Osun defender march 17, 2016 edition

www.osundefender.org Thursday, march 17, 2016 Only God knows the devil that is living in the hearts of our students these days as they engage - with glee - in vandalism in the name of pressing home their demands.

In the state of Osun

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Front Page Comment

VOL. 11. NO.025

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Condemnable Students’ Violence At Ifewara violent protest has become the order of the day. We see this as highly condemnable.

It’s sad that our students these days have

violent protest to be the instrument of negotiation rather than dialogue which is the best way of addressing issues no matter how volatile such issues

dents’ unrest had for long been part of our educational history though, especially at higher institution level, in those days students believed in

negotiation with the authorities. As students we would only go out to protest only when dialogue had failed. And the protests were mostly

nature except if the security agents (the Police) ‘misbehaved’ by pulling the trigger on the protesting students.

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FG Hands Over 32m Cubic Water Dam To

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Bribery Scandal Hits Osun O’ TRAM - See Story On Page 2

•State of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (middle); his deputy. Otunba (Mrs.) Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); Chairman, Committee on the Repositioning of Osun Stateowned Tertiary Institutions, Prof. Oguntola Jelili Alamu (2nd left); Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye (left), and Coordinating Director, Office of Higher Education, Mr. Tunde Ajiboye (left), during the inauguration of a nine-man committee on repositioning of Osun Tertiary Institutions, at Governor’s Office, Osogbo, recently.

LAUTECH Hasn’t Sacked Any Staff - Board

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

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osun Defender Thursday, March

Bribery Scandal Hits Osun O’ TRAM Don Advocates Economy Diversification As Panacea

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By our reporter

appropriate government receipts with which they are to pay their fines at designated banks, they prefer to collect cash from them.

Other area outside the state capital where such crime is said to be rampant is Ilesa, where commercial mini-bus drivers regularly have altercation with men of O’TRAM for refusing to be extorted, but would prefer to fight with the officers, not minding the presence of police officers.

An O’TRAM official in the state capital was gathered to have confided in a close friend, how he makes an average of N10,000 per day from the illegal collection of fine by hands from traffic offenders.

All efforts by the medium to speak with a high-ranking official of the traffic agency proved abortive as his telephone line was not available, while he did not reply the text message sent to him and neither did he call back.

om e m e m b e r s o f t h e O s u n T r a f f i c Management have been found to have abandoned their primary duties of ensuring sanity on major roads but are now found to be involved in extorting money from motorists in some cities and towns in the state.

I n v e s t i g a t i o n s b y be a close friend of a senior O S U N D E F E N D E R government official and showed that most of the fellow made inquiries the victims were among as to whether they were commercial motorcyclists allowed to collect fines by who are either found hand before his cash was guilty of not using head returned to him. helmets or that their Similarly, findings also motorcycles do not have revealed that some of the registration numbers. traffic agency personnel It would be recalled also have what they that the state government described as tickets used established O’TRAM as receipts for motorists with a view to ensuring travelling through the sanity on the roads and state and contravened also to create an avenue traffic rules, knowing that for generating revenue such category of people for the state government. do not know the proper However, since the way to pay their fines in inception of the corps such circumstances. members, who were Another area where mostly drafted from similar situation has also OYES cadets, some of been found to be occurring the personnel had been is along Ayetoro area, found to be misusing where stationed O’TRAM the authority given them personnel sometimes by physically assaulting use their uniform to some motorists, especially get hold of commercial commercial motorcyclists m o t o r c y c l i s t s w h o •A fake journalist impersonating TVC News was arrested last Sunday while trying to in active connivance with ride against the traffic, gain entrance into the palace of the Ooni of Ife, during the thanksgiving service of the some of the principal but instead of issuing monarch, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and his Olori, Wuraola. officers.

Mostly guilty of this act were some of those O’TRAM officials stationed at Olaiya junction of the state She added that there protect the dam jealously “The power house and By kehinde ayantunji capital, who have been was still a lot of work to and utilise it effectively the pump are in good 32-million-cubic-capacity Water Dam was on reported to have been done on the second for the benefit of all.

Friday handed over to the Government of the condition, and we are be abusing their power, Earlier, General phase, promising that handing over to the state State of Osun by the Federal Ministry of Water especially as they Manager, Osun State Water sometime colluded with Resources to boost provision of potable water in the government to take over the people of Ilesa and Corporation, Engineer ajola communities Gbenga Owojuyigbe, policemen at the junction state. l i a b i l i t y p e r i o d t o the day-to-day running of K the dam as from today,” would start benefitting commended the donor of to extort money from ascertain the condition The Director of Dams from the scheme in the the water scheme, saying members of the public. of the pump and power he said.

R e s p o n d i n g , t h e next two years. the project will go a long One of their major and Reservoir Operation house to ensure that they W i l l i a m s h o w e v e r way in preventing diseases Consultant to the styles is to get hold of i n t h e m i n i s t r y , M r are in good condition. the affected areas. motorists, keep them at a Reginald Ikpeawujo, “The project is strictly G o v e r n m e n t o f t h e commended residents in Owojuyigbe however corner, while threatening who was represented f o r w a t e r s u p p l y , State of Osun on Water of Kajola community, to take them to the police by Mr John Ochigbo, knowing full well that R e s o u r c e s , E n g i n e e r the host community, for reiterated efforts of the state station, rather than their the Deputy Director/ (Mrs)Tawa Williams, their cooperation and government in providing office at the Government Project Manager led the it is the responsibility appreciated the Federal hospitality, while the adequate water supply to the entire residents of the S e c r e t a r i a t , A b e r e , Federal Government of the state and Federal M i n i s t r y o f W a t e r project lasted. should the motorist fails team during the handing- Government to provide Resources for the project She implored them to state. to comply with their over ceremony at Kajola water for the people. demands. community, Ilesa.

Most of their victims Ochigbo described the fall prey to the antics project as the contribution as a result of their o f t h e F e d e r a l Humanities and Culture, collusion with men of Government towards Ikire has been renamed the traffic officers who provision of portable Eniola Atanda College of also allegedly share from water to the people of the he State of Osun Chapter of Afenifere Renewal Humanities and Culture.

Aregbesola announced the booty.

Group (ARG) has commended the the change of the The Osun State College state, especially in Ilesa One of such cases was administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola name of the university of Technology, Esa-Oke, reported at their office, and its environs.

“The project started in over the renaming of the State of Osun University after in his speech at the has also been renamed after when some personnel 2006, and it was delayed former number one law officer of the federation, the institution’s fourth and Bisi Akande while Osun received cash fine from a as a result of paucity late Chief Bola Ige. have any state or national fifth convocation and State Polytechnic, Iree is victim, who happened to T h e g r o u p i n a institution named after the installation of Mrs now known as Sunday of funds. We came back to site in 2012 and statement issued by its him.

Folorunsho Alakija as A f o l a b i P o l y t e c h n i c ; Change of Name completed it in 2014. It is State Publicity Secretary, “If not because of the Chancellor of the College of Education, IlaOrangun was renamed 32 million-cubic-capacity. M r K o l a O l a b i s i , i n politics of hatred that has university.

I, formally known Adeyemi Oyeduntan “It cost the Federal Osogbo on Thursday, been the stock in trade The governor who is the and addressed as G o v e r n m e n t t o t h e observed that the honour in this country, it will Visitor to the university, College of Education while TAIBA BABALOLA, tune of N3.3 billion to done to the slain Chief not be too much to have a l s o a n n o u n c e d t h e Ilesa has now become now wish to be known complete the pump and Ige would serve as an a national monument r e n a m i n g o f s o m e Lawrence Omole College of Education. and addressed as power house. encouragement to those named after him. facilities as well as other The ARG also FAUSA ALABI. “The second phase, in public offices to be “It is on record that higher institutions in the commended the state All documents with which is the downstream dedicated.

Chief Ige was a success state. government under the former name remain will be for treatment plant It would be recalled s t o r y i n b o t h l e g a l According to of Governor valid. The General and transmission, which that Chief Ige who was profession and public Aregbesola, the College leadership Aregbesola for hearkening Public should please will be taken over by the former Attorney-General engagement. of Law at Ifetedo has been to the voice of the people by take note. state government. of the Federation and “His contributions renamed Kayode Esho creating additional 31 local “There was a year f o r m e r g o v e r n o r o f towards the creation of College of Law while the government development the old Oyo State was the State of Osun was College of Social Sciences authorities with the hope murdered in his Ibadan, monumental and there and Management was that the development Change of Name Change of Name Oyo State home in a is no other way such renamed Olagunsoye would act as a catalyst for I, formally known I, formally known mysterious circumstance “illustrious son of the Oyinlola College of Social the development of the and addressed as and addressed as state. on December 23, 2001. state could be honoured”. Science.

MISS RAIFU TAIWO GARUS-ALAKA In the group’s statement: The Osun ARG said it The ARG which said T h e C o l l e g e o f JARINYAT, now NIKE AUGUSTINA, “the more, the merrier. It is was an auspicious time Aregbesola has done Agriculture in Ejigbo is wish to be known now wish to be known our conviction that the for Governor Aregbesola well with the Bola Ige now known as Isiaka and addressed as and addressed as to have given the slain issue submitted that the A d e l e k e C o l l e g e o f additional LCDAs and MRS RAJI TAIWO GARUS-ALAKA indigene of the state the gesture would serve as a Agriculture, while the Area offices, will help in JARINYAT. NIKE ADEWOLE. worthy post-humous catalyst for other eminent College of Education changing the fortune of the All documents with All documents with honour. indigenes of the state to in Ipetu-Ijesa is now state for better”. former name remain former name remain The group’s statement: put in their best whenever Ezekiah Oluwasanmi valid. The General valid. The General “Both in life and death, they find themselves in College of Education.

Public should please Public should please C h i e f A j i b o l a I g e i s the position of authority take note. take note.

The College of eminently qualified to and responsibility.

FG Hands Over 32m Cubic Water Dam To Osun A

Renaming Of Uniosun, Creation of 31 LCDAs: Osun ARG Commends Aregbesola

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To Attain Vision 2020

a Nobel laureate within its first 25 years.

“We were not under any illusion that a poorly-funded university would achieve that great feat, hence, those early decisions to set this university apart from

others across the country that have remained eternally attached to the feeding bottle of public funds.

“It is my strong belief that the road to a future of economic prosperity for Nigeria can only be paved

with education provided in the right quality. And, to get quality education for a future of fulfillment for Nigeria, the nagging question of how to fund it in a sustainable manner must be answered.

financing was introduced By ismaeel uthman part icularly for t his university don, Professor Mike Faborode, has university. advised Nigeria to combine the use of large “We said then that we manufacturers and Small and Medium were setting a goal for Enterprises, in tackling the unemployment challenges this institution to produce of the country and to attain its Vision 20:20.

F a b o r o d e , w h o inevitable way forward. canvassed the use and “If we can succeed promotion of locally- in navigating past the made products, urged the seemingly difficult point Federal Government to of inflection, we can well enhance industrialisation, be assured that Nigeria’s saying that it was a Vision 20:20 is indeed compelling logical way attainable and can be f o r d e v e l o p m e n t o f surpassed.

Nigeria’s economy.

The Chairman of He stated this during the occasion, Prince the combined fourth Olagunsoye Oyinlola, and fifth convocation said the university was ceremony of Bola Ige founded to be a selfUniversity, Osogbo, on sustaining, developmentMonday. oriented and innovative F a b o r o d e , w h o i s institution. the Secretary-General, Oyinlola, a former C o m m i t t e e o f V i c e - governor of the state and Chancellors (CVC), spoke founder of the university, on “Sustainable Tertiary said: “As the pioneer Education in Post-oil Visitor of this institution, Nigeria.” we believe then that a day He identified research, might come, when petroln e w k n o w l e d g e / dollar would no longer i n n o v a t i o n a n d be available to fund partnerships, as keys to government expenditure, unlocking the inherent hence certain innovations •Lagos State Governor Akinwumi Ambode (2nd right) with traditional rulers in Lagos when they paid a courtesy visit potentials of the Nigerian i n p u b l i c e d u c a t i o n to him in his office last Monday. university system.

Faborode, who is the former Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, law’s house but rather, it dowry, not to talk of a city of Benin was agog as

By SOLA JACOBS stressed that Nigerian is the monarch’s in-law he new bride (Olori) of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan that often present their revered monarch and Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi higher education system Adeyeye Ogunwusi, Wuraola Otiti, who also daughters to the monarch custodian of Yoruba got married to Oba Enitan and the nation itself are at culture.

Ogunwusi in accordance doubles as the Yeyeluwa of the source, must be to take as wives. a cross-road, maintained “The negligence of with Benin wedding rites, He continued that the this vital aspect of our which was supervised by that there was need a woman of exceptional qualities, hence her choice for to build an effective the position. be versed in the customs wedding rites in Benin, culture is one of the This was stated by the and culture of Ife people, where the biological major problems we are the Esogban of Benin and platform and alliance for other traditional chiefs in the revitalization of the one of the foremost rulers hospitable, industrious, f a t h e r o f t h e O o n i , facing in most homes, as the city. in the ancient city, Oba polite and intelligent.

Prince Ropo Ogunwusi, most marriages in actual system.

While speaking at the “So, it is not an office represented the monarch, sense are not contracted, wedding rites, the bride’s He expressed worry Adeyeye Adekola, on the over the persistent decline position occupied by the for just any of Ooni’s s h o w e d e l e m e n t s o f as most of the essential father , Mr Williams new Olori Wuraola Otiti in the price of crude oil Ogunwusi, in a chat with Oloris but for the one with dynamism of Yoruba a s p e c t s a r e t h r o w n Obanor, at the event, exceptional qualities,” culture and respect for away, all in the name of said he felt so happy and the sluggishness OSUN DEFENDER. various institutions. modernity.”

Oba Adekola stressed. and never thought he in the diversification of “The position of On the aspect of dowry O n w h e t h e r i t i s could be so close to S p e a k i n g o n t h e the economy to embrace Yeyeluwa in Ife Kingdom more productive sectors. is office of a queen with absence of the monarch payment, he reiterated proper for a Yoruba Oba the Ooni, but for the F a b o r o d e i n s i s t e d exceptional qualities and from the wedding rites that it is a taboo for any to practise monogamy, God’s providence, who that diversification of above all, a mother to all. in Benin on Saturday, Yoruba man not to pay or Oba Adekola stated that made him the revered he emphasised that it is take dowry to his in-laws it is the decision of an monarch’s in-law. the economy to sectors “The queen that must or give away his daughter He therefore, urged her l i k e m a n u f a c t u r i n g occupy the position must a taboo for the monarch without receiving any individual, but as the custodian of culture daughter, Olori Wuraola, to be present at his inand agriculture is the and customs of their to live peacefully and people, a Yoruba Oba is in harmony with her a polygamist. husband.

“We have been hearing B.Sc in Education and “An Oba could marry In Pa Obanor’s word:

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED the rumour that the board this set of staff can be as many as he could, “She has to be very he Governing Council of the Ladoke Akintola has penciled down those redeployed into schools, University of Technology Teaching Hospital, to be sacked, but the w h e r e t h e r e a r e n o as most of the royal polite, obedient and marriages have a specific understanding, believing Osogbo, has said that no staff of the hospital has board has not met. teachers, but they are not purpose and reasons for much in God.” been sacked. “ W h a t t h e p e o p l e needed in LAUTECH,” their contraction. That The climax of the The Board Chairman, the ousted management are shouting about is he said. is what the position w e d d i n g w a s t h e outside the approved Professor Atoyebi also entails,” the monarch thanksgiving service Professor Oluwole on the White Paper on Atoyebi, stated this while f i g u r e , h e p r o m i s e d the staff audit released said, in the course of stressed. held at the Ooni’s Palace appearing before the that the board would on 16th January which reviewing the cases of the It would be recalled on Sunday, which was staff members, State House of Assembly review the issue and take came to our attention two affected those that were employed that last Saturday, the decision on it. over the proposed sack of weeks ago that there was The board chairman over-recruitment of staff as level two officers some of its workers. and indiscriminately He said though there averred that there was outside the approved promoted to level seven were illegal recruitment an approval in 2012 to number. within one year would be exercise in the hospital by employ 302 staff, but “We are just looking critically examined and 7 6 7 w e r e e m p l o y e d ; at the names, we want to decided on.

Change of Name The Speaker, while 157, 62 and 70 know those employed in dmission forms into the State of Osun College Honourable Najeem staffers were employed I wish to notify the that year and know what Salaam, urged the board of Health Technology, Ilesa, 2016/2017 in 2013, 2014 and 2015 general public that my to do with their cases. session, are available for sale at the rate of to let the consideration of name was wrongly written respectively without “Definitely, there is the matter have human N7,500 only. as Adenike osifeso subjects in not more than approval. overstaff and there is a face and report back for haastrup and that my This was contained in a two sittings in WAEC or Noting that the board real name is adenike White Paper that asked the House for a decision press statement signed by NECO examinations. h a s n o t m e t t o t a k e us to stream down the to be taken. oluway e misi the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Esho therefore haastrup and my date decision on the excess number.

He said though, of Health, Dr. u r g e d a p p l i c a n t s t o of birth was wrongly put the lawmakers were Ministry staff and what to do with Akinyinka Oluseyi Esho. obtain the admission “After meeting, we will as June 21, 1958 instead of their cases, he said it make suggestions on how not directly affected, The statement stressed forms either from the july 21, 1958. was a mere rumour that the excess staff can be but their intervention that interested applicants State Ministry of Health, Union Bank and predicated on the General Public should some of them have been useful somewhere else. was five O’ Abere or College of fact that they are the must possess take note.

Level credits in relevant Health Technology, Ilesa. sacked.

Many of them have NCE, representatives of the

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Monarch Extols New Ooni’s Wife T

LAUTECH Hasn’t Sacked Any Staff - Board

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Osun School Of Health Technology Rolls

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•Continued from page 3

News

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

We Were Duly Informed On Renaming Of Schools - Osun Assembly

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By kazeem mohammed

he State of Osun House of Assembly said it was duly-informed by Governor Rauf Aregbesola before renaming the state-owned tertiary institutions. whatever the governor wants to do, he informs Aregbesola recently the House. I want to announced the renam- categorically say that ing of the institutions the House was dulyafter some prominent informed about the indigenes of the state. change of the names of Speaking in an in- those tertiary instituterview with journal- tions. ists, the Leaders of the “The governor had House, Honourable sent a letter to the House, Timothy Owoeye, said intimating us about the the Assembly was on the change in the nomenclasame page with the ex- ture of the state-owned ecutive over the matter. tertiary institutions in According to him, the the state. governor has always “We have seen that been known for respect the decision was only of the principle of sepa- aimed at honouring ration of powers, hence, some of the respected would not take such elders of the state, who decision without carry- have made contribuing the legislative arm of tions to the developgovernment along. ment of the state one He said: “This is a way or the other. The democratic setting and renaming of the schools

has nothing to do with politics,” he said.

He admonished the people not to be bothered about the renam-

ing, but the quality of products coming out of the institutions.

Owoeye stressed that the government has

been working hard to ensure that the stateowned institutions produce the best that can compete with their

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College of Education with Osun State College of Education, now Lawrence Omole College of Education. Ilesa.

Ilori, in an interview with OSUN DEFENDER on Tuesday, said that the restructuring of educational system of tertiary institutions in the state was borne out of the need to ensure and promote functional, technical and vocational education in the tertiary institutions.

He absolved Aregbesola of any

Knocks, Condemnations Over Osun NUJ Elections’ Annulment By our reporter ournalists in the State of Osun have continued that the results were to condemn the annulment of the Nigeria Union of acceptable to them and Journalists’ (NUJ) election held on February 11, s a t i s f a c t o r y t o t h e i r 2016 and called on the national secretariat of the union conscience, hence their acceptance of the results to rescind itsdecision on the matter.

Chapels at their various of the union, with no with equanimity and congresses rejected the breaches whatsoever; spirit of sportsmanship” He said in the history s a i d a n n u l m e n t a n d hence, there couldn’t insisted that the election h a v e b e e n n e e d f o r of NUJ, there was no was credible, free and fair, raising voices of dissent precedence for such nullification and Osun saying nullification will against the processes.” must not be first of such only cause disharmony Olasinde said following example, “and to the in the union. the declaration of results, best of our knowledge, At separate congresses, runners-up congratulated t h e r e i s n o s e c t i o n OSUN DEFENDER, State the winners at the polls. o f o u r C o n s t i t u t i o n Ministry of Information “Through this conduct, that supported such and Radio Nigeria Gold composure, comportment nullification,” Olasinde FM, Ilesa, dissociated and candor, runners-up at said. t h e i r c h a p e l s a n d the election demonstrated The chapel therefore described the nullification as “subversion of popular will.”

According to a congress communiqué signed by By shina abubakar the OSUN DEFENDER n Osun State High Court sitting in Ikirun and NUJ Chapel Chairman, presided over by Justice Jide Falola has Mr Niyi Olasinde and convicted and sentenced two armed robbers Olusola Aderinto for Secretary respectively, toThe death.convicts were in his defence and called which said: “In response Olowookere Segun and to the recent annulment Morakinyo Sunday, who another witness, the second accused rested of results of February 11, 2016 elections into the both pleaded not guilty his case on that of the State of Osun Council to the eight- count charge prosecution.

The convicted persons of the Nigeria Union of of conspiracy, robbery Journalists (NUJ) by the and stealing contrary to w e r e s a i d t o h a v e National Secretariat of section 6(b) and 1(2)(a) forcefully broken into the the union, The OSUN of Robbery and Firearms house of one Mr Balogun D E F E N D E R C h a p e l ( s p e c i a l p r o v i s i o n s ) Tope, a police officer at its recent congress Act, cap R 11 laws of attached to Divisional resolved to condemn the Federation of Nigeria purported nullification in 2004 and section (390) Police Headquarters, Okuku, in April 2010 its entirety.

“In view of this, the (1) Criminal Code Law, and carted away some of congress resolved that the Cap 34, Laws of Osun his belongings.

Later, on 13th February 11, 2016 council State, 2002.

T h e p r o s e c u t i o n November, 2010, five elections held into the Executive Committee of team from the State b o y s w e r e s i g h t e d the State of Osun went on of Osun Ministry of a r o u n d t h e v i c t i m ’ s peacefully in a rancour- Justice led by Solicitor- house, holding cutlasses free climate, and as such, G e n e r a l , B a r r i s t e r and a dane gun and two was free, fair, transparent, Abiola Adewemimo, credible and applauded who appeared along of them were arrested, while five escaped. by all; They later confessed “And that the processes with Barrister Folasade o f v o t i n g , c o l l a t i o n , Adekomi, had during that they stole his fowls declaration of results and t h e t r i a l , c a l l e d s i x and they had been to his swearing-in of elected witnesses and tendered house before to steal. officials went on as laid several exhibits, while The duo also stated down in the Constitution the first convict testified that they had earlier

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peers anywhere in the world.

He further noted that the Assembly was working with the executive to

Renaming Osun Tertiary Institutions Have Absolved Aregbesola of Merger Accusation -

By ismaeel uthman ormer Special Assistant to Governor Rauf Aregbesola on Environment and Sanitation, Mr Bola Ilori, has said that the renaming of each of the State of Osun-owned tertiary institutions has absolved the governor of accusation that he wanted to merge the institutions.

According to Ilori, the separate O s u n S tnaming a t e C oof l l ethe ge institutions affirmed t h a t e a c h o f t h e m o f Techno lo g y, no w would continue to exist Bisi Akande College as full-fledged tertiary o f T e c h n o l o g y E s a institution against the Oke, with Osun State rumour that Aregbesola P o l y t e c h n i c , I r e e was planning to scrap now Sunday Afolabi Polytechnic and two of the institutions.

Rumour was rife Osun State College that the governor was of Education, Ila now planning to merge Adeyemi Oyedotun

urged the National Secretariat of NUJ, in the interest of peace, progress and good brotherliness, to rescind the cancellation and allow the validity of the results declared to prevail.

Ministry of Information and Strategy Chapel said the nullification of the election is a gross violation of the union’s constitution, saying the chapel has conducted itself in a peaceful and lawful manner.

In a congress communiqué signed by the Chairman,

Gideon Adegboye and the Secretary, Fatanmi Olamilekan, said as the watchdog of democratic development in Nigeria, such action will be a disservice to the union.

Also the Radio Nigeria (Gold FM) Chapel, in a statement by its Chairman, Mr Isaac Hastrup, said the members at the congress want the elected officers to continue their assignment in accordance with the mandate given to them on February 11 and urged the national leadership of the union to revisit the directive.

wrongdoing on the renaming of the institutions, saying that he has the legal right to do so with the approval of the State House of Assembly.

“Obafemi Awolowo University was formerly known as University of Ife before it was changed to OAU in 1987, following the demise of Chief Obafemi Awolowo in 1987. Also, Olabisi Onabanjo University had the original name of Ogun State University (OSU) and was renamed on May 29, 2001 in honour of Chief (Dr.) Olabisi Onabanjo. Rufus Giwa Polytechnic was former Ondo State Polytechnic, Owo. There are many examples to give,” he said.

Ilori charged members of the opposition parties and other people that were embittered on the renaming of the tertiary institutions to be objective in criticising the governor, saying that only a constructive criticism is welcome in democracy.

2 Robbers Get Death Sentence

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robbed one Alhaja Umani Oyewo in her house, stealing broilers, eggs and kegs of vegetable oil.

In his judgment, Justice Jide Falola discharged them on fivecounts charge and were convicted on other threecount charge, conspiracy to commit armed

robbery, which attracts death sentence, robbery attracting life sentence and stealing attracting three years imprisoned.

Justice Falola also gave a recommendation that Mr Governor can decide to commute the death sentence to ten years’s imprisonment,

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considering the ages of the convicts.

He also ordered that the insanity status of the second convict should be investigated, and if proved, he should be kept at an asylum at the pleasure of the governor.

•Stephen Oransaye in court to answer for his alleged involvement in a N190 million scandal.

osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

Condemnable Students’ Violence At Ifewara

....continued from pg1

But these days it seems students no longer see logic in dialogue. They prefer going on rampage and embarking on destruction of properties at will without having exhausted all avenues of negotiation. This is worrisome indeed! Like a lawmaker representing Ijesha-South Federal Constituency, Hon. Ajibola Famurewa, rightly observed recently on the violence em-

students of the Southern Nigeria Institute of Innovative Technology (SNIIT), Ifewara, all this violence being perpetrated by students these days are a reflection of societal decadence. We do not agree less with him.

It’s quite sad that our society has become so decadent that our values have turned upside down. Virtuous conduct can hardly be found in the lexicon of our

students these days.

It’s as if they consider vandalism and arson as part of the school curriculum. The deuce of it all is that this barbaric culture is no longer limited to our higher institutions. It has spread down to the secondary schools.

Take for instance the appalling scenario of how some secondary school students descended on Orisun F.M at Ile-Ife a few weeks ago; destroying the properties of the Radio station for a reason that was completely in opposition to common sense.

Like the seed of discord that continues to germinate and re-germinates as you cut it hardly have we stopped condemning that act of vandalism when the students of SNIIT in Ifewara also followed suit.

The question is do these students even know the reason why their parents sent them to school at all?

Let them be again reminded that they were sent to school to go and study so they can be better citizens of this country in future but not to go and

2016 UTME And Plight Of Candidates

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ir, I want to draw the attention of the appropriate authorities to the perceived corruption and lack of concern in the recentlyconcluded Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examinations (UTME) which I believe must be rectified.

Frankly speaking, ever since, it doesn’t seems like I have ever heard any scenario, where more than half of the admission seekers, who sat for the examination were complaining they were unfairly graded.

There have been complaints upon complaints that the Joint Admission Matriculation Board (JAMB) used the candidate that sat for the exams on February 27 and 29, as an experiment.

Imagine seeing candidates weeping profusely when they saw the results of the examinations, just

because they failed in the subjects they believe they should pass.

The 40 marks being doled out to each of the candidates was a clear indication that JAMB has accepted t hat it has actually ruined the future of many of the candidates. I have never

heard of JAMB dashing out five marks, not to even talk of 40 marks.

A cousin of mine was also a victim of this JAMB destructive decision.

He was so sure of his performance during the exams, but when the result came out, he almost killed himself, as he cried all day. Only God knows how many of these candidates would have injured themselves one way or the other.

The first flop that the examination recorded was in the case of timing.

Many of those who sat for the exam complained that the time which the exam was scheduled to start wasn’t the time it actually started. The second aspect was about

the computer logging them out after they had started the exam. Also, the issue of incorrect options was another devastating happening during the examination.

Does it mean that the JAMB is not capable of controlling this computerbased method examination now? If yes, why is it experimenting with the future of candidates?

For another 365 days, the candidates who have

been waiting for the next admission will have to wait.

I am using this medium to urge the government or whoever is concerned to please take a serious look into this matter and find a way of making the affected ones happy.

The best option in my view is to cancel the exams and allow the students to write another one. I believe that the affected candidates and parents will be happy to see that done. Or better still, the exams can be remarked to give the affected ones another chance.

To safe the future of these candidates and safe our society from being infiltrated by the affected candidates, who may turn nuisance because they have nothing to do, the concerned authorities should take appropriate action.

•Ojo Oluwasegun Sunday Afolabi Polytechnic,, Iree.

of any form. If they had any reason to protest such protest must be peaceful.

We fervently believe that violence should be the last option and that’s if it should even be an option at all.

Dialogue is a powerful instrument of addressing issues and we will like the students to always reason along this line. And on the part of the parents there is much need for them to bring their children up in proper way. For it’s only a child that is not properly brought up that will see nothing wrong in vandalism and arson. Enough is

We frown at a situation whereby students don’t understand any other language again in the course of pressing home their demands than violence. There is need for them to imbibe the culture of dialogue. For as the saying goes there

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opinion

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

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INTERVIEW

osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

Has Laid Foundation To Improve IGR - OIRS Chair Osun: What Is Wrong With Naming Or Renaming Of Schools? OThesun decline in the revenue coming from the federation account has in recent time been putting governments

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By BOLA ILORI

sun PDP will never fail to amuse right-thinking Nigerians. One wonders what is special in renaming a school.

This is done in every sane clime and for many and varying reasons.

Why can’t these people even do any research before they open their mouths to regurgitate and vomit beer parlour talk they know little or nothing about. I had the opportunity of doing post-graduate study in Harvard University and I remember that a number of the faculties were named after individuals.

In fact, the funniest one was the last year renaming of the Harvard School of Public Health to T.H. Chan School of Public Health because the family of the man donated $350 million to Harvard University.

If Aregbesola has done that, the same ignoramus in PDP will be shouting corruption, siphoning, commercialisation of education, selling of legacy and so on. Why are your brains so skewed? Why! Rather than Harvard faculties to shout corruption, the name of the college was changed and the history of the change is still advertised publicly on the Website of Harvard University till today. Need I remind

them that Harvard University is rated to be about the best university in the world?

Imagine the benefit and relief that will come to the staff and students of LAUTECH, if a department is named after Michael Adenuga, Otedola or any Osun person with such fund, who could donate one or more billions of naira for research in such a department. Honestly, I think Ogbeni should consider such.

I also listened to the thoughtless wailing and reference to UNILAG analogy. I did my first degree at University of Lagos and was proudly amongst those who kicked against the renaming of the school.

It will interest them to know that I was detained severally in our fight to secure Abiola’s mandate, while I was the University of Lagos Students’ Union Welfare Secretary and subsequently, the Secretary General of the UNILAG Students Union (A NANS Senator and National Mobilisation Officer).

What they failed to learn is that the basis of the antagonism was that the National Stadium, Abuja is the most befitting monument to be named after him, considering

his contribution to sports in Africa, also we rejected the sectionalisation of Abiola as a Yoruba hero; he won a pan-Nigerian mandate. an these wailers please pick out the honoured individuals in the Osun case and let’s analyse whoever you feel is not worthy of such honour in terms of their contribution to education development of Osun. Honestly, that way, I can agree with them on the basis of superior argument and not this incoherent ranting and uncouth vituperations of theirs.

Meanwhile, other states in Nigeria have changed several institutions’ names across party lines without anyone first going to Assembly before the naming, yet, nobody quarreled with it. The law is expected to be changed after the naming and House of Assembly is at liberty to accept or reject such bill.

Governor Wike of PDP announced the honouring of Saro Wiwa in Rivers State by renaming the state’s polytechnic after him on July 9, 2015.

The bill was not signed until one month after on August 7th, 2015. Yet APC didn’t raise hell.

Edo State also did its own.

Why must Osun PDP always

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advertise its acute lack of understanding about procedure of governance? No wonder, they could not achieve much during their seven and half years misrule in Osun.

I challenge Osun PDP to name one educational institution in Nigeria that was first renamed by the State Assembly before being announced by the Chief Executive of the state.

PDP is a warped and wayward contraption for the dreg of Nigeria.

However, Osun PDP is the worst genre of the coven. They are so proudly arrogant in their display of acute lack of wisdom, knowledge and understanding. Haba!

Osun PDP rabidly validates the statement by Martin Luther King (Jnr) that “There is nothing more dangerous than sincere ignorance and conscientious stupidity.”

Oh ye, Osun PDP, I command you in the name of God to receive wisdom!

Why The Girl-Child Is Abductors’ Target – Expert

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ot that it only just started, especially after over 200 secondary school students were abducted from Chibok about two years ago, but the recent cases of Ese Oruru, the girl kidnapped and taken to Kano and three female students of Babington College in Ikorodu have called for urgent attention. Some are asking questions on how safe the girl-child is in the present day society. While others are wondering if truly the future of the girl-child is guaranteed. In this exclusive interview with Naij.com’s Esther Odili, legal practitioner, Oghenovo Ochuko Emore, opens up on the recent kidnap cases, fate of the girl-child in the society, the level of security in Nigeria and other sundry issues.

Q: With the recent kidnap of Ese Oruru and the Babington College girls, how safe is the girl-child in the society now?

EMORE: I view the abduction of Ese differently from how I view the kidnap of the three girls.

Reason is that Ese’s abduction was basically for religious and pedophile intentions. It is an act of defilement and sex slavery. The kidnap of the three girls on the other hand was for monetary reasons. It is enshrined in our Constitution that the state is responsible for the safety and security of its citizens; the stake is raised even higher when you bring in vulnerable persons like children. The girl-child, to me, is an endangered specie now in this society.

Q: So, what do you think about the level of security in Nigeria?

EMORE: The level of security is at its lowest in my opinion. We are dealing with terrorism, now add that to the massacre of land owners

•ESE ORURU

by Fulani Herdsmen, then top it up with kidnap and abduction of our vulnerable children; all going on simultaneously. What else could be worse than that?

Q: Why then are the girls the target?

EMORE: Two different scenarios; abduction is done brazenly so far by people known to the victims’ parents and guardians. Usually done to people who are deemed not to have a voice or resources to fight “high class” people. Kidnap on the other hand is done for monetary gain. Usually, children of the wellplaced and wealthy people who can afford to pay a ransom for the release of the victims. The girl-child is deemed an easier target for the kidnappers and for the abductors.

Girls are perceived as sex slaves.

Q: In the event that you have a

female child among the kidnapped girls, what would you do?

EMORE: This rings home for me because one of the three girls is actually a friend’s child. As a mother, even if I was told not to be having talks with the kidnappers, my maternal instinct will kick in and I may not obey that order. First, because records of redemption by our police force in cases like this is not encouraging. I will feel it is my battle alone to fight; I may have the common sense to record any conversation with the kidnappers and probably seek the help of network providers to trace the number the kidnappers calls with.

Q: What role should parents, government and security agencies play in protecting the girl-child?

EMORE: I am of the school of thought that the first school for any child is the home. As a parent,

it is my responsibility to teach my children, male or female to be security-conscious. From as early as age two, I should help establish who strangers are to my children.

Even people familiar to them, they must know there are limits and restrictions. Even people who live with you should not be given an open blanket.

An informed child cannot be easily taken advantage of. Even if the domestic help is to take the child out to have his hair cut or made, the child should be told. If the parents do not tell him, he has a right to contest being taken anywhere by someone familiar to him. You would have helped to establish security consciousness in that child from an early age. Security agencies can have jingles played regularly on radio and television with a strong message.

Children are very impressionable and remember these things in the face of danger. The school can have security agencies come in from time to time, to do a security orientation programme for the students. Like the saying goes, it takes a village to train a child. We should look out for the welfare of children other than our own. Every suspicious movement of an adult with a child should be intercepted and reported promptly.

There should be call numbers to report such suspicious movements. The child welfare departments should be alive to their responsibilities to such calls.

If possible, the establishment of certain agencies to deal specifically with abduction and kidnap of children should be carried out.

•Culled from Naij.com

at the state level across Nigeria on their toes to find alternative ways of generating revenue for themselves.

In Osun, the state government has strengthened its efforts towards improving its Internally Generated Revenue (IGR), most especially, in the area of payment of taxes, levies and charges. Our Senior Reporter, KAZEEM MOHAMMED, takes on the Acting Chairman, Osun Internal Revenue Service (OIRS), Mr DAYO OYEBANJI, on the activities of the agency, the modality in revenue collections and the success recorded by the government so far. Excerpts:

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SDF: In recent times, Osun government has been emphasising on the need for the people to pay taxes to boost its revenue base. How far have you been able to go?

OYEBANJI: As you are aware of the paucity of fund at the Federal Government level, which, of course, has always been the major source of income for the state government, of which Osun is not an exception, or can I say for the recent decline in the price of crude oil from about $142 per barrel to less than $30 at a time sometimes in February. That has put pressure on the state governments to look at alternative ways of generating revenue to fund their programmes.

There are four major sources of revenue to any state government and they are fund from the federation accounts being shared on monthly basis, the Internally Generated Revenue, borrowings from whether local or offshore and the fourth are other capital receipts, either from multi-national agencies of donor agencies.

If you look at the fund trends, immediately we have decline in the price of crude oil, the major fund that come from Federation Account Committee (FAC) of which 80 per cent come from crude oil, dropped and the IGR also dropped. That has created a lot of challenge in this part of the country.

So, the state government does not have any other alternatives than to look inward and pursue vigorously how to increase the IGR. When we say IGR, we are not talking of only taxes; we have IGR according to National Tax Policy, inclusive of taxes, levies, charges and rates, all accruable to a particular government. They have been clearly stated in the Taxes and Levies Act, as amended in 2011, which states the various revenues that each tier of government should collect.

OSDF: How far have you been able to go in the collection of revenue?

OYEBANJI: The first challenge we have is how to manage the issue of paradigm shift. What we have here is paradigm paralysis, which is not only peculiar to the people of Osun; it is all over the country. You will agree with me that from 1970 after the discovery of oil, there have been a major shift from taxation as a major source of income for any government to cheap revenue from oil. Most of us now look at taxation as a source of revenue, as being alien to our system.

We have always forgotten completely, our civil responsibilities when it comes to the issue of taxes and most government have not really bothered our people because they have enough money to run the affairs of their states. But now that the free money from Abuja is no longer coming, we have no other alternative than to come back and ask them to pay.

The challenge now is that how can you suddenly ask somebody, who had not paid taxes for over 30 years to now start paying? We now have to change the orientation of our people, educate them and carry out serious campaign on the need for them to realise the need to perform their civic responsibilities.

Without that face, it can cause serious problem in our environment because advocacy is very important.

In terms of the figures, one way is for them to know that they have to pay their taxes and it is another thing for them to pay before you talk of how to enforce.

For us, having concluded the creation of awareness, the stage we are not is to ensure that everyone across the state performs his or her civil responsibilities.

We need to send our officials that we call Revenue

Marshals out to be able to clarify information to them because some of our people are still not aware of the modalities. We also need to make sure that we cover the convenience gap by making sure that they can pay their taxes at the comfort of their houses and their offices, which we have done. What is next now is for our people to reciprocate by coming out to come and pay their taxes.

I must say that the numbers of taxpayers are increasing by the day, but we are not where we are supposed to be.

OSDF: Sometimes, we heard that the state was generating N300 million as IGR, from there to N600 million and even above that. In specific term, how much is the state actually generating as we speak?

OYEBANJI: For us in IGR business, we talk of average per month or per annum, because revenue generation is seasonal in nature. For instance in December, there is always a downturn and you cannot use that period to judge, but we can talk about average monthly. When Governor Aregbesola came into office, the state was generating about N300 million per month, inclusive of the state PAYE. That means, the effective inflow from other sources at that time was barely around N100 million. However, with the system that we have put in place, like the Revenue Administration Law, the blockage of leakages, the automation of revenue collection that now makes all revenue go to the coffers of the government, the revenue first moved to N600 million and at a time when there was oil boom, it moved to N1.5 billion.

Therefore, because of the economic situation in terms of average, we are operating between N800 million and N1 billion now. Our focus is to hit not less than N5 billion in the next few months.

OSDF: The governor has severally emphasised that the government is targetting to finance its programme and policies with IGR. Do you think, the revenue we have on ground now can take the state that far?

OYEBANJI: When it comes to growing IGR, it is like planting the seed. For those of us in revenue generation, what we normally do is to put a platform in place for immediate and sustainable revenue generation in that particular environment. When you put a platform in place, you will notice there is steady growth in the revenue base of the state. We are talking of steady growth in number and in value. In the last few months, we have seen steady growth in number of tax payers, which ultimately will translate to significant increase in value. Today, if you are brought into tax net by paying N6,000, which is N1,500 for four years, that is the time that we know that you have a business premise and you register it. That is the only time we know that you have

properties and you have to do C of O; and that is the time that we know that you have a house and you have to pay Land Use Charges.

By the time you add these various taxes and levies, you will see that revenue would have grown significantly.

Within the next few months, we should comfortably be on N2 billion. The target of the government is N5 billion per month and that is the only time the government can say, ‘ we don’t need Abuja to survive’.

So, with the platform we have on ground, it is very possible to finance the government programmes and policies with IGR and that is actually our target.

OSDF: The understanding is that you are looking at taxes alone to boost the IGR. What other areas of revenue generation are you also looking at?

OYEBANJI: For our people, they only hear tax, but for us, we talk of IGR, which comprise of taxes, levies, rates and charge. If you observe in the last few weeks, some trailers that are packed along the road in Osogbo here were impounded because, they were carrying our forestry products like planks and the rest without paying relevant fees; some people carrying cocoa without paying grading fees; there are people driving their vehicles in town without renewing their licenses. These are where government can collect rates, levies and charges.

So, we have the structures in place that we can work on to generate more revenue to the coffers of the state.

OSDF: What mechanism do you have in place to ensure that leakages in revenue collections are blocked?

OYEBANJI: The first thing we did was to stop manual collection of revenue, and said that all revenue accruable to the government should now be paid directly to the coffers of government. Everybody that pays is now entitled to Automated Revenue Receipt and by that itself was the first that increased our revenue by 100 per cent.

Sensitisation is also very important and in the last two years, we have let the people realise that when you pay to a third party without asking for a receipt confirming that it has entered the coffers of government, you have actually wasted money.

If the money did not get to where it ought to go, it means we will not get the desired benefits of the tax you have paid.

Thirdly, there are lots of leakages in terms of the non-collection of necessary dues. We have introduced levies and charges that the government is not looking at before. Those are leakages. For instance, you have a shop and you have not registered your business, which is called business premises registration; we have some companies that have employees that are not paying their taxes; those are outright leakages.

You will observe that about few weeks ago, we shut down the premises of Globacom because of these leakages. n addition to that, for individuals who are not paying their taxes, we have put process in place whereby, they must produce evidence of tax payment for you to enjoy government services. If your children are in public schools, they must present your tax clearance receipts, that means you will be forced to pay your taxes. Those are some of the areas we have been preventing leakages.

OSDF: What is the maximum amount and the minimum amount payable in the state and to what categories of people?

OYEBANJI: There is no maximum when you are talking of Income Tax, because nobody can •Continued on page 13

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phototalk

osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

President MuhammaduBuhari In Malabo, Equatorial Guinea For A Two-Day State Visit For Talks On Maritime Security Last Monday.

•President Muhammadu Buhari inspecting the guards of honour parade on his arrival in Malabo.

•2 (L-R) Buhari in a handshake with the President of Republic of Equatorial Guinea, Mr Teodoro Obiang, during the visit.

•Buhari acknowledging cheers from his admirers.

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

Traditional Wedding And Thanksgiving Service For The Ooni Of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and His Olori, Wuraola, In Benin City And Ile-Ife Last Sunday.

•(L-R) State OF Osun Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Olori Wuraola, during the thanksgiving service.

•Buhari being welcome by a little girl in Malabo.

•Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi (middle); father of the Ooni of Ife, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi (3rd left) and other traditional chiefs from Ife, during the traditional wedding in Benin.

•A cross section of clerics praying for Olori Wuraola Ogunwusi.

•A cross section of Isoro group at the thanksgiving service.

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

Oliseh, Thank You For Quitting As Super Eagles’ Coach

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By nelson ekujumi

he Nigerian football fraternity and indeedall lovers of football were thrown into a state of shock but happy only recently following the abrupt resignation of Mr. Sunday Oliseh as the Super Eagles chief coach, barely some few weeks to a crucial African Nations Cup qualifier against the Pharaohs of Egypt.

Like it was, right from the day he took up the appointment as the Super Eagles chief coach and all through his stay on the job and even after he resigned, Nigeria football will not remain the same again, as the Sunday Oliseh saga will haunt us for a long time to come.

One indisputable lesson which one hopes our football authorities and indeed the entire Nigerian people will learn from the Sunday Oliseh saga in our football for as long as it last is that, he who sows the wind, will reap the whirlwind and that is a fact of life.

When Mr. Sunday Oliseh was appointed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as the Super Eagles gaffer just like that, without going through an interview or competence test to determine his suitability for the job, as it is done in civilized clime, some Nigerians cried foul, but the NFF would have none of it, as it went to town propagating that they have secured the services of Africa’s version of Europe’s Pep Guardiola to take our football to greater heights even when it was very glaring to all and sundry that there was no basis for the comparison.

To substantiate their opposition, these Nigerians pointed to the poor disciplinary record of Mr. Sunday Oliseh as a player and captain of the Super Eagles which led to his untimely exit from the national team and that he has no coaching record at whatever level to qualify him for the herculean task of managing the senior national team of the most populous black country on mother earth, but again the NFF waved it aside and brandished the information that Mr. Sunday Oliseh has a European coaching licence which makes him appropriately qualified for the job.

Thus began Mr. Sunday Oliseh’s journey into our football annals as Nigeria’s Super Eagles coach with some critics sheathing their sword for patriotic sake, by giving him the benefit of doubt to succeed, while some others as expected, stuck to their guns and always drew out the daggers against the national team uninspiring display under the new manager.

However, the truth which must be told is that, the tenure of coach Sunday Oliseh as the Super Eagles coach will forever be remembered for the acrimonious relationship that pervaded it and which contributed to a large extent to his abrupt exit just like in his playing

days from the Super Eagles.

Before we go further, while we recognize that Mr. Sunday Oliseh as the Super Eagles coach was a disaster waiting to happen, which was inevitable, in view of his indiscipline, arrogance, immaturity, lack of coaching skills and experience, psychiatric and psychological deficiency, which reflected throughout his tenure, it is important to examine the reasons which he gave as necessitating his resignation.

In the first place, Mr. Sunday Oliseh complained of not enjoying the right support from the NFF due to, in his words, several breaches to his contract such as being owed four months’ salary and lack of accommodation in Abuja as promised. He was unhappy with the dismissal of his personal assistant, Mr. Tijani Babangida and the rumoured approach of Mr. Herve Renard by the NFF to take over his job. ooking at some of the allegations, which Mr. Oliseh stated as reasons, which forced him to quit the job, one can see without doubt that he has legitimate grounds for being aggrieved, if the accusations are true, while others can be dismissed as lacking in merit.

O ne , t h e N F F m u s t b e a n u n s e r i o u s a n d irresponsible employer to owe an employee four months’ salary and not fulfilling the agreement to provide him an accommodation in Abuja.

It’s totally unacceptable because, even the Holy book admonishes that a worker deserves his wages and if the NFF is in default in fulfilling this agreement, then Mr. Oliseh’s grudge is valid. On the issue of dismissal of his personal assistant, one should hold the NFF responsible for this also because if it is permitted in his contract that the NFF will be responsible for maintaining his personal assistant for him, then they have flouted the terms of the contract by dismissing him, except if the

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power to hire and fire such a staff is vested in NFF without recourse to Oliseh, according to the terms of the contract.

On the issue of begrudging the NFF over the rumoured approach of Mr. Herve Renard, Mr. Oliseh is totally at fault here because what should be of paramount concern to him should have been, the fulfillment of the terms of his existing contract rather than looking for distractions as a smokescreen to cover up for his frustrations on the job. The icing on the cake of Mr. Sunday Oliseh’s frustration on the job and when he really called it a day, cannot be better explained than by his rant of insanity on YouTube to his critics following the avalanche of criticisms that trailed the ouster of the home based Super Eagles from the nations cup in Rwanda and the gathering storm over his continued stay on the job.

In case, some people don’t know, that was the day Sunday Oliseh quit as Super Eagles coach in spirit because he couldn’t take it anymore and was now looking for the right opportunity to express it and he found the appropriate alibi in his grudges against his employer, the NFF. Trust Nigerians, they were aghast that as in his character, Mr. Sunday Oliseh, even after calling it quits on his football.

Dodo Ikire And Its Economic Value By olawale jelilat

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he search for a more robust and sustainable economy continues in the face of the persistent drop in the global prices of oil, which has unequivocally continued to affect revenue generation capacity of the country.

Taking a reactive measure to salvage the current situation seems to be the only logical option.

The State of Osun, South West Nigeria, is apparently not left out of the financial downturn that hit the Africa’s largest economy, Most states of the federation are now financially crippled.

As expected, most of these states, including Osun, have started to look inward to see how the current financial crunch plaguing the system can be tackled.

To this end, the need to invest in local businesses and empower the brains behind such enterprises, becomes imperative, to improve the internally generated revenue of the state, to complement the little accrued from the falling federal allocation.

One of such businesses is ‘Dodo Ikire,’ a special appetizer /plantain spice, made in Ikire, a community in Irewole Local Government Area of the State of Osun, a gateway to the state and a close boundary to Oyo State.

Obviously named after the town, Ikire, the economic value of this locally-made appetizer to the community and the state at large should not be underestimated.

Ajilo Compound in Ikire plays host to the major producers of Dodo Ikire in the community.

Both young and old in this compound participate in the production of this product that is made from mostly plantain and other suitable bananas.

70-year-old woman, Madam Wulemotu Olaniran, has been in the business for a very long time. She spoke on the production of Dodo Ikire and its level of patronage.

“We use plantain and other suitable bananas. We use palm oil and vegetable oil to fry it. We have customers abroad, who usually request for it from time to time’ She said her children are not fully into the business, but they help whenever they are around before seeking greener pastures.

“Our children help us here while they are still looking for other jobs. We use the money realized from selling of Dodo Ikire to educate our children.”

Most sellers of Dodo Ikire hawk along IfeIbadan expressway to sell to travelers.

Abidogun Sayo is a young able boy and he’s engaged in the selling of Dodo Ikire alongside other young people, who make

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their legitimate income from the business.

“We make at least on the average, N4,000 daily as profit, and we often save the money for our education and new businesses.”

Buyers and lovers of these great spices believe there is need for the producers to extend their scopes of business beyond ikire and Osun at large.

If the state government could empower Dodo Ikire producers in order to attain large production /quantity, this might as well be a hidden treasure, which will improve the internally generated revenue of the state.

Since, the state government is already going above and beyond to ensure a better living condition of its citizenry and meet the financial yearnings of all, perhaps diversification of the economy would be a good thing in this trying time.

Empowering the people involved in this business, might be a good start towards enlarging their coast, which may eventually bring about a drastic boost in their earnings, and as such, contribute to the economy of the state.

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JOB vacancies Mid Level Female Accountants Company: Edu Umechukwu & Co. (Chartered Accountants) Location(s): • Lagos Specialization: • Finance / Accounting Industry: • Ecommerce / Retail / Wholesales Application Deadline: 21 March, 2016 Job Type Fulltime JOB DETAILS Our client, sole representative for manufacturers of global brand of electronic and household appliances with an office in Victoria Island Lagos, requires for immediate employment: Two (2) mid level Female Accountants Minimum qualification is OND in Accounting ICAN ATS qualification is required Masterly of Microsoft office, especially Excel Knowledge of any Accounting software - QuickBooks etc Knowledge of Financial Reporting principles and practice Office Location is Victoria Island Lagos Required: Interested candidates should call Mr. Chinedu (08033022381) and visit www. ngcareers to forward their resume via the apply button on or before, 28th of March, 2016.

JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 3 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: • Accounting DESIRED SKILLS: • Accounting Processes • Accounting Principles • Account Reconciliation OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Preferred candidates should be residing in the areas close to Victoria Island - Surulere, Yaba, Orile, Apapa, Obalende, and the environs. Minimum remuneration for a month is N50, 000. Other benefits also apply. Candidates would be interviewed and tested on the use of excel. .........................

Business Development Associate Company: Property Owners Group Location(s): • Lagos Towns:”Lekki Specialization: • Sales/ Marketing / Bus. Dev. Industry: • Food Services / Hospitality / Hotels • Engineering / Construction / Real Estate Application Deadline: 30 April, 2016 Job Type Fulltime Salary ¦ 800,000 - ¦ 8,000,000 JOB DETAILS Business development scouting for new clients both corporate (institutions) and individuals Setting sales monthly, quarterly and monthly targets Prospecting for new business with a strategic mindset Managing relationships with new clients, existing clients, and exploring additional opportunities for revenue Keeping up to date with market place trends, documenting them & making use of business intelligence Progress reporting to Director and attending meetings as scheduled Researching relevant information needed for business development and growth Posting ads on classified web sites and responding in a timely manner to inquiries Ensuring that units being managed are constantly being occupied Assisting with other tasks as may be needed/required by the director JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 0 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: • Economics DESIRED SKILLS: • Analytical • Communication • Excel • Leadership • Problem Solving • Sales skills OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Bachelor’s Degree from a recognized university Previous experience of at least 2 years in sales, business development & customer service is an asset Track record of setting sales/revenue targets and meeting them Motivated individual with an interest in hospitality, real estate, entrepreneurial and self driven Problem solver, analytical and good communicator - Ability to learn and adapt quickly, sociable and hospitable Willing and able to drive Studied Engineering, Math or Economics 1st Class or 2nd Class Upper - Covenant University, Landmark University, Redeemers University, OAU, UNILAG 26 Years old and less.

Visit www.ngcareers.com to apply.

DO NOT APPLY IF YOU DO NOT MEET THE ABOVE REQUIREMENTS .........................

Marketer Company: Jubo Diagnostics Location(s): • Lagos Towns:”Ikotun Specialization: • Medical/ Health Industry: • Healthcare / Nutrition Application Deadline: 31 March, 2016 Job Type Fulltime Salary ¦ 720,000 - ¦ 840,000 Developing new marketing strategies is an important part of the role.

Plan, develop and implement a comprehensive and innovative marketing plan.

Monitoring competitor activity.

Map out potential customers and generate leads for the organization Would manage and control the relationship between services and your target audience.

JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 1 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: • Business • Laboratory Technology • Marketing • Medical Lab Science and Tech DESIRED SKILLS: • Brand Marketing and Strategy • Business Awareness • Communication and presentation skill. • Diagnostics • Good communication OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Minimum of BSc/OND and in any related field Minimum of 1-3 years experience Must have a good negotiating and interpersonal skills.

Good communication skills.

Experience in a health related company or laboratory is an added advantage Must have a passion for marketing A Goal Getter and result oriented Should have very good knowledge of Ikotun, Igando and Isheri environs.

Visit www.ngcareers.com to apply .............

Sales And Marketing Executives Company: Dogan’s Sugar Limited Location(s): Specialization: • Sales/ Marketing / Bus. Dev. Industry: • Manufacturing / Production Application Deadline: 28 March, 2016 Job Type Fulltime JOB DETAILS A manufacturing concern based in Lagos is keen to engage the services of experienced professionals as Sales and Marketing Executives for various areas in the country. Candidates must have a good first degree in the relevant course.

He/she must have a minimum of 2 years’ experience in sales and marketing within the coverage area. She/he must be fluent in English and the relevant local language spoken in the coverage area. Candidate must be able to secure and close business deals within the said coverage area. Role and Responsibilities Identifies business opportunities by identifying prospects and evaluating their position in the industry; researching and analyzing sales options. Sells products by establishing contact and developing relationships with prospects; recommending solutions. Maintains relationships with clients by providing support, information, and guidance; researching and recommending new opportunities; recommending profit and service improvements. Identifies product improvements or new products by remaining current on industry trends, market activities, and competitors. Prepares reports by collecting, analyzing, and summarizing information. Maintains quality service by establishing and enforcing organization standards; establishing personal networks; bench marking state-of-the-art practices, Contributes to team effort by accomplishing related results as needed.

JOB REQUIREMENTS MIN REQUIRED EXPERIENCE: 2 year(s) DESIRED COURSES: Not Specified DESIRED SKILLS: • Brand Marketing and Strategy OTHER REQUIREMENTS: Presentation Skills, Client Relationships, Emphasizing Excellence, Energy Level, Negotiation, Prospecting Skills, Meeting Sales Goals, Creativity, Sales Planning, Independence, Motivation for Sales The coverage areas are; • NORTH – Adamawa/Taraba (Jalingo), Borno/Yobe (Maiduguri), Sokoto (Sokoto), Kebbi (Birnin Kebbi), Zamfara (Gusau), Gombe (Gombe), Kwara( Ilorin), Kogi (Lokoja) • SOUTH EAST – Imo (Owerri), • SOUTH SOUTH – Rivers ( Port Harcourt) Bayelsa (Yenogoa) Akwa Ibom (Uyo) • SOUTH WEST – Ekiti, (Ado Ekiti), Ondo (Akure).

Visit www.ngcareers.com to apply.

health

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

15 Amazing Guava Benefits: Heart Healthy, Weight Loss Friendly And More

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e have all enjoyed a plateful of guavas sprinkled with chaat masala and also savoured it in luscious jams, jellies and murabbas, so it’s time we find out why our grandmothers have always spoken so highly about this seasonal treat. Guava, popularly known as amrood in Hindi, packs an intoxicating strong-sweet fragrance and a distinct taste.

Loaded with tiny hard seeds at the center, this tropical fruit is believed to have its origin in Central America where it is also known as “sand plum”. It is round or oval in shape with light green or light yellow skin, and the colour of its flesh varies from white or pink to dark red and has edible seeds.

Besides its unique flavour and fragrance, guava has been hailed as one of the super fruits due to the numerous health benefits it offers. It indeed is a powerhouse of nutrients. “This humble fruit is extraordinarily rich in vitamin C, lycopene and antioxidants that are beneficial for skin.

Guavas are also rich in manganese which helps the body to absorb other key nutrients from the food that we eat. Guavas contain folate, a mineral which helps promote fertility. The potassium in guavas helps normalise blood pressure levels as well. In fact, a banana and a guava contain almost the same amount of potassium. Since it contains about 80% of water it helps keep your skin hydrated”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja, Sukhda Hospital. Here are 15 mind-blowing guava benefits for health and skin you need to know.

Guava For Health 1. Immunity Booster Did you know: Guavas are one of the richest sources of vitamin C? It’s true. Guavas contain 4 times the vitamin C content present in oranges.

Vitamin C helps improve immunity and protects you against common infections and pathogens.

2. Lowers Risk of Cancer “Lycopene, quercetin, vitamin C and other polyphenols act as potent antioxidants which neutralise free radicals generated in the body, preventing the growth of cancer cells. Guavas have shown to be widely successful in reducing prostate cancer risk and also inhibit the growth of breast cancer cells since it is rich in lycopene”, says Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

3. Diabetes-Friendly Due to the rich fibre content and low glycaemic index, guavas prevent the development of diabetes. While the low glycemic index inhibits a sudden spike in sugar levels, the fibre content ensures the sugar levels are well regulated.

4. Heart Healthy Guavas improve the sodium and potassium balance of the body, thereby regulating blood pressure in patients with hypertension. Guavas also help lower the levels of triglycerides and bad cholesterol (LDL), which contribute to the development of heart disease. This magical fruit improves levels of the good cholesterol (HDL).

5. Treats Constipation It is one of the richest sources of dietary fiber in

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10. Good for Your Brain “Guavas contain vitamin B3 and vitamin B6, also known as niacin and pyridoxine respectively, which help in improving blood circulation to the brain, stimulating cognitive function and relaxing the nerves”, remarks Dr. Manoj K. Ahuja.

11. Weight Loss ant to shed a few pounds? Guava is just the ticket. Without compromising your intake of proteins, vitamins and fiber, guava helps you lose weight by regulating your metabolism. It’s a win-win! Guava makes for a very filling snack and satisfies the appetite very easily. Guava, especially raw guava, also has far less sugar as compared to apples, oranges, grapes, and other fruits.

12. Cough and Cold Guava has one of the highest quantities of vitamin-C and iron among fruits, and both are proven to be preventive against cold and viral infections. The juice of raw and immature guavas or a decoction of guava-leaves is very helpful in relieving cough and cold since it helps get rid of mucus and disinfects the respiratory tract, throat and lungs.

Guava for Skin 13. Anti-Ageing Properties Guavas are rich in vitamin A, vitamin C and antioxidants like carotene and lycopene which help protect the skin from wrinkles. A guava a day, keeps fine lines away!

14. Improves Complexion Guava helps regain the skin’s radiance and freshness. Reap the benefits by preparing a DIY scrub at home: All you have to do is mash some guava flesh with an egg yolk and apply it on your face. Rinse off after 20 minutes with warm water. When used once or twice a week, this scrub will remove dead cells from your skin and lighten your complexion. Guavas are also a great source of Vitamin K, which helps get rid of skin discoloration, dark circles, redness and acne irritation.

15. Improves Texture Guavas rank high in astringent properties, guava leaves and unripe guavas even higher.

Guava helps tone up and tighten the facial muscles, so apply a decoction of the leaves and fruit on your skin and voila!

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

Osun Has Laid Foundation To Improve IGR - OIRS Chair •Continued from page 7

comparison to other fruits and just 1 guava fulfills about 12% of your daily recommended intake of fibre, which makes it extremely beneficial for your digestive health. Guava seeds, if ingested whole or chewed, serve as excellent laxatives too, helping the formation of healthy bowel movements.

6. Improves Eyesight ue to the presence of Vitamin A, guava is well known as a booster for vision health. It can not only prevent degradation of eyesight, but even improve eyesight. It can help slow down the appearance of cataracts and macular degeneration. Even though guavas are not as rich in Vitamin A as carrots, they are still a very good source of the nutrient.

7. Guava During Pregnancy Guavas contain folic acid, or vitamin B-9, which is recommended for pregnant women since it can help in developing the baby’s nervous system and protect the newborn from neurological disorders.

8. Beats Toothache Guava leaves have a potent anti-inflammatory action and a powerful antibacterial ability which fights infection and kills germs. Thus, consuming guava leaves works as a fantastic home remedy for toothache. The juice of guava leaves has also been known to cure toothaches, swollen gums and oral ulcers.

9. Stress-Buster The magnesium present in guavas helps to relax the muscles and nerves of the body. So after a hard workout or a long day at the office, a guava is certainly what you need to relax your muscles, combat stress and give your system a good energy boost.

interview

give concession for minimum income. For us in Osun, for informer sector, the minimum tax is N1,000 and development levy is N500, that means you pay N1,500 per annum. However, For you to collect tax certificate, you must have paid taxes for three solid years, plus current year, which is N6,000. It is not compulsory that you pay at once, you can do staggered payment and when you complete the payment of N6,000, we will issue tax clearance certificate.

OSDF: The case of Globacom, what is it; a case of tax default or what?

OYEBANJI: It is actually a case of tax default.

For them, there are some taxable activities they have carried out in the state, but they have not paid. For instance, you see their stations all around and they need to pay for business planning permit, they laid pipes around, there is need to pay for the fibre optics, right of ways and some other ancillary or related charges and levies that they have not paid. We don’t derive pleasure in disrupting the business of investors in the state, but before we took that action, it took us two solid years to carry out relevant steps and advocacy to get them to come to town with us and reconcile their account for them to pay.

The problem is that most institutions will avoid reconciliation, because when they are reconciling, they have to know what to pay.

There was even a time that the House of Assembly invited them to come and defend why they have failed to perform their civic responsibilities and they promised to get back to them in two weeks but up till the time we shut them, they failed to respond. We were actually pushed to the wall, before we took the step we took.

OSDF: As an expert, what do you think is the way out of the current economic situation that this country is?

OYEBANJI: Charity should begin at home. If you look at macro economics on a global basis, the only economy that can survive over times, is the economy that is driven by taxes. If you travel to the US, UK and the rest, they don’t depend on oil or natural resources because they are time bound.

Taxation represents a pool of fund, contributed by the people of that particular community to finance their affairs. If a community is depending on external sources to fund its affairs, the people of that community are deceiving themselves.

Tax is what is representing you in government and that is the only time you have the right to ask government to come and explain how they have used the taxpayers’ money.

Those in government will also be conscious of the fact that it is your money that is paying their salaries and they have to account for it.

The peak of taxation is representation in government and when that principle of representation is there, it reduces corruption to the barest level. That is when you will see that the growth in taxation will be a proposal to the growth in the economy of that particular environment.

When you plot a graph of IGR versus economic growth and development, and you cannot see a corresponding growth in economy, while you are seeing growth in taxation, then, there is problem. Also, when you are seeing growth

in economy and there is no growth in taxation, that growth is not sustainable.

If you use external money for the development of infrastructure, and that money is not coming again, what will you use to maintain that road?

If you use external money as a basis for taking loan for long term development, how do fund that loan repayment, when that money is no longer coming.

So, the only sustainable revenue available to government is taxes, otherwise called IGR of that environment.

OSDF: The culture in this country is that we don’t do things on our own, unless you are forced.

Is there any punishment for whoever that refuses to pay tax?

OYEBANJI: When you talk of taxable person, we are talking of either individuals or organisations.

The sanctions that could be leveled against defaulter is actually to mitigate against future default and serve as deterrent to others. Most of the times, it is usually either interest or penalty on the amount you have not paid. When it comes to individual payment, it is usually a percentage in two or three fold of the amount you are supposed to pay, but there is no fixed amount.

However, the first punishment that happens to you is one, your social values, your business disturbance, plus your finance implications. If you refuse to pay your tax, your social value declines because people will see you as someone who has not performed his civic responsibilities.

In those days, when taxation was a philosophy of managing an economy, any member of the family that is caught of not paying taxes, the community members are always reluctant in allowing their children to marry from such families because they see them as not responsible. For companies nowadays, when a warrant of distress is levied against your company, it dictates that your company’s is not performing its responsibilities, then, your social value is affected.

So, when your company is shut, you won’t be able to make money you are supposed to make.

Coming to financial implication, when your business is shut, you have to pay penalty and interest and in the end, you actually pay more than what you are supposed to pay.

It means that it is always better to avoid sanction to be placed on you or your business for failure to pay taxes.

When you talk about enforcement, our own role is to make sure we engage the tax payers and let them realise the importance of taxes. We try to use gatekeeper’s approach, which is always the

best. For instance, anytime you have interactions with government or you need any service, we are there to block you and that is the time we now have to check all the taxes and levies you are supposed to pay to the government. If you have not paid, you have to pay.

We also have indirect form of taxes that when you are paying, you are not even aware that you are paying. Value Added Tax is one of such taxes.

If all taxes are indirect, it makes it easier to collect.

OSDF: There is a misconception, whereby, pupils of public schools are being asked to pay taxes apart from the ones paid by their parents.

Can you set the record straight here?

OYEBANJI: It has not happened, I have not heard of it that any government would ask children to come and pay taxes. What has happened is that, in line with Personal Income Tax Law as amended, which clearly stated that any beneficiary of government, taxable adult or taxable institutions should present evidence of tax clearance before they enjoy such service. For schools, government is the one providing service to the pupils and ordinarily, parents of the pupils would be expected to provide copies of their tax clearance certificates and give to their children to be taken to their schools. Students are not to pay or present their tax clearance certificates, it is only the tax clearance of their parents that the schools would have asked for and that is what is operational in every community.

OSDF: What is your message to the people of Osun?

OYEBANJI: I like to appeal to the people of Osun that we have seen monumental development that has happened in the first term of this government and still happening now. We have also seen that resources are no longer coming from Abuja to sustain this development. We all need to join hands with Mr Governor to continue the development, so that our children can continue to enjoy the service, the security can continue, the various infrastructural projects can also continue and Mr Governor’s vision to turn Osun to the best state in the world can be a reality. We have seen that it is possible, it is achievable, but all we need to do is to perform our civic responsibilities.

When it comes to payment of taxes, the governor has approved the recruitment of Revenue Marshals that we don’t even need to go to Tax Stations, revenue marshals are out there, kitted in their uniform with POS machines to collect taxes at the doorstep of every individual home.

For organisations, we have improved on our revenue collection process, we have online payment, we have bank transfer and different forms of transfers by companies through which they can easily get their money to us and they can also print their receipt online.

For those that like to come to our tax station, they can go to any of the stations to make payment. For those that cannot go to the station, they can go to any bank and make payment and they will equally get their receipts. As we speak, we are also engaging Omoluabi Mortgage Bank to also join the platform for revenue collection, so that wherever you are, payment of tax will not be a problem.

We are trying as much as possible to close the convenience gap for taxpayers and when you pay, if you have any issues in the collection of receipt or any complaint, you are free to contact us at any of our tax stations, to let us know and we will definitely be there to attend to you.

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17, 2016

NEW LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS, AREA COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES IN THE STATE OF OSUN (A). LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS (LCDAs)

S/N LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREA COMMUNITIES COMPRISING LCDA HEADQUARTERs OSUN WEST SENATORIAL DISTRICT 1. AYEDAADE SOUTH Orile-Owu, Araromi Owu, Motako, Mokore and adjoining communities excluding Odeyinka from the existing Ayedaade Local Government.

Orile-Owu 2. AYEDIRE SOUTH Oluponna, Alaya, Adenlere, Lanye, Railway Station, Oke-Osun, Ilaji Parapo, Oke-oba and the adjoining communities from the existing Ayedire Local Government.

Oluponna 3. EDE EAST Alajue II, (Ward 5), Olodan (Ward 6), Sekona (Ward 8), Oloki/Akoda (Ward 9), Loogun (Ward 10) from existing Ede South Local Government.

Sekona 4. EGBEDORE SOUTH Ido-Osun, Egbedi, Iloba, Onibueja, Aduramigba,Temidire, Offatedo, Olorunsogo, Boripe Community, Olorunayo, Gbotaru, Olojo-Oke-Osun, Aje Market area, Plank Market Area, Bolorunduro Alapata, Igi- Gogoro, Animashun Avenue, Adewale Estate,Amuni Oke- Ibukun, Agaa, Oke – Ola, Boluwaduro, Ogunwuyi Estate Eesa Titun, Akiola and Prime Area from the existing Egbedore Local Government.

Ido-Osun 5.EJIGBO SOUTH Ilawo, Adegbo, Ado-Orioke, Isundunrin, Ijimoba, Inisa I, Aato, Ogege, Osinmo, Igbon, Ika, Araromi, Iwata, Afaake, Inisa-Edoro, Ibogunde, Idigba, Olorin, Songbe, Osuntedo, Ajitena, Molosanowo from the existing Ejigbo Local Government.

Ilawo 6. EJIGBO WEST Ife-Odan, Owu-Ile, Masifa, Ola, Isoko, Aye, Oguro and Agurodo from the existing Ejigbo Local Government.

Oguro 7. IREWOLE NORTH-EAST Wasinmi, Majeroku, Odeyinka,Bamidele, Dede, Molarere, Fidiwo, Balogun, Bamigbola, Oluboroku, Atamora, Agbongbon, Ajebo, Iwata, etc. from the existing Irewole Local Government.

Wasinmi 8. ISOKAN SOUTH Ikoyi Ile, Asejire, Abidemi, Baale Ayo and adjoining villages from the existing Isokan Local Government.

Ikoyi 9. IWO EAST Isale-Oba Quarters, Moleta Quarters, Oke-Adan Quarters, Gidigbo Quarters, and Oke-Oba Quarters etc. from the existing Iwo Local Government.

Olomowewe

10. IWO WEST Oke-Oba I: Agberire, Aipate-Nla, Asipa, Oniyangi, etc, Oke-Oba II: Ogoru, Adan/Elemo, Oyediran, Agoro, Papa, Idi-Iroko, Akinleye, Patara, Oloba-Ogundiran, Anarun, Adepiti, Alagbon, Ologun-Ebi, Oloola, etc. from the existing Iwo Local Government.

Agberire OSUN EAST SENATORIAL DISTRICT 11. ATAKUMOSA EAST CENTRAL Iwara, Igangan, Iwikun, Iyinta, Asuku, Owode, Olopon, Ajegunle, Ajumobi Alaago, Faforiji, Omiodo, Erinsebija, Agbon Jegede, Araromi, Ajebamidele, Erinburo, Atorin, Ayinrin Adedeji, Lapaede and other adjoining communities from the existing Atakumosa East Local Government.

Iwara 12. ATAKUMOSA WEST CENTRAL Ifewara, Ogogo, Gbabiaka, Jagun, Orunto, Kuku, Ilode, Ikogun, Egudu, Ijana Iyemogun, Ileki, Epe, Igun, Iyere, Ajeoku, Abepe, Itagunmodi Bowaje, Owena, Alaba, Araromi, Oke Ipa, Asegbo and Ariye Arigbabu from the existing Atakumosa West Local Government Ifewara 13 IFE CENTRAL WEST More-Ojaja ward, Ilare 1, Ilare 2, Ilare 3 and Ilare 4 from the existing Ife Central Local Government.

Elefon-Owaa 14. IFE OOYE Okerewe Ward 1 (Okesoda, Iloro, Moremi, Ifedapo, Itamerin); Okerewe Ward 2 (Gbodo, part of Enuwa, part of Ajamopo, Aiyetoro, Itakogun);Okerewe Ward 3 (Ogbonya, Mopa, Iyekere, Oroto, Arubidi, Omiokun, Texaco, Ondo Road, Olurin, Apata 1, 2 & 3, Erefe, Ita-Osa, Olugbodo, Atiki, Temidire, Oke-Igbala) and Yekemi Ward (Yekemi, Coker, Abata Egba, Wanikin, Iyanfoworogi, Aroko), Owoeye and Safajo from the existing Ife Central Local Government.

Ita-Oosa 15. IFE NORTH EAST Modakeke from the existing Ife East Local Government.

Modakeke 16. IFE NORTH WEST Moro Ward (Moro Community, Eleweran, Olukotun, Akindele, Foreign Links, Deeper Life Camp, Odu Compound, Osun Aro, Alasa, Atere, Aiyepe) Edun-Abon Ward 1 Olosin, Agbe Baale, Agbe Idowu, Aba Afon, Balogun, Oodofin, Alalubosa) and Edun-Abon Ward 2 (Ogbirigbiri, Ejemu, Moroyin, Oloba, Apesikiti, Tonkere Orile, Elemu, Amoloye, Alagba) from the existing Ife North Local Government.

Edunabon 17. IFE SOUTH WEST Olode Ward(Awolowo Town, Idera, Aba Oyibo, Sekondi, Odemuyiwa, Agbonbiti, Nathaniel, Balogun, Elewure, Omidi Onipetesi, Eleweran, Adereti, Ere) ; Aye Ward (Aye Oba, Ogbagba, Ajebandele Lukosi, Aba Iresi, Olodo, Amodo, Atere, Idi-Ogun Sanni, Olowokere, Atiba & Idi Ako) Osi Ward( Akeredolu, Olorombo, Isoya,

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osun Defender Thursday, March 17,

NEW LOCAL COUNCIL DEVELOPMENT AREAS, AREA COUNCILS AND ADMINISTRATIVE OFFICES IN THE STATE OF OSUN

Erin-Osun and its environment, including Alamo, OkeAwesin, Moje, Akanbi, Mokin, Gaa Sheriki, Obalufon, Arowojobe, Alagbon, Agbandada, Mosadope, Gaa Olumo, Gaa Alfa, Iloba Erin from the existing Irepodun Local Government.

Erin-Osun 27. ODO-OTIN NORTH Oyan, Ila-Odo, Ijabe, Paraoye, Ashi, Gaa Lagbedu, Asaba, Igbotele, Alapata, Ekun, Lapiti, Ejigba, Konta, Koko, Gaa Babatunde, Aketa, Ayore and Ajioko from the existing Odo-Otin Local Government.

Oyan 28. ODO-OTIN SOUTH Inisha, Agbeye, Ore, Iyeku, Aganju, Oloola, Ologungun, Awuru, Eleshin-Funfun, Olokunmodo, Omu-yadun, Kosemoni, Komolafe, Ologede, Olugbokun, Akunyun, 18. ILESA NORTH-EAST Oke-Omo, Subokun, Oke-Ogun, Oke-Odo, Odesado, Imo Area (Fasoro, Kajola, Alejolowo, Ifelodun, Ireakari, Laarin, Ikupelete, Boripe and Ojubo from the existing Iwajowa, Oloruntedo, Fadahunsi, Fadogba, Ireposun, Adebayo Odo-Otin Local Government.

Inisha Abon, Olufemi, Omi-asoro, Akinola Komolafe, Iloko Road, 29. OLORUNDA NORTH Abulenla Orita Iloko, Ayeni Araromi, Omiasoro, Adecome st., Orita LAMECO, Iso Eran Iso, West By- Pass (only Oloruntedo orita-iloko, Odeyemi st. Orita-iloko , Onimo St), left hand side of the road from LAMECO) Ansarudeen Ifosan/Oke-Eso Area(Ifosan, Igbaye Obembe, Igbaye Akoloso, Grammar School, Kelebe, Testing Ground, Abidogun, Igbaye Ladegbaye, Igbaye Ajeri, Igbaye Lemodu and Oke-Eso), Powerline, Ota- Efun Agunbelewo, State Police Headquarters, Islaudeen Middle School, Alatori/Olude, Iloro Area(Woye, Iloro, odundun, Idio, Idifi, Anaye), Ijamo Mallam Tope, Ayekale, Kelebe, MOPOL Base, Ota-Efun, Area(Ijamo lane, Idi-ose market, Ijamo street and Ita-ogo).

Dagbolu, Oba-Ile, Oba-Oke and Ilie, Agunbelewo and Okesa Area (Araromi okesa, Okesa, Ogbontuntun, Kobinu, Alatori from the existing Olorunda Local Government.

Ogbonokun, Okesa C.A.C, Abuletagba, Olorunsogo & Obokun Ota-Efun Avenue) from the existing Ilesha East Local Government.

30. OSOGBO SOUTH Imo. From Osunjela bridge by the left from Ilesha, Sodiq Adeleke School, Owode by the left, Irepodun Village, 19. ILESA WEST CENTRAL Ajenisua, Alajaloge, Lasinmi, Agric Oke-Osun, Fountain Egbe-idi, Powerline, Omi-Eran, Oke-Ola, Ayeso, Odo-Iro, University, Muslim & Timehin middle School, Osun Ereja, Isokun, Isinkin, Odo-Esinra, Adeti, Ogbonagbede, Ikoyi, Shrine, Jameegbo, Store, Ataoja Palace, Isale Agbara, Aragan, Idasa from the existing Ilesha West Local Government. Alawe, Akolodo, Oke-Ayepe by the left, St Charles High Ereja Square School, Ife-Oluwa Middle School, Ilesha Garage by the left, Ijetu Community by the left, Osogbo Community 20. OBOKUN EAST Central Mosque Area, Oja-Oba Police Station, Olaniyan Esa-Oke, Esa-Odo, Ilare, Otan-Ile, Imesi-Ile, Igigun, Iketewi, Compound, Oke-Okanla, Popo by the left, Asubiaro, etc. from the existing Obokun Local Government.

Odetoyinbo Building, New Ayegbaju market, PDP Party Ilare Secretariat, Karim Adedayo School, Heritage Hotel, 21. ORIADE SOUTH Federal Housing Scheme, Ajagbemokeferi, White Plain Hotel, Zarah Guest House, SSS State Headquarters, Ikeji-Ile, Ira, Ikeji-Arakeji/Owena- Ijesa, Apoti/Dagbaja/EtiOni, Ipetu-Ijesha I, and Ipetu-Ijesha II from the existing Oriade Immigration Office and SUBEB Office from the existing Osogbo Local Government.

Local Government.

Isale-Osun Ipetu-Ijesha 31 OSOGBO WEST OSUN CENTRAL SENATORIAL DISTRICT Ataoja School of Science, Ataoja Estate, Ataoja Police 22. BOLUWADURO EAST Station, Ori-Oke Pure Water, NECO Office, Sazo Hotel, Federal Road Safety Corps Office, GOF International Igbajo and Iresi from the existing Boluwaduro Local School, Omigade, Amuloko Estate, Adebare Hospital, Government.

Ogo-Oluwa Filling Station, GTB, Baruwa Estate, Ajoda Wole-Ola Estate, Ola-oni Centre, defunct Fakunle 23. BORIPE NORTH Comprehensive High School, Railway Station(Mandela Iree, Ada, Aagba and Ororuwo Communities from the existing Freedom Park), Alekuwodo, Olaiya Area, Akindeko Street, Oremeji Street, Sawmill, WAEC Office, Awosuru, Oke Boripe Local Government.

Arungbo, Capital Hotel, Rasco Estate, Tinumola Area, Iree Oroki Housing Estate, Temidire Estate, Agunbelewo, 24. IFELODUN NORTH Ideal Nest Hotel, Laro High School, State High Court Ward 6, Ward 7, Ward 8 and Ward 12 Premises, Salvation Army Middle School, State Library, Eweta Afonta Area, Oke-Fia, Jaleyemi Hospital, Odo-igbo Catholic Church, St Clares , Adunmu, Isale- Aro, Baptist 25 ILA CENTRAL High School, Kaka, Isale-Ijebu, Station Road by the left, Part of Ila-Orangun (Iperin, Okejigbo, Oke-Aloyin, Eyindi, Egbatedo, Araromi, Otakiti, Ile Aro, Adenle Market, New Oke-Ofa), Faje Obalogbo, Gaa Obalumo and Dindin Orisunmbare, Mafowurosere, Ajobo, Abake Hospital, Obaloja from the existing Ila Local Government.

Fagbewesa, Odi-Olowo, Oranmiyan House from the Magbon existing Osogbo Local Government.

Esera, Osi Okero, Osi Sooko, Agbonkuta, Aba Edunabon, Ara Oosa, Andu, Ara Joshua, Amusan, Aluti Erin, Kajola, Sanmi, Omi-Korede, Ara Akinloye & Albert. Kere Ward (Ladugbo Ogunleye, Camp, Kere, Iponrin, Apon Mode, Obutu, Olonda, Aworele, Apata Oloko, Aba Afa, Alasa Kan, Amu, Ologede, Olomu Oja, Olomu Aba, Adereti & Araromi Oke-Odo, Apoje, Lowoka, Idi Ahun, Aagbala, Olorombo, Onipanduku, Abeji & Onigbin. Abiri Ogudu Ward (Ilu Ooni, Toba, Aba Oba, Ogudu, Abiri, Elekolo, Arokomo, Ogogo, Kajola, Ita Marun, Gborogboro & Daranijo) and Gbafaari from the exisiting Ife South Local Government.

Awolowo Town.

26 IREPODUN SOUTH

www.osundefender.org “Th o u shall not d efra u d th y neighbours, neither rob him; the wages of him that is hired shall not abide with thee all the night until the morning.” Levticus19 :13” od in His infinite wisdom compelled men to pay their workers, knowing fullywell that man must eat from the labour of his hands. Ever since the world began, men have continued to enjoy the numerous benefits of labour. From the preindependence era, the colonialists paid their workers, and even after the nation’s independence, our leaders continued with the tradition, but history revealed that there were moments that workers had to confront their masters over wages and conditions of services.

That is why names of great labour leaders like Okoyes, lmodus, and even our Adams Oshiomhole could not be easily forgotten.

The recent non-payment of salaries in the State of Osun and other states appeared to have been hijacked by some political opponents, who had struggled at one point or the other to rule the state but mother luck failed to smile on them. On a daily basis, newspapers, radio, television and social media are being bombarded by the agents of the opposition politicians. They are either calling on Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, governor of the State of Osun, to pay workers’ salaries or they will force him to resign. Some have even gone to the extent of blackmailing his son for currency trafficking. The recent public disturbance by a new social group exposed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the force behind the salary noise-making in the state, where one of the demonstrators was the women leader of the main opposition political party.

Things have gone sour to the extent that a particular political opponent went on air, calling on the masses to stone the governor for failing to pay workers. The same politician alleged that the state is owing N480 billion; that the governor had admitted that he could no longer cope with the challenges of office; that the state is a failed state.

In reality, should the governor resign for failing to pay workers, who will run the state and provide security for the people? It was Lord Denning, in one of his books, that says you cannot put something on nothing, so, can Aregbesola pay salaries that the Federal Government failed to make available? The speed at which Aregbesola was developing the state made the Jonathan administration to reduce Osun’s monthly allocation.

The cry for Aregbesola’s resignation became intense, after President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan lost the March 28 election, as well as the judgment of the Supreme Court that confirmed Aregbesola’s August 9, 2016 governorship election in the state. The nexus between the elections and the cry for Aregbesola’s head has to do with the alleged promise by the former President to crown Iyiola Omisore as the governor

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By YOMI OBADITAN

G

Osun: The Envious Troublers Of Aregbesola

•AREGBESOLA through the Supreme Court verdict, which he (President Jonathan) never successfully witnessed. The Supreme Court delivered a judgment in favour of Aregbesola, while Jonathan was liking the wound of his loss at the election.

Omisore, prior to the August 9, 2014 election, vowed to become the governor, as he was quoted to have stated: “There are two things I have never been; one, that I have never been a governor, neither have I died before and I must be one of these.” Since Omisore now has the Supreme Court judgment that it was Aregbesola that won the said election, as a true Yoruba man, one would have expected he should do what he promised to do, if he failed to become governor. Instead, he is now mobilising the people to stone the governor.

The law enforcement agents must not fold their arms and allow one man’s ambition to set the state ablaze. The governor should also take the attempt to destroy the peace of the state by the PDP candidate as a criminal offence and charge him to court.

O

misore alleged that Osun is indebted to the tune of 480 billion, how logical. No financial institution will ever give loan to a state or an individual beyond its capabilities to pay back. For instance, if under normal condition that Osun receive N4.6 billion per month, in a year, this will amount to N55.2 billion, while in four years, this would amount to N220.2 billion. So, where did Omisore get his figures from?

The Central Bank of Nigeria’s figures has shown that Omisore is dreaming out fictitious figures.

It was the former Finance Minister; Dr. (Mrs) Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala that first revealed that due to the short-fall in the revenue of the Federal Government due to pipeline vandalisation, the government had no option than to reduce the monthly allocation accruable to the states. That best explained why Osun’s former monthly allocation was reduced from N4.6 billion to N1.2 billion. It became worse in 2015. The records have it that the allocation

released to Osun in February was N1.12 billion, March was N 624 million, April was N466 million.

The total allocation from the Federation Account was N177.5 billion (68%). The total IGR raked was N27.8 billion. The state runs deficit of N11.8 billion. he Central Bank has further confirmed that N119.27 billion or 77.7 per cent of the total state governments’ receipts from the Federation Account was below both 2014 monthly budget estimates.

Therefore, thousands of Ebenezer Babatopes, popularly called Ebino Topsy, can never rubbish the good works of Aregbesola.

Ebino Topsy, a prolific writer and columnist, the model of the youths of yester-years, lost the fire and the spirit of Awoism. If not, how could such senior citizen allege that the inability of the state to pay workers was predicated by wasteful spending on election by the governor? Instead of Ebino to apologise to the people of Osun on how Jonathan and the PDP wasted huge foreign currencies on traditional rulers in the state, with the sole aim of buying votes, but ended in abysmal failure, he is still having the gut to rubbish a performing governor, whose sole ambition is to leave Osun a better place than he met it. If Aregbesola could get 1 per cent of PDP dollars used for March and April elections, he would use it not only to pay workers but to complete all the numerous ongoing school building projects in the state. Uncle, let’s play politics that will not destroy our memories in the eyes of the youths.

The Aregbesola that I know will rather not eat than to deny another person of his legitimate earning. He said: “I am not immune to the pains of workers; I feel your pains and God willing, you will soon smile for giving me the mandate to lead you for the second term. I want to appeal to workers in the state to be calm, as their period of hardship caused by the delay in the payment of salaries, will in a matter of weeks be a thing of the past”.

Good people of Osun, you were the one that used to sing “O koja imo, o ko ja oye, ohun Aregbe se, o koja imo” (It is more than knowledge nor wisdom, what Aregbesola has done in the state). Good people, Aregbesola is still with you; he is touched that Jonathan spoiled the vision he had, but the good news is that Muhammadu Buhari has come to our rescue in the country and a new era is here. The Buhari approval and disbursement of bail-out loans for states with outstanding salaries appears to be a soothing balm.

The states that are currently bedeviled with salary arrears should dig deep to the root cause of the accumulated salaries, take action in blocking economic loopholes, strategise on how they can grow their economy and increase their Internal Generated Revenue (IGR), so as to liberate themselves from economic dependency on the Federal Government.

T

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

osundefender@yahoo.com, kayodeagbaje@yahoo.com. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.