Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has been lauded for the efforts of the administration to nip the spread of dreaded Ebola Virus in the bud in the state.
The Senior Brand Manager, Premium Brands Grand Oak, Mr. Nnamdi Ezeani, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen on the measures taken by the state government to prevent the spread of the deadly virus to the state. He explained that the measures taken by the government were in the right direction stressing that it is an indication of responsible administration.

The Seamans was the only company that invited musician this year.
DAILY INDEPENDENT

 
Being The Text Of The State Broadcast Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola On The Occasion Of The 23rd Anniversary Of The Creation Of The State Of Osun

My good people of Osun,

I most heartily congratulate you on the 23rd anniversary of the creation of our state. It has been a long and tortuous path since the creation of our state to the stage we are today, but we have cause to give thanks to the Most High.

The creation of Osun in 1991 was a dream come true for our fathers and mothers who wanted a state of their own through which development could be accelerated in their various communities.
Over the years, the creation of the state has fulfilled some of their aspirations. Government has been brought closer to the people. The longest distance to the state capital is within easy reach. The civil service has provided jobs for many of our youths, including graduates, whose skills and abilities could have been lost to neighbouring states and other metropolis. Osogbo, as the capital city, has also witnessed expansion and renewal; and thus attracted other developments as a result of its status. This has created a cascading effect on its neighbouring communities like Ede, Ilobu, Iragbiji, Ifon, Erin, Ido-Osun, Ibokun, and Ikirun. We thank God Almighty for these developments and many more.

We must therefore be grateful to the founding fathers of the state and the successive administrations that have made Osun what it is today. Major General Leo Ajiborisa (rtd) was the pioneer military administrator. He was succeeded in January 1992 by Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke as the first democratically elected governor. The military returned and Navy Captain Anthony Udofia (rtd) assumed the mantle of leadership on December 9, 1993. He was succeeded by Lt Col Anthony Obi on 22 August 1996. Col Theophilus Bamigboye (rtd) took over from Obi in August 1998 and was the last military administrator that handed over to Chief Bisi Akande on May 29, 1999 in the return of civil democratic government. Chief Akande was succeeded by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola on May 29, 2003 and held forth until the coming of Oranmiyan on November 27, 2010.

These great men did their part but there are however many grounds to be covered and the challenges ahead are still formidable.
In the almost four years of our administration, we have striven to provide jobs for our teeming youths and get them positively and meaningfully engaged, revamp the educational system in order to position our children for a future that will be driven largely by knowledge, make agriculture the backbone of our economy in order to feed our people and drive our industries, provide modern infrastructure and make our cities look modern and attractive, among our many other commitments.

It is a formidable task we have undertaken with pride and satisfaction. I am convinced our success at this did not go unnoticed, which you have rewarded at the August 9 governorship election by overwhelmingly voting for me and my party. I thank you most sincerely for this.

Your conduct and choice during this election have distinguished you among the states of the federation as fiercely democratic, principled, courageous, patriotic, wise, intelligent and God-fearing. This is in spite of provocations and temptations. You came out peacefully, defied intimidations and confidently made a choice expressing your preference for me above any other.
You have demonstrated the Omoluabi essence and have made our race very proud. Generations to come will read about your heroic acts and take great pride in their forebears.

I will therefore like to express my profound gratitude to all the people of Osun for the support they gave us in the last election. I will like to thank all the political parties that participated in the election and their candidates. I will also thank the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for doing a good job and for remaining firm in spite of the enormous pressures on it to subvert the will of the people. I will like to thank women specially; and their groups for their exceptional support. My appreciation also goes to all the youths and their various groups for seeing their today and tomorrow in us and for identifying with the progressive platform under which we contested the election.

I will like to acknowledge the goodwill and support of our various professional groups, the traders, market women, artisans, professionals, the business community, transporters, farmers, our children, traditional rulers, religious leaders, community leaders, security personnel, civil servants, activists, housewives and other well-meaning people who stood by us and supported us in every way.

I will like to make a strong case for the promotion of the spirit of love and tolerance among us. We must be willing to accommodate each other and tolerate each other. Above all, we must all strive to seek the good of our community, our state, our nation and our neighbours. We must shun all acts of violence, vendetta and retaliation. National greatness and development requires citizens’ pursuit of public good and acting responsibly at all times.

There have been insinuations and unfounded speculations that there will be backlash against those who did not support us in the last election. Nothing could be further from the truth. Expressing a political choice is an inalienable right of every citizen and this choice should be made without fear or favour. Democracy is imperilled when citizens begin to exercise fear of possible backlash for voting for a losing candidate. Only those who commit wrongful and criminal acts during an election need to be fearful because the law would catch up with them, sooner or later. Law abiding citizens have nothing to fear.

The next four years will be great, rewarding and fulfilling and will surpass any previous era in the annals of this state. I am therefore asking for your cooperation and assistance in the effort to build our state and take it to the next level of greatness.

Once again, I congratulate us all on the anniversary of the creation of our state and wish us all many more years of prosperity and advancement.

Osun a dara!

The victory of the governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola in the August 9 governorship election has been described as a reward for dedication to the service of the people.

Senior special assistant to the governor on Community Forum, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye made the assertion at the Christ Apostolic Church, Number 1, Ibokun, during a Special Thanksgiving Service over the successful re-election of Aregbesola.

He said that if not for the overwhelming support of the people and divine intervention, the victory would have been difficult to achieve.

Outlining achievements of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the areas of infrastructural development, education and youth empowerment, Oyintiloye noted that vision and commitment on the part of governor brought about the change.

Promising that the governor would reciprocate the gesture in his second term, Oyintiloye added that the governor was concious and clear about the challenges of development.

Oyintiloye who noted that the governor places premium on the love and support shown to his administration leading to a victorious outing at the poll, stated that the governor would ensure equal distribution of social amenities.

LEADERSHIP

In a bid to avert the spread of the deadly Ebola virus in the State of Osun, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Mrs Temitope Ilori has called on religious groups to be alert and help prevent be the deadly virus, which had killed hundreds in Africa.

Ilori who made the call on Tuesday August 26, 2014 in a telephone interview with our correspondent emphased the need for religious leaders in the state to sensitize their people on the havoc the disease has caused on the African continent.

She said, the State Government through the Ministry of Health, has embarked on campaign about the nature of the disease and how it spreads, while urging the religious groups to also join the crusade.

According to Ilori, ‘’the Ministry of Health in partnership with stakeholders in the state, has been making endless efforts, towards avoiding the spread of the ebola virus.’’

”The government of Osun and Non Government Organization (NGOs), are really trying in their campaign towards ensuring that no case of such epidemic was recorded.

” Lagos state have recorded cases of victims who are under isolation and those on the watch lists”.

The Health Commissioner who said prevention is better than cure added that it is better to stick to warnings made available and follow the medical advice given by experts, in order not to record any case that we may live to regret.

While appealing to the people to abstain from anything capable of spreading the deadly Ebola Virus, Ilori stressed that sentiments and ignorance must not be allowed to destroy thousands of lives.

The commissioner, who assured of the state government’s readiness to always provide adequate healthcare delivery in the state, charged the citizens to strictly follow the medical experts advisory on how to prevent Ebola.

BIOREPORT

The All Progressive Congress (APC) Governorship Campaign Committee in Ijesa- North Federal Constituency has lauded the people of the state for their commitment to the development of the state.

The committee in a statement jointly signed by the Chairman and Secretary of the committee, Dr Wale Bolodunro, who is Commissioner for Finance and Mr. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, who is Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Community Forum stated that the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola has explained the commitment of the people for continuous development of the state.

The committee commended the people of the state especially Obokun and Oriade Local Government for displaying unprecedented love and total support for the return of Aregbesola-led administration by voting massively at the August 9 governorship election held in the state.

It said that the outcome of the election actually reflected the wishes of the people who are committed to further development of the state, irrespective of any Federal power.

The statement specially acknowledged the support of chiefs, market women and traditional council of Oba for their elderly advice, guidance and support to the present government.

It also appreciated various religious groups, artisans, labour unions, transport unions and religious leaders of all extractions for standing firms with whatever they have to ensure his return.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

The Osun Youth Employment Scheme (OYES)  said on Tuesday that the state government would recruit 20,000 youths as volunteers in February.
The Commandant of  scheme,  Mr Oyewole Enibukun, said this  in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN)  in Osogbo.
“Official recruitment process is ongoing to recruit 20,000 youths into the OYES programme to replace the present batch of cadets  who will disengage from the scheme in 2015,” he said.
He said the youths, who were to be recruited for the two-year empowerment programme, would be engaged between 2015  and  2017.
“The recruitment exercise is a two- year revolving and volunteer scheme which began in 2011 to tackle unemployment among youths.
“So far, 40,000 youths have benefited from the scheme and more youths are expected to benefit from the present and future  recruitment exercises.
“Those who are selected for the programme based on their eligibility and suitability  will be engaged and trained in various vocations by the state for two years,” he said.
Enibukun also told NAN that the programme had  helped to reduce the unemployment rate, especially among jobless graduates.
“Empowering the youths  through the scheme has led to employment generation.

“ At 2013,  unemployment rate has dropped to 3 per cent according to the National Bureau of Statistics,” he stated.
He  advised other states  to replicate the programme so as to tackle unemployment.

(NAN)

Osun State Government is be celebrating the 23rd anniversary creation of the state in a low-key.

The celebration was kicked off with an Essay Writing Competition among the three Education Districts’ Public secondary schools in the state.

The competition was organized by the Ministry of Information and Strategy in collaboration with the Education Districts with the theme, “The State of Osun at 23: Challenges and Prospects”.

It would be recalled that the state is 23rd today (August 27, 2014). It was created along with seven others on August 27th 1991 by the then Military administration of General Ibrahim Babangida.

The essay competition was flagged off by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information and Strategy, Olusegun Aduroja.

Aduroja, while at the occasion held in Osogbo High School commended the Rauf Aregebsola led government for its efforts towards transforming the educational sector of the state.

According to him, “education enriches the society more than anything, hence, the Governor has invested huge amount on education development.

Some of the successes which Governor Aregbesola had embarked on include infrastructural development of all schools, provision of tablet of knowledge (Opon Imo), Omoluabi scholar Buses, and School feeding (O-Meal) as well as training and re-training of school teachers across the state.

At the end of the keenly contested competition, Master Ayodele Habibulahi of Osogbo High School, Osogbo Central District eemerged as the winner with 75 1/2 marks. Miss Oromakinde Temitope of High School of Science, Ile-Ife, Osun East scored 71 marks while Master Kajotoni Oluwabamidele of St. Anthony High school, Ikoyi Osun West came third with 68 marks.

The grand finale and the prize giving award for the best students comes later at the Conference Hall, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs at the New Secretariat.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, has solicited for continued prayer and support of religious groups in the state for the sustainable development of the state.

The deputy governor made the call while receiving a delegation of elders of the All Saint Cathedral, Balogun-Agoro, Osogbo, who paid her a congratulatory visit on her re-election for another four years term.

She noted that prayers of all Christians in the state, irrespective of denomination, for the administration of Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola since assumption of office had made the state the most peaceful state in Nigeria and the second fastest growing economy in the country among other numerous achievements.

She attributed the victory at the polls on August 9 to the efficacy of prayer and reiterated that Governor Aregbesola’s equal disposition to every religious faith in the state attributed for his achievement in office.

In a remark, leader of the delegation, Prince Dejo Babalola, delivered a congratulatory letter of the Church to the deputy governor and described her as a pride to the Church, Osogbo community and the state at large. He however restated the continued support of the church to the state government, saying the visit was an appreciation to God for His love for Osun State.

Prayer was said for the state Governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, the state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, members of the state executive council and the entire state.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

THE success of 2014 Osun Osogbo Festival has confirmed the connection and intensity of the tourism sector to the people and how quickly it can recover in the midst of crisis.

However, the festival witnessed slimmer patronage with the absence of the Odu’a among others, but the domestic patronage has shown that it is the people’s festival with the significant number of cultural enthusiasts that converged on the grove for the annual rite to the Osun goddess.

Even with the Ebola scare, the festival also recorded a marginal influx of foreign tourists and Osun devotees from Brazil and visitors from within Nigeria.

Many believed that the ingenuity of the age-long festival of the people has become a point of reference and nothing can disrupt it because of the norms, value and heritage it holds to their existence while others said the degree of campaign mechanism at mobilising rather than discouraging people, put together by the organisers paid off at the end.

Notwithstanding, the festival started on a good note with the votary maid setting out the procession at about 10:00am to the Ojubo Osun (Osun shrine) at the grove.

In earnest, the procession progresses with a good outing and attracted spectacle and admiration from devotees, tourists and visitors who thronged the grove in their numbers.

Restriction of visitors did not change our patronage —Fakeye

Mrs Olaleke Fakeye, the Regional Trade Marketer for MTN, South-West said that there was no regret despite the restriction of visitors to this year’s Osun osogbo festival.

According to Fakeye, “MTN never regretted collaborating with the organisers and the government of Osun State in hosting the annual festival because not only help to reach our subscribers, but also created a rallying point to celebrate the people’s heritage.

“We did every programme that we organised for the children and people of Osun State and gave out a special gift to the winner of the football competition that we organised.

“We witnessed a larger crowd in our MTN stage. I think it was quite successful, “ Fakeye said.

She added that they have been partnering with Osun government for over eight years and there was not much difference in their sales this year when compared with the previous year 2013.

Mrs Nike Okundaye, the founder of Nike Art Gallery, said that this year’s festival was memorable as there was no record of casualties throughout the celebration.

Okundaye, however commended the security operatives at this year’s edition of the Osun Osogbo festival for not only being around, but also giving maximum security to visitors. According to her, “The crowd was not much and the security agencies did a good job.”

Speaking on tourist patronage, Okundaye said, “My products were patronised by few people, but the patronage was not like the previous year.

“We hope next year’s edition (2015) will be much better than this year as we pray for better things ahead, “Okundaye said.

We have cultural ties with Nigeria —Brazilian tourists

Mr Paulo Oliveira, the Director of Studies, Centro de Orunmila in Brazil called for stronger cultural ties between Nigeria and Brazil.

Oliveira who led a Brazilian delegation to the Osun Osogbo festival despite the Ebola scare said that Brazil has similar culture with Nigeria, adding that their traditional way of worship is not different from the Yoruba traditions.

“We remove our cap before greeting our traditional rulers, we as well prostrate to greet our traditional rulers just like the way Yoruba people do.

“We eat, dance and worship the same way Yoruba people do and most of us are traditional worshippers,” Oliveira said.

The director said that the origin of some of the Brazilians is from Oduduwa, the forefather of Yoruba land in Ile-Ife, Osun State.

“I believe that majority of Brazilians are not foreigners, but Nigerians. You can trace our origin to be from Ile-Ife.

“ Brazilians believe that we are Yorubas and not foreigners by history since our forefathers were enslaved to the foreign country where they eventually married white men and gave birth to us.

Oliveira said that in some part of Brazil they still worship Sango, Obantala, Sopona, Oya, Ogun and Irumole.

“These are the things they left behind for us to worship, and would continue to be a generation thing because it was what our forbearers identified with and transferred to us. “ he said.

“We share the same blood, traditions, norms and culture, so Nigerians and Brazilians are brothers and sisters.

“That is the more reason why we do attend the Osun Osogbo festival in order to embrace our cultural heritage and traditions of our forefathers,” he said.

Hospitality industry lost huge patronage to Ebola, Commissioner

The Osun Commissioner for Tourism and Culture, Mr Sikiru Ayedun, last Thursday said that the hospitality industry in the city lost huge patronage to Ebola scare in the country.

Ayedun added that it was not only hospitality industry that was affected, adding that the commercial buses and drivers, arts and crafts sellers, food vendors, motor bicycle operators, business women and men were all affected.

“Visitors should not take offense of that action, the government needs to do that for the safety of the indigent,” Ayedun said.

“As we are aware, Ebola is a disease that is common in the society now. It requires adequate attention to control it and the safety of our citizens matters most to us, therefore, we need to control the influx of visitors coming into the state.

He said Osun state ministry of health had embarked on sensitisation awareness and campaign on how to curtail ebola in the state.

“In 2015, the hospitality industry will enjoy better patronage than this year. Therefore, the hotel operators should bear with the government, “He said.

Tourism ’ll be major source of govt’s revenue in 2016 —Adviser

The Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun State on Culture and Tourism, Mr Oladipo Soyode, has said that the tourism sector would be a major source of revenue for the state in 2016.

While applauding the effort invested by Governor Aregbesola at giving the Osun Osogbo grove a facelift said the government is also extending its tentacle to other untapped tourism sites to bring them to international standard.

Some of the tourism sites that have been upgraded include Erin-Ijesa waterfall, the Oba’s palace, state museums and ancient buildings among others.

“The few tourism sites that were developed have brought about development in the state and also attracted influx of tourists into the state.

“We have not started enjoying the money spent in developing the tourism sites yet but with time, we will start enjoying it.”

Giving a vivid assessment of the 2014 edition of Osun Osogbo, the Special Adviser acknowledged the low patronage, which he attributed to the prevailing Ebola crisis, thereby implored tourists, visitors and allied tourism investors to bear with the government.

Caution on Ebola did not affect our programmes —Olumoko

The Osun Osogbo Festival Marketing Consultant, Mr Ayo Olumoko has said that despite the restriction of visitors in the state, the event was still successful because everything went well as no programme was cancelled.

“The issue of Ebola only affected the income of business men and women of the state.”

Olumoko agreed on the government’s decision on restriction of foreign and non resident visitors, which he said was better than for the indigenes to be affected by Ebola.

“The money that will be spent in treating Ebola will be more than the money that would be realised by the business owners in the state,” Olumoko said.

Olumoko who is optimistic about the trend of innovations and sponsors support affirmed that next year’s edition of the festival would be better and more colourful than previous years.

Osun Osogbo festival, platform for cultural exchange —NTDC boss

Mrs Sally Mbanefo, Director-General, Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) , who was enthusiastic by the performance of the Children Cultural Fiesta sponsored by the corporation, lauded the age-long festival in Osun State.

She said that the festival is a veritable platform used to showcase the people’s heritage and a channel for cultural exchange to the world.

“Osun Osogbo festival is one of the special events which is listed in the tourism calendar for marketing to domestic and international tourists and visitors,” Mbanefo said.

The NTDC boss explained that the rationale behind the partnership with organisers of the festival was to promote cultural heritage to Nigerians in Diaspora vis-a-vis the world.

She noted that the collaboration was part of the corporation’s mechanism not only to promote the festival, but also to get statistics and data of local and foreigners, tourists to help plan for future celebration.

“The data will give us a sound idea of the totality of the festival and in turn, it would avail the Federal Government the technical knowhow at improving on their commitment and support to boost patronage in subsequent festival,” she said.

Mbanefo expressed satisfaction at the decency and efforts of the festival marketing consultant, Mr Ayo Olumoko at making the 2014 edition a success.

She pledged the Federal Government’s continual support at making the festival a rallying point for domestic and international tourists.

TRIBUNE