Osun defender march 29, 2016 edition by OsunDefender

www.osundefender.org Tuesday, march 29, 2016 Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti state needs to be told in no ambiguous terms that democracy gives room for opposition though, nevertheless what is needed especially now is constructive criticism which is needed to move our democracy forward. This is contrary to the per

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Fayose’s negative criticism of Buhari verse, undue and negative attacks perennially launched by Fayose on President Muhammadu Buhari (PMB).

irresponsible leadership perpetuad most recently by the political party Governor Fayose belongs to. Not only are the It has to be re-empha- attacks unpatriotic, sised that the country is recently they have in a difficult economic gone into realm of crisis as a result of cor- irrationality. A most rupt and bizarre recent

example is his criticism of Buhari’s recent trip to Saudi Arabia. In Fayose’s bizarre flight of fancy, this trip was not so veiled attempt to turn Nigeria into an Islamic state. Utterly preposterous; but then Fayose is not just out of touch

with reality, he is liable in his present state of mind to believe just about anything. On the contrary PMB deserves kudos for the Saudi Arabia trip. The initiative based on “oil diplomacy” is already proving beneficial. Oil prices are firming up.

N100

The president is forging a template whereby the turbulence in the oil market can be redirected through production agreements into fiscal benefits for the oil producers. For a mono-crop economy like ours this is not just vital, it is crucial.

...continue on pg4

Speaker Justifies Parliamentary System In Osun Councils - See Story On Page 2

‘• It Will Reduce Cost Of Governance’

•Beneficiaries of free train ride from Lagos to Osogbo waiting at Iddo Terminal in Lagos, sponsored by the State Government of Osun in commemoration of Easter festival celebration last Friday.

Economic Slow Down: Osun Butchers Jack Up Levies

- Pg 2

osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

News

We Need Drinkable Water - Rural Communities J By sola jacobs

ust as the World marks ‘Water Day’ on Monday, rural communities in the State of Osun have tasked the government on provision of drinkable water in the rural communities across the state. OSUN DEFENDER’s and Gbafaari, all in the visits to Omidi, Ogba newly-created Ife South gba, Olodo , Ateere, W e s t L o c a l C o u n c i l Olomu-oja Gborogboro Development Authority,

residents decried the non-availability of drinkable water, as they currently drink water from streams and rivers that run through the villages, which have been found not to be too clean and safe for human consumption.

Mrs Serah Adelodun at Omidi Village, in an interactive session with the medium, said the only source of water in the village is River Aye and it is not too safe for drinking, especially during the rainy session. At Ateere Village, Mrs

•Truck is on fire on Ijebu-Ode Ore road last Saturday.

Ramat Oyebadejo, an octogenarian, said the only source of water in the village is Adubale stream and the use of herbicides and pesticides by farmers, coupled with farming close to the stream have made it unsafe, just as most of the residents only use the water for other domestic purposes, other than drinking. Also supporting the claims of the octogenarian, Baale Sunday Oyeyemi, the village head in Ateere community, stated that Adubale Stream has been of great importance to the residents of the community, as it serves both human and animal needs. “But for drinking water, we rely on sachet water, which cost as high as N20 per sachet in the community.” On provision of borehole in the village, the community leader said the boreholes sunk b y p oliticians, long time ago, as constituent projects were no more functioning, as they have

Speaker Justifies Parliamentary System In Osun Councils

‘•It Will Reduce Cost Of Governance’ By kazeem mohammed he Speaker, State of Osun House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has said that the parliamentary system being adopted to run the affairs of both the existing and new councils in the state would reduce the cost of governance at the local council level. He also said the creation state would further bring of additional 31 Local government closer to the Council Development people at the grassroots. During a chat with Areas (LCDAs) in the

OSUN DEFENDER, the Speaker said the creation of the LCDAs was long overdue. According to him, with the parliamentary system at the council areas, governance would be more effective and overhead would be reduced.

By ismaeel uthman he Chairman, Senate Committee on Rules and Business and the Senator representing OsunEast Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare, has urged Nigerians to engage themselves more in selfless and humanitarian services to help one another and develop Nigeria. O m o w o r a r e i n a n dream”. Omoworare also Easter message signed by his Media Assistant, charged leaders across Comrade Tunde Dairo, governments strata in the on Sunday, also charged country to respect their Nigerians to emulate the social contract with the spirit of love, sacrifice and people, fulfill electoral faith of Jesus Christ to promises and lead with the fear of God. make Nigeria great. The Senator added: “As The Senator urged Nigerians to retain their political leaders, we also faith in God and dedicate have a duty to the republic themselves to godliness, a n d t h e e l e c t o r a t e , just as he enjoined them which is ultimately a to always pray for the responsibility to God. “To maximise the country and work for her blessings of this Easter, development. H e s a i d : “ A t t h i s we must collectively special time of our nation, draw lessons from the we must give our best life and sacrifice of Jesus support and prayer to Christ, who is the reason the constituted authority, for this glorious season. If as represented by the this is done with sincerity President Muhamadu of purpose, Nigeria and Buhari-led APC Federal Humanity as a whole will Government to attain the be greatly blessed.” Maintaining that Nigeria of our collective

the present challenges facing Nigeria was for a purpose, Omoworare stated that Nigerians must learn to project into the future and prevent any possible devastation that can result from economic downturn, as being experienced now. “Collectively, as a nation, we can overcome the challenges of unemployment, insecurity, poverty and other indices antithetical to optimum human living. “Corruption, violence and other vices must become a thing of the past; we must institute constitutional framework that will make fraudulent practices almost impossible without a penalty. When this is done, we will have enormous wealth to maximise our human development indices,” the Senator said.

Omoworare Canvasses Selfless, Humanitarian Service

Easter:

Salaam, who noted that the parliamentary system was not in any way contradictory to the provisions of the Constitution, said the councilors would be democratically-elected. “That we will run parliamentary system at the council areas does not mean the people will not be democraticallyelected. “For example, before you can become a chairman, you must have been elected as a councilor in your area before other councilors will elect you to be chairman. “This system is not new in the country. It is what we are used to in the past. “Although, it might be a new system at the council areas, but with time, people will get used

to it and appreciate it. “One major advantage of this system is that it will reduce cost of governance and make the system more effective. “We will be waiting for the opinion of people on this system. This is our opinion and this is the way we feel about it, but other opinions will be welcomed,” he said. Governor Rauf Aregbesola had on March 8, created 31 LCDAs, three Area Councils and two Administrative Offices from the existing 30 local government council areas in the state. Aregbesola, in a statewide broadcast said the LCDAs would be administered under the parliamentary system.

dried up. He therefore, called on the government for rehabilitation of the boreholes, so as to provide potable water to the residents in the community, as well as the completion of Aye Water Works, which was commissioned by previous administration, but had not served the people in the locality. At Gboro gbooro and Abiri villages, the residents said the source of potable water in the community is the village stream, which serves both human and agricultural purpose for residents in the communities. They however, lamented that the water is not too safe for drinking but serves other purposes, as it is often used for domestic and agricultural purposes. At Gborogboro, most farmers use the streams in the locality for planting of vegetables and herbs, while sachet water costs N20 per sachet in the communities as well. A leader in the community, Pa Olufemi Johnson, said the stream in the community serves as the only source of water to the residents. The boreholes sunk about eight years ago in the village barely worked for a week before it dried up. He stated further that sometimes during the dry season, the water dries up and villagers often set aside a day in the month for the cleaning of the stream, while defecation and other forms of pollution in the stream are not allowed by the residents.

2 In Court Over Stealing

By shina abubakar wo suspects; Akinlolu Akingbade and Folakemi Mankinde, have appeared before an Osogbo Magistrate’s Court for allegedly conspiring to commit felony. under section 516 and The charge sheet read 309 of the criminal code in court disclosed that Cap Vol 2 laws of Osun the accused persons, State of Nigeria 2003. in company of others However, the two believed to be currently accused persons pleaded at-large, on September 17, not guilty to the three2014 at Oke-Baale area of count charge levelled Osogbo, the State of Osun against them. capital, stole the sum of Defence counsel, N80,0000 belonging to MrsNnena Ugwu, urged one Akinlolu Akinlola. the court to admit the I t s t a t e d f u r t h e r suspects to bail in the that their offence was most liberal terms. contrary and punishable While announcing

his appearance, the prosecutor, Inspector Solomon Oladele, did not oppose to the bail of the two accused but stressed that there should be provision for sureties. The presiding magistrate, M.A Lasisi, later granted bail to the accused persons in the sum of N50,000 with one surety each and adjourned the case for hearing.

News

Ahead Of Re-Run Election In Ife:

To-Door Campaign

By sola jacobs s residents and eligible voters in Ife Central Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun brace up for the rerun election into the vacant seat of the constituency created by the demise of Honourable Oladejo Makinde who died in December last year, members of All Progressives Congress (APC) and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have started engaging in door-to-door campaign in visit to Ile-Ife on Friday Ile-Ife. OSUN DEFENDER’s revealed that members of the APC in the ancient

town have started campaign in earnest for the voters to vote Honourable Tilewa Sijuwade to represent the party in the April 9th, 2016 election. Speaking on the effort of the party to win in the forthcoming election in the council area, a former

APC, PDP In Door-

House of Representatives’ member, Honourable Rotimi Makinde, stated that his party, the APC, is not leaving any stone unturned ahead of the election, stressing that the party is more united than ever to win in the election. He therefore, reminded voters in the area that the party is the only party that truly serves and fulfills its promises to

Easter Should Remind Nigerians Of Need For Rebirth - Aregbesola

is that we too can live a life of sacrifice for our country, especially at this time, when Nigeria appears to be at the crossroads in terms of the economic and security challenges besetting

her. Beyond the eating and drinking in the course of the celebration, we should go to God in prayer to solicit His intervention.”

By shina abubakar development group, Climate and Environment Development Initiative, has condemned the Nigerian Senate under Dr Olusola Saraki for killing the Gender and Equal Opportunity Bill at its second reading. The group described is a constitutional setback the action of the senate f o r t h e P l a n e t 5 0 5 0 as being insensitive and campaign to set up effort to help women and girls chauvinistic. A c c o r d i n g t o t h e achieve their ambition. It added that it Secretary General of the group, Comrade Waheed further hindered the Saka, the senate’s position call for gender-balanced

leadership, respect and value difference, develop more inclusive and flexible cultures or root out workplace bias. Saka stressed that the bill was not an isolated bill, as it was meant to incorporate and domesticate the provision of the United Nations Convention on the elimination of all forms of discrimination against

he Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has stated that only a total rebirth in national consciousness and

values would deliver Nigeria from its many challenges. Aregbesola, on the occasion of Easter celebration, said renewal, which a crucial theme in the celebration of Easter, should make Nigerians rediscover themselves for the purpose of their creation in the first place. The governor, in a statement by the Director, Bureau of Communication and Strategy, Office of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, also called on all, especially Christians, to use the period to supplicate to God on behalf of the country, so that Nigeria will be able to come out of the present economic challenges. Aregbesola, who described Easter as a period of sober reflection, enjoined Nigerians to live in peace and harmony at all times, despite the present economic hardship. According to him, religious tolerance and peaceful coexistence among humans were necessary elements in the sustenance of development. He said: “It gives me great joy to felicitate with Christians on this Easter celebration. As we rejoice in the glory of God, we must not lose sight of the teachings of the period. “Jesus Christ’s life was a demonstration of absolute love. We, as creations of God, must learn to live in love and peace. We must learn to live exemplary life. “We should all at this time pray for the sustenance of peace and also pray that the present economic situation must come to an immediate

Change Of Name I, formerly known as m r s o ya d o k u n bisi adeola now wish to be known and addressed as mrs fakorede-dokun bisi adeola. All former documents remain valid. WEMA, HERITAGE BANK and general public should

end. But we need that renewal as a people and that must come with new values. “The lesson of Easter

osun Defender Tuesday, March

the people. According to him, the six-point integral action plan of Aregbesola’s administration was fulfilled along with the creation of the new council areas in the state, further attesting to the progressive nature of the party. He therefore, advised all eligible voters in the council area to shun voter’s card buyers, who have nothing to offer the people. In a chat with OSUN DEFENDER, Honourable Kunle Adeniji further buttressed the fact that APC in Ife Central Local Government Council Area is ever united and that the party will win in the election. While further chatting

with the medium, a member of the PDP in the council area, Honourable Idowu Adeleke, expressed his party’s readiness for the election. M e a n w h i l e , OSUN DEFENDER’s investigation revealed that some politicians have commenced buying of voters’ cards from the voters in the area with the promise to return them after the election. It would be recalled that April date has been set for the re-run election to fill the Ife Central State Constituency seat in the State of Osun House of Assembly following the demise of the former legislator representing the area.

women, t he African Charter on Human and People’s Rights on the rights of women in Africa into law. “The Nigerian Senate decisions against gender and equal opportunity means women are human but they will forever be subjugated and be discriminated against by men. They voted against that widow in the South

that cannot inherit the property of her dead husband, that widow will continue to be subjected to inhuman treatment. “It gave subtle approval to continuation of physical, psychological, sexual, verbal, emotional maltreatment and assault of our women. It is very unfortunate that the discrimination against any person on the ground of gender, age or disability can be thrown out in 2016 Nigerian Senate,” saka added. The group therefore demanded the senate to rework the document and safe the society and humanity from continue subjugation and discrimination against women. He added that the senate cannot continue to embarrass the nation before the international community and development of Nigeria should be given more priority than personal aggrandizement.

Gender Equality Bill: Group Berates Nigerian Senate

Economic Slow Down: Osun Butchers

Jack Up Levies

By kehinde ayantunji private organizations to Goodluck Jonathan led support and join hands the country to the present with his government in economic imbroglio. He alleged the raising the revenue base former administration of the state. carelessly running Aregbesola canvassed of the nation’s treasury for general support of the on personal volition, people and emphasized saying the economy of that regular and prompt the nation wouldn’t have payment of taxes and been greatly damaged, if other levies will go a the last administration long way in repositioning had been prudent and the state economy and transparent. He therefore solicited provide more social for collaboration of the amenities. civil servants, artisans, Governor Aregbesola politicians and corporate expressed dissatisfaction bodyies to successfully over the poor management drift out of the current o f t h e n a t i o n ’ s economic hardship. resources in the past, saying the immediatepast administration of

he leadership of State of Osun Butchers’ Association has declared its determination to support the government in revenue generation and promised to ensure that its members pay necessary levies to the state coffers. The State Chairman of government to provide the Association, Alhaji necessary facilities at the Sulaiman Adebimpe, who various abattoirs to aid led other Zonal Chairmen smooth operation of its a n d e x e c u t i v e s t o a members and ensure that meeting with Governor they are working in a Rauf Aregbesola held conducive and hygienic a t t h e G o v e r n m e n t environment. Earlier, Governor Secretariat, Abere, agreed A r egbesola, who to rally support for the current administration in described taxation as a formidable instrument the state. Adebinpe disclosed that facilitates smooth that after considering running of government, v a r i o u s r e q u e s t s t o called on public and review, the leadership of the association agreed to increase its levies being paid to government on each of the slaughtered cows from N150 to N1000. He explained that out of the agreed N1000, N300 would be going to the association’s purse, while the remaining N700 would be going to government’s coffers. Speaking one after the other at the meeting, the leaders of the association, who described Governor Aregbesola as an agent of change, added that the association arrived at the decision as part of its sacrifice to assist the government to survive the current economic situation. T h e a s s o c i a t i o n •The Director-General of NYSC, Brigadier-General Johnson Olawumi, paid a condolence visit to the family of Samuel however appealed to the Okonta, a youth corps member who was killed during the rerun election in Rivers State recently.

News

osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Fayose’s negative criticism of Buhari ...continued from pg1

Until we diversify our economy (something that is not going to happen overnight), we will have to play oil politics and secure international cooperation across the board in order to weather the storm. Fortunately, providentially, PMB is proving to be a master of the game. After all this is a field in which he has vast experience having once been an incorruptible federal oil minister. Fayose must get a grip on his reckless imagination. It is beginning to assume the

nomenclature of psychosis which means that he is out of sync with reality. For a man entrusted with the care and good governance of the millions of people in Ekiti state this is a very dangerous state of mind! As far as the Saudi Arabia trip goes it is beneficial. This has been acknowledged internationally. Further more Buhari does not have the constitutional instruments to “islamize” Nigeria. The constitution if Fayose still has the presence of mind to consult it, expressly forbids the adoption of a state religion. This should settle the matter once and for all.

tion is needed to ensure the sort of accross-the-board economic stimulus vitally needed.

Unfortunately it won’t. For Fayose has an emotional need to fish in troubled waters. Contrary to his perversion what is needed today at a time of economic downturn is cooperative federalism and not the hurling of childish brickbats. The recent economic summit initiated by the federal government acknowledged this. Governors across party lines also accepted the need for cooperation in order to solve the economic crisis. Fayose cannot buck the trend. And for the sake of the people of Ekiti state he should not attempt to do so for there is nothing to gain. Coopera-

On the contrary there is everything to lose for the people of Ekiti state. There is a time and a place for everything under the sun. These times require soberness, measured thinking, restrained words and action. It cannot be the time for childish theatricals. Governor Fayose really has to grow up and it is about time too.

Kachikwu And The Twisted May Date For End To Fuel Scarcity

ecently, one read a disturbing news, where it was reported that the Minister of State for Petroleum and GMD of NNPC, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu was quoted after he led a delegation of the executives of the two major labour unions in the oil industry namely; NUPENG and PENGASSAN to a meeting with President Buhari at Aso Rock Villa, Abuja, that the ongoing fuel scarcity nationwide, will persist till May this year. One read it over and over again, but couldn’t lay his hands on where the minister particularly made that statement or insinuated such in the interview granted the media after the meeting. One has even had the privilege of listening and watching the minister’s interview on radio and TV, and still, one didn’t hear him allude to a particular date for the end to the perennial fuel scarcity, other than his statement that they are doing everything humanly possible to bring an immediate end to the ugly situation, which was very encouraging. H o w e v e r notwithstanding, my sixth sense alerted me

that this was another misinformation, falsehood and twisted news meant to embarrass the Buhari administration and incite the public. For our collective memory, one hopes we have not forgotten so soon, the lies, misinformation and propaganda of concocted interviews against the Buhari administration by notable and credible Nigerians. Also the Buhari

government has consistently had to issue clarifications or rejoinders to m is rep res entation, lies and propaganda of mischief makers who are always twisting what the government or its officials said or didn’t say with the sole aim of causing public disquiet and endangering our democracy. This war can be seen in the way, these antidemocratic elements twisted President Buhari’s recent statement at a foreign gathering, where

he admonished some Nigerians to stop giving the country a bad name abroad through commission of crime and rather return home to contribute to nation building. The admonition of President Buhari was twisted to mischievously state that Mr. President labelled Nigerians as a people as criminals and this distortion was latched onto by mischief makers including a member of

Nigeria’s upper legislative chamber. Just recently, the Minister of Information and Culture, in an interview, was misquoted and maliciously reported to have said that the management of Nigeria’s economy was beyond President Buhari. Again, when this news broke and it went viral, courtesy of this disgruntled group of Nigerians. Now it’s the turn of the Honourable Minister of State for Petroleum and GMD of NNPC to be

at the receiving end of this vicious attack of lie, falsehood, misinformation, concocted interview meant to embarrass the government and as usual, he has come out to deny making such a statement, which is the fact. As the Muhammadu Buhari government is focussed on confronting the challenges of the everyday existence of the common man, one must encourage them not to be distracted from communicating with the Nigerian people, by the antics and actions of rumour mongers and manipulators of statements, who are hell-bent on sabotaging the information nexus between the government and the citizenry with the sole purpose of inciting the people, by the grace of God they have failed and will always fail. •Nelson Ekujumi, Lagos.

OSUN DEFENDER

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osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Infrastructure osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

Rauf Revolution:

On The Road Again! With the appearance of the Rainy season, residents of the State of Osun are currently witnessing resurgence in the construction of massive roads infrastructure. NIYI OLASINDE does this series to laud the courage and valiance that went into the ongoing efforts, in spite of the prevailing economic adversities in the land. The ongoing efforts are especially praise-worthy, when they are viewed against the backdrop that they are going to help significantly in checkmating the horrendous effects of water erosion that characterize rainy seasons.

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Computer Operator – Lukman Ussein Computer Operator – Mary Akintola OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guarantee Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence to the above mail address. ISSN: 0794-8050 Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205 Website: www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail: osundefender@yahoo.com

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from his supporters during the commissioning of a (6.40km) roads in Osogbo, sometimes ago.

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osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

magazine

On The Road Again!

HERE are many road projects currently going on in the State of Osun. Within the metropolis of Osogbo the state capital alone, practically most of the inner access roads have been reconstructed. These roads are damn too numerous to mention. Of recent, the East Bypass, stretching from Ido-Osun end, through Ilesa Garage end; bursting out at Ikirun road had its contract work awarded and work has commenced in earnest. This is not to talk of the work that is ongoing at the Old Garage Area of Osogbo, which, apart from being a work of beautification, is intended to make that heart of the city more spacious, healthy and more befitting. The West Bypass, popularly referred to as Ring Road, constructed by the Alliance for Democracy (AD)-led administration in the state had been witnessing a facelift. Judging from the way things are as at date with regards to road infrastructure in the State of Osun, it is fast becoming easier for any traveller to cover any part of the state with absolute ease within a day. From Osogbo, the state capital for instance, it is more of a reality than possibility to make it to and fro to any part of the state with all convenience. It is fully appreciated the degree of administrative convenience this development shall contribute to governance and other productive activities in the state. In a nutshell, the first citizen of our dear state, Ogbeni Aregbesola has actually matched his words with action. Upon his assumption of office, Aregbesola promised to take road infrastructure transformation throughout the state as a matter of urgent and utmost priority. At a point in time, he even said that with him on the seat of governance, the State of Osun has been privileged to have Ona Baba Ona, meaning “road that surpasses road”. Today, this promise has nearly completely

•A newly-completed road in Ilesa, State of Osun.

matured into a fully accomplished mission. One more point to stress before moving to the next point is the fact that Aregbesola’s antecedents are clearly speaking for him. Readers are here reminded that the same enigma it was who played prominent roles in road transformation in his days as Commissioner for Road Infrastructure in cosmopolitan Lagos State during the tenure of Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN) leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu as Governor of that state. It is therefore important to draw attention to how important it is to always consider the antecedents of aspirants before entrusting the task of leadership and governance in their hands. Through his this present outing in the State of Osun, Aregbesola has not disappointed the good people of the state who voted massively for him at the Gubernatorial Polls of April 14, 2007. It is certain that entrusting the task into his hands for a repeated term in office shall not be tantamount to disappointing destiny. This feat has been copiously displayed all over again in the August 9 2014 Gubernatorial Polls which returned the governor into office. N like to the foregoing are the efforts so far made by the administration of the day in the area of Environment and Sanitation now beg for our attention and searchlight. There is no time that OSUN DEFENDER Magazine would write about this sub-sector that the pains and agony of the past years of the massive flooding terrains and their attendant enormous loss of lives and property will not reverberate in our memory. As the years of the immediate past administration in office wore on, the dastardly and horrendous effects of environmental degradation, environmental pollution, water pollution and contamination, indiscriminate waste disposal, water erosion and flooding

osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

became more and more devastating. This became worse and worse to the extent that –practically all places within the state capital – drains and gutters, street/road divides, major streets and junctions; not to talk of banks and beds of rivers, streams and springs became refuse dumping sites in those dark years. As the years rolled by, the people of the entire state were reeling and languishing under the full negative effects of unkempt environment improper waste disposal and lack of drainage channelization. Of all towns, cities and settlements in the state, Osogbo, the state capital was the worst-0hit by the menace of degradation and flooding and the leftovers of their attendant after-effects. In those days, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine never relented in drawing attention to many untoward situations which portended threats of grave epidemics and other health hazards for citizens. We used to draw prompt attention to incidences of pollution emanating from hospital mortuary morgues which were inadvertently kept; decomposing animal carcasses and human corpses on our roads; refuse heaps which constituted eyesore and offensive stenches at vantage places even within the state capital; and the devastation effects of water erosion and flooding on our communities. These did not exclude the devastating effects of wind erosion and rainstorms which annually removed roofs and rafters of residential houses and structures of institutions in the state. In some cases, what we had was a complete pull-down of structures that had been weakened cumulatively due to poor maintenance culture. Enough talks had been held; while vibrant debates had also been made in the past concerning what horrible fates befell the Continued on page 10

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osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

At All Progressives Congress (APC) National Executive Council Meeting In Abuja Last Thursday.

•(L-R) President Muhammadu Buhari; APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo.

•(L-R) Governor Simon Lalong of Plateu State; Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State and Governor Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State at the meeting.

•A cross section of APC leaders at the meeting.

•(L-R) Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar with the Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, during the meeting.

phototalk

osun Defender Tuesday, March 29,

Free Train Ride From Lagos To Osun Sponsored By The State Government Of Osun In Commemoration Of Easter Festival Celebration Last Friday.

•Beneficiaries at Iddo Railway Terminus awaiting the free train ride last Friday in Lagos.

•Another cross section of beneficiaries at the Lagos Terminus of Nigerian Railway Corporation last Friday.

•A cross section of beneficiaries boarding the free train.

•Another cross section of beneficiaries boarding the free train at Iddo-Lagos Railway Terminus.

On The Road Again! osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

•The night view of Alekuwodo-Okefia road in Osogbo, State of Osun. Continued from page 7

huge provisions coming from the Federation Accounts to our state in form of Ecological Funds during the Oyinlola years of fiery siege. These enormous sums of funds, cumulatively summing up to several tens of billions of naira were released to states and local government councils as second and third tiers of government respectively to prevent, mitigate and remedy the devastating effects of natural disasters within their territories of governance. Unfortunately all the monies went elsewhere, suspiciously, into the private coffers of some mighty men in power in those days; and got committed to causes for which they were least intended by the releasing authorities at the federal level of governance. As clearly demonstrated earlier, the ugly effects of environmental degradation, pollution, indiscriminate waste disposal, water contamination and water erosion/flooding became more pronounced as the Oyinlola administration progressed in office. In year 2009, the state and its people reeled helplessly under the destructive yoke of erosion and flooding. The flooding incident of July 10, 2010 was the climax for the state in entirety and for Osogbo in particular. It also sang the Nunc Dimittis for the Oyinlola administration and that of the local administration in the town. The Ataoja of Osogbo of the tome, Oba Iyiola Oyewale Matanmi II joined his ancestors barely a month after that flood wreckage; precisely on August 5, 2010; while an end came to the seemingly-endless Oyinlola siege barely five months later, precisely on November 27, 2010. Honestly, had an end not come to that administration in our state; what remained of it as at 2010 would have been completely washed away by the rains of 2011 and the supposed Gubernatorial Elections of that

same year! By the time of turning around of captivity in November 2010, both threats had their mouths agape; with their venomous fangs outstretched; ready to devour the state and its people; thus bringing the corporate existence of the state into total annihilation and extinction. But God had not designed the state and its people for the gastronomical intents of these devouring spirits. That is why our salvation came in the fullness of time! Thank God for His saving grace! ne of the very first areas of priority attention of the Aregbesola administration upon its coming on board the saddle of governance in the State of Osun was the Environment and Sanitation Sub-Sector of our economy. Since that very first effort made by the administration in that direction; it has so far not relented; neither has its strength and means abated. Governor Aregbesola has clearly demonstrated his avowed determination to rid the State of Osun of dirt and filth. Not only that, he has shown that he has all it takes in terms of knowledge and wherewithal to convert our weaknesses into strengths; and convert our threats into opportunities by making the state prosperous – even by turning waste into wealth. This last feat has been record3ed recently by the administration through the launch of the O’Clean Plus. The earlier intervention efforts in the direction of purging the state of dirt, filth and horrible sites kick-started when Governor Aregbesola in February 2011, barely three months into his career in the governance of the state, declared a 90-day emergency in the Environment and Sanitation Sub-Sector. Alongside this, the State of Osun Environmental Sanitation Scheme, nicknamed O’Clean was rolled out. Much earlier, as early as the first week of December

2010, call had been made to young, vibrant, unemployed, yet interested residents of the state who were either university graduates or polytechnic Higher National Diploma holders to apply free online for employment into the Osun Youth Employment Scheme, known for short as OYES. The response was impressive, and the strides made so far in that sub-sector is reserved fie another segment of this report. All that needs be said in passing here concerning the OYES programme is that the first major area of its impact; apart from youth empowerment and employment generation has been the area of Environmental Sanitation, beautification, crowd and traffic control, ambulance and rescue operations as well as paramedics. Thus the OYES programme of the Aregbesola administration has impacted well on the health and sanitation needs of residents of the State of Osun; so much that the OYES and the O’Clean intervention efforts have become the envy of other states in the federation, as well as the Federal Government and other interest groups like the international communities and organizations such as the United Nations and its World Bank. The first 90-day of emergency in the Environment and Sanitation Sub-Sector of the State of Osun having been completed, the sanitation efforts were not given up; neither were they relaxed. Up till the time of filing this report, a mandatory bi-monthly environmental sanitation exercise is being observed throughout the length and breadth of the state; and this has so positively impacted the sanitation and health needs of the state that Osun has become the land of healthy citizens where all threats of deadly epidemics have been made not only to lose their grip but also to disappear for good and all! Continued on page 12

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job vacancies Marketing Executive · Lagos, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Marketing · Posted by SkyFire Limited on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 · Reference: 130451 Apply before Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 7 Days left Job Details Employer: SkyFire Limited SKYFIRE LIMITED is a fast Growing Marketing, Property .and MultiInvestment Company in Ikoyi that wants to Expand its Operations. We are Searching for Ambitious, Persuasive and Relentless Executives who deserve a Big monthly Income for this Position. Job Description · liaising and networking with a range of stakeholders including customers, colleagues, suppliers and partner organisations; · communicating with target audiences and managing customer relationships; · sourcing advertising opportunities and placing adverts in the press or on the radio; · managing the production of marketing materials, including leaflets, posters, flyers, newsletters, e-newsletters and DVDs; · writing and proofreading copy; · liaising with designers and printers; · organising photo shoots; · arranging the effective distribution of marketing materials; · maintaining and updating customer databases; · organising and attending events such as conferences, seminars, receptions and exhibitions; · sourcing and securing sponsorship; · conducting market research, for example using customer questionnaires and focus groups; · contributing to, and developing, marketing plans and strategies; · managing budgets; · evaluating marketing campaigns; · monitoring competitor activity; · supporting the marketing manager and other colleagues. Candidate Requirements · Relevant Degree in a relevant discipline Apply before Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 7 Days left ………………………….end……………………………. Sales Manager · Bayelsa, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Sales · Posted by The Emel Group on Friday, March 4, 2016 · Reference: 141534 Apply before Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 39 Days left Job Details Employer: The Emel Group The Emel Group is one of Nigeria’s leading business conglomerates with a major presence across diverse sectors including Consumer Products, Corporate Services and Infrastructure. Emel Enterprises Limited - Emel Building Materials is a subsidiary of Emel Group. As a result of expansion, we are recruiting to fill this position. Job Description · Nationwide sales of a comprehensive range of water heaters used for Housing & Commercial sectors such as Schools, Universities, Hotels, Sports Pavilions and Hospitals & Hotels. · Candidate is expected to meet sales target set. · 100% Concentration on the Residential & Commercial market. · Develop a daily schedule of sales & customer visits & report progress on weekly basis. · Generate & qualify new and existing leads. · Market research into similar products availalbe, comparison of price points, competitors products etc. · Recommending marketing activities required to drive sales & supervising all marketing carried out. · Identifying new business opportunities such as new markets; new SKUs etc. Candidate Requirements · Minimum of Bsc in any relevant field · At least 3 years experience in selling water heaters · Existing and strong network of customers (trade & B2B) in this line of business or related lines of business · Self-motivated, enthusiastic & smart working · Strong presentation, sales, negotiation and influencing skills Apply before Wednesday, May 4, 2016 - 39 Days left ……………………………end……………………………. IT Expert · Abuja, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent

· Sectors: Engineering, IT, Technology, Consulting · Posted by Epikia Nigeria on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 · Reference: 130034 Apply before Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 7 Days left Job Details Employer: Epikia Nigeria Epikia is your trusted partner in building dedicated teams as an extension to your own organisation: · We stand close to our clients by bridging the cultural gap from within the management team throughout the company; · We apply a relaxed Western management style, building a great company thanks to a great team; · We serve technological agility, financial optimisation and work according to the highest standards; · We build long term relationships by maintaining a transparent and to the point communication; · We work from within the same timezone as you, and are comfortable to do so in English; · We know that Krakow is the place to be to build an outstanding extended team to your company and are eager to demonstrate you why.We are looking for several suitably qualified candidate for the vacant position, to participate in a 6 months project in the banking sector in Abuja, Nigeria: Objectives · Proffer the appropriate solution to the identified detected deficiencies of Wave I · Review the elaborated Wave II Blueprint documents for possible improvements · Configuration of II sub-modules related to Wave II (Organization Management, Personnel Administration, Performance Management System, Payroll, Time Management, Learning solution, e- Recruitment, Medical and Pension Management, Employee self Service/ Manager (ESS/MSS) and Events Management). · Conducting User Acceptance Tests (UAT) for configured sub-modules · Developing user manuals for super User and End User training purposes · Delivering Super user training scopes for Wave II · Delivering or supporting the delivery of End User training for scope of Wave II · Deploying Wave II modules. · Preparation to go-live (data upload, cutover, post go-live support) Candidate Requirements SAP Certified ABAP/webDynpro Consultant with at least 5 year experience in SAP ABAP development work. Excellent SAP programming skills covering but not limited to the following: · Proven ABAP Developments and Workflows. · Proven Development experience in SAP Portals and WebDynpro Application development including Forms. · Knowledge on Portal System Administration and Configuration · Proven ABAP Development experience including ABAP programming, Customs · Workflow Development, Screen programming, Smart forms Development, · BADIs BAPI among others. · Have completed at least 2 full cycle SAP ERP implementations preferably in Public Sector. · Proven Basis support experience. · Good communication/interpersonal skills. Apply before Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 7 Days left …………………………….end………………………………. Finance Analyst · Rivers, Market Related · Job Type: Permanent · Sector: Finance · Posted by Hot Jobs on Tuesday, February 2, 2016 · Reference: 130097 Apply before Saturday, April 2, 2016 - 7 Days left Job Details Employer: Hot Jobs We are a direct marketing firm located in Nigeria and represent large, wellknown corporations in a sales and marketing capacity, executing highly targeted business-to-business campaigns. Our specialty is in face to face communication. Each of our highly trained staff members knows the ins and outs of each client’s respective demands. Our effective presentations for key decision makers are highly personalized and are catered to the individual’s specific business needs. Our unique methods produce an extremely high ROI for our clients, a refreshing customer experience, and most of all, unparalleled brand loyalty. We are currently recruiting to fill this position. Candidate Requirements · Minimum of BSc/HND in Finance related course. · Should have between 2 - 4 years relevant experience. · Should have the ability to maintain flexible attitude and approach towards assignments and successfully operate under guidelines. · Must possess intermediate knowledge of financial systems and familiarity with accounting and spreadsheet applications is required.

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Apart from the regular general mandatory bi-monthly environmental sanitation exercise being observed throughout the State of Osun, there are other types of similar exercises earmarked for other categories of people on weekly basis. For instance, the civil servants and offices have theirs on Wednesdays; the traders, artisans and ship-owners have theirs on Thursdays, while commercial motorists and motor parks hold theirs on Fridays – all between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. Also, that of bi-monthly general sanitation also holds on second and fourth (last) Saturdays of every month, between the hours of 7.00 a.m. and 10.00 a.m. Since the rolling out of the sanitation exercises in the State of Osun; the efforts and the O’Clean outfit have so far impacted so positively that asserting that the people have internalized the virtue of cleanliness is stating the obvious. The Government Unusual in its own part has been doing things that are unusual in the usual way! Vehicles, equipment and waste disposal vans were procured to facilitate the work, while townspeople across the state are made to embrace the practice of dropping their refuse at accredited points and centres in order to make their lifting much easier. Also, Central dumping sites have been so located at town and city outskirts that they could not constitute any threat of pollution to residents Also upon the recent launch of O’Clean Plus, an obvious downward extension of the initially-launched broad O’Clean intervention; it is clear that not all the waste materials that are combustible shall be set on fire, as some of them shall be used to generate some alternative sources of energy for household use. This, as said earlier on, is a source of wealth to the State of Osun. It is highly imperative to point out that the achievements of the incumbent administration in the state in this area have been highly

illustrious and impressive. Up till date, the impact of the administration is being felt to the extent that the State of Osun has risen to become the envy of other states in the federation. Any part of the state being visited speaks of changed value system from the ugly horrible sights of the past to a new, wellrebranded land of beauty and high aesthetic value. This measure is well taken as a means of backward integration; so that through our collective carefulness and vigilance, we can take our destinies into our own hands and forestall the occurrence of avoidable diseases. This trend has been achieved. We shall at this juncture do justice to a careful analysis of the achievements of the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola in other remaining sectors and sub-sectors of the life of the state. It is the consummate attainment of this that OSUN DEFENDER Magazine is now committed. N the area of Women and Children Affairs cum Social Development, the Government Unusual has done so well that we can boldly assert that the best so far has begun to be witnessed in the sub-sector. We place it in record that in recognition of the vital role played in the development and future greatness of our society that Ogbeni Aregbesola in the presentation of the Appropriation Bill Estimate for the year 2013 before the honourable members of the State of Osun House of Assembly, announced the creation of a new ministry with the branding and nomenclature of Ministry of Children and Women Affairs. The inclusion of children in particular indicates that new imprints are about to be left in the sands of time and governance of the state. This trend has begun to be set, not only in name but also in action and programmes. We shall make this crystal clear in due course of time. The role of and commitment of the incumbent administration in and to the issue of women development have been prominently visible since its coming on board the parlances of governance in the state. Various programmes

•Oba Adesoji Aderemi West Bye-Pass, Ofatedo, State of Osun.

osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

and supportive schemes have been put in place to organize women into groups with a view to training them and empower them so as to enhance their liberation by reducing their overdependence on then male gender. This feat was recorded through a collaborative, coordinated effort between the two tiers of government visibly on ground within the confines of the state, i.e. the State Government and the grassroots administration called the local government. Various efforts subsist through which the administration of the day has empowered women, housewives in particular. We place on record various training programmes for widows, puddahs and other groups. Also, professional groups like market women have not been ignored in terms of their needs and requirements that could boost their activities, welfare and prosperity. Also in this regard, we place on record how the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola has organized and held for the very first time ever, the O’odua World Children’s Day; which was an attempt at the unification of all the Yoruba race scattered all over the place – within Nigeria and yonder, that is, in West Africa, the rest of Africa, Asia, West Indies (the Caribbean), the United States of America, South America and all the rest. At the programme, we had in attendance contingents from nine good states of the federation, which included the following Yoruba-speaking states of Lagos, Ogun, Oyo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi, Edo and Delta. Added to these is the tenth, which is the host state, the State of Osun. Going by the information provided above, the programme was a huge success, as it turned out to be not only a convergence for the children and youth but for adults of all classes, cadres, classes and caste. The greatest achievement of all in the intrinsic quality of that programme is the forum it provided for two frontline traditional rulers in Yorubaland, regarded to be at swordsContinued drawn since on pagetime 13

•An on-going road project of beautification exercise at Alekuwodo area, Osogbo. Continued from page 12 rescue team was to search for, find and evict

immemorial, to sit together and relate as offspring of the same forebears and leaders of the single largest ethnic group among the black race. The Aregbesola administration shall eternally win medals for this feat of acting as a unifying force for the Yoruba race. It has this to its eternal credit. We shall now dwell briefly on the aspect touching on Social Development, Youths and Sports sub-sector of the whole heading under consideration; particularly, in the sphere of social welfare. Much has been achieved by the administration of Ogbeni since its inception over thirty months ago. In April 2011, the Government of the State of Osun under the dynamic leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola spearheaded the eviction of the state indigenes that were stacked in the war-ravaged Cote d’Ivoire. The cocoa-rich West African country had been war-ravaged for sometime over the sit-tight syndrome exercised by its past leader, Laurent Gbagbo and his blatant, brazen refusal to honour the collective voice and wish of the citizens who overwhelmingly voted for his opponent, Alhassan Quattara in a free, fair and credible general election. The evicted indigenes, comprising mainly indigenes of Iwo and Ejigbo local government councils of the state were not just evicted but well settled home with donations of money, food items and other materials by the Government of the State. In addition to these good gestures; the respective local government councils complemented by giving their own support too. These gestures were clear demonstration that the people had a government of their own, which had the disposition to guarantee and protect their welfare, well-being and prosperity. Similar to this was the rescue mission embarked upon by the Government of the State to Bauchi State following the postPresidential Elections violence which erupted there also in April 2011. The mission of the

the state’s indigenes from the state that had suddenly become heated up with violence and pandemonium, following the announcements of the results of the Presidential Elections held nationwide that April 2011. The mission was successful as the state’s indigenes, consisting mainly of residents who took sojourn there and youth corps members on national assignment were evicted home in droves. Regrettably, the State of Osun had its own share of loss of lives which came attendant to the crisis. Two of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members who were killed in the mayhem hailed from the State of Osun. As luck would have it, the duo even hailed from the same town of Gbongan in Ayedaade Local Government Council Area of the state. The way the Government of the State of Osun intervened and identified with the bereaved families, communities and entire people by according the two fallen youths befitting burials and giving support and succor to the families showed a government which places premium on the life, well-being and welfare of its citizens. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine is of the opinion that the blown on the state would have been deadlier, heavier and more fatal if government intervention had not been forthcoming at all; more so, if it had not been timely enough. n early October 2011, the State of Osun School of Special Needs, located at Powerline Area of Osogbo, the state capital, received a philanthropist gesture from the government of the state when Pharmacist Israel Oyagbile, representing the State Governor delivered consumables and gift items to the students of the school. The items such donated included bags of rice, clothing materials and jerry cans of vegetable oil. The gesture, it was further revealed, was part of the demonstration of the determination of the Government of the State to distribute dividends of democracy evenly throughout the state; class, caste, and

osun Defender Tuesday, March 29, 2016

state in life notwithstanding. In a similar vein, local government councils in the state have been in the business of taking turns to cater to the social need of the people in their domains. Our terrain is replete with examples of these gestures. In a nutshell, our thirty local government council areas and the Ife East Area Office have always complemented the efforts of the incumbent administration by taking up the bull by the horns in arresting the challenges of taking care of the elderly in the council areas’ domains. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine tarries here to document the effort of the administration in putting smiles on the faces of the old and elderly. This initiative in particular is commendable. The care of the elderly in the society is vital; as most of those who constitute the class of elderly must have one time or the other, taken active participation in the building of the society. Giving back to this class of senior citizens in their declining years cannot constitute giving too much. Today, a great number of old and elderly citizens in the state; the poor and indigent in particular is receiving monthly stipends from the government of the day. This care of the old and elderly includes the health and medical care, and it goes a long way to reduce unceremonious deaths, dependency and senility of the old. ATER resources are a vital sub-sector in the Regional Planning and Environmental Development Sector of the state’s economy. In the year 2012, the Annual Capital Expenditure for this sub-sector was Five-Hundred and Fifty-Five Million, OneHundred and Six Thousand, Five-Hundred and Ninety-Five Naira, Twenty-Six Kobo (N555, 106,595.26). In full recognition of the importance of good potable water to forestall and combat outbreak of ailments, diseases and epidemics, the incumbent administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola did in the year 2011 earmark and actually committed a

Continued on page 14

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whooping sum of Two Billion, Two-Hundred and Fifty-Four Million, Five-Hundred and Eighty-Five Thousand, FourHundred and Seventy Naira (N2, 254,585,470.00) for the sub-sector. This whooping sum gives an improvement of 306.15 per cent over the expenditure of year 2010 in the sub-sector. In pursuance of its determination to provide all parts of the state with good potable water, the effort helps to revive the New Ede Waterheads and make it fully functional in water supply to all parts of the State of Osun started in August 2011. It snowballed into the proposal for the award of its contract to the tune of N417 Million for the rehabilitation of the New Ede4 Waterworks with capacity to 100,000 metric tonnes of water per day. It is expected that fresh construction of water channels shall soon begin throughout the state, while rehabilitation of existing burst pipes and damaged ones have also begun in earnest. As at the time of the last election campaigns, the governor is made fresh promises to the people of Ikire and the entire Irewole, Ayedaade and Isokan local government council areasthat the Ikire Waterworks is included among the numerous water projects in the state earmarked for rehabilitation, resuscitation and reconstruction. That promise was

on the heels of an earlier one made to a contingent of Ikire indigenes led by the reigning monarch of the ancient town, Oba Olatunde Falabi, Olambeloye III, With these moves, it is evident that the coast is clear for effective water supply to the good health and healthy living of the people of the State of Osun. THERE is hardly any other area where the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola has scored its first excellent mark than the Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES). This vital and laudableachievement of the Aregbesola administration is here treated last to detail as a matter of deliberacy. As pointed out in the appropriate segment of this report in earlier editions, rather than lumping this subheading with the broad heading of Industry, Commerce, Finance and Cooperatives or that of Human Resource and Capacity Building; OSUN DEFENDER Magazine is singling it out here owing to its all-important nature on the one hand, and the towering influence it has garnered to itself all along. We make bold to assert that there is nowhere in the federation of Nigeria where one makes mention of OYES and people would not have caught winds of it as a thriving youth empowerment intervention initiative of the State of Osun extraction. The programme has so much touched lives that its fame, credibility and recognition have travelled beyond the shores of our

country. The Osun Youth Empowerment Scheme (OYES), which was rolled out as a powerful, life-changing initiative of Ogbeni himself, began to see the light of day at the very wake of the administration, precisely in December 2010; and before the first 100 days of the incumbent administration in office, it had begun to record gigantic success. By that initiative, which was obviously an intervention [programme to arrest the spate of poverty and unemployment, 20,000 unemployed youths were productively employed in various fields of specialization in a fell swoop. his development marked a great feat which has been, and which shall remain difficult, if not impossible to outwit in decades to come. This fact is even truer, more accurate and realistic as processes have been kick-started for the enlistment of another batch of OYES cadets. The enlistment processes is still ongoing due to some hitches encountered at the initial stage of the call for fresh enlistment. However, the organizers are proving to be on top of the situation. The enlistment of fresh OYES cadets for the 2013/2015 shift, also numbering up to 20,000 shall soon be completed and concluded. By the year 2015, 40,000 youths would have cumulatively been saved from the horrendous fangs

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of sloth and unemployment, even as it becomes very certain that the youths are being graduated and absorbed into vocations of their choices at the expiry of their twoyear mandatory period as corps cadets of the scheme. The development is made remarkable in many ways. All indications attest to it that it has never been possible anywhere else in this country to absorb that many into the workforce at a go. For the OYES initiative, the payroll bill monthly adds up to a whooping sum of Two-Hundred Million Naira (N200 Million). Yet the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is unshaken even as the precedence it met on ground was that of a government acquiring loans and overdrafts from commercial banks to pay the salaries and allowances of regular workforce in the public/ civil service employ of the state and even the pension of retirees. By injecting N200 Million Naira into the economy of the state, via the enlistment of 20,000 youths of the state’s origin, Aregbesola has by this scheme saved more than 20,000 people from above that number of homes from the dastardly negative effects of dehumanization brought about by unemployment and poverty. Also, he has succeeded in mopping up into productive engagements idle hands which hitherto had been the devil’s workshop. Youths who Continued on page 15

•From right, former Special Adviser to Osun Governor on Works, Engr Oladepo Amuda; wife of the governor, Alhaja Sherifat, Oba Jimoh Olanipekun Larooye II of Osogboland, Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi-Laoye Tomori, during the commissioning of 21 roads in Osogbo sometimes ago.

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Continued on page 14

•Another view of an Ilesa road, State of Osun. •Continued from 14

had hitherto been co-opted into odd jobs like thuggery, political brigandage, violence prostitution, drug abuse and other social vices have been provided with more socially acceptable and by far more productive engagements for their respective betterment and for uplifting the status and living standard of the society. The OYES initiative has contributed in no small measure to the overall welfare, well-being and economic emancipation of the State of Osun. The index of its contribution to the overall prosperity of the state and its entire people is inestimable. Much is this impact that the programme won the nod and commendation of the United Nations’ International bank for Reconstruction and Development (IBRD), otherwise known as the World Bank. The World Bank team that visited the State of Osun sometime during year 2011 came on assessment tour of the state with particular focus on the OYES programme. It was in token of the World Bank’s appreciation for the scheme that the international (global) finance institution decided to throw its weight behind the programme by assisting the government to expand its scope. One essential feature of the OYES programme is its transitory nature. As at the completion time of the first batch of the scheme,

many OYES cadets graduated to other segments of the civil/public service e.g. teaching, clerical/ administrative cadres, while room is being opened to absorb fresh cadets in replacement. Some of the cadets were even sent abroad to various overseas countries for proper adequate training requisite for their full and functional establishment into their chosen life-long vocations. Few months ago, a graduation ceremony was held for the first set of products of the OYES-tech; the technical/ technological training wing of the broad OYES scheme, who were integrated into the society in various aspects of computer assemblage, repairs, telephone handsets assembly and repairs and the likes. n the whole, there is hardly any facet of life where the OYES initiative has impacted lives in the state more than Environ mental Sanitation; and Crowd/ Traffic Control. By OYES initiative, the State of Osun is being rapidly transformed radically decent and beautiful abode, where disasters associated with environmental degradation are fast-becoming things of the past. This implies that the chains of awards, encomiums, recognition and commendation being poured on the governor, in particular, the merit award conferred on him during the penultimate episode of the governor’s audience

media chat, tagged “Ogbeni Till Daybreak” by the B Zone of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), where the governor was decorated as the best governor in the area of environment and disaster management in Nigeria for the year 2012 had not been misplaced. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine accords great recognition for the efforts of Ogbeni Aregbesola and his indefatigable and irrepressible team. It is on that note that the State of Osun was earmarked to benefit from the World Bank/ Federal Government Youth Empowerment Fund to the tune of N50 Billion. The fact that the World Bank itself has a sub-agency called Youth Empowerment and Social Support Operation (YESSO) complements the ingenuity and creativity of Ogbeni Aregbesola in coming out with the coinage “OYES”. We have referred to it repeatedly here that recruitment and selection exercise for the next 20,000 cadets into the 2013/2015 batch of the scheme are currently ongoing. It is expected that training and selection processes of the new batch must be completed in due course of time. Already, the first batch of beneficiaries has graduated into jobs, careers and life-long vocations. On the occasion of first

year anniversary of the OYES programme, held precisely on May 5 2012; the scope of the OYES scheme was broadened, as the cadet corps members were divided into various corps, groups, or cadre corps. Thus, the following cadre corps, which had been part of the initial plan of the initiative, became prominently operational. They are: 1. Public Works 2. Green Gang 3. Traffic Marshall 4. Sanitation Czar 5. Teachers’ Corps 6. Sheriff Guard 7. Paramedics. Development into operative cadres did actually expand the initial concept in response to the exigencies of the State of Osun experience. This new range of additional cadres comprised a new range of products designed to engender entrepreneurship and economic independence in the corps by way of exit strategy; including the OYES-tech (ICT repairs) mentioned above and the e-payment entrepreneurship project. It is hoped that the finances of the scheme would be improved in the future as more and more private businesses and corporate bodies partner with the government. By then, the initial •To be continued

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have discovered over time, that what I think very much about myself has turned out to form the general impression people have about me. This is so because wherever I find myself, people find my presence one that brings joy to bear instead of pensiveness, and life in place of moodiness. I am yet to know the reason for having it so. Recently however, I just noticed that the usual open-arm that I used to enjoy has taken to flight; having some kind of repulsion instead. The general acceptability with which I formerly got heralded to familiar terrains is now replaced with unfeigned and unbridled rejection. My curiosity has led me to discover that it is my unfettered support for the government of the day that is responsible. My own plight of rejection ought to have mattered to me more; but actually, I felt compelled by the general concern of the loved ones from across the socio-political strata that has since changed from what it used to be. That prompted this pensive mood that shifted focus from my personal inborn piety and jolliness; and I felt that personal concern should not be made a topical issue, at least for now; seeing that there is another development prompting a matter requiring urgent attention. Such matter of public interest should therefore be allowed to push a less-important personal concern to the background, so as to impact on many lives positively, which parochial interest may less assuage. Peradventure, personal worries would be swallowed up by sorting out the one bothering many; which is far better. I have discovered that information is very vital to people all over the world. It is capable of healing all manners of wounds, be it emotional (psychological) or physical. So, if there is tension generally amongst the people, it is because those who sow seeds of discord are more passionate about their mission than those who perceive things differently. Unfortunately, those who engage in the propagation of evil live much longer than those who are victims of their evil subterfuge. Their hearts are hardened because they know the underlying factors behind the evil they spread with passion; and so are less-affected psychologically than their targets, who ignorantly fall flat to their antics. I dogmatically bought into the ubiquitous burning desire for change in Osun because I felt the conservative camp that took over from Governor Bisi Akande in 2003 was not the proper one for my dear state. I think I was right to the extent that what positive impact brought to bear for four years (1999-2003) in Osun was not comparable with what seven and a half years fetched us. At the end, people felt the need to fight for what we wanted and I joined the crusade. I desired to meet the man we were all clamouring to have, and I succeeded in achieving that in September 2010. We were all convinced that we have gotten the right man and we agreed to work for, and with him. We were just hopeful that justice

Rekindling Faith In Seeming Impossibil‘I dogmatically bought into

the ubiquitous burning desire for change in Osun because I felt the conservative camp that took over from Governor Bisi Akande in 2003 was not the proper one for my dear state. I think I was right to the extent that what positive impact brought to bear for four years (1999-2003) in Osun was not comparable with what seven and a half would come from the appellate court but we all knew that it would be like a camel passing through the eye of the needle under the Peoples Democratic Party-controlled (PDP Federal government. We were sure that Aregbesola would transform Osun better, given his pedigree and the same prevailing income profile, as well as the general relative peace then. The analysis given of his plans and intention was quite intriguing. We had a few nights of sleeplessness and some dangerous incursions to government domain to get vital information that we felt would assist the then styled ‘Symbol of Democratic Emancipation’. At last, on November 17, 2010, nine days to his declaration and subsequent inauguration, we succeeded in handing over the first compendium in Aregbesola’s Alimosho residence. Surprisingly, as he was listening to us, he was also going through the material we gave him. He then enjoined us to do more work to get some data to add, so as to make the task of transforming Osun more congenial. As watchdogs, we were monitoring

the progress being made, and after two years in office, we decided to do a critique of Aregbesola’s administration. We realised then that the major impediment to the realization of the set objectives was the political class; who incidentally are also part of the general populace. We saw the need for a changed mindset on the part of the politicians, who will in-turn impact on the general public concerning the general misconception of public fund and what to do with it. The ideas put forward were well-bought into; but alas, the disposable income of the state started dwindling shortly after. We all knew what followed, both on the part of government and the governed. The dominant idea from then on was for the government to discontinue the ongoing projects, so as to be able to meet its financial obligations; especially towards the civil servants. This to some of us would amount to monumental waste of resources and disservice to the electorate that voted for envisaged turn-around of the state. Our suggestion then was for the ongoing projects to continue

By ade olugbotemi without embarking on new ones, while government also continues to source for fund through aggressive internally generated revenue and belt-tightening measures that will cut excesses to the barest minimum. The reasons for our standpoint are premised on benefits derivable from the ongoing projects, if continued and completed. We will all recollect that the earthwork of the stretch between Stadium Roundabout and Ibokun road has been completed and made passable. As at today, the earth surface has been washed off, due to rainfall and absence of asphaltic overlay. Unless government struggle to complete the entire ring road, people living in those areas will suffer serious hardship in the future. This is apart from the setback its non-completion will bring to the economic activities of the state in general. As people have rightly acknowledged, only the activities of government that are vital to the survival of the people should be concentrated on now; while at the same time meeting the requirement on wages and personal emoluments. he commonest statement from the majority of those badly affected by the current economic meltdown bothers on what will become of them with the incomplete salaries being paid, and whether the government of Ogbeni Aregbesola is not encouraging mediocrity by paying full salaries to junior workers, which makes some of them earn more than their senior counterparts. As far as I am concerned, it has not been gazetted that the proportions being paid are finality. In a democracy, issues that bother on salary adjustment must pass through the legislative arm. That has not taken place; so it will amount to generalization error, if it is conjectured that government has no intention of paying full salaries to its workforce. Workers’ representatives that sat with the executive arm to foster an understanding on the current scenario would not have deliberately shortchanged themselves; knowing full well that they are also affected by the agreement entered into. I am not sure there is an existing separate arrangement for workers’ representatives at the negotiation table. I also observed that some people have permanently conditioned their mindsets to be cursing government; whereas what is desirable at this time is prayer for God’s intervention, so that we can begin to record improvement in the state’s revenue profile. Ill wind will blow no one any good. We must all believe in government and pray for its success; because it is in its successful operation that we all get reprieve. There is no permanency in nature. Governments come and go, but our state remains.

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:

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