Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has praised the Nigerian military for shunning anti-democratic acts, describing democracy as a necessity for all societies.
Welcoming the Chief of Army General Taoheed Lagbaja to his country home on Thursday, Governor Adeleke condemned democratic setbacks in some parts of Africa and urged the strengthening of democratic correction mechanisms instead of coup d’etat.
He described the Nigerian military as a thorough bred professional service which uphold respect for the national constitution while serving as a protector of the democratic process as well as national stability.
The Governor who also commissioned the Civil-military school project at Alusekere, Ede Said “the military, especially the Nigerian army, is a critical pillar of our national life. We owe the military accolades and commendation for securing and protecting the nation.
“Our existence as a nation that is united despite challenges is linked to the patriotism and sacrifice of the military. When the civil population is sharply divided , the military remains united.On many occasions, the military saved our nation from disintegration.
“Your reaching out to the civil population as a policy is a giant step to further unite the nation. I commend this civil- military rapport”, the Governor posited, adding that “the Osun State Govt enjoys a close relationship with the military establishments in the state”
Governor Adeleke further expressed his appreciation to the Chief of Army Staff for the speedy intervention during the recent Ifon -Ilobu crisis,noting “Your patriotic action is laudable. We deeply appreciate you, dear General”
Responding, the Chief of Army Staff said he was in the state in continuation of his nationwide visit to army formations in the country, noting that he was at the Governor’s residence to pay homage.
He assured the Governor of deep support for democracy and good governance, assuring that the engineering construction arm of the army is prepared to undertake projects from any willing states.
The Chief of Army Staff was accompanied by top military commanders.
Singed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Osun State Governor.
Sequel to the near state of total peace and harmony being envisioned by his administration in both Ifon and Orolu communities in the wake of the recent communal clashes, Osun state governor ,Senator Ademola Adeleke,has directed that the hitherto 24-hour curfew imposed on the two warring communities be reduced to 12.
Governor Adeleke’s latest directive was anchored on the good compliance to the last week ,Saturday, Peace Agreement signed by the communities in both Orolu and Irepodun local governments to bury their hatchets and embrace a lasting peace over the communal clashes.
Governor,Adeleke , however,maintains and re emphasises his earlier directive of taking complete possession by his administration of the disputed lands until when the imbroglio is finally seen to have been amicably brought to an end by the natives.
Accordingly, the hitherto 24 hour curfew, from dusk to dawn,earlier in place, has now been directed by the governor to be between 6am and 6pm daily.
A statement to that effect by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on behalf of Governor Ademola Adeleke, reads :
“That, based on the recent Peace Agreement signed by Ifon and Ilobu Communities of Orolu and Irepodun local governments respectively, the administration of Senator Ademola Adeleke is happy to state that the two communities are gradually embracing the need to engender peace and harmony , forthwith.
“Premised on this, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke, the Executive Governor of Osun state , in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state, has relaxed the 24 hour curfew to 12 hours daily,beginning from 6am to 6pm with immediate alacrity.
“That the Joint Security Task Force comprising the Nigeria Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and other security agents should ,however,continue their normal 24 hour surveillance of both Ifon ,Ilobu and Olokanla communities.
“That the good people of the two local governments should go about their businesses without any fear or apprehension anymore as their security are guaranteed with the eagle eyed security personnels in place .
“That,anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or instigating any act,knowingly or unknowingly, to mortgage the lasting peace being currently envisioned in the warring communities would be made to face the music,via necessary prosecution, in line with the dictate of the law of Nigeria.
“That, Governor Ademola Adeleke,for the umpteenth times, appreciates the resolve of the leadership and people of the warring communities to embrace peace.
“That, the present administration ,under the executive watch of H.E Senator Ademola Adeleke holds unity and peaceful co-existence of the people of Ifon,Ilobu and Olakanla sacrosanct just as it holds it for the entire villages, towns and cities of the state of the living string ; and
“That Osun state government, once again,sympathizes with the families of victims of the communal clashes.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has congratulated a renowned industrialist and loving husband of Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, Chief Aderemi Sanni on the occasion of his birthday, extolling his virtues and endearing personality.
The Governor who acknowledged Chief Sanni’s affection and support over the years, noted in a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that his kindness and positive energy have been a great source of cohesion in the family.
While thanking God for His grace and blessings over Chief Sanni’s over the years, Governor Adeleke said not only has his presence in the Adeleke dynasty offers a relishing experience, but also strengthens resolve to expand horizons.
“On this auspicious occasion of your birthday, I want to extend my heartfelt greetings and best wishes to a cherished member of our family, Chief Aderemi Sanni,” the Governor was quoted in his congratulatory message.
“Chief Sanni holds a great place in our heart, and his birthday is not just a moment of joy and reflection, but a time to acknowledge the grace of God in his life and be grateful for the great bond that we share.
“It is my prayer that this new age fill him with happiness and greatness while the year ahead be marked with marked with good health and fulfilment of everything good he ever hoped for.”
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor.
Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his gratitude to the people of Osun state over their positive turnout and feedback at the Ipade Imole, assuring that actions are ongoing on the various recommendations and viewpoints from the people.
In an appreciation statement issued on Saturday, Governor Adeleke said he remain ever excited and encouraged by the positive review of his records of the last 11 months as well as the candid identification of areas of attention by the participants.
“It was a truly engaging four hours of interaction with people drawn from all walks of life. It is really gratifying that the event took place under a largely informal setting with mutual exchange of ideas between the people and their elected Governor. The formal barrier was removed and I was able to reach my people in heart to heart exchanges.
“I cherish the rare opportunity of a hall full to the brim listening attentively and contributing as to where our administration has done well and which areas we should place more emphasis on. The frank down to earth questions and comments further strengthen the resolve of our team to deliver more dividends of democracy and amends in areas of interest to the people.
“I thank our royal fathers, the representatives of various associations from students to civil society associations. The media particularly proves strong channels for ventilating our records. We pledge to remain accountable and responsive.
“I have subsequently directed my team to analyze the questionnaire from the participants and create a sectoral tracker. We will ensure action are taken in areas of weaknesses and strengthen areas of accolades. We must be able to show the people that Ipade Imole is not a mere jamboree.
“I have also directed my team to put up a website for Ipade Imole. All proceedings of the maiden edition must be documented and an interactive platform be created. In this digital age, my team will also set up a whatsapp chat room. I will be in that chat room as your Governor, we will ensure continuous interaction.
“Ipade Imole should be a continuous exercise. Before we meet physically again the feedback mechanism must be operational on a 24 hour basis”. the Governor was quoted as saying.
Governo Adeleke further implored various associations that participated at the event to be gracious enough to host a secondary Ipade Imole by briefing their groups’ general meeting on the maiden edition of the accountability platforms.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
Oftentimes, we relish the progress in advanced societies and hope that similar experience be replicable here. As good as those thoughts usually are, we do miss one critical factor, and that is the existence of a proper feedback mechanism that is applicable in those environments that primarily account for the growth and developments we see and cherished.
Accountability and transparency is the heart of good governance. If government is about the people, it is incumbent that they are carried along in the administration of their affairs. This plain logic is what drives the incredible progress we see and cherish in society that embraced accountability and transparency in governance.
And fortune enough for Osun state, this same philosophy defines the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. From the outset of his administration, Governor Adeleke was pointedly clear that he will be different. Unlike his predecessor who spent most of his time in office evading giving account of stewardship to the people, Governor Adeleke embraced it as the needed catalyst to achieve the needed progress for the state.
Early into his administration, Governor Adeleke did the usual by opening up the financial books of the state to the people through traditional rulers in the state. It was a move that provided a clear understanding of the financial situation of the state to the people, demonstrating a major shift away from the opaqueness and secrecy that defined the past in the administration of the state.
It was in furtherance of his commitment to transparency and accountability that Governor Adeleke hosted Ipade Imole on Thursday October 5, 2023. Just as the name implies, Ipade Imole was a gathering of stakeholders that cut across every segment of the Osun society. It was a platform for the Governor to render accounts of his stewardship to the people and also receive feedback from the public.
“Ipade Imole will be a quarterly event. We have to let Osun people know how we are expending their money,” Governor Adeleke disclosed at the event which held at the Aurora event centre in Osogbo, before going on to add that “At this meeting, you can ask any question and we will answer you. You put us in this position.”
And true to his assurance, the Governor provided a detailed overview of the activities of his administration since he assumed office on November 27, 2022. This began with a 45-minute documentary of programmes, interventions and policies executed by the Adeleke administration under 10 months, providing pictures and videos evidence of the monumental achievements that Governor Adeleke recorded in the various sectors during the period under review.
What followed was even more encompassing, as the Governor’s speech outlined not just what has been done or currently ongoing, but also future plans of the administration in delivering for the people. Remarkably, the Governor made it abundantly clear that “this administration has not and will not borrow to fund ongoing infrastructure upgrades. From bridges to dualisation of existing roads among other infrastructures, we are pursuing value for money and public private partnership. Our financial plan is sustainable.”
Also, Governor Adeleke elaborately answered questions on the costing of projects executed by his administration, particularly providing clarity that against the erroneous cost of N14 million per borehole quoted by the opposition, each of the borehole in the 332 wards across Osun state cost the government N1.5 million. This disclosure on the cost per borehole, not only deflate the circle of lies of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also underscored the financial prudence in the Adeleke administration. Because, similar project under the Oyetola administration was done at a cost of N1.925 million per borehole, even though, none of it came with a generator set as it is the case with the one executed by the Adeleke administration.
Away from this is the recurring questions on the whereabouts of the N2 billion palliative fund received by the State Government from the Federal Government. For some weeks now, the APC had mischievously created an impression of abuse and misapplication. But Governor Adeleke defused the main opposition ignoble narrative, pointedly noting that the N2bn is safe and will be applied for the benefit of the people of the state.
Governor Adeleke explained to the people that his government is careful not to repeat the mistake of the previous government that dragged the state into financial mess that it is struggling with at the moment, hence, not rushing the application of the palliative fund. “The N2 billion palliative fund by the Federal Government will be spent on three projects. One of them is the purchase of additional buses to complement the buses in the pool of the state, which has been repaired and soon to be unveiled for use,” he disclosed.
The two other projects to be funded from the palliative fund, as disclosed by the Governor, is the rehabilitation of health centres in the state and the purchase of food items for distribution to the people of the state. Not only did this erase the erroneous conclusion of the APC on the fund, Governor Adeleke was able to stress the commitment of his administration to allocate resources for meaningful interventions.
This is further evident in the disclosure of the Governor that the state is in receipt of N7 billion refund from the federal government for projects executed by State Government on its behalf and that it will be used solely to fund infrastructural projects across the state. In the past, refund to the state from the central government is usually shrouded in controversy going by the lack of openness and transparency by the previous government. Governor Adeleke did not only disclosed the received fund, but also provided clear direction on how and on what it will be utilized.
Projects ranging from the dualisation of at least two roads in each senatorial district, construction of flyovers in Osogbo and some other towns, installation of streetlights on newly constructed roads, fresh installation of boreholes in the 332 wards, Imole Housing Estate at 500 units in each federal constituency and Imole Transport service outlined by the Governor are likely to benefit from the fund.
However, the highlight of the Ipade Imole was the moment when Governor Adeleke disclosed that he has not accessed security votes as it is the practice with his predecessors. Governor Adeleke said his decision not to access monthly security votes is on principle and a personal sacrifice for the state, noting that “I do not take security votes which my predecessors do take. I said the money should be used for the good of the people.” This disclosure is a further affirmation of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the service of the people, and not about self benefit. For a Governor to sacrifice at least N500 million every month, which utilization is hardly questioned, showed how passionate he’s about progressing the state.
Sarafa Ibrahim is the Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Print Media.
…Takes immediate possession of the Disputed Lands/Areas
OSOGBO – 6/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng
Sequel to the on going communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities, leading to the loss of lives and properties, Osun state government has directed that a 24-hour curfew commences with immediate effect in the two communities.
The curfew is with a view to forestalling further breakdown of law and order in the hitherto two peaceful and law abiding communities.
A statement in respect in respect of the unfortunate development as released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi on behalf of His Excellency,the Executive Governor of Osun state ,Senator Ademola Adeleke reads as follows:
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that a 24 hour Curfew begins in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect .
To maintain a lasting peace and order pending when the issues at hand would be amicably resolved, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State,has ordered the immediate take over of the disputed lands/areas by his administration.
In the same vein, government has ordered that anyone or group of persons found or seen doing one thing or the other on the disputed lands/ areas would be made to face the full wrath of the law, accordingly ,by Osun state government .
Therefore,in strict compliance with the 24 hour curfew now imposed , Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities,until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
Accordingly, officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising, the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been directed by His Excellency, to be on a 24 hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace .
As a government,the present administration has the obligation as conferred on it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments and by extension, Osun state in general.
The present administration will ,not in anyway be a party to compromising any action or utterances that will mortgage the peace and order currently holding sway in Osun state since the inception of the present administration in the last one year.
While commiserating with the affected families of those who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis, the present administration is still reiterating the need for peace and order to be restored in the two concerned local governments.
Maintaining peace and order is our collective responsibility in Osun state.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment, Osun state.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has on Tuesday welcomed Chinese foreign technical delegation led by Carbon54 Limited to further deepen his industrialisation drive in the State.
The Governor also assured the people of Osun State that the Free Trade Zone, which has been abandoned for years, will soon be resuscitated by his administration.
Carbon54 Limited has concluded arrangements to invest in exploration, extraction, processing and supply chain management (export) of new energy metals including hard rock lithium (spodumene), in Osun State.
The investors are seeking to secure exploration and mining licenses for lithium deposits across the State and are also planning to attract further foreign investment and collaboration in the State by setting up solar mini grids and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to power industrial development in Osun State.
Presenting the investors to the Governor, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo explained that Carbon54 and their foreign technical partners partner’s objective is to boost Osun State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create jobs by driving the State’s economic diversification, boosting energy capacity and industrialisation transition through extensive lithium ore extraction, processing of lithium concentrate, lithium exports, solar mini grids for power generation, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), solar portable power generators and charging stations for SMEs as Osun State continues to cushion the energy transition post fuel subsidy removal.
He emphasised that other states within the federation wanted to hijack the Chinese investors but for the tenacity of the governor, who assured the partners that Osun State is strategically positioned to become the new hub of industrial manufacturing activity in Nigeria due to its solid mineral resources, human intellectual capital, the existing power infrastructure and business enabling environment policies enacted by the Governor’s Administration.
Carbon54 Limited will be attracting foreign investment and technical partners to upgrade the Living Spring Free Trade Zone to a Sustainable Green Economic Zone through a PPP vessel. The Free Trade Zone will serve as the new hub of industrialisation in Nigeria powered by clean energy while accommodating solid mineral treatment and refinery facilities, battery and electronic manufacturing facilities, assembly plants for automobiles, buses and solar generators, agro-allied industries, food processing and preservation facilities, textile manufacturing factories amongst others.
While speaking, Mrs Zheng who expressed her happiness also reassured the governor of their readiness to provide technical expertise and support of their company towards Osun State’s industrial drive in the areas of lithium value chain, battery technology, renewable energy, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Smart hardware, intelligent manufacturing (Automation), Industrial Internet to boost the digital economy, technology transfer, and skills acquisition and training initiatives at the Technology Incubation Centre located at the Living Spring Free Trade Zone.
This by implications, will boost the economic profile of the state and create jobs and improve technical competence of youths in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Jenyo had taken the Carbon54 led delegation around the Free Trade Zone, Ede and the Central Power Station, Powerline, Osogbo for on-site assessment of the area and facilities.
Receiving the Commissioner and his team in his office, the Principal Manager Transmission, Engr. Lade S. O. A. also assured the investors of the enabling environment, human and natural resources and peace in the state as the cardinal principles of business growth and genuine industrialisation.
The President, Osun State Chambers of Commerce, mines and agriculture, Dr. Olu Olujide who recognized the governor as a lover of local content, urged his administration to promote investment in palm oil and palm kernel oil processing, rice milling, animal feed milling and cassava processing.
According to him “the Osun Trade Fair is one of the sustainable platforms to promote economic development of Osun State. The 2023 edition scheduled to hold between Thursday 16th to Tuesday 28th November 2023 is indeed a trade promotion platform which goes in line with Osun Government policy of promoting Trade Investments in the state”.
“The fair will showcase the abundance of Osun agricultural products with value chain, plenthora of mineral resources, and general goods and services produced in the state”, Dr. Olujide stated.
The delegation of the foreign investors include the former Deputy Head of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Ademola Oladele, Managing Director of Carbon54 Limited, Prince Ademola J. Oladele, Mrs Alice Zheng and Mr. Daniel Yang.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has cancelled celebration of independence day earlier slated for Sunday October first.
In a statement issued by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, the Governor urged Osun people to pray for the continious peace and prosperity of Nigeria.
“Let us use the Independence Day to meditate and pray on the state of our nation. Our people are passing through tough times. It is time to take stock and seek divine intervention and guidance in the affairs of our nation.
“I greet Osun people and Nigerians in general as the Independence day knocks at our doors. Here in Osun, we will celebrate with meditation and prayers”, the Governor was quoted as saying.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed commitment to supporting and empowering women in the mining sector.
The Governor made this known on Wednesday at the Gold and Gemstone Conference and Exhibition (GGCE, 2023) at African Gemstone and Jewellery Conference Centre, Lagos.
Represented by the Special Adviser, Mining and Mineral Matters, Prof Lukman Jimoda, the Governor noted that the inclusion and empowerment of women in the mining industry is not only essential for their own economic emancipation but also for the overall growth and prosperity of our state and nation.
He maintained that the Osun state government under his watch is committed to promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in all sectors of the state’s economy.
He said “Osun State is one of the key states in Mineral Exploration and Mineral Processing. We have around 300 mining titles within the state. Out of these titles, Osun State has 6 mining titles (3 Mining and 3 Exploration Leases). Our state also has other 13 licences across other states which include Kogi, Kwara, Oyo, Zamfara, Kaduna and Niger states. We are also at the tail end of converting our exploration leases to mining leases. At the end of the exercise, our State will be having 42 Mining Leases and 2 Exploration Leases.
“It is now crystal clear that our State is one of the strongest states in the mining industry. Our state is presently working toward engaging our women in Cooperative exploration and finally Buying Centres. This will be an attempt to finally empower our women. The inclusion and empowerment of women in this critical industry are not only essential for their own economic emancipation but also for the overall growth and prosperity of our state and nation.
“My administration is committed to promoting gender equality and the full participation of women in all sectors of our state’s economy.
“We firmly believe that empowering women in mining is not just a matter of equity; it is also a strategic imperative for sustainable development. While we acknowledge the challenges that women in mining often face, such as limited access to resources, education, and opportunities, we also recognize the incredible resilience, resourcefulness, and determination that they bring to this industry. It is our responsibility to create an enabling environment that harnesses the talents and potential of our women miners.
“Under my leadership, Osun State has taken significant steps to support women in mining. We have initiated programs to provide training, access to modern technology, and financial assistance to women miners. These efforts are aimed at improving their working conditions, enhancing their safety, and increasing their productivity.
“We understand that the journey toward gender equality in mining cannot be undertaken by the government alone. We call upon the private sector, civil society organizations, development partners, and the international community to join hands with us in supporting women in mining. Investment in this sector is not just an investment in women; it is an investment in the sustainable development of our state.”
Governor Adeleke also expressed commitment to gender equality and women’s empowerment in Osun State adding that his administration is determined to break down barriers and create pathways for women to thrive in the mining industry and beyond.
“We look forward to fruitful discussions, valuable insights, and concrete recommendations emerging from this seminar, which will undoubtedly contribute to our collective efforts in advancing the cause of “Women in Mining,” Governor Adeleke added.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed Spokesperson to the Governor.
As the world converges at the United Nations, Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state, Nigeria has called on world leaders to empower subnational entities to accelerate achievement of the Paris Agreements on climate change.
Speaking ahead of COP28 Dubai while receiving a report of the Governor’s Climate Advisory Council, Governor Adeleke affirmed that substantial gains can only be achieved on tackling climate change when states and local governments are strengthened and mobilized to implement mitigation and resilience projects.
” My message to world leaders ahead of COP28 is for them to refocus attention on the states and local governments. Funding should be redirected to reach regional and council governments while the central governments coordinate.
” The battle front now is for subnational entities to be prioritized. If the global community truly wants Paris agreements to be achieved, let us go local. Localisation should be the watchword within the climate space.
” I also call on leaders of the world to note the urgency of simplifying access to climate financing. The clamor I read has been inadequate financing. How accessible is the current available pool of funds?
” We need to make it easy to access funding for climate adaptation projects. We are to reduce bureaucracy and all those bottlenecks that slow down or even deny many actors of access to finance.
” For us in Osun state, we are committed to climate action. We welcome partnership with the National Council on Climate Change and other development partners. We have the political will to make a difference”, Governor Adeleke said.
The Governor’s Climate Advisory Council had earlier presented a report of its partnership meeting with the National Council on Climate Change to the state Governor.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
