OLAIYA FLYOVER: OSUN RESIDENTS MOCK OYETOLA, SAY ‘KARMA IS
•Bridge Unsafe For Heavy-Duty Vehicles – Adeleke
•Govt Plans To Demolish Flyover - APC
•Stakeholders, Politicians Debate Genuity Of Claims
Photo: Shola Aderinto
Nigeria Practising Pseudo Federalism - Aregbesola
FOR m ER Osun State
Governor and imme-
diate past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has called for a deeper understanding of federalism in Nigeria, emphasising that true federal systems operate with only two tiers of government: the federal and state governments.
He argued that local governments cannot be considered a third tier of government within any federation.
Aregbesola made this assertion while delivering the keynote address at the 11th edition of the Teen Speakout event, themed “Empowering Local Governance: Is Autonomy the Key to Sustainable Development in Nigeria’s Rural Communities, or Are There Better Alternatives?”
The event, held at Osogbo Government High School on Tuesday, saw Aregbesola, represented by his spokesperson Sola Fasure, addressing the structural challenges of governance in Nigeria.
According to Aregbesola, the ongoing debate about granting local gov-
ernments autonomy must be understood within the framework of Nigeria’s federal system.
“If local governments were to be treated as a federating unit, there would be no need for state governments,” he said, explaining that federalism allows only two levels of governance: the central government and state governments.
He acknowledged, however, that the goal
should be to administer local governments in a way that benefits grassroots development, regardless of their status in the federal structure.
During his address, Aregbesola highlighted reforms his administration introduced to make local governance more cost-effective, including the introduction of a parliamentary system to local governments in Osun
State.
He noted that these reforms were aimed at reducing the financial burden of running local offices and ensuring that resources were directed toward developmental goals.
Aregbesola used the platform to emphasize the vital role youth must play in governance and policymaking.
He warned that the disengagement of young
MEDIA VACANCY
people from public policy discussions has serious consequences for the future of the nation.
“Many people are surprisingly unconcerned about public policies, despite these policies shaping their lives,” he said. “The future truly belongs to you, and what you do today will determine the kind of Nigeria that will emerge tomorrow.”
Reflecting on his time
Team Leader Wanted!
Job Summary:
as governor, Aregbesola underscored the importance of legacy policies that benefit the public. He cited initiatives such as the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), O’Meals school feeding program, and the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP), which contributed significantly to improving education, healthcare, and economic development in the state. He however cited the abandonment of many of these programmes, urging young people to actively protect and sustain such legacies. “Your silence will amount to consenting to the destruction of what was meant to guarantee you a better tomorrow,” he warned.
Aregbesola encouraged the students and participants at Teen Speakout 11.0 to engage in critical thinking and active participation in governance, stating that the youth hold the keys to Nigeria’s future.
The event, organized by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, continues to provide a platform for youth engagement in pressing national issues.
• Oversee news coverage and distribution across Osun State
• Liaise with government, corporations and various organisations and Individuals for subscriptions and revenue generating activities.
• Manage online presence
• Drive advertising revenue and explore paid event coverage.
• Manage marketing and distribution
Yusuf Oketola
•Cross section of invited panelists at the opening ceremony and Public Lecture of 2024 Osun NUJ Press week, on Monday Photo : Shola Aderinto
IN this the age of cliches, a lot of vicious statements are bandied about relating to policies such as those relating to youth empowerment. The notion of “empowerment’ itself has become a cliche.
A persona who actually walked the talk and provided a demonstrable convincing alternative is a former governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. History is about constant reminders and speaking during the week at the 11th edition of annual oratory and essay writing contest, organised by Brain Builders Youth Development Initiative, Aregbesola restated game changing contributions on the elevation of the prospects of the youths.
Aregbesola’s main thrust concentration was on the uplifting of skills for sustainable development. He cited initiatives such as the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), Osun Elementary School Feeding programme (O’Meals) and the Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (O’REAP), which contributed significantly to improving education, healthcare, and economic development in the state.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
A New Deal For The Youths
“The synergy brought from the programmes were transformative. The emotionally inadequate people who destructively attempted to airbrush these programmes out of the plan for sustainable development have committed a grievous sin. We must reignite these programmes for even development”
For an administration that led by visionary example, the indices are there for all to see. The least poverty index and low unemployment figures
the state has recorded since 2017 are pointers to the unwavering commitment and painstaking efforts at making Osun more viable through meaningful Youth engagement. Perhaps the reason why many subnational administrations across the country adopted the governance model which put the people first in all ramifications.
The synergy brought from the pro-
grammes were transformative. The emotionally inadequate people who destructively attempted to airbrush these programmes out of the plan for sustainable development have committed a grievous sin. We must reignite these programmes for even development.
Youth empowerment must be based on the development and deep-
The Discourse The Discourse TRUMALA
By Bola Omotayo
THE American Nation is currently experiencing Trump and Kamala as they are both expressing themselves in their respective campaigns. Before the advent of the social media, a large percentage of Africans did not notice American elections as much as they do now.
Today, either you are particularly interested or not, as long as you use social media apps, the waves will reach your gadget and you will either get involved by consciously monitoring the campaign events or by peeping a little at whatever streams by.
Whichever category any observer may belong to, some things have become very clear.
One of the things that have become very clear is the fact that the current Vice president of the United States, Madam Kamala Harris is a brilliant woman. She surely knows how to captivate the campaign crowds. She knows what they would love to hear and she is serving it to them to the destruction of her opponent. Her knowledge of Donald Trump’s sins is very rich and as a strategic fighter, she is not failing to highlight the sins recorded against her opponent and the crowds are enjoying her wits.
There had probably never been an American presidential campaign with the semblance of a Nigerian Student Union election campaign as the current one between Donald Trump and Kamala Harris. It has been more entertaining than pledging.
It may be right to say that Kamala Harris has featured in the media in this campaign far more than Donald Trump who seems not to be such a good orator as Madam Harris. Whenever the Kamala sledge ham-
“The American public had known Mr Donald Trump as a stubborn human being before now and that led to a question for him by a pressman who asked whether there was anyone anywhere who can talk to Trump when he is wrong and Trump would listen and admit. The only person in the whole wide world that Trump could mention as the answer was his wife”
mer hits, Trump does two things; denies the allegation on the floor and brings an achievement from the past to neutralize the effect of the allegation against him but before Trump finishes his defence, Kamala brings out another ‘banger’ against Trump to the delight of the hailing audience.
What path has Trump treaded before this stage of his life that the banger box of his offences seems so loaded? A particular lesson hangs down there for any interested person to pluck and keep. Whatever kind of life you choose to live from childhood is being recorded in the womb of time and one day, life will come asking!
Both Kamala Harris and Donald Trump have surfaced on the American political scene in the unusual way. Neither of them served in the parliament as against the resume of previous American leaders. From that background, Trump had ruled the Nation once and it is apparently possible again for anyone like Donald Trump or Kamala Harris.
A non-seasoned politician will always be different from a seasoned one. Kamala, a popular attorney and Trump, a skilful businessman are both smart people basically but ruling the smallest nation of the world is way more complex than a narrow carrier path like law or business, let alone a giant country like The United States of America.
President Vladimir Putin of Russia in a seemingly sarcastic endorsement says that Ms Harris laughs expressively and infectiously. Putin says that the expressive and infectious laughter of Ms Harris shows that the vice president and presidential candidate is doing well.
Ushers are allowed to smile through at social events to make party guests welcome and relax. If a good-natured person gets tickled on impulse every now and then regardless of the nature of assignment and space of appearance, everybody will definitely not see it the same way.
Those who are not in support of impulsive infectious expressive laughter should necessarily not be responded to but they should be made to see that the necessary adjustment is consciously been made to en-
ening of skills and integrating with modern technology. Countries such as Brazil and Indonesia have demonstrated the efficacy of this and with a demographic time bomb ominously ticking away, kudos must be given to indigenous pioneers such as Aregbesola who against the run of play provided and demonstrated in practice a convincing alternative perspective.
sure that expressive and infectious laughter is consciously reserved for the appropriate places. Responding to such comments and trying to say that there is no need for any adjustment because laughter is a strength may be interpreted as stubbornness.
The American public had known Mr Donald Trump as a stubborn human being before now and that led to a question for him by a pressman who asked whether there was anyone anywhere who can talk to Trump when he is wrong and Trump would listen and admit. The only person in the whole wide world that Trump could mention as the answer was his wife. So, what happens in neighbourhood and societal matters, business meetings and state affairs?
Meanwhile the game is on and the outcome will determine whether being a traditional party sponsor and a rich business man or being an attorney with connection to celebrities is the master key.
If identifying with marijuana, abortion and LGBT rights are anti church and denial of reproductive health rights, racism and strict immigration laws are anti public, the world is waiting to see who comes out tops from the Trumala complexity come November 4, 2024.
Mrs. Bola Omotayo, a Radio/Television Journalist and Former Chairperson of NAWOJ, Ekiti State Chapter, writes from Abuja.
•Mrs. Bola Omotayo, a Radio/ Television Journalist and Former Chairperson of NAWOJ, Ekiti State Chapter, writes from Abuja.
•A visioneer’s path-breaking Agenda
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
Residents Seek Clarification On N25m Refurbished ‘Imole De’ Buses
RESIDENTS of Osun State have called out the state government and Ministry of Transportation over the state of the N25m refurbished ‘Imole De’ buses.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Governor Ademola Adeleke had on November 21, 2023, rolled out 19 buses as part of efforts to cushion the effect of subsidy removal by the Federal Government.
Five of the buses were stationed in Osogbo, the state capital, to commute people to specific destinations from 8am to 5pm on weekdays.
Ede, Iwo and Ikirun have two each while the people of Ife/Modakeke and Ilesa have three each.
Also, two of the buses are kept on standby for other contingencies that may likely come up from time to time.
The medium also, in its January 12, 2024 edition, reported the absence of the buses on roads across Osun State.
There were reports in
some quarters that the buses were withdrawn by the state government because they were not roadworthy.
However, the state government through the Commissioner for Transportation, Hon. Sesan Oyedele, debunked the report, saying they were only going through some
“skeletal services” in preparation for students’ resumption.
The medium gathered that some of the buses in Osogbo are mostly used by students and civil servants.
OSUN DEFENDER, however, observed that the number of the buses operating in Osogbo
has reduced while other towns are complaining of non-access to the buses.
The medium also gathered that most of the buses are not in good shape, with residents asking questions on the amount expended to refurbish them.
Some residents who spoke on Wednesday
and Thursday, said the N25m spent on refurbishing the buses needs to be probed.
Adeolu Owoade, a resident of Iwo, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, lamented absence of the buses in the town.
Owoade said government needs to come out clean on the state of the
tary, Ministry of Health,
Polio Day
Omoluabi Progressives Rounds Off LG Tour, Assures Members Of Commitment To Progressive Ideology
•Receives Hundreds Of Mobilisers, Political Heavyweights
Sodiq Yusuf
Amajor progressive tendency in Osun State, Omoluabi Progressives has rounded off its tour of local government areas in the state, assuring its members of commitment to upholding the true tenets of progressivism in leadership and governance.
This is as the caucus welcomed new members from different political groups, tendencies and formations, as well as various interest groups across Osun.
Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER after the conclusion of the tour last weekend, Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji commended the large turnout of members and leaders during the visit.
Adesiji expressed optimism that with the influx of political eggheads and grassroots mobilisers to the fold, the tendency is further strengthened to take the reins of power in 2026.
He assured members across the council areas that the caucus is not going to renege on its priority of employing the virtues of character, competence, integrity, responsible leadership, good governance in its
quest to return Osun to the hands of genuine progressives.
The Chairman also eulogised the coordinating teams of Omoluabi Progressives across the state for the warm reception, urging them not to relent in their mobilisation efforts.
Adesiji said, “I am pleased to report that we have successfully toured all local government areas of Osun. We want to thank all stakeholders for the honour and warm reception accorded our team. Indeed, we are not just a tendency, we are the major force in Osun Politics.
“We are happy to hear from our people and how keenly they are following up with the activities, programmes and direction of Omoluabi. We have been able to resolve in areas where there are challenges and this has reflected in the reports received on the membership registration. Our doors are open to everyone who share in our beliefs and aspirations.
“I can also tell you that politicians, especially grassroots mobilisers are trooping in to our tendency. As of the last count, we have thousands who have not just joined, but registered and ensured the entry of more members from various parts of the state. We want
more people that share in this vision to be a part of the tendency that will return the true progressives to power in 2026.
“Apart from our ongoing membership registration, we are daily educating our coordinators from unit to ward, local government and federal constituencies level on the need to inculcate the tenets of Omoluabi in our members to the grassroots. We are people of character, competence and integrity. Our core value is discipline which is lost in the way politicians play politics today.
“We have told everyone that we have a plan and the plan is to unveil our move by the end of December. We urge everyone, with the solid interest of emancipating Osun to be a part of the rave of the moment in the politics of our dear state,” the excouncil boss stated.
Adesiji also thanked traditional rulers, community leaders, groups and associations across Osun for the reception accorded the tendency and its activities, pledging not to renege on its agenda of providing responsible leadership if it is given the chance to lead the state in the next political dispensation.
Fake Bank Manager, Others Arrested In Osun
OPERATIVES of Amotekun Corps have arrested a 31-year-old woman who allegedly duped many people in Lagos and other states, posing as a bank manager in Osun State.
The fake bank manager was among six suspects paraded by Amotekun Corps Commander in Osun, Omoyele Adekunle on Tuesday in Osogbo, the state capital.
Adekunle said the seven suspects were arrested over alleged involvement in various crimes.
According to him, Amotekun operatives arrested the fake bank
manager on October 19 in Osogbo, following a petition by one Mr. Fatai Saheed, who was allegedly duped of N4.5 million.
He said that the other six suspects, between the ages of 18 and 37, were arrested for alleged crimes including stealing an unregistered Bajaj motorcycle, obtaining money on false pretence and duping PoS operators.
The Amotekun boss said that the suspects would be handed over to the appropriate authority for prosecution.
He said that available human and material assets of the corps would be deployed to enhance security of lives and properties in the state.
buses, noting that resources used in refurbishing the buses does not justify their functionality.
He said, “Here in Iwo, I have not been seeing the ‘Imole De’ buses despite the claim that we have two here. Although, I’m not dependent on the buses but there are a lot of people who need them.
“Also, the money used to refurbish the buses is taxpayers’ money, and the government must be accountable to the people.
“Using 25 million naira to refurbish 19 buses and at the end of the day, we can’t even pick out 10 good ones is tantamount to a waste of resources.”
A resident of OgoOluwa area, Osogbo, Omololu Adedeji, wondered why the state government has continued to change its stance on the issue of the buses.
Adedeji argued that the buses which ought to provide succour for residents during the current hike in fares, were not functioning as expected.
His words, “It behoves the state government and the ministry of transportation to find a lasting solution to the issue. These buses going in and out of mechanic workshops is costing the government more.
“I’m not in support of the refurbishment from the onset. Those buses were parked after being used during the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and they were grounded for four years.
“Had it been the last administration used the buses, they would not have become so bad, but since that did not happen, the state government should have been careful and do its due diligence before going on to spend that much on repairing them. It is looking like money not well spent now.”
Similarly, a resident of Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun local government, Mr Mutiu Ganiyu, said the buses are not functioning in the town.
“I’ve not seen the bus in my town and I heard two were stationed here. I don’t know whether the buses were brought here or not.
“I can only appeal to the state government to find a means to ease our sufferings. The fuel price is expensive and if we have those buses available and working perfectly, it will assist a lot.”
When contacted for reaction, the Commissioner did not respond to text messages and phone calls from OSUN DEFENDER
Yusuf Oketola
•(R-L) Osun State Coordinator, World Health Organisation (WHO), Dr. Oluwatoyin Ojediran, Permanent Secre-
Dr. Isiaka Adekunle, Commissioner for Health, Barr Jola Akintola and others, during the commemoration of 2024 World
Kazeem Bamdus
Olaiya Flyover: Osun Residents Mock Oyetola, Say ‘Karma Is Real’
Kazeem Badmus
THE durability, structural integrity and overall quality of the N3.1 billion Olaiya flyover in Osogbo, capital of Osun State is under public scrutiny.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the bridge commissioned by late Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu on November 18, 2022, was constructed by the administration of former governor Adegboyega Oyetola now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy.
Before, during and after the completion of the project, the bridge was a subject of controversies, with various back and forth from both opposition and critical stakeholders across the state.
However, developments regarding the quality of the major infrastructural project returned to the news last week, when a sudden influx of trucks, tankers and other articulated vehicles was noticed on major roads in Osogbo, the state capital, due to the closure of the Oyo/ Ogbomoso road for its bad state.
The situation, saw the movement of the heavyduty vehicles on the Olaiya flyover and other parts of the state capital through Ogbomoso to Ilorin in Kwara State down to the Northern part of the country, with cases of technical fault, accidents and sundry issues dominating public discourse.
Earlier in the week, Osun State Government banned the movement of trucks and other heavyduty vehicles on the flyover, citing safety concerns based on technical reports on the state of the bridge.
Spokesperson to the governor, Mallam Olawale Rasheed in a statement noted that Adeleke, who presided over a security council meeting, said the decision became necessary to protect the bridge from possible collapse and avoid untoward happenings with continuous passage by heavy trucks.
“Describing the decision as a pre-emptive step, Governor Adeleke said the Ministry should erect barricades across the bridge to allow only cars and buses to ply through the road.
“As a step towards implementing the directive, the Governor also instructed the Ministry to issue a travel advisory with radio jingles to sensitize members of the public and the transport ecosystem,” the statement said.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the directive
•Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and other dignitaries at the 80th Birthday and Book Launch of Former Accountant-General of Osun State, Overseer Isaiah Aderemi Adegbola, at Ibadan, recently
of the state government did not go down well with the All Progressives Congress (APC), alleging that the Adeleke administration plans to demolish the flyover.
The main opposition party said that the government was whipping up sentiment to discredit the life-changing legacies of his predecessor for political reasons.
The party insisted that the flyover was constructed with quality materials that can never be faulted anywhere in the world, saying it remains one of the best legacies bequeathed to the state by any government since the creation of the state.
Reacting to the APC statement, Rasheed said the
state government did not plan to demolish the bridge.
He noted that allegations of political bias by some leaders of the opposition were far from it, adding that Adeleke has a sacred duty to take steps to secure public assets and residents, especially in the face of two major developments in the last few weeks.
“Several technical reports have been submitted to the Governor on the deteriorating state of some sections of the bridge in recent times. As early as January, some public interest engineers approached the government to conduct an integrity test on the bridge. Similar conclusion was
reached recently during a technical visit to the state by some national leaders of the construction industry.
“Several state leaders have also visited and examined the bridge with a verdict of urgency of action to preserve the assets while at the same time ensuring public safety. Members of the public can also conduct similar visits on top and around the bridge.
“While the technical review is ongoing, a new development in the transport sector warranted a pre-emptive action to limit load burden on the bridge. Due to road closure along the Ibadan-Ogbomoso axis, more heavy-duty trucks
now use Osun roads, mostly passing through the bridge. Banning those trailers foreclosed any untoward happenings.
“I also want to inform the opposition that it was at the State Security Council meeting composed of security services commanders that the safety issue around Olaiya bridge was raised and resolution taken. All actors genuinely acted in the interest of the general public without political bias”, the Spokesperson noted in the statement.
Adeleke also chided his predecessor for underperforming while in office.
He said, “A man building a multi-billion-naira, multi-
sectoral state infrastructure is too large-hearted to worry about under-performance of recent past” - Residents Mock Oyetola, Say ‘Karma Is Real’ Meanwhile, some residents of the state, while reacting to the statement by the APC, berated the opposition, noting that what Oyetola did to his predecessor is what is coming back to haunt him.
OSUN DEFENDER recalls that some of the projects of the only two-term governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, were criticised by Oyetola and his appointees, while in office.
Also, projects that were not completed during Aregbesola’s tenure were abandoned by his successor.
Commenting under a Facebook post by a member of the Ileri Oluwa faction of the APC concerning the latest development, Abdulsalami Olajide wrote, “Mr integrity test is now crying over a ‘Gada’. I am very happy right now. God is great. When he was the governor, he reversed some Aregbesola’s policies, criticized some of the good works and abandoned his predecessor’s unfinished projects.
“Now that the only thing significant he can point to is under threat, they are now saying it is politically motivated. So, should we also say what they did then to the best governor Osun State
•Continued on page 7
Teachers’ Recruitment: Why Many Candidates Failed - Osun Govt
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State Government on Thursday disclosed the reason why most candidates who sat for the last teachers’ recruitment examination in the state failed.
The Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology, Hon. Maruf Ayofe revealed that majority of the candidates failed because they are not computer literate.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the aptitude test was conducted using Computer Based Test (CBT) format.
According to the Commissioner, some brilliant applicants scored low marks because they were not proficient enough in the use of computer, while others who passed the cutoff had competent skills in computer usage.
He stated this at the 50th Anniversary of IfonErin Community High School, Ifon, Osun State.
The Commissioner while commissioning an ICT centre facilitated by the old students, com-
•Commends Ifon-Erin Comm. Sch Old Students For Providing Computer Systems
mended them for the initiative, saying it would help in moulding the future of the students and generations to come.
He tasked them to make good use of the facility, urging other old students associations of schools in Osun to emulate the initiative.
“I want to applaud the
old students of this school for a job well done. This is a good initiative. I will like to urge the students to ask well make good use of this facility as it will put them ahead of their peers. This is an initiative all other old students Associations in Osun should emulate.
“During the last teachers’ recruitment in the
state, some candidates who are brilliant had low scores because they are not computer literate while some of them who are not that brilliant had higher scores because they are computer literate.
“The government will surely employ those who have the higher scores. That’s the problem. I want
to promise that I personally and my team will volunteer to train the students until they get competent hands to do the job.”
The president of the association, Alhaji Rasaq Oke in his address said the old students have donated books worth millions of naira to equip the library, bankrolled payment of NECO and WAEC fees of more than 69 indigent students on two different occasions and facilitated recruitment of more science teachers to the school among others.
•R-L: Former Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff, Olufon of Ifon-Osun, Oba Peter Oluwole Ipadeola during the commissioning of ICT to mark the 50th Anniversary of Ifon-Erin Community High School facilitated by the Old Students Association
Some of the old students of the school present at the event include former deputy speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Lasun Yussuff, Alhaji Mahmud Adesina (SAN), Agboola Rash - eed (FCA), Hon. Muyideen Olateju among others.
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 25, 2024 - THURSDAY, OCTOBER 31, 2024
ALL praise is due to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon the final Messenger, His pure family, noble companions, and all those who follow them with righteousness until the day of Judgment.
It is said in the olden days that ‘chose a friend before the road’, this refers to the importance of choosing the right friend, a loyal person, who does not betray, and does not harm his partner, and in Islam there are foundations for choosing a friend, in accordance with Allah’s law.
SERMON JUMAT SERMON
By Imaam Muhammad Abdulalimi
By Imaam Muhammad Abdulalimi JUMAT
The first basis is to be a righteous person: One of the criteria for choosing a friend, which may differ from one person to another, is that he should be a righteous person. The foundations of choosing a friend in Islam require righteousness in the Islamic concept.
Therefore, choosing a good friend in Islam is a very important matter. The one described in Islam as a righteous person, is the person who establishes the obligations of his Lord, preserves them, refrains from corruption, misguidance, and deviation, and forbids indecency and evil, and avoids sins as much as possible. A corrupted person affects others without them realizing it.
The second basis is to be honest: The second foundation of the foundations of the friend’s choice in Islam is mentioned by Allah in the following two verses below: “Surah Al-Anfal, Verse 27-28: “O you who believe! Betray not Allah and His Messenger, nor betray knowingly your Amanat (things entrusted to you, and all the duties which Allah has ordained for you), And know that your possessions and your children are but a trial and that surely with Allah is a mighty reward.”
Trust has many forms, entrusting someone with money, secret, honour, word, and others. Somebody who is entrusted with a work must be investigated and punished for not performing his duties; likewise somebody who took he is not entitled to.
Keeping people’s secrets is also an act of honesty. If someone else keeps secrets with you, he will keep yours, just as the way you have kept his secret. Honesty is also in returning what people entrusted to you, whether money or a moral matter, such as the one of husband and wife. Whoever does not take care of being honest towards his son, or his partner in the family will not take care of the honesty of a friend.
The Third Basis Is To Be An Advisor: It is not enough for a friend who is morally upright individually not to care about his friend’s uprightness. Here is a missing important condition which is advice. A friend is to call his friend to order when he commits a sin or a mistake, or any matter in which he deserves
The Foundations Of Choosing A Friend In Islam
“One of the characteristics of a righteous friend is that he does not commit major sins and disobedience, does not steal, does not commit adultery, does not brag about it, and covers himself if he falls into it, and he does not take precedence over indecency, lowers his gaze, guards his tongue, takes care of the rights of his parents, and does not hinder them”
advice and guidance.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW), narrated on the authority of Tameem al-Darii, said: “Religion is sincerity.” We said to whom? He said: (To Allah, His Book, His Messenger, the leaders of the Muslims and their common folk).
The Fourth Foundation Is Loyalty: Loyalty between friends is important, no matter how far the distances are, and the days between them, they must maintain covenant and loyalty. Even if one of them dies, the other remains loyal, remembering the covenant of his/her partner, and in him he lives and dies, for his memory, children and parents. If any, reminds him in his life of the good invitation, and in his death he does not forget to pray.
The Messenger of Allah (SAW) , said, “Guarantee for me six from yourselves, and I will guarantee you Paradise: be true when you speak, fulfill when you promise, fulfill when you are entrusted, guard your private parts, lower your gaze, and restrain your hands.” [Narrated by Ahmad and Al-Haakim.
The hadith of the Prophet about choosing a good friend
News
We’ve Not Nominated New Olojudo Of Ido-Osun – Kingmakers
KING m AKERS in
Ido-Osun, Egbedore Local Government Area of Osun State have debunked reports that a Prince has been nominated for the vacant Olojudo of IdoOsun stool.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the last Olojudo, Oba (Arch.) Aderemi Adedapo, joined his ancestors on May 17, 2024 after 19 years on the throne. He was the secretary of Yoruba Council of Obas in Nigeria until his demise.
Meanwhile, his burial in July paved the way for commencement of contest to fill the vacant stool.
The medium learnt that since then, 18 princes have signified interest in the throne.
However, there were reports that the kingmakers had nominated one of them to the state government, which is raising a dust in the community.
To forestall break-
down of law and order, Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Dosu Babatunde, held a meeting with the kingmakers, aspirants and other stakeholders in the community on Tuesday, warning them against manipulating the process and causing crisis in the town.
Speaking with newsmen after the meeting, Eesa of Ido-Osun and head of the kingmakers, Chief Oyewale Adebayo, denied reports that a new Olojudo has been nominated.
“We are using this opportunity to tell the
residents of Ido-Osun, Osun State and the world at large that we have not nominated any candidate as the Olojudo-designate. Any claim otherwise is a lie, we are yet to meet and nominate anybody to the government.
“We have come to this meeting to discuss with the commissioner and other government officials. After we leave here, we are going to organise a meeting to nominate one of the candidates,” he said.
Chief Oyewale said there is no cause for alarm in the town, adding: “To ensure peace in the town, we have visited the police station to have a meeting with the officers. We have held series of meetings with the youths, heads of compounds and ruling houses on the selection of Olojudo-designate.”
The 1959 Ido-Osun Chieftaincy Declaration rotates the crown between Enukoko and Adenko ruling houses.
The Prophet (SAW) has several hadiths about friendship and friends and other narrators narrated them from him. Among those hadiths are the following: He said: “Allah Almighty said: Those who love each other for my glory will have pulpits of light that the prophets and martyrs will envy. Narrated by Al-Tirmidhi, and he said Hassan Sahih.
On the authority of Anas bin Malik, may Allaah be pleased with him, a man was with the Prophet (SAW) and another man passed by him and said, “Oh, Messenger of Allah: I love this.” The Prophet, said to him: Did you know him? He said: No. He said: I know. He said:
So he followed him and said: I love you for the sake of Allah. He said: I love you by Allah, for whom you loved me. Narrated by Abu Dawood and authenticated by Shaykh Al-Albani.
Attributes
Of A Good Friend
As it was previously shown, the foundations of choosing a friend in Islam include goodness of a friend. So, how can a friend be good, how is it known, and what are the characteristics of righteousness.
One of the characteristics of a righteous friend is that he does not commit major sins and disobedience, does not steal, does not commit adultery, does not brag about it, and covers himself if he falls into it, and he does not take precedence over indecency, lowers his gaze, guards his tongue, takes care of the rights of his parents, and does not hinder them.
Among the characteristics of a good friend are honesty, speaking the truth, fear of Allah, avoiding temptation, enjoining good and forbidding evil, accepting advice, giving advice, supplicating for his friend, supporting him in his worries, sharing in his joys, and overlooking the mistakes of a friend as long as they are not in the right. Accepting cheerfully, keeping secrets and fulfilling covenants and promises.
Among the characteristics of a righteous friend is the one who does not keep pace with his friend in wrongdoing, injustice, and corruption, and does not fear the blame of the blamer in truth, and restores his friend to the right path, grants him support, and does not abandon him as much as he can, and terrifies for his fear.
May Allah make this sermon a beneficial one for me, the writer, the readers, and the entire Muslims. And our last prayer, is praise be to Allah Almighty, Lord of the worlds.
•Sheik Muhammad Abdulalimi, is the Mudiru Ad-Da’wah Wal-Irshad, Obaagun, State of Osun.
NELFUND: 247 Students In Osun Varsity Get N98m
Kazeem Badmus
THE University of Ilesa (UNILESA), Osun State, has disclosed that it got the sum of NinetyEight Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy- One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N98,871,500.00) from the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFund)) as loan disbursement to 247 students of the institution.
This was as the institution said it has received an approval to start its Law programme with an admission quota of 50 students.
Vice Chancellor of the University, Prof. Taiwo Asaolu made this known on Monday while addressing journalists in his office.
Prof Asaolu also highlighted some of the achievements made by the management of the institution
since it was upgraded to a full-fledged university from the erstwhile Osun State College of Education.
The VC said the University has gotten approval from the National Universities Commission (NUC) to run 35 new programmes from the 2024/2025 academic session in addition to the 32 programmes it currently runs.
He added that the University has also approved tuition-free scholarship for students studying programmes in the Faculty of Education to prevent the teaching profession from going into extinction.
According to the VC, “The Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NEL Fund) credited the University’s account with a sum of Ninety-Eight Million, Eight Hundred and Seventy- One Thousand, Five Hundred Naira (N98,871,500:00) only as loan disbursement to 247 students of University of Ilesa. I wish to thank the Governor for encouraging tertiary institutions in Osun State to key into the programme.
“On 24th July 2024, the NUC came again for the resource verification of another 35 additional new programmes and granted
the University approval to run all the 35 academic programmes on full-time mode with effect from the 2024/2025 academic session.
“The University had earlier received the approval of the NUC to run all the 32 programmes with effect from the 2023/2024 academic session. This, therefore, brings the number of programmes approved for the University to a total of 67.
“The Council of Legal Education visited the University on 10th September 2024 for the facility inspection of the Faculty of Law. I am happy to report that the Council has also granted approval to the University to start its Law programme, with an admission quota of 50 students.
“The University, on its part, has also approved tuition scholarship for students studying programmes in the Faculty of Education in the University to encourage increase in enrolment of candidates for the different education programmes and to prevent the teaching profession from going into extinction. This decision is in conformity with Governor Adeleke’s integral action plan.”
Yusuf Oketola
•Gov. Adeleke
Osun Workers Express Disappointment Over Delay In Minimum Wage Implementation
Yusuf Oketola
CIVIL servants in Osun State have expressed displeasure over delay in implementation of the new minimum wage by the state government.
Some of the civil servants who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday in Osogbo, Ilesa, Ife and Ede said the execution of the new wage was long overdue.
A worker at the state secretariat, Abeere who identified himself as Oluwafemi told the medium that his colleagues had been waiting for the announcement of the new minimum wage since the federal government jerked it up to N70,000.
Governor Ademola Adeleke had on September 21, 2024 promised that the new wage will be
Kazeem Badmus
AL m OST six months after the last senatorial town hall meeting tagged ‘Ipade Imole’, residents of Osun State are in the dark over their next date with Governor Ademola Adeleke.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Governor Adeleke had approved a timetable for the implementation of rotational town hall meetings to serve as an accountability forum for government activities.
The Governor, in a statement by his spokesperson, Mallam Olawale Rasheed, declared that the forum will be held quarterly with a focus on detailed reports of government finance, revenue inflows, expenditure and ongoing and completed projects.
“The ‘Ipade Imole’ will involve relevant government agencies delivering reports of activities from the Ministry of Works to water resources among others. The details of ongoing projects, how much it costs, stages of completion and other contractual details will be issued to the public through the forum.
“Aside from being a forum for accountability on the side of the government, it would also provide an avenue for policy ideas from the civil society, media and the public into the government policy processes. At each Ipade Imole, the general public will be opportune to suggest ideas to the government.
“The quarterly forum will involve participants from various sectors of the society. Each relevant group will have delegate representation to ensure coordinated approach. We will
•Report Nearing Completion – TUC
implemented soon.
Oluwafemi said,” I wonder what is causing the delay. Other neighbouring states have implemented
theirs and I wonder what is delaying our own.
”The economic hardship is becoming unbearable and I appeal to Gov.
Adeleke to act fast.”
Another civil servant, who does not want her name in print posited that workers had thought that
•Bad portion of road at Àdúràmigba around Egbedore area of the state
partner with media organisations in Osun state for full coverage of each session”, the statement noted.
However, the quarterly programme has become a six-month affair, with the state government failing to provide reason(s) for the change in the schedule.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the first edition of the programme was held in Osogbo on October 05, 2023, almost six months after its announcement in April 2023.
During the maiden edition, Adeleke, among others, said his administration has resolved to spend palliative funds on three projects and programmes to include additional buses to ease transportation costs, reha-
bilitation of health centres and the purchase of food items.
The second edition was held in Ilesa on April 30, 2024, where Governor Adeleke flagged off the N16.5 billion dualisation of Ereja-Brewery Road, Ilesa with the affirmation that his administration would be more committed to delivering good governance without favouring any part of the state.
After the second edition, many political watchers and interest organisations carpeted the government on the organisation of the civic-engagement programme.
Osun State Chapter of the New Nigeria People’s Party (NNPP), described
the programme as a mere jamboree and waste of state resources.
NNPP Chairman, Tosin Odeyemi, said the interactive programme with the citizens has been turned into a PDP family meeting.
Odeyemi while challenging the state government to disclose the amount expended on the programme said it was disheartening that at this time that economic hardship was hitting Nigerians hard, the Adeleke-led state government would venture into a programme that held no value.
“The expectation was that the state governor will reel-out his achievements and give ample time for people to ask questions.
the state would be among the first set of states to implement the new minimum wage going by Governor Ademola Adeleke’s promise.
She said what the workers are currently earning on a monthly basis is no longer enough to cater for their families.
”We are concerned over the delay. No matter how little the minimum wage might be, it would at least settle some of bills and take care of our respective families.
“But now that the government is not coming forth with what it is willing to pay, it is a serious source of concern for us. States like Ekiti, Ondo, Lagos, Kwara, Ogun and others have implemented theirs, why Osun?
“This shows a lack of commitment to the wel-
“But we were disappointed that nothing of such happened, instead, they allowed only those that have been tutored to ask petty questions at the gathering.
“We wish to sound a note of warning to Mr Governor and his handlers to stop wasting our resources.
“If he wants real feedback from people, he should go on a live radio station programme where people will be able to ask him questions on the way he is handling the affairs of Osun.”
Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr. Kolapo Alimi did not respond to enquiries for reaction on the matter.
Olaiya Flyover: Osun Residents Mock Oyetola, Say...
•Continued from page 5
ever had was politically motivated because then, they kept shutting us up when we told them to tread carefully.”
Another Facebook user, Mojirade Omoniyi, in her comment to the post, said Oyetola and his people are reaping what they sowed.
“God is indeed wonderful. The same Remi Omowaiye who went ahead criticizing and downplaying all the good work of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is the one crying like a baby with his other losers about a legacy that is not even worth it.
“If he and others can be this bittered about a flyover that is not even worth it, imagine how the person who transformed Osun State with unprecedented development,
Aregbesola, will feel then.
“We kept telling them that what they were doing then was not good but because of their evil mind, they kept on maligning the legend and his work and now, they are coming to shout Adeleke wants to destroy a legacy that is not there. They should all go and sit down somewhere,” she commented.
Meanwhile, another Facebook user, Samuel Oladiti, urged the state government not to play politics with the Olaiya flyover.
Oladiti wrote, “I’m not against anything the state government wants to do with the flyover. So far, it’s about the people and not politically motivated.
“Karma is real and whatever we do now will surely come back to haunt us. Oyetola and his people
then were happy destroying his predecessor’s legacy, not thinking about what the future holds for them, but see what happened now; both Oyetola and Aregbesola are still alive, and the former hunter has now become the hunted.”
To Bolaji Omolola, the APC members who called the press conference were ‘shameless’, for calling the Olaiya flyover a legacy project.
“When I read the statement released by the Osun APC, I couldn’t contain myself from laughter. Those people have no shame. They are crying over a ‘gada’ they call flyover.
“They should be ashamed that what they could point out as the former governor’s legacy is just that ‘gada’ when the person they fought throughout their unpro-
ductive four years turned Osogbo into a mega city.
“I’m not even surprised. Even when they were in government, they celebrated paying salary as if that is the only thing a government is there to do but we all know what ended it. They are bunch of failures,” he said.
Stakeholders, Politicians Debate Genuity Of Claims
Since the reports filtered in the media, the issue has been a subject of discourse on mainstream and social media platforms in the state.
While political players kept pointing accusing fingers at each other, stakeholders and development experts are reviewing the claims, calling for an independent structural integrity test, to put the claims to bed.
fare of workers in the state. I hope the state government will come out on time to let the workers know their fate”, he said.
Another senior staff at a local government in Ilesa who craved anonymity said it was insensitive of the state government not to have released a template since the new minimum wage was approved in July.
”I wonder if the state government knows what we the civil servants are going through in this hard time. If they do, I don’t expect them to delay the implementation of the new wage.
”I hope it is not just a plot to pay an unreasonable minimum wage to workers. We are struggling to cope with this harsh economic situation in the country and the delay in the implementation of the minimum wage by the state government is adding to our plight”, he said.
Meanwhile, Commissioner for Information and Public Enlightenment, Mr Kolapo Alimi, has explained that the committee constituted by the governor to look into the implementation of the minimum wage would soon complete its assignment.
Also, a member of the Labour/Osun State Government negotiation committee working on the new minimum wage for workers in the state, Mr Bimbo Fasasi, hinted that the report of the committee should be ready in two weeks.
Fasasi, who is the Osun State Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Osun, assured them that after submission, implementation would commence.
“We are looking at a week or a maximum of two weeks from now. By God’s grace, we will be done with it and commence implementation,” Fasasi said.
Asked about workers’ expectations from the governor, the TUC boss said, “We will always expect the best. You will recall that Mr. Governor was the representative of the South West Governors on the national minimum wage negotiation committee.
“So, he is abreast of the whole process right from the beginning up to this stage. And going by his records so far which is always positive to the general welfare of the workers, we don’t have any reason to doubt him.
“He has promised us one of the best, and we know he will live up to that.”
NIGERIA , Africa, and indeed the world face a critical juncture. Energy systems are evolving remarkably, shifting from fossil fuel dominance to renewable sources, and this transition fundamentally reshapes economies and the environment. In this transformation, we are tasked with an essential question: How do we harness the energyeconomy-environment nexus to foster good governance and achieve sustainable development?
To explore this, we must first acknowledge the complexity of the nexus. The energy sector fuels economies, creates jobs, and drives industrialisation but also contributes to environmental degradation if not properly managed. On the other hand, environmental preservation is essential to long-term economic stability but requires carefully planned energy policies. This balancing act necessitates robust governance frameworks that ensure transparency, accountability, and effective resource management. Energy is the backbone of economic development. In Africa, energy access is critical to unlocking the potential for industrialisation, innovation, and improved livelihoods. However, many across the continent, including Nigeria, remain energy-poor. According to the 2022 Energy Access Report from the World Bank, Nigeria has one of the most significant energy deficits in the world. Also, as of 2021, 85 million individuals – more than 4 out of 10 Nigerians, do not have access to power from the national grid.
The empirical literature is unanimous on the importance of energy to human development. Chien et al. (2023), and Luan et al. (2023) argue that energy is a fundamental element for sustaining human survival and development. Thus, excessive energy poverty may hinder sustainable human development. Energy poverty stifles economic growth, education, healthcare, and gender equity. Similarly, studies like Pachauri et al. (2004), Sesan et al. (2013), and Belaïd (2022) identified energy poverty as one of the critical developmental challenges faced by developing and emerging economies.
The nexus of energy generation and consumption, economic growth and environmental degradation revolves around three significant hypotheses: the growth hypothesis, conservation hypothesis and feedback hypothesis. The growth hypothesis studies claimed that economic growth depends on energy consumption (Adams et al., 2018; Zafar et al., 2019). The conservation hypothesis was the opposite: economic growth fuels energy consumption (see Destek & Aslan, 2017). However, a feedback hypothesis is upheld where a two-way causality exists among these three variables (i.e., energy, economy and environment) (Aydin, 2019; Tugcu et al., 2012).
In Africa, some research has been conducted to ascertain the extent, causality and implications of energy consumption. One such example is the work of Acheampong (2018), who found that a positive shock to GDP increases energy consumption and carbon emissions in the short run but also increases stability in the long run. This finding corroborates with Paramati et al. (2018), who noted that
“The nexus between energy, the economy, and the environment is the cornerstone of sustainable development. We need bold leadership, sound governance, and an unwavering commitment to sustainability to harness this nexus”
Exploiting The Advantages From The Shift Of Fossil Fuel Dominance
industrialisation enhances energy saving for most African countries. On the contrary, Awodumi and Adewuyi (2020) discovered that CO2 emissions across African economies remained highly unstable, with Algeria being the leading carbon emitter due to the dominance of nonrenewable energy consumption. Therefore, energy consumption apparently promotes economic growth but contributes to higher carbon emissions. This raises some pertinent questions: To what extent do production and consumption of energy resources contribute to economic growth and carbon emissions in African economies? Should policy focus more on growth than reducing carbon emissions arising from energy resource consumption? These are policy-relevant questions.
Regarding the nexus between energy and good governance, pioneering studies have shown that the empirical side of the nexus aligns with economic theories. Fredriksson et al. (2004) analysed 12 OECD countries. They concluded that corruption reduces the effects of energy policy: increasing corruption leads to increased energy intensity and, implicitly, a decrease in energy efficiency. Stern (2012)
Idiscovered that the decline in corruption directly leads to increased energy efficiency. Further, Nicolli and Vona (2015) concluded that increased corruption indirectly affects renewable energy policy through its impact on the regulation of the energy products market.
The African continent is energy-poor, the poorest in the world. About 600 million Africans lack access to electricity, while over 900 million rely on traditional biomass fuels, such as wood and charcoal, for cooking and heating. These fuels lead to deforestation and indoor air pollution, contributing to an estimated 600,000 premature deaths annually (WHO, 2022). Limited access to electricity hampers economic development, educational opportunities, and healthcare services, further perpetuating poverty and inequality.
Moreover, an estimated three billion people worldwide still lack access to clean energy technologies for cooking (IEA, 2022). In the IEA’s most recent Global Energy Outlook report, global energy demand will increase by around 33% by 2050. This implies that energy, and sustainable energy for that matter, will remain central to our daily lives, the lifeblood that enables us
all to function and prosper.
There is no doubt that the world needs more energy, but this need must be met ever more efficiently and sustainably, considering the challenges posed by climate change to our future. However, Africa needs even more energy. Its population is set to increase from 1.4 billion people today to around 2.5 billion by 2050. Its economic output is expected to triple, and energy demand will increase by 82%. It would increase even more, by 150%, if its GDP per capita doubled to 5,000 dollars in 2050 (World Bank, 2021).
At the same time, Africa suffers significantly from the effects of climate change despite being the least responsible for it. Africa’s cumulative Greenhouse gas (GHG) emissions are very low, and even today, Africa accounts for only 3 to 4% of the world’s total GHG emissions despite being home to 17% of the world’s population.
Given the evident developmental challenges confronting the African continent, it is clear that the narrative that Africa should abandon the development of its natural resource base for environmental protection is misguided. A wealthier Africa would be better positioned to contribute to climate change mitigation and adaptation efforts while addressing its energy security and socioeconomic development needs. By leveraging the continent’s abundant natural resources, African nations can bolster their economies, lift millions out of poverty, and create the necessary infrastructure to facilitate the adoption of renewable energy technologies in the future. However, harnessing the potential of natural resources in Africa is not without challenges. One of the primary obstacles is the lack of infrastructure capacity to transport and distribute natural gas, for example. Constructing pipelines, liquefaction plants, and other infrastructure requires significant investments and long-term planning. My company, Green Energy International Limited, is already leading the way here in Nigeria by constructing the first indigenous terminal in Rivers State.
Paying The Price
N his seminar writing, “Nigerian, Who Are You?” the Late distinguished 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 national culture of hostility to any notion 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 automatically give birth to struggles, rebellions and freedom. For humans generally and Nigerians especially, tolerance to backwardness and sufferings has no elastic limit! It is deep sense of indignation against injustice that gives birth to struggle; and it is such struggles that birth men of exceptional honour and dignity. The problem with Nigeria is that the absence of illuminating thought and prevalent contempt for creative thinking (amidst widespread hustle for anyhowwealth without productions) 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 rigour and depth that he brought into critical 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 responsibilities imposed by those truths, of which we are blissfully ignorant and in contempt?
Deep thinking must precede actions, in private and public life. In matters 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 getting deep knowledge and following it up with passionate, organised actions. Otherwise, we will continue to groan amidst endless trials, misery, trauma and tribulations as each wickedly oppressive preceding government, in retrospect, sadly “looks even better” than the current diabolical one: as antipeople, self-serving, anti-democratic vampires continue their stranglehold on our “democratic” process and “governments” because we lack the profound, clarifying thought (and can never therefore commit to the logical, organised, self-
sacrificing actions), 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, lofty, selfless and patriotic choices if they are anchored on sound philosophical thinking. An inspiring identity that can galvanise the people and catapult them to liberating actions can only be a function 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 responsibilities. Among these responsibilities are struggles and self-sacrifices. Like Mandela said, “there is no easy walk to freedom.” Anger and agonising 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 age-old and unremitted exploitation and oppression - that they do not want handed down to their children and children’s children - must begin paying the price through seeking liberating knowledge and philosophy; it is the only road to articulated, organized actions and sustainable freedom in a just society where life more abundant is guaranteed.
STRIKER
Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above