Association of Market Women is not left out in the appreciation of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun for his developmental strides, especially on the boost recorded in commercial activities across the state. SOLA JACOBS has the collection of views of some Iyalojas in the state.
— Alhaja Awawu Oyebamiji Asindemade J.P, Iyaloja General, State of Osun.
Appreciation is our word, as the Yoruba adage says, gratitude will ever determine ones attitude. Eight years ago, God sent a messiah in form of man in Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola to the generality of the people of Osun, though it was not a smooth journey, but the mandate was received which is the joy of the downtrodden.
Immediately Governor Aregbesola was sworn in as the executive Governor of the state, we, women who had been regarded as flotsam and jetsam of the society become his friend. What a true face of democracy and the government of the common people!
Market men and women, artisans, farmers and the downtrodden then had the opportunity of not only being informed about government activities but are also involved in the efforts to generate income, address challenges towards the development of our state.
The 90 days emergency declared in the sanitation sector to rid our markets of filth and save us from outbreak of perennial diseases and channelisation of our drainages puts an end to annual flood disaster through which many have lost properties and lives.
An average market woman in the state becomes more aware of nature and all that could affect harmonious living of man with nature. We become more conscious of the adage that health is wealth, as hardwork becomes our constant practice in and out of the market.
We are sensitised about revenue generation through tax and levies as our civic responsibility, if we want the government to provide us with infrastructure and take good care of us, its citizens.
Moreso, the common people know the challenges, the limitations and the prospects of government through constant workshops and seminars, which broadens and deepen our knowledge about good governance. In these eight years, we are refined, finesse and polished, as we could say we are educated in truth and in spirit.
Therefore, we can not but appreciate you.
— Alhaja Fausat Oyinlade, Iyaloja Ifelodun Ikirun.
Alhaja Falilat Bello, the Iyaloja of Isokan and the Secretary-General of the market women in the state said, Ogbeni’s tenure cannot be quantified or measured, as he had done tremendously well, both in human, capital and infrastructural development, despite the meager resources accrued to the state.
She continued, “No government in Osun had given buses to Iyaloja in the 33 local governments of the state, Ogbeni did!
The O’meal programme that gives free quality and sumptuous meal to children of common people, as well as good roads networks across the state are testimonies. Also, the staff loan given to us without any interest and collateral had boosted our business and we are full of gratitude.
Ogbeni Aregbesola holds us in high esteem, we have not have it as good as this and we pray that God will promote him.
— Alhaja Sikiratu Adekola, Iyaloja Oja-Oba, Osogbo.
Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, tried so much for us, he brought us from obscurity to the limelight, and now, we know that power reside with common people who are in the majority.
Suddenly, the market women and men become beautiful bride that everybody wants to woo. His administration had broadened our knowledge and we now know that good governance is about developing people, infrastructure and secure lives and properties. Osogbo the state capital suddenly transformed from glorified local government headquarters to a state capital.
Ogbeni God will lift you more, ese a dupe o
— Chief Mrs. Olufunmilayo Ogunrinola, Iyaloja Ife
Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola deserves our prayers as mother, as he had given us voice in the governance of the state.
We are more enlightened, sensitize and he is the one that makes us to know what good governance entails.
My prayer is that, you shall live long, in good health and know no sorrow. Wa a goke si, thanks very much.
— Chief Mrs. Hannah Awe, Iyaloja Atakumosa, Osu.
Our dear governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, we are proud of you as a true son of Ijesaland and our amiable governor.
We appreciate you, as you have promoted us, the market men and women across the state. Ogbeni, we urge you to do more within the short time left for your administration, particularly on the construction of new Atakumosa market which you promised and we believe you can do it.
