December 7, 2018 Online Version Of Osun Defender Newspaper

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

www.osundefender.com/index.php

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

VOL. 013. NO.45

e-mail: osundefender.yahoo.com

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

An Invigorating First Week In Office As Oyetola Hits The Ground Running •Emphasises Inclusivity P. 7 •Intervenes In Accident Scene P. 3

•Appoints Seasoned Professional As Chief Press Secretary P. 11 •Civil Servants Get Assurance Of Adequate Welfare P. 3 •Ready for action...... with a confident gait Oyetola set for business.

Behind The Scenes At Dr Ajibola Basiru’s Campaign Flag-off

Traditional Rulers, Market Women, SDP, Others Page 2 Declare Support See Editorial On Page 4

2

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

Traditional Rulers, Market Women, SDP, Others Declare Support For SRJ

By Solomon Odeniyi A mammoth crowd gathered on Tuesday at the Freedom Park, Osogbo for the flag-off of the Osun Central Senatorial Election Campaign of the immediate past Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General, Dr Ajibola Basiru of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to declare their support for him.

People from the Central hours to drum support for senatorial district which the one they referred to as literally consists of Osogbo, “Alubarika” Olorunda, Irepodun, translated “good fortune”.

Some with placards while Orolu, Ila , Boluwaduro, Odo-otin, Ifedayo, others chanted songs in Ifelodun and Boripe local praise of the APC standard governments defied the bearer.

Ace Fuji musician, King scorching sun, standing for

Saheed Osupa who was on stand to thrill the audience did not hide his admiration for the APC senatorial hopeful as he urged lovers of his music to ensure the emergence of Ajibola Basiru.

The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun who showered encomium on the candidate declared that the royal fathers in the district were solidly behind him, urging the crowd to rally support for the candidate.

Speaking on behalf of the market women and men, the Iya Oloja-General of Osun, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade averred that they were impressed with SRJ’s philanthropic gestures, saying, he merited the seat he was jostling for.

She promised that market women and men in the district would give him maximum votes to win the central senatorial election come February 2019.

The Hausa Community

•Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola gets rousing welcome at Ilesa after his eight years tenure.

Confusion In Olosa-Oko Compound Over Mysterious Death Of Five Yetunde while the two

By Sikiru Obarayese others cannot breathe very Residents of Olosa-Oko compound in Osogbo are well. still in darkness as to the main cause of the death of a We tried to ask them family of five who lost their lives mysteriously last what happened, but the week. mother was unconscious About ten days after who was at the scene of the and the other girl was still their demise, people are yet rescue operation spoke breathing but couldn’t talk to know the cause of their sympathetically that, “On after which she died at death.

Wednesday morning, we hospital in Ile-Ife, while the Residents of the area did not see them to come 7-month-old boy also died have since been relying on out for their normal later.” speculations about the morning assignment, I saw He further stated that the cause of death of the the 7-months-old boy husband of the deceased victims. crawling out and crying. I mother is also a police While some are took him in and discovered officer and was working at speculating that the victims the corpses of Jumoke and Abeokuta but do check on died of poison, some were saying that it was a spiritual attack, while some were claiming that they

By Israel Afolabi died of generator fume.

The community was The Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly thrown into turmoil last Wednesday as a family of Dr. Najeem Salaam has confirmed the appointment five; a mother, daughter, of Simeon Akinwale as the substantive Permanent two grand-daughters and a Secretary cum Clerk of the state Assembly.

7-month-old great According to the In similar vein, Sola grandson slept at night but was also release, the appointments did not wake up the Omiyefa appointed as the take effect from 1st of following day.

A source who was very secretary Cum December 2018. close to the family told this permanent secretary The new clerk of the medium that the mother, House of Assembly house, Amusan is a who was an Inspector of Service Commission. holder of Bachelor Police and her daughter This was contained in Degree in Political were found in the sitting from the room on Wednesday a press release made Science to Osun prestigious Obafemi morning with underwear available fighting for their lives Defender at the state Awolowo University, Ilewhile the two grand- house of Assembly Ife. daughters, Jumoke and complex Osogbo, state of He also holds Master Yetunde had already given Osun.

Degree in Business up the ghost.

The source said their MRS. OLADEJO ADERONKE KILANI ISIAQ ORISAWALE neighbours called the Osun BOLANLE state Ambulance to rescued That I was formerly That I was formerly them as they seem to be known and addressed as known and addressed as choking and were rushed MISS. ADESOMIRO KILANI AYANDA to the LAUTECH teaching ADERONKE BOLANLE, ISIAQ, but now wish to be hospital where the police but now wish to be known known and addressed as Inspector died, while the and addressed as MRS. KILANI ISIAQ daughter was referred to OLADEJO ADERONKE ORISAWALE. All former OAUTH to save her before BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. she finally surrender to the documents remain valid.

General public should take ultimate hand of death.

Sterling Bank and General One of the neighbours note. public should take note.

the family periodically.

It was also gathered that the door was found opened and all the bodies were found naked with only underwears.

Meanwhile, the Police Public Relations Officer, Sade Odoro told this medium that police could not reveal any information about the deceased.

She said further that they could not assert who killed them saying investigation was still ongoing on the matter.

Osun Assembly Confirms Appointment Of New Clerk Administration from the University of Ilorin.

Amusan joined the civil service of Osun in 2001 as an Education Officer II before he was converted into the Administrative Cadre.

SANGOTAYO ABIODUN OLAWUMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as OYERINDE PETER OLUWOLE, but now wish to be known and addressed as OYERINDE PETER ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank and General public should take note.

SANGOTAYO ABIODUN OLAWUMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as SANGOTAYO ABIODUN OLUFUNMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as SANGOTAYO ABIODUN OLAWUMI. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank and General public should take note.

in the district also endorsed Basiru’s candidature, promising to cast their votes in favour of the APC standard-bearer and other candidates of the party in the 2019 general elections.

Students who hail from the area described the APC’s candidate as a man they love so dearly, adding that having weighed the profile of other candidates jostling for the same position, they had no option than to support the learned, competent and progressive minded SRJ. The chairman of Alliance of Collaborating Political Parties (ACPP), Prince Adesoji Masilo and Social Democratic Party (SDP) members in the district, led by Alhaji Rasak Adejumo also pledged their supports to Ajibola, according to them, he is the only one who can bring progress to the district.

Overwhelmed by the huge crowd, the governor of the state, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola said he was convinced that SRJ had won the election.

He enjoined the voters to ensure that all candidates in the ruling APC are elected in order to have good representatives at both the federal and state level that would fast

track the rights and privileges due to the state, stressing that the party’s candidates are competent and merited to be voted for.

Oyetola who lamented the huge number of voided votes at the last guber poll in the state, urged the voters to ensure they get educated about the voting procedures before casting their ballots.

He assured the people that aside from the statutory duties expected of a senator, Ajibola would ensure that good programmes and basic amenities that would satisfy the yearnings of the people are brought to his constituency.

Speaking, the senatorial hopeful promised that if elected, he would empower the people of the state through vocational and technical trainings which would see to the abolition of poverty in the district.

“I am committed to putting up a scheme to employ our teeming unemployed graduates.

We would also see to the empowerment of our farmers. We would establish Dr Ajibola Basiru Food Bank. I believe seeing to the welfare of the people is the major reason for governance, we are also committed to this”, he pledged.

APC Modakeke Declares Support For Oyetola

By Sikiru Obarayese Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Modakeke have reiterated their support for the new Governor of the State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola who was just inaugurated into office recently.

“We want to re-energize The Coordinator of APC Renewal Group in APC in Modakeke towards Modakeke, Barrister winning February 2019 Manasseh Ehile stated this election for Buhari and to during a meeting at the groom support for Oyetola party secretariat in and his administration,” he added.

Modakeke last Monday.

He said further that the He said, the party, under Governor Oyetola, will be party in Modakeke is stronger in the town as it renewing its agenda and was in 2005 during the strength, to mop up struggle of former opposition party in the Governor, Rauf town, saying, “We are a Aregbesola. community of progressive Manasseh said the low and we want it to remain turnout of the party in that way.”

Modakeke during the last One of the members of September 22 the group, Moshood governorship election in Akojede, frowned at the the state was due to the attitude of the so called lack of leadership of the party in the area, which leaders.

“When we started the according to him, was struggle for Oranmiyan in responsible for the low 2005, we scored the highest performance of the party votes of 11,700 in the 2007 during the governorship election. But we have been election, adding that the failing because wrong party does not have people were put in chairman since the last three years. leadership position.”

He urged the state SALAUDEEN ABDULJALAL leaders of the APC in Osun OLAMILEKAN to help the party in That I was formerly Modakeke by ensuring known and addressed as that the party conducts its MALLAM JALAI congress next year to RAZAN RAJI, but now appoint leaders in the wish to be known and town. addressed as SALAUDEEN A B D U L J A L A L Some of the party elders OLAMILEKAN. All former present at the meeting documents remain valid. include Chief Lawrence General public should take Oyetoki, Basiru Lawal note. among others.

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

3

Oyetola’s First Week In Office Workers Get Assurance Of Adequate Welfare Package

By Saindat AbdulRouf Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has assured the civil servants in the employment of the state government that their welfare will always be given priority.

This is just as he restated General Managers and his strong resolve to Directors under the service entrenchment of of the state government.

He appreciated the state participatory governance of his administration workforce for the support accorded his predecessor, through constant meeting with civil servants with a Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and for standing by him view to prioritizing their the last welfare which he during maintained was very gubernatorial election which culminated in his germane to achieving optimal productivity from eventual victory.

The Governor solicited the state workforce.

Governor Oyetola stated the support of all and most especially the this at a parley with sundry, civil servants, enjoining Permanent Secretaries, them to always seek Coordinating Directors, Executive Secretaries, productivity first and other things such as prompt

payment of salaries and other lofty welfare packages shall be added unto it, emphasizing that they must always seek to merit what they earn.

The State Helmsman enjoined the civil servants to join hands with him to ensure the achievement of significant increase in the internally generated revenue more so that what the state presently earns from Abuja is meagre which he affirmed has made looking inwards for alternative source of finance inevitable.

According to him, increase in internally generated revenue is a strong solution to the lingering paucity of funds afflicting the state

enjoining the accounting officers to come up with ideas that can be of great assistance to the state.

He maintained that his doors are always open for ideas that can be of great assistance to the state, stressing that Osun is a project that everyone must

ensure does not fail, as he assured them that service to the people is the common objective he shared with the state workforce, knowing that the common objective is pivotal to the success of his administration.

Governor Oyetola

enjoined the state workers to redouble their efforts in the area of productivity, assuring them of his unflinching supports in the area of prioritizing their salaries and other welfare packages.

‘My Commitment To Social Protection Resolute’ Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has Operation Coordinating restated his commitment to social protection which he Unit (SOCU), through described as a sector that exclusively takes care of the which Public Workfare poor and vulnerable in the society. component, State Cash The Governor stated domains and the Transfer Unit, Skills for Job this while playing host to painstaking process component, Osun Health the Osun Youth generates the Single Employment and Social Register of the Poor and Insurance Scheme get their Support Operation Vulnerable Households database of potential (YESSO) delegation in his domiciled with the State beneficiaries. office in Osogbo.

Governor Oyetola who commended the Osun YESSO Family for keeping the success flag of the

By Kehinde Ayantunji support operation flying, The Governor of Osun, Mr Isiaka Adegboyega assured of his a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s Oyetola, has assured the people of the state that he maximum support in its would run a participatory, people-oriented and all quest at waging war inclusive government. against poverty and He said his government administration would vulnerability in the state. would spare no effort to pursue policies and In his presentation at the ensure the sustainability of programmes that will set event, the state the good works recorded the state on the path of Coordinator, Osun by his predecessor. progress as being YESSO, Mr. Femi Ifaturoti Oyetola said his envisaged by its founding maintained that YESSO administration would fathers. came around to address focus on the six-point He promised that the wrong targeting, double integral action plan of the state under his watch dipping, overlapping and previous administration would witness other issues that have which he described as u n p r e c e d e n t e d characterized and noble ‘pact’ for socio- development in all areas of mitigated against the economic and political the economy, noting that successes of past social development. he has mapped out protection initiatives in Governor Oyetola made strategy to convey Nigeria. the statement at different economic summit where Mr. Ifaturoti stated that events he attended as part issues relating to the peculiarity of YESSO is of his first outings after his s o c i o e c o n o m i c its Community Based inauguration as the fifth advancement of the state Targeting (CBT) Osun civilian Governor on would be instrument which confers 27th November, 2018. comprehensively the ownership of the At the special inter- discussed. targeting process on the denominational prayer Governor Oyetola who affected communities session heralding his solicited the people’s generated from a poverty assumption of office on support, called on map, maintaining that the Thursday, Governor religious leaders to always communities identify the Oyetola said his put the success of the state poorest of the poor in their

•Governor Gboyega Oyetola, (middle); his deputy, Benedict Alabi, (3rd left); the Head of Service, Dr Olowogboyega Oyebade, (2nd left); YESSO Team Leader, Femi Ifaturoti (2nd right); Prince Tunde Ajilore (right) and Mr Femi Odulaja (left) during the YESSO Team’s visit to the governor.

‘I Will Consolidate On Osun Socio-Economic Development’ forward in their prayers.

While addressing people at different interactive fora with top civil servants and government functionaries in his office, Governor Oyetola commended the proletariats in the state for being supportive and collaborative for the success of the previous administration.

He called on civil servants in the state to buckle-up and be more alive to their responsibilities at ensuring that the state revenue base jerks up to meet its statutory obligations to the people of the state.

Oyetola who lamented on the revenue base of the state, noted that the sustainability of the ongoing development and transformation lie mostly on its capacity to generate more revenue than it presently does.

He said for the state to actualise its dreams and set objectives, no effort

must be spared by all at strengthening the revenue base of the state.

While describing the revenue as a veritable instrument to drive genuine development, he added that Osun has the potential to improve on her revenue base and generate enough funds that can cater for its needs as a state.

Oyetola described Osun w o r k f o r c e as hardworking, resilient and proactive, saying, his administration will do everything possible to strengthen the good relationship between the executive and the civil service in the state.

The Governor promised to always champion the course of collective interest of the people and civil servants, saying no civil servant will suffer under his watch.

According to him, Osun has shown a great example in the management of human and capital

Osun Gov. Rescues Accident Victims Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola on Sunday rescued accident victims on the Sagamu axis of the Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

The governor and his Ibadan, the Oyo State entourage, whose convoy capital, sustained injuries arrived at the scene of the in the road accident. accident, alighted from The accident, which their vehicles and joined occurred at 12.30 p.m, the rescue team. involved a black Toyota He immediately called for an ambulance to take Corolla and a commercial the victims to the Mazda 12-seater bus.

The commercial bus hospital.

Twelve passengers somersaulted after it travelling to Lagos from collided with the car.

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

resources as being reflected in the numerous achievements recorded so far, even during difficult times.

“We are on a clarion call to further cement the foundation of the good works already laid by the immediate past administration.

“As we all know, our state has maintained steady transformation over the years and our coming to government will orchestrate more developments as we are determined to make lives more abundant and worthwhile for all and sundry.

“We will ensure the completion of the ongoing projects and initiate more, as this will not only set our state on the path of progress but turn Osun to socio-economic pacesetter.

“To us, development is mandatory and no effort will be spared to achieve this lofty idea as our policies and programmes will be hinged on impacting lives and advancing our state.

“As a matter of fact, we need a change of attitude towards revenue generation as it is obvious that our state needs adequate funds to meet up with its statutory obligations.

“So, it has become imperative on us as workers and citizens to support the state in its bid at improving on her revenue base”, Oyetola said.

PAGE

4 A Steady Gait From A New Governor The right man for the job has assumed office with a sure touch. Confident, urbane and relaxed Gboyega Oyetola has activated a seamless transition with his preparedness for the arduousness of office.

A flurry of activities has been in place all week. He made a very favourable impression when he interacted with the state’s civil servants. This is vital with negotiations over a new minimum wage in sight. With his relaxed outlook he is

clearly walking the talk on inclusivity. The discussion with Osun State’s legislative arm also showed an expansiveness which will help to prevent legislative gridlock. Often presented as a rather cold and diffident technocrat, Oyetola is beginning to assume the toga of a political natural.

Its morning yet in the state of Osun, but the new helmsman is creating a positive atmosphere and carrying critical stakeholders along. On our part we love it.

Its morning yet in the state of Osun, but the new helmsman is creating a positive atmosphere and carrying critical stakeholders along.

Senator for Osun Central Senatorial district. Dr Ajibola fits the bill in so many ways. For a start, his intellectual preparation is unassailable and very widely admired. Furthermore, he has been of party affiliation. In this vein we endorse at the forefront professionally, just the candidature of Dr Bashiru Ajibola as concluding a tenure as a diligent and innovative Attorney General of the state of Osun.

In our considered opinion, he fits the bill as the right man for the job. This in no way disparages his co-contestants.

Nevertheless, the decade ahead 2020-2030, is not just decisive, it is make or break for the people of our country. The country needs to field its first eleven and Dr Ajibola is in the front-rank, representing one of the best and the brightest of a generation.

This is clearly reflected in his incisive and thoughtful statement of intent during his declaration in Osogbo a few days ago.

We endorse him as the Senator to represent Osun Central and recommend him to the worthy electors of the senatorial district.

The Legislative Elections Matter •An Endorsement For SRJ The events of the last few years have shown incontrovertibly that the decisions taken by the electorate as to which candidates to send to the national assembly is crucial. We have seen in recent times that a recalcitrant national assembly could act as a break on the implementation of a progressive programme. We must ensure that this must never happen again.

If as expected, President Muhammadu Buhari is re-elected, he needs a solid progressive majority in the national assembly to ensure the consolidation of the progressive agenda and take good governance to the next desired level.

The quality of the personnel in the national assembly is of utmost importance.

For this reason Osun Defender will in the next few weeks be recommending to our teeming readers aspirants who it will be in their best interest to vote for irrespective

Dr Ajibola fits the bill in so many ways. For a start, his intellectual preparation is unassailable and very widely admired.

Osun Should Have Disability Law In Place According to World Bank and World Health Organisation in their 2011 reports, there are about one billion persons with disabilities in the world with 80 per cent living in developing countries. It is estimated that only five per cent of adults with disabilities are literate while more than 98 per cent of Children with Disabilities have no access to preparatory and elementary education.

Depending on the context, living conditions and the definition of disability used in a given country, 15 to 20 per cent of the population has disability issues.

There are over 25 million Nigerians who suffer from one physical deformity or the other, with over 3.5million of them having difficulties in moving around. This is according to the National Coordinator of the Association of Indigenous People with Disabilities (AIPD), Dr. Joseph Ify Chikunie.

The North- East is reported to have the highest number of persons with disabilities and the South West the lowest proportion.

In percentage, they represent 30 per cent of the nation’s population.

Due to their disability status, they cannot compete equally with able bodied persons in the income generating activities.

Before now, the persons with disability form the bulk of Nigeria’s community of beggars and the never-do -well people who rely heavily on those at the other end, no thanks to the society. Though, their narrative is changing, as we now have many Persons with Disabilities who are educated, enlightened, cosmopolitan and influential individuals, still a lot of challenges persist and one of them is the cry that government had no programme or special provision for the persons with disabilities.

As quipped by a lecturer in UNILAG, ”the greatest challenge is impediment in mobility; such people could be trained for worthy causes that will suit their kind of deformity.”

If they are being engaged

and trained for worthy causes, we will have a huge number of them not only being productive to themselves alone but the nation at large.

Even then, there have been numerous efforts on the part of the Nigerian government to ameliorate the sufferings of the persons with disabilities, but it is saddening that while eight states including Lagos, Ekiti and Plateau have all passed the Disability bill, we are yet to have it done at the national level. This is appalling for a nation which signed and ratified the

United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities and its Optional Protocol on May 28, 2007 and October 27, 2008 respectively with the pledge to promote, protect and ensure the full and equal enjoyment of all human rights and fundamental freedom by all persons with disabilities.

Therefore, this year’s theme of Disability Day, which is focusing on empowering people with disabilities for an inclusive, equitable and sustainable development as part of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development aimed at creating a situation where no one is left behind, is appropriate.

However, the new governor of the state of Osun must key into this, and ensure that the state is enlisted among states with a law protecting the persons with disabilities. Besides, he must show that he is for everyone by offering one or two of them with appointments.

•IBRAHIM ADEWALE, Osogbo, Osun State.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

–

Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Editor

–

Kazeem Mohammed

Lagos Editor

–

Kola Odepeju

News Editor

-

Shina Abubakar

Production Editor

–

Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter

–

Sola Jacobs

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

– – –

Kehinde Ayantunji Ismaeel Uthman Israel Afolabi Francis Ezediuno

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager

–

Murtala Agboola

Graphics Designer – Computer Operator – Computer Operator -

Lukman Ussein Mary Akintola Zainab Olalere

(0806-220-7954)

Advert Executive

–

Nike Adeyemi

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

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0806-220-7954, 08061197897 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, osundefenderbank@gmail.com

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

5

MAGAZINE TUESDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

Osun: An Historic Transition

From the march pass, inspection of guards to the special calisthenics performance, SOLOMON ODENIYI reports that the inauguration of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola was colourful and indeed a sight to behold as many within and outside the state thronged the venue in their thousands to witness the change of baton.

Both within and outside Osogbo Township Stadium, the venue of the swearing-in ceremony was crowded with thousands of residents of the state and members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), including those not domiciled in the state. They thronged in to witness the change of guards from the former Governor, Rauf Aregbesola to Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Gboyega Alabi as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively.

The scorching sun did not stop people from attending the inauguration, rather it was seen as a beam of a new hope from above, as many were seen abandoning their vehicles and trekking long distances to get to the venue to catch a glimpse of the event.

Aside from those inside the stadium, several others stayed outside as they could not gain entry into the center of the venue. Some resigned to fate while others forced their way in. Security in and around the venue was extraordinary, as men of the Nigerian Army, police, Customs, Civil Defence and many other security personnel frisked persons going into the venue at virtually all gates. However, the personnel had hectic time controlling the crowd wanting to gain access to the already jam-packed stadium. Teargas was released to disperse the crowd.

In a carnival-like manner, men and women in different attires bearing the inscription and portrait of the new governor, sang his praises while dancing and drumming. Also, the guards that comprises of men from the Nigerian Police Force, Cadets from the state youth empowerment scheme, OYES, Corps members serving in the state, Tailors’ Association and the state Sheriff among others thrilled spectators with their well executed march past to which the governor embarked on a ride to inspect.

Also on ground was the ace Fuji Musician, King Wasiu Ayinde Marshal, K1 whose song the immediate past governor, Aregbesola of the state and Asiwaju Bola Tunubu danced to for a certain period of the ceremony to the admiration of those at the venue.

Oyetola, a former Chief of Staff in the state to the immediate past governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola was sworn in as the fifth civilian governor of Osun since the return to civil rule in 1999, in a manner observers described as the smoothest transition in the history of the state. It was also regarded as historic as it was the first time in the history of the state that a governor would be succeeded by someone from his political party.

The oath of office was administered by the Chief Judge of Osun, Justice

•Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right) handling over to Governor Gboyega Oyetola while their wives watch.

It was regarded as historic as it was the first time in the history of the state that a governor would be succeeded by someone from his political party.

Adepele Ojo on Oyetola at 1:15pm, while his deputy, Gboyega Alabi took the oath of office at exactly 1:00pm.

Tinubu in his goodwill message commended the administration of Ogbeni for coming up with lots of welfare and progressive programmes, describing the former governor’s handing over to a new one from his party as a no mean achievement.

He appreciated Aregbesola for walking the path of progressive and urged the new governor to take the same path that has given his predecessor the day.

The APC national leader also assured the president of the support of the west, saying there was no party order than APC in the region.

He added, “No going back to the greed, selfish and corruption of the past that held the nation’s progress. We are not going back to old foxes, scavengers and old greed in the country.

“Look back at the last 16 years, if they

had laid any foundation, much wouldn’t have been done by Buhari. They did not lay any foundation, instead, the privatization, personalization theory of greed was the order of the day.

Oyetola pledged that the power entrusted in him would be put to good use, restating his commitment that he would build on the achievement already built by the past administration till everyone in the state feels the beneficial effects of governance.

He assured that the welfare of workers and pensioners would be resolutely defended, extended and prioritized under his watch, adding that workers salaries would be paid promptly having in mind the financial inflow of the state Repositioning the economy of the state Oyetola noted, “We shall be organizing the Osun Economic Summit within the first quarter of our year in office. The summit will dissect and recommend strategies which will drive meaningful employment for our youth, enhance food security, agricultural development

activate mining prospects and boost tourism in our state which will showcase Osun as strategic location for industrialization.

Oyetola noted that he was convinced that the peaceful atmosphere, a welcoming people , the low crime rate, the communal peace and the relative stability of electricity would enable his administration generate jobs and create wealth, noting that his administration would improve on the IGR in ways that would not bring additional burden to the people.

He said his administration would work in partnership with the private sector that will establish light manufacturing industries in the major sectors of the economy to create at least 30,000 jobs.

He added that his administration would provide financial support and other incentives for startups that would employ a minimum of ten other workers as well as leveraging on innovation of science and technology to create jobs in the knowledge economy and ICT, stressing that, it will be the posit of our administration to assist every able body persons to be gainfully employed.

“Our administration will run a people friendly government which focuses on growth, creation of jobs, social protection, inclusive governance and sustainable upgrade in the standard

•Continued on page 6

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

7

Excerpts from Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s inauguration speech, titled “A HOPE RENEWED” after his swearing-in on Tuesday, December 27, 2018 at Osogbo City Stadium.

Oyetola’s Mission Statement We will build on the progress already achieved and we shall do so farm by farm, industry by industry, village by village, school by school, person by person, until everyone in this state feels the beneficial influence of progressive good governance in the most important aspects of their lives.

‘

“

The mandate to govern this state will be held in close trust by me.

This trust will not be abused. I state clearly that this is our commitment.

” “

’“

We shall learn from the past, yet we shall never be stuck in the past, we shall forge ahead to sustain the hope and greatest good of the greatest number of our people

”

We will combine the sagacity of Obafemi Awolowo, the vision of Bola Ige, the wisdom of Bisi Akande, the dexterity of Bola Tinubu and the innovative capacity of Rauf Aregbesola to make our State even greater.

We will ensure that workers’ salaries are paid promptly bearing in mind the financial inflow of the state. We shall resolutely defend, extend and prioritise the welfare of workers and pensioners.

To reposition the economy of our great state, we shall organise the Osun Economic Summit within the first quarter of our first year in office. The multi-stage, multi- stakeholder summit will dissect and recommend strategies which will drive meaningful youth employment, enhance food security, agricultural development, activate mining prospects and boost tourism potentials of this state. We will showcase Osun as a strategic location for industrialisation.

We are convinced that the peaceful atmosphere, a welcoming people, low crime rate, communal peace and the relative stability of electricity supply (particularly in the capital city) will attract local and foreign investors.

We will develop the free trade zone while strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a way to enhance their productive capacity to generate jobs and create wealth. To further boost our local economy and increase the revenue base, we shall make Osun a cultural destination and a tourism enterprise zone in the Southwest.

We shall improve on the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state in ways that do not bring additional burden to the people. We will make health and education more accessible. Employment opportunities will be created through industrialization and expansion of agricultural activities through appropriate incentives.

To boost agriculture and food security, our administration will consolidate on the agricultural land expansion programme (the Land Bank), with additional target of 20,000 hectares to the Land Bank. We will establish nine (9) new farm settlements (one each per federal constituency) while we push forward on our promise to establish agro-industrial parks and produce markets.

It is time to create jobs for our youths. We will upgrade our vocational technical institutions to make them more vibrant with the demands of a technology-driven, fast-paced world. We will in partnership with the private sector, establish light manufacturing industries in the major sectors of the economy to create at least 30,000 jobs.

We will seek the full development of the proposed mid-regional market hub and establishment of Osun Dry Port through publicprivate partnership. We will refurbish and expand existing markets in major towns.

Our administration recognizes the importance of intra and inter-city roads to facilitate movement of goods and people. We will continue to muster resources to build strategic roads across the state.

As we promised during the campaign, the era of a mono-cultural economy must end. We will do all within our capacity to explore and fully utilize our stock of solid minerals. We shall re-position the Omoluabi Minerals Company for resource mapping and exploration of minerals.

Our administration will promote equitable and value-based developmental education that emphasizes competence and character as reflected in the principle and philosophy of Omoluabi. We will sustain the massive investment in school infrastructure development.

Our commitment to primary health care in particular will be given impetus as highlighted in our campaign manifesto. We will encourage our people to key into the social health insurance scheme started by the immediate past administration… We are committed to the environment, to ensure that Osun achieves the Sustainable Development Goal 6 on water and sanitation for all.

We will provide financial support and other incentives for startups that will employ a minimum of ten (10) other workers. We will also leverage innovation, science and technology to create jobs in the knowledge economy and ICT.

”

8

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Oyetola’s Wife Flags Off SUBEB PS, Kolawole OSBC’s Christmas Show Unveils Biography, NGO

By Solomon Odeniyi

•Wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Kafayat Oyetola (middle); Wife of Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Titilola Alabi (right) and the Santa Clause.

By Sola Aderinto First Lady of the State of Osun, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola has officially flagged off this year’s Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Father Christmas show.

The first lady who was accompanied to the event by the wife of the deputy Governor Mrs. Titilola Alabi, described the event as her first official assignment, appreciating the people of the state for her husband emergence as governor of the state.

Mrs Oyetola restated her husband’s commitment to run a people’s friendly government.

She called on people of the state especially fun lovers and school children to be a part of the various entertainment events lined up for the

show.

Presenting children with gifts, the governor’s wife advised parents that the upbringing of their children should be their utmost concern while advising the children to be obedient.

Director General, OSBC Mrs. Adejumoke Akinjiola promised that OSBC would partner with Oyetola’s government while appreciating the first lady and other guests for gracing the occasion.

Dignitaries present at the programme include Engr. Adenrele Oriolowo, APC West Senatorial Candidate; Olori Adenike Abioye; Oba Adedokun Abolarin, Orangun of Oke-Ila, as well as children from school of handicap and other schools in the state.

Permanent Secretary, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Fatai Kolawole has formally unveiled Araromi New Era Support Initiative, a non governmental organisation with which he seeks to empower the youths and women in the state.

Kolawole explained that his NGO will target the youth who represent the future and women who are the backbone of every family and determiners of a livable society.

According to him, the formation of the NGO was as a result of his firm believe in human development as a means of developing the society, adding that before the formation of his NGO, he has been trying in his own little way to raise people around him who seek protection one way or the other.

He added that with the NGO, he believes he can do more in the area of empowerment.

He said, “From experience, I

know we are born equal but we are not equally talented. I also happen to know that in the society, we have the less-privileged among the youths and our women who with little support can take care of themselves and become a veritable tool to develop the society.

I have seen a lot around me in terms of where I come from which has prompted us to give back to the society. There are so many vices in our society because our youths are able but there is no job. There are talents and what they need is to give them support”.

Also, Kolawole launched his biography, titled ‘On The Sands Of Times’ written by Julius Oyelakin, a principal assistant registrar, central office of the Research/ Tender Unit, Obafemi Awolowo University.

The 201 pages book according to the author was to celebrate and showcase the attribute and stellar performance of the Osun SUBEB permanent secretary.

•Alhaji Kolawole (2nd right); SUBEB Chairman, Prince Felix Awofisayo (right); Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarinwa (3rd right); Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Olabomi (4th left); Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin (4th right) and other guests.

•A cross section of school Children at the event.

•(L-R) Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin in a discussion with Director General OSBC, Mrs Jumoke Akinjiola.

•Kolawole (2nd left), Senator Babajide Omoworare (2nd right) and Honourable Folorunso Bamisayemi (right) at the event.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 7 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 13, 2018

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

9

10

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 - MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

‘Aregbesola Deserves Plaudits For Developmental Projects’

By Solomon Odeniyi A World Bank Expert, Dr Micheal Olugbile, has commended the immediate past Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for his commitment towards the implementation of developmental projects which had really transformed the state within eight years.

Olugbile, Head of and international Programme Delivery relations with various Unit (PDU) described the international donor former governor as a agencies such as the worthy recipient that World Bank, Africa won the support of both Development Bank, foreign and local donors Islamic Development for some projects in the Bank, French state.

Development Agency According to and among others. him, Aregbesola ‘’Only government prioritised payments of that are credit worthy counterpart funds before will have access to credit any project is funded by facilities and grants from foreign donors. international donors, “Aregbesola does not which has made it very take the counterpart fund possible for Osun state to for granted and the develop to the level it is payments of such funds right now. had really helped the ‘’ Such projects that state to deliver services to have been implemented its people,” he said. and ongoing are, the Ilesa Olugbile identified water project and piping some projects embarked that is about $65m on by the last Islamic Development administration which Bank Loan, the RAMP deserved an applause to project that is billed to include : RAMP, construct 317km of roads, SLOGOR, CSDP, ILESA in which 217km have WATER, among others . been completed and the “The PDU has a key second phase of RAMP responsibility of will 300km of road soliciting international constructed, the funded projects and FADAMA 11 project, intervention as well as Saving One Million Lives development partners in the health sector and

among others. ’’Government accountability has made it very possible for international donors to invest in Osun and with PDU in place, it has made all projects visible and implementable, which has made the state to be ranked low in unemployment level, low in poverty level and

second best performing state in project implementation from intervention donors.

He said,” The Ilesa Water project incurred about $65 Million with the support of the Federal Government, Islamic Development Bank(IDB) and the state government.

“SLOGOR got a grant

of 7.395Euro from foreign donors while CSDP also got $4Million among other projects.

“RAMP was also a $60Million projects among other projects which had really impacted the lives of most citizens of the state,” Olugbile said.

He commended the

Federal Government, African Development Bank (ADB), the European Union, The Islamic Development Bank, The United Nations, among other donors for their kind support towards the success of many projects in the state.

Osun CJ Orders Release Of 13 Inmates In Ife Prison

By Ummultalha Yusuf Osun Chief Judge, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo, last Thursday ordered the release of 13 inmates awaiting trial from Ile-Ife prison custody.

It was gathered that imprisoned for 1 year, 7 the 13 inmates that months and 17 days for regained freedom have alleged entering, while overstayed in prisons Gift Umukoro, spent 1 year, 6 months and 19 without trial.

The released inmates days over stealing.

Afolabi Alayanle, from Ile-Ife prison are: Ogundipe Sunday, spent spend 1 year, 4 months 8 years, 3 months and 3 and 9 days over alleged days without trial over entering/stealing and Ismaila Kazeem, used 1 alleged armed robbery.

Others include: Ojo year, 1 month and 26 Stephen, being in custody days.

Asafa Koshi and Yusuf for 6 years, 4 months and 17 days over alleged Isah, spent 1, year and 27 armed robbery and days over alleged Hafeez Kosamotu, used 3 stealing respectively, years, 2 months and 21 while Sunday Okoye, days, over alleged used 7 months and 12 days over alleged breach conspiracy/murder.

Among those that of peace.

The Chief judge freed are: Awolusi Temitope, who was decried the manner at

•Osun CJ, Justice Adepele Ojo which cases of the freed inmates were handled and advised prison officials not to unjustly delay cases.

She appealed to prison

officials to always take inmate to court for their trials rather than keeping them behind bars for unjust reasons.

Mr Ajagun Mathew, the officer-in-charge of Ile-Ife prisons, acknowledged chief judge and others that graced the occasion for her kindness gesture.

Mathew said that the exercise served as a measure to decongest IleIfe prison.

He added that releasing the inmates would give the prison sanity, noting that the inmates would turn a new leaf and be good citizens.

According to him, 377 inmates were presently in the prison, with 325 awaiting trial and 52 convicted.

Osun Committed To Banishing Unemployment, Reducing Poverty skills, Telephone Etiquette, E-mail Etiquette are

By Joshua Afolabi also taught”.

Unemployment has been identified to be one of the Computer Skills are a basic requirement in this major problems being encountered by many 21st century such that both job seekers and developing countries around the world and Nigeria is business owners need it as a tool to get work done. not left out, though, at both the state and federal levels, As a result, O-JOBS also provides free basic ICT there have been massive investment in youth Training. These trainings are conducted for the employment and empowerment. public, ministries, departments and agencies As a case in point, in Osun, the government of the across the state. immediate past Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as O-JOBS clients also have the opportunity to part of its cardinal objectives of banishing poverty and have a One-on-One Career Counselling session unemployment, has tackled unemployment head-on where the in-house career counsellors look into with practical steps. each individual’s qualifications, experiences, Interestingly, the state has been positively rated by career expectations, personal development needs, some national and international rating agencies. For after which a solution is proffered.

The Center is made up of highly trained example, Osun was recently adjudged high in human professionals and has been able to customize capital development index and was rated the second certain trainings to candidates, based on needs wealthiest of the 36 States of Nigeria by a renowned body, The Financial Derivatives Company in its recent •Immediate past Commissioner for Human Resources & Capacity Build- and aptitudes. Such trainings are held from time Report, “How the States Performed in 2017.” It states ing, Ms. Mobolaji Akande, (5th right); the Permanent Secretary, Mr Leye to time to update them on how to handle special requirements and needs of employers of labour. categorically that Osun is Second Best in measured Apart from in-house experts, in a few cases, “Misery Index” with a 16.37 per cent inflation rate. This Aina, (4th left); with some of the School to Empolyment Programme professionals are brought in to assist participants came after an initial report by another independent (STEP) Training Awardees. have a general idea of what is obtained in specialised and source, the United Nations Multidimensional Poverty Index 2016, which hinted that Osun under Aregbesola has, Techniques and Interviewing Techniques. It has been diverse sectors of the economy, in order not to be found among others created an economy with under- discovered that most CVs miss out important details which wanting during interviews and in the course of attempting employment, unemployment and inflation well below employers look out for whilst others input irrelevant to start a business. When it comes to accessing start-up finance, O-JOBS gives credible and useful information on national averages which is not surprising. The reason for information which could even jeopardize their chances.

Besides vocational skills and availability of funds, the different requirements of financing options. this attainment is connected to the administration’s total art of business management is crucial to the survival of Akande further stressed that in 2017 alone, not less than commitment on strategic developmental policies to banish any business enterprise. Owing to this fact, the Osun Job 3,000 job seekers, potential business owners and those poverty and unemployment.

Center also has a package for owners of Small and Medium already in business were trained, most of whom are now With the understanding that job hunting can be a timeconsuming and frustrating process, the state government Scale Enterprises – Business and Entrepreneurial Training in their desired places in various sectors of the economy which covers topics like Feasibility Study, Business Plan and are doing quite well. With this achievement, the established an agency, The Osun Job Center, (O-JOBS), cardinal objectives of government to banish poverty and in August 2016 with the main objective of providing free and Business Communication Strategies etc.

Akande stated further that “in this era of scarce unemployment through direct employment and employment support services to both job seekers and employment opportunities, candidates are encouraged to empowerment are being gradually realized. employers, while also equipping the youth for selfsee the need to create job rather than look for it. The center In 2018, the Center launched its annual School to employment.

According to Ms Mobolaji Akande, Osun’s immediate is actively involved in preparing candidates for this Employment Programme, (STEP), training with 2,000 final challenge, as they are not only encouraged but are, in fact, year students and fresh graduates of state-owned tertiary past Commissioner for Human Resources and Capacity Building, “It’s a Center where staff members are trained assisted to be self-employed through specially designed institutions involved. STEP was designed as a strategic modules for this purpose.

O-JOBS has in-house experts to rescue approach to equip participants with skills and to treat each client as an individual, showing empathy and gaining their trust resulting in a more effective session and expose candidates to workability of new business ideas, knowledge needed to consolidate qualifications earned in which in turn limit the risks and rates of business failures. schools thereby improving their chances of succeeding in outcome”.

In achieving the above, Akande stated that “With life.

She states further, “For ease of access, there are 31 Desk “In order to effectively inform and educate other Offices across the State, as well as a head office in Osogbo, effective communications skills, the chances of achieving the State Capital, which grooms job seekers to equip them success, having your successes noticed and getting prospects to its programmes and projects within and outside the state, the Center has reached out through deserved promotions are greatly enhanced through with skills required to face the 21st Century economic realities in creating jobs and getting a desired placement effective communication skills. The effective various mass media and continues reaching out to everyone who can benefit from its services. To this end, communications skills taught by OJOBS are designed to in a highly competitive national and international job assist clients achieve success in life. This includes branding there is a weekly educative, call-in, radio programme market”.

O-JOBS engages in Employability Skills Training such and marketing which are parts of business communications tagged “CAREER CORNER” to address the major as professional C.V Writing/Review services, Job Search meant to project businesses to the outside world. Writing challenges facing job seekers and business owners alike.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 - MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

11

Oyetola Appoints The Nation News Editor As CPS Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola made his first major appointment a few days ago with the announcement that Mr. Adeniyi Adesina has been made his Chief Press Secretary.

In this capacity, Mr University of Lagos.

He did media training Adesina, a widely admired professional will in the United Kingdom and Denmark. oversee the governor’s With 28 years media matters.

According to a experience, Adesina has worked with Prime statement from the governor’s office, the People (1990 -1992), appointment takes National Concord (19931999), Punch (2000-2006), immediate effect.

Until he was appointed, News Star as Editor, 2007Adesina was The Nation 2009), from where he Newspaper’s Deputy joined The Nation in 2010.

Adesina, who hails Editor in charge of News.

He holds a Master’s from Ilesa East Local degree in Mass Government, is married Communication from the and blessed with children.

Olakunle Abimbola, Renowned Public analyst and Commentator Niyi Adesina is a consummate newsman and gifted news manager, skilled in the not-so-easy task of marshalling men and equipment to attain set editorial goals, despite intense deadline pressures.

He comes into the Osun CPS job with intense and immense newsroom penetration, across newspaper houses, all over the country after some two decades of brilliant journalism.

As the new governor’s new spokesperson, his news room penetration would come in handy, since he stands as the link between the new government (his new constituency) and the media (his traditional forte).

He is therefore excellently placed to help

Proffessionals Give Their Verdicts On A Crucial Appointment “He is excellently placed to help beam the government’s policy thrusts and programmes to the media and in return obtain useful feedbacks.”

Bamidele Johnson, Chief Operating Officer, Strategic Outcomes Limited The newsroom has just lost one of its few remaining capable hands. Niyi is a very competent and diligent professional; one of real horsepower.

Equally importantly, he is a man of impressive carriage. I have no doubt that these qualities will be positively reflected in his new assignment.

beam the government’s policy thrusts and programmes to the media and in return obtain useful feedbacks, from one of Nigeria’s most critical and articulate blocs, to the good of all.

With Adesina’s appointment, and his wonderful work ethos and even temperament, Osun-media-public relationship is on the cusp of new and exciting times.

Mojeed Jamiu, Executive Editor, Upshot Reports The appointment of Mr Adeniyi Adesina as the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor of the State of Osun, is apt and a round peg in a round hole.

Having worked with wealth of experience as a him in the defunct Newsroom administrator National Concord and and a manager of men. also at The PUNCH His cool mien is much Newspapers, I have no needed to bring forth and doubt that Adesina project the activities of would bring to bare, his the Governor and render

S t r a t e g i c Communications and reputation management for the government and people of Osun.

I have no doubt in my mind that Niyi as I fondly call him would excel in this new tour of duty.

A Paradigm Shift Towards A Better Osun

By Afolabi Akinola It was unmistakably eloquent that the Franchise demonstrated by the good people of Osun State in favour of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola as the Governor will forever remain as the best gift of the year 2018. I am a fanatic for sound education with score cards of sound debate on Television Continental and Channels Television and I feel confident in the capability of the new governor, to fly the government of Osun State to a destination that is uninterrupted and interestingly accompanied with dividends of democracy. However cloudy the weather is, nothing can stop the Sun from shinning.

The exigency and necessity of a paradigm shift to good governance in Osun is premised on a leader with intellectual and administrative socioeconomic navigation in ensuring that a mighty ocean is produced in the desert.

His choice with the collective franchise of the state electorates is a testimony of rational thinking. Immediately after the primaries of all political parties for the gubernatorial elections of Osun, with my journalistic microscopic assessment of their capabilities in analysis and professional expertise in addressing issues of governance in the state, I wrote a widely circulated write-up on social media tilted “A message for Ipetu-Ijesa Electorates” telling them that a tree must obey the direction of the wind. We cannot repair a faulty generator by painting it.

Oyetola has been seen to be undoubtedly prepared with fecundity of imagination to make a difference in the new dispensation between the government and the governed.

Governance is a serious business, electing someone with intellectual deficiencies and

embarrassingly F9s is a colourless political symbol of a state in need of a golden fleece. I am particularly impressed that a bad precedent is not laid in the state of the late Cicero of Esa Oke, Chief Bola Ige and more importantly a state where Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, is situated. The choice of Oyetola has excellently passed the democratic credential that will make a State Executive council meeting, a very engaging one.

Ideas must contest for acceptability.

I was flabbergasted but least surprised with the gubernatorial election even before the re-run. The result was not because both candidates are at par in global assessment, but the re-run was a protest against the All Progressives Congress. The ruling party disobeyed the law of caution and was not in anyway prepared to win election in their governing antecedent in the state. There was no synergy in the campaign team. It is indeed congratulatory for Oyetola because the exigency of that election was

a symbol of a paradigm shift to a government that connects to the governed in all ramification.

Admirably essential as an ingredient, a paradigm shift is the application of both native and modern wisdom of the new governor to have a formidable cabinet members. Your team is a standard of assessment. Show me your team I will tell you who you are. You cannot think alone.

I agree that a party’s interest is important but a right peg must be fixed in the right hole. The Governor should not make a mistake of appointing someone he cannot respect his opinion and input as a cabinet member.

Interestingly, tested is the spirit of the new governor to harness potentials in the areas of commerce and managerial skills.

This singular attributes is convincingly conspicuous that a paradigm shift has been established. He has a background naturally endowed with business acumen and this is supported with the professional colouration and credentials

of Alhaji Oyetola to pilot economic blueprint of our state to a promise land.

Without any spirit of immodesty, his managerial knowledge is a strong instrument of putting food on the table in the new dispensation of the state.

In a nutshell, the incoming administration should instill trust, confidence and hope in the psychology and well being of the people of the state.

The Oyetola-led administration policies should attract welfare of the people, regular payment of salaries, creative internally generated revenue (IGR), promotion of reasonable level of corporate social responsibility (CSR) in sensitive area of needs, facilitation of proposals and memorandum of understanding (MOU) that will attract both foreign and local investors for the economic emancipation of the state. He must marry his theoretical, financial and managerial skills in defining a new dawn for the state. The government must apply wisdom and diplomacy where necessary. Town hall meetings must be prioritized. Osun Chief Executive Officers (Osun CEO’s Forum) both at home and in the diaspora must be connected for modern business network.

As a member fourth estate of the realm, the role of the media in integrating government policies in providing a sense of direction is essential. Investment in mechanized farming is a brilliant addendum in reviving the economy. We must play around our natural endowment to enhance comparative advantage. I am convinced beyond any reasonable doubt that Osun is in good hand. Without being hyperbolic, the institutional and business profile of the new governor will add value to governance in the new administration.

Afolabi Akinola is the Head of Commercials, Unilag Radio 103.1fm & Television. afolabiola2002@yahoo.com or Whatshapp 08034434757.

12

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 - MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

Osun: An Historic Transition •Continued from page 5 of living of the people.

We will develop the free trade zone while strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a way to enhance their productive capacity to generate jobs and create wealth. To further boost our local economy and increase the revenue base, we shall make Osun a cultural destination and a tourism enterprise zone in the Southwest.

Oyetola however, assured President Buhari of the support of the people of the state, with a promise to deliver the state in the 2019 elections.

“I wish to assure Mr. President on behalf of the people of Osun that we are ready for the Next Level and by the special will of God, we shall deliver Osun for the Buhari-Osinbajo re-election on February 16, 2019.

Also, the President Muhammadu Buhari said, with the peaceful transition witnessed in the state,it means democracy in the country has matured, assuring the new governor of the Federal Government support for infrastructural development in the state.

Urging the new governor how to go about governance, he said, “You must regard the public office as a trust. I urged

We will develop the free trade zone while strengthening Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) as a way to enhance their productive capacity to generate jobs and create wealth.

•Governor Oyetola (2nd right), his wife, Kafayat (right); Deputy Governor Alabi (left), his wife (2nd left) and the Chief Judge of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo at the swearing in ceremony. you to lead by the fear of God. You must also realise that good governance is a compelling requirement for the progress of our nation. In the past eight years, the APC has brought development to the state. The FG has continued to support developmental project in the state, and we

•General Alani Akinrinade (right) and other dignitaries reading OSUN DEFENDER Newspaper during the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Gboyega Oyetola as Osun Governor recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

will continue to do so. You should be a governor for all and pay attention to the women, the youths and the vulnerable.

Buhari, represented by the Secretary to the Federal Government, Boss Mustapha, urged Nigerians to shun hate speech, conduct themselves in a peaceful manner and ensure they vote wisely in the 2019 election.

He also urged politicians to focus on issue-based campaigns rather than propaganda.

One major highlight of the event was the official handing over by the physically elated Aregbesola to Oyetola who were flanked by their wives, Sherifat Aregbesola and Kafayat Oyetola.

In attendance were, the APC National Chairman, Adams Oshiomole; for Governor of Osun and a leaders of APC, Chief Bisi Akande; Governors Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo); Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Akinwumi Ambode (Lagos); Abdulahi Ganduje (Kano) and Atiku Bagudu (Kebbi) and Senator Oluremi Tinubu. The Kastina state governor, Aminu Masari was represented by his commissioners.

Traditional rulers include the Ooni of

Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi; Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and his Iragbiji counterpart, Oba Rasheed Olabomi; Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi; Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Lawal; Oluinisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Fasikun; Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Adedeji; Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kilani Adekeye; Oba Ile-Oluji, Dr Oluwole Adetimehin and his queen Tokunbo; Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye; Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Oniresi of Iresi, Oba Sikiru Ibiloye and Oloyere of Oyere, Oba Adeoye Adefarakan among others.

Others were, Senator Mudasiru Hussein; Odua Conglomerate Chairman Sola Akinwumi; Christian and Muslim clerics, former Minister of Water Resources, Isola Awotorebo; Otunba Rotimi Obeisun; Chief Ayo Fasanmi and Senator Musiliu Obanikoro. Osun State House of Assembly Speaker, Najeem Salam and members of the parliament; Lagos House of Assembly, Deputy Speaker Wasiu Eshinlokun; Senator Olamilekan Adeola; Sen. Sola Adeyeye; Chief Kemi Nelson; former Osun Assembly Speaker, Hon. Adejare Bello; House of Representative member. James Faleke and Justice S. Adeoye among others were also there.

ENTERPRENEURSHIP

Adire And Its Peculiarity With Osogbo

By Tolu Oyeniyi and Ojelade Omolola Adire is a creative and artistic form of patterned dyed cloth and it is the creativity and the design in Adire that makes it significant both as process and objects of communication in the world of the Yoruba and perhaps beyond. The design and the decorative elements on the cloth are meaningful parts of the people’s day to day lives (Areo, 2003). Besides, Adire are indigo based dyed cotton clothes that were made mostly by women in various parts of Yoruba land.

Indigo is an organic substance which comes from the indigo plant and it has been used as a dye in Africa for at least 2,000 years (Gasali, 2018). The Indigo plant used for dying in Osogbo, where Adire is very popular is scientifically called Indigofera Tintoria.

Just as a talking drum speaks, Adire motifs give information about the origin, culture and value of the Osogbo people and they also show the indepth creative ability of the designer.

The origin of Adire Osogbo can be traced to the inception of the town in the early eighteenth century, when the founder of the ancient town, Oba Gbadewolu Larooye and the great hunter Olutimehin settled with their people from Ipole-Omu near a river that is now popularly known as Osun River. In the course of their settlement, they were trying to cut the weeds and trees while one of the trees fell on a pot belonging to the goddess of Osun River. In reaction to this, the goddess spoke angrily with a loud voice from the river “Gbogbo ikoko aro min leti fotan”! meaning, “You’ve broken all my dye pots? The people’s response to Osun goddess was “Oso Igbo Pele 0, Oso Igbo Rora o”, meaning, “Sorry wizard of the forest”. This statement clearly reveals the existence of dying tradition in the area before the settlement of Osogbo people.

Osogbo is popularly known as “Ilu-Aro”, because indigo-dying is an indigenous profession of the

Adire motifs give information about the origin, culture and value of the Osogbo people and they also show the indepth creative ability of the designer.

people. It is a knowledge that has been with the people from the inception and which is expressed in myth of the people and embedded in spirituality that tells the origin of the people (Areo, 2013).

The beauty of Adire work is that the knowledge is being passed from generation to generation to ensure its continuity and in this 21 Century, the male and female gender in the town are now participating fully in the profession. Some men are useful in sowing while some are majorly designers.

Adire Osogbo is very unique among other towns in Southwest Nigeria. Scholars have identified Osogbo as a traditionally renowned home of Indigo and dyers.

Indigofera tinctora is a natural dye and it still remains

the oldest natural dye from the records of world textile tradition (Gillow and sentence, 1999). It is one of the original sources of indigo dye which is also called the true indigo (Wikipedia, 2018).

Historians claim that in the time past, Adire producers in Abeokuta had to take their cloth to Osogbo for dyeing. Naturally, indigo known as “Elu” among Yoruba grows well in Osogbo without been cultivated. This is because the soil of Osogbo is suitable for the growth of the plant. Moreover, Adire Osogbo is unique because it is highly durable compared to others in the country. This can be as a result of the fact that expensive quality fabrics are used for Adire designs.

There are various Adire centers in Osun state, these centers are well known with quality and durable Adire designs. Notable among such centers are; Nike Art Gallery headed by Nike Okundaiye; Artist Cooperative headed by David Osawe; Heritage Gallery headed by Jimoh Buraimoh; Artist village headed by Femi Johnson and Fatolu center for art and culture headed by Tolu Oyeniyi.

•Tolu is a Musuem Education Officer and Omolola is a Principal Ethnographer, National Museum, Osogbo.

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 - MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2018

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

13

14

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

OAU Sex-For-Mark Lecturer:

By Sola Jacobs

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 - MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2018

Wife Attacks NGO For Supporting Victim

Earlier, the prosecuting counsel, Femi Omotoso had argued that the absence of the leading prosecuting counsel, Kehinde Omoleye made him to seek for adjournment as he had other pressing matter before a court in Abuja.

The wife of the sacked OAU Sex-for-Mark lecturer, Prof. Richard Akindele had, during her husband’s appearance before a Federal High Court in Osogbo, assaulted officials of an NGO for showing solidarity with the sexually assaulted victim.

Osun Defender’s prosecuting counsel reporter who witnessed which the judge termed the attack in court as grievous. revealed that the wife of the suspect upon sighting women in orange T shirt in the court, alerted court

By Sikiru Obarayese official and urged the registrar to send them out The Senatorial Candidate of the Action Peoples of court, but after a futile Party (APP) in Osun Central Senatorial District, effort, she resorted to Prophet Adebisi Mukaila Micheal has denied any calling them names. move or arrangement to withdraw his ambition for It took the intervention any other candidate. of a senior lawyer, who He said his ambition is believe in his capacity and prevailed on her not to further create still on course and he is that of his supporters to unnecessary scene in the not considering stepping mobilize people of his senatorial district towards court which eventually down for anyone.

This denouncement, winning the election led to her leaving the according to him, was which would in turn court premises.

However, the court necessary based on the culminate to freedom for being the people. rejected the bail information According to him, those application of the alleged circulated by some leaders of the party that who had visited the PDP sex-for-mark lecturer, he had withdrew his candidate to sell the urging the prosecution of his counsel to bring evidence ambition and supported dummy the Peoples Democratic withdrawal have done so filed in a counter motion Party (PDP) senatorial without carrying him to stop the court from granting the defendant candidate, Alhaji Gani along for their personal bail in the substantive Ola-Oluwa and the interest rather than the party’s Presidential interest of the party matter.

Atiku members who have done The suspect who was Candidate, Abubakar. so much to mobilize for brought to the court last Noting that he has his senatorial ambition. week adorned native never been approached or He specifically accused Ankara cloth and looked entered into any alliance pensive in the dock, was with anyone, either from the party’s candidate in the 2018 governorship denied bail on the issues the PDP or All election who is now raised in the counter Progressives Congress the Osun West Senatorial motion filed by the (APC), he expressed the candidate, Mr Ekundayo

He stated further that the prosecuting counsel has further evidence on why the suspect must not be granted bail in the matter.

In his argument, the counsel for the defendant had argued that the matter before the court is a bailable, urging the

court to grant the suspect bail in the most liberal terms.

Ruling on the matter, Justice Maureen Onyetenu ruled that the prosecuting counsel should bring its alleged evidence against the suspect to justify why he should not be granted

bail.

She, therefore, adjourned the matter till December 17, to hear the motion on why the accused person must not be granted bail as alleged by the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offence commission.

Osun APP Senatorial Candidate Denies Withdrawal From Contest Precious and the party’s Chairman, who is now the senatorial candidate for Osun East, Mr Odesola Oluseye of being behind the rumour of his purported withdrawal from the race.

He cautioned the two party chieftains to rather face their ambitions in their districts rather than negotiating on his behalf in Osun Central without his consent.

The Iragbiji-born clericturned politician said his ambition is meant to serve the interest of the generality of the people of Osun Central Senatorial District and he would not sacrifice it for anything unless he sees an interest superior than his own in terms of taking care of the interest of the people for which he can succumb to.

“While I am nor foreclosing alliance with any political party or candidate that is also determined to serve the

Retire Early, Retire Wealthier There was once a debate on the best time for a worker, whether in private, corporate or government employment, to start planning for retirement as well as the appropriate time to disengage. The retirement counselor was addressing a large number of workers who had come for a seminar on how to get prepared for life out of service. It was a sensitive and emotional discussion for participants as well as the discussant.

Many of us are stiff scared of what would happen to us after leaving paid employment, which probably is the only source of sustenance which we have known for a very long time, and possibly too, since our youthful days. But whether we like it or not, whether we are fully prepared for such a life or not, disengagement is a matter of time as long as we are not the creator/ owner of such an establishment. In the seminar hall that fateful Saturday morning, located in the heart of that city, the atmosphere was somber when the issue, which was a sub-theme of the seminar, “Life After Retirement” was introduced.

Participants were drawn from the civil service, private establishments, schools, and corporations as well as from the multinationals. They were men and women in the middle of their career life as well as a few others at the zenith of service to their employers.

The speaker, a fairly elderly man with strands of grey hair and dark skin, wearing French suit, stood tall at the podium.

He adorned a cowboy cap that hid his bald head which was revealed at lunch time when he had to remove it. He threw the first salvo: “When is it the best time to start preparation to retire from paid employment?” Deep silence engulfed the large hall, that the only sound audible was that of the airconditioners. And a drop of the pin would have been heard.

He continued, “And again, when is the best time to leave active service?”

“Preparation… yes, but leaving service? Yeepa…” said one Mrs Okoro, a widowed mother of six from Ebonyi State(banging her two feet on the floor, almost to the hearing of everyone). She had lived almost all her life in this southwest state that she could almost pass for one of them in spoken language and attitudes. Definitely, retirement is a key word that scares most people in paid employment, especially in the civil services. But it ought not to be so because it is the inevitable. In fact, retirement ought to be a thing of joy and to be expected if we are fully prepared.

The speaker repeated himself: “when is the best time to start preparation to retire?” Some in the audience responded that it should be ten years before the retirement date; others said five, while some also mentioned two to three years before retirement date. Each of them gave various reasons for their responses.

interest of the people, that can only be done if I am convinced that such party or candidate has a programme superior than mine towards taking care of the peoples interest after due consultation with relevant stakeholders in the project.

“I assure my supporters that our ambition is still on course and any move to the contrary by any group or individual is self-serving, baseless, mischievous and should not be accorded any value whatsoever.

“In case there is need for any alliance, or correspondence from INEC, my campaign office, located at Ilesa road, Ita-Olokan, Osogbo is opened for discussion that would be of benefit to the people of our senatorial district”, he said.

Adebisi who also stressed that his

campaign organization would run an issue-based campaign without resorting to violence of any form in line with the resolution of his campaign team, he said anyone caught causing violence in his name should be held responsible for his action and made to face the law.

“I am a man of God and a peaceful person, hence my ambition is not do-ordie and anyone causing violence in my name or the name of my campaign organization should be solely held responsible for his action, as I have not and will not sponsor anybody to cause mayhem against the people I intend to represent”.

He then charged the people to ensure that they vote for him in the 2019 Senatorial election, with a view to guaranteeing freedom of the people from the bondage of underdevelopment.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

Let me be honest with you all here. The best time to start preparing for your disengagement or retirement is the day you joined service. This means if by now, any of you here hasn’t been preparing to leave service, the bitter truth is that he or she has missed it.

“You are all correct inasmuch as you recognize the need to get prepared for your retirement” said the speaker.” But you are all also wrong with your choice of when to commence preparation! Let me be honest with you all here. The best time to start preparing for your disengagement or retirement is the day you joined service. This means if by now, any of you here hasn’t been preparing to leave service, the bitter truth is that he or she has missed it. However, it is better late than never. “ At the point of entry, you need to have asked yourself these salient and honest questions: what do I want from life?

How many years do I want to serve my employers? What are the specific things I really want from life: money, fame, stable family life, etc? All these will guide your choice of what to do with your extra time like annual leave, weekends, public holidays instead of lazing about. I marvel almost to the point of weeping sometimes when I see young officers lazing about during their non-office hours and days instead of developing

themselves towards a future goal. They fail to realize that the thirty-five full service years they thought is a very long time to come is just around the corners. Your preparation or the thought of leaving service to serve yourself should commence the very day you receive your appointment letter.

“Apart from those that join service at top management level because of their high academic or other special qualifications, most entrants to civil services are in their teens or early twenties, except for those that creatively doctored their age or declaration of it.

“Let me repeat myself once more: the best time to start preparing for retirement from active service is at the point of entry. Any other time is also okay if you happened to miss the entry-level time, but the earlier, the better. Early planning will afford you enough time to determine your career path, how to comport yourself knowing fully that one day, you will leave service. Early planning will also give you the reasons to manage your resources, your salaries and wages as well as your relationships.

“Let me also advise that it is in your very best interest to retire early. Most of us are scared of leaving paid employment for fear of the unknown. But let me announce to you today that you stand the best chance to retire wealthier and healthier without the filthy lucre of public money in your record if you retire early. The earlier you retire the better for you. It means you are no more a burden to government when your productivity is waning. You are indeed an asset to yourself, your family, the government in tax and in GDP when you enter into self-employ at early age. Mass self employment is one of the factors that boost development of advanced economies, not the civil services or the craving for paid employment. “if you retire very early, you are most likely to become rich and wealthy because you have got enough years ahead of you to develop your business acumen and relationships. As the years roll by, you become smarter and more productive, resulting into value or good financial rewards for you. But this is not to say that everything will be rosy as you tag along.

There’s bound to be hiccup along the way especially at the beginning” he concluded.

At the end of the gathering, feelers show that participants now see retirement as a blessing rather than curses often associated with it.

15

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

CRIME

TUESDAY NOVEMBER 27 - MONDAY DECEMBER 3, 2018

Police Parades Alleged Kidnappers, Murder Suspects

By Wasilat Afolabi Police in Osun have brought to the fore heinous activities of a gang of armed robbers who robbed and later killed one Lagos businessman, Victor Akingbile, 48, by setting him ablaze while locked in the trunk of his car.

Giving the details of the The Osun State Commissioner of Police, case, CP Adeoye posited that the police acted on a Olafimihan Adeoye, stated this while parading case of suspicious transfer the suspects and other of N3 million from the criminals at the state deceased account and the police command in inability to reach him after he travelled to Ikirun Osogbo.

CP Adeoye said the from Lagos on Nov.26 by gang of four, Rasheed some of his friends.

The police boss further Waheed 35, native of Ikirun, Ahmed Rafiu 33 stressed that friends of the native of Ikirun, Owolabi deceased also informed Bashiru 51 ,native of the police that Akinbile Ikirun and Kayode 27, had informed them that native of Ondo were all he would be passing a apprehended on 27th of night in Ikirun, his home November after the police town, and return the next was informed about the day but were worried about the money missing of Akinbile

•Suspected armed robbers.

transferred and inability to reach him.

Adeoye said the police anti-kidnapping and SARS team were deployed to investigate the matter and by Nov.29 and 30, four suspects were arrested and the burnt body and car of the victim were recovered.

“The police team discover that the robbery team consist of four men, and one of them happens to be a security guard who alerted his members that the victim/deceased was in town.

“The gang later came to the victims abode, where he is passing the night, broke into the house and took the N25,000 he was having from him and equally forced him to transfer N3 million to the

account of one of them.

“The police tracing the account the money was transferred to, arrested one of the robbery gang member, Hammed Rafiu, which subsequently led to the arrest of other members of his gang.

“One of the gang member, Sunday Kayode, was however traced to and arrested in Ondo state where he relocated after their operation while the other two members were arrested in Ikirun.

“During investigation and interrogation of the suspects, the police discovered that the suspects, after robbing their victim of his cash and transferring N3 million from his account, put him in the trunk of his car and drove him to a

•Suspected ritualists.

Court Jails Two Culprits For Stealing Mosque Properties counsel.

By Khadijah Abdullah After the speaker was Two suspects, Mudasiru Nurudeen, 28, and Rafiu tendered as exhibit before ismail, 33, have been sentenced to nine months the court and the wall fan imprisonment over attempted stealing of mosque was said not to be properties. recovered, the presiding M.A According to the represented by any magistrate, charge sheet, the accused is facing three count charges bothering on stealing.

The charge

By Aishat Oyebamiji sheet disclosed that the accused conspired to Justice Maurine Onyetenu of the Osun state Federal commit felony, an offence High Court, Osogbo, has adjourned the arraignment contrary and punishable of an old lawyer, Barrister Matthew Ayelaagbe under section 516 of the Laogun, and his son, Barrister Ayodele Adelaja state criminal law.

Laogun, to January 30, 2019 for alleged fraud.

It added that they stole The Prosecutor, O/C handing over the matter five core speaker valued N7000 and a fan worth Legal, Zone XI Police to the state Attorney Headquarter, James General.

N10,000 property of one Meanwhile, the Islaudeen Central Olajide Famuyini, told the Mosque and punishable court that the police has complainant raised his hand and told the court power to prosecute the under sections 415 and that he lacked confidence 249D criminal code CAP matter.

He said the insistence of in the ministry of justice 34 vol.11 law of osun state the state Ministry of which he said had Nigeria 2003.

The charge sheet Justice to take over the prosecuted him on submitted that the matter was not in the trumped up charges on accused committed the interest of justice and the the same case.

He explained that he offence on December 2, plaintiff.

But, the court dismissed purchased a piece of land 2018 at Alekuwodo area the letter brought by the from the duo of the of the state capital. prosecutor from the police defendants and another The first suspect guaranteeing him to person who claimed to be pleaded guilty to all the prosecute the case. the owner of the land three count charges, The Judge insisted that collected another money while the second accused only a letter written from from him. person pleaded guilty to the office of the Attorney He said he later met the only two count charges as General of the Federation original owner of the land they were not can prevent him from who has the C of O and he

Awodele, declared the suspect guilty as pleaded.

She then sentenced each of them to three months for each count with an option of N5000 fine for each count.

secluded place where they set the car ablaze, while he was locked in the booth” he said Adeoye said the suspects were being processed for prosecution, and he also send the condolence and sympathy of the Inspector General of Police to the family of the deceased victim.

Confessing how Victor Akingbile was trapped and killed, Ahmed Rafiu disclosed that Owolabi Bashiru, who is a night guard watching after the house where deceased slept called to informed them about the arrival of

Victor from Lagos who was to pass a night in his brother’s house at Ikirun.

Rafiu said after Victor was drove out from Ikirun to a bush along old Osogbo-Iragbiji road , they set him ablaze.

In another development, the CP also announced the arrest of two men who were caught with a human head and two human palms (suspected from a burial ground) with the intention to use it for money rituals.

Adeoye said after the completion of investigations, all the arrested suspects would be charged to court.

Possession Of Marijuana: Court Sentences Woman To 5years Imprisonment

By Sola Jacobs The Federal High court sitting in Osogbo has sentenced a 40-year-old woman Sikeola Adebola Esan into five years jail term for being in possession of 56 bags of India hemp at Ikeji Arakeji. was Giving his judgment defendant on the matter, Justice inconsistence.

The judge stated that Maureen Onyetenu said that the four count the defendant would be convicted based on her charges against the suspect were proved confessional statement, beyond doubt by the as she was found constructively in the prosecution counsel.

She stated that the alibi possession of the bags of of the suspect and her India hemps.

Pleading for leniency counsel was that the substance caught with for the suspect, the defence counsel pleaded her does not belonged to her, but rather belonged that the suspect is a single to a man who is simply mother of a teenager, urging the court to identified as Moses.

The claim that it was temper justice with kept in lieu of the money mercy.

Justice Maureen owed her was proved wrong by the prosecutor Onyetenu said having considered all the who has established she is the owner of the evidence and fact about substance, which is the matter the suspect is proved to be Sativa guilty of the charges and sentenced her to five Cannabis.

Also, it was stated years imprisonment, during the judgment that starting from the time of the evidence of the her arraignment in court in 2015.

Court Adjourns Arraignment Of Lawyer, Son, For Alleged Fraud paid for the third time on the land.

The complainant informed the court that the original owner of the land had written a disclaimer letter to deny

the defendants who sold the land to him.

Justice Onyetenu however directed the prosecutor to write the Attorney General of the Federation to seek

permission for continuous prosecution of the matter.

She adjourned the matter to January 30, 2019 to take the plea of the defendants.

Man In Prison Over Alleged Stabbing

By Ummultalha Yusuf A 27-year-old suspect, Aremu Oluwaseun has been remanded in Ilesa prison custody for allegedly stabbing one Mumini Jamiu.

According to the The charge sheet read charge sheet, the accused in court disclosed that the is facing three count accused caused a charges bothering on grievous harm to the felony and grievous victim by stabbing him harm. on the chest committing The charge sheet an offence contrary and disclosed that the punishable under section accused person 335 of the criminal code committed an offence CAP 34 vol.11 law of contrary and punishable Osun state Nigeria. under section 516 of the The charge sheet state criminal law 2003.

submitted that the accused person committed the offence at Olorunsogo Street, Kola Balogun area, Osogbo, the state capital.

Aremu who was not represented by any counsel pleaded guilty to the charges preffered against him.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. M. Awodele later adjourned the matter to December 17,2018 for ruling on the matter

NEWS

OAU Sex-For-Mark Lecturer: .

.

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

.

.

Wife Attacks NGO For Supporting Victim P. 14

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 16 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 22, 2018

Aregbesola In The Eyes Of History OBSERVATION

A

REGBESOLA in the eyes of history from my perspective is an assessment and evaluation of a legacy and foundation to be built and improved upon by the incoming administration of the governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola.

Governor Aregbesola’s lasting legacy is anchored on his investment in education, social intervention and the social protection programmes he created. His tenure navigated the tensions between innovation, infrastructural development, fiscal difficulties, personal welfarist beliefs, the rise of interest groups, subtle religious antagonism, the pull of regionalism, and the rising demand for public services.

We cannot build an enduring structural foundation for the future without incorporating the lessons of the past. The lessons of the past are embedded in the natural and cultural property of the Yoruba, which only Aregbe is on record to have promoted.

As far as I know, he is the only governor in the South-West and, indeed, in Nigeria who has created a framework for incorporating indigenous knowledges into the body politic.

Love him or hate him, by his investment in capacity building, the creation of Ipinle Omoluabi, preservation of indigenous knowledges, new curricula development, the inclusion of the Diaspora in higher education, those of us who study society and development see a pioneering and revolutionising trend. As these investments mature, they will yield and his place as a visionary in secondary and African higher education will be assured.

If one Nigerian state is ready to fully integrate the global knowledge economy, it is the State of ÌÌcun. In 2015, continental and international stakeholders in African higher education held the first African Higher education Summit in Dakar, Senegal. I marvel at the remarkable synergy between the policy recommendations of the Dakar Summit and Aregbe’s bold steps in higher education. As Africa prepares for a follow up to Dakar in 2019 at a second continental summit to be spearheaded by the African Union and other international stakeholders in the African education sector, I am privileged to know that Ocun is prime to be one of the showcases due to Aregbe’s work in the sector.

Warts and all, Aregbesola is an invigorating historical character. A throwback to the past, he is actually in reality, the one real social democrat who has held a strategic office in this republic. This is an amazing feat, having come out of the right wing neoliberal environment of post-1999 Lagos State. In many ways the social intervention programmes put together in the State of ÌÌcun, which have been adopted by the federal government remain the only redeeming point for a lacklustre All Progressives COngress (APC) central government. e Executed in a difficult fiscal climate, the free school meals programme, “O”meals; ÌÌcun Youth Empowerment programme, “O”Yes; O’reap in Agriculture; the disbursements of micro credits, amongst many others, was a throwback to the Action Group’s programmes for “Life more abundant”

BY BÁMIDÉLÉ ADÉMÓLÁOLÁTÉJÚ

If, as the Italian philosopher, Antonio Gramsci said, “the essence of politics is to shift the territory of the discourse in the direction of your own objectives”, clearly the Aregbesola intervention has been beneficial in the fight back against neo-liberalism. or in modern t i m e s , “Government for the benefit of the majority and not for a few”.

If, as the Italian philosopher, A n t o n i o Gramsci said, “the essence of politics is to shift the territory of the discourse in the direction of your own objectives”, clearly the Aregbesola intervention has been beneficial in the fight back against neoliberalism. As O b a f e m i A w o l o w o found out in the f i f t i e s , balancing investments in physical and s o c i a l infrastructure for the future against gamep l e a s i n g immediate “stomach infrastructure”, comes with an electoral cost.

However, as was said of Christopher Wren, the

Bamidele Ademola-Olateju did her graduate studies in the University of Detroit Mercy, United States as a University Scholar in Business Administration and Computer Information Systems respectively. She worked with two fortune 500 companies before establishing herself as a farmer. Bámidélé Adémólá-Olátéjú is the convener of Circle of Hands, a youth advocacy organization.

She is a spirited modern essayist and a political strategist. She maintains a weekly column in Premium Times on sociopolitical issues.

transformative architect of what became London, “if you seek to know what he has achieved, look around you”. In terms of methodology, decades-ahead historians will probably divide an era into the pre- and postAregbesola phases.

The verdict placed within the pree x i s t i n g conditions in which he intervened will be favourable. If in doubt check the United N a t i o n s Development Programme (UNDP) report.

It is a report based on tested g l o b a l parameters. ÌÌcun has the lowest poverty rate in Nigeria.

Is Aregbe without fault?

No! A kìí mÍÌ Íì rìn, k’órí má jì. ÌÌgb¹ìni is remarkably stubborn and often rigid. Sir, y o u r imperviousness has political

implications and I hope you have learnt your lessons. To your critics, your asceticism is grating and you wear your religion on your sleeves. These are as far as I am concerned and I had told you as much when we met last year. Your sin was that you bit much more than you could chew. You took on too many social programmes, ran too much debt because you wanted ÌÌcun to develop overnight. Oil prices dropped and you found yourself in a hole.

To the incoming governor of Osun: You were part of the outgoing government and the head of a new one.

You must learn from the mistakes of Ogbeni. Your legacy will be a validation of his and a creation of yours. Do not subscribe to the notorious shorttermism Nigerian leaders are known for. Think long term. Think of ÌÌcun in 20 to 50 years from now. Think education, the economy and development. The infrastructure is there already. I know you won’t have much money to spend but your creativity can create gems of development. We know that the critical themes of development are sustainability and inclusivity.

Development needs to be sustainable and inclusive in order for it to be meaningful to its beneficiaries.

Everyone talks about sustainable development. What about inclusive development? You must think inclusive development by bringing together the formal and the non-formal sectors of ÌÌcun economy.

Furthermore, the state of your economy in twenty years’ time depends on the state of your schools today. Rejig and rework Ipinle Omoluabi, don’t discard it. Please note: Curricula or textbooks that lack local relevance and devalue indigenous knowledge can lead us to nowhere. Like we did in time past, we must focus singularly on education as our major weapon and appreciate education as the nomenclature of development. The Yoruba achieved early success and greatness because our late leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo recognised quality education as a ladder to success. Under his watch, the South-West became an industrial powerhouse due to his early investment in people and education.

We staffed the federal bureaucracy because we trained our people. We created an enviable crop of leaders who championed and midwifed Nigeria’s economic development through education.

As I speak, the South-West is living on its past glory, which is fast fading away. We are in far more trouble than we realise as a people. The performance of your State and every state in Nigeria in the standardised test of the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) is depressing. In ÌÌcun, you have the structures. It is time to invest in better teacher education for better outcomes.

Henry Brougham, esq., M.P., in his speech to the House of Commons, on •Paper delivered at the colloquium “Aregbesola In The Eyes Of History” at the AURORA Event Centre, Osogbo on Monday, 26th, November, 2018.

•To be concluded next week