For sometime now, the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state mumble about the infrastructure projects embarked upon by the Governor Ademola Adeleke administration in the state, pushing really hard to sell the impression that the projects fell short of standards. But when a technical team led by the President of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NGE), Engr. Margaret Aina Oguntala, FNSE, concluded an audit and validation tour of the projects on Thursday, the consensus was that they are of very high standards.
Governor Ademola Adeleke extends heartfelt condolences to the Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Chapter, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu over the death of his beloved father, Mr. Kazeem Ajadosu.
The technical team of COREN & NSE, led by the President of the Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina, FNSE. concluded its two-day audit and validation tour of Osun Infrastructure projects today with a loud commendation for the government of Osun State.
This tour also conveyed the award of Best Governor in Infrastructure Development by the UK NSE to Mr Governor, an event that was held earlier in the UK.
While paying a courtesy call on the state Governor, the President of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Margaret Aina, FNSE, and her team commended Governor Adeleke for his local content policy and ambitious infrastructure agenda.
“Mr Governor, we observed that all the ongoing infrastructure projects of your administration are 95% local content, which is highly commendable.”
“The technical standards we observed across the projects are also quite high. The construction team also demonstrated top competence and skills.
“That is why we are desirous of partnership with your government to move Osun from a civil service state to an industrialized one. The NSE is fully committed to partnering with your administration to turn Osun into a hub.”
Governor Adeleke who appreciated the UK chapter of the Nigerian Society of Engineers dedicated the award to the good people of Osun State, noting that Osun is currently a huge construction site
“I am glad you have gone round. You have seen our delivery across the construction sites.
“What you saw at Osogbo is small. Construction is ongoing across the 30 local governments and area councils.
“In 2023, I announced an ambitious infrastructure plan across the sectors. Many doubled our capacity to implement the various projects.
“To the glory of God, we have proved critics wrong. We have shown that we have the will, the capacity, and the knowledge to achieve our goals.
“We are determined to take Osun to greater heights. We have demonstrated a strong passion for bridging the infrastructure gap in Osun state.
“We are convinced that economic growth and development are best achieved when the infrastructure sector is well developed. Good infrastructure facilitates economic development and good governance.
“I must also appreciate the award from the UK chapter of the Nigeria Society of Engineers. I dedicate the award to the good people of Osun State.
“As we step out to check out the projects, I am convinced that you will return a positive verdict for us. We have a very strong technical team. They are your members. They are doing a great job”, the Governor noted.
While jointly inspecting the ongoing construction of the Okefia flyover, the NSE team again reaffirmed the earlier validation, describing the ongoing flyover as world-class.
After listening to the contractor and the consultant, the Governor re-echoed the statements of the consultant that the project would be completed within the 12-month timeline.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed Spokesperson to the State Governor
Osun state is set for new digital life as the State Executive Council on Thursday approved a newly reviewed state policies on science, technology and innovations among other deliberations.
The labour leaders in Osun have conferred a high performance rate on Governor Ademola Adeleke for his excellent delivery of governance in the state, especially as it concerns workers’ welfare in Osun.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has advocated for a frontline role for subnational governments in the fight against climate change even as he defended the commendable records of his government in that sector.
The State Governor who made the observations yesterday while hosting a delegation of the Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network said state governments in Nigeria are at different levels of reactions and actions on the climate challenge, advising that rating states must start with a benchmark analysis of their peculiarities.
The governor, who further posited that states must be fully engaged in the review process beyond desk research, called for direct interactions between reviewers and state desk officers to correctly assess developments in each state.
Expanding on his government activities in the field of climate change, the state governor advocated for a renewed focus on the subnational governments in the fight against climate change.
“It is time for all stakeholders to accept the pivotal role of subnational governments in the climate war. The present focus on international and national platforms can not produce the desired results.
“Climate change is local as politics is local. The climate crisis is manifesting directly on the ground across the grassroots of the global world. Actions to remedy the situation should be redirected to the local level. That is the only way to halt the growing climate rupture”, the governor told the visiting group
Speaking further, Governor Adeleke flaunted his records, asserting that “our government is a green government that is pursuing a robust climate change agenda.
“We have a world-class consultant who is developing several policies and action plans. We have made strong headway in terms of policy framework as well as the development of investment portfolios for climate projects.
“I am also happy to inform you that Osun.is developing a carbon finance template to ensure Osun benefits from the new world of carbon credit. A lot of work has gone into this effort.
“To demonstrate strong political commitment and in line with requests of several international bodies, I have assumed the chairmanship of the Osun State Climate Change Action Council.
“The Council serves as a policy and clearing board for all climate-related matters as far as Osun state is concerned. The council will soon be inaugurated”, Mr Governor posited.
Also speaking at the event, state consultant on Climate Change and Renewable Energy, Prof Chinwe Obuaku rejected the recent rating of Osun on climate change, positing that publishing the outcome without engaging the state is a wrong methodology.
The carbon finance expert wondered how the review could be conducted without calling for submissions and direct involvement of those being rated in the review process.
She emphasized that most of the headings for the review did not take into account the reality that most states are starting on different grounds for climate war.
“The administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke largely launched the Osun climate change agenda starting with the creation of the department of climate change, ongoing development of the state climate policy plan, and development of carbon investment templates and portfolios among others. How do you rate us without knowing or asking what we are doing”, the climate expert queried.
Speaking earlier, the Executive Secretary of Green Growth Africa Sustainability Network, Dr Adedoyin Adeleke, applauded the deep interest of the governor in the climate struggle.
According to him, his group has watched the activities of the state government in the field of climate adaptation and resilience, assuring that his group is prepared for long-term partnership with the Osun State government.
“We are here to commend the state government for its plans and programs in the field of climate change. We seek partnership and collaboration with the state for the implementation of innovative climate projects”, Dr Adedoyin posited.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
The Osun State Government is pursuing a comprehensive upgrade of tourist sites in Osun state including the popular Erin Ijesha Water Falls as part of its comprehensive tourism agenda.
The State Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi made the disclosure in response to a recent viral video on the state of Erin Ijesha Water Falls, announcing that the government is implementing a systemic upgrade after decades of neglect by previous administrations.
The Commissioner noted that the tourism infrastructure upgrade plan covers the Osun groove, Owala inland beach resort in Olorunda local Government, Sango Timi Shrine in Ede Local Government, Ayunkunnugba water falls in Oke-Ila Orangun, in Ifedayo local Government and other cultural sites.
On the state of the tourist sites in Osun, particularly Erin Ijesha Water Falls in Oriade local government, Governor Adeleke directed the fast tracking of ongoing renewal initiatives for the site which include the formation of a tripartite committee for the management of the site among others.
Hon Alimi who noted that the entire management of Erin-Ijesha Waterfall site is currently under the purview of Erin Ijesha community said the status quo is meant to ensure localisation and overall local content to boost the local cultural and tourism industry.
The Commissioner further conveyed the directive of the Governor that a tripartite meeting between the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, the Ministry of Information and Public Enlightenment and the leaders of Erin-Ijesa Community be held tomorrow, Wednesday 14th August,2024, to fashion out how to further maintain the environment and come up with an acceptable template that will benefit all interests involved.
“ I want to assure the general public that the Osun State government under Governor Ademola Adeleke has a comprehensive tourism agenda which covers all our cultural and tourism sites. The meeting tomorrow will increase the phase of reforms to satisfy the aspirations of the community and tourism community”, Hon Alimi posited.
He reassured the public that Osun government is passionate about tourism, and has outlined it as one of its five point agenda, noting that the state is open to public private partnership
E-signed: Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment.
● I will Recommit to People’s Welfare – Erelu Adeleke
OSOGBO – 10/08/2024 – osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke has called on traditional rulers to deepen unity among their ranks even as he spoke on his plans for the agricultural sector.
The Governor represented by the Commissioner for Agriculture, Hon Tola Faseru, made the call at the coronation of the wife of the Governor, Her Excellency, Erelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke as the Erelu Soludero of Erinmo Ijesa.
The paramount ruler of Erinmoland, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Dr) Odunayo Michael Ajayi JP, Arowotawaya II, had this Saturday conferred the prestigious title on Mrs Adeleke who is already the Erelu Soludero of Oke Ila in Ifedayo Local Government.
Governor Adeleke expressed heartfelt appreciation to his Royal Highness for conferring this prestigious title on his wife, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke, adding that “This is an open demonstration of affection and love for my family and the entire Adeleke dynasty.
“I must congratulate my dear wife for this honour conferred on her and the family. This chieftaincy title symbolises the sustained efforts of our government and the Adeleke family to bring succor to the people of the state. I thank Kabiyesi for honouring my wife. This will propel us to do more for the people of Erinmoijesa and Osun state as a whole”, the Governor posited.
While congratulating the royal father on his 10th coronation anniversary, the State used the opportunity to affirm the importance of royal institutions, submitting that “the contributions of our royal institutions to communal and state development cannot be brushed aside.
“In the turbulent art of governance, our royal fathers provide invaluable counsellings and moral support which steadied the ship of state and facilitated good governance.
“Our government will continue to accord traditional rulers their rightful place in the scheme of things. We will continue to consult and tap into the fountain of wisdom for which our fathers are made of.
“In this collaborative effort for the good of the people, our government will not abandon its responsibility to deliver dividends of democracy and to lift our people out of poverty and under-development.
“I must however plead with our royal fathers to revive and deepen the old spirit of unity across the traditional councils. We must avoid actions and inactions that breed disunity and fragmentation.
“A united traditional council across the local government will strengthen the capacity of our royal fathers to influence government policies. The increasing sign of fragmentation is worrisome and constitutes a threat to the sanctity of our traditional institutions”, Mr Governor advised.
On state governance , Governor Adeleke told the gathering that his government is implementing several initiatives in the agriculture sector.
According to the Governor, “We are specifically pursuing expansion of activities within such sub-sectors as cocoa, cashew and rice value chains. We will support provisions of facilities for paddy rice processing as well as further incentives for farmers in that sector.
“We are extending similar back up to farmers for other cash crops as a deliberate strategy to expand the state economy and deepen the state Gross Domestic Product (GDP).
“In the next few days, our government will be unveiling and distributing several farm equipment and inputs including tractors, fertilizers and seedlings. This is a golden era for our farmers. We are determined to raise Osun into an agro-industrial state with excellent infrastructure for economic sustainability”, Governor Adeleke narrated.
I will Recommit to People’s Welfare – Erelu Adeleke
Responding to the coronation, Erelu Ngozi expressed appreciation to the royal father and entire people of Erinmo Ijesha, pledging to redouble her efforts towards development of the town and realization of the aspirations of the young and the old in the state.
“I will push ahead with a vision of an Osun State where every citizen is empowered, embraced and equipped to reach their full potential. I envision a future where compassion, integrity and innovation drive our efforts to create inclusive opportunities for all.
“Together, we will champion education, healthcare and sustainable development, ensuring that no one is left behind. With unity and determination, I will build a legacy of resilience, prosperity and hope for generations to come”, the new Erelu told the gathering.
Erelu Ngozi Abeni Adeleke founded the Esther Adeleke Humanitarian Foundation, an NGO dedicated to providing healthcare services, food aid and education to those in need.
She is affectionately known as “Mummy Triplets” for her unwavering commitment to supporting families blessed with twins and triplets in Osun state. Through her foundation, she is providing care, support and financial assistance to four sets of triplets and three sets of twins and still counting.
The Erelu has earned many honours and awards in recognition of her immeasurable contributions to the well being of children, women and less privileged members of the society.
The event was attended by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Hon Kazeem Akinkeye and his wife, Dr. (Mrs) Balikis Akinleye, wife of the deputy governor, Deaconess Olusola Adewusi, wives of the Osun State House of Assembly members, wives of the Commissioners, wives of the former Local Government caretakers Chairmen and other dignitaries from home and abroad.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed the determination of his administration to reform and expand the creative sector of the state economy covering tourism, entertainment and craft sub-sectors.
The Governor who was represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye made the pledge at the grand finale of the 2024 Osun Osogbo festival held at the Osun Osogbo groove.
“Our Government is reforming and expanding various sectors of the economy. The creative industry is receiving special attention because of its potential as employers of labour and a booster of internally generated revenue.
“We are supporting the private sector as the driver of the creative sector expansion agenda. This will speed up the rejuvenation of the sector.
“We have huge potentials to tap into in the tourism sector. Osun is the cradle of Yoruba race, the host of key Yoruba cultural assets. We are not relenting in our plans to make Osun the first tourism destination within and outside the federation.
“We are forging ahead with our support for the upgrade of the Osun Osogbo groove. Last year, we supported the organiser and managers of the site with rehabilitation of the arena. We backed up the cleaning of the stream. We are now looking at the rehabilitation of the internal roads within the groove”, the Governor noted in his address.
He congratulated the Ataoja of Osogbo Land for another successful hosting of the Osun Osogbo festival, expressing delight that annually, the event is attaining new heights in term.of planning and delivery.
“Our best wishes to all adherents of the Osun Osogbo at home and abroad. We will continue to support all cultural festivals as a tool for local development and preservation of our tradition and culture”, the Governor added.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed Spokesperson to the Governor
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has rejoiced with a former House Speaker in the state, Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salam, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday, celebrating his remarkable contributions to the progress of Osun state.
The Governor hails Rt. Hon. Salam as an admirable public figure given his dedication to public good, noting that his approach to governance, particularly in the eight years he presided over the state’s legislature, underscores the premium he placed on the well-being of the people.
Governor Adeleke acknowledges the Ejigbo-born politician’s ability to bring people together, foster bipartisan cooperation, and manage ideologies, saying the celebrant’s passion to impact lives has earned him respect among friends and critics.
“I join family, friends and well-wishers to celebrate a former Speaker in Osun state, Rt. Hon. Najeem Folasayo Salam, on the auspicious occasion of his birthday. Rt. Hon. Salam is a politician who has impressed on anyone who pays attention that leadership is about the people,” the Governor noted in a congratulatory message.
“As Speaker, you upheld the value of the institution and guided the House through challenging and triumphant moments, delivering important legislations that positively impacted the state. On this occasion of your birthday, I honour the depth of your service, just as I like to appreciate your sincere interest in the progress of this state,” he said.
The Governor prayed for God’s continued grace over him as he aged on, while impressing on him to sustain contributions to the progress of Osun state in whatever capacity he found himself now or in the future.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
