Opinion/Feature
Governor Ademola Adeleke: One Month After
By Mallam Olawale Rasheed
Assuming office under a very hostile environment can be quite challenging. For Governor Ademola Adeleke, the battle for the Governorship did not end with winning on July 16th; the war extended till the Inauguration day on November 27th.
Overcoming the odds to rejig the system and set a new tone for governance were hurdles the Governor crossed with such ease. The state has been returned to the people under a very open government leader. From November 27th till date, many positive things happened and more are still coming.
A critical milestone was the dismantling of the bobby traps the former government elaborately planted. If Governor Adeleke had not acted smartly, if the Governor had demonstrated weakness, Osun state would by now be in deeper mess. The former Government had structured a caging formula under which the new government would be imprisoned for the next few years. The new Sheriff in town waded in with strong political will, uprooting the landmines and deploying legally compliant executive orders and committee system. The result is that today, the state has returned to normalcy, the evil plot of men of yesterday thwarted with deft executive actions.
Second major development is the enforcement of transparency in governance process. For the first time, Osun people now know the level of state debt reaching close to Five Hundred Billions naira. The new Governor made a public disclosure which is very unprecedented in the history of Osun state. A culture of secrecy and cover up serving selfish people and denying the state of development fund were halted. Tradition that provides cover for pilfering of state assets was reversed. The law now takes its rightful place in State administration.
Within this short period, the administration launched in-depth discreet reform of the state civil service. From a service that was largely bastardised and politicised, a new helmsman was installed, Mr Samuel Aina who has done a lot to reposition the service. The civil service is regaining its virility and merit is elevated as the guiding principle of state governance. The State Governor also granted independence and free hand to the service, insisting all the time that public service regulations must be complied with. A professionally managed public service is a strong vehicle for delivering on good governance.
Instead of allowing the state to go up in flame as some elements had plotted, the Governor engineered another unusual feat in partnership with the House Speaker, Timothy Owoeye. Both arms of government forged a united front in support of good governance. This is a huge attainment considering the election battle and party differences between the two arms. Governor Adeleke affirmed that he is Governor of all Osun people irrespective of party affiliations.
As the house keeping and clearing are ongoing, the new State leader is multi-tasking, launching a 100 days agenda touching on critical sectors of the society. The ambitious plan is already under implementation within the context of the administration’s five point agenda, covering heath and school rehabilitation, water provision, road rebuilding and great work on tech innovations and digital agenda. As the day progresses , Osun people will see the manifestation of the 100 days programmes to be followed by subsequent deliverables.
The State is on a new trajectory of accountability and good governance. The last 30 days witnessed ongoing reform of the solid mineral sector, review and reform of the revenue sector, a new agenda on transport management system for Osun state and a new action plan to tackle the environmental challenges facing the state. What is more, diverted state assets are being recovered and revenue leakages are being blocked. New investment inflow are being worked on and new project implementation template to empower local entrepreneurs are being put in place.
Osun State is on the right path to recovery and restoration. To those calling for protection of looters of yesterday, building on corrupted foundation is a disservice to the great people of Osun state who elected and embraced light over darkness.
• Rasheed is the Spokesperson to Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Opinion/Feature
Downstream Deregulation: Between Obasanjo’s Half-measures And Tinubu’s Bold Leadership
Opinion/Feature
UNCOMMON SCHOLAR, EXCEPTIONAL ADMINISTRATOR: MY TRIBUTE TO PROF. OLOYEDE AT 70
By President Bola Tinubu
As Professor Ishaq Oloyede turns 70 tomorrow, October 10, I pay a special tribute to this astute administrator, educator, author, and scholar, currently the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) Registrar.
As the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ilorin, Prof. Oloyede’s invaluable contributions to the nation through academia and public-sector administration have significantly impacted the academic community.
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His impactful tenure at the University of Ilorin, during which he introduced landmark ideas and innovations that helped the institution attain enviable heights, is on record.
Through patriotic dedication and commitment to his craft, Prof Oloyede imparted knowledge and character to thousands of students who underwent his teaching during his glorious and impactful academic career.
Indeed, the bedrock of development lies in education. Developing nations, including Nigeria, are in dire need of more scholars like Prof. Oloyede. His selfless sacrifices and innovative approaches to learning and leadership give hope for a brighter future.
Perhaps more remarkable is Prof. Oloyede’s transformative leadership at JAMB. He pioneered and sustained a series of reforms and technological innovations that have made the admission process in Nigeria transparent and credible.
In his eight years of stewardship at the board, thus far, Prof. Oloyede has demonstrated an uncommon commitment to financial integrity and accountability in public service. He has also raised the bar in administration and management.
I am proud of Prof. Oloyede’s accomplishments.
The nation owes the Professor of Islamic Jurisprudence a debt of gratitude for transforming JAMB, traditionally a non-revenue-generating government agency, into a consistent contributor to the national treasury through efficient financial management. His contributions to JAMB are invaluable and greatly appreciated.
On this occasion of his 70th birthday, I join members of the academic community, students, JAMB staff, and well-wishers in celebrating this scholar who, in words and deeds, has also done a lot to propagate the Islamic religion.
I pray that Almighty Allah will continue to honour the distinguished professor with health, wisdom and strength to serve the nation for many more years.
Opinion/Feature
Clarification On NNPCL Refinery Operations
By Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD
My attention has been drawn to statements made by Engr. Kamoru Busari, Director of Upstream in the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, who represented me at a recent conference in Lagos. I wish to categorically state that the claim that I directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) to stop running its own refineries and focus solely on equity participation in other refineries is false. This does not represent my position as Minister overseeing the oil sector, nor does it reflect the stance of the Federal Government.
It is important to clarify that NNPCL is a company governed under the Companies and Allied Matters Act (CAMA), with a functional board and management. The Ministry of Petroleum Resources does not control or run NNPCL, as it operates independently like any corporate entity.
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The oil and gas sector is fully deregulated, and the Nigerian government remains committed to promoting in-country refining. We encourage companies, including NNPCL, to operate independently, following global best practices. While we provide strategic guidance, we do not interfere directly in the operations of these companies.
I reaffirm our commitment to supporting the growth and independence of NNPCL, ensuring that its operations are in line with international standards for efficiency and transparency and profitability.
Sen. Heineken Lokpobiri PhD, Minister of State Petroleum Resources (Oil), wrote from Abuja, Nigeria