NEWS RELEASE

Governor Adeleke Salutes Founding Fathers, As Osun Marks 32nd Anniversary*

● Governor Adeleke: Osun Is Ready To Harness State’s Economic Potentials

● Digital Ecosystem, Infrastructure Upgrade, Tourism And Education Potentials From Gov’s Anniversary Address

OSOGBO – 27/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Sunday acknowledged the unforgettable determination of the founding fathers of Osun State which culminated into creation of the state on August 27, 1991 by the then Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.

In a statewide address Sunday morning, Governor Adeleke recalled the selfless and long suffering efforts of the state founding fathers, which he said predated the nation’s independence and only came to fruition in 1991 with Osogbo as the state capital.

Governor Adeleke’s address was centered majorly on the solutions and positive approach of the state government to consolidate on the positive strides the state has recorded in the past three decades while pledging to pull resources together to strengthen state assets and tackle all setbacks.

“Osun has been growing from strength to strength. We have achieved a lot under our five-point agenda on workers welfare, gratuities and pension; education, affordable health care, state and social security and human capital development has yielded a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to the growth of our state and the nation” Governor Adeleke Stated.

The widely loved Osun helmsman reiterated the commitment of his administration to apply technological innovations in pursuit of workable industrial growth, education advancement and building of a sustainable commonwealth, amongst several sectors requiring government intervention.

He further called for the support of the people of the state as he strives to achieve dreams of the state’s founding fathers,

“We recognise the challenges facing our state. We regard developmental setbacks as tools to resolution of societal problems. I don’t want to report problems but solutions to our common setbacks”

Some of the key areas of priority, according to Governor Adeleke include:

● Strengthening the state’s transportation networks, energy systems, and digital connectivity which are primed to attract investment, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for the citizens.

• Continued emphasis on modernizing agricultural practices, supporting farmers with training and access to markets, in order to enhance food security and drive economic growth.
• Nurturing a culture of learning and innovation through improved educational facilities and partnerships with research institutions to fuel emergence of a knowledge-based economy.
• Leveraging on cultural heritage and natural endowments to develop sustainable tourism which in turn is expected to that create jobs and stimulate local economies.
• Providing financial incentives, technical assistance, and access to markets for SMEs to foster entrepreneurship and diversify the state’s economic base, amongst others.

Governor Adeleke described the 32nd anniversary of the State’s creation as a veritable avenue to remind surviving stakeholders in the state of the shared commitment to progress and development, embracing areas of one another’s strengths, addressing weaknesses and confronting threats.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

OSOGBO -25/08/2023 osunstate.gov.ng.gov.ng

Democracy can only survive in Africa when leaders allow free and fair elections and elected leaders serve the interest of the citizenry, Osun State Governor , Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared.

He made the assertion at a three day executive retreat organised by the African office of the United Nations Development Programme ongoing at Kigali, the capital of Rwanda.

Speaking as part of 16 state governors who attended the retreat, Governor Adeleke attributed challenges facing democracy in Africa to the refusal of elected officials to deploy state power in service of the people and a follow up trend of resisting free and fair electoral process.

While advancing the importance of due process and rule of law for democratic survival , the Osun state chief executive noted that leadership positions should be seen as a tool for service to the people , urging leaders to have fear of God as foundation for leadership success.

” I am glad to be here. Permit me to call on leaders in and out of here that we must allow democracy to work. We are products of the democratic process . So we should allow free and fair elections.

” Our people put us here . So we must serve their interest. If we fail to serve their interest , we must accept when we are voted out. Once we are elected , we must be on our toes and make a difference.That is how democracy can thrive.

” Democracy in whatever form must bring development. If democracy does not produce development , there will be problems with the system. I love what I see in Rwanda. There are serious lessons to learn.

” I try to practice what I preach. In Osun state, I govern with an eye on rule of law and due process. I know developed nations got to where they are today because they allowed democracy to function, they embraced rule of law.

” Let me also add that the citizens too must play their parts. The citizenry must be active and defend the electoral process. The people must rise to ensure free and fair elections.

“We will learn a lot here. We will exchange notes. We will be better leaders”, he told the gathering

A continental leader, Donald Kaberuka, in his submission emphasized the essence of contemporary leadership in a rapidly changing world.

According to him, legal compliance, legitimacy, and empathy are pivotal attributes, calling for fair governance as a central theme and stressing the importance of inclusive leadership.

Governors from Nigeria who attended the retreat include those of Oyo, Abia, Anambra, Benue, Cross River (represented by the Deputy Governor) ,Delta, Ekiti, Enugu, Jigawa, Kaduna, Lagos, Niger, Nassarawa, Taraba, Sokoto (represented by the Deputy Governor) and Zamfara

Special Guests include Mohammed Yahya, Nigeria Country Head for UNDP, who provided insights on technical capacities such as AI and Climate Change.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor.

• Pledges support of Canada Government to Osun on Climate Change

OSOGBO- 22/08/2023– osunstate.gov.ng

High Commissioner to Nigeria, James Christoff, on Tuesday stated that he is impressed with the focus and performance of the Ademola Adeleke led Osun State Government adding that Governor Adeleke should be commended for his effort in the improvement of the mining sector.

The High Commissioner who is on a visit to the historic and tourist centres in Osun stated this at the Government Secretariat, Osogbo stressing that the framework for a beneficial relationship between Canada Government and Osun would be worked upon.

Chirstoff who spoke on how Canada can support Osun on Culture, Tourism, Global Investment and mining stressed further that Osun state government should be commended for its effort on Climate Change adding that other states in Nigeria are looking to emulate Osun in that regard.

He said, “I’m impressed with the focus of the Governor, and everybody who is working with him, the Deputy Governor and Secretary to the State Government and every other persons who have made presentations earlier .

“There is a lot of talent here, and I think is high time investors started looking at coming down to Nigeria and Osun to see for themselves what I have seen since I got here yesterday.

“In the areas of culture, tourism, global investment and mining there is so much that we are doing in Canada and we can create an opportunity for partnership, like its been said in all the presentations.

“In the area of mining, Governor Adeleke should be commended for the improvement made on mining regulations and also in the mining sector of the state and also in Climate Change, thank you for taking the lead, I am sure all the other states are looking at taking the same steps”.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, the Deputy Governor of Osun State urged the High Commissioner and his team to ensure that the relationship that is about to be created is not left to rotten away and should be built upon with continuous communication.

He stressed further that the doors of Osun state government is open to global investors for collaborations and partnerships adding that a fair and leveled playing ground as well as adequate security will be provided.

“Please I want to urge the High Commissioner and his team to ensure that this relationship we are building today doesn’t just end at the visit but we build upon it by communicating regularly such that results are seen in terms of partnership and collaboration between the Osun state government and Canadian Government.

“Being a new administration, the door of Osun state is open to foreign and global investors and I can assure you that a fair and leveled playing ground as well as adequate security will be provided to all Investors”, he said.

Earlier in the meeting, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism- Hon Abiodun Ojo; Commission for Agriculture- Hon Tola Faseru; Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Communication and Technology- Hon Maruff Ayodele Ayofe; Special Adviser Global Investment to the Governor- Hon Yemi Owolade and Special Adviser to the Governor on Mining and minerals resources- Prof Lukman Jimoda had made series of presentations to detail the areas of opportunity for investment in Osun state.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Osun state Governor.

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO- 19/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved Monday, the 21st day of August 2023 as a public holiday in commemoration of the annual Isese Day celebration by the traditional religious worshippers .

This is contained in a statement issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi.

The statement on behalf of the State Governor reads as follows:

” I have the honour and privilege to convey the compliment and best wishes of the Executive Governor of Osun state, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke to all traditional religion worshippers in Osun state on the occasion of this year’s 2023 Isese Day celebrations coming up tomorrow 20th August, 2023.

” As a government that promotes oneness, unity and religious harmony between the practitioners of different religions in Osun state , Mr Governor has approved, Monday,the 21st of August 2023 as a Public Holiday throughout the state.

“Finally ,Mr Governor while congratulating all traditional religion worshippers and wishing them happy celebrations on this occasion , also wishes to implore them to make the occasion not only peaceful and fun-filled but another opportunity to pray for the government and good people of Osun state.

“The state government wishes Isese adherents a peaceful and rewarding celebration”, the statement from the honourable Commissioner concludes.

Signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Hon Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 18/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

This is to inform the general public that the Osun state government will issue template for the distribution of rice palliatives, once last trailer containing 600 bags is delivered.

The government has so far received 4 trailers, making a total of 2400 bags, which were delivered last week and the last batch is expected any moment from now.

The government is already preparing template for distribution across the state, which will be released in the new week.

Members of the public are informed that the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke will ensure equitable distribution to all sections and sectors of the society.

We urge the public to ignore any insinuation. This government of the people, by the people and for the people.

Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Spokesperson to the Osun state Governor

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 18/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The attention of the Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has been drawn to a deliberate, mischievous misrepresentation and misinterpretation of the appointments of Senior Special Assistant on Government House Pool and Oranmiyan new town.

We appreciate those who truly need to be educated on the appointments. We also commend those who have personally and collectively explained the role of the two offices to the members of the public. It is true some people are truly ignorant of the offices.

We also note that some people are simply mischievous and deliberately twisting facts for political reasons. Those critics are those seeking to gain political capital out of nothing by making mountains out of molehills.

We therefore seek to clarify that Government House Pool is a term referring to the transport unit of Government House. The section deals with drivers and vehicles within the Government House. The office , a creation of the previous governments of the All Progressive Congress(APC) has been in existence for the past twelve or so years.

Members of the public are aware that there are hundreds of drivers and vehicles (both old and new) in the Government House. In the interest of sustainable management of those assets, an SSA is appointed to coordinate and even oversee activities and operations in that sector.

We also wish to note and clarify another misrepresentation on the appointment of an SSA for Oranmiyan town. Again, the previous APC Government created a diaspora estate programme involving a new settlement named Oranmiyan new town. There is actually a new town development body. The newly appointed SSA is charged with ensuring achievement of government goals in those areas, especially ensuring protection of investment of Diasporans.

The two appointments are therefore necessary and required. They were never frivolous jobs for the boys as some partisan critics have termed it. While those offices were inherited, it is also worthy of note to state that Governor Adeleke has demonstrated strong will to retain what is good and jettison what is bad.

In the two cases under consideration, the two offices are necessary to protect and effectively manage public and private assets.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO -17/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has congratulated former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on his deployment as the Transportation Minister even as he directed the state Commissioner for Transport to prepare a plan of action to rehabilitate railway tracks across Osun state.

In a statement issued on Thursday, Governor Adeleke described Oyetola’s appointment as a positive development for Osun state , urging the former Governor to use his office to support the growth and development of Osun State.

” I congratulate my brother , Mr Oyetola. We rejoice with him.and his family on this new national assignment. As I have always extended hands of fellowship to him, I am doing the same now as we have a people to support and develop.

” Aside from offering our support to Mr Oyetola during the ministerial screening exercise, I am doing the same now by offering our prayers for a successful tenure. I call for developmental partnership between the state and the Federal Government.

” I am also directing the Commissioner for Transport to draw up a plan for the rehabilitation of the railway track from Ibadan end to Osun border with Kwara state. We hope to ensure the track is in good shape as the railway is now under concurrent legislative list.

“We plan for a railroad link to the national track line in the near future. Such a short railroad may originate from Ijeshaland to link the national line. Another from each of the two senatorial districts, serving the agricultural haulage with connection to our oncoming cargo airport.

” My team is also tinkering with the idea of a circular metro railway cycling Osun state. This will be strictly private sector driven. The idea is to transform Osun into a deeply economically connected state.

” I invite the new Transportation minister to join this big dream of mine, especially as the railway is under his portfolio. Osun is ready for partnership”, the state Governor noted.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

OSOGBO – 17/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The Attention of Osun state Government has been drawn to a malicious statement written by the opposition tagged “Osun APC TO ADELEKE: Stop Hoarding FG Rice Palliatives for Citizenry.”

The release is purely propaganda by mischief makers in the state.

In a release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the state government informed members of the public that the Federal government approved a total of three thousand bags of rice palliatives to Osun state.

Six hundred bags were loaded per each truck and disbursed through four trailers: making two thousand and four hundred received so far. Out of the five trailers of bags of rice palliative to the state, we are waiting for the completion of the palliative supply before the announcement and distribution.

Members of the public are also informed that the Commissioner of Ministry of Special Duties, Dr B.T Salaam has received four out of the five trailers and the state is awaiting the last batch of six hundred bags of rice palliatives, to complete the three thousand bags earmarked for the state.

The release added that, since receiving the initial bags of rice palliatives, the government through special duties has fashioned out modalities and templates on the distribution of the palliatives.

According to him, “Governor Ademola Adeleke is a passionate and accountable governor who will never hurt or deprive the citizenry of its palliative. The governor is concerned about the welfare of the populace, and will not fail in its delivery.”

“Cushioning the effect of the subsidy is a necessity, our government will not withhold what belongs to the citizenry from them.

“The rice palliatives will be distributed as soon as the last tranche comes into the state by today or tomorrow.

“We assure the good people of Osun that the government of Ademola Adeleke will not deny them of the rice palliatives, and we urge all to disregard the propaganda of the APC.

“This government is a responsible one, we are not hoarding the rice palliatives but waiting for the supply to be completed by the agency of the federal government before we commence distribution.

“Osun people know that the Adeleke family even before being elected into office has always shared thousands of bags of rice to the populace during an emergency. Now in Government, this administration can never and will never divert 2hat belongs to the people”, Hon Alimi stated.

Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Commissioner for Information
And Public Enlightenment.

NEWS RELEASE

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO – 16/08/2023 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has issued five point admonitions to newly inaugurated local government Caretaker Chairmen, directing them to compete through developmental initiatives for their various areas.

Inaugurating the Caretaker Chairpersons in Osogbo on Wednesday, Governor Adeleke who justified his action on the need to fill an existing vacuum at the Local level said his government has kickstarted a process that will produce a democratically elected local government system in the nearest future.

He reminded the public that his administration came on board at a time of constitutional crisis at the Local Government level, noting that “The previous government had grossly violated the constitution and the law by holding Kangaroo local government elections after its defeat.

“Rather than complying with the specific provisions of the law, my predecessor ordered a sham election , creating legal conflict and wastage of billions of taxpayers money.

“Our administration adopted legal routes to dismantle the inherited illegality. And as a government committed to upholding the constitution, we have mapped out a sustainable process that will fully restore normalcy to the local government system”, he affirmed.

The Governor who proceeded to charge the new Chairmen on five areas said the mandate they have is to compete in the arena of grassroots programmes and projects that positively affect our people.

“As you are taking office today, you are to take note of the following :

“You and your team must fashion out a local copy of the five point agenda for implementation in your local government. This will help to deepen the reach and touch of our administration across the state;

“You can also make a difference by developing local development plans for your local areas. This will help to take care of your local peculiarities;

“Your leadership must remain closely in touch with the people. You must ensure inclusive government that carry along people from voting units to ward and local government areas;

“Intergovernmental Relations is also critical. You are not an island on your own, so you must be attentive to demands of coordination with the state and national bodies;

“Very important is the issue of financial discipline. This is not the time to marry a second or third wife. This is a time of financial prudence. Anyone found engaging in corrupt practices will be severely sanctioned”, the Governor noted.

Responding, Hon Sarafa Awotunde (Spain), Chairman for Ifelodun Local Government who responded on behalf of the Chairmen promised to focus on grassroots development in line with the five point agenda of the Governor.

Awotunde who conveyed gratitude to the Governor and other leaders said the Chairmen will ensure that the admonitions of the Governor are reflected and manifested.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor