November 17, 2017 Pdf Version Of Osun Defender

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

VOL. 012. NO.38

Fraud In Uniosun:

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

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Parliament Investigates Contracts’ Award Processes - Page 2

•Alajase of Ajase in Benin Republic, Oba Yekeen Ajasa Adeleye (4th right); the Olufon of Ifon Osun, Oba Al-Moroof Magbagbeola (2nd right), and others, during a courtesy visit of traditional rulers from Benin Republic to Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Fresh Crisis Hits Osun PDP PAGE 3

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Fraud In Uniosun: Parliament Investigates Contracts’ Award Processes

By Israel Afolabi The State of Osun House of Assembly has commenced investigation into the financial activities of the authorities of Osun State University, with a view to unravelling the circumstances surrounding the crisis bedeviling the citadel of learning as a result of allegations of fraud.

The house arrived at State at the State the decision to probe the Assembly Complex financial transactions at a Osogbo. meeting between the The Chairman House House Committee on Committee on Public public Accounts, Accounts, Hon. Rasheed Management of Osun Afolabi who led the State University and the house committee and the Auditor General of the Auditor-General on a

fact finding mission to various sites of the multicampus University expressed dissatisfaction with the quality of work done on some of the projects in the school.

The first project site inspected by the House committee on public accounts together with a representative of Auditor General was the convocation arena at the main campus in Osogbo which was handled by Ibn. Muheeb

Construction Company at the cost N45m with additional loan of N8m granted the contractor which was said to have collapsed in 2013 and was reconstructed by the school management.

Also, the committee inspected the Sola Akinrinade’s Library Complex at the main campus where it was revealed that the project was awarded at the cost of N541m to Bentow Bau Construction Company

•Rehabilitation of road at Ola Iya roundabout by State of Osun Government under the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola as captured on Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

only for the firm to sublet it to De-Kling Construction Company at the rate of N180m.

The committee chairman who expressed concerned over what he described as a nontransparent process of award and shoddy projects execution directed that all documents relating to the contracts be forwarded to the legislature.

He said, “The contractors need to appear before the House to explain and clear some salient issues”.

Another point of call was the library complex at Okuku campus being handled by Atidade Construction Company where structural defects on the project were observed by the committee and on which a number of questions were raised.

On the issue of the roof, which was said to have been blown off sometime in June as observed in the Auditor General’s report, the project Manager Taiwo Olaniyi explained the incident, saying it has been agreed that over N4m expended on repair will be shared between the university and the contractor.

At Ejigbo campus, the committee also inspected the library complex

Osun Govt Clampdown On Illegal Miners comply.

By Ismaeel Uthman Ajilore expressed The State Government of Osun has declared zero concern on the havoc tolerance for illegal miners in the state, saying that wrecked on government it would clampdown on all unauthorised actions in property and cash crops the mine-rich area of the state. in the cause of mining This is as six alleged registration of legal gold and other mineral illegal miners miners but the illegal resources illegally. were arrested by task miners had failed to Parading the suspects, force of the state government at Itagunmodi, Igun and Ibodi in Atakumosa West Local Government of the

By Francis Ezediuno state.

Th Fulani herdsmen and Yoruba farmers in the The accused illegal miners were handed over State of Osun have resolved on modalities to maintain to the Nigeria Security peace and order in the state. and Civil Defence Corps The parties agreed and when due.

(NSCDC) by the Special when the Nigeria Security He noted that this Adviser to Governor Rauf and Civil Defence Corps, approach would help in Aregbesola on Forestry Osun State Command no small measures in and Mining, Mr. Tunde held a stakeholders nipping in the bud any Ajilore. sensitization programme crisis between the farmers According to Ajilore, to create awareness on the and herdsmen in the the state government activities of herdsmen State. would not allow the who might transverse the The Commandant activities of illegal miners length and breadth of the appealed to the to affect the well being State in search of water participants to be peace and economy of the state. and fodders for their loving and ensure that Ajilore stated that the animals as the dry season their co-existence is to fight against illegal approaches thereby foster strength and unity mining was a continuous destroying farmland among the various ethnic activity, warning illegal along their path. groups. miners in the state to The State Commandant The head of the Unit, desist from the act. of the corp; Mr. Assistant Commandant He explained that the Aboluwoye Akinwande Yaqee R.O. urged state was losing billions of while welcoming stakeholders to embrace naira to the activities of stakeholders thanked peaceful dialogue in illegal miners, hence the them for past successes resolving disagreements readiness of the recorded and their instead of resulting to government to nip in the willingness to cooperate violence. with the Agro-Ranger bud the menace.

According to him, According to Ajilore, Unit of the Corps by “neither party can live in information isolation. There is need for the government has making directed the biometric available to the Unit as each ethnic group to co-

the State Commandant of the NSCDC, Mr Akinwande Aboluwoye explained that his officers worked in complement of the state government to nab the illegal miners.

Aboluwoye said the NSCDC would always be

on the look out to curbing crimes, most especially ones related to illegal mining.

The commandant said the apprehended illegal miners would be investigated and charged to court without delay.

constructed by Ibn Muheeb Construction Company at the cost of N190m. it was discovered that the project handed over in 2010 was under lock and key and said to have been declared unsafe but it was also observed that the walls of the building were already cracking while other parts were about to start caving in.

The committee chairman expressed dissatisfaction on the decision of the school management to give two important projects to a contractor who has litany of bad records and also indicted the school’s Director of Works and the deputy for looking the other way while the design and standard were being compromised.

According to Afolabi, the committee decided to investigate the school management as a result of the audit query raised by the Auditor-General’s office over noncompliance with financial conducts on contracts awards, Acting Appointments and f i n a n c i a l Mismanagement.

The house Committee has pledged to invite the affected stakeholders to the plenary to explain their roles in the execution of various projects in the campus.

It would be recalled that the management of Uniosun had in recent times been involved in different financial atrocities, which has put the school in public glare leading to the termination of the appointment of various principal officers of the school.

Bororo/Fulani Herdsmen, Farmers Agree On Peace habit peacefully in other to achieved progress in any community even the country as a whole”.

The Assistant Commandant revealed that over thirty five cases had been resolved since the establishment of the Unit while several of such issues have been nipped in the bud.

He commended the Osun State Government for setting up the Peace Committee and the efforts of Alhaji Mudashiru Togun, the Honourable Commissioner for Special Duties, in making sure issues are resolved peacefully.

“The stakeholder meeting was to seek cooperation among the participants, prove ways of tackling the menace of farmers/herdsmen crisis even as we approach the dry season”, he added.

He called on all groups and associations to be vigilant and give urgent

and useful information to the Corps and promised absolute assistance in ensuring peaceful coexistence.

Meanwhile, the farmers have said that it was not the resident Fulanis that are usually the problem but the nomads usually known as Bororo.

According to them, “ most of them are involved in cattle rustling and pilfering activities”.

Notable cases in the State were mentioned which for instance included cattle which were made to graze cashew plantation, eat up the nuts and later pass out the nuts when they are back to their pen. The Fulani then select the nut, wash and sold same.

The Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria through their representative commended the NSCDC for performing their mandate responsibly and

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dutifully.

He also applauded the effort of the Corps in ensuring peace among the stakeholders.

Both parties enumerated some cogent points to maintain peace and order.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as MISS OLORUNKEMI BILIKIS KEMISOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. HAMMED BILIKIS KEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank, OSSCE Ila, Uniuyo and General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as ALABI GRACE AYOBAMI, now wish to be known and addressed as ALABI FLORENCE OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid.

Sterling Bank, and General public should take note.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

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Fresh Crisis Hits Osun PDP

faction the committee is the party.

Omisore by forcing Dr.

By Shina Abubakar He berated the Bayo Faforiji as the party supporting, hence, it As members of the Peoples Democratic Party in collaborates with the decision of the committee chairman even when he the state of Osun recently began to nurture the faction to stall the to hold the majority of refused to participate in dream of new dawn as regards the crisis rocking process. the party members to the congresses. the party since 2015, the issue has taken a new twist A former Senatorial ransom because things “With the coming of as the hope of resolving the long overdue crisis is candidate of the party, never worked out in Makarfi, a man highly gradually dashing away, as the caretaker committee Oluomo Oludaisi Aina, favour of an individual regarded as unbiased and saddled with the responsibility of restoring peace in a statement on his within the party and this determined to reposition seems to be a mirage. social media page, intended to return the the party, Osun PDP I n v e s t i g a t i o n s responsible for the blamed the caretaker concept of impunity to members became revealed that the deadlock in the committee for the the party. confident that the voice of Sarafadeen Ishola-led congresses.

He lamented the the majority would problem in the party as it caretaker committee has The source added that is not playing the umpire resolve of Mr Sarafadeen triumph and that their lost it integrity among the the committee is aware role expected of it rather, Ishola and some forces party would, at least, be teeming PDP members in that the results of the it had decided to take outside the state who are allowed to breath an air the state who believed in successful wards side and disrupt the hell-bent in supporting of peace. the strength of their congresses with the INEC peace process initiated by the handing over of the They are wrong! supporters to control the is not in favour of the the national leadership of party structure to Makarfi leadership, at the party structure ahead of the forthcoming elections in the state.

Checks revealed that D e v e l o p m e n t the task of tourists at after the primaries

By Yetunde Odunayo C o m m u n i c a t i o n Olumirin Water Falls by conducted in some wards James constructing the across the state as Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Specialist, witnessed by the Aregbesola has stressed his commitment towards Adedokun said the Pedestrian bridge to identified facilitate easy movement Independent National making life more meaningful to people in a bid to governor Electoral Commission making tourism a money spinning venture and eco- provision of access road of visitors, researchers as a major impetus for and holiday makers as (INEC), the Senator Iyiola tourism accessible to tourists all over the world, with Omisore faction was a view to boosting the economy of the host tourism development, well as tourists who saying when the road is might be willing to visit dissatisfied with the community in particular and the State in general. completed, unimaginable the Water falls. outcome and had Represented by the He maintained that this decided to disrupt the Special Adviser on Water Falls, Erin-Ijesha transformation would remaining wards, as well Culture and Tourism, being sponsored by the come to Erin-Ijesa and its is happening at a time environment in terms of state government, with when MKO Abiola as local government Mrs Taiwo Oluga, and International Airport Idothe implementation to be socio-economic congresses.

Aregbesola stated this c u l t u r a l - t o u r i s m Osun was being put into It was gathered that during the flag off carried out by Osun Rural activities.

Access and Mobility effectiveness thereby the chairman of the ceremony for the Project (Osunn RAMP).

The governor, in the making arrival of tourists caretaker committee construction of 1.4km statement said, his to Olumirin Water Falls A statement by the called a stakeholders access road to Olumirin Osun RAMP administration has eased from around the world an meeting wherein their cooperation was sought towards reaching a consensus with regards to some of the wards where Omisore seek to be given concession but the meeting did not achieve its intended aim and objectives.

After several appeals to the Adagunodo-led faction to concede some position to the Omisoreled faction failed, the caretaker committee was said to have used his power to impose directives for the factions to harmonise their different positions and reach a truce among themselves.

A source close to the •The Osun Executive and Legislative teams in a group photgraph during the flag off of the road.

Omisore camp informed OSUN DEFENDER that both camps have reached a conclusion on the Cooperative Societies in the State of Osun have tax but as a way of matter and the outcome been charged to be tools for economic development assured the societies that sensitising people to their the revalidation exercise is already with the and wealth creation in the State. is not a means to collect civic obligations. caretaker committee but This charge was given initiated various empowadded that the reason for by the Special Adviser on erment programmes in not making it public as it Cooperative Matters, line with its six-point inis ought to be, was Ministry of Commerce, tegral action plan to banThe final burial ceremony of the late Pa John Olaniyi strange.

Industries and Coopera- ish poverty and unem- Eweje and his wife, Madam Abigail Ayooye Eweje However, the medium tives, would on Saturday hold at St James African Church, Mr Gbenga ployment in the State. gathered that the Awosode while addressAwosode explained Oke-Odo, Oyan, Odo-Otin North Local Council Adagunodo faction is not ing Cooperative societies that in order to benefit Development Area.

Pa John Olaniyi Eweje the head of the prayer in tune with the at the Zonal meeting held from the empowerment died on Saturday, warriors in Kaduna and on arrangement and is in Ikirun and Osogbo. programmes, there November 18, 2015 and getting back to Oyan, was always ready to respect In his remarks, Mr. would be revalidation of exactly two weeks after he conferred with the title of the dictate of democracy Awosode said the pur- certificate of cooperative interred, his wife, Otun Iya Ijo. by going to the poll and pose of the meeting was societies to know those was Abigail Ayooye Eweje, nee CHANGE OF NAME elect the executive to have an interactive ses- that are functioning and Olabisi was also members for the party at sion with stakeholders to those who are not in the committed to mother earth.

That I formerly known all levels. as AMOS AYODELE The duo during their address issues affecting State.

Another insider cooperative societies and OLUWAFEMI, now wish He added, “Coopera- lifetimes were known to be informed the medium to bridge the gap be- tive societies that refused active players in the Lords to be known and addressed that the caretaker tween the Ministry and to comply with the revali- vineyard, as Pa John as KARIMU KAMORU chalked up the Balogun Ijo committee is biased, as it the societies.

OLUWAFEMI. All former dation exercise would title in Bethel African is favouring the Omisore documents remain valid.

He stated that the State not benefit from govern- Church Cathedral, Kaduna faction and is carrying Government recognises ment empowerment and became a licenced Lay Wema Bank, Diamond out the bidding of the the importance of Coop- schemes.

Bank and General public Reader and Evangelist. faction which is erative societies and has should take note.

Madam Abigail too was The Special Adviser re-

initial stage, demonstrated the resolve to stand by the truth, promising not to tamper with the congress that produced Adagunodo, since it was adjudged valid by INEC, with The Nigerian police, SSS, and the party leadership. It, however, changed the goal post in the middle of the game after pressure from Governor Ayo Fayose, who was playing Omisore’s script and who is erroneously considered as the only one in Osun PDP”, the release reads.

Osun Govt Flags Off Olumirin Waterfalls Access Road

Be Tools For Economic Development, SA Charges Cooperative Societies Pa Eweje, Wife's Burial Hold In Oyan

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easy one.

Also speaking, the Chairman Osun State House of Assembly House Committee on Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture, Honourable Olasunkanmi Akinola; Chairman House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Honourable Kamil Oyedele and Honourable Israel Aloba appreciated the kind gesture and appeal for continued support of Aregbesola’s administration.

Earlier in his welcome address, Chairman Osun Tourism Board and Authority, Engr A b i m b o l a Daniyan lauded the A r e g b e s o l a administration for his commitment to tourism development in the state.

In his brief on the project, the Project Coordinator, Osun RAMP, Engr Adelere Oriolowo said the intervention of RAMP in the construction/ rehabilitation of rural roads, river crossings as well as Communitybased Road Maintenance has been making life more meaningful to rural dwellers and has imparted positively in the life of the citizenry.

He said these have been made possible through the commitment of the Aregbesola administration, assuring that the road would be completed by January, 2018.

Oriolowo then enjoined all stakeholders to join hands with Osun RAMP in ensuring the timely completion of the work.

In his address, the Royal host, Oba (Dr) Engr Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni, the Elerin of Erin Ijesa commended the commitment of the government towards making Olumirin Waterfalls a desirable place for every tourist, just as he appealed to the government to provide security post and health centre at the site for the safety of visiting tourists.

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As FG Presents The 2018 Budget

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Osogbo/Agunbelewo/Okinni/Ilobu Road: Time To Help emergency cases have on

This is to appeal to the government, either at the state and federal level to help the residents of Agunbelewo/Okinni/ Ilobu/Erin/Ifon in Osun State on the poor condition of the road linking them with Osogbo, the state capital.

Because of the closeness to Osogbo, no one would ever thought that such road could be left unattended to, but alas, that is the situation.

As it stands today, it is clear that the people of that axis have completely been abandoned by the government as can be clearly reflected in the condition of their road.

Unfortunately, there is no

other alternative route for the people living in the axis.

There is no one who will

pass through the road, no matter how highly positioned and not regret using the road, not because the people living in the axis are bad people, but because the road has become an eyesore.

It is on record that

several occasions been complicated, while expectant mothers have also experienced

complications due to the condition of the road.

Though, there are rumours that the road had been awarded for reconstruction, but with the look of things, it does not seem the road was awarded as there are no

signals that it would be constructed anytime so soon.

Therefore, pending the time the road would be fully constructed, the government either at the state or federal level need to intervene and save the people of the axis. Even if it is just the grading of the road, something should be done.

Though, everybody is aware that it is a Federal Road, but we appeal to Osun government, particularly the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to intervene, as he had done to so many other communities in the state.

•IBRAHIM BADMUS, Okinni, Osun State.

Advert Executive

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

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0806-220-7954, 08061197897 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, osundefenderbank@gmail.com

MAGAZINE FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Culture:

Celebrating Yoruba Heroine In Grand Style The call for restructuring of Nigeria is one clamour that vibrates through the entire polity in the history of the country, but as patriots, one may ask what is the missing link and where does Nigerians get it wrong. Culture is an identity that any man wears and lives on everyday, because culture is the way of life of the people. Nigeria is in search of its cultural identity as the proliferation of Western culture had eroded her main existence as a nation, hence the call for restructuring is inevitable.

A nation without identity is bound to be plagued with myriad of problems, hence the need for cultural renaissance that will promote indigenous values of selflessness, courage, patriotism and discipline. The recent celebration of cultural renaissance in the ancient city of Ile-Ife is very relevant in this regard, as it clearly showed the sectional summation of Yoruba beliefs, in terms of how they live, worship, relate their moral values and norms that govern their existence. SOLA JACOBS was there and writes.

Culture had been made to sound archaic and made to belong to the past, and on daily basis people leave their culture for that of others. Either one knows or not, culture is the main identity of a group of people, which governs all facets of their lives. It is a known fact that when you destroy the culture of the people, you had succeeded in wiping out their existence, but through decades, culture is subjected to changes and it is dynamic, not static.

African development was arrested because of its partition by western world which had since arrested its development and tailored virtually all its facets of life to reflect Western culture which is alien to African culture.

Nigeria as a nation consists of various ethnic groups and the diversity of its culture had been its strength, as it promotes unity, selflessness, love, peace, patriotism and dedication to good course.

Culture of various ethnic groups tend to promote their values and it has been passed from generation to generation, but the reverse is the practice today, as we have declined and failed woefully, both formally and informally in passing the baton to the next generation.

To bridge this gap, the House of Oduduwa through the concerted effort of the Arole Oduduwa, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi had embarked on cultural revival to combat the menace of disunity, corruption, decadence of moral values and other vices that had given rise to criminal activities among the youth.

The need to rejig and relive the life of our heroes and heroines who had made societal and humane sacrifices and dedicated their lives for the people, like the historic Moremi Ajasoro, a Yoruba Heroine came alive

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Culture of various ethnic groups tend to promote their values and it has been passed from generation to generation, but the reverse is the practice today, as we have declined and failed woefully, both formally and informally in passing the baton to the next generation.

’

•The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi (middle), flanked by his chiefs, addressing the gathering in front of Moremi Ajasoro statue during the celebration.

at the opening of this year “Moremi Ajasoro Beauty Pageant” which was organised by an Ife Princess, Funke Ademiluyi to impact virtues of selflessness and patriotism in the

young girls.

According to Oba Adeyeye at the programme who traced the history said, Moremi Ajasoro, who is an Ife Princess but married in Offa, Kwara

State, sacrificed her only son Oluorogbo to Esinminrin river in her quest to deliver Ife people from frequent raid by group of invaders called “Ugbo” who often raided Ife during harvest time and plundered all they had laboured for through the years. He said the sacrifice Moremi made had been the basis for the celebration of “Edi” festival in October or November every year, immediately after the “Olojo” festival to commemorate thanksgiving for a new dawn and the bounty harvest of the people which is often dedicated to the Supreme Being and other deities that had played significant role in their lives.

History has it that Moremi surrender herself to the “Ugbo” raiders and being a beautiful woman, the King of Ugbo decided to take her as his queen, which gave her the priviledge to know the secret •Continued on page 6

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Culture: Celebrating Yoruba Heroine In Grand Style •Continued from page 5

of the people, after which she escaped and planned attack that liberated Ife people, but the victory cost her to sacrifice “Oluorogbo” his son to “Esinmirin stream”.

The contestants for the beauty pageant to choose Miss Moremi Ajasoro, have since been on a three week camp for the competition. The winner would be the cultural Royal Ambassador of Ile-Ife and will be privileged to be part of the monarch’s entourage anytime he travels out of the country, just as a whooping sums of N5 million would be awarded to the winner to set up her small business, and enhance her standards of living.

“Edi” festival also celebrates “virgin girls” who always bear “Omolarere staffs” as all the bearers of the staffs are always virgins from whom young men who attend the festival look for potential wives among them.

The festival rewards the good and the bad in the society, as criminals and saboteurs’ houses are always visited by the mammoth crowd of Ife people who will bombard their residents with dirt and debris, which often serves as deterrents and shame for such families, and this often discourage anyone from criminal activities in the community.

Also, the loyalty and patriotism stance of the spiritual chiefs are tested spiritually, as whoever among them that his “brunet staff” quenched during the procession to “Moremi groove” automatically will not live to see another celebration.

This made them to live uprightly and be dedicated, and as well loyal to the course of their people.

As part of the renaissance of Yoruba culture, the “Ewa Asa” fifth edition was celebrated. It was organised by a renowned Yoruba actress, Rose Adesewa Odika, born in the ancient city of Ibadan over four

‘

The festival rewards the good and the bad in the society, as criminals and saboteurs’ houses are always visited by the mammoth crowd of Ife people who will bombard their residents with dirt and debris, which often serves as deterrents and shame for such families, and this often discourage anyone from criminal activities in the community.

’

decades ago, though an Igbo extract of Ugbodumi in Delta State of Nigeria.

One unique thing about culture is its ability to unite people of diverse background and while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER at the Ewa Asa celebration in Ile-Ife on why she loves promoting Yoruba culture rather than Igbo culture, Odika said organising Yoruba programme is the way of giving back to the culture that had moulded her life, saying, “My parents live in Ibadan and I was born and bred in Ibadan so, I understands Yoruba culture and I was raised within the frames of the culture”.

At the progamme which was chaired by the culture enthusiast monarch, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, school pupils were taught the rudiment of bead processing and wearing; its significance and usage in Yoruba culture.

As the discussants at the

programme said, bead transcends adorning items, but it signifies religion identity as those who are worshippers of Olokun – sea goddess adorn themselves in white; Sango worshippers wear red and white sand beads, while Ifa worshippers means of identity in lemon green and brown sand beads.

At the workshop attended by ten schools from Ife and Modakeke respectively, pupils were shown different types of traditional beads and carving works. Also, the prospects in beadworks were unfolded, as a means of employment for the teeming unemployed youths.

It also reveals the lucrative gains in tourism that if its maximally exploited could drive the economy of the nation, in line with the government effort which is in top gear to diversify from monolithic oil economy, which is the bane of development of other sectors of the Nigeria economy.

Dr Ogunfolakan Adisa of the Department of Natural History, Obafemi Awolowo University, IleIfe at the interactive session decried the negligence of arts and culture aspect as a nation, noting that for tourism to drive the Nigeria economy, there is need to improve on art works and life, as well as culture.

“Our culture is our sole of existence but the proliferation of western culture and other religions, mainly Christianity and Islam had relegated our traditional religion and culture to the background and the outcome is the moral decadence, gayism, lesbianism, drug peddling, robbery, kidnapping and sorts.

“Our culture can be used to restructure our nation and our people. We can use our culture to stop corruption in our nation. None of our political office holders can take oath of office before any of our

deities and enrich himself with public funds without paying dearly for it. Impunity that had bedevilled our governance can be curbed through our cultural practices.

“Moral decadence among the youths can be curbed. Virginity dance in Ondo, Itefa dance and Omidan dance in Ife, the maiden celebration in Ogori magogo - the Yoruba speaking community of Okun in Kogi State are celebration that keep youths away from immoral sexual acts, it prevents unwanted pregnancies and sexually transmitted diseases that rampage tomorrow’s leaders.

“The negligence of our culture leads to increase in broken homes today, as every woman clamours for monogamy homes. African men are polygamist in nature; they stylishly divorce and marry another woman to satisfy the quest of our women who want monogamous marriage at all cost; but who bear the brunt? The society.

“The beauty of polygamous home then is that wives of same man see themselves as sisters and not rivals and they helped in training of others’ siblings; this is one of the notable joy in our culture, selflessness and being one’s brother or sisters keeper were the essentials of our culture. Western culture only stresses the essence of individualism and not collectivism.

“Our education curriculum should be design to teach principle of collective development rather than capitalist tendencies which promote looting of public treasury so as to enslave others.

“Our culture has critical role to play to reconstruct our living as a nation, hence the need for cultural revival and cultural reintegration to reflect today’s living and confront today’s challenges”, he stressed.

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FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Ayedaade ES Warns Pupils To Protect Public Property The Executive Secretary, Ayedaade Local attendance of their accompanied on the tour Yinus Akande; Head of of Finance Department, Government Council area of the State of Osun, Mr. children/wards in by his cabinet members A d m i n i s t r a t i o n Mr. Afolabi Kehinde; Bashir Oduwole has warned teachers as well as school. which include, the Department, Mr. Auditor, Alhaji Mustafa pupils to take proper care of government’s The council boss was Council Manager, Alhaji Odebode Adesayo; Head Mutair among others. properties in their various schools.

He gave the warning school. during his visit to some Oduwole commended public elementary Governor Rauf schools in the Council Aregbesola for the Area recently. initiative and promises to The schools visited ensure that the standard included Olufi of education is elevated Government Middle across all the local School, Gbongan; St. governments of the state.

David’s Mega High The ES then School, Ode-Omu, and appreciated the Baptist Middle School, government of the state Ode Omu; St. Michael’s for the computer systems Government Elementary introduced into schools School, Ode-Omu, and to aid pupils’ knowledge Muslim Middle School, about Information and Ode-Omu. Communication In a statement by the Technology (ICT).

Information Officer of the The Open Day adopted Local Government, Mrs. into the state’s Khadija Amusan, the curriculum by the monitoring exercise also government through the afforded the ES the Ministry of Education is opportunity to call on a window which allows parents to make good use all parents and guardians of the Open Day to visit to visit schools during •The Executive Secretary, Ayedaade Local Government, Mr Bashir Oduwole (5th left), Comrade Amitolu Shitu (4th and assess their children session to ascertain the right), The Council Manager, Ayedaade LG, Alhaji Yunus Akande and members of Community Development Council, performance in the level of performance and during the 2017 CDC week recently. school.

The council boss stressed that the Open Day is designated This is just as he local government. water provision by the The Executive Secretary, Egbedore Local worldwide to afford reaffirmed the Speaking with parents the opportunity Government, Engr. Layi Abiola said his determination of his journalists, he noted that people through members the caretaker to ask questions about the administration has drilled and commissioned four administration to do all his administration was of committee whom he attitude of their children hand-pump boreholes for the use of the residents of within its capacity to motivated to embark on mandated to find out the Awo, Ara, Iragberi and Ojo towns of the local or wards, behaviour and make life more bearable the projects as a result of needs of their general comportment in government. for the residents of the barrage of requests for constituents.

According to a statement by the head of Information Unit of the council, Olayide Raji, the The Caretaker Management Team of Isokan Local Besides, the Executive burnt parts of Isokan The Executive council boss assured that Government under the Leadership of Hon. Secretary has reaffirmed Local Government Secretary promised that other towns and Olanrewaju Maruf has commenced the dredging of his administration’s Secretariat. the project would be communities would be determination to some flood-prone water channels in the council According to the completed very soon, just taken care of in due area. promote solid statement by Rufai, the as he commended course when funds are The flagging off of the ways and also should not i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l council boss implored the Governor Aregbesola for available for the use of the dredging exercise embark on any building development in the people to support his his visionary and council.

He equally promised to according to a statement construction project that council area. administration through purposeful leadership the faulty He made this assertion prompt payment of all since inception of his repair by the Information does not have Officer of the council, Mr. government approved during the foundation levies, dues and taxes for administration in the boreholes sunk by the previous administrations Rufai Kehinde, was plan, particularly on laying of the on-going further development state. in the local government to reconstruction of the efforts. aimed at putting an end waterways. ensure adequate supply to perennial flooding of clean water to the which has resulted to loss people. of many lives and The executive secretary The Executive Secretary, Ife East Local Government property worth millions however implored the Olubusola Adeyeni has commissioned a of naira, hence rendering Honourable residents of the New 33 Kwt Transformer in Oke-Atan Community in benefitting communities many homeless in the Ile-Ife, just as he has laid foundation for the first phase to develop the culture of area. of Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi Shopping Complex. maintenance of The statement said that The council boss while supports towards the government projects in as at the time of filing this performing the two-in-one successes recorded by his their domains and report, dredging on ceremonies reiterated the administration so far. consider such The Lowa Adimula of Agbowo river to Mogi- commitment and desire of infrastructural facilities as Ife, Oba Adeyeye Adekola Mogi and Ahoyaya rivers his administration to leave theirs. a lasting legacy in the (JP) commended the was nearly completed.

This he said would caretaker management Residents of the Local Government. encourage the team for giving the While noting that council area, have then government to do more, complex would development of Ife East a commended the council shopping priority in their mind. saying, his administration boost the Internally authority for the Generated revenue of the Former Deputy is a focused one and that explains why it was able dredging and Local Government when Governor of the state, to achieve the feat within channelisation of major completed, he said the Chief Sooko Adewoyin a short time of his supply of the transformer who was also part of the rivers in the council. programme commended administration and with part of the The residents of the was the efforts of the council meagre financial a d m i n i s t r a t i o n affected areas also management team resources available to it. electrification projects. commended the towards bringing The council boss then He explained that Governor of the state, commended the staffers of development to the council within the past months, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the council for their area. his administration was for bringing dividend of able to buy a new CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME democracy closer to their computer set with a That OYEDEJI ILIAS That I formerly known doorsteps, saying the printer, repair a nonZAKARIYAH, STANLEY as KOMOLAFE gesture would save them BRIGHT OK, ILIAS functioning photocopier, ZAKARIYAH ILIAS AND TOBI, now wish to be print identity cards for from flood disaster.

OYEDEJI ZAKARIYAH ILIAS , members of staff, The Executive known and addressed as are the same person, and My Date of Birth was mistakenly written as 10th refurbished the Secretary, in the KOMOLAFE RUTH day of October, 1982, but now wish legislature’s bus and statement, has however to be known and addressed as TOBI. All former official cars for the use of STANLEY BRIGHT OK. With my urged the people of the documents remain valid. correct Date of Birth, 10th day of the caretaker committee area to desist from act of October, 1985, All former documents G.T. Bank and General •Adeyeni, laying the foundation for the Shopping members and the council remain valid. UBA, First Bank and dumping refuse on water public should take note. Complex.

General public should take note. manager respectively.

Egbedore Drills, Commissions Boreholes

Isokan LG Begins Dredging Of Waterways

Ife East Caretaker Management Commissions Transformer, Begins Shopping Complex

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings 2017 International Conference Of Life By Living 2017 Harvest Ceremony Of CAC Agbala Itusila, Ogberin, Ede, State Of Osun On Sunday.

Christ Evangelical Ministry (LICEM), Ilesa, State Of Osun.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Wedding Ceremony Of Prince Ibrahim Oyetunji, Son Of The Ataoja Of Osogboland And His Hearthrob, Fausat At The Distinguish Events Center Iwo Road Osogbo.

•The new couple: Ibrahim and Fausat.

•A cross section of congregation during the service.

•Host Pastor, Reverend Oluwayemi Oduwale (2nd right); Ambassador David Adeniji (middle); and other Ministers of God.

•A cross section of children congregation at the conference.

By By Gbenga Adeniyi

The Christ Living Evangelical Ministry (LICEM) Headquarter, Ilesa in the State of Osun has held its 2017 International Conference at Church auditorium between 7th and 12thNovember 2017 .

Present at the conference were Gospel Artists who used their talents to praise the Lord for what He has done for the Church of God, State of Osun

and Nigeria.

At the programme, Reverend Oluwayemi Oduwale urged the congregation to continue praising the Lord all the time.

The Ministers in charge of the Church, Reverend Oduwale, Ambassador David Adeniji and other Ministers of God all over the countries were all part of the programme.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among other for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

The Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Itusile, Ogberin, Ede in the State of Osun has recently held its 2017 harvest celebration.

At the programme, members used their talents to minister during the harvest celebration held at the church Auditorium at Ogberin State of Osun.

The Minister in charge of the church, Lady Evangelist Bose Adekaye , Church Pastors from the Headquarters, Pastor Adedeji Samuel, Lady Evangelist Alice Omoyungbo and other children of God were all part of the celebration.

•Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun (right) and wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Funsho Amosun.

Ataoja Of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun’s Son Got Married

By Gbenga Adeniyi

•A cross section of congregation during the service.

Yoruba Traditional Rulers From Republic of Benin Paid A Courtesy Visit To The State Of Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola At The Governors Office Osogbo Recently.

•From Right - Iya Ajero of Ijero, Oga Adebayo Adewale; Alara of Aramoko, Oba Adegoke Adeyemi, and Olugbon of Orile Igbon, Oba Francis Alao during the visit.

The ancient town of Osogbo in the State of Osun was the host city of dignitaries last week, as Fausat got married to his better half, Ibrahim Oyetunji, son of Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji.

Saturday, 11th of September would forever remain memorable in the annals of history for both families of the new couple, as their children, Fausat and Ibrahim graduated from spinsterhood and bachelorhood into the realm of solemnization.

The engagement of the two love birds was held at Distinguish Events Center Iwo Road Osogbo, Osun State on Saturday 11th September 2017 during which Oyetunji family came forward with the formal proposal and items requested by the Fausat family to have their daughter’s hand in marriage.

The programme marking the solemnization of the Nikkah between Ibrahim and Fausat held on on the same date, at the same venue.

The State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat; Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, wife of Ogun State Governor, Mrs Funsho Amosun, Mallam Yusuf Ali (SAN) and other important dignitaries joined other dignitaries who witnessed how Ibrahim and Fausat were formally declared husband and wife.

The atmosphere was frenzy, elation filled the air and the joy of the new couple was best encapsulated in the way they danced into the reception venue and acknowledged cheers and best wishes from their retinue of friends, guests, admirers and well wishers.

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

POLITICS

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Imposition Of Candidates, Bane Of Nigeria Development - Opejin An Estate Developer, Wale Opejin, who hails from Ode-Omu in Ayedaade Local Government of the State of Osun is a professional par excellence and he has for umpteenth times reiterated the need for those in positions of authorities to add values to the lives of the people. In a chat with the News Editor, Shina Abubakar; Abdullahi Omotayo and Tola Oyewale, he spoke on various issues relating to politics and governance amongst others. Excerpt.

OSDF: What is your own definition of politics in Nigeria?

OPEJIN: When we define politics in Nigerian connotation, what we mean is so clear. When we mean politics in Nigeria, a politician is believed to be someone who contest an election with the sole aim of making money because his money making idea is through politics. The ways politicians behave have given the impression that they are just going there for personal gain. But my definition of a politician is an individual who volunteers to better the lot of the people, he seeks a political post, gets voted and when he gets to the post, he delivers on his promises.

Politics is delivery on promises and such person must have the capacity to be able to deliver within his tenure.

OSDF: You have very lucrative businesses, why are you venturing into politics?

OPEJIN: When people ask me why do I want to go into politics, my response has always been that; we are in this world for about 100 years’ term, as it’s rare to see one go above 100 years, but your education or money is useless when you cannot impact on people. If ‘A’ couldn’t go to school because his father has many children, but ‘B’ could go to school, at the end when B makes money and lives comfortably, if he cannot impact A that didn’t get the opportunity to school, then A education is useless. How many people have money and after their life you remember them for good? It is the value you add to life that makes you a rich man, not the money you have in bank.

OSDF: We’ve seen your hands on street naming in Ikire and its environs, what are you actually trying to achieve with that exercise?

OPEJIN: If you read a book “Why nations succeeds” and “Why nations fails”, written by the same author, or you look at a rich man and a poor man, you’ll see that what a rich man does is not exactly what the poor does; the poor man is poor because he doesn’t do what the rich man does, the rich man is rich because he doesn’t do what the poor man does. So, it bothers me when we talk about development but things that are fundamental to good living are not done, it really embarrasses me.

Particularly when you seek offices, there is no developed country that doesn’t have a street identification neither do they have a town without streets number. Nigerian constitution says lands belong to the government in trust for the people. Every house owner is tenant to the governor. Government must identify these houses, particularly for revenue generation for the state.

There is no way the state can generate revenue without identifying the houses and the owners. I drove round the whole of Osun, there is no town that has a street name. You have to ask motorcycle riders for directions. In these days of online shopping, how do one buy online and get it delivered to his house. How do our relatives overseas send packages to us when we don’t have street identification? In 15 years’ time, no one would go to shopping mall to purchase goods, everyone would have adopted online shopping. In developed countries, calibrated drones are used to get goods delivered to doorstep.

So, when I didn’t see the street naming done, I asked myself, if I can afford it, yes! I then started with OdeOmu, Gbongan, Ikire, Ikoyi, Apomu and at the moment I am fixing for Iwo.

•OPEJIN

‘

I hope imposition will be limited to a large extent and I believe that INEC should wade in and make sure that parties are reformed. Before candidate is chosen and presented, INEC should be aware of method of candidate selection.

If INEC can scrutinize candidate selection, it would curb candidate imposition.

Without having to talk about Osun State, if we identify the houses by number and streets, the governor can then write a letter and communicate with every house holder. If for example, every household in Ile-Ife pays N100 for being a tenant of the governor; N100 multiplied by all houses in Ile-Ife and other local governments that might be enough to pay staffs’ salary. It might be as little as N100, but it might result to billions of naira.

OSDF: How impactful will this be on your own politicking?

OPEJIN: The Oluwo of Iwo asked me what I want in return or what am I contesting for? That’s the normal thought everyone would have had, but I am not doing this for politics. John F. Kennedy in 1996 said “Don’t think about what your country can do for you but what you can do for your country”.

From then America moved on in social responsibility. Any company that does things within or outside US, there will be tax concession and exemption for such company. Bill Gate spent 50 billion dollars in Africa to cure polio and tuberculosis. That’s a business strategy, it’s not just charity work. He will present his CSR receipt to America government to get his tax concession. I am not doing this because I want to do

’

politics but if, it will add up that people will see that I am charitable, it’s good.

OSDF: Are you saying specifically that you do not have any political ambition, either appointment or elective?

OPEJIN: At this stage of my life, is it money that I am looking for? Obviously not. My children have gone to school and I give glory to God. So what next do I do? To have money in the bank?

To eat? Honestly I would love to do more for the people if I have the financial capability. I wish I was Dangote that has money to impact on people’s life but the idea is that when one has a political office, it becomes a leverage. That leverage can be used to do a lot without spending from personal money.

For instance, for the street naming I am doing, each pole costs about N20,000 and a town uses minimum of 50 poles, which is equivalent to N1million. If I have enough financial capability, I will go ahead and do the job without seeking for political office but a political office holder can use the opportunity to do a lot. The street name of Ghana was done by Bill Gate. A charity organization from Ghana wrote a letter to Bill Gate concerning the street name and he sponsored the project by

giving them money. The president of Ghana instructed all the Local Government Chairman to ensure the job is done.

Elective office gives you a platform to do what your money can’t do. A Senator for instance or a House of Rep member, bearing federal government logo can write to Guinness seeking for CSR on water, and Guinness will surely act to such mail. That’s the beauty of political post. Not just being a senator or house of representative member and make laws that cannot be implemented on ground. Domestic violence law exists yet people still get victimised.

OSDF: Ikire Federal Constituency is being manned by a woman presently.

Things being equal that’s the sit you will be eyeing. Do you see any challenge from this female political inclusion?

That is, gender equality, irrespective of how many times their capabilities and efficiency can cope with?

OPEJIN: I don’t see any challenge in that but I think we should give merit chance in this country away from every other thing. This gender equality and federal character limit us. Whoever is seeking political post should be screened. If it’s a woman she should be screened alongside her other opposing aspirants. Because of gender equality, we are going back to quota system and federal character that have limited us.

However, I will advocate merit. I believe in debate during elections.

OSDF: With the rate of negative campaign in Nigeria these days, do you see religious sentiments getting in placed in elections coming 2019?

OPEJIN: I know Nigeria is a wonderful place where anything throws up. Nigeria is categorised in religious, tribal and political lines. How I wish we were able to walk away from these because the more we consider these, the less we have candidate of quality. I wish INEC can go to electoral reform and fine-tune every condition that is not making the best candidate to emerge.

OSDF: How do you react to imposition of candidates?

OPEJIN: Like I have said before, so many things limit the development of Nigeria, talking about gender equality, quota system and federal character.

This imposition of candidate is a bane of development in Nigeria where a party leader sleeps with a girlfriend and promises to make her senator and so on.

Such senator gets there to paint her mouth and eye lid. Of course she’s a senator because she is imposed, though, I am beginning to see that it’s fading now. In 1999 almost 99% of office holders were imposed, but now people are resisting.

I hope imposition will be limited to a large extent and I believe that INEC should wade in and make sure that parties are reformed. Before candidate is chosen and presented, INEC should be aware of method of candidate selection. If INEC can scrutinize candidate selection, it would curb candidate imposition.

OSDF: What is your final message?

OPEJIN: The final message is that I pray the lot of the people gets better because it is at the moment a symbiotic relationship. The people who vote office holders should be able to demand for the implementation of their office manifestoes and other responsibilities.

Democracy isn’t about voting and leaving the votes. People should gather and fight for their right to make sure office holders are accountable.

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Do Nice Girls Finish Last?

Apparently, nice girls just don’t get it. That’s why they are single or in a dead-end relationships.

Being called “nice” used to be considered a good thing. But in our eat or be eaten world, nice girls are often put on the back burner in favour of more exciting, mysterious, and even dramatic girls. Most guys are drawn to X-girls who will make their heart race and keep them on their toes, unfortunately “nice” girls don’t exactly do that. They are the type of girls that will travel to go spend a weekend at their own expense, do homely things, all with the thought that she’s investing in the joint future with her guy.

They do not get angry when a guy doesn’t buy them a birthday present, or Vals gift. They are mostly contented just to support their guy until he achieves his aims in life.

Nice girls looking for love just aren’t getting it right.

They’re not asking for what they want, they don’t have the strength or the balls to get out of bad relationships and will generally accept a man’s bull shit for as long as she can take it without speaking up. As a guy, “while bad girls can be exciting, they’re usually only worth it in the short term”.

If you can find a good girl and turn

In most and almost absurd ways, bad girls get the good guys. Most of their approach and technique is that they know how to find quality men, know how to position them. They know what men actually want and most importantly, they are ‘sexperts’.

‘

her into a sexual animal, you may have just found the perfect woman. One truth is that men respond well to naughty girls. Here are some reasons why nice girls come up short in love.

1. They are boring You always know what to expect with a nice girl. She always does the right thing.

2. They let guys walk over them Guys have to push girls’ button.

They’ll do it on purpose to test h e r limits.

But the nice girl doesn’t have any, as soon as a guy realizes that, he loses all respect for her and its downhill from there.

Lately, pictures of Ankara caps on different ladies have gone viral and one cannot but wonder w h a t exactly these caps w e r e actually meant for, because obviously it wasn’t a cap that could be to public events.

After much observation, I finally came to the conclusion to meet with the source of this fashionable caps trending, particularly in Osogbo, the State of Osun.

During an interview with the CEO of Stitches Temmycathy, it was discovered t h a t t h e s e African caps are made with different Ankara. It comes

in different sizes from small to medium and to large.

When she was asked about what brought about the idea of making these caps, she said, “I am tired of seeing ladies wear hair net to bed at night making their spouse very uncomfortable because to be honest with you, 60 per cent of men do not like the regular hair net worn by most women, so, I decided to come up with something more fashionable and comfortable. Although, it is called a multipurpose cap, it can only be worn indoor.

“Also, I am tired of having men complaining of seeing strands of hair in their meal due to uncovered or not well-covered hair by the cook, hence, African A n k a r a multipurpose cap is a cap that can be worn both in bed, kitchen and it

Sex & Life

By Damilola Ojenike Twitter: @d_real_dee

’

Instagram: life_of_dee_ E-mail: damilolaojenike@gmail.com

3.

They give guys too m a n y chances Instead of cutting a betraying guy out of her life, the nice girls will give him another chance.

And another; and another.

Whether he deserves them or not, she always thinks it’s her duty to let him prove he can change, when it would b e better f o r both o f them if she just walked away.

4.

They don’t take risks Not only will the nice girl probably not ask a guy out, she’ll rarely venture

Trending African Multipurpose Cap

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far outside of her comfort zone at all.

She’ll have a hard time meeting new guys, or intriguing them at all because she rather be nice than interesting.

5. They think being “Nice” is enough They rely so much on their image, as the nice girl next door that they forget guys like girls with personality.

No guy wants to date someone who is just nice. They want a little edge.

6.

They’re afraid to step on toes She and her friend have their eye on the same guy, but the nice girl will always bow out gracefully rather than fight for what she wants.

In most and almost absurd ways, bad girls get the good guys. Most of their approach and technique is that they know how to find quality men, know how to position them. They know what men actually want and most importantly, they are ‘sexperts’.

Do not get me wrong. Being nice is good, for the records at least, but to enjoy being nice, you need to stand up for what you want. Being nice does not mean you should be gullible to know what is right and absolutely comet.

FASHION

comes in different sizes.

I wondered why WITH ladies love these caps TEMITOPE so much, although, it is flashy from the AKINYELE Ankara fabrics used, it seems nothing like the sweat; it comes in ordinary hair net we are varieties of used to, so I took interest Ankara in asking a slay queen materials who resides here in and sizes Osogbo as I have that you seen different sizes c a n of the cap on her choose social media from account with and it is captions like, fashionable, “rocking my favourite so, why cap”, “its night time won’t I and I can’t wait to get my like it. braids into my comfortable Ladies, I multipurpose cap”. am not She stated that, “the caps saying it is a are just too comfortable, must you get this wearing it doesn’t make you trending African multipurpose cap, but to be honest, I personally do not like the use of our regular everyday hair net, hence, I have resulted to using scarfs over the years well until I discovered this caps and decided to give it a try by getting one for myself.

It’s not necessary you get this particular cap, you can as well get something that is more comfortable and fashionable but definitely not the regular hair net.

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VOX POP

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

Crazy Or Not: IBEDC Billing System Although, I have not experienced much about inappropriate billing by IBEDC, but it is not something proper. If I am given the ‘crazybill’, I would not pay.

Many of the IBEDC staffs are happy to distribute crazy bills to their numerous customers

Mr. Oyebade Waheed (Trader)

because they have a target to meet at the end of every month and in my opinion, I think the solution to the problem is that the landlord should insist on getting their prepaid metres.

The worrying aspect is that, they have failed many customers who have paid and requested for these prepaid metres for over two, three, four years without getting the metre.

IBEDC staff will just bring the bill to the people indiscriminately without reading their metres to know the actual amount they ought to be paid.

In my view, they are always happy to give out the bill because they know that they are going to get much money from it.

I think what the government can do is to re-structure the corporation and take care of everything. The bill is too much. Most of the money we are paying, we don’t know where it’s going to and not sure if the money is getting to the government or to the IBEDC itself. And if possible, the government can get the work away from the IBEDC and give it to other people who can do the job very well and perfectly.

•Olabisi Onabanjo

•Odeboye Rauf (Retiree) You see, the issue of inappropriate billing system (crazy bill) is not something new, it has been in the system over the years and it affects every household except those with prepaid metres. I will like to advice the federal government through the regulatory agency to make the distribution prepaid metres compulsory for the distribution company, as well as make the recharge of the metres available and accessible.

I am aware that Nigerians have been clamouring for withdrawal of private companies running the place, in my view I think the regulatory agency has more to do in ensuring compliance with the rules of the land and ensure that Nigerians are not unnecessarily exploited for the services they are not getting.

•Quazim Badmus (Electrician)

I have been hearing crazy bill, crazy bill, people are complaining about it and its getting too much.

The IBEDC should try to minimize it because many residents are saying that they did not consume as much electricity compared to the bill they were asked to pay. IBEDC had been cheating people with this crazy bill and it is better to find a lasting solution to the problem, because it is not every customer that has the capacity to pay such exorbitant bill.

•Mr. Dele (Press man) I think the issue of ‘Pay as you Use’ which the prepaid metre represents is the best way to solve the problem now.

They should allow this new metre to come in and forget about the old one, if the new prepaid metre is out and it is distributed to the consumers, they will be glad enough because what you used is exactly what you are going to pay for. They should release the prepaid metre to every house and there won’t be any problem and I think that is the best way. Mere looking at it, fingers are not equal, many people are poor while few are rich.

•Oloyede Olaojoyetan Samuel (Institution) This issue of crazy bill is a means of unleashing more suffering on the masses.

Government should do something about it without delay. People are paying for what they did not use; it is cheating to me as a matter of fact. When IBEDC officials come to your house, they won’t read your metre before giving you bill. The rate at which the crazybills is being distributed is getting out of hand and the present government should do something about it and put an end to the menace.

The issue of this IBEDC crazybill was not like this before, there used to be someone that do go round to check and read metres which is used to measure the amount of money you are going to pay but now things are not like that again. When the IBEDC gets to your house, they won’t even read your metre before your bill is given to you and it won’t be the exact price you ought to pay which is totally wrong. The IBEDC is making money at the expense of the people. Many have complained about this at the IBEDC headquarter yet nothing has changed.

I live in the Northern part of the country for more than 16 years before I relocated here to retire and I discovered that the way they do things over there is not like what is obtainable in the southwest here. This crazy IBEDC Bill is affecting people too much and the earlier the government finds solution to it the better.

•Mr. Wale (Fashion Designer)

The IBEDC no longer care about reading metres again before bringing the bill. The money is too much compared to the tariff used by those using the prepaid metre. They can use N2,000 prepaid value for 2 months because it is pay as you use.

Like me now, we are five in number that we are living together and when it’s the end of the month to pay, they can bring like N11,000 bill and the light itself is not stable and what are we selling or how much are we making that we will be able to pay such amount per month.

The government should try to distribute the prepaid metre to every house so that people can be happy.

•Mrs. Rafiu Kehinde (O’YES)

•Kasali Oyetola (Fashion Designer)

IBEDC are making life unbearable for us, they are no longer reading the metre.

Sometimes they bring about N12,000 N15,000 just for one household, whereas power itself is not stable, it goes on and off.

In some cases, some people do not have light for 3 months but they still bring the crazybills, they are really making things inconvenient for us.

There are lots of steps the government can take over this crazy bill of a thing. The first I think they should do is to try to make the prepaid metre available for the consumers, if the prepaid get to all the consumers, there won’t be any problem of crazy bill. There are also some cases whereby some people paid for the prepaid metres for over 2 years without getting what they paid for.

They are really cheating us.

We are paying for what we are not using, if we look at the northern part of the country they are using free prepaid metres.

The solution to this problem is that the government should find a means of regulating the activities of Discos to ensure that people have a way of measuring the amount power they consume daily. We also plead to the government to enforce Discos to distribute prepaid metre to every house and by doing this the crazy bill issue by the IBEDC will stop and it will also make things easier for the people.

•Isiaka Adebisi (Security)

The problem in this country is fundamental. When we are talking about this metre, I don’t see any reason behind selling metre to the consumer, it helps measure what one consumes and you are at liberty to purchase more power or not and the amount you want to consume. It is just like selling petrol to the people, the amount of petrol you want to buy is the what would be dispense to you.

I want to advise the government to ensure that power service provider provide prepaid metres to the consumers across the country, so, it will be that you pay for what you use.

If we are not using this prepaid metre, it relays that the IBEDC is cheating the community because now they are no longer reading the metre before bills are served and one is left with no choice than to

pay or get disconnected.

So I want the government to compel the power provider to give out the prepaid metres to every home, establishments, religious organisations and household to tackle the issue of the crazy bill and other dirty dealings within the power sector.

•Elder Victor Erinfolabi

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 10 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 16, 2017

HEALTH

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

13

Now That The Harmattan Is Here!

You wake up one morning and you noticed that the weather has changed. It was expected but probably not so soon. It is yet another season, for there is indeed a season for everything.

The rain has come and gone and the harmattan is here again. It comes with its dry, dusty air, hot temperature in the daytime and cold temperature at night and early hours of the morning.

There is the tendency for one to have high thirst for water, because the throat dries up easily, the lips crack easily, the hair breaks easily and one loses more water either through sweating, talking or urinating.

There are two major seasons in the climate of Nigeria, the rainy season and the dry season (popularly known as harmattan season). The rainy season in Nigeria is usually between March and November while the dry season is between November and March.

The dry season is very cold in the mornings and evenings. The mornings are especially cold before sunrise. The season is characterized by cold weather, low humidity, and dust particles suspended in air, blue cloudless sky and drought caused by absence of rainfall.

The Harmattan is a seasonal wind which blows across Northwestern Africa every year from November through March, at intermittent strengths.

The dry wind lowers the humidity, which can lead to hot days and cool nights.

This famous wind blows from North to South, working its way across the Sahara to the Gulf of Guinea. Along the way, it tends to pick up sand and dust, turning into a very drying, dusty wind. When the Harmattan really gets going, the dust can create a cloudy haze which can sometimes intensify into an actual sandstorm.

Risks associated with the Harmattan include: 1. Fire outbreaks: Fire outbreaks constitute one of the common risks during harmattan. This is as a result of the harmattan, which is associated with

dryness and wind. Between November and March, quite a lot of fire outbreaks are often recorded since there is dry wind, which makes it easy for fire to spread at the slightest ignition. This fire outbreaks release carbon monoxide into the atmosphere which could poison the air and lead to dangerous levels of air pollution and this has adverse effects on people with respiratory diseases.

2. Poor Visibility: The harmattan haze with extremely dry dusty wind blows from the Sahara toward the western coast of Africa. This can reduce visibility.

Driverse beware!

3. Health Hazards: A. Allergies: Since there will be severe cold mixed with dust, people with asthmatic conditions and any sort of i n h a l a n t allergies are advised to t a k e precautions because this is the period when they will be inhaling all sorts of dust.

This is the period when the Asthmatic patients suffer more crises.

Many also s u f f e r pneumonia and bronchitis, especially the very young and the aged. Those that are allergic to cold should also endeavor to go for thick clothing that can cover them up.

B. The skin: The skin is usually dry with accompanying cracking of the lips, sole of the feet and even the skin itself.

The skin can be kept healthy by topical application of oily creams and weather friendly dressings.

C. The eyes: The eyes are directly exposed to the harsh weather especially

the dust particles carried by the wind. Thus itching, foreign body sensation and redness may be common especially in individuals with allergic eye disease. Proper eye hygiene in form of washing with clean water, reduced exposure to dust and protective eye glasses are advocated.

D. Sickle cell anaemia: The dry, cold and dusty wind associated with Harmattan also triggers sickle cell crises in affected individuals. Sickle cell anaemia to recall is a genetic disease in which the red blood cells become sickle under a condition of low oxygen tension leading to blockage of small blood vessels. The reduced blood supply to the tissues results in pain especially from the bones. The blood oxygen is usually reduced in extremes of temperatures, cold in this case. ‘Sicklers’ as the patients are often referred to, should be vigilant and keep warm as much as possible to prevent crises.

E. Food borne diseases: Because of the dusty atmosphere, there is need to imbibe healthy food preservation culture especially food hawkers such as fruits, vegetables and so on to prevent food borne diseases. Fruits and vegetables should be properly washed before eating.

Our drinking water containers should also be properly covered.

F. The epidemic of meningococcal meningitis usually experience between February to May in the ‘meningitis belt’, of Northern Nigeria inclusive, is an

Osun Soars High In Human Capital Development Index Simply put, human capital is defined as the skills, knowledge, and experience possessed by an individual or population, viewed in terms of their value or cost to an organisation or country. These are what actually facilitate or constrain the development of any organisation, state or nation. We are sometimes deluded to think in terms of natural resources such as oil, gold and all what is not, to measure potential development. But recent happenings in our nation have shown us that these are mere mirage to true development. If anything, they are albatross to our journey and our quest for a secured future. Oil is fast on its way to irrelevance with “oil-less” technologies coming on board in all facets as technological advancement is inevitable.

After all, the Stone-age did not disappear for lack of stones, but for its faded relevance.

Looking closely, it has been identified that nations with vast natural resources are almost always those with the least development index, except if blessed with visionary leaders who acknowledge that something must be consciously and seriously done. Lee Kuan Yew was Singapore’s Prime Minister for three decades. And realising the limited natural resources of his country, he is known to say and demonstrate that Singapore’s only natural resources are its people and their strong work ethic. During the three decades in which Lee held office, Singapore grew from a developing country to one of the most developed nations in Asia.\ In similar vein, the Prime Minister of United Arab Emirates and Ruler of Dubai, Sheik Mohamed bin Rashid Al-Maktoum initiated a number of human capital development prorammes and mechanisms that was aimed at achieving excellence.

Dubai is naturally in an arid region with little or no mineral resources for survival.

He invested heavily in knowledge economy and creative human resources in order to

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO aftermath of Harmattan.

G. Dehydration: Lots of fluid should be taken to compensate for loss of water from the body into the atmosphere through respiration, perspiration and urinating.

Harmattan is the period when the throat gets sore, sneezing is frequent, sometimes the eyes become watery or reddish, frequent headaches, sputum in your saliva because of catarrh and then cold and over time, cough. All these symptoms for just one season!

The Harmattan, despite its adverse health effects, is not without some benefits to man. For example, the low temperature associated with it is unfavorable for breeding of mosquitoes thus reducing the incidence of malaria.

The cool wind also brings relief from the oppressive heat. It also makes for some beautiful sunrises and sunsets.

The Harmattan is a natural phenomenon that we have to contend with. That notwithstanding, man’s alteration of his natural environment, help fuel these natural hazards with attendant health consequences.

Desert encroachment by human activities in form of deforestation must be discouraged by relevant authorities.

It is not enough to observe ceremonial tree planting campaigns yearly without devising a means of nurturing them.

Alternative means of fuel such as coal, would go a long way in reducing the societal demand for fire wood for cooking.

Environmental sanitation and enacting and enforcing laws to regulate environmental pollution from industrial bye products are all measures that will minimize the adverse health effect of this natural hazard. Indeed, there is no weather that would fully be accepted by all humans no matter how favorable it is.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

reach his ambitious development goal which today is attracting businesses and tourists to this nation-state.

In his epic book, “My Vision” (2012), Rashid Al-Maktoum addresses wider Arab nations thus, “Our experience in the UAE has taught us that there are no big secrets to the development process. The quality of a group is derived from the quality of its members, and the strength of a community is derived from the strength of its sons and daughters. When we free the potential of the individuals, we simultaneously free the potential of the whole community they are part of, and when we let the creativity of individual blossom, the creativity of the community as a whole blossoms”. He was referring to human capital development.

One of his most favourite quotes which inspire personal strives for development is referred to as the gazelle and lion quote: With each day in Africa, a gazelle wakes up knowing he must outrun the fastest lion or perish. At the same time, a lion stirs and stretches, knowing he must outrun the fastest gazelle or starve. It is no difference in human race. Whether you consider yourself a lion or a gazelle, you simply have to run the race of your life (human capital) to survive, says Al-Maktoum.

When Nigeria discovered oil in awesome commercial quantity post-civil war, then head of the country’s military government,

With each day in Africa, a gazelle wakes up knowing he must outrun the fastest lion or perish. At the same time, a lion stirs and stretches, knowing he must outrun the fastest gazelle or starve.

It is no difference in human race.

Whether you consider yourself a lion or a gazelle, you simply have to run the race of your life (human capital) to survive, says Al-Maktoum.

Yakubu Gowon was quoted as saying that money was not Nigeria’s problem but how to spend it. His government went on spending binge. This behaviour did not stop even up to this present dispensation. What with petro-dollars that are at the beck and calls of successive governments?

While our contemporaries in other nations were utilising the proceeds of these resources to develop their countries’ human capitals, the same way Osun government is doing presently, the national government was busy on spending jamborees, creating false development indices which are themselves counterdevelopments, thinking that throwing money at problems and merely building structures and infrastructures alone, without corresponding human capital development will one day take us to our Eldorado. The rise of corruption in our system is a direct result of the inability to focus our rapt attentions on human capital development.

When Governor Rauf Aregbesola came on board in 2010, he met unbelievable base level of human capital, so low that conscious effort to do something to reverse it was not an option but the only chance he

had. He had to convoke an education summit as an initial move, which catapulted the vast infrastructural and human capital atmosphere we are witnessing today. It is a long journey, no doubt. But the journey of a thousand miles, they say, starts with the first step forward.

The state of Osun has again been ranked second, only after Delta State, in human capital development idex in the first subnational competitive index released by The National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria, NCCN. Osun has also maintained the second position in four years in a roll in the global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI) recently released by the Oxford Poverty & Human Development Intiative (OPHI) for the year 2016.

No wonder therefore that statistics shows Osun’s GDP is growing at the rate of 7.3% per annum and is the 5th largest economy in Nigeria.

14

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

CRIME

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

27 Year-old Man Docked For Stealing Car

By Ayomide Fadairo For allegedly stealing a Toyota Sienna Bus worth N1.8 million, a 27 years-old Johnson Michael has been dragged before an Osogbo magistrate Court.

The charge sheet read that the accused person committed the offence on October 7, 2017 at

Deborah Event Centre, Osogbo, at about 3:00pm.

According to the charge sheet, the accused person stole the bus with Registration Number LND 974 AZ, a property

of One Abu Lukman Olatunbosun an offence contrary to and punishable under section 390 of the State penal code.

The accused person

pleaded not guilty to a charge leveled against him.

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

Woman In Court For Receiving Stolen Goods leveled against him.

By Damilola Olujide The defense counsel A 42-year old Funmilayo James has been Lekan Olayiwola prayed arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court the court to grant his presided over Mrs. Fatima Sodamade for receiving client bail in the most stolen property. liberal terms, saying the The charge sheet pleaded not guilty to the suspect would not jump disclosed that the three-count charge bail if granted. accused person and others at large received items such as: cosmetics, food stuff, red oil, can drinks, valued N250,000, property of one Ayuba Salamotu from Asimiyu Rashidii knowing that they are stolen items, thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 427 laws of Osun State Nigeria, 2003.

The charge sheet further disclosed that the accused person did received another set of items including varieties of fabrics valued N170,000 property of one Kikelomo Badmus contrary to and punishable under section

By Olaniyi Olanrewaju 427 Laws of Osun state.

The accused person An Osogbo Magistrate Court presided over by committed the offence on Magistrate Fatimoh Sodamade has arraigned a 29 November 1, 2017, at years old, Solomon Olayinka Anifowose over Niyi Ibikunle Shopping alleged reckless driving, assault and damage of Complex, Dada Estate, property. offences on October 25, Osogbo at about According to the 2017 between 7:15am to 11:30pm. charge sheet the accused 8:00am at Ita-Olokan The accused person person committed the Area of Osogbo.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Fagboyinbo Abiodun did not oppose the application bail.

Magistrate Fatima Sodamade admitted the

accused person to bail in the sum of N200,000 with one surety.

She also adjourned the case till December 19, 2017 for mention.

terms.

Police prosecutor, Sergeant Duro Adekunle did not object the application of bail.

The presiding magistrate, Ayo Ayeni granted the accused person bail in the sum of N250,000 and two sureties in the like sum.

He then adjourned the case till December 22, 2017 for mention.

Police Arraign Man Over Block Theft Pelumi Fasoyin A 40-year old, Sofoluwe Onikeji have been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate court on a one count charge of stealing moulded blocks worth N156, 000.

The charge sheet that the accused person disclosed that the committed the offence on accused person September 30, 2017, at dishonestly stole 1,120 Dagbolu Area of the State moulded blocks capital.

The accused person belonging to one Akinola Falola contrary to and pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against punishable under section 390 of Osun State him.

Alfred Adegoke, the criminal code law 2003.

The charge sheet stated defense counsel, prayed

the court to grant his client bail in the most liberal terms.

The police prosecutor, Sergeant Adekunle Bukola, did not oppose the bail application.

The presiding Magistrate, Ayo Ayeni granted the accused bail in the sum of N100,000 with one surety in the like sum.

He then adjourned the case for mention till December 12, 2017.

Man In Court Over Reckless Driving

Two Men Arraigned For Assaulting Police Officer

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin Two suspects, Adeshina Sulaiman, 41, and Oladele Musiliu 32 have been arraigned by an Osogbo Magistrate court for assaulting a police 451 of the state penal officer.

According to the code.

It also disclosed that charge sheet, the accused persons among the accused persons themselves conspired to conducted themselves in commit misdemeanour a manner likely to cause to wit assault and thereby breach of peace by committed an offence beating the victim while contrary to and on duty in open contrary punishable under section to and punishable under 517 of the criminal code section 249(D) of the criminal code law of of Osun state law 2003.

It also disclosed that Osun state of Nigeria the suspects did beat up 2003.

However, the suspects the officer with force number F/No. 9606 G.II pleaded not guilty to the Abiodun Bamidele while charges levelled against on a mobile court duty an them.

Defence counsel, Mrs. offence contrary to and punishable under section Raji Abiodun urged the courts to grant the 356(5) of the state accused persons bail on criminal law.

The charge sheet also stated that the accused CHANGE OF NAME persons, did maliciously That AKINGBADE tore the official uniform BOLANLE MARY, is the same person as of the victim attached to A K I N G B A D E mobile court while BOLANLE, but now wish to performing his lawful be known and addressed as duty and thereby AKINGBADE BOLANLE committed an offence MARY. All former contrary to and documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank and General punishable under section public should take note.

liberal terms and assured the court that her client would provide credible surety to stand on their behalf.

However, police Prosecutor Inspector Olayiwola Rasaq did not oppose the application of bail.

The presiding Magistrate, Mrs. O.A Oloyade admitted the suspects to bail.

It stated that the accused person being the driver in charge of DAF Truck with the registration number LEW 465 XA property of Clip Company, Imo, Ilesa drove on the public highway in a manner dangerous to the public safety contrary to and punishable under section 18[1] of RTA cap 113 vol 5 laws of osun state of Nigeria 2003.

It also disclosed that the accused drove the same vehicle and unlawfully damaged one Toyota Camry car with the registration number EKY 554 CU property of one Mr. Segun Oluwafemi at Adeleke, Owode Ilesa road contrary to and punishable under section 18(1) of RTA cap 115 vol

6 laws of osun state of Nigeria 2003.

It further stated that along Dugbe police station, Old Garage at about 8:00 am, the accused drove in a dangerous manner and failed to obey police hand and signs contrary to and punishable under section 18(1) of RTA cap 113 vol ii laws of osun state of Nigeria 2003.

The charge sheet further stated that the accused drove the aforementioned vehicle on the highway without having driving license contrary to and punishable under section 79(1) of RTA laws of osun state of Nigeria 2003.

Also, along Sabo junction the accused assaulted one Sergeant Murtala Alayande while

performing his lawful duty by giving him fist blow, tore his police uniform contrary to section 356 of criminal law of osun state.

The accused person pleaded not guilty of the five count charges leveled against him The defense counsel, Mrs Adeyinka Dada urged the court to admit the suspect to bail in the most liberal term adding that he will not abuse the privilege and the prosecutor, Sergeant Ajayi Sunday did not opposed the bail application.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Fatimoh Sodamade admit the accused person to bail in the sum of N500,000 with one surety and adjourned the case to December 7, 2017 for hearing.

•(L-R) Secretary, Oyo State Education Trust Fund, Mrs. Nike Okunade; Chairman, Oyo State Education Trust Fund.Chief [Mrs] Nike Akande and Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Mr.Toye Arulogun at the Press Briefing on Education Trust Fund in Oyo State.

PHOTO IBRAHIM SUBARU

FRIDAY NOVEMBER 17 - THURSDAY NOVEMBER 23, 2017

FEATURE

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Using Education To Eradicate Poverty In Osun

By Inwalomhe Donald

The United Nations’ Global Multidimensional Poverty Index which ranked Osun State second richest state has three measurements and 10 indicators in evaluating Overall Poverty. Every measurement is similarly weighed; every indicator within a measurement is additionally weighed, and included. It uses 10 indicators to measure poverty in three dimensions: education, health and living standards. The UN Global Multi-dimensional poverty index published a report based on the poverty rate of Nigerian states and ranked Osun second richest state.

According to the Federal Bureau of Statistics, “quality and functional educations are panacea to poverty eradication”, hence Osun’s commitment to education through building of many elementary schools, middle schools and 11 high schools to equip children with skills to eradicate poverty.

Osun education under Governor Rauf Aregbesola has developed human capabilities in areas such as health, education, agriculture, finance, transportation, commerce and governance which are the indicators needed to eradicate poverty. Osun elementary, middle and high schools education empowered people to improve their social, cultural and economic status.

Huge investment in education and skills acquired increased opportunities for economic growth and are therefore a key prerequisite for poverty eradication.

The priority that Aregbesola’s administration gives to the development of education in Osun has inspired many initiatives that have brought marked differences to the grooming of minds. The blueprint that emerged from the Education Summit the administration organised in the first year of its assumption of office had provided useful direction for its drive to reposition education in the state. From huge investments in instructional materials and teaching aids, crucial changes in curriculum, corrective restructuring of schools into Elementary, Middle, and High in conformity with international best practices in school management, to the construction of mega schools, the administration moves on to ensure that public schools in the state become virile emporium of sustainable capacitybuilding to eradicate poverty. In the last six years, remarkable successes have been recorded and rich lessons distilled from low points.

What exists in Osun in terms of educational infrastructure development is not symbolism, but substance in developing IT and other careers to eradicate poverty.

Educational system in Osun under the leadership of Aregbesola has introduced several innovations that are needed to eradicate poverty which have received accolades home and abroad. The massive construction of new schools, Osun School Feeding Programmes (OMEAL), introduction of Opon Imo amongst other innovations have not only placed Osun on the world map of educational development, it has

The role of education in this process is particularly one of the ways of achieving universal primary education and adult literacy. The report made by the SecretaryGeneral of the United Nations within the context of the Decade for the Eradication of Poverty confirms that universal primary education is central to the fight against poverty. prepared ground for a brighter future for the students of public schools in the state by eradicating poverty. Governor Aregbesola had said that the education revolution was part of his administration’s resolve to build a new man in every child in the state, a decision which he said would help to sustain the future of the state and to a very large extent eradicate poverty.

Osun elementary, middle and high schools have made advances in science and technology that are changing Osun in the foreseeable future. Aregbesola has identified that you cannot fight poverty without education, and he is talking about public education because more than 90 per cent of the schooling population are in public schools.

When you address the issues of public schools, you are addressing poverty.

In the 300 wards in the state, many schools from each ward had benefitted from Osun intervention programme.

When Osun improved the standard of public schools, by implication, it will save not less than 50 per cent of what they spend in private schools and they will get better services. Osun needs good education anchored by good leadership. Without education you cannot have water engineers, electrical engineers, you cannot have profitable agricultural sector. Even without education, you cannot have good security system. It is when there is good education system that a wellsecured environment can be guaranteed. The problem in the education sector is something that has been systemic. It is not something that started in the last eight years or so.

The role of education in poverty

eradication, in close co-operation with other social sectors, is crucial. No country has succeeded if it has not educated the people therein. Not only is education important in reducing poverty, it is also a key to wealth creation. Within this context, one of the pledges of the Dakar Framework for Action - Education for All: Meeting our Collective Commitments - was “To promote EFA policies within a sustainable and wellintegrated sector frame/work clearly linked to poverty elimination and development strategies”.

The role of education in this process is particularly one of the ways of achieving universal primary education and adult literacy. The report made by the Secretary-General of the United Nations within the context of the Decade for the Eradication of Poverty confirms that universal primary education is central to the fight against poverty.

Understandably so, because this is the level of education through which most poor children pass and within which their achievements should assist them to break the cycle of poverty. In fact, education is the social institution that reaches the largest segment of the population with the goal of guiding it through a systematic learning process.

The state-of-the-art schools which were and currently being built are of the world standard with all the facilities required in the 21stcentury standard educational institute anywhere in the world all driven forwards poverty eradication. With the quality of the schools, no one would ever believe that such could be built in Nigeria.

Just as the government has invested

hugely on the infrastructural development, it has also taken further steps through its investment in human capacity to gain competitive advantage with developed countries.

Besides the frequent training and retraining of teachers, particularly at the elementary, middle and high schools, one other major project that has been seen to be beneficial to teaching and learning was the introduction of the popular Opon Imo (Computer Tablet of Knowledge) to equip Osun students with ICT skills to eradicate poverty.

The Aregbesola’s administration championed the inspiring innovations through the ground breaking project which is meant to make the optimum utilization of ICT and concisely tackle learning problems to eradicate poverty. The state, through its Opón Ìmò Technology Enhanced Learning System (OTELS), has developed a learning tool that could revolutionise learning in developing states around the world.

Achieving universal primary education is a key prerequisite for the successful eradication of poverty and hunger worldwide. Only guaranteed access to a full course of primary schooling ensures that individuals are able to fulfill their development potentials and participate in the globalisation process on an equal footing. Primary education also provides the knowledge that is required for the individual to benefit from further education in the secondary and tertiary sectors and vocational training.

The purpose of basic education is to encourage learning, facilitate the ongoing learning process, promote independent thought and be problem-solving. Besides literacy and numeracy, people must also acquire life skills, for example self-help skills to eradicate poverty. Studies by the World Bank show that just four years of education help people to increase the productivity of their agricultural small holdings. Basic education is the major prerequisite for developing a population’s creative and productive capacities. A well-trained workforce enhances the quality and quantity of a country’s labour productivity.

•Inwalomhe Donald writes from Benin City (inwalomh.donald@yahoo.com)

POLITICS

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ISAAC OLUSESI writes, LUC, Land Use Charge is a single most salient source of internally raised revenue that will evolve considerable equity in income distribution and solve the problem of expanding urban service system in the State of Osun.

Observation

Boosting IGR In Osun With Land Use Charge

ISAAC OLUSESI

“From the Land Use Charge Collection There was thus that exigency for a Fund, consisting of all land use charge revolutionary overhaul of the tax payments deposited in designated banks, the share to be paid to each local government lists in Osun which Aregbesola council shall be such percentage of the net land actually did, heightened by factors use charge on deposit, being 80 per cent of the gross collection at the end of each month as of equity, revenue loss and tax agreed between the state and local government areas. The state portion shall be remitted to the administration efficiency requisite, General Revenue Accounts of the state,” a to upsurge tax revenue from both law, establishing the State of Osun Land Use Charge (LUC) states. the existing and additional sources.

LUC is one of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s numerous inventions in Osun, with considerably enchanting payment slip at assessment of his property. The tribunal, emphasis on greater mobilisation of the bank, and with powers akin a Magistrate Court’s internal financing sources to eliminate the other copy could subpoena the appellant’s witnesses adverse effects of his development finance deposited at the to appear before it, and also has power to policy by constantly making efforts to LUC corporate confirm, reduce, increase or annual the increase the states IGR, internally office, or in the assessed value and rule that payment generated revenue. His LUC aims at state Ministry of should be made into the state government cutting down recurrent expenditure, to F i n a n c e , Assessment Appeal Account. match the growth of current expenditure Meanwhile, the property owner/ Osogbo, state with the growth of revenues for the occupier who mutilates, damages or capital. development of the state, having fully destroys the LUC identification placed on Interestingly, convinced self that governance at all levels there is discount assessed property/building, or incites globally, is hindered or slowed down by taxable escaped tax net, that brought the if the property owner/occupier another property owner to misrepresent acute shortages of financial sources. average effective tax rate in the state to its pays within 40days of receiving the his chargeable capacity, commits an Aregbesola is constantly convinced that nadir. demand notice, and a corresponding 10 offence, attracting a maximum fine of Osun could no longer afford the luxury of Why LUC in Osun? Land use charge is per cent increase in the amount payable #100,000 only or a term of 3months perpetual dependence on the central practically most useful to tool-up equity when the property owner/occupier fails imprisonment, or both. Payments of all government inadequate finances which among tax payers, directly attuned to the to pay the LUC demand notice within the such monies including actual LUC either have dangerous implications for the re-distributional objectives and persuasive specified period. It is more interesting that, demand notice, outstanding taxes, state political economy even in the face of resource allocation effects of Aregbesola’s by fiscal analysis, LUC in Osun is a source penalties and administrative charges are shared party identity with the centre; or All Progressives Congress (APC) of financing public services in the state. It made on Electronic Banking System of had in the past, directly contributed to government in Osun. LUC is a single most is one basic exchange, with the payment Revenue Cycle Management (EBSRCM) incoherence and retardation of the salient source of internally raised revenue of the land use charge by property owner platform, and automated receipt and bank economies of the federating states in that will help solve the problem of being traded for public goods and services teller obtained.

Nigeria, especially in the erstwhile Peoples expanding urban service system at low for accelerated development of the state.

Good enough. The government of Democratic Party (PDP) government at the cost, judging by the forces of rural-urban The LUC in Osun is progressive; and on Aregbesola is a government of bio-metrics centre. migration with accelerated effect on the the right track, exempting substantial in all matters and in all circumstances. The There was thus that exigency for a growth of properties/buildings in the properties/ buildings used exclusively as government is not inhibited by inadequate revolutionary overhaul of the tax lists in urban centers.

Oba’s palace, public library, public availability of data and documented Osun which Aregbesola actually did, In Osun, the LUC demand notice has cemetery, public worship, public information on the extant buildings in the heightened by factors of equity, revenue gone ‘viral,’ it is everywhere, here and recreation, non-profit making educational state. In fact, cadastral maps of properties/ loss and tax administration efficiency there. The assessed value of the property institutes, non-governmental organization buildings in Osun are available on fingerrequisite, to upsurge tax revenue from in the designated areas of the state is work; and any other property being used tips, considered requisite for LUC both the existing and additional sources. subject to land use mill rate, determined for benevolent purposes owned by the identification and assessment. Neither is One of such latest sources to be intensively by the annual amount of LUC and the state, local and federal governments, or Aregbesola stifled by inadequate explored in his dive to mobilise more assessed value of the property - its any property specifically exempted by the manpower situation germane to the revenues is LUC, a consolidation of all classification, land parcel in square meters, state governor by notice published in the operational efficacy of LUC. Rather, he’s Property and Land-based rates and land value rate, building quality, building state government official gazette. But the brimful of emulsifiers for the evaluation charges payable under the Land Rates law, value rate in the neighbourhood; and exemption ceases when the use of the of the effectiveness of LUC with no the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge property code rate, with a view to property or its use by the owner /occupier encumbrances to Osun economy. law and Tenement Rates law. LUC will reinforcing both growth and equity in changes to one that does not qualify for The expedient LUC could be expanded evolve an equitable distribution of Osun. to inaugurate site value taxation, vacant exemption. incomes and accelerate considerable There is a warning. If the payment is not land taxation and property transfer LUC is administratively simple. The equity between tax payers in the different authorized assessors are to enter, inspect, made on non-exempted, but assessed taxation on land development to induce income groups and same income groups. survey and assess the property; and issue property after 365days, then the property land use effect, and importantly as Regrettably, however, the tax structure LUC demand notice and deliver it to the becomes liable to receivership by the state revenue raising measure. Such expanded in the PDP days in Osun was not only owner/occupier of the property for government, and such property under LUC will publicly recover land value abysmally regressive if tax payments were payment to be made within 90days in any receivership will be advertised in national increase or land betterment value and related to the benefits received from the of the designated banks specified in the newspapers. But the owner is entitled at influence better planning of land government expenditures. Those who demand notice. The LUC payment slip any time to apply for a release of the development in the Osun. plundered Osun vaults in the PDP days carries annual demand notice number, property upon payment of the outstanding The LUC is a must tax to pay. in government were invariably the people identity number, revenue code, local taxes, penalties and administrative in high income position who transferred government code, and the amount payable charges. However, property owner could •OLUSESI is Assistant Director, Directortax revenues from the low income group or paid. What’s ultimately required is that go to the LUC Assessment Appeal ate of Publicity, Research & Strategy, All to themselves, with obvious regressive the payer drops the bank copy of the LUC Tribunal, convinced of excessive Progressives Congress (APC) State of Osun. consequences. Horizontal equity was also violated in the sense that fraudulent officials transferred income to themselves from honest tax payers in the same income group as themselves.

In summation, instead of using the tax expenditure mechanism to redress income inequities, the PDP government in Osun actually deployed its own paradigm that accentuated them. The PDP government in its widest imagination, never consolidated revenues from sources for assessment purposes. The state was considerably under taxed most effectively in terms. Worst still, the degree of tax evasion was so high, and maladministration so pronounced that the 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,

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