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Tag: Osun State

  • PDP screens 6 aspirants for Osun governorship election

    PDP screens 6 aspirants for Osun governorship election

    The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday screened six aspirants for Osun Governorship Election, scheduled for July 16.

    Mohammed Adoke, Chairman, Osun PDP Governorship Screening Committee, disclosed this while speaking with newsmen at the party’s national secretariat in Abuja.

    Adoke said that all the six aspirants who turned out for the screening exercise screened, adding that the screening was transparent and fair.

    He said, “We ensured that we executed the mandate given to us by the party. We ensured that we worked with the dictates of our conscience and dictates of fairness.

    “As a party in opposition preparing to win the next election, we ensured we built the necessary trust within party members so that we can work in tandem with our objective, which is to win the Osun election.”

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that all the aspirants that spoke with newsmen shortly after they were screened expressed confidence in the committee and satisfaction with the process, saying they were optimistic of scaling through.

    An aspirant, Akin Ogunbiyi, expressed hope that PDP would win Osun, saying the people of the state were waiting for the party to take over power in the state.

    Ogunbiyi said that if given the mandate, he would change the narrative of tagging Osun as a state of civil servants, teachers and farmers, to an industrialised state.

    “Osun is ready for PDP. When I win the election, my administration will pursue purely agricultural- based industrialisation.

    “Osun should be able to feed, if not the entire nation, at least the southwest,” Ogunbiyi said.

    Ogunbiyi expressed dissatisfaction with the performance of the state in the West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) in recent times, saying that was below expectation.

    He stressed the need for free education as well as harnessing the mining sector for the development of the state.

    Another aspirant, Omirin Oluseye, who pledged to stay with the party irrespective of the outcome of the party’s primary election, also advised his colleagues to stay and work for the success of the party in Osun.

    “As far as I am concerned, I am a party man. I have joined this party since inception and I am one of the founding fathers of this party,” Oluseye said.

    On his part, Alhaji Abdulfatai Akinbade, expressed support for a consensus candidate to ensure that a wrong person does not win PDP’s ticket, saying that the party could not afford to lose its chances this time.

    Akinbade, who described himself as the most qualified aspirant for the party’s ticket, said he was an experienced politician, administrator, former commissioner and former secretary to the government of the state.

    “I know where the shoe pinches. I know every nook and cranny of the state,” he said.

    Also, Dele Adeleke, one the screened aspirants said that the idea of having a consensus candidate was not bad, but the party must do it democratically.

    Adeleke also described himself as a credible politician with grassroots support, who could win the election for PDP in the state.

  • BREAKING: Former military Governor of Osun, Obi is dead

    BREAKING: Former military Governor of Osun, Obi is dead

    Colonel Anthony Uzoma Obi (rtd), a former military Governor of Osun State is dead.

    TheNewsGuru.com (TNG) reports the death of Obi was announced in a statement by the family on Sunday.

    The family statement reads: We the Family of His Excellency, Rtd Colonel Anthony Uzoma Obi humbly announce the gentle passing of our Patriarch, and head of the family on Saturday, 1st of January 2022 by 6:03 PM.

    “Our father was a Lion, a warrior, a brave soldier who served the Nation Nigeria as a Two Time Military Administrator and Governor of Osun State, and Abia State Nigeria.

    “Anthony Uzoma Obi was a loving husband first, and a devoted father who instilled love, discipline, and humility in all he did on his time on earth.

    “He shared with us a love deeply portrayed all through his life, and he most importantly was the bravest man we
    ever knew.

    “We ask that in this time of our grief, that prayers and goodwill are directed towards our family in this trying moment.

    “Adieu Colonel A. U. Obi, your whole family will forever keep your memory alive, through the mercy of God”.

    Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola has condoled with family of Obi.

    In a condolence message addressed to the family, Oyetola mourned the demise of the former military administrator.

    Obi served as the military Governor of Osun between August 1996 and August 1998.

    Oyetola condoled with the family of the deceased and hailed his contributions to governance in Osun.

    He said Obi was one of the leaders who laid the foundation of the State.

    “The death of Colonel Anthony Obi (rtd) is painful and a huge loss not only to his family but to the nation.

    “He was a brave, committed and experienced military officer who served Nigeria and Osun in particular selflessly and passionately.

    “As a military administrator, Obi made remarkable contributions to governance in Osun and was one of the leaders who laid the foundation of our State and left some legacies he will be remembered for.

    “On behalf of my family, government and the people of Osun, I extend my deepest condolences to the family of Colonel Anthony Obi (rtd).

    “Though his death is devastating, I urge you to take solace in the legacies of selflessness, professionalism and service to humanity he left behind,” Oyetola stated.

    He prayed God to grant the soul of the deceased eternal rest and give his bereaved family, friends and associates the fortitude to bear the huge loss.

  • Police arrest sergeant suspected of killing driver in Osogbo

    Police arrest sergeant suspected of killing driver in Osogbo

    The Osun Police Command, on Sunday, said it has arrested a Police Sergeant suspected of shooting to death a driver at Kobogbogboe/Ota-efun Area of Osogbo on Friday.

    In a statement by the command’s Spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, the suspect will be arraigned in court after completion of police orderly room trial.

    It said that the arrest and detention of the suspect was part of efforts of the command “to curtail all forms of indiscipline and acts of unprofessionalism”.

    “The Osun Police Command has arrested and detained the police officer, Sgt. Moses Samuel, who shot at one Mallam Kabiru Babai ‘m’ 33, on Friday, Dec. 3, around Kobogbogboe/Ota-efun Area, Osogbo.

    “Investigation and disciplinary actions have commenced and the suspect will be arraigned in court after completion of the ‘Orderly Room’ trial.

    “This we hope will serve as deterrent to other officers of his like.

    “The Commissioner of Police, Olawale Olokode, is using this medium to express his condolences to the victim’s family, colleagues at work, and friends.

    “Olokode also prayed to God to put an end to this kind of unfortunate incident.

    “He also assures members of the public that justice will be served.” the statement added.

  • APC to sell forms for Ekiti, Osun governorship elections for N22.5m

    APC to sell forms for Ekiti, Osun governorship elections for N22.5m

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) says it will begin sales of expression of Interest and nomination forms for Ekiti and Osun governorship elections at its national secretariat Abuja, today (Nov.16).

    Sen. John Akpanudodehe, National Secretary, APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) made the disclosure on Tuesday in Abuja.

    He said the announcement followed the party’s approval of timetable and schedule of activities for the Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

    Akpanudodehe disclosed that while the nomination form would sell for N20 million, the expression of interest form would cost N2.5 million.

    He however, added that female and physically challenged aspirants would pay 50 per cent of the approved fees.

    He said party’s approved election timetable and schedule of activities for the election in the two states, was in accordance with the provisions of the amended Electoral Act 2010 and Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) guidelines.

    The APC scribe said while sales of forms for Ekiti governorship election would begin at the party’s national secretariat on Tuesday Nov 16, 2021, Tuesday, Jan.11,2022, had been approved as last day for submission of completed forms and accompanying documents.

    He said screening of aspirants had been scheduled for Thursday Jan. 13, 2022 .

    Akpanudodehe said publication of claims and objections would be on Monday, Jan. 17, 2022, while entertainment of appeals would held on Wednesday Jan. 19, 2022

    “Primary election will be on Saturday Jan.22, 2022, election appeal: Wednesday Jan.26, 2022.

    “For Osun State, notice of election to the State Chapter will be on Wednesday Nov. 17, 2022, while sale of forms will begin at APC National Secretariat on Thursday November 18, 2021.

    “Last day for submission of completed forms for Osun governorship election and accompanying documents at APC national secretariat will be on Friday Feb.18, 2022, while screening of aspirants will be Feb.22, 2022,” Akpanudodehe said.

    He added that publication of claims and objections would be on Friday Feb. 25, 2022, while screening appeals would be on Monday Feb.28, 2022.

    According to the approved election timetable and schedule of activities, primary election for Osun State would hold on Saturday March 5, 2022 while election appeal would be on Thursday March 10, 2022.

    The INEC has fixed June 18, 2022 for Ekiti governorship election and July 16, 2022 for the same exercise in Osun.

  • APC begins sale of governorship election forms for Ekiti, Osun

    APC begins sale of governorship election forms for Ekiti, Osun

    The All Progressives Congress (APC) has announced the sale of forms for Ekiti and Osun governorship elections.

    Sen. John Akpanudodehe, National Secretary APC Caretaker and Extra-ordinary Convention Planning Committee (CECPC) said this in a statement on Sunday in Abuja.

    According to the statement, sales of expression of interest and nomination forms for Ekiti governorship election will begin on Nov. 16, while that of Osun will begin on Nov.18.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has fixed June 18, 2022 for Ekiti governorship election and July 16, 2022 for the same exercise in Osun.

  • Osun APC: Any parallel congress, a funeral ceremony — Elegbeleye

    Osun APC: Any parallel congress, a funeral ceremony — Elegbeleye

    Mr Gbenga Elegbeleye, the Chairman of the National Committee for Osun Congress of the All Progressives Congress (APC), said that any other congress apart from the one held at the Osogbo City Stadium on Saturday was a “mere funeral ceremony“.

    Elegbeleye, while addressing a news conference on Sunday at the party’s secretariat in Osogbo, said the committee was not aware of any parallel congress in the state as being speculated.

    A faction within the party, The Osun Progressives (TOP), loyal to former Gov. Rauf Aregbesola, held a parallel congress on Saturday.

    The Ileri Oluwa Group, loyal to Gov. Gboyega Oyatola, held its congress at the Osogbo City Stadium, where the immediate caretaker chairman of the party, Mr Gboyega Famodun, was re-elected as the party chairman.

    TOP, at a parallel congress, elected the immediate Secretary of the party, Alhaji Rasak Salinsile, as its Chairman.

    Elegbeleye, who described the insinuations of parallel Congress in the state as a fallacy, said on no account could any congress be held outside the knowledge of the committee, as prescribed by the party’s principles and guidelines.

    “I am not aware of any parallel congress anywhere and nobody notify me or any members of my committee of any parallel congress anywhere and what we don’t know, we don’t act on it.

    “As far as we are concerned, there was no congress anywhere else, except the one conducted and supervised by me and other committee members.

    “We came here on Friday to address a stakeholders meeting where we announced the venue of the congress and this was done in the presence of the media.

    “As you all know, we were saddled by the leadership of the party at the National Secretariat to conduct Osun APC Congress.

    “When we arrived, we announced the venue of the congress. So, if anybody goes to the shrine to do another thing, that may probably be a funeral or marriage ceremony, not a congress.

    “The only congress we organised at Osogbo City Stadium is APC congress and so we cannot recognise or assume that there was a congress anywhere”, he said.

    Elegbeleye said the committee had done the needful as expected, having performed the task in the presence of the required electoral empire and other relevant agencies.

    “The congress was successful, hitch-free, fair and credible as envisaged.

    “It was conducted in accordance with the constitution, principles and guidelines of the party as enshrined in Article 20 as read out yesterday”, Elegbeleye said.

    Earlier, the Chairman-elect, Famodun, lauded the committee for being transparent, accountable and for ensuring that the entire process ended well.

    Famodun, who expressed profound gratitude to the loyalists of the party for re-electing him, promised not to let them down.

    “I thank the committee for a job well done and for giving us a wonderful executive through the congress conducted. I want to assure you all on behalf of my team that we will put in our best.

    “I commend the press for doing us proud and for ensuring effective coverage”, Famodun said.

  • US Consulate opens information centre in Osun State

    US Consulate opens information centre in Osun State

    The US Consulate General on Tuesday opened a Window on America in Osogbo, the Osun State capital.

    A Window on America is a type of American Space located in over 150 countries worldwide.

    Windows on America provide a venue for the Embassy and Consulate outreach activities, offering a meeting place for U.S. Government alumni, and a host for visiting speakers (including Embassy staff, Fulbright scholars, and other Americans), film series, and other events that promote a better understanding of the US.

    Hosted at the Osun State University Teaching Hospital, the Osogbo Window on America will serve as a community resource center for accurate and current information about the political, economic, cultural, educational, and social life in the United States.

    Delivering keynote remarks at a ribbon-cutting ceremony, U.S. Consulate Public Affairs Officer Stephen Ibelli noted that the new space will offer a calendar of programs on topics of interest designed to bring Americans and Nigerians closer together.

    “We are so excited today to launch the Window on American here in Osogbo,” Ibelli said. “With its modern design, computer workstations, books, and perhaps most importantly, an open space for members of the community to host conversations of mutual interest, the new center exemplifies the U.S. government’s commitment to a core tenet of democracy: A citizen’s right to free access to information.”

    Ibelli explained that the Osogbo Window on America will be a reference point for free information.

    “Through the Osogbo Window on America we will provide employability and leadership training for young people, offer information on study opportunities in the U.S., showcase American culture and values, as well as foster closer people-to-people ties between the people of Nigeria and the United States,” Ibelli added.

    Chief Medical Director, Osun State University Teaching Hospital, Professor Peter Olaitan, expressed appreciation at the location of the Window on America at the medical facility. He expressed optimism that staff, students and residents of Osogbo will benefit from the resources available at the center.

  • Police confirm death of 7 family members in Osun

    Police confirm death of 7 family members in Osun

    The Police Command in Osun says it has received report on seven members of a family found dead in their rooms on Tuesday in Apomu, Isokan Local Government Area of Osun.

    The command’s spokesperson, SP Yemisi Opalola, said that eight persons were found in the rooms in the house but only one was found breathing.

    Opalola said poison of carbon monoxide (generator fume) is suspected to be the cause, but the result of autopsy would confirm the cause of death.

    She said a generator was found in the house and a report that the generator was used by the family the previous day gave suspicion to carbon monoxide poisoning but investigation “is ongoing to know the real cause.

    “Autopsy will be carried out on the remains of the victims to ascertain the real cause of their death.

    “One person, a 14-year old girl, was found still alive (though unconscious) and she has been taken to the hospital where she is recuperating.

    “The remains of the other dead members of the family had also been taken to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Teaching Hospital, in Ile-Ife, where autopsy will be carried out on them to ascertain the cause of their death”.

    The seven dead persons were discovered by neighbours who believed they died in their sleep.

    Their bodies were reportedly taken to a private hospital in the community by sympathisers, but were rejected, before they were taken to OAU Teaching Hospital morgue.

  • Gunmen whisk away traveller in Osun

    Gunmen whisk away traveller in Osun

    The Police in Osun on Tuesday confirmed the kidnapping of a traveller in Ede town, near Imesi-Ile in Obokun Local Government Area of the state.

    The Police Public Relation Officer in the state, SP Yemisi Opalola, who confirmed the incident in Osogbo, said the victim was kidnapped by gunmen on Monday evening.

    According to Opalola, the interstate bus which the victim boarded from Ekiti to Osun was forcefully stopped by the gunmen in Ede town, a border between Ekiti and Osun.

    The PPRO said while other passengers in the bus had the opportunity to escape into the bush, the victim was unlucky and was kidnapped.

    Opalola, however, said that the identity of the kidnapped person had yet to be known.

    She said the police tactical team and local vigilantes were already on the trail of the kidnappers.

    Opalola said that the state Commissioner of Police, Mr Olawale Olokode, had equally directed police tactical team to ensure the kidnappers were arrested.

  • INEC fixes dates for 2022 Ekiti, Osun governorship polls

    INEC fixes dates for 2022 Ekiti, Osun governorship polls

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has fixed June 18, 2022 for Ekiti governorship election and July 16, 2022 for same exercise in Osun state.

    The INEC chairman, Prof. Mahmood Yakubu disclosed this on Wednesday at the Commission’s meeting with the Resident Electoral Commissioners (RECs) in Abuja.

    Yakubu, said that commencement date of campaign and other detailed timetable and schedule of activities for the two elections were uploaded on the Commission’s website and social media platforms.

    “In the sequence of off-season elections, the Ekiti and Osun State Governorship elections are holding next year.

    “In keeping with our policy of announcing the dates of elections in advance to enable early and effective preparations by all concerned, the Commission has approved that the Ekiti State Governorship election will hold on Saturday June 18 2022.

    “The Osun State Governorship election will hold one month later on Saturday July 16, 2022.

    “We implore political parties and aspirants to ensure rancour-free primaries and, thereafter, conduct peaceful electioneering campaigns,” he said.

    According to the timetable and scheduled of activities for the two elections, INEC would release notice for Ekiti State governorship election on Jan. 3, 2022.

    The commission also scheduled conduct of parties’ primaries for the state election between Jan. 4, to Jan. 29, 2022.

    He stated that campaigns by political parties would begin by March 20, 2022 and end on June 16, 2022, while the final list of candidates for the election will be released on May 19, 2022.

    For Osun state, the notice of election according to the timetable would be issued on Feb. 15, 2022.

    Alao, parties’ primaries and resolutions of disputes arising from the exercise are scheduled to hold from Feb. 16, 2022 to March 12, 2022.

    The campaigns by political parties for the state election is expected to start from April 17, 2022 and end on July 14, 2022.

    Yakubu stated that April 8, 2022 is scheduled as the last day for withdrawal/replacement of candidates by political parties, and June 16 2022 for publication of final candidates for Osun governorship election.

    Yakubu said that looking to the near future, the Commission was preparing to conduct the remaining off-season end of tenure elections ahead of the 2023 General Election.

    He said that already activities listed in the timetable for the Anambra State Governorship election were being implemented.

    “So too are those of the FCT Area Council elections holding on Feb. 12, 2022,” Yakubu said.