The Osun State government has debunked the insinuation that it would cut workers’ salaries in the process of keeping the state afloat in the face of its current economic challenges.
In a statement by the director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the government said while there is no attempt at reducing the salaries of its workers or sacking workers, there are obvious reasons to introduce some belt-tightening measures to salvage the state from the economic woes allegedly caused by the PDP’s 16 years of misrule.
The state government asked the Peoples Democratic Party to bury its head in shame for being the architect of the various belt-tightening measures which Nigeria must put in place at the moment to ensure the continued survival of the country.
The government said it was laughable for the PDP to think that it made any news out of its mischievous statement when it accused the Rauf Aregbesola administration of cutting salaries of workers and introducing other measures.
It said, “If the PDP thought it made any news out of the removal of the between 25% and 35% overtime allowance of staff of some government agencies, it must be living in a fool’s paradise. If not mischief, how does that translate to cutting of salaries and retrenchment of workers? This is because there is no measure being taken that is not an outcome of rigorous deliberations with workers and other critical stakeholders.”
The government urged Nigerians to ask the PDP the basis of its unfounded allegations and other tantrums, adding that in no way will the party be excused from the economic woes the country now faces which the All Progressives Congress government at all levels is working hard to fix.
It said, “After the bailout fund was released to states, rather than concentrate on a positive engagement of the government on how the funds would be used for the good of the people of Osun, they were busy telling lies.
“Nigerians should not forget how the PDP accused Aregbesola of fixing bailout funds in a deposit account to make personal gains.”
“They should also not forget how they falsely accused the government of diverting the bailout funds for paying contractors. With these alone, the PDP has lost all moral rights to be listened to as a credible opposition. Opposition cannot be based on fabrications and outright falsehood,” the government said.
It stated that whoever fails to admit that Nigeria is facing serious economic crisis must be living in the moon, adding It said, “It is no longer news that the economy of not only Nigeria but also the entire world is in crisis especially those who depend on crude oil.
“After all, some 24 months ago, oil sold for about $114 a barrel but now, the same sells for between $45 and $48. From that alone, is it not clear that a country like Nigeria which more than 80% of its national income depends on sale of crude will be in difficulties managing its affairs?”
The government added that it is with this in mind that the government of Osun is trying everything possible to ensure that the state stays with its head above the waters.
“If the PDP wants to be honest with itself, can the party exonerate itself from the economic morass that Nigeria is in today? Even before the unfortunate decline in the sale of crude at the international market, Nigeria had endured a most horrendous case of bleeding of the economy.
“Today, after the installation of a truly people’s government, the atrocities of the PDP-led government are coming out in what may enter the Guinness Book of Records as the most brutal stealing of a people’s common wealth in its 16 years of kleptomaniac grip on Nigeria”, the statement said.
It said the PDP has cast itself as an opposition predicated on falsehood.
LEADERSHIP

 
I have a story to tell the world and most importantly the people of Ile-Ife. About 40 years ago, I was born into the Giesi Ruling House, Ojaja Royal Compound in the ancient city of Ile-Ife.
From birth, my life has been a journey; one that I embarked on, saddled with great conscientiousness when I became a responsible father at the age of 19, which shaped and groomed me for greater challenges ahead.
To cater for my family as a young father, I became very enterprising with the knack of building something out of nothing. This certainly increased my temperament for being successful in all my endeavours, as well as towing the right path as a responsible father.
Thus, in the following years, I was able to build a consortia of companies with a team of well-versed, highly skilled and unskilled professionals from scratch and with hard work and God’s providence. This has made me a huge employer of labour and a captain of industries. The story of Ile-Ife begins as the cradle of civilization and has spread its tentacles beyond Black Africa.
The Ooni stool is highly revered and exalted and as the world looks on; our strength and emphasis need to be injected into the development of Ile-Ife as a beacon of hope and enviable city.
Spiritual home of all Yoruba
Suffices to say that Ile-Ife is the ancestral and spiritual home of all Yorubas, bona fide, in Nigeria and the Diaspora, and the World Headquarters of the House of Oduduwa, which comprises people resident in nearly all the continents of the world.
Thus, the Ooni, as the head of the vast Oduduwa family, must be no less versatile and resourceful. Available evidences from the curatorial community and archaeological discoveries have put the origin of Ile-Ife around 2000 years BC.
Around this time, the people of Ile-Ife have distinguished themselves in technology and cultural advancement. A notable fact in this direction is Ori-Olokun: though purportedly ‘discovered’ by the famous German archaeologist Leo Frobenius in 1910, but had been in existence for thousands of years.
Discovery: The pure-copper sculpture took the entire arts world by storm at the time of its discovery that experts from the West argued that the artefact was a mystery that was too sophisticated to have been created by African hands. However, after careful examinations of other works, profusely located in and around the city and bearing striking resemblance, the world accepted the truth that the advanced people of Ile-Ife had, not only wielded the technology to turn iron to alloy but also of moulding abstract artworks out of the product. Consequently, it is now accepted by the curatorial community that the advanced artistic techniques used to create the sculpture were more advanced than those of Renaissance Italy, and comparable to those of [the artist] Donatello.
Yet, Ile-Ife has not taken its rightful position as the ‘source’ of civilization despite her wealth of history, culture and tradition.
Having found ourselves in such state of affairs where the potential of the land remains untapped and its people lacking economic and social emancipation, we should all take it upon ourselves to redress this situation.
Redressing the situation
The Ile-Ife of ‘my dream’ will be strategically positioned to empower its people socially, economically and culturally to bring about the desired developments. Now, with our resolve to transform Ile-Ife we are ‘SET’ to leave no stone unturned, in the drive to put Ile-Ife on the map of the world. Our ultimate goal is to reposition the House of Oduduwa as a worthy example of successful inward-looking community.
At this juncture, I consider it pertinent to share with everyone the account of how Nigeria as a nation came to be. The Royal Niger Company was a mercantile company charter by the British government in the nineteenth century. It was formed in 1879 as the United African Company and became the Royal Niger Company in 1886. By 1900 it went through several name changes and in 1914 a merger occurred between the Southern Nigeria Protectorate and the Northern Nigeria Protectorate to become the independent Federal Republic of Nigeria in 1960.
It suffices to say our beloved nation developed through a corporation of technocrats and quality mind input. Arguably, this is one of the several ways cities and communities are built; through large corporations. The ethos of this account goes to prove that any geographic setting can undergo boundless growth through clusters of companies which invariably can lead to the creation of settlements and human capital development.
Consequently, there is a huge possibility for Ile-Ife to experience tremendous growth through industrialization and developmental projects like a company managed by dedicated sons and daughters of Ife and all Ife enthusiasts. I have no doubt, Ife will be great again due to its economic dexterity. Ife has one of the largest land mass in the South-west beaming with natural resources including three out of the four factors of production; ‘land’, ‘labour’ and ‘entrepreneurship’ and with our great resolve we shall work towards ‘capital’ creation.
I am very passionate about my roots with the determination of bringing Ile-Ife to the forefront of economic and social affairs. In my private life, I have for a while been involved in many philanthropic gestures in Ile-Ife and its environs. The progressiveness of the youths of Ile-Ife is at the core of my philosophy and I have been instilling hope to thousands of youths through the various ongoing reciprocity Programmes I established a while ago.
It is within the dictates of our culture that the young shall provide for the old and for this reason our youths need to be nurtured and engaged positively hence they can attain financial independence and in return provide for their parents, families and dependants. This is not to say that the old and elderly will be left out. There will be various empowerment Programmes for the elderly and the widowed to learn new trades and acquire new skills that will help stamp out redundancy and at the same time be financially rewarding to them.
Many might argue that the tasks before me are incredibly monumental and impossible. However, I do not get easily swayed by the idea of impossibilities. In every challenging situation what I see is a speck of possibility which I build on till the task at hand is completed. I have done this time over time and I have defied the rules of men to follow my gut instincts. I have excelled where, people had predicted failure and I derived the most joy where others have said emphatically “it is not possible.”
A recent classic example of turning impossibilities to possibilities took place at ‘Parakin’ in Ile-Ife where I converted a sizeable piece of thick forest land into a beautiful castle within a month. The land hitherto, was a garbage dump and an escape route for men of the underworld in the vicinity which constituted a social menace to the inhabitants of ‘Parakin’.
In recent history one cannot mention Ile-Ife without acknowledging the Ife and Modakeke conflict. It’s unfortunate that lives were lost during the war between Ife and Modakeke; a war that had no economic value and displaced many lives. I paid a courtesy visit to the youths affected by the war and implored them to be proactive. Furthermore I urged them to be on the straight and narrow path and propagated the tenets of hard work as the only way to make it in life.
Touching experiences
In the course of my life I have had many touching experiences. However, my most compelling experience till date involves two young boys namely Demola Adewole and Taye Fayemi. Demola and thousands of others energetic youths visit work sites on a daily basis to solicit for money. I took it upon myself to get to know these young boys and found that all they wanted was to earn a decent living. We got acquainted with Demola and found out he was a welder. Without hesitation, we helped to re-orientate him and got him involved in construction work in ‘Parakin’. Demola Adewole has turned out to be one of the best welders I have been privileged to work with till date.
Another set of energetic youths on one of the days I visited Ife chased after my car, many of them climbed onto the fast moving car and during the tussle to stay latched on to the car, one of them got injured. I got out of the car and addressed all of them and asked why they would want to hurt themselves and with no care in the world, Taye replied “death means nothing to me”; I shed tears, there is no hope for the youths and no one to rebuild their dashed hopes or future.
Taye Fayemi was simply desperate to make a living for himself and today, to the glory of God I personally supervise Taye’s rehabilitation, his personal development and wellbeing.
Destinies: Similar to the story of Demola and Taye, are thousands of youths with different expertise that need our help to find their feet, many whose destinies would have been cut short like the others lost the war. I cannot but emphasize that the development and well being of our youths is paramount to our future and one that is very close to my heart.
This area needs to be properly addressed to ensure our youths are well engaged in various professional and vocational pursuits.
Today, and to the glory of God, I have been energized to rehabilitate and take off the streets several thousands of youths by providing them with gainful employment. Furthermore, we shall set up a foundation that will support post war effects and the rebuilding of war torn Ife and Modakeke.
Thereafter there shall NEVER be war again. I stand firmly for peace and unity between Ife and Modakeke and I guarantee that this peace and unity will transcend into economic and social benefits for everyone.
Similarly, we shall use this stool to unify the entire Yoruba race; there shall be no division, no supremacy or animosity amongst us, we are all from the one and the same source-God Almighty.
Coming to the throne is a clarion call to heed my selfless desire to serve the people of Ile-Ife, the Yoruba race and all of humanity. We will use the stool to provide a lot of opportunities to invest in the youths through mentor-ship and empowerment programs that will further take thousands off the streets on a gradual basis.
Youths all over the country will be eligible for the mentor-ship programme and Ife will be the pilot model. We will use the stool to transpose Ile-Ife into the twenty-first century and with the use and influence of social media we are ‘set’ for his transformation. Sons and daughters of Ife and Ife enthusiasts around the world will have an input in the building of the New Ife City, ‘NIC’ through constructive feedback. ‘Socially’, we are ‘set’ to revive and promote Ile-Ife as a tourist destination.
‘Economically’ we are ‘set’ to increase our industrial footprints to give Ife the much desired facelift and ‘Traditionally’ we are ‘set’ to redefine the kingship system by blending modernity into our cultural values and practices and our tradition of thousands of years will stand.
Plans are well under-way to revitalize Ife in the areas of Sports, Mining, Agriculture, Real Estate, Tourism and rapid industrialization. To achieve this transformation, a brand new platform named ‘House Of Oduduwa Resources Limited’ has been established to stimulate the entire economy of Ile-Ife with a positive impact on the entire Yoruba race and our nation as a whole. ‘House Of Oduduwa Resources Limited’ will be tasked with rebuilding Ife into the ‘New Ife city’, NIC.
However, this is a herculean task which can only be achieved with the support of all well-meaning technocrats, sons and daughters of Ile-Ife in Nigeria and in the Diaspora and all lovers of Ife. My fervent desire is to grow ‘House Of Oduduwa Resources Limited’ into one of the
biggest corporations out of Africa, likewise uniting all lovers of Ife with the people of Ife. Earlier this year, I acquainted the youths of
Ile-Ife of my plans to replicate the truly Nigerian project, Inagbe Grand Resorts Lagos, Nigeria (almost hundred percent of raw materials
used are locally sourced) in Ile-Ife. Inagbe Grand Resorts is the first of its kind and will soon be the most sought after resort destination in all of West Africa. I have developed an incredible master plan for the proposed ‘Ife Grand Resorts’ which will be an off shoot of ‘Inagbe Grand Resorts Lagos’. The ‘Ife Grand Resort’ project and the ‘NIC’ initiative was conceived to attract young men and women, businesses, corporate organization, investors, holiday makers, lovers of Ife and Ife in Diaspora to a comfortable ambience to stay when they are away from home. This will continually put Ile-Ife, the cradle of black civilization on the map likewise showcasing many artefacts about the Yoruba race, hence creating a steady influx of people into Ile-Ife.
The time has come for us to embrace our true heritage as the progeny of Oduduwa and the task of modernizing Ile-Ife is yours and mine. I am highly honoured to have been chosen to fill the stool that great men once occupied; history and I will forever remember this day. I use
this opportunity to pay tribute to Oba Adesoji Aderemi and Oba Okunade Sijuwade; these monarchs were colossus that redefined the monarchy with touch of diligence, elegance and gravitas that traversed so many cultural boundaries. They were great fathers to me and I will forever miss and honour them.
I am not coming to the throne to pass judgment on those that have maliciously wronged me. But then, I should think that a bid to be enthroned as the foremost Oba in Yoruba race should be healthy and ordained of God. There is also the Ifa divination that also synthesizes the process, just in case human beings are partial.
Rather, some people resorted to dangerous attacks, wicked lies, malicious insinuations and vigorous campaign of calumny. Why would I fail to forgive them when all came to nought and the good people and governments of Ife and State of Osun saw through these unfair games and chose me as the prestigious Ooni of Ife.
Therefore, I am coming to set a good example and show the world that I am truly called by God to lead Ile-Ife into a state of tranquillity, conscientiousness and prosperity. It is my fervent prayer that the Lord will continue to guide us all and bestow us with great wisdom to carry out our incumbent tasks.
I use this opportunity to call on all the sons of Ile-Ife that were alongside me in the race for the stool to heed to my call and let’s work harmoniously to align our goals for the sake of posterity and Ile-Ife.
Together we shall not lose sight of the values and tradition that have made us the greatest nation of black people on earth. I come before you all today as a man pledging his unwavering commitment to his Kingdom and his people that I cannot do this alone; without you all there is no me “I will serve you all with everything I have”.
Long live Ile-Ife; long live the Yoruba race, long live the House of Oduduwa, and God Bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
OSUN DEFENDER

Outgoing Vice Chancellor, University of Ibadan (UI) and one of the ministerial nominees of President Muhammadu Buhari, Professor Isaac Adewole, was on Tuesday, screened by the Nigerian Senate.

Professor Isaac AdewoleWith a 32 years working experience as a physician working in Nigeria and 23 active years as a Clinical teacher in College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, the Senators took on Prof. Adewole, the Osun State nominee, over questions bordering on the health sector of Nigeria, among others.

Adewole’s tenure as VC UI statutorily ends on November 30, 2015, even as Professor Idowu Olayinka has been appointed to succeed him.
However, below is the full profile of the erudite university don, whom according to speculations may be designated as Minister of Health in Buhari’s cabinet.
Adewole’s Full Profile:
PERSONAL STATEMENT
I have 32 years working experience as a physician working in Nigeria and 23 active years as a Clinical teacher in College of Medicine, University of Ibadan, one of Africa’s best medical schools.
I have served in administrative position over the past 10 years as Head of Department, Dean of Faculty and Provost of the College of Medicine.
I am Principal Investigator of the PEPFAR Program in UCH, Ibadan as well as the Liaison of the UCH component of NU AIDS International Training and Research Program (AITRP) and Frameworks grants (Fogarty International Center/NIH) which provides research training for pre- and postdoctoral scientists and clinicians.
The NU AITRP currently has established collaborations between NU and UI/UCH and Jos University Teaching Hospital and is responsible for overseeing the planning, execution, and evaluation of the short, medium and long term research training programs.
I am the Co-Principal Investigator of an International Study on the Fertility Intentions of HIV Infected persons funded by the NIH.
I am the President Elect of the African Organization for Research and Training in Cancer (AORTIC).
My primary duty is to fashion a 5 year strategic plan for the organization and develop Capacity of African Physicians and Nurses to manage, treat and prevent cancer.
I have been involved in developing innovative curricular for medical schools in Nigeria with support from MacArthur Foundation and the UNFPA. Our work has featured integration of Reproductive and Adolescent Reproductive Health into the curriculum of medical Schools in Nigeria.
INSTITUTIONS ATTENDED (WITH DATES)
Ilesha Grammar School, Ilesha (1966-1972)
University of Ibadan, Ibadan. (October 1973-June 1978)
Academic Qualification (with dates and granting bodies)
West African School Certificate (O/L),
Division One With Distinction (1970)
Higher School Certificate (A/L), (1972). AAC.
University of Ibadan, Ibadan. MB;BS June 1978.
University Education (with date)
October 1973 – June 1978: University of Ibadan, Ibadan.
Professional Qualifications and Diplomas
Fellow, National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, (FMCOG). May 1986
Fellow, West African College of Surgeons (FWACS). January 1994
Fellow Nigerian Academy of Science (FAS) January, 2011
Scholarships, Fellowships and Prizes
Bixby Leadership Fellow, Guttmacher Institute, USA -2008
Federal Government of Nigeria Postgraduate Scholarship Award 1981 (For
Postgraduate Study in Obstetrics & Gynaecology.
Fellowship, West African College of Surgeons 1981
National Award Scholar, University of Ibadan 1973-1978 (Undergraduate)
Glazo Allenbury Prize for the best overall performance in Paediatrics – 1978
POSITIONS HELD TILL DATE
Vice-Chancellor, University of Ibadan, Ibadan. 01 December, 2010 – November 30, 2015.
University Working Experience (with dates)
Adjunct Professor, Northwestern University, Chicago, Illinois, USA –
May 1st, 2010 – date
Professor, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan – October 1st, 1997 – date.
Provost, College of Medicine, University College Hospital, Ibadan,
Nigeria – August 01, 2002 – July 31st, 2006.
Dean, Faculty of Clinical Sciences & Dentistry – August 01, 2000 –
July 31, 2002.
Acting Head, Department of Obstetrics/Gynaecology, University of
Ibadan – 1999-2000.
Senior Lecturer, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan – 1992 – 1997.
Lecturer 1, College Of Medicine, University of Ibadan – 1989 – 1992.
HOSPITAL WORKING EXPERIENCE
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, UCH – March 22, 1989 – date.
Consultant Obstetrician/Gynaecologist, Royal Crown Specialist
Hospital, Ibadan – 1985 – 1989.
Research Fellow – Department of Medical Oncology, Charring Cross
Hospital, London – 1985 – 1986.
Senior Registrar, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University
College Hospital Ibadan – 1984 – 1985.
Registrar, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University College
Hospital, Ibadan – 1982 – 1984.
Senior House-Officer, Dept. of Obstetrics & Gynaecology, University
College Hospital, Ibadan – 1981 – 1982.
Medical Officer, Adeoyo Maternity Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria – 1980 – 1981.
National Youth Service Corps-General Hospital, Sokoto, Nigeria – 1979 – 1980.
House-Officer, University College Hospital, Ibadan, Nigeria – 1978 -1979.
University Administrative Experience
Member – Governing Council, University of Ibadan – 2007- till date.
Member (In attendance) Council – Governing Council, University of
Ibadan – 2002-2006.
Member, MacArthur Grant Implementation Committee, University of Ibadan
– 2002-2006.
Member (In attendance) Principal Officers Meeting – University of
Ibadan – 2002-2006.
Member of Senate, University of Ibadan – 1997 till date.
Member, Committee of Provost and Deans – University of Ibadan, Ibadan
– 2000-2006.
Chairman, University Campus Committee of AIDS – 2003-2006.
Chairman, Committee on Evaluation of Academic Staff – 2004.
Member, Committee on Review of Guidelines for Promotion of Academic
Staff – University of Ibadan – 2001/2002.
Member of the Organizing Committee of NUGA – 2002.
Chairman, Medical Subcommittee – NUGA 2002.
Project Director: UNFPA Assisted Programme on Sexual and Reproductive
Health and HIV Prevention, University of Ibadan -2006 till date.
Management Experience – National and International
Member, Governing Council, Association of Commonwealth
Universities(ACU), London 2013-2015
Member, Cancer Ethics Committee( IEC) ,International Agency for
Research on Cancer (IARC) 2013-2015
Immediate Past-President, African Organization for Research and
Training in Cancer (AORTIC) 2011-2013.
President-Elect, African Organization for Research and Training in
Cancer (AORTIC) 2009-2011.
Chair – Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV
National Task Team-February 2010 – June 2011.
Visiting Scholar – Guttmacher Institute, New York, USA 13th Oct – 7th Nov 2008
Member Independent Data Monitoring Committee (IDMC) -HPV-019/020/021
International Studies in Senegal, Tanzania and South Africa- 2008 till
date
Chair- National Panel on Cervical Cancer Control Policy- July 2009 till date.
Chairman, PMTCT National Task Team, sub-committee on Research – March
29, 2004 –June 2011.
Member, Ethical, Legal and Social Implication (ELSI) Group, The
International HapMap Consortium – Jan 2004 till 2006.
Member, Cancer sub-committee of the National Expert Committee on
Non-Communicable Diseases. – July, 2003 till date.
Chairman, PMTCT National Task Team Sub-committee on Anti-retroviral
for the Prevention of Mother to Child Transmission of HIV – May, 2003
–June 2011.
Member, National Task-force on Prevention of Mother to Child
Transmission (PMTCT) of HIV – 2001 –June 2011.
Director, Prevention of PMTCT of HIV Project, College of Medicine,
University College Hospital, Ibadan.
Principal Investigator: APIN Plus PEPFAR Program- University College
Hospital, Ibadan.
Country-PI Operation Stop Cervical Cancer in Nigeria – 2006 till date.
Chairman, Sub-Saharan Africa Cervical Cancer Working Group – 14
December,2007 till date
Member, Medical Practitioner Disciplinary Tribunal – April 2004-2006.
Member, Education Committee, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria – 2002-2006.
Member, Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria – 2002-2006.
Secretary, African Regional Task-force on the Control of Gynaecological Cancers.
Secretary-General – Confederation of African Medical Associations and
Societies (CAMAS) – August 1997-2003.
Assistant Secretary-General – Confederation of African Medical
Associations and Societies (CAMAS). March 1992 – August 1997.
Chairman – Nigerian Medical Association (Oyo State Branch) – 1993-1995.
Member – National Task Force on Appropriate use of blood and blood
products – 1992.
Member – Joint Committee NMA – National Task Force on HIV/AIDS – 1992.
Secretary – NMA AIDS Committee – 1990-1992.
Secretary-General, Nigerian Medical Association – 1990-1992.
Deputy Secretary-General, Nigerian Medical Association – 1988-1990.
Member, NMA Visitation Team on Study of Swedish Health Care System – 1984.
Member, NMA Committee on National Health Policy – 1984.
Member, NMA Negotiating Panel on Residency Training Programme – 1983-1984.
Secretary, Nigerian Medical Association (Oyo State Branch) – 1984 – 1985.
President, National Association of Resident Doctors of Nigeria (NARD)
– 1983-1984.
Secretary-General, Association of Resident Doctors, University College
Hospital, Ibadan Nigeria – 1982-1983.
Member, Editorial Board – The Global Santé Journal
Nigerian Journal of Medicine – 1997 – till date.
Editorial Adviser: Nigerian Medical Journal – 1989-1992.
Consultant, National Tumour marker Project – 1997 till date.
HONOURS AND AWARDS
Best Head of Department-College of Medicine, University of Ibadan. 1999/2000.
Best Lecturer of the Year Award- College of Medicine, University of
Ibadan November 1995.
Brownite of Honour – Alexander Brown Hall, University of Ibadan – November 1994.
PUNCH

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun has congratulated the people of Ile Ife and the Yoruba nation in particular for the peaceful selection of a new Ooni of Ife.
Adeyeye Ogunwusi, the Ojaja II, would succeed the departed Ooni, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who joined his ancestors.
‎This is contained in a statement by Mr Kunle Oyatomi, APC ‘s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, in Osogbo on Tuesday.
It stated that with the announcement of Ogunwusi as successor to Sijuwade, a new era had begun in the change paradigm currently sweeping across the country.
‎The statement stated that the corporate world, the Yoruba nation and indeed Nigeria as a whole expected the new Ooni to take off from where the late Sijuwade ended his glorious reign.
“We expect the Ooni-designate to drive the traditional institution with similar if not stronger zest and panache that Oba Sijuade deployed to promote culture, especially that of the Yoruba nation throughout the world,’’ it stated.
It stated that the choice of Ogunwusi must have been based on his pedigree and antecedent.
The statement, however, stated that it was with great expectation that the party look forward to the eventful reign of the new Ooni. (NAN)

Osun State House of Assembly has eventually constituted its 23 Standing Committee.
The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam named the committee at the plenary
on Tuesday. The sixth Assembly was inaugurated on June 2, 2015 by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
Announcing the names of the committee members and chairmen, the speaker said all the committees were important depending on the efforts put into it.
Salaam said the committees would further assist the house in its oversight functions on Ministries Deparments and Agencies (MDAs) of government.
Shortly after the announcement of the committee, the Chairman, House Committee on Information, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye said the assembly would be more critical in its oversight functions.
He said the officials of MDAs should buckle up and be more dedicated to their jobs, as the house would not take negligence for answer.
According to him, the supervision machinery of the Assembly would be strengthened to further ensure quality service delivery to the people of the state.
Promising that the people would be given appropriate information on the activities of the house, he urged the people to exploit the feed back mechanism that has been put in place by the house for free-flow of information.
“For us in Osun Assembly, information is power and because we believe that governance is about participation, it is important for the people to also give us appropriate and adequate information  that will enhance our legislative performance, giving the fact that we are their representatives.
“The house is blessed with brilliant people who are highly resourceful and with wealth of experience from different professional background. With the constitution of the Committee and its leadership, in coming days we will be able to project the activities of the assembly in better lights. As an arm of government and elected representative of our people, the house shall step up its game to continue to serve the common interest, we will continue to listen to our people and keep in touch with our constituency”, he said.
He then assured that the assembly would do more and allow the overall interest of the people to drive its agenda, dutifully conduct its oversight function, and continue to speak with one voice in the defend of the people, the vulnerable and the downtrodden.
DAILY INDEPENDENT

Find below a copy of the statement signed by the Secretary to the State Government, on the appointment of a new Ooni. 

…attend Igbajo Polytechnic’s education summit

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has described any education that is not functional and impactful on the society as a waste.

This was even as the former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, stated that all hands must be on deck to discourage the disparity between Polytechnic and University education in Nigeria.

Aregbesola and Kwankwaso spoke at the second education summit of Igbajo Polytechnic, with the theme, “Though the Roots of Education are bitter, but the fruit is sweet” at the permanent site of the school in Igbajo, State of Osun.

‎The governor of Osun stated that Osun in realisation that education must be functional, the state is embarking on restructuring of all its educational establishments.

He defined education as a process of preparing citizens for a civilised life in the society, admonishing the students of the polytechnic to take a queue from education that will prepare them for the society.

Aregbesola commended the American system of education which he said does not promote dichotomy with the admission that every human being can study up to Masters degree level according to their capacity.

According to him, “What we have in Nigeria is lack of incorporated learning, the feeling of inferiority that some people place on the Polytechnic education will not arise if we see education as a process of preparing citizens for a civilised society.

“In Osun, we are doing something that is very interesting. We are restructuring the polytechnics and our colleges of education to be functional and impactful on Osun.

“Any education that does not have positive impact on the society is a waste. Education must be functional and impactful for it to make meaning”. The governor expressed.

In his remarks, Senator Kwankwaso stated that at this point of change that Nigerians have in the country, technical education must be promoted for the development of technology in Nigeria.

He noted that, all and sundry must change their attitudes on technical education, saying perception is the first step towards the widening gap that has been created through the disparity among the two levels of higher learning.

Kwankwaso added that what should be paramount at this stage of the country‎ is how institutions of higher learning will be turning out graduates that will be able to earn descent living and contribution to the society at large.

He commended the Igbajo community for initiating the Polytechnic, stressing that his love for the town is immeasurable.

The former governor said, “I am very proud of this town because this town Igbajo produced a son who has been useful to me and my family in person of Chief Adegboyega Awomolo SAN. He is with us to protect us against our enemies in court, he is our General in the field of law in the country and especially in Kano.

“I want to also state here that I am a product of technical education, not only that I attended the Polytechnic also, I attended technical college and craft school. We need to do some attitudinal change because we are different people.

“So many people have succeeded without the two institutions of higher learning, what is important is to make good contributions to humanity and earn living.

“I know several President ‎who have not gone to the university and they have contributed their quotas to the development of their countries and the world,” he stressed.

Speaking earlier, the theme Speaker and Registrar of Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Dibu Ojerinde noted that without technical education, there will be no technology.

The JAMB boss added that Polytechnic education must be encouraged because the country needs new knowledge and technology for it to become one of the major players in global economy.

He decried the decline in the number of applications to Polytechnics, noting that Technical education will in a long way develop Nigeria’s long desired development in technology.

Prof. Ojerinde commended Governor Aregbesola and former governor of Kano State, Senator Musa Rabiu Kwankwaso for their contributions to the development of JAMB Computer based Test CBT to students, saying JAMB got a lot of encouragement from Kano and Osun.

He said, “we can not continue to do some certain things in the same way and get good results. We must change, we have abundance of resources to convert to have whatever product that we desire.

“That is why JAMB introduced the unified tertiary matriculation examination which is part of the road map for education sector. Technical education is the answer, the CBT introduced by JAMB is a way to develop us if we want to be like other countries we have to be up and doing”. Prof. Ojerinde emphasised.

Also, the Rector of the Osun State College of Technology, Esa-oke, Engr. Oluyemi Oke called for the funding of technical education and personnel in the polytechnic encouraged as their counterpart in the universities.

He stated that the country needs to develop and make sure that Polytechnics stand out and their facilities not over stretched.

“The gap between universities and Polytechnic are widening everyday, I want to advocate that weather you attend the university or polytechnic, you still can get to where those who attend the university can get to, I advocate for a Bachelor of Technology.

“Unless we review what we have in the Polytechnic, that gap will continue to widened. The argument between the polytechnic and university can be addressed by consolidating on the Polytechnic.

“we need both to develop as we want. The future belongs to the polytechnic if our quest for development is to be realised,” The Rector told the audience.

Photos of the Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with the Former State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Erelu Olusola Obada, during the Funeral Service Of Chief Albert Olokunle Apara, at Cathedral Church of St. John Iloro, Ilesa, State of Osun, on Friday 23/10/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola with Former State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Erelu Olusola Obada, during the Funeral Service Of Chief Albert Olokunle Apara, at Cathedral Church of St. John Iloro, Ilesa, State of Osun, on Friday 23/10/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Speaker House of Assembly, Lagos State, Hon. Mudashir Obasha, during the Funeral Service Of Chief Albert Olokunle Apara, at Cathedral Church of St. John Iloro, Ilesa, State of Osun, on Friday 23/10/2015.

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right); Former Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs. Erelu Olusola Obada (right), Speaker House of Assembly, Lagos State, Hon. Mudashir Obasha (left), Mrs. Mojisola Apara (3rd left), Mrs Lolade Adeoye (2nd right) and Director General Office of Economic & Partnerships, Dr. Charles Akinola (2nd left), during the Funeral Service of Chief Albert Olokunle Apara, at Cathedral Church of St. John Iloro, Ilesa, State of Osun, on Friday 23/10/2015.

Photos of  Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu  Musa Kwankwaso, during a visit to Aregbesola, at Government House Osogbo, State of Osun, on Thursday 22/10/2015

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during a visit to Aregbesola, at Government House Osogbo, State of Osun, on Thursday 22/10/2015

Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Former Governor of Kano State, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, during a visit to Aregbesola, at Government House Osogbo, State of Osun, on Thursday 22/10/2015

*Says it’s not cutting workers’ salaries

The Government of the state of Osun has asked the Peoples Democratic Party to bury its head in shame for being the architect of the various belt-tightening measures which Nigeria must put in place at the moment to ensure continued survival of the country.

The Government said it was laughable for the PDP to think that it made any expose out of its mischievous statement when it accused the Rauf Aregbesola administration of cutting salaries of workers and introducing other measures.

In a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, the government said while there is no attempt at reducing the salaries of its workers or sacking workers, it is an open development that the government is embarking on a number of measures to keep the state’s head above the stormy economic waters which was foisted on Nigeria, Osun inclusive, by the PDP’s 16 years of misrule.

“If the PDP thought it made any news out of the removal of the between 25% to 35% Overtime allowance of staff of some government agencies, it must be living in a fools paradise. If not mischief, how does that translate to cutting of salaries and retrenchment of workers? This is because there is no measure being taken that is not an outcome of rigorous deliberations with workers and other critical stakeholders,” the statement noted.

The government asked Nigerians to ask the PDP the basis of its unfounded allegations and other tantrums, adding that in no way will the party be excused from the economic woes the country now faces for which the All Progressives Congress government at all levels is working hard to fix.

“After the bailout fund was released to states, rather than concentrate on a positive engagement of the government on how the funds would be used for the good of the people of Osun, they were busy telling lies. Nigerians should not forget how the PDP accused Aregbesola of fixing bailout funds in a deposit account to make personal gains. They should also not forget how they falsely accused the government of diverting the bailout funds to paying contractors. With these alone, the PDP has lost all moral rights to be listened to as a credible opposition. Opposition cannot be based on fabrications and outright falsehood,” the government said.

The statement said that whoever fails to admit that Nigeria is facing serious economic crisis must be living in the moon, adding “It is no longer news that the economy of not only Nigeria but the entire world is in crisis especially those who depend on crude oil.

“After all, some 24 months ago, oil sold for about $114 a barrel but now the same sells for between $45 to $48. From that alone, is it not clear that a country like Nigeria which depends more than 80 % for its national income on sale of crude will be in difficulties managing it’s affairs?”

The government said it is with this in mind that the government of Osun is trying everything possible to ensure that the state stays with its head above the waters.

“If the PDP wants to be honest with itself, can the party exonerate itself from the economic morass that Nigeria is into today? Even before the unfortunate decline in the sale of crude at the international market, Nigeria had endured a most horrendous case of bleeding of the economy.

“Today, after the installation of a truly people’s government, the atrocities of the PDP-led government are coming out in what may enter the Guinness Book of Records as the most brutal stealing of a people’s commonwealth in its 16 years of kleptomaniac grip on Nigeria.”

The statement said the PDP has cast itself as an opposition predicated on falsehood. It said it lost all its rights to be listened to by all right-thinking Nigerians.