The governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola yesterday disclosed that he had spent over #1.3billion on compensation to victims of structures separated to pave way for the dualization and expansion of roads in Osogbo, the state capital.
He made the disclosure at the presentation of another cheque of #302, 966 million to 127 victims of the yet to be separated structures along the ongoing dualization of Orita-Olaiya, Asubiaro, Isale Osun road in Osogbo.
Governor Aregbesola who was represented by his deputy, Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori advised the claimants to use the disbursed money judiciously.
He allayed the fear of some people that the money was drawn from the money meant to pay workers salaries saying that the payment of compensation will not in anyway affect the payment of salaries.
Governor Aregbesola urged the claimants to erect structures that will add value to the ongoing urban renewal programme of his administration adding that he would want to see people make their environment beautiful.
One of the claimant, Mrs Afusat Aderibigbe expressed her appreciation to government for the prompt payment of compensation even before the separation exercise were carried out.
However, while beneficiaries of the compensation were receiving their cheques, a group of irate landlords affected by the construction of dualized Ayetoro road in Osogbo protested the delay in payment of compensation to them.
But Governor Aregbesola appealed to them with the assurance that they would soon be paid their compensation.
LEADERSHIP

Pictures of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, represented by his Deputy, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori during the Payment of Compensation to the people affected by the reconstruction of Orita Olaiya, Asubiaro, Isale-Osun and Ita Olookan Road, Osogbo, at Laro-Timehin Middle School Isale Osun on Wednesday 16-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, represented by his Deputy,
Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd right); Former Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Architect Muyiwa Ige (left); the Ataoja of
Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun (2nd left) and wife of the Baale of
Isale-Osun, Chief
Saliu Moniade, during the Payment of Compensation to the people affected by the reconstruction of Orita Olaiya, Asubiaro, Isale-Osun and Ita Olookan Road, Osogbo, at Laro-Timehin Middle School Isale Osun on Wednesday 16-12-2015

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Represented by his Deputy,
Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) Presenting the Compensation Check to the Olori Baale Isale-Osun, Chief Saliu Moniade (2nd right). With them is the
Ataoja of Osogbo Land, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, during the Payment of Compensation to the
people affected by the Reconstruction of Orita Olaiya, Asubiaro,
Isale-Osun and Ita Olookan Road, Osogbo, at Laro-Timehin Middle School
Isale Osun on Wednesday
16-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, represented by his Deputy,
Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, presenting the Compensation Check to Alhaja Fausat Salam, during the Payment of
Compensation to the people affected by the reconstruction of Orita Olaiya, Asubiaro, Isale-Osun and Ita Olookan Road, Osogbo, at Laro-Timehin Middle School Isale Osun on
Wednesday 16-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Represented by his Deputy,
Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori, presenting the Compensation Check to Mr Busari Saheed, during the Payment of Compensation to the people affected by the Reconstruction of Orita Olaiya, Asubiaro, Isale-Osun and Ita Olookan Road, Osogbo By Ogbeni, at Laro-Timehin Middle School Isale Osun on
Wednesday 16-12-2015.

Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam, has again echoed the need for the people of Osun State to tighten their belts and get themselves prepared for a tough time as we enter year 2016.
The speaker in a statement signed by his chief press secretary, Mr. Goke Butika, asserted that if all protocols and running of government were removed, each person of the three million population of Osun State would be entitled to N50,000 for food, shelter, upkeep and other demands of life for a period of 12 months.
He said, “We have received the financial estimate for the 2016 fiscal year from Governor Rauf Aregbesola, but the picture does not suggest we are out of the woods yet, and the trickle-down effect of mindless looting of the immediate past administration at the national stage is hitting hard on all federating units called states, but with all hands on deck, hope is not lost”.
He then expressed optimism in the capacity of the Aregbesola-led administration to manoeuvre the financial situation in favour of the masses with modicum of justice for the elites, noting that the informal sector, agriculture and taxation would be turned to for rebooting the economy of the state.
He assured that the mid-term economic framework of the federal government would reflate the economy across the board.
The speaker, however, lauded the resolve of the governor in paying attention to the completion of the ongoing infrastructural drive, saying it was good news amidst looting, stealing and vandalism of the nation’s institutions, which had subjected the country to rot.
He then appealed to the people of the state to support the government for even distribution of resources.
 

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola yesterday submitted a N150.7 billion budget proposal to the House of Assembly.
The Permanent Secretary, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr. Segun Olorunsogo, presented the budget on behalf of the governor.
The proposed budget size is 25.3 per cent less than the 2015 budget of N201.7 billion.
The draft had a recurrent expenditure of N82,744,396,580 representing 54.9 per cent and capital expenditure of N67,983,848,960.00, representing 45.1 per cent.
It has the recurrent revenue of N113,185,677,170 and capital receipt of N37,542,568,370.00.
The Deputy Speaker, Akintunde Adegboye, read the governor’s letter.
According to the letter, “The proposed budget reflected the economic realities of the state. The economic situation prevented the state from effective implementation of the 2015 budget.”
THE NATION

Alhaji Rilwan Hussein, the Head of Harmonised Vigilante Group in Osun, on Saturday assured residents of the state of adequate safety during and after the yuletide.
Hussein made the pledge in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) at Ede, while speaking on the security of lives and property of the people during and after the yuletide.
He said that the group had deployed its men to all nooks and crannies of the town to complement efforts of the police in making the state safe for the residents during festivity.
The security expert explained that although the state was safe and calm, there could be people of criminal tendencies amongs visitors who would be visiting the state for celebration.
Hussein advised the people of the state to maintain high level of vigilance and cooperate with security agencies to make the celebration a memorable one.
He advocated for deeper synergy between his group and the police to sustain peace and tranquillity in the state.
“Our state is arguably the safest state in Nigeria, as a result of vigilance of the people and proactiveness of the security agencies.
“As a vigilance group, we are mobilising our men towards complementing the efforts of the police during the yuletide, to provide adequate security for the residents.
“We must sustain the peace and tranquillity we enjoy in the state, and keep a conscious watch on those that will be visiting the state for a hitch-free celebration. (NAN)

The Government of the state of Osun on Sunday said it will not relent on its various reforms until violence is completely rooted out of its public schools institutions.

It said part of the rots created by the long years of abandoned education sector in the state is that schools had become breeding grounds for gangsters rather than well-groomed individuals.

The government stated this in the wake of the reported reckless display of violence by some misguided pupils of two state-owned schools at the state capital Osogbo, last week.

In a statement signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, the government said ugly incidents such as which happened at the Anglican High School and Adele Middle School both in Osogbo were part of the ugly results of long years of neglect of the education sector, a development which created ample opportunities for irresponsible conducts of pupils.

The statement recalled that Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun had at the official unveiling of the first mega high school in the state, lamented what he called a deplorable situation in public education institutions which had constituted breach of the peace to the entire community in the past.

“Recall that when the government commissioned the Wole Soyinka Government High School, Ejigbo Governor Rauf Aregbesola made no  mistake admitting that the old school system and outlook encouraged pupils to behave almost like animals.

“What happened last week was just part of the remnants of the culture of violence inherited in our schools five years ago and which this administration has battled vigorously. It could have been worse. But the dogged pursuit of excellence in character molding and academic brilliance under the present administration in the education sector has stemmed the tide and we are not relenting until we stamp out the last instance of anti-social behaviour in our schools,” the statement noted

Listing the areas of interventions which are aimed at arresting the drift, the statement said a complete transformation of the learning environment and the general conditions of learning are the efforts of the government to ensure that products of public education institutions are individuals who become productive to the society and not those who terrorise the society.

The statement said construction of modern schools structures equipped fully with modern facilities, provision of attractive school uniforms, re-orientation of teachers and pupils, provision of modern learning tools such as e-learning tablets, Opon Imo, and other enviable projects of this administration are aimed at changing the behavioural patterns of the pupils and making them feel confident that they can compete favourably with their peers anywhere in the world.

Appealing to parents and guardians, the statement said members of the public must compliment the efforts of the government through adequate monitoring of their school children to avert bad company and shameful conducts.

The statement added, “While the government will not shy away from its responsibilities in giving the state an education sector that produces responsible citizens, parents have the task of monitoring their children before and after school hours to ensure that the grooming efforts of the government do not go in vain.”

The statement added that the government will be left with no option than allow the law to take its course against any pupil who strays into violence and other anti-social behaviours.

“We cannot afford to allow a few bad eggs to contaminate and corrupt the enviable and conducive learning environment we are striving hard to put in place in Osun as part of the enduring legacies of this government,” the government added.

Photos of the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy , office of the Governor, Mr Semiu Olanlawon, representing governor Aregbesola during a book launch of a Veteran Journalist, Prince Adeyeye Oyedokun, at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, at the weekend.

From right, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy , oofice
of the Governor, Mr Semiu Olanlawon, representing governor Aregnesola;
former Commisssioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere;
Mr. Adejoke Ajetunmobi, representing the Director of the National Open
Uhniversity of Nigeria and a permernent Secretary, office of the
governor, Mrs Okukemi Kolawole, during a book lunch of a Veteran
Journalist, Prince Adeyeye Oyedokun, at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo,
at the weekend.

From right, The Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul Rasheed Oyebomi;
Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy , oofice of the
Governor, Mr Semiu Olanlawon, representing governor Aregnesola; former
Commisssioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere and Mr.
Adejoke Ajetunmobi, representing the Director of the National Open
University of Nigeria, during a book lunch of a Veteran
Journalist,Prince adeyeye Oyedokun at
the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo, at the weekend.

Author of the book and Former Director General of the Osun State
Broadcasting Cooperation (OSBC), Prince Adeyeye Oyedokun (in black
suit); Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, office of the
Governor, representing Governor Aregbesola (right side of the author);
Mr Adejoke Ajetunmobi, representing Director otlf the National Open
University of Nigeria (left), former Commissioner fotlr Information
and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere (2nd let) and others, during a book
lunch of a Veteran Journalist, Prince Adeyeye Adedokun, at the NUJ
Press Centre, Osogbo, at the weekend

From right, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy , oofice
of the Governor, Mr Semiu Olanlawon, representing governor Aregnesola;
former Commisssioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere;
Mr. Adejoke Ajetunmobi, representing the Director of the National Open
Uhniversity of Nigeria and a permernent Secretary, office of the
governor, Mrs Okukemi Kolawole, during a book lunch of a Veteran
Journalist, Prince Adeyeye Oyedokun, at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo,
at the weekend.

In its drive to enhance internally generated revenue (IGR) in the face of dwindling revenue from the federation account to states, the Osun State government has recruited no fewer than 300 tax collectors otherwise called Tax Marshals.
Addressing the newly recruited tax marshals in Osogbo at the end of a 3-day capacity building workshop, the acting chairman and chief executive officer (CEO) of Osun State Internal Revenue Service (OSIRS), Mr. Dayo Oyebanji, disclosed that the marshals would be deployed to Point of Sale Terminals (POS) across the state for the collection of taxes from existing and prospective taxpayers.
According to him, the gesture of the government was to ensure that tax collection is made easy by taking its collection process to the doorsteps of the residents of the state.
He said, “As you are aware that in the last one year or more, the monthly federal allocation due to the State of Osun has continuously dwindled, and the best strategy that could be adopted to overcome this paucity of fund was to recruit more hands to ensure that tax collection is made easy by taking the collection process to the doorsteps of the good people of Osun.
“A lot of our market men and women desire to pay their taxes but they may not be able to leave their various stalls to go to the bank or tax stations, and for some, there are no easily accessible banks close to them.
“The state like almost all the states of the federation is exploring measures towards revamping its revenue generation through Internally Generated Revenue which appears to be the only means of sustaining the activities of the state”.

Photos of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the Students of CAC Middle School 1 and 2 Araromi, during the an inspection of the on going Construction of CAC Middle School Araromi, Osogbo. on Wednesday 9-12-2015.

From right- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the
Project Manager, Taner Bicigil (2nd right), during the
inspection of the on going Construction of Oshogbo High School on Wednesday
9-12-2015.

From right- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the
Project Manager, Taner Bicigil (2nd right), during the
inspection of the on going Construction of Oshogbo High School on Wednesday
9-12-2015.

From right- Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the
Project Manager, Taner Bicigil (2nd right), during the
inspection of the on going Construction of Oshogbo High School on Wednesday
9-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), discussing with the
Principal CAC Middle School 1 Araromi, Mrs Daodu Folagogun (2nd right) and
Principal CAC Middle School 2 Araromi, Mrs Adetunberu Olukemi (right),
during the inspection of the on going Construction of CAC Middle
School Araromi Osogbo. on Wednesday 9-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), discussing with the
Principal CAC Middle School 1 Araromi, Mrs Daodu Folagogun (2nd right) and
Principal CAC Middle School 2 Araromi, Mrs Adetunberu Olukemi (right),
during the inspection of the on going Construction of CAC Middle
School Araromi Osogbo. on Wednesday 9-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); the Site Engineer,
Mr Saheed Abdulrahman (2nd right). During the inspection of the on going
Construction of CAC Middle School Araromi Osogbo. on Wednesday 9-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the
Students of CAC Middle School 1 and 2 Araromi, dring the an inspection
of the on going Construction of CAC Middle School Araromi, Osogbo. on
Wednesday 9-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the
Students of CAC Middle School 1 and 2 Araromi, dring the an inspection
of the on going Construction of CAC Middle School Araromi, Osogbo. on
Wednesday 9-12-2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the
Students of CAC Middle School 1 and 2 Araromi, dring the an inspection
of the on going Construction of CAC Middle School Araromi, Osogbo. on Wednesday 9-12-2015.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said his administration’s ‎new focus for development will be agriculture, solid mineral development and industrialisation‎.

The Governor stated this at the commissioning of the new effluent treatment plant and expansion project of the International Breweries PLC in Ilesa.

This was just as the company promised to do its best in ensuring compliance with payment of taxes to boost Osun’s drive for internally generated revenue.

Aregbesola noted that, given the falling price of oil and diminishing revenue from the oil sector, the state is already looking beyond oil for revenue, sustenance and meeting her obligations to fulfilling his electoral promises.

He commended the company for ‎its vision and forthrightness of the founder, the late Dr. Lawrence Omole and managers of the company for complying with international best practices and the aptness of the commissioning of effluent treatment plant coinciding with the United Nations Climate Change Conference in Paris, France.

Aregbesola said, “Our new focus is agriculture, solid mineral development and industrialisation. This indeed should be the focus of the wise who is thinking beyond the financial catastrophe that befell this nation since 2013 on account of falling revenue from the Federation Accounts.

Aregbesola also lauded the company for increasing her presence and acceptability, which has translated to increase in market share of the brewery.

He said, “I commend you. But you must do more, not just to dominate your immediate environment but to spread to other regions as well and ultimately make your brands international by venturing outside the country. On our part, we will continue to support you and help to realise your vision to expand.”

The Governor stated that concerns for the environment has been an issue since the industrial revolution and the emergence of cities, noting that the fallout of industrialisation is pollution of the environment from industrial and household wastes.

‎He therefore described the impression that environmental friendliness is mutually incompatible with development as false, saying, if the right measures are adopted, there will be sustainable development.

He enjoined other industrial concerns in the state to emulate IBL Plc which is complying with international best practices.

Governor Aregbesola added that it is the dream of his government that an industrial hub develops around where allied industries that support you or feed off your operations can develop, prime one of which is agriculture and allied industries.

He said “In October, we signed an MOU with a Chinese consortium to start an agriculture and industrial park in Osun which will be cited in Ilesa. Last month, we also signed an agreement with the IITA to start agriculture demonstration farm and research centre at Orile Owu,” the governor emphasised.

Earlier in his remark, the Chairman Board of Directors, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, Otunba Micheal Daramola, commended the state government for its unflinching support towards the growth and development of the company.
He extolled Governor Aregbesola for keeping to the promises he made in 2013, saying the MoU signed between the company and the state government has yielded positive results and tremendous impact in the lives of the citizens of the state.
Enumerating some of the organization’s achievements, Otunba Daramola said the company has been a job provider and development partner to the state.
He disclosed that N1.4billion was expended on waste management in the state, while N1.2 was spent on several projects, as the company equally spent N1.2billion on the new road and new pipeline recently installed and commissioned for use.
Daramola said over N4.8 billion has been expended so far on the new effluent treatment and water pipeline projects, promising that the company would not relent in its efforts to support the train of development in the state.
He described the present administration as being supportive, saying the company relationship with current government has been very seamless.
He said, “The main focus of this company is to ensure that we effect real change and transformation of our immediate environment and the state as a whole for meaningful development and positive improvement.
“We are doing everything to assist the government by empowering the youths through different programmes targeted to reduce the scourge of unemployment.
“Over 120 youths have been successfully selected and financially assisted on running capital to start both small and medium scale businesses.
In his address, the Chief Operating Officer of the company, Mr. Andrew Ross, said the newly installed Effluent Treatment Plant and Water Pipeline projects were first of it kind in the South-west, saying it remains a milestone for economic sustainability.
He commended the state government for its support, saying its continued cooperation had provided a seamless improvement, growth and development to both the company and the state government.
He promised that the company was ready to assist the government at improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) by fulfilling its quota on regular tax payment.
Ross stressed further that the company was committed to offering Nigerians world class products, saying its mission was to be the best beverage company in Nigeria.
“The Effluent Treatment Plant and Water Pipeline we are commissioning today is very environmental friendly because it emits clean water.
“This project is of world class standard and this is so, because our company is ever ready and committed to world class products that is why our company has been progressing geometrically.
The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, commended the company for the introduction of modern technology into its operation just as he saluted the efforts of the management and staff of the company in its bid to realize the dream of the organization.