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www.osundefender.org THURSDA Y , DECEMBER 5, 2013
PEOPLE FIRST
VOL. 8. NO.0145
N 50
Front Page Comment
Editorial
How Osun Can Generate N10bn Monthly - Aregbesola •Warns ‘Nigeria’s Economy Heading Towards Doom’
- See Story On Page 2
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (6th left); Reverend (Bishop) Afolabi Popoola Osun of Anglican Diocese, Osogbo, (5th left); Chief Jimoh Ibrahim (2nd left) and other clerics in a group photograph during a courtesy visit to the governor by the Bishopeand clerics th at Government House, Osogbo, last Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
Osun Assembly Suspends Oriade LG Director Of Works
- See Story On Page 3
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OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
How Osun Can Generate N10bn Monthly - Aregbesola •Warns ‘Nigeria’s Economy Heading Towards Doom’ By KEHINDE
AYANTUNJI
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HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that the only way for the state to survive is to harness its economic opportunities and build a viable Internal Generated Revenue base to escape from the financial mess rocking the country. He called for collective wh ich was not even efforts on agricu ltu ral enough to settle the wage developme nt, patriotic bill of N3.6 billion; labour, industrialisation despite th is poor and regular payment of allocation, we have to taxes to assist th e continue, the dualisation government in fulfilling of Osogbo/Ila-Odo, its constitu tional Kwara boundary, responsibilities of Gbongan to Akoda, Oba providing social services. Adesoji Aderemi East The governor state d Bye-Pass, Gbongan to this during the public Orile Owu- Ijebu -Igbo presentation of the State and the renovation of of Osu n Revenue hospitals. Administration Law “We have to continue 2012, held at the Centre for the OYES, continue the Black Cultu re and O’Meals, continu e the I n t e r n a t i o n a l International Airports, Expansion of Water Understanding. Aregbe sola, wh o Dams among others, all de scribed Nigeria as a these projects must not country “living on rents,” stop, because that is our expressed fear on th e social contract with the likely collapse of the people of the state.” Aregbe sola, wh o nation’s economy, as a result of oil thefts, which advocated for change of attitu de to work and the Federal Government of Nigeria claimed it is imbibe the culture of tax remittance, said “Osun responsible for falling in must not beg for its needs, the country’s revenue. He posited that if the considering the disaster state fails to restrategise waiting for the people, if and source for alternative the financial mess is not me ans of ru nning promptly addressed.” According to the government and funding government projects, it governor, Osu n can conveniently generate may be heading towards N10 billion monthly if economic doom that th e people are Nigeria is heading to. determined and ready to Aregbesola, who said tap the opportunity of despite the fact that the natural resources on people and th e state agriculture. government are rejoicing He explained that” the on the drastic debt profile of United improvement on the state States of America is $16 IGR from N300 million to trillion and with over 400 N1.6 billion monthly, his million population and administration is not in Nigeria has $58 billion any way comfortable debt profile, with 160 with the revenue, because million population. The it h as little or no implication is that by reasonable impact on calculation, an average government projects in American is having line with his six integral $40,000 debt hanging on action plan and the vision his or her neck while an of the government to average Nigerian is transform the state. liable to just $400 debt, He said: “The last but despite the huge debt allocation accrued to the profile of America, it is state from the Federal the country of the dream Government allocation for everybody. was N2.6 billion instead “The difference is that of, at least, N4.6 billion, they h ave built and
sustain a working system for their country through job creation and tax remittance. If in Nigeria, the 16 per cent of our popu lation is abou t 25 million, who are youths are working and gen erating N4 million annual income, it means N16 trillion will be circulating in our economy” “In the State of Osun, for instance, with the population of 3.2 million, if the 16 per cent of our population who are active youths of about 517,000
By KAZEEM MOHAMMED
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four years is now N738 billion. Earlier in their separate addresses, th e State Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Mr Ajibola Bashir and his counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro, said th e law will bring efficiency to the tax system and engender development. The law, which has 83 sections, was reviewed during the pu blic presentation by Dr Oladoye Ajakaye from Law Departme nt, University of Lagos.
•(R-L) Governor Rauf Aregbesola; Chief Imam of Osogboland and President of League of Alfas in the th-West, Sou Edo and Delta states, Sheik Mustapha Ajisafe and Chief Tunde Badmus, when the muslims in the State f Osun o paid a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo, last Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
ASUU Strike: ERC Chides FG On Sack Threat By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), the Education Rights Campaign (ERC), has chided the Federal Government on the sack threat on members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) should they refuse to call off their strike on December 4. The ERC described the on workers’ rights in threat by the Federal Nigeria. Government as the height A press statement of President Goodluck signed by the National Jonathan’s creeping Coordinator of the ERC, dictatorship and a Comrade Taiwo Hassan, throwback to the dark era said the threat was of militaristic clampdown outrageous and provocative, adding that the action of the Federal Go vernment is parliament under his watch reminiscent of the dark would not fold its arms, days o f military while some people elect to break laws under any guise. despotism. According to the ERC, He said: “We should be s tep of the mindful of enemies of the progress, who only want to government is a subvert the schools’ demonstration of the reclassification exercise that regime’s contempt and has started yielding positive absolute disregard for the results, by attributing rights and interests of the pe rsonal scores between among aggrieve d persons working people of this and the leadership of the country. A copy of the press school to the exercise.” “Besides, no citize n is statement made available allowed to take law into his to OSUN DEFENDER on hands, no matter the status Tuesday throu gh of such a person(s) in the electronic mail reads in society and no matter the part: “We must quickly circumstances,” he added The Speaker then tasked point out that it is not religious leade rs, as ASUU but actually the concerned stakeholders, to Federal Government and be mindful of sensitivity of its obstinate refusal to religion, saying, faith should invest in revitalization of be a pe rsonal choice, not our decrepit public compulsion, and must not be university system that is used as a vehicle of sabotaging the education destabilization.
Osun Assembly Condemns Mob Action In Ejigbo PEAKER, State of Osun, House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has condemned the mob action on a teacher of Baptist High School, Ejigbo, by some Muslims for for allegedly beating a pupil. This was just as he took the schools’ exception to the dragging of reclassification, saying that, the schools’ reclassification it is rather an over-reaction exercise to the ugly and from some aggrieved improper way of settling people. scores with the leadership of Describing Ejigbo as one the school by some of the most peaceful local aggrieved persons. government council areas Addressing the press in in the state, he noted that his office on Wednesday, the the gove rnme nt and the Speaker, who described the people of the town would incident as bad and not fold their arms and unfortunate, noted that the allow anybody to disrupt police and the people of the peace of the ancie nt Ejigbo have waded into the town. matter and settled the Me anwhile, in a imbroglio. statement by his Press According to him, Se cretary, Goke Butika, though, there were efforts Salaam warned against any by some politicians to hijack form of jungle justice or the issue, turn it to political breaching of laws matters and connect it to the anywhere in the state, policy of government on insisting that the
are working and realising N4 million income annually, it means N2.3 trillion will be circulating in the state economy, and if they pay 5 per cent tax, we will generate over N10 billion monthly, if we have that in four years, even the people of Dubai will come and see wonders in Osu n”, Aregbesola said. He emphasised that the income is realistic and visible, if the people really work as expected, saying the major problem the country has is culture of
insole nce and poor attitude to work. He added that the new law is a revenu e instrument that is aimed at improving the state IGR, while u rging the members of the public to cooperate with various agencies responsible for the implementation of the law, saying the law will bring transparency and accountability to revenue generation. The gove rnor further stressed that as a result of the commitment of his administration on economic development, the state GDP, which was N100 billion in the last
sector and keeping students perpetually at home. “The Supervising Minister of Education, Chief Nyesom Wike, while announcing this devilish threat said the Federal Government has met all its commitments and obligations with respect to the FG N/ ASUU 2009 agreement. It must be that the ruling elite somehow believe that Nigerian people suffer from col lective amnesia, otherwise how could a whole minister of the Federal Republic utter such a blatant lie? “Everybody knows the current strike was caused by Federal Government’s refusal to honour an agreement on university funding and academic staff welfare signed with ASUU since 2009. “Everyone knows that at the 13-hour marathon meeting by Presid ent Jonathan and ASUU executives and NLC and TUC representatives, the government stuck to its refusal to honour the 2009 agreement and instead presented proposals, which watered-down the basic ingredients of the 2009 agreement, but which ASUU graciously agreed to present to their members for
consideration. “A d ecision on the President’s proposals would have been made by ASUU weeks before now, had an unfortunate but highly-suspicious accident involving the convoy of Kogi State Governor Idris Wada not claimed the life of its former President Professor Festus Iyayi, while travelling for ASUU’s NEC meeting.” The organisation stressed that “the socalled new demands, which Nyesom Wike claimed ASUU is making are in reality, not new demand s, bu t simple request that the Federal Government begins to implement its proposals so that university lecturers can be rest assured that this is not another ruse to make ASUU suspends its strike, while government would again fail to honour its promise. “Presid ent Jonathan proposed at the November 4 meeting to give N200 billion for 2012 and 2013 revitalisation of public universities. This is almost December and not a kobo has been released by the Federal Government. All ASUU is asking is for the President to d emonstrate his alleged sincerity.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 5, 2013
Aregbesola Has Laid Standard Structure For Osun - Speaker By KAZEEM MOHAMMED
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PEAK ER, S tate of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has declared that the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has laid a structure that would be difficult to beat by anybody coming after his eight years in office. He made the that the governor has declaration in Osogbo laid a fou ndation for on Wednesday, saying the development of the
...Calls For Investigation Into Monarch’s Murder, Kidnapping By KAZEEM MOHAMMED
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HE Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has called on security operatives to ensure the arrest of hoodlums who strangulated the Loja of Ilase-Ijesa in Obokun Local Government Council Area, Oba Adeshina Anibijuwon, recently. Salaam made the call while speaking with newsmen in Ejigbo on Sunday, at the turbaning ceremony of Alhaja Wasilat Babajide as Majeobaje Adinni of the Ansar-Ud-Deen Society of Nigeria, Ejigbo chapter. He also charged the police to double its efforts, to ensure the release of an industrialist, Mrs Yinka Obaleye (Yinka Oba), who was kidnapped by hoodlums. Unknown assailants had on November 21 invaded the palace of the 80 year-Old Oba A n i b i j u w o n , strangulated him to death before setting his palace on fire. Obaleye was also abducted by hoodlums in Ilesa on November 20, while her driver was killed in the process. Describing the two incidents as shocking and least expected in the state, the Speaker urged the police to get to the root of the matter as fast as possible. “This is an ugly incident and le ast expected in the state, especially now that the government is doing everything possible to ensure the security of lives and property of the people. “Despite the efforts of the government on security, some people are still hell-bent on destroying the peaceful atmosphere we are enjoying in the state. “The killing of the monarch and the burning of his palace was against Yoruba tradition and I have
PUBLIC NOTICE This is to inform members of the public, that OY EWUSI T AIWO is the same person asOYEWUSI T AIWO HABEEB . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
never heard of such before. “This incident is very sad and unfortunate and people behind it must be made to face the wrath of the law. “I want to therefore call on the Commissioner of Police, the Director of State Security Service and other security operatives to get to the root of the matter. “They should ensure the arrest and prosecution of those who perpetrated this evil acts to serve as deterrent to others,” Salaam said. The Speaker, however, said that the government would not relent in its effort to eradicate crime in the state.
state economy through his developmental programmes in healthcare, education, agriculture, and security among others. According to him, with the foundation laid by the governor, it is clear to everybody that Aregbesola is a man that keeps promises, as he has not derailed from the promises he made to the people during his electioneering campaign in 2007. He said: “Aregbesola has built a new structure that will be
difficult for any governor coming to beat. It is like Osun is just starting from the scratch. “For laying these structures, it is clear to everybody that Aregbesola is a man that keeps to his promises. He has not derailed from the promises he made to the people. Also speaking at the celebration of the third anniversary of A r e g b e s o l a ’ s administration, Salaam appreciated the
governor for staying within the dictates of the law in carrying out his various programmes. He noted that the governor has even surpassed the target, which the members of the House had set for him. The Speaker, who said there has been a high level of cordiality between the governor and members of the Assembly, stated that it is because the legislators are always very proud of the achievements of the
administration at all times. He further noted that the administration has come to take the state out of the dark, which it has been over the years, adding that Aregbesola is a light to the state. Present at the event were the Deputy Spe aker, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye and all members of the state legislature, members of the state executive council, as well as party leaders and members from across the state.
•The Speaker, State Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, laying the foundation for an ultra-m odern ward at the Baptist Hospital, Ejigbo recently.
‘We Shall Continue To Effect Changes, Happiness To Osun People’ appealed to the in the warring areas By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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attentive and responsive, which has differentiated his administration from the PDP government. Speaking on the restoration of peace and security to the state, Aregbesola noted that violence and political thuggery that characterized the PDP government have gone into extinction since his administration came on board, adding that there will not be development in the absence of peace and security. On the communal crises rocking some commu nities in the state, Aregbesola
overnor Rauf Aregbesola has declared that his coming to the State of Osun is to make changes and bring happiness to the people who had been under the spell of the maladministration of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). Aregbesola, wh ile state’s infrastructure speaking at the Ikirun and ensure socioFederal Constituency economic development edition of Gban gba that will transform the D’ek un, said his lives of the residents of a d m i n i s t r a t i o n the state. remained undaunted to With the little bring smiles to the resources accruable to faces of the people of the state, Aregbesola the state, who voted for said his administration him and supported him has already made a to reclaim his stolen difference between the mandate. seven and a half years He said the people of the PDP rule. suffered enough for He stressed that his seven and a half years administration is very of the PDP rule than for him to disappoint the teeming supporters. The governor further stated that he came to The government of the State of Osun Osu n to rebuild the has procured special security numbers
Security Tip In Osun
PUBLIC NOTICE
This is to inform members of the public, that OGUNJOBI MICHAEL is the same person as O G U N J O B I MICHAEL TUNDE . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.
for use by people in distress. The numbers are: 08100000481,08100000482,08100000483, 08100000484,08100000485,08100000486. All the numbers became operational since August 17, 2012. Please, note and call to assist Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the elected governor of the State Of Osun, in sustaining a peaceful and crime-free environment. - Management
traditional rulers and the people of the warring communities to sheathe their swords and embrace peace and dialogue instead of waging war against each other. Aregbesola said: “There is no need for violence in our state. There should be no more war among our commu nities. We do not need to go to war, since we will come back to settle our differences at the roundtable. Go and check the history; every war ended on the round table. “Development will flee from any environment where there is no peace and security. All the traditional and communities’ leaders
and in the State of Osun at large, should please take oath within themselves that they will forsake and forbid violence and war in their various communities.” Aregbesola, in his sixpoint integral action plan had promised to “enhance communal peace and progress in specific terms and in pursuit of the pledge made by the Yoruba Obas, Generals and leaders in ending the 20-year of civil war in Yoruba land (Kiriji) at a camp between Okemesi and Igbajo. “The Obas, Generals and leaders pledged by themselves for the pursuit of peace, progress and prosperity among the children of Odu duwa.”
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No Alternative To Peace In Islam By KEHINDE
AY ANTUNJI
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call has gone to religious leaders in the State of Osun to serve as watchdogs to their adherents in ordertoforestallcrisis among the various religious faiths in the state. The governor of the understands the Quran state, Ogbeni Rauf very well will not try to Aregbesola, made the call take action on behalf of on Monday in Osogbo, Almighty Allah while playing host to the While enjoining the League of Imams and Muslim clerics to be at the Alfas and Muslim clerics forefront of preaching to from all over the state, led adherents of the religion by Sheik Mustapha that Islam is a religion of Ajisafe. peace, the governor Aregbesola, who enjoined every Muslim to decried the ugly incident always exercise patience in Ejigbo, said it was at all times, saying the completely wrong for word patience is a word anyone to interfere in the that Allah repeated more issue of religion, saying than 500 times in the Holy that God has not tasked Quran. anybody to fight in the He said: “ While I will name of religion, noting commend our religious that a Muslim who leaders for fostering peace
and unity in the state, but with unfortunate incident that happened in Ejigbo, you have not done enough by counseling the trouble makers. You have to intensify your efforts because there is no alternative to peace in Islam. There is no compulsion in religion” Aregbesola, who noted that Islam came into the Yoruba-speaking areas as
a result of the good characters exhibited by the first set of Muslims, who accepted Islam, explained that there has been disparity among the faiths that existed in Yorubaland, even before the coming of Islam and Christianity, but have been living harmoniously without any rancour. “People worshipping Ogun and Obatala have
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 5, 2013
- Aregbesola different methods and characters and never fight as a result of faith. They live together, trade together and even marrying each other without any problem.” He added that the best characters Yoruba race are known for in the world are cooperation, tolerance and harmony that have always been among the race from time
immemorial, noting that if a visitor does not feel comfortable and secured in a place, it means there is a problem and such a an area will not develop. He then appealed to the citizens of the state to continue to live in peace and harmony at all times, so as to give room for an all-round development of the state.
Osun Partners Private Sector To Provide 100 Tractors For Farmers By SHINA ABUBAKAR
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N a bid to enhance farming business in the State of Osun, government is partneringwiththe privatesector to provide a hundred tractors to boost agricultural output. According to the Acting noted that the development General Manager, Osun would equally create a State Agricu ltural competitive market Development Corporation environment for tractor (OSSADEC), Mr. Kayode service providers, because Olanipekun, the more tractors would collaboration with Ecobank translate to timely services and Precel Nigeria Limited, for farmers. wou ld increase private He further stated that the sector investments in the State Government of Osun, agricultural mechanization under the leadership of process in the state. Governor Rauf Aregbesola He disclosed this at a has approved a 15 per cent meeting held at the subsidy on the total cost of Conference Room of the the tractors and implement corporation with top before next year’s planting management staff of the season. bank and the Managing Olanipekun appreciated Director, Precel Nigeria the proposed Ecobank Limited. financial support and Precel The acting general Nigeria Limited for its manager stated that the intervention, stating that, it partnership will provide is a signal that Nigerian tractors and implements banks are paying more for practising farmers in attention to agricultural the state to increase their mechanization process, in productivity through order to reduce reduced drudgery usually unemployment and experienced when manual poverty in the s tate in labour is deployed on the particular and the nation in farm. general. The OSSADEC boss
•Mr Akin Apara (right 2 nd); Alhaji Isa Adesiji, Executive Secretary, Ilesa-West Local Government Council Area (middle) in a group photograph with widows after the presentation of food items to the widows arabyrecently Ap in Ilesa. Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO.
We ‘re Committed To The Welfare Of The People - Aregbesola By KEHINDE
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OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that the current administrationin the state is committed tothe welfare of the people as government exists for the people. of the Osun Anglican He stated this on Diocese, said it is the duty Monday at the Banquet of every responsible Hall of the Government government to deliver House, while playing basic amenities to the host to members of the masses and make almost Osun Anglican Diocese, everyone under its watch led by Bishop James enjoy quality leadership. Afolabi Popoo la, who Aregbesola said his paid him a courtesy visit government is ready to at the Government House. maintain smooth Aregbesola, while relationship with every responding to the thank- sector of the community you-speech of the leader in the state.
He added that the current administration in the State of Osun is also striving hard to ensure that every religious faith has free hand to operate, adding that stability, peace and harmony can only exist when there is no religious sentiment or bias. While calling for religious harmony among the various religious faiths in the state, the governor stated that religion will have no meaning in human affairs, if it does not have
Osun Assembly Suspends Oriade LG Director Of Works By KAZEEM MOHAMMED HE State of Osun House of Assembly has suspended the Director of Works, Oriade Local Government Council, Mr Akinola Kehinde, for his non-challant attitude to the construction of 10 kilometre road projects in the council area. He was suspended for Bamisayemi (Ife-South) to three months without recommend his pay, sequel to his failure suspension. to give account of the level He said: “What th is of work done on the man has done today is project before the state just to advertise to this legislature. Hou se that h e is not Akinola had earlier serious and we should let been summoned by the him realise that we are Assembly to give account serious here.” on the project, but despite Oth er lawmakers, his late appearance, he including Honourables told the lawmakers that Akintu nde Adegboye he did not have the list of (Osogbo), Ipoola Binuyo the number of kilometres (Ife-North), Kamardeen of roads in his council Akanbi (Ede-North), area at his disposal. Wasiu Adebayo The disposition of the (Olorunda), Timothy director infu riated the Owoeye (Ilesa-West) and lawmakers, a situ ation Mohammed Ibrahim that prompted (Oriade) su pported the Honourable Folorunsho recommendation.
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Each of the lawmakers, in their su bmission, wondered wh y the direc tor, who was specifically summoned, could not come with all the necessary documents before the House. To Binuyo, the disposition of the director has shown th e disposition of many of the officials in th e local government system, saying the situation must not be allowed to remain the same. In his own submission, Adebayo said: “We have been saying that we are looking for a scapegoat and we have seen one, unless we don’t want to take him as such. “We have said that we want to sanitise the system and we have to start from somewhere,” he said.
Honou rable Ibrahim described the suspended director as a ‘lone ranger’ in the local government system, saying; “when you get to the local government, he is like a tin god.” Ru ling on th e su bmission of th e lawmakers, the Speaker, Honou rable Najeem Salaam, stated that the House was so concerned about the road projects going on in the state and wou ld not allow anybody to truncate the efforts of th e state government. According to him, in the course of performing the oversight functions by the Assembly, many directors of works at the local government level and even state government officials
found wanting would be dealt with. “Some of the career officers believed that we are just u seless pe ople that merely want to make noise, but we are not. “We are very serious about what we are doing, so that we will fulfill the promises we made to the people and we will not allow anybody to take us for granted. “It is now clear that the local government system is rotten and it has gotten to the time that we are putting an end to this,” he said. The Speaker then directed the suspension of Akinola, taking effect immediately and ordered that he should hand over to the next person to him to carry out his functions.
AY ANTUNJI
harmony in relationship, saying that most of the doctrines in all religious books are not for God, but for humans, so as to serve as guide to the people. He added that civilization demands that everyone deserves the right to be allowed to practise whatever faith, noting that salvation is not a collective thing, but an individual matter, which people should not handle with sentiment. The governor, who spoke on the importance of putting God first in all things, attributed the success of the present administration in the state to the support of the Almighty God. Speaking earlier, Bishop Popoola, had thanked the governor on behalf of the diocese for meeting the demand of the diocese, which is the tarring of the major roads that leads to the Bishop’s Court at Isale-Aro, Osogbo. The diocese also felicitated with the governor on the occasion of his third anniversary in office and prayed for more success for the Aregbesola-led administration in the course of governance. The clergyman also lauded the Aregbesola various efforts aimed at ensuring religious harmony in the state, stressing that it is only when there is religious harmony, that there can be development.
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Thursday, December 5, 2013
Maximising Osun/State Of Saxony Anhalt Collaboration
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HERE is only one word to describe the planned collaboration between the government of the State of Osun and the German State of Saxony Anhalt to boost the state’s agriculture: h e art - w a r mi n g . Undoubted ly, it is an attestation to the fact that the painstaking wo rk undertaken by the Rauf A r e g b e s o l a- l e d administration to attract not just investment, but expertise in critical areas of the state’s developmental needs, is finally bearing fruits. Viewed within the context of its declared commitment to impro ve agricul tural practices and to boost food security, it is an important signal that the administration’s avowed mission to banish poverty from the state is well on ???????` Of course, it goes without saying that the state needs all the help it can get at this time to be able to optimise its
potentials be it in agriculture, solid minerals or even in tourism. As an ideas-driven administration, the present administration in the state has never left anyone in doubt about the important role of international agencies and development partners in the state’s development matrix. We have seen the governor make several shuttles to meet with development partners as part of strategies to catalyse the many well-conceived initiatives to transform the state economy in record time. A good example is the governor’s well-publicised visit to the International Instit ute for Tr opical Agriculture (IITA), Ibadan. Indeed, there are presently ongoing discussions between the state government and the elite institution on possible areas of cooperation to boost the state agriculture. Another notable example is the visit by the governor to the German State of Saxony Anhalt in May this year.
Both developments find meaning in the context of the governor’s singular commitment to attracting the best of technology to the hitherto moribund sector and to further his goal of optimising the state’s potentials. The visit of the seven-man German expert team to the state is no doubt, an icing on his cake. It deserves to be recognised as the fruit of hard work and persistence for which the state government, most especially the governor, deserves commendation. No doubt, the visit by the team could not have come at a better time than now when the state government is making frantic efforts to reposition the agricultural sector. To start with, there is a lot that our young farmers can benefit from the expert s in modern farm techniques and management skills and ultimately in the area of the much needed transfer of technology. The state cannot wait to see the gains of the collaboration in the emergence of new generation of farmers in
Speed Up Work On Market Construction pas ses HILE the Igbona. In my view, from their former whoever
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government of Os un is commended for the construction of new ultra-modern markets in the state, it seems the government still has a lot to do in terms of relocation of markets. It is like the low spate at which work is ongoing, esp ecially at Ayegbaju and Aje markets, is contributing to the congestion, still being experienced in our markets. The major market, whi ch has been affecting free traffic flow, especially, within Osogbo metropolis, is
if the Ayegbaju Market has been completed, by now, the poor traffic flow would have become a thing of the past. While the initiative of the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is
well appreciated, it is important for the government to prevail on those handli ng the market projects to speed up work, so that the objective will not be defeated. So many people had been dislodged
market places, but they want to see t h e m s e l v e s relocated as soon as possible, so that the imp act of the relocation will not be too much on them. Besides, I want the
through Sekona on the way to Ile-Ife should expect traffic difficulty, as traders will always display their goods on the road. This is dangerous, even for the traders, who are displaying their goods on the highway, because at any point in time, the brake of passing vehicles might fail and the result is left to imagination. Not only in Sekona is this hap pening, there are so many places, where traders trade on the highw ays across the state and the government should find a lasting solution to this.
government to look into the traffic congesti on being caused by a market located at Sekona in Ede-South Local Government Council Area of the state. •IBRAHIM On each of the OLAYINKA, Ilobu, market days, State of Osun.
Osun –individuals who see farming both as a calling and as a business. At the macro level, we expect the collaboration to assist in bridging the knowledge gaps in the state’s agro-business. The collaboration is no doubt, a critical step in the state’s quest to overhaul of the agriculture value chain as a st rategy to guarantee sustainability. Finally, just as the point has been repeatedly made that a major bane of the nation’s development quest is the virtual absence of technical capacity by agencies of government charged with implementing well-meaning policies, we expect the benefits of the collaboration to extend to the area of capacity building for officials charged with policy implementation. In other words, the support, discipline and commitment by officials are no less critical if the noble intentions behind the collaboration will ever come to fruition.
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publi shing Ho use Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-ma il: osundefende r@yahoo .com
FEATURE
6
OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Anambra Election Fiasco And The Guilty Umpires W HEN Professor Attahiru Jega was nominated for the chairmanship of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) by President Goodluc k Jonathan in 2010, Nigerians, many of the civil society groups in the country hailed the choice of the President. Jega was a univers ity lecturer with an unquestionable character, which convinced Nigerians that he would sanitize INEC and ensure free and fair elections. Jega also had history with the human rights societies. The INEC umpire, unlike the appointment of the Insp ector General of Police, M uhammed Abubakar, which was castigated and rejected by some human rights groups, due to his compromise history, especially on the Plateau State crisis in 2002, enjoined the supports of the civil societies before and after he was cleared at the National Assembly. His love furth er pierced the hearts of Nigerians, when he cancelled the first National Assembly Election in 2011, where he admitted that there were flops in the election. That was the confidence, trust and hope the people reposed in Jega. However, the fiasc o that occurred on the controversial Anambra State governorship election seems to have defaced the integrity of the INEC chairman before the human rights society, the electorate and some politicians, going by the outburst of knocks on the election. Though, th e All Progressives Congress (APC) had accused Jega of compromise on the Delta State Senatorial election, but he was still enjoying some goodwill and credibility from the electorate and pressure groups. Bu t the ignominy that greeted Anambra election might have thrown Jega out of the favour of some of the civil society groups, who are now calling for his removal. The Anambra governorship election was marred with irregularities, which forced INEC to cancel over 113,000 votes and declared the election inconclusive. The electoral body resorted t o conduct ing a supplementary election, which was boycotted by the candidates of the APC, Senator Chris Ngige, Labour Party, Mr. Ifeanyi Patrick Ubah, and that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Comrade Tony Nwoye. Inconclusive election and supplementary election are new grammars in the lexicon of Nigerian electoral history. Jega admitted that some INEC officials compromised on the election and there were electoral heists. The discomfiture of the governorship election began with the arrest of 182 election observers from th e Justice and Equity Organisation, which is a member of Osun Civil Societies Coalition (OCSC) in the State of Osun. Justice and Equ ity organisation was registered and accredited by INEC to observe the governorship election. The INEC had published the names of the acc redited organisation for the Anambra State governorship election in The Punch
•ABUBAKAR:
Police I-G
By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
and Daily Sun Newspapers on October 21, 2013. The election observers led by the leader of the OCSC, Comrade Waheed Lawal were arrested on November 14, 2013, at Disney Hotel, Owerri in Imo State by the a team of armed policemen led by the Commissioner for Police, Mr Muhammed M Kastina. The election observers, according to th e Secretary of Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL) Osun State Branch, Comrade Taofeek Babawale, who was also part of the election observers from Osun, had gone to Owerri for election monitoring training before heading to Anambra State to observe the gubernatorial election in the state. Barely twenty minutes of the arrest and even before interrogating the arrested person, the Commissioner for P olice addressed a press conference and paraded the election observers as hired hoodlums that were armed with guns, charms and fake voters’ card with a view to disrupting governorship election to be held in Anambra State. A day after their arrest, the National Secretariat of INEC and Resident Electoral Commission (REC) of Anambra State, separately told pressmen
•LAWAL
that the arrested activists were truly accredited election observers and not hoodlums as paraded by the police. Despite being absolved of criminal tendencies by the INEC, polic e detained the election observers for seven days before they were taken to court. Lawal and other detained election observers were arraigned at an Owerri Magistrate Court on Wednesday November 20, 2013 on a four-count charge of conspiracy, unlawful assembly, conduct likely to cause breach of the peace of the public and unlawful possession of INEC voting materials. Meanwhile, the initial allegations of possession of guns, charms and fake voters cards have all disappeared from the police charges contrary to police’s initial sensational press briefing. The activists entered a not guilty plea to the allegations . The magistrate released the accused persons on bail in the s um of N50,000 and two sureties for all of them. The case was adjourned till February 5, 2014 for hearing. Though, the matter is in court, but the conventional courts; the public opinion is also hearing the matter to analyze the veracity of the action of the police, which prevented the election observers from performing their democratic duty. Reacting to the arrest of the
election observers and the outcome of the gubernatorial election, the Chairman, Osun Development Agenda, a socio-political group, Barrister Rahman Senge, described the action of the police as havoc on Nigerian democ ratic process. Senge, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday said: ‘It was clear to the police that the arrested people are Nigerian citizens with the fundamental right to movement and the obligation to observe the electoral rules necessary for the emergence of a credible governor in Anambra State. But the police, in their irresponsive manner, denied the election observers their legitimate responsibility of monitoring the election. This singular action tainted the neutrality of the police on the election, haven denied the accredited organizations of their supervisory roles, which is a strong signal that further reinforces the character of Nigeria police in subverting the will of the people in future elections. This action reminded us of yesteryears, when polic e openly supervised the snatching of ballot boxes, shielding thugs to unleash terror on voters, arresting and detaining the members of opposition and election observers; and if it continues Continued on page 7
OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
FEATURE
7
Anambra Election Fiasco And The Guilty Umpires
•JEGA: INEC BOSS Continued from page 6
Nigeria is in serious danger ahead of 2015 general electio n. By implication, the security agents have not only questioned the integrity of the election, but equally prevented the neutral, fair and objective evaluation that ought to be carried out by the observers, which would have, to a certain extent, allowed the elec toral umpire to improve on subsequent elections.” As a stakeholder of democ ratic rule in Nigeria, a concerned Nigerian could decide to observe election in any part of the country with or without the INEC accreditation, Senge submitted, saying that ‘the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the father of all laws in Nigeria, and the constitution does not set any criterion for election observation.’ In his own comment, the Chairman, Independent Masses Forum, Comrade Wole Folaranmi said he foresaw the manipulation of the Anambra State election right from the unlawful arrest of the 182 election observers. According to Folaranmi, the arrest of the election observers was an indication that the Presidency, the police and the INEC officials have perverted plan to rig the election. Folaranmi said
the police had to arrest the innocent election observers for their evil plan to be carried out successfully. He said: The harassment of the election observers has created a siege on the mentality of the voters. Anambra election is a litmus test for 2015 and the role of the security agents was completely discouraging. Democratic tenets could only be sustained through free, fear and transparent election and this trend could b e simply regarded as subversion of democracy and good governance. You could see the handwriting of the presidency on the wall when the police disobeyed a magistrate, threatening to shoot the defence counsel that stood for the election observers in the court, right in front of the magistrate. The impunity of the police was not unconnected with the presidency interference on the case with a view to intimidating the pressure groups and electorate who may want to observer further elections in the country. “The police compromise and interference of the Federal Government could be sensed from the arrested and continuous detention of the election observers after INEC and REC of Anambra State have confirmed that the election observers and their organisation, Justice and Equity
were duly-accredited for the state fully- well that INEC had governorship election. accredited the group for the “Barely twenty minutes of the Anambra State governorship arrest and even before election monitoring? I have some interrogating the arrested persons, questions for Jega and I will be the Commissioner of Police had happy if he can answ er them gathered the media to a press sincerely. Were the names of the conference and paraded the election observers as hired members of Justice and Equity hoodlums that were armed with Organisation submitted to INEC guns, charms and fake voters’ card, office? Does Jega know the number of branches of the Ju stice and with a view to disrupting equity organisation in Nigeria? As governorship election to be held in a reminder, INEC acc redited Anambra State. Notwithstanding, Justice and equity organisation for the has te by the police to the Ondo State Governorship sensationalize the arrest of the election in 2012; why all these legitimate observers, who have controversies on Anambra State established that their organization election? The interest of the was duly-accredited to observe the pressure group is to observe the elections and confirmed by INEC, election and give a detail report on the Imo State Police command had how it went. kept the arres ted persons in He stressed that: “Justice and detention. That shows that the Equity Organisation is a member of police was acting on the script of the Osun Civil Societies Coalition. the presidency and politicians.” The organisation had written a A legal practitioner, who does letter dated November 19, 2012, not want his name printed, requesting to join the OCSC and we described the arrest of the election accepted it as the member of the observes and their arraignment in coalition. By virtue of that, the court as a drama of absurdity. He organisation has members in Osun argued that the allegation upon State. The election observers that which the activists were arrested were arrested are not criminal. and arraigned were not only Comrade Waheed Lawal that led baseless, but spurious. He said: them is not a member of APGA, “How the police charged them PDP, LP or APC. He is a renowned (election observers) to court on the human rights activist, who fought allegation of unlawful assembly? for the restoration of democracy. For Goodness sake, these people He has observed many elections in were arrested at their hotel. Hotel Nigeria. He is a member of Joint is a registered assemblage of Action Forum, Justice Now people. It is kn own to Foundation, a former chairman of accommodate people. What is even Campaign for Democracy and unlawful when the constitution Workers Rights and a member of guarantees freedom of movement the Committee for the Defence of and assembly? It is laughable to Human Rights (CDHR). If the even hear that they were charged European Union, African Union, for conspiracy; conspiracy to do Amnesty International and other and international what, to observer election? I have foreign never come across any law that organisation could come all away states election observation is a from their various places to observe criminal offence. If that is the case, election in Nigeria, how could what is criminal in gathering at a Nigerians be restricted from observing election in any part of lawful place, purposely to observe their fatherland? We do not need election? The funniest count among permission of anybody to observe the charges was conduct likely to election in any part of the country breach the public peace. Ha! These and INEC must get that clear. Civil policemen are irresponsible and societies are stakeholder in Nigerian they a re pathological liar. You democracy because we are the one arrested somebody at a hotel in a that occupied the streets, dared the peaceful form and you are charging guns and forced the military out of that person for conducting him or the system. We are the harbinger herself in a manner like to disrupt of th e democrac y everybody is the peace of the public. How does enjoying today. It will be unfair for that make sense? any institution to stop Nigerians `` ????` ??` ?` ????` ??` ???????????from observing election in any part police. The unlawful possession of of the country. voting materials proffered against Had there be s tate police in the election observers is the most Nigeria, reverse would have been unreasonable charge. Were the the case on the arrest of the election people arrested with ballot box or observers. The Presidency and the paper? Were they arrested with Nigerian Police Force need to reflect Form EC8 and other voting on th e saying of former Prime materials? The answer is NO. How Minister of the United Kingdom, then would unlawful possession of Tony Blair, who says: “Anywhere, voting materials came him? It is anytime ordinary people are given the chance to choose, the choice is very irrational.” The Act ing Chairman of the the same: freedom, not tyranny; OCSC, Comrade Abiodun democracy, not dictatorship; the Agboola, in his own reaction said: rule of law, not the rule of the “I am totally disappointed in the secret police”, and another saying INEC chairman, Jega. How much from Jeff Cooper; “The police would the politicians have given cannot protect the citizen at this him t o warrant forsaking his stage of our development, and they credib ility and integrity. What cannot even protect themselves in made him to make a U-Turn on the many cases. It is up to the private election observers, who he said citizen to protect himself and his were not members of the Justice famil y, and th is is not only and Equity Organisation, knowing acceptable, but mandatory.”
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OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
INTERVIEW
11
OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
Osun PDP Is Daydreaming On 2014 Election
- MBO
Honourable Mohammed Ibrahim, a lawmaker representing Oriade constituencyin theState ofOsun House ofAssemblyandtheOsunEastSenatorial Whip,believesthatthingshave changed for better under Governor Rauf Aregbesola’sadministration. Ourreporter,KAZEEMMOHAMMED, met the lawmaker, who spoke on the activitiesofthegovernmentandtheneed tosustain thetempo.Excerpts:-
O
SDF:Youcontestedinthe2007 election, you wererigged out, yet, youcameback to contest for thesame seat, onwhich mandate you are sitting now. Why are you so interested in that position? MBO: The major reason is that I am determined to contribute my quota to make Osun great. After all, people made Lagos what it is today. I thank God today that honestly, whoever comes to this state today would realise that Osun is now moving to the level of Lagos. I realised that if I can contest for a seat in the House of Assembly, I have the constitutional right to request and influence many benefit for my constituency because, when you are elected, you are to serve people and that is what I have been doing. Although, there are lots of development going on under this government, but I can tell you that so many of these amenities you are seeing came from the demands and the lobby of members of the Assembly. In 2003, I was an aspirant under Alliance for Democracy (AD), but I was not given the ticket; in 2007, I contested and I was rigged out by PDP and in 2011, I contested again and I won on which mandate I am standing. All these efforts are meant to serve my people. OSDF: Since your election, how hasthebusinessof lawmakingbeen? MBO: Very interesting. What we have done within two years interms of passage of bills, there is no record that any previous Assembly has passed such bills. Without passing those bills into law, all what the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is doing now might not be possible. The fact is that majority of the lawmakers in this present Assembly are professionals and we have been using that professionalism to pass those bills. There are so many laws that we have been able to pass and our people have been benefitting from it. For example, we have passed a law on OYES and this has gone a long way in empowering our youths. Infact, many of them have now been incorporated into the State Civil Service. There are so many other laws that are in the pipeline and I must tell that one will be proud to be part of this present administration. OSDF:Whatis your assessmentof Governor Aregbesola’s administration in the last three years?
MBO: I can boldly say that Ogbeni Aregbesola is God-sent to the State of Osun. He has changed this state from what it was. Everything has changed for positive. Except Chief Bisi Akande that made positive impact during his time, there has never been a governor that affected lives like Aregbesola. Are you talking of network of roads, water, education, healthcare delivery, agricultural development or rural and community development? He has been able to touch all areas of human lives inspite the little resources that is coming to the state. The most interesting aspect of it all is that the man is so prudent in managing the resources of the state. If not for his prudency, there are so many states now that are still owing not less than three months salaries, because of the decline or irregularity in the federal allocation, but Osun is paying the salaries of its workers as and when due. When some governors are using their security votes to buy properties abroad, Ogbeni Aregbesola is using his own for humanity. Aregbesola is a man that has the fear of God in everything he does and I congratulate the people of Osun for having this man at the helms of affairs and that is why we should remain firm and allow him to continue the good work he is doing for us. OSDF: But there are claims from some quarters that the policies and programmesofthisgovernmenthave not affected any life positively? MBO: Even a blind man will feel that something is happening, while the deaf can see that development is going on in the state. I am sure that that claims are coming from the PDP and we know that they can never be sincere with their criticism. They are just dreaming that they will take over government in 2014. If they had done it well, why did we oust them. When the people saw that they didn’t have the wherewithal to give us good governance, they voted the PDP out. Now that the people have seen that Aregbesola is performing, they would not want to go back to the bad days of PDP. The PDP government was here for seven and half years and there was nothing they can point to as achievement, they failed us. See the achievement this government has made in the healthcare, education, rural and urban development among others within three years, the PDP
•MBO
could not make one quarter of it in its seven years. They are failure when they had the opportunity and now that they see somebody succeeding, you don’t expect them to see anything good in this government. So, everybody cannot be like them and people know the difference between the PDP government and the one being led by APC in Osun today. The PDP members are just dreaming and I am sure that they can’t match Aregbesola any day any time. OSDF: Sometimes, it was alleged that the governor was trying to Islamise the state and a similar allegation came up again duringthe school reclassificationexercise.What do you have to say about this? MBO: We all know that Aregbesola is a committed Muslim and he is not hiding it, but if we all must be fair, you know as I do that he has been fair to all religions. There has never been a government that has been fair to all religions as Aregbesola is doing in Osun today. Why some people are saying that he wanted to islamise the state, some were saying that there are cowries on the school uniforms distributed to students. Infact, some people called him a traditionalist. As a leader, you must be fair to everybody, irrespective of religion and that is what Aregbesola has been doing. It is either those making the allegations do not understand the programmes of the government, or they don’t want to be sincere, but I am sure that those who don’t know and those who don’t want to know would know. As for the schools reclassification, it is just that people don’t want to be sincere. The truth is that every public school belongs to the government, even though they were built by missionaries. Muslims know, Christians know, traditionalists know that Aregbesola supports every religion and we must not use
intolerance to distabilise the peopleoriented policies of government. Those that are alleging the governor wrongly are either being sponsored by politicians, or they are enemies of development. Religion is a personal thing. We all know that education system was in disarray when the present administration came on board and we all know that things have changed now because of the programmes put in place by this administration. OSDF: Considering the crisis in PDP and thenew development in the APC, what do you think is likely to happen in the 2015 elections? MBO: By the grace of God, we will take over the government at the centre. We have seen governors and those that matter in the PDP joining the APC and that speaks volume of what may happen in 2015. The PDP also know and they are jittery. It is only when we take the centre that this country can enjoy the development it deserves. The PDPled government has destroyed so many things in the country and the viable option that we have is APC that will correct the anomalies after taken over. OSDF: What isthe messagefor the people of your constituency and Osunin general? MBO: I have to firstly appreciate the people for supporting me and the state government and we want to appeal to them to continue to support this government to achieve its objectives for the development of this state. I know that there have been rapid development in my constituency and for us to enjoy more of these development, we need to continue to support him. For us to continue to enjoy the development going on, our people should support Aregbesola in 2014 through their votes to return him for second term.
OSUN DEFENDER
12
Thursday, December 5, 2013
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Mercy Corps works in more than 40 countries to alleviate suffering and poverty by helping people ld secure, bui productive and just communities. Since 1979, mercy Corps has been helping people in the world’s hest places toug to turn crises into opportunities to thrive We are recruiting to fill the following position: Job Title: Senior Finance Officer Location: Abuja Salary Leve l: 5 Job Description The Mercy Corps Finance Department is responsible for all financial functions in Abuja, including counting, ac payments and banking, payroll, budgeting, financial reporting, and grant financial management and compliance. The Mercy Corps Finance Department ensures compliance with donor regulations as well as Mercy Corps’ internal es and polici procedures. In its role as a support to the Program Department, the Finance Department provides timelynd reports assistance a to the Countr y Director and the Program team to ensure that financial resources are used efficiently d effectivel an y. 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Supervisor y Responsibility: Assistant Finance Officer; Finance Officer Reports directly to the Country Finance Manager Works directly with the Local Implementing Partner Institutions, Program Staffs, Administration fsstaf Oversee daily cash count with the assistant finance officer Manage the month end accounting close process, ensuring the accuracy and completenessand of the all ledger, supporting documentation in all country offices. 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Demonstrated competency with computerized general ledger software such as Serenic Navigator, ooks,Quick Sun b systems Advanced computer skills in MS Office programs, particularly Excel Prior management experience and strong organizational skills Excellent oral and written English skills Advanced degree in accounting from recognized university or professional accounting quali ch fication as ACA, su CPA, ACCA is desired Two or more years experience in the Finance Department of an international NGO is preferred. Two or more years of experience in grant management Experience in institutional capacity assessment and capacity building is an advantage Success factors The ability to interact effectively with international and national personnel is required. A demonstrated ability to multi-task, meet deadlines and process information in support of program changingactivities is necessar y. 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Job Title: Sales Executives Location: Lagos Require me nts Candidate must have gained minimum of two years experience in the sale of banking products beand able must to demonstrate high level of professionalism in this field How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their resumes using the job title as theofsubject the mail to: hr@michaelstevens-consulting.com Application Deadline 1st December, 2013 —————————————————— W-Holistic Business Solutions Vacancy for a Front Desk Officer/Secretary W-Holistic Business Solutions - Our client, a leading Group of Schools (full boarding) locatedeatoutskirts th of Lagos State is looking to recruit focused, energetic, results-driven, committed and experienced viduals, indi who are willing to live within the School’s facility, to fill the position of Secretary/Front Desk Officer. 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Minimum of HND in relevant discipline. Minimum of two (2) years relevant experience. How to Apply Interested candidates who meet all the requirements should please send a Cover Letter andcentre@w-hbs.com CV to: job using the title of the position being applied for as the subject of the email. For example:skFront Officer/ De Secretary Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacte. d Application Deadline 17th December, 2013 —————————————————— Internal Auditor at W-Holistic Busine ss Solutions W-Holistic Business Solutions - Our client, a leading Group of Schools (full boarding) locatede at outskirts th of Lagos State is looking to recruit focused, energetic, results-driven, committed and experienced individual s, who are willing to live within the School’s facility, to fill the position of Internal Auditor . 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Champion the articulation and development of the Audit strategy and ensure alignment with ate the strategies, corpor business goals and objectives Demonstrate ownership of and communicate the unit’s strategic direction and objectives tomanagement. executive Minimum Re quire ments are; First degree in a numerate discipline plus any Professional Accounting Qualification – ACA,CIMA, , ACCA CPA Minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience in core accounting and audit function from ar well leading structured o accounting firm. Method Of Application Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and cover l etters to: jobcentre@w-hbs.com using the title of the position being applied for as the subject of the email. 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Undertake strategic analysis of research and developmental needs and demands issues and makes endations recomm that can inform the strategic actions required by the Executive management to meet those needs. Identify research priorities for the Organization and the sector in general and develop a comprehens ive research agenda. Compile comprehensive study reports with clear findings and recommendations. Implement the research agenda and ensure smooth coordination where it relates to other stakeholders such as research insti tutions. Require me nts First degree in a numerate or any Social Science discipline. An MBA will be an added advantage. Minimum of five (5) years rel evant experience per forming research and gathering strategic informatio n Method Of Application Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and cover l etters to: jobcentre@w-hbs.com using the title of the position being applied for as the subject of the email. For example: Research and Information ficer Of Application Deadline 17th December 2013. —————————————————— House Pare nts in a le ading Group of Schools in Ogun State W-Holistic Business Solutions - Our client, a leading Group of Schools (full boarding) locatede at outskirts th of Lagos State is looking to recruit focused, energetic, results-driven, committed and experienced individual s, who are willing to live within the School’s facility, to fill the position of House Parents Job Title: House Parents Location: Ogun Ge nder: Male and Female Job Summary To ensure that the minimum standards for boarding schools are fully met in accordance withn inspectio regulations. To be responsible for the management and organization of the boarding house and its routines, ing staffing, includ accommodation, resources, maintenance and development of facilities. To be responsible for health and safety in the house and liaise with respective personnel inofmatters health and safety on site. To manage the delegated budget for the boarding house. To communicate effectively with all parents and guardians of boarding students. To regularly review and update documentation relating to the boarding house To lead, manage and support all boarding house staff. To take line management responsibility for identified staff in the boarding house under theperformance schools management arrangements. To oversee the continuous professional development of staff within the house. To take responsibili ty for liaising with support staff/sub-contractors when working in the house. To be responsible for monitoring and reviewing routines in the boarding house. To liaise with external agencies/partners to ensure the safety and welfare of all boarders’ is met. To contribute to and ensure that the aims and objectives of the Boarding Development Plan are ented. implem To be responsible for the care and welfare of the boarders’ in the house and to engender f arespect feeling and o trust between boarders and the staff working in the house. To keep the Principal fully informed of any issues relating to students or other matters in boarding . Require me nts First degree in any discipline. Minimum of ten (10) years relevant post-qualification experience in a reputable boarding school. Method Of Application Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and cover l etters to: jobcentre@w-hbs.com using the title of the position being applied for as the subject of the email. For example: House Parents Application Deadline 17th December 2013. —————————————————— Group Accountant at W-Holistic Business Solutions in Ogun State W-Holistic Business Solutions - Our client, a leading Group of Schools (full boarding) locatede at outskirts th of Lagos State is looking to recruit focused, energetic, results-driven, committed and experienced individual s, who are willing to live within the School ’s facili ty, to fill the position of Group Accountant. Job Title: Group Accountant Location: Ogun Responsibilities To Lead the Accounts team, ensuring an effective utilisation of their capacity toward the achievemen t of the organization’s aims,vision and mission. To ensure effective strategic and operational financial planning, management, monitoring ng andtoreporti enhance the decision making process of Senior Management To ensure ongoing viability and secure the organization’s financial future in line with the organiza tion’s plan, mission and values. To ensure effective control of all company financial, accounting and information processingwhilst systems, developing and maintaining proper procedures and reporting systems to ensure compliance with statutory any and regulations. comp Require me nts First degree in a numerate discipline plus any Professional Accounting Qualification – ACA,CIMA, , ACCA CPA Minimum of ten (10) years relevant experience in core accounting function from a leading or uctured well straccounting firm. Relevant finance experience should include planning, forecasting and enterprise financial systems th emphasis wi on financial reporting, budgeting and profit and loss analysis. Method Of Application Interested and qualified candidates should send their CVs and cover l etters to: jobcentre@w-hbs.com using the title of the position being applied for as the subject of the email. For example: Group Accountant Application Deadline 17th December 2013.
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IN RETROSPECT
OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
A Memorable Quote From A Possible PDP Candidate In Osun State
“Recently, Chief Bola Ige came on radio here (Osogbo the state capital), to insult me and my family. THAT IS THE LAST TIME HE WOULD INSULT ME. He was ??????`??????????`???`?????? of Ile-Ife beat him up and he was crying like a baby, as they removed his cap and glasses. If it had been at a political gathering, he will be dead by now..... In fact, what the people wanted to do was more than removing his glasses and cap....” -IYIOLA OMISORE. •CulledfromVanguardNewspaper.
OSUN DEFENDER
Thursday, December 5, 2013
PHOTOTALK
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More Pix On Official Launching Of Omoluabi Boys/Girls Club And Omoluabi Youth Club At NYSC Orientation Camp, Ede, State Of Osun, Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left) addressing Omoluabi Boys/Girls ClubOmoluabi and Youth Club, during the official launching of the club, in commemoration of Aregbesola’s third year administration at the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC) Orientation Camp, Ede, State of Osun, recently
•Aregbesola (4th right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (4th left); Chairman, Omoluabielivery D Sub-Committee, Mr Omotunde Young (left); members of the committee, Mr Ogundoro Oluwakayode (2nd right); Comrade Ibrahim Olayinka (3rd left); Alhaja Toibat debayo A (right) and other dignitaries during the launching of the Omoluabi Club.
Anglican Bishop Thanked Governor Rauf Aregbesola For Constructing Bishop’s Court Road, Isale-Aro, Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Monday.
•(R-L) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; the Bishop, Osun Anglican Diocese, Rever end James Popoola; an officer of the diocese, Chief Femi Adebiyi; Asoju Oba of Gbodofon, Chief Jimoh Buraimo and High Chief Popo Bolarinwa, during a Thank-You-Visit to the governor for constructing Bishop Court’s Road, Isale Aro, Osogbo, at the Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Monday.
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THURSDA Y , DECEMBER 5, 2013 By BANJI OJEW ALE
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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 Managing Editor, KOLA OLABISI, Telephone: 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, KAYODE AGBAJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.