Osun To Engage Retired Doctors After Sacking Over 1,500 Health Workers
THE emigra on of medical doctors and other health professionals from Nigeria – popularly referred to as “Japa syndrome” has le excrucia ng effects on Osun State’s health sector, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
•As Brain Drain Hits State’s Health Sector
Recently, the Elegboro of Ijebu-jesa, Oba Femi Agunsoye expressed concern over shortage of medical personnells at the General Hospital in the community. Oba
Findings revealed that many government hospitals in the state do not have the required number of health workers, a situa on that has made it difficult for people to have access to quality health services, especially those in the rural areas.
Agunsoye said the hospital has only one medical doctor and a few other health workers.
Also, Governor Ademola Adeleke had in September 2023 lamented the dwindling number of experts in the medical
field, saying the situa on calls for concern of all stakeholders. He stated this at the 9th Annual Interna onal Oncology Mul disciplinary Team Symposium organised by the Department of Surgery, Faculty of Clinical Science, College of Health Science, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe.
In view of the current situa on, the state Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, has said the state government is planning to engage rered doctors to make up for the scarcity of doctors in Osun. He made this known last Thursday during the ministry’s budget defence at the state’s House of Assembly.
This is coming two years a er the Adeleke’s administra on, through an Execu ve Order, terminated the appointments of over 1,500 health workers recruited by his predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola.
The reason for the termina on of the recruitment of the health workers which comprised doctors, pharmacists and
Alekuwodo-Okefia Flyover Construction: 10 Months After, Business Owners Demand Compensations
TEN months a er the commencement of work on the construc on of Alekuwodo-Okefia Flyover, Osogbo, Osun State, Traders within the axis have been witnessing a downturn in their businesses due to the closure of the road.
The closed stretch is proposed for the Alekuwodo/Oke-Fia flyover under the N100bn infrastructure programme of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that those badly hit by the development are food vendors, recharge card vendors, supermarket and pe y traders, among others, who were trading by the roadside.
Some of the traders have however demanded a sort of succour from the state government as a form of compensa on.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, Joseph Bamideke, a trader whose business flourished around the area before the commencement of the construc on said, “The road closure has hit us hard. Without the usual flow
of customers, our businesses are suffering.
“In a serious society, there should be a kind
of compensa on from the government which will serve as a form of succour for us. A lot of
businesses have closed down within this period while some are struggling to pay their em-
‘Provide Lists Of Abandoned Projects In Osun’ - FG Tells Adeleke
THE Presidency has urged the Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke to compile a list of abandoned Federal Government projects across the state to expedite their comple on.
This is in a bid to foster grassroots development in state. The call was made
during a town hall meeting held on Monday with various stakeholders, including residents, labor leaders, traders, market women, farmers, and journalists. The Presidency emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administra on is dedicated to addressing the people’s needs, making the mee ng an important step for the state’s de-
velopment.
The Personal Assistant to the President on Cons tuency Affairs, Khadijat Kareem, said: “We recognize the unique challenges facing Osun State, from infrastructure to economic empowerment. We are commi ed to addressing these issues and making a tangible
•Continued on Page 7
ployees salaries”.
Also, a worker of a popular supermarket in the area who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER under the condi on of anonymity said they have lost majority of their customers due to the ongoing construcon and diversion.
The worker noted that some of their customers could not come in with their vehicles as they now prefer to go to a place that is convenient for them.
“Many of our customers are not coming anymore because they cannot come in with their vehicles. Our business has suffered a setback. Sales has dropped badly.
“The government should please assist us with our business from collapsing. They should give a helping hand,” the worker asserted.
Also, a fruit vendor, Adeola Ojo, noted that “Since the closure, sales have plummeted since the road was closed. It has been a struggle to make ends meet.”
They, however, urged the state government to fast-track the flyover and road construc on to protect their business interests.
community health workers was that the appointments came a er Oyetola had lost the July, 2022, governorship elec on.
The commissioner, who said that the state is facing dearth of doctors, added that “majority have le the country. He said: “We intend to recruit re red doctors who are not red to fill the needed number of doctors in our health facili es.
“We are planning to engage re red doctors because many of them have travelled abroad for greener pastures.”
Akintola explained that when engaged, the re red doctors would bring on-board their wealth of experience to impact the live of Nigerians and offer good healthcare to the people.
He said the ministry had earlier been given the go-ahead to employ more staff but the issue of the new minimum wage, which was just settled in the state, delayed the recruitment process.
On his part, Dr Afolabi Babatunde, the Chief Medical Director, CMD, of UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital, while also defending the budget of the hospital, stressed the importance of having more medical staff
Babatunde said that UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital currently has one nurse to 19 pa ents, which is not in conformity with the “one nurse to three pa ents” recommenda on of the World Health Organisa on, WHO.
He added that when he resumed as the CMD in October, he did an assessment need of the hospital and discovered that the health facility spends more money than it generates.
He explained that the cost of paying staff not under state government payroll, buying diesel and paying for electricity in a month is about N140 million, which is far more than what is generated.
He said some key equipment like the CT Scan machine, MRI machine and others are not available at the hospital.
He solicited the help of the assembly for more funding, saying “what is allocated in the budget for the hospital is not sufficient.”
The Chairman, Osun State House of Assembly’s Finance and Appropriaon Commi ee, Saheed Fatunmise, who heads the budget defence, said that the CMD’s appeal is noted, and the hospital’s budget taken.
Yusuf Oketola
Joseph Bamidele Paul Olajide
Kazeem Badmus
•Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers, Osun State Chapter, ESV Adekunle Adedoye (2nd right) and other executives at the 2024 Annual General Meeting (AGM) on Monday Photo: Shola Aderinto
•Alekuwodo/Okefia
yover under construction
Kemi And Fanon
NIGERIA’S Vice President, Kashim Shetma has been understandably piqued by the UK’s Leader of the opposi on’s consistent denigra on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria where her parents come from. Perhaps, the Vice President should just have ignored her and maybe not; Kemi Badenoch is a special case, a cross between poli cal opportunism and an overarching iden ty crisis.
Kemi was full of praise for Nigeria when she was appealing to Nigerian voters in Dulwich, London to vote for her, now its a different ball game with immigra on on the front burner.
Maybe it is more
“Nigeria must concentrate on the pursuit of sustainable development and the creation of a society anchored on social justice. In the spirit of the season of goodwill to all Vice President Shettima should give Kemi a copy of Fanon ‘s classic”
than flip - flopping propelled by poli cal expediency, perhaps we have to read again the classic by the poli cal ac vist and psychiatrist Frantz Fanon “ Black Skin , White Masks”.
Fanon paid special a en on to the dilemma of the colonised mind and the need of the oppressed to create an alterna ve reality by assuming the iden ty of the oppressed as a route to freedom, he was right.
From the fic onal “ Uncle Tom’s Cabin “ onwards the iden ty crises remains a problem, for example it is convenient to forget that a lot of Africans collaborated with the apartheid system to their eternal shame . The issue is too deep to be wished away.
Nigeria must concentrate on the pursuit of sustainable development and the crea on of a society anchored on social jus ce. In the spirit of the season of goodwill to all Vice President She ma should give Kemi a copy of Fanon ‘s classic, it might help.
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024
Opinion
Preaching The Hope And Joy Of Christmas
Pst Olagoke Ayinde
AS Christmas approaches each year, a familiar carol finds its way playing through the speakers everywhere in the community repeatedly. “O come, O come Emmanuel, and ransom cap ve Israel that mourns in lowly exile here unl the Son of God appears. Rejoice! Rejoice! Emmanuel shall come to thee, O Israel.”
These are well-known lyrics that have been sung for ages, and the ache that is captured in these words brings to mind hope. I can only imagine how long the wai ng must have seemed for God’s people as the incarna on of Christ grew closer — the longing and expecta on that filled their hearts as they hoped for their promised Messiah.
We use the word hope a lot, and the context in which we use it o en communicates not much more than a wish, a longing, or a desire. When a friend is sick, we say, “I hope you feel be er soon.” When we leave the house a few minutes late, we think, “I hope I make it there on me.” I don’t doubt that we mean well when we express hope in these ways, but is this really hope, true biblical hope?
What Is Hope?
As I began to study the theme of hope throughout Scripture, I found myself uncovering a defini on of hope that has shi ed my perspec ve on everything. If we are honest with ourselves, I imagine many of us could say the same about our own stories of trying to cling onto hope in our seemingly hopeless situa ons. Perhaps hope has felt like li le more than a wish at mes, and because of that, our confidence in hope has faded. How do we return to true, biblical hope?
If we are ever going to navigate this hard life with hope intact and encourage others to do the same, we must begin with an accurate understanding of what hope really is. Hope is not a wish. It’s not just a desire. It’s far more than a longing, a perceived want, or even need. If it were only those things and nothing more, Scripture would not command us to hope — but it does. Because it is commanded of us, we can then assume that it is possible to possess and maintain real hope. We must lean in a bit further to see what we have been missing.
A good defini on of hope is: A strong and confident expecta on, an unwavering trust in the unchanging character of God. Hope is a strong and confident expecta on.
“Hope
many of us have tried to hold onto. What a difference this true understanding of hope could bring! This hope says, “You can remain steady and secure even when your circumstances are not.” This hope says, “You can remain strong and confident in the face of the unknown.” This hope breeds deeper trust in us.
Hope is unwavering trust in the unchanging character of God: No ce that the first part of the defini on of hope had to do with us. This second part has everything to do with God. The first part revealed who we can be when we possess a biblical understanding of hope: strong and confident. This second part reveals the reason why: God is who he says he is.
God’s character does not change, even when our circumstances do. Here’s another way to say that: Our circumstances will never alter the character of God. God remains the same, even when everything around us doesn’t. God is steady, even when we are shi ing. God is faithful, even when we are faithless.
‘… if we are faithless, he remains faithful, for he cannot disown himself.’ (2 Tim. 2:13) It is because God’s character does not change that we can have unwavering trust in him. Hope is the ability to have unwavering trust because God’s character does not change. Our hope is res ng in something secure, not something that wavers.
secures us to a
God who is not moved by the things that move us. Hope anchors us to steady and solid ground. Hope fixes our gaze on Jesus instead of our circumstances”
What a difference from the world’s understanding of hope that claims not much more than hope being a wish or a desire. What if we allowed this new understanding of hope to reshape and renew our minds? I believe that a false understanding of hope has effec vely led far too many of us to live and lead hopeless lives. We have an opportunity today to allow truth to become the loudest voice in our lives. The season of advent provides an opportunity for us to move from hopeless living to hope-filled living.
If you and I are ever going to possess and maintain any amount of hope in our lives, we will need to understand what hope isn’t and start clinging to what hope is. Hope is not a wish, a want, or a desire. Hope does not leave room for the insecurity that a mere wish, want, or desire can bring. Hope is so much more than that. Hope expects with a sense of strength and confidence because the object of our hope is Christ. Hope does not waver. Hope is the anchor for our souls.
‘We have this hope as an anchor for the soul, firm and secure.’ (Heb. 6:19a) Think of what an anchor provides for a ship. It helps to secure the vessel in place. It helps prevent the outside elements from moving the ship in a direc on it does not wish to go. Now, take that visual and translate it to your life. Hope is your anchor. It secures you in place. It prevents outside elements from moving you in a direc on you do not wish to go. Imagine living your life from this perspec ve as opposed to the faulty understanding of hope that so
As you reflect personally on biblical hope and as you prepare to encourage your congrega on this Christmas, consider the ways you use the word hope. We put hope in all sorts of things. We put hope in desired outcomes. We put hope in the expecta ons that we place on others. We put hope in success and achievement. We put hope in material possessions. No ce how all these things are temporal. None of these things last. Also, no ce how all these things leave room for disappointment. The outcomes that we chase o en turn out much differently than we wanted them to. Expecta ons are o en not met. Successes and achievements come and go, and the happiness that they can bring is flee ng. Material possessions always fail to provide las ng joy.
Psalm 30:5 says weeping may tarry for the night, but joy comes with the morning. In other words, when the nights are long and the sorrow is unrelen ng and you wonder if it’s ever going to end, Psalm 30, verse 5 makes clear, it is going to end Jesus always has the last word, which means life has the last word, which means salva on has the last word, which means hope has the last word. Weeping may tarry for the night, but know this, joy comes with the morning.
OSUN DEFENDER
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola
Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem
ISSN : 0794-8050
Jesus is the creator of hope; therefore, he is also the source of hope. He is the provider of hope, and he is the sustainer of hope. Hope is found in him, and every me we con nue to look for hope elsewhere, we will come up short. As we prepare our hearts for Advent, remember this: Hope tethers us to an unwavering God. Hope secures us to a God who is not moved by the things that move us. Hope anchors us to steady and solid ground. Hope fixes our gaze on Jesus instead of our circumstances. Hope reminds us of who God is: The longawaited Messiah, the Suffering Servant who le glory to become like us, to rescue us, to save us.
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
•Pst Adegoke Ayinde is the General Overseer of Power of God Manifesta on Assembly, Osogbo. He can be reached via adegokeayinde756@ gmail.com
•Classic on dual identity crisis
Ado-Doguwa Demarketing Our Party For Praising Adeleke
TYusuf Oketola “With the kind of poli cal strength I have seen here, with the dexterity and so much doggedness of yourself (referring to Governor Ademola Adeleke) in your humble personality, it appears to me that Osun is like a no go area.”
HE Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress has accused the Chairman, House of Representa ves Commi ee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream), Alhassan Ado-Doguwa of demarke ng the party with his u erances at this year’s Ede Day celebraons.
Ado-Doguwa, an APC Chie ain, represen ng Doguwa/Tudun Wada Federal Cons tuency of Kano State in the House of Representa ves, had reportedly represented the Speaker, Tajudeen Abass, at the event held last Saturday in Ede.
A statement signed by the Osun APC spokesperson, Mr. Kola Olabisi, obtained in Osogbo on Monday said Ado-Doguwa, at the event, had said, “For the few hours we have been around in this state, especially in the state capital, Osogbo, and coming to Ede Kingdom, we have seen a lot of developmental projects and developmental programmes starting from infrastructure, human resources development.
Displeased with the u erances, Olabisi urged Abbas to be wary of the quality of the legislators
who will be saddled with the responsibility of represen ng him at poli cal events, as the one he sent to the Ede Day, has proven to be a misfit and an emissary of ri
“It wasa pity that a poli cal office holder of the rank of the membership of the House of Representa ves could brazenly engage in the act of unjus fiably running down
his party for whatever reason, more so, when it was apparent that he did not have sufficient knowledge and informa on of the subject he was appraising.
“Did it not occur to the loquacious federal lawmaker that he was at the Ede Day event as an agent of his principal and that it was out of tune for him to have engaged in the act of
- Osun APC Laments
talking before thinking to avoid ge ng himself and his principal into trouble just the way he had allowed himself to be misled in Osun State during the weekend?
“We would like to demand from the federal legislator if it is part of the statutory func ons of the integral part of the naonal assembly to demarket a party through which
How Osun Recovers N53m In Pension Overpayments To Retirees
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State Government has revealed that it has recovered ₦53,089,683.52 in pension overpayments to re rees.
This was disclosed during the annual Audit Forum held in Ede, on Monday.
The state government added that it was an issue uncovered through a comprehensive audit of the 2023 fiscal year.
According to the Auditor-General, Kolapo Idris, the overpayments occurred between 1st January and 31st December, 2023.
Idris said a review of 437 pension files processed during the period revealed discrepancies in 137 cases.
“These files were flagged for irregulari es while the remaining 300 were cleared without incident.”
The audit findings also pointed to penal es imposed on the queried files in line with established regula ons governing pension management.
Giving further details about the recovery, Idris said, “N9,899,515.94 was recovered on pre-
mature promo ons, N19,905,615.20 was recovered as penalty from insufficient no ce of re rement and Overpayment of Salary, N2,388,075.17 was recovered from re rees that had a break in service and the sum of 20,896,477.51 was recovered from rerees that overstayed their service.
“The total sum of ₦53,089,683.52, which would have been paid as overpayments to re rees, was recovered due to audit interven ons during the year under review,” Idris stated.
He added that the accounts of the Osun State Government for 2023 were audited under his direc on, under Sec on 125(2) of the 1999 Constu on.
The audit report included statements of financial performance, financial posi on, net assets/equity, cash flow, budget-toactual comparisons, and explanatory notes.
Idris assured a endees that the financial statements for the year ending 31 December 2023, presented in the report, accurately reflected the financial ac vi es and state
of affairs of Osun State. He also pledged to address any inquiries arising from the report.
In his remarks, the Osun State Head of Service, Ayanleye Aina, commended Governor Ademola Adeleke’s administra on for its transparency regarding the state’s finances.
“The governor is very transparent and honest. He has nothing to hide, which is why we have this forum. Today, the Auditor-General will present a detailed report on Osun State’s revenue, expenditure, assets, and liabili es,” Aina said.
The event, a ended by officials including the chairman of the Osun State House of Assembly Public Accounts Commi ee, Bamidele Lawal, civil society representaves, and labour leaders, provided an opportunity for stakeholders to scrunise the state’s financial records.
The forum, an annual event aimed at promoting transparency and accountability, emphasised the importance of regular audits in maintaining fiscal discipline.
It further underlined the state’s dedica on to protec ng public funds and ensuring equitable distribu on to all re rees.
he realized his ambi on as a privileged member of the House of Representaves where he is currently serving as the chairman of the House Commi ee on Petroleum Resources (Upstream)?” Olabisi said.
He subsequently urged Abbas and the na onal leadership of the APC to inves gate Doguwa over the remark, insis ng that what he said had needlessly lowered the es maon of the na onal ruling party in the eyes of the Osun State electorate.
The statement partly read further, “It is worthwhile for the Speaker of the House of Representaves and the na onal leadership of the APC to inves gate Doguwa over this obnoxious, reckless, unguarded and repugnant remark with the resultant effect of needlessly lowering the es ma on of our formidable party in the eyes of the Osun State electorate who are anxiously banking on our rescue mission from the visibly and verifiably misgovernance of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) administra on of Governor Ademola Adeleke.”
Crisis: APC Searches For Peace In Osun, Six Other States
THE na onal leader-
Yusuf Oketola 2027 elec ons if no concrete measure is taken to resolve them.
ship of the All Progressives Congress has vowed to resolve various crisis rocking some of its state chapters.
But despite the internal wrangling in the party in Osun, Benue, Adamawa, Delta, Rivers, Zamfara, and Bayelsa states, the leaders said there was no cause for alarm.
However, there are indica ons that the trouble in the aforemen oned states may persist ll the
While party leaders have a empted to broker peace among warring members in their various states, the aggrieved members have maintained a strong stance, making resolu on difficult.
In Osun, the state leadership of the party is under the firm control of the ex-governor, Adegboyega Oyetola, while the group loyal to his predecessor, Rauf Aregbesola, has been opera ng with
the name Omoluabi Progressives under separate leadership, as the crisis became obvious from 2019 to 2020. Aregbesola and many members of the Omoluabi Progressives were suspended by the APC leadership in the state.
Also, the state leadership of the party, led by Tajudeen Lawal, has been conduc ng its affairs without reference to the Aregbesola group.
Meanwhile, Aregbesola’s group, led by exstate deputy chairman, Azeez Adesiji, has been having its monthly meetings in the Ilesa home of the ex-governor.
Speaking on the current Osun State APC crisis, the party’s spokesperson, Kola Olabisi, said, “All is well in the fold of Osun APC. There is nothing unusual in what is happening within our fold and I can tell you the party is not in any crisis.”
But when speaking on the same issue, the spokesperson for the Omoluabi Progressives, Oluwaseun Abosede, simply said, “The mother party knows there’s the mother of all crises in Osun APC.”
•As Oyetola Faction Affirms No Division
•Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), Osun State Council, Comrade Wasiu Ajadosu with newly Inductees at the 2024 Edition of Induction into hall of fame on Wednesday
Photo Shola Aderinto
Adeleke’s Plan To Relocate Ido-Osun Airport Suffers Setback
Yusuf Oketola
THE move by Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State to relocate the Ido-osun Interna onal airport to his hometown in Ede has suffered a major setback.
Adeleke’s plan was aborted by the federal government’s decision to opt out of the laying of a new founda on for the airport project following widespread controversies and protests.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had announced that the founda on-laying ceremony for the new airport would be held on December 16, 2024, in Ede.
The event was to feature key dignitaries, including Ministers of Works and Avia on, David Umahi and Festus Keyamo.
However, the proposed reloca on drew sharp cri cism.
The Ido-Osun community staged protests, condemning the move as nepo s c and undemocra c.
Cri cs argued that the reloca on priori sed personal interest over public good.
In defence, the Osun state government cited encroachment on the
•As Community Lauds FG’s Decision
Ido-Osun airport land, the presence of gullies, and the inadequacy of the runway as reasons for the decision.
In a le er dated December 6, 2024, signed by the Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Avia on and Aerospace,
Dr. Emmanuel D. Meribole, and addressed to Governor Adeleke, the ministry directed the state government to suspend the project indefinitely.
The le er, obtained exclusively by The Naon, stated: “Re: Invitaon as a Special Guest of
Honour at the Foundaon Laying Ceremony of the Osun State Internaonal Airport. I wish to refer to your le er Ref. No. 5.12/19/1/Vol.VI/188 dated 21st November 2024 on the above subject and to respec ully request Your Excellency to
suspend the founda on laying ceremony of the Osun State Interna onal Airport un l the issues regarding the pe ons over the exis ng airstrip/ airport are resolved and to harmonize the state’s efforts with that of the federal government.”
This development marks a significant setback for Governor Adele-
ke’s administra on amid ongoing disputes over the airport’s future.
“Your Excellency may wish to note that the airstrip is a federal project that is captured in the Ministry’s 2024 Appropria on. We also note that you have made arrangements to expand the airstrip to an interna onal airport. In addi on, there is a pe on indica ng there is an exis ng airstrip where funds have been expended and the need to use the site for the present airstrip instead of a new site.
“The federal government is mandated to ensure judicious use of funds to curtail wastage of resources. As this Airstrip Project is a collabora on between state and federal governments, we must be in synch before the project takes off
“Accordingly, Your Excellency is respec ully requested to reschedule the founda on laying ceremony of the Osun State Airport pending the resolu on of the pe ons and selec on of a mutually agreed date. Please, accept the assurances of the Honourable Minister’s highest regards.”
Funke Akindele Shocks Fans With First On-screen Kiss In Upcoming Movie Entertainment
Why I’m Still A Virgin At 37 - Former Beauty Queen
Aformer Most Beauful Girl in Nigeria, Omowunmi Akinnifesi, has revealed her decision to remain a virgin un l the age of 37, a personal journey she described as both challenging and empowering.
Marking her 37th birthday, Akinnifesi shared her story in a hear elt YouTube video tled “The Walk in Purity | A Sacred Vessel,” where she reflected on her commitment to purity and encouraged women to embrace their values despite societal pressures.
She emphasised the importance of recognising one’s worth and staying true to personal principles, urging women to join what she described as a movement toward “living in purity.”
Her words: “The way women are, it’s almost as if we don’t even understand our value anymore and our morals.”
“Personally, I had a covenant with God when I was 18 about keeping myself.”
“People say celibate,
but I’ve never done it before. But there was nobody there for me. I spent all of my 20s making mistakes, adjus ng, and doing what I knew best.
“Because I have kept myself, I walked in shame for a very long me. I was actually very ashamed of it.”
“I had friends that I
couldn’t talk to. When I finally spoke to them, they would laugh at me. And then even worse, the stories I would hear about myself: I dated this person, or I was with this person—those stories— would you believe that I actually didn’t mind those stories?
“Because it helped mask the real me.”
RENOWNED Nolly-
wood actress and producer Funke Akindele has le many talking a er her first on-screen kiss in her upcoming movie, Everybody Loves Jenifa.
The movie, which was unveiled to a select audience at an exclusive premiere at Imax Cinema in Lekki, Lagos State, on Sunday is set to hit cinemas today, December 13, 2024.
Some members of the selected audience at the event spoke unanimously about how shocked they were to see Funke Akindele share a roman c kiss with an actor on screen, no ng that it was their first me witnessing such a moment from her.
A Nollywood actor who spoke on the condi on of anonymity said, “I must confess, I was surprised to see Funke having such a kiss. At first, I doubted she would kiss the actor. I even bet with a friend si ng next to me at the cinema that she would never kiss. Despite seeing the closeness between her and the actor, I was s ll doub ul. But in the next scene, it happened, she kissed the actor. And I
was really surprised. That is literally my first me seeing her do such on screen. But regardless, the movie is an interes ng one. You’ll definitely laugh away your sorrows. I encourage everyone to watch it once it’s out on December 13th, 2024.”
Con nuing, another prominent Nollywood actor, who was also part of the selected audience for the movie premiere, disclosed that Funke Akindele isn’t called the queen of Nollywood for nothing. He
said, “When Funke Akindele announced her latest film, “Everybody Loves Jenifa”, we knew it was bound to be another blockbuster. A er all, Funke isn’t hailed as the queen of Nollywood hits for nothing.
“Her previous movie, A Tribe Called Judah, smashed records by raking in a jawdropping 1 billion Naira at the Nigerian box office within just three weeks—a feat no other Nollywood film has achieved so quickly.
“How she was able to combine comedy with a fight against domes c violence is something I’m s ll finding hard to comprehend. It only shows her brilliance in movie produc on. But I must say, I was surprised to watch her kiss on screen.”
Many top Nollywood stars, as well as prominent figures from the Nigerian entertainment industry, graced the premiere, with many donning na ve a re that showcased Nigeria’s rich culture.
The film features a star-studded cast, including Omowunmi Dada, Nancy Isime, Falz, Stan Nze, and Jackie Appiah.
•GBV Prevention: Legal Officers with Multi-Stakeholders Action Committee at Action Aid, Osun Government Training on Prosecution tools and VAPP Law implementation, held in Osogbo, recently
Photo Shola Aderinto
OAU Students Kick Against Poor Power Supply, Hardship In Hostels
THE Great Ife Students’ Union of Obafemi Awolowo University in Ile-Ife, Osun State, has expressed strong dissa sfac on with the ongoing electricity raoning in the university’s residence halls, describing it as “impromptu, rough, rash, and u erly disturbing.”
According to a statement signed by Omoboriowo Damilola Isaac and Baba mehin Kínfẹọsi, President and Secretary General, Great Ife Students’ Union, the ongoing ra oning has caused significant hardship for students living in hostels such as Akintola Hall and ETF.
“This move is en rely unjus fiable, especially considering the exorbitant increment in hostel fees imposed on students this session,” the statement read.
The Union cri cised the management, sta ng, “These fees, which were significantly increased due to the current economic reali es in the country, were ra onalised on the premise of be er ameni-
es, par cularly the provision of uninterrupted electricity.
“However, what we are experiencing now is nothing short of betrayal.”
To address the issue, the Union issued three demands: the immediate restora on of uninterrupted electricity, transparency regarding the cause of the power ra oning, and improved service delivery across all hostels.
“The school management must ensure the immediate return of uninter-
rupted electricity across all halls of residence,” the Union demanded.
They further warned of poten al ac on if the situa on persists.
“Should these demands not be met promptly, we will be le with no choice but to take decisive ac on, including peaceful demonstra ons and engagement with all relevant authori es, to ensure that students’ rights and welfare are safeguarded.”
The Union assured students of its commitment to their welfare, sta ng, “Enough is enough. The
Great Ife Students’ Union remains commi ed to the interest and well-being of all Great Ife students.”
Many students have voiced frustra ons over the management’s failure to fulfil its promises, which were the basis for the hostel fee hike.
The Union concluded, “Together, we will resist oppression and demand the standard of living we deserve”
The Public Rela ons Officer of the ins tu on, Mr Biodun Olanrewaju, has not responded to calls and a text message put across to him on Tuesday.
Crime
Campus Review Campus Review
Osun Poly Rector Decries Neglect Of Polytechnics
THE Rector of Osun State College of Technology, EsaOke, Dr Samson Adegoke, has decried the neglect of Polytechnics across Nigeria, saying the future of the country lies in technology. Adegoke said if Nigeria truly desires the development it craves, the government at all levels needs to invest in Polytechnic educaon. He made this known on Monday during a pre-convoca on press conference for the 8th combined convoca on of the school coming up on Thursday. Adegoke said the school will be convoca ng 10,800 students comprising of
Suspected Serial Fraudster Remanded For Evading Bail
AN Osun State Magistrate Court, si ng in Osogbo, the state capital, has ordered the remand of a suspected serial fraudster, Adebayo Adejogunola in the Correc onal Centre over allega ons of contempt of court.
Adejogunola, according to the prosecu ng state Counsel, Adekunle Adeniyi, willfully and inten onally disrespected the judicial proceedings and the presiding magistrate of the Court, by failing to a end court without any lawful excuse.
According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, he commited the offence on May 14, 2024, and July 30, 2024. The offence, according to the state, is contrary to and punishable under Sec on 133 (2) and (9) of the Criminal Code, Cap. 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.
But he pleaded not guilty to the count levelled against him as he has no legal representaon.
In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, M.A Olatunji ordered that
the defendant be remanded at Ilesa Correconal Centre. The case was adjourned ll January 23,
2025, for further hearing.
Earlier, Adejogunola, before disappearing, was arraigned before
Dr Olusegun Ayilara of Magistrate Court I for allegedly duping some farmers the sum of N9,000,000
Car Dealer Allegedy Duped Family N5m In Osogbo
A31-year-old car dealer, Ayomide Akinwale, has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrates’ for allegedly duping a family member sum of N5,000, 200.
Akinwale, according to the police fraudulently obtained the money from one Awoniyi Bolaji under the pretence to purchase a Toyota Camry 2008 model for him.
He was arraigned before the court on a three-count charge of conspiracy, fraud and stealing.
According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, he commi ed the offence in November, 2024, in Osogbo. The offence, according to the police, contra-
vened sec ons 516, 419 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun, 2002.
But the defendant pleaded not guilty.
The Defense Counsel, Okobe Nagite, in an oral bail applica on, prayed the court to admit the defendant to bail in a liberal term, saying he will provide a reliable and credible surety (s).
Okobe noted that the defendant is presumed innocent un l contrary is proven and en tled to bail under the 1999 cons tu on.
But, the bail applica on was objected by the prosecutor, Sunday Ayodele, on the ground that the defendant was tracked for a month before the police could arrest him.
Ayodele added that in the cause of inves -
ga on, the police found out that Akinwale had also collected sum of N18,000,000 from other vic ms, adding that releasing him on bail may jeopardise their invesga on.
He argued that if the defendant could fraud his rela ves, he could do worse to the innocent members of the public.
However, In his ruling, the presiding Magistrate, M.A Olatunji, admi ed the defendant to bail in sum of N2,000,000 with two sure es.
Olatunji added that one of the surety must also deposit the sum of N200,000 to the court, demonstrated his arbitrariness and likelihood of fleeing if granted bail.
The case was adjourned ll January 22, 2025 for hearing.
2021/2022, 2022/2023 and 2023/2024 academic session.
According to the Rector, Polytechnic graduates were not encouraged by the government, adding that the leaders are not pu ng their priori es right.
Dr Adegoke urged the government and stakeholders to redirect their priori es towards where the youth can be useful for the country.
“The future is Technology, but our government is not encouraging the Polytechnic graduates. Most of the success we are enjoying today is the work of those who a ended technical colleges and ins tutes.
“We are not pu ng our priority right in this country and I feel very sad about it. We are not serious about development because when intellect is treated shabbily, we cannot make the required progress. I think we should redirect our priority towards where our youth can be useful and know this is the way to go.
“If we truly want the development we are craving, the government needs to invest in Polytechnic educa on.
“The gradunands for the 8th combined convoca on ceremony is a total of 10,800 with our overall best gradua ng student having 3.91 CGPA.
“I want to appeal to our people to always support our best brains. These students have devoted their me and everything to acquire this, but by the me you shake them and give them N5,000, you are not communica ng with them very well. Winners of the Big Brother Naija program go home with millions of naira, but yet first-class students in the University and Polytechnic are only given handshakes. That is sad.”
Yusuf Oketola
Abisola Mathew
Kaosar Adetoye
Kazeem Badmus
Guardiola Sets For Manchester Derby Amidst Dire Form
Kazeem Badmus
PEP Guardiola is set for arguably the must-win Manchester derby of his career following his side’s 2-0 defeat away to Juventus on Wednesday.
Guardiola, whose side is in dire form, would hope for a be er performance and result when Manchester United visits the E had on Sunday.
The bad run of results has seen Manchester City claim only one win in their last 10 matches, which came in a 3-0 victory over No ngham Forest on December 4.
In that me, the reigning Premier League champions have been dealt significant blows in the forms of a 2-1 defeat to Bournemouth, 2-1 to Brighton and Hove Albion, 4-0 to To enham Hotspur (at the E had) and 2-0 to Liverpool. Guardiola was on the receiving end of a 4-1 Champions League hammering last month, which came courtesy of Ruben Amorim in his final home game as Spor ng Lisbon boss.
‘Why
Manchester United have also endured tumultuous form since the campaign began, with Amorim now tasked with steadying the ship and finding some consistency. He has won twice, lost twice, and drawn once since taking the reins from interim Ruud van Nistelrooy but is on back-to-back defeats heading into the Reds’ Europa League clash this evening.
Man City In CrisisCarragher
Meanwhile, Sky Sports pundit Jamie Carragher has disclosed that Manchester City are in a massive crisis and Pep Guardiola has no answers for it.
Asked what Guardiola must be thinking a er the defeat in Turin, the Sky Sports pundit said on
CBS: “’Why did I sign that contract?’ That’s what he’s thinking.
“You can’t believe what you’re seeing. This is a massive crisis. This was a crisis two or three weeks ago. The greatest manager and most successful manager possibly of all me, and he’s got no answers for it right now. He hasn’t.
“He’s tried different things, different systems, maybe players in different posi ons, and a manager as great as him is really, really struggling and finding it tough.
“He’s never gone through this before, so he’s got no experience of this situa on. He’s got nothing to fall back on and really look back at because he’s been so successful in the past. It’s a real eye-opener.”
Utilise Every Goal Scoring Opportunity Against Ghana – Ekpo Advises Home-Based Eagles
FORMER Nigerian interna onal Friday Ekpo has advised the home-based
Eagles to capitalize on every goal-scoring chance that comes their way ahead of the an cipated two-
News
legged CHAN qualifying fixture against archrivals Ghana. The two-legged encounter will deter-
mine which team secures a cket to the tournament.
Nigeria has failed to qualify for the tournament in the last two edi ons.
The CHAN Eagles lost the 2023 cket to Ghana on penal es and are keen to make amends this me.
My Administration Will Not Succumb To Political Blackmail’ — Adeleke
GOVERNOR Ademola Adeleke of Osun State has reiterated that he will not succumb to blackmail regarding the ongoing infrastructural upgrades in the state.
Governor Adeleke also revealed that his administra on is pushing ahead with the overall development of the state despite a empts at blackmail by opposion poli cal par es.
The governor further accused opposi on members of promo ng ethnic division among the people.
Governor Adeleke made these statements on Wednesday while commissioning state projects as part of his midterm anniversary.
The governor, who emphasized his focus on both so and hard infrastructure in Osun, added, “Our delivery of good governance is not dictated by ethnic or religious considera ons. We treat all towns and ci es as our cons tuency, without fear or favor. As a Senator and now
as a Governor, I am an agent of development for all our people.”
“Our administra on is opposed to the poli ciza on of development. Poli cs must be an instrument of development, not a tool to divide and retard the progress of our people.
Developmental poli cs is and should be at the heart of development.”
“Our administra on is determined to press ahead with infrastructure upgrades in Osun State across all sectors. We will not succumb to poli cal blackmail from those who failed our people for decades. We will con nue to revive projects they abandoned for several years.”
While assuring the residents of the state that resources would be judiciously deployed to build and provide social ameni es, he emphasized that he would not relent in crea ng facili es that would ease the economic and social lives of the people.
He also asserted that his administra on sees
no limita ons to Osun’s poten al for greatness.
“As for me and my team, we will deploy state resources to build our roads, airports, water systems, schools, and hospitals, as well as address the social and so infrastructure needs of our people. Our government will not relent in crea ng and recrea ng facili es to enhance the economic and social lives of Osun people.”
“If others are limited in their vision for the future of Osun State, our
administra on is ambious, forward-looking, and sees no limits to the greatness Osun can achieve as a state.”
“That is the spirit behind the five-point agenda; that is the mova on for our incredible performance in the last two years.”
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that opposi on poli cal par es, led by the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress, have cricized the governor’s leadership, describing it as wasteful and accusing him of usurping projects from his immediate predecessor, Adegboyega Oyetola, who is now the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Also, members of the public, especially
the Ido-Osun community, have protested the state government’s decision to relocate the MKO Abiola Interna onal Airport from their town to Ede.
Despite the explanaons provided by the state government, IdoOsun indigenes have con nued to urge the government to reconsider its decision, alleging that it is part of the governor’s plan to concentrate all major state projects in his hometown of Ede.
On Tuesday, the Federal Ministry of Aviaon and Aerospace Development halted the planned ground-breaking ceremony for the airport project, which had been proposed for Aisu, Ede South Local Government.
‘Provide Lists Of Abandoned Projects...
•Continued from page 2
impact. Please provide us with informa on on any abandoned federal projects in your area. On my next visit to Osun, I will bring a massive empowerment program.”
Governor Ademola Adeleke, in his remarks, reiterated the state’s
commitment to federalstate collabora on and expressed hope for the comple on of abandoned federal roads and other projects in Osun.
He confirmed that a list of such projects would be submi ed soon.
Speaking with Completesports.com, Ekpo stated that the home-based Eagles have the quality to get a posi ve result against Ghana.
“I think it will be a tough encounter going by the rivalry between the two countries. However, I am very comfident that Nigeria will overcome the Black Satelites.
“The players know the importance of the game, having not qualified for previous compe ons. This is a tall challenge, and I expect the players to pick the cket at the end of the day.”
Nigeria failed to qualify for the 2009, 2011, 2021, and 2023 finals of the compe on exclusively reserved for players plying their trade in the domes c leagues of their countries and possessing permanent contracts.
Kazeem Badmus
Kazeem Badmus
FRIDAY, DECEMBER 13, 2024 - THURSDAY, DECEMBER 19, 2024 VOL. 19 NO 46 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
1. INTRODUCTION
My dear brother, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, leader of this movement, the great men and women who have stood staunchly by him on this tortuous journey, and our compatriots from the grassroots of the State of Osun—yes, the State of Osun—allow me to say that only the deep can call to the deep.
Ladies and gentlemen, esteemed progressives, it is both an honor and a privilege to stand before you today. We gather not merely to reminisce but to reflect deeply on the life, work, and enduring legacy of one of Nigeria’s greatest statesmen: Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Decades a er his death and more than half a century a er he governed this part of our country with integrity, we s ll find ourselves going back to call on his ideals and ideas to inform us and direct us aright. Such is the power of visionary leadership—the type of leadership I believe all of you here today are signing up for.
Recently, in Lagos, at the home of our leader si ng here, some poli cians who had wandered off in search of greener pastures returned to him, lamen ng that the pasture they sought was not as green as they had imagined. His response le me deeply inspired. He told them: We are willing to have you back, but only on one condi on—that you dedicate yourselves to the fight for a be er society, to the building of a sane and just society. We are red of the polics of “me and me alone.” We must return to the ways of our forebears who gave their lives to the struggle for a just society.
This philosophy, this ethos, is what has gathered us here today.
Let me share an anecdote to set the tone. Once, during a heated debate in parliament, Chief Awolowo was asked why he spent so much of his energy and resources on educaon when there were seemingly “more pressing issues” like roads and bridges. He replied, with characteris c clarity, “The best road to progress is the road to the mind.”
This commitment to building the “road to the mind” fascinates me and is reflected in the movement that has commenced here in Osun State. If we fail to cul vate the minds of our people and con nue with the current “grab, snatch, and run” philosophy, our doom is inevitable. As pioneers of this new tendency, you
“As we reflect on Awolowo’s legacy, we must ask ourselves: What kind of leaders does Nigeria need today? The answer lies in the values he embodied—vision, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the people”
By Babafemi Ojudu ORATION
The Legacy Of Chief Obafemi Awolowo: Lessons For Today’s Leaders In Nigeria
have a monumental task to show good examples and to spread this gospel—like the Jehovah’s Witnesses—across our land.
2. The Leadership Legacy of Chief Obafemi Awolowo
a. Visionary Leadership
Chief Awolowo was a leader ahead of his me. He envisioned a Western Region that could stand shoulder-toshoulder with developed countries. Under his leadership, this vision manifested in groundbreaking policies and ini a ves.
One of the most striking examples is the establishment of regional economic hubs and the Cocoa House, the tallest building in Africa at the me—a symbol of prosperity funded en rely by agricultural revenue.
Awolowo believed that “Leadership without vision is like a ship without a compass.” His strategic foresight allowed the Western Region to thrive while others faltered.
b. Commitment to Educa on
Imagine the audacity: free primary educa on in a region where many considered schooling a luxury! Yet, Awolowo made it happen, and the results were transforma ve. Within a decade, literacy levels in the Western Region soared, creating a genera on equipped to lead in all fields—educa on, medicine, law, and beyond.
Awolowo o en declared, “Any people who want to develop must
educate their children.”
My late father, a product of that era, o en said, “If Awolowo didn’t invest in us, we would s ll be wai ng for a miracle to save us.” That is the enduring power of educa on.
c. Economic Development and Infrastructure
Under Awolowo, development was not abstract—it was visible and tangible. Roads connected towns and villages; Liberty Stadium became a symbol of excellence; industrial estates brought jobs and dignity to the people.
Awolowo once said, “Man is a bundle of needs, but his basic needs must be met first before he can aspire to higher things.”
d. Ethical Leadership
Chief Awolowo lived and governed with integrity. In an era when many saw public office as an avenue for personal enrichment, he remained above reproach. His fiscal discipline was legendary; every penny in the public treasury was accounted for.
He warned us, “A corrupt mind will always find an excuse to be dishonest.” Compare this to the rampant corrup on today, where public funds are siphoned with impunity.
e. Advocacy for Federalism
Awolowo was a staunch advocate of true federalism—a structure where regions could develop at their own pace, harnessing their strengths without being s fled by over-centraliza on.
His wri ngs in Path to Nigerian Freedom highlight the dangers of a unitary system masquerading as federalism. Today, the calls for restructuring echo his foresight.
3. The Challenges Before Today’s Leaders in Nigeria
a. Lack of Visionary Leadership
Today, many leaders priori se short-term gains over long-term development. The ruling philosophy today seems to be: grab power, run with it, and never tell us what you intend to do with it. What we have seen is a collec on of brigands deploying power for their own aggrandizement.
b. Educa on Crisis
The state of educa on today would deeply sadden Awolowo. Public schools are underfunded, teachers are poorly paid, and students lack access to quality learning materials.
Awolowo once lamented, “The children of the poor you fail to train today will become the adults who will tear down society tomorrow.”
c. Economic Instability
Awolowo built an economy rooted in agriculture, local industry, and selfsufficiency. Today, our over-reliance on oil has le us vulnerable to global shocks.
d. Corrup on and Accountability Corrup on has become so normalized that it feels like part of our poli cal DNA. Yet, Awolowo’s example proves that ethical governance is possible.
e. Federalism and Governance
The current federal structure has led to inefficiencies and inequality. Awolowo’s vision of empowering regions to govern themselves and develop at their own pace remains a viable solu on.
4. Lessons from Awolowo’s Leadership for Today’s Leaders
If Awolowo were alive today, what would he tell us?
•“Plan for the long term.” Leadership demands careful planning, not charisma alone.
•“Invest in educa on.” An educated populace is a liberated populace.
• “Priori ze integrity.” Public office is a trust, not an en tlement.
•“Empower regions.” Let every region harness its strengths to upli the na on.
•“Be inclusive.” Nigeria’s strength lies in its diversity.
5. Conclusion: A Call to Ac on
As we reflect on Awolowo’s legacy, we must ask ourselves: What kind of leaders does Nigeria need today? The answer lies in the values he embodied—vision, integrity, and an unyielding commitment to the people.
Let me close with Awolowo’s immortal words:
“It is not life that ma ers, but the courage you bring into it.”
Nigeria stands at a crossroads. With courage, clarity of purpose, and a deep sense of responsibility, we can overcome our challenges and create a na on worthy of our children.
Thank you.
- A speech delivered in the State of Osun to members of Omoluabi Progressives .
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com
•Awolowo, Aregbesola - representing philosophy of social democracy