Flowerbud News

Tag: Osun

  • Osun election: I-G orders crackdown on criminals

    Osun election: I-G orders crackdown on criminals

     

     

    By Olajide Idowu
    Osogbo: Ahead of the Osun governorship election, the Inspector-General of Police, Tunji Disu, says it will no longer be business as usual for perpetrators of political violence in the state.

    Disu stated this at the Police Command Headquarters in Osogbo on Friday, while addressing political parties representatives and election stakeholders.

    The I-G expressed concern over the level of violence in the state in recent time.

    He, however, directed the Commissioner of Police, Ibrahim Gotan, to go after all suspects mentioned during the security engagements.

    Disu said nobody would commit crime and go scot-free, insisting that no one has the right to take another person’s life.

    He lamented that over 20 people had been killed in the past few months in the state.

    He said, “nobody will commit a crime and go scot-free. You can’t kill a person or anybody and think you can walk around freely.”

    He stated that the political parties were preparing for an election and not for war, urging them to go about their campaign peacefully.

    He said the police would provide adequate security during their campaigns.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that representatives of the All Progressives Congress and Accord Party, traded accusations and counter-accusations during the meeting.

    The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Resident Electoral Commissioner, Mrs Oluwatoyin Babalola, representatives of political parties and traditional rulers appreciated the efforts of the police at maintaining peace in the state. (NAN)(www.nannews.ng)

  • Gov. Adeleke Hails Police Arrest of Suspected Killer Political Thug in Osun

    Gov. Adeleke Hails Police Arrest of Suspected Killer Political Thug in Osun

     

    Tanfeani is alleged to have been involved in the killing of Ezekiel Olapade near the premises of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat last Sunday.

    Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke has commended the Inspector-General of Police, Olatunji Disu, and the Osun State Police Command over the arrest of Saheed Kareem Tanfeani, a suspected political thug allegedly linked to the killing of a man during recent violence in the state.

    In a statement issued on Sunday by the Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the governor described the arrest as a positive step but urged the police to intensify efforts to apprehend other wanted suspects.

    Tanfeani is alleged to have been involved in the killing of Ezekiel Olapade near the premises of the Irepodun Local Government Secretariat last Sunday.

    Governor Adeleke called on the police to intensify the manhunt for other suspects, including individuals identified as Asiri Eniba, Delaw, Ojuyobo, Aleba, Lucifer, Lasisi and others alleged to be terrorising parts of the state.

    The governor also urged the police to conduct a thorough investigation into the case and ensure the suspect is prosecuted if found culpable.

    While reiterating his earlier demand for changes in the leadership of the state’s anti-cultism unit, Adeleke alleged that the continued leadership of the unit by an officer identified as Eluku had undermined public confidence.

    The governor claimed that the officer’s alleged association with some of the wanted suspects remained “a dark spot.”

    “The arrest of Saheed and Akilapa is a good development,” Adeleke said.

    “We are watching to see how far the police will prove its readiness to enforce the law and secure our people.”

    He added, “For now, we thank the IGP, the Deputy Inspector General of Police and others who made this possible.”

    The governor maintained that the police must sustain the operation by tracking down the remaining suspects and ensuring that those responsible for criminal activities in the state are brought to justice.

     

     

  • VICTIM OF GUNSHOT WOUND A MEMBER OF ACCORD NOT APC – Accord Chairman 

    VICTIM OF GUNSHOT WOUND A MEMBER OF ACCORD NOT APC – Accord Chairman 

     

     

    By Adedeji Ishola

    Contrary to the lies by Osun APC members, Mustapha Taoreed Faronbi is a member of Accord in Ward 8, Osogbo Local Government. The fact that the Osun APC wrongly addressed him as Taofeeq Mustapha gave it up and raises questions about the narrative it is peddling.

    According to the victim, he is not a member of APC nor his attackers were members of the Accord. He went on to identify some of his attackers by names, which does not in any way support the Osun APC’s false narrative, a statement by Pastor Victor Akande,
    The Chairman, ACCORD Osun has disclosed.

    He added that it was after the attack that he was forced to wear the APC branded cap and forced to record that video under duress, which APC members are made to broadcast.

    A careful review of the two videos shared by the Osun APC showed that the cap on the victim was different from one another, indicating that the two different caps used in the two videos were deliberately planted to smear the Accord and distract attention away from violence targeted on Osun people.

    This is one of many other harassments of Accord members by APC thugs. They have now gone further to attempt to twist the narrative posing as the victims.

     

  • Osun-Osogbo Festival: Osun Govt. assures tourists of adequate security

    Osun-Osogbo Festival: Osun Govt. assures tourists of adequate security

     

    By Joshua Oladipo

    Osogbo:  The Osun Government has assured tourists and stakeholders attending the 2026 Osun-Osogbo Festival of adequate security.

    The Commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Mr Abiodun Ojo, gave the assurance on Friday in Osogbo during a stakeholders’ engagement meeting held as part of preparations for the annual cultural event.

    The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was themed, “Preserving Heritage, Inspiring the Future: The Role of Culture in Shaping the Future.”

    Ojo said the centuries-old pact between the Laroye dynasty and the Osun river goddess had continued to drive the growth and development of the Osun Sacred Grove and the ancient city of Osogbo.

    According to him, the festival remains one of the most significant cultural celebrations in Yorubaland and requires the collective support of all stakeholders for its sustainability.

    “The festival is critical to Yorubaland and cannot be sustained by government alone. It requires the support and collaboration of stakeholders from all sectors.

    “I commend the marketing consultant to the festival, Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited, as well as other partners, for their commitment to promoting the annual event,” he said.

    The commissioner also assured tourists, investors and development partners that Osun remains peaceful and hospitable, noting that visitors have consistently enjoyed memorable experiences during previous editions.

    He expressed optimism that the 2026 edition would surpass previous outings, adding that preparations were already at an advanced stage.

    “We are entering another cycle of the Osun-Osogbo Festival and we are hopeful that this year’s edition will be the best ever.

    “The festival will take place barely seven days before the governorship election in the state, and we need the prayers and support of all stakeholders for a successful outing,” he said.

    Ojo reiterated the state government’s commitment to supporting the globally acclaimed festival and preserving its rich cultural heritage for future generations.

    Earlier, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, commended Gov. Ademola Adeleke for his continued support toward the success of the annual festival.

    He noted that the government had continued to add value to the Osun Sacred Grove and its environs through various developmental initiatives, describing the grove as a major cultural and tourism asset that requires sustained attention and preservation.

    Also speaking, the Marketing Consultant to the Osun-Osogbo Festival and Managing Director of Our Heritage Branding and Advertising Limited, Mr Ola Oluwasanmi, described the stakeholders’ meeting as a reawakening of the collective responsibility required to sustain and promote the festival.

    Oluwasanmi said the engagement was aimed at mobilising support from government agencies, traditional institutions, private organisations, community groups and development partners ahead of the festival.

    He added that the Osun-Osogbo Festival had grown beyond a local celebration to become a globally recognised cultural event that attracts thousands of visitors annually.

    According to him, the festival requires deliberate efforts in branding, promotion and stakeholder collaboration to maintain its status as one of Africa’s foremost cultural tourism events.

    “The essence of this meeting is to bring all stakeholders together and remind ourselves of our shared responsibility in preserving and promoting this heritage.

    “The festival belongs to all of us. Its success depends on the commitment and contributions of every stakeholder, including government, the private sector, traditional institutions and residents of Osogbo,” he said.

    Oluwasanmi expressed confidence that the level of preparation and collaboration already underway would further enhance the cultural, social and economic value of the festival.

    NAN reports that the annual Osun-Osogbo Festival, recognised by UNESCO, is scheduled to hold on Aug. 8.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

    JO

  • Gunmen abduct Osun LG vice chairman, 3 rescued

    Gunmen abduct Osun LG vice chairman, 3 rescued

     

    By Olajide Idowu

    Osogbo:  The Vice Chairman of Ifedayo Local Government Area of Osun, Debo Farounbi, was on Tuesday night abducted by gunmen in Ora-Igbomina town.

    It was learnt that the gunmen invaded the community around 10 p.m., firing sporadically to scare residents.

    An eyewitness, who spoke on condition of anonymity, said the gunmen also abducted three other persons but were confronted by military personnel at the border community.

    It was further gathered that the ensuing gun duel led to the rescue of the three victims, while the vice chairman was taken away into the bush.

    When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Ojelabi, confirmed the incident and assured that a tactical team had been deployed to secure the victim’s release.

    “I want to assure the people of the state to remain calm.

    “The situation is under control, and our men are on the ground for the rescue operation,” he said.(NAN) (www.nannews.com)

  • Osun govt settles UNILESA staff with ₦3bn, converts 300 workers to permanent status …

    Osun govt settles UNILESA staff with ₦3bn, converts 300 workers to permanent status …

     

    – As varsity records rapid transformation, expands academic frontiers three years after take-off —VC

     

    By Gbadamosi

    The Osun State government has approved the payment of over ₦3 billion in outstanding allowances and the conversion of no fewer than 300 temporary staff of the University of Ilesa (UNILESA) to permanent status.

    The Vice-Chancellor, Taiwo Olufemi Asaolu, disclosed this during a press conference held at the university’s premises in Ilesa on Wednesday.

    Professor Asaolu said the intervention, approved by Governor Ademola Adeleke, had restored industrial peace and significantly stabilised the institution’s operations.

    He added that the university had recorded remarkable transformation across its academic, infrastructural, and administrative sectors within three years of its establishment.

    According to the vice-chancellor, UNILESA, established in April 2023, following the upgrade of the former Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, had undergone rapid development.

    He described the condition inherited at inception as deplorable, marked by dilapidated infrastructure, obsolete facilities, demoralised staff, and a student population of fewer than 1,000.

    “The situation posed serious challenges to our take-off, but today, we have a good story to tell,” Asaolu said.

    The vice-chancellor disclosed that the university currently ran 97 academic programmes, all approved by the National Universities Commission (NUC), covering disciplines such as Law, Nursing Science, Medical Laboratory Science, Physiotherapy, Optometry, Chinese Studies, and Special Education.

    He noted that 40 of the programmes had already secured full accreditation status, describing the achievement as remarkable for a relatively young institution.

    The university has also received approval to commence the Bachelor of Medicine, Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) programmes, pending final clearance from the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN).

    “This positions us strategically in medical education and healthcare delivery,” he said.

    On Faculty of Technology, Land Recovery, he said as part of its expansion efforts, the university has established a Faculty of Technology with programmes in Civil, Computer, Electrical, and Mechatronics Engineering.

    The institution also reclaimed 15 acres of land previously occupied by housing units built by the Federal Ministry of Housing and Urban Development and acquired 24 units on the site, which would serve as the faculty’s base.

    He added that student enrolment had grown from fewer than 1,000 at inception to over 15,000 across degree, JUPEB, and pre-degree programmes.

    Professor Asaolu described the surge as a reflection of public confidence in the university’s academic offerings.

    The vice-chancellor also announced the establishment of the University of Ilesa Teaching Hospital, following, the upgrade of the State General Hospital, Ilesa.

    He said the facility was being upgraded to support clinical training and improve healthcare delivery in Ijesaland and surrounding areas.

    The university has received support from institutions such as TETFUND, NELFUND, corporate bodies, and notable individuals, including the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Clement Adesuyi Haastrup.

    These contributions, he said, had significantly boosted infrastructure development and academic growth.

    UNILESA’s 18-hole golf course has also enhanced its national visibility, hosting major events such as the Professional Golfers’ Association’s 15th Qualifying School Seminar.

    In a bid to address manpower gaps, the university has introduced tuition-free education for students in the Faculties of Education and Agriculture.

    Additionally, children and wards of staff enjoy a 50 per cent tuition discount.

    The institution has also strengthened entrepreneurship training, equipping students with practical skills in areas such as fashion design, solar installation, agribusiness, and digital content creation.

     

  • House of Rep Aspirant, Salami, Rallies Support for Gov. Adeleke as Ejigbo Leaders Endorse his Aspiration

    House of Rep Aspirant, Salami, Rallies Support for Gov. Adeleke as Ejigbo Leaders Endorse his Aspiration

     

     

     

    By Flowerbudnews

    Ejigbo (Osun): The leading House of Representatives aspirant for Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency, Dr. AMB Majeed Adewale Salami, popularly known as TRANSFORMER has officially declared his intention to contest for a seat in the House of Representatives.

    The declaration was made on Friday in Ejigbo during a well-attended meeting of the Elder Caucus and party stakeholders.

    Addressing the gathering, Hon. Majeed Adewale Salami used the opportunity to urge party leaders and members to intensify mobilization efforts ahead of the August 15 governorship election.

    He emphasized the importance of securing victory for Governor Ademola Adeleke, citing key achievements of the current administration.

    According to him, “Both local and national indicators strongly favor our dear Governor. Osun State emerged victorious in the 2024 and 2025 Primary Health Care Challenge, earning a $500,000 award and setting a benchmark for excellence in the delivery of Primary Healthcare services across Nigeria.”

    He further highlighted strides made in workers’ welfare and economic empowerment. “This administration has delivered where APC administrations failed. Pensioners are receiving their entitlements, and traders now have improved access to loans.

    ”While we are confident of victory, we must not relent; we must continue to canvass and mobilize support for our party,” he added.

    In his remarks, the PDP/ACCORD Chairman in Ejigbo, Alhaji Moshood Salaudeen, commended Dr. Majeed Adewale Salami for his consistent support for the party and his contributions to its growth at the grassroots level.

    He expressed satisfaction that sons of Ejigbo are stepping forward to represent the constituency at the national level.

    Also speaking, the Special Assistant to the Governor on Agriculture, Alhaji Musibau Alawe (popularly known as Apata), dismissed speculations about any third-term agenda, describing such claims as unfounded and unacceptable. He reaffirmed Ejigbo’s stance against any attempt at political marginalization.

    Similarly, a former Senatorial Women Leader, Alhaja Bola, echoed this position, firmly rejecting any notion of a third-term bid.

    The meeting ended with a unanimous resolution by stakeholders that the 2027 House of Representatives ticket for the E4 Federal Constituency should be zoned to Ejigbo.

    The declaration event was witnessed by prominent party leaders, members of the Elder Caucus, and other key stakeholders across Ejigbo.

    (TRANSFORMER MEDIA UNIT ✍️)

     

  • Osun plants 400,000 cocoa seedlings in 3 years- Adeleke

     

    By Olajide Idowu

    Osogbo:  Gov. Ademola Adeleke of Osun says his administration has planted 400,000 cocoa seedlings since 2023.

    This is contained in a statement issued by his spokesperson, Malam Olawale Rasheed, on Friday in Osogbo.

    According to the statement, the governor made this known while receiving a report on the state’s agricultural sector.

    The governor said the administration’s cocoa expansion initiative received a boost with the planting of 400,000 cocoa seedlings since 2023.

    He said the seedlings were distributed to farmers at highly subsidised rates, expressing satisfaction that the state is on track to reclaim a frontline position ahead of Ondo and Cross River states.

    The governor pledged a more aggressive cocoa planting strategy, adding that the initiative is being reinforced by efforts to expand agro-processing infrastructure and enhance the cocoa value chain.

    Adeleke also said the cashew expansion project has recorded significant success, with 80,000 seedlings planted since 2023.

    The governor said the state is seeking to ramp up its annual output in the sector to boost the capacity of stakeholders to meet both local and global demand.

    “I am also happy to announce that a total of 60,000 oil palm seedlings were planted within the same period.

    “We are targeting these three major cash crops in our diversification drive. We want to be known as a hub not only for cocoa but also for cashew and oil palm,” he said.

    Adeleke further said his administration had purchased 31 tractors, with plans to acquire more to meet a target of 117, but noted that withheld local government allocations had hindered the effort.

    “However, the 31 tractors deployed across the state have been serving farmers effectively at subsidised rates.

    “I am happy to report that from 2025 to date, the state’s tractors have cultivated 4,511 acres.

    “This represents a significant improvement on the previous administration, which recorded a low level of mechanisation.

    “Our farmers are benefiting from tractorisation services across the state.

    “They are also receiving farm inputs regularly since the inception of this administration. Ours is a pro-farmer government,” he said.

    The governor commended the All Farmers’ Association in the state for endorsing his re-election.(NAN) www.nannews.ng

  • Osun Govt. unveils N300m security trust fund to tackle insecurity

    Osun Govt. unveils N300m security trust fund to tackle insecurity

     

    By Temitope Ponle

    Osogbo: The Osun Government on Thursday unveiled a Security Trust Fund with an initial N300 million to tackle insecurity in the state.

    Speaking at the unveiling in Osogbo, Gov. Ademola Adeleke described the initiative as a necessity in view of the prevailing security challenges in Nigeria and Osun.

    Adeleke called for partnerships and assured stakeholders of accountability, transparency and due process in the management of the fund.

    He said the fund was designed to provide sustainable financing for modern security infrastructure.

    “The Security Trust Fund is neither a political project nor a self-serving policy.

    “This is a necessary initiative to secure our people.

    “Through this fund, we will establish a modern situation room with real-time Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) surveillance.

    “We will also continue to provide the operational tools required by our security agencies,” he said.

    The governor noted that the process of establishing the trust fund had been abandoned by the previous administration but was revived by his government to enhance security in the state.

    “Our government decided to revive the initiative by updating the law and organising its launch today.

    “Only an irresponsible government would abandon a public-private partnership (PPP) arrangement that is working well in Lagos, Kaduna and Rivers states, among others.

    “Ours is a responsible leadership with people-oriented policies and programmes,” he said.

    Adeleke commended security agencies for their dedication and sacrifice in maintaining peace across the state, and urged residents to see security as a shared responsibility.

    The Secretary to the State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, said security remained a collective responsibility and urged citizens to help sustain Osun as an attractive destination for growth and investment.

    Igbalaye, who is also the Vice Chairman of the fund’s implementation committee, said the initiative would support the provision of critical security infrastructure.

    He noted that adequate funding of security was crucial and described the public-private partnership model as a vital step toward achieving that goal.

    “We are committed to ensuring that all contributions are transparently managed, properly accounted for and judiciously utilised in line with global best practices,” he said.(NAN)www.nannews.ng