Osun Defender Newspaper Online Version of May 09, 2025

ON

the 18th of May 2025, Oba Adesuyi Haastrup will be formally coronated as the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland. To make this historic event, OSUN DEFENDER will be issuing a collectors item commemorating the event. The special supplement will focus on the persona of the new Owa, his lineage, contributions as well as what should be expected during his reign.

To support our endeavour, OSUN DEFENDER is calling for contributions as well Advert placement from communities, associations and individuals. Please, contact the following for advert placement - 09074683363, 08093019152

Osun Govt Pressures NUT Chairman To Resign Over Interview With OSUN DEFENDER

•As Adeleke States Reasons For Delay In Teachers’ Recruitment

Judge Withdraws From NULGE Suit Against APC Chairmen

Photo Shola Aderinto

Osun Govt Pressures NUT Chairman To Resign Over Interview With OSUN DEFENDER

THE Osun State Government has been accused of pressuring the chairman of Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in the state, Comrade Muritala Fatade to step down from his posion.

The development, according to findings by the medium was as a result of an April 2024 interview Fatade granted OSUN DEFENDER, where he condemned Governor Ademola on the sudden implementa on of the Teachers’ Tenure Elonga on Policy.

Recall that the number one teacher in the state while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER in 2024 accused Adeleke of betraying their trust for implemen ng the policy, adding that they received the news with shock.

He said the state government has begun to remove teachers’ names from the state government payroll without giving ul matum for them to decide whether they went to quit or fulfil the eligibility guideline to stay in the service for the next five years.

According to him, one of their colleagues in Ejigbo died upon hearing the news.

He said: “We received the news with shock

because we are s ll in dialogue with the state government. Both the teachers union and state government were unable to shi ground on some of our resolu ons in some of our mee ngs. So, we s ll have pending discussions and they promised to invite us to conclude on some of our resolu ons.

“But there was no response from them since we adjourned the meeting two months ago.

“What we heard after was that they have issued a circular on the new re rement age. They also didn’t serve us the circular before they begin to remove names of some teachers.

“We are surprised to wake up to such development since we’re s ll in dialogue, and the government took such acon without ge ng back to us. We will only appeal to the government to reconsider whatever decision they are taking because the decision is now having effect on the health of some teachers.

“I got report that a teacher has died in Egbedore local government as a result of the shock he received a er hearing the news while some are hospitalised.

Fatade who was elected as the NUT chairman in December 13, 2022 was made to resigned on

April 1, 2025, a development that cuts his four years tenure short.

A source within the Osun NUT who confirmed the development to OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday said Fatade started having issues with the state government a er the interview.

According to him, the Adeleke administra on accused him of working with the opposi on for gran ng such interview.

“He is no longer the NUT chairman. They

have replaced him with his deputy, Comrade Babatunde Isaac in April 1, 2025. He started having issues with the government a er his interview with your medium on the teachers’ elonga on policy.

“I learnt that he was invited a er the interview and was condemned by the government for that. Since then, he has been facing series of issues with them. They accused him of working for the opposi on.”

52 Former Osun Lawmakers Receive N160m From Adeleke

THE Osun State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke has approved the payment of severance gratuity to fi y two former lawmakers who served in the sixth and seventh Assembly in the state

The Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Adewale Egbedun described Adeleke’s acton as unprecedented while commending him for his magnanimity.

OSUN DEFENDER learnt that the Clerk of the House, Mr Akinwale Amusan has since disbursed the severance gratui es which is about N160,000,000 to all the beneficiaries. This was contained in a statement by the Director of Informa on and Public Rela ons of the House, Laide Lawal on Tuesday.

A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFENDER reads: “The Execu ve Governor of Osun State, His Excellency Senator Ademola Jackson Nurudeen

Adeleke has graciously approved the payment of Severance Gratuity to Honourable Members of the Sixth and Seventh Assembly of the Osun State House of Assembly, which is majorly composed of members of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

“In his reac on, the Honourable Speaker, Osun State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Adewale Egbedun described the ac on of

the State Governor as unprecedented. He commended the people’s Governor for his magnanimity, generosity and kindness which he described as unparalleled.

“The Clerk to the Osun State House of Assembly, Mr Akinwale Amusan has since disbursed the severance gratui es which is about One Hundred and Sixty Million Naira (N160,000,000) to all the beneficiaries, num-

bering fi y-two former Honourable Members.

“The ac on of the Governor depicts a true leader and genuine statesmanship.

May Almighty God con nue to strengthen him with good health, wisdom and sound mind to be able to connue offering the State real dividends of Democracy and good governance for the be erment of the people of the State.”

Also, Governor Adeleke has again promised that the issue of teachers’ recruitment will soon be resolved, saying the his administra on is juggling so many issues together at the same me.

He stated this in a statement by his spokesperson, Olawale Rasheed while reac ng to the new feat by the state in the Na onal Examinaon.

Meanwhile, the promise is coming two months a er he ordered immediate issuance of appointment le ers to the newly recruited teachers.

“We will soon resolve the issue of teachers’ recruitment. Our government is juggling so many issues together at the same me. We seek to avoid financial gridlock which can result without careful planning”, the Governor was quoted as saying.

Reac ng to the promises made by the state government on the issue of the appointment letters for the new teachers, a resident of the state, Emmanuel Ade chided Adeleke, saying he is making the same mistakes.

According to Ade, the government has stated paucity of funds to the delay in the recruitment process but has been construc ng roads and bridges across the state.

He stated this while reac ng to a comment recently made by the Commissioner for Informa on and Public Enlightenment, Kolapo Alimi while featuring on a radio programme in Osogbo.

“The commissioner of Educa on knew they

needed to recruit and employ teachers by April 2024. He said it on Radio in February 2024, how urgent it is to employ teachers into public schools immediately.

“These Kolapo Alimi and co are the one who advised Mr. Governor otherwise. He listened to them and he is doing exactly what Oyetola did. He is making the same mistake Oyetola made by saying no money yet.

“You know no money yet you declare the recruitment of 5000 teachers. A er that you realize there is no money yet but there is money to construct bridges with billions of naira while educa on of public children are lacking.

“So commissioner of Educa on is red and he is not happy with the situa on. He has no power to conclude the process since it is Mr. Governor that will sign payment of staff

He is not mo vated to come to Radio to lie again so he leaves Kolapo Alimi to do the job of lie since he is the that turn the head of Mr. Governor against the recruitment.

“The same Kolapo Alimi was saying because of new minimum wage in December last year. He even said by first week of February it will be concluded. Now he saying another lie. That is a sign of an unserious government.

“Na poli cs they will use it to do next year. The money they claimed it is not available will be available two months to elec on. The general public is wai ng for them,” he wrote.

•Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the celebrant, Alhaji Isa Adesiji and other members of Ọmọlúwàbí Progressives Caucus at the 70th birth of there chairman yesterday

Yusuf Oketola

Yusuf Oketola

NIGERIA at the moment is in stagflaon, the economy and society hobbled by cost-push infla on. It is a difficult me to do business in an already tough opera ng environment. This is why traders at Oke-Fia, Lameco and Alekuwodo areas of Osogbo, Osun State, where road and flyover construc on are taking place must be given succour by the state government. This is not just on humanitarian grounds but on economic principles.

The construc on work is s ll ongoing. The government of Osun State deserves to be applauded for focusing on infrastructural upgrades. The government is sensibly working towards sustainable development. Unfortunately, there is a downside which must be faced. This is the disrup on of com-

TCompensating For The Dislocation

mercial ac vi es caused by the construc on.

Purchasing power and gainful employment is already low, we must not deepen it as we will all suffer from the fall out as well as the ripple effect.

The government must sit down with those whose businesses are affected by the road construc on and work out a compensatory scheme. Admirably, those affected are not reported as having laid off staff, kudos to them. A compensa on must be giving to

help them in the period of disloca on pending the return to normalcy. This newspaper had reported the plight of business owners in the Alekuwodo and Oke-Fia axis. They all lamented the nega ve effect of the road construc on on their businesses and trades. There was dras c reduc on in the patronage and sales. Their income has been uninten onally slashed below their imagina on. Though they commended the state government on

TheOrationDiscourse

“There was drastic reduction in the patronage and sales. Their income has been unintentionally slashed below their imagination. Though they commended the state government on the project, they demanded compensation for the downturn in their trades and businesses as a result of the road construction”

the project, they demanded compensa on for the downturn in their trades and businesses as a result of the road construc on. The government should look into this for both humanitarian and economic purposes.

Africa, A Sad Story Of Underdevelopment

By Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

HE

first factor in African underdevelopment is the colonial legacy of slavery, colonialism and Western capitalist exploita on. An es mated 15 million people were forcibly taken away as slaves from Africa during the slavery era between the 16th and 19th century.

This figure may not appear too significant now, but in the 15th century, the en re popula on of Africa was es mated to be 55 million. That’s about 27 percent of the popula on –more than a quarter or one out of every four persons.

This disar culated their economies and demographic distribu on since the target of slave raiders were the able bodied and those within the produc ve years, leaving behind the aged, the weak and the children – all dependants. So, for nearly three centuries, development was arrested in Africa.

This took them almost a century to recalibrate their demography by which me they were in the throes of colonial domina on.

The second and by far more important is governance – poor leadership, corrup on and failure to build ins tu ons. They are

“The continent of Africa is at a point where it must through democratic revolution prop us its best into leadership positions – political, economic and social – and put an end to the misery of its worst emerging as leaders. We must produce leaders that will place premium value on human lives and make the pursuit of human development a guiding principle of state”

interrelated and mutually reinforcing. Therefore what we have had in Africa since independence is crisis of governance. African leaders lack empathy. For most part, they are self-serving, vacuous and vainglorious, infernally trapped in primi ve accumula on.

Leadership in Africa is like the tapeworm. When one head is removed, what comes out is another head, exactly same of same.

This makes the African countries vulnerable in a seemingly calm but ravenously wild global system that preys on the weak, disorganised and less strategic na ons through debt trap, subversion and mindless and callous exploita on.

This is the point we are now. We have to break this vicious cycle of the emergence of selfserving leaders who lack the concep on of the public good. Irrespec ve of the external impulse, all the armed conflicts in Africa are at the behest of the ruinous and self-serving leaders.

The con nent of Africa is at

a point where it must through democra c revolu on prop us its best into leadership posi ons – poli cal, economic and social – and put an end to the misery of its worst emerging as leaders. We must produce leaders that will place premium value on human lives and make the pursuit of human development a guiding principle of state.

We know this is possible because Africans thrive and excel when they take up leadership posi ons outside the con nent. We only need to be purposeful in throwing up our best to leadership posi ons in the connent.

DEFENDER

They must learn from European history that Europe began the march to con nental development and global leadership when the princes stopped their self-seeking and self-aggrandisement wars and started working for peace and development of their people.

0809-301-9152 Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.

2026: Oyetola, Basiru Lock Horns Over APC Guber Ticket

Kazeem Badmus

AHEAD of the 2026 governorship elecon in Osun State, there appears to be a division within the rank of the All Progressives Congress, APC, over the alleged imposi on of a gubernatorial aspirant by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy Gboyega Oyetola.

Oyetola is said to favour the Managing Director/Chief Execu ve Officer of the Na onal Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), Bola Oyebamiji as the governorship candidate of the party.

Apart from favouring Oyebamiji, the APC leaders have also concluded plans to zone the cket to the West Senatorial District, a development which was rejected by the Na onal Secretary of the APC, Ajibola Basiru.

Basiru in a Facebook post on Monday, said zoning is not part of the APC cons tu on, adding that every eligible party member should have the right to contest.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that there has been a clamor for the governorship candidate of the party to be picked from the West Senatorial Zone.

The move, many believed, was part of the plot by the Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Gboyega Oyetola, to sabotage Basiru’s governorship ambi on.

In the Facebook post, Basiru argued that insis ng on zoning undermines the democra c process and could alienate voters from zones excluded by such arrangements.

“When you insist on zoning, aren’t you going to canvass votes in other zones whose aspirants you have denied?” he queried in his post.

He emphasised that focus should be on competence and unity, not regional division.

He wrote; “Zoning is not in our cons tu on. People should be free to contest. When you insist on zoning, aren’t you going to canvass votes in other zones whose aspirants you have denied? I’m not in support of zoning.- Senator Ajibola Basiru PhD”

Meanwhile, OSUN DEFENDER reliably gathered that the elder caucus of the party ‘Agba Osun’ has not given their full backing to any aspirant.

Also, the first Na onal Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande is said to be in support of another aspirant from the West Senatorial District as against the choice of Oyetola.

Sources said the current situa on has caused

sharp division within the APC, par cularly among supporters of Oyebamiji and Basiru.

Apart from Oyebamiji and Basiru, others who have shown interest in the gubernatorial cket include the immediate past deputy governor, Benedict Alabi; a former Osun West Senator, Mudashiru Hussain and a former governorship aspirant under the Peoples Democra c Party, Prince Dotun Babayemi. Also, a former lawmaker,

Professor Mojeed Alabi, is rumored to be interested in the cket.

A member of the APC in Ejigbo Local Government, Olamide Araoye, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, said the ac on of the immediate past governor of the state, Gboyega Oyetola, might not give a level playing field for all the aspirants if not checked.

Araoye said even if the party will pick its candidate from the West Senatorial District, Oyetola should be

a father for all and not show bias towards an aspirant.

He said that giving out his campaign office and instruc ng members of his cabinet to start campaigning for the NIWA boss without considering other aspirants shows that the former governor will only go for Oyebamiji.

“In 2018 when there was clamour for the cket to be zoned to the West Senatorial District, Aregbesola rejected the call and gave the cket to Oyetola

who is from the Central. Now, they are bringing up zoning. That is not too good.

“Also, if you decided that the cket should be zoned to the West Senatorial District, we already have about four people showing interest from that zone; why should the leader of the party cue behind one candidate with his body language telling the others that they are just was ng their me.

Ademola Adeleke commissioning the

administration, on Wednesday

“It is not too good, and this has caused a lot of division in the party. I support what Senator Basiru said. It should be about competence and not zoning. We need someone who can go toe to toe with the PDP.”

Another member of the APC in Osogbo Local Government, Ayinde Wahab told OSUN DEFENDER that insis ng on zoning the gubernatorial cket to the zone might be the undoing of the party come

Lessons From The Village: Wisdom For Modern Life Art/Culture

IN today’s fast-paced, technology-driven world, it is easy to overlook the enduring wisdom embedded in the simple, communal lifestyle of our villages.

As urban centers expand and modernity accelerates, many young people are migra ng from rural areas, leaving behind not just their ancestral lands but also me-tested values that could offer profound solu ons to some of the challenges we face today.

There is much to be learned from village life — lessons that are not only relevant but also essen al for naviga ng modern society with balance, resilience, and purpose.

One of the foremost teachings from the village is the principle of community living. In the villages across Osun State and beyond, no one is truly alone. Neighbors know each other by name, extended families live within shouting distance, and the welfare of one is o en seen as

the welfare of all. During fes vals, weddings, and even funerals, the en re community comes together in solidarity. This spirit of togetherness fosters social security, reduces isola on, and nurtures a sense of belonging that many people in modern ci es sorely miss.

As loneliness and mental health struggles rise in urban areas, perhaps it’s me we revisit the communal spirit where people genuinely care for one another.

Closely ed to this is the respect for elders and tradi onal authority, which remains a bedrock of village life. In our villages, elders are not discarded as relics of the past; they are regarded as custodians of wisdom, history, and moral guidance. Their proverbs, stories, and lived experiences serve as informal educa on for the younger genera on.

In contrast, modern life o en glorifies youth and innova on while sidelining the elderly. But as the Yoruba saying goes, “Ti

omode ba subu, a wo iwaju; agbalagba ba subu, a wo eyin” — when a child falls, he looks ahead; but when an elder falls, he looks back, for he knows the way.

Modern society could benefit from this balance — embracing progress while drawing upon the deep wells of ancestral knowledge.

Another enduring lesson is the close rela onship between humans and nature. In the village, farming is not just an occupa on; it is a way of life that teaches pa ence, hard work, and respect for the environment.

The rain, the seasons, and the fer lity of the soil are revered as life-giving forces. This contrasts sharply with the consumerist mindset in modern ci es, where natural resources are exploited without regard for sustainability.

As climate change becomes an urgent global issue, the environmentally a uned prac ces of our village farmers — such as crop rota on, organic farming, and preserva on of sacred groves — offer valuable insights into living in harmony with the earth. Contentment and sim-

2026.

Wahab said the party is not showing that it has learned from its past mistakes, adding that the situa on, if not managed properly, can cause another round of crisis in the party.

The APC said Oyetola is trying to prove leadership to the Na onal Secretary of the APC without considering the implica ons, adding that cas ng Basiru away might be dangerous for the party come 2026.

“The elder caucus should call Mr Oyetola to order. This is not too good. He shouldn’t further divide the party. He put us in the situa on we are currently. If he did what was expected then or maybe if he wasn’t picked as the candidate in 2018, Osun APC will not be in this mess.

“Someone who they je soned zoning for in 2018 has now developed a love for zoning and is clamoring for it just because he wants someone who he can control as a governor.

“I’m not against zoning, but who and who holds the mee ng where zoning was agreed on. Why would someone treat the whole Na onal Secretary of the party as if he is a baby polician? This is not the best way to go and I hope the party will realise it in me to make amends,” he said.

plicity are also virtues that shine through village life. While city dwellers chase a er luxury and status symbols, villagers o en find joy in the basics: a good harvest, a communal meal, or the laughter of children playing under the mango tree.

This minimalist approach cul vates gra tude and reduces the stress that comes from the never-ending race for more. In a world where consumerism and materialism lead to financial pressure and personal dissa sfac on, the village philosophy of “enough is sufficient” offers a powerful counter-narra ve. Addi onally, the oral tradi on of storytelling that thrives in the villages is a form of educa on and entertainment that imparts

moral lessons, historical knowledge, and cultural iden ty. Si ng around the fire and listening to folktales like Ijapa the tortoise or heroic epics of Yoruba ancestors ins lls values such as honesty, bravery, and community service.

In the age of digital media and fragmented a en on spans, this tradion reminds us of the importance of human connec on and the power of stories to shape character and society.

Another vital lesson is resilience. Life in the village is not without hardship — from unpredictable weather to limited resources — yet villagers exhibit remarkable endurance and adaptability.

•Continued next week

•Governor

newly procured Firefighting trucks by his

Youths Carpet Osun Govt Over Failure To Address House Agents Excesses

YOUTHS in Osun State have once again expressed displeasure over what they described as ‘negligence’ on the part of the state government to address the excesses of house agents in the state.

According to the youths, they have exploited several proac ve civil and proac ve steps within power to address the issue through submi on of appeals to both Osun government and the House of Assembly, urging them for swi interven on to implement solu ons that will curb the excessiveness of the agents.

But according to them, no meaningful ac on has been taken by the government.

This was made known by the Speaker, Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Osun Chapter, Comrade Hammed Fatomi during a press conference in Osogbo, on Tuesday. According to Fatomi, Osun in the recent me, have become a hotbed for fraudulent and exploitave prac ces by house agents and landlords who operate freely without regula on, oversight, or consequences under a broken system.

The speaker described the situa on as not just an inconvenience but a crisis that has spiraled beyond individual struggles into a societal emergency.

They Youth body noted that the silence from the government is unacceptable and disheartening, adding that it sends a dangerous message; that the voices of the people, par cularly the youths who form the largest and most demography in the state can be ignored.

Fatomi however called for the immediate implementa on of the Agency Regulatory Bill passed by the Assembly and cons tu on of a Regulatory Body to oversee house agents and landlords’ acvi es in the state while giving the government a seven days ul matum or face a protest from their members.

The text of the press conference reads partly: “In recent mes, our ci es and towns have become a hotbed for fraudulent and exploita ve prac ces by house agents and landlords who operate freely without regula on, oversight, or consequences under a broken system. What we are witnessing is not just an inconvenience, it is a crisis that has spiraled beyond individual struggles into a societal

•Some of the 1,221 intending pilgrims from Osun State to the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia for the 2025 Hajj

emergency.

“Every week, young people such as students, job seekers, newly employed civil servants, newlyweds, and young professionals relay stories that are as heartbreaking as they are outrageous

from their experiences dealing with these greedy and dubious agents and landlords:

“Such as house agents demanding exorbitant inspec on fees without any guarantee of securing a home.

Or agents and landlords collec ng advance payments or agency fees from desperate house hunters only to end up disappearing or deny access to the said property a erward.

deliberately infla ng the cost of accommoda on by doubling or tripling the fee.

“These ac ons are not just unethical, they are also criminal. And they are happening on a daily basis, unchecked, and unpunished, worsening the housing crisis in the state.

Or students seeking off-campus accommoda on le stranded or tricked to live in inhumane condi ons.

And most of all, agents

“Or vic ms having no legal channel for redress or retrieve their hardearned money.

NiMet’s Prediction: Osun Unveil Measures To Prevent Flooding

Yusuf Oketola

THE Osun State government has assured residents that adequate measures are being implemented to prevent flood disasters, following Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NiMet) predic on of a high likelihood of flooding in various parts of the country.

The government said the measures include channelisa on projects, drain construc on, dredging of waterways, and desil ng and clearing drains.

Others are demoli on of buildings on waterways, reloca ng floodprone communi es, and enhancing collabora on between local and federal agencies.

The government advised residents to maintain a clean and safe environment, and refrain from dumping of wastes in drains and waterways.

The Permanent Secretary, Osun Ministry of Environment and Sanitaon, Richard Oyegbami, said that precau onary measures had been put in place towards flood preven on and control in the state.

Mr Oyegbami said that the state government embarked on dredging of the canals and waterways across the state to prevent floods.

He noted that many states were nega vely affected by floods in 2024,

“but due to the state government’s commitment to flood control, no single case of flooding was recorded in Osun.”

He said, “We have a dedicated department allocated to flood matters in our ministry called the department of flood control. What we do in the state is, we don’t wait un l the rainy season sets in before we start working to prevent flooding. Across all the local governments in the state, we ensure that all the drains are open and cleared both in dry and rainy seasons.

“In 2024, we received le ers of commenda on from various communies in the state based on our interven on in flood management. We have our directors and engineers from the flood control department always on the field, dredging the waterways.”

Mr Oyegbami explained that in addi on to dredging, the state government was running an enlightenment programme on the radio on the dangers of dumping wastes in the water channels.

He stressed that the ministry has also set up a taskforce to apprehend anyone dumping waste indiscriminately in the state.

Also, Head of Department, Urban and Regional Planning, Obafemi Awolowo University

(OAU), Ile-Ife, Osun State, Prof. Oluwole Daramola, said that residents should be educated on the dangers of dumping waste in the water channels.

Mr Daramola noted that dumping of refuse in waterways could lead to blockage, which could eventually lead to flood-

ing, while building on the waterways without proper approval by the government regulatory agencies could also prevent free flow of water.

He urged the government at all levels to embark on a campaign against indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the waterways.

Our Assembly, in our duty as the voice of the youth cons tuency, took several proac ve civil and diploma c steps within our power to address this issue. We made and submi ed several appeals to both the Osun State Government and the State House of Assembly, urging them for swi interven on to implement solu ons that will curb the excessiveness of these agents and landlords, create a redress mechanism for aggrieved tenants, and ensure strict compliance with rules and protec on of the people’s right for fair and affordable shelter.

“Till this very moment, no meaningful ac on has been taken. No acknowledgment. No engagement ini ated. No official response.

This silence is both unacceptable and disheartening, and it sends a dangerous message: that the voices of the people, par cularly the youths who form the largest and most dynamic demography in this state, can be ignored.”

NSCDC Seals Illegal Children Home Operating In Osun

Kazeem Badmus

OSUN State Com-

mand of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, on Tuesday, said it has sealed a home for children with disabili es owned by a private individual (name withheld) in Osogbo.

A statement by the Command’s Public Rela ons Officer, Kehinde Adeleke, explained that State Commandant, Igbalawole So yo, directed that the home be sealed

as it lacked facili es for the care of children with disabili es.

Speaking during a raid on the facility, the Deputy Commandant of Corps Oluwafemi Abeere, stated that the command sent operaves to the home, “following a p-off from the public.

“Upon arrival, it was evident that the children were malnourished, and opera ves discovered that the home lacked registra on with rele-

vant authori es, raising concerns about the children’s well-being.”

“The command has reached out to the parents and guardians of the children for their pickup, but they refused.

“A discreet inves gaon revealed that the children’s parents have abandoned them with the caregiver, ceasing payment for services and becoming unreachable when contacted,” the statement reads.

The command further said it has contacted the Osun State Bureau for Persons With Disabili es for necessary ac on. In his words of admoni on for parents and guardians, the commandant urged them to ‘carefully vet care facilies.

He noted that the command would connue collabora on with key stakeholders in the state to safeguard persons with disabili es.

Yusuf Oketola

OSUN State stands at a cri cal juncture in its history. Blessed with rich cultural heritage, fer le lands, and a resilient people, the state has the potenal to rise far beyond its current challenges and claim its righ ul place among Nigeria’s leading states.

But to bring Osun State to new heights, it is impera ve to pursue bold and deliberate reforms in three interconnected areas: poli cs, the economy, and social development.

These pillars must be strengthened, not in isola on, but as part of an integrated vision for sustainable progress.

Poli cally, Osun State must embrace inclusive governance that transcends party lines and puts the welfare of the people first. For too long, poli cal rivalries and short-term thinking have undermined long-term development.

We need leaders who see beyond elecon cycles and who are commi ed to building ins tu ons rather than personal empires. Electoral processes must be free, fair, and transparent to restore public confidence in governance.

Furthermore, poli cal appointments and policies should reflect the diversity of Osun’s communi es, ensuring that every group feels represented and valued. As the Yoruba proverb says, “Bi a ko ba gbagbe oro ana, a ko le se ore” — if we do not forget yesterday’s quarrel, we cannot make peace today. Moving forward requires unity and a shared vision.

Economically, Osun State’s future lies in unlocking its vast but underu lized resources. Agriculture, long the backbone of the state, needs urgent revitaliza on. Modernizing farming methods, improving access to credit, and inves ng in agroprocessing industries can transform Osun from a producer of raw materials into a hub of value-added agricultural products. This would not only create jobs but also increase the state’s internally generated revenue (IGR).

Addi onally, Osun’s tourism poten al remains largely untapped. Sites like the Osun-Osogbo Sacred Grove, a UNESCO World Heritage site, and other cultural fes vals can be developed into world-class a rac ons with proper infrastructure and marke ng. By inves ng in these sectors, the state can diversify its economy away from overdependence on federal allocaons.

The importance of suppor ng small and medium-sized enterprises (SMEs) cannot be overstated. These businesses are the engine of job crea on and innova on. The government must priori ze crea ng an enabling environment through business-friendly policies, access to affordable financing, and infrastructure development.

In par cular, improving electricity sup-

“Political

inclusiveness, economic

diversification, and social advancement must go hand in hand.

By prioritising these reforms and committing to sustained action,

Osun can unlock

its full potential and become a model of progress and prosperity in Nigeria”

By MATT. OLU OLOWOKERE PERSPECTIVE

Rising Osun: Political, Economic, And Social Reforms To Elevate Our State

ply, roads, and digital connec vity will go a long way in a rac ng investors and encouraging entrepreneurship among the vibrant youth popula on. A thriving private sector will not only grow the economy but also reduce unemployment and poverty.

Socially, Osun State faces significant challenges that must be addressed to improve the quality of life for its ci zens. Educa on reform should be at the forefront. While access to basic educa on has improved, the focus must now shi to quality and relevance. Schools should be equipped with modern facili es, and teachers must receive regular training to keep up with global standards.

Moreover, introducing voca onal and technical training can prepare young people with prac cal skills for today’s job market, reducing youth unemployment and curbing social vices.

Healthcare is another cri cal area in

Tneed of urgent a en on. Many communi es in Osun s ll lack access to quality health services. Upgrading primary health centers, ensuring availability of essen al drugs, and deploying skilled health workers across rural and urban areas will improve health outcomes.

Furthermore, expanding health insurance coverage can protect families from catastrophic medical expenses and improve overall well-being.

Social reforms must also address gender inequality and youth empowerment. Women, who form a significant por on of Osun’s workforce, deserve equal opportuni es in leadership, educa on, and business. Empowering women and girls is not just a moral impera ve; it is an economic strategy that has been proven to boost produc vity and growth.

Similarly, crea ng pla orms for young people to par cipate in governance and

entrepreneurship will harness their energy and innova on for the state’s development.

Security remains a founda onal requirement for any reform agenda. Without peace and stability, no economic or social progress is possible. Strengthening community policing, inves ng in modern security infrastructure, and promo ng dialogue among different groups will help maintain harmony and protect investments.

To bring Osun State to new heights, partnerships will be key. Government alone cannot achieve the desired transforma on. Collabora on with the private sector, civil society, tradi onal ins tuons, and the diaspora community will pool resources, ideas, and exper se. By fostering such partnerships, the state can tap into broader networks and accelerate development.

Finally, transparency and accountability must be the cornerstone of every reform effort. Ci zens have the right to know how public funds are being used and to hold their leaders accountable. Promoting open governance will build trust and encourage greater public par cipa on in development efforts.

As Osun State looks to the future, the path forward is clear. Poli cal inclusiveness, economic diversifica on, and social advancement must go hand in hand. By priori zing these reforms and commitng to sustained ac on, Osun can unlock its full poten al and become a model of progress and prosperity in Nigeria.

The me to act is now.

Our collec ve des ny depends on the choices we make today.

•Read full article on www.osundefender.com

Be Up And Doing

HERE is a resounding homily among progressives and radical ac vists: “Do not agonise, organise!” Young, patrio c Nigerians, however many or few, now have to take this counsel seriously considering the depressing level of resigna on and helplessness among ci zens. Because of the innate and boundless energy of young Nigerians, collec ve sense of resigna on have now opened up into a channel of self-help engagements - in illegi mate and criminal ventures - by a huge number of those not running away from the country, which further escalates an already grave insecurity situa on.

We seem to have come to a pass where problems that have solu ons in organised acons are either handed over to God to resolve or simply ignored out of helpless disposi on, whereas every single, nega ve individual act of self-help con nues to compound the social problems and emboldens the ruling elites who are the authors of the na onal problems to brazenly con nue in their careless, self-centred policies and programmes of naked exploita on and oppression.

Addressing and resolving complex na onal problems that affect the lives of almost all ci zens cannot be an individual act, however heroic: it requires concerted and organised responses and ac ons. However intractable the problems seem to be, we should remember these two wise sayings: “there is no problem without solu on,” and “the journey of a thousand miles begin with a single step.” Confucius said “The man who moved mountain begins

by carrying away small stones,” and Nelson Mandela capped it all with a counsel rooted in great experience, “there is no easy road to freedom.”

Some basic reality we must se le down to, therefore, are: we should stop expec ng prayers, fas ng, God and the gods to do for us what we should do by ourselves; we should never expect to get out of the mess in a hurry knowing it was not also created in a day; we cannot get out of the mess by keeping the same mindset and a tude that allowed us get into the mess in the first place; individual triumphs, criminal or legi mate, in a na on that is in deep conflict and dying, are no achievement; resort to self-help, mostly through criminal exploits, however temporarily rewarding for the perpetrators, are roads to personal and social perdi on; no ma er your profession, once your country is organised in such a way that the system makes the country a death trap and renders almost all legi mate producve enterprise difficult, if not impossible, then your first duty as a ci zen is to contribute your patrio c quota to redeeming your country.

In same vein, it should be clear to us that the whole ci zens of a country do not need to rise up and be involved in its social redempon project for it to succeed. Recall that Jesus, the Christ, started alone, and then with 12 disciples; and that the Holy Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) started likewise with few ardent disciples; and the two great religions are where they are today.

Stop agonising; start organising is a great,

libera ng piece of advice. In various communi es, in schools, worship places, work places, trades places, relaxa on places, start organising! When there is an interest and desire to personally make a change from self-help to collec ve solu ons and ac ons, other things will follow and fall in place, including the knowledge of the deep roots of the problems and las ng solu ons to them, as well as the ac vi es needed, from the smallest to the biggest.

There is life beyond General Elec ons and beyond the tenure of any Governor or President. The promises versus the reali es of 8 Years of “Change” and “Next Level” should have thought Nigerians to stop hoping on any “renewed hope” by same of the same merchants of calamity. The task of making Nigeria into a great, prosperous na on has li le or nothing to do with elec ng a president, governors and lawmakers periodically. If it was not clear before, it should be clear by now! A paradigm shi from present mindset and a tude, a deep desire to get together for collec ve solu ons to collec ve problems, will open in-depth truths about the root causes of the problems, the las ng solu ons, the ways and the means, and the steps that will lead us home to genuinely securing our rights to “life, liberty and the pursuit of happiness” in a free, just and mighty Federal Republic of Nigeria that will not only be a giant of Africa but a giant in the world; a na on we will be proud to hand over to our children and their children.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com

•Matt Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr) Past GM ORMA, Osun State