OSOGBO-20/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has hailed the appointments of Major T. A Lagbaja as the Chief of Army Staff and Bashir Adewale Adeniyi as the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service as recognition of capacity and outstanding track records.

The governor who welcomed the elevation of the two indigenes of Osun state as a great honour, appreciated President Bola Tinubu for trusting the duo with those important roles.

In a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Governor Adeleke said Major Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi are pride of the state, expressing strong belief in their capacity to deliver on their assigned mandates. 

Eulogizing the two agency heads as men of thoroughbred professionals, Governor Adeleke said the records of General Lagbaja and Mr Adeniyi in their respective services are assuring that they will take their organizations to greater levels of efficiency and optimal performance in the discharge of their constitutional duties.

“I heartily congratulate Major T. A Lagbaja and CG Bashir Adewale Adeniyi on their appointments as the Chief of Army Staff and the acting Comptroller-General of the Nigeria Customs Service by President Bola Tinubu,” the statement noted.

“Their elevation is by every means a great feat for us in Osun state, and on behalf of the good people of this state, I want to sincerely appreciate President Tinubu for counting these two indigenes worthy for the positions. It is a proud moment for us, and I recognize this huge honour done to us as a state.

“Looking at the impressive service records of General Lagbaja and CG Adeniyi, I share the overwhelming expectations that counted for their elevations and believe they will excel in their new roles.”

The Governor assured the two agency  heads of his government’s support and cooperation, noting that his prayer is to see Osun indigenes excel in their respective endeavors.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

OSOGBO: 18/06/2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has completed a total of 31 kilometers of roads from November 28th, 2022 to date.

A total of 17 kilometers of roads are currently ongoing at various stages of completion across the state.

Additionally, a total of 30 kilometers of roads have been listed for construction and reconstruction with actual work slated to start any moment from now.

Governor Ademola Adeleke made the disclosure on arrival at Osogbo after attending the National Economic Council meeting in Abuja.

According to the Governor, “Our administration is paying close attention to the upgrade of Osun roads as a way of jumpstart the state economy.

” Osun suffers badly due to bad roads, failing bridges and culvets. Our township roads are in bad state across the thread senatorial districts. Business cannot boom if road network are in such terrible state.

” So from day one, my focus among others has been on infrastructure upgrade. I am happy to report that 31 kilometers are done already. But the target is about 100 kilometers before the end of the year”, the Governor noted.

Also corroborating the Governor, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Engr Bashir Bello said “the 31 kilometers of roads are spread across the 30 local governments and the Area office. The choice of the reconstructed roads are based on local consultation and utility values of such roads to the local economy.

” I can confirm to you that we have indeed completed 31 kilometers in the last seven or so months. This can be verified.

” 17 kilometers of roads are also ongoing. These are in various stages of completion. We are speeding up work on those new roads to increase our completed kilometers before long.

“Aside the 17km, we have also listed out another 30 kilometers. The selection and survey process have been completed and we hope to start work as soon as soon as possible.

” You may also want to note that massive work is ongoing on bridge reconstruction, culvert upgrades and channelisatiom work across the state

“Beside the road construction, the government is given quick intervention to some bad section of roads that require urgent attention. Construction of large drainage that can contain flooding of ogo Oluwa mainroad are under construction”, the Permanent Secretary stated.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor.

NEWS RELEASE

Governor Adeleke Restates Commitment to Improved Performance of Osun at National Examinations, Visits UBEC Executive Secretary 

ABUJA-14/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: 

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated the commitment of his administration to improving Osun state performance at national examinations through strengthening the basic education foundation of the state.

The Governor who solicited the support and cooperation of the Univêrsal Basic Education Commission for the development of basic education in Osun state also disclosed the readiness of the state to fulfill requirements for accessing further UBEC grants.

Speaking while paying a courtesy visit to the Executive Secretary of UBEC, Dr Hamid Bobboyi today in Abuja, Governor Adeleke said his government is fixated on improving the examination rating of the state by addressing the basic challenges facing education at primary and junior secondary levels.

The Governor noted that enhancing the learning environment through upgraded school facilities are key areas of his focus , hence his visit to the UBEC Executive Secretary.

While commending the contributions of UBEC to the development of education in Nigeria, Governor Adeleke assured the UBEC boss that Osun will ramp up its fulfillment of conditionalities for assessing further grants from the commission.

According to him, his administration is aware of the importance of counterpart funding from the state government, assuring that he has reorganised the state’s SUBEB to ensure accelerated partnership between the state and UBEC.

Accompanied by the new SUBEB Chairman for Osun state, Hon Ibukun Fadipe and the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinleye, Governor Adeleke said Osun is poised for a new era of educational arrangement, submitting a list of areas of partnership to the UBEC boss.

Responding, the UBEC Executive expressed his delight at the visit and the assurance on counterpart funding, promising to work with the state body as requested by the Governor.

The UBEC boss who called on the state governments to embrace counterpart requirements for UBEC funding commend the Governor for his assurance, noting that billions of naira are waiting to be accessed by States which fulfilled the requirements.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE 

No Rift between the Executive and the Judiciary in Osun State-OSSG

OSOGBO-12/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: The attention of the Osun State Government has been drawn to a false alarm by an agent of the All Progressive Congress(APC) in person of Mr. Yomi Aliu, SAN, who has turned himself into an unsolicited trumpet and a puppet of the Osun state Chief Judge. 

It is not surprising of Mr. Aliu to have cooked up a false story. It is customary of him the same way he did during the Osun governorship election petition. He had raised a fake alarm and unjustifiable insinuation that there was a serious security threat in the State. This nonetheless turned out to be unfounded.

It is unfortunate that a supposed learned senior Lawyer can go that low on the path of propaganda and unnecessary sensation without exercising any iota of decorum and dignity. 

For the sake of clarity, the present administration 
enjoys a very warm and harmonious relationship with the Judiciary as against the pseudo acrimony being peddled by Mr Aliu. 

Governor Adeleke is paying special attention to the welfare of judicial officers in the state as against the ridicule to which the past administration unleashed on the judges by irregular not payment of their arrears of allowances and by not attending to the pecuniary benefits of the retired judges.

Members of the public need to be informed that there is no controversy on the processes of disengagement or otherwise even with respect to the old and new law on the retirement age for judges of superior courts. All insinuations in the hatchet job are false and figments of imagination of the propagandist. 

Governor Adeleke as a due process leader is committed to full observance of the law without fear or favour and with due reference to impartial application for retirement or extension of tenure of public officials.

Mr Aliu is cautioned on his constant false alarm and his phantom claim of constitutional crisis in Osun when there is none at all. The Judicial Service Commission is an executive body and its staff are appointees and employees of the executive. Therefore, it is indecent of Mr Aliu to unduly meddle in the running of affairs of the government. 

The controversial senior Lawyer is known for propaganda and undue sensation as a member of the All Progressive Congress (APC). He is therefore to be ignored and not given any serious attention. 

He is also warned not to drag our noble Chief Judge into his infamous political agenda. In Osun state, all arms of government are in deep harmony for the good of the state.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE

Osun Commences Work on State Electricity Market Policy and Bill

OSOGBO-12/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has disclosed plans by his administration to develop a plan of action for the making of Osun State Electricity Market policy and legislation.

Speaking on recent signing into law of a constitutional amendment empowering state governments to regulate electricity market within their boundaries, Governor Adeleke in a statement on Monday directed the setting up of a technical committee to prepare the state policy plan on the management of state power sector.

The Governor noted that the committee is to come up with a detailed plan to create Osun State Electricity Market Policy and a draft Executive bill to be named Osun Electricity Act.

The new policy will also include creation of Osun State Electricity Regulatory Commission to issue licences to private firms ready to engage in power production and regulate interface among operators within the power sector from the power generators, distributors and the consumers.

The planned policy will also facilitate private sector investment in the state electricity sector, encourage alternative energy sources from renewable to other green power sources, the statement noted.

Other part of the plan is to electrify Osun programmes to ensure all towns and villages in Osun are provided with power supply from mini-dams to other sources of energy.

Governor Adeleke who promised to inaugurate the committee soon also expressed the intention of his administration to seek the support of the National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the state electricity market plans.

The Chief Executive informed the state that the Executive bills he will soon be submitting to the legislature include the Osun State Startup bill, the Osun State Climate Action Bill and the State Electricity Market Bill.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE

Democracy Day: How Economic Hardship Weakens Democracy-Governor Adeleke

OSOGBO-12/06/2023- Osunstate.gov.ng: Resolving national economic challenges is a condition for strengthening democratic culture and enhancing productive participation of the citizenry, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared.

Speaking at the 2023 Democracy Day Lecture organised by Coalition of Civil Society Coalition in the State, the state Governor, represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, posited that an economically satisfied citizenry is a strong insurance for thriving democracy and good governance.

“A foundation we cannot leave out is the economic platform of the society practicing democracy. An hungry citizenry is likely to pose a serious threat to a credible electoral democratic process. Efforts to stabilise the economic life of the nation are also strong preconditions for an empowered citizenry. Addressing poverty and catering for citizens’ economic requirements will go a long way to enhance the potency of the population”, the Governor affirmed.

Other issues the Governor identified as important for strengthening democratic culture include a fair electoral umpire and security agencies committed to rule of law.

“Conditionalities such as a truly fair electoral umpire and impartial security agencies are strong complements to an active citizenry. We must add that voters must also eschew vote selling to ensure the manifestation of their will not only at the ballot but during the governance process.

“In the last elections, we saw a hyper level of citizen mobilisation across the electoral cycle. Even when low turnout is still a nagging question, we must accept that citizen’s electoral militancy was  the hottest in Nigeria’s political history. We can then arguably posit that the citizenry has woken up from their slumber and are prepared to enforce a functional, people- based electoral process”, the Governor noted.

Governor Adeleke said Nigeria must uphold certain basic democratic norms for citizens’ participation to yield needed results, adding that “the democratic culture grows and flourishes when all the electoral and governance sub-sectors play their parts within the context of due process and rule of law.

Describing Osun as a litmus test for Nigeria’s democracy, Governor Adeleke narrated how his administration is straightening citizens’ participation and responsiveness in the delivery of public service.

“To strengthen citizens’ role in democracy and governance, our administration introduced a truly people -based style built on open governance principles and people first practices. Our Government is addressing workers’ needs in ways that ensure both formal and informal workers are revived from years of neglect. We are upgrading the state of our infrastructure to boost local economy, enhance inter and intra town connectivity and fight poverty of social amenities.

“On the issue of accountability and transparency, we are working to host the first elaborate public accountability forum named IPADE IMOLE later this month. At the open forum , we will present our scorecards and provide a productive citizen participation opportunity in the governance process”, the Number One Citizen informed.

The Governor however cautioned Nigerians on any expectation of perfection in democratic practice, adding that “No democracy is perfect. From Europe to North America, democracy is still a work in progress. In Africa, we are in a state of convulsion within the democratic space. 

“We however have no option than to continue the experimentation until we reach close to perfection”, the Governor concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, 
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor 

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again pledged the resolve of administration to give all necessary support to the NYSC.scheme .

In the same vein Governor Adeleke reiterated his commitment to make corps members posted to the state for their one year mandatory service scheme enjoy the best of their service year while in Osun state .

The Osun helmsman stated these in his office during a courtesy call paid on him by the State Coodinator of NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma and his management team.

Senator Adeleke promised also that his administration will not undermine any scheme that has the potential of giving a solid footing for the growth and development of the youths in Osun state .

He noted with satisfaction that the office complex of the NYSC in Osun state is nearing completion ,just as approved the augumentation of food stuffs for the Corps members as one of the ways to assist them to meet up with the economic challenges of the Country.

Speaking earlier, the Osun State Coordinator of the NYSC, Mr Agbor Ndoma appreciated the Governor for honoring their invitation during the last orientation and trainings held at the permanent orientation camp,Ede .
The state NYSC coordinator noted with gladness of heart that Osun state governor,Senator Ademola Adeleke
turned out to be the only governor among his peers nationwide that presided over the orientation programme personally in person at the time it held recently.

The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has admonished the residents of Erin-Osun and Ilobu to live peacefully among themselves, saying they are both kindreds.

Governor Adeleke stated this at Erin-Osun while attending the burial ceremony of late Madam Rhoda Otitolola Adeniji held at St. Peter’s African Church, Erin-Osun.

Alluding to the biblical fact that the entire earth belongs to God, the Governor advised the two warring towns to sheath their swords over land ownership and stop wasting precious lives.

The State Helmsman equally promised the residents of the two ancient towns that his administration will not relent his efforts in developing their communities.

He spoke further, ” I want to beseach you people of Erin-Osun and Ilobu to stop fighting over land because, you are kindreds.

Lands belong to God alone and I want you to settle every land dispute between you amicably. I will not renege in my commitment to the development of the nooks and crannies of the State, including these two communities,” the Governor concluded.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has enjoined workers in the State to join hands together to lift the State to an enviable hight.

The Governor made the call today at the celebration of the year 2023 Workers Day held at Osogbo Township Stadium in the State Capital.

The event saw the workers,from all sectors, trooped out en-mass wearing different attire to grace the day. The Governor noted that workers are the bedrock of development of the State who should be accorded a pride of place in the society.

Senator Adeleke, who was full of appreciation to God and the workforce for the opportunity given him to deliver his first address at the workers day celebration since assumption, as the 6th Executive Governor of the State ,said what he met on ground after he was sworn -in in November, 2023 has strengthened his decision to prioritize workers welfare through his 5-point agenda which necessitated his commitment to prompt payment of salaries and pensions, addressing matters of promotion areas and payment of backlog of half salaries owned by the past administration.

Governor Adeleke stressed that the era of appointment of Coordinating Directors will soon be over, pledging to work with the state Head of Service to appoint those who are qualified to the post of Permanent Secretaries.

He added that his administration has embarked on provision of infrastructural facilities across the State which included provision of water, construction and rehabilitation of roads among others, stressing that all these will boost the economy of the State.

Governor Adeleke therefore said his door is ever opened to receive positive advices from the labour leaders.

While speaking, the Director, Federal Ministry of Labour and Productivity, Osun State, Alhaja Sidikat Ayinla noted that workers are so important to the progress of the State.

She urged workers to be committed, dutiful and diligent to their callings to enhance productivity and growth of Osun State.

She thanked the Governor for being workers’ friendly, praying for a successful tenure in Office for the State Helmsman.

In their separate address, the State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and his counterpart in the Nigeria Labour Congress, Comrade Modupeola Oyedele congratulated Governor Adeleke on his election as the 6th Executive Governor of the State.

They eulogized the Governor for prioritizing workers’ welfare in the State through prompt payment of salaries and pensions as well as implementation of promotion for workers and others.

The duo used the occasion to make some requests, including declaration of State of emergency on pension issue, pointing out that many workers now see retirement as death sentence due to non payment of gratuities and pensions.

The labour leaders also urged the Governor to put an end to contract staff which,he observed is affecting the workers productivity in the State, while charging him to stop the idea of extension of service of some highly influential workers, advancing that it is preventing other qualified workers from rising to the pick of their careers.

They however urged the Governor to appoint Permanent Secretaries to fill the existing vacancies as there are a lots of qualified Directors that can be appointed, appealing to the Governor to eradicate the appointment of Coordinating Directors in the State.

Highlights of the event were: March past by workers of different categories, pensioners, and informal workers, Cultural entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, salutation of workers by the Governor and his entourage, among others.

Present at the occasion were: Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, members Osun House of Assembly, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Traditional Rulers, political functionaries to mention but a few.

● It is Fake News to Mention N14m as Cost of a Borehole

In a bid for sustainable water supply to the people of Osun state, Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed a phased rehabilitation of selected water works and water pipeline networks across Osun state.

This new directive is coming as the sinking of 332 boreholes under direct labour and shoestring budget reaches 85 percent, remaining as at today only about four local governments rounding up with their implementation.

Governor Adeleke acting on a committee report relating to the worsening state of infrastructure within the water sector approved the immediate upgrade of pipeline networks of both Ede and Osogbo water works alongside the repairs and recharging of water filter media at Iwo and Eko-ende water works.

The water scheme at Esaoke is also under rehabilitation for supply of potable water while the Governor is following up with the Federal Ministry of Water Resources for the completion of Ile Ife water project.

The State Government is also interfacing with the Federal Ministry to resolve the delay created by the mismanagement of ILESA WATER project with particular reference to the contractor and the project managers.

A top adviser to Governor Adeleke, Dr Bashiru Tokunbo Sallami who confirmed the rehabilitation in the water sector affirmed that the administration has a holistic programme to address the challenges facing the water sector in the state.

According to him, the administration adopted a mix of solutions which includes sinking of boreholes in wards across the state even as he acknowledged that the 332 boreholes are not sufficient to cater for the citizen’s water needs.

“It was the realization of this reality from the beginning that Mr Governor approved the phased rehabilitation of the state’s water pipeline networks. The goal is to systematically address the many technical hitches facing water supply in the state”, Dr Salami noted.

Details from the State Water Corporation showed that the agency mostly operates on old Asbestos Cement (AC) pipes laid several decades ago and in a terrible state of functionality. The upgrade that is ongoing for Ede and Osogbo water works will replace the old run down pipes with the HDPE pipes, now the modern durable material in the sector.

Aside from the upgrade of the pipeline networks, the Water filtration systems for Iwo is also approved for rehabilitation and repairs to allow water to reach present areas of coverage. The same filtration project is ongoing for Eko-ende which serviced Ikirun, IRAGBIJI among other adjacent towns.

Once the water filtration systems for both Eko-ende and Iwo water works are completed, the administration plans to issue new approvals for the pipeline networks upgrade for both water schemes.

Meanwhile, the administration has denied reports from some quarters that N14 million was the cost of each of the 332 boreholes, describing the report as false as each borehole cost far less than insinuated, the full details to be made available during ‘Ipade Imole’ event.

“Governor Adeleke has recently announced to the state that full accounts of projects and programmes will be rendered to the public at the “Ipade Imole”, an interactive accountability platform.

“There is no smoking gun. In fact, when the full details are out, the public will applaud Governor Adeleke for such unprecedented prudence.

“The borehole project is already benefiting the people and reports from all over the state show that Osun people, going by series of videos and pictures, are already enjoying water supplies from these boreholes.

“At Ipade Imole, civil society, media and all stakeholders will have sufficient time to read, appraise and question projects and policies. This administration is pro-people with full commitment to transparency and accountability. That is why Governor Adeleke approved of Ipade Imole”, the statement concluded.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor