Osun Defender - January 4th, 2014 Edition by OsunDefender

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2014

VOL. 9. NO.002

Front Page Comment

The West’s Slow Road Map To lntegration For Western Nigeria it has been a long and slow road to regional integration. The journey must however go on. For with the state of things in today’s dysfunctional republic there is no alternative. The balkanization of the erstwhile Western region was part of the process of the

destruction of the nation’s federalist co-existence. Unfortunately balkanization has clearly failed to deliver the goods. “Deliver the goods” here translates into enhancing living standards, pulling millions out of the poverty strata, good governance and

the construction of a better society. All the road maps proffered point in one direction. The convergence here is that economies of scale are needed to co-ordinate the reconstruction of the region’s economy. If for example you want to build a regional rail system

only a consortium of the states working in tandem with perhaps the private sector can deliver on this. None of the states standing alone has the strength to do it alone. It is certainly not possible to go it alone in today’s quasi-federalism. Continue on page 5.

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

N50

IGE

Osun Welcomes 2014 With Fireworks •Our Journey To Greatness Has Just Started - Aregbesola - See Story On Page 2

•Wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (in white headgear), presenting gifts to parents of the first baby of the Year 2014, Mr and Mrs Abdul-Rasheed Sakiru. Accompanying the governor’s wife is the State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Temitope Ilori (3rd right) and other dignitaries at Feesu Primary Healthcare Centre, Iwo, State of Osun, last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

PDP Chieftains Defect To APC In Ikirun

- See Story On Page 3

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

Osun Welcomes 2014 With Fireworks •Our Journey To Greatness Has Just Started - Aregbesola God’s grace, we are year. By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

going to do it.” Speaking earlier with journalists during the new year party, the State Commissioner For Regional Integration and Special Duties, Barrister Ajibola Bashir, said the celebration was part of government’s efforts to bring happiness to the people of the state. He said: “It is a pact our governor signed with

the people of the state to ensure harmony, peace, happiness and development. We have started this since the inception of our administration and other states are now emulating it. It is a civilised global way of celebrating festivals.” He therefore, urged the people of the state to continue their support for the governor in the new

to support the governor for a second term to continue the developmental projects currently going on in the state. He also assured the people that the new year will bring development and progress desired by the people of the state, while enjoining the people to always pray for the success of the administration. Dignitaries at the new year celebration included National and State Assembly members, APC leaders, Osun indigenes in Sokoto State among others

Also, the State Commissioner for HE first 30 minutes in 2014 was a moment of T joy, excitement and jubilation for the Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, urged p e o p l e the people of the state to of the State of Osun, as the state remain peaceful and government celebrated the new year in a grand double their commitment style with fireworks in the nine federal to the development of the constituencies across the state capital will state. continue. the state. He said the state “What we are Governor of the state, government is Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, enjoying at this Freedom encouraged by the led other members of the Park today will be support of the people in State Executive Council, extended to Salvation the state and urged them All Progressives Army School and by Congress (APC) chieftains and supporters to usher in the new year in a grand style at the Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, the state capital. The park was filled to capacity with political functionaries, religious leaders, market women, among other groups struggling for space. It was a moment of joy for the people, as the popular Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba, entertained the crowd. For minutes, the sky beamed in various colours with fireworks amidst the mammoth crowd, who trooped to the park to celebrate with the governor. At exactly 12.00 midnight, after a brief remark by the governor, heavy sounds of the fireworks rolled out and people were thrown into jubilation with the governor, as the device lightened different •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed), acknowledging cheers from his admirers during fireworks display to welcome colours, marking the New Year 2014 organised by the governor at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, last Wednesday, Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. beginning of the new year. Aregbesola, who could not hide his joy while addressing the large and Adepeju Sabitu prayed crowd, said there were for the continued success several reasons to thank of the wife of the governor God and celebrate the Sanitation Ambassador, special blessings from and the government of the By KAZEEM MOHAMMED development recorded God, expressed hope that the wife of the governor state. so far in the state. emphasised on cleanliness IFE of the governor of the State of Osun, Mrs their parents would treat Highlight of the He said: “The W Sherifat Aregbesola has resolved to them as such, by taking and neatness, as the key to programme was the difference is clear. We stregthen her efforts in assisting the less- good care of them in healthy living. presentation of gifts to the have moved very fast in privileged, aged people, physically-challenged and recognition She however enjoined all and sets of new babies in a right direction with encourage children in their educational pursuit in appreciation of the good to continue to support two and six sets of new steady progress and the new year. programmes and policies Iwo work of God. babies in Osogbo, development, but we still of the government, While wishing the She made the at the State Hospital a set of twins. have a long way to go. resolution, that no including people of the state a happy stressing just as she Asubiaro, Osogbo emerged In the entourage of the This is just the beginning charged mothers to government can function year, she called on all of the governor was of our journey to ensure proper care of their the second baby of the year. new without the wife parents to consider well At 12:05am of the new the State Commissioner greatness. cooperation of its people. by giving them year, the third baby of the education of their children Health, Dr (Mrs) “It is obvious and not children, While appreciating Mrs. for paramount and proper education and year, born into the family as Temitope Ilori and wives in anyway contentious home training that would Aregbesola’s gesture to their top political that we are far ahead of make them to be of Mr and Mrs Daud Sabitu germane towards them, mothers of of development. was also delivered at the functionaries in the state. them with the help of successful individuals in all the babies of the year, In her message as the Primary Health Centre, God. Whenever there is life. Community-led Total Mrs. Sakirat AbdulFeesu, Iwo. light, darkness must Ganiyu, Modupe Ayilara Aregbesola spoke Presenting cash and definitely disappear. We onMrs Wednesday, January 1, material gifts to the mothers shall continue on the path 2014, while presenting of the babies, Mrs. of honour and greatness,” cash and material gifts to Aregbesola said that the atmosphere of peace the governor said. and harmony. of the first set of significance of the exercise A r e g b e s o l a mothers He assured that the new born babies in the was part of her resolve to appreciated the people new year in the state. HE Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, state parliament under encourage mothers and of the state for their Honourable Najeem Salaam has urged his watch would baby girl, born into show them love, with the support and cooperation theAfamily the people of the state to live in peace and harmony intensify efforts in its of Mr and Mrs objective of transfering with their fellow human beings for the continued progress oversight functions on in the last three years, Rasheed Abdul-Ganiy and development of the state in Year 2014. all projects instituted which has assisted his around 12.01am of the same to their children. Congratulating the He made the call in his new year message to the people by the executive. administration to new year at the Primary affiliations. This, according to reposition the state in a Health Center, Feesu, Iwo families of the new babies, of the state, through a political While calling on him, is with a view to right direction and urged emerged the first baby of the wife of the governor statement issued by his traditional rulers and achieving desired Secretary, Goke them to continue the the year, while another advised the mothers to Press people in areas having result that would support in the years to baby girl, born into the ensure proper care of their Butika. Salaam advised the land disputes to settle make all the citizens children and secure better come. people to pray for stability amicably, the Speaker of the state happy in family of Mr and Mrs future for them. The governor assured that the new year. peaceful co-existence stressed Ayilara, around Mrs Aregbesola, who and that the ongoing Modupe among people of different development can only 12.02am of the new year described children as beautification project in religions, ethnic groups and be witnessed in an

Osun Governor’s Wife Promises More Support To Lessprivileged •Presents Gifts To 2014 First Babies

New Year: Osun Speaker Calls For Harmonious Relationship

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

PDP Chieftains Defect To APC In Ikirun By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE just-concluded 2013 did not end well with the embattled Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the State of Osun, as some of its bigwigs were lost to the party crisis rocking the party on the selection of candidate for the 2014 governorship election in the state, and the second term ambition of President Goodluck T

Jonathan. On the last day of Year 2013, no fewer than 300 members of the PDP

dumped the party for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ikirun, headquarters of Ifelodun Local

Government Council Area of the state. Though, the number of the defectors may not carry much weight, but the personalities involved have dealt a huge blow on the PDP. Chairman of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Ifelodun Local Government Council Area (Branch

1), Alhaji Abdul-rasheed Ajiboye, Secretary of the union, Mr Ganiyu Awotunde and former Ward 4 PDP Chairman, Alhaji Rahman Babatunde, were part of the defectors. Awotunde is the elder brother of former chairman of the local government council, Mr Sarafadeen Awotunde, popularly called ‘Spain’.

•A cross section of Osogbo indigenes during the 2013 Oroki Day celebration at Osogbo City Hall, Osogbo, recently. Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO

Speaking at the defection ceremony, which took place in Ikirun on Tuesday, Ajiboye said their decision to decamp to the APC was informed by the developmental strides of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola-led administration. Ajiboye said: “We decided to dump the PDP and join the APC, because we have seen the difference between the two parties. We have seen the difference that good governance by the APC is bringing to bear in the state. “We have seen the difference between the seven and a half years of the PDP rule and the three and a half years of the APC-led administration under Ogbeni Aregbesola. “We are convinced that if Aregbesola could be performing wonderfully with the meagre resources at the state disposal, there is nothing wrong in joining hands with and supporting him to develop the state. “We are ready to work for his re-election in the 2014 gubernatorial election. We want his developmental projects

Aregbesola Pays N62m Compensation On Airport, Worship Centre By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has paid the total sum of N11 million as palliative to the 243 subsistent farmers within the acquired land for the MKO

Abiola Airport project located at Ido-Osun. The state government acquired the land to expand the airport designed as cargo airport and aircraft service centre. Most of the beneficiaries of the compensation were farmers, who owned crops such as cassava, cocoa, kolanuts and other cash crops. The State Commissioner for Lands, Physical Planning and Urban Development, Architect Muyiwa Ige made this disclosure while distributing cheques to the beneficiaries at the multipurpose hall of the State Local Government Service Commission, located with the State Government Secretariat Complex, Abere. The commissioner explained that the compensation was approved on compassionate grounds by the governor as a palliative to assist the farmers, who

had planted crops on the acquired land. He added that it has always been the

determination of the governor not to develop the state at the expense of the poor, stressing that the current administration in the state will continue to bring succour to those affected by the state developmental projects.

The commissioner further disclosed that the state government has also paid a total sum of N51,407,905 to 119 cash crops farmers of Odo Iju\Ibodi and its environs in Atakunmosa West Local Government Council Area

Man, 48, In Court Over 419 By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

State of Osun Police Command has THEdragged a 48-year-old man, Obideyi Omosunyi, before an Osogbo Magistrate’s court, for allegedly presenting a fake land document to an unsuspecting buyer. Omosunyi was accused of presenting the fake land document to one Kemisola Ojetokun as original with the intent of selling a plot of land to her at Ofatedo in Egbedore Local Government Council Area of the state. According to the charge sheet made available to OSUN DEFENDER on Thursday, the accused person collected a sum of N245,000 from Ojetokun on the pretence of securing a parcel of

land for her. Omusunyi however absconded after collecting the money and failed to provide the land as agreed, the charge sheet stated further. The accused person was said to have committed the offence on February 18, 2013, at about 10:00am, along Aduragbemi area of Ofatedo. Police prosecutor, Inspector Fagboyinbo Abiodun, said the alleged offence committed by the suspect contravened Section 249, 419 and 390 of the Criminal Code

Cap 34, Vol.11, Laws of Osun, 2003. Omosunyi however, pleaded not guilty to the charges. Counsel to the accused person, Barrister Okobie Najite, prayed the court to grant bail to the accused person in the most liberal term. Najite assured the court that the accused person would not jump bail, while promising that reliable sureties would stand for him. M a g i s t r a t e Muhammad Lasisi later granted bail to the accused in the sum of N50,000 with two sureties, who must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction. The magistrate then adjourned the case till March 3, 2014 for mention.

of the state as compensation for the land acquired to build the Open Heaven Multidenominational Worship Centre Project. One of the leaders of the benefiting communities, Loja of Odo Iju, Engineer Adelakun Adedoyin, who was represented by Risa of Odo Iju, Dr Jide Ayeni applauded the state government for the spate of rapid development in the State of Osun, which he described as unprecedented since the creation of the state. He also commended the government for the timely payment of compensations to the farmers in the affected areas.

to continue.” In his own speech, Awotunde stated that no governor in the history of the state has ever taken the plights of the masses so seriously like Aregbesola, adding that the governor won his heart with his peoplefriendly programmes and policies. Awotunde stressed further that Aregbesola’s passion for the development of the state, coupled with the massive developmental projects across the state, prompted them to join the APC and to work for the continuity of Aregbesola in office. He commended the governor for the distribution of 70 buses to the NURTW and the Road Transport Employer Association of Nigeria (RTEAN), saying that all the transport workers appreciated the gesture. Giving his reasons for joining the APC, Babatunde, the former PDP ward 4 Chairman said: “Nobody forced or frustrated us out of the PDP. We deliberately left the party for the APC. “We decided to join the APC because of the good governance being put in place by the Aregbesolaled administration. We want to be part of the good history.” The trio, according to some politicians in Ikirun, were the major backers of the PDP in the council areas. Welcoming the defectors into the party, the Chairman, House of Assembly Service Commission Board, Alhaji Olawuwo Hassan, commended the former PDP members for taking the courage to leave the ‘retrogressive fold’ for the progressive party. Hassan enjoined the new members of the APC to be dedicated and committed to the party, stating that the APC, as a party, does not discriminate between the old and new members.

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

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

2014: APC Calls For More Prayers, Peaceful Coexistence Among Osun People By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State T of Osun has called for peaceful coexistence among the people of the state in the Year 2014, just as it called on all religious leaders in the country and the state in particular to pray for peace to reign supreme in the state. The APC in a press statement by its Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy in the state, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi to felicitate with the people of the state, as they enter the New Year 2014, enjoined all and sundry to pray seriously in the new year. Oyatomi stressed that the Year 2014 would be accompanied by multiple blessings and it would be full of more goodies for the people of the state. He also lauded Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the numerous achievements recorded in the Year 2013, which included massive road construction, transformation in the education sector with the reclassification of schools, health care delivery, urban renewal, agricultural development and welfare programme for the aged. The APC spokesman noted that the Year 2013 was a fulfilled year for the state, as major achievements were

recorded in the state, especially in the education sector and the urban renewal programme of the Aregbesola-led administration. He said: “Only this year (2013), the state broke the record to become the first state in the whole of Africa to introduce Tablets of Knowledge (Opon Imo), as well as massive road construction and rehabilitations in all parts of the state. “Also in the Year 2013, education sector of the state was transformed significantly with great innovations. Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun is fast developing, likewise other cities in the state; courtesy of Aregbesola’s developmental projects. 2013 was a fulfilled years for us.” While calling on the people of the state to pray for God’s abundant peace in the state, as the people would choose their leader in the 2014 governorship poll,

Oyatomi said: “2014 is a year of decision-making in the state and it is important for the people of Osun to vote for continuity of the laudable programmes of Aregbesola.” He therefore enjoined the people of the state not to allow selfish politicians in the opposition parties to

deceive them, saying that the same set of failed politicians had failed the people of the state, when they were given the opportunity to serve for seven and a half years. According to him; “In the history of Osun, Aregbesola is the only governor, who has done so much in just three years of his

HE State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, has urged the people of the state to cooperate more with the state government in its drive to create an economically-vibrant has been able to turn around the moribund socioeconomic activities in the state to affect their lives positively. He made reference to infrastructural development in the state since the inauguration of the present administration, assuring that if residents extend more cooperation, more dividends of democracy would be delivered to their door-steps by the government. The commissioner further stressed the need for residents of the state to ensure regular payment of taxes as means of assisting •AKERE government to meet its financial obligations, state. as the 2014 He made the charge while especially focuses more on speaking with journalists in budget revenue generation. his office during the week internal He added that the state is on government committed the expectations from the welfare of toitsmaking people a people of the state. priority, particularly youth Akere lauded residents of and creating an the state for the way they employment environment that could have shown understanding enhance investment, a for government since its view to engagingwith the assumption of office, saying youths positively. the people have shown faith Speaking further, Akere in Ogbeni Rauf charged residents, Aregbesola’s plan to irrespectiveall their political reinvigorate the state associationsofor beliefs to positively. working towards According to him, in the keep the State of Osun a last three years, the APC-led making positive reference point administration in the state among comity of states in T

and the people of the state are now better than the way they were three years ago.” Oyatomi, however, acknowledged the support of all traditional rulers, religious leaders, political leaders, civil servants, artisans, professionals, teachers and students for the support given to the APC-led government of Aregbesola in Year 2013 and solicited for more in 2014.

Osun Police Advocate Stronger Ties With Vigilance Groups By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

State of Osun Police Command has T HE reiterated that it will continue to explore t h e service of vigilante groups for crime prevention and enhance its operation and management in the productivity. state. Gimba, who called on The State members of the vigilante Commissioner of Police, group to always abide by Mrs Dorothy Gimba the rules and regulations stated this in Osogbo at a of the group, urged them one-day workshop to desist from acts that organized for members of that are capable of soiling the Osun State Police the image of the group. Vigilante Group. The commissioner also Gimba, who noted that used the occasion to the state vigilante group specially commend the has been assisting the leader of the group, Alhaji police in its operations, Ridwan Hussain said the workshop would Yah’Salam for his go a long way in faithfulness, agility and streamlining the activities commitment. of the group in the state. She enjoined the Saluting the group participants not to take members for their the workshop with levity, ingenuity and while tasking them on the determination in crime need to return to their control and management, various stations and the police boss demonstrate all what they emphasised the need for have been taught by the the group to intensify its resource persons at the intelligence machinery to workshop. Gimba however called on other vigilante groups in the state to emulate Alhaji Ridwan Yah’Salam the country. in their effort to ensure He also charged all safety of lives and stakeholders in the state to property in the state, maintain positive attitudes adding that security is the economically and socially in business of every a bid to make Osun individual. Also speaking on the violence-free and investorsoccasion, the Chairman, friendly. Akere also frowned at the Osun State Harmonized attitude of some people in Vigilante Group, Alhaji Hussain the state, which he said Ridwan lauded the encourage violence, saying Yah’Salam police command for the present administration state organizing the workshop does not reject criticism, but for his group, noting that insisted on constructive the workshop would go a criticism capable of long way in preparing enhancing development of members for future the state. challenges. Yah’Salam stressed

2014: Akere Sues For Cooperation By SHINAABUBAKAR

administration. No other fellow has recorded the lofty height Ogbeni has recorded in so short a period of time. “There is no one in Osun today, including members of the opposition parties, whose family members have not benefited from the good policies of Ogbeni Aregbesola. His policies and programmes have attracted world attention

that the group would continue to collaborate and support the police in all ramifications, with a view to ensuring safety of lives and property in the state. He lauded the State Police Command for its support for and cooperation with the group, promising that the group would not rest on its laurels in policing the

state effectively. Some participants at the workshop included Mr. Sola Adeleke and Mr. Ahmed Taiwo, who expressed optimism that the training would aid their performance. They however lauded the state police command for its initiative, saying continuous training is sacrosanct for effective policing.

ASV Charges Parents On Students’ Discipline By SHINAABUBAKAR

students group, Aregbesola Students’ Vanguard, has called on parents to deal with the attitudes of their wards before it totally degenerates into a social menace in public schools. The group stated this in government. “It is high time a statement signed by its President, Miss Saka parents worked on the of their Kikelomo and made attitude available to OSUN children to make DEFENDER at the g o v e r n m e n t ’ s investment in the weekend. According to the sector profitable. It is a good thing statement, parents must assist government to realise that the consolidation its vision of revolutionising of public schools has the education sector in the really exposed the state by dealing with the conundrum among level of indiscipline among students and the solution must not be their wards at home. The statement lamented left to the government the level of indiscipline alone, the solution among students of public must begin from the schools, saying the new individual homes,” the government policy is really statement added. It also commended exposing the cankerworm, for hence, the need for parents government setting up a to have a rethink. “It is unfortunate that the committee to deal level of neglect of public with the issue of schools by past indiscipline among administrations in the state students in its schools, on has degenerated to this calling to level currently being stakeholders exposed by the policy of cooperate in the bid to

correct the menace.

Osun APC Cogratulates Aregbesola On Man Of The Year Award HE Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, has on behalf of the leaders and entire members of the party in the state, congratulated the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on his emergence as the ‘Man of the T

Year of the Independent Newspapers. Adebiyi in a statement issued by the party’s Director of Publicity, Research and Strategy, Barrister Kunle Oyatomi, said the award bestowed on Aregbesola was not a surprise to the party, as he is a pride of all members of the APC in the state. He stated that the

governor deserves the award, having done so much within the short period of his administration in the state, stressing that the achievements of Governor Aregbesola spoke volume of his choice for the honour. The Independent Newspaper, had named Governor Aregbesola as its man of the year for 2013

based on the significant achievements of his administration and his contributions to the socioeconomic development of the state. The APC boss, who highlighted the numerous achievements of Ogbeni Aregbesola-led administration in 2013 to include rapid road construction, education transformation, welfare of citizenry, urban renewal, health care delivery, provision of jobs and agricultural development among many others said “considering these numerous achievements,

no one else could have been fit for the honour except Aregbesola.” He also lauded the management and staff of the Independent Newspaper for acknowledging the good works of Aregbesola and for identifying with the progressive government in the State of Osun. Adebiyi, who urged the governor to continue with his service above self style of life, also stressed that posterity would not forget Aregbesola for the good works he has done for the state, adding that the governor has successfully written his name with marble in the minds of the masses of the state.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

The West’s Slow Road Map To lntegration Continued from Page 1. For many discerning ob-

servers as well as wellwishers the pace has been excruciatingly slow. This is understandable. Fiefdoms have been created as a result of balkanization. And it is only human for people to protect their turf. This means that there will have to be mental re-adjustment. This is not as easy as it sounds. The reason being that most of the present actors were brought up under the centralizing ethos of the military.

most practical objective now should be to start at a low base. A very good example to use as a starting point will be Osun state’s Opon Imo (the knowledge tablet). The Opon Imo is an excellent innovative tool. Its introduction marks the beginning of a new era. It represents a fantastic opportunity for an advance thrust. However, economies of scale will be needed to bring down unit costs. This will be best achieved by the state governments joining hands to place orders for the device in order to bring down unit costs. This will really demonstrate the strategic imperative of joining hands together.

Frankly whether they believe in federalism or even know much about it, is debatable. Nevertheless, the slow march to freedom Practical demonstration must continue. It was never going to be an easy of efficacy of regional intewalk anyway. Maybe the gration such as this will

help to cement the objective starting from here - there are a loads of other projects and processes which can be used to facilitate regional integration. Across the board, practical joint production opportunities exist in agriculture (very much so), education, health, infrastructural development and so forth. Joint coordination of food production for example will give the region food security. In addition an integrated regional agriculture commodity exchange will lead to minimum guaranteed farm gate price which in turn will lead to an increase in production. An increase in production will lead to surplus produce which in turn will induce the emergence of scores nay hundreds of agro-processing facilities of all shapes and sizes. This will create a lot of employment opportunities.

Again this is a practical demonstration of what regional integration will achieve. We can see here that the possibilities are immense. And frankly it is the best way to go. In today’s dysfunctional quasi-federalism unless the country is sensibly restructured there is really no alternative to the states of the western region gradually integrating their economies. It is the only way to protect and then enhance the living standards of their citizens. They have to do so for prosperity.

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FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

Aregbesola: Symbol Of An Alternative Perspective HE Man-of-the-Year is a difficult proposition. And for a reason. In our dysfunctional polity, the parameters set have to be exacting. As is known, the Republic is ill at ease with itself. Dashed hopes, disappointed expectations as well as promises unfulfilled make the task of picking an individual who has made an outstanding contribution daunting. From time to time, a nugget representing a beacon of hope comes up. When for example a few years ago we picked the venerated Chinua Achebe, it was an inspired choice. This is because by refusing to subordinate his principles to immediate expediency, Achebe caught the imagination and made picking the Man-of-the-Year easy. This year’s discourse was typically ferocious. The central theme being, who has attempted to break the mould? Who is today’s contrarian who has at least attempted in a positive direction to alter the terrain of discourse and operations? Who has been making resolute attempt to clear the fog of widespread cynicism and disenchantment with the polity and most of those who navigate the shop of state? The choice of the State of Osun helmsman is in response to the need to roll back the tide of cynicism. We know of course that there is an intellectual-in-residence in the State House in Ado-Ekiti. Concomitantly there is also an activist in residence in Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun. Often times in history the activist has disappointed in office. Engineer Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has here bucked the trend. He has shown a knack to turn deep philosophical conviction into result-yielding good governance. It has helped in that he actually prepared himself for office both intellectually and practically. He has in this way merged ideological fervor with the practical act of governance. The practical act of governance was horned on an exhilarating eight years of being the infrastructure czar of Lagos State, good old rambunctious, perennially demanding Lagos state. A seminal performance in Lagos State has been horned into administrative sagacity in the state of Osun. The intellectual preparation has also stood him well. He came into office armed with a seminal six point agenda spanning the key socio-economic issues affecting the State of Osun. This has proved to be a very sensible thing to do. For taking over the state after a ludicrously long judicial battle came with a hefty debilitating prince tag. The lacuna was that the state had barely seen even perfunctorily sensible governance for a long-time. The state’s public finance was not just opaque, it was in shambles. Waste, bizarre duplication of effort leading to cost inefficiencies had led to bureaucratic elephantiasis. Huge recurrent expenditure, insecurity and a general feeling of desperation was fast turning Osun State into a by-word as the generic term for maladministration. The distinguishingly factor about

political establishment with those they govern. Aregbesola has become a symbol of this new thrust. Imperfect Aregbesola which facilitated our yes, sometimes imperious. choosing him as our Man-of-theNevertheless his policy thrust like his Year, is that he redefined the territory engagingly humane heart is in the right of discourse and operations. The place. state’s public finances had to be reNowhere has this shown more than directed away from consumption in his policy on education. A sweeping towards the arena of production. repositioning of the education sector Recurrent expenditure has been is clearly leading to a situation where slimed down thereby increasing the generations will now be technically capital votes. Emphasis on production prepared and empowered to face the has led to an increase in the capital reality of a brutally competitive world. votes in geometric proportion. Some of it is contentious, certainly. The difference is clear. The State of Fine tuning has had to be done in Osun today has a spring (pardon the implementation of course. However, pun) in its step. The emphasis is now this is nothing like the flak that United on production and jobs led economic States President Barak Obama is trajectory. This new thrust has today receiving over the implications for the nation far beyond implementation of Obamacare. In the narrow confines of partisan instances such as this we must be politics. This is because if the careful not to throw out the baby with unfulfilled promises that have resulted the bathwater. in widespread cynicism are to be This sort of issue raises the bugbear rolled back, the nation must become a of plas ce chang. Nothing ever really proper democracy. changes that much. In the process of A proper democracy is based on the sweeping transformative social solidarity, community cohesion repositioning of the Western Region in and a convergence of ideals centred the nineteen-fifties, Chief Obafemi on a social contract linking the Awolowo, faced the same dilemma. By ROTIMI DUROJAIYE

This being how to negotiate a democratic agreement on key policy issue. No democracy has ever functioned effectively without this. What Engineer Rauf Aregbesola has done in the State of Osun is to redefine the terrain of thinking and practice. He has set a mark that must be a pointer to the future. If this country is to prosper, it must move in the direction of the new thinking determined by people like Aregbesola. The emphasis must be on production rather than consumption. Social contract must be the trajectory of policy developing both human capital and the physical infrastructure. Government must be located as the engine room for real sustainable development, the BIG D. This is why warts and all, in a fiercely competitive field, we have chosen the State of Osun helmsman as our Man-of-the-Year. He represents a new wave of governance. A symbol of the aspirations of generation next that we need not be enmeshed in cynicism and defeatism. He also embodies the new federalist ethos to be used as a battering ram against the military induced overtly centralist state. As the symbol of the new thinking, he deserves to be our Man-of-the-Year. He has earned our appreciation. Aregbesola emerged from a list of other distinguished Nigerians including the former Governor of Lagos State and leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu as well as the Head Coach of the Super Eagles of Nigeria, Stephen Okechukwu Keshi. Tinubu made a significant showing placing second on the ballot. In a political space full of divisive characters, Bola Ahmed Tinubu divides opinion like few others. As the man leading the resurgence of the South West economically and politically, comparisons with the late Obafemi Awolowo are inevitable, and it is perhaps in this area where he divides opinion the most. His supporters view him as a master political strategist who is a worthy heir to Awolowo’s legacy, while to others he is merely a political hustler who cannot be mentioned in the same breath with a man Ojukwu called ‘the best President Nigeria never had’. The story of Keshi is not lost on anybody who has been following soccer events in this country. When Keshi was appointed, the team was at its lowest ebb, having failed to qualify for the 2012 edition of the Africa Cup of Nations. The failure was not because the team lacked what it needed to sail through, but due to indiscipline that has taken root in the team. It was during this sorry state, and against all expectations, that Keshi turned around the team’s fortunes to become champions of Africa by winning the Africa Cup of Nations, 19 years after. By this feat, he became the second man in history to have won the Africa Cup of Nations both as a coach and player. •Culled from Daily Independent Newspaper

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Wife Of The Governor, State Of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, Presenting Gifts To First Baby Of The Year 2014 And Other Babies In The State Of Osun Last Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola (right) presenting gifts to second baby of the year at State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.

•Mrs Aregbesola (right) presenting gifts to parents of the third baby of the year, Mr and Mrs Sabitu Adepeju, while State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Temitope Ilori (2nd right) watches at Feesu Primary Healthcare Centre, Iwo.

•Mrs Aregbesola (left) answering questions from newsmen after the event.

•Mrs Sherifat, carrying a new-born baby at State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

Fireworks Display To Welcome New Year 2014, Organised By The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At Nelson Mandela Freedom Park In Osogbo Last Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. Tuesday Through Wednesday.

•Governor Aregbesola (right) acknowledging cheers from the crowd.

•A cross section of dignitaries at the programme.

•A sea of heads on the occasion.

•A cross section of market women at the event.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Fireworks Display To Welcome New Year 2014, Organised By The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At Nelson Mandela Freedom Park In Osogbo Last Tuesday Through Wednesday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) State of Osun Commissioner for Finance, Dr Wale Bolorunduro; Governor Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat.

•Barrister Ajibola Bashiru (left) answering questions from journalists on the occasion.

•Ecstatic crowd at the programme.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola addressing the crowd.

•Fireworks display during the programme.

•A popular Fuji musician, Adewale Ayuba (with mic), performing during the programme.

•Another fireworks display.

•(L-R) Governor Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat; All Progressives Congress (APC) State Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun and State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere.

HEALTH

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

Understanding Healthful Diet By MOSES BOBA

OT many subjects are N consuming interest to virtually all of us – but food is certainly one of them. It is a principal source of pleasure in life and also a life-giving essential. Without the continual replacement of nutrients in our bodies, we would die. Food is so important that from time immemorial, it has formed the basis for rituals in every society. Much of the way we evaluate one another is based on the way we look and this is linked, albeit indirectly, to food. The success of a society itself has traditionally been measured by the abundance and quality [or lack thereof] of its food. Is There An Ideal Diet? In this day of intense interest in diet and health, many people yearn and often search for the perfect diet; one that will produce super health, above normal vigour, strength, and resistance to disease; one that will delay ageing, and one that will keep one slim. So pervasive is this interest that thousands of people spend vast quantities of time and money searching for perfect answer. Does or can such a diet exist? In all likelihood, the answer is no. our nutritional needs are different at each stage of our lives, from infancy through childhood, maternity, pregnancy, and old age and in states of disease. We also vary in our genetic tendencies toward disease, including hypertension, some cancers and heart and other vascular diseases; so food elements such as salts or fats pose different risks to different people. All the foods we eat provide some level of nutrition. There may be no one perfect diet for all of us or even for one of us at all times, but a sound knowledge of nutrition is the best way to attain the best diet possible. The Basic Components of Food: Our food is made up of many components that, when combined in appropriate proportions, provide a complete or balanced diet. The major groupings are carbohydrate, protein and fats. Other groups are trace nutrients, known as vitamins and minerals needed in smaller amounts. Each category has a different function in the regulation, growth, and repair of the body. Carbohydrates: Carbohydrates are starches or sugars and are found primarily in breads and cereals and in fruits and vegetables, including leafy greens such as broccoli and lettuce. The starches are referred to as complex carbohydrates, and the sugars [found in fruits, as well as in refined sugar] are called simple carbohydrates. Cane or beet sugar, known technically as sucrose, and corn syrup, which contains the sugar known as fructose, makes up a considerable portion of the a diet. Proteins: Proteins are composed of building blocks called amino acids. Some of these amino acids can be produced

by our bodies; others we cannot. Those that must be obtained from the diet are called essential amino acids like meats, eggs, milk, and cheese are very essentially used. Proteins found in vegetable cereals [such as wheat, rice, or corn], peas, and beans do not provide an optimal ratio of essential amino acids. Thus, a greater amount of protein of plant origin is needed to meet your body‘s requirements than of protein of animal origin. Proteins of plant origin have low biological quality. Fats: Fats are found in various foods and in various forms. Fats are found in foods of animal origin, such as meat, poultry meat, and fish, and in foods of vegetable origin. Various fatty acids have different effects on blood cholesterol levels, which have been shown to have a relationship to heart diseases.

Sodium helps regulate the fluids of the body, and sulfur is a constituent of protein tissues. The macro minerals [trace minerals] are found in much smaller amounts in our food. Essential trace elements are minerals that, like vitamins, are needed in only small amounts. They include iron, iodine, zinc, copper, fluoride, selenium, and manganese, among others. They are all necessary for normal growth and health. Calorie: A calorie is a measure of energy rather than a discrete part of food. When carbohydrates, proteins, and fats metabolized [burned] in the body, they produce energy, energy that is measured in kilocalorie which consist of 100 calories is defined as the amount of energy or heat require to raise 1 kilogram [2.2 pounds] of water to 10 centigrade [1.80 Fahrenheit].

Vitamins: Vitamins are substances that are essential in certain chemical transformation in your body and need to be present in your diet only in very small amounts. They help the body process proteins, carbohydrates, and fats. Certain vitamins also contribute to the production of blood cells, hormones, genetic materials, and chemicals of your nervous system. Our bodies are unable to synthesize adequate amounts of most vitamins, so we must get them from the foods we eat. Minerals: Minerals such as calcium, magnesium, phosphorus, potassium, sodium, and sulfur are also essential parts of the diet. Known as macro minerals, they are needed in relatively large amounts in the diet. Calcium, phosphorus, and magnesium are all important in the development and health of bones and teeth. Potassium is a major component of our muscles.

Body Composition Understanding the principles of nutrition involves more than a basic understanding of the various kinds of food we eat. The next step requires some comprehension of the makeup of our bodies. The fact is that protein, fat, and carbohydrate are the largest ‘ingredients’ of the human body. Protein structures make up about 50 to 60 percent of body weight. These tissues [muscle and vital organs such as the liver] function as the machinery body. Your body does not store extra protein. If you eat more protein than your body needs, your muscle mass will neither increase, nor will you have protein on reserve should you need it. Rather extra protein is converted to fat. Carbohydrates exist in the liver and muscles of the body as glycogen stores. Carbohydrate In the form of glycogen makes up about 1-5% of your body weight.

If your diet is high in carbohydrates and you are eating your full complement of needed calories each day, your glycogen stores, found largely in the liver, will be maximized. This store of fuel can quickly called upon. For example, marathon runners may eat a diet rich in carbohydrates before a race. Another ‘ingredient’ of your body is fat. Fat is unlike protein and carbohydrate in that it is an extremely concentrated form of reserve energy and is associated with a very little water. Body fat represents nearly 10times as much energy for its weight as protein or carbohydrate tissues, about 3,500 calories per pound. In a normal person, 15 to 20 percent of body weight is fat, although extremely obese people may have as much as 50 percent of their body weight in the form of fat. The sensible diet Except for people who are in need of a therapeutic to deal with a specific health problem, the best overall dietary plan can be stated simply: eat a wide variety of foods including plenty of carbohydrates from fruits vegetables, and grains and foods including protein such as meat, fish, eggs and dairy products. Vitamins and minerals exist in almost all of the foods we eat. Dietary guideline · Reduce the amount of fat of all kinds in your diet. For many people, a diet high in fats leads to obesity, which in itself has various health implications. · Achieve and maintain a desirable body weight through diet and exercise. · Increase the amount of complex carbohydrates and fiber in your diet. · Dietary fiber plays an important role in the digestion and absorption of nutrients. · Select foods relatively low in sodium, and limit the amount of salt you add to your food in cooking and at the table. · Make some your diet and children’s diets contain fluoride to help prevent tooth decay; fluoridated water can reduce significantly the development of tooth decay in children and adults. · Do not take daily vitamin and mineral supplements in excess of the recommended dietary allowance [RDA] unless your physician tells you to do so. Water Water often goes unmentioned in discussions of diet because it has almost no food value. Our bodies can exist for weeks without food, but if we stop replacing water we die within days. Your body is able to store only a limited amount of water because water is continuously used in the workings of every cell. Water is also necessary part of the digestive process, it helps regulate your body temperature, and it carries away waste. Water is in everything you drink and to some degree, in the food you eat. Thirst is a reasonable guide to the amount of water you need. Keep your thirst satisfied and you can’t be wrong.

IN RETROSPECT

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

A Memorable Quote From A PDP Aspirant In The State Of Osun

“Recently, Chief Bola Ige came on radio here (Osogbo the state capital), to insult me and my family. THAT IS THE LAST TIME HE WOULD INSULT ME. He was beaten yesterday. The people of Ile-Ife beat him up and he was crying like a baby, as they removed his cap and glasses. If it had been at a political gathering, he will be dead by now..... In fact, what the people wanted to do was more than removing his glasses and cap....” -IYIOLA OMISORE. •Culled from Vanguard Newspaper.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

FOREIGN NEWS

Obama: 2014 Can Be ‘Breakthrough Year For America’ C ITING strong progress on the economy, President Barack Obama said at his annual year-end news conference Friday that 2014 “can be a breakthrough year for America” after a long season of recession and slow recovery.

Yet he suggested that given widespread criticism, he may alter the power of the National Security Agency to collect information on Americans. And when it came to the universally panned roll out of his health care law, Obama conceded that “we screwed it up,” and said, “I’m going to be making appropriate adjustments once we get through this year.” It was unclear if he meant to signal high-level personnel changes. The president praised Congress for a recent, relatively modest budget compromise. “It’s probably too early to declare an outbreak of bipartisanship. But it’s also fair to say we’re not condemned to endless gridlock,” he said. He also renewed his long-standing refusal to negotiate concessions with Republicans in exchange for legislation that will be needed in late winter or early spring to raise the nation’s debt limit. “It is not something that is a negotiating tool. It’s not leverage. It’s a responsibility of Congress,” he said, although he added that he was willing to discuss other issues separately. Obama spoke from the

White House briefing room podium as he concluded his fifth year as president, his hair far grayer than the day he was first sworn in. He and his family were departing later in the day for their holiday vacation in Hawaii. The president opened his remarks with an upbeat assessment of the state of the economy, and seemed determined not to stray from it. Asked if this year had been the worst of his presidency so far, he laughed and said, “That’s not how I think about it.” Obama’s polls are at or near the low point of his tenure in the White House. The rollout of his health care website bombed, and high-visibility parts of his agenda have yet to make it through Congress, including a call for gun safety legislation in the wake of the shooting at a Newtown, Conn., elementary school a year ago and a sweeping overhaul of immigration laws. “If you’re measuring this by polls, my polls have gone up and down a lot over the course of my career,” he said, and then repeated that the economy was finally showing significant progress.

•OBAMA

The president fielded questions a few hours after the government announced the economy grew at a solid 4.1 percent annual rate from July through September, the fastest pace since late 2011 and significantly higher than previously believed. Much of the upward revision came from stronger consumer spending at a time when

unemployment is at a fiveyear low of 7 percent. Obama did not mention it, but the stock market is also at or near record levels. In his review of the year, Obama also noted that U.S. combat troops will finally be withdrawn from Afghanistan during the coming year. As he has before, he promised to speak in more comprehensive terms in

the near future about the future of NSA surveillance programs. “I have confidence that the NSA is not engaged in domestic surveillance or snooping around,” he said. Yet he added, “we may have to refine this further to give people more confidence.” A presidential advisory panel this week recommended sweeping changes to government surveillance, including limiting the bulk collection of Americans’ phone records by stripping the NSA of its ability to store the data in its own facilities. Separately, a federal judge ruled earlier in the week that some of the NSA’s activities were likely unconstitutional. Judge Richard Leon called the NSA’s operation “Orwellian” in scope and said there was little evidence that its vast trove of data from American users had prevented a terrorist attack. Obama was challenged on his 6-month-old statement that he and his administration had gotten the balance about right, in terms of the NSA’s activities, between concern for terrorism and protection of civil liberties. He replied that the same assessments are made on a daily basis and noted pointedly that if an attack were to occur, “the

question that’s coming from you is, ‘Mr. President, why did you slip?’” On a key foreign policy concern, Obama said it would be wrong to impose new sanctions on Iran at a time the United States and other nations are testing an interim accord designed to rein in Tehran’s nuclear program. If necessary, “we can pass new sanctions in a day,” he said, referring to lawmakers. As for health care, Obama said that despite the problems, including the rollout of the website, “more than 2 million people have signed up or more” since enrollment began. “What that means is ... the demand is there and the product is good,” he said. He turned aside a suggestion that the administration has made so many exemptions that it should have simply delayed the requirement for individuals to purchase coverage or face a penalty. Several lawmakers have called on him to do that, even some Democrats who voted for the legislation. Obama faced the type of challenging questions that presidents have long encountered, and he drew laughter with his answer to one of them. “My New Year ’s resolution is to be nicer to the White House press corps,” he said.

INTERVIEW

I Want Osun To Adopt ICT To Boost Fish Production - Young Inventor Oduyemi Kolawole Michael is an indigene of the State of Osun, who happens to spend his time doing what would help humanity, especially in the area of Information Communication Technology (ICT). Recently, he was in the state to demonstrate his latest invention: ‘GSM-driven Fish Feeder’ at the Innovation Fair and launch of South-West Competitiveness Forum and Innovation Cluster at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, where even the governor had some kind words to say to him. OSUN DEFENDER FRANCIS EZEDIUNO caught up with this young inventor and he bared his mind. O SDF: Can we meet you please? ODUYEMI: My name is Oduyemi Kolawole Michael. OSDF: Can we have a preview into your background? ODUYEMI: I was born in Akure and schooled in Osogbo at Saint Charles Secondary School, Oke- Ayepe. I am also a product of Ladoke Akintola University of Science and Technology, Ogbomoso. I studied Agronomy. OSDF: Where are you based and what do you do currently? ODUYEMI: I am currently staying in Niger State and I am also searching for a good and desirable job. OSDF: What is it about your invention that you want people to know? ODUYEMI: I had the intention of building a fuel-less generator to counter the power

challenges in the country. Along the line, I thought of producing something that I could use my GSM handset to control. I decided to fix my handset to the generator, so that I could always switch it off from afar. At the end of the day, I discovered that I made something that I could control with my handset. I also discovered that I could introduce ICT innovation into farming. I don’t have to be there to feed my fishes, making me to work somewhere else and attend to my fishes’ requirements anytime. OSDF: What is the idea behind it? ODUYEMI: The idea behind it is to create a bucketlike device that would contain fish feeds. It makes it easy to feed the fishes from anywhere when they are ready to feed, while you are busy at some

other engagements. All it requires is to dial the number of the GSM phone attached to the bucket-like device and it takes about 40-45 seconds to feed the fishes. OSDF: Define the aim of the project? ODUYEMI: Simple! I would love to make my state; Osun the centre for fish farming innovation in Nigeria. I would want Osun to adopt ICT in boosting fish production. I also want people to go into fish farming without giving unnecessary excuses. OSDF: Why develop such a device for fish farming? ODUYEMI: I love to make things happen. I have always thought human beings are always busy and I wanted to eradicate the fear that people always have about fish farming, being a time-consuming venture. I came for holiday and I thought I could sell my idea to the state government because I thought they might be interested in my work. OSDF: Have you approached any investor? ODUYEMI: None at the moment. I have not approached any. I don’t really know the system of administration because it has been a long time I came home last. There have been changes now in the state and a lot of developments have been encouraged. OSDF: Any physical demonstration of the device? ODUYEMI: Yes. At the justconcluded Innovation Fair and launch of South-West

•ODUYEMI

Competitiveness Forum and Innovation Cluster at the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Abere. The governor was there and he stopped at my stand and made a very beautiful observation. He was in a hurry, so I didn’t have time to really demonstrate the use of the device to him. OSDF: Do you think it is a positive sign? ODUYEMI: To me it is a sign that he recognised my effort. OSDF: Do you intend to mass-produce or you want to sell the idea? ODUYEMI: My intention is to mass-produce if I have financial assistance, so that a lot

of people can be able to enjoy it. My only shortcoming is financial constraint. I will be very happy if the state government can adopt it. It will fit into the banish hunger, poverty and unemployment objectives of the state government. They can also sell to other states. It can also be adopted to fit other forms of animal husbandry. I want financial assistance from the state government. What I demonstrated is just a cameo of my innovative capabilities. I can do something better than this. I would love to be invested in and I would love to invest the investment in me for other better innovations to change the face of farming in the state.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

Job Vacancies In Nigeria Employers in Nigeria Customer Service/Examinations Assistant Vacancy at British Council, December 31st 2013 The British Council is currently looking for a suitably qualified and experienced individual to join us in Abuja as Customer Service/Examinations Assistant. Job Title: Customer Service/Examinations Assistant Location: Abuja Reports To: Exams Services Manager, Abuja Purpose of job: To support the achievement of country plan objectives in Nigeria by delivering examinations administration support and customer services. To maintain them at the highest professional standards as set out in the British Council’s EQS (Examination Quality Standards) and by the Examination Board Partners. Context and environment: Customers and enquirers engage with the British Council Nigeria for a number of purposes with the majority being for examinations. The post holder will be part of a team of 6 in Abuja who administer the growing exams business ensuring quality and compliance as well as control of income and expenditure to deliver on target. This role will support the delivery of exams in Abuja in addition to assisting with customer services. Main Duties and Responsibilities Examinations Administration: Providing administrative support in the delivery of examinations. This involves supporting colleagues in pre and post test/examination administration duties. This includes exams data entry, post despatch, assisting with session planning/implementation and examination invigilation. Customer Service: Complaints, comments and feedback are dealt with in accordance with corporate policy and the Exams Quality Standards. All service registration procedures (e.g. Exams, Certification and other programme registration) are fully understood and implemented to agreed standards. Information Knowledge Management: Manage information created and received in compliance with the Council’s information management standards, policies, the UK Data Protection Principles and local legislation. Other Duties: Assist with market testing of venues and other suppliers. Assist with data collection for marketing purposes. Regularly attend staff meetings to both gain and impart knowledge about our customers, products and services. Assist with any other duty examinations management deem necessary. Skills and Knowledge Ability to use Microsoft Office Word and Excel. Ability to read and write in English at C1/IELTS 7.0/CAE level. Knowledge of the education and qualification systems in the UK and Nigeria. Experience Dealing with customers and enquiries in a service environment and providing service within quality standards. Working quickly and accurately to tight deadlines. Experience of administering examinations. Experience of managing/supervising a group of people to achieve a specific purpose. Qualifications Completed secondary education to ‘A’ level standard or equivalent. University degree in any subject. BTEC Examinations Administration Level 1. How to Apply Please read through the Customer Service/Examinations Assistant role profile. Download and complete the British Council external application form. To help you understand and complete the application form, read through the ‘How to complete the application’ document on the jobs page. Listed within the role profile document, you will find a number of listed ‘behaviours’ and ‘skills and knowledge’. Evidence against those criteria will need to be provided in your role application form. To help you understand those criteria, we have provided a ‘behaviours’ and ‘generic skills’ dictionary at the top of the jobs page. Completed application forms should be sent jposts@ng.britishcouncil.org no later than Sunday 5 January, 2014. Please ensure the subject of your mail is, ‘Customer Service/Examinations Assistant”. Only applications received on the British Council application form will be considered and only short-listed candidates will be contacted. The British Council is committed to a policy of Equal Opportunity and Diversity and welcomes applicants from all sections of the community. We guarantee an interview to disabled candidates who meet the essential criteria. Application Deadline Sunday 5 January, 2014 —————————————————— Latest Job Vacancies in a Mortgage Bank A Mortgage Banking Institution with balance sheet size in excess of 11 billion Naira and eyes on the future, is seeking top notch professionals as it widens its scope of

operations to fill the following position: Job Title: Mortgage Officers Location: Abuja Responsibilities Responsible for Mortgage origination, processing, investment appraisals and conclusion Directly reports to Head, Marketing Requirements Good presentation and communication skills Market research and Data gathering Strong analytical skills Computer literacy Ability to lead Minimum of 5 years experience in relevant fields; 2 of which should be in mortgage Regular University Degree preferably in Social/Management sciences Professional qualification in relevant field will be an added advantage Job Title: Head, Financial Control Location: Abuja Responsibilities Responsible for preparing and reporting on the monthly financial activities of the business Will prepare and interpret Management Accounts To liaise with all components to ensure timely and accurate management and financial account reporting. Directly reports to the MD/CEO Supervises All Accounting Personnel Requirements Knowledgeable in Accounting Standards, Policies, Practices and Procedures Conversant with-relevant regulatory frameworks a Numerical and analytical skills Skilled in usage of Microsoft Office packages, especially Excel Minimum of 5 years hands-on experience in Accounting Practice ICAN/ACCA certified BSc in Accounting/Management Sciences Job Title: General Manager, Operations and Information Technology Location: Abuja Responsibilities Provides effective leadership, coordinates, guides and controls current to long-term development of an efficient, responsive, automated and dynamic Institution-wide operations and Information Technology management systems to support the administrative, retail, mortgage and commercial banking services to deliver superior customer service and achieve corporate objectives Reports directly to MD/CEO Supervises Banking Operations, Information Technology and all services Requirements Thorough understanding of branch banking, and strong operations background. Marketing Orientation Very good managerial skills Creative and innovative Experience in Regional banking operations Good understanding of the credit process. Good understanding of IT processes. Minimum of 10 years exposure in financial services (at least Mgr/SM level) Good first degree in Science or Social Science. MBA or any post graduate degree is an added advantage Job Title: Executive Director, Marketing Location: Abuja Responsibilities Will collaborate with the Board to provide continuous strategic direction for the business Responsible for providing effective leadership and guidance in business development, strategic management of resources as well as design of modalities for effective implementation of market expansion and growth. Reports directly to MD/CEO Supervises all Business Development initiatives, Personnel and Resources Requirements Strong business acumen Very good knowledge of banking, marketing and business development Comprehensive knowledge of banking services and regulations Strong analytical skills Strong oral and written communication skills Strong general management and people skills Minimum of 12 years hands-on banking experience in credit and marketing Good first degree. An MBA or Masters degree is desirable Remuneration Above industry standard Interested and qualified candidates should send their applications and CVs to: rexrobertsconsult@gmail.com or P.O.Box 5079 Surulere, Lagos Application Deadline 9th January, 2014 ——————————————————

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OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, January 4, 2014

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SATURDAY, JANUARY 4, 2014 AST year witnessed a flurry of activities, especially towards the end. At the international level, the death of the world icon, Dr Nelson Mandela shook the world. At the national level, the merger of parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC) came into being. The parties that came together were the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) the Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and a faction of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA). The significance of the merger is that, it is the first of its kind in Nigeria’s political history. Critics and pessimists had already gone to town that it would never work, because there was no precedence. However, so far so good. Again, for the first time, governors from the rulingPeoples Democratic Party (PDP) defected to the opposition, APC. Also, thirty seven members of the PDP on the floor the House of Representatives shifted allegiance to the APC. If the feelers and body movements of some of the remaining PDP members are to be correctly interpreted, then the defection could have a bandwagon effect. The initial crisis within the PDP could not be properly managed, which has snowballed into the major crisis it has become now. The crisis within the selfstyled largest party in Africa has significantly affected governance, such that there is no quality time for it. Crisis in the education sector, which took the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) to stay away from work since July 1st, ended in November. The sad episode came with its victim, the death of Dr Festus Iyayi of the University of Benin, Benin City. The late Iyayi was on his way to Abuja for a meeting of the top hierarchy of ASUU to resolve the impasse, when he met his untimely death in Kogi State. His vehicle was hit by a vehicle in the convoy of the Kogi State governor, Captain Idris Wada. Iyayi was a one-time President of ASUU. It would be recalled that the Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has been on strike for some time now. The Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) also embarked on a 5-day warning strike, with a threat of full-blown strike in the new year, if certain things were not resolved. Nigeria was able to avoid the perennial scarcity of fuel associated with the end of year and new year festivities, when reason prevailed over the attempt by the two major labour unions in the petroleum sector, the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) refrained from going on strike. The privatization of the electricity behemoth, the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) also came on stream. The energy sector is now divided into three, the Generating Companies (GENCOs) transmission Company under the aegis of the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Distribution Companies, the (DISCOS). So far, not so good! This is because the impact is yet to be felt by the masses. The private companies that bought the L

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A Reflection Of Last Year

•OBASANJO

PHCN are yet to impress because from the people’s point of view, they were not fully prepared for the arduous task ahead. A basic necessity in the sector, such as prepaid meter, should not be a problem. Nigerians have made it clear that without it, they are not prepared for outrageous or crazy bills attendant with the PHCN era. Then came the season of letters. A letter by the Central Bank Governor (CBN), Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi to President Goodluck Jonathan in September, asking the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to explain an unremitted fund to the CBN to the tune of $49.8 billion dollars was surreptitiously leaked to the press in November. Though Sanusi recanted letter, saying that he goofed and that the actual amount outstanding was $11billion dollars, when the Co-ordinating minister, who doubles as the Finance Minister, Dr Ngozi Okonjo–Iweala, her Petroleum Resources counterpart, Mrs Diezani AllisonMadueke and Sanusi addressed the press. The leaked correspondence between Sanusi and Jonathan coincided with the one written by the erstwhile President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo to Jonathan. The 18-page letter, which was an open one, according to Obasanjo, was

because the President had not only failed to respond to his previous letters, but even refused to acknowledge the receipt of them. Obasanjo’s letter catalogue a lot of sins committed by the Presidency and especially his failure or inability to wage a serious war against corruption. He also alleged that the President has a list of 1000 politicians on his watch-list and above all that the President is alleged to be training snipers. The letter generated a lot of controversy with some Nigerians arguing that the ex-Nigerian leader has no justification in accusing his successor, who he forced on Nigerians. Even though issues raised by Obasanjo were already in the public domain, except the issue of snipers, some Nigerians said the message should be divorced from the messenger. This simply means that Obasanjo may not be the messiah that Nigerians know, but he has a fundamental human right to raise issues with the government. The President’s response to Baba Iyabo’s letter was to a large extent a rationalization or justification for all the president had done. In concrete term, the president could not tell Nigerians the bold measures he had taken to curb graft, except to tell us that corruption did not start during his tenure. In the State of Osun, Governor Rauf Aregbesola has done what the opposition

party thought was impossible. In only last year, the Oba Adesoji Aderemi East byepass was commenced, Hassan Olajoku Event Centre at Gbongan junction, and Chief Bisi Akande Trumpet Bridge, Gbongan were commissioned and commenced respectively. The Salvation Army Middle School, Alekuwodo, Osogbo was commissioned. The e-tablet popular called computer tablet of knowledge (Opon Imo), which contains secondary school subjects, scheme, text, standard past and practice questions were distributed free-of-charge to students in Senior School II & III. A pair of free uniforms were also given out to students. The reclassification of schools started in earnest and has gone a long way. Igi–Iye, tree plantation was carried out by the government with individuals, corporate bodies, as well as schools were given trees to plant to check desert encroachment. Jigi-Aregbe, was eye glasses given to people with eye defects free-of-charge. The empowerment of drivers, where the state government stood as guarantor for loans for drivers under the aegis of the National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) and the Road Transport Employee Association of Nigerian (RTEAN) was also carried out last year. The audience participation-programme to highlight the achievements of the government tagged Gbangba Dekun is a laudable achievement. The government through this programme assembles the elected representatives of the people in the area and those in government to tell their people directly what they have achieved and what they intend to do. It is also an opportunity for the electorate to take on the governor. The massive work on the Old-Garage/ Kwara State boundary with street lights is a spectacle to behold at night. As we enter the election year in the State of Osun, it behoves on all indigenes of the area to critically assess the government and award it the mark it deserves. Even the greatest critic of this government accedes to the fact that this unusual government of Aregbesola has performed exceedingly well. The governor, as usual, has promised to do more than he has done before. The state is now peaceful. The environment is conducive for both local and international investments. The infrastructural renewal is unprecedented. What else can the citizens ask for? If the government is fulfilling its part of the bargain, it only behoves on the citizens to do theirs. Residents of the State of Osun should be law-abiding, pay their taxes as and when due, then report unscrupulous citizens to the appropriate authorities. Some political desperadoes may want to catch-in on the fast-approaching gubernatorial election in the state to cause chaos, we should resist them. This column is making a clarion call to all members of the electorate to be fullyprepared for voters’ verification exercise when it starts to ensure that they ensure that their names are on the authentic register, which will enable them to vote.

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.