The Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola was a special guest of honour at the second edition of the Osun State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) quarterly ‘NUJ Guest Platform’, during which he reiterated his administration’s resolve to revitalize economy and put the state in a pedestal of progress and prosperity.
The intellectual forum was organised by a committee headed by the council’s Vice-Chairman, Comrade Sesan Adeleke.
Oyetola extolled virtues and commitment of founding fathers and promised to consolidate on achievements of successive administrations.
“I must at this juncture commend the labours of our past leaders, beginning from Retired General Leo Ajiborisa to my predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who variously stood in the saddle and provided direction for our people. It is certain that posterity will be kind to them all,” he said.
The governor revealed that the state had reached maturity stage and assured citizens of a brighter future, reflecting “without any doubt, our state has indeed come a long way. We have, from that innocuous journey, fired by the altruistic passion and patriotic zeal of our founding fathers, grown into a tree that shields our teeming citizens and offers hope of a brighter future for all. Over the years, we have confronted our worst fears and showed courage in the face of grave challenges, just as we have moved speedily into maturity and now reaching for the stars”.
He appreciated media practitioners in the state for what he called their relentless services , urging them “to continue to be government’s co-builder of the Osun of our dream”.
The Guest Speaker and a Professor of History at the Osun State University, Osogbo, Professor Siyan Oyeweso, said the state had recorded an appreciable growth in all facets of human life, noting that founding fathers played significant roles in the task towards the creation of the state, hence the need to always involve them in the celebration of the state, every year.
Oyeweso also noted that Osun State was a relatively peaceful state in the country and urged the people to sustain the peace, explaining that no development could take place in an atmosphere of rancour and acrimony.
The Royal Father of the occasion, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Aroyinkeye 1, saluted the Oyetola-led administration for, according to him, living up to expectation, despite limited resources. He prayed for continual peace, progress and development of the state in all ramifications, going forward.
In his remark, the NUJ Chairman, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu stated that the programme was organized to examine the 30-year sojourn of the state and project into future. He assured that the union would continue to set agenda for government and also hold public office holders accountable in its responsibility to make life more meaningful to the masses.
Osun State was created by the then Head of State, General Ibrahim Babangida on August 27, 1991 and clocked 30 years this year, 2021. Since creation, the state has been committed to an expedition of greatness, development and progress by successive administrations, pioneered by Colonel Leo Ajiborisa in 1991.
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