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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, DECEMBER 26, 2013 It is Christmas. It is a day in which the entire humanity joins the Christendom to observe the birthday of its avatar, Jesus Christ. In the boundless festivities that have come to define its essence over the years, individuals, families and institutions have been known to switch to the overdrive: the expectation of new clothes to be bought for children and othermembers of the household; the house
PEOPLE FIRST
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A Pause At Christmas requiring new coat of paints to transform; the trips to be made to see family members and acquaintances and other festivities associated with the period – all of these, not excluding the unfulfilled expectations have been known to raise the adrenalin to dangerous levels.
Christmas is of course a lot more than the outward traditions that have come to define it. Yes, it is the occasion for exchanging gifts, for sharing with the needy and for showing fellowfeeling among the neighbourhood folks. However, the opportunity to reflect and reconnect with
the original message – that teachable moment for humanity to reflect on God’s love for mankind is what stands the Christmas story out. Like nursery rhyme, the story behind Christmas is familiar. God gave His only son as a gift to the world. For a Saviour who was spoken of by other prophets long before he was Continue on Pg. - 5
VOL. 8. NO.0154
Who Killed Chief Bola Ige, formerAttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice?
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PDP Division: Green Light To Good Governance - Osun APC - See Story On Page 2
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (3rd right); Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Jayeoba Alagbada (right); NURTW State Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Afolabi (at the back of the governor) and others during the distribution of buses to National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) by Aregbesola at the state secretariat, Abere on Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
Aregbesola Presents 70 Buses To Osun Transporters
- See Story On Page 3
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
PDP Division: Green Light To Good Governance - Osun APC By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has described the massive wind of change in the political system of Nigeria as;”the hurricane that will eventually dismantle the political culture of graft, corruption and impunity in governance, which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) represents in Nigeria since 1999.” According to the the division in the PDP, Interim Chairman of the which has forced many APC in the State of Osun, of its bigwigs to leave the Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, party in anger, signaled
the readiness of some leaders to liberate the country from the hands of the oppressors. Adelowo described the recent defection of Alhaji Kawu Baraje-led faction of the PDP and 37 PDP members of the House of Representatives to the APC, as a “unique situation, which will resonate throughout the country and cripple the
forces of retrogression that have been at the core of the country’s government.” The party chairman, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday in Osogbo, said it would be a costly error for anybody to reduce crack in the PDP and the massive defection of its members to the APC to a sheer struggle for political
powers. He stated: “Things cannot be the same anymore with the ruling party, because what held it together has melted from its own heat; corruption, graft, mismanagement of funds and total misrule of Nigeria.” Adelowo recalled what he described as the utter misuse of illegitimate
•Some of the buses distributed to NURTW and RTEAN members by Governor Road Aregbesola of the State of Osun at Abere last Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI
Lawmaker Commends Aregbesola For LG Creation By KAZEEM MOHAMMED
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EADER of the State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Timothy Owoeye has commended the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for bringing up the idea of creating additional local government council areas from existing ones, with a view to bringing development closer to the people. In a chat with OSUN still wants more councils DEFENDER in Osogbo, to be created to bring the lawmaker noted that development closer to the the people have been people and he should be yearning for the creation commended for that. of additional councils for “So, Aregbesola has a long time. made another history by According to him, apart bringing up this idea of from the fact that it would creating additional local bring development closer government council areas to the people, the citizens and his name will remain would better be educated in the book of history as and enlightened to know a governor that has their civic affected the lives responsibilities. He said: “Creation of additional local government council areas is just a way of bringing governance closer to the people and we have all been yearning for this for a long time. “For any state government to achieve rapid development, it must find a way of bringing itself to the doorstep of the people. “Despite the fact that Ogbeni Aregbesola is touching every community in his developmental strides, he •OWOEYE
positively,” he stressed. As for the funding of the new councils, Owoeye was optimistic that several means have been designed for the funding of the councils. According to him, since the size of the state is not increasing, but the number of local governments, the
sharing formula of the allocation to the existing local governments would only be changed and this would ensure prudence in governance. He added that the arrangement would also reduce the excesses of politicians and lead to
struggle for development at the local government level. The governor had last week presented a bill for a law before the state parliament for the creation of additional 27 local government council areas from the existing ones in the state.
violence to muzzle dissent and terrorize opposition parties, rig elections and frustrate the will of the majority of the people with impunity by the PDP in several states, saying that such incident should not be allowed to continue. He alleged that the same tactics are also being planned by the PDP to terrorise Osun and Ekiti citizens, so that the party can take over the states through election rigging, violence and manipulations. The APC chieftains said: “This is the culmination of evil designs, which have become obvious to many people, that is forcing them out of the PDP in droves; not just for lust for powers. The PDP has become a monster. “When a party in power at the centre condones so much malfeasance, corruption, electoral fraud with such sickening impunity, as the PDP had done in several states, rightthinking Nigerians will have no choice but to find their ways out of that party.” Adelowo therefore called on the political terrorists within the PDP in the State of Osun to desist from their evil plans, saying that none of their plans to cause mayhem and rig the 2014 election will succeed. He maintained that the people of Osun will not be overrun by blackmailers and gangsters, who want to capture power at all costs, saying: “The wind of change does not recognize obstacles. Everything built on fraud, corruption and evil will collapse. The PDP cannot be an exception.
Osun Governor’s Wife Charges Women On Children Upbringing
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IFE of the governor of the State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola has charged women to make the welfare, love and proper upbringing of their children a top priority in the coming year. She gave the charge in “Although, this season Osogbo, the state is usually marked with capital on Monday at celebrations, I want to the 2013 end-of-the-year use this opportunity to party for children, call on parents to organised by her office. equally set aside time Noting that the to reflect on the passing policies and year and rededicate programmes of Ogbeni ourselves to make the Rauf Aregbesola’s coming year a peaceful, administration were lovely and prosperous conceived and one for our state and implemented to enhance families. the living standard of “You are aware of the each home in the state, e n o r m o u s he advised that parents developmental efforts should use the of the present advantage of the administration and I programmes to better call on parents and the lots of their children guardians to take and family at large. advantage of these Mrs Aregbesola said: programmes, especially
the free education and school feeding programmes, by ensuring that no child is left out of school. “As parents, we should make the education of our children a priority and avoid a situation, where a child would be left out to engage in either street trading or begging. Refusal to allow a child to attend school, will not only run against the objective of the various education programmes, it also contravenes the law of the state,” she stressed. While congratulating Christians for the celebration of Christmas and the New Year, Mrs Aregbesola urged citizens to renew their sense of affection, kindness and love for one another.
In her address, the State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Mofolake A d e g b o y e g a commended the current administration in the state for giving priority attention to issues relating to women and children. According to her, the establishment of a family court to remove cases of children from normal court is an example of the major programmes that would see to the overall development of children. Felicitating with the children and the entire people of the state for the Christmas celebration, she reiterated the commitment of the state government to continue to pay attention to issues relating to children.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
Aregbesola Presents 70 Buses To Osun Transporters By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI
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HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Monday, presented 70 units of brand new Toyota Hiace air-conditioned buses to the members of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) under Osun Transport Scheme. The scheme, according never be poor again in all to the governor, is to ease standards and I urge all transportation challenges of you to pay the in the state and to facilitating banks as and empower the commercial when due to revolve drivers, as part of his round, so that by next administration’s efforts to year, the government will banish poverty. be encouraged to Aregbesola, while distribute another 300 commissioning the buses units.” on Monday at the state The governor secretariat in Osogbo, commended the members said his administration, despite the numerous of NURTW and RTEAN challenges, is determined for maintaining peace in to make life more the state and imbibing the comfortable for the people culture of virtue, which through various the state is now known for, saying those who programmes. He stressed that the intend to foment trouble buses have been insured are even ashamed, as a by the state government at result of the prevailing five percent interest rate, peaceful environment in which is expected to be the state. He also promised the paid within four years. The interest rate, transporters that his according to the administration will build governor, is the cheapest befitting motor packs anybody could find in across the state. any part of the world, all While appealing to the in a measure to make it public transportation more convenient for the bodies, who were the beneficiaries. direct beneficiaries of the The governor added buses, to use the vehicles that apart from the for the purpose for which distribution of the buses, they are meant and give the state government will necessary care and continue to construct new roads and rehabilitate the attention to them, the existing ones to ensure governor noted that it is free-flow of traffic across the only way that government, NURTW the state. He said: “With and RTEAN can partner seriousness and for the benefit of the dedication to work, any people. Speaker of the State beneficiary of the bus can House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, represented by the Chairman, House
Learn Lesson From Jesus’ Birth - Osun Speaker
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strong determination of the government to ensure that development goes round every sector in the state. Also speaking, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Transportation, Mr Samson Atayero eulogised the governor for fulfilling his campaign promises to the people, stressing that the move will go a long way in making the transport sector work more efficiently. The representative of Sterling Bank PLC, which facilitated the scheme, Mr Ayo Adebayo said the governor’s achievement since coming into power,
is unprecedented throughout the country, pledging that the bank will continue to partner with the state in its developmental projects. State Chairman of RTEAN, Alhaji Olajire Oyebode and the Chairman of NURTW, Alhaji Isiaka Afolabi, thanked the governor for creating history through the manner in which he has brought about peace within the two unions in the state; a feat which they said was never achieved by any of the previous administrations in the state. They said the arrival of the administration has put an end to the issue of
thuggery in the state, while assuring the state governor that the vehicles would be put into proper use for which they are meant. Dignitaries at the event included the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, APC chieftains, Commissioners, Special Advisers, traditional rulers, which include the Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun and Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun among others
•CHRISTMAS AND NEW YEAR FESTIVAL: Traffic gridlock along Gbongan/Ibadan road, Osogbo as captured by our cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, on Tuesday.
Osun Indigenes Admonished On Sanitation Awareness By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO
ByKAZEEMMOHAMMED PEAKER, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam has felicitated with the people of the state as celebration of Jesus Christ lighted the world. In a release signed by his spokesman, Mr. Goke Butika, the Speaker advised men and women to learn lessons from the birth of Jesus Christ, which depicts humility and piety. Salaam stressed that Nigerians should use Christmas season to pray for their country and seek the face of God on the challenges facing the nation, noting that it was imperative of the country people to roll the nation back from the brink. He reiterated: “Nigeria as a country is on trial and the follies of the political class have not helped the matter. “With the arrival of Christmas, it is believed that prayers would be offered to roll back the country from the brink to the bank of opportunity,” the Speaker said.
Committee on Commerce and Industry, Honourable Debo Akanbi said the members of the House are delighted about the steady progress of the state. He noted that the governor has performed remarkably well in all the sectors, adding that the governor is constantly looking for means of moving the state forward. State Commissioner for Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Jayeoba Alagbada and his counterpart in the Ministry of Finance, Economic Planning and Budget, Dr Wale Bolorunduro stated that the effort was part of the
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OMMISSIONER for Environment and Sanitation in the State of Osun, Professor (Mrs.) Olubukola Oyawoye and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment and Sanitation, Mr. Bola Ilori have admonished indigenes of the state to respect environmental sanitation rules and regulations, at all admonition in Osogbo, times. the state capital The duo gave this recently at a public
awareness lecture, organized for all local government health educators on water and e n v i r o n m e n t a l sanitation, O’ Clean Technical Committee Chairmen and other stakeholders in the environmental sector. While delivering her opening address on the
occasion, Professor Oyawoye disclosed that, because life has no duplicate, it was necessary for all and sundry to handle e n v i r o n m e n t a l sanitation matters with utmost seriousness at all times. She added that public health officers, as
NPUGA Games Ends In Osun By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO
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HE 5th edition of the Nigeria Private University Games Association (NPUGA), which kicked-off last week, had been rounded-off on Saturday at Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Sports Complex, IkejiArakeji in the State of Osun. in the 25 private featured were universities across the championship federation featured in Adeleke University, Bowen 75 events in 10 Ede; Iwo; different games such as University, tennis, athletics, chess, Fountain University, Oduduwa scrabble, volleyball, Osogbo; basketball, badminton, University, Ipetumodu; table tennis, swimming Lead City University, Ibadan and Caleb and football. Among the University, Ikorodu. R e d e e m e r ’ s institutions that
University, Mowe; The Bells University of Science and Technology, Otta; Elizade University, Ilara-Mokin; Samuel A d e g b o y e g a University, Ogwa and Benson Idahosa University, Benin City; Babcock University, Ilishan- Remo; Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti; Crescent University, Abeokuta and Al-Hikmah University, Ilorin also took part in the tournament. Other universities
that took part were Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; American University of Nigeria, Yola; Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu; Wesley University of Science and Technology, Ondo; Achievers University, Owo; Western Delta University, Oghara; Kwararafa University, Taraba; Veritas University, Abuja; B i r m i n g h a m University, Keffi and the host Joseph Ayo Babalola University.
employees of the state government, have the duty to ensure that e n v i r o n m e n t a l sanitation guidelines are observed in every part of the state. In his goodwill message on the occasion, Ilori asserted that no one can professionally talk about environmental sanitation in Nigeria today without special mention of the State of Osun. According to him, all the state indigenes have benefited one way or the other from Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola’s programmes, adding that no government had accorded public health officers the kind of recognition, which the A r e g b e s o l a ’ s government has accorded them. Ilori then enjoined all the state indigenes to maximally cooperate with the government to be able to enjoy more dividends of democracy.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
Osun PDP Mourns As 500 Members Defect To APC By ISMAEEL UTHMAN
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HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has recorded another political landmark, as no fewer than 500 members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) last weekend defected to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Gbongan, headquarters of Ayedaade Local Government Council Area of the state. Led by Alhaji Saka development that has Aiwosi, the former PDP come into the state members renounced since the inception of the party and tore its his administration. According to Aiwosi, flag, as well as their membership cards in Aregbesola has been exhibiting real public. qualities Aiwosi said their leadership decision to decamp to since he became the and has the APC was informed governor by the exemplary demonstrated that the party leadership style of progressive Governor Rauf meant well for the Aregbesola and the people of the State of u n p r e c e d e n t e d Osun.
He described Aregbesola as the most disciplined and bestperforming governor Osun has ever had. The event, which took place at the APC Secretariat, Oke Church Area in Gbongan, had in attendance, the Interim State Chairman of the APC, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi and the party’s State Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun. Adebiyi welcomed the defectors to the progressive party,
saying; “there is no new APC member in our party; no member is either new or old.’ He therefore urged people of the council area not to get involved in any act of violence, especially, during and after the next year’s gubernatorial election, maintaining that the landmark achievements of Aregbesola are more than enough to secure him a second term in office. The APC chieftain said: “We are in a state,
where nobody will be happy to associate with the opposition. Come 2014, Aregbesola will retain his seat as governor of the State of Osun. He deserves it and he will have it. In his own remarks, Famodun said he was happy because the people of the state now understand what the progressive party stands for, as they want to be associated with the developmental strides and u n p r e c e d e n t e d
achievements of the ruling party. Famodun therefore urged the citizens of the state to keep supporting the Aregbesola’s administration for them to experience more of unusual developmental projects in the state. The APC flag was later presented to the defectors one after the other by Adebiyi, who advised others in opposition parties to come and join the only progressive party before it is too late.
Reclassification Is For Students’ Convenience - Oyeduntan By SHINA ABUBAKAR
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HE schools’ reclassification policy of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola-led administration in the State of Osun was not in any way meant to bring inconvenience to students in public schools across the state. This was disclosed by would also ensure the the Chairman of the Osun massive rehabilitation of School Infrastructure existing structures, which Development Committee are still conducive for (O’School), Otunba Lai learning. Oyeduntan in an According to him, interview with schools were among the journalists in his office. best buildings in the According to him, communities in the past, pupils in primaries five but today they are among and six were moved out the worst, assuring that of Elementary Schools the revolution in the into Middle schools, education sector would •(R-L) APC Chairman in Ilesa-East Local Government Council Area, Mr. Korede Idowu in a discussion with the wife which are normally ensure that the state of the governor, Alhaja Sherifat Aregbesola, while the Executive Secretary, Ilesa-East Local Government, Mr Lanre Primary Schools within competes among the best Balogun watches during an empowerment programme held in Ilesa recently. their vicinity, adding that globally. the students will “Past administrations automatically complete in the state knew that new their JSS classes within buildings for schools the same structure. were necessary, could pay to the couple the donors can also be By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI He added that the considering that the would be to assist the spread over the years, middle school also existing ones have been year after the death of the frontline human rights children in their education while all the transactions housed students of Junior there for decades, yet they activist, Comrade Abiodun Kolawole, popularly and meeting all their basic for the endowment will be Secondary Schools, while lacked the will power to known as Arole and his wife, Cicilia Temitope needs, with a view to paid directly to a dedicated they move to a high execute the noble idea,” Kolawole, the friends of the deceased have launched a securing a better future for bank account. Aremu, who is also a school, which is also Oyedutan stressed. N25 million Endowment Fund for the welfare and them. The surviving four trustee of the endowment He also disclosed that education of their children. within the radius of their children of the deceased are: fund, said except at the the present structures communities. Late Kolawole, the capital to cater for the put up by former Executive Director welfare of the deceased’s Peter, Esther, Gabriel and annual launches, no cash Oyeduntan stressed being payment will be accepted, Michael. would of Ola Oni Centre for Social children. that building new model government According to Aremu, the as all proceeds will be by The National Secretary schools becomes a remain there for years to Research and his wife died endowment fund will cheques, drafts or direct necessity as a result of come, signifying that the in a ghastly motor accident of Joint Action Front (JAF), operate as a revolving one payment to GTB dedicated Comrade Abiodun Aremu, on December 23, 2012. Governor Aregbesola’s A r e g b e s o l a ’ s Abiodun for launch annually, for the account: The brief fund-raising who presided over the next ten years, while Kolawole is Endowment vision to reposition administration ceremony was held on ceremony, said the greatest education in the state, building not just for Monday at Ola Oni Centre, respect that friends and donations will be accepted Fund, 0139691460. today, but for the future of Also speaking at the in tranches. hence the provision of a Osogbo, the State of Osun associates of the late activist He added that pledges by event, Comrade Adebisi conducive teaching- the younger generations. Adewale, Director Ola Oni learning environment. Centre, described Kolawole He revealed that his as an exemplary human committee has pulled HE leadership of the All Progressives Party (APC) of people in the state. He said Governor being, while urging the down over 4000 He said this year’s Aregbesola is a lover of people not to allow the in the State of Osun has urged Christians in the dilapidated school celebration, peace, who would stop at children to suffer by state to use the occasion of this year’s Christmas to Christmas structures across the state, pray for peace and harmony in the state, just as it enjoined being the last to the next nothing to ensure that the donating generously saying if the present adherents of all faiths in the state to live together in peace. governorship election in state enjoys peace and also towards the endowment called on the state, should be seen as ensure that both Christians fund. construction of schools is The Interim Chairman of therefore He added that the parents completed by January the party in the state, Elder Christians in the state to be a significant one, and the and adherents of other 2014; it would Adelowo Adebiyi, in a tolerant with adherents of occasion should be used to faiths enjoy the much- of the children died at the dividends of most critical period, when accommodate 20,000 statement issued by the other faiths for peace to pray for a peaceful conduct desired the children needed their reign supreme in the state. of the election come next democracy. party’s Director of elementary pupils, about care and support most in Elder Adebiyi, who year. He also expressed the same number at Publicity, Research and lauded the support given to terms of education and The APC boss, who gratitude to all the Strategy, Barrister Kunle middle schools and the Ogbeni Rauf called for more tolerance traditional rulers, labour urged Kolawole’s friends to Oyatomi to felicitate with 30,000 students at high Christians in the state, A r e g b e s o l a - l e d among all adherents of the leaders, artisans, civil rally round the children. schools. Kolawole, a former stressed the need for government by all the major faiths in the state, servants and religious The committee boss Christians to allow the Christians in the state, noted said the efforts of the state leaders in the state for their National Secretary of the noted that the state significance of that the achievements government at stabilizing unalloyed support for the National Association of Nigeria Students and progovernment is not Christmas celebrations recorded by Governor the state should be APC-led government of democracy activist and his stopping at that, but have effects in their lives. Aregbesola was made welcomed by all and Ogbeni Aregbesola and wife lost their lives the would continue to build According to him, possible because of the sundry in the interest of wishes them a prosperous same day in a motor more schools, however, it Christmas symbolizes support the government development and growth celebration. accident in Ekiti State.
Late Arole’s Friends Launch N25m Funds For Children
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Pray For Peace, Harmony During Christmas – Osun APC Calls
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peace
and
love,
and
enjoys from all categories
of the state.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
A Pause At Christmas Continued from Pg. - 1.
born, he was born of a virgin, Mary, in a most unlikely place – a manger. And while the Magi announced his royal birth, the whole world could not hold back the joy that the promised Saviour of mankind has truly arrived. That is the story; although meaning is deeper than the narrative. We see it in the unity of the heavenly hosts; the love that was actuated at Christ’s birth, the humility that defined His essence, the sacrifice he bore in order to reconcile mankind, once estranged from
His Maker. Finally, we see it in the simple message of salvation. Never perhaps before in the history has our dear country, Nigeria, is in dire need to relearn the Christmas story. Today, our societies are riven with divisions along religious and ethnic lines. Lost in our strife-riven country is the peace that Jesus Christ symbolises. We see the evidence in religious intolerance, the ethno-religious carnage going on in parts of the North-east, the greed and lack of compassion by leaders – not least in the avarice and the ostentation that
have left the masses of our people impoverished. We are a nation that revels in the preaching of the virtue of giving; yet we withhold our hands when it comes to helping the needy in our midst. Rather than recognise the humanity that binds us together, we are more adept at spotting artificial divisions that divide us. If not tribe, it is religion, or even social class. It is ‘we’ versus ‘them’. Here in Osun, the message of Christmas is even more pertinent. We need to go basic to the basic commandment: Love your neighbour as yourself. Or put differently – Do unto others
Osun Massive Road Projects: The Best Of All Times
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write this letter with no less an expectation than that you will accord it publication in your highly reputed and w i d e l y – r e a d newspaper. I also owe it a duty to acknowledge your work. Your assiduous task of public enlightenment is highly commendable. In OSUN DEFENDER, your role in keeping the society abreast of events and occurrences shall get its rightful dividends in the fullness of time. To you all, I say well done. I have kept observing for some time now the ongoing revolution in road infrastructure being currently witnessed in the State of Osun. I am so glad that all this is happening
during our time, when the upcoming generation had lost hope that any good thing could come out of Nazareth. It had got to a stage that pessimists vowed to us that there could never be any iota of good governance; the
like of the brand dispensed by the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Gladly today, we have Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola over the helm of affairs in our state. Under three years, his transformation agenda for the state has rapidly
and radically unfolded. The State of Osun has, within the mentioned period, witnessed accelerated progress, the like of which had eluded it in the whole of 19 years of its existence before the i n c u m b e n t administration came on
administration more of their maximum cooperation and rallying support. Come 2014, the people of the State of Osun shall approach the polls again to elect their governor for another term of four years’ running. I hereby join stakeholders and opinion leaders in the state to endorse Ogbeni for this herculean task of steering the wheel of progress of our state. We need to uphold, maintain and sustain the prevailing trend of progress. Let us allow Ogbeni to carry the good task he has begun to a logical conclusion. God bless all of us.
board. I have no other task here than to commend the governor and his team for the good, purposeful governance they are providing. I also implore our •JACOB OLADOSU, teeming peaceful, progress-loving people Salako Junction, Ring to accord the Road Area, Osogbo, State of Osun.
as you will have them do unto you. We need unity without which development would remain elusive. It is time for us to strengthen the bonds of brotherhood being torn asunder by those who seek to profit from divisions. This year’s Christmas in particular should afford us the opportunity to dwell more on our common humanity. We need this to challenge the forces of division in our midst. We need to explore how we can live together in peace despite our differences. And for us all, to recognise that we all are God’s children irrespective of differences in faith.
OSUN DEFENDER Publisher
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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com
INTERVIEW
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HERE is so much death in this
country. So many tears. So much evil. So much betrayal. So much sadness and so many tragedies. So much corruption and deceit. So many shattered dreams, broken hearts and wounded souls. So much injustice and insensitivity. So much greed and want. So much bloodshed, blood-letting and blood-spilling. Welcome to Nigeria; the Federal Republic of Shattered Dreams. A country in which sadism, failure, iniquity, injustice, wickedness, persecution, cover-ups, lies and abuse of power are enthroned. A land in which “men of God” do not pray, but instead sell the anointing and buy private jets. A country where common decency, kindness and human compassion has no place. A nation in which the rulers pay homage to the baphomet and make open sacrifices to Satan. A country where ignorance and mediocrity is exalted and in which excellence and knowledge is scorned. A nation in which truth has no place and in which those that tell it are hated and treated with contempt. I weep for my country and each day I pray that God delivers her from the bloodsucking and relentless demons that plague and afflict her. Yet, despite all, hope springs eternal. Today, our nation stands at a crossroad and it is left for us to decide which path we choose to take. Do we take the path of despair and dishonour and give up on our country? Or do we rise above it all and latch on to the promises of God for our land and for our people? With biting poverty, mounting hopelessness, a bleeding economy, youth restiveness, unprecedented violence, brazen acts of terrorism and all manner of vices and evil thriving in the land, one wonders how things got so bad. The foundation for our current situation was laid many years ago and since that time we have seen so much suffering and failure at virtually all levels. We were plagued with leaders, who lacked vision, who lacked intellect, who lacked sincerity of purpose and who were antagonistic to those that dared to challenge their visionless and purposeless policies. Our country is currently bedevilled with so much negativity that it is easy to look around and just give up. Yet I say that we must never give up because “hope springs eternal”. The bible says though the night may be dark yet “joy comes in the morning”. The wise ones say you cannot have a message without a mess. You cannot have a testimony without a test. You cannot get to the top of the mountain without first going to the bottom of the valley. This is true. And out of Nigeria’s “mess” shall surely come her “message”. Out of Nigeria’s “test” shall surely come her “testimony”. We have been to the “bottom of the valley” and therefore we shall get to the “top of the mountain”. Our dream for a better Nigeria shall never die and neither can our collective prayers be in vain. I refuse to give up because I know that the God that I serve never fails. He alone rules in the affairs of men. He alone forges the destiny of nations. Out of a deep void and formlessness He ordered the creation of the world. He established it by the power of His word and He gave us dominion over it. In the same way He created Nigeria for His purpose and for His glory and that purpose and glory shall surely be established. It shall come to pass and it will be manifest to the entire world. We shall see it and we shall be established in it as a nation and as a people. If God can do it for others, He can do it for us too. We can be great and, by the grace of God, we shall be great. This is my
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
princes of this world had known, they would not have crucified the Lord of Glory”. If those that murdered Jesus, and the devil that inspired them to do it, had known that He would honour His word and rise up three days later, they would not have crucified him. They persecuted Him, they humiliated Him, they beat Him, they tortured Him, they spat on Him and they killed Him, yet they could not kill His dream or abort His mission. His dream lived on and became a reality for all mankind to see. It was the same with Martin Luther King. They killed him but his mission had already been achieved and his vision came to pass 45 years after his sacrificial and selfless death. This is indeed the stuff of which dreams are made. Great things are birthed in great dreams and if you dare to dream nothing is impossible. I have a dream for Nigeria. I have a dream that one day, Nigerians will see themselves as Nigerians before anything else and they will not regard their country and its people as a collection of strange bed-fellows that do not love or trust one another. Yet, this dream can only be fulfilled when those amongst us that call ourselves leaders preach, practice and display discipline, temperance, holiness, morality, restraint, tolerance, mercy and the fear of God in the conduct of our affairs. It can only be made manifest when we stand up and fight against evil, tyranny, injustice, indecency bad governance, the abuse of power , political persecution and sheer wickedness. Our dream can only be brought to reality when love is the motivating factor in all that we •FANI-KAYODE do. The Lord commands us to our neighbour as we do I serve never fails. The bible says the love ourselves. That is the cornerstone By FEMI FANI-KAYODE nations are “as a drop of water before and the foundation our faith Him”. He sits above the circles of the and it is in that faithofand that dream and this is what I see. And earth and He counts the earth as His resolve that our hope for a better believe me when I tell you that it is footstool. Yet despite His sheer and greater Nigeria lies. I have a prophetic. awesomeness and majesty, with Him dream that Nigeria will be what A Nigeria, where every man and lies great compassion and mercy. God wants her to be, a great and woman, regardless of faith, ethnicity, Once we return to Him, powerful nation that is dedicated status or political persuasion finds a acknowledge Him, honour Him and to the Living God and that will act common cause and relishes in our are led and guided by Him, He will as a shining example and a beacon collective humanity. A Nigeria, where restore us and shower us with His of light for all to see. the rich have a conscience and the blessings. The Lord awaits us to I assure you that despite the poor have hope. A Nigeria, where joy make the right choice. We either dashed hopes and unbearable and peace reign supreme and where continue to wallow in self-delusion, suffering of millions of our bombings and killings are a thing of wickedness, greed, murder, the over the last 52 years, our the past. persecution of perceived enemies, the people dream still lives and the Lord A Nigeria, where the descendants abuse of power, evil and insensitivity shall not forsake us. Our land and of Ishmael and Isaac and the or we desist from our wicked ways our people may seem blighted, in adherents of the two great Abrahamic and turn to Him. repressed and faiths of Islam and Christianity live I am persuaded that once we make despair, depressed, It may appear as if together in peace, harmony and the right choice, our date with destiny, confused. is no hope for a better mutual respect. A Nigeria, where the as a people and as a nation, will come there tomorrow and that nothing will secularity of the state is respected, yet far sooner than we can possibly ever change. where God is revered and honoured imagine. In his book titled “The It may seem as if the Lord has by all. A Nigeria, where the Wretched of the Earth” Frantz Fanon forgotten us and it may appear knowledge and fear of the Living God said the following- “each generation that our story is one of recurrent reigns in the hearts and minds of the must, out of relative obscurity, failure and shattered dreams. Yet people. discover it’s mission and fulfill it or is not so. I have come here A Nigeria, where every man is his betray it.” Past generations in Nigeria this brother’s keeper, where leaders show have not lived up to expectation. This today to tell you that, despite all we see and hear, it is not over for compassion to those that they lead, is the bitter truth. as a people and as a nation. I where justice is done to all and where Yet, there is still hope as long as we us have come here today to tell you political persecution has no place. A have faith. That hope and faith is our that we as a people have a date Nigeria, where decency is rewarded, blessed assurance and it lives in our with destiny. where dissent is tolerated, where non- minds and hearts. We know that the I have come here today to tell conformity is encouraged and where Lord will fix it. We know that He is that Nigeria and the Nigerian equity is enthroned. That is the “more than able”. We know that He is you dream lives on and that it shall be Nigeria of my dream. a man of war whom none can resist made manifest for all to see in A Nigeria, where youth and we know that He restores, the fullness of time. I therefore unemployment is low and where redeems and rebuilds even the most urge you to be strong, to hold every individual, no matter how high broken and wretched walls. your heads up high, to be proud or low, can aspire to any position and Dr. Martin Luther King jnr., after who and what you are and to live his or her dream. That is the delivering his celebrated and inspiring of stand firm. The vision is for an Nigeria of my dream. A Nigeria, “I have a dream” speech, was felled appointed time. Though it may where human life and human dignity is by an assassin’s bullet on April 4, tarry, it shall not prove false. Just sacrosanct and where fairness is the 1968. To those that killed him, his hold on and always remember watchword of every soul. That is the dream died with him. Yet they were that, despite all, ‘’hope springs Nigeria of my dream. wrong. They did not know that great God bless you and God I have no fears about the future of dreams, once birthed, never die. That eternal’. bless Nigeria. Merry christmas this great nation because the God that is why the Word of God said: “if the and happy New Year.
Hope Springs Eternal
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
PHOTOTALK
State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola Offers Free Train Ride For The State Indigenes And Non-indigenes From Lagos To Osun, To Mark The Christmas Festival, Last Tuesday.
•A cross section of the State of Osun indigenes and non-indigenes at Lagos Terminus boarding the free train provided by Governor Aregbesola’s administration.
•Another cross section of the State of Osun indigenes and non-indigenes boarding free train.
•Another cross section of the free train transport beneficiaries.
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
Distribution Of Buses To Members Of National Union Of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) And Road Transport Employees Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) By The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola At The State Secretariat, Abere On Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI
•(R-L) Governor Rauf Aregbesola; the deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo Laoye-Tomori and Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti at the programme.
•(L-R) Commissioner for Commerce Cooperatives and Empowerment, Mr Jayeoba Alagbada; the state Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Wale Afolabi and a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Professor Mojeed Alabi at the event.
•A cross section of traditional rulers at the event.
•(L-R) NURTW state Chairman, Alhaji Isiaka Afolabi; RTEAN state Chairman, Alhaji Olajire Oyebode; Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro and Regional Business Head (South-West), Sterling Bank, Mr Ayo Adebayo.
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
PHOTOTALK
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2013 End Of The Year Children Party, Organised By The Wife Of The Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola in Conjunction With State Ministry Of Women And Children Affairs, At The Government House Lawn, Osogbo, On Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat with the state Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Adetoun Adegboyega.
•(L-R) Special Adviser to the Governor on Agriculture and Food Security, Mr Festus Agunbiade; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Mr Sikiru Ayedun and the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice, Barrister Wale Afolabi at the event.
•A cross section of children at the event.
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PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
2013 End Of The Year Children Party, Organised By The Wife Of The Governor, State Of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola In Conjunction With The State Ministry Of Women And Children Affairs, At The Government House Lawn, Osogbo, On Monday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•Some of the children playing with toy train during the programme.
•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (middle) and his wife, Sherifat; cutting cake with children at the party. With them are, Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega (left); Special Adviser to the Governor on Women and Children Affairs, Barrister Funmilayo Eso-Williams (2nd right) and others.
•Governor Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, dancing with children at the party.
HEALTH
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LEEP disorders are among the most-commonly reported human problems. It is important to realise that our sleep patterns change, as we go through life. All sleep is not the same. By measuring brain waves, sleep researchers have identified several different stages of sleep which recur at fairly regular cycles throughout a night sleep. We progress from wakefulness to drowsiness, to moderate sleep to deep restorative sleep. The direction of deep sleep decreases with age. Dream, sleep or rapid eyemovement sleep occurs 1 to 2 hours after you fall asleep. During rapid-eye-movement sleep, our eyes move rapidly behind our closed lids. REM sleep cannot be truly called light sleep or deep sleep, as it is a different kind of sleep. It is the stage, when most dreaming occurs and it is characterised by faster breathing and heart rates than in the other sleep stages. REM sleep also is characterised by penile erections in males and it is not absolutely vital for life. The brain undergoes a number of changes during sleep. The brain consumes increased oxygen and has increased blood flow. People waken during REM sleep may recall vivid dreams. During a normal night’s sleep, there are four or five REM sleep periods. They occur about once every 90 minutes, as part of the sleep cycle and total about 11/2 hours. Sleep disorders are of various kinds and may be the result of physical conditions, stress or other factors. Insomnia: Signs and symptoms: ·Inability to sleep enough at night · Difficulty falling asleep · Night wakefulness in adults Insomnia is defined simply as too little sleep. A person with insomnia may complain that he or she “didn’t sleep a wink” although infact, there usually was some sleep. Occasionally, individual claims to hardly sleep at all and yet, actually does sleep for four or more hours at night. What may be happening are frequent awakenings, leading to the perception of sleeplessness. In older people, sleeping less and waking more often at night seems to be common and is not insomnia. The causes of insomnia are many and varied. A change in your environment, such as a new work schedule or jet lag can cause difficulty in sleeping. Drinking excessive amounts of coffee, tea, or cola drinks can cause insomnia. If you are especially sensitive to caffeine, even a cup or two during the day can keep you awake at night. The use of other stimulants [amphetamines, methylphenidate] also contributes to insomnia. In respect of psychological factors, insomnia may be symptom of a transient problem or of a long-term underlying disorder. Sometimes, people go through periods of sleeplessness because of temporary anxiety over an upcoming job interview or examination, for example. In middle-aged and other people, digression may result in insomnia, particularly during early morning hours.
Chronic anxiety reflecting fears can cause insomnia. People, who tend to have nightmare may find themselves waking suddenly while in REM sleep. TREATMENT The first thing to consider when you are suffering from insomnia is how to take simple changes in your bedtime routine that will help you sleep. Examples of changes that may help you feel sleepy include restricting your bedtime calling and television viewing to light topics that are not emotionally upsetting, for example, no horror stories. Avoid strenuous exercise or emotional upset in the period immediately preceding bedtime. Even though you may be tired from your sleepless nights, avoid napping during the day, so that you can reestablish a pattern of sleeping at night. Habitual daytime naps may be a cause of insomnia. If you do not have time for physical exertion during the day, take a work before bedtime, but do not do anything strenuous or you probably will have trouble dropping off to sleep. Finally, if you are tossing and turning do not try to force sleep; get up and stay up until you are too tired to stay awake and then go to bed and try to sleep. If you are unable to reestablish a sleeping pattern by using a home remedy, it is good idea to have a careful medical evaluation, because there are many potential causes of insomnia. If the problem is sensitivity to caffeine or medications, excessive alcohol intake, or the use of stimulants, eliminate these, if possible, from your daily routine. If underlying psychological problem is contributing to insomnia, psychotherapy may be helpful. Be cautious about the use of sleeping pills. If you are awake at night because of pain from medical or surgical condition, a sleeping medication may be advised for a short time along with use of an analgesic. Sleeping pills [also known as sedatives or hypnotics] not only lose their effectiveness after 4-6 weeks, but they also may disturb your sleeping pattern and thus contribute to insomnia. Sleep Apnea: signs and Symptoms: •Excessive daytime sleepness •Extreme snoring •Observed episodes of breathing stoppage during sleep •Morning headache •In children, enuresis (bedwetting) Sleep apnea [from the Greek word “apnein”, meaning “without breathing”] is a disorder in which there are recurrent episodes of breathing stoppage during sleep. It is caused by an obstruction to the movement of air in the upper respiratory passages. At night people with sleep apnea tend to snore very loudly, and in the day time they often are very sleepy. They may wake up with headache. They may black out or feel disoriented during the day but be unable to remember the episode. The obstruction to breathing prevents the person from ever reaching the deeper levels of restorative sleep, so this person feels as if he or she had been without sleep even
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
Sleep Disorder
By MOSES BOBA
though he or she may have been a sleep all night. In adults, obesity is a contributing factor, and weight reduction often gives relief. Some persons, who are of normal weight or moderately overweight may experience sleep apnea. This diagnosis can be suspected from their excessive daytime sleepiness and this pattern of snoringperiod during which breathing ceased followed by deep gasps and then the resumption of breathing. The diagnosis can be confirmed by studies in asleep laboratory. Treatment Weight reduction is of great importance and often substantial relief, but many obese persons find it difficult to adhere to a low calorie eating schedules. Narcolepsy: Signs and symptoms: •Abnormal tendency to sleep during the day •Desire to sleep longer than the usual eight hours •Episodic attacks of REM sleep during the day that may cause attacks of muscle paralysis •Memory loss •Dream-like hallucinations Narcolepsy [from the Greek word “nark” meaning “stupor”] is popularly known as sleeping sickness. It is the abnormal tendency to sleep during the day. The person with narcolepsy experiences episodes of uncontrollable sleepiness. He or she sleeps briefly and awakens refreshed, only to become sleepy again within an hour or so. Although these sleep attacks usually occur during active times for example, while the person is driving, having a conversation or making love. Possible aggravating factors include environmental causes, such as alternating work
weeks [i.e. working nights one week and days the next]. It is likely that narcolepsy represents a neurological problem of sleep. The Diagnosis Although day time sleep mass is a symptom of both sleep apnea and narcolepsy, there is an important observable difference. Unlike the person with sleep apnea, the person with narcolepsy has brief sleep attacks and feels refreshed upon awakening. Narcolepsy is usually diagnosed between the ages of 15/25. Often, the clue is difficulty in staying awake in class. Men and women are affected in equal numbers. Treatment To prevent sudden sleep attacks, plan naps, so that your body will feel rested, when you need to be awake, allow plenty of time for sleep at night. Eat light or vegetarian meals during the day and avoid heavy meals before any important activity. Caffeine, especially coffee, tea or cola drinks-used in moderation may help you stay awake. Medication: Medical treatment of narcolepsy includes stimulant pills such as dextioamphetamins and methylphenidate. If you have cataplexy, your physician may prescribe an antidepressant to suppress the attacks of REM sleep. What is normal sleep? “Sleep” is the word we used to define both a biological state and a behavioral state in which we are quite and relatively unresponsive to external stimuli. Sleep is regular and recurring, and easily reversible [unlike coma, for example]. Most people spend about one third of their life in the state of unconsciousness, that is sleep, about 71/2 hours for a middle aged adult. When we do not get
enough, we may feel less alert and vigorous or confused and fatigued. Lack of sleep affects not only energy level, but also mental and social functioning. Sleep deprivation over prolonged periods has been found to cause hallucinations, delusions and psychosis in normal persons. Infact going long periods without adequate sleep is as well-recognized as disorienting and demoralizing that forced sleep deprivation is a widely used brain washing technique. In later years, however, many people seem to return to frequent daytime naps and sleep less at night. These patterns vary with individuals, depending on deontological development and other factors but the overall progression has been identified as the norm through the human life span. Shift disorders: Some persons have a sleep disorder caused by rotations in their work shifts. They may be chronically tired and have insomnia. In general, if a person routinely works at night, the bedroom should be as quiet as possible for sleep during the day, it is better to remain “shifted” on the days not working. However, for many people, this is not possible. Avoid use of sleeping pills. Sleep Clinics: Many hospitals and medical centers have clinics for the purpose of diagnosing sleep disorders. The person enters the unit during the early evening hours and spends the night in a comfortable bed. Electrocardiography [ECG, or heart monitor] and Electroencephalographic [EEG, brain monitor]recordings are often used throughout the night. In addition, breathing is monitored. In men who have problems with impotence, the occurrence and duration of nocturnal erections also can be monitored. The results of these studies often allow the specialist in sleep
disorders to identify the problem and offer appropriate treatment.
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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
Job Vacancies In Nigeria Power Generating Company Vacancies in Nigeria A Reputable Power Generating Company urgently requires the services of the following for immediate employment: Position: Mechanical Engineer Requirements B.Sc/HND in Mechanical Engineering with 2-5 yrs experience Position: Technician Requirements OND/Trade Tests (I, II, III) with 2 5 yrs experience in related field Position: Graphics Designer Requirements B.Sc/HND in Computer Science with ability to use graphics softwares and 3D/Pro-E experience for Autocad. Minimum of 2 years work experience. Position: AutoCAD Draftsman Requirements B.Sc/HND in Computer Science with ability to use graphics softwares and 3D/Pro-E experience for Autocad. Minimum of 2 years work experience. Position: Research and Development Officer Requirements B.Sc/HND with 2- 5yrs experience in related field Position: Internal Auditor Requirements B.Sc/HND in Accounts with ICAN certification and minimum of 2 years work experience in an audit firm. Position: Chartered Accountant Requirements B.Sc/HND in Accounts with ICAN certification and minimum of 2 years work experience in an audit firm. Method of Application Interested candidates should send your detailed CV to: mkjobs@hotmail.com Application Deadline 1st January, 2014 —————————————————— Medical/Sales Representatives Job Vacancies in a Pharmaceutical company A leading Pharmaceutical company is recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Medical/Sales Representatives Location: Warri, Onitsha and Kano Requirement Minimum of B. Pharm Degree or B.Sc in Microbiology, Biochemistry and should not be more than 28 years of age with minimum of 2 years working experience in similar capacity. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications to: The Recruiter Reals Plaza, 1 Junaid Dosunmu Street, CBD, Alausa, Lagos. Or by email to: realhealth2011@gmail.com Application Deadline 31st December, 2013. —————————————————— Medical/Sales Representatives Job Vacancies in a Pharmaceutical company A leading Pharmaceutical company is recruiting to fill the position below: Job Title: Medical/Sales Representatives Location: Warri, Onitsha and Kano Requirement Minimum of B. Pharm Degree or B.Sc in Microbiology, Biochemistry and should not be more than 28 years of age with minimum of 2 years working experience in similar capacity. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their applications to: The Recruiter Reals Plaza, 1 Junaid Dosunmu Street, CBD, Alausa, Lagos. Or by email to: realhealth2011@gmail.com Application Deadline 31st December, 2013. —————————————————— 555 Consulting Limited Vacancies in Abuja, December 23rd 2013 555 Consulting Limited - Our client, a leading construction firm in Nigeria, seeks qualified and experienced candidates to fill the following vacant positions in its Abuja office. We are recruiting for the position below: Job Title: Executive Assistant to the Chairman Job Code: SGC/EAC/1213/15 Location: Abuja Job Description Serve as the administrative and functional point person for the Group CEO/Chairman’s corporate, community, and personal matters so as to ensure smooth functioning of activities and processes in multiple lines of businesses. Requirement B.Sc/HND in Social Sciences, ICT proficient, and minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Secretary to the Managing Director Job Code: SGC/SMD/1213/16 Location: Abuja Job Description Responsible for the effective and efficient provision of secretarial, clerical, and administrative support. Requirement B.Sc/HND in Social Sciences, ICT proficient, and minimum of 3 years relevant work experience. Must be a Male. Job Title: Contracts Executive Job Code: SGC/CTEX/1213/18 Location: Abuja Job Description Responsible for researching, scouting, bidding, and submitting proposals for contracts that are within the purview of the company’s business activities for possible award and execution. Requirement Degree in relevant field, ICT proficiency, and minimum of 3 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Customer Service Executive Job Code: SGC/CSE/1213/19 Location: Abuja Job Description Ensures wholesome customer experience by managing the operations of the front office in an attentive friendly efficient and courteous manner. Requirement Degree in social science field, ICT proficiency, and minimum of 2 years relevant work experience. Job Title: ICT Officer Job Code: SGC/ITOF/1213/17 Location: Abuja Job Description Responsible for providing operational, procedural, and technical ICT supports to the company including systems maintenance, upgrade, installations, Internet, networking, social media, etc. Requirement B.Sc Computer Science and minimum of 3 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Receptionist/ Secretary Job Code: SGC/SEC/1213/20 Location: Abuja Job Description Enhance effectiveness by providing both clerical and administrative support to the company. Requirement B.Sc/HND in Secretarial Administration or Business Administration, ICT proficiency, and minimum of 3 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Office Clerk Job Code: SGC/CLK/1213/21 Location: Abuja Job Description Provide general assistance/support and maintain office operations by going on errands, receiving and distributing communications; maintaining office supplies; etc. Requirement SSCE good communication skills and minimum of 2 years work experience. Job Title: Business Development Manager Job Code: SGC/BDM/1213/09 Location: Abuja Job Description Responsible for leading the business development team and ensuring business growth by defining target market, creating awareness of company’s products and services, negotiating and closing business deals, as well as sustaining business relationships.
Requirement HND/B.Sc. Marketing or any social science, ICT proficiency, and minimum of 5 years similar work experience. Job Title: Marketers /Business Development Officers Job Code: SGC/BDO/1213/10 Location: Abuja Job Description Identify sales leads, pitch company’s products and services to new clients, close sales and maintain a good working relationship with contacts. Requirement HND/B.Sc. Marketing or any social science, ICT proficiency, and minimum of 3 years similar work experience. Job Title: Accountant/Chief Finance Officer Job Code: SGC/CFO/1213/11 Location: Abuja Job Description Prepare, examine, and analyze accounting records, financial statements, and other financial reports to assess accuracy, competeness, and also conformance to reporting procedural standards. Requirement Minimum B.Sc/HND, must be chartered, highly versatile in the use of relevant Accounting software, and have a minimum of 10 years similar work experience. Job Title: Audit/Internal Control Officer Job Code: SGC/AIC/1213/12 Location: Abuja Job Description Protect company’s assets by completing audits, ensuring compliance with procedures, regulations and internal controls; recommending improvements on internal control structures; as well as assist external Auditors Requirement Minimum B.Sc/HND. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, and PowerPoint) and must have a minimum of 3 years similar work experience. Job Title: Assistant Company Secretary Job Code: SGC/ACS/1213/08 Location: Abuja Job Description Provide general assistance to the Company Secretary as well as attend meetings, take minutes, and perform other field assignments. Requirement LL.B, and minimum of 3 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Accounts Officer Job Code: SGC/ACOF/1213/13 Location: Abuja Job Description Provide accounting supports to the Accountant by managing Petty Cash, preparing accounting reports, engaging in bank activities, and ensuring that all records, books, and files are upto-date. Requirement Minimum B.Sc/HND in Accounting. Proficiency in MS Office (Excel, Word, PowerPoint) and relevant Accounting software. Must have a minimum of 3 years similar work experience. Job Title: Admin/HR Manager Job Code: SGC/AHR/1213/14 Location: Abuja Job Description Supports operations by supervising staff; planning, organizing, and implementing administrative systems. Requirement Degree in Social Sciences, proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, PowerPoint), and a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Civil Engineers Job Code: SGC/CVL/1213/04 Location: Abuja Job Description Responsible for planning and executing architectural, structural, and civil designs of all buildings, installations, brick/concrete structures, roads and other infrastructure to meet company’s standards and specifications. Requirement Degree in Civil Engineering, proficient in the use of AutoCAD and other relevant computer packages, professional membership, and minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Health and Safety Officers Job Code: SGC/HSE/1213/05 Location: Abuja Job Description Responsible for the establishment, continuous maintenance, and company’s adherence to Health, Safety and Environment (HSE) policies and procedures. Requirement B.Sc/HND, relevant professional certificates, and minimum of 3 years cognate work experience. Job Title: Quality Assurance/Quality Control Officer Job Code: SGC/QAQC/1213/06 Location: Abuja Job Description Provides technical expertise and advice to assist the Projects team as well as ensure implementation and compliance with quality procedures related to each project. Requirement Degree in relevant field and minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Company Secretary/Legal Adviser Job Code: SGC/CSLA/1213/07 Location: Abuja Job Description Provide advise on legal matters and ensure the company is constantly in compliance with statutory provisions. He/she will serve as the go-between on legal matters among the company’s stakeholders, board, government, regulatory bodies: and will also ensure proper custody and safety of the company’s sensitive and confidential documents/books. Requirement LL.B (Hons), and minimum of 10 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Architect Job Code: SGC/ARC/1213/02 Location: Abuja Job Description Will be responsible for planning, designing, and overseeing building constructions or alterations to existing buildings. Requirement B.Sc, Architecture, highly proficient with Revit and AutoCAD, minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Quantity Surveyor Job Code: SGC/QS/1213/03 Location: Abuja Job Description Plan, oversee, and manage all costs associated with building/construction projects, from outset until completion. Will also ensure cost control and enhance value for money whilst ensuring that projects are executed to meet quality assurance and legal standards. Requirement Degree in relevant field, versatile in the use of Microsoft Excel, Word, and Projects; and must have a minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Project Manager Job Code: SGC/PJM/1213/01 Location: Abuja Job Description Provides technical expertise and advice to assist the Projects team as well as ensure implementation and compliance with quality procedures related to each Project. Requirement Degree in any construction related discipline (Engineering & Architecture); Project Management certification, and minimum of 5 years relevant work experience. Job Title: Drivers/Logistics Officers Job Code: SGC/DLG/1213/23 Location: Abuja Job Description Provides support by ensuring safe driving and performing general logistics duties Requirement SSCE, good communication skills, and minimum of 5 years driving experience in Abuja and its environs. Job Title: Office Cleaners Job Code: SGC/CLN/1213/22 Location: Abuja Job Description Enhance customer experience by cleaning all designated areas of the office in a standard and excellent manner. Requirement SSCE, good communication skills and minimum of 2 years work experience. How to Apply Only Abuja-based interested, qualified, and experienced candidates should apply by sending only their CV’s to: jobs@the555group.com and copy 555jobsng@gmail.com Applicants must use the relevant Job Codes as the email subject. Note: Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted
You can subscribe to Job Vacancies in Nigeria, Jobs in Nigeria your www.recentnigerianjobs.com Applicationvia Deadline 26the-mail: December, 2013. ——————————————————
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FOREIGN NEWS
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
Car Bomb Kills 13 At Egyptian Police Compound car bomb tore through a police compound in though nothing on Egypt’s Nile Delta on Tuesday, killing 13 the scale of people and wounding more than 130, security Tuesday’s blast. officials said, in one of the deadliest attacks since the army “An attack of this deposed Islamist President Mohamed Mursi in July. type has the effect of The army-backed government vowed to fight “black intimidating people terrorism”, saying the blast and 24 policemen died in an and discouraging them from taking an hour after midnight in the August ambush. in the Many of the Sinai attacks, part city of Mansoura north of Cairo would not derail a as well as the failed attempt ( c o n s t i t u t i o n a l ) political transition plan on the life of Ibrahim, the referendum,” said whose next step is a January interior minister, have been Mustapha Kamel Alreferendum on a new claimed by a group called Sayid, a professor of Ansar Bayt al-Maqdis political science at constitution. Cairo University. The attack prompted a (Supporters of Jerusalem). Ibrahim described There have also been cabinet statement declaring Mursi’s Muslim lethal attacks on security the car bombing as an Brotherhood a “terrorist forces in the Nile Delta, attempt to terrorize organization”, though a state news agency report did not explicitly accuse the group of staging the attack. T a well-attended investor conference in South Mursi’s group condemned Sudan’s capital in early December, President Salva the bombing. Kiir declared that the world’s newest country was With at least eight “at last safe” and open for business. policemen among the dead, It was a bold assertion was the target of a “foiled the blast underlined the risk nation that only coup” and rounded up from of militancy moving to the gaineda independence from rivals. Machar slipped densely populated Nile Sudan in 2011 after away and has mustered Valley from the Sinai decades mired in conflict. militia forces. Peninsula, where attacks It suggested the moment “I am in the bush, and I have killed some 200 had come to cap a huge am trying my best to have members of the security international effort to build a better negotiating forces since Mursi’s a state. But it proved position,” Machar, 61, who holds a doctorate downfall. spectacularly ill-timed. On December 15, from Britain’s University “We face an enemy that has no religion or nation,” fighting erupted in Juba of Bradford, told Reuters Interior Minister Mohamed that has swiftly spread on a crackly mobile phone Ibrahim, the survivor of an beyond the capital along line from an undisclosed assassination attempt in ethnic faultlines, exposing location. M I S S E D Cairo in September, said at the failure of national OPPORTUNITIES reconciliation efforts, the the scene of the blast. The international The army said a car bomb limited influence of community has poured in generous foreign sponsors had been used in what it and the reluctance of rebel billions of dollars of aid called a “vile terrorist fighters-turned-statesmen and sent in a myriad of attack”, while the to give up the tactics of advisers to build the new presidency said such bush conflict. state. But it has been attacks “only increase the Whether South Sudan unable to fix the state’s determination to tips into a broader ethnic dysfunction that has uproot terrorism”. war or draws back from festered at the top of Police “combat units” the brink largely depends government and which would deploy across the on two men who have came to a head in the country with orders to use long tussled for power: the summer when 62-year-old from the Kiir dismissed his vice live ammunition, state TV president dominant Dinka tribe and president. reported. “Opportunities were Egypt has suffered the the ambitious deputy he certainly missed to engage deadliest internal strife in its sacked in July, Riek in more robust preventive modern history since the Machar, a Nuer. Both ethnic groups, diplomacy over the past army deposed Mursi, the spurred on by their few months as the political nation’s first freely elected leaders, have clashed in the crisis began gathering leader, on July 3 after big past, giving the latest spiral momentum,” said John protests against him. of violence an air of Prendergast, member of a The security forces killed depressing inevitability for U.S. group of intellectuals hundreds of his supporters many South Sudanese, that cajoled Washington to as part of a campaign to desperate for development back South Sudan’s split repress his Muslim in one of the poorest from Sudan. Brotherhood, while lethal places in Africa. In spite of Kiir ’s comments attacks on the security “Neither cares much confident forces have become about their people,” said launching the December investment commonplace. Chuo, who repairs 4-5 Some analysts say Egypt motorbikes in Juba. conference, a showdown could face a sustained “Instead, they are focusing had long been brewing Islamist insurrection, a risk too much on personal with Machar, who has compounded by a flood of grudges - the left-overs made no secret of his presidential ambitions. weapons smuggled out of from their old days.” For almost a year before The United States and neighboring Libya since the uprising against Muammar other Western backers of Machar’s dismissal, the Gaddafi began there almost the new nation are two men’s relationship in scrambling with regional office was defined by three years ago. In a statement from its African states to broker “miscommunication or London media office, the talks, but have limited mistrust or silence”, said culture ministry Brotherhood condemned leverage to end fighting former undersecretary Jok Madut that has killed hundreds of the blast as “an attack on Jok, who left his post in people and driven 40,000 the unity of the Egyptian April. to U.N. bases for shelter. people”. The powerplay caused Failure to halt the SINAI ATTACKS stasis in government, and The state has outlawed escalation could have most worryingly derailed the Brotherhood and driven wider fallout in an already crucial efforts to build a region. Sudan may it underground, jailing volatile be drawn in if there is a program of national thousands of its supporters threat to oil fields from reconciliation between and accusing the group of which it derives vital fees bigger ethnic groups, such turning to violence, a charge from pumping crude as Dinka and Nuer, and the it denies. across its land. And other dozens of others that have The Sinai Peninsula, neighbors fret about a long clashed over control which borders Israel and the descent into chaos. of the south’s scant Gaza Strip to the east, has Uganda has already sent resources. Jok, now chairman of been the site of most of the troops to Juba. Both leaders say they the Sudd Institute thinkmajor attacks since Mursi’s ouster: a car bomb killed 10 are ready to talk. But old tank, described how formed a soldiers there in November, habits die hard. Kiir said he Machar
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citizens before the mid-January vote, which is to be followed by presidential and parliamentary elections next year. He said the security forces would fully secure the referendum. State television showed the bombed police compound with shattered windows and one wall partially collapsed. A bulldozer was
removing rubble in the street outside. Residents rushed to hospitals to check on the casualties. Egypt’s Nile News TV broadcast latenight appeals for blood donations. Mansoura has been the scene of other attacks since Mursi’s removal. Five policemen were wounded in July by an explosive device thrown at a police station. In October,
three policemen were killed when masked men attacked a checkpoint in the city. Last week state prosecutors ordered Mursi and other Brotherhood leaders to stand trial on charges including scheming with foreign militants to carry out terrorist attacks in Egypt. The Brotherhood described those charges as risible.
How South-Sudan Leaders Squandered Nation-building Effort
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•SALVA KIIR
committee to draw up a “practical, scientific” plan to rebuild ethnic relations, only to have it disbanded by Kiir, who put church leaders in charge to “focus on praying away the woes of South Sudan and nothing more.” Those who know the two men give similar accounts of the two characters on whose shoulders so much rests. Kiir, largely educated in the bush, has patched up militia rivalries to hold together the brittle SPLM/ SPLA that fought Sudan and now runs the south. But they say he lacks the vision of his predecessor, John Garang, who died in a helicopter crash in 2005, the year a peace deal was signed with Sudan. Machar, his acquaintances say, is a highly intelligent rival whose political ambitions tend to trump any national agenda. He led a splinter SPLA group in 1991 and his Nuer troops massacred Dinkas in Bor town that year. In 1997, he signed a unilateral deal with Khartoum that gave him an official post in Sudan. “Anything short of the two men sitting down and trying to work it out will not work,” said Jok. But bringing the two together for now has hit deadlock. Kiir’s government has refused to
release the group of rival politicians he detained. Machar says they must be freed as they are the ones who will handle any negotiations. S H I F T I N G LOYALTIES Much may depend on Kiir ’s reputation as a conciliator, often bringing in rival militias even though it could mean putting political influence before competence in government. “Kiir has always said that he doesn’t want his people to turn back again to war,” said Foreign Minister Barnaba Marial Benjamin, citing the president’s past talks with opponents. “We talked to them and they were absorbed into our government.” Eric Reeves, a fellow American activist for South Sudan with Prendergast, said Machar needed to be convinced that prolonging any ethnic conflict would mean he would lose U.S. or other Western support. “But there is no real leverage,” he said. The United Nations plans to beef up its peacekeeping force in South Sudan, where the Akobo U.N. base was overrun and looted by Nuers who are blamed for killing 11 Dinkas sheltering there.
But the patchwork nature of the SPLA army and shifting loyalties means there is little chance
of turning the UNMISS force into a robust intervention brigade like the one that quelled a rebellion in next door Democratic Republic of Congo. “If you don’t know where your enemy is coming from, or who your enemy is, it doesn’t really matter how heavily armed you are,” said Reeves. U.S. President Barack Obama said on Saturday that any military effort to seize power would end U.S. backing. His envoy, Donald Booth, was in Juba on Monday talking with Kiir. Fighting has already reached oil fields, near Sudan’s border, cutting output by 45,000 barrels per day (bpd) to 200,000 bpd. That hurts flows that are the source of 98 percent of land-locked South Sudan’s revenues. It is also vital to Sudan, which lost the fields when the south seceded but relies on fees from oil going through its pipeline to the Red Sea. A row over undefined borders, oil fees and security brought the new neighbors close to war last year. A South Sudanese academic, who asked not to be named, said Sudan could move on the fields if the fall in revenues started to bite and would worry about the deployment of troops from Uganda, which supported the south’s SPLA in the war with Khartoum. Ugandan army sources said the troops would help secure Juba. Jok said Washington and its allies might have steered South Sudan on a safer course if a pell-mell rush to support the new nation had come with more statebuilding conditions earlier. “You might even say they (the international community) did too much to let these leaders off the hook from their responsibility to steer their country to stability,” he said. But like others, he said the blame largely lies with the leaders, who have failed to make the transition from liberation warrior to politician, squandering international goodwill. “We thought our troubles were over after we won our freedom from Sudan,” said Peter, a Nuer who gave only his first name as he sheltered in a U.N. base in Juba. “It’s now a problem of South Sudanese
people killing their fellow South Sudanese.”
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IN RETROSPECT
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
A Memorable Quote From A PDP Aspirant In The State Of Osun
“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 beaten yesterday. The people 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. •Culled from Vanguard Newspaper.
OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, December 26, 2013
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