NEWS RELEASE

Osun Commences Work on State Electricity Market Policy and Bill

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

NEWS RELEASE

Democracy Day: How Economic Hardship Weakens Democracy-Governor Adeleke

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, 
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor 

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

Following the last Friday’s Court of Appeal judgment, which affirmed the election of Senator Ademola Adeleke as the duely elected Governor of Osun State in the July 16, 2022 Governorship polls, workers in the public service of the State, this Monday morning, trooped out in their thousands to solidarise with the Governor and to congratulate him on the victory.

Workers who converged on the main entrance of the State Government Secretariat, Abere to usher in the Governor could not hide their feelings as they rejoiced,sang and danced with thunderous chant of the Governor’s slogan,”Imole,imole,imole”.

In his highly elated interactive reaction, which was laced with sacerdotal prayers and heartfelt prophetic utterances for the workers and the State, Governor Ademola Adeleke appreciated God for using the appellate court to upturn the election petition Tribunal judgment which had earlier sacked him from office, enthusing “this shows that the people of Osun gave me the mandate.”

He also thanked the entire workers and the people of the State for standing behind him throughout the difficult time, affirming that the victory cannot be stolen by anybody through the back door.

He therefore pledged that he will not disappoint the workers and the residents of the State in giving them the much needed dividends of democracy.

Governor Adeleke further assured the workforce of prompt payment of salaries and entitlements,as and when due.

Speaking earlier, the duo of the Trade Union Congress Chairman (TUC), Osun Chapter, Comrade Adekola Adebowale and his counterpart in the NCSU, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo congratulated the Governor for the well deserved victory saying, “It is an attestation of the fact that your victory is a popular mandate.”

The two labour leaders used the opportunity to recount some of the achievements of the Governor within 100 days of taking over the mantle of leadership in the State which,

according to them,were :prompt payment of salaries and arreas to workers, renovation and rehabilitation of roads across the State, sinking of boreholes and other infrastructural developments across the nooks and crannies of the State.

The duo, on behalf of workers,however pledged workers support for him, assuring that they will work with him to actualize all his good intentions for the State.

Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on the Muslim Community in Osun state to emulate the sacrificial living, self control and intercessory supplications embedded in the teachings of the Holy Month of Ramadan, just as Muslims around the world begins the month long period of fasting.

A news release personally signed by the Governor and made available to the newsmen through his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed said, Governor Adeleke wishes to remind Muslims in the State of the real essence of Ramadan as a period of self-reflection, intended to deepen one’s spiritual growth and renew a sense of appreciation for the many blessings of God.

In the release, Governor Ademola Adeleke enunciated:
“In this spirit of thanksgiving and reflection, all of us observing Ramadan can strengthen our sense of commitment to equality and development of our communities. It is a time to offer help to those in need, and serve as an immutable emblem of holy life.

“As residents of Osun State, we are all blessed to live under a government that fosters religious liberty and respects the religious practice of all. Our laws and history ensure Muslims can observe this period in accordance with the dictates of conscience and without detractions.

“It is also a period for our dear State to look up to Muslims for unimpeded prayers and in renewed sense of unity, purpose and desire for a better society.

“As we all unite to celebrate this year’s Ramadan in teachings and reflections, I join in the hope for a blessed month

Ramadan Mubarak, dear brothers and sisters in Islam,”the Governor concluded.

In furtherance of the activities marking his 100 days in office, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke today distributed a multi-million naira worth of mobility aids to 240 selected persons with disabilities across the State.

The mobility aids were given to the persons with disabilities who were drawn from different clusters such as deaf, albino, spina cord and physical disability,among others.

The programme, organized by the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special Needs,held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Abere, was graced by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, Persons with disabilities and political bigwigs,to mention but a few.

While speaking, Governor Ademola Adeleke mandated the Ministry of Justice to fast track the process of passing disability bills into law so that it could be sent to the State House of Assembly for quick passage,adding that it was imperative for Osun to have the law passed so that people with disabilities too can have a sense of belonging.

He further stressed that the materials distributed is in line with the support of his administration for the people with special needs, adding that the Government has responsibility to support all categories of people for the smooth running of the State, and that he is resolved to attend to all their yearnings.

Governor Adeleke therefore appreciated the people of Osun for the peaceful conduct of the last Saturday State Assembly election, while sympathizing with the family of those who sustained one degree of injury or the other, promising that now that the election is over, the next line of action is to continue with his good works, and make the people enjoy dividends of democracy which they voted for.

In their separate goodwill messages, the Chairman, Joint National Association of People With Disabilities, (JONAPWD), Oluwafemi Stephen, the retired first Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Youth, Sports and Special needs, Dr. Mrs Olayinka Oderinde as well as Mr Kehinde Onitiju appreciated the Governor for recorgnizing persons with disabilities in Osun.

They appealed to government to come to their aids by meeting their demands which included: repartration of sacked PWDs Teachers into classroom, establishment of training institutes for persons with disabilities, provision of operational vehicle, appointment of persons with disabilities into his cabinet,signing the persons with special needs bills into law, promotion and support of special Sports, among others.

They also used the opportunity to invite the Governor to visit Persons with Special Needs Training School.

Earlier in her address of welcome, the Coordinating Director in the Ministry, Mrs Taiwo Oladunjoye observed that the distribution of the aids was a demonstration of the love and commitment of the State helsman to the welfare of the special people in the State.

She commended the Governor for taking keen interest in the general well being of Persons with Disabilities and for the approval of funds for the programme.

She noted that the aids will make life more meaningful to the beneficiaries, help them achieve independence, reduce pain as well as increase their confidence and self esteem. Mrs Oladunjoye therefore appealed to non-governmental organisations and well meaning Philanthropists to partner with the Government in providing social services to the special people in their midst as Government cannot do it alone. She further charged the beneficiaries to appreciate the good gesture of the present administration through their support and cooperation to lift the State to an enviable height.

Among the mobility aids distributed to them were: wheel chairs, guiding canes, bowler caps, tick albino umbrellas, sunscreen cream and soap for the albinos, hearing aids and medical aids for persons with spinal cord injury and a host of others.

The event featured, entertainment by the Osun Cultural Troupe, other individuals and groups, cutting of cake and special prayer for the administration of Governor Adeleke.

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has expressed his heartfelt gratitude to the people of Osun state over another landslide victory of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at the just concluded state assembly elections.

In a statement issued on Sunday morning, Governor Adeleke celebrated the uncommon and unprecedented chain of victories the PDP had secured in Osun state from July 16, 2022 to February 25th, 2022 and the huge victory of Saturday March 18th, describing the outcomes of the elections as “complete embrace of PDP by Osun people for good governance and responsive leadership.

” My good people of Osun state, you have honored me and my party with another remarkable victory at the assembly elections. You have passed an excellent vote of confidence in my administration and my party by a series of electoral mandates in the last three elections. I went round the state with my scorecard under 100 days and you responded by endorsing my party’s candidates for legislative offices.

” You listened to my request for assembly members of my party who will work with me to deliver our five point agenda. Your trust in me to deliver on our election promises have been expanded and strengthened. Your verdict on my performance is loud and clear- you have approved of our people-focussed governance and our demonstrated will to resolve all outstanding challenges inherited from the previous administration.

” I have come to say a big thank you. Like I used to sing, ‘Ese eku itoju min, momore’. We will not take your approval, endorsement and solid backing for granted. Myself and my team will rededicate ourselves to the urgent task of state building, of service delivery and of delivery of dividends of democracy.

” Because your electoral endorsement is uncommon in the political history of Osun state, my performance must be extraordinary. And so it shall be now and all the time. Thank you for giving me all that I need to serve you more.

” To my brothers and sisters in opposition, I extend hands of fellowship and brotherhood. Join me to build a new Osun state. Support the will of the people as repeatedly demonstrated in the last three elections. As genuine democrats have no power except what the people will, I urge all lovers of democracy to enter the Imole train.

” Osun people need all, within and outside her political class, to unite for state development. You will find in me a listening and responsive State Chief Executive. Our administration will remain committed to an open, consultative, inclusive and transparent governance.

“We will govern with fear of God under rule of law for the collective interest of all Osun people irrespective of political or religious affiliations. Let all rest assured that there is no victor, no vanquished”, Governor Adeleke posited.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor