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VOL. 014. NO.03

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Fire and Brimstone From Oluwo Over Location Of Federal College Of Education! Page 2 Operation Amotekun Comes to Live in South West - Ooni Warns Personnel Not To Betray The Ideal Behind It Page 12

Injury Threatening My Career - Osun ParaPower Lifting Champion Cries Out Page 15

Muslim Leaders Wade In As Two Imams Emerge Page 14

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Oluwo Blows Hot Over Proposed Federal College Of Education By Solomon Odeniyi

he Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Adekanbi has warned the Federal and State Government against taking the proposed Federal College of Education purportedly sited in Iwo to another place. Oluwo threatened to do country deserves more all within his power to infrastructures and federal ensure that the support government presence. He stated that the enjoyed by the ruling All Progressives Congress in his community currently has no infrastructure either community stops should the government take the sited by the state or federal proposed institution away. government. Oba Akanbi said: “Iwo is Oluwo in a telephone interview with journalists the fifth largest town in lamented what he Nigeria, the most populous described as dearth of local government in Osun development in his town, state, the Headquarters of saying that Iwo, being one the Osun West Senatorial of the largest towns in the District and we have

nothing to show for it. “We are supposed to enjoy the support giving to the ruling party but it is quite unfortunate that we are being treated this way. I can tell you there is no state or federal infrastructure in this town. “We have been isolated

in term of siting things that can move the town forward. As for Federal College of Education, I will not take it lightly. I will fight this government with the last drop of my blood, even if it will take me to lay down my life on this college of

education, I will do it. “I will do all within my power to make sure the ruling party does not enjoy the supports it has been enjoying in Iwo. They have the power and let them try it and see what will happen. They must give us the

Federal College of Education that has been allocated to Osun. “We have no school or any infrastructure in the community. Tell me one community with the same landmass of Iwo that has no infrastructure. “

There is now a Thin Line Between Progressive, Conservative Politicians - Chief Akinwumi

chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of Osun, Engr Sola Akinwumi has observed that Nigerian politicians have abandoned the ethos and ideological focus of politics, but settled for areas that would satisfy their quest for “sudden wealth.” Akinwumi in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday said rather than upholding the principles of collective development and equalled prosperity to the cause of the state; the politicians are busy venturing into areas of personal affluence and prosperity. He noted that there is now a thin line between progressive politicians and their counterparts in the conservatives as “everyone is concerned with their personal gains and running after ventures that would be counterproductive to good governance in the long run.” The Chairman of Osun APC Elders Council also harped on the need for an attitudinal change on the part of the lawmakers to effect the needed constitutional amendment to save the nation from the acute monetization of politics it is currently experiencing. Akinwumi said: “These days, you find it difficult to differentiate between the lifestyle of a progressive and that of a conservative. There is a thin line. When you move around and you see a big house and you ask who owns it; they would say it belongs to a progressive, you move another 2 meters, you will be told it belongs to a member of the conservatives. “So, the people cannot identify it easily, they are confused. The line is

becoming thinner and until we get something to do about it, I’m afraid, Nigeria will remain in trouble.” “It is the question of money politics. We over monetized politics and it is now resulting to somebody having billions before he can contest any election. I remember vividly when we were gunning for governorship election in 1999, the total amount in the audited accounts after we conducted three elections; local government, house of assembly and governorship election; everything held was #6 million. “It is the same elections that they now conduct with billions. It is the same election and the electorates are still the same, they have not died. Why do we run into billions? It is because the money money coming from the top is not reaching the ground and some people become millionaires through that.” Engr Akinwumi who served as the Secretary to the Osun State government during the administration of Chief Adebisi Akande stated that his former principal is the most celebrated one-term former governor in the country. Being a technocrat and a politician according to the seasoned administrator, is what distinguishes the Asiwaju of Ila Orangun as first among equals with commitment to service

•(L-R)Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Barrister Georgina Ehuriah, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, The Minister of Interior, Gboyega Oyetola, Governor State of Osun, Former Deputy Governor of the State, Titi-Laoye Ponle and Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly Hon. Timothy Owoeye during a coutesy visit by the ministry interior to the Governor Yesterday.

delivery as well as being intellectually capable to handle governance and political issues. “Chief Akande was first a rightist before becoming a leftist. And by the time he became a leftist, his school was Chief Obafemi Awolowo and that is the school for all of us. “Incidentally, the man is someone that should be

studied. What is he doing wrong or right? He Is a man at home with everybody irrespective of their status. That was a kind of man his boss, Bola Ige was too. He is at home with the elites, the garage boys, the students and everyone.” “If you look at the whole government since the creation of Osun from Adeleke to Akande’s

democratic dispensation to Oyinlola, Rauf Aregbesola and Oyetola, the current one, you will find out where each of them improved. What made things easy during our time is that, we had people who had integrity, who had means of livelihood, who on their own can feed themselves and educate their children.”

“There is one problem we are having now, we have lots of graduates in our homes with beautiful certificates, some not wanting to do any job, some waiting for councillorship or chairmanship unlike in those days when one would have worked round before coming back to politics.”

Heavy Security As Osun Assembly Nullifies Impeachment of Osogbo-South LCDA Chairman By Ismaeel Uthman here was heavy presence of policemen at the Osogbo-South Local Council Development Area on Tuesday, as parliamentarians in the council resumed back to office after a week suspension by the State of Osun House of Assembly. OSUN DEFENDER noted impeachment of Alaoye that about five police vans because it did not follow with armed policemen due process, after receiving were stationed at the the report of the joint Secretariat of the council, Committees on Local located at the Palace of the Government and Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Chieftaincy Affairs and Jimoh Olanipekun Oyetunji. Judiciary, Legal Matters, It was gathered that the Public petitions and Human Leader of the Council, Hon Rights on the matter. Akeem Badmus called a Speaker of the House, parliamentary meeting, Hon. Timothy Owoeye said where a Vote of No that the Osogbo-South Confidence was Passed on LDCA parliamentarians the Chairman of the failed to follow laid down Council, Hon Akeem procedure as contained in Otaoro, less than 24 hours Section 19 (a) (b) (c) and (d) after the House Assembly of the State of Osun Local returned them back to Government Areas office. (Creation and The House of Assembly Administration) Law, 2015 had on Monday nullified for the removal of the the purported Chairman.

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Owoeye pointed out that it will be absurd for the House of Assembly to proceed to act on faulty procedure, saying the parliamentarians committed a procedural error by completing the impeachment before forwarding it to the Assembly. The Speaker however, noted that the parliamentarians have the power to remove/impeach the Chairman but such power could not be exercised without following necessary procedure. According to him: “The present resolution of the Assembly has not in any way vindicated the two parties and the earliest order asking them not parade themselves within the precinct of the Council was borne out of the need for peace to reign. “The Parliamentarians

have the right to remove or suspend any of it’s members but the normal process stipulated by the law of the land must be followed appropriately. “It should be on record that the position of the law on the process of impeachment is clear. Parliamentarians should get themselves used to the law, this Assembly cannot fold her arms and watch impunity thrive. “The House of Assembly will not hesitate to do the needful on any chairman found wanting if the procedure is right.” The Assembly in a related development stated that the suspension of the Olounda Local Government Chairman, Hon Hammed Anisu also failed to follow the laid down procedure.

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2020: Ifa Warns Women Against Prioritizing Wealth Over Family By Solomon Odeniyi

omen in the state of Osun have been warned not to allow the acquisition of materials and wealth to take prominence over their responsibilities in the family in 2020. The warning was will all have to give account contained in the spiritual of our stewardship without message of the Ifa been able to hide behind a divination to the people of finger. The consequences the state for the year 2020. of corruption will be severe. “The government and its According to the members of traditional representatives must go Religion Worshipers about taxation with a Association, the message human face. Taxes are came after a divination legitimate and as old as creation but when not process. In the spiritual message executed properly, it could printed in a bulleting, the cause disaffection and loss oracle also warned elected of followership. “Ifa also asks all to work officers and political appointees to serve with a smart and diligently to benefit from the prosperity spirit of fairness, equity and justice, adding that they and business opportunities must shun any form of that will manifest in Osun, corruption as the warning that there is a risk punishment for anyone for the people who want to found culpable would be reap what others have sown. severe. “The whole state “Do not assume that what is done in secrecy will unanimously yearns for not be revealed. Ifa says the prosperity. The cry of Mr time has come when we Governor is same with the

masses and deities reassures that our prayers shall be answered. However, we must all pray

and work assiduously to achieve this. The government should not leave out any sector of the

CHANGE OF NAME

That I was formerly known as RAHEEM AMODU ABIMBOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as AJIBOLA H A M M O D OLAOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and General public should take note.

That I was formerly known as KOMOLAFE AKEEM TEMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as KOMOLAFE LATIFAT TEMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

That I was formerly known as AJAO SURAJUDEEN ABEFE, now wish to be known and addressed as FADAIRO SURAJUDEEN ABEFE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

That I was formerly known as MISS ADEYEMI TOLULOPE MUIBAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINDOYIN TOLULOPE MUIBAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

health especially those with intestinal problems, stating that failure to do could lead to death.

Stakeholders Want Govt To Promote Batik Business, Yoruba Language By Sodiq Yusuf

Stakeholders in the traditional fabric dyeing industry, batik have called on the Federal and State Governments to save the business from going into extinction by promoting it through policies and programmes. The stakeholders noted that the batik industry is one of the fabric industries that provides jobs for people and is capable of boosting the economy of the state of Osun and Nigeria at large if the government pays attention to and empower the people on the business. Speaking at the Adire Day Festival held at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Abere on Tuesday, a Professor of

History, Siyan Oyeweso called on the Southwest Governors to be at the vanguard of advocacy for the return of batik. According to Oyeweso, the Southwest Governors should return school uniforms in both public and private schools to batik as it was the case in the old days. By doing so, Oyeweso said the government will be promoting the batik business and empowering the women and young ladies who have taken to undignified work for survival. He maintained that the promotion of the batik industry would not only boost the economy of the state but also create wealth among the people

•Comrade Adekitan Luqman, Tunice presenting award of excellence to Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, Chairman,Nigeria Union Of Journalist osun state council Photo Olushola Aderinto

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society”, the Oracle added. The Oracle also warned the citizens to see to the adequate care of their

CHANGE OF NAME

E ACE P S SAL R O F

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and employment opportunity for the youths and in return will guarantee peace in the society. Oyeweso also urged Nigerians to embrace made in Nigeria products to encourage local manufacturers and protect the economy of the country. The professor appealed to the Federal Government to resuscitate the textile industry and provide a strong empowerment programme for the women, especially on the batik business, saying 'to be a happy society, we need to return market to the women. Women are the engine room of economy.' In his address, a renowned artist, Chief Muraina Oyelami, urged the government to promote Yoruba language, culture and tradition and the batik industry for

socio-economic development. Oyelami maintained that government can provide millions of job through the promotion of art and culture, stating that empowering the local businesses like batik would have significant positive effect on the country's economy. Speaking in their separate remarks, an Ede born Yoruba actor, Chief Adedeji Aderemi popularly known as Ola-Ina, a batik business woman, Chief Doyin Olosun and Chief Oyelola Elebuibon, called on the government to make Yoruba a compulsory subject to pass before gaining admission into higher institution. They submitted that no society or country could develop without promoting her indigenous language.

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REVIEW AND OUTLOOK

Bisi Akande: An Unbowed Democrat Established 2005

An Appeal To Governor Oyetola

n endearing quality about the Governor of the State of Osun is that he is a patient listener and he is also compassionate. This is why we are appealing to him to use his good offices to come to the assistance of Osun State indigene Ibrahim

Mujidat. Mujidat is one of the leading lights in the para - power lifting in the country and in the world. He is indomitable, and has overcome physical disadvantage without self - pity, turning into a positive force on the contrary. He has made Osun State proud and we admire his spirit.

The athlete’s current injury was sustained in training and more funds are urgently required for treatment. We appeal to our caring governor and other well wishers to rally around a good cause and donate generously to the treatment of an athlete who has made our state and country proud.

Electricity Tariff Hike

lectricity prices must be cost reflective otherwise the operators will go out of business. This means that both the regulator and the government have to be ensure a delicate balancing act in persuading a hard pressed public to accept increases in electricity prices. The weakest link in the chain of a disastrous privatised link the distributors, have not helped matters with their grotesque comportment and

insensible attitude towards the end user. Any price increase must be accompanied with a demonstrated commitment to metering. People cannot be expected to pay for unverified consumption. The framework in its entirety is a scam, indeed organized criminal activity lexused on a violation of rights called "crazy bills" which is frankly an extortion. Until an end is put to this it will be nearly impossible to proffer a moral justification for an upward increase in

tariffs. This is certainly not the case with the more successful telecommunications sector. The government must show the political will and the resolve to force the pace on universal metering. This is the only way to ensure compliance as well as equity. The present government is a victim of a disastrous, ill thought out privatization process, unfortunately it has to rectify the situation with decisive intervention. The consumer frankly has had enough.

High Unemployment Rate And The Way Out T he increase rate of unemployment in Nigeria came into being, not because the government has failed to do the needful alone, but because the youths who have fell victim have not been proactive. Though, there are many factors responsible for unemployment and firstly, there is low standard of education in Nigeria, hence, youth of nowadays can’t compete with their counterparts from other parts of the world before ending up in the labour market. Another factor is favoritism, as people get employed based on where they come from and the persons you are connected to. However, these should not be allowed by youth to way them down, as there are many platforms for them to improve their skills. Many graduates do not think it is essential to empower themselves with skills that would further enhance their chances of getting jobs such as I n f o r m a t i o n C o m m u n i c a t i o n Technology (ICT) among others. Those who

eventually acquire such

other vices. Sometimes, it

Jailed as a democrat by how he was handling the A s soldiers in 1984 for an task of state craft, I was Governor, offence that was neither privileged to sit on his h e codified nor known to the breakfast table twice in the properly law before the Special Government House. established Mi litary Tribunal, Chief Today and until the end Osun as a Adebisi Bamdele Akande of time, the sprawling Bola state in presented himself in the Ige House, Office of the t h e military dock at Ibadan as Governor, Osogbo and the Nigerian the clear picture of massive state secretariat all federating President John Fitzgerald stand to the credit of Chief system as Kennedy ’s Profile in Akande whose frugal seen in Mr. Fayemiwo Courage. The former expenditure of public funds h i s Deputy Governor of Oyo remain exemplary. These administration’s free State stood trial, refused to successfully moved Osun health services, rural be intimidated by soldiers away from the status of housing for civil servants, who sat as judges of the squatter government; an remain a beacon to follow Tribunal at that uncertain appellation derived from since then. Akande curbed time exemplifying courage the creation of the Osun on wastefulness in public and integrity which are the 27th August, 1991 when office. Some technocrats scarce commodities in lock-up stalls of the then tested his will with public life. bustling Ayegbaju Market malignant official requests; As Brigadier Charles were vacated by the traders one of which was for the Ndiomu handed him long and converted to the state purchase of motor vehicle jail sentence, the soldiers secretariat to house tyres while another bruised but could neither returning civil servants. presented the same bow Akande nor convince Leadership, as displayed memorandum in three themselves that they had by Chief Akande, is not different files thing the Iladone justice as latter events rocket science but derived Oragun Accountant-turned proved. Shamefully, two from humility, selflessness politician would not years after, it was upon this and commitment to public recollect the ingredients of same officer Ndiomu the good. That was why his malignant request. lot fell one more to sit as Professor Barry Z. Posner in As a car owner himself, the Chairman of the Special his “5 Practices of Governor Akande, in the Military Tribunal that Exemplary leadership” presence of the public convicted the poetic Major- submitted that leadership servant, put a call through General Mamman Jiya resides in every city and to his friend at Ajegunle Vatsa and other soldiers for organisation encouraging spare parts market to find the mens rea of treason everyone to act like a out the cost of tyres and subsequently leader. Leaders, Posner specifications that the despatched them to the noted, model the way they officials requested. The world beyond by the bullets behave so that others can outcome was an eye of an f o l l o w opener on the shape of his ignominious t h e i r administration until the Kirikiri footsteps end of his tenure. In the firing squad w h i l e second situation,Chief at dusk. acting on Akande had the courage to W i t h behalf of call a thief his name. calmness Chief Akande treats the larger a n d whatever presents itself as society. resolute C h i e f corruption like a plague. faith in the A ka n d e , That probably is why he has truth of his a s retained his health, stature, democratic Governor, sanity, relevance and credentials, i n s p i red mantra of life of service. At Akande was confidence 81, Akande is an exemplary p u n i s h e d Chief Bisi Akande, the avatar t h a t model that future turns 81 on Thursday for being m a d e generation must follow if honest. extraordinary we must cure the raving Blameworthy operators things happen in his tenure insanity and destruction found their ways out of and for which Osun people that corruption has prisons but could not realised that he understood unleashed on Nigeria. dodge their comeuppance their needs and overall Today and happily too, in the fullness of time. interest. When he was Akande remains unbowed Today, Akande stands tall, rigged out by the and unblemished. healthy and relevant while conspiracy of the dubious Ghana’s Lailah Gifty Akita his traducers of that era elite class, Akande retired to was talking about Bisi have either vanished or are the serenity of saintly and Akande whnen she said “I extinct politically. puritanical living in Ila- am enduring temporary Elected as Osun Orangun where he has, sufferings to fulfil my Governor when democracy since then, been sought dearest dreams.” returned to Nigeria in 1999, after by peace seekers from Wishing the Asiwaju of Akande won an easy victory far and near. Ila-Orangun, an unbowed that was not contested by democrat, a blissful 81 st Dr. Olu Alabi of the then fledgling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Before he could settle down to governance, Osun Publisher – Moremi Publishing workers confronted Akande House Ltd. with a crippling industrial action that arose from the Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman inability of the total state’s (0805-121-2204) resources from all sources to meet the monthly wage Production Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa bill. The year 2000 was full of Reporter – Solomon Odeniyi industrial and political Reporter – Yussuf Sodiq roulettes filled to the brims with uncertainties, Photographer – Olushola Aderinto bickering, betrayals, hecklings and intra-party Computer Graphics - Zainab Olalere disharmony within the conclave of the then OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House LimAlliance for Democracy ited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. (AD) on which platform All correspondence to the above mail address. Chief Adebisi Akande was ISSN: 0794-8050 elected as the second Telephone: 0805-121-2204 civilian Osun Governor. Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, From these crippling osundefenderbank@gmail.com imbroglios, this writer has a both a rare privilege of OSUN DEFENDER is not affiliated with any other newspaper, magazine or any publication whatsoever. not only reporting the Akande administration and birthday.

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skills get a higher chance of getting employed. Agriculture is a big boost to the economy but many see it as a dirty job with little or no return, hence based on ignorance, they abandon agriculture. This is the same situation in several other sector where youth can leverage on. These categories of youths do not search on ways of getting themselves self-employed, they prefer to sit at home and wait for someone to employ them. Even some of them who have ideas and not financially buoyant enough to bring their ideas to reality prefer to remain silent, which is very unfortunate. All these have led many youths to drug abuse, thuggery, suicide, prostitution and many

results to emotional and mental stress, and low economic growth. To address this situation, it must be the responsibility of all stakeholders. One, the government must ensure that efforts are made to improve on the standard of education. Employers should be more concerned about employing people who would bring development to their companies, rather than being emotional. Also, youths should acquire more skills relevant to their field that would increase their chances of employment, so that if white-collar job is not available, they would be able to stand on their own. •MISTURA OLADELE, Osogbo.

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

SPECIAL REPORT

Tears, Rein Of Curses As Police Exhume Corpse Of LASU Students Killed By Lover In Osun •We Are No Longer Comfortable With The Number Of Churches In Our Town - Residents •I Wanted To Experiment What I Read From Seven Books Of Moses - Pastor •I Wasn't Aware Human Parts Were Used To Prepare Concoction, Soap For Me- Owolabi's Mum •Govt Should Delegate Powers To Capture Data Of Residents- Olukoyi By Solomon Odeniyi

Philip. Speaking with journalists, Owolabi said: “I called her to come and meet my parents at Ikoyi-Ile and that when she got to Ikoyi she should take a bike to a hotel. When she got there, she said she was tired. I lied to her that I wanted to take her to meet my dad’s elder brother. So we moved from the hotel to the church and she slept off while waiting. I hit her with pestle on the head. “After I killed her, the pastor took the needed organs in her body and her remains was thrown inside a dry well in front of the church. The prophet then asked me to remain within the church premises until he finished the final rituals. I was there when the Police came and arrested us.” Advising the youths, Owolabi said: “There is no shortcut to anything in life. What you work for is what will last long.” I wanted to experiment with what I read from Books of Moses

•Police homicide officers exhuming Favour’s Corpse

motion flowed freely as residents of Ikoyi-Ile in Isokan Local Government of the state of Osun witnessed the exhumation of the decomposing corpse of the twenty-two-year- old Favour DaleyOladele, who was killed by his boyfriend, Adeeko Owolabi and his pastor, Segun Philip in the church on December 8 2019. The residents of the community reigned curses on Owolabi and the Pastor, just as they hinted the security that many other churches in the bush should be investigated. Favour was a final year student of the Theatre Arts in the Lagos State University. She was the only child of her parents and was born after a long expectation of a child, it was gathered. All is not well with the Owolabi’s family. The family had bore a lot of financial burden and it does not seem there was an end in sight. But before the setback, the family had lived a comfortable life and this became a source of concern to Owolabi who wanted to put an end to his family’s dwindling fortunes. The desperate twenty-three-year-old Owolabi who was in search of a solution to his family’s financial woes, contacted a self acclaimed pastor of a white garment

church, Segun Philip at Ikoyi-Ile in Isokan Local Government of the state of Osun. Owolabi had been patronising Philip for spiritual help for the past two years, it was learnt. He introduced his mother to him and they were assured things would change for good. According to Owolabi, “Philip invited my mother and told her he would need N250, 000 to do some spiritual work with the Seven Books of Moses. He assured that immediately that was done, things would change for good. He said it would require a human being flesh and I had my girl friend in mind. I called her to come and meet my parents in Osun. We started our relationship a month before I killed her. “The evil act was carried out between the two of us – my pastor and I. My mother knew nothing about it. She was staying at the hotel all through her time here.” Favour, the deceased had left her parents’ home in Mowe, Ogun State, on December 8, 2019, with the impression that she was going to school. But she went to meet her boyfriend, Owolabi who had deceptively called her to come and meet his parents. Favour left Mowe for Ikoyi-Ile in Osun to meet her boyfriend, who took her to a wooden church owned by Pastor

The self acclaimed pastor, Philip who admitted to killing Favour for money ritual said he wanted to experiment what he read in the Seven Books of Moses. Philip said he read the book after Owolabi contacted him to help his mother out of her dwindling fortunes. He said despite telling Owolabi that he was not sure if what was written in the book on how to make quick money would work because he had never tried it, Owolabi insisted that they should go ahead with the money ritual. Philip said: “I have known Owolabi for

two years. He usually seeks spiritual help from me. He called one day that his family was facing serious financial issues and that they had no job. I told him not to worry that I will do something for him in the book of Moses. I told him it will cost N250, 000 and he agreed to it. “When he came with his mother, I called him separately to tell him that I was not sure of the Seven Books of Moses because I have never tried what was written in it before. He said we should try it and I told him it will involve human parts. “He asked me where he could get it. I told him it was my first time of doing it and that he would be the one to provide everything that would be needed. He said there was no problem that he would call his girlfriend. She came and he hit her with pestle on her head. I cut her head, breast and took out her heart. “Her heart was used to make a concoction, the head was burnt and we cut some flesh around her knee to make soap with chameleon, cobra snake, crab among others. The others were offered as sacrifice with fowl. I was arrested after her number was tracked.” Philip also absolved Owolabi’s mother in the murder of favour, saying she did not know what her son was planning, and the killing of Favour. I Know Nothing About Favour’s DeathOwolabi’s Mother Owolabi’s mother, Bola claimed she was not aware that her son and pastor in connivance killed anyone and used the

•Inside The Church Where The Killing Happened.

•Continued on page 6

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

SPECIAL REPORT

•Police homicide officers exhuming Favour’s Corpse

•Inside The Church Where The Killing Happened.

•Continued on page 6

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INTERVIEW

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

Government Playing Politics With Minimum Wage Implementation - Sunmonu Comrade Hassan Sumonu, is the first President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) whose administration got the first National Minimum Wage for workers in the country. In this interview with ISMAEEL UTHMAN, he speaks on the need for the N30, 000 Minimum Wage and the politics behind its implementation. Excerpts:

he Organized labour may be heading for a showdown with some state Governors over the New Minimum Wage implementation that has lingered on for almost three years. As a foremost labour leader, how will you advise organized labour and the state Governors on the minimum wage? The question is: is there the need for minimum wage? The answer is yes, because under the Minimum Wage Law, the minimum wage has to be reviewed every five years. It is so because of the escalating costs and what they call the purchasing power parity. What a naira bought five years ago, it is going to cost more than that within the period in review. Also, a lot of people also don’t know that the purpose of the minimum wage is to bridge the gap between the highest paid workers and the low income earners. Whether a Minister, Permanent Secretary, Commissioner or the ordinary labourer, everybody buys from the same market. The more you have inflationary pressure and also increase in prices of commodities, especially essential commodities like food and so on, the poorer the low income earners will become. At the time we started the minimum wage issue in 1981, we took all that into consideration. We never had a minimum wage law before 1981. When we put it before the government at that time; both federal and states were reluctant. They said there was no need for it. The rank and file of the members of the worker’s union felt there was the need for it and we had to go on a 3-day strike before it was done. That was in May 1981. During that strike, we went into negotiations and we insisted that it had to be at the highest level. So, the federal government team had to be led by the Vice President, the late Architect Alex Ekueme with the President of the Senate, Wayas, the leader of the Senate, Late Olusola Saraki, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, the late Umezuoke, the Leader of the house, Alhaji Yinusa Katongo and the Minister of Labour at that time. We had about a 12-man negotiating team which I led as the President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and we negotiated. The House of Reps as well as the Senate facilitated the speedy legislation. We had a N150 minimum wage. Originally, we had N125 as the minimum wage, N15 as Housing Allowance for some levels of workers and N10 for others. We ensured that level 01 workers would not be earning more than their seniors in the service and was done through adjustment. In this particular instance, we have to praise the organized labour, the NLC and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), organized private sector. The state governments were represented by six Governors with Osun inclusive during the N30,000 Minimum Wage process. I am, however, surprised with the hullabaloo on the implementation of the minimum wage. I am surprised that some are saying the minimum wage should not be forced on the states in the spirit of federalism. But the state Permanent Secretary at level 17 earns the same amount with that of a Federal Permanent Secretary. It is a surprise to me that they are bringing politics to it and they are calling for all cadres from levels 01 to 17 to be affected by the minimum wage; thereby making the gap between the low income and high income earners to be wider. This is against all the principles concerning the minimum wage. I have no grouse if those not affected by the minimum wage negotiate a review of their own emoluments which they have a right to. I am a trade unionist, I cannot be opposed to it. But to now say they should be given 15% on the back of the minimum wage, I do not think it is fair, that is my candid opinion. Who are the original beneficiaries of the Minimum wage in the civil service structure? I do not think the minimum wage should go beyond level 07 or 08. Those other civil servants who wanted their salaries to be reviewed upward can put their demands on the table and negotiate with the appropriate quarters. They can do that

•Comrade Sunmonu considering what the legislators, the Local Government Chairmen and their Councilors, the ministers and the governors are earning. But to now delay the minimum wage implementation because of consequential adjustment is unfair. Some people are arguing that the Minimum Wage Act needs to be domesticated by the State Houses of Assembly before it could be implemented by the state Governors, how true is this? Why did they not domesticate the salary of level 17 federal Perm Sec before implementing it in the states? Is Osun state as rich as Lagos? Is Osun not richer than Zamfara state? Why are the Permanent Secretaries earning the same salary all over the country? Why did they not domesticate that before implementing it? Why is that when it comes to the condition of service of the lowest income people, it is then they will be giving excuses and all sort of things. It is laughable to hear them saying the minimum wage will cost the government so much of money. The allowances of political appointees don’t cost so much, but the one that actually makes significant difference to the people affected will cost so much. That is irrational. You were the Chairman of the Revenue Allocation Committee under the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola led administartation that came up with the idea of the Modulated Salary structure. What was the objective of that committee and what was your experience about it? The committee was formed when Nigeria and the state were facing financial crisis. And it was as a result of our reliance on fuel. In fact, until recently, Nigeria was a mono economy, everybody depends on the price of petrol. So, when the price of petrol dipped, the income of the governments also dipped to the extent that they were not be able to do what they normally used to do. For example in this case, Aregbesola was paying 13th month salary which was not negotiated by the labour unions. It was as a result of the fact that the income the state government was receiving could accommodate it, they thought it was going to continue. It was not negotiated but the former governor gave it then to the workers as part of the benevolence of his government which was because they were able to get an appropriate income till the reverse came. The life of any government or individual is full of ups and down.When the reverse came, they were even faced with the challenge of how to pay salaries. I did not know where they got the idea of setting up such a committee. I was in my house when the present Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola who was then the Chief of staff came with a letter from the governor, informing me of the decision of

the state government to appoint me as Chairman of the committee. In view of my vast experience about such issues, I told him I was not going to accept the appointment because I have two constituencies; Osun State Council of the NLC and the NLC at the national level. I contacted the two constituencies and they told me to take it in the interest of the workers of the state and the confidence they had in me. We had three Permanent Secretaries – from Finance, Local Government and Health ministries, Oyetola who is now the Governor, was the Deputy Chairman of the committee; top government functionaries including the then Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Sunday Akere and others were also in the committee. On the part of labour, the state NLC Chairman, Jacob Adekomi, Gbenga Oyebode of TUC and others were part of the committee. At the time of our inauguration, in the presence of the Governor and the Deputy Governor and the Commissioners, I told them that I was taking the assignment in the interest of workers of the state. I asked Mr Governor that is Osun not capable of making monthly Internally Generated Revenue of N5 billion if all leakages were blocked? I also asked the Governor, with N5bn monthly IGR, would it be sufficient to pay workers salary? He said yes, it would be enough to pay salaries and run other government businesses. Our objective along that line was to help the state raise its revenue. We decided to call some of the Permanent Secretaries to see how they could increase the revenue base of the government in health, education, even in Agric. We asked each of them how much their ministries contribute to the state in the previous year and asked how

I am, however, surprised with “the hullabaloo on the implementation of the minimum wage. I am surprised that some are saying the minimum wage should not be forced on the states in the spirit of federalism. But the state Permanent Secretary at level 17 earns the same amount with that of a Federal Permanent Secretary. It is a surprise to me that they are bringing politics to it and they are calling for all cadres from levels 01 to 17 to be affected by the minimum wage; thereby making the gap between the low income and high income earners to be wider.

”

much they could contribute in the following years. They gave ridiculous amount and we told them that they were not serious. We proposed that the salaries of workers on level 1-7 should not be touched because one naira might make the difference between life and death to them. Level 08 and above workers were paid half of their salaries. But when the economic situation improved, levels 08-10 were being paid 75% till the end of the regime. There is hardly any level 11. It was level 12 and above workers that were paid 50 per cent of their salaries with a condition that whatever is owed by the government as salaries must be paid when the financial situation of the state improved. The monthly pension of some pensioners who got the least pension of N20, 000 per month was increased to N80, 000 when the situation of things improved. When the state received allocation, we would set aside the compulsory expenditure of government and the rest was committed to salaries. That was how we were doing it. I think in almost three years that we were in the committee, the state only exceeded an IGR of N1 billion in two or three times. And that was when some companies like MTN paid some of the areas of tax they owed government. We were all actually disappointed and we felt the situation was that either there was massive leakage or some other things. The government was open to us. There were sub committees that were monitoring what was coming in from Abuja within MDAs. When Paris Club Refund came, we were able to pay some salary arrears. In fairness to Aregbesola, he was committed to pay the salary arrears. The modulated salary payment was a subject of controversies which the opposition party members feasted on to attack Aregbesola and his government. Was there any other method that the former governor should have used? I think it is unfair to him (Aregbesola) and his government. In fact, many states came to Osun to learn what we did here to replicate it in their states. If you go to a state like Benue, the situation was worse. The situation was worse in many states. But for the deft idea of creating our committee, this state would have been in chaos. But the approach taken by Aregbesola led to better understanding between government and the workers as well as the trade unions. The trade unions knew everything about the income and expenditure of the government. It led to transparency in government and governance; because it was a situation where the government threw it income to us to decide what to do with it. What do you think is missing between the labour union of those days and today? I don’t think much is missing. We are all in a dynamic society. In our time, we don’t have these GSMs. Today’s generation have the advantage of technology. Information gets spread in time and there is no hiding place for anybody. What is happening in Xinjian in China, as it is happening, you are hearing on your radio or television. They are also dealing with a smarter membership that cannot just be deceived because the information is with them. Secondly, in our time, we relied very much on workers’ education. We invested much in workers’ education. I remember from February 1978 when I was elected till February 1984, we trained more than 2,000 cadres in all the 42 industrial unions affiliates. Today, some of those we trained are still in the leadership of the trade unions. We trained them both at home and abroad. So, we invested much in education. That is what they also need to do now, though it will be more expensive for them now. But they have to do it because when the workers are well educated, they will solve their problems by themselves. They won’t wait or come to their leaders in the state or national secretariat to get their challenges resolved. Don’t forget, education makes a people easy to govern •Continued on page 10

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FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY J

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A Cocktail Of Rece FIDAU PRAYER OF MADAM SIDIKAT ASANI ADEBAYO

APC CHIEFTAIN, KUNLE

•Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Hon. Adelani Baderinwa (First from Right Back Roll) in a Group Photograph with members of the deceased family during the fidau.

•Governor State of Osun, in handshake with the Groom, Olakunle Areogun while the brid interest after the reception programme.

•Cross Section of Islamic Clerics at the event.

•(R-L) Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Olugboyega Alabi, Speaker, State of Osun Ho ment (SSG), Prince Wole Oyebamiji at the Event.

UARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

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Recent Happenings

, KUNLE ODEYEMI GIVES DAUGHTER OUT IN MARRIAGE

lakunle Areogun while the brideâ€™s father, Kunle Odeyemi and her daughter, Olusola Odeyemi watch with keen

labi, Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye and Secretary to the State Govern-

The tripartite ceremony which involved introduction for families, enaggement and reception was a party for dignitaries as prominent politicians and business mogul registered their presence, on Saturday, January 4th 2020. State of Osun Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola joined other well wishers to celebrate with the

Odeyemiâ€™s family which daughter, Olushola, got married to Olakunle Areogun. Odeyemi is a leader of the All Progressives Congress in Ijesha Zone. The events drew many important personalities to the Ayeni Foundation Hotels and Event Centre, IdoIjesa, Ilesha.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC

Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

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Education Should Be Made Free, Qualitative

but difficult to enslave. You cannot enslave any educated person. It emboldens the individual, it brings out the best of every individual. An educated person can respect people but won’t fear people. You will be able to defend your rights. That is why even for the generality of the people, one would recommend that education should not only be made free but qualitative. Even if not free, it should be made accessible and affordable to the people. From primary school to secondary school, quality education should be made free. Once you do that, you are building the future, development and progress of your society, state and country. The Western region in Nigeria had a head start because of nine years of Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s free education which he started in 1955. That Western region included Delta and Edo states and the six states of the Southwest. That head start that we had is still being referred to up till today. One year loss of education is 10 years loss of development. That is why we have to put a lot of premium on social services. That is why the International Labour Organization (ILO) says Economic Development must be built on the foundation of the Societal Development, that is, education, health, housing, transport, etc. I am personally not happy on what the International Monetary Fund (IMF)/World Bank forced our government to do in the early 80s through Structural Adjustment Programme. They forced the government to abandon transport, stop subsidies for education, health and so on. That is why our railways were abandoned and individuals had to be buying trailers and continue to spoil our roads. There is no country that can develop without good infrastructure; roads, rail, air, sea transport; education, health and industrialization. Look at the industries set up by the Awolowo regime in those days, the one they concentrated at Ikeja , the ones in Bodija, the cocoa industries and others. Look at the Steel Rolling Machine tools here in Osogbo, they privatized the facility and the investor has cannibalized all the major machines there. There is nothing there, it is a shadow of itself. The person

who bought it has taken the two giant generators of Osogbo steel rolling mill to his cement factory in Obajana. One of the generators is supplying the place with electricity because it was supposed to generate its own electricity. That is why I’m happy that our people in Osogbo made a case through our Senator, AjibolaBasiru to the Senate. How would you describe Ogbeni on the issue of social development? I think the only thing he was not able to touch in terms of social development is housing because of the financial issues his government had. But the little that he has done is a legacy, and f o r t u n a te l y for us, his Chief of staff that time is our current G o v e r n o r. Aregbesola has laid that foundation for a solid super structure for the current Governor to build on. He has done his best. He has done very well. He is appreciated. That is why Osogbo people supported him more than his own Ijesa people and he also appreciates our love. He helped not only to transform Osogbo but all the major towns. The money that could have gone down to the pockets of the councilors, he channeled it to the construction of 10 kilometers of asphalted road per local government. We are still seeing and enjoying those roads built to international standard till date. But for the financial issues, he would have completed the Osogbo Ring Road. Do you support trade unions to embark

on strike to enforce the implementation of the minimum wage? When an army goes to war, it does not use its best weapons at the beginning of the war. The best is reserved for the last. Look at how long this has been dragging, there was no need for the strike that made the minimum wage thing to be negotiated, accepted and implemented. There was no need. The minimum wage law says every five years, it must be renewed. We always react to issues, we are never proactive. It is seven years that the government approved the last minimum wage, you have organized labour represented in negotiations, you have private sector represented by NECA and you have the state governments with six Governors representing each of the six geo-political zones. It is just a delay tactics on the part of government. Let me tell you a story: the Arab/ Israeli war was in 1973, it was that war that resulted in the rise of the price of crude oil from about $10 to about $30 per barrel. When the Gowon regime came, they gave a timeframe that by 1976, they were going to handover to a civilian government. By 1974, when the price of petrol went up and the military men saw the amount coming in, they said the 1976 date was no longer realistic. The federal military government under Gowon asked its military governors to call a group of leaders of opinion, churches, mosques, trade unions and so on. I was in Lagos that time, Brigadier General Mobolaji Johnson who died recently was the then military governor of Lagos state. I was one of the 20 people that represented the trade union groups. He told us that the Commander-In-Chief had

asked him to meet leaders of opinion. He told us that the federal government had been doing everything to satisfy the Nigerian people, and that the politicians were the ones calling for a civilian government. At that time, there was free education in Nigeria up to the university level. Some of the leaders were praising the military government and thanked Gowon for having confidence in them. My own trade union mentor, Wahab Goodluck raised his hand and said the people knew about how the Gowon government sent two emissaries to Zaheer and Egypt to go and learn how the military government converted itself to a civilian government. Goodluck demanded the truth be told to Nigerians. For about five minutes, the hall was silent. The late Brigadier Johnson said that was not the case and that the government was not deceiving the people but meant well for all. That is a matter of 1974 that I am relating to 2019. The governments should not think that Nigerians are dummies. The government should not think that people don’t know what is going on. The government should not think that they can dribble the people like Maradona. They should do what is right, they should be patriotic, they should be honest, and they should be visionary because they are not going to be there forever. What is your advice for the people doing petty jobs? There is what we called dignity of labour. Everybody should be proud of what he/she does as a worker. If you go abroad, the person who waits in the hotel to carry your luggage is very proud of what he is doing. They are proud of what they are doing because it is what is giving them their livelihood. So, even if you are a labourer, you should be proud of doing it because that work you are doing, your boss cannot do it. I am proud of the work I do. I am proud of my country. When I was in the NLC, others would confidently say where they are from while I was also proud to have come from Osogbo. We should be proud of what and who we are. Like a scholar said, he who is not proud of his colour is not fit to live.

NEWS

Erin-Osun Agog as Kolapo Alimi Celebrates 50th Birthday, Chieftaincy Title House of Assembly, were also in attendance. The event took a very exciting dimension Hon Wale A f o l a b i , when the Master of Ceremony announced that the Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf H o n All roads led to Erin-Osun in A d e j a r e Aregbesola was on his way to the venue of Orolu Local Government of the Bello and the programme. state of Osun as former Almost all the people at the event were H o n commissioner for Local N a j e e m expectant of Aregbesola’s arrival as it was Government and Chieftaincy S a l a m , expressed on ther anxious faces and look. Affairs, Mr Kolapo Alimi held a The arrival of the former governor who former triple celebration. S e c re ta r y came with a chopper emptied the hall as Alimi who celebrated his 50th to the State people rushed out to welcome him even birthday with a book launch, Government, before the helicopter landed, not minding was also installed the Oluomo of A l h a j i the cloud of dust raised by the wings of the Erin-Osun and the Balogun M o s h o o d aircraft. Musulimi of the community last It took the security agents a lot of energy Adeoti, Saturday. some of the and stress before they were able to get Residents of the community Aregbesola into the hall as everybody there f o r m e r were spellbound by the unusual commissioners wanted to have a handshake or have a heavy traffic and movement of and special glimpse of the Waziri Muuminiina of the exotic cars in the normally calm to State of Osun. town. •Former commisioner for local government and chieftancy Affairs in the state of tadvisers The show of love by the people to h e OSUN DEFENDER noted that osun, Barr. Kola po Alimi being turbaned as Balogun Musulumi of Erin Osun governors Aregbesola was not only real but emotional banners were hung in almost as some of them every junction in the community by the ambassador of the town. were seeing crying residents in celebration of Alimi’s birthday Oba Omoloye commended Alimi for his and shouting and his chieftaincy titles. positive attitude towards everything that ‘A re g b e - A r e g b e The Erin-Osun town hall used for the concerns the community, stating that ErinAregbe.’ programmes was filled to capacity by Osun is lucky to have credible people like In his remarks, eminent personalities, just as Alimi’s the former commissioner. A re g b es o l a admirers and well-wishers in the town Titled: ‘A Compendium of Basic described Alimi as a enjoyed themselves under big canopies Information on Local Governments’, the loyal person and provided outside the hall. 312-page book launched by Alimi contains c o m p l e t e Installing him as the Oluomo of Erin- information about all the local responsible gentle Osun, Oba Yusuff Omoloye, the Elerin of governments and their administration. man, who has never Erin-Osun, described Alimi as a very Over 15 traditional rulers, including the disappointed him. coolheaded young man who is committed Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, Aregbesola who to promoting the town and assisting his the Timi of Ede, Oba Munirudeen Adesola cut Alimi’s 50 th kinsmen. Lawal, the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba birthday showered According to Oba Omoloye, the Elerin in Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, the Akinrun prayers on him as he Council unanimously resolved to install of Ikirun, Oba Olawale Adedeji, the Olufon wished him many Alimi in appreciation of his support and of Ifon, Oba Abdulmaruf Magbagbeola, the more prosperous years in good health. contribution to the development of the Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Oyelude Diginitries displaying the book launched by Hon. Kolapo Alimi community, noting that the former graced the occasion. commissioner has remained a good Former Speakers of the state of Osun By Isnaeel Uthman

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

PERSPECTIVES

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Opinion On A New Year: The Islamic View Rather, the bible references the Hebrew Calendar, and lists its months as: Tishri, Heshwan, Kislew, Tebek, Shebat, Adar, Nisan, Lyyar, Siwan, Tammuz, Ab and Elul. It is said that each of the month from the first to the twelfth has alternately 30 or 29 days. The reform by Pope Gregory did not, however, correct the mathematical imbalance in the Julian Calendar which is solar. The months are 28, 29, 30 or 31 days. The Arab Calendar now called the Hijrah or Islamic Calendar had been in use before the birth of Prophet Muhammad. It was popular and widely accepted in the Arab world. It gained prominence when the Prophet migrated from Makah to Medeenah as a result of persecution in the hands of Idolaters. Ever since then have Muslims started using the calendar to mark events. Besides, the twelfth has a mention in the Quran, where Allah says “verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve from the day He created the heavens and earth….” It is a lunar calendar and the arrival of the months are simply celestial.

efore the advent of the Gregorian Calendars in the sixteenth century, the world had witnessed many different types of Calendars: the Chinese calendar, the Hebrew calendar, the Hindy Calendar, the Hijrah or Islamic calendar, the Roman calendar, the Ethiopian calendar, the Julian Calendar. The list is long. The Gregorian calendar was named after a Catholic pope, Pope Gregory the thirteenth (xiii) who carried out a reform in 1582 to the Julian calendar, then in use. The reform was informed by the need to bring the date for the celebration of Easter to the time of the year in which the first council Nicaea had agreed upon in AD 325. The council of Trent, a body of Bishops, approved a plan in 1563 to correct the calendrical errors, but only came to reality 19 years later. The Julian calendar was the precursor of the Gregorian calndear. The Roman calendar was precursor of the Julian calendar. The Roman calendar had ten months, the first six of which were named after Toman idols. January was named after Janus, and of the doorway. February named after Febrau, Roman god of purification. March, god of the fourth planet, Mars. April originally Aprilis. Many named after Maia, Roman goddess of growth. June named after Junii, Roman gens. The seventh Roman calendar month was September, the eight was October, ninth was November and tenth, December. In Mathematics, Sept is a prefix for seven e.g Septagon, Septugenaria. Octa is the prefix for eight e.g Octagon, Octogenaria Nona is the prefix for nine e.g Nonagon, Nonagenaria. Deca is the prefix for ten eg Decagon, Decimeter. However, when Julius Caesar became an Emperor of Rome, another month was introduced and named Julio after Caesar. Julius was succeeded by his adopted son, Augustus in whose named another month introduced, called August. The two new months, July and August, became the seventh and eight month of the Julian Calendar, thus pushing September, the original seven to ninth and so forth. The Julian calendar was in use for centuries before Pope Gregory XIII carried out a reform to correct other imbalances in the Julian calendar in 1582. What is, however, baffling is that the Holy Bible was not give a mention to either the Roman or Julian Calendar.

AN INTERPRETATION OF THE GREGORIAN CALENDAR

anuary 1 has remained a popular holiday in Nigeria and indeed many parts of the world to celebrate the e w Year. It has Christian origins too, since the Gregorian Calendar was introduced by Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. Many Churches hold special services tagged “CrossOver” services on New Year’s Eve. Even, denominations that do not celebrate the Christmas like Deeper Life Bible Ministry, Mountain of Fire and Miracle Ministry, Jehovah Witness and others are not left out in the “Cross-Over” watch night, joining the traditional effort to make and keep New Year’s resolutions. The current Gregorian calendar is being used in most part of the world. The Western world has both the civil and Christian ecclesiastical calendar. It was instituted by Ugo Boncompagni who became Pope Gregory XIII in 1582. He issued a papal bull, “Inter Gravissimus” on February 24, 1582 to establish the Gregorian Calendar which has 365 days with an extra day every four years (the leap year) except in years divisible by 100 but not divisible by 400. Before this time, the over 1,600 year-old Julian calendar in use was established by Julius Caesar in the year 46 BCE.Caesar developed a new calendar of 364 1/4 days, closely approximating the length of the tropical year (the time it takes the earth to go around the sun from the beginning of spring to another beginning of spring). Caesar’s calendar was normally 365 days long but included an extra day (a leap day) every four years to account for the extra one-quarter of a day. The intercalary (inserted into the calendar) day was added prior to February 25 each year. Unfortunately, while Caesar’s calendar was almost accurate, it wasn’t quite accurate enough because the tropical year is not 365 days and 6 hours (365.25 days), but is approximately 365 days 5 hours 48 minutes, and 46 seconds (365.242199 days). Therefore, the calendar of Julius Caesar was 11 minutes and 14 seconds too slow. This added up to be a full day off every 128 years. At the time, the new year was being celebrated on March 15. The Gregorian Calendar was adopted in 1582 in Italy, Luxembourg, Portugal, Spain, and France. Roman Catholic, Germany, Belgium, and the Netherlands switched by 1584; Hungary changed in 1587; Denmark and Protestant Germany switched by 1704; Great Britain and its colonies changed in 1752; Sweden changed in 1753; Japan changed

•Sheikh Oluwatoyin Yusuf

Besides, the twelfth has a mention in the Quran, where Allah says “verily, the number of months with Allah is twelve from the day He created the heavens and earth….” It is a lunar calendar and the arrival of the months are simply celestial.

in 1873 as part of M e i j i ’ s Westernization; Egypt changed in 1875; Albania, Bulgaria, Estonia, Latvia, Lithuania, Romania, and Turkey all changed between 1912 and 1917; the Soviet Union changed in 1919; Greece switched to the G r e g o r i a n calendar in 1928; and finally, China changed to the G r e g o r i a n calendar after their revolution of •Pastor Jide Afolabi 1949. America and Canada changed to Gregorian Calendar in 1752 after the Great Britain had changed. In Nigeria, there was no formal calendar at this material time until the advent of the Royal Niger Company which later metamorphosed into the United African Company (UAC). Today, the Gregorian Calendar has come to stay. January is a popular holiday in Nigeria as enshrined in the Public Holiday Act enacted on January 1, 1979. The law abolished previous public holidays and set the process for making public holidays for the nation, states and Local Government Areas. In Nigeria, there appears to be a consensus perspective to New Year celebration by Christians and non-Christians alike. New Year is often being celebrated by all Nigerians either fully or partly. However, it is most popular among Nigerian Christians and some have seen it as a Christian Celebration. What then is the perspective of the Christians to the New Year Celebration? According to Encyclopedia Britannica, 1998, “The earliest-known record of a New Year’s festival dated from about 2000 BC in Mesopotamia, where the New Year (Akiu) commenced with the new moon nearest the spring equinox (mid-March; Babylonia) or nearest the autumn equinox (mid-September; Assyria)”. Encyclopedia Americana, 1999 “New Year’s Day, the first day of the year. Among ancient peoples, the beginning of the year was determined by one of various events, such as the spring or autumnal equinox or the winter or summer solstice. In Egypt, for example, beginning about 2773 BC, the year began with the heliacal rising of Sirius, which coincided with the start of the flood period of the Nile and came not long after the summer solstice”. Many believe, rightly so, that New Year’s Eve and New

HOW DO MUSLIMS PERCEIVE THE NEW YEAR? A gross-section of Muslims sees the Gregorian New year as a celebration or Festival for all, irrespective of faiths. In Islam, the transition from one Islamic year to another calls for no festivity because it is not attached to any festival in the Quran or the tradition of Prophet Muhammad. The practice by some Islamic organization, to celebrate a new Islamic year is to give it prominence and register its importance in the consciousness of Muslims. Second, some muslims see the New Gregorian Year as a pagan celebration. This is wrong. The transition from December to January is not attached to any god, goddess or idol. It remains mere celebration, which a lot of Muslims are keeping clear of. Today, we use the Gregorian Calendar to State the birth of the Prophet as 571 AD and the month as RobeeulAwwal. But it is pretty hard to state the year in the Arab Calendar before Hijrah took place. Therefore, to think that the New Gregorian year is paganistic is to say that a man whose surname is Ogundele is promoting paganism and must therefore, change the name! Arabs before the Prophethood of Muhammad, had such names as Abdullah, Amzat, Uthman, Umar and they never changed the names after embracing Islam. A Muslim might not want to join in promoting the New Gregorian Year, but he should not see the New Year as of paganism.

Year’s Day celebration began with pagan, idol-worshippers. As a result, they do not celebrate New Year. They hang on to Jeremiah 10:2-3: “Learn not the way of the heathen…for the customs of the people are vain.” While, it is correct to say that no portion of the Bible asked the Christians to celebrate New Year,Christians are commanded in Romans 6:4 to “walk in newness of life”, and isn’t that what New Year’s celebrations are all about? New Year’s Eve is a wonderful time for Christians to get together and celebrate the completion of another year of life, and welcome in the New Year with prayer and rejoicing. New Year’s Day is an opportunity to rest and relax, and a great time to prayerfully set goals for the year ahead. If it is argued that New Year Celebration have pagan origin, it is interesting to note that all sorts of Christian and non-Christian celebrations have pagan origins. Christmas and Easter have pagan roots. The core of Christian life is Christ. Christians believe in the celebration of New Year but must be moderate, and not as intense as others do. One can choose to celebrate New Year partying all day and night as we have seen many did even in this year’s celebration. In the process, they exhibited the fruit of the flesh recorded in Galatians 5:19-21. These are drunkenness, adultery, fornication, seditions, wrath, strife, murder, envying etc. One can as well celebrate it by spending some lonely, quality time with Christ to thank and praise Him for keeping us alive through all odds and extremes. Thanking Him for fulfilling all His promises and for the things yet to come. And this followed by a warm delicious lunch/dinner with family and loved ones. This may not sound as interesting as the first one but is surely a better celebration for a Christian who is spiritually growing. What we must exhibit during this celebration is found in the same Galatian 5:22-23 which includes love, joy, peace, goodness, faith, temperance, meekness etc. In Christ, we are free (Galatian 5:1) to choose anything; however, we must be careful to choose what is edifying to us. Not everything will help us grow in Christ. Also, anything bound in Christian values and Christ-centered is most welcome. The need to celebrate the turn of New Year is further corroborated in Lamentations 3:22-26"Through the Lord’s mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not. They are new every morning; Great is Your faithfulness. The Lord is my portion, says my soul, therefore I hope in Him! The Lord is good to those who wait for Him, to the soul who seeks Him. It is good that one should hope and wait quietly for the salvation of the Lord.” Celebrating New Year is godly, so, let us celebrate for 2020 is here.

•Jide Afolabi is the Presidetnt of Youth Fellowship, First Baptist Church, Jos and Public Relations Officer of the Plateau Baptist Conference Youth Conference.

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

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OSPOLY Presents 10 Courses For Accreditation By Ajayi Folarin

anagement of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree has presented 10 courses for accreditation exercise which was held between Monday, January 6 and Wednesday January 8, 2020 in the institution. Of the 10 courses, seven Engineering, HND in of them were due for re- Marketing and HND in accreditation, according to Science Laboratory the Registrar of the Technology (Microbiology Institution, Mr Busari Option), ND Welding and Salawu. Fabrication and Agricultural National Diploma (ND) and BioEvening and Higher National Engineering were Diploma (HND) in Office presented for accreditation. Technology and Also presented for Management, ND and HND verification exercise were in Mass Communication, ND Mechanical, ND ND and HND in Computer Building Technology and Science, ND in Electrical HND Civil Engineering.

The authority of the institution had provided and equipped all laboratories, studios and workshops of the Polytechnic with the state of the arts equipment needed for the success of the accreditation exercise.

Salawu declared that the Acting Rector of the Polytechnic, Dr. Woye Olaniran was confident that the institution would succeed in the exercise considering the quality of facilities and manpower available in the institution.

Ekiti State University Recalls 363 Sacked Workers

was quoted as saying that he 363 workers sacked by the Ekiti State “the reinstatement of University has been reinstated by the some staff is a vindication Governing Council of the institution. of the fact that the Mr. Bode indeed ghost workers who exercise was not to Olofinmuagun, the Head never showed up for the witchhunt any member of of the Directorate of exercise,” he said. staff but to reposition the Information and The V ice-Chancellor, university for better Corporate Affairs of the Prof. Edward Olanipekun, service delivery. university, in a press statement yesterday, confirmed the reinstatement of the he Students Union Government of Osun State workers. Polytechnic, Iree has called on the According to management of the institution to address the Olofinmuagun, the recall challenges facing the students. was sequel to the In a three-page letter the challenges include successful appeals lodged in results by those concerned to the signed by the President of delay the Union, Comrade processing, substandard Governing Council. The decision to recall Kehinde Raji and the school portal, delay in the Secretary, decision of Students some of the disengaged General staff was reached at the Mariam Oyewole, the Disciplinary Committee, council’s special meeting union said it was high time lack of award for the best which took place on the management took graduation students. steps to show seriousness According to the union, January 7, he disclosed. addressing the the management also ”Some falsified their in students’ challenges. needed to address ages, some were illegally The union stated that insecurity, the porosity of recruited and many were

“The repositioning became necessary so that EKSU can become a university of reference both nationally and in the global intellectual market of the 21st century,” he said.

OSPOLY SUG Present Students Challenges to Management

•Osun State Polytechnic Iree.

the institution’s entrance and exist routes lack of alternative training field, lack of water on campus and absence of enough lecture hall/ theatre. Reacting to the SUG’s letter, the Public Relation Officer of the institution, Mr Bayo Fadeji said the leadership of the union has been invited for a meeting on the matter, even as he claimed that some of the issues raised in the letter were spurious and untrue.

Fire Razes Popular Shopping Plaza in Osogbo

popular shopping Plaza, CTUS Today Home Nigeria Limited, located at Station Road, Osogbo State of Osunwas yesterday razed by fire.

Goods worth millions of naira were destroyed by the inferno which was said to have started at about 10:45am. There was, however, no casualty in the four storey building affected by the fire outbreak. Sympathizers, commuters and roadside walkers in the area gathered at the front of the plaza where they were sympathizing with the occupants of the building. Speaking at the place, the Operation Commandant, Federal Fire Service, Osun Command, Mr Isaac Adejobi, traced the source of the fire outbreak to power surge. Adejobi who urged residents of the state to always be conscious of fire said no fewer than 30 fire outbreaks cases have been recorded in Osun within a week. He said there was the need for each and every resident of the State to ensure that they have good fire extinguisher in their various business outlets and houses, urging them to get Smoke Alert System in order to prevent fire outbreak. According to him, fire fighters from the state arrived at the scene of the

incident few minutes after a distressed call was made to their station, noting that no death or casualty was recorded. The Public Relations

Officer, Federal Fire Service, Mrs Basiri Adija urged residents of the state to always be cautious of fire disaster to prevent loss of lives and property in their various domains. Adija said: “There are many factors responsible for fire outbreaks such as bush burning and using

outdated wires for electrical appliances without knowing how to use fire equipment. All these causes fire outbreak and we need to curb it.” She explained that preventive measures could be taken through attitudinal maintenance, especially at home and on

transit, adding that individuals need to have necessary fire equipment such as; fire extinguisher and fire blanket. The PRO warned the people against putting gas cylinder in the house, saying that it should be placed outside the house to prevent fire hazards. Adijat explained that the

Osun command of Federal Fire Service has been enlightening residents on safety measures to prevent fire outbreaks, saying collective safety begins at home and every home should play an active role in the safety of the environment by having at least one fire fighting safety equipment.

Operation Amotekun Comes to Live in South West - Ooni Warns Personnel Not To Betray The Ideal Behind It

overnors of the six states of Southwest Nigeria yesterday launched the Western Nigeria Security Network code named Operation Amotekun. Formed under the Governors had in June 2019 umbrella of the reached resolution to Development Agenda for create Operation Amotekun Western Nigeria (DAWN), at the regional security the WNSN is a security summit in Ibadan, which formation to tackle the was a reaction to the problem of insecurity worsening security within the South-West of situation in the region. Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Osun, Some of the 120 red Ondo and Ekiti. security patrol vehicles for In attendance at the the launch of the Operation launching were Governors Amotekun were seen at the of Oyo; Seyi Makinde, car park of the Oyo State Ondo; Rotimi Akeredolu, Governor’s Office. Ekiti; Kayode Fayemi and Local security personnel, the Ooni of Ife, Oba with some dressed in a Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi brown uniform and others Ojaja II. in a grey uniform with caps The Deputy Governor, to match, were on the State of Osun, Mr. Benedict ground in readiness for the Olugboyega Alabi inauguration. represented Governor Speaking at the event, Adegboyega Oyetola at the Oba Ogunwusi called on programme held at Oyo personnel of theWNSN not State Governor’s Office, to betray the region on the Oyo State Secretariat, ideals behind setting up the Agodi, Ibadan. security outfit. The security initiative is Oba Ogunwusi stated expected to complement that the governors in the the efforts of the regular region had done their best, police force in the area of adding that it was left for combating kidnapping, the personnel and the armed robbery, as well as residents of the region to herdsmen and farmers work together for the contentions. success of the security The South-West outfit.

The Ooni said: “”All the traditional rulers are in support, the Federal Government is not opposed to it, let all and sundry support it for peace to reign in the region.The success of this security outfit will be of

benefit to the present generation and generations yet unborn.” The leader of the Yoruba World Congress, Prof. Banji Akintoye, said that the governors and the people of the region had risen up

to the security challenge in the region, saying “the people that will work in Amotekun are going to be trained properly by highly educated people for them to relate properly with the police and the army.”

I'm Impressed on Oyetola's Performance - Aregbesola Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said that he was highly impressed to see the transformation that has taken place in the state of Osun in continuation of the good works started during his administration as governor in the state. Aregbesola commended the existing “peace and his successor, Adegboyega hospitality of the people of Oyetola, over his good Osun under the able performance as Governor of leadership of Oyetola.” Aregbesola said: “I was the state, describing him as a highly impressed to see the cerebral man. upgrade that has been carried The Minister gave the commendation yesterday out in this place. When you during a courtesy call on the see a cerebral man, you will Governor in his office in know. The upgrade is Abere, as part of the activities commendable. I am talking in for a two-day retreat the best state of mind organised by the Ministry to because I am sure I am with fashion out strategies on the my own. I entered here in a best approach to tackling carnival-like manner. “I am very excited that we internal insecurity and other challenges ravaging the have seen a practical democracy to see a governor country. He said he and the entire and his predecessor sitting leadership of the interior together. In a monarchy, the ministry had come to savour king can only have the effigy

of his predecessor. In his remarks, Oyetola commended Aregbesola’s wonderful achievements while he was governor, describing him as a goal getter who would do same at the national level in delivering quality service to Nigerians. Oyetola thanked President Muhammadu Buhari and the Ministry of Interior for siting Zonal Federal Fire Service Headquarters in Osun, even as he commended the ministry for some of the good initiatives, including the efforts at enhancing Electronic International Passport with 64 pages and ten years validity period and Security, Economy and Transparency (SET), aimed at driving the country’s security agenda. again in the state.

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

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Nigerian Universities are supposedto be Solving Problems in the Society- UNIOSUN VC Prof. Labo Popoola, the Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, takes on Nigerian universities on prudence, managerial skills and providing solutions to problems in the society. In this interview with ISMAEEL UTHMAN, he also speaks on the successes recorded in the university under his watch. Excerpts: What is the rationale behind the introduction of the Student Work-study Scheme at Osun State University? There are two components to these: We have the startup scheme for our graduates and the Student Work-study Scheme for the undergraduates. The Student Work-study Scheme is something that normally should go on in any tertiary institution. It creates opportunities for students who wish to work to be able earn somethingat the end of the month while schooling. In those days, people used to talk about holiday jobs; when you are on vacation, you can decide to make use of the time by working in another place either for experience or to earn something. The UNIOSUN Student Work-study Scheme is not so different and it is nothing spectacular. It is just that these days, we in the academia do not address issues that will help us and the society as well. So, the idea is just to engage our students and pay them little amount of N15,000 per month. It is not a full time job. We encouraged the students to form themselves into groups. Some of them are cleaning some of our facilities in the morning before they go for their lectures, and they also do the cleaning in the evening as well. And that is how it has been and quite a good number of students have signed up for the programme. In addition to that, the students can also form themselves into groups and go to town to work under the umbrella of the University to work. In other words, it is the University identity they are using, so there is credibilityto that. Members of staff of the University can also invite them to their homes over the weekend to help them do some menial jobs and they get paid for it. It is still part of what we hope to happen in the long run, but for now everything is on the campuses. On the Startup Scheme, we are being encouraged by the National Universities Commission (NUC) that all universities, all tertiary institutions should ensure that our students learn one or two skills.The notion that government has to give employment to everybody is actually a nonstarter. It is never done anywhere in the world. As a matter of fact, the government has employed too many people. The mindset that government must provide everything is wrong. Where is it done? So the reason for the startup scheme is for us to encourage our students who would have learnt one or two skills to start something on their own after graduation. If you learnt hairdressing in the University as part of our skill acquisition programme, you may want to open an outlet, you need equipment and fund to be able to do that. We have set aside some funds for that, and each graduate of UNIOSUN can have as much as N200, 000 to startup whatever they like to do. There are conditions attached to this because it is not free money. That is one of the problems with Nigerians. They want something free. Nothing is free, even the grace of God is not free. You must work for it, you must deserve it. So, you can have up to that amount with conditions. Part of the conditions is that you must do a feasibility study with a proposal on the venture the graduate is going into. And he/she must convince us that it is a viable venture. And we are also partnering with the bank, though it is our money not the bank's own. The bank is not going to charge interest on it. Once you get your money through the bank, it means you have to be paying back through the bank. Does the grant attract interest? Every kobo must have a cost. But it is like single digits. One or two per cent; it is just nominal so that they know it is not free money. We are using the bank because we are thinking that those of them that are serious, if they do very well with the N200, 000, the bank will be monitoring them and so it will be possible to scale up the

Labo Popoola amount. In that case, we are likea guarantor to them. It is a comprehensive scheme but we are starting in this quarter of the year. A committee is already in place, they have given us a proposal to that and conditions for accessing the grants. We are going to publish the programme in the newspaper and those who are interested will apply for it and convince us that their projects are bankable. Like how much did you set aside for the project? It is a small amount, because it is like a pilot scheme. We have set asideN10million for 50 people. Again, we are also encouraging them to work together. One of the problems in Nigeria is everybody wants to work alone; partnership is not common. So, we will be glad if two or three of them can come together to access more than N200, 000. And if you have a business that N100, 000can support, you do not need N200, 000. We are encouraging them to build teams, partnerships. And we will be glad if the business is in Osun to boost the economy of the state. We want a situation where other people would benefit from your creativity and initiatives. The fund for the Student Work-study Scheme is fluid because we are also paying service providers. Are you not depriving other service providers by engaging your students to the jobs they are supposed to do? There is something we call self reservation. First and foremost,our commitment is to the students - to get them usefully engaged, to make them happy. Unfortunately, if it happened that some people are derived, too bad. Is UNIOSUN just academic certificate awarding institution or you provide skill acquisition too? We have a massive entrepreneurship programme and there is a director in charge of it. We started massively last year with six weeks of intensive skill acquisition program on all the campuses, with different skills at the undergraduate level. It is for thoseat their final year to prepare them for the future. It is not the kind of entrepreneurship that you produce candle or soap. It is a real skill acquisition programme. It was on for six weeks every weekend - Friday, Saturday, and at times Sunday. In which area do you think UNIOSUN has advantage over other universities? We are a conventional university, just like other universities in the country. We are relatively young, just 12 years going to 13. If you look at age and compare it to area of infrastructure; we are doing well. Of all the universities, UNIOSUN is the only university that started on permanent sight.

In most cases, universities start from temporary siteand then move to permanent site. In the area of infrastructure, we have not done too poorly, we have done quite well. And of course, until recently, the University was always on the news for negative reasons. But thank God that has stopped. Because we decided that we must run the University like a university should run; and that did not go down well with some people. We have about 900 members of staff right now. That is not much compared to other organizations that are loaded with staff that they do not need. They engaged people because some executives send a note and because they are afraid, they engage staff that they do not need. I don't do that and some people will naturally feel offended. I am accountable to God, accountable to the society. I just told you we have 900 staff with about 12,000 students. Everybody in UNIOSUN is less that 15,000. And we are not the owner of the school. This University is owned by the people of the State of Osun. And so, whatever we do must be in the interest of the people of the state of Osun; not those of us here. So my own attitude is that, I want to do things right, I don't want to be nice to people. Because if you try to be nice to people,it means you are bending the rules. So, I want to do things right. Largely, the University is running like a university should run. We are struggling to ensure that we have a normal session and we are instilling discipline among staff and students. Like I told you earlier, the university was always in the news for bad reasons.There has been a lot of improvement since Icame on board. We were recently awarded the least corrupt StateUniversity in the country by a Non-GovernmentalOrganisation and that is a fact. This is part of the battle we have fought inthe last three years. UNIOSUN money must be used for the people of the state of Osun and not some people in the university. Those are the areas I think we have an edge. Our students are also winning laurels,particularly our law students. Every year, we have our students going to the law school, taking First Class and coming out among the best. We were voted as the Best State University in the law school last year or so. We are running normal session and we have tried to stop the disruption of the academic calendar, because we apply the rules.You don't just go on strike for the sake

â€˜

Yes funding has always been an issue and there is no university in the world that will lay claim to be well funded. Government would try its own bit, the university itself should do its own bit, then other stakeholders â€“ private sector, organizations, Corporate Social Responsibilities should do their own bit. Then the end users, the beneficiaries of the university education students and the parents should also do their bit.

â€˜

of it. You must have good reason for it. We pay salaries regularly; even federaluniversities do not pay salary ahead of us. I have been here for three years and twomonths and we do not owe anybody a kobo. We are even paying some allowancesthat federal universities don't pay. We even paid December's salary on the 19th. We are doing capacity building for our workers. In thelast three years, we have sent over 300 academic and non academic staff for capacity building and training both within andoutside the country, using internal resources, money that we have saved. Largely we are ensuring that this university should run like a university should be run. How would you describe the funding of Nigerian universities? The question I will ask is that: what have we done with the fundsprovided, no matter how little? Yes funding has always been an issue and there is no university in the world that will lay claim to be wellfunded. Government would try its own bit, the university itself should doitsown bit, then other stakeholders - private sector, and corporate organizations should do their own bit. Then the end users, the beneficiaries of the university education students and the parents should also do their bit. It is a partnership. If you wait for government to be responsible, it means you are notserious. However, the role of the government is indeed very key. In Osun state, we all knowthe situation here but the mistake people make is that they think the government is rich whichis not so. Nigeria is a poor country but we are resource rich, because it is a country where you depend only on one source of income. We canonly be rich when we explore and exploit all or sizeable number of our resources. We must alsobe productive and all this entitlement mentality that everything must be provided should be erased. That is why some people would claim government did not give them job. A person that did not go to school or learn a skill or trade will say there is no job. The universities have to be funded but it will have to be underthe context of available resources. These comments are not popular statements; I don't like making popular statement. I want to be right; I don't want to be nice. What is given to us, even though it is inadequate, we have to manage it toensure that we stay afloat and look for other sources of income. The most important thing is that we have to manage our resources and be prudent and we have to block all leakages. We are also engaging in other income generating activities and wehave detached them from the management of the university. However, anarea where we are not doing well and it is all Nigerian universities is in research output.We are not doing very well in that area. Ourresearch must be meaningful and must make impact in the society and the society must be willingwill to pay. Rather than complaining, Nigerian universities are supposed to be solving problems in the society. How are you addressing that area you are not doing well? We have put together some initiatives together to address this and soon theeffect will begin to be felt. We just introduced UNIOSUN Solutions Forum. What we will do is to pick problems from different communitiesand conduct some researches around it then we will get results and state the outcomeand present it weekly to them. That is already on, I think we shouldbe able to roll out one or two before the end of the session. Ifpeople are complaining, the university should go out and make somefindings and solve the problem. We have also started an institute which we launched last year; we call it Global Affairs and SustainableDevelopment Institute (GASDI). It is aimed at solving problems.

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NEWS

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

Muslim Leaders Wade In As Two Imams Emerge For Apomu Central Mosque By Solomo Odeniyi He said: “Alhaji Olawale numbers forestalled the wo different Chief Imams have emerged for breaking down of law and is the best person to fill the vacant position of Chief order at the Apomu Central Apomu Central Mosque in Isokan Local Imam. He is next to the Late Mosque last Friday. Government of the state of Osun. A supporter of Olawale, Chief Imam. I wonder why The League of Imams and attendance and this cannot who simply identified some youths are going be unconnected with the Alfa in the state has himself as Alfa against such a tradition. however, waded into the crisis in Apomu Central Olohunosebi, said the They should allow peace to crisis, OSUN DEFENDER Mosque.” selection of Chief Imam is reign and stop threatening OSUN DEFENDER straight forward, saying people with charms.” gathered on Wednesday. Tension pervaded gathered that security that it is the tradition to But one of the Eniafe’s Apomu central Mosque last operatives, including Police appoint ‘Nahibu-l-Imam’ supporters, who simply and the Nigeria Security Friday as two Islamic (Second-in-Command) as identified himself as Lekan, Clerics, Sheik Ismail Eniafe and Civil Defence Corps the successor of Imam faulted the claim, saying (NSCDC) in their large and Alhaji Muhib Olawale that there was no any whenever he dies. laid claim to be Chief Imam of the mosque, after they had been turbaned at ewspaper agents in the state of Osun have discouraging. separate venues last The agents in a meeting lamented the downturn in the sale of Thursday. But the duo were not newspapers, describing the development as with OSUN DEFENDER allowed to lead the Jumaat prayer last Friday by the congregation, it was learnt. The Chief Imam’s position became vacant after the death of Alhaji Muritadoh Akintayo, the former Chief Imam, who died on November 28, 2019. According to a source, the Imams in the state on Tuesday converged at the residence of the Chairman of the League of Imams and Alfas in the state, Sheik Musa Animasahun to resolve the matter. The source said: “A meeting was held today (Tuesday) at the resident of •Association of news paper Agents in the state of osun in a group photograph with the chairman in Osogbo. I member and staff of Osun Defender News Paper after their meeting with the Osun Photo: OLUSHOLA ADERINTO can confirm to you that all Defender recently . imams in the state were in

written agreement as regards who is supposed to occupy the Chief Imam’s position when it becomes vacant. Another resident of the town who spoke with the medium on condition of anonymity, alleged Sheik Eniafe of being used by some politicians in the community. He stated that Eniafe was taken to the Local Government Secretariat

immediately after his controversial turbaning last Thursday. “Sheik Eniafe doesn’t live at home. But he is preferred by some political class, while Sheikh Olawale is being supported by League of Imams and Alfas in the state. “Immediately after Eniafe’s turbaning, he was driven to the local government secretariat”, he said.

Newspaper Agents Lament Downturn In Sale

recently, said the emergence of cable TVs, online media and android telephones has resulted into a sharp drop in the demand for newspapers by readers. According to the agents, no vendor across the state can claim to be selling 50 copies of newspapers in a day, noting that people would have read the stories in the newspapers on their individual’s phones before the paper is published. Advising OSUN DEFENDER on how to boost its readership, the newspaper agents urged reporters of the medium to focus more on investigative reporting and human angle news stories. They noted that most of the newspapers correspondents relied on syndication of news stories,

advising the OSUN DEFENDER reporters to be hard-working, creative in writing and of good behaviour. Identifying the difference between journalists of the old days to those in practice currently, the newspaper agent noted that courage and passion for work have been lost in today’s practice of journalism. They submitted that all stories to be published by the medium should be balanced and appeal to everybody, irrespective of political party and religion. The newspaper agent were led by Alhaji Eluyera who has been in the newspaper business from 1962 and Muhammed Aziz Olaiya (MAO), chairman of the Newspaper agent.

CRIME

Police Parade 18 Suspects Linked With State's Crossover Party Riot Woman Who Stole Goat to Buy Drug For completion of investigation By Solomo Odeniyi ighteen suspects linked with the disruption of the New Year crossover party organised by the state Government of Osun have been arrested and paraded by the state of Osun Police Command.

The suspects were paraded alongside 23 others nabbed for other crimes which include armed robbery, kidnapping, possession of Indian hemp at the Police

Headquarter on Monday. Speaking during the parade, the Commissioner of Police, Johnson Kokumo, said the suspects would soon be arraigned in court after

on their various cases. Kokumo said the suspects arrested for disrupting the crossover night party acted in a way that was capable of disturbing the public peace, adding that the suspects allegedly caused civil disturbance at the Freedom Park, Osogbo, venue of the event. The CP stated: “While

people were engaged in prayers and happily expecting the New Year to meet them and members of their families, these ones took the law into their own hands at the Freedom Park. They embarked on an act capable of disturbing the public peace. We have rounded them up and they will soon appear before the court. Eighteen of them were arrested.”

Man Remanded For Felony, Impersonation two counts charges against

Bose said the offence is By Yusuf Oketola contrary and punishable n Osun State magistrate court sitting in Osogbo under Section 249(D) of the has remanded a 37 years old man, Nwanosike criminal code Cap 34 Vol II Emmanuel in Ilesa Correctional Service for Laws Of Osun State of alleged felony. havoc in the shop of the Nigeria 2002. Emmanuel who was complainant. The accused person arraigned on a two-count The prosecutor, Soyemi pleaded not guilty to the charge of felony and impersonation was said to have committed the offence on January 4, 2020 By Yusuf Oketola at No 9 Makai Street, Oluode Area, Osogbo, Osun n Osogbo Magistrate court has sentenced a 22State. year-old man, Wakilu Ganiyu to eight months The charge sheet states imprisonment for stealing iron sheets. ”that you did enter the Ganiyu was arraigned on According to the charge shop of one Olanike Olawale with the intent to a two counts charge of sheet, the accused persons commit a felony and conspiracy and stealing committed the offence at thereby committed an before Magistrate Opeyemi Osunjela area of Osogbo, adding that the offences are offence contrary to and Badmus on Tuesday. The charge sheet read in punishable under Sections punishable under section 509 of Criminal Code CAP court stated that Ganiyu 316 and 390 of Criminal 34 Vol II Laws of Osun State with one suspect at large Code, Cap 34, Vol II of Osun conspired on January 5, State of Nigeria 2002. of Nigeria 2002. “ That you did conduct 2020 to steal iron sheet Police Prosecutor, yourself in a manner likely valued at N80, 000, to cause breach of peace by properties of Dream Center Inspector Olayiwola Rasaq the life Oasis told the court that a guard falsely represent yourself to of at the Church Area Ganiyu be a pastor and caused International Church.

him. The presiding magistrate, Adijat Oloyade said the accused person should be remanded at Ilesa Correctional Service and adjourned the case to January 27, 2020 for hearing.

Her Sick Child Bags Six Month Jail Term By Yusuf Oketola

30-year-old woman, Sadiat Jimoh has been sentenced to six months jail term by an Osogbo magistrate's Court for stealing her neighbour's goat. Jimoh was accused of Fagboyinbo further stealing a brown she-goat told the court that the belonging to one Fausat stolen she-goat valued Adegboga. N45,000. Police Prosecutor, The offence, according Assistant Superintendent to the prosecutor, of Police, Abiodun contravened Sections 516 Fagboyinbo told the court and 390, Cap 34 Vol ll Law that Jimoh committed the of Osun state 2002. offence on January 5, The accused pleaded 2020 at Agubelewo area in guilty to the allegations Osogbo. slammed against her. Pleading for leniency, Jimoh said her action was stolen iron sheet was not intentional, claiming presented to the court as an that she stole the goat to exhibit. Pleading with the court offset the hospital of her to tender justice with mercy son who was suffering with him, Ganiu said he had from Hernia. Defence Counsel, Mr no intention of stealing the iron sheet, stating that one Abimbola Ige urged the the suspects are large told court to temper justice him that the iron sheet was with mercy on his client. of no use to the church In his judgment, the again. In his judgment, presiding Magistrate, Mr. Badmus Magistrate Opeyemi Opeyemi Badmus found Ganiyu convicted Jimoh on self guilty, convicted him admittance and sentenced accordingly and sentenced her to six months him to eight months imprisonment at the Ilesa imprisonment to be run Correctional Centre. concurrently.

22-Year-Old Bags 8 Months Imprisonment for Stealing Church's Iron Sheets

and two other suspects on Bajaj motorcycle with the iron sheet. The guard, according to Rasaq, raised alarm and residents of the area came out and Ganiyu was arrested while the two other suspects escaped. The stolen iron sheet was however, recovered. The prosecutor added that the Pastor of the church Mr. Olaoluwa Oniya was informed and the accused person was taken to the police station. Ganiyu pleaded guilty to the charges, just as the

FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

SPORTS

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Injury Threatening My Career - Osun Para-Power Lifting Champion Ibrahim Mujidat, is one of the leading lights in the para-power lifting in the country and the world. The Oba-Ile born athlete is currently facing a career threatening injury she sustained while training. In this interview with CYNTHIA IBEMESI, she appeals to the state government, as well as other well meaning individuals to come to her rescue as she seeks to represent the country in February, next month. Excerpts: How did you develop interest in sports? our director, coach Danni and he referred me to the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology Teaching Hospital. The doctor gave me the list of treatment and I needed to undergo a test, but I was told the facility was unavailable. I was told I could only get it in either Ibadan or Lagos. I informed the director about the treatment process and expenses, but nothing has been done till date. My coach personally raised N100, 000 to assist me to start treatment. The money got exhausted and my treatment was suspended. By estimation, I will need more than N1 million for both the treatment and procurement of supplements to get back to shape. I was told by the President of the Para-power lifting federation that since I had the injury in the state, the state should foot the bills for my treatment. I have complained to the Commissioner for Youths and Sports, Mr Yemi Lawal and I was told the complaint has been transmitted to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola but nothing has been done till date. I need to have the treatment as soon as possible to enable me participate in the world championship coming up next month. I am appealing to the state government and other well meaning individuals to come to my aid. Without undergoing this treatment, I cannot continue with my career. Sports is all have been doing. This injury has been affecting my career. I should attend a tournament this month but I cannot because of the injury.

I was a hair dresser before I joined a peanut company around 2009. I had no idea I could do sports because of my physical condition but I like sports a lot. I am always moved when I see people doing sports. My disability was an impediment and I had nobody to encourage me. I did not even know the kind of sports I would go into. Fortunately, I told my step sister that I was interested in sports and she enlightened and supported me on it. She is a footballer. In March 2011, she introduced me to coach Alabi Tajudeen to partake in the para-power lifting sports. This was the sport she felt I could do because of my condition. I started the sports on the 5th of May 2012. My first competition was in Akure, where I came third. That performance gave me a sense of belonging, hope and confidence. I began to love my disability the more. Before I got into sports, I did not like to keep people with disabilities as friends. I was also ashamed of my condition. But as time went on in my sport activities, I began to love myself and my condition, as well as the people living with disabilities .Now, I have come to the realization that there is a lot we can do even better than able bodied people. How many competitions have you participated in, and the number of laurels you have won?

•IBRAHIM

My very first outing that made way for me was that of the Eko festival in 2012. Out of the 120 contingents from Osun, I won gold medal for the state in the Para- power lifting sports. The former governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola supported me with the sum of N500, 000. He encouraged me and promised to assist me in whatever I choose to become; and he did eventually. Along the line, we were called for national trial in 2013 and I came 2nd, but only the winners were chosen. I did not feel bad, instead I was motivated. I started training very hard so I would have the opportunity to represent Nigeria. The letter of encouragement from the former governor, telling me I can even do better was also spurring. In 2014 and 2015, another trial was done and I still emerged 2nd. In 2016, I made up my mind to defeat the woman who was always beating me to the first position. We had another trial on April 22, 2017, in Ibadan in which I beat this same woman who is from Akwa Ibom to the first position with a gap of 25kilogram and other 15 athletes in my category. This qualified me to represent Nigeria at an international competition held in Mexico. I emerged second in the world, representing Nigeria. I was so excited because it was unbelievable. It was all by God’s Grace. After the competition, I kept training hard. I wanted to

be the best in the world. We were called in 2018 for another championship, but I was dropped for one or two reasons. Moving on, after three months, we traveled down to Algeria, I came out second in that tournament. In that same year, I traveled down to France, I was the winner in the whole world representing Nigeria. Also, at the Abuja festival held in December 2018, where approximately seventy -five athletes represented Osun state. I won gold for the state. In January 2019, I was called to prepare for the World Championship in which 48 countries participated. I won gold for Nigeria in that championship. In February 2019, I was also invited to Khuzestan for another world championship by the para- power lifting president. I started training because I was determined to become number one in the world. But at the end of the day, I discovered that I had sustained injury. How did you sustain the injury? I sustained the injury while training on June 23, 2019. I got injured basically due to the substandard equipment I was training with in the state. I sustained the injury on my right shoulder. The nature of the injury needed immediate treatment, which I couldn’t afford on my own. I informed

NPFL Match day 13: Lobi Stars, Rivers United, Akwa United Record Wins As Plateau Falter Lobi Stars and Rivers United levelled up with Plateau United at the top of the Nigeria Professional Football League after recording important wins in their matchday13 games on Wednesday. Plateau United went down to a 1-0 defeat against Katsina United at the Muhammadu Dikko Stadium with Joseph Atule netting the decisive goal in the 13th minute. Ezekiel Tamara hit the back of the net five minutes after the break as Lobi Stars edged out their hosts Adamawa United 1-0 at the Pantami Stadium. Rivers United recorded a slim 1-0 win against Nasarawa United at the Yakubu Gowon Stadium, Port Harcourt courtesy of Ossy Martins 15th minute strike. Plateau United maintained top spot in the table with 24 points, same as Lobi Stars and Rivers United who occupy second and third positions

respectively but have inferior goal differences. Akwa United moved to fourth position in the table following a 1-0 home win against Wikki Tourists in Uyo. Friday Ubong scored the decisive goal on the half hour mark. Akwa United are now unbeaten in their last five league games. At the Agege Stadium, MFM also beat Dakkada 10. Nnamdi Mejuobi scored a spectacular goal with an overhead kick two minutes after the break to hand the hosts all three points in the game. In Enugu, Rangers eased their relegation worries after a comfortable 3-1 win against oriental rivals.

Ibrahim Olawoyin bagged a brace for Rangers, while Kenechukwu Aug got the other goal.Ekene Awazie scored IfeanyiUbah’s only goal of the game. Sunshine Stars enjoyed a comfortable evening courtesy of a 2-0 win

against Jigawa Golden Stars at the Ondo Sports Complex. Mohammed Suleiman and Wasiu Jimoh were on target for the Owena Waves in the game. Ridwan Agbabiaka scored three minutes before the break as Warri

Wolves beat Heartland at the Warri City Stadium. Abia Warriors and Kano Pillars battled to a 0-0 draw at the Umuahia TownshipStadium. FULL RESULTS Adamawa Utd 0-1 Lobi Rangers 3-1 FC Ifeanyiubah

Wolves 1-0 Heartland Abia Warriors 0-0 Kano Pillars Katsina Utd 1-0 Plateau Utd Akwa Utd 1-0 Wikki Sunshine Stars 2-0 Jigawa GS MFM 1-0 Dakkada Rivers Utd 1-0 Nasarawa Utd

Af Awards; Full List Of Winners As Mane, Oshoala Win Big

iverpool and Senegal forward Sadio Mane was on Tuesday night crowned African Player of the Year for

2019. Mane beat his Liverpool teammate, Mohamed Salah and Algeria’s captain Riyad Mahrez to the award. Super Falcons forward Asisat Oshoala won the Women’s crown ahead of Ajara Nchout of Cameroon and South Africa’s Thembi Kgltana. Morocoo winger Achraf Hakimi beat Nigerian duo, Victor Osimhen and Samuel Chukuweze to the 2019 African Youth Player of year

award. The Indomitable Lioness of Cameroon scooped the prize for the best Women’s National Team in the continent following their impressive performance at the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup in France where they made it to the Round of 16 for the first time. The Desert Foxes of Algeria won the the award for the Men’s Team Of The Year. Djamel Belmadi’s men won their second Africa Cup

of Nations title in Egypt following a 1-0 win against the Teranga Lions of Senegal in the final. Banyana Banyana of South Africa head coach Desiree Ellis picked the Women’s Coach Of The Year Award, while Algeria’s Djamel Belmadi won the Men’s Award. ROLL CALL OF WINNERS Men’s Player Of The Year – Sadio Mane ( Senegal) Women’s Player Of The Year- Asisat Oshoala (Nigeria) African Youth Player Of The Year- Achraf Hakimi (Morocco)

Women’s National Team Of The Year- Cameroon Men’s Team Of The YearAlgeria Women’s Coach Of The Year- Desiree Ellis (South Africa) Men’s Coach Of The Year – Djamel Belmadi (Algeria) Federation Of The YearEgyptian Football Association Club President Of The Year- Moise Katumbi (TP Mazembe) Goal Of The Year – Riyad Mahrez (Algeria) Interclub Player Of The Year – Tarek Hamed Special Award- Kodjovi Obilale

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FRIDAY JANUARY 10 - THURSDAY JANUARY 16, 2020

Nigeria: From Egypt to Egypt?

Fire Razes Popular Shopping Plaza in Osogbo Page 12

hose who are familiar with the history of the Israelites will understand why their story in the wilderness will not be completed without a mention of the Red Sea and how they, at a stage, had preferred being ”slaves in Egypt” to being subjected to mass ignoble deaths ”in the desert.” With the pathetic state of our country, it is unfortunate that such hopelessness and uncertain reality now define the lots of many Nigerians. Sentiments apart, President MuhammaduBuhari is a good man and Nigerians have to appreciate God for a man of his ilk as Nigeria’s president. He has done ‘this’, ‘that’, ‘and the other’, all in the interest of Nigeria and Nigerians. Forget the fact that the government, which he heads, is now sitting, comfortably, on a huge debt profile of not less than N24.4 trillion; and not a few Nigerians are concerned and palpably worried. Despite her rich socio-cultural legacy, Nigeria is today an unfortunate product of strange, deep and challenging problems which raised lots of questions about how complicated we are as a people. Poor welfare that is painfully customized to suit poverty in our country have stolen the common man’s heart; and it is as if we have all surrendered to the archetypal power of a cloistered present and an uncertain future. The so-called government think tank seems to be missing the gem as the fulcrum of its policy pronouncements is not jelling with the expectations of the masses. Otherwise, there would have been a massive socioeconomic turnaround in many sectors of the domestic economy to the benefit of everybody who is a Nigerian, irrespective of his or her status in the society. To make matters worse, the ruling party continues to grapple with the challenge of identity definition while the opposition, either for lack of a credible alternative or non-possession of a financial warchest to match the rampaging ferocity of its masters in the game, has willingly become prisoner to existing positions. Starting with the Federal Government’s position on Agriculture and Rural Development, what has changed and what has been the effect? Year in, year out, it is a whole story of woes and catalogue of avoidable failures. This year, if it is not a fight over the procurement of fertilizer, it will be harvest of tirades in trying to expose the corruption in fertilizer distribution. Next year, it the farmers’ verification exercise and how to account for farmers who are deprived. The following year, the routine begins again: the procurement and the distribution of fertilizer. Whereas, all that has not addressed the alleged corruption in the system! What we are saying is that, if the government is claiming to have spent trillions of naira on “agriculture and infrastructure” in the last few years, why hasn’t the humongous sum reflected on the socio-economic reality of Nigerians? The truth is: a sizable proportion of the Nigerian population are still very hungry. How much is a kongo of gari, even as we speak? How much is a 50kg bag of local rice? Again, why are people running from Osun State, which claims to be an agrarian population, to the neighbouring Oyo State to buy yam tubers, in spite of the sophistry of the former’s agricultural policies? This is embarrassing, to say the least! Talking seriously, what has become of government’s position on international trade and commerce; and what’s happening, presently, to our domestic economy and home-market? This again leads us to some other questions! Who’s calculating the gains and the losses of the Buhari-led administration? The political oligarchs and power drunk state officials, who, in spite of our being pathetically poor, still derive pleasure

OBSERVATION

in mismanaging our poverty? Or the mere sand-players who only specialize in lying BY ABIODUN KOMOLAFE to Nigerians with unrivaled illogicality? What type of a country is one that fails to realize that making money without working because government of the day didn’t have enough is a recipe for trouble for the national economy? What political spine, it capitulated by allowing the Bureau de manner of work is it that makes a truck driver in the Change to have its way; and gave it legal backing as Black United States of America live a better life than a Market. Well, the effects of this public maladministration on supposed big man in Nigeria? Over and above all, if government reforms are truly hitting their targets, why associational life of average Nigerians, political are Nigerians leaving home, hale and hearty, only to end pragmatism and the issue of succession are better imagined than experienced. This is because people see up in the lagoon as victims of suicide? That Nigeria’s economy is threatened, with the country politics only as a certificate to some luxuries and described variously as a ”dumping ground for stronger privileges and are desperate to be in government, economies in the world” is no longer news. Charles not necessarily because they have a clue as to what to Soludo came in, and introduced some policies to stem do or how to run a government, but because that is the the leak in foreign exchange. But by the time Soludo only area where ‘survival-without-stress’, making big would realize that ‘Banking” was ”no Ludo’, the powerful- money and indiscriminate use of state power are but-evil cabal who benefit directly and thrive on foreign assured. That is why people are no longer committed to currency exchange in the country, had opposed party ideologies and manifestos. If Joseph could suggest and successfully implement a the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor. And, policy that effectively addressedthe ”sevenyears of famine” in Egypt ( G e n e s i s 4 1 and 42), then, it is pure illusion to measure successes of policies in a bottomless pit. For a serious government, it does not speak to good judgment to encourage endless policies when the people do not feel the track of such plans and actions. It is merely a way of saying that government appears to be busy, doing nothing! As Ghana has now shown that you don’t solve a problem by creating another problem, the founding fathers of Nigeria’s political landscape will no doubt be rolling in his grave, seeing what Nigerians have made of politics. All said, it ’s time government woke up to its That Nigeria’s economy is responsibilities by annexing the innate capacities that are threatened, with the country bounded in the people’s differing sympathies. Otherwise, the just concluded Kogi and described variously as Bayelsa governorship elections might have signposted a ”dumping ground for stronger how fast 2023 can take us back to the past. economies in the world” is no longer The forthcoming Ondo and Edo States elections will only help dot the i’s and cross the t’s of the heist of news. Charles Soludo came in, November 16, 2019. There and then, welcome ‘Gunshot and introduced some policies to stem Democracy’! Interestingly, in a violent electoral process, the leak in foreign exchange. But by it is the gun and the mastery of its use, not human and the lobby for votes, that serves as the winning streak. the time Soludo would realize again, that also has an expiry date! that ‘Banking” was ”no Ludo’, the But,May the Lamb of God, who takes away the sin of the powerful-but-evil cabal who benefit world, grant us peace in Nigeria!

directly and thrive on foreign currency exchange in the country, had opposed the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor.

•KOMOLAFE writes in from Ijebu-Jesa, State of Osun, Nigeria (ijebujesa@yahoo.co.uk) Abiodun Komolafe, O20, Okenisa Street, Ijebu-Jesa, Osun State.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,