NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO- June 26th, 2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng

The government of Osun state has denied rumors on social media that it is plotting to subvert the judgement of death sentence on Dr Rahman Adedoyin, affirming that there is no plan to pardon the proprietor of the Oduduwa University.

Reacting to the growing rumour of possible state pardon for the businessman, Governor Adeleke was quoted as noting that his administration has never and will never intervene in the judicial process, labeling those behind the fake news as public enemies.

Those who concorted the fake news are evil minded political operatives who are merely grasping at straws in their desperation to blackmail the state Governor. Governor Adeleke has not and will never contemplate exercising the prerogative of mercy or whatever the report calls it, on a matter under adjudication which has generated deep interest among local and global communities.

It is important to clarify that neither the State Governor nor his political party has any hidden plot on the said murder case other than a public interest agenda to see culprits in the dastardly act face the full wrath of the law. That explains why no PDP member is involved as counsel for any of the convicted individuals and why the state judiciary enjoys and exercises its full independence in the hearing and jugdement of the case.

It is uncharitable for political enemies and their paid agents to attempt any linkage between the convicted businessman and the state Governor. We affirm with all sense of responsibility that Governor Adeleke is not at any material time a friend or partner of the owner of Oduduwa University and did not interfere, intervene or manifest any untoward agenda in the arraignment, hearing and sentencing of the accused .

We therefore urged the members of the public to ignore the repeated rumors of state pardon by Governor Adeleke for the convict and the watery push to link service records of a state judicial official to a popular verdict on the gruesome murder of a postgraduate student. Those peddling such lies are agents of darkness acting on behalf of disgruntled, dark political elements. They are better ignored.

We convey appreciation to men and women of goodwill who have put up spirited defense for the Governor in the face of this orchestrated falsehood. The undiluted truth is that neither the State government nor the state Governor is interested in the subversion of the wheel of justice.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 24/06/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng:

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on his birthday anniversary, describing the former House Speaker as “a patriot and friend from our days at Atlanta, Georgia”

The Governor also used the occasion to congratulate the Chief of Staff on his appointment , describing the new position as “well deserved”

In a birthday message personally signed by him, the State Governor applauded Hon Gbajabiamila’s brilliance and insightful contributions to national development as an innovative member of the House of Representatives and later as a Speaker of the green Chamber.

“The National Assembly is a breeding ground for true leaders of the people. One of us is Hon Gbajabiamila, a philosopher and a politician who has distinguished himself in the deployment of legislative tools for the advancement of democracy, good governance and rule of law. From the People’s Chamber to the executive arm of government is a worthy transition for an old colleague from Atlanta Georgia to the National Assembly”.

“I remembered with nostalgia those days in the United States of America and later our reunion at the National Assembly with him as a member of the House of Representatives and myself as a Senator of the Federal Republic. This is therefore a prime occasion to wish a friend double congratulations, first on his birthday and second on his appointment as a Chief of Staff to the President”.

” Because we know your capacity and antecedents, I am convinced that your sterling performance will manifest at the Presidency as it was witnessed throughout your days as a member and Speaker of the House of Representatives. You remain a positive agent of change and we join thousands of your admirers to celebrate you”.

“Happy blessed birthday brother as I wish you successful tenure in your new appointment at the heart of the Presidency”, the Governor concluded.

Signed
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 24/06/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng :

Governor Ademola Adeleke has flagged off staff audits across the state public service with a plan to fill up existing vacancies within the education, health and other sub-sectors in the state.

The exercise started with the biometric capture of the Governor, the Deputy Governor and the Speaker of the House of Assembly at the Governor’s office on Friday.

The data capturing was preceded by a close door meeting with the state labour leadership where processes and procedures were firmed up to ensure protection and fulfillment of the interest of all stakeholders.

Governor Adeleke who restated that the exercise is not a witch-hunt assured the state workforce that the audit will strengthen the capacity of the state government to satisfy the needs of the workers, the members of the public and the state leadership.

“I want to assure workers and other stakeholders that the staff audit is not a witch-hunt. Our administration has workers’ welfare as number one on our governance agenda. So we will not take any action that will negatively affect formal and informal workers”.

“The audit is to achieve several goals namely cleaning up the payroll system, validating the actual number of state workforce and establishing areas of vacancies across various sectors of the public service. We need to authenticate the data of our workforce”.

“We also need to confirm existing vacancies within the public service. I have earlier issued a directive for the collation of vacancies for teachers and health workers. The compilation is almost completed. The outcome will then provide what we call data driven management of our public service”.

“We are ascertaining the number of teachers we need in our schools. Our team is checking out the number of science, English, mathematics, social science and other teachers as well as which schools need what type of teachers”.

“I assure the public that we are aware of the existing vacancies in our schools and health facilities.The audit report will provide a strong foundation for the recruitment of new teachers and health workers which our administration will embark upon after the ongoing exercise”, Governor Adeleke posited.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Governor.

OSOGBO – 23/06/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The Government of Osun State has intervened in the ongoing crisis between the Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, and some communities in Osogbo, calling for an urgent stakeholders’ meeting on the disconnection of parts of the state capital from power supply. 

“The State Government hereby calls on the two parties to consider an alternative dispute resolution method, as the blackout might also lead to increase in insecurity among the affected communities and shutdown of business activities. 

Such blackouts might also have a negative impact on the upcoming celebration of Eid El Kabir.
 
The IBEDC is encouraged to reconnect the communities to power supply while an immediate solution is found to the question of huge debt owed by the affected communities.

The State Government is also concerned about the likely breakdown of law and order, as there are pockets of protests from the affected communities. Immediate resolution of the issue will put an end to the ongoing  protests. We cannot afford to allow such protests to be hijacked by unscrupulous elements in pursuance of their nefarious activities.
 
We are committed to brokering a peaceful negotiation between the Management of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company, IBEDC, and the Stakeholders from the affected communities.
 
signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Governor.

OSOGBO-20/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has hailed the appointments of Major T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff and Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as recognition of capacity and outstanding track records.

The governor who welcomed the elevation of the two indigenes of Osun state as a great honour, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for trusting the duo with those important roles.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said Major Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi are pride of the state, expressing strong belief in their capacity to deliver on their assigned mandates. 

Eulogizing the two agency heads as men of thoroughbred professionals, Governor Adeleke said the records of General Lagbaja and Mr Adeniyi in their respective services are assuring that they will take their organizations to greater levels of efficiency and optimal performance in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

“I heartily congratulate Major T. A Lagbaja and CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on their appointments as the Chief of Army Staff and the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service by President Bola Tinubu,” the statement noted.

“Their elevation is by every means a great feat for us in Osun state, and on behalf of the good people of this state, I want to sincerely appreciate President Tinubu for counting these two indigenes worthy for the positions. It is a proud moment for us, and I recognize this huge honour done to us as a state.

“Looking at the impressive service records of General Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi, I share the overwhelming expectations that counted for their elevations and believe they will excel in their new roles.”

The Governor assured the two agency  heads of his government’s support and cooperation, noting that his prayer is to see Osun indigenes excel in their respective endeavors.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

OSOGBO: 18/06/2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has completed a total of 31 kilometers of roads from November 28th, 2022 to date.

A total of 17 kilometers of roads are currently ongoing at various stages of completion across the state.

Additionally, a total of 30 kilometers of roads have been listed for construction and reconstruction with actual work slated to start any moment from now.

Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure on arrival at Osogbo after attending the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

According to the Governor, “Our administration is paying close attention to the upgrade of Osun roads as a way of jumpstart the state economy.

” Osun suffers badly due to bad roads, failing bridges and culvets. Our township roads are in bad state across the thread senatorial districts. Business cannot boom if road network are in such terrible state.

” So from day one, my focus among others has been on infrastructure upgrade. I am happy to report that 31 kilometers are done already. But the target is about 100 kilometers before the end of the year”, the Governor noted.

Also corroborating the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Engr Bashir Bello said “the 31 kilometers of roads are spread across the 30 local governments and the Area office. The choice of the reconstructed roads are based on local consultation and utility values of such roads to the local economy.

” I can confirm to you that we have indeed completed 31 kilometers in the last seven or so months. This can be verified.

” 17 kilometers of roads are also ongoing. These are in various stages of completion. We are speeding up work on those new roads to increase our completed kilometers before long.

“Aside the 17km, we have also listed out another 30 kilometers. The selection and survey process have been completed and we hope to start work as soon as soon as possible.

” You may also want to note that massive work is ongoing on bridge reconstruction, culvert upgrades and channelisatiom work across the state

“Beside the road construction, the government is given quick intervention to some bad section of roads that require urgent attention. Construction of large drainage that can contain flooding of ogo Oluwa mainroad are under construction”, the Permanent Secretary stated.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again pledged the resolve of administration to give all necessary support to the NYSC.scheme .

In the same vein Governor Adeleke reiterated his commitment to make corps members posted to the state for their one year mandatory service scheme enjoy the best of their service year while in Osun state .

The Osun helmsman stated these in his office during a courtesy call paid on him by the State Coodinator of NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma and his management team.

Senator Adeleke promised also that his administration will not undermine any scheme that has the potential of giving a solid footing for the growth and development of the youths in Osun state .

He noted with satisfaction that the office complex of the NYSC in Osun state is nearing completion ,just as approved the augumentation of food stuffs for the Corps members as one of the ways to assist them to meet up with the economic challenges of the Country.

Speaking earlier, the Osun State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma appreciated the Governor for honoring their invitation during the last orientation and trainings held at the permanent orientation camp,Ede .
The state NYSC coordinator noted with gladness of heart that Osun state governor,Senator Ademola Adeleke
turned out to be the only governor among his peers nationwide that presided over the orientation programme personally in person at the time it held recently.

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has admonished the residents of Erin-Osun and Ilobu to live peacefully among themselves, saying they are both kindreds.

Governor Adeleke stated this at Erin-Osun while attending the burial ceremony of late Madam Rhoda Otitolola Adeniji held at St. Peter’s African Church, Erin-Osun.

Alluding to the biblical fact that the entire earth belongs to God, the Governor advised the two warring towns to sheath their swords over land ownership and stop wasting precious lives.

The State Helmsman equally promised the residents of the two ancient towns that his administration will not relent his efforts in developing their communities.

He spoke further, ” I want to beseach you people of Erin-Osun and Ilobu to stop fighting over land because, you are kindreds.

Lands belong to God alone and I want you to settle every land dispute between you amicably. I will not renege in my commitment to the development of the nooks and crannies of the State, including these two communities,” the Governor concluded.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has enjoined workers in the State to join hands together to lift the State to an enviable hight.

The Governor made the call today at the celebration of the year 2023 Workers Day held at Osogbo Township Stadium in the State Capital.

The event saw the workers,from all sectors, trooped out en-mass wearing different attire to grace the day. The Governor noted that workers are the bedrock of development of the State who should be accorded a pride of place in the society.

Senator Adeleke, who was full of appreciation to God and the workforce for the opportunity given him to deliver his first address at the workers day celebration since assumption, as the 6th Executive Governor of the State ,said what he met on ground after he was sworn -in in November, 2023 has strengthened his decision to prioritize workers welfare through his 5-point agenda which necessitated his commitment to prompt payment of salaries and pensions, addressing matters of promotion areas and payment of backlog of half salaries owned by the past administration.

Governor Adeleke stressed that the era of appointment of Coordinating Directors will soon be over, pledging to work with the state Head of Service to appoint those who are qualified to the post of Permanent Secretaries.

He added that his administration has embarked on provision of infrastructural facilities across the State which included provision of water, construction and rehabilitation of roads among others, stressing that all these will boost the economy of the State.

Governor Adeleke therefore said his door is ever opened to receive positive advices from the labour leaders.

While speaking, the Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Osun State, Alhaja Sidikat Ayinla noted that workers are so important to the progress of the State.

She urged workers to be committed, dutiful and diligent to their callings to enhance productivity and growth of Osun State.

She thanked the Governor for being workers’ friendly, praying for a successful tenure in Office for the State Helmsman.

In their separate address, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and his counterpart in the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Modupeola Oyedele congratulated Governor Adeleke on his election as the 6th Executive Governor of the State.

They eulogized the Governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare in the State through prompt payment of salaries and pensions as well as implementation of promotion for workers and others.

The duo used the occasion to make some requests, including declaration of State of emergency on pension issue, pointing out that many workers now see retirement as death sentence due to non payment of gratuities and pensions.

The labour leaders also urged the Governor to put an end to contract staff which,he observed is affecting the workers productivity in the State, while charging him to stop the idea of extension of service of some highly influential workers, advancing that it is preventing other qualified workers from rising to the pick of their careers.

They however urged the Governor to appoint Permanent Secretaries to fill the existing vacancies as there are a lots of qualified Directors that can be appointed, appealing to the Governor to eradicate the appointment of Coordinating Directors in the State.

Highlights of the event were: March past by workers of different categories, pensioners, and informal workers, Cultural entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, salutation of workers by the Governor and his entourage, among others.

Present at the occasion were: Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, members Osun House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Traditional Rulers, political functionaries to mention but a few.

● It is Fake News to Mention N14m as Cost of a Borehole

In a bid for sustainable water supply to the people of Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed a phased rehabilitation of selected water works and water pipeline networks across Osun state.

This new directive is coming as the sinking of 332 boreholes under direct labour and shoestring budget reaches 85 percent, remaining as at today only about four local governments rounding up with their implementation.

Governor Adeleke acting on a committee report relating to the worsening state of infrastructure within the water sector approved the immediate upgrade of pipeline networks of both Ede and Osogbo water works alongside the repairs and recharging of water filter media at Iwo and Eko-ende water works.

The water scheme at Esaoke is also under rehabilitation for supply of potable water while the Governor is following up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the completion of Ile Ife water project.

The State Government is also interfacing with the Federal Ministry to resolve the delay created by the mismanagement of ILESA WATER project with particular reference to the contractor and the project managers.

A top adviser to Governor Adeleke, Dr Bashiru Tokunbo Sallami who confirmed the rehabilitation in the water sector affirmed that the administration has a holistic programme to address the challenges facing the water sector in the state.

According to him, the administration adopted a mix of solutions which includes sinking of boreholes in wards across the state even as he acknowledged that the 332 boreholes are not sufficient to cater for the citizen’s water needs.

“It was the realization of this reality from the beginning that Mr Governor approved the phased rehabilitation of the state’s water pipeline networks. The goal is to systematically address the many technical hitches facing water supply in the state”, Dr Salami noted.

Details from the State Water Corporation showed that the agency mostly operates on old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes laid several decades ago and in a terrible state of functionality. The upgrade that is ongoing for Ede and Osogbo water works will replace the old run down pipes with the HDPE pipes, now the modern durable material in the sector.

Aside from the upgrade of the pipeline networks, the Water filtration systems for Iwo is also approved for rehabilitation and repairs to allow water to reach present areas of coverage. The same filtration project is ongoing for Eko-ende which serviced Ikirun, IRAGBIJI among other adjacent towns.

Once the water filtration systems for both Eko-ende and Iwo water works are completed, the administration plans to issue new approvals for the pipeline networks upgrade for both water schemes.

Meanwhile, the administration has denied reports from some quarters that N14 million was the cost of each of the 332 boreholes, describing the report as false as each borehole cost far less than insinuated, the full details to be made available during ‘Ipade Imole’ event.

“Governor Adeleke has recently announced to the state that full accounts of projects and programmes will be rendered to the public at the “Ipade Imole”, an interactive accountability platform.

“There is no smoking gun. In fact, when the full details are out, the public will applaud Governor Adeleke for such unprecedented prudence.

“The borehole project is already benefiting the people and reports from all over the state show that Osun people, going by series of videos and pictures, are already enjoying water supplies from these boreholes.

“At Ipade Imole, civil society, media and all stakeholders will have sufficient time to read, appraise and question projects and policies. This administration is pro-people with full commitment to transparency and accountability. That is why Governor Adeleke approved of Ipade Imole”, the statement concluded.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor