Shola Aderinto
Govt Allegedly Abandons Schools For Special Needs In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
SCHOOLS for Students with Special Needs in Osun State are currently in dire straits, following an age long lack of premium a en on from the state government.
Inves ga ons by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that some of the challenges affec ng the schools include lack of teachers, basic ameni es, as well as the deplorable state of their infrastructure.
At the Integrated school, Bap st Grammar School, Iwo, it was learnt that only two sign language interpreters who are not employed by the government are currently available in the school. Their salaries according to sources are paid by some individuals in the last 8 years.
However, the medium gathered that the state government last year engaged 23 special needs teachers which is far below the required numbers.
Also, barely two years a er the Federal Government handed over the Model Smart School, Alekuwodo to the Osun State Government, the school has allegedly suffered neglect.
The school, a project of the Universal Basic Educaon Commission (UBEC), was founded on September 18, 2023 and handed over to the state government under State Universal Basic Educa on Board (SUBEB).
According to a release by the Team Lead, One House Development Inia ve, Tunbosun Olabomi, the school is in need of more special needs teachers while the equipment need to be put to use.
Olabomi claimed that some of the buildings in the school do not seem to be in excellent condi ons with roofs and ceilings out of place.
A copy of the statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER reads partly: “We paid a visit to the UBEC Model Smart School, Alekuwodo, a er we were informed about its existence and that it was a school for persons with special needs and we wanted to learn about how the school func ons, the facili es available and the provision it has for students with special needs. It turns out that it is NOT just a school for persons with special needs but an integrated smart technology-based school with facili es for the deaf.
“The school was founded on the 18th of Sept., 2023 and it was designed to be a technology-based digital school. The school
•As Individuals Pay To Hire Teachers
takes in Early Child Care and Development (ECCDE) 1 to 2, primaries 1 to 4 and JSS 1 to 2. For the special needs’ educa on, the school takes ECCDE Special 1 to 2 and primary special. The school has 3 sec ons which are the ECCDE which is led by the ECCDE Head, the primary session which is headed by the headmaster and the secondary session which is headed by the principal.
“Some of the facili es available are the interacve boards, tablets, laptop computers and projectors. The mode of teaching is blended (tradi onal and online) and the students engage in what is called, ‘Sta on Rota on Method’ to guarantee that every child is carried along in every form of learning.
“Entrance examinaons are taken online though there are provisions for students who may not have been computer literate before tak-
ing the entrance examinaons.
“It is worthy of note that the Federal government built it up through
UBEC and handed it over to the state under SUBEB. Adver sement for new intakes are made on radio in August and the last form
was for #1,000 only. The Fed. govt. is said to have put it out for free but each student is to pay a token of #5,000 to cover for the
LG Crisis: FG Subverting Democracy In Osun - Rights Lawyer
AConstitutional and Human Rights Lawyer, Festus Ogun has condemned the role of the Federal Government in the ongoing Local Government crisis between the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State.
According to Ogun, the FG under the APC is subver ng democracy in Osun which he described as horrible to democracy.
The rights lawyer wrote this on his Facebook handle a er featuring on Channels TV LunchTime Poli cs on Tuesday where he shared his view on the ongoing LG crisis in the state.
He wrote: “Yesterday, I was on Channels TV to share my modest view on the ongoing local government crisis in Osun State. I feel so ashamed that we have to debate over this straigh orward constu onal ma er.
“We are not a country that priori zes the rule of law.Tall and short of my submission is this: the APC purported “chairmen and Councilors” have no legal or cons tu onal basis to forcefully take over the local government council.
“They were sacked by the Court in the case of Ac on Peoples Party (APP) against OSIEC and others (including APC). That judgment in the APP case is valid and subsis ng.
“The APC failed to prosecute the appeal earlier filed against the APP judgement and are bound by its findings. They a empted to relist the case a er it was
earlier dismissed for what of diligent prosecu on.
“Again, the Court rightly dismissed their applica on to relist. What is more? I advise that the show of shame should end already. The FG under APC is subver ng democracy in Osun State and that is a horrible sight for our to ering democracy.”
The PDP and the
APC are currently embroiled in a tussle over the control of the LGs.
The APC relies on a recent Court of Appeal judgment, which reportedly nullified a high court judgment that removed the LG chairmen elected in 2022, shortly a er their elec on.
While the APC clung to the appeal court verdict, the Adelekeled PDP government went ahead to conduct a fresh LG poll in February 2025 which PDP candidates won, as the APC did not par cipate.
The polical tussle over the LG has been bloody, with at least six lives lost.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees have since ordered workers to stay away from the LG secretariats for fear of being caught in violent crossfire.
data used by the teachers to prepare their lessons and teach them while the P.T.A also takes #1,000 as Educa on Trust Levy.
“Some challenges we found is that some of the buildings do not seem to be in excellent condi ons with roofs and ceilings out of place.
“Digital equipment were not in use at the me of our visit
“There is a lack of special needs teachers.
The NGO however recommended that “the Osun State Government to take ownership of this school in running and maintaining it.
“The se ng up of a State School Maintenance Agency with a rou ne maintenance framework.
“The refurbishing of poor facili es and recruitment and training of more special teachers with worthwhile incen ves.”
Reac ng to the NGO’s findings, the SUBEB chairman, Hon. Ibukun Fadipe described it as fake, saying there are more than enough special needs teachers in the school.
The chairman stated this in a telephone interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday.
Fadipe noted that he had at the same me commi ed his personal resources to the school by connec ng the electric transformer to the grid. He however agreed to the condi ons of some of the buildings in the school while a ribu ng it to the poor work by the contractor who handled the project.
He added that the renova on work of the school has been included in the ongoing infrastructure plan of the state government.
•Model Smart School, Alekuwodo, Osogbo
•Ogun, Rights Lawyer
Yusuf Oketola
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025 - THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025
THE confusion over the interpretaon of recent court cases relating to local governments in Osun State shows a lot of dysfunc on in the system in Nigeria. The judiciary should really now adopt a system where there are explainers or explanatory notes to offer unambiguous clarity to their decisions. The present back-and-forth as to how to interpret a judicial pronouncement is really unbecoming of a country which is ba ling on a whole host of fronts.
The judiciary in Nigeria, as well as the Bar, should use this opportunity to take an inward look. It wasn’t always like this, and the pronouncements of the judiciary in Nigeria were once savored for their clarity as well as their depth. There’s a need for deep introspec on, for judicial pronouncements should be a propelling mechanism of democracy.
Ideally, Nigeria should have a cons tu onal court, similar to those in countries like South Africa, France, and the Netherlands. Such a court would provide a dedicated pla orm for resolving key cons tu onal issues, allevia ng the burden on other courts. The Na onal Assembly should consider the pros and cons of establishing a cons tu onal court, given the current challenges.
Local governments play a vital role in development and daily life, and their func onality is crucial. However, in states like Osun, local governments are
Making The Local Governments Work Again
currently grounded, hindering essenal services like permit issuance and u lity provision. It’s me for a new approach to revitalize local governments and improve their effec veness.
A resolu on is not in sight. In an ideal situa on, there should be an informal, unwri en democra c agreement as to how to resolve the kind of crisis about the local governments that we have in Osun State. Unfortunately, the situa on we find ourselves now is that everything is about “winner takes all” and going for the kill. The biggest vic ms, of course, are the people.
It is difficult to see how you can create jobs and real sustainable devel-
opment in an atmosphere in which no one knows what the func on or who is in control of the local government. Local governments are too vital, even in the most advanced democra c states, to be put in this kind of situa on. It is to be hoped that common sense will prevail and that the par es can sit together and work out an agreement that is in favor of the people.
Unfortunately, the people are the least of the considera ons of the poli cal class in Nigeria as a whole; they hardly ma er. They have their few minutes of me in the sun when they du fully vote in elec ons in which the votes may or may not count. The key
The Discourse
“However, in states like Osun, local governments are currently grounded, hindering essential services like permit issuance and utility provision. It’s time for a new approach to revitalize local governments and
improve their effectiveness”
thing is that we cannot possibly go on like this, because right now, people are just completely dysfunc onal as to what to do about issues rela ng to local governments. This is very dangerous, and we hope that they can have a way out of this impasse.
A possible resolu on, if common sense prevails, which is unlikely, is for all par es to agree to a recons tuon of the state electoral commission and to work out new elec ons, which may or may not be supervised by the Independent Na onal Electoral Commission as a func oning observer, and with non-governmental organiza ons involved in monitoring and coordinating. It is, however, difficult to see how common sense can possibly prevail in issues such as this. It’s a crying shame because Osun State needs func oning local governments, and the sooner we get local governments func oning, the be er.
Osun LG Election: Two Parties, One Problem: How APC And PDP Betrayed Osun People
By Faduri Oluwadare Joseph
FOR a long me, I have chosen not to meddle in the poli cal affairs of my home state, Osun. As someone from the opposi on, I’ve sought to avoid being perceived as biased in the tussle between the two dominant par es — the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the People’s Democra c Party (PDP). But the recent show of shame between these two pares in the ongoing local government crisis demands that I speak up. What is happening is not just poli cs, it is a threat to democracy itself.
Democracy is meant to reflect the will of the people. It should be rooted in fairness, jus ce, and credibility. But what we are seeing in Osun State and across Nigeria, is a betrayal of these values. Our local government elec ons have become a caricature of democracy, a disgraceful display of manipula on and illegality.
APC and the Beginning of the Shame
Under the administra on of former Governor Adegboyega Oyetola (APC), a local government elec on was conducted, but let us be clear, it was not an elecon in any democra c sense. The name of a valid poli cal party, the Ac on People’s Party (APP), was missing from the ballot paper. Voters were given a simple “Yes or No” choice, not actual candidates. What kind of elec on is that?
This was not democracy; it was a stagemanaged fraud. The APC government at the me imposed a process devoid of legi macy and declared winners. That sham should never have stood. The eventual removal of those chairmen and councillors was necessary, but what followed under the PDP has proven no be er.
PDP and the Jungle Elec on Governor Ademola Adeleke came into office and swi ly sacked the APC-installed officials. He then organized his own “elecon”, but what followed was a jungle
“Security agencies are failing to uphold neutrality and professionalism. The Inspector General of Police and the Attorney General are facing allegations of bias. The judiciary, too, must speak with clarity and act with integrity, their silence and ambiguity only fuel the chaos”
drama.
In some towns, ballot boxes were allegedly taken to the bush, where unknown individuals thumb-printed in secrecy. In many areas, vo ng reportedly concluded before 7:00 AM, how is that even possible? Some called it a kangaroo elec on, others an “emergency democracy.” But no serious democra c process would operate like that.
To make ma ers worse, the head of the Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSIEC), Mr. Hashim Abioye, is a known PDP member and former House of Assembly aspirant. Can anyone seriously expect neutrality from such a figure? Courts, Chaos, and Confusion
As if the elec ons weren’t chao c enough, conflic ng court rulings have now plunged the state into deeper confusion. The Court of Appeal in Akure and the Federal High Court in Osun have issued contradictory judgments over who should be in office. On June 13th, yet another unclear judgment was delivered, promp ng both APC and PDP to rush to declare victory.
This confusion is dangerous. Already, lives have been lost in previous clashes over reinstatements. If nothing changes, more blood may be spilled. Security agencies are failing to uphold
neutrality and professionalism. The Inspector General of Police and the A orney General are facing allega ons of bias. The judiciary, too, must speak with clarity and act with integrity, their silence and ambiguity only fuel the chaos.
President Tinubu Must Act
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu must not stand by in silence. This is beyond
par san poli cs. As the leader of this naon, he must rise above affilia ons and intervene decisively. Democracy is on fire in Osun State, and inac on is no longer acceptable.
A Word to Governor Adeleke
Governor Adeleke, I urge you: do not take the law into your own hands. You are the execu ve, not the judiciary. Respect the courts, even in their confusion. Do not instruct chairmen or councillors to resume office without clear and final legal direcves. Let the rule of law, not poli cs, guide your ac ons.
A Message to Security Agencies
Your loyalty is to the people of Nigeria — not to any poli cal party. Protect our ci zens. Uphold the law. Be fair. Be professional. We are watching.
A Call to Nigerians
OSUN DEFENDER
Fellow Nigerians, this is a wake-up call. We must reject Yes/No elec ons. We must denounce kangaroo vo ng and bush ballot boxes. We must demand real elecons, free, fair, and credible.
Publisher – Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Asst. News Editor – Yusuf Oketola
Asst. Features Editor – Kazeem Badmus
Deputy Photo Editor – Shola Aderinto
Deputy Graphics Manager – Zainab Olalere
Produc on Controller – Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa
OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank (GTB), Gbongan Road, Osogbo, Osun State.
ISSN : 0794-8050
Telephone : 0809-301-9152
Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php
e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com
All correspondence to the above email addresses.
This is not about APC or PDP. It is about our collecve future. Un l we fix our local government elec ons, we cannot build the New Nigeria we all dream of. Let us rise. Let us speak out. Let us demand jus ce, transparency, and accountability. It is me to rescue our democracy, and me to rescue Nigeria. And it all begins with everyone of us. Enough is enough.
•Faduri is a former Presidential Aspirant (Labour Party) and Founder, Rescue Movement for a New Nigeria.
FRIDAY, JUNE 20, 2025 - THURSDAY, JUNE 26, 2025
I Downsized To Bring Sanity To Osun Dumpsite – Consultant
Yusuf Oketola
THE consultant engaged by the Osun government to manage the affairs of the state’s dumpsite at Egbedi town in Egbedore Local Government, Mr Olalekan Abolarin has explained reasons he disengaged some workers at the site upon taking charge of the place.
Abolarin, the Director of Bolarin General Merchant Enterprises disclosed said the move is to bring back sanity to the facility.
Recall that OSUN DEFEDNDER had in its June 13, 2025 edi on reported ‘How some sacked Osun Management Workers working at the dumpsite turned robbers and killed during opera on’. They were by the opera ng of the Amotekun Corps in the state during a shootout in January 2024 at the Dangote Integrated Steel Rolling Mills, Osogbo while on the mission to rob the facility.
Some of the sources who spoke with OSUN DEFEDNDER narrated that the disengaged dumpsite workers resorted to robbery a er they were chased out of the site.
But narra ng his own site of the story in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Wednesday, Bolarin asserted that the dumpsite has become a criminal haven before he took over its leadership. He said the government do not have records of those working there as they were not employed officially.
“On the issue of the dumpsite at Egbedi, I
wrote a proposal to Osun Internal Revenue Service because from record, no one has ever generated revenue from that dumpsite. I took over the affairs
of the place in February 2023. The task given to me by the government was to generate money and manage the ac vi es of the place.
“Before I took over the affairs of the place, there was no security guiding the dumpsite which gave room for all sorts of criminal ac vi es. When I re-
sumed duty, I met a wanted criminal who is using the dumpsite as hideout. Drug dealings and cul sm were thriving at the place when I got there. The
Pardoned Ex-Inmate’s Health Deteriorating Over Adeleke’s Failure
To Sponsor Medical Bill
Yusuf Oketola
HE health condi on
Tof Sunday Morakinyo, the second defendant in Segun Olowookere’s case is ge ng worse, OSUN DEFENDER gathered.
Reports confirmed it that Morakinyo suffered mental illness as a result of torture received from the police during his incarceraon at the state Criminal Inves ga on Department, Osogbo in 2010. Both Morakinyo and Olowookere were sentenced to death by hanging for stealing fowl and eggs in Oyan, Odo-O n Local Government, Osun State in
2014. They are among the 52 inmates serving various terms at different Custodial Centres across Nigeria’s South West region pardoned by Governor Ademola Adeleke.
OSUN DEFENDER, however, learnt that months a er their release, the state government is yet to fulfil its promises to the freed ex-inmates, par cularly Sunday Morakinyo and Segun Olowookere.
Sources told OSUN DE-
Art/Culture
Afrobeats, Nollywood And Beyond: Africa’s Bold Cultural Export To The World
IN recent years, Africa has become a cultural superpower—without firing a single shot or signing a single treaty. Instead, the con nent’s most powerful weapon has been its culture. Through Afrobeats, Nollywood, fashion, dance, and digital crea vity, Africa is reintroducing itself to the world with rhythm, resilience, and unmistakable pride.
Afrobeats, driven by Nigerian ar sts like Burna Boy, Wizkid, and Tems, has transcended borders. Once confined to Lagos nightclubs, it now echoes across global arenas—from New York’s Madison Square
Garden to London’s O2. It’s not just music; it’s a lifestyle, a movement of African self-expression laced with poli cal commentary and cultural depth. Nollywood, Africa’s film juggernaut, con nues to grow in influence. Streaming pla orms like Ne lix and Amazon Prime now showcase Nollywood produc ons, enabling the world to see African stories through African lenses. From drama c tales in the Niger Delta to urban Lagos narra ves, these films challenge old stereotypes and reframe Africa as diverse, intelligent, and evolving.
FENDER that the government, a er the amnesty programme promised to
sponsor the medical treatment of Morakinyo and as well absorb Olowookere into the state civil service.
But beyond entertainment, this cultural dominance represents something deeper— so diplomacy. Africa is shaping global opinions, not through force but through appeal. Its music, fashion, language, and art are building bridges, opening dialogues, and crea ng economic opportuni es that reimagine Africa’s place in the global order.
For Osun State, and
Nigeria as a whole, this moment is significant. We must nurture our crea ve industries— not only as a source of na onal pride but as viable tools for economic growth. The global demand is clear; the queson is whether we will rise to meet it. As Africa con nues to assert its iden ty and export its culture with authen city, the world is finally dancing to our beat.
But the medium gathered that due to the deteriora ng condi on of Morakinyo’s health, he has been moved to a church in Oyan for prayer as his family could not con nue to bear the cost of his medical treatment.
In a two minutes video obtained by OSUN DEFENDER on Thursday, Morakinyo was seeing with chains in both hands and legs.
Meanwhile, his family members have called on the state government to urgently come to their aid, saying they are incapacitated.
“We appeal to Governor Ademola Adeleke to please come to Sunday’s rescue. We have made all efforts in making sure he regain sanity but we are already incapacitated.
“His condi on is ge ng worse on daily basis. All he needs is adequate medicaon a en on,” the family said.
place has turned to criminal haven.
“These are the things I cannot welcome anywhere I am working. Visitors coming to the dumpsite are no longer safe in the hands of those guys. I met about 69 workers at the dumpsite when I took over. In fact, majority of them have turned the dumpsite to home. They live there and there were different complains from the neighbourhood about the bad influence of these guys.
“But when I complain to the Osun Waste Management, they will tell me it is part of my job to sanise the place. With their large number, the money we are realising on daily basis is ridiculous. The sell between N1,500 to N2,000 items daily. That is when I realised that we do not need the mul tude. There was also frequent cult clash within the place. So, I called them and informed them that there is going to be a reduc on their number not because I hate them but to bring sanity to the place.
“It took me three months to fish out the bad ones among them. There was a par cular guy called Ijo, he stole goods worth N500,000 on three different occasions. He was caught by the security man. Many of them during the process of recycling will stole my goods and resell to me. They did this to me for more than six months.
“Meanwhile, the government do not have the records of those working at the dumpsite, they all walked in even the buyers were not registered with state government. I did not send some of them away to go into crime. Is just to bring back sanity to the place, I even invited some of them back to work with me but they declined while some le willingly to take up another work. Those who were killed for robbery have actually been doing that before, we should ask how they have access to gun,” the consultant asserted.
Refu ng the claims that he is not remi ng money to the purse of the government, Bolarin posited that he has been paying the sum of N1,000,000 to the state since he came in.
According to him, “Also, we have been remi ng the sum of N1,000,000 to the purse of the government on monthly basis. Anyone can go verify this facts from the Osun Internal Revenue Service. I have the receipts with me.”
•(L-R) Olona of Ada, Oba Oyetunji Ọjọ, the newly installed Otunba Fiwasaye of Adaland, Engr Olalekan Badmus, and the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba AbdluRasheed Olabomi
Fresh Crisis Brews Between Osun, Ogun Communities
Yusuf Oketola
THE tradi onal ruler of Ifetuntun community in Ife South Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Taofeeq Osunmakinde, the Obawure of Ifetuntun, has pe oned the Inspector General of Police, Mr. Kayode Egbetokun, over alleged threats to destroy the community
The monarch also appealed to the IGP over incessant clashes arising from a boundary dispute between his community and a neighbouring community in the Ijebu West Local Government Area of Ogun State.
The monarch who spoke in Akure, the Ondo State capital, recently, urged Egbetokun to inves gate and apprehend the perpetrators of unrest stemming from the ongoing border dispute between Ife South and Ijebu West over the 30mile land area known as Ifetuntun.
Osunmakinde recalled that in 2001, during President Olusegun Obasanjo’s administraon, a conflict erupted between the se lers of Ifetuntun and the Ijebu communi es, prompting the Federal Government’s interven on.
But the office of the Surveyor General of the Federa on demarcated the borders, allowing both communi es to coexist peacefully un l now.
According to him, the Ifetuntun community had been exis ng before 2010, and the recognion of the throne solidified their peaceful way of life, which has persisted since.
He, however, alleged that some top government officials are threatening to destroy the community, no ng that armed hoodlums were beginning to take control of the community while security agencies are vicmising his people.
He said, “Ifetuntun has experienced the rule of nine military and civilian administra ons without significant conflict or disarray in the community.
“However, in 2016, we faced their first attack led by a forest guard from the Ministry of Natural Resources. They hired thugs who burned homes and caused damage es mated at N2 billion in our community.
“Several arrests were made then, while the
principal suspects disappeared, and the ma er was eventually se led out of court through interven on from the then Ooni of Ife and the former Governor Rauf
Aregbesola’s administraon.
“But in recent mes, a group of hoodlums has been harassing our residents along the federal road connec ng Ife
South to Ijebu West LGs ( in Osun and Ogun states, respec vely). The hoodlums have been extorting money from passersby, claiming to be ac ng on behalf of the state government.
“We are appealing to the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun. We have submi ed pe ons with evidence to his office, as
well as to the Osun State and Federal Governments, to come to our aid.
“We are law-abiding ci zens and cannot take the law into our own hands. We seek jus ce and government interven on.”
Explaining the history of the community, the monarch said Ifetuntun had been existing for a long me as a government-reserved area where he served as a chief and tradi onal ruler.
He added that between 2008 and 2009, a chie aincy inquiry in Osun State included Ifetuntun, affirming its status as a town.
He said he was crowned as monarch in 2010 by the late Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, and the thenGovernor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, presented him with a cer ficate and staff of office.
Concerns Over Siting Of Filling Stations In Residential Areas In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
Anon-governmental and civic-tech organisa on, Urban Alert has expressed concern regarding construc on of filling staons on lands that share boundaries with residenal areas in Osun State.
According to Urban Alert, there have been mul ple complaints from concerned residents regarding the ongoing filling sta on construc on on a parcel of land which shares boundary with residen al apartments at White House Juncon, Osogbo-Gbongan Road, Owode-Ede.
Checks by OSUN DEFENDER also revealed that construc on of another filling sta on is ongoing at Oke-Awere, Owode-Ede.
According to the organisa on, between March 2023 and January 2025, over 305 lives were lost and more than 227 people were injured due to fuel tanker explosions in Nigeria.
In a le er dated June 10, 2025 and addressed to the Osun State Government Ministries of Lands, Environment, Fire Service, CTDA and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority to act, Urban Alert called for the urgent assessment of the sites.
They wrote: “ We received mul ple com-
plaints from concerned residents regarding then ongoing filling sta on construc on on a parcel of land which shares a boundary with residenal apartments at White House Junc on, close to Eleja-Tutu bustop, Osogbo-Gbongan road, Owode-Ede, Osun State.
The proximity of the filling (under construc on)
to residen al buildings raises serious concern about the public safety, risk of fire, explosion and toxic emissions.
“Environmental impact, par cularly ground water contamina on from fuel storage tanks and traffic conges on and reduced pedestrian safety. In the light of these concerns,
we request your urgent interven on to conduct an immediate inspecon and risk assessment of the site.
“Inves gate and verify the approvals granted for this petrol filling sta on in accordance with planning, environmental and safety standards.
“Suspend any on-
going construc on acvi es pending the outcome of your invesga on and take urgent correc ve ac ons to protect public health and safety.
“We cannot connue to expose ci zens and our environment to avoidable hazards that could cost us our lives and proper es.”
Monarch Sues For Peace As Farmers Rejects Investors
Kazeem Badmus
THE Alamuye of Amuye Faforiji in Atakumosa East
Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Dr Adebayo Faforiji has appealed to farmers in the community to allow for development in the town.
The monarch during a mee ng with the farmers who were predominantly from Kwara State on Sunday, noted that the 120-year-old town is behind in development compared to neighboring communi es.
The farmers who were tenants in the town had, earlier, during the mee ng, protested that some investors, on the instruc on of the monarch, had encroached their farmlands.
Speaking on behalf of the farmers, Akeem
Oluodo, appealed to the monarch to ensure that the investors do not go near the tenants’ farmlands, adding that farming is their means of livelihood.
“We no ced that some investors came to check the land, and they are likely to take over some of our farmlands. That is why we are appealing not to allow that. As the monarch, you can give them a parcel of land that is not being used for farming”, the tenants urged.
Replying to the farmers, Oba Faforiji said all he wanted the town to develope, promising that those who will be affected will be minimal.
The monarch also promised adequate compensa on to those whose farmlands will be affected, no ng that the inves-
tors have given him their word.
He said, “As a monarch, all I want for my town is development and I’m willing to do whatever it takes to bring development to this town.
“I’ve spoken to the investors, and they’ve given me their words, and I can assure you that we don’t want those who will be affected to be more than 10 people. Those people will be adequately compensated.”
The monarch a er listening to his tenants, asked them to “nominate a representa ve who will join the commi ee that will see to the allocaon of the land to the investors.”
In his words, the Ogboni of Ijesaland, Saka Fapohunda, who led emissaries from Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Owa Adesuyi
Haastrup, urged the tenants to support the monarch in his quest for development.
“All we want is peace. The king is a sacrificial lamb and the person must be respected. Tenants need to abide by the rules and regula ons of the host community.
“This is Owa’s town and we are here to appeal to you to stay calm. Development is very important in every community and development comes with some sacrifices. Once the development comes, we all will benefit from it.
“I know if you look at the expenses and stress you’ve expended on your farmlands, you will feel the pain, but I want to tell you that development is be er than the Cocoa and kola nut farms in the long run,” he noted
•3rd from right, Mr. Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi, former official photographer of ex-Osun House of Assembly Speaker, with other family members during the Christian Wake-Keep of their late mother at Awosuru area of Osogbo, yesterday Photo: Shola Aderinto
2,000 Osun Students Equipped With Tech Skills
Anew ini a ve by the EdTech, StemA-School, has equipped over 2,000 university students across Osun state with prac cal tech skills, a bold step toward democra zing access to science and technology educa on in Nigeria.
This is even as EdTech has commenced a STEM conference tour in five Nigerian universi es: Obafemi Awolowo University, Oduduwa University, Osun State University, Bowen University, and Redeemer’s University.
Students engaged with experts in robo cs, aerospace, and ar ficial intelligence, gaining exposure to the tools and trends shaping the 4th Industrial Revolu on.
Founder of Stem-ASchool, Victoria Oladosu, while speaking to newsmen in Lagos, on Monday, said the goal has always been to expand to more
schools.
“Taking STEM to more universi es is crucial if we are going to help create more innovators, and so that we won’t be le behind in today’s global AI race. STEM is the difference between where we are and where we want to be,” Oladosu explained. According to the World Bank, STEM skills
are crucial for countries naviga ng the challenges of automa on, ar ficial intelligence, and digital transforma on. Yet across Africa, fewer than 25 per cent of higher educa on students are enrolled in STEM fields.
Oladosu believes part of the gap lies in early exposure and engagement, a stance echoed by the
World Bank, which noted that enhancing awareness and access is cri cal to closing the STEM gap. Since launching, Stem-A-School says it has reached more than 3,000 students through workshops, conferences, and training programs. The Osun tour featured contribu ons from policymakers, academics, and
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industry leaders, including Ayofe Olatunji (commissioner for Innova on, Science and Technology, Osun State), Lateef Alani (coordinator, Lagos State Science Research and Innova on Council Secretariat), Olanrewaju Adesina (Dean of Engineering, Redeemer’s University), and Janet Jooda (Computer Engineering lecturer, Redeemer’s University).
Despite Stem-ASchool’s growing momentum, Oladosu emphasises that awareness alone isn’t enough. “We cannot stop at awareness. To make a real impact, we need to give students consistent access to STEM learning tools,” she said.
In line with this, StemA-School is preparing to launch its first STEM lab, star ng with a university pilot. The lab will provide hands-on learning in fields like robo cs and programming, moving the ini a ve beyond one-off events. “There is a lot of work ahead. But I believe we are making progress, one school and one student at a me,” Oladosu said.
Permanent secretary at the state’s Ministry of Innova on, Science and Technology, Olufunke Jolayemi, noted that the state is partnering with schools, equipping tech hubs, and hos ng hackathons as part of its broader strategy.
Osun Senator Donates Medical Equipment To Health Facility
SENATOR Francis Fadahunsi, who represents Osun East in the Na onal Assembly, on Tuesday donated millions of naira worth of medical equipment to Owena Ijesa Primary Healthcare Center in Oriade Local Government Area of the state.
Some of the equipment which was facilitated through the Federal Ministry of Health, includes: hospital beds, bed foams, examina on couch, artery forceps, gallipot, syringe and needles, forceps jar, kidney dish, stethoscopes, diagnos c set, thermometers, weighing scale, sterilizer, and fotoscope.
Speaking a er delivering the equipment to the healthcare facility, Senator Fadahunsi, who was represented by one of his legisla ve aides, Bisi Babafemi, said the gesture is to ensure quality healthcare delivery for residents of the community.
“The Senator has been doing it across the Senatorial District and it is the turn of Owenna Ijesa today. We’ve delivered in Ijebu-Jesa, Ere-Ijesa, Ibokun, Ife, Ipetu-Ijesa, and others.
“The reason for this is that the Senator believes so much in good health and this is to complement the effort of the state governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke.
“The equipment is
worth millions of naira.
We have more than 34 sophis cated modern equipment here and the senator will s ll do more
for the people of the district,” he said.
The Senator urged the management of the health facility to make adequate
use of the equipment.
“Our advice to the management of the primary health centre is to secure the equipment
very well and ensure that they are used for the benefit of residents of the community,” he added.
Speaking on behalf of the community member, the elected Vice Chairman of Oriade Local Government in the February 22 local government elec on, Lawrence Odeyemi, appreciated the Senator for the gesture.
He said, “We are glad and we appreciate this gesture from our amiable Senator. When I got here and saw the equipment, I am proud to associate with the senator. This is not a surprise to me because he has extended this gesture throughout the senatorial district.”
The Officer in Charge
of the health facility, Mrs Gbonjubola Sarumi, while apprecia ng the Senator, promised that the equipment would be used judiciously.
“I really appreciate our father, Senator Fadahunsi for this kind gesture. God will con nue to bless him. I want to promise that the equipment will be safe. We are living in this center and we will make sure that the equipment is used for the benefit of the people.
“Here in Owenna Ijesa Primary Health Centre, we have between 15 to 20 deliveries and about 450 pa ents in a month. This equipment will go a long way in helping our job,” she noted.
Man In Trouble For Allegedly Stealing N1.5m Osun School’s Property
AN Ile-Ife Magistrates’ Court, on Monday, remanded 26-year-old Jegede Adebowale for allegedly stealing an iron sheet, valued at N1.5 million.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that the item is the property of the Osun Government-owned Oranmiyan Memorial Grammar School, Ile-Ife.
According to the Prosecutor, Insp. Sunday Osanyintuyi, the defendant commi ed the offence around 5am on June 13.
Osanyintuyi said that the defendant entered into the school premises situated on Road 7, IleIfe, “with intent to commit felony therein”.
He further said that the defendant “maliciously and unlawfully removed and damaged” some iron sheets from five classrooms in the school.
The prosecutor said, the defendant stole 300 pieces of the iron sheets, valued at N1.5 million.
The offence according to the police contravened
sec ons 383, 390(9), 411 and 453 of the Criminal Code, Laws of Osun, 2002.
The defendant, who was not legally represented, pleaded guilty to the three-count charge of: entering, malicious damage, and stealing.
Magistrate Abosede Sarumi did not grant bail to the defendant, but ordered for his remand at the Ile-Ife Correc onal Centre.
Sarumi, therea er, adjourned the case to July 14, for hearing.
Kazeem Badmus
Kazeem Badmus
Yusuf Oketola
Osun FA Urges Higher Institutions To Upgrade Sports Centres
THE Osun State Football Associa on (Osun FA) has urged higher ins tu ons across the state to build or upgrade sports centres. to support intercollegiate compe ons and enhance youth engagement in sport.
The FA made the call during the official launching of a landmark White Paper on Football Infrastructure Deficits in Osun State.
In a statement by the Media Officer of the Associa on, Seyi Akanni, the document cri cally examines the state of football facili es across Osun and outlines a comprehensive ac on plan to address these challenges and drive sustainable growth.
The document was launched by the Osun FA Chairman, Mayor Sola Fanawopo.
The statement reads
partly: “Osun State is home to a proud footballing tradi on, with over 450 grassroots clubs, 20 independent leagues, countless tournaments, and an excep onally passionate fan base. Despite this rich heritage, football infrastructure within the state has fallen into serious disrepair, hindering talent development, limi ng economic opportuni es, and threatening the future of the sport.
“The White Paper iden fies several pressing issues, including aging and neglected stadia, with most township stadiums in poor condi on and in need of overdue rehabilita on. There is also a notable shortage of quality training grounds, lighting, and modern equipment, which con nues to impede talent nurturing. Furthermore, structured
training programs and resources for coaches, referees, and administrators remain scarce, while both male and female leagues struggle with inadequate financial backing, affecting their compe veness and long-term viability.
“In response, the White Paper proposes strategic recommendaons designed to reposion Osun’s football landscape. Among these is the Adopt-One-Pitch Inia ve, which encourages each Local Government and LCDA to upgrade one football pitch into a grassroots development center within the next two years. The document also advocates placing sports infrastructure projects on the legisla ve agendas of Osun’s Senators and House of Representaves members, ensuring consistent governmental support.
“Higher ins tu ons across the state are called upon to build or upgrade sports centers to support intercollegiate compeons and enhance youth engagement in sports. The White Paper recom-
•Unveils White Paper On Football Infrastructure News
mends fostering publicprivate partnerships (PPP) to drive investment in the construc on, renova on, and management of stadiums and training facili es. Addi onally, it proposes establishing an Osun Football Develop-
ment Fund to finance infrastructure projects, youth programs, and coaching educa on inia ves.”
Speaking at the launch, Fanawopo said:
“This White Paper is more than a report; it’s a rallying cry. Osun football has always had the passion and the talent, now, we must build the infrastructure to match. It’s me for every stakeholder, government, private sector, and the football community, to unite and create the future our young talents deserve.”
The FA called on the state government, Naonal Assembly members, local councils, corporate partners, philanthropists, and football supporters to join the movement and ac vely support the collec ve mission to restore and transform football infrastructure throughout the state.
Group Counters President Tinubu’s Claim On Ilobu/Ifon-Erin Road Project
Kazeem Badmus
APan-Poli cal group, Dee Osun Monitors has countered claim by President Bola Tinubu that the Ilobu/Erinle road project has been completed and commissioned.
The group said President Tinubu had during the commissioning of the first phase of Lagos / Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos listed Ilobu-Erinle road as one of the completed and commissioned projects as part of ac vies marking his two year achievements.
However, the group, in a statement by its Coordinator, Prince Jide Akinyooye, a copy obtained by OSUN DEFENDER, said contrary to the President’s claim, the 44-kilometer road which spans across Ilobu, Ifon, Ilie in Osun State and Erinle in Kwara State is currently about 15 percent completed.
The statement read, “Our a en on has been drawn to a recent wrong claim by His Excellency Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu; the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria during the commissioning ceremony of the first phase of Lagos / Calabar Coastal Highway in Lagos; when Mr. President listed Ilobu / Erinle Road as one of the completed and commissioned projects as part of ac vies marking his two-year achievements!
“We are compelled to humbly correct the mis-
statement regarding the Ilobu/Ifon-Erinle Road project. Contrary to the claim by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu that the project is completed, we wish to clarify that the 44-kilometer road, (Contract # 6620) in the Federal Ministry of Works under Sukuk funded Project which spans across Ilobu, Ifon, Ilie in Osun State and Erinle in Kwara State is currently about 15 percent completed.
“Therefore, we wish to put it on record and state that the statement credited to Mr. President that the referred project
is completed is a great concern to the concerned communi es like Ilobu, Ifon, Ilie, Erinle, and others in both Osun and Kwara States; especially that it is only 7 Kilometers of the project that have been completed out of the total 44 Kilometer road. It is per nent to clarify that the contractor started the job from the star ng point at Osogbo /Ogbomosho Junc on, Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government area of Osun State and stopped work around Alaiko Village, Ifon-Osun in Orolu Local Government of Osun State. Thence, 37 Kilom-
eters of the road are yet to be done and remains untouched!
“While we acknowledge the President’s genuine inten on to improve Nigeria’s infrastructure, it is essen al to reflect the project’s actual status accurately. The Ilobu / Ifon - Erinle Road project has been a long-awaited development for the communi es it serves, and its comple on would significantly enhance connec vity and economic opportuni es.”
Akinyooye appealed to President Tinubu to priorise the comple on of the
road project.
“We urge President Tinubu to priori ze the comple on of this crical infrastructure project. Also, we challenge Mr. President and Honourable Minister for Works to verify the half-truth that might have been reported to them about the progress report of the project, which actually contradicts reality. Importantly, we request President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to ensure that the project is completed in line with his administra on’s promises and the expecta ons of the concerned people
in both Osun and Kwara State.
“The comple on of the Ilobu / Ifon - Erinle Road would not only ease transporta on challenges but also foster economic growth, improve access to social services, and enhance the overall quality of life for residents in the affected areas.
“We look forward to seeing tangible progress on this project and hope that the administra on of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu will take immediate ac on to ensure its mely comple on,” the statement added.
Council Chair Seeks Support To Upgrade Osun College To Polytechnic
TKazeem Badmus
HE Governing Council Chairman
of Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa, Abayomi Adegoke, has sought the support of stakeholders in the upgrading the ins tu on to a Polytechnic.
Speaking on Wednesday a er assuming office, Adegoke said one of his goals is to ensure that the College is upgraded from a monotechnic to a fullfledged polytechnic.
He said, “It is my goal to Improve the welfare of staff and students. Staff welfare is very important to enhance their produc-
vity, and if there are no Students in this College, all of u,s, both the poli cal appointees and civil servants will not be engaged here. Therefore, improvement of Student’s welfare in this College is impera ve.”
He also promised to see to the welfare of the staff and students of the ins tu on, no ng that he would be transparent in his dealings as the council chairman.
“Another goal of mine, which is a major landmark, because it will be another turning point in the history of this ins tu on, is geared towards the upgrading/advancement of the college from be-
ing a mono-technic to a full-fledged polytechnic.
“I pledge to serve with integrity, transparency, and unwavering dedica on to the ideals that define our Government and the dream of the founding fathers of this Ins tu on.
“The task of moving this Ins tu on forward is sacrosanct and all hands must be on deck to achieve it. Hence, new goals must be set and have to be pursued collec vely by the Governing Board, the Management, the Ins tuon as a whole, and the host community, the Ijesa Land,” he added. Adegoke appealed
to the management of the college to support him in achieving the goals.
“In the months ahead, I will work closely with council members, the provost, the management, the students’ body, Alumni, and partners to ensure that we are not only maintaining our standards but boldly rise to meet the challenges of a rapidly changing Ins tu on of higher learning.
“I am convinced, beyond reasonable doubt, that we have all that it takes to achieve all these goals. I commit to listening to my colleagues, the Board Members, the Man-
agement and Staff, the Students, our poli cal leaders, and our wider community,” he added.
In his address, the Provost of the college, Dr Lateef Raheem, said the management is ready to work with the board to advance the ins tu on.
“We are grateful and excited to have your kind of individual as our College Chairman; bring your unique talents, exper se to the work of our dear College to further our vision of promo ng a world where academics, health research data and teaching resources are openly available,” the Provost stated.
Yusuf Oketola
IN the theatre of Osun State polics, one figure remains both influen al and indispensable: Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. His two terms as governor (2010–2018) ini ated infrastructural, educa onal, and governance transforma ons that reshaped the state’s trajectory.
As any candidate prepares to follow in his footsteps, there is a nonnego able truth: Aligning with Aregbesola’s Omoluabi movement is essen al to success within the APC here.
The Omoluabi Ideology & Its Impact
The term Omoluabi, deeply rooted in Yoruba culture, embodies integrity, discipline, humility, and respect.
Aregbesola integrated this ethos into his governance philosophy, making it more than rhetoric—it became a praxis. He introduced the “Opon Imo” tablet ini a ve to improve educa on delivery, built over 368 km of roads, and launched youth-focused programs such as O-YES and O-MEAL etc...
These reforms drove results: Aregbesola won re-elec on in 2014 with 56.68% of votes against rival Omisore. But the impact wasn’t only electoral—it cul vated a poli cal brand and an ideological movement. WHY OMOLUABI STILL MAT TERS.
Fast forward to today: A recent rally of Omoluabi Progressives in Ilesa highlights ongoing efforts to “remain focused and united” in prepara on for Osun’s 2026 governorship contest. Even the Ooni described Aregbesola as “an ins tu on of progressive ideology, a grassroots mobilizer, and an unapologe c defender of the masses”.
Clearly, Omoluabi group remains a living poli cal force.
Aren’t these quali es—integrity, accountability, and grassroots mobilisa on—s ll relevant today? For many ordinary ci zens, they are more than memory; they’re a yards ck.
The Poli cal Labyrinth for APC Aspirants.
For any APC aspirant, Aregbesola is both a bridge and a gatekeeper. Disregarding his influence—or treating his fac on as another party— risks aliena on. As one report puts it: “we’ll not align with anyone…before securing victory”.
This posi on carries nego a on weight. Aregbesola’s group likely holds leverage over delegates, grassroots networks, and party unity. Aspirants ignoring this risk fracture at the polls.
“As Osun’s APC enters a pivotal moment, the Omoluabi legacy isn’t a relic—it’s a rallying cry. Aligning means more than political allegiance; it means embodying the spirit and values that built the movement in the first place”
By
MATT OLU OLOWOKERE
Aregbesola’s Legacy: Why The Omoluabi Factor Decides APC’s Path In Osun
What Aspirants Need to Do.
1. Reach Out Proac vely
Engage with Omoluabi leadership and grassroots networks. Honest dialogue focused on aspira ons and shared values fosters trust.
2. Embrace the Ethos, Not Just the Fac on.
Effec ve leadership in Osun must uphold the Omoluabi ideals of accountability, people-centered development, and service.
3. Be Strategic, Not Complacent. Relying on mere associa on is insufficient. Deliver well-defined policy plans in areas like youth empowerment, job crea on, rural infrastruc-
ture, and digital innova on.
4. Foster Unity
A divided APC is unlikely to reclaim the governorship. Leadership requires transcending poli cal faconalism—honoring the movement without fracturing it.
Aligning A Vision with Legacy Aregbesola’s tenure was branded “Government Unusual,” with a break from tradi onal eli st governance. As he once said, “We have laid the founda on for the development of Osun in the next 50 years”. Today’s aspirant should echo that bold clarity. Wai ng in the wings won’t work.
To Make A Difference, Learn
WE are living through trying mes in Nigeria; heading swi ly to a point where “the centre can no longer hold.” Nevertheless, Nigeria has such a resilient spirit and uncommon Grace from Above such that it has consistently bounced back from the brink of such adversi es that make other na ons history. Born of unusual historical circumstances, it seems that no diabolic machina on will stop it from achieving its historical des ny as the “giant of Africa,” of which it is presently only a mere poten al.
However, the heavens only help those who help themselves, as they say. Accordingly, every genuine ci zen desirous of a change to that mighty and just republic must wake up now and begin to do the needful rather than leaving it to fate. Believe it or not, the change we desire must begin with us all as individuals. Leo Tolstoy said: “Everyone thinks of changing the world, but no one thinks of changing himself/herself.” There, precisely, lies the contradic on. Whereas there are overwhelming social condi ons that form a person’s character, the same adversity that turns one man to a bandit is the same that turns another, right by his side, into a scholar. It is a ma er of personal choice based largely on birth, upbringing and self-development.
This is why we have made the choice today to inspire ourselves with some words on learning and making a difference. To make a difference, the first thing to do is to learn, and learning does not take ages. There are so many sayings that point to the fact that knowledge is everything: it is what builds wisdom, character and skills.
It is said that “wisdom is be er than silver and gold,” “knowledge is power,” and “my people perish for lack of wisdom.” The misconstruc on of what knowledge is all about is indeed at the root of Nigeria’s vagrancy almost to the edge of self annihilaon today.
Learning and knowledge is definitely not about cer ficates for plum job and it is not to be obtained solely from the schools. According to Marcus Garvey, “To be educated is to be learned in all that is worthwhile knowing. Not to be crammed with the subject ma er of books or the philosophy of the classroom but to store away in your head such facts as you need for daily applica on of life, so that you may be better in all things, understand your fellow men and interpret your rela on to your creator. You can be educated in soul, vision and feeling as well as in mind. To see your enemy and know him is a part of the complete educa on of man; to spiritually regulate oneself is another form of the higher educa on that fits man for a nobler place in life, and s ll to be able to approach your brother by feeling of your own humanity, is an educa on that so ens the ills of the world and makes us kind indeed…”
As said, when this no on is go en wrong in trying to formalise the acquisi on of learning, a society is on the way to doom. Indeed, at the entrance gate of a university in South Africa, the following message was posted for contempla on: “Destroying any na on does not require the use of atomic bombs or the use of long range missiles. It only requires lowering the quality of educa on and allowing chea ng in the exami-
You must:
- Define your personal vision within the Omoluabi framework.
- Introduce measurable policy commitments, not generalized rhetoric.
Demonstrate personal alignment through service, not just campaign pledges.
Building Intellectual Credibility in Osun.
As a civil engineer and technocrat who served in Osun’s public service, I advocate for aspirants to showcase technical competence alongside poli cal alignment:
- Draw on lessons from rural road programs, school infrastructure, and youth centric policies.
- Offer data-driven insights into why and how past interven ons worked — and how they can be adapted to current challenges.
- Posi on yourself as a qualified alterna ve, not just another polician.
As Osun’s APC enters a pivotal moment, the Omoluabi legacy isn’t a relic—it’s a rallying cry. Aligning means more than poli cal allegiance; it means embodying the spirit and values that built the movement in the first place.
A successful aspirant won’t just seek Aregbesola’s endorsement— they’ll earn it by integra ng vision, ideology, and results.
This is the formula for not just winning, but eleva ng Osun’s standard of progressive governance.
na ons by the students. Pa ents die at the hands of such doctors. Buildings collapse at the hands of such engineers. Money is lost at the hands of such economists and accountants. Humanity dies at the hands of such religious scholars. Jus ce is lost at the hands of such judges… The collapse of educa on is the collapse of the na on.”
To remedy the decades of ins tu onal damages to knowledge acquisi on process, the onus is now on us all to learn by ourselves; run quick courses for being our best, for ourselves and for the society. The way is to return to our study desks, and for those who can read to widely do so and then write and teach those who can’t. The Sage, Obafemi Awolowo, emphasised this discipline when he said “while many men in power and public office are busy carousing in the midst of women of easy virtue and men of low morals, I, as a few others like me, am busy at my desk thinking about the problems of Nigeria and proffering solu ons to them. Only the deep can call to the deep.” Thinking correctly is a func on of good learning.
In an age and place where the blind and violent pursuit of money without work is dominant, learning is s ll clearly available everywhere for those seeking it – for those that desire wisdom, character and skill, which remains the sure and descent means to wealth. The first task is to pause in our rou ne of being busy doing mostly nothing other than hustle , and resolving, in addion to hustling for mere survival or vanity, to seek knowledge; convinced genuinely that being maximally useful to oneself and posi vely relevant to the community, not to men on relevance to the larger society, the na on and the world, is simply impossible without adequate learning.
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above