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‘APC Must Unite To Bury PDP In Osun’

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, acknowledging cheers from the crowd of supporters during his goodwill visit to Osogbo/Olorunda/Irepodun/Orolu Federal Constituency at Osogbo City Stadium on Wednesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Untold Story Of Diekola's Defection To PDP e2 g Pa

By Kehinde Ayantunji Governor, State of Osun Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has urged members of All Progressive Congress (APC) to fuse and end the existence of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming 2018 Governorship Election to ensure the continuity of sustainable development and good governance.

Constituency held at Aregbesola described Osogbo City Stadium PDP as a “disaster” for on Wednesday. the Yoruba race, saying Aregbesola said the “the only befitting fate for goodwill tour was the party is extinction among others to remind with a view to placing the the people of the state on the track of development feats that accelerated progress and Osun has achieved in development”. the last seven and half The governor said this years and the necessity while addressing for APC members to mammoth crowd at the unite in ensuring last round of his federal continuity of APC-led constituencies’ goodwill administration to make tour to Osogbo/ life more abundant for Olorunda/Irepodun/ the people.

Orolu Federal •Continued on page 6

BREAKING...

Ogbeni Till Day Break Holds Today •SEE PAGE 2

Govt’s Efforts To Avert Farmers/Herdsmen Clash In Osun Scored High PAGE 3

2

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Untold Story Of Diekola's Defection To PDP

It would be recalled Isiaka Adeleke, saying he aspirants who felt they aspirants who pleaded

By Solomon Odeniyi that the former APC was the one that could pull their weight anonymity said, “if we More facts have been unveiled over the real reason chieftain had openly said encouraged the ambition towards getting the PDP should give Adeleke the for the defection of a former chieftain of the All that he had been with the of Ademola Adeleke. ticket, as some of them ticket, we have lost that Progressives Congress (APC) in the state of Osun, Adeleke’s family for a However, the alleged have been grumbling, a election, because Adeleke Alhaji Fatai Diekola to the Peoples Democratic Party long time and was ready concession of the ticket to situation that might is not seeing as a serious (PDP). to support the family to Adeleke’s family has degenerate to another person to rule Osun, especially at this critical Inspite the denial of the Alhaji Fatai Akinbade produce a governor, even started dampening the crisis.

An aide to one of the time. state chairman of the PDP, would be given senatorial after the death of Senator spirit of the other Honourable Soji ticket for the Osun West”.

Adagunodo that every “The agreement was governorship aspirant made because the party would be given a level leadership sees that it is playing ground, a reliable only Adeleke family that source within the party has the capacity to spend told OSUN DEFENDER money for the retrieval of that Diekola defected after power from Rauf the assurance of the party Aregbesola who has been leadership that Senator boasting that the APC Ademola Adeleke will continue to rule after representing Osun West his tenure.

Senatorial District would “If not for the fact that secure the party’s ticket. such agreement had been It would be recalled reached, I am sure that that the aspirants of the Diekola would not have PDP were reported to decamped because he is have recently warned only interested in where Adagunodo-led executive he can enrich himself. against conceding the You remember that party’s ticket to Adeleke, Diekola was a friend to an allegation that had Chief Bisi Akande, but been severally denied by they became enemy when him.

However, fresh facts there was nothing more to have shown that the ticket eat, the same thing with Olagunsoye had been conceded to Prince and now •(L-R) Dahike Jorg; Leader of the team, Dr Kretschmer Frauka and Kauer Dominigue during the visit of members Adeleke, a situation that Oyinlola Aregbesola”, the source of the Engineers without borders Association from Germany to Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun at the Governhas started bringing up ment House, Osogbo recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. fresh acrimony within the said. party.

At a meeting of the party leadership, with the eminent Nigerians who audit as at the time the frame National Chairman, Uche which the

By Israel Afolabi Secondus in attendance prevailed on the state to representatives from the university failed to so do.

End seems not to be in sight over the issue of the accept the little offered. prior to the party’s South office of Accountant- It is too late in the day for West mega rally in alleged tax default by the Obafemi Awolowo Speaking at the General of the federation the university to rely on Osogbo last weekend, it University (OAU), Ile-Ife, as the Osun government conference, the Special came into the matter for a letter written by a third was gathered that though insisted that the university was owing N1.84 billion Adviser on Tax and further investigation on party to peg their liability some leaders were left in as against N384 million claimed by the institution.

Revenue Matters to the outstanding liability of to such a mind-boggling the dark over the It would be recalled staff salaries for the Governor, Barrister Federal Ministries, ridiculous sum of N384m concession of the ticket to that the state government period of 2015 and 2016 Olugbemiga Akano said, Departments and meant for 2006-2014 Adeleke, it had been had last week Wednesday for PAYE. “We are here today to set Agencies due to the state liability for 2015-2016. agreed that none of the sealed off the university However, at a press record straight and as at 11th December, 2016.

He also insisted that aspirants would leave the over the alleged non- conference in Osogbo on maintain our earlier “As at 4th May 2018, the the OAU owes the state party if they eventually payment of tax to the tune Wednesday, Osun position on tax issues amount of government of Osun the lost the ticket. of N1.84 billion, but the Internal Revenue Service involving Obafemi N287,815,947.07 has been The calculation, university management (OIRS) has said that the Awolowo University. their outstanding in sum of N1.844,770,939.45 according to the source is has come out to deny decision to seal off the The figure of N384m respect of 2006-2014 plus N5m outstanding, which make it to be over that “Adeleke would be owing such amount, university was justified, being claimed by the given the ticket, his saying, its outstanding saying though, the authority of OAU as the contrary to the OAU N2 billion tax default. rejoinder of deputy would be chosen tax liabilities was a sum of university had been The OIRS boss then outstanding tax liability N384,000,000.00 it warned from Osun Central N384 million only, being unsealed every tax following for 2015 and 2016 is claims”. senatorial district, while under-deduction from interventions defaulter, be it individual from misleading.

Barrister Akano also or organisation that “OAU was unsealed, maintained that the sum upon the intervention of of N1.8bn claimed by the failure to remit their taxes eminent Nigerians, most state is a report of and levies would leave the board with no other N200,000 from Olaniyan especially Femi Falana, painstaking audit of the option than to explore all

By Shina Abubakar SAN that prevailed on the books supplied by the only for him to be legal means on them.

Against the backdrop of increasing activities of tracked down by the state to accept the sum of institution itself to the He called on other cultists in some part of Osun, an indigene of the cultists, who stormed his N25m offered by the government’s crack team organizations affected by state, Mr. Gbolagade Odepeju, has urged police and house in his absence, university as deposit for of auditors. the efforts of the According to him, other security agencies to deepen efforts in tackling shot his nephew dead further negotiation on government and others repayment plan for the the menace. and vowed to bring him balance and the state is “Relevant tax laws allow who have not been anybody or institution to According to him, down too.

Gbolagade who stated left with no other choice objections or appeal reached to quickly show this in a chat with our members of the group “The guys are really than to respect them by raise against an audit report up for the resolution of reporter in Osogbo noted took advantage of cruel and demonic. To removing the seal. within a limited time the issues involved. that nothing could Olaniyan’s predicament them, forgiveness is a sin.

“As an alumnus, I am flourish in a society when he was involved in They trailed one of my in pain that the only Olaniyan institution I can point at where there is no peace, a fatal accident which friends, appealing to security consumed a member of Ramoni, killed his in the whole world as my nephew and vowed to own is involved in this The special enlightenment, informative and operatives in the state to the group.

The deceased, kill him over a fatal ridiculous issue of tax interactive programme of the government of Osun, stand up to the challenge, and bring the Gbolagade added, under accident involving one of under-deduction and tagged “Ogbeni Till Daybreak will hold today, Friday, menace to an absolute the influence of alcohol them, even when it was juggling of figures, even May 11, 2018. drove a motorcycle obvious that Olaniyan when the system of According to a provide opportunities for end. modern and civilized statement by the Osun members of the public, Recalling many of the recklessly and rammed was not at fault.”

“The government governance calls for strict State Commissioner for especially opinion alleged atrocities of the into Olaniyan’s vehicle. tackle the compliance by all taxable Information and Strategy, moulders - traditional dreaded group, He added that the should Mr Adelani Baderinwa, institutions, religious dreadful group of deceased passed on adults and organisations Gbolagade stated that visionless miscreants with tax laws”, he the programme would bodies, civil societies, some members of the afterwards. hold at the WOCDIF labour movements, He added: “After a tormenting people in the stressed.

Aiye confraternity in bodies, He emphasised that the Centre, West Byepass, professional crisis, state. The security 2015 descended on his protracted Osogbo, the state capital. market men/women, friend, Mr. Olaniyan relatives of the okada operatives too must amount of N384m the According to the political parties and other Ramoni, a commercial riders agreed to settle the stand up to the OAU claimed as being statement, the programme interest groups in the state was the balance driver and killed his matter out of court and challenges and safe the owed people from evil acts of they were supposed to was strategically designed to have direct interaction nephew; Kareem Jamiu. got a whopping sum of the group.” pay for the year 2006-2014 by the state government to with the governor.

Osun Govt., OAU Disagree On N1.8b Tax Default

Security Agents Urged To Clampdown On Cultism In Osun

Ogbeni Till Day Break Holds Today

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Govt’s Efforts To Avert Farmers/Herdsmen Clash In Osun Scored High •As Traditional Rulers Canvass Support For APC Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun has again been scored high in his efforts at curtailing the menace of the Fulani herdsmen from degenerating into a farmers-herdsmen crisis in the state, as frontline traditional rulers in the state canvassed support for the continuity of the All Progressives Congress.

The traditional rulers Falabi and Elegboro of are, the Timi of Edeland, Ijebu-Jesa, Oba Moses Oba Munirudeen Oluwafemi Agunsoye.

Adesola Lawal; Akire of The trio spoke during Ikire, Oba Olatunde the Aregbesola’s tours to

Ayedaade/Isokan/ Irewole, Ede/Egbedore/ Ejigbo and Obokun/ Oriade federal constituencies respectively.

Oba Falabi said the state has been out of the news for the killings and clashes of the herdsmen with farmers because of the government’s

proactive steps, saying more efforts should be put in as the herdsmen are increasing in their numbers.

Praising the efforts of Aregbesola at developing Osun, he noted that the governor would have done more if not for the paucity of funds occasioned by the recent economic recession which befell the

•(L-R) The CEO, Nigeria Vogue Magazine and Journalism Centre, Ambassador Taliat Gafar in a discussion with the Lagos State Commandant of National Unity and Peace Corps (NUPEC), Ayodele Toyin during the National leadership award of Excellency and Integrity organized by the Nigeria Vogue Magazine at Mankuns Hotel, Osogbo last Saturday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

'Osun Govt Spends Over N30b On Social Protection' works of his

By Kehinde Ayantunji administration across sectors have begun to Government of the State of Osun has spent over N30billion on direct social investment programmes manifest positively with the impacts on the lives of within the last seven years.

The Governor, Ogbeni human and capital the citizenry.

Aregbesola held that Rauf Aregbesola made developments, stressing the disclosure in Ijebu- that his administration his government will not performed because of the limited jesa during his visit to the has town in continuation of excellently well in months left rest on its the All Progressives making life meaningful oars of providing the Congress (APC) and abundant for the required infrastructure in all sectors, saying the sensitization tours to people of the state.

He said the good administration will run Ijesa-North Federal Constituency.

According to him, his administration has performed creditably

By Solomon Odeniyi well to be scored over 70 A female aspirant for the Osun state gubernatorial per cent in the delivery of his electioneering election, Mercy Ayodele has lamented the campaign promises to the continued marginalization of youths by successive administrations in the state. people of the state.

According to the She noted that if the submitting her letter of governor, his dangerous trend is not intent at the party’s administration after the curbed it could be a Secretariat in Osogbo last expiration of its tenure recipe for disaster and Monday.

She said, based on her would have left behind full blown security crisis.

Mercy who is findings, the youths legacy projects that incoming administration contesting under the make half of the platform of the population in the state, must strive to beat.

He scored his Restoration Party of noting that any state who administration high on Nigeria spoke while does not build its youths

the race to the end with the vigour it started with.

“We are using this tour to remind our people that we have fulfilled at least 70 per cent of our campaign promises to them, so as to know that they must do everything to ensure that our party remains in the saddle of leadership.

country.

While thanking God for giving Osun a visionary leader like Aregbesola, the monarch emphasized that the state will forever be grateful to God for giving the state a masses-friendly governor in the mode of the present governor.

Oba Falabi then appealed to the governor as well as other leaders of the All Progressives Congress in the state to coordinate their members for the party to record outstanding success in the coming gubernatorial elections.

He commended Aregbesola for the various water and electrification projects going on in different parts of the state.

“If Aregbesola’s positive impact in Osun is well examined, one cannot, but praise his efforts because he has done what nobody thought were possible, he came at a time when there was paucity of funds and yet he gave the people of Osun good governance.

Oba Lawal, in his own, called on the people of Osun to continue their support for the APC due to the good legacies laid by Governor Aregbesola’s government to continue in the state.

The monarch who described Aregbesola’s performance as outstanding said no governor has surpassed the achievements of the governor in the history of the state, noting that it is impossible for anyone to say the governor has not raised the bar of governance in Osun as the state has continued to

Female Guber Aspirant Promises To Build Youths For Development

Hoodlums Attack Govt Hospital In Osun Osun State Hospitals’ Premises and Staff Quarters in Ede had been vandalized by some unknown hoodlums.

Permanent Secretary, The hoodlums, Hospitals’ Management suspected to be armed Board (HMB), Mr. Dayo robbers stormed the Olaluwoye condemned hospital premises in the the act during his official early hours of Sunday, visit to the scene, to April 29 and attack the sympathize with the hospital. victims.

Reacting to the He described the incidence, the armed robbers’ action as

absurd and tantamount to madness, saying it is only insane people that would come to where the sick are being taken care of and rob them of their valuables.

Saying the incident was quite abnormal, he assured the affected staff member and patients that urgent steps would be taken in the matter.

would have a bleak future.

Mercy stated that her administration mandate, if elected, was to empower the youths for small scale enterprise which would make them useful to themselves, the state and the nation at large.

She bemoaned s u c c e s s i v e administrations for lip services to the welfare of workers and denying pensioners their emoluments in the state, promising the proposition of new legislation that would see to workers welfare across the state.

She added: “I will see to the economic prosperity of the state. I will as well propose a city centre revitalization project that would promote location of businesses and industries in the state. To ensure a perfect health care, we shall invest in providing an insurance

scheme to cover both primary and secondary health related issues for all citizens and residents of the state irrespective of their status.’’

The state Party Chairman, Tosin Adeyemi while receiving the letter of intent said his party identifies with the youths using their strength and the wisdom of the elders to steer its affairs.

He added that the party, unlike others, offers a level playing ground to all willing contestants under its platform, noting that godfatherism and moneybag politics do not exist in the party.

He warned that any political party who underrates his party does that at its own peril in the forthcoming election, adding that the people of the state have had enough of the ruling APC and PDP, saying victory was sure for his party come September 22.

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witness unprecedented development in the state economy.

Oba Lawal who prayed for the victory of the APC in the coming gubernatorial elections said the appreciation of continuity remains the only way to sustain the transformational programmes of the Aregbesola government.

“Ede land has truly benefited from this administration’s intervention in making life better for the masses, you cannot satisfy everybody but truth must be told, this present government has tried for us in Osun.

“Anytime I travel to Gbongan axis of the state and I see the dual carriage way under construction, especially the Adebisi Akande interchange bridge I always say to my driver that Aregbesola should be praised for developing Osun.

“When I pass through the East-by-pass road I always marvel and say to myself that this is indeed wonderful because I never imagined our state could be transformed like this in my life time. We are indeed very grateful to God for transforming the state through you”, the Timi stated.

Oba Agunsoye in his own urged the people of Ijesa and the state at large to vote for a candidate that will continue with the developmental projects of Governor Aregbesola.

He said that the level which the state has been taken to was unprecedented and people should support those that would sustain the trend.

Addressing a mammoth crowd of the APC supporters in Ede, Ikire and Ijebu-jesa, the governor urged the APC supporters to be wary of the opposition antics and intrigues to deceive them, noting that the time has come for members of the party to wake up from their slumber.

Aregbesola who noted that his administration has done well in all sectors of the economy implored the party loyalists to take the advantage of the good works of his administration to canvass support from the people through door-to-door sensitization.

Aregbesola posited that the APC remains the only political party in Nigeria that has demonstrated high sense of commitment to good governance, hence the need for the party members to mobilize electorate to support the party’s continuity agenda.

PAGE The question of whether the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is jinxed as being asked in many quarters comes to the fore again, as members of the party displayed - yet again - another round of indecent and destructive behaviour during their South-West rally that took place last Saturday in the state of Osun at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo the state capital.

The said PDP rally left destruction in its wake as party hoodlums destroyed some of the facilities put in place at the park. This scenario has again given justification to the popular opinion that the party, rather than being a people’s party, is completely anti-people as it has shown to the public again that it’s always out for destruction. For why should a party that prides itself as a people’s party revel in destroying public property? If a party truly had people’s interest at heart then it will protect and

4 As a party that held sway at the national level for sixteen years, it destroyed the economy so much so that the people are still grappling with the pervasive poverty and massive deprivation it left behind as its legacies. And in our own state of Osun here, the party couldn’t point to any enduring legacy for its eight years rule. So, isn’t it a contradiction in terms that a party that couldn’t build any enduring legacy is now destroying what it took Ogbeni Aregbesola’s visionary leadership painstaking effort to put in place? This is highly reprehensible!

But much as we are taken aback by this PDP’s misconduct, some analysts do not find it surprising at all as they are of the view that the PDP only exhibited their stock in trade. They believe that since destruction is in their character, then they must always reflect this in their approaches. We substantially agree with this school of thought!

We therefore ask; is this a party that is planning to come back to power both at the state and federal level? Do they think the electorates are fools as to suffer amnesia with respect to the destruction they did to the country’s economy and people’s lives? And having admitted her mistake and made apology to the Nigerian people for the great blow they dealt to the economy, is it wise for the party to relapse into the actions and deeds that were responsible for her downfall? Can’t they reflect?

With such a negative attitude, the PDP had only succeeded in opening the eyes of our people to what they are planning to come and do again if they should return to power. But the Aregbesola’s legacy is just too precious to our people than for them to entrust it in the hands of a destructive and never-do-well party.

Osun needs continuity! We mean continuity of the stellar performance of Ogbeni Aregbesola.

Is PDP Jinxed?

The said PDP rally left destruction in its wake as party hoodlums destroyed some of the facilities put in place at the park.

‘ ’ preserve whatever is meant to be enjoyed by the people. The question therefore on the lips of many in the wake of the misconduct exhibited on Saturday, is; ‘why is it that whatever the hand of the PDP touches, it must destroy?’

Fear, Loathing And The Primaries

Much more is expected of the coalition of opportunity for progressive change.

The party must therefore begin an unrelenting progressives in the All Progressives Congress (APC) than the untoward events which onward transformation of itself into a followed the primaries in some states recently. functioning democratic organisation based on The APC is not expected to be a run-of-the-mill internal democracy, party discipline and formation like the now discredited hardly democratic centralism. Prebandalism, the hideous process whereby all politics revolves 'Peoples' Democratic Party around just sharing (PDP).

The natural of posts and selfIndividuals in the expectation is for the APC aggrandisement must to be at the forefront of party if they truly be deemphasized. consolidating Nigeria's accept the calling must Therefore, all parties democracy and in the involved must play put the progressive process transiting itself part in ensuring into the natural party of trajectory as well as the their an equitable, government. incontrovertible cause transparently free This is an historic of continuity of people and fair rescheduled responsibility, for sadly, primary election in unlike most of the newly oriented policies and Ekiti today. independent countries, governance above self.

There is a lesson Nigeria never really had a here as the primaries natural party or government which would have acted as a rallying point for the republic. This approach in the State of Osun. Individuals in is why the APC should learn the much needed the party, if they truly accept the calling must lessons from the unlamented decline of the put the progressive trajectory as well as the PDP. Not to do so will be tragic, for the country incontrovertible cause of continuity of peoplewould have squandered an historic oriented policies and governance above self.

Press Freedom And Issues At Stake World press freedom day proclaimed by the United Nation General Assembly in December 1993 is observed every May 3 to further promote press freedom and protect journalists, some of those who lost their lives in carrying out their constitutional duties. It will be recalled that the world press freedom day came into existence after the death of some journalists and photo journalists in suicide bombing in Kabul, Afghanistan.

The journalists had gathered to report an initial suicide bombing before another suicide bomber who pretended to be a journalist detonated a bomb which killed several press men.

World press freedom day is a reminder to

governments of the need to respect press freedom.

According to the International Federation of Journalist (IFJ), there have been 32 journalists’ deaths in 2018. Although, no death has been recorded in Nigeria, that is why Nigeria was ranked 119th, next below Afghanistan in the 2018 World press freedom

index. The world press freedom index shows the level of freedom afforded journalists and news organisations and the government efforts to respect the freedom.

Information gathered across the world reveals that at least, 32 journalists are currently detained in Egypt with 22 of them without charges.

Mahmoud Hussein, an Aljazeera journalist has spent more than 500 days imprisoned in Egypt.

Almost 14 Turkey’s respected newspaper were said to have been

found guilty of terrorism charges in Turkey because of the country stifling of the media and criminalization of their journalistic works. Over 120 journalists have been

jailed since the coup attempt in July 2016, as well as at least 180 media organisations closed down with spurious and baseless accusations of plotting to overthrow the state and terrorism offences.

World press freedom day is a day of support for media which are targets of the restrain or abolition of press freedom.

Therefore, the press freedom entails issues of media and transparency of the political process, the Independence and media literacy of the judicial system and the accountability of state institutions towards the public.

•ADEWUMI PHILIP, Odo-otin North LCDA, Oyan, state of Osun.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

2018: Oranmiyan Garners Support For APC As the September 22 governorship election in the state of Osun approaches, political groups within the All Progressives Congress (APC) have started mobilising for the party, even though, the party is yet to lift ban on campaigns.

KEHINDE AYANTUNJI monitored the tours of the Oranmiyan Group to various Local Governments and reports.

Few months to the gubernatorial election in the state of Osun, it seems all the structures within the All Progressive Congress (APC) are not giving anything to chances. Among the leading group working assiduously to expand the capacity of APC is Oranmiyan Worldwide, one of the socio-political organizations that mobilized supports for the victory of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in 2007 Governorship Election.

As far back as 2005, the Oranmiyan group has been known in the state to be a grassroot mobilising group for the progressives from the days of the Alliance for Democracy, to Action Congress (AC), to Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), which has now metamorphosed into All Progressives Congress (APC).

To garner support for the APC ahead of the September 22 governorship election in the state, Oranmiyan has embarked on visitation to its members across the state with the sole message of supporting Governor Rauf Aregbesola to produce a successor that will sustain the current development in the state.

Oramiyan train recently visited IfeEast, Ife Central, Oriade and Obokun Local Government to interact with members of the group and other party stakeholders to review the governor’s Six Point Integral Action Plan which formed his pact with the people and mobilise support for the APC in the coming election.

The vocal issues during the tour led by the Oramiyan top echelons, including Hon Lanre Opadoyin, Mr Toyin Orungbe among others were the excellent performances of Governor Aregbesola on infrastructure, economy and education in Osun East Senatorial Districts and how the governor will produce a successor that will continue his porgrammes.

Speakers after speakers during the tour unanimously agreed that the performance of Governor Aregbesola has placed the APC in a better position to defeat any candidate from the opposition party in the state, saying his

•A team of Oranmiyan Group leaders during their tour.

Aregbesola has placed the APC in a better position to defeat any candidate from the opposition party in the state, saying his policies and programmes, no doubt directly impacted every family. policies and programmes, no doubt directly impacted every family.

Sadiat Ibraheem from Ife Central local government during the interactive session commended the governor for sustaining good relationship with the workers despite the economic recession that incapacitated the state and made it “extremely difficult to pay salary” .

According to her, it takes a leader with commitment to development and welfare of the people to be able to

manage such situation in the face of provocations, condemnations and mischief.

Sadiat said, “We are proud of Mr Governor, he has provided the needed infrastructure for the state to kick start rapid development, we are also proud of his social services and empowerment programmes, including the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) and School Feeding Programme that have become models in Nigeria and

Africa.”

“All we need is a credible candidate that will possess the capacity to sustain the standard and improve on it, the task before Oranmiyan now and our party is to unite to chart a common front ahead the governorship election in the state”.

In Oriade and Obokun, the story was not different except agitation for more appointments and improvement of the welfare of party members. Mr Busari Aderanti while speaking in one of the places visited said the governor and the party leadership must as a matter of urgency prevail on some state and national assembly members who have neglected their electoral constituencies and party members for years, saying all political office holders, both elected and appointed have significant roles to play for the continuity of the APC to be a reality. Busari complained that some beneficiaries of the recent local government council leadership and •Continued on page 6

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2018: Oranmiyan Garners Support For APC

•Continued from page 5

political appointees from the council are adopting winners-take-all attitudes by not accommodating others in running the affairs of their various councils.

He called on the party leaders to intervene and unite the party in the federal constituencies, saying, “the governor can never be everywhere, political appointees in our areas are his representatives, and they are expected to provide responsible leadership”.

Responding to some of the issues raised in Ibokun, Hon Lanre Opadoyin appreciated Governor Aregbesola for making the group proud of his achievements in the last seven and half years, saying the promises made by the group during previous campaigns in line with the six-point integral action plan of the administration have been fulfilled.

Opadoyin said, “We thank Mr Governor who has not put Oranmiyan to shame, his performance has become a standard of good governance and that is why we are bold to be here to engage you, what I observed is that it is a consensus that the governor is a trailblazer who has changed the face of Osun for better.

“That is more reason why we must all be careful and united to ensure that the good works are not stopped, we must buried our differences and chart a better course for the benefit of the state and our party at large.

Another leader of Oranmiyan group, Mr Olajide Sadiq, while responding to the welfare issues reminded the party members that it was Governor Aregbesola that first introduced massive local government board appointments when the state economy was so buoyant to make governance at the grassroots level more participatory.

•A cross section of Oranmiyan Group members during the tour.

The success we are celebrating today that Osun is among the best state in Nigeria economically with the least poverty rate was the result of hard work, not a tea party and to sustain the legacy, we must rally support for the government and the party.

“What I want all of us to understand is that it took God’s intervention for Nigeria to come out of recession, for

two years, it was a difficult decision for Mr Governor to appoint Commissioners as a result of paucity

NEWS

‘APC Must Unite To Bury PDP In Osun’ •Continued from front page He said PDP from time immemorial was never a prosperous party for the Yoruba race and must never be allowed to taste power again so as not to impoverish the people and derail the current pace of development across the state.

According to the governor, in the history of the state, no party has provided leadership in making life better for people than APC that is committed and passionate about eradicating poverty, provide quality education, and protect lives and property.

He said, “Make no mistake, APC is the party of Obafemi Awolowo, Abraham Adesanya, Bola Ige and Bisi Akande that is committed to the welfare of the people. In Yoruba history, PDP in whatever disguise and identity has been a disaster, they only seek and seize power without responsibility; that is why you must not allow them to taste power if we are desire to secure a befitting prosperous future for Yoruba race, Nigeria and African at large.

“We must not forget so soon that when we assumed office, what we met were flood in the state capital, mushroom schools, insecurity and abject poverty boldly written in the faces of our people, but glory be to

God, we have changed that story, we now have ambulances in every part of the state that does not carry corpse but rescue accident victims on emergencies, many never believe that such is possible in Nigeria, but today, we have done it and it will continue.

“Our roads are standard that can endure for years, we now have trumpet highways and constructed roads across the state even to the surprise of the people in villages who never imagine that they can have stoned-based asphalt roads. All these are not by accident, it is the philosophy and mandate of our party APC. PDP at no point in history never believed or demonstrated the will to do such “.

“There is no time PDP will rule us in Yoruba land that they will not harm us, they are associated with disaster, that is why we must unite for the people to ensure victory of APC in September 22, 2018 election”, the governor said.

He explained that the only two issues that PDP are stretching all the time is the challenges of modulated salary which was never the making of his administration and debt profile of the state, assured the people that his administration will pay all the outstanding civil servants’ salaries.

The governor said the prospects of the debts are visible in the state for everyone to see, saying the state is not

in debt for frivolity but to provide modern infrastructure and education that will expand the state economy and create wealth.

Aregbesola assured the party members of transparent primary and warn against misconduct that can cause division in the party.

Speaking earlier, the APC State Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun appreciated the support of the people of the Osogbo federal constituency for the party, saying the party has not lost any election in the last 10 years in the four local governments.

He said the party will not disappoint them in providing leadership and solicit their support in the coming election.

Deputy Speaker, State Of Osun House of Assembly, Hon Akintunde Adegboye assured the governor and the party leaders that Osogbo Federal Constituency still remains the strong hold of APC, saying the people of the constituency will continue to reward Governor Aregbesola for the massive development in the area.

Dignitaries at the rally includes, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justices, Dr Ajibola Bashir; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barr Kolapo Alimi among others.

of fund. The success we are celebrating today that Osun is among the best state in Nigeria economically with the least poverty rate was the result of hard work, not a tea party and to sustain the legacy, we must rally support for the government and the party”.

He urged party members to close ranks and double their efforts in mobilizing support for the party.

It is the believe of all the speakers during the mobilization tour that Aregbesola has surpassed the achievements of all previous administrations as evident in all the developmental projects across the state.

Each of the speakers particularly hammered on the investments in youth through OYES, Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Programme (OREAP), Micro-finance Schemes among others; investment in education, particularly on the construction of new schools that can compete with any such school all over the world; and several other social intervention programmes which the administration of Aregbesola has received several accolades on.

They particularly noted that the school feeding programme of the administration has significantly boosted the enrolment into public schools, while the introduction of Tablet of Knowledge, popularly known as Opon Imo has made teaching and learning easier.

They also stressed that the procurement of 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers, 120 security patrol van, helicopter for aerial surveillance and incentives for security agencies in the state have helped a lot in the reduction of crime rate, saying that there is need to support the APC for the continuity of the programmes, policies and projects of the present administration.

Other members of Oranmiyan team includes Alaba Popoola, Folasade Sadiat Aremu, and Adedeji Afolayan among others.

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FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

Isokan South LCDA Turns Sod Of Council Secretariat

The official foundation laying of a new permanent secretariat building of Isokan South Local Council Development Area, Orita-Ijebu, Ikoyi-Osun undoubtedly will remain an indelible memory in the heart of the people and residents of the Council.

Chairman of the gratitude to Ogbeni Rauf Council, Prince Wasiu Aregbesola, the Oyelami said this during Governor, State of Osun the foundation laying of for his visionary and the council secretariat, purposive leadership saying the LCDA is which culminated into already taking up the the creation of Isokan basic needs of the rural South LCDA Ikoyi, with dwellers who are other additional councils yearning for peoples- and Administrative oriented projects. offices across the state.

The ceremony for the Babalola who also foundation laying was doubled as the chief chaired by Dr. Peter launcher urged all Babalola, an APC eligible voters to vote for Chieftain and the the All Progressive Chairman Osun State Congress (APC) in the Local Government f o r t h c o m i n g Service Commission who gubernatorial election lauded the initiative of holding on September, the council to build a 22nd, 2018, just as he befitting secretariat. made personal donation Babalola reiterated that of N500,000 towards the the initiative was part of construction of the the government efforts in council. providing conducive Other donors include environment for official the paramount ruler of engagement and public Ikoyiland, Oba Yisau services.

Bamitale Otunla; Hon. Oyelami and Babalola Olasunkanmi Akinola; expressed their profound Prince Wasiu Oyelami;

Hon. Arabanbi; Alhaji T.I. Bello; .Alhaja Haolat

Oluwatobiloba; Hon. Remi Abass; Hon. Akeem

Ife Central Council Boss Charges Workers On Commitment To Duty The Chairman, Ife Central Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun, Hon. Elugbaju Olayera has called on workers of the council to be consistent, regular and punctual in their work with a view to discharging their duties as laid down in regulations guiding their work.

According to a statement by the Information officer of the council, Salami Ademola, the council chairman gave the demonstrated his love charge recently at the for the party and the premises of the council masses, saying, it is now during a get-together left for the people of party with the Nigeria of Local Egbedore South to Union reciprocate the good Government Employees gesture by voting for (NULGE), Ife Central Local Government APC in subsequent Branch. elections.

Noting that workers Fawande advised the are the engine room of chairman and the any administration, he parliamentarians, as said that it would be well as the difficult for any Administrator of the government to succeed Okinni Administrative without the cooperation Office to work hand in and commitment of hand so that the people workers. can enjoy more of He noted that once dividends of democracy. they do their works Dignitaries at the diligently, reward occasion includes, royal would come, fathers, political admonishing them to functionaries, party always be up and doing leaders, the council in discharging their manager of the council, duties.

Eluyera thanked God Alhaji Badru Kolapo, heads of departments and Governor Rauf and some staffers of the Aregbesola for counting him worthy and leading LCDA.

Ife North West LCDA Empowers Women, Youths The management, Ife North West Local Council Development Area, Edunabon, led by Hon. Bangbe Ademola Olabisi has demonstrated his commitment to the economic growth of his council through disbursement of soft loans to women and youths.

During the screening would make them of the beneficiaries of the independent. loan, the council boss Noting that an idle urged the prospective hand is a devil’s beneficiaries to use the workshop, he said that loan on businesses that the effort of his

among others.

•Political leaders and traditional rulers during the turning of sod of Isokan South LCDA Secretariat in Ikoyi -Osun

Egbedore South LCDA Distributes Agric Tools, Seeds To Farmers Honourable Akeem Adekola Ajao’s administration in Egbedore South Local Council Development Area (LCDA) has lifted the spirits of farmers in the council by distributing agriculture materials to them.

The materials which increasing agricultural were distributed at the production.

Ajao also used the secretariat of the LCDA in Ido Osun include occasion to remind the farmers and all present spraying machines, pesticides, cutlasses and to vote massively for the maize seeds among APC in the state so that they can continue to others.

The chairman in his enjoy dividends of address said the gesture democracy.

The APC Chairman in was aimed at supporting the state government in the LCDA, Honourable ensuring that the people Fawande pointed out are well fed, saying, that the impact of Rauf Osun can develop to the Governor level of feeding the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration has been country as time goes on.

The council boss felt in Egbedore South the council enjoined the farmers to and work hard as it is chairman has also the possible to export farm complemented produce to other efforts through his programmes and countries, just as he appealed to farmers to projects.

According to him, the use the items distributed boss has for the purpose of council

Oladeni Badru; Hon. Adeboye Opeyemi

administration was to ensure that the people are able to live independently through generation of income for themselves.

Speaking at the occasion, the Council Manager, Mrs Olanrewaju Elizabeth admonished the beneficiaries to have it at the back of their minds

that the money is to be paid back at the intervals of four months, saying this would give other the opportunity to benefit.

She therefore advised those who have not benefitted to wait for their turns as the government will leave no stone unturned to ensure that others benefit.

him right to run the affairs of the council, just as he commended the council manager and her team for the loyalty and support for his administration.

While speaking, the Council Manager Mrs. Funmi Aromolaran appreciated Almighty God for being with the management to run the affairs of the council and commended the council chairman for taking issues relating to workers seriously.

She however charged workers to always be committed to their duties and strive to add value to the system.

The state chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Adekomi Jacob advised members of the union to rise to their responsibilities and always be at their working place at the appointed time.

In order to discharge their duties accordingly, he stated that the state government and the

congress are not relenting on their efforts to give workers their dues, particularly in the areas of promotion, advancement and conversion.

Another unionist and the Chairman of the Forum of Council Manager, Comrade Yinka Odewale enjoined the workers to drop their political beliefs while in active service and concentrate on their work with any government in power.

Also, Barister Bisi Oladotun, the chairman of the Ife Central West Local Council Development Area, tasked workers to reciprocate the good gesture of the council management.

Present at the occasion were the council’s vice chairman, Chief Mrs Racheal Adejuwon; Leader of the House, Hon. Mrs Titilade Aderemi and Hon Mrs. Bamisola Olawumi among others.

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE

MRS. EGWEMI CHRISTY OYINDAMOLA

BABATUNDE RASAQ OMOROPO That I was formerly known and addressed as TIJANI RASAKI OMOROPO, With Date of Birth 7 - 2 - 80, but now wish to be known and addressed as BABATUNDE RASAQ OMOROPO. With Date of Birth 10 - 05 - 1983. All former documents remain valid. Law Enforcement Agencies, First Bank, Wema Bank and General public should take note.

MRS. OPALEYE MUJIDAT OMOWUMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS ILORI CHRISTY O Y I N D A M O L A FUNMILAYO, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EGWEMI CHRISTY O Y I N D A M O L A FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

Sterling Bank and General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS AKEEM MUJIDAT OMOWUMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OPALEYE MUJIDAT OMOWUMI. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank and General public should take note.

USMAN SARAFA ABIODUN

That I was formerly known and addressed as SARAFADEEN USMAN, but now wish to be known and addressed as USMAN SARAFA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. G.T. Bank, First Bank and General public should take note.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY MAY 4 - THURSDAY MAY 10, 2018

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Abagun Hands Over Daughter In Marriage

Wedding Ceremony Between Ibunkunoluwa And Adedamola At Baptist Girls High School, Osogbo Recently.

By Gbenga Adeniyi

The ancient town of Osogbo in the State of Osun was the host city of dignitaries, as Ibunkunoluwa Obalalu got married to his better half, Adedamola Yusuf.

Saturday 28th of April would forever remain memorable in the annals of history for both the family of Obalalu and Yusuf family as their Children, Ibunkun and Damola graduated from spinsterhood and bachelorhood into the realm of solemnization.

The engagement of the two love birds was held at Baptist Girls High School Osogbo, State of Osun on Saturday 28th of April 2018 during which Yusuf family came forward with the formal

•The bride’s father, Mr Adebayo Abagun (3rd left); his wife, Adijat (2nd right); the bride, Sadiat and her siblings at the event.

It was a moment of joy for the families of Mr Saliu Adebayo Abagun of Eesorun Royal Family, Eripa Boluwaduro Local Government of the State of Osun and Tijani Adebayo Shittu of Omo Olufon Iyalode Compound in Osogbo on April 28, 2018, as their children, Sadiat Temitope Adebayo and Muhammed Shittu got married.

The groom is a Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) officer, while the bride, Sadiat, a graduate of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree is working with the First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Osogbo.

The marriage ceremony which took place at Harry Kay Hotel, Ilobu road Agunbelewo Osogbo recorded the presence of family members, friends, associates and well wishers of the two families and the

•The couple, Mr and Mrs Adedamola Yusuf. couple.

The couple who dressed in ash colour attire was in joyous mood and acknowledging cheers from their family members and well wishers at the programme.

The marriage ceremony which was done in Islamic way followed the engagement progarmme held in the same venue.

The bride’s father, Mr Saliu Adebayo Abagun thanked God for the successful handing over of her daughter, Sadiat, to her husband.

Describing her daughter as a responsible and hardworking child, Abagun urged the couple to live their lives with believe in God, understanding and tolerance.

While advising the bride to be •The couple’s parents at the event. submissive to her husband, he also urged the husband to play his roles in the home and do so in line with the dictate of Allah. well as taking the gospel to rural

By Solomon Odeniyi

•The couple, joined by their parents to cut the wedding cake.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

proposal and items requested by the Obalalu family to have their daughter’s hand in marriage.

The Deputy Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye, Wife of the Special Adviser to State of Osun Governor on Tax and Revenue Matters, Alhaja Tolani Akano, Olori Aragbiji of Iragbiji land Alhaja Idiat Olabomi and other important dignitaries joined the congregation who witnessed how Damola and Ibunkun were formally declared husband and wife.

The entire congregation later retired to Baptist Girls High School Multipurpose Hall where a reception was held.

Az-Zumuratul Adabiyyatul Al-Kamaliyyah Arabic School, Osogbo Graduates 10

•Abdul-Kowiy Hamzat (middle), his parents and members of his family at the event.

It was a gathering of Islamic clerics in Osogbo on April 29, 2018, as 10 students of the AzZumuratul Adabiyyatul AlKamaliyyah Arabic School of Ilupeju Street Kola-Balogun Osogbo graduated.

Among them is Abdul-Kowiy Hamzat, who won the prize of the best graduating students in the recitation of the holy Quran competition on the said day.

Family members, friends and well-wishers of the graduands gathered to celebrate the successful completion of their

Arabic lessons.

The graduands who were in joyous mood recited verses of the holy Quran to the admiration of clerics in attendance and family members.

The Proprietor of the School, Sheik Qoseem Lukman Adabanija commended the graduands for their perseverance and dedication to the study of the Holy Quran.

He urged them not to relent, but move forward in the pursuit of knowledge of the Holy Quran, just as he urged the parents of the graduands to encourage them.

•A cross section of guests at the programme.

300 Beneficiaries Recorded In WCF Medical Outreach Over 300 indigents of Ifetedo, a community in Osun have benefited from the medical outreach organised by the Winners Copers’ Fellowship in the state.

The 3-day event was held between 19th and 21st of April 2018.

The exercise which was part of the activities lined up for the fellowship’s Rural Rugged offered free medical services to the residents and indigenes of the area on various form of ailments.

The president of the fellowship, Uche Okechwuku said the choice of Ifetedo and the inclusion of the medical outreach was based on the idea “rural rugged”, which he said was to provide help as

areas.

He added: “ Also, as religious body

we believe so much in health, and it’s only a fit person that can serve God wholly, so, we place so much priority

•Beneficiaries receiving treatment during the outreach.

on health. We also believe Ifetedo being a rural area shares same problems with every other rural area which include lack of social amenities among others.”

The President who described as effusive the reception of the indigents, noted that the turnout was overwhelming, leaving everyone over stretched and materials not sufficient, adding that his team would have wished •A cross section of the graduands at the programme. to have done more than they did but for paucity of funds.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR Other materials like insecticide SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC treated nets, shoes, clothes, food among others were also doled out Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as to residents of the area.

One of the beneficiaries who weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title simply gave her name as Iya ceremonies among others for your take. To take Ronke, appreciated the advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, fellowship members for their gestures, adding that if many 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on could do what they have done the 07032594744 society would be a better place for Let the public know what you are doing. all.

FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

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10

With 134 days to go into the election on September 22, the preliminaries and the heats for the main race, we continue our review of the purported contestants, even though only a few of them have formally declared.

Fajobi: Running For

The APC Slot Engr. Abiodun Fajobi was born on the 17th December, 1952. He attended D.C Primary School, Ode-Omu between 1958 and 1963. He thereafter, proceeded to the Federal School of Science, Lagos for his Advance Level Studies between 1970 and 1972. He later attended University of Lagos, Akoka, Yaba, between 1972 and 1975 and obtained a B.Sc. (Hons) Degree In Civil Engineering.

He worked with the Nigerian Railway Corporation between 1975 and 1976 as a Youth Corps member. He worked as an Engineer with Julius Berger Nigeria Plc between 1976 and 1977.

At Julius Berger, he was involved with the Construction of Seme-Podji Road Project, the Design of Isolo Road and Costain Roundabout. In order to acquire further experience he worked and rose to the position of a Senior Engineer between 1977 and 1983. He was involved in the design and construction, supervision of a lot of buildings and roads like the Students Village, University of Jos, OdogboluEyinwa Road, Sapele Port Project to mention but a few.

Engr. Fajobi later joined the services of the new Towns Development Authority (NTDA) as a Principal Civil Engineer in March 1983 and contributed to the development of many Government Estates like Lekki Peninsula Schemes I & II, Magodo I & II, Central Business District Ikeja, Amuwo-Odofin Residential and Industrial Estate, Victoria Island Annex, Park View Estate among others.

At NTDA, he was the Head of Engineering Department between 1985 and 1998. He was promoted to the post of Director Engineering Services in July 1995. He also acted as General Manager (NTDA) several times when the incumbent was on leave.

He was at the Lagos State Urban Renewal Board as Director of Projects between 1998 and 2001. He transferred his service to the mainstream of LagosState Civil Service in July 2000 as a GL 16 Director with effect from July 1995. In view of his wealth of experience, he was later in 2001 posted to the LagosUrban Transport Project Office (LUTPO) to assist in the preparation of the World Bank Lagos Urban Transport Project as Director of Road Maintenance and Traffic Management. He was promoted to Director (Civil) GL. 17 in July 2008. He was the Director of Roads at the LagosMetropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA) the implementation agency of the Lagos Urban Transport Project (LUPTO) from October 2003 to December, 2010. At LAMATA, because of his contribution to the success of the Bus Rapid Transit system (BRT) and other projects undertaken by the agency, most of which were midwifed by him, he was nicked named “BABA LAMATA”. He statutorily and meritoriously retired in December 2012 as a Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Waterfront Infrastructure Development.

Since his retirement, he has gone into civil engineering consultancy and construction. He has also been actively involved in politics under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) as a leader in Ayedaade Local Government Area of Osun State. It is gratifying to note that he is from a politically-conscious and progressive family. His father, Late Chief Gabriel

The Race & The Runners

Oyetunbi Fajobi was a Councilor under the Action Group, his uncle Late Chief Adeniyi Akanmu Fajobi alias “ I beg to move “ was a member of the Old Oyo State House of Assembly under the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) (19791983) whilst his mother, Late (Chief Mrs. Comfort Mojirola Fajobi) was a Woman Leader in Ayedaade Local Government Area under Social Democratic Party (SDP).

Engr. Fajobi has served in many committees such as Lagos state Lekki Peninsula Resettlement committee, Lagos state committee on the review of Government rates, Osun state Committee on master plan (structure plan) for Oshogbo, the capital of Osun State and its environs, Committee on the Review of Land Policy in Lagos state, etc.

He is a Corporate Member of the Institution of Civil Engineering (UK), Registered with the Council of the Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN), a Fellow and Life Member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) and a Fellow of the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (FNICE).

He has attended many local and International Professional and Management Courses. In fact, he is a Life Member /Alumnus of Lagos Business School after successfully attending the Chief Executive Program (CEP 17 ) in Nigeria and Spain. He is also a Fellow of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration of Ghana (FCIDA-Ghana).

He has been honoured with several awards, including, the Distinguished professional service award by the Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineer; Long service award by the New Towns Development Authority; Award of excellence by Gbongan/Ode Omu Anglican Grammar School (GOAGS) Old Students Association, Ibadan Branch; Merit award by Geography and Regional Planning, Transport Planning and Management Development of Olabisi Onabanjo University, AgoIwoye; Outstanding service award by LAMATA and Meritorious and excellent service award by Lagos State Government as a Permanent Secretary.

He is married to Chief (Mrs.) Catherine Oluwatoyin and blessed with children and grandchildren.

Adeniji: In

The Race For PDP Ticket

Engr. (Dr.) Ezekiel Olajide Adeniji PHD, FNSE, FNIM, was born in IlaOrangun in Ila Local Government Area of Osun State, Nigeria on the 11th June, 1961 to the family of Late Chief & Mrs Balogun Adeniji of blessed memory. He attended St. Mathew Primary School IlaOrangun (1969-1974); Ila Grammar School, Ila-Orangun (1974-1979); University of Ife Now Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) (1979-1985).

Founder, EJAF (Engr. Jide Adeniji Foundation) a body that enables the less privileged to pursue their educational career without hindrance. In search of knowledge, Engr. Jide also attended many other institutions where he sought postgraduate degrees. Some among these Universities and the resultant degrees includes, University of Lagos (2001 – 2003) with Master Degree in Project Management (MPM); Nanjing Institute of Meteorology, Nanjing, China (2003), with WMO Certificate in Instrument Fabrication Meteorology; St. Clement’s University, West Indies (2009 to 2012) with PhD in Project Management.

Engr. Adeniji had a stint with teaching at his alma mata, Ila Grammar School, IlaOrangun where he taught Mathematics and Additional Mathematics immediately after he passed his WASCE as an Auxiliary Teacher.

After the completion of his NYSC in 1986, he was appointed the Project Manager of the Task Force on the face-lift of the General Hospital in Markurdi, Benue State and later as the Project Manager of the General Hospital in Yola, Adamawa State.

He remained in Adamawa State as the Project Engineer in the Task Force on the Specialist Hospital, Yola, where he rose to the position of Director of Civil Engineering.

In 2002, after he had transferred his Civil Service Career to the Federal Civil Service, Engr. Jide Adeniji was appointed Director of Engineering and Technical Services at the newly established Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET), an Agency under the Federal Ministry of Aviation, Abuja.

In 2007, he was appointed Acting Director-General/CEO of the Nigerian Meteorological Agency. He retired from the Federal Public Service after meritoriously serving his fatherland in August 2010.

Like the golden fish which scarcely have a place to hide, President Goodluck

Ebele Jonathan, appointed him as the Chairman, Governing Board of the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), in July, 2012.

Adeniji had held several other offices in the public service and these include, Project Engineer on Construction of Cottage Hospital, Song (1989); Senior Resident Engineer, 23 Armored Brigade Internal Road Construction (1990); Principal Resident Engineer for Capital Projects (High ways) State Ministry Headquarters (1990 – 1991); Acting Assistant Director of Civil Engineering (1991-1994); Coordinator of Public Works Unit of the Ministry of Works & Transport (1994-1995); Coordinator of Direct Labor Task Force on Urban Infrastructures (1995–1996); Local Supervisor for Council for Regulation of Engineering in Nigeria (COREN) for Adamawa & Taraba States (1995–2000) among others.

Adeniji was a Co-opted Member, 2011 Jonathan/Sambo Presidential Campaign Committee; Member, 2011 Presidential Inauguration Committee, among others.

As Engr. Jide is an inestimable jewel to the society, so he is to the Christian Society in Nigeria. He was elected the President, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, Yola Chapter (1994 – 1996); Lay Leader, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion) (1996 to date); Field Representative, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, Adamawa State (1999 – 2002); First Patron, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) (2005 to date); Grand Patron, Niger Delta Students Association (2009); Field Representative, Full Gospel Business Men’s Fellowship International, Abuja (2010 to date).

As a professional, Engr. Adeniji holds membership and induction into fellowship of Several Professional Organizations among which are: Chartered Engineer (COREN) (1992); Fellow, Nigerian Society of Engineers (FNSE) (2005); Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Civil Engineers (FNICE) (2006); Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Structural Engineers (FNISE) (2006); Fellow, Nigerian Institute of Management (FNIM) (2009); Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration (FICA) (2010); Fellow, Institute of Management Consultants (FIMC) (2010); Fellow, African Professional Managers (FAPM) (2010); Association of Consulting Engineers (2001); Project Management Institute (USA) (2002); Member, Institute of Cost Management (2003); Member, Nigerian Meteorological Society (NMS) (2006); and Member, International Facility Management Association and Facility Management Professional (FMP) USA (2011) Adeniji has bagged several awards and they include, NYSC Merit Award for 1985 set for Benue State as the Best Performing and regular Corp Member (1986); ICON of Leadership Award for the recognition of his leadership quality in 2005; Outstanding Engineer Award by the Abuja Branch of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) (2005); Certificate of Honor by the National Association of Nigerian Students in Politics (NANSIP) (2009); One of the 50 Outstanding University of Ife Alumni by the GUARDIAN Newspapers (2009); African Leaders of Integrity Merit Award by the African International News Magazine (2009); Honorary PhD (Public Administration) by Pacific Western University, State of Colorado, USA (2009); and Grand Patron, Niger Delta Students Association (2009).

•Next week, will look at another set of contenders for the governorship race.

FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

Aftermath Of PDP Rally: Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun converge in large number to sweep major streets of Osogbo, the state capital a day after the South West rally of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osogbo.

The APC members APC in Osun, Prince while sweeping the street Gboyega Famoodun and of Osogbo and the Nelson the Attorney General and Mandela Freedom Park Commissioner for said they were cleansing Justice, Dr. Bashiru Osogbo, particularly the Ajibola. venue of the PDP rally, A d d r e s s i n g which according to them participants before the had been polluted. commencement of road According to them, the show tagged “Cleansing PDP members polluted polluted land” Prince Osogbo and the Famoodun reiterated the sweeping was necessary need for the cleaning. to prevent outbreak of He said Osun people diseases such as cholera. would never allow PDP The party faithful were to come back because the led by the Chairman of party has nothing to

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APC ‘Cleanses’ Osogbo

show for about eight years of its rule in the state.

Also Dr. Basiru Ajibola said the APC embarked on the symbolic sweeping to sweep away hunger and poverty

brought to the state by PDP. Ajibola said that APC remains very solid, intact and ready to defeat the PDP again in the f o r t h c o m i n g governorship election in

the state.

He lauded Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the unprecedented development brought to the state and appealed to APC members and the entire people of Osun not

to fall for the deceit of the PDP. Ajibola stressed the need to allow continuity of the APC government so that all the ongoing developmental projects would be completed.

APC, PDP Constitute No Threat To Us - DPP Aspirant

By Solomon Odeniyi The sole aspirant of the Democratic Peoples’ Party (DPP) for the Osun 2018 gubernatorial election, Prince Ayodeji Eniola-oni has said that individual candidates and their records should be considered during the September 22 election and not the political parties.

This is just as he said the state of Osun during that he is better placed to the election, saying none emerge as the governor of amongst the aspirants in

Adeoti Congratulates TUNS At 72 The Secretary to the Government of the State of Osun and frontline progressive politician, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, has joined thousands of well wishers across the world to congratulate the Asiwaju Adinni of Yorubaland and prominent businessman, Alhaji Olatunde Badmus on his 72nd birthday.

This was contained in He highlighted that a goodwill and many Nigerians today congratulatory message have been beneficiaries of personally signed by the celebrant’s Adeoti and made magnanimity through available to journalists in employment in his Osogbo, the state capital. various companies.

According to the senior He stressed that the government official, celebrant remains one of Alhaji Badmus has paid the very few Nigerians in his dues as a his class who still mix businessman and freely with members of philanthropist in the the indigenous country. community irrespective

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of social class or political leanings.

He further noted and described Alhaji Badmus as a bridge builder of no mean repute in view of his relationship with all and sundry, irrespective of generational gaps, across the country.

“Alhaji Badmus is a clear example of the dictum that with diligence and hard work, it is possible to attain greatness in whatever one sets out to achieve in life.

“As a young man from a humble background, you have climbed the ladder of success in a way

that clearly marks you as a role model for the younger generation,” Alhaji Adeoti observed.

While wishing the celebrant many more active years ahead, Adeoti prayed that the celebrant will spend the rest of his days in good health, abundance and prosperity in the land of the living.

He therefore admonished younger generation of Nigerians to emulate all the good attributes of the celebrant and make a creed of his lifestyle of simplicity and accommodation.

PDP and APC is without a blemish.

He said: “It is obvious that people are tired of the APC and PDP. Since the inception of the PDP I have been involved. Even Olusegun Obasanjo has warned us to desist from the PDP, and also kicked against some policies of the APC. “I make bold to say that none of the two parties constitute a threat to us, the people are aware they have milked them dry.

They look forward to a new era which we intend to offer”.

Eniola-Oni who described his venturing into politics as a divine call said, if elected he would eradicate the hunger in the state, reform the civil service, improve the welfare package of workers, and empower the youth among others, adding that there is a mechanism already in place to achieve these.

The DPP aspirant said the call for zoning placed him in a better stead to be the governor of the state than anyone else, saying

the west has always been the major decider of elections in the state.

He said: “Without mincing words, the west has been marginalized if you look at the zones the past governors had emerged. For instance in 1998-2003, Chief Bisi Akande is from Osun Central, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Osun Central, and the incumbent is from Osun East. It is the turn of Osun west to emerge..

The governorship hopeful who expressed his delight at the level of politicking in Osun said the state has gone past the era of subtle inducement which involves sharing rice and money to the electorates to have people voted them in office.

Eniola-Oni then advised the masses to be careful of any aspirant who seek to induce them to be elected, adding that such inducement should be taken and the people in turn should vote for their desired candidates.

Competition And Rejection, Twin Necessity For Growth Truth Of The Matter with AYEKOOTO

Marketing is the lifeblood of businesses. Pundits have even observed that human life itself is marketing life.

How? They opine that we daily market ourselves in various ways most times without us knowing. Right from the time we prepare to step out of our homes, we are mindful of how we dress, the type of perfume we choose or do not choose to use, how we are perceived by people in the neighborhood, colleagues and bosses in our offices and so on.

These are said to be part of selfmarketing because our actions and outlooks are what people use in rating us.

If we care about these things and know that our social rating depends on them, then we are consciously engaging in marketing ourselves to the outside world.

Same goes for businesses. Serious business marketing starts from the stage of conception of the business itself.

When we take into consideration the potential consumers in the design of product quality and content as well as pricing, we are engaged in marketing function because we’ve taken the consumer into account. If these are not done, then the business is dead on arrival.

In the field, marketers are oftentimes scared of two variables: Competition from rival products and companies and Rejection from prospects.

But thoroughbred marketers ought not to be scared of any of these. Life itself is competition, without which everything becomes meaningless. In fact, it is competition that puts us constantly on our toes, not to be too relaxed. Competition from other brands and companies makes us improve on our product, services and processes including pricing and marketing strategy. If this is the case, then we are

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bound to soar higher because we will keep on improving first to outdo our competitors and to also be in the market by satisfying the needs of the consumers or prospects. What we then have is topof-the range products and services.

How to outdo the competition: the most outstanding strategy to be ahead of our competitors is to have what is called a Unique Selling Proposition or Unique Selling Point, commonly abbreviated as USP. What is USP? The Unique Selling Point or Proposition is that thing that

To handle competition effectively and be on the lead, your product or service must have or constantly come up with a unique selling point with which you will always put yourself ahead of competitors or the competition.

differentiates your product or service from all others. All products and services inherently must have it. It is that thing you propose to your prospect, as making you different or better than others. Smart manufactures and service providers are aware of this and so they hit the market, first time, with this proposition or selling point. Take for example, the Glo hit the market to rattle other existing GSM service providers with per-second billing. This was a unique selling point that made GLO outdo others. Glo continues to invent new USPs and continues to dominate the market especially the data segment.

Same goes for modern musical systems that come with Bluetooth. So, to handle competition effectively and be on the lead, your product or service must have or constantly come up with a unique selling point with which you will always put yourself ahead of competitors or the competition. Most times, we panic when competitors come to challenge our market dominance but there’s no need for panic. The solution is simply to invent something, or put up a promise which puts you ahead of them. It could even be in your pricing: better price than your competitors’. This

is surely what makes China products and Glo data more preferable to others.

The other phenomenon which scares the marketer to the marrows is Rejection. Even in life, no one wants to be rejected. We all make proposals to the prospects with the high hope of getting the business, especially when we think we’ve done our homework in product design, content and sales pitch.

It is natural to melt and get dejected when the client we have put our hopes on so much refuses to buy. This is commonly called Rejection in marketing. But, really, Rejection is an inevitable part of marketing. Marketing gurus agree that rejection is inevitable.

There’s no way you will propose to scores of prospects and get hundred percent acceptance which results into actual purchases. Life itself does not give us that privilege. You are bound to be “rejected” at some point, no matter how good your product and price are, even at near-zero pricing. So, if and when this happens, what is the next thing to do?

Instead of coiling into your shells in regret, be intelligent enough to find out what exactly the prospect wants in respect of the product or services and pricing. Go back and redesign your product or service and prices to suit the prospects’ expectation. Note that the only reason why your product/service isn’t accepted to purchase level is nothing other than the fact that you’ve not met their expectations. If you can take the rejection in good faith and look inward and go back to meet their expectations, you’ll be shocked that you’ll turn sales adversity to sales prosperity.

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FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

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Asthma: Experts Harp On Effective Management As the whole world celebrates the World Asthma Day [WAD] 2018, a day which comes up on every first Tuesday in the month of May, physicians have maintained that in order to properly manage the genetic disorder, sufferers should make adequate use of medications, inhalers and stoppage of drug overdose.

They also maintained that being a chronic disease, management is mainly through the use of medications and also a change in lifestyle.

Speaking on the background of the year 2018 WAD theme: “Never Too Early, Never Too Late: It’s Always The Right Time To Address Airways Disease”, Dr. Atilola Adeleke , a family Medicine Physician with the Ladoke Akintola University Teaching Hospital, [LTH], Osogbo, stated that the problem facing the management of the disease condition is multifaceted.

According to him, “It involves the patients, health care providers, as well as the availability of health care facilities.

“Lack of resources in terms of procurement of drugs; inappropriate diagnosis on the side of health care providers although not common and lack of adequate follow up in our health care centres are some of the issues”.

In proffering a way out, the physician counseled that the solution was early presentation and compliance on the part of the patients.

“Appropriate diagnosis and good follow up on the part of physicians and provision of basic equipment at our hospitals as well as subsidy on some of the drugs for the patients are solutions”, he added.

Adeleke stressed that Asthma is a deadly disease

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

which should not be handled with kid gloves in case an emergency presents itself.

“Any Asthma patient who has come down with an attack should take his or her medication, most likely an inhaler and should report to the nearest health facility for treatment”.

Another physician, Dr. Alatise noted that Asthma is an emergency which has several challenges arising as it is being managed, saying, first, the population lacked the information on how to approach and

prevent future attacks and also to recognize acute asthmatic symptoms and carry out basic home care.

Dr. Alatise also revealed that most health facilities lack basic emergency kits and medications and even oxygen for first aid and resuscitation might not be available.

He charged doctors, nurses and other health care workers on the need to routinely update their knowledge on acute asthma management protocol.

“The information is readily known in other climes.

Health professionals, television and radio stations need to do more in the area of awareness creation”.

Tolulope Babatope, an Asthma patient who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, revealed that it had been tough coping with the condition but because she had been complying with the advice of her physician, whenever she experienced attack, she always used her medications.

“When I was first diagnosed of the condition, I was in primary school and in order to modify my lifestyle, I was given a list of things not to do and foods not to eat. It was not easy at first but as time went on and because I wanted a change in my health status, I had to adhere to it.

“The Asthma is still there and I still experience attacks occasionally but the attack is not as dangerous as that of a patient who has not been faithful with their medication”.

Drug And Substance Abuse: Tramadol And Codeine Addiction Before the advent of orthodox medicine, our fathers were adept in the use of roots and herbs in the treatment of all manners of illnesses that afflicted them.

With the advent of modern medicine, drugs which were made from natural substances started to fade out and replaced with chemical elements.

Majority of the drugs we consume these days were made from chemicals which if used without control would lead to serious addiction.

No one would say the government has not been waging a highly successful war against drug abuse, especially the hard ones which include narcotics, but what about the abuse of drugs that are meant to perform certain healing functions.

This is the war that the government is not winning and this is the silent war that is killing off a young and vibrant generation of Nigerians. The government must act now before it gets too late.

Recently, the British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC] News Africa documentary titled: “Sweet Sweet Codeine exposed a whole lot of what is happening in the underground distribution of everyday Biolin and Codeine based cough syrup.

To the ordinary Nigerian, we just use this drug whenever the need arises and afterwards, discard the remnant and go about our normal lives but to some, it is a source of ‘getting high’ and being ‘on top’ of the world.

Among the category of these drugs that have been so abused is the painkiller Tramadol, which ordinarily is supposed to be administered under controlled situation but which is often abused by Nigerians mostly of the northern extraction who engage in manual labour works. Reason for this is to boost their depleted energy after a hard day’s manual labour job.

Funny enough, our everyday paracetamol tablet is the most abused Over-The-Counter [OTC] drug in Nigeria. I have seen cases of people who take this drug every day before sleeping with the excuse that it will replenish their spent energy and also of friends who instead of taking two [2] tablets would rather take three [3].

Their excuse is that the two [2] tablets does not function effectively in their system. Talk of drug abuse being perpetuated ignorantly.

Back to the BBC documentary, before viewing the clip, the social media had been buzzing with different headline of how the Federal Government has stopped the production of Codeine-based cough syrups and the documentary which not even

on a Nigerian television channel but a Ghanaian network channel exposed the shady underground business of a hitherto harmless drug used on children in the management of cough.

Of particular interest was the fact that, this problem was centered around a particular geographical zone of the country, the Northwest comprising of both Kano and Jigawa states.

It didn’t matter the religion or ethnic colouration to it. The drugs were majorly manufactured in Lagos and Ilorin in Kwara State and being shipped to these Northern states for onward consumption.

The opening line of the documentary was particularly catchy. Young Nigerians being chained to the ground like madmen with flies buzzing around them which meant they must have defecated and urinated on themselves.

These drugs are not made to be sold without the prescription of a medical doctor from a hospital or if to be purchased in a pharmaceutical store, it must be with the signature of a Pharmacist.

Notwithstanding these laws, in the every thriving underground business of illegal drug peddling, these drugs are bought in huge quantities with the connivance of these pharmacists and sales representatives of these pharmaceutical companies.

Addicted youths pour out these codeine based

syrups into cups, some even add cubed iced blocks to it and drink all in one fell swoop. In most cases, these youths hold gigs where nothing else would be served as refreshment other than cough syrups and I just stop to wonder, cough syrup?

I take this cough syrup whenever I have serious cough and atimes one of the side effects is that it makes me to sleep, especially Benylin. After doing a bit of research, I learnt that the sleep effect that I experienced was a result of the base ingredient: codeine and biolin and in unusually high doses, I may end up behaving out of control.

The result is that like any other drugs that if misused, it can lead to terrible and devastating side effects, they start behaving erratically until the codeine leaves the body system. The withdrawal symptoms could equally be dangerous as these addicts are a danger to themselves and any other person within their surroundings.

This type of war would be a very difficult one to win. The reason is that we still have a culture of doing things with impunity. This is a country where some youths gather up a cocktail of drugs and swallow them all. This is a country where people go to pharmaceutical outlets and purchase drugs without a doctor’s prescription and without a pharmacists approving of such a purchase. This is a country where a visit to most motor parks, mechanic garages, traditional festival venues and so on, will show peddlers selling drugs of different types and shades.

This is a country where drug peddlers openly sell their drugs in vehicles and unsuspecting buyers purchase same and use, based on the advice of these peddlers who don’t even know the basics about those drugs and how the body would react to it.

With the ban on the further production and consumption of codeine based cough syrups, in line with the Federal Minister of Health directive, this fight is a broad one and should involve all the stakeholders, including the National Agency for Foods Drugs Administration and Control [NAFDAC], National Drug Law Enforcement Agency [NDLEA], Standard Organization of Nigeria [SON], Nigerian Medical Association[NMA], Pharmacists Council of Nigeria [PCN], Nigerian Union of Journalists [NUJ], Nigerian Bar Association [NBA], Nigerian Police, Christian Association of Nigeria [CAN], Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs in Nigeria and a host of others.

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NEWS

FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

Osun Speaker Warns Councilors Against Rivalry

service to the people and responsibility in the elected councilors on

By Israel Afolabi stressed the needs for parliamentary system. good performance, which They stressed the need according to them would The Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, tolerance among the Dr Najeem Salaam has warned elected councilors elected councilors for the for compliance with due launch them to further process and to ensure politicking in the future. against unhealthy rivalry that is inimical to smooth system to work.

He also admonished on proper monitoring of operation of parliamentary system across local In their various the need to strengthen the projects. government in the state. responses, Leader of OdoOther resource persons Otin South LCDA, Hon Dr Salaam gave the truncate the operation of bond of relationship warning in his address the system at the local between them, the party including Dr Wale Adeyemi Adelani; leaders as well as Olaopa, Dr Solomon Chairman, Odo-Otin while declaring open, a government level. two-day workshop on In a similar vein, members at the grass Ayegba and Dr Solomon North LCDA, Hon Ojo in their separate Hakeem Seriki and legislative practice and chairman of the All roots.

In their separate lectures highlighted the Deputy Leader, Osogbo procedure for elected Progressives Congress councilors and support (APC) in the state, Prince lectures, Commissioner merits of parliamentary West LCDA, Hon Moses staff in all the local Gboyega Famodun for Local Government democracy as they cited Jasuyi appreciated the governments, local observed that the and Chieftaincy Affairs, example of countries House for organizing the council development grassroot is the starting Mr Kolapo Alimi and the where it is being workshop to sensitise all areas, area councils and point for anybody that Special Adviser on practiced. the elected councilors in The lecturers who Osun. administrative offices in want to take politics as Legislative Matter to the noted that the success of Governor, Hon. Ipoola the sate held at the House career.

They urged the state of Assembly complex, He urged them to Binuyo emphasized the any system depend on the government not to relent charged Osogbo concentrate more on principle of collective operators, The speaker appreciated the state Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for his out in a flood of Aregbesola condoled

By Kehinde Ayantunji wisdom and unparalleled uncontrollable tears. with Alawode family in sense of reasoning at all Adejumon, 59, died Ororuwo, Boripe LCDA , The remains of Prince Bola Adejumo, the first times for putting the state Executive Chairman, Boripe North Local Council exactly 11.45 Pm late APC family in the state on a sound footing Development Area (LCDA) was last Saturday laid Wednesday night at Our describing the death as a towards economic to rest amidst tears and eulogies from family Lady of Fatima Hospital, colossal loss to the state. development.

Jolayemi, Osogbo after a members, friends, colleagues and associates.

He said Osun has lost a He declared that the responsible leaders and He was buried at his as the white casket laid brief illness. state has attained greater home town, Ororuwo and mourners filed past.

According to family Ororuwo town has lost a heights among the comity exactly 12:40 pm.

It was a horrible day for sources, Adejumon few pillar who is passionate of states in Nigeria Upon hearing the the people of Ororuwo days ago complained of about the development of According to him, “The sorrowful dirge by and Boripe North LCDA. body weakness and was the community and the introduction of the undertakers as the A great tremor admitted to the hospital council area at large. parliamentary system at procession made its way overtook the environment during the week and even Alimi said “It is the local governments by to Ororuwo town, the while people watching received visitors, interact pathetic that we lost the governor and its country home of the late the widow and three and cracked jokes before Prince Adejumo, we have subsequent endorsement politician early in the children of the deceased he answered eternal call many characters in by the House of Assembly morning, women wailed who could not hold their penultimate Wednesday politics, but he has will certainly make our and men gnashed their heartbreak watching the night. exceptional quality, he is Speaking during the a likeable individual, state to be a model for teeth as they tried to keep remains of their father lowering to the depth of burial, Commissioner for cool, calm and collected, other states in the tears away.

Government, and love his community federation to emulate.

Hundreds who could the grave, struggled Local “An effective local no longer bottle their effortlessly to stop the Barrister Kolapo Alimi on to the heart”, Alimi said. behalf of Governor Rauf undertakers, grief poured Chairman Local government system will emotions burst into tears ensure that both the human and material resources are effectively mobilized and harnessed to ensure that an unbroken chain of communication is maintained between the rulers and the ruled”, he added.

He made it known that the relationship between the executive and the legislature in a parliamentary system is called responsible government.

Salaam noted that Osun adopts a parliamentary system of government at the local level to foster better governance and efficient delivery of dividends of •Mrs Bukola Adejumon, the widow (right) and the surviving three children of the late Prince Bola Adejumon, the democracy at the first Executive Chairman, Boripe North Local Council Development Area (LCDA) during his burial service. grassroots.

He urged all stakeholders in the new system of administration Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress Osogbo to declare that the Osun’s money, and the to play the game has described as fools those who still believe PDP was on a rescue fools who still believe that according to the rules and (APC) the mischief makers in the opposition that Governor mission. It was all pathetic. Gov Rauf Aregbesola was avoid unnecessary Rauf Aregbesola was carting away Osun funds for use Those who witnessed 2014 carting away Osun funds friction.

PDP rally at the same for use in Lagos really need in Lagos. venue will be sorry for the help, because they are He said, “There is the In a statement by the “Overhyped PDP mega party, or what was left of worse than gullible. need for harmonious Director, Publicity, rally was a little better than “The rally which was the PDP at the rally. relationship among the “The Yoruba nation, if it supposed to be ‘a show of various actors to make the Research and Strategy, a town hall meeting”.

Kunle Oyatomi following “PDP has promised strength’ turned out to be an ever needs deliverance new system attractive and the South west rally of the people from Osogbo would not look for one exhibition of a diminished become a model to other Peoples Democratic Party 15000 alone will decamp, but from a Secondus. And political party. That’s why states of the federation”.

(PDP) in Osogbo said such only two leaders (a they could also attract Salaam who reiterated people really need help, business man and a weak Osun does not need to be inconsequential politicians told by Tijani Oladosu the effectiveness of party because they are worse politician) and a few where the state money was and businessmen. discipline and supremacy than gullible, saying, Korope “Sensible party men in loads of being spent. All over Osun, under parliamentary Lagos does not need supporters showed up. the evidence is there. But the PDP won’t need to be system, urged them to be Osun’s money.

“The Ibadan crowd led maybe TILAD would need told that Saturday’s rally Describing the PDP as a by decamping Rasheed a functioning eyes to see was a picture of the defeat moderate in the exercise mischievous party, the Ladoja stole the show. beyond the Korope he was that is around the corner for of power. the PDP in Osun come He also warned against APC said it was evident at Then one Secondus came supplying the state.

September”, the statement any act that could the rally that the all the way from Abuja to “Lagos does not need read.

on its duties in organizing such workshops periodically.

They all commended the state Assembly for organizing such workshop that would orientate elected councilors at the local levels.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman House Committee on Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon Wasiu Adebayo stated that the workshop was coming at the right time as there was the need to acquaint the elected officials with the rudiment of parliamentary system.

Boripe North LCDA Chair Buried Amidst Tears, Eulogies

PDP Southwest Rally, A Picture Of Defeat - Osun APC

Government Service Commission, Dr Peter Babalola, said though, the death of Adejumo was painful and untimely but the consolation is that he died in Christ.

He said “God knows everything, few days ago, he came to our office, we were cracking jokes, he was my friend for a very long time, but when I was called, I told that person to keep shut and stop saying nonsense, but few minutes later, the reality dawn on me that Adejumo is no more. The lesson and the question we should ask ourselves is that how will people celebrate you, when you are in this position?”

Member, Federal House of Representatives, Hon Adeyinka Ajayi described Adejumo as honest, dependable and a reliable political ally who placed honour and integrity above any other consideration.

Adejumon was born in 1959 and attended the Polytechnic Ibadan for the Higher National Diploma (HND). A Chartered Accountant, he worked as Deputy Controller Finance with Adekanola chartered Accountants before he ventured into politics.

He contested for the State House of Assembly in 2007, 2011 and 2015 and equally served as the Secretary, Elders Caucus of All Progressive Congress (APC) since 2007, before he became the pioneer executive chairman of Boripe LCDA, the position he held until his death.

Adejumon was happily married to Bukola Adejumon and blessed with Children.

Other dignitaries at the burial include Special Adviser to the Governor on Tax Matter, Barrister Olugenbga Akano, Member, Local Government Services Commission, Mr Kehinde Olamolu, Osun State Broadcasting Cooperation Interim Chairman, Mr Kola Akanji, Council Chairmen, APC Chieftains among others.

FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

CRIME

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15

Man In Court For Stealing Blocks, Damaging Fence

By David Adejuwon The Osun State Police command has arraigned a 45-year-old Akeem Badmus before an Osogbo magistrate court for maliciously destroying a fence. damage, Badmus is facing a six- malicious count charge of assault, unlawful entry

and stealing.

Police Prosecutor, Sergeant Soyemi Bose told the court that the accused committed the offence on March 9 at

about 9:00pm at Oluode area, off Ayekale, Osogbo.

Sergeant Bose said the accused maliciously destroyed the fence of a

land by pulling down the blocks and unlawfully damaged 4 survey pillars with total value of N750,000 property of Gafari Akorede Olabiyi.

She disclosed further that the accused unlawful assaulted one Gafari Akorede, Trimisiyu Saka and Tajudeen Ajia by using back of cutlass to beat them all over their bodies which caused bodily injuries on them Bose said the accused also stole 2000 blocks belonging to Gafari, valued N260,000 on the same land where the fence was destroyed.

She said that the offence committed is contrary to and

punishable under Section 516,451, 356, and 383 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the six-count charge preferred against him.

Defence counsel, Okobe Najite prayed the court to grant his client bail in most liberal terms, saying reliable sureties will be provided.

The magistrate, M.A Awodele granted the accused bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties.

The case was adjourned to June 4 for mention.

Court Remands 43-Year-old Man Over Theft •A scene of an accident involving an Intra-City Mini-Bus popularly called “Korope” and Honda Accord along Osogbo/Gbongan/Ibadan road, opposite Ataoja Government High School, Osogbo, on Tuesday. Inset is the Governor, Rauf Aregbesola sympathising with a victim at the scene.

Three Remanded Over Possession Of Firearms, Armed Robbery

By David Adejuwon 2002.

Presiding Magistrate, The accused persons M.A Awodele A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo has remanded three men in Ilesa Prison Custody over pleas were not taken due transferred the case to alleged possession of fire arms and armed robbery. to the magnitude of the the Chief Magistrate They are, Aderibigbe federation of Nigeria, offence committed.

Court Iwo for mention.

Adekunle, 45’, Lasisi 2004 and Section 86 (1) The defence counsel, She then ordered the Kehinde, 25’, and Wasiu (2) of the Criminal Code Bose Dada prayed the remand of the accused Adeyinka, ’45’ who are Cap 34 vol. II laws of court to grant her clients persons in Ilesha Prison facing a seven-count Osun State of Nigeria bail in the most liberal and adjourned the charge bothering on terms. matter till June 18, 2018. armed robbery, illegal possession of firearms and threat to kill.

Police Prosecutor,

By David Adejuwon alleged against him.

Inspector Oladoye The Defence counsel, A 60 - year - old man, Mudashiru Adejumo Joshua told the court that Barrister Okobe Najite the accused committed Akede has been arraigned before an Osogbo prayed the court to grant the offence on the 22nd Magistrate Court over alleged fraud of N500,000. his client bail in the most Mudashiru was (9) and Section 467 of the March 2018 at Bovas liberal and affordable filling station area, Ile- docked on Tuesday on a criminal code cap 34 terms. three-count charge volume 11.laws of Osun Ogbo, Iwo environ.

The magistrate Mr O. State 2003.

He said the accused borthering on fraud.

T Badmus granted the The prosecutor The accused person persons and others at accused bail in the sum large attacked one Prince Inspector Jafani Muslim pleaded not guilty to the of N500,000 with two told the court that the three-count charge Popoola with guns, accused person cutlasses and other committed the offence dangerous weapons and on April 2017 at 20b, Oke robbed him of a bag - Baale in Osogbo.

By Mariam Bello containing one Nokia He explained that the Martin Opeyemi, 22, has been arraigned before phone valued N12,200 suspect fraudulently and cash sum of obtained the sum of an Osogbo magistrate court for alleged sexual N500,000 from one harassment.

N153,000. lured the two ladies into Opeyemi was docked love affairs whereas his Simeon Oladoye said the Omoniyi with on a one-count charge of intention was to subject accused persons and Olasunkanmi others at large pretence to secure him sexual harassment. them into sexual The prosecutor harassment without the uncompleted threatened to kill Oba an building which was Inspector Jafani Muslim Abeeb Adetoyese consent of their parents told the court that the Agbaje, the Olu of Ile- known to be false.

Jafani stated further defendant committed or guardians.

Igbo town and Chief He also submitted that that the accused person the offence on May 6 at Shittu Kehinde with forged a document of about 3.20 pm at Olaiya the offence is contrary to and punishable under guns, cutlasses and other uncompleted building in Osogbo. dangerous weapons. he earlier assisted one He pressed further Section 247(d) of the He said the offence Adeyemi Oladapo to that the suspect criminal code cap 34 committed is contrary to purchase without his conducted himself in volume 11.laws of Osun Section 6(b) and consent. disorderly manner to 2003.

The defendant punishable under The prosecutor told waylay two ladies section 1(1) of the the court that the offence known as Hamsat pleaded not guilty to the robbery and firearms is contrary to and Kafayat and Adeleke charge slammed against him. under Mariam. (special provision) act, punishable The Defence counsel Jafani said the accused Cap RII VI.14 laws of Section 419, Section 390

By Mariam Bello Osun State police command has arraigned a 43year-old man, Tunde Adebayo before a magistrate court sitting in Osogbo over alleged stealing.

Tunde was docked on a two-count charge bothering on false pretence and stealing.

The prosecutor Inspector Jafani Muslim said the suspect committed the offence on April 10, 2018 at Salem Abass, Ogo oluwa area, Osogbo.

According to Jafani,

60-Year-old Man In Court Over Alleged Fraud Of N500,000 sureties in like sum.

He said the sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction, sworn to affidavit of means and provide evidence of tax payments with three passports photographs.

The case was adjourned to June 8 for hearing.

Man Arraigned Over Alleged Sexual Harassment Barrister Okobe Najite applied for his client bail in the most liberal and affordable terms.

He said the defendant has a reliable and credible surety who is ready to stand for him.

The Magistrate Mr O. T Badmus granted the accused bail in the sum of N50,000 with one surety.

He said the surety must reside within the court jurisdiction and must be a person of character who is gainfully employed and must be a tax payer.

The case was adjourned to June 8 for hearing.

the defendant obtained the sum of N270,000 from his victim under false pretence.

He also explained further that the accused person stole the sum of N270,000 belongings to one Yusuf Taofeek.

The prosecutor said the accused person committed the offence contrary to and punishable under Section 390(9) of the criminal code cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the count charge preferred against him.

The defence counsel, Mr Okobe Najite prayed the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

The magistrate, Mrs Oloyade granted the defendant bail in the sum of N250, 000 with two sureties in like sum.

She said the sureties must be residents within the court jurisdiction and swear to affidavit of means.

The accused person should equally submit his three passport photographs to the court, adding that if the accused person is unable to perfect his bail applications, he should be remanded in Ilesha prison custody.

The case was adjourned to June 11, 2018.

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FRIDAY MAY 11 - THURSDAY MAY 17, 2018

“Nigeria has survived the mills of fussy rumour of the demise of a serving Senator Isiaka Adeleke as one death, too many, professing that the progressive vote pattern that determined the outcome of the July 7, 2017 Osun West senatorial bye-election will work for the governing party in the state, come September 22”.

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

By Invitation Issues & Policy ISAAC OLUSESI BYBY RAUF AREGBESOLA

Senator Adeleke's Death And Osun Guber Poll No one invoked voodoo, no mutual suspicion, no gulf of distrust, no face-off, no one did double–talk, and no brushed or unanswered questions; no one begrudged the other, no one at each other’s throat, never for once in a shouting match; no one rebuffed overtures for understanding, no one parried and toed heart–broken lines, or held personal differences to shared, heart–to–heart objectives; no one waged war on the other, eyeball to eyeball, calling names and slinging mud to warrant truce; and no one violated civilized rules of interaction, neither did any of their common engagements degenerate into a carnival of altercations nor were there patch–works of dichotomy, hide and seek woven into any fragile fabric. Indeed, there was no rat race to outshine one another and no frosty, soured, thawed relationship to have pitted one against the other. Rather, they both oft-times attended a flurry of socio–political gatherings together, pleasantly characterized by exchange of polite, heart–warming words and clinging of glasses.

But suddenly, one of the two died like a candle in the wind; and politicians, decked in distractions in the State of Osun, Nigeria, hurriedly dusted their rumour grimmer, with rage like in a Mafia connection and swooped the death of one on the other. And in a twinkle, the rumour mill first spewed forth like a trickle, a whisper; and almost in firing succession, the rumour went viral, an uproar, the howling momentum of a mighty river, with the agility too difficult to fathom; and like a thunderclap, the rumour hanged the sudden death of Isiaka Adeleke, first executive governor of Osun and a serving senator from Osun West on Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

The foul of the unbridled rumour was such a disagreeable thing in the peaceful and accommodating Osun under the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) as the rumour, akin to the spindles of the Christmas Treelight, was a tempest in a teapot that sent missiles of mud in the direction of a clean slate. Aregbesola was at the receiving end of the rumour tangle, dropped like a basket of rotten eggs in a manner that splashed the rot with a velocity that over stretched Osun political elasticity and left the state infuriated, awestricken. And looking straight and unruffled, Aregbesola, in a posture of easy gait and cool mien, not one given to

The Osun electorate high sense of appreciation of the heroics of Aregbesola in the art and science of people-driven governance, with audible developments in the state will handsomely pay off, count down to the September 22 pay back time. flippancy had his countenance underlined his dignified silence, unassuming innocence and solid resolve that never asked the rumour splitters for a retraction or apology. In place of stalling, he swiftly reconciled himself with the reality that the fussy rumour required proofs; he muscled requisite political will and took the rumour and the consequent ruin of the sensibility of Osun to Coroner Inquest as a way out of the quagmire, to unravel how Adeleke died if indeed his demise carried the imprimatur of one death, too many. And the Inquest became the plank for the understanding of the routes to Adeleke’s death, not a cudgel in the hand to declare a manhunt after anybody.

On the flip side, someone apparently wild, frivolous, mischievous, daredevilry in his warped mind steeped in morbid hatred for the Inquest, placed quick bucks on the Adeleke family that made them dramatically exhibit contra sensibility to the Inquest as sheer political brinkmanship and dismissively branded the Inquest a hollow ritual of loose ends and political hype, sort of political frenzy, vicious enough to have made the Inquest a deadlock of the opposites: one was the family, the insular; and the other, Aregbesola, the bridge-builder. But the satanic man failed to impugn on the integrity, competence and public acceptability of the Inquest.

As I remember today with a profound sense of bad loss, the late Senator Adeleke

•The Late Senator Adeleke. who died a year ago, I am convinced that the spectral of his death set tongues wagging though, it was irreconcilable to hang his demise on Aregbesola and cause social convulsion as a result by mechanical aggregation of protesters whizzing sounds of flying stones, stoking wild fire, muttering inanities and singing war in a Desert War style, that did no honour at all to the well-known simplicity, civility and non-abrasive nature of the departed good senator. It was one death that revealed Aregbesola’s wrinkles of pain. At an Ogbeni Till Day Break, the governorpublic interactive forum in Osogbo, the state capital, Aregbesola, in a huff made titanic efforts that explained in brevity why and how he could not have known anything about the senator’s death. And the audience hung on his lips in studied attention as he spoke visibly at pain!

The triad of the deceased family’s furrows of worry, Aregbesola’s pain in the marrow, and the haze–the heat–the hurt of the rumour in Osun pined away as the cause of the death of Adeleke, initially shrouded in a pall of secrecy was made public at the Inquest. “There were no tracks of poison in the system of the late senator.

The deceased had administration of overdose of sedative and analgesic by intravenous means which action was hastened by the presence of alcohol in the system,” the Coroner’s findings stated. The verdict of the Inquest removed the heavy, clumsy and superfluous lid on Osun; and the rumour, its maze, rubbish, and the pain

in Aregbesola, all burst asunder.

In his two-term in office, Aregbesola never treated rumour mongers on the same wave length with distracters, character assassins like an unwanted egg which ‘meat and shell,’ you throw away. But they have on their own chosen to stand aloof like a lid from the bow with sinister motive always to distort, misrepresent, manipulate and soil the banner of Aregbesola by all sorts of riffraff, having only one strategy, always a rehash of the old banality and polemics, abandoned shams and sallies or witticisms, senseless jibes and babbles, and wretched yelps and subterfuge to annex Aregbesola and his government.

As I fondly remember our good party man, the late Distinguished Senator Adeleke, Osun has survived the rumour and its stings that trailed his death. I know of no job more fatiguing, more thankless and most disgusting than the trade of the oppositions in Osun, toiling and moiling with prodigious efforts through that filth and inventing and paddling rumours and distractions here and there, intent to scuttle, stifle the September 22 massive votes configuration for the governing APC. The same established progressive vote pattern that determined the outcome of the July 7, 2017 Osun West Senatorial bye–election in the state will readily work for APC in the forthcoming governorship poll in the state, to be further determined by such factors as the party’s acceptable candidate, its issue– based blitzkrieg, and the empirically tangible development projects–the Osun untypical utilitarianism – the greatest happiness for the greatest number of Osun people, in contrast to the Peoples Democratic party (PDP)’s typical bujebudanuism – the greatest waste of happiness for the greatest number of Osun people in the PDP’s yesteryears that also engendered the tyranny of the privileged few over the suffering majority in the state, which the party chieftains, the PDP wastrels at the national level have now profusely regretted and apologized to Nigerians. Nemesis on the prowl! But penitence or no penitence, PDP will never come back in the Bola Ige House, Osogbo.

Rather, the Osun electorate high sense of appreciation of the heroics of Aregbesola in the art and science of people-driven governance, with audible developments in the state will handsomely pay off, count down to the September 22 pay back time.

•OLUSESI is Assistant Director, Directorate of Publicity, Research & Strategy, All Progressives Congress (APC), State of Osun

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the Acting Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., E-mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,