Osun Defender Online Version of August 3, 2018

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VOL. 013. NO.29

ISSN: 0794-8050

Osun 2018:

•Adelere Oriolowo: APC

Parties Shop For Popular Running Mates

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•Albert Adeogun: PDP

•Taiwo Oluga: APC

N100

•Sunday Akere: ADP

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•Present Tentative Names To INEC

•Folake Adegboyega: APC

•Adeolu Durotoye: PDP

Osun Assembly Stops Further Payments To Contractor - PAGE 2

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Osun 2018: Parties Shop For Popular Running Mates •Present Tentative Names To INEC

party cannot afford to go into the election with supporters of Ogunbiyi sitting on the fence, especially in the face of the numerous negative campaigns going on against the party’s candidate.

Findings further showed that the PDP is majorly considering

zoning its slot to the central district with a view to dividing the votes from the area, especially as the party is said to be considering an alliance with another party, which leader is said to be a major stakeholder in Osun East senatorial district. A name reoccurring in the

commission as Adeleke’s learnt that part of the

By David Adejuwon mate. condition for settlement As political parties gear up for the September 22, running However, the recent was the concession of 2018 governorship election in the State of Osun and reconciliatory move some slot, to the Dr. Akin major contenders submitted the names of their between the aggrieved candidates and running mates, the parties are aiming parties in the PDP have Ogunbiyi-led faction to change the names of their would-be Deputies with further strengthen the including the slot of the deputy governor and a view to helping them sway votes during the poll. argument that the Ife- some other key elective Though, the parties Oluomo Sunday Akere, born politician would be positions. have submitted names to who is from the same replaced as the medium It was gathered that the •Continued on page 14 the Independent National federal constituency with Electoral Commission Chief Bisi Akande and the (INEC), it was gathered same town with the state that most of them did so APC chairman. as a matter of strategy and It is believed that the to fulfill the commission’s choice of Akere could guidelines, but they have garner votes for the party eyes on substituting the in the senatorial district in names with those they favour of the party and believe could appeal to reduce the chance of a the electorates. likely block votes from The APC has declared the area for the APC in the that the deputy election. governorship slot has A different source been reserved for the informed this medium West, but it is still that another possible consulting as to the choice candidate for the position of the candidate that is from Ijesaland and a should be merged with chieftain of the APC, who Gboyega Oyetola in order is likely to break up with to give the party a edge the party before the over other parties in the expiration of the •Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Edo State Governor, Godwin Obaseki (3rd right); Vice Presielection.

Commission’s deadline According to for substitution of names. dent, TACN and Lawna Chairman visitor, Samuel Adegboyega University, Pastor (Dr.) Emmanuel Awojide (3rd left); Chancellor, Pastor (Dr.) Gabriel Olutola (2nd left); Chairman Board of Trustees, Overseer (Dr.) Olusola information received A source within the from INEC, APC Peoples Democratic Party Okebukola (2nd right); Pro-Chancellor & Chairman of Council, Elder (Dr.) Bisi Ogunjobi (right) and Vice Chancellor, Prof. Benard Eronmonsele Aigbokhan, at the Conferment of Honorary Degree in Public Administration on submitted the name of the (PDP) revealed that the Director-General, Ileri party is considering Governor Aregbesola, during a Special Convocation Ceremony of the university in Ogwa, Edo State recently.

Oluwa Campaign zoning the slot to the organisation, Hon. Osun East or Central Ajibola Famurewa as a Senatorial districts as a tentative Deputy means of garnering votes Institution (CASUOSTI) on industrial action,

By Solomon Odeniyi Governorship candidate for the party. Hon. Albert through a letter dated highlighting provision of Lecturers in the State of Osun owned tertiary July 26, 2018, to the critical infrastructures in to INEC pending the Adeogun, from Osun East determination on its who stepped down for institutions have placed the state governor, Ogbeni their schools and choice of candidate from the candidature of Rauf Aregbesola on notice to embark on an governor.

In the letter, signed by resumption of full the West Senatorial zone. Senator Ademola indefinite strike. its Acting Chairman, payment of salary.

Some of the names that Adeleke has already been The notice of the strike of Council of Academic Comrade Olusegun CASUOSTI also asked have been mentioned in submitted to the was conveyed by the Staff Unions of Osun Lana; the Acting the government to restore the process of the search lecturers under the aegis State-Owned Tertiary Secretary, Comrade “the financial effects of for a credible running Bidemi Adeboye and 2014 staff promotions mate include Mrs Taiwo Oluga, the incumbent other executive members, and ‘migration of lower Special Adviser to the the lecturers lamented cadres’, which preceded Governor on Culture and what they described as the recently lifted Tourism from Gbongan, inconsistencies in their embargo on promotions Mrs Folake Adegboyega, affected areas would be remunerations, declaring and advancements,”

By Israel Afolabi Commissioner for Youth fixed within limited time that they could no longer accusing the state The State of Osun House of Assembly has Empowerment from Iwo and we can only be government of and Engr. Adelere directed the Accountant-General to stop further satisfied when they bring bear the situation.

CASUOSTI noted that unilaterally reversing the Oriolowo, one of the APC payment to the contractor handling Odeomu/ all their documents governorship aspirants, Gbongan road, RATCON Construction Company concerning the works”, it was the perseverance of policy after one month its members that was and subtracting the pending his appearance alongside officials of the who is also from Iwo. he added. responsible for shelving a benefit from members However, going by the state Ministry of Works before the House.

While commending warning strike it salary.

The directive was made by the Speaker, Dr Najeem precedence of the APC, the job done on the Chief proposed last month. It Other requests of the the most likely candidate Salaam at the plenary on observed the level of Adebisi Akande trumpet for the post would be a Tuesday sequel to the work done so far and bridge, he stated that the however, accused the lecturers included the female and may not be presentation of the report raised a number of issues government of not payment of outstanding from among the listed. As of inspection to the when they came across House would continue to addressing issues leave bonuses between there is the possibility of project site, led by the potholes in some areas ensure the proper bothering on their January-December 2016 monitoring and other names coming up in Deputy Speaker, along the road. evaluations of all projects welfare and providing and short payments on the process of the search. Honourable Akintunde facilities that would aid 2014 and omissions in Therefore, having done in the state.

From the Action Adegboye.

2015, adding that listened to explanations However, other their duties.

Democratic Party (ADP), Noting that the essence by the contractor, they lawmakers on the “It is worrisome that deductions for report reaching the of the exercise was to be directed that adequate entourage, including the the situation has rather contributory pension and medium showed that guided on the repair be carried out so as chairman House worsened. Now, our others should be remitted there are two major specification of the to prevent accident on committee on Works and capabilities for to the appropriate names being considered projects and establish the the road.

Infrastructure, Abiodun endurance have been accounts. for the slot. Although, the Addressing newsmen, Awolola in separate stretched to the barest “Fulfilment of extant name with the INEC level of compliance, he presently is Mr Owoseni directed the clerk at the Adegboye observed that remarks charged the limits as most of us can agreements towards table to write to the the delegation was on site Olushola Yinusa, a contractor to be up and no longer afford the cost recruitment of more staff former Chairman of Accountant-General to to see the situation of the doing so as to deliver the of transportation to work; with priority to existing road sequel to complaints project on time.

Olorunda Local stop further payment. we are now unable to temporary and part-time Meanwhile, earlier received from members Government Council In his contribution, the feed ourselves well while staff that have been Area, there is a possibility during the inspection, of the public.

Permanent Secretary, many cannot afford helping to salvage the that it could still be Adegboye had directed According to him, “We Ministry of Works and hitherto,” the contractor to present have called the attention Infrastructure, Engr. ordinary obligations like situation changed. house rent, childrens’ CASUOSTI letter noted, Checks revealed that documents relating to the of the contractor to the Nurudeen Adeagbo school fees and drugs for pointing out that the the party’s apex body has specification of the road potholes and the attributed the problem of state-owned schools are conceded the slot to construction to the house contractor has explained potholes observed on the simple illnesses.”

They reiterated their facing shortage of staffs Osun-Central senatorial so as to verify the the reason for the road to contaminated demands which as government refused to District with its eyes on standard. potholes and has agreed bitumen used, which the the state former The legislators who to carry out repair on the contractor has agreed to government must fulfill replace staffs who to make them reverse retired, died or are on Commissioner for stopped at different affected areas of the road. correct. their decision to embark transfer.

Information and Strategy, locations on the road “I am assured that the •Continued on page 3

Osun Lecturers Threaten Indefinite Strike

Osun Assembly Stops Payments To Contractor Pending Further Instruction

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Osun APC, PDP Reconciliatory Moves Settle Primaries' Crises

By Mariam Bello The programmes and policies put forward, as well as antecedents of political parties' candidates would determine the number of votes they would garner during the September 22 governorship election, as the dusts raised by the primary elections are beginning to settle.

While the APC is teeming supporters in the reportedly beginning to state and beyond that the record success on its APC executive in Osun is move to reconcile its back, fully united in aggrieved members, the business, and PDP is also making reinvigorated to pursue headway in the same our collective goal of direction. decisively winning the The state deputy governorship election in Chairman of the APC, September as a united Alhaji Azeez Adesiji and force. some other members of “Sometimes in the executive who had presidential democracies allegedly left the party worldwide, primaries were said to have are usually very returned to work for the contentious and can even success of the party, just create divisions, but they as the major rival of hardly ever end up Senator Ademola breaking the party”, the Adeleke of the PDP, Dr APC chairman argued.

Akin Ogunbiyi who has According to the been contesting the result chairman, “the heat and of the primary election squabble generated was also reported to have during the process been reconciled. usually simmer down as Adesiji was part of the the party heals its bruises meeting of the state and restores unity for the Executive Council of the real contest - in this case, party with its flag bearer the governorship on Tuesday, while others, election, which is less according to a source than eight weeks away. within the party were “We are now being appeased, with the eminently positioned to prospect that many of go into the contest with them would return. renewed strength and Even though, some of determination, not only the aggrieved members to defeat all opposition of the two parties like but also to ensure that the Alhaji Moshood Adeoti progress, which Osun who defected from the has experienced in the APC to the ADP and last 90 months will Alhaji Fatai Akinbade continue”, Famodun who defected from the emphasised.

PDP to the ADC and The state deputy some others were seen to chairman, Alhaji Adesiji be irreconcilable, some who was the leader of the political watchers believe aggrieved party that their decisions executive confirmed to would not have major OSUN DEFENDER on impact on the election. telephone that the A statement from the difference within the office of the APC party executive at the c h a i r m a n , P r i n c e state level have been Gboyega Famodun on resolved.

Tuesday said the party He said, he has never has successfully re- at any point said that he united after what he was leaving for any other described as a robustly party, , saying “Only contested July 20 primary what I said then was that election to pick a I am the Acting governorship flagbearer Chairman of the APC for the party. and that one has been According to him, “the vacated now, I remain ‘frayed nerves have the state deputy cooled, dissenting chairman. It means we members of the executive have resolved. have returned to their “The differences duty posts and the body within the party exco at is again united”. the state level have been “We can now inform resolved. That does not party members and our jeopardized the interest of an individual within

Payments To Contractor •Continued from page 2 Also, the representative of RATCON Construction Company, Mr. Fouad assured that necessary repair would be carried out soonest on the affected areas, saying “We did sand sample on the soil used on the road but the bitumen used

needs to be improve on and it will be done”.

It would be recalled that the House at the plenary directed that the Ode-Omu\Gbongan road under construction should be inspected by a delegation of lawmakers to know the condition of the road.

the exco.

“We said it at the meeting that the excos and the party are not well treated, we told the party’s candidate but the issues of suspension and the rest have been resolved, we have laid down our grievances, that we cannot be a party to a resolution we were not informed about and that has been settled”,

Adesiji stressed.

From the PDP fold, it was learnt that the party leaders have calmed the frayed nerves and successfully prevailed on Ogunbiyi and his supporters and s u b s e q u e n t l y compensated.

While Ogunbiyi was said to have been asked to nominate a running mate to Senator Adeleke,

he was also said to have been assured an automatic ticket for the Senatorial Seat of Osun West in 2019.

Meanwhile, the Action Democratic Party (ADP), its governorship candidate, Moshood Adeoti and his supporters were reported to have strengthened their mobilization strategy to have a

significant impact in the election, as some supporters of the party were heard boasting that they now have the financial muscle to prosecute the election.

Also, the Social Democratic Party (SDP) and its candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore is also moving massively to make significant impact at the election.

•PDP National Vice Chairman, Olorogun Eddy Olafeso (middle) answering questions from Journalists. With him, Bunmi Jenyo (left) and others during the PDP grand zonal congress of South West Youths and Women Leaders at Leisure Spring Hotel, Osogbo on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Assembly Expresses Commitment To Enacting People-oriented Laws

By Israel Afolabi The state of Osun House of Assembly has reiterated its commitment to enacting laws that would enhance the welfare of the people.

Speaker of the the Assembly complex, as the Assembly, Dr. Najeem Osogbo, Salaam made the parliament gave further remarks on Tuesday consideration to the State Osun Asset while presiding over the of plenary of the house at Management Agency

Establishment Bill 2018.

The bill was considered at the committee of the whole where the lawmakers proceeded with further scrutiny of the document.

Areas of the bill meant for the attention of the legislators were thoroughly debated, as

Osun 2018: OPC Tasks Politicians To Shun Violence Politicians, political parties and their supporters in the State of Osun have been tasked to shun act of brigandage, hooliganism and any other act that might negatively impacted on the governorship election slated for September 22.

The Oodua Peoples’ democratic experiment Congress (OPC) gave the earned through the sweat warning, just as it called and blood”.

According to the on politicians to embrace robust campaigns, rather group, candidates who than embarking on emerged at the primary adventures that may election should lay down truncate the democratic their programmes and experiment earned policies that would through the sweat and impact positively on the blood of those who standard of living of residents of the state sacrificed their lives. of the A statement by the ahead Supervisory Coordinator governorship election.

It further appealed to of the OPC in the state, Prince Adedeji stakeholders in the state, Aladesawe, cautioned most especially, agents of politicians across party all the political parties to lines and their supporters see the development of to note that at this period, the state as a common “We cannot afford to toy agenda that must be with the present collectively achieved opportunity by irrespective of political embarking on adventure lineage or differences.

The group stressed: that may truncate the

“We must join hands in ensuring that the relative peace been enjoyed in the state is sustained before, during and after the governorship election, as no meaningful development can be achieved in a state of kiosk.

“Major stakeholders in the run up to the election, most importantly, the Independent National Electoral Commission should remain an unbiased umpire and conduct election that would be free, fair, transparent and acceptable to all”, it added.

The group also urged security agencies to remain neutral as they discharge their duties in the line of operations, saying they are paid to defend the people without taking side.

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contributions were made towards effecting necessary corrections in clauses 31-42 of the bill.

The amendments made as agreed were included to form part of the original bill, just as the clerk at table was directed to prepare a clean copy of the document for third reading and passage.

Also, the report of joint House Committees on Health and Judiciary on the State Health Insurance Scheme bill 2018 was read on the floor.

Therefore, this elicited comments by the lawmakers in which they lauded the two committees for a job well done, just as the speaker stressed the need to compare the report alongside the original copy of the bill.

Similarly, the State of Osun Parks and Gardens Agency bill 2018 was also read for the first time at the plenary on the strength of the motion moved and seconded.

The speaker had earlier in a remark stressed the need to fast track the business of legislation, noting that the House would soon proceed on recess.

‘

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The Party Ethos And Supremacy In view of the gale of defections from one political formation (debatable as to whether they are actually political parties in the modern interpretation) to another, there is an unexpected silver lining. This is the emergence of a path to the re-establishment of real political parties in the widely acknowledged modern sense of the term.

The genesis lies of course within the carnage caused by the military incursion i n t o Nigeria’s p o l i t i c a l landscape. Pre-1966, the country, had vibrant political parties, based on democratic centralism and mass participation. The membership vigorously intervened at the grassroots and had a significant, at times decisive input into the policies and direction of the party. No one actually ‘owned’ a party because the ethos of

The illustrious sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo actually foresaw all of what is now happening.

In his last recorded observations before he passed on, Chief Awolowo postulated about the thesis and the anti-thesis, a situation whereby the progressives and the conservatives will separate into two distinct ideological camps.

democratic centralism was key.

A modern political party operates on this nexus. Democratic centralism as an operating base ensures the subordination of individuals, groups, interests, factions and tendencies to the

overall control of the central organs of the party. Where this is not the case, anarchy looms. The perfidy of the Saraki group is a clear indication of the grave consequences of jettisoning the concept of democratic centralism.

For this reason, all progressives must heave a sigh of relief at the departure of Saraki and his collaborators from the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Frankly it had taking far too long.

Nevertheless, valuable lessons

Focusing On The Issues

This newspaper, as part of its public service and advocacy, has done a synopsis of what can pass for the statement of intention of Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the All Progressives Congress’ flag bearer in the impending Osun State governorship election. We hope that all the candidates will avail us of an opportunity to carry their manifestoes in the weeks ahead.

It is fundamentally important for the development of the state to have issues based campaigns rather than vacuous sloganeering.

People still remember decades on the thoughtfully packaged four cardinal principles of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) at the

must be learnt from the sordid interregnum of a carefully choreographed undermining (not just a rebellion) of the position of the party. The tragic-comedy was well foretold. For as an outstanding one time United States President Franklin Delano Roosevelt insightfully observed,”In politics, nothing happens by accidents. If it happens, you can bet it was planned that way.

The lessons learnt must be incorporated. In the national Assembly henceforth the country is moving into formal trench type cohabitation. The national assembly leadership is now secured in the hands of an opposition leadership, at variance with the success of the executive branch. The illustrious sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo actually foresaw all of what is now happening. In his last recorded observations before he passed on, Chief Awolowo postulated about the thesis and the anti-thesis, a situation whereby the progressives and the conservatives will separate into two distinct ideological camps.

For these reasons, the present leadership of the APC must use this opportunity to build a cohesive, political party anchored on the promotion of progressive policies which will be of benefit to the many and not a priviledged, pampered elite.

current governor Aregbesola’s six point agenda also set the marker for what has become a successful tenure in office.

Manifestoes matter, for they provide a critically necessary Publisher roadmap for the future. We also call for Editor debates amongst the candidates in order for Lagos Editor the electorate to make a discerning News Editor assessment of what is Production Editor on offer. Osun State deserves the best and Senior Reporter an issues focused campaign is the way to Reporter get it.

Reporter

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onset of the second republic.

In the State of Osun,

Manifestoes matter, for they provide a critically necessary roadmap for the future.

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Omoluabi Bank In The Face Of Challenges

Mortgage Banking:

Since it has been observed that owning a home does not only provide a sense of economic security, but plays a significant role in providing individuals with greater economic security as well as reducing the temptation to engage in corrupt practices, SOLOMON ODENIYI takes a look at the efforts of the Omoluabi Bank Limited, Mortgage Bank industry in Nigeria and the quest to finding innovative ways of providing the required finance to make housing available for a large number of people.

The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria was established by the Federal Government in 1977 to provide long term credit to Nigerians to afford them the opportunity to own houses of their own, being one of the basic needs of man, at affordable interest rate.

A report by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in 2011 estimated that Nigeria still has a housing deficit of about 16 million housing units shows that there are still much to be done.

In another recent report by the Nigeria Bureau of Statistics, it was submitted that an average occupancy rate in the country is seven persons per house. It also noted that about 112 million Nigerians are homeless. This implies that 80% of Nigerians are without shelter.

Meanwhile, Houses have been built in the country through various schemes, for instance the National Housing Fund which was established in 1992 to enable Nigerians regardless of their economic status own houses.

But this has been said to represent an infinitesimal proportion of 0.38% of the nation’s current housing deficit. A major cause of this was pointed out in a report carried out by the World Bank which shows that these houses were sold at target prices of N 1.0 million ($6,024) to N 5.0 million ($ 30,120). However, going by the World Bank’s estimate which shows that 70.2% of the total populations in Nigeria live on an income of less than US$1 a day, these houses are unaffordable to the poor, which constitute majority of the country’s homeless population.

Also, the former CBN governor, Charles Soludo was once quoted as saying that the institutions lacked the wherewithal to mobilise requisite resources for commitment towards the fulfillment of their objectives and this has remained the reasons their impact has remained unfelt by the populace as indicated by the low percentage of mortgage loans to Gross Domestic Product (GDP), which has been poor compared with what obtained in other countries. He noted that mortgage banks contribute 63 per cent to the United States, Britain-64 per cent, Germany-55 per cent, Thailand-15 per cent, South Africa-20 per cent, India-five per cent and Ghana-three per cent.

But the chairman, Board of Directors, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank, Alhaji Adebayo Jimoh believes that with the significant increase witnessed in the last few years in the Mortgage Industry, it can become the mainstay

of the Nigerian Economy in the future if only the government can leverage on the huge level of untapped potential waiting to be tapped in the industry.

At the bank’s annual general meeting last week, he said: “Nigeria has a very modest growing mortgage market. The Federal Government has, through various programmes encouraged and supported the growth in the Mortgage Banking Industry. Refinance Company (NMRC) which earlier commenced operations and are providing secondary mortgage market services to mortgage lenders through bonds in 2015 has continued the trend.

“The good story of 2017: the exit of the Nigerian economy from recession which came in the second quarter of

the year brought about an improvement. The impact trickled down to various sectors of the economy. The impact was felt in the capital market as the Nigerian Stock exchange posted strong performance during the period under review delivering about 42%. The figure was the third largest in the world in the year 2017.

“Modest positive signals emerge from the base scenario showing some strengthening in qualitative growth factors, such as more advanced technology, improved labor force skills, and greater productivity.

Businesses have to be prepare for more disruptions from geopolitical tensions, policy uncertainty, financial market volatility, and rapid changes in technology, but they also need to

The exit of the Nigerian economy from recession which came in the second quarter of the year brought about an improvement. The impact trickled down to various sectors of the economy.

The impact was felt in the capital market as the Nigerian Stock exchange posted strong performance during the period under review delivering about 42%.

stay focused on leveraging the qualitative sources of growth with investment in technology and business productivity even - or especially - in times of stagnation.’’

He spoke of some of the policies in place to enhance the effectiveness of the industry in the country, saying, “In the Mortgage Banking Industry, there has been an increasing trend of mergers and acquisitions e.g. Aso Savings & Loans Plc has acquired Union Homes Savings and Loans Plc. There are also indications that some illiquid mortgage banks might be forced to downsize their operations to become microfinance banks, following their failure to attain the CBN’s recapitalization mandate. ”Mortgage Banks are aware of the impact of non-performing loans and aggressively commenced the recovery of those funds. Our bank was not left out. Likewise, the Nigerian Mortgage Refinance Company (NMRC) which earlier commenced operations and are providing secondary mortgage market services to mortgage lenders through bonds in 2015 has continue the trend, hence improving liquidity to some members in the industry has NMRC continues to refinancing eligible legacy loan with the mortgage •Continued on page 6

•Members of the Board of Directors, Omoluabi Bank during the Bank’s Annual General Meeting last week.

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Mortgage Banking: Omoluabi Bank In The Face Of Challenges •Continued from page 5 lenders.”

He lauded the commitment of the Federal Government to considerably improve housing, highlighting some of the various programmes it promised to embark on like the N500 billion it proposed to inject into the Federal Mortgage Bank to enable it meet the housing needs of Nigerians and financing 5000 housing scheme in each state for civil servants.

Omoluabi In The Face Of This When it came to the business, it was known as Osun Building Society Limited, a name it later changed to Living Spring Savings and Loans Limited and now to Omoluabi Mortgage Bank Plc in January 2016, which was to reflect the virtues of the people of the state. The bank was however licensed for business by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria in March 1999. In 2014, the bank was listed on the Nigeria Stock Exchange.

Ever since, Omoluabi Mortgage Bank has been offering residential and commercial mortgage financial services. It has been providing mortgage products which include national housing fund mortgage loans, commercial mortgages, property acquisition loans, and loans for business and trading purposes.

Also, it has been offering construction loans and other financial services. The company also offers personal banking products comprising accounts, such as children’s, savings, gold personal current, corporate, home ownership, and call accounts; term and fixed deposits; certificate of deposits; and housing investment funds.

In addition, it has been providing corporate banking products, including overdrafts, and property development finance and trading.

Ownership Structure Osun state government and Osun state local government councils represent public sector participation in the ownership of the bank; however, they are not majority shareholders in the bank. The lists of shareholders consist of individuals, public sector and institutional investors.

Performance in 2017 Despite challenges of the country’s economy in 2017 with implications for business and various sectors; Mortgage Banking Sector was not an exception, Omoluabi Bank revenue increased as well as its level of

•Some of the Regulators and Registrars during the Omoluabi Bank’s AGM. before taxation (PBT) of N187, 536,516 and Gross earnings increased by 70.39% from N304 million in 2016 to N518million, while total operating expenses increased by 26.18 % from N275 million in 2016 to N347million in 2017. Customers deposit grew by 208% from N389 million in 2016 to N1.2 billion in 2017.

Also, during the period, the quality of our loan and advances portfolio rose from N549 million in 2016 to N862 million in 2017, an increase of 57%.

“In addition to the above, total assets grew from N3.3 billion in 2016 to N4.2billion in 2017, a growth of 27.27% over 2016 while our shareholders funds grew from N2.4 billion to N2.6 billion in 2017. The indices above show that despite the harsh economic and operating environment prevalent in the mortgage banking industry, our strategies of expansion and increasing customer base are paying off. Our commitment and passion to increasing the number of home owners are evident in the 2017 report”, he said.

The bank also recorded a landmark achievement, the Managing Director, Ayo Olowokere, said, “Our performance, as we have seen from revenue of N200m in 2015 to N380m in 2016 to N534m in 2017 from loss of N164m in 2015 to profit of N78n in 2016 and N174m in 2017. The results are making the statements for us.

“The banking industry is very competitive. What we are doing is to continuously monitor the industry to understand our customers and how they want us to react to trends. As a result, we now have ATMs which we introduced two years ago. Now, we have launched our USSD. It is just like that of any bank whereby you can do your transactions on your phones. ”We are also very competitive in the area of interest rate, of course, we realized that it has been going down and rising and we offer one of the best in interest rate in the country. Our mortgage is from 18-19 per cent, no one does that in the country.

“We have also engaged the small and medium enterprises through our Karakata and Sowojere scheme which

Despite challenges of the country’s economy in 2017 with implications for business and various sectors; Mortgage Banking Sector was not an exception, Omoluabi Bank revenue increased as well as its level of business and operation in the mortgage banking sector business and operation in the mortgage banking sector during the stated year.

This, the Board Chairman, Jimoh attributed to the commitment of the Management team and employee who worked under intense pressure to deal with the business complexities.

He also added that some of the major changes in structure within the year aimed at repositioning the Bank for greater impact for the future helped strengthen the bank.

“In 2017, the bank achieved a profit

•The Managing Director, Omoluabi Bank, Ayodele Olowookere (right) and the Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Bola Oyebamiji during the bank’s AGM.

are used in supporting people in the market in all the senatorial districts of Osun. This, no doubt, enhanced our profitability”, he said The Change of Guard At the bank’s 4th AGM in Osogbo, it elected Mrs Olaitan Aworonke as the bank’s director, while Prince Adetilewa Sijuwade, Mike Omolaja, and Gbadebo Adekunle were reelected as Non-Executive Directors.

Before her appointment as Director, Aworonke has served as group Head, Operations and Business Development of the bank. She has over 15 years experience in Banking with Access, Fidelity and Stanbic IBTC banks before joining Omoluabi.

The new officers were given the onerous responsibility of maintaining the enviable tradition of excellence and also help their quest to provide houses for the teeming populace in the state which the bank has commenced.

The Future For Omoluabi The chairman, Jimoh sees the bank bridging the housing deficit gap in the state and the country at large by leveraging on the plethora of untapped opportunities in the mortgage industry.

“Being a mortgage, we see the future, we see a lot of opportunities in the industry because as we speak, the country is under housed. We need more people to have homes, first time buyers and we are also supporting people in expanding the mortgage industry.

“The real estate sector has been seen as a growing sector and that’s where we will be operating in and it will be a great opportunity for the Bank to reducing the housing deficit as well as improving our profit.

“We have identified the need for “gated estates” we have one already called Olufunmilayo estate off Osun state secretariat. We are identifying some at Ile-Ife. We are working with SUBEB to build houses for teachers.

We are working to build houses for hospital management, when we do this, apart from making profit, we will reduce the number of those without a house in the state and the country at large,” Jimoh explained.

Bola Oyebamiji, the Commissioner for Finance noted that the future of Omoluabi is great as the development of the bank has had and would continue to have a multiplier effects on the economy of the state.

He added that he is assured that going forward, the bank will continue to increase in its performance and its impact would be felt the more in the state.

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FRIDAY AUGUST 3 - THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

Iwo West Council Boss Assures Monitoring Of O’RAMP Projects

The development of rural communities in Osun, House, Hon. Adewuyi Chairman (Iwo West the management team of Iwo West Local Council Ibiyemi; the Deputy LCDA), Alagba Samson Oluwagbemiga Joshua Adewuyi and the Head Development Area has assured that all the necessary Leader, Hon. Ismail Okunlola; the Council Adewole; the Head of of Administration, Mr. Social Development and Oluwafemi Babarinde support would be given the Rural Access and Olayemi; the APC Manager, Prince Information, Mr. John Aina.

Mobility Project (O’RAMP) team on the construction of rural roads in the council.

Chairman of the Alajide; Ologburo of council, Hon. Ezekiel Ogburo, Oba Asimiyu Adedibu made the Iyanda Agboluaje; Olu of assurance when the Ilota, Oba Adetunji O’RAMP team visited the Akano; Alawuje of LCDA recently to Awuje, Oba Oladosu perform the flag off of Ajagbe Akinlawon with construction of some other prominent Chiefs rural roads in the council from Agberire and Ilota area. communities.

The roads include, IdiAt the project site, the Araba through Agberire team leader of O’RAMP, through Fapo to Ogburo, Mr. Adedokun which is about 17.47 introduced the project kilometers; Obajoko consultant, Advanced market through Bobo to Engineering Consultant, Foritaje, Loogun, after which the contract Aipatenla, Asipa document was handed Oniyangi, Olupo to over to the project Agberire which is about contractor, Stone Water 13.15 kilometres.

While speaking at the Nigeria Limited with the programme, held at the support of the Kabiesis in palace of Olu of Ilota attendance, the council Hon. recently, chairman of the Chairman, LCDA appreciated the Adedibu; the Vice- •Iwo West LCDA Chairman, Ezekiel Adedibu (right); the ORAMP team leader, Mr Adedokun and others during the Chairman, Hon.Rabiu governor’s outstanding official handing over of the project documents to the contractor. efforts at transforming Sikiru; Leader of the rural roads, just as he admonished all and sundry to be supportive of the laudable project The Executive Chairman of Orolu Local people of Ifon Orolu, as loved by his people as a of religious affiliation”. and the government of Government, Prince Adekunle Benson and the well as the state of Osun. result of profound “My condolences go to of the the Muslim Ummah in This is contained in a knowledge Ogbeni Aregbesola. entire members of the All Progressives Congress He noted that the (APC) in Ifon, have mourned the demise of the Chief condolence statement scriptures and the way he Ifon Oroluland, the management of the Imam of Ifon Oroluland, Sheikh Ismail Ajibade issued by his Media delivered his sermon. He Christians, entire family council under his who died on Saturday.

Assistant, Mr Alao was an epitome of of the late Chief Imam administration has also modesty and lover of and I also pray that the Waheed on Sunday.

Benson described the and a big loss to the shown commitment to and his Almighty Allah grant “Imam Ismail Ajibade people the development of the untimely death of the late Muslim and Christian was a cleric who was community irrespective him Aljanat Firdaus”. communities, the entire Chief Imam as shocking council, saying this can be seeing in the developmental programmes embarked grassroots, which also Joseph on behalf of other on by the council.

Hon. Idowu Ismaila Abiodun has emerged the the LCDA. The motion was gave him the opportunity councillors assured the The council boss then new Chairman of Boripe North Local Council seconded by Hon Afeez of becoming the council new chairman their assured that the officials Development Area in the State of Osun. boss. of the LCDA would also unalloyed co-operation.

Following the death of death of the erstwhile Adeleke of Ward 11 after He assured the be part of the monitoring which the Leader of the The Chairman of the the former chairman of chairman, Hon Idowu council’s parliamentarian mother council, Boripe of the projects to ensure House, Hon Adeniyi the council, Prince Bola emerged as the newly and the mammoth crowd Local Government, Hon. that it is successful.

Gbenga Jacob, affirmed Adedibu also urged Adejumo in May this elected councillor for the the appointment. The who came to witness the Adebayo Adelani after the traditional rulers, and year, Hon Akinyemi Ward. new Chairman was proceeding that he would Shortly after being immediately sworn-in as work assiduously to turn congratulating the new the people of the council Joseph had been elected council boss, prayed for in acting capacity by the sworn-in as a Councillor to support the projects the helmsman of the around the fortunes of peace and development and monitor its council’s lawmakers with at the sitting of the council. the LCDA for good. in the LCDA. progression, urging that a view to filling the L C D A ’ s The new chairman Speaking after his The Council Manager, after the completion, the vacuum created by the Parliamentarians on emergence sought the co-operation Comrade Tunde Bello as the people should take sudden exit of Adejumo. Monday 23rd July, 2018, Chairman, Hon Idowu of other councillors as after congratulating the However, at a Hon Adebiyi Babatunde, ownership by ensuring well as career officers in subsequent bye-election Councillor representing lauded the Governor of making the aspiration of chairman, assured him that it is maintained. the state of Osun, Ogbeni Some of the traditional held at Ward 6 area of the Ward 7 moved the Rauf Aregbesola who lifting the council to a of co-operation by the rulers at the programme LCDA on Saturday, July motion that Hon Idowu created the LCDA’s in lofty height, a reality. entire staff of the LCDA. were, Oloja of Agberire, 14, 2018, to fill the vacant be elected as the order The out-gone acting to bring Oba Jacob Gbadewolu position created by the substantive Chairman of developments closer the chairman, Hon Akinyemi

Orolu LG Chair, APC Mourn Chief Imam Of Ifon

Boripe North LCDA Gets New Chairman

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE ADEOLA AZEEZ OLAITAN

That I was formerly known and addressed as A D E O L A OLUWASEYIFUNMI, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOLA AZEEZ OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, G.T. Bank, Fidelity Bank and General public should take note.

ADEREMI AKEEM ABIMBOLA

That ADEREMI AKEEM ABIMBOLA and ADEREMI AKEEM AYOBAMI are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed as ADEREMI AKEEM ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

SPACE FOR S A L E •The newly sworn-in chairman, Idowu Ismaila Abiodun (middle) taking oath of office.

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Book Launching Titled Knives And Nappies, Held At The Valedictory Service For The Outgoing Clerk/Permanent Secretary Of The Funfield Events Centre, Osogbo, Recently. Photo Shola Aderinto Osun House Of Assembly, Alhaji Mudashiru Oyeniran

Osun Defender Production Editor Bags Master’s Degree In Theology

•Chairman, Assembly Service Commission, Honourable Hassan Olawuwo (left) presenting gift to Alhaji Oyeniran.

•Cross section of invited dignitaries during the launching of the book.

It was at the launching ceremony of a book, Knives & Nappies written by Mrs Haleemat Alli Balogun at the Funfilled Event Centre, Iwo Road, Osogbo recently.

The occasion which was witnessed by a tumultuous crowd had in attendance, the First Lady of the State of Osun, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola represented by Dr Oyebamiji, a consultant Gynaecologist at the LAUTECH Teaching Hospital, Osogbo.

Others were the Osun State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Alhaji Latifat Giwa; the Chief Medical Director of LAUTECH, represented by Dr Adedayo; Honourable Oyeniran, represented by Dr Abidoye; the chairman of Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), Mr Awosemo; Engineer Adeniyi, Proprietor of Molek School, Osogbo was a colauncher and other distinguished

guests.

The book reviewer was Dr Wale Okediran.

The book centres on the necessary knowledge every woman needs to know concerning caesarean section. It helps to disabuse the minds of mothers against misguided fables and baseless fear of caesarean section.

The author urged mothers to be informed because ignorance is too costly in terms of loss of life to mother and baby.

Alli Bankole is a graduate of Quantity Surveying from the University of Technology, Minna, Niger State.

She holds a Diploma in Creative Writing from the Writers Bureau, Manchester. She is a fellow of the Ebedi International Writers Residency, Iseyin.

She has published other titles such as, A fruitful Tree; Let’s Talk Love, and Wise King and other stories among others.

Osun Assembly Clerk Bows Out Of Service

By Israel Afolabi It was a glorious moment for the outgoing Clerk/Permanent Secretary of the Osun House of Assembly, Alhaji Mudasiru Bamidele Oyeniran as he bowed out of active service of the state.

•The Celebrant, Oyeniran (middle) with his wives.

It was a moment when members of the parliament got the opportunity of showering encomiums on the former clerk of the house, popularly called Sheik for his excellent service.

There is time and season for everything, says the Holy Book. The scripture therefore says, there must

be an end to every beginning. A worthy civil servant, Oyeniran who has served the state for 35 years with additional two years extension offered by the State Government of Osun finally bowed out on Tuesday without blemish.

It was a commendation galore from parliamentarians for his good characters, as the lawmakers, staff of the Assembly, family members, friends, associates and well wishers, converged to celebrate the unique occasion with him.

The celebrant received gifts from the lawmakers and Assembly Service Commission for diligent work done in the State Assembly.

Earlier in their separate remarks, the Chaplain of the Assembly’s Church, Pastor Muyiwa Ayeni and Alhaji Adekunle who represented the Chief Imam prayed for the celebrant and his family.

The celebrant appreciated all well wishers for their good gesture extended to him and the Government for creating a platform to serve the state in his capacity.

The Speaker of the House, Dr Najeem Salaam described Alhaji Oyeniran as a responsible and committed civil servant who has given his all to serve the state with the commitment it deserves.

•Mr Pet-Kola Ibitowa, the Production Editor of Osun Defender newspaper (right) receiving his Master’s Degree certificate in Theology recently.

Peter And Paul Turn Three

Aregbesola’s Aide Bags Rotary Award

•Media Adviser to the Osun State Governor, Mr Sola Fasure (3rd left), his wife, Temitope (4th right), the newly elected President of Rotary Club of Osogbo Central, Rotarian Teslim Olalekan •The celebrants with their birthday cake.

Adebayo (3rd right), his wife, Omobolanle (2nd left), the Club Secretary and Public Relations Officer, Mr. Izuchuewu Michael Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as (left) and others, durweddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ing the presentation of Life Achievement ceremonies among others for your take. To take Award in Media and advantage of this, you can reach out to Murtala, Stakeholder Engagement to Fasure by Ro08023280935, Kazeem 08062207954 and Nike on tary Club of Osogbo Central, at the White 07032594744 Plain Suites and TowLet the public know what you are doing. ers, Osogbo recently.

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

•Another cross section of people that graced the occasion.

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Group Advocates Participation Of Marginalised Groups In Osun Election healthy and developed towards a successful 2018 representatives of the

By Sola Jacobs Nigeria Association of society, saying advocacy Osun election.

The National Democratic Institute has called for an visits had been made to Journalists Participants at the Women increased participation by marginalised groups in Independent National ‘Voters Education’ (VE), (NAWOJ), Nigeria Nigeria electoral processes.

Electoral Commission ‘Stop Violence Against Council of women Society It also said that, intrinsic electoral process.

(INEC), National Women in Election’ (NWCS), political party Ugwoke affirmed that Orientation right be made available to Agency (VAWIE), ‘Go Out To Vote women leaders, Market all citizens to be heard and Electoral Empowerment of (NOA) and other relevant (GOTV) leaders, campaign Women informed for citizenship Civil Society which agencies for synergy training are Federation of Women participation to drive originated after 2011 democratic change. election will enhance role The disclosure was of citizens in promoting made by Annabel credible elections and Ugwoke, Programme reducing potential Officer of the National violence as well as Democratic Institute, in consistently engage the Osogbo Osun state capital interest of key at a ‘Voters Education’ stakeholders such as (VE), and ‘Stop Violence Against Women in Independent National Election’ (VAWIE), and Electoral Commission ‘Go Out To Vote’ (GOTV) (INEC), the Nigerian campaign training for Police, and the Media so as mobilizing women voters to keep them focused on participation in the the project.

In his remarks as the forthcoming 2018 Osun host, the Chief Executive election.

At the programme, Officer, Hope for Family hosted by Hope for Family Development Initiative Development Initiative (HFDI), Mr. Aremu (HFDI) in partnership Stephen Akinyele stated with United States Agency that the humanitarian for International organization is set up to Development (USAID), improve and restore hope Department for for marginalized and I n t e r n a t i o n a l vulnerable groups, Development (DFID) and whatever the UKAID, Ugwoke stated circumstances, and that the training will give promoting values and •Traditionalists’ children and Dr Nzinga Olabisi Metzger pictured with the Wakanda women and other citizens commitments to achieve a Black Panther, last Thursday in Osogbo. an informed voice to help them occupy the political space provided by election which set the state for accountable and giving a sense of futuristic dreams without

By David Adejuwon responsive government. belonging to Children of minding the social stigma She however stated that A U.S Based Non-Governmental Organization, Traditional Worshipers on them. though, citizens, especially DuniaFore Foundation recently screened the popular who are condemned in Olabisi said “There is a marginalized groups often Afro-centric movie, Black Panther to children of the curriculum of western kind of societal lack basic knowledge Traditionalists in Osogbo, capital of the State of education which centers colouration to being a about the electoral process, Osun. only on Islam and traditionalist.

We have or that they are hindered discovered that the Screening of the movie Anthropologist with Christianity. by electoral violence, yet The academy for the normal school curriculum women focused groups in was part of grand finale Sierra Leonean origin, Osun will be trained on of the NGOs annual told reporters that her past four weeks trained in Nigeria does not create for the 125 children of ages 7 -17 a space for the Traditional campaign strategies, month-long summer passion m o b i l i z a t i o n class tagged Asalaye emancipation of African in Osogbo, capital of the religion to be learnt as we methodologies, message Academy; an initiative Traditional Religion State of Osun, feeding have in the two religions providing brought by missionaries enriches made her setup the them, framing/dissemination that, and advocacy, all in a bid traditionalists children annual academy which instructional materials to Nigeria.”

“We are also trying to to educate relevant with academics while held in classrooms and tutoring them in stakeholders on how to emphasing pan-African provided by the Araba courses geared towards establish the Panthe Africanism in the values address violence against awareness and pride in Awo of Osogboland, re-awakening of of the traditional religion women in election, African culture.

Chief Ifayemi Elebuibon. consciousness facilitate inclusion and di The “Asalaye traditionalists values on them in a bid to The Founder of the versify effective strategies NGO, Dr Nzinga Olabisi Academy” project embedded in the religion change the idea of to increase women’s’ Metzger, who is an according to Dr Nzinga and also motivate the backwardness and power to engage the A f r i c a n - A m e r i c a seeks to bridge the gap by children to pursue their illiteracy associated with

Lawyers, Women in politics, Persons with Disability, Federation Of Muslim Women Association of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Osun Widows Association among others.

pose after the screening of

U.S NGO Trains 125 Traditionalists’ Children In Osogbo

APC Guber Aspirant Challenges Primary In Court

By Mariam Bello A governorship aspirant on the platform of All Progressives Congress, Mr. Kunle Adegoke, has filed a suit before the Federal High Court in Abuja challenging the party’s primary election held in the state on July 20.

He also wants the court Act, 2010 as well as the to stop the Independent relevant provisions of the National Electoral APC Constitution and the Commission from Regulation for the Conduct recognising the outcome of of Political Party Primaries the exercise. released the Independent Mr. Gboyega Oyetola, National Electoral the Chief of Staff to the Commission.

Governor of Osun State, Mr. The suit filed on his Rauf Aregbesola, had behalf by his lawyer, Mr. emerged from the primary Ayotunde Ogunleye, had election as the party’s APC and INEC as the two candidate ahead of the defendants.

September 22 governorship In an affidavit filed in election in the state. support of his originating The party had declared summons, the plaintiff Oyetola as the winner of the alleged that the “direct primary election in which method” adopted by the 16 other aspirants including party allowing all general Adegoke participated. members of the party to But Adegoke, a lawyer, vote in the primary election contended in his suit “was a departure from the marked FHC/ABJ/CS/ extant 2014 guidelines of 804/2018, which he filed on the party”.

Friday, that the conduct of He stated that contrary to the party’s primary election the development in Osun violated the Nigerian State, “the indirect method Constitution, the Electoral

of primary election was used in Edo State in 2016, Ondo State in 2016, Anambra State in 2017 and Ekiti State in May 2018”.

He noted that he had also, in an open letter, challenged the National Chairman of the party, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, informing him that there was no membership register of the party by which the party could conduct a credible direct primary election.

He also said he informed

Oshimhole that the adoption of direct primary election without membership register would be in flagrant violation of the Constitution of the party due to the time of its adoption vis-à-vis the general requirements of the law.

He said APC failed to

notify him as an aspirant or the INEC in writing not later than 21 days to the date of the primaries, the details including the specific location and venue, date and time for the conduct of its nomination of candidate before holding same on July 20, 2018.

the traditional religion and its worshipers. The curriculum also opens the children’s minds to the history of their continent fusing it with the current trends in the Global space.”

“So far, some of the students have the full knowledge of the African continent, the countries, cultures and tradition.

They have also been taught how to become self-reliant and pan Africanists. What has excited me more in all of these is the ability of those participants who have been able to learn more and become better traditionalists and contributors to their society.”

With 2 years running, Metzger expressed her readiness to cover the South West States in Nigeria with efforts to expand Asalaye Academy to Sierra Leone and bring cultural focused programming to other places in the diaspora.

KEEP INTEGRITY ALIVE INITIATIVE This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES: 1. Tella Liad 2. Owolabi Akinola Moses 3. Sonny Ola Ajayi 4. Ajayi Emmanuel Oludele OBJECTIVES OF THE INITIATIVE: 1. To showcase the antecedents of Nigerians who had in the past promoted the nation’s Integrity through Personal behaviour and high quality professional conducts.

2. To engage in serious National and International Campaign on the need to cherish personal and corporate integrity which will in turn promote National Integrity.

3. To honour/praise those who had in the past shun all forms of corruption or dubious means of enriching themselves and to condemn or expose to public ridicule those who had in the past made Nigeria a laughing stock in International Community.

Any Objections to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 198, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication

•Mr Kunle Adegoke

SIGNED: SECRETARY

FRIDAY AUGUST 3 - THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

NEWS

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Security Is Important For Peace - Osun Governor

By Francis Ezediuno The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said that security is important for peace which in turn creates an enabling environment for success in business and economic development.

This, according to the Governor, is the reason his administration made it part of his six-point integral action plan.

The governor who was represented by his deputy, Otunba Grace Titi Laoye Tomori stated this while speaking during the Osun State Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) Week held in Osogbo recently.

She revealed that the implementation of the administration’s peace plan across the state has been sustained.

“As part of the administration’s efforts at maintaining an atmosphere of peace throughout the state, the government had procured 25 Armoured Personnel Carriers [APC], 100 patrol vehicles, 1 surveillance helicopter, several bullet proof vests, security control centre.

“The state government is also in the planning stage of acquiring an Unmanned Aerial Vehicle [UAV] popularly known as a drone”, she added.

The governor showered

encomiums on the Osun Command PCRC Chairman, Comrade Amitolu Shittu thanking him for his ceaseless efforts in piloting the affairs of the committee.

The governor who maintained that the state was the most peaceful in Nigeria called for cooperation between the conventional and nonconventional security agencies.

Delivering a lecture on the theme of the week; “Community Policing and Responsibility of Stakeholders”, the Ogun State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Ahmed Ilyasu was of the opinion that the ‘police is the public and the public is the police’.

He advocated for a conscious and relentless role to be played by various stakeholders, positive interactions, partnership, town hall meetings and community neighbourhood watch which serve as credible means of ensuring security.

Ilyasu added that service to the nation, the

people and value addition are benefits of community policing.

“In order to ensure adequate and successful community policing, there

is need for the police to check crime and restore confidence in the people,

it should be a requirement for crafting perfect policy for a perfect society”.

•Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba Titilayo Laoye-Tomori (middle); Commissioner for Local Governmnet and Chieftaincy Affairs, Kolapo Alimi (3rd right); Iyalode of Osogbo, Alhaji Awawu Asindemade and others during the PCRC Week in Osogbo

Group Urges Osun Aggrieved APC Members To Sheath Sword

A socio-political group, Team Support Bola (TSB) has appealed to the aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun, especially those that have defected to another party to return and work with other loyalists towards guaranteeing a resounding victory in the September 22 governorship election.

In a statement released the APC to avoid politics by its Media and of enmity, hatred and ill Publicity Secretary, Mr will.

Alao Waheed and Noting that what personally signed by the should be paramount is state coordinator, Prince how to guarantee Adebisi, the group urged continuity of the leaders and members of development recorded

under Ogbeni Rauf A r e g b e s o l a administration; the group said the aggrieved members of the party should desist from making inflammatory statements that are capable of plunging the party into crisis.

It added that there is the need for the aggrieved members and stakeholders to be reconciled to ensure peace and stability in the

party.

"Let us join hands together and support the government of Ogbeni Aregbesola who has done more than enough in building the new Osun as well as the candidature of Alh Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola to ensure continuity of unprecedented developmental projects in all the nooks and crannies of Osun", the group appealed.

OPINION

Of Aregbesola And Reward of Commitment To Service

By Igbotako Nowinta The under-development of Nigeria unquestionably is dialectic. This dialectical phenomenon introduced into the country as a result of the way ward leadership recklessly administered by a chunk of the political cum military class since independence in 1960, has brought Nigeria tragically into a cul-de-sac.

The resultant effect of the above is that most politicians have hijacked the accelerated development of the country and by implications transformed themselves into merciless swine that are now ravishingly eating the breakfast and dinner of the masses of Nigeria.

In the midst of this most nauseating scenario, a tiny class of politicians has chosen to take a walk in the direction of the forgotten majority.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Governor of Osun since November 2010, has shown to be a friend of the ordinary people, most especially in his state.

This fact glaringly manifested recently in far away Ogwa in Edo State at the Samuel Adegboyega University where he was awarded an honorary Doctorate Degree in Public Administration.

In recognising and encouraging Ogbeni, the ViceChancellor, Professor Ben Aigbokhan at the historic gathering noted that ‘Aregbesola stood out by placing his state among 5 top lowest in unemployment rate in Nigeria and also second in human capacity development in Nigeria’ This award, coming to a man who courageously defied and overcame glaring suffocating financial trials occasioned by the still lingering low allocation coming to the State from the federation monthly, attracts huge applause indeed.

Only about eight days earlier on July 20th, 2018 in Abuja, capital city of Nigeria, Ogbeni Aregbesola deservedly harvested the first of such awards within the month when one of the nation’s most reputable Business centred newspapers - Business Day singled him out conspicuously as the ‘Best Performing Governor in Nigeria’s Southern Region’.

According to the management of Business Day newspaper, Aregbesola who also won the ‘Best Social Investment & Social Protection’ awards distinguished himself in the special awards category

•Governor Aregbesola

Ogbeni, a true hero of democracy is a phenomenon that has absolutely provided valuable opportunity for the masses to flourish and blossom within Nigeria.

in ‘recognition of the new grounds the administration has broken in Osun that has entrenched an enduring legacy that will span 50 years’.

There is absolutely an interesting twist to the current spate of Awards being harvested by Ogbeni Aregbesola. This man has less than four months to exit power and he is being honored, accorded due respect and recognised by reputable entities outside the shores of ‘the land of the virtuous’ as the State is nicknamed. This shows the stunner stuff that he is made of.

Though, the fact remains that Ogbeni had raked in what could be termed an endless lists of awards and accomplishments in office before now, but the current harvests being recorded is a significant plank to say unequivocally that he is almost breasting the last lap of his enviable rule with the highest level of commitment to his ideological conviction.

From another perspective, the current harvests of encomium being heaped on Ogbeni is a way of

celebrating excellence thunderously in a country saturated right, left and centre by many serving and ex-governors that have become blatant national irritants and prodigals who have bled and still bleed their people white.

Ogbeni, a true hero of democracy is a phenomenon that has absolutely provided valuable opportunity for the masses to flourish and blossom within Nigeria.

The truth lies in the nature and character called Ogbeni, an incredible politician that represents an idea (which has restored, revamped, redeemed and repositioned) the State of Osun with uncommon

tenacity.

Ogbeni’s rise to power is unarguably the greatest epoch in the recent history of the State. Powered by an incredible will and a magnetic personality, in almost eight years now in office, he has not only nourished the political destiny of his people, but continues to serve as a fundamental principle for the upliftment of the ordinary folks from ignorance, illiteracy and stark obscurity.

Aregbesola is a personality that drinks knowledge with extraordinary fascinating passion for educational and infrastructural development. Today, he strikes at the root of democratic performance and the living forces of the people of osun.

Really, the Governor has personified the attitude of principles, responsibility, honor and toughness: he has stepped into the proscenium of history.

•Nowinta Igbotako, a serial author and public affairs commentator lives in Benin city.

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Osun NTI Office Denies Extortion Allegation

By Adegbola Babalola welfare, saying the The State Coordinator of the National Teachers managers always look Institute, Mr Edun Francis has denied the claim of out for their best interest extortion by some of the Post Graduate Diploma and had not at any point Students of the institute against its Centre ordered them to pay Managers. any way related to the unauthorized fees to While addressing study centre and could anyone. journalists after the best be described as a The coordinator meeting with the centre rumour and should be however instructed that managers and class investigated with a view if anyone had asked for governors of the affected to curbing such act in fees from students of the students, the state future. institute, such fees coordinator said that, Other representatives should be refunded to there is an existing rules corroborated the position whoever might have on extortion of students of the class governors, paid, warning that no one and the institute will not especially in the area of should drag the name of relent in dealing with anyone attempting to flout its directives.

He said the mandate of the institute is very clear

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin which is to help its The Joint Campus Committee of the National students through the programme and ensure Association of Nigerian Students Oyo State Axis has that it fills its quota for called on the authority of the Ladoke Akintola every academic year, University of Technology (LAUTECH) to reverse the hence, its strict stance on expulsion of twelve of its members to avoid the issue of extortion of lockdown of activities in the school.

The committee also institution. students by any official of requested the school to the institute.

The statements reads: Some of the students stop its plan to hike the “We are aware of the representatives who institution’s tuition fees situation in which the spoke at the gathering describing the action as Ladoke Akintola include Mr Rasaq Mutiu inhuman and a deliberate University of Technology and Mr Adebisi Suraju of act of injustice against the is in right now and for the Technical Study centre, student population in the sake of the records our Mrs Akande state. intervention is due.

Fatimoh,Mrs Ayofe A statement signed by Therefore, we are coming Bosede, Akasi the JCC Chairman, for the purpose of Ebhodaghe all of Osogbo Comrade Moronkola liberating the Students of High School Study centre Teslim disclosed that the the Ladoke Akintola and all claimed that there over 60,000 students’ University of was no one extorting any population in Oyo state Technology. students rather, the will not hesitate to invade “Yes, we’re coming, we managers have always LAUTECH if the school hereby call on the Over been of help to the failed to meet its 60,000 Students across students. demands as a means of the 17 tertiary institutions Akasi disclosed that showing solidarity with in Oyo State to mobilize the information is not in oppressed students of the as we storm LAUTECH

the school into disrepute.

Some students of the Post Graduate Diploma in Education, PGDE, at the Institute, had earlier cried out over alleged extortion by the state centre managers of the programme.

The students, under the auspices of Concerned Students, called on the state coordinator of the programme to call the centre managers to order.

The report had earlier mentioned centre coordinators instead of centre manager, however, the state coordinator has read riot act to both class

governors and managers regarding the issue of extortion and urged students not to hesitate to report anyone asking for unauthorized fees to his office.

NANS/JCC Demands Reinstatement Of 12 LAUTECH Students to effect the reinstatement of our members and register our

“It is quite unfortunate that students journalists can no more express their opinions again on campuses without ending up being victims of oppression and victimisation”.

displeasure in respect of the proposed increment.

“The President of NANS has received the provocative news about the rustication of LAUTECH Students for registering their displeasure and the plan to hike the tuition fees.

“The unlawful rustication is dead on arrival and it is condemned as the DSA will received the leadership of the organisation and ready for the mass arrest he had been putting in place because our gallant comrades have been arriving Ogbomosho the host community of LAUTECH over the ugly rustication and systematic hike in LAUTECH Tuition.

“It is quite unfortunate that students journalists

can no more express their opinions again on campuses without ending up being victims of oppression and victimisation.

“The loss we have suffered by losing many potential writers and journalists to rustication, expulsion, suspension and the likes could not be be withstand anymore.

We so consider the decision of the Senate to hike the tuition and Lunching of No School Fee, No Exam is very repugnant to the principle of natural justice, equity, good conscience and peaceful coexistence.

“We therefore condemn in totality this attempt to gag the future leaders in this era of NOT TOO YOUNG TO RULE”.

ISSUES/POLICY

A Covenant On Consolidation - The Dream That Propels Oyetola

By Solomon Odeniyi

“I want to build on the giant strides already made by the current administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola”, says Gboyega Oyetola.

Oyetola won the July 19 Osun All Progressives Congress direct primary with a landslide margin to emerge the flag bearer of the ruling APC in the September 22 gubernatorial election.

He maintained that having been a privileged member of the team that has brought the current transformation the state has witnessed in the past seven and half years, he knows measures to put in place to deepen the current gains infrastructural development and other aspects of the economy that can bring about prosperity to the people and the generations yet unborn.

He believes that the Six Points Integral Action Plan of the present government is enough a template to hit the ground running immediately he assumes office, adding that, “with commitment and service, the experiences acquired from the implementation of the Action plan of banishing hunger, poverty, unemployment, restoring healthy living, promotion of functional education and enhancement of communal peace and progress, enunciated by the Aregbesola led administration, we will ensure that the plan is objectively reviewed for effectiveness and efficiency”.

He assured that the welfare of the workers would top in his agenda,

employment and jobs in the country.

“A study we commissioned has indicated that 25-30 factories employing over 30,000 workers can be created within a period of 3-4 years across the length and breadth of the state of Osun”, he said.

Oyetola pledged that he would work harder to improve the state’s IGR even as he looks to block all leakages and waste of the state Commonwealth, cut leakages in tax collection and administration processes.

He added that he would run a transparent and accountable government with the mindset of reducing dependence on federal allocation.

On education the APC flag bearer said, “I know you’re all working hard to give qualitative education to your children based on limited resources. Education is a ladder. Rung by rung, it helps people climb the ladder to make progress on the path of social mobility. When we educate our people, our society and way of life becomes stronger and better. That is what our late leader, Chief Obafemi Awolowo did. It was the gift he gave us. That is why I can stand before you today”.

“Today, Osun, according to NBS is reputed as having the lowest unemployment rate in the country, this has made Job creation uppermost in my mind and my goal is to make Osun to be known as the state for employment and jobs in the country”.

•OYETOLA adding that he is bent on maintaining the National Bureau of Statistics ranking of having the lowest unemployment rate in the country.

“While the current administration has tried its best to enhance the welfare of the workers, our administration shall intensify efforts and come up with stronger strategies to ensure prompt payment of workers’ salaries and pensions of our senior citizens.

“We shall pursue workers’ welfare with all the energy in us. We will seek a gradual and inclusive civil service

reform, make the work environment more conducive, stimulating and development-oriented with sustained reward mechanism and keep workers morale high. We will promote an enviable culture of excellence and service.

“Today, Osun, according to NBS is reputed as having the lowest unemployment rate in the country, this has made Job creation uppermost in my mind and my goal is to make Osun to be known as the state for

FRIDAY AUGUST 3 - THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

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Health Insurance Has Become A Revolution - OHIS Exec. Sec.

The Executive Secretary, Osun Health Insurance Scheme (OHIS), Dr. Niyi Oginni has called on staff and management of the agency to work conscientiously and give maximum support, loyalty to newlyestablished agency.

Dr. Oginni stated this while declaring open a two-day training organized for the staff of OHlS in collaboration with the Health Finance Governance at Leisure Spring Hotel, Osogbo themed: “Job Description”.

According to him, OHIS is a revolution coming in to address the challenges of inequalities in distribution of the healthcare resources and access to service without hardship.

Aims and objectives of the training, according to him, is to adequately prepare OHIS staff for prompt efficient and effective performance of their duties and responsibilities as staffers of the agency.

He therefore, admonished the According to the World Health Organization (WHO), asthma is a chronic disease characterized by recurrent attacks of breathlessness and wheezing, which vary in severity and frequency from person to person. It is a common chronic airway disorder characterized by periods of reversible airflow obstruction known as asthma attacks.

WHO estimates that 235 million people worldwide suffer from asthma. It is said to be the most common chronic disease among children and its not just a public health problem for high income countries: it occurs in all countries regardless of level of development. Over 80% of asthma deaths occur in low and lower-middle income countries.

Despite its prevalence, it is underdiagnosed and under-treated, creating a substantial burden to individuals, families and possibly restricting individuals’ activities for a lifetime.

Asthma attack and triggers During an asthma attack, the lining of the bronchial tubes swells, causing the airways to narrow and reducing the flow of air into and out of the lungs. Airflow is obstructed by inflammation and airway hyper reactivity (contraction of the small muscles surrounding the airways) in reaction to certain exposures. Some of these exposures include exercise, infection, allergens (e.g. pollen), occupational exposures (e.g., chemicals), and airborne irritants (e.g., environmental, tobacco smoke). Other triggers can include cold air, extreme emotional arousal such as anger or fear, and physical exercise.

In some people, asthma can even be triggered by certain medications, such as aspirin and other non-steroid antiinflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), and betablockers (which are used to treat high blood pressure, migraines and heart conditions).

Symptoms Symptoms may include wheezing, coughing, shortness of breath, and chest tightness. Recurrent asthma symptoms frequently cause sleeplessness, daytime fatigue, reduced activity levels and school and work absenteeism. Asthma has a relatively low fatality rate compared to other chronic diseases. It is not clear how to prevent asthma from developing and there is no cure.

Treatment Studies indicate that current therapeutic approaches are effective in controlling symptoms, reducing airflow limitation, and preventing exacerbations, but currently available treatments do not appear to prevent the progression of asthma in children.

As various phenotypes of asthma are defined, and inflammatory and genetic factors become more apparent, new therapeutic approaches may be

•Dr Niyi Oginni participants at the training to take full advantage of the opportunity given to them and make themselves relevant in

their various departments.

He stressed further, that the training in concept of Health Financing, Health Insurance Operations and marketing of health insurance with the collaborative support of National Health Insurance Scheme and Health Finance Governance will be a continuous exercise.

Speaking earlier, OHIS Resource person, Dr. Godwin Okafor applauded the efforts and contributions of the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the quick intervention of his administration towards the establishment of Osun Health Insurance Agency.

He emphasized the need to train and retrain the OHIS staff in order to be fully prepared for the task ahead of them, such as understanding the importance of the organizational structure for efficiency and responsiveness in the health insurance set-

Asthma

developed that will allow even greater specificity to tailor treatment to the individual patient’s needs and circumstances.

Risk Factors Asthma affects people of all ages, but it most often starts during childhood.

Young children who often wheeze and

have respiratory infections—as well as certain other risk factors—are at highest risk of developing asthma that continues beyond 6 years of age. The other risk factors include having allergies, eczema (an allergic skin condition), or parents who have asthma. Among children, more boys have asthma than girls.

Pneumonia is an inflammation of the airspaces in the lung most commonly caused by infections. Bacteria, viruses, or fungi can cause the infection. There are also a few non-infectious types of pneumonia that are caused by inhaling or aspirating foreign matter or toxic substances into the lungs. Pneumonia is more common in elderly people and often occurs when the immune system becomes weakened via a prior infection or another condition.

Pneumonia is generally more serious when it affects older adults, infants and young children, those with chronic medical conditions, or those with weakened immune function.

Different Types of Pneumonia There are often references to pneumonia based upon the way that the infection is acquired, such as community-acquired pneumonia or hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Community-acquired pneumonia (CAP) develops outside of the hospital or health-care environment. It is more common than hospital-acquired pneumonia.

Hospital-acquired pneumonia (HAP) is acquired when an individual is already hospitalized for another condition. HAP is generally more serious because it develops in ill patients already hospitalized or under medical care for another condition.

Contagious period for pneumonia It is impossible to say with certainty exactly how long an adult or child with

Pneumonia

pneumonia is contagious, since this varies according to the type of germ or organism that caused the pneumonia.

This contagious period can range from one to two days to weeks. In general, while an infected person is coughing or sneezing, there is the potential to release contaminated droplets into the air.

Also, a variety of respiratory infections can turn into pneumonia.

Risk Factors For Pneumonia There are a number of factors that increase the risk of developing pneumonia. A weakened immune system, either due to disease such as HIV/AIDS or cancer, medications that suppress immune function; infants and children 2 years of age or younger; age 65 and older; having a chronic disease such as cystic fibrosis, COPD, sickle cell anemia, asthma, heart disease, diabetes; swallowing or coughing problems, as may occur following stroke or other brain injury; being a patient in an intensive-care unit of a hospital, particularly if on ventilator support; malnutrition; and cigarette smoking are some of these risk factors.

Signs And Symptoms Of Pneumonia Severe symptoms of pneumonia include: cough, chest pain when breathing or coughing, laboured breathing or shortness of breath, coughing up phlegm, fever, chills, and

13

With

FRANCIS EZEDIUNO up.

He therefore implored the management of OHIS to abide by the organogram of the agency for free operational activities.

The Director of Planning, Research and Statistics, Dr. Olalere Adebisi in his closing remarks appreciated the Executive Secretary for approving the holding of Job Description training for OHIS staff in conjunction with Health Finance Governance.

Among those present at the training event were the staff of the Health Insurance Governance, Director of Program, Quality Assurance, Administrative and Supply, Finance and Account, and Director of Planning Research and Statistics.

But among adults, more women have the disease than men. It’s not clear whether or how sex and sex hormones play a role in causing asthma. Most, but not all people who have asthma have allergies. Some people develop asthma because of contact with certain chemical irritants or industrial dusts in the workplace. This type of asthma is called occupational asthma.

Management of asthma Although, asthma cannot be cured, appropriate management can control the disease and enable people to enjoy good quality of life. Short-term medications are used to relieve symptoms. People with persistent symptoms must take longterm medication daily to control the underlying inflammation and prevent symptoms and exacerbations.

Medication is not the only way to control asthma. It is also important to avoid asthma triggers – stimuli that irritate and inflame the airways. With medical support, each asthma patient must learn what triggers he or she should avoid.

Although, asthma does not kill on the scale of chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD) or other chronic diseases, failure to use appropriate medications or to adhere to treatment can lead to death. fatigue. Nausea, vomiting, and diarrhea are other possible symptoms that can accompany the respiratory symptoms.

Infants and newborns may not show specific symptoms of pneumonia.

Instead, the baby or child may appear restless or lethargic. A baby or child with pneumonia may also have a fever or cough or vomit. Older adults or those who have weak immune systems may also have fewer symptoms and a lower temperature. A change in mental status, such as confusion, can develop in older adults with pneumonia.

Treatment Antibiotic medications are the treatment of choice for pneumonia caused by bacterial and fungal infections. The exact choice of medications depends on many factors, including the following: the organism responsible for the infection, the likelihood that the organism is resistant to certain antibiotics and the patient’s underlying health condition It is not possible to prevent all types of pneumonia, but one can take steps to reduce the chance of contracting the condition by quitting smoking, practicing good hand-washing and avoiding contact with people who have colds, the flu, or other infections.

Avoidance of areas where fungal pathogens are endemic is recommended to prevent fungal pneumonias.

14

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NEWS

FRIDAY AUGUST 3 - THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

Keep Faith, Trust In President Buhari - Aregbesola Urges Nigerians

By Mariam Bello The Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has called on Nigerians to keep faith in President Muhammad Buhari, saying that the present federal government is determined to make life better and meaningful for Nigerians.

The governor stated administration, stressed despite the this on Thursday while that playing host to the challenges Nigerians are Committee on South- facing, there is still light West Youth and Women at the end of the tunnel Sensitisation Programme because they have a led by the wife of the president who can be Deputy Governor of trusted.

He said the damage Katsina state, Hajia Mariya Buhari Munir inherited by President who paid a courtesy visit Buhari is not such that to him at the government can be repaired in just one or two years, house in Osogbo.

Aregbesola while explaining that the nation appealing to Nigerians to would have experienced be patient with the serious doom if the Buhari led present administration

had not come the time it did.

The governor described President Buhari as a partner in progress and a pillar of strength and support to many states at time when they could not finance themselves, sighting the various aids in form of bail-outs, the Paris Club refund and others which helped the states to find their feet.

Aregbesola said: “For whoever that has grievances with the present federal government, I want you to know that it is not always easy to correct an already damaged situation. It is obvious

that there are challenges and pains, but I want us to see it as the challenge of building a new Nigeria.

“We should accept the hardships we are facing now as the price to pay for building the new Nigeria of our dreams, that country where everything will work the way it ought to be is what our president is working hard to achieve. We shall get there and we shall all be better for it.

“We cannot give up on Nigeria at this time, we are almost there, let’s have faith in our president, we can do it and I know it is possible.

Nigeria is redeemable

and the process has already started with the present administration.

“Our president came at time when most states of the federation were going bankrupt, he came and stretched the hand of assistance in form of bailouts and the refund of Paris club loans to states in the country which made them find their feet again.

“President Buhari has always been a partner in progress for all the states of the federation, he has been a mentor and pillar of support and strength for us in times of need.”

Pledging the continued support of the state for the Buhari led administration, Aregbesola stated that Osun remains the base of progressive politics in Nigeria because the people have enough reasons to always stay with the party over the years.

He said: “The All

Progressives Congress is very strong in Osun and it is not just a bogus claim, our people understand why they must be with us. Osun is the most supportive base of Buhari and Osinbajo in the South West and the entire country.”

In her address, Hajia Munir said: “I want to sincerely appreciate the governor of Osun for always being at the forefront of moving the south west forward, I am aware that Aregbesola has already laid a foundation for what we have come to do in the south west.

“The empowerment of women and youths cannot be overemphasized because they are very important in the society, we want our governors to continue to support any move that will help the progress of women and youths in our society the way Aregbesola has been doing.”

Training, The Key For Modern Day Fire Department - Commissioner •A cross section of beneficiaries of the Public Work-Fare (PWF) component of Osun YESSO during their orientation programme held recently in Osogbo.

Osun Gov. Commended On Track Record In Youth Empowerment

By Sola Jacobs Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration has for the umpteenth time been commended for his unprecedented track record in youth employment and empowerment in the annals of the State of Osun.

The commendation them to make the best use the golden came from the State of Coordinator, Osun Youth opportunity.

Employment and Social The Commissioner for Support Operation Empowerment and (YESSO), Mr. Olufemi Youth Engagement, Mrs. Ifaturoti while delivering Mofolake Adegboyega his remarks at the equally harped on the orientation of 1278 need for the beneficiaries beneficiaries of the Public to allow the globally Work-Fare (PWF) lauded programme to be component of Osun a success by giving it YESSO held recently in 100% commitment.

Osogbo, the state capital.

Mrs. Adegboyega who Mr. Ifaturoti who was was represented by Mrs. represented by the Omobola Odediji Communication Officer, maintained that to whom State Operation much is given much is Coordinating Unit, Osun expected, adding that YESSO, Mr. they should endeavour to O l u w a m a y o w a constantly give the Fagbohungbe maintained programme their best that, YESSO is an offshoot with a view to coming out of the highly successful very strong at the end of Osun Youth it.

Empowerment Scheme In his address at the (OYES) Initiative of Ogbeni Rauf event, the Head, Project Implementation Unit A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration which he (PIU)- PWF, Osun said had received several YESSO, Mr. Olugbenga accolades, laurels and Odulaja congratulated the beneficiaries for being awards.

The State Coordinator, part of the programme, who equally enjoined the enjoining them not to beneficiaries to count leave any stone unturned themselves lucky to have at ensuring that the been part of the laudable objective of the support programme, admonished operation is constantly

upheld by embracing diligence, responsibility and commitment which are pivotal to the success of the initiative.

Each of the beneficiaries who will be earning the sum of Seven Thousand Five Hundred Naira (N7,500) at the end of every month will be deployed to identified sub-projects across their communities which include cutting of grass verges on roads and

footpaths in the communities, proper waste disposal and filling of potholes. They will equally enjoy skill acquisition training once a week for them to be self reliant at the end of the programme.

The objective of the public workfare program is to provide immediate labor-intensive work opportunities for unskilled youths from poor households.

•Continued from page 2 perspective is Professor Adeolu Durotoye and that of Mr Kayode Oduoye.

The SDP is also said to be shopping for a deputy governorship candidate from Osun Central to consolidate on the popularity of Senator Iyiola Omisore from the East senatorial district, believing that only such alliance could guarantee success for the party in the election.

It was learnt that the party believed in its strength in the base of its candidate and is working seriously to pick a popular politician from the Central to help

deliver votes from the district to help the party’s fortune. Although, it has submitted the name of Mr Olalekan Ayanbeku as running mate to Omisore, the name could be changed before the end of the substitution time.

Whichever way, the major political parties seem to be playing a hide and seek game towards unearthing each others’ strategies, but the final choice on their deputy governorship candidates will go a long way to determine the number of votes parties would garner from different senatorial districts in the state at the poll.

Alternative Running Mates

The dynamics of technology in fire prevention, protection and mitigation requires that firemen and societies should undergo regular training to keep them abreast of it.

The Commissioner, emphasized on the need Ministry of Home to disengage all electrical Affairs, state of Osun, Dr. plugs from sockets when Adebisi Obawale stated not in use and urged the this in his keynote audience to allow address at a day competent electrician to workshop on fire operate on all gadgets. prevention awareness According to him held at the Distinguished children should not be Hall, Aje International allowed in the kitchen as Market, Iwo road, well as storing fuel at Osogbo. home and in offices.

Dr. Adebisi added that, A Fire Superintendent simultaneous training on Officer, state of Osun, Mr. fire prevention would Ibrahim Adekunle while help reduce panic as speaking on how to everyone will know what prevent fire, explained to do. that, there are many The Permanent types of fire Secretary, Ministry of extinguishers and ranges Home Affairs, Dr. in sizes. These are Water Akinyinka Esho in his (CO2), Water in Air welcome address urged Charge, Dry Chemical participants to be fire Powder, Wet Chemical conscious and prevent Powder, Carbon Dioxide fire outbreaks at all times. (CO2), FM 200, Foam He stated further that, Extinguisher, Auto Fire safety of life and property Off Powder (AFO), after is upper most in the mind which a practical exercise of the present was demonstrated by the administration hence the officers. training was organised to A participant from Iwo keep officers on their Local Government toes. expressed his gratitude to The Consultant, Mr. the state government for James Okebiorun who is making the training a a retired Federal Fire reality and appreciated officer in his lecture the Commissioner for explained the three main Home Affairs for his causes of fire, which are hardwork especially on carelessness, ignorance fire matters. and arson.

The training was He reiterated that, graced by the Governor people’s behaviour in of the State represented most cases also by the Commissioner of contribute to the spread Local Government and of fire through unsafe Chieftaincy Affairs, conditions and Barrister Kolapo Alimi, hazardous processes.

Management and Staff, He then urged Office of Culture and participants at the Tourism led by the training to avoid Coordinating Director, overloading of electrical Engr. Wale Ajayi. points.

He also

FRIDAY AUGUST 3 - THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

CRIME

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15

Police Dock Two Men Over House Breaking

By Mariam Bello The Osun State Police Command last Monday arraigned two men before an Osogbo Magistrate Court over an alleged house breaking and stealing of households materials.

The suspects are are facing four count Ridwan Onifade, 24, and charges bothering on Taiwo Hammed, 27, who conspiracy, stealing and

burglary The police prosecutor, Inspector Jafani Muslim informed the court that the duo and others at large conspired to commit felony, house breaking and stealing on July 26, 2018 at about

11.30 pm at Ayekale area in Osogbo.

He added that the suspects entered into the dwelling house of Mustapha Rahman and carted away some of his household properties.

According to the

prosecutor, the properties stolen are One LG 32 inches television valued N70,000, one Stabilizer valued N15,000 and one wrist watch valued N10,000.

Other items are two neck laces valued N35,000 and one Itel handset, valued N20,000.

The items stolen by the suspects valued N150,000, all belonging to Mustapha Rahman.

He submitted that the offences contravene sections 516, 411(2), 412 and 383 punishable under section 390 (9) of the criminal code cap 34 volume 11.laws of Osun State 2003.

The suspects had no legal representation but pleaded not guilty to all the charges alleged against them The Magistrate, Mrs Modupe Awodele granted the duo bail in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each.

She said the sureties must reside within the court jurisdiction, one of the sureties must be a civil servant, sworn to affidavit of means and provide three passport photographs of himself and the accused.

The case was adjourned to October 8 for hearing.

Two Women In Prison Over Alleged Stealing, Fraud Of N300,000

•Some of the stolen items recovered from the accused persons.

Surety Remanded For Failure To Produce Suspect He further stated that

By David Adejuwon the accused person was A Magistrate Court in Osogbo presided over by on a bond of N300, 000 to Magistrate Modupe Awodele, has ordered that a be forfeited to the state surety, Olagunju Rasaq be remanded in Ilesha government if he fails to prison custody over his failure to produce the produce the principal accused person he stood for a surety. accused when needed in Police prosecutor, Joshua disclosed that court, a duty he failed to Inspector Oladoye the accused person honour.

Joshua told the court that advised the principal The prosecutor added the accused person accused person to that the offence committed the offence on abscond in order not to contravened sections May 28, 2018 at Chief stand trial at the court of 126(1) and 126(2) of the Magistrate court ll in law. criminal code cap 34 vol.

Osogbo.

Inspector Joshua said the accused person i n t e n t i o n a l l y

By Murtala Agboola disrespected the court by conspiring with one The Divisional Police Officer of the Ataoja Police Adebowale Gbenga Station, Osogbo, Mr. Banawi Ishaku, a Chief being an accused person Superintendent of Police (CSP) has cautioned in a case of an unlawful members of the public to refrain from resorting to possession of a vehicle in jungle justice to solve any seeming crime committed charge number by anybody.

MOS153C 2018 Ishaku who was the Police Division spoke Commissioner of Police recently transferred to through the District Vs Adebowale Gbenga.

ll laws of Osun State of Nigeria 2002.

The accused who has no counsel pleaded not guilty to the charges leveled against him.

In his ruling, Magistrate Awodele ordered the remand of the accused person in Ilesha prison custody.

The case was adjourned till August 7, 2018 for ruling on bail

By Mariam Bello An Osun State Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, has remanded two women in Ilesha prison custody for allegedly defrauding one Oloyode Yetunde of a sum of N307,000 with pretence of delivering her from family curses.

The two accused (suspects) stole one persons, Kehinde Techo mobile phone Ashaolu, 61, and Bisola valued N7,000 belonging Olabode, 55, were to their victim. docked on Wednesday Olusegun summited on three count charges that the offence bothering on Conspiracy, contravene sections 516, Felony to wit stealing and 419 and 383(1) Fraud. punishable under section The prosecutor, 390 (9) of the criminal Inspector Elisha code cap 34 volume Olusegun informed the 11.laws of Osun State court that the accused 2002. persons committed the The accused persons offence on December 14 who were represented by 2017 at about 12 pm at Mrs Bose Adeyinka Station Road in Osogbo. pleaded guilty to all the The prosecutor said count charge alleged. the accused persons The Presiding fraudulently obtained the Magistrate, Mrs Falilat sum of N300,0000 from Sodamade ordered that Oloyede Yetunde with a the duo be remanded in pretence of delivering her Ilesha prison custody. from family curses.

She adjourned the case He added that they for hearing.

Don’t Resort To Jungle Justice - DPO Admonishes Public

Man In Court Over Alleged N700,000 Fraud

By Mariam Bello A 30-year-old man, Olatoke Wasiu has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate court for allegedly defrauding Mr Aanuoluwa Gideon the sum of N700,000 with pretence of selling him a Toyota Corolla sport.

Wasiu was docked on obtained the sum of two count charges N700,000 from bothering on fraud and Omotosho Aanuoluwa stealing.

Gideon with the pretence The prosecutor, of selling a Toyota corolla Inspector Jafani Muslim sport 2007 model to him. told the court that the He added that the accused committed the offence contravenes offence between March section 419, section 383 28th and 30, 2018 at and punishable under Olude area in Osogbo. section 390 (9) of the He explained that the criminal code cap 34 defendant fraudulently volume 11.laws of Osun

State 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the charges alleged against him.

The defence counsel, Mr Okobe Najite humbly applied for the bail of the accused person in most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mr O. Oladoke granted the defendant bail in the sum of N300,000 with two sureties.

Sureties are to sworn to affidavit of means and produce evidence of tax payments to the State government.

Crime Officer, (DCO) DSP Emmanuel Adeniran at the monthly meeting of the Divisional Police Community Relations Committee (PCRC) at Ataoja Estate, Osogbo recently.

Ishaku referred to an incident at the OgoOluwa area of the state capital recently where a police officer attached to a branch of the Diamond Bank PLC was mistakenly attacked by a mob.

In his narration, the police Chief stated that the policeman who only crossed over to the other side of the road to procure recharge card for his phone was shouted at as a thief because a motorcyclist who chose to take one way was hit by a vehicle.

Unknown to the motorcyclist an oncoming vehicle was racing down in his direction and hit him so the lookers thought it was

the policeman that caused the accident because he chased the motorcyclist.

Passersby and onlookers shouted thief, thief on the police officer and was attacked before the patrol van of the Ataoja Police Division came to his rescue.

Ishaku said but for providence, the policeman could have been killed for no fault of his.

In a related development, some women were alleged to have attacked a man who went to withdraw money from the First Bank branch at Aregbe on the Gbongan Road, Osogbo.

Some good Samaritans according to him came to his aid and were able to retrieve the money for him.

“As soon as he got his money, he refused to pursue the case to the police station and eventually to court”.

However, members of

the public who do not know this, easily conclude sometimes that the police have been bribed to disengage from the case.

In view of this, the police chief is encouraging members of the public to show keen interest in pursuing crime cases that affect them so that it can be diligently prosecuted.

Members of the PCRC were also told to beware of people who pretend to be asking for direction to roads, streets and other places.

He said some of them when they are answered resort to other things like hypnotizing their victims or pretend to pray for them to ward of calamities.

The chairman of the PCRC, Chief Gbadebo Adeyemo tasked members to live up to expectation in terms of attendance of meetings and payment of their dues as and when due.

CAMPUS

Osun NTI Office Denies Extortion Allegation P. 12 .

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FRIDAY AUGUST 3 - THURSDAY AUGUST 9, 2018

FG: Tracking Flood Tyranny In Osun In Nigeria, the federal government’s recent completion of erosion control ecology projects in Osogbo, capital of State of Osun is just thoughtfully complementary. How? With monies sourced from elsewhere as though making acute demands on the state finances, the government of Osun had already enlarged the notoriously flood-prone headstreams across the state by dredging and re-dredging that substantially reduced flow resistance of the water channels accomplished by removing snags, obstructions and such other meddlers. The yearly evacuation and reevacuation practically stabilizes the configuration of Osun headstreams during Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s years in the Bola Ige House.

Of course, yes. Before the advent of Aregbesola, flooding was a perennial mishap in Osun, resulting from the very narrow channels of headstreams, de-mobilized by weeds, silt and other marshy effects. And residential buildings, business houses, classrooms, settlements, roads, streets, bridges, drainages and footpaths ravaged by floods were either collapsed or submerged in the aftermath. In other words, the ecoterrorism of the coercive Osun headstreams in the pre-Aregbesola time was such that actually destroyed Osun environment and intimidated the previous government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state into visibly profound inaction, obviously naked decay and clumsy deadlock.

And PDP never knew what to do with the bullying headstreams in the state. The ecoterrorism in the PDP years in Osun fired up a variety of deliberate environmental crimes against the governed, going by the colossal losses of humans and materials the annual flood disasters massively wrecked on residents that also simultaneously harbingered bioterrorism, the supply of unsanitary, polluted water for public drinking in the State.

Regrettably in Osun, the effects of floods were catastrophic. Farm crops and other properties were extensively destroyed and swept away; schooling imperiled; transportation was cut off; live and living threatened; and struggles by Osun residents to survive the hardship were encumbered.

But as Aregbesola came on board in 2010, he frontally declared a 90-day environmental emergency in Osun. The courses of the furious headstreams in the state were recharted, widened and deepened; and the water channels capacity increased which curtailed potentially disastrous damages from flood. He dealt holistically with the restless headstreams in the state as he expended billions of naira on de-silting several kilometers of ominous waterways that included Okooko, Ogbagba, Otoro and Oniko streams with tributary in Osogbo; Omi-eran, Omiru, Adeti and Olukotin streams with tributary in Ilesa; Oloowe and Okun streams with tributary at Ode-Omu; Osun Esinmirin, Agbara, Ogbokun, Opa, Gbalefefe, Kajumole and Olubuse streams with tributary in Ile-Ife/ Modakeke axis; Moro stream in Ikire; Aiba stream in Iwo; Osere stream in Ikirun; Adeti, Ogbun, Amuni, Opopo, Amun and Aketi streams with tributary in Ila-Orangun; Otapete, Alagbagun and Osun-Ojomu streams with tributary at Iragbiji; Mogi-mogi stream at Apomu; Oika Aise, Aro and Akunrin streams with tributary at IpetuIjesa; Olumesi, Alagbayun, Okookoo, Agbala, Akoro and Ewuru streams with tributary at Edunabon/Ipetunmodu;

OBSERVATION

BY ISAAC OLUSESI

•Governor Aregbesola inspecting one of the newly-constructed water channels.

The ecology projects in Osun, coming from the people-centric federal government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a lavish reminder of the corrosively corruptible and shameful PDP’s 16-year government at the centre.

Abieku, Wuduwude, Alagbaa, Odo-owe, Alaagbo streams with tributary in Ejigbo; and Agbale, Akoro, and Ewuro streams in Moro/Asipa axis.

What gains? The Aregbesola dredged and re-dredged headstreams in the state have consistently improved drainage and sanitation in a general sense; saved lives and properties including farm produce; salvaged sinking buildings and structures with exposed foundation from further deterioration; rescued Osun residents from the pangs of the headstream-bred water scorpions that live primarily among dead waterlogged leaves and plant debris; shielded Osun people from flood raised bad tempered water snakes; reclaimed lost lands; and fully provided the state protection from all possibilities of flood menace. Briskly, the dredging and re-dredging opened up several metric tons of sands to business minded individuals. Call them scavengers; call them sand dealers, contributing their own quotas to the state economy. In the main, the ecological control, mindful of Osun vegetation, Osun humans, Osun properties, and Osun topography has consistently removed threats posed by the stubborn headstreams to Osun atmosphere, Osun hydrosphere and Osun lithosphere.

And the recently completed federal government’s Erosion Control Ecological Projects in Osun that had the Aregbesola’s reworked waterways in the state lined with concrete, has excitedly surged up the benefits of the ecological intervention to Osun residents. At the project commissioning, Aregbesola stoically stated: “We have already spent about N3.4 billion on the dredging of about 344.44 kilometers of waterways and so, we are excited when the federal government decided to line the water

channels with concrete to make them more useful.”

However, straightening the records, there has not been a single report of flooding in any part of Osun in the Aregbesola 2-term government. The lonely flood on a rainy Tuesday in September 2016 was due to the natural factor of stormy water supply from sudden surge of waters from neighboring dams which meandered in different directions, bending to the velocity of the ragging currents and contributory run-offs to foreboding Osun headstreams that undercut and diverted railing headwaters that caused largely intensive peak discharges and braided the flow of the headstreams into multiple deltas through stream sediments, made worse by new kindred structures and debris depositions by neighborhood recalcitrant residents. That was why Aregbesola at the commissioning cautioned: “I urge our people to desist from throwing waste on waterways during rain for it (concrete water channels) to last longer.”

And the federal government through Lai Mohammed, Information and Culture Minister advised Osun residents, the direct beneficiaries to take over ownership of the projects for maintenance and sustainability.

The ecology projects in Osun, coming from the peoplecentric federal government of the All Progressives Congress (APC) is a lavish reminder of the corrosively corruptible, obnoxious, mischievous, spurious, insidious, malicious, invidious, tenuous, disingenuous, wicked and shameful PDP’s 16-year government at the centre. Listen further to Aregbesola at the commissioning: “It is worthy of note that this is the first time in the history of the nation that the federal government will execute a project, commission it and ensure that it is delivered to the state government for maintenance.” Promise made, promise delivered!

It is unlike PDP’s ex-federal government’s N17.66 billion promised palliative to ameliorate the agonies of the 2012 country-wide floods that never got to the actual state-victims of the floods. The floods killed 1,555 people in South-west, and 6,200 in the South-south and Northcentral Nigeria. The balance of N4.3 billion disbursed to relevant government agencies under the watch of the PDP government never brought succor to the victims, as the money was corruptly diverted. Promise made, promise perforated! And the PDP states that received special funding from the federation accounts on ecology and environmental disasters was actually diverted.

Like recalcitrant PDP, the unruly, stubborn human altitude to waterway must stop. The deposition of debris on the stream in Osun must stop. Farming and building structures too close to the stream channels by Osun residents must stop. The individual has a significant role in curtailing flood. That is the requisite magic to sustain the much cherished Osun flood-free status.

•OLUSESI is Assistant Director, Publicity, Research & Strategy, All Progressives Congress (APC) State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

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