Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has expressed his gratitude to the people of Osun state over their positive turnout and feedback at the Ipade Imole, assuring that actions are ongoing on the various recommendations and viewpoints from the people.
In an appreciation statement issued on Saturday, Governor Adeleke said he remain ever excited and encouraged by the positive review of his records of the last 11 months as well as the candid identification of areas of attention by the participants.
“It was a truly engaging four hours of interaction with people drawn from all walks of life. It is really gratifying that the event took place under a largely informal setting with mutual exchange of ideas between the people and their elected Governor. The formal barrier was removed and I was able to reach my people in heart to heart exchanges.
“I cherish the rare opportunity of a hall full to the brim listening attentively and contributing as to where our administration has done well and which areas we should place more emphasis on. The frank down to earth questions and comments further strengthen the resolve of our team to deliver more dividends of democracy and amends in areas of interest to the people.
“I thank our royal fathers, the representatives of various associations from students to civil society associations. The media particularly proves strong channels for ventilating our records. We pledge to remain accountable and responsive.
“I have subsequently directed my team to analyze the questionnaire from the participants and create a sectoral tracker. We will ensure action are taken in areas of weaknesses and strengthen areas of accolades. We must be able to show the people that Ipade Imole is not a mere jamboree.
“I have also directed my team to put up a website for Ipade Imole. All proceedings of the maiden edition must be documented and an interactive platform be created. In this digital age, my team will also set up a whatsapp chat room. I will be in that chat room as your Governor, we will ensure continuous interaction.
“Ipade Imole should be a continuous exercise. Before we meet physically again the feedback mechanism must be operational on a 24 hour basis”. the Governor was quoted as saying.
Governo Adeleke further implored various associations that participated at the event to be gracious enough to host a secondary Ipade Imole by briefing their groups’ general meeting on the maiden edition of the accountability platforms.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
To allow peace and order to reign, the two warring communities of Ifon and Ilobu have signed a peace agreement with the Osun state government to sheath their swords with immediate effect.
While welcoming the development as a good omen towards a near-lasting peace in the two communities, Osun state government reaffirmed its earlier stand that the 24-hour curfew put in place subsists.
For the past few days, the two hitherto peace-loving communities of Ifon and Ilobu had been embroiled in a communal conflict that had led to the wanton destruction of lives and properties, which informed the decision and subsequent directive by the Osun state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to impose a 24-hour curfew in the two communities.
Announcing the truce reached by the two communities on Friday night, Osun State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, on behalf of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke stated as follows:
That Ifon and Ilobu Communities of Orolu and Irepodun local governments respectively have agreed to sheath their swords with immediate effect following a signed Peace Agreement to stop the communal clashes.
That notwithstanding this cheering development, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke,the Executive Governor of Osun state in his capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the state directs that the 24-hour Curfew earlier imposed in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities be continued until further notice.
3. That the Peace pact agreement was arrived at during a stakeholders meeting held Friday night, between Osun state government and the leaders of the two warring communities.
4. That Osun state government delegation to the peace agreement was led by the state Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi alongside the Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, and other top government officials.
That Otun Olobu, Chief Jimoh Waliyu, the Esa of Ifon, Chief Babatunde Oyetunji and the representative of the third community of Olokanla, Mr Bashiru Azeez, with two other representatives from each of the community, signed the peace agreement on behalf of their communities.
6. That Governor Ademola Adeleke commended the resolve by the warring communities in putting pen on paper to say No To War and Yes To Peace in Ifon, Ilobu and Olokanla communities.
7. That with the peace agreement reached, the 24-hour curfew should continue till a total restoration of peace, law and order in the communities, must have been seen to have returned totally.
8. That anyone or group of persons found or caught doing or saying anything contrary to the peace agreement would be prosecuted in line with the dictate of the law accordingly.
9. That strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities subsists, until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
That officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps and other security agents, as directed by His Excellency, are to remain on the 24-hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace.
11. That as a government, the present administration will not stop at doing anything as enshrined in the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments and by extension, Osun state in general.
12. That Osun state government appreciates the leadership of Ifon and Ilobu communities as well as Olokanla for the signing of the peace agreement.
13.That, Osun state government, for the umpteenth time commiserates with the families of victims of the communal clashes, who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment, Osun state.
Oftentimes, we relish the progress in advanced societies and hope that similar experience be replicable here. As good as those thoughts usually are, we do miss one critical factor, and that is the existence of a proper feedback mechanism that is applicable in those environments that primarily account for the growth and developments we see and cherished.
Accountability and transparency is the heart of good governance. If government is about the people, it is incumbent that they are carried along in the administration of their affairs. This plain logic is what drives the incredible progress we see and cherish in society that embraced accountability and transparency in governance.
And fortune enough for Osun state, this same philosophy defines the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke. From the outset of his administration, Governor Adeleke was pointedly clear that he will be different. Unlike his predecessor who spent most of his time in office evading giving account of stewardship to the people, Governor Adeleke embraced it as the needed catalyst to achieve the needed progress for the state.
Early into his administration, Governor Adeleke did the usual by opening up the financial books of the state to the people through traditional rulers in the state. It was a move that provided a clear understanding of the financial situation of the state to the people, demonstrating a major shift away from the opaqueness and secrecy that defined the past in the administration of the state.
It was in furtherance of his commitment to transparency and accountability that Governor Adeleke hosted Ipade Imole on Thursday October 5, 2023. Just as the name implies, Ipade Imole was a gathering of stakeholders that cut across every segment of the Osun society. It was a platform for the Governor to render accounts of his stewardship to the people and also receive feedback from the public.
“Ipade Imole will be a quarterly event. We have to let Osun people know how we are expending their money,” Governor Adeleke disclosed at the event which held at the Aurora event centre in Osogbo, before going on to add that “At this meeting, you can ask any question and we will answer you. You put us in this position.”
And true to his assurance, the Governor provided a detailed overview of the activities of his administration since he assumed office on November 27, 2022. This began with a 45-minute documentary of programmes, interventions and policies executed by the Adeleke administration under 10 months, providing pictures and videos evidence of the monumental achievements that Governor Adeleke recorded in the various sectors during the period under review.
What followed was even more encompassing, as the Governor’s speech outlined not just what has been done or currently ongoing, but also future plans of the administration in delivering for the people. Remarkably, the Governor made it abundantly clear that “this administration has not and will not borrow to fund ongoing infrastructure upgrades. From bridges to dualisation of existing roads among other infrastructures, we are pursuing value for money and public private partnership. Our financial plan is sustainable.”
Also, Governor Adeleke elaborately answered questions on the costing of projects executed by his administration, particularly providing clarity that against the erroneous cost of N14 million per borehole quoted by the opposition, each of the borehole in the 332 wards across Osun state cost the government N1.5 million. This disclosure on the cost per borehole, not only deflate the circle of lies of the All Progressives Congress (APC), but also underscored the financial prudence in the Adeleke administration. Because, similar project under the Oyetola administration was done at a cost of N1.925 million per borehole, even though, none of it came with a generator set as it is the case with the one executed by the Adeleke administration.
Away from this is the recurring questions on the whereabouts of the N2 billion palliative fund received by the State Government from the Federal Government. For some weeks now, the APC had mischievously created an impression of abuse and misapplication. But Governor Adeleke defused the main opposition ignoble narrative, pointedly noting that the N2bn is safe and will be applied for the benefit of the people of the state.
Governor Adeleke explained to the people that his government is careful not to repeat the mistake of the previous government that dragged the state into financial mess that it is struggling with at the moment, hence, not rushing the application of the palliative fund. “The N2 billion palliative fund by the Federal Government will be spent on three projects. One of them is the purchase of additional buses to complement the buses in the pool of the state, which has been repaired and soon to be unveiled for use,” he disclosed.
The two other projects to be funded from the palliative fund, as disclosed by the Governor, is the rehabilitation of health centres in the state and the purchase of food items for distribution to the people of the state. Not only did this erase the erroneous conclusion of the APC on the fund, Governor Adeleke was able to stress the commitment of his administration to allocate resources for meaningful interventions.
This is further evident in the disclosure of the Governor that the state is in receipt of N7 billion refund from the federal government for projects executed by State Government on its behalf and that it will be used solely to fund infrastructural projects across the state. In the past, refund to the state from the central government is usually shrouded in controversy going by the lack of openness and transparency by the previous government. Governor Adeleke did not only disclosed the received fund, but also provided clear direction on how and on what it will be utilized.
Projects ranging from the dualisation of at least two roads in each senatorial district, construction of flyovers in Osogbo and some other towns, installation of streetlights on newly constructed roads, fresh installation of boreholes in the 332 wards, Imole Housing Estate at 500 units in each federal constituency and Imole Transport service outlined by the Governor are likely to benefit from the fund.
However, the highlight of the Ipade Imole was the moment when Governor Adeleke disclosed that he has not accessed security votes as it is the practice with his predecessors. Governor Adeleke said his decision not to access monthly security votes is on principle and a personal sacrifice for the state, noting that “I do not take security votes which my predecessors do take. I said the money should be used for the good of the people.” This disclosure is a further affirmation of Governor Adeleke’s commitment to the service of the people, and not about self benefit. For a Governor to sacrifice at least N500 million every month, which utilization is hardly questioned, showed how passionate he’s about progressing the state.
Sarafa Ibrahim is the Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor on Print Media.
…Takes immediate possession of the Disputed Lands/Areas
OSOGBO – 6/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng
Sequel to the on going communal clashes between Ifon and Ilobu communities, leading to the loss of lives and properties, Osun state government has directed that a 24-hour curfew commences with immediate effect in the two communities.
The curfew is with a view to forestalling further breakdown of law and order in the hitherto two peaceful and law abiding communities.
A statement in respect in respect of the unfortunate development as released by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi on behalf of His Excellency,the Executive Governor of Osun state ,Senator Ademola Adeleke reads as follows:
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that a 24 hour Curfew begins in Orolu and Irepodun local governments housing Ifon and Ilobu communities with immediate effect .
To maintain a lasting peace and order pending when the issues at hand would be amicably resolved, Governor Ademola Adeleke in his executive capacity as the Chief Security Officer of the State,has ordered the immediate take over of the disputed lands/areas by his administration.
In the same vein, government has ordered that anyone or group of persons found or seen doing one thing or the other on the disputed lands/ areas would be made to face the full wrath of the law, accordingly ,by Osun state government .
Therefore,in strict compliance with the 24 hour curfew now imposed , Adeleke administration has also ordered strict restriction of both human and vehicular movements in the affected areas and communities,until otherwise directed by His Excellency, the state Governor and the Chief Security Officer of Osun state.
Accordingly, officers of the Joint Security Task Force comprising, the Nigerian Army, Police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defense Corps have been directed by His Excellency, to be on a 24 hour surveillance of the two communities with a view to ensuring a lasting peace .
As a government,the present administration has the obligation as conferred on it by the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, to protect the lives and properties of the people of Orolu and Irepodun local governments and by extension, Osun state in general.
The present administration will ,not in anyway be a party to compromising any action or utterances that will mortgage the peace and order currently holding sway in Osun state since the inception of the present administration in the last one year.
While commiserating with the affected families of those who lost their lives in the wake of the recent crisis, the present administration is still reiterating the need for peace and order to be restored in the two concerned local governments.
Maintaining peace and order is our collective responsibility in Osun state.
Signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment, Osun state.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has described his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi as a loyal and efficient associate in the struggle to deliver good governance in Osun state.
In a congratulatory message he personally signed, the State Governor said Prince Adewusi has demonstrated firm commitment to smooth leadership relationships and a supportive platform in the day to day running of the state.
According to the Governor, the birthday is an opportunity to give thanks to God for sustaining the state leadership through the turbulence of the past and for the guidance through the prospects and opportunities of today and tomorrow.
” I felicitate with my brother on this auspicious occasion. He is a wonderful partner in progress. I pray that the good Lord bless his new age and confer him with even more deeper insights and wisdom as we jointly serve our people.
” Happy birthday brother. Enjoy your day”, the Governor concluded.
Signed HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State.
Governor Adeleke Inaugurates Osun Airport Committee, Says Flight Link Will Improve Osun Economy
OSOGBO – 04/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his resolve to complete the Osun Airport as a way of fast tracking the economic development of Osun state.
He spoke on Tuesday evening at the inauguration of the Inter-Ministerial Committee on the revival of the airport project headed by the Commissioner for Special Duties, Dr Bashiru Salami.
The Governor noted as follows: “The project as we all know has been overshadowed by a lot of controversy. I am determined to solve the riddle and give Osun a befitting airport. It is regrettable that of all the South West states, only Osun has no airport. If we are to jumpstart our economy, we need to address the issue of connectivity. Osun as a solid mineral state with two free trade zones and multiple tertiary institutions deserves a flight link.
“My team postulated and rightly so that having an airport will accelerate the economic revival of Osun state. I however seek an in depth technical plan to study the entire project, develop and ensure the implementation and actualisation of the plan.
“I assemble this inter-ministerial committee members to cover all requisite areas. You are to review the past, design for the present and implement for the future. You have the mandate of the Osun state government to invite all relevant stakeholders for submissions. Your mandate is not only to identify the problem areas ; you are to proffer actionable solutions.
” I also use this opportunity to call on partners and others involved in this project to cooperate with this standing committee. Our administration has the political will to push through this project. I need committee members to be innovative and come up with ideas for a sustainable multiple purpose airport”, the Governor reiterated.
Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Dr Salami assured the Governor of the preparedness of the members to work diligently for the realization of the assignment.
” We know how important this project is to the state. We assure Mr Governor that we will set to work immediately as directed.
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor
Communal Clash: Curfew Continues in Orolu & Irepodun LGs
OSOGBO – 4/10/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng
Regarding the curfew put in place because of the communal clash between Ilobu and Ifon communities, Osun state government has directed that the curfew continues in order to maintain law and order in the affected communities.
The notice of curfew conveyed by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Hon Kolapo Alimi reads as follows:
Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed that the Curfew placed on Orolu and Irepodun local governments continues.
The Curfew time has now changed to the hours of 6pm every night, and 6am in the morning. Human and vehicular movement is to be restricted during the curfew till further notice.
This is to forestall attempts of destruction of lives and properties during this period, because of the land dispute.
Anyone caught wandering or moving around in Irepodun and Orolu local governments during the curfew period will be arrested and prosecuted appropriately.
Governor Ademola Adeleke reiterates the need for peace between these two local governments, and asked that the ethos of Peace, Love and Unity which the state is known for, be imbibed.
Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi
Commissioner for Information
And Public Enlightenment.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Sen. Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has on Tuesday welcomed Chinese foreign technical delegation led by Carbon54 Limited to further deepen his industrialisation drive in the State.
The Governor also assured the people of Osun State that the Free Trade Zone, which has been abandoned for years, will soon be resuscitated by his administration.
Carbon54 Limited has concluded arrangements to invest in exploration, extraction, processing and supply chain management (export) of new energy metals including hard rock lithium (spodumene), in Osun State.
The investors are seeking to secure exploration and mining licenses for lithium deposits across the State and are also planning to attract further foreign investment and collaboration in the State by setting up solar mini grids and Energy Storage Systems (ESS) to power industrial development in Osun State.
Presenting the investors to the Governor, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo explained that Carbon54 and their foreign technical partners partner’s objective is to boost Osun State Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and create jobs by driving the State’s economic diversification, boosting energy capacity and industrialisation transition through extensive lithium ore extraction, processing of lithium concentrate, lithium exports, solar mini grids for power generation, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), solar portable power generators and charging stations for SMEs as Osun State continues to cushion the energy transition post fuel subsidy removal.
He emphasised that other states within the federation wanted to hijack the Chinese investors but for the tenacity of the governor, who assured the partners that Osun State is strategically positioned to become the new hub of industrial manufacturing activity in Nigeria due to its solid mineral resources, human intellectual capital, the existing power infrastructure and business enabling environment policies enacted by the Governor’s Administration.
Carbon54 Limited will be attracting foreign investment and technical partners to upgrade the Living Spring Free Trade Zone to a Sustainable Green Economic Zone through a PPP vessel. The Free Trade Zone will serve as the new hub of industrialisation in Nigeria powered by clean energy while accommodating solid mineral treatment and refinery facilities, battery and electronic manufacturing facilities, assembly plants for automobiles, buses and solar generators, agro-allied industries, food processing and preservation facilities, textile manufacturing factories amongst others.
While speaking, Mrs Zheng who expressed her happiness also reassured the governor of their readiness to provide technical expertise and support of their company towards Osun State’s industrial drive in the areas of lithium value chain, battery technology, renewable energy, Energy Storage Systems (ESS), Smart hardware, intelligent manufacturing (Automation), Industrial Internet to boost the digital economy, technology transfer, and skills acquisition and training initiatives at the Technology Incubation Centre located at the Living Spring Free Trade Zone.
This by implications, will boost the economic profile of the state and create jobs and improve technical competence of youths in the state.
Earlier, the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Jenyo had taken the Carbon54 led delegation around the Free Trade Zone, Ede and the Central Power Station, Powerline, Osogbo for on-site assessment of the area and facilities.
Receiving the Commissioner and his team in his office, the Principal Manager Transmission, Engr. Lade S. O. A. also assured the investors of the enabling environment, human and natural resources and peace in the state as the cardinal principles of business growth and genuine industrialisation.
The President, Osun State Chambers of Commerce, mines and agriculture, Dr. Olu Olujide who recognized the governor as a lover of local content, urged his administration to promote investment in palm oil and palm kernel oil processing, rice milling, animal feed milling and cassava processing.
According to him “the Osun Trade Fair is one of the sustainable platforms to promote economic development of Osun State. The 2023 edition scheduled to hold between Thursday 16th to Tuesday 28th November 2023 is indeed a trade promotion platform which goes in line with Osun Government policy of promoting Trade Investments in the state”.
“The fair will showcase the abundance of Osun agricultural products with value chain, plenthora of mineral resources, and general goods and services produced in the state”, Dr. Olujide stated.
The delegation of the foreign investors include the former Deputy Head of Mission at the Nigerian Embassy in Beijing, Ambassador Ademola Oladele, Managing Director of Carbon54 Limited, Prince Ademola J. Oladele, Mrs Alice Zheng and Mr. Daniel Yang.
… I will work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the affirmation of this agenda -Osun Gov’s Wife
Osun state government under the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke is set to enact modalities to give six months maternity leave for nursing mothers in government workplaces.
This was made known today by the Special Adviser on Public Health to the Executive Governor of Osun State, Dr Akindele Adekunle at the one day symposium on celebrating enabling breastfeeding environment for working mothers held at the local government service commission, Abeere.
Dr Akindele stated that in line with the W.H.O recommendations and in concerted effort with the Wives of Nigerian Governor’s Forum advocacy for approval of six months paid maternity leave for nursing mothers, Governor Adeleke is set to send a bill to the House of Assembly and domesticate enabling laws to this effect.
” I’m happy to inform all our nursing mothers in our different offices that as a listening and people loving Governor, His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has promised to send a bill to the House of Assembly to enact enabling laws to make maternity leave six months for nursing mothers in a bid to allow them to be able to tend to their babies and encourage them to breastfeed their babies exclusively for six months as recommended by the W.H.O”
” But i will plead and advise this gathering and the entire public that whenever there’s any public hearing by the House of Assembly concerning the bill, all stakeholders must raise their voice in support of the bill.”
Dr Akindele further assured of the governor’s readiness to carry out a face-lift of the primary and secondary health facilities across the length and breath of Osun State.
” Let me also state that, in the effort of the current administration to ensure profound infrastructural face-lift across the length and breath of the state and the committment of Governor Ademola Adeleke to revamp the health sector, our government will soon commence the infrastructural face lift of our primary and secondary health care facilities across the 30 local government and area councils and this, is in addition to other robust health palliatives already being planned for the good people of Osun State by the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke.”
Dr Akindele applauds all the development partners for their efforts in supporting various health initiatives in the state and equally appreciated the office of the wife of the Governor for her concerns for the health of the state and the role she’s playing that Osun comes first in the comity of states when it comes to health matters.
The Wife of the Governor who doubles as N.E.T Ambassador, Chief Mrs Titilola Adeleke also affirmed her readiness to advocate and work with relevant stakeholders to ensure the realisation of the agenda.
” I use this medium to tell this gathering that I am committed and will work tiredlessly with other critical stakeholders to ensure the approval of six months paid maternity leaves and other favourable maternal policies for working mothers in the state ” The Governor’s wife stated.
Dignitaries at the event include the Wife of the Speaker, Mrs Monsurat Egbedun, Chairman House Committee on Health, Hon Kashope, Hon Ibrahim Inaolaji of Irewole State Constituency, Wife of the Head of Service, Dr.(Mrs) Moji Aina, Chairman Primary Health Care Board, Alhaji Tajudeen Adisa, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Health, Dr Isiaka Adekunle, ES OSPHCDB, Dr Fabiyi, State Women Leader of PDP, Mrs Otunla, Director of Public, Dr Bello, Representatives of Development Partners (WHO, UNICEF, HFDI etc) among other political functionaries and career heads at the event.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has rejoiced with the lawmaker representing Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore in the House of Representatives, Honourable Bamidele Salam, on the occasion of his birthday, describing him as a great asset in the new Osun State his administration is working towards.
Governor Adeleke who hailed Hon. Salam for his passionate commitment to improving lives, which is manifest in impactful representation over the years, noted in a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that the Awo-born legislator is a true representative of the people.
While acknowledging Hon. Salam’s intellectual prowess, noticeable in the quality of legislations he had advanced for the benefits of constituents and Nigeria as a whole, Governor Adeleke said the lawmaker continue to justify the huge expectations reposed in him by the electorate.
“I like to extend my warmest congratulations to Hon. Bamidele Salam on the auspicious occasion of his birthday today. Hon. Salam is a unique personality, who has over the years distinguished himself as a true servant of the people,” Governor Adeleke was quoted to have said in a congratulatory message.
“Hon. Salam is a huge blessing to Osun State, particularly in Ede North/Ede South/Ejigbo/Egbedore federal constituency, where as our representative in the last five years, has pursued meaningful development through legislations and facilitating interventions.”
Governor Adeleke prayed for God’s continued guidance and strength for Hon. Salam so that he can continue to make a positive difference in the lives of people through legislations and beyond.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
