A ‘nomics’ has been added to the world of economic policies and Nigerians should appreciate its coming from their part of the planet, especially, at a time the world is grappling with the depravity of politics and the captivity of politicians.
In a paper presented at a colloquium to mark his six years in office as governor of the State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola reiterated his administration’s commitment to laying a solid foundation for the state in every area such that tampering with its progress in the future would be difficult, if not impossible.
 

 
While describing “rising expenditure, especially wage bill, within the contrast of falling revenue” as the biggest challenge facing his government, Aregbesola promised that his administration would do all within its powers to ensure that no one was left behind in the distribution of the dividends of democracy to the good people of Osun. “We are grappling with the challenge of finance and we are doing all within our power to complete all the projects we started. We are not going to leave any project uncompleted”, the governor stated.
Democracy hath no greater fury than a people abandoned! So, what is Raufnomics? In my considered opinion, the promoter has given a clue: it is about “getting as much from little and using the resources of the state to maximally benefit the people”. It is about “strategic planning and intervention in society; making governance mass-based and people-centric”; and “guaranteeing the maximum good for the maximum number of people.” With a special reference to Osun, Raufnomics has proved to be a popular solution to the state’s socio-economic problems created as a result of years of Nigeria’s sole dependence on proceeds from crude oil. It has helped sustain the state even as it continues to encourage innovative interventions within the framework of the administration’s Six Point Integral Action Plan in such a way as to help put the economy of the state back on track.
In addition to some of this administration’s laudable achievements which have already been captured in Aregbesola’s speech at the event, the establishment of Osun Job Centre, designed principally to serve as an interface between job seekers and employers of labour; the procurement of no fewer than 125 Patrol Vans, 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) and one helicopter which has helped in drastically reducing incidents of crime in the state; and the creation and successful take-off of 61 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), three Area Offices and two Administrative Offices from the former 31 Local Government Areas are also some of the ways this government has positively affected the rule of the game.

A strong advocate of regional integration, he was a major force in the establishment of the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission, an institutional and programmed body saddled with the responsibility of midwifing the regional integration agenda of the Southwest states. And, with the creation of Osun Education Quality Assurance and Morality Enforcement Agency, I doubt if any misguided pupil or student will ever attempt to task the tolerance of the good people of Osun or insult their collective intelligence again.
Aregbesola’s approval of the immediate commencement of a unified Public Service in the state is worth mentioning here. Apart from repositioning “the State Public Service for efficient and effective service delivery at all levels of governance”, the step is also aimed at removing “all restrictions to seamless movement of personnel from one spectrum of the Public Service to the other”. Needless to repeat that it is in a bid to ensure transparency in the state’s financial dealings that this man of splendor and all-encompassing charisma recently inaugurated the Hassan Sunmonu-led committee on allocation of revenues to “oversee allocation of state’s revenue to prompt payment of salaries as well as adequate running of government.”
The price of fame, it is often said, goes beyond brooding or bargaining around the frustration of some mischievous parallelisms! But when will Nigeria’s vine overcome the antics of her “foxes, the little foxes” and who will raise the hands of her Moses as an assurance of permanent victory? Coming closer home, if we have an avatar at the helm of affairs in Osun, how come the state is such in dire straits that it now seems as if delayed salaries have come to stay with us? Assuming without conceding that we are in this pass because of the level of our debt and its management, as a result of which dear state has allegedly become slave to Irrevocable Payment Standing Orders (IPSOs) and other debt recovery instruments, how do we situate the fate of richer and resource-endowed states like Ondo and Bayelsa which are also behind schedule in terms of salary obligations to their workers?
Well, the tragedy of our Nigerianness is that we deceive ourselves a lot and that has been our greatest undoing! Here, we play politics like an interest-driven game, unrepentantly notorious for its art of the impossible and personal manipulations. That is why, despite efforts by this dogged fighter at positively impacting lives through his”numerous programmes, policies and schemes”, there still exist some unrefined, less-informed detractors who derisively “consider it fit and proper to constitute themselves into an opposition of the government of the day, however well-meaning and good-intentioned.” Because of the way they are fated, they always allow their personal and selfish desire for certain specialities to run wild thereby straying away from unprejudiced realities. They lust for what they do not have and that which is of no use to them and, despite the fact that they do not get that which they do not have and that which they neither need nor deserve, they delude themselves with it to spoil that which they are supposed to have but unfortunately they do not have.
In their world, there is neither economic focus nor political direction that is practically aimed at alleviating the people’s poverty and pains. Instead, they revel in the virulence of insouciant leaders and the proliferation of unprincipled politicians. For no just cause, these individualists and spoilers culpably hate leaders for doing good, categorise a government which “runs a most transparent allocation of scarce resources to tackle underdevelopment” as ‘reckless’; and tag one which strives to confront”problems engendered by socio-political transformation” as ‘insensitive’! Since they are experts at spreading beliefs that reject persuasion, they tar every developmental stride with the mark of corruption.

In their myopic view, Opon Imo is a scam; O-YES, money-sapping; O-MEALS, unnecessary; and policies and programmes aimed at shoring up the state’s revenue generation capacity are ‘too draconian and unfriendly’.
Komolafe writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State
In any case, “minds differ as rivers differ”, says Baron Thomas Macaulay.While some might liken Aregbesola to a “controversial politician who doesn’t listen to advice, however novel or useful”, to others, he’s one astute administrator who would not “want to enrich himself at the expense of the poor masses”. While some might unfairly consider his style of governance as one “built only on propaganda”, others see it – and, rightly, too – as “a source of hope in the face of the weak and bleak future that the Yoruba race and Nigeria face.”
In all of these however; and political persuasions notwithstanding, what critics of Raufnomics cannot deny is Aregbesola’s gentleness, straightforwardness and uncanny sense of direction which he has dispassionately deployed in transforming the state into an emerging market with a lot of potentials. Unlike others whose portion is in making promises at the drop of a hat with no real intention of keeping them, it is unRauf to allow people who delight in whirling by their dark clouds to be the limit of his success. Need I say more on why Osun has continued to wax stronger, in spite of the biting economic slowdown currently troubling Nigeria’s Israel?May principalities and powers, assigned to rubbish our leaders’ efforts, backfire

The Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam on Sunday urged Nigerians to always demonstrate love to one another especially during this Christmas celebration.
This was contained in a statement, signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye in felicitation with Christians on the Celebration of Christmas.
 

 
According to Oyintiloye, the Assembly said “the yuletide season offered great opportunity for us as a nation to seek peace, harmony, exercise love to one another and pray fervently”.
Oyintiloye explained that the Osun State House of Assembly considers Christmas as a season of joy, redemption and one that rekindles hope, as well as inspires possibilities in the future.
Also, in another press statement signed by the Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, Mr. Goke Butika, he charged people of the state to imbibe virtues of Christ which were premised on love and sharing.
According to the statement by Butika, the Speaker said “it is true that Nigerians are passing through a difficult economic phase in the history of the nation”, a situation that demands divine intervention and concerted effort of the people coupled with love and sharing.
He urged the privileged to help the needy at this season, saying that the only security that works wonder in time like this is sharing of love, food and listening to the disadvantaged in the neighborhoods.
He also urged security agencies to strengthen their security overlay in Osun, while intelligence gathering should be stepped up for action.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, and his Benue State counterpart, Samuel Ortom, yesterday urged Christians and Nigerians of other faiths to take advantage of the celebration of the birth of Jesus Christ to pray for the quick recovery of the country’s economy, and the sustainability of an indivisible Nigeria.
 

 
In a Christmas message released by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola urged Christians to look onto God for help and sustenance consistent with the counsel to “pray always, and not faint.”

Osun state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has been applauded for being aggressive towards infrastructural development in the state.
The commendation was given on Thursday by the state commercial motorcyclists, tricycle operators and other road users.
 

 
 
The motorcyclists also commended the state government under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola for being supportive and unwavered to the general well being of the people in the last six years.
The State Chairman, Amalgamated Commercial Motorcycle Owners and Riders Association of Nigeria (ACOMORAN), Prince Olu Agunsoye, said it is only an ingrate that will fail to commend Governor Aregbesola for turning the state to mega city.
Agunsoye who spoke on behalf of all members of the association, recalled that the present administration in the state has distinguished itself in all aspects of the economy most especial in human and capital developments.
He extolled the exemplary leadership quality of Governor Aregbesola in building solid foundation on infrastructures across the state which according to him has turned the state to a pacesetter of capital development in Nigeria.
ACOMORAN State Chairman said the mass construction of roads across the nooks and crannies of the state by the Aregbesola’s administration had eased the daily commercial activities of all his members and other road users in the state.
According to him, “We have decided to come together to appreciate the good works of Aregbesola’s administration in the last six years. The present government has exhibited extreme loyalty and friendship to our association consistently and passionately since inception. It has been so supportive and collaborative to our members’ welfares.
“We must appreciate the present administration for championing all its electioneering promises. This government has banished poverty as being promised; banished unemployment, banished hunger, restored healthy living and enhanced communal peace and progress with appreciable level of diligence, commitment, passion, creativity and responsibility.
“There is no doubt that our association has benefited greatly from Aregbesola’s government in all its interventions especially in infrastructure sector.
“This government has exhibited supreme vision in building solid foundation for future development in all sectors in the state and for institutionalising a robust economy, incomparable infrastructural development, massive employment generation and beneficial social welfare schemes.
“For these noble reasons, we commit absolutely our total support and cooperation with the government of Osun as we seek all and sundry’s supports for the government in actualising the dreams of taking the state to highest level of economic development geared towards infrastructural renewal”, Agunloye assured.
He said the association was determined to add value and key-in into the administration of Aregbesola’s programmes and policies especially in the area of empowerment and infrastructure.
Agunsoye said the intention of the association is to partner with the government in creating a peaceful and crisis free society by assisting the state in engendering the welfare of the people at the same time partner with the government to solve the most potent social problem of unemployment in the state since government cannot do it alone.
“Our association which is being established to create jobs for idle hands and provide an avenue to make community easy for the citizenry is determined to continuously support government in providing the frame work capable to reduce unemployment, create jobs, and reduce social vices and societal tension in all ramifications.
“Once majority of our people are engaged and economically empowered, our future generation will be well taken care off and their future guaranteed.
“We want to reiterate that opportunities in our association are enormous because we have engaged restive youth and elders to support in building a vibrant, proactive society and also imbibe a level of discipline and societal initiatives that will enable us to meet with the challenges of 21st century”, he stressed.
In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola sued for safety between and among the road users in the state.
He said the motorists, motorcyclists, tricycle operators among other road users, must see the need to imbibe the spirit of personal safety through the use and application of protective and precautionary measures.
He described commercial motorcycle riding as a tedious profession, lamenting over the economic situation in the country which according to him popularised the work.
Aregbesola said, “As much as I appreciate the contributions of commercial motorcycle riding occasioned by economic inviability so as I detest the dangers attached to it.
“It is therefore worthwhile to advice those who are into it to always apply precautionary measures and obey all the traffic rules for safety.
He called on the three tiers of government to promote agriculture just as he urged people to embrace farming.
“It is high time for us to take our collective minds off from the crude oil revenues and look for means to develop agriculture. We must all farm and do everything to promote agriculture”, he added.

In view of national electricity challenges coupled with the adverse effects of the current economic situation, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has ordered immediate construction of 8megawatts and 5megawatts at Ikeji-Ile and Okinni axis of the state.
He said the action became necessary in a bid to complement electricity supplies to the state and as well make life more worthwhile and comfortable for the citizenry.

 
 
Aregbesola gave the directive while receiving a template being presented by the project contractor, CBC Energy/UNIDO at the official presentation of the proposed 20megawatts Hydro-power Investment Proposition on Osun Water Bodies, at Government House, Osogbo, on Thursday 23/12/2016.
Governor who described electricity as a powerful economic determinant, said his administration would not relent to boost the electricity capacities of the state.
He added, “though we are projecting 20megawatts of hydropower energy for Kajola, Ikeji-Ile, Owalla dam in Okinni and Ede. But we are starting with this while the subsequent follows.
“This is necessary having taken into cognisance of the state electricity requirements coupled with challenges attached to electricity supplies.
“Our effort on this is to ensure that the general well being of our people takes priority in all we do.
He charged the contracting company on excellence and quality job delivery, saying the state would do everything possible to accomplish the goal.
Earlier, the Managing Director, CBC Hydropower Energy, Engineer Kunle Oderinu commended the state for being resilient to human and capital developments.
He disclosed that the company having obtained an approval from the state to execute the projects, has done a lot to ascertain a successful implementation of the projects, saying all the preliminary works had been done.
Oderinu said CBC Hydropower energy has been working compassionately to complement government’s efforts at creating viable environment for the citizens of the state to thrive.
He said the company has carried out feasibility studies to prevent any adverse effects of the projects.
He therefore reassured the state of quality services.
In his presentation, Newton CBC Consultant, Samsideen Alabi, said “the company would do everything humanly possible to deliver on its promises to the state”.

I received the news of the passage of Deji with a heavy heart. I have known him for more than two decades as our paths crossed now and then professionally, politically and socially and we became friends. 

But we got really close after the disputed 2007 governorship election which I contested in the State of Osun. He was a strong member of the legal team that brilliantly prosecuted my legendary case at the election petition tribunal in Osogbo, the Court of Appeal in Ibadan, the retrial at the second tribunal and again at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan where the final judgement returned our gubernatorial mandate after 42 months of a titanic legal struggle. 

Deji was a hero of that titanic legal battle. He gave his all in diligence, devotion, dedication, commitment and zeal. He never missed a single sitting throughout the entire length of the hearing in Osogbo and Ibadan roundabout.

It was therefore distressing to learn of his indisposition for some time and the ultimate translation of such an extraordinary personality as the cold hands of death snatched him. 

Barrister Deji Sasegbon was a good man who excelled in his chosen profession, in his community and the society at large. 

He was an epitome of Omoluabi, the quintessential Yoruba person in hard work, charity, honour, integrity, courage and chivalry. He was a generous spirit.

Deji established himself in his profession as the archetypal lawman – an advocate, a defender, a crusader, a constitutionalist, a stickler to procedure and the rule of lawand an eminent legal scholar. His weekly law publications will constitute an unperishable legacy to the legal profession in Nigeria and anywhere they will be cited in the world. 

As painful as the loss of Deji is to all of us, we are consoled by the fact of his exemplary life and sterling character.“Carve your name on hearts, not tombstones. A legacy is etched into the minds of others and the stories they share about you”, says Shannon L. Alder.

As I grieve at his untimely passage, I pray for succour and relief for his doting and dedicated wife and loving children. May he wake up to joyful activities in his new station.

Amin.

In his efforts to turn Osun to a commercial hub of the southwest, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday commissioned another branch of Omoluabi Mortgage Bank in Ilesa.
The new branch becomes the third of its kind in the state as two others  had previously been established in Osogbo, the state capital and Ejigbo respectively.
 

 
 
Aregbesola, at the official commissioning of the Ilesa branch of Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc, said the expansion of the bank was necessary as part of efforts to further enhance the economic development and commercial activities of the state.
He said the bank with its N4.6billion capitalization and N2.5billion assets capacity had contributed significantly to the economic viability, growth and development of the state since establishment.
Governor Aregbesola who described Omoluabi Mortgage bank as one of the best among its peers said the bank has been upgraded to meet the needs of the residents of the state as regards banking system.
Governor said branches of the bank are established across the state to promote and ease socio-economic activities of the residents irrespective of distance and locations.
He said his government’s initiatives to upgrade the modus operandi of the bank in line with international best practices had aided the state towards actualizating its economic dreams.
Speaking on the economic impacts of the bank, Aregbesola said the bank has the capacity to give out housing loans with little interest of 6 percent.
He said the bank has been empowered by the Central Bank of Nigeria and other regulatory agencies to render all services peculiar to commercial banks in the country.
Aregbesola further disclosed that the bank (Omoluabi Mortgage Bank) has a cordial collaboration with First bank and Access bank with the aim to enhancing effective operations in banking industry.
According to him, “Omoluabi Mortgage Bank has the capacity to perform all the services that can be rendered in any of the commercial banks in Nigeria.
“Deposits, withdrawals and other transactions can be made easily in any of the branches of this bank just as the bank can also give out housing loans with just 6% interest”, he added.
Governor Aregbesola who promised to replicate the branches of the bank across the state before the expiration of his tenure said, efforts are on the top gear to accomplish the goal as the state was ready to commission Ife branch next year.
He there urged all and sundry to see the bank as theirs with prompt patronage.
In his welcome address, the Chairman Board of Directors, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank, Alhaji Bayo Jimoh who described the bank as one of the successful banks in the country, said Omoluabi Mortgage Bank has been empowered to compete favourably with its counterparts in the subsector all over the world.
He said the dreams of the state with the establishment of the bank has been tremendously achieved in the last few years of establishment.
Jimoh noted that the efforts of the bank (Omoluabi) in expanding its branches was to enable it reach the nooks and cranies of the state and at the same time promote economic development by empowering businesses and creating employment opportunities.
Recounting some of the efforts made by the state government at upgrading the bank from its previous nomenclature, Jimoh said the bank which was initially registered as Livingspring Building Society way back in 1993 had gone through transformational changes all in structure, form, nomenclature, management and capital funding that helped to metamorphose it to Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc having successfully met the listing requirements of the Nigeria Stock Exchange and Securities and Exchange Commission respectively.
He added, “There is no doubt that it has been a long journey characterised with a lot of pains of growth before arriving eventually at the present shore, where we can boast without any fear of contradiction that this bank is sufficiently empowered to compete successfully with its peers in the subsector”.
The Board Chairman disclosed that the recapitalization of the bank by Governor Aregbesola in the quest to take the people out of poverty, was aimed at not only strengthening the bank but also to reposition it to take advantage of the emerging opportunities in the local market for speedy growth, profitability and empowering the good people of  the State.
He revealed that, the bank has restrategized its banking operations with a complete overhaul of its former business process and embracement of an up to date technology in carrying out its business.
“This include among others the successful acquisition of banking software that enables  seamless operations and ICT sufficiently adequate for Mortgage Finance and Banking Operations but at the same time addresses the core banking, treasury, consumer and corporate e-banking, mobile banking and web based cash management requirements for universal, retail and corporate banking that meet international standards”, he added.
Jimoh therefore commended Governor Aregbesola for boosting commercial activities of the state by contnuously threading the path to economic prosperity through the establishment of viable banking industry.
He said the government’s continued support has tremendously gone a long way to spur the officials of the bank on the need to continuously nurture the bank to become a pride to the state, saying “It is our hope that through patronage and cooperation of our host communities, there is the assurance of success”.
Earlier, the Managing Director, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank, Mr. Ayodele Olowookere, commended the state government for expanding the branch of the bank across the state.
Olowookere reassured the residents of the state on effective and efficient services, adding that “the necessity has been done by the state to serve the people excellently”.
He appealed to the host communities to need to be patronising the bank, saying “whatever the dividends made in any of the branches of the bank belongs to Osun government”.