Photos of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the party supporters, during an electioneering campaign rally into the National and State Assemblies at Iba, the State of Osun

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday said the Easter season offers Nigerians especially Christians a good opportunity to pray for the take-off of a new beginning that would usher in prosperity in all facets of national life.

The governor also charged the Osun people to embrace love and peace and make the necessary sacrifice towards the development of the country.

The governor, in his Easter message to Nigerians which was signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, urged Nigerians to use the occasion to pray for the President-elect, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari, to bring the positive change to Nigeria.

Aregbesola stated that what the country needs at this time are various intercessory prayers for God to continuously stabilise the country.

He charged Christians and people of other faith to supplicate to assist the in-coming administration on the critical areas of needs in the country such as insecurity, hunger, unemployment, decayed infrastructure, corruption which had all held Nigeria down.

According to him, “Nigerians are tired of mere promises, they want concrete actions. They want to see in practical terms that government is committed to fighting insecurity and restoring the country to its past glory. This is what the APC government is committed to and so, Nigerians should pray successes in these areas.

“The season therefore offers us all the opportunity to pray for a proper take-off of that new beginning for our country to regain her lost glory.

“Events of the past few years, particularly the spate of insecurity in the land, leave much to be desired. I want to call on Christians and every Nigerian to pray for leaders of the nation, because Easter celebration should be used to renew love for one another”.

……as Osun monarch congratulates colleagues who rejected “Dollar” inducement

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has on Monday said the Victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and that of Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari at the just concluded presidential election should be ascribed to God and not any single individual.

Aregbesola in a statement by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, was quoted as speaking when a group of royal fathers paid him a courtesy visit at the Government House in Osogbo the state capital.

‎The royal fathers of Osun commended some of the monarchs who refused to be tempted by the alleged last minute distribution of foreign currencies by the ruling party to sway votes for its candidate.

The group of traditional rulers was led by the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul Rauf Adedeji to the Government House to congratulate Aregbesola and offer prayers on the victory of APC and it’s candidate at the last Presidential election.

Aregbesola stated that no man on earth should ascribe the success and the outcome of the election to himself, but all praises to the Lord who in His infinite mercies granted Nigeria a peaceful election.

He noted that there is nothing new that the Progressives have done this time that is better than what the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the acclaimed winner of the 1993 presidential election did.

According to him, “sixty-three years ago, politicians who were of the view of a political climate that will give life abundantly to the people did all they could but they were unable to achieve their desire. Despite all their struggle and the will to give a better leadership could not make it to the presidency.

“After the first attempt by Obafemi Awolowo and others came the advent of Moshood Abiola when Nigerian voted and he won but never become the president of the country. Here we are today, the victory is still looking to me as a dream. All the glory ‎must be given to the Lord”.

The governor commended the doggedness and the fighting spirit of Asiwaju Bola Hammed Tinubu and the former governor of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande at ensuring that the Yoruba get their votes for a central government for the first time in 63 years.

He also congratulated governors of APC, both serving‎ and former saying after God, APC leaders in all the states of the federation and party faithful deserves commendation.

Aregbesola charged traditional rulers in Yorubaland to take seriously the development of their areas, noting that God has endowed them with the power to make sure that they at all time seek the development of their God’s given domains.

He said, ” I am particularly happy that the Yoruba is no longer in the opposition. This is the first time in 63 years that this is happening in the history of Nigeria.

“No Yoruba born or alive in this dispensation should not be happy. It is the first time that Yoruba will have a government that the majority of the people wanted. I will only pray that God will make this government have impact on our region.

“I charge all of us in the South-West and Nigerians alike to make sure that we get it right this time”. The governor told the Monarchs.

Speaking earlier, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abul-Rasheed Olabomi congratulated Osun indigenes and Nigerians on the victory of APC and Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and prayed that the much awaited change will come to people in no distant time.

The Monarch who spoke on behalf of all the Monarchs also congratulated their colleagues who refused to be induced by the “hard currencies” distributed to some by the ruling party before the elections.

He expressed delight that the prediction of Chief Obafemi Awolowo that Nigeria will be better of when the finest of the Progressives of the Northern part of Nigeria come together with the Yoruba has come to fulfilment.

“This is the first time in the history of our Nation where the general wish of the Yoruba will come to pass in terms of selecting for Nigeria. I want to use this opportunity to say a big congratulation to the Yorubaland”.

The royal fathers in attendance included: Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Asiru Olatoye Olaniyan, Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba AbdulRauf Adedeji, Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye, Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Oladunjoye Oyedele and Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Abioye Oyebode.

Others are, Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kilani Adekeye, Obajio of Moore Ile-Ife, Oba Yaya Olugbaju, Onirun of Okeirun, Oba Isaac Adetoyi Adetunlurese, Eleko Ende of Eko-Ende, Oba Rauf Adebayo and Oloosi of Osi. Oba Solomon Ademakinwa among others.

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola addressing the enthusiastic Pupils of Community Elementary & Middle School, Dada Estate in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun, during the Governor’s Impromptu visit to the on-going fabricated school building at Dada Estate in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) pointing at some
construction works to the Director General, Bureau of Social Services
(BOSS), Mr Femi Ifaturoti; Barrister Gbenga Akano and others, during his
Impromptu visit to the on-going fabricated school building at Community
Elementary & Middle School, Dada Estate in Egbedore Local Government Area
of Osun

From left, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Director
General, Bureau of Social Services (BOSS), Mr Femi Ifaturoti; Site
Engineer, Mukaila Adewale and others, during the Governor’s Impromptu visit
to the on-going fabricated school building at Community Elementary & Middle
School, Dada Estate in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun

The on-going Pre-Fabricated Building at Community Elementary & Middle
School, Dada Estate in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun, during the
Governor’s Impromptu visit to the school. Insert: From left, Governor State
of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Director General, Bureau of Social
Services (BOSS), Mr Femi Ifaturoti; Permanent Secretary, Osun State
Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Fatai Kolawole and Head of
Project Monitoring, BOSS, Engineer Wole Idowu

The on-going Pre-Fabricated Building at Community Elementary & Middle
School, Dada Estate in Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun, during the
Governor’s Impromptu visit to the school. Insert: From left, Governor State
of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Director General, Bureau of Social
Services (BOSS), Mr Femi Ifaturoti; Permanent Secretary, Osun State
Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Fatai Kolawole and Head of
Project Monitoring, BOSS, Engineer Wole Idowu

From right, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Director
General, Bureau of Social Services (BOSS), Mr Femi Ifaturoti; Permanent
Secretary, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Mr Fatai
Kolawole and Head of Project Monitoring, BOSS, Engineer Wole Idowu, during
the Governor’s Impromptu visit to the on-going fabricated school building
at Community Elementary & Middle School, Dada Estate in Egbedore Local
Government Area of Osun

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed) addressing the
enthusiastic Pupils of Community Elementary & Middle School, Dada Estate in
Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun, during the Governor’s Impromptu
visit to the on-going fabricated school building at Dada Estate in Egbedore
Local Government Area of Osun

The National leader, All Progressives Congress, Bola Tinubu, has described the victory of the Presidential candidate of the APC, General Muhammadu Buhari, as Nigeria’s finest moment in its political history.
“It is a moment when hope is re-born, faith is rekindled and a fresh fire of patriotism is released for the task ahead. I congratulate General Buhari, Nigeria’s President-elect, on his hard won victory,” Mr. Tinubu said.
“I salute our gallant party leaders and members for running the long distance to victory. To millions of Nigerians, I say this – the APC seeks not power for its sake, but for the purpose of bringing a better life to our people and re-building our country.
“This is also democracy’ s finest moment. Nigerians alive today have witnessed the beginning of an era of change . They made this happen and they are the true celebrants and they are deserving. Together, we share this victory. Side by side we would work together to bring our country back.”

Photos of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National Leaders, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, during the presentation of Certificate of Return to the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari at National Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday 01-04-2015

From right, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National
Leaders, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande and Asiwaju
Bola Tinubu, during the presentation of Certificate of Return to the
President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari at National Conference Centre, Abuja on
Wednesday 01-04-2015

From right, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National
Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; Oyo State
Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; APC Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed; Former
Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu; Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and others,
during the presentation of Certificate of Return to the President-Elect,
Muhammadu Buhari at National Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday
01-04-2015

From right, Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National
Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande; Oyo State
Governor, Abiola Ajimobi; Former Kogi State Governor, Prince Abubakar Audu
and APC Publicity Secretary, Lai Mohammed, during the presentation of
Certificate of Return to the President-Elect, Muhammadu Buhari at National
Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday 01-04-2015

President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (right); his Vice
President-Elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right) displaying their
Certificates of Return after receiving it from the Chairman, Independent
National Electoral Commission (INEC), Professor Attahiru Jega (left) at the
National Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday 01-04-2015

President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari (2nd right); his Vice
President-Elect, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (3rd right); National Leaders, All
Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande (right); Asiwaju Bola Tinubu
(left) and other APC Chieftains, after receiving the President-Elect’s
Certificate of Return at National Conference Centre, Abuja on Wednesday
01-04-2015.

As part of its continued commitment to the welfare and well-being of the people, the Government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has announced this year’s free train ride for the Easter celebration.

In a statement by the Ministry of Commerce, Cooperative, Industry and Empowerment on Wednesday, the free train ride would convey people coming for the Easter festival from Lagos to Osogbo on Friday 3rd April by 11am.

A return train will depart Osogbo to Lagos on Monday 6th April 11 am.

The statement noted that the government did this to ease movements of the people during period of the festivity.

The Government therefore enjoined indigenes of the state to maximise the advantage the free train ride offers them to visit home and enjoy the celebration.

The statement said, “This tradition of free train ride as introduced by the Aregbesola government is aimed at facilitating the easy movement of the citizenry wherever they are.

“And this programme takes care of both Islamic and Christian festivities. Since its commencement, we can say confidently it has been a boost to the economy of the state.

“It is this ease during festival periods that informed the introduction of the scheme by Governor Aregbesola.

“Therefore, it is the wish of government that our people from Lagos, Ogun and Oyo States would seize this window of opportunity by Aregbesola’s government to visit home and celebrate with their relatives.”

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has described the victory recorded by the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Saturday election as a fulfilment of the vision of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

This was just as Aregbesola described the outcome of the poll as a watershed in the annals of democratic elections in Nigeria.

The governor in a broadcast to the people of the state noted that the election of Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari as president of Nigeria is the culmination of the struggle for the enthronement of a people-driven democratic governance in the country.

Aregbesola reminded Nigerians that Awolowo had in 1983 predicted that the progressive elements in the North and South would one day come together for the liberation of the country.

He pointed out that the progressives have always wanted to come together in the past but their march had always been stopped by cruel fate.

The governor cited the example of intention of the coming together of the progressives under the United Progressives Grand Alliance (UPGA) in the First Republic that was cut short by military rule in 1966.
Aregbesola also pointed out the progressive tendency of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), that produced the Chief Moshood Abiola presidential election of 1993 which was brought to an abrupt end by the military after the election was annulled.

According to him, “the APC however, is an idea whose time has come and there can be no stopping the match of history. It is significant that Chief Awolowo was instrumental to the formation of UPGA and PPA.
“Awoists formed the bulk of SDP in the South West. Also, the dominant party in the South West that became a major partner in APC was an offshoot of Awolowo’s Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN). I congratulate you all for being part of the making of history”.

He commended the people of Osun for their determination, orderly procession and peaceful conduct before and after the polls, saying that the sacrifice of the whole election day has shown their commitment to the defence of democracy.
‎
Aregbesola said that the pattern of the election in Osun was consistent with what obtained since 2011 general elections barely 6 months after he assumed office and last year’s governorship election in the state.

“It is greatly significant how the election went in Osun. Your enthusiastic response, determination, orderly procession and conduct, peaceful disposition and commitment to the defence of democracy all shone through.
“We saw the various categories of people, young, old, men, women, the aged and the physically challenged, all trouped to the various polling stations to perform their civic duties. Because of vehicular restriction, many had to trek for long distances to get to their polling stations, in order to vote.
“You all willingly sacrificed a whole day to be able to cast your votes to elect the president and federal lawmakers, in order to help shape the direction of the governance of our nation in the next four years.
“You voted and stood by your votes until they were counted and defended the integrity of the election. Your enthusiasm did not wane, even where voting started late and continued till the next day”. The governor emphasised.
He stressed that, with last presidential election, there is a measure of assurance that political power is now returning to the people through the democratic process.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday described the former Governor of Lagos State Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, as a formidable political warrior whose exploits have advanced the cause of democracy in the country.

Aregbesola, in a special birthday greeting in honour of the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress, said the present and future of Nigeria’s democracy would depend largely on the sacrifices already made by the likes of Tinubu.

In a statement on behalf of the Governor by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola extolled the virtues of Tinubu, whom he said had been visionary, perseverant, and committed to the institution of good governance and enduring democratic ideals in Nigeria.

“At 63, he represents the most formidable bundle of energy in the fight for the installation of a true democratic society in our country. From a humble professional beginning, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has emerged as the most creative public financial manager of all times that I have met.

“He has equally emerged a giant political figure whose contributions have enriched our political history.

“The history of Nigeria’s modern democracy would be incomplete without the struggles and sacrifices made by Asiwaju Bola Tinubu.”

Aregbesola said the battle for the institution of a culture of transparent and credible elections in Nigeria has not been without the robust contribution of Asiwaju Tinubu, adding that he has been very consistent in his opposition against the government at the centre because of its anti-people policies.

Aregbesola prayed for long life for the former governor adding that Nigeria would continue to reap from his unmistakable commitment to the good of the common man.

*Says Nigeria must get it right for Africa to get it right

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Saturday commended the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the successful use of the card reader for the 2015general election.

The governor made this remark after casting his vote at the Ifofin Ward 8 in Ilesha East Local Government of Osun.

Aregbesola in company with his wife and mother around 2pm noted that the card reader device has advanced the voting experience of Nigerians, which has drastically reduced possible manipulation of electoral process.

According to the governor, the ongoing 2015 general election in the state is far better than what was witnessed in the August 9 governorship election in the state in 2014.

He commended the security arrangement, which he described as being civil in contrast with what the people of the state experience in the last August poll in the state, where security agents were used to harass and intimidate voters.

Aregbesola recalled that the people of the state will not forget in a hurry the siege laid on the state by the deployment of large number of security agents reminiscent of a state of war.

He noted that despite the initial pocket of hiccups in the use of the innovative electronic device, subsequent elections would be better held.

“We must give it to those who introduced the use of card readers in this election because the introduction has improved the processes in terms of efficiency and credibility of the voting exercise.

“In spite of the little complaints reported in few locations, we still must give it to INEC for the success so far recorded being the first test the card reader is undergoing.

“In terms of security, the situation in Osun now is different from what happened in the August 9 governorship election where hooded men, terrorists and other fake security agents were deployed to intimidate the people, though the people refused to be intimidated.

“In this election, the security men had learnt to be decorous in their conduct. The exude dignity that should be in the security operations,” Aregbesola said.