General Elections: Osun Government Declares Friday as Public Holiday The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved Friday 24th of February as a public holiday for residents and indegenes to travel for Presidential and National Assembly elections on Saturday.In a circular issued by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye, public servants are expected to utilize the opportunity to travel for the electoral process.” This is time for all citizens to exercise their voting rights. His Excellency again appeal to all residents to be law abiding as they peacefully exercise their voting rights on Saturday and subsequent elections”, the SSG noted in the circular.Signed.

Hon Teslim Igbalaye

Secretary to the State Government.

….  charges users to take caution when completed.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has embarked on inspection of Osogbo/ Ikirun road, which is under rehabilitation,to see the level of work done and the quality of the project. Ikirun, the Headquarters of Ifelodun Local Government was agog as people trooped out in thousands, singing to welcome Governor Adeleke, and showering encomiums on him for remembering the age-long abandoned Osogbo/Ikirun/ Ila-Odo road.Speaking with newsmen shortly after the inspection, Senator Adeleke said he was happy with the project, adding that it was part of his campaign promises to rehabilitate all roads abandoned by the previous administrations in the State.He commended the contractor handling the project for the work done, disclosing that it is one of the projects he intends to commission to commemorate his one hundred days in office. He explained that the road will be completed in no distant time,as the State generates more funds.Governor Adeleke therefore enjoined motorists that will be plying the road to be cautious so as to avoid accidents which may result to loss of life.In his own words, the Coordinating Director, Ministry of Work and Transport, Engr. Olusola Ajao said the 10.5km road has reached 85% completion, promising that it will be completed in two weeks time.He assured Osun Government that the materials used are of good quality,and which can stand the test of time.It would be recalled that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Adeleke few weeks ago gave the Contractor handling the road, Sammy Adigun of Sammya Construction Company Limited oder to return to site to complete the road project.

As the 2023 general elections is fast approaching, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has enjoined residents of Osun to eschew violence during the forthcoming general elections in the Nigeria.

Governor Adeleke gave the advice today in his Office, Government Secretariat Complex, Abere, while fielding questions from the newsmen shortly after a closed door meeting held with the Security Chiefs in Osun which included Police, Army, Road Safety Corps, Prison Service, NDLEA, among others.

He noted that, as election is fast approaching, it is very important to hold security meeting with the authority concerned so as to ensure peaceful conduct of the election, and for the people of Osun to continue to enjoy the prevailing peace.

He spoke further, ” We are holding this meeting because, election is around the corner and as the Chief Security Officer of the State, it is compulsory for me to ensure my people are protected, before, during and after the elections. We have strategies in place to see that election went on without rancour.

” I want to charge everyone to shun violence during the election,and to vote for candidates of their choice without formenting trouble whatsoever”,Governor Adeleke advised.

He therefore enjoined the people to go about their lawful businesses without fear or intimidation,assuring that security Agents are on ground to protect the lives and property of all and sundry.

Speaking with newsmen, the Commissioner of Police in Osun, Mr Kehinde Longe assured the State residents that they are ever ready to protect them and ensure peace,even after the elections.

However, the State Police Chief charged the youths to desist from any act that can put them into trouble during the election, alerting that his Officers and men are ready to forestall any ugly situation.

Present at meeting were: the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye; the State Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina, and a host of others.

As part of the activities lined up to mark the 100 days in office of Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke’s administration in Osun, the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA) has enrolled 3,320 vulnerable persons across the 332 wards of the state into the State Social Health Insurance Scheme. The Executive Secretary of OSHIA, Dr. Adeniyi Oginni, who was ably represented by Dr. Adesina Igbalaye, the Director, Standard Quality Assurance disclosed this while addressing the beneficiaries of the enrollment exercise monitored in Osogbo and Ede North LGAs by OSHIA team.He informed the beneficiaries in the 2 LGAs visited that Governor Ademola Adeleke is passionate and concerned about the health and welfare of Osun residents, especially the less privileged. The ES further explained that the premium of the poorest of the poor is paid by Osun State Government, so that the indigents can also have total access to quality healthcare services free of charge . He therefore enjoined the new enrollees to reciprocate the Governor’s kind gesture by visiting the facilities with their OHIS cards when there is need for them to do so noting that this will enhance their healthy living.

Osun to Domesticate Nigeria’s Start Up Act..

The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Monday hosted members of the Osun State House of Assembly, unveiling the first Executive bill of his administration.

Addressing the lawmakers led by the House of Assembly Speaker, RT Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Governor Adeleke expressed his conviction that the visit will strengthen the bond of partnership, commending the open arms of fellowship from the legislature”.

“I also want to use this opportunity to give a hint about the legislative agenda of our administration. First, we want to support genuine upgrades of facilities at the State House of Assembly Complex. It is a task I am committed to”.

“Secondly, I will soon be submitting some executive bills for the consideration of the legislature”.

“The first bill is about Nigeria’s Start Up Act. My administration wants it domesticated so we can access local and international support for our youth entrepreneurs. The bill will align Osun with federal efforts and open doors for our start up innovators to get easy funding”, the State Governor noted.

Restating his commitment to state unity, the Number one Citizen of Osun State assured the House Speaker that he remains a Governor for all Osun people, promising that “all projects started by the previous administration are to be completed”.

“I will be fair to all under the rule of law and due process, I call for closer partnership. Let us push ahead strong collaboration in the best interest of our people”, the Governor promised.

He told the parliamentarians that he has gone to Abuja to meet with Minister of Water Resources on how to complete Ilesha water project which has been abandoned due to how the project is being handled by the contractors and other stakeholders in the state.

Governor Adeleke however informed the lawmakers that he doesn’t believe in politics of hatred or animosity. He sighted how he allowed the APC presidential campaign council to make use of government property for their campaign.

“Though, they didn’t allow me to make use of government facilities during our campaign, but God has helped us, so there is no reason to retaliate. We are here today by the grace of God, hence no reason to pay evil for evil.”

Speaking earlier, the Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye promised to partner with the Osun State Governor to move the state forward, adding that “this is not about party affiliations but the interest of our dear state”

Speaking on behalf of other parliamentarians, Mr Owoeye said “we are here to pay a courtesy call and also to tell you that we are joining hands with you to move the State forward.”

“We are putting politics aside. All that matters to us is how best we can join hands with you to develop our State. We can see that your administration has already commenced working. We pray that God will continue to strengthen you”, the Speaker stated.

The Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Hon. Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff, Hon. Kazeem Akinleye, Hon. Bamidele Salam and Head Of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina and others were on ground to receive the parliamentarians.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the Executive Governor

The Governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Jackson  Nurudeen  Adeleke today officially performed the swearing  in ceremony of the four newly appointed Judges of the Osun State High Court of Justice.
 It was the first of such official assignment to be performed by the governor for the members of the bar and the bench since his  inauguration as the 6th democratically elected governor of Osun on the 27th of November 2022.

  While describing the occasion as very significant in line with his administrations commitment to improve the lot of the judicial sector , Governor Adeleke  in his speech promised a complete reform of the judicial sector of Osun state  so as to get the it  insulated from the many operational challenges currently confronting it .

To this end,before an array of who is who in the administration and dispensation of justice in Osun state led by the state Chief Judge,Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, Senator Adeleke further expressed the readiness of his administration to upgrade the existing judicial facilities in the state as well as the introduction of ICT to enhance efficient and speedy dispensation of justice .
On the part of the personnel,the Osun helmsman also announced his readiness to expose them to training and retraining opportunities ,which , according to him,is one of the ways by which their experiences can be brought to bear in the administration and dispensation of justice.
While identifying with the entire Osun state judiciary for the successful elevation of another four officers as judges,the governor challenged those appointed to carry out their newly assigned duties incorruptibly without any fear or favour,ill will or affection in line with the justice reform sector of the Nigerian federation .
The four newly appointed judges, Hon.Justice Mohammed Adebayo Lasisi, Hon. Justice Michael Oludare Awe, Hon. Justice Fatimah Adejoke Sodamade and Hon.Justice Joseph Olukunle Owolawi had earlier took their oaths of office and allegiance before the governor and other dignitaries in attendance .
In his acceptance speech laced with gratitude and appreciation, Justice Mohammed Adebayo Lasisi,on behalf of the three other newly appointed was full of gratitude to God and all the stakeholders especially the state governor,Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, the Chief Judge,Hon.Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo among others too numerous to mention who made their appointments into the bench of the state judiciary a reality .
Justice Lasisi on behalf of his colleagues thereafter pledged commitment with sincerity of purpose to live up to the expected billings while performing their duties as judges .

The event which held at the multi purpose hall of the Osun Local Government Service Commission,state Secretariat,Abere, had in attendance, the state Deputy Governor – Mr Kola Adewusi, the Secretary to the State Government – Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Head of Service- Mr Ayanleye Aina, Former Deputy Speaker of the House of Assembly – Bar. Niyi Owolade, Permanent Secretaries, Co- ordinating Directors of various Ministries, Departments and Agencies of Government as well as royal fathers including families,relations , friends and well wishers of the newly appointed judges.

The governor of Osun state, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has reaffirmed that the growth and development of an average person in Osun State will continue to be given utmost priority by my his administration.
To achieve this laudable policy objective , Governor Adeleke maintained that the current administration under his watch will also never at all time in making Osun the pride and envy of other states in Nigeria by the special grace of God and support of the overwhelming majority of the people who gave their mandate during the last July 16th 2022 governorship election in Osun state .

 He  made these known  at the 20th Anniversary of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Grace, Alekuwodo, Osogbo.

Describing governance as a team work for greater cohesion and efficiency, Senator Adeleke described his being the Chief Executive of Osun as God ordained .
   The State Helmsman who was accompanied to the church service by the  Secretary to the State Government, Hon.Teslim Igbalaye added that the grace and love of God will continue to guide him in piloting the affairs of Osun state and its people.
   Amidst singing and dancing to appreciate the goodness of God in his life and his administration in the last couple of months, Senator Adeleke  noted that so far , he has embarked on many  infrastructural developments such as the  provision of boreholes across the 332 Wards of Osun, renovation of primary health care facilities, prompt payment of workers salaries and pensions to the retired  senior citizens of the state  among others.

To further lend credence to his commitment of giving an all round development to the state ,the governor announced to the congregation of the church that that the popular Peter Ajibola road in Alekuwodo will soon receive the attention of his government
. He similarly charged the people of Osun state to continue to be steadfast and resolute in supporting his administration with prayers so as to be able to carry out his many laudable dreams of making a difference for the state and its people.

 Earlier in his sermon,  Rev. Bunmi Jenyo,a PDP Chieftain in Osun, who drew the messages of his sermon from the book of   Exodus 3 vs 14 told the congregation to continue to make God their Pillar of support in all they do and say at all times 

. He admonished the people of Osun to continue to co-operate and support the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke with prayers to enable him to succeed.

In his address of welcome, the founder of Christ Apostolic Church, Mountain of Grace, Alekuwodo,Osogbo,  Prophet Williams Adeyemo appreciated  God for the life of  Governor Adeleke for gracing the occasion in his capacity as the Executive governor of Osun state ..

  He used the avenue to charge Christians to increase their faith in God and watch their steps, advancing that, the coming of Jesus Christ is at hand. 

Concerning the coming general elections in Nigeria, Prophet Adeyemo  enjoined all  Nigerians  to pray for go the  successful outcome of the  elections to be free and fair devoid  of any blood shed and lost of  property.

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has advocated the need  for the refurbishment of Nigeria’s security sector for an improved and effective service delivery.

Governor Adeleke made the call today at the grand finale of the year 2023 Armed Forces Remembrance  Day Celebrations held at the New Military Cenotaph, situated  in front of the State House of Assembly, Osogbo, the State Capital.

Governor Adeleke who noted the many  security challenges in the Country added that the situation  calls for quick intervention of the Governments at all levels.
     He also explained that government at all levels must come together to engender an improved service delivery of the personnel and unconditional care for the families of the dead and veteran members of the Armed Forces .

Governor Adeleke further reiterated that national leaders must reevaluate the nation’s finance options  not just on Military hardware but in all forms.

At the occasion which had the retinue of who is who in Osun state including the service chiefs drawn from the army, air force, navy, police, civil defense among others ,the Osun helmsman also paid special tribute to the late veterans for their patriotic services to  keep Nigeria one .

The governor emphasises ” Today which  is the grand finale of an Armed Forces Remembrance Day celebrations  is an opportunity to recap the laudable  commitment to the men and women of the Armed Forces, living and the dead.

” Our gathering is in solemn tribute to the dead as well as living men and women who paid a supreme price for the existence of our nation as an indivisible entity.
  ” We salute our own heroes whose blood were shed for national defense”, he concluded.

Governor Adeleke therefore assured the veterans that his administration is ready to look into the catalogue  of their demands, adding that, in due course, necessary  actions will be taken to take care of their demands in the State.

Speaking with newsmen, the Chairman, Nigeria Legion, Osun State Chapter, Comrade Abioye Peter appreciated the present administration in Osun  state  for its  support,  morally and financially, stressing that  he was very impressed with the turnout of people to grace this years’ event.

He used the opportunity to appeal to the state  government to accede  to their requests  for the smooth running of the association in the State.

Governor Adeleke in a white flowing “agbada” with a cap to match later inspected the specially mounted guards of honour  by members of a combined contingent of  the Nigeria Armed Forces.
Earlier, there were  intercessory prayers  led by religious leaders followed by the laying of the symbolic  wreaths at the grave of unknown soldiers at the military cenotaph in front of the state house of assembly complex, Osogbo ,venue of the grand finale.
  To cap the well attended event up, a  customary 21 gun salute in honour of the fallen soldiers  accentuated the colourful but solemn gathering of the annual event which came to an end today.
Among notable dignitaries at the event were the state deputy governor,Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, Osun State Chief Judge, Hon. Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo represented by Hon.Justice Olayinka  Afolabi, Chief of Staff,Hon.Akinleye and the SSG and chairman of the planning committee of the event Hon.Teslim Igbalaye .
      Traditional Rulers too numerous to mention were also at the occasion.

It would be recalled that there were series of  events like the launching of an appeal fund emblem, Jumaat and church services differently   lined up by osun state government to mark the annual occasion aimed at  remembering and giving  honour to the fallen heroes for their loyalty and patriotism while in the line of duty for Nigeria.

It was a memorable event on Sunday, in what could be described as a festival of penalty shootout at Osogbo Township Stadium,where the final football match, between Osun Football Academy and Egbedore football club was played, marking the 3rd edition of Late Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke memorial Cup competition, in which Egbedore team finally carried the day, on a 13-12 penalty shootout. The competition organized by the Honourable representing Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Osun State, Barr. Bamidele Salam, in commemoration of the demise of legendary politician,Otunba Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

Speaking at the event, Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke promised to develop sports in the State in order to discover talents in the area of sports, saying he has passion for sports promotion across all levels.

The Governor,who was highly elated for the grace given to him to govern the State, thanked the Adeleke dynasty and the organizer of the competition for not forgetting the good deeds of his late brother.

He further disclosed that the rehabilitation of Osogbo Township Stadium is in top gear,and that it would commence soon as part of his lined up projects to mark his 100 days in office.

The State helmsman reiterated his commitment to fulfillment of his campaign promises, promising that he will not to betray the trust reposed in him by the people of the State.

Earlier, in his opening remarks, the convener of the competition, Representative Bamidele Salam eulogised the State Governor and every dignitary present at the competition.

While reminiscing on the good deeds of the first civilian Governor in Osun, Otunba Isiaka Adeleke, the Parliamentarian noted that his passion for youth development was second to none.

He added that the competition has in no small way added value to many youths in Osun by discovering many hidden talents which can put the name of the State on the world map.

Representative Salam therefore vowed that the competition would be a continuous exercise.

Earlier, the 3rd place match had been played, in which Ilesha East defeated Ila team to claim the 3rd position on a penalty shootout on 8-7 aggregate.

During the match, at exactly 68 minutes, a minute silence was observed to mark the posthumous 68th anniversary of late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke.

Egbedore Football Team was eventually presented with a prize of #1m for clinching the first position, Osun FA, which came 2nd in the competition, went home with #500,000 while for the 3rd place, Ilesa East won #300,000.

In attendance at the event were: Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Traditional Rulers, Political and top Government functionaries as well as sports’ lovers from across the State.

As part of his efforts to rejig the State of education in Osun and give it a new face, Osun Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has inaugurated an Ad-hoc Committee on University of Ilesha to see to proper installation of the Ivory Tower.

Speaking at the programme held at the Local Government Service Commission Hall, State Secretariat, Osogbo, the State Capital, Governor Adeleke urged the Committee to bring their wealth of experience to bear on the assignment.

He avowed that his administration is committed to make the University one of the best in the Country by providing everything necessary for the School to be solidly founded,while urging the Committee to engage the stakeholders with a view to forging the the way forward.

He mandated them to review and access resources for both the capital and asset of the Institution.

The Governor therefore gave them 6 weeks to carry out the assignment.

Speaking on behalf of other members, the Chairman of the Committee, Prof. Ashaolu Taiwo of Obafemi Awolowo University appreciated Governor Adeleke for the trust reposed in them.

He promised that the Committee will do the job diligently within the given period, promising that they will not dash the expectation of both the government and Osun people.

The Committee members are: Prof. Oyesoji Aremu, Prof. Lukeman Jumoda, Prof. David Oladeji, Prof. Dayo Akintayo, Prof. (Mrs) Adefunke, Dr. Mutalib Akanmu, Hon. Bamidele Salam, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance and Economic Planning, Permanent Secretary Ministry of Education and the Permanent Secretary in the State Ministry of Justice.