Osun defender march 10, 2016 edition by OsunDefender

www.osundefender.org thursday, march 10, 2016 The Secretary to the state of Osun government (SSG), Alhaji Moshood Adeoti who turned 63 last week certainly deserves our congratulations for sundry reasons. Being a friend of

exemplar in terms of loyalty to a noble cause, a progressive democrat and a grassroots politician we cannot but join millions of others to identify with him during this auspicious period in his life.

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Front Page Comment

Adeoti at 63

From the benefit of hindsight this newspaper could recall the dogged role he played during the struggle to retrieve the mandate freely given to the current governor,

Ogbeni Aregbesola in 2007 by the good people of this state which was brazenly stolen by the PDP government in power then.

VOL. 11. NO.022 What the ilk of Adeoti passed through in the hands of perpetrators of electoral malfeasance in this state was more than enough to abandon the popular struggle then.

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But rather than succumb, Adeoti remained consistent, steadfast and uncompromising in his defence of the people’s mandate. ...continue on pg5

Aregbesola Creates

31 New LCDAs •Dissolves Executive Secretar- •Adopts Parliamentary System Osun Assembly Repeats Order On Tertiary Institutions Over Sacked Lecturers

- See Story On Page 3

•State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council, Professor Ajibola Obafemi (right); and Acting Vice-Chancellor, Osun State University, Professor Oguntola Alamu during the Fourth And Fifth convocation ceremony of the university held at Osogbo Campus last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA

Laoye-Tomori Calls For Prayers For Nigeria’s Econ-

- See Story On Page 2

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

News

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Aregbesola Creates New 31 LCDAs L a o y e - T o m o r i C a l l s F o r •Dissolves Executive Secretaries •Adopts Parliamentary System Prayers For Nigeria’s Economy T T

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI he Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has announced the creation of new 31 Local Council Development Areas (LCDA), three Council Areas and two Administrative Offices to complement the existing 30 local government councils. Governor Aregbesola, in office since 2011. i n a s t a t e b r o a d c a s t However, the list of on Tuesday morning, the new LCDA is not also announced the yet available as at dissolution of the 31 the time of filing this executive secretaries r e p o r t o n T u e s d a y and other management night, but according to c o m m i t t e e s i n t h e the governor, the list 30 Council Areas and is available at the State Modakeke Area Office House of Assembly and the Local Government with immediate effect. T h e e x e c u t i v e Service Commission. In the interim, the secretaries have been

governor stated, the entire local government system will be managed by Council Managers for three months and those managers will be appointed and deployed by State Local Government Service Commission among Grade Level 14 officers. Aregbesola said, the creation of the councils was in response to the legitimate demands that the people of the state placed before the government. He explained that efficient local government system is

key to development and that his administration clearly understood its importance to the social and democratic development, especially in the rural areas. Aregbesola, while explaining the process, said: “Our communities recognise the importance of the local government in development. This is why their various traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders, market leaders and women leaders never ceased to ask us to expand the platform

•(L-R) State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; President , Nigeria Society of Engineers (NSE), Engineer Otis Anyaeji and Chairman, Osogbo Branch, Engineer Ibitoye Kilomodemo at the Ibadan Airport last Sunday.

of the local government, in order to enhance their participation. “We carefully considered their request and set in motion the process for acceding to their demands. On June 18, 2012, we inaugurated a committee headed by Professor Mojeed Alabi, a former Speaker of the State House of Assembly, to look into the modalities for creating more councils in accordance with the wishes of the people. “That committee received 71 memoranda, requesting new councils. It wrapped up its assignment and submitted its report on October 26, 2012. In April 2013, we set up a review committee, headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, to look into the Alabi committee’s Report. After this, we sent the request to the State House of Assembly, in the form of an executive bill. “The House also looked into the bill, set up a committee on it and subsequently, a referendum was held on February 19, 2015, in which the people of the state overwhelmingly gave a ‘Yes’ vote on the bill. After this, the House passed a bill creating 31 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), three Area Councils and two Administrative Offices. I have since signed this bill into law,” the governor said. He added that the state government has

Ife Markets Shut To Seek Divine Intervention

By shola jacobs arkets in the ancient city of Ile-Ife last Friday were shut, with a view to seeking divine intervention on economic lull as currently being experienced in the country. A non-indigene, who According to the a u t h o r i t i e s o f t h e is a textile trader at Odomarkets in Ife Central Ogbe Market, Mr Kelly a n d I f e E a s t L o c a l Onuorah, while reacting Government Council to the stay-away order areas respectively when by the market authority, contacted by OSUN said it was not strange D E F E N D E R , t h e y to him, as he had been said the action was to trading in the market for worship Aje, the goddess close to thirty years. “The economic lull, of the market and as well performed the spiritual a s c u r r e n t l y b e i n g cleansing of the markets. e x p e r i e n c e d , n e e d s The m e d i u m intervention, as we are witnessed closure of all complaining that we major markets such as are not selling. If the Odo-Ogbe, Oja-Ife, Sabo, traditionalists decided Ita-Akogun, Towobaje, to appease Aje, we, Iloro, Arubidi, Ondo Christians, have also road markets, as they e n g a g e d i n p r a y e r were under lock and sessions, not only for keys as early as 7.00am, our markets but for our while traders stayed nation at large. “If the nation’s away in compliance with economy improves, it the directive.

will definitely affect local markets as ours,” he stressed. A traditionalist, Chief Ifaranti Awosanmi, in a chat with OSUN DEFENDER, said the exercise was to purify the markets, as corruption practices and other vices were responsible for the current downturn in our economy, both locally and internationally, hence the need for purification. He continued that after the purification exercise, traders would be warned on unwholesome practices and whosoever that still engages in it, after the appeasement of Aje goddess, should be ready to face the consequences. The priest also berated the sanitary situation in the markets, stressing that it is normal for

buyers to desert dirty markets and traders may not sell in dirty markets as Aje goddess only stays in clean environment. He therefore, stressed the need to enforce cleanliness of the markets and called on sanitation officials to revisit the issue of market sanitation to prevent outbreak of epidemics and diseases. “If we employ the spiritual angle, let it be coupled with physical sanitation to have the desired result,” Chief Awosanmi stated. According to him, Nigeria should be hopeful, as its economy will soon bounce back with the steps taken by the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration on recovering of looted funds and banning of

imported goods. “If our local economy must thrive, we must all embrace agriculture, no matter our other profession.” Other traders, especially those who sell perishable goods such as vegetables and fruits, carpeted the stay-away order from the market on Friday, saying it was unwarranted, adding that the economic lull as being experienced in the market was not peculiar to Ile-Ife alone, as it is a general trend across the globe. The medium’s visit to the markets on Saturday witnessed that commercial activities had resumed in earnest, as traders and buyers were seen buying and selling in the markets.

followed the necessary constitutional procedure, adding the list of the new LCDAs, their territories and headquarters, will be published soon. The governor, while commending the former management committees made up of the executive secretaries, deputy executive secretaries, scribes, members and special advisers, said they have acted excellently and astutely managed scarce resources but paucity of funds and other considerations have forced the state to adopt parliamentary. With the parliamentary system, Chairman, Vice Chairman, Scribe and other management committee members will be appointed from among the councillors. The governor also assured that the creation will not add to the current financial burden, adding that it has been structured in a way that it will be less cost effective and efficient. He said: “Many would be wondering and asking: why create more councils at this special time of financial challenges? We have also given sufficient consideration to this. With this new parliamentary system, it will cost less to run the new councils and save a lot of money for the government than in the past. “The primary responsibilities of our new local government system are sanitation, market management and revenue mobilisation and generation. This is consistent with local government administration worldwide. “The beauty of this new system is its parliamentary nature, which requires the chairman and the vice chairman to be elected by the councilors from among their own ranks, thereby saving cost. We shall therefore be saving a huge cost with this new system. “In addition, the same number of staff will still run all the councils, as no new appointments will be made to existing ones. We shall make the most judicious use of our revenues in such a way that increasing the number of councils will least constitute any financial burden,” Aregbesola explained. The governor, in the broadcast, commended State House of Assembly, the former executive secretaries, traditional rulers, artisans for their support since inception of his administration and urged them to always perform their civic duties with the payment of taxes

he Deputy Governor of the State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Laoye-Tomori, has urged Nigerians to work hard and pray for divine intervention on the economic problems facing the country. Laoye-Tomori made The programme the call last Sunday at t a g g e d : “ F l o o d o f the special prayer and Abundance” brought thanksgiving service for together thousands the economy organised of Christian faithful, b y t h e R e d e e m e d captains of industries, C h r i s t i a n C h u r c h public servants and of God’s National entrepreneurs and Headquarters, Ebute- i n c l u d e d p r a y e r , Metta, Lagos.

song rendition, Bible teaching and prophetic ministration. LaoyeTomori observed that the economic situation in Nigeria needs divine intervention, pointing out that the knowledge and skill of man is limited. She said: “Ceaseless prayer from the church is so urgently needed at this time of the year

and at this stage of the Nigerian economy, so that very soon, Nigerians will heave a sign of relief. She advised Nigerians to work hard, look inward and depend less on foreign goods. “This is time for us to believe in ourselves, tap into the enormous resources that God has given to us; and I

believe that Nigeria will have abundance and so shall it be in Jesus name,” she said. Also speaking at the event, the Special Assistant on Administration and Personnel to the General Overseer of RCCG, Pastor Johnson Odesola, charged political office holders to fear God and do what is right for the good of the masses. “You cannot enjoy the flood of abundance

if you do not belong to God. You cannot serve God and mammon; but once you are with God, you will definitely enjoy His blessings,” he said. Odesola cited the scriptures, saying that the fear of the Lord is the beginning of wisdom and added that God would see Nigerians through, if only we can fear Him and live for Him at all times. He stressed that God has promised to bless His people abundantly, even in the time of famine but he requires their absolute obedience to Him.

Osun Ex-NIPR Chair Loses

•Wife of Nigeria’s President, Hajia Aisha Buhari (2nd left) in a group photograph with Oxfam Nigeria team, during their visit recently.

ormer Chairman of Osun Chapter of the Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Gbenga Ojo, popularly known as O’Kenn, has lost his father, Pa. Stephen Bolarinwa Ojo. The late Pa Ojo, as A renowned teacher, Pa fondly called by his peers, Ojo, was at various times, who was born in 1917 President and Patron, and died on Thursday, Ilesa YMCA, Pioneer Commandant, Ilesa February 11, 2016. Announcing the death Boys’ Brigade, President, of his father in a statement, Omofe YMCA, Pioneer the former NIPR boss PCC Secretary, Cathedral described his late father of Holy Trinity, Omofe, a s a d i s c i p l i n a r i a n Ilesa, a Lay Preacher teacher, a community who served at Oke-Bode, leader, Christian of no Odogbo, Iwaro, Igbaramean stature, as well as Oke, Igangan and many a boisterous, agile and other churches of the hearty personality as at Anglican Communion the time the death came until he breathed the last. A Justice of the Peace, calling Pa. Ojo was a pioneer member of Ilesa PCRC, Bible Society of Nigeria, and Egbe Ajumoka they were not unjustifi- Bibeli, where he served in various capacities till ably disengaged. Deliberating on the his last breath. modalities to be adopted He was patron to more in the investigation on t h a n t w e n t y c h u r c h Monday, Adegboye in- associations at Omofe formed members that and other churches across instead of 72 staff sacked Ijesaland. at the state-owned ColThe deceased is lege of Education, Ilas u rvived by many Orangun, only 39 files were produced, wonder- children, including Mrs. ing why the number sud- Iyabode Olufunmilayo Gboteku, a retired denly reduced. He said, there was the M a t r o n f r o m U C H need for the state legisla- Ibadan; Olori Margaret ture to ask questions on Olusola Ajayi, an Austria the rationale behind the administrator; Olufemi reduction in number, say- Ojo, a retired school ing: “We need to ask why principal; Olugbenga Ojo the number has reduced. (O’Ken); Olubunmi Ojo, Is it that those people, whose files are not with a business tycoon and us have been re-absorbed many others, including grand and great grand into the system?” Speaking one after the children. O’kensaid his father other, Honourables Rasheed Afolabi, Kamard- would be buried in April een Akanbi, Olatunbo- 2016. sun Oyintiloye and Leke Ogunsola, among others, suggested that four adhoc committees should be set up to make the investigation into the matter faster. They called on the Assembly to look critically into the matter, with a view to ensuring that the issue was not a matter of witch-hunting of the staff. •The Late Pa Ojo

Osun Assembly Repeats Order On Tertiary Institutions Over Sacked Lecturers

By kazeem mohammed he State of Osun House of Assembly has reechoed its directive issued on the Governing Councils of state-owned tertiary institutions to suspend the sacking of its teaching and non-teaching staff until a decision is taken on it by the House. The Speaker of the on Monday. Assembly, Honourable This was just as the Najeem Salaam, stated Assembly set up four this through his deputy, adhoc committees to look Akintunde Adegboye, at critically into the files a parliamentary session of the affected staff and

investigate their issues, with a view to ensuring justice on the matter. Osun State Polytechnic Iree, Colleges of Technology, Esa-Oke; and Colleges of Education in Ila-Orangun and Ilesa respectively have sacked about 204 teaching and non-teaching staff. The managements of the institutions identified redundancy in qualifica-

tions, academic decline, extortion, and misconduct among others as some of the reasons for the disengagement of the staff members. Following series of petitions and complaints, the state parliament directed the management of the institutions to bring the files of the affected staff for perusal, with a view to ensuring that

Orphan Bags 31/2 Years Jail Term For Selling Hemp

By kazeem mohammed

Federal High Court sitting in Osogbo, the State of Osun capital, has sentenced a 19-year-old orphan, Falomo Ojo, to three and a half years imprisonment for selling a special grade of Indian hemp known as skunk. The co nvict, who section 19, NDLEA was arrested on April Act Cap 30 Law of the 21, 2015 in Ilesa, was Federation of Nigeria caught with 120 grams 2004. Ojo pleaded guilty of skunk. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e to the charge slammed charge sheet, the offence against him when the was contrary to and charge sheet was read p u n i s h a b l e u n d e r to him in the dock.

The prosecutor, John Ameh, implored the judge to convict the accused, having pleaded guilty to the charge. Ojo, who was not represented by any lawyer, prayed the court to temper justice with mercy on him. The convict stated that he was looking for money to start his own barbing salon after he later met a friend

that introduced him to the business of skunkselling. He however, cried profusely inside the court, pleading with the judge to have mercy on him. The presiding judge, Justice Malqueen Ohyetenu, convicted the accused and subsequently sentenced him to three and a half years imprisonment, starting from his first date in police custody.

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osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

New LCDAs Will Constitute No Financial Burden On Us - Aregbesola •Confir ms Creation Of 31 New LCDAS, 3 Area Councils, 2 Administrative Offices he Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf at this special time of i n s t r u m e n t a l t o t h e

Aregbesola, on Tuesday, stated that his financial challenges, held administration will make ýjudicious use that his administration of its revenues, in such a way that increasing has given it sufficient the number of councils will least constitute any consideration, saying financial burden. he has put in place, T h i s w a s e v e n state overwhelmingly procedures that will cost as he dissolved the gave a ‘Yes’ vote on the less and save money, management committees bill. thus bringing rapid of the existing 30 Local The House passed the development. Councils and Area Office bill creating 31 new Local He added that the and their Executive Council Development primary responsibilities S e c r e t a r i e s , D e p u t y Areas (LCDAs), three of the newly-created Executive Secretaries, Area Councils and two councils are to bring m e m b e r s , S p e c i a l Administrative Offices, d e v e l o p m e n t t o A d v i s e r s a n d o t h e r signed into law by the t h e p e o p l e , m a r k e t functionaries. governor. management, revenue The governor state this Aregbesola, speaking m o b i l i s a t i o n a n d in a stateý broadcast to on why the state was g e n e r a t i o n a m o n g the people of the state on creating more councils many others that are the creation of additional 31 Local Council Development Areas, three Area Councils By shina abubakar and two administrative offices. socio-political group in the State of Osun, The request for Kakaki, has applauded the announcement of additional local councils the creation of new LCDA and the dissolution by the people of the of the Executive Committee steering the affairs of the state after several legal existing local government councils in the state. procedures was sent M According theyears. group, Alhaji o r u f u O l atoi ythe a , Secretary t h e overoffive to the state House of decision is long overHe said, the teeming Assembly in form of an due and the governor populace in the state have executive bill. c o u l d n o t b e m o r e been waiting for long after The House looked into m a g n a n i m o u s w i t h they have participated in the bill, set up a committee the dissolved council a referendum that led to and subsequently, a executive secretaries the creation of the council referendum was held a n d t h e i r m e m b e r s , by the State House of on February 19, 2015, in having been given the Assembly. which the people of the opportunity to serve for According to him, the people, especially the

yearnings of the people. The governor stated that the state will be saving huge cost with the new system, adding that the same number of staff will still run all the councils and no new appointments will be made to existing ones.ý He hinted that the entire local government system will be managed by Council Managers for three months, adding that managers shall be appointed and deployed by the State Local Government Service

Commission from among the substantive Grade Level 14 officers in the local governments. ýHe said: “Many would be wondering and asking: why create more councils at this special time of financial challenges? We have also given sufficient consideration to this. With this new parliamentary system, it will cost less to run the new councils and save a lot of money for the government than in the past. “The primary

Council Transformation: Group Hails Aregbe-

political class, have been discussing the objectivity of the process and what eventually came out of the process cannot be better. He maintained that though the group was satisfied with the decision of the lawmakers, he stressed the need for discourse on the implementation of the new policy adopted at the council level, so as to avoid unnecessary rumour in the state.

Aregbesola Appoints New Oba For Erin-Ijesa

overnor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has approved the appointment of Prince Isaac Adeyeba Ayeni, as the new traditional ruler for Erin-Ijesa town in Oriade Local Government Council Area of the state. T h e a p p o i n t m e n t signed by the Director was contained in letter of Chieftaincy Matters in

New LCDAs: Osun APC Congratulates

he All Progressives Congress in the state of Osun has congratulated the people and government for the creation of new local government announced by Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Monday. moment for Osun because The governor in a landmark achievement state-wide broadcast the of creating new local on Monday, announced governments further creation of 31 additional enhance peacewill within and Local Council Development Areas, b e t w e e n c o m m u n i t i e s 3 Area Councils and 2 of the state as well as Administrative Offices, increase the potential for bring the total LCDAs in more efficient internally generated revenue for the Osun to 61. According to the party, state as well as for the local ‘it is a joyful culmination government’. According to him, the of the long standing aspiration of the people to ball is now in the court of have government closest the people to demonstrate their appreciation through to their communities. The party especially dedicated effort at keeping c o n g r a t u l a t e d the new as well as the old t h e g o v e r n o r f o r local councils running. painstakingly following ýFinally the chairman the constitutional process called on the people ‘ required to create new to stand firm and fully local governments. give their support to T h i s s e n t i m e n t s the government which w a s e x p r e s s e d b y in spite of the financial the chairman of the challenges the state is going party, Prince Gboyega through, the state of Osun Famodun , in a statement is not standing still. It is not issued yesterday and stagnant, but moving on made available to the with positive steps to bring media. the best it could afford to P r i n c e F a m o d u n the people. said: ‘this is one great

the State Ministry of Local Government, Chieftaincy Matters, Rural and Community Affairs, Mr Femi Ogundun, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary. The letter said the appointment of the new Akinla of Erin-Ijesa was in accordance with Section 20, Subsection (1) of Chief’s Law (Cap 25) Laws of the State of Osun,2002. The director said arrangement was being made to publish the appointment in the Government Official Gazette. The appointment of

the 52-year-old engineer as the new Akinla brought the 17-year rulership tussle in the town to an end. The new monarch hails from Ayeni Royal Family of Osefiri Ruling House. His media aide, Mr Kayode Ekundayo, commended Governor Aregbesola for ensuring that Erin-Ijesa gets a traditional ruler after 17 years of vacuum at the palace of Akinla. The appointment of the new Oba attracted jubilation, as the people of the town expressed joy over the development.

•A scene of an accident in Lagos recently.

The group’s scribe described the parliamentary system adopted by the government as the most efficient way to maximize resources, saying the state needs to create a means of ensuring that the people benefitted the most from the policy. “The adoption of parliamentary system for the council areas in the state is a welcome development, as it would reduce cost of governance at the level drastically and ensure that the people benefitted the most from the system. “It would prove to other tiers of government that Nigeria needs to jettison the presidential system of government because of the reality facing the nation’s economy. “With the development in the State of Osun, and if properly implemented and monitored, it should set the platform for other states of the federation to see reason in adopting parliamentary system, as the alternative given the present circumstances in the world”.

responsibilities of our new local government system are sanitation, market management and revenue mobilisation and generation. This is consistent with local government administration worldwide. “The beauty of this new system is its parliamentary nature, which requires the chairman and the vice chairman to be elected by the councilors from among their own ranks, thereby saving cost,” The Governor told the people of the state. He added that the creation of additional local government should not be seen as being alien in the sense that in advanced western democracies, the local government controls the police and provides many municipal services to the people. The governor also highlighted the importance of the local government, saying that the usefulness of this smallest tier of government cannot be overstated. According to him: “It is where the government is designed to be closest to the people. While you need to follow some protocols for reasons of security and tight schedule before having an audience with a minister, a state governor or the President, you can walk in on your local government chairman or other officials of council. “Also, because the geographical space of the local government makes it the smallest unit of administration, it is easier to get things done at this level. The local government is also the ideal training ground for political leadership”.

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Adeoti at 63

....continued from pg1

Just like Ogbeni Aregbesola, the symbol and custodian of that mandate wouldn’t leave the people in the lurch, Adeoti and other politicians like honourable Lai Oyeduntan, Alhaji Diekola, Prince Famoodun, barrister Gbenga Akano, SundayAkere, Gbenga Fayemiwo to mention just a few - also remained steadfast. They refused to kowtow in the face of consistent harassment and persecutions from the PDP elements who

reveled much in maltreating members of the main opposition party - the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) then - and their supporters.

It is noteworthy that Adeoti and the aforementioned names and others were roped up and remanded in prison on trumped-up charge of throwing bomb; this being the peak of PDP persecution of the defenders of people’s mandate. Thus how many can we really mention here appertaining to the persecutions suffered by the progressive politicians who were

if an accident occurs, it will be easier to locate the victim’s family or friends through his phone contact list. Many parents allow their kids to own a mobile phone because they feel secured and believe that they can reach them wherever they are and at anytime. Mobile phone has become a convenient device used for variety

of tasks. Many nowadays go to church and mosques without Bible or Quran or notebook, but only with their phones because of the multiplicity of tasks it performs. Investigations have revealed how most students have become addictive to mobile phones and are fond of playing games, chatting with friends, watching movies when they are supposed to be reading or even be in lecture rooms.

Also, many students also use the device as a means of committing examination malpractices by saving or browsing an answer to a question while in the examination hall. Recently, mobile phones are researched to be emitting radiation, which is harmful to health, causing cancer, brain tumours, headache, sleeping disorder etc. Mobile phone can

also disrupt a meeting or serious discussion, if proper etiquette is not f ol l o w ed . T he p ho ne ringing during a class or meeting can distract the attendants and waste precious time. To curb all these improper use of mobile phones by students, it is advisable for parents/ guardians to always check what their children are doing with their phones. They should ensure they

government Alhaji Adeoti has remained consistent in his show of loyalty to the governor and the party. Overall he has proved to be a party leader by example and a consistent promoter of progressive politics. The encomiums that are being poured on him during this period from different quarters sort of testify to the fact that he is a man of noble and reliable character.

never ready to give up the struggle then? Like a philosopher once observed “we can forget what happened but it’s difficult to erase such happening from the pages of history book”. This was why his appointment as the SSG was never a surprise to many that were familiar with his antecedent. For the appointment was well deserved.

As this political icon turns 63 we feel proud to identify Since he became the SSG with him and to wish him Adeoti’s loyalty to the govern- well. We pray to Almighty ment is also noticeable. In the Allah to give him long life, face of the vicissitudes that good health, happiness and have defined the Aregbesola abundant prosperity.

Mobile Phone, Benefits And Dangers Attached

ermit me to state that all individuals desire whatever will be of great comfort to them. Science and technology has made life easier, when compared to the early 1800s, where one had to travel for days before he could communicate with others. With the invention of mobile phones, communication has become more comfortable and faster. The advent of mobile phones has turned this large world into a global village. No one can deny the importance of mobile phones. Just as it has many benefits, so also are its demerits. To start with, mobile phones have made communication easier from and to any part of the globe. Also, mobile phone has become a source of unlimited entertainment, as one can listen to music, watch movies, play games etc, some even come with special application to boost the human brain. More so, it also comes handy in emergency situations. For instance,

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

enlighten them about what to use it for and what not to do with it. Also, to reduce physical damages caused by the use of mobile phones, it has been advised by experts for one to use an ear-piece while making long hour calls and desist from placing mobile phones on the chest, pocket of shirts; instead, use a pouch or waist belt. It is very dangerous to use mobile phone while driving, and always endeavour to put your phone on silent while in lecture rooms or meeting. If we use our mobile phones properly and reasonably, mobile phones will be a beautiful piece of utility in life and most of its disadvantages can merely be insignificant.

•Oluwasegun Ojo

OSPOLY, Iree, State of Osun.

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for the records

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

New Local Council Development Areas, Area Councils And Administrative Offices In The State Of Osun.

Songbe, Osuntedo, Ajitena, Idi-Iroko, Akinleye, Molosanowo Patara, Oloba-Ogundiran, 14 IFE OOYE Orile-Owu, Araromi Owu, Motako, Mokore and from the existing Ejigbo Anarun, Adepiti, Alagbon, Okerewe Ward 1 (Okesoda, Local Government. adjoining Iloro, Moremi, Ifedapo, Itamerin); communities excluding Ilawo (Hqrs). Ologun-Ebi, Odeyinka from the existing Okerewe Ward 2 (Gbodo, 6. EJIGBO WEST Ayedaade Oloola, etc. from the part of Enuwa, part of Ife-Odan, Owu-Ile, Masifa, e x i s t i n g I w o L o c a l Ajamopo, Local Government. Ola, Isoko, Aye, Oguro Government. A i y e t o r o , and Agurodo Orile-Owu (Hqrs) Agberire, (Hqrs). Itakogun);Okerewe Ward 3 (Ogbonya, Mopa, 2. AYEDIRE SOUTH from the existing Ejigbo O S U N E A S T Iyekere, O l u p o n n a , A l a y a , Local Government. SENATORIAL Adenlere, Lanye, Railway Oroto, Arubidi, Omiokun, (Hqrs). Oguro Station, Oke-Osun, Ilaji DISTRICT Texaco, Ondo Road, I R E W O L E 1 1 . A T A K U N M O S A Olurin, Apata 1, 2 Parapo, Oke-oba and the 7 . & 3, Erefe, Ita-Osa, N O R T H - E A S T EAST CENTRAL adjoining communities Olugbodo, Atiki, Temidire, Wasinmi, Majeroku, from the existing Odeyinka,Bamidele, Dede, Iwara, Igangan, Iwikun, Oke-Igbala) and Ayedire L o c a l Molarere, Fidiwo, Iyinta, Asuku, Owode, Yekemi Ward (Yekemi, Government. Olopon, Ajegunle, Coker, Abata Egba, Balogun, Bamigbola, Oluboroku, Atamora, Ajumobi Alaago, Faforiji, Oluponna (Hqrs). Agbongbon, Ajebo, O m i o d o ,Atorin, E r i n sAyinrin e b i j a , Wanikin, Iyanfoworogi, Erinburo, 3. EDE EAST Agbon Jegede, Adedeji, Lapaede Aroko), Owoeye and Alajue II, (Ward 5), Olodan I w a t a , e t c . f r o m t h e Safajo from the existing (Ward 6), Sekona (Ward 8), existing Irewole Local Araromi, a n d o t h eAjebamidele, r a d j o i n i n g Ife Central Local Government. Oloki/ communities from the existing Atakumosa Government. Akoda (Ward 9), Loogun Wasinmi, (Hqrs). 1 AYEDAADE SOUTH

(Ward 10) from existing Ede South Local Government. 8. ISOKAN SOUTH Sekona, (Hqrs).SOUTH 4. EGBEDORE

East Local Government.

Iwara, (Hqrs). Ikoyi Ile, Asejire, Abidemi, Ido-Osun, Egbedi, Iloba, Baale Ayo and adjoining 12 ATAKUNMOSA Ifewara, Ogogo, Gbabiaka, Onibueja, Aduramigba, , WEST Jagun, CENTRAL Orunto, Kuku, villages from Ilode, Ikogun, Aduramigba,Temidire, the existing Isokan Local Offatedo, Olorunsogo, Egudu, Ijana Iyemogun, Boripe Community, Government. Ileki, Epe, Igun, Iyere, Olorunayo, Gbotaru, OlojoAjeoku, Abepe, Ikoyi, (Hqrs).

Oke-Osun, Aje Market area, Plank Market Area, Bolorunduro Alapata, IgiGogoro, Animashun Avenue, Adewale Estate,Amnui OkeIbukun, Agaa, Oke â&#x20AC;&#x201C; Ola, Boluwaduro, Ogunwuyi Estate Eesa Titun, Akiola and Prime Area from the

Itagunmodi Bowaje, Owena, Alaba, Araromi, I s a l e - O b a Q u a r t e r s , Oke Ipa, Asegbo and Moleta Quarters, Oke- Ariye Arigbabu from the Adan Quarters, Gidigbo existing Atakumosa West Local 9. IWO EAST

Ita-Oosa, (Hqrs).

15 IFE NORTH EAST Modakeke from the existing Ife East Local Government. Modakeke, (Hqrs). 16 IFE NORTH WEST Moro Ward (Moro C o m m u n i t y , Eleweran, Olukotun, Akindele, Foreign Links, Deeper Life Camp, Odu Compound,

Quarters, and OkeGovernment existing Egbedore Local Oba Quarters etc. from the existing Iwo Ifewara, (Hqrs). Government. 13 IFE CENTRAL WEST Osun Aro, Local Ido-Osun (Hqrs) 5. EJIGBO SOUTH Ilawo, Adegbo, AdoOrioke, Isundunrin, Ijimoba, Inisa I, Aato, Ogege, Osinmo, Igbon, Ika, Araromi, Iwata, Afaake, Inisa-Edoro, Ibogunde, Idigba, Olorin,

More-Ojaja ward, Ilare 1, Alasa, Atere, Aiyepe) Ilare 2, Ilare 3 and Edun-Abon Ward 1 Olosin, Ilare 4 from the existing Ife Olomowewe, (Hqrs). Agbe Baale, Agbe Central Local Government. 10. IWO WEST Idowu, Aba Afon, Balogun, Elefon-Owaa, (Hqrs). Oodofin, Alalubosa) and Oke-Oba I: Agberire, Edun-Abon Aipate-Nla, Asipa, Oniyangi, etc, Oke-Oba II: Ward 2 (Ogbirigbiri, Ejemu, Moroyin, Oloba, Ogoru, Adan/Elemo, Apesikiti, Tonkere Oyediran, Agoro, Papa, Government.

Orile, Elemu, Amoloye, Alagba) from the existing Ife North Local Government. Edunabon, (Hqrs).

17 IFE SOUTH WEST

for the records

18 ILESA NORTH- Ikeji-Ile, Ira, Ikeji-Arakeji/ Esa-Oke, Esa-Odo, Ilare, Owena- Ijesa, Apoti/ Otan-Ile, Imesi-Ile, Igigun, EAST

Dagbaja/Eti-Oni, Imo Area (Fasoro, Kajola, A l e j o l o w o , I f e l o d u n , Ipetu-Ijesha I, and IpetuIjesha II from the existing Ireakari, Iwajowa, Oriade Local Oloruntedo, Fadahunsi, F a d o g b a , I r e p o s u n , Government.

Olode Ward(Awolowo Town, Idera, Aba Oyibo, Adebayo Abon, Sekondi, Olufemi, Omi-asoro, Odemuyiwa, Agbonbiti, Akinola Komolafe, Iloko N a t h a n i e l , B a l o g u n , Road, Abulenla Orita Elewure, Omidi Iloko, Ayeni Araromi, Onipetesi, Eleweran, Omiasoro, Adecome st., Oloruntedo orita-

Adereti, Ere) ; Aye Onimo St),st.Ifosan/ iloko,, Odeyemi OritaW a r d ( A y e O b a , iloko Oke-Eso Area Ogbagba,

Ajebandele Lukosi, Aba (Ifosan, Igbaye Obembe, Iresi, Olodo, Amodo, Igbaye Akoloso, Igbaye Atere, Idi-Ogun Ladegbaye, Igbaye Sanni, Olowokere, Atiba & Idi Ako) Osi Ward( Ajeri, Igbaye Lemodu Akeredolu, and Oke-Eso), Iloro Olorombo, Isoya, Esera, Area(Woye, Iloro, Osi Okero, Osi Sooko, odundun, Idio, Idifi, Agbonkuta, Aba Anaye), Ijamo Area(Ijamo Edunabon, Ara Oosa, lane, Idi-ose Andu, Ara Joshua, Amusan, Aluti Erin, market, Ijamo street and K a j o l a , S a n m i , O m i - Ita-ogo). Okesa Area Korede, Ara Akinloye & (Araromi okesa, Albert. Kere Ward

Okesa, Ogbontuntun, Kobinu, Ogbonokun, ( L a d u g b o O g u n l e y e , Okesa C.A.C, Camp, Kere, Iponrin, Apon Mode, Obutu, Abuletagba, Olorunsogo & Obokun Avenue) from Olonda, Aworele, Apata the existing Oloko, Aba Afa, Alasa Kan, Amu, Ologede, Ilesha East Local Government. Olomu Oja, Olomu Aba, Adereti & Araromi Oke- Imo, (Hqrs). Odo, Apoje,

Ipetu-Ijesha, (Hqrs).

Egbe-idi, Powerline, OmiEran, Oke-Ola, Ayeso, Onigbin. Odo-Iro, Ereja, Abiri Ogudu Ward (Ilu O I sdook- E u sni ,n r aI ,s iA n dk ei tni , Ooni, Toba, Aba Oba, O g b o n a g b e d e , I k o y i , Ogudu, Abiri, Elekolo, Aragan, Arokomo, Ogogo, Kajola, Idasa from the existing Ita Marun, Gborogboro & I l e s h a W e s t L o c a l Daranijo) and Government. G b a f a a r i f r o m t h e Ereja Square, (Hqrs). exisiting Ife South Local Government. 20 ORIADE SOUTH Awolowo Town, (Hqrs).

Iketewi, etc. Ilare, (Hqrs). from the existing Obokun 2Local 7 Government. ODO-OTIN

NORTH

Oyan, Ila-Odo, Ijabe, Paraoye, Ashi, Gaa Lagbedu, Asaba, Igbotele,

O S U N C E N T R A L Alapata, Ekun, Lapiti, S E N A T O R I A L Ejigba, Konta, Koko, Gaa DISTRICT Babatunde, Aketa, 21 BOLUWADURO EAST Ayore and Ajioko from the Igbajo and Iresi from the existing Odo-Otin Local existing Boluwaduro Local Government. Government. Oyan, (Hqrs). Ajoda, (Hqrs). 28 ODO-OTIN SOUTH 22 BORIPE NORTH Inisha, Agbeye, Ore, Iree, Ada, Aagba and Iyeku, Aganju, Oloola, Ororuwo Communities Ologungun, Awuru, from the existing Eleshin-Funfun, Boripe Local Government. O l o k u n m o d o , O m u yadun, Kosemoni, Iree, (Hqrs). Komolafe, 23 IFELODUN NORTH Ologede, Olugbokun, Ward 6, Ward 7, Ward 8 A k u n y u n , O k e - O m o , Subokun, Oke-Ogun, and Ward 12 Oke-Odo, Odesado, Eweta, (Hqrs). Laarin, Ikupelete, Boripe and Ojubo from the 24 ILA CENTRAL P a r t o f I l a - O r a n g u n existing Odo-Otin Local (Iperin, Okejigbo, Oke- Government. Aloyin, Eyindi, Oke-Ofa),

Inisha, (Hqrs).

F a j e O b a l o g b o , G a a 29 OLORUNDA NORTH Obalumo and Dindin Orita LAMECO, Iso Eran Iso, Obaloja from the West By- Pass (only left hand

e x i s t i n g I l a L o c a l side of Government. the road from LAMECO) Ansarudeen Grammar School, Magbon, (Hqrs). Kelebe,

1 9 I L E S A W E S T 25. IFELODUN SOUTH Lowoka, Idi Ahun, Erin-Osun and its A a g b a l a , O l o r o m b o , CENTRAL Onipanduku, Abeji &

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Testing Ground, Abidogun, Powerline, Ota- Efun Agunbelewo, State

environment, including police Headquarter, Islaudeen Alamo, Oke-Awesin,

Middle School, Alatori/Olude,

Moje, Akanbi, Mokin, M a l l a m T o p e , A y e k a l e , Gaa Sheriki, Obalufon, Kelebe, MOPOL Base, OtaArowojobe, Alagbon, Efun, Dagbolu,

Agbandada, Mosadope, Oba-Ile, Oba-Oke and Ilie, Gaa Olumo, Gaa Alfa, Agunbelewo and Alatori from the Iloba Erin from the Olorunda Local existing Irepodun Local existing Government. Government.

Erin-Osun, (Hqrs). 26 OBOKUN EAST

Ota-Efun, (Hqrs). Continued on page 10

phototalk

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

4th And 5th Convocation Ceremony Of Osun State University Held At Osogbo Campus Last Tuesday. Photo: GBENGA

•State of Osun governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right) in a handshake with former Governor of the state, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (left) while Acting Vice Chancellor, Professor Oguntola Alamu (right) watches.

•The ongoing road reconstruction along Ola-Iya area of Osogbo.

•A cross section of graduands at the programme.

•(L-R ) State of Osun Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo; Justice Jide Falola and State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye.

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Ongoing Reconstruction Of Ola-Iya/Asubiaro Road In Osogbo, The State Of Osun, By Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Administration.

•An ongoing road reconstruction at Asubiaro, Osogbo.

•Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (2nd right); Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye (left) and other dignitaries during the programme.

phototalk

•The ongoing road reconstruction site at Jaleyemi of Osogbo.

10 continued from page 7

30 OSOGBO SOUTH From Osunjela bridge by the left from Ilesha, Sodiq Adeleke School, Owode by the left, Irepodun Village, Ajenisua, Alajaloge, Lasinmi, Agric Oke-Osun, Oke-Pupa, Fountain University, Muslim & Timehin middle School, Osun Shrine, Jameegbo, Store, Ataoja Palace, Isale Agbara, Alawe, Akolodo, Oke-Ayepe by the left, St Charles High School, IfeOluwa Middle School, Ilesha Garage by the left, Ijetu Community by the left, Osogbo Community Central Mosque Area, Oja-Oba Police Station, Olaniyan Compound, Oke-Okanla, Popo by the left, Asubiaro, Odetoyinbo Building, New Ayegbaju m y S eacrrkeet ta, r iPaD t ,P KPaarri tm Adedayo School, Heritage Hotel, Federal Housing Scheme, W h i t e Ajagbemokeferi, Plain Hotel, Zarah Guest House, SSS State Headquarters, Immigration Office, SUBEB Office, Osun House of Assembly Complex, Nigeria Television Authority, African Independent Television and State Secretariat from the existing Osogbo Local Government. Isale-Osun, (Hqrs). 31 OSOGBO WEST Nigeria Custom Service Office, defunct Living Spring Hotel, State WAEC Office, Federal High Court, Federal Inland Revenue Service,

for the records

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Adebare Hospital, Ogo- Moteji, Aregba, Idi Oloke Asalu-onigari, Ekoro, Oluwa Filling Station, Apena, Oke Yidi, Muslim Onigbohungbo, GTB, Baruwa Estate, Cemetery, Gaa Wole-Ola Estate, Ola- Elegun, Faosun, Onimalu, Abebi-janta, Sawmill, o n i C e n t r e , d e f u n c t Abere Town, Oladunjoye, Ojeyemi, Ajibola and Fakunle Comprehensive Agodo, Engo village. High School, Railway Station(Mandela Freedom Araromi, Elere, Alabiye, Diisu-Ayekale, (Hqrs). Kajola, Araromi, Park), Alekuwodo, Gbadejoko, Joko, Aba 2 . O K I N N I Olaiya Area, Akindeko Olasupo, Aba Oloogun Street, Oremeji Street, A D M I N I S T R A T I VE and Adejuwon. Sawmil, WAEC, OFFICE Awosuru, Capital Hotel, Oke Rasco Arungbo, Estate, Owode-Ede, (Hqrs). Tinumola Area, Oroki 3 I F E L O D U N A R E A O k i n n i , A l a p u p u , Housing Estate, Temidire COUNCIL Ibikunle. Igbokiti I Estate, Agunbelewo, Ideal &II,Olobedu Woru I & Nest Hotel, Laro High Ward 9, Ward 10 and Ward II,Alatori, agbure, Aigbe, School, State High Court 11(Iba and Obaagun) Aigbagban,Ojutu, Premises, Salvation Iba, (Hqrs). Army Middle School, State Adeleke Estate and Oke Library, Afonta Area, Oke- A D M I N I S T R A T I VE Agunbelewo Fia, Jaleyemi OFFICE COMMUNITIES H o s p i t a l , O d o - i g b o C O M P R I S I N G Okinni, (Hqrs). Catholic Church, St Clares A D M I N I S T R A T I VE , Adunmu, Isale-Aro, HE A D Baptist High School, Kaka, O F F I C E Isale-Ijebu, Station Road QUARTER 1 . O R O L U by the left, Egbatedo, Araromi, Otakiti, Ile A D M I N I S T R A T I VE Aro, Adenle Market, OFFICE New Orisunmbare, Mafowurosere, Ajobo, Diisu-Ayekale village, Fagbewesa, A b a k e H o s p i t a l , Owode, Ebu-oba, Agboro, Odi-Olowo, Oranmiyan Arohun, Asubiojo, House from the existing Osogbo Local Apata, lofintola, Gbogbo, Ejemu, Agbewe, Eleja, Government. Alaiko, Gbena, Awosuru, (Hqrs). C O M M U N I T I E S Osun-eesa, Ijona, Okiti, COMPRISING AREA Okiti-Alajo, Idiroko, Wale, COUNCIL Aketepe, Bara HEAD-QUARTER and other adjoining Famia1, Oyere 1 and Oyere 21 . IFE NORTH AREA villages under wards 08, COUNCIL 09 & 10 of the Oyere-Aborisade, (Hqrs). existing Orolu Local 2 EDE NORTH AREA Government area, Ifon COUNCIL excluding Laniyan

Owode-Ede, Alusekere, (Molufon) Ikimo,Alagbaa, Ataoja School of Science, Ataoja Estate, Ataoja Lapeleke, Obiri, Iseki Police Station, OriOloti, Fasina, Aroko, Oke Pure Water, NECO O d o m b u r o , H o u s i n g Office, Sazo Hotel, Federal Estate, Iso-Isu, Lamoola, Road Safety Alawo, Agbarabiada, Corps Office, GOF A r a n y i n , B a l o g u n International School, Olukolo, Tenke, Obiri, O m i g a d e , A m u l o k o Parakoyi,Olukuewu, Estate,

Change Of Name

I, formerly known as miss ayansina ol a bi s i biliki s now wish to be called and addressed as mrs olasoji olabisi. All former documents remain valid. O’Meal and general public should take note.

I, formerly known as miss sodiq ol a y ink a b a r a k at n o w wish to be called and addressed as mrs azeez olayinka barakat. All former documents remain valid. O’Meal and general

for the record

151

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Broadcast By The Governor Of The State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, To The People Of The State On The Creation Of 31 Local Council Development Areas, Three Area Councils And Two Administrative Offices On Tuesday March 8, 2016.

My good people of Osun, am very happy to announce to you certain changes we are making at the local government system, in answer to the legitimate demands you have placed before us. The importance of the local government cannot be overstated. It is where the government is designed to be closest to the people. While you need to follow some protocols for reasons of security and tight schedule before having an audience with a minister, a state governor or the president, you can walk in on your local government chairman or other officials of council. Also, because the geographical space of the local government makes it the smallest unit of administration, it is easier to get things done at this level. The local government is also the ideal training ground for political leadership. A presidential candidate has to travel round the country’s 36 states and Abuja while a governorship aspirant must tour all the local governments in his state. However, a chairmanship candidate only needs to cover his local government and the councillor just his ward. In a democratic society, a citizen should be able to contribute to the administration of his or her local government in a meaningful way more than is possible at higher levels. A voice can be easily heard and a little gesture can be easily felt at the local government, than at the state or national levels. In the advanced western democracies, the local government controls the police and provides municipal services like housing and physical planning, environmental sanitation, water, markets, healthcare and education. Some of these services are already being provided by the councils. Though we are not fully there yet but we are on the path and if we keep at it, we will get there. Our communities also recognise the importance of the local government in development. This is why their various traditional rulers, religious leaders, youth leaders, market leaders and women leaders never cease to ask us to expand the platform of the local government in order to enhance their participation. We carefully considered their request and set in motion the process for acceding to their demands. On June 18, 2012 we inaugurated a committee headed by Prof Mojeed Alabi, a former speaker of the State House of Assembly, to look into the modalities for creating more councils in accordance with the wishes of the people. That committee received 71 memoranda requesting new councils. It wrapped up its assignment and submitted

•AREGBESOLA

its report on October 26, 2012. In April 2013, we set up a review committee headed by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, to look into the Alabi committee’s report. After this, we sent the request to the state House of Assembly in form of an executive bill. The House also looked into the bill, set up a committee on it and subsequently, a referendum was held on February 19, 2015 in which the people of the state overwhelmingly gave a yes vote on the bill. After this, the house passed a bill creating 31 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), three Area Councils and two Administrative Offices. I have since signed this bill into law. The requests for new councils have been granted; all constitutional requirements have been met and the prescribed procedure followed to the letter. My good people, I am pleased to inform you therefore that in place of the old order of only 30 local governments and an Area Office, we now have additional 31 Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs), three Area Councils and two Administrative Offices in accordance with the requests which you democratically placed before us. The list of the new LCDAs, Area Councils and Administrative Offices, their territories and headquarters will be published soon and is also available at the State House of Assembly, Ministry

of Local Governments, Chieftaincy, Water Resources, Rural and Community Affairs and Local Government Service Commission. he management committees made up of the executive secretaries, deputy executive secretaries, scribes, members and special advisers have acted excellently, astutely managed scarce resources and faithfully served their communities. However, financial and other considerations have forced us to adopt a new parliamentary system which is compact, efficient and better, in the present circumstance. The management committees of the 30 Local Councils and Area Office are hereby dissolved and their Executive Secretaries, deputy executive secretaries, members, Special Advisers and other functionaries removed. In the interim, the entire local government system will be managed by Council Managers for three months. These managers shall be appointed and deployed by Local Government Service Commission from among the substantive grade level 14 officers in the local governments. Grade level 15 officers and above at the local governments should consequently report to the Local Government Service Commission for further briefing. any would be wondering and asking: why create more councils at this

special time of financial challenges? We have also given sufficient consideration to this. With this new parliamentary system, it will cost less to run the new councils and save a lot of money for the government than in the past. The primary responsibilities of our new local government system are sanitation, market management and revenue mobilisation and generation. This is consistent with local government administration worldwide. The beauty of this new system is its parliamentary nature, which requires the chairman and the vice chairman to be elected by the councillors from among their own ranks, thereby saving cost. We shall therefore be saving a huge cost with this new system. In addition, the same number of staff will still run all the councils, as no new appointments will be made to existing ones. We shall make the most judicious use of our revenues in such a way that increasing the number of councils will least constitute any financial burden. I will like to thank the executive secretaries of the 30 councils and area office that have just dropped the baton, for service well rendered to their communities, our great party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) and humanity at large. They have been part of our development efforts and I am proud of them all. I will also like to thank the honourable members of the state House of Assembly, especially the Speaker, Rt. Honourable Najeemdeen Folasayo Salaam, for meticulously and favourably looking at our proposal for a more enhanced council system. I will like to thank you all, especially at the grassroots. These are my people, the farmers, women and women groups, market women and men, civil servants, teachers, senior citizens, traders, artisans, workers, students, transporters, drivers, commercial motorcyclists, traditional rulers, community leaders and religious leaders; for your support at all times, for your faith in us and your unyielding desire for increased participation at the local government. We are a great people and we shall not cease to do great things. Let me remind you once again of the need to support the government maximally by paying your taxes, levies and dues. I thank you all for your kind attention. Osun a dara!

INTER-

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Osun Is A Victim Of History The State of Osun appears to be contending with different challenges of which national cash crunch seems to be the catalyst for the biting feud among the contending parties in the state. No sooner the lecturers of the state tertiary institutions dropped their gauntlets, than the tension between the doctors and the government reached a feverish pitch. However, one institution, which has been performing the role of a mid-wife in ensuring industrial peace is the State House of Assembly under the leadership of Honourable Najeem Salaam. Our reporter tracked the Speaker and interrogated him on some issues raging on in the state. Excerpts:

SDF: State of Osun appears to be in a mess with huge debt profile, which has eaten deep into the federal allocation of the state, making it to go empty-handed every month, what is your take on this? SALAAM: In the first place, the state is not in a mess, but a victim of dialectics of production and history and I will explain: When the country was operating a loose federation, agriculture and taxation were the mainstay of the economy of all the regions then with comparative advantage, and I read that Chief Obafemi Awolowo, as the Premier of Western Region, was able to develop the region with sophisticated infrastructure and technology ahead of many countries. I learnt that the Western Region got its television before France and many countries called developed nations now. So, each region had its fate in its hands, but now we are practising unitary system couched in federalism, suffice to say that we are practising feeding-bottle federalism, which dictates that the centre would be spoon-feeding the states from a common wallet, and if the same centre crashes, the states crash as well. So, the federal has crashed now in terms of fiscal responsibility, monetary policy and imbalance of trade. Meanwhile, the military interregnum had not helped the matter, because they got the oil boom, quick cash and negated taxation and agro-economy. Unfortunately, the long-neglect of agriculture has made our relationship with land tedious, except for few, who have seen the future, and the previous governments failed to re-institutionalize agriculture and the culture of taxation. So, now that government is making conscious effort to rejig the two fundamentals of revenue generation, something appears strange to us. So, the state is only bearing the brunt of our collective infractions, because we would be guilty of verdict of posterity if we continue to cling with the past, which I describe as micro-managing poverty. Yes, some people are complaining about the debt profile of the State of Osun, some even thought we found ourselves in this difficult financial meltdown because of debt, but it takes anyone with deep mind to see the trickle-down effect of infrastructural renewal, and its link with assured future. Yet, the debt has its biting effect now, but the denial in limited liquid cash we are subjected today in the state would leverage for promising tomorrow. OSDF: But workers claim they were getting half salaries, marketers are crying of low patronage, and this financial difficulty seems to have lowered the morale of the citizens who supported Governor Aregbesola at the last governorship election, and here we are, you are talking about the promising tomorrow, how? SALAAM: Look, I am the Speaker of the state parliament, as the effect of hard time hits the people, it touches me in double, because it has a multiplier effects on personal and collective demands from our constituencies. It rubs on our political clout as leaders and it is not good for our rating in the public, but one fact stands, governance is not about public opinion, it is about taking hard decisions. To the best of my knowledge, this government borrowed for capital projects, and we have seen some completed, some are still work-in-progress. So, what we owe now would be smaller, if compared to the value obtainable from the projects tomorrow. Yes, our workers are enduring, and it is hurtful that our financial power has weakened terribly, but I still have to commend the workers and identify with them on their rare sacrifices and

•salaam

love for this state; for showing understanding about the matrix of our productive topsy-turvy and economic meltdown. However, let it sink that we are right now experiencing national economic crisis, and no arm or tier of government is spared. As we speak, I read that judges of federal courts have not been paid; I read that 26 states have not paid state stipends to their allocated youth corps members; salaries are not regularly paid in almost 29 states. Even, an oil-producing state with 13 percent derivative with just eight local governments is rolling policies that would cut of a lot of incentives for workers. So, it is a national experience. Speaking to your emotional outburst on how, I would tell you that the present situation has no deduction with the last governorship election won by Governor Aregbesola, though we can infer that people yearn for more development and incentives like free meals for their children in public schools, stipends for the aged, support for widows, micro credit facilities for their small scale trade and so on. All those incentives cost huge money, and the cash is no longer forthcoming, due to catastrophe in oil market, which is our sole economic mainstay. Therefore, it is a case of temporal truncated dream. Let’s formulated some questions for the cynics: “Should a governor be elected to manage poverty? Should a government be instituted to service the interest of the few with our collective resources? Should we encourage the government to borrow for consumption or life-changing projects? Should we encourage utilitarian rule, or mob rule? All these questions are many tough choices a governor must contend with. But, we should not blame anyone until we are able to understand his or her state of mind.

SDF: What can be done to remedy Osun’s situation now? SALAAM: Osun as a state is not faring bad as projected by the critics and perceived by some elements. So, I think the question we should ponder our mind on are some fundamentals before we cross-examine the superstructure. The fundamentals here start from causes of our challenges. Let’s begin from the architecture of our nationhood. Do we still need this compromised federal structure or we should reconfigure it? Are we ready to surrender measured independence to the federating units, for each state to source its revenue and negotiate with its workers, and design its own security architecture or do we retool to the regional government laced with parliamentary democracy of Pre and post-independence? These are the fundamental questions that could have compelled some people to insist on the outcome of the last Jonathan’s conference. Good as it sounds, the conference was mid-wifed by compromised representation, and has no legal status. So, it was more or less a “committee of finding something for the leaders.” That rubbed on the deliberations of the conference. However, I am glad President Buhari has subscribed to the calls for economic conference and I am confident that credible people, experts, budget historians, economists, and policy makers and policy executors would be assembled, and who knows, some of the fundamental issues may come out there. Having settled that, then we can now talk of what will become of individual states. As touching Osun, I can assure you that we are brainstorming on the way out of the wood. In the first place, we have agreed that our challenges Continued on page 13

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osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Osun Is A Victim Of History Continued from page 12

could not be removed through oil money. So, we are working on agriculture as an alternative, but Governor Aregbesola disposes more to intellectual commodity, and it will soon payoff. Do not bother about it, because I would not expatiate on it. Certainly, Osun will soon be out of the wood. OSDF: We learnt that the government has sacked hundreds of workers in the Polytechnics and Colleges of Education. It was also said that the House of Assembly intervened, what is the situation now? SALAAM: Aside from making laws and oversight functions, resolution of conflict has been added to our schedule ever since I have taken the mantle of leadership in the state parliament. Yes, there was conflict between some staff of these institutions and their governing boards plus managements, and some of the staff were right-sized, according to information available to us, but because existence was attached to the struggle; we elected to mediate and files are being screened to know who did what, and by the time the committee ends its investigation, all parties would consider our position on the matter a fair deal. OSDF: What about the issue of striking doctors? SALAAM: We are intervening on it as well, and we are talking to the doctors to place the interest of the state above interest of the few. Yes, it is their inalienable right to demand for appropriate wages and other incentives to work, but all conflicts need a compromise. Our doctors are expected to reconsider their hard line stance, while we are ready to support them on their struggle based on realities on ground. It pains me that the situation is turning out like this, but I think it would be encouraging if they resume and come to the table according the demand of their employer. If that is done, we shall be ready to check the two extremes: doctors’ interest and the position of the employer, with a view to placing the justifications on the resources available. I trust our doctors, I have many of them as friends, and I can understand their plight, but they are part of us, the larger society. Therefore, they would certainly bear

•salaam

with us. Our mission now is to prevail on both sides to come to the table with justifiable points, not closed mindset. OSDF: How come the governor has not constituted his cabinet for close to 16 months now? SALAAM: Governor is the chief executive by Constitution, who has the power to hire and fire. Unfortunately, the Constitution does not stipulate when a governor could constitute cabinet. Besides, he knows when and why his cabinet must be constituted; the core if it is that the business of the governance has not stopped, but I would not dabble into the issue, because I am the head of legislature, mine is to receive governor’s correspondences on how he is faring on his job, not to speak on his job description. SDF: If the business of governance is progressing as you rightly stated, how are the decisions concerning Governorin-Council taken? Would it not amount to illegality to be approving projects and other demanding decisions with cabinet? SALAAM: Let it be known that we have Secretary to the State Government and Chief of Staff, Head of Service and Permanent Secretaries in place. Call it the defect of Constitution, I have not read while the hiring or not of commissioners would make any decision illegal, but I am confident the governor would soon make the list of his commissioners available to me. More so, the delay could be as result of restructuring of ministries, reduced to cut cost. On a compassionate ground, this man (Aregbesola) should not be vilified on some things, because he understands what it takes to maintain a commissioner, and he knows clearly he does not have the luxury now. People should know that Aregbesola is compassionate and very rational on the way he does his things. Look, I am not defending the governor, because he is capable of doing that himself but we must not be fault-finders. The state of mind must tally with the state of affairs. So, I urge the cynics and critics to use their heads and dissect the material condition before formulating opinion on anyone. OSDF: Why the local governments in the state have not been democratically constituted in the

last five years? SALAAM: Litigation and fund. Litigation in the sense that for years, the state electoral body constituted by Governor Oyinlola’s government were thrown out for not being properly constituted, and they went to court to test the validity of the claim, and the matter was dragged up to Supreme Court. By the time the governor constituted another OSSIEC, we had run into the economic bad weather, and elections cost huge money. Can a state that owes salaries of workers prioritize election? So, it could not have been deliberate, it is extenuating circumstance. OSDF: Some critics believe that the councils were not democratically-constituted because the governor was using their funds for his projects, and that the State House of Assembly has been compromised by the selected council officials? SALAAM: Trust me, I don’t play the critics’ ball, because it is convenient to criticize anyone in power. I had been in opposition and I know that there is no way people in opposition could get the matrix of governance right. However, not to evade your question, I know for sure that nothing could be done with state and council funds without the knowledge of the parliament, and I have not found the governor wanting, but anyone has a piece of evidence as touching the allegation, let the fellow present it, and I promise you, we will investigate. As for the compromise of the House of Assembly, those who think or had conceived that I could be compromised do not know me. In the place, I must have been the poorest Speaker among the 36 state Houses of Assembly, not because I do not need money, but because I have conquered my greed. Besides, I have a background that provides me the two sides of life. I was raised as an orphan from a humble background by God’s unmerited favour on me, I am comfortable now without swindling people or government, without abusing my office or deploy my influence for wealth acquisition, and I could say without equivocation that I am micro-distributing the little resources at my disposal. So, I don’t have acquiring wealth through dubious means, there is no integrity in that, and by my faith, I know that an individual would account for his action before his Lord. From those premises, you can conclude that I would be difficult to compromise at the expense of the people, and if I don’t compromise, who will compromise my colleagues? After all, the buck stops on my table at the parliament. OSDF: So, what is the agenda of the sixth assembly under you? SALAAM: We have set our agenda already and we have hit the grounding now. Let me avail you of our agenda. One, we have set in motion, machinery that is deliberating on how our state would be rescued from the jaw of economic downturn, and this machinery would soon unfold feasibility study that would be forwarded to the executive for perusal. Two, we have stepped up our oversight functions, which keep an eagle eye on all projects. Three, we are embarking on the overhauling of criminal codes of the state, because the one in place is deficient if compared to the hi-tech crime the non-conformists are committing. Four, we are working on democratizing lawmaking, a process that would tap the opinions of the majority stakeholders, and we have elected to pick third party roles in any conflict that could truncate the prevailing peace in the state.

technology

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

5 Reasons Why You Should Use BlackBerry Protect

rotecting information on your BlackBerry® smartphone and finding it in case you misplaced it is made easier thanks to the BlackBerry® Protect™ app. This free application allows you to take advantage of several features such as automatic backups of your contacts, calendar entries and more. It is a great way to help ensure you do not lose important contact information; for example, if you happen to lose your BlackBerry smartphone. Today I’d like to show you five reasons why you should be using BlackBerry Protect if you haven’t set it up already: 1. Automatic Backups You can use BlackBerry Protect to automatically back up your data daily, weekly, or monthly. When you turn on the automatic backup feature, BlackBerry Protect backs up your data at the specified frequency when your BlackBerry smartphone is connected to the wireless network and you are not using it currently. If your smartphone is turned off or not connected to the wireless network when a scheduled backup is due, BlackBerry Protect backs up your data the next time that your smartphone is turned on and connected. Note: Password Keeper and Wi-Fi® Network Profiles will be available for backup on BlackBerry®

7 smartphones only. If you use BlackBerry® 6 or earlier, please make a backup using BlackBerry Desktop Software to ensure Password Keeper and Wi-Fi Network profile information is backed up safely. 2. Protect your Information If you ever misplace or lose your BlackBerry smartphone, there are several features offered by BlackBerry Protect to help you protect your information. One setting in particular that’s extremely useful is the ability to display a message on a BlackBerry smartphone that can include your contact details in case someone finds it. 3. Find your BlackBerry smartphone

Recently I couldn’t find my BlackBerry smartphone and thought I might have left it at a friend’s after leaving a party the night before. Thanks to BlackBerry Protect, I was saved a trip across town – I was able to log in to the BlackBerry Protect website and view my BlackBerry smartphone’s current location, which indicated it was in my house somewhere. Then, instead of spending time looking around my house, I used the “make my BlackBerry smartphone ring” feature which helped me find my BlackBerry smartphone (in between the cushions of my living room couch!). 4. Switch BlackBerry smartphones BlackBerry Protect makes it easier to switch to a new BlackBerry smartphone, such as the recently-

released BlackBerry® Bold™ 9900 smartphone. All you need to do is perform a backup using BlackBerry Protect on your current phone, followed by logging into BlackBerry Protect on your new BlackBerry smartphone and selecting the restore data option. 5. Remote Backup In addition to performing automatic backups on a set schedule, you also have the ability to perform a remote backup. This setting is very useful if you have misplaced your BlackBerry smartphone and a backup hasn’t

been made recently. Just visit the BlackBerry Protect website, where you can perform a remote backup that can be followed by a remote security wipe to remove your personal information, in case you cannot find your BlackBerry smartphone using the location features provided.

Nokia’s Science That Changed Your World

SPOO, Finland – You’ve seen how Nokia Research Center celebrates 25 years of innovation that has changed the lives of billions of people… by introducing concepts like GEM and HumanForm that will influence the next few decades. They also made this video, narrated by Harry Potter Dumbledore star Michael Gambon, to remind us of the game-changing impact this creative group of scientists has had on the mobile technology industry and the way people communicate. Nokia Research Center explores new frontiers of mobility and solves scientific challenges so that Nokia can bring you the mobile experiences of the future. Founded in 1986, NRC is Nokia’s corporate research arm and from its beginnings in Helsinki, it has established laboratories worldwide, at leading universities, research

institutions and industrial partners. Now, as well as Finland, NRC’s global research network is based in five main labs with 500 people operating from 12 locations worldwide in America, the UK, India, China and Africa. Over the last 25 years, the center helped Nokia to make market-changing innovation, including: the first handheld mobile (1987), the first digital GSM call (1991) and internal antenna (1998, Nokia 8810), the first commercial SMS services (1993), the browser technology that brought the web to our mobiles (1997), the first 3G call (2001), Wi-Fi access (2007, Nokia N95) and HD quality calling (2009). Nokia NRC spokeswoman Fred Slezak said: “The world not for some of the technological would, quite simply put, be a developments which have come different place today if it were out of the Nokia Research Center. “NRC has been behind some of the fundamental advances which we today take for granted today, ranging from the first handheld mobile, to internal mobile antennas to the first device to access WiFi internet.” And because of its global spread, Nokia is able to invent solutions to challenges posed by differing demands from people and their mobiles all over the world. Fred added: “Nokia Research Center has 12 labs around the world across four different continents. By understanding the wide variety of cultures, environments and skill-sets across these diverse geographies, Nokia Research Center creates innovations that make a difference.”

And Nokia Research Center is continuing to drive innovation which is changing the way we communicate with one another. “From context-aware computing to nanotechnology, Nokia Research Center is at the forefront of technological breakthroughs which will change the way we interact with the world around us for years to come,” said Fred. You only have to look at some of our previous posts to know this. Conversations has been given exclusive access to some of the leading figures of the Nokia Research Center and will be bringing you a series of fascinating interviews over the next few weeks. For example, now a top Nokia scientist is predicting a telepathic phone.

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health

osun Defender Thursday, March 10, 2015

Benefits Of Lime Orange

he health benefits of lime include weight loss, skin care, improved digestion, relief from constipation, eye care, and treatment of scurvy, piles, peptic ulcer, respiratory disorders, gout, gums, urinary disorders, etc. The first fruit that comes to mind in terms of medicinal uses is the reliable lime. This sour citrus fruit can do what many advanced medicines cannot. Lime, bearing the scientific name Citrus Aurantifolia, has been used for ages in the treatment of various ailments. Lime is consumed throughout the world in the form of sorbet, beverages, refreshing cocktails, pickles, jams, jellies, snacks, candies, sugar boiled confections and in cooking. The oil extracted from its peel or skin is extensively used in soft drink concentrates, body oils, cosmetic products, hair oils, toothpastes, toilet and beauty soaps, disinfectants, mouth washes, deodorants and innumerable other products. There are many varieties of lime found all over the world, particularly in the tropical and the Mediterranean climates. Health Benefits Of Lime Let’s take a look at the benefits and medicinal uses of lime. Scurvy: Lime is very well-known as a cure for scurvy, the disease which is caused from a deficiency of vitamin-C. It is characterized by frequent infections that show as normal cold symptoms, cracked lips and lip corners, ulcers on the tongue and in the mouth. You can also spot scurvy from spongy, swollen and bleeding gums. Since its cause is a deficiency of vitamin-C, its remedy is none other than vitamin-C, and lime is full of this this essential vitamin. In the past, soldiers and sailors were given lime to keep them safe from scurvy, which was a horrible and potentially fatal disease back then. Even now, it is distributed among the workers working in polluted environments like furnaces, painting shops, heat

treatments, cement factories, mines, and other dangerous work environments to protect them from scurvy. Skin Care: Lime juice and its natural oils are very beneficial for skin when consumed orally or applied externally. It rejuvenates the skin, keeps it shining, protects it from infections and reduces body odor due to the presence of a large amount of vitamin-C and Flavonoids. Those are both class-1 anti oxidants, and have antibiotic and disinfectant properties. When applied externally on skin, its acids scrub out the dead cells, cures dandruff, rashes, and bruises. It can also be used to create a refreshing bathing experience if its juice or oil is mixed into your bathing water. Digestion: Lime has an irresistible scent which causes your mouth to water and this actually aids primary digestion (the digestive saliva floods your mouth even before you taste it). The natural acidity in lime does the rest. While they break down of the macro molecules of the food, the Flavonoids, the compounds found in the fragrant oils extracted from lime, stimulate the digestive system and increase secretion of digestive juices, bile and acids. This flood of flavonoids also stimulate the peristaltic motion. This is the reason behind lemon pickle with lunch and dinner being a traditional practice in India and various neighboring countries in that region. Constipation: Primarily, the ample amount of acids present in lime helps clear the excretory system by washing and cleaning off the tracts, just as some acids are used to clean floors and toilets. The roughage in lime is also helpful in easing constipation, but the most beneficial element is the high acidity. An overdose of lime juice with salt also acts as an excellent purgative without any side effects, thereby providing relief from constipation. Diabetes: According to the American Diabetes Association, limes and other citrus fruits are considered a diabetes super food for a number of reasons. Mainly, the high levels of soluble fiber found in limes make it an ideal dietary aid to help regulate the body’s absorption of sugar into the bloodstream, reducing the occurrence of blood sugar spikes that are a serious risk to to diabetic patients. Also, limes and other citrus fruits have a low glycemic index, which means that they will not cause unexpected spikes in glucose levels, in addition to the benefits of soluble fiber’s effect.

Heart Disease: That same soluble fiber which can help diabetics maintain their blood sugar levels can also lower blood pressure and eliminate the presence of LDL cholesterol (“bad” cholesterol). Furthermore, soluble fiber can cut down on inflammation of the blood vessels, which is a known preventative measure against heart disease, heart attacks, and strokes. eptic Ulcer:In addition to vitamin-C, lime contains special compounds called Flavonoids (Limonoids such as Limonin Glucoside) which have antioxidant, anticarcinogenic, antibiotic and detoxifying properties that stimulate the healing process of peptic and oral ulcers. Respiratory Disorders: The flavonoid-rich oil that is extracted from limes is extensively used in anticongestive medicines such as balms, vaporizers, and inhalers due to the presence of Kaempferol. Just scratching the peel of a lime and inhaling it gives immediate relief for congestion and nausea. Arthritis: One of the many causes of arthritis is an excess of uric acid that builds up in the body. Uric acid is one of the waste products that normal urination will clear out of the body, but unfortunately, when too much builds up, it can make the pain and inflammation from arthritis even worse. The citric acid found in citrus fruits like limes is a solvent in which uric acid can dissolve, increasing the amounts that are eliminated in the urine. Citrus fruits in general have anti-inflammatory properties, and can be used for a number of inflammation issues. Eye Care: Vitamin-C again! Its anti oxidant properties protect eyes from aging and macular degeneration. On top of that, flavonoids help protect them from infections. Fever: If someone is suffering from a fever, limes and lime juice can be of great importance. Citrus fruits in general have fever-reducing qualities, and if the fever is very high, the patient’s diet should be restricted to lemon juice and water. However, if the fever is mild to moderate, other fruit juices, particularly citrus juices like lime juice, can be administered in order to bring the fever back a manageable level. Vitamin-C, found in high concentrations in citrus fruits, naturally lowers the temperature of the body. Gout: There are two main causes of gout. The first source is the accumulation of free radicals in the body, and the second is accumulation of toxins in the body, primarily uric acid. Limes can help prevent both of these causes. It is a wonderful source of antioxidants & detoxifiers (vitamin-C & Flavonoids) which reduce the number of free

radicals as well as detoxifying the body. Gums: The root cause of gum problems is a deficiency of vitamin-C (Scurvy, which gives bleeding and spongy gums) and microbial growth. Sometimes, the ulcers come from physical trauma. In all of these situations, limes can help. Its vitamin-C cures scurvy, Flavonoids inhibit microbial growth and potassium and Flavonoids help heal ulcers and wounds. iles: Since lime helps heal ulcers and wounds in the digestive system and excretory system while providing relief from constipation, it eradicates all the root causes of piles. Piles are a different term for hemorrhoids, an uncomfortable condition that occurs in the anal region and can result in bleeding and discomfort both during excretion and general activity. It can also lead to certain forms of cancer, and limes can help prevent their formation or recurrence. Cholera: Although it has disappeared in many parts of the world, cholera is still a dangerous and deadly disease in some places on the planet, and luckily, limes and other citrus fruits can help defend against this often fatal condition. The lime juice, when added to potentially infected water, proved to be a very effective disinfectant, and even when it was consumed regularly after someone had been exposed to cholerainfected water, fatalities were reduced. Numerous studies were done on this application of lime juice, particularly following the horrible outbreak of cholera in Guinea-Bissau in 1994. Weight Loss: A glass of warm water with a full lime’s worth of juice in it is an excellent weight reducer as well as a brilliant refresher and antioxidant drink. The citric acid present in lime is an excellent fat burner. You can consume two glasses a day and see legitimate and remarkable results within a week. Urinary Disorders: The high potassium content of limes is very effective in removal of the toxic substances and the precipitates which get deposited in kidneys and the urinary bladder. The disinfectant properties of limes also help cure infections in the urinary system. Furthermore, it stops prostrate growth (very common in males above 40) and clears blockage of urine that can come from calcium deposits in the urinary tract. Other Benefits: It is a good appetizer and digestive. It can help to cure rheumatism, prostate and colon cancer, cholera, arteriosclerosis, fatigue and even high fevers (contrary to popular belief). The best part of it is that it has no negative side effects!

www.osundefender.org

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Thursday, MARCH 10, 2016

n M o n d a y , December 14, 2015, the Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, laid before the House of Assembly, a proposed budget of N150,728,245,540.00 for the Year 2016. Permanent Secretary, Budget and Economic Planning, Mr Segun Olorunsogo laid the budget on behalf of the governor. The 2016 budget proposal, as presented was 25.3 per cent, less than the 2015 budget of N201.7 billion. In the budget, the government proposed N67.6 billion as Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and N45.5 billion as revenue from the federation account comprising of statutory allocations, value added tax, excess crude oil, repayment from the federation and exchange rate gains among others, while capital receipt, comprising of World Bank Youth Development Projects, CBN capital grant, transfer from general reserve and fund from French Development Agency among others stand at N37.5 billion. For expenditure, N33.3 billion, N12.2billion and N37.1 billion, totaling N82.7 billion, representing 54.9 per cent have been budgeted for personnel cost, overhead cost and consolidated revenue fund charges respectively as recurrent expenditure, while N67.9 billion, representing 45.10 per cent, was budgeted for, as capital expenditure. This was a clear departure from the 2015 budget, when N90.6 billion was budgeted for recurrent expenditure, while N111.1 billion was budgeted for capital expenditure; a situation, which the governor has attributed to economic downturn that has hit the state and the nation as a whole. The governor said the reduction was necessitated by the need to reflect the realities of the economic situation of the state and Nigeria in general, which has affected the resources coming from the federation account on monthly basis. Unlike what has happened in previous years, when several new projects were started, the focal point of the 2016 budget, according to the governor; “was to prioritize the completion of on-going projects, based on the available resources, while policy thrust is on the continuation of the present administration’s commitment to the people of Osun, as outlined in the six-point integral action plan and the Green Book”. Despite the fact that the budget is less than that of 2015, the question that have continued to radiate has been, “how does the government intend to finance this budget”. The question will not be out of place, considering the drop in the price of oil in the international market, which has affected the allocation coming to the state.

By kazeem mohammed

Osun 2016 Budget And Economic Implications

•hon kamil oyedele

Going by the analysis of the budget and the proposed estimate for the revenue to be generated locally, it seems the government would place more emphasis on IGR to finance the budget, when approved, as against the situation in the past, when revenue from the federation account was relied on. This notion was confirmed by the Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, while declaring open, the budget defence before the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation that the 2016 budget would be revenuedriven. He urged the officials of government to be aggressive in generating revenue, but cautioned that unnecessary hardship should not be brought on the people in the name of boosting internallygenerated revenue. he Speaker also said the Assembly would critically scrutinise the budget and consider the resources coming into

the purse of the state to ensure that a realistic and implementable budget is passed for the year. He also directed relevant government agencies to ensure close monitoring of revenue collectors to prevent leakages of funds, saying this was necessary to improve the IGR and ensure effective implementation of 2016 budget, rather than relying on federal allocation that has dwindled. Noting that oil revenues was no longer available, he said the state needed to look inward, stressing that “if everyone of us play our roles, we can stand tall to say anywhere that we have enough to meet our obligations.” “The reality has come for all of us to see and we are all living witnesses to the economic situation in this country that the oil money is no longer forthcoming. We must all come to term with the reality and work towards improving our revenue. People must know that they have to pay taxes, while the revenue collectors must be up and

doing. “Because of the present economic challenges, many have even forgotten that the government had been paying 13th month salary when things were rosy. If we can generate enough revenue, the issue of delayed salaries and others will no longer be there.” alaam also said that the Assembly would be strict in its oversight functions in the new year, saying, it would no longer be business as usual. According to him, the Assembly would beam its searchlight more on the state-owned tertiary institution and monitor their performance in revenue generation. However, the Assembly actually worked its talk while taking up the Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs) of government by placing more emphasis on how to generate revenue and block loopholes for the government to be able to get resources for the implementation of the budget. Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Honourable Kamil Oyedele, advised the revenue-generating MDAs to put mechanism in place to reward officials that have done well in the revenue-generation drive. This, he said, would encourage others to want to do more to assist the government achieve its aims and objectives. In the course of defending the budget, the House focused more on some MDAs, which it considered could generate more funds for the state. They were Ministry of Commerce, Industry, Cooperative and Enpowerment; Ministry of Land, Physical Planning and Urban Development; Ministry of Works and Transport among others. The Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Honourable Olatunbosun Oyintiloye, charged the people of the state to be ready to make sacrifice and pay their dues to the government, especially through the prompt payment of their taxes. He said, this is a major way that the government intends to take to finance its budget, saying that the house would always be on the neck of the revenue collectors to ensure that they are not putting unnecessary burden on the people.

OSUN OSUN DEFENDER DEFENDER is is published published by by Moremi Moremi Publishing Publishing House House Limited, Limited, Promise Promise Point Point Building, Building, Opposite Opposite Guaranty Guaranty Trust Trust Bank Bank GTB, GTB, Gbongan Gbongan Road, Road, Osogbo, Osogbo, State State of of Osun. Osun. All All correspondence Managing Editor, Editor, Kola Kola Olabisi, Olabisi, Telephone: Telephone: 08033927286 08033927286 (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); (kolaolabisi@yahoo.com); Editor, Editor, KAYODE KAYODE AGBAJE, AGBAJE, Telephone: Telephone: 0803-388-0205, 0803-388-0205, E-mail: E-mail: correspondence to to the the Managing

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