Osun Defender - December 2nd, 2014 Edition by OsunDefender

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tuesday, December 2, 2014

For the first four years of Ogbeni Aregbesola administration which will soon wind up there is cause to glorify God. Of course there is no

VOL. 9. NO.144

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Front Page Comment Second Term: More Committed Hands In Government disputing the fact that his first tenure is a success story. At Osun Defender we are happy that Ogbeni was able to record

tangible achievements within the first tenure even in spite of the enormous financial challenges he faced. No doubt his success in the first tenure is

even with little resources good governance is a achievattributable to his and focus Ogbeni was able to surprise able; who had determination. trodden the same Determination to cynics. He was able path before him succeed has been to prove to excuse that even with little his driving force. givers who had resources Armed with de- trodden the same path before him termination Continue on pg5

Osun Governorship Election Peti-

Omisore’s Witnesses Disown PDP’s Evidence •Witnesses Contradict Selves Ife Event: A

- See Story On Page 2

Rejection Of - Pg 2 Jonathan, PDP, Says Osun APC

Inauguration: Aregbesola - Pg 3 Expresses - Pg 9 Appreciation To The People •(L-R) Former Head of State and All Progressives Congress (APC) presidential aspirant in Nigeria, Major Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) in a discussion with former governor of Lagos State and APC leader, Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu during the swearing-in ceremony State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, for the second term in office by the state Chief Judge, Justice (Mrs) Adepele Ojo at Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo, last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun NUT - Pg 2 Faction Rejects Union’s Election

Insecurity: Nigeria In Serious Crisis - Aregbesola

- See Story On Page 3

osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

News

Omisore’s Witnesses Disown PDP’s Evidence •Witnesses Contradict Selves

itnesses of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Friday disowned the evidence accredited to them, which were tendered by counsel to the party’s defeated governorship candidate, Senator Iyiola Omisore, before the Osun State Election Petition Tribunal. Giving evidence before claimed to be duplicates of the tribunal on Friday at the election results submitted the resumed hearing of the by the PDP agents. Akofe said the document, petition of Omisore and the PDP against the re-election of which is the result form of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola, election in his unit in Ward 6, the witnesses, Mr Tiamiyu where he served as PDP agent A k o f e , f r o m O l o r u n d a might have been forged. Under cross examination Local Government Council Area of the state and Ajayi by the APC counsel, Chief Jacobs from Irepodun Local Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN), the Government Council Area, witness, who told the tribunal said the documents were not that he signed the result form the ones they signed, adding for his unit, disowned the one that the ones they signed were tendered by the petitioners’ not the ones brought to the counsel saying: “This is not the result that I signed.” court. Asked whether his The result forms, which w e r e t e n d e r e d b y t h e signature was forged by the petitioners’ legal team, were PDP counsel, the witness said:

“My name is there, but it might have been forged, because this is not the document I signed.” Ajayi, who claimed to be the PDP supervisor and collation agent in ward 4 of Irepodun Local Government Council Area, also disowned the collation form, which he was said to have signed and tendered by the petitioners’ counsel before the tribunal. As against the claim of over-voting in the unit, Akofe, who was asked to peruse the result form for his unit, confirmed that 569 ballot papers were used for the election, while the valid votes were 560. Apart from denying the evidence, also under crossexamination by Aregbesola’s counsel, Kunle Adegoke, Akofe contradicted himself

By kazeem mohammed

when he told the court that he did not know the number of registered voters in his unit, as against what, he said, in his written statement that there are over 700 registered voters in his unit. He said he was neither slapped nor attacked on the said day, even though he voted. Another witness, Jimoh Afeez, the PDP Supervisor and Collation Agent for Ward 6, Irepodun Local Government Council Area also contradicted himself when he told the court that he was not aware that additional voting points were created in his ward, but subsequently said one additional voting point was created in his unit. He said he voted on the election day at unit one, and as the collation agent, he signed

the result for the ward on behalf of the PDP. A l s o , A i l e r u Yu s u ff , another PDP witness, who claimed to be the PDP Supervisor for Ward 2, Iwo Local Government Council Area told the tribunal that he stayed at the collation centre throughout and he did not visit any other polling units apart from the Unit 1, where he voted. He said he only received calls from his party agents as to what happened in their various polling units. In his own evidence, Ajani Popoola, who claimedd to be the PDP agent at Aipate Primary School unit of Ward 11, Iwo Local Government Council Area said he voted and did not visit any other unit. Azeez Mufutau from Ward 5 of Irepodun Local Government said he voted after being accredited. Also, Raji Kayode and Adebayo Adekoya from Ward 5 and Ward 6 of Ejigbo Local Government Council Area respectively and Falilu Lawal from Ward 1, Ifelodun Local Government Council Area confirmed that they voted during the election. They all however, claimed they did not vote under any duress. S u b s e q u e n t l y, t h e petitioners’ counsel, Mr Nathaniel Oke (SAN), requested the court to wave the Saturday’s sitting and

adjourned the matter till Monday, He said he intended to wait until the INEC produces the electoral documents as directed in the subpoena issued on the commission by the tribunal. This application was opposed by Aregbesola’s counsel, Charles Edosonwan (SAN), who said that since the petitioners have some other things to do in prosecuting their case, there was no justification for waving a sitting. According to him, there was no point in further wasting time on the matter. The APC counsel, Kemi Pinheiro (SAN), said the application for adjournment was an afront on the Electoral Act, which provides that the tribunal must sit everyday, including Saturdays. He argued that the petitioners knew that they would need the document since the begining of their case and they ought to have applied for it earlier, instead of waiting till the tail end of their case. The counsel argued that in the alternative, if the tribunal would be magnanimous to grant the application, Saturday should be counted as one of the trial days of the petitioner. The tribunal chairman, Justice Elizabeth Ikpejime, agreed with the APC counsel that the petitioners’ counsel ought to have applied for subpoena on INEC earlier. Though, the tribunal granted the application, but said the adjournment would

Ife Event: A Rejection Of Jonathan, PDP, Says Osun APC

T •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, commissioning mini-buses during the flagg-off ceremony for the disbursement of 2billion naira accessed by the State of Osun under the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) development fund and distribution of Mini Buses to commercial transporters in Osogbo recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Osun APC Women Aspirants Want 50 Per Cent Assembly Seats 20 women aspirants contesting various political offices in the state. Giwa commended Governor Rauf Aregbesola for giving women opportunity to serve in his cabinet, which she described as the highest in the history of the state. Speaking at the programme, Mrs Idowu, who organised the empowerment programme,

he All Progressives Congress (APC) women seeking political offices in the State of Osun on Sunday urged the party to concede half of the National and State House of Assembly seats tickets to women. They argued that women in She urged the party leaders politics deserve more attention to consider ten women for by providing opportunities to the State House of Assembly, hold public offices. and at least four seats at the Alhaja Lateefat Giwa National Assembly out of the said this in Ilesa during the graduation ceremony of 400 women, who learnt various By our reporter skills acquisition through the faction of the Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in empowerment programme the State of Osun has regarded the recently-conducted organised by Mrs Bolanle election of the union as illegal and a comtempt of court. Idowu. The election was allegedly conducted regardless of a Mrs Idowu, a business mogul, is an aspirant for the court injunction obtained smashed his phone. by the Parents and Teachers Due to the alleged crisis State House of Assembly from Association (PTA) and Justice that greeted the election, the Ilesa East State Constituency. N o w F o u n d a t i o n ( J N F ) police, the source said, arrested Giwa, who spoke on behalf restraining the ousted Saka Comrade Lere Olawuyi, who of the female aspirants, said Adesiyan-led union from was acting as the union’s chairman as at the time of the there are competent women, conducting it. A source said the bailiff of election and Comrade Wakili who have demonstrated exceptional character in the court had gone to serve the Amuda, who emerged the politics and their chosen leadership of the union with new chairman and were later the injunction, but some thugs, granted bail. profession, who are aspiring allegedly sponsored by the The union was reported for political offices on the “unity faction” of the union, to have been polarised along platform of APC. attacked him, tore his cloth and “progressive and unity” camps

said she facilitated the programme to support the sixpoint integral action plan in banishing poverty and hunger. She urged the beneficiaries to utilise the opportunity and make career out of it. The skill acquisition included soap making, body cream and candle among others.

he All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has told President Goodluck Jonathan that his experience in Ile-Ife over the weekend should demonstrate to him clearly that Nigerians do not appreciate his style of governance and the consequences thereof. The APC in a press statement lost the August 9, 2014 election in Osogbo and signed by its in the state,’ the party stressed. It will be recalled that Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barrister Kunle during the President’s visit Oyatomi, said: “That the to Ile-Ife last Friday, security Obafemi Awolowo University operatives disrupted the onstudents could boo him and going examinations of students Governor Ayodele Fayose in the university. In response, the students of Ekiti State, during their leadership conclave in Ife, is poured into the streets within a clear evidence that the PDP t h e u n i v e r s i t y c a m p u s , is not only unpopular, but it condemning the President is despised in the whole of and his team, including the Yorubaland.” According to the APC, only so-called Yoruba leaders, Yoruba renegade leadership for making it impossible for are congregated in the PDP them to write their exams on and there is no way the good schedule. people of Yorubaland will The taste of the pudding, support them. according to the APC, is in the “That was why Iyiola eating; and what was served Omisore, the PDP’s governorship candidate also President Jonathan in Ile Ife, should leave a bitter taste in his mouth, if his taste bud is not already dead. alleged. “Yoruba nation will not The case filed by JNF and PTA, he said, would come up support the PDP, because before the court on December the party has negated all the aspirations of Yoruba nation in 4. However, the man at the Nigeria,” the party maintained. centre of the controversy, Saka “Increasingly, the JonathanAdesiyan, said there is no any led PDP is becoming associated crisis in the NUT, especially in Ile-Ife, where the election with varying degrees of was held, saying: “There is no violence and intimidation. any crisis, so I can’t be behind “While he brought his anything.” security operatives to disturb When contacted, Olawuyi the peace in Ile Ife, Boko also said he would like to reserve his comment on the Haram was causing mayhem matter because it is already an in Kano, and there were no security people on hand to issue before the court. stop them. “Nigeria cannot afford to

Osun NUT Faction Rejects Union’s Elec tion as far back as 2009.

A leader of one of the progressive factions and a chairmanship candidate at the election, Comrade Adeyemi Francis, said the election was against all the procedure of union in conducting polls. He said: “The election was illegal. On November 25, we had an opening session in Ile-Ife and expected that the election would be held on November 26, only to be informed later in the day through a text message that the election would be held by 7.00am without taking those living afar into consideration. “Election was done without accreditation and all the required procedures,” he

News

Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2,

Insecurity: Nigeria In Serious Crisis - Aregbe•Condemns Kano Bombing

overnor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday alerted Nigerians to the serious danger that lurks around with the ceaseless spate of bombing in some parts of the country. He said that last Friday’s and Osun. bombing of the Central T h e g o v e r n o r, w h o Mosque in Kano has proved condemned the bombing beyond reasonable doubt in strong terms, said the that the nation is in the Friday gory picture after throes of life-threatening the bombing, demonstrated crisis. clearly that the country has A s t a t e m e n t b y t h e a serious crisis at hand. D i r e c t o r, B u r e a u o f He averred that the Communication quoted mosque attacks showed that A r e g b e s o l a a s s t a t i n g the insurgency transcends these at the weekly prayer narrow religious confines, session of Nasrullahi-Il p e o p l e , g o v e r n m e n t , Fathi Society of Nigeria organisation and public (NASFAT), Osogbo Branch, analysts usually ascribe to where he joined other these dastardly killings. adherents to pray for Nigeria He argued that when

a Muslim chose another fellow Muslim as target of a Friday (Jumat) congregation to strike at him, then this has gone beyond a deliberate targeting of a particular religion by another. He stated that no reasonable Muslim can justify attacks of Christians and Churches let alone Mosques and Muslims as a means of propagating the Islamic faith. “The Friday bombing of Emir’s Palace’s Mosque has proved ultimately and beyond any doubt that this country faces daunting challenges posed by the Boko Haram insurgents.

“Condemnable as the act is, yet it baffles one that a lot of us still deceive ourselves by reading religious colouration to this whole violence. “I do not believe that a Muslim, who is a true Muslim, can do this to a Christian let alone a fellow Muslim hiding under the guise of promoting his religion. “It is painful to hear that the places of worship are no longer safe places for our people. “It indeed saddens the heart that people would go to prayer on a Friday or Sunday and there and then in the Sanctuary of God meet their death in the most grievous manner,” Aregbesola said.

According to him, what the nation needs is fervent prayers to rescue it from the clutches of Boko Haram. He called on the people of the state to be cautious and careful in their daily activities so as to prevent the violence from spreading to the state. He identified market places, motor parks and other places of social gathering as prime targets for heinous crimes by the insurgents, advising people to be constantly vigilant and report any suspicious movements to the security agencies. In his remark, the Chairman of NASFAT, Osogbo Branch, Engineer Bilyamin Ishola, said the re-election of Aregbesola in the August 9 election was a divine act. Ishola noted that the governor’s administration is one of the best in terms

of policies and programmes throughout Nigeria judging by available facts. “There is no doubt that your government is one of the best in this country. “Your first term is an eloquent testimony of how to run a good government that focuses on the welfare of the people. “It is our belief that the next four years will be peaceful and fruitful than the precious four years,” the cleric said. The governor, accompanied by the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, and other aides, had joined members of the popular Islamic organization to pray for Nigeria especially over problems of insecurity, worsening economic hardship and poor leadership.

Maryland Governor O’Malley Honours Aregbesola, Wishes Success In Second Term

•Security vs Thugs: Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and Nigeria Police Force (NPF) in a battle with some thugs at the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Rauf Aregbesola last Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Inauguration: Aregbesola Expresses

Appreciation To The People •Says Mammoth Crowd Was Affirmation Of August 9 Electoral Victory

By kehinde ayantunji

he governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, on Saturday said Nigerians have demonstrated their capacity to stand by and support fully any government that is committed to their welfare. T h e g o v e r n o r, w h i l e wishers from all walks of life. The governor noted that expressing gratitude for what he called an impressive turn- he was impressed by the out for the Thursday swearing- conduct of the huge crowd, in ceremony at the Osogbo who came out to make the Township Stadium, said the ceremony an eventful and a people, with their massive memorable one. “I wish to express my joy turn-out, made an impactful statement of affirmation that and appreciation to all who the governor they voted for blessed us with their presence on August 9 this year was the at the inauguration of our second term in office. one being inaugurated. “Beginning from artisans, In a statement by the Director, Bureau of market women and men, Communication and Strategy, p r o f e s s i o n a l b o d i e s , Office of the Governor, a s s o c i a t i o n s , c o r p o r a t e M r. S e m i u O k a n l a w o n , organization, members of Aregbesola was quoted as the diplomatic community, saying that he was highly traditional rulers, religious appreciative of those who l e a d e r s a n d r e l i g i o u s made the inauguration a huge organizations up to national leaders of our party, words success. According to the statement, are not enough to express our the governor said he was appreciation. “That crowd could only elated to see national and states’ leaders of the party, be interpreted to mean one members from across the thing: That the outcome of country, as well as well- the August 9 governorship election was the true reflection

of the wishes of our people and a complete triumph of the wishes of the people. “It is a demonstration of the fact that our government in its first four years, had worked with the people and changed their conditions as never witnessed before our advent. We are therefore committed to doing more. The statement also quoted the Chief Imam of Osogboland, Sheikh Musa Animasahun, as saying that it was God that made leaders out of men, which was why all the plots to stop Aregbesola’s reelection by the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government failed. The statement quoted the cleric saying at the special Jumah prayer held at the Osogbo Central Mosque: “During the first term in office, political opponents planned and plotted to block you for close to three years, yet God made you governor. “The evil scheme of opponents ended in naught because God destined Aregbesola would be governor and no one could stop him.”

he governor of the State of Maryland, United States of America, Mr. Martin O’Malley, has congratulated governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, over his inauguration for a second term in office. Governor O’Malley’s congratulatory message and a C i t a t i o n o f H o n o u r ensure a more monumental w a s d e l i v e r e d b y t h e delivery of good governance Global Ambassador, All for the people. Eyes on Africa, Mrs. “The honour is very Kemi Fadojutimi, at the timely and a show of the Government House on fact that what we are doing Friday. here reverberate through the The citation delivered whole world. to Aregbesola reads: “Be “Our second term will it known that on behalf of definitely prove that the feat the citizens of this state, we have achieved in the first in recognition of a well- term is a mere foundation deserved tribute to honour for a more monumental and congratulate you on the development of our state.” occasion of your second The citation was signed term inauguration with by the governor, Lieutenant best wishes for success in Governor, Anthony Brown future and as the people of Maryland join together and the Secretary of State, with your many admirers in John McDonough. Aregbesola was sworn in expressing our great respect on Thursday following the and warmest regards. “We are pleased to confer outcome of the August 9, upon you this Governor’s 2014 governorship election in which he was declared Citation.” Governor Aregbesola, the winner. while responding, said the recognition had come to further boost his resolve to work for the people and

Osun Speaker Charges Politicians To Prioritise Health Of Citizens

By kazeem mohammed

he Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has urged political office holders to prioritise the welfare of their people, saying it is a way of strengthening the bond between the people and politicians. He made the call at ensure that the people are the flag-off of surgical in good health. He also said if people operation he sponsored for 120 patients in his Ejigbo are healthy, they would be more productive and State Constituency. The Speaker stressed that contribute to the economic provision of infrastructures development of the state. by government would not Salaam, who started make meaning to unhealthy the medical mission last people, hence the need to

year, reiterated that he would continue with the programme, as his complementary role to the health care delivery system of the state government. He explained that he decided to undertake the medical mission, having studied a report that showed how many people lost their lives to curable diseases due to poverty.

osun Defender Tuesday, December

Second Term: More Committed Hands In Government Continued from pg1

good governance is a achievable; that good governance isn’t a rocket science as the reactionary elements had always made the people to believe. But it’s also important to mention it here that added to determination on the part of Ogbeni is also the factor of committed hands in his cabinet who walked hand in hand with him towards ensuring that he was able to carry out his vision. To those committed hands we say kudos. For as the saying goes ‘a tree can’t make a forest’. Surely a visionary leader also needs supportive

hands to stand by him in the course of pushing his vision through. This is what we have witnessed in the last four years. We have come to know that a single person cannot do it all just as the maxim we quoted above. For a leader to achieve his set goal committed hands to work with him is also a key factor. A visionary leader is to set the goal, having done so he needs the help of committed hands to achieve his goal; people who share his vision and are ready to support him to see through it. Therefore as we are looking forward to Ogbeni’s second term there is need to have more committed hands in

government. Those that will work for him in his second coming must be committed people. They must be people who will share his vision; people who will be passionate about the development of our dear state just like him. These are the kind of people we are looking forward to, to see in his cabinet during the second term but not ‘we have only come to chop’ stuffs. If some old hands who worked with him in the first tenure would be lucky to make his cabinet again then we expect more commitment from them. They must not relent. More commitment is expected from them so they can be part of the success story till the end. And for the

Attention, Osun Waste Management Agency These are bold steps which has even forced ir, I write to call death and loss of

the attention of the State of Osun Waste Management (OWMA) to the challenges of waste disposal in the state capital, which is becoming more difficult and unacceptable. It is important to m en t i o n t h a t t h e current administration has performed in an unprecedented manner in the area of environmental sanitation and waste management. It is on record that before this administration, the prevalent situation was flooding across the state, which always resulted to

property worth several millions of naira. Not only that, the 90 days’ emergency declaration by Governor Rauf Aregbesola on sanitation also helped

the people of the state to achieve hygienic environment, as records of the health experts indicated that the efforts have drastically reduced the cases of malaria and cholera in the state.

that are commendable but that effort of the state governor in the area of waste management appears u n su st a i n a b l e b y partnering agents. I can inform you authoritatively

that the private agents engaged by government are not living up to the task. As at now in Ogo Oluwa and some other areas of the state capital, they have abandoned packing the refuse,

some households to terminate the contract. The current arrangement appears not to have the capacity to handle the job and to save the state from imminent diseases and not to sabotage the efforts of the state government in ensuring healthy environment. The situation is currently becoming terrible and if not addressed timely, people may be forced to be dumping refuse on waterways, which has already become history in the state.

new hands that will come in we expect them to exhibit the level of commitment that is even greater or more than that of those who have been in government before. Let those who will work with Ogbeni in his second term have it at the back of their mind that commitment - commitment to a cause - is the secret of Ogbeni’s success. He is a leader so passionately committed to the development of our dear state. In spite of the financial huddles he has remained resolute. This is why he has been able to achieve this much within a period of four years.

OSUN DEFENDER

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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

G i a n t osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Aregbesola’s Administration In Retrospect:

Celebrating Excellence In Ser vice We devoted the earlier parts of this serial work to tracing the landmark achievements of the administration of the day in the State of Osun. Now that the administration has begun the latter swing of its two-term administration, we find it apt to settle with other aspects of the state’s life and times; with a view to bringing out more positive impacts of the Government Unusual. NIYI OLASINDE remains the anchor of the effort.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from his ecstatic admirers at the Osogbo City Stadium, venue of his inauguration last week Thursday. INSET: Ogbeni Aregbesola (right) taking the oath of office. With him are his wife, Sherifat (2nd right); Barrister Wale Afolabi (2nd left); the Chief Judge of the State of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo (left) and one of the governor’s sons.

magazine

Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

Celebrating Excellence In Ser vice

•(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori taking the oath of office as Deputy Governor of the State. With her are Barrister Wale Afolabi and • Chief Judge of the State, Justice Adepele Ojo during the swearing-in ceremony of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the deputy governor for second term in office at Osogbo city Stadium, Osogbo, State of Osun, last week Thursday.

Continued from last week. HE State of Osun as could be easily suggested, got her name derived from the Yoruba goddess of water, worshipped in some parts of South West Nigeria and yonder. The state was carved out of the old Oyo State on August 27, 1991. Osun State had as its totem “the State of the Living Spring”. This sobriquet got changed to the State of the Virtuous (Ipinle Omoluabi) in February 2011 as part of the reform (rebranding) agenda of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, upon his assuming the reins of power and governance in the state. In addition to change of sobriquet, the state also got brand-new Anthem, logo/crest, flag and colours, which all culminate in total rebranding, reengineering and renaissance. The State of Osun covers an area of approximately 14,875 square kilometers, lies between longitude 04 00”E and 05 05”E and latitude 05 558” and 0807” and is bounded by Kwara State in the North, Ekiti and Ondo States in the East, Oyo State in the West and Ogun State in the South. The state is peopled entirely by the Yoruba-speaking people of several sub-ethnic groups, namely the Ifes, the Ijesas, the Oyos, the Igbominas and the Ibolos. Though the Oyos, Ibolos and Igbominas are often referred to (most sarcastically) as the Oyo Proper. The 1991 National Population Census put the Population Census put the population of the state at 2.2 million. There are more than 200 towns, villages and settlements in the state. Results of the 2006 National Population Census revealed that the state’s population had increased almost by double, as the figure was put at 3,423,535. This population surge is due partly to the developmental after-effects of the state creation which came fifteen (15) years earlier; as the 1991 Population head-count was conducted barely two months after the state creation exercise i.e. in October 1991. However, there are strong indications that the population of the state as at date must have surged up to 3.7 million or slightly above, especially, owing to the industrial drive and other development efforts of the incumbent administration.. With some of the major towns including Osogbo, Ile-Ife, Ilesa, Ikirun, Iwo, Ede, Ila-Orangun and Ikire, others that are fairly large are Ipetumodu, Ejigbo, Ilobu, Gbongan, Inisa, Ijebu-Ijesa, IpetuIjesa, Okuku, Iree, Ifon-Osun, Iragbiji etc. The political delineation of the state goes thus: 3 senatorial Districts, 9 Federal Constituencies and 26 State Constituencies. The state has 30 Local Government councils and one Area office that comprise more than 300 wards. Having specified the indigenous sub ethnic groups of the state so succinctly, nonindigenes from all parts of Nigeria and foreigners reside in the state, living together in harmony. Yoruba and English are languages of the people for official and business transactions. The state of Osun is endowed with highly literate and articulate populace, who constitute a virile and productive workforce. Traditionally, the people engage in agriculture and produce sufficient food and cash crops for domestic consumption and as inputs for agro-allied industries and for exports. Reasonable segments of the populace are also traders and artisans. Other occupations of the people include hand weavings, mat making, dyeing, soap making, wood carving, among many others. The people of the state of Osun have a rich cultural heritage which is eloquently demonstrated in all areas of their lives. Their cultural heritage finds expression in their arts, literature, music and other social activities. It is marvelous being among the people and savouring the beauty of their well acclaimed cultural inheritance. The physical environment is quite auspicious as there are roughly 8 to 9 months of rainfall annually, with dry harmattan spell of about 3 months. This annual variation in climatic elements, coupled with abundant fertile soil favour the growth of a number of food crops, including vegetables, yam, orange, banana, plantain as well as cash crops like cassava, cocoa, rice, kolanut, and palm trees etcetera. There is expanse of grassland scattered across the ·

state which favour animal husbandry. Tourists in the State of Osun are guaranteed maximum hospitality as there are standard hotels in all the major towns in the state which cater for the basic needs. They provide suitable accommodation and render other hotel/ catering services at moderate charges. It is hoped that an ultra-modern, seven-star state-owned hotel shall soon be put in place by the incumbent administration to fill the vacuum created by the previous one put in place by the Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke-le administration, almost brought to completion by the Chief Bisi Akande administration; but demolished at a whooping cost of close to N14 million by the Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola-led administration in the state. The State of Osun also boasts of a modern golf course at MicCom Golf and Holiday Resort, a serene settlement located in the traditional town of Ada in Boripe Local Government Area of the state, as well as Royal Park at Iloko Ijesa. Other beautiful hotels include Delightsome Hotels and Resorts, Leisure Spring, Royal Suite, Brymour Hotels, Zarah Guest House and Royal Spring, all in Osogbo, the state capital. The State Government of Osun accords great importance to tourism, as an emerging vital source of income and revenue generation. All issues pertaining to culture, tourism, recreation and hospitality are handled by the Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, the State of Osun; in collaboration with subsidiaries, agencies and parastatals, such as the Tourism Board of the State of Osun; the Council for Arts and Culture of the State of Osun; and the Pilgrims’ Welfare Boards separately for Christians and Moslems. In a nutshell, hardly is there any single state in the federal expression called Nigeria that is as amply endowed as far as culture, tourism, hospitality and recreation are concerned, as the State of Osun. Osun Osogbo Grove has been recognized by the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organization (UNESCO) as a World Heritage Site since July 2005; while the Osun Osogbo Festival has been listed as an international festival. The UNESCO has also established the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, the state capital. Colonel Leo Segun Ajiborisa was the pioneer administrator of the state from August 27, 1991 to December same year. He wielded both executive and legislative powers. He was succeeded by Alhaji Isiaka Adetunji Adeleke, the first democratically elected Governor, who ruled from January 1992 to November 17, 1993. With the take-over of the government of the entire federation by the military on Wednesday, November 11, 1993; the state was administered from November, 1993 to May 1999 by a succession of military administrators. They were Colonel AFK Akale (who governed in the capacity of Acting Military Administrator from November 17, 1993 to December23, 1993; immediately following the truncating of the civilian administration); Navy Captain Anthony Udofia, December 23, 1993 to August 22, 1996; Colonel Anthony Obi, from August 23, 1996 to August 6, 1998; Colonel Theophilus Oladapo Bamigboye, August 7, 1998 to May 28, 1999. On Saturday, May 2, 1999, Chief Abdulkareem Bamidele Adebisi Akande of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) was sworn in as the Second Executive Governor of the state. He was succeeded four years later by Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), who ruled for an entire four-year term from 2003 to 2007. He contested for a second term and assumed office from May 29, 2007 to November 26, 2010 when he was recalled by the Federal Court of Appeal sitting in Ibadan, Oyo State; which declared Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) as the valid and authentic winner of April 14, 2007 Gubernatorial Election in the state. Consequently, Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola was sworn in on Saturday, November 27, 2010 as the fourth Executive Governor of the State of Osun. The Government of the State of Osun, Nigeria aims at creating

a world-class resort. The state is the foremost repository of Yoruba customs and traditions. The Government of the state of Osun is aware of the fact that Yorubas in the diaspora are highly conscious of their roots and heritage and has done a lot to maintain, protect and project the rich Yoruba cultural heritage. The state of Osun is reputed for its works of arts and crafts, which have gained international recognition. Furthermore, two historic festivals; Osun-Osogbo and Olojo Festivals are marked in the state of Osun. There are lots of tourist attractions in the state of Osun capable of attracting the attention of the world as well as making tourism a worthwhile venture. The Government the state of Osun is supporting and promoting the staging of international Conferences and Seminars on Culture and Tourism. The events would enable the international community, particularly lovers of culture, arts and craft to visit for the purpose of acquainting themselves with the rich cultural heritage of the black race in the State which is regarded as the cradle of black race. The state has a rich cultural heritage which shows in their music, art, dances, dresses and cultural festivals. They are well known for their talking drums and bata music. They are also known for their excellent works of art. Some tourist attractions in the state of Osun include The famous Ife bronze The Oranmiyan Staff which is believed to be the fighting stick of Oranmiyan, the son of Oduduwa who was a great warrior and •The popular Osun-Osogbo cultural festival. •The Ife Museum, Obafemi Awolowo University Zoological gardens, Ile-Ase •Yeyemolu Shrines and Oduduwa groove Ile-Ife •Osun Osogbo Sacred Groove- venue of the internationally recognized Osun Osogbo festival and a UNESCO, world heritage site •Adunni Susan Wengers Centre, •Genesis Arts Gallery •Nike Arts Gallery, •Jalumi War Site, Inisa •The Olumirin Water-Falls, Erin-ijesa, Igbo-Sango at Ede and the Ayikunugba Water-Falls at Oke-Ila. Recent additions to these places which were brought to complete phases of development within this current year alone – both at the instance and expense of the Government of the State of Osun, under the dynamic leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola are the underlisted: •The Hassan Olajoku Memorial Park, Gbongan, •The Freedom Park, Old Garage Area, Osogbo, and •The late Prophet Timothy Oluwole Obadare Mausoleum and Burial Site in Ilesa. Popularly known as Igbo Edun (Monkey Forest), the forest is the abode of primates that came to Ibodi with Oba Isadele Oloja and Aramofe spirit from Ile-Ife. Although, the uncultivated forest is near Ibodi town, the monkeys still live happily with the people and see themselves as part of the community. The State of Osun enjoys heavy presence of commercial, development, merchant, mortgage and microfinance banks. Branches of these financial institutions are located at Osogbo the state capital, zonal and local government headquarters, as well as other major towns in the state. These institutions render local

Continued on page 11

Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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Swearing-in Ceremony Of State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, For Second Term In Office By Chief Judge Of The State, Justice (Mrs) Adepele Ojo, At Osogbo City Stadium, Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Thursday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI And SHOLA

â&#x20AC;˘A cross section of policemen on the march past at the event.

â&#x20AC;˘(L-R) Kwara State Governor Abdulfatai Hameed; Deputy Governor of Oyo State, Mr Alake Adeyemo and Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun at the inauguration.

Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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Flagg-off Ceremony For The Disbursement Of 2Billion Naira Accessed By The State Of Osun Loan In The State Under The Central Bank Of Nigeria (CBN) Development Fund And Distribution Of Mini-buses To Commercial Transporters By Governor Rauf Aregbesola In Osogbo, Recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (second left), presenting a cheque to Mr Adedeji Adifagberu (second right) while representative of CBN Governor, Mr Paul Uduka (left) and Mr Jayeoba Alagbada (right) watch.

•(L-R) Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and State of Osun Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye.

•A cross section of Okada riders hailing Governor Aregbesola during the programme.

•(L-R) State of Osun All Progressive Congress (APC) Secretary, Honourable Razak Salensile; State Chairman, Prince Gboyega Famodun and former APC Chairman in the State, Elder Lowo Adebiyi.

•Calisthenics displaying of ‘WELCOME’ at the event.

•Another calisthenics display of ‘PEOPLE’S GOVERNOR’.

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Osun Defender Tuesday, December

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Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2,

â&#x20AC;˘(L-R) Senator Olorunnibe Mamora; Honourable Ramotalai Akinola, member, Lagos State House of Assembly and Honourable Amere and his wife.

â&#x20AC;˘A cross section of newsmen among the crowd at the inauguration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Mrs Titi Laoye-Tomori as Governor and Deputy Governor respectively, for second term in office at Osogbo City Studium, State of Osun on Thursday. Insert: (R-L) Governor Aregbesola; his deputy, National Leader, All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and an APC presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) at the inauguration.

Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

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Celebrating Excellence In Service

•(L-R) Edo State Governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole; former Governor of Ekiti State, Dr Kayode Fayemi; wife of the governor, State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola; Kwara State Governor Abdul-Fatai Hammed; State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his counterpart from Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, at the inauguration venue. Continued from page 12 and international services. The Central Bank of Nigeria equally has got a branch established and has effectively begun operation in the state. The permanent edifice for the branch office has currently approached its completion and official commissioning. Both the electronic and print media are well represented in the state. Broadcasting Corporation of Osun State (OSBC) operates radio and television stations, numbering four, all of which are clearly received within and outside the state. A fifth and recent addition is the radio segment of the Reality Radiovision Service (RRS), located in Iwo, and which is branded Odidere 93.6 FM. The Television Service of the station awaits official opening. For the federal broadcast outfit, a station of the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), called Gold F.M. (Frequency Modulation) 100.1 Frequency is located at Ilesa. In addition, two television stations of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) are located in Osogbo and Ile-Ife. The two state-owned radio stations are OSBC Radio, Living Spring FM 104.5, Ile-Awiye, Oke Baale, Osogbo and New Dawn Television (NDTV) Channel 33 UHF, Ibokun. A third state-owned television station in the state is the Reality Television Station (RTS) Channel 35 in Iwo. Of recent, the radio and television owned stations in Ile-Ife and Ibokun have been specialized to transmit culture and agriculture and education respectively. All national newspapers have their correspondents’ offices in the state capital and some of the major towns. This has made media coverage of social and economic activities in the state highly effective. There is the attendance of privately-owned media stations in the print and electronic categories in the state. Prime among these are the Moremi Publishing House Limited, Publishers of the OSUN DEFENDER titles and the UNIQ FM 103.1 Radio Station (ARA Station) located at Ilesa. As has been pointed out earlier, formal education is one of the most prevalent and predominant engagements of the residents and indigenes of the state convinced that education is the key to complete human emancipation, the State Government in succession have worked hard to keep the torch burning and have committed enormous resources to the Education sub-sector of the Social Services’ Sector. Privately owned institutions also co-exist with government schools at all levels. Today, the All Progressive Congress (APC)-led administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is operating a fully-fledged comprehensive, broad-based, free and qualitative education throughout the nooks and crannies of the state. As at year 2010, statistics revealed that the state had in its kitty 1,460 primary and 330 secondary schools. There were 24 state-owned technical colleges and two colleges of education, a polytechnic and a college of technology which are also run by the state; while a federal polytechnic is also located in the state. The state is also a joint owner of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso with Oyo State. The College of Medicine of the University is located in Osogbo. The State of Osun too, has successfully established its own university, the Osun State University, a.k.a. UNIOSUN. It is a multi-campus system with campuses in Osogbo, Okuku, Ikire, Ipetu-Ijesa, Ejigbo and Ifetedo. Bowen University, Iwo, owned by the Nigerian Baptist Convention operates in the State of Osun, while the permanent site of the Redeemers University is located in Ede, also in the State of Osun. In addition, Hijira University is located in Ede, while Fountain University is in Osogbo. There is equally Joseph Ayo Babalola University (JABU), Ikeji Arakeji. Aside, there is the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU) Ile-Ife, a federal institution. Other privately-owned institutions include Universal College of Technology, Ile-Ife, Interlink Polytechnic Ijebu-Ijesa, Igbajo

Polytechnic, Iresi Polytechnic and The Polytechnic Ikirun. The state also has a good number of schools of nursing and schools of midwifery; in all, there are about 17 institutions of higher learning in the state, a rare feat which is unbeatable in the Nigerian nation. Since the inception of the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola administration in November 2010, there has been recorded an astonishing feat of ground-breaking and net-cracking achievements that are laudable and impressive, especially in the education sector. Specific references shall be made to these when the turn shifts to the sector-by-sector appraisal of achievement of the present-day government in the state. The Executive arm of Government is headed by Mr. Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, and assisted by his deputy, Otunba Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori; The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti; the Chief of Staff, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; the Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye (just retired); and fourteen (14) cabinet commissioners. The State of Osun House of Assembly consists of 26 honourable members. The Speaker is Rt. Honourable Najeem Folasayo Salaam, while the Deputy Speaker is Honourable (Barrister) Adegboye Akintunde. The leader of the House is Honourable Timothy Owoeye. The judiciary is headed by Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo. The Chief Judge is assisted by 18 other High Court Judges in the dispensation of justice. The Customary Court of Appeal is headed by Justice Gloria E. Oladoke (Mrs.) and consisted of other judges. ON Tuesday, August 27, 1991, it was jubilations galore throughout the streets of cities, towns and villages located within the precincts of the areas hitherto known as Osun, Ife/Ijesa and Osun North-East divisions of the old Ibadan Province (or the old Western Region/State Oyo State). The jubilations were over an issue which had been pursued by the people since the 1940s. The pursuance was for self-expression, self-identity and selfgovernance. The people of the area had continuously clamoured for the creation of a state of their own, thereby bringing the machinery of governance closer to the people at the grassroots, thus facilitating and enhancing the pace of socio-economic and infrastructural development and progress of the area and of its people. Prior to the state creation of 1991, the area covered by the present-day State of Osun of Nigeria was part of the old Oyo State, created in 1976, with the capital city in Ibadan, the largest city in Black Africa (or Africa South of Sahara); which in turn was part of the old Western Region. At the time of the creation of the State of Osun in 1991, the old Oyo State had as constituents a total of forty-two (42) local government council areas, namely: Afijio, Ayedaade, Ayedire, Akinyele, Atakunmosa and Boripe. Others included Ede, Egbeda, Egbedore, Ejigbo, Ibadan, Ibarapa, Ido, Ifelodun, Ifedayo and Ifeloju local government areas. We also had the Ife Central, Ife North, Ife South, Ila, Ilesa, Iseyin, Irewole, Irepo, Irepodun, Iwo and Kajola. Also included were Lagelu, Obokun, Odo-Otin, Ogbomoso, Ogo Oluwa, Ona Ara, Ola Oluwa, Olorunda, Oluyole, Oorelope, Oriade, Oriire, Osogbo, Oyo and Surulere local government council areas. All these local government council areas formed the nucleus of the old Oyo State and witnessed attendant growth, development and multiplication which their creation symbolized. However, the number and impact of these local government areas did not deter the founding fathers of the emerging “Osun State” from carrying on the struggle for the actualization of the establishment of their own state. Let it be made known in passing that the struggle for the creation of a state called Osun predated Nigeria’s independence in 1960. The credit and glory for its eventual creation; therefore transcend what could be ascribed only to those who lived to witness its actual creation in 1991. It

involved a large number of others who were long-gone before its actual creation saw the light of day. With the state creation of 1991, the infant Osun State, which was carved out of the old Oyo State, had twenty-two (22) of the fortytwo (42) first-generation local government council areas that had first existed; while the remaining twenty (20) went to the emerging Oyo State. The first set of local government council areas which fell on the soils of the new Osun State were Ayedaade, Ayedire, Atakunmosa and Boripe. Others were Ede, Egbedore, Ejigbo and Ifelodun local government council areas. It also included Ife Central,, Ife North, Ife South, Ila, Ilesa, Irewole, Irepodun and Iwo. Also, Obokun, Odo Otin, Ola Oluwa, Olorunda, Oriade and Osogbo were among the councils in the new Osun State. The old Oyo State, which was its parent-state, started in 1976 with twentyfour (24) local government areas. Its sister-state, the surviving Oyo State, was left with only twenty (20) local government areas in 1991. In spite of the ratio today is 30:33 for Osun and Oyo states respectively; it is still worthy of praise for the State of Osun in the twenty-two tears of its existence and survival. The fact that between 1991 and year 1996, (a period of five years); the number of local government council areas had increased from twenty-two (22) to thirty (30) is highly commendable. This is not to talk of the Ife East Area Office, situated at Modakeke, which came about in year 2000 as a child of necessity. Today, arrangements (legislative, administrative and otherwise) are in top gear by the incumbent administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola to create more local government councils/area development councils for smoother, more effective and development-driven administration of the State of Osun. As pointed out earlier, three Senatorial Districts exist in the state. They are Osun I which consist of Ede and Iwo zones. Osun II consists of Osogbo and Ikirun zones while Ife/Ijesa has as constituencies the Ife and Ilesa zones. With each district having 2 zones, the state is divided into 6 zones in all. The state is made up of thirty local government areas and the Ife East Area Council. The local governments and their headquarters are: Atakumosa-East - Iperindo Atakumosa-West - Osu Ayedaade - Gbongan Ayedire - Ile-Ogbo Boluwaduro - Otan-Ayegbaju Boripe - Iragbiji Ede North - Oja Timi Ede South - Ede Egbedore - Awo Ejigbo - Ejigbo Ife Central - Ile-Ife Ife East - Oke Ogbo Ife North - Ipetumodu Ife South - Ifetedo Ifedayo - Oke-Ila Ifelodun - Ikirun Ila - Ila-Orangun Ilesa-East - Iyemogun Ilesa-West - Omi Aladiye Irepodun - Ilobu Irewole - Ikire Isokan - Apomu Iwo - Iwo Obokun - Ibokun

Contiuned on page 12

Osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

magazine

Celebrating Excellence In Service Continued from page 11

Odo-Otin - Okuku Ola Oluwa - Bode Osi Olorunda - Igbonna Oriade - Ijebu-Ijesa Orolu - Ifon-Osun Osogbo - Osogbo (Oke Baale) Ife-East Area Office - Modakeke

Osogbo is the state capital. It is a city that is rich in arts and crafts. It is about six hours drive, (approximately 428 kilometres) from Abuja, the Federal Capital and 232 kilometres from Lagos, Nigeria’s most prominent port city and commercial/industrial nerve-centre. Ibadan, the most populous city in West Africa (largest in Black Africa) is about 88 kilometres from Osogbo. Federal Government agencies in the state capital include the Nigeria Machine Tools, Osogbo Steel Rolling Company (currently undergoing privatization and commercialization under the aegis of Dangote Group of Companies), and the Industrial Development Centre. Others are the Federal Department of Solid Minerals, the Liaison Office of the Raw Materials Research and Development Centre (RMRDC), National Directorate of Employment (NDE), National Examinations Council (NECO) and the West African Examinations Council (WAEC). There is an ongoing project of Federal Government Secretariat in Osogbo, the state capital. The state capital also houses a national grid of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), which remains till date the central grid to various component units in which the nation’s electricity-generating outlets subsist. With the ongoing trend of road revolution in the state, the State of Osun is on the path of enjoying splendid road network within itself and with other parts of the country, and it is also being rapidly improved for railway network for easy transp0ortation/conveyance of cargo and commuters. The aerodrome at Ido Osun at the outskirts of the state capital has begun to receive urgent and priority attention from the government of the day as it is being radically transformed and upgraded into an international airport for flying all manners and kinds of aircraft as well as their repairs. The ultimate aim of government’s efforts and activities in the airport project are those of its expansion, upgrading and transformation into the status of an up-to-date functional international airport. In the area of commerce and industry, the Railway Terminus at the Old Garage Area in the heart of Osogbo is being transformed to meet the high demands of cargo loading and off-loading as well as high capacity warehousing facilities. In addition to this effort, a state-of-the-art market is being currently situated at the Old Government Secretariat premises at Baruwa Area, before Ogo Oluwa, in order to provide another avenue for economies of scale associated with bulk purchase of consumer goods as an alternative to having to place individual direct patronage in Lagos orb Ibadan. This innovative Market is named Ayegbaju Internal Market. Also ongoing is the work on the International Market at Dagbolu, another outskirt of Osogbo, the state capital, along Ikirun Road. The State Government operated its businesses from an ultramodern secretariat complex in the state capital. The legislative and judicial arms of government are interdependent and work harmoniously with the executive arm to move the state forward. Local government administration in the state, as in other states of the federation, is operated under a two-tier system made up of the executive and the legislative arms. Developmental activities in the local government areas complete the efforts of the State Government of Osun in making the state truly investment-friendly. The Government the State of Osun would welcome foreign visitors wishing to come over on a guided visit of Osun State to see firsthand, the rich heritage of our people. Organizers of tours and travels will be encouraged to collaborate with the Government the

state of Osun to bring in foreigners wishing to visit for the purpose of tracing their roots or understanding the cultural heritage of the blacks, particularly the Yorubas. The Ife Museum was established in recognition of the ancient town in Yoruba mythology. Ile Ife, according to the Yoruba tradition of origin is the first city created by Olodumare (God) before the land spread to other places in the world. Today, there are evidences of this ancient tradition in different parts of the city. There is an Ifa (oracle) Temple in the Oketase neighbouhood that represents the Vatican of all Ifa worshippers worldwide. There are also important relics and state-of-the art and craft works found in Ife, Some of these ancient works of arts and religious observance are now being managed by National Museums and Monuments. Some of the most wonderful collections of the museum include the Opa Oranmiyan (Staff of Oramiyan). The staff is a massive stone monolith standing on the burial site of Oranmiyan, the grandson of Oduduwa, the said founder of both the Benin and Oyo empires. The staff stands roughly sixteen feet in height. It is located inside the Oranmiyan shrine in Moopa in the Arubiidi and of the town. Another wonderful collection of the museum is the n Groove. Also called Ori Olokun, this masterpiece was unearthed in 1910 by the German ethnologist Leo Frobenius, in Irebami, Ife. Ori Olokun in the Ife tradition is the goddess of the sea, a giver of children and the healer of abdominal diseases. More than this, the Ori Olokun site is particularly important as a testimony to the only spot where the knowledge of iron smelting and bead making went on simultaneously. This important piece is carved in bronze which depicts the artistic excellence of the Yorubas. This has made the head to be adopted as the logo of the Second All-Africa Games in 1973. Also, the head is the insignia of the Nigerian Institute of Architects. Ita Yemoo in the Moore (Mor reh) environ is one of the archaeological sites in Ife. In his 1953 excavation, Frank Willet unearthed five terra cotta and bronze artifacts. Among these are the bronze figures of the King and Queen (probably the Ooni and his wife) and the twin figure.

Since its creation on Thursday, August 27 1991, the State of Osun, amply located in the South West geopolitical zone of the Federal Republic of Nigeria has had its own fair share of the good, the bad and the ugly. Up till November 2010, the state had been witnessing stunted growth owing to the misfortune of bad, purposeless leadership. It is true that a new state has to undergo some years of planned developmental phases, yet in the case of the infant State of Osun, it was hardly offered the opportunity of making a headstart with meaningful phases of development. Safe for the period of time between May 1999 and May 2003 when the state came under the progressive governance of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), under the able leadership of Chief Bisi Akande, it had been having a wobbling movement that could not be rightly termed a forward march. We would recall that the State of Osun, nicknamed initially as the State of the Living Spring came into existence on Tuesday, August 27, 1991. This year makes it exactly twenty-two years that the state was created. The name Osun derived from the personality of the Osun goddess. Prior to the eventual creation of the state, the name Osun had long been an identity for the people in this part of the old Ibadan Province of the old Western Region. That development earned the people of the area the identity of Osun people. Going by this record, it becomes clear that Osogbo had a long record and reputation of sub-provincial headquarters, commercial hub and haven of culture. This implies that the city had for long been destined for greatness, especially as the host to the administrative headquarters of a state. More to the city’s advantage is its centrality being clustered by a reasonably wide expanse of reasonably large villages, towns and cities. Unfortunately, this her envisioned greatness could not

be fully accessed until a state of her own was created,, barely fifteen years after it was created into the old Oyo State. More unfortunate is the bitter truth that the state has, since her creation fallen victim of purposeless and directionless administrations and regimes. On August 27, 1991, President Babangida announced in a nationwide presidential broadcast commemorating the sixth year anniversary of his regime, the creation of nine (9) new states. On that date, Nigeria became a thirty (30)-state federation. The states such created were Kogi State, created from the old Kwara State; Yobe State, created from the old Borno State; Adamawa and Taraba states, created from the old Gongola State; and Kebbi State, created from the old Sokoto State. Also created were Enugu State, created from the old Anambra State; and Abia State, created from the old Imo State. Others such created were Jigawa State, created from the old Kano State; Edo and Delta states, created from the old Bendel State; and finally the State of Osun, created out of the old Oyo State. This state creation exercise brought the State of Osun, as it has come to be known today, the State of the Virtuous into existence. It is obviously with this background in mind, and the consciousness that the state as it was in 2005 and thereabouts; a land of limitless opportunities; yet that bedeviled with diverse challenges hinged chiefly on problems associated with leadership that one of the major contenders for the state’s Government House came out pungently with his programmes, agenda and manifestos. Having fully identified the myriads of problems with which the state grappled helplessly; Engineer Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola of the Action Congress (AC) of the time, rolled out his election promises. These programmes were meticulously fashioned after the programmes, agenda and manifestos of his political party. With the Six-Point Integral Action Plan forming the central part of his programmes, the visionary aspirant tagged the blueprint document encapsulating his mission on the seat of governance, which became his Articles of Faith, as “My Pact With the People of the State of Osun”. Even though we have on many occasions drawn reference to this blueprint, we cannot ignore making reference to it again in this present series. This is more so because it shall form the basis on which we shall judge the overall success of his three-year administration. The document is quoted all over below: “MY PACT WITH THE PEOPLE OF THE STATE OF OSUN In September 1886, at a camp between Okemesi and Igbajo the armistice ending the twenty year civil war in (KIRIJI), our Obas, generals and leaders pledged themselves to the pursuit of PEACE PROGRESS and PROSPERITY among the children of Oduduwa. This grace we enjoyed till about 1962 when the Western House of Assembly was sacked and the Federalism which gave the Yoruba room to pursue the promise of KIRIJI was terminated in all but name. The end result is that today as we approach the 2007 general elections Peace, Progress and Prosperity can no longer be taken for granted amongst us. There is imminent fear of 1) Political disenfranchisement 2) Economic stagnation 3) Socio-psychological insecurity The above are the reasons I decided to run for the office of Governor in the heartland state of Osun –ipinle Omoluabi. What I offer you therefore can be termed Government Unusual-A Government totally committed to unlocking the latent potentials in our people, a phenomenon unknown in southwest Nigeria since the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo.

Continued on page 13

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, acknowledging cheers from his admirers after taking his oath of office for second term at City Studium, Osogbo, State of Osun, last week Thursday.

magazine

Osun Defender Tuesday, December

Celebrating Excellence In Service Continued from page 12

What obtains today is a ruling class tainted with greed, avarice, ineptitude and barefaced terrorism while our people continue to languish in hunger, insecurity, disease and squalor. My mission and ambition are to restore to the people, a state of peace, opportunity, for progress and room for the pursuit of prosperity in our time under a people friendly government. I give you Six-Point Integral Action plan, to the intent that they constitute my actions of faith concerning which I want to be held accountable at any time during my stewardship. SIX POINT INTEGRAL ACTION PLAN · · · · · ·

Banish Poverty Banish Hunger Banish Unemployment (Create Work/Wealth) Restore Healthy Living Promote Functional Education Enhance Communal Peace and Progress

BANISH POVERTY COMMERCE Vision: To make Osogbo the second hub in international trade in goods and commodities in the Southwest. Osun people’s natural affinity for commerce has been dampened over the years by unfriendly and unfocused economic policies of government thereby popularizing poverty among a people, who are naturally hardworking, industrious and adventurous. Our purposeful government of ACN shall revitalize commerce and restore wealth back to the land through: · Market friendly policies that will revive the customary commercial activities in Osogbo and other towns in Osun. · Promotion and support of activities focused on wealth promotion for our people. · Transformation of Osogbo into an International market where goods will be procured at prices comparable to any other part of West Africa. FINANCE& ECONOMIC PLANNING I shall increase the internally generated revenue of the state and also improve in mileage on every kobo accruing to the state by: · Ensuring real time online access to actual position of the state finances to prevent misuse and other forms of abuse by receiving agencies. · Reducing leakages in the tax collection and administration process. · Running a transparent and accountable government. · Ensuring prudent management of the state’s resources. · Ensuring that the funds of the state are used for developmental purposes. · Create viable Public/Private sector partnerships to jump start the economy. · Our overall goal is to reduce dependence on federal allocation as a means of funding the government. BANISH HUNGER FOOD& AGRICULTURE Vision: Our government shall banish hunger in Osun and enhance wealth through massive increase in food production and agriculture. Every farmer shall sell his products and be prosperous. The labour of the farmer shall no longer be in vain because we shall provide assistance and support to farmers in finding and exploiting profitable market for their goods.

We do not presently grow enough food in Osun to feed us round the year and this should concern a government that cares for its people. Our government shall support farmers to attain increase in food production, better storage and delivery. We shall provide assistance to farmers in exploiting profitable markets and market opportunities for their products. To maximize the benefit of resultant massive increase in food production, we shall improve: · Access roads and general transportation to even the most remote areas of the state. · Storage process and capacity. · Processing of agricultural produce. · Rural electricity and water supply.

CASH CROPS · Encourage production of cash crops which can enhance farmer’s income and provide basis for an effective agro-industrial society in the state of Osun. · Specified to vigorously develop extensive farming in palm trees to create a fully integrated oil palm processing industry. · To target and capture minimum of 10% of the multibillion naira- per day food market of the neighbouring states. · Support cooperative efforts by farmers · Be a catalyst to the development and promotion of micro, small and medium enterprises that will exploit available raw materials. · Set up price support scheme for farmers through commodity exchange board”. “BANISH UNEMPLOYMENT (CREATE WORK& WEALTH) No job loss, more jobs. Osun people are peaceful, dignified and hardworking people who desire and deserve gainful employment for their children and themselves. Rather than policies that will create employment and wealth for the people, the policies of the PDP government in place serve to enrich few at the expense of majority of our people. As part of our GOVERNMENT UNUSUAL programme, I Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola make a pact with you good people of the State of Osun, in the presence and by the grace of God Almighty that our government shall create immediate employment for 20,000 people within our 100 days in office. 5,000 of these places shall be reserved for those who were retrenched and are still willing and able to work. As a people-friendly government, our policies shall help to: · Create economic environment that ensures availability of jobs for all Osun indigenes. · Establish one LIFE ACADEMY in each of the three Senatorial constituencies for the building of life- long skills in out of schools, youngsters as well as adults seeking alternative competencies. · Promote labour exchange centres to facilitate employment of graduates from our Life Academies.

New Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Cadre shall be created for Teachers in new education districts for better school administration. We shall institute Home Ownership Scheme for public servants and also support and encourage their backyard food production business ventures. We shall do a comprehensive review of civil service names and conventions as part of our efforts to create a people- friendly civil service. Appropriate nomenclature will enhance accountability and promote public access to the services of the ministry. A citizen with a complaint of blockage of drainage will find a Ministry of Roads and Drainages easier to identify with than Ministry of Works, a Ministry of Human Resources and Development will more appropriately communicate its services than a Ministry of Establishment. TOURISM Vision: Tourist’s cradle in Africa The State of Osun is the cradle of Yoruba people and our rich culture. The opportunities for wealth creation in Osun state through tourism have been underexploited. We shall: · Develop State of Osun tourism potentials to its fullest to promote employment and wealth among people of the State of Osun. · Encourage development of Yoruba museum and world heritage centre at Ile-Ife. · Encourage programmes that nurture and promote arts and talent. · Enhance the image of traditional rulers and institutions. · Mobilize our traditional rulers to showcase the state’s tourism potentials to Yorubas in the diaspora (e.g. Brazil, Cuba and West Indies). ROADS Vision: Roads to and in all towns and villages in Osun. Road construction and maintenance shall be used to generate employment for the indigenes of the State of Osun. · Community based road maintenance units will be established to ensure timely repairs and deduce overall maintenance costs. · Development and regular maintenance of urban and rural roads to get top priority. · Access roads to evacuate agricultural produce shall be constantly improved and expanded. · Create partnerships with the private sector on road development and provision of infrastructure. TRANSPORTATION We shall produce a transport master plan to provide direction for development of the sector. The safety of the lives of the indigenes of the State of Osun is of great concern to us. We shall: · Reduce to the barest minimum, road traffic accident within 6 months on all roads starting with Federal roads. · Create a motorized division of the Osun troopers to patrol roads to prevent accidents on the highways and organize rescue and recovery operations. To be continued.

CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS There is the need for a civil service reform that will not lead to any loss of jobs as I Rauf Aregbesola do not believe in laying people off in the name of reforms. Our reform will make the work environment more conductive, stimulating and development oriented. Bonuses, incentives and regular awards shall be instituted to promote a culture of excellence in the civil service along with the prompt payment of salaries, allowances, leave bonuses and year end performance bonuses. Promotions and comprehensive salary reviews and increases shall be regular. Internal and external training, work exchange programmes and overseas training shall be actively reinstituted for comprehensive human development in the civil service.

•Aregbesola (right) signing the oath of office whileh is wife, Sherifat (2nd right) watches; second left is Barrister Wale Afolabi while the Chief Judge of the State of Osun, Justice Adepele Ojo is 1st left.

osun Defender Tuesday, December 2, 2014

phototalk

•Calisthenics display at the programme.

•(L-R) Former governor of the State of Osun, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and first civilian governor in the state, Senator Isiaka Adeleke.

•(L-R) Ogun State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun and his counterpart from Lagos State, Barrister Babatunde Fashola (SAN) at the event.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from the crowd after taking his oath of office for second term at City Studium, Osogbo, State of Osun last week Thursday.

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Tuesday, december 2, 2014 e need no further testimonials any more after convincing evidences have been tabled before jurists to either plead for exoneration for the guiltless, or for the offender to be summarily hammered. It is true that even the vilest offender will desire to plead his way out of condemnation, but the meticulousness of an impartial Jurist will not allow the guilty to be exonerated; even if the throat of the offender turns dry in an attempt to prove case out of perfidy.

By ade olugbotemi

I still do not understand why we merit the kind of leadership that the people of this country have at the moment. If we are sinners, I believe we have Intercessors, and with the people that are genuinely standing in the gap for us, our God is merciful enough to avail us better options, and give us people with modicum of mere pity to be at the helm of affairs. I don’t think the left option is for us to be stripped of our toga of compassion that we are known and cherished for; all because inordinate obstinacy has subtly crept into our ethos and usages.

Why Jonathan, PDP Must Go

Flagrant exhibition of heartlessness has never been as manifest in our creed and character as is presently evident in our national life. We are known to be our brothers’ keepers; with compassion wafting all around us. It is alien to have unbridled impunity displayed so much that all other people now see us as epidemically callous. No evidence is germane anymore when the President disdainfully disregarded scores of lives that perished in the hands of heartless miscreants at Nyanya Motor Park, the outskirt of the Federal Capital Territory. President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan displayed the highest level of insensitivity, when less than forty eight hours after Nyanya incident, he consciously, albeit flagrantly, went on political jamboree to Kano, dancing to the hurts of concerned individuals, who were never at the scene of the ugly event, but mourned and groaned for lives’ extermination that just took place. Mr President was physically there with some of his kitchen cabinet members, appearing sober with melancholic and mournful look. He feigned compassion when he put on hold the planned trip to Ibadan to felicitate with the Olubadan of Ibadanland on the occasion of his centenary birthday, only to appear at PDP’s political rally in Kano raining abusive words on the state governor. He later appeared in Ibadan, where mere emotion initially prompted a restraint that later became a derelict, as if nothing calamitous recently took place; when in fact hundreds of Nigerian citizens are writhing with pains in various hospitals all over the Federal capital. There are some people in Nigeria that can succinctly be regarded as thoroughly bred and Gate-Keeper Democrats through their antecedents. Such never had military background that might have shrouded their proclivity for full adherence to democratic norms. Mention cannot be made of the first ten people in this category without due reference to President Jonathan; for having occupied almost all available political offices in the land. They must have understood that in democracy, it is not possible that all voters will vote for one amongst many contestants. Where a contestant is not known to any voters, one of them will make mistake to inadvertently vote in his\her favour. The winner must know at the end that he\she has won for all. It is now a known fact that most states of the federation are groaning under fund starvation that the man at the centre deliberately employed to stifle opposition. Mr President has no justification for this because our revenue has not dwindled. This is not what obtains in developed democracy.

Forum has been said to have injected into our economy billions of dollars, the manifestation of such benefits may never be felt by ordinary Nigerians because we only hear with our ears, and the more we look, the less we see. We are now in an era when money is chameleonic and occasionally grows wings to fly to unknown destinations. The World Bank expertise in our supervising minister has only availed us illogical explanation about issues that appear comical on missing billions of foreign currencies that ought to have given our economy survival impetus. We may appear boastful about our democracy that has been in place for almost fifteen years now; the question we need to ask ourselves is: what democratic values have we really imbibed? Not even the ruling Peoples Democratic Party can boast of valuable democratic tenets. The ruling PDP still believes in rigging as a ‘legitimate’ means of winning elections. They do not believe in the rule of law, and to them, the principle of separation of powers remains a sham; yet, we say there is democracy in place. Recently, a PDP stalwart was arrested with voters’ cards that must have been collected either from the owners for money, or our electoral umpire with financial inducement. Members of PDP in the State of Osun have ubiquitously become boastful that their flag bearer will defeat the incumbent governor in the August 9 poll. It is now crystal clear that the confidence they have is in rigging mastery that will be aided by that unscrupulous source that made it possible for voters’ cards meant for many voters to get to a politician, to be used against opponents illegally. Many Nigerians will not be too surprised if the culprit is let off the hook and the case is unheard of till eternity comes.

•jonathan n l i b e r a l d e m o c r a c y, w h e r e n o constituent unit is allowed to suffer in the overall interest of the whole, systemic collapse is considered grave; it is seen as a misnomer that should be grossly repudiated. This is at variance with what we have at the moment in Nigeria under President Goodluck Jonathan, where the party at the centre seems poised to see that all states being governed by opposition continue in economic quagmire, as if they are not part of Nigeria, to create wrong signals that unless people in those states change their minds to vote-in PDP’s candidates, they cannot perceive the aroma of democratic dividends.

The President recently confirmed peoples’ impression of him as being insensitive to aggregate of opinions, when he cancelled the weekly Federal Executive Council meeting, for his cabinet members to commiserate with Vice-President Namadi Sambo over the loss of his junior brother in a motor accident. Nobody would have raised any eyebrow if similar concern was exhibited when scores of innocent lives were exterminated in recent Nyanya bomb blast. Another blast in the same area in the night of May Day was responded to with mere verbal condemnation, and the assurance to those billed to attend an international conference in Abuja that there was no cause for alarm. Recent appointments in which two ministerial nominees from the South West states were given the portfolios of the ministries of Police affairs and Defence as Minister and Minister of State respectively have further accentuated people’s consternation that the President is resolute in his attempt to recapture the states that were lost to opposition in the fast-approaching elections. The two recently-confirmed ministers have also not helped matters because the way they

have reacted to issues in their respective states of Osun and Lagos left much to be desired. Jelili Adesiyan recently allegedly maltreated a former governor of the State of Osun in a hotel in Osogbo, using his police orderlies; while Musiliu Obanikoro’s first official assignment was to stop those working in a State’s Housing Estate in Lagos with soldiers on the prowl. The President should be happy that some governors somewhere, though in opposition, are working in tandem with his well-taunted transformation agenda. He ought to have developed a very large heart to make the states that are working some sort of reference models to those in his party (PDP) with the culture of cake-sharing that has labelled us “Profligates who are not poor”, (as the President has emphasized severally) but cannot provide for the basic needs (as opposed to wants in Economics) of the populace. This is to tell us that the much-orchestrated Transformation Agenda is a fluke after all. Recently, the Minister of Finance; and the coordinating Minister of the economy came up to tell the whole nation that the recovered money from Late Head of State, General Sani Abacha has been spent to develop the rural areas. Nigerians are yet to know what exactly the money was used for in the rural areas that depict development. As a rural dweller, I am yet to feel any federal impact that may justify the position of our ‘Super-powerful Minister’. The minister owes Nigerians explanations as to the modality applied to pick selected areas, and in which states of the federation the areas are located. This is part of corruption per excellence that has become permanent stain on our chequered status in the comity of nations.

There is no way a country can develop if the leadership is corrupt. Our own corruption has reached the crescendo of epidemic, and unless the present crop of leaders in the ruling PDP are eased out of power, Nigeria may never have a modicum of progress and peace which can only be availed by genuine and functional democratic culture. It is only in big-fornothing Nigeria that a non-performing central government will be audacious to boast that they will defeat a performing state governor, since the power to hire and fire electoral umpire is vested in an autocratic President. Given the current security challenges, which the ruling PDP has failed to tackle in the past three years, the failed promises on power, transportation, employment generation, and economic meltdown that has brought excruciating devastation, there is no more justification for President Goodluck Jonathan and PDP to either remain in power beyond 2015, or aspire to take over any of the states currently being governed by opposition. People have been bombarded with numerous promises since 1999 and all the promises have failed. There is nothing wrong in trying another political party, so that Nigerians will be able to also assess the alternatives that are available in all the tiers of government, so as to know whether we have respite somewhere or we should send all political gladiators packing.

•This piece, first published in Tuesday,

The recently-concluded World Economic 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.