Osogbo, 27:10:23 osunstate.gov.ng

I organise this event as a major landmark in our push for the making of a new Osun State. Our administration is using this gathering to prove to the world that a new Osun is possible. The main purpose is therefore to unveil a Multi-Billion Infrastructure plan to address the huge deficit the state is experiencing.

Sound infrastructure is a condition for economic growth and development. The difference between a growing economy and a dormant one has to do with how developed the state infrastructure is. In the case of Osun, I have used the last 11 months to address the over 90 percent infrastructure deficit our administration inherited. But more still needs to be done, hence the ambitious plan to launch this infra plan that covers roads, health, water , schools among others. 

Osun as the cradle of Yoruba nation must move quickly on the ladder of development. We can and must surpass those presently leading among comity of states. We should carry first in new age sectors like digital economy, sound infrastructures and others. We must overcome our inherited burden and chart a path of 21st century growth for our people.

By today’s event, our administration is building the confidence of the investing public. Osun state is ready and open for business. By investing so much in infrastructure upgrades, we are laying the foundation for effective public private partnership. We are getting set to key into infra financing opportunities as long as it will not add to the financial burden of the state.

Let me declare here that the infra plan I am about to unveil is purely state sponsored without any loan from financial institutions. I must also add that we are hitting the ground running immediately after this launch. We are complying with all procurement laws and due process. 

Very importantly, our administration is ensuring localisation in the implementation process. Local content in terms of sourcing of materials and workforce are key to transfer skills and economically empower our people. This is in line with the five point agenda of our administration which seeks to boost the local economy. High local content is married with a strong maintenance plan to ensure the sustainability of the infrastructure.  

With the flagoff of today’s infrastructure development, we are poised to further boost the State Economy as 95% of the Projects shall be executed by local content.   Osun Money will be spent in Osun. We are determined to eliminate capital flight as witnessed in the past.

Before unveiling the infra plan, I invite you to watch what we have done in some critical sectors in the last 11 months. 

We could show you more but for time constraints. You saw the schools before and after. You saw the medical outreach and how several thousands benefitted. Of course, the roads were captured. You saw the boreholes and how they are serving our people.  After showing you a glimpse of what we have done within the infrastructure  sector in the last 11 months, it is my honour to unveil new projects and infrastructure for the state. 

1. Rehabilitation of 345 Health Centers in the 332 Wards in Osun State: Rehabilitation will include, Provision of Potable water, new toilets, and bathrooms, Beds, Mattresses,  Bedsheets, renovation and painting  of buildings, new curtains, and Solar panels/Inverters for 24 hours electricity etc. Our approach is to take medical services to the doorstep of our people wherever they may be.

2. Phase two of Portable Water Provision in 332 wards of Osun State. Which includes, Overhead Tanks, dispensing taps, generators, or solar panels. Under Phase One as you have seen, 332 water projects were completed. They are all functioning. Under the new plan, another set of underserved areas across the 332 political wards will be served with water projects.

3. Phase two of rehabilitation of 31 schools in the 30 mother local governments of Osun and Area Council. This includes portable water, new roofs, new toilets, renovation and painting of buildings, and Provision of desks and chairs. As you have seen in phase one of the school rehabilitation, our approach is to take a school and completely rehabilitate the buildings completely with  desks  and other learning facilities.

4. As a follow up to the completed rehabilitation of selected schools, the government has commenced the process of recruiting new teachers to address teachers’ shortage in our schools. Currently, a need assessment is ongoing to determine the teachers’ requirements across subjects and schools. This will help to determine the number of teachers to recruit.

5. Construction/ Rehabilitation of 45 roads of at least one kilometer in each of the 30 mother local governments, making a total of 45 Kilometers. As you saw in the preview, we have earlier completed about 45 kilometers of roads across the LGAS. These new roads are fresh projects for phase two.

6. Dualisation of Roads: In a bid to ease traffic jams and reduce road accidents, we are dualising some roads in some major towns to start with. The listed towns include  Osogbo, Ede and Ilesha.

7. Construction of five Flyovers to ease traffic accidents and traffic jams. The identified projects are as follows:

● Osogbo – two namely Okefia and Lameco junction 
● Ikirun- One
● Ife- one, Mayfair
● Owode Ede- One

8. Street Lightning: We are to install street lights in all major towns, especially Osogbo as the State Capital. This is important to enhance security surveillance and boost the night economy.

9. Imole Medical Outreach

Two medical  outreaches were conducted in two locations in each of the three Senatorial districts in the last ten months. Various surgical procedures, including cataract eye surgeries, were done during the outreaches.  The outreaches will be conducted  once per quarter in the years ahead

Ladies and Gentlemen and my good people of Osun, all these projects shall be completed within 12 months by the grace of God.

It is therefore my honour and privilege to  flag off the multi- Billion Naira Infrastructure Development of Osun. I implore the good people of the State to cooperate with the Contractors that will be handling these projects with the best of hospitality.

For further technical details on these infra plans, I will now call on team lead for each of the sectors to speak on costing and other requisite details 

● Senator Ademola Adeleke
Executive Governor of Osun State delivered  his speech at the unveiling of the multi billion naira Osun State Infrastructure plan.

OSOSGBO – 21/08/2023 – osunstate.gov.ng

The Government of Osun state has again updated the general public about the palliative delivery from the Federal Government just as it is finalizing the template for distribution to residents of the state.

In a statement by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi, the state is expecting the second batch of Federal Government food palliative distribution even as it still awaits the last truck of 600 bags of rice from the first batch.

According to the statement, the second batch which is expected as soon as possible includes 14,516 bags of 50kg rice and 3, 200MT of maize.

The statement further quoted the message from the federal government team reading as follows: “We hereby wish to inform you that the second batch of federal government food palliative distribution is poised to commence as soon as possible, and you are scheduled to receive 14,516 bags of 50kg rice and 3,200MT of maize”

Hon Alimi said the update above is necessary to keep the public abreast of development on the palliative distribution, clarifying however that a truck of 600 bags is still outstanding from the first batch.

He explained that the state government is finalizing the template for distribution which he promised will ensure that all segments of the society benefit from the distribution  exercise.

” The Government wants to ensure full delivery before launching out on the distribution. We assure the public of transparency and accountability in the sharing of the foodstuffs to the citizenry”, the statement posited.

Signed
Hon Kolapo Alimi,
Hon Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenm

● It is Fake News to Mention N14m as Cost of a Borehole

In a bid for sustainable water supply to the people of Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed a phased rehabilitation of selected water works and water pipeline networks across Osun state.

This new directive is coming as the sinking of 332 boreholes under direct labour and shoestring budget reaches 85 percent, remaining as at today only about four local governments rounding up with their implementation.

Governor Adeleke acting on a committee report relating to the worsening state of infrastructure within the water sector approved the immediate upgrade of pipeline networks of both Ede and Osogbo water works alongside the repairs and recharging of water filter media at Iwo and Eko-ende water works.

The water scheme at Esaoke is also under rehabilitation for supply of potable water while the Governor is following up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the completion of Ile Ife water project.

The State Government is also interfacing with the Federal Ministry to resolve the delay created by the mismanagement of ILESA WATER project with particular reference to the contractor and the project managers.

A top adviser to Governor Adeleke, Dr Bashiru Tokunbo Sallami who confirmed the rehabilitation in the water sector affirmed that the administration has a holistic programme to address the challenges facing the water sector in the state.

According to him, the administration adopted a mix of solutions which includes sinking of boreholes in wards across the state even as he acknowledged that the 332 boreholes are not sufficient to cater for the citizen’s water needs.

“It was the realization of this reality from the beginning that Mr Governor approved the phased rehabilitation of the state’s water pipeline networks. The goal is to systematically address the many technical hitches facing water supply in the state”, Dr Salami noted.

Details from the State Water Corporation showed that the agency mostly operates on old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes laid several decades ago and in a terrible state of functionality. The upgrade that is ongoing for Ede and Osogbo water works will replace the old run down pipes with the HDPE pipes, now the modern durable material in the sector.

Aside from the upgrade of the pipeline networks, the Water filtration systems for Iwo is also approved for rehabilitation and repairs to allow water to reach present areas of coverage. The same filtration project is ongoing for Eko-ende which serviced Ikirun, IRAGBIJI among other adjacent towns.

Once the water filtration systems for both Eko-ende and Iwo water works are completed, the administration plans to issue new approvals for the pipeline networks upgrade for both water schemes.

Meanwhile, the administration has denied reports from some quarters that N14 million was the cost of each of the 332 boreholes, describing the report as false as each borehole cost far less than insinuated, the full details to be made available during ‘Ipade Imole’ event.

“Governor Adeleke has recently announced to the state that full accounts of projects and programmes will be rendered to the public at the “Ipade Imole”, an interactive accountability platform.

“There is no smoking gun. In fact, when the full details are out, the public will applaud Governor Adeleke for such unprecedented prudence.

“The borehole project is already benefiting the people and reports from all over the state show that Osun people, going by series of videos and pictures, are already enjoying water supplies from these boreholes.

“At Ipade Imole, civil society, media and all stakeholders will have sufficient time to read, appraise and question projects and policies. This administration is pro-people with full commitment to transparency and accountability. That is why Governor Adeleke approved of Ipade Imole”, the statement concluded.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described the recent appointments of principal officers for the University of Ilesa as part of the fulfillment of his promise to nurture a sustainable tertiary institution for Ijeshaland.

In a statement issued today at Osogbo, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to building a sound footed university which he said informed his approval of a leading academic of international repute, Prof Taiwo Asaolu as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Commending the applause the new appointments elicited from Ijesha society, the State Governor assured that the many laudable ideas recommended by the eartswhile Asaolu committee are now billed for implementation under the same man who chaired the review panel.

“I am elated that we are keeping faith with the Ijesha people. We are upholding due process, avoiding politicization of the academic environment, correcting errors of the past and fulfilling the decades old dream of Ijesha people.

“I commend the leaders, sons and daughters of Ijeshaland for their patience and acceptance of ongoing decisions of our government. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the new Vice Chancellor as he settles down to the urgent task of sustainable take off of the university”, the statement concluded.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

“I am particularly glad that the Court of Appeal has ruled that BVAS machine and voters register are the primary sources, not the report from the server. This has strengthened our democracy and remove a time bomb which the judgement of the Tribunal had planted for our democracy.

” I appreciate Osun people for standing by me and my party through repeated validation of my governorship mandate at the recent federal and state elections. My party won three straight elections from July 16th 2022 to the March 18th ,2023. It was a resounding vote of confidence in my governorship by the people of Osun state. The judiciary has now confirmed the will of the people that I am the validly elected Governor of my state.

” My appreciation goes to the civil servants, artisans, market people, clerics,students, women and youth. Osun people defended the mandate from 2022 to date.

“I commend the judiciary for resisting all pressure. Rule of law is strengthened when judgement affirms the will of the people. On behalf of Osun people and my party, the PDP,, we appreciate the judiciary and the men of conscience on the bar and the bench.

“Let me use this opportunity to extend sincere hands of fellowship to former Governor Oyetola and the APC. Let build the state together. Let unite for the good of our people. The State needs leaders across party lines to join hands for robust and accelerated development of the state.

As brothers and sisters, we are all requested to start the process of healing. Forget party politics as election is over. All members of the political class in Osun state should join hands with me to take our state to greater height.

Signed:
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State.

In furtherance of the activities marking his 100 days in office, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke today distributed a multi-million naira worth of mobility aids to 240 selected persons with disabilities across the State.

The mobility aids were given to the persons with disabilities who were drawn from different clusters such as deaf, albino, spina cord and physical disability,among others.

The programme, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special Needs,held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Abere, was graced by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, Persons with disabilities and political bigwigs,to mention but a few.

While speaking, Governor Ademola Adeleke mandated the Ministry of Justice to fast track the process of passing disability bills into law so that it could be sent to the State House of Assembly for quick passage,adding that it was imperative for Osun to have the law passed so that people with disabilities too can have a sense of belonging.

He further stressed that the materials distributed is in line with the support of his administration for the people with special needs, adding that the Government has responsibility to support all categories of people for the smooth running of the State, and that he is resolved to attend to all their yearnings.

Governor Adeleke therefore appreciated the people of Osun for the peaceful conduct of the last Saturday State Assembly election, while sympathizing with the family of those who sustained one degree of injury or the other, promising that now that the election is over, the next line of action is to continue with his good works, and make the people enjoy dividends of democracy which they voted for.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Joint National Association of People With Disabilities, (JONAPWD), Oluwafemi Stephen, the retired first Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special needs, Dr. Mrs Olayinka Oderinde as well as Mr Kehinde Onitiju appreciated the Governor for recorgnizing persons with disabilities in Osun.

They appealed to government to come to their aids by meeting their demands which included: repartration of sacked PWDs Teachers into classroom, establishment of training institutes for persons with disabilities, provision of operational vehicle, appointment of persons with disabilities into his cabinet,signing the persons with special needs bills into law, promotion and support of special Sports, among others.

They also used the opportunity to invite the Governor to visit Persons with Special Needs Training School.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mrs Taiwo Oladunjoye observed that the distribution of the aids was a demonstration of the love and commitment of the State helsman to the welfare of the special people in the State.

She commended the Governor for taking keen interest in the general well being of Persons with Disabilities and for the approval of funds for the programme.

She noted that the aids will make life more meaningful to the beneficiaries, help them achieve independence, reduce pain as well as increase their confidence and self esteem. Mrs Oladunjoye therefore appealed to non-governmental organisations and well meaning Philanthropists to partner with the Government in providing social services to the special people in their midst as Government cannot do it alone. She further charged the beneficiaries to appreciate the good gesture of the present administration through their support and cooperation to lift the State to an enviable height.

Among the mobility aids distributed to them were: wheel chairs, guiding canes, bowler caps, tick albino umbrellas, sunscreen cream and soap for the albinos, hearing aids and medical aids for persons with spinal cord injury and a host of others.

The event featured, entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, other individuals and groups, cutting of cake and special prayer for the administration of Governor Adeleke.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest any resident who violates the directive on restriction of movement as the House of Assembly election holds tomorrow across the 30 local governments and Area Office.

The press statement signed by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Rasheed Olawale stated that the Governor further tasked the security agencies to enforce previous directive and regulations which required political leaders to stay in their areas after voting instead of moving round towns and villages.

The statement read in part, ” Any resident who breaches the directive on movement restriction should be picked up. Political leaders who patrol around towns and villages during election should desist as security operatives are under directive to stop such movement. Nobody,no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the assembly elections.

” I have directed immediate arrest of hoodlums and political thugs statewide. Any leader who harbors such merchants of violence should await the full wrath of the law.

“As a follow up, security agencies have commenced raiding and cleaning up of hotspots and hideouts of criminals across the state. There will be no hiding place for those who are bent on foisting violence on the peace loving people of Osun State.

” This election will be conducted peacefully. I call on Osun people to troop out enmasse to exercise their civic rights. I assure our people of maximum security. We must ensure high turnout. Pick your PVC and exercise your constitutional rights to vote and be voted for”, Governor Adeleke declared.