Osun Defender Newspaper Of June 29, 2018 Online Version

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The Zoning Debate g Pa

•A bus ride showcases Osun Educational polity.

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On The Home Stretch!

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Party Primaries: Crises Imminent In Political Parties

It was gathered that electorates. allow for more atmosphere for the

By Shina Abubakar Some of the aspirants consultation though the party had with delegates on whose back As political parties’ primaries draw nearer, major shifted the date of its from the PDP who stakeholders in the party. to throw their support in political parties in the state of Osun are still battling primary from the initial believed they have been With the agitation for the primary election. party the party to zone its ticket Unlike the PDP which with internal crisis which has overshadowed their July 14 because it clashes supporting preparation for the July primaries aimed at with the gubernatorial structures in the state felt to Osun-West, the party has made public its they must be given producing candidates for the various parties in the election in Ekiti State but is widely divided on the delegates list, the APC is it is yet to pick another priority against the new issue as most proponents yet to even have a state. base across the state. comers’ ‘money bags’ date because it wants the of competency claimed it guideline to use for the OSUN DEFENDER The PDP major crisis is ruling party to conduct who are believed to have was not part of its conduct of the poll. gathered that as at the focused on the aspirant taken over party constitution, hence, all its primary first. time of filing this report, Findings revealed that Checks showed that structure in the state. aspirants must be as the party concluded its the three major parties in who can win the election in the September 22 Similarly, the APC the race in the PDP is a allowed to express their the state are still finding national convention, the means of reaching governorship election, as three-horse race among seems to be more in limbo aspiration without any attention of the national consensus with either, a reliable source within the 11 aspirants screened as more persons have form of restriction. secretariat would be on The APC in the state is how to ensure a smooth where to zone the party’s the party hinted the at the party secretariat thrown their cap in the medium that it has ceded race for the party’s ticket ahead of the primary divided in all fronts as ticket, how to prevail on primary process in the aspirants to step down its ticket to Osun-West which, according to a with few weeks to the different levels of state and the Ekiti state too governorship election for one another or, if an Senatorial district but the source, is strictly among party primary election. stakeholders aspirant is a genuine herculean task before the three major aspirants Although, the medium throwing their weight and may be, the dust party is deciding where from the district, who gathered that the party behind different raised by the long wait member of their party.

Recently, Chairman of to direct its delegates have financial muscles to may shift its primary aspirants and creating could be settled. battle for the votes of the from the initial July 7 to more difficult the Social Democratic during the primaries.

Party (SDP) in the state, Chief Ademola Isola told a gathering of journalists Ifaturoti noted that the selecting beneficiaries of effective implementation at the party secretariat

By Israel Afolabi government social of the strategy, Osun has approach being used in that the troubled Senator previous trainings has Osun Youth Employment and Social Support support interventions, Iyiola Omisore is not been scored high among known to the party Operations (YESSSO) has so far captured 21,397 saying it means that the the beneficiary states, been discovered to be effective and producing leadership in the state. households in the Community-Based Targeting communities themselves saying the He described him as a (CBT) approach of selecting beneficiaries of the take charge of who encouragement received the desired result, urging the trainees to remain government’s Social Protection Programmes in the becomes the beneficiaries stranger who is from Governor state in four consecutive phases. going by their status in Aregbesola has assisted focus, with a view to romancing party ensuring that the desired The Director-General, CBT approach represent their communities. leadership at the in no small measure. result is achieved.

He said interms of the shift in National Secretariat, Osun Bureau of Social paradigm believing he is too big for Service (BOSS) and YESSO State the state leadership.

The party described Coordinator, Mr Femi the embattled former Ifaturoti gave the figure Senator as an Abuja on Wednesday at the flag off of a 3-day CBT Teams politician, who does not Step-down Training for even know the state party officials of the selected secretariat under whose Local Government Areas platform he is planning to in the state at Western contest the state Sun Hotel, Ede. governorship poll in In his opening address, September.

Ifaturoti said that the next According to him, phase of the CBT “Since Omisore claimed approach is targeting to have defected to the 14,400 households in 12 SDP, we have not seen Local Governments him at our party where 40 households in secretariat and neither each of the 30 poorest has he picked his communities in the intention and nomination selected local form. governments would be “Rather than visiting considered. us at the party secretariat He said the YESSO is in the state, Omisore was a Federal Government’s busy ‘influencing people’ World Bank-supported in Abuja”. intervention on poverty Checks showed that reduction targeted at the the party had been extremely poor in •The State Cordinator, Osun YESSO, Mr Femi Ifaturoti (2nd right); Head of Operations, Mr Sola Adetoye (right); working with only three Nigeria to access Gender and Vulnerability Officer, Mrs Lola Oloba and a Resource Person, Dr Joshua Aransiola during the CBT aspirants that picked its increased opportunity for training. intent form in the state youth employment and and has not recognised social service delivery.

According to him, CBT the aspiration of the Ifecommunity has not from Olorunda Local born senator within its is the Primary Strategy of

By Mariam Ajetunmobi enjoyed even distribution Government of Osogbo/ YESSO designed to fold in the state. The three A socio-political group in Orolu Local of political powers, as it Olorunda/Irepodun/ aspirants SDP recognises ensure objectivity in Government Area of the state of Osun has called Federal are Otunba Yemisi targeting, saying, the on the APC to zone its Senatorial ticket for Osun has never produced a Orolu single Senator to C o n s t i t u e n c y Adedeji, Mr. approach has ensured Central to the local governments in the interest of represent the represented Osun the poorest equity and fairness.

A b d u l w a k e e l that constituency since 1999 Central Senatorial Abdulwahab and Mr households are selected This is contained in a have tried hard enough till date. Osogbo/ District at the House of to benefit from the statement signed by the Kehinde Nurudeen. to find a panacea to this Olorunda/Irepodun/ Senate; in 2003, Senator Although, Omisore government’s social group’s coordinator, Mr isolation through Orolu can be said to be Ogunwale Kola (PDP) had painted his protection programmes. Muideen. The call different means but to no ‘two rooms’; that is, from Boripe Local He said the YESSO became necessary as the campaign office to the avail.

Enough is enough! Osogbo gave birth to Government of Ifelodun/ was 2019 General Election colour of the SDP and programme while Boripe/Odo Otin Federal Orolu Local Government Olorunda, most of his supporters designed from the Osun beckons and politicians in Osun State is known Irepodun gave birth to Constituency emerged as have been mobilizing for Youths Empowerment are struggling for for her promptness when Orolu. Olorunda (which Senator that represented his ambition, the medium Scheme (OYES) initiated positions without it comes to contributing is created out of Osogbo’s Osun Central Senatorial learnt that he believed by Governor Rauf recourse to fair sharing. to the political and room) has represented District at the House of the party lack proper A r e g b e s o l a “Ifon, Orolu Local economic development the Senatorial District in Senate; in 2007, Late political structure in the administration which has Government of Osun of the state. We are the House of Senate from Senator Simeon Oduoye state, hence, he is been seen all over the central Senatorial District known for our economic 1999 to 2003, while (PDP) from Ifelodun planning to move the world to be one of the in Osun State has prosperity and neither Irepodun nor Local Government of enough doggedness in battling Orolu has produced any. Ifelodun/Boripe/Odo structure to his campaign most effective means of suffered office and take over the empowering the youths. marginalisation in the hunger and insecurity in In 1999, Senator Otin Federal According to the state entire party mechanism YESSO coordinator, the state’s politics. The the state.

Adebayo Ayoade Salami Constituency emerged as people of the community with his large support “However, the under the platform of AD •Continued on page 14

Osun YESSO Captures 21,397 Households In CBT Approach, Targets Another 14,400

Group Seeks Senatorial Ticket For Irepodun/Orolu LGs

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PDP Forces Mobilise Support For Ogunbiyi Against Adeleke •Senator Designs New Strategies

By Solomon Odeniyi Of recent, some stakeholders in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) tagged two of the party’s governorship aspirants, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi and Senator Ademola Adeleke as foreigners in the party, but the new twist has shown that one of them, Ogunbiyi has gotten over the speculation and now holding the sway among various stakeholders in the party.

According to a reliable favoured aspirant, as source within the PDP, several forces are Ogunbiyi has become the working massively in his

favour against Adeleke.

It would be recalled that Ogunbiyi was alleged to be the protégé of the All Progressives Congress (APC) National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari, but it seems that its no longer an issue, as the impression had been changed that the

allegation was fabricated by those who are threatened by his popularity.

The financial muscle of the Insurance Magnate seems to be working well for him, as members of the party, particularly delegates were reported to be feeling his presence interms of financial patronage.

Findings show that the permutation of the supporters and

•Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu (2nd left); Governor Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right); Akire of Ikire, Oba Olatunde Falabi (left); Commissioner for Education, Mr Kola Omotunde-Young (2nd right); Commissioner for Finance, Bola Oyebamiji (right) and others during the commissioning of the untra-modern Ayedaade Government High School, Ikire on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

sympathizers of Senator Adeleke that their principal was endorsed by the party leadership has completely changed, as the financial capacity of Ogunbiyi was reported to have overshadowed that of the Adelekes who believed that no other person has the gut in the party.

Some party members believe that Ogunbiyi’s entrance into the race has served as a catalyst for other aspirants who have seen the quest of Adeleke to be governor as an affront, not only to them and the party intelligence, but also to the generality of Osun people.

In a post through one A y e n i r o m o Orun’Ogbeke facebook page, suspected to be operated by a major PDP stakeholder, a former speaker of the State House of Assembly, Adejare Bello was said to be at the fore front of the forces against the Adeleke’s ambition.

The post read: “Apart from their argument that Ademola is the least qualified among them, they collectively queried the rationale behind the decision of Senator Jackson’s family to renege on the gentleman

FG Gives Verdict On Osun Education Policy •Minister Commissions High School

By Ismaeel Uthman education sector during Minister for Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu his time. Awolowo has commended the intervention of Governor Rauf ensured that every child matter the Aregbesola in the education sector, just as he said no the education policies of Osun is in tandem with background gets the best that of the Federal government which aims at of education. Aregbesola is rekindling that today improving school enrolment. sector, through what he is doing The Minister stated education this in Ikire on Tuesday stressing that any state in the education sector.

“The school feeding shortly after joining the that gets the education which governor to commission sector right is on the path programme Aregbesola started fully the 3,000 students’ to development.

He said, “I am old and the modern school capacity ultra-modern to have structures being built is Ayedaade Government enough experienced what the late enough to increase High school, Ikire.

Adamu who noted that Chief Obafemi Awolowo enrolment in school and Aregbesola has turned did and achieved in the that is what the federal the state into a true metropolitan state, emphasised that what the administration of the

By Murtala Agboola present government has done in the education Members of the public especially officials elected sector is more than that of into public offices must endeavour to keep to the any state. trust that binds them together with the electorate.

He said, the This assertion was defined in three major construction of modern made by Alhaji Wahab ways. These are financial school structures across Yusuf, at a lecture trust which deals with the state, coupled with organised by the safe keeping of valuables, the school Feeding National Council of loans taken or rentals Youths which take place between programme of the state Muslim are capable of getting O r g a n i s a t i o n two people. He said those out-of-school children (NACOMYO) Osun state in whose care people back to school in line with chapter at the maiden repose trust must be able the efforts of the Federal Annual General Meeting to keep it.

The second category (AGM) of the Mother Ministry of Education.

The Minister explained Union of the NACOMYO according to him has to that Aregbesola is Co-operative Investment do with keeping secrets steering the ship of the and Credit Union entrusted in one’s care; at the saying such secrets must state to achieving Limited well kept and must not meaningful growth and NACOMYO Primary be be divulged under any School premises, Igbona development through Osogbo at the weekend. circumstances. various policies aimed at The last scenario he According to the guest improving the state’s lecturer, trust can be said is that of public

ministry of education is clamouring for.

“What Aregbesola has done in the state and in the education sector can only be achieved by a determined governor and one that truly has the passion to do well for the masses.

“The Federal ministry of education is always proud of what the governor has achieved in the education sector in Osun, what Aregbesola has done to education in Osun is wonderful and the state is firmly on the right path to

development.

“The future of the state is definitely secured because the present administration is investing into the future of the state through education. What I have seen on ground in Osun is not found in any state of the federation, it is really unprecedented”, Mallam Adamu declared.

Delivering his address, Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola called on governments at •Continued on page 11

agreement between them and the party major stakeholders before he was given the PDP senatorial ticket in 2017 to replace his late brother, Ademola Adeleke at the senate.

“The gentleman agreement was that Demola should complete the balance of his Late brother- Senator Isiaka Adeleke’s tenure in the senate and if possible return to the senate for a full term thereafter. But all of a sudden and to the rude shock of many stakeholders and observers too, the story changed as Demola woke up one day and in a manner many described as rapacious to insist on vying for the party’s ticket”, it read.

One of the PDP delegates however noted that the party leadership under Honourable Soji Adagunodo do not have any other choice than to allow the interest of major stakeholders to prevail if indeed the party is serious about confronting the APC massively in the September 22 election.

Many stakeholders in the party believe that if Ogunbiyi is given the party’s ticket, there is an assurance that he has the financial capacity to prosecute the election, even with the support of some powerful people in Nigeria, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote of Dangote Group due to their relationship and closeness.

However, having got the hint of the new development, Senator Adeleke and his team were reported to have started mapping out new strategies to defeat the forces against them before the party’s primaries.

The event that would unfold before the primary election would eventually show who will fly the party’s flag.

Leaders Must Keep Trust - Islamic Cleric officials either elected or appointed, it also includes leaders in associations and communities adding that money and other valuables kept in one’s care must be properly treasured and not misused.

To avoid disagreement and betrayals, he hinted proper records must be kept.

Yusuf who quoted profusely from the Quran and the Hadith to support his assertion, further affirmed that Prophet Muhammad said the characteristics of an hypocrite are three.

Whenever he speaks he lies, whenever he makes promises, he breaks it

and lastly whenever secret is kept with him he divulges it.

He further emphasised that trust should be a hallmark of every leader in whatever capacity.

Above all, the Islamic scholar reiterated the fact that leaders must be responsive, forgiving and must rely on Almighty Allah because all powers belong to him.

According to the lecturer, some of the attributes of a leader is trust, keeping punctuality and t r a n s p a r e n c y , accountability, contentment and piety.

He concluded by saying that “Heaven is the abode for leaders who

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keep trust while hell fire is reserved for those leaders who betray trust”.

As a co-operative society, he enjoined leaders at all levels to ensure that members are able to access loans whenever they need them, cautioning that, leaders should not use their positions to the detriment of members.

The President of the Mother Union, Alhaji Abdulateef Olayanju thanked all members and urged them to be steadfast.

The outgoing officials were appreciated for their commitment to the NACOMYO CICS.

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APC Convention And Its Aftermath

Party chieftains and indeed every Nigerian must have heaved a sigh of relief that the so-called implosion, which many had predicted, would attenuate the National Convention of the ruling party – the All Progressives Congress – did not happen. For a party that is barely four years old, some of the hiccups were not only expected, they were quite frankly, understandable given the disparate tendencies from which it evolved. Admittedly, a number of the congresses in the states were not surprisingly fractious, with many aggrieved party men holding parallel congresses. In one or two cases, parties who felt they had something to prove explore the option of litigation. That understandably is the beauty of democracy – the right to pursue one’s legitimate interests through means that are acceptable. It is to the credit of the gladiators that none remotely attempted to hold the party as a whole hostage.

At the end, 42 men and women were elected to steer the affairs of the party for the next four years.

Of this, 20, including the chairman, former Edo State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, were

With the convention over, comes the lessons that must never be lost if the party is truly desirous of establishing its place in the heart of the electorate.

With Ekiti and Osun elections that are just few months away, and the 2019 elections around the corner, we urge that the lessons be taken to heart.

more resounded than was ordinarily expected. Going by the crop of the National Working Committee (NWC) that emerged, the party surely could not have bargained for a better outcome.

The party surely deserves to congratulate itself both for coming out of the convention unscathed, and also for proving doomsday predictions wrong.

With the convention over, comes the lessons that must never be lost if the party is truly desirous of establishing its place in the heart of the electorate.

With Ekiti and Osun elections that are just few months away, and the 2019 elections around the corner, we urge that the lessons be taken to heart.

The foremost lesson of course is the need for strict adherence to the constitution and the rules of the party. Left to most members of the erstwhile NWC, the convention would never have held. Had the option of tenure extension being canvassed at some point been allowed to stand, that position would have injured the credibility of the party irreparably; worse, it would have left the party open to charges of arbitrariness, hypocrisy and most probably, needless litigation. That the party has again earned another sterling record in internal democracy obviously owes largely to the insistence of the party’s national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and President Muhammadu Buhari on getting the party to do the right thing even when things seems inconvenient.

Second lesson is that nothing good comes easy.

More than the schisms – the clear evidence of democracy at work – we also saw effective leadership at work; from the handling of the several disputes arising from the local governments and state congresses, the superb organisation of the convention not to talk of the hard work that produced the eventual outcomes most of which were by consensus, it was a case of leadership made from the sterner stuff and the rank and file bowing to the supremacy of the party in the atmosphere of give and take – and utmost transparency. Little wonder losers graciously accepted their loss in the spirit of sportsmanship while winners offered their hands of fellowship in the tasks ahead.

We expect this superb organisation, exemplar leadership and excellent sportsmanship to avail as the party cruises into the Ekiti and Osun gubernatorial elections. Mercifully, the new chairman, Comrade Oshiomhole enjoys the tremendous goodwill, to make them happen. He cannot afford to fail.

‘ ’ returned unopposed, while 22 positions were keenly contested. More importantly, not only were the fears expressed about the convention unfounded, democracy and party supremacy were allowed to prevail. As for the success recorded, it actually turned out to be far

Consolidating Social Safety Nets We must give great commendations to the State Coordinator of the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) in the State of Osun, Mr. Femi Ifaturoti for the commencement of the 5th phase of community based targeting in Osun which started two days ago.

The giant strides achieved so far can be measured through the prism that hitherto turbulent state of Osun has been spared the upheavals we have been reading everyday on the front pages of newspapers and in the Social Media. The forward thrust of the programme coordinated by the cerebral Barrister has helped to cement the key linkages between sustainable development and the eradication of poverty.

Since 2014, YESSO has been developing the Single Register of Poor and Vulnerable Household in the Country. YESSO which is a World Bank assisted operation has been using Community Based Targeting (CBT) as a unique strategy for the identifying poor and vulnerable households. The CBT is a process that contracts community groups or intermediary agents to identify, validate and select specific members of the community for targeted interventions, a community led arrangement which amounts to decentralization of the targeting process such that local knowledge of community members is used in identification and selection of potential beneficiaries.

By building from the bottom up, the innovative community-based targeting (CBT) has become a

mechanism exploiting the personal knowledge that community members have of each other, so that the community itself takes responsibility for identifying, valuable individuals and households.

The CBT approach utilises a combination of three major actions (a) geographic targeting, (b) community sensitization, engagement and selection exercise, and (c) data collection and validation (proxy means testing) exercise.

Under Geographical Targeting, a consensus is reached on use of Poverty Map (or other poverty measurement criteria) which preceded the selection of poor LGA in agreement with the poverty map.

The LGAs then select at once 30 poorest villages/communities based on poverty criteria indicated by LGA officials and agreeable to YESSO. Poverty eradication is the decisive issue of our times and must be the trajectory for sustainable development. If, to quote the magnificent 1993 manifesto of the revered, Bashorun MKO Abiola we must say “A farewell to poverty: the causes of poverty must be tackled at the root through community targeting based and using data based approaches. The bottom-up approach of YESSO is the commendable way to go and should be emulated nationwide. Once again to paraphrase the Roman Emperor Pliny, “Out of Osun, there is always something innovative”. Our heartfelt appreciation is given to this commendable programme which will stand the test of time.

The bottom-up approach of YESSO is the commendable way to go and should be emulated nationwide.

What Is A Foreigner's Stake In Osun?

Kindly give me a space in your widely read newspaper to respond to a statement credited to a non-indigene in the state of Osun, that it is Osun West’s turn to produce the next governor after Ogbeni Rauf Aregesola.

To state that the statement is most u n w e l c o m e , unwarranted, disgusting and counter-productive will amount to litotes as it’s capable of causing crisis and also pitch the peace loving people of the state against one another. But what makes the statement more unfortunate, is the fact that it’s coming from a quarter that has no stake

in our dear state.

While some people believe that it’s not worthwhile responding to the tantrum and that responding to him may be tantamount to giving

him undue importance, it seems good to me that it’s important to place him where he actually belongs.

For God’s sake what is the foreigner’s stake in

our state for him to be dictating to us here? This remains the multi-million question on the lips of many indigenes of this state. If our able governor, Ogbeni Aregbesola is

magnanimous enough in his characteristic self to give people like him a sense of belonging in our state (which is very rare in other states save Lagos that’s cosmopolitan in

nature), should he then not tread softly and not overstep his bounds? Or does he not know that monkey and gorilla may claim oneness, though, monkey is monkey and gorilla is gorilla?

But because space will not permit me to deal deservedly with him, he would have known that he is a weed in the state of Osun. He however needs to be reminded that it’s only when statue wants to play the Russian roulette that he will make attempt to swim in river.

Half a word, they say, is enough for the wise.

•AKINWALE AKANJI, IRAGBIJI, State of Osun

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On-The-Hustings Although, there are unsubstantiated notions that the primary of the All Progressives Congress slated for July 7 might be shifted forward, activities are nevertheless intense on the campaign trail. The Contestants are traversing the state in the hunt for delegates and popular support.

Our roving analysts below look at some of the campaigns and strategies from within.

On the campaign trail with reports from Solomon Odeniyi, Jimmy Adams and Kola Odepeju.

Why I'm Well Positioned To Flag APC Flag - Amere One of the leading governorship learning the pace of progressive aspirants of the All Progressives governance launched by the President Congress (APC), Honourable Gafar Muhammed Buhari led administration.

Amere has said that he is well positioned Amere said if Nigerians will prefer and perfectly fit to succeed Governor another opposition government, never Rauf Aregbesola in the September 22 again will it be PDP, saying, the party has governorship election. brought perennial hardship to Nigeria, A member of the Federal House of urging electorates to shun the devil they Representatives know. representing In his words Iwo/Ayedire/ “Majority of PDP are Ola-Oluwa slow learners. Some of noted that in them are enemies of presenting a p r o g r e s s i v e candidate, he governance.

Their stands a better inability to learn and chance of acknowledge the emerging, template of real saying he developmental based possesses the administration of PMB capacity to may place them on build on the tutorial class for developmental 50years. stride of the “This is the first time c u r r e n t past leaders will be administration forced to return public of which had money illegally m a d e converted to theirs. significant Only PMB ensured impacts in the budgets are passed development of without paying kobo. the state.

PMB revoked illegal oil He said he is •Honourable Gafar Amere. licensed not minding determined to whose horse is gored. build on the ongoing developments This is the first time in history billions under the present administration and are remitted to government account and come up with several other innovations not converted to personal cover as it was that would make life more abundant for the culture of PDP” the people of the state.

“I’m happy to be identified with a The federal lawmaker noted that his party, whose priority is peoples welfare, performance in the National Assembly a party that has created employment for and impacts on his constituents were million Nigerians through N-Power and clear evidences that he is committed to other platforms, a party that has making lives better for the people of the successful told us that stealing is state. corruption, a platform that is restoring Besides, the federal lawmaker has the glory of Nigeria to the admiration of described the opposition party, Peoples progressive minded. We say no to Democratic Party (PDP) as an impotent backwardness. PDP is dead”, Amere deceptive party besieged with members stressed. who are slow learners of quality Meanwhile, the APC aspirant would governance. formally declare his intention to contest Amere condemned the recent under the platform of the APC on statement by Osun PDP against Saturday, June 30 at the APC Secretariat, Aregbesola on reckless spending as Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo. mischief, saying the opposition party members benefitted most from the employment and infrastructural facilities of the present administration.

Amere said the 16yrs of PDP was characterized by maladministration, resources wastage and corruption, saying their incompetency and demonstration of callousness is a certificate for the APC to rule the country for many years.

The legislator pointed that it will take about 50 years to tutor PDP the doctrine of progressive governance because they are slow learners.

Amere stated that the move by the PDP to return to power is dead on arrival, noting that PDP are full of unrepentant leaders who are adamant to

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an impotent deceptive party besieged with members who are slow learners of quality governance.

Osun 2018: Saka-Layonu Vows To Dignify, Uphold APC Structure

•Harnessing supports from party members during a tour to one of the Local Governments in the state.

As the ruling All Progressives Congress his administration shall enable party (APC) in the state of Osun prepares for its members, Chieftains and stakeholders to primary election in July, where a candidate function and operate effectively. who will fly its flag in the September 22 He noted that the outcome of the Party’s gubernatorial primary next election this month will year will f u r t h e r emerge, a strengthen his frontline membership and aspirant in Dr Ismail Sakacommitment to the contest, Layonu is a chip of an the growth of the Dr. Ismail illustrious old block.

Party no matter Abiodun what it is, Saka-Layonu His father, Alhaji stressing that he Saka (SAN) has (Chief) will never O l a b i w o n n i n u vowed to consider leaving dignify and Layonu, the Otun the Party or Omo Timi uphold the Are indulge in antip a r t y ’ s Agbaale of Ede and party activities. structure.

Agbaakin of IddoIn his speech, Dr. Saka- Osun, was born in P r i n c e Layonu SAN 1926 in Dahomey Ologbenla made the vow (now Benin Repubon Tuesday in expressed his joy Ifetedo, Ife lic) a nationalist, elover Dr. SakaSouth local dest statesman, fore- •Chief Saka Layonu Layonu’s kind government most politician, parwords which he during his liamentarian and the first illustrious son of said have visit to Ife Ede to be minister in the first republic. In 1961 d i s t i n g u i s h e d f e d e r a l he became minister of Community and Coopconstituency erative Development. It was during Saka’s pe- him as a genuine during his riod as minister that he brought the govern- party man and a consultative ment general hospital to Ede. The government bridge builder.

P r i n c e tours round of Chief Samuel Ladoke Akintola earmarked Ologbenla who the state.

80,000 pounds (a huge budget allocation at that was said to have The Senior been an active Advocate of time) for the construction of the hospital.

Nigeria who politician since was received by the leadership of the party 1956 joined his voice with that of those in the area as led by Prince J. O Ologbenla clamoring for Osun West Senatorial district expressed his joy over what he described to produce the next governor, expressing as the unique loyalty of party leaders and optimism that the efforts would yield the members in the area which has spread to desired result. other parts of the state, urging that such In his reaction, the chairman of the party gesture should be sustained.

While describing the APC as the only in Ife South, Hon. Adebiyi Adebayo pointed out that Saka-Layonu has more party of development, Saka-Layonu vowed that he will in his own capacity continue than enough qualities and qualifications to dignify the party and uphold its required to govern the state, urging him not structure regardless of his aspiration, to forget the area in the consideration of stating that ‘the Party is the parent of any vital appointments when elected into the democratically elected government highest political office in the state, adding globally’. that the voting capacity from the area has The Ede born politician promised that if always been the strength of the entire Ife he is voted to serve the State as Governor, Federal constituency.

In Remembrance Of Times Past

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On-The-Hustings Babalola’s Sustained Drive

Action began for Elder Peter Babalola, one of the leading aspirants of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for the September 22 gubernatorial election in the state on Monday as his campaign train moved to Boluwaduro, Ifedayo and Oke-Ila local governments.

The decision to kick start his campaign rally at the said local governments was to give deserved respect to the home countries of the present chairman of the party, Gboyega Famodun, Chief Bisi Akande, among others who are domiciled in the area.

Although, the journey didn’t start until 12:26pm of Monday but Babalola’s supporters and admirers in their numbers had converged at his Ogo-Oluwa campaign office in Osogbo as early as 9am in preparatory for the take off.

The first stop was at the Boluwaduro local government APC secretariat in Otan Ayegbaju where party members in their hundreds eagerly awaited the arrival of their man whom one of the elders said the residents are indebted to for facilitating the completion of the road leading to Oke-Maria He was also described as a true party man and a grassroot person who is not only known but knows the leaders of his party across all levels and has over the years been able to sustain the recognition, which, among other attributes makes him the most appropriate for the job.

The reception was warming at Boluwaduro but the reception in Oke Ila was more, as residents of the area defied the rain, lined by the roadside chanting “Action! Peter!” With Babalola acknowledging cheers in appreciation. The town hall of the town, the venue of the meeting was filled to capacity.

The leadership of the party at Oke Ila lavishly poured encomium on the aspirant. They maintained that the Oke fia Baale ( Babalola) has a very bright chance of clinching the tickets

considering his experience and exposure, assuring him of their support.

The next stop, the last for the day was Ila-Orangun where the welcome was effusive. He was described by the party leadership in the area as someone with a reputation for philanthropic activities.

Having given the position a shot for a while now, if not to reward his consistency, they noted that he merits the position, giving his exploits and accomplishments in the saddle with the civilian and military governments.

However, at the three local governments visited, Party faithfuls except a few were decked in Ankara attire used for the declaration ceremony, and despite them not being from the west, they reechoed their unalloyed supports for Action Peter’s zone to produce the next governor.

Babalola who spoke with newsmen after the tour said he was full of hope to beat others to the party’s ticket judging by the confidence the party members and leaders expressed in him, promising to continue to do all he could for the effective running of the party.

“Political party is all about recognition and I’m happy to see them in their numbers to seek their votes for the forthcoming primary which by what I have seen I would emerge.

“We must have a good welfare package for party members to recognise politicians which is what they so much desire and when you do this, there will be peace in town and the party will move forward.

Everybody knows that the west must produce the next governor, fair is fair, as all inclusiveness is entrenched in Nigeria constitution.

“And for the good work of the incumbent to continue, someone as exposed and experience like me should get the party’s ticket,” he said.

•Elder Peter Babalola has been active with vigorous consultations involving party executive members. Above, the man fondly referred to as Peter-Action at Ila Federal Constituency meeting held at the Igbonibi Hall in Ila Orangun.

Adeoti Rounds Off Consultations Across The State Osun 2018:

•Alhaji Moshood Adeoti waving to his supporters during his tour through the State.

Since he threw his hat into the ring for the contest to succeed Governor Rauf Aregbesola under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), the rise in the popularity of Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, one of the aspirants has changed permutations drastically, and strengthened the clamour for Osun West to produce the next governor, hence creating space for both fake and genuine political analysts on the success or otherwise of his aspiration.

Alhaji Adeoti’s aspiration is not by any accident but a carefully designed one that was arrived at after series of consultations and persuasions by prominent APC members who felt he was qualified to aspire to lead the state and build on the foundation laid by the incumbent Governor Aregbesola.

His popularity became evident during his just-concluded consultative tour of party structures across the state where the welcome was simply amazing.

The consultative train, comprising of over 100 vehicles with less than ten chartered buses, snaked into each of the council area headquarters visited with ecstatic crowd of jubilant supporters from within and outside the party fold with songs expressing their support for Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti’s governorship aspiration.

Individuals with genuine love for his aspiration had volunteered their vehicles for branding by the campaign organization and some without any monetary inducement, joined the train fueling their vehicles from their individual purses.

The effects of the visits to all the areas visited were awesome as even petty traders, who had heard of what the benefits derivable, look forward to such visit with high expectations, as it would go a long way in boosting their sales.

Many of the traders took advantage of the visits to jerk up prices of their wares and thus making more profits.

Wherever the Adeoti’s consultative train visited, the messages were all the same.

To open floor for address was the Director General of Moshood Adeoti Campaign Organization (MACO), Dr Kunle Adeniji aka Kongo, who in a

respectable manner, would introduce prominent members of the consultative train and hand over the microphone to the man of the moment, Alhaji Adeoti.

His message was simple and straight to the point; the need to ensure continuity of Governor Aregbesola’s laudable programmes and policies.

The frontline governorship aspirant also used each of the opportunities afforded him during the visits to remind the party leadership at the local government council area level of his past relationship with them.

He then appealed to them to stand to be counted for his aspiration by voting for him during the fastapproaching party’s governorship primaries on July 7.

One unique and interesting part of the visit was the way Alhaji Adeoti recognised and was calling some of the party leaders by their first names and even mentioning the wards they came from.

Haven traversed the length and breadth of the state approaching and appealing to the delegates for their votes during the governorship primaries, his last point of call was Iwo Local Government Council Area, his home town, where he had held several political positions.

On Wednesday, June 20, the consultative train was welcomed by an equally-jubilant crowd of party supporters and townsmen and women who felt elated that one of their worthy sons is aspiring to rule the state.

The joy was evident on their faces as some of them waved their brooms, the APC symbol, to show their support. Inspite the heavy downpour, the jubilant supporters were not deterred from dancing even in the rain.

One unique thing however, is that throughout the journey across the state was the objective way Alhaji Adeoti treated all issues without resorting to use of insults or condemning the aspirations of others.

All fingers however remain crossed as the July 7 delegate primaries knocks on the door where the final winner would emerge to contest against others from the various political parties.

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Oyebamiji Steals Show At Osun High School Commissioning The latest entrant into the Osun governorship race under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr Bola Oyebamiji stole the show at the commissioning of Ayedaade High School, Ikire on Tuesday, as thousands of party members stormed the venue of the ceremony shouting his name.

“We know him and It would be recalled that community leaders in trust him. West agenda is Irewole and Isokan local real and we can’t give the government areas only rest of Osun no less a last week obtained quality individual after governorship intention what we have seen form for Oyebamiji, the Aregbesola done in the state Commissioner for last 8 years. We have Finance, a development looked round and found which has since changed Bola Oyebamiji to be the political permutations and best”, he concluded.

Another leader from calculations.

All efforts by newsmen the zone, Alhaji Ganiyu Oyeladun said people in to get the view of Oyebamiji regarding the the communities believe so much in Oyebamiji and declaration by the people they have vowed to of Irewole and Isokan that support him to clinch the he has been anointed by governorship seat come the people of the area to September 22. vie for APC governorship Oyeladun who said ticket proved futile, as the Oyebanji had never crowd of his supporters thought of contesting the milling around him poll added that he was impeded his movement. only persuaded to contest However, several APC due to his pedigree and members that commented track records. on the resolution by “He is so humble, Oyebamiji’s kinsmen to passionate about the drag him into the race said welfare of the people the decision was reached regardless of religious or after weeks of meetings by political affiliations, and major stakeholders in the this is a lesson we should affairs of the communities. all learn that whatever we One of them, Alhaji are doing people are Tejumade Olagunju, said watching us”, Oyeladun Oyebamiji has proven to concluded. be reliable and truthful Echoing a similar view, over the years, hence the Mr Ajibade Sarafadeen, decision to support his who hails from Apomu, governorship aspiration.

Isokan Local Government

area, maintained that the people of the area are backing Oyebamiji and are putting everything into it to support him to victory.

Sarafadeen who enjoined the rest of Osun to support Oyebanji, said he is the only one that perfectly fit into the shoe that would be left behind by the incumbent governor.

“He is a technocrat, a honest man. For the whole community to have done this for him, it means he is loved by all.

“We believe so much in Bola Oyebanji, he has been tested to be competent, he has no political blemish.

He is honest, loyal and very passionate about the

welfare of the people regardless of where you

come from,” Sarafadeen concluded.

•Oyebamiji’s supporter turning the programme into campaign ground.

Nigerians Admonished To be Security Conscious

By Murtala Agboola

Nigerians have been admonished to be security conscious and take note of everything that goes around in their neighbourhood.

The admonition was police alone cannot security given by the Divisional provide Police Officer (DPO) of everywhere effectively and Ataoja Police Division, that even when vigilance Ataoja Estate, Osogbo, Mr. officers or other security Clement Agbemoroti, a officers are engaged, there be proper Superintendent of Police at should the monthly meeting of the supervisory roles.

He said engaging Police Community Relation Committee (PCRC) at the security personnel does not mean people should station recently.

The police chief who relegate everything to spoke through the them.

This was sequel to an Divisional Crime Officer, DSP Adeniran Emmanuel, experience a member of the emphasised the fact that the committee shared with

other members, saying that with Close Circuit Television (CCTV) he was able to effectively monitor his security officials and other domestic staff.

Agbemoroti reiterated the fact that personal consciousness and observation goes a long way to prevent some u n w a n t e d misdeameanours on the part of domestic servants.

On the issues of crime in the division, the DPO said it was low but cautioned members and their relatives to desist from purchasing used handsets because they could have been stolen. Such stolen

handsets can be traced and the buyer apprehended.

He said what aid effective policing in advanced societies is technology. If CCTV is procured and placed at strategic places in big cities it will helps to nip crime in the bud before being committed.

Security, according to the police topshots, is the secret of modern security.

The PCRC chairman, Chief Gbadebo Adeyemo enjoined members to be active and contribute meaningfully to the development of the committee by paying their dues as and when due.

COMMUNITY

Isokan South LCDA Chairman's Wife Donates Materials To Handicapped, Widows

Wife of the Chairman, Isokan South Local vices in the area and taxes and rates as and Aderemi Raheem, Mr. community since their Council Development Area, Ikoyi, State of Osun, create social harmony when due as this is what Olaboye J.P, Prince Remi assumption of office, as Mrs Oluwabunmi Oyelami has donated foodstuffs among the people. is used in providing Abass, Hon. Tajudeen they have embarked on like rice, semovita, cash gifts, farm implements He also used the essential socio-amenities Adeboye thanked the projects that are capable including cutlasses, chemicals, wheel chairs, occasion to urge the for them.

Chairman and his wife, of improving the living crutches and other disability equipments to the residents to pay their At the occasion, Pastor for their love to the standard of the people. aged, widows, farmers, and the physicallychallenged persons within the council area.

Mrs Oyelami who September, 2018. doubles as the Earlier; while the Chairperson, Women paramount ruler of Ikoyi Development Unit land, Oba Yisau Bamitale (WDU) said the gesture Otunla commended the was aimed at making life chairman’s wife for the comfortable for the gesture, the Chairman, beneficiaries.

Isokan South LCDA, Speaking while Prince Wasiu Oyelami presenting the gifts to the assured the residents that beneficiaries at the his administration would Olukoyi of Ikoyi’s Palace, the chairman’s wife used be giving everyone sense the occasion to appealed of belonging, particularly physically to well-to-do individuals the to support her husband, challenged.

The Council Manager, Prince Wasiu Oyelami, to fulfill his mandate of Alhaji Sheu Gboyega assisting the widows, Ajibade also appealed to children upbringing, less the people in the council privilege and farmers in area to support the order to increase food widows and the less production in the LCDA. privilege as this will According to a drastically reduce social •Mrs Oyelami with physically challenged children during the presentation of the materials. statement by the Head of Social Development, Isokan South LCDA, Aminu Ademola, she The Chairman, Ife North West Local Council computer training at the white collar jobs are no Coordinator, Ife/Ijesha reiterated further that by zone, Mr Alawode supporting her husband, Development Area, Edunabon, Hon Bangbe Olabisi council’s secretariat more available.

He used the discussed extensively on has applauded the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf organized by the Osun the people would opportunity to advise the need to take the Job Centre in Aregbesola on the commitment of his continue to enjoy more towards banishing unemployment collaboration with the Ife them to consider all programme serious as it dividends of democracy. administration developmental projects is based on three massive creation of jobs for the youths in North West LCDA. She also implored all through The chairman use the on ground by the categories - computer the state. eligible voters to vote for administration of APC in training for computer commendations by all occasion to advise the He said the roles the All Progressives and sundry. lucky youths at the the state and vote learners, graduates on Congress (APC) in the which Osun Job Center The council boss made LCDA to take the enmasse for the party in how to be computer f o r t h c o m i n g had been playing in this assertion while opportunity as a grace power, APC come literate and those who that youths are September this year. gubernatorial election ensuring will be creating job bailed out of joblessness addressing a gathering of which must be grabbed The center’s District through computer. slated for 22nd are also worthy of youths who are receiving without hesitation as

Ife North West LCDA Partners Osun Job Center To Empower Youths

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Asindemade Becomes The One Year Birthday Ceremony Pastor Ogolo Celebrates Birthday.

Of Gold In Osogbo Iyalode Of Osogbo Photo: Aderinto Olusola

•Iyalode of Osogbo, Alhaja Awawu Asindemade paying homage to the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun during her installation.

FOLLOWING her victory at the High court, Osogbo on May 2, 2018, Alhaja Awawu Oyebamiji Asindemande was officially installed as the Iyalode of Osogbo by His Highness Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun Laaroye II. Alhaja Awawu Asindemande was born to the family of Pa Rabiu Asa Babalola and Alhaja Abidemi Abegbe Babalola of Ogaala compound in Isale Osun area of Osogbo.

She attended Ansar-ud-deen primary school Ajilosun in Ado Ekiti and later proceeded to Ansar Ud-Deen Modern School in the same Ajilosun area of Ado Ekiti.

She later learned sewing, knitting and embroidery, as well as bead-making on crowns and staffs which earned her the appellation “Asindemade”

Photo: Gbenga Adeniyi

•The celebrant and his wife, flanked by some members of the family in a group photograph after the celebration.

She is a community leader and woman activist as she was installed as Eketa Iyalode in 1990 by the then Monarch of Osogbo, late Oba Iyiola Aransi Oyewale Matanmi III and subsequently as Otun Iyalode in August 22, 2014.

But prior to this time, she had been appointed as Iyaloja General during the military regime of Major Anthony Udofia and in 2011 was reinstalled as Iyaloja General of the State of Osun by the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola.

The new Iyalode of Osogbo holds Grade Two Certificate from National Teachers Institute and National Certificate of Education.

She is currently pursuing her Bachelor Degree in Education from a reputable •The celebrant and his wife Pastor and Pastor Mrs. Professor Emmanuel Ogolo cutting the birthday cake and acknowledging cheers from guests.

Institution.

It was a gathering of friends, family and church members, as Pastor Professor Emmanuel Ogolo celebrates his birthday.

The birthday programme was kick started with praise and worship.

There was also a short sermon by Pastor Gbenga Owojuyigbe titled the 'Faithfulness of God in Man's Life' where

he read through the book of Psalm where David received the faithfulness of God. He noted that when God is faithful to someone everything he touches will fall in place.

The Church Growth Officer, RCCG, Osun Province 6, Pastor Olatunji led the prayer for the celebrant and the whole family.

•Gold Darasimi cutting her birthday cake.

2018 Policy Meeting On Admissions By Joint Admissions And Matriculation Board (JAMB) In Gbongan, State Of Osun On Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. •Family members and friends in a group photograph with the celebrant.

•A cross section of participants at the meeting.

•Alhaja Asindemade being decorated as the new Iyalode of Osogbo.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744

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Osun 2018: As Political Parties Filter Aspirants, The Grains And The Chaff Few weeks to the Governorship primaries of the major political parties ahead of September 22 Governorship Election in the state of Osun, the coast is becoming clearer on the gubernatorial hopeful of some political parties. KEHINDE AYANTUNJI in this report, provides insight to factors that may produce political parties’ flag bearers.

Weeks to the political parties’ primaries in the state of Osun, delegates from major contending political parties have turned to celebrities, catching the attentions of gubernatorial aspirants.

Party leaders are also collating views on the popular aspirants to flag their flags to the Bola Ige House on November 27, 2018.

The contest appears to be expanding daily within the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) as Senator Babajide Omoworare, representing Osun East, and Commissioner for Finance , Bola Oyebamiji have equally joined the race. Of recent, the messages posted on social media in support of Oyebamiji’s aspiration by the state AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Ajibola Bashir and Commissioner for Regional Integration, Bola Ilori who are close confidants of Governor Rauf Aregbesola made his aspiration a public discuss. APC now has 29 aspirants.

The trend remained the same within the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the latest of such was Chief Akin Ogunbiyi from Ayedire Local Government who challenged the political status quo within the PDP, as he has demonstrated capacity to challenge the existing notion of PDP ownership by Senator Isiaka Adeleke dynasty. Before joining the race, the party ticket appeared to have been automatically conceded to Senator Ademola Adeleke whose family has been a major financier of the party.

Both APC and PDP leadership have embarked on consultations on the candidates but zoning, continuity of financial muscles, capacity to deliver and so called issue of “home base” have dominated the campaigns of the two major political parties.

For instance, since May that the APC lifted ban on political campaign, aspirants have been trooping to the state secretariat of the party, Gbongan road, Osogbo. First to declared his intention was the Secretary to the state Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti.

Adeoti declared that his patience does not mean that he fears anybody, vowing that his formal declaration would surprise his critics, adding that people have been abusing him that he does not have money to prosecute governorship election because he didn’t go out on time. He explained that he was patience because the party has warned the aspirants not to go out until the party lifted ban on political activities.

He said: “I told Ogbeni Aregbesola at a programme that he cannot finish his six points integral action and I would be the Governor to continue the programmes. I have noticed where there is need for implementation and I would correct it.

“Because I obeyed the party when

Delegates from major contending political parties have turned to celebrities, catching the attentions of gubernatorial aspirants. they said we should not go out, some people are saying Adeoti that cannot print vest or cap. It is not that I fear anybody. I will go out on Tuesday and you will all see”.

Recalling how he was jailed during the administration of Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Adeoti said he has suffered in the party and now deserves to be Governor of the state.

Adeoti invitation of the popular Sunday Igboho to the declaration was a rude shock to many party chieftains, a scenario which met stiff criticism within the APC fold, accusing him of reversing the party to the old order of 2007 of brigandage and violence witnessed during Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration.

The preceding Tuesday, the state capital also stood still for the Chief of Staff to Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Adegboyega Oyetola who formally declared his intention to contest the September 22, governorship election. The Iragbiji-born politician is a man of many parts with vast experience in politics, business and public administration. At his public

declaration at the state secretariat of the party and his campaign office all located at the ever busy Ogo-Oluwa area of the state capital, Alhaji Oyetola was at his best as he exhibited candour throughout the period of the programmes.

Also in the race to show his strength was the Chairman Local Government Service Commission, Elder Peter Babalola, who insisted that the post must be zone to Osun West senatorial district. The focus of his campaign includes his loyalty to governor Aregbesola and his intention to continue his good work.

Other aspirants from the APC that declared publicly includes, Kunle Adegoke, a lawyer from, Osogbo; Dr Saka Layonu, SAN, from Ede; Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (BOA), Eng Adelere Oriolowo from Iwo; Eng Lasun Yusuf from Irepodun; Senator Babajide Omoworare, Ife; Hon Adeyinka Ajayi Boripe among others.

However within the PDP, Dr Akin Ogunbiyi an Insurance Magnate has altered the party direction with his

declaration. His declaration ceremony was adjudged the best in the party with largest crowd. Ogunbiyi, who made his intention known during his visit to the party’s secretariat, had been supporting PDP even before nursing the ambition for the state number one position.

Many political watchers were of the opinion that the best man for the job may be showing up at last. The insurance expert, amidst large number of supporters, during the visit, said his intention to govern Osun was borne out of desire to salvage Osun from total collapse which attracted a thunderous applause.

To demonstrate his financial capacity, Ogunbiyi distributed 48 space buses to various party structures, 3 Toyota Hiace Buses and a Luxurious Bus to the state party headquarters which has posed a serious challenge on the dominance of Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Another strong force to watch in the party is Senator Ademola Adeleke, the only Senator from the party in the state whose family political dynasty has summarily took over the PDP structure since last year Senatorial bye election. Some PDP aspirants like Albert Adeogun, a member of Federal House of Representatives from Ile Ife stepped down for him.

At a press conference held at the resident of the former Old Oyo State Commissioner for Finance, Chief Abiola Morakinyo, Adeogun said that his decision was not borne out of cowardice or intimidation from any quarter but respect for the leadership of the party.

According to him, the party leaders drew his attention to how the political pendulum in the state was swinging in favour of Osun West and how right thinking and loyal members should support that trend adding that it was not the party that restrained anybody from contesting in the party primary.

“We are all going to pool our resources together to ensure that we flush out the APC government which has pauperised our people in the state.

Like it happened in Oyo State during the bye-election, PDP is going to root out APC in the September 22 gubernatorial election”, he said.

Adeleke is the first aspirant in Osun governorship race to secured the withdrawal of another aspirant.

Another force in PDP is the former Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade who is among those taunting the home base sentiment. He has been in Osun politics for decades. Akinbade is banking on his rich background in all spheres spanning over twenty years. A former Chairman, while declaring his intention to contest said without disrespecting other contenders, being a successful Civil Engineer, a former commissioner, one time secretary to the state government and former party chairman said he is better placed above others.

Akinbade who was a commissioner •Continued on page 11

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Oluga, USA Social Enterprise Reward Osun Pupils on Internet Education Contest

By Ismaeel Uthman A United States of America based social enterprise, Aacle Nigeria has given out prize of N400,000 to three Osun Pupils for outstanding performance in an online educational contest.

The presentation of the especially those who won cash prize which took the competition. place at the Office of the Oluga explained that Special Adviser to the she facilitated the Governor on Culture and competition in her bid to Tourism, Mrs Taiwo consolidate on the Oluga, on Tuesday was promotion of functional witnessed by the school education which is one of principal of Baptist High the cardinal programme of School, Iwo; Victory Governor Rauf Aregbesola College, Ode-Omu and of the state of Osun. other well wishers.

According to Oluga, “It In her address, Oluga is high time we strove to expressed satisfaction bring something better to toward the pupils who the state through the participated in the contest, offices we are appointed

to.

“With the little influence I had, I brought this contest to Osun West Senatorial District schools and I believe it has gone a long way in opening the eyes of the younger ones to positive potentials in the usage of internet.”

She advised pupils and Nigerians to shun cyber crime and embrace hard work by putting their talents to something that will be of benefit to the society.

The Chief Operating Officer of Aacle Nigeria, Elder Tewo Oke, announced Mary Oyetunde from Victory College, Ode-Omu as

•L-R: The Operating Officer of Aacle, Elder Tewo Oke, Blessing Ekperi(1st runnerup), Mary Oyetunde (Winner), Alade Funmilayo (2nd runner-up) and Special Adviser on Culture and Tourism, State of Osun, Mrs. Oluwakemi Oluga during the presentation of cash prize to the winner of Aacle Nigeria's contest at Government Secretariat, Osogbo.

scoring first position, Blessing Ekperi from Baptist High School, Iwo as second position and Alade Funmilayo from Victory College, Ode-Omu as third position.

Oke encouraged principals of schools to educate their pupils on the usage of internet for positive things.

He said: “I am so glad because one of the goals of the organization is realised today. We want to

“We want to use the platform to discourage cybercrime that is why we organize competition that is internet base. The pupils that won these prizes did it on the internet and it works for them. Today they are collecting legitimate reward.”

He admonished parents and their children to be forthcoming in utilizing the internet to maximize the opportunities that is embedded in it.

Osun Education Policy •Continued from page 3

all levels to invest in public school education if the nation wants to have peace and move forward.

He said his government decided to invest heavily in the public school education because of the realization that failure to do this is planning for a future of doom, stressing that the children of the poor also deserves to attend good schools.

The governor, who emphasised that the past glory of public schools needs to be rekindled for the benefit of all, noted that public school buildings used to be the best structures in the community before past governments neglected it.

According to Aregbesola, “I am convinced that the future of our state is secured because we have

ANALYSIS

Osun 2018: As Political Parties Filter Aspirants •Continued from page 10 for works in the state between 1994 and 1998 said he provided the needed valve through the world Bank assisted road projects during the military administration which laid firm foundation for the first class intercity and inter-state road networks enjoyed across the state.

He said: “With due process, 16 roads were constructed which include; Awo-Ogbaagba - Iwo road, Osogbo- Ibokun - Oke Imesi- Ekiti road, AdaIbokun- Ilesa- Idominasi road, Ede-Ara-Ejibo road, Apomu-Orile Owu- Araromi road, Ilesa- Ifewara road and the celebrated Osogbo bye-pass dual carriage among others.”

Akinbade noted that with the manner the state is being run by the APC, an average common man on the street of Osun needs him and the PDP to come to their rescue.

Also to watch is the camp of the third force political parties, The Social Democratic Party the (SDP) and the Alliance for Democracy (AD). It appears all is not well within the SDP where Senator Iyiola Omisore is currently seeking political asylum.

He has obtained intention form from the national headquarter of the party in Abuja, but the state leadership of the party is still hostile to the former senator. On Monday, SDP state chairman, Chief Adeolu Ishola at a press conference said Omisore is not a member of SDP but a mere admirer. Chief Kolawole Oladeji appeared to be the favorite candidate of the SDP state leadership.

The situation remained the same within the Alliance for Democracy. At the primary election of the party conducted between Femi Kehinde and Olugbenga Akintola at the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Press Centre, it was reported that Olugbenga Akintola won the primary but the party has refused to announce the result as at the time of filling this story.

Despite the scheming, it is obvious that delegates and party leaders have narrowed their support to some aspirants. Obviously, PDP and APC might not have consensus candidate, but it is becoming

encourage talents and uplift them beyond mediocrity.

“The goal of Aacle is to give scholarships to students; partner with Central Bank of Nigeria CBN/EDC for free entrepreneurship development and training; give grant for SMEs and build connections with those people who are seeking for job and the company that want to engage them.

clearer the path delegates may toe in the forthcoming primaries. In the PDP at the moment, the contest is now between Ogunbiyi , Akinbade and Senator Ademola Adeleke.

Findings show that majority of the younger generation within the party are now throwing their weight behind Ogunbiyi who is believed to possess financial capacity to oust the current APC government.

Within APC folds, any aspirants that secured the endorsement of Governor Aregbesola might eventually get the ticket, but emerging events has not suggested that Governor Aregbesola has endorsed anyone. The emerging events during the week with the entrance of Oyebamiji, one of the confidant of the governor has altered the permutation.

Before, most of the allies of Governor Aregbesola are believed to be supporting the Chief of Staff to the governor but it appeared on Tuesday that some have switched camp. But it could not be confirmed where the governor stand as at the time of filling this report.

However, it might be too early to foreclose changes or alliances within the major political parties, events in few days will determine the political direction ahead of the parties’ primaries.

“Obviously, PDP and APC might not have consensus candidate, but it is becoming clearer the path delegates may toe in the forthcoming primaries.”

invested so much to upgrade public school structures in Osun.

“If all governments decide to turn a blind eye on the education of the down trodden then the future of the nation is doomed.

“We all know that public school structures used to be the best in the communities where people of my age bracket grew up before it was neglected by past governments.

“We seriously need to

bring back the lost glory of our public schools because that is where we have majority of pupils and they also deserve the best. This is why this administration has been investing hugely in the education sector”.

The governor also used the occasion to call on parents to join the government in the maintenance of the new school buildings for the benefit of all by paying the token amount which the school administrators will use for the purpose.

Civil Society Groups Begin Good Governance Assessment In Osun

By David Adejuwon A coalition of civil society organizations has embarked on a public assessment project in the State of Osun with the aim of establishing deep public perception of the socio-political developments for the past eight years.

It said that the coalition The project is with the support of three rights is organizing training for some of the key leaders of groups, the Civil Society Coalition for Mandate the survey in the three senatorial districts of the Protection, (CSC-MAP), the Nigerian Human state, saying the trainees will be responsible for Rights Community, the (NHRC) and the Green administering questionnaire to locals.

Peoples Environmental “The target audience is Rights Groups, (GREPNET) a member of not restricted to educated people alone.

The the International Alliance on Indigenous and Tribal questionnaires have been designed to ensure Peoples of the Tropical Forest, (IAITPTF) based in unlettered people can participate through the Thailand. of the According to a statement assistance signed by Comrade volunteers.

“In all, 75 questions were Oluwole Suleiman, Uche Obiora and Oladimeji listed ranging from levels awareness of Fatunla, the project targets of about 30,000 respondents government policies and programmes, governance, on governance in the state education, health services, for the past eight years. industrial The coalition of several tourism, women rights group stated that development, state 10,000 questionnaires have empowerment, transformation and been distributed to 500 volunteers picked across cultural revolution.

“While each state the 31 local government areas, saying, there is also government scores itself an online version expected based on its own interests, to reach a total of 20,000 the people who are the people using Information beneficiaries and end users Technology, (IT). of government policies The project, the statement have the obligation to hinted, takes a look at express their own opinion cultural, socio-political and based on the objective economic developments in realities in their the state from the communities in the past 8 perspectives of the people years. in the state.

“The assessment is “We are adopting best driven by the people and practices in measuring good will be a true reflection of governance in Nigeria. the standards of living the Osun has been picked as a people have experienced pilot project in Nigeria. We want the people to assess over the years.

“The report of the the government in the past 8 years in a reflective and assessment will be made available to all institutions comparative sense.

“Every social strata in in Osun and relevant Osun will participate in the groups at home and abroad questionnaire including for a clearer understanding civil servants, students, of what democracy means peasants and the general to Nigerians using the State public,” the statement by of Osun as the mirror”, the group stressed. the group noted.

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C.R.O.S.S.F.I.R.E

The Zoning Debate Zoning and non-zoning are perhaps the most contentious issues today as far as the All Progressive Congress, APC, governorship ticket is concerned in the State of ayoakinola444@gmail.com Osun as various aspirants for the ticket of the party are going around to woo delegates. Citizens are sharply divided along these lines.

While some believe that it is only fair to allow the West Senatorial District of the state to get the ticket since a governor from the zone has only ruled for 22months from inception of this democratic dispensation, others are of the opinion that all aspirants be allowed to try their luck by allowing delegates make their choices based on perceived competence.

Ayekooto received a mail recently from an avid reader of the column, Taiwo Omolewa, from More, Ile-Ife with a challenging tag: “I know that your column is objective. Please publish my opinion to prove it”.

This column isn’t partisan but because of the insistence of the writer, it is published with the caveat that the opinion in it is entirely that of the writer. Please read on:

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO

APC Should Discard Zoning

The issue of zoning of political offices has so much dominated Nigeria’s political landscape, such that it comes first and above competence in political debates.

Though there are some merits of zoning in a multi- •CHIEF BOLA IGE tribal and multi-religious nation like Nigeria, the demerits far outweigh the merits. There is therefore need to discard the issue of zoning if we want to build upon the gains of the eight years of the landmark achievements of the present administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Specifically, a particular senatorial zone has been seen to be openly clamouring for “our turn” to govern, and Awa l’o kan has been their slogan to have a share of the cake. But for a state that has had a long period of deficit of development before the present administration, mundane issues like that of zoning should be the last in our reckoning.

Leadership is a serious business and should not be trivialized on the altar of zonal or sectional sentiments. We need to concentrate on competence and the capacity to deliver. If the truth must also be told, even most of our politicians do not believe in zoning as they only talk about it when they feel it favours their aspirations.

In sports, like football, where Nigeria has sometimes put up very impressive performance, have we ever used zoning?

Imagine the type of team we will have if we are to apply zoning to the National team.

If the teams were to be formed by asking every states to rotate the captain or goalkeeper according to the state or senatorial zone ( or that the state that produces the coach cannot produce a player); it is obvious we would not have qualified for any international competition.

When Nigeria won the Olympic Gold medal in football, did any one bother whether the whole team members came from the same zone or state?

Government is a serious business, and more serious than the sports example above because it touches on lives of everyone and if we are to actually get it right we should rise above zonal and sectional sentiments and engage the most qualified candidate for the governorship

position.

T h e m a j o r r e a s o n behind zoning is t h a t political offices are b e i n g perceived a s opportunities to partake in the ‘sharing of t h e national c a k e ’ •CHIEF S.M AFOLABI (looting of t h e treasury) instead of a call to service. This unfortunate psyche needs to be erased from our consciousness if we are to move forward in Osun.

We need to build this state, we need to start baking cakes instead of sharing it; hence, there is need for a serious team of technocrats, professionals and true leaders to form the next government.

The Constitution does not even have provision for zoning. So, it is a case of bad practice taken too far to assume the status of law.

The late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his deputy, Chief SLA Akintola were in the saddle, not because of the part of western region they came from or the religions they practiced but because they happened to be the most known competent candidates of that era.

In our recent history as a state, the late Chiefs Bola Ige and Sunday Afolabi were also from Esa-Oke and Iree respectively.

But no one raised eyebrows as to whether they came from the same divisions of old Oyo State or practiced same religion.

Competence, party loyalty as well as acceptance played key roles rather.

Zoning is retrogressive and undemocratic. People should be voted into offices based on their ability to manage resources to the benefit of the people and the contents of their character and not on where they come from. Just like the Chief Bola Ahmed Tinubu always say, “Power is not served a-la carte.”

When you are able to articulate your policies, which will benefit the people and put food on the table for their families, definitely, they will show interest in you, provided you have the track record to back these words up. These qualities are what brought Ogbeni up in 2007.

The clamour for zonal consideration, therefore, in choosing the APC flagbearer in the coming September 22 nd 2018 governorship election is a sour in our collective political sojourn which must not be allowed to prevail.

•Taiwo Omolewa esq

A position paper of APC, Osun West Senatorial District stakeholders on their demand for the 2018 gubernatorial slot to be zoned to the West delivered by Prof. Supo Ladipo

Why Osun West Deserved Governorship Slot It is no more news that Osun State as it is known to the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended came into existence in August 1991 running to about 27 years now.

It should be established here that 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended and as contained in Section 71(a) states that “each State of the Federation be divided into three Senatorial Districts for purposes of election to the Senate”.

Based on the above Constitutional provision, State of Osun has three distinctive Senatorial Districts namely: Osun West, Osun Central and Osun East.

By this 2018 and after 27 years of the creation of Osun as a State, the following can be deduced as to the number of times each of the three Senatorial Districts has had shots at the top four posts in the State of Osun.

OSUN EAST 1 Governor served for 8 years (2 terms) 3 Deputy Governors have served for 14 years, none has served as Speaker 2 served as SSG for 5 ½ years OSUN CENTRAL 2 Governors have served for 11 ½ years, 1 Deputy Governor has served for 8 years, 1 Speaker has served for 22 months 3 SSG have served for 6 years 2 months OSUN WEST 1 Governor has served for 22 months None has served Deputy Governor for 25 years 3 served as Speaker for 20 years 3 served as SSG for 15 ½ years Every intents of our District to present Governorship candidates in the past has met internal political brick walls within their different parties. This is a fact all political Parties know.

Evidence of our voting strenght compared to other senatorial districts from 2014 governorship election result is shown in the tables below Table 1: Results from Osun West Senatorial District

Table 2: Results from Osun Central Senatorial District

Table 3: Results from Osun East Senatorial District

•Continued on back page

FRIDAY JUNE 29 - THURSDAY JULY 5, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

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Students Berate IBEDC Over Incessant Power Outage and by every 24th or 25th

By Williams Michael of every month, the Students of Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara IBEDC officials will be State have berated the Ibadan Electricity parading from one house Distribution Company(IBEDC) over what they to the other to disconnect consider as ‘outrageous bill’ . people’s light. Even my The students of the Bolarinwa Rashidat, a landlord has paid for institution made this student of Mass prepaid meter but the known in an interview Communications also IBEDC management has and lamented that they said, “We don’t use light have not been enjoying up to 15days in a month not provide that.”

Bolarinwa, however, the electricity that they are being billed for.

According to an HND II student of Food Technology, Rashidat

By Joshua Afolabi Ajani, “We don’t enjoy electricity at Tipper Management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree has Garage area of Offa, declared that the embattled Rector of a Polytechnic nevertheless they will in Osun State who is alleged to have been involved come up with in certificates scandal is not the Rector of the Osun outrageous bills at the State Polytechnic Iree. end of the month.

A release signed by the o w n e d C o m m u n i t y Another student from Registrar and Secretary polytechnic in the department of to the Council of the Boluwaduro Local Computer Science, Osun State Polytechnic, Government Area of Korede Abimbade who Iree, Barr. B.M Salawu the State.

The release further claimed to live around indicated that the name Atari area implored the of the Rector of the Osun stated that Dr Agboola management of IBEDC State Polytechnic Iree is has never been involved to quickly interven Dr Jacob Olusola in any certificate scandal, before it degenerate to Agboola, but not Akinola and for the avoidance of Olaolu, whose academic doubt, he possesses a street protest.

Abimbade said, “ It is credentials were alleged Bachelor Degree from Bello three weeks now that we to have been queried and Ahmadu don’t have power supply denied by the University University (ABU), Zaria, (1989), Master’s Degrees of Lagos and University in our area and it is from University of costing us a lot in the of Ibadan respectively.

The release explained Nigeria (UNN), Nsuka area as it is our means of and Ladoke that though, ‘Osun Poly’ (1992) cooking”.

“We would pay for is the acronym of Akintola University (2002), and a Doctorate Osun State Polytechnic, Iree electricity; we would still be buying Kerosene and but the alleged Rector in Degree from Nnamdi University, lamp so that we can read the certificate scandal is Azikwe at night, some of us have the Chief Executive Awka (2006).

The Institution urged Officer of The to buy charcoal or fill our gas before we can cook. Igbajo Polytechnic, a members of the public This is not fair enough.” p r i v a t e not to confuse or mistake

implored the IBEDC to take drastic action on the issue as it is affecting the entire students in the community.

Also speaking on this issue is a student from the Department of B u s i n e s s Administration, Ekeocha Ruth, who said,

the power system in Offa is not good enough, adding that the

distribution company does not merit the fee it charges the consumers.

Alleged Certificate Forger, Not Our Rector - Osun Poly the Osun State Polytechnic Iree Rector for the alleged Rector of

The Igbajo Polytechnic who is currently under investigation over the

c o n t r o v e r s i e s surrounding his academic qualifications.

•Cross section of students of the Federal Polytechnic Ofa during seminar/presentation programme organised by the institution at the school campus Ofa recently

On The Hustings (3) Oyetola Promises Continuity As His Group Continues Visitations

By Kola Odepeju Alhaji Adegboyega Isiaka Oyetola, a governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has promised to continue the good work of the incumbent governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, if the people of the state give him the opportunity to serve.

Oyetola, who is currently undergoing a familiarisation tour of local governments in the state to solicit support for his governorship ambition as his party primary election draws closer, stated this on Monday in Ilesha as he led his group, IleriOluwa, to Ilesha East and West where he was received by massive crowds.

To state that his visit to Ilesha was

While addressing the people in Awo and Ede, Oyetola promised to run an all-inclusive government and make life better for the people, stating that good governance is not rocket science.

•A cross section of APC members showing support for Gboyega Oyetola during a campaign visit. carnival-like is not an exaggeration, as the people of Ilesha East and West turned out in large numbers to register their support for him.

The gubernatorial hopeful used the occasion to sell himself to the people of the two local governments describing himself as the only man that is most qualified of all the aspirants to carry on the developmental programmes of Ogbeni having undergone training and knows the job well. According to him, he is in the race to ensure that the gains recorded by Osun under Ogbeni Aregbesola are not reversed by

butterflies calling themselves birds.

He stressed that Ogbeni Aregbesola has done so well by placing Osun on world map of development and as such, his legacy must not be allowed to be eroded by people who do not know what good governance entails.

The Symbol of IleriOluwa who also described himself as the Symbol of continuity stated that all the lofty and laudable programmes of Ogbeni Aregbesola like O’MEAL, Youth employment, Agba Osun, good road network, good schools among others, would continue under him if he is given

the opportunity to succeed the incumbent governor.

He said that he has programmes for the youths, women, the physicallychallenged, widows and the elderly, stating that under him, enabling environment would be created especially for the youths to realise their potentials.

The gubernatorial contestant spoke in the same line in Ejigbo, Awo and Ede where his team visited on Tuesday and he was welcomed by his teaming supporters, especially in Ede, while party leaders there spoke glowingly of him describing him as a gentleman, an intelligent person, an astute politician, a technocrat, a hardworking, discipline and dutiful man who has what it takes to continue the developmental programmes of Ogbeni Aregbesola.

While addressing the people in Awo and Ede, Oyetola promised to run an all-inclusive government and make life better for the people, stating that good governance is not rocket science.

The story was not different in Ila, Ifedayo, Boluwaduro local government areas visited by Oyetola and his team on Wednesday as mammoth crowd of his supporters trooped out in support of IleriOluwa project. With the way people are daily joining Team IleriOluwa with fast speed and how old and young ones are showing interest in Oyetola’s candidacy across the nooks and crannies of the state, it may not be a wrong prediction to assert that he is most likely to secure the gubernatorial ticket of his party in the Primary Election coming up in July.

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NEWS

FRIDAY JUNE 29 - THURSDAY JULY 5, 2018

I Will Transform Agriculture To Develop Osun - Rep

By Solomon Odeniyi Chairman, Federal House of Representatives Committee on Debt Management, Hon Adeyinka Ajayi has assured the people of Osun State his commitment to transform agriculture to build a solid revenue base for the economic and social development of the state if elected governor in the September 22 election.

Ajayi who is Federal Constituency representing Ifelodun / while declaring his Boripe/ Odo-Otin intention to contest for

the governorship seat at the state secretariat of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) in Osogbo, the state capital promised to consolidate on the giant strides recorded by Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the last Seven and half years.

The lawmaker, a second time member of

the House of Representatives appealed to the leadership and members of the APC to support his ambition to ensure continuity of good governance in the state.

According to him, Governor Aregbesola has built a solid foundation for the development of

•(L- R) Hon Adeyinka Ajayi in a handshake with APC state chairman, Gboyega Famodun while declaring his intention to contest for the Osun State Governor, at the party Secretariat, Osogbo.

War Against Malaria:

the state which require a determined and cerebral leader as a successor to sustain the people oriented programmes instituted by the governor.

He rolled out three key electoral promises tagged “APC” which includes A g r i c u l t u r a l development, Public servant welfare and Continuity of Aregbebsola’s social investment programmes and infrastructural enhancement.

He said “I can assure you that with the level of work the incumbent has done in the state with massive infrastructural development in urban and rural areas, concentrating efforts on agriculture will help boost the economy of the state as well as making the state dependent financially without relying on federation account.

“This won’t be difficult to do since Osun is an agrarian state, under our leadership, the welfare of public servants would be given attention. They are a major component of

Organisation Donates Vehicles To Health Ministry

The Ministry of Health, State of Osun has under the age of five, indicated that the series of supports received from pregnant women and health related organisations, particularly to fight sickle cell.

Oyinlola assured the malaria would be put to judicious use in ensuring that health services get to the nooks and crannies donors that the state would not disappoint of the state. them, as the vehicles The Special Assistant there was need to stem would be put to use to the state governor on the tide of malarial where it is needed and Health, Dr. Gbenga infection in children Oyinlola, gave this affirmation during the donation of three [3]

By Israel Afolabi Toyota Hilux vans by a non-governmental A socio-political group in the All Progressives organisation, Global Congress (APC), Osun Good Governance Forum Fund Malaria to the state (OGGF) has cautioned all aspirants in the party not ministry of Health in to be too desperate in the quest for their ambitions, Osogbo recently. but put the interest and development of the state Dr. Oyinlola who first in their struggle. thanked the donors, also a view to In a statement signed with commended the Malaria Elimination Team for all by the Chairman of the guaranteeing the victory of the APC in the group, Mr Adebayo their activities as relating 22 whoever September to the state towards Abagun, governorship election in fighting the scourge of emerges among all the the state. aspirants should be malaria.

According to Abagun, supported by others In his words, “The without any bickering, Osun has been placed on distribution of the 2.9 million Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets [LLIN] was very beneficial to the Constituency”, it reads. state and with that we are •Continued from page 2 In the case of the calling on the people to the Senator that House of fashion out ways of represented Osun Central Representatives which helping the government Senatorial District and concerns only Osogbo/ to assist them in the from 2011 till date, proper usage of the nets”. Senator Olusola Adeyeye Olorunda/Irepodun/ Federal The SA also revealed (APC) from Ifedayo of Orolu the that since it was observed Boluwaduro/Ifedayo/Ila Constituency, statement disclosed that that most of the Federal Constituency is beneficiaries of the nets representing us. Since the Chief Paul Larinde (AD) were using the LLINs other two Federal from Orolu Local wrongly as window nets, Constituencies have Government represented goalposts, fishing nets represented Osun Central the constituency from instead of the intended Senatorial District two- 1999-2003 (one term); from 2003-2011, Mr Leo purpose, the vehicles terms each; therefore, could not have come at a Senatorial ticket is Awoyemi (PDP) from Local better time as it would be automatically coming to Osogbo Government represented used for monitoring.

O s o g b o / O l o r u n d a / the constituency (two He also revealed that Irepodun/Orolu Federal terms); while Rt. Hon.

promised that by the next monitoring of the state by the organization, there would have been improvements in the health indices.

In his speech, the Director of Global Health Fund, Society for Family

Health, Dr. Ernest Nwokolo stated that the donation of the vehicles came about because the organization felt it wise to support the states where it was used previously for the malaria campaigns.

any government and if we are to achieve anything tangible I believe giving them priority will propel them to give their best in the transformation of the state.

“You will all agree with me that the incumbent has laboured so hard to lay an indelible foundation. It’s only an aspirant who has nothing to offer that would want to waste their time coming with his own programs. We would sustain the legacy built in all aspects of the economy and we will prosecute it in a manner that will bring prosperity to the people if elected” He also promised to focus more on youth development through empowerment and entrepreneurship to increase productivity and expand the state economy.

Welcoming the aspirant at the party Secretariat, the state party chairman, Gboyega Famodun described the aspirant as one of the representatives at the federal level who has been portraying the state in good light.

He noted that Adeyinka remains one of the future assets of the party as he would always be found doing things that would bring progress to the party while assuring him of a level playing ground in the forthcoming primary election.

Group Cautions Aspirants Against Desperation For Ticket a high pedestal of development by the Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a administration and the only way to ensure the continuity of such development is to return a governor from the same party that belief in the development of the state.

Describing the level of desperation of some of the aspirant as inimical to the progress of the party and development of the

state, he said the fight for the party’s ticket should not be a do-or-die affair, as he urged them not to be shrouded by ambitions.

The group chairman then stressed the need for the leadership of the APC in the state to give a level playing ground for all the aspirants and allow them to show their strength without fear or favour.

He said that if the aspirants are given fair

Senatorial Ticket For Irepodun/Orolu LGs Lasun Yusuf (APC) from Irepodun Local Government has been representing the Federal constituency since 2011 till date (two terms).

The statement also adds “Therefore, the ‘second room’ (Irepodun/Orolu) deserves the slot the most, since the ‘first room’ (Osogbo/ Olorunda) has done it once. Since Rt. Hon. Lasun Yusuf, the Deputy Speaker of the Federal Republic of Nigeria till date is from Irepodun, Orolu Local Government

then its in the best position to hold the slot.

And the community shouldn’t be denied of the slot if truly Osun is the land of virtue and if justice will be done with all sense of dignity and responsibility.

For the above reasons, Mahmud Mobilisation Group—MMG 2019 is armed with facts and readiness to challenge anybody, or LGA that attempts to misinform the public or attempts to claim Central Senatorial Ticket in 2019".

treatment and delegates are allow to decide freely as promised by the party chairman in the state, Prince Gboyega Famodun, it would leave no one any other choice other than to accept the result of the primary.

This, according to him would give the APC leverage to capitalize on the developmental stride of Aregbesola administration and convincingly win the governorship election in September 22.

“In the last seven and half years, Osun has w i t n e s s e d unprecedented development in all sectors of governance, and to ensure the continuity of it, we must present a candidate that will be well acceptable to all through a free and fair primary.

“In this case, whoever emerges through this primary should be supported by all because among all the aspirants, only one will emerge and in the interest of the party and the state, we must remain united”, Abagun stressed.

FRIDAY JUNE 29 - THURSDAY JULY 5, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

TETFUND: Contractor Bags 6 Yrs Jail For Stealing Osun College Contract's Fund and the State College of N228,298,302.00 and the mobilization fee to you Council

By Mariam Bello payment of by the Governing Management of Osun Education, Ila-Orangun.

Justice Akin-David Oladimeji of the Osun State over High Court sitting in Ede, Osun State, has sentenced one John Ojekorede Ojemuyiwa, to a six- year jail term for diverting a project money worth N300 million. conversion and diversion He was said to have of N.3 Billion TETFUND used his company, approved for sundry Digitpro Engineering projects at the Osun State Technology Limited, to College of Education, Ila steal the project’s money. Orangun.

He was convicted on One of the charges two counts of the three against them reads: “John counts charges preferred Ojekorede Ojemuyiwa against him by the and Digitpro Technology Economic and Financial Ltd., sometimes in Crimes Commission, February 2014 at Ila EFCC. Orangun within the The convict and his Osogbo judicial division, company were awarded corruptly gave the sum of a TETFUND contract for N43,093,694.36 to the construction of members of Governing amphitheater at the Osun State College of Council, Osun State Education, Ila Orangun. College of Education, Ila They were investigated Orangun, through one and arraigned for David Olayinka Olajede offences of stealing and of De Capstone Ltd on giving of gratification to account of the award of •Some suspects arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court over alleged robbery. contract worth public officers.

Justice Oladimeji in his ruling found the convicts guilty on counts one and plots of land to him section 465 punishable pleaded guilty to the four

By Mariam Bello three. Ojemuyiwa and his which was false. under section 567, section count charges preferred company were convicted A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State on The prosecutor 418 punishable under against them. and sentenced to three The magistrate, Mrs years imprisonment each Tuesday remanded two men in Ilesha prison explained that the section 419 and section on the two counts of the custody over alleged forgery and obtaining money accused persons stole 383 punishable under Modupe Awodele ruled three charges. They were under false pretence.

N4million belonging to section 390 (9) of the that the accused persons genuine for buyer. discharged and acquitted The accused persons Mustapha criminal code cap 34 be remanded in Ilesha He also stated that the Alhaji are Mufutau Jimoh, 52, duo also obtained four Olasupo. on count two. volume 11.laws of Osun prison custody and The sentence, and Segun Oladimeji million naira from Alhaji thereby adjourned the Oladoye summited State 2002. according to the court, is who were docked on four that that the offences The suspects who had case to July 17 for brief of count charges bothering Mustapha Olasupo with ontravene section 516, to run concurrently. no legal representation facts.

The convicts who were on Felony to wit forgery, a pretence of selling four arraigned by the Ibadan obtaining money under Zonal office of the EFCC, false pretence and on Monday, April 3, 2016 stealing.

(Special Provision) Act Olusegen

By Mariam Bello The prosecutor pleaded not guilty to the Ayilara Cap R11 Vol. 14, laws of ordered that the suspect Oladoye two counts which were Inspector A 25-year- old man, Lukman Yinub, has been the Federation of Nigeria, later amended to three- Joshua informed the remanded in Ilesa prison custody by a magistrate be remanded in prison 2004. count charge bothering court that the duo and court sitting in Osogbo over alleged robbery. due to the magnitude of Lukman had no legal the offence committed. on stealing and giving of others at large committed The Magistrate, Mr representation and his gratification to public the offence on February Olusegun The case was Ayilara sections 1(1)(2)(a)(b) of plea was not taken 25 2018 behind Kadatus officers. adjourned to July 20 for the robbery and firearms ordered that the The Magistrate, Mr Station Ojemuyiwa’s journey Filling mention. in defendant be remanded to the prison followed a Kobongbogboe CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE in prison due to the petition to the EFCC Osogbo.

ABDULLAH RUKAYAT sometimes in April 2016 The suspects allegedly magnitude of the offence MR. RAPHAEL OYENIYI RAIFU KAZEEM ADEBOYE OMOWUMI land sales committed. by the Civil Societies forged I was formerly known That I was formerly That I was formerly The Prosecutor, andThat Coalition for the agreement document of addressed as MR. known and addressed as known and addressed as Emancipation of Osun, four plots of land which Inspector Joshua RAPHEAL ADEDIRAN ADEKUNLE KAZEEM EGBEBI RUKAYAT alleging a fraudulent they presented as Oladoye, had informed OYENIYI, but now wish to ADEBOYE, but now wish OMOWUMI, but now the court that the be known and addressed as to be known and addressed wish to be known and defendant committed the MR. RAPHAEL OYENIYI. as RAIFU KAZEEM addressed as ABDULLAH All former documents remain offence on April 30 , at valid. Pension Transitional ADEBOYE. All former RUKAYAT OMOWUMI. documents remain valid.

All former documents about 2:20 am, at Arrangement Directorate and First Bank and General remain valid. General the General public should take Stamosta area, Iwo, note. public should take note. public should take note.

Osun.

Oladoye said the

By David Adejuwon MURITALA MUKAILA OYEWUSI JOLAYEMI ADEWALE A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo has defendant conspired That I was formerly That I was formerly remanded a 27-year-old Ibrahim Lukman in Ilesha with others at large to rob one Wasilat Adenike and known and addressed as prison custody for armed robbery. known and addressed as O Y E W U M I The accused is facing a punishable under section Ibrahim Sanni of their ADEWALE AYUBA, but JOLAYEMI SEGUN, but two-count charge 1(2)(a)(b) of the robbery valuables valued about now wish to be known and now wish to be known and addressed as bothering on robbery and firearms (special N227,000. addressed as OYEWUSI MURITALA MUKAILA before magistrate provision) Act Cap RII “The defendant carted JOLAYEMI. All former Modupe Awodele. vol.14 Laws of away phones and the ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid.

Police prosecutor Federation of Nigeria total sum of N22,000. He documents remain valid.

G.T Bank and General Inspector Oladoye Joshua 2004. also took with him U.B.A Bank and General public should take note. told the court that the He further said the public should take note. plasma television, accused committed the accused is well known in offences on June 6, 2018 police stations and court wristwatch and iphones at B-Top Filling station, for such acts, saying the before he was traced and Osunjela Area Osogbo. suspect is the only arrested.”

Inspector Joshua said surviving son of his Oladoye stressed that the accused armed mother. the defendant armed himself with dangerous The plea of the accused himself with dangerous weapons and robbed one was not taken. weapons which include Alabi Precious of the cash The case was gun, cutlasses and sum of N32, 600 and also adjourned till October 16, charms and used them to robbed one Komolafe 2018 for mention and the Samson of his Techno D8 accused was ordered to carry out their nefarious phone valued N13, 000. be remanded in Ilesha operations.

The Prosecutor said the Inspector Joshua said prison custody until the offence contravene the offences committed is said date.

Court Remands Two Men For Forging Land Document

Court Remands 25-Year-Old Man Over Alleged Robbery

Man In Prison Over Robbery

CRIME

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TETFUND: Contractor Bags 6 Yrs Jail For Stealing Osun College Contract's Fund P. 15

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FRIDAY JUNE 29 - THURSDAY JULY 5, 2018

Osun 2018: Defining The Stakes Observation

Voters in the State of Osun will be heading for the polls in September 22, 2018. It will be a defining moment for citizens and residents alike. The stakes in this election year will determine for good or ill where Osun will also be in the next four years.

If between 2010 and now, the extraordinary battle had been to demonize the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the ruling party for supposedly going out of their way to venture an ambitious plan of development for the state, the next four years will oscillate between continuing Aregbesola’s projects or destroying them.

This is what the 2018 election is all about. First, the battle between 2010 and now to oust Aregbesola, failed badly in 2014. But the disinformation exercise to negatively characterize the governor’s efforts was a success. Negative media against Aregbesola and the ruling party outclassed positive reportage of his successes.

Now that a transition is inevitable, the question of who succeeds Aregbesola becomes the critical issue. There are contending and conflicting interests across the board; 70 per cent of them are intended to destroy Aregbesola legacy.

However, the facts on ground as to what has happened to this state between 2010 and as you read this script is that, since Osun was created some 27 odd years ago, Ogbeni Aregbesola was the most incredible agent of change and progress that the state has known!

So, the curious question is why 70 per cent of aspirants across the political spectrum so desperate to wipe out his legacy?

The answer is simple; they are all jealous of his success in the first place, and scared of the implications for the future of kleptocracy in the state. This tragic scenario is trending politically

BY OLUMUYIWA KUMUYI

There are great expectations and powerful interests at play here which raise doubts that the ruling party can deliver the best on offer. throughout the country. But that is a subject for a later date.

We do not need to say it, but Nigeria is basically ruled by the mediocre.

Always, “the best president will never rule Nigeria,” because it is a country that prides itself of mediocre. That is the biggest stake in Osun today.

Shall we have a mediocre or a dedicated and knowledgeable

professional take over from Aregbesola?

There is only one place that decision can be taken – at the APC primary. The outgoing governor has raised the bar of performance so high that the APC has become obligated to produce the best aspirant as its successor candidate. By July 7, 2018 that candidate will emerge no matter what.

There are great expectations and powerful interests at play here which raise doubts that the ruling party can deliver the best on offer. The opposition parties are hoping and scheming for the worst to happen to destabilize the APC, while the party is working hard to manage the hotly contested primary to produce their best and still remain stable.

If things go terribly wrong during the exercise, it could give the opposition an advantage; but the other parties too will have to be more cohesive than they are at the moment to win.

However, that kind of co-operation by the opposition parties is least likely because they are currently working at

cross purpose, and that is why the APC remains favourite to emerge victorious in September.

But the most important factor that could influence victory for the APC is the party’s performance in the last seven and a half years. Regardless of the massive negative media that the personality and style of the outgoing governor had attracted over the period of his tenure, the fact remains unassailable that Rauf Aregbesola has out-performed most other governors in the country.

The opposition parties cannot wish that away. But the key consideration here as well is that not a single one of them is a credible alternative to the APC in Osun. The most “outstanding” of the opposition parties- the PDP- is in tatters.

The others do not have the charismatic personality to stand up to Aregbesola on the campaign trail, where the outgoing governor has a massive advantage.

Even if the opposition combines to challenge the APC, or the ruling party falls short of producing their best candidate, (a very unlikely event), the party can still clinch victory in September because of the negative and destructive attitude of the opposition to obliterate Aregbesola’s legacy.

That legacy will be the nemesis of the opposition. The silent majority of Osun citizens know that the best that has ever happened to the state is the Aregbesolaled APC government. They won’t be anxious to substitute the party with either the failed PDP or the untested “new comers” in the other opposition parties.

That is the crux of the matter.

•Kumuyi is a senior journalist resident in Lagos

The Zoning Debate: Why Osun West Deserved Governorship Slot or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the Federal (State) character of Nigeria and the need to promote national (State) unity and also to command national (State) loyalty, thereby ensuring that there SHALL BE NO PREDOMINANCE OF PERSONS from a few states (Districts) or from a few ethnic or other sectional groups (District/ L/Gs) in that Government (State) or in any of its agencies.

ZONING CLAUSE IN APC CONSTITUTION (page 76/77) Now to zoning provision by the All Progressives Congress Constitution 2014 as amended.

In Article 20 subsection (v) states “without prejudice to Article 20 (ii) and (iii) of this Constitution, the National Working Committee shall, subject to the approval of the National Executive Committee, make Rules and Regulations for the nomination of candidates through primary elections.

All such Rules, Regulations and Guidelines shall take into considerations and uphold the principle of Federal Character, gender balance, geo-political spread (Zoning) and rotation (Zoning) of offices, to as much as possible ensure balance within the Constituency or State concerned”

through the Party primaries.

It should also be brought to our memories that in 1999 -2007 Lagos West Senatorial District produced Chief Asiwaju Hammed Tinubu as Governor while Lagos Central Senatorial District produced H/E Babatunde Raji Fashola between 2007 and 2015 as Governor and the incumbent Lagos Governor comes from East Senatorial District of the State notwithstanding the kin interest of Barrister Muiz Banire (SAN) from Lagos West Senatorial District who even had the strongest backings of who is who in the politics of that State yet zoning system adherence prevailed.

We have to let the World know at this point that without meeting the aforementioned, we the stakeholders in the Osun West Senatorial District of Osun State SHALL NOT BE ABLE TO CONVINCE our good people of the District to deliver our precious votes for the Party in the forthcoming elections. “BEFORE WARNED IS BEFORE HARMED/INJURED” !

Finally, we call on all concerned quarters to speedily step into actions towards salvaging our dearest Party from preventable, imminent, inimical OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. and catastrophic fall/collapse.

All correspondence to the Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., E-

From the above results of 2014 Guber Election in Osun State, Osun West Senatorial District took 2nd position with 132,821 votes for APC after the Central Senatorial District with 150,557 votes while the East Senatorial District where Governor Rauf Aregbesola comes took the third position with 111,396 votes slightly above what opposition Party (PDP) had in that District.

With the above imbalances and gross disrespect for the provision of Section 14 Subsection (1) of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution as amended which states, “ The Federal Republic of Nigeria shall be a state based on the principles of democracy and social justice” which is applicable to Osun State with her three Senatorial Districts in contemplation. Based on this section, Osun West is strongly calling for social justice by an open declaration of 2018 Guber slot to our District without further delay by our Party APC in Osun.

To buttress this position further, Section 14 Subsection (3) of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution as amended says “The composition of the Government of the Federation (State)

OUR POSITION AND DEMANDS We, as a district, strongly remain resolute to be law abiding, loyal, committed and reliable party backers of APC in Osun if the Party in this State upholds the sound tenets of internal democracy and social justice by granting the following rightful and justifiable DEMANDS: Our District to produce Governor in this 2018 Our Party at State level to openly declare 2018 Guber slot to Osun West Senatorial District without any ambiguity.

A level playing ground to all aspirants after (a) and (b) above To further justify our demands from (a) to (c) from the South West States like Ondo, Ogun, Lagos and Oyo have answered and yielded to the requests of their people in that direction where: Yewa Senatorial District of Ogun state is considered for next governorship slot through public zoning declaration.

Oyo state has considered (Oke Ogun) Oyo North Senatorial District for governorship slot through public zoning declaration.

Ondo North Senatorial District finally got their governorship slot

mail: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,