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Osun @33: Adeleke Eulogises Founding Fathers, Calls For Solidarity
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has used the occasion of the 33rd anniversary of the creation of the state to pay tribute to the founding fathers and urged all to close ranks to build on already laid foundations.
He shared these views in a statewide broadcast on Tuesday August 26, 2024 to mark the 33rd anniversary of the state.
Gov Adeleke said, “as we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future. The journey ahead requires that we continue to work together irrespective of political affiliation in the spirit of unity and purpose that has brought us this far.”
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Full text of his broadcast below:
STATE BROADCAST ON THE 33RD ANNIVERSARY OF THE CREATION OF OSUN STATE BY HIS EXCELLENCY, ASIWAJU, SENATOR (DR.) ADEMOLA JACKSON NURUDEEN ADELEKE ON 27TH AUGUST, 2024.
Dear citizens of Osun State.
I am filled with immense pride and joy as I address you on the 33rd anniversary of the creation of our beloved Osun State. Today, we stand united in celebration of a journey that began three decades ago, a journey marked by determination, resilience, and a strong belief in our collective future.
On this day in 1991, our dream of having a state that we could call our own was realized. The creation of Osun State was a testament to the power of unity and the unwavering spirit of our people. It was the result of years of advocacy, sacrifice, and the courageous efforts of our founding fathers, who fought tirelessly for the recognition of our unique identity and aspirations.
Going down the memory lane, the struggle for the creation of Osun State started as early as 1950’s with a series of commissions of inquiry in the old Oyo State. And on August 27th, 1991, our state was carved out as a distinct entity from the old Oyo State with a vision for progress, unity, and prosperity.
33 years ago, the dream of a state that could stand tall and independent within the Nigerian federation became a reality. The creation of Osun State in 1991 was not merely a political event, but the fulfillment of the hopes and aspirations of our people. It was the result of years of unwavering commitment and sacrifice by those who believed that our unique cultural heritage, resources, and potential deserved recognition and development.
My dear people of Osun State, today marks a significant milestone in the history of our great state, a day of pride, reflection, and celebration for every son and daughter of this great land. Our state’s creation was a culmination of the aspirations and struggles of our people. The vision is the pathway and the guiding light into the future. This was what the founding fathers and the agitators for the creation of a state to be named “Osun” had in mind and did everything possible to realize the vision.
Today, we remember and honor those who championed the creation of Osun State, their labor was not in vain. They fought tirelessly, not for themselves, but for the future generation yet unborn. Their sacrifices remain the foundation upon which we stand today.
To these heroes, we owe our deepest gratitude and we are forever grateful to their resolve, advocating for a state where the voices of our people could be heard and their potentials fully harnessed.
We owe loads of gratitude to our founding royal fathers, politicians and activists such as the late Ooni of ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, late Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Oyewale Matanmi, late Orangun of Ila, Oba William Ayeni, Ariwajoye II, and other prominent traditional rulers to mention a few that played significant roles in the creation of the State.
The history will not be complete without mentioning some politicians and activists who fought tooth and nails to ensure successful creation of Osun State such as late Chief Bola Ige; late Senator Mojisoluwa Akinfenwa; my father, late Senator Raji Adeleke; Pa Samson Adeola Siyanbola; Chief Kolawole Balogun; Chief Aiyelaagbe Laogun; Professor Olu Aina; Alhaji Rasheed Igbalaye; Chief Bisi Akande; Dr. Olu Alabi; Alhaji Tunde Badmus (TUNS); Chief Gunju Adesakin; Hon. Jonathan O. Awofisayo; General Alani Akinrinade; Engineer Tunde Ponle; late Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke; and other prominent sons and daughters of the state, dead or alive. They are all honored and remembered. May their good work continue to live after them.
Good people of the State, in the 33 years since our state’s creation, we have faced both triumphs and challenges, but we have also made significant strides. Our state has grown in leaps and bounds, and we have every reason to be proud of our achievements. From the development of our infrastructure to the empowerment of our youth, from the preservation of our rich cultural heritage to the promotion of peace and security, Osun State has continued to evolve, becoming a model for other states in the Federation.
We have seen progress in education sector with renovation of schools across the State; expansion of healthcare access with complete renovation of 332 Primary Health Care Centers; infrastructure growth across the state with modern flyover across our urban centers; renewed attention to development of digital economy; transitioning to an agro industrialized economy; workers’ centered public service reform; revival of the agric sector; development of state energy legal and policy infrastructure; active support for students’ population; harnessing of state cultural and entertainment assets; integrated approach to youth development; refocusing of attention on sports development; empowerment of small businesses, cooperatives and artisans with operating funds; enforcement of local content in state governance; and ongoing payment of billions of naira in pension and half salary debt.
As we celebrate the birth of Osun State today, we must also look to the future with renewed determination, as the work of building a greater Osun is ongoing. It is a responsibility we all share. We must continue to pursue development with vigour and passion, ensuring that every citizen of this state benefits from the fruits of our labour.
Dear good people of Osun State, as we celebrate our past, we must also look to the future. The journey ahead requires that we continue to work together irrespective of political affiliation in the spirit of unity and purpose that has brought us this far. Our challenges are not insurmountable; they are opportunities for us to demonstrate our resilience, our innovation, and our commitment to building a prosperous state for all.
My fellow citizens, as we mark this 33rd anniversary, let us renew our pledge to contribute to the development of our state. Let us embrace the values of hard work, integrity, and community that have defined us as a people. Together, we can ensure that the Osun of tomorrow is even greater than the Osun of today.
As your Governor, I am committed to leading this charge with transparency, dedication, and accountability. As we all know that governance is a collective responsibility, I call on all of you—our traditional rulers, religious leaders, civil servants, artisans, farmers, and entrepreneurs — to continue to play your part in the development of our state. Together, we can make Osun a model of excellence and progress.
Today, let us renew our commitment to the vision that inspired the creation of Osun State. Let us continue to work towards a future where every citizen can thrive, where opportunities abound, and where the legacy of our founding fathers remains strong.
In the face of challenges, we must remain steadfast. Together, we can overcome any obstacle that stands in our way. Our strength lies in our unity, our diversity, and our shared vision for a prosperous and peaceful Osun State.
On this 33rd anniversary, I ask that we all take a moment to reflect on the journey so far and to recommit ourselves to the ideals of our founding fathers. Osun State is our home, and it is our collective duty to ensure it continues to thrive.
In closing, I extend my heartfelt gratitude to every citizen of Osun State. Your support, your contributions, and your unwavering belief in the potential of our state have been the driving force behind our progress. Let us continue to walk this path together, hand in hand, towards a brighter and more prosperous future.
Thank you for your continued support of our government.
Happy Anniversary to us all.
May God bless Osun State, and may God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Thank you.
The Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) has raised concerns over alleged monopolistic practices by Dangote Refinery, following a public dispute about fuel pricing in the downstream petroleum sector.
Recall that the refinery, Africa’s largest, recently disclosed its petrol pricing at N990 per litre in trucks and N960 per litre into ships, a move it justifies as being in line with international rates.
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PETROAN, however, sees this as an attempt to suppress competitors and dominate the Nigerian market.
The rift began when Dangote Refinery claimed that complaints from marketers regarding its pricing were fueled by intentions to import cheaper, potentially substandard products.
In response, PETROAN strongly rejected these allegations, suggesting that Dangote’s claims are tactics designed to maintain a monopoly in the sector.
Joseph Obele, PETROAN’s spokesperson, stated that the association remains committed to importing high-quality products at more competitive rates to ensure affordability for Nigerian consumers.
According to PETROAN, competition in the market is essential for achieving fair pricing, and any attempt to stifle it would be detrimental to consumers.
They argue that Dangote Refinery’s pricing should reflect production costs and fair margins rather than international benchmarks, especially given concessions granted by the government for the refinery’s establishment.
PETROAN also announced its plans to partner with foreign refineries and financial backers to import premium-quality petroleum products at prices below current rates.
The association aims to enter the market by December 2024, pending necessary regulatory approvals.
“The allegations that PETROAN will import substandard products are unfounded and aimed at creating an unfair playing field,” the statement read.
PETROAN warned that similar claims in the past had led to significant price hikes when competitors were pushed out, emphasizing that the entry of new players into the market would lead to more competitive pricing and ultimately benefit Nigerian consumers.
PETROAN expressed appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s commitment to revitalizing Nigeria’s state-owned refineries and urged the government to consider privatizing the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries once rehabilitation is complete.
The association believes a transparent privatization process will help strengthen Nigeria’s downstream sector and counter monopolistic tendencies.
To address the ongoing pricing challenges in the sector, PETROAN called on the government to convene a comprehensive meeting of industry stakeholders, including major associations like IPMAN, DAPPMAN, MEMAN, NUPENG, and PENGASSAN.
PETROAN believes that collaboration among these groups will be instrumental in establishing a sustainable and competitive pricing framework for petroleum products in Nigeria.
Sultan of Sokoto, Sa’ad Mohammad Abubakar II, has called on Nigerians to avoid publicly criticizing their leaders, instead urging citizens to place their trust in God to address leadership concerns as He deems fit.
Speaking at the Regional Conference on Climate Change-Induced Conflicts in Northern Nigeria, organized by the Kaduna State Bureau of Interfaith in collaboration with International Alert, the Sultan emphasized faith and patience in navigating the country’s challenges.
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Acknowledging Nigeria’s current economic and social hardships, the Sultan encouraged continuous prayer, not only for the nation but for its leaders as well.
“Even though many feel times are particularly hard, we believe relief will come. Let’s increase our prayers for our leaders, trusting God to address them in His way,” he said, expressing hope that divine intervention could bring stability and prosperity.
The Sultan reminded political leaders of their ultimate accountability to God, cautioning that they will stand alone on the Day of Resurrection, with only their deeds to support them.
“On that day, every leader will stand alone. Governors, advisers—none will have support except their own deeds. Let us act with a deep sense of responsibility and fear of God,” he stated.
Addressing religious leaders, he warned against misleading their followers for personal gain, underscoring the trust many place in their religious guidance.
“Only God can save any human being,” he said, encouraging Nigerians to remain faithful and discerning in their spiritual beliefs. “Focus on worshiping Allah and leave the rest to Him. Don’t follow those who might lead you astray.”
With leaders from various religious communities, including the President of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in attendance, the Sultan called for unity, resilience, and communal effort to tackle pressing issues such as climate change, poverty, and insecurity in the northern region.
He praised the North’s history of unity and resilience, warning against divisive narratives that threaten communal harmony. “When we are united, we can face any challenge and build a prosperous community,” he asserted.
The Sultan’s remarks come amid ongoing social and environmental issues in the region, including a recent surge in climate-related challenges that have exacerbated poverty and security threats.
In light of these issues, he called on both Muslims and Christians to intensify their prayers, saying, “Our country faces many challenges, and we must turn to God in prayer. Let us intensify prayers in our mosques and churches.”
In a decisive move, President Bola Tinubu has ordered the immediate release of all minors detained by police during the recent #EndBadGovernance protests.
The directive, announced by Minister of Information and National Orientation, Mohammed Idris on Monday, underscores the government’s commitment to protecting children’s rights and ensuring justice.
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Idris confirmed that President Tinubu’s directive prioritizes the welfare of detained minors, instructing the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs to facilitate their safe reunification with their families.
A committee led by the Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs will be established to oversee the welfare of the released minors and ensure compliance with the president’s orders.
Additionally, President Tinubu has directed a formal investigation into the actions of law enforcement agencies involved in the arrests.
The president emphasized that any misconduct uncovered during the investigation will result in disciplinary action, affirming his administration’s dedication to accountability within law enforcement.
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