The determination and commitment of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola led administration in Osun State to make the state the hub of commerce received a boost recently with the commissioning of an ultra modern market, Ayegbaju International Market in Osogbo, Osun State Capital.

Market men, market women, artisans and shop owners were full of praises and prayers when the tw-phased new market which cost the state government a whopping sum of N2.3billion was commissioned with fanfare.

The commissioning was attended by dignitaries from all walks of life. The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Larooye II appeared happiest of all the guests that witnessed the occasion being the traditional head of Osogbo, the state capital.

He drove to the venue of the event in convoy of other traditional rulers from across the state.

Though there had beene markets in Osogbo, the capital city of Osun State all this while, they were more of street or roadside markets where people display their goods and wares by the streets and roadsides.

The implications had been that whenever the market was in session, such as at the markets at Igbona, Olu-Ode, Sabo, Orisumbare, MDS, Alekunwodo, Akindeko among others, there would be traffic gridlock along these busy roads and making life unbearable for motorists.

Effort by the then Colonel Theophilus Bamigboye military regime in the state to construct the new Orisumbare Market at MDS area could not however assuage the situation as the market was inadequate even as it was not meant for agricultural goods and food items.

Nevertheless,  the current administration on assumption of office facilitated the construction and establishment of three markets at the same time in a bid to restore the old commercial activities of Osogbo. The markets are Ayegbaju, Dagbolu and Aje International Markets.

As at the time of filling this report, Aje International Market is also nearing completion.

One unique facility provided at the market is the online shopping and home delivery services tagged: e-business. It is the first online shopping facility in the South West of Nigeria.

The Ayegbaju market built on eight hectares of land was conducted under a Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement in collaboration with Unity Bank. The market is also equipped with facilities such as mini stalls, open stalls, warehouses, locked-up shops, exclusive shops, fire station, police station, banks, medical centre, church, bukataria, meat and fish stalls, washbay, coldrooms, cafeteria, public toilets, roads networks, drainages, an entrance with a gatehouse and public toilets among other facilities.

Others are administrative and maintenance offices, administrative lodge, market coordinator office, mosque, car parks, electrical transformers and distribution network, CCTV Cameras and installation of public address system, under-ground and overhead water tank, two industrial bore holes, water reticulation and generators.

Besides, provision was made to accommodate petty traders, sellers of food items and ingredients to facilitate easy access to domestic needs of users of the market.

Speaking at the commissioning event, the State Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Barrister Bashir Ajibola said that the project was aimed to ensure the return Osogbo to her old commercial centre status where people from far and near would come to trade.

He said that since the creation of the state, there has not been a time when the structural and social transformation of the state been attended to with such zeal and passion as that of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

He noted that the people of the state began to see; have the feeling of and comprehend Aregbesola’s plan of action within his first 100 days in office.

Ajibola noted that Aregbesola should be celebrated for embarking on the project, noting that even against all odds from the opposition, the Aregbesola administration has decided to be accountable to the people of Osun.

“In line with Mr. Governor’s philosophy of inclusive economic growth, he has directed Osun Property Development Corporation (OSPDC), Omoluabi Savings and Loans Plc and Osun Investment Company Ltd. to acquire shops for onward disposition to Osun residents and civil servants at highly subsidised rates and payable installmentally.

“These, government have through the agencies currently have100 lock-up shops; 50 mini stalls; 30 open stalls and 12 exclusive offices available. These shops will be distributed to genuine but indigent traders at favourable and liberal payment terms.

He disclosed further that Governor Aregbesola has approved the construction of modern market in all the cities under the urban renewal programmes of the state.

The developer of the market, Engineer Olufemi Oshoniyi of Edward Property Konsult Limited disclosed the project was in line with the Six Point Integral Action Plan of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to banish poverty, hunger and provide employment among others.

He assured that the third phase of the project will be completed soon adding that the layout of the market and roads were named after some indigene of Osogbo for their struggle, commitment, hardwork, and contribution to the growth and success of Osogbo and the State in general.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun expressed appreciation to the Governor for the wonderful feat.

He opined that the people of Osogbo will forever be grateful to the administration of Aregbesola for turning Osogbo the state capital into what he described as a mega-city through various infrastructural developments.

In her own remark, the Iyaloja General, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade appreciated the governor for his genuine interest in the affairs of the market women and the people of the state at large.

Alhaja Asindemade said the market will not only boost the economy of the state but also affect the lives of the entire citizenry positively

Performing the commissioning of the market, Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola expressed his administration’s commitment to the welfare of the people of the state irrespective of their religion or political affiliation promising to make Osun the nerve centre of commerce in the South West and Nigeria at large.

The elated governor said the successful construction of the market was a testimony that his administration’s less than four years rule could not be compared with the seven and a half years of his predecessor.

Aregbesola said he was happy that the people of the state appreciated his government for its various development projects, saying that the acceptability of his programmes and projects continued to motivate him to do more.

While saying that the development the people of the state was a tip of the iceberg in what he would do when re-elected for second term, Aregbesola said the development agenda of his administration has translated to progress for individuals saying that the people of the state should consider themselves lucky to witness the transformation that is going on in the state.

He noted that the height of urbanisation in any society is the development of modern markets which has the ability to develop the economy of such a society.

Aregbesola who opined that the market will be the first centre of commerce in the state, described its commissioning as a celebration of wealth, commercialisation and the market women whom he described as the major stakeholders.

He added that the Ayegbaju International market will be followed by other equally big markets in all the nine major cities that have been listed for the urban renewal programme of the present administration.

He explained that his administration has continued to embark on people oriented projects aimed at improving the economic status of the state, and impact, positively on the lives of its people.

Expressing the optimism that the market will definitely enhance the economy of the state, the number one citizen in the state assured the people of the state that his administration will continue to strive for the growth of the state saying it is the main reason he is in government.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

Osun State government has reaffirmed its commitment to making life better for people of the state by constantly patronizing local producers.

The state Deputy Governor, Mrs. Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, stated this while receiving members of the Osun State Knitting Association of Nigeria, who were on hand to register their solidarity with the state government and pledge their support for the re-election of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for second term.

Mrs. Laoye-Tomori said achieving improvement on the living condition of the people of the state is paramount to the present administration which necessitated embarking upon people’s oriented programmes by the state government. The state deputy governor also advised the women to form themselves to cooperative societies so as to benefit from the state’s loan scheme to improve on their businesses.

Advising the women to ensure their full participation in the forthcoming August 9 gubernatorial election in the state and vote for Governor Rauf Aregbesola, the state Deputy Governor urged them not to sell their voters’ cards for any politician, saying it is a tool of safeguarding their future and those of their children.

DAILY INDEPENDENT

The annual prestigious and age-long Osun-Osgogbo festival which started over 500 years ago has unveiled its programme and corporate sponsors for this year’s edition at Eko hotel and suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Tuesday, 8th July, 2014.

The program-unveiling event was attended by prominent dignitaries from Osun State including The Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, Olanioekun Larooye II, the Special Adviser to the State Government on Culture and Tourism, Hon Ladi Soyode, veteran international artists, Chief Jimoh Buraimoh and Chief Nike Davies-Okundaye, Ifa Archbishop cum actor, Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon and prominent cultural festivals marketer, Mr Ayo Olumoko.

The programme unveiling marks the commencement of the pre-festival events which includes the Ataoja Youth Football Challenge, Iwopopo (Traditional Cleansing of the City), Art exhibition, Ayo Olopon contest (Native Ayo game), and Musical concert to be led by Apala maestro, Musiliu Haruna Ishola, the Lightening of the 642 years old 16 points lamp (Olojumerindinlogun), and Ataoja’s golf Competition. Other pre- festival events include Osun Marathon Walk, Osun Traditional Food Festival, and Osun Trade Fair. The pre-festival events end on Sunday, 17th August, 2014.

The festival’s grand finale kicks off on Monday, 18th August, 2014 with Iboriade (Ataoja’s Crowns Assemblage), Arugba’s berth, a tour of Susanne Wenger’s Sacred Colloquium, Osun Children cultural fiesta, HIV/AIDS Promotional Campaign, Sisi Osun Cultural Pageant and Ataoja’s Royal Invitational Reception.

Corporate sponsors of the Osun-Osgogbo festival were also unveiled. They include telecoms giant, MTN, Nigerian Breweries’ Goldberg, Seaman’s, and Kasapreko’s Alomo Bitters.

A special assistant to the State Governor, Hon Soyode speaking at the event, says the Osun Osogbo festival ‘has culminated in becoming the biggest festival in Nigeria having recorded 21,713 domestic tourists including 123 international tourists while Abuja Carnival recorded 19,015 domestic tourists with 113 international tourists in 2013’.

In Chief Jimoh Buraimoh’s remarks, he said the festival has maintained its originality, authenticity, and acceptability despite the influence of western civilization, education and religion.

“It should also be noted that the Osun Grove was enlisted as a World Heriatge Site by the United Nations International, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) in Durban, South Africa in July 15th, 2005. Corporate sponsorship and individual’s identification with any of the festival events will therefore be a rare opportunity to advance relations, products and services patronage with the fulfilment of discharging corporate social responsibilities and national obligations to the Osogbo community cultural fiesta, State of Osun, the Government and people of Nigeria”.

NATIONAL MIRROR

As the 2014 gubernatorial election draws nearer in the State of Osun, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Honourable Bola Ilori, has stated that disenfranchising of the electorate in the upcoming governorship election would be a knife to the future of democracy in the state and Nigeria at large.
Ilori made this known recently at the re-election campaign rally of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at Seventh Day Adventist Church Secondary School, Ede recently. He affirmed that the warm reception accorded Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by residents of Ede and party supporters from the other local government council areas in the federal constituencies across the state showed that the performance of the present administration was uncommon.
Ilori, while calling on the electorate not to allow some miscreants, who believed the only way to be at the helms of affair was through fraudulent means, charged them to reject the antics of the opposition to disenfranchise them by buying their voters’ cards.
The governor’s aide, who urged the people of the state to come out enmasse to exercise their civic responsibility, stressed the need for the electorate to guard their votes jealously and also ensure that their votes count after the voting exercise.
Ilori, who was excited by the large turnout of people at the event, said it was obvious that the people were there to give their undivided support for Aregbesola’s second term in office, explained that it was an indication that the people really appreciated the uncommon developments witnessed in the state courtesy of Aregbesola’s determination to make Osun a great state.
“What can we say, after seeing what he has done by diversification of the economy, we can point to all sectors, which have taken a dramatic and progressive turn.”
“People are gathering here today to appreciate the good governance and unprecedented achievements of Aregbesola and that is what we can see right now.”
“Aregbesola deserves to be re-elected because his performance cannot be over-emphasized and even a lay-man knows he will definitely do more than this when he emerges victorious on August 9th, 2014,” Ilori stressed.
OSUN DEFENDER

The four-month-old strike action embarked upon by members of the Non-Teaching Staff of Tertiary Institutions in Osun State has been suspended.

The suspension was announced by the chairman of the Joint Negotiating Committee (JNC) of the union, Comrade Olusoji Fasipe, shortly after signing the agreement papers with which the state government met their demands at the Exco Chambers of the Governor’s Office.

While expressing optimism that the state government will fulfill its promise to the union without further delay, Comrade Fasipe directed all members of the union to resume at their respective duty posts today, 14th July, 2014.

Speaking on behalf of the state government while signing the agreement, the head of service, Mr Olayinka Owoeye, expressed appreciation to the union leaders for their understanding and patriotism in resolving the industrial action amicably, assuring them of government’s sincerity in the signing of the agreement.

He urged the JNC of the Non-Teaching Staff Union leaders to appeal to their members to put their grievances behind them and contribute to the meaningful development of the state, adding that the government of Mr Rauf Aregbesola would continue to improve the welfare of its workforce.

Mr Owoeye also appreciated members of the state House of Assembly for the speedy passage of the elongation of retirement year of the striking academic workers of Osun tertiary institutions.

LEADERSHIP

“If anything, his efforts deserve to be applauded, and if Nigeria must develop quickly, men of ability and substance must never shy away from throwing their hats into the political ring just like what Ogbeni Aregbesola has done” – Quoted in Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (In the footsteps of Chief Obafemi Awolowo) Page. 105.

It has been said in several quarters that Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola is the greatest positive thing that has happened to the people of Osun State, since he was sworn in as the Executive Governor on November 27th, 2010.

This fact above manifested clearly again when I visited the State recently. It has been said correctly too that, no one leader or sitting Governor of the State of Osun has won the hearts of the masses overwhelmingly like Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, since Osun State was created out of Oyo State on August 27th, 1991.

Fact is sacred! When Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola invited me to join his campaign team to Ede, perhaps for me to see things for myself, I was excited to make the trip with him. What I saw as we made our way to Ede and when we got to Ede proper exceedingly warmed my hearts. It warmed my hearts because my more than two years research into the activities of Ogbeni Aregbesola which has manifested into a recent book on him, has turned out to be a worthy and well deserved venture.

What I saw in Ede has equally complimented the fact that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s idealism and fiery temperament has given hope to many who has hastily flocked to his train of political redemption. This man is absolutely sincere with power and what he has done and what he still hopes to do is visible for any one that visits Osun State to X-ray.

Indeed, what I saw on our way to Ede clearly displayed that Ogbeni Aregbesola has attracted the attention of the lowly, the humble and the multitudes that have seen hope in his political proclamations. As we made our way to Ede, school children of all grades ran out of their school compound to shout and cheer Ogbeni; on their faces one could see exceeding joy and satisfaction.

After all, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is feeding them with hygienic food and clothing them as they go to school every day, using his popular programme of O’MEAL (reserved for pupil of between primary one-four). Women and men of all shades and the elderly people trooped out to dance and sing the praise of Mr. Governor of Osun State and waved the flags and broom of the All Progressive Congress (APC), as the Governor’s convoy drove slowly towards Ede.

As we moved closer to Ede, the entire town suddenly rose up to welcome Ogbeni Aregbesola’s campaign train. I will never forget the experience. People were recklessly cheering, dancing and singing on the streets. What awaited us at the palace of Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal was quite unique. The mood at the palace was indeed emotionally irresistible as the orgy of celebration was total. The crowd that had gathered within the palace listened attentively and enthusiastically as Ogbeni Aregbesola addressed them on why they should return him to power on August 9th 2014.

The mood at the Seventh Day Adventist High School, Ede, venue of the Ogbeni Aregbesola’s re-election campaign rally was ecstatic, as people of all colours, the aged and the young, poor and the rich danced uncontrollably as Governor Aregbesola rode in .The spontaneous emotional outburst that gripped the venue of the campaign rally reached crescendo as Ogbeni Aregbesola made his way to the podium.

When Governor Rauf Aregbesola said “Our administration has treated the various political districts equally without sentiment…What we have done in less than 40 months, surpassed what they did in seven years both in quantity and quality”, he was saying nothing but the truth.

I indeed saw completed township roads in Ede and the inhabitants were happy with Ogbeni. It is clear without any shadow of doubt that Ogbeni Aregbesola came and prepared to lead the people of Osun to the glorious next level. 10 kilometer of roads are being constructed in every Local Government Areas of the State of Osun. The crowds in Ede were simply very large. The man is popular!

On Monday July 7th, 2014, a day before the mega rally at Ede, Ogbeni Aregbesola commissioned the Ayegbaju Modern International Market in Oshogbo. I have reliably gathered that a replica of this gigantic market will soon appear in all the senatorial districts of the State. There is something about the Ayegbaju Modern International Market, that I have not seen anywhere in this country before.

The Ayegbaju market, apart from the massive size of land it occupies in Station road Oshogbo, has facilities like Hotels, Medical Centre, Banks, a Mosque, Church, Filling Station, Police Station, and Car Park etc. It will be a miracle of the century if Senator Iyiola Omisore, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the Osun 2014 Governorship election wins the race on August 9th 2014? The phase two of the market is presently being constructed.

With what I witnessed on Tuesday July 7th, 2014, in Ede, and what I have seen on the ground in terms of honest pragmatic implementation of formulated policies like OPON IMO (Tablet of knowledge) O’MEAL, O’Schools, O’TOURS, O’AMBULANCE, re-classification of schools, Agba Osun (scheme for the elderly), O’YES (Youth Employment Scheme), O’REAP etc, Ogbeni Aregbesola will clinch the baton of re-election onAugust 9th, 2014, in the State of Osun.

Apart from Ede, the tumultuous crowds that normally trooped out to welcome Ogbeni wherever he goes on a campaign tour, is an indication that the man is the tribune of the silent majority in the state of Osun.

Nowinta, Wrote OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA
(In The Footsteps Of Obafemi Awolowo)

SAVIDNEWS

Showcasing various projects in Ilesha by the Government of the State of Osun

Holy Trinity Elementary sch, Muroko Ilesa
L.A Elementary School, Imo, Ilesa

St Peter Elementary School,Isona, Ilesa
Methodist Elementary School, Oke Omi, OsuAtakunmosa West

Ilesa Township Roads Rehabilitation

Ilesa Township Roads Rehabilitation

Ilesa Township Roads Rehabilitation

Ilesa Township Roads Rehabilitation

Ilesa Township Roads Rehabilitation

The United State Consul General to Nigeria, Jeffrey Hawkins, on Monday disclosed that he would lead a team of about 30 American observers to Osun State for the August 9 governorship election in the state.
Hawkins spoke at the opening ceremony of a four-day workshop organised by the US Mission in Nigeria for press and public affairs officers of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), drawn across the country.
He said the U.S will closely monitor the election because it was key to cementing Nigeria’s democracy.
“I will be in Osun on the election day. We will be deploying about 30 observers in similar magnitude with that of Ekiti.

“We have a wide programme working with the INEC through the United States Agency for International Development and through various training sessions to support the work of INEC and we have a close collaboration with the commission’s chairman, Attahiru Jega and others.
“So there is a strong commitment from the U.S to democracy in Nigeria whether it is on a localised level or at the national level,” said Hawkins.
While expressing the U.S satisfaction with the Ekiti governorship poll, Hawkins urged the INEC press and public affairs officers to be open and transparent while they go about their duties during elections.
He said: “Be honest with your immediate colleagues, journalists and the Nigerian public and demonstrate to the Nigerian people that the country is on the right track; that the democracy is moving forward.
“Let the people know that they have an electoral commission that cares about honest results in the elections. It is a big challenge but if you can achieve that you would have done a good thing for the country and you would be great patriots for Nigeria.”
DAILY NEWS AND ANALYTICS

The governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has said that the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Iyiola Omisore’s litany of lies would not be enough to earn him victory in the August 9 governorship poll.

Aregbesola, through a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon, said as the state inches towards the August 9 date, Omisore rather than explain to the people of Osun and other stakeholders what he intends to do differently, has dissipated energy trying in vein to discredit the various landmark projects of the Aregbesola administration.

“We acknowledge his capacity for lies, fraudulent claims, innuendoes and fallacies. We however note that these are only the last resort for a candidate who knows the degree of the rejection he has suffered from the good people of Osun.

“Omisore must take the Osun people for being daft to believe they will embrace his lies. In recent times, he has woven a litany of lies around all the projects of the Aregbesola administration such as Opon Imo, roads contracts, school reforms, financial engineering, youths empowerment schemes, environmental development projects and others.

“But what Omisore appears to forget is the fact that the people are at the centre of these programmes and therefore they are the direct beneficiaries. Any attempt to discredit them easily fails,” the statement said.

Reminding Omisore and his listeners how his many lies have been put to shame, the statement demanded from the PDP candidate how he intends to explain his almost one year of dubious claims of heavy indebtedness after the Debt Management Office came from the Presidency and faulted his claims.

“In some other parts of the world, that revelation and confirmation are enough reasons for Omisore to back out of the contest having been found not to be credible in his several claims on the so-called Osun debt.

“But his shamelessness knows no limit. He has moved from one lie to another as if lies are all it takes to win a governorship election,” the statement added

Saying that his penchant for causing disaffection in the state is noted, the statement reminded the people that all the PDP candidate had done since he began his campaigns is to muddle up facts and figures.

“He has sought desperately to set workers against the government. The Osun workers who have witnessed the massive changes in the conditions of service since the Aregbesola administration came would even in the face of the confusion attempted by him, still take the best electoral decision of re-electing Aregbesola for a second term.

Advising him to utilize the little campaign period left to tell the people what ideas he has to improve the lots of the Osun people, the statement added that it is not enough tell lies at rallies and rely on the proposed militarization of the state to capture power.

“This arrogant reliance on the powers of the Federal Government-controlled forces to subjugate a people in order to rob them of their rights to choose their leaders and endless lies would not help Omisore. At best, they will make him enter the hall of infamy in the politics of our land,” the statement concluded