Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to ban heavy duty trucks from plying the Olaiya bridge at the state capital, citing safety reasons arising from the technical reports on the state of the bridge.
The Governor who presided over a security council meeting at Osogbo said the decision became necessary to protect the bridge from possible collapse and avoid untoward happenings with continuous passage by heavy trucks.
Describing the decision as a preemptive step, Governor Adeleke said the Ministry should erect barricades across the bridge to allow only cars and buses to ply through the road.
As a step towards implementing the directive, the Governor also instructed the Ministry to issue a travel advisory with radio jingles to sensitize members of the public and the transport ecosystem.
The Governor assured the public that the decision was taken to protect the public and state assets while a long lasting review of the technical status of the bridge is being conducted by the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
Several diaspora groups have described the mining reforms and other good governance initiatives of Governor Ademola Adeleke as “impressive” and “unprecedented” since the creation of Osun State.
The Governor who was on transit to Nigeria in the United Kingdom after attending a livestock conference in Northern France hosted several leaders and indegenes of Osun in London with many listing several sectors for which the Governor has placed the state on global map of good governance.
A group called Osun UK. Professionals led by Bimbo Adekemi expressed surprise at the fast pace at which the Governor is pursuing infrastructure upgrade across the state at a time of tight economic situation across Nigeria.
The group noted that pursuing infra upgrade is a smart way of jumpstarting the local economy and ease environment of doing business to attract investment into the state.
The group particularly commended the courage of Governor Adeleke for demanding Osun’s rights from mining companies operating in the state, citing ongoing faceoff with Thors Explorations Limited as “a courageous move by selfless leader.
“We note the demand notice on the Thors Explorations as a bold move by a state Governor. Where others pursue under the table deals, Governor Adeleke is seeking due payments into the coffer of Osun state. This is about the first time we will see a Governor not asking for gold bars from mining companies but is seeking validation of state shareholding, payment of PAYE as demanded by law and calling out mining firms on degradation of the environment.
“We salute the courage of Mr Governor in his drive to secure state economic assets. Please don’t give up in your multiple efforts to deliver good governance. Many of us here are encouraged to look back home for home bound investment”, Mrs Adekemi noted.
Another group, named Osun UK Royal Group led by Timileyin Oluyemi Ajayi from Ijesaland said Governor Adeleke has raised the hope of many Osun indigenes in Europe by his delivery of good programmes in digital economy, health, education, agriculture, climate change and infrastructure.
“Your Excellency, we praise your commitment to public service and your visionary approach to governance. We read all you are doing and our members visited home and also came back with reports of your touching so many areas , towns and villages. We are proud to call ourselves Osun indigenes.
“You have given Osun new tech policy, new energy policy, new procurement policy, new cocoa and cashew initiatives among others. You are doing so much in empowerment and cooperatives with billions being disbursed to grassroots businesses and artisans.
“You are paying billions of naira in pension and salary debts. Workers welfare is a priority areas you have delivered so excellently well. To imagine you have done so much under less than two years is an amazing testimony. We will head home to register to vote ahead of the 2026 governorship election, Prince Oluyemi posited on behalf of the group.
While receiving the various Osun indegenes in London, Governor Adeleke expressed delight at the positive feedback from the diaspora community, assuring that his administration is poised to do more in service of the people.
Describing his main goal as selfless service, Governor Adeleke repeated that leadership is about service and that he is running a race to uplift Osun and her people as quickly as possible.
“We are less than two years in office. We are running a good governance race. I seek to deliver a four year plan within less than alloted time. The reason is Osun demands urgent actions to fill in the massive developmental gap.
“We need you to join hands with us. Be agents of development by marketing Osun in the diaspora. Set up your business at home. Give back to the community. I promise to ramp up delivery of programmes and projects even as we near two years in office by November 27”, the Governor was quoted as saying.
Governor Adeleke has since returned to Nigeria.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke
The Senior Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Medla, Hon. Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji has derided the Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Mr. Bola Oyebamiji, on his assessment of the extent of development in Osun state under Governor Ademola Adeleke, saying it is too pedestrian for anyone to deny the monumental infrastructural imprints of the Adeleke administration.
Hon. Bamiji chided Mr Oyebamiji for trying to misrepresent the facts on the true state of things in Osun state, noting that, Governor Adeleke is not only building new infrastructures across sectors but also completing many of the developmental projects that the administration which Mr Oyebamiji was an integral part of abandoned without any justification other than political bickrings with his former boss in office.
“It is a cruel irony that Mr. Bola Oyebamiji who was part of a government that left Osun in shambles could brazenly deny the progress that Osun is witnessing under the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration in all spheres,” he noted.
“Contrary to the erroneous impression that Mr. Oyebamiji tried to create, the Oyetola administration had more than enough resources to make meaningful impacts on the state and its people but bungled the opportunity largely due to mismanagement, misplaced priorities and incompetence. Anyone with a sound understanding of finances, as against what Mr Oyebamiji tried to make us believe in the past, will know that there is nothing significant in the accrued revenue to the state in the light of the skyrocketing inflation and the over 70 percent loss in the value of the nations currency.
“Yet, Governor Adeleke has been up and doing. In terms of welfare, Governor Adeleke is not only paying the salary of active workers regularly contrary to Apc evil expectations, but also paying the salary owed by the APC administration and cleared the cooperative deductions running into hundreds of millions also also wickedly withheld and misappropriated by the government Mr Oyebamiji served as Finance Commissioner.
On infrastructure, Governor Adeleke has constructed over 100km of roads and another batch of nearly 100km is at various stages of completion across the state, including Mr. Oyebamiji’s hometown of Ikire.
“In Osogbo, 10-span and 4-span overhead bridges are at advanced stages of completion and will connect the Old Garage-Lameco dual-carriage road, while another overhead in Ile-Ife, the first in the cradle of Yoruba nation, is ongoing as we speak.
Again In Ilesa, a dual-carriage road is also being constructed while the Akoda-Ede dual carriage road with a series of features like bridges, will soon be completed. Oyebanji should just cover himself in shame for being a part of the monumental failure of the Apc government in Osun!
“In the health sector, a total of 345 primary healthcare centres are being rehabilitated with the installation of 24-hour power and water systems in line with the World Bank standard, just as dozens of public schools across the state have equally been refurbished and equipped with necessary furniture and other essential amenities. The failed Commissioner of Finance seems too dazed to be aware of all that.
Hon. Bamiji maintains that Osun has taken a turn for the better under Governor Adeleke and that only those who are still hunted by the realities of the failure they exuded during their hellish spell, will pretend about these facts. He enjoined Mr Oyebamiji to get over the shame of the ignoble past of the APC which stares him in the face and accept the reality of the transformation that Governor Adeleke’s good governance has projected into manifestation in less than two years.
“While Mr. Oyebamiji may still be finding it hard to tell Osun people what the government he was part of did with the over N400bn aggregated revenues that accrued to it in the four years it lasted, even when inflation was still being humanely managed, he should swallow his pride to come to the reality of the positive turnaround that Osun has witnessed under Governor Adeleke,” he stressed.
“Instead of trying to divert attention from the abysmal record of the previous government, Mr Oyebamiji should bring himself to recognise those abandoned projects by his government that Governor Adeleke is completing, the litany of ongoing projects across the state among other positive developments.
“The candid truth is that the APC administration, which Mr Oyebamiji served failed in Osun, and anyone involved in that ignoble failure will always see nothing but failure in others too, just as the former Commissioner of Finance is demonstrating. It is even important to ask Mr Oyebamiji to provide Osun people with answers on what happened to the over N11 billion received from the Federal Government by the Oyetola administration for road projects executed by the Rauf Aregbesola government and that of the over $20million grant to renovate health facilities in Osun State, in which the present Government of His Excellency, Governor Ademola Adeleke now have to start all over again to bring to shape.”
“Available records indicated that Mr. Oyebamiji is the worst Finance Commissioner in Osun’s history going by the gross mismanagement that characterised the government he served as head of Finance Ministry. So, if he is coming up with the jejune narrative to prepare himself for the 2026 governorship contest, he should rather rid himself of the penchant for misinformation as Osun people are too smart to fall for such baby tactics.”
Signed: Hon. Hezekiah Oladele Bamiji, The Senior Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Medla 03/10/2024
● Approves Appointments of new Obas and Elevation of Others
OSOGBO 15/5/2024 osunstate.gov.ng
Osun State Executive Council today deliberated on a wide range of issues with key conclusions reached on the draft State Electricity Market System bill, the Airport Implementation Committee report and the Food Security Committee report.
While the draft electricity bill was submitted for consideration, the Council resolved to await the harmonized copy being prepared by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum for adoption by all state governments.
The Council further received reports of the Airport committee which reflected extensive work already done towards building a befitting airport for Osun state.
Mr Governor through the Council further directed that other pending bills and reports should be circulated ahead of the next Council meeting to allow for necessary approvals.
The Council through the Governor also directed that the new logo for the state should be effected by all ministries without further delay.
Meanwhile, the Council after observing the necessary administrative processes and relevant laws, approved the appointments of Prince Oyeleye Saheed Akorede as the next Gbelepawo of Gbelepawo in Egbedore Local Government and Prince Oyedele Isiaka Olasunkanmi as the next Alajagba of Ajagba.
The Council has also approved the restoration of Chief Omolola Ibitoye Afilaka in Atakunmosa East Local Government as the Alatorin of Atorin.
The Osun State Executive Council also at its meeting approved the elevation of the following : Alade of Atokejoye inAyedire Local Government; Aleki of Ileki-Ijesha in Atakunmosa West; and Olu of Alapata in Egbedore Local Government.
The Council further approved the elevation of Olu of Akiriboto Oke in Ayedaade LG, Chief Peter Oyewo; Baale Ajeniju of Halleluyah, Olu Oba Bello Enukoko, Olu Oba Akangbe Alayemore,Olu of Kuse in Egbedore Local Government, Onigun of Igun Ijesa, Looyin of Apara Ijesa, Asua of Isua Ijesa (Atakunmosa West) , Alaratu of Aratu Ijesa, Oniberekodo of Iberekodo in Atakunmosa East,Alarobole of Arobole-Ijesa in Oriade LG and Olu of Laadin- Lakoro in Ife South to Part II, (Recognised) Status of the Chiefs law, Cap 25,Laws of Osun State 2002.
It is also to be noted that all the appointments and elevation of Obas mentioned above were done following the due process and the tenets and spirits of the Chief’s law of Osun State
SIGNED OLUOMO KOLAPO ALIMI, HON COMMISSIONER FOR INFORMATION AND PUBLIC ENLIGHTENMENT, OSUN STATE.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has announced his administration’s plan to release to the public the Osun State Transport Master Plan to facilitate integrated connectivity for Osun economy.
The Governor made the announcement on Thursday while commissioning the Osun State Computerised Vehicle Inspection Testing Center at Osogbo.
The Governor who narrated series of ongoing reforms being delivered by his government said “the test center right here is the first of its kind among other intervention of our administration to reposition the State’s Transportation sector
According to the State Governor, “our government is pursuing reforms across the transport sector. We ensure that Commercial Motorcycle operators across the State are registered under a database with a rider’s jacket and identification card for safety purposes. Mini buses, popularly known as (Korope) has also been registered and numbered for easy identification and security.
“We have introduced single ticketing to all commercial drivers in the State through the Osun State Transport Management System (OSTMS) to guide against leakage of revenue.
“It is equally my pleasure to inform the public that our administration is working on a Transportation Master plan for Osun state. We are focused on a multimodal plan that will integrate all modes of transportation within the state. It will lay our objectives and strategic agenda for land, air and water transportation.
“The plan is to regulate, plan and develop an efficient and well-integrated transport system that will serve the public interest, enhance mobility, and deliver a secure and environmentally friendly Public Transportation System in different areas across Osun.
“The plan is central to our five point agenda as it focuses on connectivity within and outside the state. Osun is centrally located in the heart of Yorubaland, hence our transport plan and policies must enhance linkage on trans-national level. As we eye being the transport hub for the Yoruba heartland, a transportation master plan will deepen our overall focus on deepening the agro-industrial base of our dear State.
“As I am commissioning this test centre, I direct the Ministry of Transportation to speed up work on the Transportation master plan in line with our electioneering agenda. We must join the league of states that have developed and are implementing such plans”, Governor Adeleke noted.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon Ephraim Ayodele assured the state that the ministry has the best private sector partners for the management and running of the testing centre.
The event was attended by members of the State Executive Council.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
●Our Infra Agenda is a Game Changer-Governor Adeleke
OSOGBO-07/05/2024- osunstate.gov.ng
His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi has showered praises on Governor Ademola Adeleke over his administration’s holistic infrastructure agenda for the state, affirming that the Lagere flyover bridge flagged off today will deepen Osun East economy.
Receiving the State Governor, his team and leaders of Ifeland at his Palace and addressing the public at the Lagere Junction, the global monarch analyzed the economic significance of Lagere Junction linking all major economic arteries of Osun State from Gbongan-Ikire axis in Osun West to Garage Olode on the route to Ondo and the direct economic linkage to Ijeshaland.
His Royal Majesty, a toprank businessman before his ascension to the throne of Oduduwa, described the Lagere flyover bridge as the coming of an economic hub which will expand the economic prosperity of not just Ifeland but Osun East and Osun state as a whole.
“I must commend the foresight and thoughtfulness of Mr. Governor. Your agenda to expand state infrastructure is impressive and unrivaled. This Lagere flyover bridge and its location touch at the economic heart of our people. We deeply appreciate your vision of uplifting and transforming Ifeland , the cradle of Yoruba nation.
“ We are convinced that you will complete it in record time. We are also assured that you will put to practice your avowed commitment to local content and stomach infrastructure. When you finish the Lagere project, we know you will commence another one at Mayfair. At least, Ifeland is the origin of all Yoruba people ”, the Royal Majesty who spoke in Yoruba language noted.
Flagging off the project at a ceremony attended by top leaders of the state including the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the House Speaker , Adewale Egbedun; the Deputy Speaker, Hon,Ireyode Abidemi Oyewusi ; the State Chairman of the ruling party, Hon Sunday Bisi; the Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina; and Chairman of Imole Leadership team, Prof Wale Oladipo, Governor Adeleke said his infra agenda is primed to change the economic fortunes of the state for the better.
The State Governor said he adopted a big view approach to the huge infra deficit he inherited from his predecessor, noting that his team understands the deep level of infra deficit which covers roads, health, water and schools.
Explaining his administration’s efforts to bridge the infra gap, the Governor recalled the flag off of road dualisation last week at Ilesa, adding “we are here to bring to reality the construction of a flyover bridge, this iconic bridge, the first of its kind in this land of the source.
“The project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities. Ile Ife deserves not only an infra upgrade but a classical upliftment to enhance the tourism capital of this divine town. This is what our government is launching today. We are on a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.
“I want to use this platform to assure elders, sons and daughters of Ile Ife that our government is committed to solving the many developmental issues facing this city. We are applying phased project implementation strategies due to the huge infra deficit with attendant low funding capacity. We however assure all and sundry that our strategy will eventually fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of all our people.
“Our good people of Ile Ife and Osun as a whole, we are here for two in one event. We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office.
“After compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge is awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria limited at a total project cost of Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy One (N14,938,924,771.45). The completion period is Twelve Months.
“Additionally, I flag off the construction of Local Government Roads totalling 55.86km at the cost of N30,677,814,099.42. This is also to have a completion period of twelve months”, the Governor stressed.
Earlier, Prof Oladipo had expressed appreciation to Governor Adeleke for his wonderful performance in office and affirming that the Governor had made all members of the Imole team proud by proving himself worthy of the office of a Governor.
“ On this occasion, we thank the Governor as the Prince of Ife and as the Chairman of the Imole Leadership team. You make us proud and we are proud of you. Today, Ile Ife and Osun State will not forget your legacy decisions and actions.”, Prof Oladipo noted.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
I warmly welcome the sons and daughters of Ile Ife, the cradle of the Yoruba race, to this epoch making event. I congratulate His Royal Majesty, the Ooni of Ife for having this landmark project under his watch.
Ile Ife is the source of the Yoruba race. I understand the deep level of infra deficit across the five local governments. Consequently, we decided as a government to address the challenges by applying a big view approach.
The infra deficit covers roads, health, water and schools. In the multi-billion naira agenda, we earmarked specific projects for this ancient city. Many are ongoing and more are still coming.
We were at Ilesa last week to flag off road dualisation. Today we are here to bring to reality the construction of a flyover bridge. This iconic bridge, the first of its kind in this land of the source.
The project location was justified on the ground of easing traffic, facilitating connectivity and attracting adjacent economic activities. Ile Ife deserves not only an infra upgrade but a classical upliftment to enhance the tourism capital of this divine town. This is what our government is launching today. We are on a match to greater height for Ile Ife and Osun State as a whole.
I want to use this platform to assure elders, sons and daughters of Ile Ife that our government is committed to solving the many developmental issues facing this city. We are applying phased project implementation strategies due to the huge infra deficit with attendant low funding capacity. We however assure all and sundry that our strategy will eventually fulfill the yearnings and aspirations of all our people. Even with funding constraints, our government has delivered on various fronts for the Ife area. Kindly permit me to list areas of our achievements and plans for the future across the five local government area of Osun state as follows: IFE EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT 1 Asphaltic Tarring of Oriyangi- Oke Atan – Ogbedu Road 2 Tarring of Ife City – Benediction to Olasode 3 Renovation of Yekemi Maternity 4 Renovation of 3 Buildings of a Block of 3 Classrooms at LA Primary School Ilode PROPOSED 1 Asphaltic Tarring of Olurin Road _1.5km(Ife East and Ife Ooye) 2 Renovation of Ifelodun Maternity
IFE NORTH LGA
Provision of seven boreholes across the LGA
Renovation of schools across the lGA
Commencement of three road construction across the LGA IFE SOUTH WEST LCDA
Proposed renovation of garage olode Health center,
Proposed renovation of one block of class room in united Anglican primary school garage olode,
Proposed renovation of one class room in ara Alubati in Osi ward in ife south west LCDA awolowo town garage olode ife IFE NORTH LOCAL GOVERNMENT
Renovation of 5 blocks of classroom at L.A.pry. school, Ipetumodu
Provision of 4 motorized water borehole
Approval for the construction of 1.5 km Akinlalu township road. IFE NORTH AREA COUNCIL, OYERE ABORISADE 6 Motorized borehole at :
Molodo, Oyere Ward 1
Okuomo Famia Ward
Atowo, Oyere Ward 2
Fadehan, Oyere Ward 2
Isanlu, Oyere Ward 2
Womonle, Oyere Ward 2 IFE NORTH WEST LCDA EDUNABON
Renovation of 3 blocks of 3 classrooms each at C A C pry. School Edunabon
Renovation of 4 blocks of 3 classrooms each at L.A pry. School, Edunabon
Provision of 3 motorized borehole at Edunabon and Moro Area Office, Modakeke 1.Rehabilitation of schools 2.Rehabilitation of health centre
Ongoing reconstruction of local road.
Our good people of Ile Ife and Osun as a whole, we are here for two in one event. We are flagging off the flyover bridge at Lagere Junction as well as the commencement of 55 kilometers of roads across the 30 local governments and the area office.
After compliance with the due process and procurement laws, the flyover bridge is awarded to Messrs Sammya Nigeria limited at a total project cost of Fourteen Billion, Nine Hundred and Thirty Eight Million, Seven Hundred and Seventy One (N14,938,924,771.45). The completion period is Twelve Months. Additionally, I flag off the construction of Local Government Roads totalling 55.86km at the cost of N30,677,814,099.42. This is also to have a completion period of twelve months.
I urge the various contractors and the host communities to partner closely for the successful execution of the projects. Community relations must never be downplayed.
On this note, it is my honour and privilege to flag off these landmark projects.
HE, Governor Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State .
● Says committee not out to witch hunt past administration.
OSOGBO- 16/04/2024
The Secretary to the Osun State Government, who doubles as the Chairman of the Osun State Asset Recovery Committee, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye in a press conference held at the Exco’s Lounge of the Governors office today assured the people of Osun State that the committee would adhere strictly to the rule of law while carrying out its mandate.
Igbalaye while addressing the press said due diligence will remain a priority. He further stressed that the press conference was called to have a clear picture of the situation, stating that Osun people should not see development as a means to which hunt the past administration.
“It was imperative for the committee to go through due process after the inauguration. Government properties like vehicles, buildings which were illegally possessed must be returned to the Osun state Government immediately”
The Osun State SSG while speaking reiterated critical observations by the Task force in a meeting held on Teusday, 5th March, 2024.
“At its meeting held on Tuesday, 5th March, 2024, the Task Force observed as follows:
i. That due diligence should be done with a view to ascertaining vehicles / assets that were lawfully permissible to be taken home from those illegally taken away;
ii. That the Executive Governor had the prerogative power to allow any political appointee go home with his/her official vehicle, having served for at least a period of two (2) years and payment of some amount of money into the coffers of the government, and if the vehicle was less than four (4) years old, the appointee would pay 10% of the residual value of such official vehicle;
iii. That the approval granted by the immediate past Executive Governor for the release and eventual ownership of the official vehicles (kia cars) allocated to members of the immediate past Osun State Executive Council followed due process; and
iv. That the letter of permission written by the immediate past Head of Service, directing political appointees of the immediate past administration togo home with the official vehicles allocated to them was, however, illegal.”
“Consequently, all government assets/ vehicles that are hitherto in the possession of the political appointees of the immediate past administration, which are not captured in the express provisions of the paragraphs ii and iii above, are deemed to have been illegally carted away, and such must be returned to the Osun State Government immediately.”
Responding to questions of ease and means of of recovery, the SSG maintained that the task force consists of legal and security representatives who are mandated to make sure that operations are carried out in respect to the rule of law.
“We have legal and security representatives. They are on this committe to make sure that the rule of law takes preeminence”, he concluded.
The SSG assured everyone that as another meeting is due in a few days, the public will be kept abreast of developments as events continues to unfold.
Signed:
Kehinde Adeoye,
Media aide to the Secretary to the Osun State Government.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has signed the budget 2024 bill into law with a promise to ensure full implementation for the benefit of the state and her people.
The total approved budget is Two Hundred and Seventy Three Billion, Nine Hundred and Eight Million, Nine Hundred and Ninety Seven Thousand Naira and Four Hundred and Ten Kobo (273,908,997,410)
In a short statement after signing the appropriation bill into law, Governor Adeleke said the budget tagged “Budget of Reconstruction and Recovery” is crafted to fast track the revitalisation of the various sectors of the state economy.
“Our focus is to put the state on the path of sustainable development, hence we are rebuilding all the sectors namely education, health, sports, roads, agriculture, creative industry, digital economy ,general infrastructure alongside women and youth focussed programmes and policies.
“I commend the State Assembly for prompt processing of the appropriation bill. I also laud my team for their cooperation with the various assembly committees in the budgetary process.
“We will ensure implementation as stipulated to reconstruct the society and ensure recovery of critical sectors”, the Governor noted while signing the bill into law.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
