Osun state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Tuesday April 5, 2016 presented the Land Use Charge with a view to increase the Internally Generated Revenue of the state.
Aregbesola during the public presentation of Land Use Charge at the Exco Lounge, Governor’s office, Abere, Osogbo, said the land owner would be allowed to appeal high or low charges but the half of the charges must be paid before the appeal.
 

 
He said the new law was initiated as a viable alternative to oil money, urging the people of the state to join hands with the government to make the new law work.
He said Nigeria dependence on oil has caused more hardship than succour, adding “taxation remains the only viable and sustainable way civilized societies fund, sustain and maintain their government.
Aregbesola who decribed land as a greater resource stressed the need for government to take the use of land as another alternative trough which the current economic crises orchestrated by the steady fall in the oil price could be tackled.
Speaking, Consultant on Land Use Charge, Pastor Olumide Bolorunduro, said the charges was to harmonize all property laws like tenement rate among others.
He added that location, quality, size and value of the area will be considered in order to bring out the charge, stressing that bankers have been appointed to collect in order to ensure that there is no leakages.
Bolorunduro stated further that Finance Ministry, Works and Land including other professionals, collectively calculated the formula, saying that the taxation was a collective responsibility.
He said the charges was to stem up the Internally Generated Revenue of the state, adding that “it is a call to rally round the government so as to have enough fund to govern the state.
Former Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Dr Ajibola Basiru, stated that some properties were excepted in line with Section 8 of the law.
According to Basiru, properties used exclusively for religious body, Cemeteries and burial ground, registered educational institute that is non-profit making, property used solely for Non-governmental Organization activities and traditional grounds were exempted.
He added that Motherless baby home, Palaces of recognized Obas and Villages heads (Baales), were also exempted from the charges.
Speaker, Rt Hon Najeem Salaam, said the law was not new even if it is new in Osun.
He noted that the state House of Assembly had organized a public hearing on November 3rd, 2015, before the final passage of the bill.
He however advised the executive to ensure that enough awareness is carried out on the bill, saying the formula was designed to make it application easy for the people of the state.
The speaker however promised that the house will always provide enabling environment for the state to grow, adding that “if this law is well implemented, our IGR in Osun will definitely improve.

The Permanent Secretary, Hospitals Management Board, Engr Olusegun Aduroja , yesterday kicked off A – 2 day free medical treatment for the elderly people aged 60 and above.  The programme was organised by the Department of Community Medicine, Ladoke  Akintola University
of Technology (LAUTECH) Osogbo .
 
 

 
 
The Permanent Secretary, who made it known, implored all the people concerned to make themselves available for free medical treatment on minor ailments such as cough, malaria and cold among others.
He, therefore, enjoined the elderly ones to visit the Comprehensive Health Centre, Ibokun for the free treatment and   further pointed out that should there be any serious case(s), there is provision for instant referral services.

State Of Osun Ministry Of Education, Science and Technology has directed Public and Private Schools across the State to proceed on Second Term holiday of the 2015/2016 School Calendar on Friday 1st April, 2016.
 

 
 
This is contained in a Press release issued by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry Of Education, Science and Technology, Mr Festus Olajide.
According to the release, principals, head teachers and proprietors of schools across the state are to comply with this directive, as it is in line with the approved school calendar for 2015/2016 School Session.
Parents and guardians are advised to take good care of their children and wards during the period of the vacation by engaging them in meaningful activities that will assist their moral, physical and
mental developments.
Parents are also advised to guide against exposing their children/wards to errands and unwholesome activities that are capable of endangering their lives.
The holiday is expected to last 3 Weeks and will end on Saturday 23rd April, 2016 while school activities which include teaching and learning for the 3rd term academic session would begin on Monday, 25th April, 2016.

The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has bagged the  award of  most outstanding governor in educational revolution in Nigeria.
 

 
 
 
The award was presented to the Governor ,who was represented by the Special Adviser on Federal Matters, Hon. Idiat Babalola  by the National Coalition for Peace and Mobilization at the International  Conference Centre in Abuja.
Hon. IDIAT  Babalola at the event commended the group for  appreciating and recognising the innovativeness of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola especially at this time where there are negative reports about him and his cabinet.
Hon.  Babalola mentioned Obafemi Awolowo ,who people never appreciated when he started with educational reform but later became celebrated all over Nigeria and beyond.
She further said definitely history too will judge Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola right. She emphasized” we are making a lot of giant strides in the educational sector.” She mentioned the school feeding program which is a flagship of Aregbesola which the federal government is trying to duplicate all over Nigeria as well as the opon imo.
She assured the people that Osun Government will remain focused, firm and not relent on her efforts saying “APC is the cure for the ills of the previous administration’’.
In another development, Hon. Idia Babalola was presented a medal as a patron of NACOPEAMS.
One of the organizers who wants to remain anonymous, said the governor deserves this recognition for his selfless effort in transforming education in Osun.

The Governor of Osun state, Mr Rauf Aregbesola Tuesday described former Governor of Lagos State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a true democrat and bridge-builder.
 
 

 
 
This was contained in a congratulatory statement message to Tinubu on the occasion of his 64th birthday which comes up yesterday.
 
In the statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Aregbesola portrayed Tinubu as one gallant Nigerian who fought not only for democracy but also the expansion of the nation’s political space.
 
Aregbesola highlighted Tinubu’s financial management ingenuity, unparalleled political mobilisation capacity and the ability to keep his large political family together as some of the reasons Tinubu would continue to be celebrated and revered for a long time to come.
 
President Buhari with Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo He stated that the further expansion of the political space of the country also makes Tinubu a bridge-builder and an astute politician, who brought to pass the prediction of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, that the progressive South and North will one day come together to rule the nation.
 
The statement said in part : “Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu means many things to many people but there are certain things that everyone agrees about him: a political think-thank, master strategist, promoter of politics of inclusion, political futurist and fearless activist and top politician per excellence.
 
“His life is packed with personal achievements and involvements as a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, a pro-democracy activist, two-time governor of Lagos State, mentor of successful leaders and currently a major player and factor on the national political scene.
 
“He strikes as a consummate politician and very strategic, original political thinker. “When he became governor of Lagos, the state was financially incapacitated but Tinubu’s knowledge of public finance changed the fortune of the Lagos Internally Generated Revenue from mere N600m.
 
The rest is history as Lagos today stands on firm, sure footing of unimaginable development proportion.
 
“There is no denying the fact that Asiwaju is a rare breed politician, patriot and a true democrat. Through his political efforts and strategies, progressive politics for which the South West was noted now dominates the realm.”
 
“No doubt, the accounts of modern Nigerian political evolution would not be complete without ample recognition of the roles of this selfless political leader.”

In order to cushion the effect of the harsh economic situation in the country, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, has called for the review of the current revenue sharing formula to push more resources to the states.
 

 
 
Aregbesola made the call during his presentation at the economic retreat organised by the National Economic Council on Monday and Tuesday last week.
Our correspondent exclusively obtained a copy of the paper on Sunday, which was presented behind closed doors at the two-day event with the theme “Nigerian states: Multiple centres of prosperity.”
The governor regretted that the nation’s economy had increasingly worsened over the last three years.
This, he said, was caused by dwindling crude oil revenue globally.
He noted that the inflow of global wealth into oil-producing countries fell from $1.2tn in 2013 to N400bn in 2015.
“All the three tiers of government are affected. We are facing a national financial crisis,” the governor said.
In offering solutions to the current challenges, Aregbesola listed three perspectives to be considered. They included what he termed inter-governmental relations, interstate relations and regional competitiveness.
Under inter-governmental relations, the governor called for a “review of the current revenue sharing formula to push more resources to states; federal-state governments collaboration on infrastructure; prompt repayment of states for federal roads; Federal Government-led public sector reforms which include reduction of cost of government and optimisation of civil service.”
He noted that Osun State was currently being owed over N5bn in Back Duty Taxes.
Under interstate relations, Aregbesola called for economic collaboration among contiguous states with socio-cultural affinities and similarities.
He said such states could explore economies of scale, regional optimisation of assets and endowments as well as mitigation of afflictions and troubles.
The governor listed areas of collaboration to include transport infrastructure, education, market development, human capacity building as well as security and intelligence sharing.
On regional competitiveness, the governor said monopoly should be discouraged to enhance national economy and shared prosperity.
Also in tackling the current economic realities, Aregbesola stressed the need to demonstrate courage, character and leadership.
He added that there was the need for adequate mass mobilisation of Nigerians towards national economic recovery.

Filling Stations, banks and multinational companies in the state of Osun are now mandated to pay for Fire Safety Inspections, certification and other precautionary levies in line with national fire safety code.
 
 

 
 
This is contained in a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) jointly signed by the state chairman, Task Force on Revenue Collection on Fire Services, Hon Oguntola Toogun , Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Mrs Olajumoke Bello, Director , Fire Services, Mr Michael Ogundipe and South West Head, Federal Fire Services, Mr S.A Aderemi and Officer in Charge of Federal Fire Service in Osun , Mrs B.O. Komolafe.
The MoU agreed that both Federal and State Fire Personnel would jointly organise and administer fire prevention and training of staff of organisations and establishments within the state.
Also, the Federal Fire Service is to carry out fire safety inspections, certification and others of NNPC stations and other Federal parastatals and establishments in the state.
The MoU further stated that the State Fire personnel are to carry out Fire Safety Inspections, certification and other levy collections in ALL establishments in the state except NNPC stations and Federal establishments. The inspection of multinational companies like GLO, MTN ,ETISALAT, banks and others WILL be done by the state fire personnel and that the sealing of premises that violate safety precautions as contained in the National Fire safety codes can be done by both Federal and State fire personnel.
The MoU therefore enjoined all filling stations , federal establishments and multinational organisations in the state to comply with these directives.

The Governor, state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has charged traditional rulers in the state on the need to consistently champion communal peace and promote unity among their subjects in their various domains.
 

 
 
Aregbesola also urged the monarchs to expedite actions capable of heralding genuine rapid development as well as foster peaceful coexistence and mutually beneficial relationship among the residents in their communities.
Governor Aregbesola gave the advice while presenting the Staff of Office and Instrument of appointment to the new Akinla of Erin-Ijesha, Oba Isaac Adeyeba, in the ancient town of Erin-Ijesha.
The Governor who was represented by the State Secretary to the Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, called for the continuously strengthening of the existing love and unity in the state, saying it remains the only way to actualize the desired progress, growth and development.
He said the development and progress of the society must certainly be prioritized by traditional rulers and other stakeholders in society, just as he charged the monarchs not to rest on their oars at ensuring sustainable transformation.
Governor Aregbesola who described the traditional institutions as an heritage of societal reformation, attitudinal change and moral building, also called on the royal fathers not to relent in their efforts at placing the Yoruba’s values, customs, traditions and culture at the front burner of growth and development in the global community.
Aregbesola further attributed the existing peace and tranquility being enjoyed by his administration to what he described as unflinching support and cooperation received from the citizenry.
While enumerating some of his achievements, Governor Aregbesola said his government has successfully given the state a deserved look and identity as evident in the influx of socioeconomic, political and cultural transformations across the nooks and crannies of the state.
He said the current government had significantly accorded  due recognition to all the traditional institutions, religious institutions as well as the people’s culture, values and traditions since assumption of office.
Advising the new monarch, Governor Aregbesola admonished Oba Adeyeba to be magnanimous in victory and extend hands of love and togetherness to all and sundry.
Governor Aregbesola implored the new traditional ruler to maximize his position in bringing all round development and progress to the ancient town, saying he must not hesitate to fill the seventeen years (17 years) vacuum created after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Adeyinka Adeosun.
He therefore called on the sons and daughters of the town to rally round the new monarch in his bid to pilot the affairs of the town to the greater heights.
In his remarks, Oba Isaac Adeyeba who commended Governor Aregbesola on his giant strides, however expressed profound gratitude to the state government for approving him as the new monarch of the ancient town after seventeen years of royal interregnum.
Oba Adeyeba who promised to consolidate on the efforts of his ancestors, said his reign would bring unprecedented development and progress to the town.
The monarch said his emergence was a new dawn to the people of Erin-Ijesha both at home and in diaspora.
He affirmed on his determination to turn the town to a must-visited world tourist centre in the world, pledging that his reign would leave no stone unturned at showcasing the natural values of the town- (Olumirin Water falls) to the global community for general development and betterment of all.
Oba Adeyeba however promised to support the state government in its bid to maximize the state revenues through sustainable taxation, adding that his office would be used to enforce prompt tax payment among his subjects.
The monarch described taxation as a driven force aiding the policies and programmes of government, stressing that the time has come for all and sundry to demonstrate positive attitude towards taxation.
He therefore sought for cooperation and support from the indigenes and residents of the town, just as he assured peaceful cohabitation of all.
Meanwhile, it would be recalled that Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeshola approved the appointment of the then Prince Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni as the new Akinla of Erin Ijesha in Ori ade Local Government area of the state, just as his appointment came 17 years, 17 days after the demise of his predecessor, Oba Adeyinka Adeosun.
The 52-year old new monarch however hails from Ayeni Royal family of Osefiri
Ruling House.