ADELEKE NEGLECTS PRIMARY SCHOOLS IN
•Earmarks N300m To Renovate 4 Secondary School Halls Patients At
•N898m To Renovate 42 Classrooms
•Ede To Gulp N21bn For Dualisation Of Roads
•Adeleke Only After Flamboyant Projects - CSJPP Coordinator
•Governor Ademola Adeleke presenting corrective eyeglass to students of both Primary and Secondary Schools in Oṣùn, held at Government Technical College, Osogbo, on Wednesday
Adeleke Neglects Primary Schools In N159bn Infrastructure Plan
GOVERNOR, Ademola Adeleke, Tuesday, announced a new N159 billion infrastructure plan aimed at addressing deficits in road construcon, healthcare, and educa on in Osun State.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that Adeleke had on October 27, 2023, unveiled his administraon’s first phase of infrastructure plan of N100 billion, which focused on the construc on of five flyovers and major township roads across the state.
However, none of the flyovers have been completed as of the me of filling this report.
Speaking at the Exco Lounge, Governor’s Office, Abere, Adeleke disclosed that in the new Infra plan, one hundred and one billion, seven hundred and ninety-nine million, nine hundred and nine three thousand naira (N101,799,993,595.05) is earmarked for road and lightning.
While one billion, nine hundred and eighty-nine million, four hundred and thirty-three thousand naira (N1,989,433,956.69) was billed for the educa on sector, the health sector will gulp two billion, seven hundred and sixty-three million, one hundred and twentyfour thousand, three hundred and sixty-four naira (N2,763,124,364.50).
The governor said, “The grand total for the infra plan is one hundred and fi y-nine billion, one hundred and fi y-six million, three hundred and ninety-two thousand naira (159,156,392,674.20)”
Meanwhile, reac ons have trailed the governor’s new infrastructure plan,, par cularly in the area of educa on and road construc on.
OSUN DEFENDER observed that in the N159bn infrastructure plan, the state government under Adeleke did not earmark any funds for public primary schools in the state under the educa on aspect.
Meanwhile, the document released by the state government showed that four secondary school halls would be renovated with about N300m.
According to the document shared by the state government a er the mee ng, the new infrastructure plan budgeted N50,276,412,52 for the renova on of Ede High School hall and pavillion.
Also, the sum of N56,720,181.00 was budgeted for the renova on of Community High School hall, Ilesa, while the renova on of a school hall at Ataoja School of Science, Osogbo, will cost N97,
234,520.00.
The government also earmarked the sum of N98,239,569.25 for the renova on of a block of school hall at St. Mark’s Commercial High School, Osogbo. In the educa on aspect, the state government will also spend over N898 million for the renova on of 42 classrooms in different secondary schools in the state.
While a block of four classrooms at C.A.C. Grammar School, Ede will be renovated with N171,580,936.43, the state government disclosed that another four blocks of classrooms at St. David’s Grammar School, Ile-Ife, will be renovated at the cost of N30,880,593.06.
Also, 2 blocks of 8 classrooms and an examina on hall at Ogedengbe School of Science, Ilesa will be renovated with N137,047,772.40, while 2 blocks of 6 Classrooms and another 2 blocks of 8 classrooms at Islamic High School, Ikire, and St. Augus ne’s Commercial Grammar School, Ikire will be renovated at the cost of N178,280,175.80 and N171,580,936.43 respecvely.
Similarly, 2 blocks of 8 classrooms at Unity School, Iragbiji, will be renovated at the cost of N40,246,657.61, while a block of 4 classrooms at Ekusa Community Grammar School, Ekusa, will be renovated for N171,129,179.76.
Meanwhile, the examina on hall at Seventh Day Adven st Grammar School, Ile-Ife will also be renovated at the cost of N81,841,871.60.
In the health sector, Adeleke’s government earmarked two billion, seven hundred and sixty-three million, one hundred and twenty-four thousand, three hundred and sixty-four naira (N2,763,124,364.50) for the complete renovaon of the remaining 124 Primary Health Centres in the state.
Meanwhile, Irepodun, Orolu, Ayedaade, Isokan, Olaoluwa, Ayedire, Boluwaduro local governments among others were not captured in the road and educa on aspect of the infrastructure plan.
Reac ng to the latest infrastructure plan of the state government, the Coordinator of the Centre for Social Jus ce and Public Protec on (CSJPP), Akin Akanji, said there was nothing to applaud Adeleke on about the plan, especially on the educa on aspect.
Akanji, in a statement sent to OSUN DEFENDER, said there was nothing earmarked for Primary Schools in the state, no ng that most of the primary schools, especially in the
•(L-R) The Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Barrister Bayo
Former Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the Chief Imam of Offa, Sheikh
former Governor of Oyo State and the Otun Olubadan of
rural areas, are not in good shape.
He said the money the government wanted to use to renovate secondary school halls could be used for the upgrade of some of the dilapidated primary schools in the state.
He urged the state government to adjust the infrastructure plan and incorporate primary schools, which will resonate more with people at the grassroots.
He said, “There is nothing to applaud in the infrastructure plan by the state government. What I see is a governor who wants flamboyant projects. Let’s leave the other sector and face educa on; how will you dra a plan without incorpora ng the primary
school, which is the first point of contact for our future leaders.
“Also, look at most of the schools the Adeleke’s administra on penciled down for renova on, how many of them are in the rural areas? This shows one thing, the government is not really concerned about those in that area.
“How will a government budget about N300 million for the renova on of four secondary school halls while a lot of primary school buildings are dilapidated. Maybe I should believe that an updated version of the plan will come out.
“The schools we are even talking about are faced with inadequate
teachers, and the government, two years a er coming on board, is yet to recruit a single teacher. This is totally absurd.
“Adeleke should not take Osun people for a ride. We gave him the mandate and we expected more from him than what he is currently giving out.”
A poli cal analyst Abimbola Oyadomi, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, said Adeleke has not stopped his obsession with the construc on and renova on of roads in his hometown, Ede, against other towns.
Oyadomi said despite the huge amount of money spent on Ede roads in the last infrastructure plan, Adeleke has again
earmarked three roads in the town for dualisa on.
“Adeleke is the governor of Osun State and not Ede. His over-concentraon on Ede when it comes to road infrastructure is becoming another thing. I read the new infrastructure plan and it was stated that more than N21billion will be used for the dualisa on of roads linking Ede.
“Are there no bad roads in other towns in the state? Our farmers are crying about bad roads in the rural areas, and the governor is only focused on dualising, construc ng, and renova ng roads in Ede. He should know that Osun people are watching”, Oyadomi stated.
Two Ex-convicts Involve In Road Accident After Robbing Passenger In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
TWO suspected highway robbers have been arrested by the opera ves of the Osun State Police Command.
According to a statement by the Command’s spokesperson, SP Akeem Adeoye, the suspects, Wasiu Kehind (41) and Yusuf Makinde (29) were ex-convicts.
The duo according to Adeoye pretended to be passengers coming to Osogbo but on ge ng to Balogun area, Ikire, robbed one of the occupants of the vehicle of her phone, ATM card and cash.
A copy of the statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday reads:
“In a reinvigorated effort to get rid of criminal elements
in the state, the Osun Police Command on 3rd March, 2025 at about 7:20am arrested two suspects, namely, Wasiu Kehinde ‘m’ 41 years and Yusuf Makinde Idris ‘m’ 29 years; both are ex-convicts.
“The arrest was sequel to the alarm raised by the complainant, who boarded a vehicle in Ikire occupied by three men who pretend-
ed to be passengers coming to Osogbo, but on ge ng to Balogun area, Ikire, she was held hostage by the men who ed her legs and hands together, also blindfolded her, collected her phone, and demanded for an ATM card and cash from her.
“The suspects later made a U-turn and headed towards Ibadan axis, but on ge ng back to Balogun area, Ikire, the vehicle had an accident.
“The vic m raised an alarm, which a racted the a en on of the police and members of the community. Collabora ve efforts of the police and members of the public yielded the arrest of two suspects, with one at large.
“A Mitsubishi Space Waggon vehicle with Reg. No. MUS 495 JR, one Android Huawei phone, and a piece of cloth were recovered as exhibits. The suspects confessed to the crime, and they will be charged to court a er the comple on of inves gaon.”
Lawal,
Muhyideen Salman at the Ramadan Tafsir organised by the
Ibadanland, Senator Rasheed Ladoja, recently
Kazeem Badmus
IN his last reported speech, his sage Chief Obafemi Awolowo talked about a thesis, Anthesis, and synthesis; Chief Awolowo was referring to the desperate forces in Nigerian polics at that me. The country was once again in a state of confusion and was back into military rule. In seeking a way out, Chief Awolowo envisioned a fusion of different forces joined together by the compelling force of logic to save a polity in a state of disarray.
This speech was made in 1987. Right now, we’re back to the same current as we were in 1987 and the same ques on, which is “what is to be done”? Must be asked. In the midst of a disunited opposi on,” the ques on
“There is no alterna ve to this amalgama on of a homegrown historic compromise and the emergence of a popular front. To do otherwise will be a derelic on of a historic responsibility”
The Thesis, Anti-Thesis, And The Synthesis
must be answered.
There should be a myriad of alterna ves to be consider for example, in 1971, with the republic in disarray the Italians carried out the (historic compromise) which by re-aligning diverse poli cal forces led to the dra ing of a new constu on there by saving and indeed breathing new life into a dis-oriented country. The Act of self-preserva on by the poli cal establishment in Italy is worthy of emula on and is indeed instruc ve for Nigerians’ poli cal establishment.
Another possible route is the
Nigeria: What Is To Be Done?
forma on of a Popular ( Democra c) Front. “This again will bring together a broad-based Coali on to challenge the exis ng hegemony; right now, Nigeria is in need of an alterna ve posi on to be placed on the table for consider-
TheOpinionDiscourse
EXPLAINER
•Chief Obafemi Awolowo saw the future and offered a solution.
•There is a need to look for an alternative to the current stalemate.
•Will the impasse result in the construction of a new national majority.
•The imperative of a new Synthesis.
a on. Today’s hyperinfla on, cost of living crises, myriad security issues, and cons tu onal conflict call for a fresh perspec ve.
This is not going to be easy as the beneficiaries of the exis ng order will not surprisingly fight back. Nevertheless, alterna ves to the present stalemate must at least be considered and brought into the public discussion. This will be the pathway to the construc on of a new na onal majority to reinvigorate the country. Frankly, there is no alterna ve to this amalgama on of a homegrown historic compromise and the emergence of a popular front. To do otherwise will be a derelicon of a historic responsibility.
Tinubu, Military, Terrorism And The 565 Citizens Slaughtered In 2024
By Erasmus Ikhide
NIGERIA under the watch of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has earned the unenviable mark of ranking sixth globally in terrorism, according to the Global Terrorism Index (GTI). This ranking is a stark reminder of the country’s struggles with terrorism, which has claimed countless lives and displaced many more, while the APC/ Tinubu throw their hands up in hopelessness and helplessness.
The most recent GTI report reveals that Nigeria recorded 565 terrorism-related deaths in 2024. This staggering number, though conserva ve, is a testament to the brutality and frequency of terrorist a acks in the country. The report also notes that the Islamic State of West Africa Province (ISWAP) and Boko Haram have been responsible for the majority of terrorist a acks in Nigeria.
Nigeria’s sixth posi on in the global terrorism rankings is a cause for concern. It highlights the need for the government to reassess its strategies for comba ng terrorism and protec ng its ci zens. The country’s terrorism challenges are complex and mul faceted, requiring a comprehensive approach that addresses the root causes of extremism.
The human cost of terrorism in Nigeria is devasta ng. Families have been torn apart, communi es have been displaced, and the country’s economic development has been severely impacted. The interna onal community must recognize the gravity of Nigeria’s terrorism challenges and provide support to help the country combat this scourge.
To address its terrorism challenges, Nigeria must adopt a mul faceted approach that includes improving security measures. The government must ensure that its security agencies are adequately equipped and
“Tinubu’s administration has been accused of mishandling the country’s relationships with neighboring countries, including Niger. The lack of effective diplomacy has led to a rise in tensions and terrorism, which has further destabilized the region and the entire
trained to counter terrorist threats. There should be a countercheck and the monitoring of funds released for the purpose of arms’ acquisi on and the remunera on of troops in the war theatre since allega ons of the by top military personnel of the resources remained a major turn-off among the demo vated young military turks.
Secondly, further effort should be made towards addressing the root causes of extremism. Poverty, unemployment, and social inequality are major drivers of extremism. The government must invest in educa on, job crea on, and social welfare programs to reduce the appeal of extremist ideologies.
Thirdly, promo on of dialogue and reconcilia on. The government must engage in dialogue with communi es affected by terrorism and work towards reconcilia on and reintegra on of former extremists. At a lecture in Abuja recently, where the topmost military leadership were in a endance, the Director-General of Nigeria’s Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Oluwatosin Ajaya advocated that Nigerians who are of age should bear arms to serve as the first line of defense mechanism against terrorism. I’m not sure that the mely sugges on made any sense to the policymakers who are idling away in the na onal assembly and the houses of assemblies across the country.
Fourthly, is the enhancement of regional and interna onal coopera on. Nigeria must
collaborate with neighboring countries and interna onal partners to share intelligence, coordinate efforts, and address the transnaonal dimensions of terrorism. In this aspect, President Tinubu has failed woefully.
His leadership at the Economic Community of West African States (ECOWAS), un l he served out his term recently, has been marred by controversy, and his handling of regional rela onships was severely cri cized. Under his watch,
ECOWAS became increasingly divided, leading to far-reaching consequences for regional security, par cularly in Nigeria’s northern region.
The division within ECOWAS was a ributed to Tinubu’s leadership style, which has been described as authoritarian, self-seeking and self-serving. His administra on’s policies have been cri cized for priori zing personal interests over regional coopera on
and security. This has led to a breakdown in trust among ECOWAS member states, making it challenging to address regional security challenges.
The impact of ECOWAS’s division on Nigeria’s security situa on has been unprecedented. The country’s northern region has witnessed increased terrorist a acks and banditry, which have been linked to the prolifera on of small arms and light weapons from neighbouring countries, especially around the Lake Chad region. The lack of coopera on among ECOWAS member states has hindered efforts to address these security challenges, allowing terrorist groups to exploit the region’s porous borders.
OSUN DEFENDER
Furthermore, Tinubu’s administra on has been accused of mishandling the country’s rela onships with neighboring countries, including Niger. The lack of effec ve diplomacy has led to a rise in tensions and terrorism, which has further destabilized the region and the en re country.
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In conclusion, Nigeria’s sixth posi on in the global terrorism rankings is a wakeup call for President Bola Tinubu’s government and the interna onal community. The country’s terrorism challenges require a comprehensive and sustained response that addresses the root causes of extremism and promotes dialogue, reconcilia on, and regional coopera on.
Without that, President Tinubu and the Nigerian military are merely seeking the bird that has flown.
•Erasmus Ikhide contributed this piece via: ikhideluckyerasmus@gmail.com
Patients At Risk Over Incessant Vandalisation Of Healthcare Centres In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
OSUN State Governor, Senator Ademola Adeleke, has raised the alarm over the increasing vandaliza on of newly renovated Primary Healthcare Centres across the state, calling on tradi onal rulers to take ownership of these vital community facili es.
Adeleke while speaking at a briefing session with the Osun State Council of Tradi onal Rulers recently, expressed concern over the destruc on of solar panels and water supply systems at the PHCs, warning that such acts undermine his administra on’s efforts to improve healthcare access, especially for pregnant women and nursing mothers.
The governor called on the tradi onal rulers to safeguard the facili es in order to prevent further vandaliza on.
Emphasizing that PHCs play a cri cal role in delivering quality healthcare at the grassroots level, he indicated that all services in these centres are free.
Addressing the monarchs including the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, Adeleke said, “Permit me to alert our royal fathers about reported cases of vandalizaon of newly renovated primary health care centres.
“I remind our fathers that they have a responsibility to take ownership of the PHCs within their communi es. Issue of vandalizaon of the solar panels and water supply in our PHCs is becoming rampant. I urge tradi onal rulers to keep watch over our PHCs to forestall such occurrences.”
He urged the royal fathers to encourage their subjects, par cularly pregnant women and nursing mothers, to take advantage of the healthcare services available to them.
“Healthcare is a fundamental right, and my administra on is commi ed to making sure every ci zen has access to quality medical services.
“But we cannot do it alone. Community leaders must help in ensuring these facili es are protected and u lized effec vely.
“I equally enjoin our tradi onal rulers to encourage our people, most especially pregnant women and nursing mothers, to uptake quality healthcare for better health outcomes. PHC is one of the strategies to achieve the agenda of this administra on on health, being the closest to the people, and all services at the PHCs are free,” the governor asserted.
The concern over destruc on of the healthcare centres came few days a er the state government cauoned the reinstated local
•Adeleke Tasks Traditional Rulers to Safeguard Facilities
government chairmen on the pla orm of the All Progressives Congress against in mida ng health workers through illegal visits to PHCs and disrup on of medical services.
The government has maintained that no local government official has the authority to inspect or interfere with the operaons of Osun PHCs without express approval from the
Primary Healthcare Board in Osogbo.
The Special Adviser on Public Health to Governor Adeleke, Akindele Adekunle, in a statement, had accused APC local government chairmen of crea ng an atmosphere of insecurity around PHCs by moving around with armed thugs to create an atmosphere of fear and insecurity.
While condemning the
visits, the government explained that “any genuine inquiry regarding healthcare administra on should be directed to the appropriate authori es and not through unlawful, poli cally mo vated intrusions.”
“We have received credible reports that one of the illegal chairmen, Mr. Lanre Balogun from Ilesa East Local Government, on Wednesday, conducted
an unauthorized so-called “working visit” to several Public Health Centres, including Okeoye PHC (Ward 8), Irojo PHC (Ward 9), Okesa PHC (Ward 7), Ilemo PHC (Ward 4), and Ijamo PHC (Ward 5).
“We want to make it abundantly clear that Osun people must hold these APC opera ves accountable for any harm inflicted on our healthcare workers or disrup on of medical services. The state govern-
•Members of the Nigeria Association of Women Journalists (NAWOJ),
eral Unity School, Osogbo,
ment will not fold its arms while poli cal desperadoes put the lives of innocent ci zens at risk.”
Reac ng to the development, the director of media and informa on of the APC in Osun State, Kola Olabisi, had said the needless alarm raised by Adeleke’s Special Adviser on Public Health, indicated that the government had no respect for the rule of law and pained by the Court of Appeal recent judgment, which reinstated councils’ chairmen elected on the pla orm of the party.
Olabisi in a statement said, “We are not bothered that you mischievously described the councilors that accompanied the execu ve chairman to the project as ‘thugs’ to call a dog a bad name to hang it.
“We are not undaunted by the Adeleke man’s false alarm as his lies, as usual, could neither fly nor sit because of their unreliability.
Dr Adekunle should learn how to live with the reinstated local government council chairmen across the state as he would live to witness more of such supervision of the government projects by them across the state,” he had added.
Osun Youths Clash Over Negotiation With House Agents
Yusuf Oketola
The leadership of Youth Assembly of Nigeria (YAN), Osun State Chapter has condemned its counterpart in the state chapter of the Na onal Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) over what it described as a compromise mee ng with the Associaon of Caretaker and Estate Management Agents in the state.
The mee ng according to NYCN was to address the rising cases of extor on of accommoda on seekers by some of the agents in the state.
The Speaker of the YAN, Hon. Hammed Fatomi in a press statement on Wednesday frowned at the step took by the NYCN Chairman, Comrade Olakolupo Akinbode over his mee ng with the Agents, saying such steps could undermine their collec ve struggle.
Earlier, Akinbode had in a statement disclosed that he met with the Osun State Associa on of Caretaker and Estate Management (OSACEM) to discussed on the alarming increase in agent fees on rental proper es across the state, a trend that has made housing increasingly unaffordable for many residents.
The NYCN chairman stated that OSACEM acknowledged the growing number of individuals entering the real estate agen-
cy business due to unemployment or as a side hustle which has led to unhealthy compe on and irregular charges.
However, Fatomi in a statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER yesterday opined that any backdoor agreement made without the formal involvement of the Osun
State Government and the House of Assembly is null and void.
The statement reads partly: “We find it deeply concerning that an individual would a empt to undermine our collec ve struggle for affordable and regulated housing in Osun State.
“Let it be explicitly
clear: any backdoor agreement made without the formal involvement of the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly is illegi mate and holds no weight.
“The regula on of house agents and landlords is a policy ma er that requires legisla ve and execu ve ac on, not personal
Suspected Cultist Shoots Provision Seller For Demanding Payment Of N500 Drink
Yusuf Oketola
Asuspected member of a secret society, Alora cult group, Segun Ogunfunmilayo, has been arrested by the Osun State Police Command for allegedly a emp ng to murder a provision shop owner.
The incident, according to a statement issued by the Police Public Rela ons Officer in the state, Adeola Adeoye, happened on March 8, 2025 at about 9:00pm at a grocery shop located at Bihari/Ishola area, Ede, Osun State.
Ogunfunmilayo was said to have bought N500 energy drink and also collected the sum of N400 from the vic m and promised to transfer the sum of N900 to him.
The seller obliged and
waited for the suspect to transfer the money of which he claimed to have done but he did not receive any alert.
The vic m approached Ogunfunmilayo to inform him that he was yet to get the payment. Shockingly, Adeoye explained that the suspect, instead of se ling his bill, brought out a pistol from his bag, shot the provision seller in his two hands and ran away.
Adeoye said, “On 8th March, 2025 at about 9:00pm, Segun Ogunfunmilayo went to the complainant’s shop located at Bihari/Ishola area, Ede, Osun State and bought an energy drink at the rate of Five hundred naira (N500), he demanded cash of Four hundred naira (N400) from the complainant so that he could transfer the sum of Nine hundred naira (N900) to him which he obliged.
“When he could not receive credit no fica on of the sum of Nine hundred naira, (N900) said to have been transferred by the suspect; he went to inform the suspect that he hadn’t received the alert. To his surprise, the suspect brought out a cut-to-size pistol from his bag and shot him in his le hand and right arm and took to his heels.
“On receipt of the report, Police swung into ac on in collaboraon with Civilian JTF and trailed the suspect to his hideout where he was arrested. One cut-to-size pistol and a live cartridge were recovered from the suspect as exhibits. The suspect who confessed to being a member of the Alora cult group will be charged to court a er the comple on of the inves ga on.”
nego a ons for poli cal or selfish gain.
“We view this act as a deliberate a empt to sabotage our efforts and divert a en on from the genuine demands of the people. However, we remain firm in our resolve.
“Once again, we reaffirm our stance: If the Osun State Government and the Osun State House of Assembly fail to address our legi mate demands, we will not hesitate to embark on a statewide protest to demand immediate ac on.
“The leadership of the YAN, Osun state chapter is not in compe on with any organiza on, but rather focused on making lives easier for Osun state youths.
“We remain too commi ed to fall prey to cheap divide and rule tac cs employed by destruc ve forces.
“Leadership is not a business en ty, it’s strictly a responsibility. Let us stop toying with the issues affec ng the good people of Osun state.
“The struggle for a fair, regulated, and affordable housing system in Osun State is not one that can be hijacked or nego ated away by a single individual. We urge all stakeholders to remain steadfast, and we call on the relevant authories to act swi ly before this crisis escalates further.”
Osun Chapter with students of Fed-
during the advocacy visit on 2025 International Women Day celebratio recently
Osun Govt Writes AGF, Accountant General, Demands Recognition For PDP Elected Chairmen, Councillors
Kazeem Badmus
THE Osun State Government has wri en to the A orney General of the Federa on and Minister of Jus ce, Lateef Fagbemi on the need to recognise the newly elected council execuves under the Peoples Democra c Party as the Bonafide chairmen and councilors.
OSUN DEFENDER reports that a poli cal crisis has engulfed the state over the control of local government secretariats by the Peoples Democra c Party and the opposi on All Progressives Congress.
While the chairmen and councilors elected a er the immediate past governor, Gboyega Oyetola lost his re-elec on currently occupied the secretariats due to the court of Appeal judgement which reportedly reinstated them a er they were sacked by a Federal High Court in Osogbo, the PDP chairmen and councilors elected recently were also claiming to be the Bonafide execu ves of the councils.
The state government in the le er dated 7th March 2025, through the Secretary to the Osun State Government, Teslim Igbalaye, said the appeal filed by the APC on the sacking of the chairmen in the suit ins tuted by the Ac on Peoples Party was struck out by the Appeal Court si ng in Akure, hence, the Yes or No chairmen remain sacked.
The le er, tled ‘Nofica on of the conduct of a successful local government elec on in Osun State and se ng the record straight’, noted that even though the Fagbemi advised the state government to postpone the said elec on in view of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal which reportedly reinstated the sacked Yes or No chairmen, it believed the advice was due to the fact that all judgments surrounding the nullifica on of the Local Government elec on conducted on 15th October 2022 by the State Electoral body, were not adequately brought to the AGF’s a en on. It also noted that a Federal High Court in the state ordered the elecon, which brought in the PDP Council officials.
The le er added that the judgement of the courts are superior to the advice of the AGF, urging
•Says Court Orders Superior to Fagbemi’s Advise on Recently Conducted LG Election
inaugurated Chairman,
him to give considera on to the judgements.
The le er urged all agencies of the Federal government, par cularly the Accountant General of the federa on to comply fully compliance of the judgment of the Court of Appeal on the dismissed case of the APC and that of the Federal High Court which ordered a new elecon.
The le er read, “I hereby draw your a enon to a le er dated 7th October 2024 wri en to you on behalf of Osun State Government by the law firm of Musibau Adetunbi, SAN & Co, wherein we no fied your office that due to the provision of the Electoral Act which s pulates a one-year mandatory no ce for the conduct of elec ons, the state would not be able to conduct its Local Government Elec on un l 22nd February 2025.
“We hereby humbly no fy your office that we
had successfully conducted the said elec on a er complying with all the required regula ons. We hereby express our sincere gra tude to you Sir.
“Sir, it is on record that you advised His Excellency, the Governor of Osun State postpone the said elec on in view of the Judgment of the Court of Appeal which was delivered on 10th February 2025 in Appeal Number CA/AK/270/2022 and which was brought to your knowledge around the same period.
“Kindly note that as the Chief Law officer of the Federa on, we value not only your opinion but we also hold you in high esteem. However, with profound respect, I wish to state that your advice was due to the fact that all judgments surrounding the nullifica on of the Local Government elec on conducted on 15th October 2022 by the State Electoral body were
not adequately brought to your a en on, hence, the need to set the record straight.
“Sir, when the said elec on was about to take place in 2022, two poli cal par es, which were Peoples Democra c Party (PDP) and Ac on Peoples Party (APP), approached the Federal High Court, Osogbo Judicial Division at different mes contending that the Stale Electoral Body failed to comply with the required regula ons more importantly the issue of 360-days statutory no ce.
The party of the Chairmen elected on the said 15th of October 2022, which is APC, was an acve defendant in the two suits. His Lordship of the Federal High Court delivered Judgments in the said two suits of PDP and APP on 25/11/2022 and 30/11/2022 respec vely.
In the two suits His Lordship categorically ordered thus:
“Furthermore, in the exercise of the power conferred on me by Secon 6(6) (a) and (b) of the 1999 Cons tu on (as amended), 1 hereby make the following consequenal orders:
“The elec on into the local government councils across Osun State held on 15/10/2022 pursuant to No ce of elec on issued on the 15/8/2022 is hereby declared uncons tuonal, invalid, null and void for viola on of the cons tu on and breach of sec ons 28, 29, 32, 98 and 150 of the Electoral Act, 2022.
“All persons or individuals occupying offices in the State Local Government Councils by virtue of the said elec on are accordingly sacked from holding such offices.
“Sec ons 25 and 26 of the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission Law, 2022 having been enacted in contravenon of paragraph 12 of
Concerns As LG Administration Remains Grounded In Osun
Yusuf Oketola
RESIDENTS of Osun State have lamented the hardship caused by the strike embarked by local government workers in the state.
Findings by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that official ac vi es remained paralysed across the 30 LGAs of the state following workers’ withdrawal of service.
Recall that the Osun State Council of Nigeria Labour Congress withdrew the service of workers in all the local government areas across the state following the rights crisis to administer the local government between elected public func onaries
on the pla orm of All Progressives Congress and Peoples Democra c Party.
The two poli cal par es remained adamant about their own interpreta on of exis ng judgements delivered at varying mes by State, Federal, and Federal Courts of Appeal and laid claim to the right to govern at the third er of government in the state.
Findings in some of the local government secretariats visited by OSUN DEFENDER revealed the absence of hustling and bustling that used to characterise the secretariats daily apart from weekends.
It was learnt that each of the councils are los-
ing in terms of internally generated revenue since the crisis broke out.
A worker in the account department of one of the LG who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER said the spillover of financial loss will surely have long-term adverse effects on the finances of local government, adding that it may not be easy to recover the loss of the present predicament if allowed to persist.
The medium also gathered that indigenes of Osun who are residing in other states and coming to obtain their Cerficate of State of Origin could not access the secretariats.
Speaking with OSUN
DEFENDER, Mr Abdulahi Adetunji, a na ve of Ede but residing in Abeokuta, lamented his inability to collect his cer ficate of local government origin under processing.
Adetunji, who claimed to be in a dilemma, regre ed that he was supposed to a ach the document with others for a job interview scheduled for Wednesday, March 11th, 2025.
Meanwhile, there seems to be no immediate solu on to the imbroglio caused by the con nued laying of claim to local government administra on across Osun State by poli cal func onaries who are supposed to serve the state’s people.
the part II, 2nd Schedule to the Cons tu on and being inconsistent with sec ons 29 and 32 of the Electoral Act, 2022 are hereby struck down.”
The le er further reads,
“Sir, the APC which is the party that your advice favour, appealed the two judgments at different mes. However it elected to prosecute its appeal against a achment 1 while it voluntarily abandoned its appeal against a achment 2.
“The Court of Appeal eventually allowed its appeal against a achment 1 on the ground that the Origina ng Summons which kick started A achment 1 was filed prior to the me the cause of acon arose.
“The All Progressives Congress (APC), which knows that there is no such defect in A achment 2, voluntarily abandoned it, and its Appeal in this regard was dismissed by the Court of Appeal.
“We are conscious of your advice to His Excellency the Governor of Osun state, but we do not have any iota of doubt that your advice was given without considera on of A achments 2, 4, and 5. We know that A achments 2, 4, and also 5, which is a judgment of a superior court in our jurisdic on, are over and above your advice, sir.
“We have no ced several online reports which say you have directed the CBN to assist the said Chairmen, who had been effec vely removed from office by A achment 2 and confirmed by A achment 4 to be given the permission to open an account by the CBN; we are in doubt if this is true. However, we have elected to err on the side of cau on; hence, we have decided to bring A achments 2, 4, and 5 to your no ce, sir.
“Humbly, we demand full compliance with Attachments 2, 4, and 5 by all the agencies of the Federal Government, more par cularly the Accountant General of the federa on and Central Bank of Nigeria.”
Meanwhile, in another le er sent to the Accountant General of the Federa on, Shamsedeen Ogunjimi, the state government urged the AG to only recognise and deal with the local government chairmen and councillors elected during the February 22 polls.
•Newly
National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANT) Osun State Chapter, Alhaji Rasheed Adebisi receiving certificate of office from the Southwest Chairperson, Princess Aderonke Adedoja last Thursday
Gov Zulum Donates N50 Million To OAU Muslim Community
THE Governor of Borno State, Prof Babagana Zulum at the weekend donated the sum of N50 million as a token of love, fraternity and communal togetherness, to support charitable ac vi es of the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Muslim Community.
Zulum made the dona on during the Annual Ramadan Lecture of the Obafemi Awolowo University held at the University campus in Ile-Ife on Sunday, March 9, 2025.
The governor who served as the Special Guest of Honour at the occasion called on Muslim faithful to be prayerful, patrio c and pa ent during the holy month. He also called on Muslims to embrace religious tolerance, engage in philanthropic ac vies, and be good ambassadors of Islam, and shining examples to sister faith communi es.
While delivering a
lecture tled “Navigating economic difficules in Nigeria through reliance on Allah”, the Guest Lecturer at the occasion, Prof Badmus Olanrewaju Yusuf, called on Muslims to observe the teachings of Allah regarding reliance of divine providence, economy of resources, resource redistribuon through Zakat and Sadaqat (obligatory and empha c charity) and mercy for the poor in our society. Prof Yusuf enjoined Muslims not to indulge in wasteful ac vi es, or immorality during the holy month of Ramadan.
The Chairman of the occasion, Prof Yusuf Olaolu Ali SAN thanked Gov Zulum most profoundly for his generosity and kindness to all communies in Nigeria. Prof Ali rested on Gov Zulum’s excep onal generosity to enjoin Nigerian Muslim leaders to support faith communi es and their charitable acvi es with a view to building godly ci zens, philanthropy and civic culture.
Gov Zulum was accompanied to the event by Hon Abba Kyari Abba Kolo, member represen ng Jere Cons tuency at the Borno State House of Assembly; Dr Babagana Mustapha Mallambe, Deputy Chief
Reps
of Staff; Prof Usman Tar, Commissioner for Informa on and Internal Security; Dr Hassan Zanna Boguma Senior Advicer to His Excellency on Culture and Regional Integra on; and Prof Bobboi Umar.
Summon OAUTH
Campus Review Campus Review
Over Failure
To Recover
N49m Outstanding Debts From HMOs
THE Public Accounts Commi ee of the House of Representa ves has directed the Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, Ile-Ife, to submit a comprehensive list of Health Maintenance Organisa ons owing the Federal Government a total of N49m between 2021 and 2025. The resolu on was
passed on Tuesday during the commi ee’s review of the Auditor General’s 2021 report, which flagged the hospital’s failure to recover outstanding debts from HMOs.
The report revealed that as of December 31, 2020, 33 HMOs owed the hospital N32m, yet the ins tu on con nued to provide medical services to them despite the arrears.
Speaking at the hearing, the hospital’s Chief Medical Director, Professor John Okeniyi, highlighted the difficulty
in recovering debts from HMOs.
“It’s very difficult to refuse treatment to Nigerians, even when their HMOs fail to pay,” Okeniyi said.
He also noted that the low coverage of Nigerians under the Naonal Health Insurance Authority forces many pa ents to pay out-ofpocket, while those covered o en face delays and underpayments from HMOs.
Okeniyi further disclosed that two HMOs responsible for Obafemi Awolowo University students have been parcularly problema c, as they fail to reimburse fees for ter ary healthcare services provided
by the hospital.
To address the issue, the hospital has set up a task force led by its NHIA head, Mr. Lekan Orabiyi, to recover outstanding debts. So far, the hospital has successfully recovered N15.97 million out of the N32m owed, according to Okeniyi.
In response to a query from Commi ee Chairman, Mr. Bamidele Salam (Osun, PDP), on the total debts owed to the Federal Government, Okeniyi confirmed that the amount had risen to N49m as of 2025.
Following deliberaons, the commi ee unanimously directed the hospital to submit a full list of indebted HMOs and the specific amounts they owe in the interest of transparency.
Fire Outbreaks Destroy N15.3bn Property In Osun - Report
OSUN Osun State Fire Service, has disclosed that property worth N15,308,651,017 were lost to fire outbreaks in the state between January and December 2024.
The losses were recorded in the state fire service’s annual ‘fire incident record,’ which was made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Monday in Osogbo.
According to the data, the state fire service received 103 fire outbreak calls in the year under review, and it a ended to 16 addi onal non-fire-related calls.
The data also reflected that the majority of the fire outbreaks took place in February and December when 20 fire outbreaks were recorded each.
However, the highest property loss was recorded in December, with N12.580 billion in property lost to fire outbreaks. This was followed by the month of May when property worth N1.249 billion was destroyed during five recorded fire incidents.
According to the data, seven persons died from the fire incidents, with one death recorded in September and six others in December.
Speaking on the data, the Osun Fire Service Spokesperson, Mr Adekunle Ibrahim, a ributed the majority of the fire outbreaks to people’s “carelessness.”
He said, “The careless ways people deal with electronics and electrical appliances at home and how they also handle naked fire o en serve as catalysts for fire outbreaks.”
He said the state fire service o en had sensi zed residents, market women, religious bodies, banks, business owners and others on the preven on and management of fire outbreaks.
“We have been sensi zing the people and enlightening them to be very careful about how to handle naked fires, steps to take in cases of fire outbreaks, and the need to take care of electrical appliances to prevent fire outbreaks properly,” he said.
Ibrahim said they intensified fire safety awareness in the state just as they have gone around to train hoteliers and others on fire safety and preven on methods.
“We have also been going round banks in the state to inspect their fire safety equipment and also enlighten them on what to do
in cases of fire outbreaks,” he said. He advised residents to always unplug their electrical
appliances when not in use and turn off their electricity when leaving their homes.
He advised people to be
mindful of bush burning, especially in the dry season.
He also cau oned residents to be careful when
usually start in the kitchen.
Nine NYSC Members Get Fidelity Bank Entrepreneurship Grant
Nine Na onal Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members, have been awarded Fidelity Bank entrepreneurship grant of N500,000 each.
The beneficiaries included a serving corps member in Osun State, David Agwu.
Other beneficiaries are: Oluwatosin Olowolayemo, Ekpeno George, Derryk Okafor, Aliyu Adamu, Bomane-Aziba Koromo, Asabe Adamu, Abdullahi Olajuwon and Eghosa Orhue.
Speaking during the pres-
enta on of the cheque to one of the beneficiaries, the Divisional Head of Product Development at Fidelity Bank, Mr Osita Ede, said the beneficiaries were selected through a random electronic draw from various branches na onwide.
According to him, the promo aims to enhance the opportuni es for loyal customers to win.
He said, “The grants were awarded under the Get Alert in Millions Season Six promo. The ini a ve is designed to reward loyal customers with
cash prizes totaling N159 million. The promo, which runs from November 2024 to August 2025, targets various categories of customers, including NYSC members, students, and general customers.
“When we launched the GAIM 6 promo on in November 2024, we unequivocally stated that this campaign season is intended to promote inclusivity. Consequently, we have increased the total prize money to N159 million and added addi onal draws, beyond the weekly and monthly draws featured in previous seasons.
“Now, we have specific draws catering to various segments of our customer base including women, students, youth corps members, and traders. It is important to note that these categories of customers also stand the chance to win millions of naira in the monthly and grand draws which we will be hos ng ll 20 August 2025.”
One of the recipients of the entrepreneurship grant, David Agwu, while speaking with newsmen in Osogbo, expressed his surprise at the unexpected win.
He said, “When I received the call, I thought it was a prank. I never applied for anything, so it was hard to believe. But when they sent me proof, I realised it was real. I am truly grateful for this opportunity. My plan is to invest the money in voca onal training and digital skills development, par cularly in fashion and pain ng in order to establish a sustainable business”.
Another beneficiary, Chidubem Okafor, appreciated Fidelity Bank for the grant, noting that the funds will enable him to achieve his entrepreneurial dreams.
His words, “At first, I thought it was a scam when they introduced the ini a ve at our orienta on camp, but today, I am truly honored to receive this support from Fidelity Bank. This grant will go a long way in helping me achieve my entrepreneurial dreams, and I promise to make the most of it.”
The bank added that the winners will also enjoy free business advisory and training sessions at the newly launched Fidelity SME Hub.
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
Yusuf Oketola
Latifat Bello
handling naked fire in the kitchen, saying the majority of domes c fire outbreaks
•Acting Branch Leader, Fidelity Bank Plc, Osogbo, Raymond Olajide (R) with Osun NYSC grant winner, David Agwu at the prize presentation, recently
Champions League: Two Players Banned For Arsenal Vs Real Madrid Clash
ARSENAL and Real Madrid will each have one player suspended for the first leg of the Champions League quarter-final clash next month.
The Gunners will be without Raheem Sterling, who was booked in the last minutes of their 2-2 draw with PSV Eindhoven on Wednesday night.
ates.
Sterling, who provided two assists in the game, was walking a disciplinary ghtrope ahead of the game along with Gabriel Mar nelli and Jurrien Timber.
Mar nelli and Timber escaped any booking, as they started the game from the bench and played only few minutes at the Emir-
Real will have Aurelien Tchouameni unavailable for the first leg against Arsenal in North London.
Tchouameni was also shown a yellow card in their last-16 second leg game at Atle co Madrid.
Both teams last met each other in 2006, with Arsenal winning 1-0 on aggregate, thanks to a spectacular strike from Thierry Henry.
VICTOR Osimhen says Nigeria will be driven by despera on in 2026 FIFA World Cup qualifiers this month as they look to avoid missing out on a second successive edi on of the finals.
The Super Eagles have made a winless start in Group C, drawing three of their first four games, with star striker Osimhen absent through injury.
The West Africans endured what the 26-year-old described as a “heartbreaking disappointment” three years ago when fierce rivals Ghana progressed from a play-off and reached Qatar 2022 at their expense.
“It’s a dream of every footballer to play at the World Cup and with our situa on in the group I am desperate, like other players, to make it to the 2026 tournament,” Osimhen told BBC Sport Africa.
“We suffered a big disappointment in 2022 and we simply can’t let it happen again to us, the country and our genera on.
“You don’t want to finish your career with the regrets of not playing at the World Cup. That is not what I want for myself.”
Nigeria are four points behind group leaders Rwanda and travel to Kigali to face the Wasps on 21 March before hos ng bo om side Zimbabwe four days later.
The new man in the dugout, Eric Chelle, requires immediate results in the sixteam group as he becomes the third coach to lead the Super Eagles in a campaign which began back in November 2023.
Jose Peseiro oversaw two draws, against minnows Lesotho and Zimbabwe, and his successor Finidi George departed last June a er a defeat by Benin followed a home stalemate against South Africa.
“There’s a new manager now and we are desperately looking forward to the game against Rwanda to try to correct all the previous mistakes we’ve made and put ourselves in a be er posi on to
qualify,” Osimhen said.
Osimhen, the 2023 African Footballer of the Year who has scored 23 goals and provided 11 assists in 39 senior ou ngs for Nigeria, was “extremely disappointed” a er failing to make Qatar 2022.
He insists a squad packed full of top players including Atalanta forward Ademola Lookman, Nantes winger Moses Simon and Premier League regulars Ola Aina, Calvin Bassey and Alex Iwobi must secure a place for next year’s global showpiece in Canada, Mexico and the USA.
Nigeria have only missed two edi ons of the tournament since making their debut in 1994.
“People say we have a talented genera on but we can only confirm this talent when we play in a World Cup like those before us,” Osimhen confided.
“I was sad, like
Super Eagles ‘Desperate’ To Reach 2026 World Cup Finals – Osimhen News
my team-mates, to miss out on Qatar and our fans didn’t even understand how much it affected us.
“This is why we must correct the previous mistakes by giving everything to our country, our new coach and prove ourselves as being worthy.”
“I’ve spoken to him couple of mes and clearly understand the objec ves he has set for himself and for the players,” the Galatasary man added.
“It takes more than a coach to win football matches. Players must also be at their best, show commitment and bear in mind that we can all fly together to reach our goal.”
NANT Elects New Committee, Promises To Move Osun Forward
TLatifat Bello
HE Na onal Associaon of Nigerian Traders (NANT) Osun State chapter has inaugurated a new execu ve commi ee, with Alhaji Adebisi Rasheed as the chairman.
The inaugura on ceremony, which took place on March 6, 2025, at the Civil Service Hall, GRA, Osogbo, was a ended by traders, ar sans, and other stakeholders in the industry.
In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Rasheed expressed his gra tude to God and promised to serve his people with sacrifice and dedica on. He emphasized the importance of working in synergy with state laws, the cons tuon, and other stakeholders to achieve the associaon’s objec ves.
Alhaji Rasheed also pledged to cooperate with Princess Aderonke Adedoja, the Chairperson of NANT Southwest, and other stakeholders to promote the interests of Nigerian traders and ar sans in the region.
The South West Coordinator of NANT had earlier charged the new execu ve commi ee to lead with the fear of God. She advised them to take things easy and ensure that they carry all members along in their decision-making process.
The coordinator emphasized the importance of unity and loyalty among members of the associaon. She urged the new
execu ves to work in harmony with the government and other stakeholders to achieve the associa on’s objec ves.
The Na onal Associaon of Nigerian Traders (NANT) is the umbrella body for traders in Nigeria. The associa on aims to
promote the interests of Nigerian traders and arsans, and to support the growth and development of the na on’s economy.
As the new execu ve commi ee of NANT Osun State chapter begins its tenure, it is expected to build on the successes of
its predecessors and take the associa on to greater heights. With the support of Princess Adedoja and other stakeholders, the new execu ves are poised to drive growth and development in the sector.
The inaugura on ceremony was a testament
to the associa on’s commitment to promo ng the interests of Nigerian traders and ar sans. As NANT Osun State chapter con nues to grow and develop, it is expected to play a key role in suppor ng the naon’s economy. With the new execuve commi ee in place, NANT Osun State chapter is poised for greatness. The associa on’s members and stakeholders can expect a new era of growth, development, and prosperity under the leadership of Alhaji Rasheed and his team.
Inside Osun Public School Where Over 2000 Students Learn Under Dilapidated Buildings
Yusuf Oketola
RESIDENTS of Isedo, Ila-Orangun in Ila Local Government, Osun State has appealed to Governor Ademola Adeleke for his urgent interven on on the reconstruc on of classrooms in the community high school. This followed the Adeleke’s announcement on Tuesday to renovate eighteen selected public schools across the three senatorial as part of the Osun 2025 Infra Plan by the Governor.
OSUN DEFENDER learnt that most classrooms in Isedo High School are in a sorry state which over 2000 children currently learn under.
Speaking with this medium, Mr Babatunde Ishola, one of the student’s parent, lamented the situa on while calling on the state government for a quick interven on.
He said: “We implore Governor Ademola Adeleke for his urgent
interven on on the situa on of the school. We parents are living in fear. We don’t want to lose any of our children. They are learning under a falling roof. Most of the classrooms are in a deplorable condi on.
“We learnt some schools were on Tuesday selected for renova on by the Governor. This school ought to be captured in the plan.
The ministry of educaon has a lot to do in loca ng some of these schools. There are several of them in the rural areas which are begging for a en on. This kind of environment is not good for children to learn under.”
Earlier, a non-governmental organisa on, Tracka also lamented the situa on of the school during their visit in February 2025 while calling Governor Adeleke, the Senator represen ng
Osun Central, Olubiyi Fadeyi and member represen ng Boluwaduro/ Ifedayo/Ila federal Cons tuency, Hon Clement Ademola for their interven on.
The NGO disclosed that only two classrooms were in a good condion at the me of their visit while over ten classrooms are in bad state; with roof sheets blown off, bad windows, no doors and ceiling falling apart. They wrote: “Dear
Gov Senator Nurudeen Jackson Ademola Adeleke, Sen. Ajagunla, Hon. Clement Akanni, we visited Isedo High School in Ila Orangun, Osun state in February 2025 and saw firsthand, the sorry state of the classrooms that over 2000 children currently learn under.
“Last year, 2 classrooms were renovated but this barely scratched the surface, as over 10 classrooms are s ll dilapidated; with roof sheets blown off, bad windows, no doors and the ceilings are falling apart. Even the examina on hall is completely wrecked.
Every day, these children are faced with an imminent threat of a building collapsing on them.
“We implore your offices and the Osun State Government, Federal Ministry of Educa on, Nigeria, to facilitate the construc on of new classrooms and provision of learning facility for the children of Isedo community. Their educa on cannot wait!”
FRIDAY, MARCH 14, 2025 - THURSDAY, MARCH 21, 2025 VOL. 20 NO 10 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com
LEADERSHIP in Africa has long been a subject of great discourse, shaped by a history of resilience, struggle, and transforma on. From the legacies of precolonial governance to the complexi es of modern democra c systems, the African leader’s role is deeply intertwined with the con nent’s development. Leading with purpose in Africa demands not only a clear vision but also a profound sense of responsibility to the people, ins tu ons, and future genera ons.
As the con nent con nues to navigate economic challenges, poli cal transi ons, and social transforma ons, the ques on remains: What does it truly mean to lead with purpose in Africa? And what are the core responsibili es of an African leader in this era?
The Burden of Leadership Leadership in Africa is not just about holding power; it is about service, vision, and legacy. The concept of leadership across African socie es has historically been rooted in communal well-being rather than individual ambi on. Tradi onal African rulers were custodians of the land and protectors of their people. Their leadership was deeply connected to values such as jus ce, accountability, and collec ve progress.
However, in many modern African states, leadership has o en deviated from these values. The abuse of power, corrupon, and poli cal instability have plagued many na ons, leading to disillusionment among ci zens. This reality calls for a renewed commitment to purposeful leadership—one that priori zes the needs of the people above self-interest. As Nelson Mandela once said, “Real leaders must be ready to sacrifice all for the freedom of their people.”
Leading with purpose requires African leaders to see themselves not as rulers but as custodians of their people’s hopes and aspira ons. Their success should be measured not by personal wealth or tenure in office but by the tangible improvements in their ci zens’ lives.
Core Responsibili es of the African Leader 1. Visionary Leadership and Economic Growth
A leader without vision is like a ship without a rudder. Africa’s leaders must culvate a long-term vision that drives economic prosperity and industrial growth. While many African na ons are rich in natural resources, true leadership lies in ensuring these resources benefit the people rather than enriching a few.
Countries such as Rwanda have demonstrated how visionary leadership can transform a na on. Under President Paul Kagame, Rwanda has priori zed digital innova on, infrastructure development, and governance reforms, posi oning the country as a rising economic force in Africa. The lesson here is clear: purposeful leadership focuses on sustainable economic development and empowerment.
“A leader’s responsibility is to set an example, demonstrating that public service is a noble duty rather than a means for personal enrichment. As former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere stated, Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge”
By MATT. OLU OLOWOKERE PERSPECTIVE
Leading With Purpose: The
African Leader’s Responsibility
African leaders must take responsibility for fostering economic policies that promote entrepreneurship, a ract investment, and reduce unemployment. They must support local industries, empower youth through skills development, and create an environment where innova on thrives.
2. Good Governance and Accountability Leadership without accountability breeds corrup on and weakens ins tuons. Many African na ons struggle with governance challenges, where mismanagement and corrup on drain public resources. Transparency and accountability should be at the core of leadership.
Leaders must strengthen democra c ins tu ons, ensure the independence of the judiciary, and protect the rights of ci zens. By fostering an open government, where ci zens have access to informa on and decision-making processes, leaders can rebuild trust and legi macy.
Good governance also involves appoin ng competent individuals to key posions rather than engaging in nepo sm and favori sm. Merit-based leadership ensures that the best minds contribute to na onal development, driving progress across all sectors.
3. Inves ng in Educa on and Human Capital Africa’s greatest asset is its people. With a rapidly growing youth popula on, the con nent’s future depends on investments in educa on, research, and skill development. A leader with purpose must priori ze educa on reforms that equip young Africans with the knowledge and skills needed for the 21st century.
Countries like Ghana and Kenya have made significant strides in expanding access to educa on through policies such as free primary and secondary schooling. However, challenges remain in the quality of educa on and the alignment of academic programs with market needs. Leaders
must champion educa onal policies that not only increase access but also enhance relevance and global compe veness.
4. Championing African Unity and Collabora on
The concept of “Ubuntu”—I am because we are—emphasizes the interconnectedness of African socie es. True leadership in Africa transcends na onal borders; it requires collabora on among na ons to address shared challenges such as trade, security, climate change, and health crises.
The African Con nental Free Trade Area (AfCFTA) is a step toward economic integra on, but its success depends on poli cal will and leadership commitment. Leaders must foster regional coopera on that enables African economies to thrive collec vely rather than compete destrucvely.
Addi onally, Africa must amplify its voice on the global stage, advoca ng for fair trade policies, debt relief, and equitable access to vaccines and healthcare. Purposeful leadership ensures that Africa is not merely a passive player in global affairs but an ac ve and influen al force.
5. Ethical Leadership and Moral Integrity
A leader’s character defines their legacy. Africa has witnessed leaders who have either upli ed or destroyed their na ons based on personal ethics and morality. Ethical leadership means leading with integrity, honesty, and a genuine commitment to the people.
A leader’s responsibility is to set an example, demonstra ng that public service is a noble duty rather than a means for personal enrichment. As former Tanzanian President Julius Nyerere stated, “Leadership is not about being in charge. It is about taking care of those in your charge.”
•Read full article on www.osundefender.com
STRIKER Striker is not the opinion of the Columnist featured above
THE catch phrase in the tle is credited to the unforge able Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov [Lenin], leader of the Great October Bolshevik revolu on of 1917 in Russia. A er the February Revolu on in 1917, social and poli cal chaos characterised the Russian society increasingly. At the First All-Russia Congress of Soviets in JuneJuly dominated by delegates of the Socialist Revolu onaries (285 seats), Mensheviks (248 seats) and Bolsheviks (105 seats), the Chairman of the Petrograds Soviets, Irakli Tsereteli, posed the historical challenge of Russian poli cs in the ques on: can any delegate name a party that would risk taking power and accep ng full responsibility for everything happening in Russia? On the second day of Congress when it was Lenin’s turn to speak, he started boldly by saying “There Is!” There was only loud applause from the Bolsheviks and laughter from the rest of the hall. However, by October, the Bolshevik revolu on and total takeover of power happened.
Fast forwards to Nigeria in 2025, the historical challenge to the social, economic and poli cal crises of Nigeria would likely be posed today in such a ques on as: can any party confidently come out to say it will return Nigeria to a Genuine Federal Republic if given power at the centre in 2027?
Expecta on of a firm posi ve answer from the All Progressives Congress (APC) was what made Nigerians, against all odds, vote out an incumbent government and party at the centre in 2015. A er 4 years of “Change” plus 4 years of “Next Level” with APC’s Buhari, and now the ongoing 2nd of
“There
Is Such A Party”
4 years with APC Na onal Leader that sold Buhari to Nigerians: now President - Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is as far away from a genuine federal republic as it ever was and mired in unremi ed insecurity challenges, sec onal and sectarian extremisms and economic woes.
Having escaped from a party with a “stealing is not corrup on” philosophy to where we are now with an imperial party and government, the ques on remains “which party can come out boldly to commit to the return of Nigeria to a true Federal Republic if given power at the centre in 2027?” If APC of all par es can renege and fail woefully on that promise, is there then such progressive party today? If not, what is to be done, considering that the ul mate solu on to Nigeria’s mul faceted problems, without doubt, is a return to its original self – A Federal Republic of Nigeria?
This is the key ques on young people must ask themselves to arrive at “what is to be done” today ahead of 2 years’ me - then organise around their resolu ons. They must realise and accept that a hundred more general elec ons in 800 years would never deliver anything good so long as we remain a fake and self-deceiving Federal Republic centrally hooked by the lazy, unpatrio c elites on control, sharing and mismanagement of “free” oil-rent money, without any sense of social responsibility.
In the specific context of an almighty unitary, presiden al system, what we need are
poli cians gathered in a fresh poli cal party commi ed to the restructuring deal! Accordingly, young people especially and progressive popular organisa ons at large should look beyond par es as presently cons tuted and composed; they should look beyond ethnic and religious divides in the readiness to mobilise behind an assemblage of poli cians with a track record of commitment to TRUE FEDERALISM, vo ng only for such individuals for the state houses of assembly all the way to the President. Once all elec ons are done with by 2027, their task is to organise the mass pressure movement to ensure cons tu onal return to a TRUE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA “by all means necessary.”
On the basis of the current virus-ridden and wrong cons tu onal opera ng system, no quantum of good inten on or “integrity” by any Governor or President can make him or her deliver sustainable democra c or development dividends. Not having any love or good inten on for the people in the first place, and being slaves of foreign powers indeed, the warped opera ng unitary system is a readymade excuse for resounding failure; whereby they can only keep looking back a er exit and contemptuously saying “I’ve done my best, Nigerians are more difficult to govern than cows.”
Once above is understood and accepted, next is organisa on and ac on! Everything else is deceit and exercise in fu lity and a delay of the “judgement day” for Nigeria.
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•Matt Olu OLOWOKERE (Engr.) Past GM, ORMA February 4th, 2025.