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Osun govt. cautions Aregbesola’s aide over ‘mischievous narratives’ on state’s debt portfolio

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The Osun state government has cautioned the immediate past Commissioner for Finance, Dr. Wale Bolorunduro to desist from misleading the public with wrong narratives as regards the state’s debt portfolio.

The government, through its Debt Management Office (DMO) reminded Bolorubduro that he served as Commissioner for Finance for only three years in an administration which completed the two terms of eight years, hence he lacks full knowledge of what really transpired under the administration.

Reacting to the ex-commissioner’s write up published in a weekly local newspaper last week, the Director General, Osun DMO, Dr. Tunde Adejumo noted that there is no need for the State’s total debt stock to become a subject of argument when there is a Federal repository of debts stocks in the country. He explained that Federal Debt management office (DMO) keeps records of all borrowings by both the Federal and States’ governments in the country.

The piece by the Osun DMO Director General reads In part, “On the issue of the State’s monthly loan repayments, and monthly loan deductions from the Statutory receipts, these are verifiable details from both the offices of Accountant-General (AG) of the Federation and Federal Ministry of Finance (FMoF). Therefore, the unending narratives on Osun State’s Debt Stock and loan repayments from the former Commissioner of finance, in our view are mischievous and needless.

“Concerning the State’s total debt portfolio which Dr. Bolorunduro think is secretive (as it was during his time in the State’s ministry of finance), as usual, our office actually has nothing to hide.

“According to our records, the State’s total debt portfolio inherited by the current administration was truly well over =N=200billion.

“On the issue of deductions from the State’s monthly statutory accounts, and fund applied so far for loan repayments by the current administration, as at November 2018, monthly direct deductions for repayment of the State’s loan was =N=2.61billion.

“This excludes other deductions from the State’s IGR for internal loans’ repayments. This amounted to over =N= 130million”.

He continued, “Following the full repayments of the State’s =N=30billion Bond and =N=11.4billion Sukuk in 2019 and 2020 respectively however, direct deductions from the State’s monthly revenue had reduced to =N=1.8billion, while indirect deductions (from the State’s IGR) for loan repayments subsists.

“Total deductions from the State’s statutory revenue for the month of January 2022, appropriated recently was =N=1,836,968,138.03 (One billion, eight hundred and thirty six million, nine hundred and sixty eight thousand, one hundred and thirty eight Naira, three kobo) only, against a Gross statutory allocation of =N=1.46billion.

“This can be verified officially from the appropriate agency of the FGN as earlier indicated. I hope our egg-head Doctor could now see that the State government’s claim of negative statutory receipt from the Federation account for the referenced month actually adds up contrary to his insinuation.

“For avoidance of doubts, we wish to add that till date, the current administration has applied over =N=70billion for the State’s loan repayment. This excludes amount applied for part payment of the Domestic non-borrowing debts such as Pension and gratuity, contractors’ arrears etc inherited from the immediate past administration.

“While claiming full knowledge of the State’s financial affairs inclusive of the State’s level of exposure during the preceding administration, Dr. Bolorunduro perhaps needs to be reminded that he served as the State Commissioner of finance under the last administration for only a period of three years ending in November 2014. One therefore wonders why he keeps claiming to be a Registry of all the financial transactions during the whole 8 year tenure of the immediate past administration. Whereas, we are not unaware of his usual clandestine moves and antics in breaking through the State’s firewalls, it will be advisable for him to be sure of his figures at least. It would be recalled that our office had earlier raised concern on his usual contentious statistics and tenuous narratives about the financial affairs of the current government in the State.

“In his referenced publication, the former commissioner, also made an assertion that monthly loan repayment ordinarily should be met from the State’s Internally Generated Revenue (IGR). As fiscally logical as this argument sounds, it is quite astonishing that this was not the case when the self-acclaimed Financial Guru was in charge of the State’s finance. As a matter of fact, the State’s IGR was at best, only about 25% of the State’s loan repayment throughout his 3 year tenor as Finance commissioner in the State”, Adejumo concluded.

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‎LAF Foundation Founder, Adisa Marks Birthday with Food Outreach in Oyo

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‎Founder of the LAF Foundation, Dr. Olalekan Adisa, has  celebrated his birthday by distributing food items to residents across Ido Local Government Area of Oyo State, reaffirming his commitment to supporting vulnerable members of society.

The outreach, which attracted beneficiaries from different communities within the council area, was organised to cushion the effects of the current economic hardship confronting many households. Residents, including the elderly, widows, and low-income earners, received bags of rice and other food items from the foundation.

‎According to Adisa, his birthday was an opportunity to appreciate God by extending love and kindness to people in need rather than holding elaborate celebrations.

He said: “Every birthday reminds me that life is meaningful only when it positively impacts others. Today is not just about celebrating another year; it is about sharing God’s blessings with those around us. If we all make helping others a habit, our communities will become stronger and more united.”

The scholar noted that the LAF Foundation would continue to champion humanitarian interventions aimed at improving the welfare of the less privileged through education support, health initiatives, youth empowerment and community development programmes.

‎In his words, “The economic realities demand that those who have the capacity should lend a helping hand. This gesture may seem small, but for many families, it will make a significant difference. Our commitment to humanity remains unwavering.”

‎Some beneficiaries expressed appreciation to the foundation for the timely intervention, describing the gesture as a source of relief. They commended Adisa for consistently identifying with ordinary people and prayed for greater strength and resources for him to sustain the initiative.

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‎Oseni hails Dotun Sanusi’s elevation as Gbonka Olubadan, says honour well deserved

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‎The All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for Oyo South Senatorial District in the 2027 general election and member representing Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Aderemi Oseni, has congratulated foremost businessman and philanthropist, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his elevation to the prestigious chieftaincy title of Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland, describing the honour as a fitting reward for a life devoted to service, compassion and the development of humanity.

‎Oseni, in a statement issued on Friday by his Media Aide, Idowu Ayodele, said the elevation was a well-deserved recognition of Chief Sanusi’s outstanding contributions to the socio-economic growth of Ibadanland and his unwavering commitment to improving the lives of countless people through philanthropy, enterprise and community development.

‎The federal lawmaker noted that Chief Sanusi has, over the years, distinguished himself as an exceptional son of Ibadan whose investments, humanitarian interventions and unwavering support for the less privileged have continued to leave lasting footprints across Oyo State and beyond.

‎He said the latest elevation in the revered Olubadan traditional succession line was not merely a recognition of status, but a celebration of character, integrity and purposeful leadership, adding that Chief Sanusi has consistently demonstrated that genuine greatness is measured by the number of lives positively impacted.

‎According to the chairman, House Committee on Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), the respected industrialist has earned the admiration of many through his humility, generosity and unwavering commitment to the progress of his people, stressing that his contributions to education, healthcare, youth empowerment and economic development have continued to strengthen communities and inspire hope.

“On behalf of my family and the good people of Ibarapa East/Ido Federal Constituency, I heartily congratulate my distinguished  brother and friend, Chief Dotun Sanusi, on his well-deserved elevation as the Gbonka Olubadan of Ibadanland. This honour is not only a recognition of your place in the revered Olubadan traditional institution, but also a celebration of your remarkable life of service, sacrifice and unwavering commitment to humanity,” Oseni said.

‎He added: “You have consistently shown that true leadership is about touching lives, creating opportunities and giving hope to others. Your philanthropy has restored dignity to many families, empowered young people, supported education and strengthened communities. It is gratifying to see these noble contributions being recognised through this prestigious elevation. I am confident that you will continue to serve Ibadanland with the same humility, wisdom and sense of responsibility that have always defined your public life.”

‎Oseni also commended the Olubadan of Ibadanland and the Olubadan-in-Council for preserving the time-honoured succession tradition, describing the institution as one of the enduring symbols of stability, unity and cultural heritage in Yorubaland.

‎He expressed confidence that Chief Sanusi’s elevation would further strengthen the traditional institution while inspiring a new generation of leaders to embrace selfless service, integrity and genuine commitment to community development.

The APC senatorial candidate prayed for God’s continued guidance, sound health and greater wisdom for the new Gbonka Olubadan as he ascends to higher responsibilities, expressing optimism that his new status would open another remarkable chapter of impactful service to Ibadanland, Oyo State and Nigeria as a whole.

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Oriire Rescue: SWEGOP Seeks Stronger Security in Border Communities

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The South West Guild of Online Publishers has urged the Federal and Oyo State governments to strengthen security in border communities following the rescue of pupils and teachers abducted from Oriire Local Government Area of Oyo State.

The guild said the successful rescue of the victims, who regained their freedom on Friday after spending months in captivity, should mark a turning point in efforts to secure vulnerable communities and prevent similar attacks.

In a statement issued on Sunday and jointly signed by its Chairman, Bisi Oladele, and Public Relations Officer, Remi Oladoye, SWEGOP commended President Bola Tinubu, Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde and the security agencies for what it described as their commitment and coordinated efforts that led to the victims’ rescue.

The guild described the operation as proof that strong political will, intelligence-driven operations and effective collaboration among security agencies can deliver positive results in the fight against insecurity.

It also praised the gallantry, resilience and professionalism of the military and other security personnel involved in the operation, noting that their sacrifices had restored hope to the rescued victims, their families and residents of Oyo State.

While celebrating the successful rescue, SWEGOP sympathised with the families of security personnel and civilians who lost their lives during the ordeal, praying for the peaceful repose of the deceased.

The publishers observed that recent abductions across parts of the country revealed a disturbing pattern of attacks on border communities, where inadequate security presence, poor road networks, weak telecommunications infrastructure and easy escape routes into neighbouring countries have continued to expose residents to criminal activities.

It, therefore, called on governments at all levels to sustain the level of cooperation demonstrated during the rescue operation by strengthening collaboration among security agencies, traditional rulers, community leaders and other critical stakeholders to improve the safety of residents.

The guild further urged both the Federal Government and the Oyo State Government to deepen investments in intelligence gathering, surveillance technology, rapid response mechanisms and community policing to guarantee the safety of schools and ensure that children can learn without fear.

SWEGOP reaffirmed its commitment to responsible journalism and pledged continued support for initiatives aimed at promoting peace, public safety and the protection of lives and property across the South-West and the country.

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