Osun Defender PDF Version For August 11, 2017

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Osun PDP Leadership Crisis Worsen 2

•Acting President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (2nd right); Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); Former APC National Interim Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande (2nd left) and Deputy Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Lasun Yusuf at the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, mother Of Governor Aregbesola At Zenababs Hotel, Ilesa on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•A mobile police officer attached to the Acting President, engaging in hot argument with his colleague, at the 8th Day Fidau Prayer for Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, mother Of Governor Rauf Aregbesola at Zenababs Hotel, Ilesa on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

Osun PDP Leadership Crisis Worsen T block on the path of the Faforiji faction is the emergence of Senator Buruji Kashamu and others who rose against the leadership of

Governor Ayodele Fayose in the region and would stop at nothing to make sure the arrangement never stand.

OSUN DEFENDER however gathered that the PDP in the state, no matter the compromise may not retain a united house, as a faction in the

party is looking forward to move to another party HE seeming leadership crisis in the State of ahead of the 2018 Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party governorship election (PDP) has taken a new dimension, as the before it is too late to party’s chance of achieving peaceful resolution prepare for campaign. seems impossible, just as the sacked Ali Modu Sheriff faction is hell-bent on holding on to leadership structure in the state.

The recent Adeleke Family to pronouncement of the prosecute the last Supreme Court on the senatorial bye-election, legal status of the but a close associate of National leadership of the Adagunodo described party was expected to put the allegation as a to rest, all issues figment of the regarding the crises imagination of those spreading it. confronting the Another critical issue opposition party, but the situation further the faction is contending deteriorated in some of with is the role played by the states where Sheriff’s the former General faction hold sway, Secretary of the party, especially in the South- Professor Wale Oladapo in relegating Senator West.

Prior to the court’s Iyiola Omisore, as the pronouncement, the other faction believed Osun situation was a bit that he would have to different as the Soji pay for it now that the Adagunodo faction has court had sacked him •ATTENTION: A bad portion of road at Akinlade Street, Alekuwodo, Osogbo.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. the majority of members from the post.

But the Adagunodo of the party which is made up of the young faction also has strong generation of party bargaining power at its narrated how she sent her Nigeria (PHCN)

By Murtala Agboola followers while the Bayo disposal, especially as grandson to purchase electricity behemoth, into Faforiji faction was in the the faction enjoyed the card for her, but she could LECTRICITY consumers in Osogbo, the capital generating companies minority and only support of many of the of the State of Osun have been lamenting the not upload the number (GENCOS) and enjoyed the support of young breed of the party harrowing experience of loading their electricity and has been visiting Distribution Companies and also many of the Senator Iyiola Omisore IBEDC office since last (DISCOS) would have recharge cards, as many of them thronged the office before the judgment gave elders who were against of Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company (IBEDC) week without solution. solved all these the pseudo dominance of them acceptability.

Another woman who problems�. at Station Road, with one complaint or the other.

It would be recalled the party and is working prefered anonymity He then called on Some of the IBEDC cards procured from the complained of having appropriate authoritythe making that the Osun PDP crisis towards to customers using prepaid company, while in some switched statement that the party to her look into the matter and was not without the meters, lamented that it cases the cards were generating set since she find a way of solving the ambition of Senator belongs to the members had been difficult to input rejected by the meters. was unable to load her problem quick enough.

Omisore to be the not an individual.

A 70 year-old woman card.

Another stumbling figures extracted from the Governor of the state One other customer, while the young breed who described the role of and some elders in the electricity in modern That I formerly known as party strictly opposed, economy as invaluable, ELIJAH EMMANUEL giving room for division said combining erratic EBENEZER, now wish to in the party prior to the nature of power supply be known and addressed as crisis at the national level. difficulty in ELIJAH EMMANUEL the guests at the fidau with

By Kehinde Ayantunji uploading recharge card With the acceptability OLUWASOLA. All prayer on Tuesday, few was the least any of Makarfi faction, the former documents remains HE political feud between the Federal House minutes after the arrival electricity consumer could National leadership of the valid.

SKYE Bank and of Representatives’ Deputy Speaker, Hon of the deputy speaker think of. party recognised Bayo general public should take Lasun Yussuf and former House of who sat closely to the He said: “One would Faforiji as the party Representatives Member, from Ife Federal former APC National note of this. thought the chairman in the state at Constituency, Hon Rotimi Makinde might have Interim Chairman, Chief have privatisation of the Power the detriment of the become a thing of the past with noticeable fusion Bisi Akande, Makinde Holding Company of majority members of the on Tuesday at the 8-days Fidau prayer for Alhaja approached him and had That I formerly known party, who were not Saratu Aregbesola. as FATAI ZAINAB discussion for about two favourably disposed to OLAJUMOBI, now wish Barely a month ago, Lasun and insisted that minutes.

Please, note that the to be known and the arrangement. must not be But a close aide to the the duo publicly shouted he addressed as FATAI To persuade the against each other at the recognised at the rally; Deputy Speaker told general public and ZAINAB OLAITAN. All majority faction, a All Progressive Congress the action which irritated Osun Defender that the Wema Bank should former documents committee was set up to (APC) final Senatorial the deputy speaker but duo have resolved the address me as remains valid. SKYE resolve the issue, with a Campaign for Senator obeyed the governor who differences after the Osun Bank and general public GANIYU TAIBAT view to maintaining unity Mudashir Hussein in persuaded him to stay on west Senatorial Bye should take note of this.

POMILE. in the party, in line with Iwo and it took the the podium.

Election, saying such the spirit of the efforts to intervention of the Makinde made several fusion was a result of win the recently Governor, Rauf attempts to prevent reconciliation by the That I formerly known concluded Osun West Aregbesola and the Lasun from being elders.

That I formerly known as DARAMOLA Senatorial bye-election, security agents to avert recognized by He said between 2011 as OLUKOLA O P E Y E M I but the National physical combat.

Aregbesola to speak at and 2015, Makinde and OLAYINKA, now wish OLUWASEUN, now wish leadership has always Footages at the the campaign rally which the Deputy Speaker were to be known and to be known and addressed given recognition to Dr. campaign ground which held at Baptist High the closest national as ADEPOJU OPEYEMI addressed as OSENI Bayo Faforiji as the went viral online showed School, Iwo. assembly members from OLUWASEUN. All TAOHEED. All former former documents remains chairman.

But to the surprise of Osun when Lasun was Makinde shouting on documents remains valid.

FIRST Bank and This situation did not the Chairman of valid. General public general public should take Omoluabi caucus in the go down well with the should take note of this. note of this. national assembly, but Adagunodo faction who they parted ways after believed it has the Lasun accepted the offer majority of party That I formerly known That I formerly known of the deputy speaker members and irrespective as GBENJO ADENIKE as HASSAN TAIWO against the wish of the of the court judgment ABIODUN, now wish to MUIDEEN, now wish to party. should enjoy priority in be known and addressed be known and addressed as When contacted by resolving the party crisis. as ADEWALE YINUSA TAIWO Osun Defender over the However, some of the A D E Y I N K A HASSAN. All former development, Makinde factors working against VICTORIA. All former documents remains valid. through a text message the faction is the documents remains valid.

FIRST Bank and general said, “I have no allegation of receiving General public should public should take note of difference with Lasun.�

N150 million from the •Yussuf (right) and Makinde at the programme. take note of this. this.

By Shina Abubakar

Electricity Consumers Lament Difficulties Uploading Recharge Cards

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Aregbesola's Mother Fidau Prayer Reunites Lasun Yusuf, Makinde

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FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

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Osun Workers, Pensioners Receive N5.1bn

By Ismaeel Uthman and Damilola Ojenike

W

ORKERS in the State of Osun have been acknowledging the payment of their July 2017 salary, arrears and leave bonus, while the pensioners in the state have also confirmed the receipt of their pension for last months.

The workers who and spoke differently with maturity understanding with the OSUN DEFENDER on state government. The Wednesday stated that same formula applies with the July salary was paid our pensioners,” on Monday, while some Baderinwa stated. claimed that they received The commissioner also the alert from their banks revealed that the payment on Tuesday and formula was jointly Wednesday. agreed on with LabourAccording to some of led Revenue the workers, the state A p p o r t i o n m e n t government paid the Committee which consist Chart showing the % spent on the second Chart showing the % spent on the first arrears of July and August of all the labour union Tranche of Paris Club Loan Refunds By Tranche of Paris Club Loan Refunds By 2015 salary last week, leaders and representative Osun Govt. while the balance of leave of government chaired by Osun Govt. bonus of 2015 was also veteran Labour Leader, he said.

Comrade Hassan The sum was paid after paid out as salaries for state spent above the paid.

It would be recalled that the government had September, October, N11.74bn received as Findings revealed that Sunmonu.

“The Apportionment in December 2016, the augmented the first November and December Paris Club Refund, he only workers on levels 8 and above received the Committee reviews in state government received tranche of the refund with 2016. Similarly, the sum of noted that the sum of arrears, because they are transparent manner, all N11,744,237,793.56 as the N1.9bn to augment salary N924,676,305.24 was paid N1,704,828,033.73 was the only set of workers revenues of Government first tranche of the Paris payment to local out as leave bonuses for transferred to the ministry being paid modulated and agrees on how these Refund, but paid out a government workers. the four months, while the of Local Government and are apportioned to pay N13,645,546,673.04 to salary.

The Accountant- sum of N2,496,605,100.64 It was gathered that the salaries and pensions, a clear salaries, leave General had sometimes was paid as pensions for Chieftaincy Affairs for the payment of salaries at that 2015 leave bonus balance model unprecedented for bonuses and pension explained “the sum of the same period.” was received by only the Governments in Nigeria”, arrears of four months.

Explaining how the level.

N8,519,437.233.43 was workers whose date of birth or employment date fall between July and December.

The state government Cecilia Peter said, she her in a suspicious way, a process the news filtered

By Sola Jacobs had paid the leave bonus boarded a commercial bus situation that propelled around, a situation that till June 2015 before the woman identified as Sola Alagogo has been in Lagere on her way to her to raise alarm and the attracted some of the financial challenges that arrested and handed over to the Police by the market, after which she matter was taken to the earlier victims to come faced the state. traditional Emese court in Ooni Palace, Ile-Ife, noticed that the accused palace. around and identify the Confirming the for allegedly swindling bank customers in Lagere person was sitting next to She said that in the swindler. payment, the state area of the town.

Commissioner for Alagogo had earlier discussions ensued Information and Strategy, been made to confess to between them, only for Mr. Adelani Baderinwa the allegation before the her to realised that Sola revealed that the sum of traditional court, after Alagogo had made away N5, 131,680,567.59 was which she was stripped of with her handbag. expended on full salaries her traditional powers in Benjamin David, a and pensions up till July the Palace before she was commercial motorcyclist 2017 for Level 1 to 7 Staff handed over to the police. who was also a victim, being the most A source at the palace narrated that the accused vulnerable, balance of full said that it was revealed woman had posed to be a salaries for the remaining before the traditional passenger, but as soon as Staff up till August 2015, court that Alagogo who he carried her on his and balance of 2015 leave disguises to be a motorcycle, the woman bonus. prophetess always asked for the money he It would be recalled hypnotised her victims, had made for the day and that the state government which made them to lose he obeyed her without had, in agreement with their reasoning asking her any question. labour unions in the state immediately she engaged Explaining how agreed to use the second them in discussions.

Alagogo was •A cross section of 2017 Hajj Pilgrims from Osun to Saudi Arabia, during a farewell tranche of the Paris Club apprehended, one Mrs ceremony for them at the State Secretariat, Osogbo recently.

According to one of the Loan Refunds for the victims, Mrs Cecilia Peter, payment of salaries and while speaking with pensions.

OSUN DEFENDER, While giving a detailed alleged that in August NXIETIES have heightened in the two was uncertain, as he had gate only revealed that analysis of the payments, 2016, she was going to one communities of Edunabon and Ipetumodu been hospitalised in the monarch was out of Mr. Baderinwa said of the first generation in Ife North Local Government of Osun over Lagos for sometimes, town and that his wife workers from Levels 1-7 Banks along Lagere on the the speculations that the royal fathers in the while his wife had been was also unavailable, which constitute majority fateful day when Sola holding sway for close to saying, he could not of the state’s workforce Alagogo approached her communities have died. make any comment were never owed in the to asked of Ejigbo Motor There have been OSUN DEFENDER six months. state. He said they have park and in the course of speculations in the investigation revealed The investigation from about the health of the always received their full directing her to the communities that the that the monarch’s health the Security man at the traditional ruler. salaries contrary to appropriate park, she lose monarchs have died, as popular opinion. her reasoning and handed uncertainty has trailed “Workers in level 1-7, her handbag which their health. being the most vulnerable contained N50,000 to the A resident of proceedings and thereby and the largest chunk of accused.

Edunabon told OSUN

By Blessing Oyedokun committed an offence the state civil service, She recalled that she DEFENDER that the to and have received their full could not decline the market around the palace 57 year-old, Mukaila Aderemi has been contrary salaries and entitlement request of the accused that of the monarch has been sentenced to a month imprisonment by an punishable under section 133 (a) of the criminal up to July 2017. Likewise, her bag should be given to devoid of buying and Osogbo Magistrate Court, presided over by workers in grade level 8- her after which she went selling, saying, though Mrs Mary Awodele for disrespecting the court code cap 34Vol.II laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 10 showed understanding away with the money. commercial activities in proceedings. with the government to 2003.

Another victim, Aina the town continued, but The prosecutor, Sgt Oke-fia, Osogbo being an accept 75 per cent of their Rasidat who also shared not around the palace The accused person accused person in case Sunday Ajayi explained salaries and full leave her experience attested premises. was charged on a no. Mos IIIC/2017 Police who that the accused bonus. count charges, pleaded that sometimes in July Also in Ipetumodu, committed the offence on Vs Mukaila Aderemi “It is only workers in 2017 while she was going there guilty to the offence. failed to answer to his was unusual grade level 12-17 that to lodged N85,000 in a the 8th of August, 2017.

The Presiding name when the case was receive 50 per cent of bank, she encountered the calmness in the town, then According to the called for further hearing. Magistrate salaries and full leave suspect who asked her a while residents gathered charge sheet, the suspect, sentenced the accused to This, according to the to discuss the state of the bonus, and so far, they way to a secondary school month Mukaila Aderemi at charge, amounted to one have also showed and in the process, health of their monarch in Chief Magistrate Court 2, disrespect to judicial imprisonment. low-tune.

Fake Prophetess, Swindler Unveiled In Ife, Arrested

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Anxiety Over Alleged Death Of Two Monarchs

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Man, 57 Jailed For Non-appearance In Court

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Procuring N11trillion Darkness A

LTHOUGH no longer shocking, the story of the grand larceny perpetrated by the PDP against Nigeria continues to rankle to no end, a story that continues to be told in bits and pieces. The SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project, SERAP earlier in the week offered Nigerians yet another chapter on how the PDP federal government not only plundered the country in the course of 16 years rule, but also ensured that the most important plank of the foundation of the economy's future was effectively crippled.

According to the 65-pages report launched on Wednesday at the West town Hotels, Lagos titled: From Darkness to Darkness: How Nigerians are Paying the Price for Corruption in the Electricity Sector, "The total estimated financial loss to Nigeria from corruption in the electricity sector starting from the return to democracy in 1999 till date is over N11 trillion. These represent public funds, private equity and social investment (or divestments) in the power sector. It is estimated that it may reach over N20trillion in the next decade given the rate of Government investment and funding in the power sector amidst dwindling fortune and recurrent revenue shortfalls."

While the squandering of the billions that delivered more darkness than electricity is a familiar story, SERAP in reminding Nigerians about the unprecedented 'squander-maniac' successive PDP administration again offers a good context to explain

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untangle the contrived web of deceit described as privatisation under which the disparate electricity entities have become even more dysfunctional than they were before. the depth to which the country has plumbed, and how the actions and inaction of few unpatriotic elements have put the future of the country in jeopardy.

Understandably, there are those who will dismiss the findings as supplying rationale for the perceived stasis of the sector under the current administration. They miss the point. Indeed, without a deliberate accounting for how a nation which started with 6,000 megawatts of electricity some 16 years has remained at the same abysmal level in spite of the billions of Naira spent, it seems unlikely that the nation will ever move ahead.

Simply put, we know that the country is in recession precisely because the manufacturing sector which could have supplied the buffer when the price of oil headed south was in no position to rise up to the challenge

essentially because of the power situation. The same goes with the small and medium scale businesses, major fulcrum for job creation. The sector could not be suborned to action when it mattered most. The result is a country with the highest level of inflation ever, unimaginably high food import bill, unprecedented unemployment, particularly of youths.

We see the SERAP report at a significant step in the effort to put closure to that shameful era of looting in what is arguably the grand bazaar of the last decade and half. We expect the government to peruse the report as indeed similar reports of heists in the power sector with a view to bringing to book those who abused their offices.

However, the greater challenge is to untangle the contrived web of deceit described as privatisation under which the disparate electricity entities have become even more dysfunctional than they were before. Today, no one appears to know where the sector is headed in the situation that those who took over the privatised entities - the distribution and generation companies - neither seem to understand the current imperatives nor willing to exert themselves in the direction expected to deliver change. To the extent that government appears to lack the will for any effective action, the result has been most disastrous for the economy as a whole.

What is required in the current situation is new thinking and bold imagination in dealing with the issues.

Nigerians are by now tired of excuses. They need power in their homes. The industries need it to keep factories running. It is something so vital to unlocking the potentials of the Nigerian economy.

Praiseworthy Initiative From Osun YESSO F

ROM onset the government of the State of Osun under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has placed the eradication of poverty at the heart of its social policies. It has to be said that in a very difficult economic climate it has walked the talk.

The proposition is straightforward. To enforce a social contract binding the state and civil society, the construction of social safety nets is important. It is the most enduring way of achieving social harmony and communal solidarity. For in a society filled with risks and potentials, people use social protection and labour market programmes to manage risks and volatility, thus, protecting them from destitution and connect them to reliably provided opportunities.

However, for the right implementation of social protection and labour market programmes, stakeholders’ engagement is the most important activity that can encourage ownership of the programmes by the beneficiaries.

We therefore heartily commend the skills-for-job (S4J) component of Osun YESSO which is about building skills of youths between ages 18-35 who are unemployed and with a minimum of JSS 3 certificate, kicked-off with a 2-days orientation which held on 20th and 21st July, 2017. The S4J team mined potential beneficiaries from Osun YESSO Single Register of Poor and Vulnerable Households which was generated from the Community-Based Targeting exercise facilitated by the State Operation Coordinating Office (SOCU) on 23rd July, 2017. A total of 2,869 potential beneficiaries were mined from 18 LGAs with 633 from urban communities and 2,236 from rural communities.

To ensure full participation of all mined potential beneficiaries in this programme, the State Operation

We commend the initiative of the can-do State Coordinator, Osun YESSO, Femi Ifaturoti who gave an overview of YESSO and its components especially Skillsfor-Job. Coordinating Unit, OSUN YESSO convened a Stakeholder’s meeting at the Conference room of the Bureau of Social Services (BOSS) Wednesday August 9, 2017. In attendance were Executive Secretaries of the eighteen (18) Local Government Areas which have so far been captured in the Single Register of Poor and Vulnerable Households. The LGAs are Olorunda, Iwo, Ife South, Ife North, Ife East, Ife East Area Office, Ayedire, Ola Oluwa, Boripe, Ila, Ifedayo, Isokan, Oriade, Atakumosa East, Atakumosa West, Ejigbo, Boluwaduro, Ayedaade and Odo Otin. Also present at the meeting was the Senior Technical Adviser to the Governor on Development Partners and International Relations - Dr. Olugbile, representatives from State Ministry of Budget & Planning, National Association of Small and Medium Enterprise and 3rd Party Monitors from YESSO Federal Operation Coordinating Unit.

The Objective of the meeting was to develop a working framework for S4J in the State to ensure all the mined potential beneficiaries participate in the intervention and assign roles to all stakeholders for a

Let's All Support Our Leaders

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S responsible and virtuous citizens in this country, I believe that despite the current situation we have found ourselves in this country, it is in my view that we are still making progress. What is now required of us is our faith and believe in Nigeria and the administrators of our dear nation.

Many Nigerians believe that the country, due to its present and past experiences cannot get to its destination at all, forgetting that our national motto is unity, peace and progress.

The present Nigeria government under President Muhammadu Buhari has since been receiving blows from several quarters on the

expectations that he should have miraculously changed the country with one year.

Such characters need be reminded that what had been destroyed for over one decade cannot be rejuvenated within such period of time.

Though, expectations are high, but the government still needs patience, time and support of all Nigerian to succeed in all its

endeavours.

However, it is advisable that we should always exercise patience for us to

achieve our common goals and dreams. The fight against corruption and indiscipline being led by President Buhari to clean up the system across all sections of governance should be enough signals for us that the government means well.

It should be noted that all the countries we refer to as

developed countries of the world, have either gone through period of hardship or still going through it, in term of economy, political, religion and more.

Meanwhile , instead of raining criticism and curses on the people in government, it is better we send our words of encouragement because it is not an easy job to govern a family of five, not to talk of the most populous black nation with over 170 million citizens.

Let’s all have in our minds, the second stanza of the National Anthem’ O God of creation, direct our noble course and guide our leaders right …’

•OLUWATIMILEHIN OYEWOPO, Oyan, Odootin North LCDA, State of Osun.

successful implementation and sustainability. We commend the initiative of the can - do State Coordinator, Osun YESSO, Femi Ifaturoti who gave an overview of YESSO and its components especially Skills-for-Job. Osun YESSO-S4J Team Leader further explained the activities involved in the nine months engagement of the beneficiaries namely; 3 months Training, particularly for life skills, vocational skills, and entrepreneurial skills; 6 months Internship/ Apprenticeship with private and public sector agencies; provision of stipends and starter packs to beneficiaries and tracking of participants through a robust Monitoring & Evaluation system. He also described the various challenges that may hamper the successful implementation of the programme which include transportation of beneficiaries from remote communities to the training centre, partnership with private sector for beneficiaries’ internship and provision of starter packs to beneficiaries after internship. On again we give great kudos to the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), State of Osun.

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

All correspondence to the above mail address.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

Osun has been known to be one of the most peaceful states in Nigeria, owing to the commitment of the government under Governor Rauf Aregbesola to the security of lives and properties of her people. KAZEEM MOHAMMED considers the measures that had been taken by the government and its trickledown effect on the people of the state.

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ECTION 14 (2b) of the Nigeria 1999 Constitution as amended in 2010 stipulates that “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of government”.

Meaning that security of lives and properties is a major fundamental objective of government at any level, be it federal, state or local. It is in line with this tenet as stipulated in the constitution that government must do everything possible to ensure that people in its territory are safe.

Osun is one of the states in the the youths that were active engage in country known to be peaceful, owing when they were in power.

Not too many residents of the state criminal activities due to joblessness to the security measures that have been were taken off the streets for put in place by the administration of knew what was in the offing until the productive engagement. Some of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola to support administration, within its 100 days in youths were engaged in community security agencies to carry out their office engaged 20,000, youths under Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme service works; traffic marshal, responsibilities effectively. paramedics, neighborhood security Before the advent of the (OYES). The scheme was one of the watch, and environmental marshal administration in 2010, Osun was one major factor that drastically reduced amongst others. What followed were of the volatile states in the country, as the crime rates in state, as majority of bank robbery cases, extra-judicial killings, political violences and such other crimes were rampant and to a large extent, the residents of the state, particularly in some major towns like Ilesa, Osogbo, Ile-Ife 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 G o v e r n o r Aregbesola, who, as part of his security measures declared that none of his supporters should attack any member of the opposition, •Line up of Armoured Personnel Carriers acquired by the Osun government to tackle crime. who attacked them

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helicopter and the APC’s has particularly driven away many undesirable elements from the state.

commendations from all and sundry, as analysts projected that as long as the scheme continues, the state would continue to remain peaceful.

Since then, the government has been engaging in similar other preventive measures, by engaging youths in other programmes like agriculture, Information Communication Technology (ICT), skill acquisition programmes amongst others and these have immensely contributed to the appellation given to Osun as one of the most peaceful state in Nigeria.

What then followed was the procurement of five sophisticated Armoured Personnel Carriers and 125 Patrol vans and some other security equipment to combat crimes that already had an established ground in the state. The impact of this was the reduction in crime rate, particularly in the state capital and some other major towns in the state. 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 significantly to the barest minimum in Osun.

•Continued on page 6

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FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

The Gains Of Osun Government’s Investment

•Some of the Patrol Vans acquired by Rauf Aregbesola government and presented to security agencies in Osun.

•Continued from page 5 Capping it all was the procurement of a Helicopter for Aerial Security Surveillance and presentation of another set of more sophisticated 20 Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) to the Nigerian Police Force, 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 from the state.

It was during the presentation of the 20 APC’s in 2014 that the then Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, who was represented by the 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 equipments would be properly put to use and Osun 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 equipments 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.

It is also on record that the state has from time to time provided logistic supports to security agencies in spite the paucity of fund, as the government was reported to have prioritised meeting the demands of the security agencies.

The Special Adviser to the Governor on Security Matters, Tope Adejumo in a chat said, the government of Osun has decided to give security of lives and property a priority in line with the

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huge human and material resources to ensure that the state remain peaceful.

dictate of the Nigeria constitution, saying, the government has invested a huge human and material resources to ensure that the state remain peaceful.

According to him, in spite the economic situation of the country, the Aregbesola administration has never at any point in time deviated from its commitment to support security agencies saddled with the responsibilities of maintaining laws and order in the society.

He recalled that before the Aregbesola administration, Osun was an abode for criminals, especially armed robbers who have gained ground, saying, the story has change since the state government began to pay adequate attention to security matters in the state.

Adejumo further noted that the administration would not relent in giving supports to all the relevant security agencies, with a view to permanently making the state the most

peaceful state.

However, in spite the investment of the government on security, what has been of serious concern to the people, of recent are the rampant kidnapping for ritual purposes in the state, which Adejumo has said, the state government in conjunction with security agencies have been taking proactive steps to tackle.

He said, “If you observe, as these people are perpetrating these acts, they are being caught and arrested and that is to tell you that adequate attentions is being paid to it. The government will not stop collaborating with the security agencies until these people are wiped off the state”.

The State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye said, “the APCs and patrol vans procured by the government are still serviceable and effectively deployed as a means of fighting criminal occurrences in the state, saying the peace that is reigning in the state is a testimony that the gesture of the government has actually assisted the command to discharge its duties effectively”.

•Another set of patrol vans acquired by Aregbesola’s administration.

On the ritual killings in the state, Adeoye said, the police command has decided to up the ante on intelligence gathering with a view to ensuring that the human and financial commitment of the government and the police are not jeopardized.

“For those cases we have been able to investigate successfully, we are collaborating with the relevant agencies and government to ensure that they are also successfully prosecuted. If we are able to prosecute successfully, we would be putting away the suspects, so that they won’t be able to commit such atrocities in the future. Also, the successful prosecution of the suspects would help and also send a signal to those who may want to do the same thing that the long arm of the law will catch up with them.

“We are also intensifying our intelligence gathering activities as a way of nipping such acts in the bud.

We are effectively collaborating with members of the public in order to get them involved in the policing of their communities. We are also embarking on advocating to and for the residents so that they can raise the status of personal safety and security so that we can forestall such cases of murder that is related to ritual”.

Urging the people to be conscious of their safety and security, he said the era of learning the security to the government, the police and other security agencies alone should be jettisoned by providing credible information that would assist in curbing such crimes and other related ones in their environment.

“Everybody should be conscious of his or her personal safety and security. If they have useful information, they should not hesitate to pass it to the police, as the identity of such informant would be strictly protected, but in the case of volunteering information, they should also be conscious of security of information by sharing with the people who need to know and be able to provide solution to it”, he said.

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COMMUNITY

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Olorunda North LCDA Completes First Phase Of Council's Secretariat

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HE newly-inaugurated Caretaker Management Committee in Olorunda North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), under the leadership of Honourable Quadri Owonikoko has completed the first phase of the Ultra-modern Secretariat of the new council at Ota Efun market, Osogbo. among the newly created According to a councils that did not statement by the receive support from the Information Officer of the residents, particularly in Council, Mrs terms of accommodation Oloruntoyin Adejobi, the for the take off. project is in line with the The Executive pledge of Owonikoko Secretary then assured who is the Executive that his administration Secretary to construct a would speed up activities secretariat for the smooth on the projects and see to running of the activities the workers’ welfare at •Picture showing a section of the ongoing Olorunda North LCDA Secretariat of the council. all times with a view to While promising to their entitlements as and urged them to be diligent Owonikoko, during an giving them sense of give the council workers when due, Owonikoko and punctual in the i n t e r d e n o m i n a t i o n a l belonging. prayers and meeting with staffers of the council, expressed dissatisfaction council boss HE Executive Secretary, Ayedaade Local Adegboyega, alongside the with the poor state of Government, State of Osun, Mr Bashiru the Chairman, Forum of acknowledged the power facilities in the rented Iyanda Oduwole has described journalism as Heads of Department of of the press, which apartment being currently occupied by the a noble profession which commands the respect of Social Development, according to him could council, saying the all and sundry, irrespective of the status-quo in the Information, Sport and affect the public either positively or negatively construction of other new society.

Journalists, Local Culture, Mr Shedraq depending on its secretariats would be Iyanda made the Government Information Ologbenla during a application, saying, this given adequate attention. statement while playing Chapel State of Osun, led courtesy visit to his office. is why the progressives A statement by the Chairman, He regretted that the host to the leadership of by would not at any point Union of A d e r i n w a l e Adegboyega hinted that LCDA was one of the few Nigeria

discharge of their duties especially in revenue generation which is the major task for the Local Government workers now.

Also speaking, the Council Manager, Mr. Jide Ekundayo said, “Owonikoko has demonstrated integrity and sense of commitment since he assumed office.

He promised total cooperation and support of the staffers of the council to make the Olorunda North LCDA a second to none among her equals in terms of development.

Council Boss Tasks Info Officers On Projection Of Grassroot Activities

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Ifelodun North LCDA Begins Electrification Project In Eweta Community

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HE Caretaker Management Committee of Ifelodun North Local Council Development Area, Eweta Ikirun, led by Hon Kasali Oyewo has commenced rural electrification project in Eweta to improve the living condition of the people in the council area.

A statement by the darkness as a result of Information Officer of the electrification challenges.

Council, Afolabi Azeezat Oyewo, while stated this. answering questions The focus of the project from journalists during according the Executive the inspection of the Secretary, Kasali Oyewo project expressed the is to improve business determination of his activities of traders, and administration to deliver bring life to some the dividends of households who are in democracy to the people

•Officials of Ifelodun Ifelodun North LCDA Secretariat carrying out the electrification project.

of Ifelodun North LCDA through judicious management of the available resources.

He commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for creating enable environment as well as other caretaker

members, the Council Manager and other Heads of Department for their maximum support and cooperation.

Oyewo, however, promised the people to expect more laudable projects from his

administration as soon as the council accesses more resources while urging the people of the LCDA to pay their taxes and other dues to witness rapid development in the area.

underestimate the power of the pen.

According to him, this is so, because politicians in the progressive would always take the people first thus, reacting sensitively to their issues and welfarism.

He then charged the information officers not to relent in their efforts by ensuring that activities at the grassroots are well projected to the world.

He also used the opportunity to appeal to government workers at various levels to ensure they take care of government properties, thereby avoiding unnecessary wastages.

Isokan Local Council Upgrades Roads

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N its bid to ensure good living amongst the people in the various towns and villages in Isokan local government area of the state of Osun, the Caretaker Management Committee of Isokan Local Government has embarked on developmental projects across all communities in the area.

Disclosing this has embarked on road recently during a rehabilitation and meeting with artisans repair of line drainage across the council at Awotedo/Molete which held at the road at Apomu for easy Council’s Secretariat in movement.

Apomu, the Executive It also said the Secretary of the council, administration has Hon. Maruf graded the Elekan to Olanrewaju said his Ikoyi boundary road a d m i n i s t r a t i o n and embark on embarked on the desilting of drainage at projects to fulfill the Intercontinental road, mandate of bringing Oke-Ola, Apomu. development to the The statement further grassroots. maintained that the This is just as he administration has urged the people of the cleared the road verges local government area from Ife-Ibadan road to continue to give junction to Apomu support to the present township road and has administration. also repair the culvert at A statement from the Solace and Yidi road Information Unit of the both in Apomu. council said, the The statement said, administration of “With all these Olanrewaju as the d e v e l o p m e n t a l Executive Secretary has projects, Hon. brought tremendous Olanrewaju has developments to the brought dividends of council since his democracy to the assumption in office. doorstep of his people The statement added in the local council”. that the administration

•Oke Ola road, Apomu before the commencement of the construction work.

•The Oke Ola road, Apomu undergoing reconstruction.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

YESSO Stakeholders’ Meeting With Local Government Executive Secretaries On Poverty Reduction In Osun On Wednesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY A

hij klm noplq rslmts nus vwjlxl ylsliq vstz{t|uwl} ~ui Rauf Aregbesola At Zenababs Hotel, Ilesa On Tuesday.

•(L-R) Head of Monitoring, Evaluation/Management Information System, Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO), Frankfurt Ogunfunminiyi; YESSO Team Leader, Daramola Sola and Director-General, Bureau of Social Services (BOSS), Femi Ifaturoti.

•(L-R) Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Lagos State Governor, Akinwumi Ambode and Oyo State Go

•(L-R) Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu.

•Stakeholders at the meeting.

s On Development

By Israel Afolabi

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HE Director-General, Bureau of Social Services (BOSS) in the State of Osun, Mr Olufemi Ifaturoti has appealed to concerned stakeholders across the state to design developmental programmes among the youths in order to reduce poverty.

Ifaturoti made this appeal on Wednesday at a stakeholders’ meeting of all the Local Government Executive Secretaries and BOSS office in Osogbo.

He tasked council administrators across the state as the closest persons to the grassroot to mobilise the youth for effective change.

The Director-General added that for poverty to reduce in the society, youths need to be carried along and engaged.

According to him, “youths are the engine room for development in the society and we must care for them”.

Lamenting the high rate of poverty level in the society, especially in some local government areas in the state, he hinted that the

meeting was organised to design developmental framework to tackle society problems like poverty, illiteracy and hunger in the vulnerable local governments.

He said: “We have identified some challenges to tackle in the society and also suggest the solution to it”.

He also added that there is need for establishment of vocational skill centres to train people within the age range of 18 and 25 who always constitute trouble in the society.

In his reaction, Otunba Adeboye Oladeji from Ayedire Local Government area described the programme as one that will bring the poor society to limelight and it was an opportunity to pick up poor people by empowering them.

Other speakers at the event, Olomolatan Dauda, Mr Omole Olalekan from Obokun local government, Femi Ayeni and Dr Michael Olugbile maintained that there is need to encourage youths to engage in vocational apprenticeship to reduce poverty in the society.

•(L-R) Minister of State on Solid Minerals, Kayode Fayemi; Former Governor of Ekiti State, Adeniyi Adebayo and Former Governor of Ondo State, Olusegun Osoba at the event.

•A cross section of Islamic Clerics at the event.

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

UGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

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esa On Tuesday.

Photo: GBEGA ADENIYI.

& Mrs Idowu Olusola

•Mr & Mrs Idowu Olusola (Middle) and christian clerics, at the naming ceremony.

By Shola Aderinto HE family of Olusola Idowu went into jubilation at the early hour of Sunday, 30th July, 2017 when Mrs. Olusola Idowu gave birth to a bouncing baby girl.

In the early hours of Sunday 6th of August, the Naming Ceremony took place at the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Victory Sanctuary, Tinumola Area, Osogbo.

During the naming ceremony, Pastor Jacobs preached that the birth of the new baby has three significance, in the sense that she was born on the last Sunday in the month

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umi Ambode and Oyo State Governor, Abiola Ajimobi at the event.

of July, she was named on the first Sunday of new month and her naming came up in the week that RCCG kick started its 65th convention.

The baby is named Rachael, Oluwadamilola, Anuoluwapo, Victoria, Olubunmi, just as the pastor advised the parent to take good care of the baby, particularly they must lead her in the way of God. Friends, family members and neighbours assembled at the resident of Mr and Mrs Idowu to wine and dine with them as a sign of love for the family

At The 8 Day Fidau Prayer Of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola In Ilesa •(L-R) Wife of Kano State Governor, Alhaja…………….; Former Speaker Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Olubunmi Eteh and Deputy Governor State of Osun, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori.

´µ¶ ·¸¹º»¼ ½¾¿Àº¿Á¹¸¶ÂÁ ùÄÅ¿¾ Æ¿¸¿º¾¶Ä¿Ç In Grandstyle After Death

By Kehinde Ayantunji

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HE death of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, popularly known as Iya Olobi, mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun on Tuesday brought together arrays of who is who in the society, as they thronged Ilesa, the hometown of the governor to pay their last respect to a woman they all described as a virtuous woman.

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo was among thousands of dignitaries that thronged the ancient town at the eight day Fida’u prayers for Governor Aregbesola’s late mother, who passed on at 84.

The event held at the Zenabab Resort, Ijebu-jesa road in Ilesa.

Governors Ayodele Fayose (Ekiti), Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Ibikunle Amosun (Oyo), Abdullahi Ganduje (Kano), Abdulaziz Yari (Zamfara), Abubakar Bagudu (Kebbi) and Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos) were among the dignitaries.

Others were Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Yusuf Lasun; former Speaker of the House of Representatives, Patricia Etteh; former Inspector General of Police, Musliu Smith; former EFCC Chairman, Nuhu Ribadu; APC chieftain, Bisi Akande.

Also among other dignitaries were Royal Fathers, Ministers, Former Governors, Senators, members of House

of Representatives and Houses of Assemblies, Captains of Industries, Islamic clerics and Local Government chairmen.

The event, which started at about 1.00 p.m., was marked by the recitation of the Holy Qur’an, selected prayers, public lecture by a don and Christian prayers by a cleric.

One of the prayer recitations was offered by Ahmad Suleiman, who accompanied Mr. Ganduje to the event.

A don and Chief Imam of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Taofeek Abdulhamid, in his lecture, called on the living to always remember that anything with a beginning, including life and political office, would have an ending.

He advised that as mourners remembered the late Mrs. Aregbesola they should strive to mend their own lives so that they would inherit eternal life.

He said that people should learn to honour time, including their time on earth, as a sensible act, not to miss their way to the glorious end.

The don further urged political office holders to see their positions as an opportunity to serve the people, adding that good followership also would correct leaders and make them accountable for the country.

The event also witnessed cultural dance performances, climaxed with wining and dining.

•Mobile Police Officers compelling their colleague out of the venue of the event.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among other 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.

FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

NEWS

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Osun Empowers 5,000 Women In Black Soap Making

HE State Government of Osun has engaged initiative has empowered banish poverty in the 5,000 women in local soap production with a them by giving them land.

Meanwhile, about view to empowering them and indirectly direct access to produce cooperative for Kasmo Company 10,059 connecting them to the international markets. thereby improving their societies have so far been T h e p r o g r a m m e , living through wealth profit. registered under several conceived in partnership creation.

She expressed her similar schemes in the with an off taker, Kasmo One of the local soap appreciation to the state state and through Industries, an indigenous makers who spoke on government and GEMS4 partnership with DFID soap making company in behalf of her colleagues, for the programme, for access to a N2.5bn Osogbo, is supported Emilia Abioye said the which she said could development fund, 133 with financial impetus from an investor organisation in the state.

According to facilitator planning to dump the All

By Ismaeel Uthman of the Progressives Congress programme, Mr. Rufus HE speculation that the former governor of the (APC) for his former Idris, the 5,000 women State of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola party. supply black soap which might defect to the Peoples Democratic Party Recently, Oyinlola, serves as raw material for (PDP) has been further restated with the video of through the former the local production of the former governor dancing with Senator Ademola Secretary to the over 6 million bar soap, Adeleke of the PDP. Government of the State, “Dudu Kasmo”, for the Alhaji Kazeem Adio, Oyinlola was said to dancing moment. first phase in the growing have hosted Adeleke who The video which has dismissed the defection Kasmo Soap business. is representing Osun gone viral on the social rumour, saying that he is He said the state West Senatorial District at media has regenerated still loyal to the APC. Government of Osun the Nigerian Senate and the rumour that Oyinlola, Adio in the press through GEMS4, a DFID- other members of the the former National statement said: “Prince fund programme would PDP on Tuesday in Secretary of the PDP was Oyinlola is a major link expanding market Okuku. for unique wholesale and In the 46 seconds video retail products from were former Speaker of Osun into larger local the Osun House of and international Assembly, Hon Adejare

By Kehinde Ayantunji and former markets and Dudu Bello S part of efforts geared towards economic Kasmo was one of the Chairman of Osogbo development in Nigeria, a non-governmental products selected for the Local Government, Mr organisation, World Institute for Peace (WIP) Teslim Igbalaye who is a programme. has revealed its plans on agricultural and industrial It would be recalled loyalist of Oyinlola. growth in the country.

Both Oyinlola and that a Memorandum of Founder and Executive BANK LIMITED, a bank Understanding was Adeleke were dancing to of the meant to empower signed by Governor Rauf a background music track Chairman through Aregbesola and Alhaji of Chief Ebenezer Obey organisation, Comrade youths agricultural revolution in where he said ‘o ma se oju Lamina Kamiludeen Kasali Owolabi, the CEO Nigeria and Osun State in tele gan o’ (it is a pity, the Omotoyosi made this of Kasmo Industries mocker has been put to known in a press release particular.

Limited in October 2016 shame).

According to the made available to to create a nonOne of the people in the release, “Nigeria has a lot governmental scheme to video was heard saying journalists in Osogbo. ýThe group disclosed of resources, oil and gas, reduce hunger, poverty ‘no video, no video’, that is, rich mines and mineral and raise the standard of nobody should film the that it would be hosting and fertile lands, we have NEPAL KHADHYA

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Small and Medium Scale Enterprises have been setup, with 800 cooperative societies benefitting in low interest loans which has helped them employ over 10,000 individuals across the state.

The money facilitated through the Central Bank

of Nigeria is in collaboration with SMEDAN under the GEMS4 scheme to provide opportunities to itinerant business owners in order to boost their productivity and generate more income for them.

stakeholder in the party (APC); remember he was the secretary of the New PDP, a key component of the APC at the formative stage, he is also a member of the party’s Board of Trustees. He not only remains in the party but has also been silently working very hard to ensure its growth, stability and unity in the face of recent challenges,” the statement read.

“As a leader in Osun State who is at home with all segments of the society, Prince Oyinlola’s major concern at the moment is how to strengthen the party, make it get closer to the people and continue to make their welfare a priority. The people of Osun State can get their interest better served by remaining with the APC.”

Oyinlola, Adeleke's Dancing Video Goes Viral, Raises Poser

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NGO Commences Youth Empowerment On Agriculture

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enough resources to support all African countries, but Nigeria went through very crucial painful conditions which have marred her image.

“It is the foremost objective of WIP to put before the world candid picture of Nigeria. The WIP intends to embark on agricultural, industrial and economic revolution in Nigeria with the help of foreign individuals, companies and also with the assistance of some powerful countries.”

“WIP has devised its plan to bring peace in the world through peace education and conflict resolution strategies and in the same context Peace Ambassadors have been appointed in most of the courtiers.

“To maintain peace in the world, it is a very essential factor that we must eradicate the causes of distress and roots of most of the menaces, go deep into injustice and financial hardships and unemployment”, he said.

TAX MATTERS

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A Clarion Call To Civic Responsibility

By Wasiu Babalola

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T is a fact that, of all the necessities in human existence, peace and tranquility, as well as the well-being of the citizenry takes an uncompromising stance in the domain of other necessities. For efficient provision of these necessities, there is need to equip a selected or elected few whom the people can entrust to manage their commonly owned properties on the basis of contractual agreement. This of course, gave birth to what we are referring to as the present day government because the very few are entrusted to efficiently manage the essential affairs of the society at large.

Meanwhile, the contractual agreement entered into by both parties (the government and the governed) are in form of (i) governing on a periodic basis with the aim of providing those necessities that can never be efficiently provided by individuals for themselves and (ii) it is the responsibility of the governed to fund the government through the peanut taxes they are charged to pay to the government so as to allow it to fulfill its own part of the deal in terms of the provision of security and the well-being of the citizenry. It is therefore pertinent to deduce from this fact that, this contractual agreement between the government and the governed is in form of ‘give and take’, that is, both parties have civic responsibilities to offer each other as being entrenched in the contract.

What does this implies? The ability of any government to turn mountains to valleys is depends on the readiness of

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that many taxable men and women are oblivious and totally unaware of their civic responsibilities as regards tax payment. Many even point accusing fingers towards government for not performing up to their expectations feigning ignorance that it as a result of their failure to perform their civic responsibility.

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•Gbenga Akano, Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Revenue Matters the governed (people) to pay their taxes.

It is unfortunate today that many taxable men and women are oblivious and totally unaware of their civic responsibilities as regards tax payment.

Many even point accusing fingers towards government for not performing up to their expectations feigning ignorance that it as a result of their failure to perform their civic responsibility.

Referring to some advanced countries of the world like; the United States of America, Great Britain, Canada, Japan and the likes, it may be very easy for someone to commit a grave offence and get away with it, provided that, such a

person has a substantial evidence to justify his/her deed. But the reverse is the case on tax evasion or failure of eligible tax payers to pay as and when due. There is no jungle justice to this, it is an abomination. But here in Nigeria, the exact opposite is the case. Tax evasion and non tax compliance and the likes are the order of the day.

The truth is that no meaningful development can take place without people imbibing the habit of tax payment. Likewise, people need poor sensitisation and reorientation so they will develop the right inner mind frame to see tax compliance as and when due as their civic responsibilities. This would surely contribute to their comfortable pride status. Using Great Britain and the United State of America where taxes have been the most stable source of their financial power as a case study, despite the fact that, almost all nooks and crannies of human activities are taxed

in those countries, still people are never reluctant to go there. The salient boiling question here is that, why are the people still trooping to these places despite heavy taxes levied on them? We can quickly infer from this question that, people don’t mind being heavily taxed there, once they know that whatever goes around surely comes around. They are at the receiving end of all benefits accruable to tax payment.

Dating back to Western region administration, when Chief Obafemi Awolowo was at the helms of affair posterity will never forget his landmark achievements especially on how this hero was able to live on tax to turn the whole Western Region into cynosure of all eyes. Having this as a point of reference, we can have an inductive conclusion that, the only way to reach the peak of development is through Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) with taxes as its impetus.

The State of Osun is already on the pathway to development through all the developmental projects that are ongoing or other that have been fully executed under the present administration. These achievements are even enough to serve as catalysts that should without hesitation propel us to complying this civic duty and several others.

To this end, it is high time we woke up to this clarion call and jettison any untoward attitude to tax payment since we are always at the receiving end of its benefits. Let us uphold the doctrine of Omoluabi by doing it right; pay your tax, it is your civic responsibility.

•Babalola is the Information Officer, Osun Internal Revenue Service.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

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Igbajo Polytechnic Reschedules Examination Date

By Islamiat Sanni and Ronke Sanusi

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HE Authority of Igbajo Polytechnic has for the second time in this semester postponed the time the school would begin its second semester examination.

The school had on Some of the students previous occasion who spoke with OSUN shifted the time of the DEFENDER Campus commencement of the Review disclosed that second semester this is one of the longest examination to enable semester they have ever students who were yet experience in the school to pay their tuition fees as they have expected to meet the deadline the semester to have and ensure they do not been completed. owe the school.

According to It was learnt that Oluwabunmi Fadare, many of the students of an ND Student, “we the school who were thought we would not from the state have conclude the semester been looking forward ahead of the Federal to the timely Polytechnic Offa as the completion of the school resumes ahead examination so they of them, yet, could round off the FEDPOFFA is almost session in time to meet rounding off it second up with the next NYSC semester examination”. mobilisation.

She further disclosed T h e that it is examination understandable which was that the scheduled school is t o trying to commence make sure o n larger Monday, percentage August 14 of student w a s meet up rescheduled with the to start challenges Friday, of school August 19, fee, but it 2017. is also tiring to be in the

school for too long a time.

Another student, who pleaded anonymity, disclosed that the choice of a private higher institution is sometimes

because the school calendar is not always hindered like that of public schools and urge the school authority to make it a duty to strictly keep to its calendar always.

OAU NSRC Speaker Expresses Concern Over Nigerian Youths Political Leadership

By Adejumo Kabir HE Speaker of National Association of Students of English and Literary Studies Representative Council, Obafemi Awolowo University chapter, (NSRC OAU), Adelowo Adegboyega, has questioned the capacity of youths in taking a huge leadership responsibility.

He stated this in prevailing attitudes.

He said, “Most reaction to the #NotTooYoungToRunBill, recently passed by the National Assembly in an interaction with our reporter on Tuesday.

He said, the natural resources used to measure the richness of a country are important, but not as important as youths of the nation and on that basis, youths play vital role in the growth of the country.

He expressed concern over the capacity of youths in taking such responsibility considering their

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Nigerian youths may not be better than the ‘elders’ in governance presently due to evidence in the various cases of misappropriation and some other vices that are rampant among students’ union leaders

in the country today”.

Adegboyega said that it is unequivocally clear that the current leaders in the country have been at the helm of power since the youthful hue sits on their skins and have since then retained their spots at the top.

He charged Nigerian youths to be good assets that could be useful and be catalysts for a better Nigeria.

“What we, the youths can do for our country is to be ready to take the bull by the horn by shunning all sorts of societal vice, by thinking critically and also do our utmost in making Nigeria skirmish the irony of being a rich and a poor country. Just then, we won’t be too young to run”, he stressed.

Ankara As Fashion Print

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NKARA is a 100 per cent cotton fabric with vibrant patterns; it is usually a colourful cloth and is primarily associated with Africa because of its triballike patterns and motifs.

Ankara is a fabric material that is n o r m a l l y reserved for cultural festivities.

Some people often feel that this fabric is too flowery and too colourful, and there was a time when it w a s referred to as the fabric of the poor, but today the fabric h a s undergone a magic transformation

to become a choice of the rich and famous.

Nowadays, Ankara fabric has become an inevitable part of any s o c i a l functions; fashion designers h a v e sensed this trend and are coming up with appealing design to capture the apparel market.

The fabric which is primarily associated with Africa

has become an important tool not just WITH for fashion designers, TEMITOPE but also a tool of communication and AKINYELE medium for artists to express themselves.

Many years ago the best that could be achieved with the Ankara fabric is the traditional Iro and Buba but today, this fabric has gone way beyond a material for making clothes; it has infinite creative applications like shirts, bags, shoes, clothes, accessories, books and toys for children amongst others. Styles and designs available for these clothes are endless which makes people, men and women, young and old glued to it.

Everybody now sells Ankara Ankara has come back in a big way with modern because it is latest and hottest fabric patterns and vibrant in town that people want to have in their closest. colours.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

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PROFILE

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Elebuibon, the Araba Awo of Osogbo land

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HEN over seven decades ago, his mother had problem conceiving, one could have ordinarily thought that his survival would be problematic and constitute nuisance to his family and even the society at large.

This could have led to the parents to forget about bringing him to this world, but for his motherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s persistence and divination that he would be famous, travelled worldwide and be of service to humanity. The potency of Osun water eventually helped his conception, birth and his sojourn into limelight.

Right from birth, he became his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s favourite pet and was given the care and attention a prince living in a palace could have Pa Akinrinde Elebuibon was doing everything necessary for the young boy to make sure he fulfils the prophecy of becoming a great person in line with the Ifa divination. He was pampered and spoiled.

Yemi, as fondly called, was neither allowed to attend schools nor follow his peers to Qurâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;an classes because his father believed it could hinder the fulfilment of the prophecy in his life; hence, he was tutored in the art of Ifa divination from the age of four against the counsel of many around his father then. His father became his first teacher.

Living like a prince was not meant to last long, as his father who held him dearest died leaving his lovely son to the care of those who envied him and his mother had to step into the role Pa Akinrinde played to ensure that he does not digress from the destined path. Against all odds, the mother stood like a pillar for his future.

Yemi later relocated to the house of a new master, an Ifa priest, Agbongbon Faniyi Fagbenro to be prepared for the art of priesthood.

He was denied the flamboyancy of his fatherâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s house and had to follow the rules, which hitherto were not part of his early life.

From the moment he got to the house of his new master, life took a new turn for the young priest, destined for greatness, as many obstacles on his path made prophesy in his life a delusion to the comprehension of his mother, who always used every opportunity to query his movement and those he associates with at every stage of his life. It seems apprenticeship would not come to end, given the nature of Ifa priesthood, but after a decade and some months, he was eventually certified fit to be a priest.

Rather than been a ticket to moving up the ladder of life, leaving his master threw up new challenges, especially with the demise of his mother before the completion of his apprenticeship. Yemi had to struggle through thicks and thin to make ends meet and had continue to improve on his knowledge of Ifa every time, moving from one town to another in search of wisdom from the elderly priest of his time.

During all this time, Ifayemi does not womanise, neither does he drink

Local Boy Turn Global Ifa Evangelist nor smoke, he is morally upright.

Though, many ladies would love to have him as their heartthrob, but he was not prepared for social life knowing that it requires a lot of financial commitment, unfortunately he had no one to fall back to for such help. So, rather than fall for social life, he carried on with life, waiting for the right door to open for him.

Within this period, Yemi had ventured into stage play and the world of theatre seeking for all means to make livelihood easy, not just for himself, but also for the new family he will be raising.

The first personal challenge in Yemiâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s life was when he had his first two daughters and he was afraid that he might not be blessed with a male child to carry on with his line of priesthood. Before one could further intensify the fear, he was blessed with a twin, a male and female, which seems to be the making of his break-through in his long life of struggles. No wonder he asserted in one of his popular musical records â&#x20AC;&#x153;Eyan wonâ&#x20AC;?, where he exalted the special nature of the children in his life.

Ifayemi eventually knocked on the right door, when he was made the cultural adviser to the Duro Ladipo Cultural Troupe and the troupe was eventually invited to France in 1973 for cultural festival. This singular trip opened the door of opportunity for the hardworking young priest, where he met with an African American, whose inspiration was into promoting African culture and spiritualism. After this particular trip, Elebuibon traverse to and fro USA, Europe and part of South America for a decade. However, the most notable of his trip was to the USA in 1978 on the invitation of the National Black Theatre to speak on African culture and spiritualism and also had to initiate some AfricanAmerican into Ifa priesthood.

Another very significant time in the life of Ifayemi was in 1980s when

â&#x20AC;˘Chief Elebuibon

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door, when he was made the cultural adviser to the Duro Ladipo Cultural Troupe and the troupe was eventually invited to France in 1973 for cultural festival. he had to struggle through the odds to make Ifa Olokun Asorodayo a serial show on the then NTA Ibadan.

Many thought Elebuibon was fighting for space, but in his mind, he wanted to make Ifa and traditional religion attractive to the teeming Yoruba populace, who in his view, were already losing interest. This singular act launched Elebuibon to limelight, especially in

â&#x20AC;˘Elebuibon during one of his TV programmes on NTA Ibadan in 1980â&#x20AC;&#x2122;s.

all Yoruba household. Elebuibon is known in all part of the world. It is on record that not many Yoruba monarchs were installed without divination by the Araba Awo of Osogboland, a titled synonymous with a king in a palace. The Araba is the king among cronies in the priesthood circle.

Two other major event which also launched him to the world of the media were during one of his visit to University of Ibadan and someone attempted to steal his car. The character was moving around the car untill daybreak and apprehended by the police. Also when it was about to rain during one of his Ogbeyonu festivals and Yemi made burn-fire, backed up with incantations and gradually the atmosphere became cleared and the event went on unhindered. Today, Araba Ifayemi Elebuibon has tutored many young priest who are also successful both at home and in the dispora. He delivered lecture on Yoruba culture and spiritualism which earned him honourary doctorate degree and residence lecturer at the Bradley University.

Now the Araba Awo of Osogboland, Chief Ifayemi ElebuIbon, recently celebrated his 70th birthday anniversary and the gathering was an attestation of his deep conviction for tradition and culture, as the event brought together traditional rulers, Nollywood family, filmmakers, cultural ambassadors and Godchildren from the diaspora.

Araba, even at 70 is still waxing stronger.

FRIDAY AUGUST 11 - THURSDAY AUGUST 17, 2017

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CULTURE

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Beyond The Monumental Cultural Heritage

By Femi Mode Siyanbola

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IKE all the monumental and most spectacular natural wonders of the world which have become points of reference in world art history, some wonders before the medieval period are no longer in existence. Some of them are the Great pyramid of Giza, Hanging Garden of Babylon, and Statue of Zeus at Olympia, Temple of Artemis at Ephesus, Mausoleum of Maussollos at Halicarnassus, Colossus of Rhodes and Lighthouse of Alexandra. Of all these wonders, only the Great Pyramid of Giza still exists and people are spending a lot of money to travel there to behold its greatness in Egypt.

What is worthy of note back home here is the way the monuments and the statues at the Osun Osogbo Grove were painstakingly constructed by the late famous octogenarian Austrian-born, Artist Adunni Olorisa- the Late Susan Wenger who can be likened to the two Egyptian Pharaohs, the Ramses II and the Ramses III, the third one known as the Ramses the Great died in 1225BC. This third pharaoh of the 19th dynasty built vast monuments and statues, including the two rock temples at Abu Simbel. The second pharaoh of the 20th dynasty died in 1167BC, he fought decisive battles against the Libyans and the Sea Peoples. After his death the power of Egypt declined. This piece serves as a conscious reminder to the people not to let the legacy of Late Susan Wenger and those who tirelessly work in all ramifications towards the success of the Osun grove be a wasted effort.

Why we need to rejoice and be happy is the interest the present State Government of Osun has demonstrated concerning the development and emancipation from the obsessive secrecy attached to the faith that the Yoruba culture and tradition is fetish.

The minds of this category of people should be disabused that the activities we dread after all, may be a source of revenue.

For the benefits of those who are longing to be furnished with the authentic history of the grove, a need to unveil this write up for reckoning becomes important.

Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove is an organically enveloped cultural landscape associated with Yoruba traditional religion and culture. It is a world heritage site with primary rain forest vegetation covering an area of 75 hectares of land with a buffer zone of 47 hectares surrounding it.

It is located along the banks of Osun River in Osogbo local government area of the State of Osun. The Grove is situated on the margins of the southern forest of Nigeria on a raised parcel, which are about 350m above sea level.

Laro and Timehin Grammar School bound the grove in the North, while in the South is bounded by the entrance of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) which runs parallel to form the western boundary.

In the East, Osun State Agric Farm Settlement also bounds it. Osun State on which the Grove is founded covers an area of about 14, 875 Sq.Km. In Yoruba cosmology history, Osun who was one of the wives of Sango was said to have metamorphosed into river as a result of a mis-understanding between ‘Oba’ a co-wife of Sango. The river takes its source from Igede Ekiti and flows through Ilesa to Osogbo town and empty itself into Atlantic Ocean. It is believed that the goddess inhabits the Grove, while the river meander itself within and into the popular Grove called Osun Osogbo Sacred Grove.

The Grove was discovered by an elephant hunter called Olutimehin, who hailed from Ipole-Omu in

•One of the art work designs at the Osun grove.

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reminder to the people not to let the legacy of Late Susan Wenger and those who tirelessly work in all ramifications towards the success of the Osun grove be a wasted effort.

Ijesaland, and this confirm the fact that the early Osogbo people were Ijesas from Ipole-Omu in Obokun area, where they were faced with the problem of draught, which prevented them from getting adequate supply of water for farming, cooking, bathing and all other domestic uses.

Timehin, the great hunter in one of his expedition came across the river in the Grove. Having discovered the Grove and the river, he reported back to Larooye, the King of Ipole-Omu and suggested that Larooye should establish his kingdom in the Grove.

Larooye was the Owaroki (crown King) of Ipole-Omu- a settlement built on hilly area surrounded by a trench, dug to protect the community from external aggression.

Larooye and his people migrated from Ipole-omu to settle at the plains of river Osun, where the first palace was erected. While they were building and engaging in farming activities which involved clearing and felling of trees, one of the branches fell into the river on the DYE POT of Osun goddess, who was annoyed by this act. A loud voice came from the river shouting ‘LARO, TIMEHIN, KILODE TE FO IKOKO ARO MI” (Why did you break my dye pot). Immediately, voices from the other spirit came out from the forests which empathized with the Goddess saying ‘OSO IGBO PELE O”.(Spirit of the forest we empathize with you)’ This was the genesis of the circumstance that brought the name ‘Osogbo’ by which the town is known to date.

The oral account went further to say that Oba Larooye Gbadewolu entered into agreement with Osun goddess on behalf of his people that they would respect and appease the Goddess, should the goddess solve their physical and spiritual problems. The goddess (Osun) promised to multiply them if they would build a shrine for her and that a virgin girl from the royal lineage will be bringing sacrifice to her during the celebration of the agreement. This singular act of propitiation is now celebrated world wide as Osun festival.

Larooye and Osogbo people accepted the pact and the promises of Osun

goddess materialised.

Beyond the monumental cultural heritage of the grove, it is blessed with abundant tangible and in-tangible heritages of diverse values among which are: HISTORICAL VALUES Osun Osogbo sacred grove is the symbol of the development of Osogbo land from the beginning to the present.

The original name of the goddess OSO IGBO (wizard of the forest has been the name of the town OSOGBO since then.

The title of the king ATAOJA was derived from the first spiritual worship of the goddess by the founding king.

Osun goddess sent one of the messenger to the king and he received the message from Osun messenger called “IKO (Golden fish) with his palm; this act in Yoruba means “ATEWO GBA EJA” which was later coined as ATAOJA to replace the initial Owaroki after the ceremonial act.

The root of the town (Oshogbo) lay deep in the Grove, which harbors various landmark and features in form of Shrine, Temple, Trees, Animals, Markets and Rocks, places like the first and the second palace and the river.

ECONOMIC VALUE The grove, which is mostly kept wild, is both a sanctuary for Osun and other lesser gods that can be consulted for protection and a natural reserve with full bio-diversity that can be used for medicinal purpose.

Apart from the revenue generated from the tourists that visit the site, the grove also serves as a source of income generation for the immediate community; this could be seen through different businesses that go on within the community in which the tourist, visitors and researchers patronised.

Herbal practitioners and traditional doctors procure materials for healing and other medicinal applications from the large variety of the plant species in the grove. Example of this is the herbal preparation known as ‘SELERU’ which the manufacturer said, fifty percent of the ingredient used for the medicine are from the grove. It is used as a body immune booster. The traditional technology of using indigo dye (JELU),

which is believed to have originated from the goddess, is a flourishing enterprise in Osogbo.

Buying and selling is a major attraction during the festival, as traders display good, such as kegs, local fabrics, beads ornament, food and local drinks amongst others, while dancers and drummers engage in what they know best. All these provide employment opportunity and income among the communities.

RELIGIOUS VALUE The Osun Sacred grove is directly linked with the Osun Osogbo festival which takes place in August every year, bringing Osogbo people, the Yorubas home and Diaspora and even international tourist into a rallying point of spiritual and temporal contact with their deity such as Ogun, Sango, Obatala. The grove is also a large sanctuary where people come to consult and communicate with their gods, worship them and set initiated as well.

EDUCATIONAL VALUES The grove is being used by teachers, students and scholars of History, Geography, Forestry, Biology, and Art for practical lessons. It has a high potential for the study of Yoruba culture, knowledge of systems and practical as a living sanctuary of traditional knowledge and education.

The grove is also regarded as school where priests and priestesses as well as devotees learn the rudiments of worship and initiation into the traditional religion. These traditional attributes have contributed immensely to deep knowledge about culture of Yoruba religion as well as bear testimonies to a living cultural tradition and civilization. Some of these practices have equally been exported to many parts of West Africa, Brazil, Cuba, North American, Britain, Trinidad and Tobago and others. It is being expected that people from this part of the world will begin to come as pilgrim to the grove.

RECREATIONAL VALUE With the continuous development of the city of Osogbo, the grove has become the closest place where a peaceful and natural environment will be accessible, without driving long distance. Therefore, the grove and the surrounding land is now being used by the people of Osogbo and tourist, as a place where one can take a breath of natural environment and a centre for leisure time activities. A section of the grove has been transformed into a meditation ground while some other areas are used for recreation and picnics.

•Siyanbola is a Senior Special Assistant to Osun Governor on Media.

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The Monumental Cultural Heritage

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VWXY WVZ[\Z]^_W cdddef ghi hj unforgettable source of inspiration, a pillar of support, a good role model and a worthy jewel of inestimable value.

•The late Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola

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AMA was all and more than a mother should be – caring, loving, adoring, guiding, mentoring and mothering. She shaped my life and guided my steps. She was loving and strict, tender and tough, charming and harsh, warm and caustic, loyal and supportive, throughout our relationship.

She was the ideal mother.

Mooomi was an unforgettable source of inspiration, a pillar of support, a good role model and a worthy jewel of inestimable value.Death came quietly in the morning of August 1, 2017 and took my mother, Alhaja Saratu Asabi Aregbesola, affectionately known as Mama Olobi, to the great beyond in Aljana. It was however a transition to glory.

Mama lived a full and exemplary life.

She was a good woman by the Islamic, Yoruba culture and universal human standards. She was a good wife, a great mother, a deeply devoted Muslim and a philanthropist.

She was born in Ibiade Ijebu Waterside on September 10, 1933 to Ali-Balogun Aduroja of the Esho Otolorin Aduroja Family of Obaala Akerele Sarabi Farore Family and Aishat Ali-Balogun Aduroja of Owoso family, both of Okesa-Ilesa.

She spent her early and formative years in Ilesa with her paternal aunt, Madam

Ayisatu Esho Aduroja (Iya Onila), a famous okra trader in Idi-Oshe market, in Okesa Ilesa. Young Saratu Ali-Balogun Aduroja met her husband, Alhaji AhmadRufai Ali-Aregbesola from Ogbon Arogbo in Ilesa, and they got married on October 1, 1951. The trajectory of her life eventually followed that of her husband’s from that golden moment.

As it is with every Ijesa indigene, whose provenance must be a remote countryside, Alhaji Rufai’s provenance was Urogbo

{|} {|~ } } And Guided My Steps. She Was Loving And Strict, Tender And Tough, Charming And Harsh, Warm And Caustic, Loyal And Supportive, Throughout Our Relationship. She Was The Ideal Mother.

village, Atakunmosa East Local Government Area. He was a dashing young man who had learnt the modern vocational craft of carpentry and joinery.

Then, it was a modern art form introduced

by Europeans and returnee slaves from especially Brazil but was a wonder to the locals who lived mostly in mud and thatched roof houses.

By stroke of circumstances, Pa Rufai was engaged by the contractor handling Saint John’s Anglican Church, Iloro, Ilesa in his Ifofin neighbourhood, for the carpentry and joinery work of a new cathedral being built there. The cathedral remains an imposing architectural masterpiece till today. The contractor was Pa Aliyu from Ikare-Akoko.

However, after the completion of this building, the contractor moved to another project in Ikare-Akoko, the construction of the Chapel of the new Anglican School in the town; Victory College, Ikare-Akoko in present Ondo State, the northernmost political division of Western Region.

Being impressed with Pa Rufai’s skill, dexterity and diligence in Ilesa, he quickly invited him to be part of the new Chapel he was building again in Ikare.

Pa Rufai took his second wife to Ikare where he had settled and found accommodation. God blessed his work and prospered him in Ikare where he had all his children, was able to build his own houses in both Ikare and Ilesa, owned vehicles, trained all his children and lived a comfortable middle class life.

He returned to Ilesa later in life where he lived the rest of his life before his passage on July 29, 1992.It was the manifest destiny of Alhaja Saratu to

embark on this journey of life with her husband. These were the circumstances that shaped her own life and cut her persona. It was in this course that she manifested her sterling qualities as wife, mother, a devout Muslim and good citizen.

Mama was an astute trader who learnt how to trade from birth. It is often said that it is in the DNA of every Ijesa to be enterprising. During her growing up years, it was the practice for Ijesas to travel to far and near places for trading; either to bring essential goods to their people or take needed goods and items to others to buy. They were also very shrewd business people.

The Ijesas would be quick to persuade a customer to buy on credit, usually textiles and household goods, and would wait until he or she wore the cloth or use the items before returning to importune the debtor for payment, which often involve embarrassing methods.

Mama was a good trader who moved from petty trading to sedentary but big kolanut trading, for which she became famous in Ijesaland and beyond. She not only mastered the trade, she became a leader of Kolanut and bitter kola traders.

Since her return to Ilesa with her husband, she had lived in the family house. The only occasion she had to seek refuge elsewhere was on account of my ambition then to be governor of the State of Osun in 2007. The politics of bitterness at the time blinded the party in power in the state at that time to basic rule of decency. When threats to her life could no longer be ignored, she relocated to Lagos after the governorship election of April 14, 2007 and could only return in August, 2011 after I regained my mandate.

Mama was blessed with five children: Alhaja Wosilat Adunni Oseni-Ishola (deceased), my humble self, Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, Amudat Adenike Oladeji, Bashiru Adediran Aregbesola and Sikiru Oladele Aregbesola as well as many grandchildren and great grandchildren who are all testimonies to her greatness as a mother.

Alhaja Saratu was a devout Muslim.

She had committed her life since her youth to the service and worship of Allah SWT and was fortunate to meet a husband who encouraged her along this line. She was a member of the Nawarudeen Islamic Society and Egbe Olobi. She remained there till her departure. After the demise of her husband in 1992, and her children who are grownups found their feet in life, she devoted herself to deeper commitment to Allah SWT in prayer, piety, philanthropy and Islamic charities.

Mama left a remarkable legacy as a faithful wife, loving mother, community leader of no mean repute, leading kola nuts trader and a devout Muslim. Mama was kind-hearted and generous of spirit and of her substance. She freely gave of her fountain of wisdom. She was hard working and industrious.

Though we will always miss her, we are filled with joy that her vivacious spirit remains with us and she continues to live through us in the seeds of discipline, hard work and motherly love she had sown in us. She was a mother in a million.

•Aregbesola is governor of the State of Osun.

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,