NEWS
Osun Govt Installs Ex-APC Chair, Famodun As Owa Of Igbajo
Workers in Osun have extolled Governor Adegboyega Oyetola for restoring their lost glory as his administration lived up to its word by swearing in 30 Permanent Secretary to crown the promises he made to them at this year’s Workers’ Day.
The governor had also kept his promise to end the era of Coordinating Director which had hitherto been the nomenclature for same status.
Governor Oyetola charged the new Permanent Secretaries on competence, dedication, loyalty, discipline and effective service delivery as they assume the pinnacle of their career.
The State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi, lauded the Governor for his faithfulness to all the pledges made to workers, saying he has successfully restored their lost glory.
Recall that on the occasion of this year’s Workers’ Day, Governor Oyetola had promised among other things to conduct outstanding promotions nominally from 2019 to date and to appoint Permanent Secretaries to put an end to the use of Coordinating Directors in Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
The new Permanent Secretaries are: Engr. Kamoru A. Babalola; Engr. S. O. Ajao; Mr. M. A. K. Jimoh; Mr. R. A. Popoola; Dr. D. O. Ogunrinade; Mrs. J. K. Odediran; Mr. Oyesiku Adelu; Mr. Babajide Falade; Mrs. Funmilola Oyewole; Mr. O.A. Ogundun; Mrs. Bukola Aderibigbe; Mrs. Taiwo Oladunjoye; Dr.A. A Oni; Mr. Lekan Babalola.
Others are: Mrs. Sola Akinsola; Mr. K.N. Akintola; Mr. J. S. Adekomi; Mrs Jibola Falode; Mis AY Esan; Mrs C O Falade; Mr C O Fasina; Mrs Gbemisola Fayoyin; Mr MA Olawale; Mr SA Raji; Pharmacist Kunle Adebayo; Mr TO Akinwumi; Mr Richard Oyegbami; Mr Fatai Adekilekun; Mr. M.O. Obidiya; Engr. I. A Babalola
Inaugurating the newly-appointed senior proletariats, Governor Oyetola said the appointment was made having found them worthy both in character and performance to be appointed to the administrative pinnacle of the State’s Ministries, Departments and Agencies.
Oyetola noted that his administration has successfully implemented all that it promised workers in May this year regardless of the outcome of the Governorship election.
This, according to him, is a clear indication that his administration is not a vindictive government but rather, one that has demonstrated within four years, the progressive ideals of the All Progressives Party despite paucity of funds.
The Governor further noted that the appointment of the new Permanent Secretaries had proved the doubting Thomases and naysayers who had wickedly portrayed his administration as being anti-workers wrong.
He called on the new Permanent Secretaries to consistently imbibe the principles of strategic thinking/planning and prompt implementation while rallying their subordinates to embrace same and global standards for optimal results.
“The position of Permanent Secretary is a position of trust, responsibility and leadership. By attaining this status, your sphere of responsibility and leadership has expanded as you are expected to lead your respective MDAs to success by leading from the front at all times.
“The Osun civil service you are invited to lead at various levels is a significant part and driver of the knowledge-and technology-driven bureaucracy that has delivered sustainable good governance, award-winning programmes and innovative policies in the past four years. You are invited to further fortify the team and raise the bar of service delivery in the State.
“As an administration, we envision the civil service as an effective driver of sustainable development, and successful service delivery as a process and not a destination. Therefore, you must realize that in a world governed by the New Normal and rapid changes, what got you here cannot achieve the effective service delivery we all seek and desire.
“You must, therefore, consistently imbibe the principles of strategic thinking/planning and prompt implementation while rallying your subordinates to embrace same and global standards for optimal results.
“The civil service of today has engaged in a paradigm shift whose contents are knowledge, technology, innovation, effective time management and results orientation. You must realize that when these new nuggets are mixed with the statutory kernels of competence, dedication, loyalty and discipline, effective service delivery will be on autopilot.
“The tool for constantly achieving and sustaining the above-mentioned skills is capacity building. I, therefore, charge you to constantly build your capacity and those of your subordinates so that together, you can consistently drive and deliver the Osun of our collective dream”, he said.
Earlier, the Head of Service, Dr. Festus Olowogboyega Oyebade, had applauded the Governor for appointing best of the best to the position of Permanent Secretary.
Olowogboyega further appreciated the Governor for his unalloyed support and kind gesture that had turned around the socio-economic fortune of the workforce since his assumption of office.
Speaking on behalf of the newly-inaugurated Permanent Secretaries, Comrade Jacob Adekomi, described the appointment as a round peg in a round hole saying Oyetola has restored their lost glory.
Adekomi who is the State Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), said their appointment is a testimony of the fact that Oyetola is a man of honour whose words are his bond.
“You have restored our lost glory. This has not happened in the last 10 years. There was even a time when promotion became a thing of difficulty, when half salary was the order of the day, when conversion became difficult, when three square daily meal became difficult for workers.
“You are creating hiOsun Govt Installs Ex-APC Chair, Famodun As Owa Of Igbajostory and removing stigma from the civil service. We can’t thank you enough. You have brought joy and happiness to us. Indeed, you are epitome of happiness. We shall not forget you. You made a promise to the whole world at our last Workers Day Celebration, and you have fulfilled your promise”, he added.
NEWS
Christmas: Shettima Assures Of FG’s Commitment To Citizens’ Welfare
Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima has assured Nigerians of the federal government’s dedication to national security, economic transformation, and welfare of the citizens.
This was detailed in a Christmas message on Wednesday afternoon in Abuja under the signature of the Senior Special Assistant to The President on Media & Communications (Office of The Vice President), Stanley Nkwocha.
According to the Vice President, the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu remains unwavering in its focus on these critical areas, as the country looks forward to the dawn of a new year.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
He said, “In these times of economic transformation, I want to assure you that the President Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration remains steadfast in its commitment to improving the lives of all Nigerians.”
Vice President Shettima particularly urged the citizens to imbibe the virtues of national unity during the yuletide season.
“Nigeria’s diversity remains our greatest strength. Let us avail ourselves of the time provided by the holiday season to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood that unite us across all faiths and regions,” he said.
Senator Shettima assured Nigerians of the continued vigilance of the nation’s security forces, noting that “our brave security personnel will continue to work round the clock during this festive period to keep us safe.”
He said enhanced security measures have been put in place to protect the citizens during the holiday period.
“The relevant agencies have been mobilized to ensure your safety and comfort on all major routes,” he stated, urging travelers to remain vigilant.
VP Shettima expressed optimism about the nation’s trajectory in the coming year, saying, “I am filled with hope and optimism about Nigeria’s future. Together, we will build a more prosperous and united nation.
“To our young people, you are the backbone of our nation. The Renewed Hope administration is implementing various initiatives to create opportunities for you to thrive and contribute to Nigeria’s development,” he added.
NEWS
Yuletide: Adeleke Rejoices With Christians
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has felicitated Christians in Osun State and beyond on the occasion of the 2024 Christmas celebration, urging them to follow Jesus Christ’s example of compassion and tolerance.
Biztellers reports that Gov Adeleke described the birth of Jesus Christ as a defining moment for mankind, in a statement in Osogbo on Tuesday.
He described the festive season as a solemn reminder of the power of love and how it can save humanity.
ALSO READ: Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
While recognising unity and togetherness as an important message that Jesus Christ’s life resonates, Gov Adeleke charged Osun people, particularly Christians, to draw from the spiritual import of the celebration by sharing love and fostering harmony in communities.
In his words, “I extend my warm wishes to Christian faithful in Osun state and beyond as we mark this year’s Christmas. The birth of Jesus Christ is a manifestation of the power of love and remind us of the essence of compassion,” the Governor noted in his message.
“In the mood of celebration, I urge us to take a moment to reflect on the message of renewal that the birth of Jesus Christ signifies, promoting activities that will unite not divide, build not destroy, and bring peace not conflict.
“It is also my sincere appeal that we extend hands of kindness to the needy and the weak in the society, spreading love and generosity beyond borders. That is the essence of Christmas and it is most essential that at a time like this, no one is left to their fate.”
NEWS
Archbishop Martins Champions Clamour For Better Life For Nigerians
Archbishop Alfred Adewale Martins, of the Catholic Archdiocese of Lagos, has enjoined all Nigerian leaders to be more sensitive to the yearnings of the people for a better life.
This was contained in a 2024 Christmas Message to Nigerians issued in Lagos under the signature of the Director of Social Communications, Very Rev. Fr. Anthony Godonu.
According to the Archbishop there is an urgent need for a better enabling environment to allow businesses thrive in a bid to reduce the high rate of unemployment and the grinding poverty in the land.
He urged leaders to prioritise the welfare of citizens over personal needs in addressing the widespread hunger, poverty, joblessness, and insecurity ravaging the nation.
ALSO READ: Tinubu Sends Hearty Christmas Greetings To Christians Worldwide
In his words, “Even in the face of policies that are deemed to have positive results in the long-term, such as the removal of fuel subsidies, floating of the naira and the new tax reforms initiative, governments must ensure that the immediate welfare of people is not neglected but factored into the planning and execution of such policies. This is necessary, if the people for whom the policies are being made are not to die before the positive results begin to manifest.
“At the same time, government spending must be prudent and compassionate. In addition, it is necessary to pay more attention to the agricultural sector so that food security can be ensured for overall benefit.”
The Prelate described as very sad and depressing the recent loss of several lives of innocent Nigerians in Ibadan, Abuja, and Anambra in their quest to access food palliatives owing to pervading hunger across the country.
He considered it worrisome that many Nigerians now find it difficult to purchase necessities of life, especially during this festive season that should be a period of merriment, sharing of love, food, and other essentials, which are the hallmarks of the Christmas season.
To forestall a reoccurrence of such ugly incidents, the prelate urged governments, at both federal and state levels, as well as the legislative assemblies, to identify and quickly fix the loopholes in the polity that are responsible for the massive poverty and hardship which Nigerians are facing.
He advocated the appraisal of the nation’s existing laws and enactment and enforcement of only proactive policies that would open the business environment, attract investors, and create more jobs so that the citizens can afford their basic needs; rather than depend on palliatives that offer only temporary relief.
The prelate urged substantial investments in the agricultural sector of the economy to ensure the availability of basic foodstuffs; thereby reducing the high cost of essential food items like rice, beans, onions and grains.
“If citizens have food in their homes, people will not endanger their lives while scrambling for palliatives in the way it happened,” he noted with sadness.
While praying for the souls of those who died in the recent stampedes in parts of the country, he also commiserated with those who lost their loved ones, praying that Jesus, the Prince of Peace would bring solace to the afflicted, comfort to the grieving, and hope to the despairing.
“This special season reminds us of the profound love of God, who sent His only Son to redeem humanity. May the light of Christ illuminate our lives, dispel darkness, and fill our hearts with love, compassion, and kindness. As we gather with family and friends, let us not forget those who are less fortunate, the vulnerable and the marginalised. May our celebration be a catalyst for acts of charity, generosity, and solidarity,” he stated.