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Tag: Oyetola

  • Oyetola inaugurates committee on Health sector

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola yesterday inaugurated a six-man committee to oversee the activities in the Health sector.

    The committee, which is chaired by the governor himself, will revive and revitalise the sector.

    A statement by the governor’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, said the committee, named: “State of Osun Special Health Intervention and Revitalisation,” is expected to review the state of the Health sector for efficient and effective healthcare delivery.

    The statement reads: “Apart from Mr. Governor, who is the chairman of the committee, other members include former Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu; Dr. Simeon Afolayan, Prof Adeyinka Aderinto, former Commissioner for Science, Innovation and Technology, Remi Omowaye and former Commissioner for Finance, Prince Bola Oyebamiji.”

    The statement said the committee would leverage on the quick rehabilitation and revitalisation of 332 primary healthcare centres across the state.

    It added that the current administration constituted the committee to meet the critical needs of the citizenry in the Health sector.

    Oyetola said the development was in line with the agenda of his administration to build healthy citizens by ensuring that every resident has access to health facilities.

    The governor said the gesture would help to make life easier for the people, particularly those at the grassroots who hitherto had some challenges.

    He said the rehabilitation and revitalisation process would be run under the Ministry of Health.

    “This is a reflection of our commitment to ensure free healthcare delivery at primary and secondary levels. It shows that we take the Health sector seriously and that we are paying serious attention to the sector.

     

  • Why History should return to school curriculum, by Oyetola

    The teaching of History should return to school curriculum to correct “intellectual deficit” in the Educational sector, Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has said.

    He spoke yesterday when he hosted the planning committee of the annual Iwude Ijesa, led by foremost industrialist, Chief Olu Falomo.

    Iwude Ijesa is the annual festival celebrated by the Ijesa to promote the culture and tradition of the people. It has been held for more than 100 years.

    The festival is celebrated across the six local government areas that make up Ijesa land with the grand finale in Ilesa, presided over by Owa Obokun of Ijesa, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran.

    This year’s finale will be held on December 22.

    Oyetola, who was accompanied to the meeting by Deputy Governor Benedict Alabi and other state officials, said children would easily forget the tradition of their people unless History is taught.

    He said: “If we are truly sincere about the need to revamp the Education sector, then concerted efforts must be made to hasten the return of History for teaching and learning in the schools.

    “This call will not only help to instil in the young ones the required virtues of existence but also aid them to be exposed to their origin.

    “It is through the restoration of History that some of our values, norms, customs and languages as a nation with multi-ethnic groups could be sustained.”

  • Oyetola directs local govts to propose roads for repairs

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has directed local government areas to forward the list of critical roads that require urgent repairs.

    The governor spoke yesterday in Osogbo, the state capital, at a meeting with the leadership of the Local Government Areas and Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs).

    He said his administration would also work with the chairmen of the 68 local government areas and LCDAs to bring development to the grassroots.

    The meeting was called at the instance of the Supervisor of the Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr, Adejare Adebisi.

    Oyetola said his administration remained committed to making life more abundant, meaningful and worthwhile for all, regardless of their socio-economic status.

    The governor got a rousing applause when he announced that the councils would be funded by his administration to ensure the spread of development across the state.

    He urged local government chairmen to key into the policies and programmes of his administration and reflect same in their conduct and activities.

    Oyetola said projects recommended by the councils would be supervised by the state government to ensure effective and efficient service delivery.

    The governor said the decision was to extend dividends of democracy to the grassroots as part of his administration’s cardinal points to bring succour to all, particularly people in the localities.

    He urged council chairmen to ensure all-round victory for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in next year’s general election, saying the decision remained the only way to sustain progressives in government at the state and national levels.

  • Afenifere leaders, Oyetola back Buhari’s second term bid

    AFENIFERE chieftains led by Senator Ayo Fasanmi and Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola have thrown their weight behind President Muhammadu Buhari’s bid for second term in office.

    A meeting yesterday at the home of one of the few remaining associates of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in Osogbo, hailed Buhari, his deputy, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftain Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the party’s National Chairman, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, for implementing progressive steps to actualise the country’s gradual restructuring.

    The leaders, who attended the meeting include Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd), former APC Vice Chairman (Southwest) Chief Pius Akinyelure, former Secretary to Osun State Government Sola Akinwumi and former Osun State APC Chairman Elder Adebiyi Adelowo.

    Others were Prof. Anthony Onipede, Prince Tajudeen Olusi, Senator Biyi Durojaye, who represented Asiwaju Tinubu, Chief Akin Fasae representing Ekiti State Governor Kayode Fayemi, Prof. Bayo Ademola, Otunba Akin Oluwadere and Bayo Aina.

    They noted that the Buhari administration has granted autonomy to the judiciary and legislature as well as local government administrations.

    They said the steps took by the Federal Government to ensure survival of institutions of government were necessary to attain restructuring goals.

    The leaders hailed the governors and people of Southwest for their abiding commitment to Nigeria and efforts for restructuring.

    A communique signed by Senator Fasanmi and other leaders after the meeting advised Nigerians to stand by Buhari and return him to office in 2019 for the next generation to be empowered and enjoy the gains of the fight against corruption.

    The leaders said the support for Buhari would create an opportunity for the next generation to be strengthened and to be able to chart a prosperous course for Nigeria from 2019 and beyond.

    The leaders said the summit of the Yoruba people holding in Ibadan, Oyo State capital, in January next year would address strategy to protect interest of Southwest geo-political zone ahead of 2019 general elections.

    They said the summit would address issues and plans to ensure victory for APC to guarantee life in abundance for Yoruba people and Nigerians.

    After the meeting, a delegation of the Afenifere leaders visited the governor.

    Durojaye, who spoke after being mandated by Fasanmi, said the group is the authentic Afenifere and that Afenifere means progressives.

    He added that the only known progressive party in Nigeria is the APC.

    Durojaye described Pa Fasanmi as “the oldest living senator in the country and a direct disciple of Chief Awolowo, who was the authentic Yoruba leader”.

    Oyetola, who they described as a true progressive, said “President Buhari is running welfarist social intervention programmes like the TraderMoni” among others.

    The governor hailed “the real Afenifere leaders” for their genuine interest in the masses.

    He promised the leaders, who hailed his election, that he would run an administration they would be proud of.

    Other leaders in the delegation are Prince Olusi, Mutiu Are and  Pa Yemi Alade and others.

  • Oyetola promises religious harmony

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola yesterday restated his promise to run a participatory government that will accommodate the interest of different religious bodies.

    He said his government will be fair to everybody, regardless of socio-economic, political and religious background.

    The governor promised that he would promote religious tolerance and harmony.

    Oyetola spoke at a meeting with officials of Osun State chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (OS-CAN) in his office in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The governor, who expressed his belief in the efficacy of prayers, urged religious leaders to pray for the success of his administration.

    He also appealed to them to form a synergy with his government by accommodating robust interaction that will discourage the activities of rumour mongers and faceless individuals who use the social media and other means to fan the embers of disharmony in the state.

    Oyetola expressed dismay over the rising cases of burglary, ýsaying his administration would stamp crime and criminal activities across the state.

    The governor said his administration had put in place necessary security infrastructure to support the security agencies for effective and efficient service delivery.

    He added: “Our administration is working assiduously to maintain and sustain the tempo of peace that the state is known for.

    “Since religion plays a vital role in peace maintenance, hence the need to promote religious tolerance, unity and harmony between the followers of the existing religions in the state.

    “Our administration has provided the necessary logistics for security operatives in the state as part of efforts to ensure adequate protection of lives and property of the citizenry.

    “We will do everything humanly possible to ensure that Osun remains the most peaceful state with least crimes rate in the country since security and welfare remain the cardinal points of our government.”

    The State CAN Chairman, Rev. Michael Okodua, described Oyetola as an embodiment of humility with a peaceful disposition.

     

     

  • Oyetola: Osun safe for investment

    •‘We will be media-friendly’

    Osun State remains safe, Governor Gboyega Oyetola declared yesterday.

    The governor assured the residents of tight security at all times in all parts of the state.

    He described as unfortunate last week’s abduction and subsequent release of six workers of Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, during which one person was killed.

    In a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Adeniyi Adesina, the governor said:  “Nobody should entertain any fear in the state because of that unfortunate development.

    “Our security men have been provided with the necessary logistics to function appropriately in all situations.

    “They are working hard at securing our people. All our people are free to go about their lawful duties without fear.”

    He said the state is ready for investment, given its comparative advantage of at least 16 hours of electricity supply daily, especially in Osogbo, the state capital.

    The governor expressed sadness that the abductors killed one of their victims.

    He condoled with his family, the community and the school authority.

    Following the kidnap of some officials of the college, the governor summoned an emergency security meeting, among other measures, which culminated in the freedom of the victims.

    Also yesterday, Oyetola promised to run a media-friendly administration to drive the investment programme of his administration.

    The governor spoke when he hosted the management team of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA), Osogbo, led by its General Manager, Mr. Waheed Amusa.

    The governor, who described the media as a veritable instrument for socio-economic and political advancement of any society, said his government would partner the media in the implementation of policies and programmes.

    He said: “We will do all possible to run an open administration that will ýincorporate everybody.

    “We will create an enabling atmosphere for the media to operate so as to ensure prompt, accurate, effective and genuine reporting of government activities.”

    Amusa said the visit was meant to renew the partnership between the state and the organisation.

    The manager said the station had acquired new equipment that would boost its reach.

    “We will continue to take as a priority the effective reporting of the state’s activities as we remain committed to give the state wide coverage,” he said.

    The NTA chief was accompanied by the Manager, News and Current Affairs, Kunle Adebayoý; the Manager, Programmes, Mrs Deola Ganiyu; theý Marketing Manager Monday Ocholi and Chief Accountant Mrsý Mayowa Oyegoke.

     

  • Oyetola urges payment of taxes

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged the residents to pay their taxes regularly to enable the government discharge its responsibilities effectively.

    The governor spoke at the weekend at his hometown, Iragbiji, in Boripe Local Government Area, during the 27th Iragbiji Day and launching of a development fund.

    Addressing the leaders and indigenes of the state, who attended the event in a large number, the governor said major programmes of his administration, such as the feeding of pupils, security of life and property as well as provision of amenities, cannot be carried out without sufficient resources.

    “We cannot continue to rely on revenue from the Federation Account,” he said.

    Part of the governor’s plans is to raise the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state without adding to the burden of the people.

    Oyetola said development of towns rests with everybody and not the government alone.

    The governor urged parents to devote full attention to the upbringing of their children because their future is “key to the development of the country”.

    He regretted that children have taken to bad habits, like cultism and drug addiction, adding: “Indeed, I am amazed at the behaviour of many children these days.”

    Oyetola addressed the residents, led by the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, who was supported by other traditional rulers and his chiefs.

    The governor noted that bringing up children should be the responsibility of everybody in the society, as obtained in the past, “because kids who continue to embrace bad habits will have a jeopardised future”.

    He hailed the community for its self-development efforts, especially the current construction of a 4,500-seat civic centre.

    Oyetola said the palace of the traditional ruler should be made more befitting.

    The governor and his friends pledged N5 million to the development fund out of the estimated N10 million raised at the event.

  • Oyetola to party defectors: return to progressives

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) who defected during the governorship primary to return to the party.

    Oyetola regretted that APC lost 49,000 votes during the governorship election, which could have given victory to the party instantly.

    The governor, who spoke in Osogbo, the state capital, at the kick-off of senatorial campaign of the APC candidate for Osun Central Senatorial District, Dr Ajibola Basiru, said: “We should forget yesterday’s crisis and work together for the victory of our party in the coming general elections.

    “Let’s forget yesterday. Our party – the APC – is in power. Osun is the home of progressives. Let’s work for the victory of our candidates for national and state Assemblies.

    “If we don’t have our party members in the National Assembly, Osun would be deprived of developmental projects. If we don’t have majority in the state Assembly, it would create problems for us to implement our policies designed to improve the living conditions of our people.”

    Impressed by the mammoth crowd, Oyetola added: “I am convinced that all our candidates will win. Our candidates are learned; you can’t compare them with candidates of other parties.”

    The paramount ruler of Osogbo, the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, said though traditional rulers are not supposed to be partisan but “I have consulted with my colleagues and we have endorsed Dr Ajibola Basiru to represent us in the Senate in the next dispensation.”

     

  • Resist pressure to subvert poll, Oyetola tells corps members

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola has urged corps members not to yield to pressure to subvert the 2019 elections.

    He said the members should show good example by displaying “integrity, fairness and the fear of God” in the discharge of their election duties next year.

    Oyetola spoke yesterday at the NYSC Orientation Camp in Ede, at the passing-out ceremony of Batch ‘C’ Stream II corps members.

    Recalling that yesterday’s event was a reminder to him of his service 40 years ago in Potiskum, Yobe State, the governor urged the corps members “to distinguish yourself and meet a need” rather than waiting for fast-disappearing jobs. He pledged that they would be protected by the government

    State Coordinator Emmanuel Danjuma Attah pledged that corps members would remain neutral during the elections, saying they were being sensitised on the role expected of them, and that they “are ready to discharge such duties with great patriotism.”

    Attah warned that the NYSC “will not take it kindly with any individual or group of persons who attempt to intimidate or harm any of our corps members in the name of political thuggery”, adding that “they are our children and we must protect them.”

    He praised Oyetola for his support for the NYSC, especially with a donation of drugs worth N2 million.

    Lagos State Coordinator of NYSC Prince Mohammed Momoh has said the scheme would present over 19,000 names of corps members to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the 2019 election.

    In an interview at the closing of the orientation programme for Batch C Stream II corps members yesterday, Momoh said once corps members who apply for redeployment to Lagos are settled, the list would grow to over 20,000.

    He said: “INEC has said we should send the list of corps members on December 14 but we are sending it tomorrow (today) because we worked well ahead of time. Before the election, we will have well over 20,000 that can be deployed for the election. Even those that are being relocated to Lagos, the moment they settle down, we will upload their names and send to them.”

  • Osun Governor Oyetola rescues accident victims

    Osun State Governor Gboyega Oyetola yesterday rescued accident victims on the Sagamu axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

    The governor and his entourage, whose convoy arrived on the scene of the accident, alighted from their vehicles and joined the rescue team.

    He immediately called for an ambulance to take the victims to the hospital.

    Twelve passengers travelling to Lagos from Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, yuesterday sustained injuries in a road accident on the Lagos-Isagamu road in Ogun State.

    The accident, which occurred at 12.30 p.m, involved a black Toyota Corolla and a commercial Mazda 12-seater bus.

    The commercial bus somersaulted after it collided with the car.