Osun Defender - December 28th Edition by OsunDefender

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 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

Front Page Comment

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

VOL. 8. NO.155 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

Who Killed Chief Bola Ige, formerAttorneyGeneral and Minister of Justice?

N50

IGE

Osun 2014:

Omisore Moves To Frustrate Akinbade’s Gov Ambition In LP •Wants LP/PDP Alliance

- See Story On Page 2

•(L-R) General Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye; the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori, during the Special End of the Year Prayer tagged: ‘Let’s Go A Fishing’ at Federal Polytechnic, Sports Complex, Ede, State of Osun, last Tuesday.

Education Reform: Osun ‘ll Be Best In Nigeria - Aregbesola

- See Story On Page 4

News

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

Osun 2014: Omisore Moves To Frustrate Akinbade’s Gov Ambition In LP •Wants LP/PDP Alliance By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

was later impeached by the State House of Assembly for misconduct, after which he left for the PDP. Owolade however defected to the PDP in 2006, after the Action Congress (AC) g o v e r n o r s h i p primaries, where Governor Rauf Aregbesola was picked to fly the party’s flag for the 2007 gubernatorial election.

value. was caused by Beside, Omisore has Akinbade and HE governorship ambition of former towards an alliance of reportedly O m i s o r e ’ s Secretary to the Government of the State the LP with the PDP for also solicited the support of g o v e r n o r s h i p governorship of Osun, Alhaji Fatai Akinbade and the the sole leader and ambitions. Senator Iyiola Omisore, which tore the Peoples election, it was learnt. Both Omisore and If the alliance does sponsor of the LP, Democratic Party (PDP) apart in the state, is yet Governor Olusegun Owolade had been to be over and has even taken a new dimension, not work out, Omisore of the even when the two are no longer in the same is reportedly making Mimiko of Ondo State, members another move to ensure to make sure that his progressive Alliance for political party. plan on the party Democracy (AD) The politics of hatred candidate for the 2014 that the LP does not materialised. before they defected to present a strong being played by the gubernatorial election It would be recalled the PDP. governorship candidate duo of Akinbade and in the state. that the intra-party Omisore was the Omisore has been The defeated senator like Akinbade, but a crisis rocking the PDP deputy governor to person with low transferred to the is reportedly working substance and electoral in the State of Osun Chief Bisi Akande, but Labour Party (LP), which is Akinbade’s new political platform. Investigation by OSUN DEFENDER revealed that Omisore has planted moles in the LP, with a view to directing its affairs and use the structures to his advantage and frustrate whoever constitutes threat to his governorship ambition. The medium authoritatively gathered that the recent defection of former Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, Mr Niyi Owolade to the LP was at Omisore’s prompting. Owolade had surreptitiously, few weeks ago, called a press conference, where he declared his ambition to contest the 2014 governorship election under the LP, even before he made his defection known to members of the public. Owolade, who hails from the same senatorial district with Omisore, is the first aspirant to officially •A cross section of Ministers of God during the Christmas Carol Cantata 2013 organised by State of Osun Government in conjunction with declare his Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), State of Osun chapter, at Government House, Osogbo, last Tuesday. INSET, Governor Rauf Aregbesola Photo: reading the Holy Bible; with him is the State of Osun CAN Chairman, Reverend Elisha Ogundiya. governorship ambition (right) GBENGA ADENIYI. under the LP. Akinbade had, few months earlier, before Owolade’s defection, leadership of the o u t s t a n d i n g development are the By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO decamped to the LP, Speaker, Honourable achievements of our objectives and motives but has not made his HE Canada branch of the State of Osun Najeem Salaam.” governor and sailor of of our state governor,” ambition known to the We, the APC, State of the ship of our state; the group added. chapter of the All Progressives Congress public. (APC) has applauded the state governor, Osun Chapter, Canada Rauf They explained that It was learnt that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for presenting an branch and the state’s Engineer Aregbesola. This no government would Owolade’s sneaky executive bill for the creation of additional 27 indigenes in the declaration was local government council areas, adding that the diaspora, are fully creates in us a sense of bring development and self belonging and has social welfare to its sponsored by Omisore decision will bring the much-desired dividends aware of the led us to pronounce people without to frustrate Akinbade’s of democracy and great development to rural development going on publicly that we are reaching to the ambition in the LP. in our dear state, which from the State of Osun, grassroots, nooks and areas and villages in the state. Omisore, according In a statement made our state by the state makes us happy and where progress and crannies of the state. to sources, believed of the available and signed by parliament under the proud that Akinbade is a huge Comrade Bolaji Oladoyin, threat to his the Chairman of governorship ambition, Canada branch of APC, and other faithful included love. The love of whether or not they are the party branch By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO followers of Christ to Jesus Christ for mankind in the same political solicited the support of allow the significance of is immeasurable and can party. the state parliament human rights group; the Centre for Social Christmas to impart only be understood The medium further and its leadership, Justice and Equity (CESJEN), has preached positively on their lives, through His works that learnt that Owolade has under Honourable peace and love among the various ethnic and that are known to be filled become Omisore’s Najeem Salaam in religious divides in the country, while urging maintained willing tool in ensuring passing the bill and Christians in the nation to imbibe the lesson of the Christmas symbolises with compassion. peace, sacrifice and love, “It is this kind of that Akinbade is not support the great birth and death of Jesus Christ in all their therefore, Christians lifestyle of love that can given the LP move, as soon as should be tolerant with make a country. We owe endeavours. governorship ticket. possible. urged the people of the adherents of other faiths this debt to God and to In a statement issued Omisore’s plan, “We acknowledge country to shun bitterness for peace to reign fellow human beings to according to the support that has and signed by the among themselves, supreme. extend love at all times, impeccable sources, is been given to Ogbeni Publicity Secretary of the particularly politicians in In his words: “The life even in the face of group, Comrade Mubarak to ensure that the LP Rauf Aregbesola so far, Abiola Adegoke and made the land. of our Lord Jesus Christ hostility, as admonished Comrade Adegoke, was characterised by does not present any for good governance available to OSUN by the word of God.” credible governorship and development of DEFENDER, the group who called on Christians great virtues that

LG Creation Bill: Osun APC Canada Applauds Aregbesola

Human Rights Group Preaches Peace, Love At Xmas

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News

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

Aregbesola Charges Medical Practitioners On Professionalism By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has charged professionals in the medical fields to show professional competence, with a view to assisting his administration in giving the best of medical care to the people of the state. The governor spoke Scientific Conference recently in Ile-Ife at the of the Association of maiden Biomedical Medical Laboratory

Scientists of Nigeria, Ife-Ijesa chapter, saying that for the government to succeed in its healthcare policies, the medical professionals must show commitment. Represented by his Personal Assistant on

Health, Pharmacist Gboyega Oladele, the governor stated that his administration would not rest in its oars to offer the best healthcare to the people in line with its Six-point Integral Action Plan. Describing the

situation in the health sector before the advent of his administration as worrisome, the governor noted that general hospitals across the state are being rebuilt to provide qualitative healthcare, while the

•Wife of the Governor State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (middle) in a group photograph with some journalists in the State of Osun during an interactive session with journalists by Mrs Aregbesola at the Government House, Osogbo last Monday.

...Preaches Love During Xmas By SHINAABUBAKAR

OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has tasked Christians on the need to show unconditional love to their neighbours, irrespective of religious beliefs. He disclosed this Jesus Christ is his while addressing the ability to overcome anger and gathering at the 2013 hate, Christmas Carol night persecution with love,” jointly organised by the he said. He queried that if Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and love is the main focus government of the of the Ministry of Jesus, state, held inside the how much of love have Government House in Christians been able to Osogbo, the state exhibit in their daily lives, saying peoples’ capital. The governor, who actions have always quoted bible verses been motivated by from the Books of hatred, rather than Mathew and Mark, said love. His words: “If our the law of love is the are mostly supreme law, adding actions that the birth of Jesus motivated by love, Christ, being celebrated instead of hate, then we in the season, is a will not be rejecting symbol of love that people but love, accept must be imitated by all and admire them like Jesus did.” faithful. Aregbesola however He disclosed that Jesus never took a swipe against discriminated in his most people today, admonition of love, who are pretending to saying he had always be followers of Jesus by preached the need for mere words of their and have Christian to love their mouths neighbours without refused to follow His reference to their practices and teachings of unconditional love religious beliefs. “The most for others. The governor added remarkable thing about

this season is one that unites the Yoruba people, irrespective of their faiths and socioeconomic backgrounds. He therefore charged everyone to eschew personal ego and allow love to dominate their individual lives, saying

it is the only way people could be attracted to each other. The carol service was attended by the wife of the governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, Osun CAN Chairman

and members of his executive committee, members of the State Executive Council, the State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Dorothy Gimba, Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo and leaders of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

hospitals are being equipped with state-ofthe-art facilities to meet the needs of the people. “In our Six-point Integral Action Plan, we categorically made it known that we will provide qualitative healthcare and since the inception of our administration, we have been working towards that, as we are rebuilding our existing hospitals across the state, while we are equipping them with state-of-the-art facilities. “We will not rest on our oars until we make sure that the masses get the best in line with our promises to the good people of the State of Osun,” he said. Charging the leadership of the association to ensure that their members adhere strictly to the ethics of their profession, he noted that this would go a long way to assist his administration in its quest to ensure productivity among the people of the state. He also called on members, who have entrepreneurial skills, to partner with the state government, to further affect the lives of the people positively. In his address, the Chairman of the Association, Mr O.G Adeosun charged members to seek further knowledge that would assist them to be useful to humanity and the society at large, saying; “the explosion in this information age demands that we should seek knowledge in our various fields”.

2 In Court Over Forgery Of Survey Plan By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE State of Osun Police Command has arraigned a 50-year-old man, Ismaila Akinsunbo and Oyemiyi Ayediloya (45) before an Osogbo Magistrate Court for alleged forgery and perjury. Akinsumbo and Akinsumbo and Ayediloya allegedly Ayediloya were said to conspired to forge a have committed the survey plan No. ASC/ alleged offence on August 0Y/001/2001, dated 1 2013, at the State November 20, prepared Criminal Investigation (CID), by one Ogunsadejo, a Department Osogbo. surveyor. Police prosecutor, According to the Akingbade charge sheet made Inspector Sunday said the alleged available to OSUN contravened DEFENDER, the offence 516, 125 and 468 suspects also committed Section and punishable perjury by making false Section 461, ofunder the reports to the police. Criminal Code Cap 34, The charge sheet Vol.11 Laws of Osun, alleged that the accused 2003. persons lied against one The accused persons Mrs Iyabo Aina and Mr however pleaded not Afolabi Aderenle, who guilty to a three countthey falsely accused of charge of conspiracy, threatening their lives. forgery and perjury

leveled against them. Defense Counsel, Barrister O. Olaosebikan prayed the court to grant bail to accused persons in the most liberal term, just as the police prosecutor did not oppose the application. Ruling on the matter,

Chief Magistrate Olusola Aluko granted the accused persons bail in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties each, who must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction, before adjourning the case till January 27, 2013 for mention.

Security Tip In Osun The government of the State of Osun has procured special security numbers 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

News

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

Excitements, Fun Over Osun Xmas Free Rail Service •As Travellers Eulogise Aregbesola

and HE 2013 Christmas celebration was another praising moment of joy for the indigenes of the State of commendation for the Osun living in Lagos, as the government of the governor. Mr Samson Oladokun, state provided free rail service for them from Lagos a father of five, who was to Osogbo to celebrate with their families. It marked the third year in succession that the state one of the beneficiaries of government has started Osogbo. the train service, along The ten coaches were with his family members, the free rail service to ease transportation challenges originally meant to carry said he was traveling of the state indigenes 900 passengers, but about with the train for the third 2,000 ended up squeezing time, vowing that he during festive periods. A trader at the Lagos their ways into the would not only vote for Terminus of Nigeria coaches to Osogbo. The Governor Aregbesola for Railway Corporation train left the Lagos a second term in office, (NRC), Mrs Odunayo Terminus by 10.15am but will also pray and fast Adekunle said: “As early and arrived Osogbo by for his success. as 6.00 am on Tuesday, 6.pm. “Before the state Despite the eight-hour government’s regular free since the news of the free rail was filtering around hectic journey, no dull train service, what we Lagos, passengers have moment, as it was all sing- were doing was to charter been coming to the terminus in hundreds with their luggage.” Newsmen, who arrived the terminus around 9:15am, observed that the ten coaches chartered by the state government OVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of the State of were already filled to Osun has disclosed that the state would be capacity. among the best-ranked in public education The NRC officials had no choice but to overload delivery at the completion of his reform programme the train, as no one was for the sector. He made this The governor disclosed ready to be left behind by disclosure while that the level of moral and the train. Each coach was responding to an address infrastructural decadence originally designed for 90 by the Catholic Bishop of in the sector was as a passengers, with two Osogbo Diocese, Bishop result of long time neglect passengers per seat, but Leke Abegunrin on the of the sector, adding that the scourge later ended up at four per level of decadence in facing seat, while many had to public schools across the squarely amidst criticism remains the best way to stand from Lagos to state.

a bus, and averagely we pay N50,000 to and from Ede. Since the governor started the programme, my family has been saved N50,000 annually. Mrs Bolanle Ayoola, a clerical officer in the Lagos State Civil Service, described Aregbesola as an exceptional leader with a great foresight, who really understands the plight of the poor. She said:” How I wish Aregbesola is our President, he really understands the plight of the poor. As you can see in actual sense, there are

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI for this hundreds of people, who waiting I just could not afford N5,000 opportunity. my transport fare to go home. completed It is a fact! But the programme at LASU and governor has breached it was difficult for me to the barrier. As I am transport my belongings speaking with you, the back to Osogbo. It would governor is giving me joy, have cost me close to because it will be N30,000, except I will practically impossible to have to dispose some of go home with all my them cheaply, but the family members, if not for governor has put a smile this free train service on my face. He has really provided by Ogbeni Rauf made my Christmas a memorable one.” Aregbesola.” This is the third year A Lagos State the current University (LASU) that student, Kazeem Muniru administration in State of from Osogbo, who Osun has been providing travelled with all his free rail services for Osun in Lagos belongings inside the indigenes train, said: “I have been during festive periods.

Education Reform: Osun ‘ll Be Best In Nigeria - Aregbesola

•Seeks For Time, Understanding

Yuletide: Traders Lament Low Patronage By KEHINDE OLAIDE

and beans cost N130, N300 and N300 respectively, Mrs Olarape Musibat, a rice seller confirmed. According to Miss Bose Afolabi, a yam seller, the prices of tubers of yam differ depending on the size and nature, saying that it ranges between N600 and N700.

revive the moribund sector from the mess. He stressed that the policy that his government is currently implementing is the outcome of an education summit it organised three months after it was inaugurated, disclosing that the area generating misunderstanding is just an aspect of a comprehensive reform programme. “What we met on ground was appalling and we were faced with the choice of leaving it as it was and enjoy favour from stakeholders or face the demon and seek the understanding of all stakeholders and we have decided to take the bull by the horn in tackling the menace. I am assuring you that at the rate at which we are moving with the reform, in 24 months, the whole of Nigeria would be

By SHINAABUBAKAR coming to learn how we allocation of its meagre are able to transform our resources to get the best education sector, result from the system. He added that the particularly at the primary and post- Opon-Imo device is a primary levels,” he product of ingenuity, aimed at making reiterated. Aregbesola had at education affordable for various fora sought the the state that spends understanding of closed to N6 billion on stakeholders in the the purchase of six education sector for his textbooks for students in administration’s policy high schools, stressing towards reviving that the award-winning computer device does not education in the state. According to him, the cost anything near that. Earlier in his speech, s c h o o l - f e e d i n g programme alone tagged Bishop Abegunrin had O’Meal has helped urged stakeholders in the increase enrolment figure sector to eschew religious in the elementary schools sentiment or politicising from 120,000 annually to education sector in the about 500,000, as more interest of the future of the children of school ages children. He also frowned at the are more interested in of indolence attending public schools. level displayed in public The governor added that the realignment in schools by pupils and education is just a urged government to put consolidation of mechanism in place to government education ensure continuity of its infrastructure for the best policy in the sector beyond its tenure of office.

S against the usual increase in the prices of commodities during festive seasons, findings have revealed that the prices of goods remain relatively stable in the market in Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun and its environs. Despite the fact that N1,400 per pair. Also, food-stuff the prices of the goods are stable, traders still prices remain relatively record low patronage, stable in the market, as as they lament that a measure of gari, rice many of the customers complained of lack of money in circulation, hinging it on nonpayment of salaries. During one of its visits to some of the markets in the state few days to Christmas, OSUN DEFENDER team gathered that there was no remarkable difference in the prices of goods. At the popular Igbona Market in Osogbo, a cloth seller, Mrs Fatimot Adesola confirmed that some of the clothes maintain their old prices, as a Lace material of five yards is sold for N3,500, while a Guinea Brocade of five yards is sold for N2,000, just as six yards of Ankara cost N1,800. One Mrs Folashade Adekunle, a shoe seller rated the women shoes of various styles and sizes to be as low as N1,200 and N1,500, while the prices of children’s shoes are •A cross section of Osun indigenes anxious to board free transport train from Lagos to Osogbo, organised by State Government of Osun to mark between N800 and 2013 Christmas festival at Ido Terminal, Lagos State, last Tuesday.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 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

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.

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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 above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

•Salcation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, Osogbo.

•AREGBESOLA

Re-classification Of Schools: The Birth Of New Dawn In Osun The State of Osun recently changed its education system and recorded it for better performance and good service delivery. EMMANUEL ADENIYI went round some schools in all the senatorial districts of the state and writes on the challenges as well as the the schools to toilets by the dregs residing prospects of the new education. an anathema to them, hence the level of in the area, lunatics have turned some of Making Osun a template to copy….. ERHAPS no other policy of his

government has ever stirred up a real hornets’ nest like the new education system - also known as re-classification and merger of schools in the State of Osun though Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesolaled administration has said the initiative is a child of necessity borne out of a passionate desire to address the rot in the education sector of the state. The controversies generated by the new school regime are manifold and border on the capacity of the state government to salvage the sector - which the government described as appalling prior to the inception of Ogbeni Aregbesola government although there are no real grounds for impugning the government’s commitment. The controversies also touch on ownership of schools; collapse of a singlesex school system; wearing of hijab in public schools by female Muslim pupils and students; and what appears to be an organised campaign of calumny against the new education regime. How the government managed to wriggle out of these controversies and evolved a breathtaking and unprecedented school regime in a state that many often describe as a sleepy backwater with pa1tty resources for execution of capital project is still baffling, considering the gargantuan uproar that the re-classification and merger of schools policy generated within the state and beyond. However, the realities on ground across the state seem to have doused tension and confirmed the seriousness of the All

Progressives Congress (APC) administration in the State of Osun to reposition its education sector and endear learning to youths. Right now, the state is on the march to becoming a perfect template for others in the country by aligning with the best global practices in education development and ensuring effective implementation of the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation’s (UNESCO’s) standard, that is clearly espoused in the organisation’s International Standard Classification of Education OSCED). How Osun education reform began The Apostolic Middle School I, II and III, formerly the Apostolic College, Oke-Ooye, Ilesa, is an archetype of rot that pervaded all public schools in the State of Osun and inherited by the current administration in the state. Just like other public schools that suffered long years of neglect - no thanks to the past successive governments in the state that kept mouthing promises of stemming the tide of the rot without any political will - the Apostolic Middle School is a wreck to behold. Apart from ramshackle buildings serving as classrooms, staff rooms and library that scatter round the vast compound of the school, other structures which have taken on a forlorn look-in a school- that used to be a teachers training college - are a sad reminder of lack of initiative and political will of past administrations in the state. Building capacity for the state through a heavy investment in education and students was

degeneration that stagnated the growth of education in Osun, until the current government took over. It was learnt that no repairs were carried out on the buildings in the school in the last 25 years, let alone constructing new buildings, except an abandoned toilet erected by the immediate past government in the state through UBE/SUBEB in 2008. The

toilet has a decrepit borehole that pumps water, though constructed at an unbelievably sum of money running into millions of naira. The intervention of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led government has, however, brought succour to a part of the school, as the government has completed a five-star building that would house LATC Demonstration Middle School, with a promise to rehabilitate the terribly decrepit structures, built decades ago, in schools I, II and III of the Apostolic Middle School, at least, to restore the glory of Oke-Ooye, which got eroded through a blind leadership provided by past administrations in Osun. If conditions of physical structures at the Apostolic Middle School are bad, those of AUD “A” and “B”, Sabo Eleran, Osogbo, are worse. It is the same situation at St James Primary School, Ayetoro, Osogbo. The conditions of these schools are better imagined than encountered, and one wonders what would be the fate of pupils raised in a school located in an environment that equally hosts miscreants. Apart from turning the compound of

the schools’ classrooms to their abode. Youths in the area have similarly turned the school compounds into smoking dens, as some of them were seen with heavy wraps of marijuana, while their bloodshot eyes revealed the depth of moral decline in them. Denizens of the underworld, it was learnt, also hibernate around the school, thus making the area a dangerous place at nightfall. However, the state government, being aware of this situation at Sabo Eleran, Osogbo, has decided to relocate one of the schools, merge the two schools together and build a new structure that would accommodate the two schools. Not far from the vicinity, a beautifullooking middle school, Adenle Middle School, Ayetoro, Osogbo, has also been built to accommodate pupils from grade five to grade nine. Restoring Osun’s fortune as a trail blazer in education development… It was all doom and gloom for education sector until freshness was breathed on the sector by Governor Rauf Aregbesola. From Iwo, Ede, Oshogbo, Ikire, Ikirun to Ilesa, Ife, Ijebu-Jesa and other major towns in the state, public schools, prior to the coming of Governor Aregbesola, suffered a great setback. There were no clear-cut blueprint for developing the sector; successive governments in the state mouthed different incoherent agenda on revamping the sector, yet theContinued end betrayed the means page 11 and resources pumped intoonactualising their

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

PHOTOTALK

2013 Christmas Carol Cantata Organised By State Of Osun Government In Conjunction With Christian Association Of Nigeria (CAN), State Of Osun Chapter At Government House, Osogbo, Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) State of Osun CAN Chairman, Reverend Elisha Ogundiya; Deputy Governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Mrs Sherifat with Owa Obokun of Ijesaland, Oba (Dr) Adekunle Aromolaran.

•(L-R) State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere and his counterpart from the State Ministry of Health, Dr Temitope Ilori at the event.

•A cross section of dignitaries at the programme.

•A cross section of choristers from Evangelical Church of West Africa (ECWA) during the programme.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

2013 Christmas Service at Different Churches In Osogbo As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI, Last Wednesday.

•Pastor Sunday Oyeniyi (right) from Jesus life Christian Assembly, Asubiaro delivering a sermon during the service, with him, Mrs Juliana Erinmosele, the interpreter (left).

•Elder Apostle Albert Olayemi from Cherubim and Seraphim Church, Egbatedo, speaking with Journalists, with him, Apostle Gabriel Akinola.

•A cross section of choristers at CAC Latona during service.

•A cross section of the members of the congregations at Christ Apostolic Church (CAC) Agbala Itura, Osogbo during the Christmas service.

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

The Birth Of New Dawn In Osun Continued from page 6 foggy ideas.

No projects were carried out, teachers were de-motivated, promotion of teachers was neglected, students’ interest in learning waned, school fees were outside the reach of parents; the resultant poor performance in national examinations became inevitable and the state, which produced avatars manning different sectors of the nation’s economy, slid backwards and nearly became one of the educationally disadvantaged states in the country. It is from the standpoint of saving the education sector in the state that Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration began a holistic overhaul of the sector so as to remove the state from the woods and return it to its rightful place as a trail blazer in education development. Citizens’ assessment of the new education system Most of the people who spoke on the new education system in the State of Osun expressed their satisfaction with the new system. The President-General, League of Imam and Alfas in South west as well as Edo and Delta, Sheik Mustapha Ajisafe, described the intervention of the state government in education sector as the right step in right direction, adding that both the Muslim and Christian communities in the state had been going round schools sensitising students to eschew violence and allow peace to reign. He said the use of hijab in public schools should not cause disaffection among the people of the state and called for understanding of the use of hijab by Muslims. While reading from Quran in Suurah ah-Ahzaab 33:59, Sheik Ajisafe disclosed that it was mandatory for every Muslim female to cover her head, stating that Bible was not against this in any way. “We should not allow this to divide us. We are one. To move this state forward all of us must join hands together and reject divisive practices. ‘’This is why both Islamic and Christian leaders have been touring schools in the state preaching to students. We tell them to safeguard their future and respect their teachers. A student that fails to respect his/ her teacher is only toying with his/her future,” he added. According to Prince Adebowale Abioye, a retired teacher from AUD Grammar School, Iloro, Ile-Ifu, no education system could compare with Aregbesola’s initiative in view of the decadence that nearly grounded the sector before Governor Aregbesola took over the mantle of leadership in Osun. He described the new education system as part of change necessary to reposition schools in the slate, stating that it was wrong to say that legacies of schools W5"e being destroyed by re-classifying them and transforming them for better service delivery. “What kind of legacy is that, legacies of rot, neglect and failure? The new school system is the best. Honestly, the State of Osun is on course. There is no cause for alarm at all.” For Mrs Lateef Nusirat, the chairperson of Parent-Teacher Association (PTA) in Ife East Local Government Area and a parent whose children are in St Philips, ABS Grammar School, AUD and . Ireakari Community School, all in Ile-Ife the government of the State of Osun has done what no government of

•Mr OMOTOSHO TIAMIYU

•Mr ADEBIYI OYEDELE

•Mr ADEYEMO ADETOYE

the State of Osun has done in the state before. According to her, “The reclassification and merger of schools in the state is a well thought out intervention programme which would soon be copied by other states in the country,” adding that her children always wore hijab to schools, and that there had never been any day her children complained of being molested at school for covering their heads. A driver and parent in Ilesa, Mr Adebiyi Oyedele, said things had changed in public schools in the state, because of massive

•Prince ADEBOWALE ADEOYE

•Mr AFEE FAMAKINWA

•IKOTUN AYOMIDE

•OLURANTI SUNDAY

investment that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola bad committed to developing education sector in the state, noting that if this bad been the case in the time past, many people who dropped out of school in the state would have completed their education. I wish I was young again. I didn’t have this privilege while in school, if I had bad this kind of opportunity I wouldn’t have become a driver today. All the same, I’m grateful to God and the governor that my child is one of the beneficiaries of this beautiful initiative, he said elatedly. Also, Mr Adeyemo Isiaka Adetoye, who teaches at Oke Iragbiji High SchooI, Boripe Local Government Area of the state, the re-classification in the State of Osun has helped public schools in the state, because students now perform well. He said the system could be sustained if those implementing it did it with a sense of purpose. ‘The beauty of the policy is that teachers now have the opportunity of training students better than before, because teaching aids are available.. Similarly, they now teach conveniently while students learn in a conducive environment.” The Assistant Head Master of L.A. Elementary School, Obada,

•Mrs LATEEF NUSIRAT Ede, Mr Omotosho Moshood Tiamiyu, said 1herewas no religious problem in his school and others in Osun, since both Muslims and Christian pupils bad always been co-habiting peacefully in the state before the introduction of new education system. He described the erection of a new elementary school built for the school as being endearing, “because the students will find it as well as the facilities provided by the government in it enjoyable.” At the school, some O-Meal workers, who were peeling oranges and getting ready to

serve food to pupils of the school, also praised the initiative and described Governor Aregbesola as God-sent. According to Mrs Salami Jemila, the leader of the O-Meal team in the school, what the state government is doing is unrivalled in the history of the state, stressing that the last time food was served to school pupils was during the defunct Western Region government. She said they always served yam and stew on Monday with fruits; rice, beans and chicken with fruits on Tuesday; bread and fried egg on Wednesday; ordinary rice with chicken and fruits on Thursday; porridge and vegetables with fruits on Friday. PTA chairman in the school, Mr Afeez Famakinwa, also praised the initiative, but asked the state government to allow tailors or parents in the state sow school uniforms, alleging that some persons in government were taking the uniforms to dealers who sold them to parents at exorbitant prices. Views of pupils/students on the new education system At L.A Elementary School, Obada, Ede, pupils of schools, who were about starting their examination when the Nigerian Tribune got there, couldn’t hold back their joy, as they chorused a song which they composed for the state governor and his aides: Mo ri Aregbe ninu moto re Mo ri moto naa bo ti n sare lo Ki Olorun Oba da won si ati awon ijoye re Ipinle omoluabi ni ipinle Osun wa I saw Aregbe in his vehicle I saw him as the vehicle sped off May God protect him and his aides Our state, Osun, is a state of the virtuous At the Apostolic Middle School, Ilesa, Oluranti Sunday and Ikotun Ayomide, who are both in grade 9 enthused about the benefits that the new education system had brought to them and other students in the state. According to them, going to school has become interesting than before. “We have free school uniform, free books, those in senior classes now collect Opon imo, we now learn in a good environment. However, we would like to appeal to the state government to come and rehabilitate our school as soon as possible.” In most of the schools visited, the aggregate opinion of students/ pupils is that the re-classification exercise has simplified education and made learning endearing to them. Riding on plane of hope, fulfillment After the gale of deception and annihilation - stoked by the icy ands of mediocrity - had blown across the State of Osun for many years came a new dawn. It is a dawn showing the coy light of hope and fulfillment. It provides respite after a long night of troubles. This dawn with all its effervescence exudes warmth and energy capable of leading the state in a long journey of reclamation of the years that locusts and cankerworms ate. With the State of Osun’s new education system, the dawn of joy is here, regaling the people of the state with freshness knocked supine by misrule of yesteryear, little wonder they now walk the street with their shoulders high. In Osun, the land of the virtuous, both the old and young now ride on the dawning plane of hope and fulfillment. •Culled from Nigerian Tribune

IN RETROSPECT

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 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.

INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

PDP Is Not An Opposition Party In Osun - Fafiyebi Honourable Olufemi Fafiyebi is a member, representing Obokun Constituency in the State of Osun House of Assembly and the House Committee Chairman on Regional Integration and Special Duties. Our reporter, KAZEEM MOHAMMED took him on over some of the activities in the state parliament and the performance of Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s administration so far. Excerpts:SDF: You were part of last and the present legislatures; how will you compare the effectiveness of the two sessions of the Assembly? FAFIYEBI: The two Assemblies are different, but I want to say that the leaderships of both Assemblies are of high quality. The last Assembly had its own plus because we were in the minority then, but I want to say that I prefer this Assembly, not because I am a member of the ruling party, but because we look at things more objectively, regardless of where you come from. Like in the last Assembly, we were side-tracked from certain decisions, because we were from the opposition, which is natural, but not good for democracy. In this Assembly however, things are done objectively and the Speaker is so objective, such that he believes the decisions of members are his decision. OSDF: As the House Committee Chairman on Special Duties, the ministry that is saddled with the responsibility of drafting bills for the government, how will you consider the volume of the bills that were considered in the last Assembly and what you have now? FAFIYEBI: If you look at the number of years that we have spent in the present Assembly, which is less than three years, we have worked on more bills than the last Assembly. Even in the last Assembly, sometimes, we didn’t take our time to do some things as we do now. In the present Assembly, we take our time to look at every detail of any information contained in any bill. If you are aware, when we resumed this Assembly, we had to revisit some of the bills that were passed in the last Assembly to do one amendment or the other, because of contradictions we found in them. So, we ensure that we take our time to treat those bills to ensure that the people of the state get the best. Apart from the fact we have treated more bills than the last Assembly, those bills are being given attentive scrutiny for the benefit of our people. OSDF: You are also a member of the House Committee on Education and the transformation in the sector had elicited reactions from different quarters, what is your assessment of the state government policy on education and the controversy that surrounded it? FAFIYEBI: What people don’t understand is that the only constant thing in life is change. People like us are beneficiaries of Obafemi Awolowo’s educational system and we can compare and confirm that our educational system is now in shambles. The question I ask people is that should we leave it the way it is? The answer is no, because the system is rotten. So, when you want to make that change, you will see people raising eyebrows, but I like the determination of this government, headed by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola to clear the rot in the system. If you look at the kind of classrooms that we had in the last administration and what we have now, they are totally different. The children can only learn better in a conducive environment. So, the education policy of this government is a good one and it is good for us. In the past, many of our school children had no access to computer, but now, they are being given Opon Imo, the awardwinning tablet of knowledge free-of-charge. When you look at the cost of each of the recommended textbooks embedded in the tablet, you will marvel and everybody now wants to copy it now. Also, it is laughable when you hear some people saying Christian schools and Muslims schools. In the 1975 Edict, the rights of the school ownership have been

surrendered to the government and if the government is the only one spending money on the schools, it must have total say on how the schools are being run. Why should we now turn the issue of schools to religious matter? Some Muslims attended Christian schools and vice versa without changing their religions. Our people need to realise that our educational system needs revamping and the best way it can be done is the way we are doing it. We should not turn the reformation in the system to religious matter and then politicise it. OSDF: What effort is this Assembly making to ensure that people are made to understand the policy and programmes of the government, especially on this education issue? FAFIYEBI: We have consulted with so many organisations cutting across all religions and we are enlightening them on these policies and programmes, because we realise that what our people need is enlightenment. With this enlightenment, people are now changing their minds on the grey areas. I also want to advise the State Ministry of Information and Strategy to ensure that enlightenment programmes are carried out, so that people will understand what we are doing. OSDF: What is your assessment on the general performance of the present administration, considering what we used to have in the past? FAFIYEBI: I am surprised and happy about the level of performance that this government has made so far. The reason is that in a state like Osun, we need somebody that is rich ‘upstairs’ considering the limited resources at our disposal. With the meagre allocation that we get, you will start to wonder how Ogbeni is coping. We are number 34 on the allocation table and if we are 34 out of 36, and we are performing more than many of those at the top, it means that he is using his brain to work things out and using his influence to develop this state. Some of the roads that Ogbeni is constructing and rehabilitating are for the benefit of our people are federal roads, because if he refuses to do it, the Federal Government would not do it. Look at Osogbo/Ila-Odo road and Gbongan/Akoda road, it is a Federal Government road, but for the comfort of our people, he is ensuring that we have the best. So, the performance of this government is beyond comprehension and I want to tell you that people across the federation are copying the state. If Aregbesola is taking an average of N2.7 billion now and he is performing wonders, including the payment of salaries, while some people are taking N10 billion and they can’t do half of it, particularly the PDP-controlled states, then, Aregbesola is worthy of emulation. We are in this same state, when we had a government for seven and half years and there was nothing to show for it. Under this Ogbeni’s administration, our children are now better-fed in schools to make them mentally-sound and prepare them for the challenges ahead. I think this government has done well in every sector. To add more, when you promise that you are going to deliver as a leader, make sure that you fulfill your promises. Ogbeni has promised in six-point integral action plan and he has touched on everyone of them. We can all see that road construction is going on everywhere, just as we are seeing development in other sectors, even though, he has not finished them and these are the ways people trust government; that this man has promised and he has fulfilled. OSDF: But the opposition PDP is saying

•FAFIYEBI

that nothing tangible has been achieved by this government, how will you react? FAFIYEBI: Let me correct an impression, PDP is not an opposition party in Osun. Opposition means that you are in government, but you are not the leader of that government, just like we were in the last Assembly, when we were in government, but in the minority. PDP doesn’t have anybody here. The members are just in a political party. They were here for seven and half years without any reasonable achievement, and they now want to criticise somebody that is here for three years and has made reasonable impact. Our people are not blind, they see what is happening. They were shouting that this government is borrowing money, but what they don’t understand is that there is no business in the world that does not require borrowing. Even, the country that is most indebted today is the United States of America. The best is to prioritise that borrowing to affect the lives of the people positively. The last government borrowed N18.3 billion to build stadia. That is ridiculous, because that should not be our priority for now. If you borrow money to rehabilitate roads, construct schools, everybody will benefit, because these are the areas that will bring development. If you look at the PDP-led Federal Government, what have they delivered out of the promises they made? Somebody used our N255 million to buy cars, yet, it took over five months for Federal Government to meet the request of our university lecturers without thinking about the effect on our children. So, I am not surprised that they are saying some things about the government of Ogbeni, but I know that Aregbesola is a focused man, he would not be distracted. OSDF: Do you see Aregbesola’s performance having impact in the 2014 governorship election in Osun? FAFIYEBI: People are enlightened, go out and see the comments of the people about this government, you will see that Aregbesola is a man to beat and APC is a party of the masses. The PDP cannot come and rule Osun again, because Aregbesola has laid the foundation and our people want more of it. They can shout as must as they like, but I don’t see them having any effect in the election. What I know is that people want more development and Aregbesola

has shown that he has the wherewithal to give it to them. OSDF: Do you also see the APC taking over the government at the centre in 2015? FAFIYEBI: Yes. When you have good leaders, people will start seeing the traces of what your party can offer. All the states being controlled by the then ACN now APC are models. Those that just joined us too are progressive-minded, but because of the party they were in, they were being bamboozled and now they have found the way. It is only in the PDP that we see 16 to be more than 19 in the Governors’ Forum. Even if you want somebody to be there, it is all about lobbying and dialoguing. People have seeing that we are more democratic and delivering dividends of democracy in our party. I know that with the way we are going, the leadership of the government at the centre will be ours to the glory of God and the development of this nation.

OSDF: Some people believe that there is likely to be conflict of interest considering the calibre of people in the APC? FAFIYEBI: There cannot be conflict of interests, because our main objective is how to better our country. What we are saying is that let us improve the quality of our education, provide security, improve the power sector among others and all these cut across the whole country. We have a common ground and we must work hard to achieve our aims. If there is regular power supply in this country, more companies will come and our graduates will not be jobless, as they are presently. Though, our culture may be different, but we have a common project, which is Nigeria and I am sure that there can’t be any conflict of interests. OSDF: What is your message to the people of your constituency? FAFIYEBI: They should be resilient. They have seen what Ogbeni Aregbesola is doing and I want them to fully support him in his quest for a second term in the 2014 governorship election, because he is the only one that is doing it to the satisfaction of the people now and he still has a lot to offer. Ogbeni has demonstrated all the qualities of a good leader and we need to support him to do more.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Marie Stopes Nigeria (MSN) Vacancy for a Country Director in Abuja Marie Stopes Nigeria (MSN) is a result oriented non-Governmental organisation, which uses mordern management and marketing techniques to provide family planning, reproductive and sexual healthcare and allied services. MSN’s goal is to meet the needs of underserved Nigerians and drammatically improve access to the use of family planning and other reproductive health services. MSN is a member of the Marie Stopes International Global Partnership which operates in over 40 countries worldwide Marie Stopes International delivers quality family planning and reproductive healthcare to millions of the world’s poorest and most vulnerable women. We want to make sure that women have a choice when it comes to having children and because we employ and train local people, we are able to work in some really remote and difficult places. Our clinics in Nigeria offer a range of reproductive health services, including a wide range family planning services, emergency contraception, pre and post natal care, diagnosis and treatment of STIs, pregnancy testing, voluntary counselling and testing (VCT) for HIV, ultrasound and laboratory services. Our Outreach teams travel to hard to reach areas of Nigeria, to provide access to a range of contraceptive services to those who need them the most. In addition to these services we have social franchisees that are already operational in Enugu and Anambra States, South East, Nigeria. Social franchising is one of the innovative ways in which we are connecting the under-served clients with the family planning and reproductive health services they want and need. We have also teamed up with government and existing private healthcare providers to increase access to high quality care for the under-served communities in Nigeria. In the first year of the project, 22 franchisees have been trained with a view to increasing this number to 50. Marie Stopes International’s 8,500 staff members work in over forty countries. MSN seeks entrepreneurial leaders with an interest in using private sector approaches for international health and development to serve as Country Directors Job Title: Country Director Location: Abuja Reporting to: MSN Board of Trustees & MSI Regional Director Job Description The Country Director is a key leadership position responsible for the overall strategy, management (programmatic, financial, and administrative), and development of our national family planning and sexual and reproductive health (SRH) programmes. They lead skilled, professional country teams to deliver life-saving services through clinical centres, mobile outreach teams, social franchising and social marketing. The Country Director prepares and executes annual budgets, marketing plans and work plans; plans and develops new business opportunities; oversees financial, administrative and logistical resources; ensures adherence to MSI minimum standards; and assures quality operations in line with annual and long-term strategic goals and objectives. The Country Director manages for results, valuing and rewarding high performance, accountability, speed and efficiency and innovation, while keeping the client at the heart of everything we do. The Country Director is MSN’s senior representative in the country of assignment. They work closely with governments, donors and other key stakeholders to overcome barriers that prevent women and men from accessing safe, affordable, reliable family planning and other sexual and reproductive health services. Take your management skills and commercial expertise with an interest in using private sector approaches for international health and development to the cutting edge of the global development sector, and join Marie Stopes Nigeria as Country Director of our local affiliate programme in Nigeria, and help us transform the lives of millions. As Country Director you will be responsible for the overall strategy, management and development of our national family planning and sexual reproductive health programme in Nigeria. You will lead a skilled team of professional teams to deliver life-saving services through clinical centres, mobile outreach teams, social franchising and social marketing. You will prepare and execute annual budgets, marketing plans and work plans: develop and plan new business opportunities, oversee financial administrative and logistical resources to ensure these adhere to MSI minimum standards and assure quality operations are in line with annual and long term strategic goals and objectives. To be successful in this role you will have previous experience in a senior management and leadership position with a track record of achieving results and driving growth. International experience is essential, ideally gained in developing nations. You’ll have good facilitative skills and be able to use quantitative evaluation to measure success and meet KPIs. As a leader, you won’t just have gravitas - your team members will find you approachable and responsive to their needs. Through your skills and experience, combined with the right aptitude, you could be the person helping us become an even more efficient, more successful social business - improving the lives of millions in the process. Responsibilities Business planning Design, deliver and lead the country programme strategic and annual business planning Position MSI as a sector leader contributing to national strategy and goals Designs and delivers a comprehensive country marketing strategy and plan to build the brand of choice by using robust audience data, competitor analysis and other market data. Develop and deliver a robust business model ensuring the ongoing growth of healthy income streams including innovative financing. Measure Robust strategic and business plans with stretch targets in place Key Performance Indicators and targets achieved MSI’s service delivery models, studies and impact metrics shared with others and inform national strategy in the sector. A real understanding of our clients and their needs and delivering quality, value and relevant services and products for our clients An increase in our brand awareness. Clear, consistent communication and messaging both internally and externally The use of audience data to make informed decisions in building the brand Mix of income streams Business model includes strategy for increasing earned income Government controls Social insurance Vouchers Finance and governance

learning across the partnership South-south exchanges Timely reporting and information sharing Level of engagement in organisational initiatives Ensure the MSI Partnership Manual guidelines are observed. Results of scans/audits and Organisational Development Tool. Actively participate in regional and international meetings of the MSI Global Partnership. Level of participation (presentations, etc) at MSI meetings External relations and fundraising Build strong partnerships with government, health professionals, businesses, peer agencies and community. Foster relationships with traditional and non traditional donor representatives Oversee new business development. MSI presence at key national and regional forums Partnerships forged with key stakeholders Donors see MSI as partner and sector thought leader Resources mobilized in line with country strategy. Proposals and budgets reflect MSI’s focus on results, quality and value for money. Success rate rises for competitive bids. Budgets reflect full direct and indirect costs. Quality operations Lead in the adoption of innovative solutions to improve productivity and increase effectiveness of delivery channels Promote evidence based decision making and support operational research to better understand our clients and barriers to access Ensure robust systems and processes are in place to support operations, drive productivity and deliver results. Ensure clinical quality of care is maintained at all times; support QTA process and lead Medical Advisory Team meetings for continuous quality assurance. Ensure full donor contractual compliance at every stage of the project cycle. Positive attitudes to learning and adapting/ changing demonstrated MSI’s quality tools used to monitor and adjust program delivery methods Evidence to action metrics Quantitative service results and efficiency indicators. OD assessment. Client exit surveys, outreach audit, and clinical quality audit Timely, accurate reporting Results and budget burn rates monitored and adjustments made Qualifications Educated to degree level Relevant post-graduate qualification e.g. MBA, MSc, MA (desirable) Experience Essential Experience International work experience – will have successfully worked in a senior management role in a different country (preferably developing countries). Proven general management experience in operationally demanding and challenging environments (to include staff recruitment, training and supervision of teams). Experience designing and delivering strategic and annual business plans. Experience of income generation through donor funding and/or commercial activities Financial management experience, including internal controls and accountability: Ideally the individual will have managed a P&L; however, they will have definitely have experience managing and improving the bottom line Experience generating, tracking and analysing management information and client data to inform management decision-making Experience building lasting relationships with key external stakeholders, e.g. government or donor stakeholders in order to deliver tangible results for the organisation (for example, previous fundraising success). Desirable Experience Experience building a brand into a brand of choice (including experience in FMCG or other private sector experience). Experience of business development including developing and writing compelling tender proposals Financial and other reporting as required by international development donors (DFID, USAID, AusAID, Nordic donors, etc). Experience of successful change management, including identifying required change, leading the change programme and ensuring change is embedded and sustained Previous experience identifying and sharing best practice and encouraging innovation within dispersed teams Skills Leadership skills: able to build teams, delegate and manage for results. Numeracy and business acumen. (Financial Management) Advanced interpersonal and oral and written communication skills Marketing skills Fundraising and negotiation skills. Project identification, design and implementation Ability to identify and introduce programmatic innovations Fluency in French and/or Spanish is essential for some Country Director positions. Attitude/motivation The qualities required by the ideal Country Director will include: Energy and passion for purpose. Focus and drive and ability to stay on track. Resilience. A commercial mindset, whereby they understand the levers for profitability for success within their marketplace. Action orientated. Focus on detail while being able to see the big picture. Flexible and adaptable. Method Of Application Interested and qualified candidates should send their suitability statement and CV as a single document to: recruitment@mariestopes.org.ng, quoting the position applied for as subject of the email, applications that do follow this format will not be considered Application Deadline 24th January, 2014 —————————————————— Courier Services Company Vacancy for Chief Executive Officer Our client, one of the top five Courier Services companies in Nigeria a having strategic affiliation with a recognized international Express Courier brand is seeking a seasoned professional to fill the position of Chief Executive Officer. We are recruiting to fill the position below:

Improve the bottom line though revenue growth and increased efficiency Base strategic and annual business plans on sound financial and statistical performance data. Ensure strong financial management Ensure robust internal controls are in place. Meet governance requirements of the country programme entity/entities Income to cost analysis Cost per service Monthly Finance Management Reporting Pack Cash flow forecasts Project Status Reports Financial Country Assessment Tool (FCAT) results Unqualified external and internal audit results MSI financial scorecard Local registration requirements met Governance requirements met as per the constitution/nature of the entity Ensure programme adheres to local statutory obligations Annual returns and reports submitted to relevant bodies on time HR policies reflect local labour law Lead the team Lead and support the development of the senior management team Performance Plus reviews completed at annually and midyear, with individual development plans prepared. Underperformance dealt with effectively and efficiently Foster and embed a positive MSI management culture and social business approach across the team. Employee satisfaction survey demonstrates continually improving results. Develop and build the local organisation by strengthening capacity. Identifying and promoting talent Levels of delegation Coaching and mentoring team for success Ensure human resource systems and procedures are in line with best practice and local legislation Compliance against HR universal standards. Accountability to Marie Stopes International Promote One MSI, encouraging cooperation and supporting

Job Title: Chief Executive Officer Location: Any City, NG Responsibilities Provide strategic vision and leadership for the organization. Execute the strategy, direction and plans for sustainable growth and profitability. Ensure the creation and development of an industry leading operation with highest standards of service delivery to teeming customers. Manage the overall business of Express Courier, Transportation, Logistics and other Supply Chain Management initiatives. Promote the organization’s values by meeting the highest of ethical standards while also cultivating a positive and ethical work climate. Qualification University degree with a minimum of 15 years cognitive experience; the last 5 years being in Executive Management level. Masters degree is a plus Ability to manage people to achieve corporate goats and objectives; excellent people management skills including conflict resolution, coaching and mentoring, and performance management. A strategist with verifiable track record in strategy formulation and implementation. Sterling leadership qualities with sound entrepreneurial background. Experience in express courier and logistics business is an added advantage but not compulsory. Must have managed full corporate Profit & Loss responsibility for no less than 3 years. How to Apply Interested and qualified candidates should forward their resume to: rmcvacancies@yahoo.co.uk using the job title as the subject matter. Note: The cover page/ letter of application should contain the following information in tabular form: Full name, Age, Professional Qualification, Highest Qualification, Other qualifications, Present Employment, Total years of Experience, Years of relevant experience, Present Remuneration and Expected Remuneration Application Deadline 2nd January, 2014. ——————————————————

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, December 28, 2013

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SATURDAY, DECEMBER 28, 2013

HE greatest problem afflicting Nigeria now is youth unemployment among others. There are equally other troubled areas, but which can be seriously and effectively checked if restive youths can be fully engaged. Globally, the issue of youth unemployment is a serious case, but the resources at Nigeria’s disposal make it a safe haven to be able to engage the youths, who constitute the majority of our population. Our population growth rate of three per cent is certainly very high. It can equally be argued, albeit, strongly that with our landmass and the available resources, our population is not high. This argument can only hold if, the resources are fully tapped and are not frittered away like it is done now. Another area we need to focus is; which sectors of the economy can provide massive employment to our teeming youths. From my little knowledge of economics, I do know that turning the economy around using the oil and gas, the mainstay of economy may not be helpful. This is not to say that the experts, who have worked in the imperialist organisations like, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the World Bank do not understand the intricacies involved in the management of our economy. However, from our point of view, we are of the view that it cannot go far enough. This is so because the number of people employed by the petroleum sector is still very small compared with what agriculture for example can provide. There are some areas, which to my mind, can generate more employment if the government is really desirous of keeping idle hands busy. Agriculture is one area where the country can adequately engage youths. The Minister for Agriculture, Dr Akinwumi Adesina is making some efforts, but such effort is yet to manifest. There should be a revolution in agriculture, where youths would be engaged, and as a means of incentive, certain honorarium is paid to them. With the revolution, I have in mind, the government can acquire a large expanse of land, cultivate it and employ graduates of agricultural science to be team leaders, who in turn will employ other labourers to assist them on the farm. Our land is arable, hence the application of fertilizers would be minimal. In addition, the government would procure on a large basis, high-yielding agricultural products to boost large output. To entice the graduates to live in the rural areas, minimum comfort should be provided for them. Potable water, decent accommodation and good roads that would enable the haulage of the harvest from the rural areas to the urban centres should also be part of the package. Different states can be designated for different crops such as yam for the Middle-Belt, rice in the upper north, cassava, for the south, and so on and so forth. The inherent advantage is that besides providing for local self-sufficiency, the country can generate additional revenue from export, which by itself would have provided employment for people. Manufacturing is also an area that can easily employ a large number of people. Successive administrations by their action or inaction have deliberately stifle local production. Without a solid

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manufacturing base, we would continue

to be at the mercy of smugglers and other unscrupulous people. We inadvertently help other economies by policies, which are not realistic. The two areas should be seriously looked into with the view to expanding the level of employment in the country. The privatization in the electricity sector can also be a booster, if the government can insist that meter and other ancillary tools needed in the sector be procured locally. Even

in the telecommunication sector, do we no longer import recharge cards? Imagine the number of people that meter manufacturers would need if all houses in Nigeria are going to be metered? Sometime, it is not enough churning out policies, but it is equally important thinking the policy through. For example in the State of Osun, the current administration set out from the outset with a set-target to feed a certain percentage of the Lagos food market. Osun, being an agrarian state, has abundant arable land with youths who-

Merry Xmas And Happy New Year HIS column wishes all its

numerous readers merry Christmas in arrears and a Happy New year in advance. First and foremost, our gratitude to God for sparing our lives to see the beginning of a New Year. My task for the people in the State of Osun is to engage in fervent prayers, so that we can have a peaceful gubernatorial election next year. There are certain elements in the society, whose aim is to subvert the

people’s will, but certainly God will not allow that. However, it is not enough to pray; we should be on the lookout and be extra vigilant, so that we would not be taken aback. It is my fervent prayer that the New Year will usher-in all the good things we desire in life. May the Lord see us through many years in good health. Till next year, when we meet, be moderate in all that you do.

were engaged. Another area the governor felt touched was the fact that anytime there is crisis in the North, the lines of supply of foodstuffs, pepper, tomatoes were cut short. Should we live at the mercy of our Northern neighbour? The solution was the employment of 20,000 youths in the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), majority of whom were deployed to the land. The second batch of OYES are on the field tilling the land and doing other things. By the action of engaging the youths, food supply will increase, while restiveness in the youth is curtailed. The economic indices churned out by economic managers are highly impressive, but there is a strong disconnect between figures published in the media and the reality on the ground. The impressive economic statistics stem from the fact that the economy is not looked at holistically. It also accounts for a very small proportion of economic actors and indices, whereas a large proportion is left out. I am pretty sure that sometimes, the managers wonder why their best is not good enough. It is simply so because majority are not captured in the scope. Out budget assessment should be predicated on how much people the government policies have been able to bring on board. It is important to note that at a time in Germany, some youths were employed to dig franchise, while others were engaged to fill them. All these were done to ensue that they were paid for services rendered, otherwise it does not make sense. Our economy does not have provision for unemployment benefit, hence we shall strive to make the life of people better, because that is the essence of government in the first place. Another sector, which we need to critically look at is education. The products of our school system should be good enough for our system and other areas. There should be a synergy between our education system and the economy, such that the products become easily relevant. Like the popular scriptural saying goes: “The idle hand is a devil’s workshop,” Unscrupulous people have tended to engage our youths on nefarious activities. People engaged in armed robbery, kidnapping, oil theft, insurgency and militant activities are certainly not the “old school”. They are youths, who are idle. The revenue spent by government to keep militants in check and to stop insurgency can be productively used to engage these youths meaningfully in the economy. The government should do more than it has done to keep restive youths in check. It is only when this is done that the whole society will know peace.

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.