The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Monday restated that his administration will not renege on its promise banishing hunger and making life meaningful for the people of the state.

 
‎The Governor at a programme commemorating the 2016 International Day of Poverty Eradication in Osogbo stated that his government remains resolute to do everything humanly possible to champion the cause of creating wealth by eradicating poverty.‎
Aregbesola in a speech titled; “Poverty Has No Place With Us”, said all his policies and programmes have been with the intention to eradicate poverty, make lives more abundant and as well create wealth for the citizenry.
He said his government’s six-point integral action plan of Banishing Poverty, Banishing Hunger, Banishing Unemployment, Restoring Healthy Living, Promoting Functional Education and Enhancing Communal Peace and Progress are designed to lift the condition of the people from being poverty stricken to being wealthy.
Speaking on some of the achievements of his administration, he recalled that his tenure had successfully established Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) through which over 40,000 cadets were employed into public works within two years.
“We gave the first batch safe landing with jobs in teaching, various agriculture schemes and ICT. For this, Osun now has one of the least unemployment figures in Nigeria while the state is also among those with the lowest crimes rate.
“The N200 million monthly allowance paid to the cadets reflated the economy of Osun and shot it up to the seventh largest GDP in Nigeria, according to the Federal Bureau of Statistics”, he added.
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Identifying quality and functional education as panacea to poverty eradication, he stated that the state as part of its commitment to education, is  building 100 elementary schools, 50 middle schools and 20 high schools.
He said the state has increased the number of teachers, renovated existing schools, provided teaching aids and as well increased subventions to schools.
On health, the Governor said his administration, having employed a multi-faceted approach towards achieving its goal of providing healthcare for all, embarked on health-related programmes targeted to promote personal hygiene.
He said, “Indeed, in a recent World Bank publication, Osun came second after Lagos in the result of a national assessment for 2014 on infant and maternal healthcare delivery.
“In addition, we have renovated nine state hospitals, as well as constructed nine trauma centres at the State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo. There is also the upgrading of our existing primary healthcare centres while new ones are being built.
“To further enhance these efforts, medical equipment, furniture and electrical appliances have been procured for some of our health facilities where these are needed.
“Furthermore, ambulances were purchased and are now in full operation under the Osun Ambulance Services (O-Ambulance), which is aimed at improving the quick-response capacity of the health system, in cases of accidents and emergencies.
Describing work as antidote to poverty, Aregbesola called for productivity in all sectors of the economy, saying “we should also work hard and increase our productivity”.
“While government will continue to do everything within her means to provide for the people, we should all be productively engaged, especially in agriculture where we have comparative advantage.
“There is no way we can create wealth from low productivity. Even in agriculture which is our main occupation, productivity has been very low. While Nigeria is the leading producer of cassava for instance, the traditional yield per hectare has been around 10 tonnes while global average in 2010 was put at 12.5 tonnes”. The governor stated.
In his welcome address, the Chairman Osun Community and Social Development Project, CSDP, Alhaji Abdul-Rahaman Musa, commended Governor Aregbesola for all he has done in giving life in abundance to the people of the state through various poverty alleviation programmes in the state.
Musa held that the state under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola has witnessed growth and poverty, reduced through the demonstration of high sense of passion, having consistently pursued actions tailored towards increasing access of poor people to social and natural infrastructures.
He said the government has clearly demonstrated its commitment towards regular payment of annual government contributions to the cause of Community and Social Development Project, adding that the state has released a total sum of N550million directly between 2010 and 2015.
Musa disclosed that the agency has obtained for the projects a concessionary non-interest loan of N1.3billion from World Bank between 2010 and 2016.
“We are very happy to join other nations of the world in marking this international event while sharing with you the success stories in terms of the achievements of the State in the fight against poverty through the Community and Social Development Project, CSDP.
“This day is being observed every year since 1993, when the United Nations General Assembly, by resolution 47/196 of December 22, 1992 designated this day to promote eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries.
“It’s objective is to draw attention to the importance of poverty eradication for building sustainable futures for all. In CSDP, the community members are in the driver’s seat, they identify their priority project in a democratic manner and implemernt it through an implementation committee democratically elected by themselves”, he added.
Earlier, the General Manager, Osun CSDP, Mrs. Funmi Abokede, commended Governor Aregbesola for being consistent in his payment of counterpart funds.
She said Osun has been very committed in the payment of annual government contributions to the cause of CSDP which according to her has helped the agency to move forward in all its programmes.
Abokede disclosed that CSDP is being funded by Osun state government and World Bank just as she revealed that Osun has been the first among its counterparts in the regular payment of CSDP counterpart funds throughout the country.
“Osun has been leading in the payment of counterpart funds just as a total sum of 550million has been released between 2010 and 2015.
“Our agency has completed 311 micro projects in line with the six-point integral action plans of the state government”, added.
She said the agency has adopted a democratic development project which according to her aimed to remove people out of poverty.
Abokede sought for continual support of the state government, the World Bank and the people of the state just as she urged the people to always stand for poverty eradication.
She therefore promised that the agency would remain committed in its efforts to continuously develop the minds and the people through regular and timely execution of pro-masses projects across the state.

The ancient town of Ikoyi-Ile in Isokan Local Government Area of the State of Osun was thrown into a wild jubilation yesterday as the people of the town celebrated this year’s edition of Osun Ikoyi festival.
 

 
 
As early as 7am, thousands of people which included natives and foreigners had besieged the Palace of the Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Yissau Bamitale Otunla Kodaolu I, to felicitate with him on the celebration of yet another Osun festival in Ikoyiland.
 
The procession to the Osun shrine started at 2pm when the Olukoyi accompanied by his Chiefs and thousands of his subjects and visitors led the procession to the Osun shrine.
Oba Yissau Oyetunji Otunla Kodaolu I and the procession stopped at traditionally designated places to offer prayers to the ancestors before finally going into the shrine where propitiations where made to the Osun goddess.
 
While addressing the people, the Olukoyi prayed for the success of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in piloting the affairs of the State.
 
He particularly eulogised the efforts of Governor Aregbesola especially at promoting traditional festivals as a way of preserving the Yoruba cultural heritage as well as showcasing them to the outside world.
The Olukoyi appealed to the State Government to lend more helping hands in the celebration of Osun Ikoyi to make it a meaningful venture for income generation to the State.
 
Oba Otunla pledged the support of Ikoyi sons and daughters to the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.
In spite of the huge crowd that witnessed the festival there was no case of lawlessness or chaos which gives credence to the fact that Ikoyi people imbibed the Omoluabi ethos for which the State of Osun is known.

Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt.Hon Najeem Salaam has tasked government to focus more on grassroots in its quest to banish poverty and fast tracked accelerated development . The Assembly made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
 

 
The day for the eradication of poverty has been observed every year since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly by resolution 47/196 of December 22, 1992 designated October 17 to promote eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries.
 
The Lawmakers noted that the greatest challenge of the 21st Century is inequality, a situation that had seen the world fortunes concentrated in the hands of few individual and communities.
 
Identifying rural urban migration, neglect of agriculture, poor agricultural practises, non utilisation of available technology, lack of energy and appetite for foreign consumption, mono-economy, policy inconsistencies as parts of factors responsible for unabating poverty in the land, the lawmakers called for new mindsets among the populace.
 
“the idea of handouts from governments, white collared jobs should be jettisoned for out of the box ideas ”.
 
While calling for inclusion of science in agricultural practises in rural areas, opening up of farm roads and massive production of electricity and other infrastructure to drive the economy, the parliament said conscious actions and policies to help bail out communities should be implemented.
 
“communities should be provided with essential basic infrastructure, by increasing the rural population’s access to potable water, basic health care, education among others”
 
Acknowledging the initiatives of the Federal Government to address recession, Osun Assembly pointed that with effective monitoring, projects such as NPower, and other poverty alleviations initiatives as well youths in technology programmes will bring great succor to the famished citizenry.
 
Also, emphasizing the need for intervention in small scale industry, empowerment of peasants’ farmers, Artisans and market women, the assembly stressed that redirection of education orientation to favour entrepreneurship skills and pursuit will springboard the economy out of the doldrum.
 
It also identifies access to quality healthcare, basic education, improve the level of literacy among adults, school attendance, local capacity-building and strengthening of civil based organisations and NGO’s as vital components in addressing poverty in the country.
 
“with the commitment of the leadership to accountability and best practises, continuous fight against corruption, change in the approach of doing government business, the yearning of global community to reduce poverty will be a reality in the country” the assembly submitted.
 
Osun Assembly affirmed that improvement in the quality of public administration and service delivery in rural areas through effective people’s participation in decision-making processes would go a long way to bring relief to the citizenry.
 
The parliament, which also acknowledged the government of Osun state for its rounded and policies in favour of the populace pointed that the approach in-spite of prevailing financial straight had helped to stabilize the polity.
 
“Government and other stakeholders must adopt innovative approaches at both the macro and micro level for highly efficient community development and capacity building for rural dwellers.”
 
The assembly assured that it was committed to passage of bills that will create conducive environment for business and investors to thrive

The Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, the Council for Arts and Culture as well as the Tourism Board, State of Osun have congratulated Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife on the 2016 Olojo Festival.
 

 
 
This was contained in the welcome address by the Coordinating Director of the Ministry, Mrs Olufemi Webster-Esho at the traditional wrestling, exhibition of cultural artefacts and local cuisine organised by the Ministry as part of the 2016 Olojo festival held at Ile-Nla, Oonirisa’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
The Coordinating Director stated that this year’s Olojo festival is unique being the first to be celebrated by Oba Ogunwusi since the ascension of the throne of Oduduwa in 2015.
She commended the royal father for adding colour and splendour to the festival through the introduction of innovation and other cultural items adding that Oba Ogunwusi has demonstrated his love for Yoruba culture and tradition since he became the custodian of tradition and culture.
 
Mrs Webster-Esho expressed gratitude to the Governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for demonstrating his unalloyed support for tradition and culture since he came on board as the state’s helmsman in 2010. She therefore reiterated the need to see the renaissance of culture and tourism as a veritable channel of improving the state.
Present at the colourful event were the Chairman House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Olasunkanmi Adufe Akinola and Hon. Israel Oluwatomilayo Aloba, a member of the Committee, Comrade Biyi Odunlade, Secretary 2016 Olojo Festival and Directors from the various government agencies.

The Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board (HMB),Engr. Olusegun Aduroja has charged stakeholders on malaria elimination in the State of Osun to take critical look at the menace of malaria fever in the society and develop a strategic model that will prevent mosquitoes from carrying plasmodium that causes malaria fever as
prevention is better than cure.
 

 
According to him, the adoption of Rapid Diagnostic Testing/Microscope before the use of any anti-malaria drug makes effective case management achievable and eventually lead to possible elimination of malaria fever from our clime thereby reducing the loss of manpower which has adverse effect on the country’s GDP.
 
Engr. Aduroja made the statement at the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Health, Osogbo during the verification meeting for the dissemination of 2017 Annual Operational Plan on malaria control activities in the state.
 
During the presentation, the Project Manager, Mrs. Romoke Adeyanju stated, among other things, that 2017 AOP targets the creation of awareness on malaria and elimination programmes to policy makers and major stakeholders at State and Local government Area levels.
According to her, AOP will also ensure that 100% public health facilities in the state are supplied with information, education and communication (IEC) materials in 2017.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager concluded that, over #900million is the budget estimates required to execute the 2017 AOP. The Health Assisted NGOs will contribute about 95% while the state’s counterpart fund is 5% that is over #50million.
Mr. Orhorhamreru Tosin, who represents National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) appealed to the State Government of Osun through the Permanent Secretary, to release the counterpart fund on time to facilitate successful execution of the 2017 AOP.
In his response, Engr. Aduroja assured the management of State Malaria Elimination Programme that Governor Aregbesola’s administration values the people of Osun living a healthy life hence the state will not hesitate to play her own role to fast track the successful implementation of 2017 Operational Plan for Malaria in the state.

The Government of the State of Osun has once again reiterated its commitment to promoting cultural events in the state in order to boost the tourism potentials of the state.
 

 
This statement was made by the State of Osun House Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Olasunkanmi Adufe Akinola at the exhibition of arts and crafts organised by the State Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture with the State Tourism Board as well as Osun State Arts and Culture as part of the series of programmes to mark this year’s Olojo festival.
Mr. Olasunkanmi observed that tourism has become a veritable income generation venture worldwide hence the need to develop all tourist attraction events both natural and man-made.
In his opinion, a member of the State House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Israel Oluwatomilayo Aloba, who accompanied the Chairman to the occasion said the State should have a media platform to showcase all the rich tourist attraction sites and events in the state to the outside world.
This, according to him, will create awareness in the people as well as investors in Osun Tourism potentials.
Series of activities such as traditional wrestling, performances by various cultural troupes as well as exhibition of art
works and traditional Yoruba cuisines were displayed.
Meanwhile, the grand finale of the Olojo Festival holds tomorrow (Saturday, 15th October, 2016) at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife where the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II will wear the Are Crown for the first time since his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
The State of Osun and Governor Rauf Aregbesola thus felicitates with the Ooni and the entire people of Ife both at home and in the Diaspora on the celebration of this year’s Olojo festival.
The State Government has enjoined the celebrants to be peaceful during the celebrations and should show the Omoluabi virtue for which the State of Osun is known.

The governor, state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was in Oyo town yesterday to celebrate with his royal majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, who turned 78.
The well-attended event had dignitaries from all works of life present.
 
Here are pictures from the event.
 

From left- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and others during the Special Jumat Service Commemorating 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State
 

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and  Member, Federal  House of Representatives, Hon. Abdul Akeem Adeyemi, during the Jumat Service Commemorating 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State
 

From left- Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Pakoyi of Oyo, Sheik Husain Ayodeji, Imam Daud Tijani and Member, Federal  House of Representatives, Hon. Abdul Akeem Adeyemi, at the Special Jumat Service in Commemoration of the 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin
of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State, on Friday 14/10/2016.
 
 

From left- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,  Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and his Oloris, during the Special Jumat Service Commemorating 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Friday said the nation’s $20bn food import bill was unsustainable.
The governor, who spoke during an interactive meeting with farmers at Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state, said Nigeria must be ready to take up the challenge of feeding its population.
 

 
Aregbesola noted that the era of crude oil had gone. He said that government must think on how to successfully diversify the economy.
He said, “It is now glaring to us that crude oil has gone to base. We have seen the challenge facing our monolithic economy. Oil is no more sellable in the market as it used to be.

“We must all go back to farm because agriculture is the only way out to this economic mess.
“And we are so blessed in this part of the world with a weather condition that supports lucrative farming unlike some other parts of the world.
“But unfortunately, our craze for foreign taste is so huge that we put undue pressure on ourselves.
“Today, Nigeria’s import bill stands at a staggering $20bn and this is unsustainable.”
Aregbesola, however, said his administration had prioritised agriculture with a view to turning the state to food basket of the nation.
He said as part of his administration’s six-point integral action plan was deliberately designed to banish hunger and enhance massive increase in food production through different agricultural intervention.
He urged the farmers to be more dedicated, proactive and proficient, especially at the time the economy of the country was yearning for diversification.
In his remarks, Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe, commended Aregbesola on his support for the farmers through the provision of agricultural incentives.
Some of the farmers, who spoke at the meeting, also commended Gov. Aregbesola for his support for farmers in the state.
One of the farmers, Mr. Muideen Abidoye, a pepper grower, said the timely support received from the state government had helped him to go on large scale farming.
(NAN)

The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, traditional rulers, people and farmers of ‎Okomaje, Oja Oko and Otan-Ayegbaju of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state defied the heavy downpour of Thursday evening to convey an interactive meeting on the farm land.
 

 
This was just as the governor said that Nigeria’s current $20 billion food import bill is unsustainable adding that
Nigeria must grow enough to feed her population.
Farmers cooperative societies that benefited from the Osun State sponsored N1 billion Bank of Agriculture micro credit facilities lauded Governor Aregbesola for being at the vanguard of agricultural revolution.
A prominent traditional ruler, the Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Adesola Ojo Fadipe, and farmers commended the present administration for its quick agricultural intervention aimed at making agriculture more attractive to young ones.
 
Oba Fadipe stated that the state government through its farmers friendly policies and programmes had created an enabling environment for farmers to thrive.
The monarch and the farmers gave the commendation while hosting Aregbesola at a special meeting tagged:
“Governor’s interaction with farmers,” at Okomaje, Oja Oko, Otan-Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state.
In his remarks, Oba Fadipe described agriculture as an indispensable panacea to the present shortfall in crude oil, saying the impact of the state in building a productive, workable and effective agricultural system had been largely felt by all farmers.
He said Governor Aregbesola has greatly supported farmers in the state, commending the state for its timely provision of agricultural incentives, loans and other needs to farmers across the state.
He charged the youths on the need to show more interest in farming, saying it is high time for all to go back to farm.
In the same vein, some farmers who could not hide their joy at the meeting, saluted the Governor for prioritising agriculture since assumption of office.
While confirming the positive impacts of the present administration towards agricultural advancement, the farmers said the governor has helped in breathing new life to farming in the state.
The farmers, who are made of cocoa growers, cassava growers, plantain growers, vegetable and pepper growers, maize and yam growers among others, attributed some of the achievements made to government’s consistent intervention.
One of the farmers, Muideen Abidoye, a pepper, grower said the timely support received from the state government has helped on large scale farming.
Abidoye said: “Every right-thinking person knows that Osun State Government, led by Governor Aregbesola, is doing its best for farmers, especially on financial and material supports.
“Government provided loan facilities for us just as many benefited from other supportive means.
“As for me, I have over 20 hectares of land planting pepper, tomatoes, potatoes, cassava among others with the support gotten from government.
“Same goes to others who are into different agricultural production.”
The Governor applauded the farmers for feeding and building the nation through what they chose as  career.
Aregbesola said his government has prioritized agriculture with a view to turning the state to food basket of the nation.
He said as part of his administration’s six-point integral action plan deliberately designed to banish hunger and enhance massive increase in food production, several interventions had been made by his government over the years to champion the course.
The Governor held that the current administration under his watch has supported the farmers and rural dwellers with their needs, which include basic infrastructures.
He charged farmers on the need to be more dedicated, more proactive and proficient, especially at the time the economy of the country is yearning for diversification.
He said: “It is now glaring to us that crude oil has gone to base.
“We have seen the challenge facing our monolithic economy.
“Oil is no more sellable in the market as it used to be.
“The era of crude oil has gone.
“What we must think of now is how to successfully diversify our economy.
“We must all go back to farm because agriculture is the only way out to this economic mess.
 
“And we are so blessed in this part of the world with a weather condition that support lucrative farming unlike some other parts of the world.
“But unfortunately, our craze for foreign taste is so huge that we put undue pressure on ourselves.
“Today, Nigeria’s import bill stands at a staggering $20 billion.
“That is unsustainable.”