Adeleke University Holds Convocation as Governor Advocates Devolutions, Tasks Graduands to Tap into Economic Turbulence to Build Prosperous Life

NEWS RELEASE

Adeleke University Holds Convocation as Governor Advocates Devolutions, Tasks Graduands to Tap into Economic Turbulence to Build Prosperous Life OSOGBO- 20/07/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

The Adeleke University, Ede today held its tenth undergraduate and sixth postgraduate convocation programme at its newly built stadium which is named after Alhaji Sanni.

The Pro-Chancellor of the University and Chairman of its Governing Council, Dr Adedeji Adeleke in his address unveiled the new stadium named after the late husband of Yeyeluwa Dupe Adeleke -Sanni, eulogizing the frontline role played by the deceased in the building of the university.

The Pro-Chancellor whose lecture centered on keeping hope alive in a turbulent economy also announced automatic employment for all first class engineering graduates by the Pacific Energy Limited at either its Ogun or Ondo plants.

Addressing graduates, Dr Adeleke tasked them to sustain hope in the time tested reality that hard times will surely pass, warning that under no circumstances should they lose hope of a better tomorrow.

To survive under the current harsh economic era, the pro-Chancellor urged the graduating students to adopt humility and respect for all categories of people as it can earn them what they are not even qualified for.

According to Dr Adeleke, humility can reduce obstacles on the way to success and fast tracked acceptance even where the road appears blocked.

Citing examples of how humility aided his securing the Pacific Merchants Bank license under former military President Ibrahim Babangida, the Pro-Chancellor narrated how respect and humility assisted him in business and human relations.

“You need to be humble in this hard time so your destiny helpers can find you. Respect for the high and the low is a potent weapon which can smooth the rough edges”, he told the convocation audience.

In his separate address, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke called on the young graduates to see opportunities in the current economic turbulence bedeviling Nigeria, noting that the Nigerian system presents multiple options for those with entrepreneurial mindset.

Senator Adeleke tasked the graduates to be innovative and enterprising, assuring that government at all levels are working hard to address the perilous state of the economy.

"At the National Economic Council meetings, both the Federal and State Governments regularly brainstorm on finding solutions to the economic hardship, unemployment, and hyperinflation facing the nation. Several options are being experimented on". The Governor said.

"For us as a State, we believe the solution lies in the devolution of powers and financing to the state governments".

Senator Adeleke identified focus on economic federalism as a panacea to deepening subnational prosperity and creating an enabling environment for job creation adding that stakeholders must boost local capacity across the sectors.

The Governor added that "we must continue to maintain national stability and unity. We can not escape the several issues facing us as a nation unless we harness our potential across the regions. But only when there is peace can we resolve the economic question".

The Governor added that his administration will continue to support President Bola Tinubu as all levels of government grapple with the crisis at the moment.

While commending the Pro Chancellor of Adeleke University, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke for setting a record in national education philanthropy, Senator Adeleke disclosed that 70 percent of the students in the faith based University are on scholarship as his own unique way of giving back to society

"The Pro Chancellor targets indigent students for scholarship as his own unique way of giving back to society".

He described the gesture of Dr. Deji Adeleke as a clarion call on well to do Nigerians saying people must give back to society by supporting economically weak residents to get educated.

"For every challenged student we support, an anti-poverty agent is being raised. For every sponsored student, several families are billed to exit the poverty circle. Rich Nigerians must, therefore, prioritize education philanthropy”, Governor Adeleke noted.

Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor.

Osun Osogbo and Clarifications for Bobagunwa Oyeyemi

By Olawale Rasheed

Our highly respected senior colleague, Bobagunwa Remi Oyeyemi just penned an article that indirectly accused Governor Ademola Adeleke of an igbonisation agenda in the governance of Osun state. This little piece would not have been necessary but because Bobagunwa's piece is already in public domain.

The post by our tested media chief identified two examples namely an interview by the Governor in Igbo language granted the BBC Igbo service. The second one was a letter on trademark issues concerning the coverage of the upcoming Osun Osogbo festival from a consultant engaged by the palace of Ataoja of Osogbo, the organizer of Osun Osogbo. In both cases, the writer in very strong language, insinuated disrespect for Yoruba culture and people by the State Governor.

With all due respect, it appears our old boss did not dig deeper into the matter well to get the total picture before rushing to conclusions. The hasty insinuation of Igbonisation was built on false narratives and a misunderstanding of the mandate holder with respect to Osun Osogbo. A phone call to friends of Bobagunwa in government would have shed more light on the matter and ensure informed commentary.

Let me start with the Igbo interview on BBC. Governor Adeleke had granted several interviews on BBC Yoruba. He has talked to several media platforms in Yoruba language including key radio stations in Osun State. How Bobagunwa did not listen to any of those interviews except the Igbo BBC interview is puzzling.

Is there a crime for a state Governor whose mother is Igbo granting an interview to Igbo BBC service? What was he saying in the interview? Mr Governor was narrating what he met on ground and how he is delivering good governance in Osun State. Is that wrong? Don't we have Igbo voters in Osun State? Don't we have Osun indigenes across Igbo land? Considering Bobagunwa's cosmopolitan outlook, he was evidently wrong on this note.

On the allegation that an Igbo media consultant was engaged to handle the Osun Osogbo event, certain clarifications are pertinent here. First, the Osun State Government is not the organizer of Osun Osogbo. The palace of Ataoja is the custodian. Mr Oyeyemi can reconfirm this reality.

It is baseless and disrespectful to our royal father to allege that the Governor teleguided the palace to appoint an Igbo man as consultant. These are wild, unfounded accusations. The Palace of Ataoja is the custodian of Osun Osogbo. The role of the state government is mostly supportive in terms of financing and logistics support.

Much more important is the content of the letter in question. If the organizer of an event has trademarked and copyrighted content as the Palace of Ataoja has done, the best the government can do is to intervene where necessary to ensure free media, free speech and observance of fundamental rights of the citizens if such are infringed or likely to be tampered with. The Ministry of Culture and Tourism is due to make a statement on the matter.

I however found it strange that Mr Oyeyemi could level such strong allegations without seeking or knowing the full truth. He crafted his piece as an accuser and judge without any pretense to fair trial. The only Igbo man serving as Adviser in the state government was born and bred here at Osogbo with thriving businesses employing many families. He is not even a cabinet member.

There is no basis or justification for the false flag of Igbonisation raised by Mr Oyeyemi. The two points mentioned are simply twisted to portray alleged favoritism for Igbo people where there is none.

In the case of Mr Governor, he is too urbane, open minded, nationalistic and detribalised to engage in such frivolity. Bobagunwa himself can testify to that reality.

● Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke, writes from Osogbo.

Osun Transformation: Dr Deji Adeleke is Proud of His Brother

Osun Transformation: Dr Deji Adeleke is Proud of His Brother By Mallam Olawale Rasheed

Intellectual pursuit and excellence are traditionally built on empirical facts. When acts are deliberately twisted to achieve partisan goals, the public, the citizenry, immediately identifies intellectual deceit and a prelude to a likely jaundiced academic thesis.

Applied to the public space and as facts are sacred, governance analysis from dispassionate analysts, uninjured commentators and unemotional observers convinced Dr Deji Adeleke, the patriarch of the Adeleke dynasty, that his brother, Governor Ademola Adeleke, is delivering to his expectations and that of the voting public. That same view is held by many Nigerians.

A reading of some articles including one by a journalist, Ismail Omipidan raises the imperative of fact checks. I will first submit that the writer's justification for calling out Dr Deji Adeleke is flawed and based on false citations as all the four points raised are based on equally false narratives promoted by the opposition. And I will dissect the issues one by one.

First is the Akoda-Ede road which he claimed was awarded prior to the commencement of the multi-billion naira infra programme. We repeat with verifiable facts that this assertion is false. The Akoda road was only undergoing pothole patching under the 100 days programme before its inclusion in the infra programme. It must be stressed that the road was advertised in a Nigerian Tribune publication of August 2023, which clearly fault the jaundice postulation of Mr. Omipidan.

As for timing of project completion, the infra plan was unveiled in December, completion date is December 2024. And as for quality of work, the contractor has the next five months to complete its work. Hence any judgment on work quality is mere political propaganda, especially when it is coming from someone with no background in engineering to be able to make a technical assessment.

The writer and the opposition may want to know that Oke fia, Lameco and other infra projects are going ahead as planned under strict monitoring and evaluation and with the best of quality assurance.

Equally, a debunked lie now repeated with sugar coat is the allegation that the Governor budgeted Fifteen Billion Naira for his office and only three billion naira for the agriculture sector with only One Hundred and Eighty Million Naira disbursement. The public is fully aware that the Governor’s Office has several agencies including the service-wide general services office. Hence, the said fund is not in any way meant directly for Mr Governor. Even at that, the total allocation for that unit is less than half of what purveyors of lies are dishing out.

Relatedly, the agricultural sector is receiving full attention than the opposition would want to acknowledge. Under the administration that the writer served, agriculture received the most embarrassing funding, to the point that less than N10m was spent in the entire sector outside payment of salary in one fiscal year.

Under the Adeleke administration, tractorization, access to fertilizers, agropreneurs' Incubation programmes, food security sub-sectoral initiatives, revival of farm settlements, cashew and cocoa seedlings project among others are special programmes the administration is implementing within the agricultural sector. It is a lie that only N180 million has so far been released to the agricultural sector.

For the teachers' recruitment and Imole Youth Corps, this administration is a government with a focus on programme sustainability and seamless delivery. With minimum wage matters being sorted out and with all budgetary questions resolved, the administration is fully ready for implementation. Governance is a process, a fact known to even the unlettered.

Another disgraceful lie is allegations of delay in sharing palliatives from the Federal Government. The first phase of the rice palliative was handled by a non-governmental committee and the second phase was shared across various interest groups alongside those rice equally purchased by the state government. In fact, the writer's party received from the palliatives disbursement by the Adeleke administration and we dare him to fault this assertion with fact.

For the Two Billion Naira palliative, it was clearly pointed out that it was deployed on additional food items, transport sector, wage awards with the state government adding further funding. The total cost of the wage award expended by this government was Three Billion naira at Ten Thousand Naira for pensioners and Fifteen Thousand Naira for workers for six months, far above what was received from the Federal Government. If the writer has forgotten, Osun people still remember how palliatives were hoarded under Oyetola administration and the public had to publicly loot the warehouse. Governor Adeleke has no such records and the public can attest to it.

Having clearly proven that all the reasons adduced by the writer for his calling out Dr Deji Adeleke are baseless, unfounded and mere concortions, let me proceed to list why the Pacific Holdings Chairman is proud of his brother, Governor Adeleke. First is the rescuing of Osun workers from bad governance, neglect and wicked wielding of state powers. From November 2022 till date, Governor Adeleke has embarked on a public sector reforms which ensure re-professionalisation of the public service, regular promotion and cash backing of promotions, payment of pensions and pension bonds, ongoing payment of half salaries owed Osun workers among many others.

For restoring normalcy and humane treatment to the public service as applauded by the public servants and their unions. It is not only Dr Deji Adeleke that is proud of his brother but the entire Osun people minus the toxic opposition appreciate the state leadership.

Another reason has to do with the silent revolution within the Osun health sector. As of today, close to 100 primary health care centers have been rehabilitated with direct provision of water and solar light. Across the state, over 150 health care centres are being built with many already completed. Selected General Hospitals are slated for upgrade while general recruitment of health workers is in the pipeline. Over 29,000 pensioners have been enrolled for free health insurance. The Governor is prioritizing preventive health care policy by strengthening access to health care for the majority of Osun residents. As Governor, Adeleke did not squander the World Bank $20.5 million dollar health care rehabilitation initiative as witnessed under the previous APC government, Dr Deji and Osun people are happy and praised God that "Demola ko ba oju wa je".

Who will not be happy with a responsive government and Governor who attended to neglected areas? The Muslim community in Osun has no Hajj camp, the only state without one in the South West. Governor Adeleke is building one for them. Osun State Broadcasting Service was left to die. Governor Adeleke procured state of the art transmitters for the stations. University of Ilesa was an audio institution when Mr Governor Adeleke took over. He gave the institution a take off grant, got almost 40 programmes accredited and ordered ongoing reconstruction of the university internal roads. Ijesa leaders were elated.

Several abandoned projects within the Osun State University were completed with new ones added. The Vice-Chancellor inherited from the Oyetola government attested to Governor Adeleke's excellent service delivery.

A Governor who initiated and is implementing a multi-sectoral, multi-billion naira infra plan is the doyen of friends and foes. Luckily, no true expert will deny the close link between good infrastructure and economic development. Seamless connectivity is at the heart of economic buoyancy. In recognition of that fact, Osun has been transformed into a huge construction site with all parts of the state tasting the delivery of good governance.

In reality, the Adeleke dynasty has every reason to thank God and the Osun people because an 18 month record has surpassed the four year tenure of some people. The public knows the leader who failed at home and shockingly away, I mean at national level.

For Dr Deji Adedeji and the entire Adeleke family, Mr Governor is a symbol of pride.

The public are aware of when someone messed up his uncle due to dismal performance as a state Governor. Even the uncle at Ajegunle on a campaign trail noted the bad show. When a review of members of the Federal Executive Council was done, bad ratings were returned to the public space. The uncle cannot but be unimpressed.

For Governor Adeleke, his approval rating remains above 80 percent. Someone throughout his four year tenure, has less than 30 percent approval rating.

Even President Bola Tinubu loves Imole.

Billionaire father of a billionaire, Dr Deji Adedeji is proud of his brother, Governor Adeleke, for achieving such significant delivery within just 18 months. So at the convocation, the Chancellor for the Adeleke University will speak of audacity of hope, of a vision that is becoming a reality, of an aspiration of a new Osun piloted by his brother.

● Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Special Adviser to Governor Adeleke, writes from Osogbo.

Ooni of Ife Host 3rd Ayangalu Festival amidst Pomp and Pageantry

Ooni of Ife Host 3rd Ayangalu Festival amidst Pomp and Pageantry

...As Queen Aderonke Ogunwusi Advocate commitment to promoting Yoruba Culture

The wife of Oni of Ile-Ife who doubles as the Cultural Ambassador of the Ayangalu Traditional Drum Festival 2024, Her Majesty, Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi has clarified that Ayan Agalu Festival is the period set aside to honour and celebrate the greats deeds of deities, while stating that it is not fetish and or an avenue to worship deities.

Olori Aderonke stated this on Thursday, during the 3rd edition of Ayan Agalu Traditional Drum Festival held in Ojaja Arena ,Ife Grand Resort, Ile Ife Osun state.

While speaking, the Queen emphasized that, it is a great misconception among most people that Ayan Agalu Festival means worshipping of drums and deity.

She said, “Ayan Agalu festival is a patron deity of drumming and what we are doing today is, we’re honoring the deity, we’re celebrating the Ayan Agalu.

“Orisas are human being who did exceptional things and we remember them, when we celebrate them, it’s just to honour them, we don’t worship them, but we remember them and the great things they did when they’re alive.”

Olori Aderonke continued by analyzing the significance of Drumming in Yoruba culture especially among young individuals.

“Traditional Drum Festival, it’s all about appreciating the culture of drumming and to appreciate our ancestors who work so hard to ensure that our culture doesn’t go into extinction.

“We kick started at Obafemi Awolowo University in collaboration with the Institute of Cultural Studies, where we had workshop and we also have some rehearsals at the palace yesterday, we had drumming processions, which took place from Atiba, Idiaje,Oke itase to pay homage to those representing the ancient people of old who have done so much in ensuring, preserving and promoting our culture.

“His Majesty, Oni of Ife, who is the custodian of the Yoruba culture and traditions, is trying so hard to uphold the culture. We have so many festivals that we do in Ile Ife, we have Ayan Agalu festival, Obatala festival, Moremi Festival, Olojo Festival, so His Majesty is trying so hard by making sure this festival will be portrayed in a way that it won’t go into extinction, because alot of people perceive our festival as festish, they’re not festish, we’re just honoring those who did great things.

“Orisas are human being who did exceptional things and we remember them, when we celebrate them, it’s just to honour them, we don’t worship them, but we remember them and the great things they did when they’re alive”, She emphasized.

In an interview with newsmen, the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee, Prince Adewale Laoye reiterated that the Ayan Agalu festival is meant to revive the Yoruba culture and to preserve it.

“We’re encouraging drumming among children as well, and that’s why we invited children here today, we have children group that are going to play the drum and they’re going to see their Fathers on stage, how they handle talking drum, how to make it talk because to play talking drum is  not easy.

“Every Yoruba drums imitate human speech, we want people to know that it’s not only about dancing to drums, we use drums to send messages from one street to another, in fact from one room to another room, before the arrival of GSM.

“We are giving a very big kudos to Baba Oniirisa for putting this one together especially this time of Nigeria in this economy, you can see what he has spent”, he noted.

He, however advised parents and Youths to venture into drumming, adding that there is money in drum.

“We will advise Yoruba  children across Nigeria to get involved, you can make money through drumming and with that we can  help Nigeria economy”, he advised.

While speaking with newsmen, Omo Oba Adekunle Adeyemo from the House of Oduduwa Foundation, Enuwa, urged the state government to support the Ooni of Ife in upholding the festival and Yoruba culture.

He said, “It’s a potential revenue earner, because drum has so many uses, it talks and you know it’s not about the Goverment alone, the government cannot make money for us all, but when we make money we pay tax and the society will be better for us.

“We’re calling on the state government to support us, support the Ooni Risa, he cannot do it alone. Please support it to make it success, He pleaded.

Contract Uploads on Osun Website: Setting the Records Straight

PRESS STATEMENT

OSOGBO - JULY 18th, 2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Our attention has been drawn to a news reports and counter -reports on a Sahara Reporters’ story on a previous contract awards and uploads on Osun state websites under under former Governor Gboyega Oyetola

We seek to correct certain misconceptions we noticed in the counter-reactions to the Sahara Reporters story. Our goal is to set the records straight

The old Osun state OCDS Portal is www.ocdsosun.org.ng. The new Osun state e-Procurement System is egp.osunstate.gov.ng. It was launched in December 2021 under the government of former Governor Oyetola.

So we must first take note that the migration of the data from the old to the new website was done under the administration of Governor Oyetola. The then Commissioner of Finance Mr Bola Oyebamiji and the Former General Manager of the Agency, Mr Adegboyega Basheer Bello supervised the entire e-procurement process.

So it was not true that it was the administration of Governor Ademola Adeleke which created the new website and incorrectly exported existing data on the old website.

Having clarified that, we want to add further that the e-Procurement System has OCDS records of manual awards (i.e; awards before the use of e-Procurement) and electronic awards conducted through the e-Procurement system (after 2021).

The two portals were created during the administration of former Governor Oyetola. Bon Maximus company was engaged as consultant to manage the new e.procurement system (egp.osunstate.gov.ng) by the same Oyetola administration.

The error identified was a data entry error that occurred three (3) times during migration of manual awards to the e-Procurement system.This was as earlier noted done under the previous administration.

This can be authenticated further as the "Release Date" which means "Upload Date" of the affected project is 2021-06-01. The award is for a single project, award amount is N233,456,205 and it is a Direct Labour project executed by the Ministry of Works.

However, the error was corrected by the consultant when he saw Sahara's report as such error can only occur on a project that was awarded manually. You can not have errors in electronic awards; i.e; contracts conducted through the e-Procurement system.

This is one of the reasons why the current Osun State government retained the inherited e-Procurement system for better transparency and efficiency in procurement processes.

We therefore want to note that the original Sahara Reporters’ story indeed picked the data from the official website which indeed contained the error.

As we have affirmed, it was however an error, a migration of data error from the old to the new website.

The fact as stated above is that it was one project that was uploaded three times which gave the impression of wrongdoing.

This multiple posting of contracts in error while moving data from old to the new site, all occurred under the administration of former Governor Oyetola.

The consultant managing the site did the needful by correcting the anomaly.

We thank the Sahara Reporters for spotting the error even as we assure that under the current procurement system, no error of such can re-occur.

Signed: Engr. Babatunde Adesina Oyetola, General Manager, Public Procurement Agency

Governor Adeleke Expands Partnership with Ogun Osun River Basin Authority, Approves Measures to Revive Iragbiji Dam

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO - 18/07/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has welcomed an expanded partnership with the Ogun Osun River Basin Authority as the agency toured ongoing projects across Osun State.

Addressing the delegation led by its Managing Director, Dr Adedeji Ashiru at the Government House, Governor Adeleke directed a more robust partnership between the State and the agency in view of the massive programmes the authority is implementing across Osun.

The Governor while responding to the state of Iragbiji dam immediately directed relevant line ministries to work out measures to deploy the dam for irrigation purposes as proposed by the River Basin Authority.

He expressed surprise that the dam was unutilised since 2018 when it was handed over to the State Government.

Dr Ashiru had in his address listed several ongoing projects in Osun but specifically requested the Governor’s action on the Iragbiji dam which he said the Authority had completed and handed over to the State Government in 2018.

He told the Governor that the Iragbiji dam can be deployed for irrigation farming by the state government in line with the Federal and state agenda for food security..

While approving the request, the Governor further directed the Commissioner for Water Resources and Agriculture to visit the site for immediate assessment, lamenting such unjustifiable neglect of such vital state assets.

Addressing the delegation further,the Governor said “Our government is desirous of strong partnership with your agency.

“As a government with a huge infra plan, collaboration with the River basin will enhance our push to secure food security.

“The vision for River basin authorities across the states recognises the importance of local partnership. Osun has had such collaboration in the past but we need to deepen the relationship”, Mr Governor submitted.

Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor

Re-How Osun Govt misled Sahara Reporters over alleged violation of procurement law by Oyetola;

Re-How Osun Govt misled Sahara Reporters over alleged violation of procurement law by Oyetola;

....... It is another lie fabricated,as usual, by Ismail Omipidan,not Osun state govt*

OSOGBO 17/8/2024 Osunstate gov ng

The attention of Osun state Government has been drawn to another big lie and deliberate distortion of facts by the spokesperson to the former Governor of Osun State , Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, in person of Mr Ismail Omipidan, on a recent report by Sahara Reporters.

Ordinarily, Osun State Government under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Adeleke wouldn't have reacted or commented on the frivolous allegation again coming from a person of Mr Omipidan's calibre after the publication of the said report which was independently carried out by Sahara Reporters, without any input of Ademola Adeleke led administration but for the mere fact that, it is expedient to set the record straight, especially for the innocent members of the public to know the truth and nothing but the truth as opposed to a dummy already being sold to them, inter earlier, by Omipidan, all in an attempt to smear the rising profile of Ademola Adeleke led administration .

It must, be emphasized that, the report being referred to by Omipidan was independently carried out by Sahara Reporters in its usual investigative reporting styles.

When Sahara Reporters, in its investigation, discovered the anomalies by Oyetola led administration and sought the reaction of Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, the Hon.Comm.for Information and Public Enlightenment and Mallam Rasheed Olawale, the Chief Spokesperson to the Governor, none of us, told Sahara Reporters anything but asked for two weeks grace under which to carry out our own independent investigstion, before commenting on the said report that emanated from Sahara Reporters. What informed the need for us to seek for two weeks timeframe was to be able to get the necessary facts of the matter so as to insulate us from being accused of jumping into an unverified conclusion .

However, Ismail Omipidan, in his usual belly-aching journalistic mischief, borne out of his endless futile attempts to paint Ademola Adeleke led administration black, unintelligently , went ahead to allege Adeleke led government as the sponsor of the Sahara Reporters findings.

Furthermore, Mr Omipidan went ahead, to put words in the mouth of Oluomo Kolapo Alimi that Alimi admitted that, the Akoda road dualisation project had earlier been awarded before the Osun State Government went back to perfect the due process. A blatant lie,it was and still is, in his usual mischievous and characteristics of always giving a dog a bad name in order to hang it, which, over the years has become his journalistic antics all in an attempt to curry the favour of his pay master, Mr Oyetola.

What, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi the Hon.Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment said and which is already in the public domain about the Akoda road dualisation project was that, at a point in time when it was painfully unmotorable for the motoring public to use, it was Ademola Adeleke led administration that made a kind of palliative arrangements to make the passage of vehicles easier before the on going road project contract saw the light of the day . Simple . Such are usually taken by responsible Government as a temporary measure to ease the suffering of the masses before finding a last solution to such a problem.

However, if Omipidan is still sure of his facts, he is challenged by Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, through this medium, to produce to the public either the audio or video evidence, where Oluomo Kolapo Alimi or any member of the Ademola Adeleke led administration stated that the road contract had earlier been awarded before the state went to perfect the due process. In other words, there was nowhere that such statement was made because no such things happened .And it needs to be emphasized that, the Government of Ademola Adeleke is always due process compliant and will not carry out any project without following the well established standard practice of due process.

Omipidan and his co- travellers in journalistic mischief ,should know and continue to know that ,the good people of Osun State are no fools as they have discovered that the immediate past administration of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, will go down in history as the poorest ever experienced by the people of the state,which they pray, day and night, never to experience again.

Omipidan and the Osun APC should know that, there's no amount of packaging that could be done for the failed government of Mr Adegboyega Oyetola when he held forth as the Chief Executive to, curry the favour of Osun people again, in addition to his being judged, recently throughout the Nigerian federation by independent observers as one of the worst performing Ministers in the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu led Federal Executive Council( FEC).

Finally, we urge, Mr Ismail Omipidan in particular and the Osun APC in general to continue to face their opposition works squarely, which, by the grace of God, they are going to do for a long time in Osun State. However, we advise that, they embrace decorum and honesty in all they do and say as members of the opposition party, APC , in Osun State .

And as for Omipidan, enough of blackmail please, all in the name of always looking for ways to win the favour and affection of his paymaster, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola through such an obnoxiously unethical conduct of his in recent times.

E -Signed Oluomo Kolapo Alimi Hon.Commisdioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Osun State

A Press Statement by the Osun PDP Youth Ambassadors on the occasion of the 2nd Anniversary of the Election of Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke as Governor of Osun State

The good people of Osun State,

Today marks a momentous occasion in our history as a people. Two years ago, July 16th, 2022, you made a bold choice that set us on a path towards light, hope, and progress. You chose to believe in a brighter future and elected Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke as Governor. Despite the challenges, you stood strong and cast your vote for the Peoples Democratic Party.

We, in the Osun PDP Youth Ambassadors, are proud to address you today, basking in the outstanding performance of Ademola Adeleke and grateful for your trust in his vision.

So far, the Asiwaju Ademola Adeleke administration has not disappointed , he has achieved remarkable milestones in a short period of time.

We thank each and every one of you for your unwavering support. As promised in the 5-point agenda during the electioneering period, Asiwaju Adeleke has worked tirelessly to improve the welfare of workers and pensioners, boost the state's economy, implement home-grown infrastructure policies, and provide people-focused education, affordable healthcare, security, and social welfare. He has also championed agro-based industrialization for wealth and job creation.

With the impressive performance of Asiwaju Adeleke and the knowledge that more will be done this first term, we are confident that you will once again give him your mandate come 2026 to continue these giants strides.

We are honored to celebrate this anniversary with you and looking forward to many more achievements in the years to come.

Thank you.

E- Signed:

Comrade Ebby Oluwasegun Ige. Convener, Osun PDP Youth Ambassadors July 16th, 2024.

My Sole Ambition as Governor is Selfless Service. Says Governor Adeleke

NEWS RELEASE

●●●As Osun Govt Partners ICPC on Project Monitoring and Evaluation

OSOGBO - 15/07/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has again restated his commitment to transparency in governance and project implementation.

The Governor stated this while hosting the Chairman of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Offences Commission, ICPC, Dr. Musa Adamu Aliyu in the Banquet Hall of the Government House in Osogbo.

The ICPC Chairman led other management team of the anticorruption agency to Osun State for the strategic signing of the Memorandum of Understanding on project monitoring and evaluation.

Senator Adeleke disclosed that his government has zero tolerance for corruption as it implements the ongoing multi billion naira infrastructure agenda.

While stating that many friends and foes challenged his government on how he will get funding, Senator Adeleke said his administration decided to implement the agenda through financial discipline and blocking of revenue leakages.

"Our Government rolled out several initiatives which include creation of a project account, blocking of all leakages in revenue generation, increment in the internally generated revenue, reducing the overhead cost and deliberately saving from government earnings", the Governor stated.

Senator Adeleke explained that the projects are ongoing in line with specifications and are being strictly supervised by professionals.

"As infraplan is being implemented in phases, the first phase has reached an advance stage. Our Government has turned Osun into a huge construction site with all the senatorial districts and local government areas benefiting".

While assuring the ICPC Chairman that his "sole ambition as the Governor of Osun State is selfless public service, he declared that his team is giving back to the society by ensuring judicious application of public funds and resources".

"During the inauguration of my cabinet, I told those with corrupt mindset to opt out. We are enforcing a rigorous vetting in the financial approval process" the Governor disclosed.

"Our Government is partnering with ICPC to deepen good governance in terms of anti corruption protocols", the Governor told the visiting ICPC team.

Earlier in his address, the ICPC Chairman, Dr Musa Adamu Aliyu said he was in the state for a significant event, marking the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding between the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) and the Osun State Government.

According to him, “This collaboration embodies our collective resolve to combat corruption and foster a culture of integrity and accountability in Osun State.

He expressed heartfelt gratitude to Governor Ademola Adeleke, for his unwavering support and commitment to making this event a reality, commending the display of political will in the anti-corruption crusade.

He spoke further: “The United Nations Convention against Corruption (UNCAC) in Article 5(2) mandates that "Each state party shall endeavour to establish and promote effective practices aimed at the prevention of corruption." Similarly, the Constitution of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended) enshrines the principle that "The State shall abolish all corrupt practices and abuse of power." These foundational texts provide a clear directive: corruption in any form must be eradicated for our nation to thrive.

“Section 6 (b-f) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act empowers our Commission to undertake a comprehensive range of activities. We are tasked with evaluating and reviewing public bodies' practices, systems, and procedures to identify and mitigate fraud or corruption. We instruct, advise, and assist officers, agencies, and parastatals in combating these issues.

“We recommend necessary changes to reduce bribery and corruption, educate the public on related offences, and garner public support in this vital fight. These provisions have been affirmed by the Supreme Court in the case of the Attorney General of Ondo State v Attorney General of the Federation and Others, reinforcing our mandate.

“Today's signing of the Memorandum of Understanding with the Osun State Government is a historic step forward.

“Leveraging the directives of UNCAC, our Constitution (as amended), and the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, we commit to a robust partnership focused on anti-corruption initiatives, public education, and activities designed to enhance integrity and accountability within Osun State.

“As the Chairman of the ICPC and a former State Attorney General, I firmly believe that the fight against corruption cannot be won by any single individual or agency. It requires the concerted efforts of all stakeholders in the three tiers of government. Our collaboration with the Osun State Government is a testament to this belief. Together, we will galvanize support, implement necessary preventive measures, and adopt a more effective strategy in our battle against corruption. This also aligns with President Bola Ahmed Tinubu's agenda for "improved governance for effective service delivery."

“In conclusion, let us remember that our success in combating corruption is not merely for the present generation but also for the future of our beloved nation. By working together, we can create a society where integrity, transparency, and accountability are the norms. I am confident that we will achieve our goals with the commitment and cooperation of all parties involved”, he noted.

The Highlight of the event was the signing of the memorandum between the State government and the ICPC.

Present at the signing were the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker of Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Kazeem Akinleye, Commissioners, Head of Service, Permanent Secretaries and officials of ministry of justice among others.

Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor

DON'T JOIN APC TO BLACKMAIL OMIRIN, OSUN PDP WARNS POLICE

The Nigerian Police authorities have been advised not to fall to the schemes of unscrupulous politicians trying to force hands of the security agency into desperate games of blackmail.

The advise came against the backdrop of comments credited to the Police Public Relations officer of the Osun State Police Command, SP Yemisi Opalola, which has provided a subtle ground for the rejected opposition APC in the state to wantonly discredit the good name of Hon Emmanuel Sanya Omirin, the lawmaker representing Ijesa South Federal Constituency in the National Assembly.

A statement by the Media Office of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party on Sunday and signed by the State Chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi enjoined the Police to observe caution while carrying out APC scripted agenda as such could only lay credence to APC's boastful stance of having the Police at its beck and call to back up its plans to destabilise the state with a view to rekindling its lost hope in Osun.

PDP noted with amazement, after going through the purported confessional statement by a suspect in Police custody, as to how on earth, the name of Hon Sanya Omirin was being linked to the crime on which the suspect was accused after the suspect verbally said he does not even have the mobile number of Hon. Omirin.

Unless the Police and the opposition APC are in possession of something else unknown to the public outside of the video clip and narratives of some objective media professionals about the suspect, there was nowhere the person of our hardworking lawmaker, Hon Sanya Omirin was mentioned as an enabler of any crime.

That a suspect identified with PDP in the past or within the catchment area of Hon Omirin does not make the lawmaker an automatic criminal except the state command of the Nigerian Police Force and the police have been commissioned to criminalize anyone who voted for PDP in Ijesaland in the last general elections.

It is pertinent to urge the Osun state command of the Nigerian Police Force to be courageous and apply similar energy to act on various petitions against APC and its hoodlums who have perpetrated heinous crimes in the state, ranging from daylight murders, maiming and arson, in various parts of the state in the runoff to the general elections that uprooted APC in Osun.

As the ruling party, we are always on the same page with genuine efforts of security agencies to get rid of criminals in the state but such efforts must not be selective or cherry picking, borne of job security fears. Doing so, to us, is unmitigated recipe for entrenched criminality.

Our party recalls vividly that the same Hon Sanya Omirin, the police is allowing APC discredit with coordinated blackmail,was a victim of vicious attack by APC thugs on the eve of the National Assembly elections where he only escaped with his life by the whiskers. His house was attacked including the ancestral home of his father in ilesa, which was burnt down by the same APC hoodlums.

Why and how can the same victim of assassination attempts by the same APC now become the target of the Police, is not only beyond us but calls for soul searching by Police operatives, who may have been pushed into such oddities.

Signed: Hon Sunday Bisi Osun State PDP Chairman 14/07/2024<

Governor Adeleke Warns Against Construction Without Building Plans

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO - 14/07/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has warned developers and residents against construction of houses without approved building plans, threatening to bulldoze badly built houses posing threat to human safety.

Reacting to a recent building collapse at Ayetoro area of Osogbo, Governor Adeleke emphasized the importance of securing approvals for building plans to ensure standard of construction and avoidance of needless deaths and injuries.

According to the Governor, building plan is not an optional step in building construction process as it stops substandard houses that frequently collapse and poses safety risk to occupants and environment.

“I am using this medium to direct the Ministry of Lands to step up enforcement of approved building plans by developers and residents. Our officials must go to the estates and development areas to ensure houses are constructed according to approved plans.

“We need to save lives by ensuring that houses are built according to standard. We must also be proactive by testing the strength of houses before human tragedy occurs. Substandard houses once identified should be pulled down before fatal collapse.

“We will sanction those who refuse to comply with the condition of approved building plans. I further direct relevant agencies to pull down substandard houses before they wreck havoc. We must not wait for lives to be lost before we act”, Governor Adeleke affirmed.

Meanwhile, a delegation of the government led by the Commissioner for Environment, Hon Mayowa Adejorin was at the scene of the building collapse at Ayetoto to assess the damage and launch a government reaction.

Accompanied by Hon Emiola Fakeye, the Governor’s Special Adviser on OSEMA, the team inspected the area and also discovered another building that is in bad state.

The team is working with other relevant ministries to prevent similar reoccurrence.

“We inspected the collapsed building and we discovered it has no building plans. We are reaching out to other related MDAs to give effect to the Governor’s directive”, Hon Adejorin stated.

Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor

Jubilation As Gov Adeleke Approves Another N103M For Retirees

In fulfilling his electoral promise to the Pensioners in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke has approved a sum One hundred and three million, three hundred and thirty seven thousand, seven hundred and eighteen naira, thirty four kobo (N103,337,718:34) for the local government retirees (old pension scheme)

This was contained in a statement signed by the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Mr Ibrahim Akibu. He said the approval was given on July 10th, 2024, as beneficiaries are already signing the document for the immediate payment at the Bureau.

Mr Akibu stated that His Excellency, Governor Adeleke, in fulfilling his promise to the Senior citizens in Osun decided to give the new approval for the local government retirees (old pension scheme)

Part of the statement reads, “Mr Governor has graciously approved another sum of N103,337,718:34 for the local government retirees.

“This is no doubt a fulfilment of Mr Governor’s promise to our Senior citizens who have been abandoned for a very long time. Many thanks to His Excellency.”

It would be recalled that Governor Ademola Adeleke, on Monday, 10th June, 2024, approved and released a sum of two hundred and fifty seven million, two hundred and forty seven thousand, seven hundred and eighty naira, twenty one kobo (N257, 247, 780.21) for the Primary school Retirees of the old pension

LG Autonomy: Osun PDP Asks APC To Stop Debasing Matters Of Law With Feigned Ignorance

Press Release 12th of July, 2024

OSOGBO - osunpdp.com

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party in Osun State has told the opposition All Progressives Congress to stop disgracing itself in the glare of intelligent society, accusing the opposition of deliberately feigning ignorance to enliven its raging emotional distress.

Reacting to public comments by some elements in the embattled opposition camp, shortly after a judgement by the supreme court on the local government autonomy in the country, Osun PDP in a statement by the state chairman, Hon Sunday Bisi, on Friday, enjoined leaders of the APC not to relapse into their usual mysticism, which often result into nuro seizures, borne out of inordinate ecstasy.

Osun PDP specifically reminded the ousted APC of how it deliberately, out of similar ecstacy of ignorance and disdain for the laws of the land, wasted over 2billion Naira from the covers of the state on an illegal local government election, which was later not only discredited, but outrightly annulled by the court of competent jurisdiction.

The annulment of the "YES or NO" insanity conducted by the APC, according to Hon Sunday Bisi, was effected on the 25th of November 2022 by a Federal High Court in Osogbo, a time the wasteful APC government of recalcitrant former governor Gboyega Oyetola was still in force in Osun State.

It is therefore abnormal to say the least, for APC minions to begin to dream of an impossible comeback for the unfortunate lots, who were caught in the web of Apc desperation of illegality, even after our great party had offered patriotic advice against conduct of such a clearly illegal exercise, Hon Sunday Bisi posited.

The Osun PDP Chairman further advised the obviously confused opposition APC to fasten its belt and put its popularity to test, if any, by following up with the activities lined up by the State Independent Electoral Commission for the conduct of the local government election in Osun State, in line with with the prevailing electoral act as amended, which has been upheld by the same Supreme Court in various election related matters.

Osun PDP further reiterated that the state Governor, Asiwaju Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke at no time, dissolved elected local government structure in the State, stating that, cases relating to the better forgotten LG election had been heard and dispensed with, after the PDP legal team submerged the then Gboyega Oyetola led government in the ocean of law, which was never survived by the then power drunk APC.

Signed: Hon Sunday Bisi Osun State PDP Chairman 12/07/2024

OSSIEC Not Under Any Pressure And Not Under Any Legal Hindrance to Carry on Its Scheduled Activities.

11th July, 2024 The Chairman of Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye Esq., has declared that the Commission headed by him is under no pressure and under no legal hindrance to go ahead with its already scheduled timetable/activities for the conduct of Osun Local Government Elections in February, 2025. The Chairman also maintained that there is no plan to bring forward the date of the election as doing so will be a blatant illegality as it will negatively affect the very foundation of the election. In his expression, the Chairman stated as follows: " Notice of election goes to the very root of the election. Any defect in the notice will knock off the election as it will lack any valid foundational basis. The notice we have given was in line with the law. Both the Electoral Act, 2022 and OSSIEC Law 2022 provide for at least 360 days before the date of the election. This we have done since February, 2024. We are therefore in a good stead to go ahead with our activities". The Chairman also condemned the insinuation from some quarters that OSSIEC is rushing and under pressure to go ahead with the elections, stating that "there is no pressure anywhere. Where is the pressure? I will want reasonable people and discerning minds to take an excursion to the notice we issued and published on 19th February this year. By the timetable/schedule of activities issued by the Commission, conduct of political party primaries is slated to hold between 22nd July, 2024 and 6th August, 2024, and mandatorily, any political party willing to participate in the election must give at least 21 days notice to the Commission to monitor their primaries. In line with the timetable , political parties have started picking dates and notifying the Commission about their respective primaries. The said notice, timetable/schedule of activities was issued at a time the recently determined local council autonomy suit had not been conceived not to talk of being filed at all, before the Supreme Court. You can see the difference. We are not desperate, and as I have always promised, we will not falter on the side of the law in the process of the election. OSSIEC Chairman further clarified that his Commission is under no legal inhibition whatsoever to go ahead with the election as planned. Quoting him, the OSSIEC Boss stated that "Let anyone show me any subsisting court order prohibiting state electoral bodies from conducting or further conducting local council elections in their respective States. As far as OSSIEC is concerned, the radar is clear. Some people are deliberately misinforming the public or ignorantly postulating that today's Supreme Court judgement has stripped the SIECs of their constitutionally guaranteed electoral mandate. There is nothing of such. In the case of OSSIEC, it is the judiciary sacked purported council Officials under the immediate past administration in Osun State that have appealed the judgment. And worse for them, there were two judgements of the same Federal High Court that sacked them, they appealed one which is still pending, the other one they left unappealed. The bottom line of the judicial pronouncement that invalidated their election was that the notice given by OSSIEC under the past leadership in 2022 fell short of the provisions of both the Electoral Act and the OSSIEC Law. What is more! What is the fuss! The election umpire Boss therefore assured that there is no cause for worry as the process will go as outlined in the schedule of activities for the forthcoming Osun local council elections. Signed: Yemi Badru, Press Secretary to OSSIEC Chairman.

Governor Adeleke Reaffirms Sanctity of Oluwo of Iwoland as Consenting Authority, Orders Reversal of Any Infraction

NEWS RELEASE OSOGBO- 11/07/2024

Governor Ademola Adeleke has reaffirmed the sanctity of Oluwo of Iwoland as the consenting authority over the three local governments constituting Iwo zone under the Iwo Traditional Council just as he restated his administration's readiness to complete the Iwo-Osogbo road project.

The State Governor also ordered the immediate reversal of any instance where consenting authority has been granted to any traditional ruler under Iwoland, directing the Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government to enforce the directive in line with tradition and laws.

In a reaction to widespread complaints over alleged encroachment on the traditional areas of authority of Oluwo of Iwoland, Governor Adeleke affirmed his deep respect for tradition and history which he said duly conferred leadership of Iwo zone on the Oluwo of Iwoland from time immemorial.

According to the State Governor, any granting of consenting authority to any traditional ruler within the Iwo Traditional Council and the exercise of such authority by such beneficiary are hereby nullified and declared illegal and of no effect.

Any installation of a Baale done by such beneficiary is built on illegal foundation and is hereby declared a nullity, the Governor further affirmed, warning against actions and activities within and outside government that may jeopardise the peace and unity existing within the zone.

"I heard of several reports indicating usurpation of the legal authority of the Oluwo of Iwoland. Any such conduct is illegal and is hereby reversed. I have deep respect for the traditional institution. I particularly have deep affinity and respect for the people of Iwo at home and abroad including His Royal Majesty, the Oluwo of Iwoland.

"Our government did not and will not embark on any move or ploy purportedly designed to decimate the areas of authority of Oluwo of Iwoland. Oluwo remains the consenting authority for Iwoland and President of the Iwoland Traditional Council.

"The Ministry of Chieftaincy and Local Government Affairs is hereby directed to immediately withdraw any consenting authority that is purportedly granted the Olu of Ile-Ogbo, the Olowu of Kuta or any other traditional ruler who are traditionally under the Oluwo of Iwoland. Neither myself nor our government will be a party to the revision of history that is capable of igniting communal conflict and destruction of cultural heritage.

"Let me state it loud and clear: there is no anti-Iwo or anti-Oluwo agenda in our government. Anybody spreading such is a marketer of fake news. I have a pan-Osun vision and agenda which entails equitable development of all local governments of the state and phased infrastructure upgrade across the three senatorial districts.

"Our government will complete the Iwo-Osogbo road very soon. The contractor already has a deal on the best way to fast-track the road construction with the State Government. This administration will deliver a quality road to revive the economic fortunes of the six local governments on that road.

"It is fake news to suggest that our government has abandoned the all-important road. Iwo is benifitting from our government in many ways that will soon be manifested to Iwo people at home and abroad", Governor Adeleke was quoted as saying.

Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor

LG Poll: OSSIEC to Issue Eligibility Criteria, Appoint Electoral Officers

The Chairman of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC), Hashim Abioye, has declared the intention of the Commission under his leadership to issue regulations for eligibility to contest local council elections as well as the Commission’s readiness to appoint Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and other staff of the Commission ahead of Osun local council elections scheduled for February, 2025.

In a statement signed by Yemi Badru, Press Secretary to OSSIEC Chairman, Hashim Abioye hinted that in line with the timetable/schedule of activities towards the conduct of Osun local council elections earlier released in February this year, the time for political parties to conduct their primaries is around the corner, hence, the need to issue eligibility regulations to guide participating political parties in fielding qualified candidates for the elections, as any unqualified candidate fielded by any political party will not find his/her way to the ballots as the Screening Committee of the Commission will be readily on ground to address any eligibility issue.

In the exact words of the Chairman, he maintained that “having earlier given notice of Osun local council election in line with the dictate of the law, and having issued timetable/schedule of activities for the conduct of local council elections in Osun State, the time is ripe to issue regulations so as to guide participating political parties in the choice of candidates for the election.

"This is within the jurisdictional compass of the Commission. As we all know, there are three categories of politicians who may wish to contest on the platforms of their respective political parties.

“We have private citizens, government employees and government appointees. While the constitution stipulates 30 days before the election for an employee in the service of any tier of government willing to contest an election to resign his/her employment, a political appointee at any level doesn’t enjoy such a latitude as he/she must resign within the time as may be stipulated by the electoral body. This does not concern a private individual who is not a government employee or appointee.

"Other regulatory issues and eligibility criteria include schedule of fees for nomination forms, change/substitution of candidates, campaign modalities, meetings, etc. All these will be contained in the regulations that will be issued so soon”.

In the same vein, appointment of Electoral Officers, Assistant Electoral Officers and other staff of the Commission will be announced within the next few days.

As disclosed by the Chairman, “appointment of Electoral Officers for the local council areas is sacrosanct. They will be the eyes, ears and body of the Commission in implementing the programs and activities of the Commission in each of the local council areas”.

The Chairman further assured that as earlier promised, the forthcoming Osun local council elections will be a giant leap forward in the history of local government elections in Osun State, as he reiterated his commitment to conducting the freest, fairest, most transparent and most credible local government elections ever in the history of Osun State.

Governor Adeleke Bags Award As Osun Emerges First Position In NELFUND’s Process

NEWS RELEASE

OSOGBO- 09/07/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke has received an award of excellence from the Nigeria Education Loans Fund (NELFUND) for propelling achievement of first position by Osun state in the nationwide enrolment of beneficiary states by NELFUND.

Presenting the award to the Osun State Governor on Tuesday at Osogbo, the Managing Director of NELFUND, Mr Akintunde Sawyer said Osun came first in terms of responsiveness and filling of requisite institutional and students data among the 36 States of the federation.

The Managing Director lauded Governor Adeleke for embracing the vision of President Bola Tinubu on the loan scheme, asserting that the Osun Governor represents an enviable model in sectoral push for good governance.

Explaining the significance of the education loan fund, Mr Sawyer said the targetted beneficiaries are indigents students, noting that the critical step to reaching each student is credible data gathering on which he said Osun is leading other states.

Responding, Governor Adeleke expressed appreciation to the NELFUND management for the award and to President Tinubu for activating the initiative. The Governor spoke further: “I thank you for your kind words. We express our appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for creating this Funding initiative as a response to the many challenges facing our student population. “We commend the President for demonstrating strong political will by fast tracking not only the establishment of the Fund but its effective take off.

“For us as a state, we have a responsibility to productively partner with the Federal Government for the benefit of our people. When it comes to bringing dividends of democracy to our people, we are blind to partisan politics. Our focus is the improvement of the lives of our people irrespective of where it is coming from.

“As a government, we see the Fund as a veritable platform to provide a lifeline for many indigents students in our various schools. The initiative promises to remove the pain and hardship experienced by many brilliant students in the area of funding. Again, we are elated by the prospects and opportunities for our students , hence our launching into the programme with all machinery of government.

“We are glad our efforts paid off with the enrolment of many Osun state owned schools in the programme. It is gratifying to hear that Osun took the lead among a comity of states in the selection and compliance process. Our next plan is to follow up by further deepening the preparedness of the selected schools for accessing opportunities available within the fund.

“Our gratitude also goes to the management of NELFUND for making the take off so efficient and for the fairness manifested during the selection process. We have strong faith in the capacity of the Fund to continue on the path of openness and equity”, the State Governor posited further.

He however urged the NELFUND management to ensure there is no debt trap in the running of the student loan system.

According to the Governor,”I must call our attention to a lesson we must learn as a nation from the operation of the loans board.

“As a long term resident of the United States, I am aware of the challenges of the student loans scheme. It has become a crisis of sorts. It has also become a subject of hot political debate. It has to do with huge student loan debts in the US

“We must as a nation avoid a similar debt trap. As we have the grace to understudy other nations operating similar funds, we must avoid the pitfalls. Our new system must integrate mechanisms to prevent similar experiences like what is happening in the US.

“I task the management of NELFUND to innovate within its mandate on how to make its operations sustainable. Debt trap must never be experienced in Nigeria’s students’ loan operations”, the Governor noted in his address.

Present at the courtesy visit were; Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi, Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Rt Hon. Adewale Egbedun, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Teslim Igbalaye, cabinet ranking and non-cabinet members, Head of Service, Mr Ayanleye Aina among others.

Signed: Mallam Olawale Rasheed, Spokesperson to the State Governor

Gov Adeleke completes over 100kms of road in Osun, 145kms, ongoing

Over one hundred kilometres of roads have been completed across the length and breath of Osun State by Governor Ademola Adeleke's administration in less than two years.

The Permanent Secretary, ministry of works and infrastructure, Engineer Bashir Bello disclosed this while featuring on Imole Ayo, a sensitization programme which promotes the activities of the present administration in the state 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 Senator Ademola Adeleke's administration in Osun State

Engineer Bello who spoke through the Director of highways in the ministry, Engineer Maruf Ojebode added that a total of one hundred and forty five kilometres of roads are currently being constructed in all the federal constituencies/senatorial districts of the state.

He explained that, aside the ongoing 1.5km road project in each local government area of the state, the government is also embarking on the construction and rehabilitation of selected roads across the State

Engnr Bello said, to ensure a quality job, all materials being used for the road projects will be subjected to material testing at the Laboratory unit of the ministry of works and certified before being moved to sites.

According to him, the massive road projects underscore the state government's policy of even development of all nooks and crannies of the State

The Permanent Secretary,works and infrastructure emphasized that, the road projects are being financed solely by the state government without borrowing from any financial institution.

He enjoined motorists and the entire people of Osun State to exercise patience and endure the temporary hardships being faced as a result of diversions on some major roads where construction works are on-going.

Osun Governor's Spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed Inducted as FPS Fellow

Spokesperson to Osun State Governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, has been inducted as a fellow of The Fourth-Estate Professional Society of Nigeria.

The induction took place on Thursday at Nulge House, Olorunda Local Government, Osogbo, Osun State.

According to Chairman, Fourth-Estate Professional Society, Osun State Council, Dr Adedapo Owolabi, the induction is in recognition of the contributions of Mallam Olawale Rasheed to the Media profession in Osun state and his long years of experience in the field of journalism.

Speaking at the Induction ceremony, Mallam Olawale Rasheed who was represented by a Media Aide to the Governor, Sola Isola expressed gratitude to the FPS Osun while pledging support to the growth of the council.

He said, "I am happy to be here today and I thank you for this kind gesture. I want to therefore pledge my support to growth of this council.

"I also want to urge us to focus on professionalism, training and mentoring, so that we can be sure that we building a legacy that will last for long."

Speaking earlier, The National President of the Fourth -Estate Professional Society,Dr Babatunde Salami noted that Osun State has so far presented the highest number of members for induction in the history of FPS in Nigeria as it presented seventy-nine members for its fifth induction.

Explaining the benefits derivable from membership of the society, the FPS President said apart from access to international workshops and seminars, the society ,which he said is affiliated to the society of practising journalists in the United States has a year free life insurance policy for every financial member.

AYANAGALU 2024: Ooni set to host AyanAgalu drum festival this month, July 17th and 18th

AYANAGALU 2024: Ooni set to host AyanAgalu drum festival this month, July 17th and 18th

The Paramount Ruler of Ife, Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Babatunde Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Custodian of Yoruba culture and traditions, alongside Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi-Ogunwusi, cultural ambassador of the AyanAgalu Traditional Drum Festival, The Ooni of Ife is set to host this year AyanAgalu Traditional Drum Festival 2024 this month July 17th and 18th. The event will be held on July 17th and 18th, 2024 at the palace and Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife.

The festival will take place in Ile-Ife, the ancient city and traditional headquarters of the Oduduwa race. Following the success of its inaugural edition last year, this year’s festival is highly anticipated. The main celebrations will occur at the Ojaja Arena within Ife Grand Resort, where the vibrant sounds of drums will create an electrifying atmosphere.

AyanAgalu, revered as one of the deities sent by Olodumare to the earth for the progress, development, and happiness of mankind, holds a significant place in the cultural identity of the Oduduwa race. Seeking divine guidance, AyanAgalu consulted the Oracle through Orunmila, the deity of divination, to receive blessings for honor, wealth, and celebration among people and other deities. Ifa divination revealed the sacred drumming tools and materials, such as sticks, skin, and drum belts, used for AyanAgalu’s revered sacrifices—a tradition that remains central to drumming ceremonies to this day.

The Oduduwa race, renowned as pioneers of drumming and music, shares an extraordinary connection with AyanAgalu. As deities call upon AyanAgalu to grace their ceremonies, the rhythmic beats and soul-stirring melodies bring joy and illumination to these auspicious occasions, in harmony with the ancient prophecies divined by Ifa.

In an effort to foster cultural exchange and global appreciation for traditional rhythms, the Ooni has extended an invitation to drummers and cultural enthusiasts from Nigeria and beyond to join in the Annual AyanAgalu Festival on July 17th and 18th, 2024, at Ife Grand Resort in Ile-Ife.

The world awaits an enchanting display of culture and heritage as the AyanAgalu Drums Festival draws near, promising an unforgettable experience that will resonate with the hearts of attendees and pay homage to the rich tapestry of traditions woven through time.

In a move to ensure the success of one of Nigeria’s most iconic cultural events, the House of Oduduwa has appointed Prince Adewale Laoye as the Chairman of the Local Organizing Committee for the upcoming Ayan Agalu Festival 2024.

The prestigious two-day festival, slated for July 17th and 18th in the ancient city of Ile-Ife, celebrates the rich drumming heritage of the Yoruba people. As a respected personality and CEO of Aafin Ilu, Prince Laoye’s leadership is expected to elevate the festival’s significance and promote unity.

In a statement, Prince Laoye expressed his deep honour at the appointment, stating, “The Ayan Agalu Festival is a cherished event that promotes peace, harmony, and pride in our cultural identity. I look forward to working with the talented organizing committee to curate an exceptional experience showcasing our drumming traditions to the world. I also thank His Imperial Majesty and Her Royal Majesty for their trust in my capabilities.”

Under his guidance, the 2024 festival will feature performances by master drummers, expert-led workshops, displays of various Yoruba drumming styles, and a grand finale uniting all participants in a powerful show of unity.

The sacred Ayan Agalu drum has historically served as an instrument for communicating the message of peaceful coexistence globally. This year’s event aims to amplify that message through rhythmic celebrations and competitions drawing talent from across Africa.

Her Royal Majesty Olori Aderonke Ademiluyi Ogunwusi voiced confidence in Prince Laoye’s abilities, saying, “His wisdom and commitment will make the Ayan Agalu 2024 Festival a resounding success. His leadership will ensure this sacred tradition uplifts our community while radiating our values of unity and harmony worldwide.”

Festival Overview: The Ayan Agalu Festival 2024 will take place over two days, 17th and 18th July, 2024 in the historic city of Ile-Ife, the spiritual homeland of the Yoruba people.

Day 1:
●Arrival and registration of participants
●Accommodation and meals provided
●Traditional homage and offerings to Ayan Agalu ●Auditions for the drumming competition ●Rehearsal for general performance

Day 2:

●Performances and competitions by various drumming groups, including the Association of Professional Drummers of Nigeria (APDON).

●Workshops and lectures by experts on stage presence, costuming, and drumming techniques, with a speaker from the Dramatic Arts department at Obafemi Awolowo University.

●Introduction and showcasing of various Yoruba drumming rhythms, including Dundun, Bata, Bembe, Aran Ifa, Agogo, Sekere, Gangan, Agidigbo, Igbin drum, Dundun drum, Agere, and Apinti.

●Performances dedicated to the rhythms and oriki (praise poetry) of the Ooni of Ife and also Yoruba deities such as Obatala, Sango, Oya, Sanponna, Ogun, Esu, Aje Olokun, and Osun.

●Danceable rhythms for youth and elders. ●Grand finale with all drummers playing together in a powerful display of unity (general performance).

Special Highlights:

●A specially commissioned "Mother Drum" of Dundun (Iyaalu Dundun) with full saworoide (beaded adornments) and the drum belt with the logo and colors of the House of Oduduwa/Ayan Agalu Festival, to be played by the Kaabiyesi (the Ooni of Ife). This special drum with a stand will be placed in front of the Kaabiyesi every year.

●Decorated drum belts of Dundun and Bata with the logo and colors of the House of Oduduwa/Ayan Agalu Festival alongside cash prizes, will be presented to the top three winners of the competition.

●Drum hangers and cabinets showcasing various drums, including the Kaabiyesi's drum.

●All performances by the participants (individual or groups) will have a title related to the theme of the edition. This will encourage meaningful and well-curated performances and also document them for generations to come.