The Nation Newspaper

Tag: Rauf Aregbesola

  • Aregbesola committed to Western Nigeria Governor’s Cup

    The outgoing Governor of State of Osun, His Excellency Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has restated his commitment and that of his colleagues in the South Western part of Nigeria, to Sports development and in particular football development in the Regional Integration of the South West and in its social and economic development .  

    Ogbeni Aregbesola stated this on Saturday at the Freedom Park, Oshogbo, Osun State, while receiving the Western Nigeria Governor’s Cup from the Western Nigeria Football Forum which was led by its Chairman Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi who is also the Chairman of the Lagos State Football Association and the 1st Vice President of the Nigeria Football Federation.

    The outgoing governor of the State of Osun said “Football is not just a sport for recreation but an economic empowerment and social integration tool, even out of office you can be sure that I will support you all the way. I thank God that our incoming governor is here and I’m sure that he would do even more than I could have to support such a noble cause”. 

    The Western Nigeria Governors Cup which is an U20 youth football tournament conceptualised and organised by the Western Nigeria Football Forum (WNFF)  in partnership with the Dawn Commission will be played in the 6(six) States of the South West Region. It is a tournament aimed at not only fostering regional integration but also to enhance socio economic development and empowerment as part of the agenda of the governors of the South West Region.

    Read Also: Aregbesola: I’ve been absentee husband for eight years

    The Chairman of the WNFF,  Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi noted that the Forum decided to go on a trophy tour of the 6(six) States of Western Nigeria in order to sensitise the entire region of this unique forthcoming tournament and to solicit the support of each of the governors within the region. He disclosed that the trophy tour which will make stops at the other States in the region kicked off from the State of Osun as a mark of respect for the outgoing governor in return for the support that he has shown for the concept of the WNFF as a tool for regional integration.

    Barrister Akinwunmi who called on the government of and the corporate organisations in the State of Osun and in the entire region to support the Western Nigeria Governors Cup and other programmes of the WNFF, was accompanied by other members of the forum in attendance including the host FA Chairman Chief Taiwo Ogunjobi,  Chairman of Ogun State FA and executive member of the board of the Nigeria Football Federation, Alhaji Ganiyu Majekodunmi,  Chairman of Oyo State Football Association His royal Highness James Odeniran, President of the Nigeria Referees Association, Otunba Tade Azeez and the Executive Secretary of the the forum Otunba Akin Akinbobola. Also, present were Secretaries of the State FA’s, representatives of DAWN Commission and   Ex-Internationals, Mutiu Adepoju and Olufemi Opabunmi.

    Upon receiving the Trophy from his predecessor, the Governor Elect of the State of Osun His Excellency Gboyega Oyetola who was present at the event alongside the Deputy Governor Elect His Excellency Benedict Alabi and other State government functionaries pledged his support for the concept of football as a tool of regional integration and development before he handed over the Trophy back to the WNFF Chairman.

  • How Aregbesola will be remembered

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola has demonstrated that human beings can make impact in any given society, not necessarily because of wealth but because of ideas and it has since been said that ideas ruled the world. Aregbesola has something in common with Fidel Castro,  the late leader of Cuba. Castro was criticised by the West, but at the end of the day, Cuba was the only country in the Americas with no single record of  child malnourishment; declared an “International Paradise “ by UNICEF, the country has the lowest child death rate in the two continents of America.  Boasting some of the best human development indices in the world, particularly in education and health. It is not an exaggeration that what Castro did in Cuba, Aregbesola has done the same in the State of Osun.

    A song writer penned this song “ We shall be remembered,  we shall be remembered  by what we have done”. One of the founding fathers of  Newswatch magazine, Ray Epku recently asked in his article  in The Guardian, if Aregbsola  will be remembered by his state. We know that history  is written  by a Victor. Every public office holder starts writing his story from the moment he is elected. Aregbesola  will certainly be  remembered  for his numerous unforgettable good deeds. The Philosopher states: “ the best way to live is to live in the present  and not attempt to shape the future. “

    There are many people like Ekpu living in Osun, and others outside the state who might have heard about Aregbesola and possibly out of curiosity, eager to find out what he has done the last eight years. It is obvious that a leader must be represented by what he stands for either for good or for evil. As far as history of the tenure of the outgoing governor is concerned, he will surely be  remembered for his several unforgettable good deeds. A one time PDP gubernatorial candidate in the state, once stated that the state has nothing to show as an achievement for the past six years. Just as it is often  said that when lies is allowed to prevail for long it might be taken for the truth. There were three groups of men in the state who nursed defeat they suffered as a result of Aregbesola’s victory at the polls. The first group was those who held on to power due to Electoral manipulation for three and a half  years before they were sacked by the Court of Appeal. Some have since joined the APC. The second  group were the men that were counting on the time that the gubernatorial election will come to their zones, but the court verdict blew off their chance. This  second group are much more desperate. One of them vowed in 2014 that he must win the election at all costs,  failure  which he was ready to die. He tried but failed but has since refused to  die. The third group consists of political hangers-on.  They benefit  from the power that be. The change of power has since rendered them beggars and haters of Aregbsola’s administration.

    Initially,  they falsely  alleged that the incumbent governor suffered  from cancer, but when that kite failed to fly, they took to criticising him that he was doing nothing in the state. Later when Aregbesola turned the whole state to one great construction  site, they were dumbfounded and started saying that the state indebtedness was beyond redemption. So far, there is no local government council area that have not seen the impact of Aregbesola’s administration. The six-point integral Action plan: Banish Poverty, Banish Hunger, Banish Unemployment, Restore Healthy living, Promote Functional Education, and Enhance Communal Peace and Progress  continue as the guiding principles till date.

    Will Aregbesola be remembered?  Yes, he would be remembered  as the man who whose mandate was stolen by the then incumbent but fought a legal battle  for three and half years to regain it  to the extent that the then Federal Government was much more concerned  that the Electoral Law  was amended to ensure that future Electoral litigation do not exceed six months.

  • Aregbesola, Oyetola hail Osun finance commissioner, Oyebamiji

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the state governor-elect, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have hailed the state Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, as he received an Islamic honor.
    They described him as a  man of impeccable character.
    They spoke in Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of the state as Oyebamiji was turbaned the Balogun Musulumi of Irewole, Isokan and Ayedade Federal Constituency by the League of Imams and Alfas in the three council areas.
    According to Aregbesola, the commissioner deserved the honor because of his leadership quality and peaceful disposition to people.
    He praised Oyebamiji for his contribution to Islam, staying he has always adhered to Islamic injunctions without a compromise.
    ‎
    The outgoing governor also said that Oyebamiji has displayed high sense of commitment to the growth and development of of the state and humanity  in different capacities.
    He further described the commissioner as a formidable, forthright, reliable and dependable political associate, who supported his administration with all sense of responsibility.
    Expressing delight on the appointment and installation of  Oyebamiji, he said the position will give him an opportunity to do more and impact greatly on the lives of the people.
    ‎
    He said: “I have known Oyebamiji for over 20 years, I know him as a man of faith. He is God fearing,  honest, loyal and he is a truthful person. We have been working together since our emergence and he had displayed extreme commitment towards the growth and development of our state. He has served in two different capacities and as such he is eminently qualified for this religious title being bestowed on him today.”
    Also speaking at the event, the Osun State governor-elect, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, who congratulated the commissioner for the honor, described him as an enigmatic, resilient and reliable political associate.
    Oyetola said: “Oyebamiji is a worthy person. He is an exemplary being, a man who works and relates to people with ‎extreme sense of loyalty, honesty, commitment and determination.”
    The guest lecturer and grand mufty for Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan, Sheik Abdul-Raheed Maye, in his sermon admonished Muslims to live purposeful life that can earn them worthy recognition and reward in all they do.

    Read Also: As Aregbesola bows out

    Maye commended Oyebamiji for genuinely identified with Islam and Muslims and for supporting the core values of his faith.
    ‎
    He described Oyebamiji as a good ambassador of Osun and Nigeria, saying he has tremendously impacted on the lives of the people. ‎
    ‎
    In his response,  Oyebamiji commended  the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for re-positioning the Osun on the path of development despite financial challenges facing the  state.
    Oyebamiji, who applauded League of Imams and Alfas, Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan for consider him worthy, promised to live up to their expectations.
    Dignitaries in attendance at the event  include the outgoing Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, his deputy, Chief Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Osun governor-elect, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola; his wife, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, the Osun Deputy Governor-elect, Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, the Minister for Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.
    Others include; Former Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Foluke Etteh; Chairman Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Prince Gboyega Famodun; Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi; Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji; Federal Commissioner National Population Commission, Senator Mudasiru Hussain, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Salinsile; Asiwaju Adinin of Ibadanland, Sheik Mitiulahi Onimolu; and members of the State and National Assemblies; members of the Osun State Executive Council.

  • Osun unveils 10-year development plan

    The Osun Government on Thursday in Osogbo unveiled a 10-year development plan aimed at improving the economy of the state as well as human capital.

    Dr Olalekan Yinusa, the state Commissioner for Economic Planning, Budget and Development, said the plan projected that Osun would become a place where all generations yet unborn would be proud of.

    Yinusa said the Osun development plan 2019-2028 was hinged on four pillars of Economic Development, Capital Development and Security, Infrastructure Development and Environmental Sustainability.

    The commissioner said that a common vision and mission had been carefully and succinctly captured in the document for the economic growth of the state.

    “The state’s vision is to be a prosperous state in a secure and sustainable environment.

    Read Also: Aregbesola, Oyetola hail Osun Finance Commissioner

    “While the mission is to promote sustainable development through pragmatic, transparent, accountable and inclusive governance that mobilises human and material resources toward making the state a socio-economic and cultural hub of Nigeria.’’

    According to him, the road map to decisively address diverse strategic issues of widespread unemployment, low productivity, infrastructural deficit and low agricultural productivity is clearly defined in the plan.

    The commissioner noted that the plan was fundamentally different from previous plans in terms of preparation, comprehensiveness of content and implementation strategy.

    Yinusa said the plan evolved from the past development plans, with critical inclusion of materials of current and future developmental relevance.

    Ealier, Gov. Rauf Aregbesola said if successive governments could follow the plan, the state would ultimately emerge the best in the country.

    Aregbesola said that his administration had laid a solid foundation for the growth and development of the state.

  • Aregbesola, Oyetola hail Osun Finance Commissioner

    Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the state governor-elect, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, have described the state Commissioner of Finance, Mr. Munirudeen Bola Oyebamiji, as a man of impeccable character.

    They spoke in Ikire, the headquarters of Irewole Local Government Area of the state as Oyebamiji was turbaned the Balogun Musulumi of Irewole, Isokan and Ayedade Federal Constituency by the League of Imams and Alfas in the three council areas.

    According to Aregbesola, the commissioner deserved the honor because of his leadership quality and peaceful disposition to people.

    He praised Oyebamiji for his contribution to Islam, staying he has always adhered to Islamic injunctions without a compromise.

    The outgoing governor also said that Oyebamiji has displayed high sense of commitment to the growth and development of of the state and humanity in different capacities.

    He further described the commissioner as a formidable, forthright, reliable and dependable political associate, who supported his administration with all sense of responsibility.

    Expressing delight on the appointment and installation of  Oyebamiji, he said the position will give him an opportunity to do more and impact greatly on the lives of the people.

    ‎He said: “I have known Oyebamiji for over 20 years, I know him as a man of faith. He is God fearing, honest, loyal and he is a truthful person. We have been working together since our emergence and he had displayed extreme commitment towards the growth and development of our state. He has served in two different capacities and as such he is eminently qualified for this religious title being bestowed on him today.”

    Also speaking at the event, the Osun State governor-elect, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola, who congratulated the commissioner for the honor, described him as an enigmatic, resilient and reliable political associate.

    Oyetola said: “Oyebamiji is a worthy person. He is an exemplary being, a man who works and relates to people with ‎extreme sense of loyalty, honesty, commitment and determination.”

    Read Also: ‘Memory of Aregbesola will remain evergreen with us’

    The guest lecturer and grand mufty for Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan, Sheik Abdul-Raheed Maye, in his sermon admonished Muslims to live purposeful life that can earn them worthy recognition and reward in all they do.

    Maye commended Oyebamiji for genuinely identified with Islam and Muslims and for supporting the core values of his faith.

    He described Oyebamiji as a good ambassador of Osun and Nigeria, saying he has tremendously impacted on the lives of the people. ‎

    ‎In his response, Oyebamiji commended  the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for re-positioning the Osun on the path of development despite financial challenges facing the  state.

    Oyebamiji, who applauded League of Imams and Alfas, Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan for consider him worthy, promised to live up to their expectations.

    Dignitaries in attendance at the event  include the outgoing Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, his deputy, Chief Mrs. Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Osun governor-elect, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola; his wife, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola, the Osun Deputy Governor-elect, Mr. Benedict Olugboyega Alabi, the Minister for Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole.

    Others include; Former Speaker, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Patricia Foluke Etteh; Chairman Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC); Prince Gboyega Famodun; Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi; Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji; Federal Commissioner National Population Commission, Senator Mudasiru Hussain, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Abdul-Rasak Salinsile; Asiwaju Adinin of Ibadanland, Sheik Mitiulahi Onimolu; and members of the State and National Assemblies; members of the Osun State Executive Council.

     

  • I didn’t collect salary for eight years as governor — Aregbesola

    The outgoing governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola has said that he did not earn salaries throughout the eight years of his administration.

    Aregbesola disclosed this during an interactive programme tagged ‘Ogbeni Till Day Break’ on Saturday in Osogbo.

    The governor said since it was the state that was feeding him,fueling his cars and provided him with accommodation, there was no need for him to be paid.

    Aregbesola also said that he did not have bank accounts where money was kept in any part of the world.

    He said,”I have not collected salaries since I became the governor of the state.

    “The state feeds me, fuel my car and provided me accommodation. With all these, I don’t need money.

    “I have no money and bank account anywhere .

    ” I have no house except the one I built before I became the governor.

    “Anyone can go out there to investigate if I have bank accounts.”

    Aregbesola who will handing over to the governor-elect, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola on Nov. 27 said he would vacate the government house by Monday, Nov. 19.

    He said that the decision to leave the government house earlier was to give his successor enough time to do necessary renovations.

    When asked what his regrets were as a governor in the last eight years, he said he had no regrets.

    He said, ”If you give me another four years to rule again, I will still do what I did before and I will not do anything differently.”

    On his next political plans after office, Aregbesola said he was going to rest for awhile from politics.

    Read Also: ‘Aregbesola’s achievements in eight years outstanding’

    “l had been in politics since my secondary school days. I have had been an absentee husband for many years because of politics but for now, I want to be with my wife,” Aregbesola said.

    On his achievements, the governor said he was happy that his social investment programmes supported and transformed the lives of the people in the state.

    He also said that the infrastructure development his administration embarked upon would continue to be a reference point in the state, adding that all the roads he built would last for the next 50 years.

    Aregbesola, however described his successor as a silent achiever and a goal-getter expected to build on his legacies.

    He said “Oyetola is not radical like me but he is a silent achiever.

    “He contributed immensely to the success of my administration and I know he will do well in office.”

    NAN

  • Automobile association seeks establishment of mechanic villages in Osun

    A Non Governmental Organization, the Automobiles and Road Safety Initiative (ARSI), has called on the Osun State government to establish mechanic villages in major cities of the state.

    Speaking at the investiture of grand patrons, patrons and awards of national and state auto safety ambassadors for the Nigeria Automobile Technicians Association (NATA) in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, the President of the ARSI, Samuel Oloyede Oriowo,  said growing volume of work for automobile technicians in the state require a conducive environment for repairs.

    He said it has become necessary that the state government establish settlements that will allow convergence of different key technicians, who are relevant to carry out repair works on damaged vehicles.

    Oriowo, who noted that there are ample benefits in the establishment of such mechanic villages for vehicle owners, transporters, technicians and the government, said road safety project is a business for everyone.

    He said: “It has been established that non adherence by vehicle repair technicians to vehicle manufacturers’ specification and instruction while carrying out repairs on faulty vehicles had led to accidents for which drivers are blamed.

    “The main objectives of this gathering is to find means of nipping in such incidents in the bud, more so that most vehicles coming into Nigeria re designed with computer chips, requiring experts’ attention to fix its faults whenever it breaks down.

    “So, we are calling on NATA members in Osun State to desist from using any engine oil to service vehicles for your customers. Aub standard engine oil does nothing better than damage the car engine.”

    While commending the outgoing Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his “outstanding achievements in many sectors of the economy, Oriowo, who congratulated the governor-elect, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, challenged him to ensure that Osun will continue to be a model to  states of the federation.

    Other speakers at the event including the state Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye, the Zonal Head of Operations of the Federal Road Safety Commission, Zone 3 comprising Osun, Oyo and Ondo State, Mr. Gbenga Oke, and the Osun State Chief Vehicle Inspection Officer, Mr. Fatai Ademola Ali, stressed the need for all key stakeholders in transport business to ensure safety at all times.

  • Osun closes two forest reserves over illegal activities

    The Government of Osun says it has closed two forest reserves in Irewole and Isokan communities over illegal activities of plank dealers.

    Prince Tunde Ajilore, the Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Forestry, Natural and Mineral Reserves, made this known to newsmen on Friday in Osogbo.

    Ajilore said the closure was to ensure the state’s resources were not siphoned through illegal means.

    He said before the closure, the state government had held series of meetings with the plant dealers associations to put an end to such activities, but to no avail.

    “Some eminent personalities have intervened, but the association members have refused to embrace peace,” Ajilore said.

    Read Also: Court joins Oyetola, Alabi in suit on Osun APC primary

    He said the state government would not reopen the reserves until the dealers complied with the laws of the state, adding that the state government would not hesitate to deal with anyone found wanting.

    Mrs Yemisi Adetipe, the state Task Force Officer for Forest Reserves, said that offenders would not escape the wrath of the law.

    Adetipe said the primary responsibility of the ministry was to mobilize revenues for the state to boast its internally generated revenue.

    She called on stakeholders in the forestry, natural and mineral reserves sector to be calmed as the state government was on top of the situation.

    NAN

  • Agrictech set to empower farmers in Nigeria

    No doubt, Agriculture has become a key area of focus for investors globally as it networks with local farmers and cooperatives to provide commodities for the country and international market swells daily.

    This is considered to be a great investment because Nigeria has large expanses of fertile farmlands, particularly with the population of over two hundred million people that depends on staple foods produced from farms for daily meals.

    The recent introduction of Agritech program for farmers is an added value to the Agriculture business in the country.

    Agritech Nigeria Program is expected to create job opportunities for Nigerians while at the same provide a range of tools to improve the livelihood of smallholder farmers (agriculture plus technology).

    CEO of Agritech group Nigeria, Kwende William said that “the solution to the world food and energy crisis is to build farmers’ capacities to implement sustainable and efficient agricultural practices”.

    It is a reality that Nigeria will soon attain its full capacity in the utilization of agriculture, and farming will become her great foreign currency earner more than oil.

    Read Also: USAID’s project targets 5m farmers

    This reality has made the organizations rise to encourage people to go into agriculture and increase agricultural productivity with technology.

    Recently, the Governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola bought into this idea so much that Osun state joined forces with the Federal Government to organize the International Agro-Technology Exibition and Conference.

    Poverty amongst small-scale farmers is accountable to problems of low use of mechanization, poor agricultural extension systems, poor road networks, inadequate market information, and lack of access to credit and quality inputs such as fertilizer and seed. And solutions are proffered to these problems in the Agritech Nigeria Program.

    As Nigeria has found this to be the solution the absolute dependence on oil, improvement on her natural resources and the eradication of hunger, she should build on it like a life line.

  • Agritech programme will create job opportunities – Aregbesola

    Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has promised to stem the migration of youths to overseas countries in search of jobs by creating employment opportunities via the Agritech Nigeria Programme.

    The governor expressed the commitment on Thursday night in Abuja at a sensitization dinner organised for diplomats and captains of industry on the Agritech Nigeria Programme.

    Aregbesola, who was represented at the meeting by the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, said that as part of the Agritech Nigeria Programme, the Federal Government and the Osun Government were organizing the International Agro-Technology Exhibition and Conference.

    He added that the exhibition and conference had “Transformation of Nigerian Agriculture through Sustainable Technological Innovation’’ as its theme.

    He said that the event, which would hold in March 2019, would create employment opportunities for the youth and, in essence, stem the desire of youths to travel abroad “in search of greener pastures.

    “Agritech Nigeria is coming at a period when the Federal Government is diversifying the nation’s economy from reliance on petroleum resources to agriculture, as part of the economic recovery and growth plans of President Muhammadu Buhari,’’ he said.

    Aregbesola said that agriculture had been globally recognized as a tool for economic transformation, adding that his administration believed that sustained agricultural production with modern technology would facilitate efforts to stabilize and improve the national economy.

    The governor said that over 200,000 participants from different countries across the world, drawn from the full spectrum of agriculture, were expected to attend the event.

    Aregbesola said that the number of prospective investors in various value chains of agri-business expected at the event would attract foreign capital into Nigeria and help create job opportunities for unemployed youths in the country.

    He added that the programme would strengthen Nigeria’s efforts to diversify its economy with agriculture as the cornerstone.

    He noted that Nigeria, which had the largest population in Africa and the largest market economy on the continent, was blessed with many resources which foreign investors had yet to exploit.

    Read Also: Baba Sala: ‘We’ve lost another icon – Aregbesola

    Besides, the governor noted that more than 45 million Nigerians were engaged in farming, adding that the farmers were, nonetheless, in need of modern technologies and innovations to boost their productivity.

    Aregbesola solicited the participation of embassies and high commissions in Nigeria in the forthcoming event, adding that they ought to have pavilions at the exhibition venue to showcase their countries’ agricultural technologies and allied products at the Agritech Nigeria Osun 2019.

    “We are also calling on international and local financial institutions to support and sponsor youth empowerment programmes during the event.

    “Agritech Nigeria Osun 2018 is an international conference and exhibition that offers a meeting place for manufacturers, researchers, investors, academics, purchasers and decision makers, representing both local and international interests,’’ he said.

    Speaking, Ambassador Fahad Al Taffaq, United Arab Emirates (UAE) Ambassador to Nigeria, noted that Nigeria had a lot of opportunities to benefit from the experience and expertise of his country, particularly in the area of agriculture.

    He pledged that UAE was ready to deepen bilateral cooperation between the two countries, especially in science-based agricultural development and other areas, to boost agricultural production.

    He commended the Osun Government for the initiative which, he noted, would facilitate efforts to enhance the socio-economic development of Nigeria and its citizens.

    NAN