Osun Defender Online Version Of March 29, 2024

SIsmaeel Uthman A local government execu ve of the party, Mr. Kolapo Olowokere who is from Ward 7 and Mr Olaniyi Oladele, a party official from the same ward have also joined the PDP.

OME loyalists of the former governor of Osun State, Adegboyega Oyetola, in Ilesa East local government have le the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP).

The Oyetola loyalists, among who are serving ward execu ves of the APC, met with the State Chairman of the PDP, Hon. Sunday Bisi, on Sunday to finalise their defec on.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that 33 chieftains of the APC, including ward execu ves of the party who represent their various groups met with Bisi in Ilesa.

Findings by the medium revealed that some of the defectors include the APC Chairman and Youth Leader in Ward 3 of the Local Government, Messrs Olawale Omole and Osuolale Abiodun.

The Treasurer of the APC in Ward 7, Mr. Oni Obadare and Secretary of the party in Ward 4, Mr. Ajayi Taiwo and three officials of the party in the ward, were also among those who le the party for PDP.

Speaking at the mee ng, Bisi welcomed the new PDP members and commended their convic on to join the ruling party in the state.

Bisi urged the new members to ac vely engage in party ac vies at their individual’s locality, promising that the party will be fair to everyone of them.

It was learnt that the state leadership of the PDP will officially receive the former APC members on April 21, 2024.

OSUN DEFENDER noted that the current ward, local government and state execu ves of the APC are members, loyalists and supporters of the Oyetola-led fac on of the APC who were imposed on the party in a parallel congress in 2021 when the former governor was a member of the Caretaker and Extra Ordinary Conven on Planning Commi ee of the APC.

Crisis: Reps Summons Fed. University Of Health, Ila VC, Prof

and

THE House of Representa ves has summoned the Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Health Sciences, IlaOrangun, Prof. Akeem

The Green Chamber, through its Commi ee on University Educaon, was intervening

Multimillion Naira Constituency Project Vandalised, Looted In Osun

AMULTIMILLION naira Informa on Communication Technology (ICT) Centre in Ilobu, the headquarters of Irepodun local government of Osun State has been vandalised and looted by unknown persons.

According to findings by OSUN DEFENDER, the ICT centre which was located at the premise of Ansa-rudeen Grammar School, Ilobu, is one of the cons tuency projects facilitated by the former deputy speaker of the House of Representa ves, Hon. Lasun Yussuff

Findings by the medium revealed that the project has been abandoned since its compleon in 2019.

OSUN DEFENDER visited the ICT centre on Wednesday and observed that it was not func oning. The reporter was unable to gain access to the building as the main gate was locked.

Responding to enquiry by OSUN DEFENDER, The President of Ilobu Descendants Union (IDU), Pastor Femi Salako, said it was disheartening that the project was aban-

doned.

Salako said the abandonment of the ICT centre has made some unscrupulous elements to invade the building, vandalised and looted electric cables there.

He noted that the project has been handed over to the Osun State government but it is yet to expedite ac on on it.

Salako said the community has been the one clearing weeds around the building and also hire a security guard to secure the edifice.

He said: “The place has been handed over to the state government and the Commissioner for Educa on had visited the place. He promised that the state government would soon revive the place and put it into proper use. But we are s ll wai ng.

“Two months ago, you will not be able to move closer to the building because of how bushy it was. It was like a forest. The community had to hire people to clear weeds around the building. We also hired a security guard to help secure the place.

“If you were able to go

inside the building, you will see that every electric cable in the building has been vandalised by some unknown persons. They have destroyed every sin-

gle wire in the building.

“We urge the government to please do everything possible to revive this place for the benefit of the state”.

in the crisis rocking the university, following the sack of Adekilekun and the suspension of service by medical lecturers of the ins tu on who were protes ng the reported maltreatment of their colleague.

In a le er sighted by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the commi ee said it was disturbed by the development and was ready to address the issue in order to forestall possible breakdown of law and order.

Adeleke Paying Lip Service To Agriculture Sector – Expert

AN agricultural expert, Femi Adesola, has berated Governor Ademola Adeleke for “paying lip service” to the agriculture sector in Osun State.

Adesola said despite Adeleke’s speeches at various fora, including the Interna onal Cocoa Conference in Lagos and recent agriculture events in London, there was no tangible steps to revitalise the sector.

The expert disclosed this in an ar cle directed to Adeleke last weekend, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, on Monday.

Adesola stated that it is unfortunate that Osun has the highest food infla on rate of 33% in the South-West, which is embarrassing-

ly falling behind Lagos with lesser arable land suitable for cul va on.

He said the state Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Tola Faseru, who is a cashew value chain expert, has failed to leverage his exper se to ramp up food produc on and its value chain in Osun.

According to him, “The agriculture sector in Osun State is ailing and on the brink of collapse under the leadership of Governor Ademola Adeleke.

“Agriculture constutes approximately 70% of both direct and indirect employment opportuni es in Osun, according to the Naonal Bureau of Stas cs (NBS). Neglecting this sector, which serves as a vital source of food, employment and livelihoods, is not

an op on.

“Regre ably, Governor Adeleke has only paid lip service to the plight of the agriculture sector, lacking any aconable plans to complement his rhetoric. Despite his speeches at various fora, including the Interna onal Cocoa Conference in Lagos and recent agricultural events in London, tangible steps toward revitalizing the sector remain absent.

“Osun state unfortunately has the highest infla on rate of 33% in the South-West, as per the last infla on report released by NBS, embarrassingly falling behind Lagos with lesser arable land suitable for cul va on. Osun, with over 3000 hectares of farm se lement, does

The commi ee instructed the VC to appear with Adekilekun and furnish the chamber a wri en response to the allega ons levelled against them.

The le er marked NASS/10HR/CT.135/ UE/UM/VI/29/006 partly reads: “The Commi ee is disturbed that this development is coming at a me the government is making concerted efforts to address the brain drain issue and in view of fact that the ins tu on is new and academic acvi es have just taken off which is capable of crea ng bad precedence.

“In view of the foregoing and in order to forestall any possible breakdown of law and order and the degrada on of the ma er to evolve into serious academic disorder and the likely loss of the already depleted number of medical personnel in the country, the commi ee has resolved to wade into the ma er by invi ng you for a meeting to come along with the Professor in queson.

“You are also required to give your perspec ve in wri ng confirming or refu ng the allega ons by providing the true posi on with documented evidences where necessary on the ma er.”

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that both the VC and Adekilekun appeared before the commi ee yesterday in Abuja.

Ismaeel Uthman

Yusuf Oketola

Yusuf Oketola

•Sone of the defectors with the State PDP Chairman, Sunday Bisi, in Ilesa, on Sunday

Lasisi

the sacked Dean of Basic Medical Sciences, Prof. Tijani Adekilekun.

NIGERIA’S problem is that of the “development of underdevelopment “, a phrase once in the country’s currency in the nineteen-sixes. It is a ma er of regret that it s ll captures the Nigerian situa on today. We shouldn’t be using or referring to such phrase at this me. This is why trillions of Naira spent on “projects” has not led to a breakthrough. It is human capital and skills based emphasis that leads to jobs crea on and sustainable development.

The administra on of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola correctly ini ated the development of technical colleges as a cri cal ingredient in the process of development. it was (senselessly) terminated by his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola. This is a crying shame! As Governor Ademola Adeleke sensibly pointed out a few days ago, “The colleges are needed more than ever before to address increasing joblessness

WHappy Good Friday •Kudos to Governor Adeleke

E wish our teaming readership a very frui ul Good Friday.

It should be an occasion for though ul reflec on and sobriety. On bridled exuberant on a public holiday is clearly a variance with the present mood of a “Pallia ve-driven existence”. Those who can help the less fortunate in these difficult mes must be encouraged to do so.

A prominent point about Good Friday is the way the eternal bogeyman Pon us Pilate Keeps cropping up in the narra ve. Pon us Pilate has been depicted and accepted by genera ons as a “Bad Guy”. But, was he really? People should examine themselves as to whether their own conducts is all that is different from the self- serving opportunism of Pon us Pilate.

in the country. It was sheer insensivity on Oyetola’s part to abandon the project, since government should be a con nuum. We cannot afford to abandon such a lo y project. We

There’s is Pon us plate in most people. The Roman consul was only 18 months away from a very comfortable re rement when Jesus Christ was brought up in front of him. With a young wife and small children, he was hardly going to sacrifice his hard earned re rement. The issue of principle was expedient. This is the unfortunate reality of how many of those in the public fare across the universe conduct themselves, faced with the difficult choice of remaining faithful to principles and personal cost they sacrifice principles. This is the sad reality of human existence.

On this Good Friday, we should remember this and strife to live life that are based on principles and Self Sacrifice.

Happy Good Friday!!!

Introduc on

“

WE adore you, O Christ and we praise You, because by your Holy Cross you have redeemed the world” is the familiar statement we u er at the beginning of our reflecon for each sta on during the devo onal exercise of the Sta ons of the Cross. The expression succinctly captures the significance of Good Friday sacred ceremonies. On Good Friday, we prayerfully recollect the passion and death of Christ for the salva on of the world.

Background

BY MOST REV. JOHN AKIN OYEJOLA

EXPLAINER

•Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola initiated the development of Technical Colleges as a tool for development.

•However, the project was abandoned by his successor, Adegboyega Oyetola.

•The project is now set for revival by Governor Ademola Adeleke.

•Once completed, the Technical Colleges will help to address the increasing joblessness in the country.

need technical colleges more than ever before. “Why would an elected Governor abandon projects inherited from Aregbesola and others? It is sheer insensi vity. Is government not a con nuum? For me and my team, we are comple ng such projects even as we start our own. Let me declare here that technical colleges are back from now onward.”

This sort of child-like behaviour exhibited by Oyetola is to be condemned and the efforts of Governor Adeleke at revival is commendable. It is also important to state that the effects of a low skills economy has now become a threat to social stability, it has also resulted in an uncompe ve economy.

The technical colleges must be revived as innova on hubs to provide a secured future for the next genera on. This is where the future is; we should look at the effect of the impact of the technical colleges in the economy of Germany and on the astonishing rise of Vietnam.

Division of building an economy based on skills and innova on must the guiding light to guide a sustainable economy for Osun State and former Governor Aregbesola. The present Governor, Ademola Adeleke, must be commended for being on the same page on the issue of sustainable development.

Significance Of Good Friday

Christ came into the world and took on our human nature in other to die on the cross for the salva on of the world. The gospel of Luke 18:31-33, shows that Christ knew he was going to Jerusalem to die and he told his disciples about the event. Jesus then took the 12 aside and told them: “Now, we are going to Jerusalem and everything the Prophets have wri en about the Son Man will be fulfilled. He will be handed over to the gen les. People will mock Him, insult Him and spit on Him. A er they have scourged Him, they will kill Him, but he will rise up on the third day.” The gospel of Ma hew 20:1819, is more explicit about those that would be responsible for the death of Christ and the manner of death. “See, we are going to Jerusalem. There the Son of Man will be given over to the chief priests and teachers of the Law who will condemn Him to death. They will hand him over to the foreigners who will make fun of him, scourge him and crucify him. But he will be raised to life on the third day.” All predicted events happened to Christ on Good Friday according to the plan and will of God for Him.

The cross was an ancient instrument of execu on, originally, it was an upright stake to which the corpse of an executed criminal was bound for public display or on which the living body of a condemned person was affixed to await death. For public execu on on the cross, the offender would

carry the cross to the place of execu on which Christ did; He would be stripped and flogged severely. These they did to Jesus. The arms of the executed person are then nailed to the cross as well as the legs because deterrence was a primary objec ve of execu on on the cross, the cross was usually erected in a public place. Death would come to the executed person slowly, a er few days, as a result of cumula ve impact of thirst, hunger, exhaus on, exposure and trauma c effects of scourge. Christ Jesus went through all these on Good Friday for the remission of our sins. Cf. Mark 15: 24, Luke 24: 39.

The Jewish religious leaders, the council of Sanhedrin

had arrested Jesus and charged Him for blasphemy and for claiming to be “the Son of God.” This ordinarily was not an offence punishable by death under the Roman Law, however, when the Jewish leaders took Jesus to Pilate he was charged with treason. According to them, he claimed to be the “King of the Jews” and that he forbade people from paying taxes to Caesar, these were poli cal crimes of high treason, a direct threat to the sovereignty of the Roman Emperor. That was the reason why Pilate the Roman Governor who sentenced Jesus to death despite the fact that he knew he was innocent wrote the inscrip on on top of his cross “The King of the Jews” cf. Mathew 27: 37.

Significance of Good

Friday Good Friday opens our hearts to the limitless love of God who offers His only bego en Son as the atonement for the sins of the world. It also opens to us the unquan fiable love of Jesus for mankind, one who laid down his life willingly to restore lost humanity back to God, the Father. “No greater love can a man have than to lay down his life for his friends” he said. Jesus’s anguish, sorrow, and rejecon by the people He loved and served ll death show

•Most Rev. John Akin Oyejola, Bishop, Catholic Diocese of Osogbo.

•Pontious Pilate

How Abandonment Of O’ Rehab Centres Frustrate Rehabilitation Of Destitute

•As NDLEA Refers Patients To Oyo

TYusuf Oketola der rehabilita on at the O’REHAB centre in Ilobu were also engaged in voca onal training. But Oyetola, throughout his four years as the governor of the state be-

HE absence of funconing public rehabilita on centre is frustra ng the treatment and recupera on of drug users and des tute in Osun State, findings by OSUN DEFENDER have revealed.

Osun had during the administra on of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola boasted of func on rehabilitaon centres which made treatment of drug users and des tute easy for experts and families of the vic ms.

OSUN DEFENDER noted that des tute were reduced in the state as those roaming the streets were evacuated, treated and rehabilitated at the Osun Rehabilita on Centre in Ilobu.

But the rehabilita on centres were abandoned by former governor Adegboyega Oyetola who succeeded Aregbesola.

One of the rehabilita on Centre located at Konda, Ilobu, Irepodun local government of Osun State is now a shadow of its former self. The centre was established in the 2012 under Osun Rehabilita on programme (O’REHAB).

O’REHAB program was targeted at rehabilita ng and catering for persons with mental challenge, des tute and those who are homeless.

The O’REHAB centre in Ilobu, according to findings by OSUN DEFENDER, had also served as a temporary shelter for des tute transferred from another states for reintegra on with their family.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that drug users and des tute who were un-

tween 2018-2022 jesoned the program. Also, the current Governor of the State, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, has not come up with a program or idea to revive the programme.

The abandonment of the public rehabilita on centres is a major setback forcing the Na onal Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) in the state to refer pa ents ba ling with

drug issues to a rehabilita on centre in Ogbomoso, Oyo State.

Recently, the Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, Oba Abdulrasheed Olabomi called on the NDLEA to provide rehabilita on centre which can accommodate drug users to reduce court issues and encourage voca onal trainings for drug abuse vic ms.

Oba Olabomi made the call during a courtesy visit by NDLEA officers to his palace.

Speaking with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, the Spokesperson of the NDLEA, Osun Command, Mr. Charles Odigie, stated that one of their challenges as an agency in the state is lack of func oning rehabilitaon centre.

Odigie maintained that the state government needs to, as a matter of urgency, come up with one or revive the exis ng rehabilita on centres.

He said the state government also needs to revive the Drug Control Commi ee which has

not been in existence for years.

The Spokesperson said: “The NDLEA do not have a rehabilita on centre in Osun. We refer our pa ents to Ogbomoso. In fact, the state commander of NDLEA, Chidi Nnadi, last week visited the Ministry of Health in Abere where he met with the Permanent Secretary. This issue was raised there. I think they are coming up with a plan on that.

“The state government also need to revive the state Drug Control Commi ee. It is this commi ee that would come up with a rehabilita on centre and also tackle drug trafficking, among other programs.”

Responding to enquiry by OSUN DEFENDER, Mr. Goke Awoyemi, the Chief Press Secretary to the Deputy Governor, Prince Kola Adewusi who is Coordina ng the Ministry of Sports and Special Needs, faulted Oyetola’s ac on for neglec ng most of Aregbesola’s monumental programmes.

Adeleke Chides Oyetola For Abandoning Inherited Projects

From Aregbesola

Gto mobilise his team.

OVERNOR Ademola

Adeleke has described the abandonment of projects inherited by former governor Adegboyega Oyetola from Yusuf Oketola

Osun

his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as ‘a sheer insensi vity’.

Adeleke maintained that government is con nuum, no ng that it does not make sense for any Governor not to con nue inher-

ited projects. The Governor stated this on Tuesday during a visita on to the Innova on Hub, Abuja.

Adeleke vowed to revive the abandoned upgrading project for the nine technical colleges in the state, reques ng the consultant of the project, Mr Meir Dagan

He said: “We cannot afford to abandon such a lo y project. We need technical colleges more than ever before to address the increasing joblessness in the country.

“Why would an elected Governor abandon projects inherited from Aregbesola

and others? It is sheer insensi vity. Is government not con nuum? For me and my team, we are comple ng such projects even as we start our own. Let me declare here that technical colleges are back from now onward.

Commences Dredging Of Rivers, Frowns At Illegal Osun Commences Of Frowns At Dumping Of Refuse Of Refuse

IKazeem Badmus

N an cipa on of this year’s rainy season, the Osun State government through the Ministry of Environment and Sanita on, has commenced the dredging of major rivers and streams across the state.

This was disclosed by the Commissioner of the Ministry, Mr. Mayowa Adejonrin, while speaking with newsmen on Tuesday.

OSUN DEFENDER in its last edi on reported that a Civil Society group, Centre for Social Jus ce and Public Protec on (CSJPP) tasked the state government to be proacve in the clearing and dredging of drainages and streams across the state to avoid flooding.

Adejonrin noted that the state government is aware of the nega ve impact of floods, hence, the need to be proac ve. He assured the resi-

dents that the government was taking necessary steps to ensure that the state does not experience flood this me around.

Adejonrin said: “Apart from the Gbodofon river, we have started the dredging of major rivers that are prone to flooding in Ife and other parts of Osun State.

“We are on top of the situa on and we know the nega ve impact of flood and we are taking the necessary steps to ensure that we don’t experience flooding in the state.

“My advice for the people of the state is to work in consonance with the government’s direcves. We should all take responsibility and stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse which can lead to flooding.”

Speaking on the connued dumping of refuse on the median of major roads and the dir ness of some areas in the state,

Adejonrin said the state governor, Ademola Adeleke, has approved the re-introduc on of the monthly environmental sanita on which will start at the end of April.

He also said the environmental sanita on marshals who will be sweeping and clearing the bushes across major roads in the state would commence work at the end of this month.

Adejonrin, however, decried the a tude of some residents of the state to indiscriminate dumping of refuse, no ng that despite government’s efforts in sensi sing the residents, some people s ll persist with the act.

The commissioner who admonished residents to take responsibility for cleanliness of their environment, noted that government alone cannot ensure clean environment.

According to him, “We have been trying a lot to make sure we have a clean environment but the a -

tude of some of our people most mes frustrate our efforts.

“Despite all our advocacy on the need to stop the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the road, our people keep doing it. The government cannot do everything, people have to take responsibility.

“The Governor has approved that we resume the monthly environmental sanita on (every last Saturday of the month).

“Our Environmental Sanita on Marshalls will start work at the end of this month. They will be sweeping and cu ng grass on our roads.

“Appropriate channels should be engaged in the disposal of their refuse. Anybody that is apprehended by the law enforcement team would face the penalty. The governor means well for the state and we also need to support him to have a cleaner and safer environment.”

“Please send your team to Osun to revive the project. Many equipment that are locked up should not waste away. We need the technical colleges to be upgraded to meet the job needs of our teeming popula on.”

The Governor who was taken round the training facili es and equipment lamented that most equipment in use at the Hub are locked up in Osun for several years, expressing shock that a government for whatever reason, could abandon a cri cal project like the technical college upgrade.

Briefing the Governor a er a tour of the facili es, the General Manager, Dagan, said his firm was ready to resume the upgrade project as it would help job crea on, entrepreneurship, self employment, economic vibrancy and wealth genera on for the people of the state.

“We are ready to deploy to Osun state to complete the project. We really appreciate the commitment of Mr Governor to the revival of the project. Your visitaon today is a confirma on of your great leadership in Osun state”, Dagan said.

•The O’Rehab Centre, Ilobu

Hafsoh Isiaq

ONE of the quali es of a solid poli cian in every respect is that person’s ability to engage, control, or influence the desires of his/ her followers towards a specific ac on. More o en than not, poli cal bigwigs are best known for their crowd-pulling capabilies and street credibility, which are always invoked whenever they appear in public. One of the features of such public engagements is songs that evoke meaning, providing entertainment to their teeming supporters at poli cal gatherings.

Since his full entry into the scene in 2004, issues around the poli cal landscape in Osun, South-West Nigeria, have been revolving around its former governor and the immediatepast Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. Ogbeni, as he is fondly called, has con nued to prove himself beyond reasonable doubt that he remains a formidable force in Osun poli cs, perhaps, the reason why new policians look forward to riding on his popularity and established name to seek poli cal offices.

For instance, Aregbesola’s ou ng at last weekend’s mee ng of the Omoluabi Progressives, a caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State has dominated discussions in the state both online and offline.

Just like the Yoruba axiom that says, “The sound of the nigh ngale is dis nct among its

peers,” Aregbesola’s style of poli cs as well as his eloquence have always intrigued many. Having dis nguished himself as a well-versed son of the soil who knows the beauty of the Yoruba language, the former governor, who has been silent on issues in Osun poli cs for a while, brought the sector to life again, especially discourses on the shape of the next governorship elec on in 2026.

At the mee ng held in Ilesa on Sunday, Baba Kabiru, as fondly called by his loyalists, in his earth tone, Danshiki, embracing his pe te figure, enlivened the gathering with his wi y-like songs that reverberated the poli cal scenery. Although he didn’t utter a word at the mee ng, the buzz one of the songs rendered at the event has generated among his friends and foes, almost in equal measure, no doubt brought the poli cal calcula ons ahead of the 2026 elec on to the front burner.

The song has the lyrics;

Enikan o le p’eye a ba de mo’gba

Enikan o le p’eye a ba de mo’gba

Eleye sa nimi, eleye ni’yami,

Enikan o le p’eye a ba de mo’gba.

The song’s video immediately became the talk of the town, with different people alluding to different interpreta ons outside the originally waxed

SYusuf Oketola

TUDENTS of terary ins tu ons in Osun State have urged Governor Ademola Adeleke to fulfill his campaign promise to reduce tui on fees charged by state-owned ter ary ins tu ons.

The students under the umbrella of Na onal

Associa on of University Students (NAUS) said Adeleke in the build-up to the 2022 gubernatorial elec on made a promise to reduce the amount paid by the students.

NAUS, in a statement signed by its Chairman, Comrade Olayinka Popoola, said high tui on fees in the State ter ary ins tu ons is a pressing concern that affects the accessibility of educa on to many students, no ng that many of them have dropped out.

Popoola said reducing the tui on fees would not only alleviate the financial burden on students and their families, but also increase access to educa on. A copy of the statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads partly: “We urge Governor

•Aregbesola

Yoruba cosmological belief.

According to a historian and Ifa priest, Mayowa Atunwa Fakorede, the song, tled ENÌKAN O LÈ P’EYE TÍ A BÁ DÉ MÓN’GBÁ” and translated into English as (No one can know or a ack what we are planning) has embedded in it a lot of interpreta ons, especially with regards to the Ifa corpus.

The song, however, came with different interpreta ons. First in the line of reac ons to the song, was the camp of former governor Gboyega Oyetola, now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy. Wondering what poli cal gimmick Aregbesola would unfold in the next governorship elec on in the state, a former commissioner and a staunch Oyetola loyalist, Remi

Omowaiye, has been busy analysing the song. Agitated by the song and the impending danger it meant for his principal’s ambi on to contest the elec on, Mr. Omowaiye, who couldn’t contain his feelings, wrote on his Facebook page that “a le fó igba la pa éyé mó inu igba oh..” meaning; we can kill the bird that has been confined to a secret place. The post generated and is s ll drawing reac ons, mostly deriding him for speaking against Aregbesola, whom he once adored.

Most of the commentaries from the IleriOluwa camp suggested that Aregbesola betrayed his former Chief of Staff, by not suppor ng the la er and that his loyalists carried out an-APC ac vi es in the last elec on. However, OSUN DEFENDER noted a press

statement signed by Aregbesola’s loyalist and then Chairman of the defunct The Osun Progressives (TOP), Adelowo Adebiyi, on July 15, 2022, a day before the last guber poll, that its members should vote for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the elec on.

Interes ngly, those in the ruling party are also confused as to what the song meant. Some of them who cri cised the posi on of Oyetola’s loyalists argued that the song is in support of their principal, Governor Ademola Adeleke, for a second me, while others in the Osun PDP expressed anxiety over the poli cal move of the former Minister.

The Organising and Publicity Secretary of the Omoluabi Progressives Caucus, Abosede Oluwa-

seun, said in his interpreta on of the song that the reac ons that have followed Sunday’s meeting confirm Aregbesola’s popularity in Osun poli cs and his influen al status in the state.

“This didn’t come as a surprise to us, anything Ogbeni does always becomes a subject of discourse and imita on. By staying with the people and loving them, Ogbeni will con nue to wield the poli cal compass in Osun poli cs.

“By simply holding on to God and the people, he has remained the issue such that when he talks, gives direc on, keeps mute, his gestures, body language, or sings and dances with the women, as was the case in Ilesa, it will always have portent meanings that make his algorithm with the people inseparable.

“Truly, Ogbeni will remain the issue for a very long me, e lo so loja!!!”

However, at a gathering to herald the New Year in January 2024, Aregbesola told his supporters that by the end of the year, he would be out about his posi on regarding the 2026 governorship elec on in the state.

However, one thing that remains sacrosanct is whether Aregbesola coughs, sneezes, or talks, the fact remains that he is a force and major determinant of the poli cal direc on of Osun, as his posi on on issues is always subject to different interpreta ons and cultlike acceptance.

Adeleke to significantly make use of this opportunity to fulfil his campaign promises related to students welfare and educa on by providing access to quality educaon, ensuring adequate resources for schools, suppor ng teachers, providing scholarships opportuni es to students and crea ng a safer and conducive learning environment, all of which form an essen al aspects of his campaign promises.

“As advocates for students’ welfare, it is our responsibility to hold leaders accountable and push for policies that priori se educa on and the well-being of students.

“We therefore bring the case of Universi es in Osun State, including the pres gious ins tuons like Osun State University and University of Ilesa, who are currently

facing unprecedented challenges that threaten their ability to deliver quality educa on, especially in the area of inadequate funding; dilapidated infrastructure, limited academic resources, vis-a-vis a decline in the overall quality of educa on.

“In the build-up to the 2022 gubernatorial elecon in Osun State, Governor Ademola Adeleke made a significant promise to the people of the state: to reduce the exorbitant school fees charged by state-owned ter ary ins tu ons.

“The issue of high tui on fees in Osun State ter ary ins tu ons is a pressing concern that affects the accessibility of educa on to many deserving students. The impact of high tui on fees on students and their families cannot be overstated. Many stu-

dents are forced to drop out of school or defer their studies due to financial constraints.

“This does not only hampers their educaonal aspira ons but also deprives the state of the poten al contribuons these individuals could make to its development.

“Reducing school fees in state-owned ter ary ins tu ons would not only alleviate the financial burden on students and their families but also increase access to educa on and improve the overall quality of the educa onal system in Osun State.”

The students’ leadership berated the incessant raid and invasion of school campus by different security agencies and illegal arrest of students.

NAUS called on necessary quarters and the state government to in-

tervene as a ma er of urgency to avoid breakdown of law and order on school campuses.

“There has been a troubling trend of security agencies and their personnel invading university campuses under the guise of maintaining law and order, only to harass and arrest students without any formal no ce or due process.

“Such behaviour does not only infringes upon the rights of students but also erodes the trust between the security agencies and the community they are supposed to serve.

“The government are therefore implore to work on collabora on with university authories to address security concerns in a manner that respects the rights and dignity of all individuals involved.”

•Adeleke

FRIDAY, MARCH 29, 2024 - THURSDAY, APRIL 04, 2024 6

Iseek refuge in Allah from the devil the accursed and I start in the name of Allah, The Most Beneficent, The Most Merciful. I tesfy that there is no deity worthy of worship except Allah. He whom Allah guides, he is the rightly guided; but he whom He sends astray, for him you will find no Waliy (guiding friend) to lead him (to the right path). I also tes fy that Prophet Muhammad is His messenger. May His benedic on be upon His (Muhammad) soul, members of His household, His companions and all those who follow His way ll the day of Judgment.

Religion

JUMAT SERMON JUMAT

SERMON

By IMAAM MUSA OLADAPO RAJI

By IMAAM MUSA OLADAPO RAJI

Just as the popular axiom says that whatever has a beginning must have an end. The month of Ramadan is gradually running to the end. And by implica on, the two third (2/3) of it remains few days. Hopefully, you and I shall be among those that will witness the last one third (1/3) which is the pinnacle of it all. The Prophet had once described Ramadan period thus: the first ten days as mercy; it’s second ten as period of forgiveness and the last ten days as when Allah sets the fas ng Muslim free from the hell fire. However, this should not be misconstrued to be an automa c cket for one’s entry into the Paradise. There are some condi ons that govern it. Even though Allah is Benevolent during this period, He s ll reserves the right not to forgive these set of people according the tradi on of the Prophet: (1) Drunkard (2) Disobedient child to his Parent (3) He who does not keep good rela on with his kith and kin (4) He who keeps malice. These set of people will not enjoy that benefit.

Important Of (Laylatul Qadr) The Night Of Decree

night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is be er than a thousand months (worshipping Him a thousand months i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruuh (Jibril (Gabriel)) by Allah’s Permission with all Decree. (All that night), there is peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) un l the appearance of dawn.” Quran 97:1-5

Even though, it is on record that a number of people claimed to have seen the night among the last seven nights in the hadith as reported by ibn Umar (RAA), he states that some companions of the Holy Prophet (SAW) were able to see the Blessed Night among the last seven nights of the

LaylatulQadr: Many translators have tried to give a concise meaning to the phrase in an a empt to convince readers of what actually Allah means by it. Some call it “Night of Power, Night of Decree, Night of Majesty”. All these are just a ma er of seman cs; it is only the original language (i.e. Arabic) that can convey its real meaning.

LaylatulQadr is just a single night that comes but once in a year. Allah says “Therein (the night) is decreed every ma er of ordainments”, Quran 44:4. Every ma er, i.e. the ma er of deaths, births, provisions, calami es, etc. for the whole (coming) year as decreed by Allah. If you like, you can describe it as a night of stock taking or night of budge ng. What makes the night so magnificent is the revela on of the Holy Qur’an therein.

The period of LaylatulQadr could be further described

“Verily, we have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) and what will make you know what the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is? The night of Al-Qadr (Decree) is better than a thousand months (worshipping Him a thousand months i.e. 83 years and 4 months). Therein descend the angels and the Ruuh (Jibril (Gabriel)) by Allah’s Permission with all Decree. (All that night), there is peace (and Goodness from Allah to His believing slaves) until the appearance of dawn”

as one of the seasons where the adherents of Islam realise a bumper harvest. Bumper harvest here does not mean what one realises from farm product but the mercy and grace of Allah that the period envelops. Allah is so merciful that when the night is pointed at in the Qur’an as being powerful. Out of His grace, He gave the indexes in the Qur’an that lead us to discover the night of Power and that night is be er than a thousand months. He says: “Verily, we have sent it (this Qur’an) down in the night of Al-Qadr (Decree) and what will make you know what the

Month of Ramadan in dream. On this, the Holy Prophet (SAW) remarked yours have confirmed the existence of the Blessed Night among the last seven nights of Ramadan. Therefore, anybody who seeks the Blessed Night should look for it among the last seven nights of the month of Ramadan.

In another place in the Qur’an, Allah says: “We sent it (this Qur’an) down on a blessed night…” Quran 54:3. With the two quoted references above, the night remains ambiguous and it should be so stressful to look for such if not for His mercy. Allah then scaled it down to a par cular month in the year. He says: “The month of Ramadan in which was revealed the Qur’an, a guidance for mankind and clear proofs for the guidance and the criterion (between right and wrong)”. Quran 2 185. Therea er, the Prophet (SAW) further scaled it down to the last ten night of the month. When he was probed further by his companions, narrated by Aishah (RAA), Allah’s messenger said: “Search for the Night of Qadr in the odd nights of the last ten nights of Ramadan” - 21st, 23rd, 25th, 27th and 29th.

Among what makes the period unique is the special a en on paid to it by the Prophet. One He used to embark on a RETREAT in the mosque during the period. A number of tradi ons confirmed this. Ibn Umar (RAA) states that the holy Prophet (SAW) used to rere to mosque for devo on and absten on during the last ten days of the month of Ramadan (Bukhari and Muslim).

•To be continued next week

•Imaam Musa Oladapo Raji, the Chief Imaam of Telemu, Ola-Oluwa LGA, Osun State.

Adeleke Inaugurates 15-Member Health Insurance Governing Board Court Remands CCC Prophets For Allegedly Raping OSPOLY Student

OSUN State Governor, Sen. Ademola Adeleke, has promised to build on the achievements of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme, by further reposi oning its agency for improved performance.

Adeleke reiterated the commitment of his administra on to providing qualitave healthcare for the people, through an affordable insurance scheme, in line with his agenda to meaningfully develop the state.

The Governor stated this on Tuesday while inaugurating the board of the Osun Health Insurance Agency (OSHIA), at the Exco Lounge of the Governor’s Office.

Represented by his deputy, Prince Kola Adewusi, Adeleke admonished the new members of the agency’s board drawn from all sectors of the state to be upright and jus fy their appointment by building on the successes achieved so far with the OHIS.

Adeleke said, “We are expec ng the best from you all. It is a very big task, but with the caliber of people

sworn-in now, I have no fear. The administra on is posi oned towards providing affordable healthcare to the people through health insurance and with all of you in the team, I am certain you will do well.

“We wish you well ahead of your assignment and we are looking forward to a be er performance.”

The Execu ve Secretary of the Osun Health Insurance Agency, Dr. Rasaq Akindele, expressed gra tude to

Adeleke for his efforts in ensuring that even the less privileged members of the society have access to quality healthcare.

Akindele noted that with the giant strides of the present administra on, the scheme has garnered atten on from seven other states, inspiring them to adopt similar strategies for enrolling pensioners into health insurance.

In his remark at the event, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Public Health, Dr. Adekunle Akindele, assured members of

the public that the board will do its best to make Osun health care stand out among its peers.

The newly inaugurated board members include: Dr. Muyiwa Oladimeji (Chairman), Dr. Rasaq Akindele (Secretary), Dr. Akeem Bello, Mr. Najeem Akintola, Dr. Abayomi Oni, Mrs. Yetunde Esan, Dr. Olufemi Ogundun, Dr. Olufemi Ala, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo, Mr. A.O. Oyawoye, Dr. Oluwole Fabiyi, Dr. Gbenga Adepoju, Mr. Stephen Aremu, and Mrs. Omolara Moshood.

Aprophet at the Celes al Church of Christ, Ona Iye Parish, Ijebu Ijesa road, Ijeda Ijesa, Olukayode Omirin, has been remanded in Ilesa correc onal center by a Magistrate court. Ominrin was arraigned before the court in Ilesa on Tuesday for allegedly raping a stu-

dent of the Osun State polytechnic Iree, Yemisi Ogunmodede (not her real name).

The prophet allegedly commi ed the offence on January 4, 2024 at his church at Ijeda-Ijesa, around 9pm.

Ogunmodede, according to the charge sheet made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, was in the prophet’s church for prayer when he was raped.

The police stated that the offence contravened Sec on 2(2) of the Violence Against Persons (Prohibi on) Law of Osun State 2021, and Sec on 32 of the Child’s Rights Laws of Osun State 2007.

But the accused person pleaded not guilty to the two-count charge levelled against him.

The Magistrate, A. Ayeni, ordered that the prophet be remanded at Ilesa Correc onal Centre.

Ayeni transferred the case to the Magistrate court at Ijebu-Ijesa.

Sodiq Yusuf

Peter Adekunle

•Dr. Sani Man Yahaya, Rector, Federal Polytechnic, Ede, receiving an award of recognition from the Oṣùn State Chapter of Nigerian Institute of Estate Surveyors and Valuers on Tuesday. Photo Shola Aderinto

Miners Flee OAU Land After Public Outcry

Continued from page 1

It was also observed that there was a security post for some local security opera ves who sources said were manning the entrance to the community where the illegal mining was taken place.

Speaking OSUN DEFENDER, a source privy to the illegal mining ac vi es, accused the OAU management of being economical with the truth for face saving purpose.

According to the source who preferred anonymity because of the sensi vity of the ma er, the security team of the University always patrol the community road, sta ng that they couldn’t deny knowledge of the illegal miners’ existence.

He disclosed that the miners were opera ng on the land for a second me, adding that they had operated on same land around June 2022.

The sources said: “I do not want to believe that the school management was not aware of the illegal mining ac vi es going on here. They are just trying to save face or maybe those behind it are powerful people.

“The ins tu on has its own security team headed by the Chief Security Officer. The security team always come to this side. Will the security team tell us they didn’t see anything during those periods?

“These miners spend more than two weeks here and some staff of the University do pass this place daily, will they also claim ignorance of what was happening here?

or companies have made the claim that they have licences to carry on mining ac vies on the University land at Ile-Ife, and that they have the consent of the University, in the form of leases and agreements, in that respect.

“The University therefore wishes to use this medium to inform the general public, especially our alumni and other stakeholders, that the University did not give any consent to any individual, group, company or associa on to obtain any license to carry out mining ac vi es on its land.

A parent of one of the OAU students, Mr Afolabi Adebayo, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER in a telephone conversa on, called for an independent inves ga on on the ma er to ascertain the level of damage done on the land.

Adebayo said independent inves ga on would allow the public to know those who are culpable in the illegal mining ac vi es.

He said: “I think the best solu on here is for an independent inves ga on to allow the public to know what really went on in that place.

“As a parent, I am worried because some reports said the degrada on might cause contamina on of the water if not adequately a ended to and I hope the university will do

“This is the second me the miners would feast on this land. They first came around June 2022. I believe if they had been stopped that me, they wouldn’t have come back.”

that on me.

“Also, the inves gaon would fish out the culprits and also find those who mined without consent on the land. We need to know what fully transpired over there.”

We Didn’t Consent To Miners’ Ac vi esOAU

However, the management of the university denied giving con-

sent to the miners or having any agreement with them to mine on the ins tu on’s land.

The university, in a press statement signed by its Public Rela ons Officer, Mr Abiodun Olanrewaju, said the ins tu on had wri en a le er of complaint to the appropriate government authori es a er it was aware of the illegal mining acvi es.

The university, according to Olanrewaju, was taking all lawful steps to stop the ac vies of the trespassers which cons tuted a devasta ng environmental hazard to the university environment. The statement reads in part: “It has come to the knowledge of the University administraon that some individuals, groups, and

•Continued from Page 2

not have any business with high food prices.

“It is safe to say that the State Commissioner for Agriculture, Mr. Tola Faseru, who is a cashew value chain expert, has failed to leverage his exper se in cashew and cocoa value chains to ramp up food

“It is evident that the commissioner and governor lacked the poli cal will to make a result oriented and genuine program to

revive the dying Osun state agriculture sector. Even if Agriculture sector is not the Governor’s favourite, it is s ll needed to be fixed.

“The out-grower program is a veritable policy that can be deployed and restructured to meet the reality on the ground. The previous government has deployed the out-grower program (OBOPS) in the producon of chicken with a revolving loan, where each broiler farmer

would be supplied with inputs such as day-old chicks, feeds, medicaon, and a buyback guarantee. This should not be new to the commissioner.

“The state can also mobilize tractors from OSSADEC to clear significant hectares of arable land, thereby attrac ng eager youths to engage in farming. These efforts should be complemented by the provision of inputs, training, and extension services.

“Furthermore, the University did not, at any me, sign any agreement with any individual, company or group for the purpose of mining ac vi es on its land.

“We wish to assure the concerned members of the University, stakeholders and members of the general public that the university is taking all lawful steps to stop the ac vi es of these trespassers, which cons tute devasta ng environmental hazard to the University estate and are most embarrassing.

“We have the assurance of the federal authori es that the complaint of the university is receiving necessary a en on.”

PUBLIC NOTICE

AJIDAGBA TAIWO DAVID

That AJIDAGBA TAIWO DAVID and AJIDAGBA

TAIWO TAIYE are the same but I wish to be known and address as AJIDAGBA

TAIWO DAVID. All former documents remain valid generall public should take note.

ADEYEMI NAJIM GBOLAGADE

That I was formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMI NAYIMUDEEN GBOLAGADE, with former Date of Birth 21/06/1972, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMI NAJIM GBOLAGADE, with New Date of Birth 01/01/1976. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

AFOLABI HALIMAT OLUBUKOLA

That I was formerly known and addressed as AFOLABI OLUBUKOLA

OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as AFOLABI

HALIMAT OLUBUKOLA

All former documents remain valid General public should take note.

•OAU VC

•One of the mining sites

IT gives me great pleasure to be at this very important occasion, the launching and public presenta on of the book, ‘Essen als of Public Asset Management’ wri en by Niyi Olanipekun. I must therefore thank the author for the kind invitaon to this event.

I may not be an expert on the subject of asset management, but I have been privileged to occupy public offices three mes – first as commissioner in Lagos, then as the governor of our dear state, Osun, and as Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. These offices have put me in posi on of responsibility over public assets.

Public assets can be traced to the mythical social contract and the origin of government when individuals gave up the power of governing themselves and surrendered it to the sovereign who will govern on their behalf. The common public u li es like roads and water bodies became facili es used by members of the public, superintended and managed by the government on behalf of all members of the state.

Of course, public assets have grown with me to include cash, stocks, street lights, vehicles, stadia, infrastructure, buildings and even public toilets. Government is now defined in the adequacy and effecveness or otherwise of these assets. Take roads for instance. These are essen al for the seamless movement of persons and goods from one place to another, for economic and social ac vi es. One of the ways in which the effec veness of government is measured is the state of roads and this includes safety from accidents and a acks by criminals.

Vehicles are essen al to the funconing of the government and not a privilege or for fancy. An official has to be at the right place and at the right me to be effec ve. Though there are o en abuses but this will not vi ate the purpose. Government vehicles must therefore be sufficient and be well maintained.

Government buildings are a prime asset. A percep ve writer and editor with _Time_ magazine, Nancy Gibbs, in the wake of the September 11, 2001 terrorist a ack in the

“In the past, the most beautiful and the grandest building in any community used to be the king’s palace. This is why an invading and conquering power would first desecrate and then destroy the king’s palace to assert their conquest”

Public Assets For All

United States wrote that if you want to cripple an empire, it makes sense to main its cathedrals. The strength, power and pres ge of a na on are revealed in the quality of government buildings. In many cases, these assets are a monument and a testament of the people’s crea vity and sense of value. In some countries, private assets are acquired by the government and then designated as monument.

In the past, the most beau ful and the grandest building in any community used to be the king’s palace. This is why an invading and conquering power would first desecrate and then destroy the king’s palace to assert their conquest.

It must be noted that though these assets are named a er the government, they are indeed owned by the people whom the government is established to serve. It is therefore self-defea ng for the people to steal,

vandalise or destroy public asset during riots and in a fit of public rage. It is the greatest act of self-harm. It is the most unwise thing to do. These assets will be replaced anyway at public expense and the scarce resources that should have been devoted to other things will now be deployed for their replacement or restora on. Some may not even be easy to be replaced immediately and the public would now be denied of their use a er the rage had died. It is therefore the responsibility of every ci zen to protect public assets from the , vandalism and destruc on.

I must commend the author who was part of our administra on and served in the management of public assets. His experience, no doubt, must have inspired this book. It is a collec on for history and for the understanding of the cra of asset management. It will also help those in posi on to manage public asset

“The strength, power and prestige of a nation are revealed in the quality of government buildings. In many cases, these assets are a monument and a testament of the people’s creativity and sense of value”

have insight and gain from his experience. I greatly applaud his effort and recommend the book for all.

I am asking as well that those who occupied posi ons of responsibility in government to also put their experience together in a book for the public to drink from their fountain of wisdom.

I thank most sincerely all our people, associates, associa ons, groups and individuals who have come here to honour me with their presence, as I thank you all for your kind a enon.

Osun a dara!

SPEECH BY OGBENI RAUF AREGBESOLA, AT THE PUBLIC PRESENTATION OF A BOOK, ESSENTIALS OF PUBLIC ASSET MANAGEMENT, WRITTEN BY NIYI OLANIPEKUN, AT CITY DWELLERS HOTEL, OSOGBO, ON TUESDAY MARCH 26, 2024

STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Start With The Constitution

IF you can read and write, be thankful. For those who cannot, let those who can endeavour to help - through discussions, on what is read. Whereas there are countries, like Britain, that operate based on rules that are not wri en, our country operates based on rules that are clearly wri en down –The Cons tu on of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, as amended.

The Cons tu on is where everything begins, and usually ends. There are several other wri en rules according to how we must live in Nigeria but the cons tu on is the key one to which all of them must bow in the end. We will eventually go over the Criminal Code, the various State and Customary Laws, the Electoral Act and the INEC Guidelines but it is the Cons tu on that guides all of them and its provisions are superior whenever there is any quarrel on what is what or which is which.

Majority of ci zens go through life without ever going through the Cons tu on. Interes ngly, even majority of persons who hold public offices and make decision for us never go through it, some merely glance through. It is not a crime, and it might not ma er, only lawyers and judicial leaders cannot afford not to. However, if you don’t just want to go through life lamen ng about what is done right or wrong in your

country, the first thing you should do as a star ng point is to get a copy of your country’s Cons tu on and go through thoroughly. Whatever you don’t understand there, ask those you think can explain be er.

We did not arrive at the present cons tu on suddenly and it is not what we have always been using as our Rule book. You should also know how we arrived at it. It can certainly also not be our last ever Cons tu on, a lot needs improvement there, and some say, we should even write a new one en rely. In any case, you must go through what we have as of today in order to even make any sugges on.

As for the history of our Cons tu on the way it has been changing since, here is a quick summary: Before Independence in 1960, there were five Cons tuons: 1913 Cons tu on, which came into effect on January 1, 1914; and the 1922, 1946 (Richards), 1951 (Macpherson) and 1954 (Ly leton) Cons tu ons; each with its own history, reasons, and what it was meant to achieve. From Independence ll now, there were another five Cons tu ons: the 1960 Independence Cons tu on; 1963 Republic Cons tu on; 1979 Second Republic Cons tu on; 1993 Third Republic Cons tu on; 1999 Presiden al Fourth Republic Cons tu on; all similarly with

their history and what was amiss that they sought to correct. From 1979 onwards, our cons tu ons were modelled a er the American Presiden al system, with minor differences.

Whether you intend to follow the rules strictly, follow it only a li le, or play outside the rules, which is not advised, it is in your best interest to know the rules first; otherwise, you are playing blindly and it becomes at best a risky gamble.

You don’t need to be searching around bookshops for a copy of the Cons tu on and all the other Rule books these modern days, everything is available on several pla orms Online: just go to Google and search The Nigerian Cons tu on, and there you go with hundreds of op ons!

In conclusion, we are much given to agonising, and to rash ac ons even when we have legi mate points, rather than informed opinions and legal acons for seeking redress. That is simply not good enough, nor produc ve or progressive in the end. The beginning of a well-informed ci zen opinion and ac on is a good understanding of the Cons tu on and all our other Rules books. Get it, read it, explain its content and spirit to others who can’t read, then base your ac ons for change and progress on it.