Osun Defender Online Version, January 25, 2019

Vindication Comes For Aregbesola...

Osun Ranks Highest In Nigeria's Development Indicators “When you look at the summary of some of these indicators, Osun state came out as the best state in Nigeria, followed by Anambra and Lagos states in a close tie of second position, and the third being Ekiti and FCT taking the fourth and fifth positions respectively”.

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Untold Story Of How Osun Deity Was ‘Sold’ •Page 2

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Untold Story Of How Osun Deity Was ‘Sold’

By Sikiru Obarayese There is continous palpable distrust among custodians of the Osun deity, as its chief priest, Chief Adigun Olosun insisted that the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun colluded with one other person to sell the deity to some foreigners.

Inspite the denial, the gathered that there was a Chief priest has fallout between the challenged the monarch monarch and the Priest to sue him on defamation over the eviction of Osun of character, so that there priestess from the Palace would be opportunity for and appopintment of a him to prove the new priestess without allegation. consultation with other It was recently stakeholders. reported that the Ataoja According to the chief allegedly sold the deity priest, he received an for N15 million anonymous call from However, it was some foreigners that

Osun deity was no longer in its abode and asked him to investigate the matter, which prompted him to call on the Araba of Osogboland and a high Chief, the AJagunna of Osogboland to investigate the issue as he was not in the country.

However, the duo returned his call that the deity was at its abode but the callers insisted that he should conduct an i n d e p e n d e n t investigation being the custodian of the deity, which prompted his decision to return home

from his base in Germany.

Upon his return to the town, he consulted the only person who has access to the deity to confirm whether he was consulted but disclosed that no one did which forced him to head to those behind the call at the Lagos Airport where he confirmed that the deity was with them in a medium briefcase.

He added that the buyers could not board with the deity as it was too heavy to move into the plane on board to

Europe.

Responding to the accusation, the Ataoja described it as false, and baseless, saying he did not trade the water goddess of Osogbo to the foreigners for N15 million as alleged.

The monarch in a press conference held at his palace recently, condemned the accusation which he described as unfounded and ruse, charging members of the public to disregard the rumor.

Oba Olanipekun, threatened to arrest Adigun whenever he step into the town for attempting to incite the public against him.

He claimed that the

water goddess is a spirit that could not be sold to anybody, saying, “In fact, it is not a physical property,” he added.

However, the Germany based traditionalist claimed that the Ataoja has approached him on various occasions on the need to make the deity a money making venture because he (Ataoja) is not making enough from the deity, but had to turn down his request which breed hostility between the duo.

He even challenged the Ataoja to go to court for defamation of character or report the matter to the police if he feels the allegations were false.

Why Oyetola Delayed Appointment Of CoS, SSG

By Ismaeel Uthman

• Wife of Osun Governor, Mrs. Kafayat Oyetola (right) and Wife of the immediate past governor of the state, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola at the Next Level Women and Youth Campaign Team South West Zonal rally at the Liberty Stadium, Ibadan last Saturday.

Osun Govt Orders Closure Of Account Operated Outside TSA •Warns Banks, MDAs Against Default

By Solomon Odeniyi Government of Osun has ordered the immediate closure of all other accounts being operated by some ministries, departments and agencies of government outside the Treasury Single Account (TSA).

According to a It warned partner by the financial institutions statement against the operation of Information Officer of the Kingsley such accounts for ministry, collection of all levies and Omoyeni, Oyebamiji taxes that belongs to the said, it is unfortunate that state government, saying banks who are supposed any bank that fails to to be partners in progress comply would be with the government could decide to connive severely sanctioned.

The Supervisor in with some government charge of the Ministry of agencies in perpetrating Finance, Mr Bola the wicked act.

The immediate past Oyebamiji stated this during a meeting with commissioner for Finance heads of banks who are in stressed that Osun partnership with the state government needs every government on the money it can get in terms collection of taxes and of revenue generation so other levies due to the as to make life better for the masses in the state. state government.

He said: “It is a fact that Represented at the meeting held at the we are generating conference room of the revenue, the problem is Ministry of Finance by that we are having the Permanent Secretary, leakages and it’s very Mrs Adebimpe unfortunate that the Ogunlumade, he banks which we rely on described the action as are aiding and abetting fraudulent, capable of those who want to robbing the state jeopardize our efforts.

“The government in government of funds which it desperately Osun is determined to needs to meet its make life better for its citizens, it’s sad that our obligations.

efforts at generating funds to help our people through revenue generation are being frustrated by people we trust.

“This is a warning to all financial institutions in partnership with us that any bank still found to be involved in this act will be seriously sanctioned”, Oyebamiji stated.

Speaking on efforts aimed at strengthening the state’s revenue, the board secretary of Osun Internal Revenue Service, Mrs Oluwatosin Falomo called on banks to supply all below-the-line accounts for the board to know the ones to close down.

She also appealed to financial institutions to always endeavour to report all revenue as and when due, stressing that

it doesn’t speak well of government to run after them before reporting their transactions to the appropriate quarters.

Technical Assistant to the Governor on TSA, Mr Adetona Adefokun stressed that all belowthe-line accounts being operated outside the TSA should be immediately reported for necessary action to be taken, stressing that the whole system needs to be reviewed.

Also speaking, the Senior Special Assistant to the governor on Finance, Dr Wale Tijani while calling on the banks to be on the same page with government for improved IGR said the act of operating outside the TSA is a total disregard to government policy.

AYENIMELO MOSES TOSIN

ADEYEMO MUKAILA ADELANI

That AYENIMELO TOSIN TIMILEHIN and AYENIMELO MOSES TOSIN are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as AYENIMELO MOSES TOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as ADEYEMO MUKAILA, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMO MUKAILA ADELANI. All former documents remain valid.

FCMB and General public should take note.

Governor of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola might not make any serious political appointment soon, Osun Defender has learnt.

The governor, it was Chieftaincy Affairs. learnt, might further However, Osun delay the appointment of Defender has learnt that the Chief of Staff to the Oyetola would not make Governor and the any serious appointment Secretary to the State until after the Government, against the forthcoming general expectation of the people elections, coming up on who are anxious for a CoS February 16 and March 2. to be named.

It was gathered that the Since his inauguration governor wants the party on November 27, 2018, to approach the general the people of the state had elections with a united expected that Oyetola house devoid of would have appointed a grievances that may Chief of Staff, because of ensue in the aftermath of the sensitivity and political appointments. importance of the office to Besides, information the running of has it that the governor government. and other political leaders But Oyetola had only in the state were yet to appointed a Chief Press conclude on the Secretary and formed a senatorial district from Steering Committee since which the Chief of Staff is inauguration. to be chosen.

The Steering Osun Defender learnt Committee comprised of that a section of the the Governor himself, Mr political bigwigs was Adelani Baderinwa, considering Ife in Osun Engineer Remi East Senatorial District Omowaiye, Dr Obawale while another was Adebisi, Alhaji Bola making case for Iwo, Oyebamiji, Barr. Jare where the immediate Adebisi, Dr Charles former occupant of the Akinola, Dr Olalekan office, Alhaji Rasak Yinusa, Mr Kola Salinsile hails from.

Omotunde-Young, Information also has it among others. that a particular young Members of the politician from Ifelodun/ committee were also Boripe/Odo-Otin Federal appointed by the Constituency where governor to supervise Governor Oyetola hails some ministries among from, is being tipped for which are, Ministry of the job.

Information and Strategy, But there is serious Ministry of Works and agitation from Ife Zone Innovation Science and for the CoS and it is not Technology, Ministry of unlikely that the zone Home Affairs, Culture might be eventually and Tourism, Ministry of considered for the Environment and position.

Sanitation, Ministry of On the appointment of Agriculture, Ministry of the SSG, the medium Finance, Ministry of reliable gathered that the Commerce, Cooperatives position has been and Empowerment and conceded to Ejigbo/Ede/ Ministry of Local Egbedore Federal Government and Constituency.

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APC/SDP Alliance Will Bury PDP In Osun-Famodun election, go and work to come to stay and I want SDP across the state to

By Kehinde Ayantunji correct them especially in with APC Osun Chairman of the All Progressives Congress the area of voters’ to enjoy all of you to work (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun has boasted that education. During the work with all members members, adding that of SDP in your various the alliance is in the the alliance with the Social Democratic Party (SDP) last governorship local governments and general interest of the in the state “is a political alliance that will bury PDP election, it was wards, we are working state. in Osun”.

Kolapo Alimi, former This is just as he was or the other are not discovered that APC has together for the soul of 42,000 voided votes out the state and Nigeria.”

Commissioner for Local optimistic that the party members of this of the 47,000 total Former Minister of Government and is set to clinch all the 26 committee, they should for Water Chieftaincy Affairs, state house of assembly understand that we rejected votes, we State understand there are Resources, Eng Bashir assured APC members and 11 National cannot appoint Assembly seats in the everybody, what is more to it, but we need Awotorebo, an SDP not to exercise any fear Chieftain and Chairman about the governorship state and secure massive important is the victory more voters’ education.

“It is also important to Ife Federal Constituency case currently before votes for President of the party, there is no tell all of you that APC campaign committee election petition Muhammadu Buhari. intention to rubbish Famodun urged party anyone as far as the and SDP alliance has also urged members of tribunal. members to be vigilant constitution of the and work hard for the campaign committees is victory of the party in the concern. state and national “To members of the

By Aminat Ahmed Akande in Osogbo, assembly elections, committee, you are OGGA maintained that adding that the expected to be upright A Pressure Group, Osun Good Governance Prince Babayemi stands opposition Peoples and mobilise support for Alliance (OGGA) has thrown its weight behind Democratic Party (PDP) the party, especially at Osun West Senatorial Candidate of the Action tall as the best candidate is not in any way a threat the grassroot level, if Democratic Party (ADP), Prince Dotun Babayemi. contesting for an elective post in Osun in 2019, to the party. there are mistake in the In a Press Statement Coordinator of the because his antecedent The chairman spoke last governorship signed in the public space is by the group, Mrs Taiwo on Tuesday while inaugurating the Presidential, National and State Assembly Campaign Committees in the state.

He warned members against any action that will undermine the supremacy of the party and urged them to be inclusive in the campaign and election planning, saying loyalty to the party is of paramount.

He warned members against undermining APC and SDP alliance in the state, describing it as effective.

According to him, “we have selected some of you to lead our party campaigns in your various federal constituencies to ensure victory for our party, for those who for one reason •ATTENTION: A dangerous portion of road at Oke Oniti in Osogbo captured by GBENGA ADENIYI yesterday.

He said, “PDP are only circulating fake news about the proceedings at the tribunal, on the strength of evidence and point of law, PDP has no case before the tribunal, they have closed their cases and we have seen the strength of their witnesses, not to be prejudice, we are so confident of winning and eight years of Gboyega Oyetola is certain”, Alimi said.

Group Backs Osun West ADP Senatorial Candidate

Buhari Kicks-off South West Campaign In Osogbo, Ibadan Tomorrow

By Solomon Odeniyi The Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) in the South West Nigeria is coordinating a massive presidential campaign in Ibadan and Osogbo tomorrow.

P r e s i d e n t chairmen in the region Muhammadu Buhari, among others.

Vice President Yemi Awofisayo while Osinbajo and leaders of speaking on the plan for the All Progressives the rally said, the South Congress (APC) would western region is very storm the capital cities of relevant and key to the Oyo and Osun for the election of President kick off of the party’s Buhari holding February presidential and 16. legislative elections He said this is so, campaign in the region. because the region has While the Ibadan rally the second largest is scheduled to start by number of Permanent 10am, the Osogbo Voters’ Card holders in campaign is slated for Nigeria outside North 1pm. west.

According to him, the Among those expected at the rally are Asiwaju people of the region are Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi well aware of the need to Akande, Chief Olusegun ensure continuity of the Osoba, governors of the ongoing development in six South western region, Nigeria under Buhari former governors, administration and are including Ogbeni Rauf determined to work Aregbesola, South west towards it through BSO Chairman, Prince massive mobilisation of Felix Awofisayo, APC voters.

He said it would be

suicidal to have a government that would truncate the ongoing development, saying that is why the South west really is very crucial.

Awofisayo then charged electorate in the region not to be deceived

by the antics of the opposition parties, particularly the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and their allies in deciding who governs them for the next four years.

He said Buhari is a

man of integrity that would confront the challenges being face by the country and convert them to opportunities for greatness and development of the country.

All Progressives Congress (APC) Senatorial candidate for Osun East Senatorial District, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa has vowed to guarantee an allinclusive and transparent representation, if voted in the forthcoming February 16 National Assembly election.

He also promised to continue to drive our sponsor bills and motions p e o p l e - o r i e n t e d by that will impact the lives programmes of people of Ife and Ijesa expanding the scope of vision for modification to lands. for more He gave this promise cater at Ibokun, headquarters beneficiaries. I shall run of Obokun Local an all-inclusive and Government Area of t r a n s p a r e n t Osun State at a press representation that will conference to herald the give all equal leverage to the full commencement of his access complements of the campaigns.

National Assembly.”

He said, “we shall

He also promised to use his experience of the last 8 years as a member of the House of Representatives to “buffer workable solutions confronting Nigeria and Nigerians in the area of law making and legislation in the areas of youth e m p l o y m e n t , e n g a g e m e n t , empowerment, expansion of vocational institute for training, financial grant for farmers, traders and artisans, bursary and •Continue on page 7

2019: Famurewa Vows To Run All-Inclusive, Transparent Representation

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g l a r i n g l y overwhelming.

The group enjoined its members in all the 10 local governments to troupe out en masse for the victory of ADP candidate, Prince Babayemi in West Senatorial District of the state.

The release called on politicians, traditional rulers, religious leaders and the entire electorates to support the peopleorientated agenda of Prince Babayemi, to make him victorious in the forthcoming February 16 Senatorial election in Osun West.

The group also called on other contenders to rally round the ADP candidate to better the lives of the area.

According to the release, “it is crystal clear that Prince Babayemi is the best man for the job in Osun West, his antecedent, competence and enormous sacrifices for the people speak volumes He has employed his wealth of experience, goodwill and resources to contribute immensely towards the welfare of the masses and overall development of Osun West”.

“We have weighed all the contestants in the Senatorial District very well, and have found out that Prince Babayemi is the best among them all”.

The release maintained that the the ADP candidate has in the past, left the indelible footprints on the sand of time in the areas of health, education, economy, religion, peace and unity among all the people of the zone.

“Apart from that, he is the only candidate that has lofty goals for the people with the wherewithal to make the dreams a reality, if elected Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria representing Osun West Senatorial District in the upper chamber of the National Assembly.

PAGE

4 Obasanjo And The 2019 Election There is nothing innocuous about the meandering long winded epistle offered this week presumably as an advice to the Nigerian people by the former head of state, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo. In its tone and intent, it is a warning. Obasanjo and his conferees are not so stealthily working towards an agenda which is to create a climate of opinion targeted at the international community to force upon the Nigerian people an interim national government.

In view of the events unfolding in Venezuela the Nigerian people have been put on notice.

Such a maneuver is not new as a tactic deployed at a time of self - preservation by the most conservative faction of the Nigerian elite. Infamously, the device was used to truncate the expressed position of the electorate on the June 12, 1993 presidential election. Obasanjo then and as of now was and is neck deep in this conspiracy, all democrats in Nigeria and elsewhere must therefore ensure that it does not happen. For on the 16th of next month the Nigerian people will exercise their franchise in the full glare of the world and Obasanjo like it or not must live with the result.

This must be unambiguously stated and reiterated, for what is going on is a brazen attempt to truncate the desires of the people because their desire is perceived as being against the collective interests of a powerful group. In other words, the collective interests of voters must be subordinated to the interests of a privileged class.

The Nigerian people in view of this anti - democratic tactic have been put on notice; this is no longer a mere run -

The Nigerian people in view of this anti democratic tactic have been put on notice; this is no longer a mere run - of - the mill once in every four years presidential election, on the contrary, it is an existential battle for the soul of the nation. of - the -mill once in every four years presidential election, on the contrary, it is an existential battle for the soul of the nation. The path that General Obasanjo and his collaborators want to thread and foster on the people of Nigeria was comprehensively rejected in 2015 and the conventional wisdom is that come February 16, it will be emphatically repudiated again. The Obasanjo notion that government should be for the benefit of a privileged group is no longer tenable or acceptable to a clear majority who are insisting and correctly so, for a long delayed dividend of democracy.

This newspaper is in full agreement with the new national majority, henceforth; government must coordinate and

implement policies for the benefits of the majority and not in the interests of a few.

This brazen attempt to truncate the delayed benefits of democracy in favour of the majority can be seen in Obasanjo's derision of the government's social intervention programs in particular Trader Money.

Obasanjo who has not spoken out against the subsidies to his fat-cat rich friends through AMCON is absurdly irked about the enablement of traders through an infusion of gradually increasing loans; frankly, this is about as heartless as it can get. Obasanjo must learn that the times have changed. For example, today the scam of his self enriching "operation feed the nation" has been beneficially replaced by an Anchor borrower scheme which is revitalizing the rural economy and is a verifiable way of lifting the peasantry from subsistence into commercial farming In concluding, we urge all registered voters to disregard Obasanjo 's self centered opportunism and troop out in massive numbers to exercise their franchise in the elections, they must make sure that their votes are counted and fundamentally resist the surreptious attempts to subvert their will aforementioned attempt by the same opportunists who truncated the free and fair elections of June 12, 1993 to once again stall an historic opportunity for a pro - people advance.

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High Unemployment Rate And The Way Out

Editor

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Kazeem Mohammed

The increase rate of unemployment in Nigeria came into being, not because the government has failed to do the needful alone, but because the youths who have fell victim have not been proactive.

Though, there are many factors responsible for unemployment and firstly, there is low standard of education in Nigeria, hence, youth of nowadays can’t compete with their counterparts from other parts of the world before ending up in the labour market.

Another factor is favouritism, as people get employed based on where they come from and the persons you are connected to.

However, these should not be allowed by youth to weigh them down, as there are many platforms for them to improve their

Lagos Editor

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Senior Reporter

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skills. Many graduates do not think it is essential to empower themselves with skills that would further enhance their chances of getting jobs such as Information Communication Technology (ICT) among others. Those who eventually acquire such skills get a higher chance

of getting employed.

Agriculture is a big boost to the economy but many see it as a dirty job with little or no return, hence based on ignorance, they abandon agriculture. This is the same situation in several

other sector where youth can leverage on.

These categories of youths do not search on ways of getting themselves selfemployed, they prefer to sit at home and wait for someone to employ them.

Even some of them who have ideas and not

financially buoyant enough to bring their ideas to reality prefer to remain silent, which is very unfortunate.

All these have led many youths to drug abuse, thuggery, suicide, prostitution, internet

fraud and many other vices. Sometimes, it results to emotional and mental stress, and low economic growth.

To address this situation, it must be the responsibility of all stakeholders. One, the government must ensure that efforts are made to improve on the standard of education. Employers should be more concerned about employing people who would bring development to their companies, rather than being emotional.

Also, youths should acquire more skills relevant to their field that would increase their chances of employment, so that if white-collar job is not available, they would be able to stand on their own.

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2019 Elections:

Lull In Conventional Campaign Activities And New Trends Nigerians are getting set for the general elections to elect various leaders into elective positions, Osun is not being left out with the gubernatorial poll held in 2018 out of it. SOLOMON ODENIYI in this report looks at the perceived dull campaign activities that have so far characterized the preparations for the contests, as well as the new trends adopted by contesting candidates in the state, including the aggressive use of social media platforms.

Political parties parties and candidates contesting the various elective positions for Senate, House of Representatives and House of Assembly in the State of Osun have since emerged through different processes adopted by parties under which they are contesting.

Political activities such as campaigns that will lead to election and eventual emergence of acceptable candidates have been on, following the lifting of ban by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) on November 19, 2018, which gave candidates the green light in accordance with the law to go about such activities.

Unlike others in states where the activities of candidates vying for political positions are more pronounced and attention given to the candidates, same could not be said of those who are contesting in many part of Osun. Political commentators agree that the just-concluded gubernatorial election in the state swerved attention off the forthcoming election in 2019 which has made the usual intensified electioneering jamborees not felt in the state. This is not to say that various candidates have not been engaging in diverse tactics and techniques in their quest to realize their political ambitions.

As observed, many of the candidates have been canvassing the support of electorates, disseminating their political messages, monitoring happenings in the public space, wooing electorates and support groups towards the actualization of their political ambitions

Political commentators agree that the just-concluded gubernatorial election in Osun swerved attention off the forthcoming poll in 2019 which has made the usual intensified electioneering jamborees not felt in the state. through various social media platforms such as whatsapp, facebook, twitter and instagram among others. This, they have done aggressively and has actually reduced the patronage on the engagement usually done through the conventional media such as the radio, television and newspaper. This has been a departure from the normal electioneering routine in the state where cities are covered in posters and banners, the newspapers carry campaign adverts of candidates in different districts while trying to find ways around the limitations.

According to reports, the usage of the social media to solicit supports from the electorate began during the 2008 United States (US) presidential election.

President Barack Obama’s campaign included the use of social media platforms such as Facebook, MySpace and YouTube. Others included podcasting and mobile messaging and as a result, the election was tagged by many as a ‘Facebook election’.

It was also observed that the trend came into use in Nigeria during the 2011 general elections. The immediate past president of the country, Goodluck Ebele Jonathan was said to have made good use of the social media platforms when he declared to an estimated 217,000 fans of his on the world’s most popular networking platform (facebook) of his intent.

24 hours later, 4,000 more fans joined his page, and by the day of the election, on 16 April 2011, he was reported to have had over half a million followers.

His closest rivals then, Alhaji Muhammadu Buhari of the CPC, Nuhu Ribadu of the ACN and Alhaji Shakarau of the ANPP were also among those that made heavy presence on facebook and other social media platforms.

An extract from the incumbent president, Muhammadu Buhari’s inaugural speech where he stated that ”I thank those who tirelessly carried the campaign on the social media” emphasized the important role the social media played in his

•Continue on page 6

All Out Mobilisation For Buhari/Osinbajo Osun Governor Gboyega Oyetola and Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola On The Move

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Lull In Conventional Campaign Activities And New Trends

•Continued from page 5 emergence in election that went against the run of play where for the first time in the history of the country a sitting president was ousted. ‘Kingmakers’, a website that tracked what the Nigerian public were thinking by analyzing Twitter data generated within the Nigerian borders in relation to the 2015 elections, noted that the heavy usage of the social media helped to increase the participation of young Nigerians which was alarmingly poor prior to the 2015 elections.

Now, almost every institution involved in Nigeria’s elections has leveraged on social media by conducting aggressive social networking outreaches, including the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), political parties, candidates, media houses, civil society groups and even the police to engage citizens. This, in its own way has helped and led credence to elections, as politicians, political parties, the electoral body and the electorates view it as a platform for political participation.

The statistics of social media users in Nigeria show that more citizens prefer to use social networks.

According to the National Bureau of Statistics, the country is home to 92 million Internet subscribers.

While it stated Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Kano and the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja have the highest, Bayelsa, Yobe, Ebonyi, Ekiti and Zamfara have the least number of Internet users in the country.

A lot of parties, candidates in Nigeria use social networks to promote themselves, hence candidates participating in the 2019 election in Osun have depended largely on the social media network and the most prominent amongst this social media platform have been whatsapp and facebook.

Adeniyi Oluwaseyi, a Social media Influencer said, the advantage of the social media is that it allows citizens to express themselves, as well as getting to interact with candidates while getting a timely response which makes them feels part of the process.

“Social media provides a platform through which all individuals irrespective of tribe, religion, sex, educational background, etc can be reached without sentiment or discrimination. It also makes it possible for a large number of audience, scattered all over the country and even beyond to be reached at the same time without geographical limit. Another benefit of the social media is that it provides a platform for the target audience to be reached at almost zero cost. The huge sum that is usually spent in mobilization is reduced.

“These advantages have their significant impact in enhancing political mobilization. What is required therefore, is that politicians, through the normal grassroot level, should endeavour to also take their campaign to the internet world, which exist on its own.

The internet provides a larger scale for mobilization and campaign. Politicians can harness the avalanche platform provided especially platforms like Twitter and Facebook to market their manifesto and also gain support from the populace which is done by gathering large number of followers on social media platforms and intimating them on planned policies and programmes’’.

He added that social media does not win elections, but plays a pivotal role in shaping opinion, helps to make campaign activities more pronounced, gauge the mood of the electorates as well as that of the office seekers, checkmate irregularities, locked down results among others.

Tolulope Lawani warns that though it is good that

•(L-R) Governors Gboyega Oyetola (Osun), Abiola Ajimobi (Oyo) and some leaders of APC at the Next Level Women and Youth Campaign Team South West Zonal rally at the Liberty Stadium Ibadan last Saturday.

“For the first time, INEC is having a say over the spending of political parties and candidates in an election.

During the 2015 election some candidates were spending hard currencies. But this time around, the INEC is taking keen interest in how much it is being spent”. the social media is being used to engage the citizen, the tendencies of leading the electorates astray should not be treated with kid gloves.

She said, “The use of the social media these days by politicians will only in a matter of time spell more a doom than the good we think it will bring to the nation. As we all know, the social media space is unfiltered and no one can be held responsible for the content shared there, unlike the traditional media which is censored though not without its shortcomings”.

Another observed means of canvassing for supports in Osun ahead of the poll have been through the ward to ward consultations, door-to-door as well as busto-bus campaigns which have relegated the conventional rallies where hordes of supporters gather themselves to assure the candidates of their support.

Although, this is quite on the low as compared to the social media campaigns done by candidates in the state, however, political observers are of the view that

• (L-R) Former Governor of Ogun, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; PDP Presidential Candidate, Atiku Abubakar; National Chairman, Uche Secondus and Osun PDP Chairman, Soji Adagunodo at the party’s campaign in Osogbo last week.

the change was as a result of the outcome of the September 22nd 2018 governorship election. They said the election was about personalities and as such, some electorate wants to have a feel of those that would be representing them.

A public affair analyst, Muritala Ayodele stressed that this might be as a result of the serious stance of the electoral umpire to bring to book any defaulting candidates on their spending.

He said, “For the first time the INEC is having a say over the spending of political parties and candidates in an election. During the 2015 election some candidates were spending hard currencies. It was all over the place and none could deny it. But this time around, the INEC is taking keen interest in how much it is being spent. This has helped reduced political campaign finances. The second reason I see is that the economy is generally bad, that in a way accounted for low key campaigns. There are very few posters, billboards. This is an unusual campaign period when much is not expended.

Barrister Yomi Obaditan, a public affairs commentator noted that what was responsible for the lull and dull electioneering period was a situation beyond the candidates.

He added that unlike the 2015 elections were the merger between the APC, CPC, ANPP and part of the APGA raised a lot of hopes and the incumbent governor was enjoying the goodwill of all, the same could not be said of the current dispensation.

“Our economy was good and the PDP had money to throw around, unlike now that corruption has been checkmated to an extent. The APC here enjoyed the goodwill of the people due to the massive projects by the incumbent which candidates contesting various positions are riding on. Today people are hungry and angry. They are hungry as a result of frustration of high expectation that have not all been met.

“This year’s remains the dullest elections period I have witnessed. In the Osun Central Senatorial Candidate for example, apart from Barrister Ajibola Basiru, SRJ who is the senatorial candidate, I have not been seeing campaigns of other aspirants. Though, they have adopted the new media but how many people in Osun has access to the internet, how many can afford to pay for one? Even those who have bill boards have been doing combine billboards where you have the pictures of candidates in a district and that of their presidential aspirants on a bill board. The candidates themselves do not have funds so it is beyond them.”

He added that the directives from the president as well as the Economic Financial Crime Commission played a big role in the low campaigns activities in the state.

"Recall that the president had warned politicians contesting elections against the use of public funds to prosecute elections campaigns. EFCC has also warned commercial banks in the country to refrain from lending money to politicians contesting the 2019 general elections. In the past, these used to be their major source of revenue to finance their elections.

Since they can't access funds, there campaign activities are meant to be dull. " However, a say that 24 hours in politics is a long time may still be relevant here. As the presidential and national assembly election are about three weeks away, after which the state House of Assembly election would hold, contesting candidates and political parties might probably be waiting for the last minutes to hold their conventional rallies towards the election.

FRIDAY JANUARY 25 - THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2019

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Osun Ranks Highest In Nigeria's Development Indicators employment of youths

By Francis Ezediuno among others.

Osun has again been ranked as the state with highest “When you look at the in the development performance indicators among the summary of some of these 36 states in Nigeria. indicators, Osun state came The rating emerged in a Population Commission out as the best state in recent development survey (NPC) with partnership Nigeria, followed by conducted by the Nigeria from international bodies Anambra and Lagos states and Africa Development like United States Agency in a close tie of second International position, and the third Indicators Monitoring for Development (USAID) on being Ekiti and FCT taking Foundation (NADIM) In an event to formally development indicators in the fourth and fifth positions respectively”. launch the NADIM Nigeria.

Prof. Ibrahim explained “The basic development Foundation and publicly include that the study showed that present the research book indicators titled ‘Development availability of housing, some states have done Performance Ranking of accessible roads, functional well, but no state has done services, very well and this is Nigerian States and healthcare African Countries in Abuja schools, water supplies, affecting the productivity on Tuesday, the author of electricity, functional and economic ranking of and Nigeria among other the book and Vice industries, Chancellor of the AlHikmah University Ilorin, Prof. Mohammed Taofeek All Progressives Congress in the state of Osun has Ibrahim, said the survey was a quantitative score chided former President Olusegun Obasanjo over his card for the state governors comment on the Osun 2018 gubernatorial election. to appraise their In a statement by the performances and party’s Director of inconclusive, despite all prioritize development Publicity, Research and advice to the contrary’.

Reacting, the APC said blueprint where needed.

Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, The findings revealed made available to the that “his comment on the governorship that most of the states in media in Osogbo, the APC Osun Nigeria have failed to meet declared that “It’s a pity election of last September all the global development that our respected former is a matter that should be indicators, with only Osun President is using the left to court to decide. state meeting 64% of the privilege of his position to Expressing an opinion on requirements, while Yobe express an opinion that is it at this stage is not only state ranked most poorly in subjudice to a case that’s unlawful, it is a glaring the indicator requirements. already in court and is disrespect for the rule and Disclosing the currently being litigated”. process of the law. This is modalities for arriving at The former President more so because Exthe ranking, Prof. Ibrahim was reported by the media President Obasanjo is said the study utilized data to have said in an open using that case which is based on the most recent letter on Sunday that ‘the still disputed to illustrate figures released in 2013 by Osun gubernatorial unfairly his allegation that the Nigerian election, which was INEC cannot be trusted to Demographics and Health conclusive was declared run a free, fair and credible Survey and the National by the INEC as presidential election next

African countries.

In his words, “there are states who did very badly scoring under 25 percent of social indicators of development ranking, this has affected productivity in the country generally making Nigeria to be compared with countries like Somalia that is currently in crisis,” he noted.

He said the book is the first indigenous effort by Nigeria to release a credible national data on the performances of individual states, and urged African countries to partner with

NADIM to generate development data that will reposition the continent for development strides.

The University Don assured that NADIM will continue to demand accountability from governments across Africa and produce enlightened citizens.

Reviewing the Book, Prof. Olanipekun Kamil Alausa a former Vice Chancellor of Olabisi Onabanjo University, said the book is an attempt by the author to empower the citizens of strategic demands that should form

the core of their engagements with governments.

“The whole idea is to make sure that our people know how to make our leaders responsible to their people, we expect states and other countries in Africa to look at their ranking to see the areas out of the indicators chosen that they have not done well and to make efforts to improve on that.

“If a state does not have health facilities for instance the book will expose that, so they can see where they should improve on,” he said.

Osun APC Cautions Obasanjo Against Sub-judicial Comments month.

“We advise Chief Obasanjo to limit his comment on a matter that is subjudice, otherwise, he would be laying a precedent that would be unhelpful to the rule of law.

“Under our electoral law and the provisions of our constitution, INEC has the function of conducting all elections in the country and it is also empowered to declare an election valid or invalid if there is sufficient lawful reasons to do so.

“Osun’s case is not the first of such instance of invalidation of any particular election which is deemed to be inconsistent with the laws of the

Federation as stipulated in the constitution and the electoral law.

“Neither the APC, the PDP nor even Obasanjo can make a pronouncement on whether or not an election is conclusive or inconclusive after INEC

has made a pronouncement. Only the court has such powers.

“Obasanjo’s comment is not only unsolicited, it is an unacceptable interference in the process of the court which he has no legal right to do”, the party concluded

•Continue from page 3 scholarships for tertiary institution students, provision of basic social amenities, medical outreach, regular consultation among others”.

He reeled out the achievements of the APC controlled Federal

Government which he is party to through his membership of the National Assembly as part of the reasons why if he is elected would make him perform well to the satisfaction of the constituents in Osun East Senatorial District.

Famurewa Vows

COMMUNITY NEWS

Olorunda North LCDA Begins Grading Of Dilapidated Roads Management of Olorunda North Local Council Development (LCDA) under the leadership of Hon Quadri Owonikoko has begun massive grading of roads across the council area.

The leadership of the forthcoming general council started the elections, as he assured of more grading of dilapidated residents roads across the LCDA to dividends of democracy, ease movement of saying his administration continue to persons in and out of will beneficiary communities. prioritized their needs at The beneficiary all time.

Vice Chairman of the communities include: Aanu Oluwapo, Orisun council, Hon Abiodun Ayo, Ifelodun, Ajisebiyawo and the Adejumobi, Ajisebiyawo, leader of the parliament, Oyerolagada, Abegi- Hon Wale Omidiran Aanu and Fishery while corroborating the department of the chairman, urged the beneficiary communities Ministry of Agriculture.

Owonikoko while not to relent in their for the flagging off the exercise support commended the government and also to Governor of the state of protects all government Osun, Mr Gboyega properties in their areas.

They said, the council, Oyetola for compelling all prior to this time has the councils to embark on sunk eight boreholes the grading exercise in order to alleviate the across the eight wards suffering of the masses, that make up Olorunda particularly at the rural North LCDA, adding that the administration of areas.

Owonikoko, said Owonikoko has also built distributing money a maternity centre in the cannot be compare to council within a short consolidating on time in office.

The APC candidate for i n f r a s t r u c t u r e state development being Olorunda Constituency, Hon. Kunle embarked upon by the progressive government Akande, was full of praises to Owonikoko-led of APC. He used the administration, saying, progressive opportunity to canvass the votes for all the government will continue candidates of APC in the to better the lot of the

populace.

Akande then pleaded with the communities to support the government and also beware of politicians that will want to buy their votes.

Representatives of the communities who spoke at the event poured encomium on the leadership of Olorunda LCDA, as they promised to keep supporting the administration of Owonikoko and also to mobilize for all APC candidates in the next elections.

•One of the roads in the LCDA undergoing grading.

Council Chair Charges Staffers On Dedication To Duty Chairman, Atakunmosa West Central Local Council Development Area, lfewara, Hon. Anthony Adedeji Adeboye has charged the staffers of the council area to make hardwork, dedication and loyalty their watchword in the discharge of their duties.

Adeboye gave this peaceful and orderly charge in his new year conduct of this year’s message to workers at a general elections and the new year prayer meeting repositioning of the organised by the council country’s ailing economy.

The council helmsman area to seek God ‘s face before the commencement reminded the council workers that they owe it a of year 2019 activities.

At the forum, praises statutory duty to generate were rendered to God in revenue for the local acknowledgement of His council, warning that and love and mercies in the laxity past year and during insubordination on the part of any worker in this Christmas and new year celebrations and fervent regard would not be prayers were offered unto tolerated.

He made them to the Lord for a peaceful and progressive year, understand that their

work as local council workers is to serve God and humanity and this he said must be done diligently and conscientiously, adding that God would reward each and everyone of them appropriately.

The Council boss assured the council’s workforce based on the assurances of Governor Gboyega Oyetola that things would turn around for better this year in terms of workers’ welfare, but hinted that revenue generation is of paramount importance to Mr. Governor who has consistently admonished workers to handle the assignment with all

seriousness with a view to boosting the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) of the state to augument monthly allocation from the federation account.

This is with a view to meeting up with mounting expenses of governance to make life more worth living for the citizenry of the state.

Also speaking at the forum, the Council Manager, Mr. Taiwo Abegunde who wished all staffers and political functionaries a blissful year enjoined the workers to always promptly and punctually report for work and conscientiously discharge their responsibilities.

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Minister Of Health's Son Hooks Better Half Osun Speaker Gives Out Daughter In Marriage Oyetola Tours Osun Constituencies

On A Thank You Visit

•Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo; Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole and his wife at the wedding programme.

By Israel Afolabi

It was a gathering of who is who at Agbala Daniel Cathedral, Lagos-Ibadan expressway recently, as the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole’s son, Adedayo Tobi Adewole hook up with his better half.

Dignitaries from Oyo, the Minister’s base and Osun, his state of origin gathered at the colourful solemnization of the

holy matrimony.

Among those at the event were the governors of Oyo and Osun states, Abiola Ajimobi and Gboyega Oyetola who led political office holders from their states to be part of the event.

Also in attendance were traditional rulers, including the Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Adekunle Aromolaran and Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi among many others.

•(R-L) Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun; Governor Oyetola and Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin during the tour of Ila federal constituency.

•Speaker, Dr Najeem Salaam (3rd left) and his wives (2nd left and 2nd right); the couple (middle) and Deputy Speaker, Akintunde Adegboye (left) during Salaam daughter’s wedding.

•The couple, being presented their marriage certificate.

It was a joyous day for family of the Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Doctor Najeem Salaam when he gave out her daughter in marriage on Saturday 19th January, 2019.

Miss Mujidat Funmilayo got married to her better half, Ayinde Jamiu, both from Ejigbo, Ejigbo Local Government Council Area of the state.

It would forever remain memorable in history for families of Salaam and Abeni as their children tied the nuptial knot.

Friends, associates, honorable members of the house and well

wishers converged at Distinguish Event Centre, Osogbo to celebrate the unique occasion with them.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ejigboland, Sheikh Oloruntoke at the Nikkah ceremony advised the couple to let love rain in their union.

The Nikkah of the two love birds took place after the traditional engagement where Abeni family came forward with formal proposal to have Salaam family daughter’s in marriage.

The two couple received parental blessing from both families to begin their matrimonial journey.

Recently, Governor of the state of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola had led political office holders and leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) on ‘thank you’ tours to Federal Constituencies across the state.

The governor, during the visit appreciated the people of the state for the support given to him and his party during the last governorship election and

promise not to disappoint them.

The governor who also solicited support for his party in the forthcoming presidential and legislative elections said, the APC has always been committed to the welfare of the people.

He said there is need for the people to vote for APC candidates so that the ongoing development can continue.

•(L-R) Governor Oyetola; Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; deputy governor Gboyega Alabi and Alie of Ilie.

•Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Aromolaran and other guests at the event.

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

•(R-L) Former Governor of Osun, Rauf Aregbesola, Dr Najeem Salaam and one of his •Members of the State House of Assembly at the event. wives.

•Some traditional chiefs during the governor’s tour of Ila federal constituency.

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FRIDAY JANUARY 25 - THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2019

Oluwo Allays Fear Over Use Of Hijab In Bowen University

By Joshua Afolabi

Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba Abdulrosheed Adewale Akanbi has said there is no restriction for Hijab users from entering Bowen University, citizens in hijab from Iwo. Oba Akanbi stated entering the school that there is no iota of premises.

Oluwo described the truth in the rumour making the round that information as raw and authority of the unfounded, noting that university disallowed the school only place intending Muslim order for scrutiny of JAMB candidates in new visitors in hijab to hijab and community identify themselves

with their ID card and undergo facial check by their identical sex (female) to avoid impersonation and secure the school premises.

According to a statement made available by the palace press secretary, Alli Ibraheem, “Kabiesi has contacted the VC for clarification. There is no ban or restriction on

hijab sisters at the university premises.

Those using Hijab are only requested to present their ID and the school management has appointed identical sex (female) for facial confirmation by cross checking their face under Hijab and ensure it is the same as the one in the ID card” “There are many Muslims in hijab

working at Bowen.

There has never been any barrier to their movement. They enjoy the same rights as Christians.

The authority is an advocate of religious tolerance. Intending JAMB candidates wishing to register in Bowen and preferred it as their centre should go ahead. You are free to enter the school. The

authority will only check your face to secure the school and d i s a l l o w impersonation” The palace enjoined Muslim sisters and brothers to cooperate with the school management at ensuring a secured atmosphere for the students and staff of the university.

Osun SUBEB Moves To Curb Social Vices, Guarantee Sound Education

• Members of APC legal team at the Osun governoship election petition tribunal in Abuja on Tuesday

Osun State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) has resolved to lay much emphasis on character modeling, giving the needed basic and qualitative education to pupils.

This resolution top have been making the lists of the frantic efforts to proffer to the recommendations of solutions the Board at the end of numerous social vices the stakeholders in the society bearing in meeting during the mind that no society can week by some senior achieve true success staff of the board and and prosperity without other stakeholders its youth having the aimed at conducting right mix of cognitive thorough x-ray of some and non cognitive emerging issues in competencies with high Nigeria as it relates to moral values and Godly educational policies characters to achieve and progammes among real success in life.

Speaking with many others.

It was noted for some newsmen at the end of times now, many the meeting, a top concerned stakeholders educational echelon in

the State Alhaji Fatai Adesina Kolawole said Osun SUBEB has concluded plans to ensure instilling of Omoluabi ethos in the pupils.

He said: “we will emphasize literacy, numeracy and encourage reading habits but character moulding shall be done pari pasu and given due recognition amongst teaching force, stakeholders and pupils”.

The educationist therefore concluded that it is the best way to the future.

ECONOMY

Encouraging Payment Of Land Use Charge In Osun

By Kingsley Omoyeni Nigeria is going through tough times, especially, in the area of economy and it has adversely affected other aspects of human life. No thanks to a situation occasioned by the dwindling oil prices in the global oil market.

Osun, as a major growing economy in the country, a state which in the last 8 years has been able to restore the hope for a better future for its citizens through its various infrastructural projects put in place by the immediate past administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will naturally look for other sources of income generation to continue the legacies of the past eight years. Ours is a state which has been nationally acknowledged as one of the few states in the country that is really serious about taking its economic fortunes to the next level in terms of attracting investment into the state through infrastructural developments.

Osun is one of the few states that has laid a foundation for the next direction which it wants to head in a bid to make life better for the generality of the people. Beyond the civil service, Nigerians can now see that Osun is blessed with a lot of potentials which can be tapped into generate income needed to drive the economy of the state.

There are areas which governments have ignored over the years but which must be looked into for their obligations to the electorate to be met and even take care of other critical expenditure of government. State governments across the country needs to look inwards, especially towards areas which had hitherto been ignored or neglected because of the advent of free money which used to come in the name of federal allocation.

Kudos must be given to the immediate-past administration for signing the Land Use Charge into law.

Without doubt, the newly-signed law will help government to generate additional revenue as well as provide for a single property charge which replaces all other State and Local Governments taxes on real property including taxes like tenement rates, ground rents and neighborhood improvement taxes.

A law that will do away with multiple rates, increase efficiency in collection and avoid discriminatory and arbitrary application of property-based levies and charges should be embraced and encouraged by all for the benefit of the state and its people.

It is an insult to suggest that the state cannot be selfsufficient, in view of the human and material

endowments it has pleased the almighty God to bestow on Osun. One of these is land which is of great value where there are humans because it is the primal resource.

We live, work and derive other resources from land.

The Land Use Charge is practically most useful tool to increase equity among tax payers, directly turned to the re-distributional objectives and persuasive resource allocation effects of the APC-led government in Osun. It is a single most salient source of internally-raised revenue that will help solve the problem of expanding urban service system at a low cost, judging by the forces of rural-urban migration with accelerated effect on the growth of properties/buildings in the urban centers.

Interestingly, it works in a very simple manner, the authorized assessors are expected to survey the said property after which a demand notice will be issued to

Good to hear therefore that the state is already working towards making it possible to survive without the money generated from oil which is dwindling by the day.

the owner/occupier of the property for payment to be made within 90 days in any of the designated banks specified in the demand notice.

It should be noted that the charge in Osun has exempted properties/buildings used exclusively as Oba’s palace, public library, public cemetery, public worship, public recreation, non-profit making educational institutes, non-government organization, and any other property being used for benevolent purposes owned by the State, Local and Federal Governments, or any property specifically exempted by the state governor by notice published in the state government official gazette. It should however be noted that the exemption ceases when the use of the property or its use by the owner/occupier changes to one that does not qualify for exemption.

The Ministry of Finance under the supervision of Mr Bola Oyebamiji has also expressed its readiness to assist the Oyetola-led government by ensuring that citizens of the state comply with extant laws of the Land Use Charge. This is with the overall intention of meeting up with its campaign promises to the people and ensures the continuity of good governance in the state The law is designed in a way that it has the clarity on the formula used to derive an accurate rate for payment by those who are even willing to pay sincerely. The rate provided by the land use charge is totally accurate and progressive such that it will assist the state in tracking all economic activities which in itself is another form of accountability.

The general belief and fear among citizens when it comes to revenue generation by government is that such monies are being embezzled by those in government quarters, hence, their unwillingness to pay their bills and other taxes. Nonetheless, with the present administration’s commitment to deploy transparency in every facet of its undertaking and the assurance from the relevant organs of the government, any revenue generated from land use charge will be deployed in line with the enabling laws.

Good to hear therefore that the state is already working towards making it possible to survive without the money generated from oil which is dwindling by the day. We must all support this effort to boost the economy of the state for government to be able to fix roads and provide other social amenities needed by the people.

•Kingsley Omoyeni is the Information Officer at the Osun Ministry of Finance.

FRIDAY JANUARY 25 - THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2019

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'Deserted' Soldier Calls For Revisit Of Army Authority’s Action

By Sikiru Obarayese

Nigerian Army Training Centre (NATRAC), where they were retrained because according to the military requirement, they were believed to have lost military training during

A ‘deserted’ soldier, Opeyemi Ogunmodede has called on the Federal Government as well as the Nigerian Army to investigate the recall of dismissed soldiers aftermath of the 2015 mass desertion of duty.

The “deserted” soldier the commander of who was dismissed in 2015 while serving in the Operation Lafia Dole asserted that Nigeria

By Khadijah Abdullah Army in the year 2014 Government of Osun has expressed its eagerness and 2015 recorded mass to put smiles on the faces of the people through disciplinary cases against masses oriented programmes and policies. some personnel serving The Supervisor in levies with which in the unit. of the Ministry of government will provide He explained that the charge Finance, Mr Bola Army summoned those Oyebamiji stated this the basic amenities of life whose offence are minor during a meeting in his to them.

He stressed that all to the Army training office on the need for over the world, no camp in Jaji, Kaduna residents of the state to government can succeed state on August 17, 2015 join hands with without the input and for screening including government to move the contribution of the state forward. himself. governed, either through The immediate past payment of taxes and He said, this resulted Commissioner for levies or through to the dismissal of a large Finance who is also the maintenance of public number of soldiers.

Supervisor for works.

According to him, after Commerce, Cooperatives The supervisor added a review from ASA, some and Industries said that soldiers were re-instated for government to that the administration of Mr Gboyega Oyetola is and assembled at Army succeed, the people must ready to look inwards Headquarters in contribute their quota and raise funds which Kontangura under Major through the payment of will in turn be used to General Dauke, who was their taxes and other better the lives of the

the period of their dismissal.

He further explained that upon going for their training in Kontangura, they received a signal which informed them that all those whose

name were included in the reinstatement list and were conveyed through military bus to Kotongura will be posted to different places after the Mandatory training.

While speaking with

OSUN DEFENDER, Opeyemi lamented that upon the completion of their training he alongside many others were not posted to any •Continue on page 14

Osun Govt Eager To Put Smile On Peoples' Faces-Oyebamiji masses in the state.

He explained that the time has passed that state governments look up to the federal government for funds through federal allocation which according to him is dwindling.

Oyebamiji who explained that the Oyetola administration is determined to make life better for the people of the state, stated that the present administration is eager to build on the achievements of the past eight years.

He noted: “I want to sincerely appeal to residents of Osun and indigenes both home and abroad to see the task of moving the state forward as a onerous one which

all and sundry must join hands with government to do.

“The present administration in Osun is eager to put smiles on the faces of the people through masses oriented programmes and policies, but this can be easily achieved if the people also play their roles.

“It is high time we began to see the business of governance as a joint responsibility. If you don’t have any means of paying your tax or other levies you can assist government in the maintenance of public works.

“Mr Gboyega Oyetola is another kind hearted individual who has a

sincere heart to continue from where the previous administration stopped, the policy of the APC is to put smiles on the faces of the people and so we have no choice than to continue to drive the growth and development of our dear state.

“Osun is already on a pedestal of greatness and we shall get there. With the support of the people, our state will be ranked among the best in the country.

“With the support of our people, the task ahead will be easy for us to achieve” Oyebamiji stated.

Also at the briefing was the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Finance, Mrs Adebimpe Ogunlumade.

INTERVIEW

Oranmiyan Is Determined To Mobilise Support For Buhari - DG Sodiq Olajide, Director-General, Oranmiyan Group, a socio-political group, initiated by the former Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola, in this interview with SOLOMON ODENIYI speaks on his group’s readiness to mobilize support for President Muhammadu Buhari, as well as his agenda for the organisation. Excerpt: OSDF: What do you make of the exchange of words between Chief Olusegun Obasanjo and President Buhari?

Former president Obasanjo is a controversial person and his letters used to be meaningful, but I now see his letters he writes as infamous. How can he say that Buhari is running government the way General Sani Abacha ran his. Since assumption of office, Buhari has been democratic and you can describe him as a democrat.

He remains the only president who has travelled and made his vice the acting president so that he can enjoy the full power the president enjoys unlike what played out during the late Musa Yaradua’s tenure when he travelled. I think Obasanjo is being held for some of his misdeeds, that is why he is saying what an ordinary citizen will not say. He is senile; I don’t think he is

in the right senses again. Can you rely on a person who asked God to punish him if he supports Atiku and now came back to say the same person is the right leader for the country? He is not a trusted person.

The truth is that the worst ever electoral malpractices that Nigeria has witnessed was under Obasanjo when he openly declared the election as a do-ordie affair and he acted true to his words.

He should understand that people know what they want and a thousand of him can’t chage it.

OSDF: Buhari is visiting Osun, how ready is the organisation to mobilise support for him?

We are always ready. We have been holding series of meetings to make sure he get a warming welcome he deserves.

As soon as we get the directives from our principal and our party, the APC will go into action. We will give Mr.

•Members of Oranmiyan Group at their meeting during the week

President a nice welcome and give a good impression of the kind of people we are in the state, just as we are determined to mobilise support for him, because, among the candidates, he is the best we have for now.

OSDF: Any confidence ahead of the general elections?

Progressives are not known to deceiving people, we only tell what we can give. We care for the welfare of the people and that is what we have always preached and promoted. This is in terms of infrastructural development, education, good health and that is why it has been possible for us to have set a new record in this state by having a party in government successively for two terms and installing a new government to continue with the good works. We have confidence because we have men and women of integrity right from the House of Assembly, National Assembly and Presidency. Our president is a man of integrity and honour. We will claim victory not by hook or crook, we are not known for that. We are going to use this election to affirm that the governorship election we won last year was a reflection that the APC is the party of the people and the party that the people love.

OSDF: What are the efforts put in place to be victorious at the election?

In the next 72 hours, we will be flagging off our tour of all local governments. Our organization is made up of people from grassroot as well as those with integrity. Check our records, there is no single person in government that can say he has given us money before, though we are partisan and APC members but we are going to use our structure and integrity to let people know that as we have always been

•Olajide doing in the past, we will continue to do. We are going to live up to expectation. In 2007, when we were campaigning for Ogbeni Aregbesola’s election, we told our people that when we get to office he would make people smile and undoubtedly he did wonderfully well.

OSDF: As the newly appointed DG of Oranmiyan, what new thing are you bringing to the table?

Oranmiyan is a socio-political organization but we have concentrated so much on the political aspect. Under my watch, we will try to promote the socio cultural aspect without leaving out the political involvement which we are hoping it will cut across the south western part of Nigeria. We will also try to break new ground by looking for our people in diaspora; we will try to rally round to bring them home anywhere they are all over the world.

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OSPOLY New Students Resume Jan. 28, DPT Admission List Released

By Joshua Afolabi It also added that those who are interested in Management of Osun State Polytechnic, Iree has pursuing any National announced that the newly admitted students of the Diploma program in the polytechnic would resume on Monday, January 28 institution can still obtain for 2018/2019 Academic session. the form before the end of This is just as it released aforementioned bank at a January, 2019.

Meanwhile, the the first batch of sum of N10,000.

Student Union admission list for 2018/ Government and other 2019 Daily Part Time affiliated students (DPT) programme. associations in the This is contained in a polytechnic have engaged release signed by Mr. the management of the Tope Abiola, the institution for the total polytechnic’s Media reversal of “obnoxious Relation Officer on behalf fee” introduced by the of the institution management.

Registrar.

This was contained in a The statement release jointly signed by explained that all those the faculties’ presidents, who applied for Daily where the reasons for Part Time programmes should purchase the •Dr AGBOOLA: OSPOLY reversing the fee were stated. admission card of N900 Rector only at OSPOLY Microfinance Bank Iree, its branches at Ayetoro, Osogbo and Isokun Nigeria Economics Student Association (NESA), Round about, Ilesa to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife chapter has check their admission elected new executive members to run the affairs of status. the union for 2019/2020 academic session.

The release then urged This was made known and post of the executive the students to pay their acceptance fee of N15,000 by Hikmot Agboola, the members in the association Vice President of the are: Adegoke Abidemi within the stipulated, Agboola starting from the day the association, stating that the (President), (Vice President), admission list was newly elected executive Hikmot Elufisan Olamide (General has been saddled with released. to Secretary), Adereti Dolapo The management also great responsibility General the department (Assistance stated that the Admission move Secretary), Tofunmi forward.

Application Form is still Odemagunwa (Director of She stated that the name available for sale at the

In the statement, “We wish to reiterate our commitment and dedication to the welfare of students and we will continue to protect their interest”.

This was in reaction to the memo released by the management of the institution on the additional payment of N5,000 tagged “Late

placed on students, which most of them find difficult to pay, the management has also decided to add to their burden.

Poly Student In Fatal Accident, Unions Seek Financial Assistant Students’ Union Government and National Association of Business Administration Management Study (NABAMS) of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree, have sought financial assistance for the treatment of an HND II students in the department of Business Administration, Wole Rachael Ayomide who recently fell victims of a motorcycle accident.

OAU Economics Students Elect New Exco Social), Fajoyomi Oluwakemi (Financial Secretary), Oni Dolapo (Public Relation Officer), Samson Ayetunde (Director of Sport) and Ogboyi Arome (Public Liaison Officer).

Agboola noted that the task ahead is huge and the new executive has resolved to work together to achieve the desired goals.

Honours From The Ivory Towers Garlands and laurels have been coming on the way of the Ogbeni, former Governor of the State of Osun, Dr Rauf Adesoji Aremu Aregbesola in the recent times, the latest is from the faith-based Fountain University, Osogbo, State of Osun.

Sometime in 2018, the management of Adegboyega University, Ogwa, Edo State owned by the Apostolic Church, conferred an honorary degree of Public Administration on him for “his efforts in providing qualitative education to his people”.

Speaking at the special convocation ceremony in August 2018, the Vice Chancellor, Prof Bernard Aigbokan reeled out numerous contributions of the former governor noting that under his watch, the school feeding programme attracted World Bank commendation.

“Under the (former) governor’s watch, the state is second in human capital development, the national assessment on infant and maternal health care delivery and first in Nigeria’s sub national competitiveness index, released by the National Bureau of Statistics and National Competitiveness Council.”

Much earlier, similar commendations and laurels came the way of Ogbeni as he was honoured in far-away Kano for his contributory role in the development of Islamic finance system in Nigeria. The Ogbeni was awarded the “Leadership Award in Islamic Finance” by the International Institute of Islamic Banking and Finance (IIIBF) of the Bayero University, Kano.

The IIIBF said it gave the former Governor the award because of his administration’s pioneering and deft role in the issuance of Sukuk Bond in the country. Despite being labeled a bigot, he boldly became the first state government to issue Islamic (Sukuk) bond in the history of Islamic finance in Nigeria, in 2013.

The Osun initiative thereafter opened the door for other states and Federal government to explore the huge benefits derivable from the interest-free Sukuk Islamic bond.

Last week Monday, the Fountain University, also conferred on Ogbeni the honourary degree of Doctor of Science. The occasion, which was tied to the award of other degrees to graduating students of the institution, was well attended by friends and associates of the former helmsman in Osun, as well as well-wishers from far an near.

Honouring of personalities by universities isn’t really a new thing in this clime, where one can hardly separate the wheat from the chaff. But the conferment of this and previous honours on the former governor was well deserved even if only for his superlative commitment to the development of education and infrastructure.

During his eight-year incumbency, the education sector received his utmost attention. 22 -state-of-the-art elementary Schools, 15 middle schools and 11 high schools [“that look like universities”, according to many watchers including Chief Tola Adeniyi, a veteran journalist] were constructed and completed across the nooks and crannies of the state to revamp the sector and make education attractive to every child.

Other areas of interventions of the Aregbesola-led government in the education sector included school reclassification into elementary, middle and high school system to aid easy teaching and learning; and introduction of education marshalls to maintain discipline. School administration and management was decentralised through

Payment” levied on students of the institution.

One of the affected students, Adedeji Ayomiposi explained that despite the irrelevant fee

Ayomide was recently involved in a fatal accident after a group reading with her friends.

In a release jointly signed by the SUG and NABAMS executives to seek financial assistance for the victim, it was stated that the victim was returning from the venue of the group reading in preparation for the forthcoming

examination when the incident occurred.

According to the statement, the victim was on a motorcycle when unconsciously, a vehicle on a high speed lose its direction and hit her.

According to the release, she was rushed to Ogo Oluwa H spital in Iree where she was given treatment and subsequently referred to Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Osogbo for better treatment because the injury sustained was grievous.

Truth Of The Matter with

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

“The conferment of this and previous honours on the former governor was well deserved even if only for his superlative commitment to the development of education and infrastructure” the creation of three education districts, with each district headed by a tutor-general.

Calisthenics display is another legacy for which this administration will be remembered. Calisthenics incorporates a lot of virtues like team spirit, unity, resilience, cooperation, tenacity, which an average individual needs to survive and succeed in life. The display has since been introduced into all the schools in the state to create a complete ‘Omoluabi’ in the student.

On Osun elementary school feeding and health programme (O’MEAL) alone, the state government provided free meals for over 250,000 pupils in primary one to four every school day. Through the programme, malnutrition in pupils has been reduced; school enrolment and promotion of healthy living among public school pupils have been improved. Also, about 4000 caterers were empowered as food vendors serving nutritious delicacies to all the pupils in elementary schools across the state every school day while over 50 school buses (Omoluabi Scholar Buses) were procured by Aregbesola’s administration to enhance easy transportation of students in the state.

Aregbesola’s administration was the first in the country to replace books with computer tablets called ‘Tablet of Knowledge’ aka ‘Opon Imo’[acknowledged by UNESCO as unique] to further stimulate the interest of students to learning as well as completely turn learning into play in

schools. Altogether, 17 subjects that students offer during West African Senior Secondary Certificate Examinations (WASSCE) were included as learning experiences in form of lesson notes, textbooks, mostly provided by Evans Publishers and Master Teacher’s inputs.

Computer Education and Entrepreneurship Education are also included in the device. ‘Opon Imo’ also contains 10 years past questions and answers provided by the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB) as well as West African Examinations Council (WAEC).

It also needs to be noted that Aregbesola’s government increased bursary allocations to all Osun indigenes in tertiary institutions. ý If Ogbeni was not a politician, he probably would be in the classroom, teaching. Ogbeni is deep in thinking and excellent in oral delivery. He won’t be done with you until he’s sure you are on same page with him. He easily wins arguments and this is a plus for him as a politician and mobiliser. He will dazzle you with local, foreign, past and recent examples to drive home his points. Aregbe is well versed in local folklores and also very witty. Being with him, boredom has no place.

Political rallies and social events are always carnival-like with the Ogbeni in attendance. He is mercurial, dramatic and a pleasure to be with. An Aderinposonu, he is one who could make you forget your sorrow with anecdotes that bring his audiences to cascading laughter but with insightful reflections, mostly nodding in agreement. He makes jokes out of every good or bad situation in the sense that you cannot but see rays of hope no matter how bad you think the situation is.

He is a cheerful giver, decent lover of the womenfolk, a good dancer, especially when the Oranmiyan band boys are let loose to release his favourite tunes..

An unapologetic lover of his Islamic religion but with respects for other faiths, quoting copiously from their holy writs, he does not begin speeches without the initial renditions from the Quran.

On the downside as a mortal, Ogbeni could be very moody, which he sometimes acknowledges. He doesn’t know how to hide his feelings, good or bad.

As this paper was being taken to press, came another soothing report that our great State, Ipinle Omoluabi was being ranked first among states in the country and the federal capital through a survey based on 18 basic World Development Indicators.

The result of the survey is contained in a book titled “Development Performance Ranking of Nigerian States and Monitoring of African Countries,” which was launched just last Tuesday in Abuja. Anambra and Lagos tied for second position, while Ekiti came fourth. Others in the top 10 are the FCT, Abia, Imo, Kwara, Edo and Kogi states.

Osun will sorely miss him.

FRIDAY JANUARY 25 - THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2019

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40% Of Cancer Cases Can Be Prevented In Nigeria - Minister Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole has disclosed that 40 per cent of cancer cases can be prevented in Nigeria, if people can change their sedentary lifestyles.

Adewole made the investing in this cancer assertion recently, while treatment centre is to addressing newsmen at treat more people in the the inspection of the new country, rather than Cancer Treatment having them travel Centre at the Lagos abroad for treatment.

“Also, the best place to University Teaching treat patients is when Hospital (LUTH), Idi- they are among their Araba, Lagos. people and seeing their The Minister said that relations everyday. cancer prevention could “So, we are trying to be achieved when achieve that and save people change their people’s money because lifestyles, especially the it will be cheaper than way they move around, travelling outside.

“We noticed that sleep, eat, what they drink and majorly, treatment is beyond the modalities that it offers. staying away from “Three modalities for tobacco and tobacco cancer treatment are products. chemotherapy, radiation According to him, and surgery because “The main purpose of

O-SACA Organises Free HIV Test As part of Governor Gboyega Oyetola administration’s determination to prioritize healthy living for the people of Osun, the State Agency for the Control of AIDS (O-SACA), has organised HIV Test Services across the state.

This was disclosed by HIV Counseling, HIV and the Project Manager of education the Agency, Dr. Akin distribution of both Male Oyebade through a and Female Condoms statement by the were carried out.

The project manager C o m m u n i t y Mobilization Officer, disclosed that the exercise took place at OAdeyinka Adeleke According to the SACA office, 79, Odirelease, the Free HIV olowo, Osogbo and also Testing was held in all the 30 Local between Monday, 21st to Government Secretariats Friday, 25th of January, and Area Office in the state.

2019.

He added that all Also, as part of the programme activities, LACA Managers in the state were part of the exercise and they OLATUNJI YUSUF OLAIDE ensured the smooth That I was formerly running of the exercise in known and addressed as OLATUNJI OLAIDE their various local OLAIDE, but now wish to governments.

Dr. Oyebade be known and addressed as OLATUNJI YUSUF commended the people OLAIDE. All former of the state for taking documents remain valid. advantage of the exercise Union Bank and General by endeavoring to know public should take note. their status.

HENRY SMITH BIYI

That I was formerly known and addressed as ADEBIYI TEMITOPE ADEBOWALE, but now wish to be known and addressed as HENRY SMITH BIYI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

AKINLADE MARIAM OPEYEMI

That I was formerly known and addressed as AKINLADE MARIAM OLUWABUNMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as AKINLADE MARIAM OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. G.T Bank and General public should take note.

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

•Professor Adewole

most cancer cases are always presented late. “ I m p r o v i n g awareness on cancer treatment will make people to come early for treatment and reduce late presentation of cancer cases.”

He also said that the plan was to replicate the centre in many health

institutions across the country.

“There will also be long time maintenance contract that will enable us to manage the cancer machine.

“The cancer treatment centre is almost ready, so

by February, this centre will start operation fully for the benefits of the

patients.”

According to the minister, apart from the Cancer Treatment Centre, Federal Ministry of Health had flagged off the basic healthcare provision fund.

He said: “The main reason is to provide resource from the Federal down to all the state facilities and also to the local government level.

“We will also be providing some free basic services to the people such as immunisation services, delivery services, tuberculosis services, checking of blood pressure, urine test and treatment of under-five children.

“We will also be partnering with the state governments by making

sure that the state provides infrastructure, while the Federal Government provides money to maintain it.

“We are also moving ahead by producing adequate doctors in all health facilities, retain our health professionals by providing necessary equipment, funds and also attract many doctors back to Nigeria.

“We already have the manpower, that is enough experts for cancer treatment, but we are trying to also retrain our experts on how to maintain and use the machine properly.

“I want people to know that healthcare is inevitable to invest in, so I am calling on people to invest more in healthcare system in the country.”

Health In Osun, The Oyetola's Way

In the eight years that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was in the saddle as the governor of the State of Osun, the issue of health and the well being of the citizens of the state was always on the front burner.

Many health initiatives governor of the state has were undertaken and immediately set the ball many government rolling with the policies in relation to constitution of a health health were also committee in the state undertaken. that he is personally The climax of it was the chairing. establishment of the Now, if this is not Osun Health Insurance consolidation, I do not Agency and the see what it is? inauguration of the Osun For the governor to Health Insurance Scheme personally chair a (OHIS). committee on health is to These two laudable say the least laudable and programmes are just the an indication that icing on the cake of plans Oyetola means business. to fix the health sector in It is no news again that the state.

Governor Oyetola has To say that the past inaugurated a six man administration that held committee with the aim sway in the past eight of revitalizing the health years has carved its name sector in the state. in gold is just to say the The terms of reference least. for the health The Aregbesola’s revitalization committee administration was a trail which has been blazer and to consolidate christened, State Of Osun on these gains in the area Special Health of health care provision Intervention And and services, Gboyega R e h a b i l i t a t i o n Oyetola the new Committee includes the

following: Review the state of the health sector for efficient health care delivery.

Embark on quick rehabilitation and reactivation of the 332 PHCs in the state.

This is good and credible.

When Ogbeni Aregbesola assumed office as governor on the 27th of November, 2010, there was an environmental menace ravaging the state and after diligence study of the situation, he declared a 90-day State of Emergency on Environmental Sanitation.

The results of that action plan is still being felt today all round the state.

So, Oyetola doing same in the health sector isn’t a surprise at all. It should be lauded by all concerned and given a pass mark. Infact, it should be allowed to

succeed.

Oyetola has stated during the inauguration of this special health committee that the action became necessary because his government sees the health concern of the state as vital to its progress.

The inauguration of the committee is part of efforts to meet the critical health needs of the citizens.

The development is in line with the agenda of his administration to build healthy citizens by ensuring that every resident of the state has access to working, equipped and staffed health facilities.

It is also a reflection of his commitment to ensure free health care delivery at the primary and secondary levels.

It also shows that the administration takes the health sector seriously and that is why it is paying serious attention to the sector.

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No Permanent Voter’s Card, No Voting- INEC

By Aminat Ahmed Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun has reiterated the Commission’s resolve that no one would be allowed to vote except they present their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

This was disclosed by to him has been the claim the Resident Electoral of some political parties Commissioner in Osun across the country. state, Olusegun Agbaje He said, some of the during a meeting with worrisome among the leadership of the challenges the political parties in the commission is state at the commission’s confronting is ‘win at all headquarters in Osogbo cost attitude of recently. politicians’ which The REC said, a total according to him of 1,254,467 PVCs involves “deploying all (75.58%) have been sorts of illicit means such collected, out of as vote buying, use of 1,681,930 received in the thugs to disrupt election state leaving a balance of process, raising of false 427,463 PVCs (25.42) alarm and dissemination which is yet to be of fake news to whip up collected. u n n e c e s s a r y He denied given any sentiments.”

PVC to the All “If we must get rid of Progressives Congress all the wicked forces that (APC), which according have continuously

threatened the credibility of our elections in Nigeria, the political class must change its ‘do or die’ attitude to good conduct in politics. “ The session eventually turn tumultuous as a party chairman disagrees with INEC on the conduct process of general election.

The Democratic Peoples Party (DPP) chairman in Osun state, Prince Gbade Adelakun snr, exchange hot argument with the Resident Electoral Commissioner, Olusegun Agbaje on his approach on conducting credible election in the state.

The party chairman insisted that Osun REC does not have the prospect to conduct free and credible elections.

Osun Must Focus On Localisation To Be Self-dependent, Says Expert

By Solomon Odeniyi

Business Development and Marketing specialist, Olajide Olafuyi has commended the Osun government for giving much credence to the generation of internal revenue, saying it takes a leader with business-oriented acumen to think towards that direction.

He added that if this could be visited and is pursued with vigour, attract million of people the state is on a journey out there to come. The to prosperity and the tourists that go to lots of the citizens Venice every day, not would be improved. that they have Olafuyi who is the something special but CEO of J.E Consult, a government knows that firm through which he this is all they have and has been helping big they cherish it so much. and small corporations “Localization is about to attain global focusing on that unique relevance in providing preposition that the sustainable solutions for state has that would social and economic advancement, stressed that the best way the state could be lessdependent on revenue •Continue from page 11 from the federal place to report.

“We complained government is by focusing on the immediately at the camp localization of the but we were told to put resources the state has down our names and go in abundance. back to our respective He said, “The state homes that our posting has so much to generate will be done as soon as income for itself. I will possible.” like the government to “Unfortunately, we understand that tourism have been at home since is not it but part of it. 2015 till date, not The government must knowing what is localize everything it happening. They said we has just as it is in the should wait for our European countries. If posting.” you go to Bologna in Opeyemi, in the Italy, they are known for document that was made something, go to available to this medium Milano, they have signed by a Military something unique from Police, one Colonel Dan the next town. They do Walang, dated not have much as September, 21, 2015, compared to Osun that titled: Posting of has a lot of monuments. Reinstated Soldiers Osun has more 29NA/33665 PPO monument points that Akanni Welcome and 76

generate enough income. Take for example Osogbo has its unique proposition, Iwo, Ede, Ife, Ilesha, they all have their unique prepositions, it is only for us to annex those things and take it outside the world to see.

With the application of localization. I can guarantee that the state would make the country focus more on Osun, getting more income for itself in the process.”

He warned that the process being self reliant would take a while but remains the best for a state with many monuments like Osun.

'Deserted' Soldier Others.

Among the seventhseven dismissed soldiers, it was revealed in a document coded NATRAC/G1/300/02 that fifty-four of them were posted while the rest fourteen males and eight females were left in the barrack.

Upon been retrained and assigning of some of them to different barracks, Opeyemi said, the rest of them were left behind.

Opeyemi pleaded to the federal government to look into their case and consider their pleas, saying “Even if they will not be reinstated, they, at least deserve to know their status”, saying he could no longer tell if he is still in the army or he is just a civilian”.

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CRIME

FRIDAY JANUARY 25 - THURSDAY JANUARY 31, 2019

Man Remanded In Prison Over Pant Theft

By Khadijat Abdullah A 23-year-old suspect, Opeyemi Adeleke has been remanded in Ilesha prison custody for allegedly stealing a pant belonging to one Gift Sunday.

According to the accused person charge sheet, the accused committed the offence is facing two count contrary to and charges bothering on punishable under stealing. section 249 [D] of The charge sheet criminal code 34 vol.11 disclosed that the laws of Osun State of

Nigeria 2003.

The charge sheet also revealed that the accused person behaved disorderly by seizing and hiding the pant of one Gift Sunday without her consent for the reason best known to him and thereby committed an offence contrary to and

punishable under section 390[9] of the criminal code Cap vol.11 laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2003.

The charge sheet submitted that the accused person committed the offence on January 21, 2019, at

Agowande area, Osogbo, the state capital.

Defence counsel Mrs. Susan Ayeigbe urged the court to admit the suspect to bail in the most liberal term.

Police prosecutor, Inspector Jafani Muslim objected the application

Two Remanded For Murder

By Rukayat Ademola A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo has remanded a 39-year-old man, Adegoke Fatai and a 29-year-old woman Adeleke Khadijah for committing murder.

It was revealed by the suspects conspired to charge sheet that the kill Risikat Adegoke on

Bus Driver Allegedly Rapes 4-year-old School Girl •Kabiru Dudupariola (left) and Dauda Amusa: Suspected killers of a businessman, Sanusi Isiaka when they were paraded by the police in Osogbo.

Man In Court For Disrespecting Mobile Court Magistrate

By Ummultalhah Yusuf

Osun state police command has arraigned a middle age man, Jibola Azeez before an Osogbo magistrate court over alleged shouting on a mobile court presiding magistrate and causing

Two Arraigned For Armed Robbery

By Ummultalhah Yusuf Two suspects, Seun Olusola, 39 and Ogunmokun Deji, 38, have been arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate court over armed robbery.

According to the charge thereby committed an sheet, the suspects are offence punishable under facing two count charges section 1[i]2[a] [b] of the bothering on armed Robbery and Firearm robbery and thereby [special provision ]. committed an offence It added that the contrary and punishable suspects committed the under section 1[i] of the offence on August 25, 2018 robbery and firearm at about 2;40pm at Oke-fia [special provision]. area Osogbo.

The charge sheet also The Presiding disclosed that the suspects Magistrate A. O. Ajanaku armed themselves with ordered that the accused gun and dangerous should be weapon to rob Ayeni persons Toyin of Infinix hot 5 remanded in Ilesa prison mobile phone valued custody pending the next N45,000, a Nokia mobile adjourned date.

She later adjourned the phone value N5,000 and cash sum of N270,000 total case till February 27,2019 for hearing. sum of N320,000 and

Man Docked For Fraud

By Rukayat Ademola For allegedly committing fraud, Junior Shittu 22, has been arraigned before an Osogbo magistrate court According to the charge submitted that the sheet, the accused person accused committed the is facing two count charges offence on December 21, 2018 at Odi-Olowo area, bothering on stealing The charge sheet Osogbo the state capital.

The suspect however disclosed that the accused person committed an pleaded not guilty to the offence contrary and two count charges punishable under section preferred against him.

The defence counsel 419 of the state criminal urged the court to admit law 2003.

The charge sheet read in the suspect to bail in the court disclosed that the most liberal term.

Presiding Magistrate, accused person stole N100,000 property of one Mrs. A O Ajanaku admitted the suspect to Oyedokun Damilare contrary to section 383 and bail in the sum of N50,000 punishable under section and one surety in the 390 of the code cap 34 voll. same sum.

He adjourned the case II laws of Osun State to February 14, 2019 for Nigeria, 2003.

The charge sheet hearing.

breach of peace at the court premises.

The charge sheet read in court revealed that the suspect shouted on a presiding magistrate Mrs. Olowolagba and also ignored her order thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 133 of the state criminal code.

It also disclosed that the suspect conducted himself in a manner that caused breach of peace in the court premises by making unnecessary noise which distracted the attention of the people and thereby committing an offence contrary and punishable under section 249 (d) of criminal code.

However, the suspect pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The defence counsel, Mayowa Folade, prayed the court to grant the accused bail and assured the court that he will provide reliable surety if granted bail.

The presiding Magistrate M.A Awodele admitted the suspect to bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties who must swear to affidavit of means and their address must be verified by the police.

The presiding magistrate adjourned the case to January 25, 2019 for hearing.

on the ground that the offence is trending and there is need to curb it before it becomes rampant.

The presiding magistrate, M.A Awodele later adjourned the matter to February 12, 2019 for ruling on bail application.

By Aminat Ahmed A Magistrate court sitting in Osogbo, Osun State Capital on Monday remanded a 27-year-old School Bus Driver in Ilesa prison custody over alleged rape of a 4-year-old school girl.

He said the offence The Police Prosecutor, Sgt. Temitope Fatoba, committed contravened sections 360 and 218 of told the court that the accused person identified the criminal code cap 34 vol.11,laws of Osun,2003. as Oluwatomisin Magistrate Rofiat Oyelakin committed the offence on Jan. 15 at Olayemi, then ordered about 4:00pm, within the accused person to be remanded in Ilesa prison Osogbo Metropolis.

Fatoba said the due to the magnitude of accused person raped the the offence committed little girl who happened and pending a formal bail to be the last pupil on his application on the next Bus while going to drop date of adjournment which is 28th of her at home.

February, 2019.

October 27, 2018 and thereby committing an offence contrary and punishable under section 324 criminal code.

The charge sheet further disclosed that the suspects did kill Risikat who gave up the ghost on November 15, 2018 at about 6; 30pm.

According to the charge sheet the suspect prevented Risikat to give birth to her seven months old pregnancy and thereby committing an offence contrary to and punishable under section 328 of criminal code law of Osun state Nigeria 2003.

Magistrate M.A Awodele ruled that the case should be transfer to a court of competent jurisdiction for mention on February 10, 2019.

She also orders the police to duplicate the case file and send it to the Director of Public Prosecution Office for counsel.

Oyetola, Osun Workers' Welfare •Continue from backpage tenure, Aregbesola maintained a disciplined public service with desirable orientation that induced harmonious and patriotic disposition in the civil servants and practically availed high quality services to the governed, the people of Osun.

Today, by his confab with the state bureaucrats, Oyetola, highly knowledgeable and marked by dedication, integrity, public accountability, social justice, openness to constructive criticism and sensitivity to political sycophants, praise-singers and such other opportunists, has taken invigorated dive, promising to further fire-up workers’ morale to enhance their productivity. He rightly believes, his government should attend to the needs of the state work-force to foster job satisfaction, work appreciation, joy at work, and job compensation through care for workers’ welfare to avoid frustration because disaffection and dissatisfaction stimulate a misbehavior pattern that corrupts civil servants, culminating in low productivity.

Hear him at the parley: “I appreciate your support for my predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and for standing by him during the last gubernatorial election which culminated in my eventual victory. I enjoin you to always seek productivity and such other things as prompt payment of salaries and welfare packages shall be added. You must all seek to merit what you earn. And you have to join hands with me to ensure significant increase in the internally generated revenue as what the state presently earns from Abuja is meager. Osun is a project that everyone must ensure does not fail. Service to the people of the state is the common objective I share with you and it is pivotal to the success of my administration.”

Osun workers should appreciate Oyetola’s conviction that the state public service has always lived up to ethical, moral

and professional standards generally; and are law-abiding who would neither charge any gratification for the services rendered to the governed nor feed the public on any diet of falsehood. He should be appreciated for his democratic leadership, invoking consultation with his subordinates, the civil servants and inducing intelligent followership in them as collective efforts towards achievement of common objectives of serving Osun people. He’s not a cunning, unscrupulous politician in power like Thomas Niccolo Machiavelli, an Italian politician (1469-1527) who states in his book The Prince: ”The end justifies the means,” meaning, it’s necessary for rulers to use immoral methods to achieve power and success.

Rather, Oyetola, like Thomas Hobbes (1588-1679) and Jean-Jacques Rousseau (1702-1778), respectively, English and French Philosophers on ”The Social Contract and Selfinterested Cooperation,” has a social contract with Osun workers, to remotivate them in order to develop desirable work attitudes in the state workforce aimed at achieving high quality services. He’s not one given to making political statements, neither ambiguity nor a promise, Hobson’s choice. He’s also like Socrates (469 BC399BC), Plato (427-347 BC) and Aristotle (384-322 BC) – all, the Greek Philosophers of “Disambiguation”. It is Oyetola’s intention to regenerate in Osun public servants a set of standard values, attitudes and behaviour to serve as valid, reliable and appropriate legal-ethical controls, conducive to high performances at work, he knows that protecting Osun workers’ welfare is sine-quanom to ensuring enduring democracy in terms of sanity and stability in the state political economy.

•OLUSESI writes from Osogbo.

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ISAAC OLUSESI writes that in Nigeria, Governor Gboyega Oyetola’s resourceful parley with the State of Osun bureaucrats is a commendable endeavour in transactional leadership.

OBSERVATION

Oyetola, Osun Workers' Welfare

ISAAC OLUSESI

In Nigeria, State of Osun, the straight conviction in Governor Gboyega Oyetola is that the state civil servants have strength of moral character, sense of justice, humanity, patriotism, disposition for peace, temperament for cooperation, commitment to work and productivity; the conviction, expressive in his appreciation of the state workforce for the support accorded his predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, became clear-out at the recent parley Oyetola held with the Osun civil service chiefs at the government secretariat, Osogbo, the state capital.

The dialogue centred on how the productivity of Osun civil servants could best augment the meager monthly handouts to the state from Abuja and the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) increment as an antidote to the persisting scantiness of funds in the state. Oyetola’s resourceful confab initiative is a commendable endeavour in transactional leadership that would further surge IGR, workers’ welfare and productivity, implying achievement of efficient multifarious services to the governed to enhance their social and economic advancement. He knows that civil servants’ commitment to work would lead to high productivity, producing constant maximum result with minimum efforts and increasing governmental revenues for further development of the state. In the background to the Oyetola enterprise is an honest, just, dedicated, trust-worthy, peaceful, and morally upright, cooperative and intelligent civil service bequeathed to him by his predecessor in office. Both

•Oyetola erstwhile Governor Aregbesola and incumbent Governor Oyetola are of the governing All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

For the records, civil servants of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of yesteryears in Osun governance (20032010) inherited by the Aregbesola APC government in November, 2010 had unhealthy work orientation, characterized by absent-ism, frequent lateness to work, incompetence, insubordination to officers and visitors, abuse of office time and

Osun workers should appreciate Oyetola’s conviction that the state public service has always lived up to ethical, moral and professional standards generally; and are lawabiding who would neither charge any gratification for the services rendered to the governed nor feed the public on any diet of falsehood. property, and all sorts of work-defeating behaviours rooted in indiscipline with impunity that encouraged corruption, ineptitude, mismanagement of scarce resources and inordinate refusal to submit to the restraints of orderly social contract, a destructive trend which consequently eroded ideal work ethics and stimulated a misdemeanor that devoted attention to nepotism and provocation in the civil servants of the PDP days, irresponsible

attitudes that became anti-developmental, self-centric and materialistic which regrettably left the governed dehumanized and improvised, with grossly unpleasant effects on the Osun political economy.

Civil servants under PDP were treated to stick approach, coerced, directed, controlled or threatened to get them to work. Strangely, civil servants of the PDP dark atavism in Osun disliked work and exhibited at all times high penchant for indolence; and in rare cases where there was commitment to work, it was a commitment by carrot, corruptly induced that also merely satisfied their superfluous ego, meaning that civil servants were maladjusted under PDP government in Osun that itself was marked by social and political anarchy, chaos, and confusion.

And Osun under the Aregbesola–APC government would not watch the utterly disillusioned civil servants ‘kill’ the state.

Aregbesola deployed orientation by retrainings, workshops, seminars, conferences, rallies, lectures, talks that instructively reversed the unstructured, unworkable ethics in the civil servants’ work attitudes of the PDP era; and he inculcated in them such laudable practices as dedication, effectiveness, punctuality, interest and cooperation as integral components of public service ethics in the performances of their official responsibilities to the government and the governed. As corollary, the state workers became committed to the statutory policies, practices and rules that govern civil service and all through his 8year-

•Continue on page 15

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 Editor, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, Telephone: 0806-220-7954, kazeemayofe26@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org., Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com,