No fewer than 60 rural projects have been completed by the Osun State government and are awaiting commissioning.

Twenty five of them have been commissioned while the remaining ones would soon be commissioned by the state government after the Eid-id-Kabir celebration.

While performing the commissioning of the projects, Governor Rauf Aregbesola said that rural transformation is the only key to overall development of the state and stride towards attainment of a six-point integral action plan of the present administration in the state.

The projects, which were executed under the Second Phase of Replication of UNICEF Community Development Initiative Programme and Osun State government in conjunction with local governments across the state was aimed at enhancing standard of living of rural dwellers.?

Inaugurating electrification project in Anarun and a modern palace in Agberire communities in Iwo local government area of the state, Aregbesola who was represented by his Special Adviser on Water Resources Rural Development and Community Affairs, Mr. Kunle Ige, noted that government was key to rural development for overall transformation of the state.

“Governor Aregbesola who noted that the facilities had the potential of improving standard of living of rural dwellers, urged people of the area to guide the project jealously.”

While maintaining that his administration would continue to make welfare of his people as centre piece, the state helmsman hinted that the state had witnessed unprecedented transformation in all facet of human life.

In a remark, the Executive Secretary, Iwo local government, Alhaji kamorudeen Alao said the present administration in the state had resolved to position rural communities for economic development through provision of basic facilities in the area.”

Alao  maintained that government would rehabilitate the roads that links the communities to Iwo to give them opportunity to transport their farm produce to market, calling on the rural dwellers to support government in its bid to advance the course of rural communities in the state.”

“He assured people of the communities that government would not rest on its laurel in the task of making life more abundant for rural dwellers.”

On his part, the lawmaker representing Iwo state constituency in the state House of Assembly, Ezeikel Adedibu said the people of the communities would continue to enjoy dividends of democracy and infrastructural facilities that would position the area for economic vibrancy.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

Traditional rulers in Osun State have warned unauthorised persons to desist from wearing beaded crown, walking stick and other insignia of traditional institution.
In a communiqué signed by its Chairman and the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Kayode Oyedotun and Secretary, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi, the monarchs under the aegis of the Osun Divisional Conference of Obas, called on relevant agencies of government to sanction violators of the directive.
The traditional rulers further called on the state government, the House of Assembly, Commissioner of Police, Department of State Security Service (DSS), and the Ministry of Justice to implement relevant portion of Cap 25 Laws of Osun State Nigeria and prosecute all the violators of the law.
The traditional rulers argued, “In as much as nobody is above the law, we desire that nobody should be treated as a sacred cow. Whoever that is not authorised by extant law to adorn himself with the paraphernalia of an Oba should be arrested and prosecuted.”
They also congratulated the state governor, Rauf Aregbesola, on his “landslide victory” at the August 9 state governorship election? in spite of all the challenges before, during and after the poll.
THE NATION

Sen. Mudashir Hussein, representing Osun West Senatorial District, has urged Nigerians to pray for peace and unity of the country during and after the Eid-el-Kabir.

He spoke at a programme to mark the celebration in Ejigbo, Osun, insisting that people should eschew differences in ethnicity, opinions, political views and religions, among others to promote the unity of the country.

He said Nigerians must learn how to tolerate one another, pray for the stability of the nation and support the leaders.

He said with tolerance, patriotism, prayer and commitment to nation’s building, the country would develop and ensure better life for the citizens.

In his comments, Mr Najeem Salaam, the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, stressed the need for religious leaders to pray for total elimination of insurgency in the country.

The speaker said religious tolerance remained a vital tool for sustainable peace and political development of any country.

“I want to urge Nigerians to embrace peace for the stability and progress of the nation.

“Peace and stability will enable the country to attain sustained socio-economic development and peace,’’ he said.

Earlier in his remarks, Sheikh Sulaiman Omotokese, the Chief Imam of Ejigbo, Osun, also urged Nigerians to live in peace and harmony to overcome the country’s security challenges.

He specifically called on politicians to assist the government in ensuring a peaceful atmosphere that could guarantee credible elections in 2015.

(NAN)

The fear of God Almighty and the readiness to sacrifice all in order to keep promises which are the hallmarks of the annual symbolic celebration of the Eid il Kabir are the very basis of good governance.

This was the admonition by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun in a statement on his behalf by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy in his office Mr. Semiu Okanlawon.

Continuing the celebration on Saturday, Okanlawon said two things stand very clearly in the decision of Prophet Ibrahim to sacrifice his son. He said he did so to fulfill a promise to God should he be blessed by God. The second is that there was nothing too much or too dear to Ibrahim for him to loose in order to fulfill a pledge.

“If we look at it very critically, these two are the virtues lacking in modern day life that create the present topsy-turvy atmosphere that pervades everywhere.

“If those in government demonstrate enough fear of God; resolve to fulfill promises kept and ready to give up anything no matter how dear and costly in order to fulfill a promise, most of the problems of bad governance, injustice and insensitivity to the plight of the common man would vanish,” the Governor stated.

Most politicians, the statement added, would go to any length to make promises to hoodwink the electorate in order to seek their votes. The promise heaven on earth knowing well their promises are empty.

“This is why for us in Osun as a government, we are conscious of the fact that our electoral promises are not only before men from who seek electoral support, but before God who created and watches over all that we do here on earth.

“Each time we talk about Aregbesola’s Pact with the people of Osun, we are not only talking about those promises made to voters for them to vote for us; we are talking about our promises before God that we owe the duty to fulfill.

“Programmes of this government such as the highly impactful employment schemes such as OYES, OMEAL, OYESTECH, Agric Academy, functional educational programmes such as digitalization (Tablet of Knowledge), OMEAL, O’SCHOOL, poverty alleviating programmes such as the micro-credit schemes, farmers cooperatives schemes, Agba Osun monthly welfare package; OREAP, infrastructure programmes such as urban and rural roads construction, urban renewal projects and many others are the products of promises fulfilled.

“The constant reminder of these promises and the need to fulfill them form the basis of the several live-changing policies and programmes of our government.” It added

Saying that nothing should be too much to give up by politicians in order to bring about good governance, the statement said despite the very meager resources that accrue to the state, the government has sacrificed everything to ensure that life gets better.

“There would have been a reason for failure to bring about people-oriented policies because of the poor state of finance. But having made those promises to better the lots of our people, we have stretched ourselves very thin by sacrificing everything to keep those promises. This should be the way out to all politicians regardless of their political affiliation to transform our country,” the statement added.

It added that it was no surprise that Governor Aregbesola was returned in the August 9 election noting that the electorate saw in his less than four years a politician who would give up everything to fulfill promises made and move steps further on things he never promised.

Urging Muslims to demonstrate these virtues in all their dealing with fellow human beings, the statement quoted the Governor as saying that with their behaviours in government and political engagements, Muslims possess the capacity to change the world to a better place to live in.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola  acknowledging cheers from a large crowd, during the 2014 Eid-el-Kabir Prayer at the Central Eid, Osogbo, State of Osun on Saturday 04-10-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed) acknowledging
cheers from crowd, during the 2014 Eid-el-Kabir Prayer at the Central
Eid, Osogbo, State of Osun. Insert: From right, Ataoja of Osogboland,
Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Asiwaju Adeen of
Yorubaland, Chief Tunde Badmus and Chieftain, All Progressives
Congress (APC), Senator Bayo Salami, on Saturday 04-10-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers
from crowd on his arrival at Osogbo Central Eid ground on Saturday
04-10-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers
from crowd on his arrival at Osogbo Central Eid ground on Saturday
04-10-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers
from crowd on his arrival at Osogbo Central Eid ground on Saturday
04-10-2014

Osun State governor Rauf Aregbesola has described, as a huge loss to the journalism profession and Nigeria as a country, the death of former presidential aide, Mrs. Remi Oyo.

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola joined prominent Nigerians in commiserating with the family of former Director General of the News Agency of Nigeria.

The governor described the late Oyo who served an aide to Former President Olu segun Obasanjo as a thorough professional, who served her country diligently in her own capacity.

He said Oyo, while alive, demonstrated commitment to journalism as well as to the nation while in active service.

The governor noted that Mrs Oyo’s death signified an end to a life of professionalism, dedication, selfless service and outstanding performance.

“A season journalist, a thorough professional, a media doyen and a mother par excellence.

“We, government and people of the State of Osun convey our health-felt condolences to the families of late Mrs Oyo.”May the good Lord repose her soul in paradise,” Aregbesola said.

The Iddo Terminus of the Nigerian railway in Lagos was parked full on Thursday as thousands of holiday makers thronged the place to enjoy the free train service provided by the State government of Osun.

It was another day those travelling home for the Eid Kabir festival praised Governor Rauf Aregbesola for his people oriented moves since assumption of office.

Thousands of passengers, who besieged the terminus, did not wait for Nigeria Railway Commission (NRC) officials as the officials had a hectic time controlling the traffic. Some passengers were said to have slept at the terminal.   

The 11-coach long train finally departed Lagos exactly 11. Am still leaving some passengers at the terminal. Contrary to the  usual tradition of the train, it was practically impossible to pick passengers in Ijoko, Ajegunle, Ikeja and Osodi having been fullly occupied almost beyond capacity from the take off point.

Each coach in the train is designed for 100 passengers.

Most of the passengers, who could not hide their joy while speaking to news men in Lagos, lauded the initiative of the governor and its sustainability since 2011.

A civil servant, Mr Adelakun Ibraheem, who is  an indigene of Ede, said that at the beginning many people doubted the ability of the government to sustain the free train service, but are today commending Aregbesola for the gestures.

Ibraheem said: “Governor Rauf Aregbesola is really an unusual governor with his pro-masses policies. He really understands the plight of the masses.

“This service alone is reuniting many families during festivals. If not for the free train, I may not be able to travel with my family because I will need at least  N50,000 which I don’t have.”

Also, Olaniran Abdulahi from Offa  urged other neighbouring state governors from South West and Kwara to emulate the gesture, saying the free train is alleviating  the suffering of a common man, particularly during festive period like this.

According to Abdullahi, there is poverty in the land and these are the areas where ordinary citizens could feel direct impact of government.

He noted that for the past three years he has been benefiting from the free train, saying he would for ever continue to remember Aregbesola.

“I am appealing to other South West Governors and Kwara State to collaborate with the governor to expand the scheme.

“Lagos is the commercial hub of Nigeria and every household in Nigeria has family in Lagos, this is the clear understanding of the governor,” Abdullahi said.

Also a business woman, Alhaja Adekanola Sherifat, who used the train to carry his luggages said Aregbesola has set standard in governance, which will be difficult for anyone to surpass in Nigerian history with his pro-people policies.

Alhaja Adekanola described Aregbesola as a generational blessing following the footstep of Awolowo and Bola Ige.

He stated that the governor is offering the masses a government of the people, which has really demonstrated that power is responsibility.

She added that Aregbesola is a reference point across the country in terms of good governance.

She said the free train has saved for her thousands of naira from her business which will lead to more profit.

The train, which will also move to Osogbo on Friday, will return on Monday and Tuesday, October 7th and 8th after the Eid el- Kabir.

Indigenes and non-indigenes of Osun boarding the Omoluabi Free Train Ride offered by Governor Rauf Aregbesola for this Year’s Eid-el-Kabir celebration at Iddo Terminus, Lagos State on Thursday 03-10-2014

The Osun State Command of the Nigerian Immigration Service has started issuing the new 64- page passport.

According to a statement made available in Osogbo on Thursday, the Comptroller of NIS in Osun State, Mrs. Stella Onwaduegbo, said this while Governor Rauf Aregbesola was being given the new passport.

Onwaduegbo urged those who have business to do at the command not to go through any tout, saying everybody who wanted to get the Nigerian passport must appear in person.

She said the e-passport was okay for frequent travelers and it would prevent identity theft.

According to her, the new passport will ensure the integrity of the Nigerian travel document adding that it has taken care of low income earners and the aged.

The NIS boss also appealed to Nigerians traveling outside the country to always see themselves as ambassadors of the country and therefore shun any act which could tarnish the image of Nigeria.

Aregebsola advised Nigerians who do not travel often to stick with the 32-page passports. He said getting the new ones would amount to waste of resources.

The governor also advised Nigerians travelling outside the country to shun any act which could tarnish the image of the nation.

Aregbesola tasked immigration officials to work hard to burnish the image of the country. He said that immigration officials must be dedicated and show enthusiasm about their job especially while attending to travelers coming and going out of the nation.

OSUN DEFENDER

In an apparent response to public outcry, the Independent National Electoral Commission, INEC, yesterday said it might review the creation of additional 30,000 polling units in the country.

Dropping this hint in Osogbo, the Osun State capital yesterday, the INEC National Commissioner in-charge of the South-West, Prof. Lai Olurode, said if the generality of opinion the commission had been collating on the issue was against the creation of the polling units, the commission might have no alternative than review it.

Olurode, who spoke at a media parley organised by the Osun State chapter of Association of Veteran Journalists, entitled: “The Frontliners”, held at the press centre, said the creation of the new polling units had been attracting severe criticisms because the electoral body did not do extensive consultations before announcing it.

He said the creation of the new polling units was done with good intention, adding that it was done to make it easier for voters to cast their votes and decongest existing polling units in the country.

Reacting to the large presence of security operatives during elections, Olurode stated that it elections would be better if more security could be provided, adding that the commission would not allow the use of masked securitymen during future elections in the country.

To ensure that the motive behind deployment of huge security for poll was not defeated, the INEC boss said the commission would ensure that securitymen are friendly with the electorate.

He said INEC was set for the 2015 election, saying, “We have been preparing the 2015 election since 2011.

“The voters’ register is 99 per cent clean as at now, and more technologies are being introduced to ensure that every vote counted.

“We will also use card readers to detect fake permanent voters’ card if there is any.”

NATIONAL MIRROR