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Tag: Osun Assembly

  • Osun Assembly lauds Osun, Oyo governors over LAUTECH

    Osun Assembly lauds Osun, Oyo governors over LAUTECH

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his Oyo State counterpart Governor Abiola Ajimobi have been hailed for amicably resolving the controversy over the ownership and management of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

    The commendation came from the Osun State House of Assembly through a statement by its Committee Chairman on Information & Strategy Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.

    The statement described the gesture of the two leaders as a demonstration that they live up to the demand of their offices.

    The statement reads: “The assembly noted that conflicts cannot be ruled out in any human settings even among siblings but allowing conflict to degenerate to crisis was a responsibility that leadership must exercise. This resolution would make the institution to be stronger and meet up with the aspiration of its founding fathers.

    “The resolution and the re-affirmation of the joint ownership of the institution by the two states have vindicated that path of peace, dialogue and tolerance was the way to go rather than any party fanning the ember of discord and violence.

    “We have always said that Oyo and Osun are creation of law and the constitution and would not do anything that would contravene the same constitution over the joint ownership of LAUTECH.

    “LAUTECH is also created by law and unless that law is jointly amended by the two states, none of the two states can arrogate to herself the sole ownership of the institution.

    “Those fanning the ember of discord needed to be educated on this and desist from causing disharmony between the two states and their people over the institution.

    “It was a privilege that the institution is located in Ogbomosho, Oyo State and that privilege must be properly explored by the hosting community for economic development.”

    The Assembly urged the two owner-governments to design ways of making the institution to be self-sustaining like other universities.

    It said: “By making such design, it would relief the two states, the burden of using their scarce revenue to finance the institution on monthly basis, rather than making it a revenue-generating institution on its own.

     

  • Olojo festival: Osun Assembly advocates culture preservation

    Olojo festival: Osun Assembly advocates culture preservation

    •Lawmakers urge Aregbesola to banish poverty

    OSUN State House of Assembly, led by its Speaker Najeem Salaam, has advocated the preservation and development of historical and cultural heritage of the Yorubas.

    The assembly, which described the measures as a  potent ways out of economic dilemma facing the country, made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, to congratulate the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the people of Ile-Ife on the celebration of 2016 annual traditional Olojo festival.

    It said there were a lot of potentials hidden in the cultural heritage of Yorubas that could be annexed and developed to drive as well as unleash economic growth.

    The assembly regretted that the heavy reliance on oil had deprived the country from concentrating on other sector such as tourism.

    Congratulating Oba Ogunwusi and the people of Ile-Ife for the Olojo festival celebration, the Assembly urged all stakeholders to support the monarch and the government towards making the festival more attractive.

    The lawmakers have urged the state government to focus more on grassroots in its quest to banish poverty and fast-track accelerated growth.

    They made the call in a statement by Oyintiloye, to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.

    The day for the eradication of poverty has been observed every year since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly through resolution 47/196 of December 22, 1992, designated October 17 to promote eradication of poverty and destitution.

    The lawmakers noted that the greatest challenge of the 21st Century is inequality, a situation, they said, has seen the world fortunes being concentrated in the hands of few individual and communities.

  • Osun Assembly urges Nigerians to rededicate themselves

    Osun Assembly urges Nigerians to rededicate themselves

    Osun State House of Assembly has urged Nigerians to re-dedicate themselves to the cause of nation building.

    In a statement by Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Assembly said: “The nation, more than ever needed to be truthful to herself in the conduct of governance and political leadership to be able to fulfil the vision of the founding fathers.

    “Unless we are brutally truthful, open and sincere, unless we probe our thoughts and our ways, it would be tough to break out of the limitations and circle of under development. ”

    The lawmakers said the challenges faced by the nation were not only at the economic front and that it required that the nation should encourage home-made products.

    “Essential components of patriotism to re-build the nation are for Nigerians to dream Nigeria, live, buy and eat Nigerian products.”

    The statement added: “Loyalty and love for nation must be rebuilt, we must inspire hope in the youths and citizenry at large and necessary sacrifice must be made.

    “As a people, we must endure the needful though decisions that will re-direct the economy and actions that will steer the country out of the wood” the Assembly submitted

    “Appropriate investment must be made in the economy, through infrastructural development, annexed other sources of income.”

     

  • Osun Assembly kicks against varsity’s sole ownership

    Osun State House of Assembly yesterday kicked against the proposed sole ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, by Oyo State.

    The 26-member Assembly said the planned takeover of the jointly owned institution by Oyo State was not possible.

    At a meeting with the university’s workers at the chamber of the Assembly, Chairman of its Education Committee Folorunso Bamisayemi recalled that the Supreme Court ruled on March 22, 2012, that the institution should remain as a joint property of Osun and Oyo states.

    He said the ruling followed a suit by Osun State against Oyo State when the Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala administration attempted a forceful takeover of the institution

    Accusing some elements in Oyo State of encouraging criminality, he faulted denials by Oyo State attorney general of an existing court verdict against the takeover plot.

    He noted that Osun State never played a second fiddle to Oyo State in the management of the institution despite imbalance in the sharing of assets since its creation 26 years ago.

    Bamisayemi denied insinuations that Osun was shirking its responsibility because of the funding of Osun State University, adding that in the last six years, UNISON has been managed with internally generated revenue.

    He said Osun State only defaulted in its subvention to LAUTECH last year, owing to a drop in its revenue.

    The lawmaker warned that Osun’s matured approach in the matter should not be taken as weakness.

  • Osun Assembly to citizens: be hopeful

    Osun Assembly to citizens: be hopeful

    OSUN State House of Assembly, under the leadership of Najeem Sallam, has urged Nigerians to celebrate this year’s Eid-el-Kabir with fervent hope, sense of gratitude to God and prayers for the three-tiers of governments to turn around the economy.

    In its Eid-El-Kabir message, signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Assembly said the economic situation facing the nation required the support of all citizens.

    The Assembly added that great individuals as well as nations have stories of bumpy roads in their journey to greatness.

    It stressed that the resilient and indomitable spirit of Nigerians and sacrifice would pave the way for possibilities.

    Noting that it was understandable that the economic situation has taken toll on virtually every Nigerian, it said the efforts to turn things around should inspire hope and courage in the people.

    According to the statement, it was public knowledge that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration has designed strategies to make Nigeria better than what it was.

    The parliament, which hailed Nigerians, especially the people of  Osun for their perseverance and patience in the face of the economic crunch,  said more patience and sacrifice were required.

    It called on the people to exhibit kindness, generosity and love, especially to the under-privileged as they celebrate the Eid-El-Kabir.

     

     

  • Osun Assembly passes seven bills to law

    Osun Assembly passes seven bills to law

    The Osun State House of Assembly has enacted laws that will improve the lots of the masses, enhance the economy of the state and development of infrastructure.

    The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, gave the above indication in Osogbo, the state capital, while listing the achievements of the House.

    He said seven bills, including the ones that would boost the states revenue and block leakages in the finances of the state among others, have been passed.

    Oyintiloye added that the House has also paid specific attention to oversight functions, especially where it concerns the completion of ongoing projects across the state, in line with the commitment of the state government.

    The Chairman said a total number of seven bills have been passed by the Assembly, while others were at different stages of consideration before the House.

    The bills, he said, are: Public Procurement Bill; Land Use Charge Bill; Primary Healthcare Development Board (Establishment) Bill; Street Trading and Illegal Market (Prohibition) Bill; Micro-credit Agency Bill; Conservation Fund (repeal) Bill; and the 2016 Appropriation Bill.

    According to him, each of bills passed has connection with revenue generation, blockage of loopholes and sustaining transparency in governance.

    It said: “Osun Public Procurement Agency Bill would enhance due process in the bidding and procurement procedure through probity, accountability and transpaprency; just as it will check undue influence and interference in the procurement process.

    “Also, Osun Land Use Charge Bill, is aimed at improving the Internally-Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state through enhanced payment of rate and levies on property to the coffers of the government.

    “Osun Primary Healthcare Development Board (Establishment) Bill, on its part, was targeted at helping to take care of the health needs of the people, in line with the cardinal point of the government’s six-point integral action plan, one of which is “to restore healthy living”, through enhancement of efficient monitoring of healthcare system at the state and local government levels among others.

    “Also, Osun Street Trading and Illegal Market (Prohibition) Bill, would enhance free-flow of traffic and pedestrians; ensure clean and tidy environment; prevent road side traders from falling victims of roadside accident, as well as discourage child abuse.

    “While Osun Micro-credit Agency (Establishment) bill, was aimed at using it as effective tool to liberate people from the bondage of poverty; the Omoluabi Conservation Fund (repeal) bill, was aimed at allowing the government have access to the conserved fund to carry out infrastructural development.

     

    “The 2016 Appropriation Bill, which is the budget, was also passed with focus on the completion of ongoing projects across the state and make it revenue-driven, such that the largest percentage of it has been arranged in a way that it will be financed by IGR.

     

    “In considering this bill, experts and other stakeholders were carried along through public hearing on some of the bill and their inputs were put into consideration before their passage”, he said.

     

    Oyintiloye also stressed that the Assembly has passed several resolutions, which includes amendment of State of Osun Signage, Hoarding, and Advertisement Law; and resolution on the petition by a sitting judge of the State High Court Against the Governor over alleged mismanagement of funds.

     

    Among others, he also said, were the reinstatement of the sacked lecturers in fours state-owner tertiary institutions, and Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

     

    The parliament also noted, there were other interventions made, which include, land dispute between parties; and the issue of demand for compensation by those whose properties were separated due to one development or the other among others.

     

    It also averred that, the 6th Assembly has been able to strengthen its oversight machinery through standing committees, especially to ensure the blockage of loopholes in the revenue of the state, towards increasing its IGR without putting unnecessary burden on the people, and ensure that the ongoing projects across the state are completed.

     

    It specifically mentioned the audit carried out on the management of IGR by the management of the four state-owned tertiary institutions, saying, the audit showed that there were leakages.

     

    The Assembly noted that it has subsequently passed a resolution to automate the payment of all fees in their campuses, which it said, would  block leakages and make the institutions self-sustainable.

     

    It then assured that the 6th Assembly has resolved to improve on its legislative activities and do more of oversight without abandoning the passage of laws that will benefit the people of the state.

     

  • Osun Assembly hails Buhari, Nigerians for loyalty

    Osun Assembly hails Buhari, Nigerians for loyalty

    OSUN State House of Assembly has hailed President Muhammadu Buhari and the citizenry for their commitment to nation-building.

    The assembly said this in statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, to felicitate with Nigerians on Democracy Day celebration.

    The House, which called on Nigerians to renew their commitment to the ideals and tenets of democratic governance, noted that democracy has proved to be a preferred form of government and the one that guarantees their rights, liberty and pursuits of happiness.

    The lawmakers, under the leadership of their Speaker, Najeem Salaam, stated that “though the road to the democratic journey has been bumpy and rough, Nigerians have shown that they have subscribed to the system”.

    The parliamentary noted that 17 years of unbroken democratic governance, which also saw to the opposition taking over from the ruling party, as a remarkable indication of political maturity.

    They urged the citizenry to keep faith in democracy, tasked political actors to inspire confidence and called for the strengthening of democratic institutions.

    The lawmakers noted that with the emergence of Buhari, there has been remarkable improvement in the national image, success against security challenge, especially the War Against Boko Haram, fight against corruption, re-positioning of the nation’s economy among others.

    The statement reminded Nigerians of the political and economic circumstances the nation found itself before the emergence of the President.

    It highlighted that at that time, the nation was suffering from an economic hemorrhage, political alienation by world powers such as United States of America.

    The statement maintains that the President jump-started the economy with a bailout package and exercise political will to initiate tough decisions to steer the economy out of the woods.

    The assembly, while acknowledging the citizenry for their understanding, sacrifice and endurance, assured them of better days ahead.

    It urged the citizenry to remain unshaken in their faith in Buhari-led administration, adding that the federal government’s policies would translate to dividends of democracy.

     

  • Osun Assembly calls for sacrifice

    Osun State House of Assembly under the speakership of Najeem Salaam has urged Nigerians to apply the full lessons of love, sacrifice and redemption brought by Jesus Christ.

    In a statement by the Chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the lawmakers said the period provides Nigerians opportunity to examine themselves and seek the face of God for national prosperity and peaceful co-existence.

    It said: “Easter season is a unique period and a bold reminder for every citizen to go extra mile and sacrifice for the human development and economic emancipation of the country.

    “Easter season is a clarion call and a unique occasion for reflection, prayer and exercise of faith in the resurrection of Jesus, for peace, economic recovery and better future.

    “As we celebrate, we must be hopeful that the tough time the nation is passing through is a phase and with belief, understanding, sacrifice and prayers, there shall be light at the end of the tunnel.”

  • Underfunding, Bane of Legislative Oversight Functions – Osun Assembly

    Osun Assembly has identified poor funding of the legislative arm of government as a major factor militating against effective oversight functions by houses of assembly across Nigeria.

    The lawmakers raised the issues in Ijebu-jesaon Tuesday at the second day of the training workshop for members on legislative practice and procedure.

    Leading the discussion, the Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam said oversight function of the state house of assembly would have been more effective, if the legislative arm have been properly funded and given financial autonomy.

    The speaker noted that inspite the paucity of fund; the Osun Assembly was doing a lot to ensure that the activities of the executive are well monitored and checked.

    The statement said the member representing Ede North constituency, Kamadeen Akanbi regretted that all relevant legislative committees in the Assembly were being underfunded.

    He suggested that in the face of economic reality, a resolution should be passed by the assembly that the parliament should be informed on any release of fund beyond N1 million for the Assembly to be aware and monitor same.

    The lawmaker also regretted that the state houses of Assembly were not being involved in the release of fund they appropriated for.

    Oyintiloye, who represents Obokun constituency, who doubles as the Chairman House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye,  said, if the oversight functions of the legislature are allowed to work effectively, it would reduce corruption and inefficiency, encourage, promote service delivery and enables Nigerians get higher  dividend of democracy.

    According to him, if there is an effective oversight function, it will be easier and quicker to track deviation from project specifications, compromises of rules and abuse in the system.

    “In fact energy and dissipations of the funding of anti-graft agencies would be minimised”

    Also, Honourable Wasiu Adebayo (Olorunda); and Babatunde Olatunji among others, according to the statement, said, the oversight functions could only be more effective if fund are made available.

    In his lecture titled “Deepening Legislative Oversight for Social Peace and Democratic Consolidation”, Dr Benjamin Aluko of the University of Ibadan, reportedly said, it has come to a point that legislative arm of government should begin to look for bodies that could give grant to fund legislative oversight functions.

    In seeking the grant, he said the parliament must show seriousness and courage to effectively perform these functions to serve the purpose of their representation.

    According to him, rather than relying on information provided by MDAs, the legislature must establish chart its course, networks and use its independent machinery to get the desire result.

    He also suggested that legislative committees of the house should engage the services of consultants and academia for the provision of technical support required to make law to promote social peace and economic progress.

     

  • Osun Assembly passes Land Use bill

    Osun Assembly passes Land Use bill

    Osun State House of Assembly yesterday passed into law the State Land Use Charge Bill 2016.

    The Chairman,  Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said the passage of the bill followed a motion by the House Leader, Timothy Owoeye.

    The bill, sponsored by the executive, sought provision for the Consolidation of all Property and Land Based Rates Law, the Neighbourhood improvement Charge Law and Tenement Rate Law into a new Land Based Charge, to be called Property Land Use Charge to make provision for the levying and collection of the charges and for connected purposes.

    The Assembly had on November 3, last year, held a public hearing on the bill, where professional bodies and other stakeholders lauded the bill.

    Speaker Najeem Salaam said the passage of the bill was delayed to ensure that affordable rates are arrived at.

    The Speaker said the present economic situation requires that every property owner must contribute to support the government.