Osun Defender PDF Version For 4th Of August 2017

ALHAJA SARATU AREGBESOLA 1933-2017

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Life And Times Of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola

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VOL. 012. NO.23

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Kidnapping For Ritual Rampant In Osun 2

•Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (middle); former governors of Osun, Chief Bisi Akande (2nd right) and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (left), as well as General Alani Akinrinade (rtd) (right), during the 3-day fidau prayer of Aregbesola’s mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, in Ilesa, on Thursday.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO

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FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

Kidnapping For Ritual Rampant In Osun Of recent in Osun State, particularly Osogbo, the capital of the state, ritual killers seem to have found their ways, as kidnapping for ritual purposes have been incessant without fear..

This is just as residents of 2017, a man, Rasheed the state have called on Ajibade was arrested with security agencies to up their human parts in Osogbo ante and build up their and he subsequently led intelligence gathering the police to Aagba, where mechanisms to nip the his accomplices, Isiaka incidences of kidnapping Akande and one other was for ritual purposes in the also arrested and some captives rescued from their bud.

The attention of the state den.

Barely two weeks after police command has in recent times been shifted to the Aagba’s arrest, the police burst another the ritual killers, as series of arrest have been made in ritualist den in Gbongan, Ayedaade Local that regard. where Early in the year 2017, Government, arrests of three persons human parts were found were made in respect to the which led to the arrest of killing of a 400-level the operator of the shrine, student of the Osun State including one Lamidi University, Rofiat Adebisi Adeoye and Ganiyu and the commercial driver, Oladosu.

Subsequently, a dead Elijah Oyebode who kidnapped her and took her body of another 400-level the UNIOSUN, to an herbalist, Jelili for of ritual purpose later Oluwafemi Shonibare was found beside a house of an confessed to the crime.

Also, sometimes in June, Islamic cleric, around Oke-

Baale, Osogbo, popularly called Jafariya and it led to the arrest of the alleged perpetrators of the act, Sakariyau Abdul rofiu, Ibrahim Ayuba, Yusuff Aliu as well as the cleric.

However, in spite the arrest and prosecution of

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Comment On Page 4 the alleged perpetrators of the ritual killings, it seem the perpetrators have decided to stick to Osun, as there have been one

reported cases of kidnap or attempt to kidnap for ritual purpose in the state.

It was gathered that three school children were

•A gathering of traditional rulers in Osun at the 3-day fidau prayer of the State of Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola’s mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, in Ilesa, on Thursday.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO

Stakeholders Worry Over Increase Rate Of Human Trafficking

By Israel Afolabi The Director-General, National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Barrister Julie Okahdonli has expressed shock over the increase rate of human trafficking in the region of Africa.

Barrister Okahdonli made this known in his resurfaced in modern keynote address at a one- times as human trafficking.

He declared that the act, day seminar on the 2017 World Day Against Human which includes all acts of involvement in the Trafficking organised by the network of Non- r e c r u i t m e n t , g o v e r n m e n t a l transportation, purchase, transfer and Organisations (NETNOS), sale, Osun State Chapter which harbouring of persons in held at Anglican Bishop’s this modern day is a crime.

He urged parents and Court Hall, Isale Aro, guardian to work towards Osogbo, State of Osun.

In his address, titled, “Give Hope, End Human Trafficking�, he described human trafficking as a modern day slavery, saying that the scourge needs to be fought and defeated to the barest minimum, until the present and next generations are preserved�.

He said this year’s World day against human trafficking was aimed at creating awareness for all stakeholders, including government and civil society organisations in order to share information and proffer solution on the scourge of human trafficking and the dangers it poses to communal existence.

Barrister Okahdonli also stated that the scourge of slavery, which was hitherto abolished during the colonial period, has

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That I formerly known as OMOLAYO IYANU WADUDE, now wish to be known and addressed as OMOLAYO OLAMIDE IYANUOLUWA. All former documents remains valid. Sterling Bank and general public should take note of this.

the eradication of human trafficking and join in advocacy campaigns from time to time at home first, then communities that are prone to the crime.

The NAPTIP boss stressed that the responsibility of tackling the menace which is gradually ending the existence of many communities is a collective one and there is a need to take a coordinated approach to address predisposing factors like poverty, illiteracy, ignorance, employment and unobserved ethical

and values.

The Osun State Comptroller, Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), Mr Adebowale Oluwatoyin, noted that the consequences of human trafficking are quite many and may lead to other organised crimes in the society, urging parents and guardians in the society to cooperate in putting an end to human trafficking which he described as an illegal act as entrenched in the nation law.

He also added that parents must always remember that their

children are their future and do all they could to safeguard their future.

In his contribution, Mr Abayomi Ogundele observed that human traffickers now go deep into the nooks and crannies of villages, lamenting how young children are force to work for their family’s survival.

Also, the DirectorGeneral, Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), Mr Wale Idowu described human trafficking as evil acts which we must be ended by all means.

recently kidnapped by a Commercial motorcyclist who usually convey them to school on his motorcycle.

There was another case of a man, who escaped being caught after he had attempted to shave the head of a school girl who just returned from school and was sleeping in her parent’s apartment in OkeAyepe area, Osogbo.

While such cases have been rampant in the state capital, some youths seem to have decided to take laws into their hands, as they have resolved to kill, whoever is caught in such act henceforth.

However, resident have been panicking about the incidences of kidnapping for ritual purposes in the state, as findings have shown that it has now become difficult for parents to send their children on errand, no matter how close.

Some residents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said, the cases of kidnapping for ritual purpose have now become rampant, urging the police to up their ante, particularly on intelligence gathering to be able to fight the menace.

The Commissioner of Police, Mr Fimihan Adeoye had recently said during the parade of some of the suspected ritual killers that the state police command would not rest on its oars towards ensuring the security of lives and properties of the people of the state.

He urged residents to always endeavour to report any unusual movement in their area, with a view to assisting the police in the effective dispensation of their jobs.

Osun Assembly Warns Against Illegal Lumbering

By Israel Afolabi

The Osun State House of Assembly has read riot act over the poor attitudes of Forest Guards towards the forest protection in the state.

Chairman, House state.

Other members of the Committee on Environment and committee, Honourables Sanitation, Honourable Debo Akanbi, Gbadebo Ajibola Akinloye Ibrahim, Akinola Adufe, conveyed the Olaolu Oyeniran, Yemi dissatisfaction of the Taiwo, and Clement parliament during a Akanni urged the guards to stakeholders’ meeting be conscious of their jobs change their between his committee and and officials of Forestry behaviours.

They charged the guards Department of the Ministry of Natural and to work together as a team to fight timber theft and Mineral Resources.

The chairman who Fletcher to obtain proper before hinted that the meeting documents was called due to the engaging in tree felling.

The Special Adviser to allegation of fraud leveled against the Guards in the Governor on Natural various forests across the and Mineral Resources, Mr state, said that they were Tunde Ajilore lamented on invited to clear the air on the position of forestry the issue involving them across the state which he as a and timber contractors and described disadvantage to the state, fletchers.

Warning that the due to forest guards’ Assembly would not habits, saying, if the forests hesitate to deal with any are properly managed, it forest Guard found to have would earn the state huge violated his rules of sum of revenue on monthly engagement, he charged basis.

Ajilore alleged that them to change their guards have attitude towards the forest protection of forests in the connived with fletchers to

cut economic trees in the various forests without proper permits which, he said has done more harm to government.

The Director of Forestry in the ministry, Dr. Bibilari Henry lamented on the encroachment problem in the state, which he

described as a long time problem, saying that at as of now, there is no boundary guide for the various forest in the state.

Man, 32 Arraigned For Stealing Phone

By Joshua Afolabi A 32 years-old man, Peter Friday has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for stealing.

The prosecutor, property of one Ayobami Inspector Oladoye Joshua Titoboluwa, a student of told the court that the Forward Match Tutorial accused person College, Sabo Osogbo and committed the offence on thereby committed an th offence contrary to and 12 of July 2017.

According to the charge punishable under section sheet, Friday and others, 390 (90 of Criminal Code now at large, on the 12th CAP 34 vol. II laws of of July, 2017 at Igbona Osun State of Nigeria area, Osogbo, conspired 2003.

When the charges were and entered the shop of one Maji and committed read to him, he pleaded an offence contrary to and not guilty to the punishable under section allegations.

The defence counsel, 412 of Criminal Code CAP 34 Vol.II Laws of R.A. Ngwu applied for Osun State of Nigeria the bail of the accused person.

2003.

The Presiding It also alleged that the suspect and others now at Magistrate, Ayo Ayeni large on the same day, granted the accused bail place and time stole one in the sum of N50,000 Tecno W4 value N35,000, with two sureties in like

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sum.

He then adjourned the case till 19th of September, 2017 for hearing.

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ADEYEMI RUKAYAT SEUN, is the same person as RUKAYAT ADEYEMI SEUN. I now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI RUKAYAT OMOTOYOSI. All former documents remain valid.

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Man Lacerates Son With Blade For Stealing N500

By Sola Jacobs

avail, which informed his action on his son.

He lamented that the poor economic situation had been making him to be irresponsible, lamenting that he was also not comfortable with his children dropping out of schools and his inability to take proper

care of his wife who died with the seventh pregnancy.

He said that he lacerated Wasiu in annoyance when he stole the last N500 on him on the fateful day, just as he pleaded for leniency.

The palace panel subsequently reproved

A man, identified as Rasaq Bankole has lacerated his son, Wasiu with blade because of the alleged stealing of N500.

Rasaq Bankole, while The incidence was reported at the responding to the leveled traditional Emese court allegations in Ooni Palace, Ile-Ife, against him said, he had where OSUN warned Wasiu to stop DEFENDER gathered stealing but all to no that the accused person who hailed from Abeokuta town but Evaluation (M&E) resides in Ile-Ife lacerated

By Sikiru Obarayese Officer have recently his son on the neck and been trained in Osogbo, The World Bank has given an approval to the his two arms, alleging him of stealing at any State of Osun, to commence ‘Skills for Job’ the Osun State capital, component of Youth Employment and Social where the Focal Person slightest opportunity.

Countering the claims Support Operation (YESSO), aimed at training from the facilitator of the For Job’ of Bankole, some of his youths in life skills, specific sector skills and ‘Skills Component, National neighbours who reported enterpreneurship. of and Directorate the matter to the To this end, Monitoring traditional court within the palace alleged that the accused person, who claimed to be a wood fletcher, was fond of abusing his children and described him as an irresponsible father in the neighbourhood.

It was alleged that the wife of the accused person, Idowu Bankole, an expectant mother of seventh child had died few weeks ago having had six children with his husband.

According to Mrs Elizabeth Awosakin, who took the custody of the assaulted boy, at the Emese court, she met with the late mother of Wasiu at a church service •Participants at the YESSO ‘Skill For Job’ training in Osogbo, recently. before her death and after listening to her predicament that her husband had not been it is imperative for those responsible for her and

By Shina Abubakar in public offices to children’s well-being, enrolled Wasiu in her The Araba Awo of Osogboland, Chief Ifayemi remember that they private school.

Elebuibon has called on government to formulate would always go back to It was also gathered policies that would help cater for the well being of the commoners in the society, hence, the need that other siblings of orphans and less privilege in the society. to take care of the less Wasiu was dropped out He disclosed this while The orphanages that privilege in the society. of public schools because donating food items and The family also used the father had failed to writing materials to benefitted from the token play his roles, while the orphanages in Osogbo as are Abiye Orphanage the opportunity to launch and FOMWAN petty trading of his late part of seven-day the Elebuibon wife could not sustain the activities to mark his 70th Orphanage homes both Foundation, a platform in Osogbo. family. birthday Anniversary.

The traditionalist said, with which it intends to take care of the less privilege in the society.

A representative of the The charge sheet also Foundation and eldest

By Bidemi Akinsanmi daughter of Elebuibon revealed that the accused An aged man, Raimi Adisa has been arraigned before person and others at large disclosed that the a Magistrate Court in Osogbo, presided over by with intent to intimidate, foundation aim is to Magistrate M.A. Awodele, for allegedly damaging threatened the life of the propagate the ideals properties worth N17 million and threatening to life. same complainant with Araba Elebuibon He was docked on a manner likely to cause guns and cutlasses and represents, especially to four-count charge of breach of peace by and thereby committed an Yoruba culture and stealing, conduct likely to forcibly entered into the offence contrary to section literature. cause breach of peace, land of one Alhaji Ganiyu 383 and punishable under She further disclosed unlawful and malicious and thereby committed an section 86 (i) of the damage and threatening of offence contrary to and Criminal Code Cap 38 that the education of the orphan is of utmost life of one Alhaji Ganiyu. punishable under section Vol.II laws of Osun State of important to the According to the charge 249 (B) of the Criminal Nigeria 2003.

The accused person foundation and it would sheet, the accused person Code Cap 38 vol.II laws of and others at large Osun State of Nigeria 2003. pleaded not guilty to the pool all resources at its sometimes in year 2016 at Pa Adisa was also charges leveled against disposal, to ensure the Ayekale Area Osogbo, accused that he and others him, while his counsel, Soji realisation of the goal. conspire together to at large, unlawfully and Oyetayo prayed to the While appreciating the commit felony to wit, maliciously damage a wall court to grant the accused gesture of the stealing and thereby fence erected and being person a bail, being an old foundation, coordinators committed an offence property of the same man who needs proper of the two orphanage contrary to and punishable complainant value about care.

The presiding homes disclosed that the under section 516 (A) of the N17,000,000 and thereby challenges Criminal Code Cap 38 committed an offence magistrate, granted the major Vol.II laws of Osun State of contrary to and punishable accused person bail in the confronting them is sum of N250,000 and two Nigeria 2003. inadequate funding, under section 451 of the The charge sheet also Criminal Code Cap 38 vol. sureties, while the case was especially as their stated that the accused, II laws of Osun State of adjourned till 18th of facilities could no longer August 2017. conducted himself in a Nigeria. accommodate more

Bankole of his action, while he was counseled to give custody of the children to his relations and her late wife’s family rather than resulting to their abuse, as hunger and lacks might have prompted his son to steal.

Meanwhile, a member of the public who choose

to remain anonymous had taken over the custody of Wasiu and took him to a hospital for treatment, while the accused had been ordered to show up with his parents and his in-law to discuss about the welfare of his other children.

YESSO 'Skills For Job' Training To Begin In Osun Employment (NDE), Mrs. Roseline Olaomi said, “the beneficiaries are selected from the single register of poor and vulnerable households developed by state Operation Coordinating

Elebuibon Charges Govt., Individuals On Orphans Care

Aged Man Arraigned For Allegedly Damaging N17m Fence

children in need of care.

They called on other well-to-do individuals to always come to the aid of the less privileged, particularly orphans and abandoned children, with a view to making them responsible in the society.

Unit of YESSO and identified by communities’ leaders”.

Olaoni explained that Skills For Job, is focusing on the Local Governments who are in Urban area, and the selection criteria that must be fulfilled by the beneficiaries are, “Youths between ages 18 and 35, who must have attained JSS3 certificate, but unemployed”.

She stressed that beneficiaries will be trained on life skills, sector specific skills and enterpreneurship skills for three months, and then moved in for internship with private sector for six months.

According to her, the beneficiaries with at least, 20days attendance in a month are entitled to stipends of N7,500 monthly.

Roseline said, “the unit will provide starter packs to the trained beneficiaries and will provide incentives to private sectors for internship of the beneficiaries.

Miss Yemisi Haastrup, one of NDE Official, also said that the selection process of the beneficiaries was transparent, with the help of community leaders.

Banks, Hotels Activities Paralysed As OIRS Continues Enforcement In its quest to recover all the outstanding revenues due to the state government of Osun, the State Board of Internal Revenue (OIRS) has again descended on some other privately-owned institutions, including Hotels, Restaurants, and Banks.

The affected establishments include: Osogbo Microfinance Bank, Diamond Bank, Stanbic IBTC, Blue Petals Hotel and Suites Ede, amongst several others.

The activities of the affected establishments were paralysed last week, as the officials of OIRS stormed the defaulting •Barrister Akano offices.

According to the voluntarily comply to tax Special Adviser on Tax payment will not see and Revenue Matters, Mr themselves as being Gbenga Akano, the cheated.

Akano therefore, essence of the enforcement is to make implored all and sundry sure that the doctrine of especially those within equity is maintained so the tax net to imbibe the that those who culture of voluntary tax compliance.

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A Parliament Against The People?

If we had expected the National Assembly to utilise the ongoing constitutional amendment to douse separatist agitations across the federation, their volte-face on the bill which sought to alter the Second Schedule, Part I & II to move certain items to the Concurrent Legislative List to give more legislative powers to states has shown how far the national legislature is from the people. In an exercise that will go on record as a terrible misrepresentation of the people’s will, the Senate shut down the bill on Wednesday and the House of Representatives follow suit a day after. By that, what could have been a pragmatic response to the current chant for restructuring of the unwieldy and unworkable federation was cynically aborted by the so-called representatives of the people.

We consider such abortion tragic. Tragic because much as we do not pretend that the restructuring as being canvassed by some agitators is the magical silver bullet to cure the country of its many ills, it seems the best shot at getting the country out of its current despondency and the continuing withering of the nation’s institutions. Today, we find the correlates in the total collapse of the physical and social infrastructure across the federation, the unparalleled crime wave, the unprecedented youth unemployment and general alienation of the citizenry among other ills that has continually been retrogressing the nation.

On what grounds do our so-called distinguished

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belongs to the people, the least we expect from both Houses of parliament is to revisit the issue as some of their leaders have promised to do – in September. parliamentarians stand on to justify the retention of the status quo – if we may ask? Are they happy that states which ought to be centres of economic activities are no more than leeches on an equally unproductive but mindlessly extractive federal government? What is there to celebrate in the socalled federation in which the central government holds the levers of economic power, even when it has no clues on how to exploit and mazimise its vast treasures let alone getting same to work for the benefits of its people?

Another is the centralised police that have become a bye-word in corruption and inefficiency –even at time criminal gangs of different hues and sophistication are off the leash? Is it a case of our lawmakers being blinded by the perks they currently enjoy in Abuja to the point that they can no longer see what the rest of us see and live with on daily basis?

Why do we need to get the power devolved to states at this time? First, the current fiscal arrangement under which the country’s entire revenue is first taken into a central pool and later shared is anomalous; over time, the practice has lulled most states into false sense of financial security as oil freely flowed. Today, the new reality imposed by falling oil prices has rendered the practice unsustainable.

Second, most states are known to be sitting literally on gold mines; unfortunately, the minerals and everything beneath the soil remains the exclusive preserve of the federal government. With the responsibility devolved to the states, the potentials of the states can thus be unleashed not just to enable them contribute to the overall national wealth, but also to create mass employment.

As for the security, we do think that the country has long passed the point where anyone would justify the retention of the current security architecture. Whether it is tagged state police or neighbourhood watch, there is evidently a growing consensus that the country currently requires a new framework of multi-level policing.

If truly, real sovereignty belongs to the people, the least we expect from both Houses of parliament is to revisit the issue as some of their leaders have promised to do – in September. It seems the wisest thing to do in the circumstance.

MQRTUUVQW XYZZYQ[U\ It has gotten clearly out of hand and the litany of murders is unacceptable. In recent times in the otherwise peaceful State of Osun, there have been series of gruesome murder in the state. There are reported cases of two mutilated Uniosun students with the later apprehension of the perpetrators and their accomplice. Other ritualists have been arrested in their hide-outs in Aagba, Gbongan and other locales where camped in mates regained their freedom in the state.

A motorcyclist was also arrested in connection to the killings of the children of the same parent. And another was arrested with human body parts around Oluode area, Osogbo.

These events clearly portray a dysfunction in the internal security mechanism.

It must be acknowledged that the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has gone the extra mile in budget allocations to gear up effective policing in the state. The appropriate infrastructures

including armoured tanks have been provided. Unfortunately, under Nigeria’s glaringly defective quasifederalism he is the Chief Security officer of the state only in name (or is it in sarcasm?), the real operational mechanisms are outside his control and supervision.

This is a critical issue that must be sorted out as soon as there is any genuine opportunity to revamp our constitution. In this vein, we must ask for the inclusion of whistleblower

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inclusion of whistleblower law, rewards and consequent protection to safeguard them and their identity to be made as they help expose the nefarious activities of cultists and kidnappers.

O'()*(+,)-.*/0/1(+O45..5+60(*- 7(89: This is to appeal to the government, either at the state and federal level to help the residents of Agunbelewo/Okinni/ Ilobu/Erin/Ifon in Osun State on the poor condition of the road linking them with Osogbo, the state capital.

Because of the closeness to Osogbo, no one would ever thought that such road could be left unattended to, but alas, that is the situation.

As it stands today, it is clear that the people of that axis have completely been abandoned by the government as can be clearly reflected in the condition of their road.

Unfortunately, there is no

other alternative route for the people living in the axis.

There is no one who will pass through the road, no matter how highly positioned such person could be and not regret using the road, not because the people living in the axis are bad people, but because the road has become an eyesore.

It is on record that

law, rewards and consequent gory scenes and contrived nonsense protection to safeguard them and their peddled in movie scenes must be identity to be made as they help modulated. If those in charge of expose the nefarious activities of Nollywood and other entertainment cultists and kidnappers. Such a policy industries across the globe cannot do will help the police to up the ante and the vitally needed self-regulation, strengthen its intelligence gathering then the state must step in and do the mechanism, thereby allowing it to be job for them. pro-active. The not-good-enough In the last analysis, the underlying alternative if these killings fail to stop problem remains that of poverty and is a culture of mob violence as an limited economic opportunities. For exasperated populace takes the law this reason, governments at all levels into their own hands. This is of course must place job creations, skills at variance with the tenor of a civilized upgrade, poverty eradication and society and must not be allowed to mass quality education in the heart of happen. its economic policies. This is the only Finally, we must ask the censor long-term and enduring solution. boards and the regulators to have a look at the movie scenes. Nobody wants censorship. Nevertheless, the state cannot sit arms Publisher – Moremi Publishing akimbo and allow all House Ltd. manners of anti-social Acting Editor – Kazeem Mohammed behaviour to be induced (0806-220-7954) into young and innocent children who then takes Lagos Editor – Kola Odepeju what they view into (08023191891) practice at their own discretion. The sort of Production Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

OSUN DEFENDER

Time To Help

emergency cases have on several occasions been complicated, while

expectant mothers have also experienced complications due to the condition of the road.

Though, there are rumours that the road had been awarded for reconstruction, but with the look of things, it does not seem the road is as there are no signals that it

would be constructed anytime so soon.

Therefore, pending the time the road would be fully constructed, the government either at the state or federal level need to intervene and save the people of the axis. Even if it is just the grading of the road, something should be done.

Though, everybody is aware that it is a Federal Road, but we appeal to Osun government, particularly the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to intervene, as he had done to so many other communities in the state.

•IBRAHIM BADMUS, Okinni, Osun State.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

Educational system in the State of Osun under the leadership of Governor Rauf Aregbesola has been characterised by several innovations that have received accolades home and abroad. The massive construction of new schools, Osun School Feeding Programmes (OMEAL), introduction of Opon Imo amongst other innovations have not only placed Osun on the world map of educational development, it has prepared ground for a brighter future for the students of public schools in the state.

KAZEEM MOHAMMED in this piece writes on the innovations that have been brought into the education system and the gains therein.

However, while Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the physical in his book, The Peoples’ infrastructure Republic, says, “Any system of component of the education which does not help a reclassification is man to have a healthy and sound being carried out body and alert brain, and systematically with balanced and disciplined the building of instinctive urges, is both elementary, middle misconceived and dangerous.” and high schools This belief must have been across the state, the the guiding principle for human and social Governor Rauf Aregbesola in component such as conceiving his six-point recruitment of Integral Action Plan, where teachers, provision the “Promotion of Functional of instructional Education” is encapsulated. m a t e r i a l s , The pre-implementation and psychological and the implementation stages of social support the Osun state government through value repolicy on education since orientation, revival 2010 have clearly shown the of ideal virtues such commitment of the as of hard work, administration to ensure a honesty, discipline, healthy and sound body and determination, alert brain, as well as revival of Boys and balanced and disciplined Girls Clubs, instinct. calisthenics The vision of the activities have also administration, even before the attention • coming to office, was said to •Students of Public High Schools in Osun, rejoicing after receiving the popular Opon Imo (Tablet of Knowledge), the caught of the government in be geared towards radically new ICT approach to education. line with the increasing access to basic recommendation of the summit. education, in furtherance to the vision Governor Aregbesola said recently at of Awolowo and in line with the commissioning of Government Millennium Development Goal of Middle School and Elementary School achieving Universal Primary Education. both in Osogbo that the education It was a public knowledge that, the revolution was part of his education system was in comatose prior administration’s resolves to build a new to Aregbesola’s emergence in office, but man in every child in the state, a decision realizing the sorry state of the system, which he said would help to sustain the in February 2011, about three months future of the state. after assumption of office, Aregbesola’s Besides, the review of the Osun administration organised an Education Elementary School Feeding and Health Summit to chart a new way forward in Programme now known as O-MEALS is the education sector of the state. The summit, chaired by the Nobel Laureate, Other stakeholders, which included, human component of the education one of the few surviving school meal programmes in the country. It was Prof Wole Soyinka with other notable world-class educationists like system was also recommended.

The elementary is a neighbourhood formerly known as the Home Grown experienced stakeholders, identified the Prof Peter Okebukola, Dr Akin solutions to the perennial problems in Fapohunda, Dr Isaac Agboola, Prof Sola school for pupils in the 1st to 4th grade School Feeding and Health Programme the Education system in Nigeria and Adeyeye, Mr Lere Osundina among from the old primary 1 to 4, the middle (HGSFP), but has now been restructured Osun in particular where strategies were others agreed on reclassification of school is for the 5th to 9th grade, which and enhanced by the Aregbesola developed as the way out. These schools into elementary, middle and is primary 5 to JSS 3, while the high administration.

The programme has not only been strategies are the ones being currently high schoo.ls, from the then existing school comprises of students from 10th implemented by the state government primary, junior and secondary levels. A to 12th grade, which is senior secondary successful, records showed that it has and it has scored the state high. comprehensive overhaul of physical and school 1 to 3.

•Continued on page 6

ijk lmnmop oq rjk stumpmnrvsrmopw klkp before coming to office, was said to be geared towards radically increasing access to basic education, in furtherance to the vision of Awolowo and in line with Millennium Development Goal of achieving Universal Primary Education.

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MAGAZINE

FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

Osun Investment In Education And The Gains •Continued from page 5 helped increase elementary school enrolment by at least of 25 per cent since the commencement of the revised programme in 2012. Findings have however showed that the enrolments were not from new entrants alone, but also from those withdrawn from Private Schools by their parents, who have seen commitment in the government education policy.

A total number of 3,007 food vendors were initially trained and employed by the government to serve nutritious meals for pupils in elementary 1, 2 , 3 and 4. The government also facilitated provision of cooking utensils for each of the caterers at minimal cost, while First Bank PLC at the initial stage granted a loan of ¦ 124.5 million to 123 cooperative groups of food vendors for the purchase of cooking utensils. The government also agreed to pay the interest accrued on the loan facility and food vendors are to repay the loan within 36 months.

However, Osun has become a Mecca of sort for many states in Nigeria who have seen the need to emulate the strategy adopted in the school feeding programme and have come visiting to learn the system. As if that was not enough, the Federal Government has adopted the Osun system in its school feeding programme. This is no doubt a plus for the administration of Aregbesola.

This scheme has gained international endorsement. In November 2012, Partnership for Child Development (PCD) United Kingdom and the Government of the State of Osun signed the Osun Elementary School Feeding Transition Strategy Plan Document to further strengthen the programme.

Thereafter, the government of the United Kingdom invited Aregbesola to address the UK’s House of Common, to explain and ‘teach’ how the programme

is done in Osun.

However, Another policy of the government that has received local and international accolade is the massive construction of schools across the state, which has provided conducive physical atmosphere to aid teaching and learning.

The revamping of the public school infrastructure through the building of new school structures to reflect the recommendations of the Osun Education Summit is seen to be a radical idea to provide the best in terms of infrastructural facilities for the schools.

Available record has shown that the administration of Aregbesola has constructed 96 new public schools, out of which there are 40 elementary, 45 middle and 11 high schools across the nooks and crannies of the state. This is just as several other elementary schools have been renovated across the state.

The state-of-the-art schools which were and others currently being built are of the world standard with all the facilities required in any standard educational institute anywhere in the world. With the quality of the schools, no one would ever believe that such could exist in Nigeria, except you are there.

The same seal with which elementary and middle schools were built was the approach taken to the High Schools.

Some of the ones already completed and commissioned were, Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo; Ataoja Government High Schools, Osogbo; Wole Soyinka Government High School, Ejigbo; Ede Baptist High School, Ede amongst several others, while some are still ongoing. Visitation to some of the schools have clearly shown that the government is indeed committed to the development of education, as such structures could not be found anywhere else in Nigeria.

Going by the accolades that have been

Educating young people will definitely revive the society and secure a better future for all because it is the only educated mind that advances the potentials of the society for the benefits of all.

•The newly-constructed Osogbo Government High School in Osogbo received home and abroad, Osun has entered the world map in the development of education with the massive construction of standard schools across the state.

Just last week, the Australian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Lehmann during a visit to Osun said, he was proud of the achievements made by the Aregbesola administration, saying, the continued support given to education by the state would in no doubt bring a brighter future to the state and as well enhance the capacity of the state economically, socially and politically as education remains the bedrock of development in any society.

Lehmann said, “Educating young people will definitely revive the society and secure a better future for all because it is the only educated mind that advances the potentials of the society for the benefits of all. I have gone round the town. I have seen some of the interventions of this administration in all sectors most especially in education, agriculture and security.

“These are the major sectors on which government and governance are based. I was marveled when I visited some of the state-of-the-arts schools constructed by the Aregbesola led government.

“I have seen the good governance in action in Osun because the state has without any sense of doubt done so much on the need to affect the lives of her people

Some Of The Completed Middle and Elementary Schools Baptist Central Primary School, Ilare, Ife. St. Michael Pry School, Ode Omu. St. Andrew Pry School, Oke Baale.

St. Francis Pry School, Iwo. A.U.D Pry School, Isale Osun, Osogbo.

L.A Pry School Imo, Ilesa.

St. Andrew Primary School, Ada. St. Peter Primary School, Isona, Ilesa.

L.A Primary School, Obada, Ede. L.A Primary School Adenle, Osogbo.

Anglican Central School, Ilare, Ile-Ife. St. Stephen Primary School ‘B’, Modakeke.

DTTC Primary School, Ijebu Jesa.

St. Julius Primary School, Ila. A.U.D Grammar School, Oko Road, Ejigbo.

ATC Demonstration School Oke-Oye, Ilesa.

Laro Timehin Pry School, Osogbo.

NUD Pry School Sango, Ikire.

A.U.D Pry School, Odo Ori, Iwo. Holy Trinity Pry School, Ikirun.

A.U.D Pry School, Iragbiji.

Olufi High School, Gbongan.

Ejigbo Model High School.

Salvation Army Primary School, Alekunwodo.

Elementary School Elementary Elementary Elementary Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Elementary School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Middle School Elementary School

Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed Completed

Ile-Ife Ode Omu Osogbo Iwo Osogbo Ilesa Ada Ilesa Ede Osogbo Ile Ife Modakeke Ijebu Jesa Ila Oko Ilesa Osogbo Ikire Iwo Ikirun Iragbiji Gbongan Ejigbo Osogbo

positively as this could be deduced from all I saw”, he said.

It would also be recalled that President Muhammadu Buhari had in 2016 during the commissioning of the newly constructed Osogbo Government High School, Osogbo said, he was impressed by the Aregbesola investment in education, urging other states to emulate his gesture.

He said that the system adopted

by Aregbesola administration was appropriate, cost-effective and must be emulated.

A parent of one of the student of Osogbo Government High School, Mr Kolade Ismail recounted that he was proud to have his children in the school, saying he has observed that the academic performances of his children have really improved.

Just as the government has invested hugely on the infrastructural development, it has also taken further steps through its investment in human capacity to gain competitive advantage with developed countries. Besides the frequent training and retraining of teachers, particularly at the elementary, middle and high schools. One other major project that has been seen to be beneficial to teaching and learning was the introduction of the popular Opon Imo (Computer Tablet of Knowledge).

The Aregbesola administration championed the inspiring innovations through the ground breaking project which is meant to utilise ICT and concisely tackle learning problems. The state, through its Opón Ìmò Technology Enhanced Learning System (OTELS), has developed a learning tool that could revolutionise learning in developing states around the world.

However, Governor Aregbesola at the commissioning of one of the newly-constructed schools in Osogbo had expressed displeasure at the appearance of some pupils in some of the public schools in the state, a situation which he described as worrisome in view of the heavy investments made in education by the state.

The Governor, who implored parents to always see to the welfare of their children said, henceforth, the state as part of its effort to restore discipline would start operationcheck- your-dress among the public schools students.

He said the stand order would further strengthen discipline in public schools and as well encourage neatness among the pupils and students.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

Council Boss Seeks Communities' Support On Revenue Generation The Executive Secretary, Olorunda North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Quadri Owonikoko has appealed to the people of his council to support his administration’s revenue generation drive to meet the financial demands required in developing the new council.

He made the appeal Management Committee recently when he and were on familiarisation members of his Caretaker tour to towns and

villages within the council, saying that it would be difficult to sustain the newly-created council if supports are not coming from the people.

According to a statement by the

•Honourable Owonikoko (6th right); the Oloba of Oba Oke, Oba Bamidele Adams and others, during the tour of the Olorunda North Caretake Management Team.

Information Officer of the LCDA, Oloruntoyin Adejobi said, the tour which lasted for three days took the management team to Oba-Ile, Oba-Oke, Dagbolu, Kobo, OtaEfun, Ayekale, Olobedu Owolabi and Olude communities.

Addressing monarchs and community leaders in the communities that were toured, the council boss said, some of the areas that the council management had identified for revenue generation are; market squatter receipt, building plan approval, marriage certificates, club registration and street naming among others.

According to him, town planning officials would soon begin to go round to mark any house without building plan approval, appealing that the people should cooperate with them, and visit the LCDA

headquarters for information or complaint when the need arise.

He assured that the management team would do everything possible to bring governance closer to the people in line with Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a ’ s commitment towards c o m m u n i t y development.

Owonikoko also appeals to parents to warn their wards against thuggery, as anybody caught causing unrest in the communities will be punished within the ambit of the law.

Noting that the c i r c u m s t a n c e surrounding the location of Olorunda North LCDA in Osogbo was the rancor between the two communities of Oba-Ile and Oba-Oke, he hinted that peace committee will be constituted by his administration to guarantee peaceful

Isokan South LCDA Distributes Medical Equipments, Drugs

coexistence among the people of the council.

According to him, the needs of each of the communities in the LCDA would be adequately reviewed and addressed by his administration, saying the determination for the development of the council could only be achieved with the support of the people.

The Council Manager, Mr. Jide Ekundayo also urged the people of the local council to cooperate with officials of the council who would be moving out to collect revenue for the government, saying that, without revenue, no development could be brought to the graassroot.

The Oloba-Ile, Oba Adekunle Asamu; Oloba of Oba-Oke, Oba Adams Bamidele; Baale of Dagbolu, High Chief Abduljeleel Adegoke; Baale of Kobo, High Chief Oyebode Moronkola; Baale of OtaEfun, High Chief Tijani Olatunji; Baale of Ayekale, High Chief Gazali Ayoola; Baale of Olobedu Owolabi, High Chief Rafiu Adanku; and Baale of Olude assured the council management team of the support of their various communities.

Urging the council boss to allow governance and development of the communities in the council to take centre stage above politics. They said that they would give their best to ensure that the purpose of creating the council which is the development of grassroot is served.

The Executive Secretary, Isokan South Local Council Development Area, Ikoyi, Osun State.

Hon. Wasiu Oyelami recently distributed free medical equipment and drugs to residents and various maternity and health centres within the LCDA. health centres for proper According to a treatment and check-up statement by the of their ailment and Principal Information suspected ones since Officer of the council, healthcare facility is free.

Aminu Ademola, the The duo Executive council boss also donates Secretary and the a “Boxer” motorcycle to Council Manager (CM) Ikoyi Community in then advised residents, order to use it to assist to pay their taxes and his administration in rates as and when due, sensitising the residents as this is what would be of the LCDA about the used in providing the activities and objectives essential social amenities •Hon Oyelami being assisted by the Olukoyi of Ikoyi, Oba Yisau Bamitale, during the distribution of medical equipments and drugs. of his administration to to the people. the various stakeholders within the LCDA. Distributing the materials, Oyelami reiterated his pledges to In line with the commitment to bring make life meaningful for development to the grassroot, the Caretaker the people of the Local Management Team of Olorunda North Local Council Development Council Development Area (LCDA), led by Area (LCDA).

While seeking the Honourable Quadri Owonikoko has embarked support of all and on developmental projects to ease the suffering sundry to take the LCDA of the people in the LCDA. A statement by the administration has also to lofty heights, the LCDA helmsman council’s Information repaired the faulty maintained that he is Officer, Oloruntoyin tractor to boost operating an open door Adejobi identified agriculture, saying the policy. construction of an Utra- tractor would also be The Olukoyi of modern Secretariat at available to farmer for Ikoyiland, Oba Yisau Ota Efun market, rentage to serve as Bamitale commended erection of concrete revenue base for the the council boss and his electric poles at Local Government. caretaker management Ayekale, grading of According to the team for their efforts to roads of Laaro Timehin statement, Owonikoko transform Ikoyi and its Housing Scheme, environs, pledging his distribution of food had said on several occasions that the total support and that of the entire people of the items to staffers, rationale behind the security operatives as creation of additional LCDA. and Lending his voice well as politicians in the LCDA concluded administrative offices during the exercise, the just Ramadan period, as by Governor Rauf Council Manager, Alhaji of the Aregbesola was to bring Sheu Ajibade urged some residents of the LCDA to interventions made by development closer to take advantage of the management team rural dwellers, saying, O y e l a m i - l e d within a short time of he would do anything administration gesture his assumption of office. within his capacity to and to always visit It added that the make that dream come •Men at work in Ayekale Community, Ota-Efun, during the erection of concrete poles various maternity and O w o n i k o k o true in his LCDA. by the Caretaker Management team of Olorunda North LCDA.

Olorunda North LCDA Embarks On Developmental Projects

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AU

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Life And Times Of Alhaja

•Late Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola Compilled By Murtala Agboola Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola popularly called Iya Olobi was born into the Owoso family of Okesa in Ilesa 84 years ago. As a young lady, she was very hardworking and friendly with her peers and elders.

She married the late Alhaji Ali Rufai Aregbesola and they had five children, three sons and two daughters.

Among the sons is the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Mama and her family sojourned in Ikare, in the present day Ondo State.

She distinguished herself with the trade well known with her.

The family moved back to Ilesa and Alhaja Saratu continued to engage in her Kolanut business and was well noted for it. She was very accommodating, accessible and friendly to all.

As an elderly person in the area, mama was always ready to settle minor disputes and assist within her capability whenever approached.

A devout Muslim, she went on pilgrimage to Mecca in line with the

•A cross section of grand-children of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, a fulfillment of one of the obligations of Islam.

She was interested in the welfare of her children and did her best to support them to the level they are today.

As a show of commitment and support for her children, the late Alhaja Aregbesola ensured she stayed committed before, during and after the April 14, 2007 gubernatorial election.

She supported his son, Rauf during the period of struggle to reclaim his mandate.

The turbulent and charged atmosphere aftermath the election compelled her to relocate to Lagos from where she moved back to Ilesa when the Governor retrieved his stolen mandate in the Court of Appeal in Ibadan on November 26th, 2010.

Mama was of positive influence to people around her and was always ready to offer advice whenever her assistance is sought.

Mama died peacefully in her sleep at her Ilaje-Ijesa home on Tuesday, August 1, 2017 and was committed to mother earth the same day.

She is survived by her sister, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren.

•Remains of the Late Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola being conveyed by well wishers for burial, on Tuesday.

Governor Aregbesola’s Mot

By Abdullahi Omotayo It was a gathering of who is who on Tuesday as friends, sysmpathizers and political associates of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun, as the remains of his mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, popularly known as Iya Olobi was laid to rest in Ilesa.

Madam Saratu Aregbesola transited in the early hours of Tuesday, August 1, 2017, after a glorious and eventful lifetime devoted to active service to Allah SWT, humanity and family. She was 84 years old.

The Chief Imam of Osogbo, Sheikh Musa Animasahun led the burial prayer.

He described death as a necessary end for all mankind and prayed for repose of the soul of deceased.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola led other children to pay their last respect to their late Mother.

A statement by the Media Adviser to the Governor, Sola Fasure, said the late Madam Aregbesola left a remarkable legacy as a faithful wife, loving mother, community leader of no mean repute, leading kolanut merchant and a devout Muslim.

“She gave her very best to the service of Allah SWT in regular Asalatu as well as leadership of many Islamic charity organizations, kola nuts Traders Association and other women groups.

Tinubu, Amosun, Ajimobi Mourn The National Leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Ahmed Tinubu, has described the late mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun as a great mother and an epitome of motherhood who always wanted the best for her son and stood by him in prayers through thick and thin.

Commiserating with Aregbesola on the death of his mother, Tinubu, in a condolence message from his Media Office in Lagos said, “Mama was like a mother to me as well. We would miss her and her prayers. She passed on while her son was away in Kebbi, Kebbi State in the course of national duty.

“Governor Aregbesola was very close to his mum. I wish I could find the right word to comfort him. I have been through that way too. I know how it feels to lose a mother. A mother’s place is huge in our life.

No one can take the place of our mother.

“No matter how old she may be, we never wish that our dear mother leaves us.

My prayer is that our prayers help comfort Aregbesola.

“My condolences also go out to other members of the Aregbesola family. We will never forget mama. We would pray for her as she prayed for us. May God grant her eternal rest.”, Tinubu said.

Also, Governors of Ogun and Oyo states, Ibikunke Amosun and Abiola Ajimobi respectively, have commiserated with Aregbesola over the death of his mother, Alhaja Saratu Amosun, in a statement, signed by his

Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Dayo Adeneye, said the Governor’s late mother, popularly called ‘Iya Olobi’, was a devout Muslim, who dedicated her life to the relentless teaching and zealous practise of the core values of Islam.

Also, Oyo State Governor, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, described Madam Aregbesola’s demise as depressing and disheartening.

Ajimobi described the deceased as a pride to womanhood and pillar of support to her son.

The Governor said Mama Aregbesola deserved to be celebrated for living a life worthy of emulation and for nurturing her children to stardom.

Death Of Governor Areg The All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun said it received the news of the death of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, fondly called ‘Iya Olobi’, the mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the state with regret and sadness.

A statement issued in Osogbo by the party’s chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun, said, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola was a critical part of the success which her son and the APC have achieved in the state.

He said that though, the death of the Octogenarian was painful, “we also have cause to be grateful to Allah for the life of this great woman, who has had the unique grace of giving birth to a child that has become a jewel not only to the people of Osun and

UGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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lhaja Saratu Aregbesola

or Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, at the 3-day fidau prayer for the governor’s mother, in Ilesa, on Thursday.

•Late Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola

ola’s Mother Buried

a necessary end for all repose of the soul of

sola led other children o their late Mother.

Media Adviser to the said the late Madam ble legacy as a faithful mmunity leader of no anut merchant and a

to the service of Allah as well as leadership ganizations, kola nuts other women groups.

i Mourn

mation and Strategy, the Governor’s late ed ‘Iya Olobi’, was a dicated her life to the zealous practise of the

rnor, in a statement by Communication and nka, described Madam as depressing and

“Mama was kind-hearted, generous in spirit and substance. She freely give out of her fountain of wisdom. She was hardworking, industrious and famous throughout Ijesaland and beyond for her trade in kolanuts. This earned her the accolade of Iya Olobi.

“In the care of the home and family, the children in particular, Mama was strong, astute and veritable in her support and cooperation for her late husband, Alhaji Rufai Aregbesola, whose expansive business concerns and commitment put to great service Mama’s virtues and versatility.

“Mama will be sorely missed, especially when we cast to memory how well she played her motherly role behind one of her sons, AbdulRauf, in his quest to be Governor and through his two successive terms in office till date.

She left behind many children, grand children and great grand children.

“By this departure, the state has missed yet another unmatched gift to motherhood and this loss has obviously left a gulf too difficult to fill. ”The government and good people of the State of Osun commiserate with the entire Aregbesola Family of Ogbon Arogbo Quarters, Ilesa and Urogbo-Ijesa, especially the First Family in the state. We condole with the Paramount Monarch of Ijesaland, the Owa-Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran, the Owa-inCouncil; the Muslim Community; the entire business and commercial class, the political class, especially the countless associates and admirers of our Governor, the people of Ijesaland and the entire state.

e deceased as a pride r of support to her son.

Mama Aregbesola ted for living a life While she has since been buried according to nd for nurturing her Muslim rites, the third and eighth day Fidau prayers come up on 3rd and 8th August 2017 as scheduled.

•A cross section of Islamic Clerics at the 3-day fidau prayer on Thursday.

It Is A Great Loss Osun State House of Assembly has described the death of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, mother of Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a great loss.

The Assembly in a statement by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye described Governor Aregbesola’s mother as a very charitable and benevolent woman who is not only loved by his family, but also by God and people in her community “Mama Olobi was a mother in a million

who cares for every one that comes her way”.

“Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola is a very cool, calm and collected personality and a successful woman in kolanut business.”

Osun Assembly while praying for the Governor, his siblings, and the entire member of Aregbesola family,

prayed God grant them all the courage to bear the irreparable loss. The assembly submits that life and times of Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola is a lesson to motherhood.

The Assembly prayed God grant Alhaja Saratu Al-Janat Firdaus.

Going Down Memory Lane

Governor Aregbesola’s Mother, Sad ¡¢£ ¡¤¡

Congress in the State the news of the death ola, fondly called ‘Iya of Governor Rauf te with regret and

Osogbo by the party’s yega Famodun, said, la was a critical part son and the APC have

h, the death of the nful, “we also have lah for the life of this had the unique grace d that has become a people of Osun and

Yoruba land in particular, but also Nigeria generally”.

The APC, according to the statement, also observed that most women alive would want to be so privileged, but only a few have such rare grace to be the vehicle for the birth of a child that will impact the lives of his people positively as Gov. Aregbesola has done.

“Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola was therefore a critical part of the success which her son and our party have achieved, and for which most people in Osun, would remain grateful for this unique gift that Allah has given to the state through her.

“On behalf of the good people of Osun and the numerous supporters of the APC in the state and beyond, we extend our sympathy to our beloved Governor and his family for the loss of

Alhaja Saratu and may her gentle soul rest in perfect peace”, the party said.

Besides, the Osun state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party has also sent a condolence message to the state Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola on the death of his mother, Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola.

A statement issued by the State PDP chairman, Hon Soji Adagunodo described the death of the Governor’s mother as painful in spite of her old age.

While describing the late Alhaja Aregbesola as an industrious, virtuous and religious woman in her lifetime, Adagunodo said the demise of ‘Iya Olobi’ as popularly called is not only a loss to her family but also to the entire state who draws wisdom from her well of knowledge.

•Madam Saratu Aregbesola and the Admin Manager, Osun Defender Newspaper, Murtala Agboola, in a discussion at the 8th day fidau of Alhaji Agunbiade, father-inlaw of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, at Ijagbo, Kwara State, in 2010.

FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

INTERVIEW

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Indiscriminate Refuse Dumping Is A Crime

¨©ª «¬­®¯ °ª¬±²® ³± ´® And It Has Always Been Mixed Feelings And Reactions. While Some Are Happy About The Abundance And Greenish That Is Associated With The Season, Others Fear Flooding With The Loss Of Lives And Properties It Might Brings, As Water Must Find Its Way. In The State Of Osun, It Is A Clear Departure From The Usual Since The Administration Of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Assumed The Leadership Position In The State.

In This Interview, With SOLA JACOBS, The Commissioner For Environment And Sanitation, Mr Idowu Korede, Share Some Proactive Stance Of The State Government To Avert The Perennial Flooding Which Often Result Into Loss Of Lives And Property. Excerpt:

OSDF: It is observed that there is less of flooding reports in Osun since the assumption of the present administration, what has been the secret?

Korede: It is the proactive stance of the Ogbeni Aregbesola’s administration that has curtailed the incidences of flooding in the state. It is on record that Osun State government has dredged 250 kilometres of its waterways since he assumed the leadership position in the state. Moreover, we are distilling our waterways as we speak right now. The ministry has distilled Oora stream in Ilesa, Eesinminrin and Opa streams in Ile-Ife, Omi-okun in Ife through Odo-Okun in Modakeke and many others. It is just that we have to remind our people that dumping refuse especially pet bottles and other non bio-degradable items on our waterways is hazardous. Despite the measure that the government has been taking on dredging of waterways, government is also taking disposable refuse through waste van collection on daily basis and the government will not fold its arms and allow only few recalcitrant individuals to inflict pains on the overall population. The Ministry of Environment will through its enforcement unit, O’clean marshal start waste policing and prosecution of offenders who have turned waterways to dump sites.

OSDF: On O’clean marshals, there are complaints that they just arrest indiscriminately and seal off houses on frivolous charges?

Korede: In any system, there abounds bad eggs, but the complaints about the operations of the O’clean marshal are not entirely true, as they work within the ambit of their duty.

They are to enforce laws on refuse disposal, discourage street trading, ensure that each residential apartment in the state have toilets.

Most of the people that complain

have been established to have flouted one or two of these offences.

Therefore, our people should not politicised issues, as the government will continue to promote healthy living among its citizens. Be that as it may, we are committed to ensure that justice is served and whoever feels he has been unjustly arrested should complain to the appropriate authority and I can assure you that justice would be done.

OSDF: On the major dump site at Onibueja in Osogbo along Iwo road, residential houses have surrounded the dump site, a scenario that is considered to be hazardous, what is the state government doing to relocate the dump site from the present site?

Korede: We have acquired 50 hectares of land elsewhere and about to relocate to the new site very soon.

The government is embarking on waste to wealth programmes which will require a lot of tonnage of wastes, even from other towns and cities in the state which in turn will create jobs and energy for the usage of our people. Therefore, the government is aware of the situation and has taken appropriate measure to address it.

OSDF: On Public Private Partnership (PPP) participation in waste collection in the state, it is observed that the people have stop patronising the designated private waste collectors and now reverted to burning of their refuse, while the little number of them that are patronising the waste collectors had refused to pay for the services being rendered, what is your take on this?

Korede: We have embarked on public enlightenment and advocacy programme on the need to dispose refuse rightly; we cannot revert to old ways of doing things, as it is not healthy for us to be burning our refuse. My advice and plea is that the public should cooperate with the refuse collectors in their locality to

‘Good Governance Predicates On Collective Efforts’

By Francis Ezediuno The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has identified good governance as a product of collective efforts, saying, there is need for individuals that constitute a nation to contribute their quotas towards the growth and development of the society. for the Aregbesola, who was Erin-osun represented by the inhabitants of the town and adjourning Commissioner for Local Government and communities.

He urged well Chieftaincy affairs, Mr Kolapo Alimi, stated this meaning individuals at the flag-off of the and private sectors, Non“Health Initiative for including Rural Dwellers” g o v e r n m e n t a l organised by the organisations, (NGO) to National Youths Service rise to the occasion in Corps,(NYSC) in rescuing the country collaboration with from her present socioIrepodun South Local economic and political C o u n c i l menace.

Development(LCDA), The Governor

implored Nigerians to always think of what they could do to develop the country as government could not do it alone.

He commended the NYSC for taking the healthcare service to the grassroots, stressing that the state government has taken the bull by the horn in ensuring that all the health centres and hospitals are equipped with necessary health facilities.

“It is time for us as Nigerians to buckle up and see the need to support government at all levels in order to enhance the core

•Idowu Korede

µ¶· ¸·¹º»· ¼¶¹½»¾ ¿¹À Á½Âº ÷Ľŷ ÆÇ Water Ways And Avoid Building Of Anything Whatsoever On Water Ways. Ensure Right Disposal Of Waste As The State Government Will Arrest And Prosecute Those Who Dump Wastes Indiscriminately In Undesignated Places. ensure clean and healthy state.

Indiscriminate refuse dumping is a crime against the state and when the result of it comes, it is not only the person that commits the offence that will suffer for it, the entire people of the area where the offence is committed will face the health danger attached to it.

So, the government will not wait for that time to come, we will take preventive measures by ensuring that whoever is caught, is made to face the music.

OSDF: Illegal dump site are back in some locality in the state, based on complaints that some of the dump sites are not functioning in other major cities and towns in Osun, what is the true position of things?

Korode: All local governments in the state has its dump site and so, the issue of illegal dump sites in other towns and cities should not arise, as the sanitary officers in the affected areas, will definitely swing into action and arrest those who dump refuse illegally in unauthorised places. I can assure you that the dump sites are there functioning, except for those who have decided to be indiscriminate.

OSDF: There are food vendors, both individual/cooperate across towns and cities in Osun, what is your ministry doing to ensure that they maintain healthy practices in their trade?

Korede: The sanitary officers are doing this through inspection of their premises and training of the food vendors to ensure that the citizens have value for their money and that they maintain healthy stance in cooking and serving foods to the populace, we train and retrain them periodically and we will keep it up in the state. Our concern is that the people of Osun should remain healthy through cleanliness of their environment and what they consume and we are very much committed to it.

From time to time, we are also reviewing our activities and as well as training our men to be more efficient and effective in their various fields. Therefore, we are soliciting the cooperation of our people in ensuring that they obey all the rules that would promote healthy living in the state.

OSDF: What is your advice to Osun people especially in this rainy season?

Korede: Rainy season is a blessing to us all and we should not turn it to something else. The people should not dump refuse on water ways and avoid building of anything whatsoever on water ways. Ensure right disposal of waste as the state government will arrest and prosecute those who dump wastes indiscriminately in undesignated places.

FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

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Chinese Company To Invest N10b On Cocoa Production In Osun

By Ismaeel Uthman

The decision to partner with Osun government came on the heels of the need to properly harness the state’s potentials in cocoa production and other agricultural produce.

spare no effort to ensure the success of the partnership.

He said the decision to invest N10billion into the company by the Chinese investors has marked the beginning of wealth creation and jobs generation in the state.

The Governor said: “With N10 billion coming to the state through the production of cocoa and other related products, Osun people is rest assured of better life in commerce, trade and industry as our state would soon be the hub of Chinese investment in Nigeria. ”I have been to the head quarters of

The Chairman of the Shanghai Golden Monkey Group, Mr Qisan Zhao has disclosed that his company was ready to invest N10billion into the economy of Osun state through cocoa processing and production.

Zhao stated this last Osun not only to boost weekend, just as her commercial trade and Governor Rauf investment but to massive Aregbesola of the state provide inaugurated a five-man employment opportunity administration’s resolve a development which to turn Osun to the had in the last two years board for SKYRUN for her citizens. ”For these reasons, we commercial hub of yielded positive results.

Cocoa Processing Aregbesola, who have resolved to invest South-western Nigeria Industry, Ede. the According to Zhao, the N10 billion into the and improve on cocoa described company would have the Skyrun Cocoa Product production in the state, inauguration as another capacity to provide 1,000 Industry, Ede so as to with a view to turning milestone achievement to jobs for the unemployed boost the state’s capacity Osun to a hub of Chinese reposition the industry and make it one of the youths in the state in the on commerce, industry investment in Nigeria.

It would be recalled best cocoa production next two years, and business.”

Inaugurating the board that the CPI Ede was outfits in the world, said explaining that the by the his government would investment was part of for SKYRUN Cocoa revived efforts to take the Processing Industry, A r e g b e s o l a ’ s company to an enviable Aregbesola said the administration after 15height ever known in decision was part of his years of being moribund, history.

Another 284 unemployed graduates in the State of Zhao said, the decision Osun have been trained in agriculture to reduce to partner with Osun unemployment rates and to boost food production in government came on the the state.

By Murtala Agboola heels of the need to They were trained the State of Osun, Dr Parents have been tasked to bring up their properly harness the Adediji FADAMA 111 Adebowale state’s potentials in cocoa children in the way of Allah so that their lives would under the projects, tagged FADAMA applauded production and other be meaningful.

“Guys” Training, initiated beneficiaries for their good agricultural produce.

Mothers were enjoined board, Alhaji Idris by conduct during the the Federal He maintained that to dress modestly by not Adelakun had thanked Government in training and well prepared the company has seen a engaging in indecent and all parents and teachers collaboration with Osun Business Plan that would realistic prospect in the immoral dressing now in for their understanding government and the qualify them for support economic fortunes of the vogue so that their and solicited further co- World Bank. grants. state, a knowledge which daughters would not operation. He assured While charging the Speaking at the end of that the school would do the two-week intensive participants to use the according to him will be copy them. profitably maximised The admonition was all within its limit to give training held at Oladele knowledge acquired in the through the partnership. given towards by Alhaji the students the best Ajose Lecture Theatre, training The chairman added AbdulWaheed Badmus, education. He asked OAU, Ile Ife recently, the expanding agriculture FADAMA Coordinator in business, he assured them that his company is ready the Chief Imam of parents to pay their to purchase in large Fountain University, quantity cocoa beans in Osogbo, last weekend at its bid to expand its the annual end of production line, saying academic session no efforts would be programme of Nacomyo spared to make Nigeria Comprehensive High and Osun in particular School, Igbona, Osogbo. the hub of Badmus who quoted Chinese investment in copiously from the Nigeria.

Quran to support his Zhao said the decision assertion, enjoined to expand on the mothers to adhere to production line of the sharia code of dressing industry is to create mass by using Hijab and not e m p l o y m e n t exposing the sensitive opportunities for the parts of their body, unemployed citizens in because it is the temple of the state, saying the the Lord. He said, by so company has seen the doing, their daughters possibility in too would learn from accomplishing its dreams them. for the state.

The Islamic cleric He said: “I represent further stated that •Beneficiaries of FADAMA III training after the programme in OAU, Ile-Ife, recently.

5,000 staffers of Golden transparent dresses are Monkey Group, in 2015 not only immoral but the company had an unIslamic. agreement to partner He further stated that with Osun, having the only way these decided to invest in children can be useful to Osogbo-born Professionals under the aegis of the ambassador of Osogbo, Nigeria on cocoa themselves, parents and OSAF said the multiple production and as at humanity is to have a Osogbo Affairs Foundation (OSAF) has felicitated award-winning and with the Head of Corporate Communications of today the ties have solid moral and Skye Bank Limited, Mr. Rasheed Bolarinwa on his seasoned public relations translated to positive educational background. practitioner has the results so far.

To the Islamic scholar, emergence as the Secretary-General of Association capacity to take the ”Our partnership with the decadence in the of Corporate Affairs Managers of Banks (ACAMB). association to perform Osun has made us to see society is due to the commitment, excellently in his new In a press statement work, that cocoa beans in failure of parents to play signed by the convener, passion and position.

Nigeria are the best in the their effective Prince Hameed administrative acumen “Rasheed Bolarinwa is world, and we are ready supervisory role on their Oyegbade and Steering which he is generally our pride in Osogbo and to key into this offsprings.

Committee Chairman of known for.”

O s o g b o - b o r n consciously to ensure He did not hesitate to the “While we pray for a group, Mr. possible development of encourage parents to visit Abdulrahman Okunade, successful tenure for him, professionals are happy that ACAMB deemed the state and Nigeria as a their children in higher we wish to advise him whole. I have confidence institutions of learning OSAF lauded ACAMB not to rest on his oars and him fit to occupy the members for electing exalted position of the to invest more in Osun. without prior notices.

“We are going to invest This according to him, Bolarinwa as Secretary bring these sterling Secretary General of the qualities of his to bear on General. association.

As a to ensure that Osun and would afford them the The group said “Mr. the administration of reputation management Nigeria become the best opportunity to see the producers of chocolate lives they live on campus. Rasheed Bolarinwa’s ACAMB”, the group professional with a rich pedigree, Bolarinwa has with great positive effects Earlier in his welcome election is a confirmation admonished.

While describing capacity to succeed in his on the economy of Osun. address, the chairman of of the virtues of hard Bolarinwa as a good new responsibility.” work, dedication to We want to invest in the schools management

Shanghai Golden Monkey Group in China and I have confidence that with the vast industrial and commercial investment of this company, we are on the right economic track in developing our state through a productive, efficient and profitable partnership.”

The newly inaugurated board members are Dr Adewale Adeeyo (Chairman), Mr Jianhu Liu, Mr Xie Shao, Mrs Feng Xu (from Shanghai Golden Monkey Group and High Hope Skyrun International of Nanjing in China) and Elder George Adedeji.

284 Osun Youths Trained In Agriculture

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Osogbo-Born Professionals Felicitate With Bolarinwa As ACAMB’S New Secretary-General

that the next line of action would be the disbursement of grants to trainees based on the possible practicability of their business plan.

The FADAMA Coordinator also admonished the youths to embrace “Omoluabi” ethos preached by the government of the State of Osun by showing honesty and sincerity in all their doing.

Noting that the enabling environment created by the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has opened the opportunity door for farmers to benefit immensely from all available programmes. He urged all the potential beneficiaries of the grants to make judicious use of it when collected.

Adediji then promised that more youths would be empowered through FADAMA project.

Also speaking, the outgoing Dean of the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University, Prof Adeagbo Amusan appreciated the World Bank and Government of the Osun for supporting agriculture to ensure abundant food production to ensure continuity of human existence.

While assuring the trainees of OAU Faculty of Agriculture’s willingness to assist them, he tasked them to feel free in requesting for any assistance that could help them achieve their business plan.

Speaking on behalf of the participants, Mr Ajibola Ibrahim from Irewole Local Government of the state described the training as interesting, full of practicals, highly educative and handled with best professional hands.

He however appreciated Osun Government, OAU lecturers and FADAMA for making the training a pathfinder for them, saying that with the training their slogan as “Unemployed Youths” has changed.

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Fever Grips FEDPOFFA Students As 2nd Semester Exams Commence management to hold

By Sikiru Obarayese results of students for Examination fever has gripped the students of the almost a semester.

Federal Polytechnic Offa, as the second semester He then charged the examinations is to commence in the institution. institution to improve on its programme with a The school management has last Planning and others, and view to meeting up with Faculty of Management week pasted examination its mate in the academic time table for the second Studies which houses policy and calender. semester of 2016/2017 Business Administration Kehinde Odo, an ND D e p a r t m e n t , student in the Building academic session.

A c c o u n t a n c y The time table which pasted at the examination Department, Banking centre, Mini-campus and Finance Department Insurance through the Director of and Examinations is titled: Department are some of Second Semester Final those that have not seen Examination Time Table their results. for 2016/2017 academic A Mass session.

Communication student In line with the time also said some students table, the practical exams in the department have had started on Monday, not seen their result too, July 31st and it is citing ND2, year 3 as an expected to last for a example. week.

He noted that that it The written exam, the was not ideal for the •Fedpoffa Entrance time table stated, would start on Monday, 7th of August and wrap up on 23rd of August, 2017.

However, since the pasting of the examination time table, students have been Condemnations have continued to trail the nude trooping to the library and engaging in night pictures and video of a Daily Part Time Mass classes to prepare for the Communication student of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree (Name withheld). examination.

Meanwhile, it was The nude pictures of access to the pictures and reported that there are the ND students of the video on her husband’s still some faculties, OSPOLY went viral last phone. departments which weekend.

Unknown to her students have not seen OSUN DEFENDER husband, the married their first semester Campus Review woman reportedly sent results. gathered that the nude the nude materials to the In an interaction with some students, they pictures and video of the internet, particularly on suspected that the release students went viral on the platforms where the of their result was the internet through the students of the institution could have access to it. delayed due to massive wife of her man friend.

According to the Meanwhile, some of failure. students who Students of Faculty of source, the lady during a the phone chat with her reportedly saw the lady Environmental Studies which comprises of married man friend had involved on campus after Building Technology, sent the nude materials the incident said, she was and Survey Department, to him, unknown that the unmoved Urban and Regional man’s wife would have unremorseful by the

Technology department said, he is unhappy with the delay in the release of the results, saying, students have the right to know their results for better preparation towards another examination.

He pleaded with the management of the institution for the quick release of their results as soon as possible.

Gang Members Arrested For Attacking OAU's Angola Hall Chair

By Adejumo Kabir

Condemnations Trail Nude Pictures, Video Of OSPOLY Student scenario, as she was still moving freely on campus.

While some students of the institution have condemned the action of the character in the scene, some have said that it was nothing new among the so called “Big Girls”.

A student who decided to claim anonymity said that, “There is new about sending nude picture to a man friend or boyfriend? It is just that the lady involved was only unlucky.

“Though, not new, but shameful and that would serve as a lesson for others”, she said.

•The arrested suspect.

There was pandemonium recently at the Angola Hall of residence in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, as the Chairman of the hall, Osungbade Akeem was attacked by a gangs, allegedly led by Okolie Victor, a student of the Department of Dramatic Arts.

Two of the gang door to call the attention members have since been of the hall residents to the arrested. kerfuffle.

It was gathered that the Osungbade Akeem told suspected hoodlums our reporter that the drove roughly to assault and attempted Anglomoz Car Park in an abduction was in unusual manner and connection with his proceeded to the complaint against reckless Executive room in Angola, driving in the area when assaulted the hall a car almost hit a female chairman and other student on the road. executive member in the He said: “Okolie Victor room before one of the popularly addressed as executive members Chawlee approached me escaped through the back that I insulted his boys and for doing that, he threatened to deal with me and obviously he did by leading some hefty men to drag me out of Exco room.

The consciousness of the videos, hand-outs in people around saved me abduction.

PDF format and other from additional materials and However, I was beaten mercilessly by Chawlee references as the and his boys”, the hall instructor deems chairman said.

When our reporter necessary would be distributed through the asked for the account of the accused, Okolie Victor Vigitab platform. refused to talk to The curricula for journalist as all efforts various programmes are made to allow him speak the same as for regular proved abortive.

Meanwhile, an in-house programmes within the University; emergency congress was called in the hall of hence, certificate for residence and it was degree and diploma resolved that the suspects, programmes are the Okolie Victor and other same as for full-time two men apprehended be beaten 30 strokes of cane students.

The total time to each while they remain remanded in Angola complete an online pending their open course is equivalent to moderation. that of campus regular It would be recalled that programme and the the accused, Okolie Victor contested for the position same degree would be Director of Social in the awarded after the of last students’ union completion of the election but lost to programme.

Adedayo Lamba.

OAU Commences Distance Learning Degree Programmes In Accounting, Nursing And Economics

By Adejumo Kabir

Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, has introduced e-Learning for some of its programmes, which are to be administered through its Centre for Distance Learning.

Following the receiving applications approval of the National into its E-Learning U n i v e r s i t i e s programme for B.Sc. Commission (NUC), Degrees in Accounting, OAUCDL has started Economics and Nursing.

The Total Time To Complete An Online Course Is Equivalent To That Of Campus Regular Programme And The Same Degree Would Be Awarded After The Completion Of The Programme.

Since its establishment, the Centre has been striving to keep abreast of the most up-to-date methods of distance learning practice by continually updating its modes of lecture delivery to reflect the latest proven concepts, methods and practices.

The centre is designed in a way that open and distance education is best accomplished through E-learning,

which is the mode adopted by OAUCDL. The programme is administered online through a customised study tablet called the Vigitab. Students do not have to report to a physical classroom.

Their lecture room is on the Vigitab which would be given to each student upon resumption.

Quizzes and assignments would be taken and submitted online while lecture

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Chokers In Fashion Trend Chokers are necklaces that sit tightly around the neck, they are often made of fabric since they are so close-fitting, but there are many other styles and materials. Their constructions range from simple to ornate and they frequently feature like sequins, rhinestones, pearls or pendant. Choker necklaces can be great fashion accessories when chosen and worn correctly, as its addition will give you a perfect classy touch to any outfit. This necklace is easy to wear and it is an accessory that can easily underline individuality and make one stand out from the crowd. It can be worn as layering jewellery. Lots of ladies wear chokers with long beaded and chained necklaces or spot them over turtlenecks.

As it is in fashion trends, the choker necklace has increased in popularity, just as it has already been noticed within Osogbo the State of Osun.

When a lady accessorised it with a black dress she wore, she looks stunning in the outfit. Chokers, like all necklaces accentuate your strongest facial features by framing your face.

Fabric chokers first became popular in medieval times when women adorned their necks with simple pieces made of velvet and satin. The unique and lightweight choice has become extremely popular, however, there are options in every colour of the rainbow and there are many different styles to choose from which are trending hard in the fashion world today.

The star fabric neck choker is a particular type of choker that is shaped like a star with 2 equal lengths ranging

from different fabric in a very affordable price.

WITH How To Wear/ Choose A Choker Necklace Not all chokers can be worn on any outfit; however, there are d i f f e r e n t is on, or just above the collarbone, kinds of trending chokers which always look for a style that comes in would suit different outfits. There are your size and if you are unable to try some factors worth considering to it on before purchasing, there are many ascertain the suitability of choker choker options that come with before getting one. adjustable chains and hooks.

Measure your neck: It’s important Choose colours that look best with to measure your neck before investing your skin tone: Hold different in a neck choker since they are meant coloured fabrics up to your neck and to fit relatively tightly. The standard take note of which colours look best on choker measurement is usually 14 to your colouring. Black trends look great 16 inches in length and it can vary on everyone as well as most neutral greatly in width from 3 inches down colours. to just ½ inch.

If lucky, an accessory’s trendiness Try it before you buy it whenever undulates shifting between being cool possible: Before you begin shopping in one decade and coming back a few for a choker, make sure you have years later. For choker, this up-andrecorded your neck measurements. down popularity has continued for When you try one on, keep in mind decades and today it’s back in full that the best positioning for a choker swing.

TEMITOPE AKINYELE

from 3-4-5 each and one middle length of 6 inches. This accessory can be worn on almost all outfits depending on the occasion, colour and outfit. It is mostly seen on ladies wearing a low neck dress and can also be worn on native and it comes in different colours made

ENTERTAINMENT

Adamo Music And Its Place In History African traditional music is on the verge of going into extinction, as its acceptance by the present generation is very low and it has been perceived archaic.

Nevertheless, African traditional music had undergone transformation and had given birth to the present forms of music, called it, hip hop, reggae, rock and roll etc.

In Yorubaland, music varies from one tribe to the other; Ife and Ijesa are notably known for Adamo, Erege and Osare; the Ekitis have their traditional genre, while Dadakuada and Fuji are common among the Oyo people.

In Ife/Ijesa, Adamo had much prominence as it is more than just a music. It tells the history, culture, religion, values and anthropology of the people, hence it is a common scene at any social function among them, and their women folk sing Osare, eulogising their ancestry and that of their spouse family, while men engage in Adamo.

The late Ijesa icon, Chief Adedara Arihunraloja brings the Adamo into forefront as early as 1940, while late Buraimoh Akanbi (Alawiye) Adewole held sway in Ile-Ife. Adewole hailed

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taken its rightful place, perhaps Durojaiye Aremu Olomide would have ranked among the world renown scholars and poets.

By Sola Jacobs

from Araba Awo compound, he tutored and mastered the late Chief Durojaiye Aremu who later gives more prominence and recognition to the music genre for over five decades.

Durojaiye Aremu was born to the late Pa Bello Odedoyin of Ogbingbin compound and late Mrs Folorunso Olomide Okerewe Igbodo area Ile-Ife. He grew up in his late paternal grandmother’s house, who hailed from Latale’s compound, Iremo, Ile-Ife. Before 1958, he had mastered the art of driving and had obtained official commercial driver’s license to drive lorry for the purpose of transporting

•Durojaiye Aremu

traders from farms to the town and villages.

The Alajapa which they call women who engage in petty trading like buying farm produce from one village to the other are mainly his clients and his talents came to bear as he always entertain them, while driving them to the villages.

More so, Ile-Ife being a community of highly fun-loving people, “The motorboy” Durojaiye then always get involved in conveying musical instruments to locations on weekend.

In this process, fate peer him up with Buraimoh Akanbi, popularly known as “Omo Orewuni” and he joined him.

Eventually, he was caught up singing and drumming under the maestro, which he did till 1966.

In the year 1966, Late chief Durojaiye Aremu was granted freedom by his master, Buraimo and because of his involvement in local “Osirigi” and traditional religious songs “Ewoo”, his other friends, Sunday Kayode, Ademola Adeyefa, Olu Odunlade, Olu Omiyera, Sanmi Egbewole (a.k.a Ogbekuletemu) and the only female among joined Aremu and they all started Durojaiye Band in 1966.

Common in his music were family panegyrics and religious practices, as he never failed to stress family values as epitomised in his album “Oko lade ori aya” among others.

If music had taken its rightful place, perhaps Durojaiye Aremu Olomide would have ranked among the world renown scholars and poets.

To save Ife and Ijesa of its Adamo music from going to extinction, the likes of Oyarekun Oyaro, Latifat Durojaiye, the daughter of the maestro should be encouraged, and many upcomings, such as Arike and her groups should also be encouraged.

FRIDAY AUGUST 4 - THURSDAY AUGUST 10, 2017

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Economic Development Levy, Tool To Boost IGR

By Babalola Wasiu If we are to rate the level of tax compliance of the people, especially taxable adult in the State of Osun, it is not an overstatement to say that the compliance is above average, as people are now being convinced of the significance of tax payment.

One of the most functioning tools or the determinants of government achievements is the level of government financial ability to meet the yearnings of the citizenry which all depend on how diversified government is on revenue generation. And as means to revenue generation to the coffer of the state, one of the ways is the introduction of Economic Development Levy.

Economic Development Levy is one of the levies on the approved list of taxes and levies of the Federal Republic of Nigeria Official Gazette, 2015.

It was promulgated under the Jonathan’s Administration through the coordinating Minister for the Economy and Minister of Finance, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo Iweala.

The objective behind this is to enhance the revenue generation of each state of the federation in complementary to whatever comes from the federation account for each

ïðñ òóôõñóñö÷ation In Osun Would Not Only Boost The Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), But Also Avail Job Seekers Employment Opportunity, Especially In The Area Of Collection. state to have ability to cater for the needs of the people.

Ever since 2015, immediately after the promulgation of this levy, some states of the federation have been on the close touch to the people in their various territories in implementing this levy.

Here in the State of Osun, the exact opposite is the case, as its implementation did not come, until the era of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, due to the passionate nature of the Governor and his believe in doctrine of consultation, rather than confrontation; liberal democracy, rather than being nepotistic as well as having a sense of collective responsibility rather than being coercive. This ideal held it back until 2017 after a due consultation has been established among the concerned stakeholders, including market men

and women associations under Chief David Iyiola, Babaloja General and Chief Alhaja Awawu Asindemade (JP), Iyaloja General of Osun respectively; head of associations of different Artisans and above all; consultation with traditional institutions across the state.

This was done in line with the directive of Governor Aregbesola to give the payment of the levy the appropriate awareness despite its legal backing before its implementation in the state.

The implementation of the Economic Development Levy in the State is nothing, but to enable the government to be financially buoyant in providing qualitative services to the citizenry which would serve as a panacea to overcome the economic recession in the state. Besides this, its implementation

in Osun would not only boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), but also avail job seekers employment opportunity, especially in the area of collection.

The rates are daily and weekly charged depending on the category of businesses. The analysis on the rates for all categories of businesses are: the motorcycles, tricycles and mini buses, popularly called “Korope” are paying N50 each on daily basis, market women and men on market days N50, while taxi and intra-state buses pays N100 per day, Tippers, trailers and other heavy duty trucks are also paying a sum of N200 each daily. And to crown it all, shops’ owners, stores, stall, kiosks and market traders, artisans, hawkers, night operators (i.e. Suya spots, Asun, Sharwama joints etc) and night food vendors are charged N100 weekly.

Residents of the state, especially market men and women, artisans as well as business men and women are therefore enjoined to live up to their civic responsibility on this clarion call to salvage the divine nature of Osun economy. Hence, the compliance with the payment schedule of Economic Development levy remains sacrosanct, being the only way to sustain the government efforts at turning around the economic fortune of the state.

Restructuring Nigeria's System And Nigerian's Mind

By Mary Akintewe Restructuring refers to as the phenomenon of western urban areas shifting from manufacturing to a service sector base. This is a transformation which will affect demographics, including income distribution, employment, social hierarchy, institutional arrangement which includes the growth of the corporate complex, specialised producer services, capital mobility, informal economy, non-standard work, and public outlays as well as geographical spacing.

Before the economics of a country can be restructured, the mindset of the citizens is the most paramount thing that must be considered. When the mindset of the public is not restructured, there can never be positive result. This is because, the mind is one of the fascinating human elements, especially the unconscious

part of it. It is programmed and reprogrammed in an infinite capacity.

There is one thing to note about Africans, most especially Nigerians which is that they do not need strong thing or strong institutions rather than the mind. There is need for the restructuring of the average Nigerians mind so that we can change. There is something we call ‘attitudinal change’ of Nigerian towards Nigeria itself, because we have the bereaved system that killed our moral values, whereby people no longer think we should do those things that we do in the past such as general acts of moral values, respect for women, for institutions, thorough discipline for anybody that violate the law or steals anything that belongs to the government and the society and many more.

There is a need for us to bring back that system which all revolves around the mindset. The mind is key to us, we must know that it is a tool to correct

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Restructure The Average Nigerian’s Mind Or Mind Of Anybody In Particular, The Person Possibly Will Be Able To Bring A Positive Change To The Society. ‘‘Men’’ and it’s a way we can build positive morals, values, characters, attitude and tradition. It’s a mental faculty towards thinking about how to add value to the society itself.

So, if we really restructure the average Nigerian’s mind or mind of

anybody in particular, the person possibly will be able to bring a positive change to the society. There is need for us to come together and draw out a new master plan that will address the social, moral, economic and political crises that brought about most of these agitations.

When the mindset of Nigerians is restructured, it will promote national development, educational development which is based on the culture and value of the Nigeria people.

Separation is never the answer to the ongoing challenges, but the restructuring of Nigerian mind and system is. The contest for power, ethnic and religious intolerance and mutual suspicion had stopped the country from gaining its full potentials. Therefore, if we really restructure the average Nigerian’s mind, it will bring about a positive change to the society.

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

Looking Before Leaping úû A Country Where

By Emmanuel Adedokun

The recent ultimatum by the Teachers’ Registration Council of Nigeria (TRCN) that all non-registered teachers both in public and private institutions within the country would be flushed out of the system by January, 2018 came as a surprise. Conceding the fact that one of the reasons for this development is to sanitise the entire educational system, thereby stabilising the standard of education, but at the same time, we believe that a lot of groundwork needs to be done by TRCN before the implementation of this regulation.

There are certain questions puzzling the consciousness of some stakeholders in the education sector: Has the TRCN been able to estimate and identify the total number of teachers currently teaching in both the public and private primary and secondary schools in Nigeria? This, we believe would enable the TRCN to close the gap between the number of registered teachers and non-registered teachers when the latter are eventually

Professor Josiah Olusegun Ajiboye, Registrar/Chief, CEO TRCN

Majority Of Projections And Forecasts Are Extremely Unreliable And Are Laden With Negativities And Constant Emotional Upheavals, Steps Must Be Taken By Trcn To Ensure That A Conceptual-logical Approach Is Taken To Control Any Deficiency Associated With Its Objectives.

flushed out of the system.

How would the TRCN enforce the harmonization of the disparity between the public and private school teachers’ remunerations, given the fact that they are all registered teachers?

Willy-nilly, the gestation period would witness the dearth of registered

teachers, especially in the private schools which may eventually lead to the falling standard of education. In this instance, what can we do as a nation?

Let me quickly remind the TRCN that majority of qualified and registered teachers who have found their ways into the employment of other industries

like banks and oil industries would never be convinced to come back to the profession any longer due to the huge amount of remunerations being offered by those industries.

In a country where majority of projections and forecasts are extremely unreliable and are laden with negativities and constant emotional upheavals, steps must be taken by TRCN to ensure that a conceptuallogical approach is taken to control any deficiency associated with its objectives.

An investigation recently carried out among some teachers within the country has revealed that most of the non-registered teachers in both the public and private institutions are more dedicated and committed to their responsibilities than the registered teachers.

In essence, the TRCN should be resilient in its approach in order to avoid any ludicrous and venomous result which may eventually threaten the foundation of education in the country.

•ADEDOKUN, writes from Osogbo.

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â&#x20AC;˘One of the bridged, constructed by Aregbesola administration. remain a thorn in their flesh or they are planning for future waterloo because those being deprived of better life today will gang up later to annihilate them and their future generations. The blood of the innocent majority that they have deprived of normal means of livelihood and survival will continue to cry against them.

It is in the face of this hopeless situation that few Governors are still striving to make a difference in the life of their people. I remember in the year 2009 when some students from the Colleges of Education in Osun chose to paralyse commercial and social activities in Osogbo Township. People could not move into town from Ataoja area, while the motorist and people at old governorâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s office could not move towards OgoOluwa area. The only way out was for motorist to turn back and merry-goround the state capital and pass through Ede and subsequently link the OsogboGbongan road at Akoda. The story is different today as one can easily pass through Dada estate area and link the road beside Ataoja High School Osogbo, within a few minutes; courtesy of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who opened up the major towns in the state in order to make life easier for people living therein.

I have had opportunity to travel to some towns in Europe. I can conveniently say that what the governor of the state of Osun is doing is to ensure

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OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

Osun People And The Response To Service (II) There seems to be serious disconnect between the information the grapevine sources are disseminating and the reality on ground. It is like a scenario of a someone telling another human being what apparently is black in colour should be taken as white. It is simply logical that the person being deceived should call the bluff of the deceiver, telling him to tell such to the marine. For the person being deceived to fall for the deception of the crafty companion, is like proving to the whole world that the power of the discernment has been decimated by the antics of someone who by no means is superior in aptitude and logic. For such misrepresentation of facts to stand therefore, it is an indirect way of calling the people elements of foolery with no remedy.

One thing that is sure today is that anything recession must be seen as the strongest menace that must be fought.

We must also rout out our past extravagance and profligacy. What we have now is purely a similitude of the post-civil war era, when the then Head of State came up with a chagrin generalisation that Nigeriaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s problem was not money, but how to spend the money. The only difference between the two is the non-expression of the latter as it was for the former. Rather than make open proclamation, the custodians of our commonwealth held their peace. They connived to make top secret their intention, to empty the treasury and share among the influential members of the political class. The greatest headache of the government at the centre now is how to track down the looted fund and to channel such back into productive ventures that will take us out of the woods.

The misunderstanding that we have of economic indices might have also blinded our eyes to the truth that the looting spree of our treasury represents serious disservice that all those responsible need to weep and suffer for.

What is our sin in Nigeria that only very few people are designed to have access to our money? This loot has been estimated to be enough to fund our current plans and the future budget proposals of six to eight years. This is shrouded in serious confusion because not all the loot can be recovered fully.

Some beneficiaries must come to terms with the reality that if they choose to keep the money, it is either that they have demonised the money, and as such, it is the spirit controlling them, and it will

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Of This Hopeless Situation That Few Governors Are Still Striving To Make A Difference In The Life Of Their People. that when people travel to such big cities and towns, they will not behave strangely because of what are already in place. A new mindset and social behaviour are being inculcated. Sadly, I saw a relapse into bad behaviour of old last week, when the traffic marshals positioned around first bank along Gbongan road tried to caution a man who parked the car wrongly. I later realised that the man deliberately wanted to foment trouble. Not knowing my position on the matter, he told me to always call the bluff of Aregbesolaâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s traffic marshals because their actions are synonymous with anti-people policy that can cause any government to face rejection at the poll. I was forced to ask

him a question and the question bothers on whether he has ever travelled out of Nigeria or not. Not knowing where I was heading to, he enthusiastically told me he has had opportunity to visit a few countries including Germany and United Kingdom. What an irony!

In the two places that the man mentioned, nobody will be allowed to park anyhow. They obey rules and order without necessarily waiting to be penalised. Why then should someone who even boasted that he has a house he procured by mortgage in U.K choose to become a deviant in his state of nativity; all because he felt the opposition should make the state ungovernable for the Governor. To whose disadvantage would it be, if Governor Aregbesola is prevented from finishing the projects he has started as promised? A laudable project that is halted half-way can surely not bring a sense of satisfaction and belonging to a rational being. This is where all right-thinking persons should pray for the success of the ongoing drive towards transforming the state which before now was a glorified slum.

Our recalcitrance has dealt us devastating blows in the past. The state is now totally free from the menace of flooding, but some people still believe that the best thing to do is to dump refuse in the dredged waterways, gutters and drainages, especially when it is envisaged by meleorologist that that the state will experience heavy downpour this year. This kind of careless behaviour will surely draw us backward. Again, we now enjoy the legacy of durable projects for four to five years running. We can see solid roads that are yet to give in to potholes. that dotted all roads constructed before the regime of Ogbeni Aregbesola. The drainages are solidly done and it only takes a good maintenance culture on the part of the citizenry for the roads to endure a long period of usage. With good road network and stable electricity, the peopleâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;s economic activities are bound to receive a boost that no one will say he/she does not have a room conducive for operation in any field of practice.

We must support every move to up the income generation strategy by government. Tax payment is a civic responsibility that can help stabilise the economy, if well harnessed. Failure to support the government which has shown seriousness in doing business will be counter productive for the people at the end of the day. We have achieved reasonable level of change that we all can be proud of. A comparison between the outlook of the towns and villages in preAregbesola era and the state now will help all of us to appreciate what the present governor has actually achieved.

All hands must be on deck to ensure that those who only have interest in cake sharing have no chance to return. The stringent conditions we have endured so far must be allowed to yield fruits of respite which will make us proud that we have not suffered in vain.

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

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