Muslims all over the country led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, gathered in Osogbo, Osun capital on Sunday to organize a special prayer for the nation.
They also extended the prayers to President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was as the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, observed that economy and abject poverty, rather than religion is the major springboard of the Boko Haram terrorism.
See photos below:
 

 

 

 
Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme-Technology is a 6-month rolling programme inaugurated on the 24^th day of April, 2011 by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the State of Osun Nigeria. This training programme in collaboration with a private organization is designed to train 5,000 participants (OYES cadets) in various aspect of applied technology. The government hopes to train and empower 20,000 participants in 2 years.
The programme has 10 training centres evenly spread across the state and covers intensive training on areas such as; Basics of Computer system , Computer Software Application, Computer Hardware, Computer Networking, Mobile Phone Software, Basic Electronics, Mobile Phone Hardware, and Entrepreneurship Studies.
At the completion of this training, successful trainees have various engagement opportunities such as; direct employment in private organizations (including the training partner), employment into a various governmental initiatives as well as opportunities to be self-employed through the provision of initial start-up capital by the government.

President-General of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, NSCIA, Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, has commended governor of the state of Osun towards his commitment to religious tolerance in the state.
 

 
The Sultan gave the commendation while on a courtesy visit to the governor at the State House, Osogbo shortly before leading a national prayer for our Nation for peace, security, Stability and development, organized in honour of Deputy President General (South) Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola.
The leader of the Muslims also enjoined various religious groups across the country to make prayer a daily routine as the country needs spiritual solutions to its peculiar challenges.
This was as the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, observed that economy and abject poverty, rather than religion is the major springboard of the Boko Haram terrorism.
During the Sultan’s courtesy call on the Governor, the Sultan commended Aregbesola for his commitment to the development of humanity regardless of socio-economic, political and religious differences. He said the state under the leadership Aregbesola has demonstrated high sense of fairness to religious organisations in the state.
He noted that the Governor has extremely demonstrated to the world the sterling quality expected from whoever holds the office of the Governor. The Sultan said, “I must acknowledge your commitment in promoting unity among the various religious organisations in the state as this is in line with our cardinal objective of ensuring a peaceful nation.
The Sultan stated that his visit makes the 6th time of being in Osun and we are here in large number as one family under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs which is the apex body for muslims in Nigeria to further register our determination to unity, peace and tranquillity of Nigeria and Nigerians.
Meanwhile Governor Aregbesola averred that it must sadden every Muslim to hear that a Muslim can kill himself or herself or accept a suicide mission for the paltry some of N200.
He argued that economy rather than religion is at the heart of insurgency in the northern part of the country.
He therefore called on muslim leaders to undertake the task of how to eradicate poverty in the land in other that terrorism could be uprooted once and for all.
 

 
…..As Gov tasks Muslims to lead war on poverty eradication
Muslims all over the country led by the Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, gathered in Osogbo, Osun capital on Sunday to organize a special prayer for the nation.
They also extended the prayers to President Muhammadu Buhari.
This was as the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, observed that economy and abject poverty, rather than religion is the major springboard of the Boko Haram terrorism.
Tagged “prayer for our Nation for peace, security, Stability and development” was organised in honour of Deputy President General (South) Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Alhaji Sakariyau Olayiwola Babalola.
The Sultan, while stressing the need to be fervent in prayer in this austere times, also called for the unity of the country and of the entire Muslim Ummah for the country to get out of the current economic downturn.
The leader of the Muslims also enjoined various religious groups across the country to make prayer a daily routine as the country needs spiritual solutions to its peculiar challenges.
Earlier during his courtesy call on the Governor, the Sultan had commended Aregbesola for his commitment to the development of humanity regardless of socio-economic, political and religious differences.
He said the state under the leadership Aregbesola has demonstrated high sense of fairness to religious organisations in the state.
He noted that the Governor has extremely demonstrated to the world the sterling quality expected from whoever holds the office of the Governor.
The Sultan said, “I must acknowledge your commitment in promoting unity among the various religious organisations in the state as this is in line with our cardinal objective of ensuring a peaceful nation.
“We have not in any way closed our eyes to your administration’s determination in making things happen even in the face of the present realities of the nation’s economy.
“We are glad that you are using your position to effect change in promoting and propagating unity in the state and beyond”, he said.
This visit makes the 6th time of being in Osun and we are here in large number as one family under the umbrella of the Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs which is the apex body for muslims in Nigeria to further register our determination to unity, peace and tranquillity of Nigeria and Nigerians.
“The primary objective of the Council is to ensure peace, unity and stability not only among muslims but also within other religious organisations.
“So, as we are working assiduously to solidify the unity and peaceful coexistence between and among the various religious organisations in the country, we are equally determined to portray to the world that the religion of Islam connotes peace and unity.”
The Sultan stressed the need for Muslims across the country to continue to demonstrate leadership by example as exemplified by the Prophets.
Governor Aregbesola averred that it must sadden every Muslim to hear that a Muslim can kill himself or herself or accept a suicide mission for the paltry some of N200.
He argued that economy rather than religion is at the heart of insurgency in the northern part of the country.
He therefore called on muslim leaders to undertake the task of how to eradicate poverty in the land in other that terrorism could be uprooted once and for all.
“It is disappointing to hear that muslims are being asked to kill for paltry sum as low as N200.
“What is the problem with us muslims. Why is poverty afflicting us so terribly that we can now accept just any amount to kill ourselves.
“This should by now pose a serious challenge to us. And we must set up an organisation and saddle it with the responsibility of how to eradicate this grinding poverty.
“Unless we are not worried by the spate of this economic condition, by now we must develop capacity and strategy to end the poverty.
“Let the truth be told: Religion is not the cause of Boko Haram insurgency but extreme poverty is the root cause. Let us create an organisation to to tackle and eradicate poverty now. This is a challenge to the entire Muslim Ummah,” Aregbesola said.
In his own remarks, the Secretary-General of the NSCIA, Professor Isiaq Oloyede, said Islam can live with any other religions but Islam abhours injustice.
Oloyede said Aregbesola understands this very well that Islam commands everyone, particularly a leader of people to do justice to all manners of subjects irrespective of their religions.
The NSCIA scribe stated that he admires Aregbesola and always associates with his leadership style not because the governor is a Muslim like himself but because he upholds the principle of fairness and justice to all, Muslims and non-Muslims alike.
According to him, the progress and development being made in the state by the governor is to the fact that he is conducting the affairs of the state justly and fairly.
“Islam can live with disbelief; Islam cannot live with injustice. Islam enjoins leaders to be just to all manners of individuals, groups or religious organisations.
“Some people may not agree with the way he gives attention to the three religions. But I say it boldly that he is dispensing justice according to the dictates of Islam.
“This is why there is peace, progress and development in the state. The basis of all this is justice. And that I why I always love to associate with whatever he is doing.”
In his opening remark, the former Inspector General of Police, Alhaji Musliu Smith, the prayer offered came at the most appropriate time given the present situation the country is in.
Smith said every Nigerian knows that the nation is going through serious political, economic and security crisis, an unusual situation which also calls for an unusual solution, which is the special prayer to Allah to rescue the ship of the nation from sinking.
He averred that with constant and fervent prayers the efforts and labours of the leaders and the led would not end in vain.
He said: “There is no disputing the fact that our dear nation, considering the state for quite a while now, requires the genuine regular prayer efforts of all to the Almighty so that the labour of our leaders and the led will in no distant future translate into a peaceful, stable and prosperous country benefiting all and sundry.”

Yoruba tradition has it that Ile-Ife in the State of Osun is where Olodumare started the creation of the world. It represents the beginning of life, the birthplace of civilization, the embodiment of all that we see or feel. Osun is the ancestral home of the Yoruba Race whether home or abroad. It is the central and most important location of this morally rich, culturally sound and highly sophisticated race in the world. It represents the spiritual, the physical and the technological.
Vision is the pathway and the guiding light into the future. This was what the founding fathers and agitators for the creation of a state to be named ‘’ Osun ‘’ had in mind and did everything possible to realise the vision. They weathered opposition and confronted obstacles for the  generation past, present and unborn.

Oduduwa Statue

Ori Olokun Statue

The struggle for the creation of Osun started as early as 1950. At that time, the present senatorial districts namely Osun West, Central and part of Osun East were subordinate towns under the administration of Ibadan District Native Authority but in there determination to get independence, traditional rulers and citizens of Osun Area submitted a petition to the British Colonial Administration in Nigeria demanding autonomy for Osun Division, with Osogbo proposed as the headquarters
To realise their aim, they pursued this agenda further in 1951, when a Commission Of Inquiry was set up the Colonialists, headed by H.L Butcher primarily saddled with investigating the crisis in Ibadan District Native Authority between Chief Salami Agbaje and Olubadan-in-Council. At this commission, named H.L Butcher Commission of Inquiry, a representation was made by people of Osun Area reiterating their resolve for autonomy. This demand was granted on March 17^th 1951, thus recommending autonomy for Osun District Towns on April 1^st 1951.
The resilience and doggedness of the founding fathers and crusaders for the creation of Osun was rewarded on August 27^th 1991, when the administration of Gen Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida created nine states with Osun created out of Oyo State with Osogbo as the capital. It was a dream fulfilled and hope achieved.
Osun emboldens the history of a people whose quest for freedom, self-actualisation, determination and hope for a better tomorrow fought and won the battle for its creation. It was a dream fulfilled and hope achieved.

Pathetically, research and studies conducted by the World Health Organisation (WHO) and other non-governmental health related agencies revealed that 10 Nigerians die of cancer every hour, with attendant implication of average of 240 citizens of the most populous black nation dying daily.
 

 
 
Statistical information indicates that globally, in 2008, 7.6m people died of cancer and the figure rose to 8.2m in 2012. In analyzing this unpalatable and heartbreaking figures, medical statisticians allocated 13 per cent to the 2008 figures and 14.6 per cent to the 2012 with more disastrous revelations that 32 per cent of deaths to be recorded will be as a result of cancer related disease. This is indeed an international disaster looming.
 
Unfortunately, 70 per cent of cancer patients who eventually lost their lives are residents of middle and low income countries, often termed developing/emerging economies, with Nigeria leading the pack where over 250,000 new cases of cancer are discovered annually. More damaging is the fact that Nigeria cannot boast of a national cancer centre where diagnosis and treatment of this prevalent disease can be attended to at the advance stage, hence the need to seek medical attention abroad. This often results in medical tourism where $1billion, which should have been used to stimulate or buffer our economy, is spent outside the shores of Africa in European countries with Germany, India, United Kingdom topping the list of beneficiaries.
Osun State government has scored many firsts in many areas of its creative style of governance: the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) has become an internationally-acceptable and sustainable model towards addressing the menace of youth unemployment. The ingenuity of Rauf Aregbesola in the last six years has liberated 40,000 youths and middle-aged citizens via this OYES model; a remarkable attainment which was emulated in neighbouring states, even beyond the shores of the south.
The Osun school feeding programme, O – Meal, is a well-designed concept for elementary school pupils wherein they are nutritionally taken care of by the state government everyday. It is an assemblage of adequate nourishment in balance diet to, among other things; boost the knowledge and mental capacity of the children towards education which has increased the school enrollment in Osun by over 50 per cent.
 
Today, the path-finding and trail-blazing initiative of the Aregbesola administration has found its way into our national life where the school feeding programme has been entrenched into the manifesto of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its implementation has commenced in 18 states of the federation in the 2016 budget.
Now, the Aregbesola – Osun model in tackling the scourge and unbearable menace of cancer which will teleguide the debate on national platform is unfolding; another first, another feat, another concept of participatory governance in fulfilling the six integral action plan of the Oranmiyan module.
In commemoration of this year’s Cancer Day, Mr Rauf Aregbesola invited a 3-man team of professionals, seasoned academics and practising oncologists from the Institute for Operative Medicine of the Otto-yon Guericke University, Germany to partner with the state in reducing to the lowest minimum this ugly trend, having discovered that the average perception of Nigerians is that cancer is a disease of the wealthy and the elderly; creating a robust platform to reach out to all the 30 local government areas, nine federal constituencies and three senatorial districts through a thorough and vigorous technique of massive enlightenment, well publicised awareness on the causes and preventive measures for cancer and stages of treatment from the primary to the tertiary level. The 3-day visit, led by Professor Hans Lippert, created an avenue to access the background information, state of equipment and facilities, medical personnel and other likely interventions of the German institute. 30 health care practitioners, 10 drawn from each of the three senatorial districts, were subjected to intensive interaction  on cancer management, raising their consciousness on the awareness and sensitisation campaign as pilot coordinators, setting machineries in place as trainers of the remaining health workforce to undertake the task. The discovery of the visitors revealed a grand design to make the project a sustainable one by involving all the primary health centres which are always the first point of call by rural dwellers with a certainty that 70 per cent of cancer victims, detected very early, can survive.
 
The motives and objectives of the visitation climaxed with a commitment from the Germans to build a state-of-the-art cancer registry, combining administrative and technical functions, in creating a central online database for data collection and collation, statistical analysis for research to pattern an accessible link for both the  Osun State government and the institute in Germany for the exchange of modern-day solutions in managing the commonest types of cancer in Nigeria — breast, cervical and skin cancer as prominent in women, prostrate and lung cancer in men, with emphasis on detection, management, treatment and appropriate referrals when and where necessary.
So also, telemedicine concept with infrastructure and equipment components, already installed by the state government at the state hospital building complex at Asubiaro, Osogbo, the state capital, will be activated in a matter of days for the smooth take off of the initiative; a collaboration to attract international organisations/governments for studies and educational research.
The collaborative support of Seri Care Foundation (SCARF), a pet project of  Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, the wife of the state governor, also cushioned the positive response, as she has, over the years, intervened in critical areas of concern on cancer related issues, sponsoring and financing the free screening of women, orientation and educational enlightenment programmes on risk factors like tobacco intake, obesity, harmful use of alcohol, eating of carcinogenic products, sedentary lifestyle, poor diet, exposure to ionizing radiation and environmental pollutants which result in cancer symptoms like lump discovery, abnormal bleeding, prolonged cough, unexplained weight loss with preventive and precautionary measures of daily and routine exercise, regular medical check up.  This three-in-one solidarity will make available machines to screen  thousands of women in Osun State  annually.
The involvement of the state House of Assembly in supporting legislation will not be undermined as the Vice Chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Committee on Health, Honourable (Dr) Olaolu Oyeniran  who is a seasoned gynecologist, has given a concise affirmative statement on the readiness of the people’s representatives to give commensurate backing. We must also commend the Federal Government for giving executive reaction to the bill passed in August 2016 by the Senate on an Act for the establishment of the National Institute for Cancer Treatment and Research which is the desire of the present Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, to establish six internationally-recognized cancer treatment centres in the existing geopolitical zones of the country, with funding from private initiatives. This will reduce drastically the increasing rate of cancer uprising just like we have combated Ebola virus, polio, HIV, malaria, children mortality rate, tuberculosis. And this is a clarion call for selfless service to other state governments to replicate the Osun model in their strategy to disarm cancer from killing the great potentials of our citizens.
Oluremi Omowaiye writes from Osogbo

The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, and his Osun State counterpart, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, have lamented the non-resumption of academic activities at the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State.
The state governors bared their minds during the submission of the report of the Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN)-led panel, set up over the crisis rocking the university, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan, on Friday.

 

 
 
The panel was set up in October 2016 towards charting a fresh path for the institution, which had been experiencing funding crisis, a situation that led to the closure of the school for more than eight months.
Although the school was reopened by the management on January 27, 2017 following the injection of about N500m by the two owner states, the institution’s branch of the Academic Staff Union of Universities has yet to return to classes, citing unresolved issues with the management.
Ajimobi said, “Oyo State that used to get N5.2bn as monthly allocation now gets as low as N2.5bn and we have to pay salaries of workers and finance social infrastructure. How do we survive that without looking inwards?
“The reality on the ground requires that we look at different ways of doing things. There is need for repositioning the university, especially on the structure. The non-resumption of academic activities after all our efforts is worrying. LAUTECH should be the flagship institution of the South-West.”
Aregbesola also lamented the refusal of lecturers to return to classes, saying that the school’s crisis was regrettable, but inevitable due to a sharp drop in the states’ financial powers as caused by dwindling oil fortunes.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of the State of Osun, today received the report of the committee set up in September 2016 to draft the bill for the Harmonization of Local Government Levies, Charges and Rates. The committee worked in partnership with Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3).
 
In his statement, the Tax Advisor of GEMS3, Mr. Dawuud Musa gave a brief introduction, saying that GEMS3 is a UK DfID project targeted at improving the business environment for States. He said the project has been working in 15 States of the Federation.
 
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Tax Advisor of Growth and Employment in States (GEMS3), Mr. Dawuud Musa giving a brief introduction of Growth and Employment in States GEMS3

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola while addressing the gathering at the presentation

The Ijaloja General of the state of Osun and her entourage at the presentation of the bill

Group photograph with members of the harmonization committee

Successful students who sat for the entrance examination into four of the Government High Schools across the state are expected to resume on Monday, 13th February.
 

 
The students who wrote the entrance examination into the Government High Schools in Osogbo, Ejigbo and Ede are advised to check their names among the list of successful students pasted in the schools of their choice.

This is contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Mr. Festus Olajide.
The statement added that, the successful students are to fill in the subject capturing forms obtainable at the office of the Principal of each school.
According to the statement, the schools are tuition free for students of Osun Origin, while each student is expected to pay a school infrastructure maintenance levy of N2,000 per head per term to maintain the school building.