Osun Govt Urges Rebranding of Dodo Ikire To Boost Economy

Osun state government in its drive towards economic development has urged producers of the popular Dodo Ikire, a special delicacy unique to Osun to improve on hygiene, taste and branding of the product for global market.

This was revealed in a statement signed by Mr. Sola Fasure, Media Adviser to the Governor on Wednesday, after the meeting of the Executive Council of the State of Osun Meeting.

The Council also considered brief on the newly introduced school uniform which has been adjudged to be more durable. Parents were encouraged to purchase the new uniform for their children and ensure that their wards are prepared for school in “neat, clean, well ironed and smart outfit every school day”.

The Council reiterated Aregbesola administration’s commitment to a free and quality education in the state stating that “the state government is not charging ‘school fees’ in any of the public schools in the state” but maintenance fees are being charged in the newly constructed world class modern schools.

It reads: “However, maintenance levies are being charged only in the new state-of-the-art elementary, middle and high schools in the state. Elementary school pupils are required to pay N2,000; middle school pupils, N3,000; and high school pupils N6,000 maintenance levy, every academic session. Nevertheless, a flat rate of N1,500 education trust levy is required from every pupil in public and private schools in the state every academic session”.

Meanwhile, the state government has approved release of N1 billion for payment of 142 contributory pension scheme beneficiaries.

It reads: “Council received report that N1 billion has been released to 142 beneficiaries of contributory pension scheme by the state government. These are 100 high school teachers, 30 retirees from Ministries, Department and Agencies of Government and 12 from parastatals. Bond certificates will be presented to them in two weeks. The beneficiaries are selected on a ‘First come, first served’ basis, beginning from January 2 to May 4, 2016”.

The statement stated further that N200 million naira has been released to settle part of the outstanding gratuities of the 2011/2012 retirees.

“Government has also released N200 million to settle part of the outstanding gratuities of the 2011/2012 retirees. The 2,006 beneficiaries will each receive N100,000, also on ‘First come, first served’ basis. They consist of 801 high school teachers, 704 civil servants and 501 from parastatals. Payment will commence on Monday February 26, 2018”.

It reads further, “The council also notified all retirees from Local Governments, elementary schools and middle schools that they will have their entitlements settled instalmentally from Monday February 26, 2018. Beneficiaries will as well be selected on ‘First come, first served’ basis. The list of beneficiaries will be displayed on notice boards at the Ministry of Information and Strategy and Local Government Pensions Board”.

Meanwhile, the state government has approved the appointment of Prince Agunbiade Oke Adeleke of Igando Quarters as the Ajalaye of Ipetu-Ijesa. The statement said Prince Adeleke emerged victorious in a contest involving seven princes in a meeting of the kingmakers on December 7, 2017.

The Council has however congratulated the new king and wished him a peaceful and successful reign.