Osun Defender Online Version July 18, 2018

FRONTPAGE COMMENT

Direct Primaries: For The Benefit Of The Majority, Not A Few!

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HE decision of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to

use direct primary as the mechanism to elect the flag bearer of the party for the governorship election on the 22nd of September in Osun this year should be seen for what it is - a celebration of democracy.

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Osun 2018:

How Direct Primary Would Produce Popular Candidate P

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•The APC Aspirants And Their Strengths

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Osun 2018: How Direct Primary Would Produce Popular Candidate •The APC Aspirants And Their Strengths

By Solomon Odeniyi As the All Progressives Congress decided on its modus operandi for the State of Osun governorship Primary, party faithful across the state are excited on the possible outcome of the exercise that would lead to the emergence of its flag bearer in the September 22, 2018 governorship election in the state.

The party made its Governor of Zamfara decision to deploy direct state who is also the primary for the selection chairman of the of the prospective governors’ forum. We gubernatorial candidate have no doubt that no instead of indirect one can compromise him primary used in other and will approach this states, where elections exercise in line with the have taken place in recent spirit and letters of our times. constitution. He will be At the national assisted by four others working committee who will work with him meeting last Monday, the to ensure that this direct National Chairman of the primary is conducted party in arriving at the hitch free and the decision claimed “Just as outcome lay a foundation we are celebrating Ekiti, for popular mobilization we have commenced the of the Osun electorates. process of organising the “Our slogan is change, primary election in Osun but we have not changed State. We have gone from bad to worse. We through the screening have only changed from exercise of the 17 a situation where only aspirants who obtained few delegates determine nomination forms and who flies the flag of the have been cleared to party, to one in which all contest the primary. We party members have a are impressed that the 17 say and can participate of them are competent actively. Our democracy enough to effectively has to grow and our govern the state and that constitution allows for we do not lack competent this process and I am hands to provide proud that the people of leadership in Osun State Osun state are ready to after the exit of Rauf go the whole hog of Aregbesola. allowing party members “We have decided that rather than allowing in order to ensure party caucus to popular participation, determine who flies our and to deepen democracy flag. I think that is more in Osun State, in line with democratic. the provisions of our “We see in America party constitution which how party leaders go allow for either direct or from one state to another indirect primary, we as voting goes on even have resolved that the before they come back to governorship election the proper election and I primary in Osun state think the beauty in that is will be conducted on the those members have a basis of direct primary. sense of ownership of What that means is that that person and therefore every card-carrying we have a duty to member of our party will mobilize for that person participate in the process so that he wins. We are of nominating the flag not deterred by a bearer of the party. This particular approach but for us, is the most we are doing this in line democratic way to with the wishes of the conduct elections and is real stakeholders in Osun in line with what our state as we know them”. critical stakeholders from He said stakeholders in that part of the country the state have agreed that want and we are quite direct primaries be used happy to oblige. to determined the person The whole idea of that who emerged as the is that the more we allow candidate of the party, our party members to even when the issue has participate in the process led to crisis in the state of nominating chapter of the party as candidates, we will some members of the remove the issue of state working committee corruption or monetizing claimed to have the processes of suspended the party nominating candidates, chairman and secretary. in addition to the fact that Direct Primary party members will have a sense of ownership of Is The Best. the outcome of the Although there have exercise. been hues, over the We have also decided adoption of the Direct to nominate a panel that Primary model for will be chaired by the aspirants under the

platform of All Progressives Congress vying for governorship ticket in Osun by different stakeholders as a result of non clearance of some numerous issues relating to the guidelines to be deployed.

Some analyst have described the method as the best approach in the face of money bag politicians buying over delegates who votes on behalf of party members to elect a candidate that would represent the party in the general election.

Mr Sunday Adetuyi, a social commentator disclosed that Although, politics in Nigeria has become more about self, rather than public interest, but at least, when it comes to the

constitutional rules by which a procedure or process can be conducted, a serious politician ought to know what the rules are.

Article 20 of the APC constitution says that the primary of the party “can be conducted either directly or indirectly.”

“A direct primary is one in which all party members are eligible to vote. The indirect primary is one at which delegates vote, which could be considered as an electoral college to pick a candidate.

“If we must be truthful to ourselves, the indirect primaries, which we have witnessed since 1999 in Nigeria, have largely created more problems than they solved in the process of

electing a party flag bearer for governor or president.

“That is because it has become so easy to influence most of the delegates to the disadvantage of democracy itself.

“However, if the process is direct, the aspirants will have to appeal to party members.

The primary democratic advantage here is that majority of the people involved will participate in the process.

“Again, reason the direct approach would be most appropriate is that it is a more open and transparent process, incorruptible and not easy to be manipulated or subjected to diabolical influences.

“We should understand that democracy is about rule of the majority. A

position as important as that of the governor of a state should be determined by popular votes. That gives the occupant of the post greater legitimacy.

Osun is now the first state to attempt the direct primary model which however is the prevalent practice in the United States of America from where we copied our democracy.

We would be holding our breath to see how the direct primary in Osun would reshape or influence internal democracy within the parties.

What is actually the major problem among the stakeholders who opposed the process is the register of the membership of APC in the state. The medium gathered that there is no •Continued on page 11

•(L-R) Vice Chancellor, Fountain University, Professor Sanni Hamidu discussing with the Guest Lecturer, Professor Karin Barber from University of Birmingham, United Kingdom during the university’s maiden distinguished lecture series at the school auditorium recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

Osun PDP Youths Protest Secondus Alleged Plan To Impose Candidate Youths from Osun state have protested in Abuja, the alleged plan by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus to impose a gubernatorial candidate on the party for the September 22 election.

The youths arrived at political slogans and sang the Wadata Plaza, Wuse different songs.

Zone 5 Abuja, hosting the But their attempts to PDP Secretariat make their way into the brandishing placards Secretariat premises were with various inscriptions strongly resisted by the suggesting that the party security personnel national leadership of the on duty who slammed party was complicit in the gates against them. the move to impose a The leader of the candidate on the state protesters, David branch of the party Daramola, told without a proper journalists that they primary. embarked on the action Some of the because they learnt that inscriptions on the the party chairman and posters read: “Secondus, the National Working no imposition in Osun, Committee had “Secondus, you’re a succumbed to pressure to product of a fair impose a particular election”, “Osun PDP aspirant on the party. youth against impunity,” Daramola said: “We “Secondus, don’t take are here to express our money”, among others. feelings to the National The protesters Chairman of the party, reportedly chanted Prince Uche Secondus,

because we learnt that so many things are going on in this premises which we think is abnormal.

“We learnt that they are trying to impose a candidate and money is involved.

“What we heard is that Prince Uche Secondus wanted to impose a candidate. The election has not been conducted but we want to guard against that from happening.”

Also speaking, Sharon Oyedeji, who said she came from Irepodun Local Government of the state, said she has no confidence in the pledge by the party boss to ensure the conduct of a free, fair and credible primary election.

She said: “All we are clamouring for is a peaceful, free and fair primary election. Of what use is the delegate list

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from the ward, local government and state level?

“Of what use are they (delegates) that they will not be able to exercise their right? We, the concerned youths of Osun state, we decided to take it upon ourselves to bring ourselves down here to speak our mind because staying in our state can’t help us.”

She affirmed that as a product of a free and fair election, Secondus must ensure a free and fair PDP primary election in Osun state.

PDP Director of Organisation, Chief Adewale Fatona, who was the most senior party official at the secretariat during the time of the protest, dismissed their claim and admonished them to allow peace to reign.

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APC Victory In Ekiti Unsettles Osun PDP

By Solomon Odeniyi Since the announcement of the governorship election result in Ekiti State on Sunday which conferred victory on Dr Kayode Fayemi of the All Progressives Congress (APC), confusion has continued to pervade the camp of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State of Osun.

A source within the in the state said the result top hierarchy of the PDP of the poll has unsettled

the leadership of the PDP to the extent that it has begun to weigh options on how to present a more acceptable candidate to tackle the APC during the September 22 election.

The source, who pleaded anonymity said,

“Don’t let me deceive you, we are confused by the result of the Ekiti election, because we had thought that PDP would win the election considering the efforts Governor Ayo Fayose put into the contest.

“Though, the APC

•Security men on standby at the APC secretariat in Osogbo on Tuesday, sequel to the purpoted suspension of the state Chairman and Secretary.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO

engage in “see and buy” conduct of votes at the election but I don’t think that has much influence on the result, because our party also engaged in the same thing, but may not be as much as APC’s.

“I can tell you, we are confused, but we are strategizing to ensure that we deliver Osun because the people desire change here and I can assure you that the power of incumbency will not work here”, the source stressed.

Besides, a chieftain of the PDP in Osun State, Prince Abimbola Oyinlola, has warned of the dire consequences of fielding an unpopular candidate to face the APC at the polls, saying the result of the Ekiti election should be an eye opener to the leadership of the party.

In a statement on Sunday, Oyinlola noted that though all the aspirants eyeing the governorship seat were qualified, not all of them

Tension Over 'Suspension' Of Osun APC Chair, Secretary •Party Disregard Action

By Sola Jacobs Ahead of the governorship primary election of the All Progressives Congress in the State of Osun, there seems to be tension in the party over the purported suspension of the state Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famoodun and the Secretary, Alhaji Rasak Salinsile, as the party described the action as frivolous.

The APC, in a therefore urged to stay statement by its Director calm and resolute and of Publicity, Research they should not allow and Strategy, Kunle themselves to be Oyatomi called on all deceived by people who loyal and faithful have the least interest of members of the party “to Osun and APC at heart”, discountenance frivolous the statement read.

OSUN DEFENDER statement made by a few disgruntled members of recall that earlier, Barrister Goke Ogunsola, the State Executive who are saying that Famodun the Legal adviser to the and Salinsile, have been party in the state, flanked suspended from the by other members of the State Working party”.

“That statement is Committee, including the Vice-chairman, Isah absolute nonsense. They have no such right Azeez Adesiji, Assistant Rasheed constitutionally to say Secretary, what they have said and Bakare and the Chairman of Local Government their purpose is purely Chairmen, Rufus anti-party. Obviously, Awotidoye, announced these members have the suspension of both other interests to protect the Chairman, and the than what the party Secretary. stands for.

“We, therefore, want to “The public as well as state loud and clear that our members should be we do not have informed that the APC is confidence in the party solidly behind our Chairman and Secretary leadership and nothing of the party in the state of sort is happening again. Therefore, we inside our ranks. We are hereby pass a vote of no absolutely certain that confidence on Prince fifth columnists within Gboyega Famodun, and the party, who feared Alhaji Abdul Rasak they could lose out in the Salinsile, the Chairman coming primary exercise and Secretary of the APC are trying to introduce in the State of Osun confusion into our ranks. respectively.

“We implore the state But they will fail Deputy Chairman, Alhaji woefully.

“Our members are Azeez Isa Adesiji and the

State Deputy Secretary, Alhaji Rasheed Bakare Idera to take over the mantle of leadership as the Acting Chairman and Acting Secretary respectively and lead the party to success in the f o r t h c o m i n g governorship election.

“Finally, we want to inform the head of

various security agencies in the state, more especially the Commissioner of Police, Osun State that the lives of members of Integrity Group within APC, which cut across the organs of the party in the state across the 30 Local Government Council Areas, and the Area

offices are being threatened from certain quarters because of their stand against direct primary.

“We appeal to the heads of security agencies in the state to ensure the protection of our lives and property where ever we reside”.

were popular with the electorate who are the eventual deciders.

“Seriously, our take home lessons from the Ekiti loss should be a deep reflection on how we can avoid the same mistakes. The only antidote that can guarantee us victory at the coming poll is the presentation of a popular and acceptable candidate to the voting populace.

He contended that though, there was a crack in the camp of Osun APC as occasioned by an alleged plans to foist on them an unpopular candidate, he warned that the seeming division in APC should not be taken for granted.

“Rather, we should gird our loins by giving the people of the state the best and an acceptable candidate they have been expecting from us. We must not bungle this golden opportunity through any shenanigan.

Generations will not forgive us if we do”, he warned.

According to him, the outcome of the Ekiti election should not discourage party members and stakeholders but should rather serve as the needed verve that would enable the party to forge ahead in its march towards reclaiming Osun from the APC.

Osun Health Insurance Scheme Passes Second Reading

By Israel Afolabi The State of Osun House of Assembly has said, it would ensure the speedy passage of the State Health Insurance Scheme Bill 2017, as the bill passed the second reading before the parliament.

Speaker of the parliament to expedite on its Assembly, Dr. Najeem action Salaam stated this consideration with a through the Deputy view to passing it into Speaker, Hon. Adegboye law.

He made it known Akintunde while speaking at the plenary that with the passage of when the bill was further this bill, it would help considered at the health service to go Assembly Complex, round the citizen of the state.

Osogbo.

However, the The bill which had House been read for the first chairman time was further Committee on Health, considered as it was Hon. Leke Ogunsola more extensively debated on provided information on the basic the floor of the House. issues involved and the Presenting the policy thrust of the bill, the merits derivable from Deputy Majority Leader, the scheme.

According to him, “the Hon. Dejo Osuolale described the scheme as scheme is in line with the the best to happen in health policy of the State Osun particularly in the Government with desire for provision of health health sector.

The lawmaker who care delivery to all”.

He maintained that enumerates the benefits accruable to people from the scheme would not the scheme, urged the only provide more

money for health care delivery, but would ensure even distribution of health services across the state.

He added that the bill is very crucial and has social economic goals if passed into law, while stressing that it will reduce health burden of the citizen.

Meanwhile, reacting to the presentations of the lawmakers, Adegboye stated that the Assembly would always align itself with legislation that would serve the interest of the people.

He directed that the bill, be committed to the joint house committee on health and judiciary to work further on it and report back in the next one week.

Earlier, in their separate remarks, the cross section of lawmakers have corroborated the views expressed by the Deputy Leader and the

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Chairman House Committee on health with respect to the benefits of the scheme.

They however concurred on the need for speedy passage of the bill as they enjoined the relevant joint committees to expedite action on it.

In another development, the House directed authorities of Local Government, Local Council Development Areas, Council Areas and Administrative Offices to furnish it with their statement of Account since inauguration to date.

The documents according to the directive should not be later than Tuesday 17th of July 2018. The same goes for Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government who are also requested to submit their midyear budget performance report to the House soonest.

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Celebrating Democracy In Osun The decision of the National Working Committee of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to use direct primary election as the mechanism to elect the flag bearer of the party for the governorship election on the 22nd of September in Osun this year should be seeing for what it is - a celebration of democracy.

The proclamation is a reinstatement of what a political party should be. It is a reinstatement because they are not reinventing the wheel here; on the contrary, it is a commendable throwback to a more edifying era which was truncated by the military incursion into Nigerian politics.

From the establishment of the first political parties and formations well over a hundred years ago, political parties were owned and directed by a mass membership as to how to protect their interests. They diligently attended ward meetings (the ultimate grassroots mobilizing mechanism) and faithfully paid an affordable party dues to oil the administrative and campaigning tools of the party.

The time is certainly overdue to take the party back to grassroots ownership. The discredited ‘delegates’ system is an odious reflection of the military’s top down approach.

Before the incursion of military rule, direct involvement of the party membership as a whole was the method used to approve the candidates of the party. To qualify to contest in a ‘shadow election’ (what we now call primaries), a contestant had to meet the rigidly set requirements as to attendance in party meetings at the ward level and up-to-date payment of statutory dues. This of course was nonnegotiable and there were no wavers.

For this reason, even the premier of the Western Region, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, had to make frequent trips to network with his

APC Primary And The Need For Caution Without mincing words, the July 19 primary of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) is going to be a tough test for the leadership of the party.

A make or break one for that matter, as it will either boost the party chances or reduce it Too many events have happened, either in the ruling party or the opposition parties, virile or not that have shown to everyone both within and outside the state that the polity is over charged.

From the ruling APC and PDP, there are about 30 aspirants jostling for the topmost seat and they are battle ready to cool off on the seat. An election with too much aspirants has often time shown to be unwieldy.

Candidates who feel unsatisfied with the process have always

defected to other parties, causing a crack at the other end.

Another is the cry of alienation. Majority of aspirants and some stakeholders from the West are hellbent on this as if their lives depend on it. Recall July 6 march to the Osun APC party

Secretariat in Osogbo by a number of youths from the zone, where they demanded that the ticket be conceded to them.

The agitation for the turn of Osogbo by the indigenes of the town can’t be overlooked.

That of Ife, and those who seek a level playing ground for aspirants from all zones are

reminders that the pendulum will swing to one side, anyway, hence the capacity of the party leadership to manage the situation.

The means through which the flag bearer will be decided has raised dusts in the ruling party.

The direct

primary is not going down well with some individuals, while some called for a direct primary to allow a popular candidate emerge.

On Monday, Barrister Goke Ogunsola, the Legal adviser to the party in the state, alongside other

members of the State Working Committee announced the suspension of the Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun , and the Secretary, Alhaji Rasak, Salinsile.

No doubt, in a contest like this, atmosphere will be charged, tension will rise, but at the end, not everybody will be satisfied with the outcome, just as it happened in Ekiti.

What is important is that, we should all remember, that only one candidate will emerge, hence, the need to thread with caution and allow the interest of the generality of people to prevail, particularly on how to sustain the developmental legacy of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

•ABIMBOLA BISIRIYU, Ikirun, State of Osun.

constituency in Ijebu-Remo from the regional capital Ibadan to attend ward meetings in order to meet the eligibility criteria.

The time is certainly overdue to take the party back to grassroots ownership. The discredited ‘delegates’ system is an odious reflection of the military’s top down approach. It is, and cannot but be corruption propelled and fuelled. It effectively hands over to a selectocracy the right to choose candidates and sidelines the diligent, hard-working activists of the party.

This is not and cannot be the way to build political parties which ought to constitute the bulwark of democracy. For a democracy is only as enduring as the constituent political parties who should act as its central pillars. For this reason, all real democrats must not just applaud this sensible overdue reestablishment of democracy, we should revel in it. Once again, the State of Osun blazes a commendable trail.

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The Race & The Runners WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

Osun APC Primary: Isiaka Adegboyega Oyetola (APC)

The name of the Chief of Staff to Governor of the State of Osun is a recurring decimal. Perhaps it’s because he has a technocratic ring (as in the case of Fashola and Ambode). So, the temptation is irresistible. The toga of continuity resonates around the personality of the Suave and urbane, Iragbiji born technocrat. In his favour, he doesn’t come with the sort of baggage with which a professional rabblerousing politician is associated.

Adegboyega Oyetola, is the Chief of Staff to the Governor, State of Osun. A man of many parts with vast experience in politics, business and public administration; he is a man of deep conviction and a religious devout who has progressed in his endeavours by the grace of God, dint of hard work and uncompromising stand on integrity.

He has been described by Governor Rauf Aregbesola as a major pillar behind his administration for his cool and calm demeanour and the wisdom with which he has handled staff relations and other sensitive matters of the state.

He was born on September 29, 1954, in Iragbiji, Boripe Local Government Area of Osun. He attended Ifeoluwa Grammar School in Osogbo for his secondary school education which he completed in 1972. He proceeded to the prestigious University of Lagos where he bagged a Bachelor of Science honours degree in Insurance in 1978. He capped his illustrious education pedigree with a Master of Business Administration (MBA) in 1990 at the same University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos.

He had his mandatory one year National Youth Service between 1978 and 1979, at Potiskum, the capital city of present day Yobe State, where he lectured at the Staff Training Centre.

In 1980, he joined Leadway Assurance Company Limited as an Area Manager, and worked there till 1987. He took another step by taking his expertise to Crusader Insurance Company Limited as Underwriting Manager between 1987 and 1990. He moved again in 1990 to Alliance and General Insurance as Technical Controller and served in that capacity until 1991.

However, he took a giant step in 1991 by establishing his own Company, Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited. He was the Managing Director since its founding until his appointment as the Chief of Staff in 2011.

His other forays in business include Executive Vice-Chairman, Paragon Group of Companies which has interest in Oil and Gas, Mining and Real Estate since 2005 until 2011. He was also Chairman of Ebony Properties Limited. He had been a Director of Pyramid Securities Limited, until 2011, among other business interests, before his appointment as Chief of Staff.

Adegboyega Oyetola is a pronounced Technocrat as well as a progressive politician. He was a founding member of The Alliance for Democracy (AD) and has been a chieftain of the party through its metamorphosis to Action Congress (AC), Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) and now All Progressives Congress (APC). He has assisted the party nationally, particularly in the State of Osun. He is an effective grassroots mobiliser.

For his public service and philanthropic acts, he has received an array of honours and awards. These include: 1.

Distinguished Merit Award by his alma mater, Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo, February 2014; 2.

The Guardian Award for Exceptional Chief of Staff in the Federation 2017;

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Distinguished Award of Excellence in Public Administration by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, August 2015; 4.

Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Osogbo Branch, March 2016; 5.

Award of Excellence by Osun State University, College of Law, Ifetedo, January 2016; 6.

Award of Excellence as ICON of Good Governance by Network of NonGovernmental Organisation (NETNOS) State of Osun Branch. November, 2017; 7.

Award for Exemplary and Exceptional Support and Fellow of Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, January 2017; 8.

Grand Patron of the Local Government Chapel of Osun State NUJ, November 2016; 9.

Leadership Award by International Association of Lions Club, District 404B2, Nigeria, February 2016; 10.

NAOSS-NHQ Award of Excellence in Administration and Good Governance, May 2016; 11.

Award of Excellence in Public Administration by Rotary Club of Osogbo, Rotary International, July 2016; 12.

Meritorious Award by NAOSS, Obafemi Awolowo University Chapter, February 2017; 13.

African Students Union Parliament (ASUP), Pan-African Distinguished Leadership Honour as Icon of Nation Building in Nigeria 2018.

Mr. Oyetola is an Associate Member, Chattered Insurance Institute of London and Nigeria. He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

Oyetola is a Socialite, Philanthropist and a lover and promoter of Arts. He is a member of the prestigious Ikoyi Club. He is married with children.

His campaign organisation known as Ileri-Oluwa has started massive political mobilisation for him.

It will not be out of place to refer to the name Moshood Olalekan Adeoti as being synonymous with politics and political activities in the State of Osun.

Born in Iwo, headquarters of Iwo Local Government Council Area of the state on February 27, 1953 into the family of the late Alhaji Abduwahab Adeoti of Olode’s Compound, Gidigbo Quarters, Iwo. He started his elementary school education at the District Council Primary School in 1959 and in 1963, he got transferred to Aipate Baptist Day School, all in Iwo, where he finished in 1964 with a Primary Six Leaving Certificate.

Despite pressure from few family members and some of his classmates to leave the elementary school to learn a vocation, as it was the practice in his days, the young Moshood stuck to his gun in his determination to further his education.

It was this that forced his father to accede to his request to obtain the entrance examination form of the Local Authority Secondary Modern School, Iwo. He passed the entrance examination and was admitted into the school in 1967 and completed the three-session programme in 1969 in flying colours.

In 1970, he proceeded to the then elitist Baptist High School, also in Iwo, where he sat for and passed the West African School Certificate Examination in 1974.

It was at this stage that he went into farming by establishing his private business. Having had a firm grip of his farming business, Adeoti decided to pursue his education career further by seeking and securing admission into the University of Benin to study Business Administration in 1980 and in 1984, he sat and passed his final examination and was awarded the Bachelors of Science Degree in Business Administration.

During his university days, Moshood Adeoti still spared time to come to Iwo on regular basis to see to the welfare of workers on his farm and also participate in political activities.

For his one-year mandatory National Youth Service (NYSC) programme, he was

ADEOTI: Doughty Fighter In The Race deployed to Kaduna State and posted to the Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he served as Graduate Assistant.

At the ABU, he was offered immediate employment after his national service as a reward for his sterling performance and dedication to his duties. This he humbly rejected, as the urge to participate in political activities in Iwo and taking care of his thriving business took better part of him.

He later got elected as Councillor in Iwo Local Government Council in 1988, where he served till 1989. He was appointed and served as the Supervisor for Education from 1991 to 1993 before he was deployed to the Finance and Economic Department as the Supervisor, where he served till he became the Secretary to the Local Government Council (SLG), a position he held till the third republic which was truncated by the General Sanni Abacha-led military junta.

Alhaji Adeoti invested all his earnings from his farm produce in buying shares from blue chip companies, including multinationals and even served on the boards of some of them.

He was the General-Secretary, Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN) Youth Wing, Iwo Local Government 1978 – 1983; Administrative Secretary, United Nigeria Congress Party (UNCP), Iwo Local Government 1997 – 1998; State Delegate for Alliance for Democracy (AD) 1998 – 2003; Organising Secretary, AD, Iwo Local Government - 2001 - 2002.

Adeoti was appointed the Chairman of Iwo Local Government Council by the Chief Adebisi Akande-led administration in June 2002, the position he held till the government was ousted in a controversial poll in May 2003.

He became the State Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in 2003 to 2006, the pioneer state chairman of the Action Congress (AC) 2006 to 2010 and later the pioneer state Chairman, Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), the position he held during the struggle to reclaim the stolen mandate freely given to Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his party.

Adeoti was appointed the Secretary to the State Government of Osun in January, 2011 by Governor Aregbesola, a position he is holding till date.

Awards in his Kitty include, Award of Excellence by Nigeria Institute of Physicists (October, 2014); Fellow, Institute of Corporate Administration of Nigeria (July, 2012); Astute Mobiliser, Forum for the Patriotic Members of APC (March, 2016); Distinguished Leader, the International Association of Lions Clubs, Ede Mopo Lions Club (March, 2016); Merit Award as Advocate of Democracy, Modern Progressives Awareness, State of Osun (May, 2014); Politician of the Year, Nigerian Union of Journalists, OSBC Chapel (December, 2015); Outstanding Alumnus, Osun State Students, UNIBEN Chapter (2012); Award of Excellence (Distinguished Islamic Contributor), Arabic Teachers’ Association of Nigeria, Ibadan North East Chapter, Oyo State (December, 2016); and Award of Excellence in Technological Development and Humanity by National Association of Academic Technologists, UNIOSUN Branch (May, 2017) among several other awards.

Adeoti remains an individual who has had the sweet and the bitter experiences as rewards for his political activities in the state. He had enjoyed the sweet aroma of being appointed into sensitive political positions and had also suffered the pangs of being detained based on trumped-up charges.

Alhaji Adeoti is married with children.

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

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6

Osun APC Primary: D - Day Salaam: From The Parliament To Executive Saka-Layonu: Chip Of The Old Block In The Race

Born on August 8, 1965, Najeem Folasayo Salaam hails from Ejigbo.

There was no peculiar circumstance to his birth, though he lost his mother at the age of two and his father when he was 10; his big aunt, Iya Agba raised him and his sister with utmost care. What defined his childhood was that he courted so many friends and as a young man, he had the habit of offering his ration for others to eat. So, he seemed to have exhibited the traits of generosity and love for others and “live and let others live” from the threshold of his life.

Najeem Salaam attended Ansar-udDeen Primary School, Ejigbo; Baptist High School, Ola-Ejigbo; Baptist High School, Ejigbo and proceeded to the then Oyo State College of Arts and Science, Ile-Ife, for his ‘A’ Levels, before he was admitted to Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) where he obtained B.Sc Political Science, M.Sc Political Science and he has crowned his intellectual capability with the highest engagement of academic laurel in his chosen field, Doctor of Philosophy (Ph.D) Political Science in the same university.

Najeem Salaam joined politics in 1995. He started as a follower from the grassroots; he enrolled himself under the political tendency of progressive leaning, under the leadership of Tayo Ilupeju, an Ejigbo born political leader who also stocked himself in the Obafemi Awolowo’s school of politics.

He signified intention to vie for House of Assembly seat in 1999, but was persuaded to stand down his ambition for another aspirant on a political calculation; he was later appointed as the Supervisory Councillor for Health, Ejigbo Local Government Council. By 2003, he won the ticket of Alliance for Democracy (AD) to stand for election as Chairman of Ejigbo Local Government Council, but failed to make it due to the hostility of the then ruling party to the opposition. However, he won election to the Osun State House of Assembly in 2007.

By 2009, his election was voided by the Court of Appeal, which held in Ibadan upon the petition filed by a candidate of Progressive Peoples Alliance (PPA), who claimed that her party logo was not included in the ballot paper used for 2007 legislative election in Ejigbo State Constituency.

The court called for a rerun election but the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) brought “war” and glaring compromise to Ejigbo and Najeem Salaam became a victim. Against all odds, he was re-nominated for 2011 election and won with moonslide.

By 2011, Salaam returned to the State House of Assembly and he was elected Speaker unanimously. By 2012, he was selected by the 35 Speakers of the State Houses of Assembly to lead Conference of Speakers and midwife the conference into a democratic structure, which he did within six months.

Salaam was returned again in 2015 and he was re-elected as the Speaker and he has since become an honest broker, stabilizing the state with his gobetween among disputing parties, as the State House of Assembly under his watch has been able to fix broken system in so many respects. Under his watch, the state parliament has passed

over 50 laws, over 45 resolutions and four public hearings, coupled with interventions in different areas.

Despite his intimidating physique and academic credentials, Salaam possesses unparalleled disarming humility, sprawling native wisdom and rare generosity; virtues that have made him tick as a politician with a difference and a colourful humanist, whose stockin-trade is to make people smile in all situations, even in the face of daunting challenges. The aforementioned virtues made his friends and associates to call him IWALOYE- good character is royalty.

He attended a brief legislative class at London School of Economics and Political Science; he undertook a studytour at United Kingdom Parliament, Westminster, London; he attended legislative assignment in Tanzania, Brazil, United States of America, Ghana, Malaysia, United Arab Emirate (UAE) to mention but few.

Salaam is a man of many accolades, he garners 65 awards from educational institutions of higher learning; he earns 50 leadership awards across social organizations and groups; he was honoured by religious institutions across board. He is the current Asiwaju Adeen of Ejigbo-land. Alumni International of his Alma mata, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife in 2013, bestowed on him, Grand Commander of Great Ife (GCI); he is the Asiwaju Musulumi of Ejigbo-land (the overall leader of Muslim faithful in Ejigbo-land) among other accolades, including, Outstanding Achievement Award & Extraordinary Services, Dedication to Our State by All Progressive Congress (Canada Branch); Evergreen Award as Worthy Ambassador of Yoruba by the Southwest Youth Leaders Association; Award of Excellence in Political & Social Development by LAUTECH International College, Ogbomoso; Most Outstanding Legislative Administration Award by Leadership and Followership Development Centre (LEFDEC) among several others.

Salaam, a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has officially declared to govern the state, his group, Iwaloye Movement has begun mobilisation for his ambition.

Dr. Ismail Abiodun Ishola Layonu SAN, FCIArb, brilliant scholar, erudite lawyer and seasoned administrator was born shortly after Nigeria gained her independence from the British imperialists, precisely on 24th of December, in the ancient city of Ibadan.

He hails from the famousApena quarters in Ede, one of the historical towns in Osun to the family of late Chief Honourable Saka Layonu who was a parliamentarian and Minister in the Western Region during the First Republic.

His academic journey has taken him to various reputable institutions both within and beyond the shores of this country. His elementary education which began at Children Boarding School, Osogbo in 1966 took him to Baptist Day School, Idikan, Ibadan from 1967 to 1971. For his secondary education, Dr Saka-Layonu attended the prestigious Olivet Baptist High School, Olivet Heights, Oyo between 1972 and 1976, where he obtained the West African School Certificate with Grade One. Though he had a stint at the Polytechnic, Ibadan in 1976, for a year of A Levels, through dint of hard work, he however gained admission into the great ObafemiAwolowo University (then the great University of Ife) to pursue his dream course in Law in 1977, graduating in flying colours with 2nd Class Upper both from the University and the Nigerian Law School, Lagos in 1981 and 1982 respectively.

Not resting on his oars, young Ismail Abiodun continued his academic sojourn after the compulsory one year National Youth Service at the Nigerian Industrial Development Bank (now Bank of Industry).

The journey this time took him to the famous London School of Economics and Political Science, University of London where he also distinguished himself as a brilliant scholar with Masters in Law (LL.M) with a mark of distinction in Principles of Civil Litigation in 1984.

The remarkable record he left at the University of London earned him an opportunity to return two years later to pursue his Doctorate degree in Law which he completed meritoriously in 1989.

Having equipped himself academically, Dr Saka-Layonu worked briefly as a parttime Law lecturer at Willesden College of Technology and as a Principal Legal Officer, London Borough of Southwark both in London between 1989 and 1990. On his return to Nigeria, he joined the firm of Kusamotu, Olojo& Co., before eventually setting up his own practice. He has remained in active legal practice and is the Principal Partner of Abiodun Layonu& Co. established in Lagos and Abuja.

Today, with working experience and professional activities spanning close to

four decades, Layonu proudly wears the rank of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) which was conferred on him in 2009 in recognition of his contributions to the legal profession.He is also a Fellow and former President of Business Recovery and Insolvency Practitioners of Nigeria (BRIPAN), an Insolvency, Recovery and Business Turn-Around Association, a Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, Nigeria, and Member of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, UK [Nigerian Branch].

However, Dr. Layonu’s life did not revolves around private and professional accomplishments alone. He has also made significant impacts in the public domain.

He was a member of the Vision 20:20 Committee. He also served on several statutory commissions both in Oyo and Osun States and is currently, the Chairman, Governing Council, WaziriUmaru Federal Polytechnic, Birnin-Kebbi, Kebbi State. He is happily married with wonderful children.

Osun, the Land of the Virtuous or Abode of the ‘Omoluabi’ as it is fondly called, has always fascinated the world for many good things. It is the cradle of the Yoruba people whose historical culture has transcended geographical boundaries. It is an abode to many cultural artifacts which have continued to attract foreign and local scholars and tourists. It has an official population figure of about 3.5 million people and is blessed with numerous yetto-be tapped natural resources, the development of which can lift the State with a quantum leap into the top league of States with serious economic activities.

The current leadership of our State under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola in the last eight years has laid the required foundation by succeeding in delivering the state from economic depression, insecurity and turmoil thereby bringing about result oriented governance. Thousands of youths have been encouraged to leave the streets and positively engaged under the O’YES programme. Thousands more of our children were attracted back to public schools under O’SCHOOLS as parents took advantage of the revolutionary transformation that Ogbeni initiated in the education sector.

We marvel at Aregbesola’s achievements which include great and visible infrastructural development through road networks, state-of-the-art public schools, well-structured bridges, local government reforms, increase in allocation for pensions and gratuity for pensioners and retirees, incentives to farmers, healthcare delivery and developmental projects.

The responsibility for sustaining these numerous progressive feats will now rest on whoever succeeds Ogbeni come November 2018 and only an equally aggressively progressive minded individual who combines brilliance with tenacity of purpose and clear-cut vision of societal needs of Osun people in the person of Dr. Ismail Abiodun Ishola Saka-Layonu SAN will best suit this governorship position by the grace of God. The details of his continuity programmes are contained in his blueprint which is in accord with the Party’s Manifesto and cardinal programmes.

Dr Saka-Layonu SAN, a seasoned Legal Practitioner, hereby humbly declares his political intention to run for the position of Governor of the State of Osun under the All Progressives Congress (APC). Just as Ogbeni has delivered on his Pact with the good people of Osun, Dr. Ismail pledges an open and transparent government, innovative and technology driven society, empowered and inspired community, flourishing agriculture, quality life in the rural areas and cities, sustainable development, bringing people together, access to basic amenities for all, a productive youth population, economically empowered women, robust physical and social infrastructure, nationally competitive economy, top notch healthcare delivery, quality service delivery in all sectors and strong effective and futuristic institutions.

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Osun APC Primary:

D - Day

BOA: Bringing Private Experience To Bear Oriolowo: A Technocrat Joins The Race

A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), BENEDICT OLUGBOYEGA ALABI (BOA), born and nurtured in Ikire, Irewole Local Government, Osun State. He is from a family of nine children whose father was a reputable administrator and mother, a business woman of great repute.

Olugboyega attended Holy Cross Catholic Primary School, Ikire before proceeding to Baptist Grammar School, Ikire, Osun State and Lagos African Church Grammar School, Ifako-Agege.

Thereafter, he gained admission to The Polytechnic Ibadan to study Banking in 1983.

He later obtained a Bachelor Degree in Banking and Finance from Olabisi Onabanjo University Ogun State and a Masters degree in Economics (with specialization in International Development) from the University of Lagos.

For many years, Olugboyega worked in the financial sector cutting across various institutions and departments, among which are Societe Generale Bank (now Heritage Bank), Neighborhood Building Society Limited, Transnational Building Society Limited and left his last position as The General Manager of Sterling Bank Plc. He later set up his own company, Eliezer Workplace Management Limited, which is into facility management. With a clear vision, he nurtured and grew the company to an award winning entity with certification in compliance from ISO 9001:2008 and BS OHSAS 18001:2007 as well as the British Safety Council.

Olugboyega has attended numerous training and conferences both home and abroad, and has been a recipient of many awards, as the Group President/CEO of Eliezer Workplace Management Limited. He has interest in other areas like agriculture and manufacturing.

Olugboyega is a man of integrity with great passion for Infrastructure and best practice. He has served on the Technical Committee of Federal Government of Nigeria on Development of Green Building Initiative for Nigeria as well as Committee on Establishment of Building Rating System. Both Initiatives of Federal Government of Nigeria are directed towards taming building collapse in Nigeria.

Olugboyega’s hobbies include among others Squash, Golf, interacting with people and above all spending quality time with his loving family.

He is happily married with four children.

Beyond having B.Sc and Masters degree in Economics from Olabisi Onabanjo University and University of Lagos respectively, Olugboyega further his studies both in Nigeria and abroad with professional qualifications.

Through his training, experience

and contributions, he holds the following certifications; Fellow of Institute for Government Research and Leadership Technology, Fellow of The Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, Fellow of Institute of Credits Administration, Associate of Nigerian Institute of Safety Professionals, Member of Environmental Society of Nigeria, International Facility Management Association (IFMA) USA, Sustainability Facility Professional.

He was the first African to be awarded Sustainability Facility Professional (SFP) certification by International Facility Management Association (IFMA) Houston, United States of America (the umbrella body of all facility management practitioners worldwide) after passing the three practical modes of the study (Strategy and Alignment for Sustainable Facility Management, Managing a Sustainable Facility and Operating a Sustainable Facility).

If there is anyone who is committed to human emancipation and has dedicated his life to ensuring a better life for his people and the generality of human race through sustainable empowerments and tireless philanthropic gestures, that person is no other than Olugboyega Alabi, popularly known in the political circles as BOA. Olugboyega co-founded the Osun Ajose Foundation, a non-profit Organization that has since become a vehicle through which succor, economic freedom and emancipation from poverty have been delivered to numerous people that desire them. This is the same group that has been mobilizing support for his ambition under the APC.

Born on the 25th April 1956 into the family of Late Raheem Akanji and Alhaja Samirat Abidemi Oriolowo of the famous Oriolowo family, Molete, Iwo in Osun.

He attended D.C School Oke-Ifa (1962 1963) and Baptist Day School Oke-Odo, (1964 - 1970) Iwo for his primary school education. He broke his primary education between 1968 and 1969 to work as a Shop Keeper on Agboville , Ivory Coast, to gather money for his Secondary School education which he had at Baptist High School Iwo (1971- 1975).

Having spent the first eighteen years of his early life in his native land, Iwo, the young lad was enrolled at The Polytechnic Ibadan for a two-year Ordinary Diploma course in Mechanical Engineering which he completed in 1978.

From Ibadan, he became a student of the prestigious University of Ife now Obafemi Awolowo University. In 1984, Oriolowo got BSc degree in Agricultural Engineering at Ife. After his one year service (NYSC) in 1985, Adelere Oriolowo worked briefly as a teacher at Bishop Onabanjo High School, Bodija, Ibadan and Kuta, Ile-ogbo Anglican Church Grammar School before proceeding to the enclave World Bank Assisted, Oyo North Agricultural Development Project (ONADEP) in Saki as Agric Engineer in charge of tractor hiring unit. When the enclave project (ONADEP) in the old Oyo State was expanded into State Wide Agricultural Development Programme (OYSADEP) in 1989, Adelere, the young but promising Engineer became the organization’s Executive Agro Processor (1989 - 1991).

His job entailed sourcing for low-cost adaptable agro-processing equipment for crop processing as well as linking farmers in the project area with fabricators, Research Institutions and Organizations.

Having discharged his duties creditably to the admiration of his organization, he was appointed Principal Irrigation Engineer in charge of FADAMA I Coordination in 1991-1992.

It wasn’t long before Oriolowo got promoted into the Directorate cadre of the Public Service becoming Assistant Director in 1997, Deputy Director in 2001,

Director in-charge of Engineering Services of Osun State Agricultural Development Programme (OSSADEP) in 2005.

He worked for Nigerian Bottling Company (Coca-cola) Ibadan as Mechanical Supervisor, (1978-1979) where he was able to change the Multinational Company’s production capacity from about 50% below target to over 50% above targeted production capacity in less than four months of his engagement by employing technical and managerial techniques.

Oriolowo has offered employment to many youths and women, as well as research and IT training to over 2,000 students of higher institutions across the South Western region of Nigeria. He established many agro processing factories and farms.

Engr. Oriolowo had International Development Project experiences when he served as focal point officer with the UNDP (1996 - 1999). He was Facilitator in charge of Water Control in the National Food Security Project, a Federal Government/FAO Assisted Project (2001-2006), Facilitator Agro-Processor for Root & Tuber Expansion Project, an Internation fund for Agric Development IFAD Assisted Project (2001 - 2007) and Coordinator FADAMA I, a World Bank Assisted Project (1991 - 1998).

He has his professional qualification at various places; he became a COREN registered Engineer in 2003 with registration number 9883, member of the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) in 1992 and member Nigerian Institution of Agricultural Engineers (NIAE) in 1993. In the area of Project Management, he is a certified International Development Project Manager (IDPM) in 2011, Registered Member of Prestigeous Institute of Strategic Management in 2013, Nigeria Institute of Management in 2014, and Member of Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators in 2017.

Oriolowo is the Project Coordinator of the Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy affairs, Water Resources, Rural Development and Community Affairs in the State of Osun. He is also the current Project Coordinator for World Bank /French Development Agency (AFD) assisted Rural Access and Mobility Project (RAMP) (2007 to date), to say he has co-ordinated these effectively is to state the obvious, as the State of Osun is leading the other States in RAMP II. He was also former Permanent Secretary of Ministry of Water Resources, Rural Development and Community Affairs (2013 - 2016). He was the General Manager, Osun State Agricultural Development Corporation in 2007 - 2013.

Engr. Oriolowo also trained by International bodies in different areas to attain many goals in the public service, leadership to maintain and strengthen the Project and achieve changes in team management and integrity. Engr.

Oriolowo (OND Mechanical Engineering, BSc Agric Engineering, FNSE, FNIAE, IDPM, MNIM, MISM, ACArb, JP) is a practicing farmer, Agricultural Engineer, a foremost administrator, a father, creative and enterprising professional.

Engr. Adelere Adeyemi Oriolowo is a widely travelled professional and administrator. He has undergone trainings in many part of the world.

He is married to Deaconess Felicia Ayanjoju Oriolowo and the union is blessed with children.

Oriolowo is currently being touted as the favourite of some powerful individuals in the All Progressives Congress (APC) who are currently mobilizing for him under a group called “GOP” to secure the party ticket.

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings The Awomolo’s Family Buries 70th Birthday Ceremony Of Alhaja Fatima Amoranbini In Osogbo On Saturday. Aregbesola’s Aide, Gbenga Their Matriach Last Saturday Fayemiwo Called To Bar

•Olugbenga Theophilus Fayemiwo Esq, receiving his Call to Bar Certificate from officials of the Body of Benchers at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

•Chief Adegboyega Awomolo (SAN) (2nd right) discussing with Governor Abiola Ajimobi (right) during the church service.

The family of Chief Adegboyega Awolowo of Igbajo gathered before men of God to celebrate the life of their mother, Chief Mrs. Felicia Anike Awolowo.

Friends, associates and well wishers gathered at St. James Anglican Church, Orile-Ilugun in Ogun State to celebrate the good life lived by the matriarch.

The Iya Egbe, Egbe Aya Bishop

•The celebrant, Alhaja Fatima Amoranbini (middle) in a group photograph with her grandchildren.

who lived for 96years on earth was laid to rest at her home at OrileIlugun, before family and friends were entertained at Anglican School Premises.

Among the dignitaries at the event were, Governor Abiola Ajimobi, Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Oluomo Sunday Akere, and Prince Gboyega Famoodun among others.

•Some of the Children of the celebrants during the programme.

•A cross section of dignitaries during the event.

•A cross section of invited guests at the event.

It was a joyous day for Alhaja Fatima Amoranbini and her family as she joined the club of septuagenarian on Saturday July 14, 2018.

Friends, associates and family members from various states of the federation converged at her residence to celebrate the unique occasion with her.

The visibly elated grandmother was dancing to various music in the midst of her numerous grand children whose enthusiasm for their grandmother is unveiled among the teeming guests.

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam Anobi Lonigba mosque, stressed the importance of taking care of the aged parents by their children. He disclosed that Allah abhors the treatment of ones parent with disdain or with the slightest insult.

He encouraged members of the society to always make the welfare of the elderly a priority as it is a doctrine ordained by Allah.

Similarly, the celebrant eulogised her children for the care given to her, seeking Allah’s favour to always be with them and to always be successful in all their endeavours.

Olugbenga Fayemiwo was, on Tuesday 10th July, 2018, called to the Nigerian Bar after successfully passing his Bar Final examinations. He was consequently enrolled at the Supreme Court of Nigeria the following day as a Barrister and Solicitor of the apex court in Nigeria to practice as a legal practitioner.

The journalist turned lawyer had

bagged a Second Class Upper degree in Law from the Osun State University in 2016.

A media aide of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Governor, State of Osun, Fayemiwo had, in 1992, obtained an honours degree in Sociology and Anthropology from the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife after which he pursued a career in Journalism spanning decades.

•Olugbenga Fayemiwo Esq (2nd right) with his classmates after their enrolment at the Supreme Court of Nigeria, Abuja on 11th July, 2018.

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

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

OPINION

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10

Ede CPI: The Revitalization And Benefits

By Inwalomhe Donald Ede Cocoa Processing Plant, Osun State is the only attracting cocoa factory among the Nigeria’s remaining five cocoa processing factories to tap export demand for butter, cake and powder tea production.

The once moribund Cocoa Processing Company received a lifeline with the intervention of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and two Chinese firms who have resuscitated the comatose industry. The Plant has no debt burden and it is now producing Nigeria’s cocoa cake, powder, chocolate and butter. This makes it easy for Nigeria’s processed cocoa to compete favourably with its peers anywhere, being one of the fastest selling and most desirable agricultural commodities in the international market due to the rapid growth and expansion of chocolate confectioneries and other products.

Ile-Oluji Nigeria Limited, Nigeria’s oldest cocoa processing firm has only processed 2,000 metric tons of Cocoa since the beginning of the year, which is by far below its 30,000 metric tons installed capacity. FTN Cocoa Processors PLC, a company listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with a 20,000MT processing capacity showed that it has only been able to process 600MT between January and June. Multi-Trex Integrated Foods PLC, Nigeria’s largest cocoa processing factory with a production capacity of 65,000MT per annum, has since been shut down and thereafter taken over by the Asset Management Corporation Organisation of Nigeria (AMCON) over a N5 billion non-performing loan the processor acquired from Skye Bank.

With Cocoa Processing Plant in Ede, Osun is putting a stop to billions of naira that Nigerians are using to import chocolate and other cocoa products from EU countries. The plant is now producing “Made in Nigeria” Cocoa Butter, Cocoa Cake, Cocoa Powder and Chocolates and set to flood world market with “Made in Nigeria” chocolates. The plant is back after more than 30yrs of wobbling and fumbling.

Despite living in one of the zones of the world’s biggest grower of cocoa beans, Nigerian residents have never quite embraced chocolate as part of the national diet, but Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun has provided lifeline for cocoa farmers in Nigeria.

Interestingly, Osun is a major producer of chocolate and a major cocoa-producing state. The state is the third largest cocoa producer in the South West after Ondo and Oyo states and it largely draws its rising profile as a big role player and producer of the cash crop from Cocoa Farms.

The arrival of a new chocolate factory in Osun will also allow Nigerian planters to finally access the pleasure of chocolate. Osun chocolate is said to be targeting the local market, then progressively expand to the sub-region. The factory is initially producing cocoa powder and chocolate. Despite its Chinese ownership, the plant represents a small victory in the continent’s battle to profit from its natural resources instead of exporting them to be processed elsewhere.

The African country’s first major chocolate factory hopes to change all that.

Osun Cocoa powder can be used in so many ways; you can buy cocoa powder from a retail store and make a semi-sweet chocolate at home through some easy procedures. Remember, a semi-sweet or raw chocolate comes with little or no sugar and they contribute little calories to your daily diet. Cocoa powder itself is obtained from cocoa beans by first cleaning the beans and then partially drying them before roasting at high temperature. Cocoa powder is obtained from the milling and separating cocoa butter from the liquid. Cocoa butter is used for making chocolate while the liquid is further processed to obtain other products including the powder.

Smallholder cocoa farmers and other stakeholders are happy over the establishment of an elaborate cocoa processing plant that produce chocolate, Osun is the third largest cocoa producing state in the country. They are happy that the plant will be able to check the bleak future of the business which is presently facing stiff international competition as well as government overbearing influence, so the smallholder famers will stop to lament daily.

With Ede cocoa processing plant, Governor Aregbesola has expanded assistance to cocoa farmers and numerous stakeholders within the cocoa value sequence regarding the development of cocoa in Nigeria. The governor has brought innovation and localized the processing of cocoa products for the 14 cocoa producing states in Nigeria. With over twenty million cocoa farmers in Nigeria, Osun-China’s cooperation over Ede cocoa processing plant has given lifeline to Nigerian cocoa farmers who could not export their products before now.

•Governor Aregbesola during an inspection to Ede Cocoa Processing Factory.

The partnership with one of the China’s Most popular politicians and business leaders Qizan Zhao; Deputy Leader of the Communist Party of the People’s Republic of China and one of the leading businessmen in China is producing a N10bn investment in Osun and over 1000 jobs for the local people in the next two years in the state, especially Youths and this will help to support the industrialization efforts of Governor Aregbesola.

With this plant, farmers can now distribute new high yield cocoa seedlings to cocoa farmers, and continue to allow the purchase of chemicals and inputs at 50% subsidy.

With 14 states producing and harvesting the crop for Nigeria exports well over 242,000 tons of Cocoa, Governor Aregbesola has connected Nigerian cocoa farmers to the Ede cocoa processing plant and they can source cocoa easily here for Osun buyers. The resuscitation of the company and the production of cocoa products is creating jobs and generating revenue for Osun state and Nigeria, which have been hit by severe budget crisis that has left government with revenue deficit. In Nigeria, We are not producing enough Cocoa and with Ede cocoa processing plant,

there will be more participation in cocoa farming in Nigeria which will enhance proper management to get the best yield.

Cocoa Dealers or Cocoa Agents in Osun today make money by buying the cocoa beans from the farmers in the 14 cocoa producing states in Nigeria and selling directly to the Ede cocoa processing company. The business is equally available for companies that want to go into cocoa marketing, distribution, and exportation.

The two China-based companies -Skyron Corporation and Golden Monkey Group of Company had promised the production of chocolate and others in Ede. Golden Monkey Corporation remains the number one producer of candies and chocolate in China, hence, reviving the cocoa processing company in Ede has not been a problem.

Osun is holding 30 per cent equity in the revitalised firm. Through this partnership, many people in Osun would learn the trade of cocoa processing; the possibilities are just endless. At least, now, our people know that more value accrues to them if they process cocoa rather than exporting in its raw form.

•Inwalomhe Donald, writes from Benin City, inwalomhe.donald@yahoo.com

A Witness To Excellence •Continued from back page deliberate state action in the provision of infrastructure, his administration has impacted positively on agriculture including forestry, food production, cash crop production, animal husbandry and fishing.

His administration’s provision of free uniforms for school children, free nutritious meals once a day for school pupils, creation of Sanitation Gangs, Osun Sheriffs, Public Works Brigades, Osun paramedics, Traffic Managers as well as the modernization and improvement of markets have helped to boost economic growth, generate employment, uplift living standards, alleviate poverty and lay a solid and irreversible transition of the economy of the State of Osun from one that is essentially civil-service based to a dynamic, vibrant, relentlessly expanding and selfregenerating economy. It is, of course, impossible for one to comprehensively expatiate on the monumental impact his administration has made on governance in the State of Osun.

Of course, the road has been tough and hazardous for the state under Ogbeni’s revolutionary leadership.

He has had to contend with the diversionary and distracting antics of fierce, reactionary forces, the unpredictability of a macro Nigerian economy within which the State of Osun is forced to operate, a defective federal structure that disenables states and prevents them from maximizing their potentials for the benefit of their people as well as the consequences of lack of visionary and competent leadership at the national level particularly in the immediate past political dispensation before the 2015 elections.

Nevertheless, he has soldiered on bravely and confidently, assured that he is leading the State of Osun on the right path towards the attainment of her immense potentials. He has raised the bars of public governance, which those coming after him will have no choice but to strive to maintain and surpass if they are not to incur the wrath of the people. I do not write these words for flattering. That is utterly unnecessary.

History will always vindicate the just no matter what human beings say or write.

Rather, I only wish to add my humble voice to those who value and are truly appreciative of what Ogbeni has come to symbolize in our country’s public life.

Rauf Aregbesola is like a city on a hill whose example inspires many of us to seek to emulate his example in dedicating our lives to promoting the greatest happiness of the greatest number of our people.

Equally important is the fact that, as a person who shares Ogbeni’s deep Islamic faith, I am inspired and deeply moved by his practical example and demonstration of what the Holy Koran enjoins a true believer in Allah to be when put in positions of leadership.

If these words gives Ogbeni a renewed encouragement, (in case he reads them himself), that his efforts and exertions in public service have not gone unnoticed while motivating and energizing him in his future endeavours in the pursuit of his unalterable destiny as he continues to render unalloyed service to humanity, I would have achieved my objective.

•Hon. Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef is the Commissioner for Home Affairs and Culture, Lagos State.

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

NEWS

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Omisore Mocks PDP Over Ekiti Election Result The Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship aspirant in the Osun State, Senator Iyiola Omisore, has made mockery of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) over its loss in the July 14 governorship election in Ekiti State, saying the election has further solidified people’s rejection of the PDP in leadership position in Nigeria.

He said the defeat of demonstration of the the Ekiti State Governor, supremacy of people’s Ayodele Fayose and his will against the decision anointed candidate, Prof of an individual to Kolapo Olusola, signifies impose a leader on them. the supremacy of the will It also further solidified people’s rejection of the of Ekiti people.

Omisore, who said the PDP in leadership people’s will is ultimate position in Nigeria, since reasonable in political choices, every Nigerian has by now, lauded the Ekiti known that the party is electorate for their no longer a way to go as peaceful conduct during far as political offices is the Saturday concerned in Nigeria,” governorship election, Omisore said. which saw to the He congratulated emergence of Dr Kayode Fayemi, whom he Fayemi as the Ekiti State described as a governor-elect. “gentleman who is not “What we saw in Ekiti new to the office he has on Saturday is a been voted again to

occupy,” and thereby implored him not to let his people down.

“I am not a member of the All Progressives

Congress (APC), but only sentimentally attached to Dr Kayode Fayemi because of the treachery and impunity in the PDP.

And more so, besides his party’s affiliation, he has proven himself as someone who can be entrusted with power. So,

I wish him all the best, in his new office, believing that he will live up to expectations,” Omisore said.

Osun Govt., American Company To Train 1000 Youths In Computer, Software Programming

By Ismaeel Uthman The state Government of Osun has concluded arrangement to train 1000 youths on Information and Communication Technology (ICT).

According to the Nigeria for the gesture, Commissioner for saying that the training Innovation, Science and would assist in reducing Technology, Engr Remi youth unemployment in Omowaiye, the 1000 the state.

Earlier, Gov. Rauf youths who would be selected from five Aregbesola, who was communities in the state, represented by Sen. would be trained on Mudasiru Hussein while computer and software inaugurating the project, ATC programming for them to commended Nigeria for the gesture. be self -employed.

Aregbesola said that Omowaiye stated this on Friday during the the training, aimed at inauguration of the e- assisting the youths to be Learning centres in Ikire, self-employed without Ikirun, Ede, Ilesa and Ila looking for white collar jobs, was in line with the areas of the state.

The commissioner said state government’s desire that the vision of the state to make Osun the ICT government in the hub of the country after establishment of the a successful launch of Digital Village to be Opon Imo in 2013.

Mrs Gloria Eyineyie, named Osun Coding Academy was to make the ATC Training Project the state an Information Centres Technology hub of the Coordinator, said the company was planning country.

Omowaiye said that to create Digital villages the Digital villages were across Nigeria, and Osun constructed and was the first beneficiary equipped by ATC of the project.

Eyineyie said that the Nigeria with the support of the state government. construction of the He said that five out of Digital villages was part the social nine centres approved by of the state government had responsibility of the been built, equipped and company to the host handed over to the communities.

Also, Mr Muyideen government by ATC Salau, ATC Power Nigeria at no cost.

Specialist, He said the e-learning Solution centres would be offering explained that the intensive computer and inauguration of the software programming learning centres was part of the three years for the youths.

Omowaiye said that celebration of the the state government was company in Nigeria.

Salau said the passionate about youth values development and company e m p o w e r m e n t , relationship with its host promising that the digital communities, and the centres were villages would be ICT extended to other established to train communities with the youths for them to be self-reliant and help of ATC Nigeria.

The commissioner employers of labour. commended ATC

•Participants during the trek exercise tagged, Ogbeni ‘Thank You’ Trek And Loyalty Sit-Out organised by Osun Community Development Council in honour of the Governor in Osogbo, the state capital on Saturday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

How Direct Primary Would Produce Popular Candidate •Continued from page 3 one in the state who could confidently mention the exact number of APC members is in the register either at the ward, local government or state level.

Having adopted the direct primary and with the conclusion of the screening of the 17 candidates who secured the APC nomination form ahead of the primary election in the state, OSUN DEFENDER takes a look at the leading candidates likely to secure the votes of the party members.

HON NAJEEM SALAAM He is a second-term Speaker of the state House of Assembly and banks on the support of party membership, chieftains, past and present members of the state assembly.

Najeem has been a grassroot politician who has been an active participant in the progressive politics since 1999. He graduated from supervisory counselor to the state house of assembly. He is also considered to be a “home base” who is humble and loyal to the party, especially in his support for the governor’s policies and projects. The House under his leadership was termed rubber stamp due to his level of commitment to the Aregbesola’s project.

According to a

member of his campaign committee, if the primary election is free and fair, then Najeem could emerge as a successor to the incumbent governor Rauf Aregbesola.

ALHAJI GBOYEGA OYETOLA He is the Chief of Staff to the Governor, also described as a technocrat, Aside his political appointment; Oyetola is contesting a public office for the first time. His political associates have been playing a major role in selling his aspiration before the general membership of the party in the state since his readiness to succeed Aregbesola as the next governor of the state.

He is rumored to be the favourites of the Governor Aregbesola, but the governor has dismissed such insinuation but he conducted a rigorous consultation campaign across the zones to actualize his ambition.

The major challenge for his aspiration is the agitation for zoning the seat to Osun-West.

ALHAJI MOSHOOD ADEOTI He is the present Secretary to the state governor and a grassroot politician and mobilizer, whose penchant for progressive politics is widely acknowledged among the teeming populace in the state.

Adeoti was the party Chairman between 2002

and 2010 when he ascended to become the SSG. His long stay in the party leadership has earned him the respect and support of party chieftains and members across the zones. He is a man to watch out for in the race, but Osun West senatorial district where Adeoti is banking on may be divided as a result of over 10 aspirants from the district. However, if those rallying roud him as genuine card carrying members of the party, then he stand a good chance in the primary election.

ELDER PETER BABALOLA A former chief of staff to Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola and current Chairman Local Government Service Commission is another major aspirant in the race. He is also a grassroots politician who has been contesting for governorship since 1999. If the numbers of party faithful that thronged his campaign declaration is anything to go bye, then he stands the chance to clinch the party ticket.

KUNLE ADEGOKE A lawyer and one of the counsels of Governor Aregbesola during the Election Petition Tribunal is another aspirant that may spring surprise in the race, although, despite his popularity among youth in the central senatorial district, he appeared not to weigh any influence in

the party leadership. He was considered to be fenced outside the party for certain political reason.

However, Adegoke is among the few aspirants from the central senatorial who appeal to some members of the party.

RT. HON LASUN YUSUF The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives is also considered to be a major player in the process considering the numbers of party members that benefitted from his e m p o w e r m e n t programme over the last three years in the state.

A party source told our reporter that Lasun has been fenced out during the last party congress to the extent that he could not boast of 30 percent delegates from his local government, however, now that the party has jettisoned delegate primary for a direct primary the speaker would be looking at the bright side of the election.

While Engineer Adenrele Oriolowo is considered to be a close ally of governor Aregbesola, the Iwoborn engineer is considered to be a new comer in the state political terrain. Many observers believe that the choice of the governor would determine his fate in the primary.

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ISSUES/POLICY

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

Progressive Politics And Democratic Participation

By Kanmi Ademiluyi The approval by the national working committee of the All Progressive Congress (APC) of the use of direct primary for the Osun State governorship aspirants represents a welcome reinstatement of the ethos and the building blocks which is at the very heart of the party system. Pluralism predisposes of course that there must be a choice of political parties from which the electorate will make a choice. The operations of political parties are therefore fundamental to the health and smooth operations of a democracy.

It is unfortunate that the military intervention of the 15, January,1966 by prohibiting the political parties of colonial times and the first republic tore apart the cloak of political socialisation and has subsequently prevented two generations from understanding how political parties are supposed to be structured, operated and driven. The twists and turns of the military handover to civil rule in reality led to the emergence of hurriedly cobbled together electoral special purpose vehicles who are only now by a natural process of evolution, transforming into real political parties in the sense that would have been incompatible with the initial military oversight.

Democratic Centralism is the propelling mechanism upon which the modern party system is based and for over a hundred and fifty years, much like the separation of powers is a bedrock of democracy. To be succinct, we might use the definition from Wikipedia - “ Democratic centralism is a method of leadership in which political decisions reached by the party through its democratically elected bodies are binding upon all members of the party “. Anything else by deduction and indeed in commonsense will be a recipe for indiscipline leading

Democratic centralism and the expressed position of the membership of a political party cannot be sensibly translated through the anti democratic invention of military rule - election by delegates. to anarchy and the party ‘s reason for existence. The surbodination of the interests of individuals, groups and factional interests to that of the overall collective interests of the party as a whole is therefore the lubricant of the modern political party. Overall, it leads to greater accountability and provides a mechanism for genuine oversight and if all else fails, the right of recall, the ultimate sanction and corrective mechanism.

In Nigeria’s political history over the past seventy years it has been a perennial issue. It led in the nineteen forties to the well recorded turbulence in the pioneering anti - colonial Nigeria Youth Movement. In the nineteen fifties, the interpretation

Aregbesola Hails Fayemi’s Election As Triumph Of Progressivism Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has of progressivism in the congratulated the candidate of the All Progressives South West and an Congress (APC), Dr Kayode Fayemi, on his victory at opportunity to re-enact the the Ekiti State Governorship Election held on golden era of Chief Saturday July 14.

Obafemi Awolowo under progressive In a statement made leadership and good whose platform the region had available to the media in governance.

“That victory signposts u n p r e c e d e n t e d Osogbo by his Media Adviser, Mr Sola Fasure, the wrap up of the South development, through Governor Aregbesola West by the APC, Ekiti regional integration and described the victory of State being the last bastion s o c i o - e c o n o m i c the APC as a ‘hard fought of the dying PDP dinosaur cooperation.

“I therefore and won battle that that has wreaked havoc in brought liberation to the the region and Nigeria in w h o l e h e a r t e d l y congratulate Dr Fayemi, general.

It is a new dawn people of Ekiti State’.

According to the governor, “The victory of our party, the All Progressives Congress The All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state (APC) came after a hard of Osun has congratulated the Ekiti State Governorfought and won battle elect, Dr. John Kayode Fayemi on his victory in the that brought liberation to Saturday, July 14 gubernatorial election in the state. the good people of Ekiti.

This is contained in a Nigerians. ”It is also an indication He commended the of the rising popularity of congratulatory message issued and released by people of Ekiti State for the APC across Nigeria in the Director of Publicity, keeping the election a swift sweeping of the electoral stakes in the Research and Strategy, process peaceful before, Kunle Oyatomi and during and after the country that began in 2015 made available to the electioneering process and continues till now. pressmen on Sunday. and for not allowing “In spite of the In the release, Oyatomi themselves to be bought challenges and the maintained that the by vote mongers. formidable opposition, Osun APC then urged the people of Ekiti stood victory of the APC in behind the party and Ekiti election was a clear party leaders, members of the and all the stakeholders voted for our candidate indication on Saturday, giving our popularity of the party to come together, party, a fresh four year and a proof that the party cooperate and support mandate to provide was loved by the entire the Fayemi- led APC

his running mate, the progressive family in Ekiti State and across Nigeria, the leadership and all members of our party that worked hard for this victory.

“On behalf of my family, the government and the good people of Osun, I wish him a fruitful and successful tenure in the service of the people of Ekiti”, the statement concluded.

‘It’s A Clear Indication Of APC Popularity’ government to ensure unprecedented developmental projects in all nooks and crannies of the state.

The governor-elect was then urged to put behind all acrimonious act that may have arisen from the electioneering process, and reach out to all well-meaning leaders and stakeholders in the state and beyond so that the party, APC will be stronger, more popular to win convincingly in all forthcoming elections.

CHANGE OF NAME/PUBLIC NOTICE AKINOLA ISHAQ ADELEKE

That MUSIBAU HAMZAT and AMUSA MUSIBAU AKINDELE are the same person, but now wish to be known and addressed to AMUSA MUSIBAU AKINDELE. All former documents remain valid. FCMB Bank and the General public should take note.

ODUKOYA OLUWAKEMI BAMIDELE

That ADEFIOYE AYOBAMI and ADEFIOYE AYOBAMI ISLAMIAT are the same person, but henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEFIOYE AYOBAMI ISLAMIAT. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank and General public should take note.

TAOFEEQ BOLAJI AJISOLA

MRS. ISHOLA OLADELE NOFISAT

That I was formerly known and addressed as AKINPELU GLORIA CHRISTANAH, with wrong date of Birth 17/ 10/1996 but now wish to be known and addressed as AKINPELU GLORY CHRISTANAH, with correct date of Birth 17/10/1997.All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as MISS OLADELE NOFISAT BOLANLE, but now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ISHOLA OLADELE NOFISAT . All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

of party supremacy in the NCNC led to a faction led

by Dr K.O. Mbadiwe breaking away. The eventual reconciliation was cemented on the firm acceptance of the efficacy of the principle of democratic centralism by the reuniting factions and tendencies.

The defining momentum for the supremacy of democratic centralism in Nigeria is of course, the party convention of the Action Group party in Jos , now the capital of Plateau state in 1962. The issue was straightforward, the necessity of the regional government controlled by the Action Group to be in alignment with the expressed wishes of the membership of the party as interpreted by the elected organs of the party. The rest is history, too well known to be recounted here.

Democratic centralism and the expressed position of the membership of a political party cannot be sensibly translated through the anti - democratic invention of military rule - election by delegates. This mechanism is a reflection of the unitarist mindset of the military, it is inevitably proppeled by corruption in which a handful of delegates are up for sale to the highest bidder. Using this framework, the members of the party, those who conscientiously build the party by attending party meetings, sustain it by paying their dues and doing the hard work of mobilisation as well as logistics coordination, are frozen out. Inevitably, they are marginalised and become in essence extras in someone else’s movie.

This is not the way in which modern political parties are operated. The party activists must control the party and be at center stage. Through this mechanism of common ownership, their concerns and interests will become paramount.The candidates of the party must be chosen by them and must reflect their wishes and desires. Two decades after the exit of military rule and the reinstatement of democracy is more than enough to reinstate the control of the party by the membership.It is unacceptable that this is just happening, it must now become the conventional wisdom as well as the entrenched practice.

In many instances in the recent past, the state of Osun has broken the mould, the approval of the national executive of the APC is yet another path breaking move which must be institutionalised. The strength of a democracy is best reflected in the resilience and the entrenchment of a democratic framework in the operations of its constituent political parties. Through democratically operated political parties, the culture of mass participation and communal ownership becomes entrenched in the polity. Mass participation acts as a bulwark for democracy, this should be of great importance to a country which has gone through the debilitating effects of military rule. In this way, mass participation through the trajectories of political parties anchored on distinct philosophical positions become the bulwark and a key line of defense against any anti constitutional move. We have to provide solid lines in the defence of our democracy.

What is going to happen in Osun state is a reinstatement of the central ethos of mass participation which is so central to the health and vigour of a democracy. A democratic spring is on course in the state of Osun, it should be applauded and as in a lot of areas in which the state has blazed the trail it is worthy of emulating.

•ADEMILUYI is a public affairs analyst.

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

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Cough And Treatment A cough is a reflex action to clear your airways of mucus and irritants such as dust or smoke. It is rarely a sign of anything serious.

A “dry cough” means it is tickly and does not produce any phlegm (thick mucus). A “chesty cough” means phlegm is produced to help clear your airways.

Most coughs clear up within three weeks and don’t require any treatment.

For more persistent coughs, it is a good idea to see a medical doctor so they can investigate the cause and prescribe a course of treatment.

A persistent cough may be caused by: 1.

A long-term respiratory tract infection, such as chronic bronchitis.

2. Asthma – this also usually causes other symptoms, such as wheezing, chest tightness and shortness of breath.

3. An allergy.

4. Smoking – a smoker’s cough can also be a symptom of COPD 5.

Bronchiectasis – where the airways of the lungs become abnormally widened 6. Postnasal drip – mucus dripping down the throat from the back of the nose, caused by a condition such as rhinitis or sinusitis.

7.

Gastro-Esophageal Reflux Disease [GERD] – where the throat becomes irritated by leaking stomach acid into the throat [oesophagus].

8. A prescribed medicine, such as an angiotensin-converting enzyme inhibitor [ACE].

Rarely, a persistent cough can be a symptom of a more serious condition, such as lung cancer, heart failure, a pulmonary embolism (blood clot on the lung) or tuberculosis.

With FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

Coughs in children Coughs in children often have similar causes to those mentioned above. For example, respiratory tract infections, asthma and GERD can all affect children.

Causes of coughs that are more common in children than adults include: 1. Bronchiolitis – a mild respiratory tract infection that usually causes coldlike symptoms.

2. Croup – this causes a distinctive barking cough and a harsh sound known as stridor when the child breathes in.

3. Whooping cough – look out for symptoms such as intense, hacking bouts of coughing, vomiting, and a whooping sound with each sharp intake of breath after coughing Occasionally, a persistent cough in a

child can be a sign of a serious longterm condition, such as cystic fibrosis.

When to see a doctor Seeking medical advice is necessary if the person experiences the following: a cough for more than three weeks, the cough is particularly severe or is getting worse, the person coughs up blood or experience shortness of breath, breathing difficulties or chest pain, presence of any other worrying symptoms, such as unexplained weight loss, a persistent change in the person’s voice, or lumps or swellings in the neck.

If the doctor is unsure what the cause of the cough is, they may refer to a hospital specialist for an assessment.

They may also request some tests, such as a chest X-ray, allergy tests, breathing tests, and an analysis of a sample of the patient’s phlegm [mucus] to check for

infection.

What treatments are available?

Treatment is not always necessary for mild, short-term coughs because it is likely to be a viral infection that will get better on its own within a few weeks.

The person can look after themselves at home by resting, drinking plenty of fluids, and taking analgesics and painkillers.

Cough medicines and remedies Although, some people find the use of cough remedies helpful. Medicines that claim to suppress the cough or stop the bringing up phlegm are not usually recommended. This is because there is little evidence to suggest they are any more effective than simple home remedies, and they are not suitable for everyone.

Treating the underlying cause If a cough has a specific cause, treating this may help.

Asthma can be treated with inhaled steroids to reduce inflammation in the airways. Allergies can be treated by avoiding things the person is allergic to and taking antihistamines to dampen down the allergic reactions. Bacterial infections can be treated with antibiotics. GERD can be treated with antacids to neutralise the stomach acid and medication to reduce the amount of acid the stomach produces. COPD can be treated with bronchodilators to widen the airways. For smokers, quitting smoking is also likely to help improve cough.

Osun 2018: Direct Primary, The Best

By Muyiwa Kumuyi Some noises have been heard on the frivolous net, raising false alarm about the adoption of the Direct Primary model for aspirants under the platform of All Progressives Congress vying ýfor governorship ticket in Osun.

It would not have mattered much if those who have been making those noises were ignorant. But they are supposedly enlightened and educated people who know better but choose to muddy the waters in their selfish ýinterests.

Although, politics in Nigeria has become more about self, rather than public interest, but at least, when it comes to the constitutional rules by which a procedure or process can be conducted, a serious politician ought toý know at his finger tips what the rules are.

Article 20 of the APC constitution says that the primary of the party “can be conducted either directly or indirectly.”

A direct primary is one at which all party members are eligible to vote. The indirect primary is one at which delegates vote, which could be considered as an electoral college to pick a candidate.

If we must be truthful to ourselves, the indirect primaries, which we have witnessed since 1999 in Nigeria, have largely created more problems than they solved in the process of electing a party flag bearer for governor or president.

We are familiar with the obnoxious fraud that have characterised the

Osun is now the first state to attempt the direct primary model which however is the prevalent practice in the United States of America from where we copied our democracy. process, the demonic practices that had be-deviled it, and the monitization which has become its ugly face that combine to make it less democratic than it was intended to be.

That is because it has become so easy to influence most of the delegates to the

disadvantage of democracy itself.

However, if the process is direct, the aspirants will have to appeal to tens of thousands of party members. The primary democratic advantage here is that majority of the people involved will participate ýin the process.

Again, reason the direct approach would be most appropriate is that it is a more open and transparent process, incorruptible and not easy to be manipulated or subjected to diabolical influences.

We should understand that democracy is about rule of the majority.

A position as important as that of the governorý of a state should be determined by popular votes. That gives the occupant of the post greater legitimacy.

Similarly, within the party system, the majority of its membership should carry the day on all critical decisions the party makes.ý But the Nigerian experience to date is that the indirect primaries have progressively been eroded by fraud.

Osun is now the first state to attempt the direct primary model which however is the prevalent practice in the United States of America from where we copied our democracy.

Indeed in Iowa State in America, all eligible voters are required to participate in the primaries to elect the person that should hold an important office. ýWe would be holding our breath to see how the direct primary in Osun would reshape or influence internal democracy within the parties.

The national executive of the APC would be doing a great service to the democratic process if it sanctions this critical exerciseý to go through.

•KUMUYI, a political analyst writes from Iwo, Osun

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NEWS

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

Why I Withdrew From The Governorship Race - Oyebamiji

By Solomon Odeniyi Osun State Commissioner for Finance, Mr Bola Oyebamiji has attributed his withdrawal from the governorship race on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to his desire to see a united APC after July 19th Primary election and a stronger and cohesive party at the September 22 governorship election.

Oyebamiji entered into pressure from every the race late after his corner, thousands of kinsmen obtained the people including young form of intent on his and old from the three behalf, citing his senatorial districts of our outstanding political state volunteered sojourn and unblemished themselves as canvassers personality. and mobilizers to woo He was also believed party loyalists and by some to be the general public to support anointed candidate of my supposed Governor Rauf candidature.”

Aregbesola, leaving He stressed that the many to a rude shock image of youth quite bowing out of the race for negates the image people the state’s most exalted erroneously attached to seat. them that money Oyebaiji said, he determines their loyalty arrived at such decision in politics, adding that he after weighing his considered it a matter of options, and due pride and privilege to consultations with God, receive the support of immediate family and various political, social, those whose opinions professional and matter in his political religious leaders both career among others. home and abroad.

He said: “For days, I The commissioner was weighing my appreciated the leaders options; I consulted my of his town including creator, immediate traditional institutions, family and those whose political associates, opinions matter in my friends and those political, social and individuals who believe religious life and in his capacity to run concluded that there effectively for the exalted comes a time in the life of seat of the Governor of every man to fall for the state, describing their something or nothing; on efforts of raising over a this occasion; I willingly million naira as well as chose to fall for loyalty, obtaining an intention trust, integrity and sound form at the party reasoning.

Secretariat in Osogbo all “Dear friends and without his knowledge as supporters, ever since the unprecedented in the news of my purported history of Nigeria’s aspiration broke, I have polity. been very careful and He added: “In view of mindful of my this, I deeply regret any approaches to political inconvenience my issues and gathering so as decision might bring to not to heighten the every individual or already charged political groups who out of their environment within our own volition decided to party. promote my name and “Despite my silence what I represent without and non-involvement in any prompt; I am any political activities in extremely grateful and the face of humongous feel honoured for the

social capital and premium you all invested in me.

“In the meantime, I have decided to rally support for my party, the

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

“This is what we must all do in good faith in order to consolidate the unprecedented achievements of the

outgoing government bearing in mind that God gives power to whom He pleases and above all, the WILL of Almighty Allah must be fulfilled”.

•A cross section of Osun retired Heads of Service and Permanent Secretaries at the Public presentation and lunch of book titled: The Civil Service as a Cornerstone of Development in the state.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Gov. Proffers Solution To Farmers/Herdsmen Crisis •World Bank Partners Osun On Livestock Yield Governor Rauf Aregbesola has said that the improvement of the nation’s cattle and other livestock breed is the major solution to the herdsmen/farmers crisis the nation is facing.

This was made known be, it would be difficult on Monday during a for nomads to move or partnership visit of the roam around with them World Bank Livestock and the crisis between Productivity and farmers and herdsmen Resilience Team to the will stop naturally. governor of Osun, The governor added Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola that the goal for every at the government house government in the in Osogbo to seal the country should be to raise World Bank cattle and other livestock collaboration with the animals in such a way state through the state that will make it Ministry of Agriculture completely impossible and Food Security to for them to be moved improve livestock around. production in the state.

He noted that when The governor stated this is done, it will not that when the breed of only put an end to the the local cattle is farmers and herdsmen improved upon and they crisis, but also improve become as healthy and the economic value of the robust as they ought to animals, noting that a lot of yield is being lost as a result of moving them around.

According to him, “the objective for us as a government has always been to raise our local stock in such a way that it will make it difficult to future.

He noted that move them around Aregbesola in just eight thereby improving their years has taken Osun on yield and at the same a journey that would time eliminate the social ordinarily have taken the crisis between the state about 30 years to cover, stressing that the farmers and herdsmen.

Speaking on the development of Osun has been fast tracked by the partnership between the visionary leadership style state and the World Bank on the improvement of of the present governor.

Oba Ayeni who livestock breed in the lamented the paucity of Osun, Aregbesola stated funds which hindered that his administration some of the positive will fully support the visions of the governor, move, promising that the explained that there is no aspect of human life that state will ensure prompt of its has not been touched by payment the administration counterpart fund as and despite the lean resources when due. of the state.

Aregbesola who

Monarchs Laud Aregbesola’s Impact In Rural Communities •Honour Him As Champion Of Rural Development Royal fathers have lauded the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the rapid development the government has brought to the nooks and crannies of Osun especially in the rural areas of the state.

The monarchs, under Adeniyi Ayeni, the the aegis of Network of morachs explained that Kings from Osun Country they decided to honour Side made up of royal the governor with the fathers from rural award because of the communities gave u n p r e c e d e n t e d commendation on development he has Sunday during the brought to the state. presentation of an award The monarch, who tagged: “Champion of described Aregbesola as Rural Development” to God sent to the state at the the governor at the right time, explained that government house, the governor has written Osogbo. his name in gold in the Led by their chairman, state, as his achievements the Owalaja of Kajola would be difficult to Ajaba, Oba Taiwo surpass in the nearest

APC to ensure the defense of its current position as the ruling party in Osun in order to sustain the current developmental strides of

explained that there is no aspect of agriculture which the present administration has not touched, stressed that his government will continue to support agriculture because it is one of the major ways out of poverty, as it will make make people to understand the value of work and money.

The World Bank Team, led by Mr Samuel Taffese had earlier gone round the state visiting locations where the state government uses for animal husbandry in a bid to access the readiness of the state for the collaboration.

Delivering an address, Taffese who was represented by the Senior Social Development Analyst of the bank, Professor Olukayode Taiwo stated that having gone round the state, they are rest assured that the Osun is fully ready for the project.

He said, of all the states visited so far, Osun is the only state that has shown the enthusiasm for the project, saying that the state already has an efficient team that will deliver on the needs of the World Bank concerning the project, as he noted that the personal interest of the governor for the project is motivating.

The World Bank team leader commended the Osun governor for the efforts made in the past to improve cattle and other livestock yield in the state, noting that it is a pointer to the fact that

the bank has a good partner in the state.

He said: “Osun government is doing a fantastic job in the area of agriculture, with what we have seen on ground in the last 24 hours of our stay, we are so comfortable that we have come to the right place.

“It is obvious that we are on the same page with the Osun government, it is clear that the present administration in the state has taken steps to also improve the yield of livestock in the state and we are so encouraged by this because that’s what we intend to do.

“We sincerely appreciate the interest of the governor in this project, the team for this project on the part of the Osun government is fantastic and we can’t wait to start working with them.

“What we saw that is already being done at the Leventis center in Ilesa is fantastic and amazing, with that, we know that our job here in Osun is going to be easy and interesting because a foundation has been laid and the Osun team already has an idea of what we are bringing.

Kudos must be given to the governor for the vision.

Among other eligibility conditions the state government must meet up with in the collaboration with the World Bank to improve livestock yield in Osun is the payment of N20million yearly counterpart fund for six years.

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

CRIME

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

Court Remands Surety Over Alleged Obstruction Of Justice The suspect, who is not guilty to the two Modupe Awodele ruled

By Mariam Bello that the accused person no legal count charges.

An Osogbo Magistrate court on Tuesday ordered having The Magistrate, Mrs be remanded in prison the remand of a 50-year-old man, Alabi Olakunle representation pleaded Paul who is standing surety for Barrister Olakanni Ogunyemi in Ilesha prison custody for allegedly obstructing and preventing course of justice.

Mrs Oyegbade Elizabeth Olakunle was

By Mariam Bello and stole the sum of Prosecutor Oladoye arraigned on two count A magistrate court sitting in Osogbo on Wednesday N145,000 only and one charges bothering on Joshua submitted that the arraigned a 29-year-old woman Fisayo Adedeji over techno T350 phone valued preventing and offence contravenes alleged stealing of N145,000.00 and one techno phone. N4,800, total property section 126(1) and, obstructing justice. valued N149,800.

The prosecutor the about 8: 00am at Atelewo Fisayo who is having no The prosecutor, section 126(2) of the Jafani Muslim Area, Osogbo. legal representative Inspector Oladoye Joshua criminal code cap 34 inspector informed the court that the The suspect allegedly informed the court that volume 11.laws of Osun defendant committed the entered into the dwelling pleaded not guilty to the charges preferred against the suspect and others at State 2002. offence on June 9, 2018 at house of one her. large committed the offence on November 15, 2016 at the Osogbo Magistrate court Modupe Awodele, jurisdiction complex. with

By Mariam Bello granted the defendants evidence of tax payments The defendant bail in the sum of N1 allegedly conspired with The Osun State police command last Monday and an affidavit of Barrister Olakanni arraigned three men before a magistrate court in million and two sureties means. each in the same sum.

Ogunyemi who is an Osogbo over alleged fraud of N6.3 million.

She said one of the The sureties must sureties must be a civil accused person in a case The trio suspects are to collect her money reside within the court of stealing, fraud and Kamilu Abayomi, 25, without servants on grade level 15 her forgery to obstruct, Bakare Abibu, 22, and consciousness. prevent and defeat the Hameed Adekola, 44.

The prosecutor said course of justice by The prosecutor, the offence committed standing as a surety and Inspector Rasaq Lamidi contravenes sections effect his release.

By David Adejuwon 516, 419, said that the suspects 86(2), Inspector Joshua Osun state police command has arraigned a 45381 among 383(390),and stressed that the accused conspired year-old man, Amoo Olusegun before a magistrate person advised Barrister themselves to defraud punishable under section court sitting in Osogbo on Tuesday over alleged Ogunyemi to abscond in one Adeosun Funmilayo 390(9) of the criminal fraud. code cap 34 vol.

11 laws the sum of N6.3 million order not to stand trial at with pretence to do a of Osun,2003.

Olusegun is facing Osogbo. the court of law.

The accused persons two count charges He explained further business transaction with Rasaki said the are facing five-count bothering on false accused person collected that the defendant stands her. charge bothering on He said the suspects pretence and fraud N823,000 from one as surety on a bond of Magistrate Ganiyu Adeoti with N1million to be forfeited collected the total sum of fraud, theft, attempt to before Modupe Awodele. to the State government if N6.3 million from the kill and conspiracy. intent to help him with Defence Counsel, Mr Police prosecutor, the clearance of one he fails to produce complainant before they Bola Ige, prayed the were traced and later Barrister Ogunyemi Inspector Lamidi Rasaki Toyota corolla 2005 when needed in court arrested by the police magistrate to grant his told the court that the model vehicle. client’s bail in the most accused until his case of stealing, intelligence units. person He said the offence Rasaq Lamidi said the liberal terms. fraud and forgery is committed the offence committed is contrary to The Magistrate, Mrs sometimes this year in and punishable under trio charmed Funmilayo dispensed off.

custody and adjourned the matter to July 31 for ruling on bail.

Police Arraign 29-Year-Old Woman For Stealing N145,000 The magistrate, Mrs Modupe Awodele granted the defendant bail in the sum of N150,000 with two sureties in the same sum.

One of them must be civil servant while the other must reside within the court jurisdiction and shall swear to affidavit of means.

Three Men Docked Over Alleged N6.3m Fraud

,while the other a closed relatives to the accused persons.

The case was adjourned to August 27 for hearing

Man In Court Over Fraud

section 419 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol. II laws of Osun State of Nigeria.

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

Defence counsel, J.O Amoo prayed the court to grant his client bail in most liberal terms.

Magistrate Awodele granted the accused person bail in the sum of N300, 000 with two sureties in the same sum.

The case was adjourned till August 13 for hearing of the matter.

BUSINESS

Food Seasoning Business In Nigeria And Ajinomoto’s Influence

By Sola Jacobs Food seasoning business in Nigeria is expansive, ever growing and Ajinomoto has been able to contribute its own quota, hence making meal time a memorable one to everyone.

Ajinomoto enhances palatability of meal, it is made from sugar cane and it is called Umami.

It is a food seasoning that emanates from Japanese culture and it had even become a name in English dictionary.

Ajinomoto was established in 1909 but in Nigeria it started in 1991 and has since become household name.

Its establishments are in over 32 states of the federation and in more than 130 countries and regions of the world.

Ajinomoto Umami seasoning is made from sugar and it went through a fermentation process like Iru, Ogiri and Dadawa, the Nigeria local condiments and it is suitable and generally considered as safe for human consumption.

Ajinomoto has undergone scientific research and has been considered safe, approved by Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) and World Health Organisation (WHO) both formed the committee on Food Addictives (JECFA) to evaluate safety of food and they classified (MSG) in the safest category after three safety evaluation in 1970, 1973 and 1987.

In 1991, the European commission Scientific Committee of Food also affirmed MSG safety.

In Nigeria, the NAFDAC and standard Organisation of Nigeria also confirmed it safe, for consumption without any side effects.

About Ajinomoto in Nigeria According to the corporate communication officer of the company in Nigeria during her visit to Osun Defender, Mrs Francesca Ikediashi, the West African Seasoning Company Limited is an affiliate of the AJINOMOTO GROUP (A company that first produced Monosodium Glutamate for commercial marketing and consumption since 1909 and began sales/marketing operations in Nigeria in 1991.

“It was founded on the aspiration of contributing to the world’s food and wellness and to better lives

•Ajinomoto’s drive into Osun State included a courtesy visit to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi. Inset: The Managing Director of West African Seasoning Co. Ltd, Mr Niki Junichi presenting Ajinomoto and MaDish seasoning products to the Ooni of Ife. for the future. Since 1909, the Ajinomoto Group has continued the world of contributing to healthy lifestyles worldwide by providing products that make food more delicious and nutritious through a wide range of business portfolio focused on food and amino science, saying, in the process, it has also of course created economic value.

“The company is totally committed to providing quality Ajinomoto and Ma Dish powder seasoning and other products and services that meet the requirement and satisfaction of our numerous customers.

“Monosodium Glutamate (MSG) is the sodium salt of glutamic acid, it is a flavour enhancer which has been used effectively for over a century to bring out the best flavours in food.

“Historically, it was discovered in 1908 by a Japanese professor named Kikunae Ikeda. He was able to extract glutamate from the Japanese traditional

broth which was made from sea weed and determined that glutamate provided the savoury taste to the soup.

“Professor Ikeda then filed a patent to produce MSG and commercial production stated following year.

“Today, instead of extracting and crystallizing MSG from seaweed broth, it is produced by the fermentation of starch, sugar beets, sugar cane or molasses. This fermentation process is similar to how Iru and Dadawa are fermented from locust beans and Ogiri is fermented from cast/melon seed.

“In it, we eat, we ingest the necessary nutrients from our food to make our body system function. Glutamate is the most abundant amino acids in nature.

The human body contains about 1.4kgs of glutamate found in muscles, brains kidneys other organs and tissues.

It is also abundant in human breast milk, it amounts to 27mg/100ml and this is usually our first encounter with taste.

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Omisore Makes Mockery Of The PDP Over Ekiti Election Result P. 11

WEDNESDAY JULY 18 - THURSDAY JULY 27, 2018

A Witness To Excellence REFLECTION A reflection by Abdul-Hakeem Abdul-Lateef on the progressive intervention in the affairs of the State of Osun.

It is with a joyful heart and profound gratitude to Almighty Allah that I write this piece, on Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, from the deepest recesses of my being as he approaches the end of his momentous, eventful and unprecedented two-term tenure as Executive Governor of the State of Osun (2010-2018). I thank the Almighty for granting him the life, good health, wisdom, sagacity, prudence, vibrancy, energy and dynamism with which he has maximally utilized this office to turn around the fortunes of what used to be regarded as one of the most underdeveloped rural states in the country with little or no potentials for radical transformation.

His tenure in office as governor of the State of Osun has helped to uplift millions of the poor and deprived from the humiliating depths of poverty while laying a firm foundation for and laying new vistas of previously unimagined opportunities for the future development of the state. I make bold to say with all sincerity that His Excellency, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s political career brilliantly exemplifies the great sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo’s assertion that “the glory of a king lies in the welfare and wellbeing of his people”. For the last seven and a half years, his driving passion has been the upliftment of the State of Osun to a higher pedestal of progress and modernity, enhancing the material and existential circumstances of the ordinary people and imbuing the people of the state with a new sense of self-esteem, confidence and self respect.

In closely observing and contemplating his conduct, underlying philosophy, selflessness, courage, commitment and sense of purpose in public life over the last two decades, he reminds me of the immortal saying of Martin Luther King (jnr) 0n June 23, 1963, that “There are some things so dear, some things so precious, some things so eternally true, that they are worth dying for. And I submit that if a man has not discovered something that he will die for, he isn’t fit to live”. As a student union leader in his youth, he was at the forefront of the black power movement that uncompromisingly advocated and struggled for the liberation of South Africa and the entire Southern African

BY ABDUL-HAKEEM ABDUL-LATEEF

region from the stranglehold of Infrastructure the flagship and point of apartheid. At the same time, in line with reference of the Tinubu administration. his democratic socialist beliefs, Ogbeni It is to his everlasting credit that the played an active role in movements and Ministry laid the foundation for the organizations working for radical social radical modernization of roads change in Nigeria and the abolition all and ancillary infrastructure forms of injustice, inequality, poverty, in Lagos state that indignity and inhumanity of man to s u c c e e d i n g man in our society. administrations have It was thus not fortuitous that it been building and was in the trenches, during the improving upon so struggle against the annulment of remarkably to the benefit the June 12, 1993, presidential and glory of Lagos State. election won by the late Chief There is, therefore, no Moshhod Kashimawo Abiola doubt that Ogbeni specifically and military Aregbesola assumed office dictatorship in general, that he as Governor of Osun, struck a close working after a protracted and comradeship with our herculean legal phenomenal leader, struggle, with Asiwaju Bola Ahmed impeccable Tinubu. Both he and credentials of Asiwaju have competence, consistently shown character, the rest of us the integrity and light to enable us indelible find the way to a achievements land where in public liberty, equity, service. It justice and would have democracy reign been so much supreme. These are easier and values, which the m o r e Ogbeni showed a convenient to willingness to die set very low for if need be for standards and the greater interest be content to of Nigeria, Africa leave the State as and humanity. he met it. He When he •Faithfully implemented the could easily have became the opted to let the seven-point agenda s e c o n d state remain democratically dependent on elected Governor m o n t h l y of Lagos State in 1999 after Alhaji Lateef allocations from the Federation Jakande (1979-1983), it was no surprise Account while being content with that Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu simply paying salaries of government appointed Rauf as Honourable workers as well as pensions and letting Commissioner in the strategic Ministry the State of Osun remain what it had of Works and Infrastructure. Asiwaju always been – a civil service state had, no doubt, noticed his industry, lacking in dynamism, virility or creative versatility, doggedness and governance. incomparable commitment to the Demonstrating great courage and public good during the dark and audacious vision, this man of honou dangerous years of the struggle for said ‘no’ to a path of ease, complacency democratic restoration in Nigeria. and indulgent leadership. He said no Ogbeni’s sparkling and undeniable to the broad and easy path of perpetual success in that office for eight years, dependence on hand outs from the made the Ministry of Works and Federation Account, preferring to lead

CARTOON

the State of Osun along the narrow and demanding path of laying the foundation for self-reliant development with the prospects of future prosperity despite unavoidable short-term hardships. The path he chose: that of hard work, sacrifice, pain and hardship in order to realize the dream of ‘abundance for all’ in the long run, reminds one of the poem, ‘Give us Men!’ by Josiah Gilbert Holland (18191881): “God give us Men! Men-from every rank, Fresh and free and frank; Men of thought and reading, Men of light and leading, Men of loyal breeding, The Nation’s welfare speeding; Men of faith and not of fiction, Men of lofty aim in action; Give us Men – I say again, Give us Men!’ At that critical juncture in history, God indeed gave the State of Osun that man of vision, courage, commitment, compassion and positive action in Ogbeni. He boldly set forth a ‘Six Point Integral Action Plan’, which encapsulated banishing poverty, banishing hunger, banishing unemployment, restoring healthy living, promoting functional education and enhancing communal peace and progress. In enunciating such an ambitious developmental agenda in a state widely believed to be irredeemably poor, many of his critics and even supporters thought His Excellency was out of his mind. Where, many wondered, did he expect to get the resources to realize these objectives?

But then, he was, even if subconsciously, obviously motivated by the immortal words of the poet who declared: ‘The man who misses all the fun Is he who says “It can’t be done”.

In solemn pride he stands aloof And greets each venture with reproof.

Had he the power he’d efface The history of the human race; We’d have no radio or motor cars, No streets lit by electric stars; No telegraph nor telephone, We’d linger in the age of stone.

The world would sleep if things were run By men who say, ‘It can’t be done’.

Because Ogbeni believed the revolutionary transformation of the State of Osun could be done, he was bequeathing to the state a legacy of breathtaking infrastructural modernization and service delivery.

These include a vast network of modern roads that cut across the nooks and crannies of the state as well as state of the art schools and health facilities that are the envy of many better endowed states in terms of financial resources. By •Continued on page 10

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

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