State of Osun House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt.Honourable Najeem Salam has felicitated with the National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the Celebration of his 65th birthday.

In a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, the Assembly described Tinubu as a quintessential, larger than life politician, with passion for democratic ideals and commitment to national development.
It noted that the former governor of Lagos state is a man of many parts, a bridge builder, philanthropist, master strategist and patriot who in many ways has raised the standard of civilization and human dignity. Osun Assembly maintained that Nigeria owes Tinubu a huge gratitude for his determination, consistency, doggedness, vision and fearless disposition in the strengthening and enthronement of good governance in the country.
The parliament noted that Tinubu, who is acknowledged by friends and foe, far and near, as a rounded politician, pathfinder, investor, generous and people person, said, through his extra ordinarily large heart and unusual magnanimity of character, he had raised countless men from miry clay, produced several remarkable politicians and business leaders.

The statement pointed that Tinubu warm disposition, visionary leadership and cares for the oppressed and the under-privileged had endeared him to all and sundry. The Assembly then advised him to remain focus in the days and years ahead at ensuring that democracy which he bravely fought for is not left to drift or suffer any form of setback. While wishing him many more years in radiant health, State of Osun Assembly added that his many legacies and contributions to nation building, party politics and wealth creation are eloquent testimonies of his great personality as a distinguished Nigerian and pan Africanist.

One of the reasons the conservative party won the UK elections in 2010 was their relentless attack against the then Labour Government on the issue of national debt. They labeled Labour party ‘reckless’ for plunging the country into more DEBT. They said the only language Labour understands is “Borrowing, borrowing and more borrowing”. The conservative manifesto also read: “Failing to control our debt would be more than an economic failing, it would be a moral failing – leaving our children and grandchildren with debts that they could never hope to repay.” People bought it and they voted Labour out.
 

 
The Conservative Party came to power in 2010. By 2013, they had borrowed ‘more’ in 3 years than Labour did in 13 years. In 2016, it was reported, the conservative party had created more DEBT than every Labour government in history i.e created more debt in 6 years than Labour did in 23 years. Isn’t that incredible!
My point is, no state or nation can pursue any meaningful programmes or projects without borrowing, regardless of their IGR or how stable their economy is. Politicians or parties that say otherwise are simply not telling the truth, just like the UK conservative party. And anyone with knowledge of governance wouldn’t believe it a bit.
States like Osun, with huge infrastructural deficit, poorly skilled working population and decayed educational system, lack the most basic of elements that attract investors. That is a fact. No investor will bring their money to a state with dilapidated infrastructures, a poor skilled working population. And that is what Osun was before Aregbesola. Some do say states should look inward. Of course, they must do so. But they can only go so far in improving on their IGR if they don’t invest in infrastructures and develop human capacity. Boosting economic growth and building IGR that knows no bounds requires investment in critical sectors complemented with progressive policies; this will ultimately create an enabling environment for businesses. No two ways about it.
According to Awolowo, three things must be worked on by any government to boost its economy: Infrastructure, Education and Health. On Health, he further said, it is safer and economical if a government pays more attention to preventive medicine which consists of measures taken for disease prevention, as opposed to disease treatment. Since Aregbesola came to power, all his policies and programmes have revolved around these three key elements.
Since he came to power in 2010, Aregbesola has built more roads than all democratically elected governors of the state combined. It earned him an epithet from the populace, ‘Ona baba ona’. Road constructions/improvements decrease transportation costs, improve access to markets, foster economic integration and provide a number of other wider economic benefits. This is why roads construction/improvements are frequently proposed as a strategy for economic growth, integration and local economic development. His government has constructed over 1000km high class urban and rural roads.
Osun is not the first state to initiate a school feeding programme in Nigeria. It has been done by some other states, but they failed. When Aregbesola started Osun free school feeding programme, many people said it will also fail just like those before it. They said it was a white elephant. The programme is now over 4 years old, and it is still going strong. The state has now become a model to all states of the federation in the area of the school feeding programme. Niger state recently sent a delegation to Osun to understudy the programme- not to mention the FG delegation. The programme was also well applauded by the international community. The Governor was invited by Imperial College London, where he was the keynote speaker, he spoke on the success of the state’s school meal programme. The programme feeds over 250,000 children every school day. It provides direct employment to over 3,000 women, with indirect employment of over 7,000 and purchases food from over 1000 local farmers.

School enrollment has increased by 62% since the inception of the programme. What the state is doing on education is as clear as daylight; and it is not just structures like some do say. The impact reflects in the performance of students from the State. The WAEC success rate in Osun was 6.86% in 2007, it is now 46.3%. Of course it can be better, but there has been a giant leap in the performance. The State of Osun is now among the top 3 states with highest university admission in the federation. All these do not happen by sheer coincidence.
Before Aregbesola came to power in 2010, the IGR was about N300 million monthly; now it swings between N1 billion and N1.2 billion. The highest was N1.5 billion but dropped due to the current economic situation. The few programmes I highlighted and many others require funding to put in place. Relying on IGR and FAAC alone cannot just do it. Osun used to be a civil servant state. What that means is, the government only pay salaries to civil servants, 99% of the populace benefits close to nothing and all these left the state completely stagnant. Since Aregbesola came on board, the resources of the state is being evenly spread. I doubt if there is any household in Osun that has not been positively touched one way or the other.
The Nigeria Extractive Transparency Initiative, NEITI recently reported that Osun debt stands at N165.91. To put this in perspective, the state has put a burden of N5.56Kobo on every citizen (4 million) of the state. Osun feeds every pupil in the public school with N70 every school day. This and other achievements of Aregbesola since 2010 that has catapulted the state from completely nowhere to be ranked top of the lowest unemployment rate in Nigeria today; Second after Lagos with the least poverty rate in the whole federation and one of the state with lowest crime rate.

I sincerely believe the debt profile of the state is nothing, compared to what has been achieved in the state. We can moan and moan about debt or size of it, it won’t stop any government that aspires to positively transform the state to the benefit of the people in borrowing to facilitate its agenda.
Naturally, politicians and political parties will prey on the ignorance (on the part of some citizens) but the truth is when they get there, they will do the same or even worse. The other thing that can also happen is, not to borrow and allow the state to remain stagnant just like some governors are doing. Governors are elected to move their respective states towards prosperity and not just to pay salaries or do nothing, just like some are also doing. It is no coincidence that the least indebted states like Zamfara, Yobe, Plateau are also the states with the highest level of unemployment and highest poverty rate in Nigeria. I will rather have a Governor who will borrow to invest in critical sectors of the state and the citizens, move the state positively from what it used to be than the one who will borrow to loot or only pay civil servant salaries and stagnate it.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday described former Governor of Lagos State and a national leader of the All Progressives Congress, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, as one rare breed of a pathfinder.
 

 
Aregbesola, saluting Tinubu on the occasion of his 65th birthday (which comes up today Wednesday) said history has already recorded the former Governor as having found ways where there were none and created opportunities for humanity where many did not see any.
The Osun Governor’s message signed by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, recognized Tinubu’s immense contributions to the political and economic growth of Nigeria and indeed Africa.
It said that Lagos began to emerge as a truly habitable state after what he described as “Tinubu’s mega-development vision” adding that the success story of Lagos has rubbed off on South-West, Nigeria and indeed, the whole of Africa.
Aregbesola said Tinubu’s capacity for talent hunt and leadership recruitment are unparalleled adding that his unique ability to spot the best hands for crucial assignments have elevated him to that pedestal of rare leader of men.
“Today, we are celebrating a giant pathfinder; one whose contributions to Nigeria’s political and economic growth have provided development scholars serious models for academic studies.
This is one Nigerian politician whose politics is known to have impacted heavily on humanity. From Lagos where God used him for the emergence of a new state, to Nigeria as a whole and indeed, the continent of Africa where his influence continues to be felt, Tinubu manifests in our lives in all ramifications,” the statement said
The Governor prayed for longer life for Tinubu just as he expressed the wish that his visions of a greater Nigeria and indeed, the Black race would continue to blossom.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called for the cooperation of security agencies in the process of unravelling those behind the March 8 mayhem in Ile-Ife.

Aregbesola stated this on Monday in Osogbo shortly after inaugurating a five-man judicial commission of enquiry into the communal clash in Ile-Ife on March 8, where no fewer than 46 persons reportedly died.
The pan Yoruba socio-cultural group, Afenifere, has declared its support for the panel of enquiry set up by the governor three weeks after the crisis in the ancient town.
Afenifere’s spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, in an interview with one of our correspondents on Monday, stated that the governor was the one constitutionally empowered to investigate the crisis.
Odumakin stated, “We accept the investigation which we hope will unearth the truth of the crisis in Ife even though we have yet to see the composition.
“The investigation should be impartial so as to show the sense of justice and respect for truth which we cherish as a people. We eagerly wait to see if a proper investigation can turn up the same verdict which an ethnic-driven police in Abuja have prematurely turned up out of primordial consideration.”
The police had paraded 20 suspects of Yoruba extraction in Abuja for allegedly masterminding the riot in the ancient town.
But Afenifere objected to the arrest and parade of the 20 suspects in Abuja by the police.
Members of the Osun panel, who have been given four weeks to submit their report, are Justice M. A. Adeigbe, who is the chairman; DCP Bose Dawodu (retd.), Mr. Ismail Ajibade, the state Commissioner of Police, the state Director of the Department of State Services and Mr. Bisi Babalola, who is the secretary.
The governor charged the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate causes of the disturbance; identify the perpetrators and the extent of their involvement; and determine the extent of injury suffered by any individual or group.
They were also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal actions to be taken against the perpetrators; and make appropriate suggestions to the state government towards the prevention of future occurrence.
The panel is also mandated to recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damage or injuries that might have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.
Aregbesola added, “The report that small arms and light weapons were deployed freely during the crisis was disturbing and frightening.
“It has implication for security of lives and property and the potential for more conflicts beyond the immediate theatre of war, if not nipped in the bud.
“I want you to look into this. The sources and the current location of these arms and their custodians should be investigated and determined. They should all be recovered.
“There were also reports that cultists, who have no regard for human lives, were recruited into the mayhem for a fee. This is most disheartening. Please investigate this and unearth the roles they played and let the law be applied without fear or favour.
“I charge this commission to be courageous and fearless. Undertake this assignment with all seriousness and the fear of God. You should pursue the truth and not fear where it will lead to.”
He believed that the crisis was not an inter-ethnic, inter-religious or inter-regional conflict.
He described the mayhem as just an ugly development, a breach of public peace, masterminded by hoodlums and criminals, which resulted into loss of lives and property.
Aregbesola stated, “In the light of ongoing investigation, therefore, we do not want to pre-empt the outcome by making statements prejudicial to the efforts of law enforcement agencies.
“However, we have no doubt that this is not an inter-ethnic, inter-religious or inter-regional conflict by any stretch of the imagination. It was just an ugly development, a breach of public peace, masterminded by hoodlums and criminals resulting to loss of lives and property.
“We should all therefore disabuse our minds of ethnic bias by denying the narrative of inter-ethnic conflict between the Yoruba and Hausa community in Ile-Ife, because it was not.”
The governor called on all and sundry to always explore the options of peaceful resolution of conflicts before crisis, saying crisis would always leave both parties in pain and agony at the end of the day.
In his response, the chairman of the judicial commission of enquiry, Justice Moshood Adeigbe, promised that the commission would discharge its job without fear or favour.
He stated, “Mr. Governor, I assure you that we will not let you and the people of the state down. We will carry out this task you have given us to the best of our ability.
“My members and I will ensure that the perpetrators of the sad event, which occurred at Ife, are brought to book.”
Meanwhile, the pan-northern socio-political organisation, Arewa Consultative Forum, on Monday, cautioned its Yoruba counterpart, Afenifere, over comments on the mode of arrest of suspects in the aftermath of the Ile-Ife crisis.

Northern Socio-Political group, Arewa Consultative Forum (ACF) yesterday urged Yoruba elders to restrain from giving ethnic coloration to the crisis that erupted in Ile-Ife, Osun State.
 

 
The Northern socio-cultural group, in a statement by its Publicity Secretary, Muhammadu Ibrahim, said:
 
“Unfortunately, subsequent events after the preliminary investigation report of the police into the Ile-Ife crisis, there have been accusations by some Yoruba leaders that the police report was biased, as the suspects paraded by the police were alleged to be mainly Yoruba.
 
“ACF’s position in this regard is to appeal to the respected elders of Yoruba not to give unnecessary ethnic coloration to the unfortunate Ile-Ife clash as criminality knows no ethnicity or religion.
 
“Any slightest disagreement between individuals or groups of persons that are regarded as ethnic or religious tend to deepen hatred and division among Nigerians. Elders are known for their wisdom in settling disputes and not to fan embers of divisions.”
Osun governor has raised a five-man judicial commission of inquiry into the disturbance of public peace that claimed some lives in the ancient city of Ile-Ile town on March 20. The committee has four weeks to turn in its report.
The move came even as the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC) and the Arewa Consultative Forum (OPC) disagreed on the reactions trailing the mayhem, especially the arrest of 20 suspects.

In a statement, OPC President Fredrick Fasehun accused the Inspector-General of Police (IGP) Ibrahim Idris of bias, tagging him an ethnic jingoist for arresting the hosts in a clash involving resident-settlers. He called for the police chief’s sack “over charges of tribalism and prejudice”.
But in another statement through its Publicity Secretary Muhammed Ibrahim, the ACF warned Yoruba leaders to be cautious in their reactions, saying that crime and violence have no ethnic colouration.
Reiterating his administration commitment to the promotion of communal peace in the Living Spring State, Aregbesola called for cooperation with security agencies in the process of unravelling the masterminds of the March 8 mayhem.
In his speech entitled “Justice for all, never again in the Land of the Virtuous (Ipinle Omoluabi), shortly after inaugurating the five-member panel at the weekend, the governor tasked the committee to unravel the remote and immediate cause of the crisis.
He named Justice M.A Adeigbe as the panel’s chair. Other members are:  Mrs. Bose Dawodu DCP (rtd), Barrister Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr. Bisi Babalola who will act as the secretary.
He urged the panel to identify the perpetrators and their extent of involvement, determine the extent of injury suffered by any individuals or group.
The committee was also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal action to be taken against the perpetrators, make appropriate suggestions to the State Government towards the prevention of future occurrence and also recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.

He said: “You have four weeks to carry out this assignment. The report that small arms and light weapons were deployed freely during the crisis was disturbing and frightening.
“It has implication for security of lives and property and the potential for more conflicts beyond the immediate theatre of war, if not nipped in the bud.
“I want you to look into this. The sources and the current location of these arms and their custodians should be investigated and determined. They should all be recovered.
“There are also reports that cultists who have no regard for human lives were recruited into the mayhem for a fee. This is most disheartening. Please investigate this and unearth the roles they played and let the law be applied without fear or favour.
“I charge this commission to be courageous and fearless. Undertake this assignment with all seriousness and the fear of God. You should pursue the truth and not fear where it will lead to.
“We want justice for all, like Martin Luther King Jr, once said, ‘Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream’, to the victims and the perpetrators alike, as I wish you success on this crucial assignment.”
The governor warned against pre-empting the outcome of on going investigation, saying it will be prejudicial to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies, he however expressed confidence that the crisis is not an inter-ethnic, inter religious or inter regional conflict.
In his response, Justice Adeigbe promised that his panel will discharge its job without fear or favour.
He said the commission would go all out to ensure that the real perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book and ensure that all warring factions are appeased.
The panel chair said: “Mr. Governor, I assure you that we will not let you and the people down. We will carry out this task you have given us to the best of our ability.” Myself, and my members will ensure that the perpetrators of the sad event which occurred at Ife are brought to book.”
Fasehun, who accused Idris of acting an ethnic script said: “The IG just confirmed that only Yoruba were arrested in a conflict between Yoruba and Hausa-Fulani people; that is prejudicial and that is unacceptable.
“Idris is a man with an agenda. He has shown himself a bigot. And he is unfit to be the IG of Police in a cosmopolitan and pluralistic country like Nigeria. Before he smears President Muhammadu Buhari, the President should offload him.”
According to the OPC leader, for the IG to have made such a statement was “an admission of tribalism, unbefitting of the exalted position of the Inspector-General of the Nigerian police. It is a confirmation that the police under Mr. Ibrahim Idris took the prejudicial step to arrest only Yoruba people although the crisis pitched two tribes against each other.”
Fasehun accused the police chief taking sides and that contrary to his training and oath of office, foreclosed an open case between two conflicting groups.
“The IG has admitted that only Yoruba suspects were arrested and that it was deliberate. It is a clear case of prejudice,” he emphasised.
He called for the immediate release of the Ife-20, saying, their arrest neither followed due process nor the facts on the ground.
Fasehun warned that such a prejudicial stance by security agents like the IG could embolden herdsmen to inflict violence and death on communities across the country.
Fasehun said: “Is there any wonder why under Idris’s watch, the police has been unable to apprehend, prosecute and check the mayhem inflicted by Fulani herdsmen at Agatu in Benue State, where they have sacked communities and continue to graze their cattle with impunity, in Delta State, in Ekiti State, Ogun State, Nasarawa State, Benue State, in Plateau State and in Southern Kaduna?
“Despite the havoc being unleashed and continued against citizens in Southern Kaduna, the police under Idris has been unable to apprehend and prosecute a single culprit.
Pointed out that the police have swing into action only in cases where victims put up resistance against, he alleged   that the police often arrest people defending their homes and farms against invaders.
“Everywhere communities rise up to resist agents of death, Idris would quickly rise up to arrest citizens for daring to protect themselves,” Fasehun reiterated.

Leadership and members of the ruling party in Osun state, the All Progressive Congress (APC) have commended various economic initiatives introduced by the present administration in the state, saying the programmes are serving as a stimulant for its economy to grow and develop.

According to them, Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s introduction of certain economic turnaround initiatives, had prevented the state from feeling, fully the crushing weight of economic recession ravaging the country at the moment.

Speaking at a programme tagged: “Enroute Rauf: A discourse on Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the polity of the State of Osun”, the state chairman of the party, Gboyega Famoodun, who chaired the first session of the discourse, said introduction of initiatives like “O’ Yes”, ” O’ Reap” and School Feeding Programmes, had assisted the state in revamping its economy through creation of new spenders of money.

Through creation of new spenders that are separate from the regular salary earners, Famoodun said more money is being pumped into the state’s economy using robust economic activities.

But, the Secretary to the State Government, Moshood Adeoti, urged governor to support only aspirant capable of continuing the six-point Integral Action Plan of the present administration.

The SSG said “They should say whatever they like. Whoever wants to succeed Aregbesola must be ready to continue his six-point integral action plan.

“The policy laid down by Asiwaju Tinubu was sustained by Fashola and Ambode is building on it. That is why Lagos state is progressing. We are satisfied with the six-point integral action plan of Aregbesola and we would not allow anybody that is not ready to maintain and sustain the success achieved by the governor.”

In his remarks, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, explained that the debt profile released by Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative, NEITI, was exaggerated.

He said the N165.9 billion debt as released by NEITI was nothing, compared to the development Osun has witnessed in the last six years of his administration and promised to complete all the ongoing projects before the expiration of his tenure in November, 2018.

In his welcome remarks, one of the conveners of the discourse, Rasheed Ropo Raji, said the event was organised to ensure that the ruling party does not lose sight of its humble beginning.

He said such discourse should be organised frequently for younger generation and new members to have good idea of how the enterance of Aregbesola into Osun’s politics revolutionised it and did the unthinkable of returning power to the opposition.

Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has again rietirated the commitment of his administration to the promotion of communal peace in the state, just as he called for cooperation with security agencies in the process of unravelling those behind the March 8 mayhem in Ile-Ife.
 

The Governor stated this in a speech titled “JUSTICE FOR ALL, NEVER AGAIN IN THE LAND OF THE VIRTUOUS ( IPINLE OMOLUABI ), on Saturday shortly after inaugurating a five man judicial commission of enquiry into the disturbance of public peace in Ile-Ife on March 8.
Members of the commission who have been given four weeks to work are: Justice M.A Adeigbe who is the chairman, Mrs. Bose Dawodu DCP (rtd), Barrister Ismail Ajibade, the State Commissioner of Police, the State Director of DSS and Mr. Bisi Babalola who will act as the secretary.
The Governor charged the commission to investigate and determine the remote and immediate cause of the disturbance, identify the perpetrators and extent of involvement, determine the extent of injury sufferd by any individual or group.
They were also mandated to recommend appropriate civil or criminal action to be taken against the perpetrators, make appropriate suggestions to the State Government towards the prevention of future occurrence and also recommend appropriate monetary sum as compensation(s) for damages or injuries that may have been suffered by any individual or group of individuals in respect of matters received by it.
According to the governor, “You have four weeks to carry out this assignment. The report that small arms and light weapons were deployed freely during the crisis was disturbing and frightening.
“It has implication for security of lives and property and the potential for more conflicts beyond the immediate theatre of war, if not nipped in the bud.
“I want you to look into this. The sources and the current location of these arms and their custodians should be investigated and determined. They should all be recovered.
“There are also reports that cultists who have no regard for human lives were recruited into the mayhem for a fee. This is most disheartening. Please investigate this and unearth the roles they played and let the law be applied without fear or favour.
“I charge this commission to be courageous and fearless. Undertake this assignment with all seriousness and the fear of God. You should pursue the truth and not fear where it will lead to.
“We want justice for all, like Martin Luther King Jr, once said, ‘Let justice roll down like waters and righteousness like a mighty stream’, to the victims and the perpetrators alike, as I wish you success on this crucial assignment.” He said.
The Governor warned against a pre-empt of the outcome of on going investigation, saying it will be prejudicial to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies, he however expressed confidence that the crisis is not an inter-ethnic, inter religious or inter regional conflict.
He described the mayhem as just an ugly development, a breach of public peace, masterminded by hoodlums and criminals which resulted into loss of lives and property.
Aregbesola, who called for cooperation and patience with the police and other law enforcement agencies until the outcome of the final investigation, hinted that the police and others have assured of even handedness and that the rule of law will be strictly adhered to and allowed to prevail.
He said the opinion of those fanning the embers of discord between the Hausa and Yoruba should be disregarded, stressing that it is unwise and wicked for anybody to describe the violence in the Sabo area of Ile-Ife as a religious or tribal war.
While emphasising that it is the duty of government to guarantee the welfare and security of all people in its area of jurisdiction, the governor stated that the present administration in the state will do the best with all the resources at its disposal, without fear or favour to guarantee security of lives and property.
“The police and other law enforcement agencies have assured all of even handedness and that the rule of law will be strictly adhered to and prevail. We owe them support and the need for patience until the final outcome, since investigation into the matter continues.
“In light of ongoing investigation, therefore, we do not want to pre-empt the outcome by making statements prejudicial to the efforts of the law enforcement agencies.
“However, we have no doubt that this is not an inter-ethnic, inter religious or inter regional conflict by any stretch of the imagination. It was just an ugly development, a breach of public peace, masterminded by hoodlums and criminals resulting to loss of lives and property.
“We should all therefore disabuse our minds of ethnic bias by denying the narrative of inter-ethnic conflict between the Yoruba and Hausa community in Ile Ife, because it was not.
“It is the duty of government to guarantee the welfare and security of all people in its area of jurisdiction. This we shall do to the best of our ability and with all the resources at our disposal, without fear or favour.” Aregbesola maintained.
The Governor called on all and sundry to always explore the options of peaceful resolution of conflicts before crisis, saying crisis will always leave both parties in pain and agony at the end of the day. He added that war is bad and must be avoided by all means possible.‎
“Civilized people should avoid destructive actions and promotion of conflicts. War is bad and must be avoided by all means. We must always first explore and exhaust all options for peace and seriously consider the cost of conflict before promoting it.
“The consequences of war in Libya, Syria, Yemen and South Sudan are sufficiently frightening enough to check any thought of war by any one.
“Secondly, Yoruba people are OMOLUABI; very loving, fair-minded, justice seeking, hospitable and accommodating to a fault. This is why other people flock to us. Likewise, the Hausa community in Ile-Ife and other parts of the state.” He stated.
In his response, Chairman of the judicial commission of enquiry, Hon. Justice Moshood Adeigbe who thanked the governor for the opportunity to serve the people of Osun, promised that the commission will discharge its job without fear or favour.
He said the commission will go all out to ensure that the real perpetrators of the dastardly act are brought to book and ensure that all waring factions are appeased.
“Mr. Governor, I assure you that we will not let you and the people of down, we will carry out this task you have given us to the best of our ability.
“Myself and my members will ensure that the perpetrators of the sad event which occurred at Ife are brought to book.
“We will ensure that it doesn’t happen again in Osun. We will do our job without fear or favour to anyone or group in the matter,” Adeigbe assured.

A recent visit to pig farms across the state of Osun has revealed how the state became a major player in pig farming business in Nigeria.
 

 
In order to boast pig farming business, the state had sent some 40 students to Germany as part of its O-Pig programme in 2014.
With the skills acquired in Germany, many of the Pig farmers who are now expert in pig fattening has with the help of government set up various lucrative pig farms across the state.
 
A member of the Pig Farmers Association of the State who spoke on behalf of his colleagues applauded the government, revealing that despite the fact that the governor is a Muslim who doesn’t eat pork, yet he has supported their efforts because he recognizes the economic potentials inherent in Pig farming.
 
At one of the pig breeding centers visited in Ilesha, state of Osun,
some of the beneficiaries of the initiative spoke on the benefit of initiative to the farmers and the state at large.
 
Omoboyeje Olalekan, a graduate of Animal Production and Health, who is one of the farmers trained in Germany, stated that the training was very impactful as he learnt modern skills in pig farming and application of modern technology to his trade.
 
Speaking on the success of the initiative, Director-General, Office of Economic Development and Partnerships, (OEDP), Dr. Charles Diji Akinola revealed that the government has disbursed over N400million naira as loan to 3,645 farmers in the O-Pig programme which kicked off in July, 2014.
 
Also financial grant to the tune of N40million naira has been provided to pig farmers in the state. So far, over 2000 Pigs have been sold by the German trainees and over 1000 pigs are presently being reared at the Ilesa Pen.
 

The government of the State of Osun is on the verge of becoming the hub for rice production in the Southwest, with its recent move to focus on rice cultivation, as part of its agricultural policies.
The governor, Rauf Aregbesola, his deputy, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, and other members of his team recently visited one of the major rice farms collaborating with the state government to produce Ofada Osun Rice.
 

 
If the partnership sails through, it is expected to break the country’s reliance on imported rice, generate more income for the state and also create job opportunities for the populace of the state, as people from every part of the country would be coming into the state Osun Rice.

The Guardian’s visit to one of the farms in Songbe borders, near Ogbagba in Iwo area of the state, attested to the drive. Though the rice has just been harvested, the plan is to cultivate 450 hectares mainly for rice in the next three weeks, for the new planting season.
The Guardian learnt that the move is part of the holistic agricultural policy of the state, which has placed it on the green map of the Southwest within the space of six years; making it one of the major suppliers of agricultural produce to markets in Lagos and other South Western states.
Executive Chairman of ajogbe group, Bosoye Olalere, who is partnering the state, said the target for the new planting season is to do a lot more than last year, noting that additional land has been acquired to achieve the dream.
While disclosing that youth, under the state modern agriculture techniques would be integrated into the system, where they would be given acres of land to cultivate and manage, he added that 35 workers are on the pay roll of the farm, noting that during harvest ad-hoc staff would be employed, as another way of creating employment for the people.
“The idea of the farm is to run an integrated farming system. There is a plan to build the processing plant, which is the second phase of the project for processing of rice paddy.