Osun Defender Online Version Of July 6, 2018

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Osun SDP Crisis:

How Omisore Hijacked Party Structure 3 ge Pa

•Chair, Secretary Distance Selves From Congress •Judge Slams Omisore's Group, Excuses Self From Case

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UNIOSUN Crisis: Group,

Unions Disagree Over Allegations Against VC PAGE 12

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VOL. 013. NO.25

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Osun 2018:

Political Parties Manoeuvre Primaries P

e ag

2

•The Politics And Legal Implications

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Political Parties Manoeuvre Primaries

Osun 2018: •The Politics And Legal Implications

By Kehinde Ayantunji Despite the July 24, 2018 deadline for the nomination of political parties for the September 22, 2018 Governorship Election in the State of Osun, there are uncertainties about the primary elections’ dates of the major political parties in the state.

The All Progressives The State leadership of Congress (APC) had the PDP attributed the earlier fixed July 7, for the postponement to Ekiti conduct of the primary Governorship Election while the Peoples’ holding July 14, but that Democratic Party (PDP) may be far from the truth fixed July 14, but the considering the primaries have been permutations within the postponed according to parties. top sources within the The APC State Director two leading political of Media, Publicity and parties. The new dates Research, Kunle Oyatomi may be announced as at the time of filling during the weekend. this report on

Wednesday denied knowledge of any formal announcement for the postponement, saying such pronouncement has not been made by any organ of the party.

According to a reliable source, top issues that led to APC primary postponement include division over the modalities for the primary; emergence of Adams Oshiomonle led national leadership of APC which is just gaining its feet over the party’s administration, while some believed that the party is also closely

watching the direction of the leading opposition in their choice of candidates.

APC is also expected to trash out and lay to rest the division over the modalities, as some are advocating for direct primaries where the party’s registered members will vote or delegate option as stipulated in Article 20 of the party constitution.

Beyond the two issues, majority of the party members in Osun do not want any establishment of the former national chairman of the party, Chief John Oyegun to have any connection with the primary election, as

•Osun Commissioner of Police, Mr Olafimihan Adeoye; Newly promoted Police Officers, Chief Security Officer to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, CSP Hakeem Ajasa, (middle); ADC to the Governor, DSP Williams Bashiru (5th left); Escort Commandant, ASP Adebisi Claudius (right) in a group photograph with Traditional rulers after their decoration at the Government House Osogbo on Monday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Mall: Commercial Drivers, Traders Comply With Relocation Order

By Solomon Odeniyi Commercial bus drivers and traders doing businesses at Fakunle area of Osogbo, the state capital have complied with the government directive to relocate.

Governor Rauf like that, we have Aregbesola, shortly after prepared a place for you laying the foundation for at Ayegbaju and Aje. The the proposed Osun Mall options are yours to addressed the drivers choose from. I want you and traders to peacefully to know that people in vacate the area for the the state can’t do without development of the mall you, and wherever you and choose between are, people will find you.

Ayegbaju and Aje “You voted for us and markets reserved for part of our promises to them for their businesses. you was to transform the The governor said, “If state and this is one of you look at it very well, such projects that can there was a school bring the transformation. here before it was pulled The results of the little down for the project here development seen so far and there is nothing as have boosted the precious as school to any economic activities for responsible government you, and I know you in the world. want more. You have “After the pulling never disappointed us down, you didn’t seek and I am sure you won’t our permission before force us to the extent of you occupied the land, using force”, the you saw it lying fallow governor had stressed. and you occupied it and However, our we left you alone to carry correspondent visit to out your operations. Fakunle area to see the Now the government has level of compliance commenced the project. discovered that both “Despite this, we won’t traders and commercial just send you packing drivers have deserted the

area and moved to Ayegbaju market as ordered by the government, just as the area had been sealed off on Wednesday Efforts to speak with the drivers’ union chairman in the area, known as Alowole at their new garage in Ayegbaju proved abortive as our reporter was told that the chairman and some of his executive members were putting things in order at the new garage.

But Olabiyi Kazeem, the Serecretary of the Fakunle National Union of Road Transport Workers said the government of the day has been nice to the union, leaving the union with no option than to comply.

He added that the choice of Ayegbaju was to enable customers have easy asses to them.

“We have no issues with the marching order, at least the government was magnanimous enough to have offered another area to carry out our businesses. If it was otherwise, it’s only then

we can say the government is antipeople.

“We are grateful immediately we were told to leave and they have made another provision. We chose Ayegbaju because it’s not far from where we were and it’s positioned along the road where our passengers can easily locate us. Aside this, Ayegbaju used to be our base before the government asked us to leave sometimes ago. It is just like we are back to our base.”

A commercial driver, who gave his name as Afo said, “We will be enemy of progress of the state if we refuse to comply. The ongoing project at Fakunle is one which will bring more people to the state capital, directly or indirectly and we are also going to benefit from it.

“Our leadership has urged us to leave, they made us see reasons we should not defy the order. They warned us that they won’t intercede for any defaulter”, he said.

he is believed to be biased towards some aspirants.

However, if a speculation within the party is anything to go by, the primary will not be earlier than July 21, three days to the INEC submission deadline The situation appeared the same in the PDP, as the party is strategizing towards any possible fallout from APC primary.

PDP State Chairman, Hon Soji Adagunodo could not be contacted yesterday over the postponement of the party primary as several calls to to his phone line were not picked or returned but a member of the state executive of the PDP who pleaded anonymity confirmed that the primary has been shifted till further notice.

He said: “We are watching where the pendulum will swing into within the APC and maximize the crisis. As at today, with 29 aspirants, APC will find it difficult to conduct hitch free primaries, and I can assure you that PDP will be the beneficiary, they have benefited from such in the past, we are going to conduct our own after APC primary election”, the source said.

The parties’ primary elections manouvre is also rocking the third force political parties including the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and Alliance for Democracy (AD).

Senator Iyiola Omisore, a leading governorship aspirant in SDP is facing serious resistance from the Chief Ademola Ishola led state executive.

Within the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Olugbenga Akintola who was adjudged to have won the primary election of the party conducted recently at the NUJ Press Centre, Osogbo is yet to be announced by the national leadership of the party.

The Accord Party that has three aspirants Pastor Pade Okunola, Babatunde Loye and Mr Bunmi Ibiloye is yet to announce the party’s primary election date.

According to the guideline released by INEC, political parties must submit their candidates’ name on July 24, 2018 in compliance with the 60 days before the election stipulated by the 2010 Electoral Act as amended. By 25 July, the candidates are expected to obtain and submit the nomination forms at the INEC Headquarters, Abuja.

Dr Ibraheem Alabi, a political analyst described the development as bad

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omen for democracy, saying it is an indication that the major political parties in the state are not adequately prepared for the succession.

He said: “The obvious is that if any party is still contemplating as to the dates and modality for the primary in less than 20 days, it is a sign of leadership failure and lack of preparation for governance. If the party primaries are dragged to the tail end of the deadline by July 24, many aspirants aggrieved would be denied right of appeal within the party or how would you entertain any appeal in less than 48 hours to the submission of the party?

“Another political implication is that it would not afford people free choice to seek political asylum in another political party, because if you are to contest in any political party in Nigeria in which you are not a member, such political party National Working Committee (NEC) must approve a waiver, such waiver may not be possible, because the procedure to convene NEC is mostly 48 hours.

If the primaries are not well managed, it may record violence because aspirants would see the process as the last resort and fight to finish.”

Also, a legal practitioner, Barrister Yomi Obaditan said delay in the parties’ primary elections may deny political parties sponsorship of candidates, saying INEC is the only authority empowered by law to take decision on parties’ primary elections dates and candidate sponsorship.

He said: “Primaries are determined by INEC, once a date is announced

by INEC, the political parties are expected to carry out the exercise.

However, INEC has a duration date that must not elapse. In the case of Osun, where the major political parties might have shifted their primary elections’ dates, they have a final date in which they must submit their gubernatorial candidates.

“The last date is 23rd July. Any party that fails to comply will not be able to sponsor or present candidate for election. In case there is a death of a candidate, that is an exception, such party can then forward a new name to the electoral body. Or where there is a rejection

by INEC they can be asked to replace such candidate”, Obaditan said.

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Osun SDP Crisis: How Omisore Hijacked Party Structure •Chair, Secretary Distance Selves From Congress •Judge Slams Omisore's Group, Excuse Self From Case

By Shina Abubakar The crisis rocking the Osun State Chapter of the Social Democratic Party (SDP) has taken a new twist as Senator Iyiola Omisore’s group has hijacked the party machineries and held ward congresses across the state in contempt of the order of a state High Court sitting in Ikirun restraining all parties in the matter from holding the congress.

It was gathered that in its capacity to outrun Omisore’s group believes the state party executive,

which it thinks lacks the strength to stand against its (Omisore group) move to replace the state executive members with its loyalists.

Checks showed that the purported congress was solely organised by the group with the backing of some

members of the national executive committee while members of the state executive stayed away from the exercise in deference to the court order and to protect the interest of the majority members of the party across the state.

A statement obtained by the medium signed by the Chairman and Secretary of Osun State Chapter of SDP, Chief

•Governor Aregbesola laying the foundation of Osun Mall in Osogbo on Monday. With him is Architect Gboyega Adeeyo, the Developer of the Mall.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

Ademola Ishola and Elder Olufemi Awe disclosed that the duo distanced themselves from the purported ward congresses of the party held last Saturday, saying such action was an open confrontation to the judiciary.

The statement dated Saturday, June 30, 2018 and signed by the duo, directed members of the party across the state not to participate in the said congress describing it as illegal.

Part of the statement reads: “We want to make it abundantly clear that based on the court pronouncement of Friday, June 29, we dissociated ourselves from the so called illegal congress and we call on all genuine members of our great party, the SDP across the state not to have anything to do with it.

“SDP is a law-abiding party and we consider it as an affront to the judiciary for anyone to do contrary to the order of Justice Jide Falola of the Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun stopping the congress until the interlocutory injunction

Osun Begins Construction Of N2.7bn Modern Shopping Mall •As Aregbesola Lays Foundation It was another record of success by the present administration in Osun, as Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Monday performed the symbolic foundation laying ceremony for the building of a N2.7bn Osun Shopping Mall in Osogbo, the state capital.

The ultra-modern helping small businesses shopping mall being grow within and around handled by Independent Osogbo as small and Shopping Mall Developers medium scale business Limited and located on the owners will be forced to old Fakunle School land improve on their covers 62,000 square standards. meters of land while the He said, “By the time main building of the mall this mall becomes fully will seat on a 52,000 square operational, Osogbo and meters of land.

Osun in general will not Speaking at the event, remain the same again. the Project Developer, Small businesses in Architect Gboyega Osogbo and beyond will Adeeyo who said the feel the impact of this project has been long in mall. coming, noted that the This project has been in dogged attitude of the the plan for a long time, I governor contributed a lot want to thank Governor to the actualisation of the Rauf Aregbesola for his project. dogged spirit, he has Adeeyo while always been encouraging disclosing that Aregbesola and telling us that it is has through the various achievable. We are happy i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l sighting this project in developments in Osun Osun because we know boosted the economy of that it will definitely yield the state, expressed the results, Aregbesola has assurance that the present done so much to boost the economic status of the economy of this state state will no doubt assist through the various the growth of the mall. infrastructural He said by the time the developments he has shopping mall becomes brought to the state. We fully operational, the state know that this project will will be forced to be succeed in Osun because reckoned with among the tone has been set by states in Nigeria as people Aregbesola”. will throng the state from The project developer various parts of the then commended the country to do business.

Osun governor for He added that the mall insisting that majority of will also go a long way in workers on the project

should be Osun indigenes, stressing that it shows that the governor means well for his people.

He explained that the architectural design of the mall which is expected to be completed before the end of November was done in Osun by the indigenes of the state to suit the natural terrain of the state.

Delivering an address titled: “Our Road To Modernity”, Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola noted that the project is part of the move to creating a sustaining environment that will be

conducive for human habitation.

He said the project will inject life into the state capital as well as the other nine cities which have been earlier slated for development under the urban renewal project of the present administration.

Aregbesola who stated that the project when completed will complement the Nelson Mandela freedom park, explained that the mall will have several facilities which include: cinema, modern conveniences, large parking space and so on.

“This is another

testament to the fact that Osun is on the path way to development, this is unprecedented in the history of Osun and I am happy that this will turn around the face of development of our dear state.

It is our hope that this mall will be ready by November and it will be a standing legacy of our administration; we want to create a sustaining environment that will be conducive for human habitation. Things like this will make our society to look better and more beautiful for everyone to live in”, the governor stated.

Osun To Hold Nigeria’s Largest Agric Conference In November the event.

Government of the State of Osun would hold the first Nigeria’s largest exhibition and conference on agriculture, farming machineries, dairy, poultry, water technology, livestock equipment, agriculture processing technologies and environmental control between November 20 and 22.

The conference, tagged 400,000 visitors from all Agritech Nigeria Osun over the world to discuss 2018 and scheduled to business opportunities in hold at Osogbo Stadium, agriculture.

At a meeting on Osogbo, the state capital, is being organised by the Tuesday in Osogbo with government, in the organisers, members collaboration with Fesco of the Osun State Agalu Enterprises Cooperatives Farmers Nigeria Limited, Kenes Union made case that the Exhibition (organiser of organisers of the maiden Agritech Israel) and international agricultural and SIFAX Group of exhibition conference in Nigeria, Companies.

The conference is should ensure that seeds expected to be a Nigerian gathering of more than companies take part in

The executive of Osun State Cooperatives Farmers Union from some local government areas pledged to support the exhibition, but said they would like to see companies that will exhibit their products and produce at the event.

The Executive Secretary of Federation of Osun State Cooperatives Limited, Mrs Grace Temilola Hanafi said: “This Agritech Nigeria Osun 2018 is a programme we will be happy to see happening in Osogbo. It has been long time we have been •Continued on page 10

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motion filed by some aggrieved members of the party is heard.

“The matter is fixed for Tuesday, July 2, 2018 and we see no reason why some people will be so desperate to hold the party’s wards’ congresses by all means and at the end of the day put our party in jeopardy and an unending litigation.

“We have laboured for years to paddle the ship of SDP to the level that made many people to embrace it and it is very sad that several attempts are now being made by some individuals to destroy the solid foundation we have laid.

“The party leaders cannot claim to be ignorant of the court order because SDP counsel in person of Barrister Kehinde Adesiyan was in the court. We sincerely hope that the court will not allow the temple of justice to be trampled upon by those who believe they are above the law.

However on Tuesday, July 3, Justice Falola lambasted people believed to be the supporters of former State Deputy Governor, Senator Omisore for beating up a court bailiff who had gone to the party secretariat in Osogbo last Friday to serve the senator and top members of the party court processes in respect of a suit filed before him.

The judge who described the attack on the judiciary as unfortunate also explained that all orders given in respect of the case still subsist, just as he referred the suit filed by some aggrieved stakeholders of the party before the court to Chief Judge (CJ) of the state for reassignment.

The presiding Justice Falola described the act as deplorable adding that the court initially encouraged the parties to reconcile amicably in the interest of peace.

“The law that guided the bailiff also guides the pointer. Administration of justice should not be violated. Whoever does that if he is lucky now, may not be lucky next time.”

“No matter the level of violence you unleash on the court, it will not alter the course of justice. The system was designed not to be intimidated. So, allow justice to take its course. If you don’t, your nose will be bruised,” the court warned.

The aggrieved stakeholders of the party •Continued on page 10

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4

A Clarion Call For Devolution Of Policing

A

S

IGNIFICANT events are happening which show that as he winds down his tenure of office, the Ogbeni Governor, Rauf Aregbesola is solidly consolidating the building blocks for selfpropelling, sustainable development in the State of Osun.

Demonstrably, it is saying farewell to the defeatist notion of Osun as a civil-service state.

The beginning of the construction of the N2.7 billion modern shopping mall in Osogbo and the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding with a private company to establish a 30 MW Solar farm in Osun reveals the thrusts of economic development based on ensuring a multiplier effect to create jobs, enhance skills development and widen the tax base. The impact of both projects will be a seminal forward march to sustainable development.

The synergy to be induced from the construction of the Mall has been well stated by the Ogbeni Governor himself.

Delivering an address titled: “Our Road To Modernity”, Governor Aregbesola noted that the project is part of the move to creating a sustaining environment that will be conducive for human habitation.

We are aware, of course, that in many federal states such as the United States, India, Australia and so forth, there are constitutional provisions to prevent or checkmate the abuse of the state police from misuse by an autocratic state governor.

Australia and so forth, there are constitutional provisions to prevent or checkmate the abuse of the state police from misuse by an autocratic state governor. One often cited example comes from the United States of America where in 1958 President Dwight Eisenhower was compelled to

Osun's Road To Modernity

He said the project will inject life into the state capital as well as the other nine cities which have been earlier slated for development under the urban renewal project of the present administration.

Aregbesola who stated that the project, when completed will complement the Nelson Mandela freedom park, explained that the mall will have several facilities which include: cinema, modern conveniences, large parking space

The future of electricity generation in Southwest Nigeria must be based on sustainable and renewable energy sources. There is frankly no other sensible alternative.

O

people dead and several injured.

Even while Mr President is telling us not to blame him for not talking to the herdsmen probably because he looked like them, the duration of the attacks and the scope of casualties and destruction make it more alarming.

But come to think of it, are they not the ones the government is proposing cattle colonies for across the

states? Even when this has been against the wishes of many Nigerians who described it as an effort meant to appease the wrongdoers. Despite this, the government has turned

deaf ears to the hues. What else do the so called criminal herders want, to edge out all humans in the country and to be replaced

by Moos? The President’s comment will not savour the issue, it is adding fuel to the burning flames.

President Muhammdu Buhari responses to these mindless killings are adversely affecting his public evaluation and perception. If he wants to be

absolved of this, he should demonstrate the stick approach pronounced on Nnamdi Kalu and his cohorts by grimly declaring them as a terrorist group, where another reptile and not necessarily the Python

from the sources of gas production.

Relying on gas transported by vulnerable pipelines from a politically volatile region is fraught with great risks and propitious dangers. This is why Aregbesola has sensibly shown an affinity for sustainable energy such as hydroelectricity, solar and so forth from the inception of his administration.

The farm which is to be established on a 250 hectares of land in Inisa will see Osun getting at least 1% of the profit margin while 1MW of the solar electricity to be generated will be given to the host community.

As he winds down, the verdict of history on Rauf Aregbesola will be positive. He was broking the mould by demonstrating that ephemeral ‘growth’ is different from sustainable development. This is the sensible way to go.

and so on.

“This is another testament to the fact that Osun is on the path way to development, this is unprecedented in the history of Osun and I am happy that this will turn around the face of development of our dear state.

“It is our hope that this mall will be ready by November and it will be a standing legacy of our administration; we want to create a sustaining environment that will be conducive for human habitation.

Things like this will make our society to look better and more beautiful for everyone to live in”, the governor stated.

In the same way, the proposed 30MW solar farm is another testimony to the innovative skills of Governor Aregbesola in finding a way around the stumbling blocks to development.

The future of electricity generation in Southwest Nigeria must Publisher be based on sustainable and renewable energy sources. There is frankly Editor no other sensible alternative.

The southwest is far removed Lagos Editor

OSUN DEFENDER

Killings In Nigeria: Enough Is Enough N daily basis, the horrible story in Nigeria is mass killing; it is even becoming uninteresting reading front page of our dailies brandishing smoky headlines on bloodshed and loss of valuable properties.

The development has soaked everyone in panic over where and who the next targets are. The North Central, Nigeria has obviously become war zone where you are not sure of going to farm and return home or sleep in the night and be alive in the morning.

That is the state of the anomy we found our self as a nation which lacks capacity to protect its citizens, and one group has allegedly be at the centre of the crisis, Fulani herdsmen.

Strongly condemnable is their latest onslaughts on the people of Plateau, a state that had just been let off the hook of crisis nearly three years ago. The mindless killings left scores of the

use Executive Orders to take control of the Arkansas state police from the hands of Governor Orville Faubus who was(mis) using the state police to obstruct the directives of the courts over school desegregation. There are a host of similar examples from federal states across the world. In view of the state of our politics the safeguards must be thoroughly spelt out.

A national democratic agreement which is the bedrock of a democracy is required so that we can have the sort of framework required. We believe that the mood of the times support this.

This must be achieved expeditiously in the spirit of national unity.

Devolving the internal security mechanism is inevitable, as we begin the fight back against the anti-federalist tenor wrought by military intervention, and as a pathway as we move towards a more perfect union. It’s the way to go.

‘ ’

LL the armies of the world acting in unison cannot defeat an idea whose time has come”. - Victor Hugo It is inevitable that in view of the gory events, mayhem and loss of lives across the country, that the issue of the devolution of policing powers to the federating units and the communities has become inevitable. The current bill tabled before the National Assembly which has gathered support across divides is to be welcomed. It must however be diligently prepared and devoid of partisan bickering. The matter is far too serious for partisan, ethnic and other diversions.

The key issue is that of safeguards. In view of the performance (or in some instances, the lack of it) of critical institutions at the state level, there must be cast-iron safeguards to protect the citizenry. We are aware, of course, that in many federal states such as the United States, India,

would dance “shaku shaku”.

Just as Boko Haram to Jonathan, his albatross lies in this if not swiftly nipped in the bud. And thankfully in a statement released by his media aide on Tuesday where he stated it loud and clear that the Nigerian cattle herders he knows doesn’t carry nothing more than a stick, occasionally sometimes something to cut grass to feed their cattle, but on contrary, the present herders carries AK 47 which points to the evil they are capable of perpetrating.

He must first declare war on herdsmen, then intensify efforts as the Commander in Chief of Armed Forces with the constitutional responsibility to safeguard lives and properties, which is a cardinal basis for the existence of any government. Buhari must redeem himself, he must put a stop to all these mindless killings.

•SAMSON ADEWALE, Osogbo.

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On-The-Hustings As the APC primaries draw nearer in preperation for the September 22 governorship election in the State of Osun, aspirants are still canvassing supports for their ambitions.

SOLOMON ODENIYI was part of the trails.

My Vision Is To Build On Aregbesola's Economic Foundation - Amere There was a mammoth crowd of supporters and sympathizers at the campaign flag off of Honourable Gafar Akintayo Amere, one of the leading aspirants contesting the Osun state gubernatorial seat under the All Progressives Congress (APC) on Monday.

This is just as Amere, who currently represents Iwo/Ayedire/ Ola-Oluwa Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives hailed the incumbent Governor Rauf Aregbesola for laying a good economic base which has place Osun among the seventh fastest growing economy in the country.

While declaring to run for the governorship seat, he said that as a true democrat, his vision is to build on all economic foundations laid in the various sectors of the state using ICT and modern technologies to reengineer the progressive missions as contained in the Six-points Integral Action Plan of Aregbesola.

He maintained that popular policies by the incumbent would be pursued by reinvigorating those components like youth empowerment and encourage small scale and medium enterprises which would help to reduce the gap between the rich and the poor.

He promised to enhance a good healthy living for the people of the state as special funds would be made available to restore the health facilities to modern standards within a short period of his administration.

Amere, an accomplished Chartered Accountant and Tax Administrator cum politician assured that if elected, he would enhance the financial base of the state economy, adding that the state resources would be tapped to reduce reliance on handouts from the federal purse by providing opportunities for both local and international investors in Agriculture, Mining, Tourism and ICT. “As a member of the various house committees, I have achieved an unbeatable record in the political history of my federal constituency.

Aside this, I have sunk boreholes across three local governments, facilitated employments of several youths in the Nigerian Army, Nigeria Police, NSCDC, ICPC, the Federal Road Safety Corps, the Industrial Training Fund, SON,

•A cross section of Hon Amere’s supporters during his campaign flag off.

•Amere (right), flanked by his wife while addressing the crowd of his supporters.

NAFDAC etc.

“In education, I gave out assistance and sponsorship to many

who are now graduates in my constituency. A gigantic school with 40 classrooms and laboratory was built as part of my constituency

Among those representing the state at the federal level, he ranks well when it comes to comportment, reliability and of course, loyalty which is hard to come by.

projects in 2014. Many were also given financial assistance as empowerment,” Amere recounted.

The Federal lawmaker who lend his voice in support of Osun West Senatorial District to produce the next governor in the spirit of fairness, equity and justice, warned that for the good work of the incumbent not to go into oblivion, someone as competent, experienced, exposed and reliable as himself should be given the mandate.

The state chairman of the party, Prince Gboyega Famodun while receiving the aspirant at the party Secretariat described Amere as one of the strong pillars of the party in the state, adding that he was one of those instrumental to the formation of the party in the state.

He said: “Among those representing the state at the federal level, he ranks well when it comes to comportment, reliability and of course, loyalty which is hard to come by. He is someone anyone can rely on and he has shown this to the party even without being in power.

“I am not saying this to impress him or anyone, he deserves to be the governor of the state base on his attributes. I pray God helps him.”

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On-The-Hustings My 10 Areas Of Focus Will Transform Osun More - Oyemomi As the battle for the number one seat of the state of Osun draws nearer, a major contender that has well positioned himself for the ticket of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is Dr. Ezekiel Oyebola Oyemomi.

Sequel to his formal declaration to contest for the governorship seat under the APC, Dr. Oyemomi who hails from Orile-Owu in Ayedaade South Local Council Development Area which was carved out of the Ayedade Local Government, had begun tours to all the local government council areas of the state to mobilize support for his ambition.

During his tour, Oyemomi who is a retired Federal Permanent Secretary said, the ten areas of his focus when elected are agriculture, youth – reorientation, engagement and empowerment, functional education, women empowerment and repositioning, rural infrastructure development and rehabilitation, staff development and re-orientation, rehabilitation and repositioning of the health sector, development of art and culture, tourism and industrialization.

He pointed out that concerned people within and outside the state had argued that the state needs an experienced person like him who would not play politics with the lives of the people, but serious-minded, wellequipped and experienced to move the state forward.

Explaining the motive behind his intention to contest, Oyemomi noted that, after retirement he had been actively involved in his private commercial businesses, including

offering his services as a consultant in agriculture, policies and other areas, but while working hard towards making a mark in all the enumerated ventures, he was invited by concerned stakeholders to come and render service to the people.

According to him, “After searching my mind and weighed options and having considered my experience in the service and my connections both at home and abroad, I agreed that it would be a great disservice to my State of origin if I should fail to offer my service for the benefit of my people.

Dr. Oyemomi pointed out that while in service at the federal level, he had dealings with various international agencies and organizations and he was

prepared to use his connection with them because he was already aware of where these organizations would be useful for the development of the state.

He further said that he has everything it takes to move the state forward because as a retired Federal Permanent Secretary, he had interacted with state government officials and the ordinary people in the state, understands their problems and how to solve them.

Meanwhile, at his formal declaration, the astute technocrat and politician told the large crowd of his supporters that he would surpass what has been achieved in Lagos, saying that most of the technocrats who had served and still serving at the helms of affairs in some

states of the federation are doing well and never disappointed the people while their performances still remain indelible today .

He therefore, urged members of the party to look very deep for a credible candidate who is not out to deceive them but willing to work at this crucial stage of the state, saying, “Let me reiterate my earlier stand at this juncture that to me, politics is not a do or die affair, I believe it should be seen as a call to service. By this declaration, I thus offer myself to serve.”

Oyemomi then commended the leadership of the party at the federal and state levels, saying that what should be their paramount concern was how the party would win the election to further transform the state beyond what it is and not how it would remain stagnant.

Oyemomi also spoke about the qualities of the incumbent Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola saying, he has judiciously spent the funds of the state for the betterment of the people, saying he is committed to build on the existing structure and go far beyond what is on ground.

The state APC Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun said the APC now parades capable aspirants who have been tested in their various fields and professions, saying one of them is Dr Oyemomi who is a technocrat and worked as Permanent Secretary in many Federal Ministries, including the Ministries of Defence, Agriculture, Lands and Housing, Women Affairs and Social Development among others.

•Oyemomi acknowledging cheers from his supporters.

The Beat Goes On In Osun

By Femi Mode Siyanbola The State of Osun Governor’s Office at Abere often called Bola Ige House, has been with the greatest serenity since it was constructed by Chief Bisi Akande within four years of his Government from 1999 to 2003. The covetousness to the hottest seat in the office has risen to a crescendo when different and diverse kind of insinuations and commitment that are shaping narrative have kept would-be successors to the chest of the enigma, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola who midwife modern rulership in government. This is after the former progressives in the State have grounded the ambitious impetus and political will to move forward once the defeat of the progressive Party AD, led by Chief Bisi Akande was established. The situation now is that every aspirant is now hopeful given the uncertain criteria that will carry the day when and where the pendulum will swing.

The way the big guns of the party shift and transfer followership and allegiances at will to aspirants had shown that Governor Aregbesola has no anointed aspirant!

I only feel Osun APC delegate and the party should harmonize their criteria here and there and consider those logical elements in picking the governorship aspirant that has the strongest appeal democratically.

Nobody fashioned out an umpire streak of conditional consideration when Oranmiyan came as a messiah to rescue Osun from the shackles of retrogression and chronic reversal instinct towards primitiveness.

Oranmiyan came with a slogan “Oranmiyan De fun Irapada Osun” on April 16, 2005. It was when the General in civilian attire was in power and armed with the arsenal of war to thwart

any challenging ascendancy aspiration.

It was in the middle of Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s governance and since then he had resisted all entreaties by any governorship aspirant who aspired to run to unseat him. But Oranmiyan group, not minding the incumbent pedigree and antecedent entered the Sport Club Osogbo, Idi Seke where the inauguration of Oranmiyan Group Worldwide was taking place on that historic day.

Tight Security Network had been placed on all the road entrances to Osun by the then governor, unknowing that the Oranmiyan group had an alternative route on the Rail line, boarding train from Lagos to Osun with pomp and pageantry. The day marks the political turning point over and above the governance of intangibles, which later culminated to the current populist and

•Oranmiyan group drummers in 2006.

purposeful governance we have witnessed in the last seven and half years.

Since the change occurred, the Shenanigans in opposition had found it difficult to move closer to the seat of power at least, at the state level after the mainstream opportunity they had in Goodluck Jonathan had been fluffed.

It is supposed to be everybody’s watch word to give merit a chance when appraising individual for public office.

The issue of demilitarization was what brought Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu to power when the threshold of parameter and criteria to select Lagos State Governor came to the fore in 1999.

The appraisal had favoured Tinubu beyond the almighty zoning which would have formed the basis of consideration. It was his activities in NADECO cum the unsolvable impasse

that activated all agitations that came after the annulment of one of the fairest and freest elections that was won by Late Chief M.K.O Abiola on June 12, 1993, who was given posthumous recognition recently by Buhari that formed the basis for his consideration.

Be it as it may, there will always be the hand of “Vox Populi and Vox Dei” in whoever emerges and all other aspirants will work for the emerging candidate to win the ultimate Governorship position in the State of Osun. Our people should understand that the masses are the final arbiter in a democratic dispensation because they hold the weapon which is the ballot and they can use it any way they want. It is now the people’s will that will prevail when the day of primary election comes.

When we begin to calibrate the situation in some other climes, we may have noticed that Barrack Obama would have had his successor to come from the Democrat when he nominated Hillary Clinton, unfortunately, it was Donald Trump that won Presidential election after Obama in America. We should begin to believe in what the people want as against our sentimental appraisal of aspirants. We are in a jet age now and should embrace the people’s will on the poll and not what we want for ourselves. Only one candidate will emerge and there is going to be a robust compensation that awaits glorious losers in the spirit of collegiality and sportsmanship. If any of the candidates emerge without rancor at the APC primaries, it means the wish of the party and the people of the state in that tradition has been met, which means for the required maturity amongst the aspirants, we will later face the opposition who have laid competitive siege for our party at the governorship election.

May the best man for the job emerge.

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Osun LG Development, Workers’ Welfare Top Agenda In Ghana A four-day workshop was held for some selected Osun Local Government Officials in Accra, Ghana between 24th and 29th, June, 2018. ADERINWALE ADEGBOYEGA and BUKOLA ELUFADEJIN, report from Ghana.

Development at the grassroot, welfare of the local and state government workers and synergy between the career officers and politicians in running the local government in the State of Osun took center stage, at a 4-Day International Workshop organized for the Osun chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employee (NULGEE) members in Ghana.

The programme, with Accra, Ghana between the theme, “Role of Local 24th and 29th June, 2018.

Government Workers in It was at the workshop the Development of the that the state State of Osun, Yesterday, Commissioner for Local Today and Tomorrow”, Government and was held in conjunction Chieftaincy Affairs, with Local Government Barrister Kolapo Alimi Workers’ Union of TUC reassured that the Rauf (Ghana) at the Institute of Governor Local Government Studies, A r e g b e s o l a ’ s

administration would pay the backlog of salary arrears as soon as the Federal government accedes to the state request on repayment of money spent on federal projects in the state.

Alimi who used the opportunity to highlight all the developmental projects executed by the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration said, the government does not have intention to make life unbearable for workers thus, making it to explore

all available means to pay up all the necessary claims, allowances, salaries and the pensions of the workers and pensioners.

Also, the state Chairman of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Jacob Adekomi buttressed the commissioner’s claim by assuring workers on the payment of all pending salaries, arrears, as he urged the state governor to ensure the fulfillment of the workers and government agreement at the appropriate time.

Comrade Adekomi further charged politicians not to present candidates who will not be workers friendly in the forthcoming Osun governorship election.

Presenting his paper titled, “Retirement Planning For Employees And Other Stakeholders Of Local Governments In The State Of Osun”, the Permanent Secretary, Local Government Staff Pension Bureau, Comrade Kayode Afolabi, urged workers to always prepare

well for their retirement and asked workers not to rely alone on their salaries but work to get something done that will be bringing money as other source of income in order to have a peaceful and adorable rest after living the active service.

In his own goodwill message, The Coordinating Director, Osun Local Government Service Commission, Barrister Lekan Babalola assured the Local Government workers that their letters of promotion for the ongoing exercise would not be delayed as the government is committed and faithful to all its policies.

While charging the workers, the State President, Nigerian Union Of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Adedeji Adeyeye, congratulated participants across all the Local Government, LCDAS, Area council, Administrative offices, pension board and Loans board for their good

conducts from the day one till the last day.

He charged them to be more committed and be supportive to the Government at all times.

At the interactive session between the Osun local government political functionaries and the staff of Osun local government in Accra Ghana, many issues that usually lead to crisis between politicians and staffers were raised and addressed accordingly.

Adekomi then charged politicians not to abuse, assault or look down on any government workers in all sectors, as workers determine the success or otherwise of any government.

In his own reaction, Alimi urged politicians and workers to respect and support one another because the two are inseparable, charging them to be mindful of integrity in communicating with each other, saying, “no matter the situation, we shall all leave office one day”.

•Osun NLC Chairman, Comrade Jacob Adekomi (2nd right) and some other union leaders at the programme

•A cross section of participants at the workshop.

•Osun Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi (3rd right) and others at the programme.

•Some of the participants at the workshop.

MRS. AKINOLA WALIYAT DASOLA

OYEJIDE VICTOR FRANCIS

SAHEED RASAQ ALEX

That OLALEKAN WALIYAT DASOLA is the same person as MOSHOOD WALIYAT DASOLA but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AKINOLA WALIYAT DASOLA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, Skye Bank and the General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as OYEJIDE VICTOR, but now wish to be known and addressed as OYEJIDE VICTOR FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as SAHEED RASAQ TUNJI, but now wish to be known and addressed as SAHEED RASAQ ALEX. All former documents remain valid. Union Bank, G.T. Bank and General public should take note.

OLATOKE MORUFU OPEYEMI

MRS. OLANREWAJU TOYOSI FOLASADE

OYEYEMI MODUPEOLA OLUWAKEMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as IBRAHIM MORUFU OPEYEMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as OLATOKE MORUFU OPEYEMI. With Date of Birth September 6th 1997.

All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS AKINTADE FOLASADE TOYOSI, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLANREWAJU TOYOSI FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid.

OAUTHC (Obafemi Awolowo Teaching Hospital Complex) and General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as LATEEF MODUPEOLA OLUWAKEMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as OYEYEMI M O D U P E O L A OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank and General public should take note.

TIAMIYU ABDULRAUFU SEKONI

AJISOLA AHMED ADEKUNLE

That SEKONI RAIFU OMOTOSHO is the same person as ALHAJI SEKONI RAFIU but now wish to be known and addressed as TIAMIYU ABDULRAUFU SEKONI. With Date of Birth 07 - 05 - 1952. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank and the General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as TAOFEEQ BOLAJI AJISOLA, but now wish to be known and addressed as AJISOLA AHMED ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank and General public should take note.

8

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Olatunbosun Foundation Aborisade’s Family Head Honoured Awards Galore As Herbal Practitioners Organise Seminar Empowers Youths In ICT

•(R-L) The Permanent Secretary, Osun SUBEB, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole; former Osun Deputy governor, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin; Olayinka Olatunbosun and others during the graduation of the ICT trainees.

According to him, this is just one of the An aspirant for the House of Assembly several empowerment programmes organized seat of Ife East Constituency of the State of

by Yinka Olatunbosun Foundation, as the NGO Osun, Yinka Olatunbosun has empowered has organised several programmes and it is 50 youths under the first batch of his ICT planning to hold a free medical outreach Training programme. programme in August.

The beneficiary youths were recently Some of the guests at the occasion were, graduated at Olomi Tutu Guest House, NTA Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin (former Deputy Road, Mokuro, Ile-Ife after a three-month Governor, State of Osun); Alhaji Fatai free ICT training, which was organised by Kolawole (Permanent Secretary, Osun SUBEB); Olatunbosun through his foundation, Yinka Prof. (Pastor) Rufus Adedoyin (Dean, Faculty Olatunbosun Foundation. of Basic Medical Sciences, O.A.U, Ile-Ife); The full-time free ICT Training Sooko Lekan Omidiora; Pastor Desmond programme commenced on the 13th March Awosemo (Chairman, PFN, Ife Province 1); and with 50 students who were admitted into Honourable Segun Adeyeni (Chairman, Ife various courses, such as Computer East Local Government).

Engineering, Graphics Design and Others were, Hon. Kayode Ogundele Computer Appreciation.

(Chairman, APC Ife East Local Government); The target of the foundation, according to Hon. Farotade (Chairman, APC Ife Ooye Olatunbosun is to train 2,000 Youths in ICT LCDA); Hon. Dayo Eluyemi; all the Councillors and as such the training would be done in in Ife East Local Government and Ife Ooye batches, saying the second batch would run LCDA, APC Local Excos in Ife East Local from July to September 2018.

Government and Ife Ooye LCDA, APC Wards He said the empowerment programme Chairmen in Ife East Local Government, Ife was aimed at empowering the youths with a Ooye LCDA and Ife East Central LCDA and view to making them independent and be Representative of the Institute of Data useful to their various communities.

Processing Management (IDPM).

•Mr Yinka Olatunbosun and some of the beneficiaries of his ICT training programme.

It was a gathering of who is who in the herbal practitioner profession in the state of Osun on June 25, 2018 at the herbal village in Ayepe along Ikirun road, where the practitioners in the state who distinguished themselves were awarded with different categories of awards of excellence.

The one day Seminar/Awards organised

by BOFET Consulting Incorporating in collaboration with the United Nigeria Herbalists Association (UNHA) was tagged “The Role Of Herbal Practitioner In The Health Care Delivery In The 21st Century”.

The event was organised to ensure good and quality production of herb products among members of the association in the state and to ensure that cognizance is given to hygiene during production.

In his speech at the seminar, the Commissioner for Health, who was represented by Dr Bolarinwa Moronkeji said herb is good for our body but counsel practitioner on the need to take good care of the water they use during production.

Similarly, the Director NAFDAC in Osun, •President-General of the association, Chief Aremo Saka Oyedeji (3rd left) posing with his plaque of award; the LakaAbaolu zonal chairman, Mr Lukman Ussein (2nd left); Mr Waheed Muritala and other members of the association at the Pharmacist Babatunde Yusuf also said “we programme. believe that herbs are working very well, but you must have the fear of God in everything you are doing, you should consider the wellbeing of consumers, whose interest is to seek wellbeing.

He also advised them to be very careful and diligent on leaf and roots they use for herbs before using it.

He also inspected the ongoing herbal factory being built in the village before leaving the programme.

Also, the Chairman of the Association in Osun, Dr Aniyikaye Kamil commended members for the pro-activeness and also used the opportunity to plead with NAFDAC officials to always consider their member’s welfare in discharging their duties on the field.

Among personalities at the seminar were, the Acting President of the Association, Alhaji Sakariyau Oyedeji; the General Secretary, Dr. Mahruf Adewale, Alhaji Moshood Usman, Dr Jimoh Arubiewe, Dr Aremu Odofin and Dr Lukman Hussein.

•The consultant, Mr Oluwole Ibitowa (3rd left); an awardee, Lukman Ussein and others.

•The Vicar of All Saint Anglican Church, Osogbo, Ven. Williams Ojebode presenting award of excellent to Mr. Ademola Aborisade during the Fathers’ Day celebration at the church premises, Osogbo.

By Israel Afolabi It was a moment of reward for the Aborisade’s family on this year Fathers’ Day celebration, as the head of the family, Mr. Ademola Aborisade received an award of excellence in the vineyard of God, All Saint Anglican Church, Osogbo.

Fathers’ day celebration takes place every third Sunday of June to mark and remember the efforts of fathers.

Fathers’ day is recognised by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) to give honour to the fathers for their importance in the world.

On the 17th of June, 2018, this year fathers’ day was observed globally in

which All Saints Anglican Church Osogbo is not left out in celebrating this day.

The church auditorium was filled to capacity with fathers from far and near to rejoice with one another and thank God for His mercies and grace.

Men of God and servants in the vineyard also gathered to mark this year fathers’ day celebration, as prayers were shower on them and the entire congregation.

Church choirs also added colour to this gracious day by singing melody song to the Lord while entertainment of guest took place at the church premises.

At the celebration, Mr. Ademola Aborisade was honoured alongside others.

LAUTECH Student Celebrates Birthday WIth Funfare It was a celebration galore on the 1st of July, 2018 when Oyewale Ajimoh Olaitan celebrated her birthday.

Ajimoh, a 200L student of Ladoke Akintola University, Ogbomosho who is studying Pure and Applied Biology celebrated with friends in the school campus on his birthday.

She thanked friends, family members and others who graced the celebration.

She then prayed for those who made her birthday celebration a worthwhile that they shall all be celebrated.

•A cross section of the awardees at the ceremony.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 •The celebrant (middle), posing with her birthday cake in a group photograph with her friends during her birthday celebration.

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APC Urges Aspirants To Keep Campaigns Friendly

By David Adejuwon The All Progressives Congress in the state of Osun has urged governorship aspirants in the party to continue with the ‘friendly and convivial spirit with which they have been prosecuting their campaigns for primary election so far in the best interest of democracy in the state.

According to the party, aspirants that, “whoever “It is encouraging that wins becomes the party most of the aspirants candidate and symbol of have lived up to their its aspirations and plans signed pledges to run for the progress of the their campaigns in a spirit state. consistent with loyalty, “It will therefore be out commitment to party of place and anti-party for ideals and respect for the any of them to sell the rules of this exercise”.

In a statement issued in party’s government short Osogbo on Wednesday and vilify its leadership by the party’s Directorate and still claim loyalty or of Publicity, Research and entitlement to be its or Strategy, signed by its representative Director, Kunle Oyatomi, flagbearer in the coming the APC reminded the governorship election.

“We are delighted that so far, no incidence of intra-party discord or bad blood has been reported since the campaign started. It is our hope therefore that the spirit of goodwill that has characterised this exercise

will continue to the end.

“Also, it is to be expected of each aspirant that the over-riding spirit of good sportsmanship will mark the primary right up to the outcome of the exercise. Victory for one should be

understood as victory for all. There should be no cause for rancour and dispute after the exercise”, the party said.

It then reminded all aspirants that the party stands head and shoulders above every

and all other parties combined, and there is no way the party can lose the election as a united force, saying, “that is why loyalty and unity are the greatest armour we should take with us to the battle of September”.

Osun Commissioner Charges APC Members Against Division

By Solomon Odeniyi The State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Adelani Baderinwa has called on members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to work for the victory of the party in the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state.

Baderinwa urged the Aregbesola, but we are not •A cross section of Osun Cabinet members at the foundation laying ceremony of Osun Mall by Governor, State of APC members to be united yet near where we are Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in Osogbo on Monday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. and do away with talks and going. activities that can destabilize the party, warning them of the consequences of about Aregbesola for taking off being decorated with the approaching governorship Members of the organisation of the State of Osun passionate election with a divided Indigenes in Diaspora have urged residents of Osun development”, he from where Chief Bisi award of “Positive Akande stopped, noted Creativity house.

In stressed. to join government in the growth and development Speaking at the Ifelodun Guest speaker at the that the state used to be Governance” Governor Local Government APC of the state by contributing their own quota through event, Chairman, Ibile very static in terms of Aregbesola stated that monthly meeting on payment of taxes and other levies due to the state. development after the the clear focus of what to Sunday in Ikirun, The organisation gave magic, it is through the Micro Finance Bank, Akande’s regime. achieve by his Baderinwa charged APC the charge on Tuesday in collective efforts of Lagos, Hon. Kolawole Speaking shortly after members to remember Osogbo during the government and the Taiwo who commended •Continued on page 14 what they passed through between 2003 and 2010 presentation of an award people of the state before Ogbeni Rauf tagged “Golden Merit through the payment of Aregbesola was declared Award Of Positive their taxes and other •Continued from page 3 governorship candidate of granted an interim order governor by the Court of Creativity In levies”. and did remark that the including Alhaji the SDP. Appeal.

Engr. Okiki while Governance” to governor to the suit They argued that the parties He said it would be a of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf commending the Rasheed Mayowa, Mr. maintain status quo, the court had ordered that disservice to the party for Aregbesola. governor of Osun for Bello Jimoh, Mr. Rasheed nothing should be done by respondents held its Salaam and Chief Azeez members to be sowing Speaking through their doing so much for the Akakinde Ismaila, on the respondents in the wards, local governments seed of discord ahead of state despite the paucity the governorship primary, President, Engr. Oyesola of funds, stressed that Friday through their case, but rather than obey and state Congresses in saying that the acrimony Okiki during the award counsels Barrister the directive, the Omisore flagrant disregard to the that would have been ceremony, they said it has they have been so Bamidele Ajibade and group within the SDP court.

But, the party solicitor, planted before the election become necessary for the surprised on how the Seun Ogundarin went ahead to conduct the Kehinde and local Barrister would be difficult to settle people to begin to have governor has been able to approached the court for ward Adesiyan said that no part government congresses. achieve so much with so among the party faithful. an injunction to restrain the spirit of working with of the order of the court Meanwhile, at the The commissioner the government for the little funds. the party from holding the maintained that every APC upliftment of the society He said because of the state congress pending the resumed hearing on was properly served. He the Barrister challenged member must be interested passion and determination of the suit. Tuesday, Bamidele Ajibade, one of competence of the suit and in continuity of the for the benefit of all. for They also prayed the the counsels to the the jurisdiction of the court Okiki noted that determination Aregbesola’s legacy of development which the court to checkmate Mr. good governance, hence societies where rapid and state governor has Taiwo Akeju, Alhaji Shehi applicants pushed for a to decide the case. mandatory order for Justice Falola declared the need to work together meaningful development Musa Gabam and Rt. Hon. of the party that the attack on the to have a worthy have taken place demonstrated, members Emeka Atuma from reversal Congresses. of the Lagos branch of the bailiff had been reported successor. anywhere in the world Ajibade lamented that to the police and the Baderinwa said: “I want are societies where the association decided to be parading Dr. Iyiola Omisore as the despite that the court judiciary body. contributing something to urge every APC people see their into the coffers of the members to be united and immediate environment work for the victory of the state which they have party in the forthcoming as their own, hence their been doing through the Adeshina said: “We will the opportunity to governorship election. contributions towards its office of the Osun •Continued from page 3 with the be ready for the event in Every APC member growth. looking forward to interface November. We saw that Internally Revenue companies directly as should be interested in the According to him, “In dealing with these programme is individual farmers and as this continuity of Aregbesola’s Lagos, there is something Service. different from others we “Because of the agricultural companies a cooperative society.” good governance. A which we call assessment without passing through Present at the meeting knew. Be rest assured that worthy successor is what fee which is not less than passion which Rauf intermediaries who were we will storm Osogbo Aregbesola has not serving us any good. was the President of Osun Stadium for Agritech we need to crown N500 per individual in a demonstrated to move State Cooperatives Aregbesola’s efforts.

“We know that there are event.”

“I want to urge our party day which we all pay our state forward with so lots of seed companies in Farmers Union, Alhaji Majeed added: the little he has, we in the members to stop sowing towards Olayiwola Adeshina, as “Agritech Nigeria Osun Nigeria and others who seed of discord. We should development of the state. Lagos State branch of our well as the organisers, led 2018 will be a gathering of are manufacturers of not allow our interest to “It is with this money association have been by their Executive divide us and cost us that the government of contributing our own agricultural machineries Director, Mr Yahaya more than 400,000 visitors from all over the world to for small holder farmers. victory in the coming Lagos executes all the business Unfortunately, as the end- Majeed; the Director of discuss election. We should meaningful projects we bits.

“We are not doing this users, we don’t get to have Programmes, Mr Taiwo opportunities in remember what we passed Adelu; Director of see around.

The agriculture.

It is an event for politics or any other improved and quality through between 2003 and Research and Logistics, where Africans will meet government of Lagos personal gain, it is purely seeds from these 2010 when the Peoples European Democratic Party (PDP) state also collects taxes because we have seen the companies because some Mrs Funmilayo Osonde their which people pay with way it is done elsewhere people hijacked them and and the Coordinator, counterparts without was in power.

Borrower necessarily traveling to “We need to work as a joy. and we want same for diverted them for their Anchor Programme in the state’s Europe. It is a platform for team to ensure that APC “That Lagos is the most our state at a time when own benefits. retain the governorship developed state in the we are lucky to have a “We believe that with Ministry of Agriculture investors meeting to and Food Security, Prince discuss businesses of seat. Osun has been greatly country today is not by governor who is this Agritech Nigeria Osun Sanmi Bamidele. mutual business.” transformed by 2018 event, we will have

Osun Indigenes In Diaspora Mobilise Support For Govt's Sustainable Development

Omisore Hijacks Party Structure

Largest Agric Conference In November

FRIDAY JULY 6 - THURSDAY JULY 12, 2018

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11

What Civility Really Is And Why It Matters

By Umair Haque Civility. What is it, anyway? Is it just being nice and kind to people, through gritted teeth — when they might be the very ones putting kids in concentration camps?

Of course not. It’s the very opposite — but I’ll get to that. Civility is possibly the most crucial task that we have. Yet if it seems like we don’t live in a very civilized society anymore, that is because I think many of us, maybe most of us, don’t fully know what civility is, and so we confuse it for weakness, cowardice, ingratiation and self-interest.

So, let me explain it. One way to think about it is, of course, using Marcuse’s paradox of tolerance — that the one thing we cannot tolerate is intolerance. But in this little essay, I want to go a little deeper.

In America, “civility” means something like the following: being obsequious to people above you in a hierarchy, and being cruel to those below. Do you doubt me? Why is it then that calls for “civility” always come from above, not below — the last place you might expect? It’s those at the top of a hierarchy saying to those below them — “Watch out! You are not being obsequious enough, and if you do not do it for me, then who will do it for you?

The whole hierarchy might just collapse!”

These are just games of corrosive power. But what, none of these is civility, in any way, whatsoever.

Civility means to be civilized, so that one can fulfill one’s duty to civilization.

Not in some grand colonial way, but in a simpler and truer one. The civitas is the community of human belonging. It is what we are trying to bring to life with “civility” and “civilization” and all the rest of it. What binds the civitas together?

A fundamental set of values — things which we wish all people to hold jointly, which define the common good. What are such values? I’d summarize them this way: Freedom, truth, justice, and equality.

You can add to that list as you seem fit — many have, and included, for example, beauty, goodness, mercy, and so on. But those are the four core values of a civilized person, society, or mind.

Why? Without any of those four, the others fail to make meaning. Freedom without truth is folly. Justice without equality is partial. And so on. But the four specific fundamental values are not really the point — only that there are some, and they are real values, not disvalues, anti-values, like say, murder or rape — they must genuinely be things we wish to share in common, including ourselves.

Being civilized, a member of the civitas, the community of human belonging, doesn’t merely mean “believing” in those values — and meekly staring at your feet when an abuser or bully gives someone a shove. It means expressing them, enacting them, living them. Why? Not so that we ourselves are merely seen to be civilized, so that we are haughty and respected and admired and so on.

That brings us full circle back to “civility”. Is civility the moral obligation to be obsequious and ingratiating to a racist, fascist, monster, or war criminal?

Of course not, it is the very opposite.

Truth demands we call them what they are. Justice demands we do so for the sake of those they have hurt. Freedom demands that we do so for our own. And equality demands that we call them what they are for everyone’s sake. That is how we begin to civilize them — or at least protect the community of human belonging from them until they are civilized, too.

Do you see how simple the idea of civility is, when we really understand it?

And how different it is from the foolish American notion of being nice to bad people? In fact, civility is the idea that we must never be cowards, but be

To act with civility is to civilize, courageously and consistently because only when we civilize do we protect, nurture, and shield the common good.

Especially when we reject and deny those who wish to harm the access to it. courageous enough to stand up to bullies, abusers, and tyrants — or else there will be no civitas, no common good, no community of human belonging, left.

Just the dehumanized, and their masters.

Now let’s go a little further. Let’s say that one day, a tyrant, abuser, or war criminal walks into the little bakery that you run, and asks for a croissant. This is a woman who has hurt many people — little children, in fact. What is the “civil” thing to do? We’ve already established that calling them what they are is civilized. But what about refusing to serve them? What about kicking them out? Is that civil?

Of course it is. Let’s use our four values. Freedom demands that you kick them out — because if you don’t, they might only grow in power, and curtail your very rights, too. Equality demands that you kick them out, too — you might think that “all people should be treated equal”, but the problem is that they do not treat people as equals, and so they are a threat to the value of equality itself.

Justice demands that you don’t serve them, and kick them out — for the sake of all the people they have harmed. Why should they enjoy the fruits of your labour? And truth demands it, too — because you are acting without integrity if you offer up servility to a tyrant as a member of the civitas, the community of human belonging.

What are you doing if you are brave enough to show this tyrant the door? Are you somehow reducing yourself to their level? Are you a mean and terrible person, just as bad as they are? Of course not.

In the act of rejecting them, you are civilizing. Whom? Everyone. You are teaching them that the values of the civitas are preeminent. That they come first, always, and everywhere. Before money, before tyrants, before little exchanges, before currying favour. So by teaching them the meaning, power, and purpose of these values, you are also saying to them: “this is what it means to be civilized. You are not civilized. When you are, please come back. Then and only then are you a member of the community of human belonging.”

That is what civility really is, my friends. Not being kind to fascists and thugs and bullies. But civilizing them, with courage, with firmness, with clarity.

That act sets the boundaries of the community of human belonging, the civitas, and if those boundaries are not set, then the whole project of civilization

soon falls apart. So it is your primary moral duty to set those boundaries, and protect and safeguard the community of human belonging from those who want to undo it, hurt it, and harm it.

So, civility is shielding, nurturing, respecting the community of human belonging from those who would wish to damage or destroy it, precisely by ejecting them from it, ejecting them, refusing them in every way that you can.

Then and only then are you genuinely

enacting the values that compose the common good, the civitas, that bind together the community of human belonging. Truth, freedom, justice, equality. These come first. They civilize us all. Therefore, living them is what civility is.

When we civilize, only then do we act civilly, but we are not civilizing anyone at all if we are obsequious and ingratiating to war criminals or monsters, are we? We are in fact doing the very opposite: we are humanizing them, while dehumanizing ourselves — and the whole community of human belonging. We are granting permission in the community of human belonging to those who do not and must not belong, because, step by step, they might just destroy it. And in that way, we betray the civitas when we confuse civility for cowardice.

All that is the single most crucial task you have. Only no one, I fear, has explained it to you well, or ever. So do you see how simple — but demanding — it is once it is explained clearly? Let me sum it up this way. To act with civility is to civilize, courageously and consistently because only when we civilize do we protect, nurture, and shield the common good. Especially when we reject and deny those who wish to harm the access to it.

I don’t blame Americans for being confused and bewildered. Even their best minds do not appear to know how to think about these topics well anymore.

And these are subtle topics. But they are also simple ones.

To act with civility is to civilize. When you tolerate a fool, a monster, or a tyrant — you are civilizing no one, but dehumanizing everyone. And in that way, you yourself are failing the test of being a part the community of human belonging, the civitas.

Former IRS Chair Joins Osun Governorship Race

By Franciz Ezediuno A gubernatorial aspirant under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun, Oludayo Oyebanji has stated that if the party elects him as its candidate during the September 22, 2018 Gubernatorial Election, he will ensure he employs 100,000 youths within his first six months in office.

Oyebanji who stated key driver of his this during the manifesto is the submission of letter of implementation of intent at the party policies driven towards secretariat, Osogbo on achieving accelerated Tuesday noted that he economic growth for the intends to continue with state. the works of the According to him, this administration of Ogbeni will enable him to Rauf Aregbesola in the address the current areas of infrastructural financial challenges and d e v e l o p m e n t , also to create a platform employment, welfare, for sustainable economic agriculture and food growth in the state. security and fiscal The framework of development and Oyebanji’s manifesto management. include; improved The ex-Chairman of productivity of the Osun Internal agricultural sector, Revenue Service (OIRS), increase activity in the revealed that he is the mining sector, improved best candidate the APC internally generated can offer in the election as revenue, security of lives he had gathered enough and property of the experience from working c i t i z e n s , in the field of financial i n d u s t r i a l i s a t i o n , management and improved tourism taxation. activities, youth While maintaining that e m p o w e r m e n t s , every administration organizing and needs funds to operate, conducting training, Oyebanji stated that the seminars and workshops

and politics.

In his response, the state party chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun stated that notwithstanding that the candidate of the party for the September 22, 2018 election was unknown to anybody except God, he was confident that if Oyebanji should emerge and finally win the election, the fortunes of the state would continue to soar higher.

Famodun revealed that Oyebanji is a well known personality in the state having served as a chairman of the State Internal Revenue Service and also versed in governance, taxation and financial management.

He recalled that the financial challenges the state was passing through has proven that finance is the foundation of governance, saying, despite the fact that the present Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is ambitious, the shortfall in governance was as a result of financial shortages.

Oyebanji is a native of Ikire in Irewole Local Government of the state.

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UNIOSUN Crisis: Group, Unions Disagree Over Allegations Against VC

By Solomon Odeniyi The Osun State University has of late been ravaged with intermittent strikes which disrupted the smooth running of the institution’s academic calendar.

The longstanding conflicts have been between the unions (ASUU, SSANU truth on its head and and NASU) and the misrepresenting facts to management over issues the public,’’ David did not end ranging from alleged corruption and without calling on lackadaisical attitude to relevant security agencies the welfare package of to apprehend and their members among prosecute appropriately others, as they demanded members of the agitating the sack of the Vice unions who carry out Chancellor, Prof Labode action that breaches the Popoola as well as the peace and security in the dissolution of the university.

Governing Council.

A member of one of the The unions have at unions who pleaded different times resorted to anonymity agreed with crippling academic the findings of the activities to coarse the coalition of the groups. management to bow to He said the VC meant well for the school and the their demands.

Against this back drop, fight against him is a sort a coalition of civil society of blackmail to force him group based in Abuja, to heed the call of the The Transparency unions.

The source said, “All Advocacy for Development Initiative, the crises seen today in after its investigations on UniOsun is nothing but a the causes of the torrent of witch hunt against the chancellor, crises in the institution, vice condemned the staff sponsored by those who unions of the State have an axe to grind with University for disrupting him.

“The VC since his academic peace in the appointment to the best of institution.

The coordinator of the my knowledge has been coalition, Mr Yomi David doing all he can to averred that, “ “The position the school among discreet and very the best. He put in place to block independent visit to measures while he UNIOSUN by our leakages investigative team generates more income to revealed that the agitating the university. The multi unions had succeeded in million naira project he is fouling the air of being alleged of was not ambience in the approved during his university whilst turning tenure. They should go

and make their findings.

Reacting on behalf of the Joint Action Committee, Comrade Isaiah Fayemi, the school NASU chairman alleged the Vice chancellor of sponsoring the coalition, stressing that until a credible body like EFCC vindicates him, their stance remain.

“The VC tried to incite parents against us but the plan failed. They were disappointed with the responses from the parents, that is why he came up with the sponsored report absolving him, which is laughable.

“I have nothing personally against the Vice chancellor, it is strictly official. All allegations are true and we have our facts. I can’t be alleging for the sake of allegations, not until an independent body with credibility, like the EFCC, ICPC come to do their investigations we won’t give up our stance”.

The Vice chancellor Prof. Labo Popoola described the leadership of the fingered unions as unserious people who deserved no attention of the media or any right thinking members of the society.

He said: “Well, the spurious allegations were supposed to be investigated for two weeks by a committee set up by Council of the University. The accusers did everything to frustrate the investigation, so it lasted three agonizing months.

A report was submitted to

Council and I was exonerated. The question is, can a Vice Chancellor sponsor a Governing Council appointed by the Visitor to the University?

Moreover, I didn’t call a meeting of the parents forum, the council did “.

OAU Student Journalist Shines At PTCIJ Campus Journalism Awards

Adejumo Kabir, a student journalist at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife is the cynosure of all eyes at the maiden Alfred Opubo Campus Journalism award organized by Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism in Abuja.

Mr. Adejumo, a 300 Reporter.

Kunle Adebajo, a level student of department of English at student journalist of OAU had won several University of Ibadan was students journalism adjudged the winner of awards including the Best Opinion Piece.

Nigerian Universities In the school category, Merit Awards of Best OAU emerged the most Campus Journalist active campus. category, OAU Awards The Alfred Opubo of Best Campus Campus Journalism Journalist category, Best Award, organised by the Article Writer and many more.

At the event, he went home with three awards: Most prolific contributor to the Campus Reporter website (with over 90 articles) Best Investigative Story and Best Male Campus Reporter by Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism.

Also, the Best Community Journalism Story award went to Okafor Chiamaka, from the Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State. She was also adjudged the Best Female Campus •Kabir (right) with other awardees in a group photograph.

Success Tip: Always Put Pressure On Yourself The first requisite for success is to apply your physical and mental energies to one problem incessantly without growing weary. –Thomas Edison I want to share a true life story on how I became a publisher even without preparing for it. And I have shared this story with some upcoming youths and even friends. I was a marketing consultant to a certain foreign magazine published by an accomplished Lebanese, based in Lagos, Nigeria. At the risk of sounding immodest, I would say that my coming on board instantly changed the fortune of the tabloid. We were doing quite well especially with Lebanese communities in Nigeria who saw the magazine as a means to connect with home and others who sought to know some things about Lebanon. The publisher happened to be a prominent name in home comfort industry. I was being paid generous consultancy fee as well as other perks.

But suddenly, the publisher decided he wanted to rest the publication because, according to him, he was returning home based on old age. It was a shock to me.

I appealed that he shouldn’t or, at worst, let the publication run in trust with someone. But it was as if he had made up his mind. There and then, I told him of my decision to carry on with the publishing, but under a different name and focus. Surprisingly, he agreed and even offered to assist me with logistics and other needed requirements. He was actually my first client in advert patronage when I took on the mantle.

My first editorials and set of contents were done in a business center, not because I wanted it that way but because there was no resources for a better choice.

Anyone can imagine the severe pressure I must have put myself into for the maiden edition. Today, the magazine has grown in leaps and bounds and is making waves in not less than four states and waxing stronger.

That’s the power of self-pressure and conviction in the face of obvious lack.

The world is full of people who are waiting for someone to come along and motivate them to be the kind of person they want to be. The problem is that no one is coming to the rescue. These people are waiting for a bus on a street where no busses pass. As a result, if they don’t take charge of their lives and put the

Premium Times Centre for Investigative Journalism (PTCIJ), is intended to reward student journalists from various tertiary institutions across the country, and motivate them to do more.

Dapo Olorunyomi, publisher of Premium Times online newspaper (parent-body of PTCIJ, said the award was named after Alfred Opubo, the first professor of Mass Communication in Nigeria, in recognition of his scholarly contribution to journalism in the country.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

pressure on themselves, they can end up waiting forever, and become failures. And that is what most people do.

Only about two per cent of people can work entirely without supervision. We call these people “leaders”.

This is the kind of person you are meant to be. Your job is to form the habit of putting pressure on yourself and not waiting for someone to come along and put you under pressure to move forward. The standards you set for your own work and behavior should be higher than what anyone could set for you. Make it a game with yourself to start a little earlier. Work a little harder, and stay a little longer. Always look for ways to go the extra mile, to do more than you are paid for…no matter

Successful people continually put the pressure on themselves to perform at higher levels.

Unsuccessful people have to be instructed and supervised and pressured by others.

the constraint. We all face constraints, anyway, in one form or the other, in our daily activities.

Your self esteem, the core of your personality, has been defined by psychologist Nathaniel Brandon as “Your reputation with yourself”. You build up or pull down your reputation with yourself with everything you do or fail to do. The good news is that you feel terrific about yourself whenever you push yourself to do your best, whenever you go beyond where the average person would normally quit.

Imagine each day that you have just received an emergency message and that you will have to leave town tomorrow for a month. If you had to leave town for a month, what would you absolutely make sure got done before you left? Whatever it is, go to work on that task right now.

Imagine that you just received an all expenses-paid vacation as a prize, but you will have to leave tomorrow morning on the vacation or it will be given to someone else. What would you be determined to get finished before you left so that you could take the vacation?

Whatever it is, take on that one job immediately.

Successful people continually put the pressure on themselves to perform at higher levels. Unsuccessful people have to be instructed and supervised and pressured by others.

One of the greatest ways for you to overcome procrastination and be successful is by working as though you had only today to get all your most important jobs done before you left for a month or went on vacation. By putting pressure on yourself, you accomplish more and better tasks, faster than even before. You become a high-performance, highachieving personality. You feel terrific about yourself, and bit by bit, you build up the habit of rapid task completion that then goes on to serve you all the days of your life.

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Osun SUBEB Reiterates Commitment To Building Enduring Legacy

By Shina Abubakar In a bid to reiterate its commitment to quality and affordable education, the Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) distributed instructional materials to the elementary and middle schools across the state.

The materials valued one of the six-point about N300 million was integral action plans of the distributed to head of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s schools at the two-in-one administration is the programme organized by provision of functional the board on Thursday at education for the teeming its office in Osogbo. The populace of the state and event also witnessed the in line with the policy, the distribution of certificate SUBEB in conjunction development of completion to its with contractors who partners have completed 30 middle schools participated in the 2014/ containing 770 classrooms 2015 contract circle.

It would be recalled that across the state and 20

buildings of elementary schools with 517 classrooms.

The Board under the leadership of Prince Felix Awofisayo has also completed 59 classrooms block with 437 classrooms while it renovated and rehabilitated 85 blocks of 397 classrooms between 2010 and 2015.

In the same said year, the state government had through the board completed the construction and rehabilitation of 2,135 classrooms that conveniently contain 106,750 pupils at 50

students per class. This is in an effort to meet the international standard of 1: 30 student per class.

According to the Permanent Secretary of the Board, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole, the present administration is not just committed to the provision of structures, it is also formulating policies at ensuring quality output and nurture the complete youth that can face challenges and also be ambassadors of positive change in the society. One of such programme is the ‘ASA Day’ introduced in

•SOme of the instructional materials distributed to schools by SUBEB in Osogbo on Thursday. Inset is the yoruba talking pen designed for the use of the pupils in the state.

schools by the board.

He said: “We don’t want a situation whereby our children won’t be able to speak our language or a situation where we would have to invite the foreign teachers to come and teach our language, so, as a responsible government, we feel we should not relent on any effort in ensuring the teaching of Yoruba in our schools. To ease the teaching of Yoruba, we have procured ‘Talking Pens’ designed for Yoruba language.

“The Yorubas are people with history and we have noticed that over the years we are seen to be neglecting our tradition.

This is bad for the future of the race and economy.

We don’t want it to die, that is why we have introduced it at that level” He stressed that the students’ performances have improved tremendously going by the WAEC result in the last six years as highlighted by the Ministry of education and the examination board.

He added: “At elementary and middle school level, it has improved as our children are winning Laurels in competitions and in joint state examinations for grade 3,4,5,6 and the unified exams too for grade 7 and 8 and Basic Education Certification examination.

More importantly, the pupils

have been staying in school”.

Over the years, the board has established a cordial relationship with its contractors such that the standard of structures designed by the board is adhered to and eliminated the issue of abandoned projects. Those who participated in the project circle were given their certificate of completion and also appreciated for a job well done and delivered.

The Permanent Secretary added: “We gave out certificate to contractors who participated in the 2014/ 2015 project circle. They have completed their jobs and their projects were satisfactory and they have taken their retention after 6months of construction, that’s why we feel we need to recognise them and to also put on record lesson learnt “.

“For us, they are partner in progress and they’re doing well. That’s one of the reasons we have not recorded cases of abandoned projects. On our own part, we make sure that they’re paid promptly, and we ensure we get value for money.

They are happy doing business with us. It has been a win-win situation.

Also, we have a gazetted standard of construction of our schools which has made the work easy for them.”

Heart Disease Heart disease describes a range of conditions that affect the heart. Diseases under the heart disease umbrella include blood vessel diseases, such as coronary artery disease; heart rhythm problems (arrhythmias); and heart defects person is born with (congenital heart defects), among others.

Heart disease is often used interchangeably with the term cardiovascular disease, which generally refers to conditions that involve narrowed or blocked blood vessels that can lead to a heart attack, chest pain (angina) or stroke. Other heart conditions, such as those that affect the heart’s muscle, valves or rhythm, also are considered forms of heart disease.

Many forms of heart disease can be prevented or treated with healthy lifestyle choices.

Symptoms Cardiovascular disease symptoms may be different for men and women.

For instance, men are more likely to have chest pain; women are more likely to have other symptoms along with chest discomfort, such as shortness of breath, nausea and extreme fatigue.

Symptoms can include: chest pain, chest tightness, chest pressure and chest discomfort (angina), shortness of breath, pain, numbness, weakness or coldness in the legs or arms if the blood vessels in those parts of your body are narrowed, pain in the neck, jaw, throat, upper abdomen or back.

Types of heart/cardiovascular diseases: 1.

Heart disease symptoms caused by abnormal heartbeats (heart arrhythmias)2. Heart disease symptoms caused by valvular heart disease Various heart disease causes:

A. Heart Arrhythmia Common causes of abnormal heart rhythms (arrhythmias) or conditions that can lead to arrhythmias include: heart defects (congenital heart defects), Coronary artery disease, High blood pressure, Diabetes, Smoking, Excessive use of alcohol or caffeine, Drug abuse, Stress.

B. Valvular heart disease In a healthy person with a normal, healthy heart, it’s unlikely for a fatal arrhythmia to develop without some outside trigger, such as an electrical shock or the use of illegal drugs. That is primarily because a healthy person’s heart is free from any abnormal conditions that cause an arrhythmia, such as an area of scarred tissue.

However, in a heart that’s diseased or deformed, the heart’s electrical impulses may not properly start or travel through

the heart, making arrhythmias more likely to develop.

Causes of congenital heart defects Congenital heart defects usually develop while a baby is in the womb. Heart defects can develop as the heart develops, about a month after conception, changing the flow of blood in the heart. Some medical conditions, medications and genes may play a role in causing heart defects.

Heart defects can also develop in adults. As you age, your heart’s structure can change, causing a heart defect.

Prevention Certain types of heart disease, such as heart defects, cannot be prevented.

However, you can help prevent many other types of heart disease by making the same lifestyle changes that can

•Special Adviser to the Governor of Osun on Health, Dr Gbenga Oyinlola (5th right) and others during the donation of three Hilux Van to Osun government by the Global Health Fund to fight malaria recently.

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO improve your heart disease. Such lifestyle changes include the following: Quitting smoking, control other health conditions, such as high blood pressure, high cholesterol and diabetes, exercise at least 30 minutes a day on most days of the week, eat a diet that’s low in salt and saturated fat, maintain a healthy weight, reduce and manage stress, practice good hygiene.

It is advisable that the doctor and drugs should be a close companion of any person suffering from any of these heart diseases. The drugs should be taken religiously and the doctor consulted routinely.

It should be noted that an emergency could occur just at anytime and in order to overcome this, the patient should be able to understand how his/her body functions. A good knowledge of this is a saving grace.

Under no circumstance must the person suffering heart disease deny themselves of these two. It is a dangerous combination if neglected.

Although regular exercises is recommended for heart disease prevention but if it happens that a person has any of the heart disease mentioned above, anything that will put the heart under unnecessary stress like exercise and walkouts should be avoided.

Heart diseases are not diagnosed by the person suffering from it but it is confirmed after a series of tests are carried out in a specialist hospital by a certified and experienced heart specialist called a Cardiologist.

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Osun Govt. Signs MoU With A Company To Establish 30MW Solar Farm In Osun

By Sola Jacobs The state government of Osun has signed a Memorandum of Understanding, MoU with a private company, Brights tarAapoInisa Solar Investment Limited (BAISOLAR) to establish a 30MW Solar Farm in the state.

The farm which is to be least 1% of the profit established on a 250 margin while 1MW of the hectares of land in Inisa solar electricity to be will see Osun getting at generated will be given to

the host community.

Speaking shortly before the signing of the MoU on Monday at the government house, Osogbo, Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola noted that the generation of solar energy is the way to go especially at a time when

the world is looking for an alternative to fossil fuel.

The governor emphasised that such initiative brought by the BAISOLAR group should be supported by all because in the next 22 years the world will use more of solar energy to

•Some of the dignitaries at the signing of Memorandom of Understanding between Osun government and Brightstar Aapolnisa Solar Investment Limited (BAISOLAR) to establish a 30MW solar farm in Osun.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

make things work.

While commending the efforts of the company, Aregbesola stressed that developing the society should not be left for government alone, calling for support from associations and groups who should rise up to join government to move the society forward.

While calling on the management of BAISOLAR group to expedite action on the establishment of the solar farm, the governor expressed hope that the project will go a long way in boosting economic activities in Inisa and Osun in general.

He explained that the generation of 30MW of electricity in Osun alone will go a long way in putting the state on the pathway to development and improving the status of the state among the committee of states in Nigeria.

He said, “If in 22 years from now the world will use more of solar energy, then we should begin to support what BAISOLAR is bringing to the table.

This is the way to go in the world today because

Osun Assembly Assures Quality Legislation the legislators.

By Israel Afolabi He acknowledged the The State of Osun House of Assembly has said it input of his colleagues would not deviate from quality legislation that and assured that the legislature would would stand the test of time.

Speaker of the State at the committee of the continue to live up to Assembly, Dr Najeem whole, the deputy expectations.

Meanwhile, the House Salaam made the remark speaker, Hon Akintunde mandated its on Monday through his Adegboye cited areas of has committee on judiciary to Deputy Hon Adegboye amendment so as to Akintunde while ensure concurrence by submit the report of its presiding over the plenary of the House.

The House acknowledged the

By Israel Afolabi receipt of two letters from the Governor, Ogbeni A Non governmental organisation, Youth Rauf Aregbesola with the Movement for Good Governance in collaboration first and second, seeking with the Young Shall Grow Nigeria, last week consideration and commenced sensitisation of pupils in schools across passage of the State of the state of Osun.

Osun parks and Gardens While YMOGG would described Leaders as Agency bill 2018 be going about those who seek to make respectively. sensitising the students change in politics, However, the letter on the need to shun business or societies was read for the first time violence as well as navigate change and help on the floor of the refraining from under people find a better way Assembly consequent on age voting among others, to do things.

Contrary to the the motion moved by the YSG would harp on majority leader, Hon. how the pupils can bring popular myth about Timothy Owoeye and about the clamoured leaders being the ones seconded by Hon Leke change in their societies sitting at the top of an Ogunsola. by building their organization, Eluyemi The House later leadership skills at a noted that leaders are people who are able to dissolved into the primitive stage. committee of the whole The schools visited so influence others towards in further consideration far are; Ata-Oja High a goal, completing a of the State of Osun Asset School, Osogbo , Ife City mission or creating ideas.

He added that Management Agency High School and leadership is not about Establishment Bill 2018.

Oduduwa College, Ile- stature, age or positions.

The clauses 5 (2a) to Ife. Reeling out factors to (9a), of the bill taken one According to the group after the other were conveners, Kolawole consider in setting one’s up for a leadership deliberated upon with Folarin (YMOGG) and self positions, he highlighted proper scrutiny in which Dare Eluyemi (YSG), the having a vision for one’s varied opinions were plan is to expose the self, acquiring new skills, expressed by lawmakers pupils to teachings, learning through in separate contributions. techniques that would reading, exposure, T h e r e f o r e , allow them to be useful to research, and amendments to the themselves as well as questioning, adding clauses were made where tutoring them to be Value, and getting to necessary with change agents of their work physically, unanimous decision on various societies. mentally and spiritually most of the issues raised.

While addressing the among others.

Reporting the outcome pupils, Dare Eluyemi Solomon Odeniyi

findings on the administration of Criminal Justice bill 2017 within the next one week.

The deputy speaker, who acknowledged the efforts of members in the legislative process notified them of the absence of the speaker who was away on an

official assignment.

He, therefore, expressed gratitude to them for the support given to the speaker as demonstrated at the state secretariat of APC where he declared his intention to run for the governorship ticket of the party.

Groups Begin Sensitisation Of Students In Osun during his lectures harped on the need for early participation in politics even as he warned the pupils to refrain from under age voting.

He said, “Yes you’re young but there is no one too young to wreck havoc. We have heard of situations where little children have been used to perpetrate evil, of course he/she might not be aware of the consequences of his actions, their ignorance is what sponsors of those acts explore.

You as the hope of the upcoming generations must not be allowed to be used to cause unrest in the state, you will one day rule over, you must as a matter of duty refrain from any act that leads to electoral violence, a good example of this is underage voting.

Please don’t vote if you are not up to 18. And if you have or see anyone who wants to engage in electoral violence calmly tell the person in a manner that he would feel guilty and desist from it. “

as a people, we need to find an alternative to fossil fuel.

“I am happy that this is happening and it is happening in Osun, this will definitely go a long way in boosting the economic activity of Inisa and Osun in general. Our people will definitely benefit from this and the state will be better for it. The people of Inisa will have a direct bearing as it will improve commercial activities in the ancient town.

“This is the way to go, government cannot do it alone. Government need associations and private agencies to think out of the box on ways to move the country forward, at the end of the day it will be a win-win situation for all”. Aregbesola stated.

In an address, a Director under the BAISOLAR group, Mr Fopesaye Oluseye described Osun as a state rich in natural resources with the capacity to develop and flourish towards civilization.

He said the goal of the company is to create a solar farm that will have the capacity to supply electricity to the national grid, stressing that BAISOLAR is developing the technology not only for the state and country but for export as well.

Oluseye stressed that the project will no doubt impact on the overall trade and commercial development of Osun as a state.

“The present administration in the state has already set the tone for the development of the state through the various infrastructural projects spread across the state, that is why we have thought of Osun to establish this. When completed, this will no doubt have impacts on the trade and investment growth of Osun as we are determined to establish a solar farm that will not only contribute to the national grid, but also generate enough for export”. Oluseye stated.

Present at the MoU signing ceremony was the Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Oyedele as well as other eminent sons and daughters of the ancient town.

Diaspora Mobilise Support For Govt's •Continued from page 10 administration 0is the reason for the successes of his government so far.

While calling on residents of the state to continue to support government for development, the governor explained that the debt of the state, which he put at approximately N200 billion will be paid without pain if everyone

who can work to earn money contributes their bit.

He said if the 25 per cent population of those who can work and earn money in Osun pays just N30 per day, the debt will be cleared seamlessly within the stipulated period.

He said: “Let’s put the debt figure of Osun at approximately N200bn for easy calculation. It means if everyone of the

25 per cent population of Osun who can work and earn money pays just N30 a day to the government, we will easily pay up that money within the time frame which we have to pay it back.

“Now, if you do an analysis of what this government has been able to achieve under that same debt profile, you will agree with me that it is far beyond N30 per day.

FRIDAY JULY 6 - THURSDAY JULY 12, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Court Remands 25-Year-Old Man For Assaulting Girlfriend

By Mariam Bello An Osogbo Magistrate Court has remanded a 25year-old man, Simon Olusola in Ilesa prison custody for assaulting his girlfriend.

Olusola who pleaded infidelity.

The prosecutor said guilty is facing a single count charge bothering the offence contravened section 355 of the on assault without legal criminal code cap 34 vol. representation.

The Prosecutor, 11 laws of Osun State 2003.

Inspector Jafani Musilim According to the had informed the court accused person, he has that the accused person been dating the girl for committed the offence more than three years on July 2, 2018 at about before they broke-up but 9:15p.m, at Agowande later wanted the lady back in his life but she area, Osogbo.

Musilim said the refused.

Findings gathered defendant who is a married man assaulted showed that the suspect attacked the lady on the one Alaba Fadunsi by using a fist blow on her said day in her shop located at Agowande face which resulted to a area of the state after deep injury. refusing his advances He stated further that after three years of the defendant was a dating. married man with kids It was the lady, a and his wife having no single mother who knowledge of his claimed that she was

tired of the relationship and decided to move on with her life, a decision that did not go down well with the suspect.

The Magistrate, Mrs

Modupe Awodele ordered that the accused person should be remanded in Ilesha prison custody due to the magnitude of the

•Alaba Fadunsi, the victim of the assault.

•Suspected cultists, Muritala Babatunde and Taiwo Rasak who allegedly killed Oriade Adebisi and his girlfriend, Julian Eke Imaga after they were paraded by Ogun State Police recently.

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offence committed.

She however,

adjourned the case to August 3 for judgment.

Alleged Fraud: Court Order Prosecutor To Obtain Directive From AGF

By Mariam Bello A Federal High Court in Osogbo presided over

by Justice Onyetenu directed the prosecutor handling the Advance Fee Fraud against An Osun state-based lawyer, Mathew Ayelagbe Laogun and his son, Barrister Ayodele Adelaja Laogun, to write to the Attorney General of the Federation for directive to continue prosecution of the case or hand over to the Osun government for prosecution.

This followed the fiat brought by the state request by the state Ministry was not in Ministry of Justice, reference to the case through a principal state before the court.

Famuyini submitted counsel, Mr. Moses Faremi, to take over the that only counsel from the Federal Ministry of matter.

Ayelagbe and Adelaja Justice can take over the Laogun, were docked at case pursuant to section the Federal High Court 174 of the constitution, sitting in Osogbo over insisting that the case is a federal legislation and alleged fraud.

They are facing a case “this is a case of Advance of Advance Fee Fraud Fee Fraud.

A principal state being prosecuted by the office of the Assistant counsel, Mr. Moses Faremi, immediately Inspector General of took over the matter and Police, AIG Zone X1.

When the case was informed the court that called, the old man and there is a general fiat his son entered the dock, from the office of the but, Osun state Ministry Attorney General of of Justice prevented the Osun state, to take over reading of their charge to any matter.

He said the general fiat formally arraign them.

State counsel, Mr. has guaranteed the state Ministry under the Adekunle Adeniyi, announced his Attorney General of the appearance to take over state, to take over any the matter from the matter from the federal Federal High Court to the high Court.

The Prosecutor said state.

He noted that the court the move to take over the case has raised the has directed the state to produce the fiat suspicion that the state (authority), that want to jeopardize the guaranteed the state to case, submitting that “I take over the matter, urge the court to continue saying that he has the hearing of this matter.

Justice Onyetenu brought the fiat.

But, the Prosecutor, O/ however directed the C Legal, Zone XI Police prosecutor to write to the Headquarter, James Attorney General of the Olajide Famuyini, DSP, Federation for directive argued that the state to continue to prosecute cannot take over the the case or hand over to matter under the state the state.

She adjourned the case Attorney General.

He said the purported to October 17.

NEWS

Osun Govt. Signs MoU With A Company To Establish 30MW Solar Farm In Osun .

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FRIDAY JULY 6 - THURSDAY JULY 12, 2018

Aregbesola Revisited Observation

BY ERASMUS IKHIDE

S

OME eight years ago, the briskly moving revolutionary dynamo and tedious beard spotting personage had a “pact” with the people of the State of Osun. As a dealer in hope with a mission to rekindle in his people the vanishing virtue of humility, industry and self worth in the ‘Land of Virtuous’ for which Osun and Yoruba people are known, Governor Rauf Aregbesola neither fail nor falter.

As a social democrat, Aregbesola leverages on the shared commitment of a political, social and economic ideology that supports economic and social interventions to promote social justice within the framework of a liberal democratic polity in a capitalist economy such as ours. Little wonder, he has been forensic in his demand for precise accountability in administrative governance.

The idea — primarily is to ensure that the state’s income redistribution and regulation of the economy is executed in the general interest of the greater numbers of Osun people. So far, Aregbesola has evolved governance processes and conditions leading to egalitarian, solidaristic and inclusive development — a set of socioeconomic policies that levitates a once agrarian state to a boisterous economic destination.

Ogbeni’s social democratic philosophy of total commitment to policies aimed at curbing inequality, oppression of underprivileged groups and poverty, including support for universally accessible public services like care for the elderly, child care, education, health care and workers’ compensation are the major achievements of his 8-years feat at the saddle.

Aregbesola’s wide readings have made him an indispensable ally of the oppressed, the disadvantaged. His ascetic way of life incubated in integrity and discipline materialised inherently in the way he governs Osun. Since his Polytechnic days, he remains the last man standing in the defense of truth and the masses.

Those who say Ogbeni is a true reincarnation of the late Sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo saw through his 2007 campaign manifesto, christened “The Green Book, My Pact With The Osun People”, and the fulfillment of those promises. Coincidentally, Aregbesola was two-years old at the time Chief Obafemi Awolowo exited power in 1959 as the Premier of the then Western Region of Nigeria.

But the question has been how far

•Members of OYES, one of the flagship programmes of Governor Aregbesola.

The idea — primarily is to ensure that the state’s income redistribution and regulation of the economy is executed in the general interest of the greater numbers of Osun people. between. Has Aregbesola been able to implement his “Six-Points Integral Plan of banishing poverty, banishing hunger, banishing unemployment, (create work/ wealth), restore healthy living, promote functional education and enhance communal peace and progress, 8-year after? In addition, did he restore to the people — a state of peace — opportunity for progress and room for the pursuit of prosperity in his time under a peoplefriendly government, as he promised?

The other questions have been, what are the impacts of social democracy in Osun State since Aregbesola assumed office? What will be the verdict of history on his administration? What will happen to his policies going forward? As lofty as his internationalizing of Osun was from the very beginning, did Aregbesola make Osogbo the second hub in international trade in goods and commodities in the Southwest? Finally, can we say his “SixPoints Integral Action Plan” that constitutes his articles of faith for which he wanted to be held accountable at any time during his stewardship been fulfilled while in office?

Aregbesola’s emergency on the Osun political scene is a perfect storm and needed catalyst that ignites unprecedented transformation to the

admiration of all. His administration, so compelling and overwhelming to the extent that Osun now occupies the center stage as a pace-setter in effective governance in Nigeria.

Thousands of youths were taken off the streets and given jobs under the O’YES programme; thousands more of children were attracted back to school as parents took advantage of the reformation Ogbeni effected in education. As the revolutionary transformation in education progressed, marvellous stateof-the-art schools that outclassed private ones emerged and the surge began into government schools as enrolment in them rose exponentially.

One of the marvels of the Aregbesola phenomenon is the infrastructural development undertaken by his government. And naturally, the state capital, Osogbo and other city centres, experience the most expansive accomplishment. The roads network which Aregbesola has constructed (and is still constructing) is unprecedented in the history of the state of Osun. Already, Aregbesola has set a standard in governance his successors can build on.

The consensus has been that Aregbesola’s government offers Osun

CARTOON

people what can he termed “Unusual” — a Government totally committed to unlocking the latent potentials in his people, a phenomenon unknown in Southwest Nigeria since the glorious days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. This is different to what obtains across the country where a ruling class tainted with greed, avarice, ineptitude and barefaced terrorism is the order of the day.

Aregbesola’s governance since 2010 brought an abrupt end to unremitting poverty through his work/wealth creation policy, tackles threatening insecurity challenges, diseases and the inhuman squalor visited on Osun people since the end of the 20 years civil war in Yoruba Land (KIRIJI) on October 1886.

For the record, Osun people’s natural affinity for commerce has been dampened over the years by unfriendly and unfocused economic policies of government, thereby popularising poverty amongst a people, who are naturally hardworking, industrious and adventurous.

The transformation of Osogbo into an international market where goods will be procured at prices comparable to any other parts of West Africa is remarkable.

Ogbeni’s relentless strives for all-round development of Osun partly inspires this: “The Moshood Kashimawo Abiola Airport, initiated and being built by Governor Aregbesola...is a demonstration of the incredible managerial acumen of Ogbeni. This singular project has placed Ogbeni among the stars of perpetual reckoning in the political cloud in the State of Osun. It is simply a demonstration of extensive courage and resilience in the face of paucity of fund”, (page 116), excerpt from the book: “From Cradle to Power” By Erasmus Ikhide and Igbotako Nowinta.

It’s truly intriguing — amidst paucity of resources — how Aregbesola managed to revitalise commerce and restore wealth back to the state through market friendly policies that revive the customary activities in Osogbo and other towns in Osun. In a country where the populace see politics and governance as scam, genuine dedication efforts as exhibited by Aregbesola that promote and support activities towards wealth creation for a long suffering people is celebratory.

Without mincing words, it’s heroic how Ogbeni militantly survived the trying epoch, triumphant in the discharge of his duties to the people and posterity.

Consistent in his pursuit, mindful of the contradictions that have been thrown up in the Osun firmament, he remains a beacon of hope to the vanquished political disequilibrium of his people and the nation.

As we revisit Aregbesola’s “Unusual Government Mantra”, his style of governance and strategic interface with his people and Nigerians at large, one can only but advocate for continuity in the face of the obvious traumatic transition — bearing in mind that it would be foolhardy to assume that Aregbesola has solved all of the Osun people’s problems.

Osun is a work in progress. It’s only Aregbesola’s kind of unforgettable Master’s plan that can ensure Eldorado in the Land of the Virtuous.

•Erasmus, a Public Affairs Analyst writes from Lagos.

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,