Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Aregbesola: APC will take over  in 2015

    Aregbesola: APC will take over in 2015

    Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, yesterday predicted that the newly- proposed All Progressive Congress (APC) will take over the reins of government at the federal level in the next general election.

    He spoke in Ede yesterday during the 10th edition of the monthly physical fitness exercise of the state government tagged ‘Walk to Live’.

    The governor charged Osun residents and indigenes to welcome the party that will ensure peace and development in Nigeria.

    He said: “This new party called APC is the party that will guarantee peace and development in this country as we have been witnessing in Osun.

    “It is clear that there is peace in Osun otherwise it would be difficult to successfully carry out this physical fitness exercise without any chaos.”

    Aregbesola added: “Since we all want this kind of peace to extend to other parts of the country, let us all welcome the new political party that will effect change in this country.

    “We are also happy that we have successfully sent away the enemies of progress in this state but we should not allow them to use their antics to destroy the peace we have been enjoying, either through religion, politics or some of the developmental programmes we have been carrying out.”

    The governor, who noted that all the programmes and policies of his administration are meant to serve the interest of the people, advised the people to discard the confusion some people, he described as hypocrites planned to create on the school uniforms being given to students.

    Explaining the significance of physical fitness exercise, Aregbesola emphasised it helps people to remain healthy.

    The Secretary-General, Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Mr. Olatunde Popoola, charged other states of the federation to emulate the initiative for physical fitness exercise and for sport development.

     

  • Aregbesola urges Acting CJ to promote justice

    Aregbesola urges Acting CJ to promote justice

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has urged the Acting Chief Judge, Justice Adebola Adepele Ojo, to promote justice at all times.

    He spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, at the swearing in of the Acting CJ.

    Speaking on the oath, Aregbesola said: “Some have taken this oath with levity and to their eternal regret. We are not unaware of the development where retribution has come to judges who violated their oath.

    “The quest for justice is the central pursuit of every man, which is why the court has been described as a bulwark of the people. If a place is peaceful and progressive, it is because justice is dispensed unhindered there.

    “I urge the Acting CJ to promote substantive justice over technicality. I urge her to let justice roll down like water and righteousness like a mighty stream.

    “The CJ, under oath, has pledged an affirmation of oneness with the universe in the pursuit of the universal purpose. With this oath, we expect her to deliver justice untainted and without inducement, in satisfaction of the universal purpose and in accordance with the laws of the land.

    “It is a universal principle and it is scientifically established that the amount of peace and prosperity in a place is directly proportional to the justice obtained in that society.

    “One of the reasons there are so many problems in this country is because there is so much injustice in the land, including electoral injustice. We must all work for the enthronement of justice.

    “The need to promote justice is paramount to our administration because ours is a direct beneficiary of justice in its undiluted form. I will not cease to let people know that I am a beneficiary of justice. I am here today directing the affairs of our state because justice came our way through the God-fearing judges of the Ibadan Court of Appeal.

    “Why then won’t I promote justice? If justice is good for me, it is also good for others. However, we all have roles to play in the administration of justice. In our little corner, we must strive to enthrone justice and eschew all forms of injustice.”

    Aregbesola described Justice Ojo as a God-fearing judge, who has paid her dues. He said he is confident that she will discharge her duties creditably well.

    Justice Ojo pledged to be fair in her duties and called for the support of stakeholders.

    She said: “The task before us is to remain steadfast on the path of justice. I promise our people that with the oath I took, I will promote justice and equality.

    “I urge all lovers of justice to support and cooperate with me, so that we can succeed in the enthronement of justice in the state.”

  • Aregbesola’s quiet revolution in Osun

    Thomas Kanza insists that revolution in Africa must be a revolution in thinking. Revolution is not always about gun-wielding militants and fire-spitting ideological demagogues. There are men and women who changed the course of history by making their environments a better place to live in. Others simply showed the light for others to follow. According to Machiavelli’s two lessons in policy and strategy, first, a ruler can always learn and be more effective; second, a ruler can learn to be more effective in the use of resources. It takes only those rulers who understand the nature of policies and master the principle of strategy to truly appreciate that strategic management demands both effectiveness and efficiency in the use of scarce resources.

    A quiet revolution started in Osun State on November 27, 2010 with the inauguration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola as fifth democratically elected governor and the eighth chief executive since creation. It was Max Depree who once said, “The first responsibility of a leader is to define reality.” There is no gainsaying that Aregbesola has done this with deep commitment and selflessness. Since he came on the saddle 27 months ago, he has sufficiently demonstrated that he has the resolve and determination of a work-horse. And this is the attitude he is deploying to take the state of Osun to greater heights. This perhaps, informed his foreign trips to attract foreign investors, which have started yielding desired results.

    To state that his administration has substantially institutionalized a vibrant economic roadmap to lift the people of the state of Osun out of poverty and build a society which embodies peace, social harmony and economic empowerment is merely underscoring the obvious. The essence of good governance is to institute policies and programmes that would seek to fast track the socio-economic development of the society and thereby ensure the welfare and economic well-being of the people. According to one time U.S Secretary of State, Henry Kissinger, the task of a leader is to get his people from where they are to where they have not been. Also to former U.S President, Thomas Jefferson, “The overall objective of any government is to provide the greatest good for the greatest number of its citizens”. The good and long- suffering people of the state of Osun can now compare two eras: The era of Oyinlola led PDP government when people are pauperized, as compared to the era of Aregbesola led ACN government when they are empowered. Under the Aregbesola-led administration, the state of Osun is undergoing manifest social and infrastructural transformation that has never been witnessed in the state since its creation. One refers here to construction of roads, urban-renewal, and provision of electricity and water supply, effective housing and healthcare delivery, agricultural and industrial development, grass roots development and above all, educational empowerment, a major plank on which the success or failure of any well-meaning administration will be measured in the new knowledge-based world economy.

    Today, the rank of the unemployed has been decimated through Aregbesola’s ingenious job creation initiative which has received both national and international accolades. The state has also latched on to the Information and Communication Technology revolution. A new crop of competent farmers is emerging through various farm institutes and settlements that have been resuscitated. Tourism is also featuring prominently in the scheme of things. My admiration for Aregbesola is informed by my conviction that he is a man of destiny, who has excellently acquitted himself as a visionary leader and statesman. Even some objective key members of the opposition like former President Obasanjo and Chairman of the Senate Committee on Education, Senator Uche Chukwumerije, had during their visits to the state of Osun agreed that the success story of the state under Aregbesola’s watch will soon become a reference point in developmental strategy.

    Nigeria that has failed over the years because it has been saddled with leaders that can at best be described as accidents in our political firmament. Arguably, the paucity of qualitative political leadership in our country, Nigeria tended to be a consequence of our collective inability to celebrate quality leadership, due to myopic and parochial considerations. The question that has been agitating the minds of right-thinking persons and every neutral political- observers is: why is quality leadership a virtue that is not much in abundant supply amongst members of the PDP as demonstrated by the lacklustre performance of its ambassadors in states controlled by it and the centre but virtually abounds amongst members of the ACN as demonstrated by the sterling performance of its ambassadors in states controlled by it since the inception of this democratic dispensation 14 years ago?

    Not a few will agree with this writer that the only legacies PDP can claim to have bequeathed to Nigerians are profligacy and ineptitude. The foregoing explains the present socio-political and economic woes of the nation, despite the stupendous amount of petrol-dollars it has made in the last 14 years of its administration. In our own country, PDP has turned us to hewers of wood and fetchers of water. As the race to 2015 inches closer, is it not about time we, the Nigerian electorates take our destinies in our own hands by pitching our political tents with coalition of progressive political parties that has merged to challenge PDP dominance? It is in our own interest and that of our children to embrace the All Progressive Congress (APC) that parades the likes of Adebisi Akande, Muhammadu Buhari, Nuhu Ribadu, Bola Tinubu, Segun Osoba, Raji Fashola, Adams Oshiomhole, Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi, Abiola Ajimobi, Ibikunle Amosun, Rochas Okorocha, Nasir El-Rufai and others too numerous to mention as members. If we all believe that we are not comfortable with the status quo in our country. A word, they say, is enough for the wise.

     

    • Aminu is Head, Media and Public Relations, Awo Centre for Philosophy, Ideology and Good Governance, Osogbo

  • Aregbesola congratulates NGE new executive committee

    Aregbesola congratulates NGE new executive committee

    The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has sent a congratulatory message to the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE) for a successful transfer of power to a new executive council.

    In a statement by the Director of the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the governor said the choice of Mr. Adesina by the body was a wise, informed and progressive one.

    Aregbesola said the smooth transfer of power from one executive to another best exemplifies true democratic system that respects and recognises people’s choice.

    He said by so doing, the media top brass have set example for the country on the manner af power transfer devoid of rancour.

    The governor noted that at all circumstances, the NGE must make sure that the media does not lose focus of its primary responsibilities to all in the society.

    He said: “I congratulate the Nigerian Guild of Editors for the successful transfer of power to a newly elected officers.

    “I also congratulate Mr. Femi Adesina, who emerged as the new chairman of the association. His choice is a well-informed one.

    “As a seasoned journalist and administrator, who rose to the pinnacle of his journalistic career as editor of one of the frontline newspapers in the country, I have strong conviction that his choice will help the NGE in no small measures with his wealth of experience.

    “Under the new executive, it is our hope that the media organisations in Nigeria will redouble their efforts towards discharging their primary responsibilities without fear or favour, let or hindrance and with undiluted objectivity.”

  • Aregbesola rounds off US visit

    Aregbesola rounds off US visit

    Investors of American origin and Nigerians in the Diaspora have signified their intentions to partner Osun State on information technology, youth development and tourism.

    This is the outcome of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s one-week working visit to the United States, which would end today.

    At a dinner with Tim McNulty, the Vice-President, Government Relations of Carnegie Melon University, it was agreed that McNulty would visit Osun for an on-the-spot assessment with the intent to partner the state on information technology and set up a campus of the university in Osun.

    The Osun State government was praised for its innovations by officials of Allegheny County at The Courthouse, the county’s headquarters, where they explored areas of partnership and exchange with Aregbesola.

    The Chief Executive of Allegheny, Rich Fitzgerald, described the Opon Imo concept as an example of good governance.

    Fitzgerald pledged to buy the tablets for public schools in the county, adding that just as Osun seeks to learn from Allegheny, the county has a lot to learn from the state.

    Osun State partnered Allegheny County on culture, innovation, technology and youth empowerment.

    Allegheny is the biggest county in the Commonwealth of Pennsylvania with a population of 1.3 million. It is home to the popular Heinz brand and seven Fortune 500 companies with interest in steel and nutrition.

    Aregbesola, who later met with Bill Strickland of Manchester Bidwell Centre, a non-governmental organisation established in 1968 to combat the effect of economic and social devastation on youths of his inner city neighbourhood, expressed the desire to partner the centre in vocational development.

    The organisation has set up 100 centers in the US and another 100 in other parts of the world. Strickland engaged Aregbesola on the possibility of establishing a center in Osun.

    He is willing to work with the state to raise funds for feasibility study and to build the center. Strickland is expected in Osun soon.

    At a town hall meeting with African Americans hosted by the Christian Evangelical Economic Development (CEED) at its center, Aregbesola explained the policies of his administration and his achievements in two years.

    CEED Founder Mr. Ray Parker promised to coordinate the trip of African Americans, who will attend this year’s Osun Osogbo festival and a trade mission by small scale investors.

     

  • Security vital for growth,  says Aregbesola

    Security vital for growth, says Aregbesola

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said security is a pre-requisite for national development.

    He said Osun is safe for investors.

    Aregbesola spoke at the weekend in Osogbo, the state capital, after receiving the 2012 Banker’s Award for Good Governance from the Osogbo Banker’s Clearing House Committee.

    The governor, who was represented at the Dinner/Award Night by the Commissioner for Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, said Osun is the most peaceful place in the country.

    He said: “Very soon, the state government will complete its arrangement to provide area surveillance, which will help the security personnel to move quickly to crime scenes and rid the state of criminals. This will be funded with the derivative fund.

    “It requires a collaborative effort, especially between the banks and the government. We will call on you soon when it is time to inaugurate our Security Trust Fund (STF). We will need the apex and commercial banks to partner with us.

    “I urge you to provide sufficient fund to ensure that residents and their property are safe. I assure you that the government will create the enabling environment for business to thrive.”

    Aregbesola thanked the Controller of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Osun branch, Mr. Joseph Oyinbo Atteh, for the support for his administration and pledged to improve on their relationship.

    A Deputy Director at CBN, Mr. Samuel Agagu, delivered a lecture, entitled: “Adequate security: Pre-requisite to national development- The role of banks and the CBN”.

    Agagu said the insecurity in the nation has caused poverty, hunger, diseases, fear, uncertainty and disregard for the sanctity of human life.

    He urged commercial banks to cooperate with CBN in the monitoring of financial institutions.

    Atteh said banking and security were indispensable twins that are critical to national development.

    He said: “Today, security is a major challenge in our nation. The challenges are multifaceted across geo-political zones. There is a positive relationship between security and development. It is time public interest became a paramount factor in both banking and security arrangements, not as ends, but because the two sectors are vulnerable and they facilitate national development.”

  • Open letter to Aregbesola

    Open letter to Aregbesola

    The plan by the Osun State government to move students of Ikeji-Ile High School SSS (Classes) I – III to another school should be given a second thought in order to save the Ikeji-Ile community and the students from hardship.

    Time was when there was no post primary school in Ikeji-Ile Ijesha (presently in Oriade Local Government Area). This made the indigenes that were yearning for higher education to embrace Ipetu-Ijesha Grammar School and the Local Authority Secondary Modern School located in Ipetu-Ijesha after the completion of their primary education.

    Unfortunately, because this period was when the availability of commercial vehicles in this area was sparse, coupled with the poor financial standing of the farmer-parents, indigenes, which made the tedious daily journey to and from the schools (about 13 kilometers) hard.

    This tradition was passed down by several generations of Ikeji-Ile Ijesha indigene-students until succour came in 1976 when the then Military Governor of old Oyo State, Major General David Jemibewon, established Ikeji-Ile High School, with the first set of students coming from various cities and towns of the federation .

    The public announcement of this long expected creation of a saving grace in the name of a grammar school was welcomed with spectacle which culminated in mass street dance by the entire indigenes.

    However, the community saw in the establishment of the school a great relief from the pains and anxiety of parents anxiously waiting and praying for the safe return of their loved children from the neighbouring community schools without coming home hurt from scuffles along the roads (which usually ensued then over frivolities).

    While the likes of High Chief I. O. Akinmokun, late Pa J. O. Oluwatudimu, late Chief George Esan, Chief Olabode Akinyele (an ebullient principal of several notable secondary schools), late Chief T. A. Awe, High Chief I. O. Morakinyo (the current Orisakeji of Ikeji-Ile), Pa Philip Fagunleka and Mr. Olubayo Ijaseun, among others, provided firm leadership, the community rose into action like a wounded battalion to contribute ‘hugely’ as to the capacity of each one to put the gargantuan edifice that was the pride of the community in place and which is still standing there today anyway, but with dilapidated structures. The community also procured for the school a brand new Toyota Coaster Bus which was the envy of all the schools within Ife-Ijesha axis of the then Oyo State; being one of the first to acquire that wonder-on-wheels as against the then popular Austin/Bedford Lorries which most of the secondary schools in the state were noted for.

    In October last year, a Save-the-School letter for the rehabilitation of the school buildings together with adequate provision of teaching staff and security personnel was written to the state government by the Old Students Association; a copy of which was acknowledged by the Governor’s Office.

    It is based on efforts of the community and the old students that I appeal to Governor Aregbesola to have a rethink on the ‘rumoured’ proposal to move some students of the school to Ipetu-Ijesha that has about five government owned secondary schools as well as private ones.

    What could be ideal at the moment is for government to set in motion machinery to rehabilitate the decaying infrastructure within the school and to expedite actions in providing the school with adequate qualified teachers. With these in place, one can be rest assured that many Ipetu-Ijesha parents as well as those in other neighbouring towns will again start to send their children to Ikeji-Ile High School; which was the practice during our time there because we were always on top in academic, sports, debate and cultural competitions, among others.

    Therefore, I join other well meaning sons and daughters of the community both at home and in the Diaspora to appeal to our Ogbeni Aregbesola to live up to being the first true Omoluabi of the state by sparing us the pains and anguish of subjecting our children to the unpleasant voyage of trekking several kilometres on daily basis to and from Ipetu-Ijesha all in the name of becoming educated citizens of the state.

    Osun a dara!!

    ‘ ‘

    By Samuel Oloyede Oriowo,

    Ikeji-Ile, Osun State

     

  • Aregbesola, Opadokun call for good governance

    Aregbesola, Opadokun call for good governance

    he venue was the historic Freedom Park, Lagos. Statesmen and activists converged for a candle light procession as part of activities marking the ‘Black History Month’ celebrations. Organised by the Lagos Theatre Association, the ceremony, the first of its kind in Nigeria, reminded the people about the heroic contributions of freedom fighters in United States who paid the supreme price.

    The celebration was initiated by the American historian, Carter Woodson, in 1926.

    At the ceremony, Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola revisited the United Nations Charter on the Rights of Man and Freedom. Represented by the Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism Commissioner Sikiru Adetona, the governor charged Nigerians to defend their rights at all times.

    Aregbesola also called for good governance, urging the government to provide the basic amenities for the people.

    He said: “Every man has the inalienable rights to freedom, the right to the good things of life, the right to associate, and the rights be protected”.

    A Former Lagos State Military Governor Nduibisi Kanu, who witnessed the event, lamented that the legacies of the black man are not honoured.

    He said: “We are here at the Freedom Park to celebrate because the people are still moving on in the face of the numerous challenges. It is very significant because it is taking place at the Freedom Park, the venue which had served as the detention camp for those on death rolls.But with the new name, Freedom Park, Nigeria must be free in all ramifications. “

    Former National Democratic Coalition (NADECO) National Secretary Ayo Opadokun urged the government to provide basic needs for the people. He said: “Nigeria has the capacity to become one of the world’s best, but because the laws are lopsided and are not stridently applied, funds are misappropriated. Those behind it have not been adequately sanctioned, hence, corruption is prevalent in the land”.

    Opadokun said Nigeria has not been a good example for the black man because it has not managed its affairs properly, 53 years after independence.

    He added:“This is a country that has collected over $400 billion in petroleum fund and yet its people are the most wretched in the world. This is a contradiction that cannot be explained and government needs to totally re-order its priority.

    “We must appreciate that a lot of damage had been done. When we talk about the youth that they are the leaders of tomorrow, a large portion of them had sold their birthright for anything”.

    Chiding the corrupt and inept leadership, he said: “Successive rulers of our country, particularly the military, their surrogates and their fellow confederates, have worsened the plight of the ordinary man in Nigeria.”

    The chairman of Amuwo Odofin Local Government Area, Comrade Ayodele Adewale, led the people in the solidarity songs at the ceremony. He spoke on the imperative of the Sovereign National Conference (SNC) where the problems facing the country would be discussed.

    He said the 199 Constitution was put in place to serve the narrow interest of the few, adding it cannot adequately guarantee the freedom and rights of the people. He said: “The constitution has never been that of the people; therefore, it will not do what we want; it is meant to serve some peoples’ interest”.

    Adewale explained that the Pro-National Conference Organisation ( PRONACO)’s position on the national conference has been justified by the development in the country.

    He stressed: “I must say that slavery will never leave us alone, until we decide to break the chain of slavery. We would soon be going into another political voyage, which will start with the voter’s register. Many of you will sell your birthright very soon, either for N1000 or a box of matches, rice or salt, as the case may be. To break the chain, you must be determined to follow your conscience and, of course, do what is right”.

    A leader of the Ohaneze Cultural Group, Mrs. Kate Onyechere,` expressed sadness that those who were part of the plot to sell their fellow human beings for economic reasons have retarded the growth of the black continent. But she said that no force can stop the black race from emerging in the modern world.

    Onyechere added: “We are not happy that we sold our brothers to slavery. That is why we are here today to join in this commemorative celebration of Black History Month in Nigeria. I pray that those who passed on during the slave trade will find a place with God because the white people were harsh in the manner they transported them across the seas”.

    Former PRONACO Director of Strategy Comrade Linus Okoroji said this is the time government should come up with plans for the people and purge itself of corrupt tendencies.

    He doubted, if the country can make progress, unless leaders do away with corruption.

    Okoroji said: “A situation where government officials pocket money meant for the development of the country cannot help the country and if corruption persists, it is not in the interest of the country.”

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Aregbesola Administration on course’

    ‘Aregbesola Administration on course’

    Osun State Commissioner for Youths, Sports and Special Duties Mr. Stephen Kola-Balogun spoke with Musa Odoshimokhe on the rural development programmes of the Aregbesola Administration.

     

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the programmes of Osun State government as cosmetic. What is your reaction?

    It is really laughable. When the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was in power for seven and half years, it could not make an impact on the lives of the people. Look at it critically; what has the People Democratic Party (PDP) got to show as its achievements in office in all the years it ruled Osun State? Of course, seven years is a very long time for one to make impact. The current administration has not spent more than two and half years and the people of Osun are seeing the projects embarked upon by the government. Government has already carved out a standard that is no longer as usual. Placing the records side by side, what did PDP do in term of employment? What did they do in term of providing social benefit for the aged? What about the physically challenged? I can conveniently say that the Aregbesola Administration is in touch with these people. He shares in their pains, loves them and has evolved packages for them to meet their challenges. This is not a propaganda. It is what is on the ground and they are verifiable. These are facts that can be proved and both administrations could be compared in terms of performance. Osun is making progress and on a steady march; not even million of forces lined up by the PDP elements will distract the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN). It is unfortunate that people are really trying to find out the achievement of the past government because it puts Osun in reverse for over seven and half years. There should be no basis to compare, as far as I am concerned. Having said that, I put the question to you, what has the past administration achieved in State of Osun?

    Political motives have been read into the Osun anthem, which is recited after the National Anthem. Why should government allow this?

    What the government is just trying to do is to create awareness and raise the consciousness of the people to arise and join in the building of the state. It is making State of Osun part and parcel of the developmental efforts. The government wants the people to believe in themselves and have a sense of belonging in their state and I think that is very important. I am not going to be hypocritical. When I came in as the commissioner in the state, it took a while to know the anthem and now it is part of me. I understand where the governor is coming from. Usually, when we have events, we start with the National Anthem and immediately we have it, we now recite the state anthem. I must say that every time we say the National Anthem, they actually respect it and stand still as it runs its course, but very few people recite the words. In other word, the National Anthem is there, but they don’t really understand the message. But immediately the Omoluabi Anthem comes up, you could see the difference; both educated and illiterates who sell pepper and palm wine in the market join in reciting it. They are filled with pride that they are part of Osun and love the clarion call to build the state. What the people have shown is that they identified withthe culture and in other words, it raises their enthusiasm and kindred spirits. Again, the governor has not said the anthem is competing with the National Anthem. The National Anthem always comes first, but what I have noticed is that very few people recite the words.

    How far has the administration gone in the implementation of its rural development programmes?

    What is government? It is for the people by the people and for the people and my governor is fully aware of that. He is happy when they surround him. He believes that power belongs to the people and he is quite aware that when you have the people, you don’t have problem. He wants them to be part of the progressive march and would do all that is necessary to assuage their problems. The governor wants to know what they are doing, what they want and what they want to achieve. And that is what the Aregbesola Administration is all about. He has set the goals and wants to know at every point in time whether the people are being carried along. He wants to ensure that no constraints hinder them from getting what they are supposed to have.

    Can ACN government sustain its tempo of achievements in the State of Osun in the coming years?

    We already have a template for that. Look at Lagos State. ACN has been in control of Lagos State since 1999 and now we are in 2013 and it is waxing stronger. The people in Lagos and Osun states have been good governance and they are very happy. In Osun, government is caring for all segments of society; the youth, elderly, culture, sports, health. Government believes in the infrastructural development and what ever political action that is needed to back them up would not be infringed upon. We are trying to bring government back to the people; we are trying to answer the yearnings of the people. In Osun, we are giving the people the things that would add value to their lives; we are bringing succour to families that have been denied opportunities to good life. And I can assure you that another mandate will be given to us in the State of Osun. The people love the governor.

     

     

     

     

     

     

     

  • Aregbesola’s new chieftaincy title

    Aregbesola’s new chieftaincy title

    When next you are chanced to meet Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun State, please don’t forget to congratulate him on the conferment of the title of ‘Omoluabi of Oodualand’ on him.

    The governor got this latest honour when former Attorney-General and Minister of Justice, Bola Ajibola, took time out to commend him for giving preference to capital expenditure in the 2012 and 2013 budgets.

    Ajibola did not act alone when he crowned Aregbesola as the Omoluabi. He was ably supported by ex-Governor of the old Oyo State, Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, who said it was not an accident that the governor is performing well.

    The two statesmen also said for his efforts so far on the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and his struggle to make agriculture the biggest industry in the Southwest, Aregbesola deserves the new title. Well, this is to congratulate the Ogbeni in advance, while awaiting invitation to the conferment ceremony.