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Tag: OSUN

  • Now, Osun needs industries – APC guber aspirant

    Ayoade Afolabi Lawal, an engineer, is a governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. He spoke about his plans for the state in an encounter with Assistant Editor, Dare Odufowokan

    A GUBERNATORIAL aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State, Ayoade Afolabi Lawal, has said the decision to serve his people and community is more of divine call. The youthful politician added that his governorship aspiration is borne out of the resolve to make a mark by moving Osun State to the next level. The current administration under Governor Rauf Aregbesola, he said, has tried its best though there is need to make certain corrections in some areas.

    “The current government has embarked on aggressive infrastructural development and the next stage is to attract real investors to the state so that we will reap the benefits of Governor Aregbesola’s investment in infrastructure. And with my knowledge as an engineer, the state of the living spring will wear a new look during my regime as a governor,” Ayoade, who insisted that the APC remains the party to beat in the election, said.

    The Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife trained engineer harped on the need to attract investors to the state and galvanize the “use of metal and wood to set the state on the path of industrial progress”. Speaking to The Nation in Lagos, he promised to turn the state to another industrial centre, stressing that Osun now possesses the capacity to rival Lagos in industrial advancement, if the right man is given the chance to lead the state.

    An indigene of Iwo, Lawal added that his educational background, experiences as a Chemical Engineer with frontline oil companies in Nigeria, has undoubtedly amplified his determination to engage the youths of the state positively, hence the reason he seeks the support of all and sundry in the state towards the actualisation of his gubernatorial ambition.

    He explained that aside industries, which he intend to attract to the state in droves, Osun has a lot of tourism potentials that can be turned into instant goldmines. “As a state blessed with numerous world recognised tourist centres, I will leverage on our culture and tourism endowments to boost economic growth and accelerated entrepreneurial independence amongst the youths.

    “My political ambition is defined by my willingness to help the poor and the needy in order to bring happiness to the greatest numbers of Osun people. This clarion call, to my surprise, was  endorsed by majority of the leaders of my darling party, the APC. My main focus is industrialisation and it will be implemented in sectors like agriculture, education, security, health and others.

    “Building of agro allied companies to increase the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state and enable people to have access to quality food will be prioritised. Redefining the youths by setting up meaningful employment through agriculture will help us to put a stop to vices in the state. These are some of my lofty ideas which I believe are doable by God’s grace and with the support of people of Osun State,” he added.

    “My government will support farming fully as we will introduce modern farming equipment to the state. Nigeria as a whole needs to go back to farming because that is our traditional way of life that can improve our resources. We should stop depending on oil money to move and take our nation higher. Farming can also give a state and its people good wealth and development.

    Let us remember that the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo was a successful farmer and most of our leaders in Nigeria today benefited from his free education in the old western region. So, I will not handle agriculture with levity when I become the governor. We will also increase our agricultural production capacity. At the same time, we will attract industries to create jobs for the youths and boost the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) of Osun State,” he explained.

    Speaking further on his ambition, Lawal said ”I’m the right man to succeed Ogbeni Aregbesola as governor of Osun State and I believe the masses of our dear state will vote for me because of my experience and the many meaningful projects APC-led administration have done  in the state. I may not have held any political office before now, but I have the conscience of a good leader.”

    He submitted that with the efforts put into governance by the current APC administration under Aregbesola, the party remains the darling of the good people of Osun State who are still yearning for more dividends of good governance and democracy. “Under my watch, all men and women will have a voice in decision making as I’m going to run an all-inclusive regime”.

    In his mid-forties, Lawal says he fits the bill of those calling for younger persons in government but he was quick to add that experience is needed in governance whether the person is young or old. He added that he has a very cordial relationship with the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola, who he described as a fantastic engineer as shown by his aggressive replacement of rotten infrastructure in the state.

    He praised Aregbesola for laying the foundation for the subsequent development of the state, saying the governor showed an unusual enthusiasm for development. “I am optimistic that the challenges in Osun State are temporary. But most people don’t look at future but only at what they want to benefit at the present. The benefits of some of the APC projects in the state are not immediate but they will have a long lasting impact on the people.

    “If we are to be realistic with ourselves, our state has witnessed massive development during Ogbeni’s two terms in office. I am sure we are going to see more before the end of his tenure. This is the legacy I want to build on if elected as the next governor of our dear state. I have no doubt in my mind that with the laudable achievements of the current administration, APC will win the next election,” Lawal noted.

    Lawal added that when he assumes office as governor, he will be going to schools to teach basic science subjects once weekly so as to understand the mental ability of the pupils and also organise needed trainings for teachers in the state. He added that he will make sure basic education is back fully in Osun State. “I will pay the teachers well and promptly while also encouraging them to always teach the students the way we were taught in the olden days,” he vowed.

  • Ramadan: Let’s pray for people in difficulties – Aregbesola

    Osun State Governor,  Rauf Aregbesola, has urged Muslims to approach the Ramadan season with best practices and show love to their neighbours.

    Aregbesola, in a Ramadan goodwill message on Thursday in Osogbo, urged Muslims to be sober and do things with moderation.

    The governor also admonished Muslim faithful to remember the poor, sick and those in difficulties in their prayers and work of charity.

    He said: “l am most pleased to see the beginning of this year’s Ramadan.

    ” Ramadan is that period when Muslims worldwide engage in fasting – a physical and spiritual act of self denial, cleansing, prayers, fellowship and charity.

    ” As one of the pillar of Islam, Ramadan is also a time of deep consecration to spiritual matters .

    “It is therefore time of spiritual awakening and commitment to the tenets of Islam.

    “As we celebrate this great festival of the religion of peace, may the peace and comfort of Allah (SWT) rest upon us , our family, community, state and the nation.

    ” This is wishing all Muslims Ramadan Kareem, with love and grace on behalf of the government and good people of Osun.”

    Similarly, the Osun House of Assembly has congratulated Muslim faithful on the commencement of Ramadan.

    The Assembly, in a statement signed by the Chairman of the House Committee on Information and Strategy, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, urged Muslims to use the period to renew their commitments, virtues of love and peace as taught by Prophet Muhammed.

     

    NAN

  • Woman stabs pastor with broken bottle

    A 39-year-old woman, Esther Olawale, was on Wednesday docked before an Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court, Osun, for allegedly stabbing a pastor with broken bottle.

    Olawale of no fixed address, is facing a count charge of assault.

    The prosecutor, Insp. Emmanuel Abdullahi, told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 6, at about 6.00 p.m. at No. 11, Moremi Line 10, Ile-Ife.

    Abdullahi said that the accused stabbed the complainant, Pastor Kayode Oluwawemimo, with broken bottle on the left hand and at the back during a disagreement.

    He said the assault caused bodily injuries to the complainant, who is a pastor in one of the churches in Ile-Ife.

    Read Also: Pastor ’s wife loses marriage for adultery

    The offence contravened Section 355 of the Criminal Code, Law of Osun, 2002.

    The accused, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge.

    The defence counsel, Mr Olalere Olaobaju, applied for the bail of the accused in the most liberal terms and promised that the accused would not jump bail.

    Magistrate Ishola Omisade granted the accused bail in the sum of N200, 000 with two sureties in like sum, and adjourned the case until June 18, for hearing.

     

    NAN

  • Osun: Two suspected cultists docked over possession of firearms

    An Osogbo Chief Magistrates’ Court in Osun on Monday remanded two suspected cult members in Ilesa Prison for unlawful possession of firearms.

    The defendants — Akande Oluwabusayo and  Oluwagbotemi Oni — are facing four-count charge bothering on unlawful possession of firearms and belonging to Aiye Secret Cult.

    According to the Prosecutor, Insp.  Joshua Oladoye, the defendants committed the offences on April 7 at Oke-Onitea, Osogbo. Oladoye said the defendants were apprehended by members of the Federal SARS.

    “They were apprehended with guns and live cartridges,’’ he said.

    Read Also: Osun: SDP inaugurates steering committee

    The offences contravened Sections 27 (1 ) ( b ) ( I ) of the Firearms Law of the Federation of Nigeria and Sections 64( a ) ( b ) and 516 of the Criminal Law of Osun, 2003.

    The accused pleaded not guilty. Counsel to the accused, Mr Abiodun Olaide, urged the court to grant bail to his clients in the most liberal terms.

    The Magistrate, Mrs Awodele Olubukola, ordered that the accused be remanded in prison and adjourned the case until July 6 for mention.

    NAN

  • Osun: SDP inaugurates steering committee

    Ahead of September 22 governorship election in Osun State, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the state has inaugurated its steering committee. The chairman is Chief Ademola Ishola and Secretary, Taiwo Akeju. Other members include  Olanipekun Ojo-Williams, Okun Obiyemi and Dr.Segun Ojo. At the inauguration, a leader of the party, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a former Ambassador of Nigeria to Philippines, declared that the steering committee has executive powers.

    “Now, the SDP is prepared to win the forthcoming Osun governorship poll. Whether they are incumbent or outgoing, they are going back to their house. If we can register five million members, we ate sure of wining the election. So, I am calling on you members to go and work assiduously. We are ready to accommodate members of other political parties from the PDP, Accord and other parties. When restructuring is carried out, this would pave way for  addressing all the challenges, confronting Nigeria,” he said.

    Also, the National Vice Chairman of the party, Chief Supo Shonibare, disclosed that leaders of the party had been making consultations in the last six months under the auspices of the Southern and Middle Belt Forum. “We have agreed that the way we run regional government in the 50’s is the way to go. The states will get more powers. The regional governments would be actively involved in managing of states under their jurisdiction. We may create more states,” he explained.

  • Agency warns Lagos, Ogun, Osun, 31 others to prepare for flood

    THE Nigeria Hydrological Agency (NIHSA) has warned 34 states in flood prone areas to prepare.

    NIHSA, in its 2018 Annual Flood Outlook, said the states are at risk of river and coastal flooding this year.

    It projected flooding in 318 local government areas and about 78 are at high risk.

    The states with high risk of river flooding include Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Anambra, Niger Delta, Anambra, Ogun-Osun, Cross-River and Yobe.

    The agency said Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo may likely experience coastal flooding due to rise in sea level and tidal surge, which will impact fishing and coastal transportation.

    Major cities like Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Yola, Abuja, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Calabar, Jos, Owerri, Oshogbo, Ilorin, Awka, Abakaliki and Birnin-Kebbi are expected to experience flash and urban flooding due to poor drainage system.

    Other cities include Kano, Yenegoa, Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Lokoja, Lafia, Nsuka, Gombe, Suleja, Karu, Nyanya, Abaji, Onitsha, Sapele and Hadejia.

    Minister of Water Resource Suleiman Adamu said going by the prediction, water levels on the River Niger and Benue among other major rivers would rise and remain high during the rainy season.

    “We can manage these extreme events in such a manner that their deleterious effects are mitigated and become less devastating,” he said.

    He expressed concerns that some dams were getting silted up and the storage capacity was reducing, causing water to be spilled through the waterways.

    The minister urged the River Basins, which are the custodians of the dams to provide necessary warning, adding that dams are usually regulated, except if there was serious threat based on the volume of water the dam can hold.

    He lamented that communities and government agencies had not been taking the flood outlook seriously, leading to loss of lives yearly.

    Adamu maintained that the government could only do the prediction by providing necessary information, adding that it was left for the states, local governments and communities to take necessary actions.

    He stressed the need for people to stop building in flood prone areas and stop giving illegal building permit.

    The minister called for building of drainages, cleaning up of storm water drains on an annual basis to allow water to flow, creation of artificial flood plains and ensure maintenance of natural flood plains.

    Acting Director General, NIHSA Olayinka Ogunwale projected that the severity of flood in 2018 would not be as bad as what was experienced in 2017 and would not be up to that of 2012.

     

     

  • ‘Aregbesola has taken Osun to great heights’

    The Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa in Osun State, Oba Moses Oluwafemi Agunsoye, has hailed Governor Rauf Aregbesola for taking the state to enviable heights.

    The monarch advocated continuity as the only means to sustain the governor’s achievements.

    He said it had become incumbent on the residents to embrace continuity, if they desired good governance.

    Oba Agunsoye the Ijesa and other indigenes to vote for a candidate that will continue with Aregbesola’s developmental projects.

    The monarch spoke at his palace during the governor’s visit in continuation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) sensitisation tours of Ijesa-North Federal Constituency.

    Hailing Aregbesola for the giant strides his administration recorded in the last seven and a half years, the Elegboro said the government performed well in all aspects of governance. According to him, when there is continuity, there is improvement and progress, hence the need for Osun State residents to support the continuity agenda.

    Oba Agunsoye said: “As at today, no state or government can rival or compete with Lagos State, particularly in physical infrastructure. This is made possible because of continuity.

    “It has, therefore, become important for us as a people and as citizens of Osun, if we truly desire good governance, to allow continuity.

    “There is no gainsaying that the present administration has done wonderfully well in all sectors, as manifested in the series of pro-masses programmes, like Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Osun School Feeding and Health Programme (O’MEAL), which have become models for other governments locally and international.”

    Aregbesola said his administration spent over N30 billion on direct social investment programmes.

    He added: “We are using this tour to remind our people that we have fulfilled at least 70 per cent of our campaign promises and for them to know that they must do everything to ensure that our party remains in the saddle of leadership.

    “Our government has done so much to make life meaningful and abundant for the citizens, just as we have made direct investment on the people to the tune of about N30 billion through various schemes such as Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (O’YES), Osun School Feeding and Health Programme (O’MEAL), Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP), Osun Ambulance services, among others.

    “It is a known fact that no government outside of Lagos has spent as much as we have on direct social investment programmes in the country…”

     

  • Osun spends N30bn on social investment initiatives

    Gov. Rauf Aregbesola of  Osun  on Tuesday said  his administration had spent more than N30 billion on direct social investment programmes in the state.

    The media aide to the governor, Sola Fasure, in a statement on Tuesday in Osogbo, quoted Aregbesola as saying this at the palace of the Elegboro of Ijebu-Jesa in Osun, Oba Moses Agunsoye.

    Aregbesola’s visit to the monarch was in continuation of the All Progressives Congress ( APC ) sensitisation tour of the state.

    ” Our government has done so much to make life meaningful and abundant for the citizens just as we have made direct investment on the people to the tune of about N30 billion,’’ the governor said.

    He said the social investment was done through initiatives such as Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme ( O’YES ), Osun School Feeding and Health Programme ( O’MEAL ), Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP) and Osun Ambulance services.

    According to Aregbesola, his government has performed creditably well in delivery on its electioneering campaign promises to the people of the state.

    Read Also: Osun indigenes hold Annual General Meeting

    The governor said that his administration, after the expiration of its tenure, would leave behind legacy projects.

    “We are using this tour to remind our people that we have fulfilled at least 70 per cent of our campaign promises and for them to know that they must do everything to ensure that our party remains  in the saddle of leadership,’’ he said.

    In his remarks,   Agunsoye commended the governor for the giant strides recorded in the last seven and a half years.

    The monarch said the present administration had done well in all aspects of governance.

    ” It has therefore become important for us as a people and as citizens of Osun if we truly desire good governance to allow continuity,’’ the monarch said.

    NAN

  • Osun indigenes hold Annual General Meeting

    Osun State indigenes under the auspices of Osun Development Association (ODA) has planned to hold its Annual General Meeting.

    President of the  association Dr.Segun Aina said the Saturday May 12th AGM would avail residents to review some of the recent happenings and activities in the state

    In a statement he said the agenda for the meeting at Ideal Nest Hotel Osogbo, Osun State would set into motion new initiatives that will help bring about positive development in the state.

    According to Aina ‘’every action you take, big or small, can make a difference in your society and can prevent a community and country from reaching their full potential. Now is the time for all stakeholders to come together and lead Osun State towards good governance, transparency, and rule of law ‘’.

    With elections in the state drawing closer, one of the new initiatives from the association is an initiative called “Leadership & Good Governance Engagement Partnership” which seeks to provide platforms for information dissemination and wide access to plurality of ideas as a way to set agenda for strong democratic structures and dispensation.

    Established for the promotion of economic and social policy advocacy, the association which among other objectives, seeks to support measurable development initiatives within and outside the State, also provides fora for mediation and resolution of issues involving the State government officials and functionaries.

    Members are drawn from an eminent cross section of sons and daughters of the state who have distinguished themselves in various callings and endeavours.

    A communiqué is expected at the end of the deliberations.

  • Electricity employees seek protection in Osun

    THE Osun State Council of the Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) has urged government to protect its members.

    The union said challenges facing its members were enormous and counter-productive for the employers.

    In a lecture organised by the union to mark this year edition of Workers’ Day in Osogbo, the state capital, NUEE Deputy President Chris Omoneh, who was a guest speaker, said it has become urgent for government through its regulatory agencies to stem the tide of oppression against workers in the private sector because of its adverse effect on the national economy.

    In the lecture titled: “Unionism and the challenges in the private sector,” he said for the benefits of stakeholders, there should be a synergy between the employers and the employees to make the business strive, break even and provide surplus value.

    According to him, there was an improvement in workers’ welfare in the public service in comparison with what obtains in the private sector, describing the government, irrespective of any notion, as best employers of labour.

    However, he called for prompt payment of public workers’ salaries and pensions.