Osun Defender Editor 23rd March 2017

NEWS

Editors Score Osun Economy Prospects High

COMMUNITY REPORTS

Osun RAMP Begins Construction Of River Crossings In Rural Communities

- Page 8-9

- Page 7

Pathbreaking Seminar For Local Government Information Officers

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“All Information Is Local” You however need to develop yourselves, be able to write very well, speak very well and look attractive.

You must also be an avid reader.

You need to transform yourself from an information officer to information specialist. That makes you an information professional, not just a civil servant trying to earn a living.

- Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

See Full Reports On Pages 5, 6, 11 & Back Page

Osun New High Schools: 550,000 World Class Scholars Projected - Page 2

Osun New High Schools: 550,000 World Class Scholars Projected 2

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OSUNDEFENDER

By Kehinde Ayantunji

HE Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said on Tuesday that the projection of his administration was to produce large number of scholars that would be able to contend with global realities of decades to come.

He said the vision of Days Adventist his administration in Government High School building 20 Model High Ede; and Ataoja High Schools is to produce at School. least 500,000 world According to the scholars that would governor, the day, 21st of shake Nigeria, Africa and March was deliberately the World at large with chosen to mark the quality of knowledge and significant revolutionary excellent in character. change in the future of the According to him, with state, Yoruba race and knowledge and African continent, adding advancements in that the date has both technology, low skills job spiritual and scientific would be eliminated in support to reflect that the the society, hence, any education reform of his government that is not administration has expecting doom must already succeeded. educate the people to He said: “Today, survive the trend. another life The governor said this begins, Today, there will in his speech titled, “We be a remarkable change Have Seen The Future”, in the climate, in Europe d u r i n g t h e and America, all dead Commissioning and trees are coming to life Opening Ceremony of today, today is when life the just completed Four re-emerges after total New Model High darkness and winter, Schools held at Ataoja today, the equator is Government High directly facing the sun, to School, Osogbo. make remarkable climate Four Schools were change, such commissioned and phenomenon occurs opened simultaneously twice in a year, March with representatives of 21st and September 21st . the governor in the other “I choose today, to locations. The schools mark the beginning of a are Wole Soyinka revolution that will turn Government High School our state, our region and Ejigbo; Osogbo our nation to a victorious Government High one in Africa and in all School, Osogbo; Seven part of the world.”

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Today, another life begins, Today, there will be a remarkable change in the climate, in Europe and America, all dead trees are coming to life today, today is when life re-emerges after total darkness and winter, today, the equator is directly facing the sun, to make remarkable climate change, such phenomenon occurs twice in a year, March 21st and September 21st .

PUBLIC NOTICE

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I, formerly known as AJEPE RAHEEM A B D U L R A S A K OMOSHANJO, that I now wish to be called and addressed as RAHEEM A B D U L R A S A K OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

SKYE Bank and general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly known as MISS ISHOLA, OLAYEMI OMOLOLA, that I now wish to be called and addressed as MRS. A D E D O K U N , OLAYEMI OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

NEWS

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CHANGE OF NAME

That I formerly known as MRS FOLARIN RONKE FUNMILOLA. That I now want to be known and addressed as OGUNDEYI RONKE FUNMILOLA. All documents remains valid. UBA PLC and general public should take note of this.

Aregbesola explained that the vision of his administration is to build at least 20 high schools but as a result of unavailability of resources, seven out of

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30 , 2017

the 20 are currently at the completion stage, while four were being commissioned at the same time.

He said, each of the High schools is expected

to produce, at least, 1, 000 students that would be productive and merits admission into any university across the •Continued on page 14

Man Arraigned For Stealing Phone

•The Ataoja Government High School, Osogbo.

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By Israel Afolabi

24 years-old man, Olatunde Rahaman has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate court for stealing phones worth of N51,000.

The police prosecutor, His counsel, Mrs Raji Mr Akin Ajao told the Abiodun applied for the court that Rahaman bail of the accused stole the phone which person, and urged the belong to one Raifu court to grant the bail in Saheed and Sunday liberal terms.

Victor, valued at She told the court that N51,000 on the 17th of the suspect is ready to March, 2017 at stand trial and prove his Mercyland Area, Dada innocence before the Estate Osogbo. court.

The police prosecutor The cousel added that said, the accused the accused person committed the offence would provide credible contrary to and surety to affirm his punishable under readiness to face trial. section 412,516,390(1) She argued further that and section 415 of the the suspect’s rights to bail Criminal Code Cap 34 is guaranteed by the Vol.II law of Osun State constitution, adding that of Nigeria 2003. he remains innocent until However, the accused the court finds him guilty person pleaded not of the alleged offences. guilty to all the charges Police prosecutor did brought against him. not oppose the bail

application, saying the court is at liberty to grant bail as it pleased.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr. Olusola Aluko, granted the accused person bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in like sum.

He then adjourned the case to April 25, 2017.

Osun Senator Provides Free Medical Care For Constituents

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By Ismaeel Uthman

O fewer than 2,000 people benefited from the free medical programme organised by the Senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare, over the weekend.

The Ilesa Grammar School, Venue of the programme was filled to capacity, as residents were trooping out enmasse to participate in the healthcare event which was described as first of its kind.

The gesture, according to Omoworare, was to ensure good living of the people of his constituency, especially those that could not afford hospital bill and are in need of treatment.

Omoworare said: “It is a continuous intervention. We are not just doing it, we have been doing it in the past and we will continue to do it.

“We all know that there is recession in the country and this is part of the little we can do to let our people get good care.

There is need for development of our medicals; there is need for overhaul in every sector of our society.”

The leader of the medical team from Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital, Dr. Olusegun Daramola, called on federal government to make special provision for health sector, saying “medical test should be free and periodical.”

Daramola observed that people have been forced to embark on self medication when they could not afford the cost of hospital treatment.

Osun 2018: PDP Sets To

Wrestle Power From APC

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reconciliation.

By Shina Abubakar The committee, the HE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the medium gathered had State of Osun seems to be in a desperate mode reach out to major to ensure that the crisis rocking the party is gladiators in the two resolved with intent to dislodge the All Progressives factions of the party and Congress (APC) in the 2018 governorship election. both had agreed on the Chieftains of the party recognition of Senator need to move forward have seen the need to set Iyiola Omisore as the and abandon the up reconciliatory leading figure for the acrimony that is dividing committee, with a view party and that no one the party and render it to finding a common would leave the party till powerless. end of the ground for both factions the It was learnt that the in the party to unite and reach a resolution on The warring factions desire working for the progress peace and understood the need of the party in the state.

As at the time of filing for unity as the precursor for this report, it was learnt reclaiming power from the that the warring factions agreed on certain present ruling party in the conditions for peace to state. reign which include the

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two factions agreed that the situation with the party had given the APC leeway to operate as the party pleases to the detriment of the populace in the state, citing the non-conduct of local government election in the state for over six years.

A member of the party, Akintunde Sheriff told OSUN DEFENDER that the warring factions desire peace and understood the need for unity as the precursor for reclaiming power from the present ruling party in the state.

He also disclosed that •Continued on page 3

Ife Crisis Aftermath: Afenifere Kicks Over “One-sided” Police Report THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER

and when a LASTMA “We would not allow nationality,” ARG said.

By Ismaeel Uthman official, Tajudeen Bakare, our people to be “We therefore call on pan Yoruba organization, the Afenifere was brazenly murdered deliberately made a the Government of the Renewal Group (ARG) has rejected the in the process of scapegoat of the inherent State of Osun to police report on the clash between Hausa and enforcing the law. failure of Nigeria’s inaugurate a commission Yoruba people in Ile-Ife, accusing the police of not conducting thorough investigation on the crisis.

ARG, according to a and arson on all sides, the press release issued by its Nigeria Police are saying Publicity Secretary, Mr that Yoruba people are Kunle Famoriyo, the only culprits, that described the police Yoruba people attacked report as one-sided and their own people, and unfair Yorubas, stating burnt the houses of their that the police authority own people. Who would has only been arresting believe this?”

Yorubas in Ife in The group declared connection with the that the Ife crisis was not clash. an ethnic issue even The group maintained though the police was in that the Yoruba people the effort to make it one, are lovers of peace, but saying, “It disturbingly also haters of injustice in raised the question of any appearance or form, partisanship and cast a calling on the Osun State doubt on the police Government to set up a institution.” commission of enquiry “What is desired is a •Aftermath of Ife killings, residents scampering for left overs of their assets. into the Ife crisis. thorough and ARG said, it was trustworthy investigation disappointed in the but it appears that is report of the police, impossible to get from saying, it had looked the Nigeria Police that S peace returned to Ile-Ife, Osun State after degenerate to such level forward to a thorough has failed to produce a the bloody clash between Yoruba and Hausa of killing one another. It police investigation that single arrest in cases of Communities in the ancient city, residents, is very unfortunate and would establish the perpetual marauders and shop owners and the Hausa Community have permanent solution must immediate and remote killers in Southern be designed against causes of the crisis, “but Kaduna, Benue and continued to count their losses. future occurrence", he point of the fracas said, While house and shop it appears that no Enugu States, but has said. his properties were burnt owners in the area who thorough and within a week found a Also, a shop owner in trustworthy report sudden ‘efficiency’ in the are majorly Yorubas into ashes, saying, "all the Sabo area, Alhaji Saratu properties I have lamented that they had would come from the Ile-Ife crisis”, the group lose their houses, shops acquired in my life had Abidemi said, her shop police”. stated. gone. I don't even know was looted in the course It said: “We are The group pointed out and goods to the crisis, of the crisis and she lose however shocked at the that the police failed to the Hausa community where to start from.

"I have been living here goods worth over outcome of a purported make any arrest when a alleged that it recorded police investigation similar crisis occurred at several death and loss of for so many years and I N1million.

He appealed to the have never witnessed a which from all Mile 12, Lagos, last year goods. indications would now during which Yoruba One Mr Badiru thing like this in my life. I government and the appear one-sided and people were killed and Olopade who resides in can't imagine that a minor security operatives to tending towards a their properties razed Sabo area, the major argument could carry out thorough predetermined outcome.

“For instance, the sin of one of those paraded, Obimakinde Samuel, according to police information, was that he membership was ‘found with a fresh landlords had reported which

By Sola Jacobs cut on his head suspected the matter at the Police consists of all ethnic HE parade of Yoruba suspects arrested in station, saying, “we are groups and the security to have been inflicted on connection with the clash between Hausas just compiling the full agents in the city were him during the crisis.’ and Yorubas Ile-Ife by the Nigeria Police details of affected Yoruba working round the clock Mr. Obimakinde, according to police Force headquarter in Abuja on Monday had whose properties and to ensure that such future information, is obviously triggered reaction, as the spokesman on Ife Affairs, means of livelihood have occurrence do not Comrade Olajire Awowoyin said, it is gone. Or are they saying happens, saying the a victim.

“In a violent clash that discriminatory, bias and in favour of the Hausa it is the owners of those action of the police could truncate the move. involves deaths, injuries, community. properties who are “On the whole, we Speaking with OSUN Yorubas that torched have appealed to the DEFENDER in Ile-Ife on their houses and shops”. youths to allow peace to Tuesday, he said the He wondered why no reign, the issue of parade of the suspects single Hausa man or parading only Yoruba •Continued from page 2 2019 General Election, without their woman was arrested and suspects if not carefully the ruling party in the saying, the Osun arraignment in court for paraded. handled could generate state was making the governorship election trial only laid credence to “Our position is that another tension. people to seek alternative would be a measure for the fact that the police justice must be done, “It is our plea that the government, which, the party’s chances in were biased and thorough investigation law enforcement agency according to him, only a 2019. discriminatory in their must be carried out and should not aggravate the united PDP can provide The PDP, Sheriff arrest and parade of the those found practically situation, what had involved should be happened is misnormal come 2018. added is aware of the suspects.

A difficult situation is cries of its supporters on He stated: “Our own prosecuted accordingly. and should be corrected.

“We object to the On the plight of the the new snag developing the need to make it a force understanding of the law in the reconciliation to reckon with as it was and justice is that until indiscriminate arrested of Hausa’s fleeing Ife, process in the national before the 2015 general you are found guilty by Yoruba suspects on the Comrade Awowoyin secretariat of the party, as election, noting that its the law, you are not a order of one Nasid said, the Hausa’s in Ife was are Ifes, they were born Sheriff disclosed that any leadership would stop at criminal but the police Malami, who suspected to have bred there, saying, difficulty with the nothing to ensure that the action is telling the world participated in the arson. and some of them do not that it is only the national reconciliation feat is achieved.

“The parade of the know any other home would affect those moves Investigation revealed Yoruba’s that are found Yoruba suspects had other than Ifes, their guilty in the civil at the various states the PDP leaders believed raised suspicion and our that people are aggrieved, as place of birth. chapters of the party. that the ruling party is disturbance “What has happened is He added that though gradually falling apart as happened in Ile-Ife. it is one sided. Such move a clash within Hausa Comrade Awowoyin could threaten the peace community, not between there are hiccups in the a result of power play process, but expressed and determined to take said, the houses and that had been returning Ifes/Hausas, saying the matter should be treated optimism that the party advantage and launch shops that were razed in to the ancient city. belonged to He spoke further that as such without favour of would put its house itself back to the Sabo Truth and an ethnic group against together ahead of the acceptance of the masses. Yorubas, and more than the 50 shop owners and Reconciliation body other.

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of enquiry to establish the remote and immediate causes in a manner that will engender truth and reconciliation.”

...Residents, Shop Owners Recount Losses

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Ife Residents Caution Against Indiscriminate Arrest of Yorubas

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Osun 2018

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investigations and fix out those behind the crisis, especially the looters of his shop, saying, "if that is done, may be we can be able to retrieve some of our looted goods".

Also, the secretary of Hausa community in Ile Ife, Malam Magaji Nasir said, the angry mob razed more than 20 houses and charted away valuables, blaming the police late intervention for the escalation of the crisis.

According to him, the crisis was as a result of a long standing acrimony between the Yoruba's and Hausa's in the area, saying, the economic interests of the two tribes in Sabo area often generate conflicts.

He said: "I was born and brought up in Ile- Ife, and it is unfortunate that kind of thing happened.

When this crisis started, we hurriedly approached the police and they promised to restore normalcy, but their intervention did not come until the crisis had escalated.

"AK 47 riffles were freely used and before the arrival of the police, they have destroyed our properties and killed some people; setting people on fire, and the police could not help the situation until the issue degenerated".

He said, some of the injured victims who were hospitalised at Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital (OAUTCH), were evacuated to Wesley Guild in Ilesa for fear of further attack.

Nasir, however, admitted that some houses belonging to Yoruba in Sabo area were also razed.

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EDITORIALS

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Ife Crisis: Arrest Should Reflect Justice

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HE seeming injustice in the arrest of suspected masterminds of the recent intertribal crisis which claimed the lives of almost fifty people in Ile-Ife, is condemnable.

In an attempt to bring perpetrators of that disturbance of peace to justice the Nigerian police has reportedly made some arrest. What is disturbing is the purported sectional arrests by the police which has become a source of worry to concerned citizens.

Whereas the crisis was between the Hausas and the Yorubas while both sides recorded casualties, this medium authoritatively learnt that the arrest made by the police did not reflect justice as only the Yorubas were arrested; a development that has attracted condemnations from different quarters. Prominent amongst those that have kicked against the arrest is the

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ARELY a week after the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and some prominent indigenes of Osogbo town raised their thumbs in commendation of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s stellar performance in the State of Osun in particular, the unprecedented transformation that has happened to the state capital under Mr. Governor, another commendation worthy of mention to the public has again come for the Ogbeni A r e g b e s o l a - l e d administration.

The commendation this time is coming from the Nigerian Guild of Editors who were inspecting projects in the state last week.

The president, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Funke

To limit arrests to only one of the parties involved in the crisis is tantamount to taking sides and this is dangerous indeed as it could breed another round of hostilities between the different groups co-habiting in that community.

Yoruba socio-cultural organisation, Afenifere.

Much as we believe that perpetrators of the violence must be brought to book, we like to align with public opinion that the arrest should not be limited to a particular party involved in the crisis.

For the sake of justice arrests must be made from

Unending Encomiums For Ogbeni Egbemode who led her colleagues on the inspection tour, applauded Governor Aregbesola for bringing good governance to bear in administering the state. The Guild exalted the focused and determined efforts of the Ogbeni Governor which have resulted in concrete transformation of the state and urged the Governor not to relent in his propeople approach to governance.

With the benefit of hindsight we are aware that Ogbeni Aregbesola’s progressive government in the state has attracted commendations from so many quarters - both at home and in the Diaspora - especially the educational policies and youth employment strategies; some of which have served as templates for the Federal Government and other states in their approach to governance, we are particularly elated

thing; truth is ever constant.

Though critics who will never see anything good in whatever that the latest commendation came that is good abound here and from the media which is the number there, with this latest one watchdog of the society. For in any commendation coming from society, it is the media that appreciates the Nigerian Guild of Editors, better because her binoculars are wider all we can say is to remind which makes its practitioners to see ourselves again of the great issues from objective perspectives. quote of the avatar, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of For in any society, it is blessed memory; that the media that “Only the deep can appreciates better call the deep”. Thus because her binoculars a fortiori Ogbeni are wider which makes must not look back.

He must move on, on its practitioners to see the current track and issues from objective leave the rest for perspectives. posterity to judge.

A lot has been said about Aregbesola’s Surely, positive stellar performance in the state. And all that words await him has been said in recognition of his progressive from posterity. approach to governance only confirm one

Osun And Infrastructural Development

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HERE is no denying the fact that the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun has invested heavily in infrastructural development in Osun in the past six years of his administration.

It is worthy to mention the investment of the government in all sectors of the economy, such as education, agriculture, aviation etc.

At the inception of his administration, Ogbeni called for Education Summit, which was headed by the renowned academic icon and Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka,

both sides and thorough investigation conducted to be able to identify the real culprits.

To limit arrests to only one of the parties involved in the crisis is tantamount to taking sides and this is dangerous indeed as it could breed another round of hostilities between the different groups co-habiting in that community.

As an institution founded on the philosophy of maintaining and promoting peace, the police must always be seen as impartial in the discharge of its duties to the public. As a symbol of peace it must be a fair operator at all time.

Otherwise, the peace we strongly seek to have will only prove to be a mirage. And more than any other thing in our country now, we need a peaceful atmosphere under which our democracy can thrive. For peaceful coexistence, the police must show unambiguous impartiality.

who mapped out the way forward in the Education sub-sector.

In the quest for educational development, the government reclassified schools within the education

system in the state into Elementary, Middle and High school respectively, in conformity with the National Education Policy and best world standards.

However, in this education reform, world standard schools were built across all the three (3) senatorial districts in the state and some principals on Grade Level 16 and above

were promoted and designated into the position of Tutors-General, which is equivalent to the status of Permanent Secretary in the civil service.

Several other initiatives had been introduced to the education sector, which include distribution of Opon-Imo (Tablet of Knowledge) to students, increase in the grant to schools and many more.

Besides the intervention in the education sector, the state has more than ever, witnessed good road network across all the council areas which have linked rural communities with urban centers.

These efforts of the present government and many more are worthy of commendation by all.

•Toyosi Olowookere, Oyan, State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER

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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

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5

As Tool For Sustainable Growth And Development

The government of the State of Osun has from inception as put the roles of the Local Government at the forefront of its thrust for sustainable developments. The theme of the workshop organised yesterday by the State Government for Local Government Information Officers held in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, was, “The Impact of a new Partnership in Information Dissemination and Management for Sustainable Development”.

Below, OSUN DEFENDER periscopes the refreshing thoughts presented by the participants at the workshop.

“Today, the state’s schoolf e e d i n g programme has become a reference, recognized and actively promoted by international development partners to address mul•Mr Sanya Oni, Editorial tiple challenges Page Editor, The Nation Newspaper. of declining school enrolment, infant nutrition, poverty and underdevelopment. Which better stories can be told of the impacts of this innovative programme on the development process? What about the on-going physical and infrastructure transformation being witnessed across the state?”

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NFORMATION they say is power, and several schools of thoughts have identified numbers of dangers attached to the non-availability of appropriate information management mechanism, most especially at the grassroot level, either by government establishment or private organizations at a particular time.

On many occasions, several newly-

‘Information officer highlight any problem he/she envisage to hinder the peace of the society to the local, state and federal government levels for urgent action and reaction. He serves as the mouth-piece of the people in a given local government area by always ensuring that the welfare of the people is paramount and guaranteed”.

•Wale Adebisi, Executive

Director, Ola Oni Centre For Social Research, Osogbo.

introduced policies of government or decision by private organisations had brewed crisis due to lack of adequate information and sensitization, which are majorly the responsibilities of information managers in those establishments.

This, must have been the basis for the assemblage of Information Officers in all the Local Governments, Local

•A cross section of participants at the seminar.

Generally, however, an information officer must be the one driving the narrative about his organisation as reported in the media and the court of public •Sola Fasure, Deputy Bureau of opinion. He or Director, Communication & Strategy. she should not wait until there is trouble and start putting out the fire. He or she should be able to write stories, articles and features for newspapers and journals.

He must also be able to produce (or commission to be produced) television and radio scripts telling his story and push them to be aired.

Council Development Authorities, Area Offices and Administrative offices in the State of Osun at the Local Government Service Commission Hall on Thursday, to get a direction on information management at grassroot levels, especially when Nigeria is faced with economic challenges.

At the workshop, themed, “The impact of a new partnership in Information Dissemination and Management for Sustainable Development in the State of Osun”, eggheads in information management and dissemination were assembled to give their thoughts on the issues in line with international best practice.

Among the resource persons, •Continued on page 6

Local Government Reforms In Osun

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By Kola Odepeju, Lagos Editor

T will amount to trite to state here again that the State of Osun has witnessed tremendous and unprecedented transformation since the inception of the Rauf Aregbesola administration in 2010. Of course, there can’t be any dispute about the truism that never in her annals, since its creation in 1991, has the state witnessed the current marveling level of transformation that defines Aregbesola’s administration. These assertions cannot in all intellectual honesty be regarded as overstatements.

The case of Osun having experienced an incredibly marvelous transformation under the visionary Ogbeni is a matter for the eyes to see; but not a mere propaganda that government’s mouthpieces and their apologists usually mouth about in order to boost the image of the government they are part of or that they get patronage from. No. Thus, in Osun, when we talk about transformation, it is not about image boosting. The reforms that have happened to the life of Osun are real and concrete. They are historical facts that cannot be erased from the pages of history book.

In factual terms, one can say here without any fear of contradiction that generations yet unborn will live to know and appreciate the fact that a governor did pass through their state who did his job well; having touched every stratum of the state positively.

They will surely pass a ‘well done’ judgment on Ogbeni. As far as analysts and observers are concerned, opinions are already unanimous about this.

Though the focus of this piece is on the reforms that have happened to the

•Continued on page 6

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REVIEW

Information Management: Tool For Sustainable Development •Continued from page 5

were, the Editorial Page Editor, the Nation Newspaper, Sanya Oni on “Making Local News Relevant to the National Media”; the Executive Director, Comrade Ola Oni Center for Social Research, Comrade Wale Adebisi on “Local Information Dissemination and Sustainable Development – A Philosophical Framework; and the Deputy Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Sola Fasure on “The Media and Public Communications in the 21st Century” The speakers at the event alluded to the importance of information managers/officers, in various councils for easy governance, as they serve as the bridge between the local, state and federal governments in line with the policy and programme of such government. They are regarded as the brain box of growth, creativity and wealth creation and the effective performance of their roles would automatically guarantee peaceful coexistence, socially, culturally, educationally and economically.

•Some of the participants in a group photograph with Governor Rauf Aregbesola after the seminar.

“On many occasions, several newly-introduced policies of government or decision by private organisations had brewed crisis due to lack of adequate information and sensitization, which are majorly the responsibilities of information managers in those establishments”.

Local Information Dissemination: Essential Factor For Development ’

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Abridged version of a paper delivered by Comrade Wale Adebisi, Executive Director, Comrade Ola Oni Center for Socia Reesearch, Osogbo

NFORMATION according to the Macmillan school dictionary is the knowledge of f acts about someone or something, while management is defined as the process of controlling or operating an effect, a business or organization.

Therefore, every managed information should be communicated to the people which the information is meant for, through various means of information, communication or dissemination; such as the use of technical media which include print, radio and television broadcast, video and audio cassettes, computer based learning and telecommunications.

To make the dissemination of information management more effective, the services of information officers are required most especially in the local government council offices.

Effects of Information Management and Dissemination a.

Documentation of the agriculture products and natural resources of a particular local government area vis-à-vis the topography and boundary demarcations of one local government from another for national awareness and development. b.

Exhibition of the cultural heritage of a particular local government area: - Since it is a general belief that any race of people without culture is without history, the importance of culture as a catalyst for mutual cohabitation cannot be over emphasized. c.

Religious Belief and Diversity: - Another effect of information management and dissemination for the development of local government to both the state and Federal governments emanates from the religious belief and diversity of the ethnic communities of human existence. d.

Economy: The infrastructural development of the local government which is in tandem with the available mineral resources in such a local government area is another effect of the information management and dissemination for the development of local government to the state and federal governments. e.

Health: - Information officer as a resource centre in the local government for information management and dissemination must ensure that the needed health facility is provided by the local government authority in any given community. f.

Power and Water: - The information officer as part of his/her duty must sensitize the local government at all times, on the need for stable supply of power and water in a given local government area for the smooth and unhindered running of the industry in such a local government.

g.

Education: - Among the duties of the information officer as the manager and communicator of information in the local government is the collation of the number of both the public and private primary, secondary and tertiary institutions in a particular local government area. h.

Politics: - The issue of politics cannot be wished away in the effects of information management and dissemination from the development of the local government to the state and federal levels. Apart from being the carrier officer, the information officer is also the special adviser to the government on government policies and programmes.

Methods of Dissemination of Information and Management i.

Convocation of town hall meeting which will comprise each ward in a given local government on a monthly basis. This will serve as a platform of introducing government policies and programmes and the reaction of the people on such a policy for amicable resolution and adoption. ii.

Space room dialogue is another method to enable the information officer separately meet and settle scores among two factions of opposing views before they are brought together for an amicable resolution. iii.

Periodic coordination with the NonGovernmental Organizations (NGO), religious organizations and traditional institutions. This method will afford questions and answers session for the collective participation, understanding and agreement for amicable resolution of any problem or matter being discussed. iv.

Advocacy and sensitization through the use of technical media in print and electronics, video and audio cassettes, computer-based learning and telecommunication. v.

Capacity building: organizing periodic workshops, seminars and conferences.

Ways of Relating the Integral Action Plans of the Government It is the duty of the information officer to have a deep and detailed understanding of government policies and programmes i.e. the six integral action plans as regards In conclusion, information is the engine room that drives the development of any society in the world, it is also the brain box of growth, creativity and wealth creation.

Information which is therefore regarded as the power of every society should be effectively managed and efficiently disseminated for the advantage of mankind.

Local Govt Reform •Continued from page 5

local government in the State of Osun under the ever progressive and can-do administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola, the above preamble is necessary as an introduction.

The bold and progressive step taken by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in creating additional local government Councils is, and has been described and applauded in several quarters as a good step in the right direction. We all know that local government is the closest to the people. It’s the nearest to the grassroots people and when a new council is created in any state, the joy of the people of the affected area usually knows no bound, as what such a creation means by implication is bringing governance down to them.

For tyranny of space, we cannot be outlining here again, the benefits of local governments to the people since we are all aware that the more government is brought nearer to the grassroots, the more the local people get dividend of democracy and the more development comes to the affected areas.

From 30 Councils plus one Area Office, which Ogbeni met on ground to 66 now, this cannot be said to be a mean achievement. It is a giant stride really.

For those who know the implication of this, this will surely translate to development in the affected areas.

People in the newly-created councils will have a feel of government better. They will have more sense of belonging and this will serve as incentive for them to cooperate with the government in the execution of its rolled-out policies and programmes. When the citizens enlist their cooperation and support for the government, then peace and tranquility which are a sine-qua-non for smooth running of government will reign supreme, and allow the government to focus on carrying out her programmes which automatically means more progress and development for the people.

Under our current democratic experiment, it’s on record that Lagos State was the pacesetter in the creation of additional local governments. It would be recalled that Lagos State under the ever visionary leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, did take a giant step to create additional Councils which led to a face-off between Olusegun Obasanjo-led Federal Government and Lagos State then. With the creation of those additional local councils, governance has been brought closer to the people in Lagos and today, the state is better off for it. Asiwaju Tinubu is being given kudos today for that giant stride. It is that same vision that has been replicated in Osun by Ogbeni Aregbesola and no doubt, just like Lagos, Osun will equally be better off for the lofty development.

While it cannot be said that local government - as the third tier of government - has lived up to the expectations; of course, no level of government in the country has done so, rather, the local government, has to an appreciable extent been able to justify the purpose of its creation as the closest government to the people. And like a former American President, Richard Nixon once quipped: “Sure there are dishonest men in Local Government; there are dishonest men in National Government too”.

In the light of this assertion, governance at the local government level will hopefully improve with time, as we start to experience good leadership both at state and national level too.

Osun RAMP Begins Construction Of River Crossings In Rural Communities O THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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commenced in 2015 will of Osun, for partnering They assured the locality.

By Kazeem Mohammed with the World Bank and RAMP of their utmost The statement said, the soon be completed and SUN Rural Access and Mobility Project French Development support to the success of construction work on handed over to the (RAMP) has commenced the construction of Agency to reduce their the project in their 225km which Project.

River Crossings in rural communities across burden, members of the the state, with a view of ameliorating the burden of communities where the the rural dwellers in accessing social infrastructure. projects are located said, The projects are done within six the projects had been currently being months as stated in the long expected.

They expressed their constructed in nine Lots contract agreement, across the state, among warning the contractors joy at the opportunity of which are, Powerline to take cognizance of the job creation provided for of the Area and Promised Land contract duration, members in Osogbo; Gbalefefe in because of the fast- communities in the Modakeke, Ogudu River approaching raining course of project in Ife South Local season. execution, saying, this Government, Elewonta While expressing their idea has given them in Iwo among other. gratitude to the senses of belonging in the •Culvert being constructred at Promised Land area Kelebe Osogbo, State of Osun.

In a statement by the Government of the State execution of the projects.

D e v e l o p m e n t Communication Specialist of the agency, Oladoja Adedokun Adedokun, the projects HE management of Ila Local Government in Information Department, were handed over to the Some of the roads, the Osun State has said that the council under the Bayo Aroyehun, said, statement said are, Ogbin area of Ilacontractors handling administration of Mr Opeyemi Afolabi as the since inception about 12 Solomon was them recently in all the Adebayo Orangun nine Lots where the Council Manager has given adequate attention to month ago, the Church Road along Ajaba rehabilitated and put to projects are located in the human and material development of the council, administration of Afolabi road; Emmanuel Adayo use by the Afolabi’s state, with the with special reference to work and transport, health, has graded over 15 road along Ora road; administration.

Supervising Consultant, water supply, enlightenment programmes, as well kilometers of rural roads, Owaloja Palace road, “The administration O.B.A. Consult, member as peace and security. which spread across all Ajaba; Chief Baale, has also purchased three of RAMP staff, the Head of the wards of the council. Demmy’s road, Ita Baba motorcycles to enhance In a statement, the council’s Contractors and the area; Mr Olukunle revenue generation, community members in Akande road, Oke repaired the grounded attendance.

Aloyin, Ila-Orangun; vehicles and Kumatsu The Project Owada Community farm Grader to ease grading of Coordinator, who spoke road, Ila-Orangun; feeder and earth road, as through Adedokun while handling over the Agbana road, Ila- well as purchased and projects to the Orangun; and Prince installed pre-paid meters contractors, according to AbdulKareem Adedapo to the council secretariat, Adekunle Maternity the statement, implored road, Ila-Orangun. them to carry out the job Adding that the Center, Ita Obajoko in line with the administration also Maternity Center, and specification with focus embarked on filling of Oke-Osin Maternity on quality, quantity and potholes and Center among others. time.

On health, the construction of retaining He also reminded statement said, “Major walls, it also noted that, them that the repair was carried out at implementation of the •Front view of a 20 lock-up shops building at Oke-Ogbun in Ila Orangun. Inset: The 20 lock-up shops at the Adekunle Health Center, motor garage in OkeCouncil Manager, Ila Local Government, Mr Opeyemi Afolabi. project should be clearing accumulated refuse across the council, construction of the fumigation of all the market, Chief Ola health facilities in the Olaojoyetan commended council were carried out the supervisor for and a new Lawn Mouer making use of the land

By Israel Afolabi the state government to shops and 5 blocks of for the betterment of the was purchased to ease buildings with 40 weeding of the council TAKEHOLDERS in rural and community make buying and selling storey shops each, totaling, 332 community. environment. development have been charged to be more easier in the area.

A community leader, He added with the new lock-up stalls and 330 Elder Kazeem Oladejo “All damaged public committed to improve the lot of the people at market, road side trading open market space that was happy to have such boreholes have been the grassroot level. been clearly would reduce and give have by the development in Woru, repaired This charge came Administrative Offices traders opportunities to demarcated. administration, and all which, he described, as a In his goodwill from the Osun State by the Governor Rauf own shops at cheaper dividend of democracy. public wells across the message, the Babaloja of House of Assembly A r e g b e s o l a rate, saying, this will Meanwhile, the council have been treated Prince Johnson member representing administration, which is contribute to the Okinni, Olokinni of Okinni, Oba by the administration, so Olaojoyetan said with the Egbedore Constituency, the development of economic growth and Alkadir Okanola Honbourable Abiodun grassroot was gradually developme7nt of the market in place, the cases appreciated the state that the people of the of roadside trading council can have access to Awolola and the being realized. council area and its would be eliminated and governor for his good water.

Supervisor of the newlyHe appreciated the communities. subsequently guarantee developmental projects “The administration created Okinni cooperation of the entire Adejorin then cleaner and tidy across the state, urging has organized series of Administrative Office, Woru community for the explained that the market environment. citizens to contribute to enlightenment Prince Kolawole success of the project and was architecturally wellAlso, the head of Woru the development of Osun programmes for Adejorin, during the urged them to support planned and designed family which donated the by paying their taxes and members of the public to official commissioning the progressive with 6 bungalows of 22 parcel of land for the levies. boost revenue of Oladodu Ultra- government in the state generation, sensitization Modern market, Woru, for more developmental on healthy living among State of Osun. projects.

Awolola said for any rural dwellers. The Adejorin also community to develop, commended council boss also ensure the it required collaboration administration that stakeholders on of between government Aregbesola for the security issues are and residents to ensure creation of new councils brought together from provision of in the state, saying the time to time to guarantee a c c o m m o d a t i n g idea has, within a short the security of lives and environment to realize period of time increased properties in the such development. the development at the council”, the statement According to him, local level. read. with the commissioning Emphasizing on the It however noted that of the market, the importance of market in the Opeyemi purpose of creating new any community, he said administration had Local Council the one being assured that he would do D e v e l o p m e n t commissioned would •Honourable Abiodun Awolola (right) commissioning the market. With him are more to make lives more Honourable Timothy Owoeye (middle), Olokinnin of Okinni, Oba Alkadiri Okanola Authorities (LCDA), a u t o m a t i c a l l y meaningful to the people Area Councils and complement the efforts of (2nd left) and the Supervisor, Okinni Administrative Office, Mr Kolawole Adejorin. at the grassroot level.

Council Assures Human, Material Development At the Grassroot T

Okinni Administrative Office Flags Off Market S

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Commissioning Of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo Presidential Library In Ota, Ogun State.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Nigeria Guild Of Editors Inspected Projects A

•(L-R) Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo and State of Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori at the event.

•Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (4th left); President Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mrs. Funk (3rd right); Member of Osun State Assembly Representing Egbedore Local Government, Honorable A Ibanga (2nd left); Publicity/Social Secretary Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Ken Ugbeche (left); Directo •Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (right) with the President of African Development Bank, and others. INSET: An inspection tour of Osogbo Government High School by the guild during the v Mr Akinwumi Adesina, former President, Dr Goodluck Jonathan and Chief Emeka Anyaoku, at the event.

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HE Olusegun Obasanjo Presi dential Library was officially commissioned in Abeokuta, Ogun State, recently.

The library was incorporated in November 2002 as a not-for-profit organisation.

The launch was part of Mr. Obasanjo’s 80th birthday, and was witnessed by the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, and several serving and former African leaders.

The facility is equipped with a museum, zoological gardens, amphitheatre, as well as advocacy centres, amongs them, are the Institute of African Culture and International Understanding and Centre for Human Security and Green Energy Demonstration.

Former President Obasanjo said in a speech that from start he ensured three elements of the library were

covered.

“We realised from the beginning that three things must be incorporated into the building and establishing of the Presidential library in our type of situation,” he said.

“One, we must incorporate revenue generating unit to ensure substantial fund are generated to support what donations we may continue to receive. Two, there must be enough facilities to serve the need of the community and to impart positively on the community in a way it must be a community project from the point of view. Three, it must be active and dynamic, not inactive, but also instructive and inspiring.

It must also be a centre for knowledge, information and values to a large extent.”

LAUTECH Board Members At A Meeting In Government House, Osogbo, On Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•A cross section of Board members of LAUTECH during the meeting.

Aregbesola Worries Over Nige •Editors Score Osun Economy Prospect High

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By Kehinde Ayantunji

HE Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has expressed fear over the low productivity of Nigeria as a nation inspite the growing population, saying, poverty might continue to grow among the populace if majority of Nigerians remain unproductive.

He said experience has shown that no nation economy can be prosperous without high level of productivity which, he said, must be aided by modern infrastructure, security and conducive environment.

Aregbesola expressed this concern while playing host to the Standing Committee of the Nigeria Guilds of Editors (NGE) led by its President, Mrs Funke Egbemode on a special project inspection to the state.

According to the Governor, more than 70 per cent of the nation’s oil resources goes to less than one per cent of the total population, leaving large number of the populace below poverty line.

He lamented that the huge resources in the hands of the few was not even channeled to the development of the nation, warning that if Nigerians refuse to cultivate the habit of working and adding values to the economic activities, the country largest population might continue to wallow in abject poverty.

The Governor said: “If we have ever paused to ask why we are where we are in this nation, we will discover

that lack of productivity is the root of our economic problems. The largest chunk of the nation’s wealth is in the hands of few, while majority wallows in abject poverty. And these resources are not even utilised for any development.

“Sadly, work does not pay in Nigeria today, as those who work very well are the poorest.

Our inability to develop values out of nature brought us to this abysmal level of poverty. ”Therefore, for as long as we don’t work for this wealth, it will lead to lack of productivity. Work must be the major attraction for all of us, rather than our heavy reliance on oil economy of the present.”

He cautioned media practitioners on the need to be conscious of the impact of what they write on the society.

The Governor said, a serious-minded governor would not be averse to criticism because it serves as a signpost for him to watch and be careful of what he is doing, noting that such criticism should be constructive and done in good faith.

“Criticism is an elixir of life. If you want to get far in life you must be willing to accept criticism but journalists also must be conscious of what they want to publish and be

Sadly, work does no Nigeria today, as tho work very well are the Our inability to devel out of nature brought abysmal level of po

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

SOCIAL REGISTER

ditors During The Week jects Across Osogbo

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Holy Matrimony Between OSBC’s Gbenga Gbelee And Yemisi Akingbola

•(L-R) Mrs Atinuke Gbelee (groom’s mother), Pastor Segun Akingbola (bride’s father); Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori; the newly-wedded couple, Mr and Mrs Gbenga and Yemisi Gbelee, Pastor Mrs Dolapo Akingbola and Mr Olutayo Gbelee, at the event.

of Editors, Mrs. Funke Egbemode (middle); Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyegaý Oyetola rnment, Honorable Abiodun Awolola (3rd left); Secretary General Nigeria Guild of Editors, Victoria gbeche (left); Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon (3rd right); the guild during the visit.

er Nigeria’s Low Productivity mindful of its repercussion.

“We should not put out something that will cause crisis in the society, because when there is crisis there is no discrimination about who is to be victim. We will all stand the risk of being victims of any crisis situation, thus, journalists must always exercise caution in the way and manner they r e p o r t events.”

Speaking earlier, President, Nigerian Guild of Editors, Mrs F u n k e Egbemode described

work does not pay in today, as those who y well are the poorest. ility to develop values ture brought us to this mal level of poverty.

Governor Aregbesola as a visionary leader who has not only opened Osun to the entire world, but has also placed the state on the right pedestal of development.

Projects visited by the NGE team include the 18 kilometer Oba Adesoji Aderemi East By-Pass; 3,000 students’ capacity Ataoja Government High School; Osogbo Government High School; Nelson Mandela Freedom Park and Atewogbeja Fountain; rehabilitated Nigeria Railway Terminus and parks.

Egbemode attributed the development and progress of the state to the atmosphere of peace and security created by the administration.

The NGE President who is also the Managing Director of the New Telegraph Newspaper, said, however

ambitious any chief executive of a state might be, he can only achieve little without peace and security.

She said, it was obvious that Osun has changed for the better and there have been significant improvement in terms of infrastructure since the present administration came on board.

Egbemode said: “Obviously, so many things have changed in Osun.

I am from this state and I come home occasionally and each time I come, there is always a new thing to see. I am so happy that we now have a cleaner and more beautiful state, it is great to see that there is a lot of improvement in Osun.

“A governor that is able to attract businesses and investors to his state through direct masses-oriented programmes like the O’Meal, OYES and others has done well.”

Egbemode also commended the efforts of the Aregbesola administration in making the state one of the safest in the country, noting that it is a pointer to the fact that youths in the state are well engaged.

According to her, “One thing is obvious, weather you are in Osun or you are outside the state reading about Osun, you definitely have a feeling that it is a secured state. And one good thing about a peaceful and secured state is that it attracts investors, because a peaceful and secured environment helps businesses to thrive.

“By and large, your government has done well for the people of Osun and we urge you to do more”, she counseled.

Ondo Town Alive As OSBC Broadcasters Tie The Knot •The couple during their engagement.

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HE ancient town of Ondo in Ondo West local government area of the sunshine state of Nigeria stood momentarily in honour of the media profession, as two icons of the broadcast industry were solemnised in holy matrimony.

The days, Friday March 10 and Saturday 11th of March 2017 would forever remain red letter days in the annals of history for both the Akingbola family of Ondo State and the Gbelee family of Iwoye-Ijesa in Oriade local government area of the State of Osun as their children; Oluwayemisi and Oluwagbenga graduated from spinsterhood and bachelorhood into the realm of solemnisation.

Oluwayemisi is an OAP and a Programme Producer while Gbenga is a reporter and a News Correspondent attached to the office of the Deputy Governor, State of Osun. They both work with the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC).

The duo had their relations, friends, well wishers, admirers, contemporaries and superior officers at work, as well as colleagues across the media profession converging to identify with them on the auspicious occasion.

The engagement of the two love birds held at Adoc Events Centre in

Ondo town on Friday 10th March during which the Gbelee family came forward with the formal proposal and items requested by the Akingbola family to have their daughter’s hands in marriage.

The church service marking the solemnisation of holy matrimony between Gbenga Gbelee and Oluwayemisi Akingbola held on Saturday 11th of March, 2017 at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Power Sanctuary, had the deputy Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori in attendance joining the congregation who witnessed how Gbenga and Oluwayemisi were formally declared husband and wife.

The entire congregation later retired to Fadeolu events centre where a reception was held with the Deputy Governor as the chairman, while the Chairman, Interim Management Committee of OSBC ; Mr Kola Akanji and his wife, as well as other staff of OSBC were on hand to cheer the new couple as they proceeded into the nuptial institute.

The atmosphere was frenzy, elation filled the air and the joy of the new couple was best encapsulated in the way they danced into the reception venue and acknowledged cheers and best wishes from their retinue of friends, guests, admirers and well wishers.

‘It ‘ll Take Time For Buhari To Restore Nigeria Economy’ 10

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Yinka Olatunbosun is a chartered Banker, an educationist, an Administrator, an Author, and he contested for the House of Assembly ticket of the All Progressive Congress (APC) to represent Ife East Constituency prior to the 2015 elections. In this interview, he bears his mind on the happenings in Osun and Nigeria in generally, economically and politically. Excerpt:

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SDF: Your state, Osun has been in the news of recent especially on the issue of irregular salaries; what is your take?

OLATUNBOSUN: To start with, it is not only Osun State that had the issue of owing salaries, several other states of the country had similar difficulties.

However, you must be aware that the issue has been tackled now by Osun government and and the salaries had been paid up to date. Though, the government is still paying what some people called half salary for some categories of workers based on the agreement with labour unions, but it is clear that Governor Rauf Aregbesola places so much priority on workers’ welfare and as such, he has been working assiduously to ensure that workers and pensioners are paid as and when due. Within the past few months, we have seeing improvement in our economy in the state, and this is due to the commitment of the government.

What we just need is to be patient and continue to demonstrate our support for the government to realize its aims of developing our state.

OSDF: As a Banker and management expert, what is your view on the CBN monetary policy and measures taken so far to rescue the economy?

OLATUBOSUN: The Central Bank of Nigeria is doing its best to revive the nation’s economy and bring the country out of recession, but I believe the CBN can still do better than they are currently doing. With the steps taken so far, it is evident that we have a government at the center that is committed to reviving our economy.

Yes, things are hard, but it has always been difficult to change old orders.

Mind you, the nation is experiencing crisis today because of our over dependence on oil and decades of mismanagement of oil revenue without re-investment in economic/ infrastructural development and diversification. We can no longer depend on oil, because the value had dropped, and the present government is now faced with the task of looking for other means. But I believe very

“The present government has not done badly, even though the expectations of most Nigerians have not been met. The truth remains that the President and his cabinet members are not magicians and you can’t expect them to clear all the mess and ruins of the previous administration in just a year and half”.

•OLATUNBOSUN

strongly that with the right monetary and fiscal policies, Nigeria’s economy will experience a boost in year 2017.

So, I urge Nigerians to be optimistic that the economy will perform better in the current year.

OSDF: What is your take on this present government of President Muhammad Buhari in the last one year?

OLATUNBOSUN: I must say here that the present government has not done badly, even though the expectations of most Nigerians have not been met. The truth remains that the President and his cabinet members are not magicians and you can’t expect them to clear all the mess and ruins of the previous administration in just a year and half. It takes time to rebuild and I know very well that the government of President Buhari is determined to deliver on its promises to the Nigerian people.

For instance, Boko Haram has been conquered, corruption has been

NITDA Trains 150 Youths On ICT In Osun

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HE National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) has commenced training of 150 youths on Information Communication Technology (ICT) in Osun to minimise unemployment in the state.

The 5-days training programme which was facilitated by the Deputy Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr Yussuff Lasun, would exposed youths to ICT training on desktop publishing.

The trainees were selected from five Local Government Areas comprising Irepodun, Olorunda, Orolu and Osogbo Federal Constituency.

Speaking at the opening ceremony of the training, Mr Oyaremi Suleiman, the project coordinator of the programme, said the training would exposed the youths to the working tools of softwares.

Suleiman said, the training would also offer the youths the opportunity to be self-employed in the area of ICT business.

He said each of the 150 participants

would be given a brand new laptop, a modem and a certificate of participation.

“After the training, the youths would be exposed to understand the different ventures of excel, Corel draw, windows and power point”.

“This will also assist them to be self employed in ICT business because ICT is essential for individual growth, community growth as well as global development”.

Also speaking, the representative of the deputy speaker, Prof. Remi Ajala said, the training was organised to empower the youths.

Ajala said, the training was also aimed at taking the youths off the street and reduce unemployment among the youths in the state.

He said the training was also part of the fulfillment of electioneering campaign of the deputy speaker to his immediate constituency.

Ajala added that the training would offer the youths unlimited opportunity in ICT world.

seriously checkmated and is still being checkmated, Nigeria’s integrity abroad has also been restored. The President and his team are on the right track and very soon, Nigerians will begin to see the positive impacts of all that the government is doing.

OSDF: The present Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is a little over one year on the throne, how would you assess his reign?

OLATUNBOSUN: As a subject, I am not in a position to assess the one year reign of His Imperial Majesty, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II but if I must tell you, His Imperial Majesty has actually proved to the whole world that he is chosen by God to be the 51st Ooni of Ife and to rule and reign at this time. He has done a lot in the last one year that he ascended the throne. Where should I even start from? Is it the unity of Yoruba nation that he is championing or the economic revolution of Ife kingdom which he has embarked upon or the creation of jobs for several youths or the attraction of foreign investors to his kingdom or the huge investments in Agriculture and Tourism or collaboration with Bank of Industry to provide credit facilities for SMEs? He has impacted on the lives of many people since he became the Ooni and I want to believe that he has been able to achieve this feat within this short period of time because he is a young, energetic, hard working, visionary and intelligent ruler.

His vision is to add value to the lives of his subjects and to transform his kingdom. That is the reason I always advocate that we young people should be given opportunity to serve. We have the capacity and the ability to do well. I remember when I paid a congratulatory visit to the Ooni on 28th December, 2015, I could see his passion for a better Ife kingdom. In fact, his burden which he shared with me is to see Ile-Ife developed and transformed in all ramifications and that is what is driving him. I can only pray to God to grant him good health and long life for him to reign so long.

OSDF: You contested for Osun State

House of Assembly seat in 2015, but lost in the primaries, are you planning to contest again come 2019?

OLATUNBOSUN: I cannot answer that question for now. Mind you, 2019 is still far. However, I am still praying to God for divine direction but I know when we get to the bridge we will surely cross it.

OSDF: Are there other projects/ programmes you are into that you want to share with Nigerians or your supporters?

OLATUNBOSUN: By the grace of God, I have an NGO which I run. It is called Yinka Olatunbosun Foundation and it has five cardinal goals which are, educational support to indigent students, community development, care of the widows and orphans, youths empowerment and good governance seminars.

Our vision is to give back to the society by touching lives and impacting the communities.

OSDF: Your party came on the mantra of change, but Nigerians are suffering, how soon do you think your party might deliver on its electoral promises?

OLATUNBOSUN: We have already started delivering on our electoral promises like I said earlier. We have done a lot in the area of insecurity, fight against corruption and projecting the country’s image positively abroad. I want you to know that as Nigerians, we all need to make some sacrifices in order for our country to come out of the woods that it has been plunged into by the previous administration. Before a woman delivers a child, there must be pain. The greatness of Nigeria is about to be birthed and the attendant pain is what we are experiencing which will be over soon.

OSDF: Do you think with the current economic situation, your party still has the capacity to win the 2019 elections?

OLATUNBOSUN: APC as a party just won the Ondo Governorship election. The party is waxing stronger and it is certain that we are winning more states that are currently controlled

by PDP come 2019. So, there is no cause for alarm.

Local Information Management: THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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As Tool For Sustainable Growth And Development Challenges Of Media And Public Communications In The 21st Century

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(Abridged version of the Deputy Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Sola Fasure’s presentation)

N the precolonial and much of the day. colonial era, public information is TELEPHONY: The telephone is one u s u a l l y means of information disseminated through dissemination, which the gong man, who usage though is not very goes about town, popular here beyond beating his gong to get making personal and the attention of the business calls. Through people, after which he bulk SMS purchase, passes the information information can be from the king to the passed across to millions subjects. Where there of people. is no gong man, SOCIAL MEDIA: information will be These are internet based spread informally media like websites and through word of blogs, friendship media mouth and like Facebook, Twitter, •Sola Fasure speculations, by which Instagram and so on that time it has been connects billions of distorted – exaggerated or subtracted. people worldwide and through which However, with the invention of the messages and information (good or printing press, we have newspapers bad) can be passed across. and other journals. The electronic KEY REQUIREMENTS media, beginning with the radio, LITERARY SKILLS: An followed later by television, also information officer must have high became media through which literary skills, be presentable, be able information dissemination is carried to write (usually short and enjoyable) out. However, there is now an free flowing prose and must be able explosion of information sources, to speak convincingly to a crowd. including cable television hooked to MEDIA CONTACT: He or she satellites and the social media (based must develop a robust capacity to on the internet). have contacts in the media, know and Information Officers, Government be friendly with the editors, Information Officers, Public Relations journalists, producers and other Officers, Spokespersons, Press important personages in the industry.

Officers, Press Attaches, Public Affairs GOVERNMENT KNOWLEDGE: Officers, Press Secretaries, Chief Press An information officer must be Secretaries, Public Information Officers knowledgeable and well informed and other varied titles refer to the same about everything going on in his practitioners of managing a agency – these include all the policies, government institution’s image and tentative and active, and ongoing relating with the public. activities.

Their role and duty have gone A distinction must be made beyond merely pushing out between managing or promoting the information from the palace. image of the leadership of your Information officers are now required organisation and managing the image to monitor media coverage, provide and reputation of the organisation briefs for and advise political officials, itself. Of course, when a problem manage media relations, inform the emerges for the leadership, all public directly, share information resources must be deployed to solve across the administration, formulate it. Nevertheless, while a bad image of communication strategy and campaign the leadership impacts on the and conduct research and access public organisation and must be prevented, the leadership of the organisation is opinion.

In getting set to practice his or her subsumed in the organisation itself trade, he or she must begin with media and therefore cannot be greater than segmentation. An information officer it.

Generally, however, an information should classify the media publics he or officer must be the one driving the she had to deal with into the various narrative about his organisation as segments. reported in the media and the court MEDIA SEGMENTATION of public opinion. He or she should not PRESS The first segment is The wait until there is trouble and start Press, that is, newspapers and the print putting out the fire. He or she should media. be able to write stories, articles and RADIO. The radio is still the most features for newspapers and journals. effective means of communication, He must also be able to produce (or reaching more people than the other commission to be produced) television media. There are over 2.4 billion radio and radio scripts telling his story and receivers and over 51,000 radio stations push them to be aired. worldwide.

The information officer must a TELEVISION. Television has the presence in the social media by power of sound and image and its constructing and managing a website, message is often very irresistible. blog, Facebook page and Twitter Today, there are an estimated 1.7 handle, on behalf of the organisation. billion television sets, serving 1.2 Sometimes he or she can be billion households. Many households anonymous, for most part he must be have multiple television sets and visible, but there must never be a according to a 2013 survey, 79 per cent vacuum in information management.

This is what public information of households were confirmed to have at least one television set and 80 per management requires and the cent of the human population watches information manager must rise to the television for at least three hours in a occasion.

For The Record

KEYNOTE ADDRESS DELIVERED BY THE GOVERNOR, STATE OF OSUN, OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE OPENING CEREMONY OF THE SEMINAR TITLED: WANTED: INFORMATION SPECIALISTS AT THE GRASSROOTS

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ET me thank the organisers of this have been carried out at the local level. programme, particularly the For instance, our administration management of Moremi constructed 10 kilometres roads in Publishing Company, the publishers of each local government. These are Osun Defender, for putting up such stone-based, macadamised roads with powerful intervention package at this ferro-concrete drainages. These roads most appropriate time. directly impact the economic activities If you recall that a little more than a and social life of those communities. year ago, precisely, on March 8, 2016, Also, under our watch, 225 our administration recorded a kilometres of rural roads under the landmark auspices of Rural achievement Access Mobility with the Programme “Above all creation of 31 (RAMP) has been considerations, peace, Local Council carried out.We Development are in the process tranquillity, justice, fairness, A r e a s of the second equity, cooperation and conflict(LCDAs), five phase of the free communal living have Area Offices programme to reigned supreme in all localities and three complete 500 across our state. As at today, we Administrative kilometres of can beat our chest to declare Offices. roads in our rural Before this communities. that we have set an enduring It might also could be done, base for purely democratic, interest you to a p p r o p r ia t e hitch-free and peaceful know that our a n d elections to be held at the local agriculture meticulous councils in the state”. intervention legal and programmes constitutional have been in steps were taken, involving constituting since 2011 rural areas. For instance, under a committee to look into all the requests O,BOPS, hundreds of chicken farmers for new councils and advise the State have been empowered and we have Government. The committee was the confirmed testimonies of many of chaired by former Speaker of the State them that have become millionaires.

Under the home grown school of Osun House of Assembly, and current member of the House of feeding programme, we employed Representatives, Professor Mojeed 3,007 cooks spread across all the local Alabi. This was followed by governments, trained, kitted, appropriate constitutional procedure equipped and empowered them with through the instrumentality of the State interest free loans.

To be able to achieve this, the of Osun House of Assembly.

Since the creation of the new councils caterers were first medically screened last year, grassroots administration in and certified fit and proper, retrained the State of Osun has witnessed positive on the rudiments of cooking and growth, measurable in progress, particularly made to understand the advancement and positive importance of, first, hygiene in disease transformation. Council office prevention and secondly, good accommodation facilities have nutrition to healthy living.

Each caterer also benefits from a increased across the state. Communities hitherto considered remote now have government facilitated interest-free government presence and activities. In loan of N41,500 for the acquisition of all these councils, many workers have cooking and other kitchen utensils. The received career elevation as council loan repayment period is spread over managers, agricultural officers, 36 months, with N1,152.78 kobo deducted from their account every information officers and the likes.

Above all considerations, peace, month.

The community caterers are all tranquillity, justice, fairness, equity, cooperation and conflict-free provided free-of-charge with a pair of communal living have reigned supreme uniforms (comprising gowns, caps and in all localities across our state. As at aprons) by the State Government of today, we can beat our chest to declare Osun at a cost of N11.6 million to the that we have set an enduring base for government.

Through our micro credit finance purely democratic, hitch-free and agency, over N4 billion was disbursed peaceful elections to be held at the local to people for small and medium scale councils in the state.

Regrettably, as information officers in enterprises in all the local governments your respective posts, we have not felt across the state.

We also instituted a grooming your impact. A major purpose of this programme at the grassroots under seminar therefore is that your skills will which we train women in vocations be horned and you will be reenergised and empower them to stand on their to chart a new course. own. The programme has nearly Information is important. Without 30,000 clients and has distributed loans sounding immodest, there is a saying in excess of N1.7 billion. Each that if you don’t blow your trumpet, beneficiary receives loans ranging nobody will blow it for you. A lot has from N40,000 to N150,000. been happening in our local Interestingly, the women have been government councils which have been faithful in loan repayment as the buried in the sea of forgetfulness and programme recorded 99.89 per cent which have undermined our loan recovery. achievements.

Our major interventions in the state •To be continued

OAU Students Campaign Against High Cost of Sanitary Towels 12

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the campaigners intend

By KABIR ADEJUMO to make the programme TUDENTS of Obafemi Awolowo University a widely acceptable (OAU) Ile Ife have campaigned against the movement in all the high cost of sanitary pads with the hashtag campuses in the country, #Reducethepriceofsanitarytowels. as most female students The students who students will not go out across Nigeria bear the embarked on this of moral means to afford brunt of the high cost of campaign stated that if them. the product. the government of the It was gathered that The source further country finds no reason to make sanitary pads free for ladies, then the cost of sale should be reduced in order to benefit Nigerians who do not have parents to watch after them monthly.

One of them who spoke under the condition of anonymity said, “if it cannot be made free, the government or the manufacturers should try to reduce the price”.

The students reiterated that it is important for females to afford it, since impermeable are made free in some places, sanitary pads should also be free so that Nigeria •OAU females students at the campaign.

Email: drdejiesan@gmail.com.

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

revealed that the aim is to force Government at all levels to intervene in the process and help reduce pain female student, not only in the university, but in all learning institutions across the country go through to ensure hygienic living.

Semester Exams: FEDPOFFA Students Grunt Over Lack of Adequate Venues school placed on examination and developmental fees.

Taye Adisa, an HND 1

By Sikiru Obarayese student lamented the TUDENTS of The Federal Polytechnic Offa situation, saying pushing have complained over lack of adequate venue students around at a time for the ongoing first semester examination in they were supposed to be the institution’s campuses. writing exams in the It was observed that making sure that every name of inadequate most of the venues student has access to the facilities was wrong and scheduled for the examination hall. should not be happening examinations lack The situation considering the fact that adequate sit for the sometimes leads to they were charged for the student’s population, starting the papers exercise. while other centres clash behind schedule or He disclosed that the with examination from having to shift the time school management has different departments for some papers, hence, not shown concern with scheduled to hold at the making the affected the plight of the students, same time. student uncomfortable. saying, it has over 13 Students after arriving Some of the students weeks to prepare for the at the centres placed on who spoke with the the examination time- medium decried the examination only for table had to be moved to attitude of the school on students to be at the other centres to ensure the situation, describing receiving end of some that everyone is catered it as appalling, especially officials’ incompetence.

Another student, for, with a view to with the charges the

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•Students of Federal Polytechnic of Offa during a programme on campus.

Adeola Atoyebi of Mass Communication department said, the situation was so bad, especially in the temporary campus, where the ugly situation is repeated everyday of the examinations, calling on the authority to provide solution before the students begin to get frustrated.

It would be recalled that the school commenced its first semester examination two weeks ago after prolong academic semester.

Court Remands UNIOSUN Student For Allegedly Killing Colleague

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magistrate court, sitting in Osogbo has remanded a 34 year-old student of Osun State University, David Akanbi in prison custody for allegedly killing a student of Civil Engineering Department of the university, Kazeem Ige Amodu.

Akanbi allegedly stabbed Amodu with a knife on the chest which resulted to his death.

The charge sheet made available to OSUN D E F E N D E R o n Wednesday stated that Akanbi allegedly committed the offence on January 16, 2017 at OkeBale area, Osogbo.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Mereti Wilson said the 34 year-old time and place in the suspect has committed an a f o r e m e n t i o n e d offence contrary to and Magisterial district did punishable under unlawfully kill one Sections 319(1) of the Amodu Kazeem Ige by Criminal Code Cap 34, stabbing him with a knife Vol II Laws of Osun State, on his chest which caused his death and thereby Nigeria, 2002.

The charge sheet reads: committed an offence “That you Akanbi David contrary to 316(1) and and others now at large punishable under section on the 16th day of 319(1) of the Criminal January, 2017 at about Code Cap 34. Vol II laws 1700hrs at Oke-Baale of Osun State of Nigeria, area, Osogbo in the 2002.”

The plea of the accused Osogbo magisterial person was not taken district did conspire to commit felony to because the magistrate wit murder and thereby court lacks jurisdiction to committed an offence entertain murder case.

The presiding Chief contrary to and punishable under section Magistrate, Mr. Olushola 324 of Criminal Code Cap Aluko ordered that the 34. Vol II laws of Osun accused be remanded in Ilesa prison, and State of Nigeria, 2002.

“That you Akanbi subsequently adjourned David and others now at the case till May 5, large on the same date, 2017 for mention.

OSPOLY Iree Resumes New Semester

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IVELY activities have returned to Iree town, the host community of the Osun State Polytechnic as the school resumed for the Second Semester of its 2016/2017 academic session this week.

Students were seen mobilisation for the around social event NYSC programme.

One of the students, centres in the town as academic activities are who spoke with OSUN still light while part-time D E F E N D E R , students still battles with Anuoluwapo Fakunle of the rigour of HND II Marketing department disclosed examinations. that the resumption is The medium observed timely, stating that that most of the students ordinarily, the school were excited by the early ought to have conclude resumption, especially the session and allow HND students who graduating student could not wait to complete their studies. complete their academic She further disclosed activities and wait for that the graduating

students of the school would looking forward to effective semester with a view to ensuring that they completes their studies at stipulated time.

Another student of Accountancy, Wale Adebayo commends the school authority for their determination towards mobilising student for the next NYSC programme, adding that all things being equal, the students would cooperate with the authority.

Unlike during holiday, the main market in the town was full to capacity, as market women were excited with the return of student to the school.

Residents Adamant On Open Defecation In Osun D THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

ESPITE the certification by the United Nations giving Osun State a clean bill of health on open defecation, many communities have remained adamant by engaging in open defecation.

Some residents of slum revealed that majority of settlements in Osogbo, the houses located in the lacked basic the state capital revealed area to this medium that amenities like clean toilets and absence of water and water, toilet facilities in bathrooms.

The residents particular was a serious according to Ahmed challenged.

It would be recalled Ogundele, have to wake that state government up very early to take their had recently intensified baths and defecate before efforts to educate and the dawn.

An herb trader at Ojaenlighten its citizens on the dangers associated Oba, Alhaja Sakirat with open defecation, the Osungbade stated that efforts which have scored there was really nothing the state high before local the state government and international could do to help the inhabitants of the area, organizations.

Some residents but to construct befitting however explained that public baths and toilet many of the houses built facilities with running in their settlements were water.

She stressed that they without space for toilet and bathroom, a situation were aware that the wife which, they said of the state governor, Sherifat necessitated the use of Alhaja outdoor spaces to answer Aregbesola had made it her duty to campaign the call of nature.

A visit to Oke-Okanla, vigorously against open and Isale-Osun Osogbo defecation, but what the

HEALTH

administration needed to do was to provide the needed facilities and the people would change for the better.

A passerby, Deji, disclosed that the residents of the settlement could not be hurriedly relocated because many families around the affected communities had stayed long there and had no other place to go.

He explained that apart from the early settlers, they had people of other tribes like Igbos and people from Benue state who reside there.

Also, a visit to IsaleAgbara and Sabo Areas showed that majority of the houses in the community lacked proper drainage system, toilet and bathroom facilities.

The residents then charged the authorities to come to their aid in the provision of basic amenities that would guarantee healthy living.

However, despite the

Preventing Sexually Transmitted Infections (II) C Dr Deji Esan, A Medical Practitioner, from Ilesa-East Local Government Continues his series on

Common STI symptoms OMMON symptoms seen in STI clinics includes abnormal discharge from the vagina or penis, pain or burning with urination, itching or irritation of the genitals, sores, blisters, or bumps on the genitals, rashes, including rashes on the palms of hands and soles of feet, pelvic pain to to STI care due to lack of mention a few Factors in awareness, lack of money or restrictive policies of transmission of STDs There are a number of clinics (iv)Earlier sexual factors in transmission of debut (v)More likely to STDs and they can be have higher-risk, older seen through the partners (vi)Prone to abuse. interaction between the sexual etiological agents, the More male cases of STI environment and the are seen because men susceptible individual or recognize the lesions community. The most more easily and present important factor in early for treatment. the transmission is the Although, individual who consequences of STI are knowingly or more severe in females unknowingly puts him or for example PID. Marital Status- there is herself at risk of STDs. Person [Host] increased frequency of The prevalence of STIs is STI when couples live higher in adolescents (15- apart due to jobs; either 24 years) compared to of them is likely to have other age groups. With another sexual partner earlier puberty and who may be infected with earlier social a sexually transmitted Increased independence through infection. wage-earning jobs, many frequency is seen among young people are now singles, divorced and persons exploring sexual separated relationships before compared to married reaching social and c o u p l e s .

There are a number of emotional maturity.

Other reasons which background factors that put adolescents at put the host at increased increased risk of STDs risk of STI. These factors include (i) they are more are inherent in the host, likely to have a less stable results from the fact that relationship (ii)They information given does translate to have more difficulty with not change. using barrier methods. behavioral (iii)They have less access Inappropriate health-

•DR DEJI ESAN seeking behavior This is the fact because most infections in girls and many in boys remain asymptomatic until complications occur. The proportion of infections c o n s i d e r e d asymptomatic may be even higher as women may perceive certain, commonly experienced STI symptoms as “normal” and so do not seek medical attention.

History of previous untreated STI and ongoing STI are at risk of other STI especially HIV when they engage in risky behaviours. More than two thirds of nonulcerative STIs (such as gonorrhoea, chlamydia and trichomonas) are either asymptomatic or occur only with nonspecific symptoms like minor vaginal discharge, vulval itching and urethritis. Hence, this puts the individual at increased risk of an STI. Ignorance; like the •To be continued.

HEALTH

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unavailability of toilet and bathroom facilities, water and proper drainage, residents were full of praises to the government for the

excellent services they enjoy from the health facilities located in their settlements.

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According to them, the health workers at the health centres have been performing excellently.

Bitters And Our Health (II) D Pharmarcist KEMI ILORI On

O you need to take bitters? The answer to this question depends entirely on the individual. Your lifestyle will determine whether you need to use bitters or not, and what you need it for. I for one do not take pre-formulated bitters.

I am an avid eater of cornerstone of your bitter kola. I also enjoy health plan. A few years bitter leaf and some back, I was involved in a other bitter vegetables. project with some people.

This does not mean that One of us used to drink a I am discouraging lot. He had a herbal anybody from taking blend beside him all the bottled bitters. If you time. It contained very feel you need it; please important herbs and do! I would however spices like ginger, garlic, advise you to identify etc. what you are using it As he drank his alcohol, for. Is it as a restorative? he would drink from the If so, exactly what are herbal bottle as well you revitalizing in your saying, “I’m using this body. If it is general one to step it down!” I fitness; then you need to used to watch this well address other areas of read biologist with your lifestyle as well. I dismay and wonder why will give you a good he was doing ‘action and example; inadequate reaction’ with his liver!! rest. If you need to rest; The lesson here is that, no amount of bitters is one should not indulge in going to replace the rest all kinds of unhealthy that you need! Men are practises and assume that known to consume a lot there is a magic bullet to of bitters, especially at cure all.

How do you choose the hard labour sites. Is it as a digestif? You right type of bitters? It should look at the root still amazes me that cause of your people buy and use indigestion. My own products as a result of suggestion is that you advertisement, hearsay, use bitters as part of a blind optimism, etc. The well ordered and first thing is that you healthy lifestyle. This MUST KNOW THE of the way, you will reap the CONTENT maximum benefit from particular type of bitters both. Bitters are good in you are about to choose. that you know that what Read the label and the you are taking table of content very contributes positively to carefully. If you find any your wellbeing, but it ingredient that you are should not be the not sure about; then find

•KEMI ILORI

out what it is and what it does. These days, it is easy to check, just google it! Now this is very important; some people who feel the need to use bitters to enhance their health, might be having symptoms which make them feel that they need additional supplements.

If this is the case, try to exclude any serious condition that may need more thorough treatment by seeing your doctor. If you are taking any type of medication; try to find out if any of the ingredients contraindicates your medication(s).

Fortunately, the registration of all medicines, herbal and non-herbal, has given more access to information than before.

The good news is that the more established bitters contain substances that are well understood.

Bitters are also used to mix drinks. Most of us enjoy our bitters in our drinks and aperitifs.

That is why, most bitters are actually bittersweet!

•Concluded

Women Fashion Crime 14

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T is no longer news that women commit the highest percentage of fashion crime in the world. Fashion is a well-known style or exercise majorly in body, makeup, footwear, accessories, clothing or furniture.

Fashion is a distinctive and constant trend in the style in which a person dresses, as mostly people believe that the way you dress is the way you will be addressed. Ladies, is a fact, will always want to impress their families, friends or spouses which is really cool, but while doing so, it should not be overdone. Imagine yourself moving away from the real fashion and finding yourself committing some serious fashion crime.

Below are some of the fashion crime women commit on a daily basis.

Clothing With Revealing Under Wear: Yes! Ladies shouldn’t be able to see their under wear through their clothes, nobody cares about the color of your u n d e r wear, and why m u s t y o u r panty lines be obvious to the public?

Panty lines a n d s e e through clothes a r e part of t h e worse fashion crime ever.

I f y o u r trousers are tight and your panty lines are obvious or your underwear are light colored, then I would advise you wear a thong just to avoid ugly panty lines which so far is one of the worse fashion crime now. For those who don’t know what a thong is “a thong is also known as G-string and if you don’t like thongs it’s better to get a different trouser. See-through, transparent or revealing shirts with really colored bras are just bad. While the combination may seem good on models doing runways it is not the type to be seen or worn for everyday life. If you are wearing a white shirt, make sure to wear a nude bra, black bra or better still white bra underneath, not leopard, royal blue and definitely not multi colored. There are some things a woman just needs to keep to herself.

FASHION

THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

Never Wear White To Someone Else’s Wedding.

This is an old fashioned rule that is still applicable till date as guest wearing a white dress or white cloth to someone else’s wedding isn’t just right, it is basically mean you are trying to upstage the bride on her special day.

Even if the best dress you have is white or you look fabulous in it and you can’t help but wear it, no problem it’s your dress you can wear it to a birthday party, dinner or any other occasion you have aside that wedding. It isn’t just right to wear a white outfit to a wedding that isn’t yours. I believe it’s about respect and being a good guest.

Imagine you are wearing a white outfit to a wedding that isn’t yours and someone who isn’t familiar with the bride, probably a distant friend or relation approaches you and says “congratulations on your wedding, I’m really happy for you and I wish you a happy married life”. How do you feel!!! How does the bride feel! How does the guest who congratulated you feel! ‘Remember this is a fashion crime you must never commit.

Wearing Leggings As Pants (Trousers) This has been said over and over, it’s highly frustrating, embarrassing and annoying but it’s better to keep repeating it because its highly important.

“Leggings are not pants”. They never have been and never will be and the wearing of pants will always be a fashion crime. Wear leggings as leggings and pants as pants, don’t wear blazers on leggings no! no! no! It breaks my heart to see ladies commit this fashion crime, some even go all the way wearing leopard leggings with a jacket or blazers; come on! who does that! One thing am certain of is that there is no shortage of actual pants here (trousers); buy some and wear them or get a tailor to sew one for you.

Pajamas Should Never Be Seen In Public Pajamas are really comfortable, they keep you

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TEMITOPE AKINYELE

warm at night and prevent you from working around your house naked (except you want to obviously), but they should never be seen in public. I personally think this is a bad trend in which too many teenage girls and even older women follow and that needs to stop.

How can you wear PJ in public, it obviously means you don’t care about how you look in public or what people say about you. Wearing PJ in public really, is a bad choice of clothing and indeed a fashion crime as far as clothing is c o n c e r n e d .

Remember this rule and never break it.

If You Don’t Feel Comfortable In It Don’t Wear It Although there are a lot of fashion crimes women commit, but this is said to be the most important rule.

“If you don’t feel comfortable in it don’t wear it”.

Ladies, no matter the occasion if you aren’t feeling comfortable in an outfit or place of clothing, be it accessories or makeup please do not wear it. The purpose of fashion is to make you look and feel great, if you are wearing a clothing you hate or aren’t comfortable in, it is going to show all over your face and most of all make you have a low self-esteem, your confidence will be lower than normal and all your attentions would be focused on your outfit instead of having a great time and enjoying yourself.

When a lady’s self esteem is low she is likely to give in to things below her standard Be cautious of these fashion crimes and you’ll be amazed how fashionable you can be.

550,000 World Class Scholars Projected

•Continued from page 2 globe.

He added: “Those four schools that we are commissioning today and the remaining seven presently at the completion stage will, in a year, be producing 11,000 scholars that will change the world with knowledge and character, and with a strong fate in God, I am convinced .

“Let’s even assume that out of 20 we projected, we cannot build more than 11, it means, 11,000 students will be graduating from those schools and in 50 years to come, 550,000 students would have graduated.

If we produce Half a Million world class scholars as envisaged by the grace of God, we are going to shake the world, Osun will shake the world, Yoruba race will shake the world and Nigeria will shake the world positively .”

“It is that vision and that possibility that we are celebrating here today and that vision shall be realized, as we are so convinced that we

have done enough to make it realisable.

“We have invested humongous amount of money, energy and other resources in education. It is not that the resources is surplus, but because of the value we placed on education, we peacefully pursued how it will help shape the future”, the governor said.

Aregbesola said, in the next 10 years, knowledge would have transformed the world beyond recognition and any nation which fails to see that reality is waiting for aggravated poverty, hunger and doom.

“This world we are in will be transformed so radically and it is either we prepare for it now and be part of that world or not prepare for it and never leave with that world, it is not a course, it is a reality.

“In the next 10 years, there will be some selfdriving cars without drivers, those who are looking for driver’s job, perish your taught, you may not get that gain; cars and vehicles will hardly run on fuels or any oil, so those who relies on oil as our large

c o n s p i c u o u s said, each of the four provided official cars and consumption, perish the Schools have 3,000 other working tools that thought because the would guarantee quality world will no more education and depend on oil. maintenance of the “Letters will be schools, noting brought to your t h a t “Let’s even assume houses with g o v e rn m e nt that out of 20 we drowns, places much drowns emphasis on projected, we cannot build more will be t h e programmed than 11, it means, 11,000 students maintenance of to deliver t h e l e t t e r s will be graduating from those schools sc ho ols and any and in 50 years to come, 550,000 considering other t h e students would have graduated. If we items at huge y o u r investment produce Half a Million world class d o o r o f step in scholars as envisaged by the grace of God, the government. the next T h e 10 years, we are going to shake the world, Osun deputy m o b i l e will shake the world, Yoruba race will governor phone that hinted that shake the world and Nigeria will you are Omoluabi using largely shake the world positively .”

Education f o r Services Limited communication would be will become your managing and doctor, just place it on maintaining the schools your body and it will use on behalf of the capacity with your body contact to government for the 72 Classroom, 4 Head diagnose your ailment sustainability of the and prescribe the Principals, 6 Staff Rooms, facilities to prevent 1 Facility Manager, 1 appropriate drugs for Multipurpose Hall, Food untimely dilapidation. you to use.

The Minister of Speaking earlier, the Court, 1 Library, 56 Education, Mallam and 6 Deputy Governor who Toilets, Adamu Adamu doubles as Commissioner Laboratories. represented by the She explained that for Education, Mrs Grace Provost of the Federal Principals of the 4 High Titilayo Laoye-Tomori Schools would be College of Education

(Special) Oyo, Professor Kamaru Usman described Governor Aregbesola as the best in Nigeria as far as e d u c a t i o n a l infrastructural development in concern.

According to the minister, the governor has already secured a brighter future for the incoming generations in the state, adding that education is the only panacea to peace, harmony, and economic development.

Chairman, All Progressive Congress, (APC) in Osun, Prince Gboyega Famodun appreciated the people of the state for standing by the party and promised that the party would not let them down, urging students to maximise the opportunity of the facilities in the school to secure brighter future for themselves.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Olawale, all said the facilities are first of its kind in Nigeria and commended Governor Aregbesola for his commitment to the development of the state, while asking for more government attention on traditional institutions.

Government-Party Disconnect: A Potent Great Danger Ahead THURSDAY, MARCH 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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OVERNANCE all over the world requires tact, strong enough to help people in power to harmonize all sectors for the purpose of mobilizing resources for good governance. The same tact will assist government in ensuring that human resource is encouraged to reflect on the best possible way to manage other resources to move the country forward. In a democracy, party members play vital roles in objectives realization. That is why it is needful for internal unity to be entrenched most especially within the ruling party. This is not only to avoid incessant crises; it will also ensure that government policies and programmes are in tandem with people’s needs and expectation through wide consultation. When party members are at a loss as far as government policies and programmes are concerned, then what to expect should be abysmal failure on the part of government at the end of the day.

I have watched the scenarios playing out since the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) came to power; and I believe that some steps must be taken to avoid strange pitfalls that may likely shorten the lifespan of APC as the ruling party. People believe that some steps are being taken to make a difference from the experience of our sixteen years of democratic process between 1999 and 2015; it is however evident that the impact of the difference tilts towards the negative. That is why it becomes imperative to x-ray the processes that culminated in change not bringing the desired results to the citizenry. They are very numerous, but I will like to limit myself to one salient factor that may spell doom for the ruling party in the immediate future if not passionately addressed. One needful stitch now should be given needful cognisance to avoid a situation whereby nine or more stitches will not be able to avail for the required remedy.

Charity, they say begins at home.

That is why I will begin my analysis from the point of view of what has been happening in the State of Osun.

Any comparative analysis will then become meaningful. The government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola came at a point that the state needed serious deliberate attention because of the way and manner the preceding Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government mismanaged the resources of the state. Let us get things right; it is not as if the PDP government did not do anything in

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President Buhari must have a rethink over his posture on party politics. I do not subscribe to bread and butter politics though, but participatory democracy calls for active participation of party members through their leaders in major decision making. Major issues like the appointment of ambassadors and ministers must have the inputs of the governor and party leaders who can in turn explain to followers the modalities of making choices and appointments.

•President BUHARI

By ADEOLU GBOTEMI

the seven and a half years they were in the saddle. They actually did many things, but the sordid works done did not stand the test of time. Starting from the projects implemented by the state government to the ones handled by the local governments, the modes of implementation, monitoring and evaluation were so suspicious that today, there is virtually nothing on ground to prove that a government traversed the corridor of power for that long.

One thing that PDP government did was that the party members got their fair shares of “dividend of democracy”. The boot-lickers were not spared in the trickling down; that is why an average PDP man resident in Osun will want to conclude that comparatively, the era of PDP as a ruling party was better than that of APC. This I will for long controvert because we can spot so many differences in the ways things were and how they are today. The government of Ogbeni Aregbesola has been seriously constrained by limited funds due to the plunge in the price of oil that is the mainstay of Nigeria’s economy. That is why the government is deep necked in debt now due to borrowings necessitated by the dire need to upgrade social amenities. Unfortunately the people

It would have been gravely unreasonable for government to borrow money and divert it to party financing. That is why party members cannot boast of much dividend apart from the benefits of physical infrastructure that accrue to people generally.

in PDP who have not been able to ply their ways back into the ruling APC will condemn the present government for huge indebtedness; in spite of the fact that their regime plundered what would have gone into infrastructural upgrade being witnessed now in the state.

It would have been gravely unreasonable for government to borrow money and divert it to party financing. That is why party members cannot boast of much dividend apart from the benefits of physical infrastructure that accrue to people generally. I remember the leaders of APC in the state doused tension prior to the 2015 general election that brought in President Buhari with a soothing statement that party members will enjoy when an APC government was installed at the centre. Two years running the story has remained the same, because President Buhari seems to be oblivious of the route he traversed to power. All steps taken so far appear to be at variance with party members’ expectations. Appointments are not made with due understanding of the home-grown party stalwarts because they claim not to be consulted before the few appointments that we witnessed so far were made. To make the case of the party stalwarts worse, their followers (party members) have lost faith in them because of perceived inaction and insensitivity.

A PDP leader in Osun tweeted as shown to me by an aggrieved APC member Viz: “Obinde eleekelo leyi o?

Waiting for cabinet reshuffle, abi?

Home Based APC, how market?” this is an evidence of gross derision, and this is actually weighty enough to make one feel dehumanized. Many like this that cannot be accessed litter the media. That is why President Buhari must have a rethink over his posture on party politics. I do not subscribe to bread and butter politics though, but participatory democracy calls for active participation of party members through their leaders in major decision making. Major issues like the appointment of ambassadors and ministers must have the inputs of the governor and party leaders who can in turn explain to followers the modalities of making choices and appointments. Keeping the party in

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the dark will cause loyalty to wane; and this will not be healthy both for party survival and succession plan.

Imposition was considered the major undoing of the PDP; President Buhari must therefore learn from history.

In Nigeria, and in most part of the globe where democracy thrive, party platform remains the veritable tool of democracy consolidation. Irrespective of the level of achievements of the government in power, it is very important for a good party formation and networking to be put in place.

Many are out there that are disgruntled amongst the party members. Some are of the opinion that the usual practice of winners take all must remain in vogue. Others are of the opinion that to have a say in the formulation and operation of procedural ethos would do. Others still are of the opinion that the concept of political professionalism should be sustained. Summarizing all these, it is believed that everybody would feel proud to be regarded as a stakeholder; and it is only when someone has a say that a stake can be presumed to be held. As is stands, apart from Governor Aregbesola and some of his lieutenants who can be approached by those so privileged, most of the people in power at the centre are hardly known to the grassroots politicians. Whether we like it or not, politicians remain the horses that political office seekers will continue to ride to power. Party platform also remains the medium through which such ambition can be accessed.

Mr President or any office holder at any level has the prerogative of choice to disregard party structure in vital decision making; but the problem of compromising one’s stand is bound to surface later. When President Buhari asserted that the era of wasteful spending in gone for good, I agree with him in principle.

However, the gains of this standpoint in projects and programmes implementations process will be squandered on the premise of assuaging the aggrieved later if precautionary measures are not taken today. The president will appear to be the lone ranger in the fight against corruption, whereas the process can only be sustained if people buy into it; and the best way to go remains the medium of party hierarchy and formation.

NEWS PDP Sets To Wrestle Power From APC Page 2

Pathbreaking Seminar For Local Government Information Officers

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THURSDAY 23 - THURSDAY, MARCH 30, 2017

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By Kehinde Ayantunji

OVERNOR, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has regretted that adequate information was not being dished out to the public on the efforts of the government to making lives better interms of developmental projects, especially at the local level.

Speaking at a day so determined and Workshop organized for committed to the project Local Government which is now a success Information officers in story that has made life the 66 local council areas more abundant for the of the state held at the people in rural areas.

He said, if he had not Local Government stood firm then, with the Service Commission H a l l , G o v e r n m e n t economic reality now, the cost of the three Secretariat, Osogbo, he kilometers then will said, no rural community hardly complete one in Osun is suffering from kilometer now, rural access mobility considering the road, but this feat was astronomical increase in never reported by the the price of construction local government and building materials information officers. presently.

Aregbesola said more Aregbesola who titled than 300 communities his speech, “Wanted!!, and 20 urban centers Local Information have benefited from the Services at the Grass massive road Root” said, the three construction of the kilometers per local being present administration, government which has open the state replicated in Lagos for agricultural today, has been done in development and other Osun since 2013, but were not adequately economic activities.

The governor said, reported by the local since 2013, the state government information government has officers.

He challenge the local constructed 10 kilometers mechanized roads in information officers to disseminate adequately each of the old 30 local information on governments with government activities, concrete drainages, saying, “if you don’t blow Ferro-stone based in all your trumpet, no one will the local governments. blow it for you; you are Aside this, he said his the mirror of the administration has government at the rehabilitated and opened grassroots and therefore, over 225 kilometers of you must be alive to your rural access road through responsibility”.

Rural Access Mobility The governor regretted Project (RAMP), built and that the impacts of the equipped community information officers in maternity centers, adding their respective councils that the state is also in the in the state were not process of the second being felt, saying, “a phase of 500 kilometers major purpose of this rural access mobility seminar therefore is that your skills will be horned roads.

He said, “Before our and you will be rearrival in 2010, during energised to chart a new raining seasons, many course”.

“Information is rural communities don’t Without have access to their important. sounding immodest, villages and farms, but there is a saying that if through our you don’t blow your commitment, we are trumpet, nobody will consistently grading over blow it for you. A lot has 500 kilometers of roads been happening in our and today, it is a different local government story entirely”. councils which have been Aregbesola said, the buried in the sea of construction of local forgetfulness and which government roads met have undermined our stiff criticism from achievements. oppositions, but he was The governor also

explained that most of his intervention so far were community based, meant to add value to the lives of the people across the state.

“We also instituted a grooming programme at

the grassroots under which we train women in vocations and empower them to stand on their own. The programme has nearly 30,000 clients and has distributed loans in excess of N1.7 billion.

Each beneficiary receives loans ranging from N40,000 to N150,000.

“Many amenities like water, electricity and sanitation facilities costing billions in naira have been provided in all

the local governments, especially rural areas.

Regrettably, all these have been largely unreported, except directly through the office of the governor”, Aregbesola said.

•RESOURCE PERSONS WHO ENRICHED THE SEMINAR: From left, Comrade Wale Adebisi, Executive Director, Ola-Oni Centre for Research, Osogbo, Mr Sola Fasure, Deputy Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy fact-checking on the phone and Mr Sanya Oni, Editorial Page Editor, The Nation Newspapers.

Experts Advocate Capacity Upgrade For Effective Information Dissemination At Local Level

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NFORMATION officers in the local governments have been charged to ensure that they make use of code mix and code switch techniques for proper dissemination of information in the local language since the English is a language of imperialism. local, state and federal This charge was given governments. by resource persons at a Adebisi noted that the one day workshop effects of information organised for management and Information Officers in dissemination for the local governments, local development include, council development documentation of the areas, area councils and agriculture products and administrative office in natural resources, the State of Osun, held in exhibition of the cultural Osogbo on Wednesday. heritage of a particular Comrade Wale local government area, Adebisi, the Director of religious belief and Ola Oni Centre for Social diversity, economy, Research who was one of health, power and water, the resource persons education and politics. while delivering a paper He advocated the use titled, ‘Information of social media platforms Management and like Facebook, Dissemination at the WhatsApp, Instagram, Grassroot: Essential twitter and traditional Factor for National media outlets in the Development; State of dissemination of Osun in Perspective”, information. reminded the Delivering a paper information officers that titled, “The Challenges of their presence in the local the media and public governments meant they communications in the served as a resource 21st century”, the Deputy centre for easy Director, Bureau of governance as they serve Communication and as the bridge between the Strategy, Mr Sola Fasure

By Francis Ezediuno described information traditional media thrives officers as crucial on integrity, the new playerss in information media seems not to dissemination at the local observe the 5Ws and H”.

He encouraged governments, charging them to begin the process participants to retool and of disseminating upgrade their capacity to information with media practice, so as to get a totally new orientation to segmentation. business of He outlined the duties the and responsibilities of i n f o r m a t i o n information officers as dissemination because media coverage most news organisations a virtual monitoring, briefing and operate advising political newsroom, as the old officials, manage media concept of the newsroom relations, inform the is fast disappearing.

He hinted that with the people directly, intraorganisation information globalisation of news, local event could sharing and formulation any a global of communication and become occurrence, depending media strategy. on how the news was Also, the Editorial Page reported by the input of Editor, The Nation the information handler.

Newspapers, Mr. Sanya “Thus, the debate Oni, in his own lecture between the local and described media global news was management and superfluous especially in i n f o r m a t i o n the age of the new media. dissemination as an The whole world emerging landscape understands that the likened to a jungle. future belongs to the While speaking on the mobile media and it topic, ‘Making Local demands adaptation Information Relevant in from not just the National Media’, he said, practitioners, but from “the new media is leading actors in the becoming the nemesis of development process”, the old media; while the he added.

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