February 23, 2017 Of Osun Defender Online Version

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

SOCIAL DIARY

Laoye-Tomori Bags Deputy Governor Of The Year Award PAGE 8

NEWS

Osun, 11 Other States Remit Contributory Pension Proceeds P. 3 Ife Monarch Remanded In Prison Over Ewi Conundrum PAGE 3

Osun Assembly Passes ‘Not Too Young To Rule’ Bill, Step Down LG Autonomy PAGE 12

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VOL. 013. NO.7

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Fear, As Clergyman Accuses Police, Robbery Suspects Of Conspiracy

- Page 2

•Prophet Michael after being attacked

•Prosecutor Admits Suspects Escaped

•Debris of the fire outbreak at Michael’s house.

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NEWS

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

Fear, As Clergyman Accuses Police, Robbery Suspects Of Conspiracy •Prosecutor Admits Suspects Escaped A clergyman based in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun and an official of Peace Corps, Patriot Michael Mukaila Adebisi and his family members are currently living in fear of being killed owing to an alleged conspiracy between two officials of the Nigeria Police Force, Osun Command and four armed robbery suspects whom he recently arrested.

Micheal had on October in Osogbo and handed 29, 2017 in a rare display them over to the police. of bravery rescued two An eye witness told persons; Temilola Isiaka OSUN DEFENDER that and Kehinde Daodu from Michael was driving in a suspected gang of his Toyota Highlander armed robbers at Jeep around the scene Orisumbare Market Area when he sighted the

armed robbers with dangerous weapons attacking the victims around 8 pm and he was said to have engaged the suspects to save Temilola and Kehinde.

In the course of engagement with the suspected armed robbers, he was hit with dangerous weapons, severely injured and had his car damaged with some valuables stolen

from him, but with the assistance of passers-by, he was able to disarm the suspects and arrested four of them who were in turn handed over to the police at Dugbe Police Station in Osogbo, while others ran away with his bag, which according to him, contained materials like N196,000, photocopies of Toyota Highlander Jeep particulars with

•Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (middle), representing the governor of Osun; President of Nigeria Academy of Letters (NAL), Prof. Olu Obafemi (4th right); Vice Chancellor, Osun State University (UNIOSUN), Prof. Labo Popoola (3rd right); Founding President of NAL, Prof. Ayo Bamgbose (2nd right), Commissioner for Education, Mr. Abudlwasiu Kolawole- Young (4th left); Commissioner for Cabinet Matters, Senator Mudashir Hussein (3rd left); Special Adviser to the Governor State of Osun on Culture & Tourism, Mrs Taiwo Oluga (2nd left) and others, during a courtesy visit to the Governor on the proposed 2-day annual lecture of NAL in Osun, at the Government House, Osogbo.

Jolly Phonics: Osun Commences Second Round Training Of Teachers

By Francis Ezediuno

In order to enhance qualitative teaching among pupils in the Elementary schools in Osun, the state goverment has commenced the implementation of the use of Jolly Phonics method in the teaching of English Language in Elementary schools across the state.

This, according to the In his words, “It will Executive Chairman of be disheartening if a the Osun State Universal child in grade one is Basic Education Board unable to neither (SUBEB), Prince Felix identify nor pronounce Awofisayo is to instill correctly 2-letter word literacy, numeracy and or even a grade 4 pupil life skills in pupils at is unable to read his various levels of primary examination paper. education, as well as to “These are terrible identify, write and and unwanted in our manipulate numbers at classrooms considering various levels. the huge sum of funds He said the aim of the the governor has exercise is to enhance the committed over the literacy, reading and years into comprehension skills of infrastructural facilities pupils in the state which in schools”. are unarguably He hinted that Osun necessary prerequisites SUBEB commenced the for an improved t r a i n i n g / c a p a c i t y standard education. building of teachers of Prince Awofisayo, in Elementary schools on his address at the official the use of Phonics opening ceremony of the method in teaching of Jolly Phonics training of English Language in Grade 2 teachers under schools as a means of the UBEC 2016 TPD nipping the decay which programme at the majorly begins from the Osogbo centre recently, elementary level. noted that failure to He disclosed that in achieve these would lead 2017, Grade 1 teachers to the inability of the were trained which led child to elicit the correct to tremendous responses in literacy and improvements in the numeracy at the current grade two appropriate levels.

pupils.

“To continue this trend with the pupils now in grade two, their teachers need to be trained while the trained Grade one teachers handles the new intakes in grade one”.

He maintained that the effort was a laudable one with its aim of enhancing reading and writing skills from the foundation levels in schools, adding that the Jolly Phonics method had been nationally and internationally proven to be effective.

He therefore called on teachers and consultants to ensure it works in the State of Osun as well.

For maximum effectiveness, the Osun SUBEB helmsman stated that about 800 Grade Two teachers were being trained in six centres across the state simultaneously under the 2016 UBEC TPS programme.

He used the opportunity to appreciate the efforts of the partners which include; UBEC Abuja, the ILSD, the LGEA officials, the teachers just as he was optimistic that none of the class teachers would be found wanting

at the time of evaluation.

Meanwhile, the Osun SUBEB Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole stated that Osun is not there yet because it had not achieved total success in the implementation of Jolly Phonics but the state is in a hurry to ensure that the training enjoys all round success.

While stressing that reading and writing should be fun, he charged teachers to use the teaching skills they have learnt to impart their students.

By Our Reporter registration number JJJ conspire to commit 242 EQ, photocopies of felony. That you Kaseem his credentials, Huwai Oladeinde and Idowu and Techno Y2 mobile Hazzan Adedapo did phones, an identity card, assault one Isiaka GTB ATM card of one Temilola, Kehinde Daodu Miss Okunoye Damilola and Adebisi Mukaila Christiana, Peace Corps Micheal by hitting them Uniform with a name tag with an object as a result “Adebisi”, a desert boot, of which they sustained passport and other head injury. That you did photographs, National ID malicious damage to one card, Peace Corp ID card, Toyota Highlander with TIN ID card and Clerical registration number JJJ ID card.

242 GQ property of one Out of the four suspects Adebisi Mukaila Micheal that were arrested, by destroying the door of according to Michael, the said vehicle. That you only two, Kazeem did steal a bag containing Oladeinde, aged 39 and the sum of N196,000 only, Idowu Hazzan Adedapo, mobile phones, identity 31, were arraigned before cards and ATM card, an Osogbo Magistrate property of one Adebisi Court, while the other Mukaila”. two were said to have The suspects pleaded been released with the guilty to the charges knowledge of the Dugbe levelled against them and Police Station’s DPO, SP the presiding Magistrate Gbemileke. ordered that they should Surprised to see only be remanded in Ilesa two of the four suspects Prison custody, as she handed over to the police, adjourned the matter till Micheal said he made November 8, 2017. effort to use his “Camera When the matter came phone to capture them, up on the said day, the but in the process, his suspects were not phone was seized by the brought to court by Investigating Police Prison officials and this Officer, one S.O Ademola forced the Magistrate to who handed him over to adjourn till December 13 another police officer, again. Still on December saying he was forced to 13, the prison official did part with N10,000 before the phone could be not show up, but the reason given by the released to him.

He said, it was later Prosecutor, Sunday was that the Police Prosecutor the fuel scarcity as at the in charge of the case, time. The magistrate Sunday Ajayi told him subsequently adjourned that the other two the matter till January 17, suspects had been found 2018.

Narrating his ordeal to to be innocent and that DEFENDER, they had been released, a OSUN scenario which according Prophet Micheal said to him started raising after the sitting of the suspicion that the officials court, he received a call in charge might have that his house, located in Okinni had been set compromised.

The four-count charge ablaze by some unknown for which the duo of persons, with a section of Oladeinde and Adedapo the house and the shop were arraigned before adjoining Magistrate Adenike completely burnt, saying Olowolagba read, “That it was at this period that you, Kaseem Oladeinde he became skeptical and Idowu Hazzan about the whereabouts of Adedapo and others now the other two suspects. at large on the 29th According to him, few October, 2017, did •Continued on page 10

Prof Ishola’s Death, Setback To Promotion Of Yoruba Cultural Values - Osun Govt.

The state government of Osun has described the death of Prof. Akinwumi Ishola, a prominent Yoruba scholar, playwright and actor as a setback to the promotion of Yoruba language, her indigenous culture and tradition.

According to a press ambassador of Yoruba release by the race and had contributed to the Commissioner for immensely Information and Strategy promotion of its culture, values and tradition in the state, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, the through his movies and government said Ishola’s writings.

According to death was an irreparable Baderinwa, Ishola was an loss to the Yoruba race.

Baderinwa expressed embodiment of Yoruba worries over the deaths knowledge, its people of Yoruba leaders and and society. This is scholars, saying that the unarguably encapsulated race is left with a few in his literary pieces as the linguistic and noble leaders.

He maintained that c o m m u n i c a t i v e Prof. Ishola was a good competence of the

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language, its cultures reflect greatly therein.

He said: “Prof Ishola was a foremost Yoruba playwright and one of the few remaining custodians of Yoruba literature and culture of repute. Part of his legendary work for the preservation and promotion of the Yoruba culture and tradition are Efunsetan Aniwura, O Le Ku, Saworoide, Koseegbe, Iyalode Tinubu, Olu Omo, Ogun Omode and many more.

“He committed his life to the promotion of Yoruba culture through •Continued on page 3

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Osun, 11 Other States Remit Contributory Pension Proceeds

By Ismaeel Uthman

monthly pension payment to the pensioners who are not on CPS. Baderinwa said the welfare of all citizens and workers and pensioners in particular have always been the fulcrum of all decisions and policies made by Aregbesola’s administration since it came on board about

seven years ago.

He said: “The The National Pension Commission (NPC) has administration of confirmed that the State of Osun and 11 other states Aregbesola is very in Nigeria are the ones remitting the Contributory responsive to the plight Pension Scheme. and welfare of the The commissioner According to the NPC workers and retired maintained that the in a press release placed public workers in the in one of the national release of N1bn for the state. The governor, dailies on Wednesday, payment of contributory naturally, does not need Osun government was pension and N350m for to be told or put pressure gratuity payment was remitting the employer on before doing the right and employees’ outside the normal contributions to the CPS. This is contrary to the rumours peddling in the state that the state government has not been remitting its own contributions and that of the workers.

In the advertorial, NPC said 15 states had enacted the CPS law but has not been remitting the contributions, while two states are remitting only the employee portion of the contributions.

It would be recalled that Governor Rauf Aregbesola had last week approved released of N1 billion for the payment of contributory pension to retired civil servants in the state.

The governor also released additional N200 million for the payment of gratuity to the pensioners.

Commenting on the NPC report, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy •A cross section of matriculating students of The Redeemer University, Ede, recently. in the state, Mr Adelani Baderinwa on Thursday said, the report affirmed A r e g b e s o l a ’ s his administration. We

By Israel Afolabi commitment to the can only compare welfare of all retired and The State of Osun House of Assembly has urged governor Aregbesola serving public servants. the Head of Service in the state to eradicate administration with that Aregbesola, according godfatherism in the state civil service to encourage of First Premier of Old to Baderinwa, has also efficiency.

Western Region, Chief approved the release of Chairman, House present administration Obafemi Awolowo”, he another N150 million, aside the N200 million Committee on Finance under Ogbeni Rauf added.

Commissioner for already paid out as and Appropriation, Hon. Aregbesola has it in gratuity to pensioners. Kamil Oyedele made the mind to complete all the Works and Transport The disbursement will charge on Tuesday projects embarked upon Engr Kazeem Salami during the Budget before the end of its also affirmed that the take place shortly. present administration He disclosed that the defence exercise at the tenure He urged the governor of Ogbeni Aregbesola total amount of gratuity State Assembly complex, to continue with his will complete all the to be paid by the Osogbo.

The parliament urged legacy of good works in road projects embark government is N350m out of which N200m have the Head of Service to the last seven years in upon across the state.

He said that work been released and being design a good work plan the state. paid, while another on the civil service of According to him, “Mr have reached reasonable N150m approved to be Osun to ensure its Governor has not let us stages at Gbongan/ released. effectiveness. down because Osun is Akoda road, Oba Also, the House of moving forward under Adesoji Aderemi Bypass Assembly assured workers in the state that •Continued from page 2 their salary arrears his creative works and would soon be paid as it valuable contributions to has been taken care of in An Ife monarch, the Oloyere of Oyere, Oba the international body of the 2018 budget Adeoye Adefarakin has been remanded in prison knowledge. estimates. custody on the order of Chief Magistrate, Aderonke “May his soul rest in They also commended peace, may the work he the entire civil servants Olowolagba, over an Ewi conundrum which has done in promoting in the state for their allegedly maligned the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan our literature continue to Adeyeye Ogunwusi, OSUN DEFENDER gathered. endure and may our endurance so far since the modulated salary allegedly used to malign culture never die.”

Oba Adeoye the personality of the Baderinwa called for started in the state.

While addressing Adefarakin was said to promotion of Yoruba supreme monarch of the language, values, culture officials of the Ministry have been remanded last land. and tradition by every of Works and Transport, Friday which coincided It was further learnt Yoruba person, saying Oyedele commended the with his 63-year birthday Oba Adeoye that if such step is not Ministry for adding on the order of the court that Adefarakin allegedly taken, dangers visibly values to the entire State for allegedly colluded with the author loom for the language of Osun in terms of because of the death of its i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l masterminding an ewi of the ewi exponent titled prominent promoters. development, saying the exponent which was “Oba Awakusa” which

thing for the benefit of the workers.

“The NPC report is a knock for the political jobbers who are masquerading as 2011/ 2012 pensioners that have been fraudulently claiming that Aregbesola has not been paying pension contributions, and even diverting

money meant for the payment of pensioners.

“Like we had said during their sponsored protests, those who are parading themselves as leaders of the 2011/2012 pensioners forum are apologists of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) being sponsored to blackmail Aregbesola’s administration.

“The 2011/2012 forum of pensioners had taken to habitually lying in pursuit of political goal than real pension matters then. The NPC report has confirmed our claim. The 2011/2012 forum of pensioners should bury their heads in shame for making unfounded allegations against Aregbesola.

“In spite of the financial challenges, Aregbesola has been faithful to the workers and retirees.”

Baderinwa urged the civil servants and members of the public to support the government in improving the Internally Generated Revenue of the state, saying that the economic resources of the state needs to be improved upon for the government to be able to carry out its constitutional duties.

Eradicate Nepotism In Civil Service, Assembly Charge HOS

Prof Ishola’s Death

and Old Garage/Kwara State boundary road projects.

He said “this government’s hope is to touch all the nine federal constituencies in the state”.

Meanwhile, some of the Ministries and Agencies of government that have appeared to defend their budget estimation at the State House of Assembly for the day include; Ministry of Works and Transport which defended the sum of N15,917,590,500,00 allotted to it; Office of the G o v e r n o r , N22,208,493,523,13;

Ministry of Health; N1,388,482,590,00; Hospitals Management B o a r d , N26,730,416,020,00 and State Primary Health Care Development Board N2,701,669,110,00.

Others are Ministry of Home Affairs with budget estimate of N343,188,300,00; Osun Tourism Board, N254,291,430,00; Office of culture and Tourism, N101,712,520,00; State Council for Arts and Culture, N59,490,992,00; while Osun State University (UNIOSUN) defended its budget estimates of N5,068,131,460,00

Ife Monarch Remanded In Prison Over Ewi Conundrum was at large to defame Oba Enitan Ogunwusi and other Ife personalities.

At the arraignment of the monarch, last Friday, it was gathered that the monarch pleaded not guilty to all charges against him and he was to be remanded at the Ile-Ife prison custody, while the bail conditions will be perfected as demanded by the court.

Earlier development revealed that the said Ewi

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exponent is not unconnected with the Ooni ascendancy tussle which later snowballed into the current matter.

An Ife socialite who preferred anonymity revealed that the issue is an in-house matter and it will soon be resolved as Ifeland needs peace for its development and growth at this time.

The matter was said to have been adjourned till March 16, 2018 for hearing.

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4 Rehabilitating The Libya Returnees

With characteristic thoughtfulness, the government of the State of Osun has laudably embarked on the rehabilitation of 25 indigenes of the state that were among those evacuated from Libya by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) and the National Agency for the Prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) and security agents. 12 of them were received by the government in January, while another set of 13 were received on Sunday.

Osun has not been associated in the media with the issue of Libya returnees. And for a sensible reason. The low poverty rates in the State has mitigated and blunted the hustle in search of the elusive golden fleece and illusory greener pastures. The landscape created by the government led by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has also not given the space for criminal gangs and human traffickers to operate with impunity. This is a clear indication of the efficacy of the social intervention programmes of the administration which have resulted in keeping hope alive.

It is all very instructive and we commend the Osun framework to all the States in Nigeria and right across West Africa. Social intervention initiatives are a veritable antipoverty mechanism. The various social intervention programs such as Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Osun Ambulance Scheme (O’ Abulance), Free School Feeding (OMEAL), Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (OREAP), Destitute Rehabilitation (O’REHAB), Osun

School Infrastructural Development (O’ School), Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QUIP) and Care for the Elderly (Agba- Osun) amongst many others have definitely blunted the allure of the human traffickers and the con- artists and scammers peddling an elusive Eldorado. It shows very clearly that poverty is the trajectory that has created the framework for the human traffickers.

We commend the government of the State of Osun for its far- sightedness in initiating and sustaining these programmes in a harsh economic climate.

Very correctly, one of the returnees, Jimoh Aisha, who claimed to hail from Ikirun appreciated Mr. Aregbesola for the fatherly role played for her and other returnees by sending government officials to bring them back home amidst all odds.

She promised that the memory of this goodwill of the state Governor shall continue to be evergreen in their lives.

The Commissioner for Special Duties, Honourable Oguntola Toogun who received the second batch of the returnees in Osogbo said the government has camped the returnees

Prostitution, A Societal Ill On Our Campuses The growing rate of prostitution in our tertiary institution is becoming a cause for serious concern.

It is not strange that b u s i n e s s m e n , politicians, yahoo boys as well as highly-placed men in the society are the major customers patronising these set of wayward female students.

When you visit female hostels at night, you will be amazed at the kinds of men with their exotic cars that are coming in numbers to pick up these young undergraduates for sex and other illegal cum abnormal activities.

Viewing this matter, one of the main reasons for this mischievous act is “Poverty”. The first excuse that is given for prostitution as gathered is poverty. Young ladies whose parents are incapable of taking care of them and their

siblings tend to go into prostitution so as to make ends meet.

Peer pressure is another reason for indulging in this immoral act, as ladies are pressurised into this illicit trade because their friends are into it and they do not let them

know the dangers involved, so they ignorantly succumb, thus constituting nuisance to the society.

Laziness also adds to the numerous reasons why some ladies venture into prostitution, as they are naturally lazy expecting unknown men to cater for their needs.

They want to live the high life, buy expensive clothes, live in a penthouses, use the latest gadgets and designers and appear posh.

Looking at this, if the tertiary institutions can make laws to prohibit this ill-practice on our

campuses and arrest anybody caught in the act by handing them over to the appropriate authorities for prosecution, will reduce it to the barest minimum if not totally eradicated.

Religious bodies and clerics also need to up their antes as constant remembrance in their

sermons is essential such that our youths will abhor wayward living and embrace the teachings from the holy scriptures.

Parents also have a significant role to play in stopping or reducing sex trade on campuses by teaching their children good morals from home and trying to meet the needs of their children in school, as this is expected of them as parents.

The government also is not helping matters with the rate of youth unemployment for the mindset of most of these girls are that when they graduate, their chance of being unemployed is relatively high and instead of just sitting down at home they engage in this ungodly act called prostitution.

•DAVID ADEJUWON, Osogbo.

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The various social intervention programs such as Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Osun Ambulance Scheme (O’ Abulance), Free School Feeding (OMEAL), Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (OREAP), Destitute Rehabilitation (O’REHAB), Osun School Infrastructural Development (O’ School), Quick Impact Intervention Programme (QUIP) and Care for the Elderly (Agba- Osun) amongst many others have definitely blunted the allure of the human traffickers

and is attending to their welfare.

It is commendable that the government has reunited the first set of 12 returnees with their relation.

The next step must now be full rehabilitation of the second set and their reintegration back into society, so that the returnees having seen the futility of their actions can now be midges back into leading productive lives.

Once again, kudos to the government for its pro-active social sustainability measures which has largely shielded Osun from the worst of the human trafficking scourge.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

Tackling High Child Maternal Rate In spite of the downturn in Nigeria's economic situation, the report by the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) that 20,000 babies were born on January 01, 2018 was quite alarming. SOLA JACOBS reviews the effect of this development in the State of Osun and recommends the way forward.

Despite the perennial petrol scarcity which has become an annual December package for Nigerians, year 2017 could be said not to be too bad, in as much as only the living could tell the story. The year was a challenging one, especially with the realities of economic recession and all the lessons learnt as a nation.

The cheering news is that Nigeria is out of recession as announced by the Minister of Finance, though economically vulnerable. Many variables pointed to this fact.

In the New Year, the most amusing news was the post by the United Nations Children and Education Fund (UNICEF) that 20,000 babies were born on January 01, 2018. If only for the first day of the year, 20,000 new babies were born, in government hospitals and health centres, without mentioning those in private and faith based institutions, it simply means 2018 is a fruitful year and a year of multiplication. With this record, Nigeria is placed second to India in terms of birth rate, with its attendant problems, such as high rate of poverty, crime and unemployment.

The most intriguing part of the news is that the State of Osun tops the list of child maternal rate, which affirms that more procreation by young girls is on the increase in the state. It is an outstanding news as well that the state has been declared the second wealthiest state in the country, going by the development of infrastructure and other economic indices.

To a sheer mind, where there is increase in child maternal rate, first, it is a narrative of underdevelopment; secondly, it could portray low level of educational attainment, because if the girl child is in school, there is that probability

•A cross section of underaged mothers at a gathering.

that she will not be quickly put in a family way.

Also, in an environment with prevalent rate of poverty, girl child rights are always sacrificed for family comfort, as they get engaged in menial jobs to sustain the family.

In the process, they are exposed to rape, and also, unavoidable but unwanted relationships that could

‘

lead to pregnancy. More so, religious fanatism and bigotry in some cases, could lead to a girl child becoming mother at a very tender age.

In an environment where negative cultural values are exhibited without considering the effects of such beliefs and norms, underage pregnancy could be

In an environment with prevalent rate of poverty, girl child rights are always sacrificed for family comfort, as they get engaged in menial jobs to sustain the family.

,

experienced in such vicinity. Why would Osun take the lead in girl child maternal rate? Is it that the residents are not educated? Is it the prevailing economic situation?

Could it be that the rights of girl child is often violated with prevailing cases of rapes and nonprosecution of rape suspects or withdrawal of cases by plaintiffs?

Other questions one could not, but ask is that where is the increased in the child maternal rate in the three senatorial districts of the state and what is the basic factor for such development? What is the effects of the problem to the socio-political economic contribution of the affected age group both in the immediate and nearest future?

What should the state government, •Continued on page 6

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MAGAZINE

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

Tackling High Child Maternal Rate •Continued from page 5

non-governmental organisations and community leaders do to address the situation?

No one could outrightly go against the law of creation; multiply and subdue the earth is the command of the creator, but such multiplication must be productive.

Since the inception of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s government in the state, the educational sector has been witnessing rapid turnaround, as dilapidated learning environments have given way to state-of-arts schools. The free meal introduced in schools has also led to increase in the enrolment into public schools.

In tertiary education, admission soars, but only 45 per cent of students applied for Higher Diploma in Polytechnics after they had obtained OND. The majority of those who opted out of schools after they had obtained Ordinary National Diploma are girls, they abandoned school for marital vows or seek jobs to support their families.

The Osun Central and Osun West Senatorial Districts have the largest cases of girl child early marriage and the level of education and religion could be adduced to this development, while Osun East has less cases. An average family in Osun East Senatorial district has a degree holder, though their penchant for government job put them at disadvantage as other two senatorial districts have more artisans and traders than them. This had rather made them more informed as it is evidenced in their maternal rate control.

Self entrepreneurial skills and religion factors could be said to have increased the birth rate in other two senatorial districts with increase in child maternal rate, hence there is the need for the community, religious bodies government and nongovernmental organisation to rise to the scourge of child maternal rate in this New Year.

Procreation is only for the responsible adult. A situation

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No one could outrightly go against the law of creation; multiply and subdue the earth is the command of the creator, but such multiplication must be productive.

where a girl of 14 gives birth is only an expression of baby giving birth to babies; it is not only inhibiting the full development of such an individual, but it had further compounded the problem of the state that is battling with low productivity and creation of wealth. The state might be the wealthiest state in terms of infrastructural development, but there is need for an increase in the

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human development, as the state alone cannot cope with the provision of both infrastructure and human development.

The administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola had done more in social welfare and empowerment of the people, and other notable safety nets programme, but there is more to do in girl child education to prevent child maternal rate, considering the pivotal role of women in national development.

An ill-informed or uninformed girl

will grow up to a full woman; hence, what would be her contribution to the upbringing of her children and society at large.

If the vicious circle of uninformed and uneducated women had to stop, this is the time to nip it in the bud, by preventing early-child marriage and rape that give birth to unwanted babies by ‘babymothers’.

Religious organisations, community leaders as well as nongovernmental organisations need to step up campaign against girl child maternal rate with a renewed campaign against girl child maternal rate in the state. The state government and the Nigeria Police force need to enforce rape laws with the cooperation of the people, which will serve as deterrent to those who take pleasure in the illicit act. The faith-based institution’s cooperation is also required.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

Ife North LG Inaugurates Principal Political Office Holders Tuesday, 13th February, 2018 will remain an historic day, as members of the parliament in Ife North Local Government, were inaugurated with fanfare at the headquarters of the council, Ipetumodu.

The immediate past Executive Secretary of the council, Taiwo Hassan Orosanya, emerged as the executive chairman of the local government, sequel to his nomination by a member of the parliament, Olayiwola Ibraheem and seconded by Ayoola Adeyeba while other members supported his nomination.

According to a statement by the Information Officer of the council, Olonade Tunde, Adeyeba emerged as the Vice Chairman, while Olayiwola was nominated and emerged as the leader of the parliament. Bakare Nafiu Kolawole emerged as the Deputy Leader.

The Clerk of the house, Mrs. Odejide administered the oath of office on the principal officers and other members of the parliament in the presence of the Council Manager, Mrs. Adeyeye, other dignitaries including, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Bisi Odewumi, Honourable Ipoola Binuyo

and a host of other leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his acceptance speech, Orosanya thanked the community, political leaders and members in the council for their supports towards his emergence as the council boss.

Reeling out his achievements as the head of the council’s caretaker management team prior to his election, he mentioned the provision of seven 500KVA transformers for various communities, sinking of four motorised boreholes, organising skills acquisition programme for the physically challenged people, opening up of Omoluabi Residential Housing Scheme among others.

He assured that if he could record such tremendous feats as the head of caretaker management team, more should be expected with the help of God, support of his colleagues in the

parliament, as well as the people of the council.

He said with the kind of innovations that would be brought on board, all the

revenue generating potentials of the council would be harnessed to increase the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR)

that would be used for the development of the council.

Orosanya then solicited the support of everyone,

more importantly the taxable adults to always pay their taxes as and when due.

Isokan South LCDA Promises To Embark On Developmental Projects The newly-inaugurated Chairman, Isokan South obligations through Local Council Development Area, Prince Wasiu payment of taxes, dues, he added.

The council boss also Oyelami has assured the people of the council to and other levies to the appealed to other embark on people-oriented programmes that will government. parliamentarians to join make life better and suitable for the people.

He admonished other hands with him to eschew of the all divisible tendencies Part of the programmes Mrs. Dasola Morufat, members Oyewumi parliament to have a and promote unity and of the administration, he leader; said, would be road Adekunle, Deputy Leader collective responsibility, oneness of purpose. rehabilitations; provision and Boladale Tunde, imploring them to use the Present at the occasion rare opportunity to serve were, Oba Yisau Bamitale of potable water supply member.

Oyelami said that the their people. where necessary, Otunla, the Olukoyi of needed “We must be dedicated Ikoyiland, APC leaders in environmental sanitation, much education, health, development might be to duty and development the council, departmental our various heads, agriculture, while difficult to achieve of and other C o m m u n i t y without the people communities. Let us important dignitaries Development Association exercising their civic strive to leave a legacy”, would be given the desired attention.

He made the assurance recently during the inauguration of principal officers of the council’s parliament, sequel to the entrenchment of the parliamentary system in the council area.

According to a statement by the council’s Head of Social Development and Information, Aminu Ademola, other principal officers are, Olarinde •The Chairman, Ayedire Local Government, Otunba Mukaila Oladejo (3rd right) and Rasaq, Vice Chairman; members of the council’s parliament, during their inauguration in Ile-Ogbo, last week.

IPU Congratulates Orolu Obokun Council Boss Promises Physical, Human Development Council Boss A socio-cultural group, Ifon Progressive Union (IPU), Kwara State Branch, has congratulated the newly-elected Chairman of Orolu local government council, Prince Adekunle Benson.

The union commended the efforts of the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the state leadership of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the entire progressive-minded people of Ifon-Orolu for giving the council boss the deserved opportunity to serve, saying his election is a replica of a “round peg in a round hole”.

This was the remark made on Monday when the executive members of the union paid the elected Chairman a visit in his Ifon country home, saying they are ready to support and cooperate with his government.

While expressing his confidence on Prince Benson, Mr Asimiyu Usamot said that the newly-elected Chairman is not new in the political history of Orolu and that he has sufficient education, exposure and experience to carry on with the new responsibility.

The former Executive Chairman of Orolu local government, Alhaji Rasheed Oyedele, while speaking, said IPU and every bonafide member of Ifon-Orolu community needs to contribute his or her own quota to support

the local government council, which in return will contribute to the development of the people.

While addressing the visiting team, Benson promised the people of the council that the sixpoint integral action plans of Ogbeni A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration would be adopted and total transformation and unprecedented developmental projects would be experienced and witnessed in all the nooks and crannies of the council.

He said his administration has planned to assiduously work on good roads, clean environment, standard market, waterways, electricity, potable water, food security, total empowerment, Agriculture, Security, Health, Education, Wealth creation, poverty alleviation and many more.

He noted that the support of everyone is needed, saying his administration would maintain an open door policy and welcome suggestions and ideas that will take Orolu Local Government area to the promised land.

The newly-inaugurated Chairman, Obokun Local Government, Mrs Olatunde Adejoke has promised the people of the council area, both physical and human development.

She made the promise administration in the local shortly after taking the oath government to ensure that of office as the Chairman of people get to enjoy the dividends of democracy. the council recently.

Other members of the Barrister Adejoke who appreciated God and the n e w l y - i n a u g u r a t e d people of the council for council’s parliament are, her emergence as the Mr Ogunwuyi Babatunde council boss after the as the Vice Chairman, entrenchment of Alhaji Oladiran Ashaolu as parliamentary system at the leader, Mrs. Ogundipe the local government level, said all efforts would be made by her administration to justify MRS. OGIDAN ABISOLA the confidence reposed in IYABODE her by the people of the That I was formerly council and most especially known and addressed as her colleagues in the OMOLE ABISOLA parliament.

IYABODE, but now wish The council boss to be known and addressed implored the citizens of as MRS. OGIDAN Obokun Local Government ABISOLA IYABODE. both at home and in All former documents diaspora to rally round the remain valid. General administration in order to public should take note. make her dream for the ABUBAKR ISLAMIYAT council becomes a reality.

ARINOLA According to a statement That I was formerly by the Principal known and addressed as Information Officer of the OWOLABI ARINOLA council, Bayo Oladotun, OWONIKOKO, but now wish to be known and the newly-elected addressed as ABUBAKR chairman also used the ISLAMIYAT ARINOLA. opportunity to call on all All former documents remain indigenes in diaspora to valid. Access Bank and come home and embark on General public should take developmental projects note. that would help in the transformation of the area IYABO OBEDAT OYELADE to a better haven.

That I was formerly Lauding Governor Rauf known and addressed as Aregbesola for his IYABO OBEDAT visionary and dynamic ADEBISI. But now wish leadership towards the to be known and addressed development of the state, as IYABO OBEDAT the council boss noted that OYELADE. All former the efforts of the documents remain valid. government at the state Union Bank and General level would be public should take note. complemented by her

Tobi as the deputy leader and Owoeye Kolawole as a member of the parliament.

Present at the inauguration ceremony were traditional rulers; the Apetu of Ipetu-Ile, Oba Oludele Falade; Alademure of Ibokun, Oba Festus Awogboro; Alase of Ilase-Ijesha, HRM, Isiaka Adesina; Olomu of Ijaregbe, Oba E.A. Adetimo; and Alahun of Ilahun, Oba Lawrence

Olamiju.

Among party members and leaders at the event were, members of the Osun House of Assembly representing Obokun Constituency, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Chief Jumoke Ogunkeye (J.M.K.); Honourable Oladimeji Olamijulo; Chief Bosun Omole; Barrister (Mrs.) Dupe Ajayi; Engr.

Olatunde and Mr Agbaje Olatunde among others.

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE FAMADEWA SEGUN ADENIRAN That I was formerly known and addressed as FAMADEWA SEGUN, but now wish to be known and addressed as FAMADEWA SEGUN ADENIRAN. And my correct Date of Birth is 2nd Day of February, 1979 not 2nd Day of February, 1977. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Bank and General public should take note.

ZAKARI GAIUS BMITAU

That ZAKARI BABA GAIUS, GAIUS BABA ZAKARI and ZAKARI BMITAU GAIUS are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as ZAKARI GAIUS BMITAU. All former documents remain valid. G.T. Bank and General public should take note.

MRS. ADEJONRIN ABOSEDE FLORENCE

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS RABIU ABOSEDE FLORENCE, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEJONRIN ABOSEDE FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AROLE-AYODELE ABIOLA SULIAT

That I was formerly known and addressed as AROLE ABIOLA SULIAT, but now wish to be known and addressed as A R O L E - AY O D E L E ABIOLA SULIAT. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should take note.

UTHMAN BASHIRAT KEHINDE

That I was formerly known and addressed as ISMAEEL BASHIRAT KEHINDE. But now wish to be known and addressed as UTHMAN BASHIRAT KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

WAHAB RUKAYAT OMOWUMI

That my name was wrongly written as ADEWUYI RUKAYAT, but now wish to be known and addressed as WAHAB R U K A Y A T OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid.

Access Bank and General public should take note.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings 64th Birthday Ceremony Of Mr Dele Adigun In Osogbo Recently

•Mr Dele Adigun posing with a smile as he cuts his birthday cake.

It was a celebration galore in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun recently, as Mr Dele Adigun, a Lecturer at the Osun State College of Education, Ilesa, celebrated his 64th birthday.

Adigun gave thanks to Almighty God for sparing his life and thanked all wellwishers that graced the event.

Adigun then used the opportunity to pray for peace

in Nigeria.

Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam who also spoke at the event described the celebrant as a gentleman and gave thanks to God for his life and his family.

Dignitaries at the event include; The Provost, College of Education, Ilesa, Mr Kazeem Kolawole, Registrar, Mrs Olapade and others.

•Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam (2nd left) with other dignitaries at the event.

•A cross section of guests at the event.

Laoye-Tomori Bags Deputy Governor Of The Year Award Doctor Akinyemi Celebrates 75th Birthday In Grand Style The Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba Grace Titilayo LaoyeTomori was last week honoured as the country’s Most Outstanding Deputy Governor of the year 2017.

She was honoured by the management of Independent Newspapers Limited, publisher of the Independent Newspapers at the Independent Awards 2017 in Lagos.

Other awardees include Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of the Year 2017; Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, Man of the Year; Governor Samuel Ortom, Governor of the Year, Security; and Governor Nyesom Wike, Political Icon of the Year.

The rest are Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Grassroots Governor of the Year; Governor David Umahi, Governor of the Year, Agriculture and Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ooni of Ife who was honoured as the Bridge Builder of the Year 2017.

While receiving the award, Otunba Laoye-Tomori said the award conferred on her was a testimony to the headways •Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba Titi Laoye-Tomori (right), receiving the Most Outstanding Deputy made by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola Governor 2017 Award.

administration in all sectors of governance, especially in the education sector.

She then dedicated her Award to the pupils of Osun who, according to her, have enjoyed the exemplary leadership of Governor Aregbesola in many areas, most especially the education sector.

Laoye-Tomori also praised the Publisher of Independent Newspaper, Chief James Ibori, who, being a detribalized Nigerian thought it wise to honour dedicated individuals irrespective of their political parties.

In his welcome address, Ade Ogidan, Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief, Independent Newspapers Limited said the management of the newspaper will continue to honour Nigerians who have made positive impacts and are contributing to the growth and development of the country.

Chairman of the occasion, Alhaji Ismaila Isa Funtua said looking at the list of people being honoured, they are Nigerians who have distinguished themselves in various fields of life they have chosen.

Presentation Of Stationeries By APC Germany Chapter To Osun SUBEB For Distribution To Public Photo: Shola Aderinto Schools, At AUD Elementary School, Isale-Agbara, Osogbo, State Of Osun

Photo: Shola Aderinto

•Dr. Akinyemi appreciating God during the thanksgiving at the church during his 75th birthday.

It was a gathering of who is who when Doctor Albert Akinyemi celebrated his 75th birthday recently. The celebration kick-starts with thanksgiving service at The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Christ Life Zone, Neubertosh Area, Ofatedo.

During the thanksgiving service, Pastor (Professor ) Emmanuel Ogolo, in his brief exaltation read through

the book of Exodus 33: 13-15 “when a man received the favour of God, everything he does will be accepted”.

He prayed for the celebrant and blessed members of the family.

At the reception, the celebrant thanked God for giving him abundant grace to witness another year on earth and appreciated his family and friends for gracing the occasion.

•Osun SUBEB Chairman, Prince Felix Awofisayo (middle); Osun Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole (2nd right); Alhaji Kamal Adekunle (1st left); Mrs Moromoke Nimota Raji, SSA to the Osun Governor on Technical and Vocational Education, (1st right); Chief Moses Awoniyi during the book presentation.

APC Germany Chapter Donates Stationeries To Schools In Osun charged the pupils to make effective use of the materials for writing and study because the donation was done in good faith without any political undertone.

Schools within Osogbo which benefitted from the kind and thoughtful gesture included: AUD Elementary school, Isale Osun; Salvation Army Elementary School, Isale Aro; John Mackay A, B, C Elementary Schools, Okanla; Union Baptist Elementary School, Olaiya; Christ African Elementary School, Gbodofon; Methodist Government and CAC Government Elementary schools in Osogbo.

The donation was made possible through Dr. Mrs. Moromoke Nimota Raji, the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Technical and Vocational Education.

‘ ’

The All Progressive Congress (APC), Germany chapter has donated stationeries to some public schools in the state.

The donations were made at the AUD Elementary School, Isale Osun, Osogbo on Tuesday.

Speaking at the venue of the donation, the Chairman, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prince Felix Awofisayo lauded the Germany chapter of the APC for the gesture.

He stated that the gesture was a right one as it was in line with the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration’s policy of ensuring that children in the state get quality education from elementary to high school

He charged the pupils to make effective use of the materials for writing and study because the donation was done in good faith without any political undertone.

levels.

While thanking God on behalf of the group, he also

•Dr. Akinyemi in a group photograph with invited men of God during his birthday.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

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Osun Assembly Charge Agencies On Budget Implementation

By Israel Afolabi The State of Osun House of Assembly has charged all the agencies of government in the State of Osun to adhere strictly to the implementation of 2018 Budget estimates when passed into law as its content cannot be altered by any authority without recourse to the State parliament.

Chairman, House Appropriation, Kamil Committee on Finance and Oyedele made this known

on Wednesday during the budget defence exercise before the parliament at the State Assembly Complex, Osogbo.

Oyedele said that budget is a law which cannot be tampered after being passed.

He urged all the

relevant agencies of government to work together with relevant committees of the House of Assembly to achieve common goal.

According to him, “budget of a state is a law which cannot be tampered by anyone when it

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Minister in Charge of the God of Fire Global Evangelical Ministry (GOFGEM), Evangelist Peter Kolajo, at the thanksgiving service of 60th birthday of Chairman and Chief Executive, Timsed Group of Companies, Chief Rotimi Obeisun at the Christ Apostolic Church (C.A.C); Oke Anu D.C.C. Headquarters Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

Clergyman Accuses Police •Continued from page 2 days after his house was burnt, he started noticing strange movement of persons trailing him on bike wherever he goes, believing that his life was in serious danger.

To make things worse, he said that he had been accosted by a man who claimed to be a Prophet on the 29th November 2017, warning him to desist from further pursuit of the criminal case against the two accused and further warned that should he fails to heed the warning, he would lose his life and members of his family.

He said he could not report these lifethreatening incidencesto the police because he was afraid that the police might set trap for him.

On January 17, 2018, when the matter was to come up again, a new Magistrate had taken over the matter sequel to the transfer of Magistrate Olowolagba but the suspects were still not brought to court.

After studying the proceedings so far, the new magistrate sought to know the whereabouts of the accused persons and insisted that the accused be produced in court on the next adjourned date.

Michael said, it was after the insistence of the Magistrate that the counsel to the accused

person, Barrister Okobe Najite approached him and warned him not to further pursue the matter, while the Police Prosecutor, Ajayi also came to confess to him that the accused persons had absconded from the police custody when they were being taken to the prison and have since been at large.

In spite of the atrocities committed by the conspirators, Michael noted that the Police Prosecutor has consistently collected money from him to convey the accused persons to court, while the officer and his conspirators had made several efforts to prevent a number of lawyers from further taking up the matter.

The complainant had subsequently written a petition to the office of Inspector General of Police, titled, “Complaint of Conspiracy, Aiding Escape and Perversion of Justice Against SP Gbemileke (DPO Dugbe), Sergeant Sunday Ajayi (Prosecutor) and S.O Ademola, All Officers of the Dugbe Police Station: Save Our Clients Soul”, where he accused Ajayi and counsel to the accused persons, Okobe Najite, of conspiracy to prevent the accused persons from being brought to justice. Copies of the petition were also

submitted to the Commissioner of Police, Osun Command; Assistant Commissioner of Police, Zone XI; Department of Security Service; Human Right Commission; Peace Corps of Nigeria.

The petition signed by Michael’s lawyer, S.F Gimba of S.F Gimba & Co (Cornerstone Chamber) read in part: “Our client could upon the instant connect the warning by Lawyer Okobe and the Prophet as a deliberate and conscious effort to intimidate him to withdraw from the case, which by implication puts the prosecutor and the lawyer in the same team, as accessories to the offence with the sole objective of perverting justice.

“Our client is now being daily accosted by different people with threats concerning the case.

Hence, our client hardly passes a day without being threatened by strangers.

“We implore you to use your good office to investigate the conduct of all the officers involved as we have reasons to believe they know the whereabouts of the accused persons trailing our client up and down”.

Meanwhile, in series of recorded telephone conversations between the complainant and the police prosecutor, a copy of which is in the custody

of this medium, the latter was heard appealing to the former to forgive him and that he would take responsibility for all his stolen properties.

The prosecutor was also heard assuring the complainant that he would no longer be trailed by any unknown person, saying, “By the grace of God, I assure you that nobody would trail you again and nothing will happen to you. Please have mercy on me. I have now been left alone on this case by the other officers involved”.

When contacted by the medium for his reaction, he (prosecutor) disclosed that he was aware of the petition but he has been working with the petitioner to resolve the issue amicably.

He affirmed that the suspects had escaped from him while transferring them to Ilesa Prison and he has since then been on the trail of the run-away suspects. He added that he was not aware of the number of suspects involved in the case, as only two were presented in the court where he was prosecuting the matter.

Also, the investigating police officer, one officer Demola, while speaking with the medium said the matter had nothing to do with robbery but a mere case of two fighting and that the petitioner was not the one who effected the arrest of the suspects.

eventually becomes a law”.

In their separate remarks before all the ministries and agencies that appeared in the floor, the parliamentarians commended the effort of the Ministry of Special Duties for its ability to establish co-existence between farmers and herdsmen of the state.

They appreciated their performance in ensuring that peace reigns in all nooks and crannies in the state.

They also urged the Ministry of Commerce, Industry and Cooperative to revive trade fair and cooperative college.

They said, “We will create opportunity for the college to be revived for the development of the state”.

In his contribution, Commissioner for Special Duties and Chairman Committee on peaceful coexistence between farmers and Fulani Bororo in the state, Hon Mudasiru Toogun appreciated the efforts of the House of

Assembly for their supports to the committee.

He advised people of Osun to go into ranching as it is a business that attracts huge money.

In his contribution, his counterpart from the Ministry of Commerce and Industry, Hon. Ismail Alagbada said his ministry is preparing to organise another parallel chambers for the state to benefit.

However, some of the ministries of government and agencies that appeared before the House of Assembly for the day include; Ministry of Special Duties which defended the sum of N318,836,000,00 allotted to it, Ministry of Commerce, Industries and C o o p e r a t i v e N1,273,162,570,00; Osun Micro-credit Agency, N102,450,730,00; Ministry of Empowerment and Youth Engagement, N3,966,923,258,00 while office of Enterprise and Wealth Creation also defended its budget estimate of N59,775,850,00.

Downpour Rattles Ile-Ife, Modakeke Residents

By Kehinde Ayantunji Residents of Ile-Ife and Modakeke, State of Osun have lamented the effects of the recent heavy rainfall in the areas, leaving in its trail, flooded streets, houses, churches, shops and markets, has caused huge economic loss.

The downpour caused 11pm and there was power outage among heavy downpours on various areas like Monday and Tuesday.

The recent downpour Akarabata, Owode, Oju Odo, Mayfair community forced men, women and and many other areas in children to stay at home.

Ile-Ife and Modakeke While some families were while vehicular seen draining water from movement was their homes using machines, hampered as roads were pumping flooded, making others resorted to scooping with containers. movements on these In some areas, roads nearly impossible. were The deluge also residents prevented most people overwhelmed by the volume of the surging without private means of and watch transportation from water attending religious helplessly not knowing services; with attendance which of their valuables at several churches to salvage.

Some residents, who scanty as worshippers used the downpour as an spoke with the medium excuse to stay indoors on expressed sadness over the development, Sunday.

Traders were also lamenting the havoc prevented from going wrecked by the flood.

“It was the cry of my about their daily business, as the rain children that woke me grounded economic up,” lamented Mrs Lawal Yetunde, a widow whose activities.

Roads were free as two bedroom apartment most bus drivers and was flooded.

She said her children Okada riders could not operate because of the were sleeping on the floor when they noticed intensity of the an unusual coldness, downpour.

Meanwhile, some which jolted them from residents have lamented their sleep.”The speed that lack of proper with which the water drainage and water spread to the entire house channels in some areas was alarming. There was like Oju Odo, Mayfair nothing we could do to and Akarabata resulted salvage our valuables,” in the flooding of some she said.

The worst affected residential houses and areas are; Akarabata, shops.

Owode, Ondo Road, The rain started at about 8:30pm on Sunday Opa, Mayfair, and Oju and continued till about Odo.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

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What Makes A Good Relationship?

A ‘good adult relationship’ means different things to different people.

And there are many different kinds of relationships. The couple relationship may be the most important one in our society. It is often the main relationship in people’s lives; it is the basis of a family (and this is the place where most of us learn about adult love, about negotiation, about how to change and how to compromise), and it is often an economic unit.

What does a good relationship need?

It will vary from one person to another, but most people would probably agree that respect, companionship, mutual emotional support, sexual expression, economic security and, often, child rearing are all important parts of an adult relationship.

1. Acceptance Any partner will have qualities, characteristics, and behaviors that push your buttons and test your sanity. To make your relationship last, you have to accept your partner unconditionally—quirks, behavior, flaws, and all. First, you make the commitment to accepting them completely.

2. Respect Once the chase is over and we’ve gotten the prize, we often just forget about our partner’s feelings and needs. In lasting relationships, both partners value each other and take care with their words, actions, and behaviors.

3. Vulnerability If you’re not willing to share

Sex & Life

By Damilola Ojenike Twitter: @d_real_dee Instagram: life_of_dee_ E-mail: damilolaojenike@gmail.com

what’s going on with you or what you need from your partner, you’re not going to get what you need. Yet, as men and women too—out of shame or a habit built over a lifetime of bottling up our feelings—don’t want to let anyone else in on what’s going on with us.

4. Trust and Honesty You have to be willing to trust your partner not only with your feelings but with your weaknesses.

You will have to learn trust at the emotional, physical, and spiritual level. Trust and honesty take practice and earned one step at a time.

5. Empathy Empathy means trying to understand what your partner is feeling. It isn’t about trying to fix your partner’s concerns and problems, necessarily, but about being able to be there for them.

6. Kindness Do all the things for your partner that you would do for your best

friend. Try to anticipate their needs.

Think about what they need help with and try to be there for them.

7. Commitment You have to be committed to your partner, yes. But more than commitment to your partner, you have to be committed to the relationship. If you think about the health and future of the relationship instead of just your own, you’re likely to take more constructive actions and behave differently.

8. Forgiveness You will be offended and feel hurt many times throughout a relationship. The key is to forgive quickly, let go of grudges, and start over each day.

9. Compromise It may sound clichéd, but giving up on firm positions, unbendable views of the world, and what each of you want to do independently of the other person is another important step to lasting love.

Important Parts Of Law In Nigeria There are four distinct legal systems in Nigeria, these include English law, Common law, Customary law, and Sharia (Islamic) law. In Nigeria however, there are five important laws.

1. THE CONSTITUTION This is the most important law in the country, it is the law from which all the other laws in Nigeria gain their validity. Therefore, this is the grundnorm of the legal system that need to be aware of. The importance of this law is probably the reason why you hear people use the expression ‘that is unconstitutional’ so much, because if something is unconstitutional, it cannot stand. The constitution also contains all the fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.

2. THE CRIMINAL CODE/ PENAL CODE These laws are where most (not all) of the criminal laws are. It contains provisions on what actions constitute a crime, and what the penalties are for committing the crimes. It contains crimes like murder, rape, armed robbery, fraud, witchcraft (yes, witchcraft is a crime in Nigeria) and much more.

Some crimes have their own specific laws because of the importance or technical nature of those crimes, for instance, money laundering is specifically criminalised under the Money

11

10. Affection After some times in relationship, we often forget to show love and affection towards our partners.

Affection can be as simple as touching, holding, or kissing your partner for no reason at all. It’s a warm embrace, a light touch, a loving word, or any other small way you can show your partner that you love them.

11. Appreciation We all take our partners for granted sometimes. If you can regularly remind yourself how lucky you are and how valuable your partner is, and tell them so, you will boost the happiness and longevity of your relationship.

12. Validation Most of the time, people don’t really understand us. Everyone has different opinions. Validating your partner shows them that you’re on their side. When you understand and accept what they say, they feel fully seen, heard, and accepted.

Relationships can be difficult.

Focusing on external qualifiers make it even harder. But successful relationships require something much deeper than shared interests or physical attraction. Maintaining a healthy, happy relationship requires you to make daily choices that leave your ego behind and act in the best interest of your relationship rather than just yourself.

LAW & U WITH

DEBBIE OBASA

Laundering Act. However, most of the laws are in either the Criminal Code or the Penal Code.

The reason why there are two different laws is because the Criminal Code is for most of the States in Southern Nigeria, and the Penal Code is for most of the States in Northern Nigeria. There are certain key differences in the law which reflect the cultural differences between the Northern and Southern Nigeria 3. THE ELECTORAL ACT This is the law which regulates how elections are conducted in Nigeria. The law does not deal with the eligibility for office and terms

of office of political office holders (that is contained in the Constitution), however, it does contain all the other elements of the electoral process in Nigeria. For example, it deals with establishment of a National Voters’ register, and procedure for voters’ registration, directions on conducting political rallies and election campaigns, the establishment, staffing, and management of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) which is the organisation that conducts the elections in Nigeria.

4. THE LABOUR ACT

The Labour act is the primary legislation in Nigeria which deals with the relationship between an employer and its employees. It contains quite a number of provisions which govern this relationship, and also all the regulatory processes applicable for employers. Some important provisions in the Labour Act are provisions that employees must have a written contract and are entitled to payment of wages, provisions against forced labour, and issues like maternity leave.

5. LAND USE ACT The Land Use Act is the primary law in Nigeria that deals with the ownership and transfer of ownership of land. The law is quite unique in the sense that it is more ‘important’ than a regular law.

Before this law can be amended or repealed, there is a protracted process, in fact, it can only be amended using the same procedure that would be followed in amending the Constitution. One of the important provisions in the Land Use Act is that all land is owned by the Government – that is why when you want to buy/sell land you need ‘Governor’s consent’.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

Osun Assembly Passes ‘Not Too Young To Rule’ Bill, Step Down LG Autonomy

By Israel Afolabi The State of Osun House of Assembly has stepped down debate on granting of autonomy to Local government administration, saying a public hearing would be conducted on the matter.

The house approved 10 bill section ( 9) and period provisions , stepped during which the down two others and President or governor lay the rejected three of the shall bill provisions in the appropriation proposed amendment of (section 81 and 121) The lawmakers also ‘ the 1999 Constitution.

The lawmakers at the stepped down ‘ the amendments on plenary, presided over by Local its Speaker, Hon. Najeem strengthen Salaam, on Wednesday G o v e r n m e n t in brought the Administration c o n s t i t u t i o n a l Nigeria (Sections 7, 318 and part 1 of the fifth amendment issues for schedule ) and debate.

The speaker explained abrogation of Joint Local Government Account that the bill was stepped down to allow the (Section 162) for public hearing. numerous stakeholders Speaking at the end of air their view on the the proceeding, the issue, saying the speaker of the assembly, resolution of the House said that the two bills would be passed to the were stepped down so as National Assembly to consider the interest of through the conference of the numerous Speakers. stakeholders tied to the In a yes/no vote provision of the bill. proceeding, the Salaam said the P a r l i a m e n t a r i a n assembly would unanimously rejected organised a public provision for hearing on the two bills independent candidature that were stepped down in elections ( section 7, to get stakeholders 65, 106, 131, 177 and 228); inputs. constitution alteration Meanwhile, the

speaker has directed the House Committee on Local Government and Chieftancy Affairs to work out guidelines for training of the newly elected councillors at the Local Government Areas

in the state.

The speaker , who noted that the parliamentary local government was relatively new in the state, stressed the need for councillors to be

Police, Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps bill, immunity for members of the legislature and the period within which Preelectoral matter is to be determined.

Osun Commences Enumeration Of Cattle Soon Commissioner for Special Duties in Osun, Hon. Mudashiru Toogun has hinted that the state would soon commence enumeration of cattles to identify strayed cows and their owners for necessary state government under actions.

Rauf Toogun, who doubled Governor as the Chairman of Aregbesola has been able Committee on Peaceful to maintain relative Co-existence between peace amongst farmers Fulani /Bororo and and herdsmen with Farmers in Osun conscious integration of disclosed this during a the Fulani settlers into media chat with the society by making provision for necessary journalists in Osogbo.

He explained that the and basic needs of the process of enumeration herders.

“In the course of would be done by tagging cows with looking for ways in distinct number that which the relative peace suggests traceable would be enjoyed between farmers and owners.

According to him, this herdsmen could be is in furtherance of an sustained, we discovered adopted conflict important needs of the resolution mechanism in herders, and we were the state to ensure able to address them.

“The government had farmers / herders’ sunk over 13 boreholes peaceful co-existence.

Toogun noted that the in various Fulani

This House Must Not Fall The responsibility to build on the foundation of the massive development already put in place by the present administration in Osun lies with every well-meaning citizen of the state. To be a co-builder and a responsible citizen entails a lot, which include but not limited to, prompt and adequate payment of taxes, levies and rates.

It includes upholding the tenets of the Omoluabi virtue which this government has been promoting since inception. This virtue includes supporting good efforts of government in any way to achieve its aims and objectives, defending government (not keeping quiet) when destructive elements are at work in the media with aims to incite; protecting vital physical infrastructures like our roads and schools from destructive elements who would want to deface them in order to discredit government. We must also endure the dire economic and financial situation which we all know are not limited to Osun, and which we know are as a result of long years of misrule; we should seek information from appropriate quarters if and when we are at a loss on any issue concerning how we are governed, rather than listening to rumours, especially from unauthorized quarters. Each ministry, department and agency of government, apart from the ministry of Information, has an information unit with mandate and responsibility to give authentic information on demand.

This government will wind down before the end of the year, as dictated by the constitution. At a recent gathering of notable like minds, everyone in attendance seemed emotionally charged by this inevitable change in baton of leadership. The atmosphere was palpable: one for satisfaction, and the other with regrets. Satisfaction, that the governor came seven and a half years ago, saw and conquers. And regrets that, yes, the constitutional mandatory two terms will expire soon, but the governor will surely be missed by the majority. One of the attendees, a very popular retired federal permanent secretary opined that though, no one is indispensable, the Ogbeni has redefined governance in terms of leadership by example, good governance, populist attributes, welfarism, fear of God without being unnecessarily religious, Marxist/ Leninist outlook with grains of rightist bend, all rolled in one. The debate and discussions went on into the night and one thing that was certain, which I took home, was that individuals from diverse backgrounds, cutting across gender and age, are very satisfied from what they got from the tenure of Aregbesola.

An extension of the discussion was on the issue of succession and continuity. One of the female participants in the mind-rubbing gathering, (which yours truly will lead as a voluntary Tink-Tank/ Support Group very soon)

properly acquainted with rudiments of parliamentary democracy.

However, the House approved the not too young to rule bill, alter the name of the Nigerian

communities and befitting schools for their children for qualitative education.

“In addition to that, we are embarking on enumeration of cattles in the state for the purpose of linking strayed cows with their owners, to enable us make amicable settlement on issues of invasion of farms”, he said.

The Commissioner however said that there was no plan to enact antigrazing law in the state, adding that the adopted traditional way of settling disputes between farmers and herdsmen have been effective and potent.

He added that such law could be counterproductive with the present atmosphere across the state.

On State Police, Toogun stressed that state policing remains lasting solution to the menace of incessant clashes between herdsmen and farmers across the country. “ In a situation where arrested herdsmen were set free by the police, citing “orders” from the above for such an action is dangerous and capable of frustrating any move to sustain peaceful coexistence.

“I believe Nigeria needs police institution that understands its terrain of operation better and in accordance with the norms of its environment.

“For me, State Police is the way to go if we are really serious about resolving this National challenge before it gets out of control”.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

said she’s imagining if the next governor will have the capacity to possess some of the sterling attributes of Aregbesola, because, according to her, filling the space totally will surely be an uphill task, if not outrightly impossible. That was what triggered the next round of discussion that made almost everyone at the event to be moody. Succession, they believed, is not a child’s play especially when the incumbent occupant has made his or her indelible mark on the sands of governance as done

by Aregbesola. That was when the Lagos experience under the erstwhile governor and leader of the ruling All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, came up for mentioning in the discourse. The proponents believed that Osun deserves the Tinubu/ Fashola continuity model, if we must move forward to consolidate on the present gains. The model, according to the proponent, was that of a solid foundation for high level development laid by Senator Tinubu which was consolidated (or actualized) by his favoured successor, Mr. Raji Babatunde Fashola.

Former governor Babatunde Raji Fashola, SAN, popularly called “BRF”, under the guardianship and support of his mentor and majority of well-intentioned Lagosians, took the State’s development to noble heights, that Lagos became a veritable reference point in pragmatic and good governance in the country. Lagos soon looked away from Abuja in revenue expectation. It developed a functional and citizen-friendly tax regime and because the people saw what their tax money was used for, soon supported the government, although not without initial resistance from certain quarters as is being reportedly experienced in Osun presently. Lagos State’s tax revenue

The solid foundation laid by Ogbeni is too strong to be demolished and we cannot risk toying with the future of this state. This house, built with solid foundation in the last seven years, must not be allowed to fall, and the only feasible assurance against this is a continuity government. consequently doubled, later quadrupled and continued to rise year-in year-out such that the monthly federal allocation became a tiny fraction of its total revenue base.

We had to go this entire hug in our discourse because the Lagos model can never be over-emphasised if states will move away from what many have referred to as “feeding bottle” economy to a self reliant one. The Lagos model has also brought to fore the need for continuity, despite the other side of argument against it; that is, since the incumbent government has laid a solid foundation for future development in the past seven and half years.

All we need now is an Actualizer in the mould of a Raji Fashola. We have no apology in asking our Ogbeni to give us one, so say my other colleagues and I in The Collective For Continuity soon to be unveiled. But if anyone thinks otherwise, he or she should suggest a better alternative. The solid foundation laid by Ogbeni is too strong to be demolished and we cannot risk toying with the future of this state. This house, built with solid foundation in the last seven years, must not be allowed to fall, and the only feasible assurance against this is a continuity government, “anointed”.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

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Air Conditioner May Be Killing You Slowly Air conditioning has lately become the perfect exemplar of luxury and comfort. In this ultra- modern era, air conditioning is not only installed in homes, malls, theatres, vehicles and workplaces but also in medicals, hospitals and health centres.

The primary aim of air conditioning is keeping people’s c o m f o r t uncompromised and also multiplying respective business profits by charging extra taxes.

It is obvious that people who can easily afford ACs do not think twice before buying and installing ACs in their homes and offices.

However, a recent research on negative health effects of air conditioning has found that this sophisticated epitome of luxury and comfort has several health risks which can lead to many health issues.

Due to heavy pollution and extreme global warming, climates are getting extreme hot, especially the period preceding the rains are getting unbearably harsh and hot.

This is the sole reason why people are opting for air conditioning at their respective places to get some relief from scorching and blazing heat.

But one needs to put into consideration why it becomes tough for people to bear the heat outside after getting out of the air conditioned homes and workplaces. That’s because the body stresses itself to adjust between two extreme temperatures thereby weakening the immune system.

What are the seemingly negative effects of air conditioning on our health?

As much of southern and northern Nigeria and most parts of the country rest under an extreme heat alert, many are looking for relief from the sweltering outdoor temperatures.

The on hand alternative for the rich and those that can provide it is to indulge in exposing themselves to compressed air from the air conditioner or air conditioning system and thus, they have these units installed in their offices, houses; which included bedrooms and parlours and even in their cars.

For those who cannot, the best alternative is to resort to ceiling, standing, table or wall mounted fans.

Hot and humid air blowing in from the Sahara desert cause temperature to soar into the low- and mid 30°C on an average day and to some, this may cause some level of uncomfortable situation especially when the almighty IBEDC strikes and power supply is cut off for hours.

Air conditioners across some states are undoubtedly working overtime, especially in these months preceding the first drops of rain but despite their welcomed relief from the scorching heat, air conditioners may not be the best option for a person’s health when it comes to cooling off.

OSUN DEFENDER examined the top five health concerns that surround the use of air conditioners in the tropic climate belt that Nigeria falls within.

Illness And Constant Fatigue When a person is observed shivering at their place of work even in the humid temperature, that might be the reason for constant tiredness.

Research shows that people who work in over air-conditioned environments may experience chronic headaches and fatigue.

Those who work in buildings which are constantly being pumped full of cool air may also experience constant mucous membrane irritation

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

and breathing difficulties.

This leaves the person more vulnerable to contracting colds, flu’s and other illnesses.

After a long days exposure to the AC, on getting home, some people would switch to fans which further compounds their health status.

The continual switching of cooling systems also impart on the body’s immune system.

Dry And Breaking Skin The more the long hours spent in an air conditioned environment, the more the likely cause of the skin to lose moisture, a situation which makes people who have conditioned themselves to being in air conditioned spaces always make use of the aid of constant supply of moisturizers which in its end may begin to lead to one form of dry skin or other symptoms associated to skin breakage.

Adds To The Effects Of Chronic Illness A typical culprit of this is the Central air conditioning systems that are known to enhance the effects of illness that a person may already be suffering from or have passed undiagnosed due in part to none presentation of symptoms.

The AC is notorious for increasing the symptoms of low blood pressure, arthritis, and neuritis, making pain management more difficult for those adamant on using their central air conditioners.

The Inability To Deal With Heat Those who spend a lot of time in an air conditioned environment become increasingly more intolerant of hot summer temperatures.

A little time spent outdoors can be compared to staying in an oven.

This is mainly caused by the stress on the body from moving from a cool environment to the sweltering outdoor air.

A typical example in the mid day Nigerian sun is to experience itching and uncontrolled heavy sweating.

This intolerance of the heat has lead to an increase in heat-related deaths during heat waves, which now averages at 400 deaths each summer in many countries in the tropical climatic belt.

Breathing Problems Though, the ACs installed in cars may be a saving grace while stuck in traffic on a hot day, they happen to be the worst offenders for circulating germs and micro-organisms that cause breathing problems.

Researchers have successfully found eight types of mould living inside 22 out of 25 cars tested.

Air conditioners are also known to circulate airborne diseases such as Legionairre’s Disease, a potentially fatal infectious disease that produces high fever and pneumonia.

Weaker Immunity Air conditioning creates an artificial change in temperature which is unhealthy for human immunity causing weakening of immune system.

People who frequently switch between extreme temperatures by staying inside home and office and later outside in scorching heat fall sick more frequently for no apparent reason.

Sinusitis According to researchers, people who spend more than 4 hours in air conditioning environment are more likely to get diagnosed with sinusitis infections, as the chilling cold air tend to harden or dry the mucous gland.

Allergy The negligence in cleaning the air conditioners can lead to accumulation of dust, bacteria and mold in the air circulating ducts which later on circulates infectious air causing skin irritations, redness of skin, itchiness and skin allergy which is another common negative health effect of air conditioning.

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

How Massive Road Construction Changed Negative Narratives In Osun

By Ismaeel Uthman The negative narratives on the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola by members of the public, and particularly the opposition parties have been fading away, investigation has revealed.

OSUN DEFENDER noted that the perception of the people of the state about the Aregbesola’s administration is gradually changing, with favourable comments from the general public.

Investigations revealed that the completion of some projects which some of the people thought had been abandoned restored hope and confidence in the minds of the people who

had been feeling disappointed in the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration.

Some of the projects which the people had thought had been abandoned included the 40km Dualisation of Osogbo-Ikirun-Ila-OdoKWSB road, 17.40km Oba Adesoji Aderemi/OsogboEast bypass road, 2.80km Olaiya-Ita Olokan and dualisation of Gbongan to

Akoda.

But the continued construction of the roads, in spite of the financial challenges facing the state, keeps surprising the people and has left them wondering on how and where the governor is getting the fund for the continuity of the projects.

The reconstruction of Olaiya-Ita Olokan road has been completed and already named ‘Workers Drive’ by Aregbesola.

Commuters on the road have been passing positive comments on Aregbesola’s administration because of its standard.

The road will be

commissioned soon.

OSUN DEFENDER visited the GbonganAkoda road which hosts a trumpet bridge named after the former governor of the state, Chief Adebisi Akande, and noted that the dualisation was almost at Ode-Omu, which is few kilometer away to Akoda.

The construction of the Bisi Akande Trumpet brigde has been completed.

According to the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Engr.

Kazeem Salami, about 3km of some parts of the road were constructed with reclamation process

•Laying of stone base on Stadium-Testing Ground-Oke Baale section of Oba Adesoji Aderemi East By Pass road in Osogbo.

Photo: RIDWAN OYEDIRAN

and stone boulders.

When OSUN DEFENDER inspected the Osogbo-Ikirun-Ila-OdoKWSB road construction on Wednesday, the dualisation was almost at Ikirun, Ifelodun local government.

C o m m e r c i a l transporters who are the major commuters on the roads have been expressing their satisfaction on the project, describing it as smooth and friendly to their vehicles.

The Oba Adesoji Aderemi/Osogbo Eastbypass is also nearing completion. The four bridges of the road have been completed. The bridges were built over a railway, Osun River, a major road and the other one on another Osun Rivers.

The bridges are named: November 26th, 5 Judges, November 27th and August 8th respectively.

The road, which is nearing its completion, has already been functioning as viable alternative route for commuters just passing through the state without having to go through the traffic in the city.

Traffic now flows freely within the state, as the new By Pass provides alternative route to various destinations within and outside Osogbo, the state capital.

When completed, the road, which is circular, will link with the Ring Road (Ibrahim Babangida Way) to form a complete circle round the state capital Osogbo.

Osun Govt Receives Fresh 13 Indigenes Evacuated From Libya The state Government of Osun has received yet due process in looking for who claimed to be a another set of 13 indigenes of the state that were greener pasture within native of Ile-Ife evacuated from Libya by the Federal Government. and outside Nigeria. commended the state government for the One of the returnees, The government encouraged them to received the Libya always take a legal and Miss Fashola Moyosore, prompt step taken to returnees, comprising of five males, seven females and a three month old baby girl at the Port transfer of N11 million

By Adejumo Kabir Harcourt International from OAU branch The Obafemi Awolowo University chapter of account Airport. to ASUU Receiving the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASSU) has national account.

It would be recalled returnees, Director of pulled out of the national body to form a new body Operation, Osun following the conflict between the national body and that the university chapter of ASUU have Emergency Management the school chapter.

According to the unilateral removal of the not be in good term with Agency, Engr. Akin national body Adetuberu, stated that resolution of the congress elected Treasurer by the the state government of OAU chapter that held ASUU National President following the removal of Dr. Caleb Aborisade-led recently and signed by and also the alleged could not allow them to spend extra time at the the Chairman of its airport because of its caretaker committee, Dr. great concern about their Niyi Sunmonu, the congress condemned the The state government of Osun has expressed its welfare. resolution of the ASUU readiness to partner a broadcasting platform of VidAccording to National Executive Vision Media Nigeria, the Gem TV Africa for the 2018 Adetuberu, Governor Council meeting on the Africa.

Rauf Aregbesola is issues affecting the Commonwealth According to the Vid-Vision Media Nigeria, always concerned about chapter.

Commissioner for Ms. Oladayo Fashola in his the plight of Osun “Last year, 732 of the Information and Strategy office, on Tuesday. indigenes within and 1,371 academic staff of in the state, Mr Adelani More than 300 global outside the country, just Obafemi Awolowo Baderinwa, the state and African thought as he commended the University wrote to the government is ready to leaders, eminent governor for his timely university management explore every available personalities and response on the to stop payment of their opportunity to hobnob emerging leaders from transportation of the check off dues to the with international Africa and other parts of national body to express community and attract returnees to Osun. the commonwealth, and The returnees were our displeasure against foreign investors to the friends of Africa are received in Osogbo by the way the national body state. expected to converge at the Commissioner for handles the OAU branch Baderinwa spoke while the 5th annual Special Duties, Hon. crisis. There are several receiving the Chief commonwealth Africa Mudashiru Toogun who reasons for pulling out Executive Officer of the summit in London, United which include the alleged

ASUU Crisis: OAU

ensure their safe transportation back to Osun, maintaining that the gesture would be forever appreciated.

Pulls Out Of National Body executives by the branch congress which was rejected by the national body.

However, the OAU chapter has vowed to be with Dr. Niyi Sunmonuled caretaker committee and stopped payment of their check off dues to the national body.

From Stadium, the tarring of the road is at Testing Ground, going to Oke-Baale. The road had been tarred from Dele Yes Sir to Ilesa garage.

During his courtesy visit to the governor last Friday, the Director-General, Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Dr. Monsur Liman lauded Aregbesola on the massive development his administration has recorded in infrastructure.

According to Liman, it is evident that Aregbesola has transformed the state with road construction, bridges, beautiful environment, schools among others.

Commenting on the road constructions, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa said massive road construction would enhance economic development and it would enhance smooth transportation of farm produce and goods.

Baderinwa maintained that good infrastructure is the bedrock of socioeconomic development, explaining that the massive road construction put in place by A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration have been connecting people, driving commerce and maintaining global competitiveness.

He noted that the road construction would in no time reduce costs in many economic sectors in the state by providing better accessibility to markets, increase employment, bring in foreign investment and improve global presence in the state.

Baderinwa said Aregbesola deliberately named the Olaiya-Ita Olokan road after workers in the state in appreciation of their sacrifice, understanding and support at the trying period of the state.

In his comment, the Commissioner for Works and Transport, Salami expressed satisfaction on the quality of work done by the contractors handling the projects, just as he lauded Aregbesola for his focus on the completion of the roads in spite of the paucity of fund.

Osun Govt Ready To Partner Gem TV Africa On 2018 Commonwealth Summit Kingdom, between March 12 and 14, 2018.

The event will spark new thinking on how to achieve shared prosperity and common good for Africans and how Africa’s growing youth population can transform the continent.

Expected speakers at the event include former Ghanaian President, H.E John D Mahama; the United Nation Deputy Secretary-General, Amina J Mohammed, who is a former Nigerian Minister for Environment; Chief

Mrs. Folorunso Alakija, the Chancellor, Osun state University, among others.

Baderinwa maintained that such event would afford the state the opportunity of telling its success story and encouraging African countries to emulate Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s social security programme like Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES), O’ MEAL and the delivery of good governance in general.

FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

CRIME

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15

Police Arrests Armed Robbery Gang After Attacking Youth Corps Members’ Lodge In Modakeke

By Abdullahi Omotayo Osun state Police command has arrested a gang of robbers’ days after they have attacked corp members’ lodge with guns and cutlasses in Modakeke, Osun State.

The Commissioner of dispossessed of their Police, Osun Command, phones and some other Mr Fimihan Adeoye, said valuable items”, The the suspected armed commissioner said. robbers had attacked the He further explained Youth Corps Members that, before the police got lodge and carted away to the scene, the robbers their mobile phones and had escaped. A team of other important items on police detective February 6, 2018. commenced the “A gang of armed investigation which led to robbers attacked some the arrest of the robbers. youth corps members in “Our police detectives Modakeke, at about commenced the 02:00hour. The Youth investigation and I am Corps Members were happy to let you know

that the police detectives attached to the Special Anti-Robbery Squad working in close liaise with the Area Commander of Ife have succeeded in arresting every member of that gang,” he added.

The C.P further

emphasised that the police had also succeeded in recovering most of the things that were stolen from the Youth Corps Members.

Adeoye disclosed that in the cause of the investigation two of the criminal receivers were

also arrested.

He also stated that the investigative detectives had also succeeded in arresting the fellow that is supplying the suspects’ weapons, firearms and cartridges.

The commissioner said the suspects had been

apprehended and are facing proper prosecution.

He then assured the people of the State that the command will not rest on its oars in making arrest and ensuring the safety of lives and property of residents.

How Police Discovered Strange Fraudsters’ Shrines In Osun The Police Operatives last week discovered strange conglomerate of shrines used to defraud residents in Ilobu, Osun state and its environs.

This was disclosed by shallow graves were the Commissioner of discovered in the den and Police, Osun Command, the police authority Mr Fimihan Adeoye, disclosed that all the who stated that they had details found in the been to the shrines. shrine would help in the •Picture showing a building at Alekunwodo area, Railway line flooded with water following the heavy downpour on “As we heard the investigation going Monday in Osogbo. The flood was obviously caused by the blockage of the water channel. information, we acted on forward.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. it and made arrest of two brothers of the same parent who are into the criminal act of defrauding people of their money,” he added.

The CP said that the members of Eiye Secret the offences

By Abdullahi Omotayo Osun State Governor, Cult conspired together contravened sections 2003.

Rauf Aregbesola was The pleas of the An Osogbo Magistrate Court on Monday to disrupt public peace. 6(b),(1)(2)(a)(b) of the specifically also remanded eight persons in Ilesa prison custody He said the accused Robbery and Firearms defendants were not involved. over alleged armed robbery. persons robbed (Special provision) Act taken by the court due to the magnitude of “The Governor has The accused include on November 10, 2017 unsuspected victims of cap R11Vol. 14, Laws of their offence. directed the relevant Ogunosun Timileyin, their Motorcycles and Federation of Nigeria The case was agencies of the 18, Adeleke Shina, 21, at about 9:30 am, at Oke- mobile phones with and sections government, that the Olawopo Daramola, 20, Ayepe, Osogbo. guns and other 516,64(a)(b) and 249(d) adjourned to March 15, Tajudeen said the dangerous weapons. place should be brought and Abidoye Semiu, 20, of the criminal code cap 2018 for further mention accused who are The prosecutor said 34 vol.11 laws of Osun, down,” he said.

Others are Nkemko He added that the Steven, 23, Olayiwola shrines had been Gbolahan 29, Azeez demolished as police Lawal 30, and A 20 year-old man, Alabi Ishola, was on Monday afterwards moved on Owonifari Samson 24. the Criminal Code Cap N50,000 and one surety with their investigation.

The Magistrate, Mrs. docked before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for 34 Vol. II laws of Osun in like sum.

The medium gathered Fatimoh Sodamade, had stealing Motorcycle in Osogbo.

Sodamade said the State, Nigeria 2003.

The police prosecutor, accused conspired with that the den was used by ordered the accused to Ishola pleaded not surety must reside a cartel of fraudsters to be remanded in Ilesha Inspector Olayiwola one at large to steal one guilty to the two-count within the court defraud many prison custody over Rasaq, told the court that Haojue with Suzuki charge of theft and jurisdiction alleged armed robbery. the accused committed motorcycle unsuspecting residents of of tax with conspiracy slammed evidence The Prosecutor, the offence at Owode registration number against him. the state as well as those payments and two from outside the state Inspector. Mustapha area, Ilesha road in the QU434KJA valued at passport sized Counsel to the Tajudeen, had told the state capital. who fall for their antics.

N55,000 which belongs accused person, Mr. photographs, attached Rasaq said the to one Isiaka Olawale.

It was also learnt that court that the accused Olatunbosun Oladipo, with an affidavit of committed the offence He said the offence prayed the court to grant means.

She then transferred committed by the his client bail in the most the case to court 5 while accused person is liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs. she adjourned the case contrary to and punishable under Fatimoh Sodamade till 23rd March, 2018 for sections 516, 390(9) of granted the accused mention. person bail in the sum of

Eight Persons Remanded In Prison Over Alleged Armed Robbery

20 Year-Old Man Docked For Stealing Motorcycle

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I Inherited The Gun - Suspect A suspect arrested with an illegal gun by the Osun State Police Command had stated that the gun is his inheritance from his father.

The police arrested the have robbed some suspected robber for commuters with the allegedly possessing a cut small gun. to size gun.

According to the The suspect was suspect, he said the gun caught during a police was given to him by his “Stop and Search” patrol late father when he was in Osogbo, capital of about to die with the Osun State. intent to protect himself The suspect was said to from danger and to hunt.

The suspect said he is working with Fidelity Bank in Lagos as a guard, and as such, he only wants to be using the gun as a security guard in Lagos.

The Commissioner of Police, Osun Command, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye said investigation is still going on the suspect’s claim.

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Air Conditioner May Be Killing You Slowly P. 13 .

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FRIDAY FEBRUARY 23 - THURSDAY MARCH 1, 2018

ISIS Fighters Arrived Nigeria, Herdsmen Are Blamed I must express my frustration as Nigerians continued to refer to perpetrators of the violence in NorthCentral Nigeria as “unknown gunmen”.

Why should gunmen be unknown for years? They kill innocent people and destroy their means of livelihood and yet they are unknown. We have security agents mandated to ensure the safety of all citizens, spanning from the military to paramilitary agencies, we have intelligent units and yet these killers remain unknown.

Hamid Umar told me in AYOUROU in Niger Republic-Mali border during my investigation that ‘ISIS members returning from Syria and Iraq have moved from Mali to Niger to Nigeria and across West Africa’. ISIS fighters have arrived Nigeria.

Why are Nigeria’s cattle herders turning to jihadists like most gunmen in the so-called Islamic State in the greater Sahara, who operate along the sandswept borderlands like Mali, Niger, Nigeria, Burkina Faso and others? The transition of herdsmen from vigilantes protecting their cows to jihadists capable of carrying out complex attacks is a story Africans and Western powers would do well to heed, as their pursuit of violent extremism in West Africa becomes ever more enmeshed in long-standing ethnic and clan conflicts.

What is happening in Benue, Taraba, Nassarawa and other middle-belt States in Nigeria is more than a strive between herdsmen and local farmers; it has gotten to the level of terrorism. African Islamic militants trained in Syria and Iraq now walks freely in North-Central Nigeria.

Terrorists attacked the camp of Mobile policemen, Mopol 13 in Benue, killing two officers by slitting their throats. Do you call people who could invade the camp of mobile policemen in a guerilla manner and overpowered armed Mopol mere Fulani herdsmen? They are terrorists not herdsmen; they are elements of ISIS fighters.

Between 3,000 and 6,000 so-called ‘foreign fighters’ – African citizens trained in Islamic state terror camps – have returned to Africa and pose a “completely new challenge and Nigerians are calling them herdsmen. Nigeria is currently facing the highest terror threat in more than a decade. I am warning of Islamic State (IS, formerly ISIS/ISIL) or other terror groups attack in Nigeria.

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OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

By Invitation

BY INWALOMHE DONALD

There are concrete indications that terrorists are systematically using the stream of herdsmen to come into Nigeria undetected. We can expect ISIS or other religious terror groups to stage an attack in Nigeria with the aim of achieving mass casualties among the civilian population and that the risk of attacks by individuals has also not diminished.

There are concrete indications that terrorists are systematically using the stream of herdsmen to come into Nigeria undetected. We can expect ISIS or other religious terror groups to stage an attack in Nigeria with the aim of achieving mass casualties among the civilian population and that the risk of attacks by individuals has also not diminished.

Terrorists are infiltrating Nigeria under the guise of herdsmen. These worries are substantiated and confirmed in February after several killings in Benue, Nassarawa, Taraba, Edo, Delta and others which signified that ISIS militants had arrived the country pretending to be herdsmen. A bomb explosion was reported to have killed one person in Edo State, according to a statement from the state government.

The statement issued by the Government House, Benin City, said the explosion occurred in Okpella community, Etsako East Local Government Area, while a bomb-making facility has also been discovered in the area.

Up to 6,000 Africans who fought for the

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Islamic State (ISIS) jihadist group in Iraq and Syria could return home, the African Union’s top security official warned late last year, calling on countries to prepare for the threat. Smail Chergui, the AU’s commissioner for peace and security, said African nations would need to work closely with each other and share intelligence to counter returning militants.

“There are reports of 6,000 African fighters among the 30,000 foreign elements who joined this terrorist group in the Middle East. The return of these unscrupulous elements to Africa poses a serious threat to our national security and stability and requires specific treatment and intense co-operation between African countries”, Chergui told a meeting in Algiers, according to the Algeria Press Service News Agency.

10,000 foreign fighters joined the Sunni extremist group after it seized vast swathes of Iraq and Syria and declared a caliphate in 2014. But the group has suffered a severe losses to both its territory and military capabilities last year.

Terrorism is one of the biggest crimes against humanity. Every such crime deserves to be named appropriately, and nations experiencing such, owe it to their citizens to act swiftly and decisively against terrorists. What we have experienced so far with the “Fulani Herdsmen” is nothing short of terrorism and it is high time government handled it with the seriousness required for such a grave situation, not only to protect the lives and property of her innocent citizens, but also to preserve the tribal identity of the many real Fulani Herdsmen who are simply looking for livelihoods.

January 21, 2018: Security service organisations, including the Department of State Service, have in a report submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari said they have identified an Islamic State in West Africa network operating within some North Central and South-south sections of Nigeria that is using foreign terrorists and recruiting young men, fighting and killing innocent persons ostensibly to exacerbate tensions along the country’s ethnic, religious and regional fault lines.

According to a Presidency source, this discovery was made following the arrest of several suspected attackers made up of Fulani herdsmen, government-sponsored militias, militants and other miscreants in Benue State.

Among those in custody were many who spoke none of the Nigeria languages, but the French language. This is the first time that security officials have confirmed that the Islamic State in West Africa members are operating as a unit in Nigeria and the level of their penetration of the country. The source revealed that a “good number” of the Islamic State terrorists have been arrested not only in the Benue valley but significantly in several towns in Edo State, specifically in Akoko-Edo, Okpella and Benin as well as Okene in Kogi State”.

Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue, said that security agencies did not take proactive measures to protect the state against its aggressors after several complaints of planned attacks reported to them. Ortom made this known recently in Makurdi at a stakeholders meeting to discuss the security situation in the State.

•Inwalomhe Donald, a researcher writes from Benin City, inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com

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