Ahead of official resumption of primary and secondary schools in Osun State, the state government has organised a sensitisation workshop for teachers in the state-owned tertiary institutions and the physically challenged on how to prevent the dreaded Ebola virus.

The state government, through the Ministries of Health, Environment and Sanitation trained some selected primary and secondary teachers and principals on what to do to prevent the spread of the disease.

The state government also trained traditional rulers and various organisations, including members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) who would also train others on the scourge.

Also, the higher institution lecturers, who were part of the workshop, are expected to train others in their various institutions, while the physical challenged will also train their colleagues in their various local government areas of the state.

Speaking during the training session, the state Commissioner for Health, Temitope Ilori, charged all participants that, the knowledge acquired should be properly used in their various institutions and local government areas on how to prevent the disease by taking necessary preventive measures.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

An opinion article titled ‘Aregbesola, education and election promises’ written by Tade Adekunle from Osogbo on September 24, 2014 makes an interesting reading but still leaves a sour taste in the mouth. The author does not sound familiar, but it matters little.

His main concern is on his perceived state of education in Osun which he used the last result of the Senior Secondary School Certificate Examination to buttress. According to him, Osun pupils’ performance which was 22nd out of the 36 states that sat for the examination was worrisome and an indication that the state’s educational policies are not working. He then stacked his cards with the issues of merger of schools and uniform school uniform. Pardon the tautology.

The author tries hard to be civil but the piece is riddled with cynicism and thinly disguised mockery of the state’s education summit chaired by the revered Prof Wole Soyinka, that had recommended comprehensive review of the education policies of the state, early in the life of the administration.

Adekunle sounded like the voice of one of those who stoutly resisted the education reforms in the state from the standpoint of opposition politicians, religious former school owners, disgruntled teachers or an old student revelling in past glory, even when the alma mater had fallen into disgrace and disrepute. They forged a coalition of the disgruntled with the opposition in the August 9 election and were thoroughly trounced and disgraced. He might just have resumed where they left, considering his conclusion that the policies should be reversed.

It should be pointed out, however, that the immediate result of an examinationis not and cannot be the right yardstick to measure an education policy. Those who wrote the last examination in question must have been in the school system at least for 11 years (assuming they spent five years in primary school and six at the secondary level) in the school system. The result you have today is a cumulation of all the inputs and efforts within that period.

We all know that it is not the day you plant a crop that you harvest it. What is being harvested today could not have been planted yesterday. The result of today is the reflection of the neglect of the putrefaction that had crept in. that is not Aregbesola’s making and it will be illogical to blame him for this.

And it could have been worse, since the problem is longstanding. Governor Aregbesola noticed this and cried out when he was inaugurated upon observing that less than five per cent of those who took the WAEC and NECO of 2010 passed. This actually informed his convoking the education summit early 2011.

The state government is doing everything needed to turn education around. This includes hiring over 10,000 teachers, training and retraining them, kitting them and giving them all necessary motivation. It also involves building new state of the art schools, rehabilitation and equipping existing one and providing 150,000 computer tablets to senior pupils and their teachers (out of which 50,000 has been delivered and distributed). Do not forget that elementary pupils now enjoy free feeding and medication in all public schools, to which the government commits N3.6 billion every year.

For school furniture alone, the government, as at last year, had committed N2.5 billion. Grants to schools was jacked up to N856 million from the N122 million inherited from previous administration. Before Aregbesola’s coming, no school had instruction materials, but his administration has committed N506 million to providing these. These are verifiable facts.

Beyond those still sulking because the reforms had cut off their extortion channels in the schools, even the teachers and other stakeholders are full of praises to the governor, claiming that they feel proud to be teachers for the first time.

The central basis of opposition to the reforms is the inability of some stakeholders to reconcile to the facts that the state government owns all the schools in question. They are still living in denial since the takeover in 1975 or thereabout. The tragedy is that eight out of 10 agitators, when asked, still think that the schools belong to the old missions and the reforms are superfluous government interference.

The government had explained countless times that the mergers were brought about by the policy of classifying schools into elementary, middle and senior categories. The mergers are therefore necessary to streamline these schools into the various classes for operational and administrative purposes. These policies do not affect private schools.

What the governor promised, due to much agitation, was that some of the schools would be returned to their original owners. This is after some of the mega schools being built are completed and the pupils moved into them. At no time did he promise that the policy would be reversed. It is high time all the agitated were reconciled to this. Those hoping for a reversal are only engaged in wishful thinking and let no Tade Adekunle raise false hope where there is none.
The governor, being a student of history, does not wish to erase the memory of any school. However, mergers and closures are part of the history of education. Even in the affluent world, when the caretakers can no longer maintain a school or it is no longer relevant to the need of that society or community, it will be merged with others or shut down. Plato’s Academy no longer exists, but it is etched permanently in the books, in the philosophy and the memory of those who have acquired western education. Where a school is closed, a monument will be left as its physical legacy.

What is more important, however, is its intellectual legacy and how it has affected our time and society. Those still sulking over the carcass of a dilapidated and ruined physical structure should let go and embrace positive change.

On school uniforms, the government has explained that the uniform distinguishes those in public schools from others. Even in the United Kingdom, this is the norm – uniforms are the same and can be picked in any convenient store. What mark them differently are the badges, cardigans and berets branded for each school. In our neighbouring Benin Republic, all school children wear khaki as uniform.

Aregbesola has carried out a revolution in education in Osun. I am of the firm belief that with the policy direction, funding, equipment, motivation and technology, all driven by the passion and will to change things for better, Osun, within the shortest possible time, will be producing the best school leavers and world beaters in all fields.

Fasure lives in Osogbo

 Osun State governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has been urged to introduce a housing policy that would further enhance his efforts to urbanise the state.

The call was contained in a congratulatory message sent to the governor for his re-election by the state branch of the Nigerian Institution of Estate Surveyors and Valuers (NIESV). The group also called on the governor to consider the introduction of property rate to widen source of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state.

The group’s message, a copy of which was made available to Saturday Mirror, was signed by its Chairman and Public Relations Officer, Dr Oluseyi Adegoke and Tunde Oladokun, respectively.

The group commended Governor Aregbesola for breaking new grounds in terms of provision of infrastructure in his first term, urging him to raise the bar in his second term in office.

It also hailed the state government for transforming the Osun State especially in the areas of road construction, saying that the present administration has opened up many towns and cities in the state.

The group also urged the state government to patronise local professionals who are based in the state and expressed its readiness to partner with him for the overall development of the state.

It also stated readiness to work with the state government in the areas of land acquisition and compensation valuation among others.

NATIONAL MIRROR

THE Osun State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Hon. Sikiru Adetona Ayedun, has charged traditional rulers to protect and support the cultural heritage of their various communities.
Speaking at this year’s Odun Ade Orolu Cultural Festival in Ifon, the commissioner, who was represented by the Director, Museum and Monument in the Ministry, Mr. Samuel Adeniyi, commended Oba Al-Maroof Magbagbeola, the Olufon Orolu for encouraging cultural activities in his domain.
According to the commissioner, festivals provided opportunities for unity, harmony, development among the people.
Ayedun also said cultural festivals should be encouraged because “they have considerably improved the economy of the state.”
THE NATION

The State Government of Osun has declared that the amount charged for the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy is now N30,000 as against over N100,000 for a piece of land measured 15 by 30metre (50 by 100) adding that such certificates would now be issued without delay.
The state Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Arc Olumuyiwa Ige made this known while playing host to members of the Nigeria Institutions of Surveyors (NIS) who paid him a courtesy visit in his office.
While commending the efforts of surveyors at large, the commissioner re-affirmed the present administration’s resolve to disallow quacks to operate in the state, while also stressing that the people of the state are people of good virtues who have been influenced by the drive of Ogbeni Aregbesola to run an open government in a bid to take the state to greatness.
While assuring that surveyors and architects in the state will continue to have opportunities to operate, Arc. Ige explained that the Oranmiyan new town which comprises seven neighbourhood has been opened, adding that the work going on at the airport is also at a top gear.
Arc Ige then promised that the next four year would witness yet another tremendous and unusual development of the state.
Responding on behalf of the Nigerian Institutions of Surveyor, the team leader, Surveyor Tunde Ogunbadewa congratulated the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, on his victory at the governorship poll.
He explained that the state of Osun was first chosen among other states, to host this year’s edition of the Olumide Memorial Lecture since inception in 1934, to be held on October 23rd because of the tremendous infrastructure development that has taken place in the state.
He then charged the state Ministry of Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development to ensure that builders do the right thing so as to guide against building collapse in a bid to avoid loss of lives and property.
Earlier in a welcome address, Surveyor Rasheed Adejumobi who represented the Surveyor General of the State of Osun thanked the team for making the state worthy of visiting.
GAZELLE NEWS

The General Overseer of the Deeper Life Church, Pastor Folorunso Kumuyi said on Friday that the Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has demonstrated exemplary leadership with his disposition to all religions and massive infra structural development in the state.

Kumuyi said the attitude of the governor has not suggested the promotion of one religion above others in his policies and programme.

The Deeper Life General Overseer said this while addressing journalists during a courtesy visit to the Governor, at the Government House, Osogbo, before the commencement of the Three Days Crusade of the Church, tagged ” Explosion of Supernatural Miracle”.

Kumuyi, while reacting to previous allegation that the Governor wanted to Islamise Osun said “for those who are saying that, I’m not living in Osun State, I don’t know what they have observed or what they have seen, but what I have observed is that Aregbesola is Governor for everybody. He is a man for every one, he wants the progress and development of individuals and the state not minding if you are Muslim, Christian,‎ non Muslim or non Christian.”

He said the crusade was brought to Osun for the manifestation of God power and love for the people to heal,and turn every life around, saying the event will be wonderful for every one that comes.

Kumuyi expressed gratitude to God for the peaceful conduct of the August 9 Governorship Election in the state and the emergence of Governor Aregbesola for second term.

The clergy urged the governor to double his efforts as the head of state during the second term.

He said ” I have moved around and seen what you have done in the first term, but there is still more to do, there is no way people will not point out deficiencies in Government but you must not be distracted, you must be focused and move close to God, we are looking for a better and more successful second term”

” We want you to believe in God that he can conquer any challenges, that is the most significant aspect of our crusade here; to remind the people that no matter how bad it may be for individuals, state and nation, God can still turn things around and can move things forward” Kumuyi said.

Responding, Governor Rauf Aregbesola appreciated Pastor Kumuyi for bringing the crusade to Osun saying the crusade will definitely manifest spiritually in his administration and the life of the people of the state.

The governor said Osun is blessed with the leading lights in Christendom with Pastor Kumuyi as one of them which according to him informs the state government decision to build inter-denomination convention ground for revivals and crusades.

He said his administration is determined to do better during second term and tasked pastor Kumuyi to pray for the success of the administration.

Aregbesola said” we thank God, we have remakable four years, our wish is to put into the next four years, programmes and policies that will only be possible in 20 years and we are believing God through the prayer from somebody like you, it will be possible”

He urged Kumuyi to pray for him and the people of the state, sound health, and mental capacity to carry out the assignment.

The governor also urged the Clergy to pray against Ebola virus which is disturbing the Nigeria and rest of West of Africa.‎

Osun State Government has said that it has taken measures to curb the spread of the deadly Ebola Virus Disease (EVD) to the state as pupils resume academic work on October 6, 2014.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministy of Education, Mr. Lawrence Oyeniran, gave the assurance at a meeting with members of the Nigeia Union of Teachers (NUT), Osun State Branch on Ebola virus.

Oyeniran said that teachers and students safety against the contact of Ebola Virus Diseases (EVD) that currently constitute health challenge to the nation has been considered by the government of Osun before the announcement of schools resumption date in the state.

He reiterated various efforts had been put in place by the government of the State of Osun under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to curtail the spread of Ebola Virus in Schools, include training of teachers.

He noted that Osun is Ebola Free with a guarantee from the reports of Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Osun branch.

The Permanent Secretary maintained that it’s a known fact that Ebola Virus is a deadly disease that can be prevented with early detection and treatment by medical personnel between the incubation periods of 2-21 days.

He said this informed the government’s decision to provide infrared thermometers to all schools in the state starting from Friday this week.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

The Osun House of Assembly said it passed 24 bills in the last three years of its legislative business.

Mr Ajibola Akinloye, the assembly’s Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, announced this in an interview with the newsmen in Osogbo on Wednesday.

Akinloye said the fifth assembly was inaugurated on June 2, 2011.

He said some of the bills included the Osun Agency for the Control of HIV/AIDS, Local Government Administration, Domestic Against Violence, Agency for Mass Education and Security Trust Fund.

Akinloye said all the bills had been signed into law by Gov. Rauf Aregbesola while 15 others were still pending before the assembly.

He said some of those pending were Street Trading and Illegal Market, Waste Management Authority, Osun Partnership and the state University Development Bill.

He said the house would try to pass the pending bills before its expiration .

The lawmaker said all the passed and pending bills were had direct impact on the citizenry.

Akinloye said that four bills, mailly Street Trading and Illegal market, Osun Public Private Partnership, Regulation of Sand Dealing and Dredging Operation and Livestock Roaming were scheduled for public hearing.

Akinloye said members of the assembly were vibrant and committed, adding that the experience of the lawmakers assisted them in their legislative duties.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National leader All Progressive Party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a congratulatory reception for Aregbesola over his victory on the August 9th gubernatorial election in Osun, at his Victoria Island office in Lagos State, on Monday 22/09/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National leader All Progressive Party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a congratulatory reception for Aregbesola over his victory on the August 9th gubernatorial election in Osun, at his Victoria Island office in Lagos State, on Monday 22/09/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National leader All Progressive Party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a congratulatory reception for Aregbesola over his victory on the August 9th gubernatorial election in Osun, at his Victoria Island office in Lagos State, on Monday 22/09/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National leader All Progressive Party, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu during a congratulatory reception for Aregbesola over his victory on the August 9th gubernatorial election in Osun, at his Victoria Island office in Lagos State, on Monday 22/09/2014.

Address Delivered By The Governor Of The State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At The Ceremony To Mark The Official Kick-Off Of The Construction/Rehabilitation Of 225-Kilometre Rural Roads Under The Second Phase Of Osun Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP II), Held At Ira Open Square, Oriade Local Government, On Thursday September 17, 2014.
It is most pleasing for me to preside over this ceremony to mark the official kick-off of the Osun Rural Access Mobility Project (RAMP II). This is one project that is very close to my heart as the head of government in Osun at this particular time in the history of our dear state.

My special interest in RAMP stems from the fact that it has to do with the road infrastructural development in those parts of our state that have received less attention but in dire need of it in road expansion and improvement.

There is no gainsaying the fact that rural areas have generally suffered a disproportionately greater degree of neglect in infrastructural development over the years. Indeed, this is partly responsible for the reverses and setbacks that we have experienced in terms of our socio-economic advancement.

In this respect, the importantage-old business of agriculture has particularly been hit hard. This has culminated in the progressive decline in agricultural production with dire consequences for our capacity to feed our rapidly increasing population.

It has had other equally serious negative ramifications in unemployment, mass poverty,decline in education and widespread incidence of hunger among many other ills with which the land had been pervaded. On our assumption of office we saw the problem in its all-ramifying dimensions and we set about tackling it as a matter of urgent priority.

The major policy means we adopted in dealing with these problems is to revitalise our agriculture and modernise it; hence our agricultural revolution programme.

It is our belief that modernising our agricultural practices would be a magic bullet with which we can deal effectively with many of the major social and economic problems with which we were confronted.

With the development of agriculture the festering canker of hunger, unemployment, poverty, and poor education can be dealt with. However, indispensable to this agricultural revolution programme is according necessary development attention that had long been denied to our rural areas.

This crucially involves opening them up by road. This we have pursued with all the vigour and vitality that we can muster. Our effort in this area has fortunately attracted the attention and assistance of development partners who have been doing a lot to enhance our road infrastructure development in the rural areas of Osun.

The RAMP I – and now RAMP II – projects, ably supported by the World Bank and French Development Agency, have gone a long way in furthering our objective of linking our food production centres in the rural areas with their supply centres mainly located in the urban areas both within and outside the state.

Our prudence and impressive performance under the RAMP I made it quite easy for our development partners to choose Osun as one of the four states eligible for the RAMP II, which we are today formally kick-starting.

Under the RAMP II, there are 500 kilometres of rural roads to for construction and rehabilitation. But these will be done in two phases. The first phase of the RAMP, which we are commencing today, will cover 225 kilometres of rural roads.

The design and other preparations for the remaining 275 kilometres will begin in a matter of short time from now, with the prospect of opening up even more parts of our hitherto neglected rural communities.

For ease of administration and more effective implementation, the 225-kilometre roads have been organised into four lots covering four different parts of the state. The first (Lot 1) is in Iwo region and covers 58.74kilometres. The second(Lot 2) is in Ife region and will cover58.40 kilometres. The third(Lot 3), also in Ife region, extends over 53.87kilometres. The fourth(Lot 4) will take place in Ilesha region and will cover 53.61kilometres.

This RAMP II road projects will greatly enhance the area coverage of the already massive road construction and rehabilitation exercise that our administration has embarked upon.

The significance of the RAMP roads will be better appreciated when the fact is considered that about 75 per cent of the total road network in Osun is actually rural roads. This is one of the ways in which we want to continue to demonstrate our unceasing commitment to continue with works of development that we have been doing.

For us, winning a second term of office is no excuse for indolence or for relaxation. Indeed, it is an opportunity to accelerate the pace of work so that we can cover as much ground as is humanly possible within the time available to us.

It is an opportunity we intend to maximise for the development of Osun and the well-being of our people.

Indeed, for us, politics is over. Governance and development must continue, even at a faster rate than before. The mandate given to us is for all the people, all our communities and it covers every inch of our soil. It is our fervent desire to bring the blessing of God on all our people and make our state the model of responsible leadership and public administration.

I thank you all for listening.

Osun a dara!