The corporate social initiative arm of one if Nigeria’s leading communication service providers the MTN Nigeria Foundation on Tuesday commended the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for his administration’s commitment to the security of lives and property of the people of the state.

The Corporate Services Executive and Director of MTN Nigeria Foundatio‎n, Mr. Akinwale Goodluck stated this during a courtesy call and presentation of five security patrol vehicles by the Foundation to the state government.

Goodluck stated that the attention of the Foundation was ‎drawn to the security status of the state when it first came to Osogbo for her Iris eye project in 2013, saying the peace that envelope the state to the team was unprecedented.

He pointed out that the foundation will do its best to partner with the state in her determination to develop the state to an enviable height among the committee of states in Nigeria.

The Foundation boss said, “we have the best result on our first coming during our Iris Cataract surgery and other eye problems that we attended to in 2013.

“We have identified several areas that we can help, when we came then. We saw a lot of patrol vans and other security improvements and it is because of that that we have come to contribute our quota to the development of the already existing security in Osun”. Goodluck emphasised.

Responding, Governor Aregbesola noted that what the foundation noticed in terms of the security in the state was borne out the administration’s commitment to providing an atmosphere where lives and businesses can thrive.

He highlighted other areas where ‎the foundation can also be of help as the education sector where the state government is seriously committed to basic education, saying the state has provided a model of basic education to other states and the Federal government.

Aregbesola stated that security patrol vans presented to the state will be distributed to relevant security agencies in the state, adding that the vehicles will in no small way add to the efficiency of Police and other agencies in bringing crime to a zero level in the state.

‎He enjoined the service provider to improve on their data service connectivity in most of the towns of the state, stressing that the service provided stands to benefit from the various towns and higher institutions that the state is blessed with if data service is improved on.

The governor added that it will be of great security advantage if MTN provides free toll lines to the state-of-the art security emergency control centre built by the state and yet to get a short code from the Nigeria Communications Commission.

“Just as the Federal Road Safety Commission stated last week that our state recorded the least accident rate in our region so also do we proudly say that we are the most secured and best policed state in Nigeria. Your support will add to our effort.

“It would not also be out of place, if we ask that you provide us with some free lines for our security facility, because we still do not have a short code, which without it, it will be expensive for us to run, but if we have toll free lines it will go a long way to reduce cost.

“We will also appreciate your assistance in the area of education, we are seriously committed to education, particularly basic education. We want you to register us as a state that needs assistance on basic education”. The governor appealed to the Foundation.

Aregbesola urged the MTN to identify potential market opportunities for its services such as data hotpots which could facilitate learning and tourism.

The Governor noted that Osun is perhaps the state with the highest number of tertiary institutions given the number of universities (government and private) now resident in the state.

He said campuses of these institutions and relation parks and tourism sites in Osun are potentials locations the company can install it’s hotspots at considerate fees.

Osun Government and France have signed an agreement to build a 35million Euros (N8 billion) 13 megawatts solar plant in the state.
Stephane Gompertz, France’s Ambassador for Climate Change, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that the project was the first of such magnitude to be signed in Nigeria.
Gompertz said the agreement was signed on Friday by the Osun Governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola and a French company, Vergnet, adding that France was supporting Nigeria in the area of renewable energy.
“As far as new and renewable energy are concerned, the French Agency for Development helps finance through credits, projects in new and renewable energy.
“On Friday morning, I was with the French Ambassador in Abuja. We were received by the Governor of Osun State. We signed an agreement with a French company called Vergnet.
“Vergnet will build a solar plant of 13 megawatts, which is quite big for a solar plant. And as far as I am concerned, this is the first project of such magnitude to be signed here in Nigeria.
“There will be other bigger projects going up to 50 or even 100 megawatts,” he said.
Gompertz said France had supported Nigeria’s power sector through its contracts and also through loans from the French Development Agency (AFD).
He explained that the agreement to build the solar power plant also included training component to encourage transfer of technology.
According to him, the more we develop new technologies, the more people are trained to manage or to invent those technologies, and this will on the long run contribute to the development.
He noted that in 2009, the Federal Government had assigned Vergnet to establish a wind farm of 10 megawatts in Katsina state for more than 20 million Euros (about N4.5 billion).
The envoy said the farm, with 37 windmills, should start producing and be connected to the grid in the beginning of 2016.
According to him, the French group, TOTAL, is also willing to develop a solar energy project in Katsina state.
NAN

Photos of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from the pupils of Community Elementary/Middle School, Olorunsogo, Dada Estate, during the Inspection Tour to the ongoing construction of the school on Monday 19-10-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Raruf Aregbesola, Inspecting the on-going construction site of Osogbo High School on Monday 19-10-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Raruf Aregbesola, accompaning by the Site Engineer, Ogundele Adedamola on the inspection tour of the on-going constriction site of Osogbo High School on Monday 19-10-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from the pupils of Community Elementary/Middle School, Olorunsogo, Dada Estate, during the Inspection Tour to the ongoing construction of the school on Monday 19-10-2015.

A member, State of Osun House of Assembly representing Obokun Constituency, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has charged youths to step up their games, broaden their knowledge and take advantage of new opportunity provided by the digital age.

The Lawmaker who described this generation as Information Age or Computer Age noted that any one especially youths who is not digitally literate is deficient, weak and cannot be a player in the socio-cum economic environment of the 21st century.
The lawmaker spoke at the maiden lecture of the Federation of Ijesa Students Union (FISU) in Ilesa on Saturday.
While stressing that the world has changed tremendously from a community of mechanical, manual and analogue operation to one that moved with supersonic speed on a high plane of gadgets, sophisticated technology, applications and softwares, Oyintiloye said refusal by youths or anyone to join the trend in a creative and proactive manner may perpetually limit him/her from reaping the fruits of the new age abundant life, economic opportunities and personal efficiency.
“Information communication technology platforms such as Social Media tools not only connect people, it also facilitates engagement of citizenry to contribute to governance in a unique way, the youths should be at the forefront in government engagement and demand for accountability”
The Lawmaker who lamented that several people were being left behind in the new age advocates digital literacy to be powered by private sectors and inspires by government policy.
“Comprehensive training should be encouraged for the citizens as well as public servants to learn new tools for communication, official dispatch, computation, report generation, strategic planning and networking to save cost and promote service delivery”
Oyintiloye noted that the economic possibilities in the ICT sector is enormous with the manufacturing of hundreds of gadgets everyday and development of software and applications.

“For any nation however to maximize digital possibility, its government and private sectors must ensure the growth of bandwidth and reduction in the tariffs on the cost of digital hardware. This will encourage widespread access by larger number of the population”.

He stated that aside job opportunities, young ones can take advantage of rapid development in the industry, key in to sales and services opportunities of new products stressing that knowledge of digital tools will also enhance personal and national security either from cyber bullying, or online predators who lurks at every corner, promote home safety and tracking of crime and criminality.

The parliamentarian urged youths to channel their energy and talents in making use of gamut of information on the internet and improve their skills, employability, be more innovative and resourceful rather than waste their precious time on the negative side of technology.

Oyintiloye added that the nation itself will become a competitive player in the era of globalization when larger percentage of the citizenry become skilful and possessed the working knowledge of digital tools.

The Osun State government has suspended the payment of 25 percent to 35 percent overtime allowance workers of some government agencies.
This is to ensure regular payment of salaries, according to the Head of Service,  Olayinka Owoeye.
Owoeye  said the “I AM ALIVE” verification  for pensioners will now take place bi- monthly to check leakages.
Owoeye was quoted as saying that “in line with the Universal Basic Education policy of the Federal Government, the local governments shall assume responsibility for payment of salaries and allowances of teachers in the middle schools, with effect from October consequent upon which the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) shall only be responsible for the provision of schools infrastructure.”
Speaking through the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Human Resources and Capacity Building, Sunday Olajide, the HoS, however, clarified that “only teachers deployed to remote towns and villages would enjoy any form of extra allowance”.
He added that the government would open talks with the leadership of medical unions to negotiate a new salary regime as “the one in use is no more in consonant with present day financial reality in the state”.
Owoeye announced that his office would begin to collate names of officers in the core civil service and local government service with certificates in agriculture, medical sciences and education for immediate redeployment to relevant agencies.
He added that promotion of officers in the public service will now be based on performance and productivity.
The HoS said: “To improve the quality of education, the  government has approved the establishment of the Teachers Establishment Office, which would be responsible for the appointment, promotion, discipline and administration of salaries and allowances of elementary and middle school teachers with district offices across the state.
Owoeye clarified that the Teachers Establishments and Pensions Office (TEPO) has been re-designed as Education Officers Establishments Office with the management of teachers pensions returned to the State Bureau of Public Service Pensions.
According to him: “To complement the efforts of the recently concluded screening and verification, the Offices of the Auditors-General for the state and Local Governments have been mandated to verify the payrolls of the workforce two weeks before salary computation monthly.
“The conduct of the ‘I AM ALIVE’ exercise for pensioners will now take place bi-monthly to check pension leakages.
“Governor Rauf Aregbesola has also directed that some measures aimed at coping with the current challenges of acute shortage of public fund be implemented  immediately.”
THE NATION

Government of the State of Osun has signed a broad range of economic development partnership with a Chinese Firm Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team.

The Broad range of economic development program covers Agro Industrial Park,  Export Processing,  Hydro Power,  Dry Port Associated Enterprise Park and Water supply and Road Projects among others.

In a statement by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, quoted Gov Rauf Aregbesola as stating after the signing ceremony in Abuja at the weekend that the efforts of his administration to economically turn around the state are yielding desired results.

According to Aregbesola, with the  Memorandum of Understanding with the Chinese Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team, the State is will maintain its front row position in employment generation and modern technology in agriculture.

 He noted, “The manufacturing logistics,  coordination,  management and facility development of the Chinese Engineering Construction will soon be deployed for the benefit of the people of the state.”

 In his remarks, Leader of the China Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team, Mr. Shui Jin Tony, assured Governor Aregbesola that with the signing of the MOU on the Broad Range of Economic Development Partnership, the Firm will heat the ground running in a week.

 He said their resolve to begin the economic development partnership within a week is a demonstration of the commitment and seriousness of the firm to the Memorandum of Understanding.

Also, a French partnership, VERGNET  GROUPE, has said the 13 Megawatts Solar Power Project in the State of Osun will position the state well ahead of its peers especially in solar power energy.

Addressing the State of Osun Delegation before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding which also had the French Ambassador, Dean Gauer as well as French Economic Counselor Demónique  Simon,  Head of the Team Frederick Chieve, applauded the political will of the government buying into the renewable energy through the solar power project.

 According to Chieve,  the 13 Megawatts Solar Power Project will provide huge employment opportunities to the youths and complement the epileptic power supply.

 Aregbesola, in his remarks before the signing, noted that Energy and by extension Power is key,  critical and a primary requirement for development.

Governor Aregbesola stressed  that since adequate and uninterrupted  supply of power and energy  is capable of reducing poverty, powering the communities through alternative sources will continuously be focused on by the administration.

 He charged the partnering firm VERGNET GROUPE to deploy the International best practices in the solar power project.

Earlier,  Director General,  Office of the Economic Development and Partnership,  Dr. Charles Akinola, had noted the uniqueness of the VERGNET GROUPE in the additional power generation to reduce dependence on the national grid.

Pictures of the Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti representing the governor with the Osun State Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Muhammed Husaini, and others, during the FRSC Ember months sensitization in Osogbo on Saturday 17-10-2015.

Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (2nd left), representing the governor, Osun State Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Muhammed Husaini (third right), Executive Secretary, Orolu Local Government, Alhaji Bayo Oyegbemi (3rd left), Executive Secretary, Ede North Local Government, Dr. Tiamiyu Bello
(left) and others, during the FRSC Ember Months Sensitization in Osogbo on Saturday 17-10-2015.

Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (2nd right), representing the governor, Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr. Sunday Akere (2nd left), National Secretary, FRSC Special Marshal, Mr. Tunde Ajiboye (right) and Permanent Secretary, Osun State Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration, Mr.
Adelowo Adewumi (right), during the FRSC Ember Months Sensitization in Osogbo on Saturday 17-10-2015.

Secretary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (left), representing the governor, Osun State Commander, Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Mr. Muhammed Husaini (2nd right), and others, during the FRSC Ember Months Sensitization in Osogbo on Saturday 17-10-2015.

Photos showing the Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, representing the governor, during the Passing Out Ceremony of the 2014 Batch ‘C’ Corps Members at the Permanent Orientation Camp, Ede on Thursday 15/10/2015.

The state Government of Osun on Tuesday declared Wednesday October 14 a public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year (Hijrah 1437).

The Governor, through a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the declaration is in line with the usual practice of the state government to declare holiday for Muslims to observe the important Islamic calendar date.

The statement states: “The public holiday is to allow Muslim faithful to fully observe the celebration of the Islamic new year.

“The public holiday is in line with the policy thrust of the present administration which provides equal platforms for all religions to promote communal peace and progress.”

 
SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OSUN, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AS THE CHIEF HOST AT THE ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING AND 11TH INTERNATIONAL CONFERENCE AND EXHIBITION ON POWER AND TELECOMMUNICATION (ICEPT 2015) OF THE NIGERIAN INSTITUTION OF ELECTRICAL AND ELECTRONICS ENGINEERS (NIEEE) HELD AT THE LEISURE SPRINGS HOTEL, OSOGBO ON OCTOBER 13, 2015
 
Protocols,
I must thank the executive committee and members of the Nigerian Institution of Electrical and Electronics Engineers (NIEEE) for the kind invitation to attend your Annual General Meeting and 11th International Conference and Exhibition on Power and Telecommunication (ICEPT 2015). Theme: “Power and Communications: New Frontiers for Investment””. I must thank you also for choosing our dear state as the venue of your meeting. It is a wise choice. Osun provides the serenity and ambience necessary for a successful brainstorming, a peaceful environment that provides an escape from the bedlam of other urban centres. Even nature has endowed us with enviable natural formations, foremost of which are the Oluminrin Waterfall at Erin-Ijesa, the Osun Groove at Osogbo, which has been designated as World Heritage Site by UNESCO and other breathtaking sights that reflect the wondrous works of God in the most sublime form. All these are in addition to the warmth, accommodation, hospitality and the good nature of our people. I will implore you to explore the rich bounties of nature our state is endowed with after the completion of your conference. You are welcome to the State of Osun, Ipinle Omoluabi.
The theme of your conference: “Power and Communications: New Frontiers for Investment” speaks for itself. While power is evidently needed and in short supply, telecommunication is one of the fastest growing sectors of the economy. From recent reports, power generation hits 4,800 megawatts from an installed capacity of 5,500 megawatts, the highest peak we have ever achieved, but peak demand is estimated at 12,700 megawatts. However, with suppressed demand, the real power demand is estimated to be 50,000 megawatts. There is a humongous shortfall here. It needs no repeating therefore that there is a wide room for investment in generation, transmission and distribution. This will include equipment and accessories like turbines, cables, pylons, transformers, metres and so on. These should generate at least one million jobs.
The Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) recently informed that there are 145.6 million active telephone lines in Nigeria. This is a staggering improvement, a quantum leap from the 145,000 NITEL landlines, before the coming of mobile telephones. This is still a growing sector, especially in broadband penetration and rural access and efficiency. I need not reiteration that most jobs in this sector are also lost abroad through importation of essential equipment and accessories, especially mobile phones and low manpower, necessitating the importation of high level experts from abroad.
If there are 146 million active lines, then we can reasonably expect there should roughly be the same number of phones in use and definitely double this number would have been used and discarded since the introduction of mobile telephony in 2001. We can then imagine what value would have been added to our economy if half of this figure had been manufactured in Nigeria.
In Osun, we are laying the foundation to take a sizeable chunk of the telephony business. First, we are building capacity in ICT education. We have introduced e-learning tablets, Opon Imo, to our secondary schools. This is a standalone computer tablet that contains all the recommended textbooks for WAEC, NECO and JAMB examinations, their past questions, audio tutorials, ethics and sexuality education.
Secondly we have established an electronic manufacturing company, RLG Adulawo, which produces mobile phones, LCD television sets, laptop computers and other household products. It already has the capacity and will soon begin the production of our e-learning tablet, Opon Imo.
As a body of engineers, my first challenge to you is whether you have claimed ownership of the electrical and electronic industry first before talking about investment. By this I mean the depth of your input into the science and technology of the business. What we trade in mostly are ready made imported technology with little or no local input. The drivers of the power industry are still the Marubeni, General Electric and so on while Siemens, Alcatel, Samsung etc rule the telecommunications industry.
Virtually all our universities and polytechnics have electrical and electronic engineering departments but how has this affected the production of knowledge requisite to the sector? The Industrial Revolution began circa 1760 with the forming of synergy between the intellectual class and the mercantilist class when knowledge met entrepreneurship. Why is there no such synergy in Nigeria? Is it that there is no knowledge or there are no entrepreneurs? The challenge therefore is that you should first take possession of knowledge and then find ways to attract the investors. This is how we are going to develop a truly indigenous industry, create wealth and provide jobs for our people.
My second challenge is the teaching of science, which is actually related to the first. One of the reasons why creativity is lacking is the poor teaching and consequent reception of science education, especially mathematics, in our society. The obnoxious idea came with colonialism, that only a tiny few and exceptionally brilliant minds can understand and should study science. This has scared away the interest of the youth in science. Yet, the motivation of science is curiosity and the impulse to solve problems by questioning received wisdom. This exists in most humans and could have been a good foundation to build science education. The creativity of the youth must be explored from the kindergarten through primary, secondary and ultimately tertiary levels of education. Your body should make conscious efforts to encourage and promote science education. This is how you will be able to develop a vast reserve of human resources needed for the high level manpower in the power and telecommunication sectors and the cutting edge research and creativity needed for knowledge generation.
In Osun, we have made special arrangement with a team of experts, led by Prof Adeniran Adeboye of Howard University in the United States for the teaching of mathematics in our secondary schools. This effort should be complemented by corporate bodies, NGOs and other institutions.
Let me conclude with this admonition from Socrates who said ‘Who will move the world, let him first move himself’.
Once again, I thank you for inviting me and I wish you a fruitful and successful parley.
I thank you all, for your kind attention.