PRESS STATEMENT.
(AUGUST 31ST, 2023).
Following complaints of anti-party activities, the State Executive Committee of the Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) constituted a Disciplinary Committee to investigate the allegations against some of its members.
This disciplinary measure came in response to the allegations of misconduct bordering on factionalization of the party and creating parallel party organ.
The Disciplinary Committee undertook a thorough and impartial review of the allegations and the findings were carefully deliberated upon by the State Executive Committee.
After a comprehensive assessment of the evidence and consideration of the committee's recommendations, the State Executive Committee has taken the difficult yet necessary step of suspending the following members indefinitely:
1. Alhaji Moshood Adeoti
2. Hon. Najeem Salami
3. Senator Mudasiru Hussain
4. Elder Adelowo Adebiyi
5. Mr. Adelani Baderinwa
6. Mr. Sikiru Ayedun
7. Engr. Kazeem Salami
8. Alhaji Adesiji Azeez
9. Barr. Gbenga Akano
10. Mr. Kunle Ige
11. Mr. Biodun Agboola
12. Barr. Gbenga Awosode
13. Mr. Rasheed Opatola.
14. Hon. Gbenga Ogunkanmi
15. Hon. Israel Oyekunle
16. Hon. MBO Ibraheem
17. Mr. Akeem Olaoye
18. Hon. Francis Famurewa
19. Hon. Tajudeen Famuyide
20. Hon. (Mrs.) Adenike Abioye
21. Hon. Wasiu Adebayo
22. Hon. Rasheed Afolabi
23. Mr. Segun Olanibi
24. Mr. Tunde Ajilore
25. Mr Ganiyu Ismaila Opeyemi.
26. Mr Zakariah Khalid, Olaoluwa-South LCDA.
As we move forward, we enjoin our members to remain focused on our goals and continue working together to serve the interests of our constituents and our State.
Our commitment to transparency, inclusivity, and adherence to our party's core values remains unwavering.
e-SIGNED:
*Sooko TAJUDEEN LAWAL, Chairman,
Osun State APC.*
Thursday 31 August 2023
EFCC Crumbling Ethics: By Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq
A Glimpse into the the Rascality and Shadows of Justice at the EFCC Headquarters -
31/08/2023.
By. Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.
I had the most shocking and disturbing experience of my entire career as a Legal Practitioner yesterday when I encountered some officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As someone who has engaged with various government security agencies in the process of work, I had believed that the EFCC maintained a level of professionalism in handling suspects up and above other agencies.
However, what I witnessed shattered that belief completely. Never before had I seen EFCC officers physically abusing, assaulting, and harassing an individual in their custody. Usually, the worst they would do is create a difficult bail process.
My firm is providing legal service to a citizen from Benue State under investigation by the EFCC. His brother had been detained, and I personally advised him to turn himself in, and he heeded the wisdom of my words. Despite it not being directly under my work schedule but to strengthen his resolve, I offered to accompany him and the lawyer handling the matter to the Commission.
We arrived at the EFCC Headquarters, specifically the Capital Market (CFMIS) Department, not even the Cybercrime or Advance Fee Fraud department, which should imply some level of solid financial experts investigators, but I was immediately appalled by the behavior of the officers in the department who ought to be solid transaction investigators with some work ethics. The investigating officer (IO) confirmed his identity and promptly ordered him inside, referring to him as ‘the bastard they were looking for’. As he made to step into the office he was ordered into, a very hot and brutal slap landed across his face. Again and again and again, and the agent provocateur, another woman officer who I later confirmed to be the 2IC, kept shouting, ‘are you stupid?’ as she slapped him within an inch of his life. She was joined by other officers, and they bore down on this man with such force, slapping, beating and kicking him all round. The assault was relentless, and shocked me beyond belief. Even the police or civil defense wouldn't act in such a manner, unless faced with extreme circumstances.
Of all the officers, one young Chidera Godwin stood out for his sheer brutality. He assaulted the man in a crude and uncivilized manner that defied comprehension. Witnessing this, I couldn't help but doubt his education and humanity. Chidera further humiliated him, slapped him repeatedly, and even banged his head against the wall. Throughout the ordeal, he remained quiet, his broken spirit visible on his face. Chidera warned him not to look at him, threatening more violence if he did. He even promised to beat him in the cell and outside the Commission's premises. He had become tearful protest to Chidera's abuse only further invigorated the attacks, and the entire affair left me shocked and seemingly powerless before this man who took the beaten of his life having willingly turned himself in to be investigated.
Amidst the chaos, a senior officer named Stephen intervened, demonstrating a modicum of control. He asked the young man to get off from floor where he had been asked to seat and take a proper seat, then dispersed the crowd, and left. It was an eye-opening moment of how crude the abuse of power could be and the hopelessness of being an onlooker who could very well become a victim himself if a word was gauged as said out of place. This was at about 2:30pm, and I made a show of waving at the CCTV as if to confirm the surrealism of the events happening before me, and to rein in my own frustrations. I was minded to stay calm by recalling the NBA’s advisory that when in the offices of security agencies, we lawyers needed to exercise decorum and restraint at all times.
I however eventually confronted the investigating officer, expressing my concern over the assault's impact on the young man. Sharing my disappointment with the 2IC, I explained my years of engagement with the EFCC and how this incident was not reflective of their usual conduct. I reminded her of the current travails of the suspended EFCC Chairman, once high and mighty, and now seemingly powerless with some of us, particularly me, continually speaking up about his incarceration regardless of our opinion of him and his time in office. She seemed to calm down a bit at my words and admitted or at least claimed she knew nothing about the man's case but that he almost ran into her at the door by refusing to wait for her to pass. She claimed he pushed her. Of course, I was not satisfied with such an innocuous rationale of the brutal beating I just witnessed. There was way more venom and spite in the slaps, bangs and knock-ups to be reduced to a matter of perceived inconvenience of her easement.
I immediately reported the incident to the SERVICOM department in EFCC even though I had thought SERVICOM wasn’t a thing anymore, but the professional response and conduct of the officers in SERVICOM disabused my mind of that notion immediately. They immediately moved to the department to enquire what happened only to be shocked again when the entire officers denied beating the man. Even the ‘honorable’ one who stopped the beating, denied it ever happened. They insisted that my the man was treated well and that I was merely trying to cause trouble. Their blatant denial of what I had just witnessed was disgraceful! They even denied asking him to seat on the floor at first, but later claimed all the seats were occupied. The 2IC made the laughable claim that he was rude to her and assaulted her. Same person who claimed not to know about the matter now said they had been looking for him and their investigation revealed I told him not to come.
The whole episode left me questioning the competence and ethics of those investigating crimes. Their inability to take responsibility for their actions, despite being family people, parents and supposed professionals, speaks volumes about the deterioration of values within Nigerian institutions.
Witnessing the powerful Chidera flee from the scene when the SERVICOM department officers surfaced only added to my disappointment. The IO in charge of the matter seemed remorseful after a while and I registered my personal displeasure in her action and that of her colleagues. I reminded her we met before and she wasn’t always like that. If she has any modicum of self-respect, she would apologize to herself in her quiet moments for letting herself down.
One other green-horned operative, a young officer, jokingly said to my ears that ‘you dey report EFCC to EFCC’, and finished off by saying, ‘we dey beat and detain lawyer for here oh’. That’s how deep the rot goes! The sheer impertinence!
While it will be wrong to conclude that this is the situation with everyone in the Commission, the actions of these officers have shattered my respect for the EFCC. It raises the question of whether these are isolated incidents or if the EFCC as an organization has lost its way. How can we build such a magnificent edifice to fight crime but let such characters sneak in and odorize it with their unprofessionalism?! How?
We focus on criticizing our leaders yet we fail in our own little responsibilities. This incident is not just a reflection of these individuals' actions, but a failure of Nigeria as a whole. It's a mockery of the rule of law, and a stark reminder that we can't hope for change if we can't even address these issues within our own organizations.
To my friends and acquaintances within the EFCC, especially the lawyers, it's essential to reflect on the organization's values and contribute to its re-evaluation. I was recently at a public speaking engagement with an EFCC representative on the same panel, and the man talked about honesty and discipline. Looking back now, his words now ring hollow and insincere.
The incident I witnessed at the EFCC has left an indelible mark on my professional journey. It serves as a stark reminder that even organizations tasked with upholding justice and integrity can falter, and in so doing, divest itself of public trust and belief. It was such a disappointing incident, and I verily hope that the Commission will address this.
Pelumi Olajengbesi is a Legal Practitioner and Managing Partner at Law Corridor.
By. Pelumi Olajengbesi Esq.
I had the most shocking and disturbing experience of my entire career as a Legal Practitioner yesterday when I encountered some officers from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC). As someone who has engaged with various government security agencies in the process of work, I had believed that the EFCC maintained a level of professionalism in handling suspects up and above other agencies.
However, what I witnessed shattered that belief completely. Never before had I seen EFCC officers physically abusing, assaulting, and harassing an individual in their custody. Usually, the worst they would do is create a difficult bail process.
My firm is providing legal service to a citizen from Benue State under investigation by the EFCC. His brother had been detained, and I personally advised him to turn himself in, and he heeded the wisdom of my words. Despite it not being directly under my work schedule but to strengthen his resolve, I offered to accompany him and the lawyer handling the matter to the Commission.
We arrived at the EFCC Headquarters, specifically the Capital Market (CFMIS) Department, not even the Cybercrime or Advance Fee Fraud department, which should imply some level of solid financial experts investigators, but I was immediately appalled by the behavior of the officers in the department who ought to be solid transaction investigators with some work ethics. The investigating officer (IO) confirmed his identity and promptly ordered him inside, referring to him as ‘the bastard they were looking for’. As he made to step into the office he was ordered into, a very hot and brutal slap landed across his face. Again and again and again, and the agent provocateur, another woman officer who I later confirmed to be the 2IC, kept shouting, ‘are you stupid?’ as she slapped him within an inch of his life. She was joined by other officers, and they bore down on this man with such force, slapping, beating and kicking him all round. The assault was relentless, and shocked me beyond belief. Even the police or civil defense wouldn't act in such a manner, unless faced with extreme circumstances.
Of all the officers, one young Chidera Godwin stood out for his sheer brutality. He assaulted the man in a crude and uncivilized manner that defied comprehension. Witnessing this, I couldn't help but doubt his education and humanity. Chidera further humiliated him, slapped him repeatedly, and even banged his head against the wall. Throughout the ordeal, he remained quiet, his broken spirit visible on his face. Chidera warned him not to look at him, threatening more violence if he did. He even promised to beat him in the cell and outside the Commission's premises. He had become tearful protest to Chidera's abuse only further invigorated the attacks, and the entire affair left me shocked and seemingly powerless before this man who took the beaten of his life having willingly turned himself in to be investigated.
Amidst the chaos, a senior officer named Stephen intervened, demonstrating a modicum of control. He asked the young man to get off from floor where he had been asked to seat and take a proper seat, then dispersed the crowd, and left. It was an eye-opening moment of how crude the abuse of power could be and the hopelessness of being an onlooker who could very well become a victim himself if a word was gauged as said out of place. This was at about 2:30pm, and I made a show of waving at the CCTV as if to confirm the surrealism of the events happening before me, and to rein in my own frustrations. I was minded to stay calm by recalling the NBA’s advisory that when in the offices of security agencies, we lawyers needed to exercise decorum and restraint at all times.
I however eventually confronted the investigating officer, expressing my concern over the assault's impact on the young man. Sharing my disappointment with the 2IC, I explained my years of engagement with the EFCC and how this incident was not reflective of their usual conduct. I reminded her of the current travails of the suspended EFCC Chairman, once high and mighty, and now seemingly powerless with some of us, particularly me, continually speaking up about his incarceration regardless of our opinion of him and his time in office. She seemed to calm down a bit at my words and admitted or at least claimed she knew nothing about the man's case but that he almost ran into her at the door by refusing to wait for her to pass. She claimed he pushed her. Of course, I was not satisfied with such an innocuous rationale of the brutal beating I just witnessed. There was way more venom and spite in the slaps, bangs and knock-ups to be reduced to a matter of perceived inconvenience of her easement.
I immediately reported the incident to the SERVICOM department in EFCC even though I had thought SERVICOM wasn’t a thing anymore, but the professional response and conduct of the officers in SERVICOM disabused my mind of that notion immediately. They immediately moved to the department to enquire what happened only to be shocked again when the entire officers denied beating the man. Even the ‘honorable’ one who stopped the beating, denied it ever happened. They insisted that my the man was treated well and that I was merely trying to cause trouble. Their blatant denial of what I had just witnessed was disgraceful! They even denied asking him to seat on the floor at first, but later claimed all the seats were occupied. The 2IC made the laughable claim that he was rude to her and assaulted her. Same person who claimed not to know about the matter now said they had been looking for him and their investigation revealed I told him not to come.
The whole episode left me questioning the competence and ethics of those investigating crimes. Their inability to take responsibility for their actions, despite being family people, parents and supposed professionals, speaks volumes about the deterioration of values within Nigerian institutions.
Witnessing the powerful Chidera flee from the scene when the SERVICOM department officers surfaced only added to my disappointment. The IO in charge of the matter seemed remorseful after a while and I registered my personal displeasure in her action and that of her colleagues. I reminded her we met before and she wasn’t always like that. If she has any modicum of self-respect, she would apologize to herself in her quiet moments for letting herself down.
One other green-horned operative, a young officer, jokingly said to my ears that ‘you dey report EFCC to EFCC’, and finished off by saying, ‘we dey beat and detain lawyer for here oh’. That’s how deep the rot goes! The sheer impertinence!
While it will be wrong to conclude that this is the situation with everyone in the Commission, the actions of these officers have shattered my respect for the EFCC. It raises the question of whether these are isolated incidents or if the EFCC as an organization has lost its way. How can we build such a magnificent edifice to fight crime but let such characters sneak in and odorize it with their unprofessionalism?! How?
We focus on criticizing our leaders yet we fail in our own little responsibilities. This incident is not just a reflection of these individuals' actions, but a failure of Nigeria as a whole. It's a mockery of the rule of law, and a stark reminder that we can't hope for change if we can't even address these issues within our own organizations.
To my friends and acquaintances within the EFCC, especially the lawyers, it's essential to reflect on the organization's values and contribute to its re-evaluation. I was recently at a public speaking engagement with an EFCC representative on the same panel, and the man talked about honesty and discipline. Looking back now, his words now ring hollow and insincere.
The incident I witnessed at the EFCC has left an indelible mark on my professional journey. It serves as a stark reminder that even organizations tasked with upholding justice and integrity can falter, and in so doing, divest itself of public trust and belief. It was such a disappointing incident, and I verily hope that the Commission will address this.
Pelumi Olajengbesi is a Legal Practitioner and Managing Partner at Law Corridor.
Wednesday 30 August 2023
Palliative Distribution: Osun Govt Releases Names of Distribution Committee, Says Osun Govt Remains Transparent and Accountable
NEWS RELEASE
OSOGBO - 30/08/2023 -
Osunstate.gov.ng
Osun state government has released names of its Palliative Distribution Committee as demanded by a coalition of civil society even as it flaunts its credentials as a responsive, accountable and public spirited government.
We have records of extensive consultation with the leadership of the civil society coalition including those accusing the administration of excluding them. Some activists fail to see the public spiritedness of the Governor and decided to stay away from the exercise. That should not be blamed on the government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the government said the committee represented all shades of society opinion , submitting that any group that is interested in being part of the committee can show interest instead of resorting to blackmail and character assasination.
We are of the view that only fifth columnists and agents of the opposition will describe a performing government and popularly rated administration headed by Governor Ademola Adeleke as directionless and organised. We are also convinced that a government that is delivering on infrastructure, digital economy, health care, workers' welfare and education reform has a better sterling records than the paymasters of some pseudo activists.
As much as the administration is working to release its own palliative after concluding that of the Federal Government, we must put on records that Osun state is a specially challenged state servicing a state debt of N450 billion and a salary and debt pension of almost N70 billion even as the administration unfailingly meet monthly salary obligations and delivers dividends of democracy in critical sectors.
Partisan activists cannot hide the fact that Osun is financially weak today because of the maladministration and misgovernment of their paymasters. It is therefore uncharitable to attack a man clearing a mess left by yesterday's associates of some of these critics.
Not minding the partisan bias of a grouo unhappy about alleged exclusion in the sharing of a mere 6000 bags of rice , the state government hereby release below the names of members of the palliative committee:
Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi
(Chairman Osun state Muslims community
Rev John Adeleke (Chairman OSCAN)
Chief Mary oyebode (Iyaloja General)
Representative of the people with special needs
Osun Chairman JNC
IPAC chairman
Rep of NUP
Representative of Student body
For the distribution by Local Governments, we urge interested members of the public to collect the same from the State Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration.
Signed
Comrade Oluwaseun Adebisi Emmanuel, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society
OSOGBO - 30/08/2023 -
Osunstate.gov.ng
Osun state government has released names of its Palliative Distribution Committee as demanded by a coalition of civil society even as it flaunts its credentials as a responsive, accountable and public spirited government.
We have records of extensive consultation with the leadership of the civil society coalition including those accusing the administration of excluding them. Some activists fail to see the public spiritedness of the Governor and decided to stay away from the exercise. That should not be blamed on the government.
In a statement issued on Wednesday evening, the government said the committee represented all shades of society opinion , submitting that any group that is interested in being part of the committee can show interest instead of resorting to blackmail and character assasination.
We are of the view that only fifth columnists and agents of the opposition will describe a performing government and popularly rated administration headed by Governor Ademola Adeleke as directionless and organised. We are also convinced that a government that is delivering on infrastructure, digital economy, health care, workers' welfare and education reform has a better sterling records than the paymasters of some pseudo activists.
As much as the administration is working to release its own palliative after concluding that of the Federal Government, we must put on records that Osun state is a specially challenged state servicing a state debt of N450 billion and a salary and debt pension of almost N70 billion even as the administration unfailingly meet monthly salary obligations and delivers dividends of democracy in critical sectors.
Partisan activists cannot hide the fact that Osun is financially weak today because of the maladministration and misgovernment of their paymasters. It is therefore uncharitable to attack a man clearing a mess left by yesterday's associates of some of these critics.
Not minding the partisan bias of a grouo unhappy about alleged exclusion in the sharing of a mere 6000 bags of rice , the state government hereby release below the names of members of the palliative committee:
Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi
(Chairman Osun state Muslims community
Rev John Adeleke (Chairman OSCAN)
Chief Mary oyebode (Iyaloja General)
Representative of the people with special needs
Osun Chairman JNC
IPAC chairman
Rep of NUP
Representative of Student body
For the distribution by Local Governments, we urge interested members of the public to collect the same from the State Ministry of Special Duties and Regional Integration.
Signed
Comrade Oluwaseun Adebisi Emmanuel, Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Civil Society
Governor Adeleke moves to revive abandoned Skills Acquisitions projects in Osun
Governor Adeleke moves to revive abandoned Skills Acquisitions projects in Osun
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, took steps aimed at reviving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) projects abandoned in various parts of the state
This followed a tour of the projects by the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on SDGs and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omishore of Skills' Acquisition Centres in Iragbiji and Osogbo.
Omishore was accompanied on the visit by three other cabinet members, namely the Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Ayofe Olatunji Maroof, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunji Jenyo, and Commissioner for Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbamigbe.
Speaking to journalists after the comprehensive tour, Omishore said the action was in line with Governor Adeleke's pledge “not to abandon any important project inherited from the previous administration.”
He said the objective of the team was to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the Skills Acquisition Centres and to fashion ways to rejuvenate and reestablish them as “vital hubs for enriching the skill-sets of Osun citizens…”
Omishore said: “Today, I visited the uncompleted SDGs Skills' Acquisition Centres in Iragbiji and Osogbo. “These projects were initiated during the previous administration under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agency.
“This visit was undertaken to assess the progress of these projects - which is in consonance with Governor Adeleke's pledge to the people of Osun not to abandon any important project inherited from the previous administration.
“Joined by my dedicated colleagues, comprising the Commissioner on ICT, Ayofe Olatunji Maroof, Commissioner on Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, and Commissioner on Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbamigbe, we embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of the current status of these centres.
“Our shared objective was unequivocal: to rejuvenate and reestablish these centres as vital hubs for enriching the skill-sets of Osun citizens and also to find out the essential measures and resources necessary to revive these abandoned facilities.
“Our exploration of these centres, emphasises Governor Adeleke's vision of fostering a thriving environment for both skilled and unskilled workers.
“The governor's trenchant emphasis on collaboration rang through our journey - with the presence of four cabinet members reinforcing the determination propelling the endeavour.
“This collective pursuit underscores our resolve to harness the human capital of the state. It is abundantly clear that Governor Adeleke is steadfast in his commitment to nurturing an empowered citizenry.
“As we make progress, our guiding principle will be translating the takeaways into actionable strategies.
“Our primary aim is the complete transformation of these dormant spaces into vibrant centres for skill acquisition - helping artisans to hone their craft and enabling emerging entrepreneurs to access the necessary support for their growth as well as working closesly with the Federal Government to ensure that resources are allocated to the centres.”
According to him, the facility tour was a testament to Governor Adeleke's unwavering dedication to translating promises into tangible achievements.
He said: “It reaffirms the shared belief that a state's progress is inexorably linked to the advancement of its people.
“Fueled by renewed determination, we stand ready to complete and set up these centres as catalysts for progress, and ensuring that no project with the potential to uplift the people of Osun is abandoned.”
END
Signed
Bamikole Omishore
Special Adviser to Governor of Osun State on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations
The Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, on Wednesday, took steps aimed at reviving Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) projects abandoned in various parts of the state
This followed a tour of the projects by the Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke on SDGs and Multilateral Relations, Bamikole Omishore of Skills' Acquisition Centres in Iragbiji and Osogbo.
Omishore was accompanied on the visit by three other cabinet members, namely the Commissioner for Information and Communication Technology (ICT), Ayofe Olatunji Maroof, Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunji Jenyo, and Commissioner for Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbamigbe.
Speaking to journalists after the comprehensive tour, Omishore said the action was in line with Governor Adeleke's pledge “not to abandon any important project inherited from the previous administration.”
He said the objective of the team was to carry out an on-the-spot assessment of the Skills Acquisition Centres and to fashion ways to rejuvenate and reestablish them as “vital hubs for enriching the skill-sets of Osun citizens…”
Omishore said: “Today, I visited the uncompleted SDGs Skills' Acquisition Centres in Iragbiji and Osogbo. “These projects were initiated during the previous administration under the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) Agency.
“This visit was undertaken to assess the progress of these projects - which is in consonance with Governor Adeleke's pledge to the people of Osun not to abandon any important project inherited from the previous administration.
“Joined by my dedicated colleagues, comprising the Commissioner on ICT, Ayofe Olatunji Maroof, Commissioner on Commerce and Industry, Rev Bunmi Jenyo, and Commissioner on Empowerment, Prince Bayo Ogungbamigbe, we embarked on a comprehensive evaluation of the current status of these centres.
“Our shared objective was unequivocal: to rejuvenate and reestablish these centres as vital hubs for enriching the skill-sets of Osun citizens and also to find out the essential measures and resources necessary to revive these abandoned facilities.
“Our exploration of these centres, emphasises Governor Adeleke's vision of fostering a thriving environment for both skilled and unskilled workers.
“The governor's trenchant emphasis on collaboration rang through our journey - with the presence of four cabinet members reinforcing the determination propelling the endeavour.
“This collective pursuit underscores our resolve to harness the human capital of the state. It is abundantly clear that Governor Adeleke is steadfast in his commitment to nurturing an empowered citizenry.
“As we make progress, our guiding principle will be translating the takeaways into actionable strategies.
“Our primary aim is the complete transformation of these dormant spaces into vibrant centres for skill acquisition - helping artisans to hone their craft and enabling emerging entrepreneurs to access the necessary support for their growth as well as working closesly with the Federal Government to ensure that resources are allocated to the centres.”
According to him, the facility tour was a testament to Governor Adeleke's unwavering dedication to translating promises into tangible achievements.
He said: “It reaffirms the shared belief that a state's progress is inexorably linked to the advancement of its people.
“Fueled by renewed determination, we stand ready to complete and set up these centres as catalysts for progress, and ensuring that no project with the potential to uplift the people of Osun is abandoned.”
END
Signed
Bamikole Omishore
Special Adviser to Governor of Osun State on Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) and Multilateral Relations
Tuesday 29 August 2023
Osun State Government Begins Palliative Distribution wit
NEWS RELEASE
OSOGBO - 29/08/2023
- Osunstate.gov.ng
Osun State Government will tomorrow begin the distribution of the first batch of rice palliatives totalling 6,300 bags on a local government basis.
This was the conclusion of the Palliative Distribution Committee at its meeting held at the State Secretariat, on Tuesday. The state government Palliative Distribution Committee which composes of representatives of different labour unions, civil Society Organisations, market women, religious groups, ALGON and pensioners among others, met at the Media Briefing Room inside Governor's Office, Abere.
The agenda of the meeting was to design and relay the template for the distribution of the first batch of the palliative which is 6,300 50kg bags of rice.
After deliberations, the committee agreed that the rice distributions should commence on Wednesday, 30th of August with 10 local government areas as the first set.
The 10 local government areas expected to receive their palliative on Wednesday are Atakunmosa East and West, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Local Governments.
On Thursday, it will be the turn of Ife Central, Ifedayo, Ifẹ East, Ifelodun, Ifẹ North, Ifẹ South, Ila, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, and Irepodun Local governments.
On Friday, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, Obokun, Odo-otin, Ola-Oluwa, Olorunda, Oriade, Orolu, Osogbo and Area Office - Modakeke.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Dr. Bashiru Salami, the coordinating ministry for palliatives distribution, added that the state government will still roll out its own palliatives after the distribution of the federal government rice palliatives. Signed Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment
OSOGBO - 29/08/2023
- Osunstate.gov.ng
Osun State Government will tomorrow begin the distribution of the first batch of rice palliatives totalling 6,300 bags on a local government basis.
This was the conclusion of the Palliative Distribution Committee at its meeting held at the State Secretariat, on Tuesday. The state government Palliative Distribution Committee which composes of representatives of different labour unions, civil Society Organisations, market women, religious groups, ALGON and pensioners among others, met at the Media Briefing Room inside Governor's Office, Abere.
The agenda of the meeting was to design and relay the template for the distribution of the first batch of the palliative which is 6,300 50kg bags of rice.
After deliberations, the committee agreed that the rice distributions should commence on Wednesday, 30th of August with 10 local government areas as the first set.
The 10 local government areas expected to receive their palliative on Wednesday are Atakunmosa East and West, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Boluwaduro, Boripe, Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo Local Governments.
On Thursday, it will be the turn of Ife Central, Ifedayo, Ifẹ East, Ifelodun, Ifẹ North, Ifẹ South, Ila, Ilesa East, Ilesa West, and Irepodun Local governments.
On Friday, Irewole, Isokan, Iwo, Obokun, Odo-otin, Ola-Oluwa, Olorunda, Oriade, Orolu, Osogbo and Area Office - Modakeke.
The Commissioner for Special Duties and Regional Integration, Dr. Bashiru Salami, the coordinating ministry for palliatives distribution, added that the state government will still roll out its own palliatives after the distribution of the federal government rice palliatives. Signed Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment
Governor Adeleke Reads Riot Act to Land grabbers (Omo Oniles)
NEWS RELEASE
• Perpetrators will face the full wrath of law
OSOGBO– 29/08/2023–
Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned land grabbers, popularly known as Omo onile to desist from their nefarious activities or face the full consequences of their illegal actions.
Responding to a series of petitions that had flooded his office over harassment and molestation of artisans and contractors on building sites across Osun state, the Governor expressed disgust and anger at the reign of violence on innocent building workers by the so-called Omo oniles.
He said his government will not tolerate the gruesome tactics of the Omo onile in forcing landowners to part away with their hard earned money, noting that security agencies have been instructed to go hard on anyone involved in the unwholesome practice.
"I have received several petitions from Osogbo, Ife, Ilesa, Ikirun, Iwo, and almost every major town in Osun state. Recently, I received more than three petitions from Osogbo alone, where perpetrators allegedly maim and even killed some site workers," the Governor was quoted as saying.
"I have reports of seizure of work equipment belonging to artisans and even illegal detention of contractors and site workers. All these must stop forthwith. "I have subsequently directed security agencies to conduct special operations to go after perpetrators. Our administration will not tolerate brazen lawlessness and unwarranted disruption of livelihoods of innocent citizens.
"I'm also requesting victims of these untoward activities to report incidence to law enforcement agencies for appropriate actions."
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
• Perpetrators will face the full wrath of law
OSOGBO– 29/08/2023–
Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warned land grabbers, popularly known as Omo onile to desist from their nefarious activities or face the full consequences of their illegal actions.
Responding to a series of petitions that had flooded his office over harassment and molestation of artisans and contractors on building sites across Osun state, the Governor expressed disgust and anger at the reign of violence on innocent building workers by the so-called Omo oniles.
He said his government will not tolerate the gruesome tactics of the Omo onile in forcing landowners to part away with their hard earned money, noting that security agencies have been instructed to go hard on anyone involved in the unwholesome practice.
"I have received several petitions from Osogbo, Ife, Ilesa, Ikirun, Iwo, and almost every major town in Osun state. Recently, I received more than three petitions from Osogbo alone, where perpetrators allegedly maim and even killed some site workers," the Governor was quoted as saying.
"I have reports of seizure of work equipment belonging to artisans and even illegal detention of contractors and site workers. All these must stop forthwith. "I have subsequently directed security agencies to conduct special operations to go after perpetrators. Our administration will not tolerate brazen lawlessness and unwarranted disruption of livelihoods of innocent citizens.
"I'm also requesting victims of these untoward activities to report incidence to law enforcement agencies for appropriate actions."
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor
Osun: Staff Audit Consultant Apologises to Labour Union, Promises Hitch-Free Exercise Going Forward
NEWS RELEASE
29th August, 2023.
Osun: Staff Audit Consultant Apologises to Labour Union, Promises Hitch-Free Exercise Going Forward
The Chief Executive Officer of Sally Tibbot Consulting Nigeria, the consultant handling the Staff Audit in Osun State, Madam Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Labour Unions, and the Osun State government, on behalf of her company and staff, for the hitches and issues that arose from the ongoing Staff Audit.
Her Apology, personally signed by her, was contained in a letter written to the Honourable Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, after the meeting between her and the Labour Leaders, held at the House of Assembly earlier today.
She apologized for conducts considered offensive and repulsive behaviours by her staff or her company, against any member of staff, the Labour Unions in the State or the Osun State Government.
She further sought the cooperation of the unions with an assurance that she would renew her effort at ensuring that the remaining part of the exercise is stress-free, straightforward and pleasant for all.
While apologizing to the Honourable Speaker and the entire House, she appreciated their intervention in ensuring resolution of the issues that could stall the audit exercise.
Olamide Tiamiyu,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, OSHA.
29th August, 2023.
Osun: Staff Audit Consultant Apologises to Labour Union, Promises Hitch-Free Exercise Going Forward
The Chief Executive Officer of Sally Tibbot Consulting Nigeria, the consultant handling the Staff Audit in Osun State, Madam Sa’adat Bakrin-Ottun, has tendered an unreserved apology to the Labour Unions, and the Osun State government, on behalf of her company and staff, for the hitches and issues that arose from the ongoing Staff Audit.
Her Apology, personally signed by her, was contained in a letter written to the Honourable Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, after the meeting between her and the Labour Leaders, held at the House of Assembly earlier today.
She apologized for conducts considered offensive and repulsive behaviours by her staff or her company, against any member of staff, the Labour Unions in the State or the Osun State Government.
She further sought the cooperation of the unions with an assurance that she would renew her effort at ensuring that the remaining part of the exercise is stress-free, straightforward and pleasant for all.
While apologizing to the Honourable Speaker and the entire House, she appreciated their intervention in ensuring resolution of the issues that could stall the audit exercise.
Olamide Tiamiyu,
Chief Press Secretary to the Speaker, OSHA.
First Osun SEC Meeting Holds Tomorrow
NEWS RELEASE
OSOGBO– 29/08/2023–
Osunstate.gov.ng
The first State Executive Council meeting of the newly inaugurated Osun State Executive Cabinet is to be held tomorrow by 12pm.
Governor Ademola Adeleke issued the directive in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
"The first Osun State cabinet meeting is to be held by 12 noon tomorrow to kickstart the new phase of our administration. In the last nine months, we have been running a Governor-in-council administration, and tomorrow, the full machinery of the government of Osun state will take off.
"From tomorrow, our speed of delivery; our response to the aspirations of our people; and our implementation of the five point agenda will take a new dimension.
"Osun will experience increased growth, attention to youth unemployment, upgrade of our infrastructures, development of tourism and creative industry, reform of our education, new preventive health delivery system, expansion of programmes on digital economy, and development of our agricultural value chains," the Governor was quoted as saying.
All commissioners and cabinet ranked advisers are expected to attend the maiden SEC meeting.
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
OSOGBO– 29/08/2023–
Osunstate.gov.ng
The first State Executive Council meeting of the newly inaugurated Osun State Executive Cabinet is to be held tomorrow by 12pm.
Governor Ademola Adeleke issued the directive in a statement by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.
"The first Osun State cabinet meeting is to be held by 12 noon tomorrow to kickstart the new phase of our administration. In the last nine months, we have been running a Governor-in-council administration, and tomorrow, the full machinery of the government of Osun state will take off.
"From tomorrow, our speed of delivery; our response to the aspirations of our people; and our implementation of the five point agenda will take a new dimension.
"Osun will experience increased growth, attention to youth unemployment, upgrade of our infrastructures, development of tourism and creative industry, reform of our education, new preventive health delivery system, expansion of programmes on digital economy, and development of our agricultural value chains," the Governor was quoted as saying.
All commissioners and cabinet ranked advisers are expected to attend the maiden SEC meeting.
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, The Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
Monday 28 August 2023
Subsidized Palliatives: Osun Government Begins Distribution of Palliative Tomorrow
NEWS RELEASE
_2 billion naira received out of 5 billion Palliative_
OSOGBO- 28/08/2023
Osunstate.gov.ng
The Osun State government through its palliative committee in partnership with the ministry of special duties and regional integration will begin the distribution of the subsidized rice palliative tomorrow.
This was disclosed in a release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who stated that the mode of sharing has been finalized by the committee, and that the distribution starts tomorrow Tuesday August 29, 2023.
According to the release, beneficiaries will begin to receive the rice palliatives according to the time -table prepared to capture everyone.
The release added that the distribution will commence immediately after the Palliative Committee meets tomorrow morning.
"The total number of the subsidized rice palliatives that will be distributed tomorrow is 5,700: three thousand 50kg from the first batch of palliatives, and Two thousand seven hundred 50kg bags of rice from the 14,000 second batch."
"Similarly, Osun state has received 2-billion naira out of the 5-billion naira palliative money earmarked for the state by the Federal government."
"The template and modalities of payment will be made by the Palliative Committee at the forthcoming meeting."
"It can be recalled that the state received 3,000 50kg bags of rice from the federal government, and it will be shared with 2,700 50kg bags of rice from the second batch approved 14,000 bags starting tomorrow, while the state is still expecting 11,300 50kg bags of rice and 3,000 metric tonnes of maize."
"As the distribution and collection of the rice palliatives begins, we urge our people to be orderly, and as a government we assure everyone that the palliatives given to the state by the Federal government will get to the target beneficiaries across the state”, the statement added.
Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment
_2 billion naira received out of 5 billion Palliative_
OSOGBO- 28/08/2023
Osunstate.gov.ng
The Osun State government through its palliative committee in partnership with the ministry of special duties and regional integration will begin the distribution of the subsidized rice palliative tomorrow.
This was disclosed in a release by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, who stated that the mode of sharing has been finalized by the committee, and that the distribution starts tomorrow Tuesday August 29, 2023.
According to the release, beneficiaries will begin to receive the rice palliatives according to the time -table prepared to capture everyone.
The release added that the distribution will commence immediately after the Palliative Committee meets tomorrow morning.
"The total number of the subsidized rice palliatives that will be distributed tomorrow is 5,700: three thousand 50kg from the first batch of palliatives, and Two thousand seven hundred 50kg bags of rice from the 14,000 second batch."
"Similarly, Osun state has received 2-billion naira out of the 5-billion naira palliative money earmarked for the state by the Federal government."
"The template and modalities of payment will be made by the Palliative Committee at the forthcoming meeting."
"It can be recalled that the state received 3,000 50kg bags of rice from the federal government, and it will be shared with 2,700 50kg bags of rice from the second batch approved 14,000 bags starting tomorrow, while the state is still expecting 11,300 50kg bags of rice and 3,000 metric tonnes of maize."
"As the distribution and collection of the rice palliatives begins, we urge our people to be orderly, and as a government we assure everyone that the palliatives given to the state by the Federal government will get to the target beneficiaries across the state”, the statement added.
Signed:
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, Commissioner for Information And Public Enlightenment
Governor Adeleke celebrates Otunba Femi Carena on his birthday
NEWS RELEASE
Governor Adeleke celebrates Otunba Femi Carena on his birthday
OSOGBO - 28/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warmly felicitated with Otunba Femi Carena on the occasion of his birthday, extolling his deep sense of commitment and untainted integrity.
Governor Adeleke who acknowledged Otunba Carena's sterling record in public service over the years, noted in a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that the former caretaker secretary of the PDP in the state, is a suitable reference in diligent execution of responsibilities.
The Governor hailed Otunba Carena sustained commitment to the PDP and its ideology in the face of extreme pressure, noting that his Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investment has demonstrated over the years that his loyalty is not for sale.
"On this day, I join family, friend and well-wisher to celebrate a man of impeccable character and unbending zeal for service, Otunba Femi Carena on the auspicious occasion of his birthday," the statement noted.
"As the Secretary of the Caretaker Committee that ushered in this government, Otunba Carena showed character and discipline, offering sincere contributions towards navigating the challenges laid on our path to victory. With his sacrifice and those of the entire caretaker committee, our party scaled all hurdles and went on to dislodge a ruinous party with the help of our people.
"It is my prayer that his new age ushers in more progress for him while offering more reason to dedicate himself to activities that will touch lives positively. May God in His infinite grace bless you with good health and the energy to continue to give to the society."
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
Governor Adeleke celebrates Otunba Femi Carena on his birthday
OSOGBO - 28/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has warmly felicitated with Otunba Femi Carena on the occasion of his birthday, extolling his deep sense of commitment and untainted integrity.
Governor Adeleke who acknowledged Otunba Carena's sterling record in public service over the years, noted in a congratulatory message signed by his Spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, that the former caretaker secretary of the PDP in the state, is a suitable reference in diligent execution of responsibilities.
The Governor hailed Otunba Carena sustained commitment to the PDP and its ideology in the face of extreme pressure, noting that his Special Adviser on Foreign Direct Investment has demonstrated over the years that his loyalty is not for sale.
"On this day, I join family, friend and well-wisher to celebrate a man of impeccable character and unbending zeal for service, Otunba Femi Carena on the auspicious occasion of his birthday," the statement noted.
"As the Secretary of the Caretaker Committee that ushered in this government, Otunba Carena showed character and discipline, offering sincere contributions towards navigating the challenges laid on our path to victory. With his sacrifice and those of the entire caretaker committee, our party scaled all hurdles and went on to dislodge a ruinous party with the help of our people.
"It is my prayer that his new age ushers in more progress for him while offering more reason to dedicate himself to activities that will touch lives positively. May God in His infinite grace bless you with good health and the energy to continue to give to the society."
Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the Osun State Governor
Governor Adeleke Commiserates with Timi of Ede and Families of late Fadeelatu Sheik Is'aq Akindeere (Baba L'Ogberin)
NEWS RELEASE
Governor Adeleke Commiserates with Timi of Ede and Families of late Fadeelatu Sheik Is'aq Akindeere (Baba L'Ogberin) OSOGBO - 28/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke has commieserated with his Royal Majesty, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal over the demise of renowned religious leader, Fadeelatu Sheik Is'aq Akindeere (Baba L'Ogberin), describing the exit of the Sheikh as a huge loss to the muslim ummah in Osun state and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement he personally signed, Governor Adeleke described the late Sheikh who is also the father of the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters, as an erudite islamic scholar who contributed immensely to the growth of islam locally and nationally.
While urging the traditional ruler and the families of the deceased to take heart, the Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the late islamic leader even as he noted the huge gap the Sheikh is living behind for Ede and Osun state as a whole.
" It is with a heavy heart that I join mourners at home and abroad to commiserate with 'Kabiyesi' and the families of Sheikh Akindeere. We pray for Aljana firdaos for our late religious leader", Governor Adeleke noted.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illehi Rojihun
Signed
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State
Governor Adeleke Commiserates with Timi of Ede and Families of late Fadeelatu Sheik Is'aq Akindeere (Baba L'Ogberin) OSOGBO - 28/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
Governor Ademola Adeleke has commieserated with his Royal Majesty, the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal over the demise of renowned religious leader, Fadeelatu Sheik Is'aq Akindeere (Baba L'Ogberin), describing the exit of the Sheikh as a huge loss to the muslim ummah in Osun state and Nigeria as a whole.
In a statement he personally signed, Governor Adeleke described the late Sheikh who is also the father of the Special Adviser on Chieftaincy Matters, as an erudite islamic scholar who contributed immensely to the growth of islam locally and nationally.
While urging the traditional ruler and the families of the deceased to take heart, the Governor prayed for the repose of the soul of the late islamic leader even as he noted the huge gap the Sheikh is living behind for Ede and Osun state as a whole.
" It is with a heavy heart that I join mourners at home and abroad to commiserate with 'Kabiyesi' and the families of Sheikh Akindeere. We pray for Aljana firdaos for our late religious leader", Governor Adeleke noted.
Inna Lillahi Wa Inna Illehi Rojihun
Signed
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State
PALLIATIVE: OSUN APC CAN ONLY FOOL ITSELF
By Sarafa Ibrahim
If there is anything comical and at the same time unsettling, it is the newfound concern for the public welfare that the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) seemed to be striving so hard to sell to the public lately. For twelve years, the APC administered the affairs of Osun state, and all we could tell about it was gross mismanagement of public resources, and poor welfare attitude, among other disturbing statistics that made Osun people say no to it at the July 16, 2022 governorship election and the subsequent general elections.
This is why it is odd reading a piece by one Adebayo Adedeji that ridiculously tried to create the impression that Governor Ademola Ademola is deliberately delaying the distribution of palliative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal. In that article titled "Why Is Governor Adeleke Denying Osun People Of Palliatives?", Adedeji mischievously pictured Governor Adeleke as unbothered by the plights faced by Osun people while positioning the APC as having concern for the welfare of the people.
Osun APC cares for the Osun people? Well, he can only deceive the undiscerning, because the records are too glaring to be distorted. For the 12 years that the APC managed the affairs of Osun state, the welfare of the people suffered gravely, to the point that civil servants and pensioners were left to the mercy of donors for sustenance. It is on record that the APC left a staggering N76 billion in salary and pension liabilities for the Adeleke administration, some of which the current administration has already started paying.
While there is nothing wrong with showing concern for the troubling situation that many people are going through as a result of fuel subsidy removal, it must however be done with decency and good intention, not the corrosive mindset that Adedeji exhibited in his article. There is no truth whatsoever in the narrative promoted by Adedeji in his article as Governor Adeleke has consistently shown commitment to the welfare of the people.
Only last week, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, inaugurated the Osun Committee on Palliatives and handed over the distribution of the special support to them. The membership of the committee was drawn from every strata of the Osun society in an effort to ensure that the palliatives got to those who actually needed it and were free from manipulation and distortion.
This was what the previous administration, which Adedeji was part of, failed to do, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a situation where palliatives meant for the people were converted to political tools to drive votes. Only members of the APC or those who are identified as potential voters of the party got one form of palliative or the other, something that was seriously against the intention of those who gave those items to the state government.
Perhaps, this experience was what motivated the article of Adedeji, thinking that the Adeleke administration would go the same way as the previous administration. Well, he is grossly mistaken, as Governor Adeleke is poised to ensure that the distribution of palliatives has no political colouration and that only those who actually needed it got it.
That was the idea behind handing the palliatives to the Osun stakeholders, who are believed to represent every segment of the Osun society and can be fair and transparent in the distribution of the relief package. In fact, it was the committee that agreed to the delay of the palliative for the awaiting batch to arrive so that it could reach more people.
In what clearly was a blackmail effort by Adedeji, he erroneously suggested that the 3,000 bags of rice already received by the State Government was enough to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Osun people. A simple arithmetic calculation will give him away as nothing but a mischief-maker, because if the 3,000 bags should be divided by the 332 wards in Osun, what will go to each ward is about 9 bags of rice.
We all saw videos of the palliative distribution in Kwara and Lagos states, and the reasonable question is, how does that solve the problem of the people? This is not to say the Osun State Government will not be doing anything to support the people in this troubling time, but it is to expose the fake concern of people like Adedeji who are trying to draw political capital from the pains of the ordinary people.
Look at the subtle but well-obvious attempt to instigate the people against the Osun State Government by mischievously referencing support for workers and pensioners in states like Kwara and others. What Adedeji failed to point out is that Kwara or any other states he choose to reference, does not use about 40 percent of its net allocation to service debt incurred by the APC. When Governor Adeleke took over, he inherited over N400 billion in debt from the APC government. This is aside from N76 billion in pension liabilities and about N50 billion in contractual debts.
I'm not sure any state that Adedeji referenced in his article inherited this depressing financial standing caused by the recklessness of his party while at the helm of affairs. Add to his mischief is the misleading narrative that the medical outreach launched by Governor Adeleke as part of support for people is just about paracetamol. Far from it. As we all know that health is wealth, and any society that wants to progress will invest decisively in the healthy living of citizens.
Under the 'Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach', Governor Adeleke will avail at least 3,000 persons in each of the nine (9) federal constituencies in Osun the rare opportunity of having their varying health challenges solved. A total of 30,000 beneficiaries across Osun state will receive medicare, ranging from free surgeries for Cataracts, Pterygium, Hernia, and some swellings on the body. Persons with medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, malaria, cough, and tuberculosis, among other diseases, were also catered for. This is the second time such medical intervention will be offered by Governor Adeleke in his avowed commitment to solving the medical needs of the people.
It is surprising that Adedeji ignored this lifesaving effort, and choose to peddle misinformation. While the precarious situation of losing power is well understood, politics should be played with responsibility, not the recklessness and disruptive tendency that Adedeji and his party have apparently adopted.
If Adedeji and his party, the APC truly care about Osun state, it should be focused on complementing any intervention from the government to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the people. As opposition, the PDP with the active support of the Adelekes rallied resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and distributed palliatives within its means. Pouring on streets solves nothing, especially when the palliative is no longer in the custody of the State Government, but Osun stakeholders, who form the palliative committee. Except that the rumour that Osun APC intends to cause unrest in the state by hiding under protest is actually true, nothing can explain the clueless opposition party took to the street on palliatives.
• Sarafa Ibrahim is a Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor and writes from Iwo, Osun State.
If there is anything comical and at the same time unsettling, it is the newfound concern for the public welfare that the main opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) seemed to be striving so hard to sell to the public lately. For twelve years, the APC administered the affairs of Osun state, and all we could tell about it was gross mismanagement of public resources, and poor welfare attitude, among other disturbing statistics that made Osun people say no to it at the July 16, 2022 governorship election and the subsequent general elections.
This is why it is odd reading a piece by one Adebayo Adedeji that ridiculously tried to create the impression that Governor Ademola Ademola is deliberately delaying the distribution of palliative to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal. In that article titled "Why Is Governor Adeleke Denying Osun People Of Palliatives?", Adedeji mischievously pictured Governor Adeleke as unbothered by the plights faced by Osun people while positioning the APC as having concern for the welfare of the people.
Osun APC cares for the Osun people? Well, he can only deceive the undiscerning, because the records are too glaring to be distorted. For the 12 years that the APC managed the affairs of Osun state, the welfare of the people suffered gravely, to the point that civil servants and pensioners were left to the mercy of donors for sustenance. It is on record that the APC left a staggering N76 billion in salary and pension liabilities for the Adeleke administration, some of which the current administration has already started paying.
While there is nothing wrong with showing concern for the troubling situation that many people are going through as a result of fuel subsidy removal, it must however be done with decency and good intention, not the corrosive mindset that Adedeji exhibited in his article. There is no truth whatsoever in the narrative promoted by Adedeji in his article as Governor Adeleke has consistently shown commitment to the welfare of the people.
Only last week, the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, inaugurated the Osun Committee on Palliatives and handed over the distribution of the special support to them. The membership of the committee was drawn from every strata of the Osun society in an effort to ensure that the palliatives got to those who actually needed it and were free from manipulation and distortion.
This was what the previous administration, which Adedeji was part of, failed to do, especially during the COVID-19 pandemic, creating a situation where palliatives meant for the people were converted to political tools to drive votes. Only members of the APC or those who are identified as potential voters of the party got one form of palliative or the other, something that was seriously against the intention of those who gave those items to the state government.
Perhaps, this experience was what motivated the article of Adedeji, thinking that the Adeleke administration would go the same way as the previous administration. Well, he is grossly mistaken, as Governor Adeleke is poised to ensure that the distribution of palliatives has no political colouration and that only those who actually needed it got it.
That was the idea behind handing the palliatives to the Osun stakeholders, who are believed to represent every segment of the Osun society and can be fair and transparent in the distribution of the relief package. In fact, it was the committee that agreed to the delay of the palliative for the awaiting batch to arrive so that it could reach more people.
In what clearly was a blackmail effort by Adedeji, he erroneously suggested that the 3,000 bags of rice already received by the State Government was enough to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on Osun people. A simple arithmetic calculation will give him away as nothing but a mischief-maker, because if the 3,000 bags should be divided by the 332 wards in Osun, what will go to each ward is about 9 bags of rice.
We all saw videos of the palliative distribution in Kwara and Lagos states, and the reasonable question is, how does that solve the problem of the people? This is not to say the Osun State Government will not be doing anything to support the people in this troubling time, but it is to expose the fake concern of people like Adedeji who are trying to draw political capital from the pains of the ordinary people.
Look at the subtle but well-obvious attempt to instigate the people against the Osun State Government by mischievously referencing support for workers and pensioners in states like Kwara and others. What Adedeji failed to point out is that Kwara or any other states he choose to reference, does not use about 40 percent of its net allocation to service debt incurred by the APC. When Governor Adeleke took over, he inherited over N400 billion in debt from the APC government. This is aside from N76 billion in pension liabilities and about N50 billion in contractual debts.
I'm not sure any state that Adedeji referenced in his article inherited this depressing financial standing caused by the recklessness of his party while at the helm of affairs. Add to his mischief is the misleading narrative that the medical outreach launched by Governor Adeleke as part of support for people is just about paracetamol. Far from it. As we all know that health is wealth, and any society that wants to progress will invest decisively in the healthy living of citizens.
Under the 'Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach', Governor Adeleke will avail at least 3,000 persons in each of the nine (9) federal constituencies in Osun the rare opportunity of having their varying health challenges solved. A total of 30,000 beneficiaries across Osun state will receive medicare, ranging from free surgeries for Cataracts, Pterygium, Hernia, and some swellings on the body. Persons with medical conditions such as hypertension, diabetes, malaria, cough, and tuberculosis, among other diseases, were also catered for. This is the second time such medical intervention will be offered by Governor Adeleke in his avowed commitment to solving the medical needs of the people.
It is surprising that Adedeji ignored this lifesaving effort, and choose to peddle misinformation. While the precarious situation of losing power is well understood, politics should be played with responsibility, not the recklessness and disruptive tendency that Adedeji and his party have apparently adopted.
If Adedeji and his party, the APC truly care about Osun state, it should be focused on complementing any intervention from the government to cushion the effect of fuel subsidy removal on the people. As opposition, the PDP with the active support of the Adelekes rallied resources during the COVID-19 pandemic and distributed palliatives within its means. Pouring on streets solves nothing, especially when the palliative is no longer in the custody of the State Government, but Osun stakeholders, who form the palliative committee. Except that the rumour that Osun APC intends to cause unrest in the state by hiding under protest is actually true, nothing can explain the clueless opposition party took to the street on palliatives.
• Sarafa Ibrahim is a Special Assistant to the Osun State Governor and writes from Iwo, Osun State.
How Osun Government Awarded Projects Worth 1.3 Billion To Non-Existent Companies
Despite meagre resources and economic woes, projects worth N1.3 billion were awarded to non-existent companies between 2019 and 2021 during the tenure of former Governor Gboyega Oyetola. The government flouted its noble promises of promoting competition, efficiency, and equal opportunities, as well as the laws and standards.
By Taiwo Fatola
AMIDST the bustling reception of the Osun Public Procurement Agency (PPA), located behind the Governor’s Office inside the state government secretariat, Osogbo, a commanding roll-up banner takes center stage, boldly displaying the state’s ‘governing rule on public procurement.’
Quoted with pride from Section 23(1)(b) of the Osun State Public Procurement Law 2015, the banner resounds with the promise of “Promotion of competition, economy, efficiency, and equal opportunities to all parties eligible and qualified to partake in public contracts.”
A noble principle etched in ink, but beneath the surface, an investigation into projects awarded during the administration of the immediate past governor, Gboyega Oyetola, between 2019 and 2021, unravels an unsettling truth. OSUN DEFENDER’s in-depth scrutiny of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) portal on the state PPA website has unearthed a startling contradiction—a government that not only disregarded its sacred rules but veered from the very essence of fair public procurement.
The in-depth review showed non-compliance with neither the state public procurement law nor the public procurement manual. These crucial documents were intended to serve as beacons of transparency and accountability in the public procurement process for government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), but investigations show that they made awards to non-existent companies, among other alarming irregularities.
For instance, on 29th January 2020, the Osun State Ministry of Works and Transport awarded a contract for the rehabilitation and spot patching of the popular Okefia to Old Garage Road, Osogbo, to Jescon Tech Nig. Ltd at the cost of N3,256,697. The ministry adopted selective bidding for the contract. According to Chapter 7.2 of the procurement manual, for selective bidding, quotations must be obtained from at least three reputable contractors.
Further checks show that only Jescon Tech Nig. Ltd submitted a bid and was subsequently awarded the contract without any competition from other bidders. Findings show that Jescon Tech Nig. Ltd, has no discernible online presence. The company cannot be found through a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which is the designated authority responsible for registering companies in the country and issuing certificates of business registration.
Moreover, Chapter 5 of the state procurement manual requires certified or notarized copies of essential documents, like business registration certificates, for eligibility to bid. Regrettably, these requirements were not followed.
Chapter 5 of the manual provides that “the eligibility criteria should be clearly stated in the bidding documents for each procurement. To ensure that these criteria are met, signed statements or documentary evidence may be requested to certify the eligibility.”
The document further listed certified or notarized copies of the bidder’s certificate of business registration, certificate of incorporation, business license or similar document and certified or notarized copies of the bidder’s tax registration, tax clearance certificates or similar document as some of the documentary evidence for eligibility.
Sensitive examination materials in the hands of unregistered contractor In June and July 2021, the Osun State Examination Board awarded four contracts to another non-existent company. On June 9, 2021, a contract for the printing of 306,782 copies of assorted question papers was awarded to Adex Emma Success Global Resources at the cost of N10,353,960.
On June 30, 2021, Adex Emma Success Global Resources received two more contracts for printing 140,000 and 280,000 units of answer and continuation sheets respectively, costing N1.4m and N5.6m, respectively.
Similarly, on July 9, 2021, the Osun State Examination Board awarded Adex Emma Success Global Resources another contract for printing 125,502 continuation sheets. Notably, in all four contract awards, the selective tendering method was utilised, as observed in the case of the road rehabilitation contract awarded by the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Surprisingly, for all these contracts, Adex Emma Success Global Resources was the sole bidder, contrary to the requirement of at least three bidders, as outlined in the public procurement manual.
No trace of Adex Emma was found anywhere online. No website or social media handle related to the name was found. It is apparently not a registered entity as a search on the CAC portal and other online company directories including B2bhint and Ng-check, turned up nothing.
Duplicate contracts awarded to non-existent entities across multiple years During the 2019 budget year, Osun State allocated funds for drilling boreholes in 332 primary health centres. However, what is worrying is that two separate procuring entities embarked on the same projects with different budget IDs and OCID IDs. The budget ID and OCID ID serve as unique identifiers for government projects on the OCDS portal, making this apparent duplication all the more alarming.
For example, the state Ministry of Health awarded the contracts for the ‘Drilling of 150 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 150 selected Primary Health Care Centers across the State of Osun’ and ‘Drilling of 182 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 182 selected Primary Health Care Centers across the State of Osun’ on 5th April 2019 and 23rd May 2019, respectively.
Remarkably, both contracts were awarded to the same company, F. OTOT Nigeria Limited, indicating that the agency indulged in contract splitting. The OCID IDs for these projects are ocds-xwwr9a-000490-OS/HLT/02 and ocds-xwwr9a-000506-OS/HLT/02, respectively, with sharply differing Budget IDs – 000489 and 000505, respectively.
The reason behind splitting these projects into two remains unknown. However, the state procurement law in section 71(2)(f) expressly forbids and incriminates the act of splitting tender.
According to section 71(2)(f), “It shall be an offence to split tenders to enable the evasion of monetary benchmark set.”
The Ministry of Health used direct contracting for the projects, but it is unclear if drilling of boreholes across the state met the criteria for direct contracting in the state procurement law and manual. According to the public procurement manual direct contracting method can only be used under exceptional circumstances when the goods and services required are only available from a supplier or contractor, or when there is an urgent need for such goods or services.
Curiously, on July 7, 2020, another state agency, Osun Road Maintenance Agency (ORMA) awarded the same projects, with identical titles and budget sum (of N288,750,016 and N350,350,016 respectively), but different OCID IDs once again to the same company, F. OTOT Nigeria Limited. The agency used the selective tender method and, surprisingly, no other contractor submitted bids for the project apart from F. OTOT Nigeria Limited.
The OCID IDs for the two projects, titled “Award of Contract for the Drilling of 150 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 150 selected Primary Health Care Centre across the State of Osun” and “Award of Contract for the Drilling of 182 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 182 selected Primary Health Care Centre across the State of Osun,” are ocds-xwwr9a-000954-OS/RMA/05 and ocds-xwwr9a-000976-OS/RMA/05, respectively.
These projects identities differ from the one awarded by the state Ministry of Health in 2019. The budget ID of the contracts facilitated by the Road Maintenance Agency are 000953 and 000975, respectively.
Findings by this newspaper showed that there is no trace of F. OTOT Nigeria Limited on the portal of the CAC or any other companies directory on the internet. However, a company with a similar name – F.OT OT Construction Services was found in the vendors list on the state public procurement website.
However, one Mr. Hamzat Adebayo, who identified himself as a director at F.OT OT Construction Services Company, said there was possible mismatch of identity. He said: “There must have been a mistake somewhere because government cannot award contract to an unregistered company.
“F.OT OT Construction Services Company was registered in 2013 and we have been using it to execute project. As of September 2022, we upgraded it to F.OT OT Construction Company Limited. But the contracts that were given to us were given to F.OT OT Construction services. We’re duly registered.
“Also, there must have been a mismatch because F.OT OT Construction Services Company did not receive any contract of borehole drilling from the Ministry of Works. Whoever is making an enquiry should get his or her information correct.
However, the reasons why an unregistered F. OTOT Nigeria Limited was awarded the contract could not be ascertained since F.OT OT Construction Services was also found on the state PPA website to have also bid for and won some award contracts.
Upon visiting primary health centres across Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas, it was evident that the boreholes were indeed installed. However, a significant number of them are not functioning. The installations were reportedly carried out around June 2020.
Among the non-functional boreholes is the one at Ehingbo PHC in Erin-Osun, Irepodun LGA. During a visit to the facility, a community health worker who identified herself as ‘Mrs Adepoju’, said that the borehole stopped working about a month after its construction in June 2020. As a result, staff and patients are compelled to search for water from outside the facility.
Similarly, at Bolorunduro PHC in Ifon-Osun, Orolu LGA, the borehole was also non-functional. It was revealed that a staff member at the PHC had personally funded the borehole’s repair, but the person has not been reimbursed for the expenses incurred.
Olaniyan Akinwale, who works at the Bolorunduro PHC, expressed concern over the lack of water supply in the facility. He stressed that they have to contract someone to fetch water from outside the facility on a daily basis. Akinwale estimated that the health facility uses about 500 litres of water daily.
However, the borehole facilities at Araromi PHC in Ifon-Osun, Anwo PHC in Ilobu, Eleesi PHC in Ifon-Osun and Oke-Ila in Erin-Osun were functional at the time of the visit to these facilities. Osun MDAs keep mum After initial attempts to obtain reactions from the concerned MDAs failed, Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requests were submitted to them, but no official response has been received
During a visit to the Ministry of Works and Transport, Bashir Bello, an engineer and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry attributed the delay in response to the FOI request to the need to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Justice before disclosing the information.
The Ministry of Works in a response signed by one M. A. Ojebode, an engineer, asked that the request for the information on the road project be directed to the state Ministry of Justice.
Similarly, in response to the request for information on the projects facilitated by her agency, the Registrar of the State Examination Board, Mrs. Bukola Akintola, directed that the information being sought should be directed to the Ministry of Justice.
Osun State is bound by the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act 2011, which states that if a public institution receives an application for access to information and believes that another public institution has greater interest in the information, it has a responsibility to transfer the application to that institution.
The referral to the justice ministry is curious as it has no interest in these projects. Also, Chapter 4.3(2) of the state public procurement manual states that the accounting officer of the concerned MDAs is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law and liable for breach or contravention of the law.
Zacchaeus Ategbero, an engineer and the General Manager of the Osun Road Maintenance Agency, claimed ignorance of the borehole projects despite evidence of his agency’s involvement on the PPA website. He promised an official response to the FOI request but has not replied as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, the permanent secretary, stated that clearance has been sought from the Ministry of Justice, and they are awaiting approval for the release of the information.
When reached for comment, Ismail Omipidan, the Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, questioned why the present government of the state is not being investigated, suggesting a potential witch-hunt against his principal.
He emphasised, “There is no such contract like rehabilitation of Oke-fia/Old Garage road. Kindly cross-check the information.”
Omipidan’s stance is founded on comments made by the then Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Jamiu Olawumi, affirming that the awarded contracts for printing examination papers followed the procurement law, and all processes were meticulously adhered to in their allocation. Olawumi’s response was in respect of a report by Dataphyte on the violation of the state public procurement laws in the award of some contracts by the Osun State Examination Board.
Despite the evidence presented by the medium, the Special Adviser to the former governor maintained that due process was followed without providing any concrete proof to back his assertions. However, a look at the Dataphyte’s story shows that the investigated contracts are different from the ones investigated in this report.
“I do not think we have anything new to add on that,” Omipidan stated.
By Taiwo Fatola
AMIDST the bustling reception of the Osun Public Procurement Agency (PPA), located behind the Governor’s Office inside the state government secretariat, Osogbo, a commanding roll-up banner takes center stage, boldly displaying the state’s ‘governing rule on public procurement.’
Quoted with pride from Section 23(1)(b) of the Osun State Public Procurement Law 2015, the banner resounds with the promise of “Promotion of competition, economy, efficiency, and equal opportunities to all parties eligible and qualified to partake in public contracts.”
A noble principle etched in ink, but beneath the surface, an investigation into projects awarded during the administration of the immediate past governor, Gboyega Oyetola, between 2019 and 2021, unravels an unsettling truth. OSUN DEFENDER’s in-depth scrutiny of the Open Contracting Data Standard (OCDS) portal on the state PPA website has unearthed a startling contradiction—a government that not only disregarded its sacred rules but veered from the very essence of fair public procurement.
The in-depth review showed non-compliance with neither the state public procurement law nor the public procurement manual. These crucial documents were intended to serve as beacons of transparency and accountability in the public procurement process for government ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs), but investigations show that they made awards to non-existent companies, among other alarming irregularities.
For instance, on 29th January 2020, the Osun State Ministry of Works and Transport awarded a contract for the rehabilitation and spot patching of the popular Okefia to Old Garage Road, Osogbo, to Jescon Tech Nig. Ltd at the cost of N3,256,697. The ministry adopted selective bidding for the contract. According to Chapter 7.2 of the procurement manual, for selective bidding, quotations must be obtained from at least three reputable contractors.
Further checks show that only Jescon Tech Nig. Ltd submitted a bid and was subsequently awarded the contract without any competition from other bidders. Findings show that Jescon Tech Nig. Ltd, has no discernible online presence. The company cannot be found through a search at the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), which is the designated authority responsible for registering companies in the country and issuing certificates of business registration.
Moreover, Chapter 5 of the state procurement manual requires certified or notarized copies of essential documents, like business registration certificates, for eligibility to bid. Regrettably, these requirements were not followed.
Chapter 5 of the manual provides that “the eligibility criteria should be clearly stated in the bidding documents for each procurement. To ensure that these criteria are met, signed statements or documentary evidence may be requested to certify the eligibility.”
The document further listed certified or notarized copies of the bidder’s certificate of business registration, certificate of incorporation, business license or similar document and certified or notarized copies of the bidder’s tax registration, tax clearance certificates or similar document as some of the documentary evidence for eligibility.
Sensitive examination materials in the hands of unregistered contractor In June and July 2021, the Osun State Examination Board awarded four contracts to another non-existent company. On June 9, 2021, a contract for the printing of 306,782 copies of assorted question papers was awarded to Adex Emma Success Global Resources at the cost of N10,353,960.
On June 30, 2021, Adex Emma Success Global Resources received two more contracts for printing 140,000 and 280,000 units of answer and continuation sheets respectively, costing N1.4m and N5.6m, respectively.
Similarly, on July 9, 2021, the Osun State Examination Board awarded Adex Emma Success Global Resources another contract for printing 125,502 continuation sheets. Notably, in all four contract awards, the selective tendering method was utilised, as observed in the case of the road rehabilitation contract awarded by the Ministry of Works and Transport.
Surprisingly, for all these contracts, Adex Emma Success Global Resources was the sole bidder, contrary to the requirement of at least three bidders, as outlined in the public procurement manual.
No trace of Adex Emma was found anywhere online. No website or social media handle related to the name was found. It is apparently not a registered entity as a search on the CAC portal and other online company directories including B2bhint and Ng-check, turned up nothing.
Duplicate contracts awarded to non-existent entities across multiple years During the 2019 budget year, Osun State allocated funds for drilling boreholes in 332 primary health centres. However, what is worrying is that two separate procuring entities embarked on the same projects with different budget IDs and OCID IDs. The budget ID and OCID ID serve as unique identifiers for government projects on the OCDS portal, making this apparent duplication all the more alarming.
For example, the state Ministry of Health awarded the contracts for the ‘Drilling of 150 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 150 selected Primary Health Care Centers across the State of Osun’ and ‘Drilling of 182 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 182 selected Primary Health Care Centers across the State of Osun’ on 5th April 2019 and 23rd May 2019, respectively.
Remarkably, both contracts were awarded to the same company, F. OTOT Nigeria Limited, indicating that the agency indulged in contract splitting. The OCID IDs for these projects are ocds-xwwr9a-000490-OS/HLT/02 and ocds-xwwr9a-000506-OS/HLT/02, respectively, with sharply differing Budget IDs – 000489 and 000505, respectively.
The reason behind splitting these projects into two remains unknown. However, the state procurement law in section 71(2)(f) expressly forbids and incriminates the act of splitting tender.
According to section 71(2)(f), “It shall be an offence to split tenders to enable the evasion of monetary benchmark set.”
The Ministry of Health used direct contracting for the projects, but it is unclear if drilling of boreholes across the state met the criteria for direct contracting in the state procurement law and manual. According to the public procurement manual direct contracting method can only be used under exceptional circumstances when the goods and services required are only available from a supplier or contractor, or when there is an urgent need for such goods or services.
Curiously, on July 7, 2020, another state agency, Osun Road Maintenance Agency (ORMA) awarded the same projects, with identical titles and budget sum (of N288,750,016 and N350,350,016 respectively), but different OCID IDs once again to the same company, F. OTOT Nigeria Limited. The agency used the selective tender method and, surprisingly, no other contractor submitted bids for the project apart from F. OTOT Nigeria Limited.
The OCID IDs for the two projects, titled “Award of Contract for the Drilling of 150 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 150 selected Primary Health Care Centre across the State of Osun” and “Award of Contract for the Drilling of 182 Nos of Boreholes with stanchion and overhead Tank in 182 selected Primary Health Care Centre across the State of Osun,” are ocds-xwwr9a-000954-OS/RMA/05 and ocds-xwwr9a-000976-OS/RMA/05, respectively.
These projects identities differ from the one awarded by the state Ministry of Health in 2019. The budget ID of the contracts facilitated by the Road Maintenance Agency are 000953 and 000975, respectively.
Findings by this newspaper showed that there is no trace of F. OTOT Nigeria Limited on the portal of the CAC or any other companies directory on the internet. However, a company with a similar name – F.OT OT Construction Services was found in the vendors list on the state public procurement website.
However, one Mr. Hamzat Adebayo, who identified himself as a director at F.OT OT Construction Services Company, said there was possible mismatch of identity. He said: “There must have been a mistake somewhere because government cannot award contract to an unregistered company.
“F.OT OT Construction Services Company was registered in 2013 and we have been using it to execute project. As of September 2022, we upgraded it to F.OT OT Construction Company Limited. But the contracts that were given to us were given to F.OT OT Construction services. We’re duly registered.
“Also, there must have been a mismatch because F.OT OT Construction Services Company did not receive any contract of borehole drilling from the Ministry of Works. Whoever is making an enquiry should get his or her information correct.
However, the reasons why an unregistered F. OTOT Nigeria Limited was awarded the contract could not be ascertained since F.OT OT Construction Services was also found on the state PPA website to have also bid for and won some award contracts.
Upon visiting primary health centres across Irepodun and Orolu Local Government Areas, it was evident that the boreholes were indeed installed. However, a significant number of them are not functioning. The installations were reportedly carried out around June 2020.
Among the non-functional boreholes is the one at Ehingbo PHC in Erin-Osun, Irepodun LGA. During a visit to the facility, a community health worker who identified herself as ‘Mrs Adepoju’, said that the borehole stopped working about a month after its construction in June 2020. As a result, staff and patients are compelled to search for water from outside the facility.
Similarly, at Bolorunduro PHC in Ifon-Osun, Orolu LGA, the borehole was also non-functional. It was revealed that a staff member at the PHC had personally funded the borehole’s repair, but the person has not been reimbursed for the expenses incurred.
Olaniyan Akinwale, who works at the Bolorunduro PHC, expressed concern over the lack of water supply in the facility. He stressed that they have to contract someone to fetch water from outside the facility on a daily basis. Akinwale estimated that the health facility uses about 500 litres of water daily.
However, the borehole facilities at Araromi PHC in Ifon-Osun, Anwo PHC in Ilobu, Eleesi PHC in Ifon-Osun and Oke-Ila in Erin-Osun were functional at the time of the visit to these facilities. Osun MDAs keep mum After initial attempts to obtain reactions from the concerned MDAs failed, Freedom of Information (FOI) Act requests were submitted to them, but no official response has been received
During a visit to the Ministry of Works and Transport, Bashir Bello, an engineer and the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry attributed the delay in response to the FOI request to the need to obtain clearance from the Ministry of Justice before disclosing the information.
The Ministry of Works in a response signed by one M. A. Ojebode, an engineer, asked that the request for the information on the road project be directed to the state Ministry of Justice.
Similarly, in response to the request for information on the projects facilitated by her agency, the Registrar of the State Examination Board, Mrs. Bukola Akintola, directed that the information being sought should be directed to the Ministry of Justice.
Osun State is bound by the Nigerian Freedom of Information Act 2011, which states that if a public institution receives an application for access to information and believes that another public institution has greater interest in the information, it has a responsibility to transfer the application to that institution.
The referral to the justice ministry is curious as it has no interest in these projects. Also, Chapter 4.3(2) of the state public procurement manual states that the accounting officer of the concerned MDAs is responsible for ensuring compliance with the law and liable for breach or contravention of the law.
Zacchaeus Ategbero, an engineer and the General Manager of the Osun Road Maintenance Agency, claimed ignorance of the borehole projects despite evidence of his agency’s involvement on the PPA website. He promised an official response to the FOI request but has not replied as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, at the Ministry of Health, Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, the permanent secretary, stated that clearance has been sought from the Ministry of Justice, and they are awaiting approval for the release of the information.
When reached for comment, Ismail Omipidan, the Chief Press Secretary to former Governor Gboyega Oyetola, questioned why the present government of the state is not being investigated, suggesting a potential witch-hunt against his principal.
He emphasised, “There is no such contract like rehabilitation of Oke-fia/Old Garage road. Kindly cross-check the information.”
Omipidan’s stance is founded on comments made by the then Special Adviser to the Governor on Education, Jamiu Olawumi, affirming that the awarded contracts for printing examination papers followed the procurement law, and all processes were meticulously adhered to in their allocation. Olawumi’s response was in respect of a report by Dataphyte on the violation of the state public procurement laws in the award of some contracts by the Osun State Examination Board.
Despite the evidence presented by the medium, the Special Adviser to the former governor maintained that due process was followed without providing any concrete proof to back his assertions. However, a look at the Dataphyte’s story shows that the investigated contracts are different from the ones investigated in this report.
“I do not think we have anything new to add on that,” Omipidan stated.
Governor Adeleke Felicitates Wife On Her Birthday
NEWS RELEASE
Governor Adeleke Felicitates Wife, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke On Her Birthday
OSOGBO- 28/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has felicitated with his darling wife, Chief Mrs Erelu Ngozi Adeleke on the occasion of her birthday, thanking God for preserving her so that her glory may shine for the whole world to experience.
In a special congratulatory message personally signed by him, Governor Adeleke extols the strength, selflessness and sacrifice of Chief Ngozi through the years and now as he paddles the waters of governance in the state in her areas of interests.
"My darling wife, you have been gracious and understanding even in the face of many challenges that come with this new role. I feel blessed and privileged to share this exciting experience of life with you by my side. May God continue to bless and keep you safe my love"
"Your kindness to others and to humanity is enviable, My prayer for you on this day is that God Almighty continues to prosper and shower you with His infinite mercies and blessings. May He grant you many more years in good health for the world to continue to enjoy your kindness and large heart."
"Happy birthday, Chief (Mrs) Erelu Ngozi Adeleke. Happy birthday to my wife, my love" the Governor concluded.
Signed
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State
Governor Adeleke Felicitates Wife, Erelu Ngozi Adeleke On Her Birthday
OSOGBO- 28/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has felicitated with his darling wife, Chief Mrs Erelu Ngozi Adeleke on the occasion of her birthday, thanking God for preserving her so that her glory may shine for the whole world to experience.
In a special congratulatory message personally signed by him, Governor Adeleke extols the strength, selflessness and sacrifice of Chief Ngozi through the years and now as he paddles the waters of governance in the state in her areas of interests.
"My darling wife, you have been gracious and understanding even in the face of many challenges that come with this new role. I feel blessed and privileged to share this exciting experience of life with you by my side. May God continue to bless and keep you safe my love"
"Your kindness to others and to humanity is enviable, My prayer for you on this day is that God Almighty continues to prosper and shower you with His infinite mercies and blessings. May He grant you many more years in good health for the world to continue to enjoy your kindness and large heart."
"Happy birthday, Chief (Mrs) Erelu Ngozi Adeleke. Happy birthday to my wife, my love" the Governor concluded.
Signed
HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State
Sunday 27 August 2023
Governor Adeleke Salutes Founding Fathers, As Osun Marks 32nd Aniversary
NEWS RELEASE
Governor Adeleke Salutes Founding Fathers, As Osun Marks 32nd Anniversary*
● Governor Adeleke: Osun Is Ready To Harness State's Economic Potentials
● Digital Ecosystem, Infrastructure Upgrade, Tourism And Education Potentials Form Gov's Anniversary Address
● OSOGBO - 27/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
● The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Sunday acknowledged the unforgettable determination of the founding fathers of Osun State which culminated into creation of the state on August 27, 1991 by the then Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
In a statewide address Sunday morning, Governor Adeleke recalled the selfless and long suffering efforts of the state founding fathers, which he said predated the nation's independence and only came to fruition in 1991 with Osogbo as the state capital.
Governor Adeleke's address was centered majorly on the solutions and positive approach of the state government to consolidate on the positive strides the state has recorded in the past three decades while pledging to pull resources together to strengthen state assets and tackle all setbacks.
"Osun has been growing from strength to strength. We have achieved a lot under our five-point agenda on workers welfare, gratuities and pension; education, affordable health care, state and social security and human capital development has yielded a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to the growth of our state and the nation" Governor Adeleke Stated.
The widely loved Osun helmsman reiterated the commitment of his administration to apply technological innovations in pursuit of workable industrial growth, education advancement and building of a sustainable commonwealth, amongst several sectors requiring government intervention.
He further called for the support of the people of the state as he strives to achieve dreams of the state's founding fathers,
● "We recognise the challenges facing our state. We regard developmental setbacks as tools to resolution of societal problems. I don't want to report problems but solutions to our common setbacks" Some of the key areas of priority, according to Governor Adeleke include:
● Strengthening the state's transportation networks, energy systems, and digital connectivity which are primed to attract investment, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for the citizens. • Continued emphasis on modernizing agricultural practices, supporting farmers with training and access to markets, in order to enhance food security and drive economic growth.
• Nurturing a culture of learning and innovation through improved educational facilities and partnerships with research institutions to fuel emergence of a knowledge-based economy.
• Leveraging on cultural heritage and natural endowments to develop sustainable tourism which in turn is expected to that create jobs and stimulate local economies.
• Providing financial incentives, technical assistance, and access to markets for SMEs to foster entrepreneurship and diversify the state's economic base, amongst others. Governor Adeleke described the 32nd anniversary of the State's creation as a veritable avenue to remind surviving stakeholders in the state of the shared commitment to progress and development, embracing areas of one another's strengths, addressing weaknesses and confronting threats. Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
Governor Adeleke Salutes Founding Fathers, As Osun Marks 32nd Anniversary*
● Governor Adeleke: Osun Is Ready To Harness State's Economic Potentials
● Digital Ecosystem, Infrastructure Upgrade, Tourism And Education Potentials Form Gov's Anniversary Address
● OSOGBO - 27/08/2023 - Osunstate.gov.ng
● The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke on Sunday acknowledged the unforgettable determination of the founding fathers of Osun State which culminated into creation of the state on August 27, 1991 by the then Military Head of State, General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida.
In a statewide address Sunday morning, Governor Adeleke recalled the selfless and long suffering efforts of the state founding fathers, which he said predated the nation's independence and only came to fruition in 1991 with Osogbo as the state capital.
Governor Adeleke's address was centered majorly on the solutions and positive approach of the state government to consolidate on the positive strides the state has recorded in the past three decades while pledging to pull resources together to strengthen state assets and tackle all setbacks.
"Osun has been growing from strength to strength. We have achieved a lot under our five-point agenda on workers welfare, gratuities and pension; education, affordable health care, state and social security and human capital development has yielded a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to the growth of our state and the nation" Governor Adeleke Stated.
The widely loved Osun helmsman reiterated the commitment of his administration to apply technological innovations in pursuit of workable industrial growth, education advancement and building of a sustainable commonwealth, amongst several sectors requiring government intervention.
He further called for the support of the people of the state as he strives to achieve dreams of the state's founding fathers,
● "We recognise the challenges facing our state. We regard developmental setbacks as tools to resolution of societal problems. I don't want to report problems but solutions to our common setbacks" Some of the key areas of priority, according to Governor Adeleke include:
● Strengthening the state's transportation networks, energy systems, and digital connectivity which are primed to attract investment, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for the citizens. • Continued emphasis on modernizing agricultural practices, supporting farmers with training and access to markets, in order to enhance food security and drive economic growth.
• Nurturing a culture of learning and innovation through improved educational facilities and partnerships with research institutions to fuel emergence of a knowledge-based economy.
• Leveraging on cultural heritage and natural endowments to develop sustainable tourism which in turn is expected to that create jobs and stimulate local economies.
• Providing financial incentives, technical assistance, and access to markets for SMEs to foster entrepreneurship and diversify the state's economic base, amongst others. Governor Adeleke described the 32nd anniversary of the State's creation as a veritable avenue to remind surviving stakeholders in the state of the shared commitment to progress and development, embracing areas of one another's strengths, addressing weaknesses and confronting threats. Signed Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.
LG Caretaker Committees to Pursue Massive Grassroots Development - Commissioner Some local government secretariats in Osun state will be completely overhauled to make them conducive for both political office holders and civil servants to work comfortably Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde stated this while featuring on IMOLE AYO a sensitization programme promoting the activities of Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration on OSBC Radio and Television channels The weekly Yoruba simulcast programme is put in place by the office of the spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed to showcase the achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration in Osun state Hon Babatunde lamented the poor state of infrastructure in virtually all the local government secretariats, saying what he met on ground during his recent visits to Osogbo and Atakunmosa West local government secretariats was discouraging The commissioner stated that the state state government will encourage all the Local Governments to embark on developmental programmes that would bring succour to the people at the grassroots. He said caretaker committees in the local governments will embark on massive road construction at the grassroots to enable farmers and rural dwellers bring their farm produce to markets in urban centres with ease, emphasising that the current administration would not paralyze the activities of the Local Government system in the State. Noting that local government remains the level of government closest to the people, Hon Babatunde assured the people of the grassrootss that the caretaker chairmen would surely key into Governor Adeleke’s agenda which is to make life better for the people of the state. He therefore solicited the support of the people of the state for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke adding that grassroots will feel the impact of the present administration more than ever before.
LG Caretaker Committees to Pursue Massive Grassroots Development - Commissioner
Some local government secretariats in Osun state will be completely overhauled to make them conducive for both political office holders and civil servants to work comfortably
Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Dosu Babatunde stated this while featuring on IMOLE AYO a sensitization programme promoting the activities of Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration on OSBC Radio and Television channels
The weekly Yoruba simulcast programme is put in place by the office of the spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed to showcase the achievements of Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration in Osun state
Hon Babatunde lamented the poor state of infrastructure in virtually all the local government secretariats, saying what he met on ground during his recent visits to Osogbo and Atakunmosa West local government secretariats was discouraging
The commissioner stated that the state state government will encourage all the Local Governments to embark on developmental programmes that would bring succour to the people at the grassroots.
He said caretaker committees in the local governments will embark on massive road construction at the grassroots to enable farmers and rural dwellers bring their farm produce to markets in urban centres with ease, emphasising that the current administration would not paralyze the activities of the Local Government system in the State.
Noting that local government remains the level of government closest to the people, Hon Babatunde assured the people of the grassrootss that the caretaker chairmen would surely key into Governor Adeleke’s agenda which is to make life better for the people of the state.
He therefore solicited the support of the people of the state for the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke adding that grassroots will feel the impact of the present administration more than ever before.
Broadcast Address On The 32ND Anniversary of Osun State By Governor Adeleke
BROADCAST ADDRESS ON THE 32ND ANNIVERSARY OF OSUN STATE’S CREATION BY HIS EXCELLENCY ADEMOLA JACKSON NURUDEEN ADELEKE. HELD ON 27TH AUGUST, 2023.
Dear Citizens of Osun State,
I am honored to address you today on the occasion of the 32nd anniversary of our beloved Osun State. On August 27th, 1991, our state was carved out from the old Oyo State.
Today marks a significant milestone in the history of our great state. As we reflect upon the journey, let us acknowledge what shaped our state and chart a course for a brighter and more prosperous future.
Our state's creation was the outcome of the struggles of our people. The founding fathers worked hard to realize the vision. The struggle started as early as 1950”s with a series of commissions of inquiry in the old Oyo State.
The doggedness of the founding fathers was rewarded on august 27th 1991, when General Ibrahim Badamosi Babangida created nine states including Osun state with Osogbo as the capital. This marked the recognition of our unique cultural heritage, rich history. The creation of Osun State was a testament to our collective determination to achieve self-governance and development
Over the past three decades, Osun State has demonstrated its strength in various fields. Osun has been growing from strength to strength. We have achieved a lot under our five-point agenda on workers welfare, gratuities and pension; education, affordable health care, state and social security and human capital development has yielded a skilled workforce that contributes significantly to the growth of our state and the nation.
We are building a digital ecosystem that deploys technology for development. We are laying a strong foundation for tech driven industrial development. We seek to harness our huge academic potentials for state growth. We are working hard to upgrade our infrastructure. Our focus includes growing the state economy to generate jobs and build the commonwealth.
In our push to achieve dreams of our founding fathers, we recognise the challenges facing our state. We regard developmental setbacks as tools to resolution of societal problems. I don't want to report problems but solutions to our common setbacks.
My dear good citizen of Osun State, at this point this is a clarion call in order to propel Osun State towards sustained economic growth, we must collectively focus on several key strategies ranging from:
• Strengthening our transportation networks, energy systems, and digital connectivity will attract investment, facilitate trade, and improve the overall quality of life for our citizens.
• Continued emphasis on modernizing our agricultural practices, supporting farmers with training and access to markets, will enhance food security and drive economic growth.
• Nurturing a culture of learning and innovation through improved educational facilities and partnerships with research institutions will fuel the emergence of a knowledge-based economy.
• Leveraging our cultural heritage and natural beauty, we can develop sustainable tourism offerings that create jobs and stimulate local economies.
• Providing financial incentives, technical assistance, and access to markets for SMEs will foster entrepreneurship and diversify our economic base.
• Implementing eco-friendly policies and sustainable practices will not only protect our environment but also attract eco-conscious industries.
• Collaborating with the private sector to develop infrastructure projects, such as energy, transportation, and healthcare, can leverage resources and expertise for mutual benefit.
In conclusion, the 32nd anniversary of Osun State's creation reminds us of our shared commitment to progress and development. Let us honour the sacrifices of our forebears by embracing our strengths, addressing our weaknesses, seizing opportunities, and confronting threats.
By working together with determination and unity, we can build an Osun State that thrives economically, socially, and culturally. As we embark on this journey, let us remain unwavering in our resolve to leave a legacy of prosperity for generations to come.
Thank you, and may the light of progress continue to shine upon Osun State
God bless Osun State.
Saturday 26 August 2023
Governor Adeleke To Address Osun
PUBLIC ANNOUNCEMENT State Creation Anniversary: Governor Adeleke to Address Osun
People Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state will on August 27th by 7am deliver
a state broadcast to mark the 32nd anniversary of the creation of Osun State.
The broadcast is to be aired simultaneously on radio and television of Osun
State Broadcasting Corporation and other broadcast channels in the state. The
good people of Osun state are enjoined to tune in and watch the anniversary
address.
Announcer:
Hon Kolapo Alimi, Hon Commissioner for Information and Public
Enlightenment
We Are Ready For Partners__Osun Government
NEWS RELEASE
We Are Ready For Partnership To Develop Sport In Osun - Governor Adeleke
OSOGBO- 26/08/2023– Osunstate.gov.ng
The Executive Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke has reiterated his administration’s readiness to drive sports development in the state through public private partnership.
The Governor stated this while responding to an address by Masai Michael Ujiri, a British born Nigerian-Canadian professional basketball executive and President of the Toronto Raptors in the National Basketball Association (NBA).
Masai addressed the delegation of Nigerian Governors at the ongoing leadership retreat organized by the Nigeria Governors Forum in Kigali, Rwanda.
Masai Ujiri disclosed that sports as an important sector needs proper attention by the government and to drive the needed development in the sector, the government needs to bring in private investors, citing examples of how commercializing sports has helped many developed countries.
Governor Adeleke, who was assured of the readiness of his administration to develop sports in the state, extended a state invitation to Masai Ujiri to further consolidate his administration’s plans and efforts for the sector.
"I will invite you to Osun state in Nigeria. Come with sport investors. Osun is open for sport as a tool for economic development", the Governor noted
Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor
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