Osun Defender PDF Version July 21, 2017

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Cultists Cause Scare In Osun Community P

NIYI BABARANTI admonishes that ...

Before We Crucify Baba Kabiru On Salary Issues In Osun State:

8-12 {75% of Full Salary Paid} •65% of workforce are within GL • 10% are within GL 13 and 1-7- {Full Salary Paid} above{50% of Full Salary Paid} •25% workforce are within GL • See page 4 for full details

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VOL. 012. NO.21

ISSN: 0794-8050

Confusion In Osun PDP •As Factional Chairs Claim One Seat - Page 2

Crossfire:

‘Makarfi Is

DR BAYO FAFORIJI

The National Chairman, I remain the Osun PDP Chairman’ - Faforiji

‘If you are Osun PDP Chairman, you won’t be sent out of NEC meeting’ -Adagunodo

HON SOJI ADAGUNODO

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NEWS

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Confusion In Osun PDP

•As Factional Chairs Claim One Seat The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) faction loyal to the former deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba Iyiola Omisore might have been completely edged out of the party leadership with the recent decision of the National Working Committee of the party to recognise, Hon. Olusoji Adagunodo as the State Party Chairman.

Despite the mild drama that ensued at the PDP’s NWC meeting in Abuja on Tuesday where the state factional Chairman, Dr Bayo Faforiji and Senator Iyiola Omisore were allegedly sent out of the meeting and recognised Adagunodo as the state Chairman, the duo are still laying claim to the seat.

Dr Faforiji, a former Commissioner for Works leading the party’s faction loyal to Ahmed Makarfi said he remains the authentic chairman of the party, saying that he was recognised as the state chairman by the Markarfiled National Caretaker Committee of the party.

However, a source at the NWC meeting on Tuesday hinted OSUNDEFENDER that Omisore and Faforiji were ordered out of the Wadata Plaza, the Secretariat of the party after their attendance at the meeting was questioned by the party leadership.

Findings at the PDP secretariat indicated that the two stalwarts of the party had attended the extended national caucus meeting of the party on Monday with the Markarfi-led caretaker committee where issues concerning the coming party convention were discussed.

According to information, the duo had lobbied the Ekiti State Governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose to make their group the recognised leadership of the PDP in Osun.

At the accreditation stage, both Omisore and Faforiji were admitted as part of the South West arm of the party, but were questioned immediately after the meeting started on their status to attend the NEC of the party.

It was gathered that a Chieftain of the party from Lagos objected the presence of Omisore and Faforiji and after deliberations, both of them were sent out of the room and Hon Soji Adagunodo was recognised as the state chairman and member of NWC. When contacted on Wednesday, Hon

C That I formerly known as KESENE OLAPEJU JANET, now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI OLAPEJU JANET. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note of this.

Adagunodo said he is not ready to join issue with anybody over the party leadership tussle, saying, the controversy has been laid to rest for a very long time.

He said the recent recognition by the NEC of the party is a mere reinforcement of the authentic leadership in the state.

He said through a text message to OSUN DEFENDER that, “I don’t want to join issue with him. But if he is the Chairman they won’t send him out of PDP NEC meeting� .

But it appeared that Faforiji faction is leveraging on its earlier support for Makarfi-led Caretaker Committee contrary to Adagunodo who was believed to be loyal to the Alimodu

Sherif.

Faforiji, when was also contacted by this medium also responded to a text message that “Makarfi is the National Chairman, I am the state Chairman.

However the Sherif group in the state is protesting my recognition by the

National Caretaker Committee�.

However, the development might also hamper the reconciliation move by the Adagunodo faction which had already constituted a committee to reconcile the two factions of the party after the Osun

By Kehinde Ayantunji West Senatorial byeelection won by PDP in the state.

Despite the readiness of Faforiji faction for reconciliation at the beginning, the euphoria of the Supreme Court judgment which declared Makarfi as the authentic chairman of the party

changed the game, as the faction hope to take full control of the party structure in the state.

However, confusion has set in within the party in the state, as members of the party have been thrown into confusion on who is the authentic chairman of the party.

•Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); Minister of Health, Professor lsaac Adewole (left) and the widower, Mr Kolawole Awotunde (2nd left); Uncle of the deceased, Mr Adelowokan Adegoke (right), during the condolence visit to the family of the late Permanent Secretary Bureau of General Services, office of the governor, Mrs Olufunke Kolawole, at their Residence in Ofatedo.

Apologise To Osun People For Misinformation - Govt Tells Pensioners Government of the State of Osun has advised a group of pensioners who have criticise it on the Paris Loan Refund to toe a path of honour by apologising, not only to the government but the entire people of the state for misinforming, confusing and creating tension in the state over the refund.

Reacting to another protest by the group on Wednesday sequel to the announcement by the state government that the

loan refund has just been received by the state government, a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and

Strategy, Semiu Okalawon said, the Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration is committed to transparency, hence, its decision to make the receipt of the fund public.

The statement read: “The attention of the Government of Osun has been drawn to another, in the series of protests by a

group of pensioners who have filed out again today Wednesday July 19, 2017 for reasons best known to them. “It is interesting to note that about a month ago, this same set of pensioners accused Governor Rauf Aregbesola of collecting and diverting the second tranche of Paris loan

Cultists Cause Scare In Osun Community There was pandemonium at Gege Area in Inisa, This medium was headquarters of Odo-Otin South Local Council informed that when their Development Area at the weekend, as cult groups targets could not be caused scare in the town and attacked residents. located, the group decided Not less than two police. to leave a mark by shooting Meanwhile, it was into the air, destroyed residents of the that some properties, broken bottles community were attacked gathered and matcheted by the cult members of a rival cult on the highways among group were the ones trailed others, as well as attacking group.

A resident, who to the area by another residents. witnessed the terror group. perpetrated by the cult group, told OSUN DEFENDER that for about three days, members of the

By Tola Oyewale cult group, with some of the known faces had been A 20-year old man, Saheed Taye has been remanded noticed wandering the in prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate Court for streets, but no one knew being a member of secret cult. their mission.

The police prosecutor, offence contrary to and He said, “These cultists Inspector Elisha Olusegun punishable under Section came to the area with alleged that the accused 80 of the Criminal Code different kind of person committed Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun dangerous weapons, the offence on the January State of Nigeria 2002. including matchets, 18, 2017 at about 11:0am at “That you Saheed Taye knives, broken bottles and Obate area, Osogbo. on the same time, date, many others and created place and in the Taye was arraigned on a tension in the area. two count charge of which a f o r e m e n t i o n e d “For close to one hour, he pleaded not guilty.

Magisterial district did people were subjected to yourself in The charge sheet engage perpetual tension, as the unlawful society as a cultists continued to show revealed that Saheed Taye member of secret cult Eiye their strengths and in the on the 18th day of January confraternity and thereby process, residents of the 2017 at about 11:00am at committed an offence area were attacked by the Obate area, Osogbo goes contrary to and punishable armed in the public group�, he recounted. under Section 64(a) of the He informed this without lawful occasion in Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol medium that some such manner, to cause II Laws of Osun State of members of the cult group terror to any person and had been arrested by the thereby committed an Nigeria 2002�.

The immediate past Chairman of the Inisa Descendant Union, Mr Kayode Olanipekun confirmed the incidence and said that the leadership of the community has taken appropriate step to stop such incidences.

Suspect Remanded In Prison The presiding magistrate granted the accused person bail of N50, 000 with two sureties in like sum, but ordered that the accused person should be remanded in the prison custody pending the next adjourned date of the case.

The case was adjourned till 22nd of August, 2017 for further hearing.

C That I formerly known as MISS AKINPELU IYABO AMINAT, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYELADE IYABO AMINAT. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note of this.

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refund, which they claimed had been released to Osun State by the federal government. “As they have come out today, they have a duty to actually apologise not only to Aregbesola’s government, but also to the good people of Osun State for misinforming, confusing and creating tension in the state through their false claim that the governor had received the second tranche of Paris loan refund about a month ago�. “Like we have said, Osun State government, with its commitment to transparency under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola made the announcement on Tuesday to confirm the receipt of N6.314billion as the second tranche of Paris loan refund from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN). “The money was paid into the account of the state government on Monday and we duly made the announcement on Tuesday, informing the public that Osun has got the second tranche of the Paris loan refund.

In line with our government’s promise to utilise the resources of this state in the best interest of our people, we hereby restate our commitment to this promise as we begin shortly transparent deployment on our commitments to the concerned stakeholders�, the statement noted.

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

NEWS

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How Osun Broilers Outgrowers Scheme Produced 5m Birds In 3 Years Government of the State of Osun has engaged 1,000 farmers and over given to each farmer.” about 768 farmers in its Osun Broiler Outgrowers 3,000 food vendors under He revealed that Production Scheme (OBOPS) and cash profit the programme. efforts are in top gear to N785million have been paid to the beneficiary “The OBOPS II pilot increase the 3.7 tonnes of farmers. scheme which initially feed given to farmers engaged 15 poultry presently, as well as the The facilitator of the second phase of the the Elementary School farmers has now grown development of more Feeding Programme, into 100 farmers across suitable approach to scheme, Mr. Kolawole Ogini disclosed this O’Meals of the present the 30 local governments reach the hinterland by during the weekend, administration which and 32 local council engaging more people saying that OBOPS has lead to the gainful development areas with from the grassroots and produced at least five employment of about 2,000 day old chicks turn OBOPS II into a million birds in the last three years.

Adding that through the first phase of the In continuation of an inter-ministerial while in Ife Zone: Victory scheme, anchored by TUNS Farm, over 120 enforcement exercise embarked upon by Osun life Eye Centre, Gigles Internal Revenue Service in order to comb the state Dental Clinic and Maye broilers farmers who keyed into the initiative of tax defaulters, some private establishments have Hospital among others have become been shut down, with a view to recover taxes, levies, were sealed.

Prior to this millionaires, he noted rates and other remittances due to the state. stage, According to the said, some of the enforcement that Osun has been placed among states with Special Adviser on Tax establishments shut Akano said, the agency relatively high and Revenue Matters, were, Keystone Bank, had made special efforts production in poultry Mr. Jimoh Akano, the Bank of Agric, Industrial to enlighten the populace affected establishments and General Insurance of the civic duty of every business in Nigeria.

Ogini who lauded the include: Banks, Event Company (IGI), Victoria income earner to be state government for the Centres, Rental Service Medical Centre, Koseunti patriotic to state’s calling successes recorded in Providers, Cool Sports, Maternity Home, Adeola and see tax payment as uncompromised several agricultural Pools, Lotto Offices, Convalescent Home an i n t e r v e n t i o n Sport Betting Houses as among others in Ilesha responsibility.

He said, “the shutting programmes, said that well as privately owned Zone. down of the the first phase of the Primary, Secondary and In Osogbo Zone: God establishment was a scheme recorded a huge Tertiary Institutions Favour Hospital, follow up to the across the State. success.

Triumph Medical Centre, enlightenment.

A statement by the Ife He disclosed that in the Olu Medical, Also, the Acting second phase, Amo Byng Information Officer of the Searchlight Laboratory, Chairman, Osun Internal Poultry Farm have been OIRS, Wasiu Babalola saddled with the responsibility of stocking day-old-chicks and appropriate feeds to raise the birds to maturity through a bank loan, after which the anchor farm buys back from the participants.

While reviewing the selection process, Ogini said the scheme is open to poultry farmers in the state with 2,000 capacity pens and bio-security facilities in place which includes perimeter netting and well-closed entrance.

Aside this, the Scheme •(L-R) Special Adviser to the Osun Governor on Tourism and Culture, Mrs. Taiwo Manager said that Oluga; Public Relations Officer, (PRO), Chief Fagbenle Adedayo and President OBOPS programme has TWARSO, Akire Ile-Ife , Oba Olawuni Alao during a visit to the Governor’s Office on also helped the state Tuesday. government’s course on

legacy programme which subsequent governments will emulate.

“The first phase was successfully facilitated with capital outlay of about N500million from the State Government.

Up to 1,500 poultry farmers participated and up to 5 million chicken birds were successfully

produced within 3 years.

“Constraints faced by paucity of funds lead to the state’s desire to facilitate the same programme with Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) Loan facility. Up to 30,000 farmers participation, evenly spread, across the State is anticipated.

Govt Shuts Banks, Event Centers, Others For Tax Default Revenue Service, Mr. Bicci Alli said, the people of the state had earlier been notified of the ongoing enforcement exercise, saying, “nobody is caught unaware”.

He reiterated that OIRS would no longer hesitate to take legal action against tax defaulters and tax evaders that fail to perform their civic

Cocoa Farming: Osun

Farmers To Get Agro-Chemicals, Farm Implements

By Israel Afolabi In its bid to ensure food security and make farming easier, the Osun state government has promised to supply farmers in the state with all necessary qualitative agro-chemicals and farm implements needed to boost agricultural produce in order to earn more income.

The Chief Executive the board is saddled with Officer and Executive Vice the responsibilities of farmers’ Chairman, Osun Produce increasing Board, Dr. Yemi Adegoke income through improved stated this at a farm products and ensure stakeholders meeting with massive food production Osun Cocoa Merchants in the State.

He added that the and Farmers held in board has been working Osogbo.

Adegoke assured the assiduously to link farmers that the board farmers with available would order for agro- market to sell their farm chemicals and farm produce easily and make implements of quality huge profit from their businesses standard in bulk and give farming to farmers at cheaper rates without hitches.

Adegoke stressed to improve qualitative and quantitative farm produce. further that the common According to Adegoke, practice of cocoa grading and haulage cannot improve the quantity of cocoa production but through the provision of yielding and the murder of late high Salawudeen Hakeem”, improved seedlings.

The CEO appealed to saying, the investigation by the police revealed that cocoa merchants in the state to cooperate with the Omotayo did not only hire Dolapo but also actively board to forestall illegal participated in killing her export of cocoa out of the late husband. state and imbibe the habit He therefore warned the of using Osun cocoa members of the public to be branding bags introduced wary of marital or domestic by the board for grading dispute by promptly and export purposes. reporting to the police for Responding on behalf of next reaction.

Cocoa Farmers He promised that the Association in the state, case would be charged to court as soon as Chief Bola Otunla and Raji Opejin investigation is completed. Alhaji Paraded alongside are expressed satisfaction with Friday Augustine (28), Ojo the policy of the state Tifase (19) and a 60 years- government to alleviate old Augustine Adepegba the suffering of cocoa who were arrest as farmers through the suspected armed robbers establishment of the board with two unregistered Bajaj and introduction of Osun Motorcycles, single cut to Cocoa Branding Bags. size barrel, damaged local They disclosed that with made pistol, four empty the 21 standard cocoa shell of AK 47 ammunition companies in Nigeria, and one cutlass were there is no need for the recovered from them as Federal Government to exhibit. allow foreign cocoa export.

How I killed My Husband After Sex - Wife A 39-year old woman, Mrs Omotayo Salawudeen has confessed that she choked her late husband, late Alhaji Salawudeen Hakeem with pillow, after having sex, while her accomplice, Oladapo Dolapo, 24, stabbed him to death with knife.

She made the confession while answering questions from journalists during her parade by the Osun State Police Command, at the state police headquarters, Osogbo on Monday.

She said, “I hired Oladapo Dolapo to help me kill my husband at my own desires.

According to her, the late husband was a good person who always take care of her needs and that of her children, saying her husband never offended her.

She said,”We’ve been married for 17 years and we are blessed with three children aged 17,15 and 12 respectively.

“He didn’t offend me, I was just mad at him. I

choked him with pillow, after having sex and Dolapo joined me to stab him to death with knife.

“I regret my action. I didn’t know it would turn out like this”, she recounted.

The accomplice, Dolapo

who was engaged by Omotayo confessed that he actually stabbed the late Salawudeen while Omolayo covered his head with pillow until he died.

He said his co-suspect (Omotayo) contracted him to punish her husband by killing him, with a promise to give him whatever he requested, if the operation is successful.

Dolapo disclosed that the deceased’s wife, promised

•Omotayo and her accomplice, Dolapo.

him a befitting accommodation and other largesse.

Parading the suspect, the Commissioner of Police, Olafimihan Adeoye disclosed that Engr.

Salawudeen Jimoh, a brother of the deceased came to the police station on May 12, 2017 and reported that on the same day at 3:00am, two unknown men entered into his brother’s house located at No 11, Adeniran Street, Alleluyah Estate, Osogbo and stabbed him to death with knife and nothing was carted away.

Adeoye further explained that “a team of police directives and patrol men went to the scene where inscription was found on the Wall of the deceased house, “No Price No Pay, Aye Axe and Forgiveness is a Sin”.

He stated that “Oladapo Dolapo was first to be arrested in connection with

responsibility to the state government interms of tax payment henceforth.

Noting that the law is clear on issues bordering on taxes and levies evasion, he insisted that the OIRS would continue to take advantage of the provisions of the law to prosecute recalcitrant corporate organisations and individuals without further notice.

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States And The Paris Club Refund With the release of second tranche of Paris Club Loan Refunds on Tuesday, the Federal Government took another big step to relieve the states of their lingering insolvency. Announcing the release, Director of Information, Federal Ministry of Finance, Salisu Dambatta, confirmed that N243.79bn had been released to the 36 state governments and the Federal Capital Territory bringing the total so far disbursed to N760.17bn.

Just like the first tranche, the five states of Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Delta, Kano, and Rivers took the lion share of 20 percent with N10bn each. The state of Osun got N6.31bn.

Not surprisingly, the rumour mill has literally swung into overdrive with mischief-makers bandying all manners of figures on the amount released, despite the publication of the figures in major newspapers. The idea obviously is to force the hands of Governors to do the bidding of special interests often at to the detriment of the collective interests. Before now, the Governors were accused of either taking the money under the cover of darkness even when no kobo had been released, or stealing a huge chunk of it even when no concrete proof is on ground. Such is the nation these days - such that truth is not only sacrificed on the altar of emotions but also elasticated.

Given the exaggerated expectations from the citizens particularly the organised labour which has been at the forefront of the agitations, we find

Therefore, the refund, far from being a cure-all pill, was a sort of palliative to augment the shortfalls brought on by the shrinking accruals into the federation account. To that extent, the expectations that it would address longterm issues of fiscal insolvency are not only misplaced but baseless. it necessary again to restate what the refund is all about –what it is meant to cater for from what is not.

Nigerians would recall the country’s exit from the Paris Club of Debtors in 2005. Shortly after the celebrated exit, it emerged that most states had overpaid their share of the loans,there was a clamour to have full refund of the excess paid. Although the clamour predated the current administration, it reached its crescendo as a result of the crushing insolvency which the states found themselves courtesy of the current economic recession. With meaningful developmental activities in the states virtually grinding to a halt, President Muhammadu Buhari magnanimously ordered the refunds to be made to relieve the states of their financial burden particularly that of salaries and pensions.

Therefore, the refund, far from being a cure-all pill, was a sort of palliative to augment the shortfalls brought on by the shrinking accruals into the federation account. To that extent, the expectations that it would address long-term issues of fiscal insolvency are not only misplaced but baseless.

Of course, we understand the obligations of the Governors to clear outstanding arrears of workers and pensioners both as a strategy to put life back into the economies of the states and also to relieve the pains of the distraught workers. The question really is whether the Paris Club refund or any windfall for that matter can provide the kind of relief being sought by the workers on a sustainable basis given that the problems are of a structural nature. If, as in this case, the answer is negative, the Governors are right to press for understanding by the workers in their efforts to chart a sustainable way out of the current economic crisis. After all, the refunds will come and go leaving the task of weaning the states off their dependence on federal allocations behind for the governors to contend with.

Much as the workers would rather have their arrears upfront, we counsel them to see reason with the Governors in their resolve to devote a sizeable chunk of the loan refunds on capital projects to guarantee their future as indeed those of the generations to come.

Briefly… Kudos To Transparency We must acknowledge the openness of the government of the State of Osun for its excellent communication on the received receipt of the Paris Club refunds.

A statement signed by Semiu Okanlawon, Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor laid it bare in stating that “The Government of Osun wishes to announce that it has received the second tranche of the Paris Club refunds.

The refunds, totaling N6.314bn, was paid into the state coffers on Monday, July 17, 2017.

In line with our government’s

promise to utilise the resources of this state in the best interest of our people, we hereby restate our commitment to this promise as we begin shortly transparent deployment on our commitments to the concerned stakeholders”.

The transparency is commendable and worthy of emulation by those states who have inadvertently given the unfortunate misconception that there might have been no refund.

The openness also brilliantly checkmate those who are forever seeking opportunities to fish in contrived muddy waters.

A good example here is those being used by self-seeking professional political miscreants and opportunists under the cloak of being ‘pensioners’. Their so called protest was politically sponsored.

It is interesting to note that about a month ago, this same set of pensioners accused Governor Rauf Aregbesola of collecting and diverting the second tranche of Paris loan refund, which they claimed had been released to Osun State by the Federal government.

The transparency of the government has now proved that

Before We Crucify Baba Kabiru On Salary Issues ... In Osun State: •65% of workforce are within GL 1-7 •25% workforce are within GL 8-12 •10% are within GL 13 and above.

•GL.1-7 have been paid up to June 2017 100% salary.

•GL. 8-12 are being paid 75% salary.

•GL. 13 and above are being paid 50% salary.

Gbadebo Adepoju, a Deputy Director at the Marketing Department in the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC), commented in a WhatsApp group created by Olusola Ajala, named 'U & I', saying: Vote for liberation, vote Ademola Adeleke, Vote for PDP. A vote for Ademola Adeleke is a vote for the beginning of liberation of our dear state from bondage of half salary.

Kunle Makanjuola, another worker at the OSBC Venture on level 12, responded: ‘Oloriburuku Governor, oloriburuku’. After his comment, Kunle

Makanjuola removed himself from the 'U & I' group and destroyed his sim card. He claimed he was never in the group, not knowing his comments had been screen munched.

The OSBC Management did not issue queries to both Makanjuola and Adepoju because there are convincing evidences against them.

They were summarily suspended by the OSBC Management. It is a disciplinary action that does not involve either the state government

or Rauf Aregbesola as being insinuated.

Though, I will not make any case for the inability of the state government to pay the full entitlement of only the senior staff in the state.

However, these suspended individuals are senior civil servants; who should understand the government better. When senior civil servants behave in such an unruly manner, what becomes

the fate of the junior civil servants who look up to them as glittering models?

Civil service has its ordinance, codes and ethics; which must be adhered to by all workers. An important aspect of it is that you don't work against an establishment where you earn your daily bread. More so, as a worker, you do not pass unsavoury or uncomplimentary comments against

your principals. It is an act of indiscipline and insubordination. There are dire consequences for such an uncouth behaviour in public service. These acts by Gbadebo Adepoju and Kunle Makanjuola are highly unfortunate and unbecoming of their status and caliber.

Nevertheless, if I were Governor Aregbesola, I would temper justice with mercy. I would be magnanimous in handling the issue.

I would pardon them and show mercy. I would overlook their ineptitude. I would take it as one of those sacrifices a leader has to make. I would forgive them.

I would quickly find a way to put smile on their faces. I would strive to be prompt in the payment of their salaries and allowances. Ogbeni, please, forgive them by instructing the management of OSBC to swiftly recall them to work. Agba ti o binu, l'omo e npo!

•NIYI BABARANTI

The transparency of the government has now proved that this was all politically induced, frankly an unreserved apology to the government as well as the people of the state, is very much in order. this was all politically induced, frankly an unreserved apology to the government as well as the people of the state, is very much in order.

Transparency helps and we urge the state government of Osun to continue in this way in the transparent deployment of its commitment to the people of the state.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Health:

Unveiling The Corruption In National And State Health Services Healthcare provision in Nigeria is a concurrent responsibility of the three tiers of government in the country.

Private providers of healthcare have a visible role to play in health care delivery. Recently, there have been a running battle between the Federal Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and the Executive Director of the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS), Professor Usman Yusuf on accusations of corruption leveled against the latter.

In exercising his powers, the Minister late last week directed Professor Yusuf to proceed on suspension which was rejected by him.

In answering the questions raised, FRANCIS EZEDIUNO writes to educate the public on what NHIS stands for, the benefits Nigerians could enjoy once enrolled as participants and the factor militating against some of the health policies of government at different levels.

Expectedly, Nigerians who were previously not well informed on the activities of this scheme have started asking questions.

With issues in the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) still hanging, the agency, saddled with the responsibility of maintaining healthy living in the state together with the newly inaugurated Osun State Primary Health Care Development Board and the State office of NHIS, were reported to have put modalities on ground to educate the people and encourage them to key in to the scheme.

However, with the recent twist of events, it seems the ill wind of corruption has finally crept in to the NHIS. Earlier, it was reported that the Minister of Health had directed the Executive Secretary of NHIS to proceed on a 3-month suspension over an alleged N960 million scam.

Just this week, Professor Adewole fired another salvo, as eight officials of the agency were also suspended pending the outcome of corruption investigations and the federal government and in a bid to douse • tensions deployed security personnel to the NHIS Secretariat in Abuja.

From the pictures appearing, it seems the federal government is battle ready to sanitize this sector once and for all but some politicians are bent on scuttling this process, especially in the House of Representatives arm of the National Assembly.

The state governments especially Osun should take a cue from this example and investigate the alleged abuse of the laudable programme in its health facilities and the several allegations piling up against its officials should be looked into.

While the health policy of the state government offers free treatment for its citizens,the state government should created necessary awareness to ensure that these citizens access the NHIS because the health of its citizens is its wealth.

The Federal government’s role is mostly limited to coordinating the

‘

The state governments especially Osun should take a cue from this example and investigate the alleged abuse of the laudable programme in its health facilities and the several allegations piling up against its officials should be looked into.

affairs of the university teaching hospitals, Federal Medical Centres (tertiary healthcare), while the state

’

government manages the various general hospitals (secondary healthcare) and the local government

focus on dispensaries (primary healthcare) which are regulated by the federal government through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA).

Historically, health insurance in Nigeria can be applied to a few instances: free health care provided and financed for all citizens, health care provided by government through a special health insurance scheme for government employees and private firms entering contracts with private health care providers. However, there are only few people who fall within the three categories.

In May 1999, the government created the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) and the scheme encompasses government employees, the organised private sector and the informal sector.

Legislative wise, the scheme also covers children under five, permanently disabled persons and prison inmates. In 2004, the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo further gave more legislative powers to the scheme with positive amendments to the original 1999 legislative act.

In 2017, the House of Representatives Committee on Health Care Services in Abuja, organised a two-day investigative hearing; where the Minister of Health, Isaac Adewole said that a sum of N351 billion had been expended on Health Management Organisations (HMOs) so far without commensurate result.

There are a number of health issues, covered by the NHIS and they are: Cancer Care A new bone marrow donor program, the second in Africa, opened in 2012.

In co-operation with the University of Nigeria, it collects DNA swabs from people who might want to help a person with leukemia, lymphoma, or sickle cell disease to find a compatible donor for a life-saving bone marrow •Continued on page 6

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Health:

MAGAZINE

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Unveiling The Corruption In National And State Health Services

•Continued from page 5 transplant. It hopes to expand to include cord blood donations in the future.

Mental Health The majority of mental health services is provided by 8 regional psychiatric centers and psychiatric departments and medical schools of 12 major universities. A few general hospitals also provide mental health services. The formal centres often face competition from native herbalists and faith healing centres.

Regulation of Pharmaceuticals In 1989, legislation made effective a list of essential drugs. The regulation was also meant to limit the manufacture and import of fake or sub-standard drugs and to curtail false advertising.

However, the section on essential drugs was later amended.

Drug quality is primarily controlled by the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC). Several major regulatory failures have produced international scandals: In 1993, adulterated paracetamol syrup entered into the healthcare system in Oyo and Benue State and the result was the death of 100 children. A year after the disaster, batches containing poisonous ethylene glycol, the major cause of the deaths, could still be purchased.

In 1996, about 11 children died of contamination from an experimental trial of the drug trovafloxacin.

In 2008-2009, at least 84 children died from a brand of contaminated teething medication.

In 2017, the Federal Minister of Health which supervises the scheme has accused the Executive Secretary of the scheme of corruption and the Health Management Organisations (HMO) of not properly utilising the funds allocated to it by the Federal Government.

Geographic Inequality Healthcare in Nigeria is influenced by different local and regional factors that impact the quality or quantity present in one location. Due to the aforementioned, the healthcare system in Nigeria has shown spatial variation in terms of availability and quality of facilities in relation to need. However, this is largely as a result of the level of state and local government’s involvement and investment in healthcare programs and education.

Also, the Nigerian Ministry of Health usually spends about 70 per cent of its budget in urban areas where around 50 per cent of the population resides.

Emigration Of Healthcare Workers Retaining health care professionals is an important objective. Migration of healthcare personnel to other countries is a tasking and relevant issue in the health care system of the country. From a supply push factor, a resulting rise in exodus of nurses may be due to dramatic factors that make the work unbearable and knowing and presenting changes to arrest the factors may stem a tide.

Because a large number of nurses and doctors migrating abroad benefited from government funds for education, it poses a challenge to the patriotic identity of citizens and also the rate of return of federal funding of health care education. The state of healthcare in Nigeria has been worsened by shortage of physicians and other health personnels as a consequence of severe ‘brain drain’.

Many Nigerian doctors have emigrated to North America and Europe. In 2005, 2,392 Nigeria doctors were practising in the US alone, in UK the number was 1,529. Retaining these expensively trained professionals has been identified as an urgent goal. It

•Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole

‘

•Executive Director NHIS, Professor Usman Yusuf

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hospitals within the state who have bought deeply into the programme and by so doing, many of the NHIS participants in the state prefer to access the scheme from private hospitals than even the government hospitals where government treat people for free.

should be noted that the Brain drain cut across all healthcare Professionals, as thousands of Nigerian Pharmacists and Nurses are practising in the UK and USA as well and so on.

Commercialisation Of Public Health Service Delivery Empirical evidences reveal negative impact of commercialisation of public health service delivery on attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria.

HIV/AIDS in Nigeria Empirical evidences reveal negative impact of commercialisation of public health service delivery on attainment of the Millennium Development Goals (MDGs) in Nigeria.

As of 2014 in Nigeria, the HIV prevalence rate among adults ages 1549 was 3.17 percent. The prevalence of HIV in Nigeria varies widely by region.

In some states, the epidemic is more concentrated and driven by high-risk behavior, while other states have more generalised epidemics that are sustained primarily by multiple sexual partnerships in the general population.

Youth and young adults in Nigeria are particularly vulnerable to HIV, with young women at higher risk than young men.

There are many risk factors that contribute to the spread of HIV, including prostitution, high-risk practices among itinerant workers, high prevalence of sexually transmitted infections (STI), clandestine high-risk heterosexual and homosexual practices, international trafficking of women, and irregular blood screening.

Malaria As of 2012 in Nigeria, the malaria prevalence rate was 11 percent. A part of this data is from the President’s Malaria Initiative which identifies Nigeria as a high-burden country.

Nigeria’s branch dealing with this problem, the National Malaria Control

’

Program, has recognized the problem.

Earlier in the year, Nigeria was excluded by the World Health Organisation (WHO) from the list of African countries where the experimental malaria vaccine would be tried, a development which did not go down well with the government, since Nigeria prides itself as one of the countries which had taken the fight for the global eradication very seriously since the period of the late Professor Olikoye Ransome Kuti as the Federal Minister of Health between 1985 and 1993.

Endemic Diseases In 1985, an incidence of yellow fever devastated a town in Nigeria, leading to the death of 1000 people. In a span of 5 years, the epidemic grew, with a resulting rise in mortality. The vaccine for yellow fever has been in existence since the 1930s.

As of today, there is a continual scare of Lassa Fever Disease as outbreak upon outbreak is recorded in the northern parts of the country.

In 2014 following the outbreak of the Ebola Virus Disease which ravaged Liberia, Sierra Leone, Equatorial Guinea, Nigeria was not spared as the epidemic spread to its shores when Mr. Patrick Sawyer imported it to the country from Liberia.

Maternal And Child Healthcare The 2010 maternal mortality rate per 100,000 births for Nigeria was 840. This is compared with 608.3 in 2008 and 473.4 in 1990. The under 5 mortality rate, per 1,000 births is 143 and the percentage of neonatal mortality of under 5’s is 28.

In Nigeria, the lifetime risk of death for pregnant women 1 in 23. Nigerias abortion laws make it one of the most restrictive countries regarding abortion.

NHIS In Osun The scheme in Osun according to the

mode of its establishment have been entirely voluntary, which means that the state government did not in anyway make it compulsory for participants in the scheme as such participants which are mostly civil servants are enjoying the programme on their own volition.

Needless to say, despite its advantages, a very good number of people in the state are still ignorant of the advantages attached therein.

A visit to most of the public health facilities throughout the state reveal that the sick still seek treatment funded from their own pocket while all they need do is pay a certain fixed amount (depending on their HMO) yearly and they are charged10 per cent fee anytime treatment is accessed from the hospital.

The situation is so worse that in a recent television programme, it was rightly observed that the problem could be attributed to lack of enlightenment and education from the Federal Ministry of Health, parents agencies and the state government.

The amount being charged annually cannot be quantified with the treatment a participant would benefit within a year but since it is an insurance scheme, it is a pool of risks.

The sad thing is that it is mostly private hospitals within the state who have bought deeply into the programme and by so doing, many of the NHIS participants in the state prefer to access the scheme from private hospitals than even the government hospitals where government treat people for free.

A case in point is a government tertiary hospital located within Osogbo where health officials prefer to respond to patients who are none NHIS participants because of the income (IGR) that would be generated from them at the detriment of registered participants who just need to part with 10 per cent of the charge of whatever treatment services rendered, drugs inclusive.

Many physicians in these government hospitals who act as consultants for private health facilities prefer to refer their patients to these establishments to access treatment instead of treating their patients for free as enshrined in the state government health policy. An indictment on doctors in the public health sector in the state where accusations are rife that drugs meant to be dispensed free to patients are bought from private pharmaceutical stores.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Ife East Council Boss Distributes School Uniforms To Pupils Executive Secretary, Ife East Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, Honourable Adeyeni Olubusola has distributed over 250 school uniforms to pupils of five different elementary and middle schools in the council area.

Government, The gesture, according Local Olufemi, to a statement by the Olawoye Information Office of the followed an earlier visit

to some of the schools, where the council boss discovered that some of the pupils were in tattered school uniforms, while some came to school without uniforms.

The uniforms, according to the statement were distributed to the pupils recently when the council boss led members of his cabinet to the beneficiary schools, including the AUD Middle School, Oke Atan; L.A Primary

School, Ijio; Idita Community Middle School, Mokuro; as well as All Saints and L.A Elementary Schools at Ilode, all in Ile - Ife. According to the Executive Secretary, the gesture was part of the decision of his administration to affect the lives of the people at the grassroot positively in line with the mandate of the Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a administration.

He said that the distribution of the uniform was just a tip of an iceberg, saying, his administration would continue to do things that would make the people of the council feel the impact of the administration.

While commending the teachers of the schools for their commitments, he charged them to be more committed and ensure

that they impact knowledge that would be of benefit to their pupils in future.

He also lauded the teachers for ensuring neatness around the school environment, urging them to do more.

The teachers and pupils of the beneficiary schools appreciated the kind gestures of the Executive Secretary and his cabinet members.

Ilesa East Caretaker Chair Fumes Over Refuse Dumping On Waterways

•Honourable Adeyeni distributing the uniforms to pupils in one of the schools.

Mrs Adeoye was quoted Threatening that the The Caretaker Management Committee, Ilesa East as saying, “Unfortunately, management Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, our people are exhibiting council has read riot act over the poor hygienic state of Sabo attitude inimical to the would henceforth be more harsh on anyone caught in Market in Ilesa, expressing shock over the high level durability of these roads, the act of dumping refuse of refuse dumping on waterways by traders and as matured and on waterways, she called residents of the area. responsible adult would on relevant authorities Executive Secretary of Revenue (IGR), where she not have inculcated the especially Ministry of the Council, Mrs. Adeoye came across a heap of habit of dumping refuse in Environment to assist in Olusola expressed her refuse blocking the the drainages. enforcing laws to check the displeasure when she led drainage of one of the “The implication of this illegal practices. members of the council newly constructed roads. act is that it will lead to Failure to check the act, A statement by the blockage of the drainage, according to her could management team on an unscheduled visit to the Information Officer of the and when this happens, lead to outbreak of market as part of the council, Mr Opatunji water would not be able to diseases and natural activities to boost the Kazeem said, the council flow freely, hence, the disaster.

Internally Generated boss regretted that the whole place becomes Also speaking, the concrete drainage system flooded.

These Council Manager, Mrs. being constructed by the misdemeanour pose great Muslimot Alabi said, Aregbesola administration danger, not only to the efforts have been put in to protect the newly roads which government place to ensure that all constructed roads from constructed with its refuse in the Sabo markets quick dilapidation are still meagre resources, but also and those along the being blocked due to to the health of the newly-constructed roads people”, he said. are cleared. the projects are long refuse dumping. overdue.

He therefore assured the Executive Secretary and the people of the council area of the proper monitoring of the project during and after the execution.

Meanwhile, the tour took the Executive Secretary, Members of caretaker committee, the Council Manager Alhaja Salam Musirafat Mojisola and all the Heads of the Departments to Oke-Aafo, Oluawo, Akinlabi, Olomu, and Lamu compounds.

Other areas visited are Oke-Iroko, Alagbede, Oke-Amola, Elemo-Oke, Idi-Oro, Idi-Ose, and Sabo•Mrs. Adeoye Olusola, during her visit to the market, recently.

Oke amongst others.

Ifelodun ES Declares State Of Emergency On Water Supply The Executive Secretary, Ifelodun Local Government, Ikirun, Alhaji Hammed Omoloye has reiterated his commitment to provide potable water for the people of Ikirun and its environs regardless of the resources available to the council.

According to the statement by the Information Officer of the council, Bukola Elufadejin, Omoloye stated this while embarking on on-the-spot assessment of nonfunctional water pumps, hand pumps and motorised boreholes in the five wards that make up the Local Government.

Describing water as very important to life, he mandated the officers in charge of water provision in the council to put up all necessary papers for immediate rehabilitation

of the affected boreholes.

Noting that water scarcity is one of the challenges confronting the people of some part of the council, he said, “Every step would be taking to ensure that there is succour in the lives of the people of the council”.

Reacting to the order of the Executive Secretary, the Head of Department, Water and Environmental Sanitation, Sanitarian Akinola Raphael expressed satisfaction with the order of the council boss, saying

Boripe North Council Boss Assures Workers Of Better Welfare Executive Secretary, Boripe North Local Council Development Area , Iree, Prince Bola Adejumo, has assured the council workers of better welfare package and urged them not to relent in the delivery of democratic dividends to people.

Adejumo stated this Clinic of the council during the distribution of secretariat, Iree and Identity Cards to staffers inauguration of special and Political Functionaries committees as well as provision of Environmental and Clinical Materials with the Sanitation Committee, establishment of Mini Staff Security Committee, Educational Management Committee, Internal Generated Revenue and Taxation Committee.

That I formerly known The executive secretary as MISS ROSELINE appealed to the people of BOLANLE OJELADE, the council area to now wish to be known and cooperate with his addressed as MRS administration, especially ROSELINE BOLANLE on the revenue generation and environmental ADEBISI. All former sanitation to drive the documents remains valid. expected development and General public should secure hygienic take note of this.

,-./01 45 /.81

environment.

Adejumo stated that he has embarked on the rehabilitation of the abandoned Poultry Farm in Ororuwo and procured broiler birds, while the LCDA has also started planting Maize and Cassava in Ororuwo to increase the revenue of the council.

Also, the Chairman, All Progressive Congress (APC) Boripe North LCDA, Alhaji Abduraheem Oladumoye commended the Executive Secretary, for the giant stride so far and the appointments of the special committees and urged the members to rally support for Governor Rauf Aregbesola for coming up with such mandate.

In his remarks, the State

N U L G E President, Comrade Adeyeye Jacob commended Adejumo for providing

identity cards and miniclinic for staff members.

He implored the staff and political functionaries

to always work as a team in order to achieve the desired development expected by the people.

•(L-R) HOD PHC, Mrs. Oladosu Bosede, caretaker member, Adebiyi Babatunde; Executive Secretary, Prince Bola Adejumo; Council Manager, Comrade Olatunde Bello; Osun NULGE Chairman, Comrade Adeyeye Jacob and Mr. Sunday Fabunmi a caretaker member during during the commissioning of Basic Clinical Materials at Boripe North LCDA Secretariat, Iree, recently.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSD

A Cocktail Of Rece

Acting President Yemi Osinbajo Leads Dignitaries At Chief Major Adeyem (Mrs) Omowumi Akande, Wife Of Chief Bisi Akande's Burial

•A cross section of Children of the deceased and their spouses.

•Chief Bisi Akande (left) in a discussion with Mallam Nuhu Ribadu (right) while Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu (2nd left) watches.

•Wale Oshun (right); APC National Deputy Chairman, South, Segun Oni (2nd right) and other APC National Executive members at the programme.

The Acting President of Federal Republic of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo led governors, senators, members of the House of Representatives, members of Houses of Assembly, politicians across divides and other dignitaries to celebrate the late Mrs Omowumi Akande wife of the former Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande who was a former governor of the State of Osun.

Assembled in Ila-Orangun for the Fidau Prayer of Chief Akande’s wife were APC chieftains, including the National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, family, friends and associates of Chief Akande to give the late wife of the politician the last respect.

Among those at the event was the host Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, and other governors, Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo), Governor Ibikunle Amosun (Ogun), Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu (Ondo) among other dignitaries at the occasion.

Osinbajo who eulogised the virtue of Chief Akande also prayed for God to grant the deceased eternal rest and the family the fortitude to bear the loss.

He also called on Nigerians to be united, saying this was the only way the nation could attain greatness.

He used the occasion to assure all, that the present administration is not just poised at giving leadership in the country but to give quality leadership built on morals and integrity”. Osinbajo said at the event.

Governor Aregbesola in his own address commiserated with the family and described the death of the wife of the APC leader as painful.

Also speaking, Alhaji Jamiu Kewuyemi, the Leader of the League of Imams and Alfas in Ila-Orangun, urged political leaders in the country to imbibe the fear of God in all they do.

In his sermon, he called on Nigerians to embrace righteousness so as to prepare for a better life after death, saying, “Death is inevitable and we all shall taste it. We must all embrace the righteous path in the interest of our hereafter.

“We thank God that our mama lived a fulfilled life. May Allah forgive her shortcomings and grant her eternal rest,’’ he said.

Other dignitaries present at the fidau included the retired Gen. Alani Akinrinade, Chief Segun Oni, APC National Deputy Chairman (South) and former IGP Tafa Balogun. Among others were the Deputy Governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori and Mallam Nuhu Ribadu.

•(L-R) Children of Major Adedotu (widow), Mrs. Adejoke Olutimilehi

•Representatives of the Management (L-R) Head of Library, Mr A.K Sala Registrar, Mr Aderinola Adeoti; Mr

•Members of Igbo Ileke Association was alive.

- THURSDAY JULY 21, 2017

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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H

ecent Happenings

deyemi Oyedotun, A Pillar In OSCOED Ila-Orangun Celebrated In Death

ajor Adedotun: Mr. Yinka Adedotun, Adedotun Adesewa, Olusegun Adedotun, Mrs. Adenike Agbongbon, Mrs. Abenuade Adedotun e Olutimilehin and her husband.

R:;<=> ;<:? @==AB?D E=>@F?:G compensation, he requested for an establishment that would benefit the entire community. This gave birth to the location of Osun State College of Education in IlaOrangun.

Management of Osun State College of Education Ila-Orangun: Mr A.K Salawu; Representative of the Bursar, Mr Asiyanbi; a Adeoti; Mr M.O Omoloye and Mrs Temilade Oyedeji.

Association of which late Oyedotun was a member when he •HRH Oba Abdul Wahab Oyedotun, Orangun of Ila and his wives.

The establishment of the Osun State College of Education in IlaOrangun, State of Osun did not just come on a platter of gold, rather, it is a baby of sacrifice for community development by the late Major Adeyemi Oyedotun who rejected compensation for the death of his daughter for the benefit of his community.

Oyedotun’s daughter was knocked down in an accident by government vehicle occupy by a top government official in front of his house, and rather than seeking personal compensation, he requested for an establishment that would benefit the entire community. This gave birth to the location of Osun State College of Education in Ila-Orangun.

No wonder he was celebrated, even after death by the management of the College of Education, as his burial programme was held in IlaOragun last weekend in grandstyle.

It was a gathering of who-iswho in the community, including the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun, who led prominent sons and daughters of the ancient town to celebrate the ‘icon’.

The late Major Oyedotun was born on the April 2nd, 1937 to Oyedotun’s family of Obadotun’s compound in Ila-Orangun where he has contributed to the life of his people within and outside his immediate environment.

He had his primary school education at St. Mathews Anglican School, Isedo in IlaOrangun between 1953 and 1958 and higher education at the University of Swansea in Southweles, United Kingdom (UK) between 1966 and 1969.

“Daddy Sunshine”, as popularly called was known for honesty, easy life and loves putting happiness on other people’s faces. He believed in this philosophy that “Do unto others as you want them to do unto you.”

Major Oyedotun’s common and usual quote was “The true essence of life is to plant a tree under which shade, you do not expect to seat”.

No doubt, the contribution of Major Oyedotun to the progress and development of his community, as well as his sacrifice are worthy of appreciation, celebration and emulation.

Indeed, he has built a tree under which shade he is not sitting.

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

NEWS

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Opposition Has No Plan For Osun, Says Speaker

By Israel Afolabi Worried by the level of destructive criticism by the opposition against Governor Rauf Aregbesola administration, the Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam has challenged youths to demand the blueprint of those who clamour to upstage All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

Salaam, in a statement after it has aligned with signed by his Press the centre and some of its Secretary, Goke Butika, programmes were copied while addressing Ejigbo for replication by the APC youth forum, said federal government and those who have an axe to some states, PDP states grind with Aregbesola’s inclusive. administration should Salaam asserted that it offer credible alternative is very challenging owing with detailed explanation workers and pensioners on how to fund their pipe any part of their dues, as dreams, saying devil is in it is happening in not less •Osun Speaker, SALAAM. the detail. than 28 states out of 36 in He hinged on the fact the nation, arguing that challenge to crucify a that since the using a national state like Osun that has establishment of Osun as a state, the only time when development was conspicuously offered is now, during

By Kehinde Ayantunji Aregbesola’s time.

According to him, it Lack of adequate guidance has been identified would be a very costly as the major cause of unhygienic practise and mistake for the people to mismanagement of menstrual period by young think that the state would school girls. be pushed back to the These form part of the aisle of the opposition report of findings of the National Research on Menstrual Hygiene

not sacked a single worker upon the tough

economic meltdown would be a great electoral mistake.

He said, “It is a recent history that the opposition which is currently badmouthing A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration had once ruled Osun and Nigeria, and the legacy was corruption, impunity and underdevelopment, where very few politicians were sharing money meant for developmental projects.

“Now that the APC has taken the bull by the horn in fixing the country, particularly State of Osun, it would be a backward trend to return those who once

plundered the resources of this country”.

Salaam further urged the people of the state not to succumb to the deception of the opposition in Osun, asking them to demand better economic blueprint from the opposition and how funds would be sourced if they find themselves in power.

He stressed that the opposition has no credible answers to the economic meltdown but were only thirsty to return to power to exploit the people and continue with their known tradition of corruption and impunity.

‘Inadequate Guidance Cause Mismanagement Of Menstrual Periods By School Girls’

Group Felicitates With Osogbo NBA Chair, Publicity Secretary Osogbo Affairs Foundation (OSAF), a group comprising of Osogbo-born professionals at home and in Diaspora has congratulated two of their own, Messrs Dele Ajibade and Abdulrahman Okunade on their emergence as the Chairman and Publicity Secretary of the Nigeria Bar Association (NBA) Osogbo Branch, respectively.

Prince The group in a Convener, Oyegbade, statement signed by its Hameed

described the election of the duo of Ajibade and Okunade as one of the best decisions to be made by members of NBA, considering their impeccable character and resounding capacity as men of the bar.

Management conducted in three geo-political zones of the country: Katsina State - North West, Anambra State South East and Osun State - South West.

At a media engagement on menstrual hygiene management in basic schools in Nigeria held in Osun State, Dr Femi Aluko who was part of the research team disclosed that lack of adequate guidance, facilities and materials for girls lead to mismanagement of their menstruation in schools.

According to Dr Aluko, “Girls capacity to manage their periods is

affected by lack of access to affordable hygienic sanitary materials, disposal options for used materials, adequate water supply, clean toilets, hand washing facilities and access to changing rooms.

“Most of the toilets/ latrines observed were dirty with broken doors and poor ventilation. The ratio of latrine compartment to students was 1:297 for girls and 1:1216 for boys compared with global recommended latrine to student ratio of 1:25 and 1:50 for girls and boys respectively (UNICEF 2011).

“The overall average

ratio of toilets/latrine in the urban schools for girls was 1:214 and for boys 1:374 while the ratio was 1:168 and 1:272 for girls and boys respectively in rural schools,” he added.

The Researcher said studies showed that none of the schools assessed met the World Health Organisation’s standard of pupils to toilet ratio.

He lamented that there is a culture of silence’ and shame regarding issues of sexuality and menstruation which is attributed to cultural restrictions, preventing sufficient information from reaching girls and women.

Olu Abiola’s Death, Loss Of Another Patriot - Aregbesola Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf the timber industry and Aregbesola, has joined people of Osun and well- became one of the great meaning Nigerians in commiserating with the family timber merchants in the of the late Chief Olu Abiola. country. Chief Abiola was He said the late Abiola sector of another great also during his life a who died on Sunday was personality, saying, “The notable socialite.

“Throughout his life, he a true patriot and an death of Chief Olu Abiola invaluable asset in the is a sad one to us in Osun. distinguished himself as a man of immense wealth, a business world.

Here is a man of immense In a statement by the qualities, which he had perfect gentle man and an Director, Bureau of employed to promote Omoluabi per excellence, Communication and everything ideal in his which is what the State of Osun epitomises.

Strategy, Office of the lifetime.

“There is therefore, no Governor, Mr. Semiu “Chief Olu Abiola, Okanlawon, Aregbesola u n d o u b t e d l y , gainsaying the fact that Abiola’s exit would create described the death of distinguished himself in Chief Abiola as a great loss business sector to the a huge gap in the business to the business circle, the extent that his name and industrialization in State of Osun and Nigeria became a household one Nigeria. We are however consoled by the fact that he as a whole. across the country.

The late Abiola, fondly “He made his mark in led a fulfilled life. called Baba Olomi, was an industrialist and Chairman, Unique FM Radio Station, Ilesa.

Aregbesola said Abiola’s death has The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola undoubtedly robbed the has described the sudden death of Mrs Olufunke state and the industrial Oluwakemi Kolawole, the Permanent Secretary,

•Widows of late Chief Olu Abiola during the Governor Aregbesola paid a condolence visit to the family in Ilesa on Monday.

“On behalf of the government and people of Osun, I offer our heartfelt condolences to the

immediate and extended families of the deceased as well as friends and well wishers.

“We pray that the Almighty God reposes his gentle soul in paradise”, Aregbesola said.

Governor Laments Death Of Osun PS

LMOQSU VW QOXU That I formerly known as ISMAIL AWWAL OLATUNDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO AWWAL OLATUNDE. All former documents remains valid.

FIRST Bank, WAEC and general public should take note of this.

Bureau of General Services, Office of the Governor, as a colossal loss in the state civil service.

In a statement by the family of the slain Mrs Bureau of Kolawole who was Communication and murdered by kidnappers Strategy signed by its while on a journey to Director, Semiu Abuja last Thursday.

Aregbesola was Okanlawon, the Governor was quoted as quoted as saying the speaking when he paid a untimely demise of Mrs condolence visit to the Kolawole was not only

shocking, but has left a huge vacuum within the civil service in the state.

Governor Aregbesola who described the Permanent Secretary as a great woman of great virtues, said the late Kolawole while alive, used her position to impact greatly on humanity.

According to him, “Death is a misery that no

one wants. It is a phenomenon that everyone hates, but because God has destined man to die, we all reconcile with death.

“It behoves on every mortal to always be conscious of end day and know that it is God that gives and takes at any time.

“Mrs Kolawole’s death is not only a rude shock to us as government but

also a great misfortune at a time her quality services are needed most.

“Her sudden death is shocking, unfortunate and calamitous to state and civil service in particular as she (deceased) was known to be a committed, dedicated and loyal civil servant who had never being found wanting of her professional role to the people.

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FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Y1

OAU Wema Bank Shut Down Over False Allegation Against Student

By Adejumo Kabir Banking services of Wema Bank, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife branch has been suspended over false allegation against a student of the institution.

Onuche Caleb, a 400 the allegation, the level student of Faculty of fraudulent transaction Law was said to have was traced to a staff of the who was been falsely alleged by bank the Wema Bank in OAU immediately arrested while the police later campus of fraudulent transaction of N10 released Caleb after days in Million which led to the spending custody. student arrest on 12th of Angered by the July, 2017. development, OAU It was gathered that Student Union Onuche was transferred suspended the activities to the Nigeria Police of the bank on Monday, Force Criminal in an attempt to Investigative Division , negotiate and seek justice Ikoyi, Lagos. for the law Students, However, following Caleb who according to the intervention of the union was subjected university management, to torture and public through the security unit ridicule. which went to Lagos to The union also blamed ascertain the veracity of the bank for not

informing the university management before arresting the alleged student.

Meanwhile, a staff of the bank, Tunde Ali who

spoke with our reporter said the bank is making efforts to settle the matter amicably and has resolved to discuss with all affected parties.

•ONUCHE CALEB

HotInc Promises To Resurrect Social Life In OAU House of Trend Incorporation (HOTINC) has promised to resurrect social life in Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. This was disclosed by of a popular hip-hop the organiser of the just musician called YCEE concluded OAU Awards some weeks ago. with its grand finale at According to the CEO Amphitheatre which of HOTINC, Caleb witnessed the attendance Tehilah, there are more

programmes to organise for the students.

“Our aim is to resurrect social life on OAU campus. What HOTINC is concerned with is the social life on OAU, we are trying to regain it back”, he

stressed.

It would be recalled that HOTINC celebrated students and brands that have shaped OAU campus for the past one year in order to encourage the uniqueness in students.

Students Kick, As Management Suspend SUG Election

By Sikiru Obarayese The Federal Polytechnic Offa Governing Council, has suspended the Student Union SUG Election.

While the management that the Rector of the said that the suspension institution had used the of the election was meant Dean, Directorate of to ensure peace on Students Affairs to campus, some sections of threaten and harass a students disagreed with calibre of students’ the decision of the leaders, describing it as council, accusing the “a statistical aberration management of and a gross fundamental highhandedness. negation of the principle The election which was of administrative expected to hold this probity”. month, July was NANS and NAPS in postponed till further their joint extraordinary notice. Indigenous , meeting then resolved to Faculty and liaise with all major Departmental elections bodies of the students were also withheld. organisations and However, Leadership stakeholders to call for of National Association the intervention of the of Nigerian Students President of the Federal (NANS) and National Republic, through the Association of Minister of Education “to Polytechnics Students intervene in the alleged (NAPS) recently alleged “power welding and executive rascality” in the institution.

“We believe that series of double-standards might have necessitated gargantuan allegations a n d circulated within the monumental misconduct whole department before on the part of the management” the examination begins.

“Our result ought to “The following are our have been released long stands: that the advice ago. If the result had been given by the security released few months agencies about the before the examination, Students’ Union and their can be students will be able to activities recognise the areas where addressed by ensuring all they made mistake in the parties involved sign an last semester that lead to agreement of peace their poor performance”, before, during and after she added. the elections which will Fadehinsi Bola, an make those involved to HND 1 Banking and do all possible to promote Finance student peace.

“The same approach as expressed her feelings about the result and also suggested above can commended the solve any security threat management for the and also ensure a smooth improvement in the election and transition service delivery to the process.

“Let the SRC be students. constituted as soon as possible or due to time factor, in the alternative, let the same procedure used to select ICEC members be fast tracked and let the election committee be inaugurated because putting the SRC and SUG election on ‘hold until further notice’ is indirectly proscribing the SUG. “The management should hand off from any student affairs matters as it is clear that their interest is the reason for all this pandemonium”, the student union insisted.

Bamigbetan Charges Students Fears As FEDPOffa Students Rush To Check Results Online On Self Development

Ajose Lecture Theatre of the Faculty of Agriculture, Obafemi Awolowo University Ile-Ife was on Tuesday held at high notch as guests from different works of life and business entrepreneurs graced Nigeria Campus and Youth Leadership Summit.

Special Adviser to positive change may be Lagos State Governor on difficult if youths tend to Communities and depend on government Communication, Mr. and leave their dexterity Kehinde Bamigbetan at rotting. the summit described Kingsley Ndelema, a human resources as student of Obafemi unlimited resources Awolowo University, in arguing that it can never his contribution be exhausted as what commended the youths need in the inspirational speech of community is sound Bamigbetan, describing it knowledge and as enduring ideas that are appropriate orientation capable of reshaping the to make impact.

Nigeria political and Bamigbetan who economic landscape advocated organisational through youth skills among the students participation. explained that to succeed “I learnt a lot about life in life, it requires and how life can be after discipline, determination leaving the school”, he and ability to be a team said. player through Also Mr. Vincent organisational skills.

Adeola, CEO, Serah According to him, Brooks, while encourage “Youths are endowed the youths to be with wide range and productive explained varieties of opportunities that he started his where their innate skills business with only N200 will be needed. The only and ended up within two thing our youths need in years being a millionaire. the society to do well in He advised the youths politics and business is to to take a decision on their restrategise and evaluate life prospects not to themselves in relation to waste their youthful age their immediate which he described as the environment”. best period in human life He argued that span.

As students of the Federal Polytechnic Offa prepare for the second semester examination, fears have continued to grip a large number of them as they rush to check the result of their first semester examination recently released by the management.

This is just as some of management to have the students lamented delayed our result to period of that the result came out these examination. with some errors.

He lamented that the A Science Laboratory Technology student, shock of the result can Azeez Oluwadamilare lead to poor performance the coming said, “One, the result is in delayed and many of us examination.

Also Opeyemi were almost getting worried before it was Aderanwale, an ND 1 student of Library and released.

“Apart from the fact Information Science said, that the delay in the his own department’s release of the result was result has not been not good enough, the released at all.

She pleaded with the result came out with some errors. Personally, I management to make don’t expect the sure the result is

•FEDPOFFA entrance gate.

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NEWS

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

HEALTH

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Dr. Sunday Abiodun Ojenuwah, Consultant Nephrologist, University College Hospital, Ibadan, writes on

Controlling High Blood Pressure (III)

•Continued from last edition If you’re age 60 or older, and use of medications produces lower systolic blood pressure (such as less than 140 mm Hg), your medications won’t need to be changed unless they cause negative effects to your health or quality of life.

Also, people older than 60 commonly have isolated systolic hypertension — when diastolic pressure is normal but systolic pressure is high.

The category of medication your doctor prescribes depends on your blood pressure measurements and your other medical problems.

Medications to treat high blood pressure Thiazide diuretics: Diuretics, sometimes called water pills, are medications that act on your kidneys to help your body eliminate sodium and water, reducing blood volume.

Thiazide diuretics are often the first, but not the only, choice in high blood pressure medications. Thiazide diuretics include hydrochlorothiazide (Microzide), chlorthalidone and others.

If you’re not taking a diuretic and your blood pressure remains high, talk to your doctor about adding one or replacing a drug you currently take with a diuretic. Diuretics or calcium channel blockers may work better for black and older people than do angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors alone. A common side effect of diuretics is increased urination.

Beta blockers: These medications reduce the workload on your heart and open your blood vessels, causing your heart to beat slower and with less force.

Beta blockers include acebutolol (Sectral), atenolol (Tenormin) and others.

When prescribed alone, beta blockers don’t work as well, especially in black and older people, but may be effective when combined with other blood pressure medications.

Angiotensin-converting enzyme (ACE) inhibitors: These medications — such as lisinopril (Zestril), benazepril (Lotensin), captopril (Capoten) and others — help relax blood vessels by blocking the formation of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels.

People with chronic kidney disease may benefit from having an ACE inhibitor as one of their medications.

Angiotensin II receptor blockers (ARBs): These medications help relax blood vessels by blocking the action, not the formation, of a natural chemical that narrows blood vessels. ARBs include candesartan (Atacand), losartan (Cozaar) and others. People with chronic kidney disease may benefit from having an ARB as one of their medications.

Calcium channel blockers: These medications — including amlodipine (Norvasc), diltiazem (Cardizem, Tiazac, others) and others — help relax the muscles of your blood vessels. Some slow your heart rate. Calcium channel blockers may work better for black and older people than do ACE inhibitors alone.

Grapefruit juice interacts with some calcium channel blockers, increasing blood levels of the medication and putting you at higher risk of side effects.

Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure, even if you’re taking blood pressure medication.

Talk to your doctor or pharmacist if you’re concerned about interactions.

Renin inhibitors: Aliskiren (Tekturna) slows down the production of renin, an enzyme produced by your kidneys that starts a chain of chemical steps that increases blood pressure.

Tekturna works by reducing the ability of renin to begin this process.

Due to a risk of serious complications, including stroke, you shouldn’t take aliskiren with ACE inhibitors or ARBs. Additional medications sometimes used to treat high blood pressure If you’re having trouble reaching your blood pressure goal with combinations of the above medications, your doctor may prescribe: Alpha blocker: These medications reduce nerve impulses to blood vessels, reducing the effects of natural chemicals that narrow blood vessels.

Alpha blockers include doxazosin (Cardura), prazosin (Minipress) and others.

Alpha-beta blockers: In addition to reducing nerve impulses to blood vessels, alpha-beta blockers slow the heartbeat to reduce the amount of blood that must be pumped through the vessels. Alpha-beta blockers include carvedilol (Coreg) and labetalol (Trandate).

Central-acting agent: These medications prevent your brain from signaling your nervous system to increase your heart rate and narrow your blood vessels. Examples include clonidine (Catapres, Kapvay), guanfacine (Intuniv, Tenex) and methyldopa.

Vasodilators: These medications, including hydralazine and minoxidil, work directly on the muscles in the walls of your arteries, preventing the muscles from tightening and your arteries from narrowing.

Aldosterone antagonists: Examples are spironolactone (Aldactone) and eplerenone (Inspra). These drugs block the effect of a natural chemical that can lead to salt and fluid retention, which can contribute to high blood pressure.

To reduce the number of daily medication doses you need, your doctor may prescribe a combination of lowdose medications rather than larger

doses of one single drug. In fact, two or more blood pressure drugs often are more effective than one. Sometimes finding the most effective medication or combination of drugs is a matter of trial and error.

Lifestyle changes to treat high blood pressure No matter what medications your doctor prescribes to treat your high blood pressure, you’ll need to make lifestyle changes to lower your blood pressure.

Your doctor may recommend several lifestyle changes, including: Eating a healthier diet with less salt (the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension, or DASH, diet) Exercising regularly Quitting smoking Limiting the amount of alcohol you drink Maintaining a healthy weight or losing weight if you’re overweight or obese Resistant hypertension: When your blood pressure is difficult to control If your blood pressure remains stubbornly high despite taking at least three different types of high blood pressure drugs, one of which usually should be a diuretic, you may have resistant hypertension. People who have controlled high blood pressure but are taking four different types of medications at the same time to achieve that control also are considered to have resistant hypertension. The possibility of a secondary cause of the high blood pressure generally should be reconsidered.

Having resistant hypertension doesn’t mean your blood pressure will never get lower. In fact, if you and your doctor can identify what’s behind your persistently high blood pressure, there’s a good chance you can meet your goal with the help of treatment that’s more effective.

Your doctor or hypertension specialist can evaluate whether the medications and doses you’re taking for your high blood pressure are appropriate. You may have to fine-tune your medications to come up with the most effective combination and doses.

Adding an aldosterone antagonist such

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO as spironolactone (Aldactone) often leads to control of resistant hypertension. Some experimental therapies such as catheter-based radiofrequency ablation of renal sympathetic nerves (renal denervation) and electrical stimulation of carotid sinus baroreceptors are being studied.

In addition, you and your doctor can review medications you’re taking for other conditions. Some medications, foods or supplements can worsen high blood pressure or prevent your high blood pressure medications from working effectively. Be open and honest with your doctor about all the medications or supplements you take.

If you don’t take your high blood pressure medications exactly as directed, your blood pressure can pay the price. If you skip doses because you can’t afford the medications, because you have side effects or because you simply forget to take your medications, talk to your doctor about solutions.

Don’t change your treatment without your doctor’s guidance.

Lifestyle and home remedies Lifestyle changes can help you control and prevent high blood pressure, even if you’re taking blood pressure medication. Here’s what you can do: Eat healthy foods. Eat a healthy diet.

Try the Dietary Approaches to Stop Hypertension (DASH) diet, which emphasizes fruits, vegetables, whole grains, poultry, fish and low-fat dairy foods. Get plenty of potassium, which can help prevent and control high blood pressure. Eat less saturated fat and trans fat.

Decrease the salt in your diet. A lower sodium level — 1,500 milligrams (mg) a day — is appropriate for people 51 years of age or older, and individuals of any age who are black or who have hypertension, diabetes or chronic kidney disease.

Otherwise healthy people can aim for 2,300 mg a day or less. While you can reduce the amount of salt you eat by putting down the saltshaker, you generally should also pay attention to the amount of salt that’s in the processed foods you eat, such as canned soups or frozen dinners.

Maintain a healthy weight. Keeping a healthy weight, or losing weight if you’re overweight or obese, can help you control your high blood pressure and lower your risk of related health problems. If you’re overweight, losing even 5 pounds (2.3 kilograms) can lower your blood pressure.

Increase physical activity. Regular physical activity can help lower your blood pressure, manage stress, reduce your risk of several health problems and keep your weight under control.

For most healthy adults, the Department of Health and Human Services recommends that you get at least 150 minutes a week of moderate aerobic activity or 75 minutes a week of vigorous aerobic activity, or a combination or moderate and vigorous activity. Aim to do musclestrengthening exercises at least two days a week.

Limit alcohol. Even if you’re healthy, alcohol can raise your blood pressure.

If you choose to drink alcohol, do so in moderation. For healthy adults, that means up to one drink a day for women of all ages and men older than age 65, and up to two drinks a day for men age 65 and younger. One drink equals 12 ounces of beer, 5 ounces of wine or 1.5 •To be continued

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TAX MATTERS

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Registration Of Business Premises And Its Symbiotic Advantages

‘

For government to have accurate data analysis, it needs to gather facts on variables through fieldwork, which is the essence of sensitization on the registration and renewal of Business/ Professional Premises in the State

By Wasiu Babalola

Apart from the fact that registration of business premises is a child of necessity that is born out of the canon of statutory responsibilities of business premises’ owners to the government, its advantages to business premises’ owners as well as government are very significant and enormous.

Hearing the registration of business premise, what one’s mind would picture is its economic advantages to government, but far beyond this, it would help to locate where business premises houses information about what types of business and how sizeable one’s business is. It is a sort of advertisement. Its advantages are very enormous and can even be symbiotic between government and business premises’ owners. It can avail government the opportunity of having a well standard policy formulation and implementation.

In day-to-day activities of government, there are some necessities that cannot be ignored in meeting the government’s targets to her citizenry. And one of these necessities is the statistical analysis of variables. For government to have accurate data analysis, it needs to gather facts on variables through fieldwork, which is the essence of sensitization on the registration and renewal of Business/Professional Premises in the State particularly to create awareness on the need for

•GBENGA AKANO: SA to the Governor on Tax and Revenue Matters

every business premise of different categories to get registered at a fee commensurate with the size of their businesses.

This, of course, would complement the government’s effort in shoring up and boosting Internally Generated Revenue of the state to a self-sustaining basis. Aside this, business premises registration would also enable government have adequate planning data that would enhance development across the state. From the angle of business

’

premises’ owners, the categories of entrepreneurs: be it small, medium or large needs financial aids in form of soft loan from government to grow up their business. With the accurate data analysis of business premises’ in terms of size of business, types and location of business premises, it will be easier for business premises’ owners to have access to soft loans that would commensurate and be suitable for their business expansion.

What is then required of Business Premises’ owners like Hoteliers, Block Making Industries, Baking

10 Wardrobe Essentials For Women Never be caught without something to wear again! As a lady, there are so many wardrobe essentials you should own, but listed below are the 10 most important essentials every woman should have.

1.

A Little Black Dress (LBD) No item is more of a blank slate for accessorising and styling, yet completely chic on its own. Not every woman knows she needs to invest in one that is special like a LBD. Look for a dress that details an interesting sleeve, with an appropriate belt that makes it unique. Having a trusted LBD in your closet is a crucial arrow in your fashion quiver.

2.

Black Pumps No lady in the world should go without a pair of wearable, classic and simple black heels in her closet. These babies will be here for you from weddings to sorority functions and from first dates to first jobs. Simply look for very basic styles, make sure the toe is not pointy or too rounded and look for 2-3 inch thin to medium heel. Personally, one may not be a fan of kitten heels but if you have trouble walking in tall shoes, do what you need to do to stay comfortable. The key to looking classic and chic is staying poised and believe me, this might be impossible if your feet are killing you.

3.

Statement Necklace and Wristwatches The statement necklace can make a simple outfit look strong and feminine. When you need an instant outfit maker, necklace upgrades everything from a LBD to a white T-shirt. An everyday classic study is as well important to your closet. It goes with everything and takes every look up to notch the tiny size, makes it laid back enough for class but the crystals make them glam enough to rock with a party dress. Wristwatches do not only tell time, it is also a very essential tool in your wardrobe. As a lady, it is better to leave your wristwatch slightly loose on your wrist and this way, it also acts as a bracelet, giving your wrist a very interesting and elegant sight.

4. White TShirt Thanks to the perfect white Tshirt, you don’t have to wonder for long what to pair with your black trousers, high waist skirt or your blue jeans. Is there anything more v e r s a t i l e ?

Whichever way, you can lay a perfect white tshirt under a sweater or over a tank top, tuck it into a skirt or let it hang free with a pair of denim.

Finding the perfect white T-shirt can be very tricky, as the best ones are soft with a relaxed fit not too tight or too loose.

5. Ballet Red or

Black Flats There is a reason every woman should love and own a pair of black flats and it is simply because they are equal parts, chic and very comfortable. You can simply use them to dress up your jeans and button down combination, then seamlessly transit that same pair to a cocktail dress for night, trust me, your outfit and toes will thank you. The fantastic thing about ballet flats is that they are totally classic staple item and you don’t need to spend a bunch of money, as they are very pocket friendly.

6.

An Elegant Black Blazer Need an extra something to pull together for an office look? The answer is to get a black elegant blazer. It is a great outerwear substitute for when it’s not quite cold enough for a heavy sweater. A tailored blazer is classic, feminine and looks great on all body types. Pair it with anything jeans, little dresses trousers, skirts etc. Make sure

Industries, Filling Stations, Chemists and Supermarkets, Boutiques’ Shops, Artisans and many other shop owners to have a complete registration of their business premises are the following: Obtain Demand Notice Form from State Government Revenue Officers or from the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment or from the State Internal Revenue Service, State Secretariat, Abere. They will spell out the amount payable.

It is after the amount payable had been spelt out that such business owners would: Pay the stated amount to Revenue Officers using POS terminals or to any of the designated Banks for Revenue Collection using customized tellers; obtain e-payment receipt and submit same in the Ministry of Industries, Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, State Secretariat, Abere; collect your Certificate of Registration/Renewal of registration; and display the Certificate in your Business Premises.

Osun State Government, no doubt, has shown commitment to building a vibrant economy aimed at boosting commerce, industry and improving the welfare of the citizenry. This can be jointly achieved by ensuring that all stakeholders contribute their quotas. One key way to the development of the state is by registering our business premises.

FASHION WITH

TEMITOPE AKINYELE to find one that fits you well and accentuates your wrist because I am sure you don’t want it to look like its swallowing you.

7.

A Lightweight Brightly Coloured Scarf Scarves are one of those things that most people don’t specifically set out to buy, but always end up with anyway. My mind is blown off by how much more stylish an intentional and complete outfit can look with just the simple addition of a scarf. For more flexibility, buy a variety of scarves that are both short and long, square shaped and rectangular, sheer and opaque. One might hate to spend a ton of money on scarves, but some ladies prefer going for it.

8.

Classic Black Pants Every lady needs one pair of black pants (trouser) that will always make her feel good. The cut (high-waist or low-rise, cropped or wide-leg) is up to you, but wear them with a silk blouse and pumps (heels) for work or a Tshirt on a chill Saturday. You might not immediately want to go for black pants in your closet, but these pants are like having cans of tuna or tomato soup in your refrigerator.

9.

Classic Jeans Straight leg jeans in a dark wash are ultra-flattering and versatile and will go with anything. Dark shades look dressier, so they can be worn a million different ways and will look polished enough if you intern or work in a jeans friendly office. Find a pair that flatters your figure and you’ll wear them all the time.

10.

The Classic Black Handbag Unlike other accessories, bags are something we all need, as bags compliments what you are wearing and goes well with any occasion. Essentially, a smart way of ensuring this is to have a variety of bags in your closet and pick the best one that blends in the occasion and suits your outfit. Ideally, it’s always good to have a black bag because they blend in with almost anything. When you aren’t sure which bag to pick for an occasion choose to carry a black bag to be on the safer side.

FRIDAY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

ISSUES/POLICY

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Aregbesola And The Rebirth Of Tourism In Osun Tourism has become a worldwide industry which is recognised as one of the top three constituents of world trade, ranking third after petroleum and the vehicle industries. Major developed and developing countries had taken the economic potentials of tourism for their development – turning it to a major source of employment and national income.

Countries that explored tourism to boost their economy are the most developed nations in the world.

Majority of the tourist attractions in those countries are artificial, not natural, like we have in Nigeria and in Osun State in particular.

Osun is said to be the cultural and traditional centre of Yorubaland. It is blessed with attractive, natural and world class tourist sites. In the Yoruba nation, no state has the number of the eye-catching natural tourist sites like Osun. The state has not less than 60 tourism centres. Some of the tourism centres are historical and spiritual. Tourist centres like Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove, Osogbo; Oduduwa groove and Oranmiyan staff (both in Ile-Ife); Kiriji war site; Oluminrin waterfall, Erin-Ijesa; Ayinkunugba waterfalls, Oke-Ila; Imesi Mysterious caves and movement rocks are some of the major tourist sites which can alone turn around the economy of the state.

The Olumirin waterfalls, according to the Chairman, Osun Tourism Board, Engineer Abimbola Daniyan, was the most visited tourist site in Nigeria as at November of 2014, saying from January to November, it had grossed 50,000 holiday makers.

Before the economic recession that compelled the Federal and State governments to make move for diversification, Governor Rauf Aregbesola had begun move to make the state financially buoyant by exploring the economic potentials of tourism in the state. Aregbesola had initiated ideas and programmes for the development and promotion of tourism because of his conviction that the natural blessings could serve as socio-economic emancipation, wealth creation, empowerment, revenue and employment generation.

The Aregbesola’s administration embarked on series of researches to know the peculiarity of the sociocultural tourism in the state and arrived at the best ways of exploring each of the tourist centres and the best mechanism to make use for the promotion of tourism generally in the state. The researches revealed that Osun and its people had, since the creation of the state, not been having a fair share of the goodies of tourism due to the complacency and lackadaisical posture of the previous administrations in the state which thought that Osun Osogbo festival was the only cultural and tourism asset that needed to be spotlighted and hyped. The failure to enhance and network other tourism sites which abound in the state with Osun Groove; the inability to galvanise the core cultural tourism stakeholders in the state; the traditional religion worshippers, cultural artisans, artists, hospitality and transport operators,

By Ismaeel Uthman

•One of the artistic designs at Osun Osogbo groove.

Countries that explored tourism to boost their economy are the most developed nations in the world.

Majority of the tourist attractions in those countries are artificial, not natural, like we have in Nigeria and in Osun State in particular. into potent economic change agents and the marked absence of deliberate well planned strategy and sensitization for the stakeholders to see their importance in the scheme of things.

After the tourism researches, the administration took a bold step of promoting tourism and culture through recognition of traditional religion in the state and the declaration of a work free day tagged ‘Isese Day’ for the traditional believers. Though, it was trailed by controversies, but the action encouraged the traditionalists to showcase the Yoruba culture and tradition which were germane for the development and promotion of tourism. Throughout Nigeria, Osun is the only state where the traditional religion worshippers are given state or official recognition as at today.

Aregbesola, through the Osun Tourism Board, embarked on documentation and proper scientific planning for the economic prosperity of tourism in the state. This has resorted to having Osun Tourism Master Plan, a viable blueprint for the development and promotion of tourism that will outlived the administration. The main objective of Osun Tourism Master Plan is for the state to become a world class, first choice tourist destination in Nigeria.

This will be achieved through industrialisation of the Osun tourism assets.

The goal is to set up a model for the rapid social and economic transformation of the state through

public private partnership. The master plan has three project phases: the first phase, which is the pilot projects centred on basic infrastructure and pilot attractions and was developed towards the development of infrastructure, such as access roads to all the tourist sites, electrification projects, land acquisition, etc; the second phase of the project, which is the main plan, is meant to invite private investors to build and manage major attractions; and the third phase is to consolidate gains from phases one and two with Public Private Partnership (PPP).

There is no gainsaying that there is massive infrastructural development in the state, and hospitality business is thriving.

The specialized work packages, among which have been carried out, are mechanical/plumbing and environmental engineering, electrical and electronic instrumentation, architectural, structural and quantity survey and generic milestones. But the paucity of fund in the state has halted further implementation of the beautiful and laudable tourism blueprint.

Aregbesola in a speech he delivered at the first Osun Trade, Investment and Culture Conference in Osogbo in April, 2013, said “I am assuring all and sundry that the State of Osun is ripe and ready for the transformation of our cultural assets, tourism blessings and historical heritages from mere target of appreciation into viable economic and revenue spinning ventures to the benefits of all in the state and Nigeria

as a country. The State of Osun is indisputably a custodian of the cultural heritage of the Yoruba people, who are mainly domiciled in and originated from Ile-Ife, SouthWest Nigeria which is the cradle of Yoruba culture and civilisation. It is also the spiritual capital of the Yoruba race.

“Osun occupies a central place in Nigeria’s cultural tourism map.

Besides Ife, there are numerous other centres of cultural and tourism significance across the state. There are more than 60 of such in the state. The Osun Groove is already globally renowned as a UNESCO World Heritage Site. History will be unkind to us if we allow all these to be continuously perceived and treated in their shallow fascination rather than enhancing them for both entertainment and as inestimable economic assets to the people.” The conference was packaged by the state government in partnership with the African and Caribbean Business Council (ACBC) of Philadelphia, the Christian Evangelical Economic Development, Inc, (CEED) of Pittsburgh and the Wura Arts Services and Production, LLC (WURA) of New York.

Dr Sheriden M booker, Founder and Managing Director, Wura Arts Services and Productions, New York City, who was at the conference commended Aregbesola for injecting a global perspective into the cultural – tourism assets of the state with the aim of facilitating investment and attracting investors. She described Aregbesola as “one of the few people I have interacted with in Nigeria who understand the import of culture beyond entertainment and ceremonies. He has a vision of turning the abundant cultural assets of the state into money spinning wheel for his people. And he is sparing no effort at enlisting the support of whoever can help him drive this vision for the benefit of his people.”

The Chairman of the Osun Tourism Board, Daniyan said’ “Osun is the cultural and historical capital of Yorubaland and really if we understand our strategy correctly, we should aim to make Osun the cultural capital of Nigeria.”

In Osun, there exist a tourism master plan and the state has been developing it within the possible financial circumstances. What is most important is for entrepreneurs and investors in tourism sector to partner with the state government to take the advantage of the money-spinner tourism potentials. Osun may soon be competing with other more economically viable states as it embarks on a determined journey to harness the potentials in tourism.

Beyond cultural projection, there is the economic imperative of culture, foremost of which is tourism. We can build a thriving economy around our culture and monuments. The annual pilgrimage to Mecca, Jerusalem and Rome are distinct economies that sustain these countries. Osun is the centre point of cultural tourism vibes in Nigeria.

Registration Of Business Premises And Its Symbiotic Advantages Page 14

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rstuvY JULY 21 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2017

Osun People And The Response To Service A researcher (name withheld) of African descent once said “Black people have short memory because of their nature at creation”. According to him, “They are flimsily higher than the lower animals in their ability to rationalise and conclude on matters of life and death. They are damning in nature; and in spite of the great consequences of their audacity, they care less about the tact that will prevent repeated error of commission”. This standpoint has been supported by events and actions established around us in Nigeria. I also believe that the people of Osun cannot be totally freed from the menace of misjudgement. I will however spare my people of total condemnation because they also have the right of expression wherein lays the freedom to vent spleen on pains and pangs occasioned by policies and programmes of successive governments in their domain.

People, by nature, may really be seen to have proclivity for short memory because of their tendency not to have their inertia disturbed in any way. One may have the temptation of jumping to conclusion that it is peculiar to black people only, a thorough prying into the past will however prove to the contrary, however offensive this effort may appear. The so called white people are not angels. They also have the natural tendencies to respond to stimuli. As a matter of fact, events happening in those parts of the world where the white people have adopted as natural habitat leave one in bewilderment, as to the genuineness of their rational dispositions. I am still lost in disbelief that anyone in his right senses will claim to have special joy derivative in copulating with dog, monkey, or any other domesticated animal. This is apart from the veracity of reason being clouted for sexual engagement with same sex fellows; otherwise called Homosexuals. They however have their strong points that we need to emulate because of the quality of life that their rational aspects bequeath.

The areas that are enviable in the lives of the white people did not come easy.

Students and experts of history will have a lot to tell us on how the people who are today seen as saintly went through debilitating harrowing experiences that sometimes pitched the rulers and the ruled at daggers drawn against one another.

Homicidal rage ensued in extreme cases before social orders were restored. All races and people have different stories to recount.

That is why I consider it pure and crass insensitivity when history as a subject was phased out of school curriculum. With visionary leadership; and rational followership to compliment, black people will pass this stage of naivety and transmute to saintly tendencies that make it appear as if the white people are from another creator or planet. The only consternation I have is that those few with rational tendencies in our midst are often

•Chief Bisi Akande

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The areas that are enviable in the lives of the white people did not come easy. Students and experts of history will have a lot to tell us on how the people who are today seen as saintly went through debilitating harrowing experiences that sometimes pitched the rulers and the ruled at daggers drawn against one another.

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instigated against and branded as deviants, when in fact, it is the majority that needs to come to the stark reality of what it takes to move forward and come to terms with the blunt truth behind progress dynamics.

I remember vividly, when in 2013, preparations were in top gear for political transition. Chief Bisi Akande had just finished with the process of giving Osun what can be regarded to date the best state secretariat in history within four years.

There is nowhere in Nigeria and even in some African countries and western world where a state will have a composite secretariat like Osun. That was apart from the opening up of rural settings for those with skewed orientation for urban

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mentality. Apart from the massive rural electrification, Bisi Akande constructed modern buildings for teachers in the rural areas. Some of the buildings are still habitable till date. Seventy two hours to the gubernatorial election, Chief Akande, clad in white native attire, moved round Osogbo, the capital city in motorcade with party faithful to finally solicit votes from the electorate whom he felt he had served meritoriously.

I was on that day in a taxi cab along Fagbewesa road, Osogbo. I waived heartily to the people’s governor; believing that those in the cab with me would do same. I was disappointed and shaken to the bone marrow when I discovered that of all the people in the cab, I was on my own. Others condemned him of high handedness and failure to put human touch to governance.

All attempts to convince them proved futile until I alighted at Oja-Oba area, I was unable to change the mindset of any of them. Alas! The unexpected happened on the day of election; Chief Bisi Akande was floored at the poll and Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola emerged as the Governor-elect.

The rest is history; but we must not forget in a hurry what followed thereafter. Today, people are praising him for the fit.

The era of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government was a calamitous one. We cannot forget in a hurry how money was squandered on things that really did not add value to the lives of ordinary people. At the centre, there was no probity. Here in Osun, contracts for projects were awarded, but the projects were never completed, despite the release of total contract sums. Where projects were said to be completed, sordid jobs were done. We are quite aware that Ilesa-Osogbo road as well as the one from Osogbo to Ifon and Oyo boundary with Osun were awarded and fully mobilized for. As at today, these two roads, important to the state as they are, remain uncompleted.

Those plying the roads regularly have countless stories of woes to tell. The projects were awarded at a period when a barrel of crude oil was sold for over a hundred dollar. People did not clamour for change for the fun of it. The mode of doing business that people repudiated under PDP led government has taken a new turn. Quality of jobs done now is incomparable with what can observe in the immediate past administration. We can all attest to it now that we have value for money. The only problem we have now is that the money is no longer there to play around with. The funds available cannot match the responsibility they are meant to tackle.

A very good friend of mine who is into contract jobs was awarded a township road in a local government in Osun West. Two weeks after completion, some portions of the road went bad and he immediately mobilised back to the site. I know him to be God fearing, so I approached him to

know why he executed the job so badly. He frankly told me that were it not for the fear of God, he wouldn’t have bothered about the bad portions because he gave those who awarded the contract what they deserved and wanted. Nobody dare raised eyebrow because he even did beyond their expectation. He however had his reputation to protect. Anybody who plies the road now will not believe that it was completed in 2010, shortly before Governor Aregbesola came into office. The same friend of mine constructed another road under Aregbesola and the road is still very solid after five years of completion.

Different mindsets one will say.

After the Osun West senatorial byeelection had been won and lost, I went round to sample people’s opinions about what led to the outcome. Two things played out according to my findings namely: the civil servants have become disgruntled because of the half-salary saga and also, the politicians claimed they have not derived expected largesse from the regime of Ogbeni Aregbesola. They therefore embarked on protest votes in order to drive home their demands. So, it is not that people moved to PDP from the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC).

Two different scenarios come to the fore here and the two bothered on paucity of fund and principle paradigm. The available fund today is grossly inadequate to cater for basic needs of the masses in infrastructures like road, electricity, water etc. Again, as change agents, we should not expect the old usages, whereby few people share and enjoy the money that should be used to provide basic amenities for the people. This latter point was emphasized by the governor earlier in his interaction with the political leaders. The understanding then was that when people generally are happy, party members are also happy because they are part of the people being administered upon. Paucity of fund led to the new arrangement whereby civil servants are made to take “something” home at the end of the month instead of owing salaries in backlog in full.

The opposition elements have peddled several fallacies about this. They said the Governor has said repeatedly that he does not owe workers salaries. This was however debunked recently in the inauguration of the state executive council in Abere, where the governor sounded unequivocal in his resolve to start paying the backlog and also begin to pay in full when the economy improves.

The ongoing diabolic grandstanding by the cohorts of PDP that people are done with Ogbeni must be discountenanced by the masses. The manner of reconciliation that took place between the feuding factions of the party few days to the election calls for serious concern. The people of the state and the party faithful have endured so much, that the currently entrenched legacy should begin to yield fruits in the shortest time possible when the country gets out of recession fully. These signs of revamp are cherry. It is however needful that we remain resolute to hastily throw away what we have suffered for to the deceit of people’s detractors. We cannot afford to sacrifice the expected benefits of egalitarianism on the altar of delusion that our common enemies in PDP are peddling.

This trying period will surely be over soon; only that we must be careful not to despair; because there can be no paean without pain, which we have endured hitherto.

•Gbotemi writes in from Osogbo, State of Osun.

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