GOVERNOR ADELEKE BEMOANS APC’s YES/NO CHAIRMEN, ASSURES OSUN PEOPLE THAT ILLEGAL LEVY COLLECTORS RISK DETENTION

Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has bemoaned the self-acclaimed Yes/No Chairmen, who are members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), behind illegal levy collection in some of the markets in Osun State.

The Governor, represented by his Deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi during an interactive meeting with leaders of market men and women, held at the Governor’s office on Tuesday, stated that those behind the dubious act will soon be made to face the wrath of the law.

Prince Adewusi who described the act as a corruption charged the market people across the State to remain vigilant against the antics of the hungry opposition.

While speaking, the Chairman of Osun Internal Revenue Service (OIRS) Hon. Hazmat Solanke who explained that only the approved revenue board can collect taxes, urged market leaders to turn fake tax collectors down peacefully and report them to the law enforcement agents.

In his remarks, the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo who affirmed that the government never approved illegal levy in markets, also stated that the opposition APC has failed in its many attempts to hoodwink the people of Osun State.

According to the Commissioner, “the opposition APC has failed woefully in misleading the masses. They later instigated students against the government but all in vain”.

“On the issue of illegal market levy collection by the court-sacked Yes/No Chairmen, they have failed again, and they will continue to fail”, he said.

The Commissioner also noted how the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) declined to open an account for the Yes/No Chairmen.

Earlier in her welcome address, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs, Chief (Mrs.) Grace Eniola Omotoso, disclosed that the Adeleke-led government is not collecting levies or unsubstantiated taxes from the members of the public.

According to her, the traders must not cooperate with unapproved revenue collectors. “I have asked those collecting the levies, where are they remitting the money? Anybody who comes to the market to issue a ticket to you, chase him/her out of the market”.

“The Osun State government has made it abundantly clear that no ticket should be issued to traders in our market for now and no one is expected to come to you to ask you for money”, she said.

The meeting was well attended by the adequate representation of the Iyalojas led by Chief Mrs Mary Oyebode, the Babalojas and members of Egbe Olowo across all the nooks and crannies of Osun State.

IMOLE FREE TRAIN RIDE HAS COME TO STAY IN OSUN – REV. BUNMI JENYO

Osun State Government has reiterated its commitment to continue to operate the Imole Free Train service which has already come to stay in support and offering free transport services to the indegenes of the state regularly.

This was made known by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo in a press statement issued and made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Monday, as the annual Good Friday and Easter Monday festival is around the corner.

According to him, the Free Train Ride is in line with the people-oriented programmes of Governor Adeleke in facilitating easy movement of the people of Osun to and fro the state during festive periods.

According to the Commissioner, “the programme is part of the fulfilment of the campaign promises made by Mr. Governor to produce good governance and extending the welfare gesture to citizens due to the economic hardship being experienced by some travellers.

“Governor Adeleke’s government will continue to pursue life-changing policies that will contribute to the betterment, happiness and progress of the entire citizens of the State”, he said.

According to the Free Train schedule, the take-off from Iddo Terminus, Lagos to Osogbo is on Friday 18th April 2025 at 10:00am while the departure from Nelson Mandela Freedom Park Osogbo would be on Tuesday, 22nd April, 2025 at 12:00pm prompt.

Signed:
Rev. Bunmi Jenyo,
Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Osun State.
14th April, 2025.

GOVERNOR ADELEKE DIRECTS POLICE COMMISSIONER TO STOP TAX EXTORTION & FORGERY BY YES/NO COUNCIL CHAIRMEN

Governor Ademola Adeleke has directed the Osun state Commissioner of Police to stop ongoing imposition of illegal taxes on market operators and forgery of council documents by some court-sacked Yes/No council chairmen, describing the development as inimical to sustenance of law and order at the grassroots.

The governor further instructed the police Commissioner to invite the affected council chairmen for questioning for falsifying council documents, collecting dubious revenue through illegal documents and for imposing and collecting illegal revenue from market operators.

The Governor citing various reports of such illegality especially from Boripe local government, said such activities not only breached clear provisions of the law but also constitute an affront on the judiciary to which the APC has filed an appeal over the sacking of its Yes/No chairmen.

The Governor in his directive to the Commissioner cited Boripe Local Government where the court-sacked chairman inaugurated a revenue taskforce which forged and printed out some council documents purportedly for internally generated revenue (IGR).

The governor noted that the same illegal taskforce officials have began issuing the fake documents like local government Identification letters, market revenue receipts etc. to the members of the public, directing the police commissioner to intervene before any breakdown of law and order.

Governor Adeleke has further directed his Special Adviser on Security to liaise with the police Commissioner for the implementation of the directive as he expressed shock at the brazen imposition of hardship and pains on the people through illegal revenue and tax collections.

“Is this the reason for illegal occupation of local government secretariats? Is this all about extorting the people and imposing pains and suffering on them? This should stop forthwith.

“We alert the public to this new round of illegality on a subjudiced matter. I have directed the police authorities accordingly. Forging council documents and collecting revenue illegally are punishable offences before the law. Any person caught in such act will face the full wrath of the law”, the Governor was quoted as saying in the statement

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

https://www.facebook.com/share/p/1HhuFTdLFn/?mibextid=oFDknk

REV. BUNMI JENYO CONGRATULATES DR. ‘DEJI ADELEKE ON HIS RECOGNITION AS “VANGUARD NEWSPAPER’S PERSONALITY OF THE YEAR 2024”

The Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry in Osun State, Rev. ‘Bunmi Jenyo has congratulated the Patriarch of the Adeleke Dynasty of Ede, Dr. ‘Deji Adeleke on his recognition as the Vanguard Newspaper’s 2024 personality of the year.

This was contained in a statement by the Honourable Commissioner, which was made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Saturday.

The Commissioner described the honour bestowed on the Chairman of Pacific Holdings Limited as a conviction that he is above board, in advancing the course of humanity, in a variety of ways.

“The Chairman, your unwavering commitment to philanthropy, nation building and kindness to all, have contributed, among other positive qualities and impact, immensely to the societal upgrade, hence this unique recognition by the Vanguard Newspaper”, the Commissioner said.

“Indeed, this recognition to Dr. ‘Deji Adeleke is a round peg in a round hole as the cap fits no other than our amiable, tireless and resilient mentor and brother”, he said.

According to the Commissioner, “I congratulate an important personality whose antecedent, reputation and countless achievements, have spoken to be a destiny helper for countless lives across the globe “, he said.

Rev. Jenyo prayed that Dr. ‘Deji Adeleke will go from strength to strength and will never know a better yesterday in the land of the living.

Signed:
Rev. ‘Bunmi Jenyo,
Honourable Commissioner,
Ministry of Commerce and Industry,
Osun State.
12th April, 2025.

RE: BORIPE LG INAUGURATES MARKET TASK FORCE: OSUN STATE GOVERNMENT WARNS ALL TO DISREGARD ILLEGAL ACT

OSOGBO -11/04/2025- Osunstate.gov.ng

The attention of the Osun State government has been drawn to the actions of some unscrupulous individuals, operating under the guise of a Yes/No illegal local government group, are being led by one Hon. Sikiru Odebunmi, in collaboration with the unauthorized Chairman of Boripe North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Bamigbe Isaac Oladejo.

It has been reported that these individuals have illegally inaugurated a fraudulent group, tagged “Market Task Force Committee” and have allegedly printed unauthorized market levy receipts, imposing same in the Local Government names. They are reportedly forcing market men and women to pay various levies in their respective markets.

The Government of Osun State, under the leadership of His Excellency, Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke, wishes to inform the public that the Osun State Government has not authorized any person or group to undertake such actions anywhere within the State.

The government warns those engaging in such fraudulent activities to cease immediately. It further states that “anyone caught in such acts will be handed over to the appropriate authorities and will face the full force of the law.”

“The government will not compromise the peace that is prevalent in Osun State, which is of paramount importance to all citizens, due to the irrational behavior of a few disgruntled individuals.”

All market men and women, including traders of all categories, are therefore advised to ignore these unauthorized individuals and reject any request for payments to anyone claiming to collect levies outside of those authorized by the State Government under Senator Ademola Adeleke’s administration.

Signed:
Hon. Eniola Omotoso,
Special Adviser to the Governor on Market Affairs
11th April 2025.

OSUN APC IN IDENTITY CRISIS, SCARED OF GOVERNOR ADELEKE’S LOCAL AND NATIONAL ACCEPTABILITY

OSOGBO – 10/04/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng

The recent attacks and vituperations by Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) against Governor Ademola Adeleke are confirmation of opposition’s identify crisis, its weakness within the Presidency and frustrations about increasing breakthroughs of the Adeleke administration.

“The Osun APC is busy complaining about a successful meeting with UK Prime Minister’s trade envoy, a meeting with concrete outcomes that the trade envoy hailed as a major breakthrough. The APC is shocked that such productive investment meeting happened right inside the House of Commons.

“The opposition is by now scrambling on what to say to another breakthrough recorded by Mr Governor – the deal on cultural tourism partnership at the British Musuem and the linkage between UK and Osun business through the Nigeria-UK Chamber of Commerce. The public awaits the lies and misinformation from Osun APC

“The opposition is confused about groundswell of support for Governor Adeleke across party lines and across local and national audience. The public at home and abroad are impressed by the huge delivery of the administration across sectors. Interestingly, the appraisal of performance is coming from federal and non-governmental bodies.

“The shock of national and local endorsements create identifty crisis for Osun APC as its lost credibility from the Presidency to key national caucus. The opposition is therefore running amock, ranting over billboards from non-governmental groups, displaying ignorance over investment drive and wandering over reality of its unelectability”, the statement posited.

“The imminent re-election of Governor Adeleke will be the outcome of unwavering people’s support, evidence-based performance in office, eternal vigilance of people to protect their votes and the divine grace of God. A Governor who has done so much for his people and who enjoys so much goodwill among national leaders is unbothered by the rantings of an unelectable opposition.

“Mr Governor assures the good people of Osun state that good governance delivery is unstoppable and he has the backing of men and women of goodwill across party lines, at home, at national level and in the diaspora”, the statement concluded.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

GOVERNOR ADELEKE FOSTERS CULTURAL TOURISM AT BRITISH MUSEUM, LINKS UK, OSUN BUSINESSES IN B2B CONFERENCE

LONDON – 10/04/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke yesterday continued his investment drive for Osun state in London with landmark engagements with the British Museum for cultural industry partnership and linkage between Osun and UK businesses at an investment conference of Nigeria-British Chamber of Commerce and Industry.

At the high profile gathering attended by the Nigerian Trade and Investment Minister, Dr. Jumoke Oduwole and UK Prime Minister Trade Envoy, Hon Florence Eshalomi, Governor Adeleke again reiterated the need for deepening Commonwealth business relationship especially at the binational level, citing uncertainty and instability within the global economy.

The State Governor told the gathering of business executives from Nigeria and the United Kingdom that subnational investment in states like Osun holds the key to collective prosperity, describing such investment as low hanging fruits between Nigeria and UK private Sectors.

While commending the chair and members of UK Chambers of Commerce and Industry; the Prime Minister’s Trade Envoy to Nigeria, Hon Florence Eshalomi; and Nigeria’s Minister of Trade and Investment, Dr Jumoke Oduwole, Governor Adeleke said “his love for closer partnership between Nigeria and the United Kingdom is evident here in London and back at home.

“The global economic situation compels both nations to deepen partnership. We must leverage on our historical ties to unlock a mutually beneficial investment inflow. The Chamber of Commerce provides a meeting point for the organised private sector from both countries to strike deals and partnership”, he reiterated.

Marketing the state to the top ranking audience, the Governor said Osun has huge potentials for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others, adding “we have a well trained labor force and a commendable investment environment.

“Osun boasts of being the most peaceful Nigerian state with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45 days window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes.

“Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. We enhance business climate by reducing the state infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent. By the 2025 intervention plans, the deficit reduction is targeted to be over 70 percent.

“Our government will deepen partnership with the joint UK-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce to boost investment and business partnership. We will also align members of the Osun state Chamber of Commerce and industry to enter into a closer relationship with the UK-Nigeria Chamber of Commerce and Industry”, the Governor promises.

At another meeting with the leadership of the British Museum, Governor Adeleke and his team advocated a partnership to strengthen Osun cultural industry in the presence of the museum management team led by Mr. Hugo Chapman, Acting Keeper of the Department of Africa, Oceania And the Americas; Dr. Sam Nixon, Head of the Africa Section and Ms. Julie Hudson, Curator Africa section.

Governor Adeleke told the UK team that Osun state is a living archive of Yoruba civilization and one of the most culturally rich destinations in Africa.

He cited the sacred Osun-Osogbo Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage Site; the historic city of Ile-Ife, the spiritual cradle of the Yoruba people; and time-honored festivals such as the Timi Ede Festival, the Olojo Festival and the globally celebrated Osun-Osogbo Festival as thriving cultural assets of the state

“But beyond heritage, Osun is also a land of opportunity. We welcome investors to explore thriving sectors in cultural tourism, event management, creative arts, and artisan enterprise — from Adire Hub to develop the value chain of our Adire fabric to masterful wood carvings and sculpture. Our government is committed to supporting this growth through strategic public-private partnerships, infrastructure expansion, and investment-friendly policies.

“As we engage with the British Museum — itself a symbol of global culture and preservation — we extend an open invitation to collaborate in sharing, preserving, and investing in the living heritage of Osun. Together, we can spotlight the beauty of African culture while building bridges of prosperity and mutual respect”, the governor was quoted as saying.

Responding, the head of Museum team, Mr. Hugo Chapman identified several areas of partnership including joint exhibition of cultural assets among others.

While the investment conference led to government to business linkage, the cultural tourism created a new platform for partnership and collaboration between the British Museum and the Osun state government.

The visit continues today with B2B and G2B meetings in London.

Signed:
Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to Governor Adeleke.

GOVERNOR ADELEKE SEEKS UK SUBNATIONAL INVESTMENT, SIGNS MOU ON INVESTMENT FACILITATION

LONDON- 08/04/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke today at the House of Commons in London, tasked the United Kingdom government to focus on subnational investment in Nigeria with emphasis on Osun state which he called the heartland of South Western Nigeria.

The Governor made the clarion call at an investment working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon Florence Eshalomi MP attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd. and other private sector representatives.

Governor Adeleke said this is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations, citing “the uncertainty in the global economy calls for more partnerships between and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

“Aside from binational collaboration, We advocate a further linkage between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria. The openings and prospects are too much to be ignored”, the Governor canvassed.

Making a strong case for Osun state as an investment destination, Senator Adeleke noted that “Osun presents a rare opportunity for such an economic partnership. Osun state, with a population of about five million people, is the heartland of Yoruba people. South West comprises six states, but Osun state is at the core.

“We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others. We have a well trained labor force and a commendable investment environment.

“Osun boasts of being the most peaceful state in the country with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45-day window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes.

“Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. An added advantage is our well-developed business community organised under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry”, said the Governor leading a team of businessmen and technocrats.

He said the Osun government has reduced the state infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent, promising that by the 2025 intervention plans, the deficit reduction is targeted to be over 70 percent.

Responding to the address by the Governor, the UK Prime Minister Envoy expressed delight at the progress so far recorded by the Osun State government in the areas of attracting foreign direct investment.

She particularly noted that the current global uncertainty provides incentive for new investment focus, identifying key positive indices that drive investment as noted in the Governor’s address.

Hon Eshalomi said she has the mandate of the UK Prime Minister to forge closer links for investment between UK and Nigeria businesses, expressing happiness that Osun state Chamber of Commerce was represented at the meeting.

She acknowledged that Osun has done the spade work in the area of regulatory environment, ease of doing business, investment protection and reliable investment partners, pledging to ensure positive outcome on the engagement between Osun and the UK government.

The major highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for investment facilitation between the Osun State Government and a UK investment facilitation firm, ESG Management Services UK Limited.

The purpose of this MoU is to establish a collaborative framework through which ESGMS will assist the Osun State Government in sourcing and facilitating investment opportunities from UK-based companies in the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and other strategic areas. ESGMS will work to identify, manage, and position Osun State’s public assets to be investment-ready for UK trade and business interest.

The MOU was signed on behalf of Osun state government by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye while Francisco Toju Da-Silva signed for the ESG team.

Members of the Osun State government who accompanied the Governor include the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. Prof Moruf Adeleke; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Tola Faseru; Special Adviser to the Governor on SDG, Hon Bamikole Omishore; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Yetunde Esan; Felix Olatunji, Executive Secretary, Osun State Investment Promotion Agency; and Vice President, Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

Signed:

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

GOVERNOR ADELEKE SEEKS UK SUB NATIONAL INVESTMENT, SIGNS MOU ON INVESTMENT FACILITATION

LONDON- 08/04/2025 – Osunstate.gov.ng

Governor Ademola Adeleke today at the House of Commons in London, tasked the United Kingdom government to focus on subnational investment in Nigeria with emphasis on Osun state which he called the heartland of South Western Nigeria.

The Governor made the clarion call at an investment working visit hosted by the UK Prime Minister’s Envoy to Nigeria on Trade and Investment, Rt. Hon Florence Eshalomi MP attended by the management team of ESG Management Services UK Ltd. and other private sector representatives.

Governor Adeleke said this is the time Nigeria and the UK should further close ranks in bilateral business relations, citing “the uncertainty in the global economy calls for more partnerships between and among members of the Commonwealth of Nations.

“Aside from binational collaboration, We advocate a further linkage between the British economy and subnational entities in Nigeria. The openings and prospects are too much to be ignored”, the Governor canvassed.

Making a strong case for Osun state as an investment destination, Senator Adeleke noted that “Osun presents a rare opportunity for such an economic partnership. Osun state, with a population of about five million people, is the heartland of Yoruba people. South West comprises six states, but Osun state is at the core.

“We have huge potential for investment in mining, agriculture, digital economy, free trade zone, creative economy, and others. We have a well trained labor force and a commendable investment environment.

“Osun boasts of being the most peaceful state in the country with a high rating in the ease of doing business. Our investment environment is boosted by a 45-day window for processing of Certificate of Occupancy, elimination of multiple taxation through a unified tax system, and operation of a one-stop shop for investment processes.

“Above all, we have a strict system for the protection of investment and investors. An added advantage is our well-developed business community organised under the Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry”, said the Governor leading a team of businessmen and technocrats.

He said the Osun government has reduced the state infrastructure deficit by over 50 percent, promising that by the 2025 intervention plans, the deficit reduction is targeted to be over 70 percent.

Responding to the address by the Governor, the UK Prime Minister Envoy expressed delight at the progress so far recorded by the Osun State government in the areas of attracting foreign direct investment.

She particularly noted that the current global uncertainty provides incentive for new investment focus, identifying key positive indices that drive investment as noted in the Governor’s address.

Hon Eshalomi said she has the mandate of the UK Prime Minister to forge closer links for investment between UK and Nigeria businesses, expressing happiness that Osun state Chamber of Commerce was represented at the meeting.

She acknowledged that Osun has done the spade work in the area of regulatory environment, ease of doing business, investment protection and reliable investment partners, pledging to ensure positive outcome on the engagement between Osun and the UK government.

The major highlight of the meeting was the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding for investment facilitation between the Osun State Government and a UK investment facilitation firm, ESG Management Services UK Limited.

The purpose of this MoU is to establish a collaborative framework through which ESGMS will assist the Osun State Government in sourcing and facilitating investment opportunities from UK-based companies in the sectors of agriculture, manufacturing, solid minerals, and other strategic areas. ESGMS will work to identify, manage, and position Osun State’s public assets to be investment-ready for UK trade and business interest.

The MOU was signed on behalf of Osun state government by the Secretary to the State Government, Hon Teslim Igbalaye while Francisco Toju Da-Silva signed for the ESG team.

Members of the Osun State government who accompanied the Governor include the Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning. Prof Moruf Adeleke; Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo; Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Hon Tola Faseru; Special Adviser to the Governor on SDG, Hon Bamikole Omishore; Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Budget and Economic Planning, Mrs Yetunde Esan; Felix Olatunji, Executive Secretary, Osun State Investment Promotion Agency; and Vice President, Osun State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mallam Olawale Rasheed.

Signed:

Mallam Olawale Rasheed,
Spokesperson to the State Governor

I’LL CONTINUE TO PROVIDE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR BUSINESSES TO THRIVE IN OSUN – GOV. ADELEKE

Governor Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke has reiterated his commitment to continue to provide enabling environment for businesses to thrive and make a difference in the lives of the people of Osun State.

This was stated by the Honourable Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo at the International Breweries Plc, Ilesa to commemorate the World Water Day 2025.

He noted that “as part of Governor Ademola Adeleke’s mission to support businesses in the state is the on-going dualization of the road that leads to the International Breweries, Ilesa which will improve the profitability of the company”.

According to the Commissioner, “water is the foundation of life, that is very essential for human survival, economic development and environmental sustainability”.

He stressed that the World Water Day is a reminder that water is a precious resource that requires the State government’s attention and action, adding that all hands must be on deck to ensure everyone has access to clean water.

He charged both government and the good people of Osun State to protect our water resources for future generations.

In his speech, the plant Manager, International Breweries Plc, Ilesa, Mr. Emmanuel Onabanjo explained that water plays an important role in their operations as it the backbone of brewing, “it is not just a vital component of our products, it is an essential element of life itself”, he said.

According to him, “for us, sustainability is not just a corporate objective, it is embedded in our daily operations and long-term strategy. This is why all our plants are equipped with water treatment plants that ensure the water we return to the environment is safe. By enhancing our water efficiency, we are reducing waste and optimizing resource utilization, ensuring that every drop counts”.

“This year’s World Water Day commemoration is particularly significant, as we take stock of our achievements and reinforce our commitment to water stewardship. These processes, combined with our continued investment in advanced water management systems, reinforce our industry leadership in responsible water use”.

“Beyond our operations, we are dedicated to making a tangible impact in the communities where we operate. Our water intervention initiatives in the communities where we operate through borehole donations are testaments to our belief that access to clean water should not be a privilege but a basic right”, he said.