I’ll revamp Osun’s economy, says Aregbesola

[Defender]

Osun State Governor Rauf Aregbesola has reiterated his determination to revamp the state's economy.

He spoke yesterday during a four-day retreat for the Executive Council in Offa, the Kwara State capital.

Aregbesola reminded the participants of his resolve to run an "unusual" government.

He said having understood the peculiarities of the state before coming into power, he was convinced that running a conventional government would not help him achieve his goals.The governor said the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed with the Nigeria Railway Corporation (NRC) to ensure easy transportation of agricultural and manufacturing products between Osun and Lagos states, was one of his strategies for economic growth.

He said the eradication of poverty, hunger and unemployment; promotion of healthy living, functional education, peace and progress are the priorities of his administration.Aregbesola said his major responsibility as a leader is to improve the lives of the people.

He urged the participants and civil servants to work towards achieving the six-point integral development agenda of his administration.

In a presentation, entitled: "Osun State Development Agenda," the governor said the establishment of a Southwest regional market in Dagbolu; logistics centre for Osun State in Lagos; creation of commodity exchange market; and the development of agro-industries were part of his plans to boost the economy.

He also mentioned the establishment of technical skills development centres and a Yoruba World Heritage Centre in Ile-Ife (to be called New Ife); and the development of tourism.

A retired federal permanent secretary, Dr. Goke Adegoroye, called for greater understanding between civil servants and political office holders.

Adegoroye said the vision of any new administration might be difficult to achieve if civil servants fail to key into the programmes and see themselves as the vehicle for delivering on the objectives of the administration.

Osun Defender