Osun Defender Online Version of June 11, 2021

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021 VOL 16 NO 21

Osun Govt.

Threatens Sanction On Iron And Steel Company Over Harmful Practices Page 2

Residents Fingered In Failed Ikire, Apomu Bank Robberies, Attacks

Ooni, AwolowoDosumu Stir The Hornets’ •My Son Died When Life Began To Have Nest In Ilesa Meaning For Him – Mother of Slain Resident •It Is A Deadly Attack Page 4 On My Town - Akire There Is No Plan To T Page Suspend 6 Aregbesola - APC

Hope On Caretaker Appointments Dashed Again

Page 6

‘Electorate Must Stop Voting Nonentities Into Power’ Page 5

•Gov. Oyetola

Ismaeel Uthman

HERE are indications that some of the armed robbers that attacked Ikire Divisional Police Headquarters, First Bank, Ikire and Access Bank in Apomu, might be residents of the two communities.

This is just as the Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi described the incident as a deadly attack on Ikire as a community.

It would be recalled that about 35 dare-devil armed robbers stormed Ikire and Apomu in Irewole and Isokan local government areas respectively around 5:30pm on Wednesday, June 2, 2021 with five different vehicles.

Two policemen, ASP Osho Oluranti, Inspector Lekan Olalere, two special constabularies, Oladeni Olalekan and Oyedeji Muyideen, and three civilian residents of Apomu, Toheeb Oyebola, Temilorun Adebiyi and Segun Olamoyero, were shot dead by the armed robbers in the unsuccessful operations.

According to some residents of Apomu who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER when the medium visited the community on Tuesday, the armed robbers might have been in the town for some days before carrying out the operations.

They also asserted that some of the armed robbers were speaking Yoruba fluently and might be residents of the community.

•Continued on page 2

Nigeria Would’ve Been Better Under Abiola Presidency – Lawal

Page 5

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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News

Residents Fingered In Failed Ikire, Apomu Bank Robberies, Attacks

•Association of Lions’ Club of Osun Classic District 404B2 Nigeria, presenting Commmunity Growth Award to Hon. Abidemi Ogunkanmi, Deputy Chief Whip State of Osun House of Assembly on Wednesday.

Continued from page 1

Buttressing their assertion, the Apomu indigenes disclosed that three of the armed robbers who first attacked the branch of Access Bank in the community, emerged from a remote area in the vicinity, while all the men of the underworld escaped through a road that is not known to all the residents of the area.

They stated that Olamoyero and one other person were killed by the armed robbers after leaving the scene of the operations in the nook of OkeOla, the location of the Access Bank.

Also, the residents stated that the armed robbers that killed Olamoyero called his name before shooting him, reasoning that the hooded ones among the assailants might be indigenes or residents of Apomu.

They said: “We have reasons to believe that some of the armed robbers are indigenes or residents of this place, Apomu. The three armed robbers that started the operation at the Access Bank came from behind the Access Bank. People that saw them thought they were hoodlums until they began to shoot into the air and told people that they did not come for them.

“When the people were throwing stones at them, the armed robbers were warning and shoot-

ing to scare them away.

But when they discovered that the people were getting close to them, the armed robbers began to shoot directly at the people but they were almost exhausting their ammunition.

“One of the armed robbers was shot and was

gasping for breath. Another one was held hostage before the arrival of their colleagues who were attacking First Bank and Police Headquarters in Ikire. When those people came, they started shooting sporadically. One person was killed on the spot while several others

sustained gunshot injury.

“The man that held one of the armed robbers hostage was shot in the leg. A madman known as Sunday was shot, but the bullet did not penetrate his body. Another pregnant madwoman was shot at her thigh. She is

walking around with the bullet now. A 14-year-old girl who was going to buy soft drinks for her father was also hit by stray bullet.

“The armed robbers went through two different roads in the nook of Oke-Ola to shoot Segun Olamoyero and one other person. One of the armed robbers shot Segun from behind; the other moved closer to him and called his name ‘Segun’ before shooting him at close range.

“The other person that was killed was identified by armed robbers as part of the people attacking their colleagues.

“The armed robber that was shot and gasping for breath was shot again by one of his colleagues who later slaughtered him. His corpse was put in a Nissan Micra car driven by a lady that led the operations.

“The armed robbers escaped through Araromi-Owu road. The road is not known to strangers. It is a rough road that links

Osun Govt. Threatens Sanction On Iron And Steel Company Over Harmful Practices Ismaeel Uthman

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HE State Government of Osun has directed the management of Ife Iron and Steel Melting Factory to

embark on immediate corrective measures of all observed anomalies arising from unfriendly environmental practices that could put the health of the people of the area

in jeopardy.

The Director-General, Bureau of Social Services (BOSS) in the state, Mr. Richard Tinubu, gave the directive when he paid an unscheduled visit to

Symbol’s Quote

“Whoever likes women and children should not support, but rather condemn any call for separation and conducts capable of threatening Nigeria’s unity. Nigeria is a country created by God for us and for the Black race.”

the company in Ile-Ife on Monday.

Tinubu stated that the State Government was seriously concerned about the challenges of emission and other sundry complaints of the people of Ife communities where the factory is sited.

He emphasised the need for the company to carry out government’s directive on all observed anomalies, warning that failure to do so would attract necessary disciplinary measures.

The DG directed the company to submit its corrective plans to the State Government with immediate effect for effective monitoring and enforcement.

He stated that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola is very passionate about the well-being of the people of the state and would not tolerate any form of environmental pollution that could affect their health.

Tinubu harped on moderation and decency in the conduct of the operations of the iron and steel factory.

Speaking at the interactive session, the state Commissioner for En•Continued on page 7

different towns and villages without getting to the expressway. Only people who are familiar with the road could pass it.”

Speaking with the medium, Mrs. Iyabo Olamoyero, the mother of Segun Olamoyero, one of the victims of the failed bank raid, said her 25-year-old son died when life was getting meaningful for him.

The grieving mother, who was surrounded by women-sympathizers in her one-room apartment when OSUN DEFENDER visited her on Tuesday, could not hold back her tears.

She said Segun was a plank business apprentice who wanted to establish himself in the trade.

According to the mother and other women with her, Segun was not part of the people that confronted the armed robbers, even as they affirmed that his name was called by the assailants according to the people that witnessed the robbery.

The Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi, visited the Ikire Police Divisional Headquarters to sympathise with the Police.

Oba Falabi said: “The attack is not about bank robbery. It is a deadly attack on Ikire and its people. The armed robbers knew where bank is before attacking and killing policemen. It is an indication that there is no security in the land. May God restore security in Nigeria.

“This is not the first time we will experience things like this. But the previous bank robbery was not like this. The armed robbers faced the bank they intended to rob in the past. But the armed robbers that came for the last operation did not come for just bank raids; they came to wage war against Ikire as a community and God will wage war against them.”

The lawmaker representing Irewole/Isokan Constituency at the State House of Assembly, Hon. Olanrewaju Maruf visited the places affected by the failed robbery operations on Monday and sympathised with the people on the casaulties recorded during the incident.

PEOPLE FIRST

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

Review & Outlook

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BY KANMI ADEMILUYI

A Soothing Intervention A Day To Remember

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N our present season of discontent, sage like admonitions based on a strategic calculus should be welcomed.

It will be unfortunate if rage triggers off positions based on delusions tempting as this maybe.

Delusion is not to be taking lightly. It is much worse than deception which by comparison is relatively mild. Delusions getting out of hand have fatal consequences. The word itself is derived from the Latin word “delusio” - interpreted as, “a false belief that is resistant to confrontation with actual facts”.

The misinterpretation of the observations of the Federal Minister Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is based on a delusional mindset more than mischief.

The remarks by the minister were made at a book presentation last week in Ilesa. There should be nothing contentious in his observation that, “Those Calling for Nigeria to breakup are ignorant. Every Nigerian should work for Nigeria’s Unity and development.

“It will take Nigeria 50 years to recover from civil war. Whoever like woman and children should not support, but rather condemn any call of separation and conduct capable of threatening Nigeria’s Unity”.

“Fire and brimstone utterances are crowd pleasing, unfortunately banal appeals to emotion cannot replace a strategic imperative” Fire and brimstone utterances are crowd pleasing, unfortunately banal appeals to emotion cannot replace a strategic imperative. It is fatalistically delusional to have a romantic perspective about conflicts and warfare, war is gory business in which disgruntled old men push in young men to act as combatants. It never ends well and leaves scars for generations to bear.

The wise counsel of Ogbeni Aregbesola is sage like. We should use the ongoing discourses and inputs into proposed constitutional amendments as an opportunity for a reboot and gain national consensus and compromises on areas of discord actual, contrived or potential. Nations have gone through stress tests before and come out stronger, Italy after the “historic compromise “ is a very good example of a national compromise and much later the constitutional revamp in Kenya. Our own current season of doubts will pass, which is why the glamorisation of war is reprehensible and should stop.

Media Awareness On New Polling Units In Osun Dear Editor, HE Independent National Electoral Commission of recent made an announcement to create additional polling units. This is a move to decongest our polling centres and address voter’s apathy during election period in Nigeria.

This exercise, according to INEC, was said to be done through the conversion of existing polling points into polling units throughout the federation.

In the State of Osun

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here, we have existing 3,010 polling units and 753 voting points.

When this 753 voting points are converted to polling units, we will have 3, 763 polling units in total.

In view of this, a lot of people that do not know about the new polling units may find it difficult to locate where to exercise their civic right in the coming elections in

the state, especially the people in the rural area, due to lack of proper orientation and awareness from the media.

The Independent National Electoral Commission in Osun should take the responsibility of liaising with all media outfits both new and traditional in the state for proper orientation and awareness for our people about this new development in the state.

God bless state of Osun •Faremi Temitayo, from Osogbo

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HE title is a take - off from a an early film one of many, on the sinking of the HMS Titanic. In the opinion of many only God himself could sink the top of any range vessel, unfortunately it sunk with the loss of hundreds of lives. It was indeed a night to remember. June 12, 1993, has similarly like The Titanic gone out of history into mythology and then into legend. It should not just be that, a romantic

The forces that triggered off Abiola’, s historic victory had been a long time coming. Not least demographic shifts wrapped around the end product of billions of Naira sunk into education. Massive urbanisation and the dispelling of apprehensions, stereotypes and profilling was also a key factor. Abiola’s electoral rollercoaster sweep around the country defeating his opponent Bashir Tofa in his fiefdom

Moshood Kashimawo Olanbiwoninu Abiola made history in a way he would not have wanted. Memories of his epic struggle remains a blessing. reminiscence, it should be a guide and a guard, as we pay tribute to the valiant patriots, the known and especially the unknown who made the ultimate sacrifice for the restoration of democracy in our country.

Its twenty eight years on tomorrow that we held what ought to have been a routine election to cement a long, tortuous journey for the restoration of democracy. The conditions had been set for a national rebirth akin in many ways with due apology to similar events in Italy at roughly the same time for an “historic compromise”. A large swath of the hardy perennial disturbing Nigeria’s meandering existence will have been solved.

Nigeria’s hardy perennial as even a toddler is aware centers on the issue of how disparate national groups at different (differing?) levels of development can achieve peaceful coexistence in one country. This puzzle has defied thoughts and action for decades, through constitutional conferences, coup d’Etat’s and a civil war. On a glorious morning twenty eight years ago there was the possibility of a resolution leading to a national rebirth.

in kano reflected the paradigm shift. A nation craved to create things anew and looked at a better, more positive future.

The underlying dynamics were far more than the engagingly charismatic figure of MKO Abiola a powerful historic persona who in “cometh the moment, cometh the man”mode was to willingly even enthusiastically accept his sacrificial role as a martyr for the restoration of democracy.

His matry dom led to the restoration of, if not a perfect democracy but at least a first decisive step on the road to redemption. Abiola, his brilliant dedicated wife Kudirat, Alfred Rewane, Baguda Kaltho as well the loads of unknown and unsung must always be revered. They shattered a debilitating mould.

Today sadly its largely about promises unfulfilled. It is not an indulgence to ponder about what might have been. Inspite of the great sacrifices the republic is not completely at ease. The non resolution of the national question still haunts the national landscape at times taunting often times like a nightmare. This is because M.K.O. Abiola, as well those who took part in the epic struggle and the country itself represent the position outlined by Marx as he tried to unravel the puzzle of revolutionary Publisher – Moremi Publishing France:, “Men make their House Ltd. own history, but they do Deputy Editor – Ismaeel Uthman not do so off their own free will; they do so under (0805-121-2204) circumstances which they Produc on Editor – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa will never have wanted Reporter – Yusuf Oketola nor asked for and have Reporter – Kazeem Badmus only a limited amount of time upon which to imPhoto Journalist – Olushola Aderinto part their own exigencies.

Computer Graphics – Zainab Olalere In the meantime the traOSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing ditions and mores of the House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite dead generations weigh Guarantee Trust Bank (GTB), Gbogan Road Osogbo, like a nightmare upon the souls of the living”.

State of Osun We should not let the ISSN : 0794 – 8050 past weigh like a nightTelephone : 0805-121-2204 mare upon our endeavour Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php as we salute the courage of e–mail : osundefender@yahoo.com all those who fought for the osundefenderbank@gmail.com restoration of democracy in All Correspondence to the above email Addresses.

Nigeria. Let us continue to strive for the rebirth of the OSUN DEFENDER IS NOT AFFLIATED WITH ANY OTHER NEWSPAPER, republic in peace anchored MAGAZINE OR ANY PUBLICATION WHATSOVER on justice and unity.

OSUN DEFENDER

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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Feature

Ooni, Awolowo-Dosumu Stir The Hornets’ Nest In Ilesa Ismaeel Uthman

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HE Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, is known for his calmness and uprightness.

He has since assumption of the sacred stool been displaying high sense of maturity, even in the face of unwarranted provocation. The Arole Oodua rarely talks, but when he does, members of the public agree to and acknowledge the logic, thoughts and expressions of the revered traditional ruler.

On Saturday, June 05, 2021, the ICT-oriented and compliant Oba Adeyeye stirred the hornets’ nest when he delivered a goodwill message at a book launch to mark the 64th Birthday of the Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

The book, “The Rauf I Know”, was written by a journalist, Mr. Dayo Olanipekun, who covered Aregbesola as State House Correspondent for the Broadcasting Corporation of Osun State (OSBC) during his two terms as governor.

Ooni’s message, which was delivered via zoom, generated instant positive reactions from members of the audience at the event. Ooni did not just deliver a message; he spoke the truth that is incontrovertible.

Delivering the message, Ooni said: “I greet the celebrant, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. We cannot but celebrate you and we will continue to remember you because we first had contact with the water before stepping on the sand. I repeat again, we first had contact with the water before stepping on the sand. Your achievements will last longer. Nobody wants his achievements to be destroyed. It is on record that it was during Ogbeni’s tenure that the Oonirisa, Ojaja II, mounted the throne of his forefathers. It was during Ogbeni’s time that Osun was transformed.

“Your work will never cease to reflect in the sands of time. We acknowledge what you did. I always tell my people and everybody that we should always remember Ogbeni. We cannot forget you. Your achievements are beyond what anyone can rubbish. I don’t deceive anybody. We first had contact with water before stepping on the sand.

•As Mammoth Crowd Celebrates Aregbesola @ 64

•Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from his supporters at the event.

“I salute everybody following Ogbeni. Ogbeni is not an ordinary person. That is a truth. All of you that are following Aregbesola should serve him genuinely because there is reward for loyalty. Look at his positive sides. Leave whoever that is smearing his image alone. Posterity will judge. Don’t create problems for Ogbeni. And remember that we first had contact with water before stepping on the sand.”

Oba Adeyeye, who concluded his message with a special song he composed for Aregbesola, spoke at a time some people were afraid of associating with or making any possible comment about the former Governor of the State of Osun because of the current political turbulence in the state.

Ooni’s message was considered to be a truth and the icing on the cake and was greeted with commendation and applause from Aregbeso-

la’s supporters who took to the social media to analyze the frontline traditional ruler’s thought.

The crowd was charged and became more active with Oba Adeyeye’s message.

Before the traditional ruler’s message, Chief Mrs. Tokunbo AwolowoDosumu, daughter of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had also spoken about Aregbesola’s style of politics and governance. She said Aregbesola is among the few Nigerian politicians that identify with and promote Awolowo’s legacies.

According to Dosumu, Aregbesola has always been committed to all activities of the Awolowo Foundation, describing him as an exemplary leader.

Speaking at the event, Governor Adegboyega Oyetola stated that Osun as a state is proud of Aregbesola, noting that the former Governor of the state performed very

“I am not saying everything that is happening in Nigeria is good.

We should treat the problems and challenges facing Nigerians, not calling for her breakup.

well while ruling the state and is still performing excellently well as the Minister of Interior, Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Oyetola, who was represented at the event by the Commissioner for Political Affairs and Inter-Governmental Relations, Mr. Taiwo Akeju, said: “You performed very well in the State of Osun and you are performing well as the Minister of Interior. We are very proud of you.”

Represented by the Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mrs. Yetunde Arobieke, Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu, commended Aregbesola for being a humanist and straightforward politician that is committed to eradicating poverty among the people and development of his state and Nigeria at large.

The Registrar of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, who delivered a lecture titled “Power is Responsibility” at the event, urged Nigerian political leaders to be responsible with power.

Oloyede, who was represented by Dr. Wahab Oyedokun, tasked politicians to operate with ideology that addresses people’s yearnings.

Speaking at the event, Aregbesola warned Nigerians to desist from any act capable of threat-

ening the country’s unity, describing those calling for the separation of the country as ignorant.

Aregbesola said that it would take 50 years for Nigeria to recover from civil war, if war should break.

He said: “Those calling for Nigeria’s breakup are ignorant. Every Nigerian should work for Nigeria’s unity and development. It will take Nigeria 50 years to recover from civil war.

Whoever likes women and children should not support, but rather condemn any call for separation and conducts capable of threatening Nigeria’s unity. Nigeria is a country created by God for us and for the Black race.

“I am not saying everything that is happening in Nigeria is good. We should treat the problems and challenges facing Nigerians, not calling for her break-up. Decapitation is not the antidote for headache.”

Aregbesola also declared support for a new caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), ‘The Osun Progressives’ (TOP), saying that he is in support of any move to consolidate progressives legacies in the State of Osun, strengthen the party from the polling units, wards and local government levels and strengthen internal democracy in the party, which are clearly stated in the objectives and mission of TOP.

As usual, the programme witnessed massive turnout of people who came to celebrate Aregbesola. The expression on the faces of the people showed that they had indeed missed their beloved Aregbesola.

Right from his way from his Ilesa countryhome to the venue of the programme along IjebuJesa Road, residents of the areas, among whom were commuters, roadside workers, artisans, pedestrians, pupils and students expressed their love for Aregbesola by cheerfully waving at him and shouting his name. Aregbesola, who was in a Toyota Coaster bus, was also happily responding to the people at the right and left sides of the road.

Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC), led by the Chairman of ‘The Osun Progressives’ (TOP), Reverend Adelowo Adebiyi, members of trade unions and market men and women, students and civil society organisations, left their various tents, shops and stalls to welcome Aregbesola into the venue of the programme.

Controlling the crowd became an impossible task for security operatives attached to the Minister and those at the venue, as the people were trooping out to greet the former Governor of the state. At a time, the Minister directed the security operative to allow groups and individuals coming to greet him.

Popular Yoruba fuji musician, Saheed Osupa, entertained the gathering with his music, which centred on the consequences of betraying a benefactor and the need to be cautious while helping others.

Among the dignitaries at the event were Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye and his predecessor, Hon. Najeem Salam, former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the trio of who declared that they were proud of Aregbesola as a leader, describing him as Awolowo of the current political generation. Secretary of the APC in the State, Hon. Rasaq Salinsile, Commissioner for Women Affairs in Gombe State, Mrs. Naomi Awak, Comrade Moshood Erubami, among others, were also at the event.

News

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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Hope On Caretaker Appointments Dashed Again Niyi Olasinde

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NXIETY gripped members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun on Wednesday over the appointment of Caretaker Management Committee for each of the Local Governments and Local Council Development Areas.

There were insinuations that Governor Adegboyega Oyetola had forwarded the list of the appointed candidates for the caretaker management committees to the Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Timothy Owoeye, for approval by the Parliament.

Members the APC who are hopeful to be appointed and their supporters were anxious, as they were calling some of the members of the House of Assembly to confirm whether the list was actually with the Speaker and if they made the appointment.

The development generated tension among members of the APC, particularly when some of them visited the House of Assembly and discovered that some prominent members of Oyetola’s kitchen cabinet were with

Owoeye.

Until around 5pm on Wednesday, the APC members were expecting an official statement from the House of Assembly to confirm if it had received the caretaker management appointment list.

But their hope was dashed as it had happened on two different occasions in the past.

The caretaker appointment list was not sent to the House of Assembly.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the Governor and some party lead-

ers were yet to conclude on the candidates, especially Chairmen and Secretaries, to be appointed in each of the LGs and LCDAs. It was gathered that the current turbulence in the party is part of the reasons why the caretaker appointments were yet to be made.

However, a highly placed source in the Government House, Osogbo confided in OSUN DEFENDER yesterday that the appointment might not take place until July,

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HE Chairman, Osun Civil Societies Coalition, Comrade Waheed Lawal, has said that the annulment of June 12, 1993 Presidential Elections, believed to have been won by late Chief Moshood Abiola, is part of the reasons why Nigeria has not developed.

According to Lawal, Nigeria would have been better had the military junta not annulled the June 12 Elections.

Lawal stated this in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER yesterday on June 12 Democracy Day. He said democracy had been monetised in Nigeria, thereby allowing those who are not fit to govern the electorate do so.

Lawal urged governments at all levels to rise up to their

•Oyetola

‘Electorate Must Stop Voting Nonentities Into Power’ Idris Idowu

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HE Executive Secretary, Awolowo Centre for Philosophy and Ideology, Osogbo, capital of the State of Osun, Mr. Tope Mustapha, has urged the electorate to desist from collecting money and voting nonentities to represent them.

Mustapha stated this is as he pleaded with those in power to represent the people well at the various elective or appointed offices.

Speaking with OSUN

DEFENDER yesterday, Mustapha said collecting money during elections and voting in nonentities should be eradicated for credible and promising candidates to emerge.

He urged the electorate to be wise and sincere in electing politicians, saying that there are lots of political office holders who do not know anything about governance but are heading political offices.

Speaking further, Mustapha said there are some politicians who do not even know their local

Nigeria Would’ve Been Better Under Abiola Presidency – Lawal Kazeem Badmus

urging the anxious APC members to relax.

According to the source, the Council Managers administering the LGs and LCDAs might likely spend a period of six months before the caretaker management committees are appointed.

The Council Managers took over the local governments and LCDAs on Monday, February 8 this year, following the expiration of the tenure of elected parliamentarians on February 5.

constitutional responsibilities by providing an enabling environment for the citizens in order to enjoy dividends of democracy.

According to him, the security problem ravaging the country now is a cause for concern and government must do everything in its power to secure the lives and property of the people.

He said: “Nigeria would have been better if the June 12, 1993 election was not annulled. If you see the manifestos of Chief MKO Abiola then, he said ‘Farewell to Poverty’ which means byebye to poverty in our lives.

“If the military had not wounded Nigerians by the annulment of June 12 Presidential Elections, we won’t be where we are today, but by and large,

June 12 has come to stay in Nigeria.

At least, it is now 28 years of that annulment and we are having 22 straight years of democratic governance now.

“The point we are in Nigeria today calls for concern because Nigerians are insecure again. We need adequate security of lives and property of the people. It is the constitutional duty of every government at all levels to provide adequate security for the people.

“Any government that fails to provide this is no more a government.

Welfare of the people is paramount. As we are celebrating this year’s June 12, my message to the government at all levels is that they should rise up to their constitutional duties and responsibilities.

“What we are

governments, not to talk of the kings and chiefs in their villages.

His words: “I want to urge the citizens to desist from bringing forth nonentities to represent them. We have to be wary of who we support, it does not matter the party the candidate comes from.

“There are lots of politicians who do not have connection with the people in their local government areas. Some of them don’t even know the kings of their villages.

“Citizens have to follow their consciences and stop collecting money before exercising their civic rights. If you are collecting money for voting, you are selling your rights that you should have enjoyed for four years.

“Politicians are our servants and not our lords; we have the right to chase away any politician that doesn’t do what they are supposed to do.

“Taking our personal problems to politicians all the time will only

pave way for them to embezzle public fund and that will not allow them to discharge their duties to the electorate as we won’t have the morality to reprimand them.

“The political class also needs to be very mindful and focused, because the moment the masses turn against them, it will be suicidal.

“They should do what they are asked to do, which is to represent and serve the people judiciously and not oppress them”.

June 12: Democracy Day

witnessing in Nigeria today is a creation of the government itself, because if the institution of government had provided an enabling environment for our teeming youths to be fully engaged, they won’t be venturing into crimes.

So, the government should rise up to its responsibilities by providing enabling

environment for our youths and unemployed graduate to work.

“We are practising democracy, but we have monetised the process of democratic governance in Nigeria today. Democracy means government of the people, by the people and for the people. It is the people of Nigeria that

elected those in government. They may buy the vote but at least, they are being voted for.”

He advised the electorates to take the bull by the horns and shy away from any financial inducement by politicians and choose the right person to lead them during the next General Elections.

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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ALL PROGRESSIVES CONGRESS ILESA EAST LOCAL GOVERNMENT, STATE OF OSUN

APC WARD 08 EXECUTIVE

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No Plan To Suspend Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola From APC

E, the Executive Members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ward 08, Ilesa East Local Government of the State of Osun, wish to dismiss the rumour that there was a plan to suspend our valued, cherished and respected Leader, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

We state categorically that there is no plan to suspend Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and he can never be suspended.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is a committed financial member of the APC in his ward. He is a true son of Ilesa, and his Polling Unit is at Ifofin in Ward 08. We are always with him and we will forever be with him. May God continue to strengthen the good relationship between Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and us.

PEOPLE FIRST

Sports

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Osun Approves 28 Sports For Upcoming State Sports Festival Yusuf Oketola

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S preparations kicked off for the upcoming State of Osun Sports Festival, the State Government has approved 28 different sporting events for the programme, which will cut across the nooks and crannies of the state.

The 28 games, approved by the Government through the Commissioner for Youth and Sports are: Football, Volleyball, Basketball, Handball, Hockey, Cricket, Table Tennis, Chess, Ayo Olopon, Draft, Scrabble, Boxing, Taekwondo and Kickboxing.

Others include Parapowerlifting, Kung Fu, Karate, Judo, Wrestling, Swimming, Athletics, Badminton, Squash, Cycling, Tennis, and Weightlifting.

This was contained in a release issued by the Chief Public Relations Officers of the Sports’ Council, Mrs. Funmilayo Moradeyo.

Lawal, in a meeting held on Tuesday with Staff of the Sports’ Council, Coaches and Local Government Sports Coordinators, were quoted to have said: “It is high time we started to develop sports from the grassroots, put the age limits of the athlete that can feature in the sports fiesta to be 15- 29.

Lawal noted that when the youth are encouraged, they will surely win medals for the state.

Speaking further, the Commissioner promised scholarships and state employments for best talented and hardworking athletes in the various sports listed above.

• Mr. Sola Fasure, Media Adviser to Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, presenting cash gift to one of the outstanding Table Tennis player after a competition to mark the Minister’s 64th birthday, held in Ilesa.

News

Cocoa Company Educates Farmers On Oyetola, Aregbesola Are Partners Child Labour In Progress - Akinmoladun

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SIDE the huge export value attached to cocoa in the world market, which improves the economic condition of the producing countries including Nigeria, Ghana and Côte d’Ivoire, one of the major concerns of the consumers and manufacturers of cocoa-based products like chocolate is involvement in child labour.

It is estimated that over 1.56 million children were involved in cocoarelated child labour in Côte d’Ivoire and Ghana between 2018 and 2019. In 2019, Nigeria also made a minimal advancement in efforts to eliminate the worst form of child labour, according to Bureau of International Labour Affairs in USA. Similarly, in a research work carried out

by Musediq Olufemi Lawal in 2017 on educational challenges facing children in cocoa plantations, it is revealed that their academic performances were not worthwhile when compared with what obtains in urban area.

Based on this fact, a cocoa sustainability company, SUCDEN-Olakoko, has embarked on backto-school project that will

enlighten the farmers on child labour and also encourage their children to focus more on education.

As part of activities marking the annual Farmers’ Day organized for cocoa farmers, the organization coordinated a Four-StateBased Quiz Competition for the cocoa farmers’ children in Osun, Ondo, Ogun and Edo states.

A press release by the Project Manager of the company, Mrs. Mopelola Fabunmi, indicates that “SUCDEN-Olakoko Project’ is not only focusing on increasing cocoa productivity but also interested in the total wellbeing of the farmers and families as well as being committed to assist the farmers to eradicate or reduce to the barest minimum the issue of child labour in Nigeria.

Fabunmi said: “We try in our own little way to ensure the achievement of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which was adopted by Nigeria in 2015. We have been able to contribute our little quota in supporting the communities we are working through improving health care awareness, women empowerment and education (Back-to-school), to achieving universal basic education and ensuring

inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunity for all.”

After the regional event, 32 children across the four states qualified for the finals in both junior and senior categories.

At the end of the finals of the quiz competition on the 3rd of June 2021, Ajayi Opeyemi of Adventist High School, Ayetoro, Osogbo, State of Osun came first, Akinsola Oluwatosin of Community Grammar School Onirogbo, Ondo State came second and Onuh Micheal of Honey Land College, Olode, Osun State came third in the senior category.

In the junior category, Akingbade Blessed of Adventist High School, Ayetoro, Osogbo, State of Osun came first, George Samuel of Unity School Ode-Aye, Ondo State came 2nd and Olaniyi Abdulsalam of African Grammar School, IgbaraOke Ondo State, came third. Consolation prizes were also given to all participants.

The organization also used the avenue to award gift items to the best lead farmers, buyers and females farmers across Osun, Ondo, Edo and Ogun states.

Yusuf Oketola

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stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun, Prof. Andrew Akinmoladun, has described the duo of Nigeria’s Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Governor State of Osun, Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola as partners-in-progress.

Akinmoladun, a Federal House of Representatives aspirant for Obokun/Oriade Federal Constituency in 2023, cautioned followers and supporters of the two APC leaders against fanning embers of discord between them.

According to Akinmoladun in a press statement made available to newsmen in Osogbo yes-

Osun Govt. Threatens...

Continued from page 2 vironment and Sanitation, Hon. Sola Oladepo, who accompanied Tinubu to the company, stressed the need for the factory to provide quick solutions to the incessant problems associated with emission by ensuring containment to permissible level in line with World Health Organisation guidelines.

In his reaction, the Head, Admin and Human Resource Services of the company, Mr. Sola Adeleke, appreci-

ated the efforts of the State Government in protecting its citizens.

Adeleke noted that the company was already working on expanding its emission protection abatement facilities to guarantee total compliance with emission protection.

He promised that political, scientific and social approaches would be employed in ensuring favourable conditions that are environment-friendly within the host community in its operations.

terday, there was no division or crisis between Aregbesola and Oyetola.

He said both Aregbesola and Oyetola have the same political father in person of Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, who will never allow the two political gladiators to fall apart.

Akinmoladun further stressed that both Aregbesola and Oyetola will remain steadfast and focused to ensuring that APC remains strong and in power, saying that they are partners-inprogress.

The politician warned the supporters and followers of the two leaders to be watchful of their utterances and guard against provocative statements which may heat up the polity.

He urged APC members at large to be fully involved in the coming Voters’ Registration exercise, saying that it will enable the party to continue with winning streaks.

ISSN : 0794 - 8050

FRIDAY, JUNE 11 - THURSDAY, JUNE 17, 2021

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O you know that we are all athletes, running one race or the other? Are you aware that Athletics is a group of sporting events that involves competitive running, jumping, throwing, and walking and the most common types of athletic competitions are track and field, road running, cross country running, and race-walking, all decided by finishing position or time, while the jumps and throws are won by the athlete that achieves the highest or furthest measurement from a series of attempts? Do you know that Athletics is an individual sport, with the exception of relay races and the simplicity of the competitions and inexpensive, makes athletics one of the most common sports in the world? Do you know that organized athletics are traced back to the Ancient Olympic Games from 776 BC and the rules and format of the modern events in athletics were defined in Western Europe and North America in the 19th Century and early 20th Century, and were then spread to other parts of the world? Are you aware that an athletic competition was included in the first modern Olympic Games in 1896 and originally for men only? Do you know that it was only in 1928 Olympics that women’s events were included? Do you know that track and field comes in both indoor and outdoor formats, with most indoor competitions occurring in winter, while outdoor events are held in summer?

Do you know that running events may be sprints, middle or long-distance? Do you know that relay races feature teams comprising four runners each, who must pass a baton to their teammate after a specified distance with the aim of being the first team to finish? Do you know that hurdling events and the steeple-chase are a variation upon the flat running theme in that athletes must clear obstacles on the track during the race? Do you know that in your small office or home, there are situations you run races? Do you know that some tasks are like relay races that require exchange of batons? Comrades, which baton are you passing? Will you finish strong and first?

Are you aware that the field events in athletics come in two types, jumping and throwing competitions, where athletes are measured by how far they hurl an implement, with the common events being the shotput, discus, javelin, and hammer throw? Do you know that there are four common jumping events: the long jump and triple jump to measure the horizontal distance an athlete can jump? And now the high jump and pole vault that are decided on the height achieved? In your office and career, in politics and business, how prepared are you for the high jump and pole vault and the triple jumps? The voice of Wadsworth Longfellow cuts in: “The heights by great men reached and kept were not attained by sudden flight, but they, while their companions slept, were toiling upward in the night.”

And now to hurdling! Do you know that there are many hurdles on your ways in life? Do you know that the man that does not have any hurdle before him to cross is the dead one? Do you know that hurdling events and the steeple-chase are a variation upon the flat running theme in that athletes must clear obstacles on the track during the race? Are you aware that there are hurdles in your office and your marriage? Do you know that the way you react to them define your character? Do

Sports Osun Approves 28 Sports For Upcoming State Sports Festival

VOL. 16 NO 21 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

PERSPECTIVES By Olowogboyega Oyebade Another Healthy Race you know that it is a principle in athletics the centre of the development of the state that any athlete worth to run the needed race his salt does not pass “Do you know that the of development? Do under the hurdles but you know that the jump over them? Do man that does not have newly unveiled policy you know that kill- any hurdle before him to document which was ing or blackmailing christened ‘4Es-Youth an obstacle amounts cross is the dead one? Do Empowerment, Youth to self-help which is a you know that the man Engagement, Youth felony? Do you know Entrepreneurship and that in all athletics, that does not have any Youth Education’ was our finest hour is that hurdle before him to cross developed to provide moment when we a crucial framework work out our hearts is the dead one?” for guiding the state’s and strength in good approach to ensure causes and lies exhausted on the field of that large number of youths residing in play, victorious? the state are provided with high quality Are you aware that the administra- life? tion of Mr. Adegboyega Oyetola is runAre you aware that Democracy Day is ning a good race as the Governor on a national Public Holiday in Nigeria previThursday 3rd June, 2021, launched Osun ously observed on May 29 and from 2019, Youth Policy Document to develop and it will be celebrated on June 12 each year? empower young people and put them at Do you know that the holiday marks the

STRIKER

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annulled general election of June 12 1993?

Can you recall that with the election of General Olusegun Obasanjo as President, May 29, 1999 was the second time in Nigeria’s history that an elected civilian administration was restored after the rule of a military junta? The first time this happened was on 1st of October, 1979? Can you recall that in June 2018, President Buhari announced that Democracy Day would move to June 12 from 2019 based on the fact that the annulled general election of June 12, 1993 is a more fitting occasion for Democracy Day to represent than the events of May 1999?

Can you recall that on June 12, 1993, an estimated 14 million Nigerians – irrespective of ethnic, religious, class, and regional affiliations, (in a period when religious acrimony and tension had reached its zenith) defied bad weather to elect their President with the hope of ending eight years of military dictatorships? Do you know that the euphoria was short-lived as the results of the election were never released? Do you know that before the Federal Government made the declaration to recognise the Day as Democracy Day; several states had declared June 12 as a public holiday to commemorate the annulled election? Can you recall that President Buhari also awarded posthumously the highest honour of the land, Grand Commander of the Federal Republic (GCFR), to late Chief MKO Abiola, on Tuesday, June 12, 2018? Do you know that after its turbulent journey towards democracy, today Nigerian government often touts the country to be the fourth-largest democracy in the world?

Do you know that this is a fallacy of formalism? Come along, please.

Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Recipe For Peace And Progress

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WO of the vital injections that a critically ill Nigeria needs today as it lies comatose in the Emergency Ward for failing nations, are peace and progress. Although its eventual survival and prosperity demands a surgery call restructuring, the immediate need of the hour is to calm Nigeria down – bring down its temperature; and the medications are not really expensive.

Society comprises of the governed and the government and both have key roles to play in delivering the medicaments for Nigeria to even come out of its coma first. On the part of the government, the most important delivery is from the head of government - the President, and all that is needed from him is a simple, sincere address to the nation, and not just any kind of speech or interview.

Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka said it best, “Address the nation in very stern, unambiguous terms. Say openly, ‘Yes, I know I am the patron of the cattle rearers’ association, et cetera, etcetera; I am a cattle rancher myself, it is a business and I run my business on business terms. I do not run my business by killing people, I do not run my business by raping, by displacing, by torturing; I do not run my business by occupying lands that does not belong to me and I am warning all business people in the food commodity chain – all you cattle rearers, whatever comes to you for illegal occupation or for trespassing on other people’s properties is your business; and I’m ordering the army, I’m ordering all the security forces to back citizens’ efforts to

flush you out.’ I’m expecting nothing less, even at this stage, it is very late already but it is not too late. This is what I expect from President Muhammadu Buhari.”

The President does not need to paraphrase the professor but what is to be said and can be said is clear. If done, the body temperature of Nigeria sharply comes down to a manageable level, giving hope of survival. When majority of state actors (excepting those on the dark side) take a cue from that and sincerely pursue visible acts and guide their utterances accordingly, they would have played their parts to guarantee conducive atmosphere for the eventual surgery.

On the part of the governed, they have to realise that agents of doom and destabilisation rely as much on perpetrating their dastardly acts as they rely on its widespread circulation on social media, the aim being to spread fear and incite further dastardly acts.

The first requirement for all well meaning citizens is to remain calm and refrain from panic. As they say, “nothing repels aggression like confidence.” Secondly, we must all simply stop sharing horror stories on social media, fake or genuine; sharing them serves no good. If they are genuine, there are several steps that can be taken by you to be part of addressing them; if you don’t know those steps, find out or never mind, just realise that not sharing them is one of such.

Fake news on social media, and the act of sharing them, is ill wind that blows nobody any good. If you use social media well, you

must know the guy called Google; simply ask that Google Babalawo if it is true or not, and double-check again by asking your nearby friends directly or through phone calls or SMS. Calming down Nigeria’s dangerously high temperature may not immediately translate to money in anybody’s pocket or food on anybody’s table but the relative peace is a condition for any further progress, the alternative, if government and the governed refuse doing the needful, is an excruciating journey by the country to the graveyard.

It is self-deception by anyone alive to think that there is anything that will be profitable for him/her in that sorrowful journey.

For the few that will be alive at the end of the horror tale, it will take them not less than 50 years to even get back to the sorry state that we are presently complaining and agitating about; that is if it does not become war without end – ask the meaning from Israel and Palestine!

Calming Nigeria down - bringing down its temperature - allows sense and reasoning to prevail, taking the ammunition away from agents of doom. Every legitimate person and group can then put everything bothering them on the conference table to be addressed. It is better to begin there because even after a hundred years of war, and unimaginable devastation and sorrow, that is where it will end – the conference table, for any alive today and has luck to be alive to witness it.

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

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

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