The Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann on Tuesday said he was proud over the achievements made by the Rauf Aregbesola led administration in Osun.
He expressed excitement on what he described as unprecedented the successes recorded by the Osun state government in all aspects governance.
This was even as Osun and Australian governments cemented partnership on agricultural revolution.
A statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Semiu Okanlawon quoted the envoy as speaking during a courtesy call on the governor in his office in Osogbo.
The Australian High Commissioner who led other Australian representatives in Nigeria lauded the social protection initiatives of Governor Aregbesola, a gesture which according to him remain one of the best in the world.
The Envoy who commended the state government of Osun for reawakening the consciousness of its people to the path of greatness, said his visit to the state has given him an ample opportunity to be exposed to myriads of achievements made by Aregbesola’s government.
Lehmann said with what he saw in Osun, it is not a doubt that Osun has taken a bold step in bringing to the people the core dividends of democracy which government and governance stand to achieve.
He said his tours to some of the projects already executed and completed by the Aregbesola’s government is a clear manifestation to the commitment which the state had made towards the development of humanity.
According to Lehmann, the Osun governor has not only put into practice what government and governance represent but also exhibited clearly the role expected of any serious government in consciously rebranding the society and make it liveable for the its people.
The Australian High Commissioner maintained that the continued support given to education by the state would in no doubt bring a brighter future to the state and as well enhance the capacity of the state economically, socially and politically as education remains the bedrock of development in any society.
Lehmann who identified education, agriculture and security as major areas to which the state had invested hugely on said, Osun has sincerely demonstrated that development could only be achieved in a society built on virile educational foundation.
“Educating young people will definitely revive the society and secure a better future for all because it is the only educated mind that advance the potentials of the society for the benefits of all.
“I have gone round the town. I have seen some of the interventions of this administration in all sectors most especially in education, agriculture and security.
“These are the major sectors on which government and governance are based. I was marveled when I visited some of the state-of-the-arts schools constructed by the Aregbesola led government.
“I have seen the good governance in action in Osun because the state has without any sense of doubt done so much on the need to affect the lives of her people positively as this could be deduced from all I saw.
“I have been made to realise the so much efforts and commitment put together by the state on security as it is today on records that this state is one of the peaceful if not most peaceful state in Nigeria.
“This is a good way to go because it is only a secured society that can boast of possible development. I am happy and delighted over these strides and the intervention of the state harness the agricultural potentials of the state to better the lives of the citizens.
“Infact I don’t regret to visit this state because I am overwhelmed with the pace of development all around.
“So I have seen how this state has provided for the future population explosion as keen interest is not only developed on infrastructure but also on the well being of the citizenry.
” I commend Mr Governor for making Osun, Nigeria and Africa proud with his achievements”, Lehmann stated.
While assuring the state of partnership, the Australian High Commissioner said the country would support Osun government in mining sector, education, agriculture and security so as for the government to advance in its dreams to the people.
“I am here to know which area we can be of help to each other and as well advance our business and trade partnership.
” Australia is vast in mining, sports, agriculture, husbandry and education and for this singular reason my visit has made me to see the need to strengthen cooperation with your government on education, agriculture and other sensitive areas.
“Since the state is blessed with mineral resources, I am assuring you of country’s fruitful partnership for Osun to accomplish all her dreams”, he assured.
In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola called for a symbiotic and collaborative partnership between Osun and Australian governments in mining, education, security and animal husbandry.
He said Australia being the world leader in mining and animal husbandry could be of greater supporter to the state in promoting and advancing the agricultural potentials of Osun.
According to him, we want to collaborate with your government so as to properly harness our potentials in agriculture, mining and education sectors.
“It is on record that Australia is the world leader in mining and animal husbandry, the areas which to us can bring genuine development to our people if a better relationship is fostered between your government and our state.
“Since our economy is primarily driven by agriculture, hence the need to revamp the sector by all means and your collaboration in this regard will be of tremendous initiatives”, Aregbesola added.
While commending the Envoy for identifying with the achievements of the state, Aregbesola reassured his government’s commitment to take Osun to an enviable heights that would be cherished globally.
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