I REMAIN NATIONAL CHAIRMAN OF ACTION ALLIANCE – OMOAJE

National Chairman of the Action Alliance (AA), Hon Adekunle Rufai Omoaje has declared that he remains the authentic national chairman of the party and warned some disgruntled elements bent at causing crisis in the party to steer clear or face the wrath of the law.

Reacting to his purported suspension by some elements who claimed to be members of the party at a stage managed charade called party’s convention in Abuja on Thursday, Omoaje said the group that held the “kangaroo convention” was not known to the party and participants at the event were not members of the AA, hence their decisions were null and void.

He said the party had last week held its recognized national convention in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital and it was attended by delegates from the 36 states of the country including the Federal Capital Territory, adding that critical issues affecting the party were discussed at the meeting.

At the national convention held in Ibadan, Omoaje said the Chairman of the party’s Board of Trustees and other members of the National Think Thank Committee of the party were in attendance, declaring that the convention held in Ibadan was the only one recognized by the party.

He stated that members of the National Working Committee and chieftains of the party across the six geo-political zones of the country were in attendance at the convention held in Ibadan with security operatives and the media well represented.

Omoaje who expressed concern on the desperate move of some disgruntled elements to highjack the party at all means, queried the convocation of the purported convention held in Abuja as it was not called by him, being the national chairman of the party who is the only one empowered by the constitution of the party to call the party’s convention.

He said the attempt to cause confusion within the party through the illegal convention was a deliberate move by some expelled members of the party whose trade in stock were lies, deceit and corruption.

His words “The question people should ask is that who presided over the Abuja illegal convention? A former member of the party who is on expulsion, in person of Kenneth Udeze was behind the whole charade. The question to ask therefore is that is Udeze a member of the party?

“It is also pertinent to ask who the sponsors of their illegal gathering were? No single statutory member of the Action Alliance across the 36 states of the country attended the illegal meeting. Those who conveyed the meeting and those who attended were not members of our party and they have no right to take decision on behalf of our party.

“However, for clarification and for avoidance of doubt, I must say that I have no issue of financial impropriety hanging on my neck. I have never been accused of any financial misappropriation before or since I emerged the National Chairman of the Action Alliance. I am a very disciplined person and I am contented with what God has done for me, unlike the characters who conveyed the meeting that are known for financial impropriety.

“Many of the expelled members who converged on Abuja for the charade called convention are either in one financial mess or the other. They are all expelled for anti party activities and other issues bothering on financial recklessness and mismanagement of funds. For me, I have a clean record when it comes to the finances of the party and our finance team including the National Treasurer, National Financial Secretary and National Auditor can confirm this and also show proofs from the party’s financial records,” he added.

He alleged that the party’s National Secretary who reportedly attended the charade did so because of financial inducement as he has records of financial recklessness and abuse of office, having been caught in the web of financial indiscipline before.

However, Omoaje urged members of the public, especially members of the AA to discountenance his purported suspension as the group that purportedly suspended him is not known to the party, thus lacks the power to do so.

He assured of his readiness to continue to work for the unity, progress and development of the party, just as he promised to work with other stakeholders within the party for its victory in the 2023 general elections.

NEW YEAR PRAYER :

CHAIRMAN LGSC ADMONISHES WORKERS ON HARD WORK

The chairman, Osun state Local Government Service Commission, Elder George Adedeji has admonished local Government workers in the state to be more hard working in the new year.

Elder Adedeji made the statement while addressing the cross section of Council Managers and forum executives in a special prayer to usher in new year organised by the management of the commission.

He therefore charged leadership of councils to show love among staffers but chastise when necessary.

Elder Adedeji encouraged workers to engage in farming in order to boost the state economy.

In order to show love to the administration of Governor Gboyega Oyetola, Elder Adedeji solicited for workers support on re- emergence of Governor Gboyega Oyetola during the forthcoming gubernatorial election in July this year.

According to him,’this government is on the right path of development which will be built on solid and immovable foundation during the second term in office.

Elder Adedeji assured Council Managers and forum heads of periodic call to get feedback from them from time to time on programmes and policies of the present administration.

Comrade Wale Adedapo,the chairman,forum of council managers while giving vote of thanks assured the state Governor of workers unalloyed support towards his second term ambition.

The event which took place at the Local Government service Commission Multipurpose Hall was attended by the chairman, Local government Service commission ,Elder Tunde Adedeji ,Coordinating Director of the commission Barrister Lekan Babalola,and other commission directors

Others include Mrs Folake Adebayo ,Coordinating Director,Local Government Loans Board;Comrade Jacob Adekomi,State NLC Chairman;;NULGE President Comrade (Dr) Nathaniel Ogungbangbe,while invited Clerics include Prophetess Esther Ayodele Akinloye and Ustaz Musbahudeen Orimadegun among others.

ILODE WARD 1 IN IFE EAST LOCAL GOVT PDP REFUTES PURPORTED SUSPENSION OF PROF. WALE OLADIPO, SAYS IT’S BASELESS, UNFOUNDED AND WORK OF DISGRUNTLED LOAFERS.

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

The executive members of Ilode ward 1, in Ife East Local Government of People’s Democratic Party, PDP in Osun state has refuted the purported suspension of the erstwhile national secretary of the party, Prof. Wale Oladipo by some unscrupulous elements who are not known to the executive members of the party in the ward as baseless, Unfounded and far from the truth.

This was contained in a release issued and signed by the current PDP Chairman of the ward, Prince Omotosho Lawrence and authenticated by all members of the Ward Exco after their weekly meeting. Copies of their communique were made available to newsmen in Osogbo on Friday.

According to the release, the purported suspension was a charade by disgruntled loafers who lost out at the recently conducted Ward Congress where their political coffin was finally nailed after years of crass incompetence and open anti Party activities. That the reverred Leader had finally succumbed to the clamour for change of guard at the Ward level is a bitter pill for these agents of doom to take is the sole reason for this spuriuos, baseless and patently illegal misrepresentation of the position of the Ward.

“The executive members of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in ward 02 (llode 1), in Ife East LGA of Osun State, has just been notified of purported suspension of Professor Wale Ladipo from the ward on spurious, baseless and unfounded allegation by a group of persons being led by one “Adelebare Adewuyi”

“We are through this public notice notifying members of the general public to discountenance such falsehood”

“The newly elected and National Convention recognised members of Executives in Ilode Ward 1 under the Chairmanship of Prince Lawrence Omotosho are solidly behind our leader Professor Wale Oladipo”

“We are admonishing these agents of destruction to desist from action capable of breaching the peace in Ife East Local government and the entire Ifeland. They should be mindful of the criminal content of their act of impersonation”

“As a matter of fact, we have adequately informed security agencies of this nefarious and untoward behaviour of these people who are presently on the wrong side of PDP. They are warned in their own interest to desist from such act henceforth, otherwise they will face the wrath of Law”

It would be recall that, a self styled executive committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in ward 002, Ilode 1, Ile-Ife, has allegedly suspended former National Secretary of the party, Prof Wale Oladipo over what they described as anti-party activities.

But the executive members of the party in Ilode ward 1 promptly met to serve a final warning to all impersonators masquerading as Party exco in order to truncate the chances of the Party in 2022.

IBA COMMUNITY REHABILITATES INISHA-IBA-IREE ROAD

After many years of neglect by the state government, the people of Iba have through communal efforts rehabilitated the Inisha-Iba road.

The effort which was coordinated and solely financed by some indigenes of the town is to make life meaningful for the residents of the town and also aid economic activities of the ancient town and its suburb.

The rehabilitation work which has given a facelift to the road, it was gathered was without any intervention of either the state or local government.

The people of the town said they resolved to rehabilitate the road when transportation became highly unbearable for them and economic activities became cumbersome.

A community leader in the town informed that “the common peasant farmers of Iba Eburu origin in their efforts contributed from there meagre resources to repair state government road.”

It would be recalled that Iba people had made several passionate calls and submissions to draw the attention of the state government, as well as the state Ministry of Works and Transport to the deplorable state of the road, which links three local government areas in the state, Odo -Otin – Ifelodun and Boripe.

The community leader said it was appalling that the state government turned deaf ears to the plea and appeal of Iba people for a long time.

He said “It is good to note that the people of Iba are part of Osun State and unfortunately, the state government failed in its bid to come to their rescue.

“The people of Iba-Eburu contribute to the progress and development of the state in a way that is not different from other towns. We are farmers; the produce from our farms contribute to the economic stability of the state. We participate, actively, in electoral process that brings leadership of the state to government house. So, what exactly is our offence that the government has neglected us in such a very despicable manner.

“Recently, the people of Iba-Eburu resulted to “Self-Help” putting the state government road in order. In this yuletide season, as always, we expect the influx of people because of the activities of events in the town. I wonder if the state government officers passing through the road realize that the road was totally a mess and an eyesore to the dignity of the state. Now, is it not shameful that the poor peasant farmers of Iba had to contribute from their meagre income to repair state government road?

“Further, the handwriting on the wall indicates a signal that could be interpreted as “they don’t need us.” This kind of attitude can have a very unpleasant repercussion in the nearest future. What is sauce for the goose is also sauce for the gander. Let it not be said anywhere that the leadership of our state is discriminatory in any form whatsoever.

“We are a progressive people. We will do whatever we can to survive. But, the government should know we are also part of the state agenda and the apparatus that put the current government in place. No little contribution is negligible.

“Finally, we urge the government to take up its responsibilities and stop the suffering of its subjects,” he added.

OSUN 2022: OSUN HOUSE OF REPS MEMBER, HON. AMOBI HOLDS MEETING WITH LOCAL, WARD EXCOS

….. DECLARES SUPPORT FOR OYETOLA’S SECOND TERM

…… Inaugurates Campaign Group for Oyetola’s second term

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

As part of the efforts to strengthen the reelection bid of Governor Gboyega Oyetola,
a member of House of Representatives representing Ayedire/ Iwo/ Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency, in Osun state, Hon. Yinusa Amo, has inaugurated a campaign team that would canvass votes and mobilise the electorate for the governor in the coming 2022 gubernatorial election.

The name of the group according our correspondent who monitored the event is “Ayiwola For Oyetola Second Term”

The inauguration of the group was witnessed by the local and ward Chairmen, youth leaders and woman leaders of the party in the federal Constituency.

The campaign group was inaugurated during a meeting recently held with the new ward and local party excos from the three local governments that made the federal constituency.

During the Inauguration meeting, the lawmaker and his loyalists declared full support for the second term bid of governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Hon. Amobi while addressing the party leaders urged them to strengthen their efforts and tighten their belt for the movement of Ayiwola for Oyetola.

He said ” the need to double our efforts is important as a matter of urgency and to also dissociate ourselves from some set of people who are planning coup to factionalize our dear party”.

Speaking at the event, the APC party chairman in Iwo local government, Engr. Lasun Olaniyi stressed that, all chairmen should go back to their various wards to harmonize the party members for the second term of governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

Hon. Amobi used the medium to introduced Alh. Musa Bilau from Ileogbo, Ayedire local government as the Coordinator for AYIWOLA FOR OYETOLA SECOND TERM.

Bilau who urged the party leaders and loyalist in the federal constituency to cooperate and work amoniuosly for the second term bid of the working governor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

“We should all Cooperate and resolve all our differences so as to achieve this cause and claim the glory in unison.

Encomium as Former Osun NUP Scribe, Adesoji goes home

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

Series of tribute flows in as the remain of the erstwhile secretary of Nigerian Union of Pensioners, NUP, Osun state chapter, , Eleder Gabriel Adedire Adesoji laid to rest in Osogbo over the weekend.

The program that began with lying in state at the premises of state Secretariat of the union in Osogbo on Friday had in attendance the who is who in the Pensioners union across the country.

Speaking at the event, the state secretary of the union, comrade Dele Aina said, the event was organised to honor the departed hero who have served the union meritoriously for 23 years.

According to him, it’s incumbent on the union to honor a departed soul like Pa, Elder Adesoji who was the second administrative secretary of the union in the state for his service to sustained the future of the union not in Osun state but the Southwest zone and Nigeria at large.

Given his tribute, the state chairman of the union, Alhaji Ganiyu Salawu, the work done by late Elder Adesoji can not be forgotten in a jiffy.

He said, the departed soul was able to organized and monitored a rotational system of electoral process in the state chapter of the union, adding that, he equally played a prominent role in building a befitting state Secretariat for the pensioners in the state.

Salawu said, late Elder Gabriel Adedire Adesoji was instrumental to the efficient of the centralised payment of check-off dues and collection of rebates of the pensioners in the state.

The NUP chairman noted that, the vacuum created by the demise of Pa. Adesoji would be difficult to fill as his legacies would be forever be remembered for his indelible landmark.

Also speaking on behalf of Southwest zone of the pensioners, Elder Kumapayi noted that, the impact of late Adesoji would be greatly felt at the Southwestern zone as he was one of the founding fathers of the union in the zone.

Others that have tributes includes, the Nigerian Labour Congress,NLC Osun state chapter represented by Comrade, B.A Oyebade, Olorunda Pay point of NUP, represented by Mrs Grace Dare and Women’s wing of the state NUP who was represented by Evangelist D. Adebisi.

They all attested to the good deed of the departed formal NUP secretary in the state.

The burial program was rounded up with thanksgiving service at C.A.C prayer Embassy District headquarters, Ayekale Osogbo and entertainment of guest at Osogbo city stadium, osogbo.

OSUN 2022: DELE ADELEKE’S POLITICAL RECORD

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

I have just come across an article questioning the experience or political credentials of one of the Gubernatorial aspirants of Osun state. Specifically, Mr Dele Adeleke. Even more baffling is the opinion that he lacks political roots. I must say it is laughable and hypocritical.

While it is good to have held political office in the past, it is definitely not a condition nor an indication of the ability of the aspirant to organize and deliver. There are so many successful elected officers who never held elective office before becoming elected, Senator, Governor or President.

As understandable as it is during political campaigns, for narratives to emanate from various quarters to discredit dreaded, dominating or rising opponents, it is worthwhile to note that statements created should be as close to the truth as possible and with candour. It would not only reflect the author as noble but also well versed in the chosen field of discussion.

Be that as it may, I have in the light of this, therefore found it needful to quickly nip things in the bud by providing the antecedents of the man in question so that the records can be straightened as fast as possible.

Mr Dele Adeleke before joining the gubernatorial race on the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, he played the following roles with the stated capacities listed below:

* Director-General, Adewale Aribisala for Reps campaign organization.. 2007.

* Special Adviser (Probono Services) on MDG to Hon Wale Aribisala (MHR) 2008 to 2010.

* Lead Technical Team …Nigerian contingent to Agritech in TelAviv, Israel 2009.

* Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Osun West Senatorial By-Election 2017

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Osun Governorship Election 2018

* Panelist .. EU/ECOWAS Panel on Electoral reforms 2019.

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… OYO state Governorship Election 2019.

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Ondo State Governorship Election.

*Head of Elections Operations/Situation Room Manager… Kogi State Governorship Election.

*Situation Room Manager; Anambra state Governorship Election.

*Member 2021 National Convention planning central working committee.

From a personal perspective, I dare say, it is foolhardy to trivialize and diminish a resource and asset such as Dele Adeleke, who has recorded this lineup of milestones within and outside our dear Osun state. If we must criticize or discredit, let it be done with some semblance of honour to the target.

Osun deserves better, Dele Adeleke is the answer.

NETNOS COMMEMORATES 2021 UNITED NATIONS 16-DAYS OF ACTIVISM AGAINST GENDER-BASED VIOLENCE IN GRAND STYLE.

As part of Network of Non-governmental Organisations (NETNOS) engagements and collaborative efforts with key stakeholder, in commemorating the 2021 United Nations 16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in Osun state. The event is an annual international campaign which commenced on 25th November, 2021 and ended on 10th December, 2021. The theme for this year is “ORANGE THE WORLD: END VIOLENCE AGAINST WOMEN NOW!”

NETNOS in conjunction with National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Osogbo Zonal Command and His Royal Majesty, Oba (Arc) Aderemi Adedapo, (Alayemore of Ido-Osun) the Convener of Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) celebrated the event in style as follows:

Tuesday, 7th December, 2021: NAPTIP team being led by the Zonal Commander facilitated a strategic training for NETNOS members on the operations of NAPTIP and mode of partnership during NETNOS’ monthly meeting at Isale-Aro, Osogbo. After which NAPTIP featured the President of NETNOS, Comrade Michael Olusesi Ebofin on their sponsored live radio programme on Gold FM, Ilesa.

Thursday, 9th December, 2021: NETNOS in partnership with NAPTIP and His Royal Majesty, Alayemore of Ido-Osun marked the event with Road-shows at Ido-Osun, while some students from King Emmanuel School, Aga, Ido-Osun participated actively.

During the sensitization walk, Citizen Lola Wey, Alhaji Wale Ogungbemi and a staff of NAPTIP were addressing the residents in the town on how to end gender-based violence in their community, while Informative, Educative and Communicative materials were being distributed by Comrade Gafar, Mr. Adeboye, Miss. Amaete, Mrs. Ogunrinde and members of National Unity and Peace Corps. Some Officers from Amotekun Corps were also on ground to ensure safety of lives and property during the event.

The procession was followed by an interactive session being held in the palace of Alayemore at where the President of NETNOS, Comrade Michael Olusesi Ebofin anchored the participatory programme. In his opening remark, His Royal Majesty, Oba (Arc) Aderemi Adedapo appreciated members of NETNOS for the partnership, while he also gave kudos to Commander Mustapha Saadu, the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP and his Officers for doing a great job in Osun state. On behalf of the Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA), Kabiyesi briefly explained the activities of COTLA who are partnering with the United Nations in curbing sexual and gender-based violence against girls and women through civilized methods. As custodians of traditions in Africa, they denounce early child marriages, female genital mutilations, child labour, trafficking in persons and other related abuses against women and girls in Africa. His majesty then requested for stronger collaborations with NETNOS, NAPTIP and other relevant agencies in the state in tackling the menace of gender-based violence in Osun state and its environs.

Commander Mustapha Saadu, the Zonal Commander of National Agency For Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP) in his speech appreciated His Royal Majesty, Oba (Arc) Aderemi Aderopo, the Alayemore of Ido-Osun and the Convener of Council of Traditional Leaders of Africa (COTLA) with Comrade Michael Olusesi Ebofin, the President of Network of Non-governmental Organisations of Osun State, Osun State for the fruitful collaborations. He assured His Majesty and other guests in attendance that NAPTIP shall continue to carry out its activities without hindrance or prejudice in the state. After which goodwill messages were being delivered by Osun State Commandant of National Unity and Peace Corps and Comrade Amitolu Shittu ably represented by a senior Officer from the Amotekun Security Network.

In her address, Citizen Lola Wey, a human rights activist encouraged the students to always speak out when they observed bad acts from their fellow students, community and their family members. She also appreciated His Royal Majesty for the gift of landed property for NETNOS’ Office complex at Ido-Osun. Mrs. Ejiade in her brief speech encouraged the female students to always report their teachers to their parents if they touch their private parts. When delivering the vote of thanks, Mrs. Ogunrinde appreciated His Royal Majesty and the Zonal Commander of NAPTIP for partnering with NETNOS in commemorating the 2021 United Nations 16-Days of Activism Against Gender-Based Violence in style. She also appreciated His Royal Majesty for his benevolence and active participation in ensuring a successful event. After which she sincerely appreciated the Ministry of Women, Children and Social Affairs for their supports and provision of fliers and posters. The event was concluded with group photographs of participants with His Royal Majesty.

Comrade Gafar Lameed,
Secretary, Special Duties Committee (NETNOS).

OSUN NEEDS TO BE RE-ENGINEERED – DELE ADELEKE

By Sunday Oguntuyi, Osogbo

A governorship aspirant of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming 2022 governorship election in Osun state, Mr. Bamidele Adeleke has said,, the state need total re-engineering to make it functional again, just as he promised to re-engineer the state if elected.

He noted that the current ‘mis-governance’ of the APC needs to be reworked for the unfettered progress of the state.

Adeleke stated this after picking up his Governorship nomination and expression of interest forms at the PDP National Secretariat, Abuja on Friday.

The nephew of the candidate of the PDP in the 2018 governorship election in the state claims that the various policy shift and processes by the current administration which needs proper direction which he will provide.

Dele Adeleke added that he is ready to return the state to the hands of people by engaging in a mantra of true development.

He said: “PDP delivered true development. Our party made sure development was closer to the people, while resource distribution was a lot more equitable through the autonomy and effectiveness of the Local Government in the management of their own affairs. Trunk C roads that served food producing communities and other rural locations were constructed and promptly maintained. However, what we have had since 2010 that the APC administration came, has been a moribund Local Government system. This is why rural dwellers are today living like they are not part of the Osun project. I dare say, that no State can truly develop without adequate Rural- Peri Urban – Urban integration.

“One thing is clear to even the people who are in power today – Osun state needs urgent re-engineering. Financially, Administratively, Politically and Socially, we need a new direction, a new mindset, a new thinking and a new approach to solving our problems. We need a new order! This new order is what ‘Dele Adeleke represents.

“I am coming into this race with three decades of hard-earned working experience in corporate financial re-engineering, project management and human resource management. My professional qualifications and proven track record of practical industry exposure have prepared me for challenging situations like the one Osun is presently mired, I am eminently qualified, competent and ready to undertake the re-engineering and repositioning that Osun so urgently needs. Therefore, I offer myself in service to be the vessel of upliftment, the ladder of ascension to the progress and prosperity of our beloved state.

“Picking up my nomination form is the first step in the long journey towards wrestling power from the incumbent APC. Having taken this first step, I declare my readiness to do all that it will constructively take, to win the confidence of all stakeholders, leaders and teeming party faithful to be elected as the PDP Flagbearer, go on to win the Governorship election and ultimately deliver great service to the people of our dear State.

“Please join hands with me, support this movement to birth a new dawn of prosperity. Let us stand firm and undeterred in our conviction to set Osun on the path of sustainable development,” Dele Adeleke noted.

OSUN 2022: DELE ADELEKE PICKS NOMINATION FORM

By Sunday Oguntuyi Osogbo

One of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) aspirants in the forthcoming Osun governorship election, Mr Bamidele Adeleke, has picked his nomination form.

Adeleke picked his nomination form this afternoon at the national headquarters of the party in Abuja.

Dele Adeleke holds a B.SC in Management/Accounting and an MBA in General Management (distinction) both from Obafemi Awolowo University (Ile-Ife, Nigeria). He has attended many courses and workshops organized by prestigious institutions including Lagos Business School. He started his Career as a Banker in Liberty Merchant Bank Limited in 1991. He was part of the turnaround team of STB between 1998 and 2002, when the bank grew from 11 – 60 branches before he left to join Pacific Merchant Bank limited. In Pacific Bank, he piloted the recapitalization drive of the Bank in 2002 which led to the fresh inflow of about N 1.2bn as well as the restructuring from a Merchant Bank into a commercial bank.

He spear-headed Pacific Bank’s in-road into the oil & Gas Market and managed key relationships and portfolio encompassing all white products as well as vessel acquisition. During the last banking industry-wide consolidated exercise, he was seconded to Merger Project office of the Unity Bank Group as head of strategy and integration. He later became the project manager for the integration of the Unity Bank Group’s operational procedures and information Technology platform. He was later appointed Divisional Head/Executive in charge of Strategy and Corporate Development.

He restructured Axis Power Distribution Company and managed the company’s entry into a consortium that bid for the acquisition of Kaduna Electricity Distribution company of PHCN, he was appointed the Pioneer CEO, He was later appointed as Project Director/COO for TKM where he supervised the reengineering of the company and the manufacture, importation and deployment of 250 Telecommunications Towers for MTNN and several others for GLO the position he held before appointment as CEO of Seal Towers Ltd.

He is very resourceful and highly creative. He is a fellow of the Institute of Direct Marketing, A certified Project Management Professional, A member of the American Society for Quality and an Alumnus of the Lagos Business School (IMP).