Irregular Rainfall Threatens Farmers’ Bumper Harvest
IIsmaeel Uthman
RREGULAR rainfall is adversely affec ng the growth and planta on of arable crops in Osun State, findings have revealed.
OSUN DEFENDER noted that some planted crops and vegetables like maize, cassava, tomatoes, pepper and jute leaves were not having proper growth as a result of inadequate water.
The crops have been stunted, making some of them which are due for seed produc on to have very li le or no seed on them.
According to findings by this medium, the irregular rainfall has discouraged many of the farmers from plan ng the arable crops three months a er the plan ng season started.
Some maize farms visited by OSUN DEFENDER during the week in Osogbo metropolis wore burning look, as the crops were shrinking.
Also, some vegetable farms visited at Agbedi, Egbedore local government of Osun State, were not having lively look; the jutes leaves were ny while other vegetables were brownish in colour.
OSUN DEFENDER noted that rain has for over a month been falling once in a week, a development that exposed the crops to harsh weather and heat from the ground.
Arable crops and vegetable farmers in the State have decried the irregular rainfall, describing it as a serious threat to their bumper harvest.
According to the farmers, the irregular rainfall has resulted into stunted growth for the crops which has reduced their producon capacity.
The farmers lamented that the crops, especially maize have not been able to produce expected ears as a result of the irregular rainfall, thereby reducing the quan ty and quality of harvest to have.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday, an arable crops farmer, Comrade Yemi Ayanlade, said the shortage of rainfall has resulted to loss for the farmers, adding that some of the farmers could not have profitable harvest.
Ayanlade said some of the farmers who took loan to plant maize might not be able to repay the it as a result of the stunted growth of the crop, occasioned by irregular rainfall.
He said: “The shortage of rain has destroyed so many farms and it has affected farmers a lot. All efforts put into ploughing the land and plan ng maize have been put to waste.
•Crops Develop Stunted Growth Over Inadequate Water
“Once we plant maize, we count the days to harvest. Maize should be harvested a er 90 days of planta on. But the crop needs rain from me-tome to grow and produce ears, unlike Cassava which doesn’t require much rain.
“Once rain is not falling regularly, the maize will not germinate or produce very well, and it is a loss for farmers.
“Some of the farmers took loans to plant maize; and they have been calcula ng what to get and how to repay the loan with an expecta on of profitable harvest. But the irregular rainfall is dashing their hope and expecta on now.
“All the maize farms at Egbedi have developed stunted growth because there is no enough water for them to grow. A stunted crop can not have good seed. That is a loss to the farmers.”
The Chairman, Integrated Agricultural Services, Osun State, Mr Adeyemi
Adejare, said the shortage of rainfall has posed serious threat to maize, pepper and tomatoes farmers in the state.
Adejare, in an interview
with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, said: “The irregular rainfall is a very serious challenge to the farmers. It is even unexpected because we had invested a lot
in farming. But the shortage of rain has made our efforts to crumble, most especially on tomatoes, peppers and the likes.
“For instance, this year,
Bank Customers Lament Restriction Of Cash Withdrawal On Counter, ATM Vaults In Osun
•We Cannot Withdraw More Than N20,000 - Customers
Rasheed Mohammed Omowunmi Fayehun
CUSTOMERS of deposit money banks in Osun State have expressed their displeasure over limita on placed on cash withdrawal by banks in the state.
The customers lamented that the banks have restricted them to withdraw certain amount of money which is always below their needs, adding that there was inadequate of cash in the vaults of Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) of majority of the banks in the state.
The customers, in separate interviews with OSUN DEFENDER during the week, wondered why there was li le or no cash available to be paid to them at the banks, while Point of Sales (PoS) operators have cash.
Findings by the medium also revealed that while cash was unavailable at most of the ATM points for the be er part of the
day, the customers are not allowed to withdraw more than between N20,000 and N40,000 across the counter.
OSUN DEFENDER visited some commercial banks in Osogbo, Ilesa and Ile-Ife during the week and discovered that the situa on cut across all the banks
At a Guaranty Trust Bank in Ilesa, customers told the medium that they were only able to withdraw N20,000 at both the counter and ATM machine.
According to the customers, cash is only available at the bank between 6am and 8am in the morning and 3:30pm and 5pm in the evening from Monday to Friday.
Inves ga ons by OSUN DEFENDER further revealed that at Access bank, Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo, the maximum withdrawal at the ATM was N40,000.
Fidelity bank at the same area allowed its customers to withdraw N20,000 at the ATM while customers using
other banks were limited to withdraw N10,000 only.
When the medium got to Unity Bank in Osogbo, cash was only available over the counter at a limit of N30,000 while the ATM did not dispense cash at all.
The same situa on was also noted at Sterling Bank, Osogbo where N50,000 was the limit for withdrawal over the counter, while customers using FCMB were able to withdraw N20,000 in the bank, while N40,000 was the limit at the ATM vault.
Some of the customers who spoke to OSUN DEFENDER wondered why the banks would leave customers to the mercy of PoS agents who charge them exorbitantly for withdrawals and other financial transac ons.
Kazeem Adelaja, a resident of Ilesa, decried what he termed wicked cash withdrawal restric on at the banks, sta ng that it is poor for banks not to have their ATM vaults loaded.
Adelaja stated: “It is unfair to us. Somedays, I am unable to get cash and the PoS charges are on the high side. Imagine queuing up for cash for hours under the sun and s ll not able to get it. It is that bad.
“The cash they say is not available is with the PoS agents. I learnt that these bank officials make
money available to them at an agreed rate. The deal is that once you don’t get cash at the banks, there are nearby PoS agents that have the cash.
“I have resorted to paying my workers their daily wages through bank transfers. Even to get the cash for transport is difficult.”
Another business owner at Dada Estate, Osogbo, Mrs Adejoke Lawal, expressed her displeasure over the situa on, no ng that the unavailability of cash is a deliberate effort to further inflict hardship on the people.
She said: “Why will I deposit my hard earned money at the banks and s ll be unable to withdraw any me I need it. I don’t even go to the ATMs again, because when you get there, you won’t find cash.
“Most people do not even visit the banks again. It is not easy for the banks to deduct charges from every transac on and you have to s ll pay the PoS agents. That is double payment on my earned money before I can withdraw. The government should review some of its economic and banking policies to make life easy for us.”
The customers called on the commercial banks to make cash available for them to carry out their daily ac vi es.
I invested nothing less than N4m on tomatoes and everything went down the rail due to lack of rain and lack of monitoring from the managers.
“Maize needs enough water to grow and produce ears; the irregular rainfall is a major problem.
“The heat that is coming from the ground is much more than the rain that we are witnessing.
“It is a very serious challenge for us. We just pray that we have more rain before the month runs out because we cannot give up. That’s what we do for a living.”
Speaking on the effect of the irregular rainfall on food security, Adejare said: “If the shortage of rainfall persists, it is going to affect food produc on and food security will be threatened. It is a serious problem. The food chain will be affected and it will also affect the economy and everything at large.
“Already, the infla on on farm inputs and chemical is not helping. The ferlizer I bought some weeks at N25,000 was sold for N50,000 without transporta on last week.
“And now, a er buying and plan ng, there is no rain. There is no way it will not have nega ve effects on food security and the economy.
“As things are going now, farmers might not be able to plant and harvest maize twice this year. This year, I myself have not planted maize because of the irregular rainfall.
“Our coopera ve plant nothing less than 200 hectares of maize farm every year, but we have not even started ploughing, not to talk of plan ng because we are afraid of irregular rainfall.”
•(L-R) State coordinator of NEPC, Sunday Ayodele, MHR. Rep. Bamidele Salam and other Dignitaries during Youth Export Development Programme for Young Entrepreneur in Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore and Ejigbo federal constituency of Osun State, held in Osogbo on Wednesday.
State Funded Privileges
WHAT the Minister of Aviaon, Festus Keyamo, pointed out during the week was not shocking, it was expected! The minister lamented that the ministry accumulated 82 per cent in the nega ve from the complimentary e-tags printed by the ministry, no ng that 82 percent of the etags are given free of charge to VIPs. He stated, “Let me give you the shocking sta s cs. The nega ve figure that we get at the end of the day from the complimentary etags is 82 percent, in the nega ve. In the specter, where we are supposed to have a 100 per cent contract on the ecosts from these etags that we print, it is only 18 per cent that we now end up selling. That is how bad it is. Eighty-two per cent of these etags are given out free of charge to VIPs. So, imagine the loss in my sector, and I ask myself; which other sector will I go to that they give me anything free?”
The spectre haunting Nigeria and cutoff its development consists of State Capture (the subservience of the state and its ins tu ons to special interests),
“Whatever is going on the loss of revenue is destructive. The general populace tightens their belts to breaking point while a privileged few are pampered, utterly disgusting”
as well as Statefunded privileges to a privileged few. Both are interwoven and have resulted in an uncompe ve economy as well as an unsustainable unproduc ve polical economic framework.
We applaud Minister Keyamo but why is he pu ng June 24, 2024 as the cutoff date? It should have been terminated immediately! It is not too late to do so now.
Only God knows what is going on in a myriad of other sectors, the mind boggles. Whatever is going on the loss of revenue is destrucve. The general populace ghtens their belts to breaking point while a privileged few are pampered, u erly disgus ng!
The Discourse
The Impact Of The Exit Of National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC)
DURING the era of General Sani Abacha (20 September 1943–8 June 1998), there was the Na onal Economic Intelligence Commi ee (NEIC). The commi ee had its office at the seventh floor of the Federal Secretariat, Abuja. The commi ee was a co-pilot in the execu on of economic policies for the country. The commi ee’s work was later inherited by General Abdusalam Abubakar, following the death of General Sani Abacha and then by President Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR in May 1999.
The commi ee was established by Decree 17 of February 1994. It was headed by Professor Samuel Adepoju Aluko (August 18, 1929 – February 7, 2012) from Ode in Eki state. Professor Aluko played advisory to Chief Obafemi Awolowo (6 March 1909-9 May 1987), Chief Adekunle Ajasin (28 November 1908 – 3 October 1997), General Yakubu Gowon GCFR and General Sani Abacha. He was very close to Ikemmba of Nnewi, Chief Odumegwu Ojukwu (4 November 1933 – 26 November 2011), before, during and a er the civil war.
Professor Aluko’s brand of economic policy was cri cal of ostenta ous government spending. When he returned from London, he became an informal adviser to the Ac on Group. He was appointed to head its austerity commi ee which was set up to find ways to save money. The commi ee recommended the slashing of allowances provided to ministers and polical office holders, an idea that was not well supported by some of the poli cal class within the party.
Professor Aluko’s trouble with Structural Adjustment Programme also extended to the mul lateral ins tu ons who made the recommenda ons and the Nigerian economists who followed the dictates of Western capitalist thought. Professor Aluko faulted the benefits of free market currency devalua on and high interest rates that came a er the programme was implemented.
While serving as Chairman of Na onal Economic Intelligence Commi ee (NEIC), we o en met in the elevator of the Federal Secretariat in Abuja, since I worked on the
“The task before us is enormous and all hands must be on deck if we are to succeed. It is in this connection that this Administration has decided to reconstitute the National Economic Intelligence Committee (NEIC)”
eleventh floor at the office of the Secretary of the Government of the Federa on. General Sani Abacha made him a member of the Federal Execu ve Council and always differed to him on Economic issues during council delibera ons.
Other members of the commi ee were Brig-Gen. G.A. Mohammed, a Quan ty Surveyor from Borno State who was the Secretary. The rest were Dr. Haroun Adamu (Bauchi), Dr. Dalhatu Araf (Nassarawa), Alhaji Umaru Audi (Niger), Alhaji Musa Bello (Adamawa), Alhaji U.K. Bello (Kebbi), Mr. Walter Ekwensi (Imo), Barrister Eugene Madu (Anambra), Princess (Mrs.) A.O. Oguneye (Eki ), Dr. Ode Ojowu (Benue), Mr. Babatunde Sangokunle (Ogun), Alhaji Nasiru Maitama Sule (Kano), Comrade Godwin Uluocha (Abia)
When the commi ee was formed in 1994, the following were part of the commi ee’s responsibili es:
Func ons of the Commi ee
Notwithstanding the provisions of subsec on (2) of sec on 1 of this Act, the Commi ee shall –
(a) analyse the annual budget and extract all economic measures requiring enforcement;
(b) work out details on the method of enforcing implementa on of the annual budget;
(c) analyse the monetary guidelines issued by the Central Bank of Nigeria (in this Act referred to as “the Bank”) and monitor the implementa on of all the measures enumerated therein;
OSUN DEFENDER
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman
Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
Reporter – Yusuf Oketola
Reporter – Kazeem Badmus
Photo Journalist – Olushola Aderinto
Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere
(d) monitor and iden fy factors inhibi ng the realisa on of set revenue targets such as tax evasion by individuals or associa on of individuals, and bodies corporate in the private and public sectors of the economy; (e) enforce the implementa on of exis ng tax legisla on; (f) assess the report on any project being carried out by the Federal Government and confirm that funds released for Federal Government projects are judiciously u lised;
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Gbogan Road Osogbo, State of Osun
ISSN : 0794-8050
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All correspondence to the above email addresses.
(g) monitor and report to the Federal Government, on quarterly basis, the infla onary rate, the consumer price index and such other growth indices on output, liquidity and cost of funds, transporta on costs, fuel prices and
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024 - THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024
Student Killed, Houses Razed As Land Dispute Turns Bloody Btw Osun, Oyo Communities
•Continued from page 1
They retreated to Offa a er that”.
When contacted, the Police Public Rela ons Officer, Osun Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident, disclosing that inves ga ons were ongoing on the ma er.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, the community head on the village, Chief Isiaka Akinronbi, accused Prince Akeem Adeboye, the son of the late Olofa of Offa-Igbo, Oba Adeboye Salako Sinade, of masterminding the a ack.
But Adeoye, in a swi reac on, denied the allega on, sta ng that it was the Paku villagers who attack his farm and killed two guards working there.
According to Akinronbi, the a ackers killed one and injured three people who were with him on the farm.
He said: “We went to harvest our palm kernel on the 4th, 5th and 6th of this month. When we returned to the farm on the 7th, we discovered that some parts of our land had been pegged a er measurement. We destroyed the pegs and con nued our work.
“Not quite long, some thugs from Offa-Igbo stormed our farms. They started shoo ng at us and we all scampered for safety. We were about eight on the farm. The Thugs were allegedly led by Akeem Adeboye Salako, we call him Aremo Olofa.
“I discovered that one person was missing among us, so we returned to the farm when the dust had se led. We met the corpse of Toheeb on the ground. I called his father to inform him and we reported the case to the police at Iwo Divisional Police headquarters. We were directed to the State Criminal Inves ga ons Department in Osogbo from there. We also reported to Oluwo who advised that we report the case at Zone 11.
“Among the eight of us who went to the farm, one person was killed, two sustained gunshot injuries while another person was catapulted in the eye.
“That Akeem has been allegedly terrorising us for the past seven month. Oluwo had been prevailing on us not to fight, and we have taken the ma er to court.”
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that Akinronbi, through his lawyer, Mr. Yemi Abolusodun, has peoned the Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 11, The pe on which was sighted by the medium
•Osun Village Heads Accuse Offa-Igbo Prince Of Masterminding Attack
•I’m
Not A Criminal, My People Were Killed – Prince Adeboye
yesterday reads party: “Akeem Adeboye has become a serious security threat to Oke-Oba Community at large and there is the need to act as fast as possible. If not quickly curbed, Akeem Adeboye may con nue to expand his scope by a acking more villages in Oke-Oba under the guise of claiming land for Offa Igbo, as he seems to believe that he is too big to bow for the law.”
I’m Not A Criminal –Prince Akeem Adeboye Reac ng to the allegaon, Prince Akeem Adeboye, absolved himself of any criminal conduct, saying he was nowhere involved in the a ack.
Adeboye claimed that his life was under threat because the community head of Papa village, Chief Ademola Adegoke, was after his life.
Adeboye who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER in a telephone interview on Tuesday, said: “All the allega ons against me are not true; those alleging me are the real criminals. I am not a thug, nor lout. I am a law abiding ci zen. I can’t recognise these people wagging war against me. We have been on this case for about two years.
“Those people have been making move to kill me since last year, but God has been protec ng me.
“Last Sunday, I got intelligence report that I should not go to farm; I was told the Baale of Papa village had mobilised members of Jama’atu Ta’awunil Muslimeen group and Amotekun corps to my farm at Arikuoko. I called the Fulani herder, Soliu, who was working for me at the farm to brief him, I told him to be safe.
“Around 6:19pm, I received another call; the person told me that the Baale of Papa village was the one leading the attackers to my farm and had showed them strategic area to hide. He said they would be coming the following day; Monday, in the morning.
“On Monday, I received another call, the informant told me that the assailants had gone to my farm. He said they went with food.
“On Monday night/ Tuesday morning, those people came to a ack my farm through Ariku route. They hid behind the fence where we rear ca le. They were many. The hunter who came out from the gate was shot on the head. The other one who was sleeping was captured and taken to Ejemu village where he was killed.
“We took the police to carry the corpse. About 106 cartridge, 148 breads, beans cakes, sachet water and pepper soup were
recovered from the farm. We retrieved 23 bullets on Soliu’s head. He is now unstable, mentally as a result of that.
“The a ack on my farm and the Fulani workers there has been persistent. I cannot not put figure to the number of my people who have been killed in that area. Those people have a acked all the seven different Fulani workers I have engaged on the farm.
“I am not a criminal. I have never a acked anybody in my life. I have never held a gun, and I don’t have any thug, when I am not an illiterate or warrior.
“As I am speaking with you currently, those thugs are s ll shoo ng at the Arikuoko village.
“The last me I went to that farm was about four months ago. I go around with unregistered vehicle because my life is under threat. Baale Papa village has been trailing me around, in spite of the fact that we don’t share boundary, though all of them are on my father’s land. I have 13 different judgments on the said land.
“They have dragged me to a State High Court in Iwo; but instead of waiting for the outcome of the court, they embarked on violence. I was also dragged to Zone 11 of the Nigeria Police Force. I was
at the Zone 11 four different mes. Those people would not come each me the police give us appointment.
“I have pe ons before Osun State Governor, the AIG at Zone 11, the Area Commander and other places.
“I do not know why Iwo is laying claim to our land. We have our land, and Iwo also has its land.”
However, Chief Ademola Adegoke, the head of Papa village who Adeboye accused of leading the a ack on his farm, denied the allega on, saying the Prince was being economical with the truth.
Adegoke alleged that Adeoye had been terrorizing about six villages in Iwoland since his father, late Olofa of Offa-Igbo, Oba Adeboye Salako Sinade, was upgraded to a king status.
He said: “Since the late Olofa of Offa-Igbo, Oyo State, was upgraded to a king status, his son, Akeem, has been allegedly terrorizing the people of Oke-Oba in Iwo. He moved from there to Ejemu-Oja village, where we had a tradi onal ruler, Yinusa Oyelayo, before his death. He was a chief from Oloponna, Ayedire local government before he was upgraded to a king. Akeem allegedly destroyed the maternity centre at that
village, all the signposts having Osun State inscripons were removed. We pe oned the police at Zone 11 in 2023 on that.
“A er Ejemu-Oja, he went to Paku village. Residents of that village vote at Oloola polling unit in Iwo. From there, he went to Oloya, Eleye, Ogunajo, Arisese, and some other villages and allegedly terrorise the residents there. We have wri en another pe on against the same Akeem Adeboye this year. Akeem is insis ng that he wants to reclaim all the land owned by his father up to Odo-Oba in Iwo.
“The last a ack happened on Tuesday, last week. Eight people from Paku village went to the farm with five motorcycles. They were allegedly a acked by Akeem Adeboye and his people. One person was killed in the a ack.
“The deceased was a member of Tawun, who is a family member of the head of Paku village. Because of the consequence of his ac on, Akeem Adeboye wants to twist fact. He went to a radio staon in Oyo to accuse me of leading thugs to a ack him and his farm, claiming that two of his people were killed.
“I am not involved in the crisis; why men oning my name? Is it because I am close to Oluwo? My village to the place of attack is about 40 miles. But any me incident happens, Akeem would always accuse me of complicity.”
Speaking on the matter, the Osun State Commandant of Amotekun Corps, Brid. Gen. Bashir Adewinbi, said officers of the corps were not involved in the a ack.
According to Adewinbi, residents of Paku village called the security agency to come to their rescue a er they were reportedly a acked by some people from Oyo State.
He said: “The person alleging Amotekun of attacking his farm or people is telling lies. We were not involved in the a ack. The case was reported to us by the people of Paku village a er they were a acked by Oyo people. Amotekun went there to protect the people. I learnt a person was killed in the a ack and there is a case of kidnapping at that place as well. We are working on that.”
OSUN DEFENDER had in its December 8, 2023 edi on reported that bloodbath was imminent between the affected Osun and Oyo communies, warning that there would be violent clash if urgent a en on was not taken to forestall it.
Why We’re Yet To Act On Court Judgment On Sacked Workers – FedPoly, Ede Mngt.
Yusuf Oketola
THE Management of Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Osun State, has revealed why the ins tu on was yet to act on a court judgement that ordered the ins tuon to reinstate 28 workers who are among some
staff members sacked by the polytechnic in 2018. OSUN DEFENDER recalled that some workers of the ins tu on were in 2018 relieved of their job which prompted 28 of them to approach the Na onal Industrial Court for redress.
However, Jus ce Opeloye Ogunbowale of the NICN in his judgement on the suit No. NICN/OS/04/2018 on November 23, 2023 declared the termina on of the plain ffs’ appointments null and void.
Jus ce Ogunbow-
ale ordered the Federal Polytechnic, Ede to immediately reinstate the plain ffs.
However, OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the polytechnic management was yet to obey the court order.
Reac ng to a let-
Osun Assembly Moves To Increase Political Office Holders’ Salaries
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State House of Assembly has embarked on a move to increase the salaries of some public and poli cal office holders in the state.
The move is contained in a private member bill named ‘Public/ Poli cal Office Holders (Renumera on Package, Amendment No. 2) Bill 2024, sponsored by the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Babajide Kofoworola.
Kofoworola, while presen ng the bill at the assembly on Thursday, May 9, noted that “in the view of the current economic situa on, it is has become imperave to review salaries of some public/poli cal office holders with a view to be er their living standard which is in tandem with the five points agenda of Governor Ademola Adeleke”.
The Majority leader claimed that the House has resolved to back the Governor through appropriate legisla on.
Speaking at the sitng of the House, the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akinyode Oyewusi, emphasis the need to review renumera on package of poli cal office holders in Osun State for effec veness
and to curb corrup on.
Oyewusi submitted that series of benefit would be a ained with the passage of the bill which has passed through second reading during the plenary.
This is coming after Governor Ademola Adeleke claimed that state governments cannot sustain an improved wages and salaries for their workers without a significant adjustment in some of the narra ves in the na onal economy.
Adeleke made the remark in March this year on behalf of his colleagues in the SouthWest, at the South-West Zonal Public Hearing, organised by the Triparte Commi ee on Naonal Minimum Wage, chaired by Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister for Economy, Mr. Wale Edun.
According to Adeleke; “In all our mee ngs and various deliberaons, one thing that the commi ee has been able to establish is that the workers in Nigeria are due for an improved welfare package.
“To this effect, there is a consensus for an upward review of the Na onal Minimum Wage because the exis ng one has become unrealis c.
“Having said this, it has to be reiterated that the majority of the governments at the Sub−Na onals can hardly sustain an improved wages and salaries for their workers without a significant adjustment in some of the narra ves in the naonal economy.
“As we offer opinions on minimum wage, I will admonish all workers both in the private sector and public service to improve their produc vity. This is a way to ensure the sustainability of the new minimum wage when it is eventually approved.
“Our posi on from Osun State is that workers deserve improved wages and salaries. Osun state government is in support of a new and realis c minimum wage for all workers within the limit of the available resources in a very sustainable manner.
“While it would be desirable to see that a uniform minimum wage is agreed to on a na onal basis, it would amount to self deceit to assume that states have equal ability to pay.
“To this effect, I will humbly advise that individual states would have to nego ate with their workers and
agree to a realis c and sustainable minimum wage in line with the available resources.”
ter wri en by Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), which is seeking the immediate reinstatement of the sacked workers, the school management said mone sa on and rightsizing policy of the Federal Government was responsible for the sacking of the staff
The management, in a press statement by the Media and Public Relaons Officer of the ins tu on, Mr Sola Lawal Lawal, said the policy which led to the sack of the individuals was not in anyway within the purview of the school.
The statement, a copy which was made available to OSUN DEFENDER reads: “We are principally responding to the recent publicaon of Commi ee for the Defence of Human Rights(CDHR) in the media space, calling out the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, on the reinstatement of members of staff who were laid off as a result of the mone za on and rightsizing policy of the Federal Government.
“While the management genuinely sympathises with the affected staff, it is indeed per -
nent to put the record straight to avoid misinforma on and confusion in the public space as exhibited by the Civil Society Organiza on.
“First and foremost, the policy which led to the sack of the individuals was not in anyway within the purview of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, neither does the polytechnic has any influence on the policy.
“Recall that the administra on of former President Olusegun Obasanjo formulated the policy and its implementa on affected some services such as security personnel, drivers, cleaners and a host of others, who were subsequently outsourced to private en es.
“Although, the affected people won the case in the law court, however, it is only the governing council of ins tu on that can implement the court judgement, and the same council is yet to be inaugurated by the federal government; and the reason why their case is s ll pending.
“We, therefore, implore these individuals to pa ently wait for the inaugura on of the new council.”
Entertainment
Layi Wasabi’s AMVCA Triumph Shines Spotlight On Osun State
Titlope Adako
THE Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Awards (AMVCA) is renowned for recognising outstanding achievements in African film and television. The 2024 AMVCAs, held on May 11, celebrated a diverse range of talent from across the con nent.
Layi Wasabi was among the notable nominees, receiving recognion in the Best Digital Content category for his work on “Medical Negligence and Copyright Infringement”.
Layi Wasabi, whose real name is Isaac Ayomide Olayiwola, hails from Osogbo in Osun State. He studied Law at Bowen University, Iwo. His upbringing in this tranquil city deeply influenced his comedic style and content. Many of his skits are inspired by the characters and experiences he encountered growing up in Osogbo, which he credits for shaping his unique approach to humor.
His nomina on at the AMVCAs not only
highlighted his personal success but also brought significant a en on to Osun State, showcasing its cultural richness and creave poten al on a broader stage.
Star ng his comedy career in secondary school, Layi Wasabi con nued to hone his skills through various pla orms and collabora ons. His work, marked by observa onal humor and relatable scenarios, has garnered him a substan al following on social media and recogni on in Nigeria’s entertainment industry.
His triumph was widely applauded by well meaning Nigerians, including Governor Ademola Adeleke of Osun State, who took to his social media to commend his crea vity and commitment. The Governor emphasised how Wasabi’s efforts not only showcase the state’s unique identy and culture but also elevate Osun State’s profile in the entertainment industry. This recogni on has inspired many young crea ves within the state to pursue their passions despite challenges.
•Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt Hon Adewale Egbedun presenting letter of appointment as Deputy Clerk to Mr. Raheem Sanusi at the Assembly complex, on Wednesday.
FRIDAY, MAY 17, 2024 - THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024
Two Killed, Others Injured As Egbatedo, Balogun Thugs Clash In Osogbo
Ismaeel Uthman
Adeadly clash between some thugs at Egbatedo and Balogun areas of Osogbo, Osun State capital, has le two people dead and several others injured, OSUN DEFENDER learnt.
Findings revealed that the two rivalry hoodlum groups clashed in an attempt to extort a land developer at the popular Gbaemu junc on, Osogbo, where newspaper vendors assemble everyday for their business.
It was gathered that the ‘Balogun boys’ had extorted the owner of the building of a certain amount of money on Sunday, May 11 morning, while the ‘Egbatedo boys’ went to the same place and ask the developer to ‘se le them’ as a condi on to con nue work on the site.
OSUN DEFENDER gath-
ered that the land owner told the Egbatedo boys that he had given money to the Balogun boys who came earlier, adding that he could not give out money again as that would amount to
double extor on on him.
The land owner reportedly offered to release the roofing sheets which were removed from the old building to the Egbatedo boys for them to sell.
According to sources, the Egbatedo boys accepted the offer and agreed to pack the used roofing sheets before the arrival of their rival group, Balogun boys.
The Balogun boys, according to the sources, insisted that the Egbatedo boys does not have right to demand for money from the building owner or take anything because it is not
Your Reign Inspiring, Ilobu Indigenes Hail Olobu On 50th Coronation Anniversary
INDIGENES of Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun local government of Osun State, has hailed the Olobu of Ilobu, Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, describing his reign as inspiring. Oba Olaniyan will celebrate his 50th Corona on anniversary on May 25, 2024.
Addressing journalists at a press conference heralding the ceremony on Monday, Chairman of the Olobu @50 Anniversary Commi ee, Alhaji Abdulwahab Falowo, disclosed that the occasion marks a half-century of dedicated service, patrio c leadership and selfless works towards the development of the community by Oba Olaniyan.
Falowo stated that the tradi onal ruler, over the past five decades, has been a shining example of selflessness, compassion, and devo on to the wellbeing of Ilobu town. According to him, under the monarch’s reign, an indigene of the town, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff rose to the posi on of Deputy Speaker, the number six person in Nigeria, a son of the community is currently serving as the Chief of Army Staff of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
The text of the press conference reads partly: “Over the past five decades, His Royal Majesty has been a shining example of selflessness, compassion, and devo on to the well-being of our community. His unwavering commitment to the progress and development of Ilobu has been
inspiring, and his guidance has been instrumental in shaping our town into the thriving hub it is today.
“Let me inform the pressmen here that Oba Olaniyan was enthroned in 1974. As we reflect on the past 50 years, we remember the countless achievements, breakthroughs, and triumphs that have defined Oba Olaniyan‘s reign.
“His Majesty’s foresight and wisdom have navi-
gated us through mes of challenges and changes, always priori sing the betterment of our people.
“This anniversary is not only a celebra on of His Majesty’s remarkable tenure but also a testament to the rich cultural heritage and tradi ons that make Ilobu unique. We honour the legacy of our ancestors and the resilience of our community, which has flourished under the lead-
ership of His Royal Majesty.
“As part of the Golden Jubilee celebra on, the Olobu of Ilobu will be conferring chie aincy tles on some dis nguished Nigerians, including the Governor of Osun State, Senator Ademola Adeleke, his sister, Yeyeluwa Modupeola Adeleke-Sanni, Ilobu-born business mogul, Azeez Olalekan Kolade (AZKOL), Senator Olubiyi Ajagunnla,
among others.
“As we look to the future, we are filled with hope and op mism, knowing that His Majesty’s con nued guidance and wisdom will propel our community towards even greater heights. We thank the Almighty God for the life of our monarch and most importantly, for the long reign. We beseech Him for more prosperous years”.
part of their territory. OSUN DEFENDER gathered the objec on by Egbatedo boys generated heated argument between the rivalry group which later resulted into bloody clash among the miscreants who freely wielded dangerous weapons such as guns, daggers, cutlasses and clubs.
It was gathered that the violent clash spread to Asoje, Oja-Oba, Isale Aro, Orita CMS, Idowu Barber, Oke Woru and Oke Popo, causing panic to the residents of the area.
According to residents of the area, one of the thugs was killed at Gbaemu during the clash while a beggar was also hit by stray bullet.
However, officers of the An -Cul sm Unit of the Osun State Police Command dispersed the ravaging hoodlums and restored peace in the area.
When contacted, the Spokesperson of the Osun State Police Command, Mrs Yemisi Opalola, confirmed the incident on Tuesday.
She said: “Our operaves were there. They are s ll there presently. Men of An -cul sm are s ll there, watching them.
“We are on the trail of the perpetrators. They have been running whenever they see us approaching the area but we will get all those involved in the incident.”
Ex-Ospoly SUG President, Ajao Completes 215-Hours Read-A-Thon, Awaits Confirmation
the Eler-
of Erinmo-Ijesa, Oba Dr Micheal
Aformer president of the Student Union Government, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Samson Ajao, on Wednesday, completed his official Guinnesss World Record 214-hour marathon reading-aloud a empt.
The reading, which started on Monday, May 6, 2024, ended around 11:30a.m on Wednesday a er he added an hour to make it 215 hours of reading aloud.
The bibliophile when officially confirmed will beat the current Guinness World Record holder, Rybai
Ajao read 100 books within the 10 days of his compe on.
His reading books cut across several disciplines such as science, journalism, communica on, finance, business, fic on and nonfic on, and administra on.
Ajao, before the attempt, noted that the reason for embarking on the challenge was to resuscitate the dwindling reading culture among Nigerian youths.
Speaking a er completing the task, Ajao dedicated the victory to God Almighty and those who believe in his dream.
He also appreciated dignitaries who showed up during the a empt to cheer him up.
Some of the dignitaries who visited Ajao during his quest to show their solidarity and support include, the wife of Governor Ademola Adeleke; Mrs Ngozi Adeleke, the Speaker Osun State House of Assembly, Honorable Adewale Egbedun, Chairman of State University Basic Educa on Board, Ibukun Fadipe, Senior Spe-
Police On The Trail Of Suspected Gay Caught In The Act In Osogbo
THE Osun State Police command is on the trail of a suspect gay, Kayode Olubukola Elesinnla, who was allegedly caught in the act around Fagbewesa area of Osogbo, Osun State.
Police sources confided in OSUN DEFEND ER that the suspect was allegedly caught while having intercourse with his partner, Aremo Bayode David, on Thursday, April 25, 2024.
According to the sources, Elesinnla, who was residing at 11 Adekunle Square, off Fagbewesa Street, Osogbo, Osogbo Local Government, escaped arrest a er some individuals caught them inside an uncompleted building around 10pm.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed
that the Chairman of the Fagbewesa Community, Chief Adeoye Akinola, wrote a pe on to the police, seeking the arrest of Elesinnla whenever and wherever he was found.
A copy of the peon dated May 2, 2024, reads partly: “I was informed by my community members that one of our residents, Kayode Elesinnla, and another person, Aremo Bayode David, who is not living in our community, was caught on Thursday, April 25, 2024, commitng homosexuality in an uncompleted building at about 10:30 pm. I was told that Elesinnla and his partner escaped from being apprehended. He poses a threat to our values and morality. Homosexuality is not condoned by God, the Nigerian government, or our community. We call for his arrest and
prosecu on to deter others
But Osun State Spokesperson for the Police, Yemi Opalola, declined to comment on the ma er.
On January 7, 2014, the Nigerian government headed by President Goodluck Jonathan, signed The Same-Sex Marriage (Prohibi on) Act into law.
The law criminalizes public displays of affecon between same-sex couples and restricts the work of organiza ons defending gay people and their rights.
The law imposes a 14-year prison sentence on anyone who “(enters) into a same-sex marriage contract or civil union,” and a 10-year sentence on individuals or groups, including religious leaders, who “witness, abet, and aid the solemnizaon of a same-sex marriage or union.
• Osun State Labour leaders in a group photograph after a peaceful protest over hike in electricity tariff at Transmitter Company of Nigeria, Òsogbo on Monday
Yusuf Oketola
Kazeem Badmus
Kazeem Badmus
Isako.
cial Adviser to the Governor on Students’ Ma ers, Bashiru Aderoju,
inmo
Odunayo Ajayi Arowotawaya II, and the
Rector of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, Mr Kehinde Alabi, among others
•Ajao
MAY 17, 2024 - THURSDAY, MAY 23, 2024
Osun United Misses Out On NPFL Promotion
Kazeem Badmus
OSUN United, an Osun State government-owned football club, has missed out on the promo on playoff cket for the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).
The Omoluabi giant who were in Conference Group B of the Nigeria Na onal League finished 3rd with 30 points, having lost two of its last three matches.
Osun United got to the Nigeria Na onal League (NNL) a er its relega on from the Nigeria Premier League now Nigeria Premier Football League in 2008.
More than a decade after its relega on, the team who looked prime for promo on lost out to Ikorodu
United and Interna onal Lagos FC who finished first and second with 36 and 35 points respec vely.
A statement on the official page of Osun United noted that injuries to key players, efficacy in the execu on zone, distrac ons and fa gue were some of the factors that contributed to their loss in form.
The statement quoted the head coach of the team, Seye Ajayi as saying, “We started very well with much an cipa on, the squad was set up to beat any team, we were fired up for results home and away and my boys played to instruc ons on so many occasions.
“We took it one a er the other and at some point, we were on top of the log. The group is tough and dicey, though we lost
a couple of points at home which we regret deeply.
“We dealt with a lot of distrac ons; fa gue set in at a me owing to the long miles we must cover before the match day. At a me when we needed the support of our supporters, we were taken away from home which psychologically and emo onally haunted us.”
Ajayi, according to the post, said some players will be let go from the team in order to bring in fresh legs, promising that the team will do be er next season.
He reportedly said: “We have iden fied areas where we need improvements, we will relieve some players not because they are not good but because we want to increase the standard.
“We are the least conceded side in the
league, we need to beef up with young and experienced players that can
deliver upfront. So many things will be sorted out before resump on.”
2024 Osun-Osogbo Festival Begins
July 29
TYusuf Oketola
HE date for the 2024 Osun Osogbo Fes val has been scheduled to start on July 29.
Osun Osogbo is an Interna onal Heritage Cultural tourism event celebrated annually in which sacrifice will be presented to the Osun River goddess.
The Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji, disclosed this in a statement signed by the fes val’s Media Manager, Oyindamola Olukanni, on Wednesday.
The ac vi es for the fiesta, which is held in Osun State, South-west Nigeria, and draws global spectators and worshippers globally, will commence on July 29, while the grand finale would hold on August 9.
According to Olukanni, in the statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER, the evet would feature music, dance performances, and a Guinness World Record a empt for the longest cultural performance, las ng 10 hours.
The statement reads partly: “We are delighted to usher in the 2024 OsunOsogbo Fes val, scheduled to grace the calendar from 29 July to 9 August. As ancipa on mounts, we are proud to announce that Our Heritage Branding and Adver sing Ltd, a renowned Marke ng Firm in Africa, has been chosen to spearhead the marke ng and organisa onal efforts for this year’s fes vi es.
“Centralising at the Osogbo Township Stadium, the fes val’s hub will host diverse ac vi es, including concerts, cultural performances, product showcases, and interac ve brand ex-
periences. A robust lineup of pre-fes val events, from cultural celebra ons to city-wide fes vi es, has been me culously curated to build excitement and curiosity amongst a endees.”
Olukanni said the fesval brimmed with an array of ac vi es set to capvate audiences and offer unparalleled exposure for brands.
“In its 600th year, the Osun-Osogbo Fes val proudly stands as a beacon of cultural celebra on cherished by Yoruba communi es worldwide, rich in history and revered for its vibrant tradi ons.
“At the heart of the fes val lies the cultural celebra on of the OsunOsogbo Fes val, symbolising the rich tapestry of
African tradi ons and heritage. Every year, individuals from across the globe converge upon Osogbo, Nigeria, to partake in this
cultural extravaganza”, he added.
Olukanni added that the fes val would seamlessly synchronise with dig-
ital trends, fashion, music, and entertainment, fostering fer le ground for business synergies and new ventures.
He noted that this year’s fes val aims to exceed all expecta ons by offering abundant fresh experiences and opportuni es.
“To partake in the fesval’s success, interested brands are encouraged to align with the Marke ng Company to secure sponsorship opportuni es and ac vi es tailored to their needs. Access to fes val sec ons and days for branding ini a ves requires prior coordina on with the Marke ng Company and payment of associated fees.
“Live Streamed across television, online pla orms, and radio, the fes val will extend its reach to a global audience, amplifying its impact beyond the physical a endees expected to partake in the twelve days of jubila on”, he disclosed.
Excitement As Adeleke Pays Osun Job Centre Workers
Kazeem Badmus
WORKERS of Osun Job Centre whose salaries had been withheld for over a year ago have been paid.
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the workers were paid on Monday, following the approval of their file by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
Some of the workers who spoke with the medium confirmed the
payment, commending Adeleke for being sensive to their plight.
The salaries of the workers had been withheld since 2023, while their office located opposite Ayegbaju Market, Osogbo, was also shut. The workers were not paid between January 2023 and April 2024.
But joy came their way this week when individual of them received credit alert of salary payment arrears of some months they were owed.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, one of the workers, Mr Joshua Adebare, commended Adeleke, saying he had lost hope that the salaries would be paid.
Adebare said: “Governor Adeleke surprised us; he acted as a true com-
passionate person on our case. He is indeed sensive to the plight of the people.”
However, Adebare pleaded with Adeleke to reopen the job centre and make it func on again.
He said: “We urged Governor Adeleke to make the Osun Job centre ac ve again, for it to serve it purpose and for job security for us as well. We have all been jobless since the centre was inac ve.
“Osun Job Centre is an asset that the state government should protect. We have been facilita ng recruitment of Osun indigenes and residents into private sectors and helping the private employers to recruit suitable candidates from among unemployed youth in the state.
“The agency was also
conduc ng ICT, employability and entrepreneurial training for indigenes and residents of the state to make them suitable for available opportuni es.
We also engaged in career counseling, review of Curriculum Vitae (CV), interview prepara on and career coaching to indigenes and residents of the state.
“We have helped thousands of people to get job.
This asset should not be thrown away just like that. Governor Adeleke should revive the centre and make it func onal, by that we can also resume to our place of work.
“Reviving the centre will surely boost the image of government in consonance with Governor Adeleke’s agenda for skilled and unskilled youths.”
PUBLIC NOTICE
Thi is to inform NHIS and all our HMOs that Ibukunoluwa Hospital, Obaagun via Ikirun, in Ifelodun Local Government, Osun State is existing from the NHIS by July 31st, 2024. Thank you.
DEBORAH FUNMILAYO ADEGOKE For management 09137135710
•Adeleke
SINCE the very day of his inaugura on as the 16th President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, has begun launching successive neo-liberal policy a acks against Nigerians, especially the poor. On the inaugura on ground, he declared, “oil subsidy is gone” which immediately translated into increment in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (fuel) from N195 to N600; and now over N700 in Osun where I reside. The resultant effect of that not well-thought-out policy is a skyrocket increase in the price of everything, especially transport, food items and other consumables. As I write, seven pieces of Bonney peppers also known as Caribbean red peppers (Ata Rodo) is N200 while 13 pieces of tomatoes are sold at N1,000. Di o to all other soup making condiments. An average Nigerian cannot afford meat or fish; even cow skin (ponmo) that is taken for granted as poor man’s meat is no longer affordable. Garri that is used to be poor man’s food has become gold in the market as 1 kg (Congo) is sold N1,500. Things were made worse when the government spiced fuel subsidy removal with the floa ng of Naira which, expectedly, crashed against all other interna onal currencies which has also led to prohibi ve increases in the prices of imported goods and services. Although, the government ini ated some ar ficial interven ons to save Naira, that only temporarily worked as it is only produc on and produc vity that could determine the strength of any currency which is mere means of exchange and store of value. The twin policies of fuel subsidy removal and floa ng of Naira automa cally make business environment unfriendly; hence, mass movement of many business entrepreneurs out of Nigeria with a endant loss of jobs while the remaining few are ba ling tooth and nail to remain in the business.
With all these nega ve developments, one would have thought that sooner than later, the Tinubu led APC government would review its neo-liberal policies to constructing a new socio-economic path that would break away from the previous line and make people produc ve for a be er life and promising future. Instead, it is more vicious a acks which suggest that the government is hell-bent in its determined efforts to snuff life out of the poor people. On 3rd April, 2024, it tac cally began the process of increasing electricity tariff through a fraudulent banding classifica on – A, B, C, D and E. The Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), on behalf of the government, increased electricity tariff of ‘Band A’ from N66 to N225 kilowa per hour, claiming that people under this classifica on will be supplied between 20 to 24hrs electricity per day. The regime was simply using the banding to tes ng the water for eventual increase on all electricity subscribers. While the government claims that people on Band ‘A’ could afford over 300% tariff increase, inves ga ons reveal that several indigents–pensioners, civil servants, ar sans, pe y traders and unemployed also reside within the band area. While most people are considering solar power alterna ve, the cost of
“It is, most importantly, high time the poor people stopped agonising, suffering and dying in silence. They need to engage the government and fight against its neo-liberal policies that have made their lives miserable”
One Year Of Misery In The Midst Of Plenty
procuring it is not easy as other household necessi es like food, electricity, etc, have eroded people economic power. People have to spend N40,000 to get same units they used N12,000 for in a country where government is foot-dragging the new minimum wage since 2023. But the organised labour said, ‘No, it is unacceptable!’ Based on the threat to picke ng Disco and IBEDC offices na onwide, NERC quickly bowed to pressure and approved a downward review of the end-users tariffs for Band ‘A’ from N225/kwh to N206.8/kwh. But on Monday, 13th May, 2024, NLC and TUC carried out their threat, picke ng all Disco and IBEDC offices na onwide as a warning to Federal Government and have threatened na onal strike with one week ul matum unless NERC reverts to status quo ante-N66/kwh.
Under the guise to stop or reduce kidnapping and arrest recipients of ransom payments, the APC led Federal Government has mandated Point-of-Sales operators na onwide to register with Corporate Affairs Com-
mission (CAC) within 60 days which will expire by 7th July, 2024. Yes, every effort must be geared towards security but what has become the known sponsors of terrorism and other crimes? Are they untouchable? Why making life horrible for the poor under the guise of ‘security’? Already, most ATM machines don’t dispense cash which has become rou ne and people have adjusted to it. POS operators who serve as an alternave charge between N100 and N200 per N5,000. With compulsory CAC registra on within 60 days, which is cumbersome exercise as it will be processed centrally in Abuja despite the fact that there are CAC offices in all the states of the federa on, the money spent for the registra on and other inconveniences will be borne by the poor people who patronise POS eventually. Again, it will serve as another avenue for bad eggs in the police to harass and extort poor people who eke out living in POS business who are esmated to be 2million na onwide based on the POS terminals in circula on.
If not for Mr. Femi Falana’s (SAN) mely interven on in clarifying on wrongly interpreted provisions of Cybercrime (Prohibion, Preven on, etc) Amendment Act 2024, Central Bank of Nigeria had publicly circulated a memo dated 6th May, 2024, imposing 0.005% of the value of all electronics transac ons with commercial banks to be remitted to the Na onal Cybersecurity Fund, to be administered by the Office of the Na onal Security Adviser; a singular public office. There are other taxes I deliberately refuse to men on because they do not apply to everybody. Each of these neo-liberal a acks has been launched in quick successions within one year of the administra on. Just as they did recommend to Ibrahim Babangida military administra on - Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) that resulted in pains, misery and push of more people into poverty, every APC led Federal Government policy above is the prescrip on designed and recommended by same Bre on Woods Instu ons – the Interna onal Monetary Fund (IMF) and World Bank. Interes ngly, as more people are being pushed into poverty, so the members of the ruling elite steal resources being systema cally taken away from the poor. Under this circumstance, a divina on is not required to ascertain that development will con nue to elude any country that operates like ours - follows and plays along with IMF satanic recommenda ons. Although, the leadership of the organised labour is trying its best, it is not enough. The civil society coali on should buckle up and rally round the labour to mobilising people for struggle for be er living and working condi ons. It is, most importantly, high me the poor people stopped agonising, suffering and dying in silence. They need to engage the government and fight against its neo-liberal policies that have made their lives miserable. Experiences have shown that if we fight we may win; if we don’t, we have lost already.
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
Paying The Price
IN his seminar wri ng, “Nigerian, Who Are You?” the Late dis nguished philosopher, Pius Adesanmi, wrote, “Because the Nigerian does not know that the tragic backwardness of his country is a direct consequence of the absence of philosophy, because he is blissfully unaware of the costs of Nigeria’s na onal culture of hos lity to any no on of philosophy, theory, and abstract thinking, he becomes this perpetual laughable character, seeking doers who will make Nigeria like Dubai and London overnight, in the absence of thought and dogon turenchi. He does not know that those places he admires and wants Nigeria to be like are products of four hundred years of uninterrupted dogon turenchi – if you limit things just to The Enlightenment and modernity.”
It is not backwardness and human sufferings that automa cally give birth to struggles, rebellions and freedom. For humans generally and Nigerians especially, tolerance to backwardness and sufferings has no elas c limit! It is deep sense of indigna on against injus ce that gives birth to struggle; and it is such struggles that birth men of excep onal honour and dignity. The Problem with Nigeria is that the absence of illumina ng thought and prevalent contempt for crea ve thinking (amidst widespread hustle for anyhow-wealth without produc ons) has led into an intensely corrupt and toxic society where there are only an insignificant percentage of men and women of honour
and dignity surviving.
In October 1999, a BBC News Online Poll picked Karl Marx as the Greatest Thinker of the Millennium. Every thinker and philosopher, be he/she in favour or against the fundamental conclusions of Marx’s thinking, must agree that the world is worse off today without the kind of rigor and depth that he brought into cri cal thinking. If the world is worse off, Nigeria is nowhere to be found in that world, as Adesanmi pointed out. We (the majority to be precise, both “leaders” and the led, simply don’t believe that things must be well thought-out to arrive at certain basic truths. How then can we embrace the responsibili es imposed by those truths, of which we are blissfully ignorant and in contempt?
Deep thinking must precede ac ons, in private and public life. In ma ers of freedom, democracy, and governance, this applies even more rigorously. The price we must begin to pay, one and all in our small ways, is ge ng deep knowledge and following it up with passionate, organized ac ons. Otherwise, we will con nue to groan amidst endless trials, misery, trauma and tribulaons as each wickedly oppressive preceding government, in retrospect, sadly “looks even be er” than the current diabolical one: as an -people, self-serving, an -democra c vampires con nue their stranglehold on our “democra c” process and “governments” because we lack the profound, clarifying
thought (and can never therefore commit to the logical, organized, self-sacrificing acons), to displace them from the governance space and replace them with patriots.
Choices (especially in the face of compound ignorance and grinding poverty that are joined by divisiveness along primordial cleavages), can only be informed, logical, lo y, selfless and patrio c choices if they are anchored on sound philosophical thinking. An inspiring iden ty that can galvanize the people and catapult them to libera ng ac ons can only be a func on of deep thinking and rigorous research that reveals the fundamental truth.
Invariably, when these truths are embraced, so must the courage be found to follow the truths to the dark places where they lead - in order to emerge into the refreshing shine at the other side. Truths impose responsibili es. Among these responsibili es are struggles and self-sacrifices. Like Mandela said, “there is no easy walk to freedom.” Anger and agonizing amidst pain while embarking on spasmodic protests or occasional violent outbursts that hurt the very people more than their oppressors, leads to nowhere good.
Those who desire to be free from ageold and unremi ed exploita on and oppression - that they do not want handed down to their children and children’s children - must begin paying the price through seeking libera ng knowledge and philosophy; it is the only road to ar culated, organized ac ons and sustainable freedom in a just society where life more abundant is guaranteed.
STRIKER