Despite the financial constraint of the Osun State government, it has expressed its commitment to fulfil its obligation to the contributory pension scheme by remitting all dues as soon as funds are available.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola made the pledge while issuing out N1.47billion bond certificates to 188 retirees in the Primary school and Local Government under the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state.
While presenting the certificates to the beneficiaries of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) at a programme held at Local Government Service Commission Multipurpose Hall, Governor Aregbesola who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye assured that better days are on the way for the pensioners in the state.
The beneficiaries are the second batch who received the bonds certificate under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The state government had earlier given out N593million bond certificates in December 2014 under the first batch of the scheme.
His words: “we shall fulfill our obligations to contributory pension scheme by remitting all dues as soon as funds are available to us”.
“We regard our pensioners as senior citizens whose welfare is paramount to us. If we can set up ‘Agba Osun’ to take care of our elderly, why won’t we take care of our retirees?, the governor stated.
He however debunked accusation by some retirees that the government had diverted the bail out funds, saying “it is unfortunate the attempt by a very tiny section of the retirees to politicize their own affairs and thereby play into the hands of the opposition.
The governor also noted that his administration has increased the monthly pension from 200 million naira in 2010 to 520 million naira in 2013, adding “though we had started lagging behind in 2014 on pension payment, we still committed a total of #4.9 billion to pensions.
He stressed that his administration has implemented 140 per cent increase in pension, promising that efforts are on to implement the upgrading of all pensioners earning below #10,000 as soon as the finances of the state are buoyant.
Earlier in his welcome address, the permanent secretary, Bureau of Local Government Staff Pension, Mr Kayode Aliu Afolabi, noted that the Contributory Pension Scheme since commencement in Osun in 2010, has witnessed some positive developments.
He said, “Osun is not only among the few states in the federation that have fully implemented the CPS, it is actually the second in the South West geo-political zone to have done so.
He however urged the beneficiaries to make use of knowledge acquired during the pre-retirement workshop organised for them.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr Busirat Ogundipe, expressed appreciation to Governor Aregbesola for fulfilling his promise, urging the governor not to be deterred by the opposition’s allegations.
LEADERSHIP

Osun State Government has warned the residents of the state of possibility of flooding in the state, admonishing them to desist from dumping refuse inside gutters and water channels throughout the state.
A statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olusegun Aduroja, said that the prediction was based on information got from the Nigerian Meteorological Agency on the possibility of heavy rainfall.
“The Nigerian Meteorological Agency has predicted that due to excessive rainfall during this raining season, there is the possibility of flooding in the state,” he stated.
The Permanent Secretary stated further that both the Nigerian Emergency Management Agency and the counterpart in the state, the State Emergency Management Agency, have reinforced the warning.
The Permsec stressed that in order to prevent flood disaster, the people of the state should heed the warning noting that to be fore-warned is to be fore-armed.
The statement also called on Osun Waste Management Agency to redouble its efforts in waste clearing and management.
DAILY INDEPENDENT

…Bags UNILAG Law students award of Excellence

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said that the myriad of awards and accolades that Osun has received under his watch will continue to be a motivation for him to leave behind a good legacy of a modern, developed and prosperous state.

Aregbesola, according to a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, spoke in Lagos while receiving an award from the Law society of the University of Lagos over the weekend at the Eko Hotel, Lagos.

In the governor’s speech titled “Strictly for those that can see” ‎Aregbesola was quoted as noting that he will be focused  and determined at all times not minding detractors to leave behind a far better state than what he inherited.

He pointed out that he is encouraged with the various laurels that had come to the state in recent past recognising the developmental projects his administration has brought to Osun.

Aregbesola while recounting his various developmental projects said his administration when it came on board commenced the building of new state-of-the art 100 Elementary Schools, 50 Middles Schools and 20 High Schools.

He added that his administration introduced the revolutionary Opon Imo which contains all the recommended textbooks for all subjects examined by WAEC, NECO and JAMB.

Aregbesola noted the present administration has rehabilitated all the hospitals in the state, stocked them with drugs and made the provision of qualitative healthcare free in the state, as part of the human development programme.

According to him, “You have decided to honour me, in your own words, on the basis of my achievements in office, considering the infrastructural development I have put in place in the State of Osun; and you have also considered how I have managed the economy of the state, making me to be worthy of emulation.

“I am honoured by your kind words. For considering me worthy of your honour, God will honour you too. I am particularly struck by your observation of the infrastructure development our administration has carried out in Osun.

“Before our coming, Osun could be rightly described as backward. Development is often measured by the quality of human development in terms of education, health, standard of living of the people and the built environment, among others.

‎”In our first 100 days, we engaged 20,000 youths in the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and doubled the figure after two years. For this reason, the Federal Office of Statistics recorded Osun as having the least unemployment figure in the country.

“There is a linkage between roads and our health. Bad roads cause accidents and travelling on bad roads makes one sick. Bad roads also hinder physical interaction between people. Our road development plan is ambitiously unprecedented in the history of the state. It covers township roads, intra and inter-city roads, as well as inter-state roads,” The governor told the gathering.

Aregbesola revealed that the extent of his commitment to changing the face of Osun through the construction of modern road networks can be seen in the huge amount of road construction going on simultaneously all over the state.

‎He pointed out that a total of 21 township roads were constructed and rehabilitated in Osogbo, 13 township roads in Ede and 15 inner township roads constructed and commissioned in Ilesa.

The governor added that 79 kilometres of intra-city roads were constructed and rehabilitated In addition to 20 other roads traversing the cities, and covering a total of 294.27 kilometres in the different Federal Constituencies among other several kilometre of roads in the state

He said, “I can continue with our achievements. These are just a fraction of what we have done with our little resources. I also do not wish to impress you. I am only stating the facts to confirm your observation, and the basis of which you are giving me this award.

“We have some challenges recently, which is not unique to us, but our traducers, working with a section of the media, has painted a doomsday scenario in Osun. Far from it.

 “We have prudently managed the state’s resources, denying political functionaries and my aides their statutory entitlements, as our own sacrifice in the development of our state,” he stressed.

The Osun State House of Assembly has warned that no Ministry, Department and Agency (MDAs), as well as officials of government would be spared in its efforts at strengthening the system to ensure that the people get the best from their commonwealth.
It said it would go deeper and be more critical beyond its usual supervision to ensure effectiveness in the governance of the state.
The Assembly Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam dropped the hint while receiving the former Governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola who visited him for Ileya festival celebration.
“Of recent, we have been beaming our searchlight on the activities of some specific agencies of government and even contractors because we have to step up to further enhance the performance of this government.
“We are ever ready to be more critical and go deeper. It does not mean that we want to witchunt anybody, but to ensure that everyone secure the best in terms of raising the profiles of the masses and ensuring that financial appropriation served its purpose.
“Whether you are a contractor, a worker or even political office holders, everyone must be put on his or her toes.
“No MDA or government official would be spared in this operation. We want to scale up our supervision,” Salaam said.
He said that Assembly would not approve the budget of any MDA without convincing the parliament about the performance of its last budget, especially in the area of revenue generation.
The Speaker who used the avenue to address the issue surrounding the delay in the formation of standing committees of the House said, it would not in any way affect the oversight function of the House on the executive.
He said the Assembly was only taking its time to have better hands at various committees to be able to deliver effectively.
“There is the need to understudy ourselves and see how we can make use of the potentials in the new members and put each of them at the appropriate committee where they can perform optimally,” he said.
Salaam then lauded Prince Oyinlola for the visit, saying, the gesture was a demonstration of a good leadership.
Earlier, Oyinlola had commended the parliament for playing its role towards the development of the state.
He appealed to every stakeholder, especially workers to come out new to serve the state diligently, saying, “this state belong to all of us and its survival depends on what we do today that would be the reflection of what happens tomorrow.
“In as much as we want our state to survive, we should come with the mind to serve diligently”.

‎The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has described Senator Ayo Fasanmi as an elder statesman and politician whose high moral and loyalty to the progressive course is worthy of emulation by all progressive politicians.‎

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Governor Aregbesola congratulated Pa Fasanmi, on his  90th birthday.

He said Pa Fasanmi has demonstrated an astounding trait of progressivism for over half a century of his political career.

The governor added that Pa (Senator) Ayo Fasanmi has been fearless in his fight for a just society and return of military to the barracks.

‎

He said: “Pa Fasanmi is a role model of any progressive politician, his devotion to integrity of character and loyalty to the progressive course are rare in a country like Nigeria where ethical and moral values have almost totally collapsed.‎

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“Senator Ayo Fasanmi at the age of 90 has a fantastic record of not shifting grounds in his loyalty to democratic values, freedom and justice, which had, continued to be the guiding principle of his political career and participation spanning over half a century.

“Unlike most politicians that we now have in the country whose stock in trade is moving from one party to another and lacking a consistent focus, Pa Fasanmi has been consistent in the way he practises politics from the era of Chief Obafemi Awolowo with the belief that the lot of the masses must be better.

“On behalf of my family, good people of Osun and all Yoruba Nation, I pray that God Almighty will grant Pa. Fasanmi many more years in health and happiness”. Aregbesola stated

Osun indigenes and non indegenes boarding the free train transportation provided by Aregbesola’s Administration to Lagos and environ after the celebration of Eid-Il-Kabir Festival, at the Osogbo Railway Terminus on Sunday 27-09-2015

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Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has sent heartfelt condolence to the families of those who lost their lives in Saudi Arabia as a result of stampede during the performance of hajj rites on Thursday.

Aregbesola, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, described the incident in Mina near Makkah  as unfortunate but one that happened according to the will of God who must be praised forever.

In the statement the government of Osun said it has established contact with the Osun delegation in Saudi Arabia, which confirmed that no single pilgrim from the state was among those who lost their lives.

Accordingly, he assured the families of the pilgrims from the state to be calm as their people, all pilgrims from Osun, are alive and in good condition.

The statement said: “This incident is very unfortunate.

“Information at our disposal is that even though the nationals of many countries were affected, including  Nigerians, no pilgrims from Osun is affected.

“We have contacted the Osun delegation in Saudi Arabia and confirmed that all our pilgrims are in good condition.

“This message of assurance is germane to allay the fears of the good people of our state.

“We urge families of these pilgrims at home to be informed that their people were not affected by the unfortunate incident.

“We send our heartfelt condolences to the states whose indigenes are affected.

“Our sympathy also goes to the families of the affected pilgrims.”

“We also commiserate with the entire Muslim Ummah across the world and pray that Allah gives the families of the deceased the fortitude to bear the loss.”

“Government and the entire people of Osun pray that Allah reposes the souls of the dead in Aljana Firdaus.”

” From God we come, to Him shall we return”.

Love him or hate him, Aregbesola remains simply popular here in Osun! Come and see Osun people during yesterday Ileya salah! No doubt it’s trying times, yet Aregbesola is loved.
Despite desperate disparaging disinformation and outright defamation continually disseminated by despicable Osun PDPigs and their sympathisers, Osun people remains solidly with Ogbeni.
While Osun people were reading the story of attacks against some dignitaries during the Sallah prayers in another state, it was serious prayers and praises for Ogbeni Aregbesola in Osun. The shout of Omoluabi and Oranmiyan rent the air as Aregbesola drove round town. Many women, artisans, OKADA riders, youths and gaily dressed holiday makers showered praises and prayers on Ogbeni. The genuine wish of the people is that Ogbeni will succeed and complete all his ongoing projects.
While some media houses such as the Punch Newspapers (a beloved paper) and Tribune with many online publications copying rain abuses on the Governor daily, yet Aregbesola’s projects, passion and piety bound him with the real Osun people.
How truthful and nice will it be if Punch and Tribune headlines will capture the real feelings of Osun who yesterday massed out to show love for Ogbeni and not just only the view of haters.
May the prayers for Ogbeni by young and old for successful completion of projects be fulfilled.
OSUN DEFENDER

The Federal Road Safety Corps sector in Osun state is advising travelers against boarding vehicles by the roadside.

According to the Sector Commander, Mr Muhammad Husaini,doing this puts their lives at risk because a lot of these vehicles are not known or registered with any road transport union.

“Aside being used for criminal activities, when such vehicles are involved in accidents, it will be difficult to identify the victims or contact their relatives. There are registered motor parks and garages in the state where commuters can safely board vehicles to their destinations. If passengers board at the designated motor parks, they are made to fill the passenger manifests. A copy of this manifest will be with the driver on the journey while another copy is kept in the park for record and security purposes.”

This is not the first time sectors of FRSC has issued warnings to the public.

PULSE NG

Photos of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers  and adressing Journalists after praying at Oke Baale prayer ground to mark the 2015 Eid-il-Kabir celebration in Osogbo on Thursday 24-09-2015

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on top of vehicle acknowledging cheers from Muslims faithful, during 2015 Eid-el-kabir celebration in Osogbo, on. Thursday 24/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on top of vehicle acknowledging cheers from Muslims faithful, during 2015 Eid-el-kabir celebration in Osogbo, on. Thursday 24/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on top of vehicle acknowledging cheers from Muslims faithful, during 2015 Eid-el-kabir celebration in Osogbo, on. Thursday 24/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(2nd left); Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus(left), Senator Bayo Salami(3rd left), Baba kekere of Osogboland, Sulaiman Olanipekun(3rd right), Kabir Aregbesola (right) and others during 2015 Eid-el-kabir celebration in Osogbo, on. Thursday 24/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Badmus (2nd right), former commissioner for Integration and Special Duties, Hon. Bashir Ajibola (3rd left) and others, during 2015 Eid-l-Kabir elebration in Osogbo, State of Osun on Thursday 24-09-2015

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing Journalists after praying at Oke Baale prayer ground to mark the 2015 Eid-il-Kabir celebration in Osogbo on Thursday 24-09-2015