Omoluabi Progressives Will Be The Bedrock Of Responsible Leadership In Africa - Aregbesola Youths Frown At Osun Govt Over ‘Disregard’ On House
Uncertainty Beclouds Osun Education Sector
•As Teachers’ Recruitment Remains Inconclusive
•19 Months After, Govt Yet To Implement Education Committee Report
•Former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan speaking at the maiden Leadership and Stakeholders Conference of the Omoluabi Progressives, in Ibadan, on Wednesday, while Former Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, and others watch
Uncertainty Beclouds Osun Education Sector
EDUCATION, as largely regarded, is the bedrock of any progressive society. But, the sector has suffered a major setback and le in disarray in Osun State since the emergence of Governor Ademola Adeleke.
However, many stakeholders in the state have argued that the problem started during the administra on of Mr Gboyega Oyetola, who reversed some of the laudable policies of his former boss and predecessor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on educa on.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that most public schools in the state, especially in rural communi es, are in deplorable condi ons, with many grappling with dilapidated buildings and lack of modern equipment.
In its effort to restore the past glory of educa on as witnessed during the Aregbesola’s administra on, the present administra on hosted an educa onal summit between August 22 to 24, 2023, with the promise to reform and salvage the state’s declining educaon sector. But nineteen months a er, there was no evidence that the resolu ons from the summit have been implemented.
Also, the 2024 teachers’ recruitment exercise embarked upon by the Adeleke’s government remains inconclusive to date and all promises to issue appointment le ers to the 5000 shortlisted applicants has not come to frui on.
Recently, the state government from the 10,000 engaged ‘Imole Youth Corps’, deployed undisclosed numbers of the Corps to public schools to teach. Meanwhile, their engagement to partake in teaching ac vi es have raised concerns with many doub ng their capabilies and qualifica on. But the government remained silent on the cogent issue raised.
Commen ng on the situa on, a legal praconer with core interest in educa on policy and the right of children to quality educa on, Jacob Olaoluwa Esq. in an open le er dated March 28, 2025 and addressed to Governor Adeleke, urged him to declare a State of Emergency in Educa on.
According to Olaoluwa, public schools in Osun are in crisis and the quality of educa on has plummeted to an alarming level with damning sta s cs. The legal luminary called on Adeleke to use same determina on used in construc ng roads to fix public educa on in the state.
The copy of the le er obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday reads partly: “Your Excellency, the educa on sector under your administra on is failing at an alarming rate, and the silence from the government is deafening. Therefore, it is imperave that the same energy and urgency you have deployed in infrastructural development be applied to revitalizing the educa on sector.
“Your Excellency, our schools are in crisis and unfortunately the quality of educa on in Osun State has plummeted to an alarming level with damning sta s cs. Osun, a state with 1,340 primary schools (693 in rural communi es and 647 in urban areas) and 387 secondary schools, con nues to lag in educa onal development compared to states like Lagos and Anambra, which consistently rank at the top in WAEC and NECO results from 2019 ll date.
“The stark reality is that our children have being le behind, an urgent interven on is needed. The academic performance of Osun State students in na onal examina ons has experienced a significant decline in recent years. In 2016, the state ranked 29th out of 36 states in WAEC performance. By 2018, Osun State achieved its best result, ranking 7th na onally.
“However, in 2019,
the state’s performance dropped to 14th, followed by a further decline to 34th posi on in 2020. In 2021, Osun State ranked last (36th), with only 32.6% of public-school students obtaining five credits, including Mathema cs and English.
“This is an indictment of the leadership in the Ministry of Educa on, SUBEB and TESCOM which has demonstrated neither foresight nor direc on. I challenge you to call for be er policy coordina on between the agencies to reposi on educa on in our dear state.
“In August 2023, the Osun State Government hosted an Educa on Summit from the 22nd to the 24th, promising sweeping reforms to salvage our declining educa on sector. However, one year later, there is li le to no evidence that the resolu ons from that summit have been implemented.
“What has the Commissioner for Educa on, Hon. Dipo Eluwole, done with the recommenda ons? Where is the roadmap for improvement? The silence from the government on educa on is deafening, and Osun cannot afford to con-
nue this trajectory.
“Osun State boasts of 13 universi es, yet it is not a hub for research and academic excellence. This is a travesty that must be corrected. Educa on should be the cornerstone of development in Osun, yet the Ministry of Educa on under the current Commissioner has failed to provide the leadership required to steer our ins tu ons toward global compe veness.
“For this reason, I urge a review of the current leadership in the Ministry of Educa on. Osun deserves a Commissioner for
Ooni: Caution Oluwo Against ‘Unpleasant’ Remarks, Ekiti Monarch Tells Osun Govt
Yusuf Oketola
THE Onikoyi of IkoyiEki , Ikole Local Government Area of Eki State, Oba Akinwande Ogundana, has appealed to the Osun State government and other stakeholders to cau on the Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Rasheed Adewale, against making unpleasant and derogatory statements.
The tradi onal ruler, in a statement by his principal secretary, Prince
Fagbewesa Oluwole, on Tuesday, said the ac vies of Oba Adewale in recent mes cons tuted a threat to the peaceful coexistence of the people in the region.
Onikoyi added that Oluwo’s recent remarks against the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, were condemnable, noting that the Ooni’s stool should be respected by all, including other tradional rulers.
He said, “Oluwo
should be called to order to stop making derogatory remarks that are detrimental and inimical to the revered Royal stool of Ooni of Ife and any other religious ins tu ons as recognized and enshrined in the country’s cons tuon.
“The Kabiyesi reminded the Oluwo that before the colonial era, Nigeria was inhabited by various ethnic groups, each with its own culture, language, and religion.
“The pre-colonial era was characterized by a high degree of religious diversity and tolerance among the different ethnic groups. There was no concept of a state religion or a secular state in precolonial Nigeria.
“Religion was mainly a personal ma er, and each group had its own religious ins tu ons and authori es. There were also cases of inter-religious harmony. For example, some Muslim rulers employed Chris an advisers and diplomats, while some Chris an kings adopted Islamic tles and prac ces. Some tradi on-
al rulers also patronized both Islamic and Chris an schools and scholars.
“The first cons tu on of Nigeria was adopted in 1960 and was based on the Westminster model of parliamentary democracy. The cons tu on declared Nigeria to be a sovereign state but did not explicitly men on secularism or state religion.
“However, it guaranteed the right to freedom of religion and conscience for all ci zens and prohibited discrimina on on grounds of religion, which Oba Abdul-Rasheed is now promo ng.
“The cons tu on also reiterates the right to freedom of religion and conscience for all ci zens and prohibits discriminaon on grounds of religion.
“The cons tu on also maintains the provision for Sharia courts of appeal in states that desire them but limits their jurisdicon to ma ers rela ng to Islamic personal law.
“We pray for peace and prosperity in Yoruba land, Nigeria, and the world in general.”
Educa on who recognizes the need for urgent reform and has the necessary skills and vision to implement effec ve changes.”
Also, he urged the Governor to rehabilitate schools and equip them with modern equipment for adequate learning. “Addi onally, schools must be rehabilitated and equipped with adequate learning resources, while educa onal policies should emphasize inclusivity, access, and accountability to ensure all children benefit from quality educa on,” he added.
More so, The Concerned Civil Society Groups in Osun has called on Adeleke to expedite ac on on the teachers’ recruitment exercise, saying the process is long-overdue.
The Groups in a press statement signed by its Coordinator, Jolapoma Bolanle (Machievelli) and Spokesperson, Olanrewaju Stephen (Olans) said the ma er may snowball into a bigger crisis if not addressed on me.
The statement reads partly: “We also bring to the Governor’s a en on the long-overdue issue of le ers of appointment for awai ng teachers in the state who applied over a year ago. We urge the government to expedite ac on on this ma er immediately, as the ma er may snowball into a bigger crisis if not addressed on me. The shortage of teachers has been a clog in the wheel of educaonal progress in the state.
“We have no ced that some of the newly recruited members of the Imole Youth Corps have been deployed to teach in some of our schools. We are of the strong view that these individuals should be given crash training on teaching so that the genuine intenon for deploying them will not backfire.”
•Dr. Joe Odumakin addressing the audience at the 4th Anniversary of late Comrade Yinka Odumakin lecture, held at Lagos, yesterday
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2025 - THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025
THE President is off again for the seventh me since his inaugura on to Paris, the French capital. Paris is a beau ful place to hangout but there is something disturbing about the head of government of a sovereign state perennially opera ng from there. Since there is no inten on of a formal handover to the Vice - President, it is clear that the presidency is now opera ng from Paris.
It is not out of order to ask ques ons about this arrangement.
For a start, there are issues rela ng to sovereignty as well as na onal self esteem and pride. There is something in toward about the arrangement smirking of neo-colonialism. Why Paris, why not Accra or Cape Town?
In addi on there is the issue of costs and benefits. A costs, benefits analysis does not favour Nigeria.
We are further deple ng hard currency reserves and boos ng
AA French Leave
the economy of France. We are not ge ng anything back in return!
A na onalist poli cal establishment should be boos ng the economy of the Obudu Ca le Ranch or the Yankari
games reserve. That we are not doing so at a me when we have a crises of foreign exchange is unfortunate to say the least.
Other countries have done be er. A good example o en cited is Mexico. In Mexico, forward looking governments have turned Acapulco from nothing into a world class tourism centre pulling in hundreds of millions of dollars and raising the profile of the country in a posi ve direc on. The place is now mul -direc onal over me becoming in addi on a
“ There are issues rela ng to sovereignty as well as na onal self esteem and pride. There is something in toward about the arrangement smirking of neo - colonialism. Why Paris, why not Accra or Cape Town? ”
medical tourism des na on.
This is what we should be emula ng. We could not have gained independence to turn Paris into a second home. When was the last me a French president spent two weeks in Abuja?
It is not about a par cular president, it is about the subservient mentality which for example venerates Dubai. For decades not many people had heard about Dubai.
For an advance, we have to drop the mindset of neo - colonialism and look inward in the process regaining focus and boos ng na onal pride and self - esteem.
The Discourse The Discourse 2025: The Best Time To Have A Census
By Tony Ademiluyi
CCORDING to history, a census was first conducted in the area known today as Nigeria in the year 1866 by the Bri sh colonial government within the Colony of Lagos. There were also decennial censuses conducted only for the Lagos Colony in the years 1871, 1881 and 1901, respec vely. 10 years later, in the year 1911, the census exercise covered the Southern Protectorate, including Lagos and the Northern Protectorate. Therea er, there had been a census in 1921, 1931, 1951/53, 1962, 1963, 1973, 1991 and 2006.
A census is very important because it enables the government to plan adequately for the popula on based on its peculiar needs. The needs of the disabled for example can be known with public policy being skewed in their favour so as to make life be er and more meaningful for them.
Despite the immense advantages of a census, some unscrupulous elements in the government also manipulate the figures to give an unfair edge to their tribes so as to have more public funds to pilfer from via alloca ons and cons tuency votes.
It is a well-known historical fact that one of the reasons for the collapse of the First Republic was over the census figures which reinforced the numerical advantage of the then northern region with its a endant corrup on and misrule.
The last me we had a census was about nineteen years ago and it is high me that we had another one.
The benefits of a census are enormous – it helps in the planning and alloca on of resources for all sectors of the economy. The unemployment rate is so high and there is a clarion call on the
small and medium scale businesses which is the bulwark of any economy to employ more hands so as to dras cally reduce the unemployment rate. A census will enable the government for instance know how many businesses are in existence and tailor policies towards making business friendly policies so that jobs will flow.
A census will also help the educa onal sector as well. The government will know how many students are in school at any given point in me and how to tailor public policies to ensuring that they study relevant courses especially in this era of ar ficial intelligence that makes learning obsolete within the speed of light. It will also help the government plan the number of voca onal as well as technical colleges that should exist. Take Cuba for example, whose highest source of revenue earning is her export of medical doctors to the rest of the world. The world felt the impact of the Cuban doctors especially during covid 19 when Italians were dying like flies and an appeal had to be made to the ny La n American Island for medical assistance. A census helped the government of Fidel Castro plan the number of doctors it would train and the incen ves to students for becoming medical doctors as the government saw their training as a very viable investment opportunity.
A census will also help in healthcare as our healthcare sector is worse than consul ng clinics apologies to the late General Sani Abacha. A census will help the government stem the de of the ugly ‘japa’ syndrome and will ensure that all mes, the na on has sufficient healthcare personnel to take care of the plethora of the country’s health needs. The number of trained healthcare personnel will be in the database of the government which will make the government able to adequately
plan for their welfare. It will help the government get rid of quacks in the sector and aid the ci zens in making medica ons more affordable and abundant. A census will help the government be er plan infrastructural development. It will know the number of roads to build as well as have an idea of the number of vehicles that ply them at any given point in me. In the area of housing for example, we will know the purchasing power of most Nigerians in the workforce and how many would be able to afford mortgages in the future. Homelessness will be be er tackled as the census will enable the government be er plan for the teeming popula on especially in the urban centres. According to popular columnist Jide Ojo wri ng in the Punch Newspaper on March 12, 2025 ‘It is very heartwarming that President Bola Tinubu has shown re-
“Tinubu rejected the budget for the census which in his view was humongous opting to use youth corpers for the exercise. The critical question to ask is are the corpers the best trained personnel for this all-important exercise?”
OSUN DEFENDER
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
newed interest in conduc ng a fresh naonal popula on and housing census for Nigeria a er 19 years. Recall that the last one was held in November 2006. It is also gra fying that the President wants the na onal popula on and housing census with biometric and digital components. Tinubu, at the February 24, 2025, mee ng with officials of the Na onal Popula on Commission at the Statehouse, said he would set up a commi ee to align the census budget to the government’s present financial reali es. He said the Na onal Iden ty Management Commission must be part of the review. The President told the delegaon that biometric capturing should be central to the process, with mul ple iden fica on features, including facial and voice recogni on.’
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
•Tony Ademiluyi writes from Lagos
•Obudu should be turn into a resort earning millions of dollars!
Sukuk: A Financial Model For Nigeria’s Infrastructure Future
OSodiq
Yusuf
NE of the cri cal yards cks in measuring the developmental progress of a na on is its level of infrastructure painstakingly built to propel economic growth and mass prosperity. Since me immemorial, both developing and developed na ons have always considered strategies to push their infrastructural dreams, op mising varying chains of finance that will, in turn, maintain development and boost such na ons’ progress. As countries look for ways to address the seemingly unending infrastructural gaps even in developed na ons, the Sukuk funding op on comes as a way of also looking beyond the conven onal finance models. Simply put, Sukuk is an offshoot of the Islamic model of finance. It is that which seeks to provide interest-free credit opportuni es for mulfaceted development purposes. Since Islam forbids Riba known as Interest, Sukuk presents a clear avenue to borrow without thinking of paying a kobo extra from what is lent.
Sukuk Explained
Also known as the Islamic Financing Model, Sukuk is an Islamic debt instrument wherein the finance provider has ownership of real assets and earns a return sourced from those assets. This contrasts with convenonal bonds where the investor has a debt instrument earning the return predominately via the payment of interest (riba).
The novel idea presents a clear avenue to borrow without thinking of paying a kobo extra from what is lent. To a layman, Sukuk may be legally characterised as investment cerficates and the owners of such cer ficates - sukuk holders - are en tled to earn revenue based on the performance of the investment that the cer ficates are a ached.
To ensure compliance with Islamic law, the underlying legal rela onship of sukuk cannot be a loan because of the riba prohibi on concerning the interest accrual of a loan. Therefore, the underlying legal rela onship must be based on an Islamic lawcompliant transac on, such as murabaha (sale and buy back), ijara (sale and lease-back, lease and lease-back, forward lease, etc.), salam (advanced payment), is sna (sale of specified manufactured goods for delivery upon comple on), musharaka
(partnerships where profits are shared in line with agreed upon ra os whilst losses are shared according to contributed capital), mudharaba (profit sharing where a rab al-mal or investor contributes capital and a mudharib or manager contributes his me and efforts), and wakalah (agency).
Why is Islamic finance on infrastructure relevant?
The sukuk model resonates well with simple finance methods that individuals, organisa ons and governments across the world adopt in resource management, alloca on and control. For instance, a state government in Nigeria with a monthly revenue of N10 billion from both FAAC Alloca on and IGR cannot a end to the needs of providing potable water for an average popula on of 2 million people. If the government cannot provide water with N10bn, how would it now a end to other important sectors like Security, Health, Agriculture, Public Transporta on and the big one - Infrastructure, without looking in the way of credit facili es?
Ci zens want good schools, roads, water, electricity and every basic amenity that will make their lives be er from their government. With varied legisla on of many socie es not opposed to government taking virement to fund its projects and ac vi es, condi ons
of repayment have always pitched the leadership against the people, especially in this age where debates about backdoor neocolonialism and slave trade with interna onal money lenders such as the Bre on woods ins tu ons con nue to dominate credit finance forums the world over.
This is where the funding op on of Sukuk comes in, especially in providing the basic infrastructure that will make life better for the people. With its structured repayment plan, Sukuk has proven to be effec ve, drawing inferences from a template of due diligence and transparency that makes its bond issuance seamless devoid of the guidelines applicable to conven onal bonds.
From available informa on, countries like Malaysia, the United Arab Emirates (UAE), Turkey, the United Kingdom, and
the Kingdom of Saudi Arabia to men on but a few have used the Sukuk gateway to fund large-scale infrastructure projects, developing strong regulatory frameworks, innovave sukuk structures, and broad investor par cipaon. This implies that Sukuk does not just help to build infrastructure, but a ract large investment from investors, who are simply looking for a solid and corrup on-free environment that will make such investments thrive.
The Osun Sukuk Model and its Transparency The administra on of Governor Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola (2010 - 2018) made the audacious yet bold move to tap into opmising the benefits of Islamic financing. When Osun issued its Sukuk in 2013, only a few African countries had Sukuk and many did not even have a regulatory framework for Sukuk issuances. In addi-
on, it was only in the wake of the imminent Osun State issue that Nigeria’s Securies & Exchange Commission (SEC) introduced rules that created a framework for selling and inves ng in Sukuk. (Read more). While the 2013 approval came shortly months a er it approved new guidelines for the opera on of takaful (Islamic insurance/banking) for Nigeria, it was only in 2016 that the commission and the Debt Management Office (DMO) came together to officially collaborate on the issuance of Nigeria’s first foreign Sukuk on behalf of the Federal Government.
During the years that the bond lasted, Osun raised a sukuk bond worth N10 billion (some $62 million) from the capital market to fund educa onal development – the first of such in Africa a er Gambia and Sudan. The schools’ infrastructure built with Sukuk are Wole Soyinka High School, Ejigbo, Ataoja High School, Osogbo, Fakunle Unity High School, Osogbo, Oduduwa High
The Untold Stories Of Africa: Personal Accounts Of Culture, History, And Change (II) Art/Culture
Change: The Rise of a New Africa
While Africa’s past is rich with history and tradi on, its present is one of rapid change. The youth are at the forefront of technological innovaon, poli cal ac vism, and cultural renaissance, reshaping Africa’s narrave in powerful ways. Consider the story of Amina, a 26-year-old soware developer in Kenya who is using technology to solve local problems. Raised in a small village where access to healthcare was limited, she developed a mobile app that connects rural pa ents with doctors in urban centers. “I saw my mother struggle to get medical
care, and I knew technology could bridge the gap,” she explains.
Her story is one of many where African youth are leveraging digital advancements to create solu ons tailored to their communies.
Similarly, in Nigeria, the rise of Nollywood has transformed the film industry, making it one of the largest in the world. Young filmmakers are telling African stories on their own terms, moving away from Western stereotypes. “We don’t just make movies for entertainment—we tell our stories, our way,” says Chinedu, an independent director in Lagos.
His recent film, which highlights the struggles of
young entrepreneurs in Nigeria, has received interna onal recogni on.
Social change is also taking root. In Sudan, young women played a crucial role in the revoluon that led to the ousting of a long-standing dictator. Their voices, amplified through social media, demonstrated the power of grassroots ac vism. “We were told that change was impossible, but we made it happen,” says Leila, a 23-year-old ac vist.
These stories of progress show that Africa is not stagnant—it is evolving, driven by the dreams and determina on of its people.
Why These Stories Ma er Africa’s untold stories challenge misconcep ons and provide a deeper understanding of the connent’s true essence. Too o en, interna onal media focuses only on conflict, poverty, and corrup on,
School, Ile Ife, Ila High School, Ila-Orangun, Adven st High School, Ede, Iwo High School, Iwo, Akinorun High School, Ikirun and Ayedaade High School, Ikire.
On the transparency of its u lisa on in Osun’s case, its structure in making the underlying incomegenera ng assets were the schools. The SPV then turned around and leased the schools to the state government, and earned rent from this agreement, which was then used to pay the Sukuk holders. When the lease expired, the state government bought the schools outright and the funds were returned to the Sukuk holders as principal. The same model was adopted when the Federal Government rolled out its own bond. (See more) (2) The compelling fact about Sukuk is that its projects are well-implemented and completed, unlike the conven onal funding system where projects face greater pressure to deliver on me, poten ally increasing the risk of delays or underperformance, especially when unforeseen issues such as the fluctua on of the exchange rate arise. Factors like Shariah compliance and ethical constraints, risk sharing in sukuk, availability of funding legal and regulatory framework make its adop on further credible.
Islamisa on and the
•Continued on Page 7
failing to highlight the resilience, crea vity, and ingenuity of its people.
Personal accounts bring to light the richness of African life—its struggles, yes, but also its triumphs.
As Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie warns in her famous TED Talk, “The danger of a single story” is that it limits our understanding of people and places. Africa’s story is not singular; it is a tapestry of millions of voices, each with its unique thread. By sharing these personal accounts of culture, history, and change, we
begin to reshape Africa’s global narra ve. We honor the past, celebrate the present, and an cipate a future where Africa’s stories are told not by outsiders, but by its own people. In the end, the untold stories of Africa are not just about the past or present—they are the building blocks of the future, whispering to the next genera on that their voices ma er, their tradions are valuable, and their dreams are worth chasing.
•Concluded
EFCC Probe, Anti-Party Allegations Deepen Osun PDP Crisis
OSUN State’s poli cal climate is becoming tense as corrupon inves ga on, internal party divisions, and accusa ons of betrayal shake the state’s ruling Peoples Democra c Party (PDP).
The ongoing poli cal rivalry between Pelumi Olajengbesi and the lawmaker represen ng Oriade/Obokun Federal Cons tuency, Wole Oke about who clinch the cket of the party in the cons tuency in 2027 has increasingly made the situa on vola le.
Olajengbesi is said to be eyeing the Rep cket which is currently occupied by Oke allegedly with the backing of the Adeleke’s dynasty with Oke threatening to defect to the All Progressives Congress (APC).
Also, the corrup on allega on case ins tuted by Osun State Government
against the former governor and Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola has also put the party in disarray with Oke Oyetola.
Meanwhile, Olajengbesi has commended the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) for inves ga ng Oyetola. The probe, ini ated through a pe on from the state Government, alleges the mismanagement of a $20 million health sector interven on fund under Oyetola’s administra on.
Olajengbesi describes the inves ga on as a pivotal moment for the EFCC, urging the agency to remain independent and set a strong precedent for accountability in governance.
However, in a contras ng posi on, Oke has distanced the Ijesa North community from the peon against Oyetola. His statement cri cizes certain lawyers for allegedly
using pe ons for financial gain and argues that established oversight bodies, such as the Auditor General and the House of Assembly Public Accounts Commi ee, should handle such inves ga ons. The appeal for unity highlights growing concerns about poli cal fragmenta on ahead of the 2026 and 2027 elec ons.
Meanwhile, internal tensions within the Osun PDP con nue to escalate as Olajengbesi publicly cri cizes Hon. Wole Oke for alleged poli cal inconsistency. He accuses Oke of secretly aligning with the opposi on while maintaining his PDP affilia on, claiming the lawmaker ini ally promised not to seek re-elec on but later sought party support. Olajengbesi warns that Oke’s influence is waning and urges him to rebuild es with PDP stakeholders before becoming poli cally irrelevant.
Olajengbesi has also
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berated the lawmaker over his con nued threat to leave the Peoples Democra c Party.
He said Oke is being childish with his ac vi es on social media, adding that the lawmaker seems more interested in playing poli cal hide-and-seek.
The lawyer who affirmed he will contest the cket for the cons tuency with Oke noted that not a single soul in Ijesa North will abandon PDP because of Oke.
Olajengbesi, in a statement, said threats by the lawmaker to leave the PDP for the APC have lost all impact and steam, with nobody losing sleep over it anymore.
He also accused the lawmaker of not supporting the candidate of the party financially in the last local government elec ons in the state.
He said, “Those who genuinely care about Hon. Wole Oke should do him a favour, either take a break
Saheed Osupa Thrills Fans At Osogbo Concert
FUJI music icon King Saheed Osupa delivered an electrifying performance on Wednesday in Osogbo, the capital of Osun State, cap va ng a massive crowd of fans and music lovers.
The event, held at Freedom Park where he showcased his signature blend of soulful lyrics and pulsa ng rhythms.
The concert, organized as part of a local cultural celebra on, saw Osupa take the stage amid cheers from an enthusias c audience. Dressed in a dazzling white agbada, the Fuji maestro performed hits from his ex-
tensive discography, including fan favorites like “Master Blaster” and tracks from his latest album, C Cau on. His set also featured a special tribute to his roots in Osogbo, with lyrics honoring the city’s rich heritage and its people. Local dignitaries, including representa ves from the Osun State government, praised Osupa for his contribu ons to Yoruba music and culture.
“Saheed Osupa is a pride of Osogbo and a living legend who con nues to inspire genera ons,” one official remarked during the event.
Fans took to social media to express their excitement, with many describing the night as unforge able.
“Osupa brought Osogbo alive tonight! His energy is unmatched,” one a endee
posted. The concert also highlighted his enduring popularity, as young and old alike sang along to every word. As the crowd dispersed into the early hours of April 3rd, the echoes of Fuji beats lingered in the air, a testament to Saheed Osupa’s las ng impact on Nigeria’s music scene.
from social media or confiscate his phone altogether. And also, tell him the truth.
“At his level, his childish inconsistencies are becoming an embarrassment. Nobody is buying into his confusion, and at a me when Osun State needs resolute leaders, he seems more interested in playing poli cal hide-and-seek.
“If he thinks his endless social media outbursts are helping him, he is mistaken. They only make him look confused and polically unhinged.
“For the avoidance of doubt, I have the utmost respect for Wole Oke. However, he needs to be properly advised that, God willing, I will contest the House of Representa ves seat for ORIADE/OBOKUN against him, neither he nor anyone else will have the power to stop a free and fair contest. It is high me he demonstrated leadership and honoured the party that has kept him in the House of Representaves for 20 years. You cannot be begging the Governor in private while, at the same me, sowing doubt among those who s ll bother to listen to you.
“And let it be clear: Wole Oke’s empty threats of leaving the PDP for the APC have lost all impact and steam. Nobody is losing sleep over it anymore. Whether he stays or leaves PDP, it is no longer a breaking news story. Not a single soul in Ijesa North, not even one person, will abandon PDP because of him, and he knows it. Wole Oke is a PDP member, and he has no other place he can go to. He can not be in APC and be making the social media posts he is making now.
“As for the APC, they are hardly eager to have him either. They are perfectly fine with him offering them support from the sidelines, which, let’s be honest, and as a matter of fact available, he is already working for APC. The core leaders in PDP are aware, but they are only wai ng for a payback me.
“Wole Oke should also erase from his mind any delusions of becoming Osun State’s version of ‘Wike.’ That door is permanently shut. Under the formidable leadership of Sunday Bisi, the PDP is in good hands, and there is absolutely no room for the kind of poli cal games Wole Oke is a emp ng to play.
“There is completely nothing that is honourable again about Wole Oke to me. Wole Oke, a er his last elec on, not once,
not twice, but on eleven different occasions, called me to say that he had no interest in contes ng for the House of Representaves again, and he is suppor ng me. He personally urged me to go ahead, even promising to support me financially so that I wouldn’t have to spend a dime. He assured me I had done well and instructed me to start working with his team. And like a loyal party man, I followed his lead, only to later discover that, behind the scenes, he was plo ng, spoke to the Party leaders with promises asking that the party beg him to run again. I was like, this is laughable. How can a man have such an uncontrollable appe te for deceit?
“What kind of man does that? Where is the honour in that? If Wole Oke is truly as formidable as he likes to think, let him organize a poli cal gathering at the headquarters of Ijesa North and see if anyone s ll takes him seriously. He should call a meeting of the Poli cal Leaders in ORIADE/OBOKUN and see if anyone will listen to him or even show up.”
“The truth is simple: The only credibility Wole Oke brings to the table is money and but truly, Wole Oke can not even spend the money to help people that should be helped. I will advise anyone who needs Wole Oke’s money to follow him up now if he truly can spend the money. This is the me to get the money from him. Some leaders deliberately talk to him because they claim they need to get their return on investment for 20 years.
“In the just-concluded local government elecons, he failed to impose his preferred candidate in OBOKUN, despite the candidate being competent and loved. Why? Because his associa on with Wole Oke was enough to turn people away.
“He made a big show of dona ng money and a bus on social media to OBOKUN and ORIADE but when the elec on drew near, he declined, only to send a pi ful amount at the last minute, which was immediately returned to him in rejec on. That was in OBOKUN, his local government. I want to send a message to Wole Oke, the miserable money was sent back.
“My advice to Wole Oke: Wake up. Humble yourself. Adjust. Reunite properly with PDP stakeholders before you find yourself poli cally homeless. The party is gradually moving on”, the statement concluded.
•Oke
•Olajengbesi
Yusuf Oketola Kazeem Badmus
Morayo Akinrinlola
Youths Frown At Osun Govt Over ‘Disregard’ On House Agents Activities
YOUTHS in Osun State have expressed their displeasure on what they described as ‘apparent disregard’ by the government on their appeal to regulate the acvi es of House agents in the state.
Oketola lishment of a regulatory body to oversee house agents’ ac vi es. We believe these measures are essen al for protec ng the interests of youths and promo ng a stable and secure environment.
The Youths under the umbrella of Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Osun Chapter in a statement addressed to Governor Ademola Adeleke and signed by its Speaker, Hammed Fatomi, Deputy Speaker, Sunmade Adetunji and Majority Leader, Hon. Alexandra T. Adeyeye, said meaningful steps have not been taken despite their repeated appeals.
The group urged the state government to look into their demands as a ma er urgency as they are ready to mobilise their members on the street to register their grievances.
The statement reads: “We, the Youth Assembly of Nigeria, Osun State Chapter, are wri ng to express our profound disappointment and concern regarding the government’s apparent disregard for our appeals concerning the regula on of house agents’ ac vi es in the state. As a youth organiza on, it is our responsibility to bring forth issues affec ng youths and advocate for prompt ac on. Despite our repeated appeals, we regret that no meaningful steps have been taken to address our concerns.
“Our demands are straigh orward: implementa on of agency regulatory laws and estab-
“We had ini ally scheduled a protest for February 18th, 2025, but in the spirit of maintaining peace and stability in the state, we postponed it due to prevailing polical tensions. This decision demonstrates our commitment to construc ve engagement and our willingness to work collabora vely with the government.
“However, we must emphasize that we will not be silenced indefinitely. We have mobilized youths in significant numbers, and we request the government’s cooperaon as we prepare to express our grievances if our demands are not met.
“The government should take the affairs and voices of Osun youths seriously, recognizing that we cons tute the largest demographic unit in the state. It is impera ve that our concerns are addressed in a mely and meaningful manner. We have already briefed the Ministry of Youth Affairs and all relevant security agencies in the state, underscoring the urgency of this ma er.
“We hope that our concerns will be taken seriously and that we can work together to find solu ons that benefit the youths of Osun State. We look forward to a prompt response and meaningful ac on.”
Lawmaker Hails Aregbesola Over Transformation Of Osun
THE lawmaker represen ng Obokun/ Oriade Federal Cons tuency, Wole Oke, has hailed the former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for his transforma on of Osun State during his me as governor for eight years. Oke, in a post on his official Facebook page on Tuesday, said Aregbesola came to Osun with a mind of a socialist and opened up the state economy.
“Ogbeni Rauf Soji Aregbesola
Omo Ilu Oke that has privilege of sojourning in Lagos where he met PBAT. He came to govern Osun with a mindset of a socialist cum welfarist.
Oke said most of the projects done during the administra on of Aregbesola in Osun are s ll
being enjoyed by the residents of the state ll date.
He wrote, “He had a big dream for Osun State just like PBAT. He opened up Osun’s Economy, but he had limited resources to work with. He built new Mega Schools in the process of revamping our Educa on sector, he stepped on many toes, obliterate history of so many schools. He bought equipment for our Technical Colleges, which our children are benefi ng from today.
“Downsides, most of the people he engaged were Osun abroad people and technocrats, Huge Debts which wasn’t a crime as far as am concerned. I also borrow. Ogbeni is a great man. He is good to be your friend than enemy.”
The Special Adviser to Governor
on Emergency Management, Hon.
the
Your N159Bn Infra Plan Is A Scam - Osun APC Chides Adeleke
THE Osun State chap-
ter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has chided Governor Ademola Adeleke on the new N159 billion infrastructural plan by his government.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Governor Adeleke administra on recently unveiled a massive N159 billion infrastructure development plan. But the opposi on party has accused him of failing to deliver on previous promises.
In October 2023, Governor Adeleke announced plans to build infrastructure worth N100 billion without borrowing, boasting of comple ng five flyovers by the end of 2024.
But according to the APC, “the flyovers in Okefia, Lameco, and Ile-Ife are facing significant challenges, missing their comple on deadlines, and are now at risk of being abandoned, while nothing has been done at Ikirun and Owode loca ons of the touted projects.”
This was contained in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Media and Informa on, Mogaji Kola Olabisi on Thursday.
A copy of the statement obtained by OSUN DEFEDNDER reads: “The party said instead of making new promises, it would have been a tenable excuse if the government has resolved to focus on delivering the projects it already promised.
“Osun State deserves be er. It’s me for the government to priori ze educa on, healthcare, agricultural development, and rural road infrastructure.
“The state should
take a cue from more advanced state capitals like Ilorin and Ibadan, which boast good road networks complemented with traffic lights.
“It is our convic on that the government’s inability to complete previous projects raises quesons about its capacity to deliver on the new plan.
“The discerning minds in the society should find it expedient to hold the administra on of Governor Adeleke accountable for
its promises and ensure that the ci zens of Osun State receive the development they deserve.
“Why has it been impossible for Governor Adeleke to replace the 1,500 teachers recruited by his predecessor, former Governor Gboyega Oyetola now Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, who were sacked at the onset of the administra on of the governor in a similar way that he sacked 20,000 OYES corps members and thousands of health workers?
“We are not unaware
of the fact that Governor Adeleke has an ulterior mo ve for the recruitment of the 1,000 Amotekun Corps recently as a credible fact check has revealed that majority of them who are poli cal thugs of the Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) are a ached to the state poli cal func onaries, their wives and children, pliable leaders of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Osun State chapter and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the expense of the security of the state.”
Senate Passes Bill Seeking For Establishment Of Federal Orthopaedics Hospital Osun
THE Nigerian Senate has passed the Orthopaedic Hospital Amendments Bill 2025 seeking to establish Federal Orthopaedic Hospital, Obokun Local Government of Osun State.
The passage took place at the plenary last Wednesday. Orthopaedic hospitals
are specialised medical facili es focused on the musculoskeletal system, which plays a crucial role in various func ons of the human body.
The adop on followed the considera on of the report submi ed by Senator Osita Ngwu (PDP-Enugu) on behalf of the Chairman of the Senate Commi ee on Health, Senator Ipalibo Banigo.
The approval comes one month a er the bill was
passed for third reading.
The bill, sponsored by Senator Francis Fadahunsi, aims to amend the Orthopaedic Hospitals Management Board Act and establish an orthopaedic hospital in Obokun community.
In her explana on, Senator Banigo said the bill will address orthopaedic disorders such as fractures, musculoskeletal condi ons, and other related diseases that many people suffer from without adequate care.
In Osun, Two Remanded For Stealing N369,000 Goods From Supermarket
AN Osun State Magistrate Court, sitng in Osogbo has ordered the remand of two suspects in the Correc onal Centre for one month for stealing goods worth ₦369,070 from a Supermarket in Osogbo, the state capital.
The defendants, Timileyin Emmanuel (25) and Francis Daniel (49) were arraigned before the court on a two-count charge of conspiracy and
stealing.
The dou were said to have stolen various items such as laundry soap, hair bonnets, toothpaste, clipper, earphones, perfume, lo on, and food items from the place.
According to the charge sheet obtained by OSUN DEFENDER yesterday, the defendants commi ed the offence on March 29, 2025, at about 0830hrs in Osogbo.
The alleged offence according to the police
contravened sec ons 516 and 390(9) of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol.II, Laws of Osun, 2002. The defendants pleaded guilty to the charges levelled against them.
The presiding Magistrate Dr. O.A Ayilara ordered that the defendants be remanded in Ilesa Correc onal Centre for one month.
The case was adjourned ll May 5, 2025.
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf
Kazeem Badmus
Kazeem Badmus
Jamiu Akintayo
•
Ademola Adeleke
Emiola Fakeye with
Olufon of Ifon Orolu Kingdom, HRM Oba Peter Ipadeola Ilufemiloye Akinyooye Aremo Obatala during their visit to the three communities on Wednesday
Omoluabi Progressives Will Be The Bedrock Of Responsible Leadership In Africa - Aregbesola
Yusuf Oketola
THE immediate-past Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has disclosed the readiness of Omoluabi Progressives to be the bedrock of responsible leadership in Africa.
Aregbesola stated this during the group’s Stakeholders/Leadership Conference held in Ibadan, Oyo State last weekend. This was contained in a statement by the Omoluabi Progressives Organising and Publicity Secretary, Abosede Oluwaseun, a copy made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday.
The former governor while speaking lauded the people of Osun for their love and support for the tendency while reassuring them that it will produce a
credible and responsible leaders that will put the people first.
Aregbesola said: “Without any doubt, we have with this kind of conferences and leadership training sessions started a new and very promising poli cal tradi on that will guarantee the emergence of the leadership that will take the black race out of the doldrums which have affected its freedom and development for centuries.
“I am convinced that history will be kind to us for being the nucleus of the revival of genuine progressive poli cs in the South West and Nigeria. Let me assure our people that the new leadership that will emerge from the Omoluabi Progressives fold will be the one that
will see power as a huge responsibility to serve humanity with dignity, honour, integrity, fear of God and celebrate, treasure and promote democracy.
“Let me thank the leadership of our tendency led by Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, our stakeholders and our members statewide for
their passion, commitment and dedica on. We must also see beyond our individual desires and ambi on but pursue things that will aid the achievement of our utmost goal.”
Earlier, the guest speaker at the conference, Senator Babafemi Ojudu admonished par cipants to see themselves as pioneers of a good cause for the Yoruba society.
He noted that the past glory by which the Yoruba was known and recognised has degenerated so much in the recent past, due to the incoherent leadership the society has had.
According to Ojudu, the cherished glory of the Yoruba na on which was built by the Awolowo genera on has been put to scorn by the military interrup on in governance
Osun Govt Lauds TCI Impact On Family Planning Acceptability, Reduction In Adolescent Pregnancy
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun State Government has lauded a NonGovernmental Organisaon, The Challenge Ini a ve, over its impact on the acceptance of Family Planning in the state.
The state government said TCI has helped in reducing the rate of adolescent pregnancy and improved the contracep ve prevalence rate from 29 percent in 2018 to 35 percent in 2023.
Speaking at a media roundtable review mee ng on Thursday in Osogbo, the state Family Planning Coordinator, Mrs. Ololade Abatan, said The Challenge Ini a ve has, over the past three years, supported the state government in the area of training
‘Steer
service providers, demand genera on, and provision of logis c support.
Abatan said the impact of TCI cannot be quan fied considering the challenges of accep ng Family Planning before the coming of the organisa on.
She said, “The Challenge Ini a ve has been with us in the state for over three years, and the support we’ve received from the organisaon is huge. In the area of training service providers, demand genera on, awareness, and provision of logis c support during the conduct of in-reaches and outreaches services, the organisa on has done tremendously well.
“All these things put together have really helped us to improve Family Planning in
the state, and with this, we’ve been able to see the increase in the contracep ve prevalence rate in Osun State from 29 percent in NDHS 2018 to 35 percent in 2023.
“That’s huge to us considering all the factors that prevent people from accepting Family Planning, despite these challenges, we’ve been able to move against the odds and achieve the increase with the support of TCI.
“Sincerely, we appreciate The Challenge Ini a ve for their support and we s ll seek more support moving forward. The state has a plan of con nuity, which is about sustainability.
“The state government is working relessly towards improving the health status of the ci zens. However, we
Clear Of Kelebe-Omu Land’ – Osun Court Orders Nigeria Army
Kazeem Badmus
AN Osun State High Court, si ng in IleIfe has ordered the Nigeria Army to stop chasing the landowners from their land in Osun State.
The Court presided over by Jus ce A.O Ayoola on Monday, March, 24, 2025, gave the order, manda ng the Chief of Army Staff, Olufemi Oluyede to call his officers to maintain peace on the land and stop the use of force to chase the plain ff from the land.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that KelebeOmu Landown-
ers had approached the court to stop the contempt act by men of the Nigeria Army against the judgement delivered on January 10th, 2023 and order given on 12th November, 2024 in suit Number: HOS/40/2020 instruc ng the defendants to vacate the 3,646 acres of land belonging to Kelebe-Omu landowners, and ordered them to pay a sum of N200 million to the plainff for the destrucon of their land.
Also, Court had earlier dismissed
the stay of execu on filed by the Nigeria Army against the January 10th, 2023 judgment in the disputed land.
Meanwhile, the landowners had also obtained a warrant for possession of the land on 25 of April 2023.
Reports revealed that the defendant had frustrated all efforts of the rightful owners to access the land, while the defendants also engaged in contempt by selling part of the land and forceful chasing the landowners away from the land.
However, Jus ce Ayoola ordered the defence counsel, Mr Omoniyi to impress it upon his principal, Mr George to write the Chief of Army Staff Olufemi Oluyede to tell his officers to stop any further ac on un l the Court of appeal rules otherwise.
cannot do it alone. We will con nue to collaborate and seek the support of our implemen ng partners, most especially in the area of reaching the hard-to-reach areas.”
Corrobora ng Abatan, the Desk Officer, Adolescent and Youth Reproduc ve Health, Ministry of Health, Mrs. Roseline Akinlabi, said TCI helped in training health workers on the provision of adolescentfriendly services, which has gone a long way in reducing adolescent pregnancy in the state.
“In reducing the rate of adolescent pregnancy in Osun State, TCI has helped us in various ways. Firstly, they trained health workers on the provision of adolescent-friendly services, which gives them the confidence to provide quality services and make our facili es safe places for clients”, she noted.
The state’s Health Promo on Officer at the Primary Health Care Board, Mrs Taiwo Adeniji while providing insight into some of the successes recorded by TCI in the state, said the organisaon has played a pivotal role in improving Family Planning access in rural areas.
Adeniji who was represented by Mrs Funmilayo Adebayo, said TCI has contributed to the increase in the uptake of Family Planning by people in the rural area through community engagement and awareness campaigns.
She said, “TCI has played a pivotal role in improving Family Planning access and u lisa on in Osun State, parcularly in rural areas.
“TCI has helped to address many of the barriers to Family Planning, resul ng in increased uptake of services and be er reproduc ve health outcomes.”
and the subsequent take over by their civilian surrogates.
The former poli cal adviser to the President Mohammed Buhari stated that, “The arrogant surrogates are empty in ideals and mostly selfish in their pursuit to the detriment of the society at large.
“The situa on has set the country at large back in growth and development for many decades with most of the socioeconomic development projects le behind by the Awolowo genera on run down.
“That is why I find this kind of gathering ideal to midwife the emergence of a new leadership that will bring about a reset of the society to the Grand old days when ideology guided development,” Ojudu stressed. He also commended the leadership of Omoluabi Progressives for taking it upon themselves to bring back to memory, the good old days with the forma on of the tendency with a view to reset the society.
Earlier in a remark,
Chairman, Omoluabi Progressives, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji said the conference was to further one of the visions of the fold not to only serve as an elec on winning vehicle, but a ground for breeding intellectually sound and socially responsible leaders poised to liberate their people.
“We must be true to our creed, mo o and principles.
An Omoluabi is the epitome of character.” He concluded.
Adesiji also reiterated the resolve of the tendency to reclaiming the state in 2026, calling on members to redouble their mobilisa on efforts to achieve the shared dream.
The event was a ended by eminent personalies including the former Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Engr. Rauf Olaniyan, former Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam, former SSG, Alhaji Moshood Adeo , former Cabinet members in the Ogbeni’s administra on, stakeholders and leaders of the tendency, among others.
Sukuk: A Financial Model For Nigeria’s
•Continued from Page 2
Sukuk Opportunity For Nigerian States
For all the poten al sukuk holds for Nigeria, the biggest obstacle has been ignorance. When Osun rolled out its Sukuk, it received significant backlash from Chrisan organisa ons who expressed displeasure with the introduc on of a Sharia-compliant financial instrument accusing those who adopted it of trying to Islamise Nigeria.
The challenge is that many of the people who cri cise it do not know that Sukuk is more like any of the financial instruments used to access either credit, interest, or any form of finance. The major dis nguishing criteria between Sukuk and others is its root in Sharia principles. Interes ngly, the Sukuk market is open to all Nigerians without any religious restric ons.
While Religion will con nue to remain a sensi ve issue in Nigeria, con nuous educa on is required to sit Nigerians down on the basic principles of Sukuk using varied examples of na ons like the United Kingdom, Singapore, and Germany who have all issued Sukuk in the last decade. It must also be noted that states
in Nigeria’s South East region, predominantly dominated by Chris ans, are looking for funding op ons for infrastructure projects, especially through the Islamic Development Bank (IfDb) which is another form of Sukuk because of its poten al in accurate verifica on, transparency and accountability.
Conclusion
Nigeria has a long way to go in closing its infrastructure gap. However, the con nuous success of Islamic finance in other countries and the ers of government where it has been successful so far, makes it more plausible for more states in the country to learn about and accept it as a financial tool for development, more importantly with the startling reality of con nuous low oil revenue. With the undeniable fact that government as an en ty is not a religious propaga ng ins tuon, all sources of virement for development are welcome. Whether from Sango or Ifa, Bible or the Quran, as long as it can build schools and bridges in a transparent and accountable model, the most important detail is progress and growth.
FRIDAY, APRIL 04, 2025 - THURSDAY, APRIL 10, 2025 VOL. 20 NO 13 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
COLLABORATION stands as a cornerstone for progress and development, par cularly within regions like Osun State, Nigeria. By fostering partnerships among individuals, businesses, and government en es, Osun can harness collec ve strengths to address challenges and unlock new opportuni es. This ar cle explores the transforma ve power of collabora on in driving Osun State’s development, highlighting recent ini a ves and the roles various stakeholders play in this journey.
The Impera ve of Collabora on in Development
In today’s interconnected world, isolated efforts o en yield limited results. Collaboraon brings together diverse perspec ves, resources, and exper se, crea ng a synergy that can tackle complex issues more effecvely. For Osun State, a region rich in cultural heritage and human capital, leveraging collabora ve efforts can accelerate socioeconomic growth, enhance infrastructure, and improve the overall quality of life for its residents.
Government Ini a ves Promo ng Collabora on
The Osun State government has recognized the value of collabora on and has ini ated several programs to foster partnerships:
1. Osun Vision 2035 Ini a ve: Spearheaded by entrepreneur and philanthropist Bolaji Jegede, this ini a ve aims to transform Osun State into a hub of economic growth, tourism, technology, food producon, research, and cultural heritage by 2035. It outlines strategic areas such as economic diversifica on, tourism development, and infrastructure enhancement, emphasizing the need for collabora ve efforts among various stakeholders to achieve these goals.
2. Infrastructure Development Plan: In March 2025, Governor Ademola Adeleke unveiled a robust ₦159 billion infrastructure development plan targe ng key sectors like road construc on, educa on, and healthcare. This plan includes projects such as the reconstruc on of the Osogbo-Iwo-Oyo State Boundary Road and the dualiza on of roads in Ede. The government emphasized that these projects would be funded through state alloca ons and internally generated revenue, without resor ng to borrowing, showcasing a commitment to prudent financial management and collabora ve resource mobiliza on.
3. Ministry of Coopera ves and Empowerment: Recognizing the pivotal role of coopera ve socie es in economic development, Governor Adeleke established a dedicated Ministry of Coopera ves and Empowerment in July 2023. This ministry focuses on empowering local businesses, ar sans, and farmers by providing access to credit facili es and fostering a coopera ve-friendly environment. The crea on of this ministry underscores the government’s commitment
“Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment: Recognizing the pivotal role of cooperative societies in economic development, Governor Adeleke established a dedicated Ministry of Cooperatives and Empowerment in July 2023. This ministry focuses on empowering local businesses, artisans, and farmers by providing access to credit facilities and fostering a cooperativefriendly environment”
By MATT. OLU OLOWOKERE PERSPECTIVE
Unlocking The Power Of Collaboration: How Individuals And Businesses Can Drive Osun State’s Development
to collabora ve economic strategies that involve grassroots par cipa on.
Public-Private Partnerships Driving Growth
Beyond government ini a ves, publicprivate partnerships (PPPs) have emerged as a vital mechanism for development in Osun State:
Business Growth Ini a ves: The state government has engaged with federal and interna onal organiza ons to kickstart business growth ini a ves. For instance, partnerships with the Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) aim to revive Osun’s free trade zone and develop agricultural processing zones. Similarly, collaboraons with the Small and Medium Enterprises Development Agency of Nigeria (SMEDAN) focus on strengthening SME growth in the state.
Coopera ve Society Empowerment: In January 2025, the Osun State government launched a ₦3.4 billion revolving cooperave loan scheme to benefit coopera ve socie es across the state. This ini a ve targets suppor ng over 45,000 small and mediumscale businesses, demonstra ng a collaborave approach to economic revitaliza on by involving local communi es and business owners in development efforts. Role of Individuals and Local Businesses Individuals and local businesses are integral to the collabora ve development framework in Osun State: Ac ve Par cipa on in Coopera ve Socie es: By joining coopera ve socie es, individuals and small business owners can pool resources, access credit facili es, and undertake collec ve projects that might be beyond their individual capaci es. The state’s
emphasis on coopera ve empowerment provides a pla orm for grassroots economic par cipa on and shared prosperity.
Engagement in Public Discourse: Residents can contribute to development by engaging in public forums, providing feedback on government ini a ves, and par cipa ng in community decision-making processes. Such involvement ensures that development projects align with the actual needs and aspira ons of the people.
Entrepreneurship and Innova on: Local entrepreneurs drive innova on and create employment opportuni es. By collaborating with government agencies and leveraging available support systems, they can scale their businesses, contribute to the state’s GDP, and enhance the economic landscape of Osun.
Challenges to Effec ve Collabora on While the benefits are clear, fostering effec ve collabora on in Osun State faces certain challenges:
Resource Constraints: Limited financial and human resources can hinder the implementa on of collabora ve projects. Ensuring adequate funding and skilled personnel is crucial for the success of these ini a ves.
Bureaucra c Hurdles: Lengthy administra ve processes can delay project execuon. Streamlining procedures and promoting transparency can enhance efficiency and build trust among stakeholders.
Alignment of Interests: Diverse stakeholders may have varying priori es. Establishing common goals and fostering open communica on are essen al to harmonize efforts and achieve collec ve objec ves.
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
IN his seminar wri ng, “Nigerian, Who Are You?” the Late dis nguished philosopher, Pius Adesanmi, wrote, “Because the Nigerian does not know that the tragic backwardness of his country is a direct consequence of the absence of philosophy, because he is blissfully unaware of the costs of Nigeria’s na onal culture of hos lity to any no on of philosophy, theory, and abstract thinking, he becomes this perpetual laughable character, seeking doers who will make Nigeria like Dubai and London overnight, in the absence of thought and dogon turenchi. He does not know that those places he admires and wants Nigeria to be like are products of four hundred years of uninterrupted dogon turenchi –if you limit things just to The Enlightenment and modernity.”
It is not backwardness and human sufferings that automa cally give birth to struggles, rebellions and freedom. For humans generally and Nigerians especially, tolerance to backwardness and sufferings has no elas c limit! It is deep sense of indigna on against injus ce that gives birth to struggle; and it is such struggles that birth men of excep onal honour and dignity. The problem with Nigeria is that the absence of illuminating thought and prevalent contempt for crea ve thinking (amidst widespread hustle for anyhow-wealth without produc ons) has led into an intensely corrupt and toxic society where there are only an insignificant percentage of men and women of honour and dignity surviving.
In October 1999, a BBC News Online
Paying The Price
Poll picked Karl Marx as the Greatest Thinker of the Millennium. Every thinker and philosopher, be he/she in favour or against the fundamental conclusions of Marx’s thinking, must agree that the world is worse off today without the kind of rigor and depth that he brought into cri cal thinking. If the world is worse off, Nigeria is nowhere to be found in that world, as Adesanmi pointed out. We simply don’t believe that things must be well thought-out to arrive at certain basic truths. How then can we embrace the responsibili es imposed by those truths that we are blissfully ignorant and in contempt of?
Deep thinking must precede ac ons, in private and public life. In ma ers of freedom, democracy, and governance, this applies even more rigorously. The price we must begin to pay, one and all in our small ways, is ge ng deep knowledge and following it up with passionate, organised ac ons. Otherwise, we will con nue to groan amidst endless trials, misery, trauma and tribula ons as each wickedly oppressive preceding government, in retrospect, sadly “looks even be er” than the current diabolical one: as an -people, self-serving, an -democra c vampires con nue their stranglehold on our “democra c” process and “governments” because we lack the profound, clarifying thought (and can never therefore commit to the logical, organised, self-sacrificing ac ons), to displace them from the governance
space and replace them with patriots. Choices (especially in the face of compound ignorance and grinding poverty that are joined by divisiveness along primordial cleavages), can only be informed, logical, lo y, selfless and patrio c choices if they are anchored on sound philosophical thinking. An inspiring iden ty that can galvanize the people and catapult them to libera ng ac ons can only be a func on of deep thinking and rigorous research that reveals the fundamental truth.
Invariably, when these truths are embraced, so must the courage be found to follow the truths to the dark places where they lead - in order to emerge into the refreshing shine at the other side. Truths impose responsibili es. Among these responsibili es are struggles and self-sacrifices. Like Mandela said, “there is no easy walk to freedom.” Anger and agonizing amidst pain while embarking on spasmodic protests or occasional violent outbursts that hurt the very people more than their oppressors, leads to nowhere good.
Those who desire to be free from age-old and unremi ed exploita on and oppression - that they do not want handed down to their children and their children’s children - must begin paying the price through seeking libera ng knowledge and philosophy; it is the only road to ar culated, organized ac ons and sustainable freedom in a just society where life more abundant is guaranteed.
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State. All correspondence to the Asst. News Editor, YUSUF OKETOLA, Telephone: 0809-301-9152. ISSN: 0794-8050. Website: www.osundefender.com Email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com, osundefenderhq@gmail.com
•Matt Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr) Past GM ORMA, Osun State