OSOGBO-20/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has hailed the appointments of Major T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff and Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as recognition of capacity and outstanding track records.

The governor who welcomed the elevation of the two indigenes of Osun state as a great honour, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for trusting the duo with those important roles.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said Major Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi are pride of the state, expressing strong belief in their capacity to deliver on their assigned mandates. 

Eulogizing the two agency heads as men of thoroughbred professionals, Governor Adeleke said the records of General Lagbaja and Mr Adeniyi in their respective services are assuring that they will take their organizations to greater levels of efficiency and optimal performance in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

“I heartily congratulate Major T. A Lagbaja and CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on their appointments as the Chief of Army Staff and the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service by President Bola Tinubu,” the statement noted.

“Their elevation is by every means a great feat for us in Osun state, and on behalf of the good people of this state, I want to sincerely appreciate President Tinubu for counting these two indigenes worthy for the positions. It is a proud moment for us, and I recognize this huge honour done to us as a state.

“Looking at the impressive service records of General Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi, I share the overwhelming expectations that counted for their elevations and believe they will excel in their new roles.”

The Governor assured the two agency  heads of his government’s support and cooperation, noting that his prayer is to see Osun indigenes excel in their respective endeavors.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

OSOGBO: 18/06/2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has completed a total of 31 kilometers of roads from November 28th, 2022 to date.

A total of 17 kilometers of roads are currently ongoing at various stages of completion across the state.

Additionally, a total of 30 kilometers of roads have been listed for construction and reconstruction with actual work slated to start any moment from now.

Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure on arrival at Osogbo after attending the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

According to the Governor, “Our administration is paying close attention to the upgrade of Osun roads as a way of jumpstart the state economy.

” Osun suffers badly due to bad roads, failing bridges and culvets. Our township roads are in bad state across the thread senatorial districts. Business cannot boom if road network are in such terrible state.

” So from day one, my focus among others has been on infrastructure upgrade. I am happy to report that 31 kilometers are done already. But the target is about 100 kilometers before the end of the year”, the Governor noted.

Also corroborating the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Engr Bashir Bello said “the 31 kilometers of roads are spread across the 30 local governments and the Area office. The choice of the reconstructed roads are based on local consultation and utility values of such roads to the local economy.

” I can confirm to you that we have indeed completed 31 kilometers in the last seven or so months. This can be verified.

” 17 kilometers of roads are also ongoing. These are in various stages of completion. We are speeding up work on those new roads to increase our completed kilometers before long.

“Aside the 17km, we have also listed out another 30 kilometers. The selection and survey process have been completed and we hope to start work as soon as soon as possible.

” You may also want to note that massive work is ongoing on bridge reconstruction, culvert upgrades and channelisatiom work across the state

“Beside the road construction, the government is given quick intervention to some bad section of roads that require urgent attention. Construction of large drainage that can contain flooding of ogo Oluwa mainroad are under construction”, the Permanent Secretary stated.

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

NEWS RELEASE

Governor Adeleke Restates Commitment to Improved Performance of Osun at National Examinations, Visits UBEC Executive Secretary 

ABUJA-14/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: 

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated the commitment of his administration to improving Osun state performance at national examinations through strengthening the basic education foundation of the state.

The Governor who solicited the support and cooperation of the Univêrsal Basic Education Commission for the development of basic education in Osun state also disclosed the readiness of the state to fulfill requirements for accessing further UBEC grants.

Speaking while paying a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi today in Abuja, Governor Adeleke said his government is fixated on improving the examination rating of the state by addressing the basic challenges facing education at primary and junior secondary levels.

The Governor noted that enhancing the learning environment through upgraded school facilities are key areas of his focus , hence his visit to the UBEC Executive Secretary.

While commending the contributions of UBEC to the development of education in Nigeria, Governor Adeleke assured the UBEC boss that Osun will ramp up its fulfillment of conditionalities for assessing further grants from the commission.

According to him, his administration is aware of the importance of counterpart funding from the state government, assuring that he has reorganised the state’s SUBEB to ensure accelerated partnership between the state and UBEC.

Accompanied by the new SUBEB Chairman for Osun state, Hon Ibukun Fadipe and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye, Governor Adeleke said Osun is poised for a new era of educational arrangement, submitting a list of areas of partnership to the UBEC boss.

Responding, the UBEC Executive expressed his delight at the visit and the assurance on counterpart funding, promising to work with the state body as requested by the Governor.

The UBEC boss who called on the state governments to embrace counterpart requirements for UBEC funding commend the Governor for his assurance, noting that billions of naira are waiting to be accessed by States which fulfilled the requirements.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE 

No Rift between the Executive and the Judiciary in Osun State-OSSG

OSOGBO-12/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to a false alarm by an agent of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in person of Mr. Yomi Aliu, SAN, who has turned himself into an unsolicited trumpet and a puppet of the Osun state Chief Judge. 

It is not surprising of Mr. Aliu to have cooked up a false story. It is customary of him the same way he did during the Osun governorship election petition. He had raised a fake alarm and unjustifiable insinuation that there was a serious security threat in the State. This nonetheless turned out to be unfounded.

It is unfortunate that a supposed learned senior Lawyer can go that low on the path of propaganda and unnecessary sensation without exercising any iota of decorum and dignity. 

For the sake of clarity, the present administration 
enjoys a very warm and harmonious relationship with the Judiciary as against the pseudo acrimony being peddled by Mr Aliu. 

Governor Adeleke is paying special attention to the welfare of judicial officers in the state as against the ridicule to which the past administration unleashed on the judges by irregular not payment of their arrears of allowances and by not attending to the pecuniary benefits of the retired judges.

Members of the public need to be informed that there is no controversy on the processes of disengagement or otherwise even with respect to the old and new law on the retirement age for judges of superior courts. All insinuations in the hatchet job are false and figments of imagination of the propagandist. 

Governor Adeleke as a due process leader is committed to full observance of the law without fear or favour and with due reference to impartial application for retirement or extension of tenure of public officials.

Mr Aliu is cautioned on his constant false alarm and his phantom claim of constitutional crisis in Osun when there is none at all. The Judicial Service Commission is an executive body and its staff are appointees and employees of the executive. Therefore, it is indecent of Mr Aliu to unduly meddle in the running of affairs of the government. 

The controversial senior Lawyer is known for propaganda and undue sensation as a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He is therefore to be ignored and not given any serious attention. 

He is also warned not to drag our noble Chief Judge into his infamous political agenda. In Osun state, all arms of government are in deep harmony for the good of the state.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE

Osun Commences Work on State Electricity Market Policy and Bill

OSOGBO-12/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has disclosed plans by his administration to develop a plan of action for the making of Osun State Electricity Market policy and legislation.

Speaking on recent signing into law of a constitutional amendment empowering state governments to regulate electricity market within their boundaries, Governor Adeleke in a statement on Monday directed the setting up of a technical committee to prepare the state policy plan on the management of state power sector.

The Governor noted that the committee is to come up with a detailed plan to create Osun State Electricity Market Policy and a draft Executive bill to be named Osun Electricity Act.

The new policy will also include creation of Osun State Electricity Regulatory Commission to issue licences to private firms ready to engage in power production and regulate interface among operators within the power sector from the power generators, distributors and the consumers.

The planned policy will also facilitate private sector investment in the state electricity sector, encourage alternative energy sources from renewable to other green power sources, the statement noted.

Other part of the plan is to electrify Osun programmes to ensure all towns and villages in Osun are provided with power supply from mini-dams to other sources of energy.

Governor Adeleke who promised to inaugurate the committee soon also expressed the intention of his administration to seek the support of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the state electricity market plans.

The Chief Executive informed the state that the Executive bills he will soon be submitting to the legislature include the Osun State Startup bill, the Osun State Climate Action Bill and the State Electricity Market Bill.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE

Democracy Day: How Economic Hardship Weakens Democracy-Governor Adeleke

OSOGBO-12/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: Resolving national economic challenges is a condition for strengthening democratic culture and enhancing productive participation of the citizenry, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared.

Speaking at the 2023 Democracy Day Lecture organised by Coalition of Civil Society Coalition in the State, the state Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, posited that an economically satisfied citizenry is a strong insurance for thriving democracy and good governance.

“A foundation we cannot leave out is the economic platform of the society practicing democracy. An hungry citizenry is likely to pose a serious threat to a credible electoral democratic process. Efforts to stabilise the economic life of the nation are also strong preconditions for an empowered citizenry. Addressing poverty and catering for citizens’ economic requirements will go a long way to enhance the potency of the population”, the Governor affirmed.

Other issues the Governor identified as important for strengthening democratic culture include a fair electoral umpire and security agencies committed to rule of law.

“Conditionalities such as a truly fair electoral umpire and impartial security agencies are strong complements to an active citizenry. We must add that voters must also eschew vote selling to ensure the manifestation of their will not only at the ballot but during the governance process.

“In the last elections, we saw a hyper level of citizen mobilisation across the electoral cycle. Even when low turnout is still a nagging question, we must accept that citizen’s electoral militancy was  the hottest in Nigeria’s political history. We can then arguably posit that the citizenry has woken up from their slumber and are prepared to enforce a functional, people- based electoral process”, the Governor noted.

Governor Adeleke said Nigeria must uphold certain basic democratic norms for citizens’ participation to yield needed results, adding that “the democratic culture grows and flourishes when all the electoral and governance sub-sectors play their parts within the context of due process and rule of law.

Describing Osun as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy, Governor Adeleke narrated how his administration is straightening citizens’ participation and responsiveness in the delivery of public service.

“To strengthen citizens’ role in democracy and governance, our administration introduced a truly people -based style built on open governance principles and people first practices. Our Government is addressing workers’ needs in ways that ensure both formal and informal workers are revived from years of neglect. We are upgrading the state of our infrastructure to boost local economy, enhance inter and intra town connectivity and fight poverty of social amenities.

“On the issue of accountability and transparency, we are working to host the first elaborate public accountability forum named IPADE IMOLE later this month. At the open forum , we will present our scorecards and provide a productive citizen participation opportunity in the governance process”, the Number One Citizen informed.

The Governor however cautioned Nigerians on any expectation of perfection in democratic practice, adding that “No democracy is perfect. From Europe to North America, democracy is still a work in progress. In Africa, we are in a state of convulsion within the democratic space. 

“We however have no option than to continue the experimentation until we reach close to perfection”, the Governor concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, 
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor 

● It is Fake News to Mention N14m as Cost of a Borehole

In a bid for sustainable water supply to the people of Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed a phased rehabilitation of selected water works and water pipeline networks across Osun state.

This new directive is coming as the sinking of 332 boreholes under direct labour and shoestring budget reaches 85 percent, remaining as at today only about four local governments rounding up with their implementation.

Governor Adeleke acting on a committee report relating to the worsening state of infrastructure within the water sector approved the immediate upgrade of pipeline networks of both Ede and Osogbo water works alongside the repairs and recharging of water filter media at Iwo and Eko-ende water works.

The water scheme at Esaoke is also under rehabilitation for supply of potable water while the Governor is following up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the completion of Ile Ife water project.

The State Government is also interfacing with the Federal Ministry to resolve the delay created by the mismanagement of ILESA WATER project with particular reference to the contractor and the project managers.

A top adviser to Governor Adeleke, Dr Bashiru Tokunbo Sallami who confirmed the rehabilitation in the water sector affirmed that the administration has a holistic programme to address the challenges facing the water sector in the state.

According to him, the administration adopted a mix of solutions which includes sinking of boreholes in wards across the state even as he acknowledged that the 332 boreholes are not sufficient to cater for the citizen’s water needs.

“It was the realization of this reality from the beginning that Mr Governor approved the phased rehabilitation of the state’s water pipeline networks. The goal is to systematically address the many technical hitches facing water supply in the state”, Dr Salami noted.

Details from the State Water Corporation showed that the agency mostly operates on old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes laid several decades ago and in a terrible state of functionality. The upgrade that is ongoing for Ede and Osogbo water works will replace the old run down pipes with the HDPE pipes, now the modern durable material in the sector.

Aside from the upgrade of the pipeline networks, the Water filtration systems for Iwo is also approved for rehabilitation and repairs to allow water to reach present areas of coverage. The same filtration project is ongoing for Eko-ende which serviced Ikirun, IRAGBIJI among other adjacent towns.

Once the water filtration systems for both Eko-ende and Iwo water works are completed, the administration plans to issue new approvals for the pipeline networks upgrade for both water schemes.

Meanwhile, the administration has denied reports from some quarters that N14 million was the cost of each of the 332 boreholes, describing the report as false as each borehole cost far less than insinuated, the full details to be made available during ‘Ipade Imole’ event.

“Governor Adeleke has recently announced to the state that full accounts of projects and programmes will be rendered to the public at the “Ipade Imole”, an interactive accountability platform.

“There is no smoking gun. In fact, when the full details are out, the public will applaud Governor Adeleke for such unprecedented prudence.

“The borehole project is already benefiting the people and reports from all over the state show that Osun people, going by series of videos and pictures, are already enjoying water supplies from these boreholes.

“At Ipade Imole, civil society, media and all stakeholders will have sufficient time to read, appraise and question projects and policies. This administration is pro-people with full commitment to transparency and accountability. That is why Governor Adeleke approved of Ipade Imole”, the statement concluded.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Following the last Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment, which affirmed the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the duely elected Governor of Osun State in the July 16, 2022 Governorship polls, workers in the public service of the State, this Monday morning, trooped out in their thousands to solidarise with the Governor and to congratulate him on the victory.

Workers who converged on the main entrance of the State Government Secretariat, Abere to usher in the Governor could not hide their feelings as they rejoiced,sang and danced with thunderous chant of the Governor’s slogan,”Imole,imole,imole”.

In his highly elated interactive reaction, which was laced with sacerdotal prayers and heartfelt prophetic utterances for the workers and the State, Governor Ademola Adeleke appreciated God for using the appellate court to upturn the election petition Tribunal judgment which had earlier sacked him from office, enthusing “this shows that the people of Osun gave me the mandate.”

He also thanked the entire workers and the people of the State for standing behind him throughout the difficult time, affirming that the victory cannot be stolen by anybody through the back door.

He therefore pledged that he will not disappoint the workers and the residents of the State in giving them the much needed dividends of democracy.

Governor Adeleke further assured the workforce of prompt payment of salaries and entitlements,as and when due.

Speaking earlier, the duo of the Trade Union Congress Chairman (TUC), Osun Chapter, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and his counterpart in the NCSU, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo congratulated the Governor for the well deserved victory saying, “It is an attestation of the fact that your victory is a popular mandate.”

The two labour leaders used the opportunity to recount some of the achievements of the Governor within 100 days of taking over the mantle of leadership in the State which,

according to them,were :prompt payment of salaries and arreas to workers, renovation and rehabilitation of roads across the State, sinking of boreholes and other infrastructural developments across the nooks and crannies of the State.

The duo, on behalf of workers,however pledged workers support for him, assuring that they will work with him to actualize all his good intentions for the State.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Muslim Community in Osun state to emulate the sacrificial living, self control and intercessory supplications embedded in the teachings of the Holy Month of Ramadan, just as Muslims around the world begins the month long period of fasting.

A news release personally signed by the Governor and made available to the newsmen through his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said, Governor Adeleke wishes to remind Muslims in the State of the real essence of Ramadan as a period of self-reflection, intended to deepen one’s spiritual growth and renew a sense of appreciation for the many blessings of God.

In the release, Governor Ademola Adeleke enunciated:
“In this spirit of thanksgiving and reflection, all of us observing Ramadan can strengthen our sense of commitment to equality and development of our communities. It is a time to offer help to those in need, and serve as an immutable emblem of holy life.

“As residents of Osun State, we are all blessed to live under a government that fosters religious liberty and respects the religious practice of all. Our laws and history ensure Muslims can observe this period in accordance with the dictates of conscience and without detractions.

“It is also a period for our dear State to look up to Muslims for unimpeded prayers and in renewed sense of unity, purpose and desire for a better society.

“As we all unite to celebrate this year’s Ramadan in teachings and reflections, I join in the hope for a blessed month

Ramadan Mubarak, dear brothers and sisters in Islam,”the Governor concluded.

In furtherance of the activities marking his 100 days in office, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke today distributed a multi-million naira worth of mobility aids to 240 selected persons with disabilities across the State.

The mobility aids were given to the persons with disabilities who were drawn from different clusters such as deaf, albino, spina cord and physical disability,among others.

The programme, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special Needs,held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Abere, was graced by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, Persons with disabilities and political bigwigs,to mention but a few.

While speaking, Governor Ademola Adeleke mandated the Ministry of Justice to fast track the process of passing disability bills into law so that it could be sent to the State House of Assembly for quick passage,adding that it was imperative for Osun to have the law passed so that people with disabilities too can have a sense of belonging.

He further stressed that the materials distributed is in line with the support of his administration for the people with special needs, adding that the Government has responsibility to support all categories of people for the smooth running of the State, and that he is resolved to attend to all their yearnings.

Governor Adeleke therefore appreciated the people of Osun for the peaceful conduct of the last Saturday State Assembly election, while sympathizing with the family of those who sustained one degree of injury or the other, promising that now that the election is over, the next line of action is to continue with his good works, and make the people enjoy dividends of democracy which they voted for.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Joint National Association of People With Disabilities, (JONAPWD), Oluwafemi Stephen, the retired first Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special needs, Dr. Mrs Olayinka Oderinde as well as Mr Kehinde Onitiju appreciated the Governor for recorgnizing persons with disabilities in Osun.

They appealed to government to come to their aids by meeting their demands which included: repartration of sacked PWDs Teachers into classroom, establishment of training institutes for persons with disabilities, provision of operational vehicle, appointment of persons with disabilities into his cabinet,signing the persons with special needs bills into law, promotion and support of special Sports, among others.

They also used the opportunity to invite the Governor to visit Persons with Special Needs Training School.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mrs Taiwo Oladunjoye observed that the distribution of the aids was a demonstration of the love and commitment of the State helsman to the welfare of the special people in the State.

She commended the Governor for taking keen interest in the general well being of Persons with Disabilities and for the approval of funds for the programme.

She noted that the aids will make life more meaningful to the beneficiaries, help them achieve independence, reduce pain as well as increase their confidence and self esteem. Mrs Oladunjoye therefore appealed to non-governmental organisations and well meaning Philanthropists to partner with the Government in providing social services to the special people in their midst as Government cannot do it alone. She further charged the beneficiaries to appreciate the good gesture of the present administration through their support and cooperation to lift the State to an enviable height.

Among the mobility aids distributed to them were: wheel chairs, guiding canes, bowler caps, tick albino umbrellas, sunscreen cream and soap for the albinos, hearing aids and medical aids for persons with spinal cord injury and a host of others.

The event featured, entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, other individuals and groups, cutting of cake and special prayer for the administration of Governor Adeleke.