Osun to partner Chinese firm on economic development programmes

NMA issues ultimatum to government on salary arrears
Osun State Government has signed a broad range of economic development partnership with a Chinese Firm, Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team.

The pact covers Agro Industrial Park, Export Processing, Hydro Power, Dry Port Associated Enterprise Park and Water supply and Road Projects among others.

Meanwhile, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) in the State has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the state government to pay its members working with the state, all outstanding salary arrears, deductions and other allowances.

A statement by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, quoted the State governor, Rauf Aregbesola as stating after the signing ceremony in Abuja at the weekend that the efforts of his administration to economically turn around the state are yielding desired results.

According to Aregbesola, with the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with the Chinese Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team, the State will maintain its front row position in employment generation and modern technology in agriculture.

He noted, “The manufacturing logistics, coordination, management and facility development of the Chinese Engineering Construction will soon be deployed for the benefit of the people of the state.”

In his remarks, Leader of the China Geo Engineering Construction Alliance Team, Mr. Shui Jin Tony, assured Governor Aregbesola that with the signing of the MOU on the Broad Range of Economic Development Partnership, the Firm would hit the ground running in a week.

He said their resolve to begin the economic development partnership within a week is a demonstration of the commitment and seriousness of the firm to the Memorandum of Understanding.

Also, a French partnership, VERGNET GROUPE, has said the 13 Megawatts Solar Power Project in the State of Osun will position the state well ahead of its peers especially in solar power energy.

Addressing the State of Osun Delegation before the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding which also had the French Ambassador, Dean Gauer as well as French Economic Counselor, Demónique Simon, Head of the Team, Frederick Chieve, applauded the political will of the State government in buying into the renewable energy through the solar power project.

According to Chieve, the 13 Megawatts Solar Power Project will provide huge employment opportunities to the youths and complement the epileptic power supply.

Aregbesola, in his remarks before the signing, noted that energy and by extension power is key, critical and a primary requirement for development.

He stressed that since adequate and uninterrupted supply of power and energy  is capable of reducing poverty, powering the communities through alternative sources will continuously be focused on by the administration.

He charged the partnering firm VERGNET GROUPE to deploy the International best practices in the solar power project.

Earlier, Director General, Office of the Economic Development and Partnership, Dr. Charles Akinola, had noted the uniqueness of the VERGNET GROUPE in the additional power generation to reduce dependence on the national grid.

The NMA while issuing the ultimatum also said it fully supported the on-going industrial action by Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) Teaching Hospital (LTH), Osogbo and Osun State Association of Medical and Dental Officers (OSAMDO).

In a statement signed by the state Chairman and Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Suraj Ogunyemi and Dr. Adeola Ajibare and made available to journalists at the weekend, the association said it resolved to issue the ultimatum after critical review of the situation pertaining to health sector in the state.