordinary lifestyle that bestows longevity.

    “So, we are calling on men and women of honour and goodwill to join us in celebrating the grand old man.”

    The Grand Council of Yoruba Youths, formerly  the National Council of Yoruba Youths, will hold a public lecture titled: “Yoruba Nation: The Past, The Present And The Future”, on Wednesday.

    It will be delivered by Biyi Durojaiye, Chairman,Yoruba Education Trust Fund under the chairmanship of Pa Fasanmi.

    Amb Olu Otunla will assist him. The special guest is Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. Guests of honour are sons and daughters of past Yoruba leaders.

    Father of the day is Chief Bisi Akande. Chief Rita Lori Ogbebor is mother of the day.

    The keynote address will  be delivered by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

    The venue is Oranmiyan Hall, Airport Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

  • Aregbesola: I remain focused on developing Osun

    Aregbesola: I remain focused on developing Osun

    · Bags award of excellence 

    Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has declared the many awards and accolades that Osun has received under his watch will continue to be a motivation for him.

    He vowed to leave behind a legacy of modern, developed and prosperous state.

    Aregbesola, according to a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, spoke while receiving an award from the Law Society of the University of Lagos at the weekend.

    In his speech titled “Strictly for those that can see,”  Aregbesola stated that he will be focused and determined at all times.

    He said he would not mind detractors to leave behind a far better state than what he inherited.

    He pointed out that he is encouraged with the various laurels that had come to the state in recent past recognising the developmental projects his administration has brought to Osun.

    Recounting the various developmental projects he initiated, the governor said his administration commenced the building of new state-of-the art 100 elementary schools, 50 middles schools and 20 high schools.

    He added that his administration introduced the revolutionary Opon Imo, which contains all the recommended textbooks for all subjects examined by WAEC, NECO and JAMB.

    Aregbesola noted the present administration has rehabilitated all the hospitals in the state, stocked them with drugs and made the provision of qualitative healthcare free in the state, as part of the human development programme.

    According to him: “Before our coming, Osun could be rightly described as backward.

    “Development is often measured by the quality of human development in terms of education, health, standard of living of the people and the built environment, among others.”

    He pointed out that a total of 21 township roads were constructed and rehabilitated in Osogbo, 13 township roads in Ede and 15 inner township roads constructed and commissioned in Ilesa.

    The governor added that 79km of intra-city roads were constructed and rehabilitated in addition to 20 other roads traversing the cities and covering a total of 294.27 km in the different Federal Constituencies among other several kilometres of roads in the state

  • Aregbesola to Nigerians: exercise self-sacrifice

    Aregbesola to Nigerians: exercise self-sacrifice

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged Nigerians to exercise selfless sacrifice to promote national unity and peaceful co-existence.

    Speaking with reporters after participating in the Eid-el-Kabir prayers at the Oke-Bale Osogbo Praying Ground, the governor enjoined Muslims to do away with any act capable of turning them against the will of God and uphold all the commandments of Allah.

    Aregbesola, who reminded Muslims of the significance of Eid-el-Kabir, added that Muslims must imbibe truthfulness, cleanliness, love, peace and unity by forgiving those who offend them.

    The governor implored Muslims to abstain from lying, saying doing so will give them peace.

    Advising Muslims to refrain from acts forbidden by Allah, he reiterated that the lessons expected to be learnt by all Muslims in the commemoration of Eid-el-Kabir was to demonstrate and display higher sense of submission to the will and commandments of God.

    According to him: “The meaning of this festival is to sacrifice everything endowed to us by our creator for His cause and other fellow human beings to promote and improve our individual and collective existence as being commanded by Allah.

    “There is need for us to sacrifice all our limitations, our shortcomings and vices that we know well for our personal and collective development as a nation.

    “As a nation, there is a need for us to do away with those things that we do that stem development and reduce our progress by applying all the teachings of the Quran and Haddith.

    “The purpose of rams slaughtering today is for us as worshippers to kill our bad acts and behaviours.”

    The governor urged Muslims to cultivate and apply the virtue of love, tolerance and perseverance in every aspect of their lives in order to move the nation forward.

    He said: “Islam is a religion of peace, love and kindness that teaches us to place general good above personal interest in line with Allah’s commandments.”

    He implored Muslims to continuously seek the face of God and His mercy at positioning the country to the desired place of sustainable peace, harmony and tranquility.

    The Chief Imam of Osogboland, Sheikh Musa Animasahun, admonished Muslims to fear Allah and always remember that they will leave this earth whether they like it or not.

    Animasahun warned Muslims to stop pursuing good things of life at the expense of the eternal life in paradise, reiterating that everything on earth is vanity.

    He said: “Death is an inevitable supreme price that must be paid by every living soul.”

    On his way to the praying ground, the governor had a hectic time passing through Oja-Oba to Oke-Bale as residents trooped to the streets to hail him.

    The convoy was forced to a halt by the jubilant supporters, who struggled to demonstrate their love for him.

    Some of the governor’s admirers said they were demonstrating their love for Aregbesola, despite the challenges created for his government by the national financial crisis.

  • End of an era – Aregbesola

    End of an era – Aregbesola

    Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, described the death of Chief Mrs. Awolowo, as the end of an era.

    In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor joined the progressive family in mourning the glorious exit of a matriarch.

    He described Mama Awolowo as a solid pillar beside the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo when he was alive.

    According to the Governor, Mama stood by her husband during his lifetime and even after his demise. “They set examples for politicians when they were here with us. The couple typified the best of what politicians should strive to be in their families in our society.”

  • Cooperate with Aregbesola for best result, Omoworare urges Osun workers

    Cooperate with Aregbesola for best result, Omoworare urges Osun workers

    The people and workers in Osun State have been enjoined to cooperate with the governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, in his effort to deliver on his electoral promises.

    The Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District and Chairman Senate Committee on Rules and Business, Babajide Omoworare made the call yesterday.

    In statement by his Media Assistant Tunde Dairo, Senator Omoworare said  the financial difficulty currently experienced in the state is an imposed national crisis which the APC led Federal Government is working round the clock to resolve.

    While commending President MuhammaduBuhari for his fatherly gesture through the bailout plan,  Senator Omoworare said: “The  bailout is a short term measure to ameliorate the economic hardship imposed on the federating states by the previous PDP led administration. Hence, states must look inward to generate more resources with people friendly and acceptable policies if they intend to break even.

    “Workers in Osun should be commended for their perseverance and understanding as shown during this trying period. A collective solution for a lasting result and economic repositioning of the state is a necessity which must not be trivialised or politicized.”

  • Bailout funds will be used for its purpose – Aregbesola

    Bailout funds will be used for its purpose – Aregbesola

    The Government of the State of Osun on Monday assured the people of the state that the N34.988billion bailout funds received from the Federal Government will be used for the very purpose for which it was received.

    A statement by the Director bureau of communication, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, explained that while the first batch of payment this week will be effected through the allocations received for the month of July..

    The clarification, according to the Bureau of Communication and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, became necessary given the various insinuations and manipulations of the minds of the people giving the impressions that the funds will be diverted to other purposes.

    “We are using the opportunity to assure the entire workers in the state that all arrears of salary and pensions will be paid from the bailout funds as the reason for which it was received. And this is why the government has ensured that the verification exercise is concluded and the actual figure of workers is determined for the purpose of payment,” the Bureau stated

    Explaining further, the Bureau said that bailing out by the Federal Government will not be a continuous thing in the life of Nigeria, adding that the current bailout scheme was necessitated by the economic doldrums the ousted PDP-led Federal Government plunged the country into.

    The statement said the government must protect fully the interests of its real workers who toil day and night to ensure the growth and development of the state.

    “It is therefore pertinent for workers themselves to ensure effective conclusion of this process in order to ensure they reap the fruits of their labour and prevent the criminal and dubious activities of those who reap where they do not sow.

    “Therefore, we must agree that civil service reforms are absolutely critical at this stage in the life of our dear state. There is a need for the engagement of all critical segments of leadership of government and labour for the necessary actions that will make the service effective, efficient and economic.

    “If our state, and by all means, the entire South-West region will become financially and materially viable, a wholesome review of what works and what does not  must be carried out and implemented with considerable alacrity and efficiency.”

    The statement added that the Governor reemphasised his commitment to sustaining the many social programmes his government operate, stating that compassion with the distressed and poor members of society is the true definition of successful leadership.