OSOGBO -20/10/2024 – osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State Government has again debunked fake news being peddled by the opposition alleging that Governor Ademola Adeleke is collecting security votes, asserting once again that the Governor is not, has and will not collect security votes in line with his avowed declaration on assumption of office.

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made the clarification in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the opposition is spreading falsehood because it has no hole to pick in the superlative performance of the state governor.

According to the Commissioner, the opposition is either ignorant or mischievous by deliberately misinterpreting state spending to support security operations and services by security agencies such as the police, Department of State Services among others.

“The state government statutorily supports security agencies when they conduct security operations on a regular basis such as quelling communal violence, joint security operations in troubled spots as well as deployment during mass demonstrations.

“Such expenditures are formally accounted for in line with the due approval process. The state support in such situations are referred to as expenditure for security services as different from the concept of security vote which does not pass through formal due approval process.

“The opposition needs to be educated that there are differences between security votes and security services. Security votes are widely known as slush funds expended at the discretion of the Chief Executive without passing through formal accountability and due processes.

“In Osun state, Governor Adeleke is not, has not and will not take such security votes. Mr Governor is however committed to supporting the security agencies with their logistics needs under security services expenditure which are fully applied for and processed through the office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters.

The present administration in Osun State therefore wishes to state, emphatically that, Governor Adeleke approves funds to address security issues only when occasion demands for such and there are always record to justify such expenditure as opposed to being latched on as a free money to be expended at will by any sitting Governor as was the tradition with the past administration.

It must be stated that in his almost two years old administration, Mr Governor’s probity and accountability is remarkably unbeatable in the history of Osun State and by extension, in the Nigerian federation.

While the present administration wishes to state for the umpteenth time, that it is not averse to being criticized constructively when the need arises by the right and unbiased free minded members of the public, it is however, incongruent for a person or group of persons to throw cautions to the wind in going about it as exemplified by some opposition operatives.

E Signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi
Honourable commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

05/12/2024 – OSOGBO

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, today distributed N250 million (N250,000,000) in microcredit cheques to various beneficiaries across the state at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun Micro Credit Agency’s office complex. The event took place at the agency’s permanent site in Oranmiyan New Town, behind the State Secretariat, Abeere, Osun State.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, the Governor emphasized the importance of the occasion, describing it as a “new chapter” for the agency, which has been instrumental in providing accessible credit to citizens across the state. The Governor also addressed the long-standing issue of the agency operating from rented premises, calling it unacceptable. He pledged to expedite the completion of the new office complex, assuring that the project would be finished sooner than initially projected. The Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) had set 2027 as the expected completion date, but Adeleke vowed to fast-track the development using all necessary resources.

“For over a decade, it is disheartening to note that an agency as critical as the Osun Micro Credit Agency has operated from rented premises. This reality is both unacceptable and a reflection of the neglect and complacency we inherited. However, we are here today to rewrite that story and restore hope to this agency and the people it serves,” the Governor stated.

“Our administration is committed to improving the lives of the people of Osun State,” he added, highlighting that the office complex was only one of many projects slated for completion by 2025.

The N250 million funding boost for the Osun Micro Credit Agency includes a N200 million injection into the agency’s working capital, with N50 million specifically allocated for new applicants and beneficiaries. This funding is part of the administration’s broader effort to empower small businesses and drive economic growth in the state.

Addressing the beneficiaries of the microcredit loans, Adeleke urged them to use the funds prudently to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development. The loans come with favorable repayment terms, offering a 12-month tenor at an annual interest rate of 9%, making it one of the most affordable loan options in the country. The loans are revolving, ensuring that others can access credit as well.

“To the beneficiaries of these funds, I urge you to use the resources wisely to grow your businesses and create lasting value. As you know, these loans are revolving in nature, and timely repayment is essential to ensure others also benefit,” Adeleke stated.

The Governor also encouraged individuals, cooperative groups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Osun Micro Credit Agency. He assured the people of Osun that his administration is committed to driving the state’s economic growth through these initiatives.

Despite criticism from opposition parties, the Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue working for the benefit of the people. “The people of Osun have seen the light,” he said, adding that the state’s progress would not be hindered by detractors. He called on the people to continue supporting his government beyond 2026 for sustained growth and development.

Signed:
Kehinde Adeoye,
Special Assistant on Media to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.

This is to inform motorists, road users and the general public that the Old garage to Okefia road in Osogbo will be closed (for one week) between 12noon of Friday, 8th to 12noon of Thursday 14th November, 2024 to allow for the smooth launching of beams on the Okefia Fly-Over and completion of the ongoing construction work on the Old garage to Okefia road.

Motorists and other road users are therefore advised to find alternative routes to their various destinations during the period of the closure.

Meanwhile, traffic officers such as the F.R.S.C and O-TRAM will be on ground to direct traffic.

Thank you for your usual cooperation.

Announcer:
Engr. Bashir Bello
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.