ABACHA ALMOST TRUNCATED ESTABLISHMENT OF JOURNALISTS ESTATE AT AREPO, SAYS FORMER GOVERNOR OSOBA

The former Governor explained that, on return to the office after the demise of Abacha, his administration revisited the proposed project which led to him signing the Certificate of Occupancy(C of O) of Punch Newspapers, which eventually became a reality including the establishment of Journalists Estate and expressed satisfaction on the relevance of the Estate as at today.

Penpushing further reports that, Osoba said his plan was to make and transform the area to what is known as ‘Fleet Street’, in London which is known and designed to accommodate journalists’ operational offices along with other components of occupants such as the Journalists Estate as a community on it’s own.

The former Governor revealed that, his second term bid was truncated by who he called “a civilian coupist” for  reasons  best known to him, inspite of his (Osoba’s) loyalty to the then civilian administration, but said he had no regret for being denied the second term opportunity to rule the State.

Penpushing also reports that, Akinrogun of Egba said, his reputation was more relevant than being a Governor the second time at all cost, emphasizing that, he lives in journalism and would die in journalism, adding that, he may not be rich, but not poor and a contented man.

The former Governor and chieftain of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) disclosed that, his monthly pension is N676, 000 and he is contented with it, adding that before becoming a Governor, he had been comfortable.

Penpushing reports that Osoba said, his contentment had been a source of joy and good living, pointing out that if he has not imbibe the spirit of contentment, he may not have attained the age of 80, saying that he made it a policy not to seek any favour from government as a former Governor.

The Egba High Chief commended members of the Journalists’ Estate Residents Association (JERDA) for their initiative in establishing the Journalists International School in the estate, adding that, education is key and vital for the growth of any community and the nation at large.

Penpushing reports that, he commended Otunba Olusegun  Runsewe, Director General of National Council for Arts and Culture, who donated the first building for the takeoff of Journalists’ International Schools (JIS) in 2007.

The former Governor encouraged the residents to live in harmony, noting that it is by so doing that, development will be regular, and also gave a pledge to support the project, alongside his son, Olumide Osoba, who is a member of the House of Representatives, representing the constituency at the National Assembly