The ancient town of Ikoyi-Ile in Isokan Local Government Area of the State of Osun was thrown into a wild jubilation yesterday as the people of the town celebrated this year’s edition of Osun Ikoyi festival.
 

 
 
As early as 7am, thousands of people which included natives and foreigners had besieged the Palace of the Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Yissau Bamitale Otunla Kodaolu I, to felicitate with him on the celebration of yet another Osun festival in Ikoyiland.
 
The procession to the Osun shrine started at 2pm when the Olukoyi accompanied by his Chiefs and thousands of his subjects and visitors led the procession to the Osun shrine.
Oba Yissau Oyetunji Otunla Kodaolu I and the procession stopped at traditionally designated places to offer prayers to the ancestors before finally going into the shrine where propitiations where made to the Osun goddess.
 
While addressing the people, the Olukoyi prayed for the success of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in piloting the affairs of the State.
 
He particularly eulogised the efforts of Governor Aregbesola especially at promoting traditional festivals as a way of preserving the Yoruba cultural heritage as well as showcasing them to the outside world.
The Olukoyi appealed to the State Government to lend more helping hands in the celebration of Osun Ikoyi to make it a meaningful venture for income generation to the State.
 
Oba Otunla pledged the support of Ikoyi sons and daughters to the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.
In spite of the huge crowd that witnessed the festival there was no case of lawlessness or chaos which gives credence to the fact that Ikoyi people imbibed the Omoluabi ethos for which the State of Osun is known.

Osun State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt.Hon Najeem Salaam has tasked government to focus more on grassroots in its quest to banish poverty and fast tracked accelerated development . The Assembly made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye to mark the International Day for the Eradication of Poverty.
 

 
The day for the eradication of poverty has been observed every year since 1993 when the United Nations General Assembly by resolution 47/196 of December 22, 1992 designated October 17 to promote eradication of poverty and destitution in all countries.
 
The Lawmakers noted that the greatest challenge of the 21st Century is inequality, a situation that had seen the world fortunes concentrated in the hands of few individual and communities.
 
Identifying rural urban migration, neglect of agriculture, poor agricultural practises, non utilisation of available technology, lack of energy and appetite for foreign consumption, mono-economy, policy inconsistencies as parts of factors responsible for unabating poverty in the land, the lawmakers called for new mindsets among the populace.
 
“the idea of handouts from governments, white collared jobs should be jettisoned for out of the box ideas ”.
 
While calling for inclusion of science in agricultural practises in rural areas, opening up of farm roads and massive production of electricity and other infrastructure to drive the economy, the parliament said conscious actions and policies to help bail out communities should be implemented.
 
“communities should be provided with essential basic infrastructure, by increasing the rural population’s access to potable water, basic health care, education among others”
 
Acknowledging the initiatives of the Federal Government to address recession, Osun Assembly pointed that with effective monitoring, projects such as NPower, and other poverty alleviations initiatives as well youths in technology programmes will bring great succor to the famished citizenry.
 
Also, emphasizing the need for intervention in small scale industry, empowerment of peasants’ farmers, Artisans and market women, the assembly stressed that redirection of education orientation to favour entrepreneurship skills and pursuit will springboard the economy out of the doldrum.
 
It also identifies access to quality healthcare, basic education, improve the level of literacy among adults, school attendance, local capacity-building and strengthening of civil based organisations and NGO’s as vital components in addressing poverty in the country.
 
“with the commitment of the leadership to accountability and best practises, continuous fight against corruption, change in the approach of doing government business, the yearning of global community to reduce poverty will be a reality in the country” the assembly submitted.
 
Osun Assembly affirmed that improvement in the quality of public administration and service delivery in rural areas through effective people’s participation in decision-making processes would go a long way to bring relief to the citizenry.
 
The parliament, which also acknowledged the government of Osun state for its rounded and policies in favour of the populace pointed that the approach in-spite of prevailing financial straight had helped to stabilize the polity.
 
“Government and other stakeholders must adopt innovative approaches at both the macro and micro level for highly efficient community development and capacity building for rural dwellers.”
 
The assembly assured that it was committed to passage of bills that will create conducive environment for business and investors to thrive

The Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, the Council for Arts and Culture as well as the Tourism Board, State of Osun have congratulated Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ooni of Ife on the 2016 Olojo Festival.
 

 
 
This was contained in the welcome address by the Coordinating Director of the Ministry, Mrs Olufemi Webster-Esho at the traditional wrestling, exhibition of cultural artefacts and local cuisine organised by the Ministry as part of the 2016 Olojo festival held at Ile-Nla, Oonirisa’s Palace in Ile-Ife.
The Coordinating Director stated that this year’s Olojo festival is unique being the first to be celebrated by Oba Ogunwusi since the ascension of the throne of Oduduwa in 2015.
She commended the royal father for adding colour and splendour to the festival through the introduction of innovation and other cultural items adding that Oba Ogunwusi has demonstrated his love for Yoruba culture and tradition since he became the custodian of tradition and culture.
 
Mrs Webster-Esho expressed gratitude to the Governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for demonstrating his unalloyed support for tradition and culture since he came on board as the state’s helmsman in 2010. She therefore reiterated the need to see the renaissance of culture and tourism as a veritable channel of improving the state.
Present at the colourful event were the Chairman House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Hon. Olasunkanmi Adufe Akinola and Hon. Israel Oluwatomilayo Aloba, a member of the Committee, Comrade Biyi Odunlade, Secretary 2016 Olojo Festival and Directors from the various government agencies.

The Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board (HMB),Engr. Olusegun Aduroja has charged stakeholders on malaria elimination in the State of Osun to take critical look at the menace of malaria fever in the society and develop a strategic model that will prevent mosquitoes from carrying plasmodium that causes malaria fever as
prevention is better than cure.
 

 
According to him, the adoption of Rapid Diagnostic Testing/Microscope before the use of any anti-malaria drug makes effective case management achievable and eventually lead to possible elimination of malaria fever from our clime thereby reducing the loss of manpower which has adverse effect on the country’s GDP.
 
Engr. Aduroja made the statement at the Conference Room of the State Ministry of Health, Osogbo during the verification meeting for the dissemination of 2017 Annual Operational Plan on malaria control activities in the state.
 
During the presentation, the Project Manager, Mrs. Romoke Adeyanju stated, among other things, that 2017 AOP targets the creation of awareness on malaria and elimination programmes to policy makers and major stakeholders at State and Local government Area levels.
According to her, AOP will also ensure that 100% public health facilities in the state are supplied with information, education and communication (IEC) materials in 2017.
Meanwhile, the Project Manager concluded that, over #900million is the budget estimates required to execute the 2017 AOP. The Health Assisted NGOs will contribute about 95% while the state’s counterpart fund is 5% that is over #50million.
Mr. Orhorhamreru Tosin, who represents National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP) appealed to the State Government of Osun through the Permanent Secretary, to release the counterpart fund on time to facilitate successful execution of the 2017 AOP.
In his response, Engr. Aduroja assured the management of State Malaria Elimination Programme that Governor Aregbesola’s administration values the people of Osun living a healthy life hence the state will not hesitate to play her own role to fast track the successful implementation of 2017 Operational Plan for Malaria in the state.

The Government of the State of Osun has once again reiterated its commitment to promoting cultural events in the state in order to boost the tourism potentials of the state.
 

 
This statement was made by the State of Osun House Committee Chairman on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Olasunkanmi Adufe Akinola at the exhibition of arts and crafts organised by the State Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture with the State Tourism Board as well as Osun State Arts and Culture as part of the series of programmes to mark this year’s Olojo festival.
Mr. Olasunkanmi observed that tourism has become a veritable income generation venture worldwide hence the need to develop all tourist attraction events both natural and man-made.
In his opinion, a member of the State House Committee on Culture and Tourism, Mr. Israel Oluwatomilayo Aloba, who accompanied the Chairman to the occasion said the State should have a media platform to showcase all the rich tourist attraction sites and events in the state to the outside world.
This, according to him, will create awareness in the people as well as investors in Osun Tourism potentials.
Series of activities such as traditional wrestling, performances by various cultural troupes as well as exhibition of art
works and traditional Yoruba cuisines were displayed.
Meanwhile, the grand finale of the Olojo Festival holds tomorrow (Saturday, 15th October, 2016) at the Palace of the Ooni of Ife where the Ooni, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Ojaja II will wear the Are Crown for the first time since his ascension to the throne of his ancestors.
The State of Osun and Governor Rauf Aregbesola thus felicitates with the Ooni and the entire people of Ife both at home and in the Diaspora on the celebration of this year’s Olojo festival.
The State Government has enjoined the celebrants to be peaceful during the celebrations and should show the Omoluabi virtue for which the State of Osun is known.

The governor, state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was in Oyo town yesterday to celebrate with his royal majesty, the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, who turned 78.
The well-attended event had dignitaries from all works of life present.
 
Here are pictures from the event.
 

From left- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and others during the Special Jumat Service Commemorating 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State
 

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and  Member, Federal  House of Representatives, Hon. Abdul Akeem Adeyemi, during the Jumat Service Commemorating 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi. at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State
 

From left- Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Pakoyi of Oyo, Sheik Husain Ayodeji, Imam Daud Tijani and Member, Federal  House of Representatives, Hon. Abdul Akeem Adeyemi, at the Special Jumat Service in Commemoration of the 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin
of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State, on Friday 14/10/2016.
 
 

From left- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,  Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi, and his Oloris, during the Special Jumat Service Commemorating 78th Birthday Anniversary of Alaafin of Oyo ,Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, at Oyo Central Mosque, Oyo State.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Friday said the nation’s $20bn food import bill was unsustainable.
The governor, who spoke during an interactive meeting with farmers at Otan-Ayegbaju in Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state, said Nigeria must be ready to take up the challenge of feeding its population.
 

 
Aregbesola noted that the era of crude oil had gone. He said that government must think on how to successfully diversify the economy.
He said, “It is now glaring to us that crude oil has gone to base. We have seen the challenge facing our monolithic economy. Oil is no more sellable in the market as it used to be.

“We must all go back to farm because agriculture is the only way out to this economic mess.
“And we are so blessed in this part of the world with a weather condition that supports lucrative farming unlike some other parts of the world.
“But unfortunately, our craze for foreign taste is so huge that we put undue pressure on ourselves.
“Today, Nigeria’s import bill stands at a staggering $20bn and this is unsustainable.”
Aregbesola, however, said his administration had prioritised agriculture with a view to turning the state to food basket of the nation.
He said as part of his administration’s six-point integral action plan was deliberately designed to banish hunger and enhance massive increase in food production through different agricultural intervention.
He urged the farmers to be more dedicated, proactive and proficient, especially at the time the economy of the country was yearning for diversification.
In his remarks, Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Fadipe, commended Aregbesola on his support for the farmers through the provision of agricultural incentives.
Some of the farmers, who spoke at the meeting, also commended Gov. Aregbesola for his support for farmers in the state.
One of the farmers, Mr. Muideen Abidoye, a pepper grower, said the timely support received from the state government had helped him to go on large scale farming.
(NAN)

The Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, traditional rulers, people and farmers of ‎Okomaje, Oja Oko and Otan-Ayegbaju of Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state defied the heavy downpour of Thursday evening to convey an interactive meeting on the farm land.
 

 
This was just as the governor said that Nigeria’s current $20 billion food import bill is unsustainable adding that
Nigeria must grow enough to feed her population.
Farmers cooperative societies that benefited from the Osun State sponsored N1 billion Bank of Agriculture micro credit facilities lauded Governor Aregbesola for being at the vanguard of agricultural revolution.
A prominent traditional ruler, the Owa of Otan-Ayegbaju, Oba Lukman Adesola Ojo Fadipe, and farmers commended the present administration for its quick agricultural intervention aimed at making agriculture more attractive to young ones.
 
Oba Fadipe stated that the state government through its farmers friendly policies and programmes had created an enabling environment for farmers to thrive.
The monarch and the farmers gave the commendation while hosting Aregbesola at a special meeting tagged:
“Governor’s interaction with farmers,” at Okomaje, Oja Oko, Otan-Ayegbaju, Boluwaduro Local Government Area of the state.
In his remarks, Oba Fadipe described agriculture as an indispensable panacea to the present shortfall in crude oil, saying the impact of the state in building a productive, workable and effective agricultural system had been largely felt by all farmers.
He said Governor Aregbesola has greatly supported farmers in the state, commending the state for its timely provision of agricultural incentives, loans and other needs to farmers across the state.
He charged the youths on the need to show more interest in farming, saying it is high time for all to go back to farm.
In the same vein, some farmers who could not hide their joy at the meeting, saluted the Governor for prioritising agriculture since assumption of office.
While confirming the positive impacts of the present administration towards agricultural advancement, the farmers said the governor has helped in breathing new life to farming in the state.
The farmers, who are made of cocoa growers, cassava growers, plantain growers, vegetable and pepper growers, maize and yam growers among others, attributed some of the achievements made to government’s consistent intervention.
One of the farmers, Muideen Abidoye, a pepper, grower said the timely support received from the state government has helped on large scale farming.
Abidoye said: “Every right-thinking person knows that Osun State Government, led by Governor Aregbesola, is doing its best for farmers, especially on financial and material supports.
“Government provided loan facilities for us just as many benefited from other supportive means.
“As for me, I have over 20 hectares of land planting pepper, tomatoes, potatoes, cassava among others with the support gotten from government.
“Same goes to others who are into different agricultural production.”
The Governor applauded the farmers for feeding and building the nation through what they chose as  career.
Aregbesola said his government has prioritized agriculture with a view to turning the state to food basket of the nation.
He said as part of his administration’s six-point integral action plan deliberately designed to banish hunger and enhance massive increase in food production, several interventions had been made by his government over the years to champion the course.
The Governor held that the current administration under his watch has supported the farmers and rural dwellers with their needs, which include basic infrastructures.
He charged farmers on the need to be more dedicated, more proactive and proficient, especially at the time the economy of the country is yearning for diversification.
He said: “It is now glaring to us that crude oil has gone to base.
“We have seen the challenge facing our monolithic economy.
“Oil is no more sellable in the market as it used to be.
“The era of crude oil has gone.
“What we must think of now is how to successfully diversify our economy.
“We must all go back to farm because agriculture is the only way out to this economic mess.
 
“And we are so blessed in this part of the world with a weather condition that support lucrative farming unlike some other parts of the world.
“But unfortunately, our craze for foreign taste is so huge that we put undue pressure on ourselves.
“Today, Nigeria’s import bill stands at a staggering $20 billion.
“That is unsustainable.”

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State says he has no regrets in committing the largest part of the state’s resources to education development.
Aregbesola spoke when he unveiled a new block of 10 classroom in Attan-Ayegbaju town, Osun, on Wednesday
 

 
The classrooms were built by the Anglican Church in honour of Chief Bisi Akande, a former Governor of Osun State and former interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress.
According to Aregbesola, by investing massively in education, his administration is preparing the state’s future leaders for a better tomorrow.
Aregbesola said: “Education by far has commanded our greatest engagement and resources and we owe no one any apology over this.
“As I often let people know, we are preparing for the next 25 years, what we want our children to become and where we want them to be in an increasingly digitised and fiercely competitive world.”
Aregbesola said that the dedication of the classrooms resonates with the vision of his administration’s education programmers.
In his speech, Akande, attributed decadence and immorality in Nigerian schools to the forceful take-over of the missionary schools by successive military governments.

Akande said the consequence of the military take-over of the schools across the country resulted in the displacement of people with moral integrity by fraudsters and and the vagabonds from political leadership space.
He said that the major reason why the military took over schools from missionaries was to lay the foundation for their own immorality and corruption.
According to him whether in Islamic schools or in any evangelical learning centres, all Missionary schools known to Nigerians are institutions for moral instructions.
The Primate of the Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, said religion remains a veritable tool for the promotion of peaceful cohabitation and tolerance in the society.
Okoh, who decried religious crises in some parts of the country, expressed hope that with a Christian faith building a school in honour of a Muslim statesman, Nigeria would soon get out of religious vendetta.
He described Akande as a true Muslim whose ideology and faith have impacted greatly in the lives of fellow beings without discrimination.