The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has described the recent appointments of principal officers for the University of Ilesa as part of the fulfillment of his promise to nurture a sustainable tertiary institution for Ijeshaland.

In a statement issued today at Osogbo, Governor Adeleke reaffirmed his commitment to building a sound footed university which he said informed his approval of a leading academic of international repute, Prof Taiwo Asaolu as the Vice Chancellor of the university.

Commending the applause the new appointments elicited from Ijesha society, the State Governor assured that the many laudable ideas recommended by the eartswhile Asaolu committee are now billed for implementation under the same man who chaired the review panel.

“I am elated that we are keeping faith with the Ijesha people. We are upholding due process, avoiding politicization of the academic environment, correcting errors of the past and fulfilling the decades old dream of Ijesha people.

“I commend the leaders, sons and daughters of Ijeshaland for their patience and acceptance of ongoing decisions of our government. I urge all stakeholders to cooperate with the new Vice Chancellor as he settles down to the urgent task of sustainable take off of the university”, the statement concluded.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Following the last Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment, which affirmed the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the duely elected Governor of Osun State in the July 16, 2022 Governorship polls, workers in the public service of the State, this Monday morning, trooped out in their thousands to solidarise with the Governor and to congratulate him on the victory.

Workers who converged on the main entrance of the State Government Secretariat, Abere to usher in the Governor could not hide their feelings as they rejoiced,sang and danced with thunderous chant of the Governor’s slogan,”Imole,imole,imole”.

In his highly elated interactive reaction, which was laced with sacerdotal prayers and heartfelt prophetic utterances for the workers and the State, Governor Ademola Adeleke appreciated God for using the appellate court to upturn the election petition Tribunal judgment which had earlier sacked him from office, enthusing “this shows that the people of Osun gave me the mandate.”

He also thanked the entire workers and the people of the State for standing behind him throughout the difficult time, affirming that the victory cannot be stolen by anybody through the back door.

He therefore pledged that he will not disappoint the workers and the residents of the State in giving them the much needed dividends of democracy.

Governor Adeleke further assured the workforce of prompt payment of salaries and entitlements,as and when due.

Speaking earlier, the duo of the Trade Union Congress Chairman (TUC), Osun Chapter, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and his counterpart in the NCSU, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo congratulated the Governor for the well deserved victory saying, “It is an attestation of the fact that your victory is a popular mandate.”

The two labour leaders used the opportunity to recount some of the achievements of the Governor within 100 days of taking over the mantle of leadership in the State which,

according to them,were :prompt payment of salaries and arreas to workers, renovation and rehabilitation of roads across the State, sinking of boreholes and other infrastructural developments across the nooks and crannies of the State.

The duo, on behalf of workers,however pledged workers support for him, assuring that they will work with him to actualize all his good intentions for the State.

“I am particularly glad that the Court of Appeal has ruled that BVAS machine and voters register are the primary sources, not the report from the server. This has strengthened our democracy and remove a time bomb which the judgement of the Tribunal had planted for our democracy.

” I appreciate Osun people for standing by me and my party through repeated validation of my governorship mandate at the recent federal and state elections. My party won three straight elections from July 16th 2022 to the March 18th ,2023. It was a resounding vote of confidence in my governorship by the people of Osun state. The judiciary has now confirmed the will of the people that I am the validly elected Governor of my state.

” My appreciation goes to the civil servants, artisans, market people, clerics,students, women and youth. Osun people defended the mandate from 2022 to date.

“I commend the judiciary for resisting all pressure. Rule of law is strengthened when judgement affirms the will of the people. On behalf of Osun people and my party, the PDP,, we appreciate the judiciary and the men of conscience on the bar and the bench.

“Let me use this opportunity to extend sincere hands of fellowship to former Governor Oyetola and the APC. Let build the state together. Let unite for the good of our people. The State needs leaders across party lines to join hands for robust and accelerated development of the state.

As brothers and sisters, we are all requested to start the process of healing. Forget party politics as election is over. All members of the political class in Osun state should join hands with me to take our state to greater height.

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

Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Muslim Community in Osun state to emulate the sacrificial living, self control and intercessory supplications embedded in the teachings of the Holy Month of Ramadan, just as Muslims around the world begins the month long period of fasting.

A news release personally signed by the Governor and made available to the newsmen through his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said, Governor Adeleke wishes to remind Muslims in the State of the real essence of Ramadan as a period of self-reflection, intended to deepen one’s spiritual growth and renew a sense of appreciation for the many blessings of God.

In the release, Governor Ademola Adeleke enunciated:
“In this spirit of thanksgiving and reflection, all of us observing Ramadan can strengthen our sense of commitment to equality and development of our communities. It is a time to offer help to those in need, and serve as an immutable emblem of holy life.

“As residents of Osun State, we are all blessed to live under a government that fosters religious liberty and respects the religious practice of all. Our laws and history ensure Muslims can observe this period in accordance with the dictates of conscience and without detractions.

“It is also a period for our dear State to look up to Muslims for unimpeded prayers and in renewed sense of unity, purpose and desire for a better society.

“As we all unite to celebrate this year’s Ramadan in teachings and reflections, I join in the hope for a blessed month

Ramadan Mubarak, dear brothers and sisters in Islam,”the Governor concluded.

In furtherance of the activities marking his 100 days in office, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke today distributed a multi-million naira worth of mobility aids to 240 selected persons with disabilities across the State.

The mobility aids were given to the persons with disabilities who were drawn from different clusters such as deaf, albino, spina cord and physical disability,among others.

The programme, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special Needs,held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Abere, was graced by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, Persons with disabilities and political bigwigs,to mention but a few.

While speaking, Governor Ademola Adeleke mandated the Ministry of Justice to fast track the process of passing disability bills into law so that it could be sent to the State House of Assembly for quick passage,adding that it was imperative for Osun to have the law passed so that people with disabilities too can have a sense of belonging.

He further stressed that the materials distributed is in line with the support of his administration for the people with special needs, adding that the Government has responsibility to support all categories of people for the smooth running of the State, and that he is resolved to attend to all their yearnings.

Governor Adeleke therefore appreciated the people of Osun for the peaceful conduct of the last Saturday State Assembly election, while sympathizing with the family of those who sustained one degree of injury or the other, promising that now that the election is over, the next line of action is to continue with his good works, and make the people enjoy dividends of democracy which they voted for.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Joint National Association of People With Disabilities, (JONAPWD), Oluwafemi Stephen, the retired first Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special needs, Dr. Mrs Olayinka Oderinde as well as Mr Kehinde Onitiju appreciated the Governor for recorgnizing persons with disabilities in Osun.

They appealed to government to come to their aids by meeting their demands which included: repartration of sacked PWDs Teachers into classroom, establishment of training institutes for persons with disabilities, provision of operational vehicle, appointment of persons with disabilities into his cabinet,signing the persons with special needs bills into law, promotion and support of special Sports, among others.

They also used the opportunity to invite the Governor to visit Persons with Special Needs Training School.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mrs Taiwo Oladunjoye observed that the distribution of the aids was a demonstration of the love and commitment of the State helsman to the welfare of the special people in the State.

She commended the Governor for taking keen interest in the general well being of Persons with Disabilities and for the approval of funds for the programme.

She noted that the aids will make life more meaningful to the beneficiaries, help them achieve independence, reduce pain as well as increase their confidence and self esteem. Mrs Oladunjoye therefore appealed to non-governmental organisations and well meaning Philanthropists to partner with the Government in providing social services to the special people in their midst as Government cannot do it alone. She further charged the beneficiaries to appreciate the good gesture of the present administration through their support and cooperation to lift the State to an enviable height.

Among the mobility aids distributed to them were: wheel chairs, guiding canes, bowler caps, tick albino umbrellas, sunscreen cream and soap for the albinos, hearing aids and medical aids for persons with spinal cord injury and a host of others.

The event featured, entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, other individuals and groups, cutting of cake and special prayer for the administration of Governor Adeleke.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Osun state over another landslide victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the just concluded state assembly elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Governor Adeleke celebrated the uncommon and unprecedented chain of victories the PDP had secured in Osun state from July 16, 2022 to February 25th, 2022 and the huge victory of Saturday March 18th, describing the outcomes of the elections as “complete embrace of PDP by Osun people for good governance and responsive leadership.

” My good people of Osun state, you have honored me and my party with another remarkable victory at the assembly elections. You have passed an excellent vote of confidence in my administration and my party by a series of electoral mandates in the last three elections. I went round the state with my scorecard under 100 days and you responded by endorsing my party’s candidates for legislative offices.

” You listened to my request for assembly members of my party who will work with me to deliver our five point agenda. Your trust in me to deliver on our election promises have been expanded and strengthened. Your verdict on my performance is loud and clear- you have approved of our people-focussed governance and our demonstrated will to resolve all outstanding challenges inherited from the previous administration.

” I have come to say a big thank you. Like I used to sing, ‘Ese eku itoju min, momore’. We will not take your approval, endorsement and solid backing for granted. Myself and my team will rededicate ourselves to the urgent task of state building, of service delivery and of delivery of dividends of democracy.

” Because your electoral endorsement is uncommon in the political history of Osun state, my performance must be extraordinary. And so it shall be now and all the time. Thank you for giving me all that I need to serve you more.

” To my brothers and sisters in opposition, I extend hands of fellowship and brotherhood. Join me to build a new Osun state. Support the will of the people as repeatedly demonstrated in the last three elections. As genuine democrats have no power except what the people will, I urge all lovers of democracy to enter the Imole train.

” Osun people need all, within and outside her political class, to unite for state development. You will find in me a listening and responsive State Chief Executive. Our administration will remain committed to an open, consultative, inclusive and transparent governance.

“We will govern with fear of God under rule of law for the collective interest of all Osun people irrespective of political or religious affiliations. Let all rest assured that there is no victor, no vanquished”, Governor Adeleke posited.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has directed security agencies to arrest any resident who violates the directive on restriction of movement as the House of Assembly election holds tomorrow across the 30 local governments and Area Office.

The press statement signed by the Spokesperson to the Governor, Mallam Rasheed Olawale stated that the Governor further tasked the security agencies to enforce previous directive and regulations which required political leaders to stay in their areas after voting instead of moving round towns and villages.

The statement read in part, ” Any resident who breaches the directive on movement restriction should be picked up. Political leaders who patrol around towns and villages during election should desist as security operatives are under directive to stop such movement. Nobody,no matter how highly placed, will be allowed to disrupt the peaceful conduct of the assembly elections.

” I have directed immediate arrest of hoodlums and political thugs statewide. Any leader who harbors such merchants of violence should await the full wrath of the law.

“As a follow up, security agencies have commenced raiding and cleaning up of hotspots and hideouts of criminals across the state. There will be no hiding place for those who are bent on foisting violence on the peace loving people of Osun State.

” This election will be conducted peacefully. I call on Osun people to troop out enmasse to exercise their civic rights. I assure our people of maximum security. We must ensure high turnout. Pick your PVC and exercise your constitutional rights to vote and be voted for”, Governor Adeleke declared.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared tomorrow Friday March 17th as a public holiday.

The public holiday is to enable Osun State residents to travel to their polling units to vote on Saturday for the State House of Assembly elections.

The State Governor further advised residents of the state to be peaceful and law abiding as they prepare for the elections.

“I call on Osun people to file out and exercise their civic rights. This election is very critical as you will be electing lawmakers who will be working with me. You must vote right”, the State Governor was quoted as said.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

In celebration of his 100 days in office,Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke today reeled out his unprecedented achievements in the State to the public.

Governor Adeleke stated this during a press briefing held at the Government Secretariat, Abere where newsmen, drawn from both electronic and print media,converged to capture the scorecards of the present administration.

He re-iterated that his administration is poised on delivering good governance by fulfilling his campaign promises and satisfying people- oriented needs,adding that ,”in his quest to dish out dividends of democracy to the people, he became blind to party affiliation”.

The first citizen of the State also said all abandoned property and projects by previous administration were redefined and completed.

Governor Adeleke used the opportunity to list some of the ongoing and completed projects which included: provision of borehole water in each of the 332 wards across the State; Construction of 20km roads; Presentation of #518m to Communities for infrastructural development; Imole surgical and medical outreach targeted at 2000 persons in each of the nine Federal Constituencies making a total of 18,000 beneficiaries who received free surgeries; and rural electrification projects.

Others accomplishments listed are: Payment of salaries and pensions arrears from January 2016 owed by the past administration; Enrollment of 3,332 Osun indigenes on Osun health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) to ensure adequate healthcare access for the vulnerables for 5 years; Construction of broken bridges at Bokusoro/Adeeke area in Iwo to forestall loss of life on the bridge in the past due to erosion, among other achievements too numerous to mention.

The State helmsman equally stressed that he is determined to change the State fortune for the better by embarking on key projects across the length and breath of the State.

Governor Adeleke therefore urged workers to exercise more patience, assuring them that all outstanding salaries will be paid in due course.

However, he urged the people of the State to vote for Peoples’ Democratic Party Candidates, (PDP) during forthcoming State Assembly election in order to secure the election of all the 26 parliamentarians to enhance his performance.

It would be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke was declared the winner of the July 16, 2022 Governorship polls by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), and was sworn-in as the 6th Executive Governor of Osun State on the November 27th, 2022.

In attendance at press briefing were, Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye; Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina; PDP State Chairman, Dr. Akindele Adekunle; Party Chieftains and a host of others.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved the release and distribution of bond certificates worth millions of naira to retirees under the contributory pension scheme.

This was conveyed in a statement by the Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina and made available to the newsmen which explained that the beneficiaries cut across the entire gamut of the public service, namely primary schools, junior schools, secondary schools, tertiary institutions, civil service and the parastatals among others.

According to the statement, the presentation ceremony is billed to hold on Thursday, this week, at the Local Government Service Commission Multipurpose Hall, Government Secretariat,Abere.

Mr Aina stated that the presentation of the bond certificates is “a continuation of the committment of the state government to workers’ welfare, in and out of service.

“This is a new phase in fulfillment of Governor Adeleke’s open resolve to clear backlogs of salaries, pension and emoluments issues within the public service”, the Head of Service stated

It would be recalled that Governor Adeleke had commenced payment of the inherited half salaries and other emoluments owed public servants by the past administration.

The decision which is being implemented across the service had elicited widespread applause from within and outside the state.