The Nation Newspaper

Tag: OSUN

  • Osun promises investors regular power supply

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (SAN) has assured investors of his administration’s determination to provide regular power supply.

    He said facilities needed to ensure a seamless take-off of investments were being provided for them.

    Akeredolu spoke yesterday in Akure, the state capital, when his administration signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with two investors – Greenfield Poultry and Powdered Eggs Project as well as Adventum Limited.

    The MoU, the governor said, would ensure that he fulfils his promise to the people.

    Greenfield Poultry and powdered eggs factory will be sited at Emure-Ile.

    Akeredolu said the road to the factory would be tarred to demonstrate his administration’s commitment.

    The governor said regular power supply would be provided to industrial areas.

    He expressed delight at the readiness of the company to execute the project, saying it will provide jobs.

    Greenfield Assets Group Managing Director Mr Paul Obanua described the project as the first in Nigeria.

    He said the company would produce over 100 million broilers annually.

    Obanua said: “The company will export powdered eggs abroad shortly after it takes off to boost the state’s economy.

    “On November 20, the ground-breaking ceremony will be held in Akure.”

    He added that the project is supported by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under its commercial agriculture credit scheme.

    On the team of Greenfield Assets are: the Branch Controller, CBN, Mr. Fatai Yusuf; Head of Development Finance, CBN, Mr. Gabriel Ajimoko; Chief Operating Officer, Greenfield, Mr. Ugochukwu Umeseaka and Head, Agric-Business, Mr. Tony Oweazim.

     

  • UNICEF sensitises 500 rural traders on hand washing in Osun

    UNICEF sensitises 500 rural traders on hand washing in Osun

    No fewer than 500 rural traders were on Monday sensitised on the importance of hand washing at Olufi Market, Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun.

    The hand washing campaign was organised by UNICEF in collaboration with Ayedaade Local Government.

    Addressing the traders, a UNICEF consultant, Mrs Bidemi Omopariola, said that “hand washing with soap was an easy, effective and affordable do-it-yourself protection that prevents infections and saves lives.’’

    Omopariola said that the importance of hand washing could not be over emphasised at this critical period of reported outbreak of Monkey-pox in some states in the country.

    She said that the hand washing campaign targeted markets where sellers and buyers could help in spreading the message to the nooks and crannies of the state.

    “It is important to turn hand washing to habit. The simple act of washing hands at this critical moment is an easy and affordable intervention.

    “Good hand washing hygiene will reduce the risk of water borne diseases, flu, food poisoning and health care associated infection being passed from person to person,” she said.

    Earlier, Mr Oduwole Bashir, Executive Secretary, Aiyedaade Local Government, said hand washing with soap was an inexpensive way of preventing diarrhoea and acute respiratory infections.

    “It is important to turn hand washing to habit. The simple act of washing hands at this critical moment is an easy and affordable intervention,” Bashir said.

    In his remarks, the Council Manager, Mr Olalekan Akande, also urged the traders to make hand washing a habit.

    “When hand washing with soap is practiced regularly at key times, such as after using the toilet or before contact with food, it can dramatically reduce the risk of diarrhoea and pneumonia, which can cause serious illness and death,” Akande said.

    Some of the traders who spoke with NAN commended UNICEF for the programme.

    Mrs Bukola Oyediran, a pepper seller, said the programme was an eye opener for her on the importance of hand washing.

    Another trader, Mr Segun Adeoye, a meat seller, said he hardly washed his hands after sales and commended UNICEF said for helping him to know the importance of hand washing.

    NAN

  • Police arrest six suspected rustlers

    Police arrest six suspected rustlers

    Operatives of the Inspector General of Police Intelligence Response Team (IRT) have arrested six suspected rustlers, who specialize in stealing goats in Ondo, Osun, Ogun, Kwara, Ekiti and Lagos States.

    The suspects are: Gani Adeyemi, 29, Kabiru Oladimeji, 50, Alimi Ayodele, 32, Kunle Olasebikan, 45, and Umaru Mohammed, 46.

    According to police sources, the suspects had carried out several operations in the neighbouring states, where they stole goats, money, phones and jewelry at gun point.

    It was gathered that the suspects lured goats with raw white beans following which they would gag the animals and cart them away in the operational vehicles.

    Confessing, Ayodele said: “I am married with three children. I stopped at Senior Secondary three and became a bus driver. I started stealing goats seven years ago when armed robbery became very hard in Lagos.

    It was my friend Akube that introduced me into goat stealing. We operated at Osogbo, Oyo, Ilorin, Ijebu. In each of the operations we went home with at least 20 goats. We used to be three in number namely Alimi, Gani, Akube who is still at large. We used to  operate at about from 11p.m to 12 midnight along village roads where goats sleep.

    ‘’ Gani’s role is to drive our operational vehicle, Akube catches the goats with raw beans while Ayo seals the goat’s mouth. Most of the goats sleep on the road. We were challenged by vigilante men at Iyana Oba in Osogbo where they blocked the road and we exchanged fire with them. We sold the goats to one Kazeem at Mile 12 market (Lagos) at N7,000 each. Kazeem is still at large.

    ‘’For the 20 goats we got at last operation at Osogbo we got 20 goats and sold 19 for N133,000 and roasted the one that died out of suffocation and celebrated our dinners with it. Out of the N133,000, I paid N20,000 for fuel and N20,000 for vehicle maintenance and shared the balance.

    In his confession, Kabiru, whose gang operated in Ojodu Berger, Agbado, Mowe Ibafo and Sango areas of Ogun State said his group stole only three goats on a daily basis.

    Kabiru and other members of the gang were however arrested by a police patrol team which also recovered guns from them.

  • ‘NAFDAC will continue to safeguard public health’

    ‘NAFDAC will continue to safeguard public health’

    The National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control ( NAFDAC ) said on Tuesday in Osogbo that it would continue to safeguard public health in the country.

    The South-West Coordinator of the agency, Mrs Ayeduni Adenuga, made the pledge when he received operational vehicle donated to the agency by the Osun Chapter of the Association of Industrial Pharmacists of Nigeria (AIPN).

    Adenuga said that the agency would continue to ensure that only safe and quality food, drugs and other regulated products were certified and made available for public consumption.

    She added that only genuine manufacturers of regulated products would be allowed to operate in the south-west region and the country at large.

    She commended members of AIPN for their gesture, saying it would help the agency to improve its monitoring and surveillance activities .

    “This is a corporate social responsibility from your society and it is highly laudable.

    “This vehicle will help to improve our monitoring and surveillance activities to fight against drug counterfeiters and other unscrupulous element who engage in producing unwholesome regulated products.

    “We want to use this opportunity to encourage other stakeholders to emulate this group by supporting and collaborating with government agencies to achieve a better society as government cannot do it alone,” she stated.

    In his remarks, the Acting Chairman of the association, Mr Samuel Olawoye said the bus was donated to the agency as part of the association’s corporate responsibility.

    Olawoye said the association would continue to partner NAFDAC in its critical role and operations in safe guarding the health of the citizenry.

    NAN

  • Osun Head of Service retires

    The Head of Service in Osun State yesterday retired after “serving meritoriously with integrity and the fear of God,” according to a statement by Sola Fasure, media adviser to Governor Rauf Arergbesola.

    Owoeye joined the Civil Service in the old Oyo State on March 3, 1983 and transferred his services to Osun state at the creation of the state in 1991.

    He was appointed Permanent Secretary in September 2012 and elected Head of Service by his peers immediately.

    The statement described him as a thoroughbred technocrat who embodied the best tradition of the civil service. “His services to the state are invaluable and his departure will be hard to fill”.

    It added that Governor Aregbesola accepted his retirement and  congratulated him while wishing him a blissful and glorious post service life.

     

  • Osun, American firm sign $450m MoU on environment

    The Osun State government and an American company, American Green Environmental Global Solutions Nigeria Limited, yesterday signed a $450 million partnership agreement on waste management.

    The Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the government and American firm, which is on turning waste to consumables, took place at the Governor’s Office in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The partnership will create jobs, expand the economy, create a new era in tourism and keep the environment clean.

    President of Green Environmental Services of America (GESA) and America Green Environmental Solution Nigeria Limited (AGEGS) Patrick Onyeije said the machinery and building on the planned projects will take  between eight and 12 weeks to complete.

    The company chief noted that the first phase of the projects will cost $250 million, adding that the company will begin operation soon.

    Onyeije, who was represented by Major Samuel Adewumi (retd), said the partnership would help to improve the economy, as waste will be collected from tenants and recycled for valuable products, such as tissue papers, plastics and organic manure (fertiliser) for farmers.

    He said: ”Today marks a great and important historical beginning in the epilogue and annals of captivating history of our people in the State of Osun. Accepting the arduous but admirable responsibility to take care of our environment is a lofty ideal to behold and, as such, a new day is born.

    “We are here to change the story on the environment with the enunciation of these wonderful projects of garbage and sewage collection.

    “It is befitting that the State of Osun has been selected to lead the rest of the country towards an evolutionary approach of reclaiming our environment. One thing we all have taken for granted from the time we were born to the time we die is our environment.

    “Today marks a new beginning as we take the solemn commitment to protect our environment. We have to do our little best, not to litter the streets but to recycle everything coming out of our homes and work places. Every household will purchase various containers from AGEGS for different items from the household for which they can recycle.

    “These containers will be picked up from your homes on designated days of the week and may include weekends as the need may arise.

    “On behalf of Green Environmental Services of America (GESA) and America Green Environmental Global Solution Nigeria Limited (AGEGS), we say a big thank you to the government of the State of Osun.

    “It is with great pleasure and gratitude that we have accepted to begin these great projects here in Osun. This amazing state, though small but mighty, has the propensity and foresight to always lead the way in innovations as the cradle of ingenuity, making Osun the pioneering state for the America Green Environmental Global Solutions in Nigeria, West Africa and Africa.

    “We are here to create jobs, expand the economy, create a new dynamic economy in tourism and, above all, keep your environment clean. We reiterate our gratitude to all our stakeholders locally and abroad and, most especially, our worthy partners in government who have shown unparalleled commitment to the success of this project since inception.

    “With these projects, Osun has accepted to set an international standard in Nigeria for other states in the country to follow.”

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola said the partnership would complement his administration’s efforts at keeping the environment clean, safe, green and sustainable.

    The governor said his administration never failed in its responsibilities to making Osun the safest state in Nigeria through its consciousness to environmental preservation and maintenance.

    He noted that despite the economic challenges confronting the state, his administration remained committed to the environment.

    Aregbesola said: “We are not signing this MoU for fun but to ensure that our efforts at maintaining and keeping our environment safe remain non-negotiable.

    “It is on record that one thing one cannot take away from our administration is our commitment to the environment. There has been a tremendous improvement from what our environment was before with what we have now.

    “We have been very conscious and passionate about the wellbeing of our people and this made us to commit reasonable resources to environmental sanitation to advance the general wellbeing of our people, particularly to enhance healthy living.

    “It is evident that very few states could compete with us in environmental cleanliness as our state remains the reference point in avoiding opportunistic environmental and public health challenges.

    “We have maintained a remarkable standard in environmental sanitation and public health management.”

     

  • Osun Assembly confirms Aregbesola’s nominees

    Osun Assembly confirms Aregbesola’s nominees

    The Osun House of Assembly on Monday, confirmed the four nominees of Gov. Rauf Aregbesola as members of the state Judicial Service Commission (JSC).

    The motion for the confirmation of the nominees was moved by the leader of House, Mr Timothy Owoeye after the screening of the nominees.

    Owoeye’s motion’s was seconded by the House Committee Chairman on Judiciary, Mr Dejo Bello.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Aregbesola, in a letter dated Aug. 28, urged the lawmakers to confirm the nominees to fill the vacant positions in the commission.

    The letter was read at the plenary on Sept. 11 by the Speaker, Mr Najeem Salaam.

    The governor said that members of the current commission were inaugurated on June 6, 2012, adding that their tenure had expired.

    According to Aregbesola, his letter is sequel to the expiration of the tenure of office of the members of the council.

    “By virtue of Section 199(1)(c) of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 Constitution(as amended), having spent five years as members, I , as the governor of the state of Osun approved four members to serve in JSC,’’ he said.

    The confirmed members are: Nathaniel Agunbiade, Olagunju Oloruntomilola, Oyewale Olatayo and Olarotimi Mikail.

    Similarly, the Assembly confirmed the governor’s nominees for the post of Director- General of State Debit Management Office.

    The governor, in a letter dated July 23, urged the state lawmakers to confirm the nominee in person of Babatunde Adejumo who has been in an acting capacity.

    The motion for the confirmation of the nominee was also moved by Owoeye and seconded by Mr Kamil Oyedele, the Chairman, House Committee on Appropriation.

    In his remarks, the speaker urged the nominees to give their best for the development of the state and to re-position the state judiciary to an enviable position.

    The speaker also called on Adejumo to work toward the economic development of the state.

    Read: Osun residents back Aregbesola’s govt

  • Osun residents back Aregbesola’s govt

    Osun residents back Aregbesola’s govt

    Residents of Osun State have hailed Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his exemplary leadership since he assumed office in November 2010.

    Also, community leaders at Ile-Ogbo in Ayedire Local Government Area said the opposition lacks the leadership acumen to govern the state as the All Progressives Congress (APC) administration has done.

    The residents of Ile-Ogbo sad they supported the Aregbesola administration for its commitment to the campaign promises the governor made in 2007 and during his re-election in 2014.

    The residents spoke at the ancient town while hosting the governor and his entourage.

    Aregbesola had observed the Jum’at prayers at the town’s central mosque before paying homage to the Olu of Ile-Ogbo at his palace.

    The residents trooped out en masse to welcome the governor, who led the chieftains of the APC and other top political functionaries to the town for Jum’at service.

    The area was agog before Aregbesola’s arrival. The peiople mounted several elevated places to see Aregbesola.

    On behalf of the traditional ruler of the ancient town, Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje, and other residents, the Bashorun of Ile-Ogbo, Prof Pade Aderibigbe, hailed the governor for his resilience in making Osun the cynosure of all eyes through infrastructural development.

  • Osun 2018: Aregbesola factor ’ll decide who wins

    Osun 2018: Aregbesola factor ’ll decide who wins

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has been urged to close ranks and work harder to ensure the victory of the party in  next year’s governorship election.

    In a statement in Osogbo, the state capital, the President of the Liberty Forum, Mr Edward Olusola Ajayi, said the outcome of the election will  be determined by the influence of Governor  Rauf Aregbesola, his team and their numerous supporters. He said the Aregbesola factor will play the most significant role in the exercise.

    He said the APC is ahead of the other political parties in the state, in terms of capacity to win the poll.

    Ajayi added: “From what we have seen, the APC is better positioned to win the 2018 election in Osun. It is also clear that the incumbent governor has been a rallying point for the revolutionary changes that have taken place in Osun in the face of scarce resources.

    “The governor’s high level of fiscal discipline, his moral attributes and his sincerity of purpose puts him ahead as the iconic character whose charm will largely influence the outcome of the governorship election.”

    Ajayi said following his tour of Osun State, he has realised that many people hold Aregbesola in high esteem.

    He said the “openness and transparency of the governor” have strengthened the confidence of the workers and masses in him.

    Ajayi stressed: “Osun has witnessed tremendous experiences that are uncommon. The state has been badly affected by poor allocation, but the governor has brought a lot of wisdom in managing the lean resources.

     

  • Osun tasks school N-Power volunteers to be dedicated to duty

    Osun tasks school N-Power volunteers to be dedicated to duty

    The Osun Commissioner for Education, Mr Kola Omotunde-Young, has advised  members of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) serving in public schools in the state to be dedicated to their duties.

    He also urged the Federal Government Youth Empowerment Programme ( N-Power ), service in such institutions to do same.

    The commissioner gave the advice during an inspection visit to the Africa Church Middle School in Osogbo on Tuesday.

    Omotunde-Young said by passionately dedicated to their duties, the corps members and the N-Power volunteers would be seen to be contributing their quota to the development of education in the state.

    He, however, warned that any act of indolence, from them,would not be accepted.

    The commissioner said that they were posted to schools to teach and assist government as part of the effort by government
    the move to create a decent future for the students.

    He reminded them of their role in the quest to creating and nurturing responsible leaders for the future, saying that they should be good examples to their students.

    Omotunde-Young also advised principals to lead by example in character worthy of emulation and to discourage indiscipline among the teachers.

    NAN