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Tag: Osun State

  • Agrictech set to empower farmers in Nigeria

    No doubt, Agriculture has become a key area of focus for investors globally as it networks with local farmers and cooperatives to provide commodities for the country and international market swells daily.

    This is considered to be a great investment because Nigeria has large expanses of fertile farmlands, particularly with the population of over two hundred million people that depends on staple foods produced from farms for daily meals.

    The recent introduction of Agritech program for farmers is an added value to the Agriculture business in the country.

    Agritech Nigeria Program is expected to create job opportunities for Nigerians while at the same provide a range of tools to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers (agriculture plus technology).

    CEO of Agritech group Nigeria, Kwende William said that “the solution to the world food and energy crisis is to build farmers’ capacities to implement sustainable and efficient agricultural practices”.

    It is a reality that Nigeria will soon attain its full capacity in the utilization of agriculture, and farming will become her great foreign currency earner more than oil.

    Read Also: USAID’s project targets 5m farmers

    This reality has made the organizations rise to encourage people to go into agriculture and increase agricultural productivity with technology.

    Recently, the Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola bought into this idea so much that Osun state joined forces with the Federal Government to organize the International Agro-Technology Exibition and Conference.

    Poverty amongst small-scale farmers is accountable to problems of low use of mechanization, poor agricultural extension systems, poor road networks, inadequate market information, and lack of access to credit and quality inputs such as fertilizer and seed. And solutions are proffered to these problems in the Agritech Nigeria Program.

    As Nigeria has found this to be the solution the absolute dependence on oil, improvement on her natural resources and the eradication of hunger, she should build on it like a life line.

  • Agritech programme will create job opportunities – Aregbesola

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has promised to stem the migration of youths to overseas countries in search of jobs by creating employment opportunities via the Agritech Nigeria Programme.

    The governor expressed the commitment on Thursday night in Abuja at a sensitization dinner organised for diplomats and captains of industry on the Agritech Nigeria Programme.

    Aregbesola, who was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, said that as part of the Agritech Nigeria Programme, the Federal Government and the Osun Government were organizing the International Agro-Technology Exhibition and Conference.

    He added that the exhibition and conference had “Transformation of Nigerian Agriculture through Sustainable Technological Innovation’’ as its theme.

    He said that the event, which would hold in March 2019, would create employment opportunities for the youth and, in essence, stem the desire of youths to travel abroad “in search of greener pastures.

    “Agritech Nigeria is coming at a period when the Federal Government is diversifying the nation’s economy from reliance on petroleum resources to agriculture, as part of the economic recovery and growth plans of President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ he said.

    Aregbesola said that agriculture had been globally recognized as a tool for economic transformation, adding that his administration believed that sustained agricultural production with modern technology would facilitate efforts to stabilize and improve the national economy.

    The governor said that over 200,000 participants from different countries across the world, drawn from the full spectrum of agriculture, were expected to attend the event.

    Aregbesola said that the number of prospective investors in various value chains of agri-business expected at the event would attract foreign capital into Nigeria and help create job opportunities for unemployed youths in the country.

    He added that the programme would strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy with agriculture as the cornerstone.

    He noted that Nigeria, which had the largest population in Africa and the largest market economy on the continent, was blessed with many resources which foreign investors had yet to exploit.

    Read Also: Baba Sala: ‘We’ve lost another icon – Aregbesola

    Besides, the governor noted that more than 45 million Nigerians were engaged in farming, adding that the farmers were, nonetheless, in need of modern technologies and innovations to boost their productivity.

    Aregbesola solicited the participation of embassies and high commissions in Nigeria in the forthcoming event, adding that they ought to have pavilions at the exhibition venue to showcase their countries’ agricultural technologies and allied products at the Agritech Nigeria Osun 2019.

    “We are also calling on international and local financial institutions to support and sponsor youth empowerment programmes during the event.

    “Agritech Nigeria Osun 2018 is an international conference and exhibition that offers a meeting place for manufacturers, researchers, investors, academics, purchasers and decision makers, representing both local and international interests,’’ he said.

    Speaking, Ambassador Fahad Al Taffaq, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, noted that Nigeria had a lot of opportunities to benefit from the experience and expertise of his country, particularly in the area of agriculture.

    He pledged that UAE was ready to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in science-based agricultural development and other areas, to boost agricultural production.

    He commended the Osun Government for the initiative which, he noted, would facilitate efforts to enhance the socio-economic development of Nigeria and its citizens.

    NAN

  • Court to hear suit against Oyetola on October 24

    Judge agrees to a summary hearing

    A Federal High Court in Abuja has fixed October 24 for the hearing of a suit filed by an aggrieved governorship aspirant of the of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Kunle Rasheed Adegoke.

    Justice I. E. Ekwo, who gave the date on Tuesday, also elected to hear the substantive suit with the preliminary objection filed by the defendants.

    Adegoke, in the suit marked: FHC/ABJ/ CS/804/2018, wants the court to nullify the APC primary election, which produced Gboyega Isiaka as the APC governorship candidate in Osun State over alleged irregularities.

    Defendants in the suit are the APC and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

    It is Adegoke’s contention that the conduct APC s primary election in Osun State violated the Constitution, the Electoral Act, 2010 and relevant provisions of the APC constitution, including the Regulation for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries of the Independent National Electoral Commission.

    He said, in a supporting affidavit, that the “direct method” adopted by the party allowing all general members of the party to vote in the primary election “was a departure from the extant 2014 guidelines of the party”.

    The plaintiff stated that contrary to the development in Osun State, “The indirect method of primary election was used in Edo State in 2016, Ondo State in 2016, Anambra State in 2017 and Ekiti State in May 2018”.

    He noted that he had also, in an open letter, challenged the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, informing him that there was no membership register of the party by which the party could conduct a credible direct primary election.

    He also said he informed Oshimhole that the adoption of direct primary election without membership register would be in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the party due to the time of its adoption vis-à-vis the general requirements of the law.

    Adegoke said APC failed to notify him as an aspirant or the INEC in writing not later than 21 days to the date of the primaries, the details including the specific location and venue, date and time for the conduct of its nomination of candidate  before holding same on the July 20, 2018.

    He stated that APC also failed to notify INEC in writing “the rescheduling of the purported primary election from Wednesday, the 18th day of July 2018 to Friday, the 20th day of July 2018.”

    The plaintiff the party also failed to  maintain “a proper and duly certified membership register for the purpose of conducting direct method of primaries”.

    Read Also: Oyetola gets INEC’s Certificate of Return

    He also said officers of INEC “did not monitor the primary election”

    which held in 332 wards  of Osun State on July 20 “as no reports of such elections at the ward level were prepared and submitted to the 2nd defendant (INEC)”.

    ‎The plaintiff wants, among others, a declaration “that the Osun State governorship primary election of the APC held “in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as altered), the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) and the relevant provisions of the Constitution of the 1st defendant and the Regulation for the Conduct of Political Party Primaries of the Independent National Electoral Commission is unconstitutional, unlawful, null and void.”

    He also wants the court to declare that “it is unconstitutional” for the APC “to organise and conduct” the  primary election “without a meeting of the National Executive Committee approving Rules and Regulations which ought to be made but was never made by the National Working Committee for the purpose of nomination of candidates through direct primary elections”.

    Adegoke is equally praying the court for a declaration that “it is ultra vires” for the APC to organise the primary election “without having given a prior 21-day notice of its primaries to the Independent National Electoral Commission (the 2nd defendant) indicating that a direct method of primary election shall be used”.

    He wants an order nullifying the primary election for allegedly violating the Nigerian Constitution,the Electoral Act, and the other cited laws, rules and regulations of the party and INEC.

  • Court remands teenager over alleged rape of minor

    An Osun Magistrate’s Court sitting in Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, remanded a 19-year-old teenager, Alabi PrinceWill, in prison custody over alleged rape of a 13-year-old girl.

    The Prosecutor, Sergeant Bassey Asukwo, told the court that the accused committed the offence on August 8, around 11:15 pm at Oke-Alaafia Street, Ifetedo, Ife North Local Government, Area, Osun.

    Asukwo said that the accused conspired  with another person now at large to commit felony to wit indecent assault.

    He added that the accused forcefully have carnal knowledge of  the minor without her consent.

    According to him, during the sexual intercourse, one Seye Akinyoade now at large recorded the incidence on video.

    Read Also: Man jailed three months over illicit drugs

    The offence contravened sections 360 and 516 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to a two-count charge of rape and indecent assault.

    The Defence Counsel, Mr Ben Adirieje, applied for the bail of the accused in the most Liberal term, adding that the accused would not jump bail, but would produce substantial sureties.

    Magistrate A. A. Olowolagba, did not grant the bail of the accused, but ordered for the remand of the accused in prison custody.

    Olowolagba adjourned the case until Oct 12, for ruling on the bail application.

  • Protesters against Osun governorship result mentally unstable – Aregbesola

    Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, on Friday described those protesting against the result of Osun State governorship election as being mentally unstable.

    The Senate President, Bukola Saraki, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, and the National Chairman of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), Uche Secondus were among the PDP leaders that staged a protest against the outcome of the election at the national headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Abuja.

    Aregbesola spoke with State House correspondents on Friday after meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

    At the meeting with Buhari, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Governorship Election Campaign in Osun State and Governor of Kano State, Umaru Ganduje and Aregbesola, formally presented the Governor-elect of the Osun Election, Gboyega Oyetola to the President.

    On the protest, Aregbesola said: “I will not even respond to this because what you are referring to is a charade, an act of gross irresponsibility from people who ought to know that after an election, the only option left for every responsible citizen is to go to the tribunal.

    “And again interestingly, the other party defeated in the election is already in tribunal. I don’t now know what the protest you are talking about is meant to do.

    “If you are already in court and you are still doing a street protest either you are not mentally stable or you need psychiatric attention.” he said

    On the purpose of the visit to the Villa, he said they came to thank Mr. President.

    He said “We came with the chairman of the party in the state and the deputy governor elect as well as the national chairman of the party to express our gratitude to the President.

    “Yesterday we met with the national chairman to do the same. Before yesterday soon after the receipt of Certificate of Return by the two candidates who won the election to the offices of the governor and deputy governor on Wednesday indeed the President expressed joy and charged us not to relent in mobilizing our people to support his own election and the return of our parliamentarians at the state and national assemblies and made commitment that we will not rest again in mobilizing our people to victory in all the other subsequent elections.

    “We let him know the challenges we face and we are very hopeful that with the support we got from him and all other critical stakeholders from the leadership at the national level to leadership at the regional level and the governors of the party in virtually all the states of the federation particularly in the North, I do not think there was any election in such an array of eminent Nigerians and personalities particularly governors who committed everything they have to ensure that their party got the upper hand in the election.”

    “He noted our observations and he assured us that the party will continue to enjoy support with the administration. I want to use this medium to thank all progressives in Nigeria and to assure them that Osun has been the forerunner of victory for our party ever since and we shall continue to lead in telling Nigerians that our party to beat in all the elections.” he added

    On his part, the Governor-elect, Oyetola promised to run a very transparent government in Osun State.

    He said “I came to say a big thank you to Mr. President for the support he gave to us during the election and to thank the leadership of our party all over the country for being with us throughout the period and to assure him that by the grace of God, I must  run a very transparent government.”

    Read Also: Nigeria’s greatness unstoppable, says Aregbesola

    According to him, he would continue the good work already done by Aregbesola and the party in the state.

    “I will want to continue to consolidate on those achievements and improve on them in the area of infrastructure, health, in the area of particularly the economy and this is the time to look at the economy to ensure that we have the opportunity of their welfare being properly taken care of.

    “It is a continuation of the legacies that he built. I believe that the people have confidence in our party, they believe in us and we will not abuse the opportunity given to us to continue to be in government.

    “It is a continuous thing, we have actually been addressing that, recently we have paid about four months of salary backlog and I believe we will settle all the outstanding and we have started even paying full salary and I believe we will be able to sustain it by the grace of God. We will review our IGR to ensure that we are able to look inward for sustainability.” he said

    Ganduje said “We came to thank the President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, President Muhammadu Buhari for providing the enabling environment for a true fair election in Osun State.

    “We are here in order to present our Governor-elect to Mr. President and to thank him in what he has done in order to allow for free and fair election.” he added

  • Police teargas Saraki, Dogara, Tambuwal, Lamido, others

    As PDP stages protest over Osun election

     

    The police on Friday in Abuja tear-gassed seven of the 12 presidential aspirants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during a protest over the party’s loss of the September 22 governorship election in Osun State.
    Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, defeated the candidate of the PDP, Senator Ademola Adeleke in the election.
    The presidential aspirants tear-gassed by the police included the President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal; and former Governor of Kano State, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.
    Other aspirants at the protest were former Special Duties Minister, Tanimu Turaki; a former senator, Dr. Datti Baba Ahmed; Gombe Stats Governor, Ibrahim Dankwabo; and former Jigawa State Governor, Sule Lamido.
    Also tear-gassed during the protest were the Ekiti State Governors, Ayo Fayose; Governor Darius Ishaku of Taraba State; Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara; National Chairman of the PDP, Prince Uche Sencondus and other members of the party’s National Working Committee (NWC).
    The protesters were tear-gassed at the main entrance to the Force Headquarters, following attempts by controversial senator representing Kogi West senatorial district, Dino Melaye to rail-road the protesters through security barricade.
    The protesters, led by Saraki and joined by a number of key party stakeholders, had earlier stormed the headquarters of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).
    The party chieftains, riding in four open trucks and a convoy of cars, took off from the PDP campaign office, Legacy House, located in the Maitama District.
    Taking turns to speak at the INEC headquarters, the party chieftains demanded the declaration of Adeleke as winner of the Osun governorship election.
    Addressing INEC National Commissioner in charge of legal matters, Mrs May Agbamuche-Mbu who received them at the premises of the commission, they also restated the party’s rejection of the inconclusive verdict passed on the Osun election by the commission.
    They warned that the PDP would not accept what they described as rigging and manipulation of the electoral process, which they said, characterized the recent Ekiti and Osun States governorship election.
    Addressing the INEC commissioner, Saraki said, “We are here representing millions of Nigerians to speak to you, that INEC has a responsibility by law, by the constitution to do what is right to all Nigerians.
    “Enough is enough of election that are not credible. Enough is enough of impunity. Enough is enough of harassment. INEC, you met a standard, don’t take us back.
    “Nigeria has raised the standard of electoral processes, take us forward, don’t take us backward. The last two elections have been said all over villages, towns, Africa, other continents that it was a sham. INEC, enough is enough.
    “Just last night, the Senate and Congress in the United States issued a statement saying enough is enough. We must have credible elections in Nigeria. You are not a department, or a division of the APC. You represent the entire Nigeria and Nigerians are saying give us free and credible elections.
    “Be courageous and bold to stand for the truth because tomorrow history will judge you. We stand here to say we don’t want favours, just give us free and fair elections.

    Read Also: APC primary: Policemen at Airport Hotel, Lagos

    “Let me warn you INEC, Nigerians will not take elections that are not credible. Stand with Nigerians because you represent us. Stand and be impartial because you are an independent commission.
    “We are here to demand that you do the right thing, free and fair elections in 2019 for the unity and peace of this country”.
    Also speaking, Secondus said, “The country is sleeping on a keg of gun powder and you know it. If you feel that Nigerians are not aware of the activities of INEC and the police, you are deceiving yourselves.
    “You are pushing Nigerians to the wall and when you push them to the wall there would be resistance. We hope we will not get there, but this will serve as a notice.
    “Therefore we demand that INEC Chairman should resign, Amina  Zakari should resign. She is the manipulator of all elections. Let me address Mr President, Muhammadu Buhari, you cannot continue to give instructions to security agents to carry out your agenda, instead of protecting Nigerians.
    “The hunger in the land is too much, the corruption in the country is too much. You are not fighting corruption, you are fighting your perceived enemies, you are fighting the masses.
    “Nigerians have left you. You cannot change the will of the people by force, take note and stop directing the security agencies and INEC to rig elections. You must come out clean. What we expect from you is to conduct a free and fair elections”.
    On his part, Fayose said, “We want to let INEC know a few things and remind them that the damage done to this country is enough. The damage done to our democracy and by extension the common man is enough.
    “If the people cannot choose their leaders anymore, then we are in trouble. In 2014, APC won election in Osun state by 114,000 votes. But this last election, with all the rigging, APC won by 400 votes, that is a statement enough to say APC is no more in the demand in Nigeria.
    “We are not asking for favours, this country and this INEC belong to Nigerians and Nigerians must be respected by allowing them to make a choice.
    “If Jonathan had behaved this way, we would not have a Buhari in power. We had a Buhari in power because somebody thought the rights of Nigerians must not be trampled upon by INEC and everybody received the present administration with open hands
    “I want to say again on behalf of PDP and the governors of PDP that rigging will not work in 2019. We say no to rigging. We are already contesting against police, security agencies, and the alibi of INEC always is that we are not in charge of security agencies. You cannot be a referee in the pitch, and be giving excuses while thugs took over the field
    “We are saying again to the security agencies that enough is enough. Don’t take away the rights of Nigerians. We want a Nigeria that belongs to Nigerians”.
    Tambuwal said the protest was meant to address the Chairman and members of INEC commission, on behalf of millions of Nigerians.
    He said, “Our demand is simple; we demand for free, fair and credible elections all throughout this country. I believe that the chairman of INEC before this temporary assignment, you have a history and you have a record.
    “Don’t allow anybody, no matter how highly placed, to use you to undermine the will of Nigerians. You cannot suppress us, you can not intimidate us. Elections in Nigeria must be held freely and fairly, and whoever wins should be given the mandate. That is what we want and we shall take nothing less”.
    Responding, the INEC Commissioner on Legal Matters, May Agbamuche- Mbu said, “I want to thank you, and inform you all that Professor Mahmood Yakubu (INEC chair) would have received you all.
    “The commission takes this demonstration very seriously. We are happy that the protest is peaceful and carried out in civilized manner.
    “INEC is up to this job, we are all here in INEC as professionals and not politicians. We are going to do our best come 2019. I must say we are a team and decisions are made by the commission and not by any individual. All your comments have been noted and it will be passed to the chairman and the entire commission”.
    The protest kicked off at 11.45, shortly after a meeting of the party leadership with the presidential aspirants. No communique was issued after the meeting, which was held behind closed doors.
    However, only six of the 12 presidential aspirants attended the meeting, with a former Sokoto State Governor and presidential aspirant, Attahiru Bafarawa leaving the venue shortly before the meeting ended.
    Five of the aspirants, Saraki, Tambuwal, Lamido, Turaki and Baba Ahmed reportedly signed an undertaking to accept the outcome of the convention in good faith.
    They were also reported to have made written commitments to work with the party in projecting the eventual winner as the presidential candidate throughout the electioneering campaign.

  • Oyetola to Oshiomhole: I am fully prepared for governance

    Osun State Governor-Elect, Gboyega Oyetola has said he is full prepared for governance and would not be needing any tutelage when he assume office, assuring the party leadership that he will not disappoint them.

    Oyetola spoke just as the National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) asked him to run an all-inclusive government and work to carry along the party’s last alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in other to cement the alliance.

    Oyetola who presented his certificate of return to the APC national Chairman in company of the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said having learnt the rudiments of administration; he will work to build on the legacies left behind by the outgoing governor.

    He said “I must thank Mr.  President for his support throughout the period and coming to campaign during the period and giving me massive support. I thank the chairman who literally moved his base from Abuja to Osun.  I thank you for the fact that I happen to be the first product of direct primary which everybody is now copying.

    “I thank the leadership of the party and the governors, starting with the governor of Kano state who headed the campaign team. All the governors played a vital role to ensure we secure victory.  I am happy that at the end of the day, the best emerged and the best party won the election.

    “By the grace of the Almighty God, we really are going to build on the legacy of Ogbeni Aregbesola, especially infrastructure and the economy. I am going to be running an all-inclusive administration.

    “My guiding value will be accountability and integrity. I want to be able to show case the developmental agenda of Osun that everybody will be proud of. I will not disappoint you because I am prepared for the job. I have learnt the rudiments of administration and I believe that by the grace of the Almighty God, one year from now, we will have cause for celebration.”

    Read Also: INEC issues Certificate of Return to Oyetola

    Receiving the certificate of return, Comrade Oshiomhole charged them to work with to develop even areas that did not vote him, pointing out that the results of the election was a clear indication that it was a free and fair election with all the candidates evenly matched.

    Oshiomhole said “I expect you to deliver the expected goods within the shortest possible time regardless of where you won and lost.  From my own experience,  it help when you somewhere you lost that if they don’t vote for you this time, they may find you their dearly eat time.  That is the beauty of democracy.

    “In particular, you need to extend a genuine hand of fellowship to all those who contested against you because we knowingly opted for multi-party democracy which mean that we prefer a system in which people can engage us. The outcome may not be the best, but it always represents the will of the majority.

    “In your own case, it is a double victory because you made it in the private sector; you are not a government created baby.  You are your own man and it was on the strength of that Aregbesola found you worthy to function as his Chief of Staff. Having done that job, you don’t need any learning process.  You need to go full blast to work as ensure that the people of Osun state gets the dividends of the investment they have made in your person.

    “These are difficult times financially, but God will give you the enablement to do what you have to do.  Aregbesola has established a standard and has his style that helped him to mingle with the people.

    “He had the capacity to mobilize, but there are no two people that are the same.  But on hand confidence that you are not going to learn anything because you have already done your apprenticeship and have been part of the team.

    “The only appeal I want to make to you is to try hard to carry along our last minute alliance as represented by the SDP headed by Senator Omisore and see how we all can work together to cement the alliance, build on it and pray that our party in only become stronger particularly as we prepare for the 2019 general election.”

     

     

  • 2019: Olujimi wins PDP Ekiti south senatorial ticket

    Senate Minority Leader, Mrs. Biodun Olujimi, has clinched the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ticket for Ekiti South senatorial district ahead of the February National Assembly election.

    Olujimi was elected by affirmation by delegates from all the six local government areas that make up the senatorial district at a primary conducted in Ikere Ekiti on Tuesday.

    Party leaders and delegates from Ekiti Southwest, Ikere, Ise/Orun, Emure, Gbonyin and Ekiti East local government areas elected Olujimi by voice vote.

    The shadow poll was witnessed by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the National Orientation Agency (NOA), security agencies and journalists.

    The primary was conducted by Ekiti PDP Women Leader, Mrs. Yemisi Afolabi, on behalf of the panel from the party’s national secretariat.

    Read Also: 2019: Ekiti PDP aspirants plot mass defection to APC

    Mrs. Afolabi explained that panel members’ flight had a delay saying she had the permission of the panel to conduct the primary.

    Speaking shortly after winning the PDP ticket to seek a re-election, Olujimi appreciated party members for the confidence reposed in her promising to do more for the senatorial zone if elected at the general election.

    The former Ekiti Deputy Governor urged party members to be more united to ensure victory at the election.

    According to her, she has succeeded in bringing visibility to Ekiti South and attracted more projects there in the last three and half years and empowered the constituents.

    The senator urged party members and people of the district to guard their votes at the general elections to ensure that their votes count.

    She called on INEC to conduct credible polls next year to win back the confidence of the electorate in the ballot box criticising the electoral umpire’s handling of the last governorship poll in Osun State.

  • Victory shows APC is preferred party —Obaseki

    Edo State Governor, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, has said that the victory of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State showed that the party is the preferred one in the country.

    Obaseki, in his congratulatory message to the governor-elect of Osun State, Gboyega Oyetola, said he was delighted at the hard-fought victory. The governor said: “Your victory provides a fillip to the growing profile of our party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), as the preferred political party in the country.

    “I have unwavering faith in your pedigree as an astute and experienced administrator and manager, to consolidate on the foundation laid by the outgoing governor, His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and take Osun State to greater heights.”

  • Jubilation in Oyetola’s hometown

    The sleepy town of Iragbiji came alive yesterday as indigenes and other residents erupted in jubilation over their son, Gboyega Oyetola’s victory in the Osun State governorship election.

    Oyetola hails from the town, which is the headquarters of Boripe Local Government Area.

    A crowd of indigenes, members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of the party and its candidate in the election gathered and moved round the town peacefully to celebrate their victory in the keenly contested election.

    At the APC secretariat on Ikirun Road, members of the party celebrated by killing a cow which they shared among themselves.

    The chairman of the party in the local government, Prince Muftau Omogboye, led his members and supporters to the houses of prominent people in the community to show appreciation.

    They were also at the palace of the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Adedeji, to thank him for his support.

    After the rally around Iragbiji, they ended at the palace of the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, where they joined the monarch in observing the Jumat service.

    Immediately after the prayers, Oba Olabomi addressed the crowd of jubilant indigenes who came to congratulate him on producing the first governor from the town and its environs.

    Addressing the crowd, an elated Olabomi expressed gratitude for the massive support given his subject.

    He said it was the special way that God chose to celebrate his 10th coronation anniversary.

    The monarch recalled that some indigenes who belong to other parties had insisted that his subject would not emerge as the next governor, adding that many of his subjects became afraid when the election was declared inconclusive.

    He said his detractors worked so hard to put him to shame but God gave him victory in the end.

    The traditional ruler said he was, however, confident of a positive outcome having known that it would not go any other way.

    Olabomi advised his subjects against attacking members of opposition parties, stressing that God has given them the victory they desired.

    The Aragbiji’s palace has been a beehive of activities as traditional rulers and other leaders of surrounding communities visit the monarch to congratulate him on Oyetola’s victory.