1st Year in Office: Thousands join Oyetola on 3-hr walk across the state capital

1st Year in Office: Thousands join Oyetola on 3-hr walk across the state capital

. As Gov pledges better days ahead

The Governor, The State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola, was on Tuesday joined by thousands of Osun indigenes on more than 3 hours' walk across Osogbo, the state capital as part of activities marking his first year in office.

Tagged "Walk to Greatness", the exercise began from the Government House as the participants, led by Mr. Governor, his wife, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola and the Deputy Governor, Mr. Benedict Alabi, moved steadily through Okefia up the Workers' Drive, Oja Oba,  Sabo, Ayetoro and ended at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park.

The governor, while addressing the elated crowd of participants at the Freedom Square, thanked the good people of Osun for their support in the last one year, assuring them of better days ahead.

He also gave thanks to God Almighty for making it possible for him to achieve so much in the last one year, including prompt payment of salaries and allowances to workers and pensioners, provision of adequate security, infrastructure, free health care delivery and quality education, among others.

He said, "I want to thank the good people of Osun for the love you've demonstrated in trooping out en mass to join the walk. I didnt know I have this enoumous strength to walk 10 kilometers. If you ask me to walk another 10 kilometers, I am ready.

"We have achieved a lot in the last one year across all sectors, including revitalisation of 332 primary health care centers across the State. We thank God that the era of modulated salary is gone. Workers now get their salaries as and when due. Salaries for this month will be paid before this week runs out. Pensioners too have been getting their benefits. This shows how much priority we give to the welfare of workers.

"In the last one year, I can tell you that we have been able to rehabilitate a lot of critical roads. Again, the issue of security has been brilliantly addressed. We've provided tremendous support for security.

"I thank you all for your support in making the just-concluded Economic and Investment Summit in the State a success. It is our plan to revamp our economy across all sectors. Instead of going round the world to talk to investors, we have decided to bring investors down to see for themselves and choose the area they want to invest in.

"While assuring you of our readiness and determination to continue with the good works, we urge you not to shy away from performing your civic responsibilities. We assure you that we will continue to run a government of transparency and accountability. May God bless you all."

In his remarks, the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Hon Azeez Yemi Lawal, maintained that the exercise was no fewer than a 10-kilometre trek, adding that by walking such a long distance nonstop, the governor has further convinced the good people of Osun and the world at large that he is both physically and mentally fit to govern the State for the next seven years.

He commended the governor for offering to lay down his physical strength for the good services of the state.

Among those who walked in company with the governor were the Chairman of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State, Prince Gboyega Famoodun; the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye; Secretary to the State Government, Prince Wole Oyebamiji; the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Dr. Charles Akinola, and the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Oyebade.

Oyetola bags 2019 Nigeria Best Sports Governor Award

Oyetola bags 2019 Nigeria Best Sports Governor Award

.Says Osun youths are making waves in sports, games at home and abroad

The Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola on Sunday bagged the 2019 Nigeria Best Sports Governor Award.

The honour, the organisers say, is in recognition of the governor's  tremendous achievements in the area of youths and sports development in the state.

Oyetola was also lauded by the leadership of the African Youths Sports Federation for implementing policies and programmes targeted at securing a better and rewarding future for the youths in the state.

The award was presented to the governor at the Annual Nigeria's President National Under-20 Male Youth Football Tournament tagged "Osun AYSOF 2019", organised in commemoration of the 1st Year Anniversary of the Oyetola's administration, at Osogbo Sports Stadium.

The final stage of the tournament was played between Under-20 IleriOluwa Boys (Osun State) and Katsina Under-20 (Katsina State) and the match ended  6-1 in favour of Under-20 IleriOluwa Boys (Osun State).

President, African Youths Sports Federation, Dr. Ahmed Lawal, said Governor Oyetola was selected for the award in recognition of his unprecedented achievement in youths and sports development in the state.

Lawal who presented the award to the governor on behalf of the leadership of the organisation, described the choice of Oyetola as a "round peg in a round hole".

He described Oyetola as an "unrepentant lover of youths and sports", saying the organisation deemed it fit to honour him with the award in order to appreciate him and inspire and encourage others.

He said: "As a matter of fact, Oyetola has been very supportive, we have been monitoring his activities in the area of youths and sports, and he has been doing excellently well.

"Even when he was in the private sector, his contribution was exceptional and he has been contributing in one way or the other to the development of sports at the grassroots.

"It is in the light of this that we approached him and he gave his consent to sponsor our championship, that is, the Annual Nigeria's President Under 20 Championship.

"With these laudable achievements and support to the needs of the people particularly the youths, we have decided to honour him with this award as the Nigeria Best Sports Governor of the Year.

"As to the final holding  in Osun today, we have played our preliminaries in Kogi State, and it was the finalists that we brought to Osun", Lawal said.

Responding, Governor Oyetola who reeled out the administration's achievements in youths and sports sector, in the last one year, said, in 2019 alone, Osun athletes ruled the sporting world, carting home loads of medals.

According to him, two Osun athletes qualified for Olympics Japan 2020 in Canoeing and Powerlifting, while  Ayomide Bello emerged the first female Canoeist from Nigeria to qualify for the Olympics as she also won 1 Gold and 3 Bronze medals at the International Canoe Sprint Competition held in Bhopal in India.

He said Olaitan Ibrahim won Silver medal in 67kg in Powerlifting Championship in Kazakhstan 2019 just as two Osun athletes earned medals in Volleyball and Canoeing at the just-concluded All African Games in Morocco.

Oyetola added that the state won 4 Gold, 4 silver and 8 Bronze medals at the National Youth Games in 2019 and also won 8 Gold, 8 Silver and 20 Bronze medals at the National Sports Festival, while the state harvested 8 Gold, 8 Silver and 7 Bronze medals in the  National Youth Games 2018.

He said: "For us in Osun State, sport is not only a medal-winning and recreational activity, it is principally an instrument for imparting leadership skills in the youths to enable them to perform their roles as leaders of tomorrow".

Governor Oyetola admonished the youths to shun acts and behaviour that can mar their future.

He tasked them to be part of the process of national development and to always adopt dialogue in resolving conflicts rather than resorting to violence

"The society is worried about the involvement of youths in criminal activities and other social vices. It is my firm belief that with their involvement in sports and other useful activities, we shall succeed in engaging them in meaningful activities that would be of immense benefit to the individual and indeed all our people.

"I am particularly impressed by the foresight of the African Sports Federation (AYSOF) in initiating such a programme that would uplift sports from the grassroots level and bring together youths from all over the country to interact in a friendly atmosphere.

"It is my dream for you that, in the next five years, some of you will be playing far away in Europe and will be among those who will lift UEFA Champions League trophy like Sani Kaita, Ahmed Garba, Mikel Obi and Victor Moses who are fellow compatriots", the governor said.

Governor Oyetola commended President Muhammadu Buhari for building the nation's economy and for implementing policies designed to empower youths in all spheres of life.


He said: "Permit me to pay tribute to the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR, for its laudable policies which favour advancement in all sphere of human endeavour.

"Mr. President’s unrelenting commitment to viable economic and social order in Nigeria has consistently inspired confidence in the people.

"At this time of our search for a better society, we cannot but appreciate the efforts of this administration in encouraging and promoting viable pastimes like sports, which cement the fabric of our corporate existence".

Osun has all it takes to be a business hub ~ Says Oyetola

Osun has all it takes  to be a business hub ~ Says Oyetola

Governor State of Osun Mr Gboyega Oyetola has said that the state has all the human and material resources with a well secure environment for business and investment to thrive.

He reiterated that his administration is fully committed to work with business partners and investors to deliver on its goals for the prosperity of the state and its people

Governor Oyetola stated this on Friday in Apomu in Isokan Local Government Area at the commissioning of a branch of Access Bank in the town.

The Governor who spoke through his Deputy Mr Benedict Alabi said that this is a season of massive investment and business opportunity for the state with the readiness and serious commitment shown by a number of business partners and investors who took part in the just concluded Osun Economic and Investment Summit

He maintained that establishment of a bank in a community is a sign of progress and improvement on the social economic activities in a community thereby bringing development to the people.

Governor Oyetola congratulated the people of Apomu and its environs for the establishment of the commercial Bank which was made possible through a joint effort of the community and the Bank management which he described as a new dawn.

He then admonished them to see the bank as their own by patronizing it and guarding it gelously for its success and for their economic growth.

Economic Summit: 22 investors show interest in Osun

Economic Summit: 22 investors show interest in Osun

.as Oyetola signs Executive Order establishing Osun Investment and Promotion Agency

As the 2019 Osun Economic and Investment Summit came to an end on Thursday, no fewer than 22 investors have shown interest in partnering with and investing in the state.

The investors both local and international also reaffirmed their commitments to partner with the state by expanding the scope of their businesses.

They signified their readiness to explore the potentials of the state in the areas of agriculture, mining, infrastructure, health, education and Information and Communication Technology.

Some of the ready partners and investors are: Ms Manisha Dookhony, the Managing Director Rwenzon Consulting; Dr. Segun Aina, President, African Fintech Network; Mr. Muraina Oyelami, Painter/Performing Artiste; Mr U.G Muhammed, Transmission Company of Nigeria among others.

Ms Dookhony said her organisation was ready  to partner with the state in setting up the necessary policies and providing immediate solutions towards creating an enabling environment while Mr Muhammed pledged to partner the state to boost its power sector by providing four Sub-Stations in Osogbo, Ede, Iwo and Ife as well installing DPGW Cables from the state to several locations around the  country.

They promised to explore the investment opportunities created by the government.

While declaring the Summit closed Governor Adegboyega Oyetola, said the state would continue to provide enabling environment for every investor to thrive and every business partner to succeed.

He said the state would continue to  strengthen all existing frameworks to protect businesses as well as honouring all commitments.

Governor Oyetola who announced the signing of the Executive Order establishing Osun Investment and Promotion Agency, said the decision was taken to further demonstrate the state's commitment to socio-economic development.

He assured the investors and development partners of government's resolve to turn Osun into an enviable  investment hub.

"I believe that with the support   of   our   partners,   we   can   put   up   a   formidable   front through which we can collectively accelerate development and take   our   beloved   State   to   the   most   enviable   height   ofdevelopment.1

"I   wish   to   state   unequivocally   that   I   commit   myself   fully   to working with all our valued investors and development partnersto deliver on the lofty ideas.

"I   am   aware   that,   in   the   course   of   this   Summit,   many relationships, just as we desired a number of exciting informal and formal business discussions, have been birthed. I am told by the   secretariat   that   not   less   than   45   business-to-business   and business-to-government   of   such   formal   conversations   took place.

"We will be following up on these discussions, with a viewto   providing   the   necessary   support   required   to   translate   thediscussions into reality.

"As part of efforts towards implementing the outcome of this Summit, I am happy to inform this gathering that I have just signed the Executive Order establishing the State's Investment and Promotion Agency. This is to further demonstrate our seriousness and commitment to ease of doing business in our State.

"As I said in my Opening Speech, we are a law-abiding State. We are Omoluabi. Our words are our bond. We will be guided by the law as a responsible government.

"We shall also strengthen all existing frameworks to protect businesses.

 "Rest assured that your businesses are safe in Osun.I must register my profound and heartfelt appreciation to all our distinguished resource persons, investors, development partners and participants for making this event a huge success".

Osun Economic Summit: UNICEF lauds Oyetola on pro-people policies, effective fund utilisation

Osun Economic Summit: UNICEF lauds Oyetola on pro-people policies, effective fund utilisation

. Pledges more support for the state

As the State of Osun Economic and Investment Summit enters the third and last day, the United Nations Children's Fund (UNICEF) has commended Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for effectively utilising the funds released to the State by the agency.

The agency also congratulated the government over the huge achievements recorded across all sectors of the economy, adding that the government's developmental programmes are not only pro-people but also child-friendly.

UNICEF, which spoke through  its Field Officer, Mr. Tushar Rene, during plenary IX and the development partners' roundtable meeting with Mr. Governor on Thursday,  pledged the agency's continued support for the State, particularly in the development of education, child and maternal health.

Rene, who described the Summit as both impressive and successful, maintained that the government of Oyetola has, by this Summit, put Osun on the path of greatness as development partners across the globe have been given a good  reason to immediately direct resources and necessary attention for rapid soocio-economic development in the state.

"On behalf of UNICEF, I wish to commend this government for effectively utilising funds obtained from this agency.

"This is the first State to approve the social protection policy and law, the 332 primary healthcare centers across the state and so on. We congratulate the governor for the job  particularly in education, child and maternal health.

"As we pledge our continued support for the state, we want to urge the government to consolidate on the gains from the various programmes and scale of initiatives.

"I must confess that this Summit is impressive and I have no doubt that it will produce desired results as it looks good enough to immediately draw the world's attention and that of investors and key development partners across the globe," Reme said.

The agency advised the government on the need to put in place the end user monitoring of social sector intervention, use of data for decision making and child-friendly budgeting.

Earlier in his opening remarks at the roundtable meeting, the Governor, State of Osun, Adegboyega Oyetola thanked all the partners for their support, adding that the meeting was arranged with a view to deepening "existing collaboration, forge new alliances and unlock possibilities that will enhance the quality of life of our people and overall development in the State."

While reiterating the commitment of the administration to fully realising  its development agenga, Governor Oyetola called for continued support from all key development partners in moving the state to greater heights.

Osun Economic Summit: Osun has the potential to generate revenue from agric, tourism, culture -- panelists

Osun Economic Summit: Osun has the potential to generate revenue from agric, tourism, culture -- panelists

Osun State has been identified as investment destination in Nigeria.

The State was also adjudged as one of the few states in Nigeria that have the potential that can accelerate industrial, commercial and infrastructural developments in Nigeria.

Osun was evaluated as a State with unique potential that spread across sectors and all spheres of human endeavours.

These were the submissions of the  panelists at the ongoing 2019 Osun Economic and Investment Summit holding in Osogbo, the State capital.

Speaking at the Day 2 Session of the Summit, the panelists which include the CEO Niger Delta Power Holding, Mr. Chiedu Ugbo; Stanbic IBTC China Coverage Manager, Mr. Zhou Bin; Country Director, Halcrow Infrastructures, Mr. Tomiwa Aregbesola; CEO, Chapel Hill Denham Group, Mr. Bolaji Balogun, and Mr. Nasir Giwa, Vice President, Power and Gas, Siemens, described Osun as a socioeconomic haven.

The panelists who spoke on the topic: "Developing Infrastructure to Support Industrial Development and Economic Growth", acknowledged the economic opportunities created by the state through infrastructure development.

They urged investors to tap from the abundant resources that Osun is blessed with as the state had made significant changes in all the sectors of the economy, particularly in the education, infrastructure and agriculture sectors.

While describing the state as an industrial hub, the panelists urged the state government not to relent in its efforts to woo investors by showcasing its potential.

Also, some of the panelists that spoke on the need for the state to unlock potential in culture, tourism and creative economy for sustainable development, said there was a need for the government to do more to ensure drastic change in the sector.

They described Osun as a tourist destination and investment haven, saying Osun is primed to contribute significantly to the growth of the sector to generate employment opportunities.

One of the panelists, Mr. Tunde Kelani, CEO Mainframe Film and Television Production, said, "there is need to develop and upgrade all the tourist centres to make them attractive".

They called for Public Private Partnership to galvanise the socioeconomic potential of the state to make it a pace setter for development.

Osun Economic Summit: Canada-based mining coy pays N.1bn sign-on fee

Osun Economic Summit: Canada-based mining coy pays N.1bn sign-on fee

...As Osinbajo lauds Oyetola on good governance


The State of Osun has received a sum of N100 million from Badger Mines, a Canada-based mining company, as sign- on fee for exploration and development of one of the state's mining titles.

The State Governor, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, disclosed this on Tuesday while delivering his address at the opening ceremony of the three-day Economic and Investment Summit held at Aurora Event Centre in Osogbo.

The governor disclosed that the government had earlier executed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the renowned mining company as part of necessary preparation for the commencement of mining operations in the state.

Oyetola, who expressed optimism that the summit would achieve the desired results going by the positive responses obtained so far from key players in the  private sector, said the government is fully prepared to give all the support required for investment to thrive, particularly in mining, tourism and culture and agriculture.

He said, "Our mining sector, like agriculture, is an old industry yet to be fully harnessed. The State of Osun has ample reserves of a variety of minerals, notably gold, lead/zinc, quartz, feldspar and several precious metals.

"We occupy a unique place in the mining sector in Nigeria. We are a mining state that hosts solid minerals. We are also a state that has invested in acquiring the licences for solid minerals under our land from the Federal Government.

"No other state in Nigeria can offer the unique combination of both regulatory and commercial fusion. We are a risk-ready state with an appetite for enterprise and reward for winnings.

"The state acquired 17 mining licenses for Gold – 10; Quarry - 4; Lead/Zinc - 2; and Quartz and Feldspar -1, from the Nigeria Mining Corporation, and we are willing to partner with interested local and foreign investors to develop these mineral resources.

"Our policy for the mining sector is implemented and overseen by the Osun Solid Mineral Development Programme. This programme commenced in June 2019, and has already achieved some encouraging milestones in its First Quarterly Report in 5 of the 7 intervention project areas of the programme.

"The intervention areas are Osun/Omoluabi Mining Business Restructuring Scheme (OMBRS) to commercialise the state-owned mining company. Osun Revenue Diversification and Maximisation Scheme (ORDMS) is a scheme to register all miners, mines and mining equipment and report on all mining activities in the State in partnership with private sector technology partners.

"We are happy to report that 9,000 artisanal miners have registered their biometric data on RFID-enabled tags with our technology partners. I am also happy to inform you that Osun recently executed an MOU with the renowned international mining firm – The Badger Mines – for the exploration and development of one of our mining titles with a signature bonus of a Hundred Million Naira (N100m) already paid."

In his remarks while declaring the three-day summit open, the Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, commended the state government for hosting the event, which he described as impressive and organised.

Osinbajo, who was represented by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Trade and Investment, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole, also lauded the governor for providing what he described as focused inspirational and well-meaning leadership in the state.

He said, "I am particularly very delighted visiting Osun, widely acclaimed for its rich cultural heritage, hospitality and the enterprising tradition of her people. Peaceful, virtuous, resilient and vibrant, Osun is a pride of the nation.

"As a choice tourist destination, Osun is certainly most enriched in terms of its widespread iconic tourists’ sites, globally-acclaimed festivals such as the popular Osun Osogbo festival, Olojo festival, among many others.

"Aside its fertile land which makes agriculture thrive unusually, the array of its mineral-resource blessednes,  Osun is also fortunate to be home to some of the nation’s most highly gifted and accomplished citizens. Undoubtedly, Osun is a profoundly blessed State."

The Vice President further noted that the objectives of the Summit is in tandem with the Diversification Agenda of the Federal Government, adding that the governor has demonstrated exceptional leadership in building on the achievements of his predecessor and particularly in his aggressive pursuit of economic rejuvenation of the state.

Also speaking on the occasion on behalf of the traditional rulers, the Ooni of Ife, His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, implored all indigenes of the state to support the government in its frantic bid to make the state the economic hub of the country.

Oyetola presents N119.5billon for year 2020 budget

Oyetola presents N119.5billon for year 2020 budget

...infrastructure, education, health, agriculture take lion share

Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, on Thursday laid before the State House of Assembly the 2020 appropriation bill put at N119, 550,401,040.00.

Critical sectors like infrastructure, education, health, water and sanitation and agriculture top the list of allocations in that order.         

The 2020 budget, tagged "Budget of Restoration" was prepared with the sole aim of meeting the critical needs, yearnings and aspirations of the citizens in line with the state Developmental Plans, the governor said.

On Expenditure, personnel takes N36,465,191,230.00 (30.50%); Overhead has N20,009,802,760.00 and consolidated revenue fund takes N1,200,000,000.00.

Recurrent expenditure was put at N57,674,993,990.00 while the capital expenditure was put at N61,875,407,050.00.

The breakdown of the budget further shows that the Infrastructure sector takes the largest chunk with a total sum of N9,318,841,640.00 (15.06%) followed by Water and Sanitation sector with a sum of N7, 581,241,350.00. (12.25%), while N6,517,762,830.00 (10.53%) was budgeted for the Education sector.

 Governance and Administration sector has N4,323,555,790.00 (6.99%) while N4,311,456,450.00 (6.97%) was budgeted for Health sector.

Agriculture sector has N2,363,716,760.00 (3.82%);  Security, Law and Justice Sector, N1,425,784,530.00; Environment sector has N736,347,190.00 (1.19%); Commerce and Industry sector N638,851,490.00 (1.03%); Economic Planning and Budget sector N345,864,600.00 (0.56%).

Other are: Information and Communication N205, 380,210.00 (0.33%) and Social Development and Welfare N129,930,370.00 (0.21%) .

Addressing the House during the presentation of the budget, Governor Oyetola said the administration was irrevocably committed to raising the standard of living of the citizens by ensuring judicious implementation of the budgetary provision.

He noted that the 2020 Draft Budget was crafted  based on the State of Osun Development Plan (2019-2028), Medium Term Sector Strategy (2020-2022), Thank You Tour Report and Department for International Development (UK-DFID) supported Citizens' Need Assessment carried out in 30 Local Governments and one Area Office.

"I stand to assure the good people of Osun that this administration will continue to pursue judiciously, the formulation and implementation of policies, programmes and projects that will bring about the restoration and the sustainable growth of our dear State as will be unfolded in the proposed Year 2020 Estimates.

"Since the 2020 draft Budget is in line with State of Osun Development Plans, 2019-2028, our major focus is to meet the yearnings of the good people of the state and the completion of the ongoing projects.

"It is indeed with a high sense of duty, therefore, that I present the appropriation bill for the 2020 fiscal year. I, therefore, acknowledge the maturity, discipline and patriotism behind your individual and collective conducts so far in your bid to uphold the tenets of democratic governance", Oyetola said.

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, promised that the House will not hesitate to give the appropriation bill a speedy passage.

He assured that the members are set and ready to collaborate with the governor and other arms to move the State forward.

"We are solidly behind you. Nothing can shake this government as I am confident that APC government has come to stay in Osun", the Speaker added.