Osun Herald

04/01/2024

You are a Versatile Democrat, Osun PDP Eulogies Commissioner for Information, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi on His Birthday

OSOGBO - Osunpdp.com

Osun PDP joins family and friends to congratulate the Honorable Commissioner for Information, Hon (Barr.) Kolapo Alimi on his birthday celebrations.

Osun PDP heartily celebrates Oluomo Kolapo Alimi, a man of dedicated principles of democracy, a versatile democrat. Your dedication to the principles of responsive governance and your outstanding service to Osun State over the years and now as Commissioner for Information has distinguished you as a man of excellence.

Your hard work, perseverance, and passion for service as well as the immutable trajectory of your political progression in the state, have been exemplary.

Today, we want to commend you for your principles. We commend you for your unwavering commitment to the ideals of our great party, the PDP. We commend you for standing by the people even when the odds were red.

Your versatility as a democrat is also conspicuous and we are proud of you. You have consistently demonstrated a deep understanding of democratic tenets even as a relatively young man. Your ability to navigate complex political landscapes while remaining true to yourself and our party ideals is truly admirable.

It is our belief that your contributions will continue to help shape our collective vision for the future of our dear Osun State.

We celebrate not only the milestones you have achieved personally but also the positive impact you have made in the lives of others, surging you at pal with societal legends.

Once again, Happy birthday, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi! We are proud to have you as a team player and look forward to many more years of grace of partnership for the good of Osun State.

Signed
Hon. Sunday Bisi
Osun State PDP Chairman
04/01/2024

04/01/2024

...🪼🪼🪼
You don’t need time to make sense.
If you can’t make sense in one minute, you may not be able to make sense in one hour.
So, whenever you have the stage, make sense on time, because the stage will not be yours forever.
Others are already warming up to come on the stage.

Good morning do have a great Thursday.

03/01/2024

03/01/2024

GOVERNOR ADELEKE CHAIRS CABINET MEETING:

● SET UP MONITORING & EVALUATION TEAM ON CABINET MEMBERS

● COUNCIL APPROVES APPOINTMENTS OF SIX NEW TRADITIONALRULERS

● COUNCIL ELEVATES 11 RULERS TO PART 2 STATUSES

●ORDERS INQUIRY INTO KOKA STOOL

OSOGBO- 03/01/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun state has read riot act to the members of the State Executive Council on service delivery, setting up a monitoring and evaluating unit for quarterly performance review of cabinet members.

Addressing the 2024 maiden meeting of the State Executive Council, the state Governor directed council members "to redouble our efforts in service delivery to our people. We should note particularly that 2024 is a critical year for this administration.

"By December, we will be reaching the mid-term. We must move fast in the implementation of our sectoral plans. You all must work hard in your various ministries to achieve set goals.

"Kindly be informed that I have set up a discreet Monitoring and Evaluation Team to prepare quarterly reports on Ministries and assess performance of members of the cabinet. Even though you did not sign a performance bond on assumption of office, you will henceforth be evaluated on your service delivery.

"We will not hesitate to remove from office any appointee that fails to deliver based on Monitoring and Evaluation reports.

"As we commence the 2024 governance activities, I call on cabinet members to maintain a united front. The Cabinet is one united family with equal rights and privileges for members. That is a settled matter in line with best practices. There must be an immediate end to rivalry and segregation within the Cabinet.

"I also want to urge cabinet members to focus on serious state matters rather than lobbying around issues of personal benefits. I have told you all, times without numbers, before and after your appointment, that we need to make sacrifices. We must offer what we can do for our state, not asking what our state can do for us. That is the path of patriots", Mr Governor affirmed

COUNCIL APPROVES APPOINTMENTS OF SIX NEW TRADITIONALRULERS

At its first Executive Council meeting, the Osun state Government has approved the appointments of Six new traditional rulers.

A press release issued by the state Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Oluomo Kolapo Alimi and made available to newsmen says all the appointments are with immediate effect.

While congratulating and wishing the newly appointed traditional rulers success and peaceful reign in their respective domains,the statement urged all the subjects in their respective communities to give the newly appointed traditional rulers the best of support and cooperation they deserve.

The newly appointed traditional rulers approved by the Council include the following:

● Prince Haastrup Adeola Ojo as Aloro of Iloro-Ijesha in Atakunmosa East Local Government;

● Prince Mark Adeniyi Ajewole as Onise of Ise-Ijesa also in Atakunmosa East Local Government;

● Prince Adekunle Waheed Babatunde as Elende of Eko Ende in Ifelodun North Local Council Development Area;

Other newly appointed Obas are
Prince Sulaimon Adebayo Olalekan as Olu of Alajue in Ede East Local Council Development Area; Prince Badmos Rafiu Omotoso as Alagbeye of Agbeye in Odo Otin South Local Council Development Area; and Prince Johnson Oyewale Ajiboye as Olola of Ola in Ejigbo West Local Council Development Area of Osun state.

The Council meeting also approved the elevation of 11 more traditional rulers in Osun state to a Part II (Recognised) Status of the Chief Law, Cap 25, Laws of Osun state, 2002.

The newly elevated Obas include:
Olu Ilu Oba Oyeyemi Town in Egbedore Local Government; Alayetoro of Ayetoro Ijesa, Onikajola of Kajola Bowaje-Ijesa, Olorogoji of Orogoji-Ijesa, in Atakunmosa East Local Government; Onimelu of Ifemelu -Ifewara; Alarunde of Arunde Ifewara; Esemo of Iyemogun ( Atakumosa West Local Government); Olosuntedo of Osuntedo( Ejigbo Local Government) ; Olu of Araromi-Owu; Olu of Akiriboto-Isale(Ayedaade Local Government; and Onijimo of Ijimo-Ijesha.

All the elevations are with immediate effect

The Council however stepped down consideration of the Koka kingship stool, directing investigation and correction of the alleged abnormality and irregularity in the selection process.

Signed
Oluomo Kolapo Alimi,
Hon. Commissioner,
Information and Public Enlightenment

03/01/2024

...🌷🌷🌷
Don’t carry yourself bigger than you really are.
Behave young to remain young
Be determined, go with focus and don’t walk with people who will make you cold.
Watch where you sit because it will definitely define your future.

Good morning do have a great Midweek.

02/01/2024

GOVERNOR ADELEKE PAYS CONDOLENCE VISIT TO EX–GOVERNOR OYINLOLA:

OSOGBO - 02/01/2024 - Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke today visited former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola to condole him over the exit of his elder sister and rejoice with him on the new year celebration.

Accompanied by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi; the House Speaker, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun; Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye; Senator Akogun Lere Oyewumi; Hon Sunday Bisi, the State Chairman of the PDP and state and party officials, Governor Adeleke prayed to God to grant the former Military Administrator fortitude to bear the loss.

Prince Olagunsoye in his reaction said the death of his sister shaked him as she was his second mother from 1959 to her death in December.

According to him, her sister exited to the world beyond in the presence of his son and family members, noting that he was comforted that she lived a fulfilled life.

"I thank you for this visit. I really appreciate your condolence visit", Prince Oyinlola noted.

Signed
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

01/01/2024

TEXT OF A NEW YEAR ADDRESS BY GOVERNOR ADEMOLA ADELEKE OF OSUN STATE:

PROTOCOLS

The good people of Osun state at home and abroad.

I greet you warmly with best wishes of a prosperous and blessed new year. I convey my intimate prayers that the new year will bring us new opportunities, progress and advancement as a state and in our individual lives.

I extend new year greetings to the elders of Osun state; to our royal fathers; to our religious leaders; to the young and the old; to professional elites, to artisans, to students and to womenfolk. Accept my sincere appreciation for your support before my election and for the last one year of my governorship of our dear state. I am humbled by your prayers and mass backing for our administration.

I remain firmly focussed on the Five Point Agenda under which you, Osun people, elected us into office. We reaffirm our faith in the principles guiding the five point agenda which are transparency and accountability, open government, localisation, responsive leadership and attunement to citizens' aspirations.

On the strength of the above, our government devised wholesale approach to governance such as:

●Dismantling bobby traps planted by our predecessor,
●Blocking leakages in public finance, ●Addressing the corruption and revenue diversion in the solid mineral sector,
● Restoring local government administration for grassroot development
● Embarking on mass water project provision
● Executing 91 kilometers of road construction
● Implementing free medical surgeries with over 50,000 beneficiaries;
● Total renovation of 31 schools
● Launching sport sector reforms
● Reviving the major commercial and industrial projects of the state
● Pushing for implementation of agric processing zone in Osun state;
● re-professionalisation of the public service;
● Strong attention to workers' welfare;
● Tapping into tourism, entertainment and cultural potentials of the state;
● Ramping up efforts for a cargo and commercial airport for Osun state, among others.

Our administration achieved a lot by ensuring belt tightening, reducing cost of governance and denying ourselves many perquisites of office. As a Governor, my official expenditures are covered through the approval process rather than security votes, thereby assuring transparency and accountability.

As of today, our administration is struggling to purchase official vehicles for the state cabinet because the officials of the previous government bolted away with state vehicles. So our cabinet and other top officials have been using their private cars since we appointed them into office. Also, we are still working to renovate the official quarters vandalized by the officials of previous governments. Many of our top officials still operate from their private houses.

Despite the above handicap, our team is determined to continue to deliver on our electoral promises. I am glad to report with gratitude to God that we have remained responsive to the will and aspirations of our people. We get positive feedback and we are satisfied with our high approval ratings.

We are challenged to do more. We are prepared to make corrections where necessary as much as we will remain uncompromising when it comes to anti-corruption drive, transparency and accountability as well due process. As I always affirm, our tenure is married to rule of law and fear of God.

As a people, our nation is passing through serious economic challenges. As a sub-national entity ,Osun, like all other states within the federation ,bears harsh consequences of inflationary crisis, high cost of living and unstable exchange rates. These are macro and micro economic issues largely beyond the purview of the state governments.

In this national economic crisis, the Federal Government through the National Economic Council attempted to create a collective focus for a solution. All states committed themselves to this national joint effort. This resulted in specific interventions designed to cushion the negative fallouts of the national dislocation in the national economy.

We, as a state government, commend President Bola Tinubu for his relentless action towards economic restoration. But as we all know and as we are still experiencing, the economic crisis continues unabated despite the best of efforts. Osun, through the National Economic Council, is collaborating with the central government to support federal initiatives targeted at reducing inflation, cost of living and stabilising the national economy.

I assure our people that the various intervention funds received from the Federal Government and development partners are being carefully applied for various purposes as designed, ranging from infrastructure, wage award, transport logistics to social investment as manifested in the many completed and ongoing grassroots development projects in Osun state. Our administration ensures strict compliance with due process, procurement laws and public service financial regulations.

Beyond supporting federal initiatives, our government is also ensuring judicious application of intervention resources for maximum impact. Unlike the practice in the past, our government is focussing on groups with a likely multiplier effect on the larger society. We are aware of the strong nexus between formal and informal sectors of Osun society.

To this end, our interventions is an holistic one that emphasise the following:

● Regular, full payment of workers' salaries as at when due;

● Phased payment of half salary debt as a form of palliative;

● Phased payment of pension debt;

● Free enrolment of all pensioners in the health insurance scheme;

● Quarterly Imole free medical surgeries;

● Wage award to pensioners and public workers;

● Introduction of Imole bus service;

● Boosting local economy through strong local content in project implementation; and

● a system of direct labour for localisation.

I am happy to also report that as the state ramps up efforts to cushion the effect of hard times, we are also implementing an ambitious state agenda which targets infrastructure upgrade, diversifying the state economic base and deepening the revenue structure of the state.

For the infra upgrade, we are convinced that the state economy cannot attract required investment to realise its industrial potential unless the problem of infrastructure deficit is addressed. Hence, we have started the implementation of the multi-billion naira infra plan that I launched a few months ago.

For economic diversification, we are growing the creative industry; we are opening up the industrial sector; we are attracting investors in key sectors; and we are re-skilling our youth through the soon to be unveiled Imole Youth Corps.

To deepen the revenue base, we are tapping into the solid mineral sector; we are reforming the tax sector to eliminate multiple taxation while widening the tax base.

Our dream is for an Osun economy that gradually moves away from its civil service status to a modern agro - industrial based, creative industry focussed economy. Such diversification with a functioning cargo/commercial airport will grow Osun as an export oriented economy as well as a global tourist destination being the host of important Yoruba cultural assets.

My good people of Osun state, I just signed Budget 2024 into law. It encompasses our plans and agenda for the new year. It is a year of reconstruction and eventual recovery. The infra projects slated for implementation this new year under the multi-billion naira programme include the following:

● Phase 2 of the reconstruction and furnishing of schools,making a total of 35 schools;

● Phase 2 of the water projects: 332 water projects, one in each ward of the state;

● Renovation, and in some cases, reconstruction and furnishing of primary care health centers. 345 in number with at least one in every ward of the state;

● Phase 2 of rehabilitation and Construction of roads across the State of about 1.5 Kilometers in each LGAs, totalling 31 kilometers of roads;

● Dualization of Old Garage - Okefia - Lameco road, Osogbo;

● Dualization of Ilesa/Akure -Brewery - Palace road, Ilesha;

● Dualization of Akoda-Baptist High School - Oke Gada road, Ede;

● Construction of flyover Okefia Roundabout, Osogbo;

● Construction of flyover at Lameco Roundabout, Osogbo;

● Construction of Flyover at Alamisi Junction roundabout, Ikirun;

● Construction of flyover at Mayfair Roundabout, Ile Ife;

● Construction of flyover at Owode market, Ede;

● Completion of rehabilitation of Inter-city roads such as Osogbo-Iwo Road plus dualisation from Odo Ori to Odo Oba River;

●Rehabilitation of Otan Ayegbaju - Iresi road;

● Rehabilitation of Ede-Egbedi-Erin Osun road among others.

We are implementing all the above projects without borrowing a kobo. We are relying on savings from various earnings, blockage of revenue leakage and reduction in the cost of governance and projects through localisation and direct labor.

Our administration has big ambitions to develop our dear state. We seek to bridge the developmental gap, to combine human and physical development. We are in a hurry to achieve both human and capital growth. My people, it is achievable. It is doable.

In the new year, we will refocus attention on cushioning current economic hardship while at the same time building the state economic base. Both goals are achievable as we have demonstrated in the last one year.

We seek your continued support to achieve our common agenda for collective prosperity. We promise to continue to be a listening and responsive administration, a government of the people ,by the people and for the people.

I wish you all a happy, blessed New Year.

HE, Senator Ademola Adeleke,
Executive Governor of Osun State
January 1st, 2024

31/12/2023

IMOLE OSUN: Laudable Achievements of Governor Adeleke's 2023 Activities:

By James Bamgbose

Moments from now, 2023 will wind up, and a new year, 2024, will be ushered in. Governor Ademola Adeleke finishes 2023 with a spectacular performance, navigating complex governance issues to deliver better outcomes, making hitherto impossible things possible, and diligently pursuing infrastructural renewal and economic growth of the state.

This year, Governor Adeleke fought hard to stop the mandate usurper from tampering with the will of the people, going through courts to secure the mandate that the Osun electorate willfully entrusted with him at the poll. In 2023, Governor Adeleke led the campaign that secured a resounding victory for candidates of the party in the state for various positions at the general election, producing all three senatorial seats, nine House of Representatives seats and twenty-five out of the twenty-six House of Assembly seats.

In this outgoing year, Governor Adeleke showed strict commitment to his 5-points agenda, which are Adequate provision for workers' welfare, salaries, gratuities and pensions; Boosting the state economy by Business partnering and support for SMEs; Osun funds serving Osun people through homegrown infrastructure policy; People-focused social policy through skill-based education, affordable healthcare state security and social support; Agro-based industrialisation for wealth and job creation for youths and women.

In this year, Governor Adeleke's effective leadership marked a paradigm shift in governance, despite attempts by detractors to undermine his efforts. His laudable achievements earned him the moniker "Mr. Performer" within a year in office. In 2023, Governor Ademola Adeleke achieved significant milestones that have had a profound impact on the development and economy of Osun State focusing on infrastructure, community empowerment, healthcare, and welfare initiatives. These achievements have not only transformed the physical landscape of the state but have also had far-reaching economic benefits, positively impacting the lives of the citizens.

Here's a look back at Adeleke's 2023

EXTENSIVE INTERCONNECTIVITY NETWORK

One of the key accomplishments of Governor Adeleke's administration in 2023 is the extensive rehabilitation and reconstruction of over 90km of intercity roads across all 9 Federal constituencies in the state. This was a departure from the poor attitude shown towards infrastructural development, which not only put users and communities through tough situations but also strained economic activities.

Governor Adeleke however changed the narratives as he embarked upon massive road projects across the state. This effort has not only improved connectivity but has also enhanced economic activities by facilitating the movement of goods and people within and beyond the state.

UPGRADING DIGITAL ASSET INFRASTRUCTURE

Prior to Governor Adeleke coming to office, Osun's digital presence is uninspiring. On Google Maps, Osun coverage was at less than 30%, making it difficult for businesses and places in the state to benefit from the huge benefit that the facility offers. Within the first quarter of 2023, Governor Adeleke initiated processes to upscale the state's digital footprint, and through the Google mapping initiative, the state coverage at this time stood at over 70%, making it easy to locate places and businesses compared to before.

This was complemented with the launch of optic fibre deployment across Osun State, marking a significant leap forward in the state's technological advancement. Osun State witnessed the launch of a comprehensive optic fibre deployment program. This technological infrastructure investment is crucial for enhancing communication networks, promoting digital inclusion, enabling businesses to thrive in the digital age, and fostering economic growth through improved access to information and online services.

And to seal it all was the adoption of the Start-Up Act, which when eventually passed by the State Assembly, will provide the needed legal frameworks for the digitally savvy young population of the state to benefit from their technological investments and inventions, among others.

POWERING COMMUNITIES AND VULNERABLE GROUPS WITH THE NECESSARY SUPPORT TO LIVE A BETTER LIFE

In 2023, communities and vulnerable groups had a good feeling of government. This was evident in the launch of a provisional grant totalling N389,542,466.00 to 50 communities and 13 vulnerable groups by Governor Ademola Adeleke. In this arrangement, communities and vulnerable groups decide on the amenities required, and they are provided grants to execute them without any interference from the government.

These grants were aimed at implementing various micro-projects tailored to the specific needs of each community, thereby promoting grassroots development and inclusivity. Projects such as motorized boreholes, rehabilitation and construction of schools, construction of maternity centres, rural electrification, and water channels, among other needs of communities and vulnerable groups were done through this initiative.

IMPROVED ATTITUDE TO THE WELFARE OF WORKERS AND PENSIONERS

Poor welfare conditions were one of the numerous problems that Governor Ademola Adeleke inherited last year when he took office. Questions on owed 30-month salary were recurring, and the financial benefit of promotion given to workers in 2019 by the immediate past administration was unresolved.

By February this year, Governor Adeleke took a step that confounded even his worst critic, by issuing a template for the phased payment of the owed salary arrears. And true to the circular, Governor Adeleke paid the first month of the owed arrears, and this December paid the fourth month. His predecessor, Gboyega Oyetola, could not do anything about the owed salary arrears despite being a part of the administration that incurred it.

Apart from that, in April this year, Governor Adeleke cash-backed the promotion given to workers by the past administration. Workers had waited over three years under the past administration yet nothing, with many even losing hope about enjoying the benefit of the promotion of what is largely seen as 'audio promotion'. In the same 2023, Governor Adeleke approved the payment of N15,000 wage award for active workers and N10,000 for pensioners as part of measures to cushion the impact of the removal of fuel subsidy. This timely action demonstrates a commitment to honouring labour agreements and ensuring the financial well-being of workers and pensioners during the nation's current economic state.

In 2023, Governor Adeleke has used over N28 billion on pension liabilities, for both old and contributory pensioners in the state. There is hardly any Governor in the history of Osun to commit such an amount to pensioners' welfare in one year alone. This is in addition to the enrollment of all retirees in Osun state in a health insurance scheme (the first state in Nigeria to do so), which will alleviate the pressure of maintaining health on pensioners and reduce the occurrence of avoidable deaths among them.

STRATEGIC INVESTMENT IN THE EDUCATION SECTOR

Upon assumption of office, Governor Ademola Adeleke met public infrastructures, including schools in a deplorable condition. This year, Governor Adeleke embarked on the complete rehabilitation of 31 public schools in Osun state, cutting across the 30 local governments and area office. The infrastructure of the identified schools are totally overhauled, make conducive for teachers and pupils. The rehabilitated schools were also equipped with furnitures and other essentials that will aid effective learning.

At Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Governor Adeleke's transformative leadership was also felt. According to the open confession of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Clement Odunayo, Governor Adeleke completed a 52-unit office complex in the institution (the first government since 2010 to execute any capital project in the school).

PRIORITIZE HEALTHY LIVING BY INVESTING IN THE HEALTH OF OSUN PEOPLE

That health is wealth is not just a slogan to Governor Ademola Adeleke, but one that must be matched with action. This year, Governor Adeleke has prioritized healthy living for the people of Osun state by initiating interventions and policies that provide the people with the needed healthcare support. Through the Imole Surgical and Medical Outreach, Governor Adeleke was able to meet the health needs of at least, 50,000 people across Osun state. Beneficiaries received surgeries and other treatments at no cost to them.

In the longer term, Governor Adeleke is rehabilitating PHCs across Osun state, equipping them with essentials that will aid effective services, which include all-round power for them. Many of these PHCs will be fully delivered next year and offer improved service delivery for the people.

In 2023, Governor Adeleke paid hazard allowance to healthcare practitioners in the state, preventing them from joining a nationwide strike action (the only state in Nigeria to witness such).

BUILDING TOMORROW TODAY

In November this year, Governor Ademola Adeleke launched an ambitious infrastructure plan for Osun State. The multi-billion infrastructure plan covers road construction, healthcare infrastructure, clean water provision, and school rehabilitation across all areas of the state. This ambitious plan is poised to elevate the state's infrastructure to world-class standards, attracting investments and fostering sustainable development.

And the projects will be funded by revenue that accrues to the state, and not loans as we experienced in the past that plunged Osun into this terrible terrible financial situation. Some of the projects in the infrastructure plan, like the Old Garage-Lameco dual-carriage road, which will have an overhead bridge at Oke-Fia, have commenced, and the others will commence next year after their papers are completed and awarded to a contractor. In the infrastructure plan is a 45km road, which will see each of the 30 local governments have at least a 1.5km road constructed.

These are just a few of the laudable accomplishments of Governor Adeleke's vision to significantly contribute to the development and economic growth of Osun State. Others include the provision of portable water for 332 wards across the state; and the commencement of the University of Ilesa with an approval of courses by NUC amongst other things.

After a critical evaluation of the achievements of this Government since its first day in office to the 100 days in office till date, the vital question of "how was he able to achieve them despite the humongous debt burden passed to him by his predecessor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola?".

The only answer to this question and other questions in the mind of Osun People concerning the ways and manners the Governor administered the state within his first year in office despite various anti-people policies the last administration set for the state, especially in the financial of the state.

Governor Adeleke's unwavering commitment to fulfilling his promises to his people and prioritizing the welfare of government workers has earned him recognition as a leader who puts the interests of his people first. As Osun State continues on its path of progress, Governor Adeleke's legacy of inclusive and sustainable development is set to leave a lasting impact on the state's future.

30/12/2023

Photo News: Exciting commitments for community development trails Iyeku Day 2023 and #50 Million fund raising for modern palace project!
Oba Salahudeen Soliu Ajiboye, the Atapara of Iyeku paid host, to Oloyan of Oyan, Olopete, Olowu of Owu,
Osun state Commissioner for Home Affairs, Hon. Abdulrasheed Aderibigbe Asendo and the Caretaker chairman Odo-Otin South LCDA, Hon Oyelade Omoniyi Ibraheem aka dendey, among others, graced the memorable occasion held at Iyeku Civic center.

30/12/2023

...🧞‍♂️🧞‍♂️🧞‍♂️
Remember, those who dare to begin, to push past their fears, are the ones who sculpt their destinies. Your journey starts now. Seize the day, believe in yourself, and watch as your potential transforms into reality.
The world is waiting for your unique brilliance. Go ahead and shine brightly.

Good morning do have a great Saturday.