Osun State government has distributed 15,000 free hybrid oil palm seedlings to farmers in Ijebu-Jesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State.
Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Mr. Wale Adedoyin, reiterated the commitment of the government to the provision of food through the fulfillment of its Six-Point Integral Action Plan, three of which is aimed at addressing agriculture and food security.
He said that it is the belief of the government that the institutionalized strategy put in place through the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O-REAP) is targeted at food sufficiency in the state.
Adedoyin at the programme which was facilitated by the Executive Secretary, Oriade Local Government, Taiwo Fatiregun, charged farmers in the state to make proper use of the various government supports on agricultural farm inputs.
He said that opportunities abound for free crops for 2014 planting season, such as the distribution of 500,000 cocoa seedlings free to cocoa farmers, sale of 25,000 cashew seedlings at N50.00 per seedling and the sale of 64,000 hybrid oil palm seedling at N100.00 each.
The commissioner added that the loan facility provided to cocoa farmers, the sales of agro-chemical at 50 per cent subsidy to farmers and the distribution of kola nut and bitter kola seedlings free of charge to farmers are all done to  make the state secure in terms of food production.
In his address, the organizer of the event, who is also the Executive Secretary, Oriade Local Government Council, Taiwo Fatiregun, thanked all the invited guests and urged the farmers to make proper use of the hybrid oil palm seedlings so that the council will become a hub of food production in the State of Osun.
He then appreciated the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for creating the enabling environment for the executive secretaries in the state to contribute their quota to move the state forward.
The Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN), Oriade Local Government Chapter, Alhaji Sule Aresa, on behalf of his colleagues, expressed his appreciation to the state government for the good gesture and advised farmers to reciprocate the kind gesture by making proper use of the various agricultural support which the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola has extended to farmers in the state to ensure food sufficiency for the teeming citizens of the state.
DAILY INDEPENDENT

Following the outstanding performance of ministries, departments and agencies of government and discovery of new drive to increase internally generated revenue (IGR) in Osun State, the State House of Assembly has increased the 2014 budget estimate by N18billion.
The governor, Rauf Aregbesola had sent a budget estimate of N216 billion to the House for approval but following the recommendation of House Committee on Finance and Appropriation it has been increased to N234 billion. The House Committee on Finance and Appropriation had earlier recommended the increase during its deliberations on the budget and the House at its plenary okayed the increase.
Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Hon Kamil Oyedele, while presenting the report of his committee to the House explained the adjustments made on the drafts budget, adding that the changes effected were done after proper consultations with the Office of Budget and Economic Planning and the Ministry of Finance.
According to him, in the course of the budget defence by the ministries, the committee observed new drive to improve internally generated revenue and the resolve of Aregbesola’s administration to reduce over dependence on resources expected from the federation account.
He added that government intends to fund some of its developmental projects listed in the 2014 budget by using resources accruable to the state through Internal and External Funds and Credits.
LEADERSHIP

The Chairman, Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation (OSSADEC), Engr. Solagbade Atanda Oladepo, has commended the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola over his continuous support  to farmers in the state especially by granting them agricultural loan.
He disclosed this at the first meeting of the board for the year 2014, which held at the Conference Room of the Corporation.
He used the occasion to implore members of the board and the management staff of the corporation to work together for the overall success of the agency adding that, members have to submit their completed code of conduct bureau forms on time.
Engr. Oladepo assured farmers that, they will soon benefit from the agricultural loan and asked for their support and cooperation with the present administration.
Speaking at the occasion, the Acting General Manager, Mr. Kayode Olanipekun said that, banishing hunger and poverty, creating wealth and employment are part of the Six-Point Integral Action Plan of the present administration and assured them that, disbursement of loan will commence by May 2014.
Mr. Olanipekun stated further that, the State Government of Osun under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola had procured agro-processing equipment such as Cassava Chipping Machine, Grain Processing Machine, Multi-Grain Thresher, Rice Reaper and Yam Flour processing machine for sale to women and youths at 40% subsidy.
He also informed the meeting that, the State Government had further approved a 15% subsidy on agricultural implements such as Harrow, Plough, Rigger and Tipping Trailer which are available for sale at the Cooperation headquarters along Ilobu road.
OSUN NEWS

Osun State government has reiterated to continue to promote proper sanitation and hygiene to guarantee sustainable environment in the state.
Wife of the Osun State governor, Alhaja Serifat Aregbesola, stated this while performing bi monthly sanitation exercise that took place in Ilesa, last Saturday.
Alhaja Aregbesola, who emphasised the need for the people of the state to take the exercise with all seriousness, said sustainability of the environment was key to good living.
She lauded the people of Ilesa for their turnout for the exercise, maintaining that proper sanitation would free them from all forms of diseases.
She further urged people of the state to shun unwholesome practices that could expose them to danger and environmental degradation.
In her welcome speech, the state Commissioner for Environment and Sanitation, Professor Olubukola Oyawoye said the exercise was aimed at increasing awareness of the people on the attendant benefits of sanitation and healthy living.
Professor Oyawoye urged the people of the state to imbibe the culture of healthy living to justify  huge investment of government in the area of sanitation and environmental sustainability.
Oyawoye maintained that government efforts in the promotion of friendly environment had yielded positive result as the state had not recorded any case of cholera in the recent time.
Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr Bola Ilori ,recounted efforts of government in forestalling flood in the state through its dredging of rivers and streams.
Ilori warned those who were engaging in dumping of refuse in unauthorised places to desist from the act, noting that any person caught would face the music.
The special Adviser, who called on people of the state to always observe the bi-monthly exercise which is for their betterment, said henceforth, government would not spare the violator of order.
At the exercise were the General Manager, Osun State Waste Management Agency (OSWMA), Alhaji Ganiyu Oyeladun, wife of the commissioners in the state, the Leader, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, among others.
TRIBUNE

A combination of modern educational facilities, new network of roads, better structured environment and empowered citizenry have led to the emergence of a new Osun under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
This was the conclusion of the Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor in its release on Sunday.
The Bureau said the entire people of the state have seen remarkable difference in the rot inherited by the current administration on November 27, 2010 and what the state has become in terms of social amenities, motivation of the people and above all, restoration of peace.
This was just as Architects in Nigeria under the aegis of the Nigeria Institute of Architects (NIA) described Osun’s urban renewal programme as a good template to cause peer-review with other states of the federation.
During a meeting with the governor at the weekend, the architects said the various restructurings taking place throughout the state showed that the administration is poised for the birth of a new society.
The Bureau, in its statement signed by the Director, Semiu Okanlawon, noted that the completion of at least 39 mega schools, completion of almost 800 kilometres of roads across the state, creation of better environment for healthier living, empowerment of the various strata of the society have created a strong sense of newness in all spheres of life.
“So, 39 schools containing over 1,700 classrooms with modern facilities have been concluded. However, more than that figure has reached near completion stages and would soon be put to use by the pupils for whom they are targeted.
“If you place that side by side the huge network of newly constructed, inter-city and intra-city roads already completed, there is no doubt that this government has created a new Osun which is a source of attraction to people. Osun now offers a more conducive atmosphere for business and pleasure more than any other time in its 22 years of creation.
“As the state with the least unemployment rating, the highest public school enrolment figures in Nigeria and as the 7^th largest economy in Nigeria, Osun no doubt has transformed from its old self to a modern state with great potentials for more growth.”
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Institute of Architects has said it was in the state to understudy Osun’s urban renewal programme of the government with a view to recommending it to other parts of Nigeria.
NIA President who was represented by the body’s 2nd Vice president, Arc Adibe Njoku said, “The Executive members and scores of members from all parts of Nigeria and from different spheres of practice are here to see, study your urban development initiative and evolve ways to provide requisite supports to nurture pragmatic progressivism in the governance and genuine innovativeness in the Administration as epitomised by your Administration.
“We do hope to establish some benchmark to assist other state’s in peer-review.”
Aregbesola, while addressing the body of architects, said Nigeria must be rebuilt by professionals like architects as the responsibility for the rebirth of the society cannot be that of political leaders only.
Aregbesola said, “Nigeria must be re-built by professionals like you who are selfless in the development of human society and humanity because political leaders cannot be generalists and therefore need all other professionals to develop the nation’s socio-economic sphere.
“We have pandered too much on the failure of our country, but we owe it a duty nevertheless, to try our utmost best to use our expertise to solve the problems of building and bridge collapse and other sundry issues related to our individual professions.
“It’s puzzling though that Nigeria Architects have not developed or build on the roofing sheets designed by the colonial masters, some of which are injurious to our health and other environmental hazards.
“We don’t need university certificate to know that we are in danger of health crisis and need more environment friendly roofing material that will support our claims to being part of a global village that preaches environmental sanity.
“The mentality of our people is so subservient that we don’t even know that we are in danger by using the present roofing materials, and this is where the professionals come in who can distinguish between genuine building materials from fakes”, the governor said.

The Osun State government yesterday expressed concern over what it called shortfall in its allocation from the federation account.
The state Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro, while addressing a press conference on the financial status of the state, said the escalating revenue crisis in the country is seriously affecting the working machineries of state governments and that the impact on Osun is severe.
Bolorunduro said Osun revenue has been suffering serious decline since June 2013. He said the state government has been augmenting its monthly salary payment by about N1billion  on a monthly basis.
Bolorunduro noted that the N1billion funding gap is a serious challenge for the state government and appealed to Osun workers and retirees to bear with the state government.
He however assured that the state government will keep deploying strategic initiatives to cope with the cash crunch.
“Governor Aregbesola has no plan to cut or reduce salary of its workers, just as he is determined to ensure that various developmental projects across the state are completed,” he said.
DAILY TRUST

Photos from a courtesy visit to the Governor Osun, at Government House, Osogbo,at the weekend by the National President, Apostolic Church Of Nigeria

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National President the
Apostolic Church Nigeria/Territorial Chairman, Pastor Gabriel Olutola
during a courtesy visit to the Governor Osun, at Government House,
Osogbo,at the weekend

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National President the
Apostolic Church Nigeria/Territorial Chairman, Pastor Gabriel Olutola
during a courtesy visit to the Governor Osun, at Government House,
Osogbo,at the weekend

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and National President the
Apostolic Church Nigeria/Territorial Chairman, Pastor Gabriel Olutola
during a courtesy visit to the Governor Osun, at Government House,
Osogbo,at the weekend

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(middle); National President
the Apostolic Church Nigeria/Territorial Chairman, Pastor Gabriel
Olutola (left) and Pastor James Soude during a courtesy visit to the
Governor Osun, at Government House, Osogbo, at the weekend

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(3rd right); National
President the Apostolic Church Nigeria/ Territorial Chairman, Pastor
Gabriel Olutola(2nd left), Pastor James Soude(left)Osogbo Area
Superintendent, Pastor Paul Usman(2nd right) and Oke Igboji Area
Superintendent Ilesa, Pastor Ogundele Isaac(right) during a courtesy visit
to the Governor Osun, at Government House, Osogbo, at the weekend

Photos from the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of First Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on  Saturday 29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Pro-Chancellor and
Chairman of Council Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel
Adesiyan Olawoyin (2nd left) and Vice – Chancellor, Professor Adekunle
Bashiru(right) during the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of First
Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on Saturday
29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Pro-Chancellor and
Chairman of Council Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel
Adesiyan Olawoyin (2nd left) and Vice – Chancellor, Professor Adekunle
Bashiru(right) during the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of First
Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on Saturday
29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (bark); Pro-Chancellor and
Chairman of Council Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel
Adesiyan Olawoyin(2nd bark)Former Vice – Chancellor, Professor, Adebisi
Balogun(2nd front) and Vice – Chancellor, Professor Adekunle Bashiru(front)
during the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of First Degrees and Award of
Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on Saturday 29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Former Vice Chairman PDP
South West, Alhaji Tajudeen Aladipo during the 3rd Convocation for the
Conferment of First Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University,
Osogbo on Saturday 29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left); Pro-Chancellor and
Chairman of Council Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel
Adesiyan Olawoyin(2nd left) and Former Vice – Chancellor, Professor,
Adebisi Balogun(right) during the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of
First Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on Saturday 29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Pro-Chancellor and
Chairman of Council Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel
Adesiyan Olawoyin during the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of First
Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on Saturday
29/03/2014.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola(middle); Pro-Chancellor and
Chairman of Council Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Gabriel
Adesiyan Olawoyin(right) and Former Vice – Chancellor, Professor, Adebisi
Balogun(left) during the 3rd Convocation for the Conferment of First
Degrees and Award of Prizes at Osun State University, Osogbo on Saturday
29/03/2014.

Chairman of a faction of the  Nigerian Governors Forum, NGF, and the governor of Rivers State, Rt. Hon. Chibuke Amaechi, yesterday, said adequate school feeding programe such as that practised in Osun State was key to better education of the Nigerian child.
Amaechi while delivering a lecture titled, “Higher Education and Good Governance in Nigeria: The way Forward” at the second Osun State University, UNIOSUN, Distinguished Guest Lecture Series, at the University Auditorium, main campus in Osogbo, charged every governor in Nigeria to learn from Osun.
This came as Governor Rauf Aregbesola noted that despite the dwindling allocation coming from the federal government, his administration was still providing development projects.
Amaechi held that other states of the federation should emulate the school feeding programme of Osun, saying the programme would reduce the number of out-of-school children in the country.
He said he was amazed with the level of infrastructural development of Aregbesola’s government in the State of Osun.
According to Amaechi: “Every serious governor should take education seriously, though it is common for most governors to want to concentrate on road construction because people will praise them.
“It is not enough to construct roads alone. The issue of his school feeding programme deserves applause and every other state must emulate it because it will drastically reduce the number of out-of-school children which is rampant in Nigeria.”
Speaking on his commitment to basic education, Governor Aregbesola said: ”Basic education is not negotiable, that is why we are doing what we are doing on basic education considering the neglect that the sector had suffered, it is our concern to give it necessary quality.”
VANGUARD

The Government of the State of Osun has again reiterated its commitment to the provision of food through the fulfillment of its Six-Point Integral Action Plan, three of which is aimed at addressing the issue of Agriculture and Food Security.

It is the belief of the Government that, the institutionalized strategy put in place through the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O-REAP) is targeted at food sufficiency in the state.

This was the view of the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security in the State of Osun, Hon. Wale Adedoyin, while speaking at a programme put together for the distribution of 15,000.00 free hybrid oil palm seedlings to farmers in Ijebu-jesa, Oriade Local Government.

Speaking further at the programme which was facilitated by the Executive Secretary, Oriade Local Government, Hon. Taiwo Fatiregun, the Agric Commissioner charged farmers in the state to make proper use of the various government supports on agricultural farm inputs.

He said that, opportunities abound for free crops for 2014 planting season, such as the distribution of 500,000 cocoa seedlings free to cocoa farmers, sale of 25,000 cashew seedlings at #50.00 per seedling and the sale of 64,000 hybrid oil palm seedling at #100.00 each.

The Commissioner added that the loan facility provided to cocoa farmers, the sales of agro-chemical at fifty percent subsidy to farmers and the distribution of kola nut and bitter kola seedlings free of charge to farmers are all done in bid to  make the state secure in terms of food production.

Earlier in his welcome address, the organizer of the event, who is also the Executive Secretary, Oriade Local Government Council, Hon. Taiwo Fatiregun, thanked all the invited guest at the occasion and urged the farmers to make proper use of the hybrid oil palm seedlings so that, the Local Government will become a hub of food production in the State of Osun.

He then appreciated the Governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for creating the enabling environment for the Executive Secretaries in the state to contribute their quota to move the state forward.

The Secretary, All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Oriade Local Government Chapter, Alhaji Sule Aresa on behalf of his colleagues, expressed his appreciation to the State Government for the good gesture and advised farmers to reciprocate the kind gesture by making proper use of the various agricultural support which the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola has extended to farmers in the state so as to ensure food sufficiency for the teeming citizens of the state.
OSUN NEWS