Malam Yusuf Abdalalh, the Director-General, National Commission for Museums and Monuments (NCMM) on Thursday said the Osun Osogbo Groove would be developed to become the best tourists’ destination in Africa.

Abdallah said this in Abuja when the committee on the 2014 Osun Osogbo festival paid him a courtesy call.

He said that the groove would be developed to attract patronage by tourists from all over the world.

The director-general said that the commission was managing the site to ensure that it retained its pride on the UNESCO World Heritage List.

Abdallah said that the commission would involve the private sector in managing the site.

“We want to get the private sector involved in the management of the Osun Osogbo festival, also Sukur site in Adamawa so as to make them appealing to tourists.

“We want to also make the Osun Osogbo festival one of the best tourists’ destination in Africa and the commission will leave no stone unturned to achieve this noble project,’’ he said.

The director-general lauded the efforts of the Osun Osogbo festival committee in ensuring that the festival retained its pride of place among the Yorubas.

Abdallah said that the listing of Osun Osogbo festival on the World Heritage List had improved the image of the site.

He said that the participation of private sectors had equally made it gain a lot of attention.

Abdallah said that the site was not only about artifacts and monument but had also helped in enterprise development, which had provided employment for the people of Osun.

He said that this had reduced the level of poverty and helped to put food on the table of the people.

“The contributions of the festival have been very significant in the state,’’ he said.

The Principal Coordinator, Osun Osogbo Festival, Chief Jimoh Braimoh, commended the NCMM for maintaining the highest standard in the management of the groove.

Braimoh said that every family in Osun was committed to the festival, adding that both Muslims or Christian were usually involved in the success of the festival.

He said the groove had been modified to wearing a new look and called for proper funding to maintain the standard.

He said that the committee would not deviate from pursuing standard in the groove.

“We are looking forward to ensuring that Osun Osogbo gets better.

“We will not deviate from the normal thing that is required of us to do to ensure that the 2014 festival is a success,’’ Braimoh said.

VANGUARD

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun said on Wednesday that his administration was aimed at improving welfare packages of civil servants and creating more jobs, without any plan to retrench or sack any one.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment & Sanitation, Honourable Bola Ilori, on behalf of the governor, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Osogbo.

Ilori said,” With the ongoing rumors that the present administration would sack or retrenched civil servants, should be debunked and considered as mere tools being used by political opponents to lure electorates.”

He said,’’ Aregbesola had set up plans to recruit more civil servants in the state, with the establishment of more agencies and also improved welfare packages of staff.’’

“Looking at cocoa industry in Ede, the ultra modern Abattoir within the state, and other government establishment yet to be commissioned, shown that more jobs would be created.

“More agencies would be established, to monitor and ensure that the beautification and construction projects are maintained to international standards.” Ilori said.

According to Ilori, ‘’ The diversification of the economy had really made Osun to be recognized internationally and also regarded as the fast growing economy in Nigeria.’’

He said, ‘’ the present administration increased the number of staff from every sector of the economy, and also ensure that those at the grassroots were not denied the dividend of democracy.’’

The SA called on party faithful who are yet to get permanent voters’ card at their respective local governments, to collect their voters’ cards, in order not to be disenfranchised in the forthcoming August 9 governorship election.

He decried the negative effect of not collecting voters cards before the election date, and called on party supporters group within the wards, to enlightened and educate people on the essence of having their voters’ cards at hand.

Ilori, however, urged supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Osun and people of Osun, to come out en masse and also enjoined them to shun any act of violent, during and after the exercise.

NAN

One of the sons of the late Chief MKO Abiola, Mr Abul Abiola, yesterday, endorsed the second term bid of governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Addressing newsmen in Lagos, Abiola, who confessed that the endorsement was beyond partisan politics, said “Aregbesola has done what is in line with my father’s vision for education in Nigeria which is very germane to the development of any country.”

He said Aregbesola’s education policies “is not only amazing but a feat that is transforming Osun education to enable its students be part of the  global education/ computer age. The introduction of the free computer tablet which encompasses all the text books for all public secondary school students in Osun is highly commendable.”

According to him, for a state like Osun that is rated as 34th in education among states in Nigeria to come up with such programme is a feat.

Also, he said “I met with the governor on the ‘Well of Education’ computer tablet distribution and I was amazed at how easy it had become for the students to not only read all their textbooks but to also have them free. I was also humbled by his ability to merge the basic education in Osun with computer education.”

“Between now and 2018, Osun will become an ICT hob in Nigeria which is the dream of the governor”, Abiola said.

Parents have been advised to prevail on their children not to be used as political thugs before, during and after next month’s governorship election in Osun State.

The state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, gave the advice at the Church Service commemorating seventieth birthday of the Bishop of the Osogbo Methodist Diocese Church, Reverend John Adeleke Bamgboye.

The State Deputy Governor, who charged people of the state to be actively involved in the election by coming out to cast their votes for the governor of their choice, said voting power rests with the people and must be used judiciously to effect positive change in their lives, their children and generation unborn.

According to Laoye-Tomori, Christianity is a religion of peace which eschews bitterness, saying people of Christian faith should use the opportunity to elect a focused government that is poised at impacting positive changes in their lives, adding that ambition of any politician does not worth their blood.

She thereafter said the present administration in the state had in the last four years embarked on programmes that had better their lots, saying the best choice available to them is to re-elect such a government with a view to moving the State of Osun forward.

On the personality of Reverend Bamgboye, Mrs. Laoye-Tomori described the bishop as a wonderful man of God, exceptional and graceful leader, dedicated, faithful and devoted servant of God.

In his sermon, Bishop of Kwara Methodist Diocese, Reverend Obafemi Adeleye, described Bamgboye as an epitome to selfless service worthy of emulation.

He said the celebrant is a man of virtue that should be emulated by all and sundry who could give rise to a life of peace.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

The General Overseer of the Living Faith Church (aka Winners’ Chapel), Bishop David Oyedepo, on Wednesday said the infrastructural renewal, particularly the education revolution in Osun deserves global applause.

Bishop Oyedepo gave his assessment today in Osogbo when he paid a courtesy call on the Governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The cleric noted that any governance that is producing results and affecting the lives of vast majority of the people must be deeply appreciated.

The Bishop strongly appealed to stakeholders to always be at the vanguard of peaceful coexistence, noting that there is nothing like living in peace, working peace and promoting peace.

“There is nothing like peace in the whole world. We should always walk towards whatever will promote peace and peaceful coexistence among our people.

“Let us work for an atmosphere that encourages peace, which engenders growth and development. This is because life is all about promoting the wellbeing of the people.

“I deeply appreciate the infrastructural development. Besides, the education revolution is for us a great achievement.

“I can see the massive road construction going on. This is to the benefit of the people. No policy can remove the roads. I am very impressed,” Oyedepo said.

Responding, Governor Aregbesola disclosed that his administration has no political, religious or tribal preference.

Aregbesola stated that it is absolutely impossible for him to be a religious fundamentalist owing to his all-faith inclusive background.

He described as shocking and mischievous the erroneous tag ascribed to his administration as pro-Islamic faith.

Aregbesola averred that if there is any accusation anyone could level against him, it is that he has zero level tolerance for religious opportunism.

He stressed that he has always encouraged people to practise whatever faith they profess, even within his own immediate family.

“My upbringing in Yoruba setting has given no basis for religious antagonism and mutual distrust.

“It is impossible in Yoruba milieu not to imbibe the culture of accommodation, tolerance and understanding of the faith of others.

“I guide my faith as much as I fight for the protection of the faith of others. If anyone would accuse me at all, it should be that I have zero tolerance for fundamentalism.

“Therefore, my liberal disposition to religion is thus farther from the erroneous impression of being an Islamic extremist,” Aregbesola said.

Download inspiring Quotes about the Government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. This Quote is from Dr. Omololu Olunloyo, Former Governor, Oyo State. Visit the website at www.osun.gov.ng  or Twitter @stateofosun for more updates on the State of Osun and its projects.

Photos of the Governor,  State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, during the Bishop’s Visit to the Governor in Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) and Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, during the Bishop’s Visit to the Governor in Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) and Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, during the Bishop’s Visit to the Governor in Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

From left, Deputy Governor State of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Wife, Sherifat, during the Bishop’s Visit to the Governor in Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

From left, Deputy Governor State of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Wife, Sherifat, during the Bishop’s Visit to the Governor in Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

From left, Deputy Governor State of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Founder, Living Faith Church aka Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his Wife, Sherifat, during the Bishop’s Visit to the Governor in Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Osun State Commissioner for Youths, Sport and Special Needs,  Stephen Kola-Balogun, has raised alarm over the sale of Permanent Voter Cards (PVC) in exchange for money saying it is new approach to rig the forthcoming August 9 gubernatorial election in the state by some unscrupulous politicians.

Addressing newsmen in Osogbo over the senario, Kola-Balogun said the new approach adopted by the politicians is undemocratic, criminal and wicked.

While expressing concern over the alleged dubious act explained that collection of voter cards from youths and the elderly people by some politicians across the state should be discouraged.

He warned politicians to desist from such action or be ready to face the wrath of the law.

“It has come to his notice that some people are currently collecting voters cards of youths in exchanged for N10,000 while the elderly ones are being tricked to submit their voters card for peanut.

Kola-Balogun posited that selling and buying of voter cards is a new approach to rigging and must be discouraged for democracy to thrive.?

While calling on youths not to sell their future, Kola-Balogun called on law enforcement agents to investigate the matter and bring to book those found culpable.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

AS the activities marking this year’s celebration of Osun Osogbo Cultural Festival formally begins, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola and the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Larooye 11, have called on Nigerians to take advantage of the tourism potential of the cultural fiesta even as the state government targets its share of $4 billion tourism domestic market.

Speaking at the Festival Corporate Forum held in Lagos yesterday, the traditional ruler of Osogbo, who is the custodian and chief celebrant of the yearly festival, said the celebration has gone beyond a religious or cultural affair to that of tourism with the potential to bring about the economic development of the people.

It is for this reason, said the monarch, who spoke through Chief Jimoh Buraimoh, that the festival has continued to attract support with many activities built round it. ‘‘Essentially, these activities with other associated ones, are to springboard cultural tourism development in Osun State and generally in Nigeria,’’ he said.

Also speaking in the same vein, Aregbesola, who was represented at the occasion by his Senior Assistant on Tourism and Culture, Mr. Ladi Soyede, pointed out that it was because of the importance that the state government attached to tourism development that prompted its promotion of cultural events and other related activities in the state, Osun Osogbo Cultural Festival inclusive.

According to him, the huge investment and progress made by the government in the cultural sector in the last three years has impacted on the fortune of the festival as it has become the biggest festival in the country.

Soyede revealed that the festival last year recorded 21, 713 domestic visitors and 123 foreign tourists while the Abuja Carnival, the closet to it recorded 19, 015 domestic tourists and 113 foreign tourists.

He said that the target of the state government is to get its fair share of the estimated $4 billion domestic market and the $3 billion Diaspora market. To this end, he said that the government would double its effort at developing and promoting its cultural and tourism activities

TELEGRAPH

In the pursuit of the developmental agenda of the Aregbesola administration, various programmes and projects have been rolled out, such as support to farmers under which more than twelve thousand cooperative farmers have been supported to the tune of N753,260,000 and empowerment of over two thousand textile dealers  and three hundred and thirty-two textile dealers and 332 cocoyam off-takers with a combined sum of over. N233,000,000

Some of the Mini-Buses distributed to Members of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Cooperative Transporters of Nigeria, at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun. Insert: From left, Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his Wife, Sherifat; Member, House of Representatives representing Irewole/Ayedaade/Isokan Federal Constituency, Honourable Ayo Omidiran and Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Ismaila Alagbada on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Some of the Mini-Buses distributed to Members of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) and Cooperative Transporters of Nigeria, at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun. Insert: From left, Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his Wife, Sherifat; Member, House of Representatives representing Irewole/Ayedaade/Isokan Federal Constituency, Honourable Ayo Omidiran and Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Ismaila Alagbada on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right) handing-over key to one of the Mini-Buses to Zonal Chairman, Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Local governments, Alhaji Rauf Agboola (2nd left), during the distribution and Launching of Micro Credit Agency at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun. With them are, Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Ismaila Alagbada (right) and President, Cooperative Transporters, Alhaji Asimiyu Oladejo (left) on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) addressing the crowd, during the Launching of Micro Credit Agency and distribution of Mini-Buses to Cooperative Transporters and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) addressing the crowd, during the Launching of Micro Credit Agency and distribution of Mini-Buses to Cooperative Transporters and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014

From left, Deputy Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye; Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; his Wife, Sherifat; Member, House of Representatives representing Irewole/Ayedaade/Isokan Federal Constituency, Honourable Ayo Omidiran and Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Ismaila Alagbada, during the Launching of Micro Credit Agency and distribution of Mini-Buses to Cooperative Transporters and Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun on Wednesday 09-07-2014