October 19,2018 Online Version Of Osun Defender Newspaper

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

ANALYSIS

2019 Osun Assembly Seats Projections:

How The Pendulum May Swing Projections on the likely outcome for 2019 House of Assembly Elections with reference to the result of 2018 Governorship Poll is carried below.

Projections for the 2019 House of Representatives Election with reference to the result of 2018 Governorship Poll.

VOL. 013. NO.39

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

STORY BEHIND THE NEWS!

Osun Tribunal Disbandment:

APC, PDP At Loggerheads

PAGE 2

Scam In Osun General Hospital e Pag2

•Patients Lament Extortion By Medical Workers •Culprits Will Be Sanctioned - Govt MAGAZINE

See Page 3 for detailed analysis

By MARIAM AJETUNMOBI on allocation of seats.

e-mail: osundefender.yahoo.com

Osun: A Tale Of A State Once Ravaged By Flood PAGE 5 - 6

ISSUES/POLICY

Regional Economic Integration As Fayemi's 'Foreign' Policy PAGE 4

2

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NEWS

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

Scam In Osun General Hospital •Patients Lament Extortion By Medical Workers •Culprits Will Be Sanctioned - Govt

number were left unattended to.

Beside, the poor attitude of the medical workers, it was also observed that every drug and material needed for treatment or test are sold to patient by the hospital workers at higher price, despite the fact that government is operating a free healthcare system.

This medium also noticed that there are less doctors in the hospital and it takes longer time before a patient can see a doctor.

It was discovered that patient who got to hospital after 8am could not see a Doctor until 2pm to 3pm because of the high number of patients.

When this medium contacted the Chairman of the Nigeria Medical Association (NMA), in Osun state, Dr Edward Komolafe on the phone, he said there was no time for him.

Later after some calls, he denounced commenting on the allegations, saying, “I’m •Continued on page 3

The source told this his owns hospital at the

By Sikiru Obarayese medium that N10,000 to middle of the night.

Medical staff of the State of Osun General Hospital N15,000 is given to those The source explained Asubiaro, Osogbo have been accused of extorting nurses as their further that they use paper residents who visit the facility for medical attention, commission. cenotaph to cover the as victims have complained of nonchalant attitudes However, A Nurse who ‘NOT FOR SALE’ label on of staff towards patients. had work in a private the drugs and write the hospital told this reporter description of the drugs Some of the victims told accident in front of my OSUN DEFENDER that office and we called the her experience of how the on the part. owner of the hospital,who When OSUN virtually all level of O’Ambulance for their workers at the hospital rescue, I followed the is a staff in a government DEFENDER visited the look for ways to exploit ambulance to the state hospital, load trucks filled state hospital Asubiaro, it patients or family hospital.But on our way, with government free was discovered that members in the course of the ambulance operatives drugs and drop them at patient in their large attending to their needs. said they will take the duo Investigation at the to a private hospital for General Hospital revealed treatment and I protested that Nurses connived with that Asubiaro will be Doctors to sell ordinary better.” materials, such as glove, “On getting to Asubiaro syringe, provided by on emergency, we met a government to patients as Nurse at the registry, she a basis of seeing a doctor insisted on looking for her for whatever diagnosis or glasses for about 5 treatment. minutes before she can A source who pleaded write a card for the anonymity revealed: “It pregnant woman who has become mandatory to was involved in the buy rubber glove for N50, accident. As I was no matter what you want pressuring her to do her to do in the hospital. Even job, she responded that ‘I when they did not use it cannot kill myself’.

A source who for you, they will not anonymously told OSUN return it to the patient.”

“My child has pain in DEFENDER about how his chest, anytime I go for Nurses move pregnant my child treatment at the women from government trauma centre, they will hospital to private ones tell us to buy glove before for commission, revealed they will test his Blood that they mislead those Pressure (BP), and they pregnant women about will not attend to anyone their health and direct that refuse to buy it. I have them from the state bought gloves many times hospital to some private and they did not use it, I ones, where they have •Ekiti State Governor, Dr Kayode Fayemi (middle) taking oath of office during his swearing-in ceremony as newly suspect that they are affiliates. elected governor of Ekiti State on Tuesday. returning it to where we bought it and sell it back to others.”

Another source Karimotu Adegbenga the PDP, Senator of the tribunal as a means “The PDP regards this as

By Sikiru Obarayese said, “they can use one Nurudeen Ademola to manipulating the a continuation of the glove for 7 to 10 patients Sequel to the disbandment of Osun Election Petition Adeleke poses serious outcome of the judicial desperate antics of the and the number of sick Tribunal on Wednesday, the Osun chapter of All threat to the free and fair APC to frustrate the persons at the Trauma Progressive Congress (APC), has described the administration of justice in process in favour of the genuine desire of the good Centre daily is not less allegation of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), as a the hearing of the petition. APC. He alleged that the APC people of Osun State to be than 60 to 70, and imagine ‘useless and rubbish talk in the face of the law’.

The PDP chairman said, dissolved that governed by a lawfully selling N50 glove to 70 The spokesperson of the APC, Kunle Oyatomi while the party is concerned that Governorship Election elected Governor, whose persons throughout the the APC and indeed the petition tribunal to delay mandate was brazenly week and that is speaking with OSUN PDP allegation is nothing Federal Government the commencement of stolen on the 22nd of obtainable at the different DEFENDER on Thursday but silly and disgraceful to appears to be breathing hearing of our petition September, 2018.” departments in the said the PDP should mind begin to assume that the down on the top echelon of with a hope that the Meanwhile, the PDP its words, saying the party APC was behind the hospital. the judiciary to constitute constitutionally prescribed staged a protest on Karimotu lamented that should not assume that the disbandment.” a new panel which will be Thursday to against the trial period of hearing However, the chairman pliable sometimes most of the APC has anything to do and thus would not be met. disbandment of the Nurses at the registry do with the disbandment of of the PDP in Osun, Hon compromise the integrity tribunal. the tribunal.

Odagunodo had earlier in address patients with He recalled that after the MRS. ADEYEMO TITILAYO MOHAMMED SIKIRU disdain, affirming that 2014 governorship poll in a statement described the EGBODO PHILIP AUGWO MARY ADEYEMI only few of the Nurses are Osun, the tribunal was disbandment of Osun That I was formerly That I was formerly known That I was formerly good to patient and as disbanded about three governorship election known and addressed as and addressed as SALAS known and addressed as well as in the discharge of times when the PDP was at tribunal as an attempt to MISS. PHILIP OGAH With My JACOB M O H A M M E D commit a second robbery Former Date of Birth, 11th their duties.

TITILAYO MARY, but DIKIRULA ADEYEMI, the helms of affairs at the against the people of the Day of May, 1980 but now wish A source who identified federal level. now wish to be known and but now wish to be known state. to be known and addressed as himself as Gabriel who addressed as MRS. and addressed as “The Tribunal that sat EGBODO PHILIP AUGWO The PDP said that was a victim of a for Omisore versus ADEYEMO TITILAYO MOHAMMED SIKIRU With My Correct Date of disbandment of the MARY. All former lackadaisical attitude of Aregbesola was dissolved ADEYEMI. All former Birth, 1st Day of January, the Nurses recounted: “A for about three times tribunal barely 24 hours documents remain valid. documents remain valid.

1975. All former documents remain valid. UBA Bank and General public should take motorcyclist with his before the final one that after the submission of the General public should take by the General public should take note. note. note. pregnant wife had gave the judgment. The petition Governorship candidate of

Osun Tribunal Disbandment: APC, PDP At Loggerheads

UDOJI CHINENYENWA PEACE

That UDOJI CHINENYE DIVINE and UDOJI CHINENYENWA PEACE are the same person. but now wish to be known and addressed as UDOJI CHINENYENWA PEACE. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank and general public should take note.

MRS. ADEDEJI OLUWAKEMI IDOWU

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS IDRIS OLUWAKEMI IDOWU, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. A D E D E J I OLUWAKEMI IDOWU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEKUNLE YINKA OYENIYI That I was formerly known and addressed as ADEKUNLE YINKA With My Former Date of Birth 28th Day of September, 1984 but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEKUNLE YINKA OYENIYI With My Correct Date of Birth 28th Day of September, 1988. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and General public should take note.

MRS. ADEDOKUN SAUDAT ADEOLA

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEWUYI SAUDAT ADEOLA, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ADEDOKUN SAUDAT ADEOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AJIBOLA REBECCA BUKUNMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as AJIBOLA BECKY BUKUNMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as AJIBOLA REBECCA BUKUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

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MRS. RABIU LATEEFAT RONKE

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS BELLO LATEEFAT RONKE, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. RABIU LATEEFAT RONKE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should take note.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER

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3

SDP Candidates Will Contest On APC Platform In Osun

By Solomon Odeniyi

the ubiquitous posters and billboards of APC candidates we see around are not sealed or finally submitted to INEC or anywhere rather high level discussions is in top gear to resolve the impasse for APC to

honour the terms of the agreement.

Any SDP candidate will contest on APC platform in any of the constituencies conceded to us and APC and SDP members are expected to vote for such candidates

so also in other places as APC candidates.

However, any candidate that doesn’t fall into the conceded constituency can as well contest on SDP platform if he is assured of sufficient financial

muscle and electoral values but the chairman concluded by saying he expected all party members to respect the agreement as long as APC respect their part of the deal”, the source added.

Chairman of the Social Democratic Party in the State of Osun, Dr Bayo Faforijin has reportedly confirmed that members of the party would be fielded under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the 2019 General Election in the state.

A source within the and chairmen of the party party secretariat confided in conceded local in OSUN DEFENDER governments to bring that the party chairman candidates who are announced to the state viable and can bankroll executives of the party their campaign that the pact between successfully.

SDP and APC is intact The source further against speculations, fear disclosed that twelve and rumours in town as elective political offices regards the coalition that were conceded to SDP, came into being before which have not been the last Osun rerun that specified in the ensured APC’s victory agreement while the during the last discussion is at the final gubernatorial election. stage. The offices are One Findings showed that Senatorial slot, three 3 the National Secretariat House of Representatives of the APC has resolved and eight 8 House of to honor its agreement Assembly for 2019 with the SDP chieftain general election in during the run up to the addition to unspecified supplementary polls in number of appointments in the mould of the state.

There have been an commissioners, Special •Disrespecting Sacredness Of Life: Some Hausa Businessmen standing atop a moving trailer and captured in array of opinion in the Advisers”.

“We were also told that Osogbo by our photojournalist, GBENGA ADENIYI on Tuesday. state and beyond that the surest occurrence after the election was betrayal by the APC. Another perception was that for the two parties. The between the two parties party. whatever the outcome of

By Solomon Odeniyi Presently, members of PDP won the councils. the pact, Otunba Iyiola during the gubernatorial Going by the outcome of the state gubernatorial poll. the House of Assembly However, the Omisore Omisore and the leadership would only election which the ruling All Progressives Congress Meanwhile, the PDP representing Ife Central factor might as well settle exploit the passions and (APC) won with a slim margin in Osun, the has got Ede North, South and East belong to the score for APC as he commitment of composition of the next House of Assembly and at its beck and call, opposition and they are polled less than 2,000 committed party House of Representatives might be a mix of although the turn out believed to be of votes which if added members for their members from three major political parties, APC, votes in the area has been Omisore, but now with would balance things up personal gains by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the Action a bone of contention as Omisore’s factor, the for the APC. reaping only their Democratic Party (ADP).

Barring unforeseen there were allegations of APC should have a closer. personal interests leaving over voting in favour of rollercoaster turn out of circumstances, the ruling However, with the Analysts have said the PDP. every other party alignment with Senator votes in the two APC should win fair and election would be among members in limbo.

This aside, the PDP constituencies as well as square in Osogbo, It was gathered that Iyiola Omisore, the total three parties, the PDP, remains the party to beat Ife South, North where it Olorunda, Boripe and the chairman has told dominance enjoyed by APC and ADP and each in the mentioned had a strong stead. Same Odo-otin, judging by the members of the state the ruling APC might with its threshold, with constituencies, but the with Ilesa East. votes recorded during executive of the party give the ruling party ADP likely to have a defection of Adejare Ilesa West and the governorship poll, that it would soon begin highest members of the constituency to their Bello who delivered his Atakumosa but the party might be up West, to ask its local chairmen parliament, even with credit. unit to the APC might Obokun and Oriade for a banana slip if it field to field its candidates for more than two third.

For instance, in Iwo, spring surprises for the might be battle grounds unpopular candidates.

This is just as parties with the post avail it in some the ADP local government areas of fielding candidates for governorship candidate, the 26 House of Moshood Adeoti’s factor the state.

The source claimed Assembly seats have coming to play where he that Faforijin would soon concluded the process of got over 16, 000 votes in summon another selecting their standard the local government, his emergency meeting to bearers as the 2019 party might take a lead. instruct state executives General Elections draw Adeoti was believed to have built enduring structures that are loyal to his course in the area, a situation that might make it difficult for any other party to win.

However, regardless of nothing should be sold by •Continued from page 2 Adeoti’s factor, the busy, and I cannot hospital workers wether acceptability of candidate comment on the matter. the essentials or paid one, put forward for the Where did you see or adding that doctors can election by any other heard those allegations?” only prescribe drugs for The Permanent patients which they can parties, particularly the Secretary of Hospital see at the hospital APC might spring surprise, as the contest Management Board, Dayo pharmacy.

Olaluwoye recalled that would be among the Olaluwoye while has people of Iwo speaking with OSUN government DEFENDER revealed the disciplined two doctors constituency alone. and a nurse for that kind The remaining 25 slots fact that government is operating outsourcing of act and promised to do would be between the scheme, saying that there the same on the matter to PDP and APC. In Ayedire , Olaoluwa, are free and paid drugs anybody who is found Egbedore , Ayedade , and the paid drugs are culpable.

Commenting on the Ifedayo, Ila, Boluwaduro also subsidised to be issue of low doctors in the among other, the contests affordablt to poor. he said might He said, government hospital, not be as has partner with private government is working on predictable as other how to recruit more pharmacist who provide districts, as the materials to the hospital doctors affirming that the pendulum could swing process has reached and patients too. towards any direction He affirmed that matured level. due to the slim margin

2019 Osun Assembly Projection: How The Pendulum May Swing

PROJECTIONS House Of Assembly

Scam In Osun General Hospital

House Of Representatives

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ISSUES & POLICY 4

PAGE

Regional Economic Integration As Fayemi's 'Foreign' Policy After several months of painstaking deliberations and presentation of policy options and roadmaps by some of the finest public intellectuals, entrepreneurs of repute, eggheads in academe and government officials of the Southwest geo-political extraction, the Development Agenda for Western Nigeria (DAWN) Commission was birthed by the Governments of Southwest States of Nigeria in July 2013. With the inordinate support of the Ekiti State government of Dr. John Kayode Fayemi then, what is now known as the DAWN Commission became the “institutional and programme management body” that now midwifes the Regional Economic Integration agenda of the Southwest governments has now been replicated by governments in other geo-political regions to drive their integrative economic initiatives. The Commission, in addition, is also a “dedicated coordinating agency, fully empowered by the Governments to ensure the delivery of the composite development aspirations of the region” to fast-track, most especially, the economic wellbeing geared towards higher quality of life and standard of living for the people of the Southwest geo-political zone.

While the Commission should be given plaudits for several innovative wealth-creation and employment-generation programmes in its short history either in its individual capacity or in partnership with the Governments of the Southwest region, most specifically its strategic collaboration with the ubiquitous and time-tested O’dua Investments Group established by the region’s late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, it also bears mentioning that DAWN Commission have suffered institutional incapacitation in the hands of some of the same governments whence its sustenance was derived. The Commission have not soared as it should have in view of the robust and creative intellectual paradigms under which it was set up not only because of the region’s still woolly and unstable political environment that throws up, intermittently, State Executives that lacks the presence of mind to understand the imperatives of the Commission, but also due to excessive and needless politics that leaves hardly any room for them to focus on results-driven governance. The Commission, therefore, can be said to be one of those jointly created institutions of governments that is bound to become a casualty when governments are not of the same ideological/ political persuasion.

So, when the governor-elect of Ekiti State, Dr. Kayode Fayemi joined other well-wishers in congratulating the governor-elect of the State of Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in which he said that the “Southwest regional integration and development agenda will now become a reality, with all the attendant benefits for the people of the geopolitical zone,” it was not only a reminder that the Commission should be revitalized, but also a clarion call to his soon-to-be-colleagues that the economic integration agenda should be seen as the fastest way to ensure economic regeneration with its inevitable attendant job creation for the teeming youths of the geo-political region. It was a policy statement that the regional economic integration agenda would be an important component of his coming administration in reclaiming the land that has been deliberately, if not criminally made desolate in all

FAYEMI and OYETOLA: New on the beat socio-economic indices under Governor Ayo Fayose.

Probably embedded in the statement was also not only an indirect expression of disappointment due to reversals of the many economic benefits that accrued particularly to Ekiti State from the Commission in Fayemi’s first coming, as exemplified by the Ire Burnt Brick Factory at Ire-Ekiti and the Entrepreneurial Training Institute in the state capital, among others, through the instrumentality of the O’dua Investments Group, but the fact that the Governments of Southwest States may have been punching below their weights when it comes to taking advantage of the tremendous economic opportunities that the Commission had earmarked for quick revitalization of their states’ economies and consequently that of regional economy.

It is perhaps an auspicious time in view of the coming general elections which will usher in a new set of states’ Chief Executives to have a holistic and comprehensive appraisal of the Commission vis-à-vis the regional economic integration agenda and its seeming institutional incapacitation. While it has been argued that it is not necessary nor important for the governments of the region to belong to the same ideological/political persuasion before they can leverage on their comparative advantages for economic cooperation with and among themselves, the puerility of this argument—-it seems to me—-is the unwillingness, if not the inability to take cognizance of the fundamental differences between the various ideologies that undergirds differing political parties in a polity. Thus, the seeds of a progressive (flexible) political ideology will necessarily find it difficult to sprout, let alone germinate to the level of bearing fruits in soils in which its nutrients are primarily conservative (hardened)—-and vice versa. It is not by mere coincidence, for instance, that the Southwest’s political economy always makes appreciable gains whenever its governments are cut from the same

Perhaps there’s nothing that can better illustrate the imperative of being governed by the same political party—-despite the country’s relatively incubated ideological identities of her political parties

Human Trafficking Deserves More Attention The cases of human trafficking is becoming alarming in various states of Nigeria and the nation as a whole, as numerous individuals are being held captive for slavery, labour, sex, drugs proliferation and such other menace.

Human trafficking is the trade in people, especially women and children and does not necessarily involve movement of persons from one place to another.

Human trafficking is a crime that is being perpetrated on young people, especially women and girls as the number of teens being trafficked

across various states of the federation calls for great concern.

It is considered to be one of the fastest growing

activities of trans-national criminal organisations. It is condemned as a violation of human right by international conventions.

It may encompasses

providing a spouse in the context of forced marriage or the extraction of organs or tissues, including for

surrogacy and oval removal.

Unfortunately, inadequate funding of laws enforcement, recovery teams and provision of places for

rehabilitation are facing rejection in our legislation because of budgetary constraints.

However, it is important that awareness should be increased to tackle human trafficking in the country, as it has caused damage to lives of many.

One major area that should also be considered is that the legislative arm of government should give more attention to the issues having to do with human trafficking in form of legislation, with a view to curbing such cases.

•OLOWU ABIOLA, Osogbo, State of Osun

ideological loincloth as was the case in the First and Second Republics and the beginning of this dispensation.

Perhaps there’s nothing that can better illustrate the imperative of being governed by the same political party—-despite the country’s relatively incubated ideological identities of her political parties—-of a people that has long established a progressive/ideological template for governance than the inherently conservative People’s Democratic Party (PDP) with which Ayo Fayose came to power in Ekiti State. Probably because of a long, drawnout socio-economic regression that has made it difficult for them to understand what politics should produce, the people, in large measure brought upon themselves a brand of self-destructive politics that threw up someone with the mentality of a kindergartner (who wasted the people’s collective patrimony on primitive acquisitions) as governor and has refused to embrace those people-oriented and life-changing policies of the ruling federal government because his party is not only in opposition, but must also be seen as a bulwark against everything that the ruling party stands for— -and the people be damned. This is when an organizational entity such as the DAWN Commission whose brief has nothing to do with politics becomes a collateral damage.

Since there’s no guarantee that a people would not cut their nose to spite their face in the future (as it almost happened again in the recently concluded Osun governorship poll) in exercising their democratic rights under the universal adult suffrage, and since it is impossible to legislate how they should behave during contestation for political power, it therefore becomes necessary to protect them from themselves through some legislations so that certain vital institutions established for their collective growth and development can be protected from their vagaries. It is therefore hoped that the regional economic integration agenda will henceforth derive its sustenance not at the pleasure of whomever is at the helm of governmental affairs at any point in time, but through Acts of State Assemblies with certain percentage of their states’ annual budgets earmarked for regional economic integration guaranteed by law. Governments of Western Nigeria should, as a matter of priority, make the regional economic integration agenda their ‘foreign’ policy objectives for rapid socioeconomic growth.

•Femi Odere lives in Lagos. He can be reached at femiodere@gmail.com

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

Osun: A Tale Of A State Once Ravaged By Flood Osun was one of the states in the country usually ravaged by flood before the advent of the present administration. As other states are grappling with the lost that comes with flooding due to downpour, SOLOMON ODENIYI takes a look at past experience of residents and how the state has fared on the issue of flooding For quite a number of years now, the world has witnessed monumental socio-economic losses arising from weather and climate-related disasters, which has been most largely attributed to non-climate friendly human activities and developmental practices.

Of the climate related disasters, flooding is being said to be capable of incurring widespread devastation as it has been reported to have claimed millions of lives in the last hundred years, more than any other weather phenomenon. This is despite the important role water plays in the lives of habitat on earth.

Averting flooding in the states of the federation has become one of the major tasks of government across all tiers.

The federal government is reported to have release fund to governors to curtail this yearly. It released an equivalent of $8.3 million.

Also, to significantly reduce this harmful effect on environment and living things in the country, every year, the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) produces the Seasonal Rainfall Prediction (SRP), and working together with the Nigeria Hydrological Agency (NHSA) to ensure that accurate flood information is made available to the public to minimise impacts of flood in the country.

NHSA in its 2018 flood outlooks in 35 states in the country stated that Sokoto, Niger, Benue, Anambra, Niger Delta, Anambra, Ogun-Osun, CrossRiver and Yobe states would have high risks of river flooding. It also indicated that Lagos, Bayelsa, Rivers, Delta, Ondo states may likely experience coastal flooding.

It attributed this to a likely rise in the sea level and tidal surge, which would impact fishing and coastal transportation.

The outlook, which is a yearly projection by the agency, further indicated that flash and urban flood were expected to occur in Port Harcourt, Sokoto, Lagos, Ibadan, Kaduna, Yola, Abuja, Maiduguri, Makurdi, Calabar, Jos, Owerri, Osogbo and Ilorin.

Others are Awka, Abakaliki, BirninKebbi, Kano, Yenagoa, Abeokuta, Ado-Ekiti, Lokoja, Lafia, Nsuka and Gombe. Also included are Suleja, Karu, Nyanya, Abaji, Onitsha, Sapele, Hadejia and other major cities with

• Once flood-prone area beside NITEL Office, Oke-Fia Osogbo, now channelised.

A report released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) showed that as at October 9, 2018, a total of 103 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 10 states in the country, were impacted by severe flooding with an estimated 1.9 million people affected. poor drainage.

While Nimet had predicted that many parts of the country were likely to experience flooding due to a shift in rainfall pattern caused by climate change, it added that distortions had occurred in the pattern of rainfall leading to variation in the amount of rain that was expected in the country.

Despite the prediction of heavy rainfall and the warnings given to states, the rains that had been witnessed have brought sorrow, pains and losses for victims where floods have ravaged in the predicted 35 states of the federation.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) last month, declared Kogi, Niger, Anambra and Delta states as national disaster states. Last week, it further declared national disaster in another

five states summing the states with national disaster to 9. The added states are: Adamawa, Taraba, Rivers, Kebbi, and Bayelsa. This was as a result of the devastating flood that ravaged the states where lives and properties have been lost.

A report released by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) showed that as at October 9, 2018, a total of 103 Local Government Areas (LGAs) across 10 states in the country, were impacted by severe flooding with an estimated 1.9 million people affected.

It stated that 561,442 people have been internally displaced while 351,236 are in need of immediate humanitarian assistance, adding that the death toll stands at 199 people since late August with 1,306 injuries reported.

HGowever, save for Ifedapo in Ofatedo and the flood case recorded at Ile-Ife recently as a result of blockage of waterways owing to refuse dumping and construction of buildings, Osun could have been said to be totally free from flood and subsequent havoc that accompanies downpours, as there used to be persistent flooding in the state during rainy seasons, with instances of loss of life and houses being submerged before the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

For instance, Gbonmi area in the state capital was said to be a flash point of flood. Gbonmi, a Yoruba language literally means to “scoop water”. It was told of how the past governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola had joked that residents of the area be prepared to scoop more water or flee from the area as they met the water there. Anytime it rained in the area, roads were flooded, houses submerged, drainages overflowed and vehicles swept off , several lives were lost, with goods and property worth millions of Naira destroyed in the flooding that resulted from the downpour then.

•Continued on page 6

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

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A Tale Of A State Once Ravaged By Flood

•Continued from page 5 A trader in the area who gave her name as Iya Toheeb said though, she has just moved to the area but heard of how the area was prone to flooding anytime it rained years back.

She said, “I just secured a shop here in January this year but that doesn’t mean I have not been told the history of this place. I heard how anytime it rained, people flee from their houses and shops. I heard how goods worth millions of naira were swept away by flood. Most painful was the death of a man whose wife works with the ministry of works. “ Asked if she was scared when Osun state was projected amongst states that would experience flooding this year , she said, “To be sincere, I had no fear, if I had I wouldn’t have rented a shop here. “Then, the problem was that there were no good drainages, but now I can see that the government has built several in many areas and seen to the issues of indiscriminate dumping of refuse which to my own knowledge leads to flood”.

A former resident of Gbonmi who now resides at Asubiaro , Mr Abiodun Taiwo recalled how he was held at a spot until late night after flood had submerged the road to his house when the water level was down “I can’t really recall the exact year, I was left stranded at Fiwasaye area. On that day, the flood submerged the bridge, blocking the means of getting home. It wasn’t funny, as myself and others were at the spot until late in the night when the water level went down.

We got in the flood to get home that night while we could not distinguished our left from right. I left the area after another flood submerged my rented apartment. I remember sleeping outside for over a month.

That incident put fear in my mind, but I am thankful to God, I ‘m still alive, some met their deaths as a result”.

Asked if he would be willing to go back to the area if asked to, he said, “Sure I will. Flooding in the area has been a thing of the past. Residents can now sleep and have no cause to panic anytime it rains. The government of the day has my kudos for that”.

Another area in the state capital where rains also used to bring pains and discomfort to the residents was

•Channelised waterway at Rasco, Osogbo.

•The channelised Okoko stream in Osogbo.

“Then, the problem was that there were no good drainages, but now I can see that the government has built several in many areas and seen to the issues of indiscriminate dumping of refuse which to my own knowledge leads to flood” Rasco area.

According to Jamiu Adeoye, people around Rasco area of Oke-fia will not forget the 2009, 2010 and 2015 incidences, adding that the floods which was caused by heavy rainfall, wrecked havoc on the area that residents are yet fully recover from.

He said, ”The Rasco area of Oke-fia is an area in Osogbo which has always been prone to flooding over the years, but the experience of 2009, 2010 and 2015 would never be forgotten by residents. Many have not fully recovered from it. Buildings were submerged; precious lives were lost, while properties worth millions of naira were also washed away by the

devastating flood of those years”.

What The Government Did Osun had witnessed the devastating flooding experience before the advent of Ogbeni Aregbesola’s administration. Coming on board, he displayed relentless effort to have it nipped in the bud and this he started during his early days in office and he has continuously done so in order to ensure the state is rid of the pangs that comes with flooding.

One of the things he did was embarking on dredging of streams and rivers across the state. One of such rivers was Rasco. The river was dredged to clear the debris preventing the free flow of water. Subsequently a

reinforced retainer and concrete chanelisation of about 12meters wide and 2.5meters high was made to have a smooth control and flow of the river.

This was to control the huge volume of water, as well guide against a situation where the flood overflows to the road.

Other rivers and streams in other parts of the state have not been left untouched annually. Rivers such as the Okookoo and Ogbagba streams in Osogbo; streams and rivers in other towns such as Ikire, Ikirun, Iwo, IleIfe, Ode-Omu, Ilesa and other towns in the state are also not left out.

Also the waterways being worked on annually by the current administration include; Esimirin, Agbara, Opa, Gbalefefe, Ogboku, Osun streams in Ile-Ife and ModakekeIfe axis.

Others are the Opopo, Ogbun, Amino, Akeri in Ila-Orangun. In Ilesa axis there is the Omiru, Olutokun and the Adeti streams. The Mogimogi and Aiba rivers in Apomu and Iwo respectively are also not left out.

Also, it was discovered that the cause of flood in most of the affected areas were because the original path for the water had become too narrow to contain the water which volume has risen over the years. The government has started demolishing buildings and shops built on waterways and those that were very close to the river.

The government came up with a strict rule of making building within a flood prone area a crime. Also, the total disregard for the environmental laws that was the case in some parts of the state was discouraged.

The government has been continously desilting drainages in major towns to prevent flooding annually.

With the reality of climate change, it is no longer in contention in the country that the newly elected governor of Osun has a responsibility to make sure the state gives the deserved attention to fight against flooding because of the many rivers and streams that it has. It will not be out of place for him to always priortise dredging waterways among other things to free the state from flood.

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COMMUNITY FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

Boripe North LCDA Empowers Youths, Farmers As part of the palliative measures in eradicating area.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola career officers the programme were the unemployment and poverty in Boripe North Local The Council Manager, for creating the LCDA, opportunities to step up Leader of the council’\s Council Development Area, Iree, the management Comrade Tunde Bello saying, the gesture has in their career which parliament, the vice chairman, other of the council under the Chairmanship of Hon. while giving the closing brought government history cannot forget.

Idowu Ismaila Abiodun distributed cooking gas remarks commended the closer to the people, just Among the dignitaries councillors and all heads cylinders/ burners to food vendors and snack Governor of the State, as it has given some of the who attended the of departments. makers.

He equally implored Also, agricultural tools and agro chemicals were party members and other distributed to Farmers in electorates to vote the Council Area in order massively for APC in the to boost agricultural coming elections in 2019 output. for members of House of Speaking at the Assembly, House of occasion which took Representatives, Senate place at the LCDA as well as President Secretariat Hall, Iree, the Muhammadu Buhari.”

Council boss assured the The APC Ward 6 people that the Leader, Mr Adeyanju programme was just a tip Rafiu, Mrs Folasade of the iceberg considering Olaniyan woman leader several people-oriented ward10, as well as Youth programmes the Leader of ward 11, Pastor administration has in the Adeyanju Samuel, in pipeline. their various speeches at He enjoined the beneficiaries to make the occasion, appreciated good use of all materials the government of APC given them for maximum for the empowerment which output and turn the programme economic activities of the indeed aimed at adding values to the lives of the •Hon Idowu (left), assisted by Comrade Bello (middle) to present the materials to one of the beneficiaries.

Council Area around, urging them to also people of the council ensure proper maintenance and security of the materials.

Idowu, also used the local and state levels to

By Oni Taiwo occasion to appreciate all frustration among the its proper way, just as he come to their aid in the enjoined government to party faithful for people of the area.

Resident of Halleluyah Area, Osogbo Osun State interest of the people. showing their love for the Capital have appealed to government to ensure the According to him, the ensure the reconstruction He added that the road party by ensuring the of the road so that the best solution to the emergence of Alhaji channelisation of Waterways in the community to problem is to get the people heave a sigh of needed to be properly channeled from the main Gboyega Oyetola as the tackle erosion problem in the area. drainage properly relief. road down to other next Governor of the state Mr Adebayo Adeniyi, well channeled and channeled.

Also, Mr Folorunsho through popular votes, one of the community community and they whenever there is rain, He added that the Femi said the road is too needs proper drainage. saying it was a clear indication that the people leaders said the residents the water would just channelisation of the bad and the community Another resident, Mrs government Aina said the road really actually wanted “good of the community have wipe off the sound used waterways should be needs been trying to do their intervention urging the work of Ogbeni to fill the holes, saying, done first, so that if there needed to be touched, Aregbesola to continue.” best to ensure the road is this has been causing is rain, the water will find governments at both saying, the community has been suffering from it for a long time and it is the major road that links General Manager, Community and Social deliver services and be used by the Local attended by Council other communities.

Development Project (CSDP) in Osun, Mrs improve welfare of the Councils to improve Managers and Desk He stressed that the Oluwafunmilayo Abokede has frowned at people for CDD Officers drawn from the area is highly populated in the support inadequate social services at the grassroot level communities across the projects, promote 30 Local Governments, and it will be good for the despite the existence of local governments. accountability in 32 Local Council community if the road is state.

According to her, it is governance and better Development Areas, the tarred.

She spoke at the quarterly performance that the public service delivery.” four Area Councils and innovative quarterly review was organised to expected According to him, The CSDP the two Administrative local performance review of improve the capacity of feedback from the government performance review was Offices in the state. the Council Managers performance review will the activities of CSDP in officials have visited the the 68 Local Councils in and Desk Officers on area severally promising Driven the state held in Osogbo, Community the community that they the state capital, Development (CDD) will construct the road, advocating the need for which is Bottom Up and Alekuwodo community, but no construction work bottom-up approach to Demand Driven.

By Joshua Afolabi exhibited his concern, has been carried out in Abokede said the CDD community development Residents and business owners at Alekuwodo that the condition of the the area, though the to achieve maximum approach will ensure that has made landlords that have been communities Community, Osogbo have appealed to the Osun road benefits of community poor benefit from and Governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola to intervene on movement of vehicles, trying their best to do the projects. the bad state of roads that link all streets in the motorcycle and drainage. in Abokede lamented participate pedestrians in the that despite the existence development efforts, community when sworn-in.

She added that if the The residents made the state, considered the fact community difficult. of Local Governments, adding that CDD is an local government or state He added that, the government can stand the social conditions in important approach appeal while speaking that the re-run election communities in Nigeria focusing on appropriate with Osun Defender held at Adeoti Street, governor-elect should up to do it, it would be are still poor even with d e v e l o p m e n t reporter recently, saying, Alekuwodo favored him. come to their aid and appreciated.

For Mrs. Adebisi bring succor to the the rich endowment of interventions and at the the roads linking streets According to Mr natural and human same time reaching very together are getting Temilade, a business community, so that the worst on a daily basis. owner on Adewuyi hardship caused by the Oluwatobiloba, large numbers of poor resources.

According to Miss Street, Alekuwodo, condition of the road can situation of the road has According to her, the people. become an She said, the Isiaq Iyabo, a resident of business activities in the stop.

‘Top Down, Supply Mr. Adebayo embarrassment and they Driven’ approach which innovative quarterly Akinlade Street, the area are no longer roads have over the years encouraging because of Temitope, a civil servant have been expecting was the practice in most performance review is local councils has been also a constructive not been able to receive the bad state of roads in who resides in the government to do the community also road all these while, the bane of development engagement that serves attention of government the community.

She lamented that, appealed to the state unfortunately the road as a platform for social at all levels, saying, at the grassroot. government intervention “Customers from another government to intervene She noted that the accountability through have not been tarred up approach has not been which the Council is needed in the community are unable to in order to address the till today. come in to buy goods situation and alleviate the able to meet the actual Managers give report of community.

She then appealed to She appealed to because of the bad state suffering caused due to needs of the communities their Local Councils’ to take of the road”. the condition of the road, the government to come and that this has led to Performance on the use Oyetola Another resident, especially now that the and construct the road the poor track records of of CDD approach and Alekuwodo road as the how they have used first construction work to Adewale Adebukola, a raining season is at its for the benefit of the public service delivery. community. be embarked on in the motorcyclist plying peak.

She explained that the public resources to

Halleluyah Residents Appeal For Channelisation Of Waterways

Osun CSDP Advocates Bottom-up Approach For Community Development

Alekuwodo Residents Seek Intervention On Community Roads

8

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Presentation Of An Award Of Lady Of The Year To Evangelist/Prophetess And Mother Of Gestemanee Alebiowu Funmilayo (JP) By All Saint Cathedral Church Balogun Agoro, Osogbo Last Sunday. Photo: Blessing Oyewusi

Osun Governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola At The Inauguration Of Dr Kayode Fayemi As Governor Of Ekiti State.

Church Celebrates Members

•Some of the church members cutting anniversary cake.

•Bishop of Osun Anglican Diocese, Reverend James Popoola (right) presenting an award to Lady/Prophetess Funmilayo Alebiowu (2nd right). With them are, Adeola Alebiowu (2nd left); and Folusho Alebiowu (left).

By Blessing Oyewusi

It was a joyous day for Evangelist/Prophetess and Mother of Gestemanee Alebiowu Funmilayo (JP) and her family as she was honoured as Lady of the year in Diocesan harvest at All Saint Cathedral Church, Balogun Agoro, Osogbo on Sunday 14th October 2018.

Activities for the programme was held at All Saint Cathedral Church, Balogun Agoro, Osogbo, where the officiating minister,

Bishop of Osun Anglican Diocese, Rt. Reverend James Popoola described Evangelist Alebiowu as a God fearing woman who devoted her time to the service of God. Evangelist Alebiowu used the opportunity to give thanks to Almighty God for spearing her life from sickness to witness this great day and she showed her appreciation for the award.

Other awardees, Venerable, Eanest Akinnuli, Minitsers of God and others Children of God were presents at the service.

By Sola Aderinto

•Oyetola (left) and others at the inauguration of Fayemi in Ado-Ekiti on Tuesday.

2018 Choir Anniversary Of First ECWA Church, Osogbo On Sunday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

By Gbenga Adeniyi

The Redeemed Christian Church Of God, Christ Life Zone Neubertosh area Ofatedo, celebrated their church members anniversary last week Sunday. The Pastor in charge of the church, Pastor Ademuluti advised all celebrants to cultivate the habit

of giving thanks to God. He also urge them to make it as a point of duty to always come with heart of praise and thanks giving, saying through thanksgiving they will receive more from God. He then now prayed for all celebrants and wish them well in all their endeavors.

It was a gathering for praises as members of the first Evangelical Church of Wining All (ECWA) Choirs in Osogbo celebrated their 2018 choir anniversary at their Church auditorium in Osogbo on Sunday 14th October 2018.

Members of Churches, including ECWA Choirs from Ilorin and other Choirs converged at the churchy in Osogbo to celebrate with them.

Minister of God in charge of the Church gave thanks to God Almighty for the special day and urged members of the Church to support the choir.

Different gospel artists from Nigeria, Ministers of God, Children of God and other well wishers were all present at the anniversary.

•A cross section of first ECWA Osogbo during the anniversary.

•Another cross section of the celebrants.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC

•Lady/Prophetess Alebiowu (2nd right) with some clergy men after the service.

•Traditional Rulers at the programme.

•A cross section of Ministers of God.

Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others 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.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

NEWS

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11

LAUTECH Students Protest Hike In School Fees

over 5 years in school,

By Sherifat Akinloye & Kazeem Rahmon right from my under Students of Ladoke Akintola University of graduate to my 500level Technology (LAUTECH), embarked on peaceful and it is like the two protest in Osogbo and Ogbomosho against the over states are playing with increment in their school fees announced by the our future”.

He continued that school management last Monday.

The institution which is government demanding during the students’ owned by the duo of that the school fee should meeting with the school Osun state government be reversed to the old fee. management, it was and Oyo state increased He said; “I have spent revealed to the student the school fee from N65,000 to N200,000 for indigene and nonindigene from N72,500 to N250,000 which is more

By Sola Jacobs than 100percent Welfare of the aged, people living with disabilities according to the students.

The aggrieved students and less privileged in the society must be the started the peaceful responsibility of all, in as much we must be brother’s protest at Ola-Iya and keeper and responsible individuals. later moved to the state The chairman of up to the challenge. secretariat Abere in Friends of Legacy, Mr rise “Most of this aged have Osogbo strictly Ademola Ogunfidodo monitored by men of the said in a telephone chat served this nation in various capacity and at Nigeria Police. with Osun Defender in different times, some did While speaking some Ile-Ife. serve their community students’ representatives, Speaking on the elderly and families, this is the said a similar protest was welfare programme old age in which the holding simultaneously embarked upon by his in Oyo state to make the group in the ancient city, society they had nurtured students stance known to she said, it is the group’s in one way or the other the two state contribution to the society give back to them, but economic recession, governments.

A member of student and moreso their civic joblessness of their wards duty as an individual have turned them almost representative council, Mr Ogunfidodo said into destitutes, there is Bolarinwa Kabir, Medical that the level of poverty in need for social Laboratory Science 500L, said the sudden the nation and the programmes for them”. dereliction of duty by the He added that increment in the school fee is too high for government had plunged the situation whereby the students to bear saying this vulnerable members welfare of the people or social that the school has never of society into abject government politicized for the benefits witnessed such high poverty.

He added lack of social of few is an aberration. increase of fee.

According to him, the The students’ welfare and corruption representative sought the had taken toll on people, members of Friends of review from the duo state hence the need for all to Legacy in Ife, reside both

representatives that the two governments cannot fund the institution again and that was what caused the increment.

Another student representative who spoke with newsmen, Falolu Israel, from the faculty of Nursing Science and Environmental

Technology lambasted the Oyo and Osun state Governments saying that education is everyone’s right which the leaders got freely while in school.

He added that any student who withdraw from the institution due to high increment may

not have access to education again.

The students appealed to the authority to reverse its decision, saying such skyrocketed increment in fee could discourage parents who are willing to send their children to the institution.

in diaspora and at home with common goal of giving back to their homeland and development of the ancient city which transcend political party affiliation.

On the level of development of Ifeland, he carpeted the low development in the ancient city, as he said that if not for the personal effort of the Supreme Monarch of Ife ,Ooni Ogunwusi, we have not had a fair share from the government.

“The Friends of legacy had been distributing food, clothing and drugs items to aged and individual as required through collective contribution of the members, going through heads of different compounds in the city, to be assured that the right people benefits from the good gesture of the association.

He also lauded the personal effort of Ooni Ogunwusi for bringing back street light to Okerewe axis and Moore area, not only for safety of the people but as well for aesthetic purpose in those areas.

He then called on individuals and groups in Ile-Ife to contribute their quota to the well-being of the people, as she urged politicians in the land to use their good offices for the development of their respective communities.

‘Social Welfare Programme Must Be A Collective Responsibility’

NANTMP Elects New Exco Members

By Lukman Ussein The National Association of Nigerian Traditional Medicine Practitioners (NANTMP), Osun State chapter has elected a new set of executives in order to reposition the association for the challenges ahead.

The election which united in order to move came up on Saturday, the association forward.

October, 13, 2018 was Speaking at the held at The Grandeau programme, the National Hotel, behind Ilesa Assistant Secretary, Dr Garage, Osogbo.

Bello Olalekan expressed The poll, which was satisfaction towards the supervised by the NANTMP National way the affairs of the Secretary, Alhaji association has been Kamorudeen Adeagbo, managed in the past five was described as free and years.

The newly-elected fair, as members were given a level playing Chairman, Chief Nasiru ground to exercise their Olorunayo called on all members to work right.

Adeagbo praised together with him members of the towards moving the association for their body to greater height supports before, during and to get the support and after the election and and cooperation of the also enjoined them to be members of the public.

Osun SUBEB PS Congratulates Ooni At 44

•Students of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH) at Ola Iya roundabout during their protest over increase in School fees on Tuesday. INSET: One of the Students displaying placard PHOTO: BLESSING OYEWUSI

Ekiti 2018:

Adeoti Congratulates Fayemi On Second Coming

By Sikiru Obarayese Governorship candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) in the recently-conducted gubernatorial election in Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti has congratulated Dr. Kayode Fayemi on his inauguration as the Executive Governor of Ekiti State.

This was contained in view of the thirst by Ekiti his congratulatory residents and indigenes message made available to experience progressive to newsmen by his media politics instead of the aide, Kayode Agbaje in recent conservativism Osogbo, the state capital. imposed on them.

According to Alhaji Alhaji Adeoti however Adeoti, Dr. Fayemi’s charged the new victory did not come to governor on the need to him as a big surprise, in show good example of

good governance through new ideas that are capable of taking the state to the next level of development that will make the state a reference point among its peers.

While congratulating the people of Ekiti State on the inauguration of their new governor, the ADP chieftain in Osun expressed optimism of a new glorious dawn for the state.

“With Dr Kayode Fayemi at the helms of affairs in Ekiti State, I can

assure all the state residents and indigenes of a new and glorious dawn,” Alhaji Adeoti stated.

He further admonished the new governor to use his wealth of experience to improve on the current level of physical development, while advising him on the need to hit the ground running in view of the structural deficit that was the lot of the state in the last four years.

A front line community leader and Permanent Secretary, Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Alhaji Fatai Kolawole has felicitated with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his 44th birthday.

In a statement he through key moments of personally signed and our nation’s history and made available to as our nation underwent journalists on Tuesday in transformation, he has Osogbo, the State capital, been a rock of stability Kolawole extended his and a steadfast keeper of heartfelt wishes for the tradition.

He also prayed for the best of health and continued happiness in protection and prosperity years to come for the of the beloved Ife Land “under your wise and monarch.

The Osun based sincere leadership.”

“Today, we admire his educationist described to Ooni Ogunwusi as a commitment defined gift to Yoruba development, devotion to duty, deeply-held love race whose enthronement came at a for Yoruba race and time when Yoruba nation unwavering loyalty for needed someone to serve peace. Ooni Ogunwusi is as rallying point and a peace ambassador par bring everyone on board excellence he has created for the unity and a conducive environment development of Yoruba for development and total peace especially in nation and its people.

Land”.

In his remark, “Over IfeAlhaji Kolawole the past few years of his however sought God’s ascension to the dignified protection for the king throne, His majesty has and prayed for more stood as an epitome of fruitful years on the peace and development throne.

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

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FEDPOFFA Begins IJMB Programme The Federal Polytechnic Offa, in affiliation with the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, has started running the Interim Joint Matriculation Board (IJMB) Programme.

In a statement by the Registrar of the institution, Alhaji Abdulhamid Raji, the pioneer students for the programme are expected to resume on December 4, 2017.

According to the statement, the Polytechnic called on candidates seeking admission into universities and possess five (5) O’ Level Credit Passes in relevant subjects to apply for the 12-month programme.

He assured potential students of uninterrupted academic calendar, internet facilities, high-tech and accessible laboratories, conducive learning environment, highlydedicated, experienced and friendly teachers, conducive, homely and affordable hostel accommodation, among others.

“Interested candidates are to visit the Polytechnic website www.fpo.edu.ng for

further details.

Meanwhile, the institution has resume for the 2017/2018 academic session on Monday.

Fresh students have subsequently begun registration on October 17, while returning students have between October 23 and November 10, 2017 to complete theirs.

Lectures will commence at the two campuses of the polytechnic on November 13, while the 2017/2018 Matriculation ceremony for the new students is slated for November 30, 2017.

First semester

examination has been scheduled for January 22, 2018 to February 9, 2018.

The school would reopen again for the second semester on March 5, 2018.

OSPOLY Admission: Students Rush For Payment Of Acceptance Fee

By Joshua Afolabi

Some of the newly-admitted students of the Osun State Polytechnic, Iree have been rushing for the payment of their acceptance fee to be able to meet up with the time frame for the exercise.

Though, no deadline of original admission has been fixed for the letter from JAMB and payment of the fee, our also the school correspondent sighted admission letter.

He said he has been newly-admitted Higher National Diploma getting more customer, (HND) and National particularly of recent Diploma (ND) students when the institution’s running around to make management released the second batch of HND payment.

Some of the students admission list and the were sighted at ND second Batch.

One of the newlyMicrofinance Bank in students, Iree for the payment of admitted Joshua Oladele noted their fees According to Afolabi that the workers of the Segun, a computer institution Microfinance operator, the business is Bank have been working booming, as students hard to attend to the were coming in large students.

Another newlynumber for the printing

The Opposition Needs Decent Men Meeting this week with my mentor in his country home, as I did last week, was very rewarding, as I once again went away with far reaching discussions on democratic norm, despite his tight schedules. On a daily basis, he plays host to different categories of people from diverse areas of life. Name it: politicians, businessmen, diplomats and even the masses. But when his personal assistant, a tall, slim man in suave native attire with well tended beard and moustache told him of my arrival, he excused himself from one of the meetings to attend to me. He thanked me for taking my time out to still come around after our brief introductory meeting of the previous week. The difference, this time is that he came along with about three different books. They were, “48 Laws of Power” by Robert Greene, “Democracy In America” by Alexis de Tocquiville and “The Politics Book: Big Ideas Simply Explained”. He handed the trio to me and said: “go and read them. When next you come back, tell me what new things you have learnt from them. But before you go, let me put your fertile mind into introspection, just as I did last week.

“What is the role of the opposition in a democracy? I’m sure many loyalists as well as some in government see the opposition as enemy. My dear, the opposition is our friend.

They are friends of the masses as well as of the government.

Are you surprised? The hallmark of a complete democracy is the government and the opposition. There cannot be true democracy anywhere if the opposition is gagged or disallowed to have a say. The Opposition’s main role is to question the government of the day and hold them accountable to the public. Statesman and author Dr Don Brash says the Opposition represents an alternative government, and is responsible for challenging the policies of the government and producing different policies where appropriate. The opposition party puts the government of the day on its toes in order not to derail. If you go into our history as a nation, especially in the first republic, you will notice that the virile opposition role played by the late sage and then head of the opposition in the legislature, Chief Obafemi Awolowo provided an alternative government, whose policies sharply differed from those of the government in power then. So, in essence, the opposition party is as important as the government in power, all for the benefits of the people in general.” He paused, took a sip of his beverage and continued, “you see, one thing about the opposition then was not about the hustling for power. In fact, the late Chief Awolowo opted to be leader of the opposition rather than joining a coalition or what we call it these days, where the opposition will do anything to ride to power or to wrestle power with the party in power.

“In those days”, he continued, “ideology was what drove each party. People do not just jump from one political

•Dr Jacob Agboola, OSPOLY Rector. admitted student, Babatunde Tobiloba appealed to the Governor-elect, Gboyega Oyetola to help address the management of the institution for the total reduction of tuition fee.

Truth Of The Matter with

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•Akin Ogunbiyi: A fine gentleman

“Another disturbing character of the opposition in Osun and even at the national level is the quality of men they often throw up to leadership position at the party and elective posts. They have this penchant for throwing up men and women of questionable character.

And this is often their undoing especially during elections. party to another without deep ideological consideration.

We had pockets of base shifts but not as rampant as we have these days.

“A good government in power must embrace and even encourage the opposition. This is because, it is through the opposition party that it draws strength, identifies errors and makes correction. A government without opposition is like a moving vehicle without brakes. It will keep going, even into the dishes. In order to have credibility, an opposition party must give kudos when the needs arise. It should not always be antagonistic as is being experienced these days. It must be partners in progress. It may sometimes even attend government functions, to support

government in times of need and quick to criticize and give opposing opinion and options in times of obvious error on the part of government. It should avoid extreme stances for or against government: its criticism of government must not be to derail it; neither should an opposition party be too close to government. The two extremes are detrimental to good governance and overall polity.

“It is however sad today that the opposition is bereft of fresh ideas. Its opinions are often myopic and ill-informed.

Case of the PDP in Osun is a typical example of how not to be an opposition party. They see absolutely nothing good in virtually all programmes of government. They criticize even the most obviously best-intentioned programmes and projects of government and see nothing good in them. This is certainly not how to play opposition. Nobody takes you serious when all you do is talk down on government at all time. This is not smart of them at all. If anything, it diminishes them.

“Another disturbing character of the opposition in Osun and even at the national level is the quality of men they often throw up to leadership position at the party and elective posts. They have this penchant for throwing up men and women of questionable character. And this is often their undoing especially during elections. I think what brings this up is because it is these people of questionable characters that often have the wherewithal to buy their ways up the ladder. It is as if the opposition’s elective and party posts are always up for sale to the highest bidders. This was what played out during the PDP primaries in Port-Harcourt where Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the richest of them, despite the negative baggage he carried to the venue, had the day. It still confounds me, the instruments of thought that brought up characters in the mould of an Ademola Adeleke, to fly the flag of the PDP, in a primary contest that had someone like Akin Ogunbiyi, who has a very intimidating resume.

“My advice for the opposition, at the state and national levels, is that they should always field decent, accomplished men, with little or no controversies if they want to assume the position of alternative government and want to be taken serious.

“We have had enough to ponder upon today, my son.

Please find time out of your busy schedule to go through those books I just handed over to you, and let us discuss on them next week. Thank you for coming around”.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

Again, Osun Rated Lowest Poverty-ridden State In Nigeria

economic youths, Osun Free School quagmire in 2016 but was Osun has again been declared the lowest state and progamme able to sustain her social with incidence of poverty in Nigeria by the United development in the state. Feeding This confirmed named ‘O MEAL’ which protection programmes Nations Development Programme.

Aregbesola’s ingenuity, employs over 3334 like O’ MEAL, OYES, The Computation of developed the vision and ceaseless women who prepare building of schools, Human Development doubt efforts in transforming for the school provision of soft loans economy of the state, Indices for the UNDP improve the wellbeing of the state, improve meals empowerment children, and series of and Nigeria Human wellbeing of the people e m p o w e r m e n t programmes for traders, Development Report the people and guarantee and creation of wealth. provision of free programmes have (2016) which was security of life and “Programmes like reduced poverty in the ambulance services and released by National properties. treatment to accident Youth state.”

“The report is a Osun Bureau of Statistics (NBS) Empowerment Scheme He added: “Osun was victims and other on Friday rated Osun as welcome development; it (OYES) which has programmes. in deep financial actually reflects the social the lowest state in the usefully engaged 60,000 ‘Incidence of Poverty’.

According to the report, Osun has 17.5 per cent incidence of poverty.

It would be recalled “The prosecution is malpractices against The Federal High Court in Abuja, on Monday, that the NBS had in 2013 fixed October 31 for the arraignment of the Peoples ordered to ensure the Adeleke and his four corated Osun the second Democratic Party’s governorship candidate in the defendants are brought accused. lowest state in Poverty September 22, 2018 election in Osun, Senator in court at the next date, Adeleke, who was Index in 2013, one of the Ademola Adeleke, and four others, on charges of to take their plea,” the defeated by the All five states with lowest examination malpractices.

Progressives Congress’ judge ruled. unemployment rate by The IG, through the candidate in the Osun The judge, Justice I.E General of Police, Mr. NBS, and the second governorship election, richest state in Nigeria by Ekwo, during a brief Ibrahim Idris, to ensure prosecuting counsel, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola, the United Nations’ hearing, which was all the five defendants are Simon Lough, had on has filed a petition before M u l t i - D i m e n s i o n a l stalled due to Adeleke’s brought to court for September 19, 2018 filed counts of the election petition absence on Monday, arraignment on October four Poverty Index in 2017. e x a m i n a t i o n tribunal challenging the NBS stated in the directed the Inspector- 31. report: “The Incidence of Poverty which is the percentage of Nigerians who are poor is 53.7 percent and the disaggregation by state shows that it is more prevalent (89.9 percent) in Sokoto state, followed

by Jigawa state with 86.1 per cent, Rivers and Ebonyi state share 58.9 per cent each, while the lowest state is Osun state with 17.5 per cent”.

Reacting, the Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Mr Adelani Baderinwa, said the government was not surprised with the UNDP and NBS’s report, describing it as a compliment on Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration.

Baderinwa maintained that the projects, programmes and policies put in place by •Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, signing the condolence register, during a condolence visit to the Aregbesola have no family of late Moses Adejumo (Aka Baba Sala), in his country home Ilesa.

“Over 38, 000 traders, business owners and small scale business owners have been empowered between 2014 and 2018. The social protection programmes of the Aregbesola’s administration are second to none in Nigeria. This is why Osun has lowest poverty rate in Nigeria.”

Exam Malpractices: Produce Adeleke, Others For Arraignment, Court Orders

YESSO Employs Over 90,000 Youths In Osun

By Solomon Odeniyi Over 90, 000 beneficiaries across the 30 local governments in Osun state have participated in the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) since the inception of the scheme, the state Head of Operation, Sola Adetoye has said.

Adetoye who spoke gone to the World Bank yesterday during the to relax the criteria for inspection audit of the selection which is pegged World Bank delegates to at those within the ages the state, YESSO noted of 18-35 who do not have that this was achieved in up to JSS 3 in terms of a single register of education. This has vulnerable households. affected our intake The state head of because Osun is an operation noted that advantage state in terms Osun has the least of education. Based on number of participants as this, we have fewer compared to other states beneficiaries up till this based on the criteria set moment. by the World Bank which “However, it has been stated that those within relaxed up till SS3 and the ages of 18-35 who are extended beyond 35 not up to Junior years of age. As a result, Secondary School 3 in we have about 9,000 of terms of education be them on the waiting list admitted, describing the to join the over 1,500 state as an advantaged already in the scheme.” state in terms of He lauded the state education. government for its He said, ”we have interventions through the

provision of enabling environment, adequate infrastructure, day-today operations of the scheme as well as prompt payment of the counterpart fund.

One of the World Bank delegates, Atiku Musa while assessing the scheme in the state said Osun was one of the state they appreciated on how the programme has been implemented, adding that the purpose of their visit was to spur them on in the area of their strength so that they can optimise the programme to the benefits of the beneficiaries.

He however hoped the government would expand the programme to get more people in as the state has gotten a register to additional 9,000 more beneficiaries to the scheme in the state by paying its counterpart

fund.

He noted that the World Bank has amortized the 10 per cent counterpart fund to 5 per cent, get the 9,000 on board by paying up 6months after, urging the government to catch on this.

Mrs Olaoni Roseline, the vocal person for the skill for job a component of the YESSO scheme hinted that his unit is planning to train about 500 beneficiaries in various skills of their choice, adding that at the end of the three months training, the beneficiaries would be deployed to private sector operators to acquire more training as interns for 6 months.

One of the beneficiaries, Akinpelu Kolawole from Ejigbo local government said the programme has contributed immensely

to his life, as he has been able to meet his immediate needs and that of family with the stipends he has been getting.

Another beneficiary, Kamoru Mumini from Olorunda local government Said with his savings from the programme he would be completing his education which he stopped due to lack money.

Ogundele Nofisat also from Olorunda said she had bought a sewing machine and just done her freedom from her boss with are savings, adding that she wished to save to rent a shop before the expiration of the programme.

She advised the government to see to the continuous existence of the programme to rid youth in the state of poverty.

cumulative results of the September 22 election and the September 27 rerun declared by the Independent National Electoral Commission.

The prosecutor, Lough, informed the judge on Monday that the matter marked, FHC/ABJ/CR/ 156/2018, was coming up for the first time on Monday.

The prosecution alleged the accused and the five defendants of committing examination m a l p r a c t i c e s fraudulently, through impersonation, registering Adeleke and another Sikiru Adeleke, as students of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, in Ojo-Aro in Osun State, for the National Examination Council’s June/July 2017 Senior School Certificate Examination in February 2017.

Those charged alongside Adeleke were, Sikiru Adeleke; the principal of Ojo-Aro Community Grammar School, Alhaji Aregbesola Muftau; the registrar of the school, Gbadamosi Ojo; and a teacher in the school, Dare Samuel Olutope.

While the four other defendants were present in court on Monday, Adeleke was absent.

His lawyer, Dr. Alex Izinyon (SAN), informed the judge that the governorship candidate is not in court because of ill health.

Izinyon said, “His Personal Assistant informed me yesterday (Sunday) that he was indisposed because he was stooling.

“He sent a medical report to that effect.”

Izinyon said he had served the medical report, showing his client was on medication, on the prosecution.

He pleaded with the court to grant a short adjournment to enable the first defendant to recover.

The prosecuting counsel, Lough, acknowledged that the medical report had been served on him.

He also urged the court to grant a short adjournment.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

CRIME

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Two Persons In Court Over Alleged Assault the prosecutor.

By Sukurat Adewumi and Aishat oyebami The Presiding Osun state police command has arraigned two Magistrate A O Ajanaku suspects, Ajayi Jimoh 43 and Adewumi Tola, 38 over overruled the objection of alleged assault on police men. the prosecutor. She said The accused are facing However, the suspects that the court is not ten count charges pleaded not guilty to the bothering on ten count charges a s s a u l t , m a l i c i o u s preferred against them. damage and an attempt The defence counsel, to kill.

Mr Kazeem Badmus and The charge sheet read Mr O A Adebiyi prayed in court revealed that the the court to grant the accused conspired suspects bail among themselves to They added that the commit felony by accused did not slapping one Olakunle committed any offence Muhammad. related to what is in the The accused persons charge sheet, adding that were charged for tearing the two suspects did not the police uniform and know each other from maliciously damaged anywhere. recommended glass The prosecutor worth N10,000 property Oladoye of Superintendent of Inspector Police Adebiyi Femi and Joshua objected the deputy superintendent of defence counsel, saying police Abioye Sanjo the case is a serious respectively who were on offence that court should special assignment to not take it lightly.

The defence counsel forestall any break down •Suspected kidnappers and of law and order at the urged the court to Wednesday. dismissed the objection of court.

It added that the Suspects threatened to kill one Olakunle

By Aishat Oyebamiji Muhammed.

The charge sheet A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo has issued a disclosed that the suspects thereby bench warrant against Adebayo Aminu who is committed an offence standing surety before the court for refusing to show contrary to sections 516 up in court. (a), 356 (4), 451, 351, 84, Adebayo, a surety for because he called him 509, 126 and punishable an accused person, personally to show up in under section 86 (1) of Owolabi Simeon who criminal code cap 34 was arraigned over an court but he said he Vol.II laws of Osun state alleged stealing and would not because he was afraid to come to Nigeria 2003.

According to the fraud did not appear in court. court when his case was He added that this is charge sheet,the suspects not the first time both the committed the offence on mentioned.

The prosecutor, Mr. surety and the accused October 10, 2018 at about 11:30am at Magistrate Lamidi prayed the court person have ceased to to issue a bench warrant show up in court and all court 3 Oke fia area against the surety their efforts to get in Osogbo.

allowed to used bail as point of punishment and the prosecutor should provide legal evidence of damage recommend.

She granted the

accused bail with the sum of N200,000 and one surety.

She added that the sureties must be civil servants and swear to an

affidavit of means, produce three years tax clearance certificate.

The case was adjourned to December 19 2018.

ritual killers arrested in Ilorin being paraded at the SARS headquarter, Abuja on

Court Issues Bench Warrant Against Surety

Mother, Daughter Docked Over Assault

accused persons bail in most liberal term.

The Presiding A 58-year old woman, Oladapo Victoria and her daughter Oladapo Iyanuoluwa 24 have been Magistrate O T Badmus granted the suspects bail arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate court for in the sum of N50,000 alleged assault.

The defence counsel with one surety.

The Suspects were The case was adjourned arraigned on three count Adedoyin Ajewola urged charges bothering on the court to grant the to November 27, 2018 for hearing. assault.

The charge sheet read in court revealed that the suspects conspired

By Josephine Eyimofe together to commit felony to wit assault by beaten Osun state police command has remanded a 42-year one Mr Clement Sunday, torn his cloth and old man, Gbenga Oladimeji before an Osogbo magistrate court over alleged damage of one Toyota damaged a trouser, a Samsung 56 S6 edge corolla saloon car valued N2,280,000. phone golden colour all According to the charge N2,280,000 property of valued N55,000. sheet read in court, the one Mr Adebayo Toyosi.

The charge sheet accused is facing six count The offence committed, disclosed that the accused charges bothering on the charge sheet, revealed thereby committed an dangerous driving, failure is contrary to and offence Contrary to and to produce vehicle license punishable under section punishable under on demand, failed to 18 cap115, section 7 [1] of sections 516, 315 and 415 produce certificate of RTW, section 17 cap126 of the criminal code cap insurance, failure to slow ofRTW,section 36[2]of 34 Vol.II laws of Osun down for approaching RTW, section 27 of RTA vehicle. state Nigeria 2003. cap 115 Vol.vi laws of The charge sheet Osun state of Nigeria According to the charge sheet the accused disclosed that the accused, 2003. committed the offence on being the driver in charge According to the charge September 29, 2018, at of one Honda saloon car sheet, the accused Yekini Aka Street Dada with Registration Number committed the offence on AJ622GUS damage one estate Osogbo.

September 16 2018 at The accused pleaded Toyota corolla saloon car not guilty to the charges with registration Number about 7;30 pm near FKJ60ES Valued NURTW motor park, preferred against them.

By Sukurat Adewumi and Joseph Olarotimi

touch with the accused person was in vain.

Lamidi said ever since the accused person have been issued a bench warrant due to his absence in court, on March 13, 2018, he is yet to show up.

The defence counsel,

Mr. Chibueze Collins prayed the court not to grant the prosecutor wishes but he was overruled.

Presiding Magistrate, Mr. O. T Badmus said he told the surety on the day the accused person was

bailed whether he understood the implication of standing for an accused person? and he respond positively.

He later issued a bench warrant on the surety and adjourned the case till November 2, 2018.

Purchase Of Food On Credit Lands Man In Court

By

Aishat Oyebamiji and Mistura Oladele

A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo has remanded a 55-year-old man, Moses Olatunde in prison custody over alleged cheating and stealing.

According to the The offence charge sheet read in committed, the charge court, the accused person sheet disclosed is cheated one Mrs. Kudirat contrary to section 383 Yusuf by buying cooked and punishable under food worth N269,940 section 390(9) of criminal only on credit and code cap 34 vol.11 law of refused to pay.

Osun state Nigeria, 2003.

However, the suspect who had no legal representation pleaded guilty to the two count charges preferred against him.

Presiding Magistrate, Mr. O.T Badmus ordered that the suspect should be remanded in prison custody.

He later adjourned the case to October 26, 2018.

Man Remanded For Reckless Driving Osogbo City stadium area along Osogbo-Ikirun road, Osogbo.

However, the accused pleaded not guilty to the

charges preferred against him.

Presiding Magistrate, A .O Ayilara ordered that the accused be remanded

in prison custody.

He later adjourned the case to November 7, 2018 for mentioned.

Adesoji Docked For Receiving Stolen Phone By

Toheeb Badmus

A 24-year-old man, Samuel Adesoji was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo for allegedly buying stolen phone.

The accused person phone was stolen.

The offence was docked on one count charge bothering on committed, The charge revealed is receiving stolen sheet, contrary to and property.

He is alleged of buying punishable Under section itel 1516 phone on 427 of criminal code cap November 19, 2017 at 34 vol.ii laws of Osun Sabo Area, Osogbo State of Nigeria 2003.

However, the accused property of one Joseph Ogunrinde knowing person pleaded not fully well that the said guilty to the charge

preferred against him.

The defence counsel, Amechi Ugwu applied for the bail of the accused person in the most liberal term, saying he won’t jump bail if granted.

The Presiding Magistrate, O. A Oloyade granted the suspect bail in the sum of N50,000 with two reliable sureties.

The case was adjourn till 12 November 2018 for hearing.

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Again, Osun Rated Lowest Poverty-ridden State In Nigeria Page 14

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FRIDAY OCTOBER 19 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 25, 2018

Osun Investment That Take Education Beyond Classroom

Governor Rauf Aregbesola has identified the link between knowledge and economic miracles which is education and he has built and equipped schools in Osun with huge investment in education. He said that the world is moving towards the use of knowledge rather than wealth to measure success, adding that those who invested in education stand the chance of becoming rich, saying, “What differentiates human beings from animals is education aside from good manners. In the history of mankind, those who lead the human race are usually the most knowledgeable.”

The more educated a workforce is, the more it is able to absorb knowledge and translate it into economic growth, hence Osun huge investment in education is a strategic foresight which has taken education beyond classroom.

Governor Aregbesola has realised that globally, some people are at risk of losing their jobs due to the advance in computer technology. Therefore, policy like strategic foresight was needed to endow students with required skills.

With the introduction of educational reforms in quest for knowledge and performance-driven economy, Osun has been able to meet up with the 21st century job demand which is the information communication technology (ICT) to enhance teaching and learning in order to cope with the changing world and take education beyond classroom.

Since 2010, Osun government has understood that it is critical to take a structured approach by thinking about the future in order to better build prosperous societies. Strategic foresight in the state has been practiced so pervasively and produced 21st century technological desired results. Investing in human capital through an educational policy has been a growing priority for the government in the last 8 years. These policies were expected to lead to an enhanced productivity, economic growth, and development.

In addition, improving teaching abilities via training of teachers and reforming learning materials were funded as effective ways of enhancing education quality. In the last 8 years, we’ve witnessed more technological progress in Osun than any generation before us and the coming decades will see more innovations than ever before.

Massive advances in digital technology have ‘rebooted’ the way we think, play, work, and interact with each other, and have affected every aspect of society – education being no exception.

Aregbesola is aware that the current digital world is essential to ensure that Africa’s young people are fully prepared for their future lives and careers. He believes that accelerating the adoption of technologies in the classroom will both empower teachers to improve education outcomes and ensure they adapt to the digital shift,

OBSERVATION

With technology inevitably making its way to the classroom and more educators across Osun are starting to explore the potential of educational technology to challenge, inspire and engage their students help bridge the digital divide and, most importantly, provide students with the education they need to transit into jobs in the knowledge economy. The government has invested in providing opportunities for youth to succeed in today’s competitive marketplace, and to support this important work, it recently committed millions of dollars in community investments to increase access to computer science for young people over the next three decades through Osun education initiative.

With technology inevitably making its way to the classroom and more educators across Osun are starting to explore the potential of educational technology to challenge, inspire and engage their students, we’ve decided to take a look at some of the most digitally inspiring classrooms from all across Osun. Osun education is being bombarded by tumultuous forces for change in the political, technological, social, economic, and environmental sectors, locally and globally.

Osun investment in education has prioritised and monitored learning, beyond traditional metrics, such as the number of teachers trained or number of students enrolled. Quality needs to be the focus of education investments, with learning gains as the key metric of quality.

Education spending has grown faster than GDP in Osun since 2010. If we expect that both technical productivity and our individual democratic power will each continue to accelerate in industrial democracies, it is then an easy prediction that the Big

Three human capital industries of Health Care, Education, and Nonprofits will all make up large shares of most nation’s budgets in coming decades. The faster, smarter and more productive our machines, the more social wealth and tax base they create. In turn, in reasonably democratic countries, the more spending we’ll see in education and other sectors central to human potential.

As the world economy accelerates, and the value of knowledge work and computer work continues to grow, educational systems should feel even greater stresses to remain relevant to the needs of employers and students.

Education influences several of the nine variables in the World Economic Forum’s annual Global Competitiveness Index. In Osun,Elearning, adaptive (computer-based) learning, and the educational technology sector are today seen as the disruptive edge of education.

The three senatorial districts in Osun State have benefitted from the massive investment in education under the Rauf Aregbesola administration. The state Commissioner for Education, Omotunde Young, disclosed that the first major challenge Aregbesola decided to tackle on assumption of office about eight years ago was the near collapse of the state’s public school system. He said the state education sector was so bad that public schools became completely unattractive and an object of ridicule, pointing out that apart from restoring the lost glory of public education by making it very

BY INWALOMHE DONALD attractive, the governor had gone a step further by proving that free education was still possible at the elementary and secondary levels.

“The education facilities being put in place are far better than those in the private schools”, he said, noting that one of the success stories of Aregbesola’s educational transformation in Osun, especially its school feeding programme, was the fact that it had become a model adopted by the Federal Government and the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO).

According to Omotunde, Osun High School alone has enjoyed a minimum of about N11 billion worth of investment in the education sector since 2010, stressing, “eleven model high schools were built and commissioned across Osun”.

The scheme began with school feeding programme called O’ Meal (which has tremendously increased the enrolment of pupils in the public schools), followed by the school reclassification, provision of digital text books to the public secondary schools tagged tablet of knowledge (Opon Imo); payment of external examination fees for all public senior secondary schools; renovation of some school building and building of modern schools across the state. Aregbesola’s government has embarked on the construction of state-of-the-art 100 elementary schools, 50 middle schools and 20 high schools. Twenty elementary schools, 22 middle schools and 11 high schools have been completed.

The Ilesa Government High School, like any other completed 11 high schools in the state, is a state-of-the-art.

Many people when they see the picture, because it is so good, argue it is computer generated graphics in 3D. Actually, the high school has 3,000 capacity three-in-one school. Each school has its principal with an overall senior principal. The complex has 72 classrooms of 49 square-meters each capable of sitting 49 students, 6 offices for study groups, 6 laboratories equipped with computers, 18 toilets for young ladies, 18 toilets for young men, 1 Science library, 1 Art Library, 1 Facility manager’s office, 1 Bookshop, 1 Sick Bay, 1 Bursar’s office, 3 Principals’ offices, 3 General Staff office, 1 Senior principal’s office, 1 Record store and 1 Security shed/Reception.

There is a total of 1000 square-meters of floor space Hall capable of sitting 1000 students for external examinations. This hall has storage for equipments, utility storage, a stage, office space, storage for documents, 4 female toilets and 4 male toilets.

•Inwalomhe Donald writes from Benin City, inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com

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

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