The atmosphere in Osogbo, the Osun State capital, was filled with unusual fun fare in the early hours of Tuesday as the state government ushered-in 2013 with pomp and pageantry through fireworks and pyrotechnics.
The sporadic fireworks, which was set off at exactly 12am on Tuesday and lasted for about 45 minutes, was used to usher in the New Year across nine major towns of the state.
The newly redesigned Railway Station in Old Garage area, Osogbo, venue of the programme, and its environs, were filled to capacity, with thousands of people lining up to witness the glamour of the fireworks organised by the state government.
As the people were in joyous mood watching the sporadic fireworks and pyrotechnics, popular Fuji Musician, King Saheed Osupa, was on hand to entertain the mammoth crowd.
All the strategic places of the state capital, particularly Old-Garage, Oke-Fia, Igbona, Sabo, Ayetoro, Alekuwodo and Oja-Oba, experienced unusual traffic jam in the midnight, as the atmosphere became electrified.
Speaking on the significance of heralding the New Year in that style, Governor Rauf Aregbesola said it is the duty of a responsible government to make the people happy at all times.
Aregbesola said: “The duty of any government is to make the people happy.
“I am satisfied that the people are happy and satisfied.
“As long as the people are happy, I am happy too.”
He said that his government is committed to guaranteeing the welfare of the people and continuing to make the people happy so as to enthrone peace, progress and development in the society.
The governor said that his New Year resolution is for his administration to work very hard to ensure that Osun State becomes a model for governance in Nigeria and the entire world.
He charged the people to work harder to increase their productivity so as to increase wealth, joy and prosperity in the New Year.
The Chairman of the organising committee and Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Ajibola Bashiru, described the event as unprecedented.
Bashiru said that the programme was aimed at making everybody have a sense of belonging and be part of the rest of the world to celebrate the New Year as being done in developed countries.
According to him, the programme was part of the efforts of the present administration in the state to place the state on a strategic position in the comity of states.
The state Head of Service, Olayinka Owoeye; the Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria, Osun State chapter, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi; the Special Adviser to the Governor on Special Needs, Comrade Biyi Odunlade; and the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Sikiru Ayedun, lauded the ingenuity of Aregbesola for the initiative to bring the people together to usher in the New Year in a grand style.
They noted that the programme has shown that the present administration identifies with the people, which is the essence of governance.
In their New Year resolutions, they all promised to serve the people more for the betterment of the state.
Adepeju Oduola, a Banker; Daodu Lateef, a trader; and Opeyemi Adewoye, a businessman, described the celebration as one of the best thing they have ever experienced in the state.
They said that what people need to do is to staunchly support the government of Aregbesola for having the love of the people as paramount to his government.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola has enjoined all Nigerians to assist the Federal Government with prayers in the bid to solve the problem of insecurity in many parts of the country.
Aregbesola also lauded the people of Osun State for their co-operation and support, wishing them a brighter and rewarding 2013 that will witness a continuation of the efforts of the state government to better the lots of the people across all divides.
The governor, in a congratulatory message to the people of Osun State to commemorate the New Year, signed by the Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Semiu Okanlawon, assured citizens and residents of a better 2013.
The governor said his administration will not relent in its developmental strides, saying what was witnessed in Osun State in 2012 in terms of development would be a child’s play compared to what will be witnessed in the New Year.
He said: “The year 2013 will further convince the citizens that the current administration is seriously committed to a total transformation.
“Let us resolve more than ever before, as we step into the New Year, that Osun will continue to be a shining example of what good governance should be.”
Aregbesola held that massive infrastructure uplift will be ushering in 2013 as the local government areas accelerate works on the 218.12 km road projects among many others.
The governor, in the statement, also acknowledged the security challenges in the country, calling on all Nigerians to work together to tackle the problems.
Quoting Chapter II, Section 14, paragraph 2b of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the governor said: “The security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government.”
He said a government exists to give protection of lives and properties, ensure peace and security and maintain law and order.
Aregbesola noted: “It is under this environment that people can enjoy their liberty, engage in fruitful and legitimate economic activities and realise their full potentials.”
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