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Tag: Oyetola

  • Southwest APC, Osun Assembly congratulate Oyetola

    The Southwest Zone of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Osun State House of Assembly yesterday congratulated Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola on his victory at the Appeal Court.

    The Osun State Election Petitions Tribunal had in March declared the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Sen. Ademola Adeleke, as the winner of the September 22 and 29 election. But a five-member appeal panel upturned the lower tribunal’s judgment on Thursday, affirming Oyetola’s victory.

    Oyetola’s victory was affirmed by the majority judgement.

    APC’s spokesman in the Southwest, Oladapo Karounwi, in a statement in Ado-Ekiti, said Oyetola deserved victory in an election considered free and fair by local and international observers, adding that they praised the Independent National Election Commission (INEC) for conducting one of the best elections in Osun State.

    The party also praised the Appeal Court judges for their meticulous consideration of Oyetola’s appeal, explaining that the verdict could not have gone any other way considering the lapses in both the hearing of the petition at the lower tribunal and obvious weakness in the judgment declaring Adeleke the winner.

    Karounwi said: “We knew that a superior court of jurisdiction will nullify the lower tribunal’s judgement declaring Adeleke the winner when a judge that did not sit during the entire hearing was brought to deliver its judgment to give PDP’s candidate victory.

    “Besides, we also knew that the Appeal Court will dismiss Adeleke’s victory when the lower tribunal took it upon itself to be deducting APC’s votes in disputed units, thus usurping the power of INEC in such exercise, which both the Appeal Court and Supreme Court had frowned at in various elections petitions.

    “This judgment is a victory for democracy and rule of law and not the rule of men through which PDP had in the past illegally usurped the people’s mandates at gunpoint in South West states, thus denying the people their right to elect their leaders.”

    In a statement issued by its Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Hon Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the the Osun State House of Assembly described the judgment of the Court of Appeal as a resounding one and a triumph for democracy.

    The State Assembly eulogised the Appeal Court judges for being thorough on their verdict, saying the court has again proven itself to be the hope of the masses.

    According to the parliament, the verdict was a victory for democracy and the people of Osun State who spoke through the ballot and chose Governor Oyetola as their preferred leader.

    The wild jubilation and joy expressed by the residents of the state sequel to the judgement, according to the Assembly, has also buttressed the acceptability of the governor.

    While expressing confidence in the Judiciary, the parliament said the judgement would enable the governor to focus on the business of governance.

    The Assembly also appreciated the leadership of the party at state and national levels for their support during the case.

    Assuring the governor of support by the legislative arm of government in the state, the assembly stressed: “We would support the governor on every programme outlined towards the progress of the state without prejudice or compromise.

    “This is paramount as the development of our dear state is our priority,” the statement said.

  • Oyetola best for Osun at this time, says ex-NLC president

    NIGERIAN Labour Congress (NLC) pioneer President Comrade Hassan Sunmonu has described Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola as the most qualified person to lead the state at this time.

    He said given his personality, a wealth of experience spanning the private and public sectors as well as his academic credentials, Oyetola is good enough to pilot the state’s affairs to an enviable height.

    According to a statement by Chief Press Secretary to the Governor Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, Sunmonu spoke at the weekend during a reception organised for him by the Osun State Government, following the conferment of an honorary doctorate on him by the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) in Zaria.

    At its 41st Convocation on April 27, the ABU conferred Doctor of Science on Sunmonu and Doctor of Letters on business mogul, Aliko Dangote, ”for their immense contributions to the economic development of Nigeria and humanity”.

    Sunmonu, 78, who hails from Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was President of the NLC between 1978 and 1984. He also served as the general secretary of the Accra, Ghana-based Organisation of African Trade Unions (OATU).

    Sunmonu  noted how Osogbo elders, including himself, led by Chief Hammed Omidiran, interacted with people bidding to lead the state before the governorship election last year and found Oyetola as the best man for the job.

    He said given the way the governor has been carrying on, he had no doubt that their decision was well thought out. He called for support for the administration to enable it to deliver on its mandate.

    Sunmonu, who was accompanied by his wife, Alhaja Wasilat, and many labour leaders to the dinner, expressed optimism that Osun State would witness massive growth under Oyetola.

    The governor extolled the septuagenarian activist for his integrity and love for the common good.

    Oyetola noted how Sunmonu was invited to intervene during a disagreement between the former government and labour, which he said the former NLC president did admirably to the satisfaction of all parties, thereby restoring industrial harmony.

    He described Sunmonu as a gift to the state from God and to humanity and the downtrodden.

    Osun State Head of Service Dr. Oyebade Olowogboyega said Sumonu, with his commitment to service to humanity and the masses, is in the class of eminent Nigerians like Prof. Wole Soyinka and the late rights lawyer Chief Gani Fawehinmi, SAN.

  • Oyetola promises equitable healthcare as FG launches health fund 

    Osun State was the cynosure of all eyes on Thursday as the Federal Government’s major healthcare policy to favour women and the vulnerable was launched in Osogbo.

    The National Roll-out of the Implementation of Enrolment of Clients for the Basic Healthcare Provision Fund (BHCPF) was launched by Minister of Health Prof. Isaac Adewole and Osun State Governor, Mr.  Adegboyega Oyetola at the Primary Health Centre, Isale-Agbara, Osogbo.

    Governor Oyetola reiterated his administration’s commitment to bring adequate, quality and qualitative healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the citizens.

    He said his administration had been working round the clock to reposition the health sector by making health facilities accessible, affordable and sustainable for all.

    Oyetola reiterated the determination of his government to commence implementation of Health Insurance Scheme this month to make healthcare equitable.

    Besides, he added that work had started on the revitalisation of nine general hospitals and 332 primary healthcare centres across the state.

    “Our administration is poised to bring quality healthcare delivery to the doorsteps of the citizenry with this noble initiative.

    “The all-embracing programme involves making available drugs and modern equipment, training and re-training of personnel and powering of activities at the health facilities by modern technology,” the governor said.

    Prof. Adewole commended the administration of Governor Oyetola for keying into the national health policies and programmes of the Federal Government which earned the state the opportunity to host Thursday’s kick off of the national programme with the funding support of the World Bank, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation and other development partners

    Adewole who described BHCPF as a signature programme of the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, which is otherwise called Buharicare, said Osun residents will benefit from services worth over N916 million in the next nine months.

    According to the Minister, the fund is equivalent to payment for the management of two hundred and seventy thousand (270,000) women with normal deliveries, seven hundred and sixty three thousand (763,000) under 5-childhood illnesses or five hundred and seventy two thousand (572,000) cases of malaria.

    The Minister added that N15million would be released every year to support the programme.

  • Oyetola urges citizens on philanthropy

    OSUN State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has enjoined citizens to imbibe the spirit of philanthropy and service to God and humanity.

    He said since worldly things are ephemeral; it is incumbent on those favoured with abundant resources to deploy their wealth to assist the needy.

    Oyetola spoke at the inauguration of the 138-year old mosque rebuilt by Osun State Supervisor for Finance, Commerce and Industry, Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, in Ikire, at the weekend.

    Oyetola urged well-to-do citizens to help the needy and join hands with the state government to advance the economy for the people’s benefit.

    “Helping one another is directly proportional to helping the government since government is constituted to guarantee the security of lives and property of the citizens as well as the general welfare of all.

  • Oyetola promises more security as police launch Operation Puff Adder

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola yesterday promised more security so that the state can continue to retain its status as one of the most peaceful in the country.

    He described security as condition precedent to improved economy and better life for the people.

    According to a statement issued by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, Oyetola spoke during the launch of Operation “Puff Adder” by the State Command ‎of the Nigeria Police Force in Osogbo.

    Launching the Operation, Governor Oyetola said his administration had given the security sector the required attention as part efforts to drive the socio-economic and political policies and programmes of his administration. He said: “Since development and progress of any state can be measured by the security of such society, hence the need for the support given to security agencies by the state government.”

    ‎Oyetola said his government has demonstrated a high sense of commitment to maintaining and sustaining the tempo of the relative peace being enjoyed in the state.

    He pledged his government’s continued support and collaboration with the security agencies to eliminate all forms of crime and criminality in the state.

    Governor Oyetola commended the Acting Inspector General of Police, Muhammed Adamu, for the initiative, saying the scheme would further help to nip in the bud all forms of security challenges confronting the state and the nation at large.

    He said: “We are committing resources to advance the security architecture of the state, having realised that peace is condition precedent to inviting investors and development partners to the state.

    “I thank the Osun Police Command for the invitation to be a part of the new initiative to combat crimes in the nation and in the state.

    “I also commend the Inspector General of Police, IGP, Mohammed A. Adamu, for initiating Operation Puff Adder as a response to the serial crimes in the nation. “I equally appreciate the Osun Police Command for its contributions to the profile of State of Osun as one of the safest and most secured states in Nigeria.

    “There is no doubt that insecurity remains an impediment to development and progress of any society, hence the need for us as a government to key into the things that will enhance the security of lives and property of the citizenry since assumption of office.

    “So, I appeal to the people of the state to cooperate with the Police to achieve the objective of Operation Puff Adder by providing relevant information,ý just as I appeal to policemen deployed in the operation to observe the universal rule of engagement in the discharge of their assignment.

    “I pledge the support and cooperation of government to the successful implementation of Operation Puff Adder and other security operations.”

    Osun State Commissioner  of Police, Mrs Abiodun Ige, lauded the state government for being supportive and collaborative with the Force.

    She described the presence of the Governor at the occasion as a clear manifestation of the passion and commitment attached to security in the state.

    The CP noted that the Operation would support and enhance the performance of the officers and men of the Command in combating armed banditry, crime and criminality in the state.

    She expressed confidence that the Operation would put a permanent end to security challenges and help to maintain the tempo of the peace existing in the state.

    The Commissioner of Police called for support from the state government; sister agencies and general public to ensure the success of the Operation.

    The Commander Engineer Construction Command of the Nigerian Army, Brigadier-General Adesina Agboola; ýthe State Director, Directorate of State Security Service (DSS), Mr. Brown Ekwoab, expressed readiness to partner the Police and other security agencies to raise the bar of security in the state.

    Senior Government officials including Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prince Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola; security chiefs, traditional rulers, leadership of the Police Community Relations Committee led by Comrade Amitolu Shittu, stakeholders across sectors and others attended the event.

  • Show love, live in peace, says Oyetola

    Governor Adegboyega Oyetola of Osun State has urged Nigerians to continue to live in peace and love in the spirit of the Easter celebration.

    In a message to mark the celebration of the resurrection of Jesus Christ and the triumph of life over death and darkness, Oyetola urged the people “to take advantage of the opportunity presented by Easter to show love to fellow citizens, live in peace with neighbours and sacrifice for the betterment of the society.”

    According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, Governor Oyetola enjoined Christians to emulate the traits of humility, selflessness, tolerance and courage as exemplified by Jesus Christ.

    He said: “The lessons learnt from the Lenten season which heralded the Easter Celebration should continue to radiate in the lives of Christians.

    “Let us continue to be hopeful as we pray for continued peace, progress and unity of the country and the advancement of the State of Osun,” he said.

  • SDP pledges support for Oyetola

    THE Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Osun State has pledged to support Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s administration.

    A former Nigerian Ambassador to the Philippines, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, stated this during a visit by leaders of Osun SDP chapter to the governor in his office in Osogbo, the state capital.

    Dr. Farounbi, a one-time Chairman of the Board of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), expressed satisfaction of his party with the Oyetola administration’s performance and urged the governor not to relent

    The All Progressives Congress (APC), the platform on which the governor won the election, went into an alliance with the SDP ahead of the supplementary governorship election last September.

    Oyetola reaffirmed that the alliance between APC and SDP was still intact and enjoined SDP members to continue to support the policies of the government.

    He noted that Dr. Farounbi at a social function in 2015, putting politics aside, asked him of his plan for the 2018 governorship election at a time he was yet to make up his mind on whether to contest.

    Oyetola restated his commitment to inclusive participatory governance, saying nobody has a monopoly of wisdom.

    He promised to be open to fresh ideas and constructive engagements that will be of immense benefit to the Land of Virtue, having been called to serve the people

  • Oyetola charges SSG, CoS on efficient service delivery

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola has urged appointees of his government to be efficient in service delivery.

    He also urged them to “hit the ground running, show leadership by example and give direction,” because the people are in a hurry to experience development.

    He gave the advice on Tuesday while inaugurating Secretary to the State Government (SSG) Mr. Wole Oyebamiji; Chief of Staff Dr. Charles Diji Akinola and Deputy Chief of Staff Mr. Abdullah Adeyenju Binuyo‎.

    Oyetola said the appointees “must be creative, proactive and come up with contemporary ideas and innovations that will speedily lead to efficient governance in the 21st century knowledge- and technology-driven world.”

    At the inauguration held at the State Executive Council Lounge were Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; President, Customary Court of Appeal, Mrs Gloria Oladoke; Representative of House of Assembly Speaker, Hon. Folorunso Bamisayemi; Head of Service, Dr Festus Oyebade Olowogboyega, Commissioner of Police Mrs Abiodun Ige, members of the state’s steering committee, and political leaders.

    Read Also: Oyetola seeks establishment of Court of Appeal in Osun

    The governor explained that “Offices of the Secretary to the State Government; the Chief of State to the Governor and Deputy Chief of Staff to the Govern or are very important to the government and to the Governor’s office as they constitute the brain box and the engine room of my administration.

    “Your decision must be guided by the fear of God, fairness and justice. You must roll up your sleeves so that we can take our dear state to the next level.

    “You have been considered for your respective positions on merit, but you must note that the skills and competencies that qualify you for these jobs will need to be constantly improved upon to ensure adequate service delivery”.

    Oyetola enumerated some of the achievements of his administration in the last four and a half months saying his government had “demonstrated beyond a doubt that, in the face of limited resources, appreciable and equitable service delivery is possible.”‎

    He said the tremendous impact and impressions made by his government on the people of the state within the short time of the inception of office, has further fired the people’s expectations despite the dwindling financial resources.

    According to him, ‎Osun had taken off on a high tempo as the government is massively rehabilitating township and rural roads across the state to further improve on infrastructure.

    “We are working assiduously to ensure quality and affordable education for our children so that they can compete with their peers anywhere in the world.

    “We are also poised to turn the other sectors around to deliver prosperity to our people. We are adopting a holistic approach to boosting the economy of the state.

    “We are planning an Economic Summit very soon, to produce a workable template and compass for sustainable economic development. We are also putting measures in place to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) base of the state.

    “We are working hard to establish light manufacturing industries as well as liberalizing the mining sector”, he added.

    Speaking on behalf of the appointees, Oyebamiji commended the governor for the confidence reposed in them to serve the state.

    ‎He promised total dedication, commitment and determination to the government to ensure growth, development and mass emancipation of the people of Osun to the next level.

    “We are determined to reacquaint ourselves to the fact this state belongs to all of us and its projects are bigger than our individual political calculations.

    “Despite daunting challenges and punches from the agents of retrogression, you marched through the rugged terrains and climbed the ladder with sweet victory.

    “We all know that public service is public trust and I assure you that we will discharge our duties base on the principles of accountability, probity, prudence and above all loyalty to your cause, the government and the people of Osun.”

  • Oyetola seeks establishment of Court of Appeal in Osun

    Osun State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, on Monday threw his weight behind the call for the establishment of a Court of Appeal Division in the state.

    He spoke in Osogbo during the commencement of the special sitting of the Court of Appeal, Akure Division, holden at the High Court of Justice in Osogbo.

    The two-week programme is meant to enable the appellate court to attend to the many pending cases before the Justices emanating from Osun State.

    The governor said: “I cannot end this address without lending my voice to the request of the stakeholders that you should graciously consider the possibility of having a Court of Appeal (division) sited in Osun state.

    “‎I want assure you my Lords that our government would do everything possible to support this move”

    Before the governor spoke, leaders of the Bench and Bar in the state in separate speeches urged the visiting Justices to assist in making a case for the establishment of a division of the court in Osun state.

    With not less than 250 cases, Osun Stin state has the higher number of cases on appeal before the Justices of the Court of Appeal Akure Division which has appellate jurisdiction over Osun and Ondo States.

    It was the first time the Court, established 10 years ago, will move its sitting to Osun state to take justice closer to the people.

    The Osun stakeholders, who called for the establishment of the Court of Appeal, include,

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  • Oyetola orders renovation of court building, others in Osun

    THE Osun State government has ordered the renovation of buildings, court rooms and roads within the premises of the High Court Complex in Osogbo, the state capital.

    This is to create an enabling environment for judicial officers to operate without hiccups, according to Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola while inspecting the ongoing renovation at the complex.

    Oyetola was received at the court premises by the Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, alongside Justice Jide Falola, Chief Registrar Arojo Lawrence and other judicial officers.

    The governor described judiciary as a “sacrosanct arm of government, which requires adequate attention for greater growth.

    Oyetola, who was accompanied by a member of the House of Assembly, Oyeleke Ogundola, said his administration had put in place necessary mechanism to support the needs of the judiciary and help the judicial officers to perform their constitutional responsibilities diligently and comfortably.

    The governor noted that his government was poised to advance democracy by paying adequate attention to the needs of every arm of government.

    “I consider it a great honour for me to be here to see what is happening and visit our lords. This visit is sacrosanct to assess the pace of work and pass possible recommendation on the ongoing infrastructure rehabilitation in this court complex.

    “We are here to ensure that the facilities are put in place appropriately to guarantee comfort and create a good ambient for sittings.

    “I have seen things for myself and I must commend my Lord for the initiative of putting a very fantastic Magistrate Court building with no resources from government; this is highly commendable.

    “I have inspected the work here and I have seen the need to support the project to ensure quick completion of work.

    “The road network, which we are doing in the court complex and building rehabilitation is to ensure that we bring comfort to our judges so as for them to comfortably discharge their constitutional responsibility without any hindrance.”

    The Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, expressed delight over the governor’s visit and particularly on the government’s initiative to upgrade the facilities in the court.

    Justice Ojo hailed the administration for being committed to human and capital growth, the general welfare of the people and judicial officers.