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Tag: Oyetola

  • Oyetola: bottom-up approach pivotal to service delivery

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has restated his commitment to bottom-up approach in governance.

    The governor noted that the approach is pivotal to popular service delivery.

    Oyetola stated this while hosting a delegation of the United Kingdom Department of International Development (DFID) in his office in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The governor told the team about the efforts of the state to achieve its development plan.

    This, he stressed, had been produced.

    According to him, the citizenship-based assessment is what he is committed to, through his bottom-up approach to governance.

    Oyetola said the people or communities must identify what they want so that the government can work towards achieving it, instead of giving them what they don’t need.

    The governor said the citizenry deserved to be treated with utmost respect and dignity, hence the need for taking their scale of preference, which would give them a sense of belonging and ownership in the scheme of things.

    He added that his recent “thank you tour” to the nine Federal constituencies in the state was an attestation to the respect he accorded his people.

    Oyetola said the platform enabled the communities to generate lists of what they wanted from his administration.

    The governor, who said the state’s development plan was pivotal to every engagement of his administration, added that a civil service reform was being done to guarantee efficiency and productivity of the workforce.

    He told the visitors that he went to Abuja, the nation’s capital, for a week after his inauguration and met relevant stakeholders on the salient needs to assist the state in vital areas, such as agriculture, mining and tourism.

    Oyetola hailed the DFID for integrating the development of the Southwest through the DAWN Commission.

    The governor said his administration was committed to all-round development of the Southwest.

    The leader of the delegation and Head of DFID in Lagos, Mr. David Ukagwu, congratulated the governor on his assumption of duty.

    Ukagwu and other members of the three-man delegation – Ms. Chika Uwadi and Mr. Adewale Agbojo – told the governor that they were in Osun State for a partnership deal with the state government on the assessment of the people’s major needs and other areas.

    They assured the state of DFID’s support for the development of the business environment and other germane areas.

  • Oyetola urges peace, unity among races

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has again called for peace and unity among the people of Nigeria, Africa and the rest of the world.

    The governor stated this at this year’s Armed Forces Remembrance Day while laying the wreath at the New Military Cenotaph in Osogbo, the state capital, on Tuesday.

    He said Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration is a commemoration and an appreciation of mankind for the sacrifices the veterans and gallant soldiers made at personal and family costs to keep the world and especially the country together.

    Oyetola noted that from World War I through the World War II, Nigeria’s Civil War, the support operations across the world to internal security operations, the gallant soldiers demonstrated uncommon courage and paid the supreme price so that the world can enjoy peace.

    The governor said it was apposite that the people of Nigeria reciprocate the gesture by showing appreciation to them and by taking care of their loved ones.

    He added: “January 15 every year is symbolic to our nation. It marks the end of the Civil War, thus prompting the nation to decide to live together in peace and unity. The symbolism of this day necessitated the decision by the Federal Government to commemorate the Armed Forces Remembrance Day on January 15 as against November 11 by other Commonwealth nations.

    “I would like to appreciate the thinking behind the annual commemoration and remembrance of our fallen and gallant heroes who surrendered their comfort and lives so that we can keep ours.

    “It is a testament to the deep appreciation and high esteem that we as civilians and the living, hold the sacrifice of our gallant soldiers and proof that this is not in vain.”

    Oyetola, who expressed the appreciation of the government and people of Osun State to the Nigerian Armed Forces for their loyalty to the nation, urged the citizenry to remember that the best honour they can give the fallen and living heroes “is to resolve to live together in peace and unity as a people”.

    The governor said now is the time to realise that “we despise our fallen heroes when we foment crises, kill one another and tear the nation apart”.

    According to him, Nigerians must set apart sentiments, say no to hate speech and conduct and seek peace.

    Oyetola said the time had come for corporate organisations and philanthropists to pull resources together for those who laid down their lives so that Nigerians can enjoy life and do profitable businesses.

  • Oyetola, Aregbesola to varsities: build character

    Osun State Governo?r Gboyega Oyetola and his predecessor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola have urged Nigerian universities to promote character and create values in the society.

    They also emphasized the need to prioritise the fundamental objective of providing solutions to societal problems by championing productivity.

    They urged graduates to do away with the mentality of seeking for white cola jobs, but rather applying the skills acquired in the course of their studies to be self-sustaining, self-reliant and self-independent.

    They spoke in Osogbo at the eighth Convocation Ceremony of Fountain University.

    Aregbesola was awarded the honouray Doctorate degree.

    Oyetola who described university as citadel of knowledge and character acquisition, called on Nigerian universities to ensure teaching and learning of character

    He said the worth of any certificate is premised on the character of the owner of such certificate, hence the need for the universities to be the bulwarks of morality, character and virtues.

    “Make the university proud by being her good ambassadors, don’t be in a hurry to make money, see your certificate as requisite to change the world.

    “You must begin to multiply yourselves by applying the skills you acquired in the course of your studies for greater productivity.

    “You should be employers of labour not job seekers, you must reflect all the good things you learned out there by letting the university be proud of you; and be a good ambassador of the institution whenever you find yourselves”, Oyetola added.

    After being conferred with a Degree of Doctor of Letters (Honoris Causa), Aregbesola urged the graduates to imbibe hardwork, productivity and character.

    He called on the graduating students to apply and turn the knowledge acquired in their various fields to cushion myriads of challenges confronting the country.

  • Oyetola gives assurance on rehabilitation of Iwo-Osogbo road

    The Osun State governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, has assured the people of Iwo and its environs of his readiness to rehabilitate the Iwo-Osogbo road.

    The governor during his thank you visit to Iwo/Ayedire/Olaoluwa federal constituency gave the assurance, disclosing that he had just returned from Abuja to seek assistance of the federal ministry of works in repairing the road.

    The governor, who noted the strategic position of the road to Osun and Oyo States, said the road is on top priority list of his administration.

    The governor expressed gratitude to the Oluwo, Oba Adewale Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, Telu I, and his subjects for their support for him in the last September 22 state governorship election, promising not to let them down.

    Also assuring the Oluwo of according the traditional rulers due respect at all times, the governor said he would seek their advice because of their wealth of experience and closeness to the grassroots.

    Earlier, the Oluwo has sought the attention of the state and federal governments in rehabilitating the Iwo-Osogbo road.

    The monarch, who expressed confidence in the Gboyega Oyetola administration, lamented that the poor condition of the road had affected economic activities of the people of Iwo and its environs.

    Oba Akanbi promised continued support of the people of the area for the new administration.

    Also, the All Progressives Congress candidate for the Osun West senatorial district, Engr. Adelere Oriolowo, appealed to the governor to give priority attention to Iwo-Osogbo road, saying the people of the area had always identified themselves with progressive politics.

     

  • Oyetola restates commitment to Osun development

    OSun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has restated the commitment of his administration to take the state to greater heights.

    Also, the governor said the fusing of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and Social Democratic Party (SDP) at the behest of Senator Iyiola Omisore is a divine arrangement to take the state to the “Next Level”.

    Oyetola stated this yesterday at the palace of the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, during his “thank you tour” of Ife Federal Constituency.

    The governor said he was in the ancient town to show his appreciation for the support he and his party, the All Progressives Congress (APC), got during the last election.

    He solicited more support for the party’s House of Assembly and National Assembly candidates to enable his administration have a smooth ride.

    Oyetola enjoined the constituents to pay their taxes and other levies, saying his administration relies so much on taxes due to the lingering poor financial situation and for the government to deliver on his promises to the people.

    The governor said his administration has lofty programmes for agriculture, mining, youth engagement, among others.

    He urged the citizenry to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in the February 16 election to enable his administration take further developmental strides.

    Oba Ogunwusi congratulated Oyetola and Omisore for the successful alliance between their parties.

    The frontline monarch noted that it was in the best interest of the ancient town.

    He said development can only happen in an atmosphere of peace, adding that his people should give the present administration unflinching support.

    Oba Ogunwusi enjoined the residents to see the present administration as theirs, saying they must not hesitate to demand for whatever they need.

    He enjoined the governor not to rest on his oars at keeping his promise to the people of Osun especially those of Ife Federal Constituency who evidently gave him massive supports during the last Governorship election.

    Omisore, the Apesin of Ile-Ife, stated that the SDP joined forces with the APC for the progress of the state.

    He said the alliance remained sacrosanct and germane.

    The former SDP candidate in the last election assured Oyetola and the APC of his unflinching support for the forthcoming general elections.

    Omisore added that though political parties may change, the business of government would remain a continuum.

    APC State Chairman Adegboyega Famodun sought the support of the monarch and Ile-Ife residents to vote for the party in the general elections.

     

     

     

  • Oyetola urges peaceful co-existence

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged Nigerians, especially residents of the state, to live in peace with one another.

    The governor said the fact that some people laid down their lives for peace to reign showed the importance of peace to any society, irrespective of the people’s race or religion.

    Oyetola spoke yesterday at the 2019 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration held at the State Government House in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mr. Benedict Alabi, assured the Nigerian Legion that his administration will not rest on its oars at supporting the families and loved ones left behind by the fallen heroes.

    He used the event to enjoin those fanning embers of violence in the northern part of the country to sheathe their swords in the overall interest of our dear nation.

    Mr. Oyetola enjoined the citizenry to always remember the fallen heroes, stressing that the peaceful environment of today wouldn’t have been possible if the martyrs had not laid down their lives.

    Comrade Oladimeji Olalere on behalf of the members of the Nigerian Legion and the families of the fallen heroes express his gratitude to the immediate past administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the part played to move the Nigerian Legion, State of Osun command to its present position.

    He stated that Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebration Appeal Week is set aside globally to appreciate the patriotic disposition of these noblemen and women, hence the need to continually pay tribute to them through the annual celebration.

    Olalere implored the Nigerian Legion donors and philanthropists to kindly and always redeem their pledges when made, stressing that the gallant soldiers died in various battle fronts so that Nigeria and its citizens can live in peace.

     

     

  • Osun: PDP, Adeleke’s witnesses allege over-voting

    Proceedings resumed on Monday before the Osun State Governorship Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja with the petitioners calling 10 more witnesses.

    The petitioners – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke – are contesting the outcome of the election won by the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Adegboyega Oyetola.

    The 10 witnesses called on Monday by the petitioners brought to 34 the number of witnesses so far called by the petitioners, who planned to call over 100.

    All the witnesses called on Monday, most of who were barely literate artisans, alleged that there were over-voting at the polling units where they served as agents of the PDP.

    Some of the witnesses could not read the statements they claimed to have signed and adopted before the tribunal on Monday as their evidence in chief in the case.

    The witnesses, most of whom could also not express themselves fluently in English language, were however unable to substantiate their allegations of over-voting.

    When asked, under cross-examination, to provide proof of their claimed over-voting, the witnesses would point to some alterations in the result sheets tendered before the court.

    When reminded, by respondents’ lawyers, that they signed the said result sheets on their own volition, the witnesses would claim to have signed after protesting.

    At a point, some of the witnesses became unruly as they refused to answer questions under cross-examination, thereby necessitating occasional intervention by tribunal’s Chairman, Justice Ibrahim Sirajo.

    Some of the witnesses, also confessed, under cross-examination, that they were not the actual PDP’s agents, whose names were submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) before the election.

    One of the witnesses, Mrs. Victoria Fadeke Alo admitted that it was actually another agent – Ilesanmi Samson Taiwo – who signed the result sheet as agent of the PDP in the polling unit she claimed to have represented the party.

    Under cross-examination by Wole Olanipekun (SAN) who appeared for Oyetola, Mrs Alo admitted that she was not the Ilesanmi Samson Taiwo, whose name appeared on the result sheet as the PDP agent.

    Another witness, Oyedokun Wasiu Soyode, who said he acted as PDP agent at Polling Unit 9, Ward 5 in Ejigbo Local Government also admitted not being the actual agent whose name was sent to INEC.

    Soyode, who was cross-examined by John Baiyeshea (SAN), who took over from Olanipekun, said his name was not on the list of party agent sent to INEC.

    He said it was his brother, Lateef Taiwo, who was the original agent whose name was sent to INEC, but took ill on the election day and was later admitted in the hospital.

    He said the development informed why he was asked to take his brother’s place.

    Also, Shehu Mufutau Alani , who said he acted as PDP agent in Unit 8, Ward 7, Iwo Local Government, also admitted not being the party agent, whose name was submitted to INEC.

    He said one Fadirat Isiaka, whose name was submitted fell sick few day before the election, a development that informed his choice as a replacement.

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    Under cross-examination by lawyer to the APC, Lasun Sanusi (SAN), Ajani said his lawyer wrote the witness’s statement, which he signed.

    He denied knowledge of where the lawyer got the information he wrote on the statement.

    Oyedele Waliu Ayinla, who said he acted as PDP agent at Unit 002, Ward 9 in Egbedore Local Government, could not read his statement when asked to read a portion of it.

    He was the petitioners’ last witness for the day. Further hearing continues Tuesday, Jan. 8.

  • Osinbajo, Ajimobi, Oyetola attend Health Minister’s son’s wedding

    MINISTER of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, yesterday in Ibadan, played host to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Gov. Abiola Ajimobi and his Osun State counterpart, Gboyega Oyetola at the wedding ceremony of his (Adewole) son.

    According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Adedayo Adewole, the minister’s son, and Ebunoluwa Oyedele, was held at Agbala Daniel Cathedral, Ojoo, Ibadan.

    The wedding reception of the colourful ceremony, which attracted several prominent dignitaries, was held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

    In her message, founder and prophetess of the church, Archbishop Dorcas Olaniyi, urged the couple to embrace the Christian modest way of life.

    Olaniyi, who prayed for the couple, counselled them on sincere love, maturity and godliness in dealing with each other.

    Ajimobi, who was the chairman at the reception, urged the couple to be faithful to each other and live with sincere love.

    The governor commended the parents for giving their best in nurturing the newly wedded in becoming responsible stakeholders in the society.

    Oyetola in his remarks, reiterated that it was important for the couple to embrace godliness, urging them to avoid discussing their issues with friends or third parties.

    He urged them to always explore amicable resolution of differences within their home.

    Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Boss Mustapha, said the business of marriage was about companionship.

    Mustapha urged them to always embrace patience, tolerance and godliness in their dealings, praying that the couple live long and peacefully.

    Among dignitaries at the occasion were Minister of Communications, Mr Adebayo Shittu,  former governor of Osun State, Chief Bisi Akande,  Sen. Olusola Adeyeye and an aide of the President, Mr Babafemi Ojudu.

    Others were Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) boss, Mr Boboye Oyeyemi, Oyo State Commissioner of Police,  Mr Abiodun Odude,  Owa Obokun of Ijeshaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran, and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdur-Rasheed Akanbi, among others.

     

  • We ’ll return governance to grassroots to meet citizens’ aspirations – Oyetola

    Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun State said yesterday that his administration remained resolute in its decision to return governance to the grassroots in order to effect the genuine change promised while seeking office.

    He said the decision is to make government more responsible and responsive to the critical needs, yearnings and aspirations of the citizens.

    Governor Oyetola spoke at the Ila-Orangun City Stadium and St. Savours Elementary School in Ikirun, headquarters of Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro and Ifelodun/Odo-Otin/Boripe federal constituencies.

    The governor’s visit was in continuation of his ‘thank you’ tour of the nine federal constituencies in the state.

    The governor commenced the thank you/town hall meeting from Osogbo, the Headquarters of Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu federal constituency on Thursday to show gratitude to the people.

    Governor Oyetola first visited the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdul-Wahab Kayode Oyedokun and Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji, yesterday before moving to the venues.

    Addressing the crowd, Oyetola said the tour was to ensure proper placement of the people’s priorities in the implementation of policies and programmes of his administration.

    Governor noted that the idea was also in fulfilment of his determination to run a transparent, participatory and all-inclusive government.

    He said:“We decided to embark on this tour in demonstration of our commitment to good governance as we remain resolute to turn our state to eldorado.

    “You have voted for us and we deem it worthwhile to come to you and ask for your needs so as to properly place your priorities.

    “We are doing this to empower you and let you know that you have elected your own government that means well for you.

    “We want you to have a say in government by creating a platform like this that will give you opportunity to make some requests.

    “We will compile your requests, process them and prioritise them as soon as we are implementing our policies and programmes.

    “We are determined at ensuring the equitable distribution of wealth and dividends of democracy to every citizen regardless of status.”

    Governor Oyetola appealed to the people of the constituencies to vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC)ý in the forthcoming general elections.

    He also urged the residents of the state to support the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari, whom he described as a ‘round peg in a round hole’.

    Speaker Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam implored the people of the constituencies to cast their votes for all the candidates of the APC.

    Some of the candidates of the APC in the federal constituencies including Dr Bashir Ajibola; Hon. Olufemi Fakeye; Hon. Lekan Afolabi, Adebisi Jayeola; Nike Abioye, Femi Popoola among others solicited votes.

  • Oyetola begins ‘thank you’ tour of Osun

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola yesterday started a ‘thank you’ tour of the state.

    The governor began the tour of the nine federal constituencies from Osogbo, the state capital, and headquarters of Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu.

    He visited the Ataoja of Osogbo, Jimoh Olanipekun, before going to the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park.

    Residents reiterated their support for Oyetola’s administration.

    The governor will, today, visit two federal constituency headquarters – IIla/Boluwaduro/Ifedayo and Ifelodun/Odo-Otin/Boripe.

    At the Ataoja’s palace, Oyetola said he wanted to appreciate the people for voting for him and their support for his administration.

    The governor said the tour would enable him interact with the people on what they desire from the government to fulfil their aspirations.

    He said his administration remained resolute to ensure inclusive and participatory government to give every resident the opportunity to have a say in the state’s socio-economic development.

    Oyetola said: “The purpose of this visit is to say a ‘big thank you’ to all. You have been showing love and passion for our administration since 2010 my predecessor took over the mantle of leadership.

    “We conceptualised this visit in fulfilment of our electoral promises to run an all-inclusive and participatory government where every resident will be carried along in a bid to advance the state.

    “We do this so that our people will have a say in what they really want and how they want to be governed so that our policies can be tailored along their yearnings and aspirations.”

    The governor urged the people to continue to vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) by returning President Muhammadu Buhari for a second term in next month’s election.

    He added that his victory would not be complete unless his party controlled the House of Assembly.

    Oyetola sought the people’s support for all APC candidates.

    Those running for various offices in the zone, including Osun Central senatorial candidate, Ajibola Bashiru, spoke at the meeting.