ONE YEAR AFTER, ONE YEAR AFTER, OSUN YET TO YET IMPLEMENT EDUCATION SUMMIT REPORT
•As Students Continue To Learn Under Fallen Roofs, Risk Of Attack •Adeleke Constructing Roads At Detriment Of Education – Rtd Principal •New
How I Sent Hoodlums To Disrupt 2023 Elections – Osun Monarch
TYusuf Oketola members. I want to urge you to put your house in order because we don’t know who the APC would present as their governorship candidate. If there is no unity in PDP and the APC presents a credible candidate, it will affect us.
HE Alapomu of Apomu in Isokan Local Government area of Osun State, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi, has been enmeshed in a controversy regarding the poli cal violence that rocked the 2023 general elec ons in his community.
Oba Adenekan, in a viral video obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Monday, revealed how he sponsored hoodlums to caused mayhem and disrupt vo ng exercise in favour of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) in the area.
The monarch, who spoke in Yoruba, made a veiled reference to the 2023 elec on and how he encouraged the PDP Candidate in the elec on, Oladebo Lanre Omoleye, to resort to violence so as to edge out his rival from the APC. Located within Osun West senatorial district, Apomu and Ikire were at the epicentre of the turmoil that pervaded the last poll. The area witnessed the brazen killing of ci zens, including kidnapping of some party members.
He said: “I want to reveal a secret to you PDP
“I used to tell people that you don’t value what you have un l you loose it. I want you to stand with Lanre. On the eve of his elecon in 2023, Akogun came to meet in the palace, telling me I have being defeated. I asked him who have defeated me, he said Olufi of Gbongan. I told him why will Olufi who I call my son defeat me. Gbongan town was founded in 1793.
“ I am far older than him. Akogun told me they have held a mee ng and they have concluded to work against lanre, the PDP candidate. I told him, it is not Lanre and Oluga contes ng, that the contest is between me and Olufi and I will show him I am his father.
“ I had several discussion with MAO but during a mee ng he did not want to reveal a lot of things to you. I told MAO that if the elecon can turn to war, I don’t care. I told him I will deploy
•Former minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf
Attended a COLLOQUIUM In honor of 20th years memorial of a timeless scholar Shaykh Dr. Abdul Hakeem Abayomi at the University of Lagos everything in my capacity to win the elec on for the PDP candidate. I told them to disrupt everything. So, there are gunshots everywhere. That is how we became victorious.”
But Oba Afolabi in a statement signed by his media aide, Tolu Adetunji, denied allega ons of inci ng electoral violence in the state. The monarch described the allega on as false and fabricated. The statement reads:
“The monarch’s a en on was drawn to a video where he made a speech at the flag-off of a road construcon in Apomu. However, he never urged members of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) to a ack supporters of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the forthcoming elec on, as alleged in the video.
“In fact, the monarch said he never men oned the 2027 elec on or APC in the video. He emphasized
MEDIA VACANCY
that he is a man of peace and does not encourage or support violence in any form or manner.
“The monarch’s denial is seen as a move to clear his name and maintain peace in Osun State. The allegaon of inci ng electoral violence is a serious one, and the monarch’s swi denial is aimed at preven ng any escala on of tensions.
“The people of Osun State are known for their peaceful nature, and the
monarch’s denial is seen as a reflec on of this. The state has a history of peaceful elec ons, and the monarch’s statement is aimed at ensuring that this con nues.”
In a statement, the monarch said, “I am a man of peace, and I do not encourage or support violence in any form or manner.” This statement is seen as a testament to his commitment to peace and stability in Osun State.
Job Summary:
Lead a dynamic team of journalists and staff to produce a weekly newspaper and occasional publica ons, covering Osun’s latest news in poli cs, business, society, and human stories.
Key Responsibili es:
• Oversee news coverage and distribu on across Osun State
• Liaise with government, corpora ons and various organisa ons and Individuals for subscrip ons and revenue genera ng ac vi es.
• Manage online presence
• Drive adver sing revenue and explore paid event coverage.
• Manage marke ng and distribu on
Aregbesola
A Creeping Authoritarianism
“When does saying the truth and the obvious become a crime to the point that the citizen is being detained for days on the instruction of those in power”
THE ordeal of ci zen
Qomarudeen Oladepo, popularly known as Adabanija cannot be compa ble with the tenor and ethos of a democracy. Anyone arrested should be charged to court within the specified me and not held at pleasure presumably to be used as an example or display of “might”.
Adabaniji was re-arrested by the police on Tuesday and has been since held for trivial reasons. If he is guilty, he should be charged to court and let the court determine his fate.
When does saying the truth and the obvious become a crime to the point that the ci zen is being detained for days on the instruc on of those in power.
Kudos go to the incumbent governor, Ademola Adeleke, for sort-
ing out the backlog of payments, and a lot of recipients are understandably grateful for this; how can it be subversive to say so?
What is disturbing is that this goes beyond viola on of the rights of an individual hideous as that is, it is at the heart of the na on’s under per force man. Na ons with weak ins tuons cannot be compe ve which is a drawback in a globally compeve world. This is now the convenonal wisdom. Unfortunately, to pull millions of people out of muldimensional poverty, the country must be compeve, which means that it must have strong independent ins tu ons.
The charade going on with the oppression of Ci zen Adabanija must stop! Charge him to court or release him now!!!
The
Discourse
The Delay In Appointing Ambassadors
APPOINTMENTS of ambassadors or high commissioners by the President is a cons tu onal obliga on. There should not be any delay in such appointments. Sec on 171 of the Cons tu on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria states that,
“(1) Power to appoint persons to hold or act in the offices to which this sec on applies and to remove persons so appointed from any such office shall vest in the President.
(2) The offices to which this sec on applies are, namely - (a) Secretary to the Government of the Federa on; (b) Head of the Civil Service of the Federa on; (c) Ambassador, High Commissioner or other Principal Representa ve of Nigeria abroad; (d) Permanent Secretary in any Ministry or Head of any Extra-Ministerial Department of the Government of the Federa on howsoever designated; and (e) any office on the personal staff of the President.
(3) An appointment to the office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federa on shall not be made except from among Permanent Secretaries or equivalent rank in the civil service of the Federa on or of a State. (4) An appointment to the office of Ambassador, High Commissioner or other Principal Representa ve of Nigeria abroad shall not have effect unless the appointment is confirmed by the Senate.
(5) In exercising his powers of appointment under this sec on, the President shall have regard to the federal character of Nigeria and the need to promote na onal unity.
(6) Any appointment made pursuant to paragraphs (a) and (e) of subsec on (2) of this sec on shall be at the pleasure of the President and shall cease when the President ceases to hold office;
Provided that where a person has been appointed from a public service of the Federa on or a State, he shall be en tled to return to the public service of the Federaon or of the State when the President ceases to hold office.”
The delay in appoin ng ambassadors mirrors the way this government think of the roles of ambassadors. Ambassadors ac vely manage and maintain diploma c rela ons between the home country and the host. They engage in poli cal and economic nego a ons, promote bilateral coopera on and safeguards the home country’s interest in the host country. Addi onally, they supervise the func oning of consulates within their jurisdic on.
They are not just mere desk officers or protocol officers whose schedule is only to hire uber vehicles for President, their rela ves and other top officials. They are an integral part of government.
Ambassadors also engage in delicate nego a ons, represen ng their country’s policies while understanding others’ perspec ves. This balancing act is crucial for successful interna onal rela ons. Their work includes advoca ng for their home country’s poli cal, economic, and cultural agendas abroad. Ambassadors are the voice of their na on in foreign lands, aiming to foster global partnerships.
How can we be chasing foreign investments when ambassadors who are to play prominent roles in such negoa ons have not been appointed.
If Ministers could be appointed and sworn-in three months a er Presiden al inaugura on, why delay the appointments of ambassadors.
At the 79th General Assembly of the United Na on, Nigeria made a legi mate demand for a permanent seat at the United Na ons security council. At the me we made the demand, we had no permanent representa ve in the United Na ons. What a contradic on. We undervalue the posi on of ambassadors in this country. We starve their embassies of funds and we pay li le a en on to their needs.
We acknowledged the efforts of Mr. Walter Carrington (24 July 1930-11 August 2020), the American
ambassador to Nigeria between 1993-1997 and the role he played in standing for human rights during the General Sani Abacha years. He stood firm by his principles and he was resolute in defending human rights.
In other countries of the world, the ambassadorship is the training ground for leadership.
O o Von Bismarck, in 1859 was the Prussian ambassador to Russia and later to Paris in 1862 in the court of Napoleon III, he later became Prime Minister. George H. W. Bush (12 June 1924-30 November, 2018) was the 41st President of the United States of America. He was equally the 10th United States American ambassador to the United Na ons from (1March 1971-18 January 1973).
Mr. Benjamin William Mkapa (12 November, 1938- 24 July 2020) was Tanzania ambassador to Nigeria in 1976. He was Tanzania Minister for Foreign Affairs from 1977 to 1980. In 1982, he served as High Commissioner to Canada and between 1983 and 1984 as Ambassador to the United States of America.
He returned home in 1984 where he was again appointed Member of Parliament and Minister for Foreign Affairs. In 1992, he served as Minister for Science, Technology and Higher Educa on, prior to being elected President in 1995, and Chairman of his Party, Chama Cha Mapinduzi, (1996-2006). He was re-elected President in 2000 for another 5-year term. There was Thabo Mvuyelwa Mbeki (82). He was the second post-apartheid South African President. He was the African Na onal Congress (ANC) envoy in Nigeria between 1976 and 1978. He established the ANC presence that eclipsed that of its rival Pan Africanist Congress (PAC). While in Lagos, he formed strong friendship with the then head of state, General Olusegun Obasanjo GCFR and top civil servants, including Yahaya Abubakar, Permanent Secretary, CABINET OFFICE, Mr. Bisi Ogunniyi and others.
DEFENDER
Likewise, there are examples of those who have served in leadership posi ons yet end up to become ambassadors. Mr. Walter Frederick “Fritz” Mondale (5 January 1928-19 April 2021) was the 42nd Vice President of the United States of America, and served from 1977 to 1981 under President Jimmy Carter. He became United States of American ambassador to Japan between 1993 to 1996. Mr. Salim Ahmed Salim was the Prime Minister of Tanzania between April 24, 1984 to November 5, 1985. He became the Secretary General of Organisa on of African Unity (OAU) between 1989 and 2001, later African Union special envoy on Dafur between 2004 and 2008. Mr. Kevin Rudd(67) is at present the 23rd Australian ambassador to the United States of America. He was the 26th Prime Minister of Australia and served between 27 June 2013 and 18 September 2018.
Eric Teniola
One Year After, Osun Yet To Implement Education Summit Report
ONE year a er the Educa on Summit organised by the Osun State Government, the recommendaons from the summit are yet to be implemented by the Governor Ademola Adeleke’s-led administra on.
This has con nued to pose threat to the lives of thousands of students in the state, as they connued to learn under fallen roofs and dilapidated buildings which are prone to a ack.
The summit, was held between Tuesday, August 22, and Thursday, August 24, 2023 while the report of the conference headed by Professor Oyesoji Aremu was submi ed to Governor Adeleke in October 2023.
The summit according to the state Commissioner for Educa on, Dipo Eluwole, was ini ated towards reposi oning the educa on sector in a manner that will make it reliable and sustainable.
However, findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that many schools in the state are s ll in a deplorable state while there are not enough teachers in some, especially in the rural area.
It was an eyesore in some of the schools visited by the medium during the week. The condion of the schools range from dilapidated buildings, lack of instruc onal materials and teachers, among others.
In Community High School, Ila Odo town, Odo-o n local government area of the state, hundreds of students are presently learning under fallen roofs amid infrastructural deficit.
In mul ple pictures captured by OSUN DEFENDER, the school is seen in a dilapidated state. The classrooms are without roofs that shield the pupils from sun and rain during their study me.
A community source said: “The students and teachers are suffering in silence because whenever it rains, the en re classes get flooded.”
According to the 68page “Report of Osun Educa on Summit 2023,” prepared by the state government in collaboraon with the Ministry of Educa on, and obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, about 50 per cent of the public secondary schools in Osun State do not have night security guards, thereby, making them
•As
Students Continue To Learn Under Fallen Roofs, Risk Of Attack
•Adeleke Constructing Roads At Detriment Of Education – Rtd Principal
•New Minimum Wage Causing Delay – Govt
vulnerable to a acks by hoodlums.
The report further revealed that while special schools were facing infrastructural challenges, most of the buildings in the schools were old, dilapidated and without perimeter fencing.
Also, there had been a shortage of qualified teachers in secondary schools in Osun State, a development which affected the accredita on of schools for the West Africa Senior Secondary Cer ficate Examina on and Na onal Examinaon Council, as urban schools were found to be over-concentrated with teachers at the expense of rural schools.
The report said, “Also, about 50 per cent of the public secondary schools in Osun State do not have night security guards. This needs to be looked into to guarantee the safety of school properes. The government and other stakeholders like the PTA and alumni bodies of various secondary schools in Osun State are enjoined to make necessary arrangement to employ night guards to secure public secondary schools in the state where there is none.
“There are insufficient learning centers for persons with special needs (only one secondary school for persons with special needs in the state). There are insufficient teachers in special schools. Parents always dump their children in the schools without visi ng them or coming to
pick them during midterm breaks.” Commen ng on the delay in the implemen-
ta on of the educa on summit report, a re red principal in the state, Elder Layi Lawuyi, while
•Students of Community High School, Ila Odo town, Odo-Otin Local Government learning under a dilapidated classroom
pressed displeasure that the report is yet to see the light of the day.
Elder Lawuyi however berated Adeleke, saying he is giving premium atten on to road construcon than educa on in the state.
He said: “Two years a er the educa on summit in Osun, nothing has come out of the exercise. There are s ll reports that there are no teachers in Osun schools. They will also tell you out of 400 schools, they are repairing eight. Even when the white paper came out, they said Opon Imo will be resuscitated. That is a brilliant idea at this age which should be done quickly at this digital age.
featuring on a Current Affairs program “Frank Talk” on a private radio in Osogbo, last Friday, ex-
OAU Considers Waiver For Extrayear Students To Avert Suicide
Oketola
THE management of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Osun State, has disclosed its commitment to assist extrayear students struggling with their studies by considering a waiver for them.
The move is in response to a recent suicide a empt by a 200-level student who a empted suicide following academic struggles.
This was contained in an internal memo on Wednesday, dated November 1, 2024, from the university’s Senate Division.
The memo revealed that a special Committee of Deans mee ng was convened to address the case of the affected student and therea er came up with compassionate measures.
The memo, signed by the Deputy Registrar, M.S. Oluwajoba, revealed that the student, whose name was not stated, had transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Educa on, and reportedly a empted suicide on October 16.
The incident prompted the Dean of the Faculty to take up the ma er to the higher authori es.
The memo seen was tled, “Decision Extract: Re: Special Mee ng of Commi ee of Deans held on Wednesday, October 16, 2024,” and directed to all deans.
It partly read, “The Dean, Faculty of Educa on reported a case of a suicide a empt by a Part II student who transferred from the Faculty of Pharmacy to the Department of Biology Educa on on Wednesday, October 16, 2024. A er due delibera on on the matter, the Commi ee decided that: Members of staff should con nue as usual to offer support to our students.
“The departmental and the Faculty Boards of Examiners are advised and encouraged to provide an enabling environment for students’ support.
“Staff and Part Advisers should kindly cooperate in this regard.
“The above informa on supersedes the earlier circulated decision extract.”
An earlier circular from the office, dated
October 17, 2024, had said any student who had only one or two courses to pass to graduate, having a empted those courses in the previous semesters, “should be considered to graduate on compassionate grounds provided such assistance SHALL NOT change the candidate’s class of degree.”
When contacted, the Public Rela ons Officer of the university, Abiodun Olanrewaju, confirmed the decision of the ins tu on, no ng this was to prevent further suicide a empts.
The varsity spokesperson said, “We want to reduce to the barest minimum the commission of suicide due to academic stress or rigour especially by those in the final year who are repea ng one or two courses and they are being delayed by that.
“So, the human face there is, given the situa on and circumstance of the country, we should just let them go. It doesn’t cost the university anything, and so that it will not be that somebody commits suicide because of extra academic years.”
“My pity for the current governor is that, it is his late brother, Senator Isiaka Adeleke that had it be er for educa on during his me. I wonder what history will write about this current governor.
“On infrastructure, I will score him 95 per cent because he s ll have two years to go. But it is at the detriment of the students, schools and educa on. If you said execu on of the educa on summit report will take me, but it does not take the me before the governor could award construc on of the roads.
“That is the mistakes Adeleke is making. If he can take quick decisions on roads, it is not educaon policy he should delay. The language of this administra on is “we will do it”, “we are on it”. You will never heard they have executed it.”
Speaking on why there is delay in the teachers’ recruitment exercise, the state commissioner for Informaon and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, said the new minimum wage is a major reason the government has yet to finalise the process.
According to Alimi, “The issue of categories of teachers that are supposed to re re or thereabout came in during the recruitment which we needed to resolve and it has been resolved. They are back in the school.
“Also, the issue of new minimum wage came up and we discovered we need to resolve it to know what the wage bill will be because if we recruit teachers along with the exis ng workers and we do not pay them, the work done will be zero.”
Yusuf
Yusuf Oketola
Cash Scarcity Returns In Osun Banks As POS Operators Take Advantage
Kazeem Badmus
SCARCITY of cash has returned across banks in Osun State, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
The latest development, the medium gathered has empowered the Point of Sales (POS) operators as they now charge more on cash transac ons.
OSUN DEFENDER visited some banks in OgoOluwa and Aregbe areas of Osogbo, the state capital, on Tuesday and Wednesday, and it was observed that some of the bank’s Automated Teller Machines were not dispensing while customers besieged the few ones that were giving cash.
At one of the newgenera on banks in OgoOluwa, only one of the four ATMs was dispensing on Tuesday a ernoon, with customers having to wait for hours to withdraw.
It was also observed that the ATM machine working was dispensing N200 notes, and each customer could only withdraw N4,000 at a go, making it more difficult for customers to withdraw seamlessly.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, a customer who iden fied herself simply as Mrs Opeyemi, ac-
cused the bank of hoarding the cash.
She noted that the bank’s a tude toward the customers was not also encouraging, calling on authori es to wade in and find a las ng solu on to the incessant cash scarcity.
She said, “I’ve been here for over an hour now, and it’s not yet my turn. Only one ATM machine is working, and it’s dispensing N200 notes.
“You can imagine the stress we are going through to get our money. How will only one machine out of four be working and when we went inside to complain, the bank staff told us they will find a solu on without proffering any.
“I think this is deliberate and the insinua on that most of this top bank staff are opera ng a POS shop is true. The POS operators are using the situaon to milk people now.”
Another customer who spoke with the medium at the premises of one of the old-genera on banks at Aregbe area said he was only given N10,000 on the counter, adding that the ATMs of the banks were not loaded.
The customer who does not want his name in print, said, “The ATMs were not loaded, and we
•Increase Service Charge, Residents Lament
•Nigeria Union of Journalists NUJ Presidential Aspirant Comrade Alhassan Yahya, flanked by outgoing NUJ Bzone Secretary Abdulrasaq Alege, Osun NUJ Chairman Wasiu Ajadosu, Ogun NUJ Chairman Wale Olanrewaju and Lagos NUJ Secretary Tunde Olalere at the campaign visit to Osun NUJ on Monday. Photo Shola Aderinto
have to queue inside the banking all for us to access some funds. I needed about N40,000 to sort myself out.
“But all I was given was N10,000. All my appeal to the bank to increase the money for me proved nega ve. This is not good at all. During these trying mes, I s ll have to go and use money to access my own funds. The government and those in charge
need to look into this.”
OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the situa on was the same in some other parts of the state.
POS Operators Take Advantage, Increase Service Fee Meanwhile, Point Of Sales (POS) operators have taken advantage of the latest cash scarcity to jerk up their charges on transacons.
OSUN DEFENDER vis-
Osun Federal Lawmaker, Oladebo Flags-Off Road, School, Electrification Projects
•Restates Commitment To Quality Representation
Kazeem Badmus
THE lawmaker represen ng Ayedaade, Irewole, Isokan Federal Cons tuency of Osun State in the House of Representa ves, Hon. Olanrewaju Oladebo has reiterated its commitment to effec ve representa on of his people.
This is as he flagged off 3.5km road projects in Apomu, Gbongan and Odeomu, construc on of three blocks of classrooms in Asejire, Ikoyi and Gbongan, Renova on of the Local Govenrment Educa on Authority (LGEA) office in Ikire, and a Standard Health Centre in Araromi Owu.
Others include the drilling of a Standard Borehole in Ikire, installa on of a 500KVA Transformer in Ode-Omu, ongoing construc on of six blocks of classrooms at Alapomu High School, Apomu.
Speaking to journalists at the Olufi market, Gbongan, shortly a er flagging off the 1.5km Olufi market road, Hon. Oladebo reassured his cons tuents of the delivery of more dividends of democracy.
The lawmaker noted that in a year, he has contributed in no mean measure to the development of the country, especially the welfare of his people, through the nomina on
of veritable cons tuency projects and facilita on of development to the grassroots.
Oladebo said, “I am happy to report that in one year, we have been able to facilitate numerous projects. Some of these projects we are flagging off today are in the 2024 budget. We will also ensure that more comes in the 2025 budget for the benefit of our people. By the me we commission these projects, the people will see the difference between just making noise and working for the common good of the people.
“I have heard people say that I did not sponsor a bill in my first year. Li le do they know that bills is not the major yards ck to measure whether a lawmaker has performed or not. I have a couple of bills I have worked on and will be presented soon. Beyond bills, I have a racted a quite number of projects to my cons tuency and
the state in general.
“I was instrumental to the recently launched Federal Low Cost Housing Estate which I brought to Osun State as the Deputy Chairman of the House Commi ee on Housing. I am ready to do more. What is more important to me is the emancipa on of our people, giving them what is required to make life be er and meaningful for them,” Oladebo noted.
In his remarks, Chairman of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) in Osun State, Hon. Sunday Bisi commended Hon. Oladebo for providing quality representa on to the people.
Bisi who sought the support of the people for the re-elec on of the party in the next electoral cycle, emphasised that PDP is poised to embark on massive infrastructural faceli of Osun, if given the opportunity to con nue.
Alapomu of Apomu, Oba Kayode Adenekan Afolabi praised the lawmaker for a rac ng quality projects to his cons tuency. The monarch also rallied support for Hon. Oladebo, saying if he is allowed to con nue beyond 2027, more development will be recorded in the federal cons tuency.
ited some POS operators on Thursday to withdraw and a service fee of N400 was quoted to withdraw N10,000.
To withdraw N5,000, the customers have to pay N200 as a service fee, while withdrawal transac ons between N2,000 and N4,000 a ract N150 charges.
One of the POS operators who spoke with Osun Defender on condi on of anonymity said the increase in service charges was due to the stress she
passed through before getng cash.
The POS operator said it took her more than 7 hours shuffling banks before she could withdraw the funds she wanted to use for her POS business.
“I le home around 6:30 a.m. today, and I returned around 1 p.m. and all I got was N50,000. I had to borrow my neighbor’s ATM cards for me to get that amount. It’s not been easy and I don’t have a choice but to also jerk up my service fee.”
Osun Still Uses LAUTECH Patient’s Card, 4 Years After Break Up
Yusuf Oketola
FOUR years a er Osun and Oyo states dropped the joint ownership of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Osun state s ll uses pa ent’s card with inscrip on of LAUTECH.
Recall that the two states ended many years of acrimony that ensued over joint ownership in 2020 when Oyo eventually took over control of the main campus in Ogbomoso and the structure in Osogbo became Osun state university teaching hospital.
The two states separated because of frequent disagreement on payment of salary and recruitment of staff
While some of the in-
scrip ons in Osogbo structure had been changed to Osun state university teaching hospital, OSUN DEFENDER learnt that some department s ll issue pa ent card branded in LAUTECH teaching hospital.
The spokesperson of the hospital, Mr Ajibowu Wale, said the card is being used because it was printed in excess and it is s ll recognised. According to him, the usage of the card does not change the nomenclature, no ng that the name of the hospital is now “Uniosun teaching hospital.”
“No Doctor can reject it because the hospital knows that it is our card. They are using it because they have it in excess. It does not mean that we have not changed from LAUTECH,” Wale said.
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024
FREEDOM,
both as a concept and as a value has been denied in many individuals, groups and nations. It has been often misunderstood and abused. The fact is that in no human society can man be free in the absolute sense of the word. There must be some limitations of one sort or another, if the society is to function at all.
Apart from this general idea, Islam teaches freedom, cherishes it and guarantees it for the Muslim as well as for the nonMuslim. The Islamic concept of freedom applies to all voluntary activities of man in all walks of life. As already stated, every man is born free on the fitrah or in a pure state of nature. This means that man is born free from subjugation, sin, inherited inferiority and ancestral hindrance. His right of freedom is sacred as long as he does not deliberately violate the law of Allah or desecrate the rights of others.
By Alh. Zakariyah Sarumi
By Alh. Zakariyah Sarumi
One of the main objectives of Islam is to emancipate the mind from superstitions and uncertainties, the soul from sin and corruption, the conscience from oppression and fear, and even the body from disorder and degeneration.
The course which Islam has enjoined on man to realize this goal includes profound intellectual endeavours, constant spiritual observance, binding moral principles and even dietary regulations. When man follows this course, religiously, he cannot fail to reach his ultimate goal of freedom and emancipation.
The question of freedom with regard it belief, worship and conscience is also of paramount importance in Islam. Every man is entitled to exercise his freedom of belief, conscience and worship in religion. “Truth stands out clear of error. Whoever rejects evil and believes in Allah has grasped the strongest bond that never breaks. And Allah knows and hears all things. (Q uran2:256).
The Islamic concept of freedom is an article of faith, solemn command from the Supreme Creator. It is built on the following fundamental principles. First, man’s conscience is subject to Allah only, to Whom every man is directly responsible. Secondly, every human being is personally responsible for his deeds and he alone is entitled to reap the fruits of his work. Thirdly, Allah has delegated to man the responsibility to decide for himself. Fourthly, man is sufficiently provided with spir-
Freedom And Peace In Islam
itual guidance and endowed with rational qualities that enable him to make responsible, sound choices. Such is the foundation of the Islamic concept of freedom; there is no room for religious persecutions, class conflict or racial prejudice. The individual’s right of freedom is as sacred as his right to life. Freedom is equivalent of Life itself.
EQUALITY
“O mankind! Verily we have created you from a single (pair) of a male and a female, and have made you into nations and tribes, that you may know each other. Verily the most honored among you in the sight of Allah is the most righteous (Quran 49:13).
The differences of race, colour, or social status are only accidental. They do not affect the true stature of man in the sight of Allah. Again, the value of equality is not simply a matter of constitutional rights or gentlemen’s agreement or condescending charity. It is an article of faith which the Muslims take seriously and to which he must adhere sincerely. The foundation of the Islamic value of equality is deeply rooted in structure of Islam. It stems from basic principles such as the following:
1. All men are created by One and the same eternal Allah, the Supreme Lord of All.
2. All mankind belong to the human race and share
equally in the common parentage of Adam and Eve.
3. Allah is just and kind to all his creatures. He is not partial to any race, age or religion. The whole universe is His dominion and all people are His creatures.
4. All people are born equal in the sense that none brings any possession with him and they die equal in the sense that they take back nothing of their worldly belongings.
5. Allah judges every person on the basis of his own merits and according to his own deeds.
6. Allah has conferred on man, man as such, a title of honor and dignity.
Such are some of the principles behind the value of equality in Islam. When this concept is fully utilized, it will leave no place for prejudice or persecutions. And when this divine ordinance is fully implemented, there will be no room for oppression or suppression. Concept of chosen gentile peoples, words such as privileged and condemned races, expressions such as social castes and second-class citizen will all become meaningless and obsolete.
PEACE
To appreciate how Islam approaches the question of peace, one has only to consider a few elementary facts about Islam. Peace and Islam are derived from the same root and may be considered synonymous. One of the Allah’s names is Peace. The concluding words of the daily prayers of every Muslim are word of peace. The greeting of the Muslims when they return to Allah is Peace. The daily salutations among the Muslims are expressions of peace. The adjective “Muslim” means, in a sense, peaceful. Heaven in Islam is the abode of peace.
This is how fundamental and dominant the theme of peace is in Islam. The individual who approaches to Allah through Islam cannot fail to be at peace with Allah, with himself, and with his fellow men. Taking all these values together, putting man in his proper place in the cosmos and viewing life in the Islamic perspective, men of good faith and principles cannot fail to make our world a better world, to regain human dignity to achieve equality, to enjoy universal brotherhood and to build a lasting peace.
Alh. Zakariyah Sarumi
Grand Imam Ipetu Ijesa and Chief Missioner Ansar Udeen Ipetu Ijesa
Commutters’ Safety: Governor Adeleke Flags-off Profiling of Transport Operators
IN an effort to enhance security and accountability in Osun State Transporta on sector, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has flagged-off the profiling of every commercial transport operator in the State.
Tagged: Commercial Transport Operators’ Profiling Programme(CTOPP), it will, among other things, help in building a trusted network for transport safety in and around the State.
Speaking at the official flagg-off of the programme on Wednesday, Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke said the move became necessary so as to reduce incidents of kidnapping and loss of proper es through commercial vehicles.
The Governor who was represented at the programme by the Senior Special Assistant on Transporta on, Hon. Salaam Hamid Adewale, said the profiling also became necessary to be able to plan for issues in the transporta on sector of the State.
He noted that the revenue drive of the present administra on will be
greatly boosted through the profiling of every commercial transport operator in the State because it will provide an accurate data base of every operator with which the State can work.
The Governor, who expressed delight at the development, stressed that
the move is another testament to the fact that the present administra on is running a transparent and accountable government which will be for the benefit of all and sundry.
He noted that the step is another giant stride towards ins tu onalising transparency and ac-
countability in the State’s Transporta on sector.
Also speaking, the team leader of the technical partner of the programme, Digital Revoluon Limited(DRL), Mr Adeola Akeem, said the launch marks a transforma ve step forward in Osun State’s commitment
to a safer and more organised transport sector.
He explained that DRL is honoured to collaborate with the State Government in building a digital database that will strengthen the State’s transport infrastructure.
In his words, “CTOPP is not just a system, it is
a model for innova on, digitaliza on and security that will benefit operators and ci zens alike. This is a programme that aligns with Osun State’s growth and demonstrates how technology can drive socio-economic growth and enhance security of commuters.
New Minimum Wage: Osun Workers Battle Adeleke December 1
THERE is growing tension among states yet to implement the N70,000 new minimum wage, following the December 1 strike no ce by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), to workers in defaul ng states which include Osun State to commence indefinite strike.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that as of end of October, Osun and 23 states had yet to commence implementaon, despite the Federal Government’s promise to organise labour.
Meanwhile, fate of civil servants in the state is hanging in the balance over the con nued delay by Governor Ademola Adeleke to announce what
the state will pay as minimum wage.
The NLC, Osun State Chapter led by Comrade
Chris Arapasopo has also kept mum over the fate of civil servants in the state.
If the delay con nues,
workers in the state may have no other choice than to embark on an indefinite strike with their colleagues
Man Lands In Prison For Stealing Mobile Phone
AN Osun State Magistrate’s si ng in Osogbo has ordered that a 26-year-old man, Ismaila Musa, be remanded in Correc onal Centre over alleged mobile phone the
The prosecutor, Akintunde Jacob, told the court that the defendant broke into a shop belonging to one Yunis Rebecca, and stole a mobile phone worth N165, 000 with a cash sum of N150, 000,
and thereby commi ed offences contrary to secons 412 and 383(1) of the criminal code, Laws of Osun state, 2002.
“That you Ismaila Musa ‘M’ on the same date, me and place in the aforemen oned Magisterial District did steal one Redmi A3 handset value N165, 000 only, and cash sum of N150, 000, property of one Yunis Rebecca and thereby commi ed an offence contrary to sec on 383 (1) and punishable un-
der sec on 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. 11 Laws of Osun State of Nigeria,” the charge sheet added.
Meanwhile, the defendant pleaded guilty to the allega ons pressed against him.
Magistrate Oyindamola Daramola thereby adjourned the case to November 26 for the prosecuon to present fact of the case and ordered that the defendant be remanded in Ilesa correc onal centre.
in the defaul ng states.
But in a statement by the Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the state government is s ll nego a ng with labour unions in the state.
He disclosed that the commi ee, headed by the governor’s Chief of Staff, Mr Kazeem Akinleye, and labour leaders in the state, has a mandate to recommend to the government on consequen al adjustment arising from the minimum wage law.
The commissioner added that the state Minimum Wage Nego a on Commi ee set up by Governor Ademola Adeleke will soon complete its assignment for necessary approval by the governor.
Kazeem Badmus
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
‘We Spent Over N500million On Refreshments To Host High-Profile Personalities, Events’– Osun Govt
Yusuf Oketola
THE Osun State government has defended its expenditure of over N500million on entertainment.
OSUN DEFENDER had earlier reported that the state spent the sum of N527million on refreshment and meals in nine months.
However, in a statement signed by the state commissioner for informa on and public enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi, the Osun State government blamed hos ng top high-profile personali es including top na onal events for the expenditure.
“On a report by an online news medium that Osun state spent over Five Hundred Million Naira on entertainment, we educate the medium that Osun Government in the last one year or so has hosted several high-profile na onal events bordering on beneficial policy mee ngs, hosting of ministers, Governors and even top state officials from the Presidency.”
“The medium is invited to note that hos ng states spend fund on transporta on, accommoda on and event organisa on, all which were conducted under shoestring budget and within the context of hyperinfla on plaguing the country.”
“The state benefited immensely as several developmental projects are a racted into the state
while Osun State is gradually assuming the posi on of event hub of the South West, boos ng the agenda of the administra on on the cultural, crea ve and tourism industry,” the statement read.
OSUN DEFENDER’s review of budget performance documents in Osun State earlier showed that the state spent N527million on refreshment and meals in the first three quarters of the year, that is between January and September of the year.
While N527 million was spent by the state on refreshment and meals, the capital expenditure to the University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo, stood at N297 million, that to Osun state hospitals management board stood at N45.6million.
This development would mean that Osun state spent on refreshment and meals more than it earned from direct assessment tax.
The state earned N378million from direct assessment tax, it however spent N527million on refreshment and meals, this would mean that the state spent equivalent all of its earnings from direct assessment tax on refreshment and meals and added extra.
It would also mean that the state spent 5% of its internally generated revenue in the first three quarters of the year on refreshment and meals.
•Commandant of the Nigeria Security and Civil
paid a courtesy visit to the Assistant
Edung addressing the
Complete Lagbaja’s Ongoing Projects - Ilobu Indigenes Appeal To FG
IKazeem Badmus
NDIGINES of Ilobu, headquarters of Irepodun Local Government of Osun have called on the Federal Government to complete the unfinished projects embarked on by the late Chief of Army Staff, Lt. General Taoreed Lagbaja. This was as they also
FGM: Report Perpetrators To Security Agencies - Osun First Lady Tells Residents
Kazeem Badmus
OSUN State First Lady, Mrs Ti lola Adeleke, has appealed to residents of the state to stop shielding parents who engaged in Genital Mu la on of their daughters.
Mrs Adeleke warned that the prac ce is harmful and has serious complicaons, adding that anyone caught should be handed over to security agencies.
The first lady made the appeal on Wednesday during the public declara on ceremony of abandonment of FGM in five communi es in Ede North Local Government Area of the state.
The communi es are; Aiyeloja, Railway, Olorunsogo, Tanimola and Ibiyemi.
Mrs Adeleke urged the par cipants to con nue advoca ng for the eradica on of FGM in the state.
She said, “I want to urge our parents to con nue this advocacy wherever you are. It is now a crime to circumcise our female children and
anyone caught in the act will face the law.
“I am also using this opportunity to charge our people that whenever you see anyone who engages in this act, call the a en on of the security agents, or the community leaders should hand the person over to the security agencies.
“We must eradicate the prac ce of Female Genital Mu la on in Osun State and it is the duty of everyone to make sure we achieve this feat. This is why I’m urging everyone to come together and ensure that we record 100 percent success in this journey”.
Earlier in her welcome address, gender FGM Analyst for United Na ons Popula ons Fund, Mrs Uzoma Ayodeji, appreciated the communi es for declaring an end to FGM.
She said, “Today marks a significant milestone in our collec ve journey towards a world where every girl and woman can live a life free
from harm and violence.
“I’m honoured to represent UNFPA at this public declara on event where five communi es in Ede North boldly declare their abandonment of Female Genital Mu la on.
“Your courageous decision is a testament to your commitment to the wellbeing, dignity, and human rights of your daughters, sisters, wives, and mothers.
“By abandoning FGM, you are breaking free from a harmful tradi on that has caused suffering and inequality for a long me. So, UNFPA salutes your bravery and convic on. We recognise the effort of the community leaders and kingmakers who have worked relessly to bring about this transforma ve change.”
In her words, the Program Officer, Ac on Health Incorporated, Fa mah Idris, urged the par cipants to keep to their promise of ending FGM.
•Late
COAS To Be Buried Today
urged the federal and Osun State Government to immortalise the late COAS.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Lagbaja died last week Wednesday a er a brief illness at the age of 56.
Speaking with newsmen recently, the Na onal President of Ilobu Asake Development Union, Pastor Olufemi Salako, said Lagbaja’s death shook the whole town, adding that he died at a me when he was trying to give back to his community.
He described the late Lagbaja as a core professional and passionate lover of his hometown and a respecter of humanity.
“Kabiesi and the chiefs in council and every quarter in the town are in a very dark mood over the loss of General Lagbaja. The last thing we expect is losing him at the prime of his career.
“It is painful that we have lost him, but at least if the projects he started are completed and new ones are done in his name, it will help us. Apart from assuaging our pains, it will also help us to con nue to remember him.
“Professionally, we all know he is a combatant who proved himself in the field of his profession. He was a very ac ve and rare combatant. He was always at the forefront of figh ng insecurity in the country. He is not a General that sits behind the desk. Professionally, he is ac ve.
“As an indigene, he was a passionate lover of this town. Since he became the
Chief of Army Staff, there have been many developmental projects he has done for the town.”
Speaking on some of the uncompleted projects, Salako said the late Lagbaja was building a hospital for Ilobu and another one for Erin-Ile, a neighboring community.
“He was building a hospital for us in one part of the town and he has not completed it.
“He is also building a hospital for one of our neighboring communi es (Erin Osun). Their own situa on is pathe c. They only have an old hospital there, and they couldn’t get a space for the new one, so they had to pull down the old structure for the new one, and he didn’t finish it before his death. He is also construc ng a sports center in Ifon Osun that he has not completed.
“We know how things are done in this country. That is why we want to appeal to authori es to not let his name become a relic of abandoned projects.
“Governor Adeleke has been good to our community but this is for asking for the recogni on of this our hero. I know, without having to put it in words, Governor Adeleke knows the right thing to do.
“He will also honor Lagbaja’s memory by doing something for us. Something that goes beyond even his government and will be a landmark in honor of the late Chief of Army Staff. Governor Adeleke is someone who can be relied on in that respect.”
Late COAS For Burial Today - Family
Meanwhile, the late Chief of Army Staff will be buried in Abuja today (Friday).
His immediate elder brother, Moshood Lagbaja, disclosed this in Osogbo, Osun State capital, during a condolence visit by St Charles Grammar School Osogbo Old Boys Associaon (SCOBA).
He said the military could not release his remains to the family, but assured them he would be given a befi ng burial.
“There is no be er way to honor his name than by comple ng his ongoing projects. We can’t write his name on the sky. We that know him can talk about him but what about children that are just growing? The way they will know and understand what he represented is when we can point to the projects he did for the communi es. The way to immortalize him is to complete those projects, and now that he has passed on, the federal government can also do something in his memory for the community.
Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun State Command , CC Igbalawole Sotiyo
Inspector General of Police, Zone 11, Command Headquarters, AIG Patrick Ogong
recent assault on NSCDC personnel by the Nigeria Police officers in Osun State recently
FRIDAY, NOVEMBER 15, 2024 - THURSDAY, NOVEMBER 21, 2024 VOL. 19 NO 42 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
URBAN development is crucial to the socio-economic progress of any society. It is pivotal for improving infrastructure, boos ng economic ac vi es, enhancing living standards, and crea ng a sustainable future for the people. In Osun State, nearly all major se lements are of urban status – ranging from towns to ci es. Hence, Osun state is one of the few states in Nigeria with a high incidence of cons tuent urban areas – such as towns and ci es. Consequently, a significant propor on of the popula on of the state resides in urban areas.
The rela vely stable security and economy of Osun state has informed its increasing urbaniza on, informing an associated demand for be er housing, transporta on, water supply, sanita on, and healthcare services. In response to these urban developmental needs, several administra ons in the state has put forward different strategies to meet urban needs while urban developmental projects have also taken a large fair of the state’s annual budget. This review will focus exclusively on the urban developmental projects in Osun within the last one year, considering that the state is preparing for another fiscal year, and that urban development is cri cal to the achievement of the state’s developmental agenda.
The Issues In 2023 fiscal year alone, not less than 34.2% of the total budget (amoun ng to 46.5 billion naira) was earmarked for different urban development projects in the state. By 2024 fiscal year, this increased to 34.7% (amoun ng to 51 billion of the total 150 billion). Obviously, this is an improvement, however it presents some cri cal reflec ons. Infla on in the year 2023 closed at 21.34% while the Nigerian Economic Summit Group infla on reported that the year 2024 inflaon currently hovers around 34%, implying that the actual value accrued to urban developmental project is eroded by the impacts of infla on, affec ng developmental targets. Also, the rela ve increase in urban populaon in the state within the period requires that urban development focus should equally increase substan ally.
A sector by sector analysis of the 2024 budgetary alloca on reveals that 28 billion naira (represen ng approximately 18.7%) was allocated to road and infrastructure development, 12 billion naira to housing and urban renewal (8% of the total budget), 5 Billion naira (about 3.3%) to environmental and waste management, and 4 billion naira to public u li es and infrastructure support. These substan al alloca ons to urban development signals the commitment of current administra on to address the emerging societal challenges through comprehensive urban planning and infrastructure development projects. However, considering the high rate of urbanisa on of different urban areas of the state, signaled by organic growth and evident urbanisa on nuances, there is a need to increase budgetary alloca on to urban developmental projects.
The rela vely low alloca on of 8% to
“Osun boast of traditional markets which are critical to the survival of its urban areas, and viability of its rural economy. Trading takes place daily in some of these markets which makes them critical to everyday life”
Samson OLANREWAJU PhD PERSPECTIVE
X-Raying Urban
By
Development Projects
In Osun State: The Need for Synergy
housing is not enough to meet the housing demand in the state. The state housing deficit aligns with na onal trends of urbaniza on, popula on growth, and affordability challenges. And, with a popula on of about 5.5 million and an average household size of 4 to 5 persons, the state requires roughly 1.1 to 1.4 million housing units. Achieving this requires significant investment in affordable housing and infrastructure development. Similarly, the alloca on of 5 billion to waste management in the year 2023 is extremely meagre considering the wide scope of the sector. Several studies have reported the poor state of waste management and sanita on in the state which, of course, have accumulated since previous regimes. This is par cularly worse in the core areas, slums, and rural areas, impac ng the health of
children and women – who are considered to be more vulnerable. There is, therefore, a need to address this by inves ng heavily on programmes such as inclusion of facili es for community based waste collec on. Also, the budget should be expanded to accommodate the establishment of new landfills - atleast, there should be a landfill in each of the local government areas – to reduce waste transporta on.
Osun boast of tradi onal markets which are cri cal to the survival of its urban areas, and viability of its rural economy. Trading takes place daily in some of these markets which makes them cri cal to everyday life. However, many of these markets are unstructured, lacking the necessary facili es to operate efficiently. Some of these markets are located along road network, without pe-
rimeter fencing or clear cut boundaries. This makes trading ac vi es to overflow into the road on market days, blocking free flow of transporta on and causing accidents. There is a need to expand the budget and make policies to aid the provision of make-shi shops, water, toilets and other sanitary facili es. This will boost their produc vity and enhance their effec veness.
Within the fiscal year, the transporta on sector has drawn keen a en on from the administra on, and tremendous strides has been made in this sector - par cularly in roads development. In Osogbo, the state capital, key roads such as Iwo Road, Ring Road, and Oke-Baale Road have been upgraded. Also, the resurfacing of key township roads in the state has been done. This include areas like Ogo-Oluwa and Alekuwodo. Similar projects are replicated in Ilesa (e.g Ilesa-Osogbo Road and Ilesa-Ifewara Road), Ede (the EdeOsogbo Road), Iwo, Ikirun, Ikire etc, Atleast all the major towns has seen improvements in their roads within the fiscal year. These road aids economic development, improves agricultural trade and regional connec vity. However, there is a need to focus on other sectors of transporta on to compliment this development. For instance, waterways transporta on can be integrated into the budget to aid transporta on between riverine communi es.
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
•Dr. Samson Olanrewaju is a lecturer and researcher at the Department of Urban and Regional Planning, Osun State University, Osogbo, Nigeria. He is the Team Lead for the Cities and Global Development Research Cluster at the University. He can be reached on Samson.olanrewaju@uniosun.edu.ng
The Democratic Get-Together
WHAT is the founda on of Democracy and its basic assump ons? Simple: that the wishes of the majority should prevail. What are the wishes and common interests of the majority? Not far fetched at all - a roof over the head, clothes on the body, food on the table, educa on for children, good roads, access to health services and security to life and property. Freedom caps it all: freedoms of expression, movement, associa on, believe; which are rights equally accessible to all across gender, cultural, religious and poli cal divides.
Democracy is, therefore, not an end in itself. It is a means to achieving those stated ends. It is why Democracy as a method of government is hailed as the best form of government on earth because of the goals, not because of the name. Democracy, however, does not operate itself, human beings operate it. Whether democracy works or not is, therefore, not the fault or favour of democracy, it is kudos or knocks to its operators.
Who are then the best sets of humans to operate Democracy? They are called Democrats - those who believe in Democracy. So, before you judge the successes or failings of democracy anywhere, ask yourself, is it being operated there by democrats? If not, why do we expect that devils can deliver heaven? It is like handing over an in-
dependent country to colonial masters to run and expec ng the prosperity of the na ves. How best do lions know as to taking care of lambs?
Fundamentally and personally, there is the need to ask ourselves “how much of a democrat am I”? Every good thing in the world begins with one person thinking it out and pu ng it into ac on. Considering the goals of democracy outlined in the opening paragraph, measure yourself on the democra c scale by simply judging how commi ed you are, in thought, disposi on and especially in ac on to the collec ve good and the prosperity of the majority - not just yourselves and your clique. That is how much of a democrat you are.
Democracy is ba ered when people who would rather run a slave camp hide behind its fancy name to pursue selfserving ends. Non-democrats come in several categories and are usually successful behind their masks and decepve make-ups. However, they generally do not believe in the universal equality of all ci zens before the law, nor do they believe in separa on of powers between execu ves, legislators and judiciary. For them, the execu ve is almighty and the other two arms are to be manipulated, punished or rewarded to the degree of their compliance. Non-democrats in those other arms too (legislatures and judiciary) under-
stand very well, and make successful careers out of “compliance” by scheming to eventually get to execu ve posions. Non-democrats would have you know that they can guarantee “freedom of speech, but not freedom a er speech”! If you feel it is a man’s world and that every man should be for himself and God should be for us all, you will make a poor democrat indeed. Unfortunately, because of our long years under feudalism, colonialism and military rule, the majority of Nigerians, young and old, men and women, are non-democrats. They would rather lord it over others and have their ways and ends - woe be unto others! It is when these ordinary undemocra c Nigerians get to leadership of any organiza on that you now see the trait. Unfortunately too, only democrats can come together and form poli cal par es commi ed to democracy and make a success of running governments in a democracy. Their poli cal par es will be different only as per strategies and tac cs for achieving democra c dividends, conserva vely or progressively. It should be clear what is to be done - a democrats’ get-together within all organiza ons, ins tu ons, poli cal par es; to rescue the organiza ons, ins tu ons, democracy and governance, and more importantly, to rescue the na on from clear and present danger of implosion.
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. Features Editor, KAZEEM BADMUS, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above