THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA
www.osundefender.org FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016 There is no denying the fact that the Ogbeni Aregbesola administration has invested heavily in the education sector in the state of Osun. The massive investment in education by Mr. Governor of the state
Front Page Comment
VOL. 11. NO.098
N100
Sustaining Osun’s School Structures
of Osun testifies much to his belief in education as the bedrock of societal growth and development. Apart from commendable interventions that are unprecedented in
the state like O-MEAL, OPON IMO (Tablet of Knowledge), Free School Uniforms etcetera that have contributed immensely to the growth and development of education in Osun and for which Ogbeni
Aregbesola's administration has gotten applause - both locally and internationally - the school structures put in place by the Governor are quite marvel-
marveled on sighting those structures. He couldn't believe what he ous. Those school structures saw making him to hammer on the need for are no doubt a site to behold; to the extent that good and adequate maintenance of those even the minister of structures so as to health, Isaac Adewole, ensure sustainability. on a visit to Osun sometime ago was Continued on Pg 5
Osun Unfolds New Economic Levy To Boost Revenue
- Pg 3
Retired Justice Oloyede Apologises To Aregbesola Over Petition - See Story On Page 2
•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his Deputy, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) with Growth and Employment in States (GEMS4) Acting Team Leader, David Joiner, during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) between the State Government and GEMS4 at the Governor’s Office, Osogbo, on Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
Osun, DFID's Scheme, GEMS4, Sign MOU To Create Markets For Local Products
- Pg 3
Recession: Oluwo Advises
FG to Industrialize Economy
- Pg 4
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
News
2
Justice Oloyede Apologises To Aregbesola Over Petition A recently retired judge in the State of Osun, Justice Olamide Oloyede, has tendered an unreserved public apology for writing petition to State of Osun House of Assembly, calling for the impeachment of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, over alleged mismanagement of the state’s funds. Oloyede was recently Judicial Council (NJC), retired by the National having been found guilty
for violating judicial rules over the controversial petition. Featuring during a live programme, titled: “Frank Talk,” monitored by journalists in the state on Rave FM radio station based in Osogbo, the state
capital, the former judge submitted that she had not violated any section of the nation’s Constitution or erred in writing the petition. While apologising to the governor and his deputy over the use of
some certain words in the petition, which she said, ought not have been used, Oloyede said she abhorred no hatred or grudge against Aregbesola, but only concerned in raising issues, bothering on the
Arrest Of Judges: Buhari Deserves Commendation
T
HE South-West Coordinator of Buhari of the world is a noting that such nation. Youth Organization (BYO), Deaconess common occurrence. approach would be Adesola Ayangbile, has lent her voice Why should such counterproductive as to the recent arrest of some suspected corrupt attract needless the evidence of the judges in some states of the country. would be criticisms in our own cases Deaconess Ayangbile no-nonsense nation. tampered with. country? Her words: “I in a chat with OSUN Deaconess Ayangbile “If we genuinely DEFENDER in Osogbo wonder the fuss of want to sanitize the said the novel on Wednesday said the some characters over society, there should development in raid and subsequent the arrest of some of the not be sacred cows. The fighting corruption in arrest of the suspected suspected judges who effort has to be total”. high offices is a ploy to corrupt judges by the don’t have immunity, She said, she was lay a solid foundation to our Department of Security according totally opposed to for the building of new Services (DSS) was the Constitution. those who were and virile Nigeria. “It is a known fact best thing that would She said, more of canvassing invitation of happen to the nation’s that arrest of judges in the judges by the DSS, such is welcome to polity since the advanced democracies genuinely sanitize our •ADESOLA emergence of the g e o g r a p h i c a l expression called Nigeria. She said there was found rapport would con- said, the courtesy visit of By KAZEEM MOHAMMED nothing unusual or CAN to the state goverN Islamic group, Muslim Right Concern tinue. untowards in the arrest In a statement signed by nor, Ogbeni Rauf (MURIC), has commended the new leader of the law officers who ship of the Christian Association of Nigerian its Director, Professor Aregbesola, was comhave since been granted Ishaq Akintola, to con- mendable. bail pending their (CAN) in the State of Osun for extending hand of gratulate the new OSCAN It also said the group fellowship to the state government. arraignment. The group said, this from the past, expressing executive on its assump- was thrilled by the It is also her view was a radical departure hope that the newly- tion of office, the group OSCAN commendations, that President Muhammadu Buhari should be commended rather than condemned by whoever has genuine love of this nation at heart. She hinted that whoever picks a fault with the arrest of the suspected judges must be having something to hide as the DSS has not broken any known aspect of the nation’s constitution. The BYO chieftain •Two helicopters donated by the Federal Government to the Nigerian Airforce Operation last Monday. said she would not be on the same page with whoever is saying that the arrest of the judges Furthermore, he is capable of repelling assured all intending foreign investors from pilgrims not to entertain Nigeria, adding that it HE Chairman of the State of Osun Christian monitored in Osogbo, the fear as adequate security would rather send an Welfare Board, Pastor Isaac Alabi, has said that state capital, on Sunday. measures will be in place impressive signal to the 2016 pilgrimage to Jerusalem will start as According to him, the for their safety, while them that Nigeria is a from 29th October 2016. cost for the pilgrimage proper health screening programme this year is N617,140. He stated this on a radio will be done for the pilgrims before they embark on the journey. The pilgrims’ board chairman also appealed She said that the to financially buoyant RS Olubunmi Ayoola, Programme She said that the Officer of Osun Elementary School programme also programme showed Nigerians to help Feeding and Health Programme impacted positively on the commitment of the sponsor individuals who (O’MEAL), has observed that the free meal the state’s economy, as A r e g b e s o l a - l e d cannot afford the trip to programme of the state government has boosted food vendors and administration to the the holy land. enrolment of pupils in public schools. farmers were welfare of the people of Ayoola spoke state would continue to empowered in the the state, despite the Change Of Name financial crisis affecting recently in Osogbo, the implement the feeding process. I, formerly known as state capital, while programme in spite of In her remarks, Mrs most states. YUSUF BILAWU Dauda said, the State receiving a delegation the scarce financial Afiniki Dauda, Special AYOKA now wish to be from Niger State on a resources available to Adviser to Niger State of Osun remains a called and addressed as three-day visit to the state. Governor on model to all other states MADAM LAWAL “Through this Empowerment understudy the and of the federation in the BILAWU. All former O’MEAL programme of programme, there has Social Protection, who area of O’MEAL. documents remain valid. been a relative increase led the delegation, According to her, the state. UNION Bank Plc and She said, Governor in pupils’ enrolment in c o m m e n d e d Niger State will take a general public should state public Aregbesola for the cue from Osun to run a Rauf Aregbesola-led the take note. similar programme. administration in the schools,’’ Ayoola said. programme.
welfare of Osun people in the petition. According to her: “I have no regrets writing that petition. But, I think in retrospect, I have come to realise that perhaps, I did employ some words and language in respect of Mr Governor and his deputy, which I ought not to have and so today, I am tendering an unreserved apology, public apology for the choice of certain words, which I would not repeat.” It would be recalled that retired Justice Oloyede suffered the fate of being compulsorily retired by the NJC after she was reported to have written a petition to the State of Osun House of Assembly, calling for the immediate impeachment of the state governor and his deputy over what she personally perceived as misappropriation of funds by the duo.
MURIC Lauds Osun CAN A
Osun Christian Welfare Board Begins Preparation For 2016 Pilgrimage To Jerusalem T Osun: Free Meals Boost Pupils’ School Enrolment
M
poured on the governor for his commitment to the development and transformation of the state in the face of present economic recession and lauded the state government for being consistent in championing equity, balance and harmony among the adherents of the three major faiths in the state. “The MURIC congratulates the new OSCAN executive on its assumption of office. We laud the new executive for this positive and progressive move. It is highly-commendable. “We are thrilled to find a new CAN leadership in Osun, extending the hand of fellowship to the state government. “We must build more bridges across the divides in order to move the state forward and guarantee harmony among the various faiths is cardinal to this objective. “MURIC calls on Christian faithful in the state to support the Michael Okodua leadership in his bid to cooperate with the state government and return to the path of peaceful co-existence with the adherents of other faiths in the state,” the group stressed. MURIC however charged Muslim leaders in the state to reciprocate in like manner, saying, what the state needed presently is sensitive, responsible, visionary and pious religious leaders. Only through these, he said, could the dynamic steps being taken by the state government in the area of education and industry be fruitful.
3
News
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Osun, DFID's Scheme, GEMS4, Sign MOU To Create Markets For Local Products are numerous and immeasurable, particularly for the small scale industries. He stressed that what is important is the readiness of the people to explore the opportunities the MoU offers. In his remarks, the GEMS4 Project Director in Nigeria, Mr. David Joiner, at the MOU signing ceremony at the Executive Chambers of the Office of the Governor at Abere, stated that the project will raise the production and
earnings of the poor in Osun. He noted that some of the industries that will benefit from this unique partnership between the state and GEMS4 include the soap-making industry, agroprocessing industries among others. The DFID boss added that the project was aimed at creating and sustaining 10,000 fulltime equivalent jobs and increased incomes for 500,000 people in the
state. Joiner disclosed that the unique products identified so far for repackaging, branding and marketing for larger markets, include local black soaps, the popular ‘dodo Ikire’, domestic goats and sheep among every other trade. “With signing of this MoU, we will hit the ground running, SMEs will benefit from the project and we believe that employment will be generated, with up to
5,000 traditional soap makers in different parts of the state. “We are also bringing new technology in goat rearing, so that they can have better income and increase. We also look forward to making impact on the people. “We seek to improve income and employment opportunities within Nigeria’s wholesale and retail sector, particularly for the poorest and most vulnerable,” Joiner told the gathering.
The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has taken a step further in his administration’s expansion of economic opportunities for the state, as he has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the Growth and Employment in States 4th scheme (GEMS4). Aregbesola stated at the will help us explore the signing of the MOU that opportunities previously his administration has unexplored for wealth been able to endure the creation, progress and harsh economic development.” The governor challenges in the country because of the emphasised that wealth government’s huge creation is the fulcrum of investments in human the MOU and the benefits development. GEMS4 is a Department For I n t e r n a t i o n a l development through the In order to boost the economic fortunes of the State which was actually D e p a r t m e n t - f u n d e d of Osun, the state Government has adopted the caused by the appalling of Osun under the implementation of some (DFID) programme that federal government’s Economic Development Levy fall in the prices of crude leadership of Governor laudable projects since Rauf Aregbesola has will link and expand (EDL) programme that will make it obligatory for oil over the years. w i t n e s s e d the inception of the markets for unique business owners to pay approved revenue tariffs and He noted that the State u n p r e c e d e n t e d administration. wholesale and retail rates into the government’s coffers. products from Osun into Speaking while obligations, as their larger local and launching the compliance remains the international markets. programme in Osogbo, only way to sustain Under this scheme, the Acting Chairman of government efforts aimed local producers of black the Osun Internal at turning around the soap, local delicacies, mat Revenue Service (OIRS), economic fortunes of the makers, and other petty Prince Dayo Oyebanji, state. producers are to be noted that the dwindling According to him, the assisted to gain access to economic fortune of the levy is a charge bigger markets for bigger state informed the introduced and permitted economic opportunities. domestication of the law. by law to increase the According to him, number of revenues that The governor said investment in the people Economic Development are accruable to state (EDL) was governments in order to has helped the commerce Levy and economy of states, as introduced by the Federal meet certain obligations Oyebanji further well as helping in the Government last year, process of wealth permitting all the states explained that the levy across the federation to became imperative, •(L-R) President Muhammadu Buhari in a discussion with former President Olusegun creation. According to him, the increase their Internally following the current Obasanjo during a courtesy visit to Buhari at State House, Abuja last Tuesday. signing of the MOU was Generated Revenue, as economic downturn, to promote collaboration part of efforts to find and cooperation with lasting solution to the economic GEMS4, with a view to current providing access to meltdown. The OIRS Acting markets for the According to the Osun indigenes and production of local Chairman stressed the group’s spokesperson, residents through the need for the residents of products. Mrs Taiwo Oluga, after various developmental state to live up to their He said no government the projects his civic responsibility A political group in the State of Osun, Women a tour of projects of the administration could create wealth through prompt payment has administration across Aspirants, has described Governor Rauf where there is hunger, of taxes and other the state, said, executed. poverty and wants, c o n s t i t u t i o n a l Aregbesola’s investment in infrastructural Aregbesola Receiving the group has developments across the state as unprecedented. stressing that his invested in the future in Ile-Ife at Oduduwa government is committed High School, former of the state through to raising the standard of House of development of social living of the people i n f r a s t r u c t u r e , Representatives’ through wealth creation. such elements were only including rural roads, member, Mr Rotimi He noted that a lot of being mischievous. schools, hospitals, as Makinde, commended people had asked how the the effort of the group He expressed joy that well as urban roads. state has been coping the tour of despite the paucity of Oluga said, the for By KAZEEM MOHAMMED with the economic fund, the state governquality of work done Aregbesola’s projects downturn, while others The State of Osun House of Assembly member across the state, and even castigated the state representing Obokun Constituency, Olatunbosun ment was still striving to on the projects is of also praised the standard, for the abnormal revenue Oyintiloye, has lauded the administration of Gover- meet the yearnings of the global that her governor for deeming that had previously nor Rauf Aregbesola for responding to the yearnings people by embarking on adding it fit to embark on accrued to the state from of his constituents through construction of the Esa- community development international exposure conferred on her the various developmental the federation account. Oke/Esa-Odo road and many other roads in the state. projects. Listing some of the authority to speak on projects in Ile-Ife. He said: “A lot of In a statement on Mon- Project (RAMP), he said, Makinde said: people have been asking day, Oyintiloye said the the projects has the work other roads that have the quality of works the how we are surviving in commencement of work plan of three months to been approved and wait- done on the various “Considering current economic crisis ing for work to commence projects. spite of the economic on the 9.2 kilometre road complete the project. in the country, challenges. Some people was a response of the govShe therefore, urged Oyintiloye further soon, he identified, Otaneven castigated us for the ernment to the demand added that the details of Ile/Ipetu-Ile road, Otan- the people of the state, Aregbesola deserved and abnormal revenue we got made through him by the the project, which is being Ile/Igbajo road, Ilase/ especially, the commendation that is the reason why from the federation. people of the area. constructed through di- O l o r u n d a / C o k e r / b e n e f i c i a r y the people of Ile-Ife will “The answer to this He recalled that shortly rect labour, would have Osogbo road, Ilekete/ communities, to make question is that we have after the creation of the one kilometre of the road I b a l a / I d o k o / E s u n / good use of the continue to be grateful to him. made human additional local council Esa-Oke I j a r e g b e / I j a n a / I l e s a projects, as they will be Among the project development centre of our development areas in the within road, as well as Imesi of benefit to them. asphalted, while in the reprogrammes and policies state, the people of EsaThe State APC sites toured by the township road which has long before taking over Oke specifically re- maining part, the soil also caught the attention Women Leader, Alhaja group were, Seventh the mantle of leadership. quested through him, the would be treated and of government after his Kudirat Fakokunde, Day High School, Ede; “The investment in our construction of the road to stabilised to withstand legialative efforts. Akande also lauded Governor Adebisi people is paying off connect them with the erosion. Bridge, The parliamentarian Aregbesola for the Trumpet Disabusing the minds handsomely. This is what headquarters of the new infrastructural projects Gbongan; Oduduwa we want to consolidate council in Ilare, for easy of the community dwell- then urged the people of across the state and for High School, Ile-Ife; ers over the attempt of his constituency to be with the MoU with access. making Osun a place to Ilesa High School, Ilesa; GEMS4. Noting that the road some political elements to more patient and con- live. Others were Fakunle “We also believe there was being solely con- take the glory of the project tinue to support the govFakokunde said, Unity High School and are still opportunities structed by the state gov- by claiming to have facili- ernment to meet all their has Osogbo East Bye-Pass untapped and ernment through Osun tated it from the Federal yearnings and aspira- Aregbesola impacted the life of all Road, all in Osogbo. unexplored. The MOU Rural Access Mobility Government, he said, tions.
Osun Unfolds New Economic Levy To Boost Revenue
Women Aspirants Hail Aregbesola’s Infrastructural Development In Osun
Lawmaker Lauds Aregbesola Over Road Construction
If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897, 08023191891.
4
News
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Recession: Oluwo Advises FG to Industrialize Economy
operate. agriculture. forward, once they far as providing By ISMAEEL UTHMAN The traditional ruler, “For instance, the size in the Amidst economic hardship and hunger in of Nigeria is not up to who urged the Federal know there would be solutions incentives from the immediate for teething Nigeria, the Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdul- a province in Canada Government to Rasheed Adewale Akanbi, has charged the and many states in systematically improve government, including challenges that could their Federal Government to urgently begin the America. Our children infrastructure, said, tax holiday and other impede necessary supports. operations once their process of industrializing the country. will also learn experience has shown He added that many overheads are nothing Oba Akanbi stated turnover of jobs and technologies when that foreign investors into the they work in some of are ready to come of the prospective compared with their net that it has become very revenue investors could go as profits. imperative that the coffers of the Chinese these factories, once government formulate government lately. they have their plants “Many American and here.” a policy to consider Oba Akanbi advised industrialization of the European companies now have their plants in President Buhari to nation as a topmost China because of many leverage on the warm priority to help the and national economy get economic advantages; reception cheap labour and other confidence of the out of recession. incentives from the i n t e r n a t i o n a l The traditional ruler Chinese government, stated this in a press which give them the community in his administration’s antistatement signed by his leverage to be corruption war and Media Adviser, competitive in various quickly move to attract Oriyomi Akinbote, a world markets. investments beyond the copy of which was “Nigeria could do the shores of the nation. made available to same as China and also He further advised OSUN DEFENDER on beat China because of Mr. President to Monday. a d d i t i o n a l collaborate with The Oluwo also opportunities that we traditional rulers, We have whom, he said, could advocated outsourcing have. and involvement of abundant raw materials facilitate large expanse support our of lands in their •Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwumi Ambode (with mic), addressing the gathering Nigerians in diaspora to domains for factories during the 3rd Quarter 2016 edition of Lagos Town Hall meeting at the Teslim Balogun in implementing the production lines. “The population is and industries to Stadium, Lagos State, last Tuesday. policy for it to have a significant positive there for us as the effect on the nation’s biggest black nation with a huge home ailing economy. for end He maintained that it market is time President consumers and also for Mohammadu Buhari export to other African nations and the rest of and his team looked the world. Nigeria, analysed in order to avoid government. She would By KAZEEM MOHAMMED beyond agriculture for unlike China, is also hurting the innocent and have been deemed to have An Islamic group, Muslim Rights Concern labeling a committed failed in her duty, if she the survival of the strategically located economy, both in the and closer to Europe (MURIC), has cautioned Muslims against castigating M o t h e r - o f - I s l a m had done otherwise,” it short and long terms. restated. and America, where the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Idiat unjustly. According to Oba investments could be Adebule, for unveiling the stand of the state MURIC then expressed “She was confronted government on the use of hijab in public schools by Akanbi, the nation has attracted. with a delicate question confidence in the Lagos female Muslim students. no excuse to allow nonduring a television State Deputy Governor, “So, I want to advise In a statement by its official position of the interview on Islam, her describing her as a nonperformance of the that we leave tiling of Director, Professor Ishaq state government does own personal faith and extremist and a public economy despite its the land for our Akintola, MURIC said, not mean that she has huge population and neighbours like Niger though the concern and jettisoned her faith or hijab to be precise. servant of high integrity. The group urged her to diverse mineral Republic, Mali, Chad feeling of fellow Muslims abandoned her fellow Incidentally, the state resources in the bowels and so on and let us over the comment were Muslims, saying, “she government already has treat the issue with focus on understandable, but it does not need to betray an official position on the equanimity and part of of the land. the challenges and The frontline i n d u s t r i a l i z a t i o n behoves on the deputy her personal emotions on issue and she happens to be the sitting deputy sacrifices of leadership, traditional ruler said because of its many governor to give the official matters.” The statement read: governor. She is expected appealing to her, to bear Nigeria has a great inherent advantages. official position of the to give the official the comments with lesson to learn from the Nigeria does not have government when she “We fully understand position of the fortitude and continue to history of China on sufficient lands for was asked during an and respect the feelings of government. serve the state with her fellow Muslims who how it emerged a agriculture but we do interview. well known passion, “Anything to the for factories and expressed concern. But According to the leading world economy industries that can group, being a Muslim, the facts must be put on contrary would have been accommodation and from obscurity in the employ more than tantamount to humility. the fact that she gave the the table and critically desecration of the office not-too-distant past, “We invite Muslims to through creative she holds, a betrayal of join us in working for management of its her sacred oath of office peace and progress in resources, particularly and an attempt to Lagos State. We appeal to Muslims who expressed her huge population. generously towards the undermine the state By MURTALAAGBOOLA the fear ab initio that the D e s c r i b i n g completion of the government. The Divisional Police Officer of Ataoja Estate “Parrying the question deputy governor had industrialization of the capital project being abandoned her fellow Police Division, Osogbo, Mr Clement could have been worse, as economy as the embarked upon by the it is likely to imply that Muslims to ponder over panacea to numerous Agbemoroti, has called for the co-operation of committee. she had something to the above analysis for a challenges facing the the members of public in terms of providing The Osogbo High better assessment of the nation, he noted that useful information to the police about the Chief narrated the hide. “We must separate situation. the society. many jobs, direct and activities of bad people in meeting different “We are all working vehicles had been government officials from Agbemoroti made indirect, would be the the call at the monthly stolen while two were PCRCs had with the their religion, in order to towards created and the youths new Commissioner of get the best out of them. emancipation of the meeting of the Police recovered. would be meaningfully Agbemoroti stressed Police in the state, Mr Mrs. Adebule is well- oppressed Muslims of Community Relations engaged and respected in academic Nigeria. We assure you Committee (PCRC) the fact that the police Olafimihan Adeoye. consequently reduce Adeyemo said the and political circles, but that there will be no meeting hold at the in his division respond the ever-growing crime retreat, no surrender until station last to distress calls new police helmsman in she is not the ‘Deputy our goals of equal rights rate. the state stated that all Governor of Lagos Wednesday. promptly and are doing He said: “As much as DPOs would embark Muslims’, she is the and justice are attained. He made it clear that “We remain oppressed I believe that without the public their best. on sensitization tour of Deputy Governor of The chairman of the agriculture is good and providing to Lagos State, of the until the right of the vital PCRC, Chief Gbadebo communities Muslim girl to use hijab is lucrative, I don’t think information, it would highlight the invaluable indigenes and nonit would give us a be difficult for the Adeyemo, commended role of the people to indigenes and of the f u l l y - r e c o g n i z e d the members of the Christians, Muslims and everywhere in Nigeria. reasonable speed as the police to achieve committee for the security. Hijab is the symbol of our the traditionalists. industrialization in success. He reiterated the fact to selfsuccessful laying of a “She is therefore right firming up the ailing that the police alone As part of his report determination and we economy. Let’s think on crime in the foundation stone for a cannot do the job of expected to speak for all will employ every about how division, the police hall in the police policing the society and attend to all, legitimate means to regardless of tribe or faith. industrialization has chief stated that since division. without the support of She should not be ensure it becomes fait He tasked brought an he assumed office a MURIC the people. guillotined for giving the accompli,” unprecedented high year ago, only three communities to donate official position of the insisted.
MURIC Cautions Against Castigating Lagos Deputy Gov. Over Hijab Issue
DPO Sues For Co-Operation
5
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Sustaining Osun’s School Structures
Continued from Pg 1 The minister said he has traveled far and wide though, across the length and breadth of this country, never has he seen such structures in any state of the federation. Given our poor maintenance culture in this part of the world it's normal to express fear about the sustainability of those structures which have gulped billions of naira to put in place. For it will surely amount to waste of effort and resources if the structures and the infrastructure are not given the required adequate maintenance that will ensure sustainability. No doubt the visionary Mr. Governor of the state of Osun has deployed lots of painstaking effort and resources in putting those structures in place. So it will
be unfair to the memory of Aregbesola's administration to allow those structures to suffer neglect when Ogbeni might have left the stage. Thus just like the minister we are also very much concerned about the need to sustain those structures in the coming post-Aregbesola era. We believe many people are on the same page with us in this respect. For no sensible person who knows the value of money and who also appreciates aesthetics will be happy to see those structures suffer neglect. Looking at those structures it's obvious that a lot of money has been expended to put them in place. They are more than a structure that anybody will pass by without having a
second look. And it cuts across the whole state. Ogbeni Aregbesola surely deserves kudos for putting in place those monumental structures; even in spite of the challenge of meagre resources that has characterised his administration. We are happy to hear from the state House of Assembly that it will come up with a legislation to sustain those structures. This is a good news coming from them and we like to urge them to walk their talk. Let it not be just ordinary words of mouth not backed by action. To allow those structures to suffer neglect is to do a disservice to the state. Thus the state legislature must not fail to come
The Need To Curb Thuggery In Osun S
OMETIMES, the focus on big issue diverts the attention of the teeming populace, especially the security operatives, from smaller issues, which eventually become source of menace in the society. The spate of inter-gang rivalry leading to clashes across major towns in the State of Osun is becoming worrisome, especially, as some of the clashes sometimes lead to loss of lives and property, but more disturbing is the rate at which younger minds are influenced to join the bandwagon. Firstly, the patronage of thugs by politicians during electioneering campaigns and the open display of wealth by these political thugs have become another source of worry, as many school dropouts now see thuggery as a way to earn a living for themselves. Also, the type of support these thugs enjoy from police, especially
during political crisis, has turned them into demigods before their admirers, hence, those who are supposed to be treated as common criminals suddenly become heroes to young school dropouts. The way some of these
thugs openly display arrogance, even after harassing innocent citizens in recent times, has become a source of worry, especially, as the younger generation watches with keen interest, with a view to emulating these warlords in their schools, areas of residents and even homes. Some even hide under the cover of these thugs to perpetrate many evils and
allowed by the police to go scot-free. In recent times, many rival gang clashes held caused a lot of damage to many innocent residents. In the last two months, three different bloody gang wars occurred in Osogbo; two at a popular
bar, while the other one happened around Kolawole area, right in the presence of security operatives. Similar situations have occurred in Ilesa, Ile-Ife and Ikirun. I am using this medium to call on the State Police commissioner to reach out to his officers across the state, call them to order and stop shielding criminals from the arms of the law. It is a known
fact that some scrupulous police officers work handin-hand with these thugs to unleash mayhem on innocent members of the public. Politicians too must desist from patronising these gangs in their quest to get to power. They should know that riding to power through thuggery renders them powerless when these criminals begin to unleash mayhem on the innocent citizenry. Our politicians must realise that members of their extended families are also residents in various communities in the state and could later be victims of attack from the thugs. Most importantly, parents should train their children with the fear of God and ensure they become responsible members of the society, so that we can all live in peace. •TOBI ESAN, Osogbo.
up with a legal framework that will protect those structures; as it has promised. Also, we like to call on the state ministry of education and the authorities in those schools to ensure the protection and proper, adequate maintenance of those structures. Much as we believe that all hands must be on deck to protect and maintain the structures, bulk of the responsibility of ensuring sustainability of those structures lies with this two bodies. Osun school structures are everlasting legacies of Ogbeni and they must remain so.
OSUN DEFENDER Publisher
–
Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Managing Editor
–
Kola Olabisi
Editor
–
Kayode Agbaje
Lagos Editor
–
Kola Odepeju
Production Editor
–
Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa
Senior Reporter Senior Reporter
– –
Sola Jacobs Kazeem Mohammed
Magazine Editor
–
Niyi Olasinde
Reporter
–
Kehinde Ayantunji
Photographer Photographer
– –
Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto
Admin. Manager
–
Murtala Agboola
Computer Operator – Computer Operator –
Lukman Ussein Mary Akintola
(0803-392-7286) (0803-388-0205) (08023191891)
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com
FOR THE RECORD
6
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Arrest Of Judges: NBA Must Define Its Grievances And Grounds Of Dispute
PREAMBLE This is a communiqué Issued by Lawyers For Better Nigeria (LBN) at the close of its emergency meeting held at NICON Luxury Hotel, Garki, Abuja on Sunday 9th of October, 2016 at 1100hours. LBN is a Non-Governmental Organisation of lawyers, (mainly young lawyers) who have come together to demand good governance from government and in particular, fight against corruption in the Justice Delivery Sector (JDS). ORRUPTION in Nigeria cuts across sectors, and it is a major source of concern to every well-meaning citizen of this great country, especially those of us in the Justice Delivery Sector. In our nation’s Justice Delivery Sector, corruption has nearly eroded our system to the point where some lawyers would nearly always add to their service fees the cost of bribing a judge for favorable judgement; where litigants engage and retain lawyers, not on the bases of what they have to offer legally, but on the bases of their relationship with Judges; where judgements and orders are no longer granted on the bases of judicial precedents, but on the bases of payment (highest bidder wins it); where Judges no longer exercise discretion in or care about their partisan relationship with politicians or the public perception of their outside-the-courtroom relationship with litigants that appear before them. As junior lawyers, who either have no competing powers or have resolved not to join the bandwagon, we are the most affected. We lose our clients daily, we lose our chances of growth, while the same persons use their proceeds of corruption to perpetuate their hold on the profession, planting their children, wives and cronies either as Judges or Senior Advocates of Nigeria, even when their said children and wives have no real knowledge or values to add to the development of the Justice Delivery Sector. It is on these notes that we have resolved to support the fight against corruption in the Justice Delivery Sector and Nigeria in general in order to return Justice to the people. The court used to be the last hope of the common man, but they have taken that away from the common man. We the people must take it back! THE ISSUES Our attention, as Lawyers For Better Nigeria, is drawn to the trending issue concerning the arrest of some Judges, including Judges of the Supreme Court of Nigeria in what the Directorate of State Services (DSS) announced as a “move to rid the Judiciary of Corruption”. As lawyers in practice, we feel the corruption in the Judiciary, and beyond what we feel, we are aware that even the Head of the Judiciary in Nigeria in the person of the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), who is also the Head of the Supreme Court of Nigeria (SCN) and the Chairman of National Judicial Council (NJC) has come out publicly to confirm that just as in the other arms of Government, there is corruption also in the Judiciary.
C
•BUHARI
The CJN did also confirm that the NJC is investigating some allegations and taking appropriate disciplinary actions against judges that are found culpable. Only recently, the NJC, pursuant to this resolution and drive, dismissed and retired some Judges as the case may be on account of corrupt practices and recommended them for prosecution by the appropriate law enforcement agency. N the same vein, we are aware that it is the policy of the leadership of the present executive arm of government to fight corruption at all levels, and it has done so commencing with the probe of government activities by executive arm, to the legislature and now the judiciary. We want to unequivocally submit that as Lawyers for Better Nigeria, we support in totality the fight against corruption initiated by the present executive arm of government and would therefore urge every well-meaning Nigeria to commit to this uncommon resolve and will power. It has also come to our attention that the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), our parent association as lawyers, has come out to question the arrest of these judges and demanded for their immediate release. We understand that the NBA is also planning a boycott of the courts if these Judges are not releases by today (Sunday 9th October 2016). Much as were concede that the NBA has a professional duty to protect the Judiciary and the Justice Delivery Sector, we wish to remind the NBA that it has even a greater obligation, which is to protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. It is on this note that we call on the leadership of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) to clearly define and clarify its area of disagreement and concern in the arrests of these Judges. This is in order to avoid internal frictions within the NBA that would create room for independent associations such as ours to begin to make public statements as a body (Association) of lawyer for or against the official position of the NBA. We do not think that this would be in the best interest of the Bar. Accordingly, we make our
I
observations on the issue of the arrest of the Judges by the DSS as follows: 1. LBN appreciates that Nigeria operates a democracy that runs under the principle of Separation of Powers, which guarantees the independence of the various arms. By this principle, in simple terms, the Legislature makes the Laws, the Judiciary interprets the Laws and the Executive (executes) enforces the Laws, using statutorily established law enforcement agencies such as the Police and the DSS, etc. 2. Each arm of government is authorized to hire, discipline and fire its employees. Just as the Executive relies on Civil Service Commission to do this, the Judiciary relies on the Judicial Service Commission or the National Judicial Council, as the case may be, to do the same. 3. Whereas, the various arms of government (Executive, Legislature, Judiciary) rely on their independent and appropriate Commission/ Council to discipline their employees; Nigeria as a nation relies on her criminal justice system to discipline her erring citizens. The Nigerian Criminal Justice System is a process that includes law enforcement agencies, the Judiciary, the Prisons, etc. 4. We emphasise that the responsibility to sanction or discipline or correct any citizen of Nigeria, who is “suspected” to have violated any law within Nigeria, who himself/herself may be a lawyer, Judge at any level, doctor, engineer, banker, carpenter, farmer, trader or unemployed is that of the Criminal Justice System and NOT that of his employer (such as NJC, FCSC, Hospital Management, Bank Council, Farmers Union, etc). It is clear that whereas NJC’s sanction against an erring judge is limited to suspension or dismissal, as the case maybe, of that judge, but that of the Criminal Justice System extends to prosecution in a competent court of law, fine and/or imprisonment of that judge. 5. We note that the Nigerian Criminal Justice System is a process and this process admits and permits arrest as one of the procedures of the process. These Judges have just been arrested, preparatory to prosecution. 6. LBN is not oblivious that the Criminal Justice System is also laced with corruption, which has resulted in law enforcement agents arresting “suspected offenders” without the proper rules of engagement or procedure of arrest. LBN condemns the arrest of any Nigerian citizen that does not follow the law and will always do so. 7. In the present arrest of these Judges, apart from the fact that the search warrant was executed and the arrest made between 2300hours of Friday to 0330hours on Saturday morning, LBN could not find any other breach in this particular procedure of the Criminal Justice System. Another grouse seems to stem from the contention that it is not part of the responsibilities of the DSS to investigate corruption and so have no right to carry out the arrest. We wish to state unequivocally that
based on the Administration of the Criminal Justice Act 2015, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, the DSS and indeed every law enforcement agent has the right and a duty to do so; and even a far higher duty derived from the Oath of Allegiance to protect the Constitution of Federal Republic Nigeria to make such arrest. 8. We need not remind Nigerians and indeed the NBA that every single Nigerian is equal before the law. This no doubt operates to subject a Judge, Senator, Minister, Lawyer, Artist, Terrorist, Militant, etc who is accused or suspected of any act that has been defined as crime to the same legal standard. We do not operate two legal systems in Nigeria: one for the rich and influential and the other for the poor and lowly. 1. Albeit, we recognize that the Nigerian legal system provides a robust grievance remedial process. We advise that should the Judges, as very respected citizens of Nigeria, feel very strongly that their human rights or integrity has been violated or bruised by the arrest made by the DSS, they should feel free to use any of the grievance remedial options. In the main, they should answer to the law and vindicate themselves. CONCLUSION N conclusion, we urge the NBA to allow those who have been cited for violation of the Nigerian Laws to answer to the Laws. Large sums of money were recovered from some of them; let them come before the law, perhaps they will be able to explain away the sources of the funds. These Judges must desire, more than anything else, to clear themselves of the allegations and until they do so, they no longer have the moral standing to preside over any citizen accused of crime. Therefore, NBA should not be seen as a vehicle for self-protection against prosecution; for shielding these judges from prosecution. None of these Judges is arrested for delivering judgement against the executive, but for indulging in corrupt practices. NBA has a lot to fight against, the unfriendly policies of government, the unfulfilled promises of the executive, the insecurity in the country and the economic hardship. Finally, LBN has resolved that its members will not boycott the courts but will rather join other non-lawyer based NGOs (bearing T-Shirt and placard) to call for the dismissal and prosecution of these Judges. This is for the notice and attention of the NBA and the general public.
I
Signed Barrister Abdullahi Abubakar National Coordinator Barrister Stanley Ibeawuchi Nwosu National Secretary Barrister Adamu Ibrahim Coordinator, Zone 1 Barr. Olujide Olorunnimbe Coordinator, Zone 2 Barrister Igbokwe Alphonus Coordinator, Zone 3 Barrister Micheal Diriya Coordinator Zone 4 Barrister Aliyu Yahaya Coordinator Zone 5 Barrister Timi Lake
57
FOR THE RECORDS
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
State Government Of Osun Signed A Memorandum Of Understanding (MoU) With Growth And Employment In States (GEMS4), On Economy Development At Governor’s Office In Osogbo On Tuesday. Photo: GBENGAADENIYI.
•(L-R) State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; GEMS4 Acting Team Leader, Mr David Joiner with former State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr Ismail Jayeoba Alagbada at the event.
•(L-R) State of Osun Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye and Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.
•A cross section of dignitaries at the programme.
•GEMS4 Deputy Team Leader, Mr Busuyi Oke owo (2nd right) and others.
8
PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Entourage Of Oloyotunji Of Oyotunji Village, USA, Visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola In His Office In Osogbo, On Tuesday.
•
•Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left); Governor Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right) and Are Apo of Oloyotunji of Oyotunji, African Village, Sheldon, South Carolina, Chief Oluwanbe Amodu, who led the entourage that represented the Oloyotunji of Oyotunji Village, USA, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi, on a courtesy visit to the governor in his office, Osogbo, on Tuesday
•Aregbesola and his hosts watching a cultural display during the visit of Are Apo of Oloyotunji of Oyotunji, African Village, Sheldon, South Carolina, led, on Tuesday
59
PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Entourage Of Oloyotunji Of Oyotunji Village, USA, Visited Governor Rauf Aregbesola In His Office In Osogbo, On Tuesday.
•Further show on the cultural display in honour of the entourage of Oloyotunji of Oyotunji Village, USA to Governor Aregbesola.
•Aregbesola (3rd right); his deputy, Laoye-Tomori (3rd left); the Are Apo of Oloyotunji of Oyotunji, Chief Amodu (2nd right); Chairman, Nigeria Social Economic Development Gruop, Mr Rotimi Vanghan (2nd left); Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (right) and Mrs Oluwafunke Ogunfuyi, during the visit of the representatives of the Oloyotunji of Oyotunji Village, USA, Oba Adejuyigbe Adefunmi to the governor in his office, Osogbo on Tuesday.
10
INTERVIEW
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
President Muhammadu Buhari Participated At The 22nd Nigerian Economic Summit (NESG 2016) With The Theme “Made In Nigeria” At The Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja, Last Monday.
•President Muhammadu Buhari (on the podium), addressing the dignitaries at the event.
•President Buhari (right) in a discussion with some of the participants at the programme.
Foreign Minister Of Federal Republic Of Germany, Dr Frank-Walters Steinmeier, Paid A courtesy Visit To President Muhammadu Buhari At The State House, Abuja, Last Monday.
•President Buhari (4th right); Dr Frank Walters (4th left) in a group photograph with others on the occasion.
INTERVIEW
5 11
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Nobody Is Praising Us For All We've Done - Lai Mohammed
The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, in this interview with ADEOLA BALOGUN and GBENRO ADEOYE, says the Federal Government will tell Nigerians the truth and not how they take it
A
lot of Nigerians are wondering if the Change Begins With Me Campaign is about stealing because just after it was launched, two men- Mr. Akin Fadeyi and Omo Bazuayesaid the concept was stolen from them. What do you say to that? It is unfortunate that some Nigerians don’t believe in industry, honesty, integrity and hard work. But they should realise that there is no shortcut to success except by being honest and straightforward. This is the case with these two young men because I will show you evidence that proves that by October 14, 2015, the entire thematic production of Change Begins With Me had been completed. And by October 31, the theme songs had been completed. Fadeyi was sent to me by Simon Kolawole (a former Editor of THISDAY Newspaper) in December or January and when he came, we compared (our works). However, this is a campaign that will last the entire administration. So, I said to him, ‘if and when we need contents and your contents match our own, we will contact you’. And that was why I told him, we can’t even take your material because we are not changing our theme -Change Begins With Mebecause everything we have done is on that and yours is Not In My Country; and he went away. The next time we heard from him was in June 2016, when he wrote a letter to request for partnership. We did not make a secret of this campaign. As soon as I became minister; I told the whole world what I was going to do. I will read this out to you. The correspondence was dated October 14, 2015 and was sent at 3.04pm on that day. Some Nigerians are incredible people. Fadeyi came in January. We thank God for technology. As soon as I became minister, I called a meeting of all the directors to say that I was going to launch this campaign and after that, I received proposals from more than 20 people, including Jimi Johnson. And to all of them, I had just one message- wait for me to launch my campaign, if your material matches our own, we will call you. In December, I came to Lagos to seek the support of Don Jazzy, Sunny Ade, Kwam 1, Tiwa Savage, P Square, all of them. I met them at the Southern Sun and told them that they could produce a theme song for me. So how can anybody now wake up and say this was his idea? Honestly, it is just inspiration from God and I worked with a team of more than five people. We invited Brian from CENTERSPREAD. All the time I was telling the world that I was going to launch the campaign, why didn’t anybody say it was their idea? But some Nigerians have questioned the timing of the campaign, describing it as diversionary and that it appears as if the government is pushing its change agenda on the people after it failed to keep its promise. What do you say to that? Isn’t what I have sent to you now an answer to that? If by October 2015, I had completed this project, can it now be seen as an afterthought? By October 2015, even before I was confirmed as minister, it had been my idea to launch the campaign and I had completed work on it. Why would anyone say it was an afterthought? Two, why had it not been launched before now? When you take an idea to the government, you must also make budget provision for it. We (ministers) came in November last year and the budget was not passed until April, so I had to wait. And also, there is no better time than now to launch this campaign. Let’s face it, what is this programme about? What are we demanding of any of you? Are we asking
•LAI MOHAMMED you to pay more tax? We are asking you to be diligent at your work; we are asking you to be more patriotic; we are asking you to buy made-in-Nigeria products; we are asking you as a Danfo driver not to take ‘paraga’ (local liquor) before driving: we are asking the patent medicine store owner not to sell substandard drugs; we are asking the customs officer not to undervalue on the job. So what are we asking of you that is a burden? It is actually in time of adversity like this that you launch this kind of programme. It is quite possible for the price of oil per barrel to rise to $100 tomorrow, then everybody will forget about recession and we will become wasteful in our spending again. Then we will start to import champagne and refuse to invest in infrastructure. And corruption will be rife again and we will return to this situation. So is there any better time than at a time of adversity to run this campaign? But don’t you think the campaign will be difficult to sell to people who are hungry or have not been paid salaries for six months? Where should they get food to eat and survive? KAY, we are asking somebody who has not been paid for six months to be diligent, but we are also asking his boss not to embezzle his workers’ entitlements. We are also asking the customs officer to ensure that revenues are collected adequately; that is the best way the man who has not been paid salary can get his money. Are we now saying because he has not been paid his salary, then stealing and corruption should go on? Or that people should continue to vandalise our pipelines? Listen, why is it that the man has not been paid his salary? Corruption! Vandalism! We are losing one million barrels of crude oil daily, you know how much that translates to in naira? And we are campaigning that people should be patriotic and not destroy infrastructure. We are appealing to you to please buy made-in-Nigeria goods so that there can be more jobs and you think that because the man has not been paid, he should go on the rampage. It is a very comprehensive campaign that is not aimed at the unpaid worker alone; the aim is to address the issue from the top to the bottom. Nigerians are saying the government has not fulfilled its part of the change that was promised them, yet, it is asking
O
them to do their own part. Even if we did not launch this campaign, is it not right for people to be honest? Is it not right for people to be upright? Okay, because the government has not been able to deliver on its campaign promises, is it right for people to be selling substandard drugs and be killing citizens? Is it right to be breaking pipelines and putting everybody in darkness? I don’t see the logic in it. And why is it that the government has been unable to deliver on its promises? It begs repetition. It is simply because of these same ills we are trying to correct. We inherited an economy that was defective, that was 60 per cent dependent on oil and oil related products. We inherited an economy that was driven by consumption. Even when they kept saying that there was growth, what kind of growth was it? Yes, there would be growth as long as petrol dollars come in and people buy things. But did that translate into employment? Did it translate into more factories? But Nigerians are saying that the blame game should have ended by now and that this government should get down to serious work and justify why it got majority of people’s votes. Who is involved in blame game? Is it not embarrassing how this government keeps blaming the Peoples Democratic Party for the country’s woes when it was voted in to fix the problems? Blame game! Listen, is it blame game to say that we are losing one million barrels of crude a day, is that blame game? Is it blame game to say that we over relied on oil and failed to diversify the economy? I am not even talking about stealing. We are talking about the facts on ground, that our economy had been defective for a long time, not during (former President Goodluck) Jonathan’s time alone. We have always made that very clear, that this problem was waiting to happen because past administrations refused to invest in infrastructure. They did not leave cushion for us. That is not blame game. And what have we done since we came in? We stopped the bleeding by introducing the Treasury Single Account; that is one. Two, we have ensured that money is spent on essential things alone. In the whole of 2015, only N18bn was spent on roads, but N65bn on estacode and travels. We have reversed that. This year alone, we have spent N70bn on roads but
unfortunately, we met over N400bn debt. That is not blame game. Look, why are the Jews reminding you of the holocaust after 70 years? It is not blame game and we should understand this. You can’t tell us to wish away the past. Do you have a magic wand to say that the economy should be running smoothly? We are not even blaming Jonathan or whoever; we are saying this is what we met and this is what we are doing. And now, you are saying why have you not delivered on your promises? Is it our fault that the price of crude oil crashed from $100 to $28? Did we blame Jonathan for that? All over the world, people hold parties responsible for promises made during electioneering, so this government should even commend Nigerians for their fortitude thus far. We always do that. But let me give you an illustration. You promised your son that you would buy him a bicycle. All of a sudden, you lose your job. What do you do? You explain to him, ‘Son, I promised you a bicycle but this is what happened. I am working hard to get another job and I will still buy you a bicycle.’ There is no difference between running a government and running a family. I will tell you what recession is. It is very simple: a driver with one wife, earning N60,000 was living in a bedroom flat. Then his salary was increased to N100,000 a month. And his wife said, let us be saving money and buy land. He said no. He married another wife and they moved from their one bedroomed flat to a two-bedroomed flat and also moved their children to a private school from public schools and started living the life. All of a sudden, his employer said he was closing down the factory and could only pay him N40,000 a month now. What will he do? He will have to return to a one bedroomed flat, move his children back to a public school, and the second wife he married will have to go. It is a recession. UT beyond the fall in oil prices, it appears that this government was ill prepared for governance as your party-the All Progressives Congresshas said openly it had no idea of how bad the situation was. Isn’t that where due diligence and the need for shadow cabinets come in? Who should we blame for that? I was a member of the transition committee of this government and it is shocking to see how soon you all forget what happened. Where were you when we were crying that five days to the handover date, we had not received any handover notes? You published it then. You are asking me this question now. How prepared were we? How can you be prepared when nobody gives you a handover note? You are going to buy a house and you are not allowed to enter until the day you pay, then you get there and see the leakages and all of that. We did not even know that the government owed N67bn in fertiliser alone; we didn’t know because we had no access to the figures. We did not know that Nigerian government was not paying up its Joint Venture to the oil companies. We didn’t know that government owed over N400bn to contractors; it was when we came in that we realised that contractors had not been paid for 2012, 2013, 2014 and 2015. When oil was selling at $100 a barrel, government did not pay contractors. We have to pay them now. We owe Julius Berger over N70bn, so when we gave the company N13bn to start work, their official just laughed and said it was just to service the interest. You see, we will not shy away from telling Nigerians the truth; it is not important how you want to take it. But
B
•Continued on page 13
HEALTH
12
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
What Are Enzymes? O
CCURRING in every living thing on earth, enzymes are biological molecules that catalyze (increase the rate of) chemical reactions. Almost all chemical reactions in the cell need enzymes in order to occur at rates sufficient for life. They build new proteins, cells, tissues and organs, and also break down these same tissues. The ability to ward off disease, repair injuries and sustain the body’s homeostasis are all connected to the concentration and strength of enzymes we have in our bodies. There are over 3,000 different types of enzymes in the human body, constantly at work initiating millions of chemical reactions every second. If we did not have enzymes there would be no digestion, no blood coagulation, no reproduction, no breathing and no use of the senses. This gives you an idea of how important enzymes are for the body. In the body there are many different types of enzymes. We have all heard about digestive enzymes, which help us to digest our food, but there are enzymes that help with all the other functions of the body as well, these are called systemic enzymes. Systemic enzymes work on the entire system. Benefits of Systemic Enzymes Some of the beneficial actions systemic enzymes have within the body are to counteract chronic inflammation, reduce the substances in the blood that can trigger a hyperautoimmune response, break down fibrin (the substance that scar tissue is made from), and improve blood flexibility and flow. All of these actions can help to support healthy reproductive function. Anti-Inflammatory Effect Systemic enzymes help to break down the substances in the blood that create inflammation and infection. This may benefit those experiencing chronic inflammation related to a fertility issue such as endometriosis, uterine fibroids, PID or ovarian cysts. Chronic inflammation can be caused from and cause injury to the healthy tissues of the reproductive system that are being invaded by foreign tissue or infection. Inflammation and foreign tissue growth can create scar tissue and adhesion formation in the reproductive organs and the surrounding structures within the abdominal cavity. Inflammation can also cause pain. Pain is a common problem for women with chronic inflammation due to fertility issues, especially endometriosis and uterine fibroids. Reducing inflammation with Systemic Enzyme Therapy may in turn help reduce pain. Regulatory Effect on the Immune System Systemic enzymes help the body to reduce the occurrence of a hyperimmune response. One study has shown that they may help to prevent the rejection of the fetus (recurrent miscarriage) and help with other issues related to reproductive immunological imbalances. Systemic enzymes have also been shown to benefit autoimmune hypothyroidism – Hashimoto’s. One study noted that taking Wobenzym resulted in a reduction of autoimmune antibodies that attack the thyroid. Hypothyroidism can be a cause of infertility or recurrent
miscarriages. Breaks Down Scar Tissue Systemic enzymes have the ability to break down fibrin, the substance that makes up scar tissue. Scar tissue and adhesion causing fertility issues can form for a variety of reasons including uterine fibroids, pelvic surgery such as Cesarean Section, PID, damage to fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, IUD, or abortion. How systemic enzyme blends eliminate scar tissue: · The systemic enzyme blend works as a biological response modifier; working with the bodies own immune defense system to moderate inflammatory response. · They support cleansing of the tissues and promote better circulation. · They break down and remove “fibrin”, the make-up of prolonged inflammation and scar tissue/adhesion formation. · They break down the proteins in the blood that cause inflammation, this facilitates their removal via the lymphatic and circulatory system. · They support a reduction in inflammation, an increase in proper blood formation, and an increase in circulation which helps to hinder scar tissue and adhesion formation, while also reducing pain. Improves Blood Flow ROTEOLYTIC enzymes improve blood flow by increasing the flexibility of red blood cells, inhibiting the aggregation of platelets, and helping to prevent abnormal blood clotting. Systemic enzymes also help to support cleansing of the tissues and promote better circulation as well as stimulate formation of new, healthy tissue. Simplified they make the blood less “sticky”. This is beneficial for reproductive health in many ways. The blood cleansing actions of systemic enzymes help to bring proper circulation to the reproductive system and get the “stagnant blood” cleared out, helping to remove toxins and also bringing fresh oxygenated blood to your uterus, ovaries and eggs. Imbalances which are considered stagnant are endometriosis, PCOS, heavy dark menses, ovarian cysts and uterine fibroids. The fresh oxygenated, free flowing blood is also able to transport more nutrients to the eggs, supporting egg health. Types of Systemic Enzymes and Their Actions: The benefits mentioned above have been validated through studies done over the last 40 years on an enzyme blend containing these specific enzymes: · Bromelain breaks down protein and is beneficial as an anti-
P
inflammatory. · Chymotrypsin breaks down proteins and is primarily an antifibroid enzyme. It has a beneficial effect on the blood and works as a catalyst joining the actions of all the enzymes in the blend. · Pancreatin is a combination of pancreatic enzymes, secreted by the pancreas, made up of amylase, lipase and protease. These enzymes help to break down carbohydrates, regulate histamine, break down fats, reduce cholesterol, support hormone production, bond with alpha 2macro-globulin to support immune function, reduce inflammation and increase circulation. · Papain, extracted from papaya, breaks down protein and is most beneficial as an antiinflammatory. · Rutin breaks down protein and is beneficial as an antiinflammatory. · Trypsin breaks down proteins and can have beneficial effects on the blood, such as reducing the risk of blood clots. Systemic Enzyme Therapy for Fertility Systemic Enzyme Therapy is a natural method utilizing these unique enzymes to help support reproductive health and fertility. There are many fertility issues that may be supported with the use of systemic enzymes. Plan on using them for at least 3 months or more before you begin trying to get pregnant, depending on how long the issues have been around. Here are some of the issues systemic enzymes may help with: Endometriosis Systemic Enzyme Therapy is one of the best and most effective natural therapies for endometriosis. Systemic enzymes may help to reduce scar tissue and breakdown the excess tissues left from endometriosis. Systemic Enzyme Therapy may also aid women who have endometriosis by reducing the inflammation caused from the scar tissue irritating the surrounding organs and may help with the pain that sometimes comes from having endometriosis. The blood cleansing actions of this therapy help to bring proper circulation to the reproductive system and get the “stagnant blood” cleared out, bringing fresh oxygenated blood to your uterus and ovaries. For this purpose it is best to start the Systemic Enzyme Therapy with The Fertility Cleanse. For endometriosis it is suggested to stay on the Systemic Enzyme Therapy for at least three months prior to trying to get pregnant so all of the stagnant tissues and scar tissues can be cleared. Recurrent Miscarriage For recurrent pregnancy losses caused from either immunological response or blood clotting issues, Systemic Enzyme Therapy is an effective option. In a five year study, women who had experienced recurrent miscarriage due to immunological response (more than 30% of miscarriages) were put on a systemic enzyme supplement before and during their pregnancies. 79% of the women carried out their pregnancies to term and gave birth to healthy babies. (Forum Immunologie, 2000) This is an amazing discovery. The only options available before this study were
anti-immunological agents similar to the type used in transplant patients, but most doctors will not use them due to their toxicity during pregnancy. The best product we have found and the product that was actually used in the study mentioned above is Wobenzym N. It is the only systemic enzyme product that has been studied and used during pregnancy. You can also use this study if you would like to talk to your doctor about using this product during pregnancy. Uterine Fibroids and Cysts Systemic enzymes have been shown in research to reduce the swelling and pain associated with fibrocystic conditions. They also help the body through its own mechanisms to reduce and eliminate cysts over time. With uterine fibroids, it is important to also make sure you are reducing your estrogen exposure and actively getting rid of excess estrogens, this can be done with the estrogen metabolizer, DIM. Using Systemic Enzyme Therapy is one of the most important natural therapies for uterine fibroids. I have not found a more powerful way of reducing or supporting the body in eliminating uterine fibroids. Old Scar Tissue and Blocked Fallopian Tubes Systemic Enzyme Therapy can help to reduce the scar tissue left from surgeries like cesareans, PID, tubal reversal, abdominal surgery, etc., which may be affecting your reproductive system. Systemic enzymes eat away and reduce the formation of fibrin (the material that makes up scar tissue) over time, making this therapy extremely effective at reducing scar tissue. Scar tissue and adhesion causing fertility issues can form for a variety of reasons: uterine fibroids, pelvic surgery such as Cesarean Section, PID, damage to fallopian tubes, ovarian cysts, endometriosis, IUD, D&C, or abortion. Pelvic Inflammatory Disease systemic enzyme blend was studied and found to be as effective as medication at helping the body to overcome Pelvic Inflammatory Disease (PID). PID is a general term used to describe inflammation of the uterus, ovaries, and/or fallopian tubes. PID can be caused by parasitic, viral, fungal, but most often through bacterial infection. If left untreated, PID can lead to scar tissue and adhesion formation. If PID advances to this stage it may lead to blocked fallopian tubes and sterility in women. PID often comes from Sexually Transmitted Disease (STD’s). Two thirds of women who have undergone laparoscopic surgery to determine infertility cause who were found to have PID were unaware they even had PID. A randomized double-blind study was performed on 100 women with Pelvic Inflammatory Disease. One group was given 5 tablets of Wobenzym N, three times a day. The control group was given an NSAID drug in the usual dosage. Both groups were also given antibiotics (PID requires antibiotics). The patients were given the treatment for 16 or 17 days. Wobenzym N performed with amazing results in fighting damage to tissues, pain, inflammation and overall pelvic congestion. 57% of women using •To be continued
A
51 3
INTERVIEW
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Nobody Is Praising Us For All We've Done - Lai Mohammed •Continued from page 11 that is the honest truth. And we always say, take us as if it is your small family unit and tell us how you are going to react. But Nigerians are saying that there appears to be no direction or concrete plan by this government to get us out of recession, which is really the problem. Do you understand what recession is? It simply means that for two consecutive quarters, you record negative figures. Japan has been in recession for 60 years. Why our recession is biting more is because there is no reserve to fall on. When the money was there, there was no investment in infrastructure. You can imagine if there had been rail lines, the cost of transportation would have been cheaper. The cost of transporting produce would be cheaper. Crude oil transportation would be cheaper. When we had the money to do this, we did not do so. That is why the situation is biting hard. Eleven oil producing countries that suffered the same shock as Nigeria did have gone into recession; six more are preparing to do so. Saudi Arabia entered the crisis with over $600bn in reserve; we entered the crash with over 170 million people and less than $30bn in reserve. IGERIANS must know these figures. But what are we doing? We were not surprised that there was going to be recession, in fact, the Minister of Finance said it, and so we know what it is. What are we producing? Where are the factories? Where is the power? How can you make your factories work when people are sabotaging pipelines and cutting off electricity supply? When you are losing one million barrels of crude a day, 1,000MW of electricity per day, and the source of gas is being cut every day, how do you want to survive? But what we are doing is very clear as I explained to you. One, we have not only introduced the TSA, we have introduced fiscal discipline. We have been able to weed out over 33,000 ghost workers; we have reduced monthly payments from N165bn a month to about N159bn. We have been able to achieve significant reduction in tours and travels; and these are some of the things you can do while also concentrating on diversifying to areas like agriculture, culture and industry. If you read the result of the second quarter, there were improvements in agriculture, solid minerals and growth in investments. We are very confident we are going to get out of this recession because we are taking fiscal measures. Immediately this government came into power, there was significant improvement in power supply and then the Niger Delta Avengers came in. Even the TSA this government has implemented, a lot of people feel that it has been causing more damage than good on the economy and that it should have been a gradual process because of its adverse effects on banks, which are now struggling to survive. Do banks in other parts of the world depend on government deposits? When I was younger, I knew what banks did. That is what we have to correct. If all a bank can survive on is for the government to give it N10bn, keeps it and gives the government five per cent, 10 per cent, and then loan the same money out to people at 23, 24 per cent, do you think that is what banking is all about? I don’t think so. Again, why did the government have to implement the TSA? It realised that there was no way it could know where its money really was. Generating agencies like Nigerian Customs Service, Federal Inland Revenue Service, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, and others, were keeping money elsewhere and when government needed money, it had to go and borrow when its money was lying
N
•LAI MOHAMMED idle somewhere. You are now saying that we should take the money back there; that doesn’t make sense. Do you think this government has the luxury of delaying some of the things it promised the citizens because it is almost two years now that it came to power? Do you think the government is delaying anything? I’ve given you facts and figures. I’ve told you that the economy was dependent on a single product and that product suffered a serious crash. And I have asked you as a person if you made a promise to your wife and kids, based on your income, to take them on vacation to Dubai and your salary drops from N100,000 to N20,000 can you still keep that promise immediately? Would your wife divorce you on account of that? Can she accuse you of delaying it? And that is why we have to be open. What we need to do now is to look at what is essential, which is why we are diversifying and looking for other sources of income. And we are not the type of government that would pass the buck to the next generation; we could do so. But no, we came with a rescue mission and we are going to rescue this country by the grace of God. Senator Shehu Sani recently said that he hoped that by the time that would happen, all of us would not have died. Comments are very free. I have been on the outside and now I’m inside and I understand the situation. Any of them who comments, we just laugh at them because they have little understanding of the enormity of the problems government is confronted with. How many of them understand what sacrifices our soldiers are making, not just in the North-East? Do they know how much it costs to maintain the military? I don’t join issues with people; they comment from their own perspectives. But clearly, this government is people-oriented and the only reason why we are here is because of the people. How can majority of Nigerians, especially in the South-East and SouthSouth, be patriotic when appointments are skewed in favour of the Northern region? It is balanced and I will prove it to you. Will you say it is balanced if out of 17 security agencies, 14 are headed by northerners? Do you know your problem, you do not take a holistic view of a situation; you take a small view of it. We have made about 260 appointments and I will tell you that even for the South-East that seems to have the least, it is because people forget that it has five states while the North-West has seven states. So when you break it down, it is equal
number of appointees for each state and I will give you the figures. People only try to whip up religious and ethnic sentiments but the facts are there. In North-West, there have been 51 appointments; North-Central, 46; NorthEast, 45; South-East, 41; South-West, 45; and South-South, 45. Meanwhile, North-West has seven states, South-East, five states. If 41 appointments are made from the South-East and you divide by five, it is roughly eight per state. If you divide 45 in the South-West by the six states there, you get less than eight. If you divide North-West that has 51 by seven, you get just about seven. So what are we saying? Which of the agitations were not there before, militancy, cattle rustling, Boko Haram insurgency? Some Nigerians have accused the APC of using the PDP script after the Edo governorship election was postponed. Is it true that the election was postponed to save the APC from an imminent defeat in Edo? It is not the same thing (with the postponement of the 2015 general elections). If the election was held at the time or two years ago, the APC would still have won. I have no reason to doubt that there were security challenges and I think we can have elections when a nation exists. What about nepotism in this government, which Dr. Junaid Mohammed even described as the worst in Nigeria’s history? I have just given you the breakdown of the appointees. Are you saying the President has relations also in the South-East and the South-West? Or in the North-Central? If he has relations, it would be in the North-West. He might have friends across Nigeria. I am from Kwara State and I am not his relation. Audu Ogbeh (Minister of Agriculture) is not his relation. He has 36 ministers; he could only pick one from Katsina State. It is not as if there are five appointments and all five are from Katsina. There are some appointments that might be from the President’s state and they are not even his appointees. Why did this government use and dump the Bring Back Our Girls campaign group? The APC supported the group before it came to government but now prevents it from protesting peacefully. HIS government has the same objective with the Bring Back Our Girls Campaign group and we will work with it. If there is any communication gap, we are going to ensure that it is restored, but clearly, we have not abandoned them and we are not dumping them. This is not a case of use and dump. President Buhari may have integrity and other virtues but former President Olusegun Obasanjo said he could not vouch for him in the area of managing the economy. Is that not reflective of our economic situation now? That is Obasanjo’s opinion and he is entitled to it. Like I said, I have worked with President Buhari and he does not micromanage any ministry. Yes, the President will have an influence on the economic direction of a country, but I think he has largely left this matter in the hands on those who know best and he has never imposed his own economic world view on us. When will this government cut down on the size of the Presidential Air Fleet? If I remember, your paper carried the story and also said that a committee has been set up. Aircraft is not like buying a car or selling a car and there are lots of implications attached to the sale of aircraft, how many hours has it flown? What is its maintenance record? And so on. And these things have not been concluded after one year in office? The point is that this government is doing something along that line. And it
T
is important to note that this government has not bought a single new aircraft; it is the ones it met that it is maintaining. Why does this government like to demarket Nigeria? On the contrary, I think when investors know that you have a President, who wants to stamp out corruption; it encourages them to trust more. I heard a lot of funny things being said that the President has been demarketing Nigeria. Who does not know the situation in Nigeria? How many people have lost contracts because we are Nigerians before now? The truth must be said; this is the time that Nigerians are better respected; this is when our green passport is starting to have value. Before now, we were all just crooks, 419 people (fraudsters) and drug smugglers. But today, you can see that because the President has integrity and is respected all over the world, you can see the reference given to him whenever he travels and that is what is percolating down. I have been to China and other places and I can see that it is not what it used to be before. Even though this government said it has not started probing former President Goodluck Jonathan, but it seems to have been chasing his wife, relations and associates around. Is this government sincere? don’t know your definition of sincerity but if I, as the President, say I want to know what happened to the money that was allocated to fight Boko Haram and you say you gave this man out of it, I would investigate him. I have still not deviated. If he now says out of that money, he gave to the aide of the former President, I would also question him. But in this particular case, it was the aide of the former President that the money was traced to and he was being investigated, until the former President’s wife (Patience) said the money belonged to her. So because she said the money belonged to her, we must hands off? I don’t see the logic. And the accounts were said to have been opened in the names of house helps and stewards and so on. The government did not set out to investigate the woman, but she is saying that the money belonged to her. In law, the fellow who bought a stolen good is as guilty as the one who stole it. So you want the government not to investigate it. So how can you accuse us of insincerity? So if money is found on another person, all you have to say is that it belongs to Jonathan, therefore, we cannot probe him. I don’t see the logic. In less than three years time, there will be another presidential election and the APC could be voted out, considering the situation in the country. How does that make you feel? If our intention was to secure eight years without working for the people and laying a foundation for a better tomorrow, then we would be the most unfortunate government to come to power. We have come to government to bring that change. That change will come and people will judge us by our commitment and honesty and by the time they start seeing the results of our efforts, I have no doubt that all the pessimists would be proven wrong. Then again, a government cannot achieve everything in 15 months but you are already judging us as if we have been there for three years. Nobody is even giving us credit for being able to keep the ship of the state afloat. In Venezuela, which has a similar story like ours and has one of the world’s largest deposits of oil reserve, their leaders squandered all the money. Today, people are queuing up to buy soaps there. We are not saying people should start singing our praise for no reason, no, we are aware of the enormity of the challenges but we are up to the task.
I
•Culled from The PUNCH
14
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Job Vacancies In Nigeria Digital Marketing Strategist · Cross River, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Marketing · Posted by Hot Jobs on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216535 Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs Our client a business development consulting firm that provides customized solutions for the formulation and implementation of business strategies. We utilize unique and proven methodologies to deliver actionable results to clients in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We assist clients in creating and managing strategic relationships and alliances with other organizations. Responsibilities: · Set digital marketing strategies using all necessary tools (e.g. website, emails, social media and blogs) · Research products, services and current strategies to identify new opportunities · Analyze web traffic metrics and suggest solutions to boost web presence · Monitor SEO/SEM, marketing and sales performance metrics to forecast trends · Build strong brand relationships through social media interaction · Keep up-to-date with audience’s preferences and proactively suggest new campaign · Identify digital marketing needs for sales growth · Establish best practices in digital marketing · Stay up-to-date with digital technologies development Candidate Requirements · Proven work experience as a Digital marketing strategist or Digital marketing executive · Demonstrable experience with SEO/SEM and CRM software · Experience implementing and optimizing Google Adwords campaigns · Solid knowledge of web analytics tools like Google Analytics · Hands on experience with online marketing tools and practices · Familiarity with web design and HTML · Excellent verbal and written communication skills · Strong analytical and project management skills. Apply before Sunday, December 11, 2016 - 61 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ……………………end……………………… Human Resources Officer · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Human Resources · Posted by Hot Jobs on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216532 Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs Our client a business development consulting firm that provides customized solutions for the formulation and implementation of business strategies. We utilize unique and proven methodologies to deliver actionable results to clients in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We assist clients in creating and managing strategic relationships and alliances with other organizations. Responsibilities: · HR officer must have a clear understanding of the company’s business objectives and be able to devise and implement policies which select, develop and retain the right staff needed to meet these objectives. · Responsible for not only dealing with staff welfare and administration-centred activities, but also strategy and planning by working closely with various departments, increasingly in a consultancy role, assisting line managers to understand and implement policies and procedures. · Primarily responsible for recruiting staff. This includes developing job descriptions and person specifications, preparing job adverts, checking application forms, shortlisting, interviewing and selecting candidates. · Develop and implement policies on issues like working conditions, performance management, equal opportunities, disciplinary procedures and absence management. · Preparing staff handbooks, undertaking regular salary reviews, interpreting and advising on employment law. Candidate Requirements · Relevant first degree in related field. · Commercial awareness. · Effective organisational skills. · Ability to form working relationships with people at all levels. · Teamwork skills. · Interpersonal skills. · Meticulous attention to detail. · Numerical skills Apply before Sunday, December 11, 2016 - 61 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ………………………end……………………. Research Analyst · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Research · Posted by Hot Jobs on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216520 Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs Our client a business development consulting firm that provides customized solutions for the formulation and implementation of business strategies. We utilize unique and proven methodologies to deliver actionable results to clients in a timely, efficient, and cost-effective manner. We assist clients in creating and managing strategic relationships and alliances with other organizations. Responsibilities: · Working collaboratively with a range of key industry stakeholders both internally and externally · Work closely with the Head of Strategic Planning in delivering business cases to support strategic business decisions · Interpreting market data, either from internal analysis or from external consultants · Conducting in-depth data analysis · Apply qualitative and quantitative techniques to interpret data - substantiating recommendations · Formulating reports and making recommendations based upon the substantiated research · Presenting the recommendations at Group Executive level, answering questions and explaining rationale Candidate Requirements · Relevant first degree in finance, management science or accounting. · A relevant professional qualification will be an added advantage. Requirements; · Conceptual thinking and with strong analytical ability. · Proficiency in written and verbal communication. · High level of attention to details and well organized. · Intermediate knowledge of Microsoft Office suite. · Basic understanding of the capital market. · Ability to multitask and tackle a problem from multiple angles. · Ability to work with minimal supervision. Apply before Sunday, December 11, 2016 - 61 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ………………………..end………………………….. Marketer · Port-Harcourt, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Marketing · Posted by Niger Insurance Plc on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216508 Job Details Employer: Niger Insurance Plc Niger Insurance Plc a composite Insurance company licensed and regulated by the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) is conducting a recruitment exercise of young vibrant men and women with good communication skills and result oriented in this position
Candidate Requirements · OND, NCE, HND, BSc etc. · No formal experience is required, however, adequate training will be given to selected candidates. Apply before Sunday, October 30, 2016 - 19 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ……………………….end…………………………. Officer- Internal Audit · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Finance · Posted by Boc & Cedar on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216489 Job Details Employer: Boc & Cedar Box & Cedar is an HR Consulting Firm. We believe in managing talents in the work place because we know that people are the greatest assets of any organisation. We have distilled our products into what we call the 3S- Sourcing, Sieving and Stimulating. Job Description: · Assist in the implementation of the Fund’s accounting policies, processes and procedures in line with global best practices · Identifying risks associated with LSETF business objectives · Evaluating the controls in place to mitigate risks in order to improve the effectiveness of risk management, control, and governance processes · Provide value-added advice and support to business partners on the creation or modification of policies, procedures, processes, products or services to ensure an appropriate level of internal control and compliance is maintained. · Obtain, analyze and evaluate accounting documentation, previous reports, data, flowcharts etc. · Prepare and present reports that reflect audit’s results and document process · Identify loopholes and recommend risk aversion measures and cost savings · Advising the Head, Internal Audit on how to improve systems and processes. · Document process and prepare audit findings memorandum · Conduct follow up audits to monitor management’s interventions Candidate Requirements · University Degree in Accounting or Finance · ACCA, ICAN Certified Knowledge & Skills: · Advanced computer skills on MS Office Suites, accounting software and databases · Ability to manipulate large amounts of data and to compile detailed reports · Proven knowledge of auditing standards and procedures, laws, rules and regulations · High attention to detail and excellent analytical skills Apply before Friday, October 28, 2016 - 17 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ………………………end…………………………. HR Officer · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Human Resources · Posted by Boc & Cedar on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216490 Job Details Employer: Boc & Cedar Box & Cedar is an HR Consulting Firm. We believe in managing talents in the work place because we know that people are the greatest assets of any organisation. We have distilled our products into what we call the 3S- Sourcing, Sieving and Stimulating. Job Description: · Provide support to the Head, Human Resources in the implementation of the fund’s HR policies and the day-to-day HR/Administrative activities of the office · Serves as the primary point of administrative contact and liaison with other offices and individuals · Maintains a proper filing system of official documents and employee records · Assist in recruitment tasks (sourcing, shortlisting, interviewing, on-boarding) and job advert placement · Assist in the developing and implementing performance management systems · Assist with salary and pension administration · Deals with internal and external correspondence; preparing presentations and reports. · Schedules and coordinates both internal and external meeting for senior executives; making reservations as required · Manages the Facility operations and the effective use of office supplies, stationeries and office equipment, such as printers, computers and photocopiers, generator etc. · Ensures that office operations are in compliance with policy provisions and standards. · Oversees the operation of office accounts, and plans and monitors expenditures as appropriate · Manage assigned projects and conduct research Candidate Requirements · University Degree in a relevant field · ACIPM, ACIPD certified Knowledge & Skills: · Knowledge of the Nigerian Employment Law · Knowledge of office management principles and procedures · Ability to analyze and solve problems. · Ability to plan, develop, and coordinate multiple projects · Records maintenance/Data management skills · Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite · Excellent communication skills. Apply before Friday, October 28, 2016 - 17 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ……………………….end…………………….. Program Officer- Government Relations · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Government & Parastatals · Posted by Boc & Cedar on Wednesday, October 12, 2016 · Reference: 216491 Job Details Employer: Boc & Cedar Box & Cedar is an HR Consulting Firm. We believe in managing talents in the work place because we know that people are the greatest assets of any organisation. We have distilled our products into what we call the 3S- Sourcing, Sieving and Stimulating. Job Description: · Assist the key agencies including state and federal governments to ensure required support for LSETF programs & initiatives · Assist in taking inventory of all ongoing initiatives & agreements with the state government to identify opportunities for collaboration · Establish opportunities around regulation and policies that will improve operating conditions for MSME in Lagos State · Support regulators & stakeholders to advocate the implementation of policies & initiatives enhancing the operating conditions for MSMEs · Work with Local Government stakeholders to foster event development & skills to further develop their capacity to deliver quality sustainable events · Assists in the coordination of LSETF agenda · Work with research & policy to conduct periodic research and identify ways of improving services and projects of local businesses · Performs other duties as assigned Candidate Requirements · University Degree in relevant field Knowledge & Skills: · Knowledge of public information and government relations concepts, principles, methodology, and techniques Apply before Friday, October 28, 2016 - 17 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. If you have not received a response within two weeks, your application was most likely unsuccessful. ………………………end……………………..
SPORTS
51 5
OSUN DEFENDER Friday, October 14, 2016
Barcelona Vs. Real Madrid Clasico Scheduled To Rival Premier League
T
HE first Clasico of the 2016-17 campaign between Barcelona and Real Madrid will be played on Dec. 3 at 4:15 p.m. CET, La Liga president Javier Tebas has announced. The encounter will the 10 p.m. local time take place during Week kickoffs (4 p.m. ET) on and 14 at Barcelona’s Camp Saturdays Nou with a kickoff time introduced a new 1 p.m. local time on intended to compete directly with the Saturday (7 a.m. ET). “I look at other Premier League in the Far East television [foreign] leagues when setting the timetable,” market. said. “The Tebas told Cadena Tebas Ser radio: “The timetable is a strategy we have been working Barcelona and Real Madrid game will be on in recent years and played on Saturday at the results are there. 4:15 p.m. The game will Our international sales not be aired in England have tripled because of because of the TV that and the quality of embargo that is placed the players we have in our league. at that time. “We are continuously “We had three windows we had looking at ways that considered, at 1 p.m., we can improve our 4:15 p.m. and 6:30 p.m. product. For example, We analysed those we have installed with our audiovisual aerial cameras in seven team and to play at 6 venues and by the end p.m. is too late in Asia of the season, we will while to play at 1 p.m. have that in three more is too early for the stadiums.” The return game American market.” The Spanish Football between Real and League has already had Barca, one of the most a major change in anticipated games of kickoff times for the the season, will be played on the weekend 2016-17 campaign. La Liga eliminated of April 22-23 at the
Germany International Toni Kroos Signs New Real Madrid Contract
R
EAL Madrid and midfielder Toni Kroos have agreed a two-year contract extension tying the Germany international to the club until June
2022. Kroos joined Madrid from Bayern Munich for €30 million in summer 2014 and has since been a key player at the Bernabeu — especially under current boss Zinedine Zidane. The 26-year-old has been linked in recent months with a big-money move to the Premier League — with his former Bayern coach Pep Guardiola reported to be keen for a reunion at Manchester City, and Manchester United also said to be interested. That speculation was ended by a Blancos club statement which confirmed that the twoyear extension to his current deal had been agreed. “Real Madrid C. F. and Toni Kroos have come to an agreement on a contract extension which
•SERGIO RAMOS
will see the player linked to the club until 30 June 2022,” the statement said. “Toni Kroos will speak to the media tomorrow in the press room of the Santiago Bernabeu stadium.” Kroos has played 108 games for Madrid, scoring four goals, and winning Champions League, World Cup Cup and European Supercup medals. German paper Bild reports that Kroos will double his salary and now receive €20m a year, making him the highestpaid member of his national team squad. Other big earners at Madrid, including Cristiano Ronaldo and Gareth Bale, are also close to agreeing new contracts with the Bernabeu outfit, according to local reports.
Bernabeu in Week 33, with only five rounds left in the campaign. Last season, Barca pulled off an historic Clasico win over Los
Blancos, defeating their rivals 4-0 at the Bernabeu stadium in Nov. 2015. Real came back to win at the Camp Nou by a score of
2-1 in April 2016. Atletico Madrid are level on 15 points with Real at the top of the league standings after seven games.
Defending champions Barcelona are fourth, two points adrift of the two sides and one behind third-placed Seville.
•Barcelona and Real Madrid will face off on December 3.
Anthony Taylor Refereeing LiverpoolMan United ‘Grossly Unfair’ - Hackett
T
HE decision to appoint Anthony Taylor as the referee of Manchester United’s match at Liverpool next Monday is “grossly unfair” on the official, according to former referees’ chief Keith Hackett. Taylor, who was overseen seven Premier born six miles away League matches this from Old Trafford in season, handing out 23 Wythenshawe, will yellow cards. “No-one is take charge at Anfield for the biggest game in questioning Anthony’s the upcoming round of integrity or his ability fixtures when the to handle this game,” Premier League Hackett, the former resumes after the head of Professional Games Match Officials international break. The 37-year-old, who Ltd (PGMOL), said in reportedly supports the Daily Telegraph. “You could argue it’s non-league side to his Altrincham, has testimony
unflappable character and capacity to focus that he’s been appointed to it. “Taylor is also in form and establishing himself firmly as one of the select group’s best operators. But what if something goes wrong for him on the day — as it can for even the finest referees? “That’s when the focus on him would be intolerable, especially if a controversial incident has gone in favour of Liverpool and it influences the result.
URRENTLY injured Real Madrid captain Sergio Ramos said he is aiming to be back playing “as soon as possible,” while teammates James Rodriguez and Fabio Coentrao have stepped up their recoveries ahead of Saturday’s La Liga game at Real Betis. Spain international strips off him” after Ramos joined a Madrid Spain’s 1-1 draw with injured list, which also Italy earlier in the October includes Luka Modric international break. and Casemiro, when he The 30-year-old spoke strained ligaments in his directly to his fans via a left knee late in Sunday Twitter message, which evening’s 2-0 World Cup also included a video in 2018 qualifier in Albania. which he thanked his Madrid have not given fans for their support an expected time-frame through recent days, and for Ramos’ recovery from gave further details as to an injury similar to that the extent of his injury. suffered by teammate “I want to say thanks Cristiano Ronaldo in the for all the support and Euro 2016 final, but local messages I have received media reports say he will these days about the need five or six weeks on injury,” Ramos said. “The the sidelines and should bad thing is it is a second return around the derbi at grade, lateral internal Atletico Madrid on Nov. ligament. I hope to be 19. back as soon as possible. Ramos has had an I’ll work every day to get eventful start to the 2016- back. Thanks again from 17 campaign, conceding my heart.” four penalties in 11 games Colombia international for club and country, James also had a busy leading to him hitting international break, back at critics who he travelling 22,000 claimed were “tearing kilometres to join up with
his national team in South America although being unable to play due a calf muscle problem. A fitness update issued by Madrid suggested that James, and long-term absentee Fabio Coentrao, had both began working outdoors as they look to get back to action with the team. “The Real Madrid squad completed the second training session of the week at Real Madrid City, where Zinedine Zidane continues to welcome players back,” the statement said. “The session saw Isco, Keylor Navas and Mateo Kovacic train out on the pitches, whilst Casemiro, Sergio Ramos and Luka Modric continued with their recoveries. “Elsewhere, Gareth Bale completed running drills and James Rodriguez and Fabio Coentrao combined some light work on the training pitches with a workout indoors.”
Sergio Ramos Pledges Quick Real Madrid Return C
“If that happens then it would be those who appointed him who must take the blame for taking such an avoidable risk — on a weekend when Mark Clattenburg, the 2016 Champions League final referee, is holding up a board as fourth official in another match.” However, former Premier League referee Graham Poll wrote in the Daily Mail: “Anthony Taylor is a trusted member of the select group of referees and one it’s most senior officials. “His appointment to referee Monday evening’s Premier League clash between Liverpool and Manchester United should certainly not raise any eyebrows despite him living and working in the Manchester area. “Taylor has already taken charge of Manchester United’s 20 win over Southampton in the Premier League this season and refereed them three times last season and Liverpool four times.” “Our referees are professional and have huge credibility to referee any game with impartiality something that other Countries could not always say. “They will continue to make mistakes, as we all do in our professional lives. However, none are due to any bias or affected by where they live and to suggest otherwise is a slight on their characters.”
www.osundefender.org
I
THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA
FRIDAY, OCTOBER 14, 2016
had barely settled down at work on Monday, Sept 19, 2016, when the young man breezed into my office. It was an African visit: I was not expecting him; he walked in like he owned the space; his decibel level was above the standards officiallyapproved for social interaction by the West. I tell myself that taking ownership of the oxygen in a space into which you have walked in uninvited and operating at a high decibel level are golden markers of being Nigerian but I could allow the Ghanaian self of my visitor appropriate those attributes in the interest of pan-African sharing. Truth be told, I was pleased by it all. After all, this was the Institute of African Studies and we are very particular about letting “the African thing” define that space and our modes of interaction. I was also extremely happy to see Obed Okyere. In the academic session, 20112012, Obed had made history here at Carleton University by becoming President of CUSA, Carleton Undergraduate Students Association; the first African student to be President of the Students’ Union. His rise to undergraduate stardom meant that he became a ubiquitous presence on campus. I saw Obed everywhere. Then I went to Ghana for my sabbatical in 2014 and we lost contact. When I returned from Ghana, I naturally assumed that he had graduated and moved on from Carleton to greater things in life. I was therefore pleasantly surprised when I bumped into him on campus a few weeks ago. We did the usual African screaming on seeing each other, exchanged addresses, and he told me he’d e-mail me to set up a meeting to explore scenarios at the Institute of African Studies. I assumed he was back for graduate studies and wanted to get into our collaborative masters programme in African Studies. After an initial admission into other programmes, it is not unusual for African students to want to work with us at the Institute. I never got the e-mail to set up a meeting. Obed preferred an African walk-in. I liked it too. We got talking. “So, Obed, which of our collaborative masters programmes were you thinking of joining?” “Masters? Prof, I am still an undergraduate. I have not graduated but I do want to take courses in African Studies.” My visitor could tell that I was getting confused. His undergraduate timeline wasn’t working for me. Besides, I had not seen him since I returned from sabbatical over two years ago. “Obed, what’s going on o? Abi you took time off?” “Yes, Prof, I took time off but I am back now to finish my final year of undergraduate studies.” “Eeyah, Obed, why now? What happened? Did you need time to cool off after all the stress and pressure and politics of having been a student union leader for a year?” “It was partly because of that, Prof. However, the main reason is that an opportunity arose for me to go and farm in Ghana and I needed to take it at the
Obed Okyere: Millennial, African Farmer
•AUDU OGBEH: Agric Minister time.” “Obed, I am not following you. You took time off to go and farm in Ghana?” Now he was smiling. He knew I wasn’t imagining the scale of what he was talking about. “Prof, I am not saying that I went to use hoe and cutlass in a small village farm o. I went back to establish a major farming project. My family is royalty and I came into substantial land. So, I tried to mobilize to use the land for large-scale farming. I spent my time in Ghana, establishing a farm, which now boasts one hundred acres of cashew trees and thirty-tree acres of pineapple.” Y now, the young man has my full attention. Here is an African millennial in his late twenties, who has spent much of his life in the West, whose accent is fully Canadian, who returned to farm in Ghana! I grabbed my note pad and started to jot as he spoke. “Ah, Prof, you are taking notes?” “Obed, you don’t know anything at all you this boy. You imagine you are going to tell me such an inspirational story and I am going to keep it to myself? Your story is going to Facebook and Twitter. Your story is going to my columns. It is going to be read far and wide.” “Really? Prof, you mean it? I have an inspirational story?” “This boy, you don’t know anything. At your age, you have nearly one hundred and fifty acres of farm in Ghana and you are here asking me if your story is inspirational or not? Anyway, tell me more and I will tell you why your story is going public in my networks. I hope you don’t mind my taking pictures of
B
you to accompany what I am going to write about you o?” He poses for the camera. I ask him questions about his motivation, his support structure, how he got seed funding for the farm, where he intends to go with the whole thing. He is answering me brilliantly, his enthusiasm is boundless, his belief that there is no future for the African continent outside of modern 21stcentury large scale farming powered by apps and innovation is infectious. “So, Obed, basically you are telling me that whereas your peers in their 20s and 30s all over Africa and the African diaspora see apps and innovation in the context of glossy offices and spaces in modern skyscrapers in cool chic neighbourhoods in the city, you see apps and innovation in the farm lands in the villages of the continent? And you are still asking me why I need to tell your story?” ’m not sure he heard me. He was too far gone talking about the opportunities he foresees for his farm; his ambition to export pineapple juice; a million things that could come from his 100-acre cashew plantation; other cash crops he could expand into, etc. “So, Obed, why are you back at Carleton?” I asked him that question knowing that I would never encourage a millennial’s dreams, no matter how brilliant, if it did not include a minimum of a first degree. “Well, Prof, after establishing the farm, I also told myself that I needed a knowledge base to feed my dreams. In fact, that is part of the reason I wanted to come and see you. I want to take
I
By PIUS ADESANMI courses in African studies. I want to expand my knowledge of the continent. I want to…” By now, I was no longer listening. I was having difficulty restraining myself from hugging the young man. “Obed, do you really want to know why I am jotting down your story like a student?” “Prof, I’m still surprised by your excitement. I came to you for guidance and you are taking notes and I am doing all the talking.” “Obed, such is life. The mentor is inspired by the story of his mentee. I’m afraid you are the teacher now and I am the student but this is one role reversal that I am grateful for. You just don’t have any idea, do you? You see, I have a huge followership among your generation in Nigeria. I mentor so many of them. And because of frequent trips and talks and teaching in Ghana and South Africa, I have also built a millennial followership in those countries. Useless politicians and visionless leadership have created a situation in which your generation across Africa sees success only when they are hired by politicians.” “Ah, Prof!” “Yes o, Obed. The situation is particularly terrible in Nigeria. Hardly any member of your generation can look into his or her future and see farming or talk about farming in such a knowledgeable, innovative, 21st-century app ecology, as you have done here today. The future, for too many of your peers in Nigeria, is about being Personal Assistants to dirty politicians. It is not really their fault, for such is the value system handed down to them by useless politicians and irresponsible public office holders. N fact, two months ago, I was in a situation, where I saw a millennial like you in Abuja, a full-blooded Nigerian man with a proper penis between his legs, carrying the handbag of a female Senator. You think I can tell that fellow that there is a future in farming without a story like yours as proof? You think I can tell him that farming is better than carrying the handbag or handsets of a Senator?” “Of course I know that this problem is also pervasive in Ghana, South Africa, Kenya and all over Africa, where farming is still conceptualized as the synonym of “ peasant,” “ village,” “dirt,” “poverty.” No millennial with even a secondary school certificate wants to be associated with farming in Africa. From Kenya to Ghana, they’d rather hanker after useless politicians. Then, you, with all the opportunities you have here in Canada, with all your Canadian accent, your good looks, your cosmopolitanism, your looking every part the modern, 21st-century snapchatting, instagramming, and nightclubbing millennial, you just stood up and went back to Ghana to farm? And you are here in my office beating your chest, so proud of that choice in life? Obed, I must tell your story to motivate my young followers in Nigeria.”
I
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 Managing Editor, KOLA OLABISI, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.