PRESS STATEMENT

ABUJA – 23/09/2023

Osun State Governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Campaign Chairman for the November 11 governorship election in Kogi State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has assured the people of Kogi State that development will be restored in the state when Senator Dino Melaye is elected as governor.

Adeleke, who stated this when he met the elders and stakeholders of the Kogi West chapter of the PDP in Kabba, Kogi State, on Thursday, said Kogites had proud accomplishments when the party governed the state.

“Kogites know that when PDP was in office, their lives were better than now. Their business concerns were doing well, their salaries were paid in full and things generally moved smoothly.

“I’m Imole (light) and Dino is Imole too. Together, we are bringing light to Kogi State and I implore the people of Kogi State to unite and rescue the state.

“I have told Governor Yahaya Bello that Imole is coming to Kogi State. Our campaign will be issue based and we shall repeat the Osun feat in Kogi State by God’s grace.

He called on the people of Kogi State not to be deceived again by the machinations of the All Progressives Congress (APC), adding that, “if you go to APC, they will use you and dump you, no matter who you are. Let us join hands together and move both the PDP and Kogi State forward.

The Chairman, contact and mobilization committee of the national campaign, Professor Jerry Gana, told the people of Kogi West that they “have a golden opportunity to produce the next governor of Kogi State.

“You must pull all your political capital together to ensure that the opportunity of producing a governor this time does not elude you.

Also speaking, the secretary of the national campaign council, Senator Biodun Olujimi, said the people of Ekiti State share close affinities with Kogi West and it is their great desire to see PDP restored to power in the state.

Those present at the meeting were the Kogi State PDP deputy governorship candidate, Hajia Habibat Mohammed Deen; PDP National Vice Chairman (North Central) Mr Dakas Shan; Hon Tajudeen Yusuf; Hon Shaba Ibrahim; Dr Steven Olorunfemi; Hon Abiodun Ojo; the Director General of the Dino/Habiba Campaign Organisation, Prince Inuwa Iyodo; Prince Richard Akanmode; Kola Ologbondiyan; Hon. Mohammed Etudaiye; Hon Adakole Ijogi; Hon Soji Olumorin; Hon S.K Adekunle; Hon Adams Olorunmo, among others.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Osun State Governor

Threat of Legal Action, Interloping Actvism Usurping Union-Employer Rights

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 21/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Our attention has been drawn to a threat of legal action by an Ibadan based legal practitioner, Mutalubi Ojo Adebayo, to sue the Osun state government for non-payment of allowances owed judicial officials by the previous administrations. The action does not only amount to meddlesomeness but a misrepresentation and misinterpretation of employment relationship between employees and the employer.

As much as we will not wish to attribute the threat of legal action to politicization of service matters, we must remind the public that the lawyer expressly affirmed that the allowances were owed by Aregbesola/Oyetola administration. We can add for him that the Adeleke administration inherited from the two previous governments of the All Progressive Congress a whopping salary, pension and employment related debt to the tune of 100 billion naira. This is outside another state debt of over 400 billion naira.

The Adeleke administration has however commenced payment of such salary and pension debt amidst cash crunch and equally competing demands for state expenditure. The public is aware that Governor Ademola Adeleke has deployed strategic ingenuity and uncommon resource management options to administer the state, delivering on various sectoral targets and also attending to the welfare of workers.

It is on record that the Adeleke administration ensures payment of salary as at when due and is also working to pay up inherited employment related debt from the previous administrations. Many would wonder why the Ibadan lawyer did not sue those who created the mess while they were in office. We are even shocked that the barrister in question chooses to attack a Governor who is doing all within his powers to correct fundamental errors of the last 12 years and set the state on the path of sustainable growth.

We must also put on record that Osun judicial workers have their unions and it is not in doubt that the union leadership is capable and able to advance the interest of their members. The Unions are also not unmindful of the inherited rot and ongoing efforts of the government to holistically address their issues.

We are constrained to therefore urge the lawyer to avoid distractive and interloping activism. As we believe he is not politically recruited, he should adopt other dignifying route rather than usurping labour dispute question which only the unions and their employers can undertake.

As we assume the lawyer has good intention, he can rework his threat into an appeal to the State Governor to continue his ongoing phased payment of outstanding liabilities inherited from the previous administrations. He may further commend the Governor for acting for all Osun people by devising strategies to complete abandon projects and gradual payments of outstanding liabilities.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated the readiness of the state government to welcome all development partners who are ready to support the state and his administration in the effort to engineer the desired progress for the state.

The Governor stated this at the opening ceremony of the 34th annual Catholic Nurses Guild of Nigeria being held in Osun.

The Governor who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Public Health, Dr Akindele Adekunle stated that the government is pushing effort and activating action plans to rejuvenate the health sector of the state and thereby ready to welcome any development partners who is ready to support the government effort in the area of health and other important sector in the state.

“I therefore reiterate the resolve of my government that we’re open to development partners who are ready to support us in our efforts to rejuvenate the health sector of the state in ensuring a good standard of living and well-being for the citizens of the state.”

Governor Adeleke appreciated the Catholic Church for being a partner of progress in the state and seek for more collaboration between the state and the Church organisation.

” We see the Catholic Church as a partner in progress in the state and therefore enjoined them to do more by continuing to support my administration and people of the state in any area of their capacity.

” We will also continue to appreciate your collaborative efforts and good relationships you’ve built with the state government and our society in the past, but we humbly demand for more.”

Dr Akindele thereafter declared the 34th edition of the Catholic Nurses Guild of Nigeria annual conference opened and launched the magazine of the organisation onbehalf of the state governor.

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO

17/08/2023
Osun State.gov.ng

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has preached fear of Allah and advocated judicious use of available resources as a way of reshaping the past for the future in our society.

This admonition was delivered by the governor at a symposium organised by the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN B-ZONE) on Saturday, 16th September, 2023, in Osogbo.

Speaking, the governor, who was represented at the event by his Special Adviser on Legal Matters, Hon. Hashim Abioye, congratulated the leadership of the Muslim body on the successful hosting of the symposium themed: Reshaping the Past for the Future.

He noted that the programme was a platform for the entire citizenry, especially those in leadership positions to reflect on the past, use it as a yardstick to assess the present so as to reshape the future for the betterment of our society at large.

“I congratulate the leadership of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria (MSSN B-ZONE) for successfully hosting this symposium. I am particularly elated that this discussion did not leave out Christian leaders from Catholic, Anglican and other Christian denominations. Apart from fostering religious harmony, I am convinced that the lesson we have learnt from the papers presented by the guest lecturers and the discussants today would reshape our thoughts rightfully and enable us to observe the teachings of Allah on judicious use of available resources,” the governor said.

Quoting references from the Glorious Qur’an, the Governor noted that “Prudent use of resources has been the guiding principle of our administration since we came on board, particularly in the area of delivering dividends of democracy to all, irrespective of political, social and religious affiliations.

“Looking at our past, we are a people who pride in peaceful co-existence, and our administration will continue to harp on this cherished tradition in our quest to provide effective governance and equitable distribution of resources to all so as to develop key areas of the State’s economy.”

Papers were presented at the event by Mallam Ibrahim Shekarau (former Governor of Kano State and former Minister of Education) and Professor Abdul Azeez Olaniyan from Federal University, Oye-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Also at the event was Oba AbdulAzeez Olatunbosun, The Akire of Ikire-Ile Kingdom, in the Ola-Oluwa Local Government area of the State, as well as notable Islamic clerics.

Earlier in his address, the Zonal Amir of the MSSN B-Zone, Barrister Qosim Odedeji, eulogised Governor Adeleke and his cabinet members for the unprecedented support the body received from the government towards the successful hosting of the symposium, acknowledging that “MSSN had received support from various administrations in the past in Osun State, but the support received from the present administration is the best so far.”

He therefore prayed for the success of the administration of Governor Adeleke and asked Allah to reward him bountifully.

Signed :
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 17/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reacted to the communal clash between Ilobu and Ifon communities, imposing curfew on the affected communities to enforce law and order.

The notice of curfew conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon. Kolapo Alimi reads as follows:

This is to inform the public that the attention of the Osun state government has been drawn to the communal clash on land dispute between Ilobu and Ifon Communities.

Based on this, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that Curfew begins immediately in the two local governments: Orolu and Irepodun local governments.

The Curfew will start between the hours of 8pm every night, and 6am in the morning. Human and vehicular movement is hereby restricted during the curfew till further notice.

This is to forestall attempts of destruction of lives and properties during this period, because of the land dispute.

Anyone caught wandering or moving around in Irepodun and Orolu local governments during the curfew period will be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.

Governor Ademola Adeleke sued for peace between these two local governments, and asked that the ethos of Peace, Love and Unity which the state is known for, be imbibed.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi
Commissioner for Information
And Public Enlightenment

OSOGBO – 17/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed has confirmed the reported aircraft incident involving Governor Ademola Adeleke but clarified that there are strong indications that the two aircraft engines were tampered with before boarding.

Reacting to news reports on the incident, the Spokesperson said the highly technically equipped aircraft was well maintained with the best technical crew and was never an unused platform where birds could build nests.

Contrary to the claim by the hanger owner that birds’ nests caused the incident, birds’ nests are made with straws not bidding wires as in this case.

According to him, the near fatal incident was averted shortly after boarding and less than two minutes after the commencement of taxing on the tarmac.

An early warning noise from the engines immediately prompted the pilots to direct the evacuation of the passengers. Everything happened within five minutes.

Early reports from the internal investigation indicated sabotage. But the authorities, locally and internationally, are still investigating the incident.

We however want to assure the public that Governor Adeleke and his aides are safe and there was no injury or any outward explosion on the plane.

The Governor expressed his deep appreciation to well wishers and supporters who have been calling since the report of the incident. Mr. Governor is hale and hearty.

Signed

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.

The free medical and surgical outreach, provided by Senator Ademola Adeleke’s administration, is organized for the benefit of the people of Osun State, irrespective of their tribe or social status

The Chief Medical Director, UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, Professor Peter Olaitan, stated this while speaking on IMOLE AYO, a Yoruba sensitization programme, promoting the activities of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration on OSBC Radio and Television channels

The weekly simulcast programme is put in place by the office of the spokesperson to governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed to showcase the achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administration in Osun state

According to Professor Olaitan, no fewer than twenty two thousand patients suffering from one ailment or the other benefitted from the first round of Imole free medical/surgical outreach provided by the governor Adeleke’s administration early this year

Describing the scheme as second to non, Prof Olaitan commended governor Ademola Adeleke for providing a life saving initiative for residents of Osun State, adding that people from neighbouring states have also benefitted from the exercise

He added that the second round of the medical intervention exercise which is ongoing, has taken the team to five major cities selected for the programme, while the exercise will be rounded off between Wednesday and Thursday at the State Specialist Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo .

Professor Olaitan, who is the chairman of the committee in charge of the free medical and surgical outreach, enjoined the people who need medical attention to go to the state specialist hospital, Asubiaro Osogbo on Monday and Tuesday for registration while medical personnel will attend to them on Wednesday and Thursday.

It would be recalled that the medical and surgical outreach, provided by the present administration in Osun State, for the people across the nine federal constituencies of the State, was flagged off in February, in Iwo, by Governor Ademola Adeleke who also flagged off the second round of the exercise last month in Ilesa.

OSOGBO– 16/09/2023– Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke extends warm felicitation to his Special Adviser on Agriculture, Honourable Olaniran Akanfe Atidade as he marks a new age today, joining family, friends, and associates to celebrate and acknowledge his dedication and steadfastness to the service of the people.

Governor Adeleke who extolled Hon. Atidade’s endearing personality lauded his sense of duty and purposefulness in any responsibility entrusted to him.

In a congratulatory message issued by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said Hon. Atidade exhibits an uncommon sense of dedication to the realization of a better Osun state, noting that his birthday offers a unique moment to appreciate his sacrifices and selfless contributions.

“I warmly celebrate Hon. Olaniran Akanfe Atidade on the occasion of his birthday. Today is a reminder of the incredible value and the remarkable contributions to the modest development in our society,” the Governor was quoted to have said in a message released on Saturday.

“As a legislator, you made a difference in the life of the people with the immense service you rendered for the people, and in your new role, you have continued to exhibit give your best in making sure the lives of our people change for the better.

“It is my prayer that God Almighty grant you many more years and I hope that this special day fills you with happiness and good health while counting on your selfless contributions in delivering the expected progress for Osun state.”

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

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 15/09/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke on Friday at the maiden meeting of the state’s Executive Council meeting issued an extensive performance monitoring template for his cabinet members comprising twenty five commissioners and ten special advisers of cabinet rank.

At the well attended meeting held at the Council Chambers of the Governor’s Office, the Governor attributed the holding of the meeting by mid-September to the need for cabinet members to fully understand their ministries and agencies, expressing optimism that “we have been fully equipped to productively contribute at Council deliberations.

The Governor who noted with appreciation the eagerness and commitment of members to the success of the administration reminded the cabinet members of “a heavy burden on us”, adding “we cannot afford to be distracted”

The Number One Osun Citizen then proceeded to lay the ground rules for the cabinet members as the administration takes off in full steam:

“You are expected to take note of certain issues for us to achieve collective success. Projects and programmes you inherited should not be abandoned. I noticed a certain lay back attitude in the continuity of some of our 100 days projects and policies.

“You did not take over ministries and agencies without ongoing programmes. I did not expect any of you to start window shopping instead of pushing ahead with existing programmes. As much as I welcome innovations, we should not behave like the APC government that takes joy in abandoning inherited items.

“Secondly, I task us to uphold public finance regulations and due process. We must avoid activities that portray us as hawks seeking to serve self instead of the public. We are being watched.

“Let us be reminded that nothing is hidden within the public service process. I did not appoint any of you to breach the law. I will not protect anybody caught violating public service regulations”, Senator Adeleke admonished.

He directed that the foundation of policy innovations within the administration is the five-point agenda, instructing that cabinet members must build our governance agenda around the areas listed.

“In our submissions and memorandum to this council, let us adopt best practices. Due diligence in project conception and design is compulsory. Bogus project estimation can land sponsors in trouble. We must be above board as a rule of operation.

“We are here to serve the people. We must act and conduct ourselves in service of the people. That is how to justify the confidence Osun people overwhelmingly reposed in us”, the Governor rounded up his inaugural address.

Other highlights of the meeting include a commitment by Council members to remain steadfast in service of the state.

The cabinet also unanimously agreed that every Wednesday of the week should be slated for the weekly Executive meeting of Osun State.

Signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment