Osun Defender August 9, 2016 edition

www.osundefender.org TUESDAY, AUGUST 9, 2016

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VOL. 11. NO.071

Editorial: Osun: Delay In Constituting Cabinet Justifiable - Page 4 Fallout From 2016 Editors’ Confab:

Aregbesola Canvasses Banning Of Farm Produce Exportation - See Story On Page 3

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Rivers State Governor, Chief Nyesom Ezenwo Wike, Former governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Osoba, President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mrs. Funke Egbemode and others at the 12th Edition of the All Nigeria Editors' Conference, at Presidential Hotel, Port Harcourt, River State, last Friday

Fayose, An Attention-seeking Governor, Lacks Discipline - Famurewa

- Pg 2 - Pg 2

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

NEWS

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Aregbesola Wants Primary Farm Produce Exportation Banned G Fallout From 2016 Editors’ Confab:

and secondly, the

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI unbounded energy and OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of the State of confidence that come from Osun has called for a ban on the export of it,” he added. primary farm produce as part of strategies to He pointed out that grow local production and enhance the value chains Nigeria’s agriculture of the country’s agricultural investments.

He said only from our crops in the past products are noninnovative ventures in that we still do now. competitive as a result of its low productivity agriculture could make Nutritionists, food “While Nigeria and farm produce to be scientists and food converted into secondary technologists should find much of Africa are products, adding that better uses for our crops.” leading producers of cassava, for instance, the Nigeria must create He said, Nigeria’s strategies that would agriculture must be traditional yield per hectare has been around make agriculture to be directed towards attractive to a new producing what the 15 tonnes (Nigeria) and generation of young country needs and not 10 tonnes (Africa), while global average in 2010 Nigerians before farming what it can only export. was put at 12.5 tonnes. could be viable option “The orientation of our “However, India’s towards economic agriculture towards average yield in 2010 was diversification. producing raw materials, 34.8 tonnes per hectares The governor especially cash crops, for explained that the only the industries in Europe and Thailand’s yield is way agriculture could be and the America must be reported to be a profitable is for Nigerian reversed from producing whopping 120 tonnes per farmers to become major what we don’t use to hectare.

“Agriculture provides suppliers and feeders of producing what we use. raw materials for the manufacturing “Agriculture is needed economic production in industries that can meet primarily for food the demands of the production. Only well- the food and beverage nation’s food fed people can drive industry; agro-chemical industry; building and consumption. economic development.

Aregbesola spoke on Good nutrition is the construction industry; Friday evening at the primary basis of good pharmaceutical industry; Hotel Presidential, Port health. Good nutrition textile, clothing, leather and footwear industry; Harcourt, Rivers State therefore, drives capital at the annual productivity in two ways; paper products and conference of the Nigeria first through good health printing industry; and Guild of Editors.

The theme of the 2016 conference of the editors, which also had in attendance Governor of

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN Rivers State, Mr. Nyesom member of the House of Representatives, Wike, former Governor of Honourable Ajibola Famurewa, has described Ogun, Aremo Olusegun Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State as an Osoba, and representatives of attention-seekin governor, who lacks self-discipline.

Famurewa, who is making fools of governors of Lagos, representing Atakumosa themselves to impress Niger, Bayelsa, Bauchi East/Atakumosa West/ their paymaster. and Plateau, was: Ilesa East/Ilesa West “One would have “ E c o n o m i c Federal Constituency in expected the governor to D i v e r s i f i c a t i o n : the House of apologize or keep quiet, Agriculture as option for Representatives, said that when the first lady Fayose, in his attempt to eventually a prosperous Nigeria.” visited Aregbesola, who held seek relevance, has been America, which he had his audience to the edge making many unguided said she could not visit of her of their seats with statements and irrational because disturbing statistics, criticisms against the involvement in the administration of Halliburton scandal, but showed that Nigeria has Muhammadu he did not and instead not shown serious efforts President Buhari. insisted on his towards making farming Speaking with OSUN u n s u b s t a n t i a t e d a viable venture.

DEFENDER on Sunday allegation.”

“We should stop in Osogbo, Famurewa According to the exporting primary chided Fayose on his lawmaker, Fayose’s products and start adding allegation that wife of the actions and utterances value. The value of a President, Mrs. Aisha suggested that he was not kilogramme of exported Buhari, was involved in disciplined and loves to cocoa beans increases the Halliburton scandal, talk to make himself 5,000 per cent by the time stating that the governor relevant, even when his it comes back as was behaving as a statements are insensitive and full of baseless chocolate,” the governor frustrated human being.

The lawmaker accusations. said. therefore urged Nigerians He stated that the first Charging Nigerian not to take Fayose serious, lady traveled to the USA agricultural scientists, when he talks directly or because it was needed t e c h n o l o g i s t s , through his aides, who he and necessary, not nutritionists and other described as people because she wanted to allied experts to be CHANGE OF NAME PUBLIC NOTICE innovative, Aregbesola lamented that for ages, I, formerly known and This is to inform members addressed as MISS of the public that Nigerians have failed to OGUNDIPE FLORENCE OSUNLEKE OPEYEMI improve the varieties of AKINWUMI, is the same BUKOLA JOKE, now foods that are obtainable person as MATTEW wish to be known and for their various farm OLAOLUWA OPEYEMI addressed as MRS AKINWUMI ISOLA produce.

K O M O L A F E OSUNLEKE. That I now wish F L O R E N C E Aregbesola stated: to be known and addressed as OLUWABUKOLA. “Our foods have remained OSUNLEKE OPEYEMI All documents with AKINWUMI. All former the same from time former name remain documents remain valid. immemorial. It is the same valid. The General Public Enterprisis Bank and general type of foods we derive should please take note. public should take note.

rubber products.”

Informing his audience how Osun has ignited the profit drive in agriculture, the governor said: “We put in place in Osun a deliberate policy of food production in contrast with cash crop production. We have revived the cocoa processing industry in Osun with an eye of producing globally

competitive chocolates and other cocoa products.”

He said, the schoolfeeding programme of his administration is not just about education but about an aggressive promotion of agriculture.

“Our empowerment and education programmes are integrated with agriculture. We also pioneered in a sense, the home grown schoolfeeding programme

(O’MEALS), in which sumptuous meals are provided for 252,000 elementary school pupils on every school day. We say ‘in a sense’ because the programme had existed in an attenuated form, prior to our coming, but our administration gave it a new identity and prominence. Because of its success in Osun, it has now been nationally adopted by the Federal Government,” Aregbesola stressed.

•Some cars were submerged in water after flood took over some streets in Kano following a heavy downpour last Thursday.

Fayose, An Attention-seeker Governor, Lacks Discipline - Famurewa A

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known and

prove to Fayose that she could go to the country, as she was never a culprit in the Halliburton scandal.

Famurewa said, Fayose and members of the o p p o s i t i o n ’ s unexplainable hatred, pain and bigotry against President Buhari has blinded their sense of reasoning, saying that is why they make false accusation and gladly accept any negative story against the President.

The lawmaker asked Fayose to thread the path of honour and apologise for lying to

Nigerians and President Buhari’s family for lying against Mrs Buhari and deceiving Nigerians.

When asked to comment on the ongoing budget padding scandal in the House of Representatives, Famurewa responded that he could not make a statement on it, being one of the former aspirants for the office of the Speaker.

He said: “As someone who also vied for the House of Representatives Speakership position before being asked by the APC leadership to step

down for Honourable Femi Gbajabiamila, my response might be d e l i b e r a t e l y misunderstood and misinterpreted.

“However, I want to reiterate my full support and that of some of my colleagues for President Buhari’s administration in spite degree of controversies rocking the National Assembly. I remain fully committed to APC change mantra and fight against corruption, even in the National Assembly.”

Three Persons In Court Over Alleged Theft Of Motor Batteries

By SHINAABUBAKAR HREE suspected persons were last Friday arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for alleged theft of motor batteries valued at about N240,000.

They were, Alade total value was put at Michael, 22, Hammed about N240,000.

He maintained that the Mufutau, 20, and Atanda accused persons have Mutiu, 28.

The prosecutor, been terrorising the area their fellow Sergeant Sunday Ajayi, with told the court that the colleagues before they accused persons were apprehended.

According to him, the conspired together to committed commit the offence on offense contravened sections 516, August 2 at about 4:30am 413,412, 390(9) and 427 along Obelawo Area, of the criminal code cap Osogbo, the State of Osun 34 vol.11 laws of Osun, capital.

2003.

Ajayi said the culprits However, the accused burgled the shop of one persons pleaded not Among Yusuf and carted guilty to the charges away 10 batteries which levelled againt against

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them.

Counsel to the accused, Mrs Raji Alimi, prayed the court to grant her clients bail in the most liberal terms.

The magistrate, Mrs Olubukola Olowolagba, then granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N1 million and two sureties each in the like sum.

Olowolagba said the sureties must be residents within the court’s jurisdiction with evidence of tax payment and two passport-sized photographs, attached with an affidavit of means.

The case was adjourned till September 8, 2016 for mention.

NEWS

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Aregbesola Orders Osun College of Education To Conduct Outstanding Graduation G the last four years.

Delivering an acceptance speech on behalf of himself and a retired Justice of the Supreme Court, Justice Bola Babalakin, a legal luminary, Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, who was presented honourary awards alongside Babalakin, stated that education is one of the cardinal

objectives of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government.

Awomolo described Aregbesola as a visionary governor, who is pursuing his objective of taking the State of Osun to a great height in terms of academic performance, noting that education as a sector should not be handled with kid’s gloves by any government.

OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of the State of gratitude to the school, our college have Osun has ordered that all outstanding administration of never had it so good graduation programmes of the State College Governor Aregbesola for under any administration of Education, Ilesa, must be done before the end of assisting the institution in this state.

2017, adding that the remaining programmes must in giving capacity “Almost all our be concluded in two batches before December 2017. development to its staff, academic staff members The governor gave the opportunity to give back saying the college has and some non-teaching charge while speaking at to the society through never had it so good. staff members were the combined 24th teaching morals, as well on According to the sponsored graduation ceremony of as trying to improve the provost: “This international conferences four sets of 6,600 academic qualities of the graduation ceremony is a in the U.S. and the U.K in graduating students at younger generation. combination of four sets of He said: “We are dtudents between 2007 to the auditorium of the determined to improve the 2011, making a total of college in Ilesa.

He appealed to the standard of education in 6,600 graduands. students of the college not our state.

“We are using this “That is why we are ceremony to award to disrupt the academic programmes of the spending so much in excellence and hard work institution, so as to meet building state-of-the-art by awarding prizes to education facilities graduands, who have up with the set target.

He said: “Combined across the state. performed outstandingly “That is why we are well. graduation ceremony must not happen in this spending so much “This occasion is also feeding our pupils in being used to honour school again. schools eminent Nigerians in the “This graduation elementary ceremony I believe is for through the O-MEALS presence of the the sets of 2007 to 2011. It programme, which has graduands because we is too much and not good attracted interests from all want it to serve as over the world to the stimulant to the students enough.

“The graduation extent that the Federal and make them to be hard ceremonies of the set of Government has adopted working and become graduands between 2012 it. great entrepreneurs in “Our vision to future. to 2016, which will be the 25th graduation restructure our state “I thank the Ogbeni ceremony, must be done institutions is not to scrap A r e g b e s o l a in two batches before any school or retrench administration for •President Muhammadu Buhari (4th right); Speaker, House of Representatives, workers, but we want to assisting the school in Honourable Yakubu Dogara (3rd left) in a group photograph with others during the December 2017.

“I implore the students make the schools more capacity building of the graduation ceremony of the Nigeria Defence College, Course 24, at the National Deof this great institution attractive to the world. members of staff of this fence College, Abuja, last Thursday.

“We want them to be not to disrupt the academic programmes of able to offer remedial this school, so as to meet courses to young school leavers and provide up with the set target.” part of government’s Speaking on the vocational training to various interventions of people in the society.” effort to make retirees In his graduation government in the more comfortable, the education sector, address, the Provost of state government has batch were 188 retirees in By ISMAEEL UTHMAN Aregbesola said it was the institution, Dr. Kadri approved the OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf the local government establishment of a data occasioned by the Adegoke, explained that education summit the ceremony was being Aregbesola, has issued bond certificates of councils and primary base for the use of the chaired by Professor Wole used to reward excellence N1.3 billion to 194 retirees who participated schools and they received bureau, which would Soyinka, which gave and hard work through in the contributory pension scheme while in service bond certificates valued at bring about improvement N1,470,977,537.14 in some recommendations the award of prizes to in the state. in the prompt remittances that government is graduating students, who The governor, who receive their retirement September 2015. performed presented the certificates bond certificates. currently implementing have The governor further of monthly contribution and efficient transfers of to improve academic outstandingly well.

With the presentation of said, in spite the poor at a ceremony organised Adegoke said the by the Local Government the bond certificates, the economic situation of the accrued benefit to performance in the state.

Savings He said the summit programme was also Staff Pension Bureau in retirees from local country on account Retirement also brought about the O- used to honour two of dwindling oil prices Account (RSA) of government councils Osogbo on Friday, said Nigerians MEALS programme, eminent and sharp reduction of workers. which has been a huge because it was believed the beneficiaries included across the state, public allocation from the Also, the Permanent success, hence making that it would help in 139 primary school primary schools and the Secretary, Bureau of Local 55 local state service would be federation account, the Government the Federal Government stimulating the spirit and teachers, Staff able to draw pensions state had been committed to adopt the programme. culture of hard work, government staff.

Pension, Mr. Kayode The beneficiaries were from their various to payment of pensions Afolabi, He explained that the enterprise and excellence said the fund and gratuities to its the graduating those in the third batch of pension O-MEALS programme in contributory pension retirees. has created employment students. retirees under the administrators.

He assured the retirees scheme would assist civil The Provost used the contributory pension opportunities for different Presenting the individuals in the state, occasion to express scheme in the state to certificates, the governor that the issuance of bond servants to save for their retirement. as well as boosting stated that the issuance certificates would be a He explained that the agricultural sector in the and presentation of the continuous exercise scheme would ensure that state. certificates have again sequel to the availability any civil servant, who The governor also used shown the concern of the of funds, noting that, no retires or voluntarily the occasion to shed light government to the lives of retirees would be shortleaves public service, on the restructuring of the changed. retirees after service. state’s tertiary HE Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni The State Head of receive their benefits as Aregbesola said in spite institutions, stressing Rauf Aregbesola, has felicitated with the Service, Mr. Sunday and when due. that it was not meant to Ataoja of Osogboland, Oba Jimoh of the tough financial He maintained that, scrap any school or Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II , Chiefs, Osun challenges on account of Owoeye, in his address, since the commencement commended Governor dwindling oil prices and retrench workers, but to worshippers, sons and daughters of Osogbo on for of the Contributory make the schools more the occasion of this year’s Osun Osogbo Festival. sharp reduction of Aregbesola prioritising the welfare of Pension Scheme (CPS) in receipts from the relevant, through the This was contained in Storming). the state in 2010, positive offering of vocational a press statement The Permanent federation account, the the state workforce and development had been those out of service. trainings and provision state had been committed Secretary therefore, by the He said despite the recorded, noting that the of remedial courses for issued Permanent Secretary, enjoined all residents in to paying pensions and young school leavers. paucity of funds, the state retirees had been trained the state capital to gratuities to its retirees.

Ministry of on how to live healthy While congratulating He stated that the first was ranked third after Home conduct themselves lives in retirement and the new graduates, the Information, Lagos and River states by batch of 78 retirees in the how to get themselves governor said graduating Affairs, Tourism and well in line with local National Pension government ‘Omoluabi’ ethos of the Mrs from an institution is an Culture, Commission (PENCOM) productively engaged for councils and primary state and wishes Olajumoke Bello. accomplishment, which the rest of their lives.

The statement stated worshippers, visitors schools in the state in terms of remittance of prepares them for latter He therefore urged that the festival will and tourists from all received their retirement funds into the Retirement them to use their money life accomplishments.

He urged those who kick off on Monday 8th walks of life an bond certificates valued at Savings Accounts of their judiciously and avoid will be going directly into August, 2016 with interesting stay and N593,774.42 in December employees.

According to him, as waste as much as (Town fulfilling experience.

2014, while the second teaching to see it as an Iwopopo possible.

Osun Guv Issues N1.3bn Bond Certificates To Retirees

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Aregbesola Congratulates Ataoja On 2016 Osun Osogbo Festival

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

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Osun: Delay In Constituting Cabinet Justifiable to appreciate the truth of

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to choose the saying that truly, the hood does not necessarbetween the current frenetic ily a monk make. pace of delivery of infrastructure across the board To some, the feats do not on one hand, and the matter perhaps because constitution of a full-blown the governor, Ogbeni Rauf cabinet and with it the Aregbesola has, in their symbols and paraphernalia opinion, neglected to of governance on the other, constitute a cabinet we have no doubt about the nearly two years after. choice that the good people Fair? Not when one looks of Osun would make at this at the bigger picture. By time of dwindling finances. this we refer to the With the evidence of fruits national economy that of governance abounding in has remained unresponthe renewed drive to sive in the face of rising complete on-going road expectations; an economy projects, the massive that has in fact shrunk to transformation in the levels that would learning environment ordinarily be regarded as unprecedented in the unimaginable two years annals of the state and, the ago. Even at that, the steady but assured remost virulent of engineering of state Aregbesola’s critics finances all of which would readily admit that signposts the state’s march the man neither wavered to prosperity, they are able nor failed to post

superlative performances where it matters most.

Of course, we would be the first to admit that the achievements being logged by the governor and the composition of the cabinet are not mutually exclusive. But then, the governor has never said that he was averse to naming a cabinet. If anything, the evidence from his first term points to the contrary.

The issue is whether – considering the dire financial situation in which it has found itself – the state could afford to shoulder the burden of paying the legion of commissioners and advisers, particularly at this time.By the governor’s account, some N100 million would be required to pay the salaries and emoluments of the

appointees monthly were they to be named today. As one who wears the shoes, we have no basis to fault his computation.

However, if anyone imagines that the burden would ordinarily not be too heavy to bear for a state like Osun, consider also that the state currently chafes under the crushing weight of salaries to civil servants and pensioners. Consider also that the governor – and these are verifiable – himself and the state lawmakers have themselves not been receiving salaries since last year owing to none other reason but paucity of funds.

If it seems understandable that elected officials

could be called to make the sacrifice, what would be the point in bringing on appointees whose wages the state cannot afford?

Why would any leader – particularly one that has demonstrated uncommon prudence like Ogbeni Aregbesola – be required to add to the burden that the state is called to bear at these difficult times just to satisfy political expediency?

These are certainly not the best of times for the states. With 27 out of the 36 states currently in arrears of wages to their workers – some by several months – what the situation requires is a delicate balance between current demands and the development aspirations of the state. This is obviously where the governor stands out from

Matters Arising Over New Senate Committees

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N what has been described by many as a “deliberate attempt to pacify perceived opponents” of his leadership of the upper chamber of the National Assembly, Senate President Bukola Saraki on Thursday, July, 21, 2016 announced the reshuffling of committees in the Red Chambers.

Amongst the members reshuffled were Senator Oluremi Tinubu, who previously chaired the Committee on Women Affairs. She is now the Chairperson, Senate Committee on Environment.

While former Chairman of the Senate Committee on National Population, Kabiru Marafa, will now operate as the Chairman, Senate Committee on Downstream Petroleum.

Other members reshuffled include: • Senator Hope Uzodinma, Chairman, Senate Committee on Customs • Senator Adamu Aliero, Chairman Senate Committee on Aviation • Senator Jibrin Barau,

Chairman, Senate Committee on Tertiary Institutions and TETFUND • Senator Binta Marsi Garba, Chairman, Senate Committee on Women Affairs • Senator Joshua Dariye, Chairman, Senate Committee on Public Procurement

• Senator James Manager, Chairman, Senate Committee on Solid Minerals • Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, Chairman, Senate Committee on Power • Senator Hunkuyi Suleiman, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Identity • Senator Suleiman Adokwe, Chairman, Senate Committee on National Orientation and Information • Senator Jide

Omoworare, Chairman, Senate Committee on Legislative Compliance • Senator Baba Kaka Garbai, Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business • Senator Tijani Kaura, Chairman, Senate Committee on Federal Character.

While some of the changes were obviously

made to pacify some senators, who are perceived to be close to some political godfathers, a few others were made to whittle down the influence of people like distinguished Senator Jide Omoworare, who headed the Rules and Business Committee before now.

It would be recalled that Senator Omoworare, in the thick of the forgery allegation that rocked the present Senate, had granted interviews to the

media. He had insisted in the interviews that as Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business, at no time was the Senate rules amended. This position obviously did not go down well with the senate leadership and thus, the need to relegate him to “a not too important” committee.

But like they say in a local parlance: a golden fish has no hiding place.

Senator Omoworare, as a senator representing Osun East Senatorial District for the past five years, has distinguished himself. The good people of constituency are happy with his contributions to the development of the area.

We trust in his ability to excel even in this relatively unknown committee that has been assigned to him. He is a performer and will not fail to deliver on this new task. The people of Osun East Senatorial District are watching, the State of Osun is watching, and Nigerians are watching.

•YINKA OLATUNBOSUN, Osogbo.

the pack.

We must say that State of Osun is lucky to have in charge, a leader who has long resolved not to tread the populist path; or is willing to trade off the future for current exigencies.

Surely, the cabinet will come – but then only when the state is in a position to pay.

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

JOB VACANCIES IN NIGERIA Head of Operations (HOO) · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Admin · Posted by Hot Jobs on Monday, August 8, 2016 · Reference: 194693 Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs A credible & leading Microfinance Bank in Nigeria is currently looking to hire qualified candidate to fill this position Job Description · The Head of Operation’s (HOO) job is to help set standards for the company and work to ensure that processes, training, and quality of output of goods and services reflect standards. · The HOO will be responsible for the maintenance, posting of all customer transactions on a daily basis. · Monitoring and ensuring timely ,accurate processing and posting of all transactions · Ensuring that all transactions are processed daily with no errors across all branches. · Monitor and appraise the operational systems in place and monitor the implementation of the Bank’s operations manuals making appropriate recommendations regarding the need for change. · Co-ordinate the activities of all branches and handle all operational issues including computerization, change management and balancing of books · Prepare monthly and other periodic operational reports for the management. · Liaise with the Financial Controller to ensure timely preparations of monthly reconciliations of bank statement and GL accounts. · Develop business relationship with potential customers as well as existing customers with the view to strengthening the Company’s customer relationship base · Assist in the development, modification or updating of sustainable organization policies and goals that cover operations, personnel performance, and growth of the functions and/or business units. · Continuously improve operations, efficiency, cost controls, and relations and service with present and future customers.

Candidate Requirements · Strong written and verbal communication skills; a persuasive and passionate communicator with excellent public speaking skills. · Must be matured, have a positive attitude to work and be self-motivated · Analytical and diagnostic ability · At least 7 years work experience performing similar tasks/duties. · Attention to details (Very Essential) · A good first Degree/HND in Banking, Accounting, or any related discipline · Masters in Business Administration from a reputable institution and or related Professional Certification(s) is highly desired · Advance knowledge of the Microfinance and/or Banking industry and related state or banking compliance regulations, banking law, etc is a must · High level of numeracy to evaluate complex statistical financial information is required · Strong managerial, business development, analytical and research skills · Strong leadership qualities with a proactive, results- oriented and a positive “can do” disposition · Excellent oral, written communication and presentation skills · Must possess good knowledge in results-based management systems (RBMS) · Excellent computer skills in the use of Microsoft office suite and working knowledge of banking software.

Apply before Monday, August 29, 2016 - 22 Days left Companies may expire jobs at their own discretion. ………………….end…………………

Program Officer (Ending Eclampsia) · Abuja, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Admin · Posted by Population Council on Monday, August 8, 2016 · Reference: 194681 Job Details Employer: Population Council The Population Council is a not-for-profit organization that performs biomedical, public health, and social science research. The organization focuses on areas such as HIV and AIDS; poverty, gender, and youth; and reproductive health. Specifically, it conducts research on sociological topics like gender inequality, population trends, and sexuality education; it also assists international governments with policy and program development as they pertain to these issues. The Population Council has more than 15 offices in more than 60 countries around the world. It is typically funded by governments, foundations, individuals, and other organizations.

The council was founded in 1952 by John D. Rockefeller III. Job Description · Match program activities with the logistics and financial requirements to create enabling environment necessary for carrying out all field activities including training, research, meetings, community mobilization and stakeholders’ engagement. · Ensure smooth running of research and program activities at project sites and provide feedback to the program coordinator · Serve as a liaison between all facilities and field staff working on this project and the Council’s office in Abuja · Ensure that consultants and field staff are implementing the project as planned, and of desired quality and provide feedback to the coordinator Ending Eclampsia · Plans, coordinates and conduct monitoring activities to project sites, as assigned, in collaboration with the M&E unit, and provide feedback to the program coordinator · Ensures that field data are captured and transmitted to the data unit in a timely manner · Coordinate project reviews/meetings at PC office and in project states (and across international offices, if needed) and ensure that such reviews/meetings are well coordinated · Support the organization of PC’s events to disseminate findings from the USAID/ MacArthur projects. · Provide assistance to partner organizations in implementing project activities and accelerating and/or expanding activities, where needed. · Support the program coordinator to lead in the organization and facilitation of project related training workshops, seminars and project dissemination meetings. · Liaise with PIs, Consultants and relevant officers working on ongoing Pre-eclampsia/ eclampsia projects for the collation of relevant materials for publication and dissemination · Ensure that projects are adequately planned and implemented in accordance with approved work plans and budgets · Assumes active roles in sharing of project outputs through publications in journals and conferences · Any other duties as may be assigned by his or her supervisor.

Candidate Requirements · Level of Education: A minimum of university degree in health sciences, social science, community development, or allied fields. · General communication & interpersonal skill level – Excellent · Language requirement: English- excellent · IT expertise required: Good · Understanding of local communities and culture in Nigeria · Ability to travel within Nigeria · Prior experience: 3 – 5 years experience working on maternal health, youth sexual and reproductive health or similar programs Apply before Saturday, October 8, 2016 - 62 Days left ……………………end……………………...

Sales Representatives · Lagos, Market Related (Negotiable) Benefits: Pension, Bonus, Training Commission: 10 percent · Job Type: Permanent

· Sectors: Business Management, Marketing, Management, Property, Graduate · Posted by TNSB on Monday, August 8, 2016 · Reference: TNSB Apply before Friday, October 7, 2016 - 61 Days left Employment Equity Position Job Details Employer: TNSB · Assist in the negotiations of selling properties · Represent the companies in performing Transanctions · Deliver reports about transactions made daily · Keep files records and details of transactions · Follow up companies transactions · Make sure clients are satisfied with their needs · Assist the manager in his daily duties Candidate Requirements · Degree in any relevant field · NB: necessary training would be given before representing the company · fluent in English · Good appearance Required Skills business skills : 1 year or less fluency in english : 1 to 2 years business oriented This position reports to: chief executive officer Apply before Friday, October 7, 2016 - 61 Days left ………………….end…………………

Monitoring and Evaluation Advisor · Cross River, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Admin · Posted by Jhpiego on Monday, August 8, 2016 · Reference: 194670 Job Details Employer: Jhpiego Jhpiego, an Affiliate of Johns Hopkins University is implementing a 3-year Bill and Melinda Gates funded project in Nigeria and Kenya. The Nigeria project is being implemented in Nassarawa State. The project proposes to develop a group care model for ANC appropriate to the Nigerian contexts that will support the MOH to operationalize its guidelines and test whether this alternative model of ANC is more effective, feasible, and acceptable than the current standard of care at achieving better coverage and quality of ANC services.

The project is designed for high-volume government health facilities and will explore the opportunities and challenges of different settings (urban, pert-urban, and rural) to inform scale-up. The Group ANC study is designed to evaluate the effectiveness, acceptability and feasibility of Group ANC as compared to traditional ANC. This study introduces a group care model in two phases: - Improve the quality of facility based ANC, Increase retention in care and the use of key services during pregnancy, childbirth and the year following birth among women over the standard care available.

Job Description · Lead the development of project M&E strategies, frameworks, plans, and indicators to capture project performance and results in support of clinical service strengthening and the “Three Ones” principle. · Refine and finalize the project logic model, results framework, M&E plan, data flow loops, workplan and budget, including selecting indicators and setting targets. · Provide leadership and guidance to technical and program staff in planning and implementing M&E systems and activities, program assessments, data-driven decision-making and results reporting. · Design, implement and supervise M&E and learning activities, including development and implementation of the Performance Monitoring Plan, baseline and endline assessments, data quality assessments, routine service delivery data reporting and evaluations. www.justjobsng.com · Lead capacity development of program staff and project counterparts at all levels to participate in and lead, as needed, project monitoring and evaluation activities, and data use for programmatic decision-making, including developing and leading trainings for project staff, implementing partners, facility staff and community mobilizers. · Lead efforts to utilize training monitoring systems to track and monitor trainers and participants at training events to facilitate follow-up and recordkeeping. Utilize the training data collected to inform strategic decision-making and project planning. · Conduct targeted evaluations and operations research, including design, data collection, management and analysis.

Ensure data quality through verification procedures, including routine data quality audits. · Lead results reporting to CDC and Jhpiego headquarters, including providing data on progress to targets and writing narrative M&E sections for quarterly and annually reports, and other communications as needed (e.g., success stories).

Write and review technical components of materials, publications, and progress and annual reports, as appropriate. · In collaboration with program and technical staff and counterparts, ensure implementation of M&E strategies and frameworks. · Track M&E budgets related to project and activity budgets. · Identify programmatic successes, challenges and lessons learned, and ensure appropriate flow of information for project management, staff, and colleagues.

Ensure that necessary M&E planning, budgeting, and management activities occur to facilitate smooth and efficient program functioning. · Cultivate strategic M&E relationships with other USG projects and represent M&E activities in public and professional circles through meetings, conferences, and presentations. · Ensure relevant data is entered into JADE, Jhpiego’s organization-wide performance management system designed to capture, analyze and disseminate project data · Determine appropriate staffing needed to manage the project M&E system and recruit and manage the M&E team.

Candidate Requirements · Master’s degree in public health, demography, statistics, social sciences or related field or equivalent experience · Minimum five years of work experience in monitoring and evaluating health and/or development projects of more than US$10M per year in developing countries (preferably Nigeria), with an emphasis on HIV projects. · Minimum seven years of experience designing and implementing M&E activities for complex programs in developing countries, with at least 3 years in HIV programs and familiarity with PEPFAR indicators, the Three Ones Principles and PEPFAR 90-90-90 · Expertise in quantitative/qualitative methodologies, operations research, health management information systems, reporting, data quality assessments, data analysis and presentation · Demonstrated strong management, leadership, coordination, teamwork and planning skills with proven ability to function effectively with multiple host-country counterparts, in both the public and NGO sectors · Demonstrated expertise working in a leadership capacity with international donors, senior government officials and policymakers. · Demonstrated familiarity with Nigeria’s healthcare system, particularly the public health system, and including the health management information system · Strong technical skills, including processing and analyzing data using one or more statistical software packages, including at least one of the following: SPSS, Epi-Info, Stata, MS Access · Excellent interpersonal, writing and oral presentation skills, including demonstrated technical writing skills for publication · Ability to work in a complex environment with multiple tasks, short deadlines and intense pressure to perform. · Ability to travel unrestricted within Nigeria and internationally.

Apply before Saturday, October 8, 2016 - 62 Days left ……………………end…………………….

MAGAZINE

6

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Milestones OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Reinventing Education:

Landmarks Of Excellence II The last edition commenced efforts at celebrating the laudable achievements recorded by the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the State of Osun over the space of six years. With the recent release of the results of the 2015 /2016West African Senior Schools Certificate Examination (WASSCE), NIYI OLASINDE takes time out to eulogize the giant strides that the administration committed to the sub-sector with the aim of maximizing results from the outing.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola distributing instructional materials to State High School pupils in Osogbo sometime ago.

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

•Aregbesola (2nd left) in a discussion with Senator Bayo Salami during an inspection tour of ongoing overhead bridge at NECO area, Osogbo, recently.

Landmarks Of Excellence II

•Continued from last week N Governor Aregbesola’s definition, the Opon Imo devise is a first of its kind standalone learning tablet in the world for selfpaced study. It provides three major content categories vis-à-vis e-library virtual classroom, and an integrated test zone. The virtual classroom category contains 63 e-books, covering 17 academic subjects for examinations conducted by WAEC, NECO and JAMB as well as nonacademic life-enriching subjects such as History of the Yoruba, Sexuality Education, Civic Education, Ifa on Ethics and Morals, Enterprise Education, hints and tips on passing SSCE and How to Live a Healthy and Happy Life. It was further revealed by the Governor that this section also contains an average of 16 chapters per subject and 823 chapters in all, with about 900 minutes or 15 hours of audio voiceovers.

In the integrated net zone of the devise, there are more than 40,000 JAMB and WAEC practice questions and answers dating back to about 20 years. It also contains mock tests in more than 51 subject areas, which approximates to 1,220 chapters, with roughly 29,000 questions, referencing about 825 images. Recent revelations from the State of Osun Deputy Governor, who doubles as the Commissioner for Education, bare it that the OponImo devise can accommodate update, upgrade, additions and enrichment; especially in line with mew discoveries and changes in the ever-dynamic world.

On this note, the tablets are turned in at the end of each academic year to allow for this upgrade and to

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allow for incoming sets of students to make use of them as some most senior set graduates. However, it is possible for parents who want their wards to have the devise for permanent retention to book copies.

The tablet, as it has turned out, is in design, use and purpose more than a learning devise. It is a revolution that individualizes learning and brings the school to the child. No wonder that Governor Aregbesola said that in the old order, the pupils went to school to study, but that with Opon Imo, they henceforth learn!

Opon Imo has also been defined as entailing democratization of learning. This is so, because Opon Imo provides equal access to every child, irrespective of his or her background. Pupils in the remotest village now have access to the same body of knowledge as their counterparts from the most cosmopolitan city. No wonder that OSUN DEFENDER Magazine drew reference to the coincidence of the Opon Imo launch with the June 12 celebration, vis-à-vis the mention above of the democratization aspect of the device. We pause to reflect that the annulment of the results of the June 12, 1993 Presidential Elections which was widely, convincingly and overwhelmingly won by the late business mogul, captain of commerce and symbol of the collective cause for democracy, late Bashorun Moshood Kasimawo Olawale Abiola poised monumental set-back to the nation and the development of its segments and institutions. Had the democratic experience of that time been allowed to thrive and materialize, the nation

would have advanced well today.

This is more so if it is viewed against the back drop that the achievers of today – Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Governor BabatundeRajiFasola and our own OgbeniRaufAdesojiAregbesola – were parts and parcel of the struggle in the defunct Social Democratic Party (SDP). If our return to democratic governance had started from that time; honestly, we would have gone very far by now.

Opon Imo, by containing all subjects, is a veritable tool in the making of the rounded student. It was revealed that a science student has access to textbooks on arts and social sciences and vice-versa.

E also learnt that there is a business side to the tablet.

According to Governor Aregbesola, a factory for the assemblage of computer tablets is already in the pipeline in the State of Osun. The factory will provide jobs for our youths and provide revenue to the government. He said that by that singular move, the foundation is being laid for the making of Osun as the IT hub of the nation. The governor expressed the hope of his administration that Opon Imo would spread to other parts of the nation from the State of Osun.

In rounding up his speech at the launch of the devise in June 2013, OgbeniAregbesola viewed the addition of OponImo to our education as another turning point in the public school system in the State of Osun.

He expressed his strong belief that the history was in the making on that day with the official launch of the devise; and that the real significance of the day in the history of education

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in Osun will be appreciated in the fullness of time.

History was made in June 2013 through the events culminating in the official unveiling of the iPod-like computer devise; customized to demystify learning for students at the senior secondary level of our public school system in the State of Osun. Branded simply as Opon Imo, which translates into Tablet of Knowledge, the devise, a brainchild of the Aregbesola administration had earlier come under severe criticisms from the camp of detractors on many grounds; the last of which was that the programme had been clandestinely launched in Lagos.

Earlier, detractors had tonguelashed the project as sheer attempt at wasting the financial fortunes of the state; attempting to deify the oracles by the introduction of what they chose to call OponIfa; and an overall attempt at making the youths of the state tow the path of fetishism.

As time advanced, further accusations came that the Opon Imo project sought to deemphasize the use of textbooks; and most recently, critics of the project cried foul that it had been launched in Lagos, rather than the State of Osun for which it was designed and meant.

At the end of it all, the administration of the day, under the leadership of OgbeniRaufAregbesola has proven itself to be well above all situations aimed at distracting it as the Opon Imo initiative has eventually seen the light of day.

In his state-wide broadcast heralding in the New Year 2014, the Governor of the State of Osun, •Continued on page 10

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Official Precentation Of Bond Certificates To Retirees Under The Contributory Pension Scheme At Local Government Service Commission Hall, Abere Recently.

•State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), acknowledging cheers from the retirees on the occasion.

•A cross section of retirees at the programme.

•Another cross section of retirees at the event.

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Wife Of The President, Mrs Aisha Buhari, Wife Of The State Of Osun Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, And Others At The 25th Anniversary Celebration Of Zumunta Association, USA, Recently.

•Mrs Aisha Buhari (3rd right); Wife of the State of Osun Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (left), and other dignitaries on the high table at the event.

•Mrs Aregbesola (4th left) and others.

•(L-R) Mrs Buhari; Mrs Aregbesola and Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the wife of the President, Hajia Hajo Sanni.

•Mrs Aisha Buhari (sitting 4th from the right); Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (standing 2nd from right) in a group photograph with other participants at the programme.

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Landmarks Of Excellence II

•An ongoing road rehabilitation work along Ikirun road, Osogbo. case in our state.

“Additionally, the programme has increased OgbeniRaufAdesojiAregbesola elucidated on the numerous achievements of his administration in elementary school enrolment in Osun from 150,000 to the past years. In his speech titled “Reflections 380,000 children. We now have the largest elementary on Our Policies and Programmes”, the Governor school enrolment in the country.”

F particular note is the reference we intend detailed the achievements, which bordered to draw to the last quoted paragraph chiefly on the giant strides recorded in the above. On the overall, it is the aggregate education industry. While commenting on the of the comprehensive and integrative package of whole essence of his aspiration to become the initiatives in the education sector of the state that helmsman of the state in the first place, the contributed to the upsurge in enrolment statistics governor had this to say: “As we begin this great year, I reflect on the last year of public schools in the state, to the effect that and even the last three years since the Almighty God, there was a swelling of more than double only

by His grace and mercy, brought me to this seat as your within the space of three years! Now after four Governor. Permit me to say that the only reason why I years of running with the vision, the feats are still aspired to be governor was to get an opportunity to on.

Commenting on the Opon Imo initiative, the improve the lot of the masses of our people.

“I know how dehumanizing poverty and lack of Governor traced the purpose of its introduction opportunities can be. I know how illiteracy can truncate and the impact it had made so far, when he said: “Our provision of ‘OPON IMO’ (THE TABLET the destiny of a person and a society.

“This is why every day our focus as an administration OF KNOWLEDGE) which contains all the textbooks has been (and is) on how to improve the lives of the and teaching aids required in high school is because we know that most parents in the state simply cannot afford majority of our people.

“My firm belief is that government exists to protect the cost of textbooks.

“Again we believe that all of our children, regardless life, liberty and pursuit of happiness, provide an environment for commerce to thrive, for the young and of the financial means of their parents, must have equal economically deprived to be educated, for the sick who access to books and other materials for effective learning. cannot afford medi-care to be taken care of, for the The introduction of this electronic tablet is to bring our provision of security for all, and for the enforcement of children, no matter how remote their location may be from the centres of digital advancement, to familiarity the rule of law and maintenance of law and order.

“All of these must be premised on the truth that all and currency with cutting-edge technology.”

The Governor appraised the overall education men, regardless of means, religion or ethnicity, are created equal by God and must be enabled where they policies and programmes of his administration in lucid terms in the following words: are unable to access the means for decent and humane “The same is true of our educational reform policy. existence.

“The question I ask myself about any policy we propose You will recall that when I was sworn in as Governor to make is simple: ‘How will this benefit the poorest in in November 2010, the schools were in a shambles.

Hardly any school in the state had facilities of any kind. the State of Osun’?”

On the justification behind the introduction We then called for an education summit, attended by of the O’ Meal programme, the Governor made great educationists and intellectuals of all persuasions.

“Professor Wole Soyinka, our own Nobel Laureate, the following comments: “It is this philosophy that has guided and inspired made time out to personally attend. The summit all of our policies as your government. We put in place recommended a complete overhaul of our education the O’Mealsprogramme for feeding all elementary school system.”

He particularly appraised the outcome and children daily because we know that a large number of our people find it difficult to feed themselves and their effectiveness of the first-ever State of Osun children. We know that undernourishment and calorie Education Summit as follows: “The most important conclusion of the summit was deficiency is a major cause of physical and mental the restructuring of the system into three basic categories, underdevelopment of children and young people.

“It has been scientifically confirmed in many Elementary, Middle and High schools. Grades 1–4 are countries that provide lunch for their children in school the elementary school, Grades 5–9 are the middle school, that it significantly improves the academic performance while grades 10–12 are the high school.”

Concerning the State of Osun Schools’ and health of the pupils. We are finding this to be the

Continued from page 7

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Infrastructure Development Committee (O’ SCHOOLS), the Governor affirmed our claims when he said: “In the high school, we focus on preparing the children for both internal and external examinations.

Our plan is to build 20 new high schools, 50 middle schools and 100 elementary schools. Each of these schools will be equipped to state-of–the-art standards, especially with digital learning aids, electronic boards, functional and contemporary laboratory equipment, sports facilities, clean water and large power generators etc.”

Making justification for the merger of schools, the Governor made the following clarifications: “The only way to provide these facilities at affordable costs is to merge small poorly equipped schools into larger schools where all the facilities can be provided to large numbers of students using economy of scale to maximum advantage. This is what we have done.

“Sometimes, this policy has been misunderstood and some have tried to mischaracterize the reforms as having a religious undertone. This is most unfortunate, wicked and untrue.

“The philosophy of our education policy has been the development of a new man intellectually, socially and morally. This new man is placed in the centre of society and views his own development as part of and for the development of society.

“This is a non-parasitic and non-oppressive man, who views his existence in the context of the growth of others; he views whatever he acquires to be subsumed in the overall interest of others. He is a man in himself and a man for society.”

Governor Aregbesola refuted claims by a segment of people that he is bent towards favouring one religion against the other. He also told the story behind the education reforms initiated by his administration: “There are some who may genuinely feel that the education reforms might affect their missions. This is an unfounded fear. Only an irresponsible person will attempt to rubbish or remove the legacy of missionaries in education in Osun and even in Nigeria. I attended mission primary and secondary schools here in Western Nigeria and I proudly display that on my resume.

“But let me take us back into a bit of our fairly recent history. Everyone knows that mission schools were taken over by the government of the Western State almost 38 years ago. This means that since 1975, all mission schools were owned, funded and run by government.

But the successive state governments ensured that the names of the schools were not changed, in order to maintain the legacies of the founding missionaries.

Continued on page 11

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Landmarks Of Excellence II Continued from page 10

“Therefore, as we rebuild the schools and expand their facilities, we also have not and will not tamper with their names. We believe that the missions and missionaries, who founded the schools, must be immortalised by retaining the names of the schools. For example, one of the completed middle schools in Osogbo is the Salvation Army Middle School at Alekuwodo.”

On the prospects of returning mission schools to their initial owners, the Governor said: “I am also aware of the agitation of some missions to have schools returned to them. Although, as I have said before, the schools have been owned by governments since 1975, our administration is not foreclosing the prospect of returning some of the schools upon the completion of our new schools.

“I wish to emphasize that this process can only begin upon completion of the schools we are currently and aggressively building all over the state. The process of return of schools must be well planned and executed because of the various implications, especially the fact that their ownership had changed almost four decades ago.”

On the newly introduced Omoluabi Corps and Instilling discipline in school children of the state the Governor said: “Osun is a state which will be a model of peace and tolerance. I would like to say that religious, political and ethnic tolerance is the basic foundation of our Omoluabi heritage. We must promote this culture of tolerance and civilized conflict resolution with all our might.

“This is why we have decided to establish an Omoluabi Peace and Conflict Management Commission. This is to be a standing commission where communal, religious, ethnic or other social disputes can be resolved by a body of respected elders from across Yorubaland and even other groups.”

Aside the free, functional and qualitative education programme of the incumbent administration in the State of Osun under the leadership of OgbeniRaufAdesojiAregbesola; there are numerous other mutually reconstructive, integrative programmes, policies and packages that are not only in tandem with, but also complementary to the orientation and philosophy of Omoluabi which has formed the core value and bent of the overall exertions of the

administration. In all its programmes and policies as well as the execution of all projects, the administration has so far been guided by fairness, justice, equity and fair-play; giving unto all strata and groups across the state as much as is reasonably required, in relation to what is desired within rational limits and within the affordable reach of available means. This is done with profound magnanimity; even in the face of dwindling monthly revenue allocation from the Federation Accounts. Today, honest analysts and unbiased observers would agree with OSUN DEFENDER Magazine that this administration has no equal among the ones that had come in earlier years in terms of contribution to the life of the state and the well-being of its residents in all ramifications.

HE immediate past administration, taken as case study only extorted from and sapped the economy of the state beyond the marrow, such that by the time the knell was sounded for its inglorious exit, the state had almost been dragged into an absolute state of insolvency. The case and fate of the state was as terrible as that!

It is therefore shameful, disappointing and pitiful to hear insinuations peddled here and there; time and again by members of the leading opposition in the state: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempting to denigrate the giant strides of the RaufAregbesola administration and the tangible, visible and all-encompassing achievements which are so glaring that they cannot be controverted.

In pragmatic terms, the State of Osun has in the past four years shed off its old image. The state has acquired new name, new status, and new destiny – all to the extent that her fortunes have changed for the better! This development came as fulfillment to the predictions we made at the beginning of the launch of the new underlying philosophy in year 2011. During that time under reference, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine postulated that the state’s acquisition of new name, sobriquet, logo / coat of arms, flag, anthem and all the rest transcended mere name-calling and or other superficial underpinnings. We predicted at that early stage that the names and other symbolic representations would speedily begin to speak aloud for the state; such that it

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•Some of the Armoured Personnel Carriers (APC) acquired by Governor Aregbesola’s administration.

would sooner than later be transformed into the envy of all other states around, both in Nigeria and yonder. We are glad today. We can stand tall and beat our chest that Osun is well on course to reaching the Canaan of her dreams.

In continuation of the analysis commenced so far in this series, we reopen he current edition by shedding lights on other laudable landmark achievements of h administration.

Analysts and observers in the trend, growth and development of education have observed that what made the South-West cynosure of all eyes is its antecedents in education, which made it a pace-setter. While, as observed earlier, most observers point accusing fingers at state governments and their chief executives for the declined state of things, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine wishes to differ slightly, especially considering what the experience has been in the State of Osun under the able leadership of OgbeniAregbesola. Most of the critics argue that since 1999, successive state governments, their chief executives and their umbrella political parties have got their priorities mixed up and abandoned education for inanities. Like it has been observed in earlier paragraphs of this edition, the standard most widely used as basis for comparison of grounds covered in the area of education in the South-West has been the passion and zeal for excellence wielded by the Premier of the defunct Western Region, late Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his colleagues who pioneered free education in 1956 and sustained it in the Second Republic.

For now, the exploits of the RaufAregbesola administration in the area of education shall be trumpeted a lot more. Next edition shall carry more of the analysis begun on the rot and decay witnessed in the sector nationwide. The Education aspect of the administration of OgbeniRaufAdesojiAregbesola deserves much of critical focus; since it proved all along that Education sub-sector is one of the principal specialties of the administration. To this end, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine has devoted much space and time to its detailed spotlight in series of our editions in the past years. It is not as if we are giving up of this effort; but we intend not to

Continued on page 12

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MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Landmarks Of Excellence II

•Adenle Middle School at Ayetoro, Osogbo, built by Governor Aregbesola’s administration.

Continued from page 11 Hundred and Eighty-Four (1, 590, 284) candidates overbeat it. So, we shall make mention of some sat for the examinations. Out of this figure, Fiveof the giant strides recorded in the sub-sector as Hundred and Sixty-Two, Four-Hundred and basis for desires and expectations for the entire Thirteen (562, 413) candidates obtained the second tenure; then we shall justify the incumbent minimum requirements of five credits. By administration’s effort as that which pupils, implication, 64.63 per cent failed. While critics in parents, teachers and perhaps some other some quarters blamed the horrible state of events stakeholders have least appreciated! on what they viewed as lethargic attitude of In fulfillment of that promise, characteristic of South-West governors, governments, policy the traditions of this Magazine segment of makers and governing party (-ies); OSUN keeping faith with promises; here we are, DEFENDER Magazine view the situation a bit continuing with the analysis, as much as facts differently, as some states in the zone really available at our disposal could afford the privilege labored astutely and backed such with huge of unveiling. capital and recurrent expenditures in order to The fact is incontestable that the present-day revamp the sub-sector. As it turned out, the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria has the situation is just that try as you may, the long traditions of producing many firsts in performances could not be made too different in different areas of human endeavor, especially the positive way due to the cankerworm that had through the instrumentality of institutionalized hitherto (cumulatively) eaten deep into the system. learning. However, it has turned out over the As a matter of fact, it was with the benefit of the years that the zone and its constituent states have hindsight that the administration of dozed off; either resting on their oars or losing OgbeniRaufAdesojiAregbesola in the State of focus, with lots of distraction taking he best of Osun saw the imminent danger that was to befall their priorities. In this regard, OSUN DEFENDER the sector since as far back as 2005 (five solid years Magazine does not intend to heap the bulk of the before coming on board as helmsman of the State blame on governments, past or present, but on of Osun). Upon assuming the reins of power as the entire people, especially, other categories of Number One Citizen, the enigma deployed stakeholders whose lethargic attitude contributed resources of sorts to redeeming the tide for the toward the downward trend. public education sub-sector of the state.

HILE this sad trend lingers, other zones As at today, even when things are viewed of the federation, principally the South- against the backdrop of decline in academic East and the South-South are gaining performances, it cannot be concluded, safely or prominence as they assert themselves as otherwise that all hope is lost. This is bearing in frontliners in the preparation and eventual mind that investment in education is a whole lot performances of their candidates in external of long-term investment which often takes a (public) examinations. As regards preparation considerably long period of time to mature and mentioned above, their huge investments appear yield visible dividends. For instance, while the to be yielding good, positive dividends. effects of putting in place beautiful, state-of-theIn 2015 West African Secondary Schools art, befitting school structures can easily be Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) for example, quantified in terms of upsurge in schools records show that Abia State (in the South-East) enrolment figure; it would be quite difficult to had its pupils with the pass rate of 63.94 per cent ascertain how much these investments in (those who made credit passes in five subjects, infrastructure has contributed to improved including English Language and Mathematics). performances, until improvements have been With that overall performance, the state rated observed for a decade or so. best. Anambra State came second with 61.18 per It is not a misplaced act that stakeholders worry cent; and still within the units, Imo came fifth with about the downturn of trend in education in the percentage pass not too low compared with the South-West zone. Such downturn is, sincerely two states cited above. speaking a serious developmental crisis. Let me Casting memories aback to year 2014, Anambra quote the following from a revered work on the could be recalled to have ranked first in the entire appalling situation which I recently worked with: federation with Abia following closely by the “Without productive knowledge, economic growth is heels; while Edo State came third. Rivers came endangered. The youth won’t be able to cope in a highly fourth, Bayelsa seventh and Delta eighth. While competitive world. The grim truth about education, as the first two, Anambra and Abia are from the Ricardo Haussmann, a professor of the Practice of South-East, the rest states mentioned above are Economic Development at Harvard University, puts from the South-South. On the overall, One Million, it, is that almost all rich countries are rich because they Five-Hundred and Ninety Thousand, Two- exploit technological progress. “They have moved the

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bulk of their labour force out of agriculture and into cities, where knowhow can be shared more easily. Their families have fewer children and educate them more intensively, thereby facilitating further technological progress”. Haussmann said. But he adds, “Poor countries need to go through a similar change in order to become rich: reduce farm employment, become more urban, have fewer children and keep those children that they have in school longer. If they do, the doors to prosperity will open”. Awolowo realized this long ago and set the South-West communities. Yes, nobody, it seems, is taking notice. This has reinforced the pattern of failure, even in the Unity Schools entrance examinations among South-West pupils”.

HIS authority in context, though critical of the South-West governors, further observed as follows: “South-West governors should get the balance right.

When it comes to education, investment in productive knowledge is crucial. Awolowo devoted between 40 and 50 per cent of the budget to education at a time when there was no oil income. Ayo Banjo, a former ViceChancellor of the University of Ibadan, said, ‘’ the complaint that is regularly made today is that there are no funds; but I don’t think that this is a very strong reason for not continuing free education as a priority case in the budget. That’s the way to fund education.’’

And he’s right.

“There is no magic bullet to save the day except by investing in education again and implementing reforms in the system. This is the time-tested practice in other countries. Data from the Organization for Economic Cooperation Development affirm this. An OECD survey of 30 countries found that the United States spends $809 billion, Japan $160 billion, Germany $154 billion, Brazil $146 billion, France $123 billion, and the United Kingdom $123 billion annually on education.

“It is argued that ‘productive knowledge’’ –the skills, experience, and the general know-how that a given population acquires in producing certain goodsdetermines the pace of its economic development. The South-West must address the situation urgently, in order not to fall further behind. Arguing that the ‘’forceful takeover of schools by the government in 1970’’ damaged education development, a former Anambra State Governor, Peter Obi, in 2011 returned 1,040 primary schools to the missions (churches) that established them. The clincher was that he awarded a grant of N6 billion to the schools in four installments.

Out of this, public primary schools shared N489 million. The impact is evident.

“To save the region, teachers must be adequately motivated. This is the secret of Finland, the Czech Republic, China, Japan and South Korea, where education is king, and teaching is a coveted profession.

The OECD survey showed that teachers are treated like royalty in Switzerland. The Netherlands, Germany and

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Continued on page 13

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Landmarks Of Excellence II Continued from page 12 Belgium follow in terms of high teacher salary.

“There is a lot wrong with education in the SouthWest. But with resourcefulness, commitment and selflessness, the governors can turn the gloom around.

Inaction is dangerous”.

LIGHTS eclipsed on the last edition at the point of documenting the laudable achievements of the incumbent administration in the State of Osun, from the point of reference of utterances of the governor, OgbeniAregbesola himself. The remaining part of the comments are here presented: Concerning the State of Osun Schools’ Infrastructure Development Committee (O’ SCHOOLS), the Governor affirmed our claims when he said: “In the high school, we focus on preparing the children for both internal and external examinations.

Our plan is to build 20 new high schools, 50 middle schools and 100 elementary schools. Each of these schools will be equipped to state-of–the-art standards, especially with digital learning aids, electronic boards, functional and contemporary laboratory equipment, sports facilities, clean water and large power generators etc.”

Making justification for the merger of schools, the Governor made the following clarifications: “The only way to provide these facilities at affordable costs is to merge small poorly equipped schools into larger schools where all the facilities can be provided to large numbers of students using economy of scale to maximum advantage. This is what we have done.

“Sometimes, this policy has been misunderstood and some have tried to mischaracterize the reforms as having a religious undertone. This is most unfortunate, wicked and untrue.

“The philosophy of our education policy has been the development of a new man intellectually, socially and morally. This new man is placed in the centre of society and views his own development as part of and for the development of society.

“This is a non-parasitic and non-oppressive man, who views his existence in the context of the growth of others; he views whatever he acquires to be subsumed in the overall interest of others. He is a man in himself and a man for society.”

Governor Aregbesola refuted claims by a segment of people that he is bent towards favouring one religion against the other. He also told the story behind the education reforms initiated by his administration: “There are some who may genuinely feel that the education reforms might affect their missions. This is

•Frontage of Ataoja High School, Osogbo.

an unfounded fear. Only an irresponsible person will attempt to rubbish or remove the legacy of missionaries in education in Osun and even in Nigeria. I attended mission primary and secondary schools here in Western Nigeria and I proudly display that on my resume.

“But let me take us back into a bit of our fairly recent history. Everyone knows that mission schools were taken over by the government of the Western State almost 38 years ago. This means that since 1975, all mission schools were owned, funded and run by government.

But the successive state governments ensured that the names of the schools were not changed, in order to maintain the legacies of the founding missionaries.

“Therefore, as we rebuild the schools and expand their facilities, we also have not and will not tamper with their names. We believe that the missions and missionaries, who founded the schools, must be immortalized by retaining the names of the schools. For example, one of the completed middle schools in Osogbo is the Salvation Army Middle School at Alekuwodo.”

On the prospects of returning mission schools to their initial owners, the Governor said: “I am also aware of the agitation of some missions to have schools returned to them. Although, as I have said before, the schools have been owned by governments since 1975, our administration is not foreclosing the prospect of returning some of the schools upon the completion of our new schools.

“I wish to emphasize that this process can only begin upon completion of the schools we are currently and aggressively building all over the state. The process of return of schools must be well planned and executed because of the various implications, especially the fact that their ownership had changed almost four decades ago.”

N the newly introduced Omoluabi Corps and Instilling discipline in school children of the state the Governor said: “Osun is a state which will be a model of peace and tolerance. I would like to say that religious, political and ethnic tolerance is the basic foundation of our Omoluabi heritage. We must promote this culture of tolerance and civilized conflict resolution with all our might.

“This is why we have decided to establish an Omoluabi Peace and Conflict Management Commission. This is to be a standing commission where communal, religious, ethnic or other social disputes can be resolved by a body of respected elders from across Yorubaland and even other groups.”

Aside the free, functional and qualitative education programme of the incumbent administration in the State of Osun under the

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leadership of OgbeniRaufAdesojiAregbesola; there are numerous other mutually reconstructive, integrative programmes, policies and packages that are not only in tandem with, but also complementary to the orientation and philosophy of Omoluabi which has formed the core value and bent of the overall exertions of the administration. In all its programmes and policies as well as the execution of all projects, the administration has so far been guided by fairness, justice, equity and fair-play; giving unto all strata and groups across the state as much as is reasonably required, in relation to what is desired within rational limits and within the affordable reach of available means. This is done with profound magnanimity; even in the face of dwindling monthly revenue allocation from the Federation Accounts. Today, honest analysts and unbiased observers would agree with OSUN DEFENDER Magazine that this administration has no equal among the ones that had come in earlier years in terms of contribution to the life of the state and the well-being of its residents in all ramifications. The immediate past administration, taken as case study only extorted from and sapped the economy of the state beyond the marrow, such that by the time the knell was sounded for its inglorious exit, the state had almost been dragged into an absolute state of insolvency. The case and fate of the state was as terrible as that! It is therefore shameful, disappointing and pitiful to hear insinuations peddled here and there; time and again by members of the leading opposition in the state: the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) attempting to denigrate the giant strides of the RaufAregbesola administration and the tangible, visible and all-encompassing achievements which are so glaring that they cannot be controverted.

In pragmatic terms, the State of Osun has in the past four years shed off its old image. The state has acquired new name, new status, and new destiny – all to the extent that her fortunes have changed for the better! This development came as fulfillment to the predictions we made at the beginning of the launch of the new underlying philosophy in year 2011. During that time under reference, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine postulated that the state’s acquisition of new name, sobriquet, logo / coat of arms, flag, anthem and all the rest transcended mere name-calling and or other superficial underpinnings. We Continued on page 14

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, August 9, 2016

Landmarks Of Excellence II Continued from page 13 predicted at that early stage that the names and other symbolic representations would speedily begin to speak aloud for the state; such that it would sooner than later be transformed into the envy of all other states around, both in Nigeria and yonder. We are glad today. We can stand tall and beat our chest that Osun is well on course to reaching the Canaan of her dreams.

With a view to reviving the lost glory in the area of education in the state, especially having in focus the abysmal performances in external examinations by candidates of the state’s extraction in recent years, lots of events have taken place such that one could safely conclude that a formidable background is now being laid for improvements in a nondistant future time.

In times part, following the adoption of the blueprints of the State of Osun Education Summit, criticisms had been rampant on the outcome of the summit and the entire education intervention package of the administration of the administration. In line with this, the basis of pointing accusing fingers by scoffers and detractors cannot be farfetched.

On the whole, the pessimists who never expected anything short of failure from the education programmes and policies of the administration condemned the Free, Qualitative and Functional Education Initiatives of the administration from its very inception. According to them, payments of school fees, tuition, Parents / Teachers’ Association Funds and other sorts of funds billed on parents and guardians (called by whatever name) are ways of getting parents and guardians as stakeholders actively involved in and astutely vomited to the education of their wards, especially as investors.

To the above reasoning we differ greatly. In the past years prior to the

emergence of the incumbent administration on the horizons; most especially during the years of the holocaust that predated the upcoming of the administration, it was all manner of funds taxed on parents that made a complete mess of the ousted administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

During that time, every manner of irregularities was the order of the day.

Even then, performances of candidates of the date’s extraction at public examinations were not significantly better than what obtains now. All the spate of decay and deterioration that we now experience are taints of the disservice left behind by that administration.

EOPLE tend to forget the past in such a hurry! The education terrain inherited by the Aregbesola administration was such a shamble and mirage. Our public schools had degenerated into centres of irregularities of sorts. Apart from the spate of infrastructural decay that was the order of the day in our public schools, other irregularities were of ever-increasing magnitude!

Aside this, parents were taxed arbitrarily for every item of need of the school, such that pupils / students were required to take to schools seats, simple tools and other items or were made to make monetary payments for them time and time again!

Concerning academic performances, especially, performances of students of public schools in external examinations, the failure rate during that past era were graver that we have now! Even the grave performances of those days were characterized by irregularities and examination malpractices. Then, almost every one saw examinations as contests that must be won on students’ side at all costs. Nearly all schools in the state were turned into “miracle centres” where superficial

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“excellent” results were falsified.

The ugly effects of these ungodly practices were not slow in coming.

We had transition into institutions of higher learning of students who were not worth the title and the status. The concomitance is the turning out of graduates who could not in any way defend the certificates they profess to carry. All our streets got littered with unemployable graduates.

Still on the arguments that abrogation of all manners of fees by payable by parents got us to that abysmal juncture, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine disagrees in totality with this line of reasoning.

Down the line of history, free education programmes brandished along with them increased school enrolment, broad-based functional instruction, free book distribution, provision of good, trained, qualified, competent and experienced teachers as well as era of relief and prosperity for parents and guardians. In corollary, improved students performances came in handy. This is such that the society looks back to those glorious eras with nostalgia.

Fond memories are captured of the laudable achievements of initiators of those initiatives.

As of the observed performances of candidates in the cited states of the federation which came from hind positions of obscurity to become frontliners, we congratulate them.

While we do that, we intent to tread with caution, especially when it is considered that there could be diverse means to an end. In Nigeria of today, we witness states where political gladiators introduce strategies, gimmicks and tactics that are far from acceptable standards into winning elections. Political leaders emerging in this fashion cannot evolve programmes and [policies that will produce good students and school leavers with honestly acquired results.

In some of these states we hear of

•New look of Ola-Iya area, Osogbo, under the administration of State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

heinous crimes including kidnapping, oil bunkering, vandalization of oil pipelines, insurgency and all manners of criminal inclinations. During election periods, we witnessed in many of the states in questions electoral conducts that breach the peace of the land and those that are against principles of free, fair and credible elections. It is then questionable if the same states in question can conduct examinations that are flawless through their education institutions.

As a matter of fact, it is not all achievements (so-called) that are to be envied. Our culture has got so degenerated that we tend to have a bent toward celebrating achievements more than censoring the means that went into attaining the “feat”.

On that note, OSUN DEFENDEER Magazine feels duty-bound to caution parents, guardians and other stakeholders in the society on the need to take a review of our value system. By traditions, the Yoruba ethnic group has one of the best, richest and most precious value systems which have passed hands from one generation to another.

Unfortunately, undue infiltration and incursion have worked adversely over the years to pollute and debase our fond legacies.

ODAY, most members of the society pride themselves either as Christians or Moslems.

There are no crimes in these religions. As a matter of fact, their doctrines and principles have the prime mandate and ultimate commission of breeding adherents who will be at peace with God, the Creator here on earth and even hereafter. Unfortunately, most of our people, a large chunk of whom is adherent to these two faith have missed it. We are in an end-time world of diverse, confused doctrines.

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Landmarks Of Excellence II

•Professor Wole Soyinka High School, Ejigbo, State of Osun. have taught the Government of the Continued from page 14 Apart from the first-ever State of state some awful lessons.

We have, since sometimes in the Osun Education Summit held sometime in February 2011, the perusal of this series, observed mass failure of candidates as major cause government of the day has never rested on its oars in putting in place of great worry for stakeholders in lasting, reformative and enduring the Education Sub-Sector of the State programmes and policies that would of Osun for some time now. One transform the sub-sector and assuage identified cause of this massive the hardship being faced in the failure on the part of the student / process of securing brighter future pupil is the laissez-faire attitude that for school leavers of the state, their since the government is bearing the parents, other significant role brunt of the expenses, the student players, parents and guardians and and / or the parents has practically little or nothing to lose if the the society at large.

At the wake of renewed efforts at opportunity is squandered once or salvaging the sub-sector this year, for many repeated times. This there were widespread outcries unfortunate attitude is often the against the policy evolved by the abuse that renders waste any concept administration to take the bull by its that is declared free in Africa.

NOTHER aspect that horns; spurred by exigencies of the bothered the minds of truly moment, to introduce some form of patriotic elements of the entry prerequisite for massive enrolment of candidates for society while the practice lasted was participation in the annual May / reports on the nefarious activities of school principals / June West African Secondary School some Certificate Examinations (WASSCC); administrators who allegedly against the rag-bag arrangement that collected enrolment fees for the prevailed in years past. The examinations from awful number of prevailing economic adversities in parents for their wards across the the land are replete with austere, borders and confines of the state; but cost-saving measures for who ended up offering the government in particular; and for the candidates for the examinations on the bills of the State Government! governed by extension.

In times past, the arrangement was This dubious and treacherous to register and enroll all candidates practice imputed huge wasteful costs in the certificate year in all state- on the government, fraudulently owned public schools in Osun and enriched some greedy hawks in the present them for the examinations. service of the state and increased the Laudable as it appeared, the rag-bag failure / turn-over rate of young arrangement had many lapses and school leavers, who leave school flaws. Even though it had the prolific without any hope of securing benefit of offering equal admissions into institutions of higher opportunities to all and sundry, learning or prospects of getting some irrespective of state of origin, socio- forms of job to do.

Of a truth, the factor which taught economic background, religion, sex and other social strata, the abuses government lessons of hardest noticed with the system and the reality is the economic downturn economic realities of the moment and its attendant paucity of funds.

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We are living in a society where much is expected from government at all levels, yet relatively few of the adult, taxable population has obligation to fulfill to government.

Without any conscious attempt at casting aspersion on the people or any segment of the society’s populace, we are in a society where irresponsible citizenship is rampant.

Instances abound everywhere in the society of individuals and groups who have little or nothing to sow into governance; yet they expect much from government for their various aspects of need. It could be quite difficult here to cite examples without appearing as critical o0f some segment of people in the society. The attempt here is to make a clarion call on all and sundry to weigh their relative contribution to the governance of the society and through that appraise their relevance and usefulness.

Faced with the realities of the moment, Government of the State of Osun was left with no other option than to review the conduct of enrolment for the vital external examination in question. One of the earliest innovations introduced into the selection process by the incumbent administration is the introduced of a unified Mock examination as screening formula in determining that government spending does not either go down the drains or spent after bad.

It would be remembered that the free enrolment project had been with us for some time before the advent of the incumbent administration. As we earlier traced it, one of the earliest challenges which confronted the administration, as far as the Education Sub-Sector was the stark reality that the examining body in

question; the West African Examinations Council (WAEC) was withholding the results of the state’s candidates in the 2009 / 2010 edition of the West African Secondary School Certificate Examinations (WASSCE); due, as they claimed to non-remittance of the specified entrance fees for the examinations.

In spite of its newness in governance, and in spite of the backlog of debts the nascent administration met on ground, it measured up to the task of paying up the debt incurred on account of the examinations by the ousted administration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

S subsequent years of the administration unfolded, even till the recent past, not only did the RaufAregbesola administration cater to this vital need of the youth, the many flaws it had notwithstanding. One major problem with growth and development in contemporary Nigeria is that corruption is a cankerworm that has eaten deep into our fabric; and the cabal of corruption is so fierce and resistant that they easily demonize any attempt to right wrongs to the benefit of all.

OSUN DEFENDER Magazine observes that attempts by the Aregbesola administration to curb leakages so as to maximize welfare to all is the “crime” the administration has committed against the cabal that had hitherto held the society captive. While the practice of rag-bag payment lasted, some elements of the society benefitted to the full; so much they nearly rendered the society insolvent! Now that all excesses are being curbed, they are left with no visible option than staging resistance in the order of calling the dog a bad name in order to hang it.

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WEDNESDAY, MAY 25, 2016 Environmental factors determine to a great extent what happens to people on earth. It is the same environmental factors that dictate what adjustments to make in the laid-down rules and procedures, so that exigencies of time are not distorted. Most of the time, all things are not equal; that is why strict adherence to plans and purposes may also not always be plausible. As needs arise, we adjust plans, so that intents and purposes are not dealt blows to the detriment of the planners. Many people have been devastated by reason of rigidity; and many more have gone to untimely graves because they have been so obstinate to their own disadvantage. By and large, personal experiences cannot be totally separated from environmental occurrences because it is impossible to live and operate in isolation without natural recourse to what the experiences of the relevant others around us are.

Nigeria, no doubt, is in a state of economic trauma. One will only be economical with the truth, if we say the brawls of pains are not having tolls on Nigerians generally. Those who have stolen our commonwealth silly are not left out of the experience.

It is either that they are no longer secured; or that they have allowed flamboyancy to get into their heads; so that they spend their ill-gotten money recklessly without having regard for the true nature of money and the propensity to take to flight.

The elders will say money is a visitor, the way and nature of hospitality accorded it will determine the longevity of its stay. Some have dealt rudely and mercilessly with it that it refuses to contemplate permanent abode. Money itself repudiates a nature that is antithetical to frugality. A poor manager or custodian of money is not likely to curry its favor. That is why it is important to use money wisely; so that its unique nature of residing with the prudent will be established in one’s life.

I like to give kudos to Nigerian President Muhammadu Buhari over his efforts to ensure equity and egalitarianism. In the recent past, it was as if comfort zone was an exclusive preserve of the privileged few. These few are in the political class and so they have unbridled access to the national vault. They flagrantly dip their hands in our resources to whet their profligacy and squandermania. That is gradually becoming a thing of the past. Much as Mr. President is trying to even out Nigerian social statuses however, the already battered economy and its impact far overweigh what positive impact personal efforts of President Buhari might have created. This is to tell us that all of us, as stakeholders in the Nigerian project, must contribute our quotas to

By ADEOLU GBOTEMI

Fees Hike: Highest Level Of Insensitivity

•Osun deputy governor, Mrs Grace Titi-Laooye Tomori.

alleviate individual sufferings.

Whatever will create burden for all of us must be jointly borne, so that we may all see good days unfolding in a new country that all of us can boldly call our own. Anyone looking for autonomous escape route will create problem for others, who are facing the same challenge at the moment.

People were surprised that some private school proprietors decided to hike fees payable in their schools.

Notable of these private schools are in Osogbo, and some of them rank among the best in the country at the moment. It will therefore not be out of place, if one decides to zero-in on some of them that started as mission schools. Parents have allegedly condemned almost 60% to 70% increase in the latest bills released to them. Considering the present state of our national economy, the increase represents gross insensitivity to the plight of parents; majority of whom are civil servants.

We are quite aware that education is the basic tool of emancipation from ignorance and poverty. Without education, peace will be elusive to the world. Our forefathers fell to the antics of colonialism, just because of ignorance. Kings would offer two hefty men for ordinary mirror because the traditional rulers of old were not in any way educated. It is highly unimaginable for ordinary material of beholding oneself to cause community compatriots that can join hands together with others

to liberate people from external aggression and evasion. It was then the height of wickedness to trade such people away for an ordinary mirror. That is what illiteracy can bring to people. The missionary of old thought it was wise to liberate people through education. Were it not for mission schools, most captains of industry today wouldn’t have been available. Children of Christians and Muslim alike enjoyed the privilege that western education offered. Most of the beneficiaries of the veritable largesse cannot be cajoled; they cannot be deceived into doing things that are irrational.

Education is in fact regarded as a tool for global liberation.

There are social responsibilities that business concerns should meet in the life of the community where they are situated. That is why people like Dangote of this world would take to the provision of social amenities in order to improve the living standard of the people. We are aware today that Dangote has opened up several communities through construction of good roads, which are beneficial to everyone that travels through them. In the same vein, schools do offer low fee regimes to children as social responsibilities to them so that our society will be free from the squalor of ignorance and evil. A sane society will enjoy peace, and education is the instrument through which this can be achieved.

Everybody is aware that the

economic situation in the country calls for serious concern. The brunt is also borne by the respective states of the federation, such that workers are owed salaries and businesses are affected negatively. In the State of Osun for example, it is what the government pays to its workers that goes into the hands of business men and women as disposable income. There is recession everywhere presently because the government has no money to pay their workers as, and when due at all levels. That is why it becomes imperative for everyone to see what is happening now as something that we all must bear and endure. The situation is ubiquitous. Most senior civil servants are being forced to withdraw their children from private schools because the available income now can hardly take care of the basic needs at home. If there are some of them that still manage to leave their children and wards in private feepaying schools, it is because other things are made to suffer.

It is important to tell the proprietors and proprietresses of the private schools around that rather than contemplate any increase in fees payable in their respective schools, they should endure the sharp decrease in the profit margin that is likely to be their experiences now, due to increase in the overhead costs.

This is actually a time of joint responsibilities, when all should endeavor to be brothers’ keepers.

Except this happens, parents may be forced to withdraw their children and send them to public schools, which are already overpopulated.

This will further deplete the available income to the private schools because there is a limit to which fees can be increased on the remaining ones. Schools should resist being crisis managers due to the spiral effect of huge indebtedness that may result. If children are sent home for default, they will be weighed down psychologically and this will affect their comprehension and subsequent productivity during examinations. Low standard will result and this will affect global or national ranking.

It is my candid opinion that private schools’ owners should retain the present fees regime. If they have increased the fees already, they should endeavor to reverse it. The negative effect of premature students’ turnover may be grave than as envisaged. If care is not taken, they may not be able to recover from the damage that would have been done forever. The economic crunch is a global phenomenon, and it should be seen as such. Tough times don’t last. They only need to be patient a little until the current economic trend improves: as the dysfunctional consequence of hasty decision will not be to anyone’s benefit after all.

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.