Osun Defender Online Version of July 16, 2021

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OMEONE, while reviewing West African Senior School Certificate Examination (WASSCE) results for some of the years before the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led government, observed that there were government schools that scored 0% in WASSCE for some years, and then asked the Permanent Secretary of the state Ministry of Education why that was so. The PS replied that no one in the previous

Front Page Comment

Osun’s World-Class Model Schools • Only The Deep Can Call To The Deep “Fortunately, posterity remembers who built and how well, who upgraded, who downgraded, who completed and who abandoned”

•Continued on page 3

FRIDAY, JULY 16 - THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

Osun Govt. Invites Entries For Independence Essay Competition Page 2

COVID-19: Nigeria’s Strategy Has Proven World ‘Experts’ PageWrong 5 - Aregbesola Page 2

365 Days To Go For Osun 2022 Guber Elections •Again, Osun Leads CVR With 154,893 Page 6

VOL 16 NO 26

TOP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Manipulation Of APC Register T

Ismaeel Uthman

HE Osun Progressives (TOP) has alleged that the recently concluded party membership revalidation and registration exercise of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun was manipulated against genuine members of the party who do not belong to the IleriOluwa group.

According to TOP, the leadership of the APC in Osun ceded its responsibility of overseeing the registration exercise to government appointees, who hoarded the registration materials and carried out the registration in their different homes.

Chairman of TOP, Reverend Adelowo Adebiyi, while addressing a press conference yesterday, alleged that the government appointees printed more registration materials and engaged some youths to be filling the slips and the register with fictitious names and passport photographs.

Adebiyi, who said the party register in the state has been compromised in favour of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola’s political group, IleriOluwa, called for the •Continued on page 2

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TOP Raises Alarm Over Alleged Manipulation Of APC Register •Continued from page 1 rejection of the document in the spirit of fairness and justice.

He said: “The fact is that the recently concluded party membership revalidation and registration exercise was malevolently manipulated against perceived non-members of IleriOluwa group, which belongs to Governor Adeboyega Oyetola.

“The leadership of Osun APC ceded its responsibility to the government appointees, who hoarded the registration materials and were carrying out the registration in their different homes.

“However, these irresponsible actions were not enough for the selfish elements whom the party abdicated its responsibility to, as they shamelessly took further manipulative steps to “load” the register.

“Information has it that government appointees printed more registration materials and engaged some youths to be filling the slips and the register with fictitious names and affix it with any available passport photographs.

“As we speak, reliable sources said the register; even to the extent of its manipulation, is still in the Okefia Government House, Osogbo.

“With this situation whereby only the restricted number of party members belonging to the Governor’s group, IleriOluwa that had their hearts content in the last registration shows compromise of the Osun APC register and ought to be rejected by the APC National leadership, if fairness, equity and justice will be well served in the coming congress and any other purposes that the register will serve.

“The Osun Progressives (TOP) call for a rejection of the document as presently composed by your highly esteemed and respected committee so that the desperate and selfish elements who do not care what happens to the party will not stain your reputation and take Osun APC to the precipice.

“May we note that these selfish lots would rather go the extra mile to manipulate the party register because of the shenanigans they want

to do with it, rather than show any interest in the voters’ registration which is the vehicle to government.

“It is like majority of the selfish elements in government are not politically savvy enough to know that winning the party’s ticket is still a far distance from being in the Government House.

“We call for a rapprochement that will put our party on a more solid sustainable winning way. Only a mutually inclusive, united, coherently run and well focused party can achieve this and that is what we stand for at the Osun Progressives (TOP).

“The Osun Progressives crave a passionate look at the issues raised concerning the ineptitude of the current leadership of Osun APC, which has provided the leeway for the clever manipulation of things by those in government.

“The Osun Progres-

•Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila, presenting Media-friendly Lawmaker Award from National Assembly Press Corp to Hon. Bamidele Salam, on Monday. sives want the National Caretaker and Extraordinary Convention Committee to please send only people of

high integrity as the State Congress committee to Osun, so that level playing ground could be provided for

all and sundry.

“It is clear that only people with dispassionate outlook towards the complicated

issues in Osun APC can do justice and help the party to be re-engineered, re-energised and refocused.”

Osun Govt. Invites Entries For Independence Essay Competition Idris Idowu

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HE State Government of Osun has called for entries for the 2021 edition of its annual National Essay Competition in commemoration of Nigeria`s Independence Day. The essay competition is meant for students who

are either citizens or residents of the state.

Launched last year, the effort is part of Governor Adegboyega `Oyetola’s education initiatives, aimed at promoting reading and writing culture, encouraging healthy and intellectual competition amongst students in secondary schools and terti-

ary institutions.

Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr. Olalekan Badmus, in a press statement on Tuesday, said this year’s edition of the competition has been modified to accommodate students from public and private secondary schools operating and located

Symbol’s Quote

“COVID-19 hit us but the government was able to miligate the consequences. It also brought out the capacity of the Nigerian people for resilience in the face of adversity, and the milk of human kindness in the way a lot of our compatriots demonstrated generosity and acts of kindness to the less-privileged in our midst.

within the state.

Badmus added that the choice of topics for the 2021edition in both categories was carefully scripted to promote creative and analytical thinking in students, while helping them become problem-solvers.

The topic for the secondary school students is: “Using SWOT analysis, discuss extensively Osun State 30th Anniversary and the future ahead: My Perspective”. The Entries must not be less than 1,200 words.

For tertiary institution students, the topic is: “Unveil the security architecture and daunting challenges in all the geopolitical zones of Nigeria and proffer working solutions towards a peaceful, sustainable and indivisible Nigeria”. Entries must not be less than 1,800 words.

Stating the guidelines, Badmus said: “Submissions are open to students who are either citizens or residents of the State of Osun.

“The essay must not be less than 1,200 words for secondary school students and not less than 1,800 words for tertiary institution students.

“Entries must be submitted as attachment in Microsoft Word or PDF format only.

“Detailed information of the entrants should be included at the beginning

of the essay which must include name, contact address, name of school or institution, email address, phone number.

“All entrants must attach their local government identification certificates and school identity cards.

“There will be a winner, a first runner-up, and a second runner-up in both categories of the essay competition.

“The category of the entrant should be the subject of the mail. Only one entry is allowed per entrant, multiple entries from the same entrant will lead to disqualification.

“Submissions that do not follow the rules and guidelines of the essay competition will be disregarded.

“Only twenty-five (25) successful participants will be contacted in each category after thorough scrutiny and assessment by our panelists.

“Entries will be judged on the basis of originality, creativity, good expression of English Language and relevance to essay topic.

“Deadline for the submission of all entries is Tuesday, 31st of August, 2021. All entries should be submitted to osunessay2021@osunstate.gov.ng “The prize presentation day for the essay competition will hold on Friday, 1st of October, 2021”.

PEOPLE FIRST

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•Continued from page 1

government had bothered to ask the type of questions being asked during Aregbesola’s time.

An old student of a prominent school in Osogbo visited his former school and while with the Principal, requested to use the toilet. The Principal remarked that the toilet was not functional and there was no usable one in the school. When asked how they coped, the Principal mentioned stepping out earlier to urinate by some shrubs nearby and invited the guest to do the same.

A government official who schooled where water ran in all toilets will see an anomaly requiring immediate correction in any government school or establishment with dysfunctional toilet facilities, while an official who is used to such non-functional facilities, reacts by using the nearest shrub as alternative to same problem.

Likewise, the official who finished from a school where pupils learn agriculture practicals by participating on real farms but school lawns were tended properly with motorised lawn mowers and school facilities professionally managed, and the official that went to a school where pupils had to cut and maintain lawns with machetes, both learn to cut lawns. One seeks and uses the right and appropriate technology and tools while other will believe education is incomplete without the child being made to cut the school lawn with machetes.

The two different officials will respond based on knowledge, experience and exposure they internalised. However, the one who seeks solution by correcting the anomaly is the progressive; in thoughts and deeds.

When the first set of worldclass model schools built by the government were completed, qualifying examinations were conducted into the schools using consultants from an international school of repute. Not many pupils qualified even when the qualifying marks were put at about 30%.

Those who qualified were admitted but the schools had limited population.

Meanwhile, next door and around the model schools were many of the schools that were dilapidated with classrooms and staff rooms that were not structurally safe - with leaking roofs, earth floors, no toilets, understaffed but overcrowded with pupils. Government then gave directive to move these pupils to the world-class schools, on the basis that every child deserved quality education, rather than underutilise the schools.

Deep Thinking Prepares For The Future

has been developing such schools successfully as one of its progressive policies When resources - teachers, equipment, facilities, finance are limited, the effective option is to aggregate and consolidate to optimise resources to obtain the best results.

In developed and developing countries- including the U.K, Canada or U.S.A, etc - pupils in high schools - which are typically age 15 and above - attend the best schools wherever the schools are, since they are old enough to make the commuting required to the schools.

Vice President of U.S.A, Kamala Harris is proud that she was one of the pupils bussed to

Expecttion Policy edly, there “Awolowo revolutionised which sepappeared arates Junsome oppo- the Western Region by pro- ior Secondsition and viding free and universal ary Schools r e l u c t a n c e education. It was focussed (JSS I-III) from some which are o f f i c i a l s , on literacy and numeracy. f i n a n c e d “PTA”, Old By the late 1960s, he was and manStudents, etc aged by regarded as writing and discussing all- UBEC and “Stakehold- round quality, functional S U B E B , ers”. and whose HE government inherW h e n education for all.“ Teachers ited a monumental these “Stakeare emlegacy, but it is crumholders” were asked what caused ployed and paid by SUBEB, from the reluctance, stories of having Senior Secondary Schools (SSS bling on its head, clueless being in the schools for long, at- I-III) which are 100% owned on what to do with it. tachment to the schools, loss of State Government Schools.

Commissioner of Educaname of school etc were given.

The world-class model schools tion not known to have esSome even said the new schools built by the government were poused any education ideal, were built for the children of the being resourced 100% with mod- but has been seen to be very elite and friends of government ern laboratories and implements busy on the social media and couldn’t have been for the for all the subjects; science, techabusing the former govermasses. nical, business and vocational.

It turned out that neither the Teachers were also transferred nor. officials nor the “stakeholders” there optimally. They are argu- Aregbesola is not on trial had children, grandchildren or ably the most resourced schools but the current government which will be assessed wards in the dilapidated schools. in Nigeria.

In fact, some had withdrawn The schools were built to pro- compared to past governtheir children from private vide world-class quality educa- ment on all parametres schools and registered them in tion for all. They are models of – how has it improved on the world-class model schools what schools should be and of- inherited infrastructure, on built by government. fer on education. The sizes are the morale of teachers and When the pupils were offered for optimal resource manage- on the performance of the the option - whether they passed ment, not the purpose. state’s candidates in exthe qualifying examinations or Several State Governments not - to relocate to one of the new came to appraise the schools and ternal examinations. When schools or remain in their dilapi- the Governors of Lagos, Oyo, Aregbesola was leaving, dated schools, the stampede by Borno, etc announced plans to Osun candidates had 45 per the pupils to relocate to the new build similar schools. Borno cent pass in WAEC, what high schools had to be managed State Government commended has been the state of affairs to prevent accidents. Parents of them, adopted the model and since then? these pupils also chose to reloelementary school as cate their children and wards OSUN DEFENDER a young girl. from the dilapidated schools.

To alleviate transThat experience repeated itself at Publisher – Moremi Publishing portation issues for House Ltd. many other locations whenever those who require it, Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman the new schools were ready for (0805-121-2204) progressive-thinking occupation.

Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa governments either In fairness, some of the offiReporter – Yusuf Oketola provide school buscials later expressed pleasant surReporter – Kazeem Badmus es, or negotiate with prise and delight at the quality of Photo Journalist – Olushola Aderinto transporters and resources in the new schools and Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere owners of commerthe opportunity to relocate.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing cial vehicles to proThe schools that were fully House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite ready were mostly fully utilised Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Gbogan Road Osogbo, vide transportation at heavily discountState of Osun before the government led by ed rates for pupils ISSN : 0794 – 8050 Aregbesola handed over in 2018.

Telephone : 0805-121-2204 in school uniform Were all the former schools Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php within certain hours abandoned? e–mail : osundefender@yahoo.com on school days or do Some were already re-develosundefenderbank@gmail.com both.

All Correspondence to the above email Addresses. oped and some were being developed as Middle Schools, in OSUN DEFENDER IS NOT AFFLIATED WITH ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER, •Read full article on www.osundefender.com line with the Nigerian Educa- MAGAZINE OR ANY PUBLICATION WHATSOVER

...Briefly

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COVID-19: Nigeria’s Strategy Has Proven World ‘Experts’ Wrong - Aregbesola Ismaeel Uthman

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INISTER of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has disclosed the strategy employed by the Federal Government that resulted into success in managing the Coronavirus pandemic in Nigeria.

Aregbesola said the Federal Government disappointed world ‘experts’ who had predicted that Nigeria and other African countries would collapse under the damaging economic effects of COVID-19 pandemic which crippled world economies and collapsed health systems in welldeveloped countries.

The Minister said the enforcement of nonpharmaceutical policies of lockdown, isolation, stopping interstate movements, maintaining physical distance, wearing of face-masks and aggressive public enlightenment, proved to be effective in significantly halting the spread of the disease.

He stated this while delivering the Third Annual Lecture of the Faculty of Arts of the Ekiti State University (EKSU), Ado-Ekiti titled, “COVID-19: The Economy and Security”, on Monday in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State capital.

Aregbesola said: “COVID-19 hit us but the government was able to mitigate the consequences. It also brought out the capacity of the Nigerian

This makes eminent sense. These beneficiaries could not have been in good positions to repay the interest-free loans they collected when the economy was being shut down and the streets were empty. “ Aregbesola stated that as a result of government’s stimulus package, 1.3 million jobs were saved, while close to one million new jobs were created through the Economic Sustainability Plan, anchored by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, on behalf of the Federal Government.

Speaking on the amnesty programme of the Federal Government, •Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Special Adviser to the President on Political Matters, Mr. Ba- Aregbesola said a total of 2,600 inmates spread bafemi Ojudu; Chairman, Ministerial Taskforce on Expartriate Quota and Business Permit, Mr. Bola Ilori paid a courtesy visit to the Governor of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi at the Ekiti State Government House across various custodial centres benefi tted from after the Third Annual Lecture of the Faculty of Arts of the Ekiti State University, Ado-Ekiti. the programme, aimed at people for resilience in in light of the projection to be vaccinated at the 11 million people) to 3.6 decongesting the correcthe face of adversity, and by the Bill and Melinda various vaccination cen- million households dur- tional facilities. the milk of human kind- Gates Foundation and tres across the country.

Aregbesola explained ing the Covid-19 crisis. ness in the way a lot of the WHO that Nigeria, On the economy, the In same April, the Fed- that inmates who were our compatriots demon- among some other devel- Minister applauded the eral Ministry of Humani- granted amnesty and strated generousity and oping countries, would efforts of the Private Sec- tarian Affairs, Disaster presidential pardon inacts of kindness to the suffer heavy casualties tor-led Coalition Against Management and Social cluded the aged, those less-privileged in our from the disease. He COVID-19 (CACOVID) Development began the with ill-health, convicts midst. noted that Bill Gates was for the tremendous work provision of food rations who had less than six “The Federal Gov- later reported to have done to assist govern- to vulnerable households months to serve, those ernment empanelled heaved a sigh of relief ment and Nigerians in in the four states put un- with mental health isthe Presidential Task that his prediction of militating against the ef- der lockdown.“ sues, as well as those Force, which immedi- mass casualties was falsi- fect of the pandemic.

He further stated that with options of fine not ately swung into action, fied.

He also noted that in the CBN, taking proac- more than N50,000 withcoordinating with the The Minister com- April 2020, the Federal tive measures, pledged out any pending cases.

NCDC and the Ministry mended scientists and all Government commenced to pump NGN1.1 trillion Of the 2, 600, Aregof Health, all of govern- others who work in the the transfer of N20,000 into critical sectors of the besola said the FG freed ment’s response and health sector for properly to poor and vulnerable economy.

885 convicts who could holding daily national managing the pandemic households registered in “The Federal Gov- not pay their fines, totaltelevised briefing.” and also developing vac- the National Social Reg- ernment commenced a ling 21.4million, which Aregbesola noted that cines in record time to ister (NSR). three-month repayment the government paid on the fatalities recorded, assist humanity. He sub“The NSR was in- moratorium on all Tra- their behalf. though much regretted, sequently advised Nige- creased from 2.6 mil- derMoni, MarketMoni The Minister disclosed could have been worse, rians to go out en masse lion households (about and FarmerMoni loans. that only 41 inmates were federal convicts among the freed prisoners.

Earlier, the ViceChancellor of the Ekiti State University, Professtruction of the major projects in the state, we sor Edward Olanipekun, road, is causing lots of want to appeal to our had commended Areghavocs whenever there Governor to assist us in The pre-regis- besola for honouring the HE State of is downpour in the area. the rehabilitation of this tration statistics by invitation of the instituOsun has reOlabode however ap- road”. corded the states for fresh reg- tion.

Another resident, pealed to the Governor Olanipekun advised highest number of istrants released by to come to their aid and Mrs. Bunmi Adeniyi, fresh registrants with INEC showed Ebonyi students, members of help them in solving the said the bad condition 154,893, in two weeks as having the lowest staff and all Nigerians to of the road is the reaproblems. to the COVID- 19 He said: “Our road son why she no longer of the ongoing nation- with 610 fresh regis- keep protocols by taking the is in a very bad condi- drives her car to office, wide Continuous Vot- trants, followed by vaccines and the contion. The rain that fell claiming that the bad er Registration (CVR). Kebbi 976 and Jigawa stant use of facemasks last week has caused road had cost her a lot of The Independent with 1,170. and strict adherence to more damages to the money in maintenance Based on the up- other non-pharmaceutiNational Electoral road and it needs urgent and repairs. date, Katsina had cal measures.

Commission (INEC) “I am a government intervention. Also, the said a total of 542,576 2,133; Sokoto 1,815; The Speaker of Ekiti water diverted from the worker and I own a car Nigerians had com- Kwara 14,605; Ekiti State House of Assembly, but I decided to be takmain road during the pleted their online 5,817; Edo 23,624; Hon. Funminiyi Afuye, construction exercise on ing public transport to pre-registration as at Kano 5,416 and An- who was the Chairman the main Osogbo-Ikirun office because our road of the occasion, noted is bad and it costs me a road is causing prob7am of Monday, July ambra 1,825. lot of money. lems for us in the area.

NAN reports that that COVID-19 has nega12.

“There was a par“Urban Alert came The News Agency while the online regis- tive effects on Nigerian to our area sometimes ticular time when I had of Nigeria (NAN) re- tration began on June economy and security, ago to check the level of to spend about N65, ports that Lagos State 28, the physical or in- adding that shortly afdamages on the road and 000 on my vehicle due registration ter easing of lockdown was in second place person the company promised to the poor condition of occasioned by the panwith 44,789 fresh reg- is scheduled to com- demic, some hoodlums to help us communicate the road. I want to apistrants, followed by mence in all INEC state vandalised public and peal to the Governor to with the government. the FCT with 32,015 and local government private properties under “While we appreciate put us in his good book new registrants, dur- offices nationwide on the guise of #EndSARS the government over the and help us with the Monday, July 19. various ongoing road road. ing the two weeks. protests.

Osun Residents Beg Govt To Fix Road Again, Osun Leads CVR With 154,893 Kazeem Badmus

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ESIDENTS of Koju Foam area of Osogbo in Olorunda Local Government of the State of Osun, have lamented the bad condition of the road in the area, appealing to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola to come to their aid and fix the road.

Some residents of the area, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, disclosed that the road is in a bad condition and requires urgent interventions from all concerned quarters.

A resident, Mr. Rasheed Olabode, a spare parts seller, said the road is a death trap and can lead to many casualties if not urgently attended to.

He further stated that the pool of water, which was bypassed to the area during the con-

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Muslim Group, Traditionalists Trade Words Over Murder Charge Niyi Olasinde

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HE prosecution of suspects arrested in connection with the alleged attack on members of Kamorudeen Society of Nigeria by some masqueraders on Sunday, June 27, 2021 has ignited fresh controversies between the Muslims and members of the traditional religion worshippers.

The State Government had on Monday, arraigned the custodians of the masquerade, Ifashola Esuleke, Adeosun Kola, Idowu Hakeem Abimbola on a four-count charge of wilful and unlawful vandalisation of the mosque, damage of a car with registration number Lagos GGE 954 BV, engaging in a public fight that led to breach of public peace.

Also, Imam and three other members of the Islamic group, Kazeem Yunus, Salawu Jimoh, Alarape Sulaimon and Raimi Saheed, were arraigned on a five-count charge of assaulting two policemen and obstructing of Police officers from performing their lawful duties.

•Esuleke All the accused persons were granted bail by Magistrate Asimiyu Adebayo on Monday.

But a Muslim group, the Coalition of Muslims Rights Activists in the state has accused the State Government of bias in the prosecution of the case.

According to the Coordinator of the group,

•Yunus Comrade Saheed Olaide, the State Government, through the Ministry of Justice, manipulated the charges brought against some of the traditional worshippers and the Muslims who were arrested in connection with the attack.

Olaide said: “It is very unfortunate that the state

Ooni Launches Ife Grand Resort Today Ismaeel Uthman

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HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, will today (Friday), lead top dignitaries, including Governor Adeboyega Oyetola, to officially launch Ife Grand Resort & Industrial Park in Ile-Ife, State of Osun.

A statement by Ooni’s Director of Media and Public Affairs, Comrade Moses Olafare, disclosed that the Grand Resort, located beside the tollgate on the Ife-Ibadan expressway, is a brand-new city of hubs, driven by urban renewal initiatives of Oba Ogunwusi.

According to Olafare, the resort will serve as the hub for sustainable development, fountain of employment generation, radar of empowerment and satellite for branding and showcasing the cultural heritage and value of Ile-Ife. Olafare stated that the huge investment is a legacy project embarked upon by Oba Ogunwusi for urban renewal and redevelopment into the current smart city global requirements in the selfless spirit of ‘Charity Begins At Home’.

The Ife Grand Resort and Leisure, which is planted on over 1,000 acres of land, will, aside offering facilities for exquisite lodging/accommodation,

harbour multiple industrial parks with pockets of industries currently producing many industrial and agricultural products, as well as rendering essential services to the resort, the Ife community and Nigeria.

He said: “We are building a brand-new city, driven by urban renewal initiatives. The Ojaja Arena is basically not built for social activities but a centre for training and manpower development for youths in this country, considering Ile-Ife to have over 500,000 of about 20 tertiary institutions within 100km radius surrounding Obafemi Awolowo University, built at the nucleus Centre in Ife over 60 years ago.

“The question on my lips has been: what will these young vibrant youths will be doing after leaving

• The Ooni Ogunwusi

tertiary institutions? The best bet is to set up a hub that is technology-friendly to boost and drive smalland medium-scale industries within our country, Nigeria by creating a smart city for them to display whatever they can do to become employers of labour after graduation.”

can be prosecuting a matter that involves a life the offence of murder in this way. Fifteen of our people were injured during the attack and somebody died of gunshot in the process.

“To our dismay, when this matter was brought before the court last week, we discovered that it was only three people that were charged among the egungun worshippers, the principal suspect, Chief Kayode Esuleke, was not brought to the court that day. We were told that he was hospitalised.

“And up to the present moment that I’m speaking with you, the man has not been charged as the principal suspect.

“The charges today are even more ridiculous. Last week, the Po-

lice muddled up murder charge brought against the egungun worshippers with that of our people who were accused of assault and occasional harm. But today, we discovered that the murder charge has been removed totally. The charges have been totally changed.”

However, the Traditional Religion Worshippers Association in the state reacted to the allegation, describing it as cheap blackmail against Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

The association held a protest on Wednesday where the members decried the spate of incessant attacks on traditionalists by members of Kamorudeen Society.

According to the President of the association, Dr. Oluseyi Atanda, there are over 482 mosques in Osogbo, saying that the traditionalists have never had issues with any of them except that of Kamorudeen Islamic group.

He said: “We want to implore the State Government and Mr. Governor in particular not to succumb to cheap political blackmail by a Muslim group which does not represent the entire Muslim community.

“Baba Esuleke’s being the custodian of the said masquerade is not enough to establish that he shot the gun, ordered the shooting or even was present on foot close to the scene of killing.

“Any true religionist will defend the religion,

as long as the law permits. The shooting was unfortunate, but up till now, it is difficult and almost impossible to establish the source of murder weapon or postmortem to prove the killer.

“It is quite unfortunate that there has been various name-calling and mudslinging of the name of Baba Kayode Esuleke and his family.”

While commiserating with the family of the deceased, Atanda said traditionalists were not responsible for the shooting, saying that Esuleke family members are not murderers.

Speaking on behalf of the Governor, the State Commissioner for Culture, Dr. Obawale Adebisi, said the government is in control of the situation, while appealing to traditionalists to stay calm and remain peaceful.

Obawale also appealed to religious followers to live peacefully among themselves without discrimination.

He said: “Government is in control of the issue between the traditional worshipers and Muslims.

I urge the traditionalist to stay calm, as this is a case we can resolve within ourselves. I want you to remain peaceful, have trust in the government and allow it to take normal steps to resolve the issue.

“I also want to appeal to every citizen of the state, irrespective of their religion, to be tolerant of one another and co-exist peacefully among themselves.”

JDPMC Inaugurates Osun Money Web Portal

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HE Justice Development and Peace Makers’ Centre of the Catholic Diocese, Osogbo, State of Osun, has designed and inaugurated a website for residents of the state to track and monitor government budget and expenses .

Packaged under the “Osun Eye On Our Money Initiative”, the website, Osunmoney. com, was designed to enhance transparency, accountability and civic engagements by tracking all government projects within the state.

Speaking at the inauguration, which took place at Bishop’s House, Oke Ayepe, Osogbo, on Tuesday, the General Coordinator of the JDPMC, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi, explained that the in-

terest of the organisation is good governance with the principle of democracy, as established by the law of the land.

Akinkunmi emphasised that information technology has made fake news a burdensome challenge for the modern society, due to how fast it spreads, explaining that, that is why the organisation is making effort to stamp out fake news by providing genuine and authentic information and data through its volunteers with the website.

He said: “The overall interest of JDPMC is democracy and good governance. Our interest is that democracy is thriving and is growing and that good governance in accordance with the

principle of democracy as established by the law of the land is practised and that whatever is done translates into common good for all.

“We want a society that is interested in the good and aspirations of every single one of its citizens, regardless of tribe, ethnicity, and religious affiliation. Our common humanity is what is most important and we must see what exists for us as our own society truly promotes the interests of all and grant enablement for the humanity of all to thrive.

“The very reason why we have set up this initiative is to make sure that genuine data is made available to the public.

Fake news has always lived with humanity, but

information technology, especially the social media, has made it a very burdensome challenge to the modern society.

“So we are aware of this, we are conscious of this and we are particularly interested in stamping out fake news as far as public policies that are meant for the development of the society are concerned.

“What we are doing is to make our own effort to generate the data from our sources ourselves thorough the use of our own volunteer and we have set up platforms for evaluating and validating those data.

“As far as we are concerned, whatever we are making available to the public, we have assessed and evaluated them and we are ready to take responsibility for them.”

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LL praise is due to Allah, and may His peace and blessings be upon the final Messenger, His pure family, noble companions, and all those who follow them with righteousness until the Day of Judgment Insha Allah, we will be celebrating Eid al-Adha (Ileya) in few days to come. And we are all familiar

Religion have fulfilled the dream (vision)!” Verily! Thus do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers). Verily, that indeed was a manifest trial. And We ransomed him with a great sacrifice (i.e. a ram). And We left for him (a goodly remembrance) among generations (to come) in later times. Salamun (peace) be upon Ibrahim (Abraham)! Thus indeed do We reward the Muhsinun (good-doers). Verily, he

SALAH MESSAGE By Sheik Muhammad Muhammad Abubakr Makanjuola Makanjuola

with the origin of this important day in Islam.

The story of Prophet Ibrahim (AS) preparing to offer his son Isma’il (AS) as a sacrifice to Allah (SWT) is not one of simply offering flesh and physical bloodshed, but more so of spiritual sacrifice and submission to Allah (SWT).

As the story goes, one day Prophet Ibrahim (AS) dreamt that Allah (SWT) wished for him to sacrifice his son Isma’il (AS). Fearing it was a trick from Shaytan, he dismissed the dream until the command came again. From the recurring dream; Prophet Ibrahim (AS) knew that it was a command from Allah Almighty.

As an obedient servant of Allah (SWT), Ibrahim took his son Isma’il (AS) to Mount Arafat with a knife and rope in preparation for the sacrifice. He told young Isma’il (AS) of his intentions but when he raised the knife, Allah (SWT) intervened and spoke to Ibrahim (AS): he was not to sacrifice his son, for this had merely been a test of his faith, devotion and submission to Allah (SWT). Instead, Isma’il (AS) was replaced with a sacrificial animal as a symbolic reminder.

Quran 37 verse 100-111 states: “My Lord!

Grant me (offspring) from the righteous.” So, We gave him the glad tidings of a forbearing boy. And, when he (his son) was old enough to walk with him, he said: “O my son! I have

Lessons Of Eid Al-Adha

seen in a dream that I am slaughtering you (offer you in sacrifice to Allah), so look what you think!” He said: “O my father! Do that which you are commanded, Insha’ Allah (if Allah will), you shall find me of As-Sabirin (the patient ones, etc.).Then, when they had both submitted themselves (to the Will of Allah), and he had laid him prostrate on his forehead (or on the side of his forehead for slaughtering).

And We called out to him: “O Abraham! You

was one of Our believing slaves” In these early years of Prophet Ibrahim’s life, we can learn at least two important lessons: the first is that submitting to the will of Allah can quickly and easily change lives, the second is that one who seeks knowledge must understand that knowledge could come from what we consider the most unlikely of places. Especially today, but throughout history, adults are very reluctant to take advice from their children.

However, children are very likely to understand Allah in a way that is untainted by worldly endeavours.

Each year, during the holy day of Eid al-Adha, Muslims offer a Qurbani (Udhiyah) sacrifice in memory of this important event. By offering a goat, sheep, cow, camel or other such permissible animals as a sacrifice to Allah (SWT), we celebrate Prophet Ibrahim’s devotion to Allah (SWT) and the mercy that Allah (SWT) bestows upon us when we submit to His commands. We are reminded of the importance of trusting Allah (SWT) and his Greatness, subhanahu wa ta’aala, through this story.

•Sheik Muhammad Abubakr Mankanjuola, is the Mudiru Ad-Da’wah Wal-Irshad, Obaagun, State of Osun.

Crime

Police Arrest 24-Yr-Old ‘Omo Onile’ In Orile-Owu 20-Yr-Old Arraigned For Allegedly Kazeem Badmus

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EN of the Nigeria Police Force in the State of Osun have arrested a 24-year-old suspected hoodlum, Lasisi Wasiu, who is said to be a member of Omo Onile, who were terrorising Orile-Owu and its environs in Ayedaade Local Government of the state.

Wasiu, who was paraded alongside other suspects on Monday at the Police Headquarters, Osogbo, was said to be demanding huge amounts of money from owners and workers of buildings and those installing masts at various sites in the area.

The suspect was said to have allegedly machetted one Olanrewaju Jelili, a forest guard, for refusing to part with the money he demanded from him.

The Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Olawale Olokode, who paraded the suspect, said: “On 7th July, 2021, at about 0702hrs, the Police received a distress call that a notorious cultist/ hoodlum and his gang, who have been terrorising OrileOwu and its environs, were operating.

“The Police operatives from CP’s surveillance quickly moved to the scene, busted the hideouts of the

hoodlums at garage area Orile-Owu and arrested the suspect, one Lasisi Wasiu who have earlier machetted one Olanrewaju Jelili, a forest guard and left him with several degrees of wounds for refusing to part with the money demanded from him.

“The gangs are suspected

cult groups (Omo Onile) terrorizing the community; and their modus operandi is that, they will move from one place to another, demanding huge amounts of money from their unsuspecting victims working on building at sites and those installing network masts and whoever refuses will be mercilessly

dealt with”.

Olokode said the command under his watch is working hard to ensure that the state is not a safe haven for criminals.

He further stated that the suspects will be charged to court after completion of investigations.

Phone ‘Engineer’ Arraigned For Defrauding 3 POS Operators Yusuf Oketola

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32-year-old phone repairer, Agun Busayo, has been arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate’s court for allegedly defrauding three Point of Sales (POS) operators of a sum of N185, 300.

Busayo, a native of Akure, Ondo State, was earlier arraigned before Magistrate Modupe Awodele on March 16, 2020 and had since been in remand at Ilesa Correctional Centre over failure to perfect his bail conditions.

He was however re-arraigned before Magistrate Dr. Olusegun Ayilara on Tuesday on a two-count charges of conspiracy and stealing.

According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the Busayo and two other suspects at large conspired to steal a sum of N100,000 from one Ajibola Omolade, N18,500 from one Oluwole Kikelomo and N66,800 from Jayeola Samson who are POS operators at Ofatedo area in Egbedore South LCDA, State of Osun.

Busayo allegedly committed the offence between November and December, 2019 at Ebunoluwa Area, Ofatedo.

Police prosecutor, Mr. Fagboyinbo Abiodun, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, told the court that Busayo went to the POS operators to withdraw money and later went to his bank to com-

plain that the POS transaction was not successful, deceiving the bank to reverse the money into his account.

Abiodun said Busayo went back to the same POS operator to withdraw the money the second time.

Speaking, Busayo, who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges, told the court that he is a phone engineer from Akure and was in Osogbo to visit his brother when he committed the alleged offence.

The magistrate, Dr. Ayilara admitted the accused person to bail on a sum of N200,000 and two sureties as previously given to him earlier.

The case was adjourned till July 19, 2021 for hearing

Raping Teenager In Osogbo

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20-year-old Fatai Ajulo, has been arraigned before a magistrate’s court sitting in Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, for allegedly raping a 19-year-old girl, Kabirat Oladeji.

Ajulo was also accused of indecently assaulting Oladeji before raping her on June 1, 2021 at about 9:30pm in Oke-Onitea area, of the metropolis.

The alleged offence, according to the charge sheet, contravened Sections 358 and 360 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State, 2002.

But, the defendant pleaded not guilty to the two-count charges of assault and rape levCHANGE OF NAME UTHMAN ADEOLA AFUSAT That I was formerly known and addressed as YUSUF AFUSAT ADEOLA now wish to be known an addressed as UTHMAN ADEOLA AFUSAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

elled against him.

Defence Counsel, Mr. O.I Ladeji prayed the court to admit the accused person to bail on a liberal term, saying that he was ready to stand trial and would provide reliable surety.

The presiding magistrate, Dr. Olusegun Ayilara admitted the defendant to bail in sum of N500,000 with a surety.

The case was adjourned till August 23, 2021 for hearing.

•CP Olokode

PEOPLE FIRST

News

FRIDAY, JULY 16 - THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

7

NANS Kicks Against Students’ Taxation In Osun Tertiary Institutions Yusuf Oketola

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HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) in the State of Osun has kicked against alleged imposition of taxes on students of the state-owned tertiary institutions.

NANS, through the Joint Campus Committee of the tertiary institutions in Osun, accused the State Government of imposing tax levies on the students by demanding for tax clearance before the submission of their files.

According to the students’ body, it is morally wrong to tax the students who are not working, adding that they should not be made to pay for tax evasion possibly perpetrated by their parents.

The students’ body, in a press statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, called on the government to put a stop to the alleged collection of taxes from the students.

Chairman, Secretary and Public Relations’ Officer of the JCC, Comrades Afeez Oyewole, Salaudeen Abeebulah and Sulaimon Adewale respectively, signed the press statement.

The students said that the practice of collection of tax clearance for the submission of files by the students had been stopped not quite long before it was reintroduced again.

The press statement reads in part: “We are bewildered on the reintroduction of tax clearance for submission of files in most of the government-owned tertiary institutions in the State of Osun. This was jettisoned not quite long.

“This bad development is affecting all tertiary institutions where students are under compulsion to submit files with tax clearance that carries their name and passport, the supposed tax clearance that ought to be for their parents.

“We are not against payment of taxes, nor encouraging tax evasion, but it is unconstitutional to subject students to pay taxes.

“We have consulted necessary quarters and sought removal of tax payments by students that earn no income.

However, we have been able to clearly discern that government is never ready to listen to the growing yearnings of students as regard this demand.

“We want total removal of tax clearance for submission of files in all tertiary institutions in the State of Osun as directed by the government. Government should find another means of handling tax evasion.”

Reacting to the agitation of the students, the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Adegboyega Oyetola on Students’ Affairs and Social Mobilisation, Comrade Kehinde Ayantunji, said the position of the students was far from the truth, disclosing that government never asked any student to pay taxes.

Ayantunji said: “The case is not a fresh issue, though and it is far from the truth. The position of the government is that as a student, you cannot

pay taxes because you are not working. Tax is only meant for the working class.

“The position of the government is that if your guardian is an artisan or civil servant, just bring the evidence that the person supporting your education is paying tax. And let me be clear about it, because the impression they are creating is that the government is imposing taxes, no, that is not true.

“Even the tax clear-

ance will not bear your name. It is criminal for the tax clearance to bear the name of the student involved, because he is not working. Government’s position is that there is no responsible citizen that will not pay taxes.

“Assuming you have children in higher institutions, we expect you to be a working class or have some means of survival.

Therefore, you must be paying your taxes to the government as appropriate. Even if you are civil

servant, go and collect your evidence of tax deductions and give it to your children. If you are an artisan, go and bring your evidence of tax payments and give it to your wards.

“That is the position.

Government will never extort anybody. Extortion is criminal and I will even tell them to go and report anybody that asked them to go and pay for tax clearance and the government will take it up. What we are saying

is that anybody sponsoring your education must have evidence of tax payment.

“That is the position of the government and for emphasis; tax is the position of the law.

If someone says you should not pay taxes, they are against the law.

It is criminal offence for someone working not to pay taxes as appropriate. So, it is a matter of law. Nobody is imposing taxes on students.”

•(R-L) Mr. Gbenga Akano Esq.; Caretaker Secretary, Osun All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Rasaq Salinsile; Chairman, The Osun Progressives(TOP), Rev. Adelowo Adebiyi; Osun APC, Caretaker Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji; and Hon. Biyi Odunlade, during the Press Conference organised by The Osun Progressives (TOP), held at Oranmiyan House, Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, yesterday.

Photo : Olushola Aderinto

FEDPOLY Ede To Start Mass Communication, URP Yusuf Oketola

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HE Rector of the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, Dr. Taiwo Adekolawole, has said that Mass Communication, Urban and Regional Planning and some other courses will soon take off in the institution.

Adekolawole made this known while addressing newsmen on Tuesday at the school premises.

This is just as the polytechnic completed re-accreditation of all courses and institutional administration at once, unlike the old practice where accreditation processes used to be in batches, according to the Rector.

Adekolawole said the feat achieved by the polytechnic this month is a struggle of over 12 years, adding that more restructuring were ongoing and more innovations on the way.

The Rector said: “It is a great achievement for us as an institution. Getting all courses was last achieved like 12 years ago. Over the last few years, we have made a lot of improve-

ment. This is a result of our commitment to excellence.

“The team of National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) was also diligent. They went through all our

365 Days To Go For Osun 2022 Guber Elections Idris Idowu

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HE Osun Governorship Elections, scheduled to hold on July 16, 2022, remains exactly a year today.

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) had in June, released timetable for the elections.

According to the timetable, INEC will issue Notice of Election on February 15, followed by Collection of Form EC9 (formerly CF001) and EC9B (formerly CF002) for the elections by political parties on February 16, 2022.

Also, the timetable indicates that between February

16 and March 12, 2022, political parties are to conduct their primaries and resolve disputes that may arise from them.

Public campaigning will take place between April 17 and July 14, while the elections proper will be held on July 16, 2022, according to INEC.

programmes, inspected facilities and we thank God it was a successful one. Now we can focus on restructuring that is ongoing and also work on introducing new courses.

“Very soon, we are bringing Mass Communication in a reformed manner. We will ensure we introduce it in a professional way. Another course we are bringing is Urban and Regional Planning. We are on the right track.

“I want to assure the general public that the peaceful atmosphere and academic stability we are enjoying will be a lasting one. With peace, there will be more innovations and development.”

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

FRIDAY, JULY 16 - THURSDAY, JULY 22, 2021

VOL. 16 NO 26 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

Perspective

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HE Owelle of Onitsha, Dr. Nnamdi Azikwe, delved into Fabianism as his fighting strategy, justifying it on the view that “it was not out of cowardice that he had refused to expose his throat to the dagger of imperialists, but out of simple common sense”.

The wise sage and leader of the defunct Action Group, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, also refused to choose the antics of rabble-rousing to fight colonialists towards the liberation of the Yoruba in the Western Region; rather he opted for free, compulsory education as a weapon against ignorance, poverty and disease, realising that it is a legacy which posterity cannot squander.

Before I had the singular honour of breaking his siddon look strategy (the impetuous child in me intruding his silence) Uncle Bola Ige had embarked on intelligent silence as a fighting weapon, not wanting to keep on speaking to a deaf military junta which had proved itself to be poor contemptible booby, fond of disgracing correction incorrigibly.

Rioters are definitely not revolutionaries because at the end of their exchange of whips and blows, they would soon return to life harder than it had been. This is why the voice of my teacher Modupe Oduyoye, counsels “Do not be quick to give ultimatum.”

“When two masquerades encounter each other in public, it is usual for them to seek obeisance, one from the other. On the lower levels, their followers operate as if the issue depended on whips and blows. But when the two masqueraders confront one another, they know that the contest on the HIGHER PLANE is a contest of MESALIYM.”Every word uttered by each of them is not allowed to pass on its face value.

Indeed “it is deadly sport passing the drinking cup of words back and forth. With men of potent speech whose words ever mean more than you hear, they will curse you and you would not know that a poisoned arrow has touched you; they will let you trip and you will choke to death with your own words. This is why some lawyers never go to court without girding themselves with the types of underwear associated with egungun…”

In this era of super information highway where ignorance itself talk authoritatively and empty rhetoric abound in all areas of life on the internet, amid misrepresentation and manipulation of texts and images with damning ferocity, it takes the calm demeanour and thoughtful, wise perspective of the Obama generation of this world to navigate the slippery terrain and reinventing transformational revolution without expending a single bullet.

“To the African immigrants, Obama is a familiar figure. His calm demeanour and thoughtful, wise perspective is a characteristic you will find among many Africans. His fluid ability to use the spoken word to keep their dreams alive. During the campaign, Barack spoke to the past and the future as if it were in the present….” (Apology to the Professor of Economics, Benjamin Ola-Akande’s The Obama Generation).

“Any instrument proves useful and valuable only to the extent that it motivates us to go out and see things that otherwise we would not know about, to post on the internet news that would not be available elsewhere, to allow for encounters that otherwise would never happen”

News NANS Kicks Against Students’ Taxation In Osun Tertiary Institutions Page 7

By

Olalere Fagbola Reality In Fantasy: Ooni Hits The Street

•An evolving economic zone for the spiritual capital of Yoruba land.

His Holiness Pope Francis, in his own message for the 2021 World Communications Day, opined that “The crisis of the publishing industry risks leading to a reportage created in newsrooms, in front of personal or company computers and on social networks, without ever” hitting the streets” meeting people face-to-face to research stories or to verify certain situations first hand.”

STRIKER

“Any instrument proves useful and valuable only to the extent that it motivates us to go out and see things that otherwise we would not know about, to post on the internet news that would not be available elsewhere, to allow for encounters that otherwise would never happen.”

Showing the way forward to this transformational leadership, the Pope, Francis had echoed the

voice of reasoning in his 2020 message christened “The Theme of story telling…. That you may tell your children and grand children-life becomes history” He then charged: “Amid the cacophony of voices and messages that surround us, we need a human story that can speak of ourselves and of the beauty all around us. A narrative that can tell us that we are part of a living and interconnected tapestry. A narrative that can reveal the interweaving of the threads which connect us to one another” With the birth of word university.net which (in this column )sets out to correct language through storytelling that can help us rediscover our roots and strengthen us to move forward together, we have found good reference material and talking power point in the world-shaking archival resources which the Imperial Majesty, The ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II has begun to unzip with amazing rapidity, speaking to the past and the future while keeping the dreams alive eyes wide open.

As the custodian of culture and civilization, the Ooni has been hitting the street through authentic storytelling of empowerment for the youths particularly and all roads lead to the cradle of civilization today, Friday, July 16, 2021 where Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi would be officially opening Ife Grand Resort and Industrial Park.

This being a product of developmental initiatives of Oba Arole Oduduwa Olofin Adimula, Ooni Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and targeted at empowering thousands of youths with production of exportable arts, skin and agricultural produce.

Several times, the foremost Yoruba traditional ruler had called on the media to assist in creating positive awareness about Yoruba tradition, arguing that it is one of the major ways the people can be totally free from the slavish mentality inflicted on us by colonialists who had only come to turn us to their slaves even in our own land.

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Inspirations For Democratic Progress

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INCE our Independence in 1960, especially since 1999 till date - 22 years of unbroken “democratic rule” - “we, the people...” to whom an insolvent constitution was bequeathed by the military Junta, has been onto the onerous task of making civilian rule become true democracy - government of the people, by the people, and for the people. It has been a daunting task that we are now obliged to rededicate ourselves to, passionately and with every sense of duty and readiness for sacrifices, as we are at present being pushed to the point of no return from which we must retrieve our country; no thanks to our political elites, for whom there is no exact word to qualify in the dictionary, along with their beloved collaborators and dependable sustainers posing as born-again democrats (largely in charge since 1999) - the retired-but-not-tired military dictators.

Ahead the 2023 General Elections, God willing, as we brace up to constructively engage anti-democratic forces masquerading as democratic politicians all over the land, we can take courage and be inspired by two momentous events witnessed recently: the accomplishments of D’Tiger, Nigeria’s national basketball team and Olympics representative, and the frontier odyssey of British multi-billionaire and dream-chaser, Richard Branson.

Against all expectations, Nigeria’s basketball team for the Tokyo 2021 Olympics recently outplayed and inflicted a humbling defeat (90-87) on the best basketball team in the world, the USA team, in an exhibi-

tion match. They went on to similarly outperform and defeat the World’s Number 4 side, the Argentinean team by 94-71, before succumbing to the Australian team (10869). Australia is the Number 3 side in the world and an upcoming Group B opponent at the Olympics finals. At a modest ranking of No. 22 in the world, no one thought the Nigerian team’s feat possible. However, it is the clear sign of our possibilities, whenever everything is organisationally done right, with merit and competence as the parameter for inputs and hardwork and patriotism as the driving force for achieving excellent goals, rather than primordial sentiments, nepotism and corruption that is the brand/ trademark of majority of our elites in government.

In a landmark feat that ushered in a new space age, founder of Virgin Galactic and multibillionaire British entrepreneur, Richard Branson, flew as his own first customer in his company’s spaceship, VSS Unity, to the very edge of space. With that unprecedented opener, the democratisation of space and the age of commercial space flightshave begun.

Though it is at today a fancy of multibillionaires at upwards of $250,000 per flight of about 2 hours to experience weightlessness and the majestic spectacle of our blue planet from an altitude of 100 kilometres away, the groundbreaking import for humanity cannot be overemphasised, despite so much that such money can be put to among the innumerable challenges confronting earth’s people. For us ordinary people, the closest we can get to that Branson experience for now

is a consolatory listen to Bette Milder’s song, From a Distance.

The more sobering but equally uplifting aspect of the Branson achievement is what one dream-chasing, positively-oriented member of the elite can achieve in a society where although all is not well but all is not upside-down like ours. In truth, though, there are a handful Nigerian elite (home and abroad) in the professions, media, sports, academics, politics, arts and culture, etc, who are laboriously swimming against the tide of gross incompetence, mental barrenness, archaic orientation and utter self-centredness of the majority of the elites - thereby showing flashes of genius and world-class achievements in best-practices and innovations here and there.

To this labouring and tiny minority, as to the millions of Nigerians who find themselves and their creative potentials suffocating away in the steamy cauldron of negativity created by the majority bankrupt elites, may the feats of D’Tiger and old man Branson inspire their staying powers. From childhood, Branson looked up persistently to the stars, working and dreaming of a day that as many people, himself too, can travel like an astronaut to space for a fee. Through perseverance, he has brought on that day at 70 years old. Those who believe that Nigeria can yet become a genuine Federal Republic - “where truth and justice shall reign” and where “unity and faith” shall deliver “peace and progress” - should renew their hope and strength, assured that concentrated and organised democratic exertions will one day make it come to pass.

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 Deputy Editor, ISMAEEL UTHMAN, Telephone: 0805-121-2204, usmanismail001@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.

Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefemder@yahoo.com