Osun Defender PDF Version For August 25, 2017

MAGAZINE

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VOL. 012. NO.26

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Hospital Debtors:

Patients Trapped In Hospital Wards -

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•United Nations Office On Drugs And Crime Country Representative, Ms Cristina Albertin presenting an Award of Excellence to the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, while the Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo watches, during the official commissioning of the Osun State Judicial Research Centre (JRC) at the State High Court Premises Osogbo on Wednesday.

The center was facilitated

by UNODC in collaboration with the European Union EU. Inset is the cross section of dignitaries at the event.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO

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Hospital Debtors:

NEWS

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

Patients Trapped In Hospital Wards

By Francis Ezediuno It is indeed heart-touching when as a human being, you see fellow humans suffering deprivations as a result of shortcomings. This is the situation that some patients in both public, private and faith-based hospitals across the State of Osun have found themselves, as they are stranded in the hospital after they have been treated.

This is because such Teaching Hospital, Ile individual referred to as Ife; LAUTECH teaching Osogbo, ‘debtor’ patients and can hospital, be found in almost all Seventh Day Adventist Hospital, Ile-Ife; Our hospitals – teaching, general and private- have Lady of Fatima Catholic been unable to settle their Hospital, Osogbo and so bills even after treatment. many other private Such cases were hospitals in the state.

In a recent discovered in some notable hospitals, investigation by OSUN particularly, Obafemi DEFENDER, it was Awolowo University gathered from selected

hospitals that some of these debtor patients find themselves in this situation, atimes by no fault of theirs and atimes by the reluctance of their family members to settle hospitals bills as they query the rationale behind the issuance of such bills.

Speaking under the condition of anonymity with this medium, a medical staff of one of the hospitals visited revealed that having debtor patients was not a big deal, as it was a part of the operational activity in a medical establishment, saying, overtime she had

•In the Spirit of Celebration: A Cripple rushing to Osun river during the Osun Osogbo festival last Friday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

come to understand the many causes of why patients get stranded in hospitals as a result of inability to settle hospital bills.

According to her, she said some of the patients before going to the hospitals, would have accessed the services of quack medical practitioners and fleeced to the extent that when they arrive at a better medical facility, they would have been left with virtually nothing.

She adduced to the fact that many of the patients do not disclose their financial status on the point of admission and as bills are piled up, they become difficult to settle, a situation that leads to them being abandoned, adding that some of them become stranded either during or after treatment.

She also added that “in many cases, it is good Samaritans that bring such patients especially accident victims and leave them to the mercy of the hospitals”.

“In this type of circumstances, the first thing to be done is to ensure the survival of the

Osun, Oyo Assemblies Move To Reopen LAUTECH commitment to the

By Israel Afolabi university.

Also, the Chairman The Joint Houses of Assembly Committees on Education in Oyo and Osun states have assured that Oyo House Committee education, the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology on Ogbomoso would soon be reopened for academic Adegbenga Adeleke assured that the two activities. states are working in This was the reopen the school.

This is just as he accord to reopen the conclusion at the end of the committees’ jointly assured the government school soonest. meeting with the LAUTECH Governing Council, management, Alumnus and other stakeholders.

Briefing Journalists after the meeting,

By Israel Afolabi Chairman, Osun House The World Bank supported overseas study tour committee on Education, Folorunsho Bamisayemi to the United States is currently taking place. The explained that the two programme will hold between 20th and 26th August houses met to put head 2017. together and bring life Below we have the list chairman is leading a back to the university, of participants at the high powered saying, the deliberations World Bank Seminar delegation. at the meeting were which is ongoing in San About the Program centered on how to give Jose Silicon Valley USA. Technology and the university a new The state of Osun SUBEB innovation are engines of roadmap for the benefits of students.

According to him, “We met to open the school in the shortest possible time”, as he appealed to students to remain calm, saying efforts are being frantically made to

He said, the two Assemblies would meet the Governors of the two states, Rauf Aregbesola (Osun) and Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) on the outcome of the meeting and find a way out of the crisis rocking the institution.

Osun High Level Representation At Ongoing World Bank Seminar In US economic growth. In advanced economies, studies confirm the direct impact of technological innovation on job creation and economic growth. In education, access to global knowledge and learning has been made possible through latest •Continued on page 11

C !"#$ %& "!'$ That I formerly known as JIMOH ALEX, now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH AZEEZ ALEX. All former documents remains valid. SKYE Bank and general public should take note of this.

•Osun SUBEB Chairman, Prince Felix Awofisayo, one of the delegates to the ongoing World Bank seminar in US.

patients after which it is hoped that relatives, immediate family members or friends will show up.

However, in some of the hospitals visited, particularly private hospitals, it was observed that some of the ‘debtor patients’ were being subjected to manual labour in order to cover up for the medical bills incurred during the process of treatment.

On a visit to a government-owned hospital, a nursing staff who spoke on account of anonymity also revealed that such cases do not occur in government hospital, since the government of the state operate a free healthcare system, except in some special and rare cases after which directive would have to be given by the hospital management before the continuation of treatment, as no staff wants to incur any liability or made to answer any query.

According to him, “if the management and doctors decide that treatment should continue, we have no choice but to continue treatment. In many cases, termination of treatment occurs when their funds get exhausted.

“Also in rare cases, such patients may enjoy full treatment and detained at the end of treatment, but the case may be referred to the hospital’s social welfare department where funds might be solicited from corporate organisations to offset the cost of treatment and the patients discharged”.

However, checks showed that some private hospitals within the state have devised means of getting the patient committed by ensuring that they are admitted until they show proof of their ability to offset medical expenses, but when such is not forthcoming then treatment would discontinue and the patients discharged.

In some rare cases, it was disclosed that the relatives or friends of such patients would be made to sign undertaking assuring the hospital that the medical bills would be taken care of at a later date.

In some rural communities in the state, investigation revealed that having debtor patients was common, especially in the faithbased medical facilities, but most of them abscond from the hospitals.

This situation has

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made management of these hospitals, especially the Catholic ones to begin investigation into the background of their patients and when it could not be ascertained they are either denied treatment or referred to a government-owned health facility.

A medical staff in one of the Catholic Hospitals in thge state said, “Some years back, there was the recorded incident of a pregnant woman from Gbongan who was admitted in a private hospital and after a successful CS, she ran away from the hospital during the night on account that her husband and her relatives could not afford to settle her medical bills.

“When the case was discovered, the management of the hospital traced her to Gbongan, brought her back to the hospital and kept her under tight surveillance until she was discharged when her medical bills were settled.

According to one Mr. SA, as he would like to be referred to, a major factor that leads to debtor patients cases is accidents and emergency cases, saying, “Atimes, we require them to pay some deposit but due to the urgent nature of their situation, the first thing is to save their lives. After the patient is okay paying the bill now becomes a problem. Some of them end up paying half the estimate.

“Another factor is that government agencies such as the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), O’Ambulance and the Nigerian Police will just dump patients in the hospitals and go away without disclosing any identity because we cannot reject e m e r g e n c i e s .

Peradventure some of them die, nobody shows up to claim them.

“There are so many unclaimed corpses at our morgue as a result of this”.

Some of the debtor patients who offered to speak with OSUN DEFENDER said, since they were unable to pay their bill, they have been subjected to manual labour in the hospital complex, even when they still have health challenges.

They however appealed to wellmeaning Nigerians and government to come to their aid by offsetting their hospital bills so that they could go home and rest.

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

Aftermath Of Ipetumodu/Asipa Clash: Fears,

By Sola Jacobs The resolved communal clash between Ipetumodu and Asipa community in Ife North Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun over land ownership which led to loss of lives and properties, have continued to build acrimony and strained relationship among the people of the affected communities, even after normalcy had returned.

Sometimes in 2015, the other cyclists who what ordinarily seems as have declined to go to land dispute between Asipa were indigene of saying, two families in Ipetumodu, Ipetumodu and Asipa “They will not like to take snowballed into full scale you to Asipa because of bloody clash. The crisis the communal clash that was renewed in happened two years ago February, 2017, with and this year for fear of another bloody clash, another attack”.

He said, since the leaving people dead and crisis, while commercial some homeless.

The intervention of the motorcyclists and ministate government and the buses drivers from law enforcement agents Ipetumodu have been stopped the rage and put avoiding Asipa, those an end to senseless from Asipa have been destruction of life and avoiding Ipetumodu as well. properties.

Besides, going through Though, the matter enroute had been laid to rest, but Yakooyo, Ipetumodu to Asipa, the post-clash trauma and scars of the communal hatred still persist in both clash were glaring, as communities. burnt properties in OSUN DEFENDER Okoko area still stand not visit to the communities renovated. showed that life had Speaking with a returned to both middle-aged man who communities, but both identified himself as had their losses to count, Tope Olatunji about while the acrimony still the aftermath of the exist just as the fear of clash, he noted that life another attack has not has not been the same totally faded off. since the communal This was evident as clash, saying, “My c o m m e r c i a l mother is from motorcyclists and mini- Ipetumodu and my buses drivers on the main father from Asipa, but junction leading to the the clash had led to their two communities, Moro separation, because my junction who are mum lives among his indigenes of the two people, while I live with communities have been my father and other declining offer to carry siblings. passengers to the other At the popular Asipa communities. market which is a fiveOne of the day market, often motorcyclist, during a patronised by traders discussion confided in across the state, Mrs OSUN DEFENDER that Felicia Akinremi a shop

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By Sola Jacobs

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Acrimony Persist Amongst Indigenes

owner at the market said, the patronage in the famous market had dropped, as traders prefer to patronise Akinola market in Ipetumodu community because of its accessibility through Ife/ Ibadan road than Asipa market saying, this has taken toll on the commercial activities.

She stated that the presence of Obafemi Awolowo University Pre-degree centre, the Foreign Link Institution and the Oduduwa University had been a blessing to both Moro and Ipetumodu communities.

According to her, these opportunities had eluded Asipa community, as traders still entertain fear about the repeat of clash between the two communities.

Mrs Akinremi however encouraged traders to patronise Asipa market, saying the issue of communal clash had been laid to rest.

A landlord , Pa Adeyanju at Oke-Odo area, Asipa lamented that despite the cheaper house rent in the community, students were still afraid to

patronise the community, recalling that the situation was not so before the clash.

He hinted that the students who lived in Asipa before the clash had relocated to Ipetumodu because they believed it was safer to stay in the community where their schools are located.

Also, an Ipetumodu High Chief, Johnson Oyelakin said, the communal clash had its

lessons, saying, “what is needed for the development of our societies is peace, and we can see, peace is evident in Ipetumodu; we have Hausas and Igbo community here and we live peacefully.

“The communal clash between us and Asipa is over, and we have moved on; despite various attempt made to close down our main market using government apparatus, the market

has been thriving, as people come as far as Ore, Ondo state, Ibadan, Lagos and Akure every Friday to trade in our market.

Though, the people of both communities had realised the clash had cause loss of lives and properties, but the trauma of broken marriages and relationships, economic loss and migration of youth from both communities still persist.

•One of the burnt buildings near Origbo High School, during the clash between the two communities yet to be renovated.

Osun Govt Denies Paying N50m To Ex-Aides, Appeals To Protesting Pensioners

By Ismaeel Uthman Government of the State of Osun has denied paying N50million severance package to political office holders who served between November 2010 and November 2014, describing the allegation as malicious and false in entirety.

Commissioner for Wednesday said the Information and Strategy leader of the 2011/2012 in the state, Mr Adelani pensioners group, Mr B a d e r i n w a o n Omoniyi Ilesanmi who made the accusation was attempting to incite the people against the Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration.

Baderinwa who spoke concern of his husband on a private radio in and her relatives.

Osogbo explained that When further the highest amount paid interrogated, the prophet to two ex-political aides admitted that she only gave Busayo “love was N4 million, others potion” but did not use received N3 million and her for any ritual purpose N2.8 million a year ago, while he did not received as speculated.

Giving ruling on the a penny as salary or matter, the Emese court, severance package.

He explained that the blamed both Busayo and Adeoti for being severance allowance promiscuous as both of paid was in line with them defiled their Section 4 (1) and (2) Schedule (B) of the State marriage on excuses.

It also blamed the said of Osun Public/Political self-acclaimed man of Office Holders and God for taking advantage Revised Remuneration of the two women, but Package Law 2007, which counselled Busayo who recommends 300 per cent brought the matter to the of basic salary as palace court to seek severance allowance.

The commissioner medical attention in hospital concerning her said: “The allegation is ailment, just as they false in its entirety and warned the prophet to absolutely unreasonable desist from such act of for anybody to say that sleeping with her church the government will give each political office members.

How Pastor Charmed Church Member With Love Concoction, Slept With Her A pastor of one spiritual church located in Opa area of Ile-Ife, popularly known as Olorunayo, Dayo Olorunayo had confessed having affairs with Mrs Busayo Adegoke, a plank trader with love potion, but denied using her for ritual purpose.

Testifying at the through him, the problem Traditional Emese court was solved and both of in the ancient city, the them have remained as pastor said, Busayo was friends till date. introduced to his church The victim, Busayo by one of her friends, Adegoke in her statement Adeoti in search of at the court said that the solution to her prophet gave her some menopause problem. concoction to drink and He stated further that had been sleeping with the 30 years-old Busayo her frequently since her Adegoke complained to friend introduced her to him that her the church. menstruation had She added that the stopped, regardless of her prophet also warned her young age, despite the not to disclose his fact that she needed to relationship with her have more children. friend, Adeoti, saying The pastor said that her that since the affairs friend, Adeoti who between him and the introduced her to the pastor started, she had church had similar started losing weights, problem sometimes and which had become the

OSUNDEFENDER

holder a N50 million severance allowance at this period when every

available kobo is being mopped to pay salaries and pensions, provide infrastructure and social services and run a modest government.

...Stop Blackmailing Osun Government - Osun Pensioners Warn Ilesanmi Group The Triangular Group of Pensioners in Osun has once again expressed its displeasure on sponsored attack on the governor and government of Osun by a section of the 2011/2012 pensioners led by Mr. Omoniyi Ilesanmi on what it described as an unwarranted ploy to distract and impede the wheel of progress and development.

This was made known political office holder in a press release signed who served between by the Chairman, Prince November 2010 and Rotimi Adelugba, where November 2014 the sum he affirmed the position N50 million each as of his group on the true severance allowance; that state of finances and its the government refused resolves to champion the to pay their gratuities but plights and welfare of the instead spend the meagre resources of the state on pensioners.

These In his words, “We are frivolities. not the mouthpiece or allegations are baseless spokesperson for the and unfounded.

“All available evidence government but we are in constant touch with the shows clearly that the Osun government on the severance allowances to former financial status of the given state, hence, we consider Commissioners and it necessary to inform the Special Advisers were in the range of N 2.8 million public” “As responsible senior - N4million, and these citizens, we have been were only paid to those demoralized by the who are statutorily and orchestrated media constitutionally entitled attacks, fabricated and to such payment as perpetual lies, gazetted in the State of unguarded utterances Osun Public/Political and malicious statements Office Holders and made by the Ilesanmi Revised Remuneration group that the Package Law of 2007 A r e g b e s o l a which is in consonance administration paid each •Continued on page 15

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Auditing As A Roadmap The whole point of a forensic audit is to provide a roadmap for the future. If a process is broken, an audit is a very good way of achieving a preventive mechanism against same or similar mishappenings in the future. To state the obvious, it is clear that the process, operating structure and mechanism of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) is broken and has to be fixed. This has to start with a thorough audit.

Without the audit, the co-financing owner states of the institution will be reenacting says law, which every school pupil knows as “throwing good money after bad”. There is obviously something very disturbing about the reports that the labour unions of the institution were reported to have frustrated the Accounting Firm, KPMG which was engaged by the two owner states, Osun and Oyo to audit the finances of the university, as part of the recommendations by the Chief Wole Olanipekun-led visitation panel. Series of drama and threat have thereafter trailed and frustrated this effort to get the institution back on its feet.

It is totally unacceptable that a citadel of learning should be averse to modern management methods which allows for auditing.

The Olanipekun-led panel had found out that the LAUTECH accounts were audited last in 2012, and a sum of N400 million was in question then, just as it revealed that the university runs 97 different accounts, in spite of the Treasury Single Account policy that has since been in vogue as recommended and adopted by the Federal government since 2015. The panel also found that the TETFUND and the Need Assessment Fund running into billions of naira had been given to LAUTECH without commensurate

Still On UNIOSUN Medical Students Return The accolades that have been showered on the government of the State of Osun, over the sponsorship of stranded Medical Students of UNIOSUN to Ukraine to complete their medical training are not in anyway out of place. This is because the government came to their rescue at the time all hope was lost.

I am not a fan of Governor Rauf Aregbesola or his government, but truth must be told he has done what could not have been ordinarily expected from any government in Nigeria.

While I have reservation for the inability of the government to upgrade the General Hospital in

Asubiaro to a teaching hospital, I will not want to join those who are criticizing the government for not doing so after explanations have been made that at the time the students were to go for their clinical training, the government could not

afford the amount required for the upgrade. For any rightthinking person, this is understandable.

One significant thing that should be appreciated is that the

administration has saved the lives of the affected student from collapse, because the help came at the time they needed it.

The return of the 50 out of 85 students who have graduated and became medical doctors after their trainings, while 35

others stayed back for further pursuit of their lives’ endeavour has clearly shown that the government is committed to the development of its citizens, particularly

our future leaders who would have had their dreams of becoming medical doctors aborted.

Though, some critics have also faulted the rationale behind the sponsorship of the students to Ukraine, but I am sure that such individuals would not have wished their children what could have become the fate of the beneficiaries if the government did not rise to the situation.

Aregbesola and his government have however made history and done excellently in promoting functional education. This is a legacy that would remain forever.

• BIMBO ODETOLA, Osogbo, State of Osun

research output to show for it.

It is totally unacceptable that a citadel of learning should be averse to modern management methods which allows for auditing. It also makes one to ponder as to whether or not they are on the same page with the laudable anti-corruption battle.

An aversion for auditing in any institution whether public or private sector has specks of corruption.

It is absolutely clear now that there are vested interests who for selfserving reasons want to prolong the strike, in order to hide their abnormalities and other shortcomings. It means that they are using the students as ‘human shield’ to emotionally blackmail the owners of the institution into submitting to their own interests.

This is completely unacceptable.

The convention on warfare makes the use of non-combatants, as a shield, a war crime. In industrial relations, using innocent students as a shield is tantamount to the same thing. The time has come for the management and the unions to allow the visitation report of the Olanipekun-led panel to be implemented. This will allow the students to get on with their lives.

They owe them that moral obligation.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

In 2013, Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration in the State of Osun sponsored 85 stranded Medical Students of the Osun State University (UNIOSUN) to V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National University, Kharkov, Ukraine for the completion of their medical training, as there was no Teaching Hospital in Nigeria to absorb them for their clinical classes. On Saturday, August 12, 2017, the medical students returned to Nigeria as medical doctors, having completed their training.

ISMAIL USMAN chronicles the journey of the young doctors and the successes recorded afterwards.

A 1957-born American students were due for activist, Randi clinical class in 2010, Weingarten in one of his 2011 and 2012 public addresses said, “A respectively. high-quality public The students could education can build not go for the clinical much-needed skills and class in UNIOSUN knowledge. It can help because the Medical children reach their Godand Dental Council of given potential. It can Nigeria (MDCN) did stabilise communities not approve the class and democracies. It can for the university, strengthen economies. It hence, there was no can combat the kind of teaching hospital to fear and despair that absorb them. The evolves into hatred.” development left the When Governor Rauf students stranded as Aregbesola of the State of their fates were Osun was aspiring to hanging in the balance. contest the governorship There was suggestion election in 2007, he came that Asubiaro General up with an action plan Hospital should be that has today become the upgraded to a teaching bible and Quran of his hospital for administration. One of UNIOSUN, but the the manifestoes Ministry of Health, as summarised to ‘Six-point it was learnt, objected Integral Action Plan’ is to the suggestion as it “Promotion of functional deem it that the general education”.

For hospital is the Aregbesola, education is •The ‘young doctors’ during their arrival from Ukraine at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos. secondary healthcare number one priority. It is centre in Osogbo and it would be a the foundation of development we University, Kharkov, Ukraine in three nobel laureates who were trained disservice and counter-productive to earnestly work for and it is our passport January 2013 to study medicine when and had worked with the university.

The first set of the UNIOSUN give out the hospital to UNIOSUN. to that future of enduring socio- they could not proceed to clinical class Besides, it was estimated that the state economic greatness.’ as a result of none-availability of students were admitted for medicine government needed more than in September 2007, the second set were Education in Osun has been in the Teaching Hospital in UNIOSUN. N1.5billion to upgrade the general limelight, receiving bashes and The V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National admitted in 2008 and the third set were hospital to a teaching hospital, while it commendations from members of the University, Kharkov was established in admitted in 2009 during the regime of was also not certain that the MDCN public since the inception of 1804 and remains one of the best in former Governor Olagunsoye would approve it for the clinical class.

Aregbesola’s administration. It is the Europe. The university has produced Oyinlola. The first, second and third set Besides, it took the first set of medical most critical sector that has projected students of the Ladoke Akintola Aregbesola’s government and at the University (LAUTECH) seven to ten same time made it controversial years to proceed on clinical class, even because of the innovative ideas brought after Chief Bisi Akande, the Governor into the revamping of the sector. of Osun state between 1999-2003 Few days ago, newspapers and social established the teaching hospital with media were awash with news and close to N2bn then. What this implies is pictures of the return of medical that the upgrade of the Asubiaro Students of Osun State University who General Hospital, Osogbo could not be were sent to Ukraine by the a license that the affected UNIOSUN Aregbesola’s administration for students would proceed on their clinical medical studies. The government had training immediately. sent 85 medical students of the Osun Governor Aregbesola said the State University (UNIOSUN) to the •Continued on page 6 V.N. Karazin Kharkiv National

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clinical class in UNIOSUN because the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria (MDCN) did not approve the class for the university, hence, there was no teaching hospital to absorb them.

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UNIOSUN Medical Students: •Continued from page 5 decision to send the 85 (three sets) UNIOSUN medical students to abroad was not easy, but became obligatory when there was no university in Nigeria to absolve the number of affected students. The University of Ibadan, University of Lagos and University of Ilorin were approached, but refused to admit the students for the clinical class.

Questions were asked on the rationale behind sending the students to Ukraine.

The opposition parties did not spare Aregbesola of accusations and mischievous statements.

Dr Simeon Afolayan, a retired Permanent Secretary in Ministry of Health and Chairman of Osun State Health Committee, explained that “It is true that the National Universities Commission gave the College of Health Sciences of UNIOSUN accreditation.

That was, however, not enough to train medical students. If it was, why couldn’t the students sit for the first professional exam that could enable them proceed for clinical training after spending so many years in the preclinical classes (Some of the students had been in the university for up to six years by that time). That could not be done because Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria had not given accreditation to the course simply because there was no accreditable teaching hospital in place. What was in place was the State Hospital Asubiaro, which up till now, like most of such hospitals all over the country, is a glorified comprehensive health centre.

“As at that time, LAUTECH teaching hospital, that had been in existence for over 12 years and with all the huge amount of money invested on it, had its accreditation suspended. One can therefore imagine how much money would be required to upgrade Asubiaro to an acceptable standard. The UNIOSUN authorities, with the blessings of the state government, made frantic efforts to contact other universities within the country to take in the students for clinical training. Not one of them could, though they were not unwilling. This was because of fear of exceeding the MDCN quota.

“The students at that stage were faced with only one option: that of having their dreams of becoming medical doctors aborted. Ogbeni Aregbesola would not have this happen to these young people. A committee was set up to find a way forward. It was headed by Her Excellency, Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori, the Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Education.

Members included Hon. Commissioner

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

From Being Stranded To Greatness

•The Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori (right), the Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Labo Popoola (2nd left), one of the sponsored students and the overall best graduating student in Karazin Kharkiv National University, Ukraine, Lateefat Oyeleye, during the graduation of the students in Ukraine.

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of the state government, made frantic efforts to contact other universities within the country to take in the students for clinical training. Not one of them could, though they were not unwilling. This was because of fear of exceeding the MDCN quota.

for Health, Permanent Secretary for Education, Permanent Secretary for Health, the Vice Chancellor UNIOSUN, the Provost College of Health Sciences UNIOSUN, Director of Medical Services SHMB, among others.

“After exhausting possible options, a decision was made to send the students out of the country to complete their medical education. Many countries were considered, including but not limited to USA, UK, Cuba, China, Georgia, Poland, Belarus, Bulgaria, Romania and Ukraine. In fact, the issue about Poland and Ukraine emanated from the University representatives as countries they had considered. Contacts were made and necessary emissaries were sent. A final decision was reached to send the students to Ukraine. The whole process took about 10 months.

You will agree with me that this was a record time considering the amount of work needed to be done”, Afolayan

•The UNIOSUN students in Ukraine and their colleagues in class.

’

recounted.

The students were sent to Ukraine to further their studies in medicine in January, 2013 and the rest today is history.

In June this year, 50 of the UNIOSUN students graduated from the Ukraine University and were certified as medical doctors. One of the medical students, Miss Latifat Abiola Oyeleye was declared the overall best medical student of the Karazin Kharkiv National University as well as the 2017 overall best student in the entire Ukraine with an outstanding score of 95.6% in KROK 2 Exams. The rest of the students will graduate next year.

On Saturday, August 12, 2017, 35 of the medical students came back to Nigeria via the Muritala Muhammed Airport, Lagos.

They were received by a state government delegation led by the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr Remi Omowaiye and Special Adviser to the Governor on Higher Education, Bursary and Scholarship, Prof Grace Akinola.

About 15 of the medical students stayed back in Ukraine for future pursuit.

The young medical doctors are: Adegunle Rebecca Temitope, Adekanmbi Bakare Oladipupo, Adekunle Aisha Titilope, Adeleke Abdulsamad, Adetunbi Ebunola Mabel, Adewale Adedoyin Adebimpe, Ajayi Titilayo Temilola, Akinyemi Rukayat Abiola, Awotunde Akinwumi Gabriel, Eminowa Tomisin Ruth, Faniyi Adeola Omolabake, Garuba Khadijah Abiola, Igbinlade Adedamola Segun, Odejayi Segun Idris, Odewale Bosede Omolara, Ogunbiyi Praise Ajitoronini, Oguntoye Olufemi Kolawole, Ojo Blessing

Isaac, Ojo Kafayat Adesewa, OluBalogun Vivian Ifeoluwa, Oluwsayo Motunrayo, Oyelami Omotola Olubunmi, Oyeleye Lateefah Abiola (Overall best student), Shenge Yetunde Olamide, Tijani Aliyu Adekilekun, Adebusuyi Annetta Gbolayide, Adeyemo Khafilat Kehinde, Afolabi Omotolani Basirat, Ayodele Peace Adetoke, Ezekoye Maria Chizoba, Folarin Marian Olufunmilayo, Obayelu Oluwatobi Cynthia, Ogidi Omareyemi Veronica, Olaoye Serah Opeyemi and Akala Oluwatosin Sakirah.

Receiving the young doctors at the Government House, Osogbo on Sunday, Aregbesola explained that sending the students to Ukraine was not about nationalism, but about justice and fairness, stating that the students were admitted for medicine and it behooves the university and government to fulfill their obligations. He said, “It was not easy to take this decision no matter what anyone says. It was a difficult task. It was even hectic getting visas for 85 medical students to leave Nigeria for Ukraine.

“Though, the state’s decision was ignorantly criticised, blackmailed and scandalously portrayed by the opposition and mischief-makers, but our government remained undaunted, resilient, dogged and unshakable to make this feat a success. This commitment has today helped us to defeat the propagandists, mischief-makers and rancorous sponsors by all ramifications. I did all in the interest of fairness and justice to ensure that the state fulfills her part of agreement made to the medical students while advertising the sale of forms for the course. We did this because we believed that having admitted the students for the course which they applied for, then it is mandatory on us to ensure that they become medical doctors. We had advertised the medical course and admitted the students, it is the obligation of the government to see the students through the programme. Human will only succeed when they uphold justice and fairness. So, what informed our decision on these students is justice and fairness.

Aregbesola who said education is not about one discipline, but about •Continued on page 6

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

Ila Central LCDA Turns Sod Of Secretariat

The Executive Secretary, lIa Central Local Council Development Area, Prince Ademola Kolawole has reaffirmed his administration’s determination to promote solid infrastructural and social amenities development for the improvement of the welfare of the people.

This was his assertion creating the councils has during the foundation been well justified. laying and turning of sod Tasking the dwellers to for the new LCDA ensure effective Secretariat building in lIa protection of government Magbon. projects executed within A statement by the their areas, he promised Information Officer of the that the secretariat council, Adeniran projects would be Adeola, Kolawole completed within a very implored the people of short time, just as he lIa Magbon to support his reiterated the administration through commitment of his prompt payment of all administration to make levies, dues and taxes for life more meaningful for further developmental the people at the efforts. grassroots.

The council boss who The Orangun of Ila, commended the Oba Abdul-Wahad Governor, Rauf Oyedotun commended Aregbesola for his the Governor for the visionary and purposeful creation of the council leadership in creating area, saying, the council LCDA to aid rapid would ease economic development across the burden and make the state, said the purpose of communities at the local

levels more viable.

The monarch commended the caretaker management committee of the council for the progress made within a short time in office, just as he pledged his support to the management of the council at all times.

Also, the Owa Magbon of lla, Oba Abdul-Rasak Abidoye thanked the people of the community for allowing peace to reign at all time, just as he lauded the council’s caretaker management committee members for their hardwork, promising to give his supports and prayers for them to succeed.

Present at the turning of sod and foundation laying ceremony are caretaker members; APC Vice Chairman, lIa LCDA, Hon. Moses Ajiboye who led other party leaders and members to the event.

•The Executive Secretary, lIa Central LCDA, Prince Ademola Kolawole laying the foundation for the secretariat.

Ilesa East Local Govt Embarks On Massive Grading Of Roads The Executive Secretary, Ilesa East Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, Mrs Adeoye Olusola has charged citizens to imbibe maintenance culture, with a view to extending the lifespan of infrastructural projects across the state.

Atakunmosa West LG Embarks On Bridge Construction, Electrification Omole said the projects As part of his vision and determination to challenges by installing improve the living standard of the people, the 300KV transformer at he embarked upon were of his village, part Executive Secretary, Atakunmosa West Local Amosun administartion’s Government, Barrister of Ring culvert, and connecting with Asaobi commitment to better the Adebamigbe Omole has tackled electrification village. lots of the people. embarked on the construction of a bridge retaining wall and lined drainage at Adeye Road, linking Ward 1 to 3 in Osu, the headquarters of the council.

According to a statement by the Information Officer of the council, Dokun Adenipekun, the administration has also embarked on the excavation of lined drainage and stone filling at Ilesa-Osu road, Ibodi.

At Amosu village, the administration has also started the construction •Construction work going on, on the bridge at Adeye road, Osu.

According to a statement by the Information Officer of the council, Mr Opatunji Kazeem, she gave the charge during an inspection to the ongoing grading of earth roads at Oke- Iyanu/ Otunra Ebi in Bolorunduro Ward 10 area of Ilesa East Local Government.

Adeoye recalled that the Government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola had spent billions of naira on the provision of infrastructures, particularly construction and rehabilitation of roads and bridges with concrete drainages across the length and breadth of the state of Osun, saying that the maintenance of such projects is a

Odo-Otin North LCDA Equips Health Centres With Drugs

•Seriki during the distribution of drugs.

The Caretaker Management Team, Odo-Otin North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Oyan, State of Osun, led by its Executive Secretary, Mr Akeem Seriki has distributed drugs and other medical equipments to the maternity centres in the council.

While flagging off the administration in the distribution of drugs at state. the council secretariat The Council Manager, recently, Seriki said the Mrs Eunice Adedeji, demonstration was part while appreciating the of his commitment to the Executive Secretary and welfare of the people of the committee members the council area. for the humanitarian According to the gesture also implored the Information Officer of the medical staff of the council, Adetona council to administer the Adeyinka, Seriki drugs on patients that are affirmed that his in need of the drugs. administration would Urging the health not relent in bringing workers to be diligent succour to the people of and committed to their the council area, duties, he said this was especially in the aspect of one of the only way they health and provision of could justify the social amenities in line commitment of the with the integral action administration to plans of Ogbeni Rauf healthcare delivery.

A r e g b e s o l a ’ s

responsibility of government and the citizens.

According to her, if the roads are properly maintained, it cost less than embarking on rehabilitation and construction of new ones, particular at this time of economic hardship.

She then called on the people to support the government by paying their taxes and avoiding any situation that can truncate peaceful coexistence among the people in the council area.

In his response, one of the community leaders, Dr Gabrel Olutola appreciated the management of Ilesa East Local Government for quick response and intervention on the request of the community and prays that God will continue to give them the wisdom to stir the ship of the council to an enviable height.

Among the entourage are; caretaker members committee - Olufemi Olayinka, Alaba Teniola, Kofoworola Omole, Olayide Olayinka; Council Manager, Alhaja Muslimat Alabi and heads of departments in the council.

RSVWXY Z[ WV\Y That I formerly known as AJANI HAIRAT ABIOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDIJI HAIRAT ABIOLA. All former documents remains valid.

SKYE Bank PLC and general public should take note of this.

RSVWXY Z[ WV\Y That I formerly known as OMIWALE WALE, now wish to be known and addressed as O M I W A L E OLAWALE GANIYU. All former documents remains valid. ACCESS Bank and general public should take note of this.

]

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

First Harvest Of Hybrid Cucumber, Sweet Potatoes And Other Farm Produce Being Cultivated By The OYES Volunteers, At Ilesa, State Of Osun Last Weekend.

•OYES Commandante, Colonel Eni ‘Ibukun Oyewole (rtd), (left), Commissioner for Education, Mr Wasiu Omotunde-young (middle ), and others.

Aregbesola Tasks Youth To Embrace Farming Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has advised youth across the country to go back to farm to guarantee sufficient food for consumption.

He gave the advice while inspecting 40 acres of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) Solar Power Irrigation System Farm Academy of Ilesa.

According to the Governor, “the only way to have sufficient food in this country is for all, especially youth to go back to farm to sustain ourselves”.

The Governor, who appreciated the OYES team for embarking on such youth-engaging venture said, time is coming when everyone would have no option than to go back to farm.

Urging youth to concentrate more on food production to guarantee sufficient food, the Governor said, “A any nation that cannot feed itself is doomed”.

Regretting the neglect of agriculture due to oil boom in the nation, which, according to him is gradually drying up, even when its value had dropped, the Governor stressed that his administration would not relent in supporting youth that are determined to embark on farming in the state because the era of free money was gone.

In his welcome address, the Commadante, Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) Col. Enibukun Oyewole (rtd) commended the support of the state government

under Aregbesola towards embarking on such farming projects in the state.

He said, the OYES Solar Power Irrigation System Farm Academy is established to empower the volunteer across the state.

According to him, 25 acres have been cultivated for vegetable of all kinds on the farm.

In his goodwill message, the DirectorGeneral, Bureau of Social Service, Barrister Femi Ifaturoti said, the projects is a bold initiative that any government has never embarked upon in the SouthWest.

According to him “what we are celebrating today is to encourage our youths to go back to farm and look beyond oil.”

Also, the Dean, Faculty of Agriculture, Obefemi Awolowo University, Professor Oyedele Durodoluwa appreciated what OYES and the state government has put in place in the farm academy, advising youths to embrace farming for large food production.

While speaking, the Head of Agriculture Department at UNIOSUN, Dr Gbenga Alao who described the programme as life-changing for youths, urged them to embrace the scheme, in other to have multiple source of income.

In their different remarks, Chairman OYES mentor, Mr Charles Ajani and former Commissioner for Women and Children Affair, Mrs Adetoun Adegboyega described the programme as life-changer project for youths.

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 25 - THURSDAY A

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By Ismaeel Uthman

All roads led to Ikirun, the headquarter of Ifelodun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun on Sunday for the inauguration of Mrs Eunice Emiola Baderinwa, the mother of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa as the Iya Ijo of the African Church, All Saints Parish, Oke-Iroko, Ikirun.

A thanksgiving programme was also held for Baderinwa for his appointment as a member of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s cabinet.

The church was filled to capacity for the two-in-one programme as politicians, career officers, professionals, groups, friends and other wellwishers thronged the church to honour the commissioner and his family.

Mrs Eunice Baderinwa’s appointment, according to the Vicar-In-Charge of the Church, Canon S.S Fulani, was in recognition of her faithfulness, godliness, commitment to the church and services to God. Fulani described Mrs Baderinwa as a calm, gentle and humble woman with Omoluabi virtues worthy of emulation by other church members.

Thanking God for his appointment, Lani Baderinwa said, his selection for the commissionership appointment was a manifestation of God’s favour in his life.

Baderinwa specifically thanked and appreciated the former governor of the State, Chief Adebisi Akande and the Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Abdulrauf Olawale Adedeji for their support and positive disposition to his appointment.

The commissioner also thanked Aregbesola for counting him worthy of appointment among thousands of qualified people in the state, promising the Governor of his unalloyed loyalty, support, dedication and commitment to the projection and promotion of his administration.

Chief (Mrs) Eunice Baderinwa was born to the family of Late Chief David Adeyemo, Baba Ijo of Saviours African Church Cathedral OkeIba, Ikirun in 1935. Her Mother’s name was Late Mrs. Comfort Ajoke Abiola Adeyemo of Idi-Okuta Compound Oke- Iba, Ikirun.

Mrs Baderinwa was brought up by her step-mother, Chief Mrs. Kikelomo Abeo Adeyemo

•Mrs Eunice Emiola Baderinwa, mother of Osun Commi of office as the Iya Ijo of All Saints Paris of the African C

•(L-R) The Commissioner for Women and Children Affa Alhaja Lateefat Giwa, Hon Abiodun Awolola, Baderinwa Hon Leke Ogunsola

nop qrrstusv Responsiveness T Programmes And Earned Her The “I The Churc who introduced her to Kolanut business right from her childhood.

She became prosperous in this business to the extent that “Kolanut Selling” reflects in her name “Olobide”. This line of trade took her to notable cities like Onitsha, Kano, Kaduna, Yauri, Sokoto e.t.c. Even, she traveled as far as Chad Republic, Cameroon and Niger Republic to sell Kolanuts. Due to this, her interactions with many ethnic groups made her multilingual and helped her so much in the business.

UGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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wxyz{|}~yw y} z y{ z ~ x Glamour, Cultural Exhibition Ends Osun Osogbo Festival

•The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and his wives.

rinwa, mother of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, receiving insigna ll Saints Paris of the African Church, Oke-Iroko, Ikirun, Osun State.

•Votary Maid popularly known as Arugba on her way to Osun river.

r for Women and Children Affairs, n Abiodun Awolola, Baderinwa and

•Mrs Eunice Baderinwa, the Iya Ijo and Mr Johnson Taiwo, the Baba Ijo

esponsiveness To Church ogrammes And Activities rned Her The “Iya Ijo” Of The Church She got married to the Late Chief James Iyanda Abolanle Baderinwa of Babasale compound, Ikirun in 1954.

A devoted Christian and true follower of Jesus Christ, she is God-fearing, an epitome of unity and very hospitable in the family.

She is always after the well-being and progress of all children in their family without discrimination.

Her assiduity and responsiveness to church programmes and activities earned her the “Iya Ijo” of the •Mrs Eunice Baderinwa, The Iya Ijo. church.

By Kehinde Ayantunji Osun Osogbo festival ceremonies might have ended, but the glamour and public cultural exhibition added to the festival will continue to linger in the memory of the tourists and the people of the state at large.

Not fewer than 50 categories of masquerades participated in the annual festival, while hundreds of hunters, Sango, Obatala worshipers are in their full regalia to make the grand finale more colourful.

Members of Odua People's Congress (OPC) are also in thousands.

Most of the traditional rulers at the festival also appeared in competitive traditional attires dancing joyfully around the grove to pay homage to Osun Goddess to the admiration of foreign and local tourists.

Last Friday was the real market day of traditional accessories, costumes, and water containers used to fetch Osun water which the worshipers strongly believe in its spiritual efficacy and healing power.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, was surrounded by his Queens and the Osogbo High Chiefs to welcome social and cultural groups who were paying home to the royal father at the Osun

Osogbo grove.

The grand finale, chaired by Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East Senatorial District, has in attendance, state government top functionaries and political office holders.

Governor, State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, represented by the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Simeon Obawale said that the state was blessed with different tourist sites, noting that the Osun Osogbo Festival is unique for attracting local and foreign tourists.

He promised that the government would continue to support Yoruba culture through tourism site development and encourage necessary documentations to showcase the rich culture of Osogbo people.

He congratulated the Ataoja for successfully hosting the 2017 edition of the festival and residents for creating an atmosphere of peace.

Oba Olanipekun, who is the host, expressed delight on the turnout of visitors at the festival.

He thanked Aregbesola and Sen. Omoworare for their support in ensuring the success of the festival.

Omoworare, in his remarks said the law establishing the Nigeria Tourism Development Commission would be reviewed to strengthen tourism development in the country.

FRIDAY AUGUST 18 - THURSDAY AUGUST 24, 2017

NEWS

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Aregbesola Vows To Continue Pushing For Engineers’ Interest

By Francis Ezediuno

decision to engage NSE to undertake the project.

The Osun Governor then commended the decision of the NSE to present its past president, Engr. Mustafa Balarabe Shehu to stand for election into the office of the World Federation of E n g i n e e r i n g Organisations (WFEO).

He pledged to

Governor of the State of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola has assured that he would continue to use his position to push for the interest of engineers and the engineering profession.

Aregbesola made this to revive the railway.

He maintained that known in Abuja when the President of the Nigerian rather than inviting professionals from Society of Engineers (NSE), Engr. Otis Anyaeji foreign countries for the visited him to execution of the project, commiserate with him it would be a fantastic over the passing of his mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola.

The Governor

By Israel Afolabi disclosed that he would join forces with his The assurance that the government of the State counterpart, David of Osun was committed to the payment of the Omahi of Ebonyi State, as outstanding parts of workers salaries was re-echoed well as other engineers last week, as the Chairman of the Fund Allocation serving in the federal Committee, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu assured that cabinet, to influence the government would pay their outstanding policies that would make salaries. room for the involvement The Fund Allocation the government available of Nigerian engineers in the country’s Committee, was set up by fund to the payment of pension, the Governor Rauf salaries, development process.

A r e g b e s o l a Aregbesola of the state, allowances and other obligations. underscored the comprises of Labour Comrade Sunmonu relevance of the NSE to leaders, government the government’s quest representatives and other who gave this assurance stakeholders to allocate recently while appearing

galvanise other Governors through the ‘Governors Forum’ to support the bid.

Earlier, the NSE President, Engr. Otis Anyaeji implored the Governor to use his position to promote the interest of engineers and the profession.

He requested him to painstakingly educate

some members of the Federal Executive Council, particularly those appointed to head engineering based ministries to consider the use of Nigerian engineers and local materials in the execution of projects.

Engr.

Anyaeji maintained that the appeal had become necessary after he

observed that some ministers were not willing to adhere to the implementation of local content and by implication patronising Nigerian engineers.

The NSE President thanked him for agreeing to assist in influencing policies that would favour the engineers.

Osun Government Will Pay Outstanding Salaries - Comrade Sunmonu

•Comrade Hassan Sunmonu. current affairs Yoruba

on the OSBC Television

programme, Kabenko commended the state government for using the funds available judiciously to take care of workers welfare and enumerations.

The labour leaders who commended the state government for the transparency brought into the system said, “there is no hidden agenda in government negotiation, if the money is available we are ready to pay all”.

Four Remanded For Robbery, Attempted Murder

By Kehinde Oladele

•State of Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); Executive Secretary Osogbo West LCDA, Mrs Temilade Olokungboye (3rd right) and others during the 2017 Oroki Day celebration at Osogbo Stadium last weekend.

Four persons have been remanded in prison custody by an Osogbo magistrate court presided over

by Magistrate Mary Awodele for armed robbery, attempted murder and unlawful possession of dangerous weapons.

The accused persons Osogbo conspired to were Ojo Ayobami, 21, commit Armed Robbery Isaac Awe Timileyin, 18, and thereby committed Rotimi Adedeji, 39, and an offence, contrary to Segun Adelabi, 26. and punishable under The Police Prosecutor, section 6 (b) and section (i) Inspector Elisha of the robbery and fire Olusegun told the court arms (special provisions) that the accused persons Act cap RII Vol. 14 laws of committed the offence on federation of Nigeria, the 18th of April, 2017 at 2004. exactly 9:30pm.

It also disclosed that the The charge sheet accused persons did revealed that the accused armed themselves with persons and others at guns and other dangerous large at the Corpers’ weapons and robbed one Lodge area, Dada Estate, Adekanmi Taiwo

Giving Back To Society, My Priority

By Israel Afolabi As part of his empowerment programme, the House of Assembly member representing Obokun State Constituency of the State of Osun, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye has distributed another set of farm inputs to farmers in his constituency.

House It would be recalled that chairman Oyintiloye had last week Committee on Information distributed farm inputs to and Strategy said, no farmers in Ibokun town, matter the economic with a promise that the challenges, he would same gesture would be continue to strive to give replicated in all the 10 back to the people who wards of his constituency. have reposed their Distributing another confidence in him and sets of farm inputs, elected him as their including cutlasses, representative.

Commending his herbicides to farmers, television set and cable constituents for the decoder to the palace and supports he had received other empowerment before, during and after materials to artisans in his election two years ago a member of Ilare-Ijesa, the as headquarters of Obokun parliament, he said he has always made himself East Local Council Development Area in line available for advise and which, with his promises, suggestions, Oyintiloye said, the according to him has paid gesture was part of his off for him.

He said he has chosen to commitment to better the lots of his constituents who distribute farm inputs in line with the Governor are majorly farmers.

Aregbesola’s Oyintiloye who is the Rauf

administration’s commitment to agricultural development and improvement of the living standard of the people, urging the people to also continue to support the administration Oyintiloye who highlighted some of the developmental projects he

had attracted to his constituency, or carried out from his earnings, said, he would continue to remain committed to the upliftment of his constituency.

While speaking, the All Progressives Congress (APC) Chairman in Obokun East LCDA, Mr

Ismaila Kehinde and the former Secretary, Obokun Local Government, Mr Gbola Oguntoye commended the good gesture of the parliamentarian towards the people of his constituency, urging him to continue with his commitment.

Three Arraigned For Stealing Govt’s Vehicle

By Yusuff Oketola Three persons have been arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo for stealing a Toyota Hiace Hummer vehicle belonging to the Osun State Ministry of Justice.

The trio who were commit the offence at No arraigned on a two-count 57, Church street, Okecharge including stealing Onitea in Osogbo.

It stated that the are, Salawudeen Hammed, 27, Sarafa accused persons stole one Adeyemo, 26, and Abdul Toyota Hiace Hummer vehicle with registration Yekini Salawudeen, 67.

OSA-04-05, The charge sheet number number disclosed that the engine J T G 5 X 2 3 P 4B6109833 accused persons N7million conspired themselves to valued

property of the Ministry of Justice, Osun State, contrary to section 383 (i) and punishable under section 390 (9) (10A) of the penal Code Cap 34 Vol II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

The Magistrate, F. A. Sodamade granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N1 million with three sureties in like sum.

The matter was adjourned till 25th of September 2017 for hearing.

Uthman of his Toyota Camry car with registration number APP 780 DB, one Infinix Hot Phone, two eye glasses, seat cover, a wallet containing school identity card of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, his driving license, voter’s card, three ATM cards of First bank, Wema bank, G.T Bank and document of the vehicle, the total valued N1.185 million and thereby committed an offence punishable under section 1(2) (a and b) of the Robbery and firearms (special provisions) Act cap RII Vol. 14 laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

It also disclosed that the accused persons attempted to murder Adekanmi by stabbing him with broken bottle on his head and right hand, just as they were also in unlawful possession of one locally made single barrel and one live cartridge in which they could not give satisfactory account and thereby committed an offence contrary to section 516 and section 320 (i) of Osun Penal Code, Section 27 and Section 1 Act Cap RII vol. 14 of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

The defense counsel for the first and third accused persons, Okobe Najite pleaded that the court should grant the accused persons bail.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mary Awodele rejected the bail application and remanded the accused persons in prison custody.

She then adjourns the case till 24th of November, 2017 for hearing.

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

UNIOSUN Medical Students: •Continue from page 6 having skills, motivation and knowledge, said he was happy and proud for the success in the academic programme of the young doctors.

He urged the young doctors to be professional, humane and godly in discharging their duties in hospitals and everywhere they find themselves. He implored the newly graduated medical doctors to maintain the virtues which made them excel in Ukraine, encouraging them to always put their patients first in the discharge of their duties.

The Governor said, “We are celebrating with you today, but it will be good of you if you stick to those virtues that had made you successful in Ukraine by being compassionate towards your patients at all times. We are proud of you on your achievements and I believe you have just started. You must strive to reach the peak of your profession as medical doctors.

You should be compassionate towards your patients at all times.”

The Deputy Governor of the State, Mrs Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori said despite the fact that the challenges that faced UNIOSUN and the medical students were inherited by the Aregbesola’s administration, the Governor did not bother to ensure that the students proceed in their academic pursuit, as he weathered storms to take them to the promised land, saying, “We were at a time advised to withdraw this programme but Mr Governor refused because he wanted to ensure that the dream of the students is realised”.

The Deputy Governor, who described the sponsored doctors as assets to Nigeria and black race, said it is on record that the beneficiaries portrayed Nigeria and Africa in good light while they were undergraduate at the Ukraine University.

She said the newly inducted medical doctors demonstrated high sense of moral standards and Omoluabi ethos which according to her has changed positively the impression of those the new doctors met in the course of their studies in Ukraine.

“They have made us proud. They have done well because asides the fact that they consistently became first in their various fields of studies, they equally set a pace on human morality, standard and values”, the deputy governor said, commending the parents of the new medical doctors for their support and cooperation with the government in ensuring the success of the sponsored doctors.

In his remarks at the airport, the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Engr. Remi Omowaiye said, “Most of the promises made are now promises kept. Despite the fact that the state sponsored these students through their graduation, the Governor also mandated us to get them registered with

innovations in education delivery and education technology systems.

Leveraging these resources can benefit developing countries in expanding access to education, improving learning outcomes and in addressing specific challenges that reduce the efficiency of their educational system.

Acquiring global knowledge on cuttingedge innovations and emerging trends can promote the creation, absorption and adaptation of advanced and relevant technologies -unlocking path-breaking opportunities that can fuel transformational growth

1

From Being Stranded To Greatness ¡

has made history through this, Governor Aregbesola has done excellently well in our lives to attain this giant feat in academic because if not for him, we might not be celebrated like this today.

•The students (now medical doctors) few months after the commencement of their training in Ukraine.

Medical and Dental Council Nigeria, MDCN for their professional licensing.We thank God today that a difficult task has become a success story because in spite of the challenges, blackmails and abuses, we record huge success on this commendable initiative.

Governor Aregbesola has done wonderfully well to ensure that these students attain greatness in life; even at a time of economic hardship, we suggested to Mr Governor to at least drop some of the students who are not from the state, but he insisted that in as much as blood runs in his veins, he will ensure the completion of their programmes.”

In his words, the Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Labo Popoola said no government in the world has done what Aregbesola did in the education sector. He said no government in the history of Nigeria has sponsored and trained 85 medical students at a time, a feat which he said has become a model in Nigeria and Africa. The VC who lamented the decadence in the university education in the country, said it is time for all to rise in finding solution to myriads of challenges bedeviling the university system in the country.

Professor Popoola said, “I am happy today to see these doctors, but the greatest joy remains in the fact that Osun has made the record in history because no government on this planet has trained 85 doctors at a time in Nigeria. So, Aregbesola’s landmark is un-rivalry in all sectors most especially in the area of education as many testimonies had proved the impacts of the state. This is a challenge on everyone of us particularly governments at different levels and states. It is a time to pursue vision that will impact greatly in people’s lives. Our governments need to be more conscious about the welfare of the people and do more by affecting positively on education which is the bedrock of development.”

Osun High Level Representation At Ongoing World Bank Seminar In US •Continued from page 2

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

needed to increase economic gains, improve social equity and enhance global competitiveness.

This program will introduce participants to and interact with the global leaders in education technology based in Silicon Valley, California, USA- Google, Coursera, Udemy, Stanford University Center for Professional Studies, Linked-In and Lynda.com technology companies blazing the trail in cutting-edge innovations that impact the education industry worldwide.

Participants will earn from the strategic initiatives of these technology giants who are transforming the education landscape

Speaking on behalf of the parents, Reverend Reuben Fakolade commended Aregbesola for seeing through the academic success of the sponsored doctors, saying the decision to take 85 medical students to overseas in furtherance of their studies depicts high sense of compassion and determination that Aregbesola has for education and people’s welfare.

Describing Aregbesola as a detribalised leader and non-religious bigot, Fakolade noted that the Governor has proven to be a leader with no measure, saying, “As much as I am happy today for being one of the parents of the medical doctors who benefited from the state education scholarship, I am also enthused that Aregbesola has proven his traducers wrong. The number of Christians among the then medical students now medical doctors sponsored to Ukraine by Aregbesola’s government shows that Mr Governor is not anti-Christian. It also shows that Aregbesola is not a religious bigot as being painted by his critics as facts show that Christians made more list than muslims among the UNIOSUN medical doctors. With this development, Aregbesola has shown to the world that he is not what some alleged him of. He doesn’t discriminate and he is not a religious fanatic. He is a man, unique governor of all and worthy leader par excellence.

In their remarks, the students attributed their academic success to Aregbesola’s commitment to promoting functional education and concern on their plights when they were stranded in UNIOSUN. They promised to embark on service to humanity and give back to the community, particular Osun state in appreciation of their free medical studies.

Oyeleye, the overall best student who studied Cardiology said, “I am one of the beneficiaries of Aregbesola’s gesture, I am one of the 85 medical students sponsored

by his administration to one of the best universities in the world. We have studied and graduated. We thank God that today, we have been made medical doctors through the support of Osun Government. It is a dream come true for me and my family. Osun Government has made history through this, Governor Aregbesola has done excellently well in our lives to attain this giant feat in academic because if not for him, we might not be celebrated like this today. I wonder what would become of our dream if Governor Aregbesola had not shown concern.

Another beneficiary, Dr. Oluwasayo Motunrayo said, “I will forever be grateful to Aregbesola for making our dreams come to pass. He has done well to ensure that we did not fail in meeting up with our medical carreer in life.”

Ezekoye Maria, an indigene of Anambra state, who is part of the medical students, said, “We had lost hope when there was no teaching hospital to proceed to for our medical studies at UNIOSUN, we were all stranded. But Governor Aregbesola restored our hope, he made us realise our dreams by sending us to one of the best universities in the world for completion of our medical studies free of charge. Today, we are certified medical doctors. We are all proud of Osun government.”

The medical students have been enrolled for the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria’s License Examination at the University of Ilorin. Some people have again been criticising the enrolment of the students, questioning the essence of sending them to Ukraine.

But Dr Afolayan explained that “as for further training and exams, all foreign medical graduates, irrespective of countries of training, must undergo compulsory pre-registration qualifying examination organised by MDCN.” The success story of the UNIOSUN medical students has added a fresh feather to the landmark achievement of Aregbesola in the education sector.

PARTICIPANTS FROM UBEC S/ N Name Designation Gender through their 1.

Senator Rose Okoh Deputy Chairman Senate F innovations in Committee on Education i n c r e a s i n g 2.

Dr. Hamid Bobboyi Executive Secretary UBEc M global access 3.

Mahmud Mohammed Sani Special Assistant to Hon. to education, Minister of Education on ICT M k n o w l e d g e 4.

Personal Assistant PA Deputy Chairman Senate M and learning.

Committee on Basic Education Program 5.

Oluremi Adeola Onabanjo Asst. Dir. Int’l Economic Relation Objectives Dept. (IRED) Federal Min. of Finance M • Gain a 6.

Prince Awofisayo Felix Executive Chairman SUBEB (Sub-Deen M d e e p e r South-West) Director, Social Mobilization UBEC understanding Bello Husaini Project Cordinator UBEC M of existing 7.

Iro Umar Senior Project officer (Comm.)

M e d u c a t i o n 8.

– SEPIP UBEC technology Moses Oyishe EMIS Officer SEPIP/UBEC M i n n o v a t i o n s 9.

Akila Dabara A.D. Teacher Prof. Dev. UBEC M and how 10.

11.

Mayowa Aleshin Prin.

Prog.

ICT SEPIP/UBEC M developing Ibrahim Bala Bakari Zonal director UBEC N.W M countries can 12.

Mansir Idris Deputy Director Q.A. UBEC N.E Zone M benefit to 13.

14.

Hassan D. Umar Deputy Director Audit UBEC M i m p r o v e Badamasi Musa Pers. Asst. (Legal) M access, equity 15.

Barr. Suleiman Modibbo UBEC M and quality of 16. education. technology innovations applicability to the needs.

• Generate ideas on can be used given its participant’s country Full coverage next how education relevance and context and education week.

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017 ¢£ OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org OAU: Awo Hall Executive Renders Stewardship

By Kabir Adejumo The Executive Council of Awolowo Hall, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife has rendered its account of stewardship to residents of the hall as harmattan semester runs out.

This was contained in committed to our a statement obtained by electoral promises of OSUN DEFENDER providing alternating Campus Review signed solution to water supply by the hall chairman and in the hall we would love hall secretary, Samuel to inform the generality Olayemi and Olakanmi of Awoites that the well Abdullahi respectively, in front of block 8 is now explaining that their opened 24/7, and also initial promises to be plans are ongoing to committed to struggle for purchase a water the interests of Awoites pumping machine to be and restoring sanity to placed inside the well so the most radical hall in as to supply water during the university remains interruption in the water intact. supply from taps in our The hall executive said great hall. after serious agitations and deliberations over water challenges, water supply has been restored to Awo Hall Annex.

Part of the release read, “We are pleased to inform all Awoites that as part of our promises during the campaign that alternative water supply would be put in place, management has completed work on the borehole project at block 7 of Obafemi Awolowo hall and the borehole project commenced work on Friday, August 18th, 2017 and the water is drinkable.

•AWO HALL “In a bid to remain

“We are also pleased to inform you that plan is ongoing for the extension of the borehole project to the annex section of the hall to allow the occupants of the annex section and the yellow blocks to also benefit from the project.”

“In a bid to revive the sporting spirit of conscious Awoites, the Executive Council of Castle of Great Men has successfully put in place double viewing system of all television sporting events for Obafemi Awolowo Hall occupants and there is unlimited subscription to cater for the generality of Awoites.

We would love to inform you that this Awo Hall executives has acquired a standard table-tennis for recreational purposes in the best interest of Awoites.

“Also, the dead and u n p r o d u c t i v e information/board of Awo hall is undergoing the process of resuscitation.

The executive uses this medium to inform Awoites that the General Secretary is working earnestly and tirelessly to bring back the information/editorial board to life”, the statement stated.

OSPOLY Releases First Batch 2017/2018 HND Admission List Management of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree has released the First Batch of 2017/2018 Admission list of candidates who participated in the screening exercise conducted by the Institution.

A statement issued on their N15,000 acceptance at OSPOLY behalf of the Registrar of fee the Institution, Barr. B. M. Microfinance Bank, Iree on Salawu, signed by Mr or before Wednesday, 5th Tope Abiola, urged all September, 2017, while candidates who applied clearance and registration for HND Programme of commence at Admissions the Polytechnic to Office immediately after of the purchase a N700 Result payment Checker Card available at Acceptance Fee. Any candidate who fails Ospoly Microfinance Bank, Iree to check their to pay the Acceptance Fee within the stipulated date, Admission Status.

The statement urged according to the statement those who have been might forfeit the offer of offered admission to pay admission.

Management Bans FEDPOFFA Kegite Club

By Sikiru Obarayese

The Management of the Federal Polytechnic Offa has placed indefinite suspension on the activities of Kegite Club International inside and outside the campus for security threat in the institution.

The school Security Prince M. Ibrahim issued department through the out the suspension on the Chief Security Officer, club activities last week.

Prince Ibrahim in its statement stated, “It has come to the notice of the management that the recent activities of the club

By Sikiru Obarayese are becoming a threat to It was a jubilation moment for the OND II, ND II the security of the Polytechnic community” Part Term, and HND II students of the Federal “This is borne out of fact Polytechnic Offa, as they wrapped up the writing that members have of second semester examinations for the 2016/2017 politicized the activities of academic session on Wednesday. the club and gone to the Some of the students calendar for next session extent of threatening academic had spent four years of (2017/18) members of the campus, as they were session anytime soon. community.”

However, sequel to the admitted into the According to him, the institution during the recently-released first affiliation of the club with Academic Staff Union of semester examinations political groups, such as Polytechnic (ASUP) in results, some students Liberation and 2013 and this has were still complaining Reformation has posed a great threat to the peace of what they unnecessarily prolonged about the polytechnic described as errors on their academic journey.

•FEDPOFFA Students celebrating at the end of their examinations. community and Offa The affected students their results. community as a whole. were sighted rejoicing It was gathered that the and appending their recent selection of the club autographs on T-Shirt of executive members, have themselves and friend, But since 2015 the said product. three occasion been By Kabir Adejumo despite the management Bamidele Idris, a seller on Great Ife bread has been inconclusive, due to the warning against such act.

In line with the promise of the immediate past a scarce commodity on of fried eggs and bread crisis that trailed the However, a large Acting Vice Chancellor of the Obafemi Awolowo campus until its on campus, said the selection process. number of students of the University (OAU), Professor Anthony Elujoba, the resuscitation. name ‘Great Ife’ on the Meanwhile, the polytechnic have since bread he sells has been intrusion of political A senior staff in the deserted the campus, as university’s bakery has resumed full operation. groups has created attracting customers to bakery who spoke with University Public The resuscitation of the some were seeing division in the group, a him than before. carrying their bags and bakery to serve as a Relations, Mr. Biodun journalists anonymously situation that has resulted “The moment students said the management of Olarewaju in 2013, the dependable source of embarking on journey to to the group members their various revenue was among the Great Ife Bread and the bakery was marred find the name ‘Great Ife’ threatening one another. mismanagement on the bread, they was by It was gathered that recommendations of the Confectionery destinations.

Some of the students Task Force, inaugurated expected to extend its during the reign of clamour for it. I almost Kegite club FEDPOFFA branch issue has caused lost some of my Professor Tale who spoke with OSUN by Professor Elujoba, as market across South Omole, but assured that customers yesterday crisis among the club DEFENDER Campus the bakery was West and Abuja. campuses Review described their grounded for years as a It was equally the deficiencies are now when I finished selling across academic pursuit at the result of technical and designed mine; all other breads nationwide as a a thing of the past.

Prince Ibrahim then polytechnic as hectic, managerial challenges. conglomerate that would Meanwhile, students were left untouched.” warned that the indefinite considering what he A female student of suspension must be It would be recalled continually contribute its of the institution have described as the that the former Vice own quota towards the shown their satisfaction department of Electrical strictly adhered to by unnecessary delay in Chancellor, Prof. ‘Tale satisfaction of human and preference for the Electronic Engineering, members of the club, their programmes of Omole, commissioned needs, provide production of the bread. Ashiru Gbemisola said, saying that whoever goes studies.

Investigation revealed “I love the bread and we against the management The school the Great Ife bread and employment to teeming decision would face management is expected confectionery bakery in Nigerian youths in the that the Great Ife bread only hope they won’t Students Disciplinary stop producing anytime now sells faster on 2013. labour market and Committee and might lead to release the resumption campus than any other soon.”

According to the the OAU community. to expulsion. date and academic

FEDPOFFA Students Celebrate, Desert Campus As 2nd Semester Exams End

OAU Bakery Bounces Back As 'Great Ife' Bread Floods Market

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

Expert Harps On Importance Of Water Consumption It has been revealed that the inadequate water consumption or poor water drinking habit could make the body to end up with excess body fat, poor muscle tone, digestive complications, muscle soreness and water-retention problems.

Discussing at a recent programme organised by the Redeemed Christian Church of God, House of Glory Area, Osogbo, Mr. Peter Akinyele, a Physiologist stated that next to air, water is the element most necessary for survival, saying, according to investigation, a normal adult needs 60 to 70 per cent water, as the human body can go without food for almost two months, but without water only a few days.

He explained that without water, humans would have been poisoned to death by the wastes that are produced.

“When the kidneys remove uric acid and urea, these must be dissolved in water. If there is not enough water, wastes are not removed and may build up as kidney stones.

“Water also is vital for chemical reactions in digestion and metabolism.

It carries nutrients and oxygen to the cells through the blood and helps to cool the body through perspiration. Water also lubricates our joints.

“We even need water to breathe. Our lungs must be moist to take in oxygen and excrete carbon dioxide. It is possible to lose a pint of liquid each day just exhaling”.

He also added that without the body getting sufficient water, every aspect of the human physiology can be impaired.

“By not drinking enough water,

Malaria: Osun

be spread throughout the day and evening, adding that by consuming eight to ten glasses of water throughout the day, a person could be on the way to a healthier, leaner body.

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

¦§¨§©ª§ «¨ª¬ª­§®ª¯­° Osun Commences House To House Enumeration

•Mr. Peter Akinyele many people incur excess body fat, poor muscle tone and size, decreased digestive efficiency and organ function, increased toxicity in the body, joint and muscle soreness and water retention.”

Describing proper water intake as a key to weight loss, he disclosed that if people who are trying to lose weight don’t drink enough water, the body can’t metabolise the fat adequately, thus leading to fluid retention within the body which also keeps weight up.

“The minimum for a healthy person is eight to ten eight-ounce glasses a day.

You need more if you exercise a lot or live in a hot climate. Overweight people should drink in an extra glass, for every 25 pounds, they exceed their ideal weight and they should consult their physician for the necessary check up”.

He stressed that water intake should

To Distribute 2.99 Million Mosquito Nets

The people of the State of Osun would benefit from the 2017 replacement exercise of the long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) to encourage owners to adequately utilise them as part of the efforts to totally eradicating malaria from the society.

The state is amongst the six states that would benefit from the replacement exercise Re-distribution programme of Global Fund in partnership with the FG have staged the programme would begin

by September, 2017.

The Director of Public Health in the Osun State Ministry of Health, Dr. Gbenga Adepoju disclosed this during a media orientation programme organised for journalists to help spread awareness and importance of the malaria treated nets in Osogbo recently.

Dr. Adepoju who described malaria as a scourge stated that the project would benefit the state since the effectiveness of the mosquito nets wore off after three years.

He noted that since the exercise was last held in 2013, the state was due for another round of long lasting insecticidal nets distribution as replacements.

In order for the exercise to be successful, Dr. Adepoju also revealed that series of meetings have been held since March.

He said, “The team will be in the state till September and the exercise like the previous ones will be carried out on a house to house basis”.

The Public Health Director explained that the target for the year 2017 replacement of long lasting insecticidal nets (LLIN) was about 3 million nets with a ratio of 1 mosquito net to two persons unlike the last exercise which was held in 2013 where 1.6 million LLIN were distributed.

“Global Fund with the Federal Government in partnership with Society for Family Health and Catholic Relief Services will distribute these nets, and N2 billion has been made available as funds”.

Meanwhile, the Malaria Control Programme Officer in the State Ministry of Health, Mrs. Morenike Adeyanju has revealed that as part of the exercise, the prevention of the misuse of the nets was

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the aim.

“We discovered from our last evaluation that the nets we distributed to people were used as fishing nets, window nets and also for other uses.

“This is not supposed to be so. The nets were provided and distributed to people freely but it did not come cheap.

“The LLIN is meant for people to sleep inside and not for any other purpose.

“The present government wants to promote healthy living among the people and that is why it is actively involved”, she added.

In the same vein, the representative of the National Malaria Elimination Programme (NMEP), Mrs. Adaolisa Ezechukwu added that the benefits of the LLIN included protection from mosquito bites, sound and undisturbed sleep, saving of money and life as a result of sleeping under the net.

Ezechukwu also corrected the misconceptions about the use of the nets and stated that after reception, the nets should be spread in a shade for 24 hours prior to use, while body contact should be avoided as much as possible.

The incorrect use of the nets according to her may lead to rashes and itchy skin, redness of the skin, redness of the eye which would wear away with time.

She explained that for proper care of the nets, it should be washed with mild soap in cold water and air under a shade to dry.

“The nets should be washed not more than 5 times in a year or 15 washes within 3 years since the insecticides on the net will wear away after 3 years”, she said.

She corroborated the earlier statement made by Dr. Adepoju but added that in the event that the nets were not adequate to meet the needs of some households members, there may be need to buy extra nets.

“LLINs are available in hospitals, pharmacies, chemists and markets”.

She also added that pregnant women attending antenatal care and children underage 5 completing immunisation may receive free nets from the government health facilities.

As the house to house enumeration for the distribution of replacement of Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN) commenced throughout the State of Osun on Saturday 12th of August, residents of Osogbo, the state capital have applauded the move.

Residents of Jaleyemi, Odi-Olowo, Estate, Isale-Osun and most parts of Osogbo were caught unaware, as enumerators bearing both the emblems of the state and that of the international donor agency were observed going about and doing house marking and answering related questions from families.

Findings revealed that the exercise has been so far successful, as majority of the residents rendered full cooperation with the enumerators.

Some of the residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER revealed that since they were used to the exercise and they knew the outcome, they had no choice but to cooperate with the officials.

They noted that since at the end of the exercise, treated mosquito nets would be distributed free of charge, they were willing and eager to give them any information that will be useful to them, as such information would be useful at the end.

It was also observed that the enumerators took more time than usual to explain the importance of the LLIN, as it had been observed that majority of

residents used the mosquito nets as door and window nets.

Some residents also had complained about the exercise, lamenting that they were informed that because of their marital status, they were not qualified to be recipients of the replacement LLIN. According to them, they were told that because they were single, the nets were meant only for married couples with their children and pregnant women, wondering why they were being marginalised in the exercise in the fight against malaria.

However, residents of some areas within the state capital have complained that they have not seen any of the enumerators, expressing fears that there is a possibility that they might miss out of the replacement exercise.

It would be recalled that the LLIN was distributed across the state in 2013 and since the life span of the chemicals on the nets is three years, there was need for another round of distribution of insecticides treated nets as replacements for the old ones.

And for the year 2017 exercise an estimated, 2.99 million LLIN would be distributed to families throughout the State and the ratio is set at 1 net to 2 persons.

The State of Osun’s Ministry of Health would be fully involved through the process.

Leukaemia: Diagnosis And Chances Of Survival (II) •Continued from last edition Blood production You make millions of blood cells every day.

Each type of cell has an expected lifespan. For example, red blood cells normally last about 120 days. Some white blood cells last just hours or days - some last longer. Every day, millions of blood cells die and are broken down at the end of their lifespan. There is normally a fine balance between the number of blood cells that you make, and the number that die and are broken down. Various factors help to maintain this balance. For example, certain hormones in the bloodstream and chemicals in the bone marrow called ‘growth factors’ help to regulate the number of blood cells that are made.

The Main Types of Leukaemia Are: Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) Chronic Lymphocytic Leukaemia (CLL) Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) Chronic Myeloid Leukaemia (CML) There are various ‘sub-types’ of each of these. In addition there are some other rare types of Leukaemia.

The word ‘Acute’ means the disease develops and progresses quite quickly.

‘Chronic’ means persistent or ongoing. When talking about Leukaemia, the word chronic also means that the disease develops and progresses slowly (even without treatment).

‘Lymphoblastic’ and ‘lymphocytic’ mean that an abnormal cancerous cell is a cell that originated from a lymphoid stem cell.

‘Myeloid’ means that an abnormal cancerous cell is a cell that originated from a myeloid stem cell.

There are s e p a r a t e leaflets (listed in the treatment section below) which give details about each of these types of leukaemia.

Acute Lymphoblastic Leukaemia (ALL) In ALL, the bone marrow makes large numbers of abnormal immature lymphocytes called lymphoblasts.

There are various subtypes of ALL. For example, the abnormal lymphoblasts can be immature B or T lymphocytes.

Typically, ALL develops quite quickly (acutely) and rapidly becomes worse (over a few weeks or so) unless treated.

ALL can occur at any age, but about 6 in 10 cases occur in children. It is the most common form of leukaemia to affect children Acute Myeloid Leukaemia (AML) In AML the bone marrow makes large numbers of abnormal immature white blood cells which are derived from a myeloid stem cell. The abnormal immature cells are called blasts. There are various subtypes of AML, depending on exactly what cell type becomes cancerous and at what stage in the maturing process.

•To be continued

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OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

TAX MATTERS

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

E-TCC And The Implications On Tax Collection

By Wasiu Babalola

The new system of issuing Tax Clearance Certificate to Taxpayers in the State of Osun, called Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (E-TCC) introduced by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration is for the replacement of manually processed Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC).

This new system will not only reinforce taxpayers’ assurance that all payments made will be remitted into the Government coffers through effective blockage of all the tax leakages, but also provide easy access to taxpayers’ payment history which connote the optimum level of transparency and modernity in tax collection.

It is on record that when Governor Aregbesola came on board, the Internally Generated Revenue was at low ebb with fluctuating amount of N300 million on monthly basis. Meanwhile the financial implication of this is that no meaningful development can be made with this meagre amount.

However, the rise of Aregbesola to the challenges of this embarrassing financial stand of the state by introducing e-payment on taxes has really impacted positively on revenue generation and collection in the state, most importantly in the aspect of overhauled restructuring of

This new system will not only reinforce taxpayers’ assurance that all payments made will be remitted into the Government coffers through effective blockage of all the tax leakages, but also provide easy access to taxpayers’ payment history which connote the optimum level of transparency and modernity in tax collection. the tax system that has paved way for the best framework suitable for smooth running of revenue generation.

At this juncture, it is germane for all our esteemed taxpayers in the state to know the importance and the necessity attached to having Electronic Tax Clearance Certificate (E-TCC) as being stipulated by Joint Tax Board (JTB) in consonance with Section 85 (4) of the Personal Income Tax Act (2011 as amended): Presentation of Tax Clearance Certificate (TCC) is required from applicants for any of the following

•Bicci Alli, Chairman, Osun Internal Revenue Service.

transactions: registration of motor vehicle; applications for Government loan for industry or business, firearms license, foreign exchange or exchange control permission to remit funds outside Nigeria, certificate for occupancy, and award of contracts by Government, its agencies and registered companies. Others applications for approval of building plans, trade license, transfer of real property, import or export license, agent license, pools or gaming

license, registration as a contractor and application for distributorship.

The TCC is also required for the confirmation of appointment by Government as chairman or member of the public board, institution, commission, company or to any other similar position made by the Government; stamping of guarantor’s form for a Nigerian passport; application for registration of a limited liability company or of a business name; application for allocation of markets stall; appointment or election into public office; for change of ownership of vehicle by the vendor; application for plot of land; and any other transaction as may be determined from time to time.

To get an e-TCC card, there are steps to be followed, which are: Visit any verified Tax Authority office nearest to you and obtain selfassessment form, fill and complete the self-assessment form, pay into any designated bank and collect Automated Revenue Receipt (ARR), attach a dully filled self-assessment form with automated revenue receipt (ARR) and attach photocopy of assessment notice if any, submit to tax authority office for process and then collect your E-TCC Card promptly.

•Babalola is the Information Officer, Osun IRS

When Selecting Handbags From the earliest stages of civilisation, bags and purses are practical everyday fashion used by men as well as women. They are necessary for carrying valuable items.

I wish I can just tell you exactly what perfect handbags and fashion purses look like. If only I can give a certain shape, colour and size for it to be ideal.

The thing that there are many perfect handbags and p e r f e c t fashion purses as there are different kinds of women who are u s i n g them. So the big dilemma for every woman is how to choose the perfect handbag for herself.

There are so many things in design, colour and size, even the price point that could be considered.

First, every girl who is searching for perfect handbags must remember to ask herself what purposes they would serve.

There is a particular handbag for every situation. You would never use the same handbag that you carry around at the beach for a night out with your man. If it’s something you’ll be using everyday, then you should think about durability after all, you don’t want to replace after using it for a month.

Another thing to keep in mind for everyday handbag is the colour. It is always best to go with neutral colour. This way, it helps blend with any outfit you are wearing.

The size should be b i g enough to c a r r y everything you will need on a daily basis but not too big to make you look like you are going on a trip.

After few researches in Osogbo, the State of Osun, it was noticed that ladies prefer to carry side bags on their everyday outfit which comes in different sizes, colours and shapes.

During an interview with one of

the ladies, she maintained that using side bags is very comfortable and easy to carry; she also stated that side bags either with chain handles or leather handles can be very classic as long as you pair the right colour with the r i g h t outfit.

Also, s o m e b o d y language experts have revealed that the way you hold your purse

WITH

TEMITOPE AKINYELE shows whether you are shy, practical or status-obsessed.

Whether it’s a satchel or a cross body, a woman’s bag holds a whole lot than her belongings; the way you carry your purse divulges a great deal about your personality.

FRIDAY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

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Osun, Always A Reference On Human Capital Development - US Economic Consultant In spite of owing some categories of workers salary in arrears, the Governor of Osun State, Rauf Aregbesola has been described as the best governor that continues to be a reference point of human capital development by the international community, a United State’s economic consultant made this assertion in Lagos on Wednesday.

He was speaking on standards in the face of “Media and Diversity lean resources.”

Reporting” organised by He said the media has journalists in Lagos. been concentrating on “Osun and Lagos States press releases by the remain the most cited opposition figures who examples of good and take delight in demonising quality leadership among the state, saying that the 36 states of the independent observers federation in international and members of the economic and political international community circles in terms of continue to do management of human independent reports on and material resources in the State of Osun which West Africa. puts the state ahead of “Osun is of particular many of her peers in terms importance because it is an of sustainable agrarian state with little development. resources, dwindling “It should interest national income but yet journalists to know why has been able to provide UNESCO, the world bank enviable records in terms and various international of human development institutions continue to index”, Chief Segun partner with the State of Ajibulu, a tax consultant Osun. It shows the moral with the United States and integrity of the leadership President of South West of the state.”

Professional Forum, “It amazes many in the (SOWPROF) wrote in an global world how about address sent to the 50,000 computers tablets organisers. were given to students, The address was read how 500 rural roads were on his behalf by Mr Victor constructed and how the Fatunla, an official of the state political leaders SOWPROF and the make sacrifices for the Managing Director of utilitarian good of the Factors Insurance Brokers, who represented the group at the event which held at M Square Hotel in •Continued from page 3 Lagos. with the Revenue Fatunla said he was impressed that Mobilisation Allocation international community and Fiscal Commission has continued to show Act. interest in what is going on “We are greatly in Osun State for various disturbed that the reasons.

Ilesanmi Omoniyi led According to him, the 2011/2012 pensioners media needs to probe deep have turned themselves into what he described as into a dirty weapon of a “revolution in politics and economy” that has destruction in the hands taken place in Osun in the of the opposition party in the state and have now last seven years. to cheap He enjoined capable resorted journalists to engage Osun blackmail against the State constructively so as government which has to rediscover the real story continually displayed level of of the state’s success high instead of depending on responsibility towards press statements from the the welfare of the entire opposition. citizenry, civil servants He said, “Beyond the and pensioners, in spite false narratives that Osun of the paucity of funds has not been paying which has affected the workers’ salaries, it is whole country. important for journalists to “It is also noteworthy understand how the state that these supposedly manages to pay workers senior citizen had earlier on levels seven issued a libelous and downwards full salary, till date in spite of the lean fraudulent piece where it was alleged that the resources.

“We should find out Aregbesola government how the state manages to diverted the second pay 75 per cent of workers tranche of Paris Club their full salary on level 7 Refund to the recently and below. We should find concluded Osun West out how political office Senatorial election, even holders including the when none of the states of members of the State the federation had House of Assembly decide received such. We were to earn only 50 per cent of vindicated when the their pay, how the second tranche of Paris governor decides not to be Club Refund to the State paid any salary since of Osun was eventually assumption of office and released 30 clear days above all how the state after the Osun West was able to build election was concluded. secondary and primary What a contradiction and schools of international

greater society. He said diversity reporting means that journalists should deal with substance instead of allowing shadows to assume lives of their own.

“The governor of the state won the most difficult election in modern Nigerian history.

He was the first progressive government to stop the advance of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the build up to the 2015 presidential election. The most vicious military and security machines were deployed against him, having identified him as the leading icon of the incoming government.

There were security reports that the Federal Government led by the PDP needed to demolish Ekiti and Osun States in order to clear the hurdle for 2015 Presidential election. “Ekiti fell like a pack of cards. But in Osun, it dazzled the PDP and their agents how Aregbesola fought literally with his blood to bring PDP on her knees. What led to the victory was the conviction of Osun people that Aregbesola and his team was a better alternative.

...Stop Blackmailing Government

a show of irresponsibility

on the path of the Ilesanmi led 2011/2012 pensioners!

“We are a nonpartisan, non-political group. As elders and senior citizens, our immediate concern is on how to join hands with the present administration towards the sustainability and development of our dear state.

“We are happy and satisfied that pensioners were not left out of the first and second tranches of the Paris Club Refund as well as the concessionary loan guaranteed by the CBN, popularly called ‘bailout fund’. We want the whole world to know that in the recent disbursement, Osun pensioners were allocated N791 million out of the N6.3 billion received.

“We appeal to the Ogbeni Aregbesola led administration to continue to offset the pensions and gratuities of our members as and when due, notwithstanding the cheap blackmail by Ilesanmi and his ilk’, he said.

The pensioners’ group then implore all other stakeholders especially the Ilesanmi Omoniyi led faction, not to constitute themselves into a distraction and stumbling block to the government.

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µ¶· ¸¹ºµ¶ »¼¸µ ½¹¸¹µ·¾ ¿·À¸¹µ· ¹Á Á¹Â·Ã¹Ä ÅÆÇÈÉY AUGUST 25 - THURSDAY AUGUST 31, 2017 OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

The Politicisation Of Pension In Osun

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The world is full of magic things, patiently waiting for our senses to grow sharper.”

The quote above, by W.B. Yeats, perfectly echoed my own sentiments on a report in the Punch, August 16, 2017 edition in which Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun was alleged, by the ‘Forum of 2011/2012 Pensioners to have “paid political office holders who served between November 2010 and November 2014 the sum of N50 million each as severance allowance.”

Before all else, that “a motley crowd” has simply allowed worldly cares to obliterate its sense of the beautiful is what an observer like yours sincerely finds difficult to comprehend. For instance, findings have shown that the protesting pensioners acted against wise counsel by opting to retire from the state service at the end of 2012 because they did not want to join the new contributory pension regime, a situation that ended up unleashing an accumulated debt burden of N5billion on the state. Essentially, while it is a statement of fact that a labourer should be worthy of his hire, the tragic truth is that the socio-economic needs of the society are so huge that no government can accomplish them in a day. Osun is not an exception!

Of course, Osun is currently fundchallenged. But Nigeria is similarly deprived! No thanks to the immediate past drivers of Nigeria’s economy who practically turned Nigeria into a pauperized, debtor enclave where borrowing money to pay money, all in the name of debt rescheduling conversion, or servicing, was fashionable. People’s Democratic Party (PDP) summarily reduced Nigerians to a wounded people in an impossible bus and it was as if the gods were angry.

The outcome of the putridity of its inanity, the extremity of its frivolity, its consolation in vain glorious fatality and the competition for space of its blind ambition for power without purpose is now staring us in the face and only God can help us!

But, is Aregbesola anti-workers, be they active or passive? In my

•A section of Osun Pensioners rallying in support of Governor Aregbesola.

The falseness and baselessness of Forum of 2011/2012 Pensioners’ allegations could also be traced to the fact that Osun ranks next to Lagos in terms of payment of workers’ salary and pension allowances. considered opinion, a governor that has accorded governance a new name and given us hope of a better Osun and a greater Nigeria cannot be said to be anti-workers. His inspirational, passionate and record-breaking contributions to the transformation of Osun into “a developed, cleaner, safer and more beautiful state” is so huge that, in another 30 years, Osun will no doubt be a reference point in infrastructure development to other states of the federation. Little wonder the governor is one of the most outstanding and credible personalities the Nigerian nation has ever known. The interesting part of his initiatives and interventions is that they are practically free from political interference, unlike what obtains in some other states.

The falseness and baselessness of

Forum of 2011/2012 Pensioners’ allegations could also be traced to the fact that Osun ranks next to Lagos in terms of payment of workers’ salary and pension allowances. For instance, how many people remember that, until the arrival of the second tranche of the Paris Club refund, Ayo Fayose could only manage to pay workers’ salary up until January 2017? As we speak, Ekiti State civil servants are being owed 6 months; primary school teachers: 9 months; secondary school teachers: 7 months; Local Government workers: 7 months; and, pensioners: 9 months. Yet, the governor continues to mortgage the state’s future on ‘ponmo’ (cow hide) and okada (motorcycle) as if that’s one sure fiendish way of keeping an unsuspecting people perpetually under his feet.

In Benue State, two months’ salaries are used to pay for one month.

Impliedly, workers are paid half salaries across board in that state.

Kwara, Kogi and Enugu States are not faring any better. As at May 2017, Edo State government was sitting, comfortably, on arrears of pension ranging from 10 to 42 months owed its senior citizens. Not only that, state pensioners were also being owed “gratuities from 2012 till date and the local government pensioners from 2008 till date.” Coincidentally, the man who just left the state as governor was a veteran labour leader. So, when will Aregbesola’s traducers be sincere enough to admit that the salary challenge is national in outlook? On the other hand, isn’t it curious that a certain section of the fourth estate of the realm has turned itself into an”insidious political opposition ..., hiding under the plight of pensioners to make outrageous claims with a view to inciting the people against the government”?

From investigations, how much did Osun receive as 2nd tranche of the refund? N6,314,106,340.62! How much was spent on payment of parts of salary arrears, leave bonuses and pensions to civil servants and pensioners in the state, of course, including those in the local government service?

N5,131,680,567.59! On the issue of severance package, did Aregbesola breach any law guiding the payment of such to public or political office holders in the state? Not to my knowledge!

All said, here comes the issue of media and its roles as the political conscience of the electorate. For God’s sake, how can a media outfit that has compromised ethical standards hold those who are in government accountable, make informed decisions or stay away from undoctored views?

When “a newspaper recklessly subjects its platform to be used for propagating falsehood and deception”, then, Nigeria is in for a long haul. It is the same reason this ‘section of the media’ will go to town with reports of Osun being in the 29th position in the 2017 West Africa Examinations Council (WAEC) rating without investigating the reasons, its year-on-year steady progress in that sector; or verifying when WAEC Board met to review the state of the states in the last Senior School Certificate Examination (SSCE).

2018 is around the corner! As such, the gladiators are already positioning.

The political lions, the economic bears, and the political mischief makers are already lurking around. All the same, this is the opportune time for the electorate to make an informed choice between turning the page and closing the book. The earlier Nigeria’s 5,000 people fed with two loaves and five fishes rise to the occasion, the better their chances are of getting it right!

•KOMOLAFE writes in from IjebuJesa, Osun State (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk)

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