Governor Rauf Aregbesola presenting the State Emblem to the General Manager, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Gold fm Ilesa, Dr. Oluspola Agboola, Head of Engineering Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Gold fm Ilesa and Head of Programmes Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Gold fm Ilesa during a courtesy visit to his office, at Abere, Osogbo at the weekend

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left ) presenting the
State Emblem to General Manager, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria
(FRCN), Gold fm Ilesa, Dr. Oluspola Agboola (2nd left), Head of
Engineering Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), Gold fm Ilesa
(2nd right) and Head of Programmes Federal Radio Corporation of
Nigeria (FRCN), Gold fm Ilesa (right) during a courtesy visit to the
Governor, at Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo at the weekend

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his Deputy,
Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori(2nd left), Secretary to the State Government,
Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (left), State Head of Civil Service, Mr. Sunday
Owoeye (2nd right) and General Manager, Federal Radio Corporation of
Nigeria (FRCN), Gold Fm Ilesa, State of Osun, Dr. Olusola Agboola
(right), during a Courtesy visit to the Governor, at Governor’s Office, Abere, Osogbo at the weekend

The Osun State Council of Traditional Rulers have hailed Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for prudently managing the state economy despite the current financial impropriety occasioned by the sharp backdrop in the global prices of the crude oil.
The state monarchs made the statement shortly after a closed door meeting with Governor Aregbesola at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Oke-Pupa, Osogbo.
The traditional rulers who described the tremendous achievements of Governor Aregbesola as immeasurable and unimaginable stated that five years of Aregbesola’s government has witnessed unprecedented transformation and all round development being felt in every nook and cranny of the state.
While fielding questions from the journalists, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, his counterparts, Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Adedeji; Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi and Owamiran of Esa-Oke, Oba Adeyemi Adediran, disclosed that the meeting held with Mr. Governor has really helped the traditional rulers to have a cleared picture of the status of the state economy as contentious issues that had been generating diverse opinions were clarified, adding that they have been exposed and made to understand the whole scenario of the state finances.
The traditional rulers who commended Governor Aregbesola for being passionate in the running of the state’s affairs since his inception noted that he had set an incomparable standard and legacy for the state through his numerous and applaudable achievements and successes.
The state royal fathers who described monarchs as the invaluable mechanism in reach out to the people at the grassroots called for full involvement of traditional rulers in the socio-political, economic and cultural affairs of the state, emphasizing that the pivotal roles played by the traditional rulers in the nation’s political stability and sustainable peace can never be undermined.
“We have held a meeting with our Governor on need to improve the status of the state’s economy as regards the current financial anomaly brought about by the downturn of the global prices of crude oil.
“The meeting was successful because issues seemed ambiguous to some of us were raised and clarified by the Governor himself and appropriate financial experts as we were made to see and understand the state of finances of our dear state of Osun”, the traditional rulers said.
Apparently, the state traditional rulers called for regular forum between it and the state government where issues concerning the transformation of the state would be deliberated.
“This meeting is significant to us as we are calling on the state government to make it as a matter of necessity regular consultative forum so as for we Obas to have more contributions towards the administrative affairs of our state”, the monarchs stated.

Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, has sent a message of felicitation to millions of Nigerians as the nation commemorates its 55th Independence anniversary.

Aregbesola said that the greatest challenges confronting Nigeria are the task of nation-building and selfless leaders to lead in that direction.

This is contained in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.

Aregbesola commended Nigerians on the efforts and sacrifices towards building a democratic, just and humane African society and the sustenance of the current democratic process which so far is the longest in the political history of the country since its independence from Britain in 1960.

According to the Governor, Nigerians, leaders as well as followers, have the duty to support, sustain and protect this hard won democracy.

He stated that the administration of General Muhammad Buhari is poised to reposition the country, turn around its fortunes and put its ship on smooth and steady sail.

The statement said in part: “We are in a critical stage in our journey for sustainable democracy. Therefore, we must do everything humanly possible to protect this democratic process, the longest so far in the annals of our political evolution.

“Our founding fathers, with sincerity of purpose, fought for a country where there will be equal opportunities, freedom of expression and association as well as security of life and property.

“They fought for a nation where the rule of law would reign supreme and be the dominant guiding doctrine; where true federalism would be the rule rather than exception, thereby giving all federating units the freedom to develop at their own pace.

“I have strong, unwavering conviction and sincere hope that this country would still stand tall and become great again.

“As a nation with diverse social, ethnic, cultural and linguistic characteristics, all we need to do is to jointly harness all the distinctive attributes and turn them into positive factors for our unity, growth and development.

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor, Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ayo Oladapo General Secretary Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ademola Adedokun and others during a Courtesy Visit to the Governor in his office, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

From right – Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Governor Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ayo Oladapo, General Secretary Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ademola Adedokun and his Deputy Governor Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN),Mrs. Sola Duro-Ladipo, during a Courtesy Visit to the Governor in his office, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left), Governor Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ayo Oladapo (right) General Secretary Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ademola Adedokun (left) and Mr. Tafa Oloyede (2nd right) during a Courtesy Visit to the Governor in his office, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd left); Governor Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ayo Oladapo (2nd right), and his Deputy Governor Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Mrs. Sola Duro-Ladipo (right), Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (2nd left), Head of Service, State of Osun, Mr. Sunday Owoeye (3rd right), General Secretary Theatre Arts and Motion picture Producers Association of Nigeria, State of Osun (TAMPAN), Prince Ademola Adedokun (left) and others during a Courtesy Visit to the Governor in his office, at Government Secretariat, Abere, Osogbo on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Photos of the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during the 10th Anniversary/7th Convocation of Redeemer’s University, Ede, State of Osun, on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori and Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Pastor, Tokunbo Adesanya, during the 10th Anniversary/7th Convocation of Redeemer’s University, at University Auditorium, Ede State of Osun, on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Mother-in- Israel, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor (Mrs.) Folu Adeboye, during the 10th Anniversary/7th Convocation of Redeemer’s University, at University Auditorium, Ede, State of Osun, on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during the 10th Anniversary/7th Convocation of Redeemer’s University, Ede, State of Osun, on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

Vice President Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd left); Pro-Chancellor/Chairman of Council, Pastor, Tokunbo Adesanya (2nd left), Vice Chancellor, Professor Debo Adeyewa (left) and the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, during the 10th Anniversary/7th Convocation of Redeemer’s University, at University Auditorium, Ede State of Osun on Tuesday 29/09/2015.

…As VP restates Buhari’s commitment to quality education

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has charged universities in Nigeria to turn out graduates that will be able to stand on their own in terms of entrepreneurial skills.
The governor made this charge on Tuesday at the 10th anniversary, 7th convocation and Honorary Award ceremony of Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun.

He noted that graduates of Nigerian universities should be one that cannot afford to fail the country in the area of development.

The governor held that the Redeemer’s University must not relent in its rating as one of the leading lights in the area of research in Africa.‎‎

A‎dvising the graduating students, the governor noted that education is the greatest weapon against poverty, urging them to employ everything positive at their disposal for the development of their different professions as they move into the competitive world.‎

Aregbesola also admonished them not to forget what they have learnt while in school, saying the graduating students having acquired the character and education needed to succeed in life‎, they must all aim for the tops.

He said, “You cannot pass through this institution and fail in life, passing through a university is the ultimate after secondary education, you must acquire the character and the courage to succeed in life.
“You must put to use all that you have acquired during your period of stay in this school, you must strive to be an employer of labour, the entrepreneurial skills among other things must be put to use for the development of the nation,” the governor stressed.

‎Aregbesola urged the graduating students to be good ambassadors of their various communities, states, Nigeria and the entire world, stressing that they should continue to showcase to the world the virtues of patriotism, love, peace, professionalism and nationalism in all their endeavours.

Earlier in his speech, the Vice President, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo admonished the graduating students to imbibe the ultimate spirit of truthfulness, God fearing, credibility and openness, adding that in as much as these exemplary qualities are embedded in them, they would surely succeed and triumph in life.
Osinbajo who described education as light that illuminates darkness stated that the road to fulfillment in life is characterized with the ability of one to strive for quality education.
The Vice president stated that the administration of President Muhamaddu Buhari led Federal Government was irrevocably determined to provide qualitative education for citizenry.
He said the current administration is committed to solve the power problem and encourage small scale businesses, stressing that their administration would improve technology and agricultural development to provide jobs opportunity for the teeming youths.
“As we are committed to the fight against. Corruption in the country, we shall equally do all we could to provide qualitative education as well as providing enabling environment for Nigerian people to survive.
“Our Government is currently partnering with 7 states to increase food production in order to make this country to be self-sufficient and sustainable through massive agricultural produce”, Osinbajo affirmed.
In his goodwill message, the General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enock Adeboye implored the graduating students to always remains focused, determined and resilient in all their endeavours as they are transiting to the new world of fulfillment, challenging and accomplishment.
Pastor Adeboye admonished the graduating students to learn from his life as he was brought to the world through a poor parents, but remained determined to achieve greatness and success in life.
In his earlier remark, the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Council, Redeemer’s University, Pastor Tokunbo Adesanya said the university is excelling well beyond expectations as it continuously placing emphasis on academic excellence and the nurturing of personal values and ethics that have become the standards of communities, government and corporate Nigeria.
He said within a decade of existence, the University has made a remarkable contribution to intellectual and professional capacities, and to the very high skilled needs of the economy, adding that the university has made considerable investments in research as research remains vital to national and global prosperity.
Pastor Adesanya said University must strive to become wells from which imagination, invention and creativity are drawn to the benefit of society, where the future leaders learn the lessons that universities teach, where students’ discoveries and innovations will be the source of national prosperity in the coming centuries.

He urged the graduating students to always remember the sacrifices and commitment attached to their success as they hold the key to the door of their future professional triumphant.
“As you are graduating today, you have become part of elite group of the graduate population of Nigeria and beyond that have obtained academic and career focused qualifications in a higher education environment that mirrors the democratic ideals of our world.

“As students, you have had the honour of studying at a fine university that deservedly commands an enviable academic reputation as you have learnt the valuable lesson of rethinking education in all of its facets and you have experienced independence in decision-making that has made you found yourselves immersed in a multi-cultural environment that challenged and inspired you.

“For our part, we have tried to impart the values required in you, but there is need for you all to form friendship strong enough to last you a lifetime, gain skill sets that you will build on continuously and take away unforgettable experiences and memories.

“This convocation is a reflection of your achievement, but you should always remember the sacrifices that others have made to ensure that you stand here today. As future leaders, I trust that the leadership qualities that you demonstrate in the future ascribe to the highest levels of academic distinction, academic freedom and accountability; values that strive to promote integrity and respect for diversity and human dignity”, Pastor Adesanya stated.

Highlights of the ceremony was the awards to Prof. Folagbade Olajide Aboaba, a renowned academic and Engineer and the wife of the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Mrs. Foluke Adeboye who bagged Honorary Doctor of Science and Doctor in Science management respectfully.
Dignitaries at the convocation ceremony included the Vice-President of Nigeria, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Deputy Governor of Osun, Mrs. Grace Titi-Tomori, the General Overseer of Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye, Bishop Francis Wale Oke among others.

SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OSUN, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE SPECIAL INDEPENDENCE DAY SERVICE OF THE NATIONAL CHRISTIAN COUNCIL, HELD AT ALL SAINTS CATHEDRAL, BALOGUN AGORO, OSOGBO, ON SUNDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2015
 
Protocols,
It gives me great pleasure to be at this Special Independence Day Service, a national independence thanksgiving. I must therefore thank the National Christian Council (NCC) for the invitation to be part of this special occasion.
Let me also specially thank all the Christians that have supported us, especially the Church of Nigeria, the Anglican Communion, for their unflinching support for our administration, through thick and thin and for living out the biblical creed that enjoins Christians to pray for leaders and those in authority. That we are still in office today is due partly to your prayers and support. God will stand by you at all times, especially in your days of adversity.
It is a good thing to give thanks to the Lord for all things. It is more important even for us as a nation. It is always easy for an individual, group or even a nation to take the goodness of the Lord for granted after some time of comfort. This is why God instituted the Feast of Passover, an annual reminder to the children of Israel for the great deliverance they received when He took them out of the clutches of Pharaoh in Egypt. These people were under the yoke of oppression for 400 years but God took them out with a mighty hand.
There is a similarity between this story and our nation, Nigeria. We were also under the yoke of British imperialism for more than 100 years. But God in his infinite mercies, working through our founding fathers, especially the nationalists, gave us independence in 1960. Though we celebrate Independence every year, we appear to have forgotten what God did for us as our other actions do not glorify God and we have since refused to move forward as a nation. Since 1960, we seem to be moving in circles and at every turn, it always look like we need a new independence.
Our experience in the most recent past will drive home the point. We were under the yoke of internal colonialism. A few people cornered the resources of the nation and plundered it to their satisfaction. While these few people were having their heart’s fill, the rest of the country was groaning as the nation tottered on the brink of disintegration. States could no longer pay salaries while insecurity and violence were the order of the day. As usual, we called on God and He answered us and gave us President Muhammadu Buhari. I do not need to make a case for him. We are living witnesses of how he has restored order and things are changing for good. Fuel scarcity has disappeared. Even states are paying workers now. Our country is getting the respect of the world again.
What we have received is a new opportunity to resume our journey to greatness. We must therefore guard our independence jealously and with the fear of God. We must resolutely say ‘never again’ will we find ourselves in the grip of such evil people that will take us back to the brink again.
As believers, we must live out the creed of our faith, the most important of which is love. The essence of religion is to make the believer a better person. Many of us regrettably are still living our old life of sin – hate, unrighteousness, greed, immorality and idolatry.
This independence is another opportunity to reconnect to our faith and rededicate our lives to God, love our neighbours like ourselves, eschew violence, embrace peace and be generous of spirit and our substance.
Let me once again thank the Christian Council of Nigeria for inviting me to be here and for the support and understanding I have received from Christians since our administration came into being in November 2010. I wish you all happy independence celebration and fruitful thanksgiving. May our sacrifice be acceptable unto God and may He answer our prayers. Amen.
I thank you all for your kind attention.
Osun a dara!
 
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola
Governor, State of Osun

Pictures of the Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at Government House, Osogbo State of Osun, on Monday 28/092015.

From left-Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at Government House, Osogbo State of Osun, on Monday 28/092015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Araegbesola (2nd right); his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase (3rd left); Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Kalafite Helen Adeyemi (2nd left) and Commissioner of Police (CP), Kola Sodipo, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Government house, Osogbo State of Osun, on Monday 28/092015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Inspector General of Police (IGP), Solomon Arase (left), Former Osun Governor, Senator Isiaka Adeleke (4th left),State Chairman Police Community Relations Committee (CPRC), Comrade Amitolu Shittu (3rd right), Zonal Chairman Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC), Otunba Femi Arowosola (2nd right) and the State Public Relation Officer of the CPRC, Engr. Adeniran Ibitoye, during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Government House, Osogbo State of Osun, on Monday 28/092015.

…..as IGP commends Osun for supporting Police

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday said the challenge of insurgency and kidnapping can be overcome in Nigeria if there is an effective synergy between the Nigeria Police and the Department of the State Security Service (DSS).

The governor stated this when the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House‎ in Osogbo.

This was even as the IGP commended Governor Aregbesola for his giant strides of transforming Osun in the last five years of assumption as the Governor of the state.

Aregbesola noted that the two security agencies of government must work symbiotically for the interest of Nigeria’s democracy, saying that civilisation is possible only on the basis of security.

He added that the synergy needed by the agencies must be effective to penetrate the ranks of insurgents and kidnappers thus bringing their activities to a halt in the country.

According to him, “The Police and the DSS must synergise, they must share intelligence because perpetrators of kidnapping and people who carry out the act of insurgency are human beings. With adequate intelligence, it will be easier to penetrate their ranks and liquidate whatever evil plan they have before the carry it out.

“I am appealing to the two agencies who are today Federal Government agencies to realise the need for the two of them working together in the interest of effective maintenance of peace and order, particularly on the issue of kidnapping which is assuming a frightening dimension.

“If their acts have been nipped in the bud at their nascent stages, we would not have the monstrous expression of them as we see now. So please, I plead for the two civil security agents that are vital for the maturation of our democracy,” Aregbesola advised.

The governor however used the occasion to call on the Inspector General of Police to provide an additional six Area Commands of police in the Federal Constituency in the state to make nine Police Area Commands.

“We are happy that our administration has brought better atmosphere of peace, we will improve on the ambience of peace and security, we are working towards total eradication of crime in our state.

“The IGP can still help us in the discharge of responsibility of police by providing Area Commands in each of our Federal constituencies, just nine, we have three now, Osun needs nine, why am I requesting for nine when threat to peace are limited?

“We are requesting in conscious ‎awareness of the overworking of your men here. They are over stretched.” The governor told the IGP.

He called Nigerians to see the Police as their friend, saying that under the leadership, police exist for them to go about their daily activities and well-being.

Speaking earlier, IGP Solomon Arase lauded Aregbesola for his appreciation of the ‎police by providing them with equipment that will make the discharge of their duties effectively.

The IGP said he will do everything at his disposal to ensure that men of the Nigeria Police Force respect the fundamental rights of Nigerians‎, adding that the police under his watch will be civilised in the way they deal with civilians.

He called on traditional rulers in the state to assist police in its work as the space is bigger for the police alone, saying Community policing is added form of Police.

The IGP said, “My coming to Osun today is to conduct two or three functions, one, to congratulate you on the giant strides you are making in developing Osun, two, to say thank you to you for the assistance you are giving to the state police command.

“The Police are men who put out their lives for the peace of the country, they operate in an hostile environment yet they are not appreciated, I thank you for appreciating them. , also I have come to Osun for the passing out of unit commanders in Ila Orangun,” he said.

Despite the financial constraint of the Osun State government, it has expressed its commitment to fulfil its obligation to the contributory pension scheme by remitting all dues as soon as funds are available.
Governor Rauf Aregbesola made the pledge while issuing out N1.47billion bond certificates to 188 retirees in the Primary school and Local Government under the Contributory Pension Scheme in the state.
While presenting the certificates to the beneficiaries of the Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) at a programme held at Local Government Service Commission Multipurpose Hall, Governor Aregbesola who was represented by the Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye assured that better days are on the way for the pensioners in the state.
The beneficiaries are the second batch who received the bonds certificate under the Contributory Pension Scheme. The state government had earlier given out N593million bond certificates in December 2014 under the first batch of the scheme.
His words: “we shall fulfill our obligations to contributory pension scheme by remitting all dues as soon as funds are available to us”.
“We regard our pensioners as senior citizens whose welfare is paramount to us. If we can set up ‘Agba Osun’ to take care of our elderly, why won’t we take care of our retirees?, the governor stated.
He however debunked accusation by some retirees that the government had diverted the bail out funds, saying “it is unfortunate the attempt by a very tiny section of the retirees to politicize their own affairs and thereby play into the hands of the opposition.
The governor also noted that his administration has increased the monthly pension from 200 million naira in 2010 to 520 million naira in 2013, adding “though we had started lagging behind in 2014 on pension payment, we still committed a total of #4.9 billion to pensions.
He stressed that his administration has implemented 140 per cent increase in pension, promising that efforts are on to implement the upgrading of all pensioners earning below #10,000 as soon as the finances of the state are buoyant.
Earlier in his welcome address, the permanent secretary, Bureau of Local Government Staff Pension, Mr Kayode Aliu Afolabi, noted that the Contributory Pension Scheme since commencement in Osun in 2010, has witnessed some positive developments.
He said, “Osun is not only among the few states in the federation that have fully implemented the CPS, it is actually the second in the South West geo-political zone to have done so.
He however urged the beneficiaries to make use of knowledge acquired during the pre-retirement workshop organised for them.
Speaking on behalf of the beneficiaries, Dr Busirat Ogundipe, expressed appreciation to Governor Aregbesola for fulfilling his promise, urging the governor not to be deterred by the opposition’s allegations.
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