The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday launched a research and training farm institute at Ago Owu area in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the state as part of his administration’s commitment to transform agriculture sector in the state.
The Research Institute, according to Governor Aregbesola was achieved in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Aregbesola disclosed that the state had released 205.5 hectares of land for the take-off of the programme as part of efforts to advance agriculture in the state.
While launching the institute at Ago-Owu Farm Settlement, Governor Aregbesola attributed the success of the scheme to unflinching support which the state received from the officials of the IITA to boost agricultural productions.
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The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Thursday launched a research and training farm institute at Ago Owu area in Ayedaade Local Government Area of the state as part of his administration’s commitment to transform agriculture sector in the state.

The Research Institute, according to Governor Aregbesola was achieved in collaboration with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).
Aregbesola disclosed that the state had released 205.5 hectares of land for the take-off of the programme as part of efforts to advance agriculture in the state.
While launching the institute at Ago-Owu Farm Settlement, Governor Aregbesola attributed the success of the scheme to unflinching support which the state received from the officials of the IITA to boost agricultural productions.
Governor Aregbesola who described the institute as a “citadel of knowledge in agriculture” said with establishment, all challenges confronting farming and farmers would be put behind.
He said the institution has the capacity to train, retrain and conduct various researches that would not only increase farmers’ yields but also expose them to modern agriculture practices.
Governor Aregbesola said the idea was nurtured in a bid to support the existing farmers and encourage young ones into farming, saying with the scheme, a new era has begun in the agriculture sector in the state.
Aregbesola said the scheme was part of his administration’s six-point integral action plan to increase on the agricultural produce, improve the welfare of farmers and turn Osun to food basket of the southwest Nigeria.
According to him, the idea behind the establishment of the institute is to advance research in agriculture sector in line with the state’s commitment to agribusiness and commercialisation.
“We must thank the IITA for the partnership we have because with the establishment of this training institute, our partnership is not just a memorandum on paper but rather a memorandum actualised.
“IITA has been an open partner with Osun government and the partnership was formalised in 2015 after a Memorandum of Understanding was mutually signed to support agriculture sector in the state.
“This MoU has been actualised with the research and training institute set up to advance research in agriculture, encourage participation in farming and as well improve on the agricultural productivity in the state.
“This initiative aimed at improving on the agricultural agenda of the state, getting youths attracted to farming, exposing farmers to modern and mechanised farming techniques and as well increase agricultural productivity”, he added.
On why the state decided to partner IITA, Aregbesola said the decision was taken having realised the agricultural poor yielding culture in the state.
According to him, Osun is the highest producer of cassava in Nigeria but even as that, the state produces just 16 metric tons per hectare which is far from expectation.
He added, “We partner this international institute to deepen our commitment to massive food production in the state and ensure that the farmers’ yields are improved geometrically.
“For instance, Osun is known to be the highest producer of cassava, but with this feat, our production is poor while the yield per hectare is between 15/16 metric ton per hectare.
“This is widely far from reality while compare with what those who have advanced on the production of cassava have per hectare, and it is for this reason that reached a compromise with IITA to support our farmers for greater productivity.
“As I am speaking now, what we produce as far as cassava production is concerned has increased tremendously as it has increased from 16 metric tons per hectare to 40 metric tons per hectare.
“It is our belief that with this partnership, Osun farmers most especially the existing ones would begin to experience a new life in the agriculture sector while youth would also be encouraged to farming.
“With this partnership, no farmer would suffer anything as far as farming is concerned because this initiative would go a long way to support all there needs and bring a difference into the system.
Earlier, the Deputy Director General, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, IITA, Professor Michael Abberton, said IITA partnered Osun government having realised the keen interest of the state to revamp agriculture sector.
He described the state’s commitment to agriculture revolution as remarkable, a step he said would be advanced by the IITA to ensure the actualisation of the state dreams in the agriculture sector.
Prof. Abberton who spoke on behalf of IITA, said the partnership was important as it reflects the role the farm will play not only in terms of research addressing the needs of smallholder farmers but also in terms of training and capacity building.
He said the MoU signed between the state of Osun and IITA in 2015 was the consolidation of long tradition of formal partnerships with various stakeholders around the state which according to him represents IITAs commitment to build on this tradition and to further enhance the transfer and adoption of IITA research to the benefit of the farmers in the state.
” I welcome you all and thank those involved in organising this event and in the setting up and developments of this IITA Research and Training Farm.
“This is important as it reflects the role that this farm will play not only in terms of research addressing the needs of smallholder farmers but also in terms of training and capacity building.
“In particular the IITA Youth Agripreneurs will be making good use of this farm in the development of their activities.
“IITA has had a long tradition of training, transferring technology to farmers in the State of Osun, through various projects. The MoU signed between the state of Osun and IITA in 2014 was the consolidation of long tradition of formal partnerships with various stakeholders around the state.
“This farm represents IITAs commitment to build on this tradition and to further enhance the transfer and adoption of IITA research to the benefit of the farmers of Osun state.
In his welcome address, the Director General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships and Coordinator, Osun Rural Entreprise and Agriculture Programme, Dr. Charles Akinola, said the initiative was to bring technology closer to the farmers in all aspects of agricultural production.
According to him, we are doing this to have huge production yields. It is hoped that with this, Osun farmers will begin to count gains as agriculture would be commercialised while our state would become training centre for her peers in agriculture sector.
“Youths would also be attracted to farming since this partnership would provide the necessary seeds with early maturity.
“We want to make agriculture a way of life and a real business for all and sundry”, he stressed.
While presenting the agriculture inputs to state government, the Project Leader, Cassava Weed Management and Director, development and Delivery Office, IITA, Dr. Alfred Dixon, assured the state of the organisation’s readiness to ensure that the state have highest tons and yields in all areas of agriculture.
“We are here to work with Osun government to ensure that its agricultural policies are achieved.
“Our objective is to ensure additional values in all areas of agriculture. We have come with lots of seeds. We have many farm materials and we ensure that youths in the state are encouraged to farm.
“With what we have on ground in terms of agriculture materials coupled with our expectation on yield, Osun can export farm produce to 17 states”, he added.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Health , Dr. Akinyinka Oluseyi Esho has assured the Long lasting insecticide Nets Team Leader (LLINs) , Mr. Olumide Adefioye of Maximum Cooperation in the distribution of mosquito Nets given to the State of Osun.

Dr.Esho gave the assurance today at the inauguration meeting held in the Ministry of Health.
According to him, the government will contribute its quota to the success of the exercise because quality health care service is one of the strong pillars of this present administration under the leadership of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Speaking earlier, Mr. Olumide Adefioye, the team leader from Abuja Federal Ministry of Health said one million LLINs have arrived the State of Osun in preparation for the distribution of insecticidal net to every household in the state.
Others present were representatives from Ministry of Information, Education, Women Affairs, Environment, religious leaders and Market women.

The reigning Miss Africa Great Britain, Miss Sarah Jegede has described the Osun education system as one of the best in the world.

She rated the huge investment made by the Osun government in education sector as most impactful, most beneficial and most adaptable in Africa and beyond.
In a statement by the Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Miss Jegede was quoted as stating this when spoke at the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) where she attended the tree planting program in honour of the Governor.
In the statement signed by the Director, Semiu Okanlawon, Jegede said her account was formed after a critical assessment of tremendous achievements recorded by the Osun government in education system.
Miss Africa Great Britain, who was on a charity tour to Nigeria and Osun state in particular, said Osun government has built a better future for the people of the state through its intervention in the education sector.
Describing education as the bedrock of societal growth and development, Jegede said the state had laid a solid foundation for socio-economic and political lives of her citizenry.
She said with landmark achievements in the education sector, brighter future awaits the state in other sectors of the economy since education and knowledge determine how future of the society would be.
Miss Africa averred that the government of Osun has taken education beyond African affairs with the provision of state-of-the-art facilities that could only be found in advanced countries, at all levels of education in the state.
Commending Governor Rauf Aregbesola for building a virile future for his people, through the provision of quality education, Jegede said Osun has made an edge ahead of others in the education sector.
According to her, it is absolutely rare to see an African leader that would be so passionate for education as case of Osun state.
“Every year, the reigning Miss Africa Great Britain carries out some charity projects across the globe most especially Africa. And as a reigning Miss Africa, I am in Nigeria to accomplish this aim.
“So, I am in Osun state of Nigeria, the state that is accidentally my own to perform the assignment.
“But since a week that I have been in Osun, I have been experiencing the impact of what could be best described as good governance and impactful leadership.
“I have heard good remarks about Mr. Governor. Everybody loves him for what he has been doing to raise the bar of governance, setting out agenda to transform the economy of the state and lots more.
“Yesterday I went to some public schools in the state where I did my charity project. I distributed some educational materials, stationery and school bags to pupils and students as part of what I came to Nigeria to do.
“But some of the things I noticed was the unique appearance of these pupils who were in conformity in uniforms and who were given free meals provided by the state government on every school day.
“I was overwhelmed with this initiative because since I have been on earth I have never seen government embarks on such pro-people social support programme which was aimed to develop education.
“I was very amazed and glad to see beautiful model schools built by the state in most serene environment that is highly supportive to teaching and learning process.
“I have been to the three categories of the state education system. I have been to the Elementary, Middle and High schools and I was highly impressed not only with the structure but with the facilities therein.
“These are the beautiful schools, probably the best looking schools I have ever seen in my own time since I have been in Nigeria.
“This would in no small measure help to reawaken education system from slumber and as well prepare the citizens of the state for greater future Osun as we have in advanced countries.
“The government gesture on this, is applaudable, rewarding and remarkable as it has the potential of taking the state to most enviable position,” she stressed.

Omoba Dotun Babayemi, a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this interview with The Independent Newspaper shares his thoughts on development in Osun and other issues. Excerpts:
You were recently honoured with Evergreen Award for Humanitarian Services by the Osun state chapter of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ). What is your perception about the award?

I am very grateful and I dedicated the award to Almighty God, my family and especially my constituency. Being recognised for humanitarian deeds is probably the most fulfilling thing. As a private citizen, I have done my bit in ensuring that the quality of life of people around us is improved. The award has brought me to a point where I am now encouraged to do more because having the fourth estate of the realm recognise you because of your contributions in the society makes it a lot more special. So, I am very much encouraged to do a lot more.
As a successful businessman, why have you decided to join politics which many people will describe as dirty?
If you look at some of the people that have come before us, someone like the great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. He was a successful practitioner, yet he gave that up in order to serve his people. Look at our leaders like General Alani Akinrinade who lost everything in the fight to ensure that Nigeria remains one. We also have other leaders like the late Anthony Enahoro, Papa Bisi Akande and even the governor of the stateof Osun, Rauf Aregbesola. He was a successful businessman but he gave that all in service. I believe there is nothing as fulfilling and satisfying as being able to better the lot of the people in the environment. That to me is what politics is all about.
How will you assess the performance of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the last six years?
Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola over the last six years has been one of the most outstanding leaders we have had, not only in the Yoruba nation but Nigeria in general. When he came into power in 2010, within 90 days, he took 10,000 youths off the street through the O-YES programme.
He was the first person to do that till date. His challenge has always been focused on the people. Osun state was one of the first states to implement the minimum wage that was put forward at that time and it has a huge impact on him but through reasonable financial reengineering, he has been able to manage that aspect responsibly. We’ve had some challenges as a country.
For example, the FAAC allocation that comes to Osun is now a minuscule bit of what it used to be. Yet, if you go to the state of Osun today and you compare it to what it was at inception, and you look at every government that has been in place, the changes that we’ve had in that state since Governor Aregbesola beats everything else that was before it. Some of the challenges that people has is that they want everything now. The question they ask is ‘ what can I get into my pocket’?; forgetting that as a leader, you must have the vision that encapsulates not just the benefit of people of today but of the people of tomorrow.
When you assess his government in the area of infrastructure, based on the funds available, he is probably heads and shoulders above any other government in Nigeria today. If you go to the local government, there is no area in Osun today that you will not find an edifice that is encouraging not just to the populace but it is an incentive for the kids to want to go to school. It is an incentive for the parents to say this where my children are being trained. He is not just doing it for today but for generations yet to come. In terms of people-centric policies that he has put into place, I will score him 100 percent.
Osun introduced the school feeding programme which the FG has now copied. The number of children in Primaries 1-4 which were here before Aregbesola came in tripled when this were brought into place. Can you imagine what will happen if we are able to replicate this in all parts of Nigeria? That is investing in the future. If you go to the First Republic, the South Western part of Nigeria got independence before anybody else because of innovative programmes such as free education, infrastructural developments and so on. We had the first radio and television station in Nigeria at that time in Ibadan.
Liberty stadium in Ibadan was the first. If you look at the way Aregbesola is running his government, there are many firsts that is being replicated. History is judging Awolowo now for being a trailblazer. I am positive that posterity will also judge Aregbesola for good.

In its planned efforts to boost agriculture and ensure the availability of adequate food supply in the State of Osun, the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will today, Thursday 1st June, 2017 declare open the “Osun Farmers’ Open Day 2017” “Odun Alagbinla” at the IITA Research and Farmers Farm Ago Owu.

The programme is a partnership between the IITA and the State Government of Osun.
The occasion will also serve as the official opening of the IITA Research and Training Farm, situated on 205.5 hectares of land allocated to the IITA by the State Government of Osun.
The location of the Research and Teaching Farm is in close proximity to the two biggest farm settlements in the state i.e. the Ago-Owu and Mokore farm settlements which is within the reach of farming communities occupying up to 30,000 hectares of land.
Expected on the occasion are farmers, youth clubs and women groups

Osun Muslim faithful should take advantage of the Ramadan fasting by praying ceaselessly for the state and the leaders piloting her as demanded by Prophet Muhammad (SAW), said the Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam.

In a statement signed by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, Speaker Salaam asserted that it is high time people stopped holding their leaders in contempt, saying the spiritual implications of cursing leaders or making attempt to pull the state down for selfish interests would do no one any good.
He then urged the Islamic preachers during Ramadan period to speak truth to power, saying leaders at this time would appreciate truth according to the holy books not ego massaging.
Speaker Salaam further enjoined the rich to advance their riches to the poor, saying that fasting has created a level playing template for hunger and thirsty and should be seen as a period to feel the pains of lack of the downtrodden and the rejected.
He also extends his greetings to the Muslim leaders and faithful for making this year’s fasting period, praying that Allah would answer prayers of the faithful.

‎The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Tuesday swore-in his 39 member executive council comprising Commissioners and Special Advisers, thus inaugurating the team that would accompany him in what he called “our home run.”

On the list of the commissioners are an Associate Professor of Economics, Olalekan Dauda Yinusa; a Doctor of Law, Ajibola Basiru and a former Senator, Mudasiru Hussain.
The Governor announced that he as well as his deputy, Iyaafin Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, were dropping their portfolios in Works and Infrastructure and Education respectively for new entrants into the cabinet to allow for more effective policy coordinations and supervisions.
The Governor at the inauguration at the parking lot of Bola Ige House in Osogbo‎ stated that the inauguration was long overdue, but for dire constraint of funds.
Aregbesola stressed that Osun was not insulated from the financial challenges that the country had during the Peoples Democratic Party-led administration in Nigeria.
He held that Osun was receiving negative monthly allocations from the Federation Account during the period, saying ‎what hit Nigeria during this period was the equivalent of economic natural disaster and Osun was not alone.
According to him, “I congratulate all the appointees for being considered worthy of service to the government and people of our dear state and for scaling the hurdle of screening.
“Many of you served in the first term; the rest are fresh hands. Of course, this is long overdue. It should have come up immediately after my inauguration on November 27, 2014. As you all know, we were hamstrung by dire constraint – principally financial.
“Our second term coincided with the onset of a national economic disaster. The first on account of a purported daily theft of 650,000 barrels of crude oil under the watch of the immediate past PDP national government. This is curious and improbable.
“We must note that 650,000 barrels of crude oil is the equivalent of 65 super tankers each laden with over 300,000 metric tons of crude oil. By the way, a super tanker is about 450 metres long, the equivalent of four and a half football fields.
“Indeed, 27 states and the Federal Government were unable to pay salaries of workers. It might interest us to know that the government of Goodluck Jonathan‎, according to his Finance Minister, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, had to borrow N476 billion from commercial banks to be able to pay salaries in the last four months of his administration,” Aregbesola told the gathering.
The Governor further stated that his government has responsibilities to three broad categories, the most important of which is the commitment to the generality of the people of the state whose mandate he swore an oath to exercise faithfully.
He also added that state workers whom his administration has a contractual obligation to pay at the end of every month, and the political class who made it possible to campaign, contest and win elections will be carried along in his administration.
‎He said, “What we have done during the special time occasioned by the emergency period we faced was to play a delicate balancing act between the three categories.Painfully, we came to an understanding with the workers on a realistic schedule of payment.
“We also continued with our programmes and critical social intervention albeit on a reduced scale. Lastly, we have good understanding from the political class on the need for them to make sacrifice as we defer appointments and cabinet formation.
“Our traducers, rather than reasonably comprehend the situation went to town to harp on the non-composition of cabinet but in the process expose their own ignorance.
“They thought by doing this, they would discredit us. However, right thinking people started asking them what business they have got with the formation or non-formation of an APC government cabinet”. The Governor emphasised.
The Governor spiced his one hour plus speech with intermittent musical renditions which enlivened the event.
Speaking on behalf of newly sworn-in cabinet members, the new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Dr. Surajudeen Ajibola Bashir, described the delay in the constitution of the cabinet by Mr Governor as a sign of courage and commitment to good governance. He said Aregbesola had exhibited high sense of commitment to raise the bar of governance in the last six years of his administration, saying this had reflected in the general well-being of the citizens.
The new Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice said the new cabinet would leave no stone unturned at ensuring unflinching support and cooperation with the present administration in the state.
Ajibola assured the people of the state of the readiness of the new cabinet to consolidate on the legacies built by Aregbesola-led administration in the last six years.
“With this delay, it shows the courage, commitment and doggedness of this administration in managing the limited resources.
“Though this would have been done, but with the economic prowess of Mr. Governor in meeting the demands and needs of the people of the state, it was delayed.
“So, the formation of this cabinet shows the commitment and courage of this government despite the economic recession.
“It also shows the doggedness and commitment of the present administration led by Governor Aregbesola to weather the storm.
“But the remaining 18 months to the expiration of this administration is enough to galvanise development.
“I urge my colleagues to rally round our governor to move the state forward.”
The New Executive Council at a Glance
Commissioners:
1) Ismail Jayeoba Alagbada: Commerce, Co-operatives, Industries and Empowerment
2) Miss Mobolaji Akande: Human Resources and Capacity Building
3) Kolapo Alimi: Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs
4) Mrs Mofolake Adetohun Adegboyega: Empowerment and Youths Development
5) Mr. Emmanuel Kunle Ige: Agriculture, Food Security and Youths Engagement
6) Dr. Surajudeen Bashir Ajibola: Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice
7) Mr. Bola Ilori: Regional Integration
8) Hon. Idiat Babalola: Commissioner for Federal Matters
9) Hon. Biyi Odunlade: Social Affairs Special Needs
10) Wasiu Kolawole Omotunde-Young: Education
11) Mudasiru Hussain: Cabinet Matters
12) Oguntola Mudasir Toogun: Special Duties
13) Idowu Michael Korede: Environment and Sanitation
14) Alh. Bola Oyebamiji: Finance
15) Mr Adelani Baderinwa : Information and Strategy
16) Mrs Latifat Giwa: Women Affairs
17) Engr Remi Omowaiye: Innovation and Technology
18) Dr. Rafiu Kusamotu: Health
19) Engr. Kazeem Aderemi Salami: Works and Transport
20) Dr. Dauda Yinusa: Economy, Planning and Budget
21) Dauda Adebiyi: Home Affairs
22) Akintunde Akinajo: Lands and Physical Planning
Special Advisers:
1) Hon. Samuel Adebisi: Special Adviser to the Governor Local Government and Chieftain Affairs
2) Barrister Mikail Adejare Adebisi: Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Projects, Office of the Governor
3) Barrister Gbenga Akano: Special Adviser to the Governor on Tax Matters
4) Hon. Ipoola Binuyo: Special Adviser to the Governor on Legislative Matters
5) Gbenga Oyinlola: Special Adviser to the Governor on Health Matters
6) Mr. Ayinde Olateju: Special Adviser to the Governor on Science and Technology
7) Mr. Ismail Adetoyese: Special Aviser to the Governor on Wealth Creation
8) Simeon Popoola : Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce
9) Olajide Opatola: Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation
10) Tunde Ajilore : Special Adviser to the Governor on Natural, Mineral Resources
11) Claudius Kolajo : Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture, Food Security and Youth Engagement
12)Ademola : Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Production and Efficiency
13) Grace Oluyemi: Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education Bursary of Schools
14) Mrs Taiwo Oluga: Special Adviser to the Governor on Culture and Tourism
15) Olugebenga Awosode: Special Adviser to the Governor on Cooperative
16) John Ibirogba: Special Adviser to the Governor on Women and Community Affairs

The coroner’s inquest set up to identify the deceased, time, place, cause of death and circumstances surrounding the death of Senator Isiaka Adeleke has run its course.

The inquest headed by Olusegun Ayilara, a magistrate, had begun sitting on the 8th of May, 2017 and called several witnesses which includes Osun State Deputy Governor, Otunba Titi Laouye-Tomori; Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH, Prof. Akeem Lasisi; LAUTECH Chief Pathologist, Dr. Taiwo Solaja, Head of Homicide Department, Nigeria Police Force Osun State Command, SP Eleta among many others.
Magistrate Ayilara who gave his verdict this morning revealed that Senator Isiaka Adeleke died between 9:30- 10:15am Sunday 23rd April 2017. He further revealed that from his findings, the deceased died on his way to Becket hospital from his town home in Ede, Osun State.
The Coroner also ruled out poison as the cause of death following evidences from the autopsy and toxicology reports.
“There were no traces of poison and metal in the system of the deceased. The cause of death is aspiration caused by a drug overdose following the statement by the Pathologist Dr Taiwo Solaja” the coroner revealed.
Mr. Ayilara also recommended the prosecution of the nurse, Mr. Alfred Aderibigbe who administered multiple doses of banned drugs, Steroids, Analgesics and Sedatives on late Sen. Isiaka Adeleke as his testimony was at variance with the toxicology reports independently carried out by the Nigerian Police.
The Coroner after reading his ruling, appreciated people who had followed the sitting of the inquest till the end and subsequently declared the inquest closed.