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Osun Guber Race:

Adeleke, Ogunbiyi’s Ambitions Strain PDP’s Unity •OGUNBIYI

•ADELEKE

2 ge a P

Politics Extra

I Have No Endorsement Of Aregbesola - Oyetola

P. 3

Osun Debt: Money Well-borrowed, Well-spent - Saka-Layonu You're Wasting Your Time, Babalola Tells Non-West PAGE 3 Aspirants

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Osun Guber Race: Adeleke, Ogunbiyi's Ambitions Strain PDP's Unity

By Shina Abubakar grievances against the primary election. membership to the ruling turmoil. party executives in the The build up to the 2018 governorship primary party in the state.

This new development Similarly, since the state, believing that they election in the State of Osun chapter of the Peoples’ According to the inception of Ogunbiyi, he have been relegated to is building up tension in Democratic Party (PDP) seems to be creating source, the Adelekes has not failed to help the the party, especially another crisis, as the financial muscles of two major deployed their resource party financially and he the background in the among supporters of the scheme of things and aspirants in the party is dividing its stakeholders. towards ensuring that it has always redeemed his have even vowed to resist aspirants, who believed Investigations showed forget the contributions was freed from Senator pledges to the party. any attempt to sell the they have sacrificed more that since Dr. Akin of the Adeleke family, Iyiola Omisore and “He has also pledged party to the highest than enough for the party Ogunbiyi joined the race especially as the family ensured that the party to play by the rules of the bidder. for anyone to come and on the party platform, stood by the party in the held its congresses across party and only seek a Two of the aspirants seize control of the party many observers had peak days of its crisis and the state and also level playing ground for who were part of the past from them. termed the contest a stabilize it in the state. galvanized its supporters all the aspirants. That I PDP administration in It was gathered that show of financial muscles Besides, it added that towards having a united believe is not too much the state were even PDP members have been between the newcomer the family had through front against the tyranny for the party to provide fingered to be part of sensitizing delegates and the Adeleke’s family. the late Isiaka Adeleke of the former senator. and in addition, the man those claiming that It also ensured that its had just given the party Ogunbiyi was sponsored across the state on the A section of the party movement helped to is of the view that keep its members across first major outing after the campaign vehicle he by some power brokers in need for them to ensure Ogunbiyi could liberate the state intact during the the congress did not fail promised us”, the source Lagos and have been on that the party remains a collective property rather the party from the hold of time of crisis and funding and the PDP, the source added. the party’s neck to make the Adeleke family, many of its activities added, is not known for Findings revealed that sure money is not made than an item that can be by which is believed to have when the party was abandoning those that some of the aspirants a priority in the coming purchased moneybags. the control of the party expected to lose stood by it at a time of have been nursing executives and delegates across the state.

However, the state PDP Chairman, Hon. Soji farmers and agro- party, it is sure that anytime they found

By Solomon Odeniyi Adagunodo had in a entrepreneur. anyone who wins the themselves having legal statement denied that the An aspirant of the All Progressives Congress for The State Party primary would have the issues charging no dime party is working for a the Osun gubernatorial election, Ismail SakaGoyega job done. for his services. particular candidate or Layonu has declared that the debt owed by the state chairman, He enjoined the people being in support of the was invested on feasible projects which are of Famodun, after receiving He described SakaSaka-Layonu’s letter of Adeleke family, he immense benefit to the populace.

Layonu as a selfless man, of the state to vote in the intent said with the ruling party so the good pledged its decision to recalling how he has Acoording to him, “the necessary mechanism caliber of people always made himself work seen around would give all aspirants a level debt is money well and incentives to further contesting the be improved on. playing ground to contest borrowed and money the agenda of local governorship seat in the available to the party the party ticket. well spent”.

But checks indicated The governorship that many of the party members are afraid that aspirant who spoke while fielding questions the influence the Adeleke family has on the party from newsmen shortly may work against the after his declaration of man who came with intent to contest the loads of money for the party’s ticket, noted that party supporters. had the debt been spent A source close to the on white elephant party secretariat confided projects, it could have in the medium that many portend doom for the of the party’s state, and critics would stakeholders in the state have been right. do not trust Ogunbiyi, He added that “ when especially, being a Lagos the roads constructed based business man and will begin to open up the he is already tagged an economy, the ‘Ajele’, who does not development in understand the political agriculture begin to terrain. manifest, by the time you The source further disclosed that the begin to see the children speculations from many and the quality of of the other aspirants education they get and about the authenticity of other positive outcome, Ogunbiyi’s intention is a not only on the economy source of concern for the but our social wellbeing, elders of the party, who then we will agree that are said to be worried the money was well about losing the control spent“. of the party to a stranger.

He promised that his •Saka-Layonu (left) and the APC state Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famoodun (right) during the former’s declaraIt was however learnt administration would tion of governorship ambition at the party’s Secretariat in Osogbo. that, the coming of pay close attention to Ogunbiyi may provide a wealth creation which sort of balance of terror according to him would financially, between his undoubtedly lead to to criminal suspects. camp and the Adelekes economic growth and are hairdressers while

By Sola Jacobs on one side and some development so as to set A police source said others denied being In its sustained effort to rid the ancient city of intimidated aspirants, the stage for a Ile-Ife of criminals and their accomplices, the Police that the raiding of commercial sex workers who might see him as a brothels in Sabo area, but rather visitors to their shield against the remarkable reduction Area Command of Ife combed brothels in the town Ilare and Moore had been relation who lives in the last Thursday. and alleviation of became necessary as yielding results, as they hotel.

Adeleke’s arsenal.

According to OSUN police tip off revealed Findings showed that poverty.

OSUN DEFENDER According to him, one D E F E N D E R that most of the sex have had volunteered the PDP has zoned its information about some investigation at the governorship ticket to the of such ways to create correspondent, who workers serve as “wanted criminals” in ancient city revealed that Osun-West Senatorial wealth is by generating witnessed the exercise at informants, hideouts and the area. since the commencement zone of the state, where and increasing diverse the “Niger brothel” arm keepers for the The source confided in of the exercise in the both Ademola Adeleke streams of income to the located in Aderemi area criminals. the medium that other town about two weeks and Akin Ogunbiyi hail state, noting that this of the city, more than 20 It was also gathered black spots within the ago, criminal activities from and the duo had no would be achieved by middle age commercial that some suspects that record of any ensuring that capital sex workers were hauled are in police custody jurisdiction of the had been on hold. confrontation but some of flight is avoided and the into police van by men confessed that most of the command would be Residents admonished their supporters had been wealth created in the attached to the area sex workers were used to raided with a view to that the police should checkmating criminal nursing fair over their state is recycled, command’s office. intensify efforts to bring extract information from activities in the area. ambitions. multiplied and equitably The medium’s Some of the suspects about peace and security The party source distributed within Osun investigation at the scene unsuspecting customers in the ancient city and its added that it is difficult as well as providing the revealed that the exercise that seek their patronage interrogated by the which are later divulged medium said that they environment. for the party leadership to

Osun Debt: Money Well-Borrowed, Well-spent - Saka-Layonu

Police Combs Brothels In Ife

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I Have No Endorsement Of Aregbesola - Oyetola work with well-meaning generated revenue base, administration processes federal allocation as a

By Solomon Odeniyi which would help in means of funding the bureaucrats in order to Contrary to speculations that he has been increase the internally blocking all leakages in reducing dependence on state. tax collection and tax endorsed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the September 22 governorship election, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Mr Gboyega Oyetola has debunked the insinuation, saying he has no endorsement of the governor.

Oyetola said this at his agricultural processing, and fish campaign office in meat Osogbo, the state capital preservation among shortly after declaring his others”.

Oyetola maintained ambition to contest for the race under the that he would work with platform of the All the private sector and Progressives Congress NGOs to identify and prioritize the socio(APC).

He said, “If Governor economic and other Aregbesola endorsed me, needs of the state, I will not need to struggle deploying a Public Partnership or campaign as I’m doing Private now. I have toured every model which would enable his administration nooks and crannies of this state consulting the to focus on upgrading and stakeholders. I don’t facilities discuss campaign issue infrastructure available for education, health, with the Governor. So, he (Aregbesola) has been sporting activities, skill fair to all APC aspirants.” acquisition, poverty and He said, he should not alleviation be evaluated based on environmental care.

The Chief of staff also sentiments, but on merit, saying, “With my 30 stated that he would •Oyetola (arrowed) and his supporters during the declaration of his ambition for Osun APC governorship ticket. years experience in the private sector and eight years in the governance of this state, I’m the most was not authorized to Gboyega Famodun on party constitution would

By Kehinde Ayantunji qualified among all the speak on the matter said Wednesday reiterated the be followed.

APC aspirants and I’m Strong indication emerged on Wednesday that their contention is that party position to follow He said the party well positioned to Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Elders Forum zoning had never been a the party constitution by cannot edged out any one continue from where has been divided over the agitation to micro zone the criteria in the party and it conducting a transparent who is interested in the Aregbesola stops.”

APC governorship ticket in the coming July 7 party’s would be a dangerous primary and allow all governorship position Having been part of primary to Osun West Senatorial District. dimension in future eligible aspirants to and urged all the aspirants the administration for the elections. participate. to work hard in winning Some of the elders of past seven and half years, the party on Tuesday zone the governorship This is the first time Famodun who was the party primary saying, ticket to the West and he said he knew what the boycotted a meeting held since 2010 that the apex apparently responding to “I am the father of West, mobilized some party issues are, as well as at the residence of the most especially body of the APC will the open agitation for Central and East in the knowing what the people Chairman of the forum, chairmen sharp zoning by the supporters party, we must provide a from Osun west to take exhibit need in an agenda of Chief Sola Akinwumi, a part in the decision to be disagreement since the of Elder Peter Babalola, level playing ground for continuity and former Secretary to the forwarded to the inception of Governor one of the aspirants from everybody, that is the Aregbesola’s the west said, the party constitution of our party revitalization that will State Government. governor , Chief Bisi Rauf respects their demands and that is where we are deepen the current gains OSUN DEFENDER Akande and the national administration.

Meanwhile, the state and the support of the standing”. in infrastructural learnt that some party secretariat of the party. zone since 1999 but the party Chairman, Prince development. elders mainly from Osun The elders were Oyetola described West and East Senatorial reportedly hell bent on himself as a leader with District resolved to sign the issue of zoning and steady hands whose resolution to be submitted have resolved to dare words are his bonds and to the governor and the anyone who want to deny work without a hitch. someone who would national leader of the them the governorship He added that he had continue with the party, Asiwaju Bola slot since 1992 that the late no manifesto other than

By Solomon Odeniyi leadership values of the Tinubu on the need to governor Isiaka Adeleke the six integral action plan governorship was the Governor for incumbent to unite the zone Elder Peter Babalola, an aspirants of the All of the governor and people, inspire them to position to Osun West about 22 months.

Progressive Congress for the September 22 would make sure it is jettison primordial Senatorial District.

It was also learnt that gubernatorial election has made a strong call for the achieved to the fullest.

According to a source at the elders from the west zoning of the party’s governorship ticket to come from sentiments and work for Reacting, the state party the development of the the meeting, some of the have advised the 20 the Osun-West Senatorial District. chairman described people and secure a Osun central members of aspirants from the district himself as the chairman of life till today.

Then they The Ikire born prosperous state for the the forum boycotted the to present three consensus politician advised said it was the central and all and would only obey benefit of generation meeting over perceived aspirants from the three aspirants from other it came to be, after that it the judgement of all by the biasness of some elders federal constituencies to unborn. districts to call it quit and was the turn of the east virtue of the outcome of He added that the with particular reference form a formidable force support aspirants from and now it is the turn of the primary. to the influence of Elder He said: “ I am aware of welfare of workers against other senatorial the West, warning that the West”. would top his list of Peter Babalola and Alhaji districts but the task seems failure to do so would Dispelling the notion the serious campaign for priorities even as he Moshood Adeoti who are difficult as all the amount to a waste of their that there are no west. Others as well are sought to embark on governorship aspirants aspirants are reinforcing resources as well as time competent aspiransts from craving for the seat. If I at the same time their chances of winning massive job creation and and would be surprised at the district, Babalola must be sincere, West members of the forum and it appeared no one is how they would be stressed that all aspirants have been our strong through creation of who attended the ready to sacrifice the floored during the July 7 from west contesting point reflecting on industrial parks that meeting. under the party are more election results. But as the ambition. primary election. would absorb thousands A prominent member qualified for the position head if I am to keep As at the time of filing The APC aspirant of employable youths. of the forum from Osun this report, members of than those from other enjoying the support of described the west “My goal is to make Central told our combined, all, I must not be seen to Osun to be known as the correspondent that some the elders forum from agitation project as done districts state for employment and of them were not Osun central and Osun deal, as a huge number of affirming that aspirants be with one side than from west are more than other. Also I would not the people making up the East are also holding jobs in the country. A comfortable with the level study that we of biasness openly strategic meetings in delegates, including Local capable to govern the want to go against the party constitution by commissioned has displayed by some elders various locations to also Government Chairmen, state.

Babalola, who stated saying it should be zoned indicated that 25-30 who have already shown present a counter position Councillors among others a particular zone. I will factories employing over interest in some aspirants and collate signatures reaching a concensus that that the reason the party to leave it to your 30,000 workers can be and making efforts to use against micro-zoning the the west senatorial district has witnessed such an judgement, and I will obey unprecedented number of should produce the next created within a period of the elders’ forum to build governorship position. people showing interest it. So if it is your wish for One of the APC local governor.

3-4 years across the state. support for their preferred He said” When I was as a result of the giant the West to produce the government party I will also pay critical candidate. strides by Aregbesola, next governor so be it. I wanted to contest the But despite the boycott, chairmen from Osun East attention to the other time, I was told it saying only people like will ensure that under my establishment of light the elders forum were who was part of the was not yet time for my him with a military and watch, a free and fair manufacturing industries said to have held the meeting but pleaded zone and God in his civilian experience could election would be such as those focusing on meeting and resolved to anonymity because he infinite mercy spared my carry on with the good conducted. “

Osun APC Elders Split Over Governorship Zoning

You're Wasting Your Time, Babalola Tells Non-West Aspirants •I’ll Obey Peoples Judgement - Famodun

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‘ PAGE

4 That some twenty seven members of the APC are in the race to win the nomination of the party for the governorship election in September should not make anyone apprehensive, on the contrary, it is a celebration of democracy. Democracy itself rests on plurality of choices and a crowded field reflects a testimonial of faith in the democratic process, which means that constitutional government is deepening in our country The stellar performance of the outgoing governor has certainly kindled interests in a job he has made glamorous. The path breaking social initiatives and fiscal balancing cannot but enthuse those who believe that the processes of government should benefit the majority and not just a few. It’s a beautiful morning for democracy in the State of Osun.

Our own position is unambiguous and will be constantly reiterated, there must be continuity of the pro - people, progressive policies of the current administration, any other consideration is subordinate to this objective. For, as it is often stated, continuity of progressive policies in Lagos State since 1999 has made and continues to be the trajectory for sustainable development in Lagos. It will be a tragic loss of focus not to emulate the Lagos example.

Since there is no rational reason to disrupt a winning strategy, all those seeking the nomination of the APC must put continuity first and last.

After The Declarations

Fundamen •Required a progressive change of baton

Sadly, as of today, Osun does not have anything remotely like a government-in-waiting. This is reprehensible for a democracy, but it places overwhelming responsibility on the APC and its aspirants for the highest office in the state to ensure continuity of good government.

This will call for great discipline as well as the key objective of putting the party first. Only one person will gain the nomination at the end of the day, all must remember that they desire the nomination of the party not for self - agrandisement but to further the progressive ideals of the party.

All the aspirants must remember that modern political parties are

”

established and operated on the basis of democratic centralism which represents the subordination of personal or factional interests to the overwhelming interests of the party as a whole. In the case of

Let's Play This Game By The Rules Permit me to use this opportunity to air my views on the political jamboree that have commenced as the 2018 Osun gubernatorial election draws closer.

In other climes, electioneering and politicking are done based on issues before, during and after the political party primaries.

Aspirants tackle each other based on issues, what have been left undone, what should be done, commendations and criticisms where necessary.

The contrary seems to be the case in ours and yet, we claim to practice the same democracy.

Though, we cannot

compare our own to democracy in advanced countries but nevertheless, our politicking and electioneering campaigns should be issue based

rather than engaging in political and character assassinations and the outright snuffing out of life from intending candidates and their supporters.

Politicians go about arming their foot soldiers

with weapons of different assortments and they go about town, scaring the opposition.

When certain aspirants loose out in their party primaries, the next step taken is to decamp in

order to get the same ticket from another political party.

Our democracy is still nascent but our nationhood is not. A person who is 58 qualifies to have grown, used to it and mastered the process

perfectly, hence, our politicians should learn from their friends in developed democracies and start to ask questions on how they achieved it in their countries.

No democracy is perfect, but at least, some of the flaws associated with it can be reduced and even done away with.

Ekiti and the case of Opeyemi Bamidele is a typical example. Why the violence?

It is my prayer that as we elect the next governor of this state in September, there shall be a smooth election and also, a smooth transition

by God’s special grace.

• H E N R Y CHUKWUWIKE, Osogbo.

Osun, a lot is riding on the continuity objective. Posterity will be unforgiving if through acts of omission and commission the fortunes[the pun is intended] of the state is handed back to retrogressive forces who stultified the purposeful development of the state in the past and who, availed of another opportunity will plunder the resources of the state with the same reckless abandonment of the past.

As a party, the APC represents the cohesive position for good governance in the State of Osun. For this reason, they have a clear moral responsibility to ensure a rancour free succession process.

For the people themselves through the APC, there is everything at stake. As the philosopher, Plato pointed out centuries ago. “If you do not take an interest in the affairs of your government, then you are doomed to live under the rule of fools”. Sadly, as of today, Osun does not have anything remotely like a government-inwaiting. This is reprehensible for a democracy, but it places overwhelming responsibility on the APC and its aspirants for the highest office in the state to ensure continuity of good government.

We ask all contestants to play by the rules and put the interests of the party first.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY JUNE 8 - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 2018

Will Women Have Their Fair Share Politically?

Sola Jacobs writes on the need to have more women occupy elective and appointive positions as the gubernatorial elections approach in Ekiti and Osun states.

With the political parties’ Ayo Omidiran in the House of Osun State House of Assembly primaries in some of the states in Representative in 2011 and 2015, women had a seat respectively in the Nigeria and 2019 general election while Ekiti only had one state legislative house in 1999 and approaching, women in the country, representative in the 2003 election.

2003 elections. especially the non-governmental For the State Houses of Assembly, The review of women organisations and coalition of Nigeria has a total number of 990 representation in the political terrain women groups seem to be more seats across the states. In 1999, of the two states revealed that conscious of the role that women women occupied only 24 seats, in the women had not been better would play in the present and next 2003 election, 40 seats, in 2007 represented, which shows gender political dispensations, as some of election 57 seats, in 2011 election 68 inequality in political representation them had taken it upon themselves seats, while it declined to 51 seats in of the country against women, to review how women had fared in 2015 election. particularly in the legislature. previous elections.

Ekiti State in 2011, women had Women are seen to be very Recently, there was a gathering four seats in the state and in 2015 important within the political organised by the Community Life election, women had two seats. In Project for women politicians in Ekiti and Osun State in Ado Ekiti, the capital of Ekiti State.

At the workshop, the fact sheet on women political representation in Nigeria was presented and Really, women are yet to have their fair share and representation in political climate of the country, despite their numerical strength, education, socioeconomy contributions to the growth and development of the country, and their role as agents of socialization.

Out of the 109 seats in the upper National Assembly in the 1999 elections women occupied only three seats, in 2003 four seats, in 2007 women occupied nine seats and in the 2011 election it declined to eight seats, in 2015, it plunged further to seven seats.

Ekiti state is lucky enough to have two •A cross section of women from Osun and Ekiti states at a workshop in Ado Ekiti. women to represent the state in the 2015 election, while Osun State has not had any women to represent it since 1999 till date.

The review of the House of Representatives reveals that out of the 360 seats, in the 1999 election, women had 13 seats, in 2003, 21 seats, in 2007 election 27 seats, in 2011, 25 seats while it nosedived to 22 seats in 2015 election. Osun had one woman representative, Hon.

Really, women are yet to have their fair share and representation in political climate of the country, despite their numerical strength, education, socio-economy contributions to the growth and development of the country, and their role as agents of socialization.

parties but in government, it becomes difficult to meaningfully advance the course of women in Nigeria.

There is perceived inequality between men and women in political representation and despite all efforts made by the civil society organisations and women groups over the years, women’s’ representation in political offices remain abysmally poor.

An analysis of women’s representation in all 5 elections held in the country since 1999 show that the very modest gains made between 1999 and 2007 are b e i n g progressively reversed.

See the table on page 6 At an interactive session, Hon. Ronke Edu Adewoye from Osun State gave reasons why women could not convert their n u m e r i c a l s t r e n g t h , participation in politics and contributions to n a t i o n a l development, which include the fact that women have little voice and influence within the parties to determine who emerges as parties flag bearers.

In her opinion, Hon Sade Akinromola, the Chairman of Gboyin Local Government in Ekiti state stated that, women who occupy political positions owe their appointments and elections to the will of the party leaders, saying, “If your leader in the party and state is women-friendly, then they will generously concede some seats to women, but going •Continued on page 6

FRIDAY JUNE 8 - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 2018

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5

Will Women Have Their Fair Share Politically?

•Continued from page 5

through party processes, women are only seen as tools to garner votes and campaign instruments in Nigeria politics”.

To corroborate her claims, the state women leader of the All Progressives Congress in Osun, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde said that the gender-sensitive governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola generously agreed that more women should be allowed into local governments and new local council development areas administration, a situation that guaranteed positions for more women as councilors and chairpersons of LGs and LCDAs in the history of the state. She said this is unprecedented in the history of the state because the governor recognises the contributions of women to socio-political and economic development of the state.

Women at the gathering agreed that some of them are petty and men use their pettiness to divide them along party structures and politics.

The question arose, does women have the financial muscle like their male counterparts in politics? the consensus was that women are better managers of resources but in political terrain, they can not afford such waste like their male counterparts.

As gubernatorial elections approach in Ekiti and Osun States in July and September respectively, the question is, will women get their fair share in the elections or in the subsequent political appointments?

Addressing this issue, a female aspirant under the Restoration Party, Mercy Ayodele lamented continued marginalization of youths and women by successive administrations, as she noted that if the trend is not curbed, it could be a recipe for disaster and full blow of security crisis.

According to her, women and youths are seen as veritable tools in the hands of politicians who only use them to gain access to the office, afterwards, they are only given token or peanuts for their contributions to the governance in the country.

She wondered why older political parties have failed to field women for leadership positions such as

•Women group in the State of Osun at a programme in Osogbo recently.

The gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun respectively are pointers to the fact that women might still not have their fair share in the male dominance political terrain of the states, considering the number of women that have indicated interest to contest. governorship and Presidential positions if truly they recognize their contributions, just like their male counterparts to the National growth and development.

Ayodele therefore called on women to be wise and refuse to be used as tools to attain political positions.

She said, experience has shown that there is no area of life that women

Table:

cannot excel, talk of business, sports, Science and technology as well as in governance.

She also stressed that women invest resources on people-oriented programmes, and give priority to the health and education of the masses; adding that they also protect the interest of the working class and implement programmes to help poor families among other reasons.

The gubernatorial elections in Ekiti and Osun respectively is a pointer to the fact that women might still not have their fair share in the male dominance political terrain of the states, considering the number of women that have indicated interest to contest. This is so because apart from Ayodele of the Restoration Party, the only woman that has indicated interest is one Mrs. Akanbi Alimot Bolanle from the All Progressives Congress. Will the parties’ primaries give room for women participation?

There is need to have more women representation in our State Houses of Assemblies, House of Representatives and Senate to prove that women are not used as instruments to garner votes and assume positions but rather as major contributors to good governance, economic advancement and national development.

Ajinomoto Seeks Land For Investment In Osun

By Sola Jacobs Food, culture and people cannot be separated and the making of healthy and delicious food is essential in any culture not only in Africa but globally.

Prior to the time Nigeria Junichi Nki African interacted with during the management other culture, women courtesy call on the Ooni had been saddled with of Ife, Oba Enitan the making of healthy Ogunwusi, in the ancient and tasty food for their city of Ile-Ife, the group homes and this forms was founded with the the basic pre-requisite aspiration of contributing for any maiden to the world’s food preparing to graduate to hygiene, wellness and to womanhood to know better lives through that the fastest way to a creation of jobs and man’s heart is through opportunities.

To compliment African his stomach to be stuff with sweet delicacy and cuisine and seasoning, West African seasoning healthy food.

According to the company Ltd, an affiliate Managing Director of of the Ajinomoto Group Ajinomoto Group in (a Japanase company)

first produced Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) began its sales/ marketing operations in Nigeria in 1991 with her factory located at No 37 Creek Road, ApapaLagos.

He continued that Monosodium glutamate is the sodium salt of glutamic acid which is a flavour enhancer which has been used effectively for over a century to bring out the best flavours in food and its main ingredients are starch, sugar beets and molasses which undergone fermentation process just like African Iru or Ogiri and it has been used through the

centuries in Europe, China, Japan and South East Asia as a taste stimulant and flavour enhancer.

“When we eat, we ingest the necessary nutrients from our foods to make our body system function and it is the most abundant amino acids in nature”, he added.

Introducing the company brand Ajinomoto super seasoning and Ma Dish, the corporate communication officer of the company Ikediashi Francisca said that the product is a common food ingredient like salt, sugar and pepper in the

United States, where it is on the General Recognized As Safe (GRAS) list, and it is also approved by governments worldwide including Europe, Japan and other Asian countries, South America and Africa.

She added that it is used for cooking and not washing as it bring out the natural taste in the cooking which is thoroughly researched as food ingredient which has been approved by the National Food and Drugs Administration and Control (NAFDAC).

The General Sales and Marketing Manager of the group, Mr Ebebe

Amachigh, pledged the support of the company to create jobs for the youths in the ancient city through the establishment of farm settlements where the raw material for the production of the product will be sited in the ancient city considering the fertile and expanse land nature had bequeathed to the people of the land.

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, therefore blessed the company and urged the management to support him in his quest to promote Agriculture which could provide jobs for the teeming Nigeria Youths.

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Ife North West LCDA To Lay Foundation For Event Center In Moro The administration of Hon. Bangbe Ademola Olabisi in Ife North West Local Council Development Area, has said that the foundation laying of a new event centre in Moro community will soon be performed.

He stated this at the Officer, Adediji K.O, the palace of the Olumoro of council boss said the Moro, Oba (Dr.) Ezekiel projects is in line with Abidoye Oyeniyi in the the promise made to the presence of all the chiefs people, recalling that the and executive of Moro during Progressive Union e l e c t i o n e e r i n g campaign, he had during his visit to inform the palace of the plan on promised the people of Edunabon and Moro the project.

This is just as he communities to be them presented a cheque of the representing donation promised the equally .

According to the community during this year Moro day chairman, an ultra modern events centre celebration.

According to a had been built in front of statement by the the LCDA secretariat in council’s Information Edun Abon, hence the

need to carry out a similar project in Moro, saying, his visit was aimed to taking royal blessings in order to achieve this aim.

Presenting the cheque to the President of Moro Progressive Union, Elder Femi Ojedele at the palace, the monarch offered royal blessing and promised the support of all residents to the administration of All Progressives Congress under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Hon. Bangbe’s government at the grass root level, as he called on all chiefs in the palace to pray for the administration’s

successful tenure of office.

Also, the President of the union commended the chairman for

fulfilling his promise and recommended him for better post in the future.

Present at the occasion

were the Council Manager, Mrs Elizabeth Olanrewaju among others.

Ejigbo LG Embarks On Massive Grading Of Roads The Executive Chairman, Hon. Gbenga Adeyemo, HOD Social Ayegbayo-led administration in Ejigbo Local Development and Government Area of the State of Osun has Information, Comrade embarked on massive road grading across the S.O. Oyebamiji, HOD nooks and crannies of the Local Government.

Administration and The flag off exercise of other members of the General Services, Engr. the road grading, which parliament: Hon. Teslim O.S. Tinubu, HOD (Vice- Works and Transport, attracted jubilations from Ogunmola Taofeek the general public began Chairman), Gboyero Comrade from Boosa road, Ward Ajala (Deputy Leader), Kareem, the branch Chairman of NULGE, 3, went through Old Sunday Ojetola, Sunday traditional and religious Ijimoba road, Ward 2, Ayaji and Jamal Olajide. leaders, market men and Gedu area, Oke-Itunu Others are the Council women, APC leaders, Manager, Builder M.O. Ward One among other •Hon. Bangbe presenting cheque to the President, Moro Progressive Union Tijani, Mrs. S.B. among others. areas.

According to a statement by the Information officer of the The efforts of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola described himself as a innocent children to widely-circulated council, before the administration in the State of Osun at improving product of his teachers’ should not be put at the rumor that the NUT had intervention of the educational system across the state will yield input, enjoined the receiving end in the not been supportive of council management, the positive results only when teachers see themselves teachers not to rest on present situation in the government, teachers in their oars, but ensure state in particular, and the state are dutiful and deplorable condition of as major stakeholders in the drive. effective teaching and the country at large. loyal to constituted the roads had Chairman, Ejigbo them to exhibit good mentoring in an As a strategy, Prince jeopardized the South Local Council mentoring spirit and enabling environment Jaiyeola pledged to set authorities, stressing that their unflinching economic, health and Development Area, total commitment to created by themselves. up what he called a support could not be Prince child development, Prince Jaiyeola “Think social status of the people Ilawo, Thank compromised. and appealed to teachers to Omoboyede Jaiyeola performance of the area Committee”, consisting The NUT boss who proficiency, with a view The council boss who made this assertion in to stemming the tide of continue putting in their majorly of teachers, asserted that all teachers his office at Ilawo during could not hide his feeling a courtesy visit by the high rate of failure in best for the development which would be saddled in the state are up to the of their pupils despite reiterated his promises to Ejigbo Chapter of the schools, adding that the the modulated salary with the responsibility task, vowed that the the people of the area Nigerian Union of life of every citizen structure regime in the of creating a template on union would always thereby pursue what is best for depends not only on the state, assuring them of education, during his electioneering Teachers (NUT). making society better the development of According to Jaiyeola, training received from improved campaign, to make life welfare and improving children in the state, more meaningful and since teachers are the parents, but also the package in the not too educational system in saying they would never convenient for them, regarded as the model of tutelage of the teachers. distant future. the council area. relent in their genuine The state ALGON He opined that The LCDA Chairman effort at imparting saying, no stone would life of every citizen, Chairman, who there is the need for assured that his knowledge to pupils all be left unturned to administration would over the state. ensure the economic, CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE always be willing to SULAIMAN MAROOF health and social He however called on OSHEWA OLUSHOLA KEMI ISHAQ OLABISI SHADIA ADEYINKA partner with teachers in government to come to development at every That I was formerly That I was formerly That I was formerly the council area as far as their aid as a union as area of the council. known and addressed as known and addressed as known and addressed as development of they need assistance for Ayegbayo assured the SULAIMAN KABIR MISS ADEJARE AGOI OLUSOLA education is concerned, the development of the ADEGOKE, but now wish DEBORAH, but now wish OLABISI SHADIA, but people that business saying he would look union. now wish to be known and to be known and addressed transactions would be to be known and addressed into the teachers’ SULAIMAN addressed as ISHAQ as OSHEWA Present at the meeting made easy, which will in as requests as presented MAROOF ADEYINKA. OLABISI SHADIA. All OLUSHOLA KEMI. All no small way increase All former documents and attend to them as were, Leader of the former documents remain former documents remain House, Hon. Akibu the council economy the gains and reduce the remain valid. UBA Bank, valid. Eco Bank, Access valid. FCMB Bank and Mudasiu Oyedele and improves.

Bank, NYSC and General General public should take pains of every business G.T. Bank and General public should take note. public should take note.

Leader of the other parliamentarians; note. sector. delegation and the Council Manager, He however, solicited EZEDIUNO BLESSING OLADEJO OLUWASEGUN Chairman, NUT Ejigbo Sur. Razaq Adeyemo, OLUWAKEMI OPALEYE more cooperation and chapter, Comrade Head of Admin & That I was formerly That I was formerly known supports of the people Okelola Thomas, had General Services, Mr. known and addressed as and addressed as ADEYEMI for the government of the ONIGBINDE BLESSING O L U WA S E G U N earlier said they were on Oyeniyi Oluseye, Head day.

OPALEYE, but now wish to OLUWAKEMI, but now a familiarization tour to of Finance and Supplies, be known and addressed as Among those who wish to be known and the council secretariat to Mr. Samuel Arabo, O L A D E J O addressed as EZEDIUNO of Social witnessed the flag off of demonstrate their Head O L U WA S E G U N and grading exercise were, B L E S S I N G solidarity to the present Development OPALEYE. All former OLUWAKEMI. All former Mr. the leader of the Local documents remain valid. administration in the Information, documents remain valid.

Sunday Taiwo, among LCDA. Government parliament, Access Bank and General Access Bank and General He said that contrary others. public should take note.

Hon. Okunlola Adeyeye, public should take note.

Council Chair Calls For Teachers' Commitment

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With 106 days to go into the election on September 22, this week, we continue the review of the backgrounds of aspirants across political lines. While some of the aspirants had openly declared their intentions, some are yet to.

AKERE: Damning The Consequences In APC Akinrogun Sunday Akintunde Oludare Akere was born in Igbajo in Boluwaduro Local Government of the state of Osun. He started his early education at Baptist Day Primary School Igbajo before proceeding to Kiriji Memorial College also in Igbajo. He later attended University of Ibadan where he graduated with B.Sc (Hons) degree in Food Technology. He also holds a Certificate in Gum and Starch Adhesive Technology in addition to a short course at Leventis Foundation Agricultural School, Ilesa, and was a Law Student at the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Osogbo Study Centre.

Akere worked in a number of establishments including Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources (MANR) Ibadan, Oyo State as an Administrative Clerk; Niger Valley AgroIndustrial Farms Limited, Agenebode; Fan Milk Nig. Ltd., Ibadan; Nigeria Bottling Co. Ltd. Sango Otta; Yerwa Consolidated Industry Ltd., Bauchi and MAYDEJ Nigeria Ltd. Tede/Saki, Oyo State as Production Manager. He is the C.E.O. of Akin Akere Nigeria Enterprise, Ilesa, Osun State, dealing in Shares/ Stock-broking Business, Agriculture/ Timber, General Contractor and Financial Adviser.

While in school, Akere was involved in several leadership roles and piloted the affairs of many organizations. He was at a time the Public Relations Officer for the Engineering Students Association (ENSTAS), P.R.O. and later President, System Purifiers, an Econo-political organization at University of Ibadan, National P.R.O National Association of Food Science and Technology Students (NAFST), P.R.O. for National Union of Igbajo Students (NUIS) among others. He was at a time, member of the Students Representative Council (SRC) representing Nnamdi Azikwe Hall, University of Ibadan (U.I.).

In his political foray, Sunday Akere developed passion for the progressive political ideology of Chief Obafemi Awolowo and his adherents. As a young boy just coming out of school, he served as party agent for the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) when the late sage vied for the President of Nigeria in 1979, and since then, he has never wavered in his belief that it is only the progressives that can solve the arrays of problems weighing us down as a nation and catapult Nigeria to the promised land flowing with honey and milk.

He was General Secretary to The Progressives, Egbe Afenifere, Peoples Progressive Party (PPP), Grassroots Democratic Movement (GDM), United Nigerian Congress Party (UNCP), Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Boripe and later Boluwaduro Local Government of Osun. He was a National Delegate to the National Convention of the Peoples Progressives Party (PPP) held in Enugu in August 1996.

He contested election as Chairmanship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in Boluwaduro Local Government in December 1998. He was later appointed as Personal Assistant to the Commissioner for Education under the administration of Chief Adebisi Akande between June 1999 and May 2003. During the period, he was the Secretary of Osun State Capital Project Monitoring Committee. In 2004, he was nominated Secretary of the Publicity Committee of Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the South West Zone and occupied the position till 2007. He was also the Protem Secretary of Advanced Congress of Democracy (ACD) in Osun State. A loyal and committed party man, he was the Constituency Secretary for the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) now APC in

The Race & The Runners

Ila Federal Constituency comprising Ila, Ifedayo and Boluwaduro Local Governments.

A strong party man that believes in reward for service and commitment, Akinrogun Akere became the Director of Research and Strategy for Alliance for Democracy (AD) and later Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) from January 2004 until he was appointed as Commissioner for Information and Strategy on the 12th of August, 2011. In 2014, he served as the Chairman of APC State Congress Committee for Abia state and organized a credible congress in the state.

At the thick period of the agitation for the reclamation of the stolen mandate of his party, then the ACN in Osun State, Akinrogun Akere went through lots of political harassment, intimidation, persecution and even imprisonment on spurious charges aimed at weakening his resolve which yielded no result.

He is presently a Fellow of the Civilian Institute of Democratic Administration of Ghana (FCIDA), Ghana; Member, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) and Fellow Institute of Strategic Management Nigeria (FSM).

Honourable Akere who is the Oluomo of Igbajoland and the Akinrogun of Eesun-Ijesa. has several awards and laurels from different bodies and organizations.

He is the coordinator of the Government House Chapel between March 2014 and 2017, during which the chapel was functional and enjoyed attendance across denomination. He holds different awards in the house of the lord including, the Nigerian Baptist Convention’s (Cosmopolitan outstanding Leadership Award), Meritorious Service Awards by Royal Ambassadors of Nigeria and Methodist Church of Nigeria and ICON of Christian Faith, from St James Anglican Church Osogbo among many others.

A pious and devote Christian, Akinrogun Sunday Akere is happily married to Deaconess Rachael Oyeyemi Akere and the marriage is blessed.

SOAR: Fighting For PDP Ticket

Senator Akinlabi AbduRasheed Olasunkanmi was born 8th of March 1956 in Odeomu, Ayedade Local Government Area of Osun State. He holds a Master’s Degree (1986), in Business Administration in Finance from the University of the District of Columbia Washington, D.C. USA. He had his first degree in the same course of study from Howard University, Washington, D.C. USA, where he won prizes for the Dean’s Honours list for four semesters; for exceptional performance (1983-1985). Upon his return to the country in 1985, he joined the NYSC and did his primary assignment at NAL Merchant Bank 1986/1987 and was thereafter employed. He cut his teeth in banking and finance and rose to the managerial cadre as Assistant Manager, Corporate Banking between 1990 and 1992.

He later took his gained handson experience into the real estate sector when he was appointed Head, Credit/Mortgage product department of Union Trust Building Society Limited, where he served for three years (19921994) before the entrepreneurial spirit took over. Senator Olasunkanmi became President Jamakex Int. Co. Ltd and also doubled as the Chief Executive Officer of Tobsey Properties Limited between 1994 and 2003, when he took a full plunge into politics. Brimming with a successful corporate career experience in diverse fields, it was

not a herculean task to make an in-road into full time politics from the fringe. He joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and with his pedigree, after a stint, emerged its Senatorial Candidate for Osun West.

He contested and won election into the Senate in 2003. As a Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, he was adept and dexterous; he played the game neat and was never to be associated with controversies. He shone like a star and distinguished himself. He was at different times the Chairman Senate Committee on Army (2003-2004); Vice Chairman, Senate Services Committee (20042005); Chairman Senate Committee on Education (MarchMay 2005); Vice Chairman Senate Committee on Education (July 2005- June 2007); he was also a member of Senate Committees on Internal Affairs, Housing and Urban Development, INEC, Interparliamentary Affairs, Defence and Public Accounts.

He wanted to further his ambition by returning to the Senate in 2007, with the acquired experience in his first term, but this was not to be. Despite having the momentum to win, the Party leadership in the state prevailed on him to yield the position to another candidate. This was a difficult request but being a disciplined party man, he agreed without triggering any crisis or division within the party.

According to him” I saw this as my own sacrifice and contribution to the struggle for our Party to maintain the status quo in Osun state”.

This level-headedness and discipline did not go unnoticed by the leadership. He was nominated as one of the candidates for the Osun State ministerial slot for consideration

by President Umar Yaradua in July 2007. As providence would have it, he was the chosen one. He held that position consistently throughout the lifetime of the Y a r a d u a / J o n a t h a n administration. He survived all cabinet reshuffles and ended his record of service as the longest serving minister from the South West in that administration.

With the acronym of his name, SOAR, Olasunkanmi contested for the PDP governorship ticket prior to the 2014 governorship election, but he could not make it. He has therefore begun massive mobilization to fly the flag of his party in the September 22, 2018 election in the state.

•Next week, we will look at another set of contenders in the governorship race.

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Ramadan Lecture: Osun Speaker Seeks Change of Attitude

By Israel Afolabi Earlier in his remark, and abide by injunctions negative behaviours.

Therefore, the guest the Chairman Assembly All Muslims have been enjoined to use the as prescribed by the holy Service Commission, lecturer emphasized the opportunity offered by the holy month of Ramadan Quran.

He also stated that need for consistency of Hon Hassan Olawuwo for positive change of attitude, with a view to fasting is not restricted to obligatory prayers and expressed delight at the making it a way of life. presence of guests at the Speaker State of Osun Muslims with a view to abstinence from food supplications in the lecture despite their tight House of Assembly, Dr turning away from vices alone but all manner of month of Ramadan.

Najeem Salaam gave the advice recently while speaking at the third in rather than offering urged them to be more the series of 2018

By David Adejuwon leadership opportunity to involved in the political Ramadan lecture of the Nigerians have been urged to properly analyse people with the history of processes and vie for Muslim Community of the Assembly at the character of whoever they will vote for in future being anti people. positions.

The panel which has premises of House of elections, and avoid ‘collective hypnotism’ when Responding to some of former chairman of the questions asked by Assembly Complex choosing leaders. local the the theme: Egbedore Osogbo.

The advice was given with audience that Salaam who was by a panel of discussants “Evaluating Nigeria’s government area of includes; corps members, a programme Democratic Dispensation Osun, Mr Bamidele members of the Civil represented by his at deputy, Hon Adegboye organised by the Justice in the past 19 years; The Salaam, a broadcaster, Society Groups, religious Akintunde observed the Development and Peace achievements and the Mr. Femi Olanipekun and bodies and secondary Mrs Aderonke Ayilara, school students, Salaam, distinct feature of the Makers’ Centre, Catholic challenges.” averred that admitted that democracy This, according to also holy month of Ramadan. Diocese of Osogbo, to Nigerian youths have may not have led to good them, will enable the According to him, commemorate the 19th “Ramadan is the only anniversary of Nigeria’s electorates to elect leaders needed wherewithal to governance for the month set aside for return to democratic rule with good antecedents, lead the country, and country Muslims to reflect on their ways and imbibe the culture of positive change so as to facilitate their closeness to God”.

While stating that the topic of the lecture came at the right time, he acknowledge the capacity of the lecturer just as he appreciated the presence of the Muslim community from within and outside the Assembly who converged for the lecture.

However, delivering his lecture with the topic “Ramadan the month of change”, Ustaz Dikrullahi Shafi noted various perceptions about changes adding that the most ideal change is that from negative to positive ideals.

•Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti acknowledging cheers from his admirers during He described fasting the flag-off of his governorship campaign at the APC Secretariat, Osogbo.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. period as obligatory on

schedule just as the Chief Imam of the Assembly Mosque, Alhaji Abdul Fatai Adebisi appreciated the Ummah from within and outside.

2019 Polls: Don’t Vote Based On Sentiments, Nigerians Urged

Be Conscious Of The Hereafter - Muslim Cleric Charges All Believers

Every believer and most especially Muslims have been enjoined to stay upright before their creator in their daily relationship with their fellow men.

This word of believer’s earthly sojourn.

“Every believer’s admonition was given by the Leader of Islahudeen journey to the hereafter Movement of Nigeria, will either end up in Sheikh Muslim Paradise or hell.

“As for the destination, Mukadam Hussain Akinola during the 7th there is no in-between Ramadan Lecture position, as one will organized by an All always end up either in Progressives Congress Paradise or hell,” Sheikh (APC) foremost Akinola stated further.

He therefore gubernatorial aspirant, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti admonished Muslims and other believers to in Iwo. According to the strive at all times be in rapport with Muslim cleric, every good everyone. believer in Almighty Different speakers on Allah ought to be the occasion included conscious of the hereafter community, political and in all their daily religious leaders, who all relationship with eulogised the organizer of everyone, irrespective of the event for not ceasing religious affiliations. to hold the annual event “We need to be always since it started about conscious of whatever we seven years ago. do to fellow humans, as At the well-attended we will all one day give event, the Timi of Ede, accounts of our deeds,” Oba Munirudeen Sheikh Akinola stated.

Adesola Lawal, who While speaking on the spoke on behalf of the topic: Cautionary Advice numerous traditional About the Torment of the rulers in attendance, Doom’s Day, the Muslim prayed for the success of cleric stressed that the the celebrant in all his political journey leading to the future hereafter starts from the undertaking.

In his response, the host of the annual event, Alhaji Adeoti, in the company of his wife, Alhaja Mujidat Adeoti, was full of gratitude to

Allah and the people for honouring him with their attendance.

The event was attended by political, religious and community

leaders from all political and religious divides, while gift items were later distributed to widows and the less-privileged in the state.

He however added that with better leadership recruitment process, Nigeria will eventually produce good leaders that will steer her ship aright.

“Democracy is to be blamed for the lack of vibrancy in today’s civil society movement in the country. Look at media too. The vibrancy of the military era is no longer there. But I am optimistic that with a better leadership recruitment process, Nigerians will give good leaders opportunity to serve”, Salaam said.

In his welcome remarks, the Deputy Coordinator of Justice Development and Peace Makers’ Centre, Rev. Fr. Anthony Adebayo, who stood in for the Coordinator, Rev. Fr. Peter Akinkunmi, encouraged Nigerians not to lose hope, but to continue to intercede for the country.

Speaking at the event, the Project Coordinator, Democracy and Good Governance for the Centre, Mr Festus Ojewumi, listed Osun as the fifth state with the largest unclaimed Permanent Voter’s Cards.

He urged electorates that are yet to collect their PVC to do so immediately, and ensure they vote during elections, adding that by so doing, they would be contributing to the development of the nation’s democracy.

Islamic Scholars Task Electorates To Vote Based On Conviction The chief Imam of Offa, Sheik Salman Muhydeen has urged electorates in the State of Osun to vote for candidate of their choice and believe that only God crown kings among multitude.

The cleric spoke at the govern them.”

Speaking on the third Ramadan lecture, organized by Oranmiyan achievement of Governor Aregbesola’s group in collaboration Rauf administration, he said with enroute Rauf. the governor has fulfill his He warned the electorates to vote for the electoral promises to residents of the state. candidate of their choice This, he said the without being induced, this, according to him, governor has done would enable them to through infrastructural have a say when such development in Osun.

He added that the elected individual reneged on his electoral restructuring of the education system in Osun promises.

“All the aspirants carried out by his should know that God is administration has also only the King maker not given the children of the man the a human being and it is common important to work for the opportunity to have access to quality masses rather than to work for selfish interest education.

According to him, the because electorates are there to vote for a government built the new schools purposely for candidate who would

Osun residents who cannot avoid private schools for their children.

“Aregbesola has transformed the state even beyond the expectation of the people, hence the need for a successor that would continue the good job for the progress of the state” Another Speaker, Alhaji Musbahudeen Orimadegun, charged youths on the need to engage themselves on lawful business so as to secure their future after school so as to make themselves relevant for the nation.

The Islamic scholar from Osun State Polytechnic Iree, admonished electorates to vote for intelligent, energetic, and trustworthy person in the coming gubernatorial election in the state,

adding that people should look for antecedent of an aspirant and the blueprint that would favour the generality of the state.

Sheik Daoud Alfanla, in his own lecture tasked political office holders to endeavour to find out the needs of the people they govern in order to proffer solution to their problems.

Alfanla cited examples of prophets in the Quran who had compassion for the people they govern and task those in the seat of power in Nigeria to emulate them.

Earlier, Mr Niyi Aluko, the Coordinator of the Oranmiyan Group said Aregbesola, the founder and mentor of the Group is worth celebrating because he has transformed Osun in his seven and half years as governor.

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MNCHW: How Has Osun Fared?

Indeed the battle to ensure that mothers and newborn babies are safe is a concerted effort on the side of all concerned. It means the government and other stakeholders across the divides have one input or the other to chip in and by all accounts, they have not failed in that aspect.

In the State of Osun, the government has in the least done its best to ensure the reduction in the mortality rate of mother and newborn babies.

Before the advent of the present administration, past administrations have done their best to tackle this problem but none has taken the bull by the horns like that of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola which came into office on the 27th November, 2010.

A non-interested administration would •Medical Workers examining pregnant mothers. have continued with business as usual but It is evident to note that a great deal of not with the new ‘Sheriff’ in town, as the administration was determined to set a new record. improvements has been achieved by the government, Over the years, the administration has been as every sector of health care has felt its Midas touch.

It will not surprise any follower of this programme committed to marking the Maternal, Newborn and Child Healthcare Week [MNCHW] twice every year to know that the MNCHW was introduced by the in May and November and every year the opening National Health Council in 2010 with the objectives ceremony for the week has taken a grand form, under set out to mobilizing health facilities, providers and the watch of Dr. Temitope Ilori and now Dr. Rafiu stakeholders to work to reduce mortality in mothers, Olasukanmi Isamotu, the former and present newborn babies and children.

Another objective is that it is an awareness creation commissioners respectively.

The year 2018 edition of the MNCHW was the icing meant to mobilize and sensitize all stakeholders to work to end preventable death among women and on the cake, as so many interests came together to make it a memorable one. This edition caught the children.

Without doubt, Ogbeni Aregbesola has in the past attention of two first ladies, first was that of the host first lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola and her Sheri seven and half years done his best in consonance with the Health Ministry of the state to adhere strictly to Care Foundation [SCARF] pet project and the wife of the president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Hajia these objectives; a testimony to this is the interest to back this year’s edition by two charitable foundations.

Aisha Buhari’s Aisha Buhari Foundation.

During the course of the programme, many Both charitable organizations were on hand to present to expectant and nursing mothers with items goodwill messages were relayed to attest to the fact like Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets [LLIN], mama kits, that the present administration had committed itself solar powered reading lights, deworming tablets and to the welfare of pregnant mothers and newborn a host of other items which was gladly accepted by babies.

The Osun first lady, Alhaja Sherifat aregbesola was the women who graced the occasion in large number.

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO not to be outdone as she noted that despite improvement in the data of MNHCW indicators in the last 10 years, the outlook nationally and in the state demands more work in order to meet the goal of improving the health and well being of women, newborn babies, children and the adolescents and in doing so, the creation of prosperous future would be sustained.

According to the founder of SCARF, the realization of these made the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Argebesola to place high priority on the issue of improving healthcare deliveries especially in the underserved areas of the state.

She also revealed that it is on record that Osun is one of the few states which have properly positioned its Primary Health Care Board to have full coverage of primary Health Care [PHC] in all the local government areas.

The full working of PHC in the state has succeeded in bringing primary health care delivery under one roof with the aim to ensure that every ward in the state has a functional primary health care centre.

This is no mean feat under any administration.

Equally added are plans by the government to establish and operationalize the State Health Insurance Scheme and to concession the pharmaceutical deliveries across the state so that the challenge of shortage of drugs at health facilities will be tackled once and for all.

Nigeria is ranked amongst worldwide as an MNCHW low index country and as such the survival of a child and safety of a newborn are largely affected by the skill of the birth attendants.

According to the last Nigerian Demographical Health Survey of 2013, the data of birth assisted by skilled health providers showed a marked difference between the rate in the urban and •To the be rural areas. continued

Varsity Lecturer Calls For Environmental Conservation, Says Notable Plants, Animals At The Risk Of Extermination said that waste reduction,

By Damilola Olujide and recycling are key to A lecturer at the University of Ibadan (UI), Dr. e n v i r o n m e n t a l Olajumoke Abimbola, has restated the need for conservation. environmental conservation, calling on the federal He declared that waste government and other concerned stakeholders to could be converted to intensify efforts towards preventing the biogas and that extermination of notable plants and animals. environmental could of degradation Dr Olajumoke, an University associate professor of Agriculture, Abeokuta jeopardise the future.

Parasitology/Ecology and Environmental Biology in the Department of Zoology

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin of the University and The demise of Oguntayo Oluwabunmi Elizabeth President, Nigerian dampened the morale of students of the Library and Association of Zoos and Information Department of Federal Polytechnic Offa Parks, NAZAP, lamented on Monday as they paid their last respect in the school that 8 per cent of wildlife premises. animals are extinct, while Elizabeth is an aspirant and Information Science 22 per cent are for the post of Vice who was also the class endangered. president in the representative of the ND1 The don said all these department of Library Part Time student. while presenting lead address, during a Youth Environmental Summit of the Nigerian Society for Environmental Conservation held in UI and in commemoration of 2018 Save the Frogs Day Event.

Olajumoke insisted that failure to preserve pangolin, frogs and other small mammals pose a threat to ecosystem and sued for conscious efforts towards animal conservation.

Also speaking, Dr. Moses Oyatogun of the Department of Forestry and Wildlife, Federal •The late Elizabeth.

He highlighted the roles of youths in Nigeria conservation system and charged the emerging scholars to be fully involved in environmental conservation. The former Director of FUNAAB Zoo Park admonished the

youths to be up and doing adding that ideas rule the world.

He noted: “Generate ideas and volunteer your time. Learn skills and

stand out. For every of your idea, there are government agencies and Non-Governmental Organisations out there to support you if the idea is worthwhile.”

FEDPOFFA Loses Another Student Bamidele Michael, one of her course mate spoke in tears and said, “death is inevitable but it shouldn’t be her, because she is not old enough to die now”.

He said they both received lectures on Saturday before she later complained that she was having slight headache and she excused herself

from the class.

He further mentioned that on getting to her house on the same day, he met her laying on her bed naked and unconscious.

Michael said, her neighbour called some of her course mates that they should take her to the hospital and she was taken to a private Hospital

known as Olalomi Hospital in Offa where she gave up after few minutes.

The Doctor treating her later said she actually died due to the rise in her Blood Pressure.

The Students Union Government is scheduled to pay a condolence visit to her parents.

How UNIOSUN Students Fell Victim Of Robbery Students of Osun State University, Ejigbo campus have persistently fallen victim of armed robbery. A gang of robbers recently apprehended by the police narrated how they robbed students using AK47.

The suspects – belongings including Adebayo Jide and Akin phones and laptops.

“One day, policemen Tobi – were arrested by a police patrol team at Iwo and soldiers were when they were moving fighting in Ibadan, Oyo to Ibadan after a robbery State and one of the policemen dropped his operation.

The state gun during the scuffle.

Commissioner of Police One of my friends picked Fimihan Adeoye said the the gun and kept it. We suspects invaded the have been using that gun students’ hostels on May since then.”

“One of us suggested 29 and stole students’

that we should rob the students’ hostel. We planned it and we stuck.

The operation was successful. We were returning to Ibadan when the policemen arrested us. Two of us were apprehended while others escaped,” the suspects, told Osun Defender.

The commissioner of police said the suspects would soon be arraigned in court after the completion of investigation.

14

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NEWS

FRIDAY JUNE 8 - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 2018

Mokore Farm Crisis: Osun Assembly Seeks Peaceful Resolution

By Israel Afolabi The State of Osun House of Assembly has called on officials of Ministry of Environment and Sanitation to seek a peaceful means of settling the imminent crisis breeding between its officials and farmers at Mokore Farm settlement.

It urged the Ministry to directive to stop logging sustain the lawmakers activities at the farm

settlement pending the resolution of issues at stake.

Speaker of the state parliament, Dr Najeem Salaam made the call through the Chairman House Committee on Agriculture and Food

Security, Hon Gbadebo Abdullahi at the House of Assembly Complex Osogbo while meeting with the officials of the Ministry.

He urged members of Mokore Cooperative farm settlement to

•Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Olabomi (right); wife of an APC governorship aspirant, Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola (second right); Chairman, Boripe Local Government, Pastor Oye Adebayo and others during the presentation of a sum of N6.6m to widows by Alhaja Oyetola in Iragbiji on Sunday.

remain calm as the House is on top of the situation to ensure resolution of the dispute.

According to him, “it is better to dialogue on all difficult issues to achieve peace with the parties involved and we all have to focus on peace and progress of our state”.

Hon Gbadebo counseled the officials to use diplomacy in i m p l e m e n t i n g government policies to avoid conflict while using the medium to appeal to the warring parties to sit together and fashion out solution to the lingering issues.

It would be recalled that members of the Mokore Cooperative Farm Settlement had in a petition to the House protested against destruction of their Cocoa plants caused by felling of trees in their farms resulting to the legislature issuing an order stopping logging activities in the farm.

Hon. Gbadebo also recalled the meeting with the farmers just as he

Fight For The Poor To End Poverty, Injustice, Osun Gov. Urges Legal Practitioners required consideration or

By Ismaeel Uthman thought to life.

The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola “It is unfortunate that has challenged legal practitioners and intellectuals life in Nigeria doesn’t in Nigeria to fight for the poor people, describing it really matter to us, we as a panacea to end poverty in the country. don’t value life and this Aregbesola called on injustice in our general affects us to the extent that the academia to wake up economy and legal system many do face unnecessary from their slumber and is poor; it is poor to the challenges to access loan develop the capacity for extent that our laws do not for capital in banks and financial people to have seamless give the required value for other institutions. access to capital for man.

“If we value life, the investment as part of ”We all forget that man efforts to build a is the most valuable asset. issue of secured finance worthwhile and We must put value to laws will not be a thing for prosperous society. man. Man should be able discussion. So, it is time He made the call on to form his own basis with for our intellectuals to Wednesday, in Osogbo at self-recognition and support solution to inability to have access to a book presentation titled: credit.

“Fundamentals of “This book has capital by the poor Secured Finance Laws”, challenged the gap in our because it is only when the written by the Attorney legal system to ensure that poor have access to capital General and resources are not taken that can liberate the Commissioner for Justice from the poor to enrich productive capacity of our in the state, Dr. Ajibola the rich because whenever people.”

The governor Bashiru. such happens, the world Aregbesola noted that will be chaotic, miserable applauded the author of the best way a society and sad place to be the book for his intellect could make a difference is particularly in Nigeria and for creating time for the educated in the where we do not give despite his political society particularly professionals to be awake to the challenges confronting the poor and Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has develop workable applauded President Muhammadu Buhari for solutions. recognising June 12 as democracy day and in place of The governor urged the May 29. intellectuals, particularly In a statement made honouring Chief Moshood legal practitioners to available to the media in Abiola posthumously. support the society by Osogbo by his media “June 12, 1993 was the exploring their God-given adviser, Sola Fasure, day democracy was born repository of knowledge Governor Aregbesola in Nigeria. It was the day to change the world and commended the president Nigerians negated all the turn around the society to for mustering the courage social and political enhance greater to take this historic step 25 constructs that had been productivity and years after the freest and thought would make fairest presidential election national unity impossible prosperity.

He maintained that the ever held in the history of and democratic only way to put the Nigeria. governance impossible, According to Governor but Nigerians in their challenge behind was for the intellectuals to Aregbesola, “President h e t e r o g e n e i t y develop capacity where Buhari has secured for overwhelmingly voted for the poor can access himself an incomparable a candidate whose very financial institution which position in history for essence was in defiance of will get them out of surmounting the courage religious, ethnic and poverty and financial to take this historic step of regional categorisation. recognising June 13 as “It is most regrettable misery.

Aregbesola said: “The ‘Democracy Day’ and that the election was

activities and law profession to put his thought and knowledge together for the benefit of the society and mankind.

Reviewing the over 250page book, the Head of Department of Law, BOWEN University, Iwo, Prof. Olayiwola Oladele

who shed light on fundamental conception in secured finance interest, described the book as a thorough researched material and scholarly enriched academic material for legal practitioners, law students and knowledge seekers.

cited the petition in which they explained their grievances.

He acknowledged the financial support rendered especially to Cocoa farmers by the state government which has been yielding result, saying it is unthinkable that an agency of the same government will embark on destructive tendency under the guise of revenue generation.

He said “the meeting with the officials becomes imperative so as to address the grievances and forestall the likelihood of threat to peace”.

While reacting to submissions by officials, he directed them to go and consult further among themselves so as to know the actual responsibility expected of each and report back to the House of Assembly soonest.

Earlier, the officials have taken turns to explain the matter noting areas of contention as they gave insight to the genesis of the problem.

In their separate explanation, Special Adviser to the Governor on Forestry, Mr. Gbemileke Ayobami, Director of Forestry Mr Dauda Arisekola and General Manager Agriculture Services Mr Ayo Akinromade lamented on the mismanagement of the forest.

Nation Building Is A Duty For All - Mofolake Adeboyega

By Ismaeel Uthman The state of Osun Commissioner for Empowerment and Youth Engagement, Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega has said all, including the government, parents, systems, organization and the youth must contribute meaningfully to build the nation.

She added that though, whose energy and nation building is an brightness of the mind ongoing project which made them the torch never ends, the buck of the bearer for national works rest on the development. shoulders of the youth The commissioner spoke at the Osun Youth Engagement Summit, a youth sensitisation and annulled and Chief Abiola engagement clamped in illegal development program detention where he later held at the WOCDIF Center. died. “ S u c c e s s i v e She bemoaned how administrations had youths bitterly lamented suppressed the the present situation of the significance of June 12 and country, advising a value resisted every admonition reorientation and cultural to recognise the date and adjustment programme if honour Chief Abiola. the youths are to forge a “We have since the new path. advent of our She urged the youths to administration shunned harness their strength for May 29 and celebrated constructive use, avoid June 12 as Democracy Day. We are glad therefore that habits inimical to their President Buhari has taken potentials as well as this bold step and set the discouraging impunity.

The convener of the record straight. History Destiny will be kind to him for this. summits I commend him for this Development Initiative, Segun Oduyebo urged uncommon courage and demonstration of Youths in the state to leadership”, the statement harmonise efforts in order to develop the state . said.

Aregbesola Applauds President Buhari For Recognising June 12

He noted that the development of the state should not be left in the hands of government, citing the Mark Zuckerberg visit to Nigeria as what could be possible when youths in the state could achieve by coming together to multiply their talents to make the state an enviable one, According to him Zuckerberg visits was facilitated by activities of a group of youths who were doing well in the area of ICT, adding that the aim of the event was to spark youths in the state to use their innate talents to engender development in the state as this would complement the efforts of the government.

An International social entrepreneur, and gubernatorial candidate for Osun State, in 2015, Babatunde Oralusi, said instead of youths dissipating their strengths on things that threatened the peace of the country, they should channel it into activities capable of growing the country’s economy to the extent they could become powerful to threaten the nation economically just as Zuckerberg.

FRIDAY JUNE 8 - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

I was Raped By Pastor Joseph - Witness

By David Adejuwon A witness, Mrs Tosin Adebayo revealed before an Osogbo Magistrate Court that she was raped by one Pastor Joseph Adeniyi.

She disclosed that the of N2,000,000 from the pastor gave her and her victim under the pretence cousin, Gloria Adeoye, to help her secure a loan who were at the pastor’s to offset the debt she was house for prayer, ‘holy owing.

He added that the water’ to drink after which he ordered the accused person stole the stated sum of money younger sister to return to the car and the victim belonging to the victims, adding that the offences passed out.

The victim recalled that contravene sections 419, her younger sister upon 390 and 390(9) of the state regaining consciousness criminal law.

The accused pleaded return to the room and found her naked with the not guilty to charges pastor on top of her body preferred against him.

Defence counsel, Mr having carnal knowledge Oladipupo Tunbosun of her body.

The 40 years-old Pastor urged the court to admit was arraigned before the the suspect to bail in the court on three count most liberal terms and the charges bothering on false plea was granted by Taofeeq pretence, fraud and Magistrate Badmus in the sum of stealing.

The prosecutor, N1million.

However, his trial Ayodele Oladiran told the court that the accused started immediately on committed the offence the request of the sometimes July, 2017 in prosecution counsel, who told the court that he has Osogbo.

Oladiran said the a witness in court.

The witness, who was accused obtained the sum

also the victim, told the court that the pastor had requested her to buy him a Tecno phone, which she obliged and also gave him the sum of N30,000 for prayer warriors who were in charge of her spiritual problems.

She added that the pastor had been extorting her and took her to different mountain for prayer session which made her to believe in him and had trust in him until she found herself under him naked raping her.

The enrage victim said, “I will destroy your calling, your calling would be put to shame for doing this to me”.

She added that he was pleading with her and later some traditional rulers in Egbedore Local Government, whom he had confessed to sought amicable settlement.

She also told the court that the Pastor confessed to the sin to her distant brother who invited her to a church programme, where she met the Pastor.

However, the witness could not be cross examined as a result of

time factor and the magistrate adjourned the matter till June 22, 2018

for continuation of trial.

Man, 23, In Prison Over Housebreaking, Stealing

By Mariam Bello Saheed Opeyemi, 23, is presently cooling his feet in Ilesa Prison Custody following the order of an Osogbo Magistrate Court for his remand over housebreaking and stealing.

He was last Tuesday He stressed further that before the court on a three- the accused broke into the house of count charge bothering on dwelling conspiracy, stealing and Omisore Olusegun with house breaking. intent to commit felony.

The prosecutor The Prosecutor, Inspector Oladoye Joshua explained that the accused told the court that the stole one Gionee phone, accused and others at large one Nokia x phone, one on the 23rd of February, other Nokia phone and 2018 and 13th of May 2017 cash sum of N30,000 to the at about 10.30 am at Oke- belonging Onitea area in Osogbo complainant. conspired to commit According to the felony to wit prosecutor, the two housebreaking and phones are valued at stealing.

N75,000, and in addition

to the N30,000 cash, all totaled N105,000.

Inspector Oladoye submitted that the offence contravenes Section 516, Section 411(1)(2) and 383(1), punishable under Section 390 (9) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Volume II Laws of Osun State 2002.

The suspect had no legal representation, but pleaded not guilty to the three-count charge brought against him.

The Magistrate, Mrs Awodele Modupe while ruling, ordered that the suspect be kept in Ilesha prison custody and thereby adjourned the case to June 26 for ruling on bail.

Man Admits Stealing Motorcycle, Remanded

By Mariam Bello An Osogbo Magistrate court, in Osun State has remanded a 30-year-old Kehinde Kazeem in prison custody over alleged stealing of motorcycle.

The prosecutor, 476 QB, Engine number Inspector Olayiwola DUZWDC56908 and number Rasaq told the court that Chasis the accused person MDZA18AZ4DWL67493, valued N120,000 committed the offence in the month of April, 2017 property of one Mr. at Oke-Ola area Osogbo, Adeoye Kabiru put in care of one Mr. Isiaka Osun State.

He stated that the Adeleke.

According to the accused stole one Bajaj Boxer motorcycle with prosecutor, the offence is to and registration number EJG contrary

punishable under Section 390 (9) of criminal code cap 34 Vol. II Laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

Kazeem who have no legal representation pleaded guilty to the onecount charge preferred against him.

The magistrate A.O Ajanaku ordered the remand of the accused person in police custody.

The case was then adjourned to May 31.

Three Suspects In Prison Over Alleged Fraud

By Mariam Bello A Magistrate Court in Osogbo has remanded three men, Umar Usman, 42, Ibrahim Raji, 58, and Samad Akeem, 22 in prison custody over alleged fraud of N90,000.

The suspects who the money into their own.

The prosecutor added appeared before the court on a two-count charge that the offence is to and bothering on conspiracy contrary and stealing pleaded not punishable under Section guilty to the charges 490(1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 vol. II Laws preferred against them.

The prosecutor, of Osun State Nigeria Inspector Fagboyinbo 2003.

Counsels to the Abiodun said the accused persons suspects are, Mr. Okobe committed the offence Najite for the first and sometimes in March, second accused person 2018 at Dipson Plastic and Mr. Adebayo Odetunde for the third Company Ring Road area accused person. in Osogbo.

The counsels prayed He told the court that the court to grant their the defendants conspired clients bail in the most together to commit the liberal and affordable offence. terms.

Fagboyinbo explains They assured the court further that the suspects that the suspects were fraudulently used a truck ready to provide reliable with registration number sureties if granted bail.

LSR 252 XV belonging to The Magistrate, Mr. Dipson Plastic to collect a Olusegun Ayilara sum of N90,000 for a rejected the bail service on behalf of the application and ordered company and converted that the suspects should

be remanded in Ilesha prison custody.

He then adjourned the case to June 1, 2018.

•Opeyemi with the stolen phones.

Men Accused Of Stealing Motorcycle Granted Bail

By Mariam Bello An Osogbo Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State has granted bail application of one Tijani Bayo, 26 and Busari Aliu, 24 who were alleged of conspiracy, breach of peace and stealing of a Bajaj Motorcycle.

When they were conducted themselves in arraigned, the Police a manner likely to cause Prosecutor, Inspector breach of public peace by Fagboyinbo Abiodun dangling cutlasses told the court that the against the complainant, accused persons Mr. Omoloye Rasaq.

Inspector Fagboyinbo committed the offence on May 27, 2018 at Gaa submitted that the Fulani Area, Halleluyah offence is contrary to and punishable under Section Estate, Osogbo.

He explains further 249 (D) of the Criminal that the suspects Code Cap 34 Vol. II Laws conspired together to of Osun State Nigeria 2003. commit felony.

The suspects pleaded According to the charge sheet, the accused not guilty to the charges preferred against them. persons stole one Bajaj The defence counsel, Motorcycle with Mr. Okobe Najite applied Registration number for the bail of his clients KTU 566 QB, property of in the most liberal terms. one Mr. Omoloye Rasaq.

The magistrate, Mr. He stated that the Olusegun Ayilara accused persons granted the accused

persons bail in the sum of N100,000 each with two sureties in like sum.

The case was adjourned to June 22, 2018 for hearing.

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How Has Osun Fared? P. 13

FRIDAY JUNE 8 - THURSDAY JUNE 14, 2018

Big Day In History

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Osun Defender Comment

There is one thing stronger than all the armies in the world, and that is an negated all the social and idea whose time has come. political constructs that had Victor Hugo been thought would make The philosopher of France is national unity and certainly on the ball democratic on this, and the very governance laudable decision by impossible, but the federal Nigerians in their government to heterogeneity posthumously overwhelmingly acknowledge the voted for a sacrifice of Bashorun candidate whose MKO Abiola in very essence was t e n a c i o u s l y in defiance of defending the religious, ethnic mandate freely and regional •Chief Anthony Enahoro giving to him by the categorisation”.

Nigerian people is a The Nigeria electorate confirmation of this.

The conferment of exorcised many ghosts on that the Grand •Alhaja Kudirat Abiola Commander of the day and slayed a hosts of myths.

Order of the Niger (GCON) on the Instructive is the way in which outstanding Civil Rights Activist, predominantly C h r i s t i a n Chief Ganiyu Oyesola Fawehinmi Communities enthusiastically (SAN) is a clear testimony that the voted for a Muslim/Muslim government believes that men of ticket, where people are •Chief Abraham Adesanya principles should be acknowledged. politically savvier than its Long overdue, the action of the Buhari establishment.

Had the administration is a d e v a s t a t i n g •Chief Alfred Rewane mandate not comeuppance to truncated, the successive civilian often cited governments who notion of from the Nigeria as a reenactment of civil geographical rule in 1999, have expression failed to do the would have n e c e s s a r y started to fade acknowledgement. away. It was an This confirms their historic point. moral vacuity, The verdict of fortunately, it also history is refreshes the already harsh •Asiwaju Bola Tinubu comment to the on those who idea of democracy. for self-serving reasons, based The June 12 election should have led to •Chief Gani Fawehinmi on maintaining a discredited a national rebirth.

It restated the idea order tired to truncate the of nationhood by Southwest who by (NADECO). giving the ticket of progress of maintaining June The role of history. the Social 12 as Democracy Nadeco must Democratic Party T h i s day kept hope b e a resounding newspaper alive.

We acknowledged national mandate. acknowledges commend the and put on the Nigerians on that the role of those e x e m p l a r y front burner, who took a day had set aside statesmanship of for it restated the age old ethnic principled stand P r e s i d e n t unambiguously on the side of and religious Mohammadu that the divisions much of democracy. The •Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Buhari.

The historical pantheon of it contrived, in government current is giving a mandate honour is extremely long, but always mobilized by a should go further; standing out are people like vanguard for positive to the MKO Abiola they should led ticket. The Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Pa change. We must also •Bagauda Kaltho officially release Alfred Rewane, Chief Anthony acknowledge the unknown Governor of the the results of the •Rear Admiral Ndubuisi State of Osun has capture the mood Enahoro , Pa Abraham Adesanya, the as well as the unsung that election and Kanu succinctly in stating that “June 12, 1993 journalist Bagauda Kaltho and those made such great sacrifices. declare Bashorun was the day democracy was born in who formed the Vanguard of the Kudos must go to successive MKO Abiola the winner. It’s morning Nigeria. It was the day Nigerians National Democratic Coalition governors in the States of the yet for democracy in Nigeria.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

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