When the governor of Osun state, Rauf Aregbesola started the education reform, many were of the opinion that it was a white elephant project billed to go the way of past unsuccessful gestures. But today, it is a success story. YEJIDE GBENGA-OGUNDARE reports that the education model and O-Schools in Osun are models to emulate.

Education in Nigeria is associated with a myriad of challenges which includes decline in standard, deterioration of facilities, examination malpractice, under funding and lackluster performance of students among many daunting issues. And in one way or the other, stakeholders in the educational system due to their actions or inactions have contributed to the decay of the education sector either individually or as a whole.
Deplorable state of facilities; dilapidated buildings, inadequate furniture, terrible learning environment, decline in standard of education which is continually bridging the gap between the educated and ignorant are common features of government owned educational institutions
The collapsing state of education in Nigeria is further occasioned by lack of creativity or ability to think constructively, lack of self confidence, laziness, terrible attitude of instructors to work, examination malpractice and over dependence on exam ‘chips’, deviance and lack of morals and respect.
It is therefore a normal occurrence to see students walking about during school hours across the states of the federation without fear of being apprehended or punished. But this is a thing of the past in Osun state today; no student irrespective of background or pedigree dares to walk around during school hours especially in school uniform. This is due to the efforts of the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in reforming the education sector in the state through an integrative approach which combines the education of children and youth.
To build a functional education system of his dreams, Ogbeni Aregbesola made a rule that makes it an offense for any pupil to be seen roaming around during school hours and he inaugurated the education marshals who are saddled with the sole responsibility of apprehending any child of school age found roaming the streets during the school hours. The marshals are to take any apprehended child to their parents and ensure both the parents and the child are taken to the nearby school for immediate enrolment.
This development, it was observed, has had an impact on the enrolment status of public schools, in addition to the fascinating structures and state of the art amenities put in place by the government; there is an increase in the population of students enrolled in schools on a regular basis. During Nigeria Tribune’s visit to Laro-Timehin Middle Schools 1 and 2, at Asubiaro in Osogbo, some children of school age roaming the community were apprehended by education marshals.
The apprehended children and their parents were brought before the principal of the school, who took time to educate the parents on the importance of education and what is required to get their wards enrolled as students in the school; N1500 for school levy, N3000 for infrastructure maintenance fee and N1200 for PTA levy, adding that education in Osun middle schools is almost free.
One of the education marshals that spoke with Nigerian Tribune stated that he is happy to be contributing his quota to the development of the state and upbringing of the children to ensure a bright future for future generations in the state, adding that since inauguration of the marshal scheme early in May, activities of the marshal has helped in improving the enrolment figure in schools within the state.
This is not the only attractive feature of the Osun educational reform; worried by the squalid situation that existed in the past; Aregbesola organized an educational summit that led to a policy of wholesale reform of education at the primary and secondary levels based on the belief that basic education is also of paramount importance.
He changed the normal classification format of primary, junior secondary, senior secondary to the elementary, middle school and high school format as a means of arriving at the most functional and cost-effective ways to deliver education to school children as well as designing effective monitoring and control of the process. The education reform started with the provision of exercise books textbooks and customised tablets (Opon Imo for public school pupils and payment of examination fees for the West African Examinations Council and a rule 90 per cent attendance to discourage truancy and make school attractive to vulnerable kids.
What stand the Osun schools out are the structure as well as infrastructures that are alien to public schools in Nigeria. Aregbesola under the education reform and in line with his belief that all children irrespective of status of parents deserve qualitative education embarked on massive remodeling of schools to meet with international standards. Elementary schools are refurbished to have modern classrooms, administrative blocks, library and computer facilities as well as adequate playgrounds while some structures were completely pulled down to give room to new, modern structures.
The infrastructural reform further includes the construction of 100 primary schools, 50 middle schools and 20 high schools around the state with each school complex designed for a population of 1000 thousand pupils of the same age group while other dilapidating structures were renovated to standard. The underlying factor in all school buildings constructed and those renovated is the focus on creating conducive physical atmosphere that aids learning.
Today, public schools in Osun state can compete favourably with the best private schools across the country in terms of infrastructure as many private schools do not have the amenities that characterize public schools today. The schools have been given the best in terms of infrastructural facilities under the radical Aregbesola education reform and the difference is obvious to everyone; state of the art schools equipped with dining halls, potable water supply system with standard toilets facilities, reception areas, well organized staff rooms, library, recreation centre, common room, beautiful lawns and computer laboratory.
The school structures in Osun are tailored to international standards and have become a model for other states, reiterating the commitment of the Ogbeni Aregesola’s administration to education revolution and resolve to build a new man in every child to sustain the future of the state.
The governor while commissioning one of the schools had stated that, “We have state-of-the-arts schools with quality finishing. Our schools are incomparable most especially the facilities therein. We have put in place schools with beautiful environment conducive for learning and teaching. And for any parent to complement this gesture, his or her child must appear very neat to school. It is in view of that we urge our people to support education. This does not lie on parents alone; our teachers too must do the needful and ensure that every child is encouraged on neatness.
The deputy governor who is also in charge of education, Mrs Titilayo Laoye Tomori, had stated that Osun state has succeeded in the implementation of all its policies and programmes as promised in the education sector as Governor Aregbesola’s passion for education has no limit. She attributed the feat to unwavering commitment attached to education by the Aregbesola led government in the state, adding that the state has successfully raised the bar of teaching and learning in the public education sector.
According to her, the state has designed a roadmap aimed at ensuring all round infrastructural and human development in the education sector without socio-economic or political backgrounds of the citizen by building a lifetime assets in the education sector as many of its achievements are designed not only to improve the standard of education but to as well guarantee brighter future for the present and incoming generations.
The Osun model schools have been said to be architectural masterpieces that can never be found in public schools elsewhere in Nigeria. This assertion was confirmed by President Muhammadu Buhari when he visited the state to commission the Osogbo Government High School; a three-in-one school designed to accommodate 3,000 students each school with its own principal and a facility manager for maintenance with Wifi facilities.
The school is made up 72 classrooms of 40 square meter each capable of sitting 49 students with individual seats and classroom lockers and has six offices for study groups; six laboratories; 18 toilets for girls and 18 for boys; a science library; an arts library; facility manager’s office; a bookshop, a sick bay, staff rooms and an executive principal’s office.
Other schools that have the same facilities with the Osogbo Government High School; Wole Soyinka Government School, Ejigbo; Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo; Unity/Fakunle Comprehensive Government High School, Osogbo; Seventh Day Adventists, Ede; Ilesa Grammar School and the Iwo High School among others.
At inception, there were criticisms from many quarters that the Osun State Education Policy was a haphazard policy that will fizzle out without any positive result but the situation of the education sector in the state at present has proved critics wrong and has attested to the fact that the policy is a comprehensive and holistic response to an obvious educational rot. A proof of this is the upward movement in academic performance nationally. Osun moved from 34th position in ranking among Nigeria’s 36 states in 2010 to 18th position in 2011 and eighth position in 2012, in performance rankings in the West African School Certificate Examinations (WASCE).
Indeed, any serious child that goes through the Osun public schools system is expected to be a complete child that grow up to become a complete citizen empowered in learning, character and equipped to face the world in addition to being patriotic to the state and country as a whole.

The Osun Government has provided about 163 water facilities and 326 gender friendly latrines in public schools for effective menstrual hygiene management.

The Programme Manager, Osun State Rural Water Environmental Sanitation Agency (RUWESA), Alhaji Posi Adiatu stated this in Osogbo while speaking during the 2017 Menstrual Hygiene Day.
Adiatu, noted that government was committed to providing water facilities in schools in line with global best practices, so as to ease the burden of female students.
The programme manager hinted that the Menstrual Hygiene Day was meant to bring together individuals, organisations, and the media to create a united and strong voice for females around the world.
Adiatu, disclosed that the state in collaboration with EU/UNICEF and AFDB had created awareness on the perceived silence over menstruation, through a workshop for parents, teachers and school administrators.
The PM, therefore called for the full involvement of stakeholders towards the promotion and practice of proper menstrual hygiene management as well as creating the enabling environment in schools through provision of toilets and water facilities.
In a remark, the Special Adviser to the governor on RUWESA, Mr Segun Olanibi noted that the government would continue to provide necessary facilities in schools to aid teaching and learning.
Olanibi, who hinted that healthy living of citizens was key to the present administration in the state, also called for the inclusion of Menstrual Hygiene Management in the school curriculum.
The SA, however, urged residents to continue to support government in its quest to position the state for socio-economic turnaround.

The Osun State Internal Revenue Service has sealed off 19 privates schools over an alleged evasion of taxes.

The agency says it sent task force officials to some major communities in the state, equipping them with a court order to seal the erring organisations.
Among the 19 schools were: Cypress college, Osogbo; Good Tidings College,Osogbo; Esteem College,Olorunsogo; Canaan Glory Secondary School, Ofatedo; Alex Oduduyemi College; Chris Ade Int’l School; Golf Int’l School, Osogbo; Excel Nur/Pry School, Providence Secondary School Ikirun; Almedina School, Iwo; Blessing School, Iwo; Good News Nur/pry School; Oluwemimo Int’l Nur/Pry School; Adetag School, Ikirun; Glory land Nur/Pry School; Aramonh Nur/Pry School, Iragbiji; Merciful God Model School; With God Comprehensive High Sch and Precious Nur/Pry School.
While enforcing the payment of taxes owed the state, pupils and staff of the schools were asked to vacate the premises and remove their cars before the sealing off.
The agency which had earlier commenced a mass revenue enforcement on May 10, 2017 sealed no fewer than 80 establishments including private schools, hotels, clubs and filling stations.
While some complained that they were not properly served nor given notice before the action, others said that the notice they were given within which to pay was too short, adding that sales had been quite dull, considering the economic crunch.
The Acting Chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service, Mr Bisi Alli, however, stressed that the defaulters were properly served notices ahead of the mass enforcement.
He further explained that the state was being owed about 30 billion Naira as tax and levies and at the expiration of the notice the agency approached the court to secure an order allowing the agency to seal off any defaulting establishments.
Alli added that after securing the court order, another 14 days ultimatum was given to allow them ample time to make payment to the state coffers.
“The state government embarked on the action in order to boost its purse for the completion of various ongoing infrastructural projects across the state,” he stated.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Friday commissioned another in the chain of the mega-schools under the execution of his administration.
At the opening of the Government Middle School and Elementary School in Osogbo, the state capital, the governor lamented over what he called the shabby appearances of pupils and students in some of the public schools in the state.
The newly inaugurated model schools were part of the 96 model schools built by the Aregbesola-led administration.
Aregbesola said the education revolution was part of his administration’s resolves to build a new man in every child in the state, a decision which he said would help to sustain the future of the state.
He however expressed displeasure at the appearance of some pupils in some of the public schools in the state, a situation which he described as worrisome in view of the heavy investments made in education by the state.
 
See photos below:

 

 

 

 

 

…Wants parents to compliment Govt efforts on pupils
The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Friday commissioned another in the chain of the mega-schools under the execution of his administration.
 

 
 
At the opening of the Government Middle School and Elementary School in Osogbo, the state capital, the governor lamented over what he called the shabby appearances of pupils and students in some of the public schools in the state.
The newly inaugurated model schools were part of the 96 model schools built by the Aregbesola-led administration.
Aregbesola said the education revolution was part of his administration’s resolves to build a new man in every child in the state, a decision which he said would help to sustain the future of the state.
He however expressed displeasure at the appearance of some pupils in some of the public schools in the state, a situation which he described as worrisome in view of the heavy investments made in education by the state.
The Governor, who implored parents to always see to the welfare of their children said henceforth the state as part of its effort to restore discipline would start operation- check- your-dress among the public schools pupils.
He said the stand order would further strengthen discipline in public schools and as well encourage neatness among the pupils and students.
“We have state-of-the-arts schools with quality finishing. Our schools are incomparable most especially the facilities therein. We have put in place schools with beautiful environment conducive for learning and teaching.
“And for any parent to complement this gesture, his or her child must appear very neat to school. It is in view of that we urge our people to support education.
“This does not lie on parents alone, our teachers too must do the needful and ensure that every child is encouraged on neatness”, he stressed.
In her welcome address, the Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye Tomori, said the state has succeeded in the implementation of all its policies and programmes as promised in the education sector.
Tomori, who described Governor Aregbesola as a political pathfinder whose passion for education has no limit, said the present administration has successfully built 96 schools across the state.
She explained that 40 elementary schools have been constructed, while 45 middle and 11 high schools are also being completed for use across the nooks and crannies of the state.
Tomori attributed the feat to unwavering commitment attached to education by the Aregbesola led government in the state.
He said the state has successfully raised the bar of teaching and learning in the public education sector.
The Deputy Governor, however said the state has designed a roadmap aimed at ensuring all round infrastructural and human development in the education sector without socio-economic or political backgrounds of the citizens.
According to her, the state has been building a lifetime assets in the education sector as many of its achievements are designed not only to improve the standard of education but to as well guarantee brighter future for the present and incoming generations.
“We have built 96 public schools across the state since inception of this administration out of which 40 elementary; 45 middle and 11 high schools across the nooks and crannies of this state.
“We have rehabilitated several blocks of classrooms to ensure that the necessary infrastructures, teaching and learning aids are provided to revamp the education sector in the state.
“This is unfiltered assets. Unprecedented legacy in the political annals of this state and Nigeria. It shows our indomitable determination to raise the standard of education beyond human imagination.
“The achievements made so far by our administration shows that we are unstoppable. We have set pace for others in education sector and we remain the model to which others copy to design their policies on education sector.
“Our schools are architectural masterpieces that can never be found elsewhere in Africa. Our schools are unique, different and incomparable in terms of quality and standard which were designed in line with international best practices.
“The environment of our schools are simple, attractive, beautiful, conducive for teaching and learning with state-of-the-arts infrastructural facilities.
Itemising the characteristics of the newly commissioned school, Tomori said the school has the capacity to accommodate 940 pupils with 46 classrooms.
She added, “This new school has a large examination hall; modern toilets, ICT room, library, multi-purpose hall, staff rooms, dinning rooms, etc.
“This school has security department for the protection of the facilities. It is well fenced for effective security. It has water among others.
“We have made physical education
compulsory with the provision of physical education facilities.”
She therefore pledged that the state would continue to maintain high level of discipline just as she appealed to pupils, teachers and parents to put the facilities to best use so as to justify the purpose to which they were procured.
In his remarks, the Chairman of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) , Prince Felix Awofisayo, said the commissioning assumed another dimension by being two in one, consisting of an elementary school as well as the nine hundred capacity storey building middle school.
He stated that the Universal Basic Education in Abuja also testified to the sterling performance of the state in the area of education, describing it as something worth of emulation.
Awofisayo said SUBEB and all the local governments in the state have pledged to do everything within their reach to continue to support and mobilise the public to continue to team up with government in its laudable achievements.
He promised that SUBEB would always ensure that all the school buildings and facilities therein are properly maintained and safeguarded.
He said: “There is no single project that could be said to be abandoned in the state. Quality work and best performance are the hallmarks of Osun SUBEB.”
In his remarks, the Osun ANCOPSS President, Mr. Dahunsi Osidina, commended Governor Aregbesola for changing the lives of children in the state through the provision of quality, qualitative and functional education.
He hailed the leadership of the present administration in the state for motivating and taking care of the teachers welfares in the state.

The coroner inquest investigating the death of late Senator Isiaka Adeleke has postponed its verdict to Tuesday, 30th May, 2017.
 

 
This was contained in the statement issued by the Coroner.
The verdict hitherto fixed for Monday 29 day of May, 2017 has now been shifted to Tuesday 30 day of May, 2017.

He has never achieved anything without struggle. As commissioner for works, I didn’t know more of him until he declared intention to run for the governorship position of Osun. Not many, including this writer, believed he was going to make it. ‎Many people willingly joined the struggle. Anyday, anytime, Aregbesola is a crowd-puller. Only few people can match the followership he commands on the streets.
 

 
On many occasions, he cheated death. It was a tortuous journey. From the pre-election till when his mandate was restored, it was one day, one trouble. He won the election but the incumbent was declared. And the legal tussle began. The first tribunal was compromised.  Many people laid their lives unnecessarily. Why? They were tired of the locusts which had almost sucked the state’s treasury dry.
And finally, on November 26th, 2010, the Appeal Court, sitting in Ibadan, affirmed the judgement of the reconstituted tribunal, by declaring Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as the duly elected governor. That day‎, the jubilation was indescribable. Many major towns were thrown into ectastic celebration. He couldn’t be sworn in that day. Before the second day, it was evident that the will of the majority eventually prevailed.
From the beginning, it was evident that he was prepared for governance. Within a twinkle of an eye, he left no one in doubt as to his capacity to effect changes in the shortest time. His many O-projects many of which ‎have become models for many states have earned him recognition and awards locally and internationally.
His many projects were unusual. The few condemn him while the majority commend him; and that is why he is always happy to associate with the common man on the street. He is not known for his flamboyance. It didn’t take many residents of the once-upon-a-time state of the living spring to know that their prayers have been answered. The more than 7 years before Oranmiyan came on board was akin to the years of the men in khaki.
Like his first election and the legal tussles that followed, the re-election bid was also fought with everything. He contested against the candidate of a party that was bent on entrenching its hold, no matter what it would have cost. The people were determined like the first term. They believed that the O-General needed another term to solidify his achievements. At last, despite threat from far and near, he was announced as the winner.
‎Though an engineer by training, the way he has handled the economy of the state calls for applause. Many of us are even baffled how he has been able to achieve what other states, especially the financially-buoyant ones have been unable to do. His would be successor is lucky. All what he or she needs is to device means of sustenance through prudent management of resources and fund generation internally.
‎Despite all his good intentions, there are still opposition in the state. A compromised section of the media has made itself available, as a tool in the hands of the never-see-well. He was alleged of attempting to islamise Osun. He was criticised for merging schools. Every good thing he does is not good in the hands of some minority few. It is not that the opposition doesn’t see that all his projects are unusual, they are angry because he has spoilt business for them. You don’t expect a baby to be beaten and not cry. Every time, he triumphs. It seems he has the magic wand to transform misfortune to fortune.
The worst of it all is that those who had undeservingly benefited immensely from his generosity are part of the enemies within. They are terrible students of history. They have forgotten that everything about the husband of Sherifat is tied to struggle. There is nothing they have not said about him. Some even said he is an Ajele (District Officer) after over 10 years in the politics of Osun. That is incredible.
But ‎why has he always triumphed against his adversaries? For an upcoming politician, Aregbesola is an example of who to follow. Just like he is loyal to his mentor and pathfinder -Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, he rewards loyalty. Those who are closer to him say that he is restless; that he likes working in the dead of the night, when his colleagues are snoring. He has demyified governance by always covering many kilometers with his people. He once said that he doesn’t look like a governor because he is ‘haggard’.
However, all these achievement can be rubbished in a matter of weeks if he is unable to present a successor. As the first governor of the state to use two-term and with a lot of credit to him, he needs a man who can think like him; who can continue from where he would stop. That is my fear. And it is not even a fear. I cannot only but pray God to assist, guide and guard him in his choice of the best man for the job. Whether you like it or not, no governor or politician wouldn’t be concerned about who succeeds him.
Recently, an attempt to blackmail ‎him ahead the 2018 governorship election hit the rock and Ogbeni appeared stronger. It was a business in disguise and those who planned the inhuman plot are regretting it.
Just like Oranmiyan, he is an intrepid politician. He is a veteran of many successful battles and wars‎. Some have even referred to him as the heir apparent to the throne of Bourdillon. This, he has displayed through his rare support for any cause he believes. Some even said he has one of the few persons who have the ears of the “Lion of Bourdillon’.
As people besiege Osogbo, the State of Osun capital to celebrate the diamond anniversary of Ogbeni on earth, I wish my mentor many more glorious years on earth.
Wa inna jundana laomul’ galibun.
Akinola can be reached via sikiruakinola86@gmail.com‎.

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has described Governor Rauf Aregbesola as the ‘turning point’ in governance.
 

 
The party, in a statement yesterday by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Mr. Kunle Oyatomi, said Aregbesola is a ‘gold standard’ for future governors.
The statement said: “No future Osun State governor, who aspires to succeed, can afford to perform below the standard set by Ogbeni Aregbesola.”
APC, congratulating the governor on his 60th birthday, said he deserved the accolades given him “on this august occasion.”.
The statement added: “Every well-meaning person in the state recognises that Ogbeni has distinguished himself as the greatest of governors before him and the gold standard for those who will come after him.
“His signature projects speak for themselves. Opponents cannot but admit that Aregbesola is a dynamic governor.
“A man’s character is not determined by what his adversaries say about him; rather his work determines who he is.
“The governor’s projects are a window to his character and Osun is replete with those fantastic projects.
“In politics, much of Aregbesola operates out of the box, which creates a controversial aura around his personality. His unusual approach to governance and the near bohemian outlook of the man make him the object of negative and unfair criticism. Yet, everything about him astonishes.
“Attaining a milestone of 60 years under these circumstances should make the governor feel fulfilled in his selfless service to the people of Osun.”

…As Ooni, Alaafin, Tinubu, others honour Aregbesola at 60
It was a day of Encomia for the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as eminent Nigerians honoured him with a Colloquim for his 60th birthday on Thursday.
 

 
 
At the event organised by associates of the Governor, speakers were unanimous in their assessments that Aregbesola represents the goodness of the future generations.
Lead Speaker at the colloquim and President of the Nigerian Bar Association Abubakar Balarabe Mahmoud, a university don and newspaper columnist, Prof Niyi Akinnaso, legal scholar, Prof Akin Oyebode, and the Director General of the Office of Economic Development and Partnership, Dr. Charles Akinola, all summed up Aregebsola’s more than six years and concluded that he has raised the bar of good governance.
In his lecture,‎ Professor Oyebode said nothing is comparable to democracy and no right thinking Nigerian will want the military to truncate the nation’s democracy again.
He described the governor as an epitome of democracy and good governance judging from the development the state has recorded since he came to power.
The don said virtue permeated Aregbesola’s transformational policies be it education ,‎ youth empowerment,‎ food ,‎ agriculture,‎ health,‎ rural development,‎ security and other social infrastructure.
Oyebode noted that what is termed the dividend of democracy is nothing other than welfare of the people which not only the primary responsibility of any government but also the acid test with which government is measured everywhere.
‎
”In sum‎,‎ this was an administration that was not afraid to confront head on problems engendered by socio political transformation and which was ready,‎ willing and able to share confidences with the people that put him in office.
‎
‎”While‎ the jury is still out regarding his scorecard, e‎ven the most virulent critics‎ would agree that he has changed the Osun landscape and the rules of engagement such as to rekindle hope and confidence among the people.
‎
‎‎”A review of the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola ‎thus far,‎ would reveal no diminution of resolve and commitment to better the lot of the masses and underprivileged,‎ even in the face of dwindling financial resources.”‎ Oyebode said.
The NBA President, in his lecture, ‎said every leader must possess certain qualities for him or her to succeed among which are honesty ,‎ humility,‎ forgiving spirit,‎ confidence and commitment to the cause of the people.
Mahmoud‎ said Aregbesola possessed all these qualities,‎ which made it possible for him to achieve what he has achieved in Osun.
The NBA President listed the newly constructed school buildings‎,‎ road construction networks,‎ innovative e-learning tablet,‎ Opon Imo and the various welfare intervention programmes.
Mahmoud continued‎,‎ ”‎Aregbesola has demonstrated what it takes to be called a hero by his sterling performance.
‎
‎”I commend him for obviously raising the bar of governance in the country today. I have been to Osun and I have seen the phenomenal performance.
“Is it the quality of the schools. Is it the architecture of the schools. The infrastructural facilities scattered across the state. All these certainly cannot be by accident.”
Among speakers who delivered goodwill messages were the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress Chief Bisi Akande; Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole; the  Ooni of Ife Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; representative of the national leader of the APC Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Hon James Faleke.
It was a roll call of who is who in the political circles, business and corporate communities and others that gathered to give Aregbesola a befitting birthday Colloquim.
Speaking, the Minister of Health, said Aregbesola has done well in all aspects of human’s life.
According to him, “no government has ever invested in education as being done by Aregbesola’s administration in the history of Nigeria.
“When I went round some of the ultra-modern schools built by Aregbesola’s administration, in fact I was very amazed because I couldn’t believe that a government could be so passionate about education to the extent of investing on education to that extent.
“Your achievements in the last six years have qualified you to be an unusual being whose passion for development seems to be incomparable by all strata.
“With the achievements recorded in education, there is no doubt that you are wiping off ignorance, poverty, unemployment and other societal vices in our state and Nigeria as a whole.
“You are representing the future of this country as you have brought a drastic change to governance.
Senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Senator Sola Adeyeye, said Governor Aregbesola has never disappointed the people of the state.
He commended the state helmsman for turning around the socio-economic fortunes of the state since assumption of office.
Adeyeye who recalled the challenges faced by the Governor before reclaiming his mandate in 2010, expressed gladness with the giant strides made by the Aregbesola’s administration.
“Aregbesola has really surprised me. He has proved to the people of Osun what good governance stands for. He brought unusual governance into the democratic system of Osun.
“He is a developer par excellence. He is a builder of sustainable development. He is a man with exemplary quality leadership. An inventor of human and capital development.
“He has changed the face of Osun in terms of good roads, good hospitals, good schools and many infrastructural projects that have given birth to a new Osun.
Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam, said all the lawmakers in the state identify with Aregbesola not because he is Governor but because he is a leader of leaders.”
He described Aregbesola as a great leader whose impacts have brought hopes to countless number of people in the state, Nigeria and beyond.
“Aregbesola is a man who has never found it difficult to help even if the circumstances seem to be difficult to do so. He is a great being of note that his existence has improved the lives of many.
“He has a way of navigating even when road seems to be blocked as you are always compassionate about human matter.”
The Ooni of Ife, Oba Ogunwusi, said Aregbesola’s passion for development cannot be measured. He said, “One thing I so much respect Aregbesola for is the fact that he is a virtuous man to the core. He is an Omoluabi par excellence. Aregbesola is a man of peace.
“Aregbesola is a man whose passion for development can never be measured. He was the one that God used to install me as Ooni of Ife and to the glory of God our relationship has been cordial.
“This will be in records forever that I was installed during his tenure as Governor. It is God that gave us Aregbesola to move the state forward especially at a much needed time.
The Alaafin of Oyo, in his remark said, “‎Aregbesola is the first Omoluabi of Yorubaland. He bagged this title through his commitment to human development. He is a good example of all characteristics of a virtuous being. He  is hardworking, humble and respectful as these among other qualities earned him many titles and accolades.
” So, it is obvious even to the blind that Aregbesola has really transformed Osun just a the general well being of hi people had Ben greatly and positively impacted.
“He deserves praises ‎and commendations.”