The people of Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State have appealed to the state Governor, Rauf Aregbesola to ensure the over all development of the ancient town.
Specifically, the people of Imesi-Ile appealed to Aregbesola to develop the Kiriji war site located in the town to boost the economy of the state and add to the tourism value of the state.
A community leader, Tunji Adesokan who spoke at a thanksgiving ceremony organised by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the town to celebrate the victory of Governor Aregbesola in the August 9 governorship election, said the community needed good roads, potable water and other infrastructures.
According to him, the community had since been suffering from non availability of potable water, which had affected the people of the town.
Adesokan, who is also the leader of the APC in the town also called on Governor Aregbesola to appoint indigenes of the town into key political positions in the interest of fair play and justice.
Also speaking at the ceremony, the state Chairman of the Parent Teacher Association (PTA), Dr Ademola Ekundayo said the people of Imesi-Ile believed in the government of Aregbesola, hence, their resolve to vote massively for him in the last governorship election.
Ekundayo, who stressed the need for Governor Aregbesola to come to the rescue of the town in the area of infrastructures stated that the community had been in the progressive camp since the era of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.
He said “the people of Imesi-Ile appreciates quality in Aregbesola and thank God for the success of the last election. We stood firmly behind Aregbesola and God did not let us down, because He is a God of truth and a God of justice.”
He recalled that the people of the town were intimidated and victimized by the opposition parties before and during the August 9 Governorship election, but God eventually gave them victory.
ELOTI TV

Mr Adekunle Ige, the Special Adviser to the Osun Governor on Water Resources, on Monday said qualified indigenous contractors would be given the opportunity to execute borehole projects to be co-funded by the African Development Bank (AfDB).

Ige, who disclosed this at the board meeting of the Office of  Water Resources, Rural Development and Community Affairs,  said such contractors must be ready to meet the specifications  of the AfDB.

He said indigenous contractors interested in such projects should not hesitate to submit their bids which would open on Oct. 13. As much as the government believes in the patronage of indigenous contractors, quality would not be compromised.

‘’ I am confident that we have contractors and professional drillers in the state who can perform to expectations. This is why we are calling on them not to sit back.

‘’It is the desire of Osun government to continue in its efforts at opening up rural communities through the provision of amenities that will make living meaningful for  dwellers,”  Ige  said.

Ige also said government had been up to date in the payment of counterpart funds in respect of projects that had  to do with international organisations.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Water Resources, Adelere Oriolowo, who spoke on behalf of the board, said government was committed to the provision of  water in rural areas.

Oriolowo pledged the readiness of  the ministry to implementing  policies and projects  with commitment and renewed dedication.

OSBC

State of Osun will in the next one week continue to reflect what it has been in the past two weeks.
The above observation has been deduced from the forecast data compiled by the State’s Ministry of Environment and Sanitation, New Secretariat Complex.
According to the forecast, Monday 15th September shall reflect the Sunday weather except that the rain showers shall be light or sparse.
The early morning cloud, light rain and cold of Tuesday 16th September shall be succeeded by comparatively reduced heat while the afternoon light rain shall be accompanied with cold, later in the day and night.
 

As part of efforts to ensure an enabling condition for civil servants to discharge their job diligently and efficiently, the state government of Osun has procured a new Hilux pickup van and 10 new boxer motorcycles for the use of members of staff of the Ministry of Agric and Food Security.

Presenting the van and motorcycles at the government secretariat,  the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Wale Adedoyin, explained that it was done with a view to ensuring easy and proper monitoring of various government agricultural projects in the state thereby boosting food production.

Adedoyin however expressed optimism that the intention and motive of the Ogbeni Aregbesola’s administration for investing so much into the agric sector will be met, saying that the present administration wants to make the state food secured and even sell to other states.

Also, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QIIP), Mr Dele Ogundipe, charged the users of the vehicle and motorcycles to use them to enhance food production in the state.

Others in attendance were the coordinating Director, Ministry of Agric, Dr Bukola Aluko, Directors and Agric Officers.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

Osun State has inked a N10 billion contract for the rehabilitation and construction of 224.6-kilometre rural roads.
The Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Mr. Kunle Ige, revealed this to reporters in Osogbo at the weekend.
He said the project, tagged: Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP), is supported by the World Bank and French Development Project.
Ige added that the two foreign organisations have contributed about 75 per cent of the fund while the government paid N2.5 billion counterpart funds, representing 25 per cent.
The contract, according to him, has been awarded to Messrs Westmidland Construction Company Limited, Messrs Wetland Construction Nigeria Limited and Messrs Lee Fakino Nigeria Limited.
Ige noted that among the participating four states – Adamawa, Osun, Enugu and Niger states – in the RAMP, Osun was the first to meet up with conditions for the signing of the contract, which would enhance access and mobility in the rural areas.
The Special Adviser, who noted that the project would boost the state’s economy, said most of the roads to be constructed would lead to farm settlements.
He added that the road project would make it convenient to transport agricultural produce to the cities after the completion of the roads.
The governor’s aide said the contractors would be monitored to ensure that they carry out the project according to specifications.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has joined well-meaning Nigerians in commiserating with the family of the Retired General  Benjamin Adekunle, popularly known as ‘Black Scorpion’ who passed on to glory on Saturday.

The Governor, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, said the death of Benjamin Adekunle has closed a long chapter in the history of the nation as it relates to the Nigerian Civil war.

Aregbesola said Adekunle played a crucial role in the civil war that almost liquidated the Nigerian nationhood.

The governor noted that irrespective of what some people might believe or not believe about the deceased, Adekunle played a vital role in making sure Nigeria remained a united country.

“We receive with heavy heart the death of one of Nigeria’s finest soldiers, who fought for the unity of his country.

“No doubt, he was a soldier of soldiers and commander of men. He distinguished himself in his chosen profession both at home and abroad.

“Adekunle led the Third Marine Commando Division during the Civil war with such great courage and determination.

“Up till today, his war exploit in the command of the Third Marine remains subject of discussion across Nigeria and beyond.

“The history of post-independence Nigeria and the crises that threatened the young nation’s existence will be incomplete without a chapter for this courageous soldier.

“We, Government and people of Osun, convey our heartfelt condolences to the immediate and extended families of Adekunle, and the Government and people of Oyo State.

“We pray that God repose his gentle soul in paradise,” Aregbesola said.

Osun state government yesterday inaugurated the board of directors for the State Agency for Community and Social Development Project, CSDP, headed by Alhaji Musa Abdulraman with four other members.

Inaugurating the board at the EXCO Lounge of the Governor’s office, the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola pointed out that the impact of the CSDP in development cannot be over emphasised as they go a long way in assisting the development of the state.

He maintained that the business of developing the society is an unending task for which everybody must participate so as to achieve accelerated development within a short period, while describing the agency as an important one because it serves an important purpose.

Ogbeni Aregbesola, who noted that the CSDP is inaugurated with a view to developing the state, stressed that nothing meaningful can be achieved if the government does not get support from the people.

Also speaking at the inauguration programme, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Water Resources, Rural and Community Development Affairs, Mr. Kunle Ige stated that the Success of the project has made the communities in the state to develop keen interest in the CSDP.

He urged the newly inaugurated board to see it as a huge task ahead and approach it with all sense of responsibility.

In his inaugural speech, the newly inaugurated Chairman of the Osun CSDP, Alhaji Musa Abdulraman expressed gratitude to the Governor for giving them the rare opportunity to serve the state, while promising that they will execute the task given to them with utmost sincerity and hard work.

The new CSDP boss, however used the medium to on behalf of other members felicitates with the governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola on his re-election saying, “It is a well deserved honour for the benefit of the people.”

– See more at: http://nigerianpilot.com/aregbesola-inaugurates-osun-csdp/#sthash.tPnckZFI.dpuf

Photos from the Farewell Ceremony for 2014 Intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Thursday 11-09-2014

From left, Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood
Adeoti; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Commissioner for Home Affairs,
Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun and Head of Service, Mr
Sunday Owoeye, during a Farewell Ceremony for 2014 Intending Pilgrims
to Saudi Arabia at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Thursday 11-09-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) addressing the
2014 Intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, during a Farewell Ceremony
for them at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Thursday 11-09-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) acknowledging
Cheers from 2014 Intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, during a Farewell
Ceremony for them at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Thursday 11-09-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) acknowledging
Cheers from 2014 Intending Pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, during a Farewell
Ceremony for them at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Thursday 11-09-2014

The Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday highlighted not only the health but the the security challenges posed to any country by the scourge of Ebola virus.

The governor who conveyed a state security council and stakeholders meeting on the prevention of Ebola virus disease, at the Government House Banquet Hall held that any country under the threat of the epidemic risks loosing it’s sovereignty.

Aregbesola pointed out that all hands must be on deck on how to checkmate the disease ‎from entering the state, saying the state’s meagre resources should be concentrated on bringing about massive economic development.

The governor stressed that most of the countries affected are almost loosing their sovereignty because of the Ebola.

He said, “We should not see the disease as an ordinary health challenge but a situation that can be seen as a security problem for a state or a nation. That is why I have called all the security chiefs and all stakeholders to this meeting.

“I am happy that we now have a big relief in the state against the rumour of the virus in the state. God forbid it, I have been troubled ever since the news. HOw could we have coped with the little resources of the state? You should now go out to tell the world that there is no Ebola in Osun and that we will prevent it’s manifestation here at all cost.

“With all these countries around us, there are countries like Liberia, Sierra‎-Leone, Guinea and Congo that we need to support because they are too close for the comfort of our country. Our prayer is that the disease will not have place to stay in our land”. The governor prayed.

Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to Governor Aregbesola on Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu noted that the state health ministry is prepared for the disease.

“We have set up various committee comprising 5 ministries meeting and sensitising peo‎ple on what to do and we have distributed personal protective equipment to  hospitals in the state.

“The ministry is not leaving any stone unturned on the issue of this Ebola virus. Personnel of our ministry are out to sensitize market ‎women, members of National Union of Road and Transport workers and other artisans. Jingle and enlightenment programmes are also on radio and television on how to prevent it”. Dr. Isamotu said

Also the representative of the Vice-Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof. Olaniyi Onayemi said the university community is happy that the governor is interested in making the state Ebola-free.

The rumour that Ebola entered Osun through the university is false, “in OAU we have set up committee‎s on campus and also had a seminar on Ebola in school. We have forms for them to fill that will give a lead to where they have been before resumption.

“It was in the process that we got a lady who came out to say that she had contact will a victim in Porthacourt , she was taken to Lagos and the first test result showed that she is Ebola Negative.

“Foreign students have been asked to stay back for the session, those around who have not gone out of the country have been screened. As of now the reported lady is Ebola free.” The OAU don told the meeting.

The Government of the State of Osun under has categorically stated that the female student of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) who was suspected to have the Ebola Virus Disease and evacuated to appropriate facility in Lagos State on, has tested negative to the virus.

The Commissioner for Health, Dr [Mrs] Temitope Ilori in a telephone interview with Bioreports on Thursday, September 11, 2014 said the student has been confirmed to be Ebola virus negative.

Ilori said there is no recorded case of Ebola in Osun, adding that, all machineries have been put in place to ensure that, the state is Ebola free.

According to the Commissioner, the OAU female student suspected to be a secondary contact of Ebola who was early Tuesday evacuated to appropriate facility in Lagos has been confirmed to be free of the virus.

She noted that Governor Rauf Aregbesola had met with State Committee on Ebola and Committee specially set up from the OAU to discuss on how to prevent the deadly disease from rearing its head in the state.

Ilori further stressed that the state government, in its quest to avert the spread of the viral disease in the state, her ministry would continue to work with management of Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital as well as other stake holders in the state, in order to ensure that, Osun remain Ebola free.

It would be recalled that, OAU female student was said to have had primary contact with an EVD victim in Port Harcourt, and fell sick when she arrived the university and was rushed to OAUTHC.

There were rumours in most parts of state, on Tuesday, that a student of the OAU, Ile-Ife had contacted the virus and had been admitted at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital OAUTH, Ile-Ife.

BIOREPORT