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Sex-For-Mark Scandal:

•Professor Akindele

Double Jeopardy For Ex-OAU Randy Lecturer

•Monica Osagie

•As Lawyers Differ Over Trial How Prison System Toughened Me - Freed Inmate

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Oyetola... Reinvigorating Public/Private Sector Partnerships See Editorial On Page 4

•Governor State of Osun, Mr Isiaka Gboyega Oyetola (2nd left); his Deputy, Mr Benedict Olugboyega Alabi (2nd right), Branch Manager, Mr Olayinka Olorundare (left) and the Relationship Manager (right), First City Monument Bank (FCMB), Osogbo during a courtesy visit to the governor

•The Governor in a group photograph with the management of Omoluabi Mortgage Bank during a courtesy visit to his office.

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FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 20, 2018

Sex-For-Mark Scandal: Double Jeopardy For Ex-OAU Randy Lecturer

By Solomon Odeniyi Trial of the sacked Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) lecturer involved in sex-for-mark scandal, Professor Richard Akindele has caused division among lawyers over claim of double jeopardy meted to him having been relieved of his job by the university.

While some lawyers been sacked by his argued that losing his job employer and he is now was good enough a being charged to court punishment, others again for the same which he opined that the professor offence believed amounted to got what he deserved.

Barrister Yomi losing everything.

Obaditan added that, Obaditan said an offender cannot be “The reason is that the man has been punished punished twice for the same offence he and the institution should not sue him again, committed.

He explained that the however, if it is the state lecturer committed a that has taken it up, sexual assault but has because every crime

committed to an individual is committed to the state, it can see to how an individual pays for his crime in order to serve as a deterrent. I cannot condemn the state, but if it were to be the institution, it is a double jeopardy’’.

A lawyer, who spoke in confidence because of his involvement in the case, said those who are claiming double jeopardy are only sounding moral, noting that, “They are not talking of the law, the law is straight, the law is positive, direct, conclusive and predetermined so that no

one would run foul of it provision, the provision of the law has been pre written so that if anyone crosses the line, ignorance of the law is not an excuse”.

According to the lawyer, the fact that he lost his job was not enough but if his innocence was established, he could initiate proceedings against the university and reclaim his job, salaries and entitlements within the period he was thrown out of work.

The lawyer added that his sack was not a punishment stipulated

by the law for an offence of that nature, noting that such offence have penal provisions.

He noted that Akindele’s former employer terminated his appointment as a result of administrative procedure during which he was investigated and found liable and according to the lawyer, it was the best the institution could have done at that point in time.

Explaining what must be at play before he could be pronounced guilty or innocent, the lawyer said, “Section 36(5) states that the man be treated as innocent until proven otherwise. There is a need to look at the proof of evidence with the prosecuting authorities.

Will the prosecuting authority be able to use evidence both oral and written to establish the charge against the lecturer? What line of defence is available for

the lecturer, does he has convincing contrary evidence?”.

A right advocate, Kayode Adebisi said he does not share in the believe that the lecturer was suffering a double jeopardy neither was the punishment meted to him was grievous considering the gravity of the offence alleged to have been committed.

He added that considering the rate of the crime in the higher institution of learning in the country, it would serve as deterrent to those perpetrating such the act as well as those who might be nursing such ambition.

He explained that it is not the court of law that must first convict an employee before he could be sacked, adding that the university had the power to hire and fire any lecturer.

Police Arrests Cult Group Leader In Osogbo •(L-R)Kebbi State governor, Atiku Bagudu; former Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Gbemisola Saraki, a member of the APC South-South Reconciliation Committee during its meeting with stakeholders from the region in Akwa Ibom recently.

Osun Poly Worker Killed By Suspected Kidnappers Buried school at the service,

By Sikiru Obarayese described the deceased as Remains of a staff of Osun state College of ‘cheerful, trustworthy Technology, Esa Oke, Tope Olaniyi, killed last week and dedicated worker’, by suspected kidnappers near the campus of the saying the institution institution, was on Tuesday buried. would miss his services.

Speaking on behalf of Late Olaniyi was the time he died.

OSCOTECH Deputy the family, Pastor David buried in his house in Agboola, said the Iloko-Ijesa after an Rector, Dr. Elandia who deceased, who was until e m o t i o n - l a d e n Johnson, the his death a doctorate internment service represented attended by friends, management of the student at Obafemi colleagues and family members of the deceased.

It would be recalled that Olaniyi, while

By Rukayat Ademola returning from work on Tuesday, December 4, Osun State Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, has was killed by suspected assured investors that the state is safe for investments.

Fulani herdsmen, who The governor assured the citizens of adequate later abducted five other provision of security at all “They are working hard workers and three times in all parts of the at securing our people. All students of the state. our people are free to go institution.

He described last about their lawful duties While three students week’s abduction and without fear.” and a staff kidnapped subsequent freedom for He said, the state is were released without payment of ransom same six employees of Osun ready for investment, State College of given its comparative day they were abducted, four other staff held by Technology, Esa Oke, advantage of at least, 16 the abductors only during which one of them hours of electricity supply regained freedom after was killed, as unfortunate. daily especially in According to a Osogbo, the state capital. payment of N4million statement by his Chief The governor expressed ransom.

In his sermon, Pastor Press Secretary, Mr. sadness that the abductors Adesina, killed one of their victims.

Enoch Ayodeji of Adeniyi Oyetola He condoled with his Redeemed Christian Govenor Church of God, Province said: ”Nobody should family, the community 3, Ilesha, charged people entertain any fear in the and the school authority. to always be prepared for state because of that Following the kidnap of death. unfortunate development. some officials of the state’s He said, the late “Our security men have College of Technology, the Olaniyi lived a good been provided with governor summoned an Christian life, even when necessary logistics to emergency security he never expected death function appropriately in meeting among other would come for him at all situations. measures, which

Awolowo University, Ile Ife, had ambition to study Law. He said the late Olaniyi was the breadwinner of his family and had aged parents and many siblings looking up to him while alive, calling on the employer of the deceased not to abandon the family.

By Sikiru Obarayese The special anti-cultism squad of the Osun State Police Command has arrested a man, Afeez Alade, popularly known as Esubiyi, who is alleged to be the second-in-command of Eiye Confraternity in Osogbo.

It was learnt that the arrest was made in collaboration with the team of Vigilante Group of Nigeria (VGN) on Saturday night at Jaleyemi area in Osogbo.

The suspected cult leader according to a source, was learnt to have been on the wanted list of the security agents for several months and was arrested with a pistol and

Oyetola Assures Investors Of Safety In Osun culminated in freedom for them.

Besides, the governor promised has to run a mediafriendly administration because the media would drive the investment programme of his administration.

Oyetola spoke when he received the management team of Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) Osogbo, led by its General Manager, Mr. Waheed Amusa.

The governor, who described the media as a veritable instrument for socio-economic and political advancement of any society, said his government would partner the media in the implementation of policies and programmes.

“We will do all possible to run an open administration that will incorporate everybody.

“We will create an enabling atmosphere for the media to operate so as to ensure prompt, accurate, effective and genuine reporting of government activities.”

Mr. Amusa said the visit was to renew the partnership between the state and the organisation.

He said the station had acquired new equipment that would boost its reach.

“We will continue to take as a priority the effective reporting of the state’s activities as we remain committed to give the state wide coverage” The NTA chief was accompanied by Manager News and Current Affairs, Kunle Adebayo ; Manager Programmes, Mrs Deola Ganiyu, Marketing Manager, Monday Ocholi and Chief Accountant, Mrs Mayowa Oyegoke.

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two rounds of live ammunition were found on the suspect when he was arrested.

It was also gathered that few months ago, the third-in-command in the cult group, Seyi Adesoji, popularly known as Oosa, was arrested by the special anti-cultism squad of the State Police Command.

The Police Public Relations Officer for the Osun Police Command, Folasade Odoro, confirmed the arrest of the suspect to journalist in the state.

She said Alade was arrested during a stop and search operation in Osogbo.

The news of arrest of Alade was greeted with jubilation, especially in the neighbourhood where he was caught.

Meanwhile, residents of Egbatedo in Osogbo have also lamented the terror of the cult groups in the area.

Some of the victims who preferred anonymity and also a commercial motorcyclists said, the area has become a dreadful place, as people are afraid to walk freely in the area.

A resident, told this medium that the area has become the hideout of different groups of cultists and added that the hoodlums in the area have become terrors for the law abiding residents of the community.

FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 20, 2018

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How Prison System Toughened Me - Freed Inmate

By Sola Jacobs One of the recently released inmates from Ife Prison has declared that the prison system rather than being a reformatory centre toughened inmates and make them worse-off.

The freed inmate, who service which proved preferred anonymity, in their innocence of the a chat with OSUN alleged offence.

DEFENDER disclosed While giving insight that he was incarcerated into his background, he on alleged armed claimed that he is an robbery without trial orphan, living with while his other co- friends, and on the day of suspects had since their arrest for armed regained freedom robbery, one of their because their family friends visited and he did could afford the legal not know that he was

recently released from prison.

He said, “We have scarcely had anything to eat in the last three days prior to his coming, so, when he asked me to follow him to a shop at around 8.30 am in a popular commercial centre, three of us went there on a motorcycle, I never knew that he was armed with pistol, and as we got to a provision shop, he stepped down from the motorcycle and asked me to follow him.

“To my surprise, he pulled out a gun from his back pocket and the owner of the shop surrendered all her sales for the day to him and as we left the shop, she raised alarm, and being a first timer, others raced off on the motorcycle while I was apprehended and taken to the police station”.

The police, he said, later followed him to his friend’s resident “where I live and they denied knowing me, we were

arrested, but the main culprit who invited me for the operation had left and was not even arrested for trial. That was how I got remanded in prison, after my appearance in court three times without conviction”.

The freed inmate however was grateful when respite came his way, during the chief judge of the State of Osun, Justice Oyebola Adepele-Ojo visit to Ife prison and ordered his

Osun Assembly Passes Osun LG Amendment Bill Into Law

By Israel Afolabi State of Osun House of Assembly has passed the State Local Government Amendment Bill 2018 into law.

Similarly, the new and seconded by Hon. Afolabi clerk and secretary to the Rasheed State of Osun House of representing Ilesa-West Assembly Service and Ifelodun State Commission have been c o n s t i t u e n c i e s respectively. sworn-in.

However, the House The bill was passed after the motion moved dissolved into committee of the whole for further by the House Leader, and Hon Timothy Owoeye scrutiny

consideration and amended clauses 2 [98]2a,2b and 98c to form part of the amendment.

Speaker of the House, Dr. Najeem Salaam said the bill was passed after sailing through the policy thrust and second reading.

After the passage, the Speaker urged the Clerk to transmit same to the Governor for assent to become law as a matter of

duty for the people of Osun.

He said the Osun Local G o v e r n m e n t Amendment bill will allow the auditing of councils’ accounts for the growth of the state and its people.

He noted that when signed into law, the bill will enhance effective monitoring of projects and it will help the office of Accountant-General to

•Speaker, Osun House of Assembly, Dr Najeem Salaam (5th standing left); Clerk of the House, Mr Simon Amusan (left), members of the parliament and House of Assembly Service Commission during the swearing-in of the new clerk on Tuesday.

Experts Advocate Encouragement Of PPP In Health Sector

By Israel Afolabi Experts in the health sector in government hospitals have reiterated that encouraging the Private Public Partnership (PPP), will enhance the health care delivery in Nigeria.

This was the “realise that PPP is the conclusion at an way to go as one of the interactive annual way of financing health general meeting care in hospital.” organized by the Medical While speaking on cost and Dental Consultants’ of the PPP services; he Association of Nigeria stressed that they must (MDCAN), Obafemi ensure that patients do Awolowo University not unduly suffer Teaching Hospital financial burden.

(OAUTHC) branch held One of the resource at the hospital persons at the program, auditorium last Dr Oluwatoyin Ajala of Thursday. the University Colleges Chairman of MDCAN, Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, OAUTHC Ile-Ife chapter, said the government is Prof. Rasaaq Adebayo not fully funding the said the purpose of the healthcare services in meeting was to create country, recommending awareness on the need to Private Public

Partnership as the only solution to equip the system.

Oluwatoyin said, “PPP will be a good way to assist patient and our government to adequately take care of patient so that we can move a bit to the standard that is a c c e p t a b l e internationally.

Dr Debo Adewumi of the Lagos Teaching Hospital, who is also director of LUTH Initiative Limited, also reiterated the advantages in private public partnership, adding that it makes the hospital run effectively.

While speaking on the financial challenges, he said patient may not be

able to pay PPP services which is consider costly, Dr Debo urged individuals to go into the health insurance which according to him will makes everyone enjoy the modern health services.

He said, “there’s nothing good that doesn’t have advantages, patient needs to pay for Services rendered by PPP, some of the patients may not be able to afford the services, this bring the ideas of Health Insurance.

When everybody is under some form of health insurance, we can negotiate with this private people to control the cost and Government duty is to ameliorate the cost.”

function well.

According to him, “this is an amendment to the existing law of the state that would increase the internally generated revenue of government and will also help local governments to carry out their functions effectively”.

Meanwhile, the Chairman House committee on Public Account, Hon. Olalekan Afolabi said the essence of the bill was to strengthen the ability of local government and enhance proper accountability.

In their separate contributions, other lawmakers explained that the bill would be a backup for local g o v e r n m e n t administration and ensure effective monitoring of projects in the state.

They all noted that it will also help on capacity building and urged the state governor to assent to it to become law for the state’s progress.

In a similar development, the Speaker Dr.Salaam performed the swearing in of Mr. Sola Omiyefa and Simeon Amusan Akinwale as secretary of the commission and clerk of the house respectively and later presented awards of excellence to members of the outgoing service commission at the hallow chamber of the house.

He described them as worthy fellows who did not joke with their work in any manner while urging them to continue to be virtuous persons in their future endeavours.

Salaam said this is the first time in the history of the state to select Permanent Secretary/ Clerk within the system of House.

Moreover, the students of Faculty of Law of the Obafemi Awolowo University paid a visit to the Assembly to observe legislative proceedings where they were advised to be good ambassador and endure all situation anywhere they found themselves.

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release with other 12 inmates.

Speaking of his experience in prison, he lamented the pitiable, over-crowding condition of the prison, lack of inadequate medical treatment, adequate water supply and convenience facilities.

A prison official who remained anonymous while corroborating his claims in a chat with the medium said the intention of the Prison Reform Act which was traced to Obasanjo regime in 2001 to ensure decongestion of prisons and improve conditions of prisons has not been achieved.

The official stated further that in 2016, the Presidential Committee on Prison Reform and Rehabilitation was established and it r e c o m m e n d e d improvement of the conditions of service of prison and police officials, as well as the issue of prison congestion and the large number of prisoners awaiting trials.

“The presidential committee was established in March, 2006 to review the administration of Justice in Nigeria and propose sustainable reform but till date, imprisonment is being overused, including cases of nonviolent persons suspected of minor offences.

He decried logistics and transportation system, whereby sometimes the prison officials out of pity will source for fuel for the transportation of inmate to court.

Speaking on the role of police prosecutors in some cases, he said they see prison as dumping ground, saying, when they arraign suspects in court, they only seek their remand in prison custody and in most cases will not expedite any action on the mater.

He added that legal services is another factor that contribute to the overcrowding of the prison, saying it is either that the suspect lack means of service or in most time, not paying for such service which make lawyers to hands off their matter, then they become the property of the prison.

“If the prison system must effectively serves the purpose of reformation and rehabilitation, as well as corrective centre, negligence and disregard of the welfare of the prisoners especially those awaiting trials must be emphasized, as well as that of convicted prisoners”, he added.

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Wooing The Private Sector I

T is to be expected that with a background largely burnished in the private sector, the governor of State of Osun, Gboyega Oyetola will seek to weave a synergy with that area in order to achieve his objectives. It is in this way that we interpret the visits to him this week by denizens of the private sector as more than routine “courtesy” visits.

Having applied himself diligently as Chief of Staff to the previous governor

Oyetola is aware that the State of Osun, like other states in a defective quasi-federalism, has revenue (generating problem. The eternal question remains, “what is to be done?” Obviously it will be self-defeating to raise taxes and make it appear to be punitive. The President of France, Emmanuel Macron, has already put himself in a pickle by attempting to do so. The most realistic way out is of revenue and in the process of doing so, widen the tax net.

It is our opinion that the cools calm, thoughtful Oyetola is well placed to achieve this objective. He has an affinity to business and speaks their language. He is also well versed on how to achieve the desired synergy through public/private partnerships. Our expectation is that he will use all available levers to widen the state’s revenue generating capacity thereby increasing both economic sustainability as well as enhancing living standards.

An Inspired Appointment P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari earns our heartfelt kudos with his thoughtful appointment of Mohammed Buba Marwa, former Borno and Lagos State military as the Chairman of the Special Committee against Drug abuse. The appointment could not possibly have come at a better time; perhaps it is a bit delayed.

The misuse and abuse of substances in Nigeria has clearly spiraled out of control.

It has become a critical social issue.

Dependence on a drug or alcohol (getting “hooked”) is actually dangerous for both old and young people as those hooked are a danger to the society as most crimes are traceable to dependency. Other effects include mental problems, kidney and liver disease, and injuries from falls.

Dependence can occur even in older people who have never had an addiction problem before. Alarmingly, there are issues relating to very well organised internationally organised criminal activities involved. We have a war-ondrugs on our hands and it must be brutally

Buba Marwa incontrovertibly fits the bill.

As military administrator intellectual almost become a folklore of decisive, innovate and effective governance.

•President Buhari

•Buba Marwa

confronted and non.

Buba Marwa incontrovertibly fits the bill.

As military administrator intellectual almost become a folklore of decisive, innovate and effective governance.

Unlike many military men, whose enduring images are those of brutality and rigidity, Marwa was well loved by the majority of Lagosians during his time as the state’s numero uno. Operation Sweep,

President Buhari And The Electoral Act Amendment Bill It is no longer news that there is no love lost between the legislature and the executive arm of government in Nigeria over the blatant refusal of President Muhammadu Buhari to sign into law the Electoral Act Amendment Bill 2018 that was resubmitted to the president for assent by the National Assembly.

According to Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), the Bill makes the use of card reader mandatory, and demands that the 2019 elections should not be conducted with incident forms.

INEC said although, the rejected bill would have addressed controversies that trailed the 2015 exercise especially the place of technology and others that the amendments seek to address.

The President is claiming that the bill would create some uncertainty about the applicable legislation to govern the process. He said that any real or apparent change to the rule this few month to the election may provide an

opportunity for disruption and confusion in respect of which law governs the electoral process.

It is the concern of all citizens to know the status of democracy if it is still save in the hands of both arms of the government.

The president should consider signing the

amended bill. I believe mandatory use of card reader accreditation will make the process credible because it will fast track the collation of the results which the electoral umpire has said; it may take up to three days before the results

will be ready.

Moreso, allowing observers such as journalists to monitor, transmission of result from the voting unit will also make the election satisfactory to all international and local observers, political parties and Nigerians as a whole.

However, President

Buhari should consider the issues raised at the various elections conducted before now before shutting his doors on the signing of the bill.

Issues such as over voting in Osun. Over voting is a crucial matter in Nigeria election, under age is another. Issues as germane as this are guise under which any candidate in the February 2019 will hide under.

Looking at this, among other issues, Mr President should see the need to sign the amended electoral bill into law.

The two arms should work together to conduct a credible election in 2019, which is needed to save the country from bloodbath.

President Buhari should settle with the leaders of both upper and lower chamber without looking at the differences •ADEYEMI ADEOLA, Osogbo, State of Osun.

which he launched during his time as governor helped to rid the state of criminal elements and Lagosians were able to sleep with their two eyes closed, while the impact of his Operation 250 Roads is still felt today on the numerous roads he helped to build or repair.

The public must be grateful for this inspired appointment. Buba Marwa we have no doubt will put in a stellar shift as the arrowhead of the fight-back against a social menaces that could unravel our society.

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 20, 2018

2019: South West And The Alliances Having played a crucial role in the historic ousting of a ruling president in the 2015 general elections that ushered in the incumbent, President Muhammadu Buhari, the South West region is up for it again. With the rally of the opposition party and the launching of the Buhari Support Organisation, in Ibadan (South West) last week, it has shown how the alliance with the zone may go a long way to decide who wins come February 2019, writes SOLOMON ODENIYI. The collaboration effort among dominant northern parties, Congress for Progressive Change, All Nigeria Peoples Party, the largely accepted party in the Western region, Action Congress of Nigeria and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, which coalesced into the All Progressives Congress (APC) was all that was needed to thwart the 16 years dominance of the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which was against the run of play in this part of the world.

According to a report, of the total 15million votes garnered by the incumbent, 2,433,193 came from South west. After the North east and North west where the president got highest number of votes in 2015, the South West was the next. Considering the fact that the states in the region are now controlled by the ruling party, the digit is expected to rise.

However, the importance of the region in deciding the outcome of the 2019 presidential poll cannot be over-emphasised and this is evident in the statement by the presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party, Atiku Abubakar’s Campaign Organization who was befuddled with the crowd seen at their rally in the ancient city of Ibadan said, it was an undisputable pointer that the region has abandoned President Muhammadu Buhari and his vice, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, ahead of the 2019 general elections.

The PDP said that people of South-West had demonstrated their readiness to align with other parts of the country to rescue the country “from the stranglehold of the incompetent, corrupt and antipeople Buhari administration.”

It added that “As a geopolitical zone that plays leading role in most of the critical sectors of our national life and which has the highest convergence of all sections and interests across our nation, the decision to align with Atiku Abubakar signals the consolidation of the national consensus to vote him as the next president of Nigeria, come 2019.

“By this, Nigerians in the South West have reinforced the quit notice which the North-West, North-Central and other zones had already served on President Buhari.”

The National Chairman of the BSO, Abubakar Mahmud also identified the significance of the South west Region, when he told journalists in an interview at the launch of the Buhari Support Organisation in Ibadan that “The Southwest people voted for Buhari in 2015 and I believe that the same Southwest is willing and ready to vote him again. They are business people and they are people with strong unity. They also understand what progress is. The south westerners will go again for APC. They understand that we have to contain continuity and entrench a system that people after him will not accept anything less”.

Although, National Leader of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu has severally stated the direction the states in the west would go in the February 2019 elections, defying the decisions of Afenifere.

The APC National Leader also assured president of the support of the west, saying there is no party other than APC in the region.

•(L-R) South West Coordinator of BSO, Prince Felix Awofisayo; National Chairman of the group, Mahmood Abubakar and Rivers State Coordinator, Chief Jerry Johnson, at the launching of Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) in Ibadan, Oyo State rsecently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

After the North-East and North-West where the president got highest number of votes in 2015, the South West was the next. Considering the fact that the states in the region are now controlled by the ruling party, the digit is expected to rise.

He added, “No going back to the greedy, selfish, and corruption of the past that held the nation’s progress. We are not going back to old foxes, scavengers and old greed in the country. Look back at the last 16 years, if they laid any foundation, much wouldn’t have been done by Buhari, they did not lay any foundation. Instead of privatization, the personalization theory of greed was the order of the day.

Article 134 (2) of the Nigerian Constitution stipulates that a presidential candidate must attain both the highest number of votes cast as well as receive, at least, a quarter of votes at each of at least two-thirds of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). However, as the February presidential election draws nearer, it is clear that for any winner to emerge, votes from the 6 states making up the South west cannot be wished away.

The Southwest Chairman for Buhari Support Organization, Prince Felix Awofisayo noted that it became a matter of necessity to consolidate progressive change in the Southwest zone and include Yorubaland as a vital ingredient to move on to the next level.

The zone, the former Oranmiyan President said, has always been at the forefront of enlightenment, progressive change and democratic inclusiveness in Nigeria, adding that, “For this reason, our decision to support the re-election of President Buhari is within the historical current of thought and political action in Yorubaland”.

“From the publication of the pivotal manifesto of the Action Group “Life more abundant” in 1950, the predominant political position in Yorubaland has always been progressive, as well as social democratic.

In many ways, this in itself is a reflection of the culture of Yorubaland which emphasises the concept of community, neighbourhood as well as social solidarity which means that no one should be left behind. This was reflected in the position of the Action •Continued on page 6

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2019: South West And The Alliances •Continued on page 6 Group government led by avatars Chief Obafemi Awolowo that no one, no matter how debilitated by the circumstances of birth, should be left behind. They walked the talk.

“This resulted in one of the most audacious leaps of social engineering in contemporary political history, life indeed became more abundant. This position was also reflected in the stellar performance of the administrations of the governments of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) in the second republic between 1979 and the demise of the Second Republic in 1983. The achievements of those progressive governments can never perish. Same thing goes for the interventions led by Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu, Chief Bisi Akande, Lam Adesina who governed from this great city, the indomitable Rauf Aregbesola, Kayode Fayemi and so many others. In our considered opinion, the government headed by Muhammadu Buhari is a continuation of this tradition, a tradition that has benefited the majority as opposed to minority. We have an historical necessity as well as a moral obligation to defend”, he said.

Awofisayo stressed that the Southwest has benefited immensely from the various programmes of the current administration, stating that progressive intervention programmes such as the home grown school feeding programme was in line with the Yoruba tradition.

According to him, the programme has not just led to an increase in the school enrolment but it is leading vitally to the development of human capacity and ensuring that no child is left behind both in zone and the country at large.

He added that, “With the emphasis on “home grown” this programme has had a beneficial effect on the rural economy. It is our own farmers here who are supplying the purchasers and the vendors feeding our children, it is a tremendous advance.

“Also, a good attack on the causes of poverty can be seen from schemes such as the Tradermoney. The intrinsic link between poverty and the lack of capital is well known. This is why Chief Obafemi Awolowo ‘s government established the Cooperative Bank in 1953.

“The intention then as at today, remains the same, to ensure financial inclusiveness and provide capital to those excluded. The southwest has benefited and will continue to benefit, this is within our established political tradition. We will not allow them to deny the people access to the money they need to develop and expand their trades.”

•Some members in a group photograph with Prince Awofisayo during the launching of BSO in Ibadan Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

The attack on root causes of poverty must be taking to the next level which vigorously lies in supporting the re-election of President Buhari which must be emphasised to the people.

He enjoined those in the zone to ensure they protect the gains recorded by the present administration from the ravages of those who want to scrap them.

Awofisayo stressed that the attack on the root causes of poverty must be taking to the next level which according to him, vigorously lies in supporting the re-election of the president which must be emphasised to the people.

He said, the organization in the zone would adopt the door to door method of campaign just like the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was already

Police Assures Violence-Free Xmas, New Year In Osun Police Public Relations Officer in Osun, Folashade Odoro, has said that the command is working to make sure the state is free of violence before, during and after Christmas and New Year festivities.

Odoro disclosed this movement of an on Rave FM programme individual or group of “Eyewitness” in Osogbo. people or visit the nearest She maintained that police station for their police personnel have security. been placed in strategic ”Police operate under areas of the state to legal authority, our men prevent crime.

She urged the people cannot work without to raise alarm when they permission. This is notice any suspicious period of Xmas and New

Year and prevention is better than cure. Men of the police have been sent to investigate issues in some parts of Osun for the safety of lives and property. ”If anybody has any complain about our men, they should visit our office, we have different departments in any of our stations that can look into the relative issues,” she said.

•A cross section of dignitaries at the programme. doing to achieve its aims.

Awofisayo who described the 2019 election as a contest between the forces of retrogression and those of progress pledged that members of the BSO in the Southwest are battle ready to deliver in the southwest for President Buhari.

The National Coordinator of Buhari Support Organization, Dr Mahmood Abubakar called on Nigerians to give their supports to the reelection bid of the president, saying things would be better than it is.

He said Nigerians must juxtapose between where the nation was, prior to 2015 and the current state of the nation before casting their ballots, noting that the nation was more better today than it were in the past 16 years under the PDP. Mahmood noted that despite recording high oil prices during the era of PDP at the centre, no significant investment was recorded in the areas of infrastructure, health, education, social investment, power and other critical aspects of the economy.

According to him, major problems confronted by the current administration were inherited, commending President Buhari for turning around things in the country.

“If you objectively analyse the state of the nation before the advent of Buhari, you would know that the president has achieved a lot. The major problems confronting the state were all inherited. People talk about recession not knowing that our country has been

plunged into recession before Buhari came on board. He did all he could and now we are out of it. We must understand that nothing comes easy. A house destroyed in hours can’t be built in hours. We must understand that it will take time to get Nigeria to where it ought to.

“This administration has fought the menace of corruption which has made the country a fertile ground for people to come and invest. What we now have is an improved health care, Infrastructure and foreign reserve has increased. What we have now is a better country than we had”, he said.

Reacting to the Atiku’s promise on restructuring, he described it as deceitful, the promise by the presidential candidate of the opposition PDP to restructure the country in six months.

Abubakar who described the BSO as the harmonising center for all other pro Buhari groups promised that the organisation would not relent in its bid to get the president reelected come 2019.

Abimbade Oyemakinde, the Oyo state chairman of BSO, gauging the mood in the South west said the mood was positive and the regions decision to support the president was certain.

He attributed this to his dynamic leadership style as well as the various programmes of the government which has touched every lives irrespective of religion and region.

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Oyetola Restates Commitment To Grassroot Development He said they should

By Sola Jacobs champion reconciliatory Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola drive in their councils has restated his commitment to grassroot which he maintained will development. be of immense benefit to He stated this while urged the chairmen to the party. prioritize sanitation with interacting with In his remarks at the Chairmen of Local a view to ensuring that meeting, the Supervisor Government Areas their environments are of Local Government and (LGAs) and Local kept clean, assured them General Administration, Council Development of every needed support. Barr. Adebisi Adejare Areas (LCDAs) in the state at his office in Osogbo on Wednesday.

The Governor maintained that the

By Israel Afolabi impacts of the Chairmen State of Osun House of Assembly has lauded the must be felt by the State Government under the leadership of the people, adding that the immediate past Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola fact that they are in for the construction of new fire fighting stations in charge of local the state. administration which is The House Committee ready in case of fire the closest to the Chairman on Home outbreak with immediate grassroot makes their Affairs, Tourism and response that would performance in office a Culture, Hon. Akinola checkmate the incident to necessity.

Olasunkanmi gave this avoid loss of live and He assured them of commendation during reduce loss of properties every needed support to the oversight visit to the amongst the people of the make them relevant sites of ongoing state. before, during and even construction of fire According to him, “this after the fast approaching fighting stations at Ede, project is laudable, it is general election and Ikirun and Ilesa an indication that the called on them to come respectively. government meant well up with critical road He noted that All for people of the state” networks that will be Progressives Congress “Fire accident has graded, adding that it is (APC)-led government caused series of disasters imperative for them to meant well for the people in the state leading to loss liaise with the people of the state by embarking of life and properties, that whose inputs he said are on construction of new is why government very germane, with a fire fighting stations to embarked on fire fighting view to giving them effectively tackle fire stations to curtail the projects they really need. incidents and ensure menace” he added.

Hon. Akinola however He said the grading safety of citizens. the various He observed that the urged will be supervised by the state government to gesture will enable fire contractors handling the projects to speed up the fighters to be properly ensure value for money.

The governor, who equipped and combat work so that the projects

maintained that the interactive session became imperative so as to congratulate all the chairmen and by extension all members of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) for the success recorded at the last election and deliberate on

the need to improve on the last governorship election performance of the party at the fast approaching February 2019 General Election.

Adejare who advocated on the need to have in place Bottom Up Projects Policies and Programmes which

entails allowing projects to generate from the people which will definitely be what they need, enjoined the council chairmen to be accessible to their people, adding that their accessibility is very pivotal to their successful tenure.

Osun Assembly Lauds Govt. On Construction Of Fire Figthing Stations could be delivered on time.

Other members of the committee, Hon. Kamil Oyedele and Hon. Rasheed Afolabi in their separate remarks advised the contractors to use original materials for the job while urging them to follow original plan of the projects to avert avoidable disasters.

The lawmakers urged the contractor handling Ilesa project to amend its construction work to rime with other towns while expressing satisfaction with the level of construction as at now.

The immediate past Commissioner for Home Affairs, Tourism and Culture Dr. Obawale Adebisi made it known that the purpose of the construction of new fire stations in the state was to improve the fire service work.

He said that the old fire stations are old to

provide good service to the people of the state.

He said, “the old fire stations are now old, that is why government decided on new ones”.

“Government wanted to be responsive to fire accidents across the state because the aim of government is to have each in every Local Governments” he added.

Dr. Obawale noted that government wants to construct one fire station in each Federal Constituencies of the state to curtail fire accident among the people.

According to him, “we want to ensure quick response to fire accidents in the state, by and large the contractors are doing good job to our satisfaction”.

In another development, the lawmakers also paid oversight visit to Olumirin Water fall Erin-

Jesa in Oriade Local Government where they asked series of questions on how they manage the site and their revenue generation details.

The parliamentarians were received by the Director of Tourism in the ministry, Mr. Ogunniran Timothy and Director of Administration and Supply, Mrs Toyin Asaolu who explained how they discharge their duties to tourists and strategy put in to generate revenue to government purse.

They however explained that Tourism Board has embarked on the construction of four toilet and changing rooms for the convenience of tourists and others visitors.

The legislators advised that they manage the tourist site very well to earn state more income for the benefits of the people.

COMMUNITY NEWS

Grading Of Roads To Commence Soon In Ife Central West LCDA

Chairman, Ife Central West Local Council community to register development in the Officer, Mr Babatunde Development Area (LCDA), Barrister Bisi Oladosu and cooperate with the council, particularly the Shodimu in his address appointed informed the people that hinted that the grading of roads within the LCDA council with a view to newly g u a r a n t e e i n g Secretary to the Local the security of the will soon commence. development. is Government, Hon. John communities He gave the assurance He also informed Olatunji Owojori. everybody’s business.

CDC, Mr. Awominure at the monthly meeting emphasized the need for members of the CDC He encouraged Also, the Ife Central of the council’s the people of the about the new Divisional Police people to have mutual C o m m u n i t y D e v e l o p m e n t Committee (CDC) held on Tuesday, December In his speech, Hon the local government.

The newly-appointed Secretary of Ede South 11 with the chairman of He charged him to Ojo was grateful to the CDC, Mr. Local Government, Hon Babatunji Olawale God Almighty for effectively discharge has been sworn in.

Awominure Idowu, the onerous him the the The swearing the local government. given DPO of Ife Central Chairman of the privilege to direct the responsibility placed ceremony was police command, performed on Monday council, Hon Johnson swearing in ceremony on his office.

The chairman used politicians and eminent 10th December, 2018 at Ajagbe Ojo presided of the newly people in attendance. appointed secretary to the occasion to appeal the conference room of over the ceremony.

Addressing the gathering, the council boss said that his administration is committed to the development of the council, just as he pleaded for the support of the people of the council area.

The chairman then tendered an apology on behalf of all politicians who could not attend the meeting, saying that adequate reminder should be given to them prior to subsequent meetings.

•Hon. Ojo (left), flanked by his Vice (2nd left) and Leader of the council’s parliament (2nd right) in an handshake The chairman of the with the council’s Secretary, Olawale (right).

relationship with their neighbours and report anybody with strange or dubious character to the police.

The next meeting of the CDC will hold in January 2019.

Ede South LG Gets Council's Secretary to artisans, shop owners and market men and women to pay their dues to the local government so as to improve the internally generated revenue to compliment the allocation from the federal and state Government account.

In his response, the newly sworn in secretary Hon Babatunji Olawale thanked the chairman and everyone in attendance and promised to do his best with the help of God. In attendance were the political functionaries, political leaders, career officers etc.

The Council Manager, Barrister C.K Oyebade gave the welcome address.

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings 2nd Year Anniversary Of C.A.C CFAMIC, Obokun LG Commissions Projects, Distributes Empowerment Tools 2018 Iragbiji Day Celebrated In Grand Style. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI Osogbo On Saturday. Photo: Joshua Afolabi

•A cross section of Choir members in a group photograph after the programme.

CFAMIC.

By Joshua Afolabi The choir of the church, coordinated by Christ Apostolic Church, CFAMIC Evangelist Adeniyi Temitayo, a gospel Agunbelewo Osogbo led by Prophet Taiwo musician, led the people in praise and worship.

Oluwatade celebrated her second year Prophet Taiwo explained during his anniversary at the church auditorium last preaching that any Christian that knows Jesus Saturday. as their lord and savior was compared to salt of The programme was tagged “You are the the world in the scripture. salt of the world” taking from the book of In his preaching “The usefulness of salt can’t Matthew 5 vs 13 -14. It was coordinated by be compared to ordinary thing, it is used for prophet Taiwo, who made declaration of preserving food and makes it tasteful”. starting the programme with opening The Prophet further said that any Christian prayer, praise and worship. that is not productive and failed to make other The Assistant Pastor, Evangelist Oyewole people happy not only his Co-Christian but Olatunji, led the opening prayer in Yoruba every creature, his/her salt has become a language. wasteful product because God is expecting us Pastor Fawale Isaac Olusayo was the to make other happy. invited guest at the 2nd year anniversary of

•From right, Osun State Chairman of All Progressive Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famodun; Governor Gboyega Oyetola of Osun; his wife, Kafayat; the Aragbiji of Iragbijiland, Oba Abdul Rashid Olabomi and others, during the celebration.

By Gbenga Adeniyi •Obokun Local Governmnet Chairperson, Mrs Adejoke (right); Hon Adeoye Adelakun (middle) and others during the commissioning of one of the projects.

By Israel Afolabi

Management of Obokun Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun has on Monday commissioned modern maternity centre, market stalls, vocational centre and distributed relief materials to empower dwellers.

In her address, the Chairperson of the Council, Mrs Adejoke Olatunde at the commissioning of the projects executed by his administration urged the people to have maintenance culture in their thoughts so that government can do more.

She declared that the day marks another mile stone in the history of Obokun Local Government, as the vital projects executed and completed by the present administration at the local government level are being presented to the affected communities for use.

“I must make it clear to the people that the projects and materials were funded from the

allocation received from the Federal and State Governments”, she added.

However, she implored the people to assist the local government by paying all relevant fees and taxes regularly to enable government generate more funds to serve better.

She also implore party members to work vigorously and ensure that All Progressives Congress [APC] succeed in winning the 2019 general elections while also advised members to shun all acts of grudges and have belief that Gods time is the best.

She advised everyone to cooperate fully with the state Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to effectively deliver on his promises to the people.

The Chairperson used the opportunity to enumerate all her achievements since the commencement of her administration such as grading of roads, replacement of stolen IBEDC cable, repair of borehole and

provision of 5000 litres capacity water tank, digging of well, renovation of 10 units open marker stall, extension of electricity to towns and distribution of farm implements to farmers among others.

Meanwhile, the State ALGON Chairman urged all the aggrieved members of the party to sheath their swords and unite for victory in future elections.

Amongst the commissioned project are Ultra-modern Maternity centre at Ipetu- Ile, 10 unit open market stalls at Ipetu-Ile, Vocational centre at Ibokun, while five boxer motorcycles, five deep freezers, 25 cooking cylinders among others were distributed.

Amongst the dignitaries present at the occasion were traditional rulers across the council, party chieftains, Hon. Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, Hon Folarin Fafowora, Hon. Remi Abass, Hon. Owonikoko Qadri, Dr. Siji Olamijulo among others.

The whole of Iragbiji town was agog last Saturday, as the 2018 Iragbiji Day was celebrated in a grand style.

It was the first annual celebration of the town since the assumption of office by the Governor of the State of Osun, Mr Gboyega Oyetola who also hails from the town.

This year’s celebration was with a difference, as sons and daughters of the ancient town gathered at Oke-Iragbiji High

School High School, Iragbiji not only to celebrate the day, but also the victory of their son, Governor Oyetola.

Among those in attendance were Governor Oyetola and his wife, Kafayat; the state chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Prince Gboyega Famoddun; the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdulRasheed Olabomi and his wife; Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Adul Rauf Olawale Adedeji among several others.

•(L-R) Prophet Taiwo Oluwatade and Assistant Pastor, Evangelist Oyewole Olatunji.

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

•One of the newly-commissioned projects.

•Some of the distributed materials.

•Indigenes of Iragbiji welcoming Governor Oyetola to the programme.

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OSPOLY DPT Students Lament Poor State Of Roads

By Joshua Afolabi

management”, he lamented.

Martins said, most of the students were delayed by the examination invigilator, before they were later allowed to sit for the course just to confirm the payment of their fees.

“Students go through much stress from their individual home which

Daily Part Time (DPT) students of the Osun state Polytechnic, Iree have lamented poor state of roads leading to Koko campus, as they commence their second semester examinations.

“Upon all the threat The students opined that despite huge staged against the amount of fee paid by student of the institution, them, campus premises the number of admitted is still not encouraging, student is more than clamouring for lecture theatres reconstruction of roads provided by the and some other facilities on campus.

One of the NDII students, Martins The striking Academic Staff Union of Faramade noted that, the three roads that link Iree Universities, ASUU and the Federal Government community with have reached an agreement that would lead to the campus “are in sorry resolution of issues surrounding the industrial action. state”.

He added that, the Dr Chris Ngige, been fully dealt with. management of the Minister of Labour and “Like the issue of institution released a Employment, made the shortfall in salaries of memo a week before the announcement after a some Federal examination which reconciliatory meeting in Universities’ workers states that any student Abuja aimed at putting and lecturers, ASUU has that fails to make an end to the strike given a list to the payment before the which commenced on Accountant-General’s commencement of November 5.

Office and we have examination would not He said, “We have agreed that by be allowed to sit for the finished our deliberation Wednesday that list examination. for today.

I am happy to should be cross-checked Martins noted, “In the memo, it was stated that report that we touched by the Presidential areas of Initiative on Continuous any student caught some on Auditing. engaging in the understanding “We also have the examination malpractice implementation from of earned will face the full weight the Memorandum of issue of the law. Disciplinary Understanding which a l l o w a n c e s , revitalisation, these are committee will not we agreed to in 2017.

“Some of these areas issues of 2009 agreement hesitate to discharge we have substantial and partial their duty and call to panel anyone caught in compliance and some implementation and we other areas have not have agreed on the that act.”

sometimes affect their academic performance.

The stress can brainwash students and it can leads to failure of brain during examination”.

“It was also gathered that the school management ordered the entire supervisors to delay any student that failed to complete his/ her payment. It is

unfortunate that with all these, the necessary facilities that will make students enjoy their schooling are not there Another student,

Mary Alawiye urged the management and the state Governor, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola to look into the stress the students are going through.

ASUU, FG Reach Agreement, To Meet December 17 modus operandi to look into the fund situation, this is due to low revenue on the part of government.”

Ngige said that government would look for the money and was sure to have good

•ASUU President, Prof Biodun Ogunyemi.

information for the striking lecturers.

He said the same situation applied to other allowances, saying, “we have agreed on what we are going to do to make sure that the outstanding amount is handled in a way that all parties will be properly accommodated.

“We also discussed the issue of state universities and agreed also that even if education is on the concurrent list, the universities should be properly funded and staffed so that we do not produce half-baked students from those universities.

“In realisation of this, the Ministry of Education will set up a committee, that would engage the Nigeria

Governors’ Forum, and the Minister of Education has taken steps in that direction to formalise the interaction.

The minister hoped that the striking union would return to classroom soon.

He said the next meeting would be at 4pm on December 17.

Meanwhile, ASUU National President, Prof.

Abiodun Ogunyemi said they had a useful discussion.

“Our own understanding is that we heard promises made on the part of government, we shall await the report on all the issues, which they have made the promises.

“Only after that, we can get back to our members to take a decision”.

You Can Still Put The Pieces Of Your Truth Of The Matter with Life Back And Become Even Greater AYEKOOTO One of the most amazing things which mothernature has given to us is the ability to turn our disadvantages or challenges into even greater advantage. A broken pencil could instantly become multiple pencils in the hand of the owner if only he (or she) can think positively. Most of us recoil into our shells when life deals us certain blow. We fail to see the hidden treasures in that blow. Studies of successes have shown that most good things in life come wrapped in garments of sorrow, lack, disadvantages, abuses, hatred from colleagues and family members and so on. Whenever you are faced with any of these, know very well and for certainty that your time for greatness has arrived. The most amazing thing about life, which no one has been able to unravel, is that difficulties most often herald greatness. The more difficult your situation is, the more nearer you are to your astounding success.

So, whenever life deals certain blows on you, keep calm; try not to be too ruffled (even though, this is difficult); engage yourself in self assessment of the situation; ask yourself where you’ve gone wrong and be very honest about it. Take a deep breath and try not to play the blame game either on yourself or the outside world; know that it is a passing phase of your life which will naturally disappear. Know that no one, I repeat, no one can solve your life problem except yourself and through your effort. Help may come from unexpected quarters if it will.

In your quiet moment, I’m sure you must have heard a deafening, silent voice telling you how to go about certain issues, a direction of sorts. All great achievements and inventions come from this silent, almost oft-fast-disappearing voice.

So, know that you can’t make an omelet without cracking an egg, neither can a woman experience safe delivery without issues of blood. Challenges are natural arrangements necessary to shift us to the next and higher levels.

ayoakinola444@gmail.com

In your quiet moment, I’m sure you must have heard a deafening, silent voice telling you how to go about certain issues, a direction of sorts. All great achievements and inventions come from this silent, almost oft-fast-disappearing voice.

General Olusegun Obasanjo, in one of his numerous books after prison experience and having reached both pinnacle and deep valley of life, offers panacea for facing life challenges: 1.

Sleep little: one of the causes of life failures is not knowing that too much sleep is not a virtue, except one who is convalescing from certain ailment.

If you want to be successful in life, do not spend the whole of the night sleeping. Get up in the middle of the night and reflect on your whole life when all are calm. It will amaze you the rewarding ideas, God, (or

The Supreme Intelligence) will deposit in you to face your life challenges. For the religious, it will be time to pray and ask God for guidance. People who rule us know this for a fact and most times “sit” for ideas during the “silent hours”. Almost a decade ago, I over-heard a certain powerful commissioner in Lagos saying “Oru ni won n se’joba Eko”, literally translated, Lagos is ruled in the night. Is Lagos not great?

2.

Eat little: food is good for the body because it nourishes and gives energy. But just like any other thing done in excess, too much food is dysfunctional to healthy living. As we grow older, the amount of food required by the body diminishes. I have been close to a number of great people and notice their attitude towards food. You’ll probably think they hate food. I once overheard that if you must achieve your daily task and excel, you must watch what and how you eat. Most of us can consume anything edible, not minding whether or not our system is attuned to such foods at that time. The human body is probably the most sophisticated machine ever created. For this “machine” to function optimally, you must watch what and how you feed into it. You need to understand your body and not go with the oftenparaded nutritional jargons and recommendations.

Know that no two human bodies are the same. But as you grow older and wiser, it often pays to reduce your food intake. For the elderly, your body machine is not that strong as it used to be. But this is not to say you shouldn’t constantly nourish your body especially with fruits and water, generally regarded as the best friend of the body.

Others are: 3) Cultivate the habits of giving and forgiving. 4) Laugh and smile often. 5) Always pray and, or, have quiet moments where you can sit for ideas.

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Hoodlums Disrupt Distribution Of Empowerment Materials In Ibokun

By Israel Afolabi

the abrupt end of the programme as the Chairperson and other dignitaries were rescued from the scene to prevent being attacked.

Moreover, some have alleged that the Peoples Democratic Party [PDP] members mobilized thugs to invade and

Unidentified hoodlums on Monday disrupted the distribution of empowerment materials given out by the management of Obokun Local Government at the council’s Secretariat.

It was alleged by Police Force operatives those in attendance that who fired tear gas to the hoodlums were disperse the hoodlums sponsored to disrupt to safe the items from the event by a member being carted away. of the opposition who is However, this led to jostling for the House of Representatives slot of Obokun\Oriade Federal Constituency.

By Murtala Agboola It was gathered that Speakers at a recently held colloquium in Osogbo the thugs hijacked the motorcycles and other concluded that the Yoruba nation ought to retain pride of place in the scheme of things in the materials billed for its country. distribution, but for the to the The Yoruba race, according intervention of Nigeria

disrupt the occasion with the aim of revenging the victory of All Progressives Congress [APC] in the last election.

The whole secretariat premises was so rowdy that no one could see each other for some hours before the

Divisional police officer mobilized men of antiriot squad to calm the situation.

The hoodlums destroyed gas cylinder accessories and some of the motorcycles earmarked for distribution to party members across all the

wards in the council.

Meanwhile the distributed materials later moved to the police station for safety and adequate care against being damage while there is no one arrested in connection with the attack as at time of filing this report.

'Yoruba Must Retain Its Prime Position' speakers, is a pace-setter in all human endeavours in the country. Among the very few first are the first Nigerian lawyer, Mr. Sapara Williams, an Ijesa, the first woman driver,

•The retired OSBC DG, Mr Wale Idowu (middle), assisted by his wife (2nd right) and some of the guests at the Colloquium and launching of Idowu’s Biography.

Osun Gov. Pledges Commitment To Progressive Ideals, Religious Tolerance Governor, State of Osun, Mr. Gboyega Oyetola has restated his unrepentant commitment to progressive ideals.

The Governor stated the delegation, Pa. Ayo this while playing host to Fasanmi and Senator Durojaiye the National Caucus of Olabiyi Afenifere, led by its congratulated Governor National Leader, Pa Ayo Oyetola on his victory and assumption of duty, Fasanmi.

Mr. Oyetola stated that stating that the visit has Afenifere remains the become inevitable for the only interpretation of yoruba elders in view of what progressiveness the need to salvage the stands for, maintaining nation from retrogression that the pan yoruba by ensuring that as many s o c i o - p o l i t i c a l states as possible joins the organization has been progressive league which very consistent in its only the All Progressives drive at entrenching Congress (APC) party progressive ideals epitomized.

The duo congratulated permanently in the the immediate past nation.

He commended the administration of Ogbeni elders for believing so Rauf Aregbesola for much in President successfully handing Muhammadu Buhari over to Governor Oyetola whose administration who they maintained is a through its lofty welfarist worthy successor owing his age long programmes has to ideals, emblematized the ideals progressive administrative acumen of Afenifere.

Governor Oyetola who and intellectual prowess.

In a similar appreciated the visit, the assured the yoruba elders development, of his commitment to the governor disclosed to a lofty ideals of Afenifere. delegation of the State Earlier in their Christian Association of (OSCAN) remarks, the Leader of Nigeria

Executive led by its Chairman, Very Revd. Fr. Michael Okodua of his strong commitment to religious tolerance, maintaining the fact that adherents of Christianity, Islam and Traditional religious beliefs belong to one and only God who is the creator of mankind.

Governor Oyetola who reminded the delegation of the cordial relationship he has with OSCAN having served in the immediate past administration, sued for the participation of the Christian leaders in his administration by way of prayers and ideas that can be of great assistance to the state widely known

as the Land of Virtuous.

In his remarks at the event, the Chairman of OSCAN, Very Revd. Fr. Michael Okodua told Governor Oyetola that the association owed it a duty to pay him a deserving visit having emerged through the grace and power of Almighty God. Rev. Fr. Okodua who assured the Governor that OSCAN will not rest on its oars at giving his administration every needed support, used the opportunity of the visit to inform the Governor about the planned Silver Jubilee celebration of the Association slated for June next year.

Mrs. Funmilayo Ransome-Kuti and the first Nobel Laurette Professor Wole Soyinka.

The colloquium was organised by the Wale Idowu’s Exit Committee to honour his retirement from the services of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) recently as the DirectorGeneral.

The three-in-one programme included his 61st birthday celebration and the unveiling of his autobiography, GOLD FROM CRUST. The colloquium team was made up of Professor Olu Odeyemi, Dr. Yemi Farounbi, Dr. Kunle Olajide and Barrister Yomi Obaditan.

With the theme “Yoruba Agenda Beyond 2019”, held at the Atlantis Civic Centre Osogbo, speakers highlighted how politics has decimated Yoruba to the unfortunate level the race find itself today.

The Secretary-General of Yoruba Council of Elders, Dr. Olajide, put the structural imbalance of Nigeria at the doorsteps of the military.

He therefore called for the restructuring of the country in such a way that power will go back to the people.

Barrister Yomi Obaditan traced the seeming crisis within the Yoruba nation to selfish interests which tend to divide rather than unite.

He then asked a rhetorical question, “could it be due to an allege curse placed by Alaafin Aole on the Yoruba that, if they are united in the morning, there will be divisions later in the day”.

Dr. Farounbi alluded to the greatness of the Yoruba and the strategic positions held in the past of which politics and intrigues have relegated

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MRS. EESTHER CHINYERE OKOYE, (NEE AHAMEFULE)

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That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS AHAMEFULE ESTHER CHINYERE, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. EESTHER CHINYERE OKOYE, (NEE AHAMEFULE). All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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to nothingness.

He dwelled on the Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s legacies and the need for unity to ensure that Yoruba’s progressive strides is not halted.

Farounbi spoke glowingly about Idowu on his achievement as a resourceful, energetic and mobiliser of funds for OSBC. E m e r i t u s Microbiologist, Professor Olu Odeyemi was of the opinion that food production was inevitable for a stable polity.

Immediate past governor of the State, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola gave kudos to the celebrant whom he said distinguished himself well as the helmsman of the OSBC conglomerate.

He was represented by Barrister Adejare Adebisi.

Idowu, a native of Ilesa was born 61 years ago. A product of University of Jos, Plateau State where he graduated in Economics, he is also a full member of Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON) and member of Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR).

He did his postgraduate studies at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism, Ikeja-Lagos in Marketing with bias in Advertising.

Idowu put in thirty years in public service across Oyo, Lagos and Osun States.

He is happily married with children.

The event was well attended with the OSBC team led by the DG, Mrs. Adejumoke Akinjiola, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, Mr. Lowo Adebiyi and Rev. (Fr) Ogundipe.

Others were Rave FM CEO, Mr. Femi Adefila, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Mr. Sunday Akere and Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi among other dignitaries.

The paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr.) Adekunle Aromolaran was represented by Chief Segun Akeju.

Pa Senator Ayo Fasanmi was the presenter of the autobiography while Mrs. Dupe Ajayi Gbadebo was the reviewer.

15

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CRIME

FRIDAY DECEMBER 14 - THURSDAY DECEMBER 20, 2018

Two Suspects In Court Over Disturbance Of Public Peace

By Ummultalha Yusuf Two suspects, Adetunji Ajulo, 52 and Eweje Timi, 36, have been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate court over unlawful assembly and rioting.

The charge sheet made available to journalists in unlawfully attempted to the court disclosed that commit felony to wit: the accused persons malicious damage to Uniconspired to unlawfully Osun property.

According to the assembled and cause charge sheet, the breach of public peace.

It added that the defendants committed defendants with intent to the alleged offence on carry out some common November 22, 2018 at purpose unlawfully about 6pm at Uni-Osun assembled themselves main campus Oke-Baale and blocked the entrance area, Osogbo It added that the gate of Uni-Osun with committed two vehicle causing fear offence and panic among contravenes Section 516 residents in the of the criminal code cap 34 vol.11 laws of Osun neighbourhood.

Furthermore, it added state Nigeria, 2002.

However, when the that the suspects

charges were read to the defendants, they pleaded not guilty to the six count charges levelled against them.

The defence counsel, Mr. Olusola Ajao prayed the court to admit the suspects to bail, he said the defendants are ready to provide a reliable surety for their bail and to stand for their trial.

Ajao said, though granting and refusing of bail is at the discredition of the court, but urged the court to accept their prayer because the second defendant is a nursing mother.

“I urge this honourable court to use its power judiciously and judicially”, he submitted.

The prosecutor, Mr.

Okafor Felix objected to the bail application and argued that they should not be granted bail for now in order to calm the rising tension in the area.

The defence counsel said the prosecutor had not said anything to persuade the court not to grant bail.

He affirmed that the defendants are still innocent until proven otherwise, says the law.

He said the court does not act on speculation, they act on fact which are yet to revealed.

Presiding magistrate, Mr. O. T Badmus said the suspects have right to bail, refusing them bail will amount to punishing them when there is no evidence yet.

He then granted bail

to the accused persons in the sum of N200,000 with two sureties each.

He ordered that the sureties must swear to an affidavit of means and one of the sureties must

be a civil servant of not less than grade level 10 while the other must be a tax payer.

He later adjourned the case till December 28, 2018 for hearing.

Man Remanded In Prison For Murder

By Aishat Oyebamiji An Osogbo Magistrate court has remanded a 39year-old man, Abubakar Sulaimon over alleged murder.

According to the was not represented by charge sheet made any counsel was not available to journalists, taken nor did the charge the accused person sheet read to him. unlawfully killed one While interviewing the Idowu Imole by firing prosecutor in charge of him with a gun, which the case, Mr. Solomon led to his death.

Idoko, he said the plea It was revealed that the was not taken due to the offence was committed at gravity of the offence.

Ataoja’s palace, Osogbo The presiding on November 12, 2018.

It added that the magistrate, Mr. O.T offence committed was Badmus ordered that the contrary to section 316 accused person should be and punishable under remanded in Ilesa prison section 319 (1) of criminal custody pending the next code cap 34 vol.11 laws of adjourned date.

He later adjourned the Osun state Nigeria, 2003.

However, the plea of case till February 8, 2019 the accused person who for further mention

Man In Court Over Fraud

•A dangerous spot requiring urgent attention at Oke Oniti area, Osogbo as capture by our Photojournalist GBENGA ADENIYI on Wednesday.

By Rukayat Ademola For allegedly committing fraud, Adekanmi Adenipekun, 54, has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court.

He was alleged of contract executed for the obtaining the sum of agency by Afolabi Felix N750,000 from the Osun and Bashiru Olaitan.

But the suspect after Rural, Water and the money E n v i r o n m e n t a l collecting failed to remit it to the Sanitation Agency contractors.

(RUWESA).

According to the The charge sheet read charge sheet, the offence in court disclosed that the is contrary and amount is the money punishable under section meant for the payment of 419 of the state criminal law 2003.

It also alleged that the suspect stole and converted the stated sum offence contrary to and of money for his personal punishable under use contrary to section 309(9) of the state penal section 337 of the code. criminal code cap 34 The charge sheet VOL.II law of Osun disclosed that the suspect committed the offence State Nigeria 2003. sometimes in June 2016 in The charge sheet also Osogbo. disclosed that this The (suspect) however, action caused injury on pleaded not guilty to the two count charges her victim maliciously preferred against him. by applying hot water His defence counsel, on her and thereby urged the court to admit committed an offence the suspect to bail in the contrary to and most liberal term, saying he would provide punishable under credible surety to show section 335 of the his readiness to stand criminal code cap 34 trial and would not jump VOL.II law of Osun bail.

Police prosecutor, State Nigeria Inspector Lamidi Rasaq Semiyat was arrested did not oppose the bail on November 16, 2018 application.

Presiding Magistrate, at about 8pm at Mr O.T. Badmus Alapupu area of Okinni admitted the suspect to in Osun State. bail in the sum of The case was N500,000 and one surety adjourned to December in the same sum.

He adjourned the case 21, 2018 for ruling on the to January 23, 2019 for matter. hearing.

Pregnant Woman Bathed With Hot Water Forgives Assailant

By Khadijah Abdullah A middle aged pregnant woman, Rukayat Lukman has sought the mercy of an Osogbo Magistrate on her assailant, who is also her tenant after bathing her with hot water mix with pepper during a little quarrel.

While pleading with forgiven her completely.

She told the court that the court to forgive her attacker, Semiyat Azeez, she has filed an 24, she disclosed that application before the the family had pleaded court asking for the with her and she has matter to be withdrawn

in the interest of peace.

But the presiding magistrate, Mrs M. A. Awodele disclosed that even when the victim had filed an application for withdrawal, it is absurd that a lady could bath a fellow pregnant woman with hot water without considering the consequences.

She requested to see

the suspect’s parents during the next adjourned date with a view to know their influence on their daughter before dismissing the matter.

The suspect had been arraigned before the court on November 23, 2018 for pouring hot water on her victim thereby committing an

Absence Of Suspect Stalls Trial Of Fake Police Officer

By Khadijah Abdullah The refusal of a suspect, Yusuf Ismaila, 29, parading himself as a police officer to appear in court stalled his ongoing trial.

It would be recalled At the resumed hearing of the matter that the suspect was before Mrs. M.A arraigned and Awodele of an Osogbo remanded in prison Magistrate Court, the custody for defrauding suspect’s failure to show two victims of a sum of up in court to stand trial N1.3 million. made the court to He was also alleged to adjourn the matter. have swindled the

victims, the said amount on the pretence of selling a plot of land to them.

The suspect was also said to have claimed to be a police officer which was known to be false contrary to section 192 of the criminal law 2003.

The charge sheet disclosed that the suspect in a bid to make his victim believe him presented a photograph

of himself in police uniform, an offence contrary to section 109 of the state criminal law.

Although at the initial trial, he pleaded not guilty to the charges against him but was denied bail as the court asked his lawyer to apply for his bail formally.

The matter was however, adjourned to January 21, 2019

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Osun: How The Media Under-developed Nigeria OBSERVATION

Content analyze the headline grabbers of Rauf Aregbesola’s gubernatorial years (2010-2018), and you can glean how news reportage under-develops the polity.

If you focus on sensations and titillations, to the detriment of core developmental news, you are not only subverting a government striving to attain the Jeremy Bentham model of the greatest happiness of the greatest number, you are also frustrating a putative governmental model that could lift millions of other Nigerians, from their misery.

That would appear an objective appraisal of the media coverage of the Aregbesola years.

Top news headlines, impassioned analyses and even thunderous editorials, framed almost exclusively elite pastimes — Osun’s reported debt burden, salary delays, alleged attempts at “Islamization”, and “secession”, etc.

Salary delays and worries over a putative debt overhang are earnest and serious, for a media doing its watch dog role. But charges of “Islamization” and “secession” are clearly ludicrous.

On the balance, however, the media, earnest or complicit, just weighed in, on Osun elite pitched battles, which had little or nothing to do with the wellness of the greatest number. That was distraction from the core essentials.

Yet, the fundamental pillar of governance is catering for the overwhelming interest of the vast majority.

That is where the government earns its legitimacy. Besides, the 1999 Constitution stipulates some fundamental principles of state policy, which are people-skewed.

The latest proof, of this media fixation with shadows, instead of developmental substance, is a three-year study, which the Federal Ministry of Health (FMH) just released, on a project it calls Saving One Million Lives Programme for Results (SOML-PforR).

SOML-PforR is the code for six discrete indicators, gauging the performance of the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory of Abuja, from 2015 to 2018, on maternal and child health service delivery.

A casual glance at the 2018 survey returns shattering results, on a core human development front: only 12 states out of 36 (a third) and FCT passed the muster.

That means only a third of the states have been addressing human capital development at perhaps its most critical juncture: maternal and child health. That is where it all starts — and could also end — for the poor and the vulnerable, who are in the vast majority.

Poor maternal and child health services, which may signal the end for the poor, introduce another demographic bomb.

The poor (not the rich or even the middle class) mainly patronize public hospitals, which FMH and state ministries of Health run.

Yet, two out of three state governments in Nigeria have, at least in maternal and child health, shunned that majority. It’s yet another proof of a general elite indulgence, and neglect of the poor, in Nigerian governance.

But it’s in this rare and consistently better deal for the poor majority that the Aregbesola government posted a refreshing difference, over eight years. But it’s that same core developmental area, that the media virtually blacked out. That beggars its watch dog role.

In this SOML-PforR survey, Osun with an improvement rate of 97.4 per cent, came only next to Yobe (133.4 per cent).

Other states with improved performance are Borno (63.5 per cent), Kano (35.2 per cent), Nasarawa (33.6 per cent), Adamawa (29 per cent), Niger (26.8 per cent), Jigawa (21.9 per cent), Taraba (13.5 per cent), Gombe (nine per cent), Ondo (6.4 per cent) and Zamfara (1.3 per cent). The FCT (42.6

The media miscoverage of the Aregbesola governorship should teach the different lobbies, different lessons.

The media must focus on what matter and shun inanities. per cent) makes up the number — and just as well, for it shows the FMH, which powers the survey, at least walks its talk; but not as much as Yobe and Osun!

Another surprise is that most states that achieved improvements are in the North, supposedly the less developed in the Nigerian territory.

Indeed, only Osun and Ondo bucked the parlous survey results by the southern states. Still, the southern media point fingers and thunder at others, while their own uppity states lag behind in this crucial area. Another proof of distraction, wilful or ernest?

No state, South East or South-South, even with South-South’s oil wealth, made this leap. Yet, these are comparatively wealthier states, than their northern counterparts. So, why do their poor languish in health neglect?

But again, this is where Osun, under Aregbesola, sparkled. That is even more glaring, when you contrast the Osun survey results, with the rest of the states in the South West.

Mighty Lagos, richest and most vibrant, posted a -14.3 per cent decline — perhaps because of intense population pressure on its facilities? Ogun: -29.9 per cent; Oyo: 0.2 per cent; Ondo: 6.4 per cent and Ekiti: 19.6 per cent.

Apart from Ekiti, Osun is the poorest of the South West states, both on allocation from the Federation Account and internally generated revenue (IGR). Lagos is the richest. Yet, from this survey, Osun despite its poor purse, is splashing more resources on the poor and the society’s most vulnerable (97.4 per cent); far better than super-rich Lagos (-14.3 per cent)! But Lagos, even with all of its population pressure, still out-performed Ogun (-29.9 per cent) which, linked to its population, is not exactly poor.

Still, the general lesson is for the other

South West states to follow the Osun example: spend more on critical

BY OLAKUNLE ABIMBOLA facilities concerning the poor, who have nobody else to turn to.

If Lagos and Ogun follow this million plates of food! template, the region would be far better off, Now, add that to rash of new schools, in human development capital; and a post- upgrade of old ones, progressive Ayo Fayose Ekiti, under Kayode Fayemi, improvement of learning environment in would be encouraged to tread that path too, public schools, fortified with better as Dr. Fayemi did during his first term. learning tools like Opon Imo (Learning But Osun’s survey strides are only the computer tablets storing all recommended latest of a slew of others, development texts and other learning aids) over the achievement that ought to have been showcased as model for others, but mostly years, and you see a deliberate and direct snubbed by the media, over an eight-year investment, to ensure a better and more productive picture, for the poor and period.

Local economic gauging agencies like the vulnerable majority.

That is what, as routine, governance National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and Financial Derivatives Company Limited in ought to be. That Osun ought to be a model to others, in what ought to be the norm, Lagos; and international development agencies: the Oxford Poverty and Human just shows how wide governments in Nigeria have veered from their core Development Institute (OPHDI) and the United Nations Development Programme pristine duties.

Flashed back to the most ancient of days, (UNDP), have consistently returned a positive growth and development results, the Osun paradigm, under Aregbesola, over Aregbesola’s eight-year tenure as bore an uncanny resemblance to Sparta, the governor, and affirmed the success of its Greek city state, that tracked, consistently, the welfare and wellbeing of its citizens, anti-poverty programmes.

Between 2010 and 2018, Osun’s GDP from cradle to grave.

That explained the fierce Spartan grew by 108.3 per cent, from N191.1 billion (2010) to N398 billion (2018). During this patriotism, which manifested in the same period, small and medium enterprises glorious tragedy of King Leonidas and his (SMEs) almost trebled (182 per cent), from famous 300 troops, at the pass of Thermopylae in 480 BC, that fought and 481, 451 (in 2010) to 1, 358, 446 (in 2018).

That showed an Osun economy dropped to the last man, instead of expanding beyond a “civil service state”, a capitulating to shameful surrender. euphemism for economic stagnancy and Which is why, the media snub, innocent perpetual under-development. Much of or wilful, of this pro-poor model, is even the SME growth had been fuelled by better more tragic. infrastructure, particularly in ambitious Instead of beaming the searchlight on roads and bridges, that fasten mobility and these developmental strides, in a period of shorten business time. By the way, that dire economic adversity, much of the media improved economic activity posted a much got fixated with the salary crisis. improved IGR: from N3.4 billion in 2010 to They not only made Aregbesola a N14 billion (in 2018) — a more than 400 per scapegoat for a pan-Nigeria crisis, that cent leap. skew also robbed other governments the In a period of economic adversity (as it benefit of tapping into the Osun success, was from 2012 to 2010), much of the to solve similar problems, in their own infrastructure would have to be funded by states. loans, since the state had no cash of its own Prompt payment of salaries is a right. anyway but had no choice but to jumpstart Even the Bible says the labourer has a right the economy, to escape being a perpetual to prompt pay, even before the sweat of his economic laggard. labour dries off. So, the problem was not Yet, the media howled and screeched at agitating for prompt pay.

Osun’s “mounting debts”; but stayed blind, It was rather skewing it as the sole index deaf and dumb to what use those debts had to judge a state striving to expand its been put into, and their multiplier effects economy, ironically to make those same on the rebounding Osun economy.

But the SME growth, fuelled by more salaries a mere routine.

It was a classic in the misplacement of modern support infrastructure, don’t even tell the whole story. A crucial part of that media priorities; and a wanton skewing of is the Osun Youth Employment Scheme the media space towards elite problems — (O’YES) volunteer programme, with its no matter how pressing or legitimate — to the detriment of the majority. Civil N10, 000 monthly stipends.

O’YES trainees, drilled in many servants are seldom up to 15 per cent of entrepreneurial skills, account for the rash any state’s population.

The media mis-coverage of the of business start-ups, which boosted the Aregesola governorship should teach the growth of SMEs between 2010 and 2018.

That not only took many skilled youths different lobbies, different lessons.

The media must focus on what matter from paid (and government employment in a “civil service state”), it also provided a and shun inanities. The reverse was the model the World Bank is pushing to many case in covering Aregbesola’s Osun.

Governments must re-discover their states — and even countries — to tackle their local youth unemployment purpose — to make a difference in the lives of the teeming majority. That is where they challenges. Incidentally, even the Federal Government has used O’YES as a model to draw their legitimacy; and how they can power its own N-Power youth volunteer justify their existence. For that, the Osun policy, from 2010 to 2017, is a good job scheme.

But neither did all these too tell the reference point.

New Osun Governor, Gboyega Oyetola, complete story. Complementing O’YES for skilled youths and young graduates, is the Aregbesola’s chief of staff, for most of his schools feeding programme, for children in tenure, must learn from Aregbesola’s grades 1-4 in public primary schools, the mistakes. But he must also fiercely focus Aregbesola government dubbed O’Meals on his development agenda, no matter the (Osun Meals). media distractions.

After good investments in maternal and That is the only way the Osun poor and child health, feeding children in the lowest vulnerable majority can continue to secure rungs of public school appears a logical better deals from their government, with follow-up. Under this scheme, in six short a media so fixated with the elite agenda. years (2012-2018), N10 billion was spent to That is the only way Oyetola can secure feed 1.5 million pupils, in 1, 382 public his own legacies and cement his elementary schools. That came down to 305 government’s own place in history.

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,