The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Oyetola

  • Oyetola lauds CBN’s monetary policy control

    Osun State Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has commended the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for its monetary policy control measures which he said is evident in the efforts of the apex bank at stabilising foreign exchage (forex).

    The governor  spoke while playing host to the Management staff of the CBN, Oshogbo Branch in his office in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The governor who commended the apex financial institution for supporting the state government in the area of Small and Medium-sized Enterprises ( SMEs), added that the state will not rest on its oars at ensuring the monitoring of interventions as evident in the less than 10 per cent default rate of the SMEs intervention. He therefore sought  more of such intervention for the state.

    Mr. Oyetola told the team that efforts were on to develop the state’s tourist sites to attract more investments through partnership with the private sector, stressing that government, rather than delving into business, it is supposed to create a conducive environment for business to thrive.

    He assured the CBN delegation of the support of his administration, enjoining them to feel free to approach the Statistician-General and any other officers and agencies of government for any assistance needed while doing their job.

    In his remarks, the Branch Controller of CBN Oshogbo, Ademola Atobatele told the governor that his team was in his office not only to congratulate him but to also brief the governor about the operations of CBN.

    He said the apex bank has a traditional mandate of financial regulation, harping on the need for the state government to partner with the CBN in areas of interest.

    He stressed that through the  SMEs’ intervention of the CBN, not fewer than N2billion was disbursed to beneficiaries.

    Atobatele commended the government’s monumental strides, most especially in the area of infrastructure which he stressed is germane for economic development.

    The highpoint of the event was the presentation of gift to the governor by the visiting CBN team.

  • Oyetola seeks productive civil service at New Year’s prayers

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged the civil servants to be productive to get the engine of government continuously working.

    He also urged the people to continue to live in peace to create the avenue for development.

    Oyetola spoke at the inter-religious prayer at the state secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital, to user in the New Year.

    The governor promised continuous training of workers to improve their efficiency and productivity.

    He said: “Efficiency and productivity are the hallmarks of governance and statecraft. As the engine room of government, you should let both guide your service delivery so that, as a collective, we can move the state to higher heights.

    “The various Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), remain the channels of implementation. In a situation of scarce resources competing for attention, a lot depends on the creativity, prudent management, diligence and commitment of civil servants to move our state forward.

    “As a step toward improving value re-orientation, we shall re-introduce the teaching of History into our school syllabus. We shall also expand the study of Civics to include the promotion of Omoluabi values and ethos.

    “Your resolve as civil servants to commit the activities of government to the Almighty God at the beginning of every year is proof that governance in our dear state is built on a solid foundation and that success is assured.

    “Let us all continue to work under the guidance of the Almighty God in an atmosphere of peace and good neighbourliness so that we can achieve the State of Osun of our dream.”

    Oyetola urged the people to take the sanitation of their environment seriously to prevent diseases.

    The governor reiterated his administration’s plan to revamp 332 primary healthcare centres and 57 hospitals.

    He urged the electorate to vote for President Muhammadu Buhari in next month’s election to guarantee a better future for themselves.

    The governor preached peaceful coexistence and tolerance before, during and after the campaigns as well as the general elections.

    Dignitaries at the event included Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi; the governor’s wife, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola; the deputy governor’s wife, Mrs Titi Alabi; House of Assembly Deputy Speaker Akintunde Adegboye; Head of Service (HoS), Olowogboyega Oyebade; party leaders, led by All Progressives Congress (APC) State Chairman Gboyega Famodun, among others.

    Also, Oyetola has said the payment of taxes is necessary to support the development of the state.

    The governor stated this at Iresi Day celebration in Iresi, Boluwaduro Local Government Area.

    He noted that prompt and sincere payment of taxes by various categories of residents is an important civic duty, which implies more available funds for government to undertake critical projects, including roads.

     

     

    Oyetola said: “I congratulate our people in this town on another historic occasion. It is a yearly programme, but this will be my first time here. Let me quickly say that your request for roads is normal. Our people across the state have been requesting same. A way to support government in actualising this is to pay your taxes promptly. We will do your roads, but pay your taxes.”

    The governor urged the youth to shun violence, cultism and thuggery, saying these would compromise peace in the communities.

    A statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Niyi Adesina, said the event was evidence of promotion of Yoruba culture and values, which he said would be aided when History is returned to schools as a subject.

    He said: “I want to warn the youth not to accept thuggery contracts from politicians. Parents should encourage their children to learn skills. Today, if you want good and dependable artisans, like bricklayer, carpenter or tiler, you go to Cotonou (Beni Republic). This trend must stop.”

     

  • Oyetola canvasses religious harmony, tolerance

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has called for religious tolerance, harmony and peaceful co-existence among the people of the state.

    Oyetola also urged religious leaders to desist from sermons that could divide the people along religious lines.

    He made the call at the New Year Inter-Religious Prayer Service on Wednesday in Osogbo.

    The governor noted that religious harmony and cohabitation by people of different faiths was fundamental to the progress and development of the state.

    “I want to urge all the people of the state to continue living together in peace, irrespective of their religious and political differences.

    “We gathered here today, both Muslims and Christians, to seek the face of God in the beginning of 2019 for the progress of the state.

    “We should tolerate ourselves; there should not be religious discrimination and intolerance.

    “Our religious leaders should do away with sermons that do not preach unity and harmony among our people.

    Our God is one; but we are serving Him in different ways,’’ he said.

    He, however, called on the people to vote for all the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general election.

    Oyetola also urged them to be peaceful and orderly before, during and even after the poll.

    “We must not allow the people that bastardised the economy of the nation and subjected us to untold hardship to come back,’’ he said.

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    The Mufasir of Osogboland, Malam Maruf Isola, and President of Osun Baptist Conference, Rev. Paul Kolawole, enjoined the governor to be responsive and sensitive to the plight of the people.

    The duo also called on the people to pay their tax regularly to support the government

    The Head of Service, Mr Oyegbade Okowogboyega, assured the governor of a supportive and productive civil service, adding that the workers in the state

    would support his quest of having a better state.

  • Oyetola, Aregbesola, others usher in 2019 with fireworks, funfair

    Osogbo, the Osun State capital, entered the New Year with fireworks and funfair.

    Governor Gboyega Oyetola, his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola and Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, witnessed the crossover night ceremony, which attracted a big crowd.

    Also there were the state chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), Gboyega Famodun and the party’s Osun Central senatorial candidate, Dr Bashir Ajibola, and top government functionaries.

    The programme, tagged: “Osun Countdown to 2019 continuity edition,” held at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in the state capital.

    Oyetola congratulated Nigerians, particularly residents of the state, for witnessing the New Year.

    Read also: Oyetola’s wife presents gift to Osun first baby of 2019

    He expressed gratitude to the people for electing him in the last election in the state.

    The governor, who described 2019 as the “Year of Hope and Abundance”, said his administration would bring development to the people in all the strata of the economy.

    Oyetola assured the people that hope, abundance and prosperity would be witnessed in the year and beyond.

    He said: “We will not relent in our efforts at taking Osun to the next level of socio-economic development.”

    Aregbesola hailed the people for voting and supporting the continuity bid initiated by his administration.

    He expressed appreciation to the residents for supporting the Oyetola administration.

    The former governor expressed confidence in the ability of the new government to take Osun to greater heights.

     

  • His death a huge loss, says Oyetola

    State of Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola has described the death of Second Republic President Shehu Shagari as a huge loss to the nation. He commiserated with Shagari’s family members, the people and government of Sokoto State and Nigerians. Shagari passed on in Abuja on Friday evening at the age of 93. According to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, Governor Oyetola described the former president as a man of honour, who lived a life worthy of emulation.

    The governor said ex-President Shagari demonstrated politics without bitterness when he deservedly awarded the country’s highest national honour of Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR) to the leader of opposition Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), the late Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in 1982

    He said although the honour was reserved for only presidents/heads of state, Shagari recognised the contributions of the late sage to nation building by his non-partisan action. Governor Oyetola added that Shagari maintained a dignified posture and respectability out of office. He urged today’s politicians to emulate the attributes of the late former president who served the country diligently and to the best of his ability in various capacities from the pre-independence era through the First Republic and eventually as Second Republic President between 1979 and 1983. He prayed that Allah will grant his family and Nigerians the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

  • Oyetola to complete ongoing projects

    The annual cultural Iwude Festival climaxed at the weekend with colourful celebrations.

    The paramount ruler and Owa Obokun of Ijesa land, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, was in his royal regalia to receive guests from across the country and beyond.

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola, who was the chief guest of honour, assured the residents that all ongoing projects in the state would be completed.

    The governor promised that work would continue non-stop on the Ilesa water project and all roads under construction in the area.

    He said: “I’m your son. All of us are your sons and daughters. Work will not stop on our projects.”

    Oyetola expressed gratitude to the people for electing him and he urged them to vote for All Progressives Congress (APC) candidates in the February 16 and March 2 general elections to complement his election and make governance smoother for easy delivery of democratic dividends.

    Assuring that his administration would be all-inclusive, the governor promised to take back those who defected from the APC to other political parties before the governorship election.

    He prayed for long life for Oba Aromolaran.

    The monarch, who also prayed for a successful tenure under the governor, urged him to upgrade the Osun State College of Education to a university.

    He expressed happiness that the Wesley Guild Hospital in Ilesa would soon become a Federal Medical Centre (FMC).

    Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, an indigene of Ilesa, who was warmly received at the event, promised to remain committed to the service of the people.

    He urged the people to vote for APC candidates – from President Muhammadu Buhari to the other candidates.

    Iwude Ijesa Planning Committee Chairman Olu Falomo said the status of the festival had been upgraded since its re-branding from the former idolatry outlook to a socio-cultural festival.

    He said: “It is this festival that Ijesa people in the modern era determine to use as a rallying point to foster greater unity among one another all over the world, develop the land of Ijesa, celebrate our heroes and heroines and, in the process, open a new chapter of cooperation and progress in Ijesa land.

    “Iwude Festival is also of sociological significance in the sense that it is a festival of re-union of all people that make up the larger Ijesa land. Such activities include the purely traditional and ceremonial ones and, of course, the social ones, which have featured prominently in recent times.”

    The event, which witnessed cultural display, music and dance, was attended by Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi, House of Assembly Speaker Najeem Salaam, Head of Service (HoS) Oyebade Olowogboyega, Lagos West Senator Olamilekan Adeola, among others.

  • Oyetola mourns APC chief Abolade

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has mourned the death of a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Solomon Tunji Abolade.

    In a statement by the Supervisor of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Lani Baderinwa, the governor commiserated with the Abolade family and the people of the state.

    The governor described Abolade’s death as a colossal loss to Osun State, saying: “It is sad that Baba Abolade died at a time his experience is needed most. Baba was an elderly person who added value to the state with his profession and experience.”

    According the governor, Abolade’s demise is one death too many.

    He said: “His experience and contributions would be missed. He was an intellectual, a resourceful person and an unrelenting advocate of good governance. Baba left behind good legacies for the present and incoming generations.”

    The late Abolade, an indigene of Ikirun in Ifelodun Local Government Area of Osun State, was a leading voice for the creation of the state.

    He was later appointed the Secretary of Osun State Creation Committee because of his patriotism.

    The late Abolade was a prominent lawyer who had been practising before the creation of the state.

    He opened his law chamber, ‘Tunji Abolade & Co’ in Osogbo, the state capital, providing legal services to traditional rulers and other people.

    He was in the vanguard for making Osogbo the state capital when the state was eventually created.

    The late Abolade was a former Chairman of Local Government Service Commission during Chief Bisi Akande’s tenure.

    He was in the House of Representatives and became Speaker Extempore for one day.

    He was a leading politician in Osun and he attended and resolved many political matters brought to him.

    The late Abolade was a community leader; well at home with everybody around him, including monarchs and other people across the state.

    Baba Abolade was a hero, nan icon, a patriot and a committed Osun indigene who contributed not only to the creation of the state but also to its development.

    The role he played in the creation of Osun and stabilising the state when it was created cannot be overemphasised and cannot be underplayed, Oyetola said.

    The governor added that the late Abolade was in all ramification an Osun person.

     

  • Oyetola seeks Fed Govt’s help on major roads

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola yesterday sought the help of the Federal Government on the completion and repairs of some major federal roads in the state.

    The governor made the appeal in Abuja, the nation’s capital, during his visit to the Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola.

    He listed the roads as: Osogbo-Ilobun road, Iwo-Osogbo road and Osogbo-Ilesa road.

    Oyetola, who said some of the roads were in deplorable state, urged the minister to ensure speedy intervention and completion to reduce the suffering of the residents.

    The governor said some of the Federal roads in the state had been abandoned for close to 10 years, while work on others had either stopped or was slow.

    He said: “We have seen what you are doing in our state but we still need some more. Honourable minister, I still need you a lot in the areas of infrastructure. During the campaign, I realised that the major thing the people want to see happening is the rehabilitation of their roads. That is the primary reason, almost entirely, that government exists: to build roads.

    “We will appreciate rehabilitation of a lot of other roads. There are a lot of potholes here and there that are making it difficult for a lot of people to come around. This is the dry season; we will appreciate if you can assist us to fix quite a number of roads.

    “We have some critical roads that need your attention. The Iwo-Osogbo road has been a major issue. Again, the Osogbo-Ilobun road. I know it has been under construction but it is taking pretty long and it is affecting our people around that area. Ditto the Osogbo-Ilesa road. We met it like that when we came in; it is still as it was almost 10 years after.

  • Osun election: PDP, Adeleke tender result sheets from 27 LGs

    *To tender voters’ registers, other documents today

     

    The petitioners – the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate in the last governorship election in Osun State, Ademola Adeleke – opened their case on Monday at the election tribunal by tendering documents, mostly result sheets.

    Lead petitioners’’ lawyer, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), at Monday’s proceedings, which lasted from 10 to a little over 5pm, tendered a total of 492 documents – result sheets (EC8A and EC8A – VP) for 27 local governments.

    The Local Governments are Atakunmosa East, Atakunmosa West, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ife East, Ifelodun, Ife North, Ife South, Ila, Ife Central, Ilesha East, Irepodun, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, Obokun, Odo Otin, Ola Oluwa, Olorunda, Oriade and Oshogbo.

    Lawyers to the respondents, Adesina Agbede (for the Independent National Electoral Commission), Abiodun Owonikoko, SAN, (for Adegboyega Oyetola) and Lasun Sanusi, SAN, (for the All Progressives Congress) examined the documents, as tendered by Ikpeazu, Local Government by Local Government, and elected to reserve their objection to the point of final address.

    The procedure was a bit slow as each lawyer to each respondent took turn to examine the documents per LG, before the tribunal, led by Justice Ibrahim Sirajo, admitted the documents as exhibits, numbering each item from P1 to P492.

    After tendering the last set of documents from Oshogbo Local Government at about 5pm, Ikpeazu told the tribunal that he was willing to continue. Ikpeazu said he was willing to tender more documents, including voters’ registers from about 12 LGs.

    Lawyers to the respondents objected to Ikpeazu’s willingness to continue, citing the problem of security in Apo, Abuja, where the tribunal sits. They requested a postponement of further proceedings to the next day.

    In a ruling, Justice Sirajo agreed with the respondents to adjourn to the next day. He ordered lawyers to all parties to resume at the tribunal at 9am on Tuesday to sort out all the documents to be tendered, before the tribunal sits at 10am.

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    The PDP and Adeleke are, by their petition, challenging the outcome of the election. They are querying the victory of the candidate of the APC, Oyetola in the election.

    Respondents to the petition are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC and Oyetola (listed as 1st, 2nd and 3rd respondents).

    Earlier, the tribunal heard applications in relation to another petition filed by Mrs Jumoke Lawal and National Rescue Mission, with INEC, Oyetola and APC as respondents. The applications by Oyetola and APC sought the dismissal of the petition for being defective.

    After listening to arguments from lawyers to parties, Justice Sirajo said, in view of the provision of Section 285(8) of the Constitution (as amended), ruling in the applications will be delivered at the time of judgment in the petition.

  • UAE to boost Osun economy as Oyetola meets envoy

    The United Arab Emirates (UAE) at the weekend offered to work with Osun State to boost the state’s economy.

    A deal is being worked out following a meeting in Abuja, the nation’s capital, between Governor Gboyega Oyetola and UAE Ambassador Fahad Al Taffaq.

    The envoy, who hosted the governor, promised to support the state’s dry sea port, its agriculture development plans and to explore “further ways to support the state in the short, medium and long terms”.

    Al Taffaq promised to visit the state next month to assess its economic advantages, adding: “We want to see how we can add value to our people.”

    He invited Osun State to next year’s Dubai Investment Forum, “which is biggest investment event in Dubai and attended by major investors worldwide”.

    The envoy said 30 businessmen from UAE would visit Nigeria, adding that the biggest business between Nigeria and UAE is in gold trade.

    He said majority of the gold in his country comes from Nigeria.

    Oyetola told the envoy that Osun has gold in abundance and would like to partner investors to see that the gold deposit translates to the economic advantage for the state and its people.

    The governor called for support in agriculture because Osun State is an agrarian state.

    He told the envoy that the state “is a centre of commerce with a lot of infrastructure where access to land by investors is unrestrained because of the Land Bank policy in place”.

    Oyetola stressed that no community would disturb an investor because the government warehouses portions of land for investment with the Land Bank policy.

    The governor said power is stable in the state, especially in the state capital, which has an average of 16-hour daily supply.

    He added that the access to the rail can ensure easy transportation of goods from the state to Iddo Terminus in Lagos for export through the ports in Lagos.

    Oyetola also promised to work out special incentives for investors in the state.