In an effort to engage jobless youth and take them off the streets, Osun State Government is set to explore opportunities in the Information and Communication Technology(ICT) to enhance creation of more jobs.
To this end, the State Government is ready to deploy ICT to assist teeming youth who are ready to take the very many advantages of the sector.
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke made this known in a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo through his Spokesperson, Mallam Rasheed Olawale.
The Governor through the statement promised an enlarged governance consultation with stakeholders such as civil societies, students and youth to expand ideas of how to take full advantage of opportunities embedded in ICT.
Senator Ademola Adeleke added that the Ministry of Science and Innovations has also been tasked to produce an implementation plan for the recently amended and approved State ICT Policy and State Innovation Policy to widen space for youth engagement.
“Our Government recognises deployment of ICT for job creation and youth engagement. Hence, we recently approved a state ICT and Tech Innovation policies.
"The relevant ministry is expected to prepare for implementation especially for job creation among our teeming youth.
"All over the world, Tech Innovation is the main thing and a huge money spinner, we are determined to also help our youth explore boundless opportunities in the sector to create more jobs and improve our economy for good.
"We are determined to do it and there is no going back". The Governor stated.
*Education; Osun to commence second phase of bursary awards to students in tertiary institutions.*
Preparations are in top gear to commence the payment of the second phase of bursary awards to students of Osun origin to assit them in furthering their studies.
This was made known by Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke in a statement made available in Osogbo through his Spokesperson, Mallam Rasheed Olawale.
The Governor in the statement stated that having completed the first phase, the State Government is already working on the second phase, while assuring Osun students of their welfare at all times.
Explaing that the present administration will always put issues regarding the youth and students on the front burner, Governor Adeleke noted that, the future of every society lies in the hands of the students and youth, hence their future should be secured.
The Governor then dropped the hint that a talent hunt programme which will aim to assist the students in discovering their hidden talents will soon be implemented in the State.
He explained that through the programme, hidden talents that could help them stand on their own without looking for white-collar jobs will be discovered, stressing that, the aim is to create more private jobs for economic growth.
The statement reads in part, “We are committed to supporting the education of youth in various institutions. We have a programme in the pipeline for students in tertiary institutions, a talent hunt programme to be implemented with the student leadership in the state.
"As a government, we have lofty plans for our that will secure their future, the future of this state is in their hands, we must do everything possible to guarantee a good for them. By doing so, we are safeguarding the future of this State". He stated.
My admin.'ll continue to ease the pains of our senior citizens - Adeleke*
_...Sets up Implementation Committee on payment of minimum wage..._
Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has assured retirees otherwise known as senior citizens that their welfare will continue to be paramount to him.
The Governor reiterated that his administration will continue to take steps that will ease their pains as senior citizens.
In a statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo by the Governor's Spokesperson, Mallam Rasheed Olawale, he announced that an implementation committee for the new minimum wage has been set up.
The Governor in the statement further explained that as part of efforts to continue to put smiles on the faces of retirees and active workers, the present administration will continue to pay the half salary and pension debts inherited from the previous governments.
The state helmsman while commending the efforts of Civil Servants in moving the State forward, noted that the public service will always be the basis for the development of the State, hence their welfare should always be of importance to any right thinking government.
The Governor said, "We have continued to pay the half salary and pension debts we inherited from the previous governments. We will continue to ease the pains of our senior citizens and workers.
“On minimum wage, we have set up an implementation committee. Relevant stakeholders are included to ensure an all inclusive process. We are committed to supporting our workers as a labour friendly government.
“Our labour leaders are aware and appreciative of our passion to improve the lives of workers and pensioners”, Governor Adeleke noted.
*Adeleke directs Min.of Agric to fast track implementation of programmes on Osun Food Security.*
_...Set to flag off distribution of farm equipment, tractors, others..._
Osun State Governor, Ademola Adeleke has issued directives to the State Ministry of Agriculture and Food Security to fast the implementation of food programmes and barnish hunger.
These programme according to a statement by Olawale Rasheed, the Governor’s spokesperson, will take care of food insufficiency and people’s welfare.
The statement also said the directives are in line with Governor Adeleke’s promise during the *EndBadGovernance* nationwide protest.
Osunnewsroom recalls that a nationwide protest against hunger was held in some states in Nigeria between Thursday, August 1 to Saturday, August 10, 2024
Governor Adeleke has,therefore, instructed the Ministry of Agriculture to expedite the implementation of programmes and policies on food security.
The statement reads, “I am committed to implementing our commitments, especially those arising from the recent national protests, as they relate to issues within our mandate. We are passionate about advancing our welfare agenda, which remains the top priority in our governance programs.
“It is in that vein that ,I hereby direct the Ministry of Agriculture and the Food Security Action Committee to commence the implementation process without further delay. We must roll out action plans with specific timelines to achieve the goals of food access, farm security, and food affordability.
“ I will flag off the distribution of farm equipment, seedlings, and farm inputs, including fertilizers and tractors, among other resources soon. We must hit the ground running.
“The Ministry is further directed to finalize plans for the cultivation of hundreds of hectares across local governments under the Young Agropreneurs Incubation Program. We must implement a comprehensive ‘Back to Farm’ project, including state assistance for farm preparation, tractorisation, and off-taking mechanisms.”
While acknowledging that inflation contributes to the high cost of food, Governor Adeleke expressed optimism that the ongoing efforts of the Food Security Action Committee will ease the harsh impact of food inflation.
*Osun to Domesticate National Senior Secondary Education Law*
*Roseline Olawuni*
Osun State Government has promised to create and domesticate the National Senior Secondary School Education Law to further improve the standard of education in the State.
Governor Ademola Adeleke made the pledge while hosting the Executive Secretary of the Senior Secondary Education Commission, Dr Iyela Ajayi and his team who were in the state to select a model school for rehabilitation and upgrade.
The Governor who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi said the present administration is one that believes in providing conducive environment for learning and teaching as this contributes greatly to the assimilation process of the students.
He explained that the present government pays attention to the upgrading of learning facilities from Primary to Tertiary level and wants to ensure that no area is lacking in terms of government's support
While calling for deeper partnership between the commission and thd state, the Governor said the composition of the law will be put in place as soon as possible as it is already at the third reading level at the State Assembly.
Earlier in his address the Executive Secretary National Senior Education Commission, Dr. Iyayi Ajayi commended the Adeleke Administration for the interest the government has put in the development of Education.
He said the domestication of the Law will help Secondary Schools across the state to develop as the aid from the federal government will be made available to help in the physical development of schools across the state.
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*Osun to collaborate with Private Tech Stakeholders,
Trains Youth In Tech Skills
*Olubunmi Badiora*
With the recently approved Science, Technology and Innovation (STI) and Information, Communication Technology (ICT) policies, Osun State Government has given an assurance that Ademola Adeleke led administration will collaborate with the Private Tech stakeholders to move the state tech. ecosystem for the advancement of technology and digital economy.
The State Commissioner for Innovation, Science, Technology and Digital Economy, Hon. Maruf Dele Ayofe revealed this while featuring on a programme organised by Private Tech Stakeholders in Osogbo, the state capital.
Hon.Ayofe stated that the implementation of the new STI & ICT policies, approved by the Osun State Executive Council will be beneficial to citizens in the state, the private tech stakeholders and in particular,the youth.
The Commissioner while emphasising the many benefits that the STI & ICT policies will bring, added that the ICT Policy is designed to promote the adoption and integration of modern technology across various sectors of the state's economy .
He particularly emphasized on the programmes to include but not limited to improve digital literacy, enhancement of e-governance, and creating a conducive environment for the growth of the ICT industry.
Speaking further, he maintained that the STI Policy, on the other hand, focuses on driving innovation and scientific research in order to harness the power of science and technology to solve local challenges, create jobs, and boost the state's competitiveness in the global market.
"Let me state with all sense of responsibility that the policies will be made public once they are passed on the floor of the State House of Assembly .
"However, i want to advise everyone to make judicious use of it once it is made public as youth in the state will be trained in various tech skills.
"I call on them using this medium to take advantage of it by coming to register for the training when the link is announced." said Ayofe .
He assured that the State Government under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke will see to the implementation of these policies with the establishment of frameworks for monitoring and evaluation, as this will ensure that the objectives of the policies are met .
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*Personal/School Safety: Osun SUBEB Holds a one day Seminar*
In an effort to achieve a safe environment for work and learning, the Osun Universal Basic Education Board(SUBEB) has organized a one day seminar for members of staff.
The seminar held in conjunction with the Environmental and Social Safeguard in schools was held at the SUBEB headquarters in Osogbo.
Declaring the seminar open, the Executive Secretary, Osun SUBEB, Mr Yahaya Bakare said the seminar came up as a result of the need to curb social menace and in particular to ensure safety of schools environment across the State.
The Executive Secretary who was represented by the Director, Administration and Supplies, Mr Olumide Taiwo appreciated Osun Government and UBEC for their relentless efforts at delivering quality education to learners in a conducive environment.
He noted that, the program will go a long way in protecting schools environment as well as catering for unwholesome habits among young learners and adults in the society.
In her address, the National Consultant, Environmental and Social Safeguard in Schools, Stella Blaize described the program as a way of ensuring the well-being of both learners and teachers within a given school environment,for safety from all kinds of bad habits that will hinder societal norms and values.
She called for concerted efforts to protect schools aimed at ensuring that schools are not only safe but protected.
