Osun Defender Newspaper Online Version Of May 25, 2018

NEWS

NEWS Osun 2018: 26 Men, A

Woman In The Battle For APC Ticket PAGE 2

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Omisore’s Ambition Cracks SDP

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VOL. 013. NO.20

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Aregbe 61 Years On Assessments

The Making Of A Leader

By Wale Adebisi

Man Of History

By Olakunle Abimbola

An Inventor Of Modern Osun

By Olatunbosun Oyintiloye

PLUS

‘ ’

My Toughest Period With Baba Kabiru - Mrs Aregbesola

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Aregbe, 61 Years On: Assessments, Encomiums

By Solomon Odeniyi Politicians, technocrats, workers’ unions and residents of the State of Osun have assessed, showered encomiums and commendations on Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the state as he marks 61st Birthday today.

While some said the commitment. successes recorded by the “No doubt, the A r e g b e s o l a A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration in its administration changed seven and half years have the face of the state, proven the celebrator to be e c o n o m i c a l l y , a man of integrity due to educationally, and his prudent nature of politically and that is to leadership, some based tell you that he is a their assessments on the committed man who fact that the Governor has want the best for the changed the face of the people of the state", state for the better in the Akintayo stressed. area of infrastructural Also, the Managing development.

Director, Omoluabi The labour unions, Holdings Limited, Dr through the Chairman, Tunde Faleye described Nigeria Labour Congress Aregbesola as a man of (NLC), Osun chapter, the masses who has Comrade Jacob Adekomi demonstrated unrivalled said that Aregbesola’s commitment to better the government has done so lots of the people, saying much for the state that his commitment has workforce interms of actually paid off. welfare and human According to him, the capital development. state was battling According to him, the infrastructure decay and administration has kept there was poverty in the his promises with land before the workers inspite the administration of economic crisis, Aregbesola, but his regretting that the crisis intervention programmes did not allow him to do all have drastically reduced he would have wanted for the level of poverty in the the workers. state.

He said, even after the Faleye specifically administration of identified youth Aregbesola, the workers empowerment through in the state would series of interventions as continue to remember that one major area that the there was a governor who A r e g b e s o l a showed so much administration has made commitment to their a lot of impact, saying welfare and their that the private industries development inspite the that have been attracted to the state under the obstacles. “ G o v e r n o r administration have Aregbesola’s performance helped the system to will continue to linger in create more jobs for the the mind of the Osun youths.

According to him, there labour movement, especially for resisting must be insistence by the temptations to disengage people of Osun through workers despite daunting their votes that whoever economic challenges, we going to take over from all knew what applicable Aregbesola must be who in other states where some somebody state governors resulted to understands and ready to carry on the mass sack”, he said.

Congratulating him on developmental strides by the the celebration of his 61st started birthday, the labour administration.

The Secretary to the leader urged the governor to ensure that the State Government, Alhaji government offsets the Moshood Adeoti said the salary arrears that had people of Osun would been creating issues continue to remember the between him and the civil name of Aregbesola for bringing unprecedented servants in the state.

The Accountant- development to the state, General, Mr Kolawole saying that the state has Akintayo said that the never been so lucky.

Adeoti, who is one of successes recorded by the A r e g b e s o l a the All Progressives (APC) administration were Congress based on his prudent governorship aspirants nature, saying, his in the state, noted that achievements have been ever since his path unprecedented in the crossed with that of Aregbesola, he has seen a history of the state.

According to him, man with commitment to “Osun is lucky to have change the orientation of Governor Aregbesola the black people for the because, the state would better, saying his have gone bankrupt promises to the people of during the economic crisis the state have been that hit Nigeria few years fulfilled.

Also, Ileri Oluwa Group, ago if not for his financial sagacity and sense of a campaign group

canvassing support for the Chief of Staff to Osun

Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola said

going by the unprecedented

development that had •Continued page 12

Osun 2018: Battle For APC Ticket Begins •26 Men, A Woman In The Race

•A cross section of some of the APC governorship aspirants.

By Shina Abubakar As the All Progressives Congress (APC) allows its prospective aspirants to publicly declare their intention to vie for its ticket ahead of the July Primary election, the party has given its aspirants directives as to the red lines it does not expect them to cross during any of their activities.

The rules has on top of the list, N500,000 intention fee, which the party expected all that campaign issues should aspirants to pay before focus on the state of embarking on campaign economy while adding that programme, adding that it should be modest, well and not each aspirants is expected to organised embark on a decent, necessarily exorbitant.

It ordered that all colourful statewide mobilization of members aspirants must flag-off and promotion of the their campaigns from the party secretariat in the state party.

It further disclosed that capital and itinerary their no aspirant should approved by the party.

Aspirants, the party, embark on hate speech or must avoid promotion of neither insist rancour nor maligning the statements or actions that party or government in any could embarrass the party form and aspirants should or government and should strive to foster unity conduct themselves and among party faithful campaign teams with without enhancing faction decorum, pride and dignity. within the party.

The party also insisted Also, the party insisted

List Of Aspirants 1 Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (Secretary to the State Government) - Osun West 2 Dr. Najeem Salaam (Speaker, Osun House of Assembly) - Osun West 3. Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (Chief of Staff) - Osun Central 4. Hon. Lasun Yusuf (Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives) - Osun Central 5. Elder Peter Babalola (Chairman, Local Government Service Commission) - Osun West 6. Mr. Babatunde Taiwo - Osun Central 7. Mr. Kunle Rasheed Adegoke - Osun Central 8. Mr. Benedict Alabi - Osun West 9. Engineer Adelere Oriolowo - Osun West 10. Hon. Gafar Amere - Osun West 11. Mr. Rauf Adekunle Olabamiji - Osun West 12. Oluomo Sunday Akere (Former Commissioner for Information & Strategy) - Osun Central 13. Dr. Oyebola Oyemomi – Osun-West 14. Mr. Dayo Oyebanji - Osun West 15. Dr. Samuel Ibiyemi - Osun East 16. Mr. Saka Layonu - Osun West 17. Dr. Isiaka Owoade - Osun West 18. Engr Ayoade Lawal 19. Dr. Taofeek Olayinka Ayinde - Osun West 20. Chief Biodun Fajobi - Osun West 21. Hon. Yinka Ajayi - Osun Central 22. Mrs. Akanbi Alimot Bolanle 23. Alhaji Ayodele Fatai 24. Alao Olabisi Kamoru 25. Jolayemi Kamoru 26. Engr. Mumini R. Olabamiji 27. Elder G.T. Adediji

that aspirant should guarantee maximum security at campaign venue to ensure the safety of party members and the general populace.

The state party chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun while addressing the aspirants said that the party ought to have met them to set the ball rolling for political activities to commence in earnest, but the right time is not late, urging them to desist from act that could lead them to losing the composure and calmness with which they started their ambition.

He reminded the aspirants that the interest of the party and the state is superior to their individuals ambition, hence, the party expected them to work for the greater good of the party and ensure its victory in the September 22, governorship poll in the state.

According to him, our party is not just any political party established to contest election and fill political offices. It has been built through time as the party of the people which extols the Yoruba virtues of Omoluabi as the driving ethos.

“It is a tendency that has emerged as a platform for the pursuit of good governance and the welfare of the people by patriots that personified the Omoluabi ethos. Our ideals, handed down over the ages have been egalitarianism, integrity in leadership and uncompromising pursuit of the interest of our people.

This is the current manifestation of AG, SDP, AD, AC, and ACN. These are the parties of Awolowo,Adekunle Ajasin, Abraham Adesanya, Bola lge, Bisi Akande and Tinubu.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO “This is what separates us from the others. Our leaders, up till the present moment have been willing to pay any price and forego any personal comfort and interest in the pursuit of these ends.

He disclosed that all the aspirants are well qualified to govern the state, especially as they have all paid their dues in nurturing the party to the enviable height it is today and urged them to remain focus not to allow personal interest jeopardize the chances of the party in the coming poll.

“The governorship of the state and the ultimate victory of our party are bigger than any of us and our personal aspiration. We must all strive towards the same objective, which is the pursuit of the public interest and the welfare of our people. We must know that only one of us can win, no matter the efforts all of us put into it”.

However, reacting on behalf of all the aspirants, the Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam pledged the commitment of all aspirants to the success of the party.

He however urged the party to consider all aspirants as equal and provide a level playing ground for all without picking anyone as its favourite in the build up to the July 7, 2018 primary election as he called on the party supporters to see the struggle for the ticket as an internal affairs that must not be engulf in crisis.

Fielding question from journalist after the meeting, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representative, Hon. Lasun Yusuf said his ambition is not a do-or-die affair and he is ready to support whoever emerges from a transparent and credible primary election later in July this year.

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Issues & Policy 4

On Senator Adeleke's Goof The statement credited to the ‘dancing senator’ representing Osun West Senatorial District who is also a gubernatorial candidate under the platform of the ‘People’s Democratic Party (PDP)’, Senator Ademola Adeleke that the MKO Abiola Airport was programmed to fail by Governor Aregbesola, is not just puerile and childish, it is an unfortunate revelation of his lack of preparedness for the rigours of high office.

In a press statement released in Ede, his home town as a response to Ogbeni Aregbesola’s answer to a question on the Airport project during the penultimate Friday’s Ogbeni Till Daybreak, Senator Adeleke asserted that Governor Aregbesola intentionally programmed the Airport project to fail and that his (Ogbeni’s) programmes lack a human face. How on earth would a whole Senator of the Federal Republic from whom an appreciable level of intelligence is expected, utter such an incoherent and ill- thought out statement?

But we are not surprised that such a statement came out from Senator Adeleke’s mouth. Of course, it will be

‘ ’

The fact that the concessionaire failed to live up to expectations does not indicate that the Airport project has failed as efforts are still on to find alternative to the failed concessionaire.

tantamount to crying for the moon to expect a man who, ever since he became a senator, has not demonstrated that level of intelligence, maturity and comportment expected of someone holding such an exalted position to say anything meaningful or constructive on critical issues bothering on development. For we believe in the ever apt axiom that ‘whatever the mouth says is a function of intelligence’.

It’s imperative to state at this juncture that Ogbeni didn’t say that the MKO Abiola project failed. What Ogbeni said specifically as a response to the question on the Airport is that it is the concessionaire that failed in the agreement they signed with the state government

but not that the Airport project failed.

He maintained that the fact that the concessionaire failed to live up to expectations does not indicate that the Airport project has failed as efforts are still on to find an alternative to the failed concessionaire.

The fundamentals of a project which is a very much needed trajectory for sustainable development in the State of Osun are still very much intact.

We say this with all sense of OSUN sincerity as a media Publisher outfit that was present at that all- Acting Editor night programme and we strongly Lagos Editor believe that anyone who will not call a News Editor spade another Production Editor

Three Hearty Cheers To The People's Governor At 61 Hip hip hip hurray!!!

Let those who have been privileged by Almighty God to grace another 365 days in their life cycle, in their utmost sonorous voices sing thanks and praises to the most high. It is highly important to warmly felicitate with the people’s governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, the planner, the engineer of good tidings, the new era crusader in the state of Osun as he clocks 61.

The one who the cap fits has had it on for almost 8 years in the state of Osun and has done tremendously well. This is evidenced in the c o n s p i c u o u s developments carried out and seen in the nooks and crannies of the state by the

governor and his intelligent cabinet members.

Osun people cannot be grateful enough for the fast-tracked growths and

d e v e l o p m e n t s shouldered by the compassionate governor of the state within his two terms in office, which is by far greater than the remaining administrative years used by other administrators.

Accolades and deserving encomiums from the private and

public sectors, from local, national and international realms is showered on the Ijeshaborn politician cum administrator, born on

the 25th of May, one who prioritised human welfarism and social safety nets programmes to ease the standard of living of residents in the state.

A popular English maxim says, “People do not value what they have until they lose it”. Osun people both at home and in diaspora have

name can bear witness to this.

We like to advise Senator Adeleke to be focused on the mandate given to him by his constituents and start to show quality representation which he has hitherto failed to do. Much as we believe that he has every constitutional right just like any other qualified Osun indigene - to aspire to the number one position in the state, however, it’s erroneous for him to believe that the spreading falsehood, engaging in politics of mudslinging and maligning the incumbent Governor is what will make him to realise his ambition.

This will not help him in the least. He’s bound to fail by pursuing that trajectory.

Ogbeni Aregbesola has built a legacy that will continue to endure. This is appreciated by the people of Osun state and for which posterity will judge him positively.

unfailingly reckoned with this wise saying, thus, have all uniformly resolved to appreciate our very own governor as he clocks 61 solid, sound and successful years on earth. We wish him many happy returns and pray him many more prosperous years ahead in good health and wealth.

Notably, as the governor celebrates his 61st birthday, he should endeavour to make the right provision for the ‘right’ successor who would steer the affairs of the state ‘rightly’ as the sea is, as the election draws nearer.

Hip hip hip hurray!!!

•RIDWAN OYEDIRAN, Osogbo.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY MAY 25 - THURSDAY MAY 31, 2018

Health

Codeine, Tramadol And Postinor 2 Use, A Ticking Time Bomb FRANCIS EZEDIUNO writes about the abuse of prescription of everyday medicine, including paracetamol, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrup and even sweet like TomTom amongst others.

For years, the Nigerian government has waged relentless war against drug abuse. A time was when narcotic peddling and trafficking carried a death sentence. It seems the battle against narcotic had been won but another battle ground has been opened and that is the battle against abuse of prescription of everyday medicine.

Why it is somehow difficult to fight this battle due to the fact that these drugs are under the essential ones. It sounds unbelievable that every day drugs like paracetamol, tramadol, codeine-based cough syrup and even sweets like TomTom can be abused. This is the ingenuity of the Nigerian youth at its worst.

We have even heard of cases of antibiotics and antiretroviral drugs used in the management of HIV amongst the class of medicines abused by these youths.

The government may have hitherto been in denial but the recent exposure by the British Broadcasting Corporation [BBC] and subsequent special edition of Aljazeera Stream, where the issue was brought up has further made it imperative to visit this epidemic of epic proportion waiting to explode.

Although, the Federal Government had taken some steps in ordering the stoppage of the use of codeine and Biolin in the manufacture of cough syrups in the country and the Government even went as far as temporarily closing down operation at some of the implicated pharmaceutical companies but to the greatest surprise, the same authorities has lifted ban on the stoppage of work placed on Emzor Pharmacuetical Company but the local ones are believed to still be

It makes you high after ingestion and it is variously seen in clubs amongst the youths which President Muhammadu Buhari brazenly referred to as lazy, being consumed in clubs mixed with Coca-Cola and other types of beverages to form a powerful cocktail. under lock and key. Why? We need to visit this burning issue for the sake of today’s and our children coming after. For if not, I pray it will not overwhelm us. If we say cocaine and heroine are expensive narcotics, what about codeine-based cough syrups, gum, lizard faeces, rephnol, tramadol, stale urine, pawpaw leaves, freely distributed HIV anti-retroviral drugs, paracetamol and a host of other drugs that can be purchased from any pharmaceutical or patent

store?

THE DRUGS It makes you high after ingestion and it is variously seen in clubs amongst the youths which President Muhammadu Buhari brazenly referred to as lazy, being consumed in clubs mixed with Coca-Cola and other types of beverages to form a powerful cocktail.

It is also seen amongst youths mixed with ice blocks and served in street corners where youths sometimes gather in the cool of the

evening to let off steam.

Students of higher colleges in order to prove their mettle also take it just to show that they have arrived as ‘bigger boys’ and have now achieved independence from the watchful eyes of their parents.

It is in liquid form and it was intended to serve as a means of temporary sedation from the pain of cough that sometimes afflict children as well as the old.

What am I referring to here? I am talking about CODEINE! Codeine is an opiate used to treat pain as a cough medicine and for diarrhea.

It is typically used to treat mild to moderate degrees of pain. It starts working after half an hour with maximum effect at two hours. The total duration of kits effect last for about four to six hours.

As with other opiate based pain killers, chronic use of codeine can cause physical dependence.

No wonder Olamide Badoo just released a recent hit song titled, ‘Science Student’, a song which was subsequently banned from the airwaves by the Nigerian Broadcasting Commission [NBC].

The other toughens the addict up; it is usually maintained that regular intake of it gives extra strength and energizes the addict, gives extra strength for work and boosts sexual urge.

Its use is common amongst people engaged in extra physical works like labourers and those involved in engineering manual labour works.

Amongst students, the use is also common just to prove that they are ‘macho’ enough so the girl in •Continued on page 7

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY MAY 25 - THURSDAY MAY 31, 2018

Odo Otin South LCDA Embarks On Grading Of Roads

A new wind of change and development is blowing achievement recorded so administration will go a problem of bad roads for flood and erosion in the in Odo-Otin South Local Council Development Area, far by the present long way to ameliorate the the community, prevent community.

Inisa as the first woman Chairman of the council, Mrs. Bibitayo Folasade Ajala kick-started her administration with massive road rehabilitation, reconstruction of line drainage, retaining walls and collapse culverts’ boxes among others.

According to a statement by the council’s Odo-Otin South repaired to boost Information Officer, tractor Olumide Felix, other mechanised farming projects are, renovation of activities in the area and public service utilities use same to generate with area evacuation and revenue for the council. digging out of refuse from Also, the old revenue some blocked culverts and office along Inisa road was renovated and put in drainages.

The statement said that use.

As well, the NULGE the road grading and rehabilitation were Bus was repaired for the embarked upon across the entire staff, while all the existing six wards of the abandoned cars inherited council, such as lyeku, from the main council Elesin funfun, Olore was repaired and palace and Ologungun to distributed to all HOD Olola, Agbeye to ring and the leader of the road. Also graded are, house.

According to the Ojubo to station, Selina the •Mrs Ajala (middle), members of the councils parliament and others during the inspection. road-Wednesday market statement, road, while in ward 11and 12, we have police road, Egbebi, Gboiki, The adage that says “It is good to train a man to Social Development, Mr. Ezekiel Adedibu distance time to assist Alarin-Ekusa and fish rather than giving him fish” has been put to John Adewuyi at the said admonished the them in their various celestial church road.

In Ward13, the roads reality by Iwo West Local Council Development Area programme that was participants to be up and vocations. graded are, Ekonde, Ode, (LCDA) in conjunction with the United Nations chaired by the Secretary to doing in their various He further promised to Machor, Agbeye Junction, Development Program and the National Orientation the State Government of vocational skills being embark on the second Towoju, opened along Agency (NOA) by organizing a 2- day empowerment Osun, Alh. Moshood trained on. phase of the Agbeye road. programme for 250 selected residents of the council. Adeoti, the chairman of He also promised transformational projects “Aside the grading, According to a statement by the Head of Iwo West LCDA, Hon. financial assistance in no in the LCDA which most of the roads retaining include grading of earth wall and water ways were roads from, DC School, reconstructed, while Olosi to Aba Ode; blocked drainage were In its bid to improve the health standard of the people the LCDA, adding that the While speaking, the cleared to prevent of Obokun East Local Council Development Area, the achievements recorded speaker of the parliament, Agberire to Akinola; flooding during the council chairman, Hon. Olalekan Omole has laid the within the short period of Hon. Oyewole Oyebamiji Agberire to raining season. foundation for staff quarters for Primary Health staffers his administration was and his deputy, Hon. Ogbogbologun; Agbona Similarly, as a measure at Ilare-Ijesha. made possible with God Ajiboye Hazzan eulogised Junction through Daodu to assist rural farmers, the Laying the foundation, further support and and cooperation of the the charismatic quality of to Loogun; Elemo village new administration in the Chairman called for cooperation of workers in people of the council Area. the Chairman, and praised through Monkin to him for the approval of the grading of roads which cut Daodu; Daodu through across the council area and Aperin through Ogunju to his efforts at bringing Jolu, and Jolu through sound health care to the Lebulebu to NUD School, grassroot.

Foke/Obajoko.

The Chairman reiterated Others are, Elewonta his commitment to Idamodu improve the welfare of through workers and the electorate through Mogbindin to Idi saying to whom much is araba Junction; given, much is expected.

Ologunebi through Foke Meanwhile, the administration also through Oloba Ijuoba to provided furniture for Agoro Agric; Alagbon members of the parliament Junction through Oro in other to make their office village through Monsaba more conducive and to Anarun; Papa through comfortable for them.

The Council Manager, Idiomo to Arekese; Mr.Wasiu Ayoola saluted Arekese to Idiomo the political will of the Junction and Idi-omo council boss and pledged Juction through Oloba the continuous support of Tifede through Monjibere workers to the to Arekese. administration.

He concluded that the •The Chairman, Egbedore South LCDA , Hon Kola presenting farm implement to one of the beneficiaries during the Present at the event were distribution of farm implements to farmers recently. members of the parliament, LCDA has a lot to offer the Hon. Kolawole Joshua Vice people in terms of Chairman; Hon.Oyebamiji transformation that Oyewole, Leader of the would enhance better parliament; Hon. Ajiboye AKINOLA RASAQ ABDULLATEEF ADEMOLA MOHIE AGNES OPOZI Hazzan, deputy leader and living standard for OLALEKAN ABDULJELILI That my name was Hon. Kolawole Olaluwe, everyone.

That I was formerly known That I was formerly known formerly written as MOHIE member of the parliament The council boss noted and addressed as and addressed as AKINOLA AGNES TINA, with former Others are, the Head of that this can be fully ABDULLATEEF Date of birth 15/09/1990, but RASAQ OLADELE, but Administration, Mr Musa ADEMOLA, but now wish now wish to be known and attained if everyone can now wish to be known and Subair; Head of addressed as MOHIE to be known and addressed addressed as AKINOLA AGNES OPOZI. With New Information and Social be up and doing in all as ABDULLATEEF RASAQ OLALEKAN. All Date of Birth 12th March, ADEMOLAABDULJELILI. Development, Mr Jimoh their civic duties to the 1992. All former documents former documents remain All former documents remain Aliu Abiola and the government especially, in remain valid.

FCMB Bank valid. G.T. Bank, and General valid. General public should Information Officer, Mrs the payment of taxes and and General public should take note. public should take note.

Adebanke Lawal. take note. levies.

Iwo West LCDA Empowers 200 Residents

Obokun East LCDA Chair Lays Foundation For Staff Quarters Foundation

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE

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NEWS

FRIDAY MAY 25 - THURSDAY MAY 31, 2018

Insecurity: Osogbo Catholic Members Protest Incessant Killings

By Solomon Odeniyi

Members of the Catholic Diocese of Osogbo on Tuesday in their large numbers took to the streets to join their counterparts across the country to hold a walk as a mark of protest against the various killings in the nation.

The walk which began protecting human lives at Our Lady of Fatima and properties, adding, Hospital, Jaleyemi Area “they should not wait of the state capital ended until the killers of at the Osun State House innocent Nigerians are of Assembly. tired of killing.

The walk, according to Lauding the the Vicar General of the government of Osun for Osogbo Diocese, the proactive steps being Reverend Father taking to keep the state Thaddeus Ajayi was for relatively safe and the authorities of the peaceful, he enjoined Catholic Church in other states and the Nigeria to register their federal government to collective anguish on the emulate the good gesture. incessant killings in Addressing the •A procession of members of Osogbo Catholic Diocese protesting the incesant killings in Nigeria in Osogbo on Nigeria and condemn the protesters, the Speaker of Tuesday.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO needless lost of human the state House of lives in all parts of the Assembly, Najeem country.

Salaam appreciated them The Reverend Father in the manner at which

By Ismaeel Uthman federal government for as phase one was who alluded to the they conducted on the constructed with N1, The State Government of Osun has spent a total improving murder of two Catholic themselves, adding that while intervention to the state 257,791,992.86 priests, Rev. Father Joseph the house as a matter of sum of N3.4bn on the dredging of 344.44km government through the phase II was constructed waterways in some parts of the state to prevent Gor and Fr. Felix Tyolaha urgency will deliberate flooding. office of ecological fund with N463, 987,000, completed with N434, as well as 17 other on the issue, come up Governor Rauf in Osogbo by the Minister by lining the water 991,000 respectively. catholic faithful who were with a resolution, as well Aregbesola stated at the for Information and channels with concrete He said the completion murdered in Benue said, as intimate the governor commissioning and Culture, Alhaji Lai walls which will make it of the projects would last longer and work more the value of human lives of the state about their handing over to the State Mohammed. enhance holistic are no longer being plight for onward Government of Osun, the A r e g b e s o l a efficiently.

Aregbesola warned solutions to soil erosion, respected.

Erosion commended President flood menace as well as transmission to the Completed He said: “Human life is government at the centre. Control Ecology Projects Muhammadu Buhari led residents of Osogbo and reducing the dangers to environs against sacred and no one has the and property dumping refuse on lives right to take another waterways especially associated with erosion and persistent flooding person’s life under any during the rain, stressing inconsiderate of the that this will lead to that had been experienced pretence, be it Muslim,

By Sola Jacobs in Osogbo, State of Osun interest of his followers.

Christians, Northerners blockage sooner than and Nigeria at large.

He added, “his later.

The recent carpet-crossing of the Ife-born politician, or Southerners. We assert The minister held that The governor said, “I that a human life is more Otunba Iyiola Omisore from the Peoples Democratic inconsistency has a far since governance is about precious than a million Party (PDP) to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) in the adverse effect on our future am so excited about what the people, the FG and we have refused to cows and more valuable state has generated furore, as members of the party had follow him, to secure our is happening today embarks on the various denounced his membership and rejected his gubernatorial because it is an than all the wealth in the bid on the platform of the party in the State of Osun. massive future in party we have improvement on the ongoing world.

It is an intervention we have investments across the According to the candidate, Chief Yemisi labour to build”. country in projects that abomination to see Secretary of the Social Another ardent made for our people on Oladeji has carpeted human lives being wasted Democratic Party (SDP) in Omisore over his pursuit of supporter of Omisore in the issue of flooding. are of direct benefit to the citizens, including roads, everyday without the State, Elder Femi Awe, gubernatorial ambition in Okerewe ward I Ile-Ife, Mr Before our advent, Adewole Adesupo opined flooding used to be a rail, power and other adequate steps taken to the party has no record of SDP as wishful thinking. infrastructural prevent the occurrences Senator Omisore as a cardHe added that the former that as a leader, Omisore yearly mishap in Osun.

“We have already programmes. or to significantly deter carrying member of the Governor is not more than knows the best party to He said: “The Federal pursue his political spent about N3.4billion party, let alone a letter of a “friend of SDP” in the the killers.’’

Government will He frowned at how the intent to contest on its state, as there is no ambition and that he on the dredging of about continue to execute significant move by him to believes in his political 344.44 kilometers of projects that will benefit federal government has platform.

He continued that “in his join the party, contrary to calculation, hence, his waterways and so we are the people across the been watching the support for the senator is very excited when the six geosecurity agencies turning usual style and way of his public claim. federal government country’s things, he has been Chief Oladeji stated binding. a blind eye to the cries and doing He described the decided to line the water political zones, and this announcing to whoever further “this is just a wails of helpless citizens cares to listen that he has wishful thinking brought statement credited to the channels with concrete to has been attested to by the massive who are victims of joined our party while he about by certain elements SDP State Secretary and make it last longer and ongoing infrastructural projects insecurity. has not personally or trying to create confusion another gubernatorial more useful.

“It is worthy of note being carried out across He demanded that officially meet the party in the peaceful process of candidate in the party, the country. federal government must leadership to express his our party primaries and Chief Yemisi Oladeji as a that this is the first time “Between 2016 and in the history of the nation political statement which interest of becoming a from records available to wake up to its the Buhari the federal today, us, Senator Omosire is not had no effect on the that c o n s t i t u t i o n a l member”.

Administration has spent Another stalwart in the a member of SDP in Osun”. ambition of the Ife-born government will execute over N1.3 trillion on responsibility of a project, commission it politician.

Osun Spends N3.4billion On Dredging Of 344.44km Waterways

Omisore’s Ambition Cracks SDP

SDP and a gubernatorial

Assessments •Continued from page 2 been achieved by his administration, Aregbesola when leaving office as governor would leave a legacy that would take extra-efforts to surpass.

He was optimistic that a footprint for development has been developed and would assist the incoming government to make headway in its efforts for development.

Also, the Forum of Council Chairmen in the

state has described Aregbesola as a governor with unusual commitment to development, saying, the council chairmen across the state were happy to be part of the success stories of the administration.

The Chairman and Secretary of the forum, Hon. Omoboyede Jaiyeola and Hon. Sekinat Halid said that Aregbesola has left a mark that would be difficult to erase, urging the people to continue to support his course which has paid off.

He therefore advised the former senator to first and foremost, properly approach the party to regularize his membership and until that is done, he is not a member of the party.

Meanwhile OSUN DEFENDER investigation in Ile-Ilfe among the supporters of the former Deputy Governor revealed a dissented opinion as most of his followers refused to support his ambition on the platform of SDP, which seem to have polarized his supporters in the ancient city.

According to Mr Fawibe Adeolu, one of his supporters from Ilode unit I, Ile-Ife, Otunba’s ambition is myopic and

Meanwhile a statement on social media credited to one Mr. Taiwo Akeju, that the senator had fully decamped from the PDP to the SDP and called on public to disregard the position of Mr Awe, insisting that the said Awe is not the state secretary of the party and cannot speak for it.

It was gathered that the members of SDP has called for the leadership meeting of the party in the state over the purported ambition of Otunba Iyiola Omisore so that it will not cause crack in the leadership and the chances of the party in the gubernatorial election that will hold in the state come September 22nd, 2018.

and ensure that it is delivered to the state government for maintenance.

“I urge our people to desist from throwing waste on waterways during rain for it to last longer.”

In his address, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed said the project was executed by the FG as part of the government’s erosion control measures aimed at rescuing Nigerians from flooding.

Mohammed disclosed that the FG has spent N2.156billion on the newly commissioned channelization projects,

infrastructural projects.

This is bound to attract the kind of investment that will trigger growth in critical sectors like agriculture, solid minerals and tourism, thus moving the economy away from oil.

“It will impact directly on lives and property in the township and, in the end, improve the lives of the residents, “he stressed.

The Minister urged the good people of Osogbo town and indeed the state Government of Osun to kindly guard the project jealously and take ownership of it, thus ensuring its maintenance and sustainability.

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OAU Students Miss Lectures As Transportation Crisis Rock Institution

By Kabir Adejumo

The students of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife, have lamented the difficulties they experience, as transportation crisis took another dimension shortly after the resumption for 2017/2018 session.

Putting the record soon as possible. It is straight, the killing” transportation challenges Another student, cannot be disconnected Abiola Akinyemi put the from the institution’s new blame on the university accommodation policy management as he which has reduced the argued that the number of students institution admitted more staying on campus. than its capacity.

More students who live “OAU management is off-campus are often seen greedy. Go to schools like in large numbers queuing UI, they don’t admit up to day and night while 4000 students for a waiting for buses to session but in OAU, the convey them to their management eats more respective places. than what they can chew.

According to the They decongested the students, this often make hostels which is a them late for lectures brilliant one but refuse to every morning. regulate the number of However, as expected, students admitted. It is the affected students simple mathematics. groan and decry the state They should know that of transportation students made to live off deficiency as some of them are said to always trek campus will be at the receiving end.”, he said. from the university “It will be more campus to the school gate on daily basis due to dangerous by the time all returning students stress of struggling for resume fully.” buses which since Muyiwa Afolabi, a resumption has injured student of department of some of them, most English said: “this especially the female folk.

While narrating her transportation crisis is affecting our academics. experience, Ayomide It has now become a daily Fashanu, a fresh student who could not secure routine for most of us to miss our first lectures.” accommodation on He buttressed that the campus told our correspondent that she incessant transportation has missed two classes crisis is prologed because this week having trekked of the absence of active from the university students union body.

“If the union is entrance to her department due to scarcity available, we can’t suffer this hard. At least the of busses.

“It was so painful that transportation committee twice this week I have would have attended to missed my classes. the menace”, he said.

A campus shuttle Getting to campus gate and had to wait for more driver, who identified himself as Opeyemi also than an hour. I resolved to trekking from campus said the transportation gate to my department in crisis is as a result of new White House. The bus accommodation policy.

“We transporters, also stop is always crowded with students but no feel for students, as the rate of students living in buses to convey them. I hope this is resolved as town has increased and

Fedpoffa Loses Student Following Surgery Bleeding

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin An HND1 Accounting student of the Federal Polytechnic Offa, Kwara state died last Friday after she bled from a surgery wound in her tummy.

It was gathered that she went through during and bled from the wound the after the surgery, and the previous day in a public fact that the stitching has not healed thoroughly transport. a u s e d Adeoye Eniola c deceased bleeding on collapsed at home in Offa the Thursday. after doing some of her The source said that chores such as washing recently, Eniola’s Mother clothes, sweeping and came visiting before the fetching of water before incident happened few she was rushed to the days back and spent some hospital. times with her daughter.

However, one of her It was painful, she said, friends who pleaded “Eniola is clever, humble, anonymity said she just and always kind to had an appendix surgery everyone but she didn’t and due to the stress she say she was going to die”.

has also raised the number of daily bus users. And there is a law that stipulates a regulated number of busses that operate on campus per day.

Meanwhile, while speaking with

journalists, the university through its Public Relations Officer, Abiodun Olanrewaju, has said the crisis has nothing to do with the University and it is not the duty of the school to provide transportation

for students as management has no affair

with the movement of students.

•OAU students queing up to board buses to campus.

Igbajo Polytechnic Denies Student Death

By Adegbola Babalola The management of Igbajo Polytechnic has denounced rumour that its students were still in police detention after the protest that occurred in the school during the examination period early this students who were month.

Findings in the school already seated for their revealed that the school examination on the management called off the fateful day ran out of the examination to curb the hall as a result of an crisis from degenerating electric spark inside and as students were angry ran for safety around the with the policeman that school compound.

On sighting the fired a tear gas.

It was gathered that students running around

the school, the policeman shot a tear gas that choke some students who were rushed to the hospital, two students were arrested at the clinic vicinity in Igbajo by the Police team due to the level of vexation they were exhibiting toward the policeman.

However, as at the time of filing this report, all the 14 students have been discharged from the hospital, while those at the police custody have

been released.

A source within the school management told our reporter that students would soon be asked to return to school to complete their examination and resume for the session’s second semester in earnest.

The source added that no live was lost during the fracas which was caused as a result of the p o l i c e m a n ’ s overzealousness in handling the situation.

Vacancy!

There is vacancy for Experienced Quality Control Officer in a Table Water manufacturing company in Osogbo.

Experience: Candidate must be computer literate and have cognate experience in Table Water production.

Qualification: B.SC/HND in Microbiology/Food Science Technology Submit Your Application At: Old CFAO building,1R, Station Road, Osogbo.

Closing Date: 4th June, 2018 Only shortlisted candidates would be contacted.

Signed: Management

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Editor’s Note

Symbol Of The Progressive Thrust We are not just saying happy birthday to the symbol of the progressive thrust in the State of Osun, we are commending him for a stellar intervention in uplifting the conditions of the many in the state. Rauf Aregbesola has certainly earned himself a positive place in the pantheon of the historical sequence of our time, he has however not done so “under circumstances he would have chosen or preferred”. This is why the achievements of the administration he has headed is all the more remarkable, as irreversible gains have been made largely in a period of fiscal stress and within the constraints of a defective quasi-federalism, it has been a triumph of determination and imagination.

In wishing him great achievements ahead in continuing good health, OSUN DEFENDER has put together a compilation of thoughts highlighting the rebirth of the progressive thrust which he has spearheaded. This includes: Man Of History, by Olakunle Abimbola, The Making Of A Leader by Wale Adebisi, Rauf Aregbesola: Architect Of New Osun by Murtala Agboola, Working Like A Hurricane by….. and An Inventor Of Modern Osun by Olatunbosun Oyintiloye.

There are great birthdays ahead, what is essential is that the solid foundations laid must be built upon. The best birthday presents are those which endure, and in this way, the best gift to our Ogbeni is a continuation of a mode of governance which has made a break from an under-achieving past and put the State on the path of sustainable development.

Happy Birthday

Kazeem Mohammed Graphic Design By Lukman Ussein

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INTERVIEW

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My Toughest Period With Baba Kabiru...

Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been known to be a pillar of support for her husband through thick and thin. One of the few governors' wives who do not believe in the gaudiness and contrived glamour of office, Alhaja Sherifat would rather complement her husband's people-centric activities than compete for attention with him.

In this interview with the Progressive Focus Magazine, she reveals intimate details about her husband.

Your husband is seen to be tough; from being a relentless activist to his emergence as the executive governor of the State of Osun; how does it feel being his wife?

A tough man? You might see him as a tough man but I don’t see him as such. I see him as a friend, a husband, a companion and a good father to his children.

How has the journey been since you came together as a couple?

We met so many years ago and we got married exactly 30 years back. So far so good, as you know, there is no marriage that does not have its own challenges. My own challenge was only during the struggle for his political ambition. Even with that, we can be said to be the best couple in the whole world.

The time of his political struggle was so tough, especially when he was detained and put in Yaba Police Station (Lagos). The one that really made me feel so bad was when my daughter was around. The subsequent ones, I was able to manage them because I was alone. But this particular one, our daughter was around. Her witnessing what we have been going through was really tough for me. I felt so bad. That was the only one that I felt so bad about. But thank God, we were able to manage it and victory came eventually.

So much happened during the struggle to reclaim Ogbeni’s mandate, especially when party agents were killed and he was being persecuted.

As his wife, were you not scared of his life?

Of course, I was. There were so many things that made me fear for his life. First of all, I really feel for those who lost their lives and I pray to God Almighty to be with their families. During the struggle, so many things happened but there was a particular one on the judgment day when his application was thrown out for the second time by the election petition tribunal in Osogbo here. That was before he went to the Appeal Court and won. I told him then that after this, there is no more appeal and nothing again.

I told him I meant it. He said if he goes for the appeal, what would happen? I said he should just wait and see, but insisted that I meant what I was saying. He asked if I was sure; and I said I was. He said okay, I have heard you, I won’t go for the appeal again.

Fortunately, he called Asiwaju Bola Tinubu (I call him Big Daddy), and told him what I said. In less than 15 minutes, Big Daddy called me. I didn’t have his number because I didn’t have any cause to call him. If I needed to talk to him, I would talk to my husband first. So that day, I saw the strange number but I didn’t pick it. Later, Mrs. Remi Tinubu called me and I picked.

She said, ‘where are you?’ I said ‘I am home’. She said

‘

My own challenge was only during the struggle for his political ambition.

Even with that, we can be said to be the best couple in the whole world.

’

‘your daddy h a s b e e n calling you, w h y didn’t you pick his call?’ I said ‘I d i d n ’ t know it was him’.

She said I should hold on for him.

He ( A s i w a j u Tinubu) now said ‘Sheri awa n lo si appeal o, a ma a lo si appeal’ (Sheri, we would go to the Appeal Court). I said yes sir! ‘A maa fight e tan ni (We would make sure we finish the battle). I said ‘yes sir!’ And that was all. I later accused my husband of calling Asiwaju to talk to me. Later, Mrs. Tinubu came and met me crying and she asked why? I said I was fed up and that we should just forget about it.

She really encouraged me and to God be the glory today because we went for the appeal and God answered our prayer.

How did you feel when the news came that he eventually won at the Appeal Court despite your earlier warning against it?

I was happy because it was a Friday. Some days to the judgment, I already knew that something good was going to happen but I couldn’t figure out what it was.

I kept on having the feeling that something was about to happen, but what it was, I didn’t know. I was just crying. I cried to the extent that my husband called Mrs. Tinubu to come over. She came and when she asked me what the problem was, I could not say anything. If anybody asked me, I wouldn’t be able to answer. Instead, I would still be crying. When you say ‘don’t cry’ I would start again. That was how I knew that something was going to happen.

But you knew that the Appeal Court was about to give its judgment on your husband’s matter?

In fact, I didn’t put my mind on the Appeal Court issue.

You couldn’t connect the two?

I couldn’t at all. I had erased the issue of politics in my life. I had erased it totally. So I was not thinking about the appeal court matter. But Mrs. Tinubu told me that some days to that day, God revealed to her that He had answered my husband’s prayers through that cry.

Please, tell us specifically what kind of a man Ogbeni

- Alhaja Sherifat Rauf Aregbesola is at home?

Whao! He is fantastic. That is a very good question.

Sometimes, if I look at him, I ask myself, do I really deserve this man? He is a very good husband, a Godfearing person. I don’t know how to qualify him. He has the love of people in his mind. He is a free giver. If possible, he could pluck his eyes and give to another person. He cares for other more than himself. He is a very nice man. He is my friend, my husband, my father, my companion, and a good father to his children.

Can you take us back to how he proposed to you?

(Loud laughter) That was 30 years ago. Fantastic!

That is good. How he proposed to me? He walked up to me and he proposed to me. Just as simple as that?

Yes, as simple as that. He saw me, came over and said I’m Rauf. I said yes, what do you want? He said can we be friends and I said that is fine. That was all and that was how we parted that day. That was in Kaduna when he came for his mandatory one year National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme.

So, you met in Kaduna?

Yes, and after that I didn’t see him for the next three months. He came back later and said the Nigeria External Telecommunication (now NITEL) had offered him a job. According to him, his station would be in Oyo State but he refused and requested to be in Kaduna because of me. That was how we started.

Does he have a pet name for you?

Pet name? No. He calls you by your first name?

Then, he did. But now he calls me Mama Kabiru.

What do you call him?

I used to call him ‘Brother’ when we started. He said he is not my brother, that he is my friend and my husband. When we got married, we had Kabiru.

So, I have been calling him Baba Kabiru since. We don’t have any pet name.

What is his favourite dish?

He doesn’t have one. He eats anything I prepare for him.

Looking at his projects as the Governor of the State of Osun, which of them do you like most?

The one I like most is the infrastructural development, the road, building of new schools, health care for the children, upgrading the environment and all the others because they are all centered on the people he is serving.

You mean you like all the projects?

Yes, they are fantastic and are uplifting the State of Osun and the live of its people.

What would you advise him on governance if you were asked?

There is nothing than to tell him to continue to give his best to the people of the state. My concern now is for him to complete what he has started.

There is no area you think you can tell him to improve on?

I don’t think so. He is doing everything at once. If he asked me from day one, I would have asked him to start one and finish it before embarking on another.

But I think politics is not like that. It is about doing everything at a time. When they see the infrastructure, agriculture, schools, and all are going on at the same time, they say you are doing well. You can see that even if I would have to advise him on governance, it would not go right.

Unlike many other first ladies, you don’t jump around to make noise about yourself and your pet projects. Is this the way you like it or it was by Ogbeni’s design?

First and foremost, let me correct the impression about the fact that others go up and down. There is no role for any first lady. We were not voted for, so there is no Office of the First Lady. The role of the first lady is to take care of the home front; take care of the governor, the family, his visitors and anything that has to do with the Government House. You can see that even if a first lady is doing a particular programme, it is just to keep herself moving so that she does not sit at home doing nothing and get bored. Two, I didn’t blame others who do projects. I do projects too in my own capacity, but in a very low key. There is no point making noise about it because even when you are not making noise, people would still know and they would refer to it.

Is that your decision or that is the way your husband wants it?

It is my own life. I like being simple.

Given the experience you and your husband had in pursuing his political ambition, would you encourage any of your children to go into politics?

With this situation, I don’t think I would advise any of my children to venture into politics. I don’t think so.

What if they have interest and they are so passionate about it like their father?

That would be based on their own personal decision.

But if they want my advice, I would tell them not to venture into anything called politics.

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Man Of History

My dad, before he died, always told his children to be wary of a child hustling to be sent on a particular errand. ”If he isn’t expecting something,” he would warn with that native Yoruba wit, “then something is expecting him.”

The street-wise moral is clear: people seldom embark on a mission without some motives, most times, unaltruistic.

I wouldn’t know what Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, governor of Osun actually, wanted by seeking to govern a run-down state like Osun, when he had his political future virtually secured in Lagos, in both the politics of mobilization and the policies of development.

In the old Alimoso (the most populous local government area in Nigeria), he was the mobilizer-inchief. Politically, Lagos calls that zone, teeming with voters, “Tinubu’s Country”.

As Infrastructure czar, the Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure, the Lagos infrastructure renewal of the Bola Tinubu governorship era (1999-2007), had his clear signature, in those critical days of harsh Lagos rebooting.

Why then the virtual Osun suicide mission?

Suicide! Even well before running for office in 2007, he could easily have been felled. It was a tale of flying bullets during an Oroki Day, the Osogbo yearly celebration of glorious community.

The Aregbe side claimed it was an assassination attempt to, once and for all, eliminate the nuisance, before it attained its full value. But the incumbent government counter-claimed it was a security breach; since Aregbe, with the infectious political moniker of Oranmiyan, sauntered in when the governor was already seated.

Whichever claim was true, the cold fact was that Aregbesola could have been history, had things got awrier!

But if that Oroki Day event was reported and controversial, I was right there, on another occasion, when death, hot death, again came whistling.

It was but a few days to the 2007 elections — yes, that same election that the outgoing President, Olusegun Obasanjo declared was a do-or-die. We were all there, the Media team, that night at Oranmiyan House, Aregbe’s campaign headquarters, on Osogbo’s Gbongan/Ibadan road.

There was Roy Jibromah, head of the media team. I was also there, with our team. I can’t remember now if Gbenga Fayemiwo, the hitherto Aregbe media czar, whose team the two “Tekobos” (Lagos émigrés) - Oga Roy and I - came to strengthen. Of course, also there were Kola Olabisi, then the Osun Defender editor and his team, who had moved into Oranmiyan House, because of dire intelligence about the safety and security of their bungalow office, farther up road, on the stretch to Gbongan, on the same Gbongan/Ibadan road. Outside was a mix of Osogbo denizens, enjoying free cinema, courtesy of a multi-media big screen by the Aregbe campaign, outside the campaign office. The African U-17 championship was on in Benin Republic, and the Nigerian lads were playing a match and winning well.

Then, it happened! Ra-tra-ta-ta-gbam! Bullets started whistling from nowhere and from everywhere! In panic, I clutched my laptop - in a laughable effort to protect campaign materials stored in there. Then, direr news came: Kola Olabisi, Osun Defender editor, had been gunned down!

Rasheed Mabayoje, head of the broadcast unit of the campaign media, brought the shattering news. In panic, we all bolted down the stairs - the Media Office and Osun Defender annex suites were on the first floor when things quietened a bit. Lo and behold, we ran right into Olabisi, confused, dishevelled and incoherent, the buba top of his reddish Yoruba two-piece attire in virtual shreds!

“Kola!” blurted I, “are you dead?” What a question!

But he indeed looked like an apparition!

He wasn’t dead, of course - thank God. But he had a frightening, near-death encounter, with bullets zipping through his top garment, grazing his belly, penetrating his Mercedes Benz 200 car but somewhat ricocheting off the fuel tank. Had that happened, it would have triggered an explosion and perhaps a big fire!

But more dreary news was to come. Snipers, perched on the adjoining hill after the Osun River bridge, had aimed at the head of the chair in Aregbesola’s office. Since the four-storey Oranmiyan House sits in a valley, the summit of the hill is level with the building’s fourth floor.

Had Aregbe been there, and he was seated in his office, dozing as usual after a most punishing campaign, and the top floor crawling with party people of the defunct Action Congress (AC), the snipers would have neatly picked him out - him, with other party folks! But thank goodness!

For the media team, on the first floor, the building was empty.

Talk of a suicide mission to govern Osun! Those were perilous times!

The election itself - do-or-die, as Obasanjo decreed, living exactly up to that - would come and go; with its many murders in polling precincts (remember AC poll agent, Ayo Kemba, murdered in a most gruesome manner at Igbajo?); with its brazenly stolen mandate, triggering post-vote riots, to which the ham-fisted government response turned part of Osogbo and most of Ilesa into a war zone, for some three weeks after; with its long, long legal challenge, spanning almost four years; and the final mandate reclamation, when all hopes seemed completely lost!

That post-election terror! We had all stolen out of town to escape arrest. In my own flight to Lagos, travelling incognito in a public bus, like Peter thrice denying the Christ at the crow of the cock, I saw the Police occupy Oranmiyan House, dealing with the campaign staff trapped in there as prized criminals. Oga Roy would later send chilling tales from the Ilesa battle zone, or more accurately military occupied territory, for daring to protest the brazen steal of their vote.

Talk of a suicide mission! What does a mortal need to achieve greatness - wilful suicide?

I have gone to this length, exposing the perils of those times, to show the extent the Osun powers and principalities went to keep Aregbesola out. They must have seen what mere mortals had not seen: a force coming to radically change the face of Osun politics. Today, Osun people are the clear winners.

Aregbesola came when everything was broken down schools, roads and even the general consciousness of basic governance, not to dream of a developmental one.

What now preens in Osogbo uptown as Workers Avenue, now shaping into a glittering and gleaming high street was, at some point, no more than serpentine twine, huddled on both sides by mud houses. How does such geography, in a state capital, support a 21st century economy?

The Olaiya area was a railway junkyard, with ancient and indifferent shops and stalls. Now, that has given way to the amazing Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, complete with its grand phallic obelisk, shooting into the Osogbo serene skyline. In the night, from that obelisk, magical, multi-coloured waters tumble down, from the mouth of a “fish”, into the Atewogb’eja fountain!

Atewogb’eja is the full stretch of Ataoja, the title of the Osogbo monarch. Why? that comes with a whiff of Renaissance. Jimoh Braimoh, the master sculptor behind the obelisk, is Osogbo-born. Osogbo, the age-old city of

‘

These Osun future would never forget that past governor, that invested the last family silver, in an age of vanished resources, to give them delicious and nutritious meals at school, even if they came from poor and vulnerable homes.

’

OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA culture, with its famous Adunni Olorisa of the Osun grove (of blessed memory), meets its famed artist-son, at its new city centre! History would recall, with relish, which governor was the glorious midwife!

And the schools! Before, Osun schools were glorified scorched shells, from a war zone. Now, the Aregbe era has birthed a new age of avant-garde school complexes that can compete with any, anywhere.

But even if you’re not impressed by brick-and-mortar, or even by IT-fired learning hardwares and softwares, as exemplified by the Opon Imo, Aregbesola Osun’s computer learning tablet that warehouses all textbooks in the syllabus, the junior school, beneficiaries of the Osun Schools Feeding programme, would never forget the governor that treated them as pupil-royals.

These Osun future would never forget that past governor, that invested the last family silver, in an age of vanished resources, to give them delicious and nutritious meals at school, even if they came from poor and vulnerable homes. Nor would the local farmers, food vendors and allied caterers forget the governor that gave them new economic life, while others folded their arms and lamented about lean resources.

And the roads! Those again are clear pin-points to track Osun history into Before Aregbe (BA) and After Aregbe (AA) era.

Well, BA, certainly there wasn’t the Ooni Adesoji Aderemi ring road, with its November 27 iconic flyover, on Gbongan road, among the three other bridges, and other glittering road projects.

Neither was there the Bisi Akande Trumpet Interchange bridge, at the Ibadan-Ife expressway-Gbongan junction.

Again, history will fondly remember the governor that collapsed this junction-grave, in which many a traveler had perished over the years, and replaced it with a triengineering wonder: saves lives, from routine auto crashes, beautifies the environment and gives the economy a fillip!

By the way, as all of these were happening, some newspapers were busy writing skewed news, mischievous editorials and tendentious opinions, complete with explosive headlines: over alleged ‘Islamization’ that never was; salary crises, that were a pan-Nigeria challenge, among sundry media rascalities. Well, today, the people are wiser. Besides, history waits: to vindicate the just and rubbish the wicked, among them were media owners and editors, profaning sacred trusts.

And if you want to know how far Osun has advanced in peace and security, just recall the recent terrible robbery at Offa, in neighbouring Kwara State. That at Offa, danger was close, yet so far away, its no accident! It is in fact a tale of two states: how one has advanced; how the other has regressed.

Still, the Aregbesola era, as sparkling as it has turned out, is yet, a work-in-progress. The next stage would be to ensure an era of positive continuity, to proceed apace with the good work, to the glory of Osun’s future.

But to Ogbeni, the outgoing governor, marking his last birthday before stepping down, it is accolades well earned, more so, when all these were achieved in the midst of chronic economic crises, save the first two years, or so.

I still remember folks gathered at the then Protea Hotel, near Chevron, Lekki, Lagos, conceptualizing and finetuning Ogbeni’s policies, should he succeed in his Osun kamikaze adventure, back in early 2007: Pastor Segun Babatope, Ambassador Otunla, Dr. Charles Akinola, Femi “Sheriff” Ifaturoti, among others. Many of these folks would later join the Ogbeni government, in one capacity or the other.

It would be interesting to see how these soldiers of faith measure against the model in their collective minds back then, with what have been achieved, after eight gruelling years of service to the Osun people.

But how would dad have put the Ogbeni fairy tale - the messenger bearing greatness, that willy-nilly sent himself on a tough mission to change Osun for good? Wouldn’t know now, because the old man is gone!

Happy birthday and many happy returns, Ogbeni Governor! May greater, developmental achiever come Osun’s way again!

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PERSPECTIVES

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The Making Of A Leader: Ogbeni @61 To lead is “to show the way by going first”. It is to guide, to indicate the direction of movement and provide others in charting and following the new direction. It is also to control. But to control denotes not only to command and regulate, but to restrain and exercise self-restrain too.

This is how Chambers Twentieth Century Dictionary sees it: (MacDonald, 1979:282, 748). Essentially, therefore leadership denotes guidance. It connotes encapsulating in oneself the basic elements of a chosen direction, serving as the embodiment, or the model, as well as the conveyer of a given social movement. Chinua Achebe was particularly right when he argued that the responsibility and the challenge of personal example “are the hall-marks of true leadership”.

Leadership is different from the exercise of authority, the wielding of power or use of legitimate force. Nor is leadership a matter of status and privilege. One can attain a high social or economic status and enjoy great privilege without being a leader. Having a high position or standing in a society or in a social group is different from providing the spiritual and intellectual guidance for the society or group. One is a condition, the other a behavior. One can attain the status of a professor in an academic discipline, yet be incapable of providing academic leadership.

Similarly one can be in authority without being a leader.

To be in authority means to be in office. A Vicechancellor of a university is an authority; but may or may not be a leader. And being in power is quite different from providing leadership. The chairman of a political party is in power; but he may not necessarily be the leader of the party. The president of a country is in office; but whether he occupies a political leadership position depends upon his behavior and performance.

In leadership, it is influence. Influence is the capacity to bring about an effect by subtle means -the sheer force of personality: the ability to evoke deep respect and administration; or the capacity to elicit affection, love and loyalty. All these attributes encapsulated in the personality of the man called Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

As a young man, Rauf loves politics and believes its is a way for him to partake in society and helps others. His love began when he was a very young man as a student at the Polytechnic Ibadan. He was active in student politics and was an active supporter of other progressive student’s movement worldwide. At the Polytechnic Ibadan, he became Honorable Speaker of the Students’ Union Parliament as well as president of the League Nationalist (LBN) between 1978 and 1980. He read several books and regularly travelled around Nigeria.

Rauf Aregbesola is a strange and talented politician. His politics is different from that of many of his colleagues who believe that politics and power should be used to oppress the people and steal public funds.

He came in contact with socialist orientation in Polytechnic Ibadan with his relationship with Late Comrade Olaoni, his ideology mentor and other Comrades of Bodija river valley revolutionary vanguard i.e. Comrade Laoye Sanda, Comrade Femi Aborisade, Comrade Bimbo Daniyan, Comrade Gbenga Awosode, Pro. Ojo, Prof. Bade Onimode, Prof. G. G Darah, Prof.

Onoge Omafume and a host of others. They were all connected with scientific doctrine of dialectical philosophy and historical materialism which is the core of the philosophical system of Maxism-Leininisim.

Rauf Aregbesola is a strange and talented politician.

His politics is different from that of many of his colleagues who believe that politics and power should be used to oppress the people and steal public funds. He sees public office as a place to serve people and manage resources efficiently to the greatest benefit of all. He believes in the principle of respect for those who voted and put public office holders in the positions of authority. He is excellent as a pro-democracy and human rights activist who joined others to lead the struggle of Nigerians to free themselves from military rule and bring democracy to the country at the end of the 1990s.

Rauf keeps his lifestyle very simple and modest. He is a serious-minded politician who does not have time for

flamboyant, extravagant a n d ostentatious life because he wants to remain like the rest of the people. He is well-focused a n d resourceful.

Rauf loved and enjoyed his work in Lagos, but his desire to COMRADE WALE ADEBISI contribute to the improvement of the people in Osun was yet to be satisfied. He never for once deserted Osun, his home state where his aged mother – now late, brothers, sisters, and numerous members of his family live. He visited Ilesa regularly and took interest in the affairs of the state.

Rauf and his team laid out specific plans on how they could make Osun to be great. In his campaign manifesto, he captured the mood of the people of the state of Osun.

He then used the six point’s integral action plan to canvass for his election as governor.

The Six Points Integral Action Plan is: Banish Unemployment, Banish Poverty, Banish Hunger, Restore Healthy Living, Enhance Communal Peace and Progress, and Promote Functional Education.

It was this agenda that made people to vote for Rauf in the April 2007 gubernatorial election. The task ahead was great and Rauf, as a hard working and honest man, was quite aware of the great burden that the mantle of leadership had been placed upon his shoulders.

The man Rauf vigorously pursued his progressive development agenda which today has placed Osun in the global picture of development and growth. He has changed the face of Osun from the low level of economy wretchedness to prosperity.

The state capital has been lifted from a glorify village to the status of a state capital in any part of Africa.

Ogbeni has brought social development, infrastructural development and economic development which are the three key fundamentals for growth.

Bravo to our revolutionary leader @61.

Aregbesola At 61: An Inventor Of Modern Osun Beyond the Adjectives of all languages of the world, I chose to describe the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the word of Robert Green Ingersoll that; “A great man is a torch in the darkness, beacon in superstition’s night, an inspiration and a prophecy”.

Though, there are countless p o l i t i c a l philosophies and ideologies globally, the particular one embraced and deployed by the Symbol of good governance, my mentor, the creator of the modern State of Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola is still unknown to other Nigerian politicians especially in his class as they are witness to his political might.

While examining the personality of our amiable governor, especially as touching his roles in Lagos, Osun and Nigeria’s political scene at large, one would be left with no other option than to agree with the word of elders that says, “the Head of an Elephant is not a load for the young”.

Through good governance and exemplary leadership, Ogbeni Aregbesola has been able to create a prosperous state out of the previous Osun with infrastructure development at its lower ebb.

In both his first term and the ending second term as Governor, this achiever has retooled the state and gave it an enviable economic strength, so strong that the state now rank among the prosperous states in the country, particularly as one of the states with lowest unemployment rate.

In whatever manner you peruse the life of this giant of kindness, whether as a husband, or a father, an engineer,

a politician, a democrat, a master strategist, a great investor, a philanthropist, an optimist, a dogged fighter, you are confronted with rainbow in its full splendour.

Like the National leader of our great party, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, countless leaders and future leaders have emerged and are still emerging from the camp of Ogbeni Aregbesola, one of which I am.

He is a determined friend of the masses and benefactor of many. Ogbeni radiates a life of captivating literature, and his comportment appeals to the lofty, the intellectual and the inspirational.

Beyond his political sagacity, his administrative acumen in unrivalled going by series of innovations he has introduced to governance which the people of Osun will continue to appreciate.

It will forever remain in history that Aregbesola is one governor that is aggressively aggressive to develop his territory in a hurry, irrespective of hindrances, particularly as touching finance.

His agenda for development is not for Osun alone, it is for the entire Yoruba states and even Yoruba race and Africa in general. This is the highest form of

Beyond his political sagacity, his administrative acumen in unrivalled going by series of innovations he has introduced to governance which the people of Osun will continue to appreciate.

demonstration of commitment that can be exhibited by any individual, either private or public.

There are testimonies here and there that our Ogbeni, the symbol of good governance has brought unprecedented development to the territory called Osun within the last seven years in all sectors of governance, talk of education, infrastructure development, security, economic re-engineering, rural and urban development, agriculture, youth and women empowerment, environment, healthcare delivery system and others.

There are also several social intervention programmes for youths like Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme (OYES) that has engaged over 40,000 youths and made majority of them self-dependent; you want to talk of the Ambulance Scheme, which has saved about 12,171lives; the School feeding programmes (OMEAL) through which school children are being fed and had in turn increased enrolment into public schools; what about the rehabilitation of the mentally challenged people; Agriculture Youth Academy through which several youths have been empowered in faming; what of the massive construction of schools from elementary, middle and high schools which can withstand any school at that level anywhere in the world, and many more.

Under Aregbesola, Osun has always remained a reference point for several states of the federation and even the federal government on series of his developmental interventions. Most pronounced of such interventions are the OYES and O’MEAL. If not for the ingenuity in the programmes, it is very rear in history, particularly in Nigeria for a Federal Government to adopt programmes instituted by a state government.

No doubt, the man that has changed the face of governance in Osun and Nigeria is worthy of celebration and must be celebrated in grand style, more so that his two-term administration is winding down. What has been baffling many is how to ‘reproduce’ another Ogbeni, that would be empowered and loyal to the course he has set.

As one of those leaders that have emerged and since been growing in the Aregbesola’s political lineage, it is a honour to join millions of friends, associates, politicians, family and other people nationality and internationally to say a very warm ‘Happy Birthday’ to the Symbol himself at 61 while I wish him a long life and prosperity.

- Olatunbosun Oyintiloye is the Chairman, Osun House Committee on Information and Strategy and represents Obokun State Constituency.

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FRIDAY MAY 25 - THURSDAY MAY 31, 2018

CRIME

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Man Bags Six Months Imprisonment Over Housebreaking

By Mariam Bello

Oloyade thereby discharged and acquitted Faleye Azeez and Salihu Jelili that were arraigned with the accused person, saying the duo were

innocent and warned them to desist from bad company.

She then convicted Wasiu on the four count charges and sentenced him to Six months imprisonment

with option of N5,000 fine on the ground that the convict had been in prison custody since the day of his arraignment.

She also ordered that the property recovered

An Osogbo Magistrate Court in Osun State has sentenced a 30 year-old man, Oladejo Wasiu to six months imprisonment for house breaking and stealing.

Wasiu was arraigned tendered as exhibit.

The convict, an on April, 2 2018 together with Faleye indigene of Ikirun no legal Azeez, 26 and Salihu having Jelili 35 on a four-count r e p r e s e n t a t i o n 390(9) of the criminal

By Mariam Bello admitted to the crime charge. code cap 34 volume 11 The convict pleaded and begged for pardon.

A 35-year-old man, Aremu Isiaka has been laws of Osun State of He also told the arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate court in not guilty on the first Nigeria 2003. day of arraignment court that the two Osun State for allegedly stealing phone at a The defendant and was admitted into accused (Azeez and wedding reception. pleaded not guilty to bail but latter Jelili) that were docked Isiaka was docked on May 19 at about 1.05 the two count charges remanded in Ilesha together with him had on Monday over two pm at capital area in Âłeveled against him. prison custody when he no hands in the crime, charges Osogbo.

The defence counsel could not perfect his adding that Azeez was counts Okobe Najite on He explained that Mr bail conditions while his herbalist who did bothering applied for the bail of the duo that was some protection charms conspiracy, stealing of the defendant stole one the accused person in phone .

Techno 7C tablet docked together with for him free of charge, The prosecutor handset valued 24,500 . the most liberal terms, him perfected their bail adding that they were He submitted that saying the accused friends and did not inspector Fagboyinbo conditions.

When the case was know the defendant Abiodun told the court the offense is contrary person has a reliable that the defendant to and punishable and credible surety to called for hearing, the was a thieve.

Magistrate O A committed the offence under section 516 and stand for him.

Prosecutor, Inspector Olayiwola Rasaq told the court that the convict and others at large conspired to commit felony to wit house breaking and stealing on March 14, 2018 at Alabameta area in Osogbo.

He explained that the convict and others at large entered into the dwelling house of one Alhaja Alimot Olore and carted away her property and some cash.

According to the prosecutor, some of the property stolen by Wasiu are listed as follows. 21 bundles of Ankara clothe, 5 bundles of Guinea brocad clothes, 16 bundles of lace •Exhibits tendered by the police against Oladejo Wasiu before his sentence to six-month jail term. materials, 7 pieces of baby wear, 3 pieces of baby sawl, pack of baby handkerchief, one LG Temitope told the court committed an offence

By Mariam Bello DVD, Jewelries among that the accused contrary to section others.

418 and Osun State Police command has arraigned a- committed the offence 383(i), The prosecutor tendered all the 33-year-old man, Adewumi Ademurele on on March 10, 2018 in punishable under the Monday before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate Osogbo. section 419, 3909 (a) of property and the court over alleged false pretence.

Sergeant Fatoba said the Criminal Code Cap statement of the The accused was count charge of false the accused obtained 34. Vol. II laws of accused as exhibit the sum of N290,000 Nigeria 2002. arraigned before pretence and stealing. before the court.

The accused pleaded Police Prosecutor from Oyedele Adebayo Mary The motorcycle of the magistrate Fatoba with pretence to supply not guilty to the twoconvict was also Awodele on a two- sergeant him planks for the count charge preferred construction of his against him.

His counsel, Barrister building.

He further stated Bose Dada prayed the A 20-year-old Akinyemi Abiodun has been contravene section 413 the accused court to grant her client remanded in Ilesa prison custody on Monday and punishable under that over alleged stealing. section 390(9) of the The accused person into the building of one Criminal Code Cap 34 was arraigned before Akinola Abiodun to vol. II laws of Osun A Federal High Court, sitting in Osogbo, the magistrate court on steal valuable State of Nigeria.

The accused pleaded capital of Osun state, has ordered the arrest of a four-count charge properties which lawyer, Mathew Ayelagbe Laogun and his son, bothering on burglary include one Attas not guilty to two counts Barrister Ayodele Adelaja Laogun, for contempt and stealing. pumping machine out of four count of court.

Police Prosecutor, valued N35,000, one charge against him.

The case brought by told the court that he The Presiding Inspector Adewuyi korope block engine the Inspector General of has duly informed the Kehinde told the court valued N18,000, a Magistrate, Mrs. Mary Police against the duo accused about the that the accused Nokia phone valued Awodele ordered that of the accused was matter. suspect be committed the offence N16,000, one big pot the called, but none of He said he has on May 20, 2018 at zone valued N5,500 and cash remanded in prison them were in court. served them the charge custody till the next C Kobongbogboe area sum of N5000.

The Prosecutor, O/C sheet and even sent text Osogbo.

She futher said the adjourned date slated Legal, Zone XI Police message to them for June 4, 2018 for Inspector Kehinde defendant committed Headquarter, James followed by phone call. hearing. said the accused broke the offence which Olajide Famuyini, ASP, Famuyini however,

from the convict be returned back to the owner and that the motorcycle belonging to him be returned back to him after serving his jail terms.

Police Arraign Man For Stealing Tecno Phone The presiding magistrate Mrs Oloyade granted the suspect bail in the sum of 20,000 with one surety.

She said surety must swear to affidavit of means and must be a tax payer.

The case was adjourned to June 7 for hearing, adding that the accused person should be remanded if he could not perfect his bail condition.

Police Arraign Suspect Over Fraud, Stealing

Court Remands Man In Prison For Stealing

bail in most liberal term, adding that if granted bail, he will not jump bail and will provide reliable sureties.

The magistrate granted the accused person bail in the sum of N100,000 with two sureties in the same sum.

The case was later adjourned till June 11, 2018 for mention.

Court Orders Arrest Of Osun Lawyer, Son prayed the court to issue bench warrant against the duo of the accused persons, for police to arrest them and bring them to court.

The presiding Judge, Justice M. A. Onyetenu, thereby issued bench warrant against the two accused and adjourned the case to June 14, 2018, for mention.

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OPINION

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Aregbesola At 61: Working Like A Hurricane Banji Ojewale American journalist and scholar Arthur Doak Barnett has recorded the unforgettable experience of a foreigner who went to Communist China in the 60s at the time the great Mao Tse Tung was establishing the foundation of what has become a superpower threatening to dethrone the United States of America as the world’s leading economy. Barnett, who could hardly be described as a friend of China’s ideological inclination, said the man, after his tour, went to Hong Kong and declared ‘with awe in his voice ‘: ‘’I never thought that human beings and society could be reconstructed so easily.’’

The impressed American journalist then added his own comments: “The plastic surgery that the Communists had been performing on Chinese society for over a decade had been painful indeed for millions of Chinese… The Chinese …have dramatically demonstrated that an effective…regime can achieve extensive social change at a breakneck pace.’’

Seven years ago when I went to shoot an independent documentary film on the first anniversary of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, I also concluded from what I saw that a template was in place in Osun for the delivery of the society of the future. What Aregbesola was seen doing then appeared chaotic, misty and cryptic.

As our film crew traversed the state, we were confronted with huge earthmoving machines that roared ceaselessly every time of our visit during the shoot. Overnight, as it were, the whole of Osun became a construction site. There were fetuses of mega schools that foretold learning centres kitted with

state-of-the-art teaching techniques. He gave them what he called Opon Imo, Dilapidated structures that posed as customized iPads that had the whole government owned hospitals were gamut of the secondary school pulled down to make way for those that curriculum. This was a radical would guarantee the balanced health of departure from the pedestrian stone age the society Aregbesola was creating. He education we dished out to our widened and modernized the provincial youngsters. Along with this came the roads he inherited, both in Osogbo Omeals scheme that offered free the capital and in the nutritious food to hinterland. thousands of the Governor Aregbesola children of the poor.

One would be gave the land and its The initiative has people no rest as he since been adopted wrong to unveiled a 6-point by the federal i n t e g r a l conclude that government and blueprint to: some states as only those in b a n i s h a strategy to poverty, government boost school b a n i s h attendance h u n g e r , benefited from and reduce b a n i s h illiteracy in Aregbesola’s unemployment our society. (create work/ reforms.

He has Still more: wealth), at one fell pursued a r e s t o r e swoop, the healthy living, comprehensive governor p r o m o t e e mployed functional policy in areas 20,000 youths education and under its where he could e n h a n c e groundbreaking communal peace capture the entire OYES programme and progress. He to fulfil one of his state. turned everywhere to cardinal goals. Again, it realize this dream that he was the first time we had a idolized. Then, he produced governor doing that. his Green Book with the title, My Pact One would be wrong to conclude that with the People of Osun State. He said in the book: ‘’What I offer you…can be only those in government benefited from Aregbesola’s reforms. He has pursued a termed Government UnusualA Government totally committed to comprehensive policy in areas where he unlocking the latent potential (of the could capture the entire state. For people) since the glorious days of Chief instance, he cleared 1765 hectares of land to support farmers and committed Obafemi Awolowo.’’

Part of this ‘unusual’ governance was N4b to assist them. He then moved to the delivery of the unlimited benefits of increase the public water supply so the ICT right into the homes of rustic teens. farmers would not suffer the ill-effects

’ ‘

of the vagaries of the elements common to the Nigerian condition.

Crowning all these is Aregbesola’s clamour that the philosophy of Omoluabi (pursuit of a good name, integrity, spotless conduct etc) must guide the lifestyle of the citizens of Osun.

This is what distinguishes decent men and women from barbarians. In other words, real development in society occurs when you reform the citizen, when you invest in the people.

As it happened in China in the days of Mao, there have been pains in the lives of the citizens of Osun with the hurricane speed of the governor. Despite a big jump in IGR from N300m to N1bn, there is a debt portfolio; government workers and pensioners are owed months of salaries with the authorities forced to resort to modulated payment.

The governor’s critics have charged him with over borrowing, warning that he is preparing a loan burden for the future. But the point is that development and debt are inseparable.

When the illustrious Awolowo was erecting those great structures in the 50s and 60s that we are all celebrating today, some shortsighted people attempted to instigate the society against his government which they accused of securing heavy loans for wasteful spending. We all know what happened: the masses mobilized in peaceful protests and sang: Leave Awolowo alone to use our resources for development. He is working for our future. We are not complaining.

At 61 and with only a few months to leave the scene, Aregbesola should believe in the creed that the real leader and statesman is the one who builds largely for the future from the proceeds of today. We need to radicalize governance along that thinking.

— Ojewale writes from Lagos

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NEWS

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Osun Assembly Promises To Support Health Sector

By Israel Afolabi

The State of Osun House of Assembly has said it would embrace policies and programmes that will enhance the wellbeing of the people particularly in the health sector.

Dr Najeem Salaam, for legislation that will the speaker of the state back up the operation Assembly stated this on of the scheme at the Thursday while Assembly complex addressing officials of Osogbo. the state health He noted that the insurance scheme who House of Assembly came to intimate the would always strive legislature on the need for what is good to be

in the interest of the state to develop.

He also explained that the bill concerning the scheme will be carefully scrutinized with a view to passing it into law.

According to him, nothing can work if concerned individuals refuse to do what is expected of them”.

The speaker in his remarks urged

a p p r o p r i a t e

departments of government to be more resourceful in their activities.

Dr Salaam also advised that they should ensure that the system works perfectly.

In separate reactions to the submission by officials, the lawmakers raised number of issues with respect to explanation on the

Zakat Foundation Empowers Less Privileged With N6.5m In Osun Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation, an Islamic charitable organisation has distributed proceeds of Zakat worth N6.5 million in form of cash and materials to 229 beneficiaries in the State of Osun.

Materials distributed rich Muslims in the state. recently at the He noted that the Multipurpose Hall of the purpose of Zakat in Islam Western Sun is to eradicate poverty International Hotel, Ede, among the poor members included sewing of the society, asserting machines, deep freezers, that many have so far generators, clippers benefited from the among others. programme.

The foundation also “170 elders both male made cash donations to and female from Osogbo the aged who were and Ede axis received selected from Ede, Osogbo varying amount, just as and their suburbs. the youths also benefited Speaking at the from the empowerment programme, the Director exercise across the state. of the Zakat and Sadaqat “Zakat is a directive Foundation, Alhaji from Allah to assist the Sulaiman Olagunju said poor and the needy in the resources were order to establish a sourced from Zakat (poor balanced society. When dues) collected from few the rich show love to the

poor by giving the poordue from their wealth, the rich will feel secure and the poor will have rest of mind. They will eschew envy and reciprocate the good gesture by showing love to the rich in return.

This is a veritable means of setting up a just, peaceful and egalitarian society that ensures equity and fairness.”

Olagunju explained that early response of the Zakat payers helped the foundation to distribute the materials early of Ramadan, stating that any Muslim who has N1,183,030 or farm that worth the amount is under obligation to pay Zakat.

“Zakat is the 4th pillar

of Islam which is a compulsory due that every wealthy Muslim must pay as soon as his or her money reaches Nisab (measure). It’s been observed that many wealthy Muslims wrongly equate and misunderstood Sadaqat (voluntary donation or charity) for Zakat but these are two distinct institutions in Islam “Zakat is meant for the poor and the needy. When collected from the wealthy Muslims, it must be centrally administered to get to the expected beneficiaries in the society” The Osun State Administrative Officer, Mallam Moshood Olaoye

said the Zakat distribution was part of aweek-long humanitarian programmes which had earlier featured an Iftar (breaking of fast) for the Ilesa Prison Inmates on Thursday. “the event will be followed by presentation of valuable materials to FOMWAN Orphanage Home in Osogbo, before another Iftar which will be conducted for the IleIfe Prison inmates.”

Olaoye therefore called on well-meaning Nigerians to donate generously to the Zakat and Sadaqat Foundation especially in this month of Ramadan to enhance its capacity to further alleviate poverty, empower the masses and bring succour to the poor.

benefits of the scheme, as well as the functions of the proposed Osun Health Insurance Agency that will be in charge of the scheme.

Other areas of focus in their contributions include the source of funding and the merits as they were all unanimous that the scheme, if carefully manage, will be of benefits to the people of the state.

Earlier, the official of Osun Health Insurance Scheme led by the Executive Secretary, Dr. Niyi Oginni; USAID consultant, Mrs. Abiola Giwa among others took turns to explain the benefits of the scheme.

The officials who stressed the importance of legislation on the operation of the scheme urged the House of Assembly to look into the bill with a view to accelerating its passage.

According to them, “we urged the lawmakers to work specially on this bill that will help the poor people have access to quality health service across the state.”

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NEWS

Aregbesola: Architect Of New Osun MURTALA AGBOOLA Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola retrieved his 2007 gubernatorial election mandate three years later on November 26th 2010 at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan after a protracted legal tussle.

The April 14, 2007 election was marred by electoral malfeasance at the instance of the ruling People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Lives were lost while the legal battle attracted some of the best legal luminaries in Nigeria.

The entry of Rauf Aregbesola into the election competition through the Oranmiyan group encountered series of difficulties placed in his way by the then ruling PDP. Earlier in his campaign programme, the State of Osun helmsman had embarked on massive mobilisation and sensitization on one man, one vote.

This, a lot of politicians considered political suicide because election in this part of the world is based on how best candidates can o u t w i t themselves in e l e c t o r a l malpractices.

However, Aregbesola elected to do the right thing which some considered anathema.

The first sign of the brouhaha that laid ahead manifested in the form of attack on him on Oroki Day in 2006 where his personal car, a Sport Utility Vehicle (SUV) was shot at Olonkoro, in the heart of Osogbo.

He was a guest of the Osogbo Progressive Union (OPU), organisers of the annual Oroki Day which held after the Osun Osogbo festival. But for divine intervention, he would have lost his life.

Trump-up charges were brought against him at the High Court in Osogbo before video evidence exonerated him from the violence that took place in 2006.

It was the video that showed clearly that he was the victim rather than the aggressor.

As a result of the persistent attack on him and his relatives, some of them relocated from the state.

The final judgment on the case he instituted against his electoral defeat was delivered at the Court of Appeal in Ibadan on Friday, 26th November, 2010.

The Election Petition Tribunal had earlier delivered judgment in favour of the then incumbent governor, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola. fter his inauguration, he began work in earnest.

As somebody who had a blueprint of what to do, he started with strong drainages on roads which could assist the roads to last a very long time. Later the road infrastructure was added.

What is today the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park was a place of shops, residential buildings and offices. Owners were compensated and asked to relocate.

Today, the Freedom Park is not only a parks and garden where people could relax especially during festivities, but also a place where public outings such as campaigns, religious crusades and wedding ceremonies are taking place.

The first set of overhead bridges was constructed in the state under this

administration. The November 27th bridge on Oba Adesoji Aderemi East by-pass linking Offatedo with the Garage Ilesa section crossing over the Gbongan Road at NECO office was built. The Bisi Akande Trumpet Bridge at Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Council area was also constructed besides numerous good and quality roads that adorn the state.

The paucity of funds especially from the federation account, no doubt, had a telling effect on the economy of the state. One of such effects was the introduction of Modulated salary structure to accommodate the lean revenue from the federal government.

Civil servants have complained bitterly about the modulated salary structure which gives officers on Grade Level 8 to 10, 75% of their salary, levels 12 and above 50, but between level 1 and 7, 100%.

The government of Ogbeni Aregbesola was of the view that retrenchment was not the solution to the problem of low revenue but to retain the workforce with adjustment in their salary. This was done on the condition that the balance would be paid whenever the finances of the state improve.

All revenue leakages in the local governments and the state civil service were blocked.

State of the art c l a s s r o o m buildings were erected in the state. Elementary, Middle and High schools were beneficiary of the new school complexes.

The level of criminal activities was reduced to the barest minimum as a result of proactive measures put in place.

A r m o u r e d personnel carriers were procured to stem the tide of c r i m i n a l activities.

There is virtually no part of the state that has not benefited from the good governance of Aregbesola.

O’Ambulance project carried out by the government is the procurement of ambulance vehicles to attend to emergency needs of people in critical conditions.

Rebranding of the state was also undertaken which rechristened the state as the state of the Virtuous (Omoluabi) instead of State of the Living Spring.

School feeding programme was restructured so well that it was imbibed by the federal government of President Muhammadu Buhari.

Rural development through the O’RAMP (Osun Rural Access Mobility Project) has helped to provide motorable roads in the rural areas to help evacuate farm produce from the villages to the urban centres where they are sold.

Osun government in partnership with the French government and the European Union are responsible for carrying out the projects.

The Osun State Community and Social Development Project (CSDP) is helping to provide social amenities in the rural and semi-urban areas through provision of transformers, construction of culverts and town halls amongst others.

The government pays its counterpart funding while the World Bank pays the rest helping people enjoy these facilities mentioned above.

As his government winds down, and he celebrates the last birthday in office one cannot but wish this enigmatic engineer turned politician Rauf Aregbesola a blissful birthday.

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The paucity of funds especially from the federation account, no doubt, had a telling effect on the economy of the state.

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Upcoming Event The genesis of the Rauf Aregbesola intervention is being well documented in a seminal upcoming book to be published by Gbenga Fayemiwo. A detailed chronology of the twists and many turns on the road to power.

For Aregbesola and the progressive cause, it was a long days journey to a victory and Fayemiwo captures it in detail. This is not a run-of-the mill hagiography, it is a major analysis that will be in demand in academic institution at home and abroad. A formal presentation of this landmark work is expected to be announce soon.

Gbenga Fayemiwo: The Author of a reveting work which will stand the test of time and be a reference point in academia.

A Backward Glance Kayode Agbaje, former Editor, chronologises the contributions of Osun Defender as a Campaign Organ and mobiliser of opinion in the course of social justice The debut of Osun Defender as a tabloid and its eventual appearance on the newsstand in 2006 was like a bolt out of the blues.

Many things have been written about this newspaper in terms of its origin and operations by various authors, the content of this piece would only centre on the numerous roles played by the medium in the turbulent years orchestrated by what the then opposition party, the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) termed the darkest period in the state’s political history.

The ruling party at the period was the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) whose agenda was to continue holding on to power in the state at all cost, irrespective of whose horse was gored.

On various occasion, members and officials of the ruling party boasted to whoever cared to listen that there was no opposition in the state.

Their assumption or belief stemmed from the fact that the party took firm control of all machineries of violence, thereby subjecting the entire residents of the state to perpetual fear of the unknown. It was a period that could be likened to what Thomas Hobbes, a political philosopher, said: “In the state of nature, life could be short and brutish, only the fittest could survive.”

In practical terms, the state PDP, with the active backing of their federal collaborators, indeed held the entire state by the jugular, while the opposition

watched helplessly.

It was at this time that Osun Defender made its debut and made objectivity its watchword.

T h e medium’s appearance on the newsstand was more of a dream comes true for the news-hungry members of the public, as the medium fed them what other news media houses dared not to publish or broadcast.

It was indeed a time when listeners and readers were only fed information a b o u t government activities devoid of any form of objectivity.

The initial appearance of the tabloid didn’t portend any serious danger to the power-that-be in the state, until it started publishing damning reports about the government and its officials.

The medium, through its contents at

this time, was said to have stirred the hornet’s nest and all efforts must be put in motion to muzzle it out of existence.

The Editor and other editorial staff members of the medium started operating under the most hostile working environment, while the PDP m e m b e r s labeled it ‘Osun Attacker’.

The ruling party thus set the stage for an all-out-war on the medium.

T h e prevailing hostile political c l i m a t e however failed to deter the resolve of the medium’s editorial and non-editorial staff to ensure regular publication of the tabloid and its appearance on the newsstand.

Osun Defender had its tentacles spread across all the nooks and crannies of the state with willing sources ever ready to avail the medium numerous

The initial appearance of the tabloid didn’t portend any serious danger to the power-that-be in the state, until it started publishing damning reports about the government and its officials.

KAYODE AGBAJE classified information and exclusive reports.

In an attempt to reduce the number of staff exposed to the dangerous hazards occasioned by hostile stance of the state government to the medium, the management engaged one reporter per senatorial district and one photographer for all its operations.

Numerous occasions abound when editorial staff were warned to stay away from their residences to avoid being attacked by some unknown assailants.

The editor at a time even invited a security expert to lecture staff on how best to avoid being attacked by any agent of the state, especially some roughnecks believed to be on the payroll of prominent PDP chieftains.

Of note was the attack on Engineer Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola during the 2006 Oroki Day celebration when he escaped the assassins’ bullets just by the skin of his teeth.

The incident was one that actually •To be concluded next week

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How Osun Lost N75bn To Unremitted N8.1bn Revenue Under PDP - Aregbesola parastatals failed to make which we would have used

By Ismaeel Uthman remittances to the coffers of to complete all our projects The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf the Federal Government to and even have enough Aregbesola has again expressed bitterness over the wanton the tune of N8.1 trillion. money to embark on corruption that characterized the immediate past Peoples “Out of this amount, at others.

Democratic Party (PDP)-led Federal Government which least N75billion would “With this amount, a lot resulted to economic woes for the country. have come to Osun alone of states that are facing the Aregbesola disclosed mismanagement of the that a sum of N8.1trillion country’s resourses by the revenue was not remitted past government. by some federal agencies Aregbesola said: “It is and parastatals to the unfortunate, the situation

By Mariam Bello government’s cover under we have found ourselves in The All Progressives Congress (APC) has declared that the PDP government, Nigeria because we are not with eight years of exceptional governance in the state of lamenting that such supposed to be in this amount would have gone a condition, if the immediate Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has indelibly imprinted long way in building the past PDP led federal his name in the history of Osun in particular and in country, economically and government had done the Nigeria in general. infrastructure wise.

In a message from the inside and outside the state needful, things would have The governor said it was been better for Nigerians. party in Osogbo signed by who are familiar with the discovered that between “It is sad to know, as we the Director of Publicity, reality of governance in the 2010 and 2015, under the have just discovered that, Research and Strategy, state would not dispute former President Goodluck between 2010 and 2015 Kunle Oyatomi to mark the that the greatest thing that Jonathan led under the Jonathan led Governor’s 61st birthday, has ever happened in the administration, many administration, the party said that all last 27 years in Osun is Rauf many government agencies and government agencies and rational human beings Aregbesola parastatals failed to make remittances to the coffers of the federal government to the tune of N8.1 trillion.

He described their

By Solomon Odeniyi According to appointments as rare Aregbesola, Osun would As the Klobb Progresso Igbajo (KPI) hosts three of its privileges, citing that out of have gotten nothing less members who were recently appointed into several than N75bn out of the Federal Board to a reception, the Secretary to the State the 26 slots given to the N8.1trillion were the fund Government of Osun, Alh. Moshood Adeoti has called state, the town had three to itself. remitted to the on the trio to use the opportunity to serve humanity.

In his address, the government, saying that humanity better.

The SSG described the chairman of the occasion the state would have used appointees as hard working In his word: “You should and the Asiwaju of the money to complete be proud of your sons who Chief various infrastructural individuals who have have had the opportunity to Igbajoland, projects and embark on proved their worth in their serve in the country, states Adegboyega Awomolo different field of expertise. urged the appointees to be more. even local upright and always put the He described the and The governor, who said as good communities because they interest of the community the immediate past appointees have always proven to be administration of the PDP ambassadors of the ancient hardworking and be good above their individual who always strive to interests. did more harm than good town, ambassadors of the town. carve a niche for He admonished them to to the economy of the “I am of the belief that be hardworking and should themselves. nation, explained that the these individuals have not discriminate against Adeoti also called on the issue of economic recession populace in the proven themselves to be anyone politically during wouldn’t have come up if teeming above board in their past not for the brazen town to always support assignment and I am sure and after their tenure in indigenes of the those offices to enable corruption and community to serve we are all proud of them”. them achieve better goals

challenges of salary payment would have cleared all salaries without stress.

“I am very sure, if that money was remitted, Nigeria wouldn’t have

experienced recession at all and it is very unfortunate that we are still grappling with the consequences of the corruption attitudes of the past administration in the country.”

Aregbesola Has Indelibly Imprinted His Name In History - APC The party said, “He has outperformed all governors before him, and at no time in the history of the state has a governor attracted as much international attention as Aregbesola has done”.

“There is no family in Osun that was not impacted

by Aregbesola’s presence in government. All parents with kids at school had their children’s school environment improved;

Osun Federal Boards Appointees Tasked To Serve Humanity in their endeavours.

The President of the club, Prince Gbite Ademikanra congratulated the appointees and described the appointment as a challenge and call to service.

The monarch of the town, Oba Isaac Olufemi Fashade, the Owa of Igbajoland in his speech disclosed that the appointees have been pride of the town anywhere, saying he was proud of so many illustrious sons and daughters of the town, who have been good ambassadors of the community within and outside the country.

farmers had their fortunes improved; communities felt the infrastructural upgrade that Ogbeni Aregbesola effected throughout the state.

“Vulnerable elder citizens for the first time in the history of Osun were catered for by the state government.

And nowhere in the Federation can any state governor boast of a standard and quality educational infrastructure, the likes of which Aregbesola initiated and established in the state of Osun in the last eight years.

“Indeed, when we talk of development index in Nigeria today, Osun under the leadership of Aregbesola is ranked only second to Lagos in the Federation.

“By our own modest assessment, Aregbesola’s achievements socially, infrastructurally, e d u c a t i o n a l l y , agriculturally, and above all economically, more than double efforts of all other governors before him put together.

“That is incredibly exceptional. It is the stuff of which history is made.

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Progress And Rebirth Of Osun

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,