October 13, 2017 PDF Version of Osun Defender

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

VOL. 012. NO.33

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Monkey Pox: Osun Govt. To Set Up Quarantine Centres, Assures Citizens PAGE 13

Council Election:

- Page 2

APC, PDP Split Over Parliamentary System Four Banks Sealed In Osogbo Over N72m Tax Evasion

PAGE 3 Life & Sex

What Women Really Want PAGE 11

•State of Osun Deputy Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) presenting instructional materials to one of the school Principals. With them are SUBEB Chairman, Prince Felix Awofisayo (3rd right); Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole (right) and others during the flag off ceremony of the distribution of instructional materials to schools for 2017/2018 academic session in Osun on Tuesday.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO.

2

OSUNDEFENDER

NEWS

www.osundefender.org

Council Election:

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

APC, PDP Split Over Parliamentary System

By Shina Abubakar As the Osun State Independent Electoral Commission commences the process of conducting election into the council areas across the state, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have disagreed on the entrenchment of parliamentary system at the local government level.

While the APC said the system is cost effective and would reduce the cost of governance at the local level, the PDP disagreed and noted that its participation in the council election in the state would be subjected

•The recently constructed water channel on Alekunwodo River by the Osun Government after several years of havoc wrecked by flood in the area.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Partners Investors On Local Contents Promotion

By Kehinde Ayantunji Government of the State of Osun and Afroclopedia Media has initiated a partnership to build business and investment platform that will promote local products to create wealth and improve the economy of the state.

The initiative will food production, event focus on 25 identified management industries, economic sectors which educational institutions, include agriculture and housing and properties m a n a g e m e n t ,

Osun Assembly Passes UBE Bill

By Israel Afolabi State of Osun House of Assembly has passed the State of Osun Universal Basic Education bill, 2017.

The bill, which is one of state.

He added that, “this is the bills of which debates were suspended the best thing we can give penultimate week, was to the state to ensure running of passed at the plenary on smooth Monday after the SUBEB education.

Salaam then urged the team had convinced the parliament on the need for operators of the law, when eventually assented to by its passage.

According to the speaker, the governor to work Honourable Najeem Salam, within its ambit of ensure “The State of Osun that the bill place the state’s Universal Basic Education primary education in its law will accelerate the rightful position.

Meanwhile, the works of the State Universal Basic Education Board parliament has mandated the nominees to the state (SUBEB) in the state”.

Service “The bill will give the Judicial board opportunity to Commission to appear for th operate in line with the laid screening from 16 October down rules and regulation 2017 at the State Assembly as well as advancement of Complex Osogbo.

Also, the House of the education system in the

Assembly ordered the Ministry of Works and Infrastructure to submit details of quantity design of major ongoing road projects across the state by Friday.

The projects include, MKO International Airport, Olaiya/Ita Olokan road, Oba Adesoji Aderemi East byepass road, GbonganAkoda road and Old Garage-Kwara state boundary amongst others.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as OLOJEDE STELLA OLUKEMI, ANU ADEMOLA STELLA KEMI, OGUNMILADE STELLA KEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as JESUTOFUNMI STELLA OLUKEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

manufacturing injuries among others.

Afroclopedia Project Coordinator, Adenle Babajide and the Senior Special Assistant to Governor, State of Osun on Commerce, Mr Akeem Okunade at a Press Conference held at Ayegbaju International Market, Osogbo , the state capital explained that the initiative was to converge the leading brands and network for optimal business performance.

Adenle, while analysing the rationale behind the project said research has shown that despite staggering economy, over N10 billion is expended on different sectors of economy in the state, saying, “Patronize Made in Osun Campaign” will build investor’s

CHANGE OF NAME

confidence and improve local product patronage”.

According to him, the campaign would include the lunching of ‘Made in Osun Award’ to be held on December 6, 2017 and chaired by the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, and the event would provide veritable competitive platform for different captains of industries and investors.

Other lined up activities includes Osun Event Industry Expo, a 3day product and services exhibition, Osun Event Industry Conference to converge business brand and network them with specialised training on market opportunities.

He added that the organisation with the support of Ayegbaju International Market has initiated made in Osun business directory platform where any investor can easily network, to do business, saying the initiative will no doubt improve the economy of the state and discourage capital flight.

Also, the SSA to the Governor and General Manager, Ayegbaju Market, Akeem

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08062207954, 08061197897

Okunade said the intention was to create more awareness for business opportunities.

He said, the state has a lot of potentials which would help to rejuvenate the economy and also make the state an economic hub.

He also sought the support of stakeholders including the media to help in sensitising on the availability of shop and other categories of outlets in the market.

He said the essence of building modern markets by the present administration would be defeated if people are not using them.

According to Okunade, many shop owners at Ayegbaju International market which was built with huge amount of money have not been using it as expected.

While stressing the need for private individuals and corporate organisations to assist the government in building the state’s economy, Okunade appealed to traders to also show commitment to economic development in the state.

PAGE

Time To Pay Up

Death and Taxes are the two unavoidables in the span of the human existence. In addition, the bedrock of a democratic setting is that it must be based on a community of tax payers who through the process of meeting up with their tax obligations become stakeholders.

Not for nothing, did the revolutionaries in the United States use the slogan, “No taxation, without representation” as the justification for their opposition to British colonial imposition. This explains it all, and it has become the locus on which the modern democratic state exists.

The State of Osun Internal Revenue Service (OIRS) would have been derelict in its duties if it had not sealed off the premises of four leading commercial banks during the week. The agency was spurred into action due to the nonremittance of the withholding tax due to the state government to the tune of N72,932,717.72 between the period of 2012 and 2014.

We support the position taken. The

The announcement by the nation’s Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) releasing the timetable for the Governorship elections in Ekiti and Osun States in 2018 is very much noted.

The electoral commission must be given kudos for intimating all the relevant stakeholders of its intent and giving them the time to prepare for what in both states will be, probably pivotal elections. If nothing else, the early release of the sequence of events shows that critical institutions are being developed into the solid mechanism vitally needed to consolidate and deepen our democracy.

For the state of Osun, it is a wake-up call. It means that we will soon be in the post- Aregbesola era. These means that there must be a clear succession plan to consolidate on the gains of his two terms in office. The two terms have been pivotal. For a start there has been in governance, a clear and decisive break with an underachieving past.

These gains must now be made irreversible.

The retooling of the state in terms of implementing Aregbesola’s original mission statement, via the six points’ integral action plan has been truly remarkable. The six-point agenda in its implementation has actually brought back into the lexicon the concept of the Social Contract. The essence of a social contract, which is a beneficial link binding the government in office to the electorate had hitherto been one of the casualties of the military incursion into our politics. Aregbesola through his fiscal prudence as well as the implementation of a remarkable social intervention programme has made the

State government of Osun is operating in a tight fiscal climate. The quasi-federalism operated at the moment has not given it the leeway to operate properly as a federating unit should in a federation. Therefore, all revenue sources due to it, must be tapped.

The government of the State of Osun has gone-out of its way to create a businessfriendly atmosphere in order to attract and retain investments. The government also has an obligation to invest in infrastructures to support and enhance such investments. We are faced here, with the issue of rights and obligations. The fulfillments of tax obligations are very critical in the government’s efforts to meet its commitments to providing the requisite business-friendly environment. Sadly, a lot of other sectors are also in default.

The OIRS has been doing its best. As the Acting Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, Osun Internal Revenue Service, Mr. Bicci Ali has pointed out: “The OIRS has intensified efforts on advocacy, publicity

‘

There can of course be no traders without a market. And a market can only be enhanced as well as deepened by government investments in the necessary social and physical infrastructures.

The funds involved are hardly humongous, but they are vitally needed.

’

and enlightenment programmes on the statutory obligations of the citizenry to voluntarily comply, by paying their taxes, levies and other charges promptly as

Facing The Future concept of the social contract fashionable gain.

The implementation is visible.

Assessing the efforts made by the Aregbesola intervention makes one to recall what has been said for centuries about Christopher Wren, the sublime architect who defined what today is the ethos and spirit of the great city of London. The well known plaque says that, “If you seek to know what he has achieved, please look around you”. In this same manner, if you seek to know what Aregbesola has achieved in the State of Osun, do go there and look around you. The transformation starting from a low base is remarkable. There will be eternal discourses about the dotting of I’s and the crossings of T’s.

Nevertheless, in a very difficult fiscal climate within the context of a debilitating quasi-federalism, he has left the state in a better shape than he found it. The gains must not be frittered away.

For there is a real threat that those who wish to go back to the pre-Aregbesola days of sloth, indolence and gains without pain are already preparing to leap over the fence and regain power.

Such a thing will be akin to a Shakespearean tragedy. It will mean in essence that like the Bourbons of revolutionary France, the people of the State of Osun will have learnt nothing and forgotten nothing. It must not be allowed to happen.

A much more desirable route is the example set in Lagos State since the return to civil rule in 1999. In that

Governor Aregbesola frankly has no alternative.

For the verdict of history will be harsh if he is derelict in his historic responsibility on this score. The imperative for continuity is nonnegotiable.

to be loved and cared for and respected. A victim of child abuse, who has not had the aftermath psychological therapy to relieve him or her of the trauma would most likely become a violent adult

with the tendency to unleash similar violence on the ones. Besides, the crisis a violent person will create within the family, the larger society can also not be overemphasised

because an abused child, when grown is likely to be involved in several social vices as a means to distort childhood or lead an imbalance life. It is also pertinent to mention that any state or country that

treats the issue of child abuse with levity will have to invest more on security to have a peaceful society.

It is also important to commend the state

follow the laudable example set in Lagos and ensure that the atmosphere is created for continuity of the programmes so beneficially implemented in the state. Governor Aregbesola frankly has no alternative.

For the verdict of history will be harsh if he is derelict in his historic responsibility on this score. The imperative for continuity is nonnegotiable.

Aregbesola therefore has work to do.

For there are two decisive tenets in political mobilisation and communications which have to be deployed in the quest for continuity.

The first is that a figure who has achieved what he has achieved must shift the territory of debate decisively in favour of his own position.

Furthermore, we must acknowledge that Nicolo Machiavelli was correct about ‘The Law of Constant Reminders’. Great achievements have been made but there is a need for “constant reminders”. These two interlinked positions must be used as the mobilizing tools for the myriad of focus groups and stakeholders in the state. Done sensibly as it must, the vitally needed continuity will be ensured.

laudable trajectory, seamless transitions have handed the baton in a series of changeovers from the initiating avatar Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu, to successors who have passed on the torch of sustainable development.

The framework has ensured fiscal stability and continuity of the Publisher development process, a remarkable model, in Acting Editor Africa.

The state of Osun must follow suit. This means that Lagos Editor the helmsman himself must

OSUN DEFENDER

Child Abuse And Violence In Our Society Children are gifts from God and thus, should not be abused. No child irrespective of his or her socio-economic background and physical balance or imbalance should be subjected to abuse, either from parents, guardian, siblings, relatives and the society at large.

The psychological effect of child abuse and other related violence live with them for the rest of their lives and can go a long way to influence their personalities, decision making and leadership traits, communal living and mixing culture in their latter lives. To these end, every child has the right

4

prescribed in the constitution of the country and the applicable tax legislations”.

He said, in spite of the efforts, many corporate organisations and individuals still engage in violations of the tax law, saying “under the Tax Act, a taxable person is statutorily required to file a return of income for the preceding year at the expiration of 90 days from the commencement of every year of assessment, a taxable person or corporate organisations who have not filed their tax returns with OIRS by the stipulated date is in breach of the provisions of the law, which is an offence that is punishable under the tax laws” There can of course be no traders without a market. And a market can only be enhanced as well as deepened by government investments in the necessary social and physical infrastructures. The funds involved are hardly humongous, but they are vitally needed. We therefore urge the affected organisations to speedily pay up and we also urge all citizens to meet up with their tax obligations in order to assist the government in these very difficult times.

government of Osun for sponsoring bills and initiating programmes that would reduce if not totally eradicate child abuse through the “Child Right Law”. Any society that breeds its youth in a friendly and conducive environment will spend less on security.

From the foregoing policies and laws formulated for the purpose of forming a free child and society must be carefully and critically implemented, not just for the right of a child but also for the well being of the society.

• O L U WA P E L U M I FASOYIN, Omigade Estate, Osogbo

– –

Moremi Publishing House Ltd. Kazeem Mohammed

(0806-220-7954)

–

Kola Odepeju

Production Editor

–

Petkola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter

–

Sola Jacobs

Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter Reporter

– – –

Kehinde Ayantunji Shina Abubakar Ismaeel Uthman Israel Afolabi Francis Ezediuno

Photographer Photographer

– –

Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager

(08023191891)

–

Murtala Agboola

Graphics Designer – Computer Operator –

Lukman Ussein Mary Akintola

Advert Executive

Nike Adeyemi

–

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

All correspondence to the above mail address.

ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0806-220-7954, 08061197897 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, osundefenderbank@gmail.com

MAGAZINE FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

Osun Callisthenics:

The Colours And The Gains

Osun Calisthenics programme, the initiative of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration has fully gained ground and attracted attention from many observers, even critics of the administration, particularly now that it has been institutionalised in schools across the state. This report by GBENGA ADENIYI traces the background and its benefits so far.

The history of Callisthenics could be traced to the era of Chief Bola Ige, as governor of the old Oyo State. When it was introduced in the Second Republic, it was a toast of all and was well applauded all over the country. It was later discontinued as a result of military incursion into government.

Callisthenics, a physical gymnastic training exercise, which combines the use of signals with the parade of colours, designs and patterns with body movement, gestures, music rhymes and gesticulations to create impressions and pass messages. The body exercises that are displayed include bending, jumping, hopping, twisting, wriggling, turning, swinging and spinning. The long history of calisthenics and gymnastics among others, and the full importance of physical training in the development of healthy and wholesome human personality may likely not be fully appreciated, documented and understood until one turns to history, culture and traditions of ancient Greece. With its various city states specialising in one form of gymnastics or the other, the central doctrine embraced by all was that the human body was regarded as a temple that provided a sacred abode for the human mind and soul. Among the Greeks of old, the belief was held in high esteem that gymnastics and callisthenics were necessary to keep this temple healthy and functional.

However, after a very long period of time – government of Osun recalibrated Callisthenics in 2012 when experts were brought to Osun, by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration to instill the exercise in the pupils of public schools in the state. It started with the assistance of two Cubans, Francis Rodriguez and Raiza Guerra, who trained the first set that performed during the 21st anniversary of the creation of Osun. They also trained the trainers who have since taken over from the Cuban and now engaging the students in the feat.

The first public artistic display of the trained 8,000 pupils on Tuesday, August 28, 2012 at Osogbo City Stadium as part of the 21 years celebration of Osun was nothing, but

‘

•An artistic display of Osun school children during one of the callisthenics outing.

Callisthenics, a physical gymnastic training exercise, which combines the use of signals with the parade of colours, designs and patterns with body movement, gestures, music rhymes and gesticulations to create impressions and pass messages.

indeed a model brought in by the administration to inspire a new generation of leaders with team spirit, collaboration, concentration and commitment. It was a memorable day, as the atmosphere was impressive; the highly elated crowd did not only feel

pupils again displayed at the same Osogbo City Stadium. At the Callisthenic stand, which is directly opposite the main pavilion of the main bowl of the stadium, the students that comprised the inscription display team were already on with various displays.

Their displays include the following: The National Flag, the State Flag and colours, E Kaabo, State of Osun, the State of Osun Welcomes You, The State of Osun Welcomes Oodua’s Children, Ipinle Omoluabi and We Are the World. Other displayed writings and inscriptions include We Are Marching On, Rauf: A New Era, We: Pride of Osun, Eko Dara Pupo, Omo L’aso L’aye and Osun: Going Places. These beautiful writings and inscriptions,

’

it, they saw practical demonstration and marvelous delivery of coded messages and signs.

The second major display of the public school pupils was in June 3, 2013 when the Osun government hosted the Oodua World Children Day where the

•Continued on page 6

6

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

Osun Callisthenics:

MAGAZINE

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

The Colours And The Gains

‘

It was not too long for people, especially those hearing “Callisthenics” for the first time to know and believe that it was a philosophy of education introduced to inculcate the values of unity, harmony, discipline, teamwork, hard work and creativity into the school children.

’

•Public school pupils during a callisthenics competition.

•Continued from page 5 boldly presented in the form of callisthenics display were enough attractions which held the audience spell-bound and perpetually glued to their seats pending the commencement of the programme of events. They were simply “extra-ordinary, displaying dexterity, creativity and ingenuity. The display brought out an uncommon degree of social coordination which was inculcated into the students through six months of rigorous trainings conducted

by Cuban experts and Osun trainers”.

When the programme started in 2012, those dazed by the uncommon phenomenon, rushed to town, criticised the feat and alleged that the government was training the youths as armed militias with the aim of using them to secede from Nigeria. Though ridiculous, the wave at which the allegations travelled, coupled with the political differences between the state government and the then federal government made many to wonder how children holding flags and making artistic display could be used to secede from Nigeria It was not too long for people, especially those hearing “Callisthenics” for the first time to know and believe that it was a philosophy of education introduced to inculcate the values of unity, harmony, discipline, teamwork, hard work and creativity into the school children. It can be seen from callisthenics display that the whole is the sum of the parts. You must do your part for the team to succeed and your own success is only meaningful with the success of others. If one athlete should be out of sync with the team, the formation fails.

Callisthenics, is known to have the substance of unity, harmony, balance and team work and thus presents one of the best engagements for teaching young pupils the cooperative spirit in a simple, delightful and interesting way. In other words, virtues such as team work, esprit de corps, which are highly desirable in every society and social interactions are also derived from and fostered by callisthenics. This is in addition to its health benefits for the body such as flexibility, physical strength, agility and the capacity for endurance.

The governor had sometimes in 2016 during one of the Callisthenic display at the celebration of the Osun at 25, said that “the Osun School Callisthenics is not a frivolous brainwave that will be swept away by the tide of time. Rather, it is a well-conceived programme as part of the overall redesign and reorganisation of the education system in Osun. Our administration views physical education with all seriousness, and we regard formal education as incomplete without its physical development component. Accordingly, we give it the required priority in the restructuring of education.

“As we have emphasised, the callisthenics programme is not only an out-of-school sports activity but a lifestyle-changing project for building a new generation of students who are physically fit, mentally sound and socially well-adjusted. And we are not alone in this view. We have history to draw upon, and this is also supported by practices in other lands and climes.

Even the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO) regards physical education programmes as part of its crucial brief”.

•Some of the participating pupils at Osun School callisthenics competition.

•Another callisthenics display by Osun school pupils.

The 2016 display involved 4,000 pupils between the ages of 9 and 14, drawn from 17 Middle Schools in Osogbo and Olorunda Local Governments.

However, the new dimension of institutionalisation of callisthenics and its adoption as an integral part of the curriculum in all the schools across the state cannot be over emphasised. This has been capped with callisthenic competition among students of secondary schools across the nine federal constituencies in the state.

Speaking at the flag off of the competition, the Director of Social and Grassroots Mobilisation and Guidance, Office of the Governor, Mr. Adebayo Ojo commended the students for excellent performance, saying with their display, it shows that the values of unity, harmony, discipline, teamwork, hard work and creativity had been inculcated into the school children.

Ojo also lauded Governor Rauf Aregbesola for adopting callisthenics as a co-curriculum activity for students in more schools across the state, saying callisthenics game has enhanced organisational capacity and understanding among the youth.

The competition was held simultaneously in all the nine federal constituencies and rounded off in Osogbo City Stadium, with winners from each Federal Constituency presented cash gifts. A cheque of N1 million was presented to the Winners in each of the three Senatorial Districts, and N750,000 to the first runner up while the second runner up got N500,000. Ede/Ejigbo Egbedore Federal constituency came first in Osun West, Ikire and Iwo federal constituencies came second and third respectively. In Osun Central, Irepodun zone came first, while Ila and Ikirun zone came second and third respectively. In Osun East, Ilesa came first, Ijebu–Ijesa came second while Ife came third.

The competition was organised by the local coaches who are trained

secondary school teachers. It was held on volunteering basis with the parents providing the sport kits for their children, unlike in the past when the government was responsible for all the expenses, including the provision of kits for the participating students. The responses received from parents in terms of provision of kits for their kids clearly showed that the programme is well appreciated by the generality of the people of the state.

Some of the participating students described the programme as enticing and dedicating, saying, in the course of their participation, they have learnt that concentration and commitment to duty must be imbibe in the course of their academic pursuit and their future endeavour.

One of the student from Ede Federal Constituency, Islamiyah Adebayo said, “what I have learnt from this is that without concentration and commitment it will be difficult to achieve meaningful thing, either in your academics or anything you engage in outside academic.

“I thank the government of Osun for exposing me and my co-students to a feat like this because for me, it is not about the physical exercise, it is about the concentration and focus that is required. If is about physical exercise, as a young school girl, I do more than enough everyday”.

Another student from Ilobu zone, Badiru Idris, said, “participating in callisthenics was fun and interesting, appealing to the government to also expose some of the interested to coaching of callisthenics, which, according to him, might also be a means of self-dependent for them in future.

A parent, whose child was part of the exercise, Mrs. Juliana Adegbenro said, she was impressed by the show of concentration, commitment and dedication of the students during their callisthenic display, urging the government to ensure the sustainability of the programme.

7

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

COMMUNITY

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

Ife East Demands Land Allocation Documents From Allottees The authority of Ife East Local Government has directed the allottees of parcels of land at the Erinta Residential Scheme (formerly Oranmiyan Planning Authority Scheme) to produce their originals and photocopies of the documents on the plots allocated to them in the scheme for verification.

Security Of Citizenry, Our Priority - Council Boss

According to a statement, the verification was necessary to determine who among the allottees have violated the terms and conditions for the allotment, with a view to charting the way forward for the development of the scheme.

It reads, “This is to inform members of the general public that all the allottees at Erinta Residential Scheme of Ife East Local Government,

THE Executive Secretary of Ede North Area Council, Owode Ede, Mr. Lawal Raji has said that the security of lives and properties of the citizenry of the local council area is the top priority of its administration.

In a chat with OSUN DEFENDER, the Executive Secretary said, in a bid to benefit of the people. ensure the safety of traders at Owode market, the local Government had commenced work on the The essence of Local Government as the closest separation of illegal buildings along the road, government to the people cannot be over as well embarking on the emphasized, but, the paucity of fund and other perimeter fencing of the exigencies had almost eroded this level of market, so as to dissuade government its role in the discharge of its duties to display of wares on the the people at the grassroot. In this interview with main road, which, SOLA JACOBS, the Executive Secretary, Ede South according to him on Local Government, Hon. Johnson Ajagbe Ojo reeled several occasions had led out his achievements within the five month of his to loss of lives in the appointment, even in the face of paucity of fund. market.

Excerpts.

Raji eulogised the effort OSDF: What has been Estate and Country of the state government in bringing government the experience within home, length and closer to the people of the your short time in office. breadth of Akankan Ajagbe:-At my roads, roads in Obada grassroot through the creation of Local Council inception in office, the area, Wakajaye Zone 3 Development Areas in the experience had been and 4 roads, Fiwasaye state, saying, this would both challenging and community road, Olose promote the development interesting. I met a local road, off Loogun road of both natural and government without and Polytechnic second human resources for the electricity as the council gate road, all in Ede. growth of the state and secretariat light had been On security, as part of nation at large. disconnected by the our activities to ensure On the resources in the IBEDC because of the the safety of the citizenry council area, Hon Raji huge debt; so I have to from miscreants’ beckoned on youths to pay, so as to have our frequent attack, a bustake advantage of the light restored. Also, I met stop at Alajue which agricultural potentials in an empty treasury, serves as hideout for the the area for agricultural hence, we have to look at criminals was purposes, saying that the council area is blessed the way to generate fund demolished.

OSDF: How do with enough land for for the running of the local government. you intend to generate agriculture.

Besides that, I fund for the running of He then urged the citizenry of the local declared nine months of the local government e n v i r o n m e n t a l considering the poor government to pay their taxes, as this is the way to sanitation, because I economic situation in support the government found out that our the country? in provision of people had relapsed Ajagbe:- The local infrastructure for the from the cleanliness of government had

Oke-Ogbo, Ile-Ife (formerly Oranmiyan Planning Authority Scheme) to produce the original and photocopy of the documents on the plots allocated to them in the Scheme to the Head of Town Planning and Land Services Department of the council on or before the 30th of October 2017.

“Documents to be produced, are, letter of allocation by the Local Government; letter of Transfer /Sublease from

the Local Government (if any); three years ground rent payment receipt (2015, 2016 and 2017) of the Local Government; and, approved building plan by the Local Government Authority.

“Failure to produce the above listed items, means the allottee is no longer interested in the plot allocated to him/her.

“All the allottees who had failed to develop the

plot/plots allocated to them into HABITABLE LEVEL within the 24 months from the date of allocation had been revoked with immediate effect. Please note that ordinary foundation, farming and fencing is not acceptable in this respect and it contravenes the terms and conditions of offer and acceptance of the allocation/lease”, the statement read.

We Are Exploring Available Means For Revenue Generation - Ojo

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as ABDULRASHEED MUIBAT AYOMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRASHEED MUIBAT. All former documents remain valid.

DIAMOND Bank general public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as OLANREWAJU ANIFAT OLANIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKANDE ESTHER OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CHANGE OF NAME That I formerly known as ADEMUYIWA BOLANLE FASILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH A D E M U Y I WA BOLANLE with my date of birth 18/09/1973. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

our communities; I then made it compulsory for staff members to embark on environmental sanitation every Wednesday of the week.

Also, my administration has done Wired Perimeter Fencing of the illegal dumping site that is directly opposite Seventh Day Adventist Grammar School. As part of our effort to provide potable water for our citizen, my administration has rehabilitated six boreholes which have not been functioning for years in areas like, Moricas in Alajue ward, Kusi compound in Kuye ward, Onidodo compound in Babasanta ward, YTD Agbangudu in Jagunjagun ward and two in Agate ward, one in Asawo and Babanla square respectively.

In the area of road, the council has graded some major roads in Surulere

repaired agricultural tractors in the local government which we rent out to farmers, and through this means we do generate fund.

Furthermore, this administration had embarked on construction of 500 seaters ultra modern hall for rentage for social events which can also fetched us money and it will cost us nothing less than N5 million. It will be completed latest by January, 2018. So, we are exploring our resources to keep providing dividends of democracy for our citizenry.

OSDF: What is the chance of your party, All Progressive Congress (APC) in the forthcoming local government election in the state, taking into cognizance the fact that the party lost in the Osun West Senatorial election recently?

Ajagbe:- First, I want

•Labourers on duty at the new ultra-modern hall in Ede South Local Government.

•Honourable Ojo (3rd right) inspecting a borehole in the council.

to debunk the insinuation that the APC have no clout in Ede as a party. What happened in the last senatorial election was as a result of the sympathy our people have for our late brother Senator Isiaka Adeleke, who was a member of APC. Secondly, the candidate the APC presented is not from Ede where the large chunk of the votes in the senatorial district comes from. Now that we will have local government election and all parties will present their candidate, which will be Ede citizens, such scenario could not repeat itself. The truth is that the dividends of democracy that our

party had provided is unrivaled, as no party in the history had provided such for our people.

Besides, the creation additional four local governments in Ede by Governor Rauf A r e g b e s o l a administration has spurred our people to support and appreciate our party, APC the more.

We will repeat the feat of 2007 election, Ede people will vote enmass for APC because of the achievement of our party.

Finally, I appreciate the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Aregbesola for the confidence he repose in me, and appointed me as the Executive Secretary of Ede South Local

Government. Moreso, I am grateful to the people of my constituency. Twice, I have served them as their representative in the state assembly before my appointment as Executive Secretary, this is a rare priviledge.

I equally appreciated other members of the local government caretaker management committee and the council staffers, especially my council manager, Barrister Oyebade.

Our call is to serve our people, and as a team, we are committed to do more for the benefit and the development of our council and state at large.

8

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

OSUNDEFENDER

www.osundefender.org

9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Distribution Of Instructional Materials To Schools In Osun On Tuesday.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO.

Formal Opening Ceremony Of Conference On Islamic Universities Organized By The A 3-Day Orientation Programme To Beneficiaries Of Public International Institute Of Islamic Thought In Collaboration With Fountain University, Workfare Organised By Osun Government In Collaboration With World Bank At NYSC Orientation Camp, Ede, Osun State.

Osogbo, At The University's Premises, Osogbo Recently.

•A cross section of public school students at the programme.

•(L-R) Coordinator, Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) in Osun State, Barrister Femi Ifaturoti; Commissioner for Empowerment and Youths Engagement, Mrs Folakemi Adegboyega; Senior Technical Adviser to the Governor, Dr Michael Olugbile and Representative of YESSO Coordinator from Abuja, Mrs Victoria Gyang.

•A cross section of dignitaries at the event. INSET: Some of the items distributed to Osun public schools.

•Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); Executive Secretary, Muslim Ummah of Southwest of Nigeria (MUSWEN), Prof. Daud Noibi (2nd right); Registrar, Joint Adimissions & Matriculation Board (Jamb), Prof. Is-haq Oloyede (left), and Regional Director of Internation Institute of Islamic Thought Jordan, Prof. Fathi Malkawi (right).

Osun SUBEB Distributes Instructional Materials To Schools

By Israel Afolabi Government of the State of Osun has on Tuesday distributed another set of instructional materials to elementary and middle public schools in the state.

The materials were distributed for the 2017/2018 academic session at the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) conference in Osogbo.

Distributing the materials, the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who was represented by his deputy, Mrs. Titilayo Laoye-Tomori said, the gesture was in line with the current administration’s commitment to further boost education system in the state.

Emphasising that education is one of the present administration’s integral action plan, she said, “it is our government’s priority to provide good education for our pupils in the state of Osun”.

The deputy governor then commended the entire teachers in the state who have been imparting knowledge in the students, saying their contribution towards the development of the system cannot be over emphasised.

The Executive Chairman, State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prince Felix Awofisayo also commended the state government for its commitment towards education development in the state.

He confirmed that the state through SUBEB has been striving in the provision of basic amenities and instructional materials to both Elementary and Middle Schools to aid effective teaching and learning process in various schools.

According to him, “I want to use this medium to pledge the continued unalloyed support of the management

of SUBEB and the 31 Local Government Education Authority (LGEAs) to the present administration and will always do everything possible to ensure the sustainability of the achievements made so far.

He added that the instructional materials being distributed were procured in order to help in facilitating smooth teaching and learning process in the schools as well as smooth school administration and supervision of heads of schools in the state.

He then appealed to stakeholders in the education sector to reciprocate this kind gesture of the State Government by supporting and cooperating with the government through hard work and good behaviour to ensure that the students become successful individuals in the future.

Also, the SUBEB Permanent Secretary, Alhaji Fatai Kolawole commended the state governor for his commitment towards education development and enhancements.

He then urged all stakeholders in the education sector to play their roles to improve education at all levels for the growth of the society.

He also urged the teachers to be patient with government, especially at this period of economic downturn.

In their separate remarks, the President, AOPSHON, Alhaji Sadia Oladapo; ANCOPPS President, Comrade Dansi Osundina and UBEC officer from Abuja, Mrs Angela commended the state government effort on education, urging the government not to relent.

Among the items distributed are computer sets, motorcycles, science and sport equipment, various education charts, Teachers Lesson Note, Library materials, Teachers Manual among others.

Burial Programme Of The Late Festus Adewale Olatunji

•The Late Festus Adewale Olatunji.

The Late Festus Adewale Olatunji was born on July 7, 1960 in Abeokuta to the family of Mr and Mrs Adesoji Olatunji of Ifetedo in Ife South Local Government Area of the State of Osun.

He had his elementary education at St Peters Anglican Primary School, Ifetedo before proceeding to L.A Modern School, Ile-Ife. He also had a part time programme at Yaba Technical College, Lagos.

He worked with Strabag Company, Lagos and Lagos Motor Transport Services, Oshodi, Lagos, before joining the service of the West African Examination Council (WAEC) in 1992 as a motor driver. In WAEC, The late Olatunji served for 25 years and rose to the rank of Chief Motor Driver •Inioluwa, the deceased’s before his demise. daughter.

•Relatives of the deceased and other sympathizers.

Lydia Auxilliary Of Osun Baptist Conference Throw Party

There is an overflow of joy in the heart of all last campers as Lydia Auxiliary, Osun Baptist Conference presents 2017 Lydia house party.

“This is my first time coming to this camp and I experience God’s blessing” was the statement made by one of the last camper, Esther Onarinde while speaking with the press at the camp ground, Calvary Church, Gbodofon, Osogbo on October 7, 2017.

Onarinde said the theme for the year 2017 “Over Coming Grace” was actually beneficial to the participants who were imparted with adequate knowledge through the invited Ministers of God, Rev Femi Abiola and Rev James Olarinre.

The Lydia Conference President, Olowoyeye Abolade commended participants at the programme, particularly the Directors, Women Mission Union (W.M.U), Baptist conference president Rev Dr. Paul Kolawole and other for making the camping a successful one.

•Members of Lydia Auxilliary Group during the party.

By Gbenga Adeniyi

•A cross section of beneficiaries at the programme.

Again, Osun Rated High On Social Protection Initiatives The State Government of Osun under the leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has for the umpteenth time been rated very high in social protection initiatives delivery.

The Federal Operations Coordinating Unit (FOCU) of the Youth Employment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) stated this through Mr. Abdulsalam Olusola and Mrs. Victoria Gyang at the orientation exercise of the 1,131 beneficiaries of the Public Workfare component of YESSO drawn from 12 Local Government Areas of the State of Osun.

The duo who enjoined the beneficiaries to make the best use of the opportunity by ensuring that they are not found wanting at any stage of the exercise, added that with proper disciplinary and management mechanisms, the necessary financial independence can be achieved by the time they are done with the

programme.

In his remarks at the event, the Coordinator, State Operation Coordinating Unit (SOCU), Osun YESSO, Mr. Olufemi Ifaturoti stated that YESSO came around to address double dipping, wrong targeting and other issues that have characterised and militated against the success of social safety net programmes in Nigeria.

Mr. Ifaturoti who went down memory lane regarding how the support operation came on board, maintained that YESSO is an offshoot of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) which he affirmed is one out of the several social safety net initiatives of the present Rauf Aregbesola’s administration in the state.

Mr. Ifaturoti who double as the DirectorGeneral, Bureau of Social Services, Office of the Governor of Osun stressed that the Single Register of the Poor and Vulnerable Households generated through a thorough Community Based Targeting (CBT) process makes the credibility of YESSO to be devoid of any modicum of doubt.

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

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

NEWS

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

10

How Osun Trained 20,000 Youths In 2years On ICT The State Government of Osun said it has engaged several youths in productive venture through its various empowerment programmes, especially, the training of about 20,000 indigenes in Information Communication Technology, ICT. This was revealed designed as an exit plan recently during a briefing for OYES volunteers in by the Project the state and also to serve Coordinator of Osun as support base for other Youths Empowerment interested participants to Scheme Technology be self-reliant.

(OYESTECH), Mr. He hinted that the Abiodun Fesobi in objective of the Osogbo, the state capital. programme is to impart According to him, the participants with programme was required skill which will

enable them to be employable by any organisation and become business owners.

“OYESTECH is an information and Communication Technology branch of the widely accepted Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, OYES which is aimed at impacting the participants with required skills so as to enable them employable and become business

owners.

“The scheme is all about skill acquisition through knowledge transfer with 10 training centres across the state which gives training on various sections such as phone repairs, electronics computer assemblage, computer usage and entrepreneurship.

Aside 5,000 participants trained in the first batch of the scheme, additional 15,000 have

•DANGEROUS ACT: A student of Adventist Government High School, Ede climbing the iron fence of the school.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Monarch Calls For Promotion of Traditional Festivals

By Oluwapelumi Fasoyin and Yusuf Abdulfatai

A prominent traditional ruler in Osun State, the Olukoyi of Ikoyi land in Isokan South Local Council Development Council Area, Oba Yisau Bantale has called on government at all level as well as stakeholders on culture and tradition to demonstrate their unflinching and unalloyed support to the annual “Osun-Ikoyi Festival” of the ancient town and other traditional festivals in Yorubaland.

The Olukoyi made this call during a community forum to herald this year “Osun-Ikoyi Annual Festival” which has already commenced on Wednesday, the 11th of October with traditional fire wood to be displayed by all women in the ancient town.

Oba Otunla emphasised that, it is imperative for government, other stakeholders and i n t e r n a t i o n a l organisations to wade in and contribute their quotas to the development of the festival.

Olukoyi said, “I want government at all level, individuals, NGOs, Stakeholders and foreign organisations to collaborate with us (Ikoyi) in uplifting the presence status of our annual festival “OsunIkoyi” as their contributions cannot be over emphasized”.

While speaking on the festival, the Olukoyi said, “It is a pure cultural and traditional festival for the remembrance of their forefathers that founded the ancient town while the annual celebration of the festival usually brings

sons and daughters of the town, home and diaspora together while it also attracts people from far

and near.

According to Olukoyi, “Highlights of the festival which started on Wednesday with traditional fire woods by women includes, installation of Chiefs and a night party on Friday the 13th (today), while receiving of visitors hold from morning till evening on Sunday 15th, followed by trip to Osun river (Asejire) in the evening where special

prayers would be offered for the town, Osun State and Nigeria as a whole.

“There is going to be reception for the Baloguns and Baales at the palace on Monday, 16th while football march would hold at Community Middle School, Palace road, Ikoyi on Thursday, 15th with “ Ireje” hold on Saturday 21st to round off the festival “, The traditional ruler stated.

Teenage Girls Charged To Abstain From Immorality

By William Micheal and Ayomide Adekunle

Adolescent girls have been admonished to abstain from every acts of immoralities capable of damaging their careers and causing a drawback on their future successes. barriers for the girl child This was disclosed by and necessitating Miss Aderibigbe Costly unnecessary burdens in Abosede, Director of their lives.

Value Female Network During the course of (VFN), an Osogbo based the programme, Miss N o n - G o v e r n m e n t a l Aderibigbe enlightened Organisation (NGO) female students on the while inaugurating units need to resist indecent of the club at Christ advances from men and A m b a s s a d o r s also advised that there are Comprehensive College, advantages in being firm Gbodofon and GOF on their stand against International school, pre-marital sex.

Ogo-Oluwa last Friday as In her words, “You part of programmes of need to be careful about activities lined up to peer pressure that commemorate October influences you 11th, the 2017 negatively. You must International Day of the abstain from watching Girl Child. and encouraging others According to the to watch pornographic Director, teenage movies and make sure pregnancy which has you start a relationship at become prevalent in the the appointed time and society has ruined the not being forced”, she career and future of lots stated. of female teenagers, a Another member of the situation which she Network, Miss described as now creating Oluwatosin Opalola,

maintained that there is a need for students to have self esteem, develop self confidence and believe in their capabilities and abilities to excel in their chosen careers.

Opalola disclosed that every girl child should exhibit self respect in her career in order for people to respect her, urging that they must not at any time see themselves as inferior or second class.

This, she added would boost their self esteem and add value to their lives, as young boys and society tend to appreciate young girls who know what they want and aspire to become somebody in life.

Some of the teenage girls who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER described the programme as an eye opener, saying with the information obtained, it had become obvious that they, as teenage girls had a lot to lose when they make the mistake of engaging in immoral acts.

been trained in different aspect of applied technology and they also re-trained many others.

He said, “Some of our graduates have also gone ahead to train over 150 persons; with different success stories in their businesses.

“In order to achieve these set objectives, the government through its investment arm; Osun State Investment Company Limited, OSICOL embarked on selection of technical partner; RLG and through signing of memorandum of understanding and admission of 5000 trainees per batch in four batches and at the end of it certificate were issued to participants.

In separate interviews, the beneficiaries said that the programme has enhanced their living conditions and that of their families by making them productive and enable them to give back to the society.

One of the beneficiaries identified as Oseni Ibrahim, said, “I am one of the beneficiaries of the OYESTECH, the government have tried by giving us the best and also sending us to Ghana for training. We were trained on information technology and on our return, government equipped us with necessary tools which we are all satisfied with.

Another beneficiary who is now the Director of Bayotek Computer Service, Mr. AbdulHakeem Babatunde relaying his experience, said, “Bayotek computer service was founded after I graduated from the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme Technology in 2011 and we were given a mandate to empower other youths so as to complement government’s efforts at reducing unemployment among the youth.

“I have one of my centres at Federal Polytechnic Ede, Osun State and also have a Cybercafe as an extension

where I also train students on how to work on software and hardware of computers. I have trained over 100 youths.

Also speaking, Anthonia Ogundare lauded the state government for the opportunity given her and many others to be part of the scheme, adding that the scheme has made youths in the state productive.

“I have been a beneficiary of this programme; I was privileged to be chosen among 150 beneficiaries who were sponsored to Ghana by Osun state government for a month internship and on our return I was employed and I have since been working at Adulawo Technology City in Ilesa.

“This is one programme that has helped the youths in securing jobs to help their family and future. I have been learning a lot and gaining more knowledge every day”.

Recall that the scheme which is aimed at job creation through ICT was inaugurated by the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in 2011.

OYESTECH is one of the components of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) which has recruited over 40,000 youths. The programme now in its sixth year, has successfully scaled down youths unemployment and profitably engaged them in various areas of ICT. Also, the United Nations in its latest Global multidimensional poverty index report on Nigeria ranked the state of Osun as the 2nd state after Lagos with least poverty amongst the 36 states in Nigeria. This is due to the several empowerment programmes of the government which has successfully moved hundreds of thousands away from the poverty line.

NIM Offers To Develop Managers

By Sunday Obalodu The Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM) is to assist practicing Managers or those aspiring to become one in participating in correspondence type of job or the job courses comprising various functional areas of management.

The institute, he said is The state Coordinator of the (NIM) in Osun also to improve the managerial effectiveness State, Mr Babatunde in organisation and Dagunduro disclosed the contribute substantially measure while speaking to the career to newsmen at a forum in development of Osogbo. individuals.

According to him, the However the NIM is function of the (NIM) empowered by the status was to determine the establishing them to knowledge and skill to be regulate and control their attained by any field and branch of individuals who wants to management profession become a professional in all its aspect and Manager. ramifications.

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

What Women Really Want

So many relationships have collapsed because of the inability of the men to really discern what their women actually want.

There are certain ingredients that women need to sustain their relationship with men and they are encapsulated below: Attention: E v e r y w o m a n wants the attention of her partner, and the absence of it might give her another impression. Give her a lot of it, she wants it from you and only you. If you don’t, she will lose interest and believe that another guy will readily hand it over to her.

Reassurance: In every relationship, just take note that your woman wants assurance of sustainable relationship

from you. Always remind her that you love her and you’ll always be there for her. Also, let her know you are hers alone and nobody else’s.

Respect: No human will appreciate disrespect, not to even talk of a female partner. As your partner, you must treat her like a lady.

Don’t talk to her as if she is a puppet. Women want you to treat them specially, more than you treat others; they show more interest in the relationship if you do.

Security: Women generally appreciate a man they can rely on. She should feel safe with you; that is one of the most important thing every women want.

Don’t let her walk alone when you can accompany her. Make sure that she is fine. Let her know she can rely on you.

Be conscious of her movement yet do not infringe on her privacy.

Listen: Also show interest in every discussion she brings up and make it interesting to her more than she thinks it is, even if you are not in the mood. Let her share her thoughts. If she can’t talk to you, who then is she supposed to talk to?

Treat her Right:

briefs and boxers. Some men, during an interview said that 30 per cent of them prefer boxer briefs as it makes them more comfortable because they give the best of both worlds, as they are like lean shorts that give your legs that e x t r a appeal, especially if you happen to be fit.

Briefs are a type of short, snug underwear a n d swimwear, as opposed to styles where l o o s e n m a t e r i a l extends down the thighs.

Briefs have v a r i o u s different styles and are worn by both men and women but in the case of men’s

Sex & Life

By Damilola Ojenike

We all know the importance of money in relationships, but you Twitter: @twitter-d-_real_dee; don’t have to be the richest, as little things like trying to cook for Instagram: life_of_dee_ her, giving her flowers and E-mail: sending sweet texts might be well damilolaojenike@gmail.com appreciated. Don’t ever hit her, because no woman will want to stay where she is being maltreated.

Communication: Communicate with her all the time at each other’s convenience – no matter how busy, try to make time for her. Communication gap will automatically breed misunderstanding. Don’t leave her in the dark about your plans.

Sexual Satisfaction: Don’t be that bust a nut and roll over guy. Maximise on foreplay and make sure she gets satisfied too. Findings have shown that more women enjoy it more.

Affection: Give her kisses all the times, hugs from the back. Cuddle, tell her how much you love her, remind her she’s beautiful etc.

Prayer also add another connection to Faithfulness: Be the reason she your relationship and without God, all doesn’t believe “men are trash”. Don’t these previous steps might not work make her that girl everyone knows is well. A couple that prays together getting cheated on. stays together.

Growth: Always strive to be and do I tried to make this as simple, short better- she will motivate you. Even, if and precise as I could. Praying that this you don’t have everything yet, she helps some of you all on the long run! might be patient till you do, depending on your plans.

Food: A well-fed girl is a happy girl. Here’s a secret, if she is mad at you just offer to talk about it over some nice food – she’ll definitely loosen up.

Happiness: Make her forget about all her problems whenever she is with you. Do, to keep a smile on her face all the time.

Prayer: A prayerful couple gets closer spiritually.

‘

Also show interest in every discussion she brings up and make it interesting to her more than she thinks it is, even if you are not in the mood.

Men Underwear, Which Side Are You?

Boxers, boxer briefs or briefs?

Which one is the perfect choice?

Which do you prefer?

Which do ladies like best?

Certainly, you might not have a perfect answer yet, but as you consider the four questions treated in this piece, you will definitely come to a conclusion. There are certain things to take into consideration when selecting great underwears: your body type is a factor, is your belly a little round or flat? Do you have larger thighs? Proportion matter like they do with other clothes.

Your underwear has two primary roles, first is protection and second is to protect the ‘little guy’ from public view. If what you are wearing does an okay job then you are good to go if it fails, then I recommend you consider a switch because it is better to always remember the big picture which is to give that ‘little guy’ the comfort and extra support it deserves w h e n walking or moving around.

B o x e r briefs cover the inner thighs and a r e generally immune to issues that apply to

11

FASHION

’

underwear, briefs unlike boxer shorts hold the wearer’s genitals in a WITH relatively f i x e d position, which make briefs a popular muscular. Also, they are what men underwear choice are wearing whenever a man appears for men in an ad for women. So, naturally especially for ladies prefer briefs, because it looks m e n sexy on guys. Many ladies had made participating in case that guys should always change athletic activities their underwear everyday, as it tends or who feel they to irritate and disgust ladies. Imagine a lady repeating the need more same underwear support than for two days. I what a loose can tell how f i t t i n g disgusted underwear some men c a n will feel provide. with this Boxer shorts act and also known as loose so if a boxers or simply lady is boxers are a type of n o t undergarment allowed typically worn by men. t o Boxers come in variety perform of styles but are typically this act characterised by their then a guy loose fit. Some men say shouldn’t as they prefer boxers because well. briefs make them feel like they Personal hygiene are in a cage and can hardly should not depend on breathe, so for this, they prefer briefs gender. It is a well-known fact that or boxer briefs.

Here’s why most women prefer the majority of Nigerian men prefer briefs over any other type of men boxers because they are plain, simple underwear. It makes men look and more comfortable.

TEMITOPE AKINYELE

12

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

ADVERT

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

FedPoly Ede Rectorship: Group Accuses Screening Committee Of Bias A group of stakeholders in Ede land, State of already screened 22 Osun, Ede Forum For Justice and Fairness has candidates, jostling to alleged the Screening Committee on the become the rector of the appointment of a substantive Rector for Federal institution. However, Polytechnic, Ede, of giving undue favour to one one of the candidates is of the candidates jostling for the position above being unduly favoured over others. others.

“It is also critical to let In an open letter for the institution. signed by its Chairman, “The committee had you know that one of Mr Abidoye Isiaka and addressed to President Muhammadu Buhari, the group alleged that due process was not being followed by the screening committee saddled with the responsibility of appointing a new head for the institution.

The letter reads, “Sir, this is to bring to your notice seeming injustice and partiality that are evolving in the process for the appointment of a substantive Rector for

By Adejumo Kabir the Federal Polythecnic The resumption of Obafemi Awolowo Ede, in Osun State.

“We have the duty as University, Ile-Ife students for the second concerned stakeholders semester of 2016/2017 session has substantially in Ede community and retuned and improved the economy in Ile-Ife, a group that believes in survey has indicated. the steady educational Sales of commodity a sales personnel at and social development B a n w i l of Federal Polytechnic, especially consumable K i t c h e n s , B u k k y Ede, which is located in items have increased the ancient town to let drastically, compared Olufemi told our you know that due to past few weeks when reporter that between process is not being traders were lamenting 2nd of October and followed by the over poor sales and now, the restaurant has witnessed more sales. screening committee patronage. saddled with the Malam Qudus In a visit to New responsibility of Ibrahim, a Barbeque appointing a new head Buka on OAU campus, Sauce Seller at the

the candidates who is eminently qualified was surprisingly scored zero in international journal publication despite having enough international and local journals to his credit.

“We want your quick intervention to entrench justice, equity and fairness before the situation degenerates.

Thanks for y o u r understanding a n d anticipated q u i c k response”, the letter read.

OAU Students Resumption Resuscitates Economic Activities in Ife University gate said, “students are the bedrock of the economy of Ife community, whenever they are resuming, it always gladdens my heart, for days now we have a good story to tell as far as sales is concerned.

At Ife Mayfair market, the story is the same as students stormed the market in their thousands to purchase food items and home utilities.

Defender Parrot this week is thinking about how the governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola keeps on leading in innovative governance even when some see his moves as running against the mill.

Another Revolution From Osun

In his first term in office, Ogbeni was the pioneer advocate of true federalism which is today part of the demand in the quests for restructuring. When he rebranded the State through such identities like state flag and coat of arms, some people saw in him a rebel of sort, trying to secede from our collective federation. But today, many states have followed suit.

When the nation was entering into serious recession few years back, prior to its manifestation to the general public and only known to few, the governor devised what is today referred to as modulated salary payments with active involvement of organised labour. In fact, veteran labour leader in Nigeria, with integrity in his trail, Comrade Hassan Sunmonu, chairs this modular creation and workers in Osun are today satisfied that their governor operates a transparent deployment of resources which saved their jobs and which, in other climes would have been in jeopardy. It also ensures regular payment of salary. As at the time of putting this on paper, no government staff in Osun is owed salaries and allowances based on the modulated arrangement. Today, many states are adopting this modular structure, even when their civil servants are being owed several months in salaries and emoluments.

Despite paucity of resources, the home-grown elementary school feeding system was long created by the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola before other States as well as indeed the federal government thought of adopting it. Kaduna as well as several states jumped into the foray but would later jettison it for whatever reasons which we all know will not be unconnected to paucity of funds. Today, the O’Meal scheme has come to stay and the magic wand for its sustainability is known to and owned by Ogbeni himself.

These ten (10) facts about the state of Osun’s school feeding programme will completely amaze any one 1. The O’Meals programme currently feeds 254,000 school children in the state of Osun, the longest running in the country.

DSM Condemns Arrest Of Protesting Students

OAU Power Outage:

By Adejumo Kabir The Democratic Socialist Movement (DSM), Obafemi Awolowo University chapter has condemned the arrest of some student activists that protested the power outage on campus last Friday by the university security unit.

The OAU Secretary of build new ones, the DSM, Micheal Lenin in a university is wasting statement made hundreds of millions on available to pressmen, a new Senate Building” “We ask; how will the claimed that about 10 students who protested arrest of students who against power outage on are demanding better campus were arrested welfare, resolve the and detained at Moore worsening conditions of living on campus? Why police station, Ile –Ife. He said, “it is is the management ridiculous that the same leaving leprosy to attend university authority that to skin rashes? Why instructed students to killing the messengers ignoring the resume could not and provide enabling message” The group further atmosphere for students to study peacefully. buttressed that the “Students’ hostels are in university security unit horrible conditions ought to maintain peace while less than 50 per and orderliness on cent of students could campus and not to be get accommodation in used to attack and the overcrowded brutalise students who hostels. Rather than they were employed to renovate the hostels and protect.

Truth Of The Matter with

Defender Parrot ayoakinola444@gmail.com

2. O’Meals currently employs 3,007 caterers, and indirectly employs 7,057 people in this feeding programme.

3. 12.7million naira is spent daily to feed all school children for 200 school days in a year. 12billion naira has been spent so far since 2012.

4. 900 cocoyam farmers, 700 small poultry farmers, 310 catfish farmers, 63 cow markets currently benefit from the O’Meals initiative.

5. School enrollment increased from 155,318 pupils at inception to 252,739, representing a 62% increment in enrollment in the Osun feeding programme 6. 8,400 crates of eggs are consumed weekly, 336,000 crates are consumed annually and 1,344,000 crates of eggs have been consumed in four years.

This is the latest revolution in Osun, waiting to be ‘plagiarised’.

No state in Nigeria, except the Omoluabi State, has thought of this and I can bet that many states will follow suit in due course after the benefits would have manifested.

7. 10 metric tonnes of fish is consumed weekly; 400 tonnes of fish is consumed annually, while 1,600 metric tonnes of fish have been consumed by pupils in 4 years.

8. 35 heads of cows are slaughtered for consumption per week, 1,400 heads of cows are slaughtered for consumption annually, while 5,600 heads of cows have been slaughtered for consumption in 4 years.

9. 15,000 birds are consumed per week, and 600,000 birds are consumed annually by the pupils. 2,400,000 birds have been consumed in 4 years.

10. 0’Meals is the longest running Government scheme of its kind in Nigeria, So far , 202,234,400 hot meals have been served in the last four years.

Another is the Sukuk Bond which the federal government keyed into lately it which was introduced long ago by the Rauf Aregbesola-led government.

Many individuals and bodies especially the longdiscredited Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, (not the entire good Christian body) threatened hell and swore that Ogbeni was on an Islamisation mission. A simple research as to why major Christian nations of the western world and South Africa adopted Sukuk as a finance window would have provided them with the answer. But would they embark on such “daunting” research?

Now, the local government election is coming up in Osun and the State Electoral Commission, OSIEC, will adopt the parliamentary system. This is the latest revolution in Osun, waiting to be ‘plagiarised’. No state in Nigeria, except the Omoluabi State, has thought of this and I can bet that many states will follow suit in due course after the benefits would have manifested. It provides a very cost-effective and functional electoral as well as governance systems.

“Why fixation to a presidential system which our resources cannot sustain?”, Defender Parrot asks Nigerians.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

Monkey Pox:

HEALTH

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

13

Osun Govt. To Set Quarantine Centres, Assures Citizens

Considering the fact that the previously unknown Monkey Pox Virus Disease that started in Bayelsa State about 3 weeks ago has spread to Lagos, Ekiti, Rivers, Ogun and Akwa-Ibom and other neighbouring states, residents of Osun have started to kick and panic just as the state government has put necessary modalities on ground to tackle any eventual outbreak.

“It is similar to small The residents in their reactions urged the state pox and also deadly but government to set up vaccines for small pox quarantine posts for any have been known to be a suspected case as this good course of treatment would act as one of the for the disease.

Meanwhile, the State of steps in tackling the spread of the deadly virus. Osun Ministry of Health They also wanted the has revealed certain steps government to ensure that it had taken to allay the sensitisation is embarked fears of possible spread of on and the people are the disease.

Speaking on telephone educated on steps to take to prevent outbreaks and to OSUN DEFENDER, Dr. in case there is, what could Gbenga Adepoju, the be done to prevent its Director of Public health in the ministry revealed that spread.

Separately, a health Monkey Pox looked very practitioner in the state, much like Small Pox with Mrs. Esther Oke revealed accompanied such as that from her research, the symptoms disease was not headaches, malaise, pains indigenous to the country and fever.

In his words, “it takes 2 but had been reported in to 3 days to incubate and the early 1970s.

According to her, it is physically seen to “although Monkey Pox is come in the form of blisters a highly contagious and which starts from the face deadly viral zoonosis to other parts of the body.

“The Honourable disease, and it spreads from animal to man, there Commissioner of Health, has not been any case of Dr. Rafiu Isamotu in order to allay residents fear has fatality yet.

held a press conference to address the issue.

“Right now, there is no form of treatment or vaccine but symptomatic treatments are given to infected persons”, he said.

Dr. Adepoju disclosed that red alerts had been issued to health facilities at both the primary, secondary and tertiary levels in the state to take good care of persons with the symptoms as he confirmed that there is no known or reported case as the time of gathering the news.

He stressed that the need to inform the public became necessary because there was reported outbreak of the deadly viral disease in some neighbouring states.

As a result of the spread of Monkey Pox Virus Disease to neighboring states, the State Government of Osun has established two isolation centres located in Boripe and Irepodun local councils and the public had been advised to report straight to any health facility close to them should there be any complaints.

He maintained that the

state government is not relenting as it had began to sensitise and give relevant instructions to its health officials on how to handle patients in case of any reports.

Adepoju assured that the state government had started to sensitise the people on the importance of hand washing and proper boiling of food especially meat before consumption because it is an essential way of safeguarding them from any disease.

“The World Hand Washing Day is c o m m e m o r a t e d worldwide on the 15 th

has been shown to significantly delay the progression of tumors and increase survival rate periods by more than 50 per cent 2. Hyperbaric Oxygen Chamber A synergy of health benefits further results when a ketogenic diet is coupled with hyberbaric oxygen chamber therapy.

Results involve a decreased rate of tumor growth, improved state of ketosis and lower blood glucose concentration.

A hyperbaric oxygen chamber helps to remove two of the major physical problems which contribute to cancer: lack of oxygen to cells and excessive acidity.

Hyperbaric oxygen treatment reduces cellular hypoxia, or the deprivation of oxygen to cells and therefore also decreases acidic conditions.

Unlike cancer cells, healthy cells cannot flourish without an adequate oxygen supply. Hyperbaric oxygen chamber therapy is an effective strategy to increase the oxygen flow to all cells and organs and also

buffer PH of your body’s environment to better equip cells to maintain their normal functions.

3. Juicing Greens & Eating Sprouts Juicing is a highly effective strategy to flood a tumor ridden body with powerful nutrients and antioxidants which equip the immune system in the fight against cancer. Juicing fruits and vegetables aids the digestive tract with a plethora of phytonutrients which can be easily absorbed at a higher rate than the same raw or cooked foods when consumed.

Eating sprouts is another great way to naturally boost the anti-cancer properties of cells by supplying them with a rich abundance of natural antioxidants that inhibit cancer growth. Only a small concentration of sprouts from vegetables such as kale, broccoli and cauliflower is required daily to contribute protective properties.

Sprouts support natural enzyme processes and cellular protective properties including the fight against inflammtion, free radicals and cancer.

Nutrients found in sprouts include: Vitamins such as K and C, Amino acids, Minerals, Beta-carotene, chlorophll, gluthatione, sulforaphane in particular helps stimulate the body’s natural detoxification pathways to remove toxins and prevent the accumulation of further carcinogens. Quercertin is yet another nutrient found in sprouts which has been shown to promote apoptosis, or cell death and inhibit the continued spread of cancer.

Although juice is most dense in nutrients and cancer protective properties when fresh

With

FRANCIS EZEDIUNO October and this is another opportunity to educate the people on the importance of hand washing which is a practice that must be engaged in often.

The Public Health Director said the government had dedicated 08033908772 and 08035638608; two hotlines through which residents could contact the relevant authorities in any

suspected case or outbreak.

“All hands are on deck and government is going to do everything humanly possible to ensure that our people are safe.

“The Health Commissioner has started a campaign on radio and television as part of efforts to make sure that the state is ready to battle this disease”, he added.

Natural Cancer Treatments

Cancer is a disease in which abnormal cells divide without control and can invade nearby tissues. Cancer cells can also spread to other parts of the body through the blood and lymph systems.

This may arise from numerous problems and alsophysical increase the rate of including the lack of mutations within cells. oxygen to cells, a weakened These mutations can lead immune system, excessive to various cancers such as: acidity and the toxic Colon cancer, Lung cancer, accumulation of Breast cancer. carcinogens (or DNA Instead, a ketogenic diet mutating substances). reduces the amount of Many of these problems can energy which must be be treated and therefore so supplied from the may cancer itself. Treating conversion of glucose cancer naturally is possible found in both simple and and requires a committed complex sugars and approach to healthy therefore also helps lifestyle changes. alleviate symptoms of The following 10 individuals with metabolic treatments have been conditions. Cancer cells shown to naturally relieve thrive off of the energy cancer symptoms and limit created from glucose the spread of tumor cells. fermentation. Glucose 1. Ketogenic Diet fermentation is also called A ketogenic diet is rich in anaerobic metabolism due healthy fats and low in to the lack of oxygenation, carbohydrates. This diet pastured beef and dairy stimulates the production products, organic poultry, of ketones in the body good fats such as coconut through a biological process oil and avocado, low that circumvents the use of carbohydrates fruits and respiration within the vegetables such mitochondria. Diets which asasparagus, cabbage, heavily burden the lemon and limes are all mitochondria with energy ketogenic approved foods synthesis increase the risk with cancer protective of free radical formation properties. A ketogenic diet

pressed and immediately consumed, preparing juice in advance is also advantageous. Be sure to store juice in an airtight container and in a dark part of your fridge to ensure optimal nutritional benefits. Both light and air oxidize foods immediately after being cut and should be minimized.

4. Fermented Foods Fermented foods are loaded with healthy bacteria which play a major role in regulating the health of your entire body and mind. Individuals who harbor harmful microbes in their gut micro biomes are at an increased risk of metabolic disorders, disease and various cancers. Some of these cancers include: Colorectal carcinoma, pancreatic cancer; and Gallbladder cancer.

Fermented foods contain a type of bacteria known as bacteriodetes which produce a product called butyrate necessary for health. Butyrate has anticancer properties and also performs enzymatic responsibilities in assisting the gut in breaking down starches. Some of the best fermented foods which you should incorporate into your daily diet include grass-fed yogurt, kefir, coconut water kefir and cultured vegetables such as sauerkraut.

5. Vitamin D Vitamin D is a critical component of central nervous system responsible for both development and function. Vitamin D continues to astound researchers in its antiinflammatory and antioxidant capabilities and is associated with reducing autoimmune complications through limiting natural killer cell secretion during

certain conditions such as a woman’s pregnancy.

Perhaps one of the most important functions of vitamin D is its ability to regulate inflammatory pathways associated with cancer and is especially crucial in the proper development of an immune system regulating protein known as GcMAF. Vitamin D is required for the body to synthesize GcMAF. GcMAF influences the ability of tumor cells to proliferate and for the very same reason also can reverse the effect of certain cancers including breast cancer. Clinical studies support the ability of GcMAF to treat symptoms of a variety of cancers including bladder, ovarian, head and neck and other lymphomas.

6. Turmeric Clinical studies have shown that herbs like curcumin which is created from turmeric are powerful anti-inflammatory agents and can treat cancer symptoms. In fact, these studies show that turmeric exhibits similar inflammation prevention control as do synthetic drugs such as ibuprofen and aspirin and over 570 research studies support the ability of curcumin to have anti-cancer properties.

This spice makes an easy addition to a meat marinade or to your favorite sauces especially those rich in good fats such as grass-fed milk which increases its absorption.

Curcumin increases the concentration of other important antioxidants such as glutathione and exhibits a strong antiinflammatory effect on cells by limiting the damage of oxidative stress to organs.

•To be continued

14

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.org

OPINION

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

The Irritation Of Begging For Alms

By Abdullahi Akintayo Every man has integrity to protect, but in the absence of basic needs for survival, man will bury his pride and ego, which will lead him to temporary or permanent begging. Analysis has revealed that poverty, unemployment, laziness and low mentality spread the practice of mendicancy.

Nigeria, at this present time is facing two major problems which are noncirculation of wealth and high demand for foods and consumable goods.

Unfortunately, the poor people are unable to satisfy their basic needs as a result of poverty and unemployment.

With this, many individuals have no option than to take to begging to earn stipends for survival.

Alms giving to poor is considered a holy deed and an honourable act, as it is supported religiously to give alms to the poor. But begging has now become a profession since it does not require any physical or mental effort to get alms from the givers. Even though it is supported by some religions to give alms to the poor, religion does not make it compulsory for one to give. It is voluntary.

It is now becoming a trend, addiction and a way of life in all parts of the country, where it is a common scenario seeing young ones and grown ups parading the streets, ATM stands, banks, markets, churches, mosques, car parks, bus-stops, event centres or any gathering. These are places where one will definitely come across one, two or more beggars, depending on the population.

The worrying aspect for some people is not the begging itself, but the manner of approach. Most beggars

Community Policing:

By Babalola Wasiu

‘

Disability does not compel one to beg.

Regardless of the deformity, there is always ability in disability.

hide under the umbrella of unreasonable excuses. A lot of beggar disguise and present one form of deformity in order to extort people.

Disability does not compel one to beg. Regardless of the deformity, there is always ability in disability. A blind, deaf and dumb person can operate computer, cook and do different things within his or her capacity. It does not necessarily have to go on the street for begging. This could serve as a means of survival other than begging.

It is now irritating when beggars make one feel uncomfortable or displeased in order to please them.

Different begging strategies have been adopted by beggars to get people’s attention as they come up with pitiable stories. Some have even adopted the corporate style of begging by dressing decently, tell stories and make prayers

to make one feel sad for not giving.

Children hawking on streets designed their own style of begging by narrating stories of how they misplaced money and the consequences, or “my mummy says I won’t eat if I don’t sell”.

At the initial stage, only disabled persons get involved in begging, but recently more able bodies have dominated the practice of begging.

Although, there are real beggars out who are really in need of help, but with the alarming rate and increase in begging, everyone thinks most beggars hide under the umbrella of unreasonable excuses or laziness to work. Voluntary givers who want to give beggars know the point where beggars resume daily, prompt and punctual. Usually, a real beggar does not have a choice, they receive whatever one gives irrespective of the

’

quantity or quality.

Unfortunately, many are agile beggars who are supposed to use their God-given strength, time and initiative to engage themselves in meaningful activities.

An act of begging cannot be fully eliminated but can be reduced. It is therefore necessary that the Federal, State and Local government to liaise with NGOs to put hands on the deck and carry out skill acquisition programmes to engage them in productive venture. By doing so, beggars who voluntarily go into begging can be trained to be a better person. Also the deformed individuals should be encouraged to engage in activities that could fetch them money.

It is on record that the government of Osun at a time declared emergency on the destitute, by rehabilitating some of the beggars and reuniting them with their families, but a lot more need to be done. Task force should be created to arrest, prosecute pretending or lazy beggars and stiff penalties or sanctions should be imposed on them.

The Antidote For Incessant Nefarious Activities In Nigeria

According to structural functionalist school of thought, society is studied just like a biological being. To biologists, a defect in one part of the body can lead to total paralysis of the whole body system due to the synergetic interdependence and interrelation of the parts of the body.

Drawing an analogy from this, the structural functionalist school of thought believes that, the society as a system comprises sub-systems like Family sub-system, Economic subsystem and Social sub-system just to mention a few. These entire subsystems make up the society. The malfunction in any one of these subsystems can make the society to be in disarray. To forestall this from happening, adequate attention has to be given to all sub-systems for the peaceful continuity of the society.

It is apparent that the social subsystem in some parts of the country has been bewildered with the uproar scourge of various nefarious activities ranging from kidnapping either for economic benefit or rituals, causing incessant social unrest.

The devilish act of these perpetrators in Nigeria has caused unaccountably irredeemable havocs to the lives of many. The panic that it inflicts on Nigerian’s psyche is probably more intense than what Nigerians, who experienced the post independence civil war felt.

Virtually, all states of the federation are sitting on a keg of gun powder in this regard!

Meanwhile, governments’ efforts across the board to uproot these ungodly acts in the nooks and crannies of our society are scored high. This of course leads many states in Nigeria to have unsleeping moment on the security consciousness for day-to-day preventive measures against criminal tendencies in Nigeria.

But the fact still lies on the need for government to take a look into individualistic approach by introducing effective community policing.

Community policing is anchored on a systematic relationship between the police and the entire citizenry. It is a proactive philosophy that promotes solving problems that are either criminal in nature which can affect the quality of life, or increase citizens’ fear of crime. A problemsolving policing that is proactive with the community as the cornerstone of policing objective needs to be introduced.

Although community policing is not a new phenomenon in Nigeria, the Nigeria Police in 2004 embraced community policing as a pragmatic approach to police reforms but the question is how effective is it?

A sincere and effective community policing requires successful implementation of these essential and complementary components or operational strategies like:

‘

The fear of citizenry to be indicted or interrogated more than necessary in the course of reporting a crime to police must be eliminated.

1.

Community Partnership: This has to do with establishing and maintaining mutual trust between citizens of a community and the police. The fear of citizenry to be indicted or being interrogated more than necessary in the course of reporting a crime to police must be eliminated. This can only be achieved through constant enlightenment on media so that, the perception of the citizenry to police in reporting crime would be positive.

2.

Problem Solving: This requires a lot more thoughtful, technical know-how and action. In full partnership, the communities residents identify the problems that they feel are most threatening to their safety and well-being. Those areas of concern then become priorities for police intervention.

After all, the deviants are the product of society at large, living within the society; hence, they can best be identified by the people of the society.

The modality to the successful implementation of the problem solving strategy lies with the Police.

The Police need a lot to do on the

’

aspect of equipping the citizenry on the necessary knowledge of being vigilant, detective, protective and defensive on criminal tendency matters. How would they go about this? By simply organising unit based workshops in each local government of the state. Through this, all what the civilians are supposed to know on security matters would be drummed to their ears.

In Nigeria of today, security consciousness is everybody’s business. To every school, religious houses, markets, shopping complexes, hotels, restaurants and sporting arenas, issue of security and personal safety should be taken more seriously these days by working with both the government and security agencies in promptly reporting any person with suspicious activities or unusual gatherings that may compromise security. Now is the time for everybody irrespective of their status in the society to wake up to the challenge. Any delay could be dangerous, procrastination, they say, is the thief of time.

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

ISSUES AND POLICY

OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

15

The Sukuk Bond And Garland For Aregbesola!

By Bicci Alli As the Guest Columnist of THISDAY Newspaperon Monday, September 18, 2017, Ms. Patience Oniha, Director General, Debt Management Office, wrote a well-articulated submission, titled “The Case for Nigerian Sukuk”.

There is no doubt that her well thought and presentable piece was a delight, especially to the investing public.

As the title indicated, the piece xrayed the recent public-financing tools, SUKUK, which was offered to the investing public between September 14, 2017 to September 18, 2017.Incidentally, the Guest Columnist, Ms. Patience Oniha is the Director-General of DMO that anchored the Islamic Bond.

As stated earlier, the offer for Nigeria’s debut sovereign SUKUK in the sum of N100 billion opened on September 14, 2017. This followed a roadshow, which took the (DMO), Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) and the transaction parties to Lagos, Port Harcourt, Abuja, Kano and Kaduna to engage with prospective investors on the issuance. The article was as a result of the need to throw more light on the issuanceof SUKUK. Madam DG explained the principle, rules, regulations and operating modalities of SUKUK. She explained further the benefits derivable from the issuance of SUKUK with specific mention of the fact that the SUKUK will be used to raise funds to finance infrastructure whichcontributes directly to achieving the objectiveof the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (2017-2020).This is to build a globally competitive economy and one of the plans for achieving this is by investing in infrastructure which the SUKUK tends to provide. According to her, the proceeds from the issuance of the N100 billion SUKUK will be used to construct and rehabilitate 25 roads in Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. These roads have been selected by the Ministry of Power, Works and Housing because of their strategic economic importance.

The deployment of the SUKUK proceeds to these projects would improve road infrastructure, which because of the multiplier effect of good infrastructure, will translate to many benefits all over the country.

As explicitly stated in the article, good roads are important for Nigeria’s Economic Development and Growth; they actually connect different parts of the country; facilitate and foster trade relationship among different regions with each factoring its comparative advantages on natural and human resources; provide access to markets for farms produces onward to cities and townsand link villages, farmlands and remote areas to essential social services such as primary and secondary education rural dwellers; and primary and comprehensive health services. The goodness and greatness of Sukuk is that it is tied to projects and enquired about the specific roads towards which the N100 billion Sukuk would be applied. The level of disclosure and transparency for Sukuk financing which requires the issuer to present full details of how funds will be utilised gives investors information that will guide their investment decision whilst also giving them the ability to monitor the utilisation of the Sukuk proceeds after investing, to confirm that funds have been applied as proposed.

Other benefits of SUKUK was highlighted by the guest columnist, they include, deepening Nigeria’s financial market by increasing the variety of instruments available for issuers and investors; and benchmark for the pricing of future Sukuks that may be issued by other tiers of governments, corporate institutions and multilaterals. It should be noted that of the N100 billion,

Sovereign Sukuk include the rental income, which will be paid to investors in the bond every six months at a rate of 16.47% per annum. It is a safe low-risk investment, as it is a direct obligation of the FGN, which is fully responsible for the payment of the rental income and the repayment of the principal at maturity.

It is also backed by the full faith and credit of the federal government. On a final note, the CBN has conferred a liquid asset status, meaning that the low risk of the Sukuk and the liquid asset status make it relatively easy for investors to use the Sukuk holdings as collateral. This is to encourage the investment culture and mobilise savings; the rental income on the Sukuk is tax-exempt and will be listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the FMDQ OTC Securities Exchange to provide an avenue for investors that may wish to sell part or all of their investment in the SUKUK before maturity.

Sadly enough, Madam D.G. and other writers have failed to acknowledge the pioneering efforts and achievements of the Osun government in deepening the financial market in Nigeria through Sukuk. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola led Government of the State of Osun pioneered issuance of SUKUK in the country in 2013, four years long before the Federal Government of Nigeria explored the opportunity as a public financing alternative. The DG DMO and other enlightened commentators made no reference to his pioneering efforts of Aregbesola. Having laid the foundation, teething problems surfaced with issuance of SUKUK and verifiable solutions were proffered by Ogbeni Aregbesola, his government, advisers and transaction parties. It is a notorious fact that several pioneering programmes of the State have been Internationally recognized and emulated by the Federal Government and others States; these programmes include but not limited to School feedings, Tablet of Knowledge (Opon Imo), Free provision of School Uniforms, Agba Osun, OYES, at least one or more is replicated in KEBBI, KADUNA, ONDO States and by the Federal Government of Nigeria. Various pioneering programmes and models of Aregbesola have no doubt raised the bar and become point of reference of good governance in Nigeria. Again, garland for Ogbeni for deepening the Nigerian Financial Market through issuance of Sukuk. He was called all sort of unprintable names but his doggedness, visionary leadership and uncommon managerial (to some controversial) style saw the Osun Sukuk through against all odds.

It would be recalled that on 10 th October 2013, the State of Osun issued N11.4 billion ($70.6 million) seven year SUKUK under the Osun State N60 Billion Debt Issuance Programme to fund the development of 20 High Schools, 2 Middle Schools and 2 Elementary Schools in the State. The SUKUK was issued at a rate of 14.75% per annum at N 1,000 per unit and matures on 08 October, 2020. Although two other African countries (The Gambia and Sudan) are known to have issued small amounts of SUKUK in their domestic markets; the State of Osun SUKUK is widely viewed as the first SUKUK to be issued by the government

of a major African economy. The SUKUK is structured as a SUKUKAL-IJARA, a commonly used structure by sovereign issuers, which is based on a lease arrangement supported by rental payments generated from the underlying SUKUK assets. Using this structure, Osun State incorporated a special purpose vehicle, Osun Sukuk Company Plc (the SPV), to which it transferred the land for construction of the schools. Official rating for investors was done for the SUKUK and it was rated ‘A’ by Agusto& Co, a local credit rating Agency, and listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange. It is understood to have been taken up by local banks, fund managers, insurance companies and high-net-worth individuals will eventually pay SUKUK holders a fixed return of 14.75%. Though the Pension Funds Administrators (PFA’S) were disallowed from investing in the SUKUK as the National Pension Commission (NPC) then maintained that existing regulations on the investment of pension assets did not explicitly provide for pension fund investment in Islamic financial instruments; it would have been massively subscribed by them. For right and appropriate financial and management decision, and as required by the Securities Exchange Commission, the transaction was signed off on by Dr. Mohamed El-Gari, Prof MonzerKahf and Prof. M.L Bashar as Shariah Adviser.

State of Osun SUKUK Bond did not happen without its challenges; sources close to the offering revealed some of the challenges that were encountered in structuring and successfully marketing the SUKUK. Some of the challenges noted were the lack of a solid regulatory framework in Nigeria, institutional investors’ limited understanding of certain structuring aspects of a SUKUK when compared to conventional bonds, and a general lack of awareness of Islamic finance as an alternative source of public funding.

The subscription rate was very high andthe product was well received. The SUKUK Bond was oversubscribed by N1.4bn ($8.7m), which appears to indicate a measure of appetite for that asset class in Nigeria as well as a measure of confidence by market participants in the structures that are already in place in Nigeria to support Islamic finance. We should be reminded that Osun Sukuk Company Plc; the SPC, carried out the investment transaction.

The level of disclosure and transparency for Sukuk financing which requires the issuer to present full details of how funds will be utilised gives investors information that will guide their investment decision whilst also giving them the ability to monitor the utilisation of the Sukuk proceeds after investing, to confirm that funds have been applied as proposed.

Osun Sukuk Company Plc is a wholly owned Special Purpose Company of the Osun State Government incorporated with an authorised share capital of N1, 000,000.00 (One Million Naira) with 99 per cent of the shares held by the Osun State Government and One per cent held in trust by the Attorney General of Osun State on behalf of the State, owing to the fact that a Nigerian Company must have at least 2 Shareholders. It is worthy to mention that the Osun Sukuk Company Plc. issued SUKUK certificates to the investors and the SUKUK investors’ payment for the certificates represents the cost of construction of the schools.

In accordance with Islamic law principles, each certificate represents an undivided beneficial ownership interest in the SUKUK assets, that is the School.

The SUKUK assets are however, held in trust for the SUKUK investors by the Issuer, the Osun Sukuk Company Plc. Also, the land upon which the schools will be built was transferred by the State of Osun Government to the Special Purpose Company and a Certificate was issued under an Agency Agreement; appointed the State of Osun Government as its agent to inter alia engage a construction company to construct the schools, obtain all government approvals, manage the operational and financial aspects of the construction for a prescribed fee and transferred the agreed cost of construction to the State of Osun Government. The SPC leases the schools to the State Government against rental payments which will be remitted to the Issuer to make distributions to the SUKUK investors; thus earning income for the investors during the construction of the schools. However, a Purchase Undertaking was executed by the State of Osun Government in favour of the Issuer to give assurances that at the end of the lease or maturity of the SUKUK or upon the occurrence of an event of default or early termination of the lease under the Ijara Agreement, the State of Osun Government will purchase the SUKUK assets; with the purchase price being used by the Issuer to redeem the SUKUK certificates at maturity.

It is no doubt that the success of the Government of Osun actually attracted the Federal Government of Nigeria as such Ogbeni’s achievements could not but be noticed and commended. That kudos and recognition should be given to Ogbeni Aregbesola cannot be a thought wrongly conceived. True and resourceful leaders need to be celebrated while they are live.

Having tolled the same line with confronted challenges which were well addressed, there is a lot more that the Federal Government can learn from Ogbeni Aregbesola on the workability of SUKUK; challenges will sure arise from the N100 billions SUKUK Bond but same can be resolved same way Ogbeni and his team handled the N1.4bn ($8.7m) oversubscribed SUKUK in the State of Osun and for once Ogbeni will receive the accolades.

ISSUES/POLICY

The Sukuk Bond And Garland For Aregbesola! .

.

THE SIXTH MOST VISITED WEBSITE IN NIGERIA

.

.

PAGE 15

FRIDAY OCTOBER 13 - THURSDAY OCTOBER 19, 2017

OSUNDEFENDERwww.osundefender.com

Nigeria At 57: The Journey Since Independence The Federal Republic of Nigeria, commonly referred to as Nigeria is a federal constitutional republic in West Africa, bordering Benin in the West, Chad and Cameroon in the East, and Niger in the North. Its coast in the South lies on the Gulf of Guinea in the Atlantic Ocean. Comprising of 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory which is Abuja, Nigeria is officially a democratic secular country.

Modern-day Nigeria has been the site of numerous kingdoms and tribal states over the millennia. The modern state originated from British colonial rule beginning in the 19th century, and the merging of the southern Nigeria Protectorate and Northern Nigeria Protectorate in 1914. The British set up administrative and legal structures while practising indirect rule through traditional chiefdoms which continued till Nigeria became a formally independent federation on the 1st of October, 1960.

With approximately 184 million inhabitants, over 500 ethnic groups speaking over 500 different languages, to say the least, 57 years have been eventful in all spheres is not an overstatement.

It is an incontrovertible fact that corruption has been the bane of Nigeria’s development. Thus, without mincing words, the phenomenon has ravaged the country and destroyed most of what is held as cherished national values. Most unfortunately, the political class saddled with the responsibility of directing the affairs of the country until recently when the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari that seem to have a clear-cut anti-corruption programme came on board, have been the major culprit in perpetrating this dastardly act.

Regrettably since independence, a notable surviving legacy of the successive leadership both civilian and military that have managed the affairs of the country at different times has been nothing other than the institutionalisation of corruption in all agencies of the public service, which like a deadly virus, has subsequently spread to the private sector of the country.

It is apposite to state that it is a paradox that Nigeria, the world’s eighth largest exporter of crude oil, a country endowed with many resources still, has not less than 70 per cent of its population living below the poverty line as a result of corruption and economic mismanagement.

Pathetically, the logic of the Nigerian

By Invitation OLUWAMAYOWA FAGBOHUNGBE

‘

As Nigeria turns 57, the onus lies on all and sundry to rededicate ourselves to the progress of the country.

political leadership class has been that of self service, as a good percentage of the leaders are mired in the pursuit of selfish and personal goals at the expense of national interests. This is evident in the numerous corruption cases that are being handled by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC) among others, a good number of our supposed leaders (former and even present) with no single successful trial or prosecution of any of them since the establishment of the two anticorruption commissions in years 2003 and 2000 respectively. This is very ridiculous, horrendous and shameful.

Suffice to state that over the years, the basic necessities of life in our dear country such as food, housing, water and power are still being used to canvass for votes by the political class consistently at every electoral season and despite sugar-coated promises and beautiful manifestoes in these regards, the citizenry strive to make adequate provision for the four in their own interests.

I can’t circumvent from the

fundamental verity that if we don’t kill corruption as a country, the scourge will kill the largest black nation. This is the more reason why all hands must be on deck to eliminate corruption hook, line and sinker from our land.

While I commend the boldness of the current President Muhammadu Buhari led administration to fight corruption which sadly has percolated into our systemic existence to a standstill, the fight must however not be seen as selective, as anyone found culpable must be made to face the music no matter how highly placed.

The present regime of inconclusiveness of corruption-related cases is not healthy for our system as the current administration in the land will not be seen as serious with the fight against the scourge. Nigeria must be rid of impunity, selective justice and sacred cowism if the fight against corruption must be successful.

Of late, the call for the restructuring of the country has resumed and it is becoming stronger and stronger by the day. While one might agree with the proponents and canvassers of restructuring which borders on devolution of power, true federalism

’

among others, the need for a restructuring of the mind of both the leadership and followership classes in the land cannot be overemphasized.

It is only when our minds are restructured from ethno-centric chauvinism, religious bigotry, prebendalism, nepotism and corruption that the restructuring of the country can be meaningful. Putting a restructured set up in the hands of a corruption-stricken mind will only restructure corruption, economic quagmire, social stupor, political phantasmagoria and bad leadership at large, as something cannot be built on nothing.

As Nigeria turns 57, the onus lies on all and sundry to rededicate ourselves to the progress of the country. The leadership class at all levels must embrace unparalleled responsibility, transparency and accountability; the followership class should consistently be on their toes praying and encouraging the leadership knowing well that the citizenry are always at the receiving end of bad leadership.

•Fagbohungbe is the Press Officer Of The Bureau Of Social Services, Office Of The Governor Of Osun

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

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