In a bid to make agriculture the mainstay of the state’s economy and stay afloat the oil gluts, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on Tuesday signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) with the International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA).

The signing ceremony which took place at the Executive Lounge of the Office of the Governor in Osogbo‎ will have the state release 204.39 hectares of land around Ago Owu in the state, to IITA for the purpose of conducting research and setting up demonstration farms for best farming practices.

IITA will also carry out cassava, plantain and other crops multiplication and train Osun youths on modern, commercial and profitable farming.

Signing the MOU on behalf of the state government, Governor Aregbesola stated that releasing the farmland to IITA will complement Osun agriculture programme, extending robustly the agriculture value chain and create jobs for farmers, especially the youths that are being attracted to farming.

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The Governor commended ‎IITA and her Director General Dr. Nteranya Sanging for being supportive of Osun’s flagship agriculture programme, Osun Rural Enterprise and Agriculture Programme (O’REAP) in many ways.

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He stressed that agricultural development especially food production has been the main thrust of his administration’s policies since his assumption of office in November, 2010. ‎

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The Governor attributed challenges facing farmers to lack of critical linkage between agricultural research and implementation, adding that with the MoU and partnership with IITA, Osun stands to have direct-to-farm linkage of scientific innovations in farming with the best of agriculture scientists.

According to him, “with our Bonny Light selling for $38.18 yesterday, we don’t need a soothsayer to tell us that our focus must shift to agriculture if we must survive the looming financial storm.

“We believe that it is for this reason that God has positioned Dr. Sanginga in our country at this time, as a light first to Nigeria and the continent of Africa as a whole.‎

‎”Osun is a predominantly agrarian state. Agricultural development, especially for food production, has been the main thrust of our administration’s policies since our coming in November 2010.

“Our relationship with IITA, therefore, looks like it was made in heaven. Given our commitment to agriculture, it is inevitable that our paths would cross”. The governor stressed.

‎Speaking earlier, the Director General Office of Economic Development and Partnerships (OEDP), Dr. Charles Akinola stated that there had been relationship with IITA for over four years.

He held that the MOU is an epoch-making event that will facilitate a working relationship with OREAP carrying out crop multiplication and all inputs of planting material will be adequately considered.

He said, “we are anticipating large impact from this partnership, the location is close to the two major farm settlements that we have in the state.

“In these areas, we hope it will translate to the development of 14,000 settlerso. We expect that the impact of IITA will be felt among about 85 villages and the state as a whole”.

In his address, the Director General of IITA, ‎Dr. Nteranya Sanging‎ stated that the time has come for Nigeria to diversify from its dependence on oil, saying with the disappearance of the oil boom, the country must turn to agriculture to survive.

He held that the only source of wealth for Africa is agriculture, noting that agriculture is one of the best ways to get the teeming youth of Africa employed‎.

He implored Governor Aregbesola to keep to his own side of the MOU adding that IITA will hit the ground running in Osun with the 1,00‎0 extension workers provided by the state for the multiplication of seedlings.

He said “I want to ask these two questions, just think of Africa or Osun state with‎out cassava or yam?. If not for the research of IITA there may not have been cassava as it is in the soil of Africa, our Genetic resource centre contained all seeds.

“What we have to do is to use that resources for the benefit of Osun, we will soon start a small programme on Banana and cassava, we will give some of the seed to Osun”. The IITA boss stated.

Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) is a World Bank assisted program of the Federal Government of Nigeria.
The State of Osun is amongst other States of the Federation participating in the implementation of YESSO.
The support operation is in line with the World Bank and Nigeria’s commitment to poverty reduction by permitting the poor to access increased opportunities for youth employment and social service delivery.
YESSO is supporting existing institutions to help strengthen capacities for poverty alleviation.
Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) is also a World Bank assisted project aimed at improving access to services for Human Development.
The project is expected to have positive impact with respect to human development outcomes through the financing of social and economic common goods as well as upward and downward accountability between communities and Local Government Areas and State.
WORLD BANK COMES TO OSUN NEXT WEEK
In line with the foregoing, the World Bank is coming to Osun for CDSP and YESSO joint supervision mission on the 18th and 19th of November 2015.
Mission objective is to support government on specific implementation and technical aspects related to on-going projects. This will include helping government in assessing progress on the agreed operation action plans in participating States.
The team is to be led by Dr Wale Oni from the World Bank and would be co-hosted by CSDP and YESSO.
‘Femi Ifaturoti
Coordinator, Osun YESSO
On behalf of CSDP and YESSO

Osun State House of Assembly has said the meagre resources coming to the state have been properly managed and utilised by Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration.
The Chairman, House Committee on Public Accounts, Hon. Rasheed Afolabi stated this at the inaugural meeting of his committee.
He said the resources accrued to the state within the last five years have been properly managed and invested in infrastructural development.
According to him, if not for the fall in the resources accruing to the state, there would have been multiplier effect of the investment on the state economy than what has been on ground.

“If you have your developmental plans based on your revenue expectations and it is not coming as it is in the case here, the only thing is to go back to the drawing board and re-adjust your plan.
“To the best of our knowledge, the little resources available to Osun under the present administration was properly and adequately applied and managed”, he said.

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, during the Conferment of Award of Excellence in Basic Education to the Governor AOPSHON, at GMT Events Centre, Ring Road Area, Osogbo on Wednesday 18/11/2015.

…To name new school after Soyinka

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has on Wednesday said his administration will leave no stone unturned in giving Osun a legacy of an enhanced environment of learning‎ obtainable in any advanced country of the world.
This was even as the Association of Primary Schools Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) lauded the educational policies and programmes initiated by the Osun State Government under the leadership of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
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The governor stated this while receiving an Award of Excellence from the Association of Primary school Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON) in Osogbo.‎
Aregbesola noted that his government has  come to the realisation that school environment largely determine the quality and character of students produced.
He stressed that as part of his administration’s commitment to the development of education in the state, government will be putting forward for use a High school facilty with the capacity of 3,000 students named after Prof. Wole Soyinka in Ejigbo on Monday‎
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He thanked the Association for finding the state worthy of being the host of her National convention,  contrary to adversarial media impression.
The Governor held that Osun is a safe haven and the best place for the meeting of serious minds, saying It is peaceful, safe and endowed with the beauty of nature in its grandeur. ‎
Aregbesola added that education has been a major policy thrust of his government in Osun since the inception of our administration and the reason for the considerable amount of resources and effort spent on education.‎
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According to the Governor, “un‎doubtedly, education is also a common denominator between us; it is a passion we both share and it is my great desire that we both take it to a great level. On our part, we have given our possible best to education and will continue to do so.
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“We are therefore building state of the art 100 elementary schools. The idea behind this is that there should be an elementary public school in every neighbourhood. We are also building 50 middle and 20 high schools. Out of these, 14 elementary schools, 15 middle schools and 11 high schools have been completed.
“Work is ongoing on the rest and they are at different stages of completion. It is our sincere hope that we shall complete them before the end of our tenure.
“On Monday, we are going to present our model high school, named after a worthy Nigerian and a great educationist himself, Prof Wole Soyinka. It is a school in a class of its own, that will accommodate 3,000 pupils, with full learning infrastructure”. The governor told the gathering.‎
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The Association through its National President, Alhaji Mahmud Lawal commended the governor. For his giant stride in Education.
He described the state educational policies as one of the best in the world, saying Governor Aregbesola has bridged the wider gap between the public and private education in the country.
Alhaji Lawal who identified with the state government on the current economic situation lauded Aregbesola for his unwavering support to quality education as he has provided a smooth template and conducive academic environment for pupils and students across the state.
He averred that in spite the current financial challenges being encountered by the present administration, the state didn’t deter from all the programmes embarked upon.
The (AOPSHON) National President contented that the state government has been building its educational policies on the solid rock of academic transformation, success and development which according to him has manifested in the quality of its pupils and students.
He said the provision of viable educational sector in the state has significantly translated into what he described as vibrant basic education knowledge acquisition which according to remain the best stage of learning.
According to him ” Osun State deserves a worthwhile commendation and encomium especially on its giant strides and laudable achievements in educational sector which had earned it several accolades and international recognition.
“Though our coming to Osun State was primarily to hold our annual National Seminar/Workshop and as well acknowledge the trends of general development and immense contributions of the current government in education most importantly elementary education.
“we have identified primary education as the most essential part of human life which must not be ignored by any serious government as it sets pace for subsequent knowledge acquisition and academic qualifications.
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SPEECH BY THE GOVERNOR OF THE STATE OF OSUN, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, WHILE RECEIVING THE AWARD OF EXCELLENCE FROM ASSOCIATION OF PRIMARY SCHOOLS HEAD TEACHERS OF NIGERIA (AOPSHON) AT GMT HOTEL AND EVENTS CENTRE, OSOGBO ON NOVEMBER 18, 2015.
Protocols,
A Worthy Honour From The Honourable
It gives me great pleasure to be present at this occasion, the gathering of Association of Primary Schools Headteachers of Nigeria (AOPSHON). This gathering is more than just a gathering of teachers, it is a gathering of teachers’ teachers and those who determine the destiny of pupils and by extension the future of our nation. It is a great honour and privilege therefore to be in your midst and to be considered worthy of your award of excellence.
I must also thank you for finding our state worthy of being the host of your convention. Osun, contrary to the adversarial media impression, is a safe haven and the best place for the meeting of serious minds. It is peaceful, safe and endowed with the beauty of nature in its grandeur. The Oluminrin Waterfall in Erin-Ijesa is iconic while the Osun Grove in Osogbo in a UNESCO World Heritage Site while the Osun Osogbo festival attracts tourists and devotees annually from all over the world. Please do explore these nature’s beauty and 49 others scattered across the state after your meeting.
Education has been a major policy thrust for us since the inception of our administration and has taken a considerable amount of our resources and effort. But it is worth it. For you headteachers, your vocation is not just a job, it is a calling. If you want just a job, many of you will not be here. You are here however because of your passion and conviction of divine direction to mould the intellect and shape the character of the little ones. May God reward your efforts and perfect all that concern you. Amen.
Undoubtedly, education is also a common denominator between us; it is a passion we both share and it is my great desire that we both take it to a great level. On our part, we have given our possible best to education and will continue to do so.
As a government, it has been our dream and aspiration to turn around education in Osun. As headteachers, you are aware of the disgraceful educational legacy we inherited and the sterling efforts we have made in turning things around, with your good cooperation, sacrifices and kind assistance.
Before the present cash crunch, our administration increased the running cost on students. Against the paltry N200 paid by the last administration, we now pay N400 on pupils in Elementary Schools and N500 for those in the Higher Schools and there was timely and adequate supply of modern instructional and learning materials to all our schools. Our free school meal programme takes care of about 254,000 pupils in the Elementary Schools. We also gave out, free-of-charge, two pairs of new school uniforms to all pupils and students in our public schools. We came up with a novel idea, the e-learning tablet, Opon Imo. We have distributed about 150,000 to both teachers and students in their final year. We have commenced the distribution of this tablets to the new final year students in public schools in Osun. It is our hope that as the finances improve, we will cover every pupil in our public schools. It is our own way of introducing our students to the widening digital world of Information and Communications Technology and also make learning more meaningful.
One legacy we are building in education is an enhanced environment of learning. We have come to the realisation that the school environment largely determine the quality and character of students produced. We are therefore building state of the art 100 elementary schools. The idea behind this is that there should be an elementary public school in every neighbourhood. We are also building 50 middle and 20 high schools. Out of these, 14 elementary schools, 15 middle schools and 11 high schools have been completed. Work is ongoing on the rest and they are at different stages of completion. It is our sincere hope that we shall complete them before the end of our tenure. On Monday, we are going to present our model high school, named after a worthy Nigerian and a great educationist himself, Prof Wole Soyinka. It is a school in a class of its own, that will accommodate 3,000 pupils, with full learning infrastructure.
We are already having the results. The badly behaved pupils in dilapidated and run down schools are now well behaved when transferred to the new, beautiful schools that give them pride and enhanced personality.
Under our administration, we have a policy in place that will make teachers in elementary schools to rise to grade level 16. We have employed more than 12,000 teachers into public schools and have also appointed three tutors general, equivalent of Permanent Secretary in the three senatorial districts in the state. We have also provided more than 100,000 desks and chairs in public schools. We have also rehabilitated existing schools, provided toilets and boreholes and made schools decent places to be.
As partners in the education business, the task on our hand is how all the stakeholders – teachers, government, parents and the pupils – must join hands to improve education in Osun. I recently told the association of teachers that the time has come for us to see government as business, not business for gain, but business for service. The people must feel what we do and it must talk to them.
Teachers therefore must see themselves as agents for increasing the knowledge base of our society and for building their wards both in learning and character, from elementary school to all levels. They should therefore be assessed on how well they have performed in this task. Really, no teacher should consider himself or herself to have succeeded if his or her wards are not adjudged to have passed both in learning and character. An end must come to the practice of automatic promotion of teachers in the stark contrast of mass failure of their pupils.
Let me thank you most sincerely for your labour and sacrifice in the building of an educated society and once again, for the honour of the award.
I wish you a very successful meeting and a good time in Osun.
I thank you for your kind attention.

 
There was huge turnout of residence of Ibadan, Oyo State capital on Monday to honour the late Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, wife of the late Yoruba leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo who commended her final journey home with a lying in State reception.
The Matriarch of the Awolowo family died on September 19,2015 about two months to her 100th birthday.
Her body arrived at Toll-gate Ibadan from Ogun State around 8:30am, and was received by the Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi before leading the body to the Awolowo residence at Oke-Bola for the lying in State.
The procession then moved to the Methodist Cathedral Church, Agbeni for a commendation service.
At the service coordinated by the Bishop of Ibadan, the Most Rev. Kehinde Stephen, recalled that the last time he had an encounter with the late matriarch was in February when Tribune newspaper was launching a new printing machine.
He said she had a sound retentive memory while she was a caring mother who not only nurtured her children to excellence but cared about the welfare of the other people’s children
“When she set her eyes on me, she said His Grace it’s nice to see you again, why have you abandoned me and does not visit me again? She also asked after my children. She has a sound retentive memory and she was a fast reader,” he said
He said the Methodist Church will always respect the Awolowo dynasty for their love for education.
“The Awolowo family promoted quality education and have passion for the welfare of the masses. Today, reverse is the case for the education sector because it has been neglected by different government in power. If we make education a priority, it will save the life of the masses and safeguard the future of our children,” Rev Stephen said
Oyo State Governor, Sen. Ajimobi said the Yoruba race and Nigerians at large are proud of the legacies the late matriarch left behind.
He said, “Ibadan is the home of Awolowo’s and all the giants stride recorded by the late sage can be traced to Ibadan. Mama’s diligence and outstanding performance can be seen in the way she administered The Tribune newspaper. She is fondly remembered for her kind heartedness and her service to humanity.”
Urging, the Awolowo’s family to emulate late Mrs Awolowo’s exemplary lifestyle, he said, “Mama was a Nigerian who is detribalized and embraced all. Mama has strong discipline, principle and doggedness. Awolowo gave many people sound education and we are also making education one of our main priorities. Mama was an epitome of Yoruba Nation and motherhood.”
From the church, the late matriarch’s body was moved to the premises of Nigeria Tribune newspaper.
Governor of State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in his tribute said, the said all politicians should learn from the glorious exit and great honoured receive by late Mrs Awolowo.
“She represented the best in coordinating and supporting for the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awowolo,” Aregbesola said
Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode also said Nigerians were remembering mama because she was the spirit behind the vision of the late sage.
” We as Nigerians must continue with that spirit. We should not allow the legacy of the Awolowo’s to die because we are yet to achieve the vision of the late sage and we need all the support of womanhood to achieve it,” he said
The wife of the Oyo State Governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi said: ” The Late matriarch has live a great life and all womanhood should emulate her virtues. We should be able to stand the test of time.”
The first grandson of the late matriarch, Segun Awolowo Jr said what she would missed about her grandmother was her dependability, stability and ability to hold the family together.
The first female judge in Nigeria, Mrs Folake Solanke (SAN), said Mama’s death was a great experience, saying, ” she was an exemplary wife. She reached an age that is worthy of celebration and her legacies will continue to live after her.”
Managing Director of Tribune Newspaper, Mr Edward Dickson in his vote of thanks, promised that the firm will continue to sustain the legacy of the Awolowo’s and will sustain the existence of the newspaper.
WORLDSTAGE

A human right and civil coalition group, under the platform of Osun Progressive Left, has called for peace and sustainable governance in Osun State.
In a statement by the convener, Comrade Wale Adebisi, the group condemned the campaign of malicious slander and inciting activities by an opposition political leaders in the state on a radio programme on the bailout from the Federal Government to the Osun.
According to the statement, their approach is not only crude but also setting the people of the state against the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.
The group, therefore, urged the governor to continue to pursue his six integral action plans for the state as this is the only sure way of elevating the state to rank among the best in the country.
VANGUARD

The Speaker, Osun State  House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salaam, has urged the Department of of Petroleum Resources (DPR) in partnership with security agencies to wade into issues of fuel hoarding and other sharp practices on the part of the fuel dealers in the state, saying it was disturbing that motorists were being exploited freely.
The Speaker who stated this in Osogbo noted that the fuel dealers have devised a way of closing their gas stations in the day and  opening them in the night with the aim of exploiting motorists way above the official price.
He said: “It is disturbing that fuel marketers in Osun are happy about the suffering of the masses, for I cannot understand why they would close their stations in the day and sell at outrageous prices in the night, that suggests sharp practices, and the DPR and security agents should wade in and halt the trend.”
THIS DAY LIVE

Pictures of the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and others, inspecting the completion of Ejigbo High School toward commissioning to mark the first year anniversary of his second term in office,at Ejigbo on Sunday 14-11-2015