The governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has refunded N17.7 million to Osun pilgrims who performed their Hajj last year in Mecca, Saudi Arebia.
 

 
 
The money was refunded due to the lapses in rendering some services to the pilgrims while in holy land.
The Amir Hajj, Barrister Dhikrullahi Olakunle Hassan, refunded the money at the Government Secretariat in Osogbo, Osun State on behalf of the governor, saying that a sum of N11, 500 was repaid to 852 pilgrims on April 6th, 2016 and N9, 300 on June 6 to sum up a total of N17, 721,600.
Speaking with journalists, Barrister Hassan said that 852 pilgrims from Osun went to perform Hajj in Mecca last year, adding that the money was refunded by Saudi government through National Hajj Commission of Nigeria due to the failure to render some services as a result of crane crash during Hajj.
He said that the governor paid the first repayment immediately it was received in April, saying that the second pay back in June was got last week and has already been paid
The Amir added that 9 pilgrims were yet to receive the first reimbursement paid in April as they failed to show up , adding that government is committed to give them when they come.
He stated further that both the first and second refunds would be given to them when they come.
Amir therefore stressed that if the 9 people failed to come for the money, it would be returned to the National Hajj Commission’s account.
Some of the beneficiaries of the refund were: Alhaji Rauf Tiamiyu, batch one; Alhaji Lukman Oyebamiji, batch one; Alhaji Tiamiyu Yusuf, batch two; Alhaji Adeleke Abdul-Ganiyu, batch two; Alhaja Abimbola Mujidat, batch three as well as Alhaja Simbiyat Durodoye, batch three.

Members of the State Project Monitoring Committee (SPMC) in the state of Osun has expressed satisfaction on the extent of work done so far on the 225km RAMP roads project ongoing in different parts of the state.
They expressed the hope that the Rural Access and Mobility Project RAMP, which is a collaborative effort between the state
 

 
government of Osun, the World Bank and the French development agency would go a long way in boosting the economy of the state through farming.
Chairman of the SPMC who is also the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works, Engr Nurudeen Adeagbo spoke on behalf of the
committee during an inspection tour of the RAMP roads in Ife region 1.
He expressed delight at the speed and quality of the job done so far, saying that his committee was impressed with what they have seen on the tour.
Engr. Adeagbo commended the efforts of the state government and contractors handling the job for the effort put in place to relocate the occupants of a building which encroached the roadway at Yinmi Aba village in a new building built by the contractors .
He said the move goes a long in underlying the fact that the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola never intend to cause pain or discomfort for anybody.
Also speaking, the Olosi of Osi Land, Oba Solomon Adeyeye Adenipekin, said that, before now members of the his community had
suffered so much as a result of the bad shape of the road for over hundred years before the intervention of Aregbesola through RAMP.
He said with the road now in good condition, farmers in his community now find it very easy to transport their farm produce to the city as vehicles now ply the road very often.
The Royal father noted that the construction of the road has now opened the eyes of the world to his domain as vehicles plying Lagos now pass through his community.
The Project Coordinator for OSUN RAMP, Engr. Adelere Oriolowo explained that the state government of Osun decided to partner the World Bank and the French development agency in the construction of rural roads because of the need to empower rural dwellers and boost the economy through agriculture.
He added that the present administration is determined to touch the lives of all and sundry in the state no matter the location, stressing that the government wants to provide food in abundance to the people of the state.
He stated further that the project partners have always scored Osun first any time they come to Nigeria to inspect Osun and other states in the country where the RAMP projects are being done.
Expressing delight at the new lease of life being enjoyed as a result of the rural roads which are now in good condition, the
President of the Oyere farm settlement, Chief Rufus Adebayor said that their farm produce now sell at a very good price better than the way it used to be.
He explained that they now get to their farms and back to their various houses at a much cheaper rate than before , while also expressing appreciation to the state government for the good gesture.
Members of the Road Maintainance Gang led by Mr Dare Owolabi, expressed their readiness to maintain the roads for it to last long for their benefit, saying that they have been adequately trained for the job.
Roads visited during the inspection tour include: Jagun Osi-Osi Sooko, Osi Sooko-Osi Ara, Osi Ara-Falana, Alogba-Owode(Ami)-Fadehan among others which are in road 1 2 3 4 and 5 respectively.
It will be recalled that the SPMC had earlier visited roads in Iwo and Ilesa regions of the state under the RAMP projects.

An appeal has gone to the Bororo/Fulani in conjunction with Crop Farmers in the South West to continue to co-operate with
Governments in the region in order to maintain the prevailing peaceful co-existence.
Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola made the appeal in Osogbo at a Peace Forum organised for the Cattle Breeders and Dealers Association of Nigeria in the South West by the State Chapter of the Association.
 

 
Speaking on behalf of the Governor, Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti observed that, there had always been harmonious relationship among Bororo/Fulani and Crop Farmers in the state.
The state helmsman explained that, whatever misunderstanding that had ensued had always been settled amicably, in the spirit of give and take.
Governor Aregbesola however condemned the attitude of using minors to lead cattle, explaining that they are always naïve in
encroaching upon other people’s farms.
At the meeting, the entire leadership of the Cattle Breeders and Dealers Association of Nigeria in the South West commended the Government of the state of Osun for the wisdom employed in dealing with the community.
They expressed their desire to meet with the Governors of States in the South West in order to fashion out modalities for continued amicable relationship with the entire Fulani Community in the region.

Osun State Government has disclosed that attainment of equity and justice in commercial transactions in all the markets across the state was the reason for its quest for the use of standardized weighing scales called “Osunwon Omoluabi” in the state.
 

 
 
The Former Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr. Ismail Adekunle Jayeoba-Alagbada stated this in Osogbo at a press conference heralding the official launch of the use of Standardized Weighing Scales in the state.
Alagbada explained that equity and justice is lacking in the continued using of existing measuring bowls such as Kongo, Kobiowu, Denge and others, adding that there is a great variation in the weights and measures used in different localities; and even at times, in those used by different individuals in the same locality.
While describing it as aberration, Jayeoba Alagbada noted that the three religions that the people of the state are practicing also frown at the use of unjust and inaccurate measures in exchange in commercial transactions.
According to him, “”This programme becomes necessary to facilitate the state’s aspirations to be a hub for trade and commerce within and beyond Nigeria.
“The use of inaccurate measures often leads to chaotic situation in most market places. Consequently, commercial transactions become laborious, unhealthy and with the attendant high transaction costs, ultimately hindering the pace of growth of trade and commerce.
“The foregoing, coupled with his continuous strives to change the face of the state of Osun, and place it to the first amongst its equals makes Governor Aregbesola to conceive the lofty idea of introducing standardized scales and measures in all facets of commercial transactions in all items which are sold or distributed by weigh, measure or number in the state.
“This no doubt, is an excetional demonstration of foresight and proactive response to the growing need for accuracy of measurements, better packaging and display of consumable goods in ways that safeguard health and promote cordial social interactions in markets in the state.
“This as envisaged, would enable the regulation of trade or commerce in goods which are sold or distributed by weights, measures or numbers, and to provide for matters connected therewith or incidental thereto.
Alagbada revealed that the use of standardized weighing scales is back by law and constitute items 63 on the Exclusive List of the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria and being made active in the state.
He hinted that the state government had consulted widely with stakeholders in trade and commerce in the state including opinion and religious leaders in the state for it use, adding that the existing mode of open air display and sale of most edible items in the market places constitute grave hazard to health and well being of consumers.
According to him, “most items are openly exposed to dusts, flies and many other agents of diseases. Most of the communicable diseases are as a result of the exposure of edible products to vectors carrying the causative germs.
“Sometimes, nursing mothers after cleaning up their babies still use the unwashed hands to measure food items”, he stressed.
Alagbada noted further that the existing measures are based more on rule of thumbs than any degree of accuracy and consistency, saying the existing measuring standard are not accurate and full of inherent shortcomings often observed by the market men and women themselves.
He enunciates the gains of using standardized scales, saying it will however eliminate all inherent shortcomings, mistrust, incessant arguments and disagreement that are currently commonplace in commercial transactions.
“The standardized scales and measures will positively impact on the economy of the state by bringing unprecedented ease to trade and commercial transactions in the state.
“This will no doubt increase the pace and volume of transactions among traders and consumers, thereby increasing the volume of commerce. It will also attract consumers from neighbouring states who will want to take advantage of the noble programme of standardization of measurements in the state.
“The programme will create large number of business and employment opportunities for citizens of the state as large number of unemployed youths would acquire vocational training in repairs and maintenance of scales.
“People in the state will spend less on health maintenance since the new measures are health promoting, not allowing for exposure of goods to flies and dusts”, he added.
Alagbada explained that the fear that majority of market men and market women are illiterate and may not be easily susceptible change and accurate reading of the scales have been taken care of by the state government, adding that wide sensitizations and enlightenments have been carried out.
While appealing to market men and market women and other stakeholders to key into the emerging commercial revolution in the state, Alagbada disclosed that special weights and measures unit have been established in the ministry saddled with responsibility of monitoring day-to-day administration of the standardized weighing scales and measures programmes.
He said further that 178 OYES cadets have been trained under the-train-the trainer programme on the use, maintenance and repairs, adding that they would also man some control posts in all the markets to serve both as repair and challenge-mitigating centres.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has called on all able bodied Nigerians to take to farming on full or part time basis as alternative to the over-dependence on oil for the quick recovery of the ailing economy of the country.‎
 

 
The Governor stated this while‎ addressing people at the 2016 flag-off of cashew planting season and roll out of cashew expansion programme of Federal Ministry of Agriculture and rural development at Ogudu Village, Ife-East Local Government Area of the state.
This was even as the Minister for Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh said the ministry will embark on plantation of 2 million cashew every year for 4 years and that the stage is set to ensure massive plantation of cocoa, plantain and banana across the nation.‎
Aregbesola stressed that the only way for Nigerians to contribute meaningfully to national economic development was for able men and women to go back to farms.
He called on other leaders in all tiers of government in Nigeria to stop relying on the failed oils sector and seek for means to sustain their economy.
The Governor noted that there could be no better time than now for all hands to be on deck to ensure that the economy of the country from oil to Agriculture.‎
According to him, “I am particularly happy and enthralled at the efforts being made to promote the cultivation of cashew, noted for not just being a food crop but a cash crop as well.
“This is well timed at this season when it has become imperative to diversify our economy from its oil orientation to others more sustainable areas like agriculture”. ‎
He commended President Muhammadu Buhari for living up to the expectations of Nigerians through his achievements in the last few months, saying the uniqueness of his good governance had been felt in all aspects of the economy especially in agriculture.
Governor who described cashew as a money-making and health-promoting crop, said the state is ready to partner with any investor to boost the agricultural sector.
 
He said the state is blessed with fertile hectares of land, adding that his government would not hesitate to tap the numerous potentials in agriculture in sustaining its economy.‎
The Governor commended Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi for complementing his efforts to revamp agriculture in the state.
He therefore implored other traditional rulers to emulate the good gestures of Oba Ogunwusi in rendering social services to the society.
“The only way for us to contribute meaningfully to national economic development was for our able men and women to go back to farms.
“Quick recovery of our economy remains the duty of all and as a matter of fact, nothing is coming from oil anymore. And for this reason, we must all embrace agriculture to deliver our country from this financial mess.
“We must henceforth stop relying on the failed oil sector and seek for ways to sustain the economy through the promotion of the non-oil sectors.
“It is a glaring fact that the current economic challenges befell the country was a product of 16 years misrule and bad governance of past administrations in the country.
“Our state is blessed with fertile hectares of land good for farming, hence, triggers our ambition to tap the numerous potentials in agriculture to enhance the general well being of the citizens”, Aregbesola stated.
Earlier, Minister of Agriculture, Chief Innocent Audu Ogbeh who described the flag-off ceremony as the beginning of agricultural revolution in the country, said stage has already been set to ensure massive plantation of cocoa, plantain and banana across the nation.
Chief Ogbeh disclosed that the Federal Ministry of Agriculture was ready to embark on full plantation of 2million cashew every year for the next four years.
The minister stressed that the purpose of quick intervention in agriculture by the Federal Government was to ensure that the nation regain her lost glory as the food basket of Africa, saying all hands must be on deck to revitalize the sector for the betterment of all.
He lamented over the sliding state of the nation’s economy, assuring that the current government was fully ready to maximize the embedded potentials in the non-oil sectors.
Chief Ogbeh attributed the financial crisis ravaging the country especially the states of the federation to what he referred to as over-reliance on the mono-economic policy of the country, reiterating that the current government led by President Muhammadu Buhari would not rest on his oars to reposition the nation’s economy.
He said part of the objectives of the present government in agriculture was to ensure that every Nigerian has access to quality agricultural production and other farm produce without hiccup irrespective of distance or region.
Chief Ogbeh maintained that since agriculture is the largest employer of labour, his ministry would deploy necessary mechanism that would facilitate mass employment for Nigerian youths so as to reduce the scourge of unemployment in the country.
According to him “This historic occasion marks another milestone in our concerted efforts at resuscitating, repositioning and restructuring agricultural sector in the country.
“It also signifies the beginning of agricultural revolution in the country as we are seriously bent to ensure massive plantation of cashew, cocoa, plantain, banana and other agricultural farm produce across the nation.
“Our prompt intervention in agriculture was premised on need to swiftly rescue the nation from being collapsed due to her over-dependent on crude oil.
“Our government had identified agriculture as a key economic sector capable of turning around the general well being of Nigerians.
“We are fully ready to embark on full plantation of 2million cashew every year for the next four years in order to maximize the embedded potentials in the non-oil sectors.
“It is regrettable that we found ourselves in this economic mess due to misapplication of priority and mismanagement of our commonwealth, but nevertheless, no stone would be left unturned by the current government to ensure that the country regain her lost glory in all sectors.
“Though the over-reliance on the mono-economic system is also a contributory factor to this financial impasse but I can assure every citizen that the present government of President Muhammadu Buhari would not rest on his oars at repositioning the nation’s economy by ensuring adequate production of foods for local consumption as well as for export.
“Our ministry had already identified agriculture as the largest employer of labour, hence signaled us to deploy necessary mechanism to boost agriculture by engaging youths in the process so as to reduce the scourge of unemployment in the country”, he added.
Chief Ogbeh who described Governor Aregbesola as a visionary leader per excellence, said his landmark achievements since assumption of office remained memorable legacy in the political annals of the state.
He disclaimed the allegation that the financial challenges facing some states was the cause of their governors, saying the cash crunch tormenting the states was a product of national economic imbroglio.
Chief Ogbeh however called on all and sundry especially the youths to demonstrate interest in agriculture as part of their contributory efforts to national economic development and nation building.
In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi disclosed that 2,000 hectares of land had been acquired and cultivated for cashew plantation, adding that as soon as the people are showing interest in farming, more land would be released for that purpose.
Oba Ogunwusi expressed delight on the commencement of this year 2016 Flag-off of Cashew Planting season in Ife, saying with that, Ife had proven its stand as the ancestral home of yoruba nation.
The royal father further noted that the flag-off ceremony in the state was a clear testimony to undaunting efforts of the present administration in the state towards the resuscitation of agriculture sector.
Oba Ogunwusi who decried on the precipitous slide in the oil sector, said the time has come for government at all levels to shift attention to agriculture in stimulating and reviving the nation’s economy.
The revered monarch stressed that the massive plantation of cashew in the state was in no doubt the beginning of a new dawn in the agricultural revolution in the country, adding that with such giant stride being recorded, the state has set a formidable goal to rescue the nation.
Oba Ogunwusi who described agriculture as the only eternal and everlasting bailout to Nigeria’s economy, said the time has come for every Nigerian especially the youths to go back to farms.
 
 
 
He said, “I am very elated that the commencement of this year 2016 Flag-off of Cashew Planting season starts in Ife and with this significant move, we have proven our stand as the ancestral home of yoruba nation
“Unequivocally, this flag-off ceremony in the state was a clear testimony vindicating our Governor on his untiring efforts towards the resuscitation of agriculture sector.
“It is a well-known fact that our economy had been seriously challenged due to incessant drop in prices of crude oil at the international market, meanwhile, the time has come for government at all levels to shift attention to agriculture in stimulating and reviving the nation’s economy.
“We must all see agriculture as the only realistic alternative to crude oil at this critical period as government at various levels are working assiduously to enhance economic prosperity.
“We are starting with 2,000 hectares of land for the cultivation of cashew and as soon as our people begin to show interest, more land would be released for cultivation.

The Osun State House of Assembly has congratulated Governor Rauf Aregbesola on his 59th birthday.
A statement by the Chairman, Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, said Aregbesola’s stewardship has touched the people’s lives despite the economic downturn.
 
 

 
 
Describing the governor as an amazing leader, the Assembly said with a governor who cares about the people’s welfare, there are better days ahead.
It also pointed out that the governor is a dogged, committed, diligent and forthright man, who would fight hard to ensure the development of his state and the country at large, regardless of the challenges coming his way.
“On your 59th birthday, we in the Osun House of Assembly salute you a reputable leader for the milestones you have attained in the development of our dear state.

“The feats you have achieved are exceptional and unusual even in the face of dwindling resources confronting our state.
“You refused to be discouraged due to the economic downturn, but decided to move on to ensure the development of our state without looking back. That is the quality we respect as a parliament,” the Assembly said.
The Assembly has begun a six-week recess. The recess began on May 23 and ends on July 4, but the House would reconvene on July 11.
The All Progressives Congress (APC) has urged Aregbesola “to soldier on with courage, even at this difficult juncture when his political integrity is under mindless attack”.
The party said “no matter how difficult the political, social and economic situation under his watch may be at the moment, all indications are that Ogbeni will emerge triumphant”.
In a statement by its spokesman, Kunle Oyatomi, the party said:  “Despite the uncharitable criticisms by opponents and detractors, the APC government under Aregbesola’s leadership, has managed to survive an economic collapse that was virtually driven by external factors.
“The collapse was caused by the devastating crash of crude oil price in the international market; the vandalism that characterised PDP’s management of the country’s economy in the last 16 years of civilian rule and the mind-bugging  corruption and virtual looting of the national treasury that prevailed during the PDP rule.
“If these factors had not intervened to negatively impact the development projects initiated by the governor, Osun would have been a model for most other states.
“But despite this, the state is still managing to execute critical infrastructural projects, which are eloquent testimony to Aregbesola’s superior financial management approach.
“When this storm finally clears, he will be vindicated and his detractors will bow in shame.”

The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has congratulated St. James’ Elementary School for coming third at the recently concluded Channels Kids football competition.
 

 
 
A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, quoted the governor as saying that the pupils have demonstrated true Omoluabi ethos of the state, part of which are handwork, dedication and cooperation.
 
The Governor commended the first runners-up of the Kids Cup for their achievement at the competition, adding that the feat must be extended to their academic pursuits.‎
 
Aregbesola stated: “I congratulate the representatives of the state at the Channels National Kids Cup tournament for making the third position in the competition. We salute their diligence and industry.
 
“Throughout the tournament, these youngsters demonstrated the ethics of decency, forbearance, healthy competition and dedication which resulted in their ultimate triumph as the bronze medalists. They are true OMOLUABI from the state of OMOLUABI.
 
“We are very proud of them, their managers, all facilitators of this victory, their parents and friends. ‎With this accomplishment, they must not rest on their oars both in sports and academics. This certainly is the beginning of great achievements for them and the children of Osun.”

Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola during the course of the week took an unscheduled tour of the state capital to see for himself the extent of work done on the different ongoing projects in the stat.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who led a high delegation team of state government officials on the visit, expressed satisfaction at the level of work done at the various points visited.
Some of the works inspected during the tour include the Osogbo Government high School, the Ata-Oja School of Science and the Oba Adesoji Aderemi East Bypass Bridge.

 

 
 
 

 
 
 

 

 
 
 
 

 

 
 
 

 

Osun State Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, has restated his commitment towards providing qualitative education for the school children in the state.
 

 
He said this at Osogbo city stadium during the celebration of children day on Friday.
Aregbesola who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori noted that his government has valued education of children since inception, promising that he would strive further to ensure that Osun state provide the best education for children in the country.
He noted that the Federal Government led by President Muhammadu Buhari has adopted his school feeding programme, maintaining that the initiative has been one of the best in the country.
Aregbesola who lamented continuous hostage of Chibok Girls by the deadly Boko Haram, assured that the present government is committed and sincere in the rescue of the girls.
He commended the soldiers for their gallant fight against Boko Haram, appealing to Nigerians to pray for Buhari’s government.
In her welcome address, the Permanent Secretary, Osun state Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs, Mrs Omolara Ajayi, appealed to parents and guardians to brace up and exercise a collaborative effort in the training of their children.
She condemned the violence against children saying “the inhuman and barbaric tradition of Female Genital Mutilation and the current trend of violence through child trafficking, child forced marriages, sex exploitation, abduction, can no longer be condoned.

Chairman of the Special Committee on Fire Safety in the state, Hon Mudasiru Oguntola Toogun has tasked owners of all categories of establishments in the state to take advantage of opportunities provided by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to improve their businesses.
 

 
Hon Toogun gave this charge while on monitoring tour to industries and multinational companies in Osogbo and Ilesa.
He said Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is concerned with the welfare of all citizens and their property in the state hence the setting up of the committee.
Hon Toogun therefore charged all industries and multinational companies in the state to be fire safety compliant. He also emphasised payment of taxes as it is meant for development
.
In their separate responses,Director Don Plaza, Mr Ike Donald Obiora, Managing Director, Micro Credit Agency, Mr Dayo Babaranti , Director of Olaiya Nigeria Enterprise, Alhaji Rauf Olaiya and Director of De Bukateria, Hon Wale Adedoyin thanked the State Governor for his commitment at developing the state despite the paucity of fund.
They therefore promised to comply with fire safety regulations and regular payment of their taxes and other levies to the state.
Present were Secretary to the committee, Mr Toba Aluko and men of the Fire Service led by the Deputy Director, Mrs Moni Lawal.