Osun Defender July 14, 2016 edition

www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016 The recent visit, for the second time, of Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state to his counterpart in the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has again reminded us about the critical issue of regional integration. Has regional

THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

Has South-West Integration Died?

integration agenda died? This question becomes pertinent in view of the seeming silence of the South-West ruling elite on the issue these days as against the way the call for it once gathered mo-

mentum in recent past. Even though Governor Fayose is of the opposing political party, he seems to be on the same page with the Governor of Osun on the issue of RI as he clearly stated during his first visit to Ogbeni

that he “had come to discuss issues bothering on the developent of the South-West”. So the Ekiti helmsman even though he’s in the opposition has not hidden his interest in

N100

VOL. 11. NO.062

Front Page Comment

RI. If this is so we wonder why all the helmsmen in the South-West cannot close ranks once again to make this agenda work. Of course there is no better time than now to put this agenda on the front

burner. This is because for the first time since independence, the political alignment of the SouthWest is in sync with the centre. The alignment presents great opportunities. It must be used. ...Continued on Page 5

More Trouble For Omisore, Faces N60bn Fresh Probe

- Pg 4

No Going Back On New Local Governments – Aregbesola

•As Committee Advocates LG Revenue Board

- See Story On Page 2

•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, acknowledging cheers from his admirers atop his vehicle, during his unscheduled inspection tour to the ongoing projects in Ilesa, last Sunday.

Despite Cash Crunch, Osun Listed Among States Remitting Pension Funds Osun Assembly Resumes Recess, Advocates Review of Tourism, Agric Policies

-Pg 3 -Pg 3

News

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

2

No Going Back On New Local Governments - Aregbesola •As Committee Advocates LG Revenue Board G OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has reassured the people of the state that his administration will strive hard to ensure the smooth take-off of the newly-created Local Government Development Areas (LCDAs) and Administrative Offices (AOs). He also allayed fear as take-off of the newlythe creation of new created LCDAs and council areas will not administrative offices. affect the existing 30 local He described the governments; instead, it decision to create new will strength councils as one of the best collaboration for in the history of the state, grassroots development. noting that the creation of Aregbesola gave the additional LCDAs among assurance in his office others would address the while receiving the report expectations of the people of the committee on the at the grassroots.

According to him, the committee inaugurated last April was aimed at examining how government will energize the official take-off of newly-created 36 LCDAs, ACs and AOs across the existing 30 local governments. The governor maintained that the new LCDA will open the rural areas and promote agricultural development. He said: “It is indisputable that our state is a peasant agrarian

state, as a noticeable population resides in the remote and rural areas. Conscious recognition of this brought about our bold steps at bringing government much closer and intimated to our people. “Our government, having considered the necessary factors in line with the yearnings and aspirations of our people, firmly resolved at creating more 36 local council development areas, area councils and

•Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo signing the condolence register, during her visit to the family of the female RCCG preacher butchered to death by some unidentified persons in Abuja few days ago.

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI administrative offices, in for a period of six months addition with the already to ensure that the take-off existing 30 local activities and suggestions government council on stabilisation are areas. complied with. “It is undoubted that Balogun said that the our aims were premised committee had gone to all on the need to strengthen the nooks and crannies of the existing local the 66 council areas to government council areas identify natural resources and as well extend our and other economic good governance to the advantages to plan for the nooks and crannies of the funding and survival of state. the local governments. “We strongly believe He reiterated that the that these noble committee decided to initiatives would in consider the need to greater measures bring provide stabilization about the desired fund for the existing 30 development to every part local government of the state, as it remains councils alongside the a round peg in a round provision of fund for the hole,” Aregbesola added. take-off of the 36 LCDAs/ He applauded the ACs/AOs. members of the committee Balogun added that in for displaying high sense the course of the of commitment, and assignment, the assured that his committee found out that administration will give the newly-created LCDAs, the report speedy ACs and AOs had general considerations to ensure and peculiar problems, speedy take-off of the which according to him local governments. made the committee to Presenting the report, design, quantify and Chairman of the recommend take-off of Committee, Mr. Lanre mini-Secretariat and Balogun, a former r e s i d e n t i a l Executive Secretary of accommodation for three Ilesa Local Government LCDAs/ACs: Ife North Council Area of the state, Area Council, Oyere called for the Aborisade, Ife Central establishment of a Local West LCDA, Elefon-Owa Government Revenue and Iwo West LCDA, Board for effective Agberire. According to him: generation of funds. He suggested that for “Consequent upon the to ensure proper monitoring of the need newly-created LCDAs, compliance with the ACs and AOs, there is recommendations of the need for state supervision committee and without prejudice to the statutory functions of the House of Assembly, Ministry of Local Government and Nigerians in periods like Chieftaincy Affairs and the present were never the Local Government provided by previous Service Commission, it is considered opinion of the governments. He lamented that the committee that the massive infrastructural stabilization and take-off deficit remains a great activities of the 66 LGs/ challenge to the present LCDAs/ACs/AOs be monitored for a period of government. six months by the take-off committee to ensure compliance with the bring the impact of c o m m i t t e e ’ s government to all our recommendations. people, regardless of their “The committee faith, economic class and considered the need for a ethnic colouration “All the PDP ranting potently viable means of and belly-aching have revenue generation for all portrayed them as the 66 council areas in the nonentities. state, so as to sustain, “They should tell us develop and make them where in Nigeria their viable. party has done anything “For a long time, local for the people outside stealing. We are not like governments depended largely on revenue from them. We are for the the federation accounts. A people. “What is not in doubt change away from this is PDP’s ceaseless desire attitude is now inevitable. to criminalize and With the present demonise all circumstances, there is Aregbesola’s people- the need to plan to get out centered programmes. of the existing corporate Hence the need for them to foul the air again with poverty. “The local government such jejune allegation as this. They should rather system must not leave put their intelligence, if itself to chances again. It they have any, to some must not live on good use once, by accidental revenue again approaching the Railway but on good revenue that Corporation to get the is certain. We must plan amount it costs to serve the people of Osun,” the well to succeed well,” Balogun said. party stressed.

Do Not Lose Faith In Buhari's Administration - Husain A By ISMAEEL UTHMAN former member of the Nigerian Senate, who represented Osun West Senatorial District in the 7th Assembly, Senator Mudasiru Husain, has urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari. According to Husain, not for Buhari, only God Nigeria now has a full knows what would have resemblance of good been going on in Nigeria governance in spite of now. In fact, our case dwindling resources as a would have been as bad result of the sharp drop in as that of Venezuela.” Husain explained that crude price and recent activities of the Niger a sister oil-producing nation, Venezuela, which Delta Avengers. Husain noted that the has a population of 31 President Buhari’s million, with one of the administration has been largest oil reserves, and very proactive in its quest consistently ranks among to sustain and develop the the top 10 world crude oil economy of the country by producers, is presently going through tough diversification. He stated this in an times because of the interview with OSUN sharp drop in crude oil DEFENDER on Tuesday, prices. Maintaining that just as he acknowledged heavy dependence on that things were tough for exporting oil, along with Nigeria because of the its government’s current economic monetary and situation. commodity-pricing The former lawmaker, policies, has pushed who served as the State Venezuela’s economy Coordinator of the into chaos. Buhari/Osinbajo Husain added that Campaign Organisation, Venezuelans were selling said: “I am fully their belongings to convinced that we did not survive the worst mislead Nigerians by economic crisis the asking them to vote for country has ever suffered Buhari; we know his in decades. He said: “Venezuelans antecedents. He is the only one that can bring keep searching for food, Nigeria back on its legs. If waiting in lines for hours

and sometimes having to settle without getting certain products, simply because the country’s leadership cannot manage the drop in crude prices. But we are however lucky that President Buhari, in spite

of several challenges, has been able to manage the economic situation of the country.” The lawmaker reminded Nigerians that infrastructural facilities that should have ordinarily sustained

Disregard PDP's Jejune Story On Free Train Ride - Osun APC

T

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has described as ‘shameless’ the Peoples Democratic Party’s allegation that Osun government spent N100 million each time it organised a free train ride. The APC, in a impact on the people, the statement signed by the only thing they can do party Chairman, Prince is to seek to rubbish it.” Accusing the PDP of Gboyega Famodun, said because the PDP is a party intellectual laziness, the said: “Diran of charlatans and rogues, APC it could afford to think Odeyemi and the entire that providing ordinary membership of the rickety people with comfort thing, they call party, are would be used as a means lazy intellectually. ”If not, it only takes of siphoning funds. The statement noted: them a visit to the Railway “The free train ride has Nigerian been on since we started Corporation office to find out how much is paid to our administration in this state and that was when the corporation for each the PDP was in power at trip to have an idea of the centre and they could what it costs the state to have used everything put the train on the track within their power to find for the comfort of our out how much was spent people. “It is PDP’s kettle of each time we organized it. It’s envy. Having seen the fish. We are moving on popularity of the and nothing will deter us programme and the in our commitment to

News

3

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

Despite Cash Crunch, Osun Listed Among States Remitting Pension Funds D

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI ESPITE the financial challenges facing the Government of Osun, the state is remitting workers’ retirement benefit commitment through the Contributory Pension Scheme. their Pension Reform Osun was listed Law in a report recently among the 10 states released. confirmed to be Since 2013, the state’s remitting funds into the allocation, which was retirement savings N4.6 billion, has been account of their falling, as a result of the employees out of the 26 crude oil predicaments states that have enacted in the international

market, but the situation appeared worst in 2016, as the state received as low as N6 million monthly allocation. The governor, recently in an interaction with the journalists, said his administration has not received up to N200 million as monthly allocation this year, despite fulfilling

approximately N2 billion monthly wage bill among other social services. Before the recent report, pension remittance has generated disagreement between the labour unions and the state government which led to industrial action especially from the lecturers of the four state owned tertiary institutions. According to the report from

Osun Assembly Resumes Recess, Advocates Review of Tourism, Agric Policies T Ibrahim (Iwo) scored the Assembly members high in their efforts at serving their constituents. The legislators then gave their commitment to do more, with a view to making lives more meaningful to the people of their various constituencies and come up with ideas that would assist the government to sustain itself.

PenCom, Osun, Lagos, Ogun, Kaduna, Niger, Delta, Kano, Rivers and Anambra states have commenced the remittance of contributions to six PFAs and were funding their accrued rights. The report indicated that ten out of the 36 states have commenced remittance of contributions into the RSAs of their employees. Similarly, eight state governments have commenced funding of their retirement benefit bond redemption fund accounts. The records also showed that 673,116 contributors, who are workers of the various state governments, were registered with different PFAs. It explained that Imo State had yet to commence remittance of pension contributions, but that the Imo State University was

inward and find ways of By KAZEEM MOHAMMED sustaining themselves. HE State of Osun House of Assembly has Also, Kamil Oyedele called on the government of the state to review ( I r e p o d u n / O r o l u ) , its tourism and agricultural programmes and Kamardeen Akanbi (Ede policies, with a view to making them more effective North), Ajibola Akinloye and sustainable. at the diplomatic circle. (Ola-Oluwa), Yemi Taiwo It said the review was Thanking members for (Ayedaade), Olatunbosun necessary, in view of the the considerable Oyintiloye (Obokun), fact that oil revenue could achievements of the no longer sustain the parliament so far, he Olaolu Oyeniran (Odoeconomy, couple with the urged members to Otin) and Gbadebo fact that the corruption approach the second perpetrated by the ousted session of the Sixth administration has taken Assembly with spirit of toll on the states. service and renewed The parliament made vigour that have been the point during the displayed before. plenary on Monday at the The Deputy Speaker, take-off of the Sixth Assembly second session Akintunde Adegboye; after a seven-week recess. Majority Leader, Timothy Welcoming members Owoeye and Chief Whip, from the recess, the Folorunsho Bamisayemi, Speaker, Honourable said the crisis being faced Najeem Salaam, in Nigeria today was suggested that platform because of the greed of the should be provided for all past administration. In their various the local government they councils, stakeholders in submissions, the agricultural sector to alluded to the fact that the meet and work for present economic comparative advantage of situation was a blessing each council. in disguise, as it would According to him, propel government at all •President Muhammadu Buhari (middle); in a handshake with his Special Adviser on agricultural extension levels to further look Media, Mr Femi Adesina, while Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo watches at the State House, Abuja recently. services should be revived and strategy should be designed on the marketing scheme for the farm produce. He commended courts should do their Governor Rauf jobs well because nobody Aregbesola for identifying gains anything from the agricultural, tourism blackmail when things acrimony and war. By ISMAEEL UTHMAN and natural resources “If you read about this are not in the colour they potentials in the state and USTICE Oyejide Falola of an Osogbo High Court want it to be. situation, you will think his efforts at ensuring who delivered judgment on the use of hijab on “My attention has been that Armageddon has that they are harnessed to public schools in the State of Osun has absolved finally come. Here we are develop the state self of any influence on the determination of the drawn to some people again together, so, it is defying constituted economy. matter. I’m bound to abide by the authority. The only means e v e r y b o d y ’ s The Speaker suggested responsibility if we live in Falola said his law. On the judgment I that the programmes and conscience was clear and delivered on the use of of protesting in a case is peace.” by appealing and not by policies on those his hands were clean on hijab, my conscience is Falola urged media potentials should be the matter, saying that clear and my hands are encouraging children to practitioners to report the reviewed, possibly new his verdict was purely clean. I delivered the flout the decision of the proceeding on the hijab approach should be based on law and no judgment without any court. These are students matter and everything we pray for should be that has to do with case i n t r o d u c e d , other consideration of fear or favour. I simply judges one day. with utmost sense of and personnel should be influence. upheld what the law “Pictures of those responsibility and committed to it, for The judge stated this says.” students flied all over the sincerity, saying that creativity and recently while “I have read the world instead of us journalists are to provide entertaining the stay of motions and if it comes to engaging in domestic and innovations. Salaam then expressed execution application an extent of shopping for civil protest. In fact, it was accurate information on optimism that the filed by the Christians a judge on a matter, then on BBC. What do we gain issue and not to promote among the ongoing anti-corruption Association of Nigeria such step is deplorable from that? If adults were discord people. war of President (CAN) against his and condemnable. doing battle they should Justice Falola said if the “A court is a sanctuary leave out these children. Muhammadu Buhari-led judgment allowing the same facts and the law are Federal Government female Muslim students without bias. Judges are “I am employed as a placed before him ten would give the nation to use hijab in public brothers and whoever judge; I am bound by the times, he will “give the handles a case will forget law. May that day never same judgment ten times”. some mileage, especially schools in the state. He said: “I am about religion. It is easy for come when court will bow on the image laundering “I work on facts and and the perception index employed as a judge and Nigerians to embark on down for a tiny god? The law. My conscience is

currently implementing the Contributory Pension Scheme but not yet funding its accrued rights. Zamfara State has also commenced remittance of contributions to the PFAs but yet to fund its accrued rights. PenCom stated that Jigawa State had transferred its pension assets to six PFAs for management, while Kano had yet to transfer its assets to the PFAs. The commission also said it conducted on site reviews of some s e l f - f u n d e d government agencies to assess their compliance level with the Pension Reform Act, 2014, adding that the assessment process was expected to ensure full compliance by the relevant agencies. The DirectorGeneral, PenCom, Mrs. Chinelo AnohuAmazu, said while some states had adopted the CPS, many had yet to fully implement it. The situation, she explained, had denied the states of the advantages of the contributory pension model, including its sustainability as a system, robust framework that eliminates the incentives for corruption in benefits administration, and ability to access the pool of investible pension funds to drive economic and infrastructural development in their respective domains.

My Conscience Is Clear, My Hands Are Clean - Justice Falola J Hijab Case:

clear; my hands are not tied. This is a case of constitutional issue; I deal with constitutional matter; I did not deal with matters of religion,” he said. Counsel to CAN, Mr Olufemi Ayandokun, told the court that they had on June 22 filed an application before the State High Court, asking for a stay of execution of the judgment, pending its determination by the Court of Appeal. Ayandokun explained that the State Muslim Community represented by Barrister Kazeem Odedeji had also filed a counter-motion on Monday, July 4 but the last three days’ public made it impossible for him to file any paper at the court’s registry. Consequently, the matter was adjourned by the presiding judge, Justice Oyejide Falola to July 19, 2016 for hearing.

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897, 08023191891.

4

News

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

Dasukigate: More Trouble For Omisore, Faces N60bn Fresh Probe •Osun PDP In Disarray

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN HERE is no hope in sight for the timely release of the embattled Senator Iyiola Omisore, who is currently being detained by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), where he is being interrogated for graft. While the Peoples Omisore was arrested on July 03, by the EFCC at Democratic Party (PDP) members in the state were his Abuja residence to answer questions on the demanding the release of N4.745 billion allegedly Omisore, the EFCC last allocated to him and Friday secured a court others by the Office of the warrant to continue to National Security Adviser detain the former Deputy (ONSA) out of the $2.1bn Governor of the State of arms fund tagged Osun. Besides, Omisore is Dasukigate.

T

now facing a fresh probe on the N60 billion voted for the members of the 6th National Assembly and how he personally received a sum of N2.5 billion of the fund. Omisore is under pressure to name the beneficiaries of the N60 billion “budget padding” in the Sixth Assembly, but the senator has refused to name the Senators and House of Representatives members. The Senator was the chairman of the

Appropriation Committee. The EFCC found in his Abuja home a document showing a N60 billion “strange” vote in the budget. Besides, he was reportedly paid N2.5 billion by the National Assembly’s management for undisclosed reasons. Omisore’s ordeal has been taking dramatic event from members of the PDP in the state, as a factional State Chairman of the party, Mr Soji

•Former President Shehu Shagari (middle); former Head of State, Gen Abdulsalam Abubakar (rtd) (right) and Sokoto State Governor, Aminu Tambuwal during the Abubakar paid a courtesy visit to former President at his home in Sokoto State last Monday.

Adagungunodo, led emissaries to the Ooni of Ile-Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, seeking his intervention on the release of the Ifeborn politician. However, the spokesperson of the Omisore’s group of the PDP, Prince Diran Odeyemi disowned the Adagunodo’s emissary group, saying that they were only mocking Omisore. Odeyemi in a press statement said: “When EFCC came after Omisore, it is logical to assume that Adagunodo group will be happy that their “enemy” is now out of the scene and away from their sight. “It is also likely that the open display of sympathy and latter-day affection may not be genuine. How can we explain the sudden love for a man you so much hate while in freedom? Their actions and utterances may be “Oju aye” (eye service.)” ”In their attempt to register the group as supportive of the man they despise, they started crying more than the bereaved, running around to nowhere and with no justifiable reasons for their actions and utterances. “In Omisore’s case,

Drama As Ikirun FGC Parents Elect Exco

•PTA Chairman Charges Students On Good Course By KAZEEM MOHAMMED OMRADE Lekan Adebayo has been elected the new Chairman of the Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of the Federal Government College, Ikirun, State of Osun. Adebayo polled 142 was going to lose the votes to beat his arch- election. One of the parents, rival, Mr Kolawole Fatai Aro, Johnson who polled 18 Alhaji votes at the recently- expressed delight at the outcome of the conducted poll. The Zonal Treasurer election, describing of the Association, Mr Comrade Adebayo as a Lanre Ogunjobi, who man of impeccable was chairman of the character who will definitely take the electoral committee association to the next declared Comrade level. Adebayo the winner of Other newly-elected the election, which was executive members of adjudge transparent. the association were; It was however Barrister Mufutau gathered that the Akinpelumi as the Vice election was graced by Chairman; Mr Tayo drama, as the Principal Oladipo as the of the college, Mrs Treasurer; Comrade Funmi Brown, staged a Adebanji Davies as the walk-out on the parents PRO, while Pharmacist when the election was Olasunkanmi Usman still ongoing. was returned as the ExA source at the officio. meeting said the drama The representative of played out when it was the Zonal Coordinator clear that the i m m e d i a t e l y candidate, allegedly administered the sponsored by the Oath of Office on the principal, one Kolawole newly-elected officials

C

of the association who are to be at the helms of affairs for the next three years. In a related development, the newly-elected Chairman of Parents and Teachers Association (PTA) of the college, Comrade Lekan Adebayo, has urged the products of the college to apply the principles instilled in them by their teachers and strive to be good ambassadors of the college. He stated this in his farewell address to the outgoing SS3 Students of the college at the 2016 Valedictory Service, held at the College Multipurpose Hall recently. The PTA Chairman said the core values that the college has taught the graduands should be used to tackle the challenges in their new stage of life. He expressed gratitude to teachers of the college who have

lend their helping hands in channeling the right path for the students. According to him: “No matter how deft your organizational skills, there will always be life influencing factors over which you may have no control. As you embark on this new stage of life, you will be able to rise to the occasion because of the core values this school has taught you. “On such occasions, think of and apply the principles that your teachers have instilled in you and you must always strive to be good ambassadors of this college. “Let me at this juncture assure you on behalf of the entire parents and teachers’ body that the students you are leaving behind will not be allowed to suffer the unjustifiable and unnecessary hunger that you were subjected to, especially in the last two terms.

“It was never this bad but we will soon ease out the Bull from the China’s shop and normalcy will definitely return to the College. We don’t have any doubt in our minds that the Federal Ministry of Education is doing its best for your education and well-being. “From the available records, the ministry has enough for your needs but it does not have enough for their greed. The present PTA Executive will ensure that all leaking pipes that put you in undeserved hunger are blocked”. Adebayo then congratulated and commended parents for their commitment and sacrifice in ensuring the success of the students, praying that God will grant then long life in good health to reap the fruits of their labour. He also congratulated the graduating students, while praying for God’s unlimited protection over them as they continue with the journey of life.

they cannot be a good advocate to defend his course. It is bias and double standard. For Adagunodo, it is a dangerous game. Head or tail, his intention can never stand the test of absolute sincerity. “Why going from pillar to post over a sensitive matter still under investigation? You can only plead when confronted with evidences of guilt not prior. This is why Adagunodo’s plea to the Ooni of Ife on behalf of Omisore is a strange strategy that can be viewed as a further attempt to nail Omisore by his enemy posing as his friend. “One may also be right if you call it a “back door political coup” to dent Omisore’s image. It is a mockery visit for a bad mission under pretence.” Adagunodo however, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER, stated that Omisore is a member of the PDP and as the chairman of the party in Osun, he could not abandon any member of the party in trial times. Adagunodo said: “I went to see His Imperial Majesty, Kabiyesi Ooni, Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, privately for three reasons, which I stated before him, which include to congratulate him; to secure a date for my executive committee members and our party leaders to come formally to pay homage to the Ooni. “My visit to Ooni was a private one and not to gain any political advantage or score political point. It was borne out of genuine intention for our political leaders, who I believed were being persecuted because of the political party they belonged “So it was out of place for some people, who to claim to love Otunba Iyiola Omisore, to insinuate that it was a planned visit to denigrate him, too bad. Otunba is our leader, irrespective of what happened during our congresses and he certainly needs all of us now more than before. “He needs our support and prayers. Those who believed that they can only attain political status or position post or comment on Facebook by attacking, abusing and cursing people because of Otunba, got it all wrong because we know that they don’t love him, they are pretenders. “Otunba belongs to all of us in Osun PDP. If you love him and what he believes in, then politics is about lobbying.”

5

The reason why regional integration matters is because within the context of our lopsided quasifederalism the region needs to pull resources together to make appreciable progress. For example, to build railroads, economies of scale is important. Realistically, no state can go it alone. And yet a lot of big infrastructural projects still have to be undertaken. The multiplier effect on the economies of the states will be tremendous. Indeed unquantifiable! Now that the equation has changed at the centre, this is the time to restart. The key issues is that of commitment. Here the commitment of the

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

Has South-West Integration Died?

State of Osun helmsman Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is worthy of emulation. He is totally committed and has set aside petty jealousy and rivalry in his commitment. His attitude is commendable. Aregbesola is aware that the destruction of the regional system and the subsequent balkanization has adversely affected the prospects and development of the southwest. The way out is therefore to use regional integration to redress the balance. With an understanding government in place at the centre we can now leverage on the change we worked for to our benefit. For example , the

South-West must jointly pursue the repeal of the Railways Act of 1958. Such a move will allow us to fast-track the integrated development of the railway system across the region. The economic effect and benefits will be immense. Every aspect of our economy will be positively affected; agriculture, interstate commerce, manufacturing and so on and so forth. It is a win/win. Every other area of socio-economic endeavour will follow. What’s more? The states in the region can jointly undertake agricultural and industrial projects for example and use jointly owned commodity

exhanges and commodity boards to turn the region into an agro-industrial power house. The possibilities are immense. The same goes for mining, information technology, manufacturing and so on. We deceive ourselves if we think we can go it alone. The current economic climate will show up the futility of a go-italone policy. It just won’t work. For this reason all hands must be on deck to kickstart the process. A lot of work has already been done as background research work; it must now be activated. The SouthWest like elsewhere

PDP'S Misadventure At Ooni's Palace

I

T is no longer news that Otunba Iyiola Omisore is cooling his feet at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) detention facility after his failure to fulfill the bail conditions granted him by the antigraft agency. I have also refrained from making comments on the arrest and detention of the former senator and onetime PDP gubernatorial candidate during the 2014 election in the State of Osun because it is “unYorubaness” to rejoice at another person’s misfortune. However, I was jolted by the news circulating on the social media that a factional State Chairman of Osun PDP, Mr. Olusoji Adagunodo, paid a visit to the Ooni’s palace, for the sole purpose of the monarch’s intervention on the arrest and detention of Iyiola Omisore. They were shamelessly apologising on behalf of the detainee for his refusal to pay homage to Ooni since his

assumption to the throne of his forefathers. Whereas, the Adagunodo-led factional PDP executives did not at any time enjoy the blessing of Omisore as his anointed candidate, in person of Faforiji, still pretends to hold on to Ogo Oluwa’s office of the PDP. More worrisome was the absence of the elected PDP

representatives in Ile-Ife on that mission. It is also pertinent to state that after the visit of these personalities to the Oonirisa’s palace, some people loyal to Omisore had been lampooning the Adagunodo and his band of travellers of deliberately setting out on a mission to mock and

denigrate “Apesin” of the source. They were of the view that such a visit was not done with the best of intention, as Omisore did not approve of such visit to the revered paramount king of the source. Adagunodo, by the singular act, had shown that he is capable of making political capital out of every situation. His latest move was aimed at cutting Omisore’s

influence in Ile-Ife to size by bringing to the full glare of the public, Omisore’s lack of regard for the person and office of Oonirisa, our beloved Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Ojaja II. Or how does one explain Omisore’s refusal to pay homage to the Ooni, months after ascending the throne of his

forefathers. It is also ridiculous to drag our esteemed royal fathers into a purely criminal matter. The fight against corruption has taken his victims from across the length and breadth of this country, and nowhere was any traditional rulers dragged into intervening in such issues. Our Ooni has started well. His focus is to develop the source of the Yoruba race, empower the youths and engender peace and harmony in Yoruba land. Let those who have an axe to grind with the law bear their cross and take responsibility for their actions. Our Ooni should be left alone to face the onerous duty of being a father to all and a custodian of culture and tradition. Let those who feel aggrieved go to court. Ile Oodua will no longer be a willing tool for the advancement of criminality. •IBRAHIM LAWAL, Ile-Ife.

faces a demographic bulge. Mishandled it could turn into a social catastrophe. On the other hand it can be turned into an exciting opportunity. The immense opportunities provided by regional integration provides this. In addition this is the time for the South-West to play catch up. There is no doubt that we lost out big time in the past. This is why we must use resources and with careful planning and give and take the South-West can make it happen. We who have led the way before must once again blaze the trail. We cannot afford to slide backward. The

present generation have a duty to promote the wellbeing of the next generation. This is why the impetus of regional integration is incontrovertible.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

–

Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Managing Editor

–

Kola Olabisi

Editor

–

Kayode Agbaje

Lagos Editor

–

Kola Odepeju

Production Editor

–

Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter Senior Reporter

– –

Sola Jacobs Kazeem Mohammed

Magazine Editor

–

Niyi Olasinde

Reporter

–

Kehinde Ayantunji

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager

–

Murtala Agboola

Computer Operator – Computer Operator –

Lukman Ussein Mary Akintola

(0803-392-7286) (0803-388-0205) (08023191891)

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

6

My 12 Months As President T OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

HE twelve months after he swept into office on an euphoric tide of Nigeria's desire for change, President Muhammadu Buhari is a man beset on every side by problems with no easy solutions. The economy is in trouble with Central Bank Governor Godwin Emefiele warning of a looming recession. The natra rate has crashed against major global currencies. In the North East, the Boko Haram insurgency has weakened considerably. But that spot of good news is offset by the resurgence of militancy in the Niger Delta, with a new group called the Avengers bombing oi pipelines. In the South East, a 'dormant Biafran agitation has been revived. But to look at him, you wouldn't know that Buhari is a leader confronted with all these troubles. On Thursday, May 27, just 48 hours to the first anniversary of the administration, he was scheduled to speak with interview teams from selected national newspapers at the Presidential Villa in Abuja. As we wait our turn in one of the conference rooms, he is ushered in with scan t ceremony by the aide-de- camp. 'Gentlemen, let rise for Mr. President' and we are up and running. After introductions by Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Femi Adesina, we get down to business. Buhari has a tough guy image but is soft spoken and hardly raises his voice above a reasonable cadence. But one thing anyone who has ever interviewed him, would not miss is his dry wit. That jocular side was on display intermittently during and after the interview session. He spoke on the bumpy transition from the last government, shocking discoveries in office and the huge burdens which face his administration going forward. At the session with Buhari were Editor, Sunday Nation, FESTUS ERIYE, and Managing Editor, Northern Operation, YUSUF ALLI.

L

OOKING at the last one year, how w o u l d you assess what has happened in terms of your expectations when you look office, the challenges you met and the progress made or lack of it? You will recall that during our campaign, we identified three problems of our country. First, was security the situation especially in the North-East then. Second, was the economy and third was corruption. In the North-East, when we came in Boko Haram occupied 14 local governments and they had hoisted their flags and called the areas their Caliphate. But I can assure you that Boko Haram is not holding any local government presently. They had progressed to using IEDs (improvised explosive devices) and by biking on soft targets people in mosques, churches, market places, motor parks, killing them in tens, twenties and fifties ... that you all know about, and killing school children. So, I think we have made substantial progress in that area. If you know anybody living ID Maiduguri or Yobe, he or she will tell you that people are going back to their homes; those who moved to Kano, Kaduna or even here in Abuja, are now moving back and they are trying to continue with their lives. On the economy, again, we were unlucky. We are now a monoculture economy and everybody is dependent on oil revenue. The oil price collapsed and we were exposed. From 1999 to 2014, the average price of Nigerian crude that was sold was $100 per barrel, but when we came in, it plummeted to about $30 per barrel, and now it is between $40 and $50 per barrel. At some stage. I got the Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria to give me a list of the things we have been spending our foreign exchange on and it showed food items such as tomato puree, grains, rice, wheat and even toothpicks. I didn’t believe it and I still don’t believe it because if he said we were building so many factories, buying essential raw materials and spare parts machineries, I would have believed it. But to show me that what we were consuming majorly just food

•BUHARI

items? I believe that Nigerians from the eastern part of this country, from the west and north, about 60 per cent of them eat what they produce because they cannot afford to buy foreign food. So what was happening was that people who had plenty of naira Just filled the papers that they were importing food, were given foreign exchange and they go and invest the money outside in whatever form. My belief was strengthened when we got into trouble about the import of petroleum products. We

conducted a survey and found out that one-third of what Nigerian marketers claimed to be bringing in, they were not bring in. They were just signing the papers and taking the money out. O people were doing the same thing with food products. But I think subsequently when we get to the court with some people, you will hear more about it. The third one was on corruptions, I would speak about that in two days’ time (May 29) and also on subsequent attempts to prosecute where we have found evidence;

S

How can you take $2.1 billion meant to fight insurgency and share among yourselves and think that nothing should happen? Not to talk of when political money is being raised for elections and the Central Bank, NNPC Customs funds are where the funds are collected from.

about where the monies have gone and the different banks either here or outside the country. We would let you know. We know that your party did not support the idea of a National Conference when it was held, but one year after, it is like the clamour is rising again given some of our challenges such as security and the economy. People say all these issues were addressed by the National Conference report. Would you have a rethink by going back to see what is good in that report? No, I don’t want to tell different stories. I advised against the issue of National Conference. You would recall that A5UU was on strike then for almost nine months. The teachers in the tertiary institutions were on strike for more than a year, yet that government had about N9 billion to organise that meeting (National Conference) and some (members) were complaining that they hadn’t even been paid. I never liked the priority of that government on that particular issue, because it meant is that the discussions on what the National Assembly ought to do was more •Contined on page 7

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

57

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

My 12 Months As President •Contined from page 6

important than keeping our children in schools. That is why I haven’t even bothered to read it or asked for a briefing on it and I want it to go into the so-called archives. The progress that has been made in the fight against Boko Haram is widely acknowledged not only in Nigeria but outside the country. But as we have made progress with Boko Haram, other serious security challenges have arisen. You have the issue of the herdsmen and the killings; you have the Niger Delta Avengers; the Biafra agitation; and incessant kidnapping. Can Nigeria’s security infrastructure deal with these multiple fronts that are opening up? To speak in the order the question was asked, on the herdsmen, note that Gaddafi ruled Libya for 43 years. During his 43 years, Libya was a small country in terms of population, but very big in terms of resources. They have oil reserves - light crude like Nigeria’s crude. But he was quite generous to some of the countries in the Sahel. He took their young men and trained them. But unfortunately, he didn’t train them to become electricians or plumbers, bricklayers or mechanics. They were trained to shoot and kill. When that administration was removed, of course, those who removed his administration knew that he stabilised his country by using these people from the 5ahel. So they pursued them and they went back home. OU know what happened in Burkina Faso, Mali, and a few of them we believe are around the northeast. I am sure you know that here in Nigeria, our border with our northern neighbour Niger is at least 1,500km long. It is open country and you cannot stop donkeys from crossing, you cannot stop camels, neither can you stop people from crossing the borders. Only God can effectively guard these borders. So, some of them found their way here. Even on the recent herdsmen (killings), I asked one of the governors if the herdsmen were fighting perennially with the farmers and he said there was a difference. This means that these people were either hired to come and fight and worsen the ethnic relationship in Nigeria or they have no profession other than fighting for a fee. But these are Just reports that still have to be confirmed later. So that is what I can answer about the herdsmen and I think the law enforcement agencies are working very hard to identify them. Now about the militants in the South-South: when we came in, I got one of the senior officers (in the army), a Major-General, and asked him to revisit the agreement the late President Umaru Yar’Adua signed with them. I said he should get a copy of the gazette so that we can see the agreement to Know what stage we were in. I haven’t received a comprehensive report on that yet,

Y

There have been so many pronouncements by your government that once the budget is passed and assented by you, that we would see progress on the economy. But even the budget assumptions today are threatened, that is from where you expect to get your revenue to implement your projects and even the N500 million needed for the palliatives. Oil production has dropped to almost half due to militancy; even revenue coming from taxes is declining. How are you going to assure Nigerians that this budget which the government is hinging Its programmes on is going to be implemented in such a way that it trickles down to the masses? HAT is a major challenge for us. It is not going to be easy to complement the revenue as we promised in the budget. I think I mentioned initially that the market plummeted from an average of $100 per barrel for crude oil from 1999 to 2014, and suddenly went down to $30 per barrel and now it is between $40 and $5O per barrel. I was constrained to approach the Governor of the Central Bank to find out how we spend our foreign exchange. When he went and checked the records, h~ found out mostly food bills such as wheat, rice, flour, bread and toothpicks. Nigerians are so sophisticated that they use only Chinese toothpicks! I was shocked. I didn’t believe it and I still don’t believe it because I think if we can sit down, reflect and try to be fair to Nigerians, people from the east, west and north ... 60per cent of them eat what they grow; be it either garn, yam or grains. I know they also spend money on cooking oil. So who is taking all the billions of dollars in terms of foreign food imports? What is happening is that people are just buying dollars and taking the money outside the country. My belief was strengthened when the price of oil fell and the marketers were insisting that they want foreign exchange to import fuel. We tried to conduct a survey and we found out that one-third of what they were claiming was fraudulent. They just stamped papers and claimed the money. Still on the economy, the new song is diversification. But using the 2016 budget as a guide, it is surprising that agriculture which is the new hope of this country has just N75 billion, both recurrent and capital expenditure, allocated to It m the budget. Solid minerals is eve!’ less. H agriculture is going to be the saviour of tomorrow, are you convinced that with that budgetary allocation we shall get it right? Well, you are absolutely right. You are forcing me to go back to the issue of budget which was difficult to overcome. I am sure you noted the issue of padding... I didn’t know of it until recently, although 1 started being in government since

T

•BUHARI

but I believe the officer is working hard. I saw him responding to some of your colleagues (journalist) a couple of days ago in the papers. Meanwhile, I have told the military and law enforcement agencies that the promise this government made was that this country has to be secured before it can be effectively managed. So, we can’t wait for that report before the military re-organises Itself and secures the Niger Delta area. So, I think very soon they would do some serious operations there. As for Biafra, those looking for Biafra have a tough Job. A lot of them that have participated in the demonstrations (recently.) were not born and didn’t know what people like us went through (fighting Biafra) by walking from the northern border to initially Abakaliki, then came back and started from Awka to Abagana and to Onitsha. We lost our friends, our relatives and about two million Nigerians were killed. They

thought it was a joke. So I think they have a problem. Kidnappmg 15 a very serious thing like the operations of the militants where they are destroying Installations min the Niger Delta. I was going round the world telling people that we are going to secure Nigeria and by our performance m the North-East, they believe us and people are prepared to come and invest in Nigeria. But nobody would invest in an insecure environment. Those who had been in Nigeria for so many years can conduct feasibility studies. But why would they put money paying militants or paying for corruption? This means with all the goodwill we are winning, we may not be able to benefit in the long run because of the kidnapping and the actions of the militants. So it is a top priority for this government to address once we settle down to make sure that we deal with militants. We will deal with kidnappers also.

I never liked the priority Of that government on that particular issue, because it meant is that the discussions on what the National Assembly ought to do was more important than keeping our children in schools. That is why I haven’t even bothered to read it or asked for a briefing on it and I want it to go into the so-called archives.

•Continued on page 10

8

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, On His Unscheduled Inspection Tour To The Ongoing Projects Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. In Ilesa, State Of Osun, Last Sunday.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left), pointing at the ongoing construction of the Ilesa Government High School. With him is All Progressives Congress (APC) Chieftain, Quadri Owonikoko (left) and others during the inspection.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola, acknowledging cheers from his admirers atop his vehicle, during the inspection tour.

One Of The Security Details Attached To State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Mr Ohiolebo Abiodun, Being Decorated With His New Police Rank.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (left) and his Chief Security Officer (CSO), Mr Hakeem Ajasa (right), decorating Mr Ohiolebo Abiodun with his new rank ‘Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP)’ at the Government House, Osogbo, recently.

59

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

President, SouthWest Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Nathaniel Uzomah, Paid A Courtesy Visit To State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, In Osogbo Recently.

•From right: Governor Rauf Aregbesola; President, Southwest Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Prince Nathaniel Uzomah and Ezendigbo of Lagos, Dr. Femidom Ferguson Okoli.

•Aregbesola (3rd right); Uzomah (3rd left); Osun State Secretary of Ohanaeze Ndigbo; Chief Aloy Umenweke (right); Ezendigbo of Ijesaland, Mr. Obi Okechukwu (2nd right), Ezendigbo of Ile-Ife, Mr. Onyejekwe Ezekiel (2nd left) and Ezendigbo of Apomu, Mr. Ndubuisi Onyikwe.

•Aregbesola (middle); Uzomah (3rd left), Umenweke (2nd right) and others.

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

10

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

My 12 Months As President

•Contined from page 7

1975. The Minister of Budget and Planning earned my respect during the budget sessions because I tried to follow up on what he was doing taking presentations from each ministry. Having done that, he wrote a comprehensive memo to the council of ministers, which I presided over and some corrections were made by the ministers. So, we thought it was completed and I was ready to go and bow and deliver it to the National Assembly as the constitution has directed. But what I did not know was that the real thing had been removed and that they (legislature) put their own. For instance, the Minister of Health was sitting before a committee (at his budget defence). I wasn’t even sure of the committee and they were very excited and happy with what they were doing. They then asked the minister to defend his budget. So they handed over to him his supposed budget and he looked at it and said, ‘I can’t defend what I didn’t present. This was not what I presented.’ Instantly r was alerted. Also a number of the ministers that were asked to defend their budget, it was not what they presented that they were asked to defend. So what happened is that some group somewhere at the National Assembly had done their own budgeting and they called it padding. EANWHILE, 1 became governor of the NorthEast made up of six states in August 1975, later I went on to become the Petroleum Minister and then Head of State, and I never heard of padding until now. So I said whoever is linked to the padding has no room in this administration. Even at that, the minister came back to ask me to sign it so that the government can move on. But I said I don’t normally sign what I don’t understand or what I don’t agree with. He said the government has to move on and I said okay. Before he left, I said ‘If you insist, I would sign because I trust you. But I would put you in front of me (if anything goes wrong). So whoever wants anything, I would push to you.’ So he went back (to the National Assembly) and not long after, he came and said 1 shouldn’t sign, and that took us another six weeks before they brought back the paper and I signed. This was because the government decided that we should have at least 30 per cent allocated to capital projects. We can t help our country and our state of development year after year with more than 90 per cent on overheads and no capital projects. So we decided to have at least 30 per cent on capital expenditure. So on the observation you made, don’t worry; the Central Bank alone has assisted by giving more than N200 billion to agriculture. Are we really close to an economic recession and in what ways can all your foreign trips and

M

•BUHARI

the foreign investments you are anticipating mitigate this looming recession. Also, what would you do with the loot recovered from former public officials? With what happened to us so far and what I mentioned to you, I wouldn’t doubt a recession. I have just told you that from 1999 to 2014, Nigeria’s crude was selling on the average of $100 per barrel. These are facts you can cross check. The average production was about two million barrels per day. If you take about half a million for consumption at home, about 445,000 per day, which was what was officially budgeted for local refineries, only to be complemented by marketers. But suddenly when the oil price plummeted, we looked left, right and centre, and no arrangement was made to support the economy if such a thing happened. That was why: when I called to know what we were spending our foreign exchange on and it was on food items. However, low-income earners cannot afford imported food; people that are not working who are the majority live on what the farmers produce. So, really, it is frightening. I agree with you that the prospect of going into recession is frightening and I believe that the leadership of this country should

bear the consequence for not meeting up. I blame the elite for not alerting the other government sufficiently for us to realise that if anything happens to oil, we would be in trouble. HAT is my solution? It is to advise the Nigerian elite to, for once, be patriotic. Let them work very hard to support this country. Not only politicians, but for leadership at every level to take responsibility to make sure that the economy of this country is resuscitated. The anti-corruption fight by the EFCC and the probe of arms funds has shown some of the funds were allocated to the PDP campaign. But your critics have accused you of probing PDP campaign funds while not investigating your own campaign funds. They say you nave people in your government that allegedly used state resources to sponsor your campaign. How will you explain this? I don’t know whether I have some official protection. If I don’t have it, why haven’t you started the investigation? The constitution J2ves you immunity. I see, very good (General laughter). But then it doesn’t extend to all the executives and party leaders; the party leaders .are there. If anybody has received $100 million to give to the party, I think

W

As for Biafra, those looking for Biafra have a tough job. A lot of them that have participated in the demonstrations (recently) were not born and didn’t know what people like us went through (fighting Biafra).

he should be asked to tell us where he got the $100 million. I know those we would eventually successfully prosecute, they wouldn’t leave it, neither will let their friends leave it. We do not believe if we were so reckless we any would get away with it. I don’t believe it. Do you remember the three and half years when I was in charge of the petroleum ministry, have you forgotten the $2.8 billion issue? If you have forgotten. I haven’t. Have you forgotten the PTF (petroleum Trust Fund)? In the PTF, at one stage we had more than N53 billion at a time, we planned and spent it. It was investigated subsequently. So assure you that I feel perfectly safe. But nobody is perfect, only God is perfect. But let me tell you from being governor of the SIX states (the old North Eastern State) which was only for seven months, to the Petroleum Ministry, to Head of State, and to PTF, I tried not to expose myself, and I hope God will continue to help me. Nigeria is said to be difficult to govern. Did you find it to be so? There are a lot of problems in the country. You have insurgency in the North-East. But how did Boko Haram start? If you could recall, It was like a group of political thugs, and along the line a young charismatic leader called Mohammed Yusuf emerged. That young man assumed that reputation in the North East because of the way he preached. One afternoon the group wanted to go and bury one of their own. Most of them were on motorcycles, some wore helmets and some did not. Then there were the military patrol vehicles. The normal thing was for them to wear helmets, but the group bad a way of wearing their headgears, which made it difficult to wear helmets. Instead of arresting them and taking them to court to pay a fine of some N250 the patrol team just shot six of them. Hell was let loose. The situation went out of control for the police, and the military took over. Mohammed Yusuf went into hiding; the military looked for him, arrested and handed him over to the police, and he was murdered. That’s why we now have Boko Haram. I know all these because I was once a governor of NorthEastern State and I follow the political developments there closely. For unemployment, things became clearer and compounded when we became a mono-culture economy. We abandoned agriculture, left solid minerals and everybody rushed to the town to get oil money. Now, we’ve found out that that oil money is not available. . Then corruption is what we are going through now. How can you take $2.1 billion meant to fight insurgency and share among yourselves and think that nothing should happen? No to talk of when political money is being •Contined on page 12

5 11

HEALTH

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

20 Ways To Never Get Cancer Certain cancer-fighting foods and other healthy habits can dramatically lower your cancer risk.

F

IRST, the good news: You probably won’t get cancer. That is, if you have a healthy lifestyle. “As many as 70% of known causes of cancers are avoidable and related to lifestyle,” says Thomas A. Sellers, PhD, associate director for cancer prevention and control at Moffitt Cancer Center in Tampa. Diet, exercise, and avoidance of tobacco products are, of course, your first line of defense, but recent research has uncovered many small, surprising ways you can weave even more disease prevention into your everyday life. 1. Filter your tap water You’ll reduce your exposure to known or suspected carcinogens and hormonedisrupting chemicals. A report from the President’s Cancer Panel on how to reduce exposure to carcinogens suggests that home-filtered tap water is a safer bet than bottled water, whose quality often is not higher—and in some cases is worse—than that of municipal sources, according to a study by the Environmental Working Group. (Consumer Reports’ top picks for faucetmounted filters: Culligan, Pur Vertical, and the Brita OPFF-100.) Store water in stainless steel or glass to avoid chemical contaminants such as BPA that can leach from plastic bottles. 2. Stop topping your tank So say the EPA and the President’s Cancer Panel: Pumping one last squirt of gas into your car after the nozzle clicks off can spill fuel and foil the pump’s vapor recovery system, designed to keep toxic chemicals such as cancer-causing benzene out of the air, where they can come in contact with your skin or get into your lungs. 3. Marinate meat first Processed, charred, and well-done meats can contain cancer-causing heterocyclic amines, which form when meat is seared at high temperatures, and polycyclic aromatic hydrocarbons, which get into food when it’s charcoal broiled. “The recommendation to cut down on grilled meat has really solid scientific evidence behind it,” says Cheryl Lyn Walker, PhD, a professor of carcinogenesis at the University of Texas M.D. Anderson Cancer Center. If you do grill, add rosemary and thyme to your favorite marinade and soak meat for at least an hour before cooking. The antioxidant-rich spices can cut HCAs by as much as 87%, according to research at Kansas State University. 4. Caffeinate every day Java lovers who drank 5 or more cups of caffeinated coffee a day had a 40% decreased risk of brain cancer, compared with people who drank the least, in a 2010 British study. A 5-cup-aday coffee habit reduces risks of oral and throat cancer almost as much. Researchers credit the caffeine: Decaf had no comparable effect. But coffee was a more potent protector against these cancers than tea, which the British researchers said also offered protection against brain cancer. 5. Water down your risk Drinking plenty of water and other liquids may reduce the risk of bladder cancer by diluting the concentration of cancer-causing agents in urine and helping to flush them through the bladder faster. Drink at least 8 cups of liquid a day, suggests the American Cancer Society. 6. Load up on green greens Next time you’re choosing salad fixings, reach for the darkest varieties. The chlorophyll that gives them their color is loaded with magnesium, which some large studies have found lowers the risk of colon cancer in women. “Magnesium affects signaling in cells, and without the right amount, cells may do things like divide and replicate when

who may become or are pregnant to prevent birth defects, is a double-edged sword when it comes to cancer risk. Consuming too much of the synthetic form (not folate, found in leafy green veggies, orange juice, and other foods) has been linked to increased colon cancer risk, as well as higher lung cancer and prostate cancer risks. Rethink your multivitamin, especially if you eat a lot of cereal and fortified foods. A CDC study discovered that half of supplement users who took supplements with more than 400 mcg of folic acid exceeded 1,000 mcg per day of folic acid. Most supplements pack 400 mcg. Individual supplements (of vitamin D and calcium, for instance) may be a smarter choice for most women who aren’t thinking of having kids. 16. Up your calcium intake ILK’s main claim to fame may also help protect you from colon cancer. Those who took calcium faithfully for 4 years had a 36% reduction in the development of new precancerous colon polyps 5 years after the study had ended, revealed Dartmouth Medical School researchers. (They tracked 822 people who took either 1,200 mg of calcium every day or a placebo.) Though the study was not on milk itself, you can get the same amount of calcium in three 8-ounce glasses of fat-free milk, along with an 8-ounce serving of yogurt or a 2- to 3-ounce serving of low-fat cheese daily. 17. Commit to whole grains You know whole wheat is better for you than white bread. Here’s more proof why you should switch once and for all: If you eat a lot of things with a high glycemic load—a measurement of how quickly food raises your blood sugar— you may run a higher risk of colorectal cancer than women who eat lowglycemic-load foods, found a Harvard Medical School study involving 38,000 women. The problem eats are mostly white: white bread, pasta, potatoes, and sugary pastries. The low-glycemic-load stuff comes with fiber. 18. Pay attention to pain If you’re experiencing a bloated belly, pelvic pain, and an urgent need to urinate, see your doctor. These symptoms may signal ovarian cancer, particularly if they’re severe and frequent. Women and physicians often ignore these symptoms, and that’s the very reason that this disease can be deadly. When caught early, before cancer has spread outside the ovary, the relative 5-year survival rate for ovarian cancer is a jaw-dropping 90 to 95%. 19. Avoid unnecessary scans CT scans are a great diagnostic tool, but they deliver much more radiation than x-rays and may be overused, says Barton Kamen, MD, PhD, chief medical officer for the Leukemia & Lymphoma Society. In fact, researchers suggest that one-third of CT scans could be unnecessary. High doses of radiation can trigger leukemia, so make sure scans are not repeated if you see multiple doctors, and ask if another test, such as an ultrasound or MRI, could substitute. 20. Drop 10 pounds Being overweight or obese accounts for 20% of all cancer deaths among women and 14% among men, notes the American Cancer Society. (You’re overweight if your body mass index is between 25 and 29.9; you’re obese if it’s 30 or more.) Plus, losing excess pounds reduces the body’s production of female hormones, which may protect against breast cancer, endometrial cancer, and ovarian cancer. Even if you’re not technically overweight, gaining just 10 pounds after the age of 30 increases your risk of developing breast, pancreatic, and cervical, among other cancers.

M

they shouldn’t,” says Walker. Just 1/2 cup of cooked spinach provides 75 mg of magnesium, 20% of the daily value. 7. Snack on Brazil nuts They’re a stellar source of selenium, an antioxidant that lowers the risk of bladder cancer in women, according to research from Dartmouth Medical School. Other studies have found that people with high blood levels of selenium have lower rates of dying of lung cancer and colorectal cancer. Researchers think selenium not only protects cells from free radical damage but also may enhance immune function and suppress formation of blood vessels that nourish tumors. 8. Burn off your risk Moderate exercise such as brisk walking 2 hours a week cuts risk of breast cancer 18%. Regular workouts may lower your risks by helping you burn fat, which otherwise produces its own estrogen, a known contributor to breast cancer. (Try these 14 Walking Workouts That Blast Fat.) 9. Skip the dry cleaner A solvent known as perc (short for perchloroethylene) that’s used in traditional dry cleaning may cause liver and kidney cancers and leukemia, according to an EPA finding backed in early 2010 by the National Academies of Science. The main dangers are to workers who handle chemicals or treated clothes using older machines, although experts have not concluded that consumers are also at increased cancer risk. Less toxic alternatives: Hand-wash clothes with mild soap and air-dry them, spot cleaning if necessary with white vinegar. 10. Ask about breast density Women whose mammograms have revealed breast density readings of 75% or more have a breast cancer risk 4 to 5 times higher than that of women with low density scores, according to recent research. One theory is that denser breasts result from higher levels of estrogen—making exercise particularly important (see #8). “Shrinking your body fat also changes growth factors, signaling proteins such as adipokines and hormones like insulin in ways that tend to turn off cancer-promoting processes in cells,” Walker says. 11. Head off cell phone risks Use your cell phone only for short

calls or texts, or use a hands-free device that keeps the phone—and the radio frequency energy it emits—away from your head. The point is more to preempt any risk than to protect against a proven danger: Evidence that cell phones increase brain cancer risk is “neither consistent nor conclusive,” says the President’s Cancer Panel report. But a number of review studies suggest there’s a link. 12. Block cancer with color Choosing your outdoor outfit wisely may help protect against skin cancer, say Spanish scientists. In their research, blue and red fabrics offered significantly better protection against the sun’s UV rays than white and yellow ones did. Don’t forget to put on a hat: Though melanoma can appear anywhere on the body, it’s more common in areas the sun hits, and researchers at the University of North Carolina at Chapel Hill have found that people with melanomas on the scalp or neck die at almost twice the rate of people with the cancer on other areas of the body. 13. Pick a doc with a past XPERIENCE—lots of it—is critical when it comes to accurately reading mammograms. A study from the University of California, San Francisco, found that doctors with at least 25 years’ experience were more accurate at interpreting images and less likely to give false positives. Ask about your radiologist’s track record. If she is freshly minted or doesn’t check a high volume of mammograms, get a second read from someone with more mileage. 14. Eat clean foods The President’s Cancer Panel recommends buying meat free of antibiotics and added hormones, which are suspected of causing endocrine problems, including cancer. The report also advises that you purchase produce grown without pesticides and wash conventionally grown food thoroughly to remove residues. (The foods with the most pesticides: celery, peaches, strawberries, apples, and blueberries. See the full list of dirtiest fruits and vegetables here.) “At least 40 known carcinogens are found in pesticides and we should absolutely try to reduce exposure,” Sellers says. 15. Do a folic acid check The B vitamin, essential for women

E

12

SPECIAL INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

My 12 Months As President

•Contined from page 10

raised for elections and the Central Bank, NNPC, Customs funds are where the funds are collected from. We’ve made some progress in recovering this money, which I promised I will tell the nation, Just to show Nigerians that we haven t given up and have no intention of giving up. We are giving the people the opportunity of fair trial. They take the money and pay into some persons’ accounts, and there are signatures of some persons who admit that they had taken the money. Somebody comes and Calls another, saying ‘you’re a member of this .Party?’ The other person responds by saying ‘yes’. Then, he’s told take a N100 million to go and keep, and the other person doesn’t ask any questions. You take a N100 million and disappear, and subsequently you complain that you have received money for doing nothing? Considering the hike in the price of fuel and the devaluation of the Nigeria which have led to hardships what would you tell Nigerians to give them the hope that things will be better? In 1984 we were advised to devalue the naira and withdraw subsidy - whatever their perception of subsidy was in Nigeria. We even had subsidy on flour. The IMF and World Bank talked about subsidy removal. My argument has been that those who devalue their currencies have developed economies where there is local production and they export the excess. They have good infrastructure. So they devalue their currencies to sell the products outside their shores, and employ their people. We claim to import food, but this IS a lie. People just take the money out of the country. How many factories have we built? So I refused to devalue the Naira. They talk about petroleum subsidy. I say what do they mean by subsidy? They say Nigeria’s petroleum is so cheap that it encourages smuggling into our neighbouring countries: Cameroon, ‘Chad, Nigeria. UT I know the four refineries we built could produce 450,000 barrels. We have 20 depots ... we didn’t borrow a kobo. So even if we put something on top and pay the cost of refining and travels to filling stations and small overhead, we’ll still be selling at a good price. But they say there’s a lot of smuggling. I said these countries where they claim petrol is being smuggled to can’t consume more than what one city in-Nigeria consumes. I was asked how I knew, and I said, for three and a half years was Commissioner for Petroleum under Obasanjo. At the time I was removed naira exchanged for three dollars. Now you need N350 to get a dollar! I challenge Nigerian economists to tell me what benefits Nigerian has earned from the devaluation so far. How many factories have we built by killing the naira? I have to reluctantly give up because the so-called economists come and talk things to me, and when I raise issues they talk over my head instead of inside my head. For us to lose over N300 - every year we’re losing the value of the currency by N100) ... what for? Let them tell me how many factories they’ve built. I find myself in a very difficult state because the economists cannot tell me why we should continue to devalue our Naira. People say import, and we find out that we are just importing food! We’re now planning to stop importation of rice, wheat, maize in three years’ time. On the value of the naira I’m still agonising over it· that the naira should be reduced to such a disgraceful level over the last 30 years. I need to be educated on this. But I’m not running this country alone. I’m under pressure and we’ll see how we can accommodate the economists. ‘ What are you thinking about privatisation of refineries?

B

•BUHARI

I believe in privatisation, but I believe before you do it you have to look at your state of development as a nation. The first refinery m Port Harcourt was built to refine 60,000 barrels per day it was upgraded to refine 100,000 barrels per day. Another one was bull in Port Harcourt to refine 150,000 barrels per day. So Port Harcourt alone has the capacity to refine 250,000 per day of Nigerian crude. So you’re not importing anything. As commissioner for Petroleum I signed the contract for Warri to refine 100,000 barrels per day; Kaduna, 100,000 barrels per day. We laid pipelines up to Maiduguri, Gusau, all over the country... We took tankers off the road, and then some greedy people in this country took over and now all the refineries are not working. Nigeria has to go cap in hand, like a non-oil producing country and buy fuel and bring into Nigeria. With this background in mind, do you want us to privatize our infrastructure as scrap? So, we’re just starting to get them repaired. We want to make them work so that we don’t sell them as scrap. We can’t spend so much money to put up the refineries, just to sell them as scrap think that will be disservice to the country. Let’s repair them and negotiate with them to sell them at good prices. We don’t want them to dictate how much we sell fuel in this country after we’ve sold the refineries to private investors. There are many initiatives to rebuild the North-East. Why can’t we have one cohesive approach in this regard? If you could recall, during the week I was sworn in, I was invited to G7 meeting in Germany. I was impressed, but surprised that I was the first item on the agenda. I was told to brief them on the security situation in Nigeria and on the North-East. I spoke, and all of them promised to help Nigeria. When I returned I told the governors of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa States to make a survey of the entire infrastructure destroyed by Boko Haram: schools, local government headquarters, health centers and broken bridges. They did and put costs to them. I sent it to the headquarters of G7. Then I learnt of the T.Y. Danjuma Committee. He contributed $10 million and Aliko Dangote contributed something substantial. So we reinforced the committee and Danjuma is in charge of it. We persuaded him to stay. We drafted the legal instrument that would give them the powers to spend that money. I sent the request to AGF. He sent me a draft to give to Danjuma. Instead it went into some hands

and what I got when it returned was virtually another government, with many governors and important people involved. So, I feared that all that money would finish on overheads. I returned to the original draft from the Ministry of Justice to see if we could put few people from Yobe, Bomo, Adamawa, Gombe, ‘Bauchi and Taraba to handle the rebuilding of the NorthEast. ACH of the governors should send directors or some officials from ministries of works, health, education, governors’ offices, and form committees. So whoever comes to help from Nigeria or outside would work with these people under the control of the Danjuma committee. If anybody wants to help he would be taken to locations and he would decide what to do. If United Nations identifies a project they will go there and do it. We have plenty of retired but not tired people who could manage things like that. It will take another two weeks or more before the committee members will be announced. But I don’t want a big organization that will just consume the resources but not produce anything. Are you satisfied with the performance of your team and do we expect changes? I expect to hear from you. But look at what has been happening: after the election. I went to thank Jonathan for what he did conceding defeat. A former Head of State, General Abdulsalami Abubakar (rtd), told me he had an experience ID handover and asked if he should advise me. I said, yes. He said committees in the ministries met and wrote handover notes and Obasanjo set up transition committees to work with each ministry and at the end Obasanjo took whatever he wanted from the reports. I agreed. Jonathan agreed. When I came to sit down. Jonathan’s ministers complained, saying ‘why would Jonathan allow Buhari to take over government before he is sworn in’. They refused to cooperate. So I took over without knowing what Jonathan’s government contained. After we were sworn in, I began to debrief the Permanent Secretaries, taking two ministries per day, to just try and find out what they had. They had 42 ministers; the economy had collapsed. We reduced 42 ministries to 24 and we had to ask some permanent secretaries to go on several grounds.

E

•Culled from The Nation Newspaper.

OPINION

51 3

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

When Osun Is Turned Into A Construction Site •Aregbesola And The Parable Of The Talents

E

ACH time I watch the tractors and earth movers on site, in virtually all ongoing projects in Osun, I feel emotive. It also evokes a bi-dimensional reaction from both sides of the divide: one, from die-hard critics and the other from the ordinary folks in the state. The two different reactions evoke both petty political envy and admiration, respectively. Before the advent of the Aregbesola-led administration, most inter and intra-cities roads in Osun were blots on the landscape. Socially, the state before Aregbesola was like a geographical entity that has been eradicated from the map of Nigeria. However, today, contrary to the meddlesome affirmation of the opposition, intra and inter-cities’ roads in the State of Osun are meticulously receiving dutiful attention from the state government. In Osogbo, the state capital, roads such as Okefia-Olaiya, Olaiya-Ita Olookan and others have received makeovers via rehabilitation. Olaiya down to Iwo road, Osogbo at present wears a new look. In Ilesa and Ile-Ife town, Modakeke, Moro, Ashipa via Ipetumodu, roads that were once impassable, are now well-laid with asphalt. There is no part within the state that is left untouched in terms of roads’ construction and maintenance. In all, the Aregbesola-led administration has constructed 61 township roads, covering over 128km while intercity roads, covering about 294km, have been completely rehabilitated. Federal Roads: In the State of Osun today, there are several federal roads, which rehabilitation have been taken on by the state government. Most noticeable of these are the Osogbo-Gbongan road, as well as the Osogbo-Ikirun road. The ongoing dualisation of the lengthy Osogbo-Gbongan road, though highly expensive, is currently being undertaken by the Aregbesola-led government. The Osogbo-Ilesa road, which has been under rehabilitation by the old Federal Government since 2010 has since been abandoned but feelers from Osogbo have it that Ogbeni is planning to take up its rehabilitation, alongside similar dilapidated federal roads in Osun. A new visitor to Osun will not fail to notice serious road rehabilitations and reconstructions going on daily. Even though this have caused some traffic gridlocks along major roads and intersections like Orita Olaiya and Old Garage round-about linking Stadium/Ikirun Road, citizens seem ready to bear the temporary pain, which they know is for their benefits. The Model O’School

•Freedom Park at night in Osogbo.

•Frontage of Ataoja High School, Osogbo.

Infrastructure is another area, where Osun people are experiencing gigantic construction wonders. Since the reclassification of schools in Osun, the state government has taken it upon itself to rebuild the schools to international structural standard. The administration injected a whopping sum of N30 billion to give a brand-new lease to structures and classrooms, under which pupils studied going by the recommendations of the Soyinka summit. Under the arrangements, the government is constructing 170 new model schools across the state to replace the dilapidated buildings with state-of-the-art facilities expected to enhance and stimulate the teaching and learning environment. As we write, 37 of the schools have been completed or commissioned. HILE 20 are for students in Senior Secondary Schools (that is those in SSS1 to SSS3), when completed, each is expected to conveniently accommodate 3,000 students on the basis of 40 students per class. Each of the structures is expected to come with an examination hall that can comfortably seat 1,500 students and two e-libraries; one for sciences and the other for arts

W

By AYO AKINOLA

and social sciences would cost the N700 million each, according to the government. OR Junior Schools, (those from Primary 4 to Junior Secondary School 3 (JSS3)), 50 of them are being constructed, each accommodating 1,250 students, while in the elementary schools, Primaries 1 to 3, which would be 100 pieces across the state, would conveniently accommodate 900 pupils. The newly-completed Ataoja Science Model College, Osogbo, Fakunle Comprehensive High School, Osogbo High School, Osogbo, Wole Soyinka (Ejigbo) High School, Ejigbo, Iwo High School, Iwo, Salvation Army Day School, Osogbo, Ilesa Grammar School, Ilesa and AUD Model Primary School, Osogbo are edifices to behold and can rank with any institution of its type anywhere in the world. Markets are also not left out in this construction voyage. The Ayegbaju International Market, located at the old Governor’s Office, Osogbo and Aje International Market, sited at the State Trade Fair Complex along Iwo-Osogbo road, have been completed and put into use.

F

O’Health Infrastructure: O’Health hospitals litter the nooks and crannies of the state. Basically, all the nine state-owned general hospitals and 12 comprehensive healthcare centres have been rehabilitated for optimal functionality, easy access and quick service delivery. The Aregbesolaled administration has also built 74 additional primary health centres across the state. One will not end this without a reference to the famous Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, the state capital. The spot was once an eyesore, in the centre of Osogbo City. The Aregbesola administration did a construction wonder, turning the space, once hardly noticed by the past administrations, into a functional civic centre, which generates income to government. Well, the biblical book of Matthew renders the Parable of the Talent, wherein the wise servants invested their silver loans (talents) for the future, to the benefit of their master. Aregbesola has refused to bury Osun’s ‘talents’ but instead invested in the present and also future generations yet unborn. The investments are in quality roads (Ona Baba Ona), structurally improved schools and hospices that would outlast this generation.

14

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Inventory Analyst · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Admin · Posted by Afri Recruiters on Sunday, July 10, 2016 · Reference: 183542 Job Details Employer: Afri Recruiters Afri Recruiters is founded on solid international best practices and procedures combined with in-debt knowledge of local Human Resource needs. We strive to be the best in everything we do ensuring our services add value to our clients. We aim to deliver the best candidates to the most highly sought after roles, while meeting our clients highly skilled needs. Our professional focus is identifying exceptional talent within the industries we serve matching talented individual’s skills and experiences to the right career opportunities. We have also consistently acted as a solution provider for global companies seeking the right candidates for their hard to fill roles. We are recruiting to fill this vacant position.Description · Analyze root causes of inventory issues and provide resolutions. · Communicate complex inventory problems to Manager promptly. · Develop process improvements to achieve company inventory goals. · Develop initiatives to reduce slow moving inventories and to improve inventory turns. · Generate and maintain monthly reports on inventory levels. · Review inventory activities and recommend improvements. Candidate Requirements · Bachelor’s degree in relevant field. · At least 1-3 years of experience. · Ability to work autonomously. · Good communication. · Ability to make good decisions. Apply before Monday, August 29, 2016 - 51 Days left ………………….end……………………… Web Personnel · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: IT · Posted by Nationalmirror Newspaper on Thursday, June 16, 2016 · Reference: 176246 Job Details Employer: Nationalmirror Newspaper National Mirror was acquired in 2008 by the billionaire lawyer and business man, Barrister Jimoh Ibrahim (OFR). His first task upon acquisition of the newspaper was its complete refocus, giving it proper direction. We urgently require the service of suitable candidate to fill this position Job Description · The Web Personnel would be responsible for the uploading of content and im on the website. · Maintaining website and ensuring timely uploading of materials. · Ensure contents set for publication are planned ahead and in accordance with publication’s style, editorial policy, and publishing requirements. Candidate Requirements · Relevant ICT certificate/ qualification · Have excellent communication skills, both written and oral; · Be creative; · Be able to multitask and prioritise work schedules; · Be computer literate and possess good keyboard skills; · Be thorough and precise in their work with a good attention to detail; · Good understanding of Facebook, Blogger, Blogging, Twitter and other social media platforms; · Must be able to work at night. · Must not be more than 28 years. Apply before Friday, July 15, 2016 - 6 Days left ………………………….end…………………………. Editorial Manager (Quality Assurance) · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Management · Posted by Mactay Group on Monday, June 27, 2016 · Reference: 179255 Job Details Employer: Mactay Group The MacTay Group, is a leading consulting company with its sole aim to nurture and improve growth in people and establishments by offering strategic and operations consulting services. We are recruiting to fill the vacant position: Job Description · Responsible for the design and implementation of policies and procedures to ensure that quality standards are met across all products/services. · Responsible for developing and ensuring all content materials are clear and consistent, complete and credible, and that texts are well written, grammatically correct and accessible. Responsibilities · Plan, direct and coordinate all the quality assurance activities of the company. · Manage relationships with all content providers and ensure the timely receipt of content from them. · Maintain status update on all content review, submission and development. · Manage invoicing and payment processes for all content providers. · Identify, source and engage competent content providers when needed, for all mobile content. · Work with content providers in developing content syllabus for all mobile content by providing direction on preferred content focus. · Supervise to ensure the review of all mobile content. All content must be in line with established standards and free of all forms of errors: typos, excess spacing, grammatical, lexical, sexually explicit language and fraud. · Monitor and provide reports on how all mobile services are performing. Ensure the prompt escalation and resolution of any anomaly with any service revenue. · Co-ordinate and monitor all digital user experience testing activities. Ensure the prompt escalation and resolution of any issues observed. · Co-ordinate and monitor all customer relations management activities. · Lead, direct and supervise the work of subordinates. · Responsible for identifying training needs of subordinates and liaising with the HR Unit to implement agreed training schedules for all staff in the unit. Attend and facilitate training and other employee development programs as may be required from time to time. Candidate Requirements · University Degree in English Language preferred. · 5-7 years’ experience in journalism, communications or a related field · Vast Quality Assurance experience in a digital news environment · Some experience in a daily news environment, i.e., a daily newspaper · Minimum of 4 years’ experience in a quality assurance managerial role, preferably from a telecoms VAS company or a Media press/ Publication environment · Ability to read and write French language fluently is a plus. · Proficiency in MS Office applications Apply before Friday, August 26, 2016 - 48 Days left …………………….end………………………. Product Specialist · Abuja, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent

· Sector: Marketing · Posted on Tuesday, June 7, 2016 · Reference: 172587 Job Details Our Client is a global leader in the telecom/data-services sectors delivering wide range of affordable, high quality and easy to use broadband access and communication services across Africa. We are recruiting to fill this vacant position. Description · Responsible for sending out the right image thereby creating a lasting impression among consumers; improve product sales and market share. · Oversee channel usage campaigns for retail outlet (shop and kiosk) merchandizing. · Take the lead on customer acquisition projects and continuous improvement of the current. pricing portfolio. · Generate names for new and existing products and services, coming up with ideas for new packaging designs, including shape, size, colours, fonts and imagery. · Oversee the production of TV adverts, newspaper and magazine advertisements, direct mail packs, email campaigns, websites, exhibition stands, road shows and liaising with art designers, copywriters, media buyers and printers. · Develop brand standards and usage guidelines; check marketing copy from time to time. · Supervise the signoff of marketing literature and campaigns, liaising with legal and compliance personnel, ensuring the designs and messages meet the company brand and regulatory guidelines. · Monitor product distribution and consumer reactions through focus groups and market research. · Create strategies to take advantage of market opportunities. Candidate Requirements · Must have a first degree in Social Sciences, Marketing or other related fields, a second degree (masters or MBA) and professional membership will be an advantage. · Candidates must have at least 4 - 6 years’ experience · Should possess excellent customer service skills. · Should have strong organisational and methodical skills. · Should possess strong brand management capabilities, strong research and analytical skills. Apply before Saturday, August 6, 2016 - 28 Days left ………………….end………………… Accounts Clerk/Cashier · Ogun, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Accounting · Posted by Harvel & Carst Outsourcing Company on Wednesday, July 6, 2016 · Reference: 182614 Job Details Employer: Harvel & Carst Outsourcing Company Harvel & Carst Outsourcing Company is an Outsourcing Services provider incorporated in March 2014. We offer a comprehensive range of outsourcing services ranging from Human Resource solutions to fleet management. We serve both small and medium sized enterprises as well as large corporate companies. Our client seek young, vibrant candidate to fill this vacant position Job Description · Obtains payment for goods by scanning items, itemizing and totaling customer’s purchases. · Itemizes and totals purchases by recording prices, departments, taxable and nontaxable items; operating a cash register. · Enters price changes by referring to price sheets and special sale bulletins. · Discounts purchases by redeeming coupons. · Collects payments by accepting cash, check, or charge payments from customers; making change for cash customers. · Verifies credit acceptance by reviewing and recording driver’s license number; operating credit card authorization system. · Balances cash drawer by counting cash at beginning and end of work shift. · Provides pricing information by answering questions. · Maintains checkout operations by following policies and procedures; reporting needed changes. · Maintains safe and clean working environment by complying with procedures, rules, and regulations. · Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed. Candidate Requirements · Candidates should possess relevant qualification Apply before Friday, July 15, 2016 - 6 Days left ……………………….end…………………. Sales Manager · Ekiti, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Sales · Posted by JC & Partners on Sunday, June 19, 2016 · Reference: 177080 Job Details Employer: JC & Partners JC & Partners, a total solutions HR consultancy and recruitment company, is seeking to fill this position Job Description · The Sales Manager is responsible for all sales activities in defined areas, and shall be responsible for managing high quality and consistency of all products and service delivery through distributer channels in cooperation with HQ. · Present and sell company products and services to current and potential clients. Prepare action plans and schedules to identify specific targets and to project the number of contacts to be made. · Follow up on new leads and referrals resulting from field activity. Identify sales prospects and contact these and other accounts as assigned. · Prepare presentations, proposals and sales contracts. · Develop and maintain sales materials and current product knowledge. Establish and maintain current client and potential client relationships. Prepare paperwork to activate and maintain contract services. · Manage account services through quality checks and other followup. Identify and resolve client concerns. Prepare a variety of status reports, including activity, closings, followup, and adherence to goals. · Communicate new product and service opportunities, special developments, information, or feedback gathered through field activity to appropriate company staff. · Coordinate company staff to accomplish the work required to close sales. Develop and implement special sales activities to reduce stock. Sales annual budgeting. Managing local distribution channel. Candidate Requirements · Working proficiency in English and Mandarin required. · Advanced reading, writing and arithmetic skills. · At least 3 years working experience as sales representative or manager with medical equipment suppliers. · Ability to persuade and influence others. · Ability to develop and deliver presentations. Ability to create, compose and edit written materials. · Strong interpersonal and communication skills. · Knowledge of advertising and sales promotion techniques. · Visibility requires maintaining a professional image and providing a positive company image to the public. · Significant local travel to current and potential clients required. A valid state driver’s license within 60 days of employment required. · Willingness to work a flexible schedule and occasional overnight travel. Apply before Tuesday, July 19, 2016 - 10 Days left ………………….end…………………….

You can subscribe JobRSN Vacancies in Nigeria, Jobs in Nigeria via your e-mail: www.jobszilla.ng •Cullledto from

SPORTS

51 5

Atletico Madrid Complete Deal To Buy Stake In Lens

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, July 14, 2016

Compiled By Lukman Ussein

sections of women’s football of Elemental A Liga club Atletico Madrid have formalised continuing along the line the Spanish Copa de la Sport Club Atletico de the purchase of 34.6 percent of the shares of initiated with Atletico de Reina last season, within Madrid Women’s football Ligue 2 club Lens. Kolkata in India.” the basic structure of the in the structure of the It was announced in 93/94 and 98/99. It has This week’s EGM also club. Club Atletico de Madrid, May that Atletico were to developed most of its saw Atletico officially “The board has take a large share in the history in the first merge their womens’ unanimously approved S.A.D,” the statement French club, which has division [Ligue 1] of football team, which won the integration of all said. “This integration seeks to promote the been beset with financial France. Its Delelisissues in recent years, Bollaert stadium was with a Luxembourg based renovated in October of company called Solferino 2015 in order to host headed by the several matches of the European Champions League 2016 finalists’ long-time Championship. “Its current capacity is advisor Ignacio Aguillo having the remaining 65 38,223 with spacious and percent in a deal overseen modern facilities for by the French bankruptcy corporate events. The La Gaillette training centre, courts. Lens were relegated in opened in 2001, also 2011, and although the houses the corporate sang et or won promotion offices of the club and has playing fields in 2014 they were not 12 allowed back into the top [including a covered one] flight due to budget on an area of 22 hectares. irregularities. The Stade The residence boasts Felix Bollaert-Delelis has modern infrastructures been refurbished for this that can accommodate up summer’s Euro 2016 to 120 players. The finals — and hosted academy of RC Lens has England’s 2-1 Group B been chosen this season win over Wales on June as the best of France, confirming the position 16. An Extraordinary among the first three of •Arturo Mina was part of Ecuador's Copa America team this summer. General Meeting of the country during the Atletico’s shareholders last 15 years. “International figures voted to approve the deal on Monday, with a have trained in the ranks of RC Lens. In addition, subsequent club statement detailing some the network of talent of the reasons behind the scouts, coaches, and VERTON, Southampton and West Ham United instrumental role in trainers from RC Lens purchase. are chasing Ecuador defender Arturo Mina, helping the club reach the will help extend the talent “The board has sources in South America have told ESPN FC. semifinals of the Copa approved with 3,562,533 recruiting ability of our The Premier League over the last 12 months. Libertadores this season, votes in favour and 7,565 club. The operation trio have been alerted to Mina currently plays in including an outstanding votes against, which approved by the board is represents a 99.78 percent framed within the Mina’s talents after he his native Ecuador for performance in the of the votes cast in favour i n t e r n a t i o n a l i s a t i o n impressed for both his Independiente del Valle notable win over holders of the agreement, the strategy of the club, club and national side and he has had an River Plate. acquisition of a participation of 34.6 percent of the French club Racing Club of Lens,” the The stands behind the “Standing firm statement said. “RC Lens goals at the stadium will together through one of is currently playing in now be known as the our lowest periods, they France’s Ligue 2, Kendall remained proudly united VERTON have announced that two stands at Howard although it was Gwladys Street End and to lead us through the Goodison Park will be renamed after former champion of Ligue 1 in player and manager Howard Kendall and ex- the Sir Philip Carter Park most successful period the 1997/98 season and Stand in honour of the our great club has ever of the League Cup in the chairman Sir Philip Carter. pair who both passed enjoyed. away last year. “It is this strength Kendall, the most through togetherness that successful manager in the underpinned our desire club’s history, had three to name these two stands stints in charge of the in their honour at the The claims over the low- Toffees, winning two same time. Two ends of ORUSSIA Dortmund have strongly rejected claims that a low-carb diet was a factor in May’s DFB Pokal carb diet were repeated in a league titles having Goodison, representing final defeat to Bayern Munich, describing the reports report in Bild at the weekend, claimed a championship two of its most loved and certain ideas on the training and that has prompted winners’ medal as an loyal servants, facing as a “fairytale.” There have been regular pitch and also off the pitch. Dortmund to issue a Everton player too, while each other and standing reports in the German media He is very meticulous and statement in which they said Carter was chairman together once more.” that that Thomas Tuchel had extremely motivated. The diet they would be “delighted if the throughout Everton have explored ordered the players to heavily is certainly an important low carb or no carb fairytale successful period in the the possibility of moving could end now.” limit their carbohydrate intake factor.” 1980s. to a new site in their quest Sascha Fligge, the club’s The Suddeutsche Zeitung after replacing Jurgen Klopp “Howard Kendall and to play in a larger as Dortmund head coach last newspaper had claimed that, media director, said: “Sadly, Sir Philip Carter are two stadium, though the club when Dortmund lost the DFB for a few months now, we of summer. the greatest confirmed that the two Tuchel confirmed last year Pokal final to Bayern on have to read a hoax in several Evertonians of all time,” newly-named stands will that he had changed the penalties in May, the players media outlets. The negative current chairman Bill be known by their current players’ diet while Dortmund had been exhausted in the highlight: A Suddeutsche story Kenwright said on the names for as long as they sporting director Michael Zorc closing stages of the game claiming our cup final defeat club’s official website. remain at Goodison Park. could be down to the fact that said after the coach’s because of the carbohydrate

L

professionalisation of women’s football, as well as providing a financial stability that allows the women’s football section of the club to have a progressive and s u s t a i n a b l e development.”

Ecuador's Arturo Mina Targeted By Premier League Trio - Sources

E

Everton Rename Stands In Honour Of Howard Kendall And Sir Philip Carter E

Borussia Dortmund Hit Out At Media Over Low-Carb Diet Reports

B

appointment: “Thomas has

restriction.

•The ESPN FC guys analyse what caused Borussia Dortmund's collapse in their 4-3 defeat at Anfield.

some BVB players did not have enough energy because of a low-carb diet.” Fligge said BVB players are “not on a diet and nor do they follow the idea of a low-carb diet” and added: “We don’t have a clue how you could come up with it. “Our chef prepares normal meals for athletes. And carbs like potatoes, noodles or rice are part of it. After our recent friendly match at OerErkenschwick for instance, goulash with mashed potatoes was served.”

•Sir Philip Carter and Howard Kendall passed away in 2015.

The powerful central defender has also established himself as a key member of the Ecuador national team and was an ever-present in the side as they reached the quarterfinals of this summer’s Copa America in the U.S. The 25-year-old’s performances have brought him onto the radar of a number of European clubs and Everton, Southampton and West Ham are ready to lure him to the Premier League. Everton are in the market for a new central defender this summer as doubts continue to surround the long-term future of John Stones at Everton and Mina is thought to be on new Toffees boss Ronald Koeman’s wanted list. West Ham are also looking for defensive reinforcements after allowing James Tomkins leave for Crystal Palace earlier this summer and they already have Mina’s Ecuador teammate Enner Valencia among their ranks. New Southampton Claude Puel is keen to strengthen his squad after replacing Koeman at St Mary’s and is also in the hunt for Mina. Independiente del Valle are resigned to losing Mina once their participation in the Copa Libertadores is over and the Ecuador club are bracing themselves for bids for their prize asset.

www.osundefender.org

F

THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

THURSDAY, JULY 14, 2016

ELLOW Nigerians, let me start by apologising for my absence on this page last week. I could not believe the torrents of comments on social media and the number of calls from friends and well-wishers from far and near enquiring about my welfare. Everyone was concerned because they know how much dedication and discipline goes into writing a weekly column. Even I sometimes wonder how I’m able to keep a date with you week in and week out. Once in a while, we all suffer from what’s often referred to as mental block. It is a writer’s affliction that makes it impossible for you to think and write meaningfully. That was exactly what happened to me and I’m glad you understood and accepted my predicament in good faith. Your love for Pendulum propels and keeps me going. Once again, I experienced that love last week and I was deeply touched. From the bottom of my heart, I say thank you and may God shower you with His abundant favours always. Thank God, I’m back this week with my weekly epistle to fellow Nigerians and Africans. You must be wondering about the title of my article today, especially the word “they” and who it refers to ultimately. You don’t have to guess too much, as I will explain to you in a jiffy. The “they” are those groups of men and women who litter the corridors of power in our dear beloved country, Nigeria. They are some wonderful people, who understand how to manoeuvre their ways through the labyrinth of power. They are professional hijackers, who know how to hold powerful people, particularly our leaders, hostage. Nigerians usually call them the cabal or Mafia or whatever nomenclature is in vogue at the time. Truth is, they exist in reality. What is often baffling is that these folks perch like rattlesnakes and pounce at the slightest opportunity on the men of power. They inflict their poison and, sooner than later, their victim begins to behave unusually, even sometimes irrationally. The more the poison permeates the body, the more the victim sinks deeper into the abyss and onlookers begin to observe a complete transformation and transfiguration. Surprisingly, these guys were and are never around during the struggles. Once the struggle is over, they crawl out of whatever holes they were ensconced in, whilst things were hot! And they soon become the greatest beneficiaries of a campaign they never partook of. Trust me, every government has them. If you ask me, it is one reason most of our governments have failed so spectacularly. My preamble is predicated on my deep observation of what is going on in Nigeria at the moment. I can say I know President Muhammadu Buhari reasonably well, even if I was a latter day convert to Buharism. But once I got hooked like a drug addict, I was ready to go the whole hog and I have never looked back. Buhari’s appeal is based on his populist credentials. We all saw him as a man of the people and a Mr Scrooge, who would never waste scarce resources on frivolities. But the “they” of Nigeria have repackaged Baba to the extent that many now refer to him as the “Gucci President”. Every fashion designer’s delight, as he has become a veritable fashion trend-setter. Of course, this is not to denigrate the President because his previous austere style suits him, as much as his now trendy look becomes him! The fact is that by his handsome, gangling and fit nature, the President will always appear impeccably turned out and wellgroomed. However, now, his

By DELE MOMODU

How They Mislead Our Leaders

paraphernalia of power has become somehow bloated and overly flamboyant as well. How are the mighty changing! The existing theory is that President Buhari has inadvertently fallen victim of political 419ners, who have persuaded him about how powerful a Nigerian President is and why he must play the part always by being overtly fashionable. I’m sorry to say that they are stylishly setting Baba up for monumental failure. I expect their agents to swarm the internet and abuse anyone who dare say anything about the grand scam currently going on but it won’t be strange. Every government I have known since I became an adult had such acolytes to sing their praises and hold them up as infallible. But no sooner than the baton of power changes than they disappear only to reappear sometime and somewhere in the no distant future screaming adulations of the unsuspecting new leader. I vividly remember the period of the Shehu Shagari Presidency. The poor teacher and humble farmer could do no wrong. There was a popular Yoruba song specially composed and sang for him: “Oluwa lo yan Shagari, Shehu Shagari…” Shagari’s apotheosis was instantly assured. Those who saw the rot in the outlandishly profligate government were tagged dangerous dissidents and told to shut their traps up. Wole Soyinka, our own William Shakespeare, was one of the most vociferous critics at the time. As days climbed days and months rode on months, the Shagari government became neurotic and saw enemies everywhere real or imagined. Out of fear for its safety and stability, the Nigeria Police Force was over-militarised, as if in competition with the Nigerian Army. We watched incredulously as the police under the iron grip of probably the most powerful Inspector-General Police Nigeria ever-employed, Mr Sunday Adewusi, became ostensibly omnipotent. The Shagari government controlled the heavens and the earth. The 1983 general elections was the last straw that broke the back of that government. The end came on December 31, 1983. A terse announcement by a relatively unknown soldier at the time, named Sani Abacha, shattered the invincibility of the Shagari regime into smithereens. A new Head of State, Muhammadu Buhari and his ‘deputy’, Babatunde Idiagbon, were promptly installed. They in-turn wasted no time in pronouncing the direction of their government which was predicated on ‘war against indiscipline’ (WAI). That war encapsulated everything that was wrong with Nigeria. While it was a worthwhile, expedient and necessary move, the government failed to understand the complexity of Nigerians. Our people love the concept of change in the metaphysical sense but not in any way that hurts them and their families or friends. That was the reality that soon hit Buhari and Idiagbon like thunderbolts. While they were busy jailing and punishing the corrupt

stupendous tragedy. The fall came on August 27, 1993, when he suddenly stepped aside and handed over to a lame duck Interim National Government (ING) headed by Chief Ernest ‘Degunle Shonekan. This government was as weak as they come. It lacked the liver to deliver on revalidating the annulled mandate freely given to the winner of the Presidential election, Chief Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola. This would have enjoyed the wide support of the people but sadly, such opportunity was missed by the inept team and the interim government was soon sacked by General Sani Abacha. Babangida had apparently set up the ING, with a view to returning as a civilian President but man proposes and God disposes. His nemesis was Abacha, his erstwhile compatriot and friend! HE understanding when Abacha seized power in a military coup was that he was going to right the wrongs of the June 12 elections, clean up the remnants of the Babangida loyalists and give power back to the man elected freely by Nigerians. That turned out to be a classic case of naiveté at its most ludicrous. The man simply collected power pronto and sat down pretty. No Jupiter was going to remove him from that gilded cage. The Abacha government failed like others to learn the lessons of history and most importantly that no leader had ever succeeded in enslaving Nigerians… I’ve deliberately taken us down memory lane to demonstrate how the demons of power have sentenced Nigeria perpetually to stupidity and backwardness. And it seems a fool at 56 is almost irredeemable from its tomfoolery unless a miracle happens. That’s the miracle we gave to President Buhari last year on a platter of gold after his fourth attempt. But things seem to be spiraling out of control. I know the President would be told all is well by those benefitting from the current state of things but, walahi, I will always tell Baba the truth. I’ve come to see him as the last hope of the masses and if he fails, we all fail. The first truth is that this government is looking too elitist and ceremonial. I’m not sure this is intentional. The amount of time, energy and resources being deployed on hosting this and that is becoming ridiculous. Whoever suggested that the President should break Ramadan fasts with so much fanfare did not do any good for a government with too many horrendous challenges. If I had any influence in this government, I will advise that government needs to demonstrate its commitments and seriousness at tackling the intractable problems. We should see pictures of brainstorming sessions. We should have and see a brilliant economic team at work. We should see the President supervising projects nationwide in his jackboots. We should see the President appointing the many Nigerian geniuses that litter every part of the world to assist him use the power God has bestowed on him to benefit ordinary Nigerians. The qualities of appointments we are seeing lately have become appallingly lacklustre. This is not the best Nigeria can offer. I do not really care, if even if all appointees come from Daura, I would leave that agitation to others, who may be myopic or selfish. I’m more interested in the merit, competence and patriotism of such people. President Buhari can make do with a star-studded team, regardless of political and religious affiliations. It is never too late to CHANGE!

T

•BUHARI politicians, they were undoubtedly amassing enemies. They were goaded on by fifth columnists within and before long, it was time to strike. The end came on August 27, 1985. HE same Abacha who announced Buhari’s arrival pronounced his departure. It was such a cruel twist of fate. A supposedly friendlier, humane and urbane Head of State, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida, was catapulted on to the national stage. He was projected as Buhari’s fairer alter ego. He opened up the cells and disgraced and humiliated politicians in their various stages of dilapidation spilled out like locusts. Buhari immediately became the bad guy and Babangida, the benevolent dictator. Where Buhari was stern-faced, Babangida wore his famous toothy smile like the archetypal good guy. That was it. Everything Buhari had built got dismantled. The solid foundation of discipline and incorruptibility he was laying was uprooted in one fell swoop! Nigerians’ penchant for good life and happy living won the day. It wasn’t long before the “they” started digging the grave for Babangida himself. He assembled arguably one of the best teams ever, no doubt, but it remains a mystery, who his real advisers were that persuaded him to turn Nigeria into a game of football. His sobriquet of Maradona, though very apt, was also an albatross. He dribbled so much and resorted to endless transition time tables. So much so, that he eventually dribbled himself into scoring an own goal. Politicians were banned and unbanned according to the whims and caprices of one man. When the elections eventually took place, on June 12, 1993, they were programmed to fail spectacularly. Till this day, no one knows what truly happened that led to our best elections ever being truncated and annulled. Pity that none of the influencers in the Nigerian polity could dissuade Babangida from committing this unfortunate and costly hara-kiri. Even worse, no one or group has come out to say they advised him against such perfidious act but he did not listen. Nigeria is yet to recover from that

T

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.