President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari (Centre); Vice President-Elect,Professor Yemi Osinbajo (5th right); Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (4th right back row); Chairman, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief John Oyegun (4th left); Chairman, Progressives Governors’ Forum, Rochas Okorocha (3rd right); Speaker House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal (2nd right) and other Governors of the APC, during a solidarity visit to the President-Elect in Abuja on Tuesday 05-05-2015.
 

From right, President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President-Elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during a Courtesy Visit to the President-elect in Abuja on Tuesday 05-05-2015.
 

From left, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Speaker House of Representatives, Honourable Aminu Tambuwal; Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Al-makura; his Borno State counterpart, Alhaji Kashim Shettima and others, during a Solidarity Visit to the President-Elect in Abuja on Tuesday 05-05-2015.
 

 
   Osun State Chapter of Parents Teachers Association of Nigeria (PTA) has expressed its preparedness to assist the state government in the enforcement of the payment of N1,500 tax bonanza introduced to boost its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR).
The decision to assist in the enforcement of the payment of the tax bonanza was conveyed to the state government at a meeting held with the State Internal Revenue Board led by its chairman, Mr. Dayo Oyebanji.
At the meeting attended by the PTA chairmen from across the 30 local government councils of the state, it was also agreed that the N1,500 tax bonanza for 2013/2014/2015, making N4,500, would be paid to assist the state out of its current financial predicament.
The state government owes four months salaries of its workers as a result of the dwindling revenue from the federal allocation.
Speaking at the meeting, the chairman of the association, Mr. Demola Ekundayo, said the decision to assist the government in the tax collection was part of the association’s resolve to contribute to the development of the state especially regarding the public primary and secondary schools.
He explained that Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been using the tax for the ]development of the state. Saying “this is why parents have deemed it fit to complement his efforts in moving the state forward.
Ekundayo who lauded the developmental programmes embarked upon by Aregbesola’s administration, especially in the education sector however appealed to government not to relent in providing qualitative education for the students as promised in his Six Point Integral Action Plans.
Reacting, the Chairman of State Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Dayo Oyabanji expressed happiness with the support of the PTA, promising that government would not relent in ensuring good standard of living and better education for the pupils.
Oyebanji noted that the government introduced tax bonanza to make it payment affordable and serve as relief adding that at the expiration of the bonanza period, each parent would have to pay that according to their earnings as enunciated by the tax law.
 
http://leadership.ng/news/430978/osun-parents-back-aregbesolas-revenue-drive
 
 

 

Osogbo – House of Assembly members-elect in Osun have been urged to shun partisanship and work together for the development of the state.
The Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC) in the state, Mr Adekunle Ogunmola, made the call on Monday while presenting certificate of return to them at the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Osogbo.
He said that now that the elections were over, the next thing for the assembly members-elect to do was to ensure service to the people.
The REC, who described the in-coming lawmaker as members of the same family, said ‘’we are all members of the same family and we must ensure that we do our best to ensure good governance in the state.
Also read: Lagos REC says satisfied with parties’ conduct
“What is next now is service to the people and to achieve this we must remove partisanship and work collectively for the development of this state.
“Your people have reposed their confidence in you and you must work hard not to betray that confidence.”
In his speech, the Speaker of the house, Mr Najeem Salaam, who was also re-elected, described the next dispensation in the assembly as ‘’a new challenge’’ which required more commitment from the legislative arm of government.
He promised that the assembly would continue to do its best to better the lot of the people, to justify the confidence the people have in the members.
 
http://www.news24.com.ng/Elections/News/REC-urges-Osun-Assembly-members-elect-to-shun-partisanship-20150504
 

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated workers in Nigeria as they join their counterparts all over the world to celebrate the International Worker’s Day just as he assured them that with commitment to transparent governance, the days of revenue crisis would soon be over.
The governor in a statement to mark the day by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, charged workers to cooperate with the in-coming government of Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari to take Nigeria to a greater heights.
He described workers as the engine room of any administration, urging  them to direct their professionalism towards the realisation of the goals and aspirations of the in-coming administration in the country.
Aregbesola noted that, workers as indispensable elements in any government, relevant stake holders in all sectors of the economy, must strive to ensure that the welfare of their employees are not treated with levity.
He re-affirmed the commitment of his government’s desire towards running worker’s friendly administration as has been before, maintaining that Osun government is working round the clock to clear pending salaries. ‎
He expressed regrets that the slip-shod handling of the nation’s resources was allowed to culminate to nationwide delay in payment of salaries and other entitlements despite alarms raised early enough to forestall such an unfortunate development.
‎
‎According to the statement, “With transparent handling of national resources, the days of revenue crisis in Nigeria would soon be over and workers would once again be assured of their place of priority. We are committed to furthering our achievements in Osun as far as the welfare of workers are concerned,” the statement noted.

 

The Osun State University (UNIOSUN) has matriculated 2,315 students for the 2014/2015 academic session.
At the ceremony, the Acting Vice-Chancellor, Prof Jelil Oguntola, advised the students to face their studies, saying anything could happen between matriculation and graduation. He charged the students to put in their best effort to graduate from the school within apportioned time.
His words: “You have to make great sacrifices in time and efforts. There is no shortcut to success; hard work is the prerequisite for success. God can only bless the efforts you put in, but please strive hard to maintain your studentship.
“You must adhere to the letters of the oath, which you have taken as well as abide by the code of conduct in dressing. Violation of any rule would be met with the appropriate sanction.”
The delighted VC also informed the students and their parents that the school had enshrined non-discriminatory policy in its activities and promised that the institution would not relent in implementing the policy.
He added: “This policy notwithstanding, the authorities is poised to ensure a high quality standard in teaching and learning, for which the university is reputed. We will continue to strive for excellence in our activities.”

 

 
The Speaker of the Osun House of Assembly, Mr Najeem Salaam, on Tuesday commended civil servants in the state for their understanding and patience over the delay in the payment of their salaries.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that civil servants in the state are being owed five months salaries arrears.
Salaam, who commended the workers during the assembly’s plenary, explained that the non-payment of the salaries was due to dwindling allocations from the Federation Account.
The speaker said: “In spite of the difficulties, they (civil servants) are prepared to move on and for this gesture we are also assuring them of our support.
“And if there is anything they need from us, we are ready to support them.
“ This is a trying period, yet, the workers have abided by the civil service rule to come to work and discharge their duty diligently.’’
On the massive defection of PDP members to the APC in recent times, Salaam cautioned the party leadership to be careful in accepting defectors.
“Our party is receiving the blessings of God now, but we must be very careful. The moral value of the party must not be set aside.
“The principle of the party must be well articulated so that the values and ideals of those who have defected would not be in conflict with the beliefs of our party,” the speaker said.
Salaam also congratulated those newly-elected into the Assembly following the April 11 governorship and State Assembly elections.
He advised the newly elected members to see power as transient and therefore to use their positions as representatives of their constituencies to positively impact on the lives of their people.
“There are lessons that we can learn from the elections and the lesson is that power is transient and we must be ready to leave landmark achievements that everyone will be proud of.
“The power to elect is in the hands of the people and they have used that power in our favour, therefore, we must justify the confidence they reposed in us, ” he said.
 
http://leadership.ng/news/429155/salary-delay-osun-speaker-commends-civil-servants
 
 

 

Osogbo — At a recent forum in Ijesa, Osun State, non-indigenes look back at their many years of residence in the state.
They were in ecstasy as they danced to the traditional music provided by a cultural group. Of course, they had every reason to be happy. Most of them have lived and worked in Osun State for close to 30 years and they are successful. Hundreds of people of Igbo origin under the aegis of the Non-Indigenes Forum in Osun State converged in a hall, chatting, eating and making merry during the inauguration of the Ijesa Zonal Chapter the forum.
The non-indigenes could barely hide their excitement. From the way they were rejoicing, even the blind would know that they are happy living in the State. The Forum was formed to promote cooperation among the non-indigenes in Osun state and defend their interests. According to the forum, the non-indigenes constitute about 40 per-cent of the population of the state, and have been partaking in the electoral process and many other activities in the state.
The President of the Forum, Chief Tony Onyewesi in a chat with Daily Trust said that membership of the forum comprised indigenes of South-South, South East and North Central, who are currently living in Osun State. He said all of them have become indigenes of Osun by naturalization. Onyewesi said the forum was founded in 2005 , and that it had been in the vanguard of promotion of peace and harmony between the indigenes and non-indigenes of the state.
His words “among the non-indigenes in Osun State, we have professionals from all walks of life who are adding value to the socioeconomic development of the state ,and also making significant contributions in political activities. I have spent all my life here and I also have property here.
Likewise many others and in any market in the state, you will certainly see the non-indigenes and many of us have big shops and businesses.”
He urged Osun State governor, Mr Rauf Aregbesola to carry the non-indigenes along in his administration by appointing members of the forum into his cabinet, saying such appointment would encourage the non-indigenes to feel a sense of belonging in the affairs of the state and motivate them to do better.
“We want Governor Rauf Aregbesola to carry us along in his government so that we can also participate as citizens. We usually partake in electioneering activities and we vote during elections. We shall continue to assist the state government by supporting developmental efforts of the government. The bible teaches Christians to remain loyal to leaders and pray for them, and that is exactly what we are doing in the Non-Indigenes Forum in this state. In the last administration of former governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola, he appointed one of us, Dr Umoh Bassey Umoh from Akwa Ibom State as Special Adviser to the Governor on Inter-Community Relations and Ethnic Affairs. We want Aregbesola to do the same.
For Chief Solomon Nwajiobi, the Onowu Ndigbo of Ijesaland, who is also the patron of Non-Indigenes Forum in Osun State, safeguarding the interests of all members of the forum is the number one priority. Nwajiobi who is a prominent businessman in the state, said Osun remains a peaceful place, and that the non-indigenes are enjoying the peaceful coexistence among the Yoruba people.
“The non-indigenes have become stakeholders in this state and we are comfortable with our relationship with the indigenes. They have never treated us like strangers in this community. For instance, I am a traditional title holder in Ilesa. As the patron of the non-indigenes, my responsibility is to protect the interest of on-indigenes, and I’m committed to discharging this responsibility at any time.”
The chairman of Ijesa Zonal Chapter the body, Oliver Akunaeziri, wants the voice of the forum and its members to be heard. He also savoured the peaceful atmosphere in Osun State and commended the state government for providing an enabling environment for the non-indigenes to live and do their businesses in the State. Speaking on the insinuation of possibility of election violence, Oliver advised the non-indigenes not to entertain any worry.
We have been sensitizing the non-indigenes in Osun State not to entertain fears over the forthcoming elections. The election would be peaceful by the grace of the Almighty. We encouraged our members to collect their Permanent Voter Cards and exercise their franchise during the elections. We encourage our members to vote based on their conscience, without imposing any candidate on anyone,” Oliver said.
Other members of the Forum including the Vice Chairman, Okon Udofia, the Secretary General, Ladan Simon and the youth leader, Ngozi Blessing, were unanimous in their separate remarks, as they all praised Osun indigenes for being accommodating. They also charged governor Aregbesola to adequately incorporate the non-indigenes in the affairs of Osun state.

 

Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated the Managing Director and Editor-In-Chief of The Sun Publishing Ltd, Mr Femi Adesina, on his re-election as the president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors (NGE).
In a statement signed by his media spokesman, Mr. Semiu Okanlanwo, Aregbesola said Adesina’s re-election for a second term in office was a testament of his unrivaled acumen in result-oriented leadership, deep knowledge of the media industry as well as human resource management.
“Mr. Femi Adesina’s re-election as the president of the Nigeria Guild of Editors is a clear testimony to his astute leadership trait and prudent knowledge in the management of affairs of people,” Aregbesola enthused.
While commending Adesina for his all-inclusive running of the Guild’s affairs, the governor tasked him on the need to ensure that the media does not detract from its roles as a watchdog of the society.
Aregbesola also urged  the Guild to work assiduously in ensuring that the media collaborates and co-operates with the government in building, sustaining and protecting the nation’s democracy.
The Governor also reminded the media of its crucial roles in building and sustaining a virile democratic culture in the country.
He stressed that the Guild had an enormous task of ensuring that journalists are alive to their responsibilities to the society.
“The Fourth Estate of the Realm must uphold the principle of fair hearing, engage in investigative and in-depth reportage of events and ensure an egalitarian society where all shades of interests and opinions are given opportunities to air their views,” Aregbesola added.
The statement read in part: “Your re-election as the president of Nigerian Guild of Editors has come to us in Osun as another landmark achievement.
“This is so not only because you are one of the best hands in your profession, which has earned you a return to this exalted position, but also for the fact that you have done us proud as a true ambassador of Osun.
“Your re-election must certainly be hinged on your leadership qualities and successes you have recorded as a thoroughbred professional.
 
 
http://sunnewsonline.com/new/?p=116460
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 
 

 
Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola has denied planning to stop the free feeding programme saying it has increased the state’s economy by employing 3,007 women and over tens of thousands of farmers.
In a statement made available by his media aide, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola said “OMEALs has been one of our most socially impactful programmes. How can a responsible government like ours think of reviewing a programme that has been adjudged as one of the best to come out of the country? Does that not stand logic on its head?
“We have been able to improve our state’s economy through the school feeding of over 250, 000 pupils every school day. The programme has directly employed 3,007 women and over tens of thousands of farmers in the state.
“Osun is attracting local and international attention for implementing an initiative that has not only increased enrolment in its primary schools, but has also provided jobs for farmers, majority of whom are women.”
The Punch had published a story during the week alleging that the Governor is planning to stop the free feeding programme due to recommendations by Labour Leaders.
http://www.theheraldng.com/free-feeding-has-improved-osun-state-economy-aregbesola/

L-R: House of Assembly Member-Elect for Obokun State Constituency of Osun, Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye; Chief Matron, Obokun Comprehensive Health Centre, Mrs. Yemisi Babatunde; and Chairman, Cedio Rural Medical Outreach Ministry, Captain Yakubu Okatahi, during Oyintiloye’s visit to the operation centre of Medical Outreach at Obokun Comprehensive Health Centre, Osun State … on Wednesday.

Osun State House of Assembly member-elect from Obokun State Constituency, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, has called on people of his constituency and the state in general to plough back to the society through interventions to assist the government.
He made the call during his recent visit to the operation centre of the free medical treatment and surgical operations for over 200 beneficiaries, which was organised by Cedio Rural Medical Outreach Ministry, Lagos, and held at Ibokun Comprehensive Health Centre, Ibokun.

In a statement issued on Saturday, Oyintiloye said the interventions had gone a long way in reducing the health challenges faced by the people and lifted burden on him as the representative of the people in government.

He said such interventions, especially on health, would assist government to actualize its programmes by attending to do other areas.
Oyintiloye said, “There is no way government can do everything but interventions like this from well-meaning Nigerians will go a long way to assist the people.
“The present administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is doing so much on health to make our people live healthy in spite of limited resource, but medical intervention is a plus to what the government is doing.
“The belief of the government is that all the efforts of the administration to develop the economy through empowerment of people, education and other areas will be meaningless if people are not healthy.
“We call on the people not to leave everything to government, as their support in all areas of governance, no matter how small would go a long way to make the society better.”
Commending the sponsor of the medical outreach for their commitment to the healthy living of the people, the lawmaker-elect said he would continue to support and embrace such similar supports from whoever offers it.
He also appealed to the outreach to replicate similar intervention in no distant time in his constituency to relieve other people suffering from various diseases.
http://www.punchng.com/news/osun-lawmaker-elect-seeks-health-intervention/