Osun Defender PDF Version For September 15, 2017

FRONTPAGE COMMENT

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HE issue of peaceful co-existence amongst the various nationalities in a multi-ethnic society will never go away. For this reason the ‘national question’ will always be on the frontburner as we move towards (with due acknowledgement to the framers of the American Constitution) ‘an ever perfect union’.

We therefore give great kudos to Urban Media Resource Limited, organisers of today’s One-day conference on the second anniversary of the South-

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A Much Needed Midterm Appraisal “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest pie”.

West involvement in national governance, with the major theme: “South-West to Abuja: A midterm appraisal”. The conference goes to the heart of

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

several key options that have always starred the South-West region of Nigeria in the face.

Historically, there have always been contending forces and factors in play, trying to determine the role the South-West should play in the centre. This dilemma came to the fore after the pivotal 1959 preindependence central (it was not yet federal at the time) general elections. The somewhat disappointing results of the dominant party in the •Continue on page 4

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VOL. 012. NO.29

ISSN: 0794-8050

N100

Osun PDP Congress:

Factions On Collision Course • As Both Camps Prepare For The Worst

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LAUTECH CRISIS RESOLUTION IN SIGHT: • The unrelenting efforts of the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his counterpart in Oyo State, Abiola Ajimobi to solve the lingering crisis in Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, took a positive turn with the presentation of a 38-Day Status Report by the University Governing Council, at the governor’s office, Abere, State of Osun, on Wednesday.

With the development, all stakeholders are hopeful that the university will open soon.

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Osun PDP Congress:

By Shina Abubakar

NEWS

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Factions On Collision Course

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HE ongoing measures to resolve the dispute ravaging the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State of Osun might not be the ultimate solution, as the caretaker committee inaugurated to pilot the resolution may have integrity crisis among the stakeholders of the party in the state.

It would be recalled warring factions stands that the PDP had set up a on each other’s throat caretaker committee in insisting on the some states with Hon. appointment of the Sarafadeen Isola from committee members Ogun State heading the from their camps.

Osun team to pilot the Although, since the party out of the crisis by arrival of the committee, organising a congress to the gladiators have to a usher in fresh executive large extent sheathe their for the party in the state swords hoping that their ahead of the forthcoming supporters in the party governorship primary would influence their election. victory in the congress to It was gathered that be organised by the prior to the constitution of committee on a date yet the committee, the to be schedule.

While the committee operates from the OgoOluwa Secretariat of the party, the other secretariat at Biket area of the state capital is still operational as the faction is not totally letting go of its guard.

Meanwhile some members of the party belonging to Adagunodo-led faction have started suspecting that the Sarafadeen-led caretaker committee is in the state to position Faforiji, who is believed to enjoy the support of Senator Iyiola Omisore and by extension the Abuja caucus of the party.

This, a source said, has been propelling the other

faction to be preparing for the worst.

According to Mr Alao Adeolu, a close associate of Soji Adagunodo, there are no factions in Osun PDP at present considering the fact that the National Secretariat has dissolve both side with a view to ensuring that peace reign in the party.

He added that those in the Adagunodo faction believed that the caretaker committee has the capacity to organise a free and fair election that would produce an acceptable executive committee for the PDP in the state.

“If the committee organise a free and fair

election, we, in the Adagunodo faction would accept the outcome of such election but if the process is not fair we would resist any act of injustice. However, we are confident of victory in a free and fair election”.

Similarly, a source close to the camp loyal to Dr. Bayo Faforiji disclosed that the PDP knew those that are loyal to its course and would not leave the party at the mercy of those that would devour it opportunities.

The source further

disclosed that everyone is free to claim to have the majority in the party but the congress to be organised would eventually decide the side that hold the majority of supporters in the party.

Findings revealed that members of the two factions in the party are still loyal to the parallel executive committees of the camps they belong to prior to their dissolution and it is the reason the two secretariats are still functional even as a caretaker committee is in place.

Parents Lament High Cost Of School Materials

School Resumption:

By Tola Oyewale S schools resumed for the 2017/2018 academic session on Monday, parents have lamented the high cost of school materials, in spite of the announced bouncing back and departure from recession in the country.

A parent, Mrs. other choice, as their Abimbola Adebayo said, children must return to the school materials are school after the break. now more expensive, In the same vein, a even more than the trader at Igbona market school fees itself. who sells school bags, Another parent who is shoes and other school also a civil servant, said materials said all these many traders who sell the school items are now school materials were expensive compared to taking advantage of the poor economy in the the previous year when country, knowing fully the prices were more well that there was no pocket-friendly.

A school teacher, Mrs. Odeniyi said the school materials, such as school bags, books, textbook and “The agency has school fees have improved financial increased despite the education and better economy situation the utilisation of borrowed country finds itself. funds among the She said most of the beneficiaries across the textbooks that would be state”.

Olopade further used in this new session explained that the agency are now expensive.

Meanwhile, a visit to has improved the internally generated some of the schools revenue (IGR) of the state showed that academic through tax payment work has started fully in from the income earned both the private and by the beneficiaries and public schools, as assisted small holder teachers were seen in farmers to increase their classes delivering level of output. lectures to students.

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•Suicidal Mission: Overloaded motorcycles captured at Oke Baale area of Osogbo, State of Osun. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun Micro-Credit Punching Above Its Weight

By Israel Afolabi

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T a time of profound economic downturn, Osun Micro Credit Agency has held its own grounds with sublime innovative solutions to meander its way through.

The General-Manager, through money creation Osun Micro-Credit mechanism, the N100 Agency, Mr Dayo million has grown to Babaranti made this N289 million for the past known recently in its three and half years, progress report at the while the N2 billion has annual conference held in grown to N3.37 billion Osogbo, State of Osun with beneficiaries of 24,223. recently.

According to him, It would be recalled of these that the Governor Rauf “Out A r e g b e s o l a beneficiaries, 142 are a d m i n i s t r a t i o n physically-challenged established the agency in spread across all the local 2014 by the executive government with a sum order to provide of N15.4 million”.

Mr Babaranti said that, subsidised loans to Micro-Credit individuals and groups in Osun Agency has within the the state.

According to him, the short space of its state government gave operation made major the agency N100 million impact on the lives of the startup capital as a people of Osun, saying, takeoff grant in June, 2014 market men and women, and was able to access N2 artisans, farmers, small billion from the Central scale enterprises and business Bank of Nigeria with the personal assistance of the state owners are the prime target and beneficiaries government.

He added that the of the state micro-credit agency’s working capital agency scheme.

According to the GM, has been N2.1 billion since 2014 to date, saying, “Osun Micro-Credit this has been recycled agency was put in place severally between the to motivate local based Central Bank of Nigeria producers of goods and and beneficiaries in the services and develop entrepreneurship skills state.

He also claimed that in the state”.

He explained that the micro-credit agency has stimulated appropriate economic activities in the state and raised the level of productivity of the people as well.

“This agency has reduced poverty through the creation of sustainable wealth and reduction in unemployment rate in the state”.

Also, the head of operations, Sanya Olopade added that it is

pertinent to note that the first batch of the loan totaling N2.1 billion was granted interest-free to beneficiaries for the whole first year of the programme, saying, this cost the state government the sum of N160 million.

He also added that the agency has improved on the capital of the participating Microfinance Banks (MFBS) which has translated to increase in sales volume.

According to him,

Residents Panic As Police for mini-buses, particular during Launches Massive Arrest waiting nightfall.

Cult Clash:

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EQUEL to the bloody clash between some cult groups in Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun early in the week, there have been panic in some part of the city, as the security agencies have launched massive arrest.

It would be recalled the state capital like Okethat sequel to the killing Ayepe, Ayetoro, Owode, of one Hamed Olugbodi, and Old-Garage among shooting son of a former State others, and Chairman of the National sporadically Union of Road Transport displaying machets, axes Workers (NURTW), and other dangerous Chief Olugbodi, who was weapon in search of their said to be a member of rivals.

The clash continued till one the groups. The groups have been trailing Tuesday, after which the each other and engaging police has launched an operation in search of in bloody clashes.

The clash of Monday members of the cult this week was the height groups.

However, massive of it all, when the groups took over some parts of arrests that have been

launched by the state Police Command, which has begun to create panic, as residents are now entertaining fear over what they called "indiscriminate arrest of members of public who are innocent".

In some strategic places like Ayetoro, OldGarage, Ola-Iya and Okefia among others, shop owners have cultivated the habit of closing their businesses very early for fear of being arrested for no just cause.

It was also observed that residents are now afraid of staying at bus stops or along the road,

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This was observed on Wednesday, as about three police vans were sited at Ola-Iya junction fully loaded with arrested people.

Some of the shop owners who spoke with OSUN DEFENDER in Alekuwodo area of the town said, they were forced to close their businesses very early than usual to avoid being arrested for no just cause.

They urged the police operatives to be mindful of the innocent ones in the course of carrying out investigation into the matter and making arrest.

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Osun Successes Draw Participation In Jolly Phonics Summit In UK

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OVERNMENT of the State of Osun, through the State Universal Basic Education (SUBEB) is one of the participant states at the ongoing First International Jolly Phonics Summit at Herringham Hall, Regent’s University, Regent’s Park, London. in the education sector, The Chairman, Osun especially at the basic SUBEB, Prince Felix level, being overseeing Awofisayo is presently by SUBEB. representing the state at The summit is being the summit, holding organised by a non-profit between September 17th organisation, Universal and 21st, 2017.

Learning Solutions, The invitation was which works with extended to the state government, educators, government based on the donors and experts achievements recorded around the world to

provide bespoke services that deliver innovative literacy solutions and it is currently supporting projects in Nigeria, Cameroon, Nepal, Kenya, and Pakistan.

The organisation, enthuses teachers to deliver high quality literacy tuition and build the institutional capacity of partners through knowledge and skill transfer.

However, the 2017 Jolly Phonic International

•Prince Awofisayo Summit, provides a

unique opportunity for key educationalists from across the world, most especially Africa to share their learning and experiences with an International Audience, whilst building the institutional capacity of participants to manage large-scale Jolly Phonics literacy intervention.

The summit is expected to provide platform for ideas and plans to be generated to

NULGE Lobbies Osun Parliament On LG Autonomy

By Israel Afolabi HE State of Osun House of Assembly has thrown its weight behind the ongoing agitations for Local Government autonomy in the country. do about it”.

Speaker of the State Salaam assured that House of Assembly, the interest of the council Honourable Najeem workers would surely be Salaam stated this while taken care of during their addressing protesting debate on the floor of the members of National house.

Union of Local Meanwhile the protest Government Employees was led by South-West (NULGE) at the State Vice president, Comrade Assembly Complex, Ambali Akeem in Osogbo State of Osun. company of Chairman Salaam saluted the NULGE State of Osun courage of Osun and Comrade Adeyeye National body of NULGE Adedeji and Chairman for their bold step taking Osun Nigeria Labour in support of local Congress (NLC), government autonomy Comrade Adekomi Jacob across the country. to register their support According to the for local government speaker, “The House of autonomy before state Assembly of Osun parliaments. belongs to you as you The National Vice also belong to the House president, Comrade as well. We have our own Ambali Akeem who led mind and know what to

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the protest urged the State Assembly to grant financial and administrative autonomy to local governments in the state for smooth running of their activities.

He also solicited the abolition of joint allocation between local and state government across the country for proper accountability.

Also, the NULGEE state chairman, Comrade

Adeyeye Adedeji said all the local government workers are in total support of the autonomy in the State of Osun and Nigeria.

According to him, “We have local governments that have been castrated in this country, and therefore, let there be local government autonomy”.

In his own contribution, Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress

(NLC) in the state, Comrade Adekomi Jacob added that the union was in support of the masses in the state.

He said, “We are here today because of the entire masses in the land and to register their grievances on local g o v e r n m e n t administration in the state. We are saying that autonomy should be granted to the council for the benefit of the people at the grassroot level”.

ensure the long term sustainability of the project. It is expected to further contribute to transformation of literacy levels which is currently taking place through the work of the organisation in partnership with government.

The participants are expected to gain a deeper insight into the primary importance of literacy for the development of any nation, just as they are expected to have better understanding of what Jolly Phonics is and the potential that it has to transform English literacy level.

It will also enable participants to identify lessons learned over the last 10 years in Nigeria, explore potential new innovations and plan for future successes.

Awofisayo, during a chat with this medium said the summit would assist the state government to sustain the tempo of the successes recorded so far in the education sector.

Osun Corporation Assures Residents Of Potable Water Supply

By Sunday Obalodu

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HE General Manager, Osun State Water Corporation, Engineer Olugbenga Owojuyigbe has said that the corporation would continue to ensure supply of potable water to all the nooks and crannies of the state.

He disclosed this, appealed to water while speaking with consumers in the state to newsmen in Osogbo, pay their bills promptly saying that Ede Water in order to enable the Works is yet to be corporate to serve them completed, as the well and as well improve water supply contractor handling the on project has bought all the ‘scheme’.

The GM also urged the equipment needed for staff of the corporation to the water project. be more committed and The GM who noted be productive at work. that water supply is Speaking on the Ilesa capital intensive said, the Water Supply Project, the state government has GM disclosed that the invested so much and he state government had has been making move to secured IDP loan, while partner foreign partners the consultant has started to make headway. work on the water Owojuyigbe then project.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

That I, formerly known as ALATISE KAZEEM AKOLAWOLE with date of birth 07-12-1971, now wish to be known and addressed as ALATISE KAZEEM with date of birth 01-01-1970. All former documents remain valid. FIRST Bank and general public should take note of this.

That OHAJIANYA STELLA ONYEKACHI is the same person as O H A J I A N Y A OLUCHUKWU. I now wish to be known and addressed as O H A J I A N Y A OLUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank and general public should take nopte

•(L-R) Senator Bayo Salami; Alhaji Tunde Badmus; Alhaji Wale Lasisi and State of Osun Attorney General, Dr Ajibola Bashiru during the 2017 Ileya Festival at Oke Baale prayer ground, Osogbo, recently.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

‘Osun No Longer Civil Servant State’

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SUN State is now an economically viable state and has left the status of being a civil service state which it used to be before the advent of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration. maintaining that small The commissioner for and medium scale Information and Strategy businesses, companies in the state, Mr. Adelani and industries are Baderinwa stated this growing steadily in the recently while state”. addressing members of According to him, the the Mandate Women state government Group who paid him a through the Osun Microcourtesy visit in his office. Finance Agency and the According to Ministry of Commerce, Baderinwa, Osun Corporative and economy has improved, Investment have been saying that the economic providing soft loans to development of the state traders and business is evident with the owners in the state to establishment of strengthen their trades companies and revival of and businesses. industries and opening of The commissioner bank branches across the disclosed that the statestate. owned investment, the He said, “it would Osun Investment amount to mischief for Company Limited anybody to continue (OSICOL) has recorded referring to Osun as a over 700 per cent civil service state, turnover in the last six

years, saying that its fortune has grown from about N300million in 2011 to about N2.6billion in 2017.

Baderinwa added that the 15 years old moribund Cocoa Processing Industry in Ede has been revived by the Aregbesola’s administration, disclosing that a Chinese company, Shanghai Golden Monkey Group was ready to invest N10billion into the economy of Osun state through cocoa processing and production.

The company, according to Baderinwa would have the capacity to provide 1,000 jobs for the unemployed youths in the state in the next two years when it begins full production.

The Commissioner also recalled that a computer manufacturing company,

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the Adulawo/RLG in Ilesa had just won a $3.2million contract from the NTA/NBC to produce the digital switch over boxes aside its production of telephones and other computer accessories which has positively rubbed on the state economy.

“It is also on record that the volume of trade in the state has increased geometrically and the positive effect will soon be felt by all indigenes and residents of the state.

He maintained that in spite of the economic hardship that hit deep in the finances of the state, agro-industries, small and medium scale enterprises survived and are booming back to life in the state due to the friendly environment and encouraging economic policy of A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration.

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4 A Much Needed Midterm Appraisal •Continued from front page

then Western Region, the Action Group (AG) as well as the subsequent inability to put together a working alliance with other parties in order to attain the majority in the Central House of Representatives needed to form a government was the trajectory that opened up the schism which eventually created a rupture in the party.

We must learn from the cause and effects of the tragic events leading to the fracture in Western Nigeria in 1962, as we are again at a significant crossroad. Urban Media’s midterm appraisal is therefore a way to answer the eternal question – ‘What is to be done?’ The organisers in the attempt to unravel the puzzle have sensibly divided the central theme into three sub-themes.

These will encompass – SubTheme I: The Southwest in National Governance: An Appraisal of the First two years

by Prof. Bolaji Aluko. SubTheme II: From Osun To Abuja: Investing in Social Infrastructure in a Recession by Dr. Charles Adediji Akinola. Sub-Theme III: Federalising Political Parties to conform with Local needs – APC as a case point by Senator Olubunmi Adetunmbi.

In discussing the sensibly laid out sub-themes, a very seminal core will undoubtedly come out.

We are full of commendations for this sensible, methodological approach. For as the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has with characteristic foresight pointed out, the critical issue of our epoch must not be reduced to vacuous sloganeering which bifurcates the real issues. We expect the

•From left, Dr. Charles Adediji Akinola, Prof, Bolaji Aluko, Sen. Olubunmi Adetunmbi. Bringing Analytical Rigour To A Discourse On Strategy And Tactics.

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For as the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has with characteristic foresight pointed out, the critical issue of our epoch must not be reduced to vacuous sloganeering which bifurcates the real issues. issues to be as distilled as can possibly be in the circumstances that the country, nay the Southwest has found herself. The forewarning of Ogbeni Aregbesola has since been endorsed by Prof. Wole Soyinka, who this week stated that “…So, when people use words like ‘restructuring, reconfiguring or call it reconfiguration, return to status quo, or call it reformulating the protocols of our association or used a single word like restructuring, it doesn’t matter. Everybody knows what we are talking about. That is number one.

“Also, there are those who try to divert the attention away from

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agreement on the basis of peaceful co-existence in one country. In this view we must have at the back of our minds the German view of achieving consensus. According to the Germans – “A compromise is the art of dividing a cake in such a way that everyone believes he has the biggest pie”. Of course the old but undying art of forging consensus can be quite ardous to the point of being frustrating at times; what history informs however is that the outcomes are oftentimes more enduring.

As we forge the necessary national compromise, the vital inputs of serious-minded consensus seekers and constitutionalists such as our own Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Chief Bisi Akande, Prof Wole Soyinka and groups such as Urban Media Resource Limited will be acknowledged.‘

the main issue by mouthing platitudes…”

Once again, we commend Urban Media Resource Limited for introducing analytical rigour into the discourse, this is a vital ingredient in the construction of a pathway for lasting solutions to the nation’s multifaceted problems.

The output of serious minded initiatives such as the midterm appraisal will be a very good roadmap and resource material as the country’s nationality groupings and components work out OSUN a vitally needed, national democratic Publisher

The Need For Teachers' Redistribution

Acting Editor

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Lagos Editor

want to use this opportunity to task the government of the State of Osun on the need for redistribution of teachers in public schools in the state.

It has been noticed that in some public schools, there are more than enough teachers, while in some, there is shortfall. The schools that have been at the receiving end of this discovery are the ones at the rural areas.

Since it is difficult for the government to employ more teachers for now due to the economic situation, the government can still do with the ones already on ground and get the best out of them by ensuring that they are

evenly distributed.

It seems that, many teachers have cultivated the habit of manipulating their ways, when they are posted to rural areas and this has been

affecting the system in the rural areas, hence the need to take action.

While I commend the government for the infrastructural development in the education sector, it will amount to waste of resources if the best are

not gotten out of the pupils who should be the direct beneficiaries.

Besides, I commend the government for ensuring effective monitoring of activities in public schools in the

state, particularly elementary and middle schools.

It has been established that the government, through SUBEB is doing well in the monitoring of elementary and middle schools, more than the

High Schools.

Another established fact is that, in any public establishment, without effective monitoring, civil servants, including teachers naturally show care free attitude to their job, and I must say that this is badly affecting the quality of our education system.

While the SUBEB should strengthen its activities towards monitoring of schools activities at the elementary and middle levels, I want call on the government to task officials in charge of the High Schools to do the same for the High Schools in the state.

•WALE OLABAYO, IleIfe, State of Osun

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Healthcare Delivery System:

Osun As A Case Study Of recent, Osun Healthcare Delivery System has been in the limelight, particularly on issues bothering on salaries and allowances of its medical and health workers, a situation that has portrayed the state has been insensitive to the healthcare welfarism of the people. FRANCIS EZEDIUNO writes on the activities of the state government on healthcare delivery system.

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N recent times, the healthcare delivery system in the State of Osun has been in the limelight, particularly on issues bothering on welfare of medical doctors; salaries and allowance, as well as ‘agitations’ by the medical workers for the provision of medical equipments and other consumables.

The agitations, particularly, by medical doctors has recently resulted into industrial action.

Unfortunately, these agitations by the medical doctors on provision of consumables did not come, until the issues of Modulated Salaries Structure being paid to all categories of •Governor Aregbesola during one of the government-sponsored eye treatment programme in the state. workers in the state, in line with the agreements reached by the were paid recently when the government sector. government with the labour unions came received the second tranche of the Paris However, the records have shown to bear. Government of the state has said Club Refunds. that, the government has taken proactive that the Modulated Salary structure was However, the agitation of the medical measures towards ensuring that the agreed on when it was clear that the doctors in the state service, particularly people live a healthy life. One of such revenue accruable to the state could not on provision of consumables have measures was the emergency declared meet its obligations. In line with the continue to raise questions of sincerity by the Governor Rauf Aregbesola agreement, the government has been on the part of the medical personnels, as administration on environment which paying 100 per cent of deserved salaries the issues that resorted to industrial culminated into the introduction of bifor workers in level 1-7 across board – action has portrayed Osun as being monthly general environmental including health workers; workers in insensitive, even without recourse to the sanitation, weekly market sanitations, level 8 to 10 receive 75 per cent; while investment of the government in the and weekly sanitations in government workers in level 12 and above, the fat cats in the service receive 50 per cent of their pay, with a promise that the outstanding The agitation of the medical doctors in the would be paid when the economic state service, particularly on provision of situation of the state improves. The other categories of workers have shown consumables have continue to raise questions of understanding on the adopted structure, sincerity on the part of the medical personnels, as but the medical doctors have insisted on taking their full pay, because they are the issues that resorted to industrial action has “essential workers”. Of course, findings portrayed Osun as being insensitive, even have shown that the promise for the payment of the outstanding salaries are without recourse to the investment of the been fulfilled, as two months of the government in the sector. outstanding salaries and allowances

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establishments.

These measures played a major role in the healthrelated issues in the state.

SANITATION MANAGEMENT As it is with other areas of improving on public health, the state ministry of environment is seen to have been proactive in ensuring that citizens of the state have reason to enjoy the best which the environment has to offer. A central dumping ground has been provided where all the waste generated within Osogbo, the state capital and adjoining towns are disposed properly according to international standards. Also, massive awareness programmes have been ongoing to sensitise the public on the dangers of refuse and bush burning, indiscriminate dumping of refuse on drainage and the need to get water tested drinkable in laboratories before ingestion.

Besides, Osun is known to be one of the popular states in terms of dredging the waterways which have been blocked by the nonchalant attitudes of the people who have cultivated the habit of dumping refuse on waterways without recourse to health hazard attached to it.

The Osun state government said it has completed the dredging of more than 150km of waterways and canals in the state to pave way for free flow of water in Osogbo, Edun Abon and other floodprone areas across the state.

So far, all these efforts were seen to have yielded positive results and reduced the unnecessary traffic in the health •Continued on page 6

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MAGAZINE

Healthcare Delivery System: •Continued from page 5 facilities across the state, just as the level of public safety and health consciousness has risen.

Records available to this medium also show that during the first tenure of the administration, there was massive rehabilitation of health facilities across the state, supply of health equipment and provision of drugs, the gestures which received commendations from both local and foreign observers.

The state’s former Commissioner for Health, Dr Temitope Ilori has once said that the government has committed a huge sum of money to procure medical supplies, such as laboratory equipment, dental equipment, theatre equipment, many of which have been distributed to the various hospitals and being put to use.

She had also said that unlike what was obtained before the advent of the administration, the state government practice totally free healthcare delivery system, not only for the young and pregnant women, it cuts across all ages and sexes.

Part of the measures seen to have been taken by the government to strengthen its healthcare delivery system was the introduction of the Osun State Ambulance Services (O’Ambulance) which had contributed immensely to healthcare delivery system in the state.

It is on record that in 2016, the service rescued more than 2000 people through its prompt rescue operations in to emergency cases across the state.

O-AMBULANCE In an end-of-the-year review of its activities, the Director General of O’Ambulance, Mr. Akinloye, said the state ambulance service responded to more than 1,116 road traffic accident emergencies across the state last year, it responded to 178 cases of collapse, 348 hospital referrals and 132 labour emergency cases all of which lives involved were saved.

Akinloye said, of 1,829 casualties involved in all the emergency cases, the agency was able to save 1,774 lives and recorded only 55 deaths, saying, of the 1,774 casualties saved, 1,116 were males, while 658 were females. He added that of the 55 deaths recorded, 27 were males and 28 females.

The O’Ambulance boss said, “the agency was able to record such significant figure of lives saved due to the resources available to it, saying, the government made available ambulances with relevant equipment, which makes rescue operation and immediate first aid for victim quick an efficient one”.

He said, “We have two sets of ambulances. We have the small ones, which are 31 in numbers - one for each local government. They are stationed to serve the primary healthcare centres in the local governments. We have the big, high-tech ones. We have 17 of that and

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Osun As A Case Study

dropping and the cases had further reduced due to the proactive measures taken by the government of the state.

Of recent, the Osun government, the National Malaria Eradication Programme (NMEP), Society for Family Health, Catholic Relief Services, Osun Ministry of Health commenced the flag-off of the replacement exercise for the Long Lasting Insecticidal Nets (LLIN).

During the exercise, a total of 2.99 million LLINs would be distributed free to families and to achieve this, a sum of N2 billion was set aside.

This is only part of the many exercises embarked upon by the state government in an effort to •The deputy governor, Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori demonstrat- rid the state of malaria. ing the usage of mosquitoes net, recently.

While flagging off the replacement campaign of each is stationed along major routes LLINs, the governor, represented by his especially where we do experience high deputy, Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori said, no rate of road traffic accident. effort would be spared in kicking out malaria “We have our ambulances in strategic scourge in the state, saying dredging of places and so it is easy for us to move drainages, streams and expansion of river swiftly. Our response to any scene of channels were part of the measures deployed accident wherever it happens in the state by his administration to enhance a healthy is between 10 to 15 minutes. Sometimes, environment for all. it is faster than that depending on the He contended that filthy environment, location of such incident. which serves as impetus for breeding He commended Governor Aregbesola mosquitoes and spreading malaria parasites for providing the logistics and other would not be tolerated in the state to boost paramedical gadgets for the agency, the health of the citizenry, saying the saying the agency is more committed to distribution of the net would complement saving lives of the people of Osun and the efforts being made by his administration those passing through the state. in the fight against malaria in the state.

“We have the logistics. And with the MATERNAL AND CHILD support of Mr. Governor, things are HEALTHCARE going on smoothly and we are working.

Over the years, Osun has always been a We are in the business of ‘life-saving,’ so force to reckon with when it comes to we cannot but double our efforts to maternal and child healthcare. With this in ensure we prevent avoidable deaths”, he mind, the state had always been a partaker stressed in the national maternal and child healthcare EYE-RELATED DISEASES week which is held twice in every year in What about the eye treatment services March and November. in the state, which record showed that During these exercises, appreciable over 5,000 patients benefitted from eye successes have always been recorded and it treatment and about 1,854 of them were is on record that Osun has always come on given eye glasses, while about 1,000 top nationally, as the international agencies patients were operated for cataract in partnership with the federal and state extraction. The same goes for surgical governments have always praised Osun for mission, where over 1,000 patients were the inspiration towards addressing issues operated surgically, over 10,000 were that have to do with maternal and child screened for hypertension and diabetes, healthcare. using the blood pressure check as well EBOLA, LASSA FEVER AND OTHERS: as urine test, while many of them were During the 2014 Ebola emergency and the given drug freely. This was done during Lassa fever emergencies that is still the first tenure of the administration and prevalent, the state of Osun government took the intervention has not stopped. and can still be seen taking adequate steps MALARIA: to keep its citizens protected. Some of these In 2009, records showed that Osun had include, involving the media and soliciting over 500,000 reported cases of malaria, their help in sensitising the populace about but by the end of 2011, about one and prevention and management of these half years after the Aregbesola diseases, establishing quarantine facilities in administration assumed office, the cases case of emergency, provision of protective had dropped to less than 200,000 in the kits for health workers who are the first in state. The tempo had since been line to respond to emergencies, provision of

Unlike what was obtained before the advent of the administration, the state government practice totally free healthcare delivery system, not only for the young and pregnant women, it cuts across all ages and sexes.

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•The dredging excercise in one of the blocked water channels in the state.

ambulances for medical evacuations and also emergency telephone lines for effective communication.

HEALTH WORKERS WELFARE It is a known fact that no state government has attained a 100 per cent level in the satisfaction of its workforce, same can be said of Osun.

Notwithstanding the basic shortcomings, many yearnings of the health workers in the state have been met. Most of these health facilities have been staffed and equipped, many of the health centres: comprehensive health centres and primary Health Care centres are now operating a 24-hours shift.

The major challenge facing health workers in the state is that of salaries and allowances, of which the state government has promised to address as soon as the economy of the state bounce back to life.

PROVISION OF MEDICATION AND CONSUMABLES It is no news that treatment in public hospitals in Osun is free, which means that dispensing of drugs is also free. From investigations, hospitals in the state still offer free treatment, especially to mothers and children, but medical consumables still have to be bought from major pharmacies outside the hospitals. However, a source has revealed that the government has already set machineries in motion and is in the process of taking delivery of some medical consumables.

ESTABLISHMENT OF STATE PRIMARY HEALTHCARE BOARD In a bid to make healthcare affordable for all its citizens, the government of the state has established the State of Osun Primary health Care Development Board which had embarked on many laudable health initiatives and programmes, as well as gone into partnership with local and international development partners to improve on the state health system.

With the bill sent to the State House of Assembly for the creation of this agency assented to, the Aregbesola administration created the agency from the old State of Osun Ministry of Health. Since its creation in 2016, the state has further recorded astounding success in the areas of responsibility the agency has been saddled with. More doctors have been employed, the primary health sector had been overhauled, and fence mending approaches have been implemented in order to broker peace between the state government and medical, health workers.

Unfortunately, one major critical challenge that the observers said has been hindering public health system is the lackadaisical attitude of some medical personnels to work. Findings showed that some of the doctors working in the government hospitals have their personal private hospitals, where they refer patients to for treatment and be charged, instead of treating such patient in government health centres. This attitude is seriously telling on the public health system and making the people to lose confidence in the system.

However, currently, doctors in the state service are on strike, a scenario that does not augur well for the healthcare delivery system of the state, especially the downtrodden and the fast-disappearing middleclass who cannot afford services rendered by private health facilities.

The strike has grounded the health system in the state, hence, the need for the government and striking doctors to find a meeting point is vital.

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

COMMUNITY

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Olorunda North LCDA Flags Off New Market

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N the bid of his administration to improve developmental projects commercial activities in Olorunda North Local he had executed in Council Development Council Area (LCDA), Osogbo and its environs, Ota-Efun Osogbo, the Executive Secretary, which he described as Honourable Abdul-Quadri Owonikoko has flagged second to none.

He therefore enjoined off Oba Oyewale Matanmi Market, Dagbolu, the people of the state to Osogbo. commitments to the be law abiding and to According to a provision of all social support the government statement by the facilities to making the to further bringing Information Officer of the market conducive for development down to the council, Mrs. traders, appealed to the state.

Oloruntoyin Adejobi, the people of the local In her goodwill market which is slated to government to message, the Iyaloja be on weekly basis took complement the efforts of General of the state, Awawu off on Saturday, August the government through Alhaja A s i n d e m a d e 25th, 2017. their cooperation in line Owonikoko while with its policies and congratulated the people of Dagbolu community flagging off the market programmes. the successful stated that the Speaking on behalf of for establishment of the Ataoja of Osogbo, Baba establishment of the market would go a long Kekere of Osogboland, market and urged traders in the market to be way in socialising, as well Chief Sulaiman to all and sundry as commercialising the Olanipekun commended friendly so as to boost patronage. community and the local Governor Rauf While reacting, the government in general.

Aregbesola for the Baale of Dagbolu, High According to him, the various meaningful and Chief S.S Oyebode gesture was part of the commitment of his administration to breathe life into commercial activities in the area, with HE Executive Secretary, Atakunmosa West a view to boosting the Local Government, Hon. Omole economy of the area.

Adegbamigbe has urged the people of local The council boss government and its sister council, Atakumosa stressed that the market Central Local Council Development Area (LCDA) would assist his to support the Government of the State of Osun administration towards towards eliminating malaria in the society. boosting the Internally He made the call lasting insecticide net Generated Revenue of during the flag off of was part of the the council with a view to distribution of insecticide government efforts to guaranteeing its net, last week Thursday. guaranteeing health sustainability.

Omole, who living among the people.

He then commended appreciated He said, “the mosquito the the efforts of the Governor of the state, net was prepared with community for taking a Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola environmental-friendly giant steps towards the for taking the healthcare formulated chemicals actualisation of the goal. of the people with capable of knocking Owonikoko who seriousness said, the down mosquitoes and reiterated his distribution of the long- other insects that

•(From right) Hon Owonikoko, Chief Sulaiman Olanipekun, Alhaja Awawu Asidemade, the Iyaloja-General of Osun, during the official flag off of late Oba Oyewale Matanmi market, Dagbolu, Osogbo. expressed happiness over the successful establishment of the market, saying the

gesture would also increase the revenue base for the local government as well as the community.

He pledged on behalf of his people to do the needful in supporting the government of the day.

Council Boss Harps On Support To Eliminate Malaria

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Ayedire LG Chairman Tasks Citizens On Usage Of Mosquito Net

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S part of his vision and determination to ensure healthy living among the people of Ayedire Local Government, the Executive Secretary, Otunba Mukaila Oladejo has urged the people to make use of long-lasting insecticide nets being distributed across the Local government judiciously in other to tackle malaria.

He gave the charge Noting that the while flagging off the investment of the distribution of Long government on Lasting insecticide nets at healthcare delivery Ile-Ogbo, headquarters of system was enormous, Ayedire Local the council boss said that Government. there is need for the He emphasised that people to support the the nets which would be government towards distributed free of charge in all the primary Health realising its dream in the centres and selected health sector.

The Coordinator of the centres were aimed at ensuring that the people programme in the of the council live a council, Mr. Oladimeji Abiola advised the healthy life.

people to make use of the net when sleeping so that malaria would be kicked out of the area, saying prevention is better than cure.

Among those in attendance were, Executive Secretary Ayedire South Local Government, Femi Idowu; the Olu of IleOgbo, Oba Abeeb Adetoyese Agbaje; Olupo of Oluponna, Oba Oyebanji Oyeleso; Olowu of Kuta, Oba Adekunle Hammed; APC Chairman Ayedire LG, Hon Rasheed Olubori and Osun West APC Senatorial Leader, Yinusa Amobi.

•Otunba Oladejo presenting a mosquitoes net to one of the beneficiaries.

transmit disease when it comes to contact with it”.

He continued and advised people of Osun to take the issue of their health serious by complying with all the governmental health programmes and make use of the advantage to its maximum.

“I wish that all of us should take the issue of our health serious by complying and key into g o v e r n m e n t ’ s programmes and make use of the advantage.

Malaria is a long age disease in our environment and is

endemic in Nigeria, it transmits its parasite by the bite of an infected female anopheles mosquitoes.

Charging the people to subscribe to the issue of healthy environment, he said, “this insect breeds where there is over grown weeds, accumulation of stagnant water and refuse and in order to eliminate malaria, we should all join hands together to maintain total environmental sanitation of our environment at all time”.

Omole explained that

the sponsor and organiser of the programme in conjunction with the state government had made campaign efforts, targeting every household in all the nooks and crannies of the two councils He added that the partners had engaged various categories of workers for different assignments to ensure that the net gets to appropriate quarters without sentiments, irrespective of religious, ethnic, political affiliation and social background.

•Adegbamigbe presenting mosquitoes net to one of the beneficiaries.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

That I formerly known as ARANSE GANIYU, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL GANIYU ADEPOJU. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note of this.

That I formerly known as ARANSE FASILAT, now wish to be known and addressed as LAWAL FASILAT AJOKE. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note of this.

That I formerly known as ABRAHAM ADEKUNLE, now wish to be known and addressed as A D E K U N L E ABRAHAM. All former documents remains valid.

Banks and general public should take note of this.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

That I formerly known as MARTINS TOSIN DAMILOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM TOSIN DAMILOLA. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note of this.

That ADEDEJI FUNMILAYO OLUWAS and ADEDEJI FUNMILAYO O. is the same person as ADEDEJI FUNMILAYO OLUWASEUN. Now wish to be known and addressed as ADEDEJI FUNMILAYO OLUWASEUN. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note of this.

That I formerly known as OLASUNKANMI ATANDA, now wish to be known and addressed as OLANREWAJU RAMONU ATANDA. All former documents remains valid. FCMB PLC and general public should take note of this.

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OSUNDEFENDER www.osundefender.org

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

THE SOCIAL REGISTER

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A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Grandchildren Celebrate Mama Ara At 84

Wedding Ceremony Between Modupe Falade And Oluwafemi Fasanmi In Ilesa Last Saturday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

By Gbenga Adeniyi HE ancient town of Ilesa in the came forward with the formal State of Osun was the host city proposal and items requested by the of dignitaries, as Modupe Falade family to have their Dorcas Falade, a Nigeria Peace Corps daughter’s hand in marriage.

Officers, Osun State Command got The programme marking the married to his better half, solemnization of the holy Oluwafemi Fasanmi. matrimony between Oluwafemi and Saturday 2nd of September would Modupe held on Saturday 2nd forever remain memorable in the September, 2017 at Ilesa East Local annals of history for both the Government, Iyemogun road, Ilesa, Fasanmi family and Falade family as Osun State. their Children, Modupe and The Osun State Commandant of Oluwafemi graduated from Nigeria Peace Corps (NPC), Patriots spinsterhood and bachelorhood into Kayode Ayinde Paul, Ekiti State the realm of solemnization.

Commandant, Mattew Okotie, The engagement of the two love Osun Deputy State Commandant on birds was held at Methodist women Admin, Akande Olawale, Osun Fellowship Event Field, Ilesa, Osun Deputy State Commandant on State on Saturday 2nd September Operation, Farominiyi Olaitan, 2017 during which Fasanmi family Corps Secretary, Osunkoya David and other Peace Corps Officers in Nigeria joined the congregation who witnessed how Oluwafemi and Modupe were formally declared husband and wife.

The entire congregation later retired to Methodist Women Fellowship Event Field where a reception was held.

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

2017 Hon. Waseu Adebayo Empowerment Programme, Held At Olorunda Local Government, State Of Osun, Recently.

Photo: Shola Aderinto.

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•Newly-wedded couple, Mr and Mrs Fasanmi Oluwafemi.

•Mrs Arawole (middle), her daughter, Sola Jacobs and grandchildren, during the celebration.

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•Chief (Mrs) Rebecca Arawole

ECENTLY in the ancient city of IleIfe, State of Osun, the grandchildren of Chief Mrs Rebecca Arawole celebrated God’s goodness in the life of mama, as they celebrated her 84th birthday in style.

According to Ayomipo Joy Arawole, the celebration of her mama’s birthday is a token to appreciate God’s love and grace in the life of the octogenarian, as well as to appreciate all she had meant to the grandchildren.

She added, “Mama is a teacher per excellence, a disciplinarian, a devout Christian and epitome of faith Also Mr Seun Oloyede described her grand mum as a philanthropist who had touched many lives positively as a teacher and life coach.

He therefore wished her many years in good health and God’s blessing

OSPOLY Students Celebrate BSF Week, As Colleague Marks Birthday

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T was an atmosphere of joy and celebration last Sunday, in the premises of the First Baptist Church Oke-esa, Iree as some students of the Osun State Polytechnic Iree who are members of Baptist Student Fellowship celebrated their week, just as one of them Omotoso Modupe Olayemi celebrated her birthday The president of the fellowship, Ebenezer Oye appreciated God for the success of the Sunday service tagged

B.S.F week.

He said “I am filled with joy when seeing our brethren coming from far and near for the programme and I wish them journey mercy back to their various destination “ He also congratulated the celebrant on her birthday.

The celebrant, Modupeola also expressed her gratitude to her friends and well wishers for celebrating with her.

•Modupeola, holding her birthday cake with friends.

•Osun State Commandant Nigeria Peace Corps, Patriot Ayinde Paul (3rd right); his deputy, Olaitan Fariminiyi (2nd left); Corps Secretary, Osunkoya David (2nd right) and others.

Sallah:

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•(L-R) Sectary to Osun State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; APC Party chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Speaker Osun House of Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salam and Hon. Waseeu Adebayo, representing Olorunda Local Government during the empowerment programme.

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HE lawmaker representing Olorunda State Constituency, Hon Waseeu Adebayo last Tuesday distributed empowerment materials to members of his constituency as a means of making them self-reliant.

The event was well attended by party leaders and intending aspirants

including the Speaker of the state Assembly, Hon. Najeem Salaam; the deputy governor, Mrs Grace TitiLaoye-Tomori; Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; the State Party Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun; the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye and former Commissioner for Information, Oluomo Sunday Akere among other dignitaries.

Osun Commissioners, SA Honoured

Crowd Besiege Osun Freedom Park For Celebration

HE social protection projects of the State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has once again been commended by the residents of the state particularly the Eid-el-Kabir holidaymakers who besieged the popular Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo for Eid-el-Kabir celebration.

The ýresidents also extolled Aregbesola for being aggressive towards rejuvenating the economy of

the state through his social protection initiatives.

The park had during the Eid-el-Kabir celebration witnesses an impressive influx of people who have come for one or two recreation, refreshment and relaxation activities across the state.

It is not an hyperbole to say that the 2017 Eid-el-Kabir was enveloped in funfair and celebration galore with mass participants at the park.

•Fun seekers at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo.

While eulogising the state government under the leadership of Governor Aregbesola for putting in place such recreation centre, those at the park described the centre as first of its kind in the state.

Speaking intermittently to express their delights on the centre, Comrade Ibrahim Muslihudeen Olayinka; Miss Mufliat Adeniyi, Mr. Jooda Nurudeen Olaniyi, Dr Olawale Sulaimon, Mrs.

Romoke Anjorin, Mr. Salaudeen Sakiru and Engineer Nureni Adebiyi said with the construction of the park, the state has opened a new opportunity for tourism sector to thrive.

In his words, Dr Sulaimon said the emergence of the park in the state capital will in great measure have a great impact in the economy of the state.

According to him, “I am highly impressed to be here with my family. This is impressive and it has to be commended because since the creation of this state, nothing as such has been done.

“Despite the fact that this park is still under construction, the facilities therein are in no doubt suitable for refreshment.

“As you can see, we have had a lot of nice times here. We have taken pictures at different locations and my family members are in no doubt feeling fully at home. ”Though I don’t stay at home but each time I come home for one thing or the other, I am always impressed with the pace of development especially in the area of infrastructure”, Dr Sulaimon added.ý In the same vein, Comrade Olayinka an indigene of Ilobu in Irepodun Local Government Area of the state, described the park as unprecedented in the history of the state.

He hailed Aregbesola for turning Osogbo to a real state capital through the provision of physical infrastructures, saying the construction of the park at a conspicuous location has given Osogbo another face-lift of development.

•(L-R) Osun Commissioner for Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu; Special Adviser to the Governor on Information and Strategy, Mr Semiu Okanlawon; Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kolapo Alimi; Chairman, Osun State Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Olori Bola Akinyemi and Commissioner for Justice and Attorney-General of the state, Dr. Bashiru Ajibola, at an award of recognition on Okanlawon and Isamotu, during the 1st and 3rd Official Investiture Ceremony of Female President of GRA Osogbo Rotary Club at the Leisure Spring Hotel, Osogbo recently.

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 SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

Osun 2018: PDP Plots Hate Campaign

Against Aregbesola, APC

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road as a mark of lack of concern for the plight of the people of Iwoland.

It was also gathered that the PDP members resolved to play devil’s advocate by telling the people of Iwoland that Aregbesola did not treat the Secretary of the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti well and attempted to frustrate him out of office.

“They wanted to paint a picture that Aregbesola does not like Iwoland and that is why the SSG is being marginalised by his administration”, said the sources.

The sources also said that the PDP allegedly concluded on embarking on campaign of calumny with the ongoing Gbongan/Osogbo road dualisation which has gone on for more than two years which was initially earmarked for it.

“At the meeting, the party concluded to poison the mind of the people of Gbongan, OdeOmu and other communities that the Gbongan/Osogbo road is serving. The people engaged for the job will be telling the people that Aregbesola has bastardised the economy of the area with the noncompletion of the road”, the source disclosed.

It was gathered that the PDP has begun move to source for fund to implement these strategies.

Senator Ademola Adeleke, who is representing Osun West Senatorial District at the Senate, two other people in Lagos and one of the recently inaugurated caretaker committee members have been penciled down as financiers of the project.

O launch itself back into the heart of the people of the State of Osun ahead of the 2018 governorship election, some characters in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) were alleged to have decided to launch hate campaign against Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the and the APC lose the state. strong base it has in A source within the Osogbo, the state capital PDP in one of the faction by watering down his said the party has love in the heart of concluded arrangement Osogbo residents. to whip up community To achieve that, the sentiments against PDP allegedly resolved Aregbesola and his party to sell a story that Osogbo with a view to getting is being marginalised in towns and cities to reject the Aregbesola’s them in 2018 at a meeting administration with too held with leadership of little number of the newly inaugurated appointments and that Caretaker Committee. the governor is PDP sources who victimising prominent spoke with OSUN Osogbo indigenes who D E F E N D E R o n are members and condition of supporters of the APC. anonymity confessed The PDP also resolved that the newly elected to discredit the Senator Ademola A r e g b e s o l a ’ s Adeleke and two wealthy achievement in Osogbo Nigerians in Lagos have by watering down their been contacted to essence and dissuading bankroll the project. indigenes of the city from According to the PDP commending him on the sources, the PDP has also ground that Osogbo set up a committee to deserved more work on aggrieved i n f r a s t r u c t u r a l members of the APC, development than what particularly the Deputy it is on ground, compared Speaker of the House of to the votes given to the Representatives, Hon. governor.

Lasun Yusuff and Alhaji The medium learnt Fatai Diekola with a plan that the PDP has been to get them to continue recruiting people to carry undermining the leaders out the hatchet job. of the APC and causing For Iwo Federal crisis. constituency, the PDP The PDP sources sources disclosed that the disclosed that the party dilapidated Osogbo/Iwo could not win election in road was chosen to the state with fair launch the hate campaign campaign, hence it has against Aregbesola and resolve to recruit people the party. and engaged them to The story to tell the smear Aregbesola’s people of the Federal image and discredit his Constituency, according achievements in the state. to the sources, was that The hate campaign is Aregbesola deliberately said to be centred on refused to reconstruct the ongoing projects, religious and community crisis, among others.

According to the PDP sources at the meeting, the PDP concluded to set

By Israel Afolabi discontent for the APC by selling messages of hate, PEAKER, State of Osun House of Assembly, peculiar to a locality, to Honourable Najeem Salaam has described the people with a view to women folk as one of vital pillars of getting members of the working hard to retrench public in such locations democracy in Nigeria. it.

He made this known to hate Governor Rauf According to him, “A Aregbesola and the APC. on Tuesday while society that wants to playing host to All Specifically, the hateful grow should not messages are to be Progressive Congress undermine women (APC) Women leaders designed to stress a the local because women are very problem in a locality is across in the society”. governments in the state useful meant to whip up The speaker then community sentiment in Ejigbo. suggested more than 35 According to him, the per cent Affirmative against Aregbesola and the APC in towns and roles that women play in Action for women in the entrenchment of government as being cities.

For instance, Governor democracy can not be requested, saying, “there Aregbesola is to be held o v e r - e m p h a s i s e d , is no harm in the women responsible and made the saying, women are better request for 35 per cent of scapegoat of any wrong resources manager. political appointment in The parliamentarian Nigeria because of their in any town or city using uncompleted projects in who hinted that the important role”. such place as a deliberate number of women in the He then appealed to wish of the governor and Nigerian voters’ register the women society to is higher than that of continue to support the the APC. According to the men, said, this was a present administration sources, the PDP is reflection that women under Ogbeni Rauf working seriously to believe so much in Aregbesola to land ensure that Aregbesola democratic system and safely.

Women Folk, A Major Pillar Of Democracy - Osun Speaker

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FRIDAY SEPTEMBER 15 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 21, 2017

TAX MATTERS

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Understanding Consumption Tax

By Babalola Wasiu

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HE State Government of Osun is determined to bringing development to the door steps of the people and ensuring that further development is brought to the state through redistribution of wealth. One of the viable means to achieve this is through funding of the government through tax payment. Under current Nigerian law, taxation is enforced by the three tiers of government, i.e.

Federal, State and Local Government, with each having its sphere clearly spelt out in the Taxes and Levies (approved list for Collection) Decree, 1998.

Meanwhile, the concern of this writeup would be on consumption tax being one of the taxes collectible by State Governments of the Federation.

Consumption tax is a type of tax imposed by state Government on the purchase of certain goods and services. The stance came to being from a ruling by panel of the Supreme Court of Nigeria, led by Justice Suleiman Galadima, which unanimously declared that it was only the state Houses of Assembly that could make laws on tourism, or licensing and grading of hotels and other hospitality establishments, such as restaurants and fast food outlets. In the official gazette issued in May, 2015 by Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo- Iweala, formal Minister of Finance, it also shows that the Ministry, in part 2 items 13 granted the state governments the autonomy to collect consumption tax on hotels, restaurants and event centres. This has however

Following the presentation of a bill before the State of Osun House of Assembly on issues relating to Consumption Tax, the parliament has passed ‘The State of Osun Hotel and other Tourism Industry Enterprises Licensing authority (establishment) Law, 2015’.

•Bicci Alli, Chairman, OIRS become effective throughout the federation as far back as 26th of May, 2015.

Following the presentation of a bill before the State of Osun House of Assembly on issues relating to Consumption Tax, the parliament has passed ‘The State of Osun Hotel and other Tourism Industry Enterprises Licensing authority (establishment) Law, 2015’. In the enactment, the state, through Osun Internal Revenue Service (OIRS) is saddled with the responsibility of collecting Consumption Tax within the categories of the following business organizations: hotels, restaurants and event centres.

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To make it vividly understandable, the consumption tax is paid by any person who: (i) pays for the use, possession or for the right to the use or possession of any hotel, hotel facility or event centre; or (ii) purchases consumable goods or services in any restaurant whether located or not located within a hotel in the state.

However, the owners of hotels, event centres, as well as restaurants are just agents of collection and shall collect on behalf of the state, based on the total amount charged or payable by the consumer in accordance with the State of Osun Hotel and other Tourism Industry Enterprises Licencing

authority (establishment) Law. On the other hands, a tax of five per cent (5%) which shall apply to the total cost of facilities, consumable or personal services supplied to a consumer in, by or on behalf of the hotel, restaurant or event centre excluding Value Added Tax(VAT) is paid by any person who: (i) pays for the use, possession or for the right to the use or possession of any hotel, hotel facility or event centre; or (ii) purchases consumable goods or services in any restaurant whether or not located within a hotel in the State of Osun.

The modality for collection is well spelt out in the demand notice made available for the categories of businesses affected within the scope of this type of tax (Consumption Tax).

Consumption tax is one of the viable means of raising money to improve the local community in various ways, such as generating revenue that can be used to finance developmental projects embarked upon by government. Osun government is committed to building a more vibrant economy through the boosting of commerce and industry in the state and this will surely impact positively on the welfare of the citizenry.

This can only be achieved when all stakeholders contribute their quotas.

We must all key in to the development of the state, as we cannot afford to let our state be financially subverted.

Pay your tax; it is your civic responsibility.

•Babalola is the Information Officer, Osun Internal Revenue Service

Trending Footwears FASHION

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OOTWEARS refer to garments worn on the feet, which originally serve the purpose of

protection a g a i n s t adversities cause by the environment, particularly g r o u n d textures and temperatures.

Footwears likewise, footgears shoes therefore, primarily serves the purpose of easing locomotion and preventing injuries. Secondly, footwears can also be used for fashion and adornment as well as to indicate the status or rank of the person within a social structure.

There are so many footwears ladies like to invest in, as there are different types of footwears for ladies. Many ladies like to invest in different kind of footwears, because no matter how elegant you look in your outfit, a bad footwear can ruin your entire outfit and make you look stupid instead of giving you the compliment you deserve. Some of these footwears include highheeled footwears, simply called high heels or heels, which are footwears that raise the heels of the wearer’s foot significantly higher than the toes.

Sandals: This is an open

type of foot wear, consisting of a sole held to the wearer’s foot by straps going over the instep and, sometimes, around the ankle. Sandals can also have a heel. While the distinction between sandals and other types of foot wears can sometimes be blurry, the common understanding is that sandals leave most part of the foot exposed. People may choose to wear sandals for several reasons, and among them is comfort in warm weather, economy and as a fashion choice.

Ballet flats: There are shoes with a very low heel and a relatively short vamp, exposing much of the instep.

They are common for warm weather and may be seen as more comfortable than shoes with higher heels.

Athletic shoes: These are specifically designed to be worn for various sports. Since friction between the foot and the ground is an important force in most sports, modern athletic shoes are designed to maximise this force. Materials, such as rubbers are used.

Athletic shoes are worn by male and female, although recently, these particular kind of shoes are not just worn during sports, but also worn for fashion purpose and are often referred to as sneakers.

Research revealed that the most common footwear amongst ladies in Osogbo, the state of Osun are sandals and ballet flats. During an interview with sone of the ladies she stated that she prefer to wear ballet flats to work and even to church because she doesn’t have an automobile and don’t see it appropriate or convenient to wear heels, trekking all the way from her house

WITH

TEMITOPE AKINYELE to the

nearest bus stop where she would get a vehicle (Korope or bike).

In her own words, she said, “I love to wear h e e l s because it m a k e s every lady l o o k s classy and a d d s glamour to my entire outfit, but I can assure you, it is not comfortable wearing heels to walk a long distance.

So, because, I don’t like the idea of wearing slippers to work then changing it at the office, I manage to wear heels to my office straight away.

For my Fridays, I prefer to wear sandals because I seldom wear sneakers”.

Similarly, these were the same responses gotten from most of the young ladies in Osogbo. While some claimed that it is as a result of not having their own vehicle, some said, it was because of the absence of taxi in the state.

So, there are so many trending sandals in Osogbo with different designs and patterns some of which are suitable for the weather (rainy season).

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My Encounter With DSS Operatives - Osun Defender Reporter Toba Ajisafe, is a reporter working directly with the Online Unit of the OSUN DEFENDER Newspaper in Osogbo, State of Osun. He was attacked along with another reporter of The Point Newspaper, Timothy Agbor by officials of Directorate of State Security (DSS) on Monday, 11th September, 2017 while covering the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) procession on the call for Local Government Autonomy within the premises of the Osun House of Assembly. Toba recount his ordeal and that of his colleague.

I

received a call by 7:14am on Monday morning from a colleague of mine who is a correspondent of Nigerian Tribune, Oluwole Ige, informing me of Nigeria Union Of Local Government Employees (NULGE) procession that will commence by 10:00AM over ‘’Local Government Autonomy”. I gave him my word that I will be there to report the procession.

By 9:00AM, I got to the Nigeria Union of Journalist, Correspondent Chapel, Fagbewesa street, Osogbo to recharge my phone for a while before I join the procession. I was told that Timothy Agbor will be available too and this made me to put a phone call through to him.

On the line I said, “Hello, I learnt that you will be at the NULGE procession, he responded; Yes! And we both agreed to meet for the assignment.

At 11:43am, I saw the NULGE members at Ola-Iya junction which is not far from NUJ, Correspondent Chapel where I was. Immediately, I took my phone and went to join the procession at Ola-Iya where I started taking pictures and recording the peaceful procession of NULGE members. I saw Timothy Agbor at the procession.

Timothy and I joined the procession as they march through Ogo-Oluwa, but the unfortunate scene happened by 12:06PM when we got to Ataoja High School before the Federal High Court when a lady walk up to us and questioned us. Her approach revealed that she wanted to threaten us.

She asked with a bold and authoritative voice; Who are you? We responded that she should identify herself before we can.

We had to ask because we noticed that her mouth was smelling booze.

She asked again and we told her that we are journalist. We requested for her identity which I think got her angry. She pressed further that “Where is our Identity Card” we said we have to know you if we will show you our Identity card. Her response was, “It seems you are not both serious and I will teach you a lesson of your life today”. She summoned an armed colleague of her. The Operative walked down at us, then the lady instructed him that, ”this two guys are obstinate, we need to teach them lesson” We smiled, thinking it was a costly joke but the manner at which the man grabbed my jacket I was wearing and as she held Timothy by the belt suggested that they were at war with us. Immediately I took my phone out to make voice recording unknowing to the two officers. After then, we were dragged to two different areas by the roadside in front of the Ataoja High School. Suddenly, I heard the sound of a slap on Timothy’s cheek and as he wanted to retaliate the armed man left me alone to join his female accomplice in beating

•Timothy Agbor being harrased by the DSS operatives Timothy. I moved closer to the spot where they were beating my colleague, I saw Timothy’s phone on the floor which I picked and put in my inner jacket pocket.

Then, I was tapping the male officer for us to settle this amicably because we didn’t have anything to fight back, all we could settle was peace. They kept on beating Timothy and I was shouting and beckoning on people to save my colleague from the unreasonable aggressive officers, the other armed man used his gun to push me back. As I wanted to walk back to him, he cocked the gun intending to shoot me.

As I saw the intention I ran away to call a suspected police officer who has been monitoring the procession to ensure law and order is maintained. I ran to him in haste for his intervention as I took my refuge in other security agents there. What surprises me was that the police I called for intervention couldn’t solved the issue rather he was walking away from where Timothy was been battered. This made me to questioned him that, “Sir, can’t you do anything about it? And he responded” I have been slapped by the lady who you said slapped your colleague and his other officer is threatening to shoot if I made more effort. So to keep and sustained peace, I have to walk away and prayed that they shouldn’t kill your partner” This message prompted me to fear the two operatives more and then I picked my mobile phone to do a video recording of how the whole thing was happening in case it got out of hands, so that we could have something to lay reference on.

I did the video recording as the lady was also threatening to make sure I lose the phone. That time I have made up my mind that death is the next option for both of us at that scene. By that time the male officer

NUJ, DSS Resolve Crisis

T

HE Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and the Department of State Security Service (DSS) said they have resolved the crisis between the two parties over the brutalization of two members of the NUJ, Timothy Agbor of The Point Newspaper and Toba Ajisafe of Osun Defender Newspaper.

A statement by the r e p r e s e n t a t i v e s state Chairman of NUJ, reportedly apologised for Abiodun Olalere said, a the brutalization of the parley was held at the journalists.

The statement read instance of the state council, where “areas of further: “Suggestions offered and disagreement between were both parties were critical accepted for a mutual examined and resolved”. working relationship. two parties The DSS “The

promised to respect one another in the discharged of their duties for the overall development of the society”, the statement read.

The two journalists were on Monday molested and brutalised by the operatives of the DSS, while covering a solidarity procession in support of Local Government Autonomy at the Osun State House of Assembly.

•TOBA, the Osun Defender reporter.

has held Timothy Agbor by jacket and he was making phone calls as his gun was hanged around his neck. With the help of the people particularly NULGE members, Timothy was rescued from the hand of the officer as I save the recording.

Timothy was release and we were both walking side by side with each other as we thought the whole issue has been resolved. My phone was in my hands as I was trying to send some pictures of the procession to my media house but with subtlety the male Operative came to me and snatched the phone from me. I did not make any attempt to get my phone since he once threatened to shoot. We were still following the procession when I returned Timothy’s phone to him to call the Union Chairman or Secretary for them to know what has transpired. That time we were approaching Osun State House of Assembly’s gate when another man suggested to be a peace maker called the NUJ chairman, Mr. Abiodun Olalere on phone so that we could identify ourselves which we did.

So, when they sighted another phone I removed from my pocket, I think they thought the video recording is on the phone, unknowingly to myself and

Timothy, the two officers including the one that appeared to be a peacemaker started beating and kicking me to the point I fell inside a gutter, I was so furious that this is an attempt to kill us. I manage to stood my ground but the armed man held the gun to shoot again and I took to my heels out of the Assembly. As I got outside I saw the camera man of Channels Television which I think they might attack with the camera in his hands. Before I got back to where I left Timothy I noticed that members of NULGE wanted to mob the two officers which made them to take refuge at a security post house by locking themselves inside the post. As at that time, they have smashed my phone screen, while the phone of Timothy was broken into two. Then, they called for reinforcement and they were in the process of arresting us when our Union leaders, that is NUJ got to the scene. With the intervention of the secretary of NUJ, Correspondent chapel, Mr. Niyi and Chairman, Mr. Hammed Oyegbade, they couldn’t whisk us away but we were told to report to their station.

After much ado, the Chairman took us to the office of the DSS. Three of us were kept in a room and we were trying to explain what happened when the lady that slapped my colleague from the outside of the office closed the window that was opened before we came.

That was when we knew that she has been influenced by a spirit we couldn’t identify.

Twenty minute later we were taken to another office of one short plumpy man who I think is the Deputy Director of the Service.

He greeted us and ordered for three more officers as he asked us to explain our ordeal which we did. Their response was that we assaulted their officer by slapping her, which Timothy kicked against saying “What do we have to assault an armed officer? “They started threatening to arrest us if we put on arrogance posture in their presence. This made us to calm as they try to force their friendship on us.

They took us to their health center, which I see as an aberration to take care of us after which they pleaded to the Chairman of NUJ, Correspondent Chapel to kill the story for further crisis and my phone was released to me.

CDHR Condemns DSS’s Attack On Osun Journalists

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HE Committee for the Defence of Human Rights (CDHR) in Osun State has described as barbaric and condemnable, the unprovoked attack on journalists by overzealous officers of the Department of State Service (DSS).

CDHR in a press release Segun Adeyemi. signed by its Chairman Calling on the DSS and Secretary, Comrades authority to sanction the Wahab Akinrinade and errant officers and call his Emmanuel Olowu other operatives to order, r e s p e c t i v e l y o n CDHR warned that such Wednesday said the attack on newsmen must attitude of the DSS not be swept under the operatives was absurd, carpet.

The group maintained cruel and criminal, saying that it was unbecoming of that if the perpetrators of the attacks are left civilized security agents.

The human rights group unpunished, it would stated that it was further endangers the lives becoming alarming the of journalists in the state, rate at which journalists adding that it would were being molested and smear the image of the attacked by security security agencies if the operatives in the state, case was not properly and recalling that officers of the investigated Special Anti Robbery prosecuted.

The statement reads in Squad (SARS) had early this year attacked the state part: “The attack on by DSS correspondent of journalist HallMark Newspaper, Mr operatives is highly

condemnable.

It is barbaric and absurd to see security agents attacking newsmen with impunity.

This reminds us of the dark days of military era. ”Journalists are not just workers; they are the eyes and ears of the public.

They are members of the fourth estate of the realm who are constitutionally empowered to perform their duties. Injustice to one is injustice to all.

“An attack on any journalist is an attack on all; and a threat to democracy. If journalists could be attacked freely by the DSS officers, who is save from the uncivilized and criminal act? It is a dangerous trend seeing DSS officers, who were supposed to be civil, informed and enlightened waging war against journalists.”

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Giving Information To Security Agencies Will Aid Crime Fighting - Osun NSCDC Commandant The Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC), is a Para-military agency of the Federal Government, commissioned to provide measures against threats and any form of attack or disaster against the nation and its citizenry. The agency is created by the NSCDC Act No. 2 of 2003 and amended by the Act of 4th June 2017.

SOLA JACOBS engages the Osun State Commandant of the NSCDC, Ayodele Olusola Philips, on some of the roles that the corps have played in ensuring security of lives and properties in the state.

OSDF: In the State of Osun, it has been acknowledged that there is relative peace and low crime rate, what in your view is the secret behind this?

Ayodele: These could be attributed to the collaborated efforts of the security agencies in Osun. When we are talking about security, it involves all stakeholders and if there is no unity amongst the security agencies, we won’t achieve anything. So, there has been synergy among all the security agencies situated in the state.

Besides that, the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the government of Osun have provided opportunity for all stakeholders involved to interact towards the sustenance of security in the state and, that is why Osun is enjoying relative peace.

OSDF: What has been the contribution of your command to the feat that had been achieved on security in the state so far?

Ayodele: We have contributed our quota by providing surveillance in the state, as we have our men in all the 31 LGS. When I say our men, I am talking about our intelligent officers and they are doing quite good job by gathering information for us.

Once we get this information as it relates to each mandate of every ministry, we disseminate to all the security agencies. For instance, if a case has to do with NDLEA, we try those cases and then transfer the cases to them. The same thing with the police. In the case of Osun, we don’t have oil pipeline, hence its burden is reduced.

OSDF: What about the protection of electricity cables in the state?

Ayodele: Our cables are very safe. As you know that the protection of critical

OSDF: Where is the collaborative point between the command and civil community in the state?

Ayodele: Well, you have said it all, we are closer to communities by the nature of our civic responsibility as implies by the name “Civil”. We respect our name and we maintain that integrity the Federal Government has given to us. Our activities had been so civic in nature. So, we collaborate with our hosting communities to ensure that the society remain peaceful.

OSDF: Do the command, handle civil cases too?

Ayodele: The command handles both civil and criminal cases; we even have power to prosecute, as the act establishing NSCDC empowered us to do so; we have the power to arrest with or without

•Ayodele Olusola, Commandant, NSCDC.

Osun

State

infrastructures is our core mandate, and when we are talking about critical infrastructures, we are talking about fixed asset in the economy, so that is our core mandate. We have all our guards stationed around every area and ensuring that we do our job the way we should.

We have our men in every sub-stations, we work with IBEDC (Ibadan Electricity Distributions Company) to be precise, collaborate with them, go out with them and any where they discover that the transformer or cable is or about to be vandalised, we take actions.

‘

We respect our name and we maintain that integrity the Federal Government has given to us. Our activities had been so civic in nature. So, we collaborate with our hosting communities to ensure that the society remain peaceful.

’

warrant. Sometimes, we run away from some cases, because we don’t want to be at loggerhead with other security agencies.

Besides, as part of peace management, we also engage in conflict resolution among willing public, willing Nigerians when the two parties are willing to settle. We have a lot of cases, we mediate on crises, land disputes, marital issues, and anything that you can think of. One wonderful thing with us is that we respect mandate of other security agencies; we try cases, then transfer cases to them.

If you go to the Nigeria Police, they will tell you the number of cases we’ve transferred to them, the same thing with the NDLEA, NAPTIP and many other.

OSDF: The issue of ritual killings in the state, what is the effort of your command to tackle this menace in our society?

Ayodele: Well, it is a collaborative effort, it is not for Civil Defence alone and we have been doing our very best, once we get information. There is nothing we can do except the people are willing to give us information. For example, there was a case we recently got hint of through intelligent gatherings, and we invited those involved, but they were scared of coming to divulge information. In this case what can we do?

We need to sensitise the public, educate them as we protect them. I am sure why they are afraid is that, they are scared of their lives. We need to do everything possible in seeking collaboration from the public to supply us with information and we assure them that any information that is given to us would be treated with utmost confidentiality.

Yoruba Summit And The Call For Regionalism THE IBADAN DECLARATION COMMUNIQUÉ OF YORUBA SUMMIT HELD IN IBADAN ON 7TH SEPTEMBER 2017 PREAMBLE Leaders and people of Yoruba nation met in a solemn gathering at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba Ibadan to deliberate on the restructuring agenda and the future of Nigeria, The summit was attended by Yoruba leaders, governors, parliamentarians Yoruba social cultural groups, professional bodies, market leaders ,youth groups and friends of the Yoruba nation After exhaustive deliberations by the largest gathering of Yoruba people from the six south-west states, Kwara and Kogi states, the following communiqué was adopted.

Summit recalls with nostalgia, the great strides made by the Yoruba nation in the years of self-government up until the abrogation of the federal constitution in 1966 evident in mass literacy, novel infrastructural strides and giant leaps in all spheres of human development.

Summit noted that the crisis of overcentralization has led to mass misery in across the country with poverty levels at 72%, unemployment rate at 65% internal immigration and internal displacement, security threat in form of Boko Haram, herdsmen and organized crime.

Summit convinced that Nigeria is careering dangerously to the edge of the slope except urgent steps are taken to restructure Nigeria from a unitary constitution to a federal constitution as negotiated by our founding fathers at independence in 1960, it was resolved as follows: 1. That Yoruba insists that Nigeria must return to a proper federation as obtained in the 1960 and 1963 constitutions. This has been our position since 1950 Ibadan conference and developments in Nigeria over the last fifty years reinforce our conviction.

2. That Yoruba are clear that restructuring does not mean different things to different people other than that a multi-ethnic country like Nigeria can only

know real peace and development if it is run ONLY along federal lines.

3. That the greatest imperatives of restructuring Nigeria is to move from a rent-seeking and money sharing antidevelopment economy to productivity by ensuring that the federating units are free to own and develop their resources. They should pay agreed sums to the federation purse to implement central services.

4. That the federating units- whether states, zones or regions must themselves be governed by written constitution to curb impurity at all levels.

5. Nigeria shall be a federation comprised of six regions and the federal capital Territory, Abuja.

6. The Federal Government shall make laws and only have powers in relation to items specified on the legislative list contained in the constitution of the Federation.

7. The Regions shall in turn be composed as states.

8. Each Region shall have its own constitution containing enumerated exclusive and concurrent legislative lists regarding matters upon which the regions and the states may act or legislate.

9. Contiguous territories, ethnic nationalities or settlement shall be at liberty through a plebiscite, to elect to be part of any contiguous region other than the region in which the current geo-political zone or state boundaries places them.

10. States as presently comprised in the geo-political zones into which they fall, which shall become regions, shall continue to exercise the executive, legislative and judicial functions currently exercised at that level of government.

11. The States with a region shall determine the items on the legislative lists in the Regional constitution for the purpose of good government and the administration and provision of common inter-state social, economic and infrastructural requirements.

Residual powers shall be vested in the states 12. The power to create states shall be

•L R; Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; Aare Afe Babalola [SAN]; Chairman Planning Committe, Dr. Kunle Olajide and the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi at the Yoruba Standing Point on Restructuring held at Adamasigba Stadium, Ibadan.

PHOTO IBRAHIM SUBAIR within the exclusive powers of the region which shall be obliged to create a state provided a plebiscite is conducted, following a request by an agreed percentage of the residents of the ethnic nationality within a state. The procedure for conducting a plebiscite and the percentage of any ethnic nationality shall be out in the regional constitution.

13. The power to create local governments and assign functions to them shall be vested in the states.

14. States shall be entitled to manage all resources found within their boundaries and the revenue accruing therefrom. The issue of the entitlement of littoral states to offshore resources and the extension of such rights from the continental shelf and rights accruing to the federal government shall be determined by the national assembly.

15. The sharing ration of all revenues raised by means of taxation shall be 50% to the states, 35% to the regional government and 15% to the government of the federation.

16. For a period of 10years from the commencement of the operation of the new

constitution (or such other agreed period to be enshrined in the federal constitution) there shall be a special fund for the development of all minerals in the country.

The Government of the federation shall raise this sum by way of additional taxation on resources at a rate to be agreed by the National Assembly.

The National Assembly shall set up a body to manage the funds with equal representation of nominees from each of the Regional governments and shall also set out and specify the guidelines for the administration of the funds exclusively for this purpose.

The president of the Federation shall appoint a chairperson for the entity so formed.

That these agreed positions of the Yoruba taken today shall form the basis of negotiations with our partners in the Nigerian project for a United Nigeria based on Justice, peace and fair play.

Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) Dr. Kunle Olajide Summit Chairman Planning Committee

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ISAAC OLUSESI writes, the very many contradictions of the erstwhile Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) government in the State of Osun that violated Osun people typically in the Aristotle brutish and nasty state of nature, however fired up in the state Grandma a moral dilemma on Osun politics, security and society.

Iya Olobi And Contemporary Osun Politics “Memorylane. In Nigeria, the date was Monday 16 April 2007; and time, 10.00am. Osun State Governor, Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in a convoy of heavily armed anti-riot police men and soldiers, on sirens towards Ilesa enrouteOkefia- Odiolowo – Ojaoba on Isiaka Adeleke dual carriage way in Osogbo and pulled up in front of the Isokun Ilesa campaign secretariat of Engineer Rauf Aregbesola, Action Congress (AC) governorship candidate and archchallenger of Oyinlola in the April 14 election.

“And about 55minutes ahead of the governor convoy, there was a bus full of PDP thugs and other squabble characters, each issued with a gun and bullet-proof vest, ostensibly in a hurry to engage in fisticuffs; the bus occupants, in disguise, erupted into praise-worships, singing and clapping the Christian way. The rendition of the “sweet” religious melodies deceptively made them look friendly to the well-known religiously over-zealous Ijesa people. And suddenly, the bus stopped at Isokun in Ilesa and the PDP thugs menacingly jumped out of the unmarked vehicle, throwing teargas, wielding batons and lethal weapons; and terror was unleashed on the irate youths and women in their inside-out dresses who had gathered, chanting songs and protesting, on reflex the PDP- INEC’s deliberately illogical falsification of the results of the April 14 gubernatorial election in favour of Oyinlola.

“The sight was one of the stunned disbelief, shock and fear as the protesters caught unawares and outgunned, had to beat a hasty retreat, with the PDP thugs in hot pursuit. The protesting youths and women’s backward movement like the he-goat tactical energy renew, soon regathered in large number. But like a scene from the Gulf war, in quick swift, the convoy of Oyinlola, with Major General Mohammed Saleh, General Officer Commanding (GOC) 2 nd Mechanized Division of the Nigeria Army, Ibadan, Oyo State, arrived without sirens and sharply joined by the advanced gang of the PDP thugs already on ground and in a twinkle, mayhem, in full was let loose; havoc in torrents, wrecked; and terror in its nude, walked on the streets of Ilesa.

“That Oyinlola-fated Monday was a full scale invasion of Ilesa as orgy of violence from all cylinders was released by the Brigade “c-in-c,” spewing forth death that ripped the brain and butchered the body of Ijesa women and youths in their prime. Oyinlola, a BrigadierGeneral (retd) who had a bullet-proof vest on him was seen raining bullets indiscriminately on all moving objects, reminiscent of when the Late Sadam Hussein bombed his own citizens and occupied Kuwait, or when the Late President Assad of Syria turned the gun against his own children. Few of the Ijesa protesters missed death by a whisker, from the exploding teargas, cracking rata-rat sound of gun fire and sight of billowing smokes from the rampaging Oyinlola and his war brigade. The reporter, also in Oyinlola’s convoy, saw the terror grow. Bullets zinged into the walls of buildings around, with the same frequency as human beings. The first person in the pool of her blood was a heavily pregnant woman, incidentally said to be a relation of the state PDP woman leader, a Chief of Ilesa...” ISAAC OLUSESI ‘’Roll Back Leprosy, Roll Back’’ Oyinlola”, Osun Defender, Wednesday, 28 January 2007 The history of Osun people under the PDP government 2003-2010 is the history of violation and dislocation by the very many contradictions of the party in the

•The late Alhaja Saratu Aregbesola, Osun Governor's Mother. state that provoked reflex response of the people to the grand electoral heist of 14 April 207 in the state, marked by the seemingly endless torture of the governed in a more terrifying disequilibrium of power relations between the governing PDP, its agents on one hand, and the people of Osun on the other hand.

And for the writer, the most terrifying, most tormenting was that life and living in Osun became a nightmare; and Ilesa, a metaphor of horror. There was burning, breaking, beating and bulleting as fire of protests spread in the land and anything, anybody in sight like in a mob action, became a ready target. In the reprisals by PDP, the opposition AC enthusiasts were frisked, ravaged, captured and flung into waiting vehicles with registration numbers EN 30 FCT (Caravan Bus) and OS 345 AOI (ash-colour Jeep) and driven away to the house of Gani Oladiran, the PDP chieftain and the alleged Ilesa PDP lead-thug at Isokun, with the trappings of medieval nativity, and were reportedly stripped totally naked and thrashed with metal objects that grotesquely twisted them in excruciating pains, typically in the Aristotle brutish, short and nasty state of nature.

In the ensuing aftermath, the chief thug, otherwise, a community leader reportedly backed out instructions, wagged his finger in a gesture of superiority and gave out orders with a calculated glance akin to the Roman Centurion, and promptly, one of his boys, Obafemi Kolawole on solo assignment seized one 17-year-old Tosin Ajakaye, shaved her pubic hair with broken bottle and forced the screaming, terrified girl to swallow the stuff and raped her with uncommon velocity and gravity of violence that landed the innocent lady in several hospitals in serial order.

Isaac Olusesi in Rape Case, Judiciary and PDP’s Gangsterism, writes: “The man did not use condom to make legal investigation, legal proof and legal

conviction difficult. He did not use condom to eliminate rape crime lab evidence…. He did not use condom to give the appearance of the victim’s consent to the sexual encounter…. And the man did not show any recognizable abnormality. The man, Kolawole was last September at the Osun High Court sitting in Ilesa convicted and sentenced to life imprisonment with whipping for rape and indecent assault, contrary to Criminal Laws of the State of Osun”. OSUN DEFENDER, Thursday, October 30, 2014.

While Oladiran was earlier docked at Osogbo Magistrate Court on Monday August 18, 2008 on the order of President Usman Yar’adua who read riot act to the nation’s Inspector-General of Police who in turn read same riot act to Osun Commissioner of Police who then arrested and charged Oladiran to court.

But the governing PDP in Osun, the Magistracy and the Police compromised judgement in the matter.

Scores of Ijesa women and youths were killed by the PDP thugs’ ecstatic quest to satisfy their pay masters, while children overwhelmed by their infertile sensibility were whisked indoors. And when it was evident that the dark forces of PDP were not ready to give Ilesa any let-up and that the war for the extirpation of political opposition members and relations must go on, the late state Grandma, Alhaja Saratu Asabi Aregbesola, affectionately called Iya Olobi was dramatically forced to leave her primeval Ilesa home.

Ironically, she was not one who loved swimming against the current. Neither was she one who tilted the world into her own orbit, nor moulded the world into her own image to have mosaically attracted the madness of PDP’s thugs. Her offence was just her son, Rauf Aregbesola’s 2006 foray into Osun politics with his activist politicking, and the son became Governor Oyinlola’s arch challenger in the 2007 gubernatorial election.

‘

The most terrifying, most tormenting was that life and living in Osun became a nightmare; and Ilesa, a metaphor of horror.

There was burning, breaking, beating and bulleting as fire of protests spread in the land and anything, anybody in sight like in a mob action, became a ready target.

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And with the thuggery larcency, the grandma and son were harassed, intimidated, hounded and victimized by the PDP political brigandage.”Remember, there is no woman so old that she cannot be illtreated by brigands,” cried Dioki in Camera Laye’s. The Radiance of the King. Yet, the adrenaline in grandma did not order her to flee from Ilesa but to stay put and fight back. The steely courage in her starred at the face of the thugs and spit at them. But her children including her daughter inlaw, the state first lady, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, ferried grandma underground to Lagos as it were, for affectionate cover over and around her.

And in Lagos, grandma did not “take refuge in an attitude of passivity, of mutual indifference and sometimes of cold complicity” in the words of Frantz Fanon. Rather, she anchored her support for her son’s struggle to retrieve his April 14, 2007 governorship mandate by engineering bridges of support in her aged primordial Ijesa people for her son’s struggle for his governorship.

However, to her children, the fact of grandma’s initial refusal to re-locate to Lagos on her own terms could have been too costly. Imagine the insults that grandma suffered from the opposition quarters at the count-down to the August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election. In a SUNDAY TRIBUNE newspaper interview, Iyiola Omisore, a constantly PDP governorship candidate in Osun, steeped in morbid hatred for Aregbesola, said:” …. May be, his PARENTS (emphasis mine) should answer that question….’’ in apparent response to the question, ‘’Are you saying that Governor Aregbesola is not from Ilesa?’’ Grandma’s initially wondered why a governorship candidate had to stand moral sensibility on the head in such a simple mater. And when she finally decided to speak on the on the prompting of the writer, she simply said: “Iyiola’s attack on me should be consigned in the gutter of his own disgrace. He’s a Yoruba child but deepening wet with restiveness, his tongue waxing carelessly and conscience impervious to the urgings of Yoruba culture of respect for the elderly”. As a politician requiring the votes of the aged to ram into power, Omosore ought to have waded through the torrents of sentimental and illogical anger in the interview.

In her Lagos home, the writer had opportunity to speak with grandma oneon- one on the milestones she would live to remember, and she readily recalled the 2006 Osogbo Oroki Day, Bomb Blast saga, 2007 Invasion of Ilesa, Police Report, and the November 2010 final Court of Appeal Declaration of her son as winner of the 14 April 2007 governorship election in the state. How did she bear all of that and the travails of her son that disrupted her serene life? ”I do my prayers and have my faith in Allah (SWT). Rauf would not only come out of detentions to govern Osun, he would be alive, hale and healthy to accord me a befittingly celebrated burial when I pass on at my own time, Isah Allahau,” she prophetically said. As she finally saw her son unscathed after all detentions and assassination attempts on his life, grandma’s faith in Allah (SWTs), her mental alertness and radiant look made the writer’s delight to visit her again. She was never an inch any wreck, her blood pressure never rose, and she did not take ill nor show any sign of illness. She never slid into any emotional abyss because her son’s wife was always bringing gifts for grandma purportedly from her son in detention cells that convinced her that all was well with the son.

•OLUSESI is Assistant Director, Directorate of Publicity, Research& Strategy, All Progressives Congress, State of Osun

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households have been mined from the Single Register domicile in the Y o u t h s Employment and Social Support O p e r a t i o n (YESSO)/State O p e r a t i o n Coordinating Unit (SOCU) as beneficiaries of the •A cross section of participants at the workshop.

Conditioner Cash Transfer (CCT) programme in the state.

The Coordinator, SOCU of YESSO, Mr. Olufemi Ifaturoti stated this while delivering his keynote address at the Training on Savings and Group This workshop aims at Mobilisation (SGM) for Local reducing extreme poverty Government Cash Transfer Facilitators and bridging inequality, organised by the State Cash Transfer Unit in the state Ministry of Women, ensuring self-reliance, Children and Social Affairs. monitoring one another The training was aimed at inculcating saving habits among the grassroot on saving and spending, dwellers across the Local Government increasing and improving Areas of the State of Osun. households consumption Faturoti who lauded the state government for its unparalleled as well as human capital commitment to social protection development among the programmes said, the Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s penchant for banishing people” poverty, banish hunger and banish unemployment through social safety net initiatives, such as O’YES, O’MEAL, AGBA OSUN, among others has attracted the World Bank and other that Osun comes out tall at the end of the programme. reputable development partners.

Pharmacist Ajayi who was The State Coordinator of Osun YESSO who harped on the need to represented by Mrs. Ruth Omoloye, a ensure that poverty and all forms of Director in the Ministry pointed out that vulnerabilities become a thing of the the workshop programme is the past, enjoined the participants and other collaborative initiative of the Federal stakeholders to ensure that the existing Government of Nigeria and the World and potential beneficiaries of the social Bank with an effort to bridge the safety nets intervention are only those observed gaps in the past social protection programme. who are in dire need of assistance.

According to her, “this workshop Expressing satisfaction about the progress made so far in the state on the aims at reducing extreme poverty and cash transfer programme, he bridging inequality, ensuring selfcommended the good work and sense reliance, monitoring one another on of urgency in making sure that saving and spending, increasing and beneficiaries receive their stipends as improving households consumption as well as human capital development and when due.

Ifaturoti who is also the Director- among the people”.

She said that the state of Osun was General, Bureau of Social Services highly priviledged to be one of the nine (BOSS) affirmed that a strong partnership still exist between SOCU/ pilot states in Nigeria to start the cash YESSO and Cash Transfer Unit, because transfer unit a year ago.

However, the participants came from the CTU has potential cash transfer benefiting households from the single almost twelve local government areas register at the YESSO state operation in the state, including Ayedire, Boluwaduro, Isokan, Ife-North, Ifecoordinating unit.

He assured that his office would South, Olorunda, Oriade, Ifedayo, Ila, continue to avail the Cash Transfer Unit Ejigbo, Ola-Oluwa and Atakumosa East of its skills and back end support, by amongst other. way of strengthening the capacity of the officers of the unit, as well as building public understanding of the importance and benefit of the Targeted Cash Transfer programme.

In their separate remarks at the event, the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Women and Children Affairs, Pharm.

Omolara Ajayi; the State Director, National Orientation Agency, Dr. Lawrence Martins, among other speakers enjoined the participants to see the training as a call to duty and ensure

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Goodwill Message Delivered by State Coordinator of YESSO Mr Femi Ifaturoti at the Training on Savings and Group Mobilisation (SGM) for Local Government Cash Transfer Facilitators 12th September 2017

Development Update ISRAEL AFOLABI/ JOSHUAAFOLABI

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am delighted to welcome a strong team comprising A Consultant from the National Safety Nets •Mr Femi Ifaturoti, the YESSO cordinator, addressing the parC o o r d i n a t i n g ticipants, during the progamme.

Office Abuja, NOA Director, Representative of the Community Based Targeting (CBT) Permanent Secretary Ministry of process, where the identification and Women Affairs- Mrs Ruth Omoloye, selection activities are devoid of either Mrs Kehinde Odediran-Director Finance elite capture, or errors of inclusion and and Admin Ministry of Women Affairs, exclusion. I can confirm that the CBT 2 Training Officers from NCTU Abuja, exercise which produced the Single MIS Officer from Oyo State and Training Register (SR) from which the Officer from Anambra. For the past few beneficiaries to this program were mined months, the NASSCO office at Abuja was also subjected to transparency test have been working closely with our local by the World Bank.

Perhaps by way of underscoring the Osun Officers on the ground to make Osun Cash Transfer Unit a functional mainstreaming of Social Protection in reality, this is essentially a Training of Nigeria, the Cash Transfer Programme Trainers which is designed to equip which used to be a component of YESSO Local Government facilitators with the a couple of months back has now been requisite tools to enable them conduct a placed under the National Social Safety further Step Down Training for the care Nets Coordinating Office (NASSCO), which is directly within the office of the givers of cash transfer.

President of the Federal Republic of This training for facilitators and other Vice Nigeria. Notwithstanding this change, a stakeholders in the State aims to strong partnership still exists between establish an efficient savings and group SOCU/YESSO and CTU, because the mobilization culture within cash CTU has to mine potential Cash Transfer beneficiaries’ households. benefiting households from the Single Having played a key role in Register (SR) at the YESSO State institutionalization of targeted Cash Operation Coordinating Unit (SOCU).

Transfer in Osun, I must say that I am I am proud to say that as at today, 7019 delighted about the progress made so far benefitting households have been mined in the State on the cash transfer from our Single Register domiciled in programme. I must commend the YESSO/SOCU office at the Bureau of leadership and staff of the Cash Transfer Social Services (BOSS).

Unit, under the auspices of Ministry of We at YESSO will continue to avail the Women, Children and Social Affairs, for CTU of our skills and back end support good works and sense of urgency in by way of strengthening the capacities making sure that beneficiaries receive of the officers of the unit, as well as their stipends as at when due. building public understanding of the As you commence this program fully, importance and benefits of the Targeted please permit me to emphasise the need Cash Transfer programme. to ensure that poverty and all forms of In conclusion, let me advise that vulnerabilities become a thing of the past participants should see this training as a for those who are currently afflicted by call to duty, while the CTU should this unpleasant predicament. Therefore, endeavor to encourage more than one we must ensure existing and potential person within beneficiaries’ households beneficiaries of this Social Safety Nets to receive this all important training, so intervention are only those who are in as to ensure good deliverables within the dire need of assistance. That is why shortest possible time.

I thank you.

Femi Ifaturoti SOCU/YESSO has spared no effort in

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