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VOL. 013. NO.8

Crisis Hits Osun Accord Party

N100

ISSN: 0794-8050

NEWS

Ten Injured In Modakeke Cyclists, Youths Clash PAGE 2

SOCIAL REGISTER

Islamic College Honours Akano’s Wife

•Members Accuse Party Chair Of Despotism

‘

Political party is not a private enterprise, all members must have a say in the party’s internal democracy and where members are gagged, it amounts to dictatorship, we are not in a banana republic.

’

PAGE 8 NEWS

Council Manager - Page 2 Escapes Attack Over Edeland Agog On March 10 As Timi Celebrates Chairmanship Tussle 10th Anniversary - Page 3

- Page 14

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Crisis Hits Osun Accord Party •Members Accuse Party Chair Of Despotism

By Sola Jacobs

After its failure at the last local government parliamentary election in the state of Osun, crisis has hit the Accord Party as members of the party cut ties with its leadership.

OSUN DEFENDER the alleged despotic investigation revealed that nature of its chairman, the major rift between the Segun Fanibe in managing members and the the party affairs, leadership of the party is particularly in the build

up to the last local government poll.

Speaking with the medium via telephone chat, Mr David Olasoji who was the vice chairman of the party said the decision of the members and chieftains of

the party in many parts of the state, particularly in eight out of the existing eleven wards in Ife Central Local Government to pull out of the party is not unconnected with the “dictatorial tendency” of the party chairman in the

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his Deputy, Titi Laoye-Tomori (right), Speaker House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam (2nd left), Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (2nd right); and Chairman, Federal House Committee on Information, Hon. Segun Odebunmi (left), during the official launch of Digital Television Switch Over in Osun, by the National Broadcasting Commission at the premises of the Nigerian Television Authority, Osogbo

state.

Olasoji alleged that the party failure at the recent local government election is not unconnected with the sole administration of Fanibe and two other officials of the party in the state.

According to him, political party is not a private enterprise, all members must have a say in the party internal democracy and where members are gagged, it amounts to dictatorship, we are not in banana republic.

Also expressing displeasure about the conduct of the Accord Party chairman in the state the public relation officer of the party in Ife Central Local Government, Mr Sunday Alade who also spoke via telephone chat supported the claims of Mr Olasoji that members of Accord Party in Ife Central Local Government precisely in the eight wards out the eleven wards had pulled out of the party for now, but had not joined any other

Ten Injured In Modakeke Cyclists, Youths Clash

By Sola Jacobs More than ten people were reportedly injured in Modakeke, Ife East Area office on Tuesday as suspected thugs and motorcyclists clashed in Alapata area in the town.

According to an eye witness account, who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER, there was normalcy in the area until noon when some group of young men invaded the motorcyclists’ union park and unleashed mayhem on members of the union.

The eye witness disclosed that one of the cyclists whose name could not be ascertained had been attacked by the suspected thugs which led to reprisal attack between the two groups.

In the attack, a leader of the street gang identified as Skete was slapped by a leader of the motorcyclists’ union, which led him to launch a refengeful attack on the cyclists at their union park at Alapata area.

The irate gang allegedly invited youths from Boosa and Alagbagun to join in the free for all where cudgel, cutlass and broken bottles were freely used.

Some shop owners quickly closed their shops to avoid looting by the two groups. OSUN DEFENDER learnt that it took the effort of police men from Division B, Famia road in Modakeke who used teargas to dispatch the gangs from crippling daily activities in the area.

A police source who preferred anonymity said the cyclists, as well as street gangs sustained different degrees of injury, but no one died in the street clash.

The source also identified “show of

strength” as the main reason for the clash between the groups adding that all those connected with breach of public peace will be arraigned in court of law.

Investigations on Wednesday morning at Alapata revealed that normalcy had returned to the area, while the traditional ruler and community leaders in the area had stepped into the

matter so that it will not degenerate to breakdown of law and order through

a set of jobless youths in the area.

24, 850 Osun Residents Benefit From Govt's Empowerment Scheme No fewer than 24, 850 traders and small scales enterprises and business owners have benefitted from the N3.6bn fund provided by the state government of Osun.

The Governor Rauf capital for the Osun Micro Agency for A r e g b e s o l a ’ s Credit administration with the disbursement to eligible support of the Central Bank beneficiaries.

In a report made of Nigeria had provided a to our sum of N2.1bn as take off available correspondents by the Commissioner for Commerce, Industries, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Ismaila Jayeoba-Alagbada, the commended Governor N2.1bn initial capital Aregbesola for matured to N3, 660, 335, providing the 000.

According to the report, whooping sum of 11, 391 beneficiaries from N1.2bn to pay commerce were given N1, pensioners despite the 677, 481, 000 credit, 9, 100 from paucity of funds in the beneficiaries state, describing him as agriculture sector were a people-friendly given N1, 339, 682, 000, while 2552 Manufacturers governor. were provided N375, 711, It would be recalled 000. that Aregbesola had last The report disclosed week approved the further that 1, 379 artisans release of N1 billion for were given 204, 538, 000, the payment of pension 233, people from education to retired civil servants sector got a sum of N34, in the state while a sum 388, 000, while 195 people health sector obtained of 200 million was from N28, 535, 000. provided to pay The number of gratuity to those who beneficiaries and the retired ahead of the amount were recorded commencement of the between 2014 and 2017, Contributory Pension according to the report.

Giving the breakdown of Scheme. . disbursed funds, The governor had the Jayeoba-Alagbada said a also directed the release total of N662, 000, 000, N1, of an additional N150m 496, 000, 000, N681, 000, which will be disbursed 000 and N821, 335, 000, 000 to more pensioners were disbursed in 2014,

Osun Govt Begins Payment Of Pensions, Gives Cheques To 2,006 Pensioners

By Ismaeel Uthman

Following the release of N1.2bn by Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun for the payment of pensions and gratuities, the state government had on Monday begun the issuance of cheques to 2006 pensioners who retired from the state civil service in 2011/2012.

The cheques were cheques were being to every handed over to the given pensioners by the Head pensioner who had of Service, Mr Festus perfected retirement Olowogboyega and documents with the other government government.

He added that for any officials at the state of the pensioners that Secretariat, Abere.

According to have died, his or her Olowogboyega, a total next of kin would have of 2006 pensioners that to present documents retired from Ministries, like death certificate, Departments, Agencies letter of administration and parastatals have and other necessary to the been listed for the papers for payment of the government collection of the pension. cheques.

Olowogboyega The HOS explained that the

political party.

Mr Alade said the decision is in the best interest of the members and chieftains of the party and the nation’s democracy.

He added that there is need for Hon. Segun Fanibe to learn more about internal party democracy rather than be an autocrat.

OSUN DEFENDER made effort to reach the state chairman of Accord Party on the allegations levelled against him, but learnt that he was out of the country.”

Meanwhile, some members of Accord Party in Ile-Ife loyal to Fanibe who spoke with this medium alleged that both All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democratic Party had colluded to destroy the party, as its popularity in Ifeland had dwarfed the activities of the two parties.

They added that the result of the rerun of the Osun State House of Assembly election in 2016 had jolted the two parties.

Moreso, the current chairman of the party in Osun was one of the vibrant youth leader in PDP and the party thinks he must be fettered unless he comes back to his former fold, the medium investigation gathered.

soon.

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2015, 2016 and 2017 respectively.

He said 90 per cent of the beneficiaries have been repaying the credit to the Osun Micro Credit Agency.

Jayeoba-Alagbada explained that as a result of direct re-ploughing of the initial capital provided by the state government which was N100, 000 and recycling of the N2bn CBN funds, coupled with interest income and charges, the agency has operated with the total sum of N3, 660, 335,000.

The commissioner maintained that the provision of the credit facilities has created wealth for individuals and enhanced the performance of farmers, self-help groups, cooperative societies, small scale businesses, cottage industries, hotels, hair dressers, artisans and others.

He stated that the success recorded in the repayment of the credit taken by the beneficiaries is an indication that the economy of the state has improved, explaining that if the beneficiaries were not making enough profits, they would not be able to make repayment.

Jayeoba-Alagbada submitted that the credit facility achieved its intended purposes which are to create wealth and employment opportunity for the people of the state.

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

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3

VP's Wife Charges Women On Nation Building

By Shina Abubakar Wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo has charged women to rededicate themselves towards building a sane society, where progress and development would thrive.

She made the charge at She urged women to the flag-off of a two-day always strive for greater conference organised by development as human Osun Officials’ Wives beings are by nature Association with the insatiable, hence, the theme, Virtuous Woman: need to continue to work “Pushing for Greater towards eradicating Development”, for these social vices and women across the state. ensuring peace and She disclosed that development in all women have been spheres of human neglecting their societal endeavours across the responsibility of raising country. youth that would She also urged women enhance the good-better- to make sure their best of the society, which children are not just now result to the trained to possess different social vices academic certificates constituting menace to alone, but to also make the nation. sure they are complete She called on the human beings with all womenfolk to always the necessary traditional examine the role they and moral values which have been playing with a could help build a virile view to reviewing their nation where peace and s o c i e t a l - e x p e c t e d tranquility shall be of responsibility and work utmost importantance. towards building a crisisIn his remarks, free community, where Governor, State of Osun, people can thrive in all Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola endeavours they venture described women as the into. hand that rocks the cradle

•Women Build Stronger Societies - Aregbesola and they rule the world, but quickly added that the womenfolk need to help their husbands and children to be virtuous as they are the needed machinery to build a better society.

“Every leader as well as followers were born of a woman and their personalities are influenced by the woman, hence mothers should strive to help men and children to build a Godly character and be a virtuous person. Mothers should strive to inculcate in children the values of productivity, dignity of labour, value of money and thinking.

He emphasised the need to instill orderliness and productive virtues into the youth which unfortunately is missing in the attitude of Nigerians and without orderliness, the Governor added that a nation would not achieve any significant development.

“Mothers must instill in their children the sense of performing their civic responsibilities, to defend the country when the need arises, pay their taxes, be politically active and most importantly sow the seed of peace.

They must eschew corruption as this

spreads poverty, thus bringing hardship for the masses.

The seed of peace is very important because it is the only way to build a society free of chaos, war as it is a means to achieve growth and development”, the Governor added.

Earlier in her welcome address, the chairperson of the association and wife of the Governor, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola disclosed that the objectives of the gathering was to further enlarge the frontiers of human development and equip women with adequate knowledge to

help in the all round development of the state.

“Our development focus is to embrace skills acquisition and training and economic empowerment, creation of awareness and intervention in critical health-related issues, civic and development policy advocacy among others.

Similar associations has attained a lot of mileage in our sister states. This is a good development which promises to create a stronger bond and enhances integration among women in the South West”, she added.

Osun APC Boasts Of Govt Success Social Protection Policy:

The All Progressives Congress is claiming that the state of Osun has again taken the lead to initiate a comprehensive Social Protection Policy framework of global standard that will •(R-L) Wife of the Vice President, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Wife of the State of Osun Governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola; continuously engage in alleviating poverty and Her Counterparts from Lagos, Mrs Bolanle Ambode and Ekiti, Mrs Eyisetan Fayose at the opening ceremony of A promoting a dignified life for all segments of 2-Day Conference by Osun Officials Wives Association (OSUNOWA) at Aurora Event Centre, Osogbo on Tuesday. society.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. This policy targets the development and a life vulnerable, especially more abundant, Osun from birth to working has been at the forefront age, with the sustainable of initiating and excelling Sun at a press conference said The Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Western provision of healthcare, in providing social International Hotel, Ede the significance of the education, training for protection programmes Lawal, Laminisa I, would on Saturday, March 10 while Prince Olagunsoye celebration is to celebrate skills acquisition and the and services to the mark the 10th anniversary of his coronation.

Oyinlola will be the Activities lined up for there will be a special chairman of the occasion. the development that have empowerment of youths people. come to Edeland since the and provision of social At the grand finale on monarch ascended the “One of the most the one-week event, Jumat Service and amenities for the under- extensive and impactful which would start on anniversary lecture titled Saturday, March 10, there throne 10 years ago. the will be a book launch and 3, include Repositioning privileged’, the party programmes was the March He said: “It is significant Traditional Institution and fundraising for an ultrasaid. school feeding service, traditional service at Local that we celebrate our Government Timi’s Palace, special In a statement from the not modern palace for the monarch because he is an only did it church service, cultural Administration in Timi.

Directorate of Publicity, significantly affect the upright monarch and Research and Strategy health of the children carnival/football and Contemporary Nigeria The Chairman, Central when you look at the which will be delivered traditional games signed by its Director, involved, it took some Planning Committee of phenomena development

by Muhammad Sanusi II, the competitions.

Kunle Oyatomi in anniversary, On Friday, March 9, The Emir of Kano at Professor Siyan Oyeweso in the last 10 year under Osogbo, the party said •Continued on page 10 him, you will agree with that Osun Social me that we must give Protection Policy’ is the kudos to his foresight and framework for his effort in sustaining institutionalising the peace between Ede and its had done its part in would fast track the n e i g h b o u r i n g

By Isreal Afolabi efforts of the state passing the bill into law process of consideration communities”. government to alleviate The State parliament of Osun has passed the State and adding that what and passage. and eventually eliminate Regulation of Sand Dealing and Dredging Oyeweso who Earlier, Dr Salaam had remains is the assent of poverty in all its ugly Operation bill 2018 into law. the Governor to make it notified the lawmakers mentioned Redeemer’s manifestations in the University, Adeleke that the resolution of the The parliament also that now that the rule is effective. state.

In related House of Assembly on University and Ilori According to the APC, considered for first in place it would serve as development, the state of the section of the College of Education when fully incorporated reading of the state effective guide for the Osun Independent constitution proposed for which have found their into the laws of the state, Independent Electoral operation as it would electoral commission bill amendment by the feet in Edeland within 10 Commission bill 2018 at it will become mandatory the plenary presided over facilitate due process in 2018 was considered for National Assembly had years of Oba Adesola’s nd rule, said the impact of for any government in by the speaker, Dr the environment. first reading at the been forwarded on 22 Dr Salaam also plenary.

February, 2018 to the these are phenomena and power to continue with Najeem Salaam. maintained that the law the policy by prioritising However, following appropriate quarters are worthy of celebration.

The passage of the He also noted that Ede measures to ensure a life State of Osun regulation would be of immense extensive deliberation, through the conference of has always been a peaceful of dignity for all in the of sand dealing and benefit to the state the bill was committed to speaker. especially in the area of the Dr Salaam appreciated town where Muslims and joint house state. dredging operation bill thoughtful Christians co-exist committee on judiciary the The party reminded 2018 into law was revenue generation.

According to him, “this contributions of his peacefully unlike many and local government people of the state since consequent upon the bill will help and make colleagues during the other communities, seven years ago that the third reading by the state our environment neat, and chieftaincy affairs.

This, according to the debate on constitution saying, “We invite other Aregbesola-led APC legislature. clean and safer as well”. speaker, who had read a amendment, while he communities to come and Addressing the government started the Commending the letter from the governor stated that the receipt of learn how we have been revolution of re-branding plenary, the speaker of lawmakers on their the state of Osun the document had also addressing religious issues and re-engineering the the parliament Dr efforts in the process, he of concerning the bill, been acknowledged by in this historic town”. state for sustainable Najeem Salaam observed stated that the Assembly concerned authorities.

Edeland Agog On March 10 As Timi Celebrates 10th Anniversary

Osun Assembly Passes Sand Dealing And Dredging Operation Bill

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4 Southwest Children And Stunted Growth Like the proverbial stone rejected by the builder but which has become the head corner stone, so also is the story, as indeed the wisdom behind the flagship programme of the government of the State of Osun – the Osun Elementary School Feeding and Health Programme, (O’MEALS).

Speaking at a two-day media interaction on child nutrition in Ibadan on Tuesday, UNICEF Nutrition Specialist, Akure Field Office, Ada Ezeogu, gave a chilling report that over 1.5 million children under five years in the Southwest and Edo needs urgent intervention to address their stunted growth. The situation across the country, she would also add, is no less grim: An estimated 17 million or 43.6 per cent of children in Nigeria under the age of five have their bodies and minds limited by stunting.

Going further down to the Southwest states, Ogun is said to have the highest incidence with 26.1 per cent or 277,462 children. Although, she did not give the corresponding figures for other states in the southwest, it seems highly plausible that Osun – with its far-sighted policies on adolescent nutrition, would be among the lowest.

To describe the situation as scary is to put things mildly. Here, we are referring to “severe, irreversible physical and cognitive damage caused by chronic malnutrition early in a child”. Aside being one of the most significant barriers to human development, the public health issues directly related to the phenomenon must be seen as grave enough.

If we may echo the words of the UNICEF chieftain: “We cannot

‘ ’

Today, if Osun children have been adjudged among the healthiest, it is only because the state economy has also responded well to the challenge.

continue to fold our hands and stand aloof with such issues staring us in the face, most especially, when those affected are vulnerable in society”. In doing that also, we must not fail to salute the unparalleled foresight of the governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for embedding childnutrition programmes into its educational reforms.

When the administration launched the school feeding programme on April 30, 2012, we recall only too well that many of its critics had dubbed it as yet another brainwave of the activist governor. But then, like the mustard seed, the administration plodded on, putting its money where its hearts was, convinced it was the right thing to do.

Agriculture, Key To Nigeria Development My country, Nigeria is filled with diverse mineral resources and we have grossly enjoyed the proceeds from the sale of crude oil being one of our major revenue.

However, Nigeria has continued to make little or no progress in many areas and it has become the dream of the younger generation of the present Nigeria to be part of the nation building in no small measure. I desire that this great country will not continue to live in the midst of plenty and yet suffer from

penury. The economy of any country is the base of its development and yet the country has not got it straight on this

crucial matter.

Economic issues are real life issues and without increased strength to attain the status of developed or real developing nations, we may

continue to live in poverty.

What saddens the heart is that many Nigerians are living below one dollar per day and the

currency has lost it values. My dream in this regard is to see to the balance of trade that is required for any developing economy.

When the imports keep increasing and

there is only one major commodity to export we are far from the Nigeria of our dream.

I would encourage the teeming youth to see agriculture as a great ladder towards e c o n o m i c independence because as it stands, Nigeria is yet to be financially liberated.

In addition to the above, industrial development will go a long way to reduce unemployment, e n c o u r a g e entrepreneurship and reduce importation of foreign products.

•KEHINDE OYEDIRAN, Kobongbogboe, Osogbo

That the tiny seed, as indeed many other ancillary seeds sown, have combined to launch the state on the path of qualitative growth while also earning her international recognition can only be a reflection of the profoundness of the vision and the quality of thought that went into its making.

Today, if Osun children have been adjudged among the healthiest, it is only because the state economy has also responded well to the challenge.

We refer to the thousands of community caterers engaged for the programme, the enhanced capacity building over the course of the last six years, the spin-offs in backwards integration, process improvements and the overall improvement in the economic climate. That all of these have redounded in the improved health status of children and adults alike could only have happened because the state is blessed to have at the helm, a leader driven by a sense of purpose.

We think other leaders in the Southwest can learn, borrow a thing or two from the O’MEALS programme of the State of Osun to address the problem. Considering that the future of our children is at stake, time of course is of the essence. But then, just as we have seen of the example of Osun, it is do-able if the will is there.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

Health:

Domesticating Health Insurance In Osun Restore Healthy Living is one of the six-point integral action plan of the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in the State of Osun, and in line with this, the state government has made arrangements to domesticate the Health Insurance Scheme with a view to making healthcare system readily available for all. FRANCIS EZEDIUNO writes on the efforts made so far by the state government in this regard.

Nobody saves money for health issues, but when it does come knocking, scarce resources are made available to get the best treatment one can afford. However, in a case where money is not available and the best health care is absent, what does one do?

The question of health should be of utmost concern to every human being, because the human body is like a machine which needs adequate maintenance. If left without regular maintenance, there is tendency for the supporting mechanism to start showing signs of wearing off, so also, is the human body. There is need for constant medical check up because as the body ages, there is the need for total revamp in terms of medications to

‘

due to no fault of government, the free health programme became undesirable which necessitated the steps being taken by the state government towards localising the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

boost healthiness and vitality.

African governments have been known to have the populacewelfare agenda and therefore people have on several occasions enjoyed free education and health policy, but emphasis being more on health. Subsequent governments

,

therefore, because of some financial constraints took steps to restrict the free medical treatments for mother and child; particularly pregnant women and breastfeeding mothers and children under the age of 0-5 years.

This policy had worked for some

•(L-R) OSHIS Executive Secretary, Dr Niyi Oginni, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Lani Baderinwa and one other during a media interactive session on the domestication of NHIS.

times until recently when reality dawn on governments at various levels such that it has made free health care services and provision became nearly impossible.

What now is the way out? True to fact, government’s aim is to provide free basic medical services for its citizens.

Wisely, the federal government provided a soft landing by way of enacting a health insurance policy.

Free health is not the norm again and health insurance is the way out.

Initially, the free health scheme had worked successfully for previous administration in the state of Osun, a major reason why the present administration deemed it necessary to make it a part of its sixpoint integral action plan of ‘Restoring Healthy Living’.

Originally, the implementation of the free healthcare system in Osun went smoothly, as various health based programmes were rolled out one after the other, in accordance with the stated aim and objectives of government plans. The major beneficiaries of the free health programme in the state were the aged, children under the age of 5, women and the vulnerable.

Unfortunately, due to no fault of government, the free health programme became undesirable which necessitated the steps being taken by the state government towards localising the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS).

The NHIS was established by the administration of Chief Olusegun Obasanjo in 2004 and it has enjoyed some level of successes, but the lack of enlightenment amongst the citizenry has kept the programme at the far corner from the people it’s meant to cater for.

•Continued on page 6

6

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Health:

MAGAZINE

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

Domesticating Health Insurance In Osun

•Continued from page 5

Already, the NHIS has been viewed as an elitist programme due to inadequate enlightenment on the part of government but surely, the way out of the myriad health challenges besetting the nation is to domesticate the national health insurance policy, bring it to the state level, so that even the poor of the poorest could afford health at a relatively low cost.

The aim of domesticating the health insurance policy in the state is to act as an alternative to the free health programme embarked upon by the state government which for the economic situation ravaging the country, could not be sustained.

There is also a political will to it as a popular saying goes; “where there is a will, there is a way”.

The Rauf Aregbesola administration wants to leave behind a lasting legacy that would be a reference point for future administration in the state, the Southwest geopolitical region and indeed the whole of Nigeria.

The health insurance policy works in this way; the rich will pay and the poor will also pay; medical attention would be based on the principle of equity, where at a certain pocket-friendly amount, sound healthcare will be made available to all and sundry either in a public or private health facility.

Accessing health care either at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels would be made affordable.

Taking a look at the society, illiteracy and ignorance have been an hitching factor and when health challenges come knocking, the poor and vulnerable prefer to resort to either self medication, local health initiatives and by the time the health status worsens, it would have been too late to render any adequate medical intervention. By then, death will be inevitable.

Many Nigerians may see the idea of contributing a certain amount of money for health insurance as a waste of money due to the fact that some may stay for months without having any health issues.

Alas, when it finally comes knocking and a comparative analysis is made, the actual amount paid for the health insurance scheme would be little compared to the total cost of securing good medical intervention.

The services may be attributed to the poor, but what of the rich who may think that in the event of such, they would simply seek medical care from the medically advanced countries with good health care track records.

What is National Health Insurance? According to UNICEF: “it is a government managed insurance plan, seeking to enrol the entire population into some financial and risk pooling insurance mechanism or set of mechanisms with the aim of removing the financial barriers to attaining

•A cross section of participants at a media interactive session on the activities of the OSHIS.

The health insurance policy works in this way; the rich will pay and the poor will also pay; medical attention would be based on the principle of equity, where at a certain pocket-friendly amount, sound healthcare will be made available to all and sundry either in a public or private health facility.

‘

Universal Health Care (UHC)”.

A visit to medical institutions in the state will reveal a parlous state of affairs.

How can one fathom a situation where in a public health facility, the rich have money and they cannot access health care, except they visit a private facility; and the poor who do not have the financial wherewithal hence patronising these public health facilities but do not have money to get essential drugs they need. Added to this is also that they do not have the money to procure expensive treatments from private facilities and they end up dying a needless death.

These and other problems are why the health insurance scheme needs to be implemented nationwide and domesticated in the State of Osun.

The number of needless deaths amongst the state’s poor and vulnerable population is increasing and it is not because some of them are ignorant of the need for adequate medical care, but it is due in part to the fact that “the spirit is willing but the flesh is weak”, meaning the financial resources is lacking to get drugs and health care and when death comes, they ignorantly accept it as the will of God. The earlier the health insurance policy is domesticated the better.

’

In the recent past, the state government has strengthened other organs of the Ministry of Health by constituting the State of Osun Hospital Management Board, creating the State of Osun Primary Health Care Development Board and with the recent move by the state government to bring UHC nearer home. The creation of the Osun State Health Insurance Scheme (OSHIS) and its mother agency became inevitable with the appointment of a competent hand as the Executive Secretary in the person of Dr. Niyi Oginni who has been saddled with the responsibility of running the affairs of the new agency.

With the track records of the new Executive Secretary, one would hope and pray that the crises befalling the NHIS would not be the case of OSHIS. The government of the day has not hidden its desire to send a Bill to domesticate the health insurance scheme in the state.

Already, the agency to supervise the scheme had been created and staffed, hence, what is next is the Bill which would be sent from the Executive to the legislature.

Last week, a consultative forum was held in Osogbo where experts from the NHIS, state Ministries of Health, Finance, Justice and other partner agencies brainstormed for two-days before arriving at a draft

Bill which had been forwarded to the State Executive Council for approval.

As the Executive Bill is yet to be sent to the Osun State House of Assembly, a media enlightenment session was held recently where journalists were educated and sensitised on the advantages and the need to embrace the health insurance scheme whether at the national level or when the state starts its implementation.

Dr Ogini while speaking at an awareness programme stressed that public health services should be considered part of the social safety net which is the responsibility of government to provide for all people.

“Governor Rauf Aregbesola wants free health care services for his people but at the same time he realises that it cannot be totally free, he knows that it cannot be hundred per cent possible, hence the creation of the Osun Health Insurance Scheme becoming a necessity.

“It is the desire of the Governor to deliver quality health services to the people of the state on a basis of equity, I want to assure the people of the state that through the O’HIS, the death of children under five will be greatly reduced in Osun.

“The scheme would be operated on equity where those who do not have money can have access to quality health services and we want it to succeed so that Osun will be an example to emulate”, Ogini stressed.

Another question which will be left to answer will be whether the scheme should be made optional or compulsory.

The writers opinion on this is that it should be made compulsory because it is a part of the core component of this administration’s policy thrust.

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COMMUNITY

Iwoland Development Coalition Empowers 1000 People •Doles Out Life-Supporting Items To The Disable As part of efforts to give back to the society, an alliance of Non-Governmental Organisations under the umbrella of Iwoland Development Coalition on Saturday empowered 1000 people in Iwo and its environs.

The Coalition also other major items to distributed life- people with disabilities. supporting facilities like Speaking at the 2018 crutches, walking frames, Annual Day Celebration wheel chairs among for Empowerment of

Aged and People with Disabilities at Iwo town hall, the Coordinator of Iwoland Development Coalition and Guidance C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t Foundation, Mr. Adisa Kabir Adeniyi, said the programme was

organised to show love to young ones, lessprivileged and those with disabilities as part of efforts to motivate them and raise their standard of living in the society.

Adeniyi said since it is crucial to care for young people, old people and people with disabilities, the programme has

opened windows of opportunities to foster mutual benefits particularly for the needy.

According to Adeniyi, the young of today are the present and future of any society, thus their proper education and mentorship will determine the greatness

Irepodun South Council Boss Hails Parliamentary System Innovation The Chairman, Irepodun South Local Council Development Area, Honourable Adekunle Kamoli Oloyede has said that the newly-introduced parliamentary system at the Local Government level would be a catalyst for bringing the desired sustainable growth and development to the grassroots in the state.

He made the statement at the council secretariat in Erin Osun during his

swearing-in ceremony and inauguration of members of the parliament in the

council, as the parliamentarian elected their principal officers into various offices.

Gbadamosi Dauda Ishola was elected as the vice Chairman by the parliamentarians; Adeniran Kazali Ajibola was elected the leaders of the house; Adurolu Isiaka

Ayanbisi was elected as the Deputy leader while Asiru Latifat Adenike is a member of the Parliament.

In his acceptance speech, Oloyede expressed his appreciation to Almighty Allah and to Governor of the state, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola

•The Chairman, Irepodun South LCDA, Hon Adekunle Oloyede (middle); the council Manager, Mrs Asanat Akintola and the council’s members of parliament during their inauguration.

Community Interest Will Be Given Priority - Ede East Council Boss The newly elected Chairman of Ede East Local Council Development Area, Sekona, Mr Sikiru Adewale has assured the people of the LCDA of his administration’s commitment towards giving community interest a priority.

According to a government closer to the statement by the people at the grassroots by Information Officer of the creating LCDAs, Area council, Hammed Councils and Oyeniyi, Akanni gave the Administrative Offices. assurance while The council boss also delivering his maiden admonished all citizens speech after he was and dwellers of the LCDA unanimously elected as to always perform their the Chairman by his civic responsibilities by fellow parliamentarians in paying taxes and other the council and sworn-in levies as may be required by the newly elected saying this will afford Leader of the House, government the capability Honourable Ayodele to accomplish her good Mojeed. intentions for the entire Akanni charged his populace. fellow parliamentarians to Other Principal Officers consider passing bye-laws elected are; Sakariyau which will guarantee Saheed Tunde as Vice good governance and the Chairman; Kareem Kabiru best quality services Asafe as Deputy Leader delivery for the people of and Oni Bukola Wuraola the LCDA, saying, “We a member of the House. cannot afford to let our The Council Manager, people down, hence we Comrade Abiodun must ensure that we Gboyega Ojo in his deliver to impact lives opening address gave positively and bring kudos to the Governor by dividend of democracy to setting pace for other the door step of our states to follow with the people”. introduction of He thanked the Parliamentary system in Governor, State of Osun, the Local Government in Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola the state, describing Osun for bringing the as a pacesetter.

He assured the new cabinet of the council the commitment and cooperation of the entire staff members.

In their separate goodwill messages, The Olu of Sekona, Oba Abdul Waheed Adebowale Oyeniran; Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr. Yunus Olalekan; and an APC Leader, Alhaji Sule Alao

enjoined the council’s parliamentarians to be good ambassadors of their party and impact positively without playing politics with governance.

The inaugural sitting of the House was graced by Oba Abdul Wasiu Iwaloye Abidoye, Ologobi of Ogobi; Chiefs, APC stalwarts, all HODs and staff members of the LCDA, party members and well wishers.

for introducing parliamentary system of government at this point in time.

According to him, the system would fastrack development at the grassroots and reduce cost of governance.

He then congratulated all members of the Parliament well-wishers and their relatives for their understanding, maturity and cooperation in ensuring the successful conduct of the election in Irepodun South LCDA. He concluded his address by expressing gratitude to the stakeholders in the council, starting from the Elerin of Erin-Osun, Oba Yusuf Omoloye, the council of chiefs, as well as the entire people of the council for their support so far and promised not to let them down.

In his remarks, the Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Engineer Rufus Oyegbile commended the governor for his wisdom which, he said is obvious in the infrastructure developments across the state despite the dwindling resources coming from the federal government purse couple with the global economic recession.

He then enjoined all the Parliamentarians to emulate the good work to ensure continuity in government, just as he reminded all the councillors not to forget the promise made to the electorates and wished them a successful tenure.

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE PASTOR DAIRO OLUSEGUN ELIJAH That EVANG. SEGUN DAIRO, and PASTOR DAIRO SEGUN ELIJAH are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as PASTOR DAIRO OLUSEGUN ELIJAH. And my correct Date of Birth is 18th March, 1967 not 18th March, 1969. All former documents remain valid. Ecobank and General public should take note.

AMINU BILI ABENI That I was formerly known and addressed as ADAMU BILI ABENI, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. AMINU BILI ABENI. All former documents remain valid. UBA Bank and General public should take note.

ORAEGBUNAM OBIAGELI GLORIA

That I was formerly known and addressed as ORAEGBUNAM CLAIRE OBIAGELI, but now wish to be known and addressed as ORAEGBUNAM OBIAGELI GLORIA. And my correct Date of Birth is 1st Day of January, 1991 not 26th Day of January, 1993. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, Diamond Bank and General public should take note.

MUDASIRU FAUSAT YETUNDE

That I was formerly known and addressed as NAJEEM FAUSAT, but now wish to be known and addressed as MUDASIRU FAUSAT YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

R FO CELES A SP SA

or otherwise of any society.

He said, “These are the set of beings that must be passionately taken care of particularly on the need to ensure their well-being and standard of living in the society. ”We carefully selected people that truly need way people living with disabilities, the aged, the less-privileged and the young ones who face one or two challenges in the course of growing up that we have empowered today.

“We have executed over 35 projects across sectors and just of recent the Foundation spearheaded the fund raising for the construction and rehabilitation of a bridge that connects Iwo to Osogbo, the state capital. ”The Coalition has on different occasions organised skills acquisition, technical and vocational training where thousands of youths have benefited from as many were provided with the necessary facilities to kick-start and translate the knowledge acquired through the training into fruitful use. ”Today, over 1000 people comprising, people living with disabilities, widows, poor, aged, pupils of secondary schools and students of higher institutions were supported with necessary incentives.

In his lecture, the Guest lecturer and Former Acting Vice Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Oguntola Jelil Alamu, averred that in spite of the commendable efforts being put into ensuring independent sustenance for the elderly and disabled people, yet, it does not seem that efforts made are having the desired effect.

He called on the wellmeaning Nigerians to champion the course at supporting the needs of the aged, youths and people with disabilities. ”It is crystal clear that aged and disabled people occupy a pride of place in the society and should not be left unattended to while the contemporary society should seek their stability and well-being because they are morally and economically weak. ”Our youths, aged and elderly persons need empowerment, companionship, freedom among others to survive and be well integrated into the society to which they live”.

8

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Burial Ceremony Of Madam Beatrice Abeni Amos, Mother Of Former Special Adviser To Governor Rauf Aregbesola On Security, Barrister Adekunle Amos In Osogbo Last Saturday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) Minister of Solid Minerals, Dr Kayode Fayemi with Barrister Adekunle Amos.

Alhaja Omotolani Akano, Wife Of The Special Adviser To Osun Governor On Tax Matter, Receives An Islamic Merit Award From Al-Bayyan College Of Arabic Islamic Studies On Saturday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. It was a Special day for Akano’s family of Iragbiji, State of Osun, when the wife of the Special Adviser to the Governor on Tax Matters, Alhaja Omotolani Rahmat Akano received an Islamic Merit Award from Al-Bayyan College Of Arabic Islamic Studies on Saturday 24th, February in Osogbo.

Akano said she was very happy and she gave thanks to God Almighty for the opportunity.

Deputy Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye and other members of the Assembly, Commissioner for Education, Mr Kola Omotunde Young and other dignitaries witnessed the programme.

Opening Ceremony Of A-2 Day Conference By Osun Officials Wives Association (OSUNOWA) Virtuous Woman Pushing For Greater Development At Aurora Event Centre, Osogbo On Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

•Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (middle); his wife, Mrs Florence (right) and Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam (left).

•Alhaja Omotolani Rahmat Akano (left) receiving the Award from the Deputy Speaker Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye.

•A cross section of guests at the event.

The ancient town of Osogbo in the State of Osun was the host of dignitaries during the burial ceremony of Madam Beatrice Abeni Amos, mother of a former Special Adviser to the State of Osun Governor on Security, Barrister Adekunle Amos on Saturday 24th of Febuary.

The ceremony was held at Atlantis Event Center Ring Road, Osogbo, State of Osun, Madam Beatrice died at the age of 94 and she was survived by Children and grandchildren.

The Minister of Solid Minerals,

Dr Kayode Fayemi, Oluwo of Iwo land, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Akanbi, Senator Ademola Adeleke, Deputy Speaker State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye and members of Osun House of Assembly, Former Speaker State of Osun House of •(L-R) Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi; Assembly, Honourable Adejare Commissioner for Education, Mr Kola Omotunde Young and Special Adviser to the Governor Bello, Some APC Chieftains, Alhaji •A cross section of Muslim Women during the programme. on Tax, Barrister Gbenga Akano, husband of the recipient at the event.

Fatai Diekola and others, Former Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere, Chief Tunde Badmus and The Akere Family of Igbajo in other dignitaries witnessed the company of friends and relatives programme. organised a surprise birthday prayer for

•(L-R) Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Chairman House Committee on Information Osun House of Assembly and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Adewale Akanbi.

•(L-R) Member, Federal House of Representatives, Honourable Ayo Omidiran; Chief of Staff to State of Osun Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Secretary to the State Government of Oyo, Alhaji Ali Olalekan.

Toast To Mama Kola @85

its matriarch, Madam Deborah Wuraola Akere as she turns 85 recently.

The event which was held at the residence of Oluomo Sunday Akere in Osogbo was attended by sons and daughters, grandchildren, as well as friends and well wishers.

Mama was driven to the venue of the event without her knowing what her children had in stock and was almost in tears when she saw family members and friends standing in front of her birthday cake waiting for her to take photograph before winning and dinning commence.

Clerics led the prayer session seeking God continuous protection over mama and her entire family as well as friends who came to honour her.

The toast and cake cutting was beautifully conducted by the popular Nollywood actress Yeye Toyin Adegbola popularly known as Ashewo Universe

‘

Mama was driven to the venue of the event without her knowing what her children had in stock and was almost in tears when she saw family members and friends standing in front of her birthday cake waiting for her to take photograph before winning and dinning commence.

’

•A cross section of dignitaries at the event.

OUR SOCIAL REGISTER IS OPEN FOR YOUR SOCIAL ACTIVITIES TO BE MADE PUBLIC

•Former Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Oluomo Sunday Akere (2nd left), Honourable Abiodun Awolola (1st from left); Mr Kola Akere, (1st right); the celebrant, Mama Wuraola and other dignitaries during the birthday celebration.

Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among others for your take. To take advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, 08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on 07032594744 Let the public know what you are doing.

NEWS

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

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10

PDP Should Not Dream Of Returning To Power - Aregbesola

By Kehinde Ayantunji The governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has advised Nigerians not to reconsider Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) at all levels in Nigeria, saying the party has derailed during its 16 years rule as nothing substantial in terms of human and social infrastructure can be referred to.

Aregbesola said if PDP over launch in the Southis truly a party of West.

Aregbesola said the conscience and integrity, it would not be bragging digital age has come to of coming back to power stay and that digital with the moral burden of broadcasting has made it impoverishing Nigerians possible for anybody for the period during who has a standard and which the country earn studio, camera highest oil revenue in equipment to be seen in the far corners of the history.

Aregbesola said this world.

He therefore urged the during the official launch of the digital switch over digital signal distribution of Television Service in company, in charge of Osogbo, Capital, State of Osun, to ensure they cover the whole state so Osun.

According to the the people of the state can the digital governor, PDP enjoy symbolises failure which broadcasting experience.

Speaking earlier, The reflected in most of the federal government Information minister, abandoned projects L a i M u h a m m e d including digital switch explained that “Digital over of television services Switch Over” of Nigeria analogue adding that the from digitalisation will define broadcasting to digital broadcast development broadcasting would create endless in Nigeria.

He said: “PDP is a opportunities in the and failed party and that is television more reason they failed entertainment sector.

According to the deadline of project delivery, the reign was 16 Minister, the switch over years of hopelessness. It would provide platform was that period that for telecommunication Nigeria earned highest companies, advertisers, revenue in oil and we content providers and have no road, no water movie producers to and other amenities and maximise profits through I am always surprised digital broadcasting, a when they are not medium of reaching a ashamed of their failure wider and distance and still bragging to audience.

He also stressed the come back, by the grace job of God they will never numerous and return to power in opportunities businesses the digital Nigeria”.

The governor switch over would create, appreciated the Minister stating that those in the of Information and broadcasting value chain Culture, Alhaji Lai would be engaged in Muhammed’s gesture for every production stage.

He said local making Osun an anchor state for the digital switch companies engaged to

produce setup boxes for receiving digital signals would also employ a lot of Nigerians, thereby reducing unemployment and creating new jobs.

Mallam Is’haq Kawu, the Director-General of National Broadcasting

burden off parents and massively had the unintended effect of increasing school enrolment’, the party said.

“In a similar way the O’YES programme also pulled 40,000 youths off the streets of Osun and gave them not just jobs, but also training and start-up funds to empower some others to establish enterprises after their training. Twenty thousand more youths will again be called up soon!

“Besides, the social security scheme that covered vulnerable senior citizens in Osun set Osun apart from the rest of Nigeria so much so that people of goodwill all over the world

applauded while negative people and misinformed critics especially in the opposition riled against and condemned the government for initiating these schemes”, the APC stated.

“However, the United Nations, especially, in collaboration with the Federal Government, is ignoring critics and fake news outlets that perpetually demonise the APC government, to single out the state as the best place to start institutionalisation of this Social Protection Policy to alleviate and eventually eliminate abject poverty from our society’, the APC argued.

“While cynics and kleptocrats demonise Aregbesola and the APC government at home,

Osogbo which is the capital of Osun was strategic to the launch as it is one of the cities that a factory had been setup for the production of setup boxes for digital TV. He said the launch of

the digital switch over in Osun allows for the spread of the service into the South-Western region, and that the choice of Osun was most logical

APC Group, Others Rejoice With Adeoti At 65 Members and executives of the Osun New Era Group (ONE-G), an affiliation of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun have started showering encomiums on the current Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti, on the occasion of his 65th birthday.

This was contained in Coordinator of the group, a statement issued and Mr Jamiu Ibrahim and signed by the State made available to

Journalists in the state capital.

According to the group, Alhaji Adeoti has consistently been an embodiment of what progressive politics should be not just within the Southwest geopolitical zone but the

•Scene of an auto-crash at the Machine Tools area, along Ikirun/Osogbo road.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Be Prepared To Follow Up Cases, DPO Urges Public

By Murtala Agboola Residents of Osogbo in the state of Osun have been called upon to be prepared to provide information to the police on any crime as well as follow up cases till it gets to court.

The Divisional Police Relations Committee Office (DPO), Mr. (PCRC) held at the Clement Agbemoroti, a station recently.

The police chief said Superintendent of Police, when gave the admonition at sometimes the monthly meeting of residents report crime to the Police Community the police and the culprits are apprehended, the victims are not willing to follow it up to the court.

He, however, stressed Federal Government and that without cogent evidence from eye United Nations continue to approve and witnesses, the case may appreciate the efforts of end up at the station, or Osun to address the if it eventually ends in issues of poverty and court, it is thrown out for access to good and lack of credible evidence.

According to him, in healthy social life style of the two cases, members its citizenry. of the public attribute the “The culmination of lack of continuation of this collaboration was the cases to either approval of a draft inefficiency on the part of proposal which will the police or that they make Osun the first state have compromised on in Nigeria to the ethics of their institutionalise the ‘Osun profession (Agbemoroti Social Protection Policy, cited instances of cases the APC said. where victims have “When passed into refused to come up with law, any politician who evidence against culprits attempts to abrogate it arrested by the police. would be guilty of a He equally advised crime against humanity members of the PCRC that all crimes should be because it will take only a virtually inhuman reported to the police and political actor to scrap not settled at home that law”, the APC because of the likely consequences. concluded.

In response to a

Osun APC Boasts •Continued from page 2

Commission (NBC) in his own remarks said the launch of the digital switch over in Osun was unique because the state is the first location in the South-Western part of the country.

Kawu also said

question, the DPO said all builders being extorted should report to the nearest police station. He said thugs masquerading as land speculators for extorting money from people putting up buildings should contact the nearest police station to the area of construction.

The chairman of PCRC, High Chief Gbadebo Adeyemo JP corroborated what the DPO said by stating that the office of Kabiyesi, HRM Oba Jimoh Olanipekun, is on top of the situation.

He asserted that anybody that run foul of the law by harassing anybody putting up a building will be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Adeyemo said the monarch frowns at the activities of miscreants disturbing builders at their sites and would not relent in ensuring that their excesses are checked permanently.

New police officers posted to the station were introduced to members while members were asked to co-operate with the police.

PCRC members were asked to be up and doing in terms of prompt attendance of meetings and payment of levies.

entire country at large.

According to the APC group, the man, Adeoti has paid his dues as a leader as reflected in all his actions while he was the party chairman in the state during the most turbulent period in the political history of the state.

The group reflected on the period preceding and following the 2007 governorship election when members of the opposition party were being arrested and clamped into detention on trumped-up charges ranging from arson and bomb explosion.

“Throughout the period mentioned above, Adeoti and some others remained committed to the progressive ideals of the party.

“Throughout the period of his incarceration, he remained unperturbed and never for once betrayed the course of his progressive politics despite numerous overtures extended to him by the then PDP-led administration in the state.

“As a group, all we can do to celebrate this political icon of our time is to jointly continue to pray that Almighty Allah spares his life to continue to be a shining light to the younger progressive elements within the APC fold in the state and even beyond,” the group prayed.

In the same vein, another political and civil society group, the People’s Welfare League (PWL) also added to the numerous congratulatory messages by wishing him success in all his future political endeavours.

According to the State Coordinator of the group, Comrade Abiodun Agboola, the celebrant has become a role model to most of the group members.

He therefore wished Alhaji Adeoti more celebration of the day in good health and prosperity.

In his own congratulatory message, a frontline APC member and current Leader of the House in Iwo Local Government Council, Mr Tunde Akinlawon, praised the celebrant for his style of politics and doggedness in his struggle to ensure a better Osun and prayed for his long life.

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11

Senatorial District May Be A Factor In Osun Gov Election - Analyst OSUN DEFENDER’s ABDULAHI OMOTAYO and MARIAM BELLO engaged a Lawyer and Public Affairs Analyst, Yomi Obaditan on his forecasts for the coming governorship election in the State of Osun and other sundry issues.

OSDF: In your opinion what will be your forecast for the 22nd of September?

Obaditan: When you look at the development from 2007, a lot of things have taken place which reflected that there had been a sort of political ‘reshufflement’ (permit me to use that language) and there have been some alliances as well as sharing of political ideas. Sequel to the 2007 election when the struggle was on for the consolidation of Governor Rauf Aregbesola gubernatorial mandate, we will say that about 80% of those who openly declared governorship ambition were actually on the side of PDP, but with the judgment of the Court of Appeal that said Aregbesola is the governor, the situation took a new turn. Since November, 27, 2010, the dynamics of political processes as well as the dynamics of political crossover, sharing of ideas have changed. I will give some instances whereby in 2010 the number of the PDP members in National Assembly and those who are in the local governments were at the upper side. Unlike now whereby, in the House of Assembly, for instance, the PDP has only 2 members out of 26, in the National Assembly, they have only one senator two House of Representatives members.

Also, looking at the last Senatorial election in Osun West, I think the APC members themselves gave it out, because there were cases whereby party members voted against their own candidate.

OSDF: … Are you saying the issue of senatorial district in selecting candidates of the major political parties will be a factor?

Obaditan: It could be a factor because almost all over Nigeria, there is this

regional or senatorial agreement which they call zoning. The reason why it might be a factor is that if you look at the zone where former governor Oyinlola came from, it is not the same as Aregbesola. If anyone would come from Ijesa zone to contest for governorship now, it may not be so easy for that person to emerge because there has been a conventional agreement that when it’s one’s turn, the other might not have its ways.

From what have happened after the Osun West election, I think the APC has been able to make some corrections and

‘

If anyone would come from Ijesa zone to contest for governorship now, it may not be so easy for that person to emerge because there has been a conventional agreement that when it’s one’s turn, the other might not have its ways.

’

•OBADITAN there has been sort of harmonious relationship, better than what it was before those elections.

The APC should be able to explore the achievements of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Just few minutes ago while passing by Ogo-Oluwa area, a man said, I am from Osogbo and even though, I have not benefitted in terms of contract but what Aregbesola has done, the people of Osogbo can never forget.

When you look at the voting of Osun generally 50% - 58% is always from Osogbo. There is no way Osogbo will turn around with their 58% and Aregbesola will not be able to score 48%, all he needs to do is to get about 20% from somewhere else which will be equal to 68%. The major development has been centered in Osogbo. Even the Osogbo indigenes, the Oroki Social Group has presented an award. Also

Your PVC, Your Power Let me start with a personal experience.

I was a media handler to one of the candidates contesting to govern one of the states in the South east of Nigeria in 2013.

The candidate, a business mogul, was very popular especially among the youths, who happen to hold the ace in electoral victory in any space. Of course, judging by his youthful age then, he was certainly one of them. He had everything to his advantage, or so it seemed then. What with the deep pockets which included the dollar to spend and also the youthful energy? We traversed the nooks and crannies of the state including villages and sub-urban cities and towns. We even went as far as neighbouring and some other states other states where we knew we could convince the indigenes of our candidate’s state living there to come home to exercise their voting rights and vote for him.

Lot of money was spent on “mobilisation” and of course, this couldn’t be a problem since my then principal had a very deep pocket…perhaps deeper than other candidates and he was not one to shy away from flaunting it. His country home, which was the de facto campaign head office was always a theatre of activities from when the campaigns commenced and afterwards. We were more than sure that he was going to have upper hands judging by the crowds, days and nights and in everywhere we went to campaign.

Every clergy, traditional ruler, community leader and so on assured our candidate.

So, we thought we were good to go to the polls and win.

On the day of the election, one of the first things that surprised us was that at every polling booth, length of the queues were short, contrary to our expectation.

We had expected a huge turn-out of voters, judging by the huge turn-outs during campaigns. It was as if the whole communities were deserted. What could have gone wrong? The weather was

someone from chieftaincy in Osogbo has said, “I am a contractor but I have never been to the governor, yet, we in Osogbo can never forget that man because he has made impact”. When Osogbo 50% - 58% is delivered, whoever wins Osogbo has won Osun state.

If I get my data very well, Osogbo is central and have the highest number of voters.

OSDF: Do you think, the primary election will be free and fair in APC? Obaditan: In human society, you can never predict, that is why we talk about the dynamism of human being. As a social scientist, when we look at the previous primaries that have taken place within the progressive, it is the direction that elders of the party go that come to pass. I remember few years ago when Baba Akande was speaking and he said, go to United Kingdom, find out from them if it’s not the party caucus that put up candidate, even in America you’ll hear of the Isreal Business Group. There are some other people who will sponsor candidate, but certainly an individual cannot just emerge because he has the money. It is the party caucus or party leaders who show the direction.

Whosoever they support quite often emerges in the primary. The primary won’t be a problem as long as they put their hands on deck. Nobody can 100% predict that there will be problem.

What direction do you think the primaries will go?

Obaditan: I cannot answer for the party because there’s no data to that effect. As I have said earlier that politics is dynamics and when you are dealing with human beings, you can’t make such prediction. I know each political party have their strategies.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

clement, no harassment from security agents, it was a public holiday declared for the sole purpose of the Election Day. It was a deep puzzle. Well, votes were cast and election result was declared and your guess is as good as mine. He lost.

I replayed the whole scenario in my mind, right from the early days even before my candidate declared his intent, in which various socio-cultural and business communities pledged their support, down to commencement of campaigns, the huge crowds so difficult to control that bestrode all campaigns, up until the eve of the Election Day. I couldn’t fathom where we went wrong. All of us at the situation room were in the cold like the proverbial chicken that fell into a pool of water and struggled to get out to safety.

Money was spent lavishly, we had the best manifesto, or so we thought. But one thing was missing in our campaign pitch: we took it for granted that every eligible voter had a Permanent Voter’s Card, or PVC. We took it for granted that everyone in the crowd who showed love for our candidate was a potential voter, even without asking whether he or she is eligible, through

Politics is a game of number. And the only way this game could be played and won legally is by possession of valid PVC and its usage on election day. It is your power, your weapon to vote in or vote out whomsoever you wish.

possession of the PVC. The crowd was our only megaassurance. We neglected, to our undoing, the most important item, without which a vote cannot be cast: The Almighty PVC! It is regrettable that a lot of people do not collect their voter’s card even when they reluctantly do register to have one; many even collect it not for the purpose of voting, but for other extraneous reasons like access to public utilities. You can hail your candidate, speak well of him, support him in whatever way you deem possible but you are a total waste if you do not translate these activities into countable votes on election day. It makes me remember the popular saying that politics is a game of numbers. And the only way this game could be played and won legally is by possession of valid PVC and use it on election day. It is your power, your weapon to vote in or vote out whomsoever you wish. It is free and your only qualification is your age. Democracy is so good that it is the only and best form of

government that allows full participation.

You are very important in the democratic process inasmuch as you possess your personal PVC. Do not sell it or exchange it for other pecuniary benefits. Doing so will only mean you’ve sold your birthright as did the biblical Esau.

So, when the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on Monday claimed that 215,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) were still unclaimed in Ekiti, five months to the July 14 governorship election, it was a very sad commentary.

Hopefully, Osun residents will take a cue from this, by not only be in possession of their individual PVCs, but also come out en mass to elect their desired candidates when the time comes.

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OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

13

Free Health Not Sustainable - Osun Lawmaker Honourable (Pharm.) Adeleke Ogunsola, Chairman, House Committee on Health in this interview with OSUN DEFENDER’S Francis Ezediuno, explains why at this time Osun needs to implement the health insurance scheme, steps he has taken to intervene in the impasse between doctors in the state service and other sundry issues.

OSDF: As the Chairman House Committee on Health, what are the areas of your oversight functions?

Ogunsola: All the health facilities in the state are under my committee. That is what we call oversight.

We oversee what they have appropriated for in the budget estimates of the year and make sure that, that is what is actually being executed by the Executive.

The Appropriation law is what we oversee to ensure that it is actually followed to the letter.

OSDF: Is health free in Nigeria albeit the State of Osun?

Ogunsola: Health can never be free. In Nigeria, the National Health Insurance Scheme (NHIS) which is supposed to be a kind of relief is not even free. For some surgical operations, it may not be covered except the enrollee enjoys a special allowance apart from the general one.

Back to Osun, the progressives, main theme is that health care must be free for all and sundry at all levels.

That is what the progressives would always want and pursue, but sometimes the economic reality would not allow it.

We have come to realise that health care cannot be free. To certain categories of people, that is, children, elderly and the pregnant women it can be free, but the working class has to pay for the health care services they enjoy.

Since the inception of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, health has been free, but for some few months now due to the paucity of funds and the inability of government to meet some demands which led to the agreed modulated salaries, it is certain that it could not be sustained. This has also affected the health care delivery system in the state. The volume and quality of services delivery has dwindled due to no fault of the state government.

On immunisation, Osun has been rated second nationally. Even the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) has commended the State Government of Osun for being the first to pay its counterpart fund of N21 million.

Do not also forget that the government gave pregnant women Mama kits recently, while the children whether of the rich or poor and the elderly are also taken care of. All these categories of people fall under the vulnerable group and the state government ensures they enjoy maximum health care delivery for free.

Mr. Governor is the first governor to implement the ‘Agba Osun’ programme where the elderly are paid monthly stipends. This came about after the state government worked with a consultant Gerontologist from the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital Complex (OAUTHC), Ile-Ife on a research on the elderly.

In the overall, we are still saying that in Osun, health care delivery is relatively free.

OSDF: Health Insurance Scheme is still attributed to the working class, is that supposed to be the norm?

Ogunsola: It is supposed to be in stages. That is for the formal and informal sectors. You know when government wants to introduce such scheme, it is easier for it to be introduced to its personnel; the formal sector. In Osun now, the health insurance scheme will be introduced for both the formal and informal sectors. It will come on stream very soon.

Those who even need it most are those on the informal sector. For a token, they are going to enjoy professional care and advice, quality drugs and be attended to by qualified medical personnel.

I am very sure people in the informal sector will like to key into it because looking at the financial aspect, of the scheme they spend less for more care.

OSDF: Will the state health scheme be made compulsory for citizens or for only interested participants?

Ogunsola: The system we want to operate will make it voluntarily compulsory. In delivering a new thing to the people, they are usually scared of change but that is the only permanent thing in life especially to their health. I can assure you that there will be sensitisation that will make 99% of citizens both the formal and informal to take interest.

The State Ministry of Health is in the last stage and the scheme will be introduced very soon.

OSDF: How will enrollees access the services; will

•Honourable Ogunsola it be only in public health facilities?

Ogunsola: These things will be spelt out. I can assure you that during the sensitization and enlightenment programmes which will be well publicised, these things will be spelt out in details.

We have to come down to the level of the people at the grass roots. We want to pass the information and we also want them to comprehend it.

OSDF: There have been cases of staff who hardly report to their duty stations?

Ogunsola: You are very correct to a certain extent but usually people far away from the grass roots may not know what is happening. That is why the State Ministry of Health has a monitoring team in place.

This team’s job is to visit these remote stations even at night where the staffers are running shifts.

Government has gone to the extent of even introducing Sheriff Guards to monitor activities of health workers at these remote locations. The government is aware of this development and in order to support the orthodox method of monitoring, Sheriff Guards have been assigned to complement.

The government is also trying to encourage and motivate the monitoring teams in terms of logistics and other things.

OSDF: The impasse between the medical doctors in the state employment and the Ministry of Health visà-vis the state government, how have your interventions to resolve the crisis been?

Ogunsola: Medicine is a noble profession and taking a look at the Hippocratic Oath medical doctors take,

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO they should not allow themselves to be used by politicians or even allow their own profession to be politicized. The difficulties we are experiencing as a state is not peculiar to Osun, the situation is the same all across the country with regards to the economy which we have severally explained to them.

We think that they would have been well informed to know that what is happening is not a deliberate action taken by the state government.

We have to give kudos to the governor and he has given directive that anything that has to do with health must be given top priority; their entitlements, equipment and their work environment.

We found out that their union which is supposed to understand and enlighten members more about the group’s aim is also falling short because of the prevailing circumstances.

Therefore, my committee’s intervention as a parliament include bringing the leadership of the state’s Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) to the House of Assembly for Mr. Speaker’s intervention on three occasions and we have extracted commitments from them only for them to go back and rescind on what we have agreed on.

We will continue to intervene. They have even promised that by the end of this month, we will have cause to smile in my dialogue with the leadership.

OSDF: As the Chairman House Committee on Health, have you sponsored or supported any health related bill?

Ogunsola: Yes! OSACA Bill was from me but I allowed Dr. Atolagbe, a member of my committee to make it a private bill. What is more important to me and the government is that health care should be delivered adequately at the local level.

We also have the State Primary Health Care Development Bill for the establishment of the State of Osun Primary Health Care Development Board which was graciously signed into law by the governor last year. Despite the paucity of funds, the Osun government paid N21 million counterpart fund to the NPHCDA so that our children could be immunized to prevent the childhood killer diseases.

We have made a lot of resolutions, some of which have led to the rehabilitation of the nine state hospitals in all the three senatorial districts in the state.

The one thing that is germane to me is that of preventable diseases. From day one, I have made sure that all the local governments benefitted maximally from it. There are other ones we have done that we did not need to sponsor a bill to make resolutions but we did it through our oversight functions. It has helped the state and the House of Assembly.

O’Ambulance has done well and it is a pride to Osun. Through them, many lives have been saved by their emergency interventions.

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NEWS

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

Take More Decisive Actions On Herders/Farmers Clash - ARG Urges State, FG A pan-Yoruba Socio-Cultural Group, the Afenifere Renewal Group (ARG) has urged government at all levels in Nigeria to take more decisive actions to stop the incessant terror attacks in the country.

In a statement made spokesman of the group, available to OSUN Chief Kunle Famoriyo, it DEFENDER by the noted that the Boko

Haram elements and herdsmen militia are two terror groups casting shadows of death on Nigerians and governments at all level must respond adequately.

The ARG landed the

deployment of troops to various flash-points across the country to curb herders and farmers violent encounters, but posited that more steps needed to be taken to completely forestall

By Sola Jacobs needless loss of lives and identification technology property. would also facilitate livestock The release stated that Nigerian reports from 2010-2016 farmers for meat export revealed that attacks from business.

The release tasked the Fulani extremists resulted in more than 3,000 deaths Federal Government on legislative across four African exclusive for countries, with 92% of responsibility immigration and border fatalities taking place in control matters, calling for Nigeria.

It therefore suggested effective and sustained border control to that there should be an checkmate criminal executive order declaring herders from other an amnesty window for countries who have the all arms-bearing herders, with intention to subvert farmers and other Nigeria’s sovereignty and terrorists, wherever they dominate the indigenous may be found in the people. country and after the As parts of its deadline, anyone caught recommendations, it with arms should be called for proper arrested and prosecuted federalism in the country under Terrorism Acts. that will allow state police Moreso, it urged all the for security of the people, state Houses of Assembly while it condemned open to make digital Animal grazing in its entirety identification statutory as describing it as archaic it would eliminate cattle and not fit for modern rustling and such living.

Council Manager Escapes Atttack Over Chairmanship Tussle Youth In Leadership: Osun Students Rally Support For Olajengbesi •Osun Commissioner for Budget and Economic Planning, Dr Olalekan Yunusa and other participants at the State MTSS Development Sector Planning Teams Training Workshop Western Sun Hotel, Ede.

By Kehinde Ayantunji The National Association of Nigeria Students, Joint Campus Committee (NANS/JCC) and National Association of Osun State Students (NAOSS) have canvassed supports for one of their own, Pelumi Olajengbesi, who is the founder of Itura foundation.

They unanimously youths.

“Contrary to erroneous endorsed Olajengbesi as the leading light among impressions in some the youths, whose quarters that Nigerian political zeal could be youths lack the capacity emulated by the youths to steer the ship of the for active participation in nation, the future of this the political decision - country lies with the youths, as we have many making process.

The students of them who possess the acumen of good noted that the legislative requisite governance. arm of government “In pursuing this remains a veritable strategy, we have ground for youths who inducted the founder of want to make impact in Itura Foundation, Pelumi the conventional politics, Olajengbesi to our hall of adding that the onus now fame as a worthy lies on the youths to ambassador of the youths c o n v i n c i n g l y in Osun for his support demonstrate necessary for several youths in capacity to address social leadership campaigns, and economic challenges students’ development in Nigeria. and capacity building.

This was contained in We have no hesitation to a press statement jointly express utmost signed by the duo of confidence in his ability NANS JCC Chairman, to lead and urged Saheed Muftau and members of the public to NAOSS National rally support for him”, President, Hakeem the statement reads.

Alake in Osogbo, the The student body Osun State Capital and added that despite its made available to firm tradition of being journalists on Monday. apolitical, it will be They further urged the ungrateful not to the youths to be constructive acknowledge in their assessment and o u t s t a n d i n g of debate of governmental contributions policies and make their Olajengbesi to the contributions to National students’ community and discourse practically youth developments in the last 6 months. issue-based.

“For record purpose, in According to the statement, “Youth in the last two months, the power in Nigeria is a founder of Itura paradigm shift that foundation has donated requires urgent attention two buses to the student of political class in community in the state Nigeria, and total change and distributed in orientation by the educational materials to

By Israel Afolabi

both primary and secondary school students and supported several students leadership training and capacity building.

“Also, during the agitation for the passage of “Not Too Young To Run Bill, Olajengbesi provided leadership and presented at every fora a well elaborate and elucidated youth agenda that is capable of alleviating poverty and build economic

prosperity for state of Osun and Nigeria at large”.

They however urged other prominent youths in the society to emulate the gesture of Olajengbesi by contributing to educational and youth development to secure a prosperous future for Nigeria, noting that the future of any nation largely depends on the quality of its young population.

Osun Govt To Begin Allocation Of Farm Settlement To 500 Small Farmers The state Government of Osun has commenced allocation of farmland in the New Ago-Owu Farm Settlement to 500 small holdings farmers in the state.

Land Head, Corporate and Agricultural and Commercial Services, Holding Osun Agricultural Land Development Authority Holding and has released the list of the Development Authority, successful beneficiaries Mr Wole Ajewole, in a of farmland allocation of press release on Tuesday, 500 small holdings explained that the list of located within the the successful precinct of the IITA beneficiaries of the Research and Training farmland had been Farm at New Ago-Owu Farm Settlement.” released.

According to Ajewole, Ajewole maintained that the provision of the allocation of farmland farmland to the farmers would be done on first and agric entrepreneurs come first serve basis, in the state is in urging the farmers that fulfillment of the applied for the farmland government’s efforts to to check their names at promote food security the agency’s office at government secretariat, and wealth creation.

He added that the Abere.

This is coming against project is in tandem with the determination of the the insinuation by of the government to use members agriculture as a catalyst opposition party that the to grow the economy of state government had mortgaged farm the state.

The release reads in settlements in the state part: “The Osun for loans.

The Council Manager of Ede North Area Council, Mrs. Nike Adepoju, on Wednesday was nearly lynched at the premises of Osun House of Assembly complex by protesters over the inauguration of the newly elected councillors for the council.

Adepoju, who was affected councillors invited for a meeting by refused to show up for the House Committee the inauguration, saying Chairman on Local that he later ordered the Government and council manager to with the Chieftaincy Affairs, proceed Honourable Wasiu inauguration since they Adebayo based on a were duly informed.

Speaking earlier at the petition written against her by aggrieved elected meeting, Mr Uthman councillors, was saved by Kamil, who was the sole pressmen at the councillor inaugurated assembly, who whisked out of the three councillors, confirmed her away into an office.

The council manager, that he was the only one while coming out of the at the venue of the meeting held at the inauguration.

However, the affected parliamentary room of Ismail the assembly, was councillors, Adeniyi and Oyewale ambushed by protesters, Sheriff, in their separate who were apparently not responses, stated that satisfied with the they were not duly resolution of the informed of the venue of lawmakers. the inauguration.

During the meeting, They said they were the aggrieved councillors directed to a different alleged that they were place apart from the real deliberately locked out of designated venue for the the venue of the inauguration. inauguration, which took Members of the All place on Feb. 22. progressive Congress, They added that who were also at the locking them out denied meeting said that they them the opportunity of would resist any taking oath of office and imposition of candidate also to participate in the on them. selection of Executive The lawmakers in their Chairman that would remarks appealed to the lead the team. aggrieved party They alleged that the members to sheath their council manager acted in swords as the house connivance with the State would look into it with a Commissioner for Local view to finding a lasting Government and solution to the issue. chieftaincy Affairs, Barr They however berated Kolapo Alimi, who was the Council Manager for out the also part of the meeting. carrying But, Alimi, in his inauguration in the response said that the absence of others.

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Court Remands 7 For Alleged Armed Robbery In Osun

By Abdullahi Omotayo An Osogbo Magistrate Court has ordered the remand of seven persons in Ilesa prison custody over alleged armed robbery.

The suspects are, Mufutau, 23; Adeoti Olorunisomo Gbenga, 21; Saheed, 22; Rasheed Dada Ayomide, 20; Yisa Suleiman, 20; Kehinde

Olarewaju, 27; and Badmus Kayode, 21.

They were arraigned on a six-count charge bothering on robbery, conspiracy, and unlawful possessions of arms.

The Magistrate, Mrs.

Fatimo Sodamade, ordered the accused to be remanded in prison custody without taking their pleas due to the magnitude of the offences committed.

The Prosecutor, Mr Mustapha Tajudeen, had

told the court that the accused committed the offence on December 31, 2017 at about 2:30 p.m, within Osogbo environs.

Tajudeen said the accused conspired among themselves to rob Azeez Waheed, Adedeji Ridwan, Giwa Olalade, and Fagbemi Isaac of some items.

“The culprits carted away a Blackberry phone, Android phone, power bank, Infinix phone, Samsung mobile phone, Itel phone and ATM cards with some cash sum of N25,000 among other items .”

He said the accused armed themselves with guns, cutlasses and other dangerous weapons.

According to him, “the accused were arrested by the Special Anti-Cultism Squad, State CID, Osogbo and the squad made it known that an English made 8 rounds revolver pistol was recovered from Yisa Mufutau.

The prosecutor said the offence contravened Sections 1(1)(2)(a)(b) and 6(b) and punishable under Section 1(1) of the robbery and firearms (Special Provisions) Act cap R11 Vol.14 laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The case was subsequently adjourned to March 28 for mention.

Police Arraign 50-Yearold Man For Allegedly Stealing Motorcycle •The alleged armed robbery suspects.

The Osun state police on Tuesday, February 27, 2017 arraigned Adekoleoye Oladimeji before a magistrate court in Osogbo, Osun state capital, charged for stealing motorcycle.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Mustapha Tajudeen informed the court that the accused committed the offence person committed the on the 21st February, offence on 19th 2018, at about 2:00pm at November, 2017, at Agunbelewo area in about 4:30pm at OgoOsogbo.

Oluwa area in Osogbo.

According to the The prosecutor told prosecutor, the convict the court that the broke and entered into accused person stole one the house of one Abdul- motorcycle with engine Raham Hamidu with number DUZWHB40408 intent to commit felony. and chassis number He also said that MD2A18AY6HWB53041 Azeez stole one tiger which valued N260,000 belonging to generator valued property lnaolaji Saheed, an N16,000, one standing offence contrary to fan valued N10,500 Section 383 (1) and naira, one aluminum punishable under shelf valued N6,000 and Section 516, 390 (9) of the one cooking gas valued criminal code cap 34 vol.

N2,600, with total items 11 laws of Osun State of valued N35,000 Nigeria, 2002.

Adekoleoye Oladimeji property of one Abdulpleaded not guilty to the Rahman Hamidu. charge Abiodun further two-count stated that the convict preferred against him.

The counsel to the committed the offence contrary to and accused person, Mr E.l. lkuobasi prayed the punishable under Section 411 and under court to grant his client bail in the most liberal Section 390 (9) of the terms.

Criminal Code Cap 34 The magistrate, Mr O. Vol.11 Laws of Osun T. Badmus, granted the State, Nigeria 2003. accused person bail in The convict pleaded the sum of N200,000 and guilty to the two-count one surety in like sum. charge preferred against Badmus said, the surety must reside him. the court The defence counsel, within Mr Okobe Najite urged jurisdiction and provide evidence of three-year the court to temper justice with mercy by tax payments and three sized reducing the passports punishment of his photographs, attached with an affidavit of client. means as the address The Magistrate, Mr must be verified by the O.T Badmus thereby police. sentenced Azeez to one The case was then year and two months adjourned till March imprisonment.

23rd 2018 for hearing.

Court Jails 24-Year old Man 14-Month For Stealing

By Abdullahi Omotayo A magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun state, has sentenced a 24-year-old man, Azeez Agboola, to 24 months imprisonment over alleged theft.

The convict was arraigned on a twocount charge bothering on felony and stealing.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Fagboyinbo Abiodun told the court that the accused person

Court Remands 4 Men Over Alleged Car-Jacking

By Abdullahi Omotayo An Osogbo Magistrate court on Wednesday, February 28, 2018, remanded four persons in Ilesa prison custody over alleged armed robbery and unlawful possession of firearms.

The accused persons persons and others now include Kehinde at large had between Badmus 43, Adeleke January, 2015 and Timothy 40, Akoodu December 13, 2017 at Femi Rufus 40, and about 08:00pm, Adenle Olusola conspired among Babatunde 40, and are themselves to commit facing nine-count charge armed robbery, an on robbery and offence contrary to unlawful possession. section 6(b) and The Prosecutor, Insp. punishable under J. Iloko informed the Section (1) of the robbery court that the accused and Firearms (Special

Provisions) Act Cap RII Vol. 14 laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

He added that the accused persons robbed one Olufemi Ayoade Olulade of his Toyota Corolla with Registration number AAA 405 BV, valued N1.8m, a Toyota Camry car belonging to Nasiru Olanike Fatima with Reg. No. EKY 982 CK, valued N1m, and a Toyota Corolla car belonging to Bamidele Babatunde with Reg.

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Other properties stolen by the suspects included; Toyota Corolla car belonging to Alao Abimbola with Reg. No. GNN 815 AO, valued N1.6m, a Toyota Corolla car belonging to Azeez Dauda with Reg. No. EDT 912 AA, valued N1.1m, and Toyota Corolla car belonging to Ayemoro Makanjuola with Reg. No. APP 424 AL, valued N1.7m.

The charge further disclosed that the first accused person illegally possessed a local made double barrel gun, an offence punishable under section 3(1) of the robbery and Firearms (Special Provisions) Act Cap RII Vol. 14 laws of Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

The pleas of the accused persons were not taken because of the magnitude of charges against them.

The Presiding Magistrate, Mr O.T Badmus ordered the accused person to be remanded in Ilesa prison custody and adjourned the case till April 20, 2018 for mention.

Word On Marble “VOR also welcomes the introduction of the Parliamentary system in the local government of Osun State. Apart from saving cost, the rudiments of parliamentary system of government could be learnt at the local level right from now, because there lies the future of governance in Yorubaland. We encourage other states in Yorubaland to follow suit”.

---VOICE OF REASON (VOR), a Pan-Yoruba Leadership Group THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

FRIDAY MARCH 2 - THURSDAY MARCH 8, 2018

Osun 2018 Countdown: 204

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

Days To Go!

Analysis By Osun Defender’s Data Analyst, Ojenike Oluwadamilola assisted by Mariam Ajetunmobi. The People’s Democratic Party has a high mountain to climb to win the State of Osun governorship election slated for September 22nd, 2018.

The party will have to have a swing of 14.8% to win overall. A key factor here, is that unlike last time in 2014, the September 22nd election will not be conducted under a PDP Minister of Police Affairs who turned the state security services into an instrument of electoral locus pocus including v o t e r s ’ suppression.

The split of the PDP into two contending factions will also be a great hindrance. It is difficult to see how the deeply seated sources of disagreement can be plastered in readiness for the governorship election.

In the coming weeks, OSUN DEFENDER will take a detailed look at the

senatorial districts in terms of previous and projected voters registration, turn-out and their bearing on the race.

‘

The split of the PDP into two contending factions will also be a great hindrance.

’ 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,