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Tag: AREGBESOLA

  • Buhari: Task of nation building continues, says Aregbesola

    Former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday said the victory of President Muhammadu Buhari at last Saturday’s presidential election marked the beginning of a new zeal at rebuilding Nigeria.

    Aregbesola, through his twitter handle, said that the end of the election should alert Nigerians to the need for a new resolve to continue to build Nigeria to take it to the Promised Land.

    While congratulating Nigerians and President Buhari, Aregbesola said: “Nigeria has once again demonstrated to the world that its democracy is well and alive.

    Read also: Atiku rejects Buhari’s victory, heads for court

    “We are a thriving democracy,” the former Governor stated. Congratulations to President Muhammadu Buhari and by extension, all members of the All Progressives Congress on this victory. Next Level Confirmed!

    “Elections have come and gone, we must now focus on the task of nation-building. I appeal to all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with the Buhari-led Federal Government in ensuring that our dear country takes its rightful place in the comity of nations.”

  • Aregbesola: no urbanisation without market

    Immediate past Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said urbanisation cannot be achieved without a market.

    He described market as the first factor to consider when developing an urban settlement.

    He spoke at the inauguration of the Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola Mall, aka Oranmiyan Market, on Ipaja Road, Lagos, at the weekend.

    It was built by Mosan-Okunola Local Council Development Area (LCDA) and named in honour of Aregbesola.

    Aregbesola sang, danced and cracked jokes with All Progressives Congress (APC),  market leaders and youths at the ceremony.

    He described the honour as surprising.

    “I usually go out at midnight to see things in Lagos. One night, I passed through this road (Ipaja Road) and this edifice, while under construction, caught my attention. I told my driver to park. I alighted and looked around. The structure impressed me. I told the people who accompanied me that the contractor and the developer did a wonderful job. Then, I didn’t know that the market would be used to honour me. I thanked the council chairman for taking the decision. Of the three markets named after me, I must confess, this is the biggest and most conspicuous. Princess Olabisi Adebajo aka ABISCO, Mosan-Okunola LCDA chairman, you have done well,” Aregbesola said.

    “Market has been a key factor in Yorubaland. Farmers return in the evening from the farm to sell their goods at the market. That was why market in the olden days was carried out at night (Oja Ale). Market improves the living standard of the people and brings development to the community. It is the soul of every community; a centre of commerce and economy,” he said.

    Princess Adebajo said the market was in fulfilment of her promise of good governance.

    She said: “We promised that our government would work for all, no matter your race, creed or gender. We remain committed to this promise and it necessitated the spread of developmental projects to the nooks and crannies of the council.

    “We have worked to deliver projects that will impact on the lives of residents. This mall is a fulfilment of one of the recommendations of the stakeholders’ forum held at the beginning of this administration.”

  • Oyetola, Aregbesola to varsities: build character

    Osun State Governo?r Gboyega Oyetola and his predecessor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have urged Nigerian universities to promote character and create values in the society.

    They also emphasized the need to prioritise the fundamental objective of providing solutions to societal problems by championing productivity.

    They urged graduates to do away with the mentality of seeking for white cola jobs, but rather applying the skills acquired in the course of their studies to be self-sustaining, self-reliant and self-independent.

    They spoke in Osogbo at the eighth Convocation Ceremony of Fountain University.

    Aregbesola was awarded the honouray Doctorate degree.

    Oyetola who described university as citadel of knowledge and character acquisition, called on Nigerian universities to ensure teaching and learning of character

    He said the worth of any certificate is premised on the character of the owner of such certificate, hence the need for the universities to be the bulwarks of morality, character and virtues.

    “Make the university proud by being her good ambassadors, don’t be in a hurry to make money, see your certificate as requisite to change the world.

    “You must begin to multiply yourselves by applying the skills you acquired in the course of your studies for greater productivity.

    “You should be employers of labour not job seekers, you must reflect all the good things you learned out there by letting the university be proud of you; and be a good ambassador of the institution whenever you find yourselves”, Oyetola added.

    After being conferred with a Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa), Aregbesola urged the graduates to imbibe hardwork, productivity and character.

    He called on the graduating students to apply and turn the knowledge acquired in their various fields to cushion myriads of challenges confronting the country.

  • Oyetola, Aregbesola, others usher in 2019 with fireworks, funfair

    Osogbo, the Osun State capital, entered the New Year with fireworks and funfair.

    Governor Gboyega Oyetola, his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola and Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, witnessed the crossover night ceremony, which attracted a big crowd.

    Also there were the state chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Gboyega Famodun and the party’s Osun Central senatorial candidate, Dr Bashir Ajibola, and top government functionaries.

    The programme, tagged: “Osun Countdown to 2019 continuity edition,” held at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in the state capital.

    Oyetola congratulated Nigerians, particularly residents of the state, for witnessing the New Year.

    Read also: Oyetola’s wife presents gift to Osun first baby of 2019

    He expressed gratitude to the people for electing him in the last election in the state.

    The governor, who described 2019 as the “Year of Hope and Abundance”, said his administration would bring development to the people in all the strata of the economy.

    Oyetola assured the people that hope, abundance and prosperity would be witnessed in the year and beyond.

    He said: “We will not relent in our efforts at taking Osun to the next level of socio-economic development.”

    Aregbesola hailed the people for voting and supporting the continuity bid initiated by his administration.

    He expressed appreciation to the residents for supporting the Oyetola administration.

    The former governor expressed confidence in the ability of the new government to take Osun to greater heights.

     

  • Obasanjo, Saraki, Sambo, Aregbesola, El-Rufa’i, others condole with Shagari’s family

    MORE eminent Nigerians  yesterday  condoled with the family of late ex-President Shehu Shagari.

    They include former President Olusegun Obasanjo, Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki,  ex-Vice President Namadi Sambo, former Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Borno State Governor Kashim Shettima and Kaduna State Governor Nasiru el-Rufa’i have

    They described him as an epitome of personal integrity, commitment, forbearance, forgiveness and faith in God.

    Obasanjo, Saraki, Sambo, el-Rufa’i and Shettima spoke in their condolence remarks at the residence of the late Shagari.

    Aregbesola expressed his condolences in a statement by his spokesman Mr. Sola Fasure.

    Obasanjo was led to the Sama Road, Sokoto family house of the late Second Republic President by Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal after arriving through the Sadiq Abubakar III International Airport, Sokoto at about 9a.m.

    The former president, who was received by Shagari’s eldest son, Muhammadu Bala Shagari, said the late elder statesman was a man of simplicity, faith in God and commitment to the fatherland.

    Obasanjo, while noting his days in service and closeness to the late Shagari when they were both Federal Commissioners of Works and Finance in Gen. Yakubu Gowon’s cabinet, said the late Shagari was an honest, transparent and committed Nigerian.

    Obasanjo recalled how the late Shagari expressed surprise when the mantle of leadership was handed to him in 1979 by a military head of state, who happened to be himself.

    The junior Shagari thanked the former President for the condolence visit and appreciated his closeness to late Shagari.

    He noted that Obasanjo was the man, who assisted their late father to have a house of his own in Abuja.

    “Sir, I must say that of our family members of nine children to late Shagari, none of us, if not of recent that two have such property in Abuja. We are living his life style too.”

    He ushered the former President in to condole with the widows.

    Saraki has said Nigerians should learn from the sense of humour, wisdom and patriotism of late former President Shehu Shagari.

    According to Saraki, he was a true and reliable democrat. If we hold on to that, our democracy will be more strong and promising. He stood for the development of Nigeria as a nation.

    Saraki who visited the family of the former President  yesterday afternoon whom he regarded a father and close associate of his late father, described the death as a great loss to Nigeria.

    He said Shagari lived a worthy and trusted life for the development of the country.

    “He lived a humble life to the fullest with exemplary sense of commitment and dedication to service”, he pointed out.”

    Saraki was in company of the PDP National Chairman, Uche Secondus, Sen. Sani Yariman Bakura, Alhaji Tanimu Turaki, Ataahiru Dalhatu Bafarawa among others led by Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal.

    Aregbesola said yesterday that he received with much sadness the news of the passage of the first democratically elected president.

    The former Osun State governor said he, however, accepted the news of Shagari’s exit with total submission to the will of Allah, describing it as an irreparable loss to the country.

    He described the former President as a complete gentleman and a devout Muslim through his life.

    He said the deceased could hardly hurt a fly, but found himself among political hawks during his tenure as President.

    Aregbesola noted that the late Shagari was a compassionate person, a patriot, believer in project Nigeria and its unity, which was evident in the slogan of his party – One Nation, One Destiny, One Country.

    Aregbesola noted that Shagari’s demise closed the chapter of the vibrant and colourful presidential gladiators of the Second Republic democratic experience.

    Sambo urged Nigerians to emulate the worthy legacies and principles of the deceased, whom he described as a father.

    Praying for the deceased, Sambo urged other Nigerians to emulate Shagari.

    Also, el-Rufa’i described the late former president as a symbol of respect and humility.

    “We heard a lot about him in our youthful days as students in Barewa College, Zaria on his good leadership virtues,” he said.

    Welcoming them, Shagari’s son expressed gratitude to Allah for the remarks on his late father, whom he described as an uncommon symbol of good relations across the country.

    To Shettima, the late Shagari was a shining example for his unequalled democratic legacies as a unifying factor for Nigeria’s prosperity.

    According to him, “he would be remembered for his humility, selfless service and good governance as a true democrat.”

    More sympathisers also visited and registered their condolences to the family.

  • Aregbesola: Exiting Osun in blaze of glory 

    Just yesterday, Aregbesola became the former Governor  State of Osun. His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola completed his eventful and impactful two terms in office. He left office before November 27th in a blaze of glory and glowing legacies that would be hard to match though we pray that his successor in office would be able to perform as much as he did.

    It is one thing to have left indelible marks on the governance plane of a state but it is another thing to have laid foundational structures that would grow the economy of the state in the near future setting the state on the path to accelerated development. The difference is that where a governor may have delivered on some acceptable projects, these projects may not serve as drivers to future growth. However, some projects are so critical and fundamental that once achieved, the development of such a state becomes a matter of time.

    This is what Governor Aregbesola has done in the State of Osun. He has sown seeds and planted trees which form the foundation for the future development of the state. That is why we describe his legacies as glowing. They shine the light and serve as beacon to any other incoming administration to follow towards the development of the state. His development markers litter the state and form a trajectory that is unmistakably progressive.

    He spent the first four years in his eight years of assiduous and diligent work crafting the master plan necessary for building a great future for the state and its citizenry. This was having realised the infrastructural deficits that was bequeathed to him by the previous administration.

    When we realise that the fundamental philosophy which drove him into governance was his burning desire to put into practice the fine traditions and ethos of leftist ideology which is anchored on building governance that is anchored basically on the needs, desires and aspirations of the people. His passion for the people drove him into governance and his believe in the capacity of the people to catalyse development when empowered forced him into most of the laudable projects that he embarked upon.

    Upon assuming power, he felt the importance of rebuilding the dilapidated structures that was the lot of the state at that particular point in time. Poor road networks, poor health facilities and much more Educational facilities that were rather oozing sores that littered the state.

    Osun was turned into a frenzy of construction work. Thousands of kilometres of roads were either reconstructed or freshly built with bridges and Flyovers that added huge aesthetic values to the states skyline and ambience. New Hospitals were built while old ones were renovated. Hospital equipment and personnel were procured and health service for the citizenry was delivered with panache. It was such that citizens of neighbouring states began to patronise Osun state hospitals as the state’s health facilities were better than you can get within the environment.

    Schools were built with standard facilities matching what is obtainable in any other state in the federation. Equity devoid of discrimination on any grounds at all became the watchword in the educational sector. Free and compulsory education was reintroduced while pupils were provided with kits and school uniforms free of charge.

    That was impactful. To further drive his vision for education, he came up with the Opon Imo which was eventually adopted by WAEC as one of its major tools in delivering its syllabus to Nigerian students. This was innovative and a landmark achievement as many states replicated it being the first of its kind in the history of our nation’s education. Opon Imo was a testimony of the Aregbe’s belief in the capacity of man to foster development if properly empowered.

    Some of us that have followed the achievement of this great son of Osun state believes that his heavy investment in the development of the people would begin to yield very fruitful results in the near future. Osun has consistently produced well rounded students as a result of his efforts and the state will surely be better for it in the near future.

    Steadily under his leadership, Osun state has left the rank of the least industrialised states in Nigeria. He has consciously pursued the setting up of cottage industries in partnership with low income earners which are all in line with sowing seeds that would build a better tomorrow. He did not therefore stop at raising the right kind of citizens but went beyond that to lay the foundation in second tenure for the emergence of the workshops, factories and places of work for the growing number of empowered school leavers that are graduating from the now more galvanised state educational institutions.

    We watched his turbulent second tenure as political opponents and enemies of the state ganged up to put negative pressures on his administration’s pursuit of a better and greater state of Osun . The political jobbers who were used to eating the people of Osun and whom Aregbe’s tenure ended their inglorious activities expectedly resisted the change that he had come to represent and all manners of obstacles were put on his path.

    However, as a committed comrade and people’s soldier, he remained stoical, unbending and unrelenting until he was able to finally break their back and deliver today the light that is presently shining brighter and brighter in the land of Osun state.

    Has state of Osun changed for the better in the last eight years? The answer is of course yes. Is Osun’s future brighter than before? The answer is yes.

    We were in a hurry to say yes to the questions because for anybody that knew the state before 2010, Osun of 2018 has become greatly transformed. If you left Osogbo in the last ten years and you visit now, you will need an escort. You will thoroughly need the services of a guide to lead you around the state given the numerous new landmarks that Aregbesola has constructed in the state. He has changed both the structure, texture and essence of state of Osun.

    The foundation for a buoyant future has been laid and the new governor in waiting would not have difficulty in nurturing the seeds that have been planted. He will not have any difficulties building on the foundations that have been laid. Aregbesola has indeed laid a very good foundation for a greater Osun just like his fellow compatriot; Jagaban Borgu; Bola Ahmed Tinubu did in Lagos state – the fruits of which all of us in Lagos have been reaping since his exit from the government house.

    As Aregbesola exits the Governor’s lodge in state of osun , we are confident that the fruits will come in greater sizes and just as Lagosians today sing the praises of the Architect of Lagos renaissance so shall they remember the works of the master builder of modern state of Osun . Aregbesola will always be fondly remembered in Osun for his works are indeed glowing legacies.

    We in the progressive camp especially of the left are truly proud of his consistency and commitment to our ideals both as a cadre and a public servant . He has served gloriously and meritoriously. He has rode storms just like the eagle and he has touched lives and changed them for the better in state of osun state.

    The need to celebrate our heroes has become urgent especially when they are scarce these days. The saying that if you applaud a man for his good deeds, he will be encouraged to do more is apt. We are not only applauding this Governor so that he will do more in Nigeria but so that others will see the reward for diligence and effective service to the nation. Our decision to appreciate His Excellency is therefore a civic responsibility on our part to motivate other public officers to put in their best in the service of our fatherland.

    In Osun state, Aregbesola came, saw, conquered and changed lives. Nigeria of today needs his capable and steady hands. His strength and vision is required to drive Nigeria that is still struggle with certain primordial vestiges and shards of underdevelopment. The people of Osun should gracefully hand him over to Nigeria as a gift for a successful rejuvenation and transformation of our nation’s governance.

    Our prayer is that he should not see his bowing out from the government house as a reason to withdraw from contributing to the nation’s governance processes. He should rather see it as a call for new and fresh beginnings. It is the sound of the beagle to take his service and his experience higher so that the whole of the country can feel his hands of leadership.

    As Nigerians gather on Tuesday, the 27th day of November to mark the transition in Osun from His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to the new governor; Isiaka Oyetola, we urge other leaders to emulate the giant strides which Aregbesola made in the state and replicate them in their respective states. The incoming administration has inherited a glowing legacy and we know that he will keep the torch handed over to him glowing even more and more. It is important that remains focused on the markers that have been laid and by all means aspire to excel beyond what the departing Governor has achieved. Lofty heights shall be attained. We are sure that Governor Aregbe’s prayer will be that a Governor Oyetola does better than himself.

    We salute Governor Aregbesola and doff our hats for the great works he has done for his people and for the standard he has set for governance in Nigeria. He has demonstrated leadership in both character and judgment in Nigeria and we believe that this would provide a sound model for governance effectiveness in Nigeria – investing in the people! Aregbe’s hallmark! Aregbe’s legacy even as he leaves in blaze of glory!

    • Jimoh is Deputy Majority Leader of Lagos State House of Assembly

  • Group wants national assignment for Aregbesola

    The Yoruba self-determination group, the Coalition of Oodua Self-determination Group (COSEG), has called on the Federal Government to give a national assignment to the former Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, an engineer turned-politician, having performed creditably as the governor of the state for eight years.

    In a tribute to mark the end the tenure of the governor in Osogbo titled ‘Architect Of Modern Osun Bows Out,’the group described  Aregbesola as a consistent, reliable, dependable and proactive leader who turned around the fortunes of Osun.

    According to the COSEG “having displayed high capability,uncommon courage,selflessness and rare commitment to Yoruba interest, we, hereby, recommend you, Aregbesola, for a greater national assignment. This, we shall stand on because truly you are a symbol of good governance, as your admirers do call you. As you are leaving the state as governor with your head high, we wish to inform you that the Yoruba nation will desire your exceptional service in the future because of the trust we have in you”.

    The COSEG commended Aregbesola for the good work he executed, while holding the office of the governor, a feat none of his predecessors has performed. The group mentioned specifically the setting up several intervention agencies like the O Yes, O Meal and so on that actually empowered the youths in the state, thus reducing unemployment in the state.

    The group mentioned roads he constructed which opened the state to development, especially the capital, Osogbo.

    “Your excellency, when we reflect on what you have achieved in Osun, we can say without any iota of contradiction and with a sincere sense of judgement that you have made giant strides to make Osun a better place to live,” the group said.

  • 50th Asoju Oba Cup: Fayele, Aregbesola claim mixed doubles title

    The partnership between David Fayele and Nimota Aregbesola claimed the first title at the 50th Asoju Oba Molade Okoya-Thomas Table Tennis Cup after emerging winners yesterday in the mixed doubles event.

    With precision and a good understanding of each other, Fayele and Aregbesola proved bookmakers wrong with a convincing 3-0 (11-5, 11-3, 11-9) win over the duo of Olajide Omotayo and Tolu Durosimi-Etti to lift the trophy this year.

    A delighted Fayele believes the win would inspire him for the men’s singles title. “I feel so delighted winning this title with my partner. It was not really easy playing with our opponent but all the same, I thank God for this great achievement,” said Fayele.

    Also, the youngsters participating in the championship believe the tournament would fire them up to fulfil their dreams and aspirations. The players specifically of Indian Language School (ILS) besieged the Molade Okoya-Thomas Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium with the hope of sharing from the mouth-watering prize at stake this year.

    An excited Reyna Kurian of ILS said “I feel so great competing for the second time in this tournament and I thank the sponsors of this great event for putting this together. I always get inspired by my coach who has been the one training me in my school for seven years now, he has always been my role model in the game of table tennis. I was born in Lagos and I am currently living in Lagos.”

    The Indian aspiring players like 13-year-old Parthiba Sinha said “I feel so good coming to participate in the tournament and also been the third time competing at the Asoju Oba championship. I hope to get a price this time around because I have always lost all my games in this competition”

    “I have been playing this tournament for three years now and I am so delighted even though I always get scared when playing. I have lived in Lagos for eight years now which I am still in the city, I am looking forward to winning some matches though I am playing for fun,” 12-year-old Ronak Iyei said.

    13-year-old Yak Sharan added “I always feel nervous when playing which I am trying to overcome, I have participated four times in this championship, and I live in Lagos because my dad works in Lagos. I feel good winning my first match despite I was scared.”

  • Osogbo, Iragbiji agog as Oyetola receives baton from Aregbesola

    ABC of his consolidation plan

    It was a smooth transition in Osogbo yesterday as Governor Gboyega Oyetola took over its rein of government from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Southwest Bureau Chief BISI OLADELE captures the thrills of the colourful ceremony.

    Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was agog yesterday as Governor Gboyega Oyetola, mounted the saddle in the State in Pageantry. His birth place, Iragbiji, also came alive as his kith and kin devoted the day to celebrating their own who is the first indigene to become governor.

    The expansive Osogbo Township Stadium, venue of the inauguration, was filled to capacity. Crowds of who-is-who in the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftains in  the Southwest, traditional rulers, civil servants, market men and women, artisans, students, security personnel, corps members, itinerary drummers and ordinary folks  flocked the stadium to witness history.

    Also present were the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and his Iragbiji counterpart, Oba Rasheed Olabomi who led other monarchs to the ceremony.

    Oyetola takes over from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the first governor to spend two terms in office since the creation of the state in 1991.

    A former governor of the state and APC leader Chief Bisi Akande, was also at the event. He was in the entourage of APC Stalwart, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.

    Donning a white agbada and a purple cap to match, Oyetola was ushered in at 11:28 am. He arrived with his wife. They were accompanied by the Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi and his wife Titilayo. On the entourage was also the Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole and Oyetola’s and Alabi’s children.

    Tinubu arrived the stadium at 11:49 am to a rousing welcome by the crowd. He decked a grey agbada and a green cap to match. He sat beside his wife, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who arrived earlier. Governors  Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Oluwarotimi (Ondo) Akeredolu; Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Lagos Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos); Abdulahi Ganduje(Kano); and  Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) arrived in succession. Their Kastina counterpart Aminu Masari was represented by his commissioners.

    President Muhammadu Buhari was represented by the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha.

    Oyetola and Alabi were to preserve, protect and defend the constitution.

    Tinubu in his goodwill message,showered encomiums on Aregbesola for developing state during his tenure. He described the handing over to Oyetola  as ‘no mean achievement.’

    The former Lagos State governor praised Aregbesolafor staying on the right path and walking the talk for the people’s benefit.

    It is time to create jobs for our youths. We will upgrade our vocational technical institutions to make them more vibrant with the demands of a technology-driven, fast-paced world. We will in partnership with the private sector, establish light manufacturing industries in the major sectors of the economy to create at least 30,000 jobs.” He said.

    He also pledged to run a people-friendly government “which focuses on growth, creation of jobs, social protection Timi, inclusive governance and sustainable upgrade in the standard of living of our people.”

    Under Oyetola, start-ups will get financial support and incentives. The governor also promised to promote Information and Communication Technology (ICT)-driven businesses.

    Ace Fuji musician, Wasiu Ayinde (aka KWAM 1) was on the band stand thrilling the crowd.

    There were groups and associations including those of auto technicians, hair dressers, panel beaters, painters and tailors.

    In Iragbiji, the town were in celebration of its own. The Aragbiji held a special reception for his colleagues in his palace.

    Oyetola’s family entertained guests at St Peter’s Primary School, Iragbiji.

    The palace was agog as a live musical band entertained the royalty, clerics and traditional chiefs.

    The APC held a reception for members and supporters at Oke-Iragbiji High School while artisans and tradesmen held theirs at the NUD Primary School. Oyetola’s maternal family chose the Police Clinic as the venue of its special reception. They all wore ankara uniform for the ceremony.

    In an exclusive interview with The Nation, Oba Olabomi said yesterday was remarkable in the history of the town.

    He said: “I give glory to almighty God for today November 27 2018. Today marks a very huge and remarkable period in the history of Iragbiji. I mounted the seat of my forefathers on May  22, 2008, and since then there has been development – human capital development of immense magnitude. But this one is so special because for a prominent son of Iragbiji to be elected and to be sworn in today makes today very unique in my life and the life of this community.

    “The emergence of Gboyega Otedola makes me very happy and the election made me very happy. And today, I am very happy because it is  a combination of successes that have been recorded over time since his emergence.

    Read also: Tinubu hails Aregbesola

    “I give glory to God almighty, it is a very huge success. My prayer is that Gboyega Oyetola will perform very creditably well and will make all of us proud. He would spend his first four years, he will record success, he will be re-elected as the governor of Osun. Indirectly, am saying that he will spend eight years and he will do wonders.

    “People will marvel at the way I am always positive. I am an incurable positivist when it comes to Gboyega Oyetola and I’m sure that they will rule and lead successfully for solid eight years and by the time he will be  completing his two terms, he would have taken Osun almost near or at par with Lagos State in terms of resources.”

    Oba Olabomi said his subjects were not celebrating Oyetola because of what they may benefit from him but for the honour his election has brought to Iragbiji

    His words: “First, I know that Oyetola is not the governor of Iragbiji, he is the governor of the state.There is a  proverb  in Yoruba land that says “Iyi ju owo lo” which translates as honour is greater than wealth. It is the  honour that the people of Iragbiji feel happy about and not the wealth but to say that Iragbiji has produced the governor of the state. It’s a big plus for us and we are all happy.

    At the ceremony were former Ogun State governor, Chief Segun Osoba; former Ekiti State governor Chief Niyi Adebayo; Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, Mr Seye Oyeleye and Gen. Alani Akinrinade (rtd).

    Traditional rulers include the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbsulRasheed Akanbi; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; Oninisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Fasikun; Oba Ile-Oluji, Dr Oluwole Adetimehin and his queen Tokunbo; Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Oniresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Ibiloye and Oloyere of Oyere, Oba Adeoye Adefarakan.  The Oba of Lagos, Rilwan Akiolu, was represented by five white cap chiefs.

    Deputy Inspector General of Police Agboola Oshodi-Glover; Senator Mudasiru Hussein;  Odu’a conglomerate Chairman Sola Akinwumi; Christian and Muslim clerics, former Minister of Water Resources, Isola Awotorebo; Otunba Rotimi Obeisun; Chief Ayo Fasanmi and Senator Musliu Obanikoro.

    Osun State House of Assembly, Najeem Salam; Deputy Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker Wasiu Eshinlokun; Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Sen. Sola Adeyeye; Chief Kemi Nelson; former Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Adejare Bello; House of Representative member. James Faleke and Justice S. Adeoye were also there.

     

     

     

  • Tinubu hails Aregbesola

    National leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has commended the immediate past governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for his performance while in office.

    Speaking after the inauguration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Tinubu said Aregbesola successfully ran the affairs of the state as a progressive based on welfare programmes.

    “This is no mean achievement. You walked the path, talked the talk and did the job,” Tinubu noted.