OSOGBO -20/10/2024 – osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State Government has again debunked fake news being peddled by the opposition alleging that Governor Ademola Adeleke is collecting security votes, asserting once again that the Governor is not, has and will not collect security votes in line with his avowed declaration on assumption of office.

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made the clarification in a statement on Sunday, explaining that the opposition is spreading falsehood because it has no hole to pick in the superlative performance of the state governor.

According to the Commissioner, the opposition is either ignorant or mischievous by deliberately misinterpreting state spending to support security operations and services by security agencies such as the police, Department of State Services among others.

“The state government statutorily supports security agencies when they conduct security operations on a regular basis such as quelling communal violence, joint security operations in troubled spots as well as deployment during mass demonstrations.

“Such expenditures are formally accounted for in line with the due approval process. The state support in such situations are referred to as expenditure for security services as different from the concept of security vote which does not pass through formal due approval process.

“The opposition needs to be educated that there are differences between security votes and security services. Security votes are widely known as slush funds expended at the discretion of the Chief Executive without passing through formal accountability and due processes.

“In Osun state, Governor Adeleke is not, has not and will not take such security votes. Mr Governor is however committed to supporting the security agencies with their logistics needs under security services expenditure which are fully applied for and processed through the office of Special Adviser to the Governor on Security matters.

The present administration in Osun State therefore wishes to state, emphatically that, Governor Adeleke approves funds to address security issues only when occasion demands for such and there are always record to justify such expenditure as opposed to being latched on as a free money to be expended at will by any sitting Governor as was the tradition with the past administration.

It must be stated that in his almost two years old administration, Mr Governor’s probity and accountability is remarkably unbeatable in the history of Osun State and by extension, in the Nigerian federation.

While the present administration wishes to state for the umpteenth time, that it is not averse to being criticized constructively when the need arises by the right and unbiased free minded members of the public, it is however, incongruent for a person or group of persons to throw cautions to the wind in going about it as exemplified by some opposition operatives.

E Signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi
Honourable commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.

05/12/2024 – OSOGBO

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, today distributed N250 million (N250,000,000) in microcredit cheques to various beneficiaries across the state at the foundation-laying ceremony of the Osun Micro Credit Agency’s office complex. The event took place at the agency’s permanent site in Oranmiyan New Town, behind the State Secretariat, Abeere, Osun State.

Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, the Governor emphasized the importance of the occasion, describing it as a “new chapter” for the agency, which has been instrumental in providing accessible credit to citizens across the state. The Governor also addressed the long-standing issue of the agency operating from rented premises, calling it unacceptable. He pledged to expedite the completion of the new office complex, assuring that the project would be finished sooner than initially projected. The Medium-Term Sector Strategy (MTSS) had set 2027 as the expected completion date, but Adeleke vowed to fast-track the development using all necessary resources.

“For over a decade, it is disheartening to note that an agency as critical as the Osun Micro Credit Agency has operated from rented premises. This reality is both unacceptable and a reflection of the neglect and complacency we inherited. However, we are here today to rewrite that story and restore hope to this agency and the people it serves,” the Governor stated.

“Our administration is committed to improving the lives of the people of Osun State,” he added, highlighting that the office complex was only one of many projects slated for completion by 2025.

The N250 million funding boost for the Osun Micro Credit Agency includes a N200 million injection into the agency’s working capital, with N50 million specifically allocated for new applicants and beneficiaries. This funding is part of the administration’s broader effort to empower small businesses and drive economic growth in the state.

Addressing the beneficiaries of the microcredit loans, Adeleke urged them to use the funds prudently to grow their businesses and contribute to the state’s economic development. The loans come with favorable repayment terms, offering a 12-month tenor at an annual interest rate of 9%, making it one of the most affordable loan options in the country. The loans are revolving, ensuring that others can access credit as well.

“To the beneficiaries of these funds, I urge you to use the resources wisely to grow your businesses and create lasting value. As you know, these loans are revolving in nature, and timely repayment is essential to ensure others also benefit,” Adeleke stated.

The Governor also encouraged individuals, cooperative groups, and small and medium enterprises (SMEs) to take advantage of the opportunities provided by the Osun Micro Credit Agency. He assured the people of Osun that his administration is committed to driving the state’s economic growth through these initiatives.

Despite criticism from opposition parties, the Governor reiterated his administration’s resolve to continue working for the benefit of the people. “The people of Osun have seen the light,” he said, adding that the state’s progress would not be hindered by detractors. He called on the people to continue supporting his government beyond 2026 for sustained growth and development.

Signed:
Kehinde Adeoye,
Special Assistant on Media to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.

This is to inform motorists, road users and the general public that the Old garage to Okefia road in Osogbo will be closed (for one week) between 12noon of Friday, 8th to 12noon of Thursday 14th November, 2024 to allow for the smooth launching of beams on the Okefia Fly-Over and completion of the ongoing construction work on the Old garage to Okefia road.

Motorists and other road users are therefore advised to find alternative routes to their various destinations during the period of the closure.

Meanwhile, traffic officers such as the F.R.S.C and O-TRAM will be on ground to direct traffic.

Thank you for your usual cooperation.

Announcer:
Engr. Bashir Bello
Permanent Secretary
Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.

• CONDOLE PRESIDENT TINUBU, THE ARMED FORCES, ILOBU PEOPLE AND FAMILY

OSOGBO – 06/11/2024 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adelele has described as a sad loss the untimely exit of the Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoheed Lagbaja, calling his transition “a huge misfortune”

“A huge misfortune has befallen the people of Osun State, the Nigerian army and the great Lagbaja family of Ilobu. We lost a rare breed, a gentleman and a true patriot to the cold hand of death.

“Our late brother has a big vision of operational reforms for the Nigerian Army. He launched out and commenced the implementation of root and branch reform of the Nigerian Army. Within his short stint in office, he enforced professionalism and battled terrorists and bandits with terrifying fierceness.

“Our late brother was a very hardworking officer, a true workaholic, a fierce soldier, a replica of the traditional army officer with an ambitious plan for modernization and integration of the Nigerian Army.

“In my last encounter with him, he exuded hope and aspirations of a better Nigeria with the military as a stabilizer and unifier of the federation. In late General Lagbaja, we had a great military leader with the poise, the confidence and the firmness to realize the vision of a new Nigerian Army.

“Unfortunately, the end came suddenly. We surrendered to the will of the Almighty creator. I commiserate with the Commander – in- Chief, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, the men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces, my people of Ilobu and the great Lagbaja family.

“We mourn together on this sad occasion. On behalf of the people and Government of Osun state, we extend commiseration to Mrs Mariya Lagbaja and the two children .”, Governor Adeleke noted in a statement he personally signed.

Signed:
HE, SENATOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE,
EXECUTIVE GOVERNOR OF OSUN OSUN STATE

OSOGBO – 31/10/2024 – osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke while chairing the Treasury Board meeting for the 2025 budget, has issued a strong admonition to Ministries and Agencies to sustain budget performance on all fronts.

Members of the Treasury Board include the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye; Head of Service, Elder Ayanleye Aina; Attoney General/HCJustice and HC Finance; the Accountant General; Chairman of State Internal Revenue Service among others.

The Governor scrutinised proposals of various Agencies submitted through the Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning.

The State Governor noted that presentations by the agencies are encouraging but called for a more innovative approach to Revenue and Expenditure process and practice in line with the fiscal procedures and extent laws.

According to the State Governor, the real value of federation allocations to the state has dwindled despite the slight increase in the nominal value but to have a sustainable budget performance for the good of the citizens, political heads and accounting officers should think out of the box by emphasizing high priority projects and programmes.

“I task heads of ministries and agencies to focus on high priority projects. The resources are limited, and our needs are much. So we have to balance both ends by avoiding frivolous programmes and emphasizing areas promoting the five point agenda of this administration.

“You are to conduct full due diligence on your various sectors and programmes. Revenue generation must be driven with vigour but with a human face. Value for money is also key in state expenditure”, the State Governor charged the various ministries and agencies led by the Commissioners and Special Advisers.

Earlier in his presentation, the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Prof. Moruf Ademola Adeleke assured that the report of the Treasury Board will be submitted to the State Executive Council for approval as a draft budget for presentation to the State Assembly.

He informed the Governor and other state officials that the budgetary process is on schedule to meet the timeline for final processing and approval by both the State Executive Council and the House of Assembly.

Sectors already covered by the Treasury Board meetings include Education, Solid minerals and infrastructure sectors. The board sitting continues today with the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Yetunde Esan, coordinating the process

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

By Sarafa Ibrahim

On Monday, something remarkable that will change the trajectory of Osun finances forever happened. The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed announced that Thor Exploration Limited, the parent company of Segilola Gold Project, has conceded to the plank of the Osun State Government dispute with it and that Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon be “hosting the federal meditation team for the formal presentation of the share certificate to the state government..”

It is a cheering news because this is a victory not just for today but also the future. However, this victory did not come easy, and in fact, was possible basically because of the character of Governor Adeleke, who chooses not his personal benefit, but the collective interest of the entirety of Osun people. This was the highlight of the Governor’s message that was conveyed by Mallam Rasheed.

“Our dedication not to do under the table deal with Thors Explorations has paid off. From the beginning, I said I don’t want gold bars for myself or my family, I want Osun shares as asset of the state and that the taxes be paid into her treasury,” Governor Adeleke noted. What Governor Adeleke clearly indicated, is unusual, and indeed, will leave many, especially those who are conversant with Nigerian politicians attitude to collective interest of the people, speechless.

But the thing with Governor Adeleke is that, he is different, and this truth about him continues to manifest in all his conducts since assuming office nearly two years ago. While some other interest holders settled for “cash and smelter during the acquisition by Thors”, Governor Adeleke chose the side of the people, fighting fiercely to ensure that Osun is not cheated of what actually belongs to it.

That was a resolve from Governor Adeleke and a moment, I tried to picture what the scenario would have been if someone other than him is seating in the state’s top seat at a time like this. Just imagine a Governor who prioritizes personal benefit was presented with an opportunity to look the other way and maneuver the system to fill his own pocket at the detriment of the people.

Your guess is as good as mine. Segilola Gold Project is a multi-billion investment and a 5% stake is a whole lot, and the benefit will extend beyond the administration of Governor Adeleke. This is why I could not understand what the main opposition, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state, was thinking when it chose the side of a firm that tries to deny Osun what belongs to it.

This can never be politics because what Governor was fighting for was not for himself but the Osun people. Infact, the question that must agitate minds would be that what could the outcome had been if Governor Adeleke was not the Governor. And, if the past should be the guide, the outcome is better not imagined because it will be unpleasant.

By all measures, Governor Adeleke has done well and history will be kind to him. This is not just because he retrieved Osun shares in Segilola Gold Project, but also demonstrating the immense benefits that comes with having the right leadership. Governor Adeleke did not just press for Osun to get its due financial entitlements from the firm, he was critical about pollution caused by mining activities, which undermines the environment.

“We will submit our environmental inspection report. We will show the world that even a billion dollar cannot achieve the remediation and rehabilitation of our damaged environment. It is actually worrisome that an internationally quoted mining company will neglect and attempt to evade the care for environment it violated,” Governor Adeleke noted.

For quite sometime now, there has been concerns on the environmental impact that the operation of Segilola Gold Project has on the people. In a 2022 report, Aljazeera provided an idea on how deep the problem is, quoting Anthony Adejuwon, head of Osogbo-based civic advocacy group Urban Alert as noting that “In Osun, the contamination is through water which flows through communities with over two million people.” The paper added that separate physiochemical test conducted by it and Urban Alert on water samples on the area revealed the presence of high levels of heavy materials.

By making the protection of the environment a core of his objective, Governor Adeleke is making sure that natural resources doesn’t turn to harm the people. That is the purpose of leadership and Governor Adeleke is showing not to only understand this, but also working towards that direction.

● Sarafa Ibrahim is a Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Print Media and writes from Osogbo, Osun State

OSOGBO – 25/10/2024- Osungov.ng.gov

The Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi has faulted recent statement credited to a former governoship candidate, Mr Goke Omigbodun , describing his assertion on governance priorities and flyover bridges as lacking in facts and a mere parrotting of opposition talks.

In a statement issued on Friday, the Commissioner who affirmed the rights of citizens to criticisise their government, cautioned against deliberate spreading of fake news, assumptions on false data and insinuation arising from half truths.

“While it is not part of my mandate as the Honourable commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun state to join issue with a citizen or group of citizens over their political beliefs or comments no matter how belligerent.

“I however, for the first time want to draw the attention of the innocent public, especially the people that are not readily familiar with Osogbo, to a misleading publication by an otherwise respected commentator in Osun state, in person of Architect Goke Omigbodun. Let me reiterate that, I have great respect for our referred Architect Omigbodun but that will not deter me from averring his mind to any of the areas where I believe his position is at variance with the reality on ground as it is in the instant case. This is necessary to avoid a pattern of persistence in error.

“It is quite astonishing that, in an effort to discredit the building of flyovers by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke, the former governorship candidate published a statement which were full of factual errors amidst underlying subtle jibes which are also based on false assumptions and disguised hatred for the current administration.

“Before I address his illogical declaration on flyovers at Osogbo, I will first address his wrong suggestions on what the state government should have done as governance sectoral priorities.

“First, he was wrong to have asserted that federal allocation inflow into Osun is five time fold compared to the time of previous government. This is a false statement not supported by frequently available data on allocations from the federation account that are available to the public. Aside parrotting opposition lies, the architect turned politician goofed.

“While there is an increase in allocation, it is not up to two fold talkless of five fold. Additionally, the value of current allocations has largely depreciated due to current inflationary and national rate crisis. We had thought the writer would read publicly available allocation table to educate himself before putting that write up in place.

“Secondly, with false note on huge allocations, he pontificated that the government should have paid up all accumulated salary and pension debts. As the premise was not factual, the expectation of the state paying all debt would imply shutting down other sectoral demands. Only a bad administrator will adopt that approach. The phased payment was endorsed by labour and the debts are being liquadated in progression.

His sugggestion on agro investment was shocking not to say the least as he failed to acknowledge advances made by the Administration in the mechanization of the agric sector. The commentator pretended as if he was not aware of recent tractor acquisition, first in the last 13 years, ongoing agroprenueur programme, the cocoa and cashew initiative among others.

In his fixation on flyovers, he overlooked massive road construction ongoing across the 30 local governments with some local governments having as much as six kilometers, totalling almost 140 kilometer of roads already constructed. He pretended not to be aware of ongoing mass rehabilitation and upgrade of primary health centres with almost 100 completed out of almost 400.

“Quite strange that he has nothing to say about ongoing courageous mining reform including the breakthrough by the state daring Segilola Gold operators. The Administration targeted spending on education, sports, tourism, science and tech, energy, transportation, commerce and industry are conscious decisions to transorm the state economy.

“It is particularly shocking that Mr Omigbodun repeated his earlier false statement that the state is doing nothing on energy generation and distribution. For his information, the state has finalized the legal and policy frameworks to create a state electricity market system, a regulatory agency to license generators and distributors of electricity. My dear Architect, a legal framework is required before investors can venture into offgrid and mini grids power generation and distribution. And we have acted so well on those requirements.

Above are just to correct misrepresentation and misinformation spewed out by the former candidate. If he had been abreast of news publications and broadcast on sectoral developments in Osun, he would probably not have submitted those out of date and largely uninformed suggestions. Or is the Architect removing the garb of a public commentator to that of an opposition activist.

The more ludicrous side of the piece was his postulation that, a flyover is more needed at Olaiya junction than at Oke-fia. He contested that there are more traffic jams at Olaiya junction than at Oke-fia. This postulation coming from the Architect is strange and far from the truth. Let me remind himt that, the traffic jams at Olaiya junction has been resolved by the Administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by building four adjoining roads at Olaiya junction, leaving few vehicles to actually reach Olaiya junction, which are being controlled by the traffic lights.

For the avoidance of doubt, the four roads are:

1. The adjoining road from Alekuwodo to Fakunle area that takes vehicles coming from Oke-fia/Alekuwodo axis directly to Fakunle area without getting to Olaiya junction;
2. The adjoining road from Asubiaro/Jaleyemi area to MDS area that takes vehicles coming from Jaleyemi to MDS directly to MDS without getting to Olaiya junction;
3. Adjoining road from MDS to Alekuwodo axis, that takes all vehicles coming from MDS to Alekuwodo axis without getting to Olaiya junction;
4. Adjoining road from Fakunle area to Jaleyemi area that takes vehicles coming from Ogoluwa/Fakunle area to Jaleyemi area without getting to Olaiya junction

I made bold to state that all the four adjoining roads have taken away the majority of the vehicles away from Olaiya junction, making any assertion of traffic jam at Olaiya junction a ruse.

On the other hand, the reverse is the case about Oke-fia junction. There’s no adjoining roads that can take away any vehicles from Oke-fia junction, so all roads lead to Oke-fia junction, with the attendant traffic jams especially early in the morning and the evening time.

For emphasis, let me take all the roads that lead to Oke-fia junction one after the other:

1. Lameco road: All vehicles coming from Lameco to Oke-fia usually encounter traffic jam starting from the front of the State High Court and it takes time before they maneuver their way to Oke-fia junction;
2. Dada Estate road: Vehicles coming from Dada Estate area usually start meeting traffic jam around Customary Court area;
3. Dr Olu Alabi road: Vehicles coming from Olu Alabi/GRA road usually encounter traffic jams, starting from around the police pay office;
4. Old Garage/Rasco road: Vehicles coming from Old Garage usually encounter traffic jam, starting from the Rasco area;
5. Alekuwodo road: Vehicles coming from Alekuwodo going to Oke-fia usually encounter traffic jam from around the First bank.

I repeat with emphasis and state that, vehicles from all the five major roads that meet at Oke-fia junction usually spend quality time from where they start experiencing traffic jam before they eventually get to Oke-fia junction.

From the clear analysis above, it is crystal clear that, while there’s heavy traffic jam at Oke-fia junction, the traffic jam at Olaiya junction has been permanently resolved before the last administration built the fly over there.

So, with greatest respect to my referred Architect Omigbodun, his assertion that, the necessity for the flyover at Olaiya junction is greater than that of Oke-fia is borne out by sentiment and is at variance with the facts on ground.

Let no man misconstrue my position, a flyover at Olaiya junction is also desirable because of the future challenges, but it has to be a flyover that is properly designed to meet such future challenges.

Mr Omigbodun and other critics need to know that this administration has solid team of policy experts who are crafting and delivering branch and root reform of state governance under Mr Governor. The big and small viewpoints are combined under a localisation framework for the realisation of the five point agenda.

In conclusion, let me state that, while I still hold Architect Goke Omigbodun in high esteem. But on this issue, Architect Goke Omigbodun got it wrong again.

E signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Hon Commissioner for Information and Public
Enlightenment.

OSOGBO – 24/10/2024- Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke banned heavy duty trucks and trailers from plying Olaiya bridge to ensure public safety but there is no decision to demolish the bridge.

The decision was also a resolution of the State Security Council meeting whose members raised alarm over recent influx of trailers and heavy duty trucks on Osun roads. Public safety was the primary and secondary motivation behind this decision.

Responding to allegations of political bias by some leaders of the opposition, the Spokesperson to the State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed in a statement said the Governor has a sacred duty to take steps to secure public assets and residents especially in the face of two major developments in the last few weeks.

“Several technical reports have been submitted to the Governor on the deteriorating state of some sections of the bridge in recent times. As early as January, some public interest engineers approached the government to conduct an integrity test on the bridge. Similar conclusion was reached recently during a technical visit to the state by some national leaders of the construction industry.

“Several state leaders have also visited and examined the bridge with a verdict of urgency of action to preserve the assets while at the same time ensuring public safety. Members of the public can also conduct similar visits on top and around the bridge.

“While the technical review is ongoing, a new development in the transport sector warranted a preemptive action to limit load burden on the bridge. Due to road closure along Ibadan-Ogbomoso axiz, more heavy duty trucks now use Osun roads mostly passing through the bridge. Banning those trailers foreclosed any untowards happenings.

“I also want to inform the opposition that it was at the State Security Council meeting composed of security services commanders that the safety issue around Olaiya bridge was raised and resolution taken. All actors genuinely acted in the interest of the general public without political bias”, the Spokesperson noted in the statement.

Mallam Rasheed posited that Governor Adeleke has no time for petty politics as insinuated, noting that “a man building a multi- billion naira, multi- sectoral state infrastructure is too large hearted to worry about under-performance of recent past”

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.