OsunDefender Online Version of January 31st, 2020

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UPDATE S l a i n C o r p s Member C o u l d H a v e Recgnised One Of His Assailants

VOL. 015. NO.5

BUSINESS REPORT Attraction Of Osun Fish Market

Farmers From Korea, USA, China, Australia To Visit Page 13

Page 12

Intrigues, Spirituality as Osun Communities Jostle For FCE Ikirun APC Crisis Deepens e3 Pag

“The party crisis became pronounced in 2018 when the p a r t y members d i v i d e d themselves in the two camps of Tobalase and Arobafin.”

•Alhaji Gbadamosi Lawal

CROSSFIRE The In-Fighting Continues Days After Oyetola, Famodun’s Intervention An Insider Report Behind The Scenes On Page 2 n

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CRIME

Police Trying To Frame Us - Accused Persons Cry Out In Court

•Cp Kokumo

How False Information Nearly Set Ibokun On Fire ‘

By Ismaeel Uthman hat would have been a disaster that could claim lives of residents of Ibokun, the Headquarters of Obokun Local Government of the State of Osun was averted, following an attack on soldiers from the Sobi Barrack, Ilorin, Kwara State.

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The soldiers were said to be coming from training at the Sobi Barrack, en-route Ilahun and Ibokun to Ede Barrack in Osun in a twovehicle convoy on Sunday, January 19, 2020.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that a man who

rode a motorcycle at Ilahun attempted to overtake the soldiers’ convoy but was warned not to do such.

According to sources, the unknown man made attempt to overtake the convoy for the second time and was sprayed with water

I commend the leaders of the Nigerian Army in both Sobi and Ede Barracks for their discipline and sense of reasoning. Ibokun would have been set on fire but for the grace of God and the peaceful role of the police led

by ACP Adeyinka. Chief Olasehinde

‘

Fadeyibi, The Obaloro Of Ijesa Land.

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How False Information Nearly Set Ibokun On Fire

By Ismaeel Uthman at Ibokun. stating that Ibokun would the community to always Fadeyibi commended the have been set on fire but for be careful, exercise by the soldiers.

The stubborn man did not know that the occupants of leaders of the Nigerian the grace of God and the patience and verify any the convoy were soldiers as they were not in uniform and Army in both Sobi and Ede peaceful role of the police information they received Barracks for their discipline led by ACP Adeyinka. from another person before were unarmed, said the sources. and sense of reasoning, He warned residents of acting on it.

It was gathered that the unreasonable call receiver man who is not an okada rider called his friend in Ibokun and lied that the soldiers’ convoy had killed somebody in Ilahun and was attempting to run away.

The call receiver in Ibokun alerted residents of the community and they immediately mounted roadblock at Ifosan area of the community.

According to the sources, while the soldiers alighted from the vehicles to explain that they were soldiers and needed pass, they were suddenly attacked by their assailants who were allegedly armed with cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that some of the soldiers sustained deep machete cuts on their heads, shoulders and ribs.

It took the quick intervention of the police, led by the Obokun Area Commander, Mr Akingbade Adeyinka, an Assistant Commissioner of Police, to save the lives of the soldiers who were overpowered by their assailants, it was learnt.

The reports of the attack on the soldiers went to both Sobi and Ede barracks •An Outreach Aid At Educating Marketing Men And Women Tagged Osun Says No To Lassa Fever Recently. and some soldiers were reportedly sent to Ibokun for a reprisal attack the following day. local government chairman among others as members.

By Niyi Olasinde But the soldiers could not and some of Ward The Arobafin group was carry out any attack as they here seems to be no end in sight to the crisis Chairmen were obviously headed by Lawal and had were calmed by the rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in not comfortable with the some notable chieftain of policemen and community Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government in the State of resolutions, and as a result the party as members. They leaders in the town. party left the meeting decided to express their held the view that Akinrun OSUN DEFENDER also Osun. venue angrily to Alhaji displeasure by stopping should steer clear of politics Some of the warring APC gathered that one of the Gbadamosi Lawal’s Bello from coordinating the and remain the father for all members have rejected the indigenes of Ibokun, a meeting. as traditional ruler.

Colonel in the Nigeria Army, terms of settlement made residence to report the Peace had eluded the Members of the group situation. by Governor Adegboyega intervened and helped to Reliable sources at APC in Ikirun some three included former Attorney Oyetola and the state settle the matter.

Lawal’s residence disclosed years ago, following General and Commissioner But the matter was not chairman of the party, that a call was made to unresolved political for Justice in the state, Hon settled without arrest of Prince Gboyega Famodun Famodun to confirm the differences among leaders Wale Afolabi, the current who had intervened in the some residents of matter last week Sunday. lawmaker representing position of party leadership of the party. community, most especially The party crisis became Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo-Otin The local government on the matter and the APC the commercial meeting of the party was chairman reaffirmed the pronounced in 2018 when Federal Constituency to the party members divided Hon Lekan Afolabi and motorcyclists known as disrupted last Sunday by resolutions. okada riders.

Both Bello and Lawal had themselves in the two former chairman of the some aggrieved members About 40 people, who dishonoured the been heading two different camps of Tobalase and House of Assembly Service according to sources, were directive of the governor factions of the APC before Arobafin.

Commission, Hon Hassan Members of the Tobalase Olawuwo. arrested by the police. and the party chairman Oyetola and Famodun group were APC members At the warm up of the Findings revealed that that a leader of the party, united them last week. the prime suspect who Pa Buraimo Bello should be At a meeting held with that sought refuge in the September 22, 2018 called from Ilahun and the presiding over the Joint Lawal, Bello and other Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba governorship election, the receiver at Ibokun had fled Local Government meeting. leaders and members of the Abdulrauf Olawale Adedeji Arobafin group of the APC the communities and were OSUN DEFENDER party, it was also resolved against the alleged were accused of working yet to be arrested as at the gathered that the APC that Bello should the nepotism and tyrannical for the governorship time of filing this report.

Chairman in Ifelodun Local Chairman of Joint Local posture of the overall candidate of the Action Speaking with the Government, Mr Zacheaus Government and general leader of the party in the Democratic Party (ADP), medium, the Obaloro of Agboola and some Ward meetings holding every local government, Alhaji Alhaji Moshood Adeoti Gbadamosi Lawal popularly against the APC candidate, Ijesaland, High Chief Chairmen of the party Sunday. known as ‘Owoseni’.

Mr Adegboyega Oyetola.

The resolutions also Olasehinde Fadeyibi allegedly led the disruption The Tobalase group had The APC eventually lost dismissed the claim that the of the meeting by stopping stated that Lawal is the former Commissioner for the governorship election ultimate leader of the party soldiers had attacked the Bello from presiding over and will be presiding over Information and Strategy in in Ikirun and Ifelodun Local man on motorcycle at the meeting.

The situation created e l d e r / s t a k e h o l d e r s the state, Mr Adelani Government at large to the Ilahun, resulting to their former Peoples Democratic Party commotion at the meetings and see to Baderinwa, ambush in Ibokun. commissioner II of the Local (PDP), because of the resolution of all crises and secretariat of the APC as According to Fadeyibi, Government Service polarization of the party. the soldiers suffered some people engaged in misunderstandings arising Commission, Mr Kehinde OSUN DEFENDER could between / among members physical combat after a unprovoked attack ignited Olamolu, a businessman, confirm that former of the party. short hot altercation. by false information by the But Agboola, the APC Mr Moshood Oluawo, governor Rauf Aregbesola Some leaders of the Ilahun man and the

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer, Osun Command, Mrs Folasade Odoro confirmed the attack on the soldiers.

Ikirun APC Factional Crisis Resurrects Days After Oyetola, Famodun’s Settlement

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gave the House of Representatives ticket to Afolabi in order to appeal to the Arobafin group.

Aregbesola also appeased to the Tobalase group with the House of Assembly ticket for Ifelodun constituency, given to Hon Dr Mulikat Abiola with a promise that the gesture will be complemented with a commissionership appointment from the group.

However, the commissionership appointment split the Tobalase camp as Oba Olawale allegedly nominated his son, Mr Babatunde Olawale for the appointment.

Olawale is now the Commissioner for Innovation, Science and Technology in the state.

The nomination for the commissionership appointment further deepened the APC crisis in Ikirun as four different groups made nominations and lobbied the state party leadership to accept their candidates.

OSUN DEFENDER noted Olawale’s appointment spurred some leaders of the APC to have some political realignment, a situation that necessitated fresh relationship between some members of the Tobalase and Arobafin camps.

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Intrigues, Spirituality As Osun Communities Jostle For FCE

By Ismaeel Uthman

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he approved Federal College of Education for the State of Osun has continued to dominate political and community discussions in the state, following the agitations by some cities and towns to get the institution sited within their various communities.

The agitation on the FCE OSUN DEFENDER noted that some political and took a new turn when the community leaders in the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba state have, since the Abdulrasheed Adewale announcement of the FCE, Akanbi demanded that the embarked on surreptitious institution be sited in Iwo, moves to ensure that their premising his demand on towns hosted the new the fact that the city is without any FG or state tertiary institution.

The Federal Government g o v e r n m e n t ’ s had in late December 2019, infrastructure.

According to Oba Akanbi, approved the establishment and Iwo is the fifth largest town immediate take-off of new in Nigeria, the most six Federal Colleges of populous local government Education in each of the in Osun , the Headquarters geopolitical zones in of the Osun West Senatorial District and has nothing to Nigeria.

The National show for it.

Oluwo said: “I can tell Commission for Colleges of Education had through its you there is no state or Public Relations Officer, Mr federal infrastructure in this Ameh Isaac, disclosed that town. We have been the approved FCE would be isolated in term of siting of situated in Bauchi, Benue, institutions that can move Ebonyi, Osun, Sokoto, and the town forward. As for College of Edo states, where no such Federal Education, I will not take it institution already exists.

According to Isaac, the lightly, even if it will take me initiative is meant to to lay down my life on this increase the number of college of education, I will qualified and trained do it.”

Another traditional ruler, teachers in the country, just as he appealed to the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba communities where the FCE Adetoyese Oyeniyi last will be sited to give week Tuesday joined the maximum supports that call for the demand of the will aid smooth take-off of FCE to be sited in his community, Gbongan, the institutions.

However, almost all the saying that the town major communities in the deserved the institution State of Osun seem to be because it lacks FG’s interested in hosting the presence.

Oba Oyeniyi brought FCE. Indigenes of these communities have taken spiritual dimension into his the advantage of social demand as he directed media to appeal to the FG residents of the community and the State Government to embark on fasting and to situate the institution in prayer to seek God’s their various communities. intervention on the matter.

The Olufi said the community would continue

the time of filing this report, suggesting that the state

‘Proposed Federal College of Education (Technical),

•Award of Excellence presented to , Hon. Commissioner for women, children and social affairs Barrister Olubukola Olaboopo by Miss. Ibikunle Itunuoluwa during the 1st edition of D' Young Girl Reproductive Health ; an initiative of Global Girls Network.. with fasting and praying until the Federal Government approves that the institution to be sited in the town.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun has also been lobbying for the FCE to be sited in Ila Orangun, a community that plays host to Osun State College of Education.

Oba Oyedotun’s move came amidst insinuations that the FG is planning to upgrade the OSCOED to the Federal College of Education.

But there is nothing, as at

government is planning to get the FCE sited in Ila. Also, the Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdrulrauf Olawale Adedeji who is known for his influence in the APC government has been reported to be making frantic efforts to ensure that the FCE is hosted by his town, Ikirun.

The lawmaker representing Ifelodun/ Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal Constituency, Hon Rasheed Afolabi has also sponsored a bill at the House of Representatives to make case for the FCE to be sited in Ikirun.

In the bill named

Ikirun, Osun State Establishment Bill”, Afolabi said Ikirun is the only zonal/ ad m i n i st rative headquarters without any higher institution in the Osun Central Senatorial District.

Hon Yinusa Amobi, the lawmaker representing Ayedire/Iwo/Olaoluwa federal constituency at the Green Chamber has also sponsored a bill for an “Act to provide for the establishment of A Federal College of Education in Iwo.” Amobi said in all the nine political zones in the state, Iwo is the only zone without a state or federal

Osun Govt, UBEC Commences State-Wide School Inspection

By Solomon Odeniyi

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overnment of the State of Osun and the Universal Basic Education Commission, Abuja have commenced a three-week intensive ‘School Continuous Quality Assurance Exercise’ across public schools in the state.

Permanent Secretary of State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Fatai Kolawole and some senior officials of the board and delegations from UBEC in Abuja led the exercise which was holding simultaneously across the length and breath of the state as monitored by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday.

The inspection, a collaborative effort between Osun SUBEB and UBEC, Abuja is aimed at assessing closely the teaching and learning processes in public schools in the state with the overall objective of achieving adequate delivery of quality education services in schools, especially in the areas of literacy, numeracy and skills acquisition.

Addressing newsmen, Kolawole urged the general public, stakeholders in the education sector, heads of elementary and middle schools as well as parents and guardians to cooperate fully with the team of evaluators that would be visiting their schools for the period of the three weeks exercise, from resumption to the closing hours daily.

Kolawole reiterated the commitment of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to raising the bar of education in the state to enviable heights.

Some of the schools where the assessment had taken place in Osogbo were Anthony Udofia Elementary School, Laro Timehin Middle School, John Mackay Elementary School, AUD Elementary school, all

institution, calling on the FG to appreciate the support the people of the

in Osogbo.

In Ifelodun Local Government area of the state, the team of assessor

visited L.A Elementary School, Moboreje, St Michael Anglican Elementary Middle School,

Eko Ajala, St. Paul’s Anglican Elementary School and Community Elementary School, all in Ikirun.

Sex Can Cause Lassa Fever - LAUTECH Warns Osun Residents

By Idowu Adebayo

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he Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, Osogbo has warned that Lassa Fever could be contacted through sex.

According to the Public catarrh, headache, throat Relations Officer of sore, vomiting, diarrhoea LAUTECH Ayodele bleeding from the nose, Adeyemo in a press muscle pains and nausea release made available to as part of symptoms of the OSUN DEFENDER, human endemic disease. being can contact the He advised residents to disease through handling promote a good and rats, contact with food or healthy environment, keep household items that are foodstuff safe and avoid polluted with rat urine or contact with rats , the PRO faeces.

The statement reads in added that anybody part: “It can also be spread suspected of exhibiting from one infected person symptoms of Lassa Fever to another healthy person or related ailments should by contact with blood, be taken to the nearest urine and other body well-equipped hospital. fluids of someone that has Adeyemo also enjoined the disease including sex.” health care personnel to Adeyemo highlighted

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always caution in discharging their duties in the state.

CHANGE OF NAME That OYEDEMI DUPE ABIDEMI AND FASORO DUPE ABIDEMI are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as FASORO DUPE ABIDEMI . All former documents remain valid.

Wema Bank and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME That OYEDEMI DUPE ABIDEMI AND FASORO DUPE ABIDEMI are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as FASORO DUPE ABIDEMI . All former documents remain valid.

Wema Bank and General public should take note.

community have been given to it by situating the FCE in the town.

In her own remarks, the lawmaker representing Ayedaade/Irewole/Isokan Federal Constituency, Hon Taiwo Oluga commented that her town, Gbongan deserved the FCE because it has no any state or federal education infrastructure.

According to Oluga, Gbongan, the headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government is a suitable location for the FCE because it is a town on the highway that links the south with the northern part of Nigeria.

The lawmaker said her predecessor in office; Mrs Ayo Omidiran moved the motion for the establishment of the institution in the state.

She noted that Omidiran made frantic efforts on the floor of the House of Representatives before the bill for the establishment of the college was passed into law by the lawmakers, pleading with the Federal Government to consider Gbongan for the location of the proposed institution.

Some indigenes of Osogbo have also been agitating for the FCE to be sited in the town, saying that the state capital deserves the institution.

Other towns that have been laying claims to the FCE include, Ikire, headquarters of Irewole Local Government, Ejigbo, headquarters of Ejigbo Local Government and Iragbiji, headquarters of Boripe Local Government.

OSUN DEFENDER noted that the FCE has been creating acrimony in the state, particularly between communities in Osun West and Osun Central Senatorial districts.

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Issues/Policies Learned Talks With Binzak Azeez ESQ

Immunity Clause and Matters Arising under Nigerian Constitution

Established 2005

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Tackling the Lassa Scourge We give great kudos to the State Government of Osun and in particular the arrow-heads: the Commissioner of Health, Dr Rafiu Isamotu and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Heath, Pharmacist Olasiji Olamiju, for the determined response to the threat of Lassa. It is due to their formidable resolution and the State Government’s effective deployment of the media that State of Osun has been spared the panic as well as the mass disorientation seen elsewhere.

Mercifully, they are not resting on their oars. Imaginative grassroots campaigning has helped. A few days ago Dr Olamiju creatively led a sensitisation team to a major market in Osogbo, the state capital. We recommend this approach to other states.

Outlining benefits of the initiative, Dr Olamiju stated that, ‘’ As we are all aware, rats are very close to the people in the market and when rats touch what the traders sell, the buyers who consume such contaminated food items would be infected. It is very

paramount to sensitise the traders on this danger and that is why we have taken it upon ourselves to embark on this awareness tour to this Tuesday market in Osogbo”. We are sensitising them in the local language and in a manner that they can easily understand and relate to, which is why we have the Iyaloja of this market with us. “As you are equally aware, two cases have been confirmed and I urge all citizens not to panic because we are on right top of the situation and every necessary measure has been put in place to contain and curtail the spread.

“We realised that prevention is better than cure and that is why we came out to sensitise traders today,’’ Olamiju said.

In the long-term, the government must be proactive by following the weather patterns and intensify environmental sanitization efforts for the next season. In the meantime, against all odds, the response has been laudable.

Applause for the Federal Government As a medium that was founded to put the people first, we cannot but give plaudits to the Federal Government for raising the allowances of those involved in the National Youth Service Corps Scheme [NYSC] to N33,000 a month.

This is a sensible recognition of the valiant services rendered often under difficult conditions by our young people. We also appreciate that the increment is taking place in a tight fiscal landscape. Patriotism is

enforced when people believe that their government cares about them.

This is what makes people voluntarily die for their country.

A lot still needs to be done. The issue of youth unemployment must be strategically tacked. Efforts must be intensified to provide startup capital for young entrepreneurs and continuous skills upgrade.

Nevertheless, this is a positive step in the right direction.

Restructuring NYSC, A Solution To Unemployment It is no doubt that the history of the country since independence has clearly indicated the need for unity amongst our people in all ramifications and in every sense of human endeavor.

It is a fact that no cultural or geographical entity can exist in isolation, a situation that paved way for the establishment of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme which was created in a bid to reconstruct, reconcile and rebuild the country after Nigeria civil war – 1967 to 1970.

The Head of State then, Gen. Yakubu G o w o n - l e d administration of 1973 capitalized on the unfortunate antecedent to establish the NYSC which is one of the functional national scheme today.

Gen. Gowon priority for peace, unity and National progress after the war consequently

gave rise to the birth of the scheme.

Undeniably, t h e establishment of the scheme materialized in the reconstruction agenda of the then government for the fact that it projected the reality of a united, strong and self reliance nation.

However, the scheme is no longer appreciated today in the sense that, issues in the Gen. Gowon’s instead of focusing more on the present primary problem of the country which is unemployment.

The youth have to answer the clarion call to serve their father land under the sun or in the rain but how about their future? Should they go to their villages after the

service empty handed? It does not matter if t h e Federal Government increases t h e allowance of the C o r p members, as it recently d i d , w h a t should be paramount is the future.

The number of Graduate is increasing rapidly on a daily basis in Nigeria, so also the number of unemployed youths and one begin to wonder if the government is proactively ready to limit the ever growing number.

•IFEOLUWA ITANIYANU, Aade’s Compound, Oyan, State of Osun.

he doctrine of sovereign immunity is of assets and the nation immemorial antiquity. The exact origin with a groaning and of the concept has been a nebulous dying people.

The fundamental long-term debate. Nevertheless, it is a prominent purview among the legal historians purpose of enshrining that sovereign immunity stemmed from the the immunity clause English common law system. This anachronous under Section 308 of principle is established on rex non potest the 1999 Constitution peccare maxim (the king can do no king). The as amended, was body solely responsible for law-making and elucidated by the adjudication was the king or his representatives. Supreme Court in the The king was the most superior being; and case of Bola Tinubu vs. therefore exempted from legal proceedings, IMB Securities Plc obligations and liability which might occur while (2001) “The immunity discharging some onuses singlehandedly or by clause is meant to provide a shield for the person of the President, proxy.

Nigeria is a creation of the 1914 Constitution Vice President, Governor or Deputy Governor fashioned out by Lord Frederick Lugard, a British from frivolous or vexatious litigation in respect imperialist. Prior to the colonial arrangement of personal or criminal proceedings that would of the fragmented territories that constituted distract him from the serious business of Nigeria, each territory had its distinct unwritten governance.” However, this purpose has been constitution. English Law (common law) was manipulated to promote injustice, impunity and incorporated into the Nigeria’s political sphere corruption. Therefore, the clause should be alongside the territorial unification reviewed to checkmate the spate of anomalies arrangement. Subsequently, the country being perpetrated under the guise of immunity witnessed constitutional developments which clause.

In tandem with rising contemporary realities, are classified into two historical epochs; colonial and post – colonial constitutional amendments. the Nigerian judicial system has been debased The constitutions promulgated by the utterly. The flouting of court orders by the colonialists include; Lord Frederick Lugard persons who are immune to legal suits is 1914-1922, Sir Hugh Clifford 1922-1946, Arthur alarming. Judicial institution must be protected Richard 1946-1951, Sir John Macpherson 1951- for democracy and good governance to thrive.

1954 and Oliver Lyttleton 1954 constitution Immunity clause at the detriment of judicial which laid down the transition template contempt nullifies the sanctity of the Rule of towards the 1960 Independence Constitution. Law. Moreover, immunity clause is a sharp Nigeria attained her political liberty as a contrast against natural law and equity. All are sovereign state under the 1960 independence equal before the law and the law must be equal Constitution. In this light, the second phase of to everyone. No individual should be privileged her constitutional development began. There or discriminated against all extant laws. Also, were vestiges of colonial blueprints in the 1960 “Justice delayed is justice denied.” An injunction Independence Constitution. Despite that the or a relief can be granted to prevent a travesty 1963 Republican Constitution granted full of justice in some peculiar cases. While the law political autonomy to the country, numerous recognises an instant relief in certain peculiar colonially induced master plans were retained legal suits, justice is raped if the defendant is and incorporated into the 1963 constitution protected from legal suits. Immunity clause likewise the subsequent constitutional greatly abhors corruption. The immunes have amendments. The colonialists maintained turned the national treasury into private outright dominance with the legislation of pockets. Corruption hampers the country from draconian and repressive laws such as Seditious progress. The fight against looting is exigent and Offences Ordinance, Immunity Clause, etc. So should not be selective or obstructed under any far, the post-independence constitutional excuse.

In conclusion, immunity clause is unethical amendments have been shielding the Nigerian political elite from proper accountability. The for Nigerian political system. All political leaders constitutions enacted and promulgated by both must be strictly held accountable for their the civilian and military administrators brazen actions to resuscitate the country from respectively hampered the combative tones of wreckage. The National Assembly and the state average Nigerians against unfavorable and houses of assembly have failed woefully in exercising their constitutional roles of curbing tyrannical policy of government.

The political institutions are being executive excesses, rascality and gross manipulated to safeguard the colonial heritage misconducts. It was posited in the case of Gani of repression. Immunity clause among other Fawehinmi v. IGP (2002) 8 SCM 77 that constitutional provisions that were “although a governor enjoys immunity from incorporated into the post-independence arrest and prosecution, he doesn’t enjoy constitutions protects a category of Nigerian immunity from investigation.” It is evident that political leaders from legal suits: a hodge-podge the Inspector-General of Police (IGP), the promotion of institutionalized injustice, Economic and Financial Crimes Commission outright impunity and unbridled corruption. (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices The Crown Proceedings Act 1947 has embraced and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) a cause of action against the Crown in English which are empowered to investigate the Common Law. According to section 2(1) of the persons conferred with immunity clause take Act (supra), “Subject to the provisions of this instructions from the Nigerian President. The Act, the Crown shall be subject to all those institutions have failed to make giant strides in liabilities in tort to which, if it were a private impartial investigations pending the time that person of full age and capacity…” The the persons covered by immunity lose the recognition of the Crown’s liability in torts clause. promotes public interest though the •Binzak Azeez is a law student of enforcement of the legal liability is limited.

Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife Unfortunately, the Nigerian constitution which imported immunity clause from the Crown (common law) has failed to place equilibrium between the clause Publisher – Moremi Publishing and public interest.

House Ltd. The crime committed by various Nigerian governments – Ismaeel Uthman since independence is Deputy Editor immeasurable. Both the military (0805-121-2204) and civilian governments have successfully organised extra- Ass. Editor _ Kehinde Ayantunji judicial killings, genocide, illegal importation of arms, sponsoring Production Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa militant groups and other grievous offenses against – Solomon Odeniyi countless and defenseless Reporter – Yussuf Sodiq Nigerians without facing trials. Reporter Similarly, both governments shared a common trait in flouting Photo Journalist – Olushola Aderinto court orders and siphoning the country’s resources. The Zainab Olalere democratic dispensation is Computer Graphics infamous for organising OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limdiscreditable elections. Virtually ited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, every election is characterized Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. with violence, arson, massive All correspondence to the above mail address. rigging in favour of the incumbent ISSN: 0794-8050 government or their anointed Telephone: 0805-121-2204 candidates. The state apparatus Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php osundefender@yahoo.com, becomes a repressive instrument e-mail:osundefenderbank@gmail.com against dissenting voices, the public treasure turns to private

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LPFl: A Life Changing Opportunity Life Plus Foundation International whose acronym is *LPFI* is “an organization with a mission to raise o n e million Entrepreneurs in five years, as a means of reducing t h e economic challenges o f p o v e r t y, unemployment a n d financial constraints in Nigeria and Africa generally”.

In recent times, a lot of organisations sprang up in our country claiming they were out to empower the people financially and to lift them out of poverty.

They cajoled the people into becoming members of such organisations by asking them to invest and then reap multiple gains on their investments within the shortest time possible. Alas, this was never to be as most people lost all the money they invested in such organisations whose programmes later proved to be Ponzi Schemes. For instance most unsuspecting members of the public that participated in the then ubiquitous MM programme cannot forget their bitter experience in a hurry. Same goes for other similar schemes sold to the public in the name of economic empowerment. And those that didn’t dupe participants sentenced majority of their members to servitude as they only worked and worked for the founders of such

schemes to reap the lion shares of members’ profits.

However, the story of *LPFI* is entirely different. For it’s a unique business opportunity aimed at lifting people out of poverty by making them to become self reliant and employers of labour themselves through vocational trainnings. It’s woven around agricultural and non-agricultural sectors of the economy. *LPFI* is not to be compared with most of all these *Get-richquick* programmes that pervade our society now but rather, it’s a practical way of becoming self reliant. It’s a genuine and tested empowerment organisation whose members have sweet story to tell. This reflects in the Mission Statement of the organization; “Developing Africa’s

Economy through the training of prospective SMEs and u s i n g cooperative methodology to achieve the dreams of such business owners”.

One thing t h a t interests this writer is the agricultural focus of the organization.

For the situation we f i n d ourselves in the country now is quite pathetic; that’s in terms of our failure to be able to feed ourselves. This calls for serious concern because any country that cannot feed her population will continue to be subservient to other nations of the world. And thank God the current PMB-led APC administration has realised this much hence the emphasis on the need to develop the agricultural sector.

Undoubtedly development of the agricultural sector is the panacea to the challenges of food insecurity and massive unemployment the country is facing presently. It’s also the solution to surmounting the challenge of our dwindling national income as petroleum is no longer giving the country the expected buoyant revenue it used to. Indisputably there’s already a gereral agreement on this now.

In the light of the above, *LPFI* is a

programme that all categories of people should key into - and without delay especially our unemployed youths who are roaming the streets searching for nonavailable white collar job. It’s high time we all woke up to the reality of our current situation and take our destinies in our hands by embracing this life changing opportunity that is capable of turning lives around. For the youths outside there, and even adults that are tired of begging for survival *LPFI* is the answer. It’s an organization that doesn’t believe in giving people fish; teaching people how to catch fish by themselves while guaranting residual income for members, is their ultimate goal.

This piece will not complete without

mentioning some of the benefits of joining issue certificates to those who undergo and partnering with *LPFI* which, as stated training under her. Of course the vision of in their Invitation Letter to the public, the founder/s of this organisation deserves includes; free training in one’s field of to be commended.

Odepeju, a public affairs analyst lives in vocational interest, access to 0% interest loan, traveling opportunity, guaranteed Osogbo. He can be reached on residual income opportunity, qualitative 08023191891 or kolaodepeju@gmail.com lifestyle, financial empowerment of members through earning additional income without distracting them from their primary responsibilities, amongst others.

But in addition to the aforementioned benefits, LPFI further comes with other “Undoubtedly development *Compensation Plans* for members to of the agricultural sector is the boost their economic status. These includes amongst others; Referral Bonus, Bi- panacea to the challenges of Monthly Earnings, Rank Advancement food insecurity and massive Bonus, Zero Interest Loan, Members Cooperative and Life Insurance Cover. With unemployment the country is all these and more, one doesn’t need a facing presently. It’s also the soothsayer to predict greater future for him solution to surmounting the or her once he/she becomes a member of challenge of our dwindling *LPFI*. No doubt those who have joined this organization are already on their way national income as petroleum to financial freedom. We must not forget is no longer giving the country the words of Walt Disney, that “All our the expected buoyant revenue dreams can come true, if we can have the courage to pursue them”. Also a Chinese it used to. Indisputably there’s proverb says; “Teachers open door, you already a general agreement enter by yourself”. on this now. “ For LPFI, it’s a matter of the taste of the pudding is in the eating. All you need to do CHANGE CHANGE OF NAME is to attend their seminar once and be OF NAME That I was formerly That ABDULGANIU convinced. As in common parlance; ‘a trial known and addressed as ROFIAT will convince you’. Their seminar takesTEMITOPE LAWAL YEMI with and EventADEKUNLE place everyday by 2pm at *Wocdif Former Date of Birth, 30th ROFIAT TEMITOPE January 2012. But now Center*, East Bypass road, Osogbo. It’s now wish to be known wish to be known and noteworthy to mention it as theBut conclusion and addressed as addressed as LAWAL of this piece that LPFI hasADEKUNLE locations OMOYEMI RASHEED. ROFIAT With Correct Date of Birth, nationwide. It’s registeredTEMITOPE. with the All former 2nd April 1966. All former Corporate Affairs Commissiondocuments (CAC) and remain valid. documents remain valid.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission General public should General public should take note.to (EFCC) while it also has the legal permit take note.

DISCLAIMER DISCLAIMER INFINITI SYSTEMS INFINITI SYSTEMS ENTERPRISES ENTERPRISES 27 Oduwobi Street Ilupeju, Lagos

27 Oduwobi Street Ilupeju, Lagos

NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER This is to notify and announce to the public that with effect from 9th December 2019, Mr. Frank Habib Umar whose photograph appears here no longer holds any ties to Infiniti Systems Enterprises and is not in its employment.Anyone who transacts business with him purportedly on behalf of Infiniti Systems Enterprises does so at his / her own risk and Infiniti Systems E n terprises shall n o t bear a n y l i ability or r e sponsibility.

The general publ i c and publ i c sector should please take note.

Signed Management

NOTICE OF DISCLAIMER This is to notify and announce to the public that with effect from 9th December 2019, Mr. Emeka David Emeruwa whose photograph appears here no longer holds any ties to Infiniti Systems Enterprises and is not in its employment.Anyone who transacts business with him purportedly on behalf of Infiniti Systems Enterprises does s o at his / h e r own risk and Infiniti Systems Enterprises shall not bear any l i ability or responsibility. The general public and public sector should please take note.

Signed Management

MAGAZINE 6

FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

Osun's Growing Business Profile: Fresh Leverage for Investors The world of business holds tremendous promise for a fast-growing state in the South-West Geopolitical Zone of Nigeria. This is as the State of Osun is finding its footing in the business and investments terrain of the nation's economy. Various indices, hinged on achievements of the immediate past administration in virtually all sectors; coupled with the cumulative impacts of previous administrations are putting a bold challenge to the incumbent administration to bear the torch and make a niche in the industrial and investment aura. NIYI OLASINDE explores the profound fertile ground for this phase of development to see the light of day.

B

USINESS and investment opportunities are fast finding new haven in the State of Osun. From all indications, the next ten years hold high promise for the state to sprout out and blossom as cynosure and anchor to trade, investments and industrial portfolios, which will launch it forward as pacesetter and clear leader among the comity of states; not only in the South-West geopolitical zone but in the entire federation, Nigeria. Thus, we envisage and foresee a total transformation and renaissance in industry, trade and commerce, banking and finance, culture and tourism, innovation, science and technology, mining, agriculture and rural development,human resources and capacity building as core sectors of the economy.

Many factors give signal and credence to the rate and pace of development of a society, virtually in all areas of life. These factors, mostly capital intensive are nuggets, novel and prerequisite to rapid economic development and as such must first be put on ground to provide solid base for businesses and industries to thrive, grow and flourish.

Gladly for the State of Osun, the past decade had been filled with events and activities, culminating in programmes and projects which set the stage ready for industrial growth. Aside the fact that the state is today acknowledged to be one of the safest and securest in the country, the entire nooks and crannies of the state is replete with vast and gigantic projects, in infrastructure of sorts, health and medical provisions, social protection amenities, rural and urban development, sports and youth development, education, human development and youth empowerment, to mention just a few.

Of all these, infrastructural development has been the area that had been much decried and criticized. Yet, it is that single area which stands tall in giving the greatest assurance to sustainable progress and development in all strata. With good, motorable roads, provision of potable water, stable electricity (averaging 18 hours per day as at date), creation of networks of markets and business zones and other positive incentives, the state has been set on course to embrace development faster than it had ever done in its earlier years of existence as a state. The vibrant pacesetting efforts of the immediate past administration in the areas of state-owned

airport project and the international market / dry port at Dagbolu are an impressive springboard which the incumbent administration is expected to build on and develop from.

Today, the city of Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun, and its adjoining communities by extension are waking up to reclaim the long-lost status of business, trade and investment hub in the SouthWest geopolitical zone.

With the State of Osun Ten-Year Development Plan set out by the immediate past administration on the twilight of its exit from office, the ball is left rolling for the incumbent

the responsibility of implementing the development plan is the legacy administration of continuity. It then becomes a smooth sail, a walkover, carrying on with the task of getting the plan implemented. The onus and moral burden rests on the Oyetola administration to break forth and keep the steam in measuring up to hopes and expectations held for it by the society; including the majority of electorate who endorsed his emergence.

Respondents who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER Magazine were full of praises and appreciation for the people of the State of Osun, the electorate in particular, who voted for a government of continuity. One

•Osun Mall administration to pick up from there.

However, with the birth of the State Development Plan and its components, the state is easier to govern for any administration irrespective of party affiliation because there would have been a definite pathway to the development of the state. Since there is a clearly stated "Mission and Vision". The state would have a path it is heading within a specific time frame. Besides, the State Development Plan provides templates for institutional reforms and provision of strong institutions that would not outlive individuals, but also drive the state developmental goals.

Gladly, the administration saddled with

of them, Mr. Taiwo Afolayan particularly made a graphic imagination of what a mess and charade the task of governing the state would have been; were the baton to fall in the hand of a candidate other than that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

In his words, Afolayan, a resident of Osogbo said that "it would have been so regrettable for Osun and its people if the baton of leadership had swung into the hand of the candidate of any other contending political party than that of the All Progressives Congress in the 2018 Governorship Elections". According to him, Nigeria is a country where no new government that is controlled by a different political party continues with the plans, programmes and

policies of the previous administration, no matter how laudable and attractive such programmes are.

This view is shared by a majority of respondents who spoke with our medium on the benefits that lay in wait to be tapped by the state through the ongoing scrupulous implementation of the Ten-Year Development Plan bequeathed to the incumbent administration by the immediate past administration in the state.

Part of the qualities which distinguish the 10-Year State Development Plan is the charge and motivation it provides, as guiding star, to the leadership of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) and other government parastatals in the state to work hard and raise their revenue.

The emergence of the Ten-Year Plan brought along with it the realization that for the state to survive economically and continue on the ongoing infrastructure development, all hands must be on the deck to raise the state's InternallyGenerated Revenue (IGR) from its average N500million to N4.1billion on monthly basis.

The document and the exertions it engendered came as a wake-up call on citizens of the state to look inward and imbibe the culture of being faithful to their civic responsibilities of paying tax to government. This realization and exertions were also to the effect that for the 10-year proposed economic development plan to be realized, the state must be earning at least N4.1billion every month before the expiration of the last administration's time in office in November 2018.

In his address to the opening session of the convergence for the drafting of the State Development Plan blueprint, the incumbent Governor of the State of Osun, who was the Chief of Staff to the Governor at the time, Mr. Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola said that the programme was designed to set forensic agenda for the state in order to be economically viable.

Oyetola further explained that the Aregbesola administration, under which he served as Chief of Staff to the Governor, decided to come up with the plan so as to ensure a proposal plan which all the stakeholders would have sense of belonging. He therefore charged the discussants for robust deliberation.

With this background in mind, it is not in doubt that the workable document that came out of the retreat which birthed the State of Osun Ten-Year Development Plan 2018 to 2028 will henceforth be operational to the ultimate overall benefit of all and sundry in the state. •Continued on page 7

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MAGAZINE

FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

Osun's Growing Business Profile: Fresh Leverage for Investors •Continued fron page 6

W

ith the first-ever Economic and Investment Summit, held in the state in November 2019, and with the signing of the Executive Order establishing for the state the Osun Investment and Promotion Agency, it is expected with high hopes that the next ten years will usher in the entrance into the state of multiples of business openings and opportunities.

The State of Osun is a fertile ground for several chains of businesses and undertakings in all of the extractive, manufacturing and the construction industries. With strategic priority attention coming from the government, the citizenry is expected to give full support and cooperation to the agricultural drive of the administration. The prevailing partial closure of all land borders into the country by the Federal Government at this wake of a new decade is an indicator that at long last, Nigeria is about to be set free from lacklustre cluelessness.

Now that promotion is coming the way of local producers of goods, services and commodities, the infant indigenous industries are on the right path to economic boom. All that is required is a sufficient change of attitude from the Nigerian people, of which residents of the State of Osun are a vital subset.

With appropriate licensing and concessions from the Federal Government, the mining industry in the State of Osun will, before the mid-term is reached for the ten-year development plan, come alive in full swing. This implies that the state must be making waves as lots of revenues should be accruing into its coffers from the mining sub-sector of the extractive industry.

TRADE, commerce, industry and cooperative throve well under the Aregbesola administration. It was that administration that saw to the emergence of Aje International Market, Ayegbaju International Market and the regional market and dry port terminus at Dagbolu.

These initiatives derived from the bold conceptual creativity that gave birth to the Ten-Year Development Plan which reference was made of earlier on in this edition.

Part of the trade initiative is what gave rise to the new business zone called Osun Mall. Tongues of pessimists wagged over this project while its execution lasted. It was as if it would not see the light of day!

The Osun Mall is today a reality. This has offered, as far as Osun is concerned, a veritable break from known traditions as there today exists a shopping mall under the single roof of which varieties of wares could be purchased with multiple benefits including reduced prices, quality assurance, standard packaging, comfort and convenience, among others It is expected that other departments in the Justrite that occupies Osun Mall will soon be completed and brought to full use. It is also expected that many more trading units and concerns will be attracted into Osun in earnest.

Some of the residents of the state who spoke with our reporters sued for some incentives and reliefs in taxation to be given to some of the key actors in some dominant businesses as well as new intending investors so that they could be encouraged to invest and stake their fortunes in the state.

In the words of Alhaja Fasilat Abifarin, the emergence of a new business zone through the opening of a new trade outlet in the state is a good development which will be maintained and made to bring further development if only the gesture is replicated within Osogbo and further extended to other parts of the state. Others who spoke with or correspondents maintained the position that the recent trend had been long overdue. However, they view the coming up of new business zones at this juncture in the state's annals as a welcome development; urging the government of the day to make greater efforts to usher in many more business concerns and industries into the state.

The State of Osun is a large state populated by above four million residents.

It has thirty (30) local government councils, with an area office in Modakeke-Ife. Also, its other delineations include threehundred and thirty-two (332) political / electoral / registration areas (wards), twenty-six (26) state constituencies, nine (9) federal constituencies and three (3) senatorial districts. What we are taking home from these details is that time is ripe and we are eminently qualified for the multiplication of these trade centres and zones across the entire state.

We have had a highly impressive and prolific harvest of development in the education sector. Lots of reforms were brought to the table by the immediate past administration in the state. New, decent and befitting state-of-the-art school building structures and edifices were put in place by the Aregbesola administration.

Other initiatives like schools restructuring, single uniforms for each particular grade and good incentives to teachers have made public school education well able to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its private counterparts in the state and anywhere else.

At the elementary stage, the Osun

past years of joint existence as a single state. The institution is not without its multifarious challenges. Prime among those challenges is the ownership tussle rocking the boat of the institution. The stage at which we are on the crisis is seeing the helmsmen of the two states to provide for the institution peaceful atmosphere as saving grace. The Osun populace looks to the government of the day in the two sisterstates to maintain the prevailing dual ownership status for the institution. We envisage a ten-year period of lasting truce to the crisis.

On the whole, schools' renovation is ongoing. It is expected that the government will not renege on its effort to make our schools befitting, decent and safe for students and teachers as end-users.

The health and medical initiatives of the incumbent administration in the state are quite laudable. The committance of N150 million start-off grant to the Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS) and the provision of 332 primary health centres (PHCs) across the state (one in each of the 332 political / registration units called wards), in partnership with the Federal Government

administration or those embarked upon fresh by the incumbent administration to be completed soon. Some of these roads include the East Bypass, also known as Oba Adesoji Aderemi Way; Gbongan / Akoda Road; Osogbo / Ikirun /Ila-Odo / Erin-Ile / Kwara State Boundary Road. We envisage safe and thorough completion of such interstate roads as Ada / Igbajo / Imesi-Ile / Oke-Imesi / Ekiti State Boundary Road; Osogbo / Iwo / Ibadan Road; Osogbo / Ilobu / Oko / Ogbomoso / Oyo State Boundary Road and many others. With government at the centre in the hand of the progressives, we anticipate a situation whereby parity will exist between the Federal Government and the state to aid road infrastructure development.

Already, the initiative of the Federal government in the area of electricity; with active collaboration from the State Government of Osun has yielded dividends such that the state enjoys an average of 18 hours' electricity supply per day. It is expected that in years to come, greater improvements will be witnessed such that with expansion of new areas and virgin lands, the power supply will not relax or retard.

Development in the area of potable water supply is another aspect of infrastructure. It is expected that virtually all areas in the state will be covered adequately and sufficiently with good, potable water. Apart from the fact of the convenience this provides, the initiative is one sure way of warding off sicknesses, ailments and diseases, thus bringing health the way of residents of the state.

With concerted and well-coordinated efforts through the State Government, the local governments, the local council development areas, the Rural Access Mobility Project, and all others, the rural roads will all have been opened up to aid human mobility and mass movement of farm produce to urban centres as aid and buffer to industrial growth.

The State of Osun is also expected to be far ahead in the area of human capital development. With a good blend and perfect admixture of the foregoing, residents and indigenes alike are expected to have transformed to highly educated and •Aregbesola During The Commissioning Of Omoluabi Holdings Building well informed populace. In this way, the people become much easier to lead.

Already, the Osun Youth Empowerment are commendable.

Elementary Schools' Feeding and Health In years ahead, we visualize a situation Scheme (OYES), initiated by the OgbeniRauf Initiatives (O' MEALS) has made public Aregbesola administration has made its education at that stage far more attractive; whereby these health institutions multiply mark; having empowered in its successive such that baring the rapid increase in with the model being copied and replicated tranches of revolving programmes well across states in the federation with the population, the ratio of medical health above a total of 80,000 youths in the state. practitioners to patients would have inclusion of the Federal Government.

This, by implication means removing this The quality, functional free and reduced to units. We also envisage large number of promising youths from compulsory basic education of the State improved quality and facilities for our wandering and cluelessness, improving Government, under the leadership of the secondary and tertiary health institutions their finance profiles and those of their All Progressives Congress (APC) is yielding in the state.

Taking recourse to infrastructure, it is the families by extension as well as injecting the expected dividends. Overall, we have bedrock for further phases of several tens of millions of naira into the witnessed performances in public development.

In other words, the state's economy on a monthly basis. This examinations being shored up in rapid positive trend, kick-started about nine droves over the past years. We look foundation and positivist climate for years ago is still very much in full force. subsequent development to take place are forward to breaking newer grounds, and In years ahead, we visualize a situation reaching for higher heights in years to best laid through provision of solid social where the state will have many of the amenities and infrastructure. The last nine come. participants of the OYES scheme Still on education, the State of giving back to the society by Osun is clearly the single state Already, the initiative of the Federal establishing productive outlets within the entire federation with in their various areas of government in the area of electricity; the highest concentration of specialization; improving their institutions of higher learning. This with active collaboration from the State fortunes and setting the ball includes colleges of education, rolling for accelerated economic Government of Osun has yielded polytechnics and universities; not to and industrial development of talk of health technologies and dividends such that the state enjoys an the state, thereby. schools of nursing cutting across the space of the next average of 18 hours' electricity supply tenWithin public and private categories. Of years, we anticipate a state, these all, the multi-campus Osun per day. It is expected that in years to which inhabitants are State University (UNIOSUN) stands by a majority of well tall in providing a worthy and come, greater improvements will be dominated sensitized citizens who are desirable model of self-sustaining awake, alert and alive to their institution. In the next ten years, we civic duties, responsibilities and expect its campuses (colleges) to have been obligations. fully developed to the extent that they years in the state witnessed lots of Government cannot bear the entire could stand alone at some realistic future improvement and ground-breaking in the burden of development all alone. It is on dates. The Oyetola administration is area of infrastructure development. It is this note that OSUN DEFENDER Magazine charged to take the bull by its horns and wise to say that there is no development makes this clarion call on all and sundry to embark pungently on policies and plan at all if the plan is bereft of planning cooperate with and support the programmes that could advance this cause. for infrastructure.

The GboyegaOyetola administration has government of the state as well as key in The Ladoke Akintola University of started well in bearing high the torch of into all the laudable initiatives, projects, Technology (LAUTECH) is unique in that it programmes, policies and activities of is jointly owned by the State of Osun and progress in infrastructure. We expect all government so that our society would have roads already started, either as legacy its sister Oyo State. This is a legacy transformed into the Canaanland of our bequeathed to the two states from their projects inherited from the immediate past collective dreams.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

A Cocktail Of Rec A RECEPTION ORGANISED BY IKIRE PROGRESSIVE UNION (IPU), TO HONOUR HON. BOLA OYEBAMIJI ON HIS SECOND TERM APPOINTMENT AS HON. COMM. FOR FINANCE AND THE CONFIRMENT OF THE CHIEFTAINCY TITTLE, ORUN ASIWAJU OF IKIRE KINDOM

DIAMOND JUBILEE ANN FAGBOHUNGBE CELEBRATES

•From Right, Deputy Governor State Of Osun, Mr. Benedict Alabi, Mr. And Mrs. Bola Oyebamiji, The New Otun Asiwaju And Yeye Otun Asiwaju Of Ikire Kingdom And His Royal Majesty, Oba Olatunde Falabi Lanbeloye III, Akire Of Ikire.

NUJ CAMPAIGN TOUR BERTHS AT UNIQUE F.M

•Chairman, Nigerian Baptist Convention and Pastor, Union Baptist Church, Osogb Rev. Dr. Olumide Kehinde leading the prayer session for the celebrator and her fa ily at the occasion.

E

ven though every 19th day of December is her day, Sunday December 29 2019 will forever remain a reference point in the life of an exemplary mother and virtuous wife, Mrs. Ruth Taiwo Aderonke Fagbohungbe as she marked her 60th Birthday Anniversary amidst pomp in Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun.

Graced by families and friends from all over the global space, the event was greeted with outpouring of encomiums, testimonies and goodwill messages from relatives, loved ones and invited guests which gave an elucidated picture of the celebrator.

Osogbo City Hall, the venue of the reception was filled with people connected one way or the other to the Fagbohungbe and Ogundare families of Fajite and Agbore’s compounds of Igbajo Land, Boluwaduro East Local Council Development Area of the State of Osun.

•Com. Kehinde Ayantunji, Middle, In A Group Photograph With Members Of His Chairmanship Campaign Team.

The celebrator ’s husband, Mr. Isaac Mosobalaje Fagbohungbe extolled the virtues of his amiable wife who he confessed stood by him through thick and thin, maintaining that she is indeed a woman of virtue and valour by every •The celebrator, Mrs. Taiwo Fagboh standard.

cutting the Diamond Jubilee Annive

NULGE’S DAY WITH THE GOVERNOR SEMIH ADABANIJA BAG

•Governor Gboyega And His Deputy In A Group Photograph With Members Of Osun National Union Of Local Government Employees.

•Award Of Excellence Being Presented To Semih Adabanija By Islamic Co

SOCIAL REGISTER

OSUNDEFENDER

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Recent Happenings

ANNIVERSARY: MRS. TAIWO 1ST ANNIVESARY OF DIVINE INTERVENTION CHRIST MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL, OKINNI. ATES 60TH BIRTHDAY AMIDST POMP

Church, Osogbo, tor and her fam-

•Members Of Divine Christ Ministry International Cutting The 1st Anniversary Cake.

OSUN NUJ ELECTORAL COMMITTEE 2020 •(R-L) Oluwamayowa Fagbohungbe, Mr. Isaac and (The Celebrator) Mrs. Taiwo Fagbohungbe, and Mrs. Mary Fagbohungbe with Michelle during the photo session.

The Chairman of the Nigerian Baptist Convention and Pastor, Union Baptist Church, Odi-Olowo, Osogbo, Revd. Emmanuel Olumide Kehinde Ph.D who eulogized the celebrator, enjoined her not to rest on her oars in ensuring that she lives a purposeful and meaningful life.

Dr. Kehinde who led the congregation to pray for the celebrator and her family, stressed on the need for all and sundry to always seek to live purpose-driven life.

Mrs. Taiwo Fagbohungbe, together with her amiable husband, Mr. Isaac Fagbohungbe and their lovely children; Adewumi, Oluwamayowa, Omobayode and Adedotun performed the cutting of the cake, after which they were joined on the dancefloor by friends, relations and loved ones.

In his remarks at the occasion, one of the children, Mr. Oluwamayowa Adetoyese Fagbohungbe (OAF) described the celebrator as an enigma who has carved a niche for herself as both a wonderful mother and dutiful wife, maintaining that she remains a Taiwo Fagbohungbe with her spouse Mr. Isaac Fagbohungbe, perfect model of who a true mother and woman of immense substance should be.

Jubilee Anniversary cake during the programme.

BAGS AWARD OF EXCELLENCE

Mr. Fagbohungbe, a Senior Information •Members Of Osun NUJ Electoral Committee 2020 In A Group Photograph After The Screenin Officer at the Office of the Governor of The Excercise For Candidates Contesting For Various Posts In Osun NUJ Council.

State of Osun, on behalf of his siblings prayed that Almighty God grant the celebrator the grace to live very long to eat the fruits of her labour in sound health, great wealth, unfettered happiness, monumental exploits and unprecedented fulfillment.

a By Islamic College-Modrasat Zeenat-Ul-Islamiyat, Owode Ede, State Of Osun.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, housewarming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take.

To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Ismaeel on 08051212204, Shola on 08034454006 Let the public know what you are doing.

FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

INTERVIEW

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.com

10

Young Politicians Do Not Want To Pass Through Tutelage In Politics- Hon Olawuwo Hassan The name Hon Hassan Olawuwo rings bell in the ear of politicians, particularly members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun. In this interview with SODIQ YUSUF, he talks about the lingering crisis rocking the party in Ikirun, Ifelodun Local Government of the state and the 93rd birthday of a renowned APC leader, Alhaji Gbadamosi Lawal. Excerpts: We thank God; I have been enjoying politics. I am a member of the All Progressives Congress in Ifelodun Local government of the State of Osun. I was a chairman of the Ifelodun Local Government between 1991 and1993 during the Social Democratic Party (SDP) days. After that, I had the opportunity of serving in the state House of Assembly between 1999 and 2003. I was the Majority Leader at that time. Recently I was appointed as the Chairman of the House of Assembly Service Commission; I spent five years on that seat before the board was dissolved in November 2018.

But I remain steadfast in the party.

part of the progressive party and some of these people brought their conservative ideology. That is the case.

Do we still have leaders in the progressive movement ?

Of course we do. Starting from my local government, I know Hon. Gbadamosi Lawal, Pa Buraimo Bello, Chief Sola Akinwunmi, Chief Bisi Akande and a lot of them that have been in the progressive party and are still in the party.

have joined politics. There are some people who do not know and do not want to agree that there should be a period of tutelage in politics; just like in every profession, you have to learn it. You do not become a good doctor the day you graduate from the university. It is until you begin to practise under someone’s supervision that you will grow and become a doctor. The same applies to politics; but unfortunately, people who do not believe in what I have just said think because they went to the university

Has there been any period you left the fold of progressives for the conservative?

There was never a time I was part of the conservative party. I had interest in politics when I was a School Principal during the time of Chief Bola Ige as governor of Old Oyo State. I was a member of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), though I was not an active member as a civil servant. I admired Chief Bola Ige, I liked his style, the way he spoke, and the way he administered.

Bola Ige did not know me, as I had no contact with him. But the little I knew about him was through the newspaper and television and my observation of his activities as governor. I have been a progressive and I have remained one since the onset.

What is the difference between the progressives and conservatives?

Politicians who belong to the progressives’ camp downplay self interest. The leaders in progressives do not emphasise what they will gain from office; the emphasis is always on what the generality of the people will benefit from politics and administration, and that is how it should be. The conservatives, in my understanding put a lot of emphasis on what they will gain personally from politics and government.

Do you agree with the submission that there is now a thin line between the conservatives and progressives?

Yes. There is now a mix-up of progressive and conservative politicians.

Those who are conservatives and those who are progressives have found themselves in the same political party.

In the All Progressives Congress (APC) for example, there are people who dumped the conservative camp and to become

•Olawuwo.

How will you describe Gbadamosi Lawal who is now 93 years old?

Alhaji Gbadamosi Lawal is now 93year-old today (Monday, January 27, 2019) but he will celebrate his birthday next Friday and Saturday. I have known him for quite a long time, as matter of fact, as far back as 1960 when I was in the secondary school and later when I entered college, I had course to know him closely. I see him as a highly experienced politician. He is the father of everybody, he likes to accommodate everybody. He even treats those of us who are his children with respect. He seeks and values our opinion and tries to promote us politically. I see him as a very good leader. He is like an Iroko tree under which we all assemble to seek refuge and learn politics. I use this opportunity to thank God for his life. I admire him a lot.

One would wonder why the APC in Ikirun is engulfed in crisis despite the presence of the calibre of people like Alhaji Gbadamosi Lawal.

It is so because all manners of people

went ahead to disrupt the party’s local government meeting. What does this suggests?

That is the problem we have when you have people who are not disciplined. We have made people who normally should be voters to be politicians. If they do not lack discipline, the Governor and the state chairman of the party came here to appeal to all of us and sued for peace, and they told us how they wanted the party to be structured in the local government. They told us that Alhaji Gbadamosi Lawal is the overall leader of the local government. I don’t know why anyone should have problem with that.

He had been in politics before any of us were born. He had been chairman in the days of the District Council in the 50. In 1964, he contested and won the Regional Assembly election. He was in the then Oyo State House of Assembly member between 1979 and 1983. I do not see why anybody should have problem with it. Another aspect of the structure is the fact that Pa Buraimo Bello was asked to be the Joint Chairman for the three local government and Local Council Development Area. Last Sunday, when Bello was presiding over the meeting, some persons whose names I will not like to mention brought in hoodlums to disrupt the meeting. Of course, there were commotions already among members of the party before somebody invited the thugs. The Divisional Police Officer actually helped to restore normalcy, but the meeting was disrupted.

‘

and perhaps studied Political Science, they have knowledge of politics and want to become leaders over those who have been in politics for so many years. It is these kinds of characters that create problem in the party. They do not want to learn from anyone, they want to push aside the acknowledged leaders. There are some people like Lawal who have earned the respect of notable politicians including those in the opposition camp within and outside the state as the father of politics in this area that you need to learn from. There are some people who are not happy with the peace of the party; they believe that they can only enjoy the party when they cause commotion.

The APC had accommodated all manners of people including political jobbers because we wanted to people and develop the party.

That is how the problem started. The crisis was some serious sometimes but now it is getting resolved now.

But in spite of the intervention of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola and the APC chairman in the state, Prince Gboyega Famodun, some members still

That is the problem we have when you have people who are not disciplined. We have made people who normally should be voters to be politicians.

If they do not lack discipline, the Governor and the state chairman of the party came here to appeal to all of us and sued for peace, and they told us how they wanted the party to be structured in the local government.

‘

H

ow fair is politics to you?

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.com

FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

11

Entertainment In Osun Is Still At A Low Pedestal-Osunboymoj Mojeed Olakunle, a graduate of Civil Engineering from the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti, is an Osun-based hip-hop artiste who has been using his music to promote Yoruba culture and value, and campaign against drug abuse. OSUN DEFENDER reporter, SODIQ YUSUF caught him on rehearsal and had a chat with him. Excerpts: When did you start singing?

I have loved music since childhood. I started singing when I got out of secondary school. My love for singing g r e w when I was in 300 Level in t h e university.

I had tried recording s o m e songs and was with varying artistes in t h e studio.

These and m a n y m o r e culminated in me recording my first few songs.

The first music I personally re l eas ed was ‘Can’t Bring Me Down’ re l eas ed in 2014, ‘Say No To Drugs’ in 2017 and ‘Asa Wa’ in 2018.

There are o t h e r numerous songs to my credit but they have not b e e n re l eas ed officially. I have also fe atured in several collaborations.

What inspires y o u r music?

M y inspiration is Allah, t h e author and finisher of our faith. As a Muslim, I believe everything comes from Him. O I get inspiration from God and what happens around us in the society. I am also inspired by the need to promote our culture and tradition; campaign against drug abuse and work towards fasttracking development in our society.

Tell us more about your songs and the content?

I value content a lot. In fact, two of my released songs are thoroughly researched and depict the going zone in the society. ‘Say no to drugs’ was a song initiated by the need to further deepen the conversation on curbing drug abuse and engaging in the use of fake drugs. I made the song when I was a corps member and learnt about the hazards involved in fake drugs. I also wanted to get the attention of the NDLEA with it.

I am available and irrevocably committed to such causes.

The other one is Asa Wa. The focus of that is to re-emphasize the need for value reorientation and giving the needed attention to the promotion of the rich Yoruba sociocultural heritage. I also fantasize and love culture so much that all my ideas could not be captured in four minutes.

My songs are always directional and focused at important aspects of life even though I do love and admire street songs too.

for a local artiste in the state to organize a show and sellout without the presence of an “A” List artiste in the country.

A private media organization in Osogbo organized a concert to celebrate its anniversary sometimes ago. I’m sure that most people who attended the concert were given free tickets. Our people are not used to such before and they are trying to adapt to the environment.

I think our people need more orientation as to celebrating their own and the cultural potentials of our dear state. Government should also help in this regard with more promotion.

What challenges do you face?

Finances! I come from a family where we are not poor, nor rich. I have a long list of songs I should have recorded but cannot, due to financial constraints. I feel that if I have the opportunity to get more resources or the support from a record label, I would move fast and grow steadily in the music industry. I am also a graduate who has completed his one-year service to my fatherland (NYSC) for over a year, but I have not been able to raise enough finances because I am currently unemployed. If I can get the needed support morally and financially, I would become the next hotshot in the state by the grace of Almighty Allah with the quality of work and the passion that drives my music.

Where do you see yourself in the next five years?

I see myself as a superstar Engineer who combines music with my calling. I am also interested in mentoring young people and being a reference point in my fields of

What is your opinion about t h e ente r ta i n m e nt industry in Osun?

Osun is really a blessed state. We have loads of talents in almost every strata and field. In music, I have a lot I draw inspiration from.

In every corner of the state, we have someone doing either something or so. We are all good in what we do.

The administration of former governor •A Cross-Section Rauf Aregbesola Of Participants really gave At The Retreat in entertainers Osun the opportunity to thrive. At some point, the government replicated the Countdown to the New Year programme in “Osun Countdown” to celebrate us annually. Besides this, the government up till date supports our programmes and concerts even without financial backing.

However, the entertainment culture of the state is still at a low pedestal. Aside comedy shows, it is pretty difficult

•Olakunle endeavour. In all, I want to be a celebrity that would promote the good things embedded in the State of Osun to the outside world.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

Lassa Fever Victims Not From Osun

By Solomon Odeniyi

T

he two people diagnosed with Lassa Fever at the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospitals Complex, Ile-Ife are not residents of Osun, OSUN DEFENDER authoritatively gathered.

According to reliable sources at the OAUTHC yesterday, the two patients came from Ondo State to visit their relatives in Ile-Ife. One of the sources said:

"The two reported cases of Lassa Fever in State of Osun were from people who came visiting in Ile-Ife. They are not residents of Osun. You know we cannot close our

border with Ondo, so the people from the state came in and two of them started to show symptoms of Lassa Fever.

"They were taken to the OAUTCHC, Ile-Ife and Wesley Guild Hospital where they were tested to be positive. I am happy to inform you that they are responding to treatment."

The two Lassa fever caseswere reported on Monday, a development that caused panic among residents of the state.

The panic was heightened after it was rumoured that one of the victims had absconded from the hospital, a report the State Government had since denied.

Speaking during a radio programme on Wednesday, the Commissioner for Health in the state, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu said efforts have been put in place to curtail the spread of the disease.

According to him, the government has produced jingles in different languages on radio and television, held sensitisations in markets

Armed Robbers Kill Corps redeployment Member Who Redeployed To Osogbo to Osun in OSUN DEFENDER visited

By Ismaeel Uthman

A

member of the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC) in Osogbo, State of Osun, Mr Mukaila Adebayo has been killed by two suspected armed robbers.

Mukaila, a 2019 graduate of Banking and Finance from Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, was killed near his shop at Ifeloju Street, Omo-West Area, Osogbo by the suspected armed robbers who shot him on the head after dispossessing him of money, PoS machine and other items in the bag that he was carrying.

He was shot in the presence of his daughter around 11pm on Tuesday.

The robbers were said to have fled the scene on a motorcycle.

"The suspected armed robbers might have killed Mukaila because he recognised one of them", said a source who pleaded anonymity.

The deceased owned a container where he was operating a Point of Sale (POS), selling recharge cards and offering cable subscription.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that Mukaila was originally posted to Rivers State as a corps member for the2019 Batch C NYSC deployment.

He later sought

order to continue his business adventure.

The deceased's shop, named 'Delex Communication' and the shopping complex behind it were both closed when

the scene yesterday. Some few grieving people were seeing around the complex.

Some sympathisers were also sighted at the family house of the

•The Slain Adebayo’s Shop

deceased which was about six houses away to the right side of his shop.

When contacted, the Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Johnson Kokumo , confirmed the incident and said investigation into the killing had commenced, adding that details available on the matter were still sketchy.

Kokumo, who spoke through the Command's Public Relations Officer, Folasade Odoro, said: "A full-scale investigation to get the perpetrators had commenced.

"We sympathise with the family of the deceased.

We assure the public that no stone will be left unturned in getting to the root of the incident."

and religious centres and held capacity building trainings for health care workers.

Two isolation centers, according to Isamotu, have been set up in the state for those that tested positive to the disease.

The Commissioner for Health warned residents of the state against hunting for rats at this period, adding that such expedition might be dangerous to their health. He also urged the residents to keep their environments safe.

He said: "Residents of the community must stop hunting for rats now for.

They must ensure that they collectively keep their environments clean so that they will not create a safe haven for rats. They should also ensure their wastes are kept away from their homes.

"Residents should ensure that their foods are kept in containers rather than nylons and sacks used to prevent rats from making contacts with their foods. If rats make contact with our food it (such foodstuffs) should be disposed. " He encouraged residents of the state to keep cats in their homes, saying this would help to keep rats away.

New Olona of Ada Emerges Lawmakers Want FCE Sited In Iwo Fed Constituency

By Kehinde Ayantunji

P

rince Oyetunde Olumuyiwa Ojo has been announced as the new Olona of Ada, a community in Boripe North Local Council Development Area of the State of Osun.

The stool became vacant Olona of Ada. The Olona of Ada stool has with the demise of Oba Abimbola Olalekan, Abioye II a 1981 registered Chieftaincy Declaration and the newly on April 4, 2019. appointed Olona hails from In a statement released by the Adeitan Ruling House the Commissioner for which is the next in the order Information and Civic of rotation to occupy the Orientation, Mrs Funke stool.

Olona of Ada is a member Egbemode, the State Executive Council at its of the State Council of Obas meeting on Monday and his appointment brings approved the appointment of the number of monarchs Prince Oyetunde as the approved by the Oyetola administration to five.

By Kazeem Mohammed

Lawmakers in the State of Osun House of Assembly under the umbrella of Ayedire/Iwo/ Olaoluwa Federal Constituency have appealed to the Federal Government to site the proposed Federal College of Education allocated to Osun to (Olaoluwa) said it was Iwo. The three lawmakers imperative for the in the Iwo Federal Federal government to Constituency, Hon site the institution in Iwo Gbenga Ogunkanmi because of its economic political (Ayedire), Hon Uzamot and Adebayo (Iwo) and Hon peculiarities.

In a letter addressed Adegbile Abefe

to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Hon. Timothy Owoeye, the lawmakers said Iwo being the most populous city in the state and headquarters of Osun West Senatorial District deserves the institution because there is no federal presence in the city.

They argued that the federal college of education, if brought to

the city, would ensure equity and fairness without political influence or interference as well as giving the present administration more support in the constituency.

They stressed that the institution if located in the area will open more doors of economic opportunities in the area.

Another Islamic Group Opposes Operation Amotekun In Osun

By Solomon Odeniyi

The Western Nigeria Security Network (WNSN), codenamed Operation Amotekun, has again been rejected by another Islamic group, the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria.

According to the organization while at a press conference on Tuesday in Osogbo, the process that led to the formation of Operation Amotekun was faulty, saying the system has religious colouration.

Osun State Muslim Community had last Monday frowned at the circumstances surrounding the establishment of Amotekun, arguing that the establishment of the security network in the region as highlighted in its nomenclature was unacceptable.

It stated that the Amotekun charter, titled

Amotekun Golden Rule, contravenes the spirit of the Nigeria Constitution.

Addressing the press, the National Vice Chairman of the Supreme Council for Sharia in Nigeria, Sheik Abdur’raheed Hadiyatullah advised the South-West Governors not to lean towards any religion or target any ethnic group for victimization.

Hadiyatullah stressed that the Governors did not consult properly before unveiling operation Amotekun, claiming that the security outfit has religious coloration.

He said: “The isolation of a sizeable number of the concerned people

specifically, the Muslims, who are the majority in the region and some faithful of other religions, by these

Governors, especially the five Christians Governors in the deliberation that subsequently produced the

planned Amotekun, is nothing but a constructive display of low understanding of religious

Lassa Fever: Atakunmosa West-LG Chairman Cautions People On Unnecessary Panicking

By Niyi Olasinde The Chairman of Atakunmosa West Local Government, Osu, Hon. Francis Famurewa has cautioned the people of the local government and the state at large not to panic because of Lassa Fever outbreak in the state.

Famurewa while addressing his constituents on Thursday said fears do not prevent Lassa Fever, telling the people to strive hard to do everything humanly possible to prevent the spread of the disease in good state of mind.

He said: “It is now a must duty to keep our home, office, environment and

community clean at all time. This must be done individually and collectively in the interest of all. In as much as we choose to remain hygienic and follow all the preventive measures/steps as highlighted by our health experts, we will conquer Lassa Fever.

“Lassa Fever is a viral hemorrhagic fever and it

was first discovered in the Northern Nigeria in 1969 and as at 24th January 2020, 195 cases have been confirmed and 29 deaths had been reported in 11 States according to Nigeria Center for Disease Control (NCDC).

“But there is nothing to fear because the State Government, under our amiable Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is on top of the matter and his capability to curtail and defeat the disease is not in doubt because the wellbeing of the people is his utmost priority.”

tolerance on the side of promoters of the security outfit.

“Apart from the reference to birth certificates from churches and letters of reference from pastors, the choice of nomenclature is another controversial issue because it has a strong Christian identity.

“Why ‘Amotekun’ as a name of the security outfit?

Research has revealed the Biblical origin of this name and it makes Muslims suspicious. Why Amotekun of all brands?

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as BELLO BASIL AJANI, now wish to be known and addressed as IYSA-BELLO BASIL AKINSINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

BUSINESS

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.com

13

Osun Int’l Fish Market 'll Attract farmers from Korea, USA, China, Australia - NFAN President, Okesanya Emiola Okesanya is the President of the National Fish Association of Nigeria. In this interview with SOLOMON ODENIYI, the fish farmer speaks on the economic value the international fish market will bring to the State of Osun and the need for government to rekindle the interest of youths in fish farming. Excerpts:

How did fish farming begin for you?

I started fish farming in 1984 but I had been a farmer before then. Up till this moment, I am still into cattle breeding, piggery, among others but I do fish farming majorly. You know fish in itself is a good source of protein.

Anyone who is above 45 should stay away from red meat if he or she likes himself. Knowing all this, I knew going into fish farming will be it. After getting into it, I discovered that there is a lot in the fish value chain.

You were among the delegates sent to Korea in 2011, what were your take-away from the training?

My first take-away from my trip to Korea was the high level of commitment of the fish farmers in the country. A

O

sun is being considered as location for the international fish market, can you tell us the journey to that achievement?

I lobbied and did a lot of persuasions and conviction that Osun is equal to the task, being an agrarian state and its people are very accommodating and that the state is relatively peaceful before Osun was considered for the international fish market. It was easy for me to influence the fish market because I am a leader of Fish Association of Nigeria and also a member of ATWA. I did this because of how the government of the day has been striving to bring development to the state. As a fish farmer with long years of experience, I was sure a project of this nature can help to boost the economy of the state and provide employment for the youths.

There is money in fish value chain. Fish market is more •Proposed Site Of The International Fish Market. viable than oil, and can generate more income that can empower a lot of youths in the state and the country lot of us do not have belief in what we are doing. Some people started farming because of the situation they found at large.

A letter was then sent to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola themselves; although there are those who are committed to notify him on the international market, and immediately to farming. I also discovered that we lack the technical the Commissioner of Agriculture and Food Security, Mr skills and knowledge. I did not know that all I had been Adedayo Adewole came on board, he went for the doing was rubbish until I got to Korea. documentation of the project. We did not have a particular What are the challenges you have faced in your over location where the market would be sited until after I was contacted in Abuja. I spoke with Adewole and told him thirty years of fish farming? about a large expanse of land owned by the old Western The major challenge everyone is having is the lack of State of Nigeria from which Osun was eventually carved out. The land was laying fallow at Ijebu-Ijesa. The land good breeding stock that can be used to breed fish. The which is about 300 hectares has been earmarked for the ones we have been using in the last thirty to thirty-five market. The fish marketers will bring their fishes to market years are still the ones on ground. Sometimes, we do not in that place. It is going to be a complete fish value chain. succeed with our artificial insemination because the family Nets, feeds and others will be brought there. The of the female and male fish is the same and the breeding executives from all the countries involved will be around will be abysmal because they are from the same family. to inspect the place before February 15 and work would Also, the fish meal we are using for the feeds are too costly have fully begun on the land. The international market and they are imported. It is something we should be has the backing of the Federal Government, domestic and producing in the country. There are lots of things we can do in the fish value chain which we are not exploring. foreign investors.

How will the market be operated?

People from everywhere in the world will bring their products to sell in the market. Fish farmers from Korea, USA, China, and Australia and other parts of the world including our farmers and distributors here in Osun and Nigeria will also bring their products to the market to sell.

The market will serve as a centre where farmers and distributors around the world will meet, and it will create an avenue to learn from one another.

How well do you think the fish market will improve the economy of the state?

The state and local governments will be taking their revenue daily when the operation of the market commences. Anybody who comes to the market either to buy or sell will be issued a ticket. It will also create more employment opportunities. Besides, as a farmer, it provides an avenue to sell your farm produce. As a farmer, you are discouraged to farm when you do not have a market to sell your produce.

Do you mean to say fish farming is very lucrative?

Yes. But fish farming is garbage-in and garbage-out. You can only get back what you put into it. Presently, a kilo of fish costs N700 in the market. There is no way you will not get up to N250 on the number of the fish you produce and this is within four months of stocking your pound.

How are the South-West states faring in the supply of fish to the nation?

The South-West has been trying, in fact the region and the South-East and South-South have been the major suppliers of fish in the country. The three regions have been trying to culture fish that will feed the entire population. You must know for a fact that there is no day that at least N15m will not enter Abuja. What we need to do is to make sure that our fish can be processed into cans for export. Three weeks ago, the Central Bank of Nigeria invited us to Lagos and asked us to present a blueprint on how fish farmers can culture the needed fish for the nation and I told them the way out.

You were part of the ‘O fish’ programme of the immediate past administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, how will you assess the programme?

It was a success; a lot of states in Nigeria emulated the programme. It provided us the market to sell our fish and gave the needed encouragement to fish farmers in the state to produce more. In all, it was a nice initiative and I believe with the introduction of the International Fish Market, we will have more fish and fish farmers.

What has been your experience as the National President of Fish Farmers Association in Nigeria?

It has been a tedious job, but if you have the mindset of serving, you will not look back. And I have learnt that as a leader, you should not expect a profit but strive to write your name in gold. Being the leader is the reason I was able to bring the international market to Osun.

Why do you think the youths are discouraged from farming and what do you think can be done to reignite their interest?

We have a lot to do in this state and the country at large but first, we must emulate what is happening in China. In China, as a science student, you must pass through a technical college before going to a tertiary institution. But in Nigeria, after leaving secondary school, you head straight to the university or polytechnic. That is why our graduates are not always sound in the practical aspect of their various endeavours. We need to inculcate this habit, too, especially for our agriculture students. They need to know what they stand to gain in agriculture. For example, when I tell some youths how much they can make if they culture 3,000 fish three times in a year, it won’t be less than N35, 000 to N40, 000 in a month as profit. If our youths can earn this, there is no way they can be lured to indulge in criminal activities. Also, our leaders must invest massively in our youths in order to have a secured future for the nation. The salaries of office holders are too humongous and would not make anyone to pursue a career in any field let alone farming.

•Okesanya

‘

There is money in fish value chain. Fish market is more viable than oil, and can generate more income that can empower a lot of youths in the state and the country at large.

‘

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OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.com

OSPOLY Students Suspend Union President

T

he Students Representative Council of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree has suspended the President of the Students Union Government, Kehinde Raji, popularly called Kenraj for misconduct.

In a statement written by the Legislative Arm of the Students Union and signed by the Speaker of the SRC, Elegbede Oluwatosin and the Clerk, Omotosho Babatunde, Raji was accused of acting in manners contradicting democratic procedures.

The embattled president was accused of supporting the polarization of the National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Zone D, by working with some students who were posing as executive members of NANS after losing at the election on December 6 and 7, 2019 in Lagos.

The SRC summarily alleged that: “Kenraj attended a scope in Oyetola’s office with some impostors as NANS Zone D executives other than the ones known and approved by the OSPOLY Student Union Government. He went there without the knowledge of the union, allegedly collected a sum of N2 million afterward.

“Kenraj at the SRC sitting admitted he went for the scope but was not aware that some other people were coming, claiming that they only collected N250, 000 and not N2m. He

added that he failed to remit his share or inform the union of such proceeds from the meeting.

“As such, he was guilty of gross financial misconduct and running contrary to the

constitution of the union which he swore to defend by betraying the mandate given to OSPOLY agenda in NANS Zone D.” In the resolutions of the SRC on January 26, the union suspended Kenraj for a month but the Acting Rector of the institution, Dr. Woye Olaniran intervened and as a result, the

suspension was reduced to two weeks.

Reacting, the embattled president said his purported suspension was just a rumour and in total disregard to fair hearing.

He described the allegations leveled against him as ‘painting’, adding that the action of the SRC was unconstitutional.

Nuc Approves 51 New Programmes For Uniosun

I

n a bid to broaden the knowledge bank of the nation, the Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) has approved 51 new undergraduate and postgraduate programmes for the Osun State University, Osogbo.

M.Sc., The University has Economics, recently requested for the Economics, Ph.D., Political Resource Verification of 51 Science, M.Sc., Political new undergraduate and Science, Ph.D., Human post-graduate programmes Resource Management, to enable the university M.Sc., Human Resource Ph.D., achieve its vision and Management, Master (Professional) in mission.

Resource Investigation has Human revealed that the institution Management (MHRM), has been deploying Master (Professional) in innovative approach to Industrial and Labour (MILR), teach undergraduates with Relations M.Sc., the objective of raising Chemistry, Chemistry, Ph.D., Computer enterprising citizens.

Some of the newly Science, M.Sc., Computer approved postgraduate and Science Ph.D., Zoology, u n d e r g r a d u a t e M.Sc., Zoology, Ph.D., Plant programmes for the Biology, M.Sc., Plant University are: Fisheries and Biology Ph.D. The NUC also approved Aquatic Resources of Animal Management, M.Sc., Master English Language Production, Agricultural M.Sc., Education, M.A. (Ed.), Economics, Measurement and Agricultural Economics Evaluation M.Ed., PhD., Agricultural Extension

and Rural Development, M.Sc., Agricultural Extension Ph.D., Science Education, M.Ed., Geography, PhD, Peace and Conflict Studies, M.Sc., Peace and Conflict Studies, Ph.D., Masters (Professional) in Peace and Conflict Studies., Fisheries and Aquatic Resources.

OSCOTECH Students Protest Hike In Okada Fare

T

he students of Osun State College of Technology, EsaOke have protested the sudden increment on the transportation fare by commercial motorcyclists, called Okada riders on the campus of the institution.

Comrade OSUN DEFENDER institution, gathered that the initial fare Omotuyi Olusoji said the being charged by the students have rejected the commercial motorcycle on sudden increment and the campus was N50 per necessary measures are head and N70 for two being taken to address the matter. passengers.

Olusoji said the union has However, the price was met with Chairman of the increased to N70 per head Motorcycle Riders and and N100 for two Owners Association in the passengers. area, assuring the students In a chat with OSUN that the bike price would be DEFENDER, the Students reversed.

Union President of the

OAU Students Demands Justice On Randy Lecturer

S

ome students of the Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe have demanded justice on Prof Bisi Adeoye, a lecturer in the Department of International Relations, who was recently involved in sex-for-grade scandal.

The OAU students took to the OAU management their various twitter handles submitted its report on with hashtag ‘OAU Take Bisi Tuesday.

While some students Out’ which trended on the social media platform alleged the management of between last Thursday and trying to sweep the matter under the carpet, others used this week Tuesday.

They expressed the opportunity to relay the dissatisfaction at the manner encounter they had with the at which the university randy lecturer.

A student, Ibude Chuks with management was handling the the handle ‘@C_nation10’ matter.

Meanwhile, the described the response of the investigative panel set up by university management as

disturbing, adding that such was unexpected of an institution being known for discipline.

Another user with the name Moh Keita @KeitaMohammed9 said: “He’s a failed teacher and an imposter of the corrupt and dubious system of OAU and the Department of International Relations”.

In his tweet, another student with ‘@shinor_ayomi’ who recalled one of his encounters with the embattled Olaleye, said the lecturer had asked him to help scout for female students.

CRIME

Osun Pastor Arrested For Alleged Child Trafficking

By Yusuf Oketola

A

development, the NSCDC Commandant in the state, Adeyinka Oguntuase said investigation by the command revealed that one David Azua from the

Osongbo Local Government Area of Benue State gave his three children under six years to Akanasema.

He added that Azua said he released the children to

Akanasema because he was unable to take care of them.

The NSCDC boss added that the suspect had been handed over to the officials of the National Agency for the Prohibition of

n Ede based Pastor, Isaac Akanasema has been arrested by the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), Osun command for alleged human trafficking.

Commenting on the The Tiv indigene pastor who resides in Ede was accused of taking custody of under-aged children and Police authority in the State of Osun has dragged a 24-yeargiving them out as old man, Lawal Azeez before a magistrate’s court in Osogbo

By Yusuf Oketola housemaids to foster for alleged assault. inflicted injuries on the nose, parents.

58-year-old man, Michael Alao was on Tuesday Azeez was accused of upper lip and elbow of According to the Public arraigned before a Magistrate’s Court, sitting in unlawfully assaulting one Olatunde.

Relations Officer of the Akintunde said the accused Osogbo for allegedly stealing the sum of N205, 000. Ismaila Olatunde by using stick person allegedly committed NSCDC, Adewale Afolabi, and stone to beat him.

The case was adjourned The accused person was The police prosecutor, the offence on January 24, Akanasema admitted to February 18, 2020 for Inspector Jacob Akintunde 2020 at about 6:30 am at have brought the children said to have falsely obtained till told the court that the suspect Alawo area, Okinni. from Benue State but the sum from one hearing. explained that they were Adegboyega Ademola on the released to him by their pretence of selling him a plot parents, who were mostly of land.

43-year-old photographer, Adeyekun Adijat Oloyade remanded According to the charge farmers displaced by the sheet, Babatunde and a civil servant, Babayemi the accused person in the suspect farmers/herdsmen’s crisis committed the offence Titilayo (36) have been remanded in Ilesa Ilesa Correctional Centre in the state. around February and April Correctional Facility for three days for allegedly till January 30, 2020.

“Akanasema claimed to at Olorunsogo Area, fighting in public place and breach of peace. have done this in good faith 2019 Osogbo.

The prosecutor, ASP and not for monetary The offences were benefits.

The only contrary to and punishable James Idoko told the agreement he usually made under Sections 419 and court that the accused hree accused persons alleged of breach of peace and with the foster parents was 390(9) of the Criminal Code, person committed the smoking of Indian Hemp have stated that they were for them to take care of the Cap 34, Vol ll Laws of Osun alleged offence on being framed up by the police. children and be responsible State of Nigeria, 2002.

January 26, 2020 about The suspects, Olawale But the accused persons for their education”, said But the suspect pleaded 08:45am at No 15, Afolabi in a press statement not guilty to the two-count Ayodabo House, Omigade Olapade (32), Deji Osasona (21) pleaded not guilty to the and Musibau Olawale (25) were charges. made available to OSUN charges bordering on fraud area, Osogbo. arraigned in court on DEFENDER on Wednesday. and stealing.

Speaking at the court, the Idoko said the suspects Afolabi added: “He Defence Counsel, Okobe caused breach of peace Wednesday on a two-count first accused person, Olapade charge of breach of peace and said he went to charge his (Akanasema) was said to Najite applied for bail of the battery when he was caught by have begun this in 2014 and suspect in the most liberal by fighting in public place, consumption of India Hemp. even as they pleaded not The police alleged that the some vigilantes, saying he the children involved and affordable terms. suspects conducted themselves never committed any offence ranged from 10 to 14 years.

The Police Prosecutor, ASP guilty to the charge.

The Defense counsel, in a manner liable to cause as no evidence was found on When asked whether they Fagboyinbo Abiodun did not Mrs Bose Dada pleaded breach of peace by smoking him when the arrest was made. were well treated and cared object the bail application. for, the children answered Olapade told the court that Ruling on the bail with the court to grant substances suspected to be in the affirmative and application, the Presiding bail to the accused cannabis which is also known he lost his child few days before agreed to stay with their Magistrate, Modupe persons in most liberal as India Hemp on January 28, he was arrested.

The second accused person, foster parents till they Awodele granted bail to the terms, saying that they 2020 at about 9:00 pm at Olaiya area, Osogbo, capital of the Osasona said he was at a beer would complete their suspect in the sum of N200, are neighbours.

000 and two sureties. parlor when he was caught by education. “ The Magistrate, Mrs State of Osun.

Trafficking in Persons for further investigation and possible prosecution.

Oguntuase advised parents to give birth to only children that they can take care.

58-Year-Old Arraigned For Alleged N205, 000 Theft Police Arraign 24-Year-Old Man For Assault

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Court Remands Photographer, Civil Servant For Fighting In Public Place

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The prosecutor added that the offence was contrary to and punishable under Section 355 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 volume II, Laws of Osun State Nigeria, 2002.

But the accused person entered a not-guilty plea on the charges.

Defense Counsel, Mr. Sunday Abolade pleaded with the court to grant the accused person bail in the most liberal term.

The Magistrate, Adijat Oloyade released the accused person on bail in the sum of N50, 000 with one surety, just as he adjourned the case till February 10, 2020 for hearing.

Police Trying To Frame Us - Accused Persons Cry Out In Court

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the vigilantes, claiming that he had never smoked hemp in his life and nothing incriminating was found on him.

In his statement, the third accused person, Olawale, a bricklayer, said he went to buy drug when he was arrested at the beer parlour.

The owner of the beer drinking spot, Esther Obinna who testified before the court said that nothing like India Hemp was ever found on the suspects, saying that they were her customers.

The magistrate, Ms Adebola Ajanaku struck out the case because it lacked merit as no evidence was presented to the court as exhibit.

FRIDAY JANUARY 31 - THURSDAY FEBRUARY 06, 2020

SPORTS

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.com

15

Premier League Clubs In Deadline Rush As January Transfer Window Closes Today

By Sodiq Yusuf

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he January transfer window gives Premier League clubs the chance to strengthen or streamline their squads in order to meet their objectives in the second half of the season.

Collectively, last season’s above the relegation zone – 20 top-flight clubs spent it’s time for owners and £180 million in January managers to make big regarding 2019. Although it was less decisions than in previous years, it incoming and outgoing proves that Premier League players.

As the winter window outfits are willing to spend closes today (Friday), here big in the winter window.

And with clubs looking to are some of the transfers consolidate their positions executed so far by the in the table – whether it’s teams in the most followed Liverpool at the top or the football league in the world host of sides hovering in January 2020; Arsenal Ins: Eddie Nketiah (Leeds United, loan recall) Outs: Ben Sheaf (Doncaster Rovers, loan), Tyreece JohnJules (Doncaster Rovers, loan) Emile Smith Rowe (Huddersfield Town, loan) Konstantinos Mavropanos (FC Nurnberg, loan), Deyan Iliev (Jagiellonia Bialystok, loan) Aston Villa Ins: Danny Drinkwater (Chelsea, loan), Pepe Reina (AC Milan, loan), Mbwana Samatta (Genk, £10m), Louie Barry (Barcelona, £885k) Outs: Andre Green (Charlton Athletic, loan), Jonathan Kodjia (Qatari side Al-Gharafa), Easah Suliman (Vitoria Guimaraes, undisclosed), Lovre Kalinic (Toulouse, loan) Bournemouth Ins: Kyle Taylor (Forest Green Rovers, loan recall) Outs: Emerson Hyndman (Atlanta United, undisclosed), Asmir Begovic (AC Milan, loan), Mikael Ndjoli (Kilmarnock, loan) Brighton & Hove Albion Ins: Aaron Mooy (Huddersfield, £5m) Outs: Anders Dreyer (Midtjylland, undisclosed), Max Sanders (AFC Wimbledon, loan), James Tilley (Grimsby Town, undisclosed), Tudor Baluta (ADO Den Haag, loan), Tom McGill (Crawley, loan), Billy Arce ( LDU Quito, loan) Burnley Ins: None Outs: Ryan Cooney (Morecambe, loan), Christian N’Guessan (Oldham, loan), Adam Phillips (Morecambe, loan), Anthony Glennon (Grimsby, loan), Scott Wilson (Blyth Spartans, loan), Will Harris (Warrington Town, loan), Tunde Bayode (Curzon Ashton, loan), Danny Drinkwater (Chelsea, loan ended), Josh Benson (Grimsby, loan) Chelsea Ins: Danny Drinkwater (Burnley, loan recall), Jacob Maddox (Tranmere Rovers, loan recall) Outs: Danny Drinkwater (Aston Villa, loan), Marc Guehi (Swansea City, loan), Jamal Blackman (Bristol Rovers, loan), Conor Gallagher (Swansea City, loan), Victor Moses (Inter Milan, loan) Crystal Palace Ins: Cenk Tosun (Everton, loan), Scott Banks (Dundee Utd, undisclosed) Outs: Victor Camarasa (Real Betis, loan ended), Sam Woods (Hamilton, loan) Everton Ins: Jarrad Branthwaite (Carlisle United, £800k) Outs Kieran Dowell (Wigan Athletic, loan), Callum Connolly (Fleetwood Town, loan), Cenk Tosun (Crystal Palace, loan) Leicester Ins: None Outs: Raul Uche (Real Valladolid, undisclosed), George Thomas (ADO Den Haag, loan), Andy King (Huddersfield Town, loan), Kiernan Dewsbury-Hall (Blackpool, loan) Liverpool Ins: Takumi Minamino (RB Salzburg, £7.3m), Joe Hardy (Brentford, undisclosed) Outs: Herbie Kane (Hull City, loan), Rhian Brewster (Swansea City, loan), Allan (Atletico Mineiro, £3.2m), Isaac Christie-Davies (Cercle Brugge, loan), Nathaniel Phillips (Stuttgart, loan) Manchester City Ins: None Outs: Patrick Roberts (Middlesbrough, loan), Lukas Nmecha (Middlesbrough, loan), Ian Poveda (Leeds, £1m)

Manchester United Ins: Bruno Fernandes (Sporting CP, £55m plus add ons) Outs: Ethan Hamilton (Bolton, loan), Alex Fojticek (Stalybridge Celtic, loan), Max Taylor, (Stalybridge Celtic, loan), Ashley Young (Inter Milan, £1.28), George Tanner (Salford, loan), Cameron Borthwick-Jackson (Oldham, loan) Newcastle Ins: Nabil Bentaleb (Schalke, loan), Valentino Lazaro (Inter Milan, loan) Outs: None Norwich Ins: Ondrej Duda (Hertha Berlin, loan), Lukas Rupp (Hoffenheim, undisclosed) Outs: Anthony Spyrou (Unattached, released), Carlton Morris (MK Dons, loan), Akin Famewo (St Mirren, loan), Philip Heise (FC Nurnberg, loan), Dennis Srbeny (Paderborn 07, undisclosed), Rocky Bushiri (Sint-Truiden, loan), Louis Thompson (MK Dons, loan), Billy Johnson (Braintree Town, loan), James Husband (Blackpoolm undisclosed) Sheffield United Ins: Jack Rodwell (Unattached, free), Jack Robinson (Nottingham Forest, undisclosed) Outs: Richard Stearman (Unattached, released), Tyler Smith (Rochdale, loan)

Southampton Ins: None Outs: Christoph Klarer (SKN St Polten, loan) Tottenham Ins: Gedson Fernandes (Benfica, loan with option to buy) Outs Jack Clarke (QPR, loan) Watford Ins: Joao Pedro (Fluminense (undisclosed), Ignacio Pussetto (Udinese, £6.8m) Outs: Dimitri Foulquier (Granada, loan), Filip Stuparevic (FK Pribram, loan), Marvin Zeegelaar (Udinese, undisclosed) West Ham Ins: Darren Randolph (Middlesbrough, £4m) Outs: Nathan Holland (Oxford, loan), Joe Powell (Burton, undisclosed), Conor Coventry (Lincoln, loan), Roberto (Deportivo Alaves, loan), Martin Samuelson (Hull, £1m) Wolves Ins: Leonardo Campana (Barcelona SC, undisclosed) Outs: Elliot Watt (Carlisle United, loan), Ivan Cavaleiro (Fulham, £15m), Patrick Cutrone (Fiorentina, loan), Connor Ronan (Blackpool, loan), Rafa Mir (SD Huesca, loan)

Eagles Defender, Ebuehi Unhappy In Benfica, Reveals Plan To Move

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uper Eagle defender, Tyronne Ebuehi has asked Portuguese Primera Liga Champion, Benfica to allow him leave the club on loan this month. the winter transfer Ebuehi linked up with window. the Eagles in 2018 but Ebuehi spent four missed the entire years at Dutch Eredivisie campaign after copping a outfit ADO Den Haag cruciate ligament injury before moving to Benfica in training. on a free transfer in 2018 The 24-year-old has penning a five-year also struggled with his contract. fitness this season and He made 78 league has featured in seven appearances for the club games for the Benfica’s and scored one goal.

U23 side and made four Ebuehi was in Nigeria’s appearances for the 23-man squad for the Team B. 2018 FIFA World Cup in According to a report Russia. He came on as a in Portuguese online substitute in the second news hub, abola.pt, half of a 2–0 victory over Ebuehi is pushing for a Iceland. loan move to another club before the end of

•Ebuehi

Novak Djokovic Shatters Roger Federer’s Hope

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ovak Djokovic shattered the hopes of ailing rival Roger Federer Thursday to sweep into a record eighth Australian Open final and move closer to his 17th Grand Slam crown.

In the 50th instalment of terms of movement,” said champion one of the sport’s greatest defending rivalries, the Serb shrugged Djokovic, who is into his off a tentative start to 26th Grand Slam final.

“He started well at the reinforce his recent dominance, showing no beginning and I was pretty mercy to the Swiss maestro nervous. It was very important for me to win in a 7-6 (7/1), 6-4, 6-3 win.

He will play either fifth seed Dominic Thiem or seventh-ranked German Alexander Zverev in Sunday’s final, but it will take a monumental effort to prize another title from the 32-year-old.

Of the seven Melbourne finals Djokovic has made, he has won them all.

If any extra motivation was needed, winning on Sunday will see the Serb reclaim the number one ranking after Rafael Nadal was sent packing in the last eight.

“Respect to Roger for coming out tonight when •Djokovic he was obviously hurt and not even close to his best in

that first set. Mentally I relaxed after that.”

It was the fourth time Djokovic had beaten Federer at the semi-final stage in Melbourne after doing the same in 2008, 2011 and 2016.

Federer, the 2018 champion, came into the match carrying a groin injury that he picked up in

his five-set, come-frombehind quarter-final win against Tennys Sandgren.

He was seen around Melbourne Park before the match with tape on his upper right leg and there were even rumours that he might pull out.

But that is not in the 38year-old’s nature — he has only ever given up four walkovers in his long career — and the show was on.