Osun Defender - January 7th, 2014 Edition

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014 The inauguration of Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club and Omoluabi Youth Club by the state of Osun government recently is another commendable initiative of the Ogbeni Aregbesola's administration.

VOL. 9. NO.003

Front Page Comment

Omoluabi Boys And Girls Club The 'Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club and 'Omoluabi' Youth Club were launched recently in Ede town in the state of Osun with the aim of incul-

the Omoluabi cating sound moral Youth Club. values in the youths.

While teenagers of 12-17 The official launch of these years constitute the clubs shows how 'Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club adults of between 18-35 make up Continue on Page 4.

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

N50

IGE

LG Election ‘ll Hold Before May - Aregbesola •Vows To Humble Troublemakers

- See Story On Page 2

•(L-R) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat and President, State Customary Court of Appeal, Justice Gloria Oladoke during the interreligious service for New Year 2014 organised by State of Osun Government at the State Government Secretariat, Abere, last Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Fire Guts Market In Ile-Ife

- See Story On Page 3

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

News

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LG Election ‘ll Hold Before May - Aregbesola •Vows To Humble Troublemakers

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

themselves as powerless and accept that it is only Allah that is the most powerful one that has the power to place a man in positions of authority.

He stressed further that Allah wants humans to always humble themselves at all times and realise that prayer is the only way by which man can get through to God, while calling on the people of the state, especially those in leadership positions, to always have it in mind that death is inevitable and every human being will give account on judgment day.

The cleric then called on the people of the state to eschew violence and be disciplined at all times.

Also in his sermon, the Chairman of the Christian

Association Nigeria (CAN), Reverend Elisha Ogundiya, stated that God knows about everyone that is in leadership positions, adding that God is always ready to direct and guide any leader that goes as the new ones that religious Prayer Service before Him for direction would be created soon to usher-in the New Year, and help.

The governor further held last Thursday at the He also called on the assured the people of the Government Secretariat, people of the state to be state that pocket of Osogbo, the state diligent and dedicated in violence and chaos in the capital. all their ways, while urging state would become a the residents of the state He expressed thing of the past before gratitude to God for to always recognise and the end of the current supporting put God first in everything the year. they do. administration since its He added that his inception, despite the Prayers of thanksgiving administration is various challenges and were then rendered to determined to deal with plans by some nefarious God for His mercies and trouble makers by politicians and their protection over the strengthening the various collaborators to truncate governor and the entire security apparatus in the the prevailing peace being citizens of the state in the state. past years and prayed to enjoyed by all in the Aregbesola gave the state.

God to continue guiding assurances during the the state governor and his The governor 2014 Annual Interteam in the administration of the state in the current year and beyond.

There were also traditional prayers for the success of the current administration, while the religious leaders also prayed to God against chaos, crime, instability, armed robbery and road accidents.

The programme had in attendance; wife of the governor, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola; the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and other members of the State Executive Council.

Also in attendance were members of the State House of Assembly, top politicians in the state, market women, labour leaders, Permanent Secretaries and Directors of state establishments, heads of security agencies and •The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (with mic) delivering a sermon at the Special End-of-the Year Prayer Session tagged: Let’s representatives of other Federal Governmentgo afishing organized by the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) in Ede recently. owned establishments in the state.

Religious leaders at the prayer service included HE Commissioner for Information and Strategy government, as this is the democracy can get to the current administration in the Chief Imam of T the state has increased the Osogbo land and Grand in the State of Osun, Mr Sunday Akere, has only way through which people.

He noted that the internally-generated Imam of Yorubaland commended the staff of the ministry for the dividends of revenue of the state from including Edo and Delta putting up exemplary performance in their duties N300 million, which it met states, Sheik Mustapha during the outgone year and charged them to be in 2010 to N1.7 billion Ajisafe, Prophet Gabriel steadfast and industrious in the current year. monthly and hopes to Fakeye Alhaji ‘Lere Akere gave this adequately, all activities of increase it up to N5billion Yusuf. government and at the commendation when he Others were the Araba monthly in no distant paid an unscheduled visit same time engendering Awo of Osun, Chief period of time. to all offices and robust feedback, through Ifayemi Elebuibon, At the Government which the feelings of the departments in the Press Complex, the Bishop, Osun Anglican ministry, as a mark to people can reach the commissioner stated that Diocese, Bishop Afolabi round off the outgone government from time to Governor Rauf Popoola, the Chairman, time. year.

Aregbesola has approved Osun State Muslim The commissioner also According to the fund to procure Community, Sheik commissioner, the State used the opportunity to call necessary equipment, so Salaudeen Olayiwola, on all and sundry to Ministry of Information that the printing press Chief Lasisi Olota from and Strategy is the mirror cooperate with the could become a revenue- Ila, the Chairman PFN, of any state, hence the government in improving generating source for the State of Osun, Reverend need for the ministry to be the internally-generated state government.

Olasunbo Ige and the of the up and doing, by reporting revenue Chief Imam of Ilesa, •AKERE Sheik Muhammed Jamiu If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897, 08023191891.

Idris. assuring that all the ongoing W HILEprojects in the state will be completed, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun has announced that before the end of the first quarter of the year, local government election would have been conducted in all the existing local government council areas, as well

promised that his administration would continue to work hard to move the state forward despite the meagre and dwindling allocation from the federal account, while reminding the gathering that the year is an election year, which called for serious vigilance and steadfastness.

He also called on parents to rise up to their responsibility of instilling discipline in their children, noting that discipline is lacking among the young ones, as most parents no longer have time for their wards, instead they leave their roles for the teachers, who have limited time.

He equally challenged the parents to regularly go through the computer-

like Tablets of Knowledge (Opon Imo) distributed to students, so that unwanted materials will not be put into the device, adding that the resources invested on education sector is too enormous to be allowed to go down the drain.

The programme, which was put together, with the sole aim of puting the activities of the state and the government before God at the beginning of the year, attracted leaders from the three faiths in the state: Islam, Christianity and the Traditional religious worshippers.

Alhaji Taofeeq Abdulhamid from the Federal Polytechnic, Ede, who cited Quran Chapter 22:74 during his sermon, said that all human beings must see

Akere Charges Staff To Brace Up In 2014

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Fire Guts Market In Ile-Ife •Properties Worth Millions Of Naira Destroyed worth millions of naira were PROPERTIES on Friday destroyed as fire gutted Oja Tutun Market located at Odo-Ogbe area in the ancient city of Ile-Ife. Although none of the eye witnesses could ascertain the cause of the fire outbreak, but it was discovered that the fire raged for about six hours before it could be put off.

According to Mrs Adewumi Ronke, it took the intervention of fire fighters from the State Government Fire Service

to curtail the outbreak from spreading to other parts of the market.

While inspecting the extent of the damage, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Commerce, Cooperatives and Empowerment, Dr Olalekan Yinusa, sympathised with the affected traders and urged them to be careful with electrical appliances,

especially during harmattan season.

He instructed the Director of Empowerment in the ministry to take account of victims and the extent of damage the fire impacted on them, saying Governor Rauf

Aregbesola is concerned about their plight.

The Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the state, Mr Sunday Akere, who was represented by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Engineer Segun Aduroja urged

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

traders in the state to adhere to the Thursdays market cleaning exercise to avert similar occurrence in the future, particularly during harmatan.

Some of the affected traders, Mrs Omisakin Comfort, Mrs Adenaiya Sakirat and Mrs Isiaka

Nusirat, who spoke with journalists at the market, prevailed on Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the state to come to their aid, saying their sources of livelihood have been affected by the incident.

Sixteen shops were however razed by the fire incident.

Wet Your Trees During Dry Season – Ilori Urges Osun Trees Beneficiaries headmasters, farmers, house PRINCIPALS, owners and other beneficiaries of the State o f Osun free tree planting programme have been advised to ensure intensive wetting of their ornamental trees, flowers and shrubs, during the need be provided with ongoing dry season.

The Special Adviser to water before the sun rises the morning and as the Governor on in 6:30pm, when the Environment and from intensity of the sun might Sanitation, Honourable gone down.

Bola Ilori, gave this have Ilori finally advised that admonition in Osogbo, horticulturists, fruit, during a chat with economic and nonjournalists in his office. farmers and According to him, economic although the teak, other categories of should clear or ornamental flowers and planters spot-hoe the hedges of crawlers distributed to the their plantations during residents of the state the dry season, to prevent have been scientifically external attack from raised in nurseries to animals or raging fire. ensure low mortality, it is however still necessary for the beneficiaries to wet the plants constantly to obtain the best results.

He added that the current intermittent cold in the face of sunny afternoon requires careful digging of holes around the plants or along the beds to allow water to sink through.

The governor’s aide disclosed that although ornamental trees and flowers need not be fertilized, due to their ability to acquire nutrients directly from the sun, they •ILORI

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

•(L-R) Wife of the Governor, State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola; State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Temitope Ilori and Director of Medical Services, State Ministry of Health, Dr Adepoju Gbenga, on the occasion of presentation of gifts to first baby of the year and other babies by the wife of the governor recently at State Hospital, Asubiaro, Osogbo.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Robber, 20, Bags Three Years For Robbery

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN

man, Abdullah Azeez, who A 20-year-old was accused of robbing a commercial motorcyclist of his Bajaj motorcycle, has been sentenced to three years imprisonment by an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court.

Azeez bagged the jail robbers, who requested term after pleading guilty to be taken to Laroto the two-count charge Timeyin Area at Isale of conspiracy and Osun Area of Osogbo at robbery on Friday. around 8.00pm.

Presenting the fact of “Before getting to the the case before the court, agreed destination, the police prosecutor, robbers, who posed as Inspector Isiaka Ajadi, passengers, stopped the said Azeez and his motorcyclist and pushed accomplice, who was at- him off and escaped with large, robbed one Ojo the motorcycle,” the Ibrahim of his red- police prosecutor said. coloured Bajaj The robbers, motorcycle, with according to Ajadi, were registration number arrested by some Fulani AAW 109 QB at Laro herdsmen, who gave a Area of Osogbo, the hot chase to the accused State of Osun capital. on the bike, after the Ajadi stated that the victim raised alarm that innocent Ibrahim was attracted residents of the flagged-down by the area and passers-by.

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Azeez, who hailed from Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Council Area of the state was said to have committed the offence on December 30, 2013 at about 8:00pm at Laro Timeyin area, Osogbo.

Ajadi maintained that the offence committed was contrary to and punishable under Section 516 and 390 of the Criminal Code Cap. 34, Vol. 11 Laws of Osun, 2003.

During the proceedings, the accused, who had no legal representation, admitted committing the crime, even as he pleaded with the court to be merciful on his conviction.

Azeez claimed that he was a first-time offender,

saying that he was arrested on his first robbery operation.

He stated that he resorted to criminal acts as a result of the lack of parental care, saying that he lost his parents when he was a toddler.

Weeping profusely in the dock, Azeez then promised to turn a new leave, as he had learnt his lessons.

Chief Magistrate Olusola Aluko, while handling down his judgment, said that he was satisfied with the confession of the accused to the charges and therefore found him guilty of the crime.

Aluko then convicted and sentenced him to three years imprisonment with an option of N15,000 fine.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Change Of Name

This is to inform members of the public, that AWOLEYE RISIKAT .A. is the same person as ADELEYE RISIKAT AWOLEYE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ODUOYE DEBORAH OLUFOLAKE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OLADUNMOYE DEBORAH OLUFOLAKE. All former documents remain valid. Osun Central Education District Office, Ila-Orangun and general public should take note.

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Omoluabi Boys And Girls Club passionate the governor is in reviving the almost dead 'Omoluabi' ethos among the Yorubas. Of course the statement that the 'Omoluabi' philosophy is going into extinction among the Yoruba can't be regarded as a lie. And we must not forget, like the renowned writer of Yoruba literature, Professor Akinwunmi Ishola, who was also present at the launch, proudly said, "the Omoluabi virtue is the greatest asset which God has naturally deposited in any Yoruba man which can be sold to the entire world".

The 'Omoluabi' ethos is the distinguishing feature of the Yoruba people. The virtues of human dignity, hardwork, respect for elders, dutifulness, trustworthiness, obedience etc are what constitute good character as embedded in

'Omoluabi' concept. Good character is something the Yorubas cherish like the cock cherishes his comb. It's our greatest asset as rightly posited by Professor Akinwunmi Ishola.

Saddening however, the 'Omoluabi' virtues have been fading away in our midst. We are losing our moral values as passed down to us by our ancestors and this is a source of worry and concern for many right thinking Yorubas among whom is the Governor of the state of Osun. Thus the inauguration of 'Omoluabi' clubs by Ogbeni Aregbesola gives us an insight into his mind - as a concerned Yoruba person. It would also be recalled that one of the first major executive duties the Governor carried out on assumption of office was to re-brand his state and re-christined it 'Ipinle Omoluabi' (the state of the Virtuous).

Thus in respect of the above it isn't difficult to understand where the Governor is coming from and what he intends achieving for the youths. We need to train the youths in good character development - as also opined by the state of Osun Commissioner for Youths and Sport - while speaking on the occasion. It is the dying nature of all these virtues in our society that is responsible for the present morass we now find ourselves. It's quite unfortunate.

Apparently the message Ogbeni Governor is passing across by the establishment of these Omoluabi Clubs is that we need to retrace our steps before it's too late. We can't afford to lose our greatest asset as that would spell doom for us as a race. The Yoruba have one of the best cultures in the world and we are the best in terms of human character. Won't it then be a shame and a disaster to allow these virtues to die?

God forbid!

PDP Should Stop Stalling Development In Osun TO

doubting Thomases, it should be clear by now that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, the governor of the State of Osun, would spare nothing to achieve his goals of developing the state.

I am saying this against the backdrop of the separation of some house exetensions along Gbongan-Osogbo road, especially Aregbesola Campaign Office, called Oranmiyan House. Many banks, hotels and some other beautiful structures have been affected by this exercise.

If the governor can order that the extension of his own campaign office be demolished, I wonder what anybody that is affected by this exercise would say for him to stall the development along the axis. It should be noted that his campaign office is

his own and not government’s property.

It is however disheartening that the state chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) cannot divorce politics from reality and development, by refusing to allow the demolition of the extension of its

secretariat.

It is worthy to note that the party leaders in Osun have continued to show lawlessness by stationing suspected thugs around their campaign office, the fence of which has been marked for removal more than six months ago.

The question that should be asked is that for

how long does the PDP think it can stall development in Osun.

Having occupied the seat of government in the state for close to eight years and no serious development could be pointed at, now they want to sabotage the developmental initiatives of Aregbesola.

accepting reality.

What explanation or excuse would the PDP leaders give to have their campaign office spared?

I don’t think there is any.

Politics apart, everybody in Osun, even PDP members know that rapid development is going on and for once the PDP leaders should pretend that they want development. A Yruba adage says; “Ti won ba peni labifun rairai, o ye ki eni bee pafun re mo”. Must the PDP show all the times that the development of Osun is not its priority.

Anyway, we all know that Aregbesola will not look back and the PDP leaders and members must be told that nobody can stand in front of a moving train and live to tell the story.

It should be recalled that when the PDP-led government was dualising the Akoda/Osogbo road, a portion of Aregbesola Campaign office was demolished and nobody raised any eyebrow.

Now, more of it has been demolished, but the PDP • A D E B A Y O just believed in chasing IBRAHIM, Osogbo, shadow instead of State of Osun.

We do not agree less with Ogbeni Governor when he said inter-alia during the launch that "We need to train the youths properly, for no matter the investment by any government on infrastructure, if the moral values are not imbibed, such investment will be in vain because uncultured people will destroy any good that the government might have done". We find this assertion to be the truth.

Finally, to have a progressive society devoid of rancour, indiscipline, religious intolerance, corruption and other vices that have been holding us down as a nation we need to raise 'Omoluabi' flag to high heavens. It is necessary. The virtues of 'Omoluabi' are all we need to get to the Promised Land. It's therefore on this score that we find the establishment of Omoluabi Boys and Girls Club and Omoluabi Youth Club highly commendable..

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Anniversary OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

THREE YEARS OF RAUF REVOLUTION IN THE STATE OF OSUN

So Far; So Good! (VI) This last edition in the series was supposed to eclipse the horizons of the just-ended year and usher in the brand-new year, 2014 last week; but for some hitches in production. As it is now rescheduled, NIYI OLASINDE takes a look at the activities and achievements of the ‘Government Unusual’ in as many of the other remaining sub-sectors as possible. He draws the safe conclusion that the entire three years of the Rauf Aregbesola administration in the State of the Virtuous has garnered bounteous harvest for the state and its people; hoping that the new year, the last calendar year in the first tenure; and the entire second tenure shall fully consolidate the solid achievements which this series has been devoted to underscore.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the crowd during the official commissioning of Oranmiyan Security Tower and Complex by the governor at Lagere, Ile-Ife, recently.

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MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

So Far; So Good! (VI)

•Ogbeni Aregbesola (left) addressing Omoluabi Boys/Girls Club and Omoluabi Youth Club during the official launch of the club, in commemoration of Aregbesola’s administration’s third year anniversary at the National Youth Service Corps ( NYSC) Orientation Camp, Ede, State of Osun, recently.

Contiuned from page 5 that characterized the education sector subsequent editions of this series. who intend to travel home during

•Continued from last week •Finance, Industry, Commerce and Cooperatives (contd.)

N the area of Finance, Commerce, I Industry and Industrialization, the ongoing Rauf Revolution has so overwhelmingly impacted on the socioeconomic lives of the people of Osun that the state is currently being transformed into a land of full prosperity and bright full opportunity for all citizens.

Before his assumption of office, the state had nearly been run into insolvency by the impostors who held her and her people captive. Aside the fact that there were no meaningful projects on ground to justify the presence of a government in the state during that dark era; the flimsy excuse on the tongue of the executive of the time is that there was shortage of funds to execute projects that would have impacted positively on the lives of the people. As if to add salt to injury, Oyinlola always lamented that he was financing the salaries and allowances of civil/public servants in the state through bank loans and overdrafts.

Not only that, Oyinlola rushed to obtain a loan from a commercial bank to the tune of N18.3 Billion (first installment of about N36 Billion) about three or four months to his ouster from office. He did this in utter defiance to and total disregard of the voice of reason by members of opposition and all other stakeholder who meant well for the state. At the end of it, nothing tangible could be found on ground as evidence to having sunk such enormous sum into the economy of the state.

Upon his assumption of office, one of the first most terribly threatening challenges the incoming administration met on ground; and which it must find urgently surmountable was huge repayment and servicing of huge debts of which the just afore-mentioned loan is a component. Upon all, the Oyinlola administration was always indebted to workers a backlog of salaries and allowances; while substantial amounts of pension and gratuity were owed to senior citizens (retirees). We once mentioned the high school fees regime

in the state in those days. On top of it, authorities of state-owned institutions of higher learning were compelled to provide counterpart funding for the payment of salaries and allowances of their workers. Other arbitrary fees were charged on pupils/students at all levels of public schools in the state just as it pleased the inordinate desires of those at the helm of affairs. This is not to talk of illegal, indiscriminate deductions from local government monthly statutory allocation, just as it was deemed necessary! Upon all, tongues of all top functionaries of that government wagged for shortage of funds.

This sad trend was reversed by the Aregbesola administration. The loans and debts were immediately rescheduled; while all avenues through which substantial amounts in revenue that would have accrued into the coffers of the state were leaking out were blocked. Ever since, all forms payments of revenue into the coffers of the state have been made through e-banking.

Through this latter measure, the monthly revenues of the state have been raised by an upward of N20 Million! The spate of ghost worker has been successfully combated. Also the school fees regime at the tertiary level was instantly reviewed backward, while education at primary and secondary levels became free in all ramifications.

The practice of making illegal deductions from the local government statutory allocations ceased with immediate effect. All contractors who had hitherto defaulted/abandoned contract works assigned to them were mobilized back to site. The entire backlog of salaries, allowances and retirement benefits met on ground unpaid was settled. Also, an instant end came to the imprudent practice of having to approach commercial banks for loans and overdrafts over any expenses of the state. In short, accountability, probity, prudence; transparency and integrity which had been debased as core values and virtues of the Yoruba race were restored. Today, we are all better for it.

More details have come to fore in

During the period of the fiery siege, which lasted for complete seven-anda-half years; Osogbo the state capital had completely lost its hard-won status as a commercial city. Earlier efforts by the Alliance for Democracy (AD)-led administration of Chief Bisi Akande to regain these lost grounds were not accorded continuity. The Orisunmbare Ultra Modern Market constructed by that administration was not put to use; instead, it became refuse dumping ground. In the event of time, it became overgrown with weeds and bushes, hence an abode for rodents and reptiles.

That was under an administration which self-styled itself as Ore Ara Ilu i.e.

People-Friendly Government.

Today, under a more capable government administered by Ogbeni Aregbesola, the Orisunmbare Ultra Modern Market has found its full use; likewise other shopping spaces privately developed at various legitimate locations within the state capital and all other locations throughout the entire state. If the non usage of the facilities all this while had been a result of people’s resistance to change, the massive development projects being embarked upon, involving demolition of illegal structure had made them to take recourse to normalcy and abide by rules of civility and decency. Today, Osogbo metropolis is a better place to behold.

Apart from the Orisunmbare Ultramodern Market in Osogbo, other efforts at reconnecting Osogbo and the entire state to their rightful place in commerce are ongoing. The reconstruction work at MDS and Station Road of the city shall soon be commenced. Already, the Railway Station and Old Garage area of the city are already a bee-hive of activities, even as the railway services in the state are being resuscitated in collaboration with the hitherto moribund Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC); a feat that the Federal Government could not have recorded! It is also placed on record that the Aregbesola administration has since inception been providing free conveyance for indigenes of the state

festivities like Id-el-Kabir, Id-el-Fitri, Christmas/New Year and Easter.

According to the State of Osun Commissioner for Commerce, Industry and Co-operatives, Alhaji Jayeoba Alagbada, at a Quarterly Press Briefing organized at the instance of the State Ministry of Information and Strategy during the outgoing year, the free railway transport services facilitated by the Government of the State of Osun through his Ministry had by May 2013 transported up to 20,000 travellers during festivities to Osun.

Another major step being currently taken in the direction of commerce in the state is the world-class Ayegbaju International Market under construction at the site of Old Government Secretariat in Ogo-Oluwa Area of Osogbo, the state capital, The intention behind the creation of this market is to provide a spacious avenue for selling finished products carted in from Lagos via the railway; while agricultural produce are carted back through the same means. For this purpose, the Osogbo Railway Terminus has been given a facelift, including in spaces, pedestrian bridge, warehouses and other facilities to upgrade it to the new status.

With the emergence of the New Ayegbaju Market, traders would be saved the risks, rigors, time and cost of going to Lagos for replenishing their stock. In effect, consumer too will be offered quality products at the same moderate prices obtainable in Lagos.

This shall contribute in no small measure to the economic welfare of the people of the state. It is expected that the first phase of shops at the Ayegbaju International Market will be delivered for official commissioning any moment from now.

Similarly, another market has sprung up through the dynamic leadership of Ogbeni Aregbesola. That is the Aje International Market at the Ido Osun outskirts of Osogbo, the state capital.

The site of this market is the Trade Fair Complex which the Oyinlola administration claimed falsefully to Contiuned on page 7

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

MAGAZINE

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So Far; So Good! (VI)

•AREGBESOLA Continued from page 6

have developed to international standard. Amply located close to the proposed Ido Osun International Airport, named as Moshood Abiola Airport, the market shall upon completion tower prominently to aid and promote international trade as well as boost the commerce of the State of Osun.

Another in the list of markets being constructed in the state is the Dagbolu International Market, at Dagbolu Village, Oba Junction, along Ikirun/Ofa Road of Osogbo, the state capital. This market is clearly the largest of the three projects with full facilities to fit the status of an international market. Proximity of the railway system to the location of this market is a big plus. The location of the three markets shall serve the purpose of feeding other towns in the state based on their nearness to specific axis.

Other efforts of the Aregbesola administration in the area of commerce include the construction and development of the Ido Osun Aerodrome to the full status of an international airport; development of industrial estates in the State of Osun; and development of Ajagba Fair complex at Ilesa and Olufi Complex at Gbongan, with similar ones in Osogbo, Ikirun, Ede, Iwo, Ile Ife and Ila Orangun. Concerning the Ido Osun International Airport, it is already in the news that the contract for the project has been awarded to the tune of N4.6 Billion, to be completed and delivered within the next twelve months. This hint was recently dropped by the Special Adviser to the Governor on Works and Transport, Engineer Oladepo Amuda during an on-the-spot assessment of the project.

One recent feat recorded in the area of commerce is the participation of the state at the Niger State Trade Fair held in Minna around July, 2012. It would be remembered that the state had topmost ranking at that trade fair. In addition, in further pursuance of the concept of Omoluabi, arrangement is in top gear by the Government of the State of Osun to introduce standard measures and scales to the state to avoid cheating and inordinate wealthmaking; so as to attract and endear more of patronage to Osun market.

•LAOYE-TOMORI

The industrial thrust of the Aregbesola administration does not end with the foregoing. Aside the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES); several empowerment programmes have been organized, particularly, for women and other classes of people in the state. Also as an offshoot of the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme, several training programmes have taken participants to different parts of the world, like OYES-Tech and the agricultural training which has taken participants to Germany. The Aregbesola administration has also invested hugely in the electricity supply situation of the state with the view of boosting the industrial and commercial drive of the state thereby. Today, electricity supply has so improved that Osun is ranked as one of the states in the federation with the most constant and regular supply of electricity. The massive investment of government in improvement of electricity supply includes distribution of electricity transformers and planned installation of three more feeders to connect the state to the main grid if the Power Holding of Nigeria; as well as the planned integrative efforts with other states of the South West to provide alternative source of energy via the abundance of natural gas in oil-rich Ondo State.

Internally, the recently launched O’Clean Plus is a waste management drive of making wealth from waste and producing alternative source of household energy consumption through biogas. It is hoped that this venture, when commercialized, shall impact boost on the economy of the state.

•Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism the area of Home Affairs, Culture INand Tourism, it is placed on record that the incumbent administration has accomplished a lot. In fairness to the ousted administration of Prince Oyinlola, the popular and internationally revered Osun Grove got listed as an international tourist centre by the UNESCO. In addition, the same UNESCO approved the siting of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding at Osogbo.

But the level of development being witnessed in this sub-sector under the incumbent administration outstrips these. The pilgrimages of Christians and

Muslims to the Holy Lands of Jerusalem and Mecca in Israel and Saudi Arabia respectively for about three consecutive years running now have recorded huge successes. All hiccups and bottlenecks usually encountered in the course of these pilgrimages in the past have been remedied. Also, to ease pilgrimage operations, aid smooth lifting and return and reduce the chances of corruption to the barest minimum, membership of Christian Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and Muslim Pilgrims’ Welfare Board is no longer on permanent basis. The pilgrims now have smooth sail to and fro the Holy Lands annually. To the pride of all, no pilgrim has brought tarnishment to the image of the state during this period.

Concerning the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, the incumbent administration is providing a far better brand of administration for the centre; in accordance to the specifications spelt out in the Act of Parliament establishing the centre. Unlike the sit-tight live chairmanship toga hitherto worn by Prince Oyinlola, the stipulations of the law spelt it out clearly that the chairman of the centre’s board shall be the sitting governor or any other such person he so appoints to do the job! Today, the chairman of the Board of the centre is no less a personality than the highlyreputed academic icon and world renowned Nobel Laurel in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka. Readers are reminded the demeaning utterances publicly uttered by Oyinlola against this culture giant at the time of the approval of the centre.

The State of Osun is rich in cultural and traditional festivals. Some major ones annually celebrated are the international Osun Festival in Osogbo; the Olojo Festival in Ile Ife; the Iwude Ijesa Cultura Festival in Ilesa; the Odun Sango and Ipedi in Ede; and so on and so forth. Also the state is so replete with cultural sites and tourist centres that the state has come to be referred to as “Haven of Culture and Tourism”. Our numerous cultural cum tourist centres in the state have been receiving radical face-lift in the hand of the present administration. Going by what happened so far with the Osun Grove in Osogbo, the Grove has been

widened to accommodate more and more of the teeming crowd that converge on it on a yearly pilgrimage; with provisions made for pavilions and car parks. The same hand of assistance has been stretched out to the site of Erin Ijesa Waterfalls ; likewise all other locations in the state. With this development, the State of Osun is fast finding its foothold as rallying-point in the area of culture in Nigeria and yonder.

The consecutive visits of contingents from the State of Osun to Cuba in the West Indies are a worthwhile effort that deserves our commendation. During the course of the outgoing year 2013, contingents of the state embarked on rounds of tour to the Caribbean country to fully appreciate and get acclimatized to the culture and traditions of our parts of the African traditions as it is being practiced there. With these rounds of visits, it is expected that our delegates will come to the realization that people from other parts of the globe appreciate our culture more than we do, as indigenous owners. Also, the visits are expected to be avenues for cultural integration and development in our culture and tourism industry.

The Aregbesola administration has also scored another first in the recognition it has so far accorded African traditional religion practitioners in the state. Before this time, the situation on ground was that of according recognition only to the Christian and Muslim bodies; while the believers of traditional doctrines were placed at a place of obscurity. Today, however, due to the large-heartedness of Ogbeni Aregbesola, the traditional worshippers have been allowed free practice of their religious doctrines, observance of their festivals and formation of their own body; just like the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) and the Islamic counterpart.

•Information and Strategy move forward to give W E now consideration to the numerous achievements of the administration and its many strengths over the previous administration in the state in the remaining sectors; starting with the Information and Strategy SubSector. In the years preceding the advent of the incumbent administration Continued on page 11 to the

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

PHOTOTALK

8

At An Interreligious Service For New Year 2014 Organised By State Of Osun Government At The State Government Secretariat, Abere, Last Thursday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) Special Adviser to State of Osun Governor on Tourism, Mr Oladipo Soyode; State Commissioner for Health, Dr (Mrs) Temitope Ilori and her counterpart for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere, at the Programme.

•(L-R) Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti; the House of Representatives member representing Irewole/Ayedaade/ Isokan Federal Constituency under All Progressives Congress (APC), Alhaja Ayo Omidiran and APC State of Osun interim Chairman, Elder Lowo Adebiyi, at the event.

•(L-R) Deputy Chief of Staff to State of Osun Governor, Mr Gbenga Adebusuyi; Barrister Ajibola Bashiru; State Commissioner for Environment, Professor (Mrs) Olubukola Oyawoye and an Assistant Chief of Staff to the Governor, Honourable Toogun Oguntola.

•(L-R) State of Osun APC interim Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun; Elder Peter Babalola and State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Barrister Kolapo Alimi, on the occasion.

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

At An Interreligious Service For New Year 2014 Organised By State Of Osun Government Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI. At The State Government Secretariat, Abere, Last Thursday.

•A cross section of clerics at the programme.

•(L-R) Honourable Sijuwade Adetilewa and State of Osun Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye.

•Dignitaries at the programme.

•A cross section of traditional rulers at the event.

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Chairman, Police Service Commission, Paid A Courtesy Visit To The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At The Government House, Osogbo, Recently.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (centre); Chairman, Police Service Commission, Sir Mike Okiro (3rd left); Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Zone 11, David Omojola (left); Commissioner of Police, Osun Command, Mrs Dorothy Gimba (3rd right); Dr Sylvester Odije (2nd left) and others, during a courtesy visit to the governor at the Government House, Osogbo, recently.

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Settled The Renewed Communal Clash Between Oba-Ile and Oba-Oke In Olorunda Local Government Council Area Of Osun, At The Governor’s Office, Abere, Recently.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (4th right); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (3rd left); Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji moshood Adeoti (2nd left); Oloba of Oba-Ile, Oba Michael Adebisi (3rd right); Oloba of Oba-Oke, Oba Iyiola Bamidele (left); Oba Ile Community Leader, Alhaji Tijani Oladosu (2nd right); Eesa of Oba Oke, Chief Raji Olajire (right) and others, after a meeting resolving the renewed communal clash between the two communities at the Governor’s Office, Abere, State of Osun, recently.

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Commissioned Ansar-U-Deen Society Ultra-modern Central Mosque And Launch Of N100 Million Development Fund For The Construction Of A Multipurpose Hall In Ikire, Recently.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (3rd right) commissioning the Ultra-modern Central Mosque. With him; his wife, Sherifat (2nd left); Worldwide Islamic Preacher, Alhaji Muideen Bello (2nd right); National Missioner of Ansar-U-Deen Society (ADS), Alhaji Abdul-Raman Hamad (right) and Otun Imam of Ikireland, Alhaji Yunusa Raji (right), during the recent official commissioning of Ansar-U-Deen Society Ultra Modern Central Mosque and launch of N100 million Development Fund for the construction of a Multi-purpose hall in Ikire, State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

MAGAZINE

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So Far; So Good! (VI) Continued from page 7

reins of power, little or nothing significant took place in this vital public relations sub-sector. The overhaul of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio and Television, Ile Awiye, Oke Baale, Osogbo; that of New Dawn Television (NDTV), Ibokun; and that of the OSBC, Orisun FM, Ile Ife; claimed to have been brought up to obtainable standards globally by the ousted administration ended up in a farce, as nothing on ground – not even their programme broadcast, commercials, news and other activities justified the huge monetary and capital outlay claimed to have been invested into them.

The Reality Television Service (RTS), Iwo was worst-hit by the sharp practices of that administration. Let it be emphasized in passing that most of the equipment procured into practically all the state-owned media houses in that dark era was either obsolete or substandard; while some were never delivered before ouster came the way of that administration. In all, most contracts awarded for procurement of equipment and materials in those days were awarded to incompetent hands on the bases of their patronage of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP); being bootlickers and cronies to the power that be; and desire to make some segment of the society inordinately rich.

As mentioned in the last paragraph, the case of the Reality Television Service (RTS) in those days made it worst hit.

The media station located in Iwo is a legacy of the helmsmanship of late Chief Bola Ige as governor of the old Oyo State. Bola Ige started the project as a satellite station to the Broadcasting Corporation of Oyo State (BCOS); but he could not complete it due to sudden change in government which put paid to his administration in October 1983.

Consequent to this, the project was abandoned for more than twenty years before its revamping came during the Oyinlola administration. In fairness to that administration, it was it that revisited the project. Unfortunately, it did not carry it to a logical conclusion or completion; even though it had all the resources required so to do at its disposal. The same ugly fate which befell all other phantom projects and programmes in that era befell the RTS project. In what looks as a deliberate attempt at covering tracks, fire gutted the structure sometime toward the tail end of that administration. Instead of

facing rehabilitation efforts head-on, the administration started a vehement propaganda campaign; trading blames for the fire incident and pointing accusing fingers at the opposition for it!

We are not out to bore readers with details of those ugly spectacles of those days. But instances must always be cited, if only for the purpose of reference-making. If those contracts at the Reality Television Service had been faithfully executed; probably the fire incident could have been averted; and probably too, whatever legacies the Oyinlola administration had there would have been preserved for the incoming administration to build on. Candidly speaking, the Aregbesola administration met the Information and Strategy SubSector of the State of Osun bare and void.

The monthly audience-participation programme of the Oyinlola administration, tagged Gbagede Oro (People’s Forum) was simply a propaganda project, aimed not only to overbloat, embellish and exaggerate the scarce achievements of the administration; but also to crack jokes in clown-like manner and to derogate the opposition. Aside this, the entire communication and publicity package of the Oyinlola years was propagandachannelled. The rumour mongering apparatus of those days appears to subsist till date. The countless number of damaging rumours peddled round town regarding the incumbent governor, his administration and their programme package speak volumes that testifies to this indication. Little wonder why that administration could not accomplish much for the state. A government that busied its time with rumours and propaganda could hardly be in the right frame and shape to generate ideas and policies that could propel development, Today, in the State of Osun, the story has changed. The audience participation programme of the incumbent administration is devoid of the teleguided and stage-managed form its similar counterpart assumed in the days of the immediate past administration. Ogbeni Till Daybreak, the brainchild of the incumbent administration is better packaged and has tolerances for a pool of diverse opinions. Lucidly put, the incumbent administration in the state is far more receptive to criticisms and insults in the true spirit of Omoluabi.

The likes of questions being featured at the quarterly Ogbeni Till Daybreak

testify to this. With unruffled calm, the governor responds to all manners of questions. The manner of disposition with which the administration managed the situations involving some libelous reports carried by some national daily newspapers in the land is a proof of this.

During the time of some administration, the reporters of that kind of antigovernment reports could have been blacklisted, witch-hunted or even sent to their early graves. The amicable resolution of these differences shows the government of the day as one with human face, listening ear and large heart. To cap it all, the audienceparticipation programme of the incumbent administration, branded Ogbeni Till Daybreak is held far between, depicting an administration that is serious-minded and busier with more serious tasks than holding town/city gossips. In the past, Gbagede Oro was held as often as once in a month. At its inception, the incumbent administration held its own live audience participation programme only on occasions; with the first-ever of its series held on the occasion of its 100th day in office. It was much later when the towns and cities had become replete with daunting achievements that it became more frequently held. Even then, the programme is held on quarterly basis.

The wastefulness of holding such programmes at frequent intervals, especially by a government led by a conservative party of the stock of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) is killing enough to snuff life out of a state.

The quarterly-held Ministerial Press Briefing held at the instance of the State of Osun Ministry of Information and Strategy is another effective tool wielded to bridge likely communication gap that could arise between the government and the governed. The just-concluded edition of the press conference, which featured the commissioners of all ministries, some general managers of parastatals and senior special assistants to the governor has done well to demystify the activities of government and guided right the perception and mindset of the generality of the people. Apart from this, the State Executive meetings are no longer as farbetween as they used to be during the Oyinlola years. The total number of State Executive meetings held during the entire Oyinlola years is put between fifty and seventy; whereas the administration of the day makes it a point of duty to meet weekly in order to discuss and pool

ideas together to move the wheel of development and progress of the state forward in an accelerated fashion. On occasions when those meetings are not held, there must be some other important businesses of government preoccupying the governor and his cabinet. For example, sometime during the outgoing year, the governor and his cabinet took time off during the period slated for the normal State Executive meeting to pay an unscheduled visit to the sites of some completed/ongoing projects in the state, especially, within Osogbo, the state capital. There is no time when the State Commissioner for Information, Honourable Sunday Akere would not brief the people on the outcome of the deliberations of the State Executive Meeting Concerning the state-owned media houses, there has been huge investment by the State Government of Osun to the media houses to boost their effectiveness, sufficiency and productivity in terms of education, public enlightenment and information dissemination concerning happenings globally and the various activities of government. The Osun State Broadcasting Corporation (OSBC) Radio and Television, Oke Baale, Osogbo has witnessed massive overhaul and rehabilitation which has brought about lots of improvement on their scope of operation, news contents and telecast.

The New Dawn Television (NDTV), Ibokun has also been improved in similar vein. The same is true of the Osun State Broadcasting Corporation, Orisun FM, Ile Ife. These media houses have been lifted up to the level of standards obtainable elsewhere in the world. We intend to add in passing that the incumbent administration has the plan in the pipeline to commence another media station; a radio station named Omoluabi FM. According to the State commissioner of Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere, the station, which shall be totally committed to transmitting in the Yoruba language and its various dialect s shall soon commence transmission, say, in the incoming year 2014.

The first transformation witnessed by the Reality Television Service (RTS), Iwo was that of change in nomenclature and broadening in ifs scope of operation.

Immediately on assumption of office, the Aregbesola administration changed the Continued on page 12

•(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Governor Aregbesola; Assistant Inspector-General of Police (Zone 11), Mr David Omojola and State Commissioner of Police, Mrs Dorothy Gimba, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo, recently.

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

So Far; So Good! (VI) Contiuned from page 11

name of this outfit to Reality Radiovision, Iwo. The implication of this is that the station’s activities are no longer to be confined to television telecast, but there is going to be a sort of broadening to include radio broadcast. In pursuance of this, the station has been reinvigorated tor the two purposes with huge capital outlay. The reconstruction of parts of the station which were devastated by the inferno of the Oyinlola years earlier mentioned above has been carried out. Also, gadgets and equipment that were missing have been replaced. Other materials and equipment which procurement contract works had been awarded but which were abandoned have been supplied. Other materials and equipment which had not been awarded or provided for have been supplied; while shipment of a great deal of materials and equipment for the smooth operation of the station is being currently awaited. During the course of the year 2013,, the test-broadcast of the Reality Radiovision, Iwo’s Radio segment, branded Odidere FM 96.3 Frequency commenced. This hint was first dropped no less person than the State of Osun Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Honourable Sunday Akere.

Before drawing the curtains on the activities of this sector and its performances in the past thirty months vis-a-vis the rot of the previous seven-and-a-half years, we need to mention the plan in the offing to make some of the stations specialized stations. These stations include the New Dawn Television, Ibokun; which is intended to telecast issues purely in the field of Education; while the OSBC Orisun FM, Ile Ife is intended to broadcast issues relating purely to Culture and Agriculture. These giant strides present the summary of events and activities in the Information and Strategy segment of life of the state in the last thirty months or thereabouts. Further details shall be bared in later segments of the report.

•Social Integration and Inter-Governmental Affairs N the area of Social Integration and I Intergovernmental affairs, lots have been achieved in the State of Osun in the space of the last thirtysix months. Prior to the advent of the incumbent administration, nothing remarkable was known of the state in terms of its relations with other states in the South-West geopolitical zone and the Nigerian state as a whole. Upon the assumption of office of the Aregbesola administration in November 2010, the administration spared no time to rebrand the state, which had hitherto been known as the State of the

Living Spring into the State of the Virtuous, that is, Ipinle Omoluabi where the age-long virtues of hardwork, industry, enterprise, discipline, honesty and integrity are being upheld through a process of cultural reorientation. These virtues, which are the sterling qualities for which our forebears were renowned, had become gradually eroded in our culture, in our body politics and in practically all spheres of life. The virtues are now being revived through the concerted efforts

1.

Ise Wa Fun ’le Wa Fun Ile Ibi Wa K’a gbe E Ga; K’a Gbe E Ga K’a Gbe E Ga F’aye Ri

3.

Isokan A T’ominira Ni K’e Je Ka a Ma a Le”pa Tesiwaju; F’opo Ire At’ohun T’o Dara

Last in the aspect of rebranding is the name of the state. Hitherto, the State had been referred to simply as Osun State of Nigeria. A new bill to the effect of modifying the name of the state was forwarded by the governor to the State House of Assembly for passing into law. Thus, the Bill for the change in name of the state from Osun State into the State of Osun was passed into law about mid-2012. From that date, Osun State metamorphosed into “The State of Osun, Federal Republic of Nigeria”.

Apart from these, the State of Osun Building in Abuja had been almost abandoned before the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola came on board in November 2010. As revealed by the governor while responding to questions fielded by a crosssection of journalists at the last episode of his live audience-participation programme, the State of Osun Building Complex in Abuja was as at that date close to its completion.

Also in the area of integration, Ogbeni Aregbesola has since his inauguration been committed to the issue of socio-cultural and economic integration within the South-West geopolitical zone of Nigeria. The issue of regional integration is one of the basis on which critics and detractors have been at daggers drawn against Governor Aregbesola. Our view on OSUN DEFENDER Magazine crew is that those who go against regional integration of the South-West are enemies of progress. Better put, they comprise those who had misused their chances in public positions and offices; and who detest the sight of others outstripping them in performances and achievements. In the line of regional integration therefore, Governor Aregbesola has been the vanguard. We wish him astonishing success in his bid to attain socio-economic emancipation for our region through regional

•The picture showing the beautification of sections of Alekuwodo road in Osogbo in the night .

of the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

Apart from change of slogan, there are other components of the rebranding efforts of the incumbent administration in the State of Osun. These include the introduction of an anthem tor the state, a brandnew logo/crest; a brand-new flag; and brand-new colours. The New Osun Anthems is here cited preferably in t Yoruba indigenous language:

2.

Igbagbo Wa Ni Pe B’a Ti B’eru L’a B’omo K’a a S’ise; K’a S’ise K’a S’ise K’a Jo La

4. Omo Oodua Dide Bo Si Ipo Eto Re Iwo Ni; Imole Gbogbo Adulawo integration.

Beyond the borders of the state and those of the South-West Region, the governor is in collaboration with his counterparts in the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) to identify and condole with people of other states of the federation, especially those befallen with griefs and disasters. This gesture was demonstrated when Ogbeni Aregbesola joined others to visit the crisis-ravaged Borno State with material and monetary donations. This gesture exemplifies the doctrine of the Scriptures of being one’s brother’s keeper.

The gesture of the administration of Ogbeni in the evacuation of the indigenes of the state from the wartorn Cote d’Ivoire gladdened the heart. The gesture did not stop with mere evacuation, the administration also went further to settle the evacuated people and provided them with abundant supply of food items and other essential materials. This shows that the Government Unusual is extraordinarily caring.

Similarly, following the post-election crisis that trailed the 2011 Presidential Polls in certain parts of the country,, the Government of the State of Osun under the control of Ogbeni facilitated the evacuation of the state’s indigenes resident in Bauchi State for the purpose of safety. The unfortunate killing of two members of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) who were indigenes of the state drew great concern, grief and sympathy from government. The way the government identified with the bereaved families and the Gbongan community on account of the loss demonstrated an administration with great human feelings.

On the whole, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has been a unifying force in the present Contiuned on page 13

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OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

So Far; So Good! (VI)

•Ogbeni Aregbesola (right); his deputy, Otunba Laoye-Tomori (left) and other dignitaries in a group photograph with Methodist School pupils during the distribution of School badges recently.

Continued from page 12 socio-economic and political terrain of the country. Judging by the number of markets currently under construction in the state capital, the coast is radically becoming clear for restoring the state and its capital in particular to its old lost status as the commercial hub of the South-West. It is hoped that by the time the administration is through with all its laudable projects, the State of Osun shall have been completely transformed into a land of unity, plenty, prosperity, peace and prosperity. These laudable goals are attainable.

•Local Government, Chieftaincy Affairs and Community Development the Local Government, Chieftaincy IN Affairs and Community Development is our next point of call. This sib-sector witnessed utter debasement and degradation during the period of the fiery siege unleashed on the state by the erstwhile administration in the state. First and foremost, we have, in earlier parts of this series of this edition, seen how countless number of illegal deductions was indiscriminately made from the monthly statutory allocation of the thirty local government councils and the Ife East Area Office during that inglorious reign.

We also mentioned how local government councils were relegated to a position of mere existence since they could not function in the true context within the statutory provisions laid out for them as the third tier of government in Nigeria. During the days of Oyinlola and his party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), it became forbidden for local government councils in the state to tar roads or to execute other tangible projects that are vital and that we all know cold impact the lives of people at the grassroots meaningfully. By this sad trend, the monthly statutory allocation accruing to government at the third tier in the state from the Federation Accounts became target for randy politicians in the name of executing a number of projects centrally at the state level. At the end of the day, no particular project which the administration claimed to have committed the monies so deducted to was carried to a logical conclusion. We shall now take a look at some few of such phantom projects and programmes.

It was the practice during the Oyinlola years for dependants, cronies, sycophants, bootlickers and party faithful of the People’s Democratic Party to adorn the premises of local government council secretariats all over the state at month-ends; especially on pay-days to collect salaries for services not rendered. These unearned salaries caused the payroll of council areas in the state to overbloat; thus leaving the councils practically unable to execute meaningful capital projects for the ultimate benefit of the generality of the people in their domains.

So the local government councils merely existed as money machines to satisfy the lustful desires of the categories of people highlighted above.

At the inception of the multi-campus Osun State University (UNIOSUN) in 2005/ 2006, it was too glaring even to the Oyinlola administration that his administration could scarcely afford the means to finance and sustain a citadel of that grandeur; more so, simultaneously with the burden of Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso, which it had to co-fund with its partner Oyo State.

Oyinlola’s next available option was to turn to local government for compulsory imposition of levies which were deductible from source upon the arrival of the monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Accounts at the centre. At the beginning, the fraction deducted was 10 per cent. Later it was reduced to 5 per cent monthly. Such were local government councils in the state plundered, in defiance of voices of dissent raised by patriots and diplomats against the unconventional practice. The ruling party, the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) itself could not intervene; obviously because the practice had become stock-in-trade for it anywhere it held sway. Clearly, the practice was seen as the easiest way of making cheap money to dole out to its numerous cronies and hangers-on.

Another area where local government councils in the state became victims of compulsory deductions from their monthly statutory allocation from the Federation Accounts was the compulsory N1 Million deduction from the monthly statutory allocation coming to each o the thirty local government councils and the Ife East Area Office in connection with the Songhai Programme. These deductions were made for a period of rime more than a year. The implication, as OSUN DEFENDER Magazine pointed out continuously in

those days is that in every month, the administration made from this particular heading of deductions alone a cool sum of N31 Million! Readers are left to sum the deductions up for a year and a half in order to actually determine the huge plunder made out of the local government accounts in the state during the People’s Democratic Party (PDP)-led Oyinlola administration.

One measure employed by Oyinlola in order to get through with his heinous agenda with the local government councils in his days as governor was that he do manipulated his party’s (People’s Democratic Party-PDP) that he succeeded in getting a bunch of scarcely educated nominees to clinch tickets into the councils as chairmen and councilors. He ensured this to ascertain that whoever emerges would not be able to hold his own or raise questions concerning any order or directive issued out to him while in office. That explains why the local government political functionaries in Oyinlola’s days were all prefects and mostly puppets.

Here we are. In today’s State of Osun, the local government councils are functioning with full capacity; even so, more than at any point of time since their establishment. The first thing Aregbesola did upon his assumption of office was to abolish all forms of deductions from their monthly statutory allocation accruing from the Federation Accounts. This was done to enable the government at the grassroots dispense good democratic governance to the people at that level; and to do so to full capacity. Evidences to this abounds all around us today; and they subsist in forms of good motorable roads, potable water provision, environmental sanitation, agriculture, employment generation and youth empowerment, good medical/health delivery services, distribution of free insecticide treated mosquito nets, to mention just a few.

So far in the State of Osun, elections could not be held into local government councils. This is no fault of the government of the day; but attributable to continuous suits filed by the opposition against government. First, it was against the composition of Caretaker Committees at that level. We are all living witnesses to the way that case ended. Today, the case filed by the opposition to challenge the constitution of the State of Osun Independent Electoral Commission (OSSIEC) has been botched.

We now have a fully constituted OSSIEC in place. There are high prospects to holding free, fair and credible local government polls anytime during the next year. What we intend to bring out is that these continuous litigations have caused elections not to be held in the state.

Upon the assumption of office of Ogbeni Aregbesola, he embraced the illegitimate chairmen and local councils he met on ground; in spite of their illegitimacy! This was even against the backdrop that the Oyinlola had earlier defied a court injunction ordering those council chairmen and members to quit office. Aregbesola stayed in with those illegal office holders till their ouster came most naturally. Aregbesola assumed office on Saturday, November 27, 2010; the illegitimate council “prefects” of Oyinlola years were ousted, like their grand contriver, on Friday, December 17, 2010, via the justice dispensed through the judgment delivered by the apex court of the land, the Supreme Court of Nigeria.

It has become as clear as the dawning day today that fundamentally, peace and tranquility came to have foothold in the State of Osun as soon as the Aregbesola administration came on board. Prior to the emergence of the administration, tension was high. The state was hot. Insecurity and uncertainty filled the air. Like the Biblical House which divides against itself that will not stand; the ruling party of the day was the cause of the whole tension. The contention for governorship ticket within the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) ahead of the proposed 2011 Gubernatorial Elections was enough to snuff life out of the state and bring its entire people into extinction. Thank goodness, that election never saw the light of day. It became most unnecessary as the earlier-held one (2007 Polls) got upheld for the right candidate in a sudden twist of miracle. Those developments marked the genesis of the trend of progress which we enjoy; relish and savour; and celebrate today.

Lastly, there is all likelihood to suggest that before the horizons lighten for the next year 2014, there shall have been created for the State of Osun not less than additional twenty-seven (27) local government council areas; thereby hastening the pace of progress and development and bringing the government closer to the people.

Concluded.

14

FOREIGN NEWS

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

Kerry: US ‘ll Support Iraq, But Without Troops U

.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said Sunday that the United States will support Iraq’s fight against al-Qaida-linked militants who have overrun

two cities, but won’t send in American troops.

Kerry said the militants are trying to destabilize the region and undermine a democratic process in Iraq, and that the U.S. is in contact with tribal leaders in Anbar province who are standing up to the terrorists.

But, he said, “this is a fight that belongs to the Iraqis. That is exactly what the president and the world decided some time ago when we left Iraq, so we are not obviously contemplating returning. We are not contemplating putting boots on the ground. This is their fight. ... We will help them in their fight, but this fight, in the end, they will have to win and I am confident they can.”

Al-Qaida linked gunmen have largely taken over the cities of Fallujah and Ramadi in an uprising that has been a blow to the Shiite-led government of Iraqi Prime Minister Nouri al-Maliki.

Bombings in the Iraqi capital, Baghdad, killed at least 20 people Sunday.

Anbar, a vast desert area on the borders with Syria and Jordan, was the heartland of the Sunni insurgency that rose up against American troops and the Iraqi government after the 2003 U.S.-led invasion that toppled Saddam Hussein.

In 2004, insurgents in Fallujah killed four American security contractors, hanging their burned bodies from a bridge. Ramadi and other cities have remained battlegrounds as sectarian bloodshed has mounted, with Shiite militias killing Sunnis.

“We are very, very concerned about the efforts of al-Qaida and the Islamic State of Iraq in the Levant, which is affiliated with al-Qaida, who are trying to assert their authority not just in Iraq, but in Syria,” Kerry said.

“These are the most dangerous players in that region. Their barbarism against the civilians in Ramadi and Fallujah and against Iraqi security forces is on display for everyone in the world to see.”

Kerry made the comments as he left Jerusalem for talks with leaders in Jordan and Saudi Arabia about his Mideast peace-making efforts after three days of lengthy meetings with Palestinian President Mahmoud Abbas and Israeli Prime Minister Benjamin

Netanyahu.

Kerry said some progress was made in what he described as “very serious, very intensive conversations,” but key hurdles are yet to be overcome.

His talks with Jordan’s King Abdullah II and Foreign Minister Nasser Judeh covered the peace process, Syria and Iraq.

After his short stay in Amman, Kerry flew to Riyadh, Saudi Arabia, and then took a 30-minute helicopter ride to King Abdullah’s desert palace.

The Saudi leader developed an initiative in 2002 in which the Arab world offered comprehensive peace with Israel in exchange for a full pullout from all territories it captured in the 1967 Mideast war.

The initiative, revolutionary when it was introduced, has been endorsed by the Arab League and, technically, remains in effect.

“Saudi Arabia’s initiative holds out the prospect that if the parties could arrive at a peaceful resolution, you could instantaneously have peace between the 22 Arab nations and 35 Muslim nations, all of whom have said they will recognize Israel if peace is achieved,” Kerry said.

“Imagine how that changes the dynamics of travel, of business, of education, of opportunity in this region, of stability. Imagine what peace could mean for trade and

tourism, what it could mean for developing technology and talent, for job opportunities for the younger generation, for generations in all of these countries,” Kerry said.

Kerry, who arrived in the region Thursday, is trying to nudge Abbas and Netanyahu closer to a peace pact that would establish a Palestinian state alongside Israel.

The talks have entered an intense phase aimed at getting the two sides to agree on a framework and provide guidance toward a final settlement. Reaching a deal on that framework is not expected on this trip, Kerry’s 10th to the region for peace talks.

On another issue roiling the Middle East, Kerry did not dismiss the idea that Iran could play a constructive role in finding a resolution to the civil war in Syria, even if Tehran is not a full participant in a conference on Syria this month in Switzerland.

The U.S. has objected to Iran’s participation because it hasn’t publicly endorsed the principles from an earlier peace conference that called for a transitional government in Syria, and is backing militias, including the Iranian-allied Lebanese Hezbollah group that has aided the troops of Syrian President Bashar Assad.

“If Iran doesn’t support that, it’s difficult to see how they are going to be a ministerial partner in the process,” Kerry said.

“Now could they contribute from the sidelines? Are there ways for them, conceivably, to weigh in? ... It may be that there are ways that that could happen,” Kerry said.

Bombs Kill At Least 19 People In Iraqi Capital C

AR and roadside bombs exploded in commercial areas of Baghdad on Sunday killing at least 19 people, police and

medical sources said.

The deadliest attack took place in northern Baghdad’s mainly Shi’ite district of Shaab where two car bombs went off killing at least nine people and wounding 25.

No group immediately claimed responsibility for Sunday’s attacks but Sunni Muslim insurgents have stepped up attacks on Iraqi security forces and supporters of the Shi’ite-led government of Prime Minister Nuri alMaliki.

Islamist militants linked

to al Qaeda and tribal fighters have taken control of Ramadi and Falluja, the main cities in the Sunni Muslimdominated province of Anbar in a serious challenge to the government’s authority.

Iraqi troops and allied tribesmen are trying to retake the province.

In a separate incident, gunmen set up a fake check point on the main road between Baghdad and Kirkuk, killing six drivers, late on Saturday near Udhaim, 90 km (60 miles) north of Baghdad, police said.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, January 7, 2014

15

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TUESDAY, JANUARY 7, 2014

T is good that it has been made possible for us to differentiate between the good and the bad; and that the consciousness is imputed that there is reward for any choice we make of the two, so that at the end of the day, we shall enjoy the comfort of one or the pain of the other; albeit to fulfil the dictum that a man can only reap what he sows.

By ADE OLUGBOTEMI

I

A black man is fundamentally selfish, wanting to appropriate all there are, for self-aggrandizement and deity that is uniquely temporary with any mortal. We have seen astute struggler, who works like a Trojan; and having gathered all, will not be afforded the luxury of longevity to enjoy what he tirelessly laboured for. Yet, some will still refuse to learn any lesson, in that they may amass so much wealth that will result in their untimely transition to eternity of condemnation and the accompanying agony and regret. An irony one would say!

Sincerity As Antidote For Public Confidence In Govt

Carefree-attitude here and there has often constituted veritable tools in the kitty of opposition to bring the government in power down. That is why it becomes imperative for government functionaries; especially political office holders to be wary of getting involved in frivolities. It is often said, that it is one person that is blind in a community that it becomes famous as the ‘city of the blind’. The governor and the majority of his team members may not take to aberrant dispositions as being peddled, but the excesses on the part of a few may definitely cast aspersion on the integrity of all that are in government. That is why people in government cannot afford to engage in a lifestyle that may produce blemished garment.

The facts above only tell us that there is nothing on this planet Earth that is worth dying for, because the Maker will ask each of us to give account of what we have traversed the earth to accomplish. If we therefore feel that this world is not our own, why then do we think that the normal thing to do is to appropriate onto ourselves cobweb that man refers to as wealth without measure in our world today? The answer will be demanded, and given at the ‘appropriate time’ There is no need for any mud-slinging, but the need to always respond to matters of public interest is more compelling, to attend to the rumour milling around about few public officers who are being accused of having predilection for unbridled wealth acquisition in a government with zero tolerance for corruption. Nobody is left in the dark about the determination of the government in power in the State of Osun to drive democracy dividends to the grassroots. All the programmes with ‘O’ prefix like O’YES, O’MEAL, O’TOUR, O’REAP, and a host of others, are geared towards poverty alleviation and comfortable livelihood to the people of Osun. I therefore see no sense in any political functionary to engaging in acts, capable of fuelling illfeeling amongst the general public against the government that is peoplefriendly.

lack of predilection for reprisal that has kept the evil doers of yesteryears comfortably in our midst. The majority seemed dissatisfied however with the standpoints of the rumourmongers, and the fire of curiosity in their hearts to put the record straight seemed unquenchable. I therefore condescended to their comprehension, but with determination to be more dogmatic to put necessary corrigenda in the right perspective.

I ruminated seriously on the rampancy of rumour-mongering, misunderstanding and other misgivings in our state and the possible way out.

People must show understanding, and repose confidence in government business. It is good that we are now in democracy; although with inherent problems. Public interest will go a long way in stabilizing it the more.

•AREGBESOLA

where roosted hens are not packed into the cage’ drew my attention the penultimate week at a popular rendezvous in Osogbo, the capital of the state of Osun. As I moved closer to be part of the ongoing discussion, one of them, in apparent reaction to some seeming misrepresentation made earlier by some dissidents, said that Ogbeni Aregbesola has institutionalized a legacy of probity that will make it difficult for any of his cabinet members to throw caution to the wind, let alone having some members of his government engage in a lifestyle that betrays the principle of decorum and accountability. Most of the people that engaged in the discussion lauded the An aphorism that ‘there is no place, attempts by Governor Aregbesola to

write his name in gold through various transformation agenda that are making our environment to wear a new look; coupled with security of life and property. They equally frowned at the mischief that some disgruntled opposition members are trying to sow amongst the general public.

I know that there cannot be smoke without fire, but I equally recollect that we are in a society, where conjectures have become emblematic. I tried to convince the people there too, that concerning the topic they were thrashing, they might be dinning not far away from fallacy’s territory of few mischief makers that are cohabiting with us; courtesy of Governor Aregbesola’s

I am sure we will get to a realm of respite, if we all nurture virile determination to succeed. A wellfortified internal structure will cause our democracy to grow; and this requires the input and sacrifice of all and sundry, with the assurance that a performing government will always enjoy the goodwill capable of making it relevant as long as possible; while nonperforming government will automatically be voted out when it is the right time to do so.

•This piece, first published in the Tuesday, May 7, 2013 edition is repeated due to popular demand.

-Editor

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.