Osun Defender - June 12th, 2014 Edition

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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 The recent approval given by the ever forward looking Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for the establishment of National Agency for the prohibition of Traffic in Persons (NAPTIP) in the state is quite patriotic and deserves commendation.

PEOPLE FIRST

Front Page Comment NAPTIP Centre: A commendable approval The centre, which Mr. Governor prefers to be established in Ejigbo town due to the history of constant migration of the

people of the ancient town to neighbouring countries, will make the agency to live up to its responsibilities of

checking incidents of non-profitable migration of people from the state to nearby countries in search of greener pastures.

It needs be mentioned that one of the challenges facing our society and which

VOL. 9. NO.070

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

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2014 Aregbesola’s Re-election Bid:

Tumultuous Crowd At Ila APC Mega Rally •3 PDP Thugs Arrested With Weapons At Venue - See Story On Page 2

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed on top of a bus), acknowledging cheers from the mammoth crowd, during his re-election mega rally in Ila/ Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency at Ila Township Stadium, Ila-Orangun on Tuesday.

Ahead August 9, Aregbesola Picks Laoye-Tomori As Running Mate

- See Story On Page 4

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

2014 Aregbesola’s Re-election Bid: Tumultuous Crowd At Ila APC Mega Rally •3 PDP Thugs Arrested With Weapons At Venue

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

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distribution of social services in the state.

Aregbesola assured the people that his administration will assist in power supply through ongoing power distribution project from Osogbo to Ikirun and Ila. According to him, his administration is building three model schools in Ila and has so far, distributed over 2,000 Tablets of Knowledge, while 14,249 children are benefiting from school feeding programme.

The governor added that his administration has built two

modern health centres in Ayetoro, Igbajo and Oke-Ola, Ila-Orangun.

“The previous administration never remembered aged people but thank God, in this federal constituency alone, we have spent N18 million on their monthly welfare stipend,” Aregbesola said.

He urged the people not to exercise any fear and enjoined them to vote for him in August 9 governorship election.

Eagle-eyed members of the APC and security operatives arrested three political

hoodlums suspected to be PDP members at the Ila APC campaign venue.

They were arrested with guns and machets at the entrance of Ila City Stadium while the campaign was still on.

The thugs, whose names were not known as at the time of filing this report, reportedly came into the venue in a minibus, popularly called Korope with ammunitions.

It was in the course of distributing the offensive weapons that they were sighted by vigilant members of APC,

who quickly alerted the security operatives.

It was gathered that the thugs were four in number, but one of them was able to escape and mixed up with the crowd.

The thugs were subsequently whisked away by the security operatives on ground.

Il-Orangun is the hometown of the interim APC National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande.

It would be recalled that the state chapter of APC had earlier raised series of alarms on the plots of the PDP to cause violence in the state and kill people in the name of political ambition.

HE ancient town of Ila-Orangun, on Tuesday, witnessed unprecedented crowd in any electoral contest as the campaign train of the Governor Rauf Aregbesola moved to Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency.

The rally was adjudged to supporter of Governor have recorded highest crowed Kayode Fayemi, saying it was in the political history of Ila- a ploy to intimidate the supporters of APC and Orangun and its environs.

Interim National Chairman encouraged them to vote of All Progressive Congress massively for APC and (APC), Chief Bisi Akande and protect their votes.

He promised the people of Chairman, Aregbesola Campaign Committee, Senator the federal constituency to do Olusola Adeyeye, attested to more and ensure equal the history-breaking crowd.

Akande said: “I was born in this community and I have been living here, I have never witnessed such crowd in the political history of Ila. This is really an unusual man, unusual government, and genuinely, the man of the people” Adeyeye said he was amazed with the crowd. “I almost burst into tears of joy. I was discussing with the governor just now that this crowd was beyond human power. It is really God’s intervention and signal of clear winning in the August 9 election.”

An octogenarian, Pa Ayorinde Odusina, who is now 86 years old, said he saw a similar crowd during Chief Bola Ige’s era in 1979, where people abandoned their means of livelihood and patiently waited for the governor.

As early as 9.00am, before the arrival of the governor, those who were heading to farm returned home to hear from the governor, while the •State of Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim Chairman, Elder Lowo Adebiyi (with mic), addressing an ecstatic crowd during the 2014 traders wore different branded governorship mega rally in Ila-Orangun on Tuesday. cloths of Aregbesola and holding brooms, the symbol of the party.

Various groups and supporters of Aregbesola that the APC campaign strategy August 9th, 2014. would stand as a testament for

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO welcomed the governor at the was unparalleled in that they He cautioned the people to him in posterity.

Palace of Orangun of Ila, Oba All respondents however HIS is the third week running and the second term divided the state into its nine be wary of politicians, who Abdul-Wahaab Oyedotun re-election campaign train of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola federal constituencies and were out to buy voters’ cards declared their support for the Bibire, to pay homage to the is growing bigger by the day from the kick-off, which thereby aiming to get at every from them and selling cheap governor and wished him well first class monarch alongside took off on Tuesday 27th May, 2014 at the Government nook and cranny of the state. kerosene, advising them that in his bid to recapture Bola Ige other traditional rulers from “It would make the mega the cards was their right to House after August, 2014.

Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife. Ora, Oke-Ila, Otan, Iresi, One of the highlight of the No doubt, the open field of the people at heart and who campaign rally to get at what it good government which should Igbajo, Oke-Irun, Ajaba among mega rally in Ila-Orangun was ground opposite the house of also cared for them that would was aimed at and achieve be guarded jealously. others.

He stressed that there was the hip-hop performance by The Orangun of Ila, in his Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi think of taking care of the aged. victory for the governor at the polls, come August 9th.” no need for Ogbeni Aregbesola Olatunji Kazeem, a student of Akande, the Interim National palace, commended the He mentioned that the He stated that the hand of to blow his own trumpet Ataoja School of Science, governor for the massive Chairman of the All Nigerian society was one that transformation of the state, Progressive Congress (APC) does not take care of its old ones Ogbeni’s administration was because the works were there Osogbo. which, according to him, is in Ila-Orangun was full to and for somebody somewhere felt everywhere in the state and to boast for him and they unprecedented in the State of capacity and bubbling for the to think to the extent of a continuity for the next four turn of Ila-Ifedayo- initiating a state welfare years would make the state to Osun.

Federal programme to take care of the progress and appreciate.

Oba Oyedotun said: “The Boluwaduro Professor Olakunle Lawal traditional rulers in the federal Constituency arm of the mega aged, it was a novel Oloki stated that he wanted to constituency are comfortable rally. achievement. with the HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf As usual, the venue for the with the performance of the Also, in the area of health identify Aregbesola, has described as a big loss, the death of governor. The state is mega-rally was full to the brim, management, he gave the administration of Ogbeni Rauf one of the foremost political leaders in the state, Alhaji witnessing unprecedented as party faithful of the APC, governor another thumb-up for Aregbesola because his feats infrastructural development. supporters of Ogbeni Rauf embarking on the renovation of had been recognised worldwide Lateef Katayeyanjue.

Osogbo is now a city of pride. Aregbesola and peace-loving the State Hospital, Ila-Orangun, even from his base in the Alhaji Katayeyanjue passed lifetime, astutely served God Our hospitals have improved citizens of the State of Osun which had made it possible for United States of America. on on Thursday June 10 at the and led a life worthy of “In terms of modern in service delivery. We are going came out in their thousands to people within its catchment area Ladoke Akintola University emulation. infrastructural development, to support the governor for his see and hear their symbol to benefit from its services.

“As a member of the House Teaching Hospital refurbishing and revamping of second term. This progress speak to them.

Mrs. Florence Aina was of of Representatives in the (LAUTHEC), Osogbo. the educational sector through must continue.

In the same vein, in the opinion that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in a statement Second Republic, Alhaji “Some years back, they were anticipation of the next four Aregbesola had worked in the O’School, giving people a new by the Director, Bureau of Katayeyanjue gave his best to complaining that Ikirun to Ila years of Ogbeni Rauf last three and half years and he lease of life, empowerment of road was not possible to Aregbesola and what had didn’t really need much youths through OYES, Communications and Strategy, Nigeria.

“He supervised one of the reconstruct, but now happened in the last three and transforming and turning Office of the Governor, Mr. Aregbesola has constructed the a half years, party stalwarts introduction because his work around the state economically Semiu Okanlawon, said the exit most prominent and vibrant of the leading light of Islamic organisations in Nigeria, road. His administration is the in Ila, Ifedayo and Boluwaduro had already done that for him.

She maintained that all the and increasing the purchasing progressive politics has robbed Anwar-ul Islam. government of the people and local governments and also power of people in the state is The history of the Islamic we are duty-bound to support supporters bared their minds. good government policies and monumental and he needs our the state of a man of immense programmes were tailor-made to movement Iwo, Osun and him”. wisdom and political sagacity. support to complete what he Kalejaye Akande from IlaThe crowd, after the royal Orangun was full of meet the needs of the people of had begun,” he added.

The governor said: Alhaji Nigeria will be incomplete the state and these had attracted homage, followed the governor appreciation He explained that it was Katayeyanjue demonstrated without generous mention of for the people from within and outside to Ila City Stadium, which was government of Ogbeni Rauf his commitment to serving the late Katayeyanjue. the state to key into the good because of these records that humanity when he was the “On behalf of myself, my already filled to capacity. He Aregbesola. he had decided to relocate to things happening in the state. was accompanied by the First National President of Anwar- family and the people of Osun, the State of Osun in order for Pa Akande, who is in his She attributed all the negative Lady, Alhaja Sherifat I communicate our heart-felt him to contribute his own ul-Islam of Nigeria.

Aregbesola, the Deputy early 70’s, stated that he was events occurring in some parts quota condolences to the immediate The statement said inter alia: to meaningful with the of the state now to the Governor, Otunba (Mrs) satisfied “Alhaji Lateef Katayeyanjue’s and extended family members development in the state. administration on two machinations of elements in the Grace Laoye-Tomori and other While stressing that one demise is for us a sad of the departed, the entire members of the State Executive grounds. The first being the camp of the opposition and good turn deserves another, the occurrence.

Anwar Islamic Movement, as ‘Agba Osun’ scheme and the added that they were only Council. well as the people of Iwoland.

“A true religious, political academic called on all eligible Speaking at the rally, renovation of the State grandstanding because God had voters in the state to come out and community leader, a “May Almighty Allah grant Hospital, Ila-Orangun. ordained Abdulrauf Aregbesola Aregbesola doused tension on Baba Aljana Firdaus,” Governor consistent progressive, Alhaji and vote enmasse for Ogbeni Akande stated that it was as governor for a second term. the incident that happened in Aregbesola said.

Kehinde Adigboluja noted Rauf Aregbesola on Saturday, Katayeyanjue, during his Ekiti, where police killed a only a man, who had the love

Osun 2014: Osun Electorate Comment On Aregbesola’s Programmes

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Aregbesola Mourns Second Republic Federal Lawmaker, Pa Katayeyanjue

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

Osun Election ’ ll Be Peaceful - Osun SSG •Warns Fraudsters To Stay Away

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HE people of Iwo Federal Constituency have been called upon to come out en mass to vote and protect their votes from electoral fraudsters in the coming August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election.

The Secretary to the Government of the State of Osun (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, made this call at the kick-off of the re-election campaign of the governor for the Iwo Federal Constituency.

Among those present at the rally were the member of the House of Representatives representing the area, Mr. Ghafar Amere; Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mofolake Adegboyega, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, Special Adviser to the Governor on Health, Dr. Rafiu Isamotu, Assistant Chief of Staff, Honourable Mudashir Toogun, member of the House

of Assembly, Honourable ‘Bola Akinloye and a host of others The constituency comprises Iwo, Ola Oluwa and Ayedire Local Government Council Areas of the state.

Adeoti said the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola would leave no stone unturned in making sure that the August 9th election in the state was violent-free.

The Osun government scribe said the people of the state were well-informed about the choice that would benefit them and so they would do everything within their powers to prevent any politician from dubiously upturning their

electoral choice.

“The people of Osun are ready for election. We have told them not only to troop out to vote but also to stay at the polling booths and ensure their votes are properly counted, recorded and announced.

“This time round, there won’t be chance for anyone to rig or stuff the ballot boxes.

“Our people are ready to vote. They know the leader who loves them and they are ready to support him. The people will come out en masse, vote and protect their votes.

“Our party, the All Peoples Congress (APC), abhors violence. People of the state are peace-loving and they will conduct themselves peacefully, as they always do before, during and after the election,” Adeoti said.

The member of the House

of Representatives representing the constituency, Honourable Ghafar Amere, said the election was going to confirm the good work of Ogbeni Aregbesola.

He called on the people of the constituency to come out as they used to do and vote for the second term bid of Aregbesola.

Addressing the gathering, Director, Bureau of Communications and Strategy in the Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, noted that the achievements of Aregbesola in the past three and a half years spoke volumes of the governor’s people focused policies.

Okanlawon averred that the governor’s achievements in all facets were more than enough campaign for the governor.

“The past three to four years have been eventful for this state and the people.

“It is evidently clear that Aregbesola’s government has transformed the state positively beyond the imagination of the people.

“Our people can also bear testimony to the fact that the government is working assiduously to take the state to an enviable height.

“It therefore expected that our people will also vote for the continuity of these good works,” Okanlawon said.

The State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Mrs. Folake Adegboyega, called on women to come out and support Aregbesola government in order for the good programmes to continue.

Adegboyega warned the women against selling their voters’ cards for whatever amount, as this would amount to mortgaging their future.

The commissioner warned the women folk that they should gird their loins for the

election, as they have more roles to play both at home, as well as at the polling booths to perform their civic duty Also speaking on the occasion, a member of the House of Assembly from the area, Honourable Bola Akinloye, assured party faithful that the legislature had found it most convenient to work with Aregbesola because of the capacities of the policies to change the fortunes of the state.

“The experience of the lawmakers in the state in the last three years and a half has shown that when you have a focused executive, the legislature too will have no choice to ensure that it backs such policies with adequate legislative supports.

“Aregbesola is a committed leader, whose main objective is the happiness of the people,” he said.

Ekiti Killing: Hold Sambo Responsible – Osun APC

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•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle in white); an Osogbo community leader, Alhaji Sule Daodu (by Governor’s immediate left-side); chieftain, All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bayo Salami (3rd left); Deputy Speaker, State House of Assembly of Osun, Hon Akintunde Adegboye (5th right) and other APC stalwarts, during the appreciation and endorsement ceremony for Aregbesola’s Second Term in office by Osogbo Community at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo, State of Osun, last Monday.

Osun Lawmakers Confident Of Aregbesola’s Victory

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

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AWMAKERS in the State Assembly of Osun have expressed confidence that the performance of Governor Rauf Aregbesola and the supports he is receiving during his campaigns have shown that he would win August 9 governorship election in the state.

Also, Olanrewaju said the Honourables Timothy Owoeye of Ilesa West State supports that have been Constituency; Ajiboye received in the previous Ademola of Ila State campaigns in Ile-Ife, Ikire and Constituency; Olanrewaju the one held in Ila-Orangun Moroof of Irewole have shown that the major Constituency; Dejo Osuolale of opposition party, Peoples Boripe/Boluwaduro State Democratic Party (PDP) is Constituency; Samson nowhere in the state.

According to him, people of Fafiyebi of Obokun have enjoyed Constituency and Kamil Osun Oyedele of Orolu/Irepodun Aregbesola’s administration State constituency made the interms of free education, free observations in Ila-Orangun on health services among others Tuesday during Governor within the last three and half Aregbesola’s second term years of the administration.

He said that giving campaign in Ila/Boluwaduro/ Ifedayo Federal Constituency. Aregbesola another four years The lawmakers said opportunity of serving the Aregbesola has won the hearts state would place the state on of the electorate of Osun a progressive path and make it through his achievements in all a reference point to other states sectors of governance in the of the country.

While speaking, Owoeye, state.

In his own, Ajiboye noted who is the Leader of the House, that he was not surprised by stressed that it has already the supports that Aregbesola been established that the is receiving across the state, people of Osun recognise and saying: “I will only be appreciate the efforts of surprised if the supports are Aregbesola to transform the state. not coming”.

He noted that what is next for the people of the state is to vote massively for Aregbesola and defend their votes, with a view to preventing rigging.

The lawmaker noted that by doing this, the governor would have the mandate of the people to rule the state for another four years to conclude all his developmental programmes he has embarked upon.

Honourable Osuolale said there is no cause for the people to entertain any fear on whether Aregbesola would win the August 9 election or not, saying his performance has given him edge ahead of others.

He noted that any attempt to rig the election, either by the PDP or any other party, would be resisted by the people of the state, who have seen the need for the development of the state to continue.

In his own submission, Fafiyebi noted that no federal power would work in Osun, as the people are already sensitised and are aware of the need to do everything possible to re-elect Aregbesola for second term.

He noted that apart from what the governor has been able to achieve interms of development, God has already

sealed his return as governor.

“We will not say because God has ordained the second term of Aregbesola, we will stand and be looking. We will do everything possible to defend our votes, because we know that the PDP has no other target other than to rig election,” he added.

HE All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun has stated that the killing by police of its supporters in Ekiti on Sunday is the actualisation of Vice President Mohammed Sambo’s promise to go to war in Ekiti and Osun states in order to snatch political power in the states.

On Sunday, while Sambo against Yoruba people.

‘Tafawa Balewa did not live was still in Ekiti, the Federal police opened a war against to tell the story of his ‘war’ APC supporters, killing one against Obafemi Awolowo and person and injuring several the West. He fell in 1966.

‘Then, Sani Abacha, who people.

This callous and barbaric wasted many Nigerian lives, action of the police mobile unit, himself died fighting against under the command of a Moshood Abiola and the Bayelsa-born officer, one Yoruba people of the West.

‘In an attempt to establish a Gabriel Selekere, signifies the Federal Government opening firm grip over the West in of a second war front in the particular and Nigeria in Western part of the country, in general, Shehu Shagari faked a addition to the war against ‘landslide electoral victory’ in 1983. Then a ‘gunslide’ Boko Haram in the North.

According to the APC, the followed, as predicted by Ado Ekiti killing of APC General Theophilus Danjuma. supporters kick off the PDP’s The President was lucky to plan to employ maximum force survive it but he lost power.

‘The APC wants to make it to steal political power in parts clear that the PDP can only of the West by force.

Condemning the action as come to power in Ekiti and ‘savage and premeditated,’ the Osun states, swimming in the APC said that Vice President blood of Yoruba people. But Sambo should be held there will be terrible accountable for the dangerous consequences much greater dimension that the political than those of the war against process pre-2015 presidential Boko Haram. The country can unravel’, the APC said. election has taken.

The APC therefore ‘Sambo was in Ekiti’, to make good his war promise to cautioned the President and his fight and take power in Ekiti,’ deputy that the police is not the APC said, adding that ‘it is established to kill citizens but a pity that this architect of a to protect them.

‘If this incident continues, vice president is ignorant of it will spell doom for the history’.

‘In all the history of Jonathan presidency and the Nigeria’s politics, no federal whole country’, the party said. leader has survived a ‘war’

I Never Collected Money From Anybody To is also a muslim. He can Destabilize Osun PDP - Adeleke Bello as well swear that I really took the money he was talking

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IRST civilian governor of the State of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, has refuted an allegation that he (Adeleke) collected money from the All Progressives Congress to destabilize the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) during his recent governorship aspiration in the state.

The senator who swore with Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore, a copy of the Holy Quran at was reported in some national the re-election mega rally for dailies to have accused Adeleke Governor Rauf Aregbesola in of collecting money from the Ila-Orangun last Tuesday said APC to destabilize the PDP he needed not collect money in the state. from anybody or individual In the former governor’s before he could make up his words: “I am not hungry and I mind. am not overfed. I am a muslim He said it was out of and Adejare is a muslim. I am conviction that he left the PDP swearing before this ecstatic for the APC. crowd with a copy of the Holy It would be recalled that Quran that I never collected Honourable Adejare Bello, money from anybody or former Speaker of the House individual before I made up my of Assembly, who is now the mind to quit the PDP and running mate to the PDP joined the APC. governorship candidate in “I am happy that Adejare

about.

“Adejare was also reported to have boasted that he is more popular than me in Edeland. I leave my response to this reckless statement till when the men shall be separated from the boys during the August 9 governorship election in Osun.”

He recalled that he had on compassionate ground, paid the school fees of Bello when he was in school on several occasions.

Adeleke said, with the huge crowd at Aregbesola’s rallies, he was convinced that the incumbent governor would have an easy ride to victory.

He enjoined the electorate vote for Aregbesola and to protect their votes on August 9, the day of the governorship election.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

Traditional Rulers Endorse Aregbesola For Second Term

By SHINAABUBAKAR

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RADITIONAL rulers across the State of Osun have been commended for standing behind the truth leading to a positive transformation of the state and giving the state a new look.

Governor of the State of fathers portends that the Osun, Mr. Rauf Adesoji current administration in Aregbesola, dropped this the State of Osun had hint on Monday while reignite people’s passion in addressing traditional government, adding that he rulers at a luncheon, to was expecting similar offer special prayer for the programmes from other State of Osun and to senatorial districts in the endorse Governor state.

Aregbesola for a second Speaking on the term in office beyond rumoured N350 billion loan 2014, organized by being spread in some traditional rulers across the sections of the media that Osun Central Senatorial his government had District held in Osogbo, the collected, thereby state capital. impoverishing the state, Governor Aregbesola, Governor Aregbesola said who ascribed traditional the allegation was a blatant stool as a revered one lie, which must not be among the Yoruba- believed by all rightspeaking communities, thinking persons because described the occasion as aside from the fact that no an acceptance of his bank could offer such a d m i n i s t r a t i o n ’ s loan, the present programmes, saying the economic status of the presence of the royal

state cannot service such huge loan.

Justifying the claim that his administration stand in respect of loan acquisition, the state governor said no government all over the world can succeed without loans, adding that his government actually accessed some loan facilities but they were ones that are reasonable and could be serviced within the ambit of the state resources.

Describing the state’s economic sector as one that would witness a positive transformation in no distant future once all the ongoing projects are completed, Governor Aregbesola said the ongoing Gbongan interchange will be a cynosure to all eyes and would generate huge economic potentials for the state at its completion.

He thereafter

appreciated the traditional rulers for their love to his administration, with a pledge that his administration will stop at nothing to make Osogbo, the state capital, a model to other state capitals across the nation.

Earlier in his address, Chairman of Osun Central Traditional Rulers, the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Adedotun, described Governor Aregbesola as a hardworking governor that has weathered the storm to give the State of Osun a new and befitting look, which has placed Osun in the centre of the nation as a model of development.

The Akirun of Ikirun, Oba Abdul-Rauf Adedeji, said the traditional rulers came to thank the governor on behalf of their subjects for the peopleoriented programmes that the present administration has executed in the state,

especially in Osogbo, the state capital.

Describing Governor Aregbesola as God-sent to the State of Osun, Oba Adedeji stressed that this is the first time that the state is witnessing positive transformation since its creation in 1991, adding that the wise thing that should be done by people of the state is to re-elect Governor Aregbesola for another four-year term, come August 9 this year.

In the words of the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Oyebode, the traditional rulers unanimously endorsed Governor Aregbesola for the August 9 gubernatorial election, which would speak success for the state, as the governor would be given a new term of four years, while the Olunisa of Inisa prayed for the success of the governor at the poll come August this year.

In their separate addresses, the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Onigbajo of Igbajo and Olufon of Ifon-Orolu said Governor Aregbesola has proved that government could be run in an atmosphere of peace in Africa being an equitable government with a view to taking development to all

sections of the state, either near or far to Osogbo, the state capital, adding that all the stories about the era of the late sage, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, is being witnessed in the state.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Campaign Committee and senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District, Professor Olusola Adeyeye, said Governor Aregbesola has transformed the State of Osun to a world class state going by the array of d e v e l o p m e n t a l programmes spread across the length and breadth of the state.

In his vote of thanks, the Aragbiji of Iragbiji, Oba Abdul-Rasheed Olabomi, said while many leaders were seen writing their names on papers, Governor Aregbesola has successfully written his name on the minds of the people of the State of Osun and will remain alive in them for a very long time to come.

Highpoint of the event was the presentation of a white horse, which is a mark of victory in Yoruba land, to Governor Aregbesola

Ahead August 9, Aregbesola Picks LaoyeTomori As Running Mate

By SHINAABUBAKAR

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OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola, on Monday laid to rest rumour making the rounds that his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, would be dropped in the •The Onirun of Oke-Irun, Oba Isaac Adetunlurese (2nd left), presenting keys of four campaign vehicles bought by second term bid in office ahead of the August 9 President, JMI Investment Limited, Otunba Olabisi Oladitan (left), to the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf gubernatorial election in the state.

Aregbesola (right) and other dignitaries, during the handing over at the Onirun’s Palace, Oke-Irun, State of Osun, Addressing the people of organized by the people to recently.

Osogbo at a programme show their appreciation to the governor and to endorse him for re-election for a new term of four years, Governor Aregbesola said he had court, it was said that she were dismissed as mere submitted the nomination was transferred to the police speculations by the form of Mrs. Laoye-Tomori headquarters in Osogbo, security agents and the coming gubernatorial where the Commissioner of culprits were allowed to go to the Independent National

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO Electoral Commission election in the state.

Police allegedly seized the scot-free,” it added.

(INEC) as his running mate HE Ogbeni Aregbesola Door-to-Door Campaign The OD2D said it was voters’ cards found on her, The campaign Organisation (OD2D) has called on the police and pertinent to alert the INEC, when she gave the excuse organisation noted that in the election last Thursday.

The governor said his other security agencies to, as a matter of necessity as the umpire in the electoral that she was holding them experts have assumed that appreciation for the love and and urgency, take serious action on the reported cases of contest on the rate at which on behalf of her family,” the the buy-over and or unalloyed support his illegal mass possession of voters’ cards by some some individuals were been group alleged. acquiring of voters’ cards administration has received individuals. caught with many voters’ unscrupulous from the people of Osogbo “As much as OD2D by OD2D urged the security the Independent National cards across the state. would have appreciated the politicians may not be till date, coupled with the agencies to act urgently on Electoral Commission It noted that serious seeming humanistic unconnected with attempt unbroken loyalty of Mrs. the illegal possession of (INEC) to investigate the actions must be taken by the position of the police boss to tamper with the voters’ Laoye-Tomori necessitated voters’ cards, which has matter and unravel where concerned security on the matter, it pricks the register and have negative her choice.

Also presenting Mrs. become rampant in the state those involved were getting authorities and the INEC, so mind if it was not informed effect on the coming in the interest of free, fair the cards from and what as to give all stakeholders a by interference by the Police gubernatorial election in the Laoye-Tomori as his running mate in the August 9 and credible governorship purpose they were amassing sense of safety for a free, Affairs Minister, Alhaji Jelili state.

“This is why the OD2D gubernatorial election to them for. election. fair and credible election, Adesiyan, has been wishes to stress the need traditional rulers at a The group expressed come August 9, 2014.

The OD2D also called on suspected all the while. luncheon organized by concern that there were “The OD2D team quickly “The OD2D suspicion, for security agencies and Change Of Name reported cases of voters’ brings to the fore, the case like many other concerned INEC to take more seriously traditional rulers in the Osun cards purchase, and of a woman by name Mrs. people of Osun, was fuelled the cases involving the Central Senatorial District to I, formerly known surreptitious obtainment of Alice Gbadebo, who was further by the fact that many multiple cards holding by pray and endorse Governor and addressed as MISS voters’ cards from caught with many voters’ others caught in the past some politicians and Aregbesola for second term AWE FOLUKE unsuspecting voters by cards at Ibokun in Obokun have not been handled the obtaining-by-trick of voters in office, the governor said COMFORT, now wish some unscrupulous Local Government Council way an offender would be cards from unsuspecting no one changes active to be known and voters. member of a winning team at politicians, who have Area of the state on expected to be handled. addressed as MRS “A repeat of Anambra the middle of a contest. consciously engaged in it Thursday 5th of June, 2014 “For instance, two cases Aregbesola however, ADEWUYI FOLUKE for some time now. and was handed over to the of voters’ cards purchase by election situation should be avoided and all hands must called on all and sundry to COMFORT. All former According to the police. a group of politicians in the on deck to have a support his administration documents remain valid. campaign organization, the “However, it was name of Omoilu Foundation be illegal possession of the surprising to hear that rather were reported to the police credible election on August by casting their votes for the General public should voters’ cards was not than arraigning the alleged in Ikirun sometimes ago but 9, 2014 and subsequent All Progressives Congress take note. ones,” the group submitted. (APC) come August 9, 2014. unconnected with the electoral offender in the

Osun 2014: Group Alerts Security Agents, INEC On Purchase Of Voters’ Cards

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

NAPTIP Centre: A commendable approval Continued from pg1

successive governments especially in the state of Osun have not seriously addressed or paid much attention to, is the migration of people to neighbouring countries due to their belief that life is better in those worlds and that their chances of making it in those places are higher than staying here. But of course this is an erroneous belief.

It's an erroneous belief because experience have shown that majority of such migrants who went to these countries like Ghana, Republic of Benin, Ivory Coast etc for this purpose hardly achieve their aim as more often than not they return home empty handed. After spending several years in those countries for majority of them there is always nothing to show for their long stay

there.

swer is No.

Thus for majority of them it's always a case of double jeopardy.

Double jeopardy in the sense that; one, they failed to achieve the purpose behind their migration and two, by the time they return home integrating themselves back into their aboriginal society becomes a big challenge which may even prove insurmountable for them for the rest of their lives. Most of them don't have a home to return to; they are homeless even as their age groups and colleagues they left behind by the time they traveled are already living in their own houses.

The answer is 'No' because lack of good governments for years is mainly attributable to this trend. When people lose the hope of making headway at home due to bad governments; governments that have failed to provide the enabling environment for people's survival then the next alternative people think of is to move out perhaps the grass is greener at the other side of the wall. Thus lack of confidence in government, lack of opportunities at home do - more often than not - push people out in pursuit of what isn't lost.

From the foregoing we can see how pathetic the case of majority of these migrants can be. But there is a fundamental question to ask here; can we really blame our people who engage in this nonprofitable venture? For us the an-

And this is why as we yearn for good governance in this country we must appreciate the one that has found abode in the state of Osun under Aregbesola. There is surely no alternative to good and responsible government such as

Nelson Mandela Freedom Park: Well-deserved Honour

T

HANK you for keeping the good work alive. Like Aregbesola, your medium is keeping faith with its avowed mandate of promoting the tenets of democratic ideals through the entrenchment of the virtues of progressive governance.

I find in your medium a most reliable ally I can entrust with the message of truth I have for the generality of our people. Your auspicious role in the past, most especially during the struggle for the reclamation of the people’s stolen mandate, has proven you tested and trusted.

Now that another round of struggle is fast-approaching, the gubernatorial elections for our state, we can work together all over again to appeal to the sensibility of our people, so as to gear them up towards making the one and only wisest choice: That choice is voting for the candidate of the progressive party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the contest – Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola. Like your medium, OSUN DEFENDER Newspaper, the governor’s new work has started for some

time now.

The good work is still very much in progress and it is time we reenact the mandate to carry on with the god work with our mandate – our vote. I find in your widely-read and highlyreputable newspaper – OSUN DEFENDER, an ample avenue to air my opinions on the running and operations of the Rauf Aregbesola administration in the State of Osun; especially on crusading

his reelection as the time of election approaches. I am sure that through your medium, the target audience would be reached with my commendation, admonition, persuasion and entreaties.

The area I find irresistible to focus on this time around is the beautification cum urban renewal programme of the administration. For some time now, we have all witnessed the new look worn by our entire

state via the dramatic transformation brought about by the instrumentality of the State of Osun Urban Renewal Programme (O’RENEWAL).

Firstly, I intend to laud the efforts of our governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola in the various ongoing projects in the state; most especially, the massive road projects, the schools infrastructure projects, the agricultural revolution, and particularly, the Urban

Renewal projects. At last, we in the State of Osun can beat our chest and feel confident that we have safe, beautiful and befitting abode. We owe sincere appreciation to Aregbesola for taking this bold step.

The State of Osun Urban Renewal Project, known for short as O’RENEWAL is a project aimed at giving facelift to our towns and cities and bringing them up to the

standards of today’s urban centres. In this regard, nine selected major towns in the state chosen on the basis of their centrality in their respective federal constituencies are mapped for rebuilding and upgrade in features and amenities. These cities include Osogbo, the state capital, Ikirun, Ila Orangun, Ejigbo, Iwo, Ede, Ilesa, Ile Ife and Ikire. More towns shall be covered by the effort in further phases of the project in the future.

With this step, development is decentralized; as it is spread large and wide across the state. The sage step taken by the government of the state in holding wide consultations with community members and stakeholders is well-conceived and highly commendable.

While I cannot but tonguelash the critics of this administration; I enjoin all and sundry to give their rallying support to the administration in order to ensure that success is attained in all its programmes and projects. I bet that we shall all be better for it in a non-distant future time.

•SEGUN ADEROJU, Lagere, Ile-Ife, State of Osun.

the one we now have in the state.

Good governance no doubt fasttracks development as it attracts investors and also encourages people to stay at home to also contribute their own quota towards the development of their home states.

With what presently obtains in the state - good government - we believe that traffic in persons will drastically reduce because when people are comfortable at home, then there will be no reason for them to want to migrate elsewhere for a better life.

Thus we commend the approval

by Ogbeni Aregbesola for the establishment of this centre and more commendable is the fact that it's the state government that will foot the bill.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

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Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Managing Editor

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Editor

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OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun.

All correspondence to the above mail address.

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

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FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

Aregbesola’s Campaign: Sending Jitters Down The Spines Of Opposition Candidate

•State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing the crowd at the mage rally in Ila-Orangun last Tuesday. Beside him is Senator Isiaka Adeleke.

“WE shall have to create leaders, who embody virtues we can respect, who have moral and ethical principles we can applaud with enthusiasm that enables us to rally support for them based on confidence and trust. We will have to demand high standards and give consistence, loyal support to those who merit it.” The late orator, Martin Luther King Jr stated this on June 11, 1967 during one of his campaigns on good leadership and nation building.

No doubt, Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun has the highest number of supporters, both within and outside the political geography of the state, amongst other candidates contesting for gubernatorial election in the state. That submission is owned to myriad of political and professional bodies that have openly adopted the governor to contest the August 09, 2014 governorship election for a second term. The mammoth and thrilling crowds that always welcome and accompany Aregbesola’s convoy on every occasion in the state tells the story. No candidate has genuine and mammoth supporting crowd like Aregbesola, said the Director, Ogbeni Aregbesola Door-to-Door Campaign Group (OD2D), Mr Segun Omoworare A political analyst, Mr Ajasegun Aluko, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday said Aregbesola’s popularity and warm reception of his second term ambition is a direct result of the long overdue change he brought to the state through his six integral action plan; Banish Poverty; Banish Hunger, Banish Unemployment, Promote Functional Education, Restore Healthy Leaving, and Enhance Communal Peace and Progress.

According to Aluko, Aregbesola is a harbinger of change, development, transformation and peace in the state, saying that Osun has never been touched positively by any government like the present administration. He said the people of the state are willing, with enthusiasm, to entrust Aregbesola with power for another four years, going by what he called startling transformation of the state in just a term.

Aregbesola, in his usual white-to-match dress, stormed Ila-Orangun, the headquarters of Boluwaduro, Ifedayo and Ila Federal Constituency on Tuesday to further seek support of the people for his re-election, through a campaign rally. Aregbesola is always drunk of massive crowd. He is always excited when seeing an exhilarating crowd receiving him to an event, according to observation. It was a colossal, awe-inspiring and tumultuous

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN crowd that welcomed Governor Rauf Aregbesola to Ila-Orangun, in the event of his re-election campaign rally held at the Ila stadium, located along Osun State College of Education, Ila road.

The dynamic crowd had been persistent in hailing and praise-singing Aregbesola on his entry in to the town right from its boundary.

The crowd was formed by commercial motorcyclists, who drove acrobatically to lead the governor’s convoy to the town, political and campaign groups, supporters and loyalists of the governor. It was a scenario that gave clear indication of the extent of the governor’s popularity, which was sufficient to send jitters down the spines of the all candidates contesting the election with Aregbesola, a candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC).

Aregbesola’s people danced, trekked and jogged the distance down the road with his convoy to the Orangun of Ila’s palace, Oba Abdul Wahab Kayode Oyedotun, where the governor paid homage on the frontline monarch in company of Senator Isiaka Adeleke. All the roads leading to the palace and the campaign ground were filled with heavy traffic jam, forcing commuters to abandon their vehicles and taking to ridding Okada or take to walking.

The doubling of security size at the Orangun’s palace to checkmate influx of mammoth Aregbesola supporters, who had stormed the palace entrance, with a view to entering with the governor, became insignificant, as they thronged on the gate as soon as it was thrown open for the governor’s convoy.

Oba Oyedotun showered royal blessings on Aregbesola, who he described as a performing governor that has brought change and development to the state.

From the Orangun’s palace, it took Aregbesola’s convoy more than one hour to get to Chief Bisi Akande’s house. Aregbesola paid courtesy call on the most prudent and economic governor of 1999-2003 political dispensation and the interim National Chairman of the APC, Chief Akande. Chief Akande assured the governor of victory in the coming election, just as he urged him to continue prioritizing the needs of the people and the development of the state. Chief Akande’s house was besieged by Aregbesola and the APC supporters, who were restless in following the two great politicians to the campaign ground. Aregbesola’s arrival at the

campaign ground ignited the anxious gathering, as people were more than excited to have the governor in their midst. Aregbesola’s supporters were chanting series of political slogans and singing victory promising songs to show their resolve for the governor’s second term. Aregbesola stormed the campaign ground with Chief Bisi Akande.

Vehicles were parked on both side of the road covering about two kilometres to the campaign ground.

The mammoth crowd at the Boluwaduro, Ifedayo and Ila Federal Constituency was not unforeseen; reason being that the area hosts progressive politicians and traditional rulers.

Ila-Orangun is ever known to be progressive.

The fore and present traditional rulers of the ancient town were said to have pitched their tents with the progressives for a long period of time. The Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin was also said to be progressive. Professor Sola Adeyeye, the senator representing Osun Central Senatorial District at the National Assembly is from Ifedayo Local Government Council Area.

Adeyeye is the Chairman, Aregbesola Campaign Committee in the state. The constituency also has Sunday Akere, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy, who is the Chairman of the APC Campaign Committee in the constituency. The APC State Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famoodun is also from the constituency. It would be an aberration to experience something less than the massive turnout of people at the rally.

Chief Akande, while speaking at the mega rally, described the APC as an agent of change, saying that the party has successfully transformed the state through series of developmental projects of Aregbesola. The septuagenarian politician urged the people to vote for Aregbesola once again.

Speaking at the rally, the deputy governor of the state, Mrs Titilayo-Laoye Tomori urged the electorate to vote for the continuity of good governance, urging them to cast their votes for Aregbesola. She stated that the series of empowerment and developmental programmes of the present administration should not be allowed to vanish, hence the need to re-elect Aregbesola for the sustainability and continuity of the programmes.

APC chairman in the state, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, lauded Aregbesola’s achievements, particularly in education, roads, infrastructure and economic development. Adelowo said that Aregbesola has fulfilled all his campaign promises in 2007, promising that the people

would enjoy him more than before if they reelect for another four years.

Senator Isiaka Adeleke, at the rally, described the PDP as a forbidden fruit for the people who do not want the state to go back to its dark era of underdevelopment. He dispelled the rumour that he collected money from the APC leaders to distabilise the PDP before defecting to the APC, saying that he wholeheartedly joined the party for the development of the state, as the PDP was not ready to move the state forward. Adeleke tongue-lashed the deputy governorship candidate of the PDP, Adejare Bello, who alleged that the first executive governor of the state was bought over by the APC leaders.

Adeleke urged the people to vote for Aregbesola come August 9, 2014 election for them to witness more developmental projects and transformation.

A prominent PDP chieftain in Ila-Orangun is the current Chairman, Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), Engineer Jide Adeniji, who was allegedly empowered by the Presidency to fund the PDP in the state and dismantle the APC’s structures in Ila. If the insinuation is true on the FERMA chairman, then he needs to be superhuman to even dare carry out his assignment. It was observed that PDP has been relegated beyond expectation in his domain and the people were more than ready to vote for Aregbesola and resist any attempt to rig or manipulate the election results. Without mincing word, the APC and Aregbesola’s supporters have the grip of the Ila Federal Constituency and their structure are enough to secure victory for Aregbesola in the area in the coming election.

The turnout of the people at the rally was an attestation that Aregbesola’s administration is the creation of God and that of the people, who wanted a leader that embodies virtues they can respect, moral and ethical principles they can applaud with enthusiasm. The people are no doubt, supporting Aregbesola based on their confidence and trust they have in him that Osun would be another Eldorado in his second term. However, Aregbesola needs to design another captivating developmental programme or further polish his unfading Six-point Integral Action Plan to meet the expectation of the people after his reelection, because the electorate will have to demand high standards and give consistence, loyal support to those who merit it.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign At Ila Stadium, IlaOrangun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI, SHOLA ADERINTO AND JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM.

•(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Orangun of Ila, Oba Abdulwahab Oyedotun; the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the Orangun of Oke-Ila, Oba Adedokun Abolarin, when the governor paid homage to the monarchs on his way to the venue of the campaign last Tuesday in IlaOrangun.

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•(L-R) First civilian governor of Osun, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke and Governor Aregbesola, addressing the crowd, during his re-election campaign in Ila/Ifedayo/Boluwaduro Federal Constituency in Ila-Orangun on Tuesday

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

PHOTOTALK

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All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign At Ila Stadium, IlaOrangun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI, SHOLA ADERINTO AND JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM.

•Alhaja Ayo Omidiran; Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam; Senator Jide Omoworare and State of Osun Interim APC Secretary, Prince Gboyega Famodun at the campaign in Ila-Orangun last Tuesday.

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•Some of the public school pupils struggling to catch a glimpse of Aregbesola

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PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign At Ila Stadium, Ila-Orangun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI, SHOLA ADERINTO AND JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM.

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•(L-R) Senator Sola Adeyeye, representing Osun Central Senatorial District; State of Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Senator Isiaka Adeleke; All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim National Chairman, Chief Bisi Akande; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, during the 2014 governorship campaign in Ila-Orangun on Tuesday.

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•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (on top of a mini-bus) acknowledging cheers from the crowd during the 2014 Governorship Campaign in Ila-Orangun on Tuesday.

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INTERVIEW

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

‘I Have Come To Realise That The Essence Of Living And Holding Political Office Is To Serve The People’ – Hon. Sikiru Ayedun Hon Adetona Sikiru Ayedun is the Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism in the State of Osun, the Osun.gov.ng team met with him recently and he had a lot to share about his experiences so far holding his office and also his thoughts on the future of projects in the State. Find excerpts below…

Can we know you Sir? My name is Omo’ba Adetona Sikiru Ayedun. I’m in my late forties, an indigene of the ancient City of Ile-Ife, State of Osun, Nigeria.

I graduated with a Bachelor’s Degree from the prestigious University of Ife (now Obafemi Awolowo University) in 1992, and acquired a Masters’ Degree in Public Administration in 1996. In 2002, I obtained another Masters’ Degree in Transport Management from Olabisi Onabanjo University. I am a Chartered Member of the Institute of Logistics and Transport Studies, which qualifies me as a Logistic Specialist. I worked in the sub-sector of the Maritime industry with SAPID Agencies Limited, an organisation into shipping, freight forwarding and bonded ware-housing. After spending ten years in that firm, I became the Managing Director.

As an activist, I was a member of Student Union Representatives’ Council and the Welfare Officer of the Students’ Union Government of Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Nigeria, which prepared me for politics and governance. As a politician, I was a member of SDP and Secretary of Moore Ward, now in Ife East LGA. I was appointed as Information Officer to the first Speaker of the Osun State House of Assembly, (who is now the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice of the State) before Gen. Sani Abacha sacked the Second Republic of the country.

While growing my career in the maritime industry as a Chartered logistics and maritime practitioner, I was still involved however, in political activities, though silently, before I returned to fore-front of political party activities in 2010, to vie for the of Federal House of Representatives ticket under the Action Congress of Nigeria platform, which not successful.

I was appointed as the Honourable Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism in the State of Osun in August 2011.

Can you compare the performance of your ministry before you began heading it to its performance now?

Where we are today as a Ministry is quite incomparable to where we met the Ministry when we came into government in 2010.

But before going into details, let me explain the responsibilities of this Ministry in line with the vision and mission of this administration. The core responsibilities of the Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, is to boost the economic and social standard of the State through tourism development and culture promotion in; sustain capacity building for tourism sub-sector of the economy; revive historical spots and buildings for cultural relaxation and educational tours; and to use renaissance of culture, the rebirth of tourism and the reconstruction of societal cultural values for revenue generation, job creation, positive wealth evolution and rural development. We are committed to making this a reality and this is why we work so hard.

Mr. Governor is ensuring infrastructural development is ongoing in all nooks and crannies of the State. This has allowed economic stakeholders, tourists and culture enthusiasts move easily around the State of Osun.

We have renovated our cultural sites such as the Osun Osogbo World Heritage at Osogbo; Oke Agbomiregun at Oke-Itase; Opa Oranmiyan Shrine at Arubidi; Oduduwa House at Oduduwa Street, all in Ile-Ife. Olumirin Waterfall at Erin-Ijesa is been worked upon. Our hospitality sector is also growing because we know that for tourism to develop, you have to successfully work on three areas; you must have good roads, a thriving hospitality industry and extraordinary security. These are the things the state government is really working on.

If you have gone round the State, you will see the level of influx of hotels, guest houses, restaurants, leisure joints and so on. We are upgrading the standard of our hotels and we are working on the hygiene of all eateries. On the issue of security; we are working round the clock to make sure we have a peaceful and accommodating environment. We are also working on our fire services, and a cleaner environment through periodic monitoring.

These are the things that compliment tourism development and culture promotion.

Most of these things were not in place when

•AYEDUN we came into office, and between then and now; we have gone far in putting them in place.

Sir, can you mention some things you have done to change the Ministry?

A lot has been done to change the face of the Ministry. We have restructured the entire ministry to prepare it for great changes ahead.

We have renovated part of our office building and erected replica of some of our artefacts; we have trained and retrained our staffers, especially the professionals among them to enhance their skills and abilities for optimal performance.

Also, we have set in motion modality that will ensure monitoring of services and security of our hospitality industry which is growing at a faster rate than ever before; we have improved our pilgrimage services, which has earned us commendation from home and abroad.

We have procured and installed modern fire protection and fighting equipment for our fire stations.

We have also introduced the official celebration of more festivals, across the towns in the State of Osun. We have set a new agenda for the promotion of our culture and the development of tourism that we believe will positively change our fortune in the nearest future.

Tourism is a big industry in the World, what are you doing to improve this industry in the State?

Tourism is a big sell and fortunately, we are endowed naturally with all it takes to explore, and invest in tourism for the welfare and wealth of our nation. The government of the State of Osun is investing close to N5.7billion in tourism. Our investment target is N5.7billion, and this is such a huge sum to take out of State fund or revenue, so what we are doing is entering into public-private partnership with serious-minded investors.

This is the trend across the globe and we are moving with the 21st century.

How many tourist spots do we have in the State and what are the plans of government to upgrade or improve the infrastructure?

There are sixty-two historical and monumental sites also referred to as tourist sites spread across the six zones in the State of Osun. The six zones are: Osogbo, Ilesa, Ife, Iwo, Ede and Ikirun. Incidentally, six of these have been upgraded and improved upon. Plans are on ground to do the same to others depending on funds available and as soon as other plans enumerated earlier become a reality.

Ekiti State has turned Ikogosi Warm Springs into a major hospitality spot in the country. What are the plans of the State to do the same with our tourist spots?

In the State of Osun, we have a similar

attraction, the Olumirin Waterfalls. This is a major eco-tourism site with which the State of Osun is naturally gifted. According to a custodian of the fall, the site was discovered

by Akinla, a grand-daughter of Oduduwa, the Progenitor of the Yoruba, through her hunters in 1140AD, during her migration from Ile-Ife. Before the advent of the present government in the State of Osun, tourists and excursionists usually found it extremely difficult to ascend the next fall as they would crawl, fall and rise. However, when Ogbeni Adesoji Rauf Aragbesola, the Executive Governor of the State of Osun came on board, he approved the commencement of the development of the hitherto moribund natural site, thereby breaking the age long jinx. This has therefore made it easier for the tourists and researchers to ascend the next fall with ease. The premises of the Olumirin Waterfalls has equally been landscaped with beautiful flowers, ornamentals shrubs and many cultural waterproofed banners, strategically installed along the fall sides. The seven-layer waterfall, besides being a veritable tourists’ site, also serves as a mountaineering exercise for sporting enthusiasts.

Your Ministry is in charge of Home Affairs and Culture too? What does this entail?

The ministry is actually called Ministry of Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism. I think we have dealt with the Culture and Tourism responsibilities aspect of the Ministry. Left untouched is the Home Affairs, which is in the two folds. Through Home Affairs, we are responsible for Fire Services in the State. The other responsibility has to do with the religious pilgrimages to the holy lands. We have the Christian and Muslim pilgrimage boards with the sole responsibility to register, collate and administer the prospective pilgrimage to holy lands.

We have had three sessions of these for the two holy lands, and it has been very successful. The government of Saudi Arabia commended us at the last outing and gave a dinner in honour of State of Osun pilgrims. In fact, people from other states are now coming to us to fly to the holy lands because of the way we package our programmes, and the level of welfare we exhibit.

We owe this success and honour to the amiable Governor of the State, Ogbeni Adesoji Rauf Aregbesola. He is been our pillar of support.

How much is the state targeting from Tourism, where are we in line with the target and what are you doing to meet and surpass this target?

In addition to what I explained earlier on the investment target of N5.7billion and the investment strategy of public-private partnership, we envisaged that with the

investment, we are looking at influx of tourist in the state, to any part of the State, we need a lot of facilities to cope with the influx, which we are already experiencing, and we are working to meet up.

Part of what we are doing to meet up with the target and surpass it; are in three folds; One, we are upgrading our hotels and in general the hospitality business within the State of Osun. This implies that if anyone wants to build a hotel, you must meet the standard we have set. Even after you are done with your construction, your services are still under the scrutiny of the State, so with this, we all know there are standard rules and regulations to be followed in attending to guests, securing the lives and property of the guests in ho, and also in terms of culinary services provided. We are working around these.

There are no recreation parks like Ibadan Amusement Park. Is there any plan for that in the State, knowing it is a source of revenue generation for the State?

Yes, there is a well-structured plan on ground. The old railway station is being renovated and transformed into a modern park serving as a railway station, a recreation park and an amusement park to serve as a transportation hub, event centre and tourist site respectively.

We have invested heavily on the transportation and recreation part of it; and very soon, the on-going work on the amusement park will be concluded and it will be opened to the public. By the way, the park is been named after the great icon of Africa Leadership and Governance; Dr. Nelson Mandela.

Pilgrimage is also under your purview and Osun’s performance, like you mentioned, has been excellent since this administration came on board, what made the difference?

First, is the concern and commitment of the Executive Governor of the State of Osun; Ogbeni Adesoji Rauf Aregbesola, he has been the pillar of support for the past three pilgrimage sessions we have had. Number two is the experience and expertise of our staff at the two pilgrimage boards, and those we worked with at home and in Saudi Arabia and Israel. Third is the comportment of our pilgrimages.

People are saying government should stop funding pilgrimage, what is your own view, sir?

No, I do not think government should stop funding pilgrimage. Rather, they should seek for more funds to increase participation.

These pilgrimages are beneficial to our people; it helps in fulfilling spiritual or religious injunction and help in widening their spiritual knowledge. Hence, positively improve their spiritual life and moral status. The eventual effect is that the society gets better for it.

Elections are some months away, what is your opinion about Ogbeni’s re-election?

Ogbeni Adesoji Rauf Aregbesola has performed credibly well over same period of time, compared with all the past governors and sole administrators in the state. He started by stating his plans for the State, he has executed many of these plans and this is visible to everyone, hence his re-election, Insha Allah, is more certain than his opponents. These opponents cannot point to any tangible contribution to people’s welfare and needs, in whatever capacity, they have worked.

His re-election will sustain good democratic governance, economic development, broaden prosperity, justice, equality, moral purpose, and humanity all of which are symbols personified in what Mr Governor, represents in our state.

What has your experience been so far in politics?

I have come to realise that the essence of living and holding political office is to serve the people. The vocation affords you the opportunity to be in charge of resources and deploy it to the benefit of mankind. Anything contrary to this is apolitical. Though, it has its own dirty aspect; the good out-ways it.

However, it is always good to get trained for it and better to be strategic about one’s involvement in politics. That is what helps us stand out among the politicians in this terrain.

12

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

Ikire Mega Rally: Leading The Pack To Power Again HEN the All Progressives W Congress (APC) campaign train berthed in Ikire for the Irewole/Isokan/Ayedaade Federal Constituency mega rally for the reelection of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for another term of office, the sleepy town witnessed influx of most influential persons and political juggernauts from the state and for over seven hours, Ikire was a beehive of political activities.

Major streets in the town were in carnival mood, as various groups in the community formed their own circles of music and dances as local musicians entertained youths and the elderly, who could not bulldoze their ways to the rally ground at Saint John’s Elementary School in the heart of the community.

It was really difficult for an ordinary person to walk his or her way through the over five-kilometre stretch of road, where people and vehicles competed for space, hence, those who intended to witness the entire programme abandoned their vehicles and walked in the scorching sun to the venue to await the arrival of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.

As early as 10.00am, party loyalists had begun trooping to the venue, in anticipation to welcoming party leaders from across the state, who, later thronged the venue to show solidarity for the governor’s re-election bid. The KoboSango junction end of the road was jampacked with traffic, as vehicles could only maneuver their ways through to the venue.

The venue of the rally was filled to capacity at about 12.00noon, as several groups were competing for recognition, while dressed in various uniforms. On entering the town, one could easily observe that a particular Ankara was chosen for the rally, as youths, elders, men and women dressed in the same AsoEbi. From hilly Oja-Ale section of the town, photographers could have the best sure of having a shot capable of winning them awards, as one could see swamps of head walking to and from the venue. What is however unique about the scene was the variation of colours generated by the dresses of the various groups competing for recognition, with various inscriptions such as: ‘Aregbesola Leekan Si’, ‘Ko Duro Soke’, ‘Let the Good Work Continue’, etc.

The two ways leading to the venue of the rally were blocked by human traffic and security operatives had daunting task controlling vehicular movement, particularly to pave way for the governor, who was the focus of the entire crowd at the venue.

Like the a popular Yoruba proverb that one does not enter into a community without paying homage to the leaders of the town, Governor Rauf Aregbesola, accompanied by the golden boy of Ede politics, Senator Isiaka Adeleke, drove straight into the palace of Akire of Ikire to pay homage and sought his blessings ahead of addressing the teeming crowd at the venue and to have a hitch-free rally within his community.

A Hausa resident at Sabo area of the town, Mallam Abbas Sodiq, while speaking with OSUN DEFENDER, described the event at phenomenon.

According to him, for over seven years he has been living in the community, he has never witnessed such influx of people to the community and wished the trend continues because it was good for his business.

Although, one needed not be told that the Federal Constituency Campaign Committee, headed by Elder Peter Babalola, put a lot into organising such a

•(L-R) Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam; first governor in the State of Osun, Senator Isiaka Adeleke; Governor, State of Osun, Ogebni Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, at the Ikire Mega Rally.

•A mammoth crowd during the campaign.

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

huge event, as the venue of the rally was rancor-free and made politicking an interesting game for all to be part of.

Particularly, as young, old, men and women, traders and artisans united to show a resounding support for the governor, who, they said impacted on the infrastructural development of their communities significantly.

The Executive Secretary of Irewole Local Government Council Area, who spoke on behalf of others in the federal constituency, Honourable Soji Ajayi, disclosed that the people of the three council areas constituting the constituency were in support of the governor’s re-election bid, saying they would vote and defend their votes during the poll.

According to him, the support the people showed the governor was due to his vision and mission to make the area and the state as a whole an Eldorado for all citizenry and residents.

As Governor Rauf Aregbesola arrived the venue, swamps of brooms were dancing in the air, welcoming the governor into the rally, who was accompanied by some national party leaders.

Addressing the crowd, Aregbesola said his administration has been able to bring good governance to bear through his developmental programmes and policies.

He said his administration has begun the electrification project, which has been the major problem of the people in the area for long, stressing that the project is being run from Ile-Ife to the area.

“We are aware that one of the major problems of this area is electricity. We have started the electrification project and we are running it from Ife to Orile-Owu, Ikire and others. Although, we have provided transformers, we will also provide more transformers.

“Also, we are working massively on your water project and if we cannot finish it during the first term, we will finish it during our second term. We are committed to the progress of our state and progress of the nation, whereas those in PDP are simply committed to themselves alone.

They are selfish and avaricious. “We have nothing at all to do with them and we must make sure that we get rid of them completely through votes,” he said.

In his welcome address, the former Chief of Staff to the Governor during Olagunsoye Oyinlola’s administration and current Chairman Local Government Service Commission in the state, Elder Peter Babalola, assured the APC chieftains in attendance that the people of Irewole, Isokan and Ayedade are strongly behind the governor as a result of his performance. He said Aregbesola has raised the bar of governance with infrastructure renewal, functional

education and rural development and empowerment of the youths.

According to him: “The road to Orile Owu, Araromi Owu, Mokore, which no one had ever thought will be graded, talk less of reconstruction, we thank God today, the road has been tarred by the governor and our people in the city and rural areas are very comfortable with the performance of the governor”.

“They have no supporter again in Ikire.

Their leader here in Ikire, Lere Oyewumi, who was struggling to become the deputy governorship candidate of PDP, lost his polling unit in 2011 and would also lose it this time around.

“During their own time when we were serving together, they failed woefully in service delivery and I wonder what they want to tell the people. They left road undone, school feeding was more expensive with less quality but Aregbesola is now providing nutritional meals for the pupils in an unprecedented manner,” Bablola said.

From all that transpired at the rally and if crowd at the rally would translate to victory, it is certain that Governor Rauf Aregbesola would have an easy ride back to the Government House with a landslide margin.

13

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from his admirers at Ila-Orangun mega rally last Tuesday.

Aregbesola Takes Campaign Train To Ila-Orangun With A Bang Last Tuesday, the seat of government in the State of Osun was moved to Ila-Orangun, where the train of the Mega Rally was held. All the machinery of government were in Ila-Orangun. OSUN DEFENDER was there to report on the huge turnout, the colourful event and how Aregbesola was received in the ancient town.

Vigilance groups from the three local occupied by supporters, yet many could not

T

HE Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola reelection mega campaign rally last Tuesday shifted to Ila Federal Constituency of the State of Osun, the home town of the Interim National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of the state, Chief Abdulkareem Adebisi Akande and coincidentally, the venue was the open field opposite his country home along OraIgbomina road in the ancient town.

On entering the town from either Ikirun or Oke-Ila axis, one would easily notice that the ancient town was indeed a beehive of activities politically in the state. The success of the rally was not unconnected from the huge success recorded from the two previous rallies at Ile-Ife and Ikire federal constituencies respectively. The campaign committee for the federal constituency, headed by the Honourable Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, started preparation for the rally as soon as the committee was inaugurated.

First on its assignment, after the formation of sub-committees, was consultation with stakeholders in Ifedayo, Ila and Boluwaduro Local Government Council areas, including religious groups, transport unions, monarchs and trade groups. It was a surprise to hear the groups listing the various achievements of the administration within the time frame in office and were all eager to support the successful conduct of the rally, as well as ensure his re-election success by August 9.

As early as 9.00am, the venue was fully ready and people started filtering into the venue like it would not be as enormous as the previous rallies. However, the unique thing about the arrangement of the rally was the manner several groups trooped into the

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

venue in unique coloured and inscribed polo shirts that eventually made the venue more of a colour display festival than a political rally.

First among such groups to arrive the venue in colourful manner were the Trumpet Group, De Young Mandate group, Oranmiyan Support Group, Ifedayo Women in Politics, ARA Sisters, Oranmiyan Drummers, Osun Positive Force, Rauf Grassroots Movement, Ayekooto Group among many others.

Party loyalists defied the scorching sun to stand on the field to watch Juju Maestro, Sir Shina Peters perform before the arrival of Mr Governor, who first paid courtesy call to the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Adedotun (Bibire I) to pay homage to the traditional ruler, who the governor revered a lot for staying by the truth since 2007.

All the major routes leading to the venue of the rally were decorated with APC flags, with buildings and structure bearing the posters of the governor, while market women and traders abandoned their wares to catch a glimpse of the governor and his entourage, while school children refused to return home after school hours to see the governor too.

By 1.00pm, the venue was filled to capacity, while other people were trooping in from various areas of the federal constituency, with residents of Ila, the host town ensuring that the other communities did not beat them to the game; mobilising every minute from door-to-door to show the governor that Ila-Orangun is the home town of the number one man in the party. The over 50 canopies set at the venue were

find a place to sit and had to take a stand for over eight hours that the rally lasted.

It was difficult understanding how the party mobilised its supporters within the federal constituency in such a manner that they stood the roughness of the sun from 10.00am till the very end of the programme, a move that always act as motivation for the governor, who find solace in the support he enjoyed from the electorate. The governor specifically expressed his appreciation for the understanding the people showed him through their resilient and belief in him to take Osun to great height.

The party campaign committee keeps improving from one rally to another. A unique feature at the Ila-Orangun rally was the sumptuous use of the broom, the symbol of the party, by virtually everyone at the venue. Even market women displayed the broom elegantly, as the governor drove through the busy Oja-Oba Market to the venue amidst traffic build up.

Similarly, unlike the two previous rallies, members of the state parliament graced the occasion in their numbers, as their roll call completed the entire 26 members dressed in a green Ankara chosen for the event.

Like in every other federal constituency, as the governor arrived at about 3:45pm, the venue was thrown into ecstasy, as supporters wielded their brooms in the air for about three minutes that the governor moved around in his vehicle, acknowledging cheers from the crowd at the venue, while the disc jockey welcomed the governor with the ‘stand up for the champion’ track by Dbanj and Fuji maestro, King Saheed Osupa entertaining the audience as well, announcing the triumphal entry of Governor Rauf Aregbesola, referred to as Oranmiyan to the venue.

government council areas too were involved along with the regular security outfits to maintain order in and around the venue, particularly the hectic vehicular movement from the Ikirun axis of the town. Unlike in the previous mega rallies, where star musician such as Tony Tetulah, LKT and others were the star major hip hop musicians, the Ila edition produced Kazeem Adetunji from Ataoja School of Science Osogbo as the star musician of the day. Similarly, the famous Ajobiewe and the veteran Iya Aladuke were at the venue to add glamour to the rally.

Speakers after speakers at the rally hinged their reasons seeking a re-election for the governor on his developmental projects across the state. The State Deputy Governor, who was appearing for the first time at the Ila-Orangun rally, said the administration has no plan to sack workers as being peddled around by members of the opposition, who, according to her, have nothing to use to seek the peoples’ mandate, having wasted over seven years in the helms of affairs of the state.

What is however intriguing about the mega rallies is the loyalty displayed by the teeming supporters of the party and its members across the federal constituencies in the state, as well as members of the party in standing by the governor no matter the nature event that their presence is sought.

An aspirant of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state once said in a national daily that Governor Rauf Aregbesola is today the best political mobilizer in the country. This assertion is further re-enforced by the by the level of support he enjoys from the teeming masses of the state and the level of turnout witnessed at the three federal constituencies’ mega rallies do far.

14

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

Mega Rally: When Aregbesola Threw Ila-Orangun Into Festive Mood

•Jubilant crowd welcoming Governor Rauf Aregbesola to Ila-Orangun last Tuesday.

I

T was indeed a political gathering, but what was witnessed in IlaOrangun on Tuesday at the mega campaign rally of the second term bid of Governor Rauf Aregbesola went beyond campaign, as the entire ancient town was thrown into a festive mood.

The ancient town, where the interim National Chairman of the All Progressive Congress (APC), Chief Bisi Akande hails from was brought into a standstill due to the number of crowd; politicians and non-politicians that witnessed the occasion.

As early as 9:00am, lovers and sympathisers of Aregbesola, who is the APC governorship candidate for the August 9 election, had started trooping into the town to identify with him and his party.

Perhaps, because the day fixed for the campaign coincided with the market day of the town, there was a long holdup of vehicles from the entry point of the town to Ila City Stadium, where the event was eventually held.

From Ikirun to Iree to Eripa to OtanAyegbaju and finally to Ila-Orangun, commercial motorcyclists, popularly called Okada riders and APC supporters in branded vehicles had stationed themselves at strategic positions waiting to accompany Aregbesola to Ila Orangun town with fanfare.

His entrance into the town was greeted with rousing welcome, as motorists abandoned their vehicles and traders abandoned their goods, picked up brooms and wielded it in appreciation of the governor. Okada riders also abandoned their businesses and joined

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

his convoy to be part of the campaign.

Traffic wardens and Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) officials had hectic time controlling traffic before the governor could have his way to pay homage to the Orangun of Ila, Oba Wahab Oyedotun.

At the palace, Oba Oyedotun assured that the people of Ila Federal Constituency would reciprocate the development that the governor had brought to the area through their votes on August 9.

He stated that the governor’s efforts to transform the state are well-noticed and would not go unappreciated.

After leaving the palace, the governor headed straight to the venue of the campaign, where he was again cheered by people on the streets, who picked up their brooms and wielded it at him.

His arrival to the venue of the programme was another glamorous scene entirely, as the mammoth crowd of his broom-wielding supporters welcomed him with ecstasy.

Before the arrival of the governor, hiphop artistes, Nollywood actors and actresses, local drummers and entertainers and popular Fuji musicians, likw Saheed Osupa have been on standby entertaining the mammoth crowd of APC members and sympathisers, which still continued when he arrived.

While security operatives were at alert, the air surveillance was also not left out.

Addressing the joyful crowd,

Aregbesola said his quest for re-election was aimed at completing the developmental projects he had started and embarked new ones.

According to him, the elementary school children are not only being fed with nutritious meals, 2,240 food vendors have been employed in the Ila/Ifedayo/ Boluwaduro constituency to prepare meals for the kids, while new model schools are being constructed in the area.

He also said that apart from the fact that free uniforms were distributed to pupils, 2,000 Opon Imo have so far been distributed in the constituency.

The governor also added that N10,000 was paid to each of the students of higher institutions, who are eligible to bursary, as against the N3,000 being paid before the advent of his administration.

Aregbesola further added that so far, N18 million had been paid to elderly citizens in the constituency, while floodprone streams in the area have been dredged.

He then hinted that the water and electrification projects in the area have been started, saying that the project would be completed, while additional ones would be started.

While speaking, Chief Bisi Akande described Aregbesola as a unique person, who is sent to place Osun on a path of progress and development.

He noted that all the programmes of Aregbesola’s administration seemed impossible, but he has been able to demonstrate that there is the hand of God in his leadership.

In his own address at the event, the

first Executive Governor of the state, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, said, the performance of Aregbesola has made him popular and acceptable to the people of the state.

He stated that the August 9 election would confirm his popularity and the popularity of his party, APC over that of the PDP and its candidate.

The former governor, who was also an aspirant under the PDP before defecting to APC, said that he left his former party having found out that those in the party are only interested in their selfish agenda and ready to kill anybody in the name of politics.

He said he did not receive money from anybody to join APC, saying: “I don’t need to collect money from anybody before joining a party. I’m not rich, but I am not hungry.”

The state deputy governor, Mrs Titilayo Laoye-Tomori urged the people to disregard those that are telling lies against Aregbesola, with a view to currying favour from the people.

The speakers then called on the people to vote for Aregbesola for a second term in appreciation of his developmental programmes and policies and defend their votes.

Among those at the campaign were Aregbesola’s wife, Sherifat; Speaker of the state House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam and other members of the House; members of the state executive council; Professor Mojeed Alabi, Senator Bayo Salami, Alhaji Fatai Diekola, Senator Sola Adeyeye and Senator Babajide Omoworare among others.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, June 12, 2014

PHOTOTALK

15

All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign At Ila Stadium, IlaPhoto: GBENGA ADENIYI, SHOLA ADERINTO AND JESUDOYIN ABRAHAM. Orangun, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

•A cross section of APC supporters at the rally.

•Some of the Aregbesola admirers and supporters hanging around to listen to his speech on the occasion.

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TUESDAY, JUNE 12, 2014 T is generally believed I that the custodians of our commonwealth should make a way by which the less-privileged will have access to functional education and have other basic needs of life met like their counterparts from well-to-do families. This has become necessary for so many reasons, ranging from the need to have an egalitarian society, to meeting the global expectation of having people that will be free from ignorance and naivety. Apart from these, those who do not go to school stand the risk of becoming threats to those who are well enlightened, and the burden of inactivity will far outweigh the error of commission that prompted the need of education for all to be overlooked.

There is nothing happening at the moment to suggest that the Federal Government has any plans to make functional education available for the Nigerian citizens. The falling standard of education seems not to bother our policy makers, possibly because their children have the option of sourcing the luxury of education outside the shores of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Our policy on education appears too uncoordinated, and therefore short of the standard comparable with those attainable in most developing nations of the world. That is why it has become almost impossible to explore job prospects that abound in most countries of the world that give high premium to quality.

Educational institutions owned by private individuals are known to be too expensive for prospective students from poor backgrounds; enrolling wards in them is thus something of class distinction than distinctive quest for excellence that is the hallmark of meaningful progression in life. Those who take their children there are sure of job placements after graduation, irrespective of the manner of certificates they come out with. That is why performance standard keeps dwindling in our national life since most public and private offices are manned by products that are not well groomed for challenges to be surmounted, whereas the best materials from public schools are in wanderers’ world looking for opportunities that are at best mirages.

There are respites for our unemployed graduates, in that they can live outside the world of ignorance that is exclusively reserved for the illiterates and unlearned. They can decipher through their rational differentiation instincts that make them know what is right and what is wrong.

They can also voyage into the world of the unknown to navigate for opportunities that will alleviate their problem of joblessness. Some of them

By ADE OLUGBOTEMI

rigorous and ever-demanding academic pursuits. They thus have the option of dropping out of school, or forge ahead and pass out with low General Point Average (GPA).

None of the two options above is good to be desired due to the overall implications; or what is the essence of embarking on something that will eventually bring half joy, half sorrow? That is why it becomes necessary for the authorities concerned to urgently do something, and that urgently too. The Federal Government, the university authority, the Parents’ Association, and the Alumni Association; all must come together to stop this aberration that may likely jeopardise the future of many innocent youths. Nigeria is currently having too much to grapple with, and we all must do everything to avoid anything that may aggravate it.

All stakeholders must realise that education is part of social responsibilities expected to be fulfilled at any point in time in any country. I believe Nigeria cannot be an exception.

This may be one shot on the leg too many for President Goodluck Jonathan, who has many things needing his rapt attention at the moment. The security situation in the country is enough to face than to add more to it. There was once a similar situation in the State of Osun before when the students of the state-owned university were made to pay exorbitant fees. The current governor showed unequalled understanding by slashing the fees payable then by almost half. Parents and Students of UNIOSUN will forever be grateful to Governor Aregbesola for not being adamant, despite the fact that the state lacked the financial muscle to cater for so many needs calling for attention at that time. Governor Aregbesola •JONATHAN should therefore lend Mr President the needed counsel that will save the himself in the university because his have even broken through their country from educational mother could not send him to school, limitations to outclass the so-called embarrassment that will certainly not as she manages to fend for his other children of the movers and shakers. be to the best interest of the country.

This feat may soon become impossible four siblings since over eight years There may be epileptic power if the current trend of outrageous fees ago, when their father died after many supply, our transportation system may years of protracted illness that drained remain a conduit pipe to siphon our increase in our federal universities is their living resources. not checkmated. resources, agricultural revolution may Curiosity propelled further Recently, parents and students who remain a mirage, and the quest for have banked on the low-fee regime in investigation, and the discovery was industrialization may remain a paper the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile- quite alarming. Obafemi Awolowo work promise; we may continue to University has in her so many selfIfe suddenly learnt that the amounts endure these as we are already sponsored students, who take time out smarting in until we are able to use our payable per annum to attain varying to do menial jobs in order to put bodies voting power and right to vote a nonfirst degrees have gone up and souls together and also to meet astronomically. One of the concerned performing government at the centre the financial obligations that might parents expressed serious concern out of office, the overall effect of a arise from time to time. Many of those frustrated Fellow on our national life about the level of insensitivity being students in this category that were exhibited by the policy makers of that may be too grave to grapple with. contacted appeared hopeless because Boko Haram resulted from unbridled well-acknowledged most beautiful campus in Africa through unwarranted there is no way they can devote more malfeasances of many years; I hope time for jobs to fill the new gaps increase in the payable fees by over the menace that may result from created and still be able to perform imminent drop-out syndrome will be 200% of the original fees. One of the well in their academics out of the little tackled now, so that we all do not get protesting students, who was seen time that will now be available for weeping profusely, said he sponsors consumed by the time-bomb that is begging timely detonation.

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo,for State of Osun.

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