April 27, 2018 Osun Defender Online Version

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Court Remands Two Why I’ll Emerge Men Over Alleged Impersonation Of Osun Governor PAGE 15 - Akinbade PAGE 11 IGP

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VOL. 013. NO.16

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Valedictory Tour:

An Ace Of Accolades Of Love!

•An appreciative turnout of admirers acknowledging the Ogbeni’s steller performance in Ile-Ife.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran during the governor’s visit to the palace.

•Ecstatic crowd welcoming Governor Aregbesola in Ilesa.

e2 g Pa

Legislature, The Heartbeat Of Democracy - Speaker

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Aregbesola’s Valedictory Tour

By Kehinde Ayantunji It was galore of tributes to the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as he embarked on tour of the nine federal constituencies in the state with a view to report his stewardship in almost eight years of his administration and mend walls among the teeming members of the All Progressives Congress (APC). were Although, the teeming supporters party members and anxiously waiting for the

party leadership to announce the suspension of ban on political activities in the state and pave way for the prospective aspirants to thronged the road with their aspirations.

However, rather than lift ban on political activities, the Governor

embarked on political adventure to the nine federal constituencies across the state to reawaken political loyalty of members of the APC family, with a view to helping it win a reelection come September 22.

As the Governor

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan, during the governors visit to Ife Federal Constituency, Ile-Ife on Monday.

Legislature, The Heartbeat Of Democracy - Speaker

By Israel Afolabi Speaker of the state of Osun House of Assembly, Hon Najeem Salaam has disclosed that the legislature is the heartbeat of democratic governance.

Salaam made the development, the remark while addressing speaker assured people Political Science students with special needs that of the State College of the House would offer Education, Ila-Orangun necessary support to who were on excursion to enhance their welfare. the Assembly complex He stated this while Osogbo. hosting the Association He described the of people with Special legislative arm of Needs at his office government as important complex Osogbo. as a head in the body.

Reacting to the According to him, “The submissions of the body parliament is the only through its spokesman, organ saddled with the he enumerated measures responsibility of making taken by the present laws for the peace and administration to ensure progress of the society. better living conditions He also used the forum for them in the State. to lecture the students He however, asked who were watching the them to bring forth their House proceedings on its request to the larger standing rules and assembly so that the regulations, the various House can look at it standing committees and holistically. their functions.

President of the He educated the Association in the Southstudents on the process West, Mr Kehinde through which a bill Onitiju had requested for becomes a law. more support in terms of While stating that the law enactment so as to society is looking up to better the living the youths as future condition of people with leaders, he urged them to special needs. shun any act that could be According to him, “We inimical to their chosen have a pending bill on disability with the House career.

In another since 2009 which will add

meaning to our life, we appeal to the House to pass it. We want the House to enact laws which will give us the same benefits with our sister states”, he added.

Mr Onitiju who had acknowledged the priority accorded them by the present administration appreciated the gesture just as he requested for

more attention in terms of legislation.

In his comments, the president of Network of Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO) in the state, Mr Ibrahim Olayinka urged the House to accelerate the process of the bill.

According to him, “The bill is for better convenience of people with disability”.

Aregbesola-led political train birth in Ile-Ife, the mammoth crowd that thronged the Ife City hall, venue of the meeting further strengthen the believe that the Governor still enjoys the acceptance of the electorates, especially in Ile-Ife, perceived to be a no go area for the APC. The governor deemed it fit to pay homage to the royal father, His Majesty Oba Enitan Ogunwusi in his palace. The love the number one citizen received in return was beyond description.

According to the monarch, “Aregbesola has been faithful on his promises to the people of Osun and this is because he is a God fearing man and I commend him for this. Osun has no doubt thrived and developed under the administration of Aregbesola and this I am so proud of.

He described the Osun governor as someone who has the fear of God, hence the good works and great achievements that has continued to trail the administration of Aregbesola.

The monarch while appealing to the people of Osun to continue to show support for the present government in Osun noted that the entire state had never had it so good in terms of infrastructural development.

Similarly, a representative of the APC elders’ caucus, Chief Sooko Adewoyin expressed the happiness of the elders council towards the governor,

saying he has done what the elders have asked for in terms of developing the state from where the APC met it about seven and half years ago.

While urging party members to close ranks for the benefit of all, the elder statesman said standing by the principles of the party remains the only way Osun can progress and calling on all members to always put the growth of the state first.

Also, as the team headed to Ilesa, a crowd of supporters thronged the street to receive the governor while applauding him for all the good work he has done within the almost eight years of his administration in the state.

Various speakers at the Ilesa gathering eulogized and commended the achievements of the governor and stressed the need to further strengthen the unity in the party ahead of the September 22 poll with a view guaranteeing continuity of the party.

The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran said Aregbesola has done so well for Osun and deserves commendation from all angles especially on roads and school infrastructures.

The monarch said his works have always spoken for him, saying, Osun deserves another governor that would sustain the development and even improve on it after Aregbesola administration.

CSDP Holds Quarterly Review Meeting In Osun

By Israel Afolabi In its bid to review the success recorded in the last decade across the country, the Community and Social Development Programme (CSDP) in Nigeria held its 2018 first quarter review meeting in the state of Osun.

The CSDP held the Team Leader of CSDP review meeting at the Nigeria and his team Royal Park Hotel Iloko- members for considering Ijesa on Tuesday where the state desirable to host thirty-two states across the meeting.

Ogbeni Aregbesola Nigeria converge to discuss the future and equally appreciated for having progress of the CSDP generously devoted their programme. to ensure In his goodwill time message, the Governor, development across the State of Osun, Ogbeni nooks and crannies of the Rauf Aregbesola, who state.

He revealed that the was represented by the Special Adviser on Rural CSDP projects across the and Community state focuse on poverty Development, Mr reduction among the Babatunde Ibirogba rural and local dwellers commended the Task especially women and

children.

According to him, “This event brings us together today and makes me happy in a special way since it bothers on the project that is very dear personally to my heart because it focuses on poverty reduction.

“I want to commend the efforts of the World Bank and other development partners in the state that support government in our struggles to eradicate poverty” he added.

He made it known that since inception of his administration, Osun has played significant roles in supporting the course of community and social development projects

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and this is evident in the timely payment of government counterpart contribution annually.

He revealed that the state of Osun has made t r e m e n d o u s contributions towards the sustainability of the State Agency for Community and Social Development Project for years.

He said “I’m pleased to inform you that the activities of this agency are being felt in all the nooks and crannies of the state. In our own part, we will continue to invest in natural and socialeconomic infrastructure to achieve the project objectives”.

•Continued on page 12

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Osun To Prosecute OAU, Glo, 9mobile, Others Over N12billion Tax Debt

By Ismaeel Uthman Osun state government has accused some corporate organisations and Federal Government agencies in the state of owing over N12 billion in both corporate and income tax within the spate of 13 years.

He listed those tax The Special Adviser to the Osun State defaulters to include: with Government on Tax Globacom matters, Barrister N 7 , 6 0 0 , 5 9 5 , 6 4 0 . 0 0 Gbenga Akano disclosed (Seven Billion, six this at a press conference hundred million, five hundred and ninety five in Osogbo.

thousand, six hundred and forty naira) 9 mobile with N882,448,475,00 (Eight hundred and eighty two million, four hundred and forty eight thousand, four hundred and forty eight naira) between the period of 2005 and 2017.

Others are: Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife with:

N1,884,770,939,45 (One billion, Eight hundred and forty-four million, seven hundred and seventy thousand, nine hundred and thirty nine naira, forty-five kobo) between the period of 2015 and 2016.

Wetland Construction Nig. Ltd, N8,686,336.41 (Eight Million, six hundred and eighty six

thousand, three hundred and thirty six marauding, forty onekobo) with ten per cent penalty and 21 per cent interest between the period of year 2015 and 2016.

Lapo Agric Development Initiative with N7,078,313.20 (seven million, seventyeight thousand, three hundred and thirteen naira, twenty kobo) with ten per cent penalty and 21 per cent interest between the period of year 2013 and 2016.

Nigeria Custom Service with liability of 111,221,381.37 (One hundred and million, two hundred and twenty one thousand, three hundred and eighty-one naira, thirty –seven kobo, and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps with

N128,289,909.12 (One Twenty Eight Million, two hundred and eighty nine thousand, nine hundred and nine naira, twelve kobo) among others.

Akano submitted that the state government gives zero tolerance for tax evasion and avoidance, describing it as “a great sin against the human race for justice to reign”.

“We are set to begin criminal prosecution and make sure that these aforementioned companies face the full wrath of the law.

“We are by this press briefing informing all defaulters that failure to redeem their taxes and levies will leave the board with no other option than to explore all legal means”.

Osun Govt., Speaker, Eulogise Adeleke’s Virtues

•Photo of the day: Struggle for survival.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

New INEC REC Deployed To Osun In less than five months to the September 22nd governorship election in Osun, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has deployed a new Resident Electoral Commissioner to the state.

The new REC, Mr Osogbo, capital of the Olusegun Agbaje state on Monday. resumed duty at the It was confirmed that INEC headquarters in the new REC was

received by the Administrative Officer of the commission who conducted him round the key departments in the state headquarters of the commission.

On resumption, Agbaje held a meeting

with some very senior officials of the commission.

Agbaje was the REC posted to the state to oversee the 2014 governorship election in the state which he conducted successfully.

Owa Obokun Gives Condition For Continuity In Government The Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran has warned that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) plays by the rules and listens to elders’ advice on the way forward, victory in the coming governorship poll would be guaranteed.

The Monarch stated happened in the state this when Governor but asked that Rauf Aregbesola of government should Osun paid a courtesy ensure that more is done visit to the palace of the in Ijesaland. monarch before the “Aregbesola has done commencement of the so well for Osun and goodwill visit to deserves commendation members of APC in Ijesa from all angles South Federal especially on roads and Constituency by the school infrastructures. governor.

“His works have The royal father urged always spoken for him politicians ahead of the and I am sure it will coming election to stop continue to. Myself and maligning themselves the whole of Ijesaland for a better Osun and including the chiefs will Nigeria to be achievable, continue to hail saying that the winner of Aregbesola for his the forthcoming election achievements. is only known to God While responding, the and can be unlocked governor urged the through prayers. people of the state to He commended learn from Lagos who Aregbesola for the had enjoyed infrastructural unprecedented development that has development due to the

fact that the state is enjoying unbroken regime of the progressive party.

Aregbesola stated that ever since the creation of Nigeria when Osun was a division and Osun as a state, no government has ever achieved the feat that his administration has achieved interms of positive infrastructural development.

He explained further that the essence of allowing continuity in government in Osun is not for himself alone, but for the benefit of the entire state as the spate of development being experienced will definitely continue under the APC government.

While thanking God for liberating the state through the APC government, Aregbesola stressed that residents of the state should be

careful not to allow the opposition take over the state ever again.

He said, “I want us to be very careful not to loose what we have, what we have is u n p a r a l l e l e d development which have never been experienced in the state since its creation.

The state is going through a developmental phase and we must be careful not to halt the steady wind of positive change that is blowing across the state.

“Lagos state is the most developed state in the country today simply because no other party apart from the APC has ruled the state.

It is the continuity in governance of Lagos state that has enabled it to develop in that manner”, the governor stressed.

A year after his death, the government of the State of Osun and the Speaker, State House of Assembly, Dr. (Rt. Hon.) Salaam has described late Senator Isiaka Adeleke as a great politician with good heart who sought peace and conflict free society while he lived.

The state government footprints the deceased in a statement signed by left behind”, it reads.

Also, in a statement the Commissioner for Information and signed by his Chief Press Strategy, Mr. Adelani Secretary, Mr. Goke Baderinwa described Butika, Dr. Salaam stressed that the demise Adeleke’s death as sour of Senator Adeleke was grape in the mouth as it a big vacuum that is denied all, the good difficult to fill, saying he naturalness well known served the state at his about him by all and youthful age and served sundry. the nation through the The statement Senate of the Federal described the deceased Republic at his prime as a flamboyant before he succumbed to politician with great the cold hand of death. kindness for the needy, Speaker Salaam saying, the late Adeleke asserted that the state did his best to provide Parliament under his for the masses that he watch is working plans came across during his to honour the memory of the first civilian life time.

“A grassroots governor as well as the politician of note in his senior lawmaker, saying life time, the first civilian the plans when perfected governor of the State of would be unveiled to the Osun was in constant members of the public.

“Late Senator Isiaka touch with his people till Adeleke, the first civilian he breathed his last. No governor of the state wonder his demise who died in active brought a deep sense of service as a loss to all, even when it distinguished Senator of is clear that as mortals, the federal republic we all live at the mercy would be honoured by of God”. the Assembly soon, While praying for because he was a great Aljanat fridous for him, leader and lover of the government again peace. We shall honour urged the family, friends him as a departed and associates of Senator senior lawmaker,” Dr. Isiaka Adeleke, the Timi Salaam quipped.

It would be recalled of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola that late Senator Adeleke Lawal and other well- died a year ago in his wishers across the world country home, Ede; he to find solace in the good was a serving Senator life and indelible representing Osun West.

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4 Remembering Gani Fawehinmi

tormentors; the khaki boys against whom he waged serious wars and who put him in prison many times, did testify to his unparalleled patriotism and unalloyed loyalty to the principles of good governance, rule of law and democracy.

It’s also on record that there is no Nigerian living or dead - who was tormented more than him as he went to prison for more than forty times before his death. Never was he a criminal but rather, a prisoner of conscience. There is hardly any famous prison in this country that did not play host to Gani because of his principled stance against military dictatorship and struggle for the emancipation of the masses of this country from the state imposed poverty, hunger, misery and deprivation.

Gani throughout his lifetime remained a role model to millions of Nigerians, while he was also widely admired abroad for his rare courage. The tenacity with which he fought for the people of this country was highly spectacular so much so that he earned himself the title of Senior Advocate of the Masses (SAM); a title no Nigerian ever got before him.

As a philanthropist, many Nigerians irrespective of tribe and religion - benefitted from his kind gestures as he doled out scholarship to a lot of indigent people, especially students across the whole country. As members of the fourth estate of the realm whose rights Gani also defended vigorously while alive, we sincerely feel it would amount to a great disservice to the memory of this late exemplary Lawyer and great humanist if we failed to pay him tribute on his 80th post-humous birthday.

Thus a fortiori, as the world remembers this icon during this period, we cannot but join millions of other people in paying tribute to a man who was a symbol of total commitment to the principles of good governance, rule of law and democracy as we earlier mentioned. The best way we believe this rights activist can be continuously remembered is for us as a nation to uphold those values and ideals for which he lived and died for. May his soul continue to rest peacefully. Amen.

‘ ’

Late Chief Gani Oyesola Fawehinmi whose life epitomised a complete and total struggle for the rights of the downtrodden of Nigeria, is being remembered during this period as the world celebrates him again on the occasion of his 80th post-humous birthday.

Gani, as he was popularly called during his lifetime will forever remain in the memories of the people of this country for his dogged fight against military dictatorship and bad governance. His advocacy for rule of law, human rights, democracy and good governance was legendary as he put his life on the line for all these.

It’s on record that in the annals of this country, there has never been any Nigerian who fought

Gani throughout his lifetime remained a role model to millions of Nigerians, while he was also widely admired abroad for his rare courage.

fervently and vigorously in defence of his beliefs more than the legendary Gani. Even his

Fear, Loathing And Carnage: The Aregbesola Response It has become disconcerting to read the newspaper headlines, watch the news or access the social media.

The impression giving is that of a Nigerian nation at war. The central authorities now have no other alternative than to take off the kid gloves. This is because the main reason, the raison d’être for the existence of the modern state lies in its incontrovertible “monopoly of the means of intimidation, violence and coercion.” Surrender this critical ethos, and it’s a descent into anarchy.

In tackling what has become as spiral of violence, the central authorities must examine both hard and soft power, they must also make a critical assessment of the impact of the sub-units of the federation which have so far continued to defy the trend.

A good example apart from Lagos State is the state of Osun. Here, kudos must be given to the pro-active policies of the state government. By understudying the environmental causes of conflict, the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has anticipated and neutralized the challenges inducing robberies, cultism, drug abuse, arms proliferation amongst other social deviancy. The counter-attack, pro-active strategies have clearly worked. Pre- Aregbesola many of the major urban settlements in Osun had been under a state of siege. This has now receded into history and largely out of memory.

Credit has to be given to the Ogbeni Governor for making cost effective budget allocation on the Security Landscape. Aregbesola’s government

made transparent procurement of 25 sophisticated Armed Personnel Carriers and 125 patrol vans to combat robberies. The vans were distributed among all the security agencies, including the Army, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Immigration and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) amongst others.

The state government also subsequently inaugurated a combined quick emergency response team, Swift Action Response Squad (SARS) which comprises security forces like the Army, Police, and NSCDC officials whose activities have reduced crime rate to the barest minimum in Osun.

Hard pressed state governments hamstrung in a defective quasi- federalism must take a hard look at the Osun model. In a tight fiscal situation cost effective spending is decisive which is why Ogbeni Aregbesola deserves so much credit. He could after all, have used the spending on security as an opportunity for self-aggrandisement. When a state like Osun is at peace within, kudos must be giving to the government. We on our part do so.

For this reason, the electorate in Osun State with the backdrop of the prevailing horror stories across the country in mind must put the continuity of the security framework at the top of their priorities when they vote on September 22, 2018. With continuity we will continue to make Osun a standout safe haven, peaceful, secure and at peace with itself and others.

Hard pressed state governments hamstrung in a defective quasifederalism must take a hard look at the Osun model. In a tight fiscal situation cost effective spending is decisive which is why Ogbeni Aregbesola deserves so much credit.

Need For All To Shun Electoral Violence The race for the coveted seat of the state of Osun has begun, take it or not.

Aspirants in their large numbers are getting on their tracks; some have formally declared their intentions, others taking the back seat to keenly observe what is happening at the other end.

Political parties are not being left out of the race, the hunt for candidates who can earn the people’s mandate is on course.

But in all these, we must ensure the peace enjoyed so far in the state continues. We all must understand that the numerous aspirants’ aspirations to acquire power must not be at the detriment of our respiration. In times past, the casualty of violent acts are not only those consumed by the act, or valuable properties lost in

the process, they are not even those that triggered it, or the innocent people that the act would have rendered fatherless, motherless, or homeless, well out of it, they also include those ill-fated occurrences no one ever envisages.

World over, the causes of major violence have been

tussles for powers. Ours must not be. All the line, we have been a peace loving people. This has been applauded by many. Of recent, Osun was garlanded

a great honour of being the most peaceful state in the country due to the commitment of the government to security of lives and property. This has become our trade mark- our wooing words. Whether we like it or not, this status of ours would begin to attract more people, industries and

investments to the state than what we currently have.

Everyone loves a dove-like abode where he/she can do business without a shred of fear. Defiance to this may

change our status from a developing to underdeveloped state, and the better future we picture will witness forfeiture.

The gains for peace to thrive are sweet, right? The job lies in the hands of all.

The aspirants and their supporters must do all they can to ensure there is peace in the land. They must understand that politics is not a do or die affair, like other games, winners and losers must emerge.

We cannot afford to be used by anyone to cause confusion on ourselves, the consequences are grave than the enjoyment that we would derive from the naira notes handed to us.

•TAOFEEKAT IBRAHIM, Osogbo, State of Osun.

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Aregbesola And His Pact, The Journey So Far In Osun political history, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is adjudged to be the most popular and accepted, most vilified and most courageous but in less than 220 days to leave office, recent tour of Federal Constituencies revealed that people are already worried on how to produce a successor that will sustain the current infrastructural development record. KEHINDE AYANTUNJI in this report examines the journey so far.

Rather than lifting ban on the governorship campaign in the All Progressives Congress (APC) as severally promised by the state party Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, the party on Monday began “Goodwill Tour” to the nine federal constituencies in the state to review the implementation of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s six point Integral Action Plans, seven and half years after.

According to the party leadership, it is under moral obligation to render stewardship and feel the pulse of the people to determine in real sense if the government has substantially fulfilled electoral promises before venturing into the succession project. Consensus at the goodwill tour so far is that Governor Aregbesola’s administration has laid a shining example in prudent management of state funds and posted stunning records that have never been in the annals of the state.

With the common style of Governor Aregbesola to start any political public outing from the cradle of Yoruba, he commenced the tour at the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi before proceeding to Oba Okunade Sijuade City Hall which was filled to the brim to address the stakeholders and members of APC in Ife land, after which he proceeded to Ilesa on Wednesday.

The responses of the people during the goodwill tour show that he is still and acceptable governor. This is not surprising because Governor Aregbesola since 2005 when he ventured into Osun politics, he has possess capacity to pool crowd, but the surprise is the beauty of the successes he had recorded, inspite the rough and tedious journey. Most of the projects that Governor Aregbesola suffers vilification for, now become the most celebrated and commendable during the tour, especially the school projects.

The rousing welcome given to Aregbesola in the places toured was a clear indication of his acceptability, even in the face of hard economy.

Reflecting from the beginning, Governor Aregbesola was peculiar to controversy since November 27, 2010 that he became the governor for his unusual pattern of governance; many doubt his programmes because it was believe to be hoax and impossible in Nigeria. For instance, his promises to employ 20,000 youths within 100 days in office, his promise to feed over 200,000 students in elementary schools

•(L-R) The APC state chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; the Secretary, Hon Rasak Salinsile; Osun Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and the APC Women Leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde during the tour to Ile-Ife.

Most of the projects that Governor Aregbesola suffers vilification for, now become the most celebrated and commendable during the tour, especially the school projects. daily. When he introduced rebranding of the state and Omoluabi ethos, if not for constitutional immunity, he might have been tried for felony because the noise was so pronounced to a level that many in Nigeria who lack the depth of federalism easily concluded that Osun was about to secede with the new flag and state logo. The rest is history as the state anthem is already a pride, many can conveniently sing it than the national anthem that has been in existence since 1978.

At a point, a religion body became the voice of the opposition in the state, hanging religion bigotry on the governor to the extent of attributing the change of the “ Living Spring” to State of the Virtuous” to Islamisation.They also questioned why he demolished schools to build another one instead of renovating the existing structures. At the beginning, most of the political

institutions and elites were hostile against the governor; they never overcome the shock of the November 27 that restored the mandate of the people. When he emerged, he inherited hostile State House of Assembly that was not in any way comfortable with the government but the people of the state were strongly behind the governor everywhere he visited to the extent that at a point, there was a rumor that the state assembly was about to impeach him and the people threatened to occupy the house if such move really exist.

He found himself compelled to walk a tight rope, deftly and dexterously entering a compromise here, a concession there, to ward off the reactionary designs of an opposition that could not reconcile itself to the new reality of people’s power. In fact when he was about to constitute the Local

Government Caretaker Committee, the opposition members in the then House of Assembly negotiated two slots per local government before the approval of the caretaker committee. For the first six months, Osun ran government of “unity” at the local government level, but anyway they were minority at the state assembly. Much had to be put on hold for the political equation of power to be altered in favour of the new administration following the election of a new House of Assembly by the electorate in April 2011, where the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) won all the seats in the assembly.

No doubt, the path-breaking and trail-blazing efforts of Aregbesola represent the process of consummation of a revolutionary scheme which was earlier captured in the document entitled “My pact with the people of Osun” authored by him before venturing into the stormy waters of electoral contest in 2006.

The document was inspired by the three principles goals of Peace, Progress And Prosperity that Yoruba leader committed themselves to at the end of “Kiriji War” in September 1886; the pact is a statement and re-statement of an intention to resume the truncated journey of the Yoruba into glory under •Continued on page 6

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FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

Aregbesola And His Pact, The Journey So Far

•Continued from page 5 the illustrious Obafemi Awolowo, but it is not just a mere statement. It is a condensation of an extended and comprehensive vision clearly outlined and articulated under six broad headings otherwise known as “Six Point Integral Action Plan” which are Banish Poverty, Banish Hunger, Banish Unemployment, Restore Healthy Living, Promote Functional Education, Enhance Communal Peace And Progress.

However, seven and half years after, Aregbesola is a hero whose footsteps would never be forgotten in the history of the state.

The outstanding consolation for the present administration is that people are not losing sight about massive transformation of the state by the present administration and the need for competent successor with charisma to take the bull by the horns in the pursuit and continuation of the integrated and organically linked crusades against poverty, hunger and unemployment; massive investment in agriculture, food production and food security that have been witnessed under the leadership of Aregbesola.

At the Oni’s palace, Oba Ogunwusi could not hide his joy, saying Aregbesola has kept his campaign promises to the people of Ife and the entire state in the past seven and half years. He described the Osun governor as someone who has the fear of God, hence the good works and great achievements that have continued to trail the administration of Aregbesola.

The monarch while appealing to the people of Osun to continue to show support for the present government in Osun noted that the entire state had never had it so good in terms of infrastructural development.

Ogunwusi while expressing concern about successor, warned APC members to close ranks and called on residents of the state to embrace peace and ensure a violent free politicking.

He explained that the current spate of growth and development being enjoyed in the state can only continue in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility, saying, “Aregbesola has been faithful on his promises to the people of Osun and this is because he is a God fearing man and I commend him for this. Osun has no doubt thrived and developed under the administration of Aregbesola and this I am so proud of”.

The story is the same during the governor’s goodwill visit to Ijesa South Federal Constituency. Apart from the crowd that trooped out to welcome the governor, the Owa Obokun Adimula of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, on Tuesday praised the handwork of the governor so far, especially on infrastructural development. He explained that the administration of Aregbesola which is

•Anxious supporters waiting for Governor Rauf Aregbesola during the tour to Ile-Ife

Some of us are kin about successor; someone cannot build all these edifices and hand it over to a nonentity that will set us back, never again in the history. already winding up has done so well for the state that it will be difficult for any government to surpass, stressing that the dividend of democracy has truly gone round the state through the present APC government in Osun.

He then called on members of the APC in the state to ensure that they conduct themselves in a peaceful manner during the forthcoming polls so as to avoid violence and ensure that the state continues to get the best in terms of good governance being delivered to the people of the state.

According to the monarch, “Aregbesola’s reign in Osun in the past seven and half years has been very eventful, the state has witnessed development like never before in the history of the state and we are so happy about this. Osun is no longer the state people used to know and this is because of the intervention of the present administration led by Aregbesola, it is certain that Osun can no longer go back to those years of darkness because the state has already been liberated by the

APC. Alhaji Saka Adewumi, an APC chieftain during the tour told Osun Defender reporter that he knew Aregbesola will perform since 2005 but not up to this magnitude, saying his performance was unprecedented in the history of the state.

Adewumi said “What is happening in Osun to me is like a magic, I have no doubt about the capacity of the governor considering his performance in Lagos, but as we all know, we cannot compare Lagos with Osun in terms of resources, but I never believe that it would be up to this level, he has completely changed the face of Osun, he has set a standard that will practically be impossible for anyone to reverse in the history, that is why some of us are kin about successor, someone cannot build all these edifices and hand it over to a nonentity that will set us back, never again in the history”.

Aregbesola while addressing the massive crowd in Ife and Ilesa said the current spate of development being

CAARTOON

experienced in Osun will continue if the ruling APC is voted back into power in the forth coming gubernatorial elections in the state.

He said the only state that has so far witnessed steady and continuous growth since the beginning of the current democracy in the country is Lagos state which has always been ruled by the All Progressives Congress for the past over sixteen years.

Aregbesola who described the APC as the light which has come to liberate Osun from backwardness said the party, if re-elected to continue the governance of the state is ready to continue bringing the dividends of democracy to the down trodden in the state, saying “We can look back with pride and hold our heads up high at our achievements in the last seven and half years”.

Aregbesola warned the people of the ancient towns of the dangers in allowing the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) back into the saddle of leadership, saying that the PDP has never been known for anything good adding that the party is dead and buried.

“The PDP has never been known for anything good in Nigeria, whatever they touch is destroyed, so we should not allow them to comeback. Osun is destined to grow and so we must allow it continue, I want you to understand that we would be doing our people a lot of disservice if we don’t close our ranks and settle our differences so that this state should not get into the hands of those who want the development to stop and destroy the foundations we have laid.

“The mischief makers keep talking about our debt profile, but they fail to talk about the developments they are seeing on ground. The truth is that any individual or society that doesn’t want to incur debt is not likely to grow. The most indebted country in the world is the United States of America and that is where everybody wants to go. Our own debt is to develop Osun and that is what you are seeing all around, all we want to do is to bring about rapid development to Osun and we are in a hurry to do it”. Aregbesola stated.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

Ilesa West-Central LCDA Workers Receive Accolades On IGR Members of staff of Ilesa West-Central Local Council Development Area have received accolades on their commitment to duty, especially in the area of Internally Generated Revenue.

The Chairman of the the commendations last when the council, Honourable Friday Folarin Fafowora gave executive members of the

council’s chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employers (NULGEE), celebrated a year of steering the affairs of the union.

The event which was

held at the council’s secretariat in Ilesa, saw members of staff of the local government showering encomiums on the leadership of the Union, led by Engr.

Owolabi Oyeleye.

Fafowora, while speaking expressed satisfaction with the way members of the union have been going about their duties and their massive achievements of the NULGE executive so far.

He added that he was always elated anytime he sees how the welfare of Local Government workers are being adequately taken care of despite the financial challenges in the state, saying, this has been responsible for the peace and improved productivity among the council staff.

Fafowora said members of the union under Owolabi-led administration have been proactive in increasing the Internally Generated Revenue, which has made the council to be the second LCDA with the highest IGR in Osun.

He also lauded the NULGE executive for the

facilitation of a befitting administrative block and maintenance of peace and order in the LCDA known to be volatile.

The NULGE chairman, Engr. Owolabi Oyeleye said it was necessary to celebrate with members of the union who have put much in place for the smooth running of the union which he is privilege to head.

He added that during the event of this nature, blessings could be counted, while attentions would be drawn to mistakes made for possible amendment.

The NULGE boss then enjoined all members of the union to continue giving their supports to the union and his administration, saying it is only through this that the council can get to an enviable height.

However, gifts were presented to appreciate outstanding members of the union.

Irepodun South LCDA Gives Olorunda LG Flags Off Construction Of Health Centre Grants To 160 Indigenes •The Chairman, Ilesa West-Central, Hon. Folarin Fafowora (middle), assisted by the Council Manager (left), presenting gift to the council’s NULGE Chairman, Comrade Owolabi Oyeleye.

The administration of Hon. Munirudeen Hammed Anisu in Olorunda Local Government, State of Osun, has flagged off the construction of a Model Health Care Centre at Oluode Area, as part of the administration’s drive to improve the healthcare delivery system in the council.

The Executive The state Deputy Governor, Otunba Titi Chairman of the council, Laoye-Tomori laid the Hon. Munirudeen Anisu foundation for the used the occasion to construction of the health thank God Almighty and centre, where he Governor Aregbesola for him the commended the effort of giving the Chairman and by opportunity to serve the extension the Governor people.

He then appealed to of the state for being visionary leaders in the people in the council to support his ensuring that healthcare delivery system is administration for easy improved at the spread of dividends of democracy to every nook grassroots.

She then charged the and cranny of the council.

In their separate people in the council to always support and remarks, the Deputy cooperate with the Leader of the council’s Hon. present administration in Parliament, other to enjoy landmark Nurudeen and councillor representing ward 6 of achievements.

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE OLADIPUPO JANET OLUFISAYO

That I was formerly known and addressed as O L A D I P U P O OLAYEMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLADIPUPO JANET OLUFISAYO. All former documents remain valid.

Eco Bank and General public should take note.

MRS. OSHILAJA BOLUWATIFE ENIOLA

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS BELLO BOLUWATIFE ENIOLA, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. O S H I L A J A BOLUWATIFE ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AFOLABI ADE MUSA

That I was formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI MUSA TAJUDEEN, but now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI ADE MUSA. All former documents remain valid.

Sky Bank and General public should take note.

the council, Hon. Waheed Adeleke, expressed their gratitude to God and Governor Aregbesola, as well as the generality of the people in the council area for their support towards the success of the foundation laying.

Present at the occasion were, all the councilors in Olorunda local government; the lawmaker representing

Olorunda local government in Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Waseeu Adebayo; Olorunda All Progressives Congress (APC) chairman, Hon. Abiodun Kilanko; Chairman of the APC Elders’ Forum, Pa Lasisi Odebunmi and APC women leader, Mrs Ibraheem Musilimot among others.

Obokun East LCDA Embarks On Developmental Projects The Chairman, Obokun East LCDA, Hon. Lekan Omole-led administration has embarked on series of developmental projects across the council Area.

According to a statement by the council’s Information Officer, Mrs Lawal Fatimoh, virtually all towns and villages within the council area have enjoyed the dividend of democracy in one way or the other, particularly in the area of developmental projects.

The statement said, within the short stay in office of the council boss, he has rehabilitated Odole/Anaye road in Imesi-Ile, Maternity Centre at Esa-Odo, established and constructed open market stalls at Esa-oke.

Other achievements, the statement added, is the extensive and regular grading of earth roads in the council area, procurement of drugs to all health facilities across

the LCDA, repair of some damaged motorized boreholes, as well as evacuation of refuse in all major towns and cleaning of all blocked drainages across the council area.

The statement also mentioned that the fencing of Otan-Ile market and construction of staff quarters for medical staff at Ilare were underway.

While noting that several other peopleoriented programmes are in pipe line as soon as the economy of the council improves, it added that staff welfare has not been left out.

He then charged the people of the council area to contribute their quota by paying taxes and other development levies as and when due.

The Management, Irepodun South Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Erin Osun has given grants to over 160 indigenes of the council following an empowerment workshops where participants were trained on soap making, chalk, candles and other vocational skills.

The Council’s get their permanent Chairman, Adekunle voters’ card ready to Oloyede while delivering return APC government his speech, said to power in the beneficiaries should f o r t h c o m i n g utilize the opportunity to gubernatorial election, that some become self-reliant noting economically and unscrupulous politicians independent by using the have been boasting around to cancel the fund judiciously.

He said the grant was council if voted into a tip of an iceberg, noting power.

Also speaking, that his administration is committed to impact Commissioner for Youths and Empowerments, Mrs dividends of democracy Folake on each and everyone Adegboyega both at wards and local a d m o n i s h e d beneficiaries to make levels.

The APC State judicious use of the Chairman, Prince money.

In his address, Special Gboyega Famodun at the event advised the Adviser to the governor on Science and beneficiaries to use the Mr fund for the purpose it Innovations, Muideen Olateju was meant for.

Commending the encouraged beneficiaries management of the to use the fund to form LCDA for the cooperative society, development it has where members can loan brought to the council, he themselves.

Some of the recipient of made reference to total rehabilitation of the grants expressed their joy at the event, dilapidated Isiaka appreciating the Maternity Health Center, governor, Ogbeni Rauf renovation of streetlights Aregbesola for giving of the Erin Community; them LCDA which has repairs of all major brought dividends of boreholes and water democracy nearer to the systems in Erin Osun; community. grading of roads and Others in attendance at many more. the programme were, He noted that all these Commissioner for Local development happened Government and within the short time of Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr. the creation of the Kolapo Alimi; Irepodun council.

South APC Chairman, Famodun charged Mr Rufus Oyegbile citizens of the council to among others.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings New Osogbo Muslim Prayer Aregbesola, Osun Defender Photo Journalist, Others Honoured At Osun NUJ Award Night Ground Inaugurated

Photo: Shola Aderinto

By Solomon Odeniyi

•(From Right); Chief Tunde Badmus; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi and others at the special prayer towards the inauguration of the newly constructed Osogbo Prayer, Osogbo recently.

Prominent indigenes of Osogbo, the capital of Osun gathered at the newly-constructed Central Muslim Prayer ground, Ibokun road recently, as the Eid was inaugurated.

A Special Prayer session was also held to fortify and cleanse the newlyconstructed Prayer Ground in Osogbo.

The administration of Governor Rauf Aregbeola of Osun was commended at the programme by notable indigenes of the town, describing the administration as the best in the history of the state.

Speaking, the Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimon Olanipekun and Asiwaju Musulumi of Yorubaland, Chief Khamis Olatunde Badmus threw their weights behind the Aregbesola’s government.

Oba Olanipekun hailed Governor Aregbesola’s high sense of commitment to the development of the town and the entire state, saying his administration has given Osogbo the required look that befits a state capital.

The traditional ruler noted that the Aregbesola’s administration has redefined the history of the town through his socio-economic and infrastructural development that had given the town a modern face-lift.

He praised the governor for prioritizing most of the requests of the people of the town, a move which he said has given Osogbo the ample

opportunity to compete favorably with her counterparts in the country.

The royal father appealed to the indigenes of the town to remain united and build a formidable front that will continue to place the town in the frontburner in the scheme of good things.

Oba Olanipekun noted that the time has come for the people of Osogbo particularly the well-to-do among them to close ranks and work in unison to promote and develop the •Ajero of Ijero of Ijero-Ekiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole presenting the Golden Merit Award in Unprecedented Infrastructural Development town.

He tasked the illustrious sons and to Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor, State of Osun, while the NUJ Vice President, Zone B, Cosmos Oni watches during the Dinner and Award daughters of Osogbo to be their night of NUJ, Osun State Council. brother’s keepers and rally round one The Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni another, with a view to developing the Rauf Aregbesola was last Thursday town so as to make it proud of being honoured at the Dinner and Award Night the state capital. of the Osun state Council of the Nigeria Oba Olanipekun however described Union of Journalists held at the Atlantis the prayer session as remarkable Civic Centre in Osgbo. capable of strengthening unity, The governor was honoured for his cohesion and harmony among the unprecedented contribution towards Muslim Ummah in the town and Osun infrastructural development in the state. in general.

Also, the Oluwo of Iwo Land, Oba AbdulThe Asiwaju Musulumi of Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, was honoured Youbaland, Chief Khamis Olatunde Badmus, said the present with the evergreen award for humanitarian administration has not only performed services. excellently well, but changed the face Others include Dr. Yemi Farounbi, a of the town to modern look in all former Nigeria Ambasador to the ramifications.

Philippines and a Broadcast administrator Badmus posited that the of repute; and Alhaji Najeem Usman Yasin, Aregbesola’s administration has made the National President of the Nigeria Union Osogbo and her people proud with the of Road Transport Workers, NURTW. numerous developmental projects being enjoyed by the people of •General Manager, Rave FM, Mr Femi Adefila, displaying the plaque of an Award received as the Radio Station of the Year, while Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Osogbo in every nook and cranny of Mr Adelani Baderinwa watches after the presentation. the town.

They bagged the Award of excellence in adminstration respectively.

At the event, outstanding journalists in the state were also honoured in the professional category.

Osun Defender’s Gbengba Adeniyi claimed the photo journalist of the year, while the Osun state Broadcasting Corporation won the television station of the year.

Clement Adeyi of the Daily Sun won the reporter of the year in the print category, while Ibrahim Babatunde of Television Continental won the category for broadcast.

The future minds Investigate reporter of the year was won by Olaniyi Ajibola. Rave Fm claimed the radio station of the year and one of its prized presenters, and newscasters, Femi Olaonipekun won the Newscaster of the year award.

Aregbesola while appreciating the body for honouring him pledged that he would continue to create an enabling environment for journalists in the state, adding that his administration was working towards the infiltration of media houses in the state, which according to him would give room for stiff competition among practitioners and the various outlet so as to get the best out of the media.

In his address, the Chairman, NUJ Osun Council, Abiodun Olalere noted that the awardees were carefully selected based on their efforts in fostering reconciliation in the country, their commitment towards the progress and development of their people and the media profession, adding that the eloquent testimonies told about them further justified their choice.

The Council chairman however sought the assistance of the governor to help facilitate the revitalization of Gold FM at Ilesa gutted by fire as well as helping to see to the employment of workforce at the understaffed OSBC.

Wale Hooks Folake

•The Couple after exchanging marriage vow during the engagement.

By Shola Aderinto

It was a day of joy for the family of Omolaoye and Taiwo family, as their children got married.

The marriage held at C.A.C. Ayo Igbala, Aba Odan Adegbayi area in Ibadan, as the groom and the bride were led into the venue by both parents. The Pastor-in-charge, Pastor Taiwo Olawore subsequently blessed the couple after the exchange of marriage vow and marriage rings.

Engagement follow immediately at K.S.K. hotel around Iyana Agbala area in Ibadan, as both families were gorgeously dressed.

Groom friends saw that day as a day of reunion of friends and family saw each other after so many years of distance.

It was a day of joy and bringing past memories to bear when the groom friends met.

The groom was called in for Yoruba traditional rite, but was no left alone as both friends and family members took part in the rite.

During the reception at the same venue, chairman of the day, Mr. Sunday Aderinto represented at the event advised the couple to be faithful and loyal to each other.

He also charged them to build their home on love and harmony. The couple subsequently proceeded to cut the cake.

•The Groom and his friend postrating before the bride’s family during the event.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC

•A cross section of muslim women acknowledging a wave from Aregbesola at the event.

•Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Mineral Resources, Mr Tunde Ajilore (left) presenting an Award of the Best Photo Journalist of the Year to Osun Defender Photo Journal•Clement Adeyi, the winner of the NUJ Reporter of the Year (2nd left) and some other ist, Mr Gbenga Adeniyi, flanked by his wife, Mrs Temitayo Adeniyi during the presentation of an award organised by Osun NUJ. Journalists during the programme.

Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org 10 POLITICS With 148 days to go into the election on September 22nd, the preliminaries and the heats for the main race, we continue our review of the purported contestants, even though only a few of them have formally declared.

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

Salaam: From

Parliament To Executive

Born on August 8, 1965, Najeem Folasayo Salaam hails from Ejigbo.

There was no peculiar circumstance to his birth, though he lost his mother at the age of two and his father when he was 10; his big aunt, Iya Agba raised him and his sister with utmost care. What defined his childhood was that he courted so many friends and as a young man, he had the habit of offering his ration for others to eat. So, he seemed to have exhibited the traits of generosity and love for others and “live and let other live” from the threshold of his life.

Najeem Salaam attended Ansar-ulDeen Primary School, Ejigbo; Baptist High School, Ola-Ejigbo; Baptist High School, Ejigbo and proceeded to the then Oyo State School of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, for his ‘A’ Levels, before he was admitted to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where he obtained B.Sc Political Science, M.Sc Political Science and he has crowned his intellectual capability with the highest engagement of academic laurel in his chosen field, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Political Science in the same university.

Najeem Salaam joined politics in 1995. He started as a follower from the grassroots; he enrolled himself under the political tendency of progressive leaning, under the leadership of Tayo Ilupeju, an Ejigbo born political leader who also stocked himself in the Obafemi Awolowo’s school of politics.

He signified intention to vie for House of Assembly seat in 1999, but was persuaded to stand down his ambition for another aspirant on a political calculation; he was later appointed as the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Ejigbo Local Government Council. By 2003, he won the ticket of Alliance for Democracy (AD) to stand for election as Chairman of Ejigbo Local Government Council, but failed to make it due to the hostility of the then ruling party to the opposition. However, he won election to the Osun State House of Assembly in 2007.

By 2009, his election was voided by the Court of Appeal, which held in Ibadan upon the petition filed by a candidate of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), who claimed that her party logo was not included in the ballot paper used for 2007 legislative election in Ejigbo State Constituency.

The court called for a rerun election but the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) brought “war” and glaring compromise to Ejigbo and Najeem Salaam became a victim. Against all odds, he was re-nominated for 2011 election and won with moonslide.

By 2011, Salaam returned to the State House of Assembly and he was elected Speaker unanimously. By 2012, he was selected by the 35 Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly to lead Conference of Speakers and midwife the conference into a democratic structure, which he did within six months.

Salaam was returned again in 2015 and he was re-elected as the Speaker and he has since become a honest broker, stabilizing the state with his gobetween among disputing parties, as the State House of Assembly under his watch has been able to fix broken system in so many respects. Under his watch, the state parliament has passed over 50 laws, over 45 resolutions and four public hearings, coupled with interventions in different areas.

Despite his intimidating physique and academic credentials, Salaam

The Race & The Runners

possesses unparalleled disarming humility, sprawling native wisdom and rare generosity; virtues that have made him tick as a politician with a difference and a colourful humanist, whose stockin-trade is to make people smile in all situations, even in the face of daunting challenges. The aforementioned virtues made his friends and associates to call him IWALOYE- good character is royalty.

He attended a brief legislative class at London School of Economics and Political Science; he undertook a studytour at United Kingdom Parliament, Westminster, London; he attended legislative assignment in Tanzania, Brazil, United States of America, Ghana, Malaysia, United Arab Emirate (UAE) to mention but few.

Salaam is a man of many accolades, he garners 65 awards from educational institutions of higher learning; he earns 50 leadership awards across social organizations and groups; he was honoured by religious institutions across board. He is the current Asiwaju Adeen of Ejigbo-land. Alumni International of his Alma mata, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2013, bestowed on him, Grand Commander of Great Ife (GCI); he is the Asiwaju Musulumi of Ejigbo-land (the overall leader of Muslim faithful in Ejigbo-land) among other accolades, including, Outstanding Achievement Award & Extraordinary Services, Dedication to Our State by All Progressive Congress (Canada Branch); Evergreen Award as Worthy Ambassador of Yoruba by the Southwest Youth Leaders Association; Award of Excellence in Political & Social Development by LAUTECH International College, Ogbomoso; Most Outstanding Legislative Administration Award by Leadership and Followership Development Centre (LEFDEC) among several others.

Salaam, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has not officially declared to govern the state, his group, Iwaloye Movement has begun mobilisation for his ambition.

Bello: Jostling For PDP Ticket

Honourable Adejare Bello was born on the 23rd August, 1961 to the family of Alhaji Bello Olatoyemu and Madam Monilola Abeki of Aranhin Compound, Ede. He was sent to Quranic School early in life and could not start western education until he was 14 years in 1975.

Bashorun Adejare Bello was at the Baptist Day School between 1975 and 1978. He also attended L.A Primary School, Alusere, Ede from where he proceeded to Muslim Grammar School, Ede in September 1979. He completed his secondary education in 1984 and between 1984 and 1986 he was at the Baptist High School Ede for his HSC. In 1989, Hon Adejare Bello was admitted into the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife to study law and he completed in 1994. Between 1994 and 1995 he was at Nigerian Law School, Lagos and was called to the Nigeria Bar on the 22nd March 1995.

Barrister Adejare Bello returned to his home town immediately and established his law office known as Bello Adejare & Co at No. 64A, Station Road, Ede. In December 1997, he was elected a member of the Osun State House of Assembly on the platform of the Democratic Party of Nigeria (DPN) but he could not be sworn in until the election was eventually cancelled by General AbdulSalam Abubakar after the death of General Sanni Abacha in 1998.

Bello then joined the All Peoples Party (APP) in 1998 and in January 1999, he was elected to represent Ede North State Constituency in the State House of Assembly that was inaugurated on the 31st of May, 1999.

An active member of the parliament, he played well his role as a principal officer (Minority Member 1999-2003).

Again on the 3rd May 2003, the people of Ede North State Constituency magnanimously reelected him into the Osun State House of Assembly on the platform of the People Democratic Party (PDP).

Bello, a man that is always on the side of the masses when it comes to debates on the floor of the house, sequel to his re-election in 2003, the house on the 3rd of June 2003 unanimously named him the Speaker.

Bello was again elected to represent Ede North in 2007. He was unanimously named the Speaker again for two unbroken terms.

An executive member of Commonwealth Parliamentarian Association, Bello is the Vice Chairman, South West Conference of Speakers, a member of the Nigeria Bar Association, President Elite Club Ede, member Knight Club Ede and a host of other social and professional bodies.

He was the president, Muslim student society, Ede Muslim Grammar School branch between 1983 and 1984. He was also the president of the Federation of Ede Local Government Students Union, OAU branch between 1990 and 1991.

Hon. Bello has traveled widely. He has been to several African countries, Middle East, Europe, America and Asia. He is the Bamofin of Erin-Osun, Bashorun of Igbajo and the Bada of the source (Ile-Ife), Akinrogun of Ijabe, Aare Amofin of Iragberi and the Oluomo of Edeland.

After spending twelve years in the House of Assembly, four years as a minority leader and eight years as the speaker, he retired to his private law practice.

Again, towards, the end of 2011, he was called upon to resuscitate, rejuvenate and re-engineer the Peoples Democratic Party, Osun State as the Acting Chairman, Chairman Transition/Congress Committee.

Under his leadership, transparent and credible congresses were conducted and he is back to his private law office.

The former two-term speaker of the House of Assembly is a recipient of several awards from all walks of life.

Bello was the running mate to the former deputy governor of Osun, Iyiola Omisore during the 2014 governorship election in Osun before the duo parted ways.

Having formally declared his intention to run for the governorship seat of Osun under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) he has begun massive mobilization for his move to occupy the seat.

•Next week, will look at another set of contenders for the governorship race.

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

NEWS

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11

Ooni Gives Aregbesola Pass Mark For Fulfilling Promises To People tell Osun people that royal father for always The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, has given among the APC Osun.

“The coming political government can not do it being a supporter of the Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbeola a pass mark in the delivery of good dispensation in Osun alone, this government positive developments in governance, saying that he has fulfilled his must be peaceful if the needs your support to the state, just as he declared that the state campaign promises to the people of Ife and the state development in Osun succeed.”

In his address, will never retrogress must continue. I also at large. must continue especially want to use this forum to Aregbesola thanked the again.

Oba Ogunwusi described Aregbesola as a person that has the fear of God, hence the good Governor Rauf of the state. Our works and great

By Ismaeel Uthman Aregbesola came on personnel too are up to achievements that has The State Government of Osun has expressed continued to trail his board. But I am happy its determination to curtail natural disaster to tell you that those task in combating any administration.

The Royal father stated incidents in any part of the state through the social vehicles are now in fire outbreak.

“We now have this on Monday at his security programmes of Governor Rauf good shape and are enough equipment to palace when the Aregbesola’s administration. ready for any governor paid him a visit Speaking through the the administration of emergency in any part combat fire outbreaks before a town hall Commissioner for meeting with the people of Ife Federal Home Affairs in the state, Dr Adebisi Constituency. the The monarch while Obawale, The governor of Osun, Ogbeni rauf Aregbesola with the “Golden Merit In appealing to the people government said it was on Friday challenged mass media practitioners to Award of Osun to continue to poised to reduce to the take to the front burner of their media contents and U n p r e c e d e n t e d show support for the barest minimum context the need to promote and sensitise the tiers I n f r a s t r u c t u r a l A r e g b e s o l a ’ s incidents of loss of life of government on the real practice of the principles Development” by the leadership of the NUJ, administration, noted and property to fire of true federalism. that the entire state had He said the strength of commemoration of the said Nigeria would have disaster across the state. gone beyond some of her never had it so good in Obawale stated this Nigeria lies mostly on the union’s 2018 Press Week challenges if the terms of infrastructural while in the presence of ability of the citizenry organized by the Osun government had seen the development. particularly those at the NUJ Council.

Oba Ogunwusi who the governor testing six corridor of power to need to popularize true He asserted that the called on members of the firefighter vehicles strengthen the principles only sustainable antidote federalism. ruling All Progressives refurbished by the of federalism.

He added that the to end corruption and Congress in the state to be current administration challenges Aregbesola stated this other societal vices is for nation’s united, called on after being abandoned would have been tackled the mass media to at government house, residents of the state to for eight years. successive Osogbo while playing champion a massive had embrace peace and on the administrations taken the According to host to the national campaign ensure a violent free bull by the horn to Obawale, the firefighter leadership of the Nigeria principles and practices propagate the tenets of politicking. of true federalism.

He explained that the vehicles were fully Union of Journalists The governor who had democratic principles as for any aspirant NUJ who paid current spate of growth ready earlier been honoured being enshrined in the and development being emergency in any part him a courtesy visit in enjoyed in the state can of the state, disclosing only continue in an that the vehicles have atmosphere of peace and been stationed in tranquility.

Osogbo, Ilesa, Ikirun, The frontline monarch Iwo and Ife. said: “Aregbesola has Obawale said: “We been faithful on his promises to the people of are not praying for Osun and this is because emergency or disasters he is a God fearing man but at the same time, we and I commend him for must be fully prepared this. Osun has no doubt to safe life and property thrived and developed as expected of any under the administration responsive government. of Aregbesola and this I The firefighter vehicles am so proud of. we are testing today “But there is worked for only six something we must all be months after they were mindful about if this •SUBEB Chairman in Osun, Prince Felix Awofisayo; Chairman RLG, Alhaji Razak growth and development procured.

“The vehicles had Animasahun and Executive Secretary UBEC, Dr Hammid Bobboye during the Execumust continue. The current peace in the state been abandoned before tive Secretary and his entourage visit to Osun recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

He said he and his team decided to pay homage to the king in the palace prior to the town hall meeting of the APC as a sign of respect to the throne and Ife land in general.

Osun Govt Refurbishes 6 Firefighter Vehicles with these firefighting vehicles and manpower across the state.

“We now have fully serviceable fire trucks, engines, delivery hoses and other equipment to gear the operation.”

Media Practitioners Charged To Promote True Federalism

Why I’ll Emerge Osun Governor - Akinbade An aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party for the Osun gubernatorial election, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade has said his rich background in all spheres spanning over 20 years has prepared him to become the next state governor.

Akinbade, a former political terrain.

Akinbade who was a Chairman of the Osun PDP spoke on Tuesday at commissioner for works the presentation of his in the state between 1994 letter of intent to contest and 1998 said he the 2018 governorship provided the needed election held at the state valve through the world party Secretariat in Bank assisted road projects during the Osogbo.

He stated that without military administration laid firm disrespecting his fellow which contenders, being a foundation for the first successful Civil class intercity and interEngineer, a former state road networks commissioner, one time enjoyed till date in the Secretary to the State state.

He added that: “With Government and former party chairman placed due process, 16 roads were constructed which him in a better stead above others, adding that include; Awo-Ogbaagba he is familiar with the - Iwo road, Osogbo-

Ibokun - Oke Imesi- Ekiti road, Ada-Ibokun- IlesaIdominasi road, EdeAra-Ejigbo road, Apomu-Orile OwuAraromi road, IlesaIfewara road and the celebrated Osogbo byepass dual carriage among others.”

Akinbade noted that an average common man on the street of Osun needs him and the PDP to come to power in Osun.

He recalled, as the PDP state Chairman, he, with the support of the people, won all the 26 seats in the state house of assembly, 9 Federal House of Representatives, 3 senatorial seats as well as the governorship seat in 2003.

The PDP

Governorship aspirant said that his Soludero Movement will help ameliorate the hardship in different shapes and sizes confronting the people of the state.

He urged the executive, leaders, elders and stakeholders to ensure the emergence of a credible candidate that would be acceptable to the populace so as to lessen the friction within the party.

Speaking after receiving the letter of intent, the state chairman of the party, Mr Adesoji Adagunodo, disclosed that 3,715 delegates are expected to decide the flag bearer of the party which cut across the 30 local governments in the state.

He added that 70 per cent of the delegates have already been decided while the remaining 30 which consists of the adult delegates are still being worked on, urging aspirants to catch on this by selling themselves to the selected delegates.

He also stated that come May 5, defectors from other parties, dominantly the ruling APC would be unveiled to the world before the National Chairman of the Party.

The party chairman warned against act that could lead to violent among supporters and aspirants, assuring that the party would do all within its reach to ensure the emergence of the people’s candidate.

characteristics of federal system of government.

According to him, “I want to use this medium to challenge Nigeria media practitioners to get experts who will have a robust discussion on the issue of true federalism and assist our various leaders to see the advantages in the style of government.

“We need to educate ourselves on the issues of true federalism, there is no true federalism in the world where you have a three tiers of government being operated, running the three tier of government as it is being done in Nigeria is so unconventional.

“Africa as a whole and the black man needs Nigeria to succeed, we must all strive to save Nigeria and whoever wants to save Nigeria must ensure that we practice true federalism.

Anything that will encourage true federalism must be promoted with every opportunity we have”.

Earlier, the National President of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Alhaji Waheed Odusile commended Governor Rauf Aregbeola on the developmental strides his administration has recorded especially in the area of infrastructural development.

Odusile who was represented by the Vice President “B” zone of the NUJ, Comrade Cosmos Oni posited that the educational intervention of Aregbesola remains the cynosure of all eyes that desired good things.

He lauded the education intervention of the Aregbesola’s administration, saying “the gesture has been noticed with the massive school buildings spread across the state.

Odusile therefore applauded the state government for creating an enabling environment for his members to practice their profession.

12

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

NEWS

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

PDP Is Not Known For Anything Good - Aregbesola

By Israel Afolabi

Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said that the current spate of development being experienced in Osun will continue if the ruling All Progressives Congress is voted back into power in the forth coming gubernatorial elections in the state.

He said the only state careful so that they will that has so far witnessed not be deceived into steady and continuous making the mistake of growth since the allowing the current beginning of the current spate of development of democracy in the country the state by the APC is Lagos state which has come to end as the PDP always been ruled by the are all out to deceive All Progressives people once again.

Congress for over 16 The governor who years. stressed that his Aregbesola spoke in motivating factor to Ile-Ife during a town hall continue to bring the meeting with the people dividends of democracy of Ife federal is the smiles on the faces constituency held at the of the down trodden Sijuade. explained that the debt Aregbesola who profile of the state being described the APC as the brandished by mischief light which has come to makers should not worry liberate Osun from anybody as the state has backwardness, said the a lot of developmental party if elected back to projects to show for it. continue the governance He explained that any in the state is ready to individual or society that continue bringing the is not ready to incur debt dividends of democracy is not likely to develop, to the down trodden in while sighting the case of the state. the United States of The Governor who America where warned the people of the everybody wants to go as ancient town of the the most indebted dangers in allowing the country in the world and People’s Democratic yet is the most Party back into the saddle developed. of leadership stated that Aregbesola then called the PDP has never been on members of the ruling known for anything good APC in the state to forget just as he said the party their differences and is dead and buried. close their ranks for the He urged the people of party to become stronger Ile-Ife to be cautious and and make it difficult for

any other political party to defeat it in the coming elections, stressing that the party cannot afford to lose the state to the opposition for the sake of Osun people who don’t want to experience retrogression again.

He advised members of the party to always have the masses at heart in whatever decision they take or are about to take as it would go a long way in determining the future, saying the party would disappoint a lot of the masses if it fails to put its house in order and defeat every opposition in the coming polls.

According to Aregbesola, “the only party that can guarantee the current spate of development we are witnessing in Osun is the All Progressives Congress and we must ensure that we do everything humanly possible to ensure that we come out victorious in the coming polls.

“We are the only party that can do it, we have done it before and we are ready to replicate what is going on in Lagos in Osun. The state that has witnessed continuous development in Nigeria since the inception of the current democratic rule in Nigeria is Lagos which has been continually ruled by the APC. “We can and we are ready to do this in Osun

as well, we should not be careless to allow the PDP or any other opposition party to take over the governance of this state because it will spell doom for our people, the PDP has never been known for anything good in Nigeria, whatever they touch is destroyed, so we should not allow them to come back.

In an address, a representative of the APC elders council, Chief Sooko Adewoyin expressed the happiness of the elders council

towards the governor, saying he has done what the elders have asked for in terms of developing the state from where the APC met it about seven and half years ago.

While urging party members to close ranks for the benefit of all, the elder stateman said standing by the principles of the party remains the only way Osun can progress, while calling on all to always put the growth of the state first.

Also speaking, the

•Continued on page 12 He however, urged all stakeholders specifically the project implemention units to always adopt international best practices in their dealings with a view to ensuring quality and sustainable micro projects while preventing project abandonment.

In his welcome address, the Chairman, Board of Directors of CSDP at the occasion, Alhaji Abdulramah Musa commended the state government for its strong support for state agency for community and social development project in the fight against poverty.

He praised the dynamic leadership style of Aregbesola for releasing the sum of N150,000,000 as government

contribution to further the implementation of CSDP. He said “I extend my very sincere appreciation to Mr Governor for its contribution so far”.

According to him, “this review has been designed to achieve some important objectives like monitoring and assessing performance learning lessons and putting those lessons to good use.

“It is therefore important that we recognize this as holistic responsibility that should not be taken with levity, as we cannot afford to let our people down” he added.

In his goodwill message, the National Coordinator of CSDP, Dr Abdul Kareem Obaje noted that CSDP, being in collaboration with Federal Government

Quarterly Review Meeting

Ideas Make All Things Possible Ideas come from thought process.

Thought is the only power which can make things seemingly impossible to be possible. Nearly all things in use today in advance technology were first in the realm of thought which later take physical form. Those thought processes of yesteryears which we referred to as science fiction and which were the thoughts of certain individuals later put into action by them or some other people, are our physical reality today.

Just look at any substance you find around you: cars, houses, clothes, shoes, aircraft, fans and airconditioners, computers etc were initially in thought form of certain individuals or group of individuals.

It will amaze you if I say that your being today arises from some individuals, both of your parents first as separate entities who thought of getting married, who actually got married. They thought of making children and it later took form, which today is you. The thought of a house of a certain construction, if it were impressed upon Formless Substance, might not cause the instant formation of the house; but it would cause the turning of creative energies already working in trade and commerce into such channels as to result in the speedy building of the house. This is a typical example of how things are formed from the formless thought process to its physical being.

According to Wattles Wallace,

THOUGHT is the only power which can produce tangible riches from the Formless Substance. The stuff from which all things are made is a substance which thinks, and a thought of form in this substance produces the form. He went further to say that Original Substance moves according to its thoughts; every form and process you see in nature is the visible expression of a thought in Original Substance. As the Formless Stuff thinks of a form, it takes that form; as it thinks of a motion, it makes that motion. That is the way all things were created. We live in a thought world, which is part of a thought universe.

A nation can only develop if and only her populace is engaged in constructive thoughts. We live in an age of rapid development and it is only those who can think critically and positively that will survive and be truly independent. It is an agelong cliché that brain is superior to

state party chairman, Prince Adegboyega Famoodun said the town hall meeting became necessary because of the need to show appreciation to members of the party who have stood by the governor and the party in the past seven and half years of developing Osun.

He said the party is ready to do more for the people of the state, hence the need to do everything possible to allow APC to continue to rule the state.

committed about seventyseven million dollar from World Bank to the programme of CSDP across the state.

The state CSDP General Manager, Mrs Abokede Funmi noted that the meeting was meat to review the developmental project in Osun.

According to her, “we are here to deliberate on poverty reduction in the state and to compliment the six Integral Action Plan of this administration”.

However, one of the delegate from Adamawa Mr Ahmadu Mana, a finance and administration manager said that they come to the review meeting to know what the state has achieve with CSDP.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

brawl, even in the race of survival of the fittest.

Our daily lives need to reflect a deep thinking population. We need to start to revolutionise our thought process towards developing the complete man and woman. This is the only way our state and nation could join other nations in the race towards

A nation can only develop if and only her populace is engaged in constructive thoughts.

We live in an age of rapid development and it is only those who can think critically and positively that will survive and be truly independent. It is an age-long cliché that brain is superior to brawl, even in the race of survival of the fittest.

rapid development. It is sad that we have a population of youths who are easily swayed towards the mundane.

Thinking is a very rare commodity in this part of the word, especially among the black race. We are oftentimes too satisfied with the status quo, no matter how lowly. We accept the worst as our destiny, which we oftentimes think we are incapable of changing. But the reality is that nothing created that cannot not be changed or improved upon. Our religious houses need to start to preach developing the human mind, not enslavement which we have today. What we sadly have now are religious institutions averse to changing how we think.

The bitter truth is that if we don’t think, we can’t develop. The President of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, was being sincere but highly misunderstood when he referred to the youth as sitting down, doing nothing. Doing nothing includes not thinking enough to change our condition. Thinking to change condition of things for the better will most times trigger action. Thinking is the base which is followed by positive action.

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

13

JOHESU Strike: Pros And Cons Of An Industrial Action In Health Sector “When two elephants squabble, it is the grass that bears the brunt”. This is typical of the in-fighting going on between the Joint Health Staff Union [JOHESU] and the Federal Ministry of Health and by implication, the Federal Government on one hand and on the other hand between the said body and the Nigerian Medical Association [NMA].

JOHESU comprising of the National Association of Nigerian Nurses and Midwives [NANNM], Medical and Health Workers Union [MHWUN], Senior Staff Association of University Teaching Hospitals and National Union of Allied Health Professionals [NUAHP], Radiologists, Pharmacists, Laboratory Technicians and others have been at a logger head with the federal government for a long time over the harmonization of their salaries.

This means they have been agitating for their salaries and allowances to be at par with what is obtainable in the NMA and other affiliated medical unions.

They have been agitating for this over a long time, and over time, the federal government according to the JOHESU leadership had been giving them promises only to renege at the last moment and they return to status quo.

Joining the squabble is the NMA, whose leadership has come out to denounce the JOHESU and referred to them as an illegal body whose only interest is to create disharmony in the health sector in the country, a sector which many stakeholders see as already suffering from decades of neglect by governments of different levels, be it federal, state and local governments.

Before the recent action, JOHESU had intended to commence the strike on Saturday 7th April, 2018 but common sense prevailed and eventually, the massive nationwide action commenced 21st April after 21 days notice was issued to the federal government and the public.

Many Nigerians are complaining, the reason being that the public health sector before this round of industrial action was in tatters, and a further strike by any health union would serve to hit the nail on the fragile fabric piecing it together.

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

•Biobelomoye, JOHESU National President.

All round the country, from Lagos to Sokoto, Delta to Kaduna, Bayelsa to Jigawa and Akwa-Ibom to Yobe states, the sad story is all the same. Patients and their relatives are all complaining. In Nigeria, it is only the rich that can afford medical tourism and this is a trend the present government promised to eradicate As its usual with most industrial actions in the country, the blame has been placed squarely at the table of the federal government and several calls have been made to well meaning Nigerians to prevail on the government to, by way of intervention bring the federal government to the negotiating table and also bring about the implementation of the promises it made to the union in September, 2017.

In an interview recently, the JOHESU National President; Mr. Josiah Biobelemoye disclosed that the union decided to embark on the ongoing indefinite strike to achieve their demand on upward adjustment of consolidated salary structure [COHESS], employment of additional health workers,

Immunization: Positive Reactions Trail Exercise As the first round of the 2018 National Immunization and Oral Polio Vaccination exercise commenced throughout the State of Osun, residents and stakeholders have come out to publicly commend the state government, under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

In an interview with this medium, residents who were mostly parents praised the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola for being a people oriented government which always put the well being of the citizenry on the front burner.

They were of the opinion that since the inception of this administration on 27th October, 2010 in the state, its health sector participation has grown appreciably.

A visit to many parts of the state capital during the weekend like Ogo-Oluwa, Jaleyemi, Isale-Aro, Odi-

•Vaccinators on duty as captured in Osogbo.

Olowo, Awosuru, Gbodofon, Asubiaro, Capital, Akindeko, Sabo all in Osogbo local government and parts of Igbona, Mallam Tope, Ajegunle in Olorunda local government area of the state revealed that the level of co-operation between parents and vaccinators was high.

Some of the vaccinators also expressed satisfaction for the successes so far recorded as the exercise commenced.

According to them, the resistance experienced in time past was slowly reducing and a majority of the parents now freely bring their children out for vaccination.

They noted that the level of co-operation has increased considerably and people have grown used to seeing vaccinators coming to immunize their children year in and year out which has boosted the confidence of the parents.

Notwithstanding the success, the vaccinators also used the opportunity to appeal to the relevant agencies to ensure that the reward package for the services they were rendering is paid adequately, on time and at the right amount.

They revealed that they were aware that their services should be seen as one to humanity which cannot be quantified financially but that they should be adequately encouraged so that whenever the call to duty arises, they will be glad to rise to the occasion.

A concerned parent said: “It has become imperative that sensitization is a key to the success of this type of programme. Before the commencement of this round of immunization, communication was very poor compared to earlier excercise but we were hearing that such an exercise was about to begin and we were not surprised to see them going about today immunizing our children.

“We must build a wall of immunity to fully protect the Nigerian child from the polio virus, which can only be achieved through multiple doses of oral polio vaccines”, she stressed.

The immunization programme which is compulsory is targeted at immunizing children from ages 0 to 59 months with two drops of the oral polio vaccine regardless of previous immunization status and it is absolutely necessary that children get repeated immunization to fully protect them against polio.

implementation of court judgment, upward review of retirement age from 60 to 65 among others.

He expressed surprise that the adjustments of COHESS for the NMA [medical doctors] took the federal government just 15 days to comply with while six months after the same federal government is yet to comply with JOHESU demands.

Another issue on the front burner is that of fairness in the appointment of top level officials of the Federal Ministry of Health, medical doctors as Minister, JOHESU member as Minister of State, since they make up 95% of ministry staff and the Permanent Secretary can be a seasoned administrator but the opposite has been the case.

The Nigerian Medical Association [NMA], through its National Chairman, Dr. Mike Ogirima, emphatically stated that JOHESU was an illegal, unregistered union that is full of envy, rivalry and lies.

Ogirima also stated that the strike was aimed at the medical doctors, an accusation which was denied

by JOHESU as mere lies adding that the NMA’s stock in trade was lying.

The whole reason for this fight, the union which is duly recognized by the Nigerian Labour Congress [NLC] announced, was for equity and equality in salary and other issues, saying they have no quarrel with the medical doctors and their association which was not a registered union under the NLC. The strike for now involves only federal government owned medical institutions which comprises of teaching and specialist hospitals, federal medical centres, the National Hospital, Abuja, federal government owned medical research institutes and others and health institutions in both the state and local government levels have, by the strike action been placed on red alert to continue intense mobilization and sensitization of members for possible entry into the fray if the government foot drags when the time comes.

From news and feelers, this time around JOHESU is ready for a showdown with the government and they are going to disrupt health and medical services in all health institutions until their demands are met.

In other words, the strike is indefinite!

What is the implication for Osun? This is a state that is just recovering from an industrial action which the state’s chapter of the NMA embarked on. This is a state which is trying to establish its own health insurance agency. This is a state which is recovering from months of blame trading in the health sector.

This is a state where despite the joint status of the Osun and Oyo owned Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital [LTH], Osogbo and the State of Osun University Teaching Hospital, patients are still being referred to the federal government-owned Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex [OAUTHC], Ile-Ife for upward review.

With the indefinite industrial action in the foremost medical institution, where do hospitals in the state refer their patients to when such situation arises?

This situation does not mean well for the health sector which calls for all stakeholders to get involved in the negotiation process and make sure this action does not exceed this month. Afterall, “health is wealth”, they say.

The constituents unions that make up JOHESU are the bones and sinews of the health institutions. The task of taking care of patients from the outpatients, wards, surgeries, clinics, and laboratories and so on cannot be left to only doctors, laboratory scientists and hospital administration staff. This is not possible even if they decide to give them a crash course on how to go about it.

Such an action now in Osun is not welcomed since it will not be in the best interest of the common man.

The rich can easily find their way but what about the poor?

Already JOHESU OAUTHC, Ile-Ife, has joined the strike, eventhough the keg of gunpowder has not yet exploded in the state, already the fuse has been lit in Ile-Ife, and if the national body of the union gives the signal to the state and local government affiliates, then the explosion would be loudest in the state.

The state is just reeling from the effects of the last NMA strike, if a JOHESU strike begins in the state, then may God have mercy.

The stakeholders in the health sector and those who have its interest at heart should prevail upon the government, JOHESU, NMA to sheath their swords and let peace reign.

14

INTERVIEW

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

Osun 2018 Shouldn't Be About Zoning, But Competence - Ayoade Prince Ayoade Adewopo is a legal practitioner who has travelled round the world and served in the USA and UK as an investment negotiator at different times with private and public organisations before he was brought to Nigeria to work with the Central Bank on investment initiatives and policies. As one of the PDP governorship aspirants, in this interview with OSUN DEFENDER, he bears his mind on the polity in the State of Osun and the forthcoming governorship election in September 22, 2018 OSDF: Considering your background, what prompted you to want to seek the office of the Governor of the State of Osun?

Ayoade: The need to give back to the society what the society has given me and also to deploy my experience which I garner globally to help in reengineering the state. Osun should be treated as a bankrupt company in line with the corporate governance code and what we need is someone with a knowledge on how to run and deal with a complicated financial institution that we found ourselves in Osun. This is not the time to look at those who are ready to feast on our common good, but about someone who is ready to tackle headlong the problems at hand, not about a long political resume or a promotion in political career, the governorship race in 2018 should be about someone who is prepared and ready to turn around the financial mess we found ourselves.

For instance, in 2015, Nigerians trooped out to vote for political resume in the person of President Muhammadu Buhari, he had been around the political scene in the country for long, but today his political exposure is not enough to take care of the social, economic and political crisis in the country. So Osun needs someone who has the intellectual capability to run a 2018-2022 era governance or even beyond. What the media should focus on is the state of preparedness of aspirants, how many aspirants have what it takes to carry Osun of this era. What have the majority of aspirants done to prepare for the Osun we have now to a greater place. For us we have done our assignment and make everyone realize that Osun is not for the highest bidder.

OSDF: Making statement is easy, how do you intend to turn things around in the state if you are able to cross the hurdle of primary and the guber election?

Ayoade: Ours is not a political statement, we have been preparing and still preparing for it, because every plan need to be smart, we have an agenda called the HEART agenda, which is stand for Health, Education, Agriculture, Restoration, Revitalisation and Tourism. We believe this fivefold agenda will restore Osun. First our people need to be able to have a healthy mind, a healthy mind is a sound mind, we need to reduce the maternal mortality rate, we need to give our state commercial identity, it is the most urbanized state and we should give each town an identity.Osun is the state with the highest number of higher institution, we should be able to turn the state into hub for quality education as it is obtainable in Cotonou and Ghana and we should be able to turn every opportunity into wealth creating one.

OSDF: Do you think that your plan to attract students from abroad is realistic considering the quality of education in Nigeria?

Ayoade: Look it does not have to be from outside the country, we can attract students from within Nigeria to at least drive the economy of the state and this is not limited to education alone; the tourism sector suffers a lot as most of the hotels are not enjoying patronage. So we must have a board that should be able to sell the state to the outside world and attract convention from both religious and professional organization to stimulate the sector and ensure patronage for the hotels in the state No doubt, the infrastructure in the state is good enough to open the state to investment through which we need to generate fund, but we don’t need to do this by going after the poor masses by increasing taxes, we could generate fund by pursuing other alternative like agriculture.

OSDF: Plans are easily talked about but without fund it is merely statement on papers, where would the fund come from, considering that Osun rely mostly on revenue allocation for survival?

Ayoade: Our plan is not totally government driven, it is government enabling. The body language of a leader will determine how the outside

•ADEWOPO

world wants to relate with the government, for instance, having had relationship with many schools and corporations, why do I have to buy school buses when refurbished ones could be donated to us freely or buy for peanuts. This is very practicable and in the area of agricultural industries, we have good relationship with several corporations that could help grow the state economy if a leader is genuine about it.

OSDF: On the issue of PDP, as an aspirant would you say the party crisis is over, considering Senator Iyiola Omisore as a factor in the party?

Ayoade: In any political dispensation, there would be winners, losers and reconciliation, as at now we have a state working committee headed by the State Chairman, Hon. Soji Adagunodo and had the support of over 90% of party loyalists across the state. So from that point, the crisis is over. Also there is a reconciliatory committee in place working towards bringing the aggrieved groups back into the fold of the party. PDP is back and ready to use the umbrella to cover the people from the oppressive acts of the APC. OSDF: Some of your party members are claiming that the APC is using Senator Omisore to disrupt the PDP, how do you react to that?

Ayoade: I cannot comment on that because I am not privy to any meeting between him and any member of the APC and as a lawyer I cannot give in to hearsays.

OSDF: What is your view on the issue of zoning of governorship seat to a particular senatorial zone in the state?

Ayoade: Osun, was created from the collaborative efforts of our grandfathers among whom is my maternal grandfather the late Timi Laoye, the Late Olokuku Oyinlola and the late Owa of Igbajo, so I am a product of that history. Zoning is a lazy politics and politics of mediocrity, it is politics of asking for the best from the few, not from the all. On good conscience, coming from Ile-Ife and having been to several towns across the state, allowing a town to produce a governor has not had any significant effect on the town. This is not about a districts, it is about the people and what they really deserved. The masses do not care about where a governor hails from but the person who could deliver dividends of democracy at any point in time. The people want food on their tables and money in their pockets not the place where the person that governs them hails from.

OSDF: If you do not emerge as PDP candidate in the Primaries, would you still support the candidate that emerges with your plans?

Ayoade: Look the HEART agenda is my agenda and there is still going to be the party agenda. So if I or any other person emerges as the candidate, we are well prepared to work together and submit our plans to the party so that the people can be under the protective care of the party.

OSDF: But the PDP had once governed the state and there seems to be no impact?

Ayoade: We had the best administration so far, the PDP had a lot of success in the state, it never owe salaries, it never send students out of school or jail them, people are free and no one is intimidated, it is an administration of love and boost in the economy. The people were asking for more than they are getting and we are coming back with the umbrella.

OSDF: Cuts in…Hon. Ayo the freedom park opposite your office used to be a slum under the PDP and today is a cynosure of all eyes?

Ayoade: Cuts in… I said it that the government has done a lot in infrastructure for the state but at what cost, how many Osun indigenes benefitted from the contracts and the process; it has been a story of capital flights. The freedom park is beautiful but what value had it added to the state economy; it is an empty ground that does not generate income for the state. The regime of PDP is about human development and we have more successful people during the PDP than now.

Osun 2018: Omoluabi Holdings MD Advocates Continuity In Osun

The Managing Director, Omoluabi Holdings, Dr Tunde Faleye has said the next governor that would emerge in Osun must be someone that would sustain the developmental stride of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

He spoke recently during an interview with OSUN DEFENDER newspaper, saying that it would be suicidal for the state to have a governor that would truncate the developmental strides that the administration has entrenched.

According to him, the only way to have the developmental strides of the administration sustained is by electing an individual that has the idea of the government programmes and policies and understand its impact on the people within the last seven years and has the same passion similar to that of Aregbesola.

He said that no matter how insincere a person might be, it would be difficult to castigate Aregbesola for non-performance, saying, the achievements of the administration is unprecedented in the history of the state.

Faleye who has started mobilization for the

continuity of the APC-led government in the state under the slogan, “The Good Work Must not stop” hinted that the administration has scored firsts in majority of the programmes and projects it has executed, noting that continuity is the only way to ensure that the state is retained on a high pedestal of development.

“Continuity of an existing government that has performed like Aregbesola administration is very important to ensure that our state continues to develop. It has been tried in Lagos State and worked for them.

“No doubt, the Aregbesola administration has made significant impacts in the lives of the people of this state in all sectors of governance, be it education, health, infrastructural development, agriculture, job creation, security and human capital development in general”, he said.

He then called on the people to keep their voters’ cards save and used it to ensure the continuity of the ongoing development in the state during September 22 governorship election in the state.

FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Court Remands Two Men Over Alleged Impersonation Of IGP

By Mariam Bello An Osogbo magistrate court has remanded two persons in Ilesa prison custody over alleged impersonation, forgery and stealing. conspiracy, felony and The suspects Adewale stealing.

Adeleke, 34, and Radii The prosecutor, kehinde, 34, are facing a inspector Elisha four-count charge Olusegun told the court bothering on forgery, that the duo committed

the offence between March 21 and April 13, 2018 at Osogbo.

He also informed the court that the suspects conspired among themselves to forge a letter of confirmation with regards to international transfer

purported to be from inspector general of police, letter from Ministry of India, letter from bank of America, KLM Royal Dutch Airlines Receipt of Oshore Maria Amina, which they presented as genuine.

Court Remands Woman For Stealing N2.5million

By Mariam Bello A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo has remanded a 36 years old woman, Morakinyo Dolapo over alleged stealing of N2,479,290.00.

Dolapo who is facing committed the offence a count charge of theft between January 2016 pleaded not guilty to the and July 2017. offence being accused Taiwo further said of. that the defendant stole The prosecutor the total sum of Inspector Adegoke N2,479,290 property of Taiwo told the court that Peacom Development the accused person Foundation (micro-

finance service Ilobu).

He also said that the offence committed contravenes section 390(9)(6) of the criminal code cap 34 vol. II Law of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

The Defence counsel, Mrs Adeyinka Dada prayed the court to grant her client bail in the most liberal terms.

The magistrate Mrs M. A Awodele said the issue of bail shall be determined by the court and ordered the accused person to be remanded in police custody pending the adjournment date.

The case was adjourned to May 25 to be mention at the Chief Magistrate Court Ifon.

•Miss Monica Osagie, the OAU student who exposed a randy lecturer, Professor Richard Akindele and her counsels during her appearance before the OAU panel investigating the Sex-for-Mark Scandal invloving the lecturer.

Olusegun added that the accused persons also falsely presented themselves as the Inspector General of Police to the Central Bank of Nigeria, a representation known to be false.

The prosecutor stressed further that the accused persons also have in their possession Nigeria police logo and emblems, wills of Mr Sam Smith from Franklin Harvell Chambers, NBA seal of Utah onyekachi Joseph SCN076608 and ownership of inheritance, suspected to have been stolen, unlawfully obtained and which they could not give

satisfactory account.

Elisha Olusegun submitted that the accused persons committed the offence contrary to and punishable under section 430(1) of the criminal code cap 34 vol. II law of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

Adeleke and Kehinde who have no legal representative pleaded not guilty to the count charge preferred against them.

The magistrate, Mrs M. A Awodele ordered that the two suspects be remanded in Ilesha prison custody. The case was adjourned to May 15 for hearing.

Man In Court Over Attempted Murder

By David Adejuwon The Osun State Police Command has arraigned one Oladele James before a magistrate court in Osogbo over alleged attempted murder and assault occasioning harm.

Mr.&Mrs. Taofeek The accused is facing a Adesina. nine-count charge Furthermore, the bothering on breach of charge sheet added that peace, assault the suspect assaulted one occasioning harm and Bukola Olaniyi and attempted murder. inflicted grievous bodily Police prosecutor, injuries on his head and Inspector Adegoke, told hand with cutlass. the court that the accused Inspector Adegoke persons committed the said the offence offence on April 14th, contravened sections 516 2018, at about 7pm at the of the criminal code, Cap back of Capital Hotel 34, Vol. II laws of Osun area in Osogbo.

State Nigeria 2003.

The suspect pleaded According to the charge sheet, the suspect not guilty to the count charge against him. goes around in public The defence counsel, armed with dangerous weapons such as Mr. J. Jones, prayed the matches, iron rod, court to grant his clients planks, plastic chair etc. bail in the most liberal without lawful reasons terms.

Magistrate M.A. and caused terror to persons attending the Awodele granted the marriage ceremony of accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties.

Awodele said the sureties must reside within the jurisdiction of communities claiming the court, adding that one to want to carry of the sureties must be passengers as early as level 14 in the state civil service.

5.00am.

Residents Admonished To Be Extra-vigilant

By Murtala Agboola

Nigerians have been admonished to be extra vigilant about things that go around in their neighbourhood and report any infringement of the law to the police. of the The advice came from members the Divisional Police community and not the Officer (DPO) of Ataoja police alone.

In view of this, Police Division, Ataoja Estate, Osogbo, Mr. Agbemoroti, stated that Clement Agbemoroti, at besides reporting any the monthly meeting of crime to the police on the Police Community time, members of the should Relations Committee PCRC encourage the (PCRC) recently. communities to be Agbemoroti, a Superintendent of extra-vigilant to curtail Police was represented younger elements who by the District Criminal are in desperate need Officer (DCO) Mr. for money at all cost.

“The general trend in Adeniran Emmanuel, a Deputy Superintendent town among the young elements in the society of Police (DSP).

In response to reports is the get-rich quick of attempted crimes in syndrome which has their communities, the led some to internet police Chief alluded to fraud popularly called the fact that security is yahoo, yahoo and ritual the business of all killings.

“Parents should counsel their daughters to know people they associate with, as some of the relationship they maintain with men only help to destroy their lives besides defrauding them”, he noted.

He cited a particular instance where a young man defrauded a lady student whose father transferred money to her on the internet, saying the guy made use of the lady, defrauded her by withdrawing the money sent to her by the father and broke the SIM card to prevent the girl detecting while telling her that he forgot the card in a mini bus called Korope in the town.

PCRC members were also called upon to be

wary of some motorcyclists who troop into the interior parts of the

Man In Prison For Attempting Suicide In Police Custody

By Mariam Bello

The Osun State police command arraigned a 23-year-old man, Andrew Francis before a magistrate court in Osogbo for Attempting to commit suicide in Police custody by inserting nail on his head.

It was gathered that He said the accused the accused was gave false information arrested and detained to the police against at Dugbe Police one Kolawole Oloyede custody over alleged to be responsible for the theft of phone before he nail on his head. attempted to nail his Rasaki added that the head at the station. accused person also The prosecutor escaped from the Esho Inspector Lamidi Brains and Spine Rasaki told the court specialist hospital at that the accused person Oke-fia where he was committed the offence receiving treatment. at about 10.25 pm at The prosecutor said Dugbe Police station. that the offence is

contrary to and punishable under sections 327, 192 and 135(9) of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11 laws of Osun State 2006.

Andrew Francis who is having no legal representation pleaded guilty to the threecount charge preferred against him.

The magistrate, Mr Olusegun Ayilara ordered the accused to be remanded in Ilesha prison custody and thereby adjourned the matter to April 27 for further clarification of facts.

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FRIDAY APRIL 27 - THURSDAY MAY 3, 2018

Lessons From Osun Security Architecture

Offa banks robbery, whereby some armed bandits recently raided five commercial banks in the town, killing some police officers, residents and carted away undisclosed amount of money in the process, could have been probably avoided if the Osun security architecture or similar to it had been adopted. At least, 17 people include eight police officers were confirmed killed in the incident.

Through effective leadership and good governance, Osun State has been remedied from apparent slide into state fragility and failure. It is one of the states in the country known to be peaceful, owing to the security measures that have been put in place by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to support security agencies to carry out their responsibilities effectively. The lesson from Osun security strategy is that there is the need to strengthen the effectiveness of the Nigeria Police Force to guarantee security trust in the rural and urban centres and respond to citizens’ security needs. Achieving this requires systemic reforms in the governance and accountability of Nigeria’s police sector. Tackling modern security threats is directly tied to improving the governance and oversight of the security sector, especially the police.

It is evident that Osun has developed comprehensive strategy and homegrown solutions to security challenges in the state by developing a security plan to take care of challenges, such as robbery, cultism, drug abuse and arms proliferation, among others.

Before the advent of Aregbesola’s administration in 2010, Osun was one of the volatile states in the country, as bank robbery cases, extra-judicial killings, political violence and such other crimes were rampant and to a large extent, the residents of the state, particularly in some major towns like Ilesa, Osogbo, IleIfe and so many others could not sleep with their two eyes closed because of fear.

The story began to change shortly after the ‘power-shift’ to the hands of Governor Aregbesola, who, as part of his security measures declared that none of his supporters should attack any member of the opposition, who attacked them when they were in power.

What then followed was the procurement of five sophisticated Armoured Personnel Carriers and 125 Patrol vans and some other security

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

By Invitation

BY INWALOMHE DONALD

•Commissioning of Armoured Personnel Carriers.

It is evident that Osun has developed comprehensive strategy and home-grown solutions to security challenges in the state by developing a security plan to take care of challenges, such as robbery, cultism, drug abuse and arms proliferation, among others. equipment to combat crimes that already had an established ground in the state.

The impact of this was the reduction in the crime rate, particularly in the state capital and some other major towns. This was a feat that had never been recorded by any government in the state. The vans were distributed among all the security agencies, including the Army, Police, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Immigration and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) amongst others.

The state government also subsequently inaugurated a combined quick emergency response team, Swift Action Response Squad (SARS) which

comprises security forces like the Army, Police, and NSCDC officials whose activities reduced crime rate to the barest minimum in Osun.

The procurement of a French FivePlus-One passenger Helicopter for Aerial Security Surveillance and presentation of another set of more sophisticated 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to the Nigerian Police Force, was a feat that has never been achieved by any government in the state. The procurement of the helicopter and the APC’s has particularly driven away many undesirable elements out of the state.

It was during the presentation of the 20 APC’s in 2014 that the then InspectorGeneral of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by the

See Editorial On Page 4

Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of zone X1, Mr. David Omojola saluted the courage of the Governor in fighting crime in the state, saying, the Aregbesola administration has demonstrated high sense of responsibility in keeping the state safe in line with the dictate of his office.

Also, the then Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Ibrahim Maishanu described the gesture from the Governor as the first in the history of the state, assuring that the equipment would be properly put to use and the state would be one of the most peaceful states in the country henceforth.

However, in order to make communication easier for security purposes, the state government as part of his commitment procured Modern Communication Gadget for security agencies in the state and ensured installation of various communication equipment at various security commands for easy communication.

Also, the government established Osun Emergency and Citizens’ Inquiry/ Contact Centre in Oke-Fia, Osogbo, which has since been serving as the easiest way of reporting any emergency situation to the security agencies.

Osun State is the most peaceful in the country, according to a report on Nigeria Peace Index (NPI). It is closely followed

by Kogi and Ekiti States. According to NPI, Kwara and Imo ranked as fourth and fifth respectively in the rating. The inaugural peace index report put together by the Foundation for Peace Professionals, a research organisation that advocates for peace, adopted similar methodology of the Global Peace Index. Key findings of the NPI showed that Osun is the most peaceful state in Nigeria and it has greater tendency for peace based on its overall performance in the five broad indicators. While Osun didn’t come top in any of the five indicators, its overall score is the least violent.

Aregbesola of Osun launched and handed over 20 APCs at the cost of N1.3 billion to the Osun Police command in Osogbo where he declared that when government fails to guarantee safety of lives and property, such government had no business to be in power.

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

All correspondence to the Acting Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., E-mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,