The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will today, Tuesday 15 April, 2014, commission fifteen selected township roads in Ilesa with total length of 29.71km.
Venue of the event is Community Primary School, Ibala Road, Ilesa.
A statement issued by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works, Engr. Oladepo Amudah, said that, this is the first of its kind in the history of the state for any government to commission a large number of roads whose life span will last more than fifteen years.
The statement, therefore, enjoined members of the Executive  Council, members of the State House of Assembly, Permanent Secretaries, Executive Secretaries, Monarchs, Babalojas, Iyalojas, artisans and members of the public to attend the epoch making occasion.
OSUN NEWS

The State of Osun House of Assembly has promised to give all the necessary support to the state command of the Nigeria Police to prevent any security breach before and during the August 9 governorship election in the state.
Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, gave the assurance while receiving in his office the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Ibrahim Maishanu, on Thursday. This was just as the police boss promised not to be dissuaded to stick to his mandate to be fair to every party.
Salaam who stressed that the activities of some politicians have been showing signal of violence, said, such attack like the one against a former governor, Isiaka Adeleke, who was attack by politicians from the same party, PDP, must be checkmated.
He said: “We have been enjoying the peace since the assumption of the present administration, until recently when the election is approaching that we are witnessing intimidation from some quarters. “We see this period as a period of challenge for you, especially when the ruling party here is not the same with the one at the centre and recently that somebody from here from another party struggling to take over the state, was appointed as Minister Police Affairs. “We are not saying somebody should not enjoying his power, but every step that would be taken must be lawful. “We urge the police and other security operatives to work together to maintain the peace we are enjoying here and whoever wants to disrupt that peace should be brought to book”, Salaam said.
Responding, the Commissioner of Police allayed the fear of the people, saying, “the fact that the Minister of Police Affairs is from here would not dissuade us from being fair”. He said that his mandate from the Inspector-General of Police was to be firm, fair and professional, assuring that the mandate would be strictly followed.
Maishanu also said that the fact that Osun is very calm would not make the police authority to relax, especially at this critical period of election. Promising to insist on the rule of law, the police boss urged the people of the state to give him benefit of doubt and report any incidence to the police, instead of taking laws into their hands.
At the event were the deputy Speaker, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye; Chief Whip, Ipoola Binuyo; Honourables Samson Fafiyebi, Ajibola Akinloye, Bello Osuolale and Babatunde Komolafe among others.
OSUN DEFENDER

Photos from the governorship primaries where Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun

Cross Section of Delegates at the governorship primaries where Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun. Inset is —From left, Former Federal Capital Territory Minister/Chairman, All Peoples Congress in Osun Governorship Primaries Election, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; State Chairman of the Party, Elder Adelowo Adebiyii; member of the committee, Hajiya Ramatu Haliyu on Saturday 12-04-2014

Cross Section of Delegates at the governorship primaries where Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun. Inset is —From left, Former Federal Capital Territory Minister/Chairman, All Peoples Congress in Osun Governorship Primaries Election, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai; Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola; State Chairman of the Party, Elder Adelowo Adebiyii; member of the committee, Hajiya Ramatu Haliyu on Saturday 12-04-2014

Cross Section of Delegates at the governorship primaries where Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun
Inset is—Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left) displaying
his Certificate of Return, after his emergence as Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) through the Party’s Primaries Election, With him are, Chairman, State of Osun APC Primary Nomination Committee, Mallam
Nasir El-Rufai (left); Secretary of the Committee, Sir Emeka Akamukali
(2nd right); Member, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu (right) and others on Saturday 12-04-2014

Cross Section of Delegates at the governorship primaries where Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun. Inset is—From left, Senator Bayo Salami; Speaker Osun State house of Assembly, Hon Najeem Salam; Former Federal Capital Territory Minister/Chairman, All Peoples Congress in Osun Governorship Primaries Election, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai;Governor Rauf Aregbesola and State Chairman of APC, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi on Saturday 12-04-2014

Cross Section of Delegates at the governorship primaries where Governor Rauf Aregbesola emerged the candidate of the All Progressive Congress, held at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun
Inset is—Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left) displaying
his Certificate of Return, after his emergence as Governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) through the Party’s Primaries Election, With him are, Chairman, State of Osun APC Primary Nomination Committee, Mallam
Nasir El-Rufai (left); Secretary of the Committee, Sir Emeka Akamukali
(2nd right); Member, Hajiya Ramatu Aliyu (right) and others on Saturday 12-04-2014

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun South West Nigeria says the reduction in the revenue can never be a hindrance to his determination to transform the state. The Governor stated this after receiving his Certificate of Return as APC candidate in the August 9 Gubernatorial poll.
Ogbeni Aregbesola stated that he had depended on the reserves since December after the allocation fell In July last year. He noted that his managerial acumen coupled with the good team he works with has been responsible for his financial success as the revenue accruing to the state has reduced by forty percent.
Addressing a crowd of supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) Governor Aregbesola said his hopes, wishes and aspirations for the state remain unshaken despite challenges.
The Chairman, Primary Election of the APC, Mallam NAsir El-Rufai had earlier stated that the performance of Governor Rauf Aregbesola is a yardstick which would be replicated at the center as soon as the APC takes over the leadership of Nigeria.
OSBC

“The recognition of educational reforms of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration by UNESCO and other international agencies has increased his determination to take education in the state to higher heights.”
These were the words of the Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye Tomori, at the official handing over to the State Government of two renovated blocks of ten classrooms at Ebekun Middle School, Iresi in Boluwaduro Local Government Council Area.

AUD Elementary School Commissioning
According to the deputy governor, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr Lawrence Oyeniran, the state government demonstrated its commitment to educational development through prompt payment of teachers’ salaries, recruitment of additional teachers, massive construction of modern school buildings and provision of furniture.
The deputy governor, who thanked the Old Students of Ebekun Middle School for partnering with the state government, then assured that Governor Aregbesola would soon commission 34 schools that have been completed.
She then called on other development-loving individuals, groups and corporate organisations to emulate the kind gesture of the school’s old students.

Earlier in his welcome address, the National President of Ebekun Secondary Commercial Grammar School Old Students Association, now known as Ebekun Middle School, Alhaji Ibrahim Ademola Moronfolu, appealed to the state government to reconsider and reclassify the school as high school, being the first to be established in Iresi in 1972 .
Other speakers at the event were the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Sikiru Adeseun Ibiloye 11, the Oluresi of Iresiland, who was represented by Chief Obala of Iresi land, the Tutor General/Permanent Secretary, Osun Central Education District, Mr Bunmi Obisesan, the Principal of the school, Mr Ayantoye Ayandokun, who all thanked the old students’ association for their timely intervention in the School.
OSUN DEFENDER

The Government of the State Of Osun on Friday again recorded another first when it turned the sod of an Ultra Modern Central Abattoir in Iwo.

The first of it kind Abattoir in the South western region which will have the capacity to handle between 200  to heads to 400 heads per day, is expected to be completed in 15 months in collaboration with Hanfirqul Nigeria Limited.
Speaking at the event, Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola stated that Iwo was chosen because of its long history in cattle rearing and the business of butchering, adding that the abattoir when completed will create job opportunity for the people of the area, as the workers will be selected within the area.
According to the Governor, ” this abattoir project, on-completion will attract graduates, as they will see for themselves that contrary to the believes in some quarters that the business is for the illiterate class, they will then see that meat business goes beyond what people think”.
He described the abattoir project as one that will attract huge economic benefit to the state when completed as there is an already made market in Lagos because the city requires meat from over 6,000 cattle everyday.
“The abattoir has an already made market especially in Lagos because Lagos state consumes over 6,000 herds of cattle per day and this why we have situated the abattoir very close to the rail way line” the Governor stressed.
The state commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon. Wale Adedoyin declared that the meat industry in the state has been in a pitiable condition for quiet a long time with previous Governments paying little or no attention the ugly situation which is why government of Ogbeni Aregbesola has decided to take the bull by the horn.
“The intervention of government in the sector has resulted in job creation which has resulted in the employment of nine qualified veterinary officers and other supporting staff engaged mainly in the meat inspection duties and other veterinary activities”. The commissioner stated.
The commissioner pointed out that the Abattoir, which is to be built in Iwo is one out five which will be replicated in all the five zones in the state, announcing that the next sod will be turned in Osogbo next week by Ogbeni Aregbesola.
He stressed that it is the beginning of a new era for butchers, cattle dealers and ultimately the consumers of meat in the state, as very hygienic and wholesome meat fit for human consumption would be made available to the consuming populace.
Representative of the partner company, Hanfirqul Nigeria Limited, Mr Dapo Adelosu emphasized that the company is proud and happy to be part of history in the state of Osun.
He said for the fact that the modern abattoir is the first to be built in the whole of Western Nigeria, it is a pointer to the fact that Osun is a unique and target oriented state in the country.
In their separate remarks, the Chairman of the Butchers Association of Nigeria, Osun chapter, Alhaji Tiamiyu Gafaru and the Chairman, Iwo Cow Sellers Association, Alhaji Wale Olufare who both stated that the two associations have jointly adopted the second term bid of Ogbeni Aregbesola stated that the abattoir when completed will go a long way in boosting their business.
They said the abattoir is what they have been yearning for noting that marketers from within and outside the state will start coming to Osun to learn from them and this will boost the economy of the state.
OSUN DEFENDER

 
Governor. Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State has emerged the winner of governorship ticket of the All Progressives Congress for the August 9 governorship election, in the just conducted primary election in the state today.
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola recorded 269,631 YES votes against 0 NO votes to win the Osun State APC Direct Primaries Governorship Election which took place throughout 332 wards and 30 local Governments of the State yesterday.

Prince (Dr) Charles Onuoha is a chieftain of All Progressives Congress in Imo State. He was also a two-time Commissioner under the leadership of Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo State. He also served the governor as the SA to MDS and is currently the Chairman, Imo State Housing Corporation.
In this chat with newsmen in Lagos, this banker-turned politician lauds the achievements of the Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola saying he has given Osun State a new face in terms of governance and development; the reason for which he should be re-elected to finish up the good work he started in Osun State.
Why I left banking for politics
When I was in the banking industry, I was a General Manager. I rose to the peak of office in the industry.  Many people have asked me why I left banking for a dirty game like  politics? My answer has been that I got a call from God to go and serve the public as a leader.
So when I was leaving the banking sector, I did not have any regrets and truly till tomorrow, I did not have any regrets leaving banking for politics which people always described as dirty. I always disagreed with those who used to say that Nigerian politics is dirty. We are learning. It is a gradual process. We joined to sanitise it.
On Govs Okorocha and Aregbesola
Okorocha has a policy in Imo State which I truly understand and can analyse. Governor Aregbesola deserves a second term. You don’t change a winning team. I am not saying this because I am a member of APC. I’d known him since he was the works Commissioner in Lagos State under the then Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as governor. He has been an achiever.
I am very sure nobody has surpassed his achievements in that State as Works Commissioner. Even when he was elected governor of Osun State, I knew he will perform. What he has done so far  in Osun State has proved me right. Governor Aregbeshola has done wonderfully well as the governor of that state. I used to go to Osun some years back when PDP government was incharge. What Osun is today under Aregbesola is not what it used to be then.
Non-indigenes in Osun under Aregbesola
The report from Igbo indigenes in Osun State is very encouraging. They are very happy living in Osun State and the governor has been so friendly with the non indigenes in that state. There has been no marginalization according to them. So, from the bottom of my heart, even though I am not a Yoruba man, the truth must be said. He has so developed Osun State. He has created value in that State economically and otherwise.
People can easily visit Osun State now than before because he has put in place things and activities that can attract other people from other states to Osun State. He has also improved the traditional institution of Osun people. The traditional rulers in Osun State are happy with him according to their report on him which I used to read. He has carried the market women in the state along, making sure trade and commerce boom in the state.
APC in the State
APC has come to stay. In case you don’t know, APC is the peoples party not only in Osun State but in Nigeria generally. By the special grace of God, APC with Aregbeshola will definitely win  when Osun people go to the polls. The party is very much on ground in Osun and in every state in Nigeria. Our victory in Osun is not negotiable.
Your advice to Osun indigenes
Actually, I am not a Yoruba manlet alone an Osun State man but the achievements of Gov. Aregbesola has really moved me to say what I am saying. If one does well, good people around him must commend him. So, I am commending Aregbesola for the good work he is doing in his state, the reason he deserves to come back. I want to tell Osun people that they have gold in Aregbesola.
Can a right thinking man throw away gold and take silver? No. so let Osun people hold tight to the gold they are having. And I am using this forum to tell the non indigenes in Osun State especially the Igbos to massively support Aregbesola’s re-election bid.
VANGUARD