The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has inaugurated a five-man board for SKYRUN Cocoa Product Industry, Ede, Osun in a bid to improve on cocoa production in the state and turn Osun to a hub of the Chinese  investment in Nigeria.
 

 
This was even as the Chairman of the Shanghai Golden Monkey Group, Mr Qizan Zhao disclosed his company’s readiness to invest N10billion into the economy of the state through cocoa processing and production and other investment activities in the state.
The chairman also said the company will have  the capacity to provide 1000 jobs for the unemployed youths in the state in the next two years.
The newly inaugurated board is chaired by Dr. Adewale Adeeyo with four other members drawn from Osun and the partnering companies which include, Shanghai Golden Monkey Group and High Hope Skyrun International of Nanjing in China.
Other members are: Mr Jianhu Liu, Mr Xie Shao, Mrs Feng Xu and Elder George Adedeji.
Aregbesola while inaugurating the board at the Government House Osogbo, said the decision was parts of his administration’s resolve to turn Osun to commercial hub of southwestern Nigeria.
It would be recalled that the company was revived by the Aregbesola led administration after 15-years of being moribund, a development which had in the last two years yielded positive results.
Aregbesola who described the inauguration as another milestone achievement to reposition the industry and make it one of the best cocoa production outfits in the world, said his government would spare no effort to ensure the success of the partnership.
He said the decision to invest N10billion into the company by the Chinese investors has marked the beginning of wealth creation and jobs generation in the state.
According to him, since china is a centralised economy with communist government, thus, our partnership with the Chinese company would not only turn Osun to a commercial and industrial hub but also avail us ample opportunities in wealth creation and jobs generation.
“With N10billion coming to the state through the production of cocoa and other related products, then Osun people can be rest assured of better life in commerce, trade and industry as our state would soon be the hub of China investment in Nigeria.
“I have been to the head quarters of Shanghai Golden Monkey Group in China and I have confidence that with the vast industrial and commercial investment of this company, we are on the right economic track in developing our state through a productive, efficient and profitable partnership”, he added.
He charged the newly inaugurated members on the need to take the industry to greater heights that would be the envy of its peers across the globe.
In his remarks, the Chairman of the Shanghai Golden Monkey Group, Mr Qizan Zhao, expressed his company’s readiness to inject N10billion into the Skyrun Cocoa Product Industry Ede as part of efforts to take the company to an enviable position ever known in history.
Zhao said the decision to partner Osun government came on a heels to properly harness the state’s potentials in cocoa production and other agricultural produce.
He said the company has seen a realistic prospect in the economic fortunes of the state, a knowledge which according to him will be profitably maximised through the partnership.
He said his company was ready to purchase in large quantity cocoa beans in its bid to expand its production line, saying no efforts would be spared to make Nigeria and Osun in particular the hub of China investment in Nigeria.
Zhao said the decision to expand on the production line of the industry was to create mass employment opportunities for the unemployed citizens in the state, saying the company has seen the possibility in accomplishing its dreams for the state.
“This is the first time I visit Nigeria. With what I have seen, it is not a doubt that my presence has made me to know that Nigeria has plenty of talents that could aid her to greatness commercially, economically and industrially. Nigeria is a good place to be.
“I represent 5000 staffers of Golden Monkey Group and in 2015 the company had an agreement to partner Osun having decided to invest in Nigeria on cocoa production and as at today the ties has translated to positive results so far.
“With this move in business world, we have seen that Nigeria is like China where everywhere is a chance for business and businessmen to thrive.
“Our partnership with Osun has made us to see that cocoa beans of Nigeria is the best raw materials in the world, and we are ready to cue into this consciously to ensure possible development of the state and Nigeria as a whole.
“I have confidence to invest more in Osun. We are going to invest to ensure that Osun and Nigeria become the best producers of chocolate with great positive effects on the economy of Osun.
“We want to invest in Osun not only to boost her commercial trade and investment but to provide massive employment opportunity for the citizens.
“For these reasons, we have resolved to invest N10billion into the Skyrun Cocoa Product Industry, Ede so as to boost the state’s capacity on commerce, industry and business”, he added.
 
He then promised to invite other chinese investors to Nigeria and Osun in particular, saying this will make Osun a state to be reckoned with in business world.
While speaking on behalf of other members of the board, the newly inaugurated Chairman, Dr. Adeeyo commended the tenacity of Governor Aregbesola for successfully resuscitated the decadence in the perceived moribund cocoa processing company at Ede.
He said the state under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola has done everything possible to  turn the cocoa industry to one of the biggest cocoa processing company in Nigeria.
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Adeeyo said through the massive procurement of cocoa beans and the processing of the product at the Ede plant, Osun will no doubt be a force to reckon with in terms of  wealth and job creation among its peers.
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The chairman while commending the foresight of the state governor‎ thanked him for the persistent support that has sustained the company through the trying period till now that the industry has now risen into a flourishing and profitable status.
According to him, rebuilding a moribund industry is never an easy and enjoyable experience but through the support of the state government they have been able to record a seamless marvelous success story.
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“Ede cocoa industry is  ‎up and running, and with the unmistakably intelligent 55-year experience of Golden Monkey, we would certainly rise to the height top in world cocoa and chocolate production business in West Africa.
“The success story of this industry would never have been possible without the resilient spirit of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, I praise the foresight of our great Governor and I will never be able to thank him enough ‎for the persistent support that has sustained this major. industry into its now flourishing and profitable status.
“Rebuilding a moribund industry has never been an enjoyable experience, but our Governor has made it look like a child’s play through his support and we have been able to record a seamlessly marvelous story.

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The Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi disclosed this yesterday while interacting with the staff of Ife East Local Government, Ile – Ife and Ife North East Local Council Development Area , Modakeke.
 

 
Barrister Alimi stated that it was the government of Aregbesola that approved international conference in 2012 for local government staffers when the economy of the state was good to accommodate it saying that the current modulated salary structure was not borne out of wickedness.
The Commissioner explained that it is the right of the workers to demand for their salaries and demand for increment but the economic realities on ground prevent the government from implementing other
welfare packages already planned for the workers.
Barrister Alimi however assured the workers that their welfare will be given utmost  attention when there is improvement in the economy. He charged them to discharge their duties well as God is a God of recompense.
While Speaking, the Executive Secretary of Ife North East Local Council Development Area, Honourable Dickson Amola eulogised the government of Aregbesola for his various  developmental projects in
Modakeke.
The Executive Secretary of Ife East Local Government, Honourable Adeyeni Olusegun used the opportunity to enunciate different projects he had executed saying he could not do less because the giant strides
of Ogbeni Aregbesola should be replicated at the Local Government level.
The Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees Chairman of Ife East Local Government, Comrade Abiodun Olajolo and his Ife North East Local Council Development Area, Comrade Adisa David pledged the support of the workers for the government of Aregbesola.

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Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the Emir of Borgu, Muhammed Sani Dantoro, have said the unity of Nigeria should remain uppermost in the minds of Nigerians in view of the current socio-religious crisis in the country.
 

 
The duo reiterated the need for the unity of Nigeria as a means to guarantee the continued existence among the citizenry.
A statement by the Bureau of Communication and Strategy signed by its Director Semiu Okanlawon quoted the duo as speaking When the Emir of Borgu Kingdom  visited Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo.
The Governor said the pursuance of the unity of Nigeria and wishing Nigeria well is the same thing as helping Nigeria to assist Africa to make an impact in the world.
He said it will be difficult for the country to grow if all that exists in the country is ethnic violence and sectarian struggles, which he said will always draw back the hand of progress of the country.
Aregbesola said all Nigeria needs as a nation to attain its desired height of greatness is for us all regardless of socio-economic, religious and ethnic differences, to work together in love and unity to meet the common good of the nation.
According to him, “As democrats, as patriots, as nationalists and as those, who believe in the unity of Nigeria, we must do the needful to make Nigeria great.
“If we are talking about Africa and the Black race, why Nigeria must be strong, great and progressive, resourceful and a leading nation in Africa, is because of her geographical composition and by the resources embedded in the nation.
“Nigeria is the only nation on earth that can rebuild worldwide the black image, that notion of a people that deserves respect, recognition and a good place among the diversified human race, Nigeria is the only nation with the capacity to so do.
“Wishing Nigeria well, we should use the power of greatness of Nigeria to foster unity, peace and harmonious relationship in various sectors.
“It is sine qua non to Nigeria meeting her historic responsibility to black race in African continent.
“Africa continent can only make impact in the world if Nigeria has used its correct position as the leading nation in Africa.
“Nigeria cannot so do if we are mired in the squabbles, unnecessary bickering and distorted aspiration occasioned by hatred, ethnic conflict and secretarian struggle.
While describing the Emir of Borgu Kingdom as a royal family of patriots, nationalists and genuine democrats,  who believes that Nigeria deserves the best leadership, Aregbesola lauded the efforts of the Emir”s late father put together in promoting unity among Nigerians.
He added, “My administration has had a fantastic relationship with this kingdom as this could be manifested in things we had done together to revive the peaceful coexistence among Nigerian people.
“Whatever it is that we are experiencing today as a coalition or alliance between the North and the Western part of Nigeria, the father of the current Emir of Borgu played a huge role in facilitating and ensuring the ultimate consummation of the long expected harmony between the leading progressive politicians of the North and traditional progressive politicians of the West.
“The late Emir of Borgu spent a huge part of his life encouraging a fantastic and harmonious relationship with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Muhammed Buhari.
“This Emir is from the family of patriots, nationalists and genuine democrats, who believes that our nation deserves the best leadership, who are dedicated and committed patriotic nationalists.
“This is what we should be doing in Nigeria to demonstrate our unity and our appreciation of it.
“The relationship between Yoruba and Borgu has in no doubt lasted for centuries. We have had an age long fine relationship and I believe that this your efforts will be a confirmation of our age long relationship and unity.
“So, I see this visit as a clear demonstration of your commitment to the greatest of Nigeria, which must be the concern of all us as we must all take a cue from this rather than fan the embers of hate, disquiet and unnecessary squabble and primordial sentiment.
“Let us promote anything that can uplift our nation in the interest of all in bringing love, harmony and preaching togetherness and encouraging inter-ethnic collaboration and cooperation and relationship that will facilitate stronger ties between and among ourselves.
“This is the only way to promote love, peace and unity, which could be translated to all round growth and development”, Aregbesola added.
In his remarks, the Emir of Bogu Kingdom called on the Governor to be at the forefront of championing peace and harmony among all the governors in Nigeria, stressing that Nigerians have a responsibility to work towards saving the country together.
He urged the leaders and citizens in the country to continue to preach peace and love instead of religious acrimony for the country to continue to live as one.
The Royal father, who described clashes and crisis among humans as madness, explained that every Nigerian needs to continue to preach peace as emphasised by all religions.
The Emir of Borgu also called on leaders in the country to jettison political differences and anything that can hinder the unity of Nigeria, saying it is time for all to consciously work for the common goal of moving the nation forward.
“We have to do a lot to keep this country together. Nigeria is for everyone of us and we must do all we could to make this country work.
“The unity of this nation is a duty of all irrespective of our status and backgrounds be it social, political, religious or ethnic.
“We must see the unity and peace of Nigeria as a clarion call to duty. One of the responsibilities required from all is to preach peace and do our best in fostering unity, peace and love regardless of our tribe, religion beliefs, ethnic groups and political differences.
“We need to come together to speak and act with one mind sincerely so that this country can continue to be united and fostered for the benefit of all.
“Crises and clashes that have been happening in some parts of the country are unnecessary. It is a madness for a nation like Nigeria to condone such.  So we have to do our best to preach peace and put every possible end to this menace.
“It is our responsibility to surmount these challenges and address issues bordering on our peaceful cohabitation.
“We have to work together as a nation and champion courses that can make us more united than ever before.
“I want Governor Aregbesola to take a lead on the peaceful advocacy of Nigerian nation. Please use your good offices to canvass peace among your colleagues.
“I want you to be a champion that will lead your colleagues on the need to strengthen peaceful co-existence and unity of Nigeria.
“We want peace in all parts of this country.  You have been doing your best in this regard but I want you to double your efforts

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The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann on Tuesday said he was proud over the achievements made by the Rauf Aregbesola led administration in Osun.
 

 
He expressed excitement on what he described as unprecedented the successes recorded by the Osun state government in all aspects governance.
This was even as Osun and Australian governments cemented partnership on agricultural revolution.
A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon quoted the envoy as speaking during a courtesy call on the governor in his office in Osogbo.
The Australian High Commissioner who led other Australian representatives in Nigeria lauded the social protection initiatives of Governor Aregbesola, a gesture which according to him remain one of the best in the world.
The Envoy who commended the state government of Osun for reawakening the consciousness of its people to the path of greatness, said his visit to the state has given him an ample opportunity to be exposed to myriads of achievements made by Aregbesola’s government.
Lehmann said with what he saw in Osun, it is not a doubt that Osun has taken a bold step in bringing to the people the core dividends of democracy which government and governance stand to achieve.
He said his tours to some of the projects already executed and completed by the Aregbesola’s government is a clear manifestation to the commitment which the state had made towards the development of humanity.
According to Lehmann, the Osun governor has not only put into practice what government and governance represent but also exhibited clearly the role expected of any serious government in consciously rebranding the society and make it liveable for the its people.
The Australian High Commissioner maintained that the continued support given to education by the state would in no doubt bring a brighter future to the state and as well enhance the capacity of the state economically, socially and politically as education remains the bedrock of development in any society.
Lehmann who identified education, agriculture and security as major areas to which the state had invested hugely on said, Osun has sincerely demonstrated that development could only be achieved in a society built on virile educational foundation.
“Educating young people will definitely revive the society and secure a better future for all because it is the only educated mind that advance the potentials of the society for the benefits of all.
“I have gone round the town. I have seen some of the interventions of this administration in all sectors most especially in education, agriculture and security.
“These are the major sectors on which government and governance are based. I was marveled when I visited some of the state-of-the-arts schools constructed by the Aregbesola led government.
“I have seen the good governance in action in Osun because the state has without any sense of doubt done so much on the need to affect the lives of her people positively as this could be deduced from all I saw.
“I have been made to realise the so much efforts and commitment put together by the state on security as it is today on records that this state is one of the peaceful if not most peaceful state in Nigeria.
“This is a good way to go because it is only a secured society that can boast of possible development. I am happy and delighted over these strides and the intervention of the state harness the agricultural potentials of the state to better the lives of the citizens.
“Infact I don’t regret to visit this state because I am overwhelmed with the pace of development all around.
“So I have seen how this state has provided for the future population explosion as keen interest is not only developed on infrastructure but also on the well being of the citizenry.
” I commend Mr Governor for making Osun, Nigeria and Africa proud with his achievements”, Lehmann stated.
While assuring the state of partnership, the Australian High Commissioner said the country would support Osun government in mining sector, education, agriculture and security so as for the government to advance in its dreams to the people.
“I am here to know which area we can be of help to each other and as well advance our business and trade partnership.
” Australia is vast in mining, sports, agriculture, husbandry and education and for this singular reason my visit has made me to see the need to strengthen cooperation with your government on education, agriculture and other sensitive areas.
“Since the state is blessed with mineral resources, I am assuring you of country’s fruitful partnership for Osun to accomplish all her dreams”, he assured.
In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola called for a symbiotic and collaborative partnership between Osun and Australian governments in mining, education, security and animal husbandry.
He said Australia being the world leader in mining and animal husbandry could be of greater supporter to the state in promoting and advancing the agricultural potentials of Osun.
According to him, we want to collaborate with your government so as to properly harness our potentials in agriculture, mining and education sectors.
“It is on record that Australia is the world leader in mining and animal husbandry, the areas which to us can bring genuine development to our people if a better relationship is fostered between your government and our state.
“Since our economy is primarily driven by agriculture, hence the need to revamp the sector by all means and your collaboration in this regard will be of tremendous initiatives”, Aregbesola added.
While commending the Envoy for identifying with the achievements of the state, Aregbesola reassured his government’s commitment to take Osun to an enviable heights that would be cherished globally.

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The South-West governors yesterday met in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, to deliberate on how to chart a common agenda to fast-track the development of the region.
 

 
The meeting, hosted by Ogun State Governor Ibikunle Amosun, was attended by all the six governors in the region, including Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Akinwunmi Ambode (Lagos), Ayo Fayose (Ekiti) and Rauf Aregbesola (Osun).
They met under the aegis of Western Nigeria Governors’ Forum, a meeting put together by Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN), a technocratic institution for the sustainable development of the region, which according to Amosun, had been the vanguard for socio-economic and re-engineering of the South-West.
At the end of the four-hour meeting, all the participants agreed that regional integration as a sustainable economic development paradigm presents the Western Region, and indeed the whole of Nigeria, a pathway into economic prosperity for all.
A communique read by Amosun stated, among others:
• “A joint task force and joint actions will be pursued and sustained on security threats to guarantee the safety of lives, property and prosperity of the people of the region.
• “The competitive advantage of constituent states would be harnessed for sustainable regional development.
• “In order to improve the food security of the region, DAWN should convene a regional agric summit to be held in Ibadan.
• “Approval is given for the establishment of a Western Nigeria Export Development Initiative (WENEDI) to drive the export potentials of the region.”
• “A committee be set up for codification of our values and ethos as an instrument of Yoruba uniqueness to strengthen our identity and unity of purpose.”
Also, the governors agreed that the artificial boundaries of states, religions, political affiliations, among others, would not be a barrier to regional development and urged all the states to be encouraged to significantly improve bilateral and multilateral co-operation to foster regional development.
Amosun had in his welcome address charged his colleagues not to allow themselves to be used as “instruments of division”.
He stated that creation of states from the Old Western Region in 1976, which should have been an impetus for development in the South-West, had been “allowed to create artificial boundaries between the Yoruba nation.”
“To further worsen the situation, some of our people are also making themselves available as instruments of division because of their selfish political gains. The consequence is that our people begin to see themselves as a people of one state or the other rather than as a sub-unit of the entity of the Yoruba people,” he said.

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