Osun Defender Online Version For January 18, 2019

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FRIDAY JANUARY 18 - THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2019

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Quite A Week In Osun •Aregbe Honoured At Fountain University •Shower Of Praises As A Pivotal Figure Turns 80

•Immediate past Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) being decorated for the honour of Doctor of Letters of the Fountain University, Osogbo by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Amidu Sanni while Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun (middle) looks on at the Convocation Ceremony of the university in Osogbo on Monday.

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•Celebrant, Chief Bisi Akande (middle); Governor State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola (4th left) with children and grand children of Chief Akande during his 80th birthday reception at Ila city stadium, Ila-Orangun yesterday.

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2019: Don't Allow Rigging In Osun PAGE 2 - Atiku Charges Voters

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Fountain University Honours Aregbesola

By Solomon Odeniyi Despite leaving office as Governor of Osun, the outstanding contributions of the immediate past Governor Rauf Aregbesola to the development of the state is still echoing.

This time, the Osogbo. recognition of his He was conferred with outstanding feat towards the honours at the the development of Osun i n s t i t u t i o n ’ s and education is coming 8th convocation ceremony from the citadel of learning held on Monday. as he was conferred with While decorating him, Honorary Doctor of the Vice chancellor of the Letters (Honoris Causa) by university, Amidu Sanni the Fountain University, said, the former governor

was honoured for his outstanding contributions to the development of the state as well as the university.

He said: “He was excellent while in the helms of affairs of the state. He has also contributed to the development of the school.

He instituted a scholarship for science students in the school which he has been committed to since 2011.

He is not perfect though,

but on the balance of things that have been seen, he is one of the few good people we have in Nigeria.

“If he had wanted to receive honours, he would have gotten over hundreds of them. We are happy he is receiving ours.

Aregbesola still has a lot to offer the state and the nation at large. “ Aregbesola, while speaking advised the graduands not to focus on job hunting, but rather on

•Govenor of Osun, Gboyega Oyetola laying the wreath of honour during the 2019 Armed Forces Rememberance Day at the Military Cenotaph, Abere.

Armed Forces Remembrance:

how to employ themselves and five others.

In his speech titled ‘Education and the Society’, he highlighted the duties of citadel of learning as one meant to set goals for itself and the society, adding that tertiary institutions should not stay back on the issue confronting the society but should approach the government on the solution they could proffer to societal problems.

He lamented the low knowledge base in the country despite the high number of tertiary institution in the country which he said, has translated into poverty for the country.

Explaining how poor the country is, the fourth civilian governor of the state said, “Nigeria is a very poor country. Our national budget for 2019 is N8.8trn. When shared among the population of about 200m, you would know what each of us is entitled to. We will all get N44,500 each. Out of the N8.8trn, we are going to borrow N2.4trn. Can N44,500 take anyone anywhere? A day old child cannot live on N44,500 per annum. And we say Nigeria is a rich country.

“If that does not shock you, let me shock you further, Nigeria produces

Oyetola Advocates Peace, Unity

Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has loyalty to the again advocated for peace and unity among the people nation, appealed to the of Nigeria, Africa and the Global space at large. citizenry to remember that the best honour that He stated this at the Commonwealth nations.

“I would like to can be given to the fallen 2019 Armed Forces Remembrance Day appreciate the thinking and living heroes is to Wreath Laying Ceremony behind the annual resolve to live together in held at the New Military commemoration and peace and unity as a Cenotaph in Osogbo on remembrance of our fallen people.

Tuesday.

He said now is the time and gallant heroes, who The governor said, the surrendered their comfort to realise that we despise celebration is a our fallen heroes when we and lives so that we can commemoration and an forment crises, kill one appreciation of the keep ours.

“It is a testament to the another and tear the nation sacrifice of the veterans and gallant soldiers, at deep appreciation and apart, stressing that the personal and family costs, high esteem that we, as Nigerian people must set to keep the world and civilians and the living, apart sentiments, say no to especially the country hold the sacrifice of our hate speeches and seek together. gallant soldiers and proof peace, saying “now is the He stated that from the that this is not in vain”. time for our corporate First World War through and The state helmsman organisations the Second World War, the who placed on record the philanthropists to pull Civil War, the Support Operations across the appreciation of the resources together for world to Internal Security government and people of those who laid down their Operations, these gallant the state to the Nigerian lives so that the people of soldiers demonstrated Armed Forces for their Nigeria can enjoy life and uncommon courage and paid the supreme price so that the world can enjoy peace, stressing that It is therefore apposite that the Presidential Candidate of the Peoples Democratic people of Nigeria Party (PDP), Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has alerted voters reciprocate this gesture by appreciating them and in Osun to resist any attempt to rig both presidential taking care of their loved and legislative elections in the state.

He spoke on Tuesday ones.

He continued: “January while addressing his Muhammadu Buhari has 15 every year is symbolic supporters during his failed to protect the to our nation. It marks the campaign rally in Osogbo, citizens, he assured that he would ensure security of end of Civil War, thus prompting the nation to urging them not to be lives and properties if decide to live together in deceived again in the elected as president, just as peace and unity. The forthcoming election. he promised to restructure symbolism of this Day Abubakar also necessitated the decision expressed displeasure at the country in few months by the Federal the current status of if he becomes the next Government to Nigeria as the “capital of president of Nigeria.

“This government commemorate the day on poverty in the world”. promised to give you job 15th January as against the Adding that President and security, they 11th November by other

do profitable businesses”.

Governor Oyetola who maintained that the State of Osun is noted for giving priority to the welfare of service men and women, added that his administration will contribute to the Federal Government’s Partnership Scheme for the Armed Forces and improve on the state’s contributions to the welfare of the Nigerian Legion, the servicemen and women and the families of the fallen heroes within the limits of available resources.

He assured the officers and men of the forces that Nigerians appreciate their services to their fatherland, enjoining them to be rest assured that as they go out in defence of

the nation, they are not alone, they carry with them the prayers and goodwill of their compatriots.

Highpoint of the event was the laying of wreath which was kick started by Governor Oyetola; the Commander, Engineering Construction Command, Ede, Brigadier General E. Erewa; Wing Commander, 209 Quick Response Group, Ipetu-Ijesha, Wing Commander K.O Akinyosade; the State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fimihan Adeoye; the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun and the State Chairman, Nigerian Legion, Comrade Oladimeji Olalere among others.

1.8 million barrels of oil per day, let’s assume we produce 2m barrels of oil and magically the price rise to $100 per barrel, it means the highest Nigeria can earn every day is $200m. ”Let’s assume we are not paying anything for the production, then divide 200m by 200m people, it gives one $1 per head which in naira is 365 per head, the portable water need for a day old child is more than 400 daily.”

Aregbesola lauded the prolific efforts of the management of the institution in its efforts in inculcating decency and good character through the combination of Islamic religion and academics to improve the lives of students of the institution.

He advocated good character and morality in all tertiary institutions in the country, adding that lack of good character, moral and self-discipline contributed to the economic hardship Nigeria is currently facing.

“The constant increase in Poverty Index rate in Nigeria is caused by lack of self-discipline and good character.

“Some people are there at the helms of affairs living in opulence, looting the money that is meant to be spent on improving infrastructure and improving the lives of the people in the society”, Aregbesola said.

Osun State Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola charged the graduands to embrace entrepreneurship rather than seeking white collar job.

He added that only entrepreneurship will prevent them from falling victim of the high level of unemployment in the country.

The former Minister of Information of Ghana, Mustapha Abdul Hammed noted that unemployment is not peculiar to Nigeria but countries in the West Africa.

Despite this, he urged the graduands to always seek the good of their country as their life is intertwined with the future of the country.

2019: Don't Allow Rigging In Osun - Atiku Charges Voters promised to turn around the economy, unfortunately, everything has turned out to be a deceit.”

“I mean what I said when I promised a 40 per cent affirmative for youth and 30 per cent for women, I am not Buhari, I am Atiku, I mean everything I said, mark my words”, the opposition candidate maintained.

Also speaking at the rally, the National Chairman of PDP, Uche Secondus, said he was

optimistic that the “stolen mandate” in Ekiti and Osun will be reclaimed by the PDP. The Chairman of PDP in Osun, Soji Adagunodo, said, there is no other party apart from PDP that can deliver dividends of democracy in Nigeria, saying, the PDP and its candidates have already won the election and urge the people go out and resist rigging.

Also, at the rally, a former governor of Osun, Olagunsoye Oyinlola, said

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President Muhammodu Buhari has failed to follow all his campaign promises.

“When Buhari was campaigning, he was talking about restructuring, he emerged and changed the narratives, saying he doesn’t understand restructuring, meaning that all that they have said were nothing but clear-cut deceit.

He also said the country’s security has degenerated beyond redemption under Buhari.

FRIDAY JANUARY 18 - THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2019

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Confusion In SDP, As Omisore, Supporters Part Ways

By Kehinde Ayantunji There seems to be confusion within the fold of Social Democratic Party (SDP) in Osun, as the party’s governorship candidate in the 2018 governorship election, Senator Iyiola Omisore and his supporters within the party have parted ways.

While Omisore, a some of his followers former deputy governor have parted ways with said he had decided to him and returned to the stand with the All Peoples Democratic Progressives Congress Party.

(APC) to jointly win the This is just as 2019 presidential and Omisore’s camp in the legislative elections, SDP, led by Dr Bayo

Faforinjin said the party remains committed to the ideals of the coalition arrangement with the APC, while the other camp, through a foremost leader of the party, Chief Omole Agboworin said such alliance does not have the sanction of the National leadership and remains anti-party activity.

Governor of Osun, Gboyega Oyetola, during

his ‘thank you tour’ of federal constituencies in the state had visited Omisore in his Ile-Ife country home, where the latter declared that he had decided to stand with the APC. He said, “God made the relationship between me and the APC possible.

Osun is one now and Ife remains the source from where all of us draw our strength. I don’t have to

•(L-R) Governors Rotimi Akeredolu (Ondo), Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti) and Lagos State Deputy Governor, Idiat Adebule at the 80th Birthday Colloquium in honour of Chief Adebisi Akande, a National Leader of the APC in Ibadan, on Wednesday.

Men Should Speak Out On Domestic Abuse - Retired Judge

By Sola Jacobs

times as a result of pressure, emotional problems and even the upbringing of individuals.

She noted that there is need for foundations that men could approach and unburden their problem.

In an interview with Osun Defender, Olori Tola Bamidele, a UK based Nigerian said that the need to support men and boys necessitated the establishment of the foundation.

Bamidele stated further

A retired judge of Osun State High Court, Justice Folahanmi Oloyede has called on Nigerian men to feel free to share their domestic problems with people who could help rather than remain silent over fear of being ridicule.

She gave this counsel Justice Oloyede decried during the lunching of that inability of men to “Olori Tola Foundation” speak out for fear of being a Non-Governmental ridiculed or termed Organisation, initiated to weakling makes some fight abuse of men and vulnerable among them boys, by individual or to take suicide option. groups.

She observed that there The retired judge are more cases of mental observed that most men breakdown in recent are traumatized and exploited domestically leading them to become victim of depression or Vice Chancellor of Osun State University, physiological disorder, hence the level of violence UNIOSUN, Professor Labode Popoola, has said he would prefer to resign rather than allowing antibeing experienced on graft activities by some officials of the university daily basis. to stand.

According to her, NonAccording to him, his his efforts to fight such g o v e r n m e n t a l organisations advocate refusal to cease anti-graft cases have been on women and children war has been the major attracting unwarranted issues, but very few reason behind the responses from those addressed men persistent crises in the affected. university, saying, he challenges.

“I will not trade peace She therefore opined would never trade peace for fraud. I will rather that there is need for for fraud no matter the resign and go. I’m not women to love their men, petition, allegation or going to collide with They were as love begets love so as protest against his fraud. spending about to curb the issue of leadership.

Addressing journalists N11million to conduct domestic violence.

The activist therefore at Osogbo campus of the exam before I resumed. last Friday, We are spending less counsel men to seek help university maintained that than N3million now”. and not hesitate to speak Popoola he would not do Professor Popoola out when they are over- anything that will spoil burdened, oppressed or his reputation in the described the recent release by the National repressed by their name of peace.

Public Relations Officer spouses or families, to The VC said some avoid over-reaction high-ranking officials of of the Senior Staff which can make them to the institution have Association of Nigeria commit crime against deepen their hands into University (SSANU) on UNIOSUN as bias and others or themselves. fraudulent activities and inappropriate defence

that the problem in the society should be tackled holistically, saying some men are abused and suffering from depression, while others are over-burdened as a result of family and financial pressure which in turn affect their behaviour in the society.

She therefore called on Nigerians to be their brothers keepers, as everyone needs to be loved, respected and accepted.

tell anybody that I am with the APC. Any wise person should know where I belong”.

The declaration by Omisore sprang reports that he had defected to the APC, a situation that prompted a statement from his camp of the SDP that he remains a member of the party.

A statement by Faforijin dismissed the defection rumours and described it as speculative, saying it emanated from misinterpretation of the ingredients of the coalition arrangement between the SDP and the APC from the September 27th rerun gubernatorial election in which Oyetola emerged victorious.

The statement read: “The Governor has commenced a ‘thank you’ tour which has taken him to some federal constituencies, the turn of Ife federal constituency being Thursday, 10th of January, 2019. As the leader of the SDP, the prime mover and the initiator of the coalition arrangement, Governor Oyetola paid Senator Omisore a courtesy visit in his country home prior to the outing, thus making it imperative for him to accompany the governor to the venue of the event as a good host, and that was what happened.

“The SDP remains committed to the ideals of the coalition arrangement which guarantees mutual recognition of both parties as partners in progress and hereby urges our teeming members to remain resolute in our commitment to our party, the SDP, while praying for the success of Governor Oyetola’s tenure in Osun”.

Apparently not comfortable with the move, some of Omisore’s followers in Ife East, led

by Hon John Fasogbon and Hon Rasaq Bonfo among others returned to the PDP on the excuses that they were no longer comfortable with the alliance.

Noting that they were tricked into supporting Oyetola and Omisore to enter into a coalition, they said they had decided to return to the PDP and support the party’s candidate to win the 2019 elections.

Meanwhile, on another hand, some leaders of the SDP described the decision of the Omisore’s camp to align with the APC as anti-party.

Speaking through Chief Agboworin after a meeting at Fakunle secretariat in Osogbo on Monday, they described this as misinformation, unfounded and fallacious, the claim that the SDP has been collapsed into the APC. He said: “We are now standing as a united and indivisible party. We will win some seats in the state assembly, House of Representatives and seat of Osun Central Senatorial District in this 2019 election.”

The party chieftain added that among the resolutions of the meeting is that the OgoOluwa office will seize to be the party secretariat and the leadership in the state will soon announce the new party office while the Fakunle office will be used in the interim.

He urged all SDP supporters and loyalists in the state to join hands with the rebuilding team and shun “the anti-party activities being led by Iyiola Omisore”.

Crisis In UNIOSUN May Not End Soon, If …- VC towards members of SSANU who are subsidiary members of Joint Action Committee, JAC. Speaking on the agitation of the SSANU, Popoola said, “a former Secretary of NASU in the person of Mr Olugbeja was illegally awarded a Tetfund Grant for a conference in the USA but unfortunately, he absconded. His monthly salaries were not stopped until due process was followed.

“NASU Chairman, Mr. Isaiah Fayemi, got himself entangled in a financial mess involving missing booklets of receipts of the University.

All these occurred before my assumption of duties in November 2016.

Management approved the report of the

investigative panel that Mr. Fayemi and others involved in the receipt booklet scam should face the Staff Disciplinary Committee (SDC). Since that decision was taken, the university has not known peace”.

The VC explained that Olugbeja’s pay was stepped down by the audit department and the stoppage of his payment necessitated an agitation from NASU thus culminated into physical assault on the former Acting Head of Internal Audit by NASU member.

He explained that the order of the governing council of the university that all non-academic staff members below level 13 should sign a register on daily resumption was also disobeyed on the order of

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JAC leadership.

He said the disobedience had led to disruption of activities in the university, thus making the institution to lose N120million Tetfund Special Grant and other losses.

The university VC said the JAC also refused to write apology letter as directed by the governing council and instead went ahead to disrupt the 2018 convocation by shutting down the university gates, thus preventing the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, former Governor Rauf Aregbesola and other eminent personalities from entering.

He noted that the crisis is not likely to end because he would not bend rules.

PAGE

4 Hearty Congratulations To A Life In Public Service Much encomiums have deservedly been giving throughout the week to the indomitable Baba (as he is now reverently called) Chief Bisi Akande. The accolades have been well-earned. Without seeking to distract from the achievements of a life that has illuminated on the ethos of public service, Baba Akande has received plaudits because he is a reminder almost (sadly) a relic of an edifying era.

They simply do not make them like him anymore. Baba Akande represents the ethos upon which the ideal post-colonial state is supposed to have been constructed. He is thoughtful, composed, pays attention to details and has, consistently in a long sojourn in the limelight avoided even a whiff of the untoward. The octogenarian has been a former secretary to the state government, and later deputy governor of the Old Oyo State in 1979 as well as the second civilian governor of Osun State between 1999 and 2003. All of the posts were held without blemish.

In view of the erosion of any form of sensible standards, this is a superlative achievement. It

There are nevertheless, decisive battles ahead and we are grateful that the thoughtful, steadfast Baba Akande respected for his unimpeachable integrity will be at the heart of it all dishing out wise counsel. takes great tenacity of purpose and uncommon courage to swim against what has become the murky tide of Nigeria's public life which today appears to be woven round - corruption, sloth, an epicurean veneer centered on gain without pain and in many cases sheer indolence. We salute his courage.

In our considered opinion Chief Akande's greatest contribution is the fact that he has steadfastly defended the hegemony of Yoruba progressive ethos and politics established since 1948.

This is crucial. For it is constantly

UPDATE Presidential Election: All Out Mobilisation From The Ladies, Guess Who Is Campaining For Buhari/Osinbajo?

under threat, and people like Baba Akande have consistently being at the fore-front of a resistance.

The defense is crucial, for the political hegemony established in Western Nigeria has centered around the need to elevate living standards through the provision of education, ever widening access to health facilities as well as an over-arching strategy to use the levers of the State as a mechanism to ensure 'Life more abundant' for the benefit of the overwhelming majority as opposed to the privileges of a few. For his unwavering defense of a position which has been so beneficial to the Yoruba speaking nation we give him great, hearty Gbosas!!!

There are nevertheless, decisive battles ahead and we are grateful that the thoughtful, steadfast Baba Akande respected for his unimpeachable integrity will be at the heart of it all dishing out wise counsel. We wish him many happy returns as well great fulfilling years head in continuing good health.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY JANUARY 18 - THURSDAY JANUARY 24, 2019

Dry Seasons:

Putting End To Fire Outbreaks Of recent, there have been incidences of fire outbreak in the state of Osun, SOLOMON ODENIYI in this report looks at the causes and ways to prevent it.

During dry seasons, low rainfall is usually experienced and the period is accompanied by harmattan. The dry seasons which is said to be between November and March has low humidity and things get drier. All these make the season hazardous.

The fog and dew which the season brings in terms of impairment in visibility both in the sky and on the land has been attributed to many crashes and road accidents.

Also, the season, according to reports have been coinciding with a rise in cases of measles which researchers believe might be attributed to the higher concentration of people in dry areas.

Even then, another major challenge posed by dry season is the alarming rate of fire outbreaks. The harmattan haze with extremely dry dusty windblows makes it easy for fire to spread at the slightest ignition.

Osun state is one of the states that have experienced series of fire incidents of recent. In less than a month, the state has witnessed minimum of three reported cases of inferno.

First was in Osogbo, Osun State capital where fire gutted the secretariat of Olorunda local government council located around Igbonna area of the city at about 8.15pm which caused pandemonium in the area.

It was reported that offices, equipment and other facilities belonging to the local government were affected by the inferno.

Next hit was the popular Oje Market, Ede, in the Ede North Local Government Area of Osun State where several shops were destroyed by fire.

Another case was at the back of the Ifon-Osun market where three shops including a small pharmaceutical shop went up in flames recently. No life was lost to any of these outbreaks though, but properties and goods worth millions of naira were lost.

Though one common trend drawn from these fire incidents was that the cause of the fire could not be ascertained, however, unconfirmed sources attributed that of the local government incident to sparks from electrical appliances, saying the incident was precipitated by sparks from electrical appliances.

The case of Ifon was also said to have been caused by electrical faults.

Meanwhile, of the three fire incidences, there have been complaints of either late arrival of fire service men or non- appearance of the officers on the excuses of lack of water.

The incidents of fire outbreaks have been recorded to have devastating effects. Annually, many lives are lost to fire accidents. Properties worth billions of naira lost to fire disasters in Nigeria. According to a 2011 report by the National Bureau of Statistics, there were 259 calls regarding domestic private fires, out of which 245 lives were lost. This is compared to 6 industrial/factory fires reported, out of which 22 lives were lost. Also, an estimated N3.8billion worth of goods were lost in the industrial fires while loss estimates for the domestic fires was put at N14.6billion.

According to the Federal Fire Service (FFS), property worth over N16 billion was lost in 809 fire incidents in Abuja and Lagos from January 2015 to June 2016. Within

•Olorunda Local Government Secretariat building recently engulfed by fire.

Another major challenge posed by dry season is the alarming rate of fire outbreaks. The harmattan haze with extremely dry dusty wind blows makes it easy for fire to spread at the slightest ignition. the same period, N70 billion was saved, while 29 people lost their lives and 58 were rescued.

The fire incidents involved 79 public and government buildings, 239 private buildings, three educational establishments, nine shops and 61 petrol stations.

Inspite of the high rate of fire outbreaks and efforts by relevant organizations and governments to sensitize people with a view to checking outbreaks, it still occurs.

Efforts Of The State Fire Service And Equipment Although, residents and victims of fire outbreak have expressed their disdain over the late responses and lack of adequate water supply by the state fire service to quench a raging inferno. At the fire outbreak in Ede, the fire service men were attacked.

According to Osun State Fire Service Staff Officer, Adekunle Ibrahim, men and officers deployed to put out the fire were beaten up by some hoodlums, who accused them of responding late to their distress call.

He lamented that his men had to abandon the water truck and flee the area, insisting that the effect of the fire would have been minimal if the service had been allowed to work.

He said: “Angry traders and onlookers did not allow men of the Osun State Fire Service to put out the fire, as they were attacked and their water truck damaged.”

The Chairman of the state’s Committee for Fire Safety Matters, Honourable Oguntola Toogun noted that the fire service had always come under criticism for inefficiency, slow response to emergencies, but the whole blame should not be on the fire fighters alone.

He attributed the fire fighters late arrival to lack of early information from members of the public.

Toogun said, “The firefighters anywhere have no magic. They rely on the people involved to get across to the fire service management promptly. What happens here is different, instead of people reporting to the fire station, they will go to radio or TV stations. Most time we get to hear it from there. We have been going about educating and enlightening on radio and TV. We have been to the market, schools among others on how to handle fire as well as quenching it. In the process, we are always giving out our numbers. We hope the people realise that it is when the fire service is informed on time that they can go and quench any fire outbreak on time”.

On the lack of water complaints by the public, Toogun said, “The worst allegation anyone can bring up is claiming the fire services are out of water, even our

•Continued on page 6

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Dry Seasons:

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Putting End To Fire Outbreaks

•Shops razed by fire outbreak behind Ifon market, Orolu local government area of Osun last week.

•Continued on page 6 trucks that have been abandoned for 2 years have water. There could be a situation where getting to the scene of the fire, water gets exhausted, there is no option than to leave and try to refill.

Unlike in advanced countries where hydrants are almost everywhere but there is no such facilities here, the best thing for us to do is to leave and look for where to get water.”

He also lamented the attack on the officials of the fire service.

According to him the attack is uncalled for, uncivilized and should be condemned in totality by everybody. ‘’We were informed late and when the officers got to the place, they were attacked including the station officer, a lady. They had to run for their lives, and that action increased the damage,” he claimed.

According to investigations, this paper discovered that one of the major

problems hampering the effectiveness of the fire service in the state despite the lifts it received years back was lack of equipment, poor funding of the agency, lack of motivation and security for staffs.

Toogun confirmed this and added that the fire service staff look forward to the new governor to get new firefighting equipment.

Toogun said: “We look forward to the budget presented so as to be able to get latest equipment to fight fire in the state because most of our equipment are obsolete. For example, the trucks we have, some are older than the state because they were inherited from the old Oyo state. Osun is more than 25, definitely the trucks will be more than 30 years old.

“They are very expensive to buy and the lowest costing is about N100m. We are able to make use of the ones we are having because of the refurbishment carried out on some during the immediate past administration”.

In the case of an incident of fire, Toogun advised that, “every house should acquire a fire extinguisher, which is sold for maximum of N25,000. Can you quantify the damage the fire would do if a building get engulfed?

“Fire is the most dangerous element of destruction, when it comes, it destroys anything. People should be very careful with the way they handle fire especially during this period. With gas in the house, care must be taken with home appliances by making sure they are turned off completely when not in use.

He said to quench a fire, a lot of courage was needed, adding that “being courageous is the most important thing needed to put out fire. Afterwards, switch off the light, then apply extinguisher to the fire, then if you do not have, deep a towel into water and put it on the gas cooker the fire will go down. However this can be done if courage is summoned”.

Toogun gave phone number 08033966693 out as one of the distress numbers the public can contact anytime there is a fire outbreak even as he lamented that despite giving out some numbers previously and embarked on public sensitization, a large population in the state does not know the fire services number and will rather seek help with the police or radio stations.

OSEMA speaks The General Manager, Osun State Emergency Management Agency (OSEMA), Olanrewaju Oluyemi, said his agency has always been present at the scenes of fire outbreak, adding that on each occasion they have done all they could except giving out relief materials which of recent they have been unable to do because of paucity of fund.

The OSEMA boss who claimed that his agency is having a good relationship with the state fire service said just like his agency, the fire service men have been giving their best to bring fire incidents to a halt in the state despite having paucity of fund.

He added: “Sometimes we call on fire service to intervene and in fairness to them they have always been prompt anytime we call on them, though they

“People should be very careful with the way they handle fire especially during this period. With gas in the house, care must be taken with home appliances by making sure they are turned off completely when not in use”. have challenges in the equipment they are using. Thereafter if there are damages, we encourage the affected persons to put an application with photographs to the state and federal government for relief materials and assistance”, he added.

He spoke of the agency’s contribution towards the prevention of fire outbreak, saying “As an agency, we have been playing our roles to prevent this. We were running sensitisation programmes on radio before we stopped due to lack of funds”.

He advised members of the public to refrain from keeping inflammable products in the house, as well as avoid bush burning, adding that during dry season, fire spread at a fast pace than imagined.

Meanwhile, some of those affected by fire outbreaks have appealed to government at all levels to come to their aid in order to reduce the percentage of their lost, saying, with fire outbreaks they have lost millions of naira and properties, while some are in shock which may be difficult to recover from, if there is no help.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Olorunda North LCDA Demands Ground Rent’s Payment On Housing Schemes Chairman, Olorunda North Local Council Development Area (LCDA), Hon. Quadri Owonikoko has called on the allottees of Laro Timehin and Kobo Housing Scheme in the council area to pay the annual ground rent and premium fee on the land acquired not later than January 31st 2019 to avoid revocation.

This was contained in of both communities. a release issued by the Owonikoko said the Head of Social and payment was necessary I n f o r m a t i o n for the council’s D e p a r t m e n t , M r s management to meet up Olubukola Williams at with its obligations, the end of a meeting held moreso that the state with the representatives government has been seeing to the revenue base of councils and how it is being managed.

According to him, both communities were the first to enjoy dividends of democracy on his assumption of office as the chairman caretaker committee early last year, through erection of concrete electric poles and grading of roads among others, but the council has not been able to collect any revenue from them.

He appealed to the allottees to speed up the •Owonikoko

payment to enable the council’s management extend what they have enjoyed to other communities.

Similarly, the Council Manager, Mr. Semiu Afolabi said that the letter of Allocation would be issued to each allottees that have made complete payment of the premium which will serve as the official ground rent entitlement and will also state the condition for the revocation of the land.

Earlier, Mr. Maroof Ibikunle, a

representative of Kobo Housing Scheme lauded the effort of the Owonikoko-led administration for the developmental project extended to them which they have never enjoyed from the past administrations.

He then appealed to the government to see to the layout of the scheme, survey and grading so as to be placed on the Osun State Map. In her own response, a c o m m u n i t y representative from Laro

Timehin Housing Scheme, Mrs Victoria Agboola appealed to the management to maintain the old rate for the outstanding ground rent till January 31st 2019 while the new rate should start from February 1st 2019.

She said this will enable the Local Government recover all the money without stress, saying considering the economic hardship in the country, people are managing to survive.

Also present at the

meeting were, Hon. Mumin Omidiran, Leader of the council’s parliament; Engr, Olayinka Omigbodun, the Secretary to the Local Government; Hon. Lekan Lawal, member; Mr. Taiwo Awoyemi, the Head of Administrative Department, Mrs Olubukola Williams, Head of Social and Information and some other officials of the council, as well as representatives of the affected communities.

Council Managers Charged To Brazen Up Towards Development Coordinating Director, Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr Ayobami Akinpelu, has charged Council Managers in the state to brazen up in their councils for the benefit of citizenry.

According to a maiden meeting of year statement by the 2019 with Council Information Officer of Managers of local the ministry, Ademola governments in the Lawal, Akinpelu gave state. the charge at the According to him, as

the engine room for the government at grassroot level, they have ahead the enormous task for the success of the present administration, so that its vision would be achieved.

The Coordinating Director who described the Governor, Mr

Gboyega Oyetola as a cool-headed achiever with good track record in private sector, which will aid the transformation of the state to higher level, implored members of the public to pay their tax rates, so that the people can enjoy dividends of democracy the more.

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Osinbajo, Tinubu, Others Shower Encomium On Akande @80

By Solomon Odeniyi People from various walks of life, including Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, serving and former governors, politician across political divides as well as captains of industries have continued to extol the virtues of Chief Bisi Akande as he turned 80.

They all spoke at the in 1979 as well as the 80th birthday second civilian governor colloquium in honour of of Osun state between the former Interim 1999 and 2003.

National Chairman of The vice president, the All Progressives Professor Yemi Osinbajo Congress (APC), themed described the celebrant “Achieving National as a statesman who Unity Through Peaceful contributed his quota to Restructuring” in Ibadan the greater good of the on Wednesday nation and an example of The octogenarian was what the next generation the former secretary to of politician should be. the state government, Speaking on the issue and later deputy of restructuring, the Vice governor of the Old Oyo president noted that the

•Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Chief Bisi Akande at the colloquium.

President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration was not opposed to the restructuring being clamoured for, but pointed out that what should be of concern was how it could be done, what the arms of government must do and the devolution of more power and right to states.

The host governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi described the celebrant as a politician of the

century and the very last of the old brigade.

The governor, who said Akande spent most of his political career in Oyo state, added that words were insufficient to capture the uniqueness and vibrancy of a political trailblazer and progenitor of political and economic prudence in Osun.

According to him, the selflessness and sacrifices of Chief Akande have played

vital roles in ensuring the survival of progressive democratic forces and principles in the polity.

He said, “Our dear Baba has also remained a rallying point for progressive politicians, having comfortably filled the vacuum left by the likes of Chief Abraham Adesanya and Chief Bola Ige, has remained unbending, unwavering and uncompromising in his commitment to the

Lions Club Donates N100m Diabetes Clinics In Osun, Ekiti The Lions Club International, District 404B2, Nigeria has pledged to donate N100 million Diabetes clinic to Os un and Ekiti States to reduce the effect of diabetes related diseases in the states.

This was disclosed by capacity building and the District Governor of outreach programmes for the club, Lion Dupe Dada three years. at a press conference held The DG stated that to herald the 5th district during the year under convention of the club review, the club has tagged Ilesha 2019 in conducted over a 100 Ilesha, Osun State. cataract surgery for the According to her, the less privilege, 20 Osun clinic is already glaucoma and completed, functional distributed over 1000 eye and handed over to the glasses for the teeming authority of General populace across the Hospital, while that of region.

Ekiti is scheduled for Responding to completion December question from journalists, this year. she lamented the decline She added that the rate of culture of serving project would include the less privilege among equipping the clinic,

Nigerians, stressing the need to reverse the unfortunate trend.

“People no longer join service-oriented organisations, may be, due to the lull in the society, but notwithstanding, there is an urgent need to inculcate the value of service among the young populace in the country to instill leadership qualities among them.

“We must all, as a matter of duty, join service organisations to serve humanity, particularly the under privilege in the society, this is the only way to make our country progress”, she added.

progressive ideals of the late sage and leader of the Yoruba political nation, Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

The former governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola said Chief Akande integrity and views is that power should be an instrument for public service and this stands him out among his peers.

The national leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu noted that without the celebrant, the APC would not have wrestled power from PDP. He said, “He is a founding father of the APC and it is an unprecedented electoral victory in 2015. As the interim chairman of the party, he showed extraordinary expertise and patience in bridging differences and molding our new party into a progressive force.

“Without him, the APC might never have come into existence and it certainly would not have experienced the quick success it encountered. He helped laid a solid foundation for the party and did so selflessly, with impartiality and good word towards all.”

TRIBUTE

Isiaka Adeleke At 64: His Legacies Endure

By Olumide Lawal In death as in life, the legacies of Senator Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke continue to endure and wax stronger by the day. The name, Adeleke comes before the bearer.

The personality that answered the name came many years ahead of his time. He lived up fully to the billing and ranking that his stars brought with his birth. The generalisimo of Osun politics that he was, comes round once in a lifetime to his environment of birth.

His legacies in various forms are been built up by his nuclear and political families, who continue outstanding contributions to make the name – Isiaka Adeleke appear as if he was still around. The Adeleke University, of which he was the First Chancellor, has its imposing and edifying Senate Building named after him.

Aside Senator Isiaka Adeleke Senate Building, an annual lecture in his honour has been instituted. The maiden edition of the lecture came up on April 22, 2018 at the first anniversary of his death, with Professor Agbede as guest lecturer. Efforts are in top gear, by the management of the university to come up with his biography as a lasting tribute to his memory. This is to bring to the fore, once more, the need to have an Isiaka Adeleke Political Museum, where all the peculiar and special features of his political career will be assembled for generations yet unborn to catch a glimpse. His coneshaped cap, gold-rimmed glasses, intellectual works, comprising of landmark speeches, lectures and interviews will be under oneroof. This is what obtains at Ikenne residence of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo of blessed memory. This is to hope, that the nuclear family will give this noble proposal a thought for the sake of posterity, because for our today, Senator Isiaka Adeleke gave all of himself, to enable the people live a purposeful and meaningful life.

That generosity flows freely in the Adeleke Family was not by accident. The foundation was laid by Senator Adeleke grandfather, Baba Mohammed Awwal Adeleke, who fondly helped in propagating Islam in the 1930s.

Impeachable source has it, that Papa Muhammed Awwal Adeleke, took it upon himself in providing free meals on daily basis to the Arabic Students of late Alfa Zulukananih Gegelose Arabic School, in Ede in the 30s, in order to encourage the students to attend classes regularly.

Alfa Zulukananih, was so over-whelmed by late Senator Isiaka Adeleke grandfather generosity to his Arabic School, that he offered ceaseless prayers for Pa

•Late Isiaka Adeleke Mohammed Awwal Adeleke, that by God’s grace, there would emerge among his grandchildren and greatgrandchildren, notable and eminent sons and daughters, that will fly the name – ADELEKE gloriously across the world. That prayer has been more than answered. There came up, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, Dr. Adedeji Adeleke, Ademola Adeleke, Captain Kunle Adeleke, David Adeleke (Davido). So, for Senator Isiaka Adeleke, the subject matter of this episode, generosity and philantrophism were inborn. Same goes for Dr. ’DejiAdeleke, who has over the years offered his wide shoulders for tens of thousands of less priviledged people to lean on.

Though Isiaka ventured hard to come back and serve the good people of Osun as their governor, an ambition which his transition put paid to, it is to the glory of God,

Since your glorious transition, the thought of you during the day, brings you joyfully to people in their dreams. Nothing can take you out of our hearts. We cherish and adore you for been there for us throughout your lifetime.

that one of his own, Senator Ademola Adeleke is trudging on and sustaining the political legacy. Kudos to the good people of the state for extending the love they had for the family.

The Ede Country Home residence, where Isiaka Adeleke breathed his last, should be preserved for posterity. All avenues should be continually employed to immortalize him. To the glory of Almighty Allah, the Senator (Alhaji) Isiaka Adeleke Memorial Mosque, which was commissioned at his 63rd Birthday ceremony on January 15, 2018, continues to attract hundreds of worshippers at the weekly Jumat Services. May all invocations offered at the mosque serve as forgiveness of his sins and a place in Aljanat Fridaus.

As his birthday, always coincides with the Armed Forces Remembrance Day, Senator Adeleke’s heart in his illuminated grave, goes out to thousands of our gallant soldiers and other Services that are fighting gallantly to put an end to all forms of insurgency in the land. His soul prays for their safety and repose of the souls of those who died in the patriotic cause of keeping Nigeria united.

Since your glorious transition, the thought of you during the day, brings you joyfully to people in their dreams. Nothing can take you out of our hearts. We cherish and adore you for been there for us throughout your lifetime. Undoubtedly, your transition was distressing to a lot of people, but your good works and love for all, comfort us. Senator Adeleke, you loomed larger, than just been an Ede or Osun or Nigeria man.

You were a citizen of the world. Your many firsts stood you out. The first executive governor of Osun, the first Asiwaju of Edeland, the first Chancellor Adeleke University, the only Erinlomo of Osun politics. A man with good and caring heart, who throughout his lifetime never bore malice against anyone.

To those of us living, let us learn a good lesson from Senator Isiaka Adeleke’s life of humanity and unconditional care for the less priviledged and open our hearts and minds to those truly in need. Let us continue to remember ‘SERUBAWON’, as a total man of peace and emulate him as such.

Rest in peace, Isiaka Adeleke – the Central issue in Osun Politics. A reference point in Nigeria Polity, as an effervescent, colourful, charismatic and elegant politician of no mean repute.

HAPPY POST HUMOUS 64thBIRTHDAY SIR,.

•OLUMIDE LAWAL, was Special Adviser, Media & Publicity to late Senator Isiaka Adeleke.

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Court Dismisses Suit Against Osun APC Governorship Primaries

By Sola Jacobs Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun has crossed the first hurdle of the cases instituted against his election with the dismissal of a suit challenging the conduct of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held on July 20, 2018 by the Federal High Court, Abuja.

The suit filed by court to nullify the Barrister Kunle Adegoke primary election on the that the one of the APC aspirants ground was challenging the Independent National emergence of Oyetola as Electoral Commission the candidate of the party (INEC) was not given the in the election held in mandatory seven-day notice to observe the September 2018.

In a judgment delivered election when it was on Friday, Justice Inyang shifted from July 19 to 20, Ekwo dismissed the suit 2018.

The defendants in the for lacking in merit.

Adegoke had in 2018, suit, APC, INEC, Oyetola approached the court and Benedict Olugbenga praying for an order Alabi, however filed nullifying the APC various objections to the primary election suit.

One of such objections conducted through the direct primary method in was that the primary election was an internal the state.

He said his action was affair of the APC and that premised on the ground the plaintiff lacked the that the poll was not ‘Locus Standi’ to institute conducted in compliance the suit.

The court, however, with relevant laws.

Adegoke, who came 8th dismissed the objections.

The judge agreed with among the nine aspirants that contested the primary the defendants that the election, told the court that primary election was the 1999 Constitution, conducted in line with Electoral Act 2010 and the provisions of relevant APC Guidelines were laws.

He said that although, breached by the Ovie Omo-Agege-led Electoral the plaintiff complained that a seven-day notice Panel.

Adegoke, specifically was not issued to INEC to told the court that the observe the poll in direct system of writing, the presence of conducting primary INEC officials at the election had not been election had provided a officially adopted at the remedy to the complaint.

Justice Ekwo held that time it was used to conduct the primary Adegoke, who appeared before the Omo-Agegeelection in Osun.

He also prayed the led electoral panel for

screening did not complain or raise any objection against the use of the direct system.

He added that as such, Adegoke had waived his right to challenge the same system.

“It is my opinion upon considering the evidence in this case that the APC acted within the powers and authority vested in it

in the conduct of the governorship primaries in Osun in the circumstances of the evidence in this case.

“Far be it that primary elections of a political party would be annulled simply for the fun of doing so or in sympathy with an aspirant whose aim is just to have the primaries annulled.

“The evidence to warrant the exercise of the power of nullification by the court must be compelling and overwhelming.

“I am unable to see any of the provisions of the constitution and guideline of the APC which the plaintiff says has been contravened which has the potency of nullifying

the primary election of July 20, 2018.

“On the whole, I find no illegal or unconstitutional act on the part of the APC in the conduct of the governorship primaries in Osun that would warrant this court to intervene.

“This case lacks merit and I hereby make an order dismissing it,” the judge said.

Undergraduate On The Run For Alleged Homosexual Activities An undergraduate of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, Adedolapo Hassan, has been declared wanted by the Vigilante Group of Nigeria for allegedly engaging in homosexuality.

Adedolapo, said to be Elewe, Ibadan sometimes on the run, it was learnt last year. was invited by the police, Sources close to the after his partner, Kayode suspect, who pleaded Orenuga reported their anonymity, told the last year activities. medium that, the said It was reliably Adedolapo engaged in gathered that the suspect homosexual activities travelled before the with his banker partner police visited his who lives in Ogbomoso. residence at Odo-Ona Security sources also

told our correspondent that, some vigilante men, after apprehending Kayode Orenuga, handed him over to a police division in Oyo. Orenuga, under interrogation mentioned Adedolapo’s name as one of his accomplices.

Our correspondent learnt that, the Vigilante group penultimate week contacted the suspect’s father who pleaded to alert them immediately

•Adedolapo: On the run the suspect returns.

Iragbiji Prince Apologises To Monarch Over Comment On Palace Renovation A prince from one of the ruling houses in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government, Prince Tunde Dansaki has apologised to the Aragbaji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Ayotunde Olabomi over his comment in the media.

Dansaki in a statement Aragbiji in Council.

Dansaki at a press regretted any form of injury his comment over conference on October 2, demolition of the old palace 2018, has raised alarm over and citing of Mosque inside likely breach of peace on the over palace the palace might have town caused the monarch and the demolition.

Also in the statement, Dansaki apologised to Ajibode ruling house and Moya-in-Council for any embarrassment the comment might have caused them.

He explained that he did not mean to discredit the Aragbiji or any other personality and appealed that anyone holding grouse

over the matter should allow it to rest in the general interest of the town.

He appreciated the mediators who intervened in the matter including the State Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola, Aragbijiin-Council, Ileri Oluwa Unity forum, Dansaki Movement and other traditional rulers.

CHANGE OF NAMES/PUBLIC NOTICE FATAI KAFILAT AYOBAMI

DADA KAMOLIDEEN OPEYEMI

That FATAI KAFILAT AYOBAMI and SALAWU KAFILAT AYOBAMI are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI KAFILAT AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid. Diamond Bank and General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as O P E Y E M I KAMOLIDEEN DADA, but now wish to be known and addressed as DADA K A M O L I D E E N OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

OLADELE DEBORAH OLUWAYEMISI That OLADELE F A L I L A T U OLUWAYEMISI, OLADELE DEBORAH and OLADELE DEBORAH OLUWAYEMISI are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLADELE DEBORAH OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid. G.T. Bank and General public should take note.

AKINTOLA MARY BUKOLA That DARAMOLA BUKOLA MARY, DARAMOLA MARY BUKOLA and AKINTOLA MARY BUKOLA are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as AKINTOLA MARY BUKOLA and that My correct Date of Birth is 19th of September, 1980. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

SALIU UMARU ATANDA

MOSES BUKOLA OLAJUMOKE

That I was formerly known and addressed as UMARU SALIU ATANDA, but now wish to be known and addressed as SALIU UMARU ATANDA and My Date of Birth 14th Day of June, 1955. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as BUKOLA MOSES, but now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES B U K O L A OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OLARINDE JUMOKE KEMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as OLARINDE JUMOKE, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLARINDE JUMOKE KEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

PLACE YOUR ADVERTS HERE

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Re: Buhari, Tinubu And The Abdication Of Responsibility

By Tunde Rahmon Dele Momodu’s fecund but wild imagination is capable of producing some entertaining prose. But his fulsome inaccurate ruminations are far divorced from political fact. In effect, he has reduced himself to being a tabloid sage, an ersatz wise man who seeks to disguise his cavalier arguments in a torrent of words.

There is nothing wrong with people having different opinions. That is human nature and thus the very essence of the political craft. However, something is wrong when a person blatantly ignores the plain truth to hoist before the public eye what he knows to be incorrect just to prove a point.

This is more than a matter of style. It is a fault – a lack of connection to veracity.

That person becomes more a sophist and a magician of words hoping to bedazzle his reader than a journalist or commenter seeking to educate the people.

This is the problem at the core of the above-titled article written by Momodu and published on the back page of Thisday edition of Saturday, January 12, 2019. Momodu hinged his article on a false premise, on mis-information and as such the article is not an article befitting a newspaper at all.

As Momodu seems to be suffering from an acute bout of aversion to the truth, it might help to feed him some reality.

While inaugurating the APC Presidential Campaign Council for the 2019 election at the State House Abuja on Monday January 12, President Muhammadu Buhari said the party’s National Leader and Co- Chair of the council, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, would “take full charge of the campaign”. This is the way he put it: “…But I must also add that, though we will all be deeply involved, I would like to assure the nation that I will do my part without making governance or my work suffer. Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, my co-chairman, will be fully in charge, and is going to be on 24-hour vigil. That is to say, the operational buck of this campaign stops at his table, and I therefore urge all of us in the leadership of this campaign, in the field operations on the campaign trail and in the secretariat to consult with Asiwaju whenever guidance is needed”.

Online platforms and prominent national newspapers reported the president perfectly, quoting his words without giving it unintended or unwarranted interpretation. A few days later, however, a bizarre collection of some unknown parties under the aegis of CUPP, Coalition of United Political Parties, purposely distorted the president’s statement. It also warned President Buhari against campaigning by proxy. The Chairman of this group, Obasanjo subaltern, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, contended if Buhari would ask Tinubu to lead his campaign, then he should give way as the presidential candidate.

This same warped idea was regurgitated by Momodu in his column wherein he accused Buhari of abdication of campaign responsibility to Asiwaju. To him, the fine arrangement worked out by Buhari is a poisoned chalice. He surmised that the APC leader was set up to fail. Let us talk truth to each other.

Momodu is trying to do more than muddy the water, he is trying to tell us that mud is in fact water. If this is the best he can do for his side, then he has shown that their campaign is one of calumny and not issues.

Momodu is trying to make a mountain of a grain of sand. Where in the world does a sitting president make himself the manager of his own campaign? Momodu would have a difficult time identifying where such a thing is custom. For many reasons, such a thing would be a foolhardy thing to do. The responsibility and correct things for any sitting president is to allow trusted allies to manage and coordinate the campaign. A decent and caring president, would devote the greater part of his time to the matters of governance. He will campaign only as the campaign requires. This is not where the bulk of his attention should reside. This is exactly as President Buhari has done.

Let’s change things around for the moment. I dare say Momodu would be up in arms if PMB had said he was going to devote himself to the campaign and that governance must take a backseat.

Momodu would be the first to claim that the president had engaged in another form of abdication of duty. Thus, the problem is not with the president but with Momodu. He had already put in his mind that he would criticize the president come what may. But this criticism has not weight except with those seeking any reason to say they are against the president. But for Momodu to hold to this flawed position, means he would also have to chastise every president he so often mentions as being great politicians.

Kennedy, Obama, Roosevelt, Lincoln, Clinton, all of them must fall by the measure that Momodu now uses. Again, Momodu has not said anything really bad about Buhari. What he is exposing is that his opposition to the man has led him into the land of the nonsensical.

Again to help Momodu of this selfinduced fog, it may be good to repeat what the president said. The president clearly said Asiwaju Tinubu, as co-chair of the campaign council, would take charge of the daily oversight of the campaign working in conjunction with the campaign DG and others. PMB would play his appropriate part in such a way that governance would not suffer on account of the campaign. That was gracious in my view.

The president did not say he would not be on the hustings. He did not stay he would sit back at Aso Rock while Tinubu mount the rostrum in his stead. To put to lie Momodu’s ramblings, the APC held a campaign rally in Bauchi. Momodu should have the fortitude to tell the public if he saw President Buhari at the rally.

Momodu has taken on the aspects of the current occupant of the White House.

Both tend to say what they want without due regard to what is.

Two weeks earlier, President Buhari headlined the South–South kick-off rally in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. Other rallies have been lined up and you will see the president there.

Momodu can go on and deodorise his candidate as he likes, that is perfectly within his right to do. But he has no right to twist an unequivocal statement to suit his fancy. Again, Tinubu and the APC have made their choice. For Asiwaju, the decision about how the present gains in governance and reform would not be frittered away, but preserved and improved upon for tomorrow and how the future of this country would be better served is clear in this election. Momodu may have a different take on things as is his right. But he does grave disservice to the truth and to the people by uttering falsehoods and by acting like what is normal campaign procedure for a sitting president the world over is somehow a nefarious undertaking in Nigeria. By so doing, Momodu is trying to do more than muddy the water, he is trying to tell us that mud is in fact water. If this is the best he can do for his side, then he has shown that their campaign is one of calumny and not issues. For all the words emitted, nothing but unintelligible noise has sallied forth.

•Rahman, former Editor Thisday on Sunday, is Media Adviser to Asiwaju Tinubu.

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Focusing On Religious Education And National Development Preamble from the 8th Convocation Lecture of the Fountain University, Osogbo which focuses on Islamic Education from inception to the present day.

The education system’s objectives are linked to different historical eras; as the West established political and imperial dominance over different parts of the world, colonizers spread, Western education and secular institutions more easily - this had an impact on Islamic societies and their education system. The impact produced a set of comparative knowledge systems and ideas to reform religious education in response to formal economies, modern occupations, sciences, changing technologies, and communications.

I will commence with a basic presentation of Islamic beliefs, coupled with the evolution of its education system, a comparison with Western education, and the contemporary necessity of linking Islam and education to the transformation of modern societies.

Examining the combination of Islamic and Western education can contribute to the overall development and progress of society. Islamic and Western education systems, as well as public and faith-based institutions, are seen as opposing poles. This lecture seeks to bridge that divide by shedding light on Islamic beliefs and practices.

The history of the emergence, challenges, sustenance, and goals of Islamic education - over the centuries and across different continents - offer ideas for balancing these two phenomena without detriment to either. We can foster unity between two distinct yet necessary phenomena; their goal is the advancement and betterment of humankind and the universe at

DISCOURSE EXCERPTS

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The inter-connections between Islamic creeds and Nigeria’s national development should also be examined. Several factors hinder national development in Nigeria, but these factors can be kept in check by Islam, which is one of the country’s most popular religions. If we approach the five pillars of Islam from another angle- viewing its fundamentals of worship from a different perspective - they illustrate a comprehensive way of life and an indispensable means for believers to be their own agents of progress in seeking Nigeria’s development.

I s l a m i c Universities can feed national development by linking their activities and programs to the fundamentals of Islamic Education. In the

Several factors hinder national development in Nigeria, but these factors can be kept in check by Islam, which is one of the country’s most popular religions.

BY PROF TOYIN FALOLA

process, t h e inclusion of formal and/or western education c a n integrate knowledge with morals and faith, just as we find in Christian-based universities. This analysis considers the Islamic perspective of education and development, examining how Islamic universities can harness these models for positive impact on Nigeria and its bid to attain maximum development.

In a madrasa, the masterapprentice relationship is considered sacred. The status of one’s teacher and one’s spiritual master determines a given student’s reputation. 54The relationship is believed to symbolize a continuation of practices a n d transmission o f knowledge from teachers long past, meaning that the teacher must attempt to teach the same lessons in the same way they were learned. It does not always work that way, but the intent is there.

Technology creates problems for the masterapprentice relationship because there are now more students and potential apprentices than there are teachers. Now that distance is no longer a concern, students can travel farther to pair with preferred, high-status masters.

Some madrasas have considered technology as a solution to work with and teach more students.

Making teachers more accessible can spread faith more widely and more accurately. However, it only works if the teacher is committed to teaching many students without the same level of supervision that was previously possible. Digital texts have also made the knowledge from madrasas more readily available.

Some madrasas have even updated their curriculum by including courses on improving computer literacy.”

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,