Osun Defender Online Version Of January 12, 2018

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FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

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VOL. 013. NO.1

N100

ISSN: 0794-8050

Osun 2018 Budget:

Osun Assembly May Not Pass Agencies’ Estimates If… - Page 2

NEWS

Osun LG Polls:

PDP Suffers Technical Knock Out •OSIEC, Political Parties Set For Poll PAGE 2 MAGAZINE

Analysing A ‘Budget Of Enduring Legacy’ •Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (middle); Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right) and his counterpart from Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi (left) during the Regional Youths Summit at WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Regional Youth Summit:

Pages 5, 6 & 10

Western Nigeria Youths Insist On Restructuring Page 3

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NEWS

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Osun Assembly May Not Pass Agencies’ Estimates If…

By Israel Afolabi Some agencies and parastatals in the State of Osun might face difficulties in the course of cosideration of their 2018 budget estimates, as the House of Assembly has declared that any Ministry, Department and Agency of government and tertiary institutions with unresolved audit queries would not have their estimates considered.

Chairman, House agencies without Committee on Finance enabling laws would and Appropriation, Hon have their estimates Kamil Oyedele who merged with that of made the declaration appropriate ministries.

The lawmaker charged said that such organisations would Ministries, Departments have to obtain clearance and Agencies (MDAs) of from House Committee government to submit 35 on Public Accounts copies of their proposed to the House before their estimates estimates through the office of could be considered by Economic Planning, the legislature.

Budget and While stating the Development. readiness of the He also required for lawmakers to speed up submissions of the 2017 the process, he noted that budget performance

reports for each of the component heads and sub heads of revenue and expenditure as well as work plan and strategy to realise projected revenue by revenue generating agencies.

Hon. Oyedele also stated that necessary machineries’ should be put in place to ascertain the status of some agencies such as Osun

State Planning Commission, Reality Radio Vision Services, OSSADEP and OSSADEC. He disclosed that the committee has put in place mechanism to ensure compliance with the rules and regulations by different organisations when they come to defend their estimates before the

legislature.

According to him, the agencies of government in the state must come with last year’s budget performance and their 2018 estimates defence as a measure to get their estimates approved.

He said part of the consideration for the budget is the proposed minimum wage review,

as well as allowing the international financial practice standard to form the guideline in passing the budget.

He maintained that the house has given the committee four weeks to meet with heads of ministries, department and agencies with a view to ensuring compliance with the set rules and regulations.

Aregbesola Tasks Osun Residents On Hygienic Environment

By Israel Afolabi The Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has charged the people of the state to take environmental sanitation serious in their various environments.

Ogbeni Aregbesola (OWMA), Alhaji Ganiyu disclosed this on Oyeladun said that the Wednesday during a meeting was called to town Hall meeting on deliberate on sanitation sanitation held at the improvement in other to Local Government avoid cholera outbreak in Service Commission the state.

State Secretariat According to him, “we Complex, Osogbo, State want Osun to continue to of Osun. progress on sanitations The Governor, who because the O’Clean was represented by the family meeting involved Commissioner for everyone”.

Environment and “We need to do it from Sanitation, Hon. Idowu town to town and local Korede said, the town government to local Hall meeting was to government” he added. deliberate on how to In his remark, the state improve sanitation in the commissioner for Local state.

Government and According to him, “We Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. are planning with people Alimi Kolapo, urged the of the state on sanitation people to maintain which will be of benefit to cleanliness in their both the people and various environments. government.

He said, “Our people “We should all have neglected sanitation maintain cleanliness of in various towns, now we our various communities all needs to resuscitate it for healthy living”, he again in the state”. added.

However, in their He said that the state various contributions, all government is taking the stakeholders resolved good step to clean the that government should nooks and crannies in the maintained its state and thereby saving environmental policies property. and to continued to He urged every local organise summit government area in the frequently. state to consider They urged every maintaining clean citizen to comply with environment in their environment sanitation domain as a big task. laws for good hygiene.

He said, “The major Meanwhile, the aim of any local representative of Private government should be Sector Partnership (PSP), sanitation because it Mr Adeniyi Babatunde helps good living”. commended the state He advised market government for its effort women and men to so far on sanitation and continue to clean their urged every citizen to premises for good continue to support the hygiene. present administration.

However, in his He advised the remark, General government to solicit law Manager, Osun Waste against illegal dumpsites Management Agency across the state.

•A cross section of Methodist Church members during the New Year visit to the Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola by leaders of Methodist Church of Nigeria at Government House, Osogbo recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun LG Polls: PDP Suffers Technical Knock Out •OSIEC, Political Parties Set For Poll

By Kehinde Ayantunji The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Osun might have suffered technical knockout from the coming local government elections scheduled to hold on January 27 as the party failed to submit the candidate lists before the expiration of stipulated date by the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC).

According to OSIEC told our reporter information obtained by that it is only a court OSUN DEFENDER from declaration that can allow OSIEC, other political PDP to participate in the with the parties have validly election documented the expiration of the time nomination of their frame given, saying the candidates for the commission is not aware election except PDP of such request before any despite signifying court.

He said, “all I know is intention to participate in that as at the last day the election. by the The party is relying on stipulated two pending cases, one commission for the instituted before a candidates nominations, Federal High Court in we did not received PDP Abuja by Three PDP nominations, and to the members, Chief Kolawole best of my knowledge Osunkemitan, Chief there is no pending case any court of Douglas Adeyinka and in Prince Aderemi jurisdiction asking OSIEC Adelowo and another to accept nominations one before Osun State outside the given date High Court Ilesa by allowed by law and the pending cases in court Barister Kanmi Ajibola.

Aside court cases, which we have contested Osun PDP appeared not that our commission was served nor to have come over almost never two years leadership properly joined as a party tussle which is largely has nothing to do about responsible for the party the nomination date.”

“At the beginning, we inability to select candidates for the poll held meeting with all with no local government political parties including and state elected PDP, to agree on the election date among leadership of the party others and we all agreed till date.

A top hierarchy in on January 27 before

issuing 90 days mandatory notice, political parties that are interested in the election have validly nominated their candidates and whatever happen to PDP should be considered as the internal problem of PDP. As a commission, we have discharged our responsibilities in accordance with enabling laws” Meanwhile, OSIEC is intensifying efforts to ensure the smooth conduct of the poll in January 27, 2018 as agreed by political parties.

Local government offices of the commission are now opening for administrative and logistics planning.

Members of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC) has commenced campaign in the 378 wards for the coming election.

Osun West APC Youth Leader, Imran Adekunle told OSUN DEFENDER that the party leaders and candidates have embarked on massive house to house campaign to sell the programmes of the party to the people and ensure that the party comes out victoriously.

Adekunle said the party is not in any way distracted by the PDP’s move to stop the election

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and urged party members to focus on mobilisation and sensitisation of the electorates towards the election.

In a reaction by the APC Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Kunle Oyatomi, the ruling party gave assurances that the party remains ‘firm in control of the situation and (that) nothing would derail the calculated and irrevocable drive towards conducting a successful local government poll, and also winning the governorship election scheduled for September 2018.

“The idea of the PDP that council election would not be held is in vain, and the attempt to legally stop the disbursement of local government money by the Federal Government is a pathetic exercise in futility,” the APC said.

“Osun people should be rest assured that the only reason the PDP intends to frustrate the election is that the party understand that it would be beaten silly in the coming local government election.

“If it had the slightest chance in the world that it could win, the PDP will not be wasting its time and resources in the court. It would rather be strong on the campaign trail” Oyatomi said.

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Regional Youths Summit: Western

By Gbenga Adeniyi Youths of the Western Nigeria have insisted on the pursuance of restructuring of the current federal arrangement which would give birth to a hub for tourism and agricultural competitiveness, an educated workforce, a technologically developed urban centres, a peaceful, secured and a less dependent on oil region.

According to the These were the resolutions in a youths, from history, the communiqué after a two- golden era of the region day Regional Youth was in the era of regional Summit of the Western governments, saying that Nigeria, with a theme: there should be reversion “ P R O D U C T I V I T Y , to a system of federalism PROSPERITY AND based on regionalism.

They affirmed their PEACE held in Osogbo believe in one united on Wednesday.

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Nigeria Youths Insist On Restructuring

Nigeria based on fairness, equity and strict adherence to the doctrine of federalism, separation of powers and rule of law, saying there was the need to enshrine in the Federal constitution a role for plebiscites or referendums on certain issues of public importance.

The communiqué further noted that youths in the Western region should be encouraged to participate in political governance at both the legislative and executive

levels, saying the ‘Not Too Young To Run’ proposal should be p r o p e r l y institutionalised at both federal and state elections.

On security, while condemning the incessant herdsmen attacks on innocent people across the country, they appealed to the federal government to act as a matter of urgency to avert massive reprisal attacks.

They also called for the enactment of anti-open

...Osinbajo Charges Youth To Shun, Fight Corruption

grazing laws throughout the country, while commercially driven ranches be established.

The communiqué further stressed that joint actions would be pursued and sustained on security threats to guarantee the safety of lives, property and prosperity of the people of the region.

On Entrepreneurial Development, the youths advocated that support and policies in Business Development and Entrepreneurial skill Development, as well as Financial Literacy Training should be deployed in states of the region to tackle poor entrepreneurial skills and financial illiteracy.

They also called for the institutionalisation “of legal and regulatory frameworks to harmonise and simplify the regime of taxes and levies, while state governments should make public their services, procedures, cost and redress mechanism to encourage payment of taxes to lessen reliance on federal allocation”.

“The creative economy and informal economy (film, music, fashion, food, photography etc) should be properly structured to stimulate

creativity and economic growth.

“Enablers should be put in place so that agriculture value chain can be optimised for youth participation.

On education, they resolved that the ultimate goal of education should essentially be to produce the quintessential Omoluabi, both in content and character, saying, “Our education should bring enlightenment to the human mind; prepare people for the world of work; provide the platform for leadership recruitment and provide the means for character building, especially the development of the Total Man”.

The participants then agreed that the 25-year master plan as conceived by the Governments of the Western Nigeria is a step in the right direction, saying, “to articulate the shared values and aspirations of the Region in a living document and translating such to implementable actions and interventions will definitely make Western Nigeria a most preferred place to live, to work and to invest in the near future”.

doing and embrace hard Abdulrasheed Akanbi

By Francis Ezediuno work in order to be hinted that in the fight The Vice-President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo has successful in life. against corruption, the stressed the need for youths to shun and fight Giving his own life corruption as a means of liberating the country from example, he revealed that mindset heads it all.

He urged the the shackles of poverty and misrule. throughout his eight government to set up Osinbajo on Tuesday themselves in vocational years sojourn in the modalities that would see dropped this hint at the work, trading, United States of America, that the youths are taken Opening ceremony of the agriculture as he his parents only sent him off the streets. By so First Regional Youth maintained that for the $30 and to aid his doing, crimes and other Summit of the region not to be in its education he had to do social vices perpetrated Development Agenda for present state in the next odd jobs like dressing of by the youths and the Western Nigeria (DAWN) 25 years, there is need for corpses to make ends aged would to a large tagged West 2040 hosted self discovery because meet. extent be curbed.

On his part, he charged in Osogbo, the state there was no way they The Oluwo also called capital. were going to succeed the youths to always on the Osun State House In his speech, Osinbajo while waiting for white show respect to elders as of Assembly to enact an custodian of constituted Enlightenment Act which listed talent, integrity, collar jobs. virtue, innovation and He revealed that in authority. will be a standard to Speaking on the behalf measure the quality of education, as factors that times past, the region are needed for any society used to grow and was of the royal fathers, the youth engagements. to develop and that where identified with its own Oluwo of Iwoland, Oba such are missing, there is staple foods such as Lafun tendency for failure. for Ogun state, Amala for He emphasised that the Oyo state and Iyan for Omoluabi ethos of virtue Ekiti and Ondo states, a and hardworking was a situation which major ingredient needed regrettably is no longer for the advancement of the attainable. youths in the region.

This according to him The vice-president is because people now encouraged youths to use prefer to eat rice and the internet positively as it drink tea with bread. is a goldmine of untapped “This has made the knowledge. south-west region not to He submitted that the be able to feed itself and 25 years plan which the this is a major challenge”. south-west region hoped He also cautioned the to adopt had become youths against involving necessary because within in various negative vices. that period of time, In his good will Nigeria would have message, the Governor of attained the 3rd or 4th Oyo state, Senator Abiola •(L-R) Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Chief of Staff to the Governor of Osun, Alhaji most populated country in Ajimobi stated that Gboyega Oyetola and Senator Mudashiru Hussain, during the Regional Youths Summit, at WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo, the world.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. youths have to be up and State Of Osun, on Wednesday.

In his address, the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, charged youths from the southThere was a positive change of mood among the government, particularly since the economic crisis arrangement was in line west Nigeria to identify categories of civil servants in the service of the Osun the Governor, Rauf that hit the states of the with the agreement with areas of needs, serve them government who have been receiving Modulated Aregbesola for standing federation began, workers the labour unions as a and thereby earn a decent Salaries since 2016 on Wednesday, as they began to by the agreement with the on level 1-7 have been viable alternative to the living. unions and receiving full payment, retrenchment of workers receive payment of full salary for the month of labour Aregbesola who was December 2018. fulfilling the promise to level 8-10 receiving 75 per in the state employment. the Chief Host said the pay full salary for the cent, while level 12 and The state Commissioner This was in pursuance Council (JNC) prior to the aim of the summit was to suspension of the strike month of December 2017. above as well as political for Finance, Mr Bola chart the course of to the agreement the state action workers embarked The workers confirmed office holders have been Oyebamiji confirmed that development for the government reached with on in late December. the receipt of bank alerts receiving 50 per cent of the state government has region. The governor also the Nigeria Labour Some of the workers for their full salary’s their pay. paid full salaries to all called on the youths to Congress (NLC), Trade payment.

The modulated salary categories of workers for gainfully engage Union Congress (TUC) were sighted jubilating It would be recalled that and commending the state the month of December and Joint Negotiation 2017.

CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME CHANGE OF NAME Noting that the That I formerly known That I formerly known That I formerly known That I formerly known administration of That I formerly known as MISS SHOTUNDE, as OKEOWO as OLANREWAJU Governor Rauf Aregbesola as ADEAGBO as POPOOLA WASIU BUKOLA FUNKE, now M I S I T U R A TOYIN ELIZABETH, is a government that is BASIRAT KEHINDE, OLANREWAJU, now OLUWABUKOLA, now wish to be known and now wish to be known and committed to the welfare now wish to be known wish to be known and wish to be known and addressed as MRS. addressed as of workers, he said the addressed as and addressed as addressed as BUSARI A G E G E N U S A O , FARAMADE TOYIN government was ready to ABDULKAREEM UTHMAN BASIRAT M I S I T U R A BUKOLA FUNKE. All ELIZABETH. All former stand by the agreement WASIU OLANREWAJU. KEHINDE. All former OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain documents remain valid. reached with the workers All former documents former documents remain documents remain valid. valid. General public Access Bank and General on the payment of salaries, valid.

G. T. Bank & General remain valid.

General General public should should take note. public should take note. public should take note. pensions and allowances. public should take note. take note.

Osun Workers Rejoice After Receipt Of Full December Salary

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A Forward Thrust In A New Year We commend the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the payment of full salaries for the month of December. This forward thrust has resulted in a positive change of mood in the state. The multiplier effect as people have started receiving text alerts from the state treasury has been pronounced.

The government is also to be commended for standing by the various agreements reached with the Unions. This is a fundamental testimony of the efficacy of the social contract which fundamentally binds the government with the populace and civil society.

In view of Nigeria’s lopsided quasi-federalism, the state government of Osun has had to carry out a delicate balancing act. The contractual obligations to its workforce has to be acknowledged, but at the same time the physical and social infrastructures have to be built to protect and enhance sustainability in development.

In this way, the government is protecting the future of another generation. It is a delicate balancing act. The figures are revealing. Out of total expenditures between 2010 and

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The contractual obligations to its workforce has to be acknowledged, but at the same time the physical and social infrastructures have to be built to protect and enhance sustainability in development. In this way, the government is protecting the future of another generation.

2017, N60 billion representing 23% went on infrastructure and N200 billion representing 77% went on salaries and pensions.

Ogbeni Aregbesola must be commended for his ingenuity in balancing competing needs. He has very sensibly acted not as a

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politician with an eye on the next election, but as a statesman in the interests of generations yet unborn. The verdict of history on his tenure will be very positive.

As the administration winds down with elections

Strike: Osun Workers And Their Commendable Magnanimity

The State of Osun workers’ bodies and their resolution to suspend the strike they recently embarked on is worthy of commendation as it portrays how wonderful, patriotic, dutiful, and sensitive they are. The horrors of the strike would have negatively affected the youthful infrastructure, welfarism, meaningful revolution currently going on in the state.

The cynical dreams and hopes of mediocres were dashed as their expectations that the strike would collapse the Rauf administration’s green revolution and last for at least the next eleven (11) months crushed the crushers.

When late Chief Obafemi Awolowo ruggedly carried out similar socio-economic liberation in the old Western Region, he did not carry the windfalls to Ikenne or to his family backyard.

When Chief Bisi Akande blessed the Osun State with state-of-heart

edifice Secretariat at Abere, he did not carry the outputs and the blessings to Ila-Orangun or to his family house.

Today, the two are legends of rare humanity and breeds both in Nigeria and Africa.

Therefore, we need to appreciate the courage of this Ijesa-born and welfarism infrastructural revolutionist for his sterling leadership quality, his strength and ability to turn Osun from

crawling state to a flying and blossoming economy; hardly experienced in any state of the federation.

We members of “KOLAPO AGBELE TRUST FUND F O U N D A T I O N (KATRUF)” a newly formed NGO from

Atakunmosa West Local Government hereby epitomised the level of understanding of these entire patriotic workers, their sterling leadership bodies that suspended the strike at this stage and time Nigeria is passing through the cloud of dust.

There can be no development without sacrifices and pains. All we need rest on patience, cooperation, courage and endurance to cross the

shaky bridge of doom.

There is a step further, which is their endurance till the very end.

The current level of growth and development in Osun is far beyond the intelligent scope of power hustlers and mediocres.

And the kind of journey in Osun is not globally new for advanced countries like Japan, South Korea, India etc. that had passed through similar problems in their unending ventures to become a globally admired state today.

We need to give Ogbeni wholesome gratitude which is the best attitude for his sterling performance instead of abuses by the cynical critiques that are not potentially gifted to build but are only blessed to destroy.

Let us join hands to build a “New State of Osun,” where exists beautiful hope for future leaders, generation to generation.

The state government should please abide by the agreement reached with union leaders without any minus. It is the rightful steps to usher in hope, peace, sanity and continuous progress in the New Year 2018.

•KOLAPO AGBELE,

slated for September 22, 2018 we should be of good cheer. The decisive gains in infrastructure must be protected.

The state of Osun is at ease with itself and is one of the most peaceful in the country. The state is also the second highest in terms of the h u m a n development index. Starting from an excruciatingly low base, Aregbesola h a s incontrovertibly declared a dividend of democracy in a very difficult economic climate.

History therefore beckons on Aregbesola to use his acknowledged political skills and managerial sagacity in order to ensure continuity. The government to be elected on the 22nd of September must be committed to carrying the progressive agenda to the next level. The people of Osun deserve this and every single individual must assist in order to ensure that there is no backsliding to a discredited old ways.

OSUN DEFENDER

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MAGAZINE FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Analysing A ‘Budget Of Enduring Legacy’ On December 28, 2017, The Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola presented the 2018 Draft Budget in the sum of N173,980,083,007 before the State House of Assembly, presided over by the Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam. The budget presentation was the last fiscal journey of the incumbent administration which would end on November 26, 2018. KAZEEM MOHAMMED was at the budget presentation and he writes.

So far, Governor Rauf Aregbesola had presented eight budget estimates before the State of Osun House of Assembly, out of which seven had been passed and executed at various percentages, while the eighth one is pending before the parliament. The last budget, meant for the 2018 fiscal year was presented on the 28th of December 2017 and tagged ‘Budget of Enduring Legacy’.

The draft budget as presented before the parliament was N173,980,083,007.

The estimate is 16 per cent higher than the 2017 approved budget which stood at N146,632,746,980.

The budget presentation was in compliance with •Governor Rauf Aregbesola presenting the 2018 budget Section 121 (1) of the estimate before the House of Assembly.

1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, as administration had recorded in those amended, which states that “The various sectors and sub-sectors of the Government shall cause to be prepared economy in the last seven years. It was and laid before the House of Assembly also to leave an enduring legacy for the at any time before the commencement State in line with the policies and of each financial year, estimates of the programmes of his administration, revenues and expenditures of the State bearing in mind that it was going to be for the following year”. the last budget to be presented by his The recurrent expenditure of the administration. proposed balanced budget of ‘Enduring Legacy’ is N85,105,590,726 representing 49 per cent of the total estimate, and Capital Expenditure N88,874,492,281 representing 51 per cent of the budget.

The ratio seems to be in line with recommendations by various experts that government should ensure that capital expenditure is higher than recurrent expenditure in the budget as a yardstick to guarantee development.

Governor Aregbesola said that the 2018 budget was to consolidate all the various achievements his

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Integral Action Plan of our administration; and has also been p a c k a g e d towards ensuring achievements of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) in the state in line with the national economic policy and international best practices”.

“Our ultimate goal for the 2018 Budget is to ensure a continuous improvement in the welfare and standard of living of our people.

This will be achieved by consolidating the p r e v i o u s achievements of t h i s administration •The Speaker of the House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem and doing Salaam, during the presentation of the draft budget. everything possible to recover the lost glory of the The budget, Aregbesola said, was state. Thus, the 2018 budget has been “equally targeted towards ensuring the carefully packaged to ensure the completion of all the ongoing projects effective realisation of our vision as as much as we can and with a view to encapsulated in our Six-Point Integral bringing about continuous Action Plan. improvement in the socio-economic “It is important to intimate this august wellbeing of the people of Osun. Like Assembly that the preparation of the the previous years’ budgets, the 2018 2018 Budget has been very budget is in line with the Six-Point participatory. Relevant inputs were sourced and received from various stakeholders across the state in order to enhance the quality of the Budget”, the governor said.

The breakdown of the proposed revenue of the budget, shows that the government is expecting, N27,064,054,430 (15.56) as government share of FAAC; government share of VAT, N8,870,044,300 (5.10); government share of Excess Crude Account, N77,780,840 (0.04); other revenue from •Continued on page 6

The preparation of the 2018 Budget has been very participatory. Relevant inputs were sourced and received from various stakeholders across the state in order to enhance the quality of the Budget”

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MAGAZINE

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Analysing A ‘Budget Of Enduring Legacy’ •Continued from page 5 FAAC, N5,052,679,630 (2.90); personal taxes, N25,142,496,000 (14.45); corporate taxes, N9,713,000,000 (5.58); licenses – general, N1,599,640,000 (0.92); fees – general, N20,863,528,350 (11.99); fines – general, N182,085,000 (0.10); sales – general, N2,258,594,450 (1.30); earnings –general, N3,683,227,100 (2.55); rent on government buildings – general, N335,776,500 (0.19); rent on land & others – general, N279,085,000 (0.16); repayment-general, N26,025,957,907 (14.96); investment income, N462,950,000 (0.27); interest earned, N60,458,590 (0.03); re-imbursement general, N632,800,000 (0.36); domestic aids N5,749,000,000 (3.30); foreign aids, N795,607,070 (0.46); domestic grants, N7,979,390,530 (5.59); foreign grants, N4,381,500,000 (1.52). The current year receipt totaled, N151,955,945,697 (87.34). Under Financing Of Specific Projects By Other Capital Receipt, the expected revenue from internal source, is N1,500,000,000 (0.86), external source N20,524,137,310 (11.80), totaling N22,024,137,310. Therefore, the total projected fund available for the implementation of the budget is N173,980,083,007.

Table 1: Summary Of The Draft 2018 Revenue Budget

Table 3

On the capital expenditure on sectoral basis, the administrative sector would gulp N10,298,104,640 (11.59); economic sector N60,362,255,770 (67.92); law and justice sector N902,939,500 (1.02); regional sector, N15,000,000 (0.11) and social sector N17,211,192,371 (19.37). However, the economic sector takes the largest part of the capital budget with 67.92 per cent, followed by social sector with 19.37 per cent, administrative sector with 11.59 per cent, law and justice sector with 1.02 per cent and regional sector with 0.11 per cent.

Based on functions, the general public services will gulp N24,481,246,820 (27.55); public order and safety N1,334,191,720 (1.50); economic affairs N35,724,119,520 (40.20); environmental protection N969,737,950.00 (1.09); housing and community amenities N9,854,451,660 (11.09); health N2,611,873,680 (2.94); recreation, culture and religion N302,498,830 (0.34); education N12,504,590,629 (14.07); social protection N1,091,781,472 (1.23).

The analysis of the budget has shown that the government is more committed to the economic sector as the estimated budget projects the government readiness to embark on policies and programmes that would revamp the economy and in return banish poverty, banish unemployment and banish hunger among the people of the state.

It would be recalled that the 2017 budget of N146,632,746,980 was

targeted at achieving a similar purpose to enable government execute certain vital projects and programmes that could improve the wellbeing of the people, but the governor, while presenting the 2018 estimates said, “arising from the volatile nature of the international oil market which has resulted in the low price of crude oil, dwindling revenue of the State and limitation in the capacity of the state government to obtain internal and external facilities as a result of the stringent Federal Government of Nigeria/CBN regulations; and the unimpressive performance of our IGR, our intention to achieve 100 per cent implementation of the budget was greatly hampered.

“This development therefore makes it inevitable that there is the urgent need to depend less on allocations from Federation Accounts and concentrate efforts on how to grow the IGR. At this juncture, I need to solicit the support and cooperation of all the good people of the state to ensure that they fulfil their civic responsibilities by way of payment of all taxes and levies due to the state government. This is of absolute importance if we are to implement our budget”, Aregbesola restated.

EDUCATION A total sum of N12,504,590,629, representing (14.07) of the total budget is estimated for the education sector which was described by the governor as the key to sustainable development. Based on this, any serious government that is desirous of transforming the State into an economic haven will not joke with education.

The governor said, since coming on board, his administration has not relented in its avowed resolve to revamp the education sector from the rot it inherited, saying, “we have since taken giant strides to re-construct and re-structure the education sector in order to restore quality and promote functional education at all levels in the state.

He recalled that the state under his administration operates a free Primary and Secondary Education and in addition provides Opon Imo (Computer Tablets) and other required instructional materials to pupils and students in all Public Schools.

Apart from this, the improvement in the nutritional and health status of pupils being fed through Osun Elementary School Feeding Programme (O-MEALs) has helped to improve the production capacities of farmers, suppliers of farm produce and has empowered many women who were appointed Food Vendors by the State.

He also said, in order to improve the staffing situation in schools and considering the paucity of fund at the disposal of the Government, there will be

deployment of Public Servants with teaching qualifications in some core subjects, in line with the on-going unification policy of the State Government, while the system of engaging Youth Corps members in the teaching of students will continue.

The governor noted that his administration, through the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) in collaboration with the Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Abuja and the Education Tax Fund (now Tertiary Education Tax Fund (TETFUND) has completed the construction of six Model High Schools, 20 Elementary Schools and 22 Middle Schools. More than 50 per cent of the schools under construction have been completed and commissioned while others are at various stages of completion will be completed before the expiration of his administration in November 2018.

Aregbesola who hinted that adequate provisions have been made for the sector in the 2018 budget, noted that the administration will remain irrevocably committed to the joint ownership and co-funding of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso and the College of Health Sciences, Osogbo with the Oyo State Government, just as he stressed that “we will continue, as usual, to meet our financial obligations to the higher institution in the 2018 fiscal year within the limit of available resources.

HEALTH A total sum of N2,611,873,680 (2.94) is budgeted for the health sector in the 2018 budget estimates to compliment the remarkable achievements made by the government so far in the areas of infrastructural development, improvement in the health equipment status in our hospitals, and distribution of medical consumables and capacity building through sponsorship of health workers on further studies.

The governor said, in line with our vision, we are prepared to continue to save our people from avoidable deaths due to emergencies, poverty, and inadequate health facilities, saying, the administration will ensure increased accessibility to qualitative •Continued on page 10

Percentage of the Total Revenue (%) The analysis above showed that the government is expected to finance the 2018 budget largely with Internally Generated Revenue, particularly from taxes – personal and corporate – and other levies and fees. This is an indication that for the government to be able to carry out its projection for the year, all stakeholders must perform their civic responsibilities through payment of taxes, levies and dues.

On the projected expenditure for the year, Personnel Cost is N33,367,229,660 (19.18); CRFC (Personnel), N9,183,139,080 (5.28); other recurrent – overhead, N14,527,340,146 (8.35); CRFC (Overhead), N28,027,881,850 (16.11); Assets/Capital, N76,507,826,281 (43.98); CRFC (Capital), N12,366,666,000 (7.11), all totaling N173,980,083,007, making it a balanced budget.

•Osun APC Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famoodun; former Osun Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Wale Afolabi and House of Representatives member from Ifelodun/Odo-Otin/Boripe federal constituency, Yinka Ajayi, at the presentation of the budget.

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COMMUNITY

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Council Boss Distributes Empowerment Materials, Household Items The Executive Secretary, Egbedore South Local for his efforts on Ido construction of Aje MKO Abiola Council Development Area of the State of Osun, Osun, particularly on the International Market and International Airport in Mr. Adekola Ajao has distributed empowerment materials and household items to some of the residents of the council.

According to a give their full support to statement by the his management team Information Officer of the and the administration of council, Mrs. Iyabo Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Adeniran, the materials at the state level.

The Chairman of the distributed include, Progressives grinding machines, All standing fans, televisions Congress (APC), Mr. set, power generating Fawande in his goodwill sets and some other message appreciated the materials at a council boss for the items g r o u n d b r e a k i n g distributed at this crucial ceremony in Ido-Osun, period of economy headquarters of the meltdown.

He appealed to all and council recently.

Presenting the sundry, to reciprocate the gesture by materials to the selected good beneficiaries, the council supporting the present boss said that the gesture administration, both at was meant to appreciate the local and state levels the immeasurable during the coming support of the people to election.

The party chairman the ruling party in the then charged members of state.

According to the the community to pray •Some of the materials distributed by the council’s Executive Secretary, Kola Ajao. council boss, he decided for Governor Aregbesola to purchase the distributed items with his monthly salaries in office as he was already used to The management team of the Oriade South Local this kind of gesture when he was the personal Council Development Area, in Ipetu-Ijesa, State of assistant to the Governor Osun has read riot act over the alleged failure of the authority of Joseph Ayo Babalola University on Sport Matters.

Noting that the gesture to comply with due processes in erecting structures was part of the and buildings in the university. fulfillment of his According to a guidelines when the promises to the people, statement by the officials of the Town he reaffirmed that he Information Officer of Planning and Land would not relent in his the council, Mrs. Services Department efforts to ensure that the people of the council Oladipupo Yemisi, the went on visitation to the council established that university on 7th enjoy dividends of the university authority August, 2017 to ascertain democracy.

He therefore enjoined failed to comply with the if the Buildings and in the approved. when the discovery was the residents of the stipulated Laws and Structures Planning Campus were duly The statement said made, the management council to continue to Town committee of the council made efforts by writing letters and holding The Executive Secretary, Obokun Local way to uplift the states of all the health facilities; several meetings with Government Council Area of the State of Osun, Nigeria as a nation, construction of 20 unit the JABU Authorities, Alhaji Asaolu Oladiran has reiterated the imploring members of market stalls at Ile Ayo, saying, no positive importance of Community Development the CDAs to continue Olorunsogo; distribution response has since been Associations (CDAs) towards guaranteeing cooperating with the of gift to all royal fathers received from the development at the grassroot, saying the government both at the and community leaders university.

The statement read: complementary roles being played by the various state and local level. during festivals; and CDAs go a long way to fastrack the desired The Executive commitment to staff “Joseph Ayo Babalola University is a Christiandevelopment.

Secretary later welfare. owned university At a gathering with c o m m u n i t y enumerated some of the At the occasion were located in Ikeji-Arakeji, a members of CDAs in the development council in a achievements of his members of the town in Oriade South council area, Oladiran community, he said administration in the last management committee: eulogised members to “without community six months among which Mr. Kolawole Sunday LCDA, Ipetu-Ijesa. The continue embarking on development, national are; construction of five Oluwole, Mr. Owoeye LCDA was created in the year 2015 by the viable self-help projects development becomes a boreholes, one each at Ebenezer, Mr. and continue playing mirage”. the five wards in the Ogunwuyi Babatunde, government of the State their complementary He added that the council; procurements Mr. Olajide Agbaje; of Osun and one of the role rather than relying complementary role and distribution of Council Manager, Mr. departments in the on government for played by the various thousand of cocoa Isaac Olayinka, heads of council area is the Town everything. c o m m u n i t y seedlings to farmers; departments, amongst Planning and Land Stressing the d e v e l o p m e n t procurements Services charged with and others. importance of associations go a long distribution of drugs to the responsibility of studying and granting approvals to buildings and structures erected within the Council Area.

“Consequent upon the above, some Officials of the Town Planning and Land Services Department with the executive committee members of the council went on visitation to JABU on 7th August, 2017 to ascertain if the buildings and structures •Executive Secretary, Obokun LG, Alhaji Ashaolu Oladiran (2nd right) and other officials of the council at the in the campus were duly approved in accordance meeting with Community Development Associations (CDAs).

Ido-Osun, all which he said would boost the economy of the area.

Oriade LCDA Kicks Over JABU's Non-compliance With Town Planning Laws

Obokun ES Advocates Participatory Community Development

with the stipulated Laws and Town Planning guidelines.

“Surprisingly, none of the buildings and structures within the campus of JABU had been approved as stipulated by law.

“The Executive Secretary, Oriade South LCDA, Hon. Felix Olaleye Aboge has therefore directed that this publication be made to inform the indigenes of the council of what is going on between the LCDA and JABU”, the statement read.

The council, according to the statement then appealed to the JABU authorities to cooperate with the government, with a view to ensuring that the council raises the required revenue that can be used to embark on meaningful projects for the citizens to enjoy the dividends of democracy.

It restated that the council management is committed to ensuring peace and harmony with all organisations and individuals within and outside the council, imploring the university management to have a rethink and come to an understanding with the council management.

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THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings State Of Osun Commissioner Of Police, Mr Olafimihan Adeoye And Other Top Police Officers Paid A Courtesy Visit To Governor Rauf Aregbesola At The Government House, Osun State Project Coordinator (SPC) Photo: GBENGAA ADENIYI. FADAMA III, Dr. Ganiyu Adebowale Osogbo On Tuesday.

Shakirat Hooks Habib Ede Crystal Club Honours Osun FADAMA Chief

•The new couple, Mr and Mrs Habib Adebisi

The ancient town of Osogbo in the State of Osun was the host city of dignitaries, as Shakirat got married to his better half, Habib, son of Alhaji Adebisi in Iwo, State of Osun.

Saturday 16th of December would forever remain memorable in the annals of history for both the families of the couple as their Children, Shakirat and Habib graduated from spinsterhood and bachelorhood into the realm of solemnisation.

The engagement of the two love birds was held at the bride’s family residence in Osogbo, Osun State on Saturday 15th December, 2017 during which Adebisi family came forward with the formal proposal and items requested by the bride’s family to have their daughter’s hand in marriage.

The programme marking the

solemnisation of the Nikkah between Habib and Shakirat held on Saturday 16th December, 2017 at Mosab Mega Hall, Opposite NASFAT Prayer Centre, Osogbo.

Islamic Clerics, former Permanent Secretaries in the State •Dr. Ganiyu Adediji (middle), his wife (right) both recieving the award from the Timi of Edeland, Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, of Osun, some APC members and during the award presentation. other important dignitaries joined the congregation who witnessed how Habib and Shakirat were formally declared husband and wife.

The reception took place at the same venue of the Nikkah programme.

The atmosphere was frenzy, elation filled the air and the joy of the new couple was best encapsulated in the way they danced into the reception venue and acknowledged cheers and best wishes from their retinue of friends, guests, admirers and well wishers.

•Dr Adediji flanked by his wife (middle), traditional rulers and other personalities.

Adediji has been honoured with a Distinguished Personality (AWARD) of the year 2017 by the Ede Crystal Club.

It was a gathering of friends, relatives and co-worker of the awardee at the Blue Petals Hotel, Abere Road Ede where the event took place on the 30th December 2017 Among the personalities at the ceremony were, Professor Adeyinka Abideen Aderinto, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University of Ibadan, who was the guest lecturer; Dr. •Governor Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); Osun State Commissioner of Police, Mr Olafimihan Adetunji Oredipe, Task Team Leader Adeoye (right); The Aragberi of Iragberi, Dr Agbo Ademakanju (3rd left); The Orangun of FADAMA project, the World Bank Oke Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin (2nd left) and Oluwo of Iwo, Oba AbdulRasheed Akanbi.

Abuja; Chief Tayo Adewumi, FADAMA National Project Coordinator; Prince Surajudeen Abayomi Olagunju, New Jersey U.S.A; Star Adegoke Wasiu Adewale (Crystal Chief) and other distinguished personality.

The Timi of Edeland, Oba Dr. Munirudden Adesola Lawal was the Royal Father of the day, while the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi was the Royal Guest of Honour Ede Crystal Club was established in 2007, not for political or religious purpose but for educational advancement, healthcare and youth •A cross section of Senior Police Officers. development for the benefit of the people of Ede. Regional Youths Summit. Theme: Productivity, ProsThe certificate of award was perity And Peace At WOCDIF Centre, Osogbo, State Of presented to Dr. Adediji by Oba Osun On Wednesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Adesola Lawal , while certificate of appreciation was presented to the guest lecturer by Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi.

Adedeji while appreciating the honour done on him said the award would further trigger him to do more towards the development of the people in all areas of human endeavour within his capacity.

•A cross section of National Youth Service Corp (NYSC) members at the programme.

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

•A cross section of invited guests at the event.

•The Olufi of Gbongan, Oba Adetoyese Oyeniyi presenting a plaque of appreciation to the •Dr Adediji (5th left) his wife (middle), Osun House of Assembly Members, representing Ede guest lecturer, Professor Adeyinka Aderinto, Deputy Vice Chancellor (Academic), University North constituency, Honourable Kamardeen Akanbi (4th left) and other guests. of Ibadan,

Spaces are available for your anniversaries such as weddings, house-warming and chieftaincy title ceremonies among other 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.

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

MAGAZINE

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Analysing A ‘Budget Of Enduring Legacy’

•(L-R) House of Representatives member from Irewole/Ayedaade/Isokan Federal Constituency, Ayo Omidiran; Osun APC Secretary, Rasaq Salinsile and the APC deputy state chairman, Alhaji Azeez Adesiji, at the budget presentation.

•Continued from page 6 healthcare services in all parts of the state by completion of all on-going projects and specifically ensuring that the renovations and upgrading of the 9 State Hospitals in the State are fully completed.

“In 2018, this administration will continue to provide essential drugs and medical consumables in all our hospitals at subsidised rate. The ‘O’ Ambulance Scheme, no doubt, has been used to save a lot of lives in situations of emergency in the State. More efforts will be made in the New Year to make the scheme more functional to achieve the purpose for its establishment.

Regarding Primary Health Care and Disease Control, a lot of intervention activities will continue to be carried out, including spraying of houses under the indoor Residual Spraying (IRS) in the Malaria Control Programme in three Pilot Local Government Areas, distribution of Insecticide Treated Nets to pregnant women and children as well as distribution of drags tables to health facilities, as well as awareness and sensitisation programmes for the control of diseases like malaria, Avian Flu, Tuberculosis HIV/AIDS, Monkey Pox etc.

“Regarding LAUTECH Teaching

it is the plan of his administration that the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) committee will commence preparation for the engagement of another batch of the 20,000 volunteers for the scheme very soon.

Hospital, Osogbo, the government will continue to perform its statutory responsibilities towards the Institution as it has always been doing. LAUTECH Teaching Hospital is a Centre of Excellence known for the provision of quality tertiary health services to the people of the State of Osun in particular and Nigeria as a whole. It needs to be mentioned that through innovation and ingenuity of the management of the hospital, we now produce oxygen which is used locally within the hospital as well as for sale to other health care providers. The hospital has also begun production of essential drugs and consumables”.

AGRICULTURE AND RURAL DEVELOPMENT Osun, being an agrarian economy with arable fertile soil, can only move forward positively by revolutionising KEEP INTEGRITY ALIVE agriculture and the governor said, his INITIATIVE (KIAN) administration will This is to inform the general public that the above named continue to put INITIATIVE has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under pact “c” of the companies and allied agriculture on the front matters act 1990. burner of the state The trustees are: economy, as it would not 1.

Alhaji Liad Tella only provide 2.

Mr Moses Akinola employment for the 3.

Mr Sonny Ajayi 4.

Mr Dele Ajayi teeming masses, it will 5.

Mr Ayo Ogundijo also encourage rapid The aim and objectives of the association: a g r o - a l l i e d 1.

To promote the collective integrity of our country, industrialisation of the Nigeria.

2.

To engage in serious campaign for integrity in state, generation of governance, business, sports and other national life. income and improved 3.

To praise and acknowledge those who comply with welfare of the citizenry. international best practice in governance and positions of Aregbesola said, in the leadership particularly in business and other facets of national 2018 fiscal year, the state life.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to government will the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, continue to commit TIGRIS crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, resources to promote and within 28 days of this publication. encourage robust Signed investments in SECRETARY.

Agriculture, saying new projects and programmes to serve emerging needs of agriculture as a business would be considered. Among the projects to be considered are: Development of three abattoirs and cattle markets in Osogbo, Iwo, Ilesa/Ife in the State of Osun in order to ensure the consumption of wholesome meat by the populace and also to grow IGR; collaboration with International Institute of Tropical Agriculture (IITA) to enhance distribution of improved varieties of crops and uplifting agriculture from peasantry to commercial farming; encouraging Public-Private Partnership (PPP) through CBN-NIRSAL Anchor Borrower Programme (ABP) in the running of the Agriculture Projects to enhance sustainability and overcome constraints associated with meeting budgetary expectation.

Others are expansion of Fish Farm Estate to squarely address animal protein deficiency in the diet of our people. Interested Fish Farmers shall be allocated land space for fish pond construction including Service Providers in the area of Hatchery, Feed Mill and Fish Processing Establishments in the Estate; assisting farmers in the areas of Agricultural Mechanization, deployment of new technology, Soil testing and food laboratories in order to reduce drudgery and youth aversion to agriculture as well as boost the productivity of agricultural factors of production, among others.

INDUSTRIALISATION, FINANCE, INDUSTRY, COMMERCE AND COOPERATIVES SECTOR Given the importance attached to this sector a sum of N60,238,255,770 has been allocated to sector in the draft 2018

Budget.

The sub-sectors under this sector are: Transportation (Works) Having recognised road construction and maintenance as pivotal in the achievement of economic, social and political goals, the governor said his administration is determined, with all patriotic zeal, to increase the tempo of construction and rehabilitation and maintenance works within the 9 Federal Constituencies of the state. He hinted that there had been massive construction and rehabilitation of over 1500km of Intercity and Intra-city roads, including an appreciable kilometres length of rural and Local Government roads across the length and breadth of the State where several billions of naira had been committed.

In a bid to salvage the State from the scourge of poor road networks and with total commitment to the security of lives of citizenry, he said his administration has taken a giant stride to embark on the dualisation of Gbongan–Akoda Dual carriage way, Adebisi Akande Trumpet interchange Bridge and Osogbo (Old Garage)–Ikirun–Ila–Odo– Erinle–Kwara State Boundary, while the construction of MKO Abiola International Airport at Ido–Osun is currently on–going which is first of its kind in the history of the State.

The governor who emphatically said that his administration would do everything possible to complete all its ongoing projects across the state, was categorical that Oba Adesoji Aderemi Osogbo East Byepass road would be completed before he leaves office in November.

Industrialisation The State Government had entered into a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with a foreign firm for the resuscitation and sustainable operation of Cocoa Products Industry, Ede. Full operation is expected to commerce at the factory very soon. All necessary and preliminary works had been carried out for the establishment of three factories at the Omoluabi Free Trade Zone, Abere, in Ede North Local Government Area of the State.

Other sub-sectors are finance, commerce among others.

YOUTHS, SPORTS AND SPECIAL NEEDS Aregbesola said it is the plan of his administration that the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) committee will commence preparation for the engagement of another batch of the 20,000 volunteers for the scheme very soon. The OYES since inception, has attracted accolades and commendation from both far and near.

The World Bank has adopted the scheme as a template for youth empowerment all over the world. The Federal Government of Nigeria has fashioned Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) and You-Win after of OYES. The laudable scheme, which provided instant employment to 20,000 unemployed agile youths of the state is designed to be a rolling scheme so that many youths of the State will benefit from the initiative. The volunteers on the scheme are expected to disengage after two years of participation to give opportunity for another batch.

Aregbesola who assured that the 2018 Budget will be objectively and faithfully implemented appealed to all and sundry to continue to cooperate with his government in the arduous task of remoulding the state by always performing their civic responsibilities, saying, “the welfare of our people will continue to be accorded top priority, our activities will continue to be guided by the highest regard for the people of the state.

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

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11

Pornography In Our Society Today Pornography is the portrayal of sexual subject matter for the purpose of sexual arousal. Pornography may be presented in a variety of media, including books, magazines, postcards, films, paintings, sculptures, videos and video games.

The primary subjects of present day pornography are pornographic models, who pose for still photographs, and pornographic actors or so called porn stars, who perform in pornographic films. If dramatic skills are not involved, a performer in a porn film may also be called a model.

It’s not a news that porn viewing has become a normal act on the most used gadgets which are readily accessible get within view minutes.

Various groups within the society have considered depictions of a sexual materials and content as immoral, addictive, and noxious, and attempting to have them surpassed under obscenity and other laws, with varying degrees of success.

Now, irrespective of the legal, social and religion perspectives of pornography, it has been used in a number of contexts. It is used for example, at fertility clinics to stimulate sperm donors.

Some couples use pornography at times for sex variety and to create a sexual interest or as part of foreplay.

The effects of pornography on individuals or in relationships differ and are often unclear.

Pornography’s association with addiction with regard to Domestic violence basically means a violent or aggressive behaviour within home or typically involving the violent abuse of a spouse or partner. It is a violation of a person’s fundamental human rights, which the Nigerian constitution forbids. A prohibition act [The Violation Against Persons Prohibition Bill (VAPP)] was passed by Nigeria House of Representatives and the Senate in 2013 and May 2015 respectively. The act came as a result of agitations for protection of persons against different forms of violence.

Violence, both at the home front and the larger society, is fast becoming a trend recently in Nigeria and it has to be curbed. Daily, there are reports of people killing or maiming their spouses; or a scorned lover pouring acid on ex-lover; or someone being forcefully taken away from his/her family and loved ones.

However, under the VAPP Act, we have laws covering issues like rape, spousal battery, forceful ejection from home, forced financial dependence or economic abuse, harmful widowhood practices, female circumcision, or genital mutilation, abandonment of children, harmful traditional practices, harmful substance attacks such as acid bath, political violence, etc. The perpetrators claim that traditionally, in Nigeria, the beating of wives and children is widely sanctioned as discipline. Therefore, in beating their children, parents believe they are instilling discipline in them. It is the same some husbands beat their wives.

Yes, in actual fact, some women force their husbands to anger, but that must not translate to laying of hands or other form of attacks as punishment or correctional measure. Gbenga Kola, a resident of Ile-Ife, Osun State, said his culture abhors violence against

Sex & Life

By Damilola Ojenike Twitter: @d_real_dee Instagram: life_of_dee_ E-mail: damilolaojenike@gmail.com

‘

The danger of pornographic use isn’t about right and wrong. It’s about the effects that pornography has on the user and the effects it has on the loved ones of the user.

examinations of possible effects such as domestic violence, rape, child sexual abuse, some basic studies

’

conclude that the liberation of pornography in society may be associated with drop in rape and

Domestic Violence

other sexual violence rates, suggest no effect, or are inconclusive.

The danger of pornographic use isn’t about being right and wrong.

It’s about the effects that pornography has on the user and the effects it has on the loved ones of the user.

Pornography has both positive and negative effects.

These are some of the negative effects: Porn means you can’t get aroused by “just” your spouse, porn wrecks your libido, makes you sexually lazy.

Most times, porn turns making love into a foreign concept, makes regular intercourse seem boring and causes selfishness.

Also let’s remember: Too often we tell teenagers not to use porn because it is a sin, and they are not supposed to lust. I think the society should start telling them these ten words: “If you want amazing sex when you’re older, don’t use porn now”. If you do, you are setting yourself up for a world of hurt. Everything needs a balance.

LAW & U WITH

DEBBIE OBASA

women.

Most times, women are mostly the victims of domestic violence, hence, the need to put domestic violence issues in the front burner of discussions and consider what the law says about it. 25% of women reported forced sex cases in the hands of either their partner or a former partner. Also, the 2014 Demographic and Health survey showed that over 50.5% of married women have experienced at least one or more forms of physical, emotional or sexual violence in their marriage. Relationship inequalities is also a strong indicator of physical violence. REASONS OR EXCUSES THAT GIVEN FOR PHYSICAL ABUSE 1) High level of wife beating occurs when the woman is making more money than her husband, or partner.

2) Husbands being drunk.

3) Financial issues

4) Rejection of partner sexual advances 5) Hereditary 6) Husbands who are very controlling or highly tempered.

Another form of rampant recently in Nigeria is The Acid Bath. Acid bath is an act of violence where the perpetrator throws acid onto his or her victims body, resulting to disfigurement and possible loss of eye sight. Acid bath is a social ill that needs to be immediately addressed.

The Osun State House of Assembly has passed the Anti-Domestic Violence Bill, 2013, into law. House Leader Timothy Owoeye (Ilesha East) moved the motion for its passage and it was seconded by the Deputy Chief Whip, Akin Taiwo Adeyemi at plenary. The Speaker, Najeem Salaam, said the law protects women and other vulnerable people from all forms of domestic abuses, such as battery and denial of their rights.

He urged the Ministry of Information and Strategy to sensitise residents on the law. Meanwhile, provision of penal code applicable in the Northern part of Nigeria specifically encourages violence against women. Underneath its provisions, the beating of a wife for the purpose of correction is legal by use of section 55(1) (d) of the penal code.

The penalty for such acts under Section 19 (1)of the Violence against Persons Acts 2015 prohibits spousal battery and provides thus: “a person who batters his or her spouse commits an offence and is liable on conviction to a term of imprisonment not exceeding 3years or to a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both. The law further states that an attempt to commit the act of spousal battery also attract imprisonment not exceeding 1year or a fine not exceeding N100,000 or both. Inciting another to commit the offence also attracts a jail term not exceeding 2years or a fine not exceeding N200,000 or both.

It is unfortunate that despite the enactment of laws prohibiting domestic violence against women, it still occurs by the day and not all of these are being reported, hence the need for enlightenment in this regard.

If you know anyone who is a victim of domestic violence, share this with them, support them, you could be saving their lives as all forms of it should be reported to security officials.

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NEWS

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FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Osun Position As Second Wealthiest State Justifies Aregbesola's Financial Prudence The recent report of the Financial Derivatives Company (FDC) that ranked Osun as the second wealthiest state in Nigeria in 2017 has been described as the manifestation of delivery of good governance

by Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

Osun was declared as the second wealthiest amongst its peers in the country.

Speaking on the d e v e l o p m e n t , Commissioner for Information and Strategy

in the state, Mr Adelani Baderinwa said the report was a sincere and professional assessment of economic activities and development in the state in terms of income and expenditure and how it

positively affects the people in general.

According to Baderinwa, Osun could not have been rated less going by the prudence and judicious management of the little resources accruable to the state by Aregbesola, who has demonstrated to be a good and prudent manager of resources.

The FDC in a report

released by its Managing Director, Bismark Rewane titled: “How the States Performed in 2017,” on Tuesday said in one of the top three economic analysts in Nigeria, Osun had the lowest net Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) allocation but was not delinquent in the payment of salary arrears.

Osun, according to the

Osun Speaker, Ex-Commissioner Make Case For Community-based Development

By Shina Abubakar The Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam has called on indigenes of communities in the state of Osun to always rally round their origin to endear development to the rural areas.

He stated this at the celebrating a day in the Masifa-Ile Day name of a community celebration held at the offers a platform for the Community Grammar sons and daughters of such community to meet School in the town.

He disclosed that the and discuss issues to the development of ancient relating communities is a development of the collective responsibility community and its of all the indigenes of people.

He admonished the such community, saying government alone cannot affluent indigenes of different communities in take charge of developing every the state to always rally round and participate in settlements in the state. capable of Salaam disclosed that issues

bringing development to their respective communities.

Similarly, the former Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State, Oluomo Sunday Akere stated the need for indigenes of every community to get involved in the process of building the rural areas, saying it is no longer tenable to rely on government for development of all the nooks and crannies of the state.

He said the Yoruba tradition harps on communal effort towards developing the various communities prior to the

advent of colonialism and sought a return to the system in the face of the reality that government cannot provide all the need of its people.

Akere charged the teeming populace in the state to always cooperate with any sitting governor in order for development to take root in their various communities, stressing that development can only be achieved in peaceful atmosphere.

The highlight of the event is the various family compounds paying homage to the ruler of the town and praying for his long reign.

report, is the second best in the measured “Misery Index” with a 16.37 per cent inflation rate, which also sums up with the rate of under-employment and unemployment.

The report noted that despite the financial quagmire all states across the federation experienced in the last financial year, the ingenuity of the Modulated Salary Structure by the state government yielded positive results.

Baderinwa maintained that the projects, programmes and policies being put in place by Aregbesola have no doubt developed the economy of the state, improve the wellbeing of the people and guarantee security of life and properties.

He said: “The FDC report is a welcome development; it actually reflects the social and economic development in the state. This type of report is coming for the fourth time in six months from veritable and independent sources – the first from the United Nations (UN) MultiDimensional Poverty Index 2016, second from the National Bureau of

Statistics, the Renaissance Capital, a leading emerging markets investment bank in Africa and now the FDC Misery Index 2017.

“We make bold to say that all the three reports, the last of which is that of the FDC, confirmed Aregbesola’s ingenuity, vision and ceaseless efforts in transforming the State of Osun to an Eldorado, socially, economically and in terms of infrastructure.

“Programmes like Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) which provides job for 40,000 youths, Osun Free School Feeding progamme named ‘O MEAL’ which employs over 3334 women who prepare meals for the school children, Osun Rural Enterprise and Agricultural Program (ORAEP), designed to empower the farmers have contributed immensely to the development of the state.”

Baderinwa said Osun economy will in no time receive boost when the $30.5million contract won by the Osun RLG/ Adulawo Technology Company for the supply of Terrestrial Broadcast Set Top Boxes flows into the market.

A Challenge To All Youths In The New Year Truth Of The Matter with I open the new year, 2018 with these admonitions to our youths who are the leaders of tomorrow, who will take Osun to the next level.

This admonition is coming days after the hosting of a youth summit by Osun Government.

“Those who have ears, let them listen...I challenge Nigerian youth to wriggle out of their foolishness and docility by being determingly creative, i.e to Think out of the box…to achieve greatness!!!

- Hon. Ahmed Ipoola Omisore, ex MHA, Lagos State.

“My Dear Nigerian Youths, I am very angry and that is why I am addressing you.

You are the source of my anger and I want to vent my spleen- maybe not at you directly- but at the arrogance of your ignorance.

You sit in front of a computer and rant all day through social media but with every click, you make money – not for yourself – but for Mark Zuckerberg (Facebook).

With every megabyte of data you spend complaining and maligning, you make stupendous bucks for Etisalat, Glo, Airtel and MTN. Over the next two years, the number of Nigerian millionaires will jump by 47% but most likely, you will not be among because you are too busy whining and complaining, yet, about 60% of Nigeria’s 170m population are below 35 years. Oh, what a waste! By the way, Mark Zuckerberg was 19 when he started Facebook.

Africa’s youngest billionaire, Ashish Thakkar, is 31. He escaped from the Rwandan genocide and relocated to Uganda where he started an IT business.

Collin Thornton, who made his millions by fixing bad computers and setting up Dial-a-Nerd, is 35.

Adam Horowitz, an 18-year-old entrepreneur, started 30 websites in 3 years before he became successful.

The only thing you have ever started is an online petition. Have you heard of Jason Njoku? He’s 33 and the founder

AYEKOOTO ayoakinola444@gmail.com

Stop listing all the problems – we know them already but what are you doing about them?

•LINDA IKEJI of Iroko TV. He received $8m investment into his company just a few years ago. What he does? Sharing the same Nollywood films that you spend hours to watch online. He didn’t just hang around waiting for Buhari to make something happen or blaming Jonathan for not making anything happen.

Kamal Budhabhatti was deported from Kenya but while on the flight, he thought of the opportunities in Kenya.

He found his way back after 6 months and today his company is valued at $30m. He’s 36.

Have you heard of Chinedu Echeruo?

Apple just paid $1b for his app. He’s a Nigerian like you and all he did was attempt to fix a problem. But for you, the only thing you attempt to fix are your nails- and your hairdo! Chinedu

moved to New York in 1995 and found it difficult to navigate the city with ease so he developed HopStop to fix the problem.

Stop listing all the problems – we know them already but what are you doing about them?

Awolowo was 37, Akintola was 36, Ahmadu Bello was 36, Tafawa Balewa was 34, Okotie-Eboh was 27 and Enahoro was 27 at the time of independence of Nigeria.

In 1966, the first coup was led by Kaduna Nzeogwu (29) and stopped by Murtala Mohammed (28), TY Danjuma (28), IBB (25), Sanni Abacha (23) and Shehu Yar’adua (23).

It brought in Yakubu Gowon as Head of State at 32 and Olusegun Obasanjo at 29.

You are in your 40s and you still sag your trousers.

Of course, you know Linda Ikeji.

You’ve spent hundreds of hours on her blog laughing and commenting while she smiles her way to the bank.

She’s just built a house for her father in the village- just by you clicking on her gossip and sharing.

Your day is not complete without a stop by at her blog. She was as broke as you are but she turned a hobby into a business.

Are you that void of understanding?

You think many of those politicians in the opposition have any regard for you?

That is why I referred to the arrogance of your ignorance at the beginning of this diatribe.

You have a false estimation of yourself. You have an over bloated ego.

You are only as good as an election ticket for them to hijack power – pure and simple. You are only good to be used and discarded like a used ballot paper. Who keeps a used ballot paper anyway? That is why they only remember you every four years”.

By Prof. Isa

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018 The festive period has passed but before and during the period, a lot of people had so much to eat and wine with much that the aftermath of this may end up causing more harm to their body than good.

While feasting, some folks may not have had the luxury of eating and drinking to their heart desire.

Some people may complain of stomach pain or vomiting after eating a little food.

The primary reasons for this could have been Peptic Ulcer Disease (PUD).

What are peptic ulcers?

Peptic ulcers are sores that develop in the lining of the stomach, lower esophagus, or small intestine. They are usually formed as a result of inflammation caused by the bacteria H. pylori, as well as from erosion from stomach acids. Peptic ulcers are a fairly common health problem.

There are three types of peptic ulcers.

These are: i.

Gastric ulcers: Ulcers that develop inside the stomach. ii.

Esophageal ulcers: Ulcers that develop inside the esophagus. iii.

Duodenal ulcers: Ulcers that develop in the upper section of the small intestines, called the duodenum.

Causes Of Peptic Ulcers Different factors can cause the lining of the stomach, the esophagus, and the small intestine to break down. These include: a.

Helicobacter pylori (H. pylori), a type of bacteria that can cause a stomach infection and inflammation. b.

Frequent use of aspirin (Bayer), ibuprofen (Advil), and other antiinflammatory drugs (risk associated with this behaviour increases in women and people over the age of 60). c.

Smoking d.

Drinking too much alcohol. e.

Radiation therapy. f.

Stomach cancer.

Symptoms Of Peptic Ulcers The most common symptom of a peptic ulcer is burning abdominal pain that extends from the navel to the chest, which can range from mild to severe. In some cases, the pain may wake you up at night.

Small peptic ulcers may not produce any symptoms in the early phases.

Other common signs of a peptic ulcer include:

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Peptic Ulcer

i.

Changes in appetite ii.

Nausea iii.

Bloody or dark stools. iv.

Unexplained weight loss. v.

Indigestion. vi.

Vomiting. vii.

Chest pain.

Diagnosis (Tests and exams for peptic ulcers) Two types of tests are available to diagnose a peptic ulcer. They are called upper endoscopy and upper gastrointestinal (GI) series.

Upper endoscopy: In this procedure, the doctor inserts a long tube with a camera down the throat and into the stomach and small intestine to examine the area for ulcers. This instrument also allows the doctor to remove tissue samples for examination.

Not all cases require an upper endoscopy. However, this procedure is recommended for people with a higher risk of stomach cancer. This includes people over the age of 45, as well as people who experience: anemia, weight loss,

gastrointestinal bleeding and difficulty while swallowing.

Upper GI: If you don’t have difficulty swallowing and have a low risk of stomach cancer, the doctor may recommend an upper GI test instead. For this procedure, you’ll drink a thick liquid called barium (barium swallow). Then a technician will take an Xray of the stomach, esophagus, and small intestine. The liquid will make it possible for your doctor to view and treat the ulcer.

Because H. pylori is one of the causes of peptic ulcers, the doctor will also run a test to check for this infection in your stomach.

Treatment (How to treat a peptic ulcer) Treatment will depend on the underlying cause of the ulcer. If tests show that there is a H. pylori infection, the doctor will prescribe a combination of medication.

The patient will have to take the medications for up to two weeks. The medications include antibiotics to help kill infections and proton pump inhibitors (PPIs) to help reduce stomach acid.

The patient may experience minor side effects like diarrhoea or an upset stomach from antibiotic regimens. If these side effects cause significant discomfort or don’t get better over time, the patient is advised to talk to their doctor.

If the doctor determines that there is absence of a H. pylori infection, they may recommend a prescription or over-thecounter PPI (such as Prilosec or Prevacid) for up to eight weeks to reduce stomach acid and help your ulcer heal.

Acid blockers like ranitidine (Zantac) or famotidine (Pepcid) can also reduce stomach acid and ulcer pain. These medications are available as a prescription and also over the counter in lower doses.

The doctor may also prescribe sucralfate (Carafate) which will coat the stomach and reduce symptoms of peptic ulcers.

Complications of a peptic ulcer Untreated ulcers can become worse over time. They can lead to other more serious health complications such as:

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO Perforation: A hole develops in the lining of the stomach or small intestine and causes an infection. A sign of a perforated ulcer is sudden, severe abdominal pain.

Internal bleeding: Bleeding ulcers can result in significant blood loss and thus require hospitalization. Signs of a bleeding ulcer include lightheadedness, dizziness, and black stools.

Scar tissue: This is thick tissue that develops after an injury. This tissue makes it difficult for food to pass through your digestive tract. Signs of scar tissue include vomiting and weight loss.

All three complications are serious and may require surgery. Patients are advised to seek urgent medical attention if they experience the following symptoms: sudden, sharp abdominal pain, fainting, excessive sweating, or confusion, as these may be signs of shock, blood in vomit or stool, abdomen that is hard to the touch, abdominal pain that worsens with movement but improves with lying completely still.

How to prevent peptic ulcers Certain lifestyle choices and habits can reduce your risk of developing peptic ulcers. These include: i. not drinking more than two alcoholic beverages a day. ii. not mixing alcohol with medication. iii. washing your hands frequently to avoid infections. iv. limiting your use of ibuprofen, aspirin, and naproxen (Aleve). v.

Maintaining a healthy lifestyle by quitting smoking cigarettes and other tobacco use and eating a balanced diet rich in fruits, vegetables, and whole grains will help you prevent developing a peptic ulcer.

Tackling Health Issues With Garlic (Ayuu) Garlic is a plant with packed health benefits. It is very strong and bitter but adds an unbelievable flavour to the cuisine. This miraculous herb has been used since time immemorial as a medicine to prevent or treat various diseases and conditions.

In Nigeria today, majority are dying and many are on sick beds, whereas garlic can be a solution to some of their sicknesses. LUKMAN USSEIN, Chairman, United Nigeria Herbalist Association, Laka/Abaolu Unit, Osogbo, State of Osun, looks into the health benefits of Garlic.

Cancer prevention Anti-bacterial and Anti-viral Garlic is most well-known for its antibacterial and anti-viral properties. They help control bacterial, viral, fungal, yeast and worm infections. Fresh garlic is thought to plays a role in preventing food poisoning by killing bacteria like E. coli, Salmonella enteritidis, etc.

To treat skin infections The chemical ajoene found in garlic may help treat fungal skin infections like ringworm and athlete’s foot.

Blood thinning The anti-clotting properties of ajoene found in garlic help in preventing the formation of blood clots in the body.

Reduces blood pressure Angiotensin II is a protein that helps our blood vessels contract thereby increasing the blood pressure. Allicin in garlic blocks the activity of angiotensin II and helps in reducing blood pressure.

The polysulphides present in garlic are converted into a gas called hydrogen sulphide by the red blood cells. Hydrogen sulphide dilates our blood vessels and helps control blood pressure.

Protects the heart Garlic protects our heart against cardiovascular problems like heart attacks and atherosclerosis. This cardioprotective property can be attributed to various factors. With age, the arteries tend to lose their ability to stretch. Garlic may help reduce this and may also protect the heart from the damaging effects of free oxygen radicals. The sulphur-containing compounds of garlic also prevent our blood vessels from becoming blocked and

slow the development of atherosclerosis (hardening of the arteries). The anticlotting properties of ajoene help prevent clots from forming inside the blood vessels.

Reduce cholesterol Garlic has the ability to moderately lower our blood triglycerides and total cholesterol and reduce arterial plaque formation.

Combat allergies Garlic is known to have antiinflammatory property. It can help the body fight against allergies. The antiarthritic property of garlic is due to diallyl sulphide and thiacremonone. Garlic has been shown to improve allergic airway inflammation (allergic rhinitis). Raw garlic juice may be used to immediately stop the itching due to rashes and bug

bites.

Remedy for respiratory problems Daily use of garlic might reduce the frequency and number of colds. Its antibacterial properties help in treating throat irritations. Garlic may also reduce the severity of upper respiratory tract infections. Its benefits in disorders of the lungs like asthma, difficulty of breathing, etc. make it a priceless medicine. Its ability to promote expectoration makes it irreplaceable in chronic bronchitis.

Diabetes Garlic increases insulin release and regulates blood sugar levels in diabetics.

Effective against warts and corns Applying fat dissolving garlic extracts to corns on the feet and warts on the hands is thought to improve these conditions.

Daily intake of garlic has been found to lower risk of most types of cancer. This anti-cancer property is due to allyl sulphides found in garlic. PhIP, a type of heterocyclic amine (HCA), has been associated with increased incidence of breast cancer among women. According to studies, diallyl sulphide found in garlic inhibits the transformation of PhIP into carcinogens.

Improves iron metabolism Ferroportin is a protein which helps in iron absorption and release. Diallyl sulphides in garlic increase production of ferroportin and h elp improve iron metabolism.

Stirs up passions Garlic’s aphrodisiac property is due to its ability to increase the circulation.

Toothaches Simply put some crushed garlic clove directly on the affected tooth can help relieve toothaches due to its antibacterial and analgesic properties. But be aware that it can be irritating to the gum.

Reduces weight Many researchers believe that obesity is a state of long-term low-grade inflammation. According to recent research, garlic may help to regulate the formation of fat cells in our body. Preadipocytes are converted into fat cells (adipocytes) through inflammatory system activity. The anti-inflammatory property of 1, 2-DT (1, 2-vinyldithiin) found in garlic may help inhibit this conversion. This may help prevent weight gain.

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NEWS

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

Home Affairs Commissioner Admonishes Residents, Civil Servants On Civic Responsibility

By Shina Abubakar The Commissioner for Home Affairs, Dr. Obawale Adebisi has charged residents of the State of Osun to always discharge their civic duties to the state as a means of boosting its economy in the face of numerous economic challenges facing the nation.

He disclosed this while government is not speaking with Journalists relenting in ensuring that at the annual New Year the dividends of prayer held to commence democracy get to every the new years at the State nook and cranny of the Secretariat complex in state with a view to the state. making life more He said the state abundant for its

Our 8 Years Would Be Memorable For Hygienic Culture - Osun First Lady

By Kehinde Ayantunji The Wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Mrs. Sherifat Aregbesola said that her husband’s eight years as governor would be memorable for unprecedented women and children development initiatives and promotion of sustainable hygienic culture across the state.

Mrs. Aregbesola said responsible for domestic and that various initiatives issues through her foundation, family consumptions and glory be to God, in Sheri Care Foundation (SCARF) has minimised the last seven years, our the spread of diseases and advocacy has positively promoted healthy living influenced their attitude in the state especially in and I can boldly say that an average mother in rural areas.

According to her, Osun understands what through regular hygiene means to his environmental sanitation family and the society”.

She explained further in the state and public that SCARF has equally e n l i g h t e n m e n t s reduced the prevailing pioneered by SCARF, trend of Female Genital clean and hygienic Mutilations (FGM) in the environment has become state which was a dominant culture adjudged to be the among the larger highest in Nigeria and populace in the state. further urged the people She said: “Hygienic of the state to abstain culture would be one of from such practices the enduring legacies of which she described as the present barbaric and abuse. administration, people The first lady then have seen the benefits urged parents to personally and prioritise the education collectively and to sustain of their children and stop the legacies, our advocacy all forms of abuse that target groups were may endanger the future mainly young children of their children and and nursing mothers to have them relegated to prevent cholera, typhoid, second fiddle in the malaria fever and other society.

Mrs. Aregbesola then diseases that are life promised to continue the threatening”.

“Women are important advocacy for child in this campaign because education and protection they are custodian of our after her husband might home and children, by have left office in our culture they are November 27 this year.

VACANCY

citizenry.

He said the people are the pillar from whom the state derives its strength in the face of damning economic realities in the last two years, craving for more cooperation from them in the new year.

Also, Dr Obawale commended the civil service for the tenacity and cooperation with the state government in the task of building a virile state despite the economic challenges across the country.

He admonished the civil servants in the state to continue to discharge their duties with honesty, integrity and be more committed to making life better for the teeming populace across the state.

According to the commissioner, the present administration in the state would not relent in its effort to transform the state to economic haven where the youth

could make their dream a reality, saying the foundation had been laid and would ensure it is a reality.

He added that the major reason the programme is sustained is the believe of the administration in the

efficacy of prayers to guide the path of both the residents of the state and its workforce, as well as the teeming political class to always do what is right for the development of the state.

It would be recalled that the state Governor,

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola led other political class, traditional rulers and civil servants on the first working day of the year to pray for peace and tranquility in the New Year before the civil servants return to their respective duty posts.

•A cross section of clerics during the inter-religious service for the new year 2018, at the Osun State Secretariat, Abere, recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Civil Engineers Laud Aregbesola On Infrastructural Development The Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has lauded Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun for committing the required percentage of the state’s resources on infrastructure development in the state.

According to the civil commitment to human engineers, the and capital A r e g b e s o l a ’ s developments in the administration met and state. exceeded the minimum Aribisala said the of six percent of its GDP present administration in recommended for Osun has raised the bar i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l of governance in all development. socio-economic sectors, The leadership of the particularly on Nigerian Institution of i n f r a s t r u c t u r e Civil Engineers gave the development. commendation in He acknowledged the Osogbo, the capital of the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s State of Osun at a public government for always lecture. making adequate Speaking on the theme budgetary provisions for of the conference: the maintenance of “Infrastructure infrastructure Development and Index sustainability since for National inception.

Development”, the According to him, the former Deputy Vice Osun state government Chancellor, Ekiti State has shown a very great University, Professor example of government Olugbenga Aribisala, funding on projects as the lauded Aregbesola’s state in the last seven years has been committing over 6% of the state’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) on infrastructure development. ”I want to state here unequivocally that Osun state has exceeded the minimum of 6 per cent of its GDP recommended for infrastructure developments.

“Since the diversification of the economy remains impossible without adequate infrastructure, there is need for government at all levels to make the required budgetary provisions for the maintenance of

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infrastructure development as being done in Osun.

“Obviously, the Osun state government has shown a very great example on how infrastructure should be properly and adequately funded by governments as the state has exceeded the minimum of six per cent of its GDP recommended for infrastructural development.

“As an institution involved in civil engineering policies and recommendations, we can rightly confirm that the seven years of the present administration in Osun has been full of numerous big civil e n g i n e e r i n g infrastructure projects across the state.

“We have been moving around Nigeria and have been to several states in the country, we have never seen a state like Osun with huge proliferation of infrastructure development in spite of her meager resources.

“The types of projects which we have seen in Osun are the types that students of civil engineering need to come and understudy because they are breath taking. ”I want to use this medium to appeal to both the federal and state governments to make budgetary provisions for the infrastructural sustainability”, Prof.

Aribisala noted.

Earlier in his remarks, the National President,

Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers, Engineer Andem Ekpo-Bassey, commended the level of infrastructure in the state, saying Osun has distinguished itself among its peers in developing infrastructure in all sectors of the economy.

“Without mincing words, I can tell you that you are very lucky in Osun to have a governor like Aregbesola who has decided to embark on the third type of project, which is targeted at human development.

“I can confidently tell you that Osun is on the right path to economic development, it may not have been happening today, but with what I have seen on ground, Aregbesola has secured the future for this state.

“Infrastructural development is the way to go if any economy wants to get out of the woods and be selfsustaining” Ekpo-Bassey said.

In his remarks, the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended the leadership of NICE for organising the Conference in the state.

Aregbesola who was represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Works and Transport, Engineer Nurudeen Adeagbo, encouraged engineers on the need for them to champion professional ethics and standards as they play a crucial role in national growth and development.

FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

CRIME

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Policeman Found Dead Near Sawmill Hours After Paying For Planks A policeman who was said to have on Tuesday paid for planks to be delivered on Wednesday was found dead beside the Onibueja sawmill, where he paid for the materials.

C i r c u m s t a n c e s the policeman from surrounding the death of provost section at the

Court Remands Man Over N166M Fraud

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin

Zone 11 headquarters of the Police in Osogbo, State of Osun, are unclear yet, but sources said he was seen at the sawmill in Osogbo where he paid for planks.

An Itel phone, a wrist watch and one ATM card were found on the corpse.

One of the residents of the area said, “We saw this man here yesterday.

He came to this sawmill to buy planks. He paid for the plank but he did not go with the planks.

The plank seller was expecting the man to come and carry the planks today. We are surprise to see his dead body this morning.”

The corpse was discovered by the operatives of the Nigeria Security and Civil

A 35-year old Adeyemi Ajiboye has been remanded in Ilesha prison custody by an Osogbo Magistrate court over fraudulent activities.

The charge sheet fraud. disclosed that the He also argued that the accused person obtained accused is a serial bail the sum of N166,410,000 non-compliant. from one Azeez Razaq The presiding and others that he would Magistrate, Aisha use the money to invest Oloyade remanded the into palm kernel which suspect in Ilesha prison he (suspect) knew to be custody till the next day false, thereby committed of hearing. an offence contrary to and punishable under section 419 of the criminal code law of Osun State 2003.

A Magistrate Court sitting in Osogbo, State of It further disclosed that Osun, on Tuesday, remanded a 23-year old the accused person bricklayer, Lukman Moshood, in prison for fraudulently stole and allegedly raping and defiling a 6-year-old girl for converted the property of Azeez Razaq that worth two days.

The suspect was on an errand.

N166,410,000 to his own Police prosecutor, use and thereby accused of luring the committed an offence victim, simply identified Fatoba Temitope, a police contrary to and as Omode Kekere into his sergeant, informed the punishable under section room located at 3, court that the accused 390(9) of the state penal Durojaye Street, Testing person forced the minor Ground area, Osogbo, to bed two times at about code.

The accused person while her mother sent her 2:30pm on 23rd and 28th committed the offence sometimes in November 2017 at Osogbo.

The suspect pleaded not guilty to the two

By Christianah Michael and Oluwapelumi Fasoyin count charge leveled Four members of the secret cult society called against him.

His defense counsel, Black Axe have been remanded in Ilesha prison prayed the court to grant by Magistrate Adejumoke Olowolagba. his client bail in the most Idris Kazeem, 27, felony to wit murder an liberal terms in Adelodun Lateeef offence contrary to and accordance with the 1999 Olamilekan, 27, punishable under constitution of the Omotosho Ayodeji, 26, section 324 of the Federal Constitution of and Adeniyi Kayode, 26, criminal code laws of Nigeria.

The police prosecutor, were remanded for Osun state 2002.

The charge sheet also opposed the bail murder.

The charge sheet disclosed that the application of the accused person, saying disclosed that the accused persons killed persons Bintu Anifowoshe by over 50 petitions have accused among shooting her with a gun been written against him conspired concerning the issue of themselves to commit which caused her death

Defence Corpse (NSCDC) and when the men discovered that he was a policeman, they quickly informed the police authority in the state.

The Public Relation Officer of the NSCDC, Mr Wale Afolabi told

journalists that upon the discovery that the deceased was a policeman, the NSCDC men contacted the police and detectives arrived at the scene immediately.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of the

Zone 11 Police H e a d q u a r t e r s comprising Osun, Oyo and Ondo states, AIG Agboola Osodi Glova confirmed the identity of the late policeman. He said the circumstances surrounding his death would be investigated.

•The location where the deceased body was found.

Court Remands Bricklayer For Defiling A Minor of December, 2017.

Moshood was said to have gagged the minor while having carnal knowledge of her repeatedly.

It was learnt that the victim’s parents discovered stains of blood in her private part before Moshood was confronted and reported to the police.

The charge sheet

obtained by our correspondent from the court reads, “That you, Lukman Moshood, on the 23rd and 28th days of December, 2017 at about 14:30hours at No. 3 Durojaye Street, Testing Ground area, Osogbo in the Osogbo Family Court District did unlawfully and indecently assault one Omode Kekere, aged 6, and thereby committed

Killer Cultists Remanded In Prison and thereby committed an offence contrary to 316 and punishable under section 319(1) of the criminal code law.

It also disclosed that the accused persons conspired among themselves to commit felony to wit being a member of an unlawful society thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 516 of the state penal code.

Man Appears In Court For Attacking Policeman, IBEDC Staff A middle aged man, Abdulwahabi Olalekan has been arraigned before an Osogbo Chief Magistrate court for attacking one Abioye Hammed, a policeman and one John Anthony.

Details as contained in was contrary to and the charge sheet of the publishable under section accused person, revealed 512 of the criminal code, that Abdulwahabi cap 34 vol. II, laws of Osun conspired with one other state.

After listening to the person still at large charge attacked John and three-counts inflicted bodily injury on pressed against him, Abdulwahabi pleaded not him.

According to the charge guilty to the charges.

Appearing for the sheet, the suspect committed the offence accused person, Barrister Abiodun, behind Ota Efun motor Mufutau applied for bail of his park, Osogbo client, saying he would Addressing the court, the prosecutor, Sergeant present credible surety if Badmus Adekunle, added the need arises.

Ruling on the bail that the accused persons and his accomplice also application, Magistrate attacked a policeman, Habibat Basiru admitted Abioye with sharp objects. the suspect to bail in the The offence committed sum of N200, 000 and one

surety, who must submit two passport photographs to court.

She subsequently adjourned the matter to February 21, 2018 for hearing.

Speaking to newsmen after the court session, the Osogbo Regional Branding and Communication Officer of Ibadan Electricity District Company (IBEDC), Kike Owoeye said one of the two persons attacked is a staff of the company, that discovered that the accused person was consuming energy supplied by the Electricity District illegally.

She said: “John Anthony is IBEDC staff who was attacked by the accused person when he

was caught engaging in by-passing. This is a wrong way to approach issues, even if a customer is having any issue with our staff they should report to our office instead of resulting to assault which is unlawful.

“According to the government policy, whoever is caught bypassing will pay a fine of N 450,000. We want to appeal to the general populace to desist from by-passing, energy theft, illegal connection and vandalism as they are all economic sabotage.

“Whoever that has a complaint should explore all our complaint channels instead of assaulting IBEDC staff while discharging their lawful duties.”

It stated that the suspects engaged themselves in an unlawful society named black axe and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under section 64(a)(b) of the state penal code.

The suspects committed the offence at about 6:50am on August 5, 2017 at Old-garage Osogbo.

The suspects had earlier been arraigned for murders of two other victims, one Yusuf Jimoh by firing him with a gun and then smashing his head with hammer which caused his death and one Kehinde Adesina by firing him with a gun which caused his death.

The accused persons were represented by Mr. Adegboyega.

The police prosecutor, Inspector Oladoye Joshua opposed the bail application brought before the Court because of the crime level.

The presiding Magistrate then ordered that the suspects should be remanded in Ilesha prison till the next day of adjournment.

She then adjourned the case till February 22, 2018 for mention.

an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 360 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vol. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

The second charge reads partly, “ That you (accused) on the same date, time and aforementioned Magisterial district did unlawfully have carnal knowledge of Omode Kekere, aged 6 and thereby committed an offence contrary to and punishable under Section 218 of the Criminal Code, Cap 34, Vil. II, Laws of Osun State of Nigeria, 2002.

But Moshood pleaded not guilty to the two count-charges of indecent assault and rape slammed against him by the police.

Though the accused person’s counsel, Okobe Najite, made efforts to secure bail for his client, the presiding Magistrate, A. Ayeni, ordered that Moshood be remanded in Ilesa Prison custody.

He adjourned the matter till January 30, 2018, for mention.

Meanwhile, the parents of the victim have appealed to the police and well-meaning Nigerians to ensure that their daughter gets justice over her ordeal.

Speaking with journalists at the Police C o m m a n d Headquarters, the parents revealed that they had sent Kekere on an errand before Moshood allegedly lured her into his room and defiled her.

The State Commissioner of Police, Olafimihan Adeoye, then advised parents to always ensure that their wards do not go to where they could be abused.

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Page 13

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FRIDAY JANUARY 12 - THURSDAY JANUARY 18, 2018

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

Frittering Away The Last Breath By Invitation

In the past so many weeks, there has been fuel scarcity and much has been said about increasing fuel price or reintroducing fuel subsidy as remedy.

Somehow, we fail to look beyond the queues that start at the end of November and trail till February, nearly every year.

Is it not coincidental that these queues occur when there is an increase in energy consumption in the Western world?

In a barrel, there are about 159 litres. Now, if crude is selling for about $61.73 per barrel, it translates to N21, 605.5 at an exchange rate of N350 to the dollar that the man on the street has accepted as the dollar rate.

Presently, petrol is selling for N145 per litre. This means that every time a Nigerian buys 159 litres or the equivalent of a barrel, he is actually paying N23, 055.00 or $65.87 per barrel for petrol only. That means each Nigerian petrol consumer losses $4.14 or N1, 449.00 on the sale done on his behalf by Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation. Imagine the number of cars on Nigerian roads and the number of times such vehicle owners buy 159 litres and lose money on a common wealth. This does not include the loss on all the other products associated with refining crude that are further gain to the crude buyers, because we are not refining. Meanwhile this colossal loss is continuous.

This automatically means that Nigerians actually subsidise energy consumption of the Western world, especially during the winter months when the cost of energy is very high. On top of this, they then add the landing charges, which again, is money that goes out of Nigeria!

How our leaders will watch this rape, even collude with foreigners and form themselves into cabals to continuously milk Nigerians is still baffling.

BY FOLA OBARO

Businessmen from the western hemisphere have always taken care of themselves and protected their various countries at the expense of Africans. Now, they have been joined by Asians and yet, forever, the black man, because of his idolization of the white skin, continues to throw away everything that God has given him, be it Agricultural produce or fuel.

Beyond fuelling generators that have been forcefully foisted on us and vehicles, what else do we actually use petrol for? Are we not supposed to sell for profit and benefit the populace with the proceeds?

Unfortunately, those who desperately need the fuel at the time when the chilly winds are biting, employ the same cunning that they applied in introducing mirrors and other nonsensical objects as valuables and continue to use abracadabra to take everything for free. Rather than gain as should be expected, we are held in perpetual economic

slavery.

The whole of 2017, Nigerians were hopeful that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would be passed, but, till date, it has not seen the light of day. Every time government subsidises fuel used by Nigerians in any way, it is obvious that the money is actually subsidizing energy consumption in another country!

No wonder our refineries will never function! No wonder there will be a postponement of the time when private refineries can function in Nigeria. No wonder the Oil sector will never be fully deregulated.

The ominous times are here because Nigeria is at the injury time of the Oil sale game. The very western countries, seeing what the Middle East is doing with their oil money, are working assiduously to put vehicles that will use every other form of energy apart from petrol on roads.

When these vehicles are ready, Nigerians will be forced to buy them since we do not make any, petrol engine or otherwise! We will have to go cap in hand to beg for our remaining oil to be bought. Meanwhile, we are looking on as our gas is being wasted. Since there is still need for oil now, nothing tangible will happen until the West is ready to

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The whole of 2017, Nigerians were hopeful that the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) would be passed, but, till date, it has not seen the light of day.

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tell us what to do.

The patriotism of the Western businessmen is enviable and needs to be commended. How come our own leaders go to the negotiating table ready to give concessions that are equivalent to throwing away the common wealth, especially if there are enough crumbs to cater for stomach infrastructure?

When will our leaders add “for Country” too when negotiating, so that both sides benefit equally?

The white man is forever concerned about what will happen to him and the next generation while we are forever searching for maximum enjoyment for ourselves while our next generation can go to blazes.

Going spiritual, the suggestion will be that every black man goes for deliverance from the spirit of greed that makes us kobo wise and Naira foolish.

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

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