Governors of Borno, Alhaji Kazeem Shetima and his Kebbi State counterpart, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu have expressed conviction that their colleague in Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has recorded feats that could be emulated by other governors in Nigeria.
 

Two of the northern governors in Nigeria at the weekend described Osun education system as one of the best in the world.
In a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, the two governors were quoted as speaking  as guests at the official commissioning of Islamic Centre for Research and Human Development, a project of an Islamic group, the Ja’amatul Ta’awunil Musleem, in Iwo.
The centre was built by the religious organization in recognition of Governor Aregbesola’s commitment to education.
The northern governors said no state in Nigeria has done what Aregbesola did in education sector.
The duo noted that Osun has not only revolutionalised education system in the country but also democratized education for easy accessibility by common citizens.
The governors, who described Osun education system as a model, said Governor Aregbesola has set the pace for others in the education sector to thrive.
The two northern governors commended his commitment to human and capital development, saying Aregbesola has made them proud in all sectors.
Particularly, the two governors said what is unique about Aregbesola’s sterling performance is the very lean resource available to his government while putting in place the people-focused policies.
Shettima said Aregbesola has invested hugely in the youths of Osun as this is reflected in the various state-of-the-arts schools being constructed across the state.
He described Osun education as one that can compare easily and favourably in the world, saying this has been seen as a landmark achievement made by Osun government.
 
Shettima asserted that Osun Mega schools which according to him have been the hallmark of Governor Aregbesola’s successes cannot only stand the test of time but compare favourably with others anywhere in the world.
 
‎He said, “The people of ‎ Osun may not appreciate Aregbesola now until he leaves because it is common that good leaders are not appreciated while in power until they leave.
“This is my second time in Osun within 12 month. I am familiar to this state. I am fully aware of the economic capacity of this state. I am aware of the state resources.
“It is not news that Osun realises meagre resources every month. The  state’s resources can never be compared with Lagos, Ogun, Oyo or any state in Nigeria.
“Aregbesola has invested hugely in the youths of Osun as this is reflected in the various state-of-the-arts schools being constructed across the state.
“This is a landmark achievement because Osun Mega schools which have been the hallmark of Governor Aregbesola’s government cannot only stand the test of time but compare favourably with others anywhere in the world.
“I know Aregbesola very well. He is not a rich man ‎by any standard but a committed man who has worked with high sense of commitment to rescue the people of the state and her economy from collapse.
“Aregbesola’s commitment to education has been rewarded tremendously as this is manifested in the successes recorded by the 85 medical students sponsored by the state to Ukraine for further academic studies.
“I will urge the people of the state to cherish Governor Aregbesola and respect him because he is a man whose passion for human and capital development cannot be measured.
” I have seen in Governor Aregbesola a rare determination to bring much out of little, that is why Osun is progressing even with little resources and meagre allocation from the federation account.
“In fact, Aregbesola is an embodiment of anything positive
“The people of ‎ Osun may not appreciate Aregbesola now until he leaves because it is common that good leaders are not appreciated while in power until they leave.
Also, the Kebbi state Governor, Senator Atiku Abubakar Bangudu said Aregbesola has set a new standard to revive education in Nigeria.
According to him, “What Aregbesola has done to education sector, no state has done it in Nigeria. He has not only revolutionalised ‎education sector in Nigeria but set a new standard for all to emulate.
“I cherish so much the achievements made in the education sector by the Aregbesola led administration. He has done so much. He has laboured with high sense of sincerity and honesty to ensure that the education sector in the state is not only revamped by accessible to all.
 
“He is a man who serves with passion to ensure that no one suffers even in the face of limited resources and daunting economic situations, Aregbesola has done excellently well.
 
“To me, Governor Aregbesola’s interventions have been yielding positive fruits as many of the state’s projects have witnessed huge replication by various governments.
“I know Aregbesola as a man who speaks for justice nothing but justice. Being a good Muslim, he has demonstrated the virtues of humility, loyalty and sincerity in all his actions and inactions.
 
“Though he might not be appreciated now because some leaders like him are not oftentimes ‎value while in power, but sooner or later, we will see the need to appreciate him for all his good works.
 
“I am very happy that Osun is blessed to have Aregbesola. He is selfless, nationalistic and dedicated to serve. He is a moral beacon in Nigeria.
 
“I came to Osun because I used to honour Aregbesola’s invitation each time I am invited simply because of what he has done for his people in Osun.
“Aregbesola has made us proud not only in APC but in the governors’ forum. He is a factor for national development and nation building.
“Aregbesola is a democrat par excellence as this is being exhibited in all his inter‎ventions.
Also, former Senate Leader, Senator Ali Ndume described Governor Aregbesola as one of the most valuable Nigerians whose roles can never be over-emphasised.
He said Aregbesola has brought unprecedented developments to the state through his interventions in all sectors.
Ndume described the APC flag bearer in the Osun West by-election as a symbol of good governance whose wealth of experience had added much value to the senate while he represented his people in the last dispensation.
In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended the Islamic group for promoting education through religion.
He said Ta’awuni has done so much in educating the society, a move which he said has helped in eliminating literacy in Iwo and its environs.
 
According to him, I know Ta’awunil in 2004 and the organisation has done so much in propagating Islam through the promotion of western education.
“This organisation is unique because it’s evangelism is quite different from others. The organization raises funds to support education.
“I am very happy to associate and identify with your organisation as you propagate Islam in the way the Prophet Muhammad did”, he added.

The panel of inquiry on disturbance of public peace set up by Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, to unravel the circumstances that led to the communal clash in Ile-ife has concluded its sitting.
 

 
 
Governor Aregbesola set up the panel on 25th day of March, 2017 and charged them to investigate the crisis within four weeks.
Since the panel began its sitting on April 19, 2017, it has not received any eyewitness account from those that testified before it.
Majority of those that submitted memoranda were those that approached the panel for compensation from the government.
While many claimed that their shops were looted during the fracas, many claimed that their houses were burnt and appealed to government to assist them.
The Secretary of the panel, Mr. Bisi Babalola, said that the panel has treated 289 of the 406 memoranda it received.
Babalola who admitted that majority of those that submitted memoranda were not at the scene of the crisis, assured that the panel would address it in its recommendations.
He dispelled rumour that the crisis was a tribal issue, saying “security report revealed that the crisis started between a Yoruba woman and Hausa man due to a
misunderstanding.
“We received 406 memoranda and with the four we have taken today, we have treated 289. I can assure the public that the panel would soon make recommendations to the government in due course.
“We started sitting on April 19 and we sat for 27 days. Many of those that submitted memoranda have refused to show up before the panel despite announcements and several invitations,” Babalola stated.
Earlier, the chairman of the panel, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, appreciated the people of Ife for the cooperation and support given to the panel during its sittings in the town.
He said the panel was ready to fulfil its earlier promise to give a fair and unbiased recommendations on the outcome of its findings.
However, the President, Ife Development Board, Lawrence Olajire Olawoyin, appreciated the governor for allowing the panel to sit in Ile-Ife where the crisis occurred.
He said that the governor had selected those that know how to manage crisis, adding “we found them very appropriate for the assignment.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola  has congratulated Senator elect, Ademola Adeleke following his victory at the poll, saying the “people of Osun have spoken”.
 

 
Adeleke, the PDP candidate defeated the the APC flagbearer in the poll, Senator Mudashiru Hussein, winning in 9 out of 10 local government areas in the Senatorial District.
The governor, in a tweet Sunday afternoon congratulated Adeleke, saying “Democracy has won and we respect the people’s choice”.
Also, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam has lauded the government and the people of the state under the watch of Governor Aregbesola for creating a conducive atmosphere for electoral contest which was conducted hitch free by Independent National Electoral Commission INEC, and won by the opposition candidate Otunba Adeleke of Peoples Democratic Party.
 
In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, Salaam saluted the state helmsman for ensuring secured environment for all contestants to campaign and canvass votes for their respective parties without intimidation or lawlessness, saying as a Chief Security officer of the state, Aregbesola has passed another democratic litmus test.
 
He also thumbed up for the INEC on its swiftness at the deployment of staff and logistics, asserting that INEC has turned a success story with its proactive measure in the conduct of Osun West senatorial district by-election.
 
He further lauded the security agencies for living up to their billing by guiding and guarding the electoral process without fear or favor.
 
Salaam further saluted the courage and comportment of the contestants for putting up a good democratic fight, congratulating the people of Osun senatorial west and the Senator elect, Otunba Adeleke on the success recorded; admonishing Adeleke to be humble in victory and recognize the fact that Osun west is now his constituency that must work with the state government for the overall benefit of the people irrespective of political leaning; saying no achievement could be recorded in a divisive tendencies.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State of Osun, Mr. Adelani Baderinwa has called on all journalists in the state to fully support and cooperate with the present administration ably led by the State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
 

 
Mr. Adelani Baderinwa made the call today in the office while hosting the executive members of the Nigeria Union of
Journalists led by the State Chairman, Comrade Abiodun Olalere.
The Commissioner, who expressed delight in hosting the chairman and the executive council members, stressed that he operates and open door policy hence they are free to come to him to offer ideas and suggestions that will be useful to the administration.
He then assured that the State Government is fully interested in the training and re-training of all journalists in the
state through workshops and seminars which are the necessary tonic for the re-invigoration of the profession of journalism.
He also assured that he would do all within his powers to support the union so that they can fully deliver their services efficiently and effectively.
While disclosing that efforts are being made by the State government to uplift and equip the Newsroom of the State Ministry as well as that of OSBC, efforts are also being made to make the State Government Printing Press to be fully operational so that it will be a veritable source of income generation for the State Government.
Earlier, the Chairman of the State Council of the NUJ, Comrade Abiodun Olalere congratulated the Commissioner on his appointment as the Commissioner for Information and Strategy.
While calling on the Commissioner to look at the training and re-training of all journalists in the state as well as their
welfare, he assured the Commissioner that all journalists in the State will fully support and cooperate with the Commissioner and indeed the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
He pointed out that all journalists are indeed very happy that an experienced and dedicated journalist and unionist is now at the Ministry as the spokesman and image maker for the state Government.
In attendance were the management staff of the Ministry of Information and Strategy, Osun NUJ State Exco members, State chairperson of NAWOJ, chairman, sports writers Association as well as the extended Exco members of the NUJ.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun on Wednesday expressed regrets that the family of the late Senator Isiaka Adeleke has been using the unfortunate incident of his death to manipulate the minds of the people of the Ede ancient city.
 

 
Aregbesola said it is sad that since the death of the former governor of Osun in April, many lies and fabrications have emanated from the family and few of his loyalists.
Among the lies being peddled against him and his government include the fact that the younger brother of the politician, Dr. Deji Adeleke claimed that he borrowed the Aregbesola government money to pay workers salaries. He said it is also unthinkable that the Adeleke family would claim that Aregbesola begged Senator Adeleke to join APC.
Aregbesola stated these when he led the campaign train of Senator Mudashir Husain to Ede in the series of mega-campaigns ahead of the July 8, 2017 senatorial election.
Ede is the home town of the late Adeleke.
This was just as the Governor along with the Timi of Ede, Oba Muniru Adesola Lawal, sued for peace stating that the coming election should not be allowed to cause crisis.
The Governor said anywhere where peace is absent there can be no development.
He stated that God chooses whom he likes as a leader and so politicians should thread cautiously. ‎
He held that APC did the best it could have done for the first democratically elected Governor of the state when his then party, People’s Democratic Party PDP treated treated him by giving him the Senatorial ticket then.
Aregbesola stated that it was the late senator who came to APC uninvited because of the treatment he received in the PDP.
On the purported claim in some quarters that the Adeleke family helped his re election, the Governor said he never collected a Kobo from the younger brother of the late Senator, Dr. Deji Adeleke or any of the Adelekes.
‎He added that his administration has never for any reason borrowed money from any individual or group to meet the state’s statutory obligations.
‎Aregbesola held that with the volume of workers’ salaries arrears and pensions at that time, no individual could borrow the state the amount required at that time.
‎
According to him, “Deji Adeleke does not have the financial capacity to bail out Osun from  ‎its financial challenges even before now, not to talk about lending us money to pay workers’ salaries. If anything at all, it is their family that sought and got favours from the Osun State Government under my watch. It is to the glory of God that they got the Certificate of Occupancy of their university from our government. Why didn’t those who are their new friends give them C of O of that university?
“If Deji Adeleke has so much money, why is he begging me to waive the payable tax of his university? Why cant he just pay?
“I am bold enough to say this over and over again, because I have never sought for assistance from any of the Adeleke’s family even during the life time of Senator Isiaka Adeleke, nothing as such occurred.
“Though my relationship with late Adeleke was cordial and beyond politics because we have known each other even before Osun politics because our residences are adjacent to each other in Lagos state.
“He was a good brother and a friend to me while alive, but during this dire economic period, I never approach him for any financial assistance not to talk of obtaining cash from his brother.
The governor commended the monarch for calling for peace to reign in the entire senatorial district before during and after the election.
Aregbesola said it is the responsibility of the Oba to make sure peace reigns in his domains.
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According to him, “if the monarch fails to guarantee peace in his area, he will be the first person to be blamed for shirking in his responsibility.
‎
“I am very happy that you called for and preached peach to the people. As we all know there is no iota of gain in causing chaos.
And I must say here, Kabiesi, that peace in a town is the responsibly of a king.
And if he fails in his secure that peace he will be the one that will be held responsible.”
The campaign ground witnessed  huge crowd of residents from Ede.

The Chairman, Moremi Estate Landlord Association, Mr. Sanmi Kayode and one of the welfare Coordinators of Energy Petrol Filling Station, Ibadan road, Ile-Ife, Mr. Lawrence has called on the State Government of Osun to come to the aid of their people in the community.
 

 
The two community leaders made the appeal due to the heavy rainfall accompanied by flood which rendered majority of the residents homeless last Saturday for hours.
This was disclosed during an on-the-spot assessment to the area by officials of Osun State Emergency Management Agency led by the General Manager, TPL Olanipekun Olarewaju.
Mr. Sanmi requested that, the channel under the bridge in the area is too narrow and should be enlarged to allow free flow of water.
In his response, the General Manager, Osun State Emergency Management Agency, TPL Olanipekun Olarewaju sympathised with them and assured the community leaders that, their request will be made known to the State
Government for urgent attention, because the safety of lives and property of the people of Osun are precious to the Governor.

The newly created Osun Produce Board has disclosed its readiness to support Kola-nut farmers and merchants in the State to improve the quantity and quality of their production to an enviable and acceptable height that would attract international patronage.

 
The Executive Vice-Chairman and Chief Executive Officer, Osun Produce Board, Dr. Yemi Adegoke made this disclosure during a Kola-nut stakeholders meeting held at the Local Government Civil Service Commission Hall at the New Secretariat.
Dr. Yemi Adegoke said that it has become necessary to scale up Kola-nut farming and trading from indigenous activities to an internationally recognised business.
He said that, it is part of the mandate of the Osun Produce Board to ensure that all agricultural produce from the State without exclusion are of high quality standard that meets international requirement for export purpose.
He maintained that, sooner, all agricultural produce from Osun would be graded, branded and certified for its quality before exporting in order to showcase the quality of Osun agricultural produce to the world.
Dr. Adegoke therefore assured all members of the Kola-nuts Association of Nigeria, Osun branch and Kola-nut farmers in the State that once their Agric product is of high quality standard that pass the grading test, Osun Produce Board would link them up with the available market within and outside the Country without stress.
Earlier, the Director of Operations, Osun Produce Board, Mr. Olukayode Arewa had hinted that, the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has approved the grading of kola nut for export purposes which will commence from 17th of July, 2017.
Mr. Arewa therefore assured farmers and merchants of the needed training on storage and quality control, noting that from July 17th of this year, it would be an unlawful and punishable offence for any merchant to export kola-nuts out of Osun without proper grading.
Other speakers at the meeting include the National Chairman, Kola-nuts Association Of Nigeria, Alagba Babadara, State Chairman, Alhaji Karimu Giwa and the State Secretary, Alhaji Morufu Babalola who all appreciated Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola for the support given to the association, adding that no government has ever deemed it fit to support their association.
They all promised to comply with the government directives on grading of kola nuts as a means to boost kola nut
business in the State.

The Osun  Government says it has registered more than 24,000 cooperative societies in the state towards economic growth.

 

 
The Special Adviser to the Governor, Mr Gbenga Awosode made this known while marking the International Cooperative Day in Osogbo, the state capital.
The programme themed, Cooperative Ensures ‘No One Is Left Behind’ by the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative in collaboration with Federation of Osun Cooperative Limited.
Mr. Awosode said more than 16,000 registered cooperative societies had benefited immensely from the state government grants towards wealth creation.
He said the programme reaffirms the invaluable role of cooperative unions in social, economic and cultural development as well as in actualisation of social policy objectives of governments across the world.
“The essence of the annual celebration is principally to increase awareness about cooperative movement, highlight successes recorded by movement in the past years and to promote the core values and ideals of cooperative movement.”
“Celebration of the world corporate day also aims at strengthening the international cooperative movement as well as building a strong partnership with other international actors including government, non-governmental organisations and other cross national organisations.
Mr Awosode who described cooperative societies as critical to global economic and social development explained that it has helped a lot in the creation of new ethics and ideas in the business.
He said despite the huge developmental value of cooperative societies, the unions was beset with myriad of challenges.
According to him, the challenges includes; poor management, lack of cooperation among cooperators, low commitment, overdue loans and debts, among others.
He said these challenges have stifle the growth of cooperative unions in Nigeria and other developing countries.
“These challenges must be overcome if cooperative societies are to serve as tools for economic development, poverty alleviation and wealth creation.”
Mr. Awosode, however, said the state government recognises the importance of cooperative societies as a critical political and economic force and would continue to partner with it for economic growth.
According to him, “the core of values of the cooperative movement is not only in tandem with the vision of the Rauf Aregbesola administration but also the theme of this year’s celebration as contained in the famous Green Book entitled “My Pact with the people of Osun”.
The administration also involves banishing poverty, hunger, unemployment, wealth creation, enhance communal peace and progress, restore healthy living, and promote functional education, among other things. He added.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Monday described the late statesman, Ambassador Maitama Sule as one of the last bastion of the original patriots whose interest was the growth of Nigeria and the Black race.
 

 
Aregbesola in a condolence message on the death of the former Minister of National Guidance under the Shehu Shagari administration, said the late Maitama Sule, was one of those leaders who shunned ethnicity and promoted national interests above all others.
The condolence message, signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, described the late diplomat as a man of integrity, a nationalist whose exploits in Nigeria and beyond contributed to making Nigeria a continental force to be reckoned with.
“This death just marks the eclipse of one of the last set of the original nationalists who truly wanted a united Nigeria where we recognized our differences and sources of strength and wanted us to utilize those qualities for the greatness of Nigeria and the entire Black race.
“He did away with sentiments bordering on religion, ethnic affiliations and other such devisive factors and embraced One Nigeria as his belief.
“On behalf of my family, the entire people and the government of the state of Osun, I offer my condolences. I also pray that may Allah overlook his deeds while here with us while praying for our country to attain the greatness for which the likes of Maitama Sule labored in their agile days.”