OSOGBO: 10/07/2023 – osunstate.gov.ng

The Osun state government is already rehabilitating water works in major towns of the state while the 332 boreholes are emergency intervention projects to address acute water shortage in the State.

Responding to several issues raised by some stakeholders, the government through a statement by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, noted that rehabilitation of water works at Ede, Iwo, Osogbo, Ekende and others are already ongoing.

Governor Adeleke adopted two approaches namely the short term interventions which are the boreholes and the medium, and long term interventions which include the rehabilitation of water works. Both are ongoing simultaneously.

Across the 332 political wards in Osun, our people are accessing water supplies which according to global standards is expected to serve two million people.

On commissioners’ nominees, Governor Adeleke is deeply pro- women and quite gender-sensitive. It is too early to judge the administration on gender and affirmative action as less than 10 percent of statutory appointments have been made.

On Ipade Imole, the public is reassured that the public accountability platform will hold. Preparation has reached an advanced stage. Representatives of all critical stakeholders will be invited. Very soon, invitations will go out for this quarterly event.

On recent developments at Osogbo, the Government appreciates his Royal Majesty, the Ataoja of Osogbo; the Grand Chief Imam of Osogbo Land; the leadership of Osogbo Progressive Union and eminent sons and daughters of the capital city who visited and tendered apologies for what happened at the Osogbo Eid prayer ground.

Governor Adeleke reaffirms his resolve to continue to address developmental questions affecting the capital city and other towns and villages in the state.

The government also emphasizes its open door policy and its receptiveness to ideas and Innovations to take the state to greater heights.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO: 10/07/2023 : osunstate.gov.ng

Following the renewed outbreak of Diphtheria infections in some parts of Osun State , Governor Ademola Adeleke has ordered the immediate activation of the State Emergency Response Centre to curb any further spread, launch contact tracing and treat the infected residents.

The Governor’s directive was issued after a situation report from the state Ministry of Health on the outbreak which has claimed one life at Osogbo with other suspected cases under testing.

” I have directed that the state emergency response be reactivated. As a matter of urgency, the confirmed case at Osogbo is to be immediately followed up with contact tracing to ascertain status of those who had been in contact with the victim.

” Additionally, emergency treatment must be made available to the infected. We are in touch with the National Centre for Disease Control for exchange of information and technical support. I want to assure our people that proactive steps are being taken to nip in the bud any widespread escalation of the outbreak.

“Our people must be vigilant and observe precautions the Ministry of Health will soon be issuing. We must never forget to immunize our children and wards. Your government is on top of this medical development”, Governor Adeleke assures.

The Ministry had earlier briefed the Governor on the recent resurgence of diphtheria in the state, informing the state Governor that a suspected Diphtheria patient aged 6 years was said to have developed the sign and symptoms on the 25th of June, 2023 and died of the infection on July 7th.

According to the Ministry , detailed case investigation, contact tracing, linelisting, follow up and Active Case Search in the community of the index case and retroactive case search at the Health facilities within the community are ongoing.

Close contact (including health workers) of the index case were linelisted, monitored and placed on medication.

Knowledge Attitude and Perception form was administered to the household within the community, so as to access their knowledge about the disease.

More sensitization was done at both community and the health facilities, as people were not conversant with the disease.

As a follow up to the Governor’s directive, the Ministry has embarked on a number of action namely production and Distribution of handbills, posters and billboards;. training of health workers on case definitions and Infection Prevention and Control of diphtheria; production and airing of jingle on Prevention of Diphtheria; training and retraining of health workers on sample collection of diphtheria; increase the awareness of immunization acceptability; building capacity of LGA Disease Surveillance and Notification Officers on case detection, sample collection, transportation and management ; and risk communication of the disease should be intensified in the state and its environs for easy detection.

The Ministry has further advised members of the public to ensure the children and wards are fully vaccinated, avoid crowded environments, consult doctors in case of symptoms and eat fruits and vegetables.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO – 10/07/2023-osunstate.gov.ng

The Government of Osun State under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke has Sympathized with the entire staff and management of Gold 95.5 FM Ilesha, on the recent fire outbreak affecting part of the radio station’s building and some critical equipments which has forced the station off air.

Reacting to the news of the Inferno that occurred in the early hours of Sunday, 9th July 2023, Governor Adeleke sympathized with those that were reported to have sustained minor injuries and remain grateful to God that no life was lost to the unfortunate incident.

“On behalf of the people and Government of osun state, I condole with the entire staff and management of Gold FM Ilesha, on the fire outbreak, which according to preliminary report at my disposal, razed some parts of the station’s transmitter room as well as some newly procured transmission equipments.

“While thanking God that no life was lost to the Inferno, we empathize with those that sustained varying degree of injuries and pray to God for continued sustenance of their health”

“Gold FM as one of the critical arm of information hub to the people of the state, we note the significance of your contributions to the dissemination of information to our people across the state. We stand by you in this difficult time and pray for required fortitude to navigate this period, with a view to coming back stronger and better”. He concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again pledged the resolve of administration to give all necessary support to the NYSC.scheme .

In the same vein Governor Adeleke reiterated his commitment to make corps members posted to the state for their one year mandatory service scheme enjoy the best of their service year while in Osun state .

The Osun helmsman stated these in his office during a courtesy call paid on him by the State Coodinator of NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma and his management team.

Senator Adeleke promised also that his administration will not undermine any scheme that has the potential of giving a solid footing for the growth and development of the youths in Osun state .

He noted with satisfaction that the office complex of the NYSC in Osun state is nearing completion ,just as approved the augumentation of food stuffs for the Corps members as one of the ways to assist them to meet up with the economic challenges of the Country.

Speaking earlier, the Osun State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma appreciated the Governor for honoring their invitation during the last orientation and trainings held at the permanent orientation camp,Ede .
The state NYSC coordinator noted with gladness of heart that Osun state governor,Senator Ademola Adeleke
turned out to be the only governor among his peers nationwide that presided over the orientation programme personally in person at the time it held recently.

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has admonished the residents of Erin-Osun and Ilobu to live peacefully among themselves, saying they are both kindreds.

Governor Adeleke stated this at Erin-Osun while attending the burial ceremony of late Madam Rhoda Otitolola Adeniji held at St. Peter’s African Church, Erin-Osun.

Alluding to the biblical fact that the entire earth belongs to God, the Governor advised the two warring towns to sheath their swords over land ownership and stop wasting precious lives.

The State Helmsman equally promised the residents of the two ancient towns that his administration will not relent his efforts in developing their communities.

He spoke further, ” I want to beseach you people of Erin-Osun and Ilobu to stop fighting over land because, you are kindreds.

Lands belong to God alone and I want you to settle every land dispute between you amicably. I will not renege in my commitment to the development of the nooks and crannies of the State, including these two communities,” the Governor concluded.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has enjoined workers in the State to join hands together to lift the State to an enviable hight.

The Governor made the call today at the celebration of the year 2023 Workers Day held at Osogbo Township Stadium in the State Capital.

The event saw the workers,from all sectors, trooped out en-mass wearing different attire to grace the day. The Governor noted that workers are the bedrock of development of the State who should be accorded a pride of place in the society.

Senator Adeleke, who was full of appreciation to God and the workforce for the opportunity given him to deliver his first address at the workers day celebration since assumption, as the 6th Executive Governor of the State ,said what he met on ground after he was sworn -in in November, 2023 has strengthened his decision to prioritize workers welfare through his 5-point agenda which necessitated his commitment to prompt payment of salaries and pensions, addressing matters of promotion areas and payment of backlog of half salaries owned by the past administration.

Governor Adeleke stressed that the era of appointment of Coordinating Directors will soon be over, pledging to work with the state Head of Service to appoint those who are qualified to the post of Permanent Secretaries.

He added that his administration has embarked on provision of infrastructural facilities across the State which included provision of water, construction and rehabilitation of roads among others, stressing that all these will boost the economy of the State.

Governor Adeleke therefore said his door is ever opened to receive positive advices from the labour leaders.

While speaking, the Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Osun State, Alhaja Sidikat Ayinla noted that workers are so important to the progress of the State.

She urged workers to be committed, dutiful and diligent to their callings to enhance productivity and growth of Osun State.

She thanked the Governor for being workers’ friendly, praying for a successful tenure in Office for the State Helmsman.

In their separate address, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and his counterpart in the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Modupeola Oyedele congratulated Governor Adeleke on his election as the 6th Executive Governor of the State.

They eulogized the Governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare in the State through prompt payment of salaries and pensions as well as implementation of promotion for workers and others.

The duo used the occasion to make some requests, including declaration of State of emergency on pension issue, pointing out that many workers now see retirement as death sentence due to non payment of gratuities and pensions.

The labour leaders also urged the Governor to put an end to contract staff which,he observed is affecting the workers productivity in the State, while charging him to stop the idea of extension of service of some highly influential workers, advancing that it is preventing other qualified workers from rising to the pick of their careers.

They however urged the Governor to appoint Permanent Secretaries to fill the existing vacancies as there are a lots of qualified Directors that can be appointed, appealing to the Governor to eradicate the appointment of Coordinating Directors in the State.

Highlights of the event were: March past by workers of different categories, pensioners, and informal workers, Cultural entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, salutation of workers by the Governor and his entourage, among others.

Present at the occasion were: Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, members Osun House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Traditional Rulers, political functionaries to mention but a few.

● 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.