still life of cocoa

The Governor of Osun Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has restated his administration’s resolve to encourage farming as a panacea to the current economic challenges.

Governor Aregbesola made the statement while addressing a gathering during the 2015 Ibadan Branch of Ijebu-Jesa Social Club Day and Award Ceremonies, held in Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun.

Governor Aregbesola berated the immediate past administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan for promoting corruption and illegality in the oil sector, which according to him resorted in the current economic woes and crises facing the entire nation.

He recounted that the palpable leakages and theft menace being characterized with the management of the nation’s fortunes under the watch of former President Jonathan aided the sharp fall in the global prices of crude oil.

Governor Aregbesola expressed a shock and regret in the way and manner at which the nation’s treasury was adversely mismanaged and looted under the past administration, saying corruption being illegally perpetrated in Nigeria under the past governments at the centre had resorted to the downfall of the nation’s economy.

Aregbesola said if the oil sector had been transparently and decently managed in the past, the country would have gone over the current economic travails.

He attributed the porosity, fraudulence and leakages adversely recorded in the nation’s gold treasure i.e oil sector to the less value and acceptance of crude oil in the international market, adding that a larger percentage of the stolen crude oil allegedly saturated and forfeited the international market obviously reduced the acceptability of oil in the world.

He held that the stolen barrels of Nigerian crude oil were sold with little or no money and this culminated to partial rejection of the nation’s great resourrces.

Governor Aregbesola disclosed that nothing reasonable is coming anymore from the Federation Accounts, saying the country has been badly managed in the fast.

Governor Aregbesola who lamented over the declining revenue to the state, said the there is urgent need for the state to restrategize and shift attention to agriculture, solid mineral resources and industrial revitalization.

Governor Aregbesola held that the nation has reached a peak where nothing could work without effective and adequate participation in agriculture, stressing that every Nigerian must go back to farm in order to liberate the country and the states out of the economic misnomer.

Governor Aregbesola who described agriculture as the only sustainable sector that can take the country to its deserved destination and greater heights, said if the country had continued on the agricultural legacies of its founding fathers, the country would have moved forward beyond its present stage.

Governor Aregbesola said the people of the state must see the need to inculcate  the spirit of agricultural promotion and as well develop interest in farming to cushion the adverse effects of the nation’s economic downturn.

Governor Aregbesola who promised to continue on his giant strides of socio-economic development pledged that his government would not renege on his electoral promises to continuously bring smile to the faces of the populace.

Aregbesola said his government has been changing the face of education through modern facilities and provision of home grown feeding to the thousands of the pupils in the public schools, adding that his policies on school uniforms freely distributed to the students of public schools as well as tablets of knowledge had proved his administration as a model among its peers.

Aregbesola said the state is turning around the school environment in a phenomenal manner to ensure that every child is attracted to education, as it remains the best legacy that can be inherited by all.

He said his administration has skillfully identified education as the strongest weapon against poverty and hunger, saying this among others were the reasons for prioritizing education in the state.

He said, “our nation has been cruelly mismanaged due to bad governance as our fortunes had equally siphoned and squandered by the political demons.

“Immediate past administration was the largest contributor of our woes in all aspects of the economy especially on the oil sector.

“There is no iota of doubt in the fact that the presidential permission of oil theft under the erstwhile government led to the downturn in the global prices of the crude oil because the stolen barrels of crude oil were badly sold in the international market and this has culminated to the present economic situation as millions of our country’s barrels of oil awaiting buyers on the seas.

“Our state has however resolved to promote agriculture sector and encourage our people especially our youths on the need to go back to farm as the state is blessed with agile and versatile-able men and women who can contribute significantly to our economy.

“The time has come to add value to our lives through farming and we shall not relent on this gesture to give our state a new face through a realistic economic diversification, because it will be calamous to allow drought and yearning to badly complement the current challenges at hands.

He therefore called on the people to assist the state through prompt payment of tax, saying this would go a long way to facilitate more developments in the state.

Aregbesola disclosed that land use charges would be introduced next year to those with huge investments and edifice structures to aid his populace-programmes.

Aregbesola said, “our state needs tax to fund all its numerous projects and this could be done if we pay our tax regularly as we promise to use our resources judiciously because our goal is to make Osun a modern, industrial and commercial state.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman House Committee on Public Procurement, Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Oluwole Oke lauded Governor Aregbesola for being patriotic and adherent to his electioneering campaign promises to the people.

Hon. Oke who described Governor Aregbesola as a true lover of Ijesas and the people of the state said Governor Aregbesola’s administration has brought about the required transformation in education and social infrastructures.

He held that Governor Aregbesola’s policies and programmes are based on sincerity and pragmatic action, which according to him are targeted on both human and material development of the lives of the citizens.

He held that Governor Aregbesola is a politician who loves all and who doesn’t discriminate irrespective of socio-political and religious backgrounds as his philosophy of life purely based on collectivity and togetherness.

He said, “Governor Aregbesola is a man of his words. Though we are not from the same political structure, but he has successfully upheld his promises to the people and portrayed himself as a worthy leader and true ambassador.

“My constituency has in no doubt felt the contributions and positive impacts of the current government and this has manifested greatly in the teeming lives of the people of the constituency.

“His contributions on education have been widely accepted and continuously impacting the lives of our children, as this this kind gestures show that our Governor is a man of passion and compassion to the welfare of all.

Hon. Oke however lauded the members of Ijebu-Jesa Social Club for standing up in realizing all round development of the commmunity, saying their impacts on the socio-economic lives of the people of the town and its environs could not be underrated.

He said the self-help developmental projects embarked upon over 50 years ago by the club had reflected the undiluted passion for developments, saying their unrelented contributions to the town would be forever commended.

“Ijebu-Jesa people are very business enterprises and productive as we have indigenes of the town in top positions and head of various industries and companies in Nigeria and overseas, and I believe this virtues had been demonstrated by our people in developing this town,” he said.

Hon. Oke charged the members of the club to do more on education, saying for any community to succeed, there must be human development which according to him could be achieve through education.

He lamented over the current economic situation in Nigeria, saying the country has turned to a stage where it could not survive without public supports and contribution.

According to him, “our children must be given adequate and quality education and this can only come to reality when we give ultimate support to the government.

Hon. Oke solicited for cooperation and collaboration from all and sundry towards the success of the current government in the state, saying the current economic imbroglio in the nation has hindered the trends of development in the states, hence called for support to government efforts.

He said, “this is not a period to abuse the personality of Mr. Governor or accuse anyone on the current economic challenges, because all the giant strides making in the state are not for Mr. Governor alone but for the entire  citizenry.

“We need to applaud and appreciate the efforts put together by our Governor in turning around the state’s economy for the betterment of all.

“We need to rise up and support Governor Aregbesola as the State needs helps, prayers for continuous development because our Governor is working squarely to promote the socio-economic lives of our people.

In his remark, the National President of Ijebu-Jesa Social Club, Chief John Fademi described Governor Aregbesola as a promoter of infrastructural development and socio-cultural transformation whose indelible landmark achievements had contributed meaningfully to the teeming lives of the populace.

Chief Fademi attributed the immense contributions of Governor Aregbesola in the last five years of governance as pro-masses and anti-poverty and hunger in all forms.

He described Aregbesola as an ardent supporter and sympathizer of Ijebu-Jesa’s development, saying his love for the ancient town could not be overemphasized as this had reflected in his giant strides of socio-politital, educational and infrastructural development of the town since his assumption of office.

Chief Fademi emphasized that the impact of Governor Aregbesola’s administration has been felt in both intra-city, inter-cities and inter-states roads network, adding that the town has been successfully exposed, channeled and linked with major cities in the state, which according to him has contributed significantly to the socio-economic and educational lives of the people in the town.

He noted that the nomenclature of Aregbesola’s educational restructure and reclassification has brought the required discipline, diligence, integrity and decency to the system so far, as a reasonable difference and change had been made in the output of education in all the public schools in the state.

Chief fademi further saluted Governor Aregbesola for prioritizing quality and qualitative education and as well taking serious strives on socio-infrastructural development in all sectors of the economy, which according to him has impacted greatly in the lives of the people in the town and state at large.

Chief Fademi acknowledged the fact that the tenure of Governor Aregbesola has heralded unprecedented development, stressing that the current government has done excellently in all sectors especially on education and infrastructure.

Speaking on the significance of the club, Chief Fademi however revealed that Ijebu-Jesa Social Club came into existence in 1955 solely and purposely to foster development between the sons and daughters of the town and as well contribute meaningfully to all round transformation, growth and development of the teeming lives of the indigenes of the ancient town and its environs.

Chief Fademi held that since the creation of the club, it has championed the cause of the town on numerous developmental projects which have in one way or the other impacted in the lives of the people in the town.

He said the club having identified the policy of self-help as the only way to assist and contribute meaningfully towards the efforts of government in the state, said the club has successfully contributed and continued to contribute its quota on education, health, infrastructure and civic development.

Chief Fademi said the club has successfully built schools, health centres and continuously refurbishing the palace and town hall of the town since its establishment.

He said the club has produced people of high profile in the country and beyond, saying the sons and daughters of the town are greatly making waves in all aspects of human endeavours home and abroad.

He therefore implored Governor Aregbesola not to relent in his gigantic waves of development as his administration over the years had turned around the fortune of the state positively.

According to him, “we have no doubt that Governor Aregbesola is our friend in Ijebu-Jesa and this has been demonstrated largely in his remarkable contributions to the growth and development of the town.

“Our Governor has been doing wonders since he assumed office and he has performed excellently in all facets of the economy as he has equally proved to us as a promise-keeping leader and God-fearing Governor whose does things diligently and passionately to promote the teeming lives of the populace.

“On our part as a club, we have been contributing meaningfully to promote the socio-economic, cultural and infrastructural lives of our people in the town as we have impacted positively on education, health and infrastructures.

“Our club remains a motivator in unlimited projects implementation and we shall continue on the standard of development and transformation through self-help.

In his goodwill message, the Chairman, Ibadan Branch of Ijebu-Jesa Social Club, Professor Tolu Yoloye expressed delight in the fact that the club has been growing from strength to strength as it provides social interactions and peaceful co-existence between and among the people of the town.

Professor Yoloye commended Governor Aregbesola for aggressively turning around the state through the provision of modern infrastructural facilities to aid education, saying the town has never witnessed such a gargantuan development prior to the present administration.

“Our Governor is a worthy ambassador because he has been tested and trusted to be a leader of note whose passion for development cannot be compromised”, he said.

Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has called on the Nigerian Army to concentrate and improve upon the vocational training and skills acquisition programmes embedded in the training curriculum of soldiers in the country.

He said this will assist the soldiers and the country to a greater extent after their discharge from active service especially now that the country can no longer depend on oil revenues for survival but rather on individuals’ zeal and ability to assist the government towards economic improvement.

Ogbeni Aregbesola stated this today as the State of Osun joined the rest of the country in marking this years annual launching of the Armed Forces day emblem held at the government house in Osogbo.

The Governor also called for an establishment of what he described as a productive citizens army, a situation which he explained that youths will be enlisted into the Nigerian Army for discipline as the Nigerian Army is a very disciplined organization which can instill in the Nigerian youths the much needed disciplined individuals that the country required.

According to Aregbesola, “The Nigerian Army needs to improve on the vocational training programmes of our soldiers because it is what the country needs at this point in time when the nation can no longer depend on oil revenues.

“if our soldiers are given adequate vocational training they will be able to survive on their own after active service and thereby improve on the economy of the country”

“The army also needs to channel the strict discipline nature of the force on the youths by establishing what I call a citizens army, a system where youths will be enlisted into the force for strict discipline which the country needs in its affairs because a nation with disciplined citizens will be free of corrupt people”

Governor Aregbesola held that the country has moved to a stage where vocations would be accorded and taken with high esteem in all human endeavours especially on the need to rescue the country out of the present excruciating economic quagmire.

Aregbesola lamented on what he regarded as an administrative negligence of the gallant efforts being exhibited in the sustainability of the country’s democratic structure, saying the supreme sacrifices made by the gallant and courageous military warriors must be given a worthy recognition by government at all levels.

He however tasked the leadership of the Nigerian Army to take as a matter of urgency the need to liberate the most respected security institution from the undeserved hardship after retirement.

Aregbesola also used the occasion to call on all and sundry to see the veteran soldiers whom the country is celebrating as their responsibilities by regularly supporting their welfare and upkeep at all times, emphasizing that the least that could be done for them is to keep the memories of the fallen soldiers alive and take care of those who are alive especially their families.

The Governor also called on corporate organizations, well meaning Nigerians to rally round the families of the fallen heroes and the veteran soldiers so that they will not be made to regret their priceless and inestimable sacrifices made for their fatherland.

“The least we could do for our fallen heroes is to keep the memories of the soldiers alive while also taking good care of the families they left behind, the soldiers gave a supreme sacrifice for the nation so that Nigeria can become one and stand till date.”

“I call on well meaning Nigerians as well as corporate bodies in the country to show love and support to the veteran soldiers and their families as we need to keep their memories alive through our kind gestures.

Governor Aregbesola who bemoaned on what he regarded as naked impunity and wickedness, a situation where soldiers terrorizing and molesting innocent souls on no just cause should be check-mated , saying unless the power embedded in the military are constitutionally exercised, the discipline known for the military would be totally desecrated and abused.

“I am also using this occasion to call on Nigerian soldiers not to loose sight of the fact that they are responsible to Nigerians and the society at large, I call on you not to act in self defense but obey the law no matter the provocation or intimidation you may be faced with at any given point in time”.  Aregbesola stated.

The Governor had earlier launched the emblem with a personal sum of one million naira and was followed suit by other dignitaries present at the occasion.

Earlier in his address, the Deputy Commandant-General and Chairman Nigerian Legion of Osun State, Colonel Alimi Samotu commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his fatherly assistance towards the plights of the legion since inception of his administration.

Speaking on the significance and plight of ex-servicemen, Colonel Samotu explained that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Appeal Week is a familiar event set aside by Nigeria to express in a number of way its concern and appreciation for the fallen heroes in the first and second World Wars, including the current War Against Insurgence (Boko Haram), the Nigerian Civil War, in Liberia, Somalia, Sierra-Leane and Darfur in which Nigerian Soldiers participated.

He said the fallen heroes must be forever remembered because of the supreme sacrifice they made particularly during the Nigerian Civil War.

“The gallant fighters lost their lives on the battle field without a farewell to their families and other dependants and many who did not die became maimed. They suffered from mental degradation and all other forms of evils of war.

“While remembering the Fallen Heroes today, we must as a matter of responsibility, remember their dependants, their children, the aged and those Ex-servicemen who had been maimed in the course of defending their fatherland.

He therefore appealed to the state government to provide the legion an official vehicle, imploring Federal Government to pay the Military Pension Outstanding Arrears.

Photos of the Doctors, Nurses and health workers attending to patients at the Government Hospitals (Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital and General Hospital), Osogbo on Thursday 07-01-2016

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, after being conferred with the title of Omoluabi of Yorubaland by the Paramount ruler, at Government House, Osogbo, on Tuesday 05/1/2016.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Alaafin of Oyo,
Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, after being conferred with the title of
Omoluabi of Yorubaland by the Paramount ruler, at Government House,
Osogbo, on Tuesday 05/1/2016.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), the Alaafin
of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (left) and Imam Daud imran Tijani
(middle),during the conferment of Omoluabi of Yorubaland title on
Aregbesola by Alaafin,at Government House, Osogbo,on Tuesday
05/1/2016.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), the Alaafin
of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (left),and Engineer Omon Uduokhai
(right),during the conferment of Omoluabi of Yorubaland title on
Aregbesola by Alaafin,at Government House, Osogbo,on Tuesday
05/1/2016.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle), the Alaafin
of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi (left) and Imam Daud imran
Tijani, after an Award of Omoluabi of Yorubaland to Governor
Aregbseola by the Alaafia of Oyo, at Government House, Osogbo, on
Tuesday 05/1/2016.

A foremost traditional ruler in Nigeria, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has bestowed upon the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the title of “Omoluabi of Yoruband” just as he urged Osun people to pay their taxes.

The Monarch who was at the Government House Osogbo to present the award stated that the Osun governor has always been at the forefront of projecting the “Omoluabi ethos” which the yoruba race has always preached.

He explained that he has always monitored the administrative and leadership style of the governor since inception of his administration, saying Ogbeni Aregbesola has always led along the line of a true “Omoluabi”.

According to the Alaafin, “The Yorubas are a tribe that always instill in their children and the youths all the characters of a responsible and well brought up individual, I have studied the leadership style of Aregbesola among all the governors in the country and have discovered that he is the only one whom have through his leadership style projected the “Omoluabi ethos” of the Youruba race.”

“Aregbesola is man that breathes responsibility at all times, we have always been hearing of an Omoluabi for a long time and am so happy that we now have a Governor who is leading by example”

As measure of the importance of his honour to Aregbesola, presented to him a photo compendium and signed framed portrait congratulating the governor on his new chieftaincy title of “Omoluabi of Yorubaland”.

He stated that the Osun governor has always been at the forefront of projecting the “Omoluabi ethos” which the yoruba race has always preached.

“It is a good thing to now have a person in the calibre of a governor who is portraying the “Omoluabi virtues” to the Nigerian youths.”

The royal father also used the opportunity to call on the people of Osun to support the government of the day by paying their taxes regularly, stressing that taxation is the most efficient and sure way to give the people good government.

Oba Adeyemi who lamented the dwindling nature of the federal allocation pointed out that the only way out of the economic logjam is for the people to carry out their civic responsibilities as individuals.

He added that if the people support the government of Aregbesola with their taxes, the present administration will find it easier to fulfill its obligations such as prompt payment of salaries and adequate provision of infrastructure, health care facilities and security.

He said, “All over the world, taxation is the way out, for government to be able to conveniently provide for all the amenities and pay salaries conveniently, the people must endeavour to pay their taxes regularly.”

“I want to urge the people of Osun to assist the present administration with the payment of their taxes, the present administration has done so much in terms of provision of social amenities such as construction of good roads, provision of affordable health care facilities, assistance for the aged.”

“I also know that the Aregbesola administration has been providing free school uniforms as well as feeding the school pupils, something which no government has ever done, not even the federal government.”

“If such a government now demands for a tax of just one thousand five hundred naira per individual in a year, I don’t think its too much.”

“We need to realise that it has come to a stage where government can no longer do it alone, Osun allocation has dropped drastically and government may not be able to pay salaries and provide other amenities again except we show our support through the regular payment of our taxes.” he stressed.

Responding, Governor Rauf Aregbesola noted that the reign of Oba Lamidi Adeyemi has been very peaceful and fruitful, while praying that God should make the royal father’s resign more peaceful and eventful.

Pictures of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the Government House, during the monarch’s visit to the governor on Wednesday 06-01-2016

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Governor, State of
Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, at the Government House, during the
monarch’s visit to the governor on Wednesday 06-01-2016

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Governor, State of Osun,
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat and Speaker, State House of
Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam, as the monarch presenting gift to the
governor, during a courtesy visit at the Government House, Osogbo on
Wednesday 06-01-2016

Head of Council in Charge of 2001 deities in Ile-Ife, the Obadioo of
Ife (left), paying Traditional Homage before the Ooni of Ife, Oba
Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (2nd right). With him are Governor Rauf
Aregbesola of Osun (right) and some of the Taditional Chiefs and Obas
in Ife, during a visit to the governor, at the Government House,
Osogbo on Wednesday 01-06-2016

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Argbesola (right), receiving
blessings from a cross sections of Chiefs of Ife (left) by the order
of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi (2nd right), during a
visit to the Governor at the Government House, Osogbo on Wednesday
06-01-2016

From left, Chairman of All Progressives Congressives Osun, Prince
Gboyega Famodun; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi; Governor
State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat and Speaker,
House of Assembly, Hon. Nejeem Salam, during a visit by the monarch to
the Governor at the Government House, Osogbo on Wednesday 06-01-2016

His Imperial Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II yesterday paid his first official visit to Governor Rauf Aregbesola at the Oke-Fia Government House, Osogbo.
During his visit to the Governor after his appointment and inauguration, the monarch commended the governor for promoting the Yoruba culture and ethos by adopting the Oranmiyan title.
This was even as the Governor of the state charged the traditional ruler to use his position to unite all Yoruba Sons and Daughter’s all over the world.
The monarch in a  “Thank you” visit to the Governor was accompanied by traditional rulers and chiefs in Ife land commended the Governor for bringing unity to the cradle of Yorubaland.
He called on the people of the state to pay their taxes for government to be able to continue with her developmental projects in the state.
The Monarch informed the Governor that Ife and Modakeke have come together with a resolve that there will no longer be rivalry and war during his reign as the Ooni of Ife and thereafter.
He called on the Governor to support the initiative of the two communities setting up a trust fund by House of Oduduwa to assist youths and rebuild the ruins of war in the area.
Ogunwusi also added that payment of tax by residents and people of the state is the utmost thing they can do to help government, saying Ile-Ife as it stands now will not wait for government and depend solely on government for development.
He noted that the time has come for all hands to be on deck to bring Osun to a place of prosperity and abundance.
According to him, “we are all here to show our appreciation to the governor, I use this opportunity to say that our relationship will continue to grow, what we have in Ife is great to the extent that foreigners acknowledge it.
“Europeans have been to Ife and they likened us to Roman empire and other empire of the world, the time has come for all and sundry to see the greatness of Ife and Osun.
“Leaders in Ife are more closer to the people than government, I wasn’t to assure that the change and development that has come to Ife will spread across Osun. I don’t want to believe that it will be difficult for our people in Osun to pay tax, the only way we can help government is by paying tax”. The Monarch stressed.
In his own remarks the Governor ‎urged Traditional rulers in the state to help government in educating people on the need for the payment of tax and in addition urged Cocoa farmers in the state not to sell their produce out of Osun.
Aregbesola noted that for the state to experience abundance, citizens and residents alike must be ready to fulfil their civic duties to government by promptly paying their taxes.
He emphasised that the time has come for everybody to realise that Osun has nothing serious to expect from the Federal allocation accruing to state monthly.
The Governor stated that government and citizens need to look inward for the prosperity and development of the state.
He said, “I am happy that we have all seen the need for payment of tax, thank God that our Monarchs are even joining us in the call‎ for regular payment of tax.
“I want to also ask that Traditional rulers use their position to ensure that farmers are enjoined not to take their Cocoa out of the state because what we have in Osun if properly harnessed will help the economy of the state.
“We have been able to enumerate 66 million fruit bearing Cocoa trees that can to give us 330 thousand Metric tonnes as against the 18 thousand metric tonnes”. The Governor averred.
DAILY INDPENDENT

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday said the Nigerian society must device means to reward and support war veterans that has kept the Nation together always and not annually.
The Governor while launching the Emblem to commemorate year 2016 Armed Forces remembrance Day at the banquet hall of the Government House stated that veterans should not be made to regret serving their fatherland.
‎He noted that the least that Nigerians and government can do is to keep the memory of these soldiers alive, supporting those that are active and taking adequate care of the families of the departed.
Aregbesola averred that the emblem being launched is a reminder of their service and sacrifice hence an obligation on Nigerians to support them.
He enjoined all to encourage the effort by wearing the emblem with pride during the week of remembrance, saying President Muhammadu Buhari has urged Nigerians and visitors to wear the emblem throughout this week.
The Governor said, “they must be well supported, they took up soldering as a divine call, or else they could have taken to other more lucrative and less tasking vocations. They should not be made to regret serving their fatherland in its defence.
 
“Our own society must devise means to specially reward and support our veterans. Their plight should not be an annual event, during the Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebration only.
“In other lands, stores give them special discounts; those returning to school have their tuition fees slashed while veterans are given free passes to gated events. In several instances, they enjoy free medical care and other social services”. Aregbesola stressed.
He lamented the engagement of veterans for sentry duties, saying it is not enough and in many cases amounts to under utilisation of resources.
The Governor held that there are diverse ways veterans can be engaged productively and maximally as most of them have acquired advanced skills in many vocations that could be deployed into nation building and development.
“Those of them with combat experience can be re-programmed and put in a special police units needed to engage armed bandits and other violent criminals in our urban centres. They will be glad to resume their defence duties in civilian capacities.
“It is also important that we review our philosophy of soldering by having a productive citizen’s army. In a peacetime like this, a lot of our teeming but idle youths can be absorbed into the armed forces.
“Apart from giving them excellent professional training, they should also be given excellent vocational training and deployed for services where needed”.
Earlier in his address, the Deputy Commandant-general and Chairman Nigerian Legion Osun, Col. Alimi Samotu‎ commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his fatherly assistance towards the plights of the legion since inception of his administration.
Speaking on the significance and plight of ex-servicemen, he explained that the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Appeal Week is a familiar event set aside by Nigeria to express concern and appreciation for the fallen heroes.
He said the fallen heroes must be forever remembered because of the supreme sacrifice they made particularly during the Nigerian Civil War.
“The gallant fighters lost their lives on the battle field without a farewell to their families and other dependants and many who did not die became maimed. They suffered from mental degradation and all other forms of evils of war.
“While remembering the Fallen Heroes today, we must as a matter of responsibility, remember their dependants, their children, the aged and those Ex-servicemen who had been maimed in the course of defending their fatherland”.
BUSINESS TODAY

Photos of the Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Chairman, Nigeria Legion State of Osun, Col. Alimi Samotu and others during the Launching of 2016 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations at Government house Osogbo, On Thursday 07/01/ 2016.

From right- Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,Chairman Nigeria Legion State of Osun, Col. Alimi Samotu, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and Brigadier General, Jude Egbudome, during the Launching of 2016 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations, at the Government House Osogbo, On Thursday 07/01/ 2016.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, greeting the Chairman, Nigeria Legion State of Osun, Col. Alimi Samotu and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti during the Launching of 2016 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations at Government house Osogbo, On Thursday 07/01/ 2016.

From right- Deputy Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,Chairman Nigeria Legion State of Osun, Col. Alimi Samotu and his Deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, during the Launching of 2016 Emblem of the Armed Forces Remembrance Day Celebrations at Government house Osogbo, On Thursday 07/01/ 2016.

still life of cocoa

People in their thousands including civil servants, traditional rulers and others in Osun gathered at the car lot of the office of the Governor in Osogbo to offer inter-religious service for the new year 2016.

Prayers were offered by both Islamic and Christian clerics to thank Almighty God for His mercy, protection over the people of the State, the nation‎ and the renewal of God’s presence in the state for open doors of economic prosperity and investment opportunities for the state.

‎The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola in his remarks noted that despite all the challenges of 2015, God still saved the country by bringing in a government that will change Nigeria.

He also called on Muslim clerics in Nigeria to pray against war between Iran and Saudi Arabia, stating that such war may increase international oil price but the adverse effect will be felt mostly by Muslims.

Aregbesola held that God has been so faithful to Osun and that the state will soon bounce back‎ as the state has been able to identify sixty million Cocoa trees presently in Osun.

He added if well nurtured by farmers in the state, about forty billion Naira will be realised by farmers in the state.

The Governor stated that with the new Cocoa development in the state, new cash money will be introduced to the state thus making the economy of the state prosperous in 2016.

He said, “I want us to all look inward for prosperity of the state because what we have all depended on has been blocked. God has now opened another way for us in agriculture, I have called on government workers on Agriculture to chat a new course.

“We should now tell every Cocoa farmer not to sell their Cocoa outside Osun as government has made necessary steps to make the proceeds to remain in the state.

“Everything that is needed will be provided by government, government is ready to supply seedlings and crops, we are also talking with Lagos state on how produce from Osun can be Sold there”. The Governor stated.

On the allegation of his not being prudent, Aregbesola pointed out that with the present Federal allocation, Osun without loa‎n  re-payment will at best according to November allocation got 1.7billion Naira, which can not meet the obligation of the state.

According to him, “despite not having anything from the November allocation, we have been able to pay November salary‎. We optimistic that things will be far better this year”.

Earlier in his sermon, Chairman Christian Association of Nigeria, Osun, Rev. (Dr.) Elisha Ogundiya noted that contrary to wide spread opinion that oil is Nigeria’s problem, attributed the economic problems to Nigerians.

The Clergy stated that with the recent call for Agriculture and diversification of the economy from oil, if attitude of leaders and citizens does not change the faith that befell oil will still shrink whatever diversification.

He averred that a nation like Nigeria must face her present situation, but must see opportunities in such situation by turning to God and seek for forgiveness, then the country will rise again.

“So many people have been saying oil is the problem and that we need to diversify our economy like going back to Agriculture. In as much as I support agriculture, I believe that we are our own problem and we are definitely the solution. It is high time that we added value to what we have”.

“If we must turn to agriculture, what are the plans towards it. We need to change our attitude, government must be seen to be supportive of Agriculture and other ways of diversification for the country to survive the present situation”. CAN Chairman told the gathering.

Also the Head of Department, Islamic and Arabic studies, University of Ibadan, Dr. Afiz Oladosu called on the people to continually pray for the state for it to progress.

He said the state will become whatever citizens and residents prays for, saying the present situation of the state calls for prayers, hence the need to rechannel the fortune of the state for good.

‎The Islamic cleric speaking on the purpose of life and human existence said there is the need for every soul to always keeps abreast of the unforeseen occurrence of last day in whatever they do.

He said,  “it is lamentable that the fear of God has been found wanting in our society and this has led to immorality among the general public especially among those people at the helms of affairs.

“We human beings have forgotten that we come from God and whatever we do on earth shall be accounted for on the day of judgment, and for this reason, we do whatever we like even at the expense and detriment of others, this shall be accounted for to Almighty Allah.

“There is need for those people at the corridors of power to always put God first and seek His face in whatever they do for the betterment and upliftment of their immediate society and the country at large”. He emphasised.

The occasion had in attendance, the First Lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye Tomori, Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salam, Chief Judge of Osun State, Justice Adepele Ojo, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye, Permanent Secretaries, Heads of Parastatals and Agencies of government.

Others are Chairman All Progressives Congress (APC) Osun Chapter, Prince Gboyega Famodun, APC State Women Leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde, APC Chieftains, Labour Leaders, Religious leaders, Traditional rulers, Party Leaders, Market Women amongst others.