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Ademola Adeleke and Two Years of Significant Milestone

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By Eric Elezuo

“We are only getting started. The journey of transforming Osun State into a state of opportunities for all is ongoing, and with your continued support, we will achieve even greater things” –  Governor Adeleke 

The atmosphere at the Aurora Event Centre was a clear testament that the Governor of Osun State, His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, is not just a man of the people, but a man, whose presence and influence command love and admiration, evidence of his passion for good governance and lucid display of affection for the plight of the people.

It was the gathering of champions; a gathering that explains that his Excellency, better known as the performing Governor, has exceeded all expectations, and delivered much more than the dividends of democracy just two years in office.

The event was the celebration of excellence; the celebration of a significant milestone that has completely changed the topography of Osun State. The excitement exhibited by the people on the day, was therefore, not surprising.

Prior to the November 27, 2024 d-day, the Osun State Government had unveiled a 16-day events to mark the grand second anniversary as governor of the state.

The Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Teslim Igbalaye, who unveiled the ceremonies, rated Adeleke high in terms of service delivery, grassroots development and human capacity development.

The 16-day fiesta, according to Igbalaye comprises a health walk, novelty match, Jumaat, church service, state awards presentation, and projects commissioning.

Commenting on the achievements of the administration in the past two years, Igbalaye, said Adeleke had surpassed expectations, assuring that an increase in political activities would not distract the governor from completing all ongoing projects.

Among the projects commissioned was the dualisation of the Old Garage-Okefia Lameco Freeway, which was done by a former President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, which much gusto and fanfare with other dignitaries in attendance including representatives of the eight assembly – Senator Dino Melaye and Lanre Tejuoso. Others were Juju music maestro, Sir Shina Peters, notable traditional rulers, members of the executive council as well as state assembly members.

In his address at the commissioning, Obasanjo lauded Adeleke’s steadfastness in the discharge of his constitutional duties of providing good governance, reminding him that there are two more years from the present midterm, to unleash more his human faced policies, programmes and projects.

Other dignitaries that commissioned many other projects during the period included the Governor of Oyo State, Mr. Seyi Makinde, who commissioned the Osogbo Ring Road; the Minister of Works, Engr. Dave Umahi, and the Minister of Aviation, Festus Keyamo, who laid foundation for the proposed Osun Airport, and performed turning of sod for emerging projects, and a host of others.

It is worth noting that inaugurated projects spanned across the 30 local government areas in the state.

Presentation of bond certificates to contributory pensioners and presentation of award to Governor Adeleke by the contributory pensioners was also done.

As early as 10am, the event venue was a beehive of activities with groups, market men and women, political associations and students unions among others, singing the praises of the administration and the person of the governor. It was the grand entrance of the governor, flanked by aides and associates, that set the stage for what later become the mother of all events.

In their various speeches, all represented groups lauded the giant strides of the governor, highlighting areas of staunch improvement including Healthcare, Education, Investments, Entertainment, Sports, Rural Electrification and Technological advancement.

Additionally, awards were presented to outstanding individuals who contributed significantly to the growth and development of the state just as long awaited CofOs were released to deserving citizens of the state.

While addressing the mammoth crowd of happy indigenes, Governor Adeleke thanking them for their support and promised to continue his administration’s efforts in education, health, and infrastructure.

However, it was the governors speech that gave vent and flesh to the myriads of achievements that the brief two years of the Adeleke-led administration has bestowed on the people of Osun State.

He therefore, rendered his stewardship, a catalogue of immutable achievements that everyone has come to agree on.

He said, as broadcasted:

My good people of Osun State, today marks my two years in office as your popularly elected Governor. I start this broadcast by paying glowing tributes to elders, women, youths and residents of Osun State.

I convey my deep appreciation for your strong support and prayers. From November 27th, 2022 to date, Osun residents have demonstrated unshaken faith in our government. Your prayers for me and my team have strengthened us significantly. Your regular counseling have enhanced our intentional drive to deliver on good governance.

My people, you are well aware of what Osun was on and before we took over two years ago. We all recall the pains and sufferings of the public servants and pensioners. We remember the huge infrastructure and policy deficit in transportation, health, education, water, ICT, environment, agriculture and commerce and industry. We cannot forget in a hurry the deep gap between the state leadership and the people.

To revive the state and deliver on good governance, my administration launched out with a five-point agenda. We targeted specific areas of needs of the people which form the major components of the clearly defined agenda.The goal principally was to address the aspirations and immediate needs of our people.

In line with norms of accountability and responsibility to the electorate, I am obligated to render my stewardship midway into the life of our administration. It is, therefore, with praises to God Almighty and the universe that I address you on major advances our admnistration has already recorded across the sectors.

We pursue a preventive health care policy which places emphasis on access to health care. By today, our administration has upgraded 200 primary health care centers out of almost 400 with solar power, boreholes and medical materials. We are now shifting attention to the six general hospitals for upgrade and refurbishing.

In the same vein, we conducted two major Imole medical outreach with over 100, O00 beneficiaries. The third edition is upcoming, even as we have enrolled 29,000 pensioners in the health insurance scheme to bankroll their Healthcare.

On water supply, we developed three structure plans of immediate, short and long term template to resolve the acute water shortage inherited in 2022. Immediately, we delivered 332 boreholes across the 332 political wards in the state. Another 332 is ongoing. Simultaneously, we commenced the rehabilitation of the water works in major towns by relaying the rusted pipes laid in early 70s. Additionally, the abandoned 10 mini-water works are being revived while the project for Ora water scheme is also under implementation.

In the agricultural sector, we started the farm mechanization plan by purchasing 31 tractors in the first phase. Farm inputs were regularly distributed and I am launching the youth agropreneur programme across the 30 local governments and the area councils. We are reviving the farm settlements. We are implementing the new Cocoa and Cashew expansion initiatives.

For the education sector, the University of Ilesa has become a reality with take off grants and accredited courses. Rehabilitation of its internal roads are now ongoing. For the Osun State University, four abandoned projects were completed and a new anatomy laboratory was started and completed by our administration. We rehabilitated 99 secondary schools, restarted the upgrade of the six technical colleges and are about to issue letters of appointment to new teachers.

For the public service sector, our government has paid about 12 billion pension debt in two years compared with 11 billion paid by the opposition for its 12 years in the government of the state. We restored normalcy within the public service with permanent secretaries and regular promotion exercises. Half salary debt is being paid in phases, and a new minimum wage has just been approved for the state workers. Ours is an openly pro-workers government.

In Science and Technology, we gave Osun its first ICT policy, innovations policy and Startup legal framework. We introduced the first digital economy agenda for the state. Implementation of these policies and programmes are ongoing.

For the power sector, our government is finalizing a policy and legal frameworks for the electricity market system. With the devolution of the power sector, the passage of the electricity bill into law in Osun state will enable us to regulate stakeholders in the sector. An electricity regulatory commission will be set up to license generators of powers among others.

My dear people of Osun state, our administration has constructed over 120 kilometers of roads across the state. Several inter- state and intra-city roads completed are to be commissioned during this 16 days anniversary. Two major flyovers are also progressing to completion at Osogbo while works are progressing at the Ile Ife Flyover and Ilesa dualization.

I have redirected our efforts and plan at the completion of Iwo-Osogbo road. We have added the dualisation of Odoori – Adeeke road inside Iwo to be executed in two phases. The first phase will reach Post -Office and Oluwo Palace while the second phase will take off from Post Office to Adeeke Junction.

Our government has enhanced the local economy, not just through its local content policy, we have also expanded access to financing for artisans and small businesses through the cooperative societies. Several millions of naira have been advanced to the state cooperative movement as revolving loans, the first time since the First Republic. We encouraged creation of ward-based artisans cooperative societies across the 332 political wards. Another millions of naira have been advanced to the 332 business groups as revolving loans. During this anniversary, another set of small businesses will get microcredit cheques. Osun money is truly revolving within Osun State economy.

I want our people to note for the record that for all our projects and programmes, we did not obtain any loan. We only block leakages in the state finance and employ local content to moderate project cost and enforce high standards. We never discriminate on inherited projects and we never sack any contractors engaged by our predecessor. We run an open transparent government.

For the second half of our government, I reassure all sons and daughters of Osun State that the government under my leadership will complete all ongoing projects. We will continue to address the infra and social needs of our people. We will strike a balance between hard and soft infrastructure.

Going forward, we will deepen our consultation and interactive mechanism with the citizenry. As we have acted only in public interest in the last two years, we will sustain our responsiveness and respect for the wills and aspirations of our people.

Therefore, I invite you to join me as we commence the anniversary with town hall meetings and commissioning of projects and programmes.

Once again, I thank Osun elders, sons and daughters for your support and prayers. I remain your Governor who is ever committed to service to the high and the low, to the poor and the rich, and to all our citizens and residents.

I thank you for listening.

HE, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, Executive Governor of Osun State.

Governor Adeleke, on July 16 2022 defeated the incumbent administration of Adegboyega Oyetola, and was sworn in as governor on November 27, 2022 to begin a four-year term.

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Why FCT Was Removed from Treasury Single Account – Tinubu

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President Bola Ahmed Tinubu explained on Sunday in Abuja that his administration removed the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) from the Treasury Single Account (TSA) to expedite development and enhance resident participation in governance.
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The President, who received FCT residents at the Presidential Villa for Sallah homage, said the bureaucracy associated with the TSA was hampering infrastructure growth in the capital city and had to be reviewed for impact and progress.

The FCT Minister, Nyesom Wike, led the residents during the homage.

President Tinubu highlighted that freeing the FCT from TSA restrictions has swiftly catalysed infrastructure improvements, enhanced healthcare services, and increased security measures.

“I remember the day that the FCT Minister came to meet me, and he said, please take us out of the problem of the TSA so that I can do more work and achieve more. I said show me what you are about to do, and he presented his thinking and belief.

“And everything started changing rapidly. I started seeing the opening up of the rural areas by the FCT, the resuscitation of abandoned projects, and the completion of the Vice President’s official residence that was abandoned for years. The FCT rehabilitated health care centres, upgraded facilities for school children, and provided furniture.

President Tinubu thanked the FCT Minister for proving that liberation from the bureaucracy was necessary and for restructuring the FCT public service so that civil servants could aspire to higher positions and provide leadership.

“We wouldn’t have been able to open our mouths to celebrate if not because of the progressive ideas you brought to FCT. We can now celebrate the innovative ideas brought to the FCT,” President Tinubu said.

President Tinubu encouraged FCT residents and other Nigerians to look beyond ethnic and religious colourations in their leadership choices and focus more on results.

“Today, we live in peace, and security is improving. Hunger is coming down. Food prices are lowering. We can go to the market and do business. And our diversity and belief in ourselves are becoming stronger.

“We are not looking for magic. We are looking for results. We are looking for comfort. We are praying for good health. We are looking for someone who cares,” the President noted.

“The job is not just about Wike or me, but everyone. Nyesom Wike is proving the diversity of Nigeria. He strengthened that diversity to develop prosperity, showing us that we are all members of one family, living together in the same house, in different rooms, and under one roof,” the President said.

President Tinubu urged more tolerance, broadmindedness and patriotism.
“All I appeal for is tolerance, which has brought us this far. We have learnt some lessons from Ramadan. May the lessons continue to be with us,” he said.

The FCT minister thanked the President for hosting the residents in the State House.

“This visit marks a historic moment as it is the first time the FCT residents can extend our greetings and best wishes to you in person during this blessed period. We are genuinely delighted to be here”.

Wike pledged his loyalty to the President and committed himself to developing the capital city, assuring that the FCT would soon complete many projects.

“Despite our varied backgrounds, we are united in our unwavering support for your administration and the Renewed Hope Agenda,” he added.

The Vice President, Sen. Kashim Shettima, National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris, attended the ceremony.

The FCT delegation included members of the National Assembly, judiciary, religious and traditional leaders, security chiefs and women and youth groups.

Source: State House Press Release 

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Eid-El-Fitr Celebration: Tinubu, Shettima Join Nigerian Muslims in Prayers

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President Bola Tinubu and Vice President Kashim Shettima, on Sunday, joined others for prayers at the National Eid ground in Abuja, as Nigerian Muslims mark the Eid-El-Fitr celebrations together with millions of others around the world.

Deputy President of the Senate, Barau Jibrin, the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu and some ministers also observed the prayer at the same venue.

Eid-El-Fitr, meaning the festival of breaking the fast, is a time of gratitude, charity and communal harmony.

It began with special prayers known as Eid prayers held in Mosques and open spaces. Following the prayers, families share festive meals, exchange gifts and extend warm greetings.

Eid is a time to remember those less fortunate and to strengthen the bond of brotherhood and sisterhood. A key component of Eid is Zakat al Fitr, a mandatory charitable donation intended to ensure everyone irrespective of their financial situation can participate in the joy of the celebration.

This act of giving embodies the spirit of compassion and solidarity that Ramdan emphasizes. From the elaborate feast of South Asia to the festive clothing of Nigeria and the African continent and the warm gatherings of the Middle East, Eid celebrations vary across cultures, showcasing the rich diversity of the Muslim world.

However, the underlining message of unity, gratitude and compassion remains universal.

Saudi Arabia and some other Gulf Arab states are celebrating the Eid al-Fitr holiday from today, but other Middle Eastern countries will not do so until Monday.

“The Supreme Court has decided that tomorrow, Sunday, March 30, 2025, is the first day of Eid al-Fitr,” the Saudi Royal Court said in a statement carried by official media.

The timing of the holiday, which marks the end of the fasting month of Ramadan, is determined by the sighting of the crescent moon, in accordance with the Muslim lunar calendar.

The United Arab Emirates and Qatar also announced Sunday would be the first day of the holiday.

But neighbouring Oman and Jordan, as well as Shiite-majority Iran, said that Eid al-Fitr would not begin until Monday because the crescent moon had yet to be sighted. Egypt and other North African countries followed suit.

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First Lady, Buhari, Adeleke, Mba Celebrate President Tinubu at 73

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By Eric Elezuo

March 29 marked another circle for Nigeria’s President, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, as he celebrated his 73rd birthday anniversary.

Across the nation, especially in Lagos and Abuja, supporters rolled out the drums to the hail the 5th president since the return of democracy in Nigeria, in 1999.

But much more than physical gathering, notable individuals explored the social media as well as private statements to honour the president, who took the helm of affairs of the nation since May 29, 2023, with goodwill messagewith goodwill messages.

The president, according to The Punch reports, received numerous well-wishes from governors and other prominent figures.

First Lady Oluremi Tinubu described her husband as her “light in shining armor” in a heartfelt message stating, “I rejoice and thank God Almighty for His faithfulness in your life over the years. I celebrate your courage, strength, and resilience that have all contributed to who we both are today. May you live long in divine health, joy, peace, and prosperity.”

Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke commended President Tinubu for his significant contributions to the nation’s economic and democratic development, recalling his transformative tenure as Lagos State governor and ongoing reforms at the national level. “Our dear Asiwaju and Commander-in-Chief of this federation, as you celebrate your 73rd birthday, I pray that God grants you more blessings and grace to continue succeeding in your presidential mandate while living many more years in good health and prosperity. Happy blessed birthday, Mr. President,” he stated.

Enugu State Governor Peter Mbah also extended his best wishes, saying, “On behalf of the Government and the good people of Enugu State, we wish you a happy 73rd birthday. We hope for many more years of good health and joy. We pray that God orders your steps and grants you His uncommon grace as you guide our nation through these challenging times toward a prosperous future.”

Former President Muhammadu Buhari, also sent his regards through a statement by Garba Shehu.

“When we pray for our leaders, we are praying for ourselves and the nation. We owe this to ourselves and the nation,” the statement said, adding that he and his family remain indebted to President Tinubu and other party leaders for their invaluable contributions to the formation of the All Progressives Congress.

Tinubu, who declared that his aspirations for the nation, are rooted in peace amd stability, saying “My prayer is for stability, peace, and the safeguarding of our people. We work hard and pray harder. We thank God,” also kept faith with the spirit of gratitude, and attended a special prayer session at the National Mosque, where he was joined by dignitaries, including Vice President Kashim Shettima. Following the prayers, the president took time to greet several monarchs and imams present at the mosque.

Tinubu has received more knocks than kudos since his ascension of office in 2023 owing to his policies, which have impoverished Nigerians, as well as what most Nigerians term as the muffling of other arms of government to dance to the tune of the executive, with special mention of the judiciary and the legislature.

We join other Nigerians to wish Mr. President a happy birthday.

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