NEWS
Osun Ready For Transition To Agro-Industrial State
With the ongoing multi-sectoral infra upgrade and real sector policy frameworks currently being put in place, the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has declared the state ready for transition to an agro-industrial society.
This was conveyed in a government house statement in Osogbo on Sunday.
It was gathered that Gov Adeleke made the remarks while updating industry captains and leading Nigerian businessmen at the 60th birthday of the wife of the former Senate President, Bukola Saraki yesterday in France.
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Gov Adeleke latched onto the occasion to drum support for the state’s industrial investment summit commencing this week at Osogbo told the dignitaries that his administration is focused on infrastructure upgrade as a strategy to ease the business environment and attract businesses into the state.
According to Gov Adeleke, the huge infra deficit he inherited from his predecessor was a strong disincentive to business and investors, both local and foreign, noting that his administration therefore decided to massively address that yawning gap to improve the economic fortunes of the state.
He narrated how his administration is constructing several kilometers of rural roads to achieve rural trade connectivity, the construction of inter – city roads to ease rural-urban linkage and the construction of dualised roads and flyovers bridges to ease congestion at major towns centers.
Gov Adeleke explained that the massive infra projects are also designed to deepen local and grassroots economy through the implementation of the state’s local content policy, noting that “we source materials and personnel locally to stop capital flight as was the case in the past.
“We are using local contractors; we are sourcing materials locally. By doing so, Osun money is staying in Osun. We are equally boosting the local economy.”
On developments within the real sectors of the economy, Gov Adeleke highlighted his plan to expand Osun economy through new attention to digital economy, announcing that Osun now has a world class ICT policy and a state’ tech innovation policy that are set for implementation.
“For the power sector, we now have a state electricity bill to create an electricity regulatory body, to regulate power generation and distribution. Like I said before, the state will take a leading role in power generation and distribution to back up our plan to become an agro-industrial economy.
“For the agricultural sector, we have launched our agric revolution with tractor and input distributions. Value addition through agro processing is a focus. We look towards an export oriented agricultural economy. We will soon commence the state agropreneurs initiative across all the local governments.
“For the sport sector, we are ready to unveil our landmark initiative, the creation of the Osun State Sport Commission to develop various games in the state. My deputy who supervises the sport sector is doing so well and has taken all necessary steps to ensure that the sport sector grows and that the state participates in the upcoming sport games.
“I also have good news for the creative industry sub-sector. Culture, tourism and entertainment are critical components of the creative industry. My government is implementing a robust actualisation plan. That sector has huge potential to employ thousands and to generate billions of naira. We are tapping into those opportunities.
“Our administration is also working on a diaspora housing project in each local government under a public private partnership arrangement. We are looking at affordable and sustainable housing projects for our people”, the Governor explained.
Governor Monday Okpebholo of Edo State has inaugurated a 12-member committee tasked with recovering government vehicles reportedly in private hands.
The committee, led by Kelly Okungbowa, has been given a two-week mandate to retrieve the vehicles and ensure their return to the state government.
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Speaking during the inauguration ceremony in Benin City, Governor Okpebholo emphasized the importance of accountability in the management of public resources.
He urged the committee to carry out its assignment thoroughly and within the bounds of the law.
In his response, Okungbowa expressed gratitude to the governor for entrusting the team with the assignment, vowing to deliver results within the stipulated timeframe.
“A lot of vehicles used by the past administration are missing, as those in custody of the vehicles have refused to return them,” Okungbowa said.
“The governor deemed it fit to inaugurate us today with a mandate to recover all government vehicles in private hands.”
The committee, which includes representatives from Edo’s three senatorial districts, is set to investigate and recover the vehicles based on credible intelligence already at their disposal.
“We already have vital information regarding some persons still holding government vehicles,” Okungbowa stated. “We will do the job according to the law, and both the government and the people will be satisfied with the outcome.”
He also called on members of the public to assist the committee by providing information about any government vehicles that may still be in private possession.
“We want to appeal to members of the public who might be aware of anyone still keeping government vehicles in their houses to please inform us to enable the committee to recover such for the Edo State Government,” Okungbowa said.
The committee’s vice chairman, Rt. Hon. Victor Edoror, a former Speaker of the Edo State House of Assembly, will work alongside other members to ensure the success of the initiative. The public can reach the committee at 08110165121.
To address Nigeria’s ₦9.7 trillion budget deficit for the 2024 fiscal year, the Senate has approved President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s request to secure a ₦1.77 trillion ($2.2 billion) loan.
The decision was made during Thursday’s plenary session, where a voice vote confirmed the approval following the presentation of a report by the Senate Committee on Local and Foreign Debts.
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Chaired by Senator Wammako Magatarkada (APC, Sokoto North), the committee endorsed the loan request as a vital step in managing the country’s fiscal challenges.
Recall that President Tinubu had submitted the proposal earlier in the week, outlining the loan as a crucial component of his administration’s external borrowing strategy.
Details shortly…………..
Simon Ekpa, a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, has been arrested by Finnish authorities on allegations of inciting terrorist activities.
The Päijät-Häme District Court ordered his detention following an incident that reportedly occurred in Lahti on August 23, 2021.
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The Finnish National Bureau of Investigation (NBI) is also seeking the arrest of four other individuals in connection with the case. Officials say the charges involve public incitement to commit crimes with terrorist intent.
“The detention demands are related to a preliminary investigation in which a Finnish citizen of Nigerian descent, born in the 1980s, is suspected of public incitement to commit a crime with terrorist intent,” the police said in a statement.
Details regarding the additional suspects or the specifics of the alleged crimes remain unclear as the investigation continues. Authorities have emphasized the sensitive nature of the case, stating that further information will be disclosed as the inquiry progresses.
This development marks a significant step in Finland’s efforts to combat terrorism and ensure public safety.
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