Governor Adeleke Plans Health Insurance Enrollment for Pensioners, Orders FastTracking of Pension Payment
OSOGBO- 30/06/2023 -Osunstate.gov.ng:
The government of Osun State is working on a plan to enroll contributory pensioners in the state health insurance scheme even as the Governor has issued a directive for the immediate payment of pension entitlement as planned in the template released earlier this year.
The Governor dropped the hints while receiving leaders of thought who paid him a sallah homage , noting that he has received many representations from the pensioners, restating his determination to address their issues in line with his campaign promises.
The Governor noted that the template released earlier this year on clearing of outstanding salaries and pensions is still in force and he subsequently directed the Head of Service to fast track the implementation by ensuring the payment of the pension arrears in line with the approved template.
“The template was created with an eye on gradual clearing of the salary and pension debts. This was in recognition of the financial status of the state which is well documented and known to the public. Our administration focuses on meeting the various needs of the state within a tight financial situation.
“Our administration is however prioritizing workers’ welfare which covers in and out of service workers. I restate our commitment to the welfare of our senior citizens, the pensioners. The phased payments is a standby directive and I assured our pensioners that they are not and cannot be forgotten.”, the Governor assured.
Dropping another hint of a pro-pensioners plans, Governor Adeleke said his administration is almost finalizing a plan to enroll the pensioners under the state health insurance scheme to address their health needs.
“Our administration is working hard on health insurance enrollment for the pensioners. Our senior citizens needs constant health attention. We think the best approach is to enrol them as that will ease the burden of treatment during their retirement.
“We are working on the details. Once it is finalized, we will release it for immediate implementation”, Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the House of Representatives member for Ijesa South Federal Constituency, Hon. Sanya Omirin on his birthday.
The Governor said “On behalf of the government and people of Osun State, I felicitate with you on your birthday. I am happy to join your family, friends, and well-wishers to celebrate this special day in your life.”
Governor Adeleke who extolled the sterling qualities of the celebrant described him as a true Representative of his people and a dedicated public figure who has consistently demonstrated his commitment to the progress and development of our state.
“I am particularly grateful for your support for my administration. You have been a strong and vocal advocate of our policies and programs. You have also been a valuable partner in our efforts to improve the lives of the people of Osun State.
“I wish you many more years of good health, happiness, and success. May God continue to bless you and your family.”
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed Spokesperson to the Governor.
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the Speaker of the State’s House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun on the occasion of this 38th birthday, describing him as a honest leader with great deal of patriotism.
Governor Adeleke who extolled the Speaker’s maturity and sound judgement in the administration of the state’s legislative body, noted in a statement signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that all he has for Rt. Hon. Egbedun is respect and great expectations.
He said Rt. Hon. Egbedun has in the short while heading the state’s legislature justified the overwhelming confidence reposed him, adding that he has every hope in the capacity of the Speaker to mobilize the House towards the progressive agenda of his administration.
“I have observed the Speaker, Egbedun, for a very long time, and what I have come to realize about his person and passion for service, are a strong pointer to his exceptional leadership potential,” the Governor noted, adding that “This is why I am not surprised at how he has so far managed the Assembly that not only is the legislative body in sync with our developmental agenda for Osun, but also working so hard to deliver for their constituents.”
“I am so impressed and pleased with Mr. Speaker’s unwavering commitment to public service as evident in the steps taken so far, which will no doubt drive the needed progress for our state.
“Beyond his role in the House, Rt. Hon. Egbedun’s integrity, compassion, and untainted principles are qualities that further strengthen expectations that the current Assembly will deliver for Osun people.
“As you mark your 38th birthday, I want to take some moment to compliment your accomplishments and the positive impact you have made on lives of so many people. Be it in public service or in private engagement, you have lived up to expectations and that is awesome.
“May your new age be filled with happiness and celebrate many more years in good health and sustained positive impact to the people. Many happy returns of the day Mr. Speaker.”
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, The Spokesperson to the Executive Governor of Osun State.
The Governor of Osun State Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has described the wife of the Deputy Governor of the state Princess Olusola Adewusi as an industrious wife, who has deployed her enduring strength in support of her husband and by extension, the government of Osun State.
Governor Ademola congratulated Princess Olusola for the successes recorded by her husband and her entire family, especially in the past year, eulogizing the deputy governor’s wife for keeping true to her blue blood.
“Princess Olusola within the space of time our path crossed, has demonstrated meekness and altruistic acumen as a mother and public figure”
I heartily facilitate with you, the wife of my deputy on your birthday. May God continue to strengthen you with wisdom and courage to stay on course as a partner in the governance ship of Osun State.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to Executive Governor.
Governor Ademola Adeleke has appealed for calm soon after he escaped an assassination attempt at the Osogbo Eid praying ground.
The Governor in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, thanked God for preserving him and his team, directing law enforcement agents to arrest culprits behind the incident.
“My good people of Osun, I appeal for calm and urge us to continue to celebrate the Sallah festival in peace. I am safe by the special grace of God”, the statement quoted the Governor as saying.
“I have directed security agencies to arrest those behind the incident and get them to face the wrath of the law. The Commissioner of Police has been directed to arrest those involved no matter how highly placed.
The State Government had meanwhile condemned the orchestrated attacks on the Governor by stalwarts of the All Progressives Congress at the praying ground. Members of the public will recall an earlier security alert on an evil plot to destabilize the peace and stability of Osun state.
The government particularly notes with shock and surprise the role played by former Senator Ajibola Bashiru who took over the space reserved for the Governor at the prayer ground. All efforts to get the former Senator to vacate the space proved abortive.
PDP members who agitated for respect for the office of the Governor were beaten up. It was a scene of chaos by the time the Governor arrived for the prayer.
The government was even more shocked that thugs armed to the teeth were spotted all over the praying ground with security information that they were imported to eliminate the Governor and key government functionaries.
The Governor who arrived at the venue hoping to observe the Eid prayers was practically surrounded by armed thugs, prompting security men to ferry the Governor into his jeep.
For the second time, the Governor attempted to enter the praying field but the encirclement by armed thugs was already visible. It was at that point that the Governor had to leave the praying ground.
The Governor is now safely at home receiving guests and leaders from all walks of life.
Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
Governor Adeleke Greets Former Deputy Governor, Erelu Obada, at 72
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has rejoiced with a former deputy governor in the state, Erelu Olusola Obada, as she marks 72 years of age, extolling her virtues and distinguished personality.
The Governor who acknowledged Erelu Obada’s administrative excellence, noted in a congratulatory message issued by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed on Tuesday, that the indelible marks she made in the lives of people while in public service, and contributions to Osun state continue to be appreciated and remembered.
He celebrated the former Minister of State for Defence for the value she has added to governance in the various public position held the past, noting how her tireless efforts to improve lives made a lasting impact on the people of Osun state and Nigeria as a whole.
“On this auspicious occasion of her birthday, I join friends, family and well-wishers to congratulate a committed public servant, Her Excellency Erelu Olusola Obada. Her birthday is a moment to relish her steadfast devotion to the service of the people, and also, recognize the immense values that her genuine commitment to public service offers,” the statement noted.
“As a deputy governor, Erelu Obada showed sincere understanding to governance, and this helped provided the needed stability that aided the many accomplishments of the Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration. She remains a sturdy example of what partnership should look like in our political climate.
“In her role as the Minister of State for Defence, Erelu Obada showed outstanding sense of duty, navigating through extreme conditions to get the job done. I am so impressed by her impressive public records.”
Governor Adeleke prays for Erelu Obada to continue to enjoy the unfailing grace of God that has steered her up to this point while urging her to take the moment of her birthday to “reflect on her accomplishments and the positive impacts on the people over the years” to sustain service to humanity.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, The Spokesperson to the Executive Governor of Osun State
DAMAGED RAIL TRACK CAUSED THE SUSPENSION OF ILEYA FREE TRAIN RIDE– OSUN GOVT.
The Osun State Government has blamed a damaged train track as the reason behind its decision to suspend the free train ride for indigenes coming for the Ileya festival from Lagos and its environs.
The government had put in place proper machinery to offer the Imole Train services but was forced to suspend the service after the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) informed it of a train accident around Abeokuta – Lagos old gauge line.
Announcing the suspension of the free train ride, the Osun State Ministry of Commerce expressed regret at the inability of the state government to facilitate the free ride for indigenes during the Ileya festive period.
The State Government explained that all rail lines are under the purview of the federal government, and as such, the issue of the damaged lines was totally out of the control of the state government.
It also noted that the State Government could not continue with the free train ride service out of concern for the safety of passengers, which the damaged track has put into serious doubt.
Adeleke’s administration recognizes the immediate challenge that the suspension of the free train ride service portends, and assures of ongoing efforts to avoid similar experience in the future.
The Osun State Government under Governor Adeleke assured citizens of sustained commitment to their well-being, wishing Muslims in Osun state and beyond a hitch-free celebration.
Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, The Spokesperson to the Governor
Osun PDP Tasks Members, Denies Araj Comments on Najeem Salami
My attention has been drawn to a statement credited to Mr Raji Kehinde on a radio interview to the effect that the party paid a certain amount of money to former Speaker, Hon Najeem Sallam.
The statement is false as neither the party nor its candidate who is now the Governor of Osun state paid the reverred former Speaker any such money.
We believe Mr Kehinde was either misinformed or decided to play politics with the statement he uttered during the radio interview. Hon. Salami is a leader of reverence and it is quite unfair to drag his name in the mud to score cheap political points.
As much as the democratic space is about free speech, all stakeholders should be mindful of utterances capable of impugning the character of state leaders, whether in or out of government.
We take exception to the deliberate and baseless attacks on top government officials as such conduct constitutes avoidable distraction and a disservice to the concerted efforts to deliver on good governance.
The party therefore calls on its members to always exhaust internal mechanisms to ventilate their grievances and avoid externalization of domestic affairs.
Specifically, the party urges its members to exercise patience and restraint as the state Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, is working to form an inclusive government which will accommodate diverse interests of all stakeholders.
The party wishes to commend the Governor for his exceptional performance and his raising the bar of state leadership from mediocrity to superlative statesmanship. The party is proud of its Governor, a man who has taken the state from darkness to light.
Signed Hon Sunday Bisi, State Chairman, Osun State PDP June 26th, 2023
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated with the Chief of Staff to the President, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila on his birthday anniversary, describing the former House Speaker as “a patriot and friend from our days at Atlanta, Georgia”
The Governor also used the occasion to congratulate the Chief of Staff on his appointment , describing the new position as “well deserved”
In a birthday message personally signed by him, the State Governor applauded Hon Gbajabiamila’s brilliance and insightful contributions to national development as an innovative member of the House of Representatives and later as a Speaker of the green Chamber.
“The National Assembly is a breeding ground for true leaders of the people. One of us is Hon Gbajabiamila, a philosopher and a politician who has distinguished himself in the deployment of legislative tools for the advancement of democracy, good governance and rule of law. From the People’s Chamber to the executive arm of government is a worthy transition for an old colleague from Atlanta Georgia to the National Assembly”.
“I remembered with nostalgia those days in the United States of America and later our reunion at the National Assembly with him as a member of the House of Representatives and myself as a Senator of the Federal Republic. This is therefore a prime occasion to wish a friend double congratulations, first on his birthday and second on his appointment as a Chief of Staff to the President”.
” Because we know your capacity and antecedents, I am convinced that your sterling performance will manifest at the Presidency as it was witnessed throughout your days as a member and Speaker of the House of Representatives. You remain a positive agent of change and we join thousands of your admirers to celebrate you”.
“Happy blessed birthday brother as I wish you successful tenure in your new appointment at the heart of the Presidency”, the Governor concluded.
Signed HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State
A peep into Adeleke’s infrastructural strides in Osun
By Sarafa Ibrahim
On the day of his inauguration, Governor Ademola Adeleke made some chilling promises. Recognizing the deplorable conditions of public infrastructure in the state, Governor Adeleke declared that it will “no longer going to be business as usual. And I repeat, it is no longer business as usual.”
It was daring, just as it sounded too good to be true, that many were skeptical about the realization of that pledge. And you can’t really blame them, knowing well the uninspiring outlook of things that the governor inherited from the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government. The reality of a strained treasury was enough reason for the doubts that trailed the governor’s pledge. It was really a mess.
Seven months in office, it was clear to all, even to his most ardent critics, that Governor Adeleke indeed meant business. Of course, the purse of the state is lean as a result of the gross mismanagement of the past, nevertheless, Governor Adeleke has been able to show to the people what genuine leadership can deliver for them in just a short time in office.
Take it from the Osogbo-Ikirun-Ila Odo dual carriage road, and you will definitely be marveled at the exceptional changes that Governor Adeleke has brought to the state. The 10.5km road was the second phase of the East bypass road started by the Rauf Aregbesola administration in 2013 but was neglected by his successor, Gboyega Oyetola, owing to the bitter politics that defined his four years in office.
Although Governor Adeleke and Aregbesola didn’t share the same party yet he mobilized contractors back to site and delivered the road for the use of the people within his first 100 days in office. It was so unprecedented that the then Minister for Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, who was represented at the road commissioning by the Federal Controller of Works for Osun State, Engr. Orisaleye Ayodeji, stressed the importance of the road, which according to him, connects “Osun and other States to the Northern part of the country. That is why we are delighted that Governor Adeleke continued the projects.”
Sammy Adigun, the Chairman/CEO of Sammya Nigeria Ltd, the construction company that handles the road project, helped made so much sense on the impact that the completion of that road will have on Osun, pointing out how it will shore up the standard of living of the people. This is because the road solves the agonizing pains that motorists and travellers have endured on that road over the years, bolstering the prospect of trade and economic activities between the state and the Northern part of Nigeria.
The story is not so different for the 51km Iwo-Osogbo road. This road links at least six local governments in the state and serves as an important gateway for Osun state with the most populous city in Africa, Ibadan. At completion, the road will not just facilitate ease of movements, but contribute significantly to the economic renaissance of the state.
Internal road networks are getting the needed facelifts, bringing development closer to the people at the grassroots and even more appealing, stretch the development projects across the state. Between November 27, 2022 and now, Governor Adeleke has delivered 31km of road in the state and no fewer than 47km are at various stages of completion.
The relief that the construction of the 1.2km Oja Oba (Iso Ata/Iso Isu/Iso Eran/Iso Ewe) First Baptist Model Academy with Spur to Oba Oyetona Street in Osogbo has brought to the people can not be overstated just as the construction of the 1km John Mackay (Oke Ayepe)-Constain road has opened up Osogbo to Obokun.
In Ikirun, Ifelodun local government, the story is not any different as Governor Adeleke’s administration has delivered the 1.2km Monday Market-Station road, providing easy access for goods and services to reach that important economic hub. In the same Ikirun, the construction of the 1.5km Iyana Saturday-General Hospital-NUD2-Lawyer Bolade road is ongoing and will soon be delivered for the use of the people.
Also delivered by Governor Adeleke in the seven month he has been in office is the 3km Iresi Township road. The road that was practically impassable for so decades is now motorable, and facilitates easy access between four towns– Iresi, Ajaba, Edemosi, and Imesi– all in Boluwaduro local government. In Ikire, the 1.16km Ibadan/Ife Expressway Junction-Islamiyyah-Okiti Junction that was abandoned for over 35 years wears a new look and added to the road network of the state.
Similarly, in Iwo, the 1.5km Ansarudeen Central Mosque Junction-Kuti Junction- Hospital road has been constructed and delivered, resolving a 41 years agonizing pains of motorists, and in turn, open up Molete and Isale-Oba quarters. In that same range, the construction of the 1.23km Enuwa-Oniyangi-Ita Osun-Oke Atan with Spur to Egbedu-Ilode Junction in Ile Ife was delivered.
The 0.8km Ita-Ofa-Oromu-Araromi (Market gate) and the 0.4km Atakunmosa Market road; Obiteni-Omo Ofe roads in Ilesa are done and dusted while the 1.3km Oke Oye- Oke Ita with Spur to Ogodogbo and Temidire road fixed and open for public usage. In Ede, important roads like the 1.9km Akankan-Obada Junction and the 0.9km Anu Olu Hospital-Powerline-Hammadiya Junction Ede with Spur have been constructed by the Adeleke administration.
Other roads that has received the intervention of the Adeleke administration is the 2.1km Anu Olu-Obada-Alusekere-YTD Primary School Ojoro in Ede and the Oloruntedo Community (Costain)– Osogbo East Bypass road that has been rehabilitated and put in good use. This is in addition to the 2.1km Ogberin Junction-Akala Street-Oloki Junction-Olobim (Iso Ege) in Ede that now wears new look, all thanks to Governor Adeleke.
Also in the infrastructural strides of Governor Adeleke are the construction of the 1.5m x 1.5m Box culvert at Professor Abass road; the construction of 3.0 x 2.0m Box culvert Owoope/Okeola at Ajegunle in Gbongan; the construction of 3.0 x 2.5m box culvert at Adeeke in Iwo; the construction of eroded surface on Oke Onitea box culvert and Anaye Market in Osogbo; the construction of failed culverts at sasha (Uniosun Road), Osogbo; the spot Patching & Repair of Zone XI-Baba Eleyin U-Turn, Owode; the spot patching and spot rehabilitation of Olaiya Interchange-Abere Junction; the repair of Oke Onitea failed section, Osogbo; and the improvement of Oke-Fia road and failed section to Dele Yes Sir.
And this is just the beginning. Because at the moment, there are dozens of road projects initiated in different parts of Osun state. Even more inspiring, is the fact that a fresh 1.5km road is constructed in all the 30 local government areas and the area office, and in addition to this is one major road projects in the nine federal constituencies that made up the state.
The Adeleke administration has also taken step to complete the Ona Baba Ona road, and already mobilized contractors to the site. The project, which began under Aregbesola government, but was abandoned by the previous administration, denying the state capital the immense economic potential that the road offers to the state.
Also in Ede is the 23km dual carriage road from Akoda-Ido Osun, which construction has began, and when completed, will contribute significantly to the economy of Ede and Egbedore local governments. The road will also facilitate easy access to the Osun airport, which is under construction.
Going by the attention that Governor Adeleke has given to infrastructural developments in the state, the clear impression with the people is that by the time he exhaust his first term in office, most of the important roads in the state would have been fixed, and turn Osun into a place of choice for investors.
Sarafa Ibrahim is the Special Assistant to Governor Ademola Adeleke on Print Media and writes from Osogbo, Osun State.
