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VOL. 013. NO.35

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Osun Decision Day - Saturday •Profile Of Gboyega Oyetola

By Dayo Fasola On Page 7 •Editorial Page 4

ALHAJI ISIAKA GBOYEGA OYETOLA

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NEWS

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Osun 2018: Parties Resort To Underground Scheming

By Kehinde Ayantunji

As preparation to elect the successor to incumbent administration in the state of Osun is few days away, political parties have resorted to underground scheming in place of open rally which would be suspended on Thursday by virtue of the provision of the law.

The electoral guideline bigwigs, OSUN stipulates that no DEFENDER gathered political rally is allowed were still talking on a 48 hours to the election, possible alliance between a condition the parties and among some of the must obey in order not to smaller parties ahead of fall prey of the law.

Saturday.

In a bid to outsmart Investigation revealed one another, parties’ that no party is confident

of total victory in the election, as the chieftains were of the view that except alliance talks are successful, no single political party is sure of victory even among the front runners.

It was gathered that the PDP is struggling to reach an alliance with the SDP, having alleged that its (SDP) candidate had collected money from the PDP to give his support before the agreement collapsed, but the PDP is

said not to be given up on the possibility of something coming out of the relationship.

Meanwhile the ADC is also touting a strange affair with other parties without making headway and it was gathered that the party may seek a better deal with ADP as one of the leaders, who is also a former governor of the state was said to be negotiating with the leadership of the Action

Democratic Party.

Besides the usual talk of alliances, the APC and the ADP employed different strategies to sway voters in their favour, as an ADP chieftain, Prince Babayemi organized medical outreach in the three senatorial districts to cater for those with different medical conditions.

Similarly, the Campaign Organisation of the APC candidate also organize similar programme in the three senatorial districts, while the SDP is said to be sending out employment form to youths across the state with the promise of getting them different categories of job.

Also, the five major parties were reported to have deployed the use of ICT to reach out to potential voters in a bid to ensure they maintain and retain their

commitment ahead of Saturday.

As at the time of filing this report, no tangible alliance have been achieved by any of the parties, but it was gathered that some of the opposition parties are working towards having one before Saturday in a bid to avoid the Oyo State scenario in the 2015 governorship poll.

The candidates are also banking on their performance at the debates organised by different media outfits in the state, except the PDP candidate, Senator Ademola Adeleke who did not show up for any of the debates in the state.

However, the last minutes rush for votes among political parties is such that the populace in the state has become a bride for all the parties to court but the party that eventually wins would be the best in the trade of persuasion.

Osun 2018: Vote Best

Candidate, Osun Residents Urged •Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right); his deputy, Otunba Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori (2nd right); Gubernatorial Candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola (2nd left); and Managing Director of Omoluabi Holdings Ltd, Mr Babatunde Faleye (middle) during official Commissioning of New Office Complex and Mega Filling Station in Osogbo.

Omoluabi Commissions Largest Fuel Station In South West •Iwo, Ejigbo, Ila, Two Other Cities To Get Mega Stations Before Nov. 27

By Solomon Odeniyi Omoluabi Holdings Limited, an investment arm of the state of Osun has opened for business, an ultra modern supra mega petrol and gas filling station.

The station which was opened the floodgates of in partnership with the opportunities in the state.

He stressed that the NNPC is equipped with LPG mini plant, with an fortune of the company has improved quite installed capacity of 10 metric tons which will significantly in the last cater for the LPG needs of Seven and half years N731m in Osogbo residents and its from December, 2010 to environs.

N3.2bn as at 31st The self sustained and profit driven December, 2017, adding o r g a n i s a t i o n that this year alone over commissioned an edifice, N3bn investment had which has a conference been injected into the of the rooms, halls, office spaces operations by the which can be given out company administration and by for rent or other uses.

The edifice which is the company’s head office gulped N233m and the supra mega station cost N230m.

The Managing Director of the Company, Tunde Faleye attributed the feat attained to the visionary leadership of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola led adiminstration which according to him, has •Tunde Faleye

the end of the year the company worth would be more than N7bn.

The former Managing Director of the Company, Dr Oyebamiji who said he met a moribund company and was given a mandate to re-engineer it, listed the other investments of the company which had help expand the financial worth of the company.

He said, “ we invested in manufacturing that’s the OSICOL water which can be compared with any bottling company in Nigeria. Recently the Nigerian Aviation Authority and Mediview airline adopted our water as their flying water.

“We have also invested in farming and we have 567 heactres of cocoa plantation in Obokun.

We have as well invested in the aviation center . We are in Oil and gas that is one of the sector we are commissioning today.

We have invested in financial investments derivatives which is a huge one for us and finally in trading”.

The commissioner for finance said the supra mega filling station is equipped with 26 nosel dispensing pumps making it the largest fuel station in South west Nigeria.

The NNPC GMD Dr. Mikanti Baru, said the NNPC identified with the governor’s visionary approach and commitment to build one mega station each at the local government areas in the state, this he said would improve the economy of the state as well as the well-being of the people.

Baru who was represented by the group Executive Director, and Chief Operating Officer of NNPC, Engr. Henry Ikem Obih promised that the NNPC would work closely with the government to provide technical and operational and management expertise to support the initiative .

He described the station as a one stop shop for the energy needs of the people in the state where petroleum of high quality would be •Continued on page 3

By Israel Afolabi

The people of Osun have been urged to vote for a credible candidate in the Saturday Governorship election so as to experience uncommon peace in the state.

The advice was given According to him,

by Comrade Omirinde “democracy is to be Amos, a Coordinator of blamed for the lack of Concern for Good vibrancy in today’s civil Governance, an INEC society movement in the accredited election country, but with a better observer for the coming leadership recruitment gubernatorial election in process, Nigeria will give the state when speaking leaders opportunity to with OSUN DEFENDER serve”. reporter in Osogbo.

Omirinde encouraged This, according to him, Nigerians not to lose will enable the hope but to continue to electorates to elect intercede for a better leaders with good country. antecedents rather than He advised the offering leadership electorates to come out opportunity to people enmass and ensure they with the history of being vote during scheduled anti-people.

Saturday election, Comrade Omirinde adding that by so doing, also charged Nigerian they would be youths to wake up from contributing to the slumber and be more development of the involved in political nation’s democracy. processes and vie for He also charged the positions while people of the state to admitting that shun electoral violence democracy would lead to before, during and after good governance for the the election to affirmed country if credible the state of virtuous candidates are voted into Osun is known for. power.

However, he urged the He however added Independent National that with better Electoral Commission, leadership recruitment INEC not to be bias process, Nigeria will towards any political eventually produce good party candidates during leaders that will steer her the Saturday election to ship aright. afford disruptions.

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PROFILE

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Why Ademola Refused To Attend Debates

education to 6-3-3 form.

Progressives Congress wish of the people.

By Sikiru Obarayese While in his word, Alhaji Moshood (APC), Alhaji Gboyega The reason why the governorship candidate of Oyetola assured on the Otunba Iyiola Omisore of Adeoti, and Alhaji Fatai Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ademola review of education Social Democratic Party Akinbade of Action Adeleke has been avoiding public debates has been status when emerge as (SDP), said he would Democratic Party (ADP) unveiled. the governor, if that is the reverse the structure of and Africa Democratic According to a source propaganda from his in PDP, the governorship traducers to damage candidate avoids public PDP’s candidate”, he debates because of issues said. signed by the Director of

By Francis Ezediuno over his WAEC result.

OSUN DEFENDER Media and Publicity of The source gave the findings showed that Action Democratic Party (ADP) candidate in the Moshood Adeoti hint regardless of the Adeleke was available Saturday’s election, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti has Campaign Organization defence by Adeleke that when the debates were charged the Independent National Electoral (MACO), Mr. Kayode he was held up in a on, but refused to attend. Commission (INEC) and various security agencies Agbaje and made village where his However during the in the state to criminalise vote-buying at the various available to newsmen in supporters refused to let debate organized by polling centers during the Saturday election.

Osogbo, the state capital. him go.

Channels Television, the According to him, This was contained in a statement issued and The source said, the candidate of the All result saga will definitely be utmost question for him that will come up in the debates, saying his absence is the best way to avoid it.

He affirmed that the party deliberately advised Adeleke not to show up at the debates, stressing that the debates is not a determinant of victory for PDP in the September 22.

He further stressed that the defence of Adeleke was only meant to ensure that he is not keeping quiet on the matter “The party leadership told Adeleke to avoid the debates because of issue he is battling with over his WAEC result. We know that the result issue will be raised even while the case is still in court.

“Moreover, the people of Osun state are completely behind Senator Adeleke and will •The National President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Dr Francis Faduyile (right), presenting Outstandfreely vote for him ing personality Award to Chief Executive Officer, AKOL Groups, Pharmacist Olasiji Olamiju, during the official Photo: WALE OKIKI irrespective of the commissioning of Osun NMA Secretariat and multipurpose building in Osogbo recently.

Congress (ADC) respectively, stressed their resolve to discontinue the single uniform and bring back the old uniform.

Criminalise Vote Buying - Adeoti Charges INEC, Security Agencies

Omisore Optimistic Of Victory Without Stress

Social Democratic Party (SDP) governorship candidate in the State of Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore said he would win the September 22 election without stress. and good He declared that he dignity was the man to beat in the governance which the election, saying that as state has suffered in the most experienced recent past, I will candidate, he has all it definitely take over the takes to come out governance as the victorious in the exercise. Executive Governor of state, come Omisore boasted that the none of the candidates November 27, 2018.”

Analysing the quality jostling for the governor’s seat can compete with of each of the aspirants the platform of other him in terms of on political parties, Omisore governance and claimed that “APC administrative skills and candidate, Mr Gboyega that he does not have an Oyetola and that of the opponent as regards the PDP, Sen Demola Governorship election.

Adeleke are not near Omisore stated this threat as people of Osun recently through a are fully aware of what statement by his media Oyetola has done as the aide, Prince Samson Chief of Staff to Falope.

Aregbesola, noting that He said: I’m very sure he was the brain behind that I am going to emerge the “serious blunders victorious in the coming committed by the gubernatorial election, as administration” “The almost eight no any of the other party’s candidate is years of the APC have viable enough to compete plunged the state and its with me”, Omisore people into abject poverty and penury is boldly said.

“With the readiness visible to the blind and and support of Osun- audible to the deaf, State people towards hence, it is crystal clear restoration of human that the good people of

Osun state are tired of such governance.

“The APC primary election was a charade which was skewed and designed to favour the candidate, hoodlums were used to harass and coerce members to vote Oyetola and those that

Alhaji Adeoti made the call during a courtesy visit to his campaign office in Osogbo by members of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS) recently.

The students’ body, led by the Public Relations Officer, Comrade Olatubosun Ijaduoye said their visit was aimed at identifying with the ADP candidate’s aspiration and to assure him of their support during the electoral process to ensure his victory at the poll.

In his response, Alhaji Adeoti expressed joy at NAPS support for his ambition and charged members on the need to educate their parents and colleagues on the evil inherent in vote buying.

The ADP flagbearer then charged the electoral umpire and officers of various security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute anyone caught in engaging in such in the Saturday election.

“I want to charge you on the need to go to all the nooks and crannies of the state educating your parents and colleagues on the evil inherent in vote buying.

“I also want to use the opportunity of this occasion to charge INEC, men and officers of the various security agencies in the state to arrest and prosecute anyone caught in engaging in act of vote buying during the Saturday election,” Alhaji Adeoti emphasized.

resisted were beaten by thugs.

“As for the emergence of Senator Ademola Adeleke, Omisore said, “Ademola Adeleke doesn’t have intellectual and professional capabilities to handle the affairs of financially

challenged state like ours and moreover, his emergence as the People Democratic Party candidate is on illegality with series of litigations here and there, which its foundation is faulty and cannot stand the test of time”.

Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, explained that the NNPC partnered with the state government in oil and gas as well as in Agriculture, alternative energy development and on human capacity development.

The government investments has been placed under the control of Omoluabi holding Ltd. Aregbesola said other local government would get appropriately sized filling stations the commensurate with the consumption pattern, adding that soon after this, Iwo, Ejigbo, Ila, Owena, and Ilesha would get a mega station each before the

expiration of his tenure.

The station has the PMS storage capacity of 2010 litres , meaning 30,000 vehicles could be serviced in a month.

He added the aim for the siting of filling stations across the state was never to make the people in the state suffer fuel scarcity even if others do, as it would

guarantee seizeless supplies of the premium motor spirit.

He described the supra mega filling station as the first of its kind whereby government of a state would partner with NNPC to have as well as having the NNPC retail logo as a symbol of the state collaboration with the NNPC.

JIMOH ADENIKE TAWAKALITU

AJISOLA TAOFEEQ BOLAJI

Omoluabi Commissions Largest Fuel Station •Continued from page 2 provided to the people at regulated prices .

Baru assured people in the state as well as Nigerians that the scarcity of fuel which often occurred during the end of the year had been nipped in the bud. “ As we approach the end of the year which is the peak demand season NNPC assures the people of the state and indeed Nigerians that we have more than enough supplies of petroleum products at this point, in this month and the remaining months in the year into 2019 we promise there will be no scarcity,” he said.

The governor of Osun,

That I was formerly known and addressed as JIMOH M O J O Y I N TAWAKALITU , but now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH A D E N I K E TAWAKALITU. All former documents remain valid.

Stanbic Bank and General public should take note.

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That I was formerly known and addressed as AJISOLA AHMED ADEKUNLE , but now wish to be known and addressed as AJISOLA TAOFEEQ BOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

PAGE

4

A Choice Not An Echo

One thing that should be uppermost in the minds of the good people of the State of Osun as they troop out to vote in Saturday’s gubernatorial election is the candidate that not only best approximates their hopes and aspirations in the next four years, but one that can sustain the dynamism witnessed in the last eight years under the Rauf Aregbesola administration.

In a field strewn with multiplicity of actors, the voters might be forgiven for the error of confusing shadows with substance and can’t for sophistication; yet, there comes a time in the life of the people when they must, of necessity rise above the pettifogging to identify which among the 48-odd individuals offering to lead truly appreciates the difficult challenges ahead as well as embodies citizens aspirations for the future.

Without necessarily being dismissive of the pack majority of whom are on the ballot to make up the numbers – so to speak, this newspaper considers it its bounden duty to identify that lone individual that best fits the bill of the high office at this time.

That individual, we dare say is no other than Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola – the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC). In a field that parades as so-called top contenders, the likes of Demola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party; Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party); Moshood Adeoti of the Action Democratic Party; and Fatai Akinbade of the African Democratic Congress, that none of the candidates can claim to match his solid educational pedigree or even his antecedents in private and public sectors makes our choice fairly easy.

The good people of the State of Osun only need to cast their minds back to the last eight years to appreciate not just the challenges but the burden and the difficult choices that the leadership of the state has had to grapple with. It started with the crushing N18.3billion loan taken by the

‘ ’

More than anyone in the vast field, Oyetola is eminently placed to continue in that legacy of initiative, resourcefulness and resultoriented governance. Unlike the others who could best be described as greenhorns, he has proven that he has what it takes to sustain the momentum which the state more than ever needs

Olagunsoye Oyinlola administration from commercial banks early in 2010. For the then incoming Aregbesola administration, not only would that burden put its managerial acumen to task, its creative resolution while leaving no one in doubt about the seriousness of its mission, would pave the way for the implementation of the revolutionary Six-Point Integral Plan of Action on which the mission was anchored.

Unfortunately, this respite would prove short-lived with subsequent dip in global oil prices, a development that would inevitably strain the finances of the state to its utmost limits.

Whether from home or abroad, the incontestable verdict is that the Aregbesola administration has acquitted itself highly creditably. It is leaving the state light years ahead on all indices of development.

Indeed, the surest proof of how the administration managed to ride the storm in keeping public services going without

Education A Tool For Proper Development

Education can be used to change the society for better, if the society embraces it. If education is the culture and heritage that can be bequeath on generations to come and can be used to solve some fundamental problems facing the nation, adequate attention must be paid to it in the society.

However, all major stakeholders in the education sector, ranging from the parent, teachers government and students must uphold its stem to prevent its decay.

Meanwhile, some governments have paid adequate attention to the education system like the one being done in Osun

by the State government under Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, but it is unfortunate that some parents are not complementing these efforts. Parents need to realise that a major

appreciable legacy to leave behind is education, which will eradicate illiteracy and maintain societal peace and stability.

The destiny of nations are built in the classrooms, meaning that what it takes to tackle the monsters of corruption and insecurity must be produced, hence quality education in whatever

form brings fulfillment to the life of students, teachers, parents and the society as whole.

However, teachers who have passion and

charisma for teaching must be able to influence attitudes of students and expose students to the best of education. The nation needs creative teachers who will meet the needs of students, in terms of social skills, moral, emotional and intellectual development for them to be useful in and for the society.

Therefore, everyone needs to support the drive to reform the nation’s education sector for better result and contribute totally to its achievements on society at large.

•ADEFARE MATHEW Amusan Village, Ile-Ife State of Osun

mortgaging the future can be found in the ultra-modern schools dotting the state, the massive road networks around and beyond the state capital, the visible transformation of the environment and the vast improvements in the living standards of the people which has since been acknowledged by international development partners, all of these despite the terribly lean resources.

Much as it goes without saying that the greatest credit goes to the captain, Ogbeni Aregbesola, due credit must also necessarily go to his believing but untiring crew of which Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola is an acknowledged team player and foremost leader.

He has certainly seen it all: A career spanning more than three decades, rising through the ranks to an enviable status of captain of industry; a public service foray during which he has held the forte as Chief of Staff to the Government of the State of Osun for nearly eight years. And a solid Omoluwabi character to boot.

More than anyone in the vast field, Oyetola is eminently placed to continue in that legacy of initiative, resourcefulness and result-oriented governance. Unlike the others who could best be described as greenhorns, he has proven that he has what it takes to sustain the momentum which the state more than ever needs.

We, therefore have no hesitation in endorsing him as the next governor of the State of Osun. For sure, a vote for him will translate to continuing the good work begun by the outgoing administration.

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In Determining Osun Next Gov: Issues And Chances The D-day is Saturday, September 22 when the people of Osun would determine who they want to govern them for the next four years. They have a choice to either vote for consolidation of symbolic progressive governance or do otherwise. KAZEEM MOHAMMED reviews the activities of political parties and their strength.

Saturday, September 22 is the day the dye will cast, as the people of Osun would go into the poll to determine who governs them for the next four years after the expiration of the symbolic progressive governance of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led administration.

Forty eight political parties have been listed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to participate in the election, highest in the history of governorship poll in Osun and Nigeria as a whole.

Inspite this huge number of contenders in the race and considering the fact that some of them have decided to join forces, findings showed that the electorate have zeroed •OMISORE down on only five major •OYETOLA contenders, among who a winner might emerge. They are Gboyega Oyetola of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ademola Adeleke of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Iyiola Omisore of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Moshood Adeoti of the Action Democratic Party (ADP) and Fatai Akinbade of the African Democratic Congress (ADC). This might not be unconnected with the fact that these are the contenders In his declaration speech shortly stop, nor give up, till we are able to whose campaigns have been after he was elected the party’s evolve a state that works for all. pronounced among the populace.

“The welfare of workers shall top Going into the poll however, candidate, Oyetola said, about eight different political parties have come years of Aregbesola’s administration our list of priorities. While the current up with different issues, ranging from which he has been part of, has been administration has tried its best payment of salaries, pensions and service-driven, purposeful and possible to enhance the welfare of allowances; repositioning of untainted vision, saying, there has workers, our administration shall education, development of been “a wave of massive intensify efforts and come up with renewal and stronger strategies to ensure prompt infrastructure, debt profile of the state infrastructural revolution in agriculture, education, payment of workers’ salaries and and many more.

Oyetola, the APC candidate has job/wealth creation, health and other pensions of our senior citizens. We continued to emphasised on the need social investments across our state – shall pursue workers’ welfare with all to build on the current development with all resulting in improved quality the energy in us. We will seek a gradual and inclusive civil service going on in the State, talk of of lives of our people.

“Although, we are yet to arrive at reform, make the work environment infrastructure development, education development, social the Promised Land, we have certainly more conducive, stimulating and with interventions like OYES, OREAP, begun a journey of most remarkable development-oriented, OMEAL, O’Ambulance, Agba Osun progress, even as there is still room sustained reward mechanisms and for improvements. And we must not keep workers morale high. We will and many more.

Although, we are yet to arrive at the Promised Land, we have certainly begun a journey of most remarkable progress, even as there is still room for improvements.

promote an enviable culture of excellence and service.

“We will work with our wellmeaning bureaucrats, urgently increase our internally generated revenue (IGR) base, block all leakages and waste of the Osun commonwealth.

While working even harder to improve our IGR, we will specifically continue to cut leakages in tax collection and tax administration processes.

Consequently, we will run a transparent and accountable government, steeped in singleminded pursuit of reducing dependence on federal allocation as a means of funding government”.

Above all, the major focus of his tenure, Adegboyega said, would be to build on the progressive development in all sectors of governance.

This has always been considered by political pundits to be a strong point of canvassing for votes among electorates considering the impacts that have been made by the Aregbesola’s administration.

A public affair analyst, Adebimpe Adebayo said besides the issue of modulated salary, which is now being taking care of through the ongoing payment of arrears and subsequently full payment of salary and pension, there is no any other area you can score this government low.

“We should all not forget that the issue of modulated salary was the consequence of economic crisis that hit the country and subsequent reduction in allocations to states. Also, the issue of Osun debt profile is no big deal in government, none of them will tell you that when they get to power, they won’t borrow for development, but if they tell, run away from them, they are not sincere and they can never be.

“Frankly speaking, besides little shortcomings which can be ignored anyway, there is no aspect of governance that this government has not done well and that is a point that •Continued on page 6

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

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6

In Determining Osun Next Gov: Issues And Chances

•Continued from page 5 can give the APC candidate a point ahead of others. This is so because people have realised that it is important to have a government that will hold that line of progressive thought, or else, there will be a break up in the ongoing development and it might take many years to recover from it”, Adebimpe said.

For the PDP candidate, Adeleke, more emphasis have been laid on the perceived shortcomings of the current administration as the basis for his preference, while little had been said on his policy direction and manifesto towards the development of the state if elected.

Major points being raised are the issue of modulated salary and pension, debt •ADEOTI •ADELEKE profile, drop in education standard and financial recklessness.

These are the same issues being talked about by the candidates of the SDP, Senator Omisore and ADC, Alhaji Akinbade. They have all promised to improved on the situation and rejig the system towards development of the state. Akinbade had only conspicuously added that due process in the award of public contracts would be strictly followed.

But Adebimpe said all the issues raised against the APC candidate were not enough to say that the APC has not performed well enough, saying, “as a leader, there are some tough decisions you point, saying it was an attempt to would have to take, even create animosity between him and when you are not comfortable the people of Osogbo. with it, I’m not saying they are •AKINBADE A statement by his media aide said: saints, we definitely have candidates judging by the crowd they people who are not in tune with the pull during their public campaigns, “What the APC leader said is that in development traits of the but whether the crowds translate to vying for Osun governorship, the administration but are still in winning the poll for any of the party’s candidate, Alhaji Oyetola, is government. However, as human candidate or not is another issue for motivated by service and not by any beings, we must accord the APC discussion. selfish consideration. Asiwaju Tinubu government the commendation it One major issue that has greeted the couldn’t have said anything to deserves”. candidature of Ademola Adeleke has disparage the same people whose For ADP candidate, Adeoti, his been the issue of whether he is votes he is seeking for the APC major issue was that his senatorial qualified to contest the election or not candidate. district, West, has not been given the following the release of his WASCE “Asiwaju has always stressed the opportunity to rule the state, hence result, where he got F9 in English fact that he was born into poverty and the reason for him to pursue his Language and absent in other had to achieve success in life through ambition from another party. subjects. much suffering, perseverance and Though, he has severally Also, the PDP candidate has been acknowledged that the current conspicuously absent in debate industry. This is also as it was with administration of the APC, which he programmes organized to allow the many of our great leaders including was part of before his defection has candidates make their points and heroes like Chief Obafemi Awolowo performed, he identified loopholes in state what they have for the people. and MKO Abiola. Like these icons, some of the policies of the As a result, some residents of Osun Asiwaju’s goal in politics is to utilize government like the issue of have been raising concern as to the all he has to help empower people modulated salary and pension, capability of Adeleke to govern the and lift them out of poverty”.

However, some analyst have been ‘capital flight’, imposition of state, when he has failed to use any candidates and many more. platform made available for him to rating the candidates based on their His major area of focus to revamp harness his programmes and policies. performances in the series of debates economy which he has severally It was also in the course of the organised for them and the emphasised is to embark on campaigns that the National Leader programmes they have put forward, agricultural revolution that would in of the APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu was particularly the APC candidate’s turn improve the economy of the accused of disparaging the people of responses to contentious questions on state.

Osogbo as being paupers, but he, in issues such as debt profile and Since the commencement of their reaction said, his statement at the modulated salaries and his responses campaign rallies, pundits have been palace was twisted to score political had been described as remarkable. comparing the chances of each of the

An analyst, Mr Animashaun M.A. of the Department of Political Science, Fountain University, Osogbo predicted that the APC may win the election and even its margin of victory over PDP may be expanded if its candidate continues to ignore public engagements like the debate to sell his message.

“Those managing his campaigns are not doing him any good, if they continue to advise him that he does not need to attend public discussions to win election.

That may be true, but if per providence, he wins the crucial election, he cannot be shielded from public interface”, Animasahun stressed.

In the course of the campaigns, there were accusations and counteraccusations by different political parties over alleged vandalisation of billboards and campaign posters, as well as violent attacks on one another.

It is observed that such violence acts were not pronounced as against the past, when tensions would have been built up ahead of poll.

However, some major issues that may determine who eventually win the poll are, the performance of the incumbent government in all sectors of the economy, particularly the social intervention which has been described by many as unprecedented, issue of salary and pension payment, issues of zoning among others.

Regardless of what have been identified as the factor that might determine who wins the poll on Saturday, the issue of vote buying as one of the factor could also not be foreclosed, as some residents seem to have made up their mind to get paid for their votes.

This is inspite of the Nigeria Police warning that its men will arrest anyone who goes to polling unit with money on election day.

Addressing journalist in Osogbo recently, Assistant Commissioner of Police in charge of Public Complaint Rapid Response Unit (PCRRU), Mr Abayo Sogunie said vote buying will not occur in Osun, stressing that the police intelligence unit is working with INEC to deal with anyone who tries to lured voters with money on election day.

However, a voters, who spoke with this medium under the condition of anonymity said, “This is the only time we can be reckoned with as voters and we must be able to get our due because, after the election, you won’t see the politicians again. I will collect any money given to me and vote for candidate of my choice”, he added.

Head or tail, the electorates are now the beautiful brides and are determined to troop out enmasse to cast their vote going by the zeal they have demonstrated.

Some residents of Osun have been raising concern as to the capability of Adeleke to govern the state, when he has failed to use any platform made available for him to harness his programmes and policies.

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PROFILE

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

The Man With A Progressive Trait

By Dayo Fasola Gboyega Isiaka Oyetola, born September 29, 1954, is a certified insurance broker, entrepreneur and politician. He served in Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s eight-year-administration as the Chief of Staff. Unknown to many political observers outside Osun, Oyetola has been achieving political feats without attracting attention to himself since 1997.

Despite the enormous influence he wields, he is reticent, humble and unassuming. Although he is perceived as the major pillar behind the Rauf Aregbesola administration, he has never displayed the peculiar trait of a political gladiator. He is loyal, non-combative and goaloriented unlike some chiefs of staff in other states who have earned public condemnation.

In the time of crisis, Oyetola has handled government/union relations successfully, thereby earning the applause of political leaders and civil servants in the State of Osun.

Oyetola is said to be among the prominent Nigerians who founded the Alliance for Democracy, AD, in 1998.

The politician had remained a notable figure in the political party in Osun so much that when the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, birthed, he was one of the party’s notable chieftains.

Before entering the Aregbesola administration, Gboyega Oyetola had been the Area Manager at Leadway Assurance Company Limited from 1980 to 1987. He was an outstanding role model at Leadway because he took full operational responsibility for specific product lines and was result oriented. He had also served as Underwriting Manager between 1987 and 1990 at Crusader Insurance Company Limited. In 1990 he joined Alliance and General Insurance as Technical Controller and served in that capacity until 1991.

Gboyega became a successful businessman and an entrepreneur in 1991 by establishing Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited. At Silvertrust, he was a dynamic business mogul and was Managing Director until he was appointment as Chief of Staff in 2011.

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

Adegboyega Oyetola is a pronounced Technocrat as well as a progressive politician. His ideals of transformative leadership as a tool of service for the greater good drew him into politics. His great courage remains a source of admiration and his political sagacity is well acknowledged across all political divides.” As once analysed, “he is one of the few repositories of knowledge and a fountain of wisdom from which many emerging and existing politicians drink to their own benefits or whom they can only ignore to their eternal damnation.

Gboyega believes that grassroots politics is the surest way of making the elected leaders listen to the needs, aspirations and problems of their people and take practical steps to meeting these needs. He remains a champion of grassroots politics with a continuous track record till date. His influence in local levels has become a major and popular yardstick for measuring the success of his contemporaries.

Quiet generosity is the capstone to Gboyega Oyetola remarkable life.

Philanthropy remains his “second act,” a role through which he has help thousands of people who never had the pleasure of knowing him except through his personal giving. Many of his gestures are geared towards empowering young people for sustainable livelihood. He is also known for giving scholarships to students to acquire tertiary education.

In the last 25 years, not less than 400 students have benefitted from his scholarship grants.

equally legendary.

He is near perfectionist in words, conduct, appearance and actions. Indeed, a man of very few words but astonishingly cerebral, technically and administratively equipped with needed information and applied knowledge on the skills and mastery of creative and inventive governance of this age and time. He has served and is still serving actively to the philosophy and ideals of democratic tenets and principles towards ensuring that the greatest good in terms of deliverables and dividends of democracy is centred around the people to the service of the human race.

He is an enigma whose intellectual wizardry is

He is one of the few repositories of knowledge and a fountain of wisdom from which many emerging and existing politicians drink to their own benefits or whom they can only ignore to their eternal damnation

On July 20th 2018, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola won the All Progressives Congress, APC, primary election for the gubernatorial poll in the state of Osun with a total votes of 127,017. He beat his closest rival, Lasun Yussuf, the Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, who got 21, 975, followed by the incumbent Speaker of the House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Najeem Salam with a total votes of 19,958.

Gboyega holds a Bachelors degree (B.Sc.) in Insurance from the prestigious University of Lagos, (1975-1978), He obtained a Masters degree in Business Administration from the same University of Lagos in 1990.

He had his mandatory one year National Youth Service between 1978 and 1979, at Potiskum, in the present day Yobe State, where he lectured at the Staff Training Centre. Ever since then, his passion for public service and the welfare of the general public remain endless.

He won several awards for himself for his excellent performance in public service and philanthropic gestures.

They include; Distinguished Merit Award by his alma mater, Ifeoluwa Grammar School, Osogbo, February 2014; The Guardian Award for Exceptional Chief of Staff in the Federation 2017; Distinguished Award of Excellence in Public Administration by Nigeria Union of Journalists, Osun State Council, August 2015; Leadership Award for Outstanding Performance by the Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE), Osogbo Branch, March 2016; Award of Excellence by Osun State University, College of Law, Ifetedo, January 2016; Award of Excellence as ICON of Good Governance

by Network of Non-Governmental Organisation (NETNOS) State of Osun Branch. November, 2017; Award for Exemplary and Exceptional Support and Fellow of Osun State College of Technology, Esa Oke, January 2017; Grand Patron of the Local Government Chapel of Osun State NUJ, November 2016; Leadership Award by International Association of Lions Club, District 404B2, Nigeria, February 2016; NAOSS-NHQ Award of Excellence in Administration and Good Governance, May 2016; Award of Excellence in Public Administration by Rotary Club of Osogbo, Rotary International, July 2016; Meritorious Award by NAOSS, Obafemi Awolowo University Chapter, February 2017; African Students Union Parliament (ASUP), PanAfrican Distinguished Leadership Honour as Icon of Nation Building in Nigeria 2018.

Gboyega Oyetola is an Associate Member, Chattered Insurance Institute in London and Nigeria.

He is also a member of the Nigeria Institute of Management (NIM).

Oyetola is a dynamic, visionary and strategic leader who has a deep understanding of National development and cohesion. An interesting aspect of his life is his love and promotion of Arts. He is a socialite and member of the prestigious Ikoyi Club.

Gboyega is married with children.

Every nation or human community has a way of producing men and women whose courage and selfless service inspire their people in their darkest hours or trying moments. Such are the people who etch their ideas and their entire being on the hearts of their people by speaking words of courage and acting out in total conviction those things they believe in.

Gboyega Oyetola has been such a man.

•Dayo Fasola, Media Assistant to Adegboyega Oyetola writes from Osogbo, the Osun Capital.

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

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9

A Cocktail Of Recent Happenings Traditional Rulers In Iwo Land Paid A Courtesy Inauguration Of The 4th Batch Of Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES) Visit To Governor Rauf Aregbesola At Government Cadet, At Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo Last Saturday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI House, Osogbo. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Mrs Oluwayomi Tokunbo Ifaturoti Becomes 1st Female Board Dir, PZ Cussons Plc

•A cross section of Traditional Rulers.

•The Honorable Commissioner for Health with the members of the newly inaugurated members of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital Governing Board under the Chairmanship of Prof A Ajayi

Traditional rulers from Iwoland recently visited the Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to declare support for his administration and the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola.

They gathered at the Government House, Oke-fia, Osogbo in their large number during the visit.

The monarch’s basis for the visit was to state their position on the need to guarantee the continuity of the ongoing development in the state.

•Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo (2nd left); Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); his wife, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (right) and Deputy They said, they were satisfied with the Governor, Mrs Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) during the inauguration ceremony of OYES Cadets at Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo at the weekend. development in their various communities Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. and there is need to consolidate on the country, saying any society that refused to It was indeed a sight to behold at Osogbo City with their presence felt in every single local engaging them positively is heading for development, which can only be achieved Stadium, Osogbo, State of Osun last Saturday, as governments. if a government with progressive traits another batch of 20,000 youths recruited under the Commending Aregbesola for putting up the destruction, as he added that where the youths like that of Aregbesola emerges.

4th batch of Osun Youths Empowerment Scheme scheme, the Vice President said, the country are engaged, the results are positive.

(OYES) were inaugurated.

At the programme were, the Nigeria Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, Commissioner for Empowerment and Youth Engagement, Mofolake Adegboyega; member of OYES implementation committee, Mr Femi Ifaturoti, Kola Omotunde-Young and the Commandante, Col Enibukun Oyewole (rtd), traditional rulers, politicians, artisans among others.

The Vice President said the country would benefit greatly if the OYES model could be embraced by every state in the federation.

Such programmes, he said would help train youths mentally and physically to serve their various communities, states and country as well as acquire skills that would prepare them for quality entrepreneurship and a self sustaining lives.

The Vice president noted that the Federal Government’s N-power Programme was designed to be similar to the OYES .

He added that over 500,000 youths had been engaged into N-power programme across the nation

would benefit greatly, if OYES could be embraced by other state governments.

He, however, urged the employed youths to contribute positively to the development of the state.

He said: “As you are being inaugurated today, you have a duty not just to yourself but to your state and the nation at large. This country belongs to you. The future belongs to you. You cannot build this country if you are not discipline and committed. I have seen your commitment and I can refer to you as leaders of today.

“You are a leader of today because the future belongs to you and we are looking forward to your leadership greatness. I know this is the beginning of the progress you are going to make. We hope to see this great group of people becoming great leaders of this society. You will be leaders in business, politics and other aspects of life. “ The governor, Rauf Aregbesola, said the youths were inaugurated into the scheme having realised the high percentage the youths represent in the

Aregbesola said 20,000 youths were inaugurated into the scheme, adding that 250,000 applications were received across the 30 local government areas in the state, when the job offer was advertised.

Aregbesola said the scheme has since inception impacted positively in Osun, citing the NBS rating of the state as the least unemployed state in the country, the 7th state in the country with the largest GDP and the state with least crime rate in the country among others as the benefit of engaging the youth in the past seven and half years.

In her address, the Commissioner for Youth Engagament and Empowerment, Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega said the impact of the scheme has been felt by every family in Osun since its inauguration in 2011.

She said majority of the youths who participated in the scheme have now been selfdependent, while many others have been absorbed into the state civil service.

Yomi’s wealth of experience spans over three decades working within the FMCG / Pharmaceutical industry in different organizations – Hoechst, Jagal, Sollatek and PZ Cussons. She is an exceptional team leader and member of the board credited with expertise in corporate strategy, administration, marketing, sales, project/product development and responsibilities as a government liaison.

She became the first female board director of PZ Cussons Plc and has held the positions of Marketing Director, Sales Director and Corporate Services

& Admin Director during her career. She is passionate about charitable works, doing good and giving back; having managed the PZ Cussons Foundation as its Executive Secretary for over ten years.

She is an alumnus of the University of Ibadan with a BSc degree in Pharmacology and Diploma in Sales and has served on the Council and Board of National Institute of Marketing of Nigeria (NIMN) and Advertising Association of Nigeria (ADVAN).

She is currently a board member of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Governing Council.

•(L-R) Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi and Special Adviser to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Science and Renovation, Mr Muideen Olateju.

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

•Cross section of OYES Corp members, during the Inauguration.

•A cross section of dignitaries at the event.

•The Lagos Stete Honourable Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris administering the oath of office on Mrs Yomi Ifaturoti, (wife of Mr Femi Ifaturoti, Director General, Bureau of Social Services, State of Osun) as a member of the newly inaugurated Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) Governing Board.

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

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APC Alleges Opposition’s Plan To Compromise Card Readers

By Sikiru Obarayese Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) has exposed an alleged plan by those it called electoral criminals of some political parties to falsify the card reading machine of Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) to rig the Saturday’s governorship election in Osun.

The electoral criminal National Youth Corps according to the party, members accredited by have perfected plan to INEC have agreed to ensure that several cooperate with some people can use the PVC parties in carrying out the without the card reader criminal act. uploading the He disclosed that the photograph to identify alleged rigging plan had who owns it. been used successfully The Chairman of the during the last Osun party, Prince Gboyegba West Senatorial bye Famodun during a press election, which resulted conference at the party to the victory of Peoples Secretary in Osogbo, Democratic Party (PDP) alleged that some by having more votes

than it would have had legitimately.

He added that the activities were carry out by youth corpers in charge of the operation of the device.

Famodun claimed that the rigging technique was executed at a critical time

during the accreditation process, alleged that the victory of PDP in the election is encouraging them to extend the plan throughout the state in the Saturday poll.

According to him, the party intentionally refused not to react to the

result of the election, saying it was later known to APC after the election.

He urged electoral the INEC to allow party agents to scrutinise the verification process in order to confirm the PVC holder’s image on the card reader.

Osun Assembly Emphasises Need For Environmental Cleanliness

By Israel Afolabi Speaker of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Dr. Najeem Salaam has disclosed that healthy living condition can only be guaranteed through clean •A cross section of O’ Meal members organised a rally in support of APC Governorship environment that is safe for human habitation.

Candidate in Osun, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola in Osogbo on Monday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI Salaam made the Samson Adesina, remark on Thursday Akinloye Amos and while speaking to Oyeniyi Kehinde journalist after an expressed their environmental sanitation satisfaction on the weekly The agency responded

By Sikiru Obarayese exercise carried out by sanitation urging the to the allegation on Contrary to claim that the Economic and Financial staff members of the leadership of the Crimes Commission (EFCC), had frozen some Sunday, debunked PDP’s parliament at the Assembly to continue account of Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) claim that the account of the party candidate in Assembly complex with it. governorship candidate’s family members, the Osun and some of his Osogbo.

They said that the commission has denied frozen any account. family members was He observed that the exercise is a very good The PDP on Saturday impact of clean one which also assist in said the EFCC had frozen those of his family frozen by the by EFCC. “The EFCC did not environment on the sustaining healthy living account of Senator members, including music star, David freeze the account of health conditions of the among staff always.

Ademola Adeleke, and Adeleke (Davido).

Senator Ademola people cannot be over Adeleke, candidate of the emphasized.

Peoples Democratic Dr. Salaam who spoke Party for Sept 22, 2018 through the Chairman Osun State governorship House committee on election. None of his Information and members’ urged more non- family Strategy, Hon. The Junior Chamber International (JCI), Osogbo g o v e r n m e n t a l account, including the Olatunbosun Oyintiloye wing on Saturday, enlisted the significance of organizations, to partner musician, Davido was maintained that the healthy environment during the world clean up day with the Osun frozen as alleged in a Assembly was trying to at Oroki Market, Alekuwodo Osogbo last weekend. government in service to number of news media”, said EFCC. lead by example bearing “Packing garbage humanity.

The Non The agency through it in mind that the law G o v e r n m e n t a l around living area is The Iyaloja of Oroki to the Market, Mrs Sidikat social media handler backing sanitation Organization in hazardous exercise in the state partnership with State of environment and human Abidogun praised JCI affirmed that it has never Government, health, but we can make and government of Osun freeze any Adeleke’s emanated from the Osun Youth Corps, exposed the waste a worth for our for making sure market family account at no time. legislature.

According to the self if we take proper care environment is always He stressed the need market women to the of them”, he added.

“For the tidy to discourage agency, for people to imbibe the p r o s p e r i t i e s avoidance of doubt, at no outbreak of diseases.

He hinted that the JCI e n v i r o n m e n t a l culture of cleanliness, will organise clean up while commending the cleanliness, particularly seminar for secondary public places like schools, market women entire staff, giving the markets. and other stakeholders assurance that the House JCI leader in Osogbo, where the NGO will

By Sikiru Obarayese would sustain the tempo. Ridwan Bamidele educate them on the Eligible Voters in the state of Osun have been Meanwhile, the Clerk explained the relevance of waste. of the House of Assembly significance of healthy While speaking, urged to come out enmasse to exercise their Mr. Simeon Amusan environment and said it Director Environmental franchise in the Saturday gubernatorial poll in while comparing the transform poor societies Monitoring Enforcement state.

The chairman Osun continuity of the good salubrious and Planning in Osun, exercise with that of into Governance work of Ogbeni Rauf previous week environment, noting that Peter Aleshinloye, laud Good (OGGF), Aregbesola. acknowledged full government alone cannot members of JCI, Oroki Forum do the job but need chapter for the campaign Adebayo Abagun made He said, “ except we compliance and active helping hands. which he said was in line the call on Monday at don’t want to be sincere participation of staff in with the government He added that with ourselves the group Secretariat in the exercise. daily activities embarked Aregbesola has done However, he disclosed environmental sanitation on to ensure safety Osogbo. is necessary to ensure a Abagun said by quite well in the state. that Dr. Salaam had d i s e a s e - f r e e environment. from He has touched all area approved procurement environment, saying “Government has done refraining of new implements for market women must be much in the area of waste performing their civic of our lives by building motorable roads, duties they are giving and ease of carrying out the informed of the need for management building and exercise. proper environmental sanitation, flood erosion room for bad leaders to rehabilitation of be elected.

A cross section of staff sanitation which will control and so many”.

Noting that the He urged the people schools, he has been who spoke on the enable every individual exercise, Alade Tajudeen, to live in healthy government is available of Osun to vote APC on feeding school pupils as for any kind of this, he Saturday to ensure well. Aregbesola has Oyeyemi Olubunmi, environment.

Famodun also urged security agents to equally be involved in the process to jointly expose the act.

He said, “As a result of this concerning development, the APC is urging INEC to allow party agents scrutinise the verification process in order to confirm the PVC holder’s image on the card reader.

“Security agents should equally be involved in the process so that the youth corpers who will be used to perform this fraud directly during the verification process should be under strict observation to ensure that that card readers are not compromised”, he insisted.

APC Chairman stressed that youth corpers who will handle the card readers need to be supervised and protected from desperate politicians who will do everything criminal to win against all odds.

EFCC Breaks Silence On Freezing of Adelekes’ Account

JCI Charges Market Women On Proper Disposal Of Waste

time did the EFCC place a freeze order on any account belonging to members of the Adeleke family.”

Meanwhile, the spokesperson of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan had earlier said, APC Machination Will Not Stop PDP’s victory, alleging APC-led Federal Government of unleashed EFCC to freeze Adeleke’s account less than a week to election not minding the collateral damage such would have on millions that benefit from the goodwill of the family.

He had said that the act of freezing of the accounts is oppressive, tyrannical, provocative and a direct recipe for crisis in the state, boasted that people of Osun are solidly behind Adeleke ahead of the election.

Osun Electorates Enjoine To Exercise Civic Duties

fruitfully engaged our youth. To repay this good deed we should vote in APC”.

He added that among the candidates vying for the position, Gboyega Oyetola of the APC has proven himself to be fit into the shoes of Aregbesola who has raised the bar of leadership in the state.

He continued, “Aregbesola’s administration is a good example of a good governance and we will continue to support him and his candidate which is Alhaji Oyetola for continuity.

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

NEWS FEATURE

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11

Hijra 1440: Unveiling Osun Muslims' Desire

By Murtala Agboola Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun, has tasked muslims in the state to be good citizens by being responsible and committed to the ideals of Islam.

He made the declaration at the annual Hijra, celebration at the City Stadium, Osogbo recently/last Tuesday.

The governor who was the special Guest of Honour stated that “We celebrate all muslim festivals like Eid Fitr, Eid Adha and Hijra to remind us of our being muslims and to keep to the tenents of Islam”.

He narrated how during the life time of Prophet Muhammad, a man who planned to go on pilgrimage to Mecca but could not, turned out to be the best pilgrim of that year.

The state Chief executive said the man saved money towards going on pilgrimage but could not because a neighbour of his was in dire need of money and therefore decided to hand over the money to him.

Later, Allah revealed to the Holy Prophet that the man really was the best pilgrim because he assisted his neighbour who was in dire straits.

The lesson inherent in this message is meant to teach us to be our neighbour’s keeper.

The activities at the stadium organised by the Osun State Muslim Community (OSMC) in partnership with the State Government of Osun was the grand finale of this year’s annual Hijra celebration marking the commencement of the Islamic Calendar Hijra 1440.

The weeklong activities commenced with the press conference addressed by the President of OSMC, Alhaji Mustafa Olawuyi at the OSMC Secretariat Complex, West Bye pass, Ring Road, Osogbo where he admonished muslims in the state to imbibe the virtues of Hijra.

Hijra, according to the Muslim leader, was the migration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina but which in contemporary society means changing

•A cross section of muslim women during the Hijrah 1440 celebration at Osogbo city stadium.

Good governance, according to him, will ensure the protection of life and property, provision of social amenities to include road, food, affordable housing, education and health services. from a bad behaviour to a good one.

He also noted that Osun Muslim is against the return of schools to former proprietors, just as he hinted that they would fight any government who try to deny female muslim students the use of hijab.

As part of the activities, Quranic competition was organised for students of Arabic and Islamic studies in the state.

Muslims also converge at the central mosque, Oja-Oba Osogbo for the annual Hijra Jumat service.

A colloquium with the theme Electoral Malpractices, causes and Effects: Islamic Solution had Dr. K.K. Busari as the moderator with Dr. Mikhail Folorunso, Alhaji Toyin Yusuf of Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) and a private legal practitioner, as discussants.

Dr. Folorunso examined ballot box snatching, thuggery and ‘see and buy’ as some of the causes of electoral malpractices.

Yusuf alluded to the fact that we are all contributors to the electoral malfeasance in the society. According to him, we demand a lot from aspirants and candidates before they win election and hence they have to recoup their money.

However, all the discussants agreed with Quran 3vs26 that power ultimately belongs to Allah and that He gives it to whosoever he wishes.

They appealed to contestants to be humble, truthful and above all make the fear of Allah as their hallmark. They also asked them to know that there is (Quadara) destiny which determines what a person becomes in life.

Parents were encouraged to play their roles well to ensure their children are well educated and trained to become responsible citizens.

The discussants counseled the media especially the digital one not to announce election results not approved by the electoral body in the forthcoming September 22, election.

OSMC urged all voters to arm themselves with their Permanent Voters Card (PVC) to vote for candidates of their choice.

Olawuyi in his welcome address at the stadium thanked all muslims in the state for their assistance and co-operation to ensure the success of this year’s programmes.

In his lecture on Good Governance, Procedure and Process; Islamic Perspective, Dr. Quamarudeen Bolarinwa of the Nigerian French Language Village, Badagry said democracy is the most fashionable form of government now, but leaders should endeavour to implement manifestoes upon which they were elected.

Good governance, according to him, will ensure the protection of life and property, provision of social amenities to include road, food, affordable housing, education and health services.

Bolarinwa emphasized that Islamically, leadership is a trust (amana) which should be adhered to.

“A leader should be conscious of his duty and the associated responsibility especially the fact that he is answerable not only to the people he is serving but also the creator of both” he stressed.

Prizes were presented to the best schools in the Quranic competition and in the march past.

Dignitaries that graced the occasion included Professor Muibi Opeloye, Chairman of the Day, Alhaji Sulaiman Fagbo, Father of the Day and Alhaja Sidikat Daodu the National Amirah ADS, mother of the Day.

ISAAC OLUSESI writes that INEC must re-examine its operational method in order to deepen its effectiveness.

Short of any euphemism, in the background to governorship elections in the recent years in State of Osun, Nigeria, are the fundamentals of unfairness in which the passion of election administrators, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has always been monumentally exploitative of the voting behaviour of Osun electorate.

Except for the INEC outcome of the 2014 gubernatorial poll in the state, the rule of law, justice, and fairness as electoral imperatives for governorship election were only honored by INEC in the overwhelming breach than in any strict observance, characterized by brazen disregard for the true preferences of Osun voting populace. In particular, the electoral formalities and modalities indispensable for continued nurturing of our democracy were officially violated in a hurry by INEC in the 2003, 2007 governorship polls in the state, with seriously unimpressive implications for electoral space morality-trust-esteem, popular participation in the electoral process and public accountability of INEC. In the electoral absurdities, explainable in terms of charade and grandiose manipulation of voters’ registers, vanished ballot papers and inordinate wide disparity between the number of votes recorded and final results announced, INEC was profoundly aided and abetted by the carriages of the then governing Osun Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which values unfortunately were in conflict with the positive values of Osun electorate and are not sourced from the primary value system of Osun, thus, PDP resorted to violence that ignited explosive tear gas and sights of billowing smokes at polling centers across the state while the electorate ran zigzag from brute force and absolutism, from blood and death.

Osun Poll: INEC Should Do A Rethink The 2007 governorship flawed result and its attendant burning, breaking, beating and battering anybody, anything in sight as voters’ spontaneous revolt to seek redress for a wrong committed by INEC

Make no mistakes about September 22 governorship poll. Given the entrenched violence confusion and high electoral criminality in the physiology of decadent PDP and its decay splitter-governorship flag bearers in Social Democratic Party (SDP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) et cetera have again mounted various illogical disguises under which people of squabble characters are given roles to play, exemplified by the probable corresponding violence to arm-twist the electorate and nullify the will of the people.

The PDP governorship candidate and splitter-governorship candidates in Osun cannot attain the state stardom emphatically in an error-proof, fraudproof electoral process because their comportments make acute depression on the fundamental integrity, dignity and social discipline in the praxis for the ultimate office in the state. To them, power is the ultimate aphrodisiac and they seek power to want to dominate the

•Professor Mahmood Yakubu, INEC Chairman rest of us. They are a nincompoop whose orders must be carried out with exactitude. Their obsession with power must be more than the sweet sirens.

Rather, they are “seeking power to be able to get angry without the rest of us being able to answer back,” in the words of Albert Camus, the French writer and thinker in his book “The Fall”. Albert won the Nobel Prize in Literature in 1957.

That is unwholesomeness in incidence and magnitude, the rotten kind of unbridled ambition of these gubernatorial candidates of PDP and its splitter-SDP, ADC to be in power by such behaviours as electoral bribery, using rewards to pervert election result; electoral nepotism, allotting victory at the poll by reason of ascriptive relationships; and electoral misappropriation illegally allocating ballot papers for illicit electoral reasons.

All of that practically made, for instance

the 2007 un-availed and consequentially generated such reactions as disruption of normal life, reversion of societal gains, and misdirection of aggression and tyranny with gargantuan tragedy of social-economic-political dislocation of Osun in human and material terms that brought grief, sorrow, tears and death to so many homes.

The 2007 governorship flawed result and its attendant burning, breaking, beating and battering anybody, anything in sight as voters’ spontaneous revolt to seek redress for a wrong committed by INEC, way of avenging the wrong should input a re-think in INEC to appreciate that any such electoral violence resulting from INEC sidedness this September 2018 may take an omnipresent entity in the cherry, rambunctious but combustible Ilesa, Ile-Ife, Osogbo and Iwo epicenters of Osun.

Characteristically in terms, PDP, and its splitter-governorship candidates in SDP and ADC, would want always to take laws into their hands, drawing flaming machetes from the scabbards, engaging the services of hired arsonists and trying several other methods of acquiring instant justice based on their own sense of outrage, completely out of tune with civilized verdict.

The fear among the articulate members of Osun populace is that the policies of PDP or that of its splitters in the garb of SDP, ADC would only benefit the bourgeois, the aristocrats, the powerful monarchical lords, the privileged wealthy few and the parties’ egg-heads, was confirmed by the PDP leeway with reckless abandon in the state while Olagunsoye Oyinlola, erstwhile of PDP, lasted as executive governor of Osun from 2003-2010.

Please, cast your mind back.

•OLUSESI is a political analyst wrote in from Osogbo.

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THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

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OAU:

Parties' Stalwarts Canvass For Vote On Campus

opportunity to travel

By Sola Jacobs home to meet their With few days to the governorship election in the parents, hence, they take State of Osun, the mood on the campus of Obafemi little or no part in the Awolowo University in Ile-Ife has revealed how voting exercise, despite political stalwarts are paying nocturnal visits to the their large numbers. institution to canvass for votes.

Another issue is that The move, it was Prominent polling most elites, especially the gathered was, either to units in the campus academics seldomly vote, lobby the students Union include, Awo hall polling as some leave the to help sell their parties to unit, BOOC polling unit, mandate of choosing who students who knows few student Union building rules the state or nation to or nothing about them. polling unit, polling unit the common people.

What informed the at Tonkere a suburb at Another impediment, choice of OAU in Ile-Ife, the back of the as gathered by the Osun was the population of institution, as well as Defender through both students and polling unit at Moremi interactions with lecturers in the High School within the students in the institution institution, as their institution. is the fact that some of population has to do with It is on record that them who are of voting certain percentage of school always close age do not register in the number of voters in the during election times, state neither do they seek ancient city of Ife. which affords students interstate transfer so as to The population of Obafemi Awolowo student numbers about 36,000 with students at Distance Learning centre

By Joshua Afolabi in Ipetumodu, Ife North Inspite the strike action in the Osun State-owned Local Government of the tertiary institutions, various political parties have state.

Findings showed that been mobilising students from one hostel to some post graduate another, to vote for them in the Saturday’s students who are governorship election Shortly after the strike A Mass politicians, but residing action, the student of the within the university’s Communication student polytechnic had travelled of the Osun State community always make to their various bases in use of the advantage of Polytechnic, Iree, Oladele preparation for the their stay in the Gbenga said, though the election. campus is deserted, some environment to canvass Oladele said that the for votes of students, politicians have been leaders of All especially undergraduate working hard to get some Progressives Congress ones who registered in of the students who (APC), Peoples registered to vote around the polling units within the school to return and Democratic Party (PDP), the institution.

Social Democratic Party cast their votes.

exercise their civic duty.

On the other hand, some even developed apathy as they do not care about which party rules the state, once the decisions of such party do not interfere with their academic session.

In an interview, some of the students who are voters within the university community revealed different level of preparedness for the gubernatorial election in the state.

Ronke Ayilara, a Part II Accounting student said he does not prepare for any election in the state, as no party came to the

institution to seek her vote, adding, “I did not register in this state, I registered in Lagos. I wish Osun people well and pray that there will not be crisis that will disrupt our academic calendar.

Toyin Aikhame, a 300level student of Agricultural Economics said he would be on campus to vote for the candidate of her choice,

(SDP), Action Democratic Party (ADP), African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Labour Party (LP) among others have been visiting students to canvass for their votes.

He also noted that all political parties concentrated their campaign on reducing the payment of school fees, ICT fees, sport fees, medical fees, library fees and laboratory fees, if their candidate emerges as governor of the state.

Another student,

Adeniyi Temilade said that about 50 per cent of students in the polytechnic has Permanent Voters’ Card (PVC) and they are keen to vote for any candidate that can work in accordance with the development of the state.

Oyeniyi Godwin, another student also explained that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) officials have been coming on campus to engaged students and distributing leaflets,

saying, “My vote is for the party that has students at heart and the love of my institution.

Also, Chinedu Nnoso, a part III Law student said, “it is my civic duty as a citizen of this country, but most of us did not registered in Osun. I will only implore whoever emerges as the choice of the people of Osun to reduce the tax imposed on OAU.

OSPOLY: Students Mobilised For Election sensitizing students on the need to shun violence during the election.

Godwin further stated that, a symposium was recently held on campus to review the Osun Youth Agenda, tagged “Vote Not Fight” that put forward the youth demands for the incoming government, such as improve education, employment opportunity, improve healthcare delivery, promotion of Agriculture and poverty reduction.

PERSPECTIVE Kunle Oyatomi is the Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and in this interview with SOLOMON ODENIYI, he speaks on the campaign strategy of the party and the party programme for the next dispensation. Excerpt:-

Osun People Want Continuity Of Development - Oyatomi How has the campaign being so far and how has your campaign strategy being?

The campaign so far has been going on smoothly. The All Progressives Congress (APC) as a party has been putting all it needs in place to make sure we emerge victorious and we are confident that Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola will become the next administrator of the state succeeding Ogbeni Aregbesola who has laid a solid foundation in the state. He has helped us not to be a failure; he has conferred on us the credibility which has enabled us to talk about continuity to the people unlike other people who are pathological failure. We have come in and showed the people of Osun the clear difference between pretenders and showed what government is all about. This development must not be retarded; reversed continuity is the way out for the people of Osun. The people of Osun who showed us love and understanding will continue also to support us to give us votes to continue.

As at this morning, the people of the state of Osun have said they do not want a new starter who will come and destroy the achievements of this present administration.

They want a situation where what we have done continues.

Who in the whole world will like to replace bad governance with good governance? Who in the whole world will like to replace the people who are dogged in failure with those who have been successful in their dealings? The outgoing administration has taken the people of Osun to a wonderful position. The minister of education came here few weeks ago and applauded Aregbesola in the area of education that his own approach to education is unparallel In the entire country and we know the people of Osun are not fools, they are also saying what that minister said and they will go too far to ensure that there darling party wins.

How has the party dealt with allegations raised by opposition?

In time like this, you see those who cannot successfully manage their homes telling you that they want to manage the affairs of a country. You see liars, you see people with no enviable background. You see people who have been called veteran aspirants still talking as if they have the magic to turn things around, meanwhile, they have been rejected by the people of Osun . So what will they want to say? Is it about the school built so far? Something that the United Nations regarded as wonderful or are you talking about the school feeding program which the country has taken as its policy including some states. Even at the international level, Aregbesola has been applauded. Is it

In time like this, you see those who cannot successfully manage their homes telling you that they want to manage the affairs of a country. about the relative peace we are enjoying in the state which was not there in the past. Security has been beefed up by the assistance of this •OYATOMI administration. These are things we are saying must continue, so that the issue of the state of Osun will not be like that kind of person who has seen the promise land and failed to reach there.

The salary issue is in the mouth of the so called never do well people , the opposition basically, because that’s the only thing they have said they want to come and do.

Have you heard them to even talk seriously about Agriculture which Aregbesola has made easier for farmers?

Are they talking about employment in the state which this government began with the removal of thousands of people from the streets of Osun through OYES and many of them have gone abroad to advance their careers, many are in the civil service, teaching, health sector.

They have no plans other than going to Abuja take money, pay the money they have to pay to workers and then go ahead to do party, play golf and carry women of easy virtue. We are serious government. We have showed it and we want it to continue. The issue of salary is known to everybody in the country. When Aregbesola came, was there protest before he was paying on the 25th of every month? Did anyone protest before he increased the car and housing loans and all that? The former governor before Aregbesola took over was giving out N150m every month to pensioners, now Aregbesola has increased it to N500m

to help reduce debt and the pain of our senior citizens. Before the economic crisis that hit the country, Aregbesola has been paying salaries as and when due. The issues of half salaries was agreed to by all the stakeholders and I mean the civil servants, the labour generally, teachers union and the government headed by veteran labour leader, a respectable personality in Alhaji Hassan Sumonu.

They sit down every month to look at what comes into the coffers of the state and what they, because the options were either we pay this way or we sack to reduce the staff strengths. It was unanimously agreed that sacking people will not be the answer, let us retain them and still pay whatever that comes in.

Was that the fault of Aregbesola?

Definitely no, and this continued as the economy improved? Yes, this happened few months ago over intake here increased and the government was generous enough to pay full salaries to everyone. Before then, nobody was owing the vulnerable workers that is level 1 to 7 because they know the full salaries of this people is not enough not to talk of bringing it to half. This are issues that they can’t take to the market. They are trying to fool Osun people but Osun people are more educated than them.

How will you gauge the mood of the electorate?

The electorates are happy with us from the survey we have carried out, that is why I am sounding confidence that there’s no hanky panky, no vote buying, no cheating, no rewriting of results which INEC didn’t supervise, no snatching of ballot boxes. We have confidence in INEC. They have put in place a full prove arrangements to make this election go very smoothly. You need to now see the kind of mammoth crowd that attends our rallies. What we have been having so far have been wonderful. This shows that people are still with us.

Can you Predict the possible outcome ?

The APC is on top, probably followed by SDP and lastly the PDP. Though the margin will not be that so wide but victory is victory. We are not saying, we will defeat them with a wide margin but it will be better than 2014.

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

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13

Ayo Akinola is an aide to Governor Rauf Aregbesola. He is a media strategist as well as an accomplished publisher. He is also the coordinator of a socio-political mobilisation group, Osun Renaissance Group for Continuity. He spoke in Osogbo with select correspondents. Excerpts:

September 22: Who Is The Best Man For The Job? What does your group stand for?

Prior to the 2014 election, the political atmosphere was tense. The then ruling party at the national level wanted to do everything undemocratic to make sure the incumbent, Rauf Aregbesola, does not return despite his populist appeal in Osun and beyond. They saw him as a thorn in their flesh because of his revolutionary stance in all areas of governance. They were too myopic to appreciate what he was doing to change things for the better. So, everything was put in place to make sure he lost, including financial disconnections.

Some of we professionals from Osun, who live outside cannot just sit down and watch this man whom we know, by his first term performance, is here to work, not to steal, to be trounced just like that. We met and decided that even if we don’t have deep pockets, we should deploy our professional competence and connections to safe the situation, no matter how little. We also agreed among ourselves that we were not going to approach government because we didn’t want to be seen as hustlers. We didn’t even need to have personal relationship with the top government officials. We were all successful in our various callings. Our activities paid off.

Then, we were operating under the name Oranmiyan Continuity Support Group.

Today, even the blind can feel what this government has achieved while the deaf can see it. It is this same group that has transmuted into Osun Renaissance Group for Continuity under my leadership to support Oyetola. It is purely to assist in continuity of the outgoing government.

You cannot just sit down and watch. In those days, professionals were not known to openly take stand, but today and in our own case, we have no apology to be biased because we can’t afford to go back to the sordid past.

Q: In Osun today, politics is in high tempo. What can you say?

Well, it is natural that in an election year, as the election D-Day draws nearer, the tempo of activities will get hotter by the day. Again, this is a transitional period and as you are aware, the outgoing Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has made an indelible footprint on the sands of time which has wooed quite a number of interests in the people wanting to be governor, from the ruling party to other parties. You will agree with me that if the man has messed up the place like some governors nearby, the interest of people coming in to seek for the position would have been very limited.

This is the first time in the history of the state that such a huge number of aspirants and candidates would come up to seek the governorship seat. This means that someone has brought dignity to the office such that people from diverse backgrounds want to build on the good foundation of Ogbeni. But because of politics, many of the aspirants from the other parties would not want to admit this. It is understandable.

They will prefer to rubbish his achievements thinking that rubbishing him will sway votes in their favour. But let me tell you this: I’m a social scientist, a sociologist and anthropologist to be precise,

Despite the enormous influence he wields, he is reticent, humble and unassuming. Although he is perceived as the major pillar behind the Rauf Aregbesola administration, he has never displayed the peculiar trait of a political gladiator. He is loyal, noncombative and goaloriented.

In Remembrance Of Times Past

•AYO AKINOLA

•A happy young couple...

•...Decades on Alhaji Gboyega and Alhaja Kafayat Oyetola on the campaign trail, September 2018. trained in Great Ife. We have done our research among the masses of the people.

What we discovered is instructive. We found out that the awareness of the teeming masses, those you will refer to as illiterates, is even far greater than those of the average educated elite. They are very honest and they know who their true friends are. And this constitutes the mass of voters anywhere. They queue up come rain come shine to vote whereas elites like you, yes…you, will sit in front of television to make armchair comments on the election day.

Q: There is this insinuation that the candidate of the ruling party, Gboyega Oyetola, is an imposition by the leaders of the ruling party. What is your take on this?

I don’t understand what you mean by imposition. Was he eminently qualified?

Yes, and in fact, he has an enviable career in the private and public sectors. Was there a primary? Yes. Were all the aspirants given equal opportunity? Yes. Remember that each and every one of the aspirants went through the same rigorous process through which one of them emerged. Let me tell you this: if the party had wanted to smuggle in anyone, it would not have gone through the novel direct primary in the first place.

It is more convenient for a Governor or the party hierarchy to impose through the indirect mode. You all know the influence which governors wield. What many do not know is that the man that eventually emerged, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, because of his peculiar nature, is not a noise maker who wants to announce or plant his influence at every opportunity, which many did not see as strength. He is a quiet achiever. He has been a silent care-giver in the grassroots and has therefore won the hearts of the citizenry which many of the other aspirants did not reckon with. Do you know that most of the other aspirants quickly conceded victory immediately he was declared winner? They were unequivocal in conceding victory and even

Governor Rauf Aregbesola has made an indelible footprint on the sands of time which has wooed quite a number of interests in the people wanting to be governor, from the ruling party to other parties. You will agree with me that if the man has messed up the place, the interest of people coming in to seek for the position would have been very limited. accepted to campaign for his eventual victory at the polls because he was well respected as the natural successor to the outgoing governor. Those who decided not to accept and eventually left the party, a couple of them though, we already know beforehand that they weren’t loyal to the party ab-initio. The direct primary which they complained of is the most democratic form, devoid of manipulations. No wonder the national hierarchy of the party adopted it after the Osun litmus test. Even some of the other parties are quietly adopting it. It gives the grassroots the opportunity to choose whomsoever they want to emerge as the candidate of the party. I think their grouse has to do with the fact that their plans to manipulate through the indirect primary were aborted.

What are some of his antecedents?

Thank you. Oyetola is a certified insurance broker, entrepreneur and politician. He had 30 years experience in the private sector before joining government. He served in Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s eight-year-administration as Chief of Staff. Unknown to many political observers outside Osun state, Oyetola has

been achieving political feats without attracting attention to himself since 1997.

Despite the enormous influence he wields, he is reticent, humble and unassuming. Although he is perceived as the major pillar behind the Rauf Aregbesola administration, he has never displayed the peculiar trait of a political gladiator. He is loyal, non-combative and goal-oriented.

Unlike some chiefs of staff in other states who have earned public condemnation, in time of crises, Oyetola has handled government/union relations successfully, thereby earning the applause of political leaders and civil servants in the State of Osun.

Oyetola is among prominent Nigerians who founded Alliance for Democracy, AD, in 1998. The politician had remained a notable figure in the political party in Osun so much that when the Action Congress of Nigeria, ACN, birthed, he was one of the party’s notable chieftains.

Which other attributes endear the people and the party to him?

Adegboyega Oyetola is a pronounced technocrat as well as a progressive politician. His ideals of transformative leadership as a tool of service for the greater good drew him into politics. His great courage remains a source of admiration and his political sagacity is well acknowledged across all political divides.”

As once analysed, he is one of the few repositories of knowledge and a fountain of wisdom from which many emerging and existing politicians drink to their own benefits or whom they can only ignore to their eternal damnation.

Gboyega believes that grassroots politics is the surest way of making the elected leaders listen to the needs, aspirations and problems of their people and take practical steps to meeting these needs. He remains a champion of grassroots politics with a continuous track record till date. His influence in local levels has become a major and popular yardstick for measuring the success of his contemporaries.

Quiet generosity is the capstone to Gboyega Oyetola remarkable life.

Philanthropy remains his “second act,” a role through which he has helped thousands of people who never had the pleasure of knowing him except through his personal giving. Many of his gestures are geared towards empowering young people for sustainable livelihood. He is also known for giving scholarships to students to acquire tertiary education. In the last 25 years, not less than 400 students have benefitted from his scholarship grants.

But he is hardly heard in the public space…..

Everyone has his or her own peculiar nature which some see as weakness but reverse is the case here. In fact, his quiet mien is a plus because as a Chief of Staff, you are supposed to be on your desk at all time and not a chatterbox. You can’t even have the time for politicking. By nature, Isiaka Oyetola is a near perfectionist in words, conduct, appearance and actions.

Indeed, a man of very few words but astonishingly cerebral, technically and administratively equipped with needed information and applied knowledge on skills and mastery of creative and inventive governance of this age and time. He has served and is still serving actively to the philosophy and ideals of democratic tenets and principles towards ensuring that the greatest good in terms of deliverables and dividends of democracy is centered around the people to the service of the human race.

He is an enigma whose intellectual wizardry and financial management are equally legendary.

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NEWS

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

Osun Poll: 18, 426 Policemen Deployed •INEC Bars Mobile Phones In Voting Areas

falsification of election results will be resisted.

Vote buying and selling is a challenge to election process and democracy.

Nigerians should join hands together against the challenge.

“Vote sellers take pictures of ballot with mobile phones to claim money. That will not be allowed. Voters will be

Restating the readiness want to ensure that the

By Sola Jacobs governor is of INEC to conduct a free, next Independent National Electoral Commission fair, credible and determined by the voters (INEC), has declared that mobile phones would not peaceful election, INEC or people of the state. We be allowed in the voting area during September 22, chairman said the will ensure that election Osun governorship poll. commission has materials arrive the This was disclosed by cent of registered voters concluded all necessary various polling centres have collected their PVCs the INEC chairman, Prof. arrangements for the promptly.

“The worrisome vote Mahmud Yakubu, on and urged those that distribution of electoral Monday in Osogbo while were yet to collect to materials for the election. buying issue, diversion of make use of the extension materials, addressing stakeholders’ Prof Yakubu said: “We election to get their PVCs. forum on Osun election.

He said no efforts would be spared to stop vote buying during Osun poll, noting that vote Resident Electoral Commissioner of Independent on Osun governorship election. buying poses major He maintained that the National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Osun, Mr election on Monday in challenge to credible Olusegun Agbaje has said that the commission Osogbo, he pledged the commission did not election in the country.

Also addressing the recruited 16,000 adhoc staff for Saturday election determination of the increase the polling units commission to conduct in the state aside the 3,010 gathering, the Inspector in the state.

While addressing a meeting of stakeholder free, fair and credible polling units that existed General of Politice, Ibrahim Idris, said 18,426 policemen, that will include men and officers from conventional and PMF units, intelligence and technical teams would be deployed to provide security during the poll.

According to him, men and officers that would be on duty during the poll have been trained to secure lives and properties during the poll, adding that no less than four policemen would be on duty in each polling station on the election day.

The IG said: “Arrangements have been concluded to deploy over 18, 426 police personnel including conventional and PMF units, Intelligence and technical teams to •An assemblage of the SDP candidate in Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore supporters, during a campaign rally in Iwo recently. provide security.

“This number excludes the support services to be provided by other it comes to the leakages in revenue By security personnel from implementation stage, generation. the Armed Forces, the The governorship candidates for the September “If there are wastes in that is when one problem Immigration Service, the 22 election on Sunday engaged in a television terms of revenue that Prisons, the Customs and debate with promises to uplift the fortunes of the or the other comes in.

“This is where I am comes to the state, you the Nigeria Security and people of Osun. ready to correct the may not make any Civil Defense Corps Adeoti promised to lapses Among the candidates in the headway.

(NSCDC) to complement who participated in the correct the lapses in “So, we will first plug implementation of some the efforts of the police. of of these policies,” he said. all the loopholes from debate are the former implementation “Our brothers Secretary to the State policies if elected Adeoti stressed that his where the revenue is politicians and their Government (SSG) under governor of the state. goal is to bring getting out and make supporters are advised to Governor In response to the Rauf development and good sure that the system of desist from actions that Aregbesola, Mr. question on if he truly governance to Osun State government is improved may precipitate violence Moshood Adeoti, who is referred to the and added that he would upon because if the before, during and after the candidate of the administration of boost the state economy system of government is the election.

Action Democratic Aregbesola as wasteful not improved upon and “The police officers Party(ADP) and Mr. after he left the camp of through agricultural there is no accountability, deployed for this election Gboyega Oyetola, the the incumbent governor, revolution.

“My aim is to turn the transparency and due have been lectured and candidate of the ruling Adeoti said he never economy of Osun State process is not followed, educated on electoral All Progressives described all the efforts of around, pay salaries definitely, there is no conducts, behaviours, Congress.

Aregbesola as wasteful. regularly, create jobs, amount of economic laws and offences, and “During the time that I empower youths, and development that you Others are Senator are therefore expected to Iyiola Omisore of Social was in that government, embark on agricultural want to do without all conduct themselves in a Democratic Party (SDP) we had some projects these steps taken,” he revolution. highly ethical manners.” and Mr. Fatai Akinbade, which were executed for “Before the discovery said.

On INEC candidate of the African the benefit of the people Akinbade also of oil in Nigeria, preparedness for the poll, Democratic Congress of Osun. agriculture was the promised to improve the the electoral commission (ADC).

“Not all the projects mainstay of our economy economic fortunes of the boss, Prof Yakubu Senator Ademola are bad. Some of the and in order to garner state by transforming the said collection of Adeleke of the Peoples projects we embarked IGR for the state, we have lives of civil who he said Permanent Voter’s Cards Democratic Party (PDP) upon were good while to energise our effort are responsible for the (PVC) has been extended did not attend the debate some others were bad. towards rejuvenating the economy. till 5:pm which was facilitated by “There was nothing agricultural sector.”

“The issue of the civil Wednesday evening.

Channels Television on bad in the policies of our On his part, Akinbade servants has to come to He said over 90per Sunday night. administration but when said he would plug bear because when you

made to drop their phones and pick them after voting.

“We expect that the Osun election is another example of a free, fair credible and peaceful election.We are happy that over 90 percent of Osun people have collected their PVCs. Collection of PVCs extended to 5.00pm on Wednesday.”

...16,000 Adhoc Staff Recruited To Participate in the state based on 30 local governments, with 332 registered areas and the total of 1,682,495 voters.

Mr Agbaje stated further that a total of 1,237,620 voters collected their PVC which is 73.58% of the population, while the total number 444,310 voters refused to collect their PVC which represented 26.2% of the populace.

The INEC resident commissioner gave the breakdown of the registered voters in the state as 807,598 males which represents 48% and 874,897 which is 52% female prospective voters respectively.

The adhoc staff, according to him, were recruited from National Youth Service Corps members serving in the state, while others are sourced from Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) and the Federal Polytechnic Ede respectively.

Debate: Candidates Make Commitments look at the economy, the economy starts from the civil service. When they don’t get their salaries, definitely nothing will move,” he added.

Also, the ADC candidate vowed that his administration would boost education in the state to ensure the citizens have the knowledge to spur the development of the state.

Omisore also promised to better the lots of the people and spoke extensively on the killing of former Justice minister Bola Ige. Ige was assassinated in December 2001.

He denied any involvement in the killing of Ige and explained that he had been discharged by the High Court but that the case was still pending in the Appeal Court.

Omisore said that it was his wish that the federal government would eventually search and find the killers.

THURSDAY SEPT 20 - THURSDAY SEPT 27, 2018

CRIME

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15

Man Arraigned Over Stealing Of Laptop Battery

By Aishat Oyebamiji For allegedlly stealing a laptop battery, a 29 yearold man, Abdulrahman Nurudeen has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court.

The defendant who charges bothering on was facing three count stealing pleaded not

guilty to the charges preferred against him.

The prosecutor, Inspector Olayiwola Rasaq informed the court that the defendant did steal HP laptop battery

and its keyboard valued N20,000, property of one Abdulrahmon Modinat.

Olayiwola also added that the accused person maliciously damaged HP laptop valued N40,000.

He said the accused person committed the offence sometimes in the month of April, 2018 at Osogbo.

He added the suspect, on the July 31, 2018, at Oke-odo Divisional headquarters, Ota-efun, Osogbo, did conduct himself in a manner likely to cause breach of peace by taking away one HP laptop valued N40,000 property of Abdulrahmon Modinat with the pretence of repairing it.

Olayiwola stressed that the defendant thereby committed an offence contrary to

section 383 and punishable under section 390 of the criminal code cap 34 vol.11 laws of Osun state of Nigeria, 2003.

The defence counsel, Mr. Oladipupo Olatunbosun prayed the court for the bail of the accused person in most affordable and liberal terms.

The Magistrate, Mrs. Fatimah Sodamade granted the bail to the suspect in the sum of N50,000 with one surety, who should swear to affidavit of means and his address to be verified by police.

Young Man In Court Over Assault

•‘Our Mumu Don Do’ Group takes campaign against vote buying to markets in Osun.

By Oluwayemisi Awe A 20-year-old suspect, Abdullahi Nuhu was arraigned before a Magistrate Court in Osogbo for allegedly assaulting one Mr. Lawal Muhammed.

The accused person, September 5, 2018 on two was docked on count charges to which he pleaded not guilty.

The Prosecutor, Fagboyinbo Abiodun informed the court that the accused person video after the lawmaker committed the offence on reported them to the September 4, 2018 at police, with a view to about 8:20pm around forcing him hands off the Ayetoro Area, Osogbo. case, but the involvement He added that the of the police has taken the accused person assaulted matter off his reach. one Lawal Muhammed by beating him up and maliciously damaging his cloth valued N3, 000.

The Magistrate O.A. Ayilara granted him bail The Magistrate, M.A with the sum of N50, 000, Awodele sentenced the one surety who must within the accused person to 16 reside months imprisonment jurisdiction and an affidavit of means. with no option of fine.

Alleged Ritual Scandal: Suspected Blackmailers Of Osun Lawmaker In Prison

By Taiwo Emmanuel The case was to 19 The alleged mastermind of the blackmail videos adjourned against the Osun House of Assembly Leader, September 2018 for ruling.

Honourable Timothy Owoeye have been arraigned Meanwhile, the before an Osogbo Magistrate Court last Friday.

The accused persons accused persons to be medium gathered that the suspects is an arm of are: Kazeem Agbabiaka, remanded in prison.

57, Femi Oyebode, 43, AbdulRasheed Ojonla, 52, Babatunde Oluajo, 45, Adebiyi Kehinde Oseni, 48, Oyebamiji Oyeniyi, 34, Ismaila Azeez, 54, and Awodunmola Kehinde,

By Taiwo Emmanuel 52.

The accused persons A Magistrate Court in Osogbo, Osun State has were docked on two sentenced a 23-year-old Nigerien, Abdulkabir count charges bothering Adamu to 16months Imprisonment for stealing on fraud. building material valued N9.2million.

The prosecutor ASP The defendant Solomon Idoko informed Abdulkabir Adamu who Materials Valued N9.2m the court that the accused had no representation property of one Cletus Okpara on December persons and others at pleaded guilty to the two 2017. large between the month count charges preferred He further stated that of April and July 2018 at against him by the the offence committed is Oluajo area, Osogbo police. contrary to and conspired among The prosecutor, punishable under section themselves to commit Inspector Oladoye 516,383(1),390(9)of the felony and with intent to Joshua informed the criminal code cap 34 defraud. court that the accused vol1.11 laws of Osun He added that the person stole Building State of Nigeria. suspects obtained the sum of N38 million from Timothy Owoeye with the pretence of

By Uwaiye Janet organizing spiritual prayer to avert his death A 30-year-old man, Taiwo Kazeem was docked revelation. on Friday September 14, 2018 before a Magistrate He said the offence Court in Osogbo over alleged fraud. committed contravene The prosecutor, remit the money to the section 1 (1) (a) (3), Olayiwola Rasaq company account and section 1 (1) (C) and informed the court that convert the money for his section 1 (30 of the the accused person own use. advance fee fraud and committed the offence The prosecutor stated related offences art, laws sometimes in the month that the offence of federation of Nigeria of July 2018, at about contravenes section 390 2006.

10:00am at 38 Kasmo of the criminal code cap The defence counsel, Crescent, Off Ibokun 34 Vol 11 laws of Osun Temitope Oyedipe told road Oke Baale Osogbo. state of Nigeria 2002.

The defendant Kazeem pleaded guilty the court to grant the accused persons bail in allegedly sold 33 cartons to the single charge of Kasmo medicated preferred against him. the most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, O. A The Magistrate O.A. soap product worth Ayilara ordered the N200,000 and failed to Ayilara found the

cartel specialized in defrauding public figures and blackmail them with video upon knowing the dubious acts.

It was gathered that the gang revealed the

Nigerien Bags 16month Jail For Stealing N9.2m Building Materials The convict pleaded that the court should temper justice with mercy and allow him to go scot free

Man Docked For Assault

By Sukurat Adewumi And Joseph Olarotimi A 42 year-old man Badmus Femi has been arraigned before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for alleged assault.

According to the Inspector Jafani Muslim charge sheet, the accused told the court that the is facing one count charge accused committed the bothering on assault. offence on August 22 The prosecutor 2018 at oke fia market

Man In Prison Over N200,000 Fraud accused person guilty of the one count charge.

In his judgment, the accused person was sentenced to one month

imprisonment.

The case was adjourned to October 17, 2018 for judgement.

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He said the accused injured one Adepoju Akinwusi using gas cylinder.

He submitted that the offence committed is contrary to and punishable under session 355 of the criminal code Cap.34 Vol. II law of Osun state of Nigeria 2003.

The accused pleaded not guilty to the count charge against him.

The defence counsel Sulaiman Akano humbly applied for the bail of the accused in most liberal terms.

The Magistrate, A.O Ajanaku granted the bail to the accused in the sum of N100,000 with one surety.

The surety must be a reliable person residing within the jurisdiction and his address must be verified by the prosecutor.

The case was adjourned to October 25 2018 for hearing.

CRIME

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Alleged Ritual Scandal: Suspected Blackmailers Of Osun Lawmaker In Prison Page 15

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THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 20 - THURSDAY SEPTEMBER 27, 2018

NEWS ANALYSIS Osun Grand Rally - APC Finally Closes The Deal!

By Solomon Odeniyi On Tuesday, September 18, 2018, the APC brought in the big guns in persons of President Muhammad Buhari, Comrade Adam Oshiomhole, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, APC state governors and other chieftains to the State of Osun capital for a final push of a campaign that has largely gone their way. With an imploding PDP, marooned with a lackluster candidate who is hobbled by the certificate saga as well as a fragmented increasingly disoriented opposition, with babbling candidates, barring an unprecedented systemic shift, the APC is on course for victory on Saturday.

In a brilliant strategic candidate of opposing move, outgoing parties who have not government of Ogbeni presented a coherent Rauf Aregbesola brought alternative position in a in the state’s acclaimed pickle.

Social Intervention The visit of the programmes – OYES, President of the Federal O’Meal, O’Reap, Republic of Nigeria, O’Ramp, Agba-Osun etc, Muhammadu Buhari has as a mobilising tool. given the APC a These government’s significant trajectory achievements were towards coasting home to highlighted thereby victory on Saturday. emphasising the need for The President reiterated most of the continuity.

The intervention achievements of the programmes have had a administration of Ogbeni profound effect on the Adesoji Aregbesola and social economy as well as therefore appealed to reducing the poverty Osun people to vote levels of the state. massively for the APC Emphasising the candidate, Alhaji Isiaka beneficial impacts of the Gboyega Oyetola for the programmes puts continuation of these

developmental strides.

President Buhari addressing the gathering promised the people of the state that all the Federal Government projects in the State will be completed with APC in government.

He urged the electorate to cast their votes for the APC candidate, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and Benedict Adegboyega on Saturday, saying, “We assured you that we will complete construction of Ojutu Bridge at Ilobu, construction of Oke-Ila to Ekiti State boundary road and construction of Housing Estate in the State”.

“We are here to celebrate victory of our candidate in next Saturday election” he added.

Tinubu, Aregbesola and other speakers at the rally said the present APC government in the state has performed creditably well and voting APC again on Saturday would ensure the consolidation of the ongoing development in the state.

•The Deal Sealed... President Muhammadu Bihari (middle), Governor Aregbesola and others presenting Oyetola at the APC mega rally in Osogbo on Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI

•A crowd of APC supporters during the campaign.

Dissecting The Manifesto Of Oyetola For Osun Guber Poll •Continued from last edition Part of the good things Ogbeni Aregbesola has done, is the identification of a reputable person that will take over from him. Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola’s training and background as a financial and human capital manager has prepared him for the task ahead. He is a graduate of the prestigious University of Lagos, Akoka, Lagos State with a Bachelor of Science (Honours) in Insurance in 1978 and Master of Business Administration (MBA) specialising in Finance in 1990. He is an Associate of the Chartered Insurance Institute (CII), London and Nigeria and a Member of the Nigerian Institute of Management (NIM). He has previously worked in Leadway Assurance Company in 1980 as an Assistant Manager and rose to the position of Area Manager, Control Office, Lagos State.

He was at Crusader Insurance as Underwriting Manager, Corporate Alliance Insurance as Controller (Technical) before he decided to call it quit and set up Silvertrust Insurance Brokers Limited in 1990. He was on the Board of many companies. He was the Executive Vice Chairman of Paragon Group of Companies with interest in Oil and Gas, Real Estate, Stock Broking etc, until his appointment as the Chief of Staff to the Governor of the State of Osun in 2011. Before coming to Osun, he has been in charge of management of multimillion naira organisation and knows about people’s management. He has won many awards as the Chief of Staff to the Governor and part of the revolution called infrastructural development of State of Osun. Gboyega Oyetola is a financial expert that will improve the fortune of the state.

Oyetola promised “to revolutionise the economic base of the state for improved internally generated revenue (IGR) for the prosperity of all Osun sons and daughters by creating the enabling environment for manufacturing companies and agro-allied industries to

invest in the agriculture, mining and tourism sectors to create job opportunities for the employable youths.” In this while, industrial estates will developed in some selected cities of the state.

He also promised to f i n e - t u n e objectively, the six points integral action plan contained in the green book upon which Aregbesola triumphed.

He shall make Osun government “work for all irrespective of status; his priorities shall be to ensure Osun has a well-motivated civil service to ensure maximum productivity to implement all his laudable policies and programmes in education, health, agriculture, housing, sports, environment etc.” He has plans to create loans for the traders, farmers and improve the conditions of the artisans by engaging them, through direct labour basis, on all works emanating from government. His manifesto has been strategically developed to address all issues pertaining to the welfare of the people of the state. This is in continuity of the legacy of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

As the Chief of Staff of the State of Osun for close to eight (8) years, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola was part and parcel of the success stories of the state and a close associate of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who has been described by many as “compulsive thinker”, “unique leader”, “paragon of transformation and the architect of a new State of Osun”. He was the proponent of

OBSERVATION

BY OLUFEMI OYEDELE “Unusual Government” and who, through effective financial engineering and prudence, has done the inexplicable in the state. The shoes that he is leaving behind may not size any unprepared successor.

Chief Ebenezer Babatope, a Chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, stated that if Ademola Jackson Nurudeen Adeleke should govern the state for a year, it would take the state 20 years backward. This is as a result of the lackadaisical attitudes of the “professional dancer” and entertainer who had not contributed any good thought to the deliberations of the Red Chamber ever since he became the Senator representing Osun West Senatorial District. This poor performance is not unexpected from a candidate with only F9 in English Language and absent in other subjects he claimed he registered for in 1981 West African School Certificate Examination (WASCE).

Oyetola is the most qualified candidate in the coming gubernatorial election in terms of reputation, preparation for the job, experience and exposure. There is no other candidate that has excellence in all the factors mentioned above. A candidate that has never worked in the private or public sector other than being the chairman of a local government cannot have the basics of governance which is more than party administration.

State administration is not a cup of tea and with Osun State’s meagre allocation from the federal purse; a financial expert and erudite administrator should be in charge.

•Olufemi Oyedele, a political analyst wrote in from Osogbo.

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

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