Osun Defender - May 27th, 2014 Edition by OsunDefender

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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014 To call this period a season of endorsement in the state of Osun is to simply state the obvious as different groups are coming out in unprecedented manner to openly endorse the state's helmsman, Governor Aregbesola for another term .

VOL. 9. NO.063

Front Page Comment Aregbesola: A rash of endorsement audible passionately

From East to the West and North to the South of the state; in fact, across all the nooks and crannies of Osun voices are

calling for the return of Ogbeni for second term. No one - progressive minded people who cherish development as so far recorded under

Aregbesola seems to be left behind in this noble call. Both indigenes and non-indigenes alike are trooping out daily in support of Aregbesola second term project. This is quite interesting. Continue on pg4

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

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Osun 2014 Governorship Election:

Aregbesola Flags Off Campaign With Mega Rally In Ile-Ife Today •The Governor Merits 2nd Term - Bamisayemi - See Story On Page 2

•(R-L) Chairman, Nasrul – Lahi- Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo branch, Alhaji Biliaminu Isola, the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Vice-Chairman, Nasrul – Lahi- Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo branch, Mr. Yinka Anjorin, Deputy Speaker, House of Assembly, State of Osun, Hon. Akintunde Adegboye, State Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Hon. Sikiru Ayedun and other dignitaries during a special prayer for the governor in commemoration of his 57th birthday anniversary at Nasrul – Lahi- Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo Branch, State of Osun, on Sunday - See Story On Page 2

Aregbesola Bags 2013 Best Nigerian Award

Use The Occasion Of My Birthday To Pray For The Nation, Aregbesola Tells Clerics

- See Story On Page 2

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

News

Osun 2014 Governorship Election: Aregbesola Flags Off Campaign With Mega Rally In Ile-Ife Today •The Governor Merits 2nd Term - Bamisayemi By BOLANLE BABALOLA

LL roads lead to Ile-Ife today as an arrangement has been concluded by Ife Federal Constituency chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun to host the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who will kick-start the campaign for his re-election in the August 9 governorship election with a mega-rally at the Government Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife. The Chairman of Aregbesola of Osun for the renewal of the State Campaign Commimttee mandate of our party’s in Ife zone, Honourable governorship candidate who is Folorunsho Bamisayemi- at the tail end of his term of Oladoyin, who disclosed this four years in office, Ogbeni at a press conference in Ile-Ife Rauf Aregbesola. on Sunday, said the zone was “The All Progressives fully ready for the mega-rally. Congress (APC) takes this In the chairman’s words: campaign very seriously not “We are here to kick-start one because we are afraid of the of the most powerful content delivery of our pledges campaigns ever seen in the state to the people of the State of

Osun, but because this could well be a game changer of the battle between the light and darkness in Yorubaland, and the ultimate defeat of the vagabonds who despoiled our fatherland between 2003 and 2010. “Yes, it is with fanfare that we will showcase our governor’s achievements and tell the evil, ‘Ojelu’ politicians – the PDP, that since Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola became governor, Osun has been so peaceful that even the British and American diplomats in Abuja came to congratulate the governor for the peace he has brought to the state. It is in this peaceful atmosphere that

the state has been able to record one of the most spectacular economic and social development known to any other state in the federation in the last twok decades except Lagos. “The face of Osun has changed in the process, our cities are cleaner and they are blossoming by the day in beauty. Seasonal flood disasters which had ravaged our cities and the state capital for all of the seven and a half years that the PDP ruled this state between 2003 and 2010 has since been completely stopped the very same year Aregbesola came to power as governor”.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right), receiving ‘Nigerian of The Year 2013 Award’ by the Media Ace Limited, publishers of National Infinity Magazine from the Guest Speaker, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi (left). With them are the wife of the governor, Sherifat (right); Editor-in-Chief, National Infinity Magazine, Mr Jide Ige (2nd left) and the President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adesina, during the presentation of the award to the governor at Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding, Abere, State of Osun, last Saturday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

Aregbesola Bags 2013 Best Nigerian Award By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

T was addition another feather to the cap of the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as he was on Saturday awarded the “Nigerian of the Year 2013” Award by Media Ace Limited, publishers of National Infinity Magazine. The programme was the on with serious investigative third Babatunde Jose lecture on journalism,” Olorunyomi said. Media and the Society held at Chairman of the occasion the Centre for Black Culture and the President of Nigeria and International Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Understanding, which brought Adesina, expressed dismay at together all of the best in the the proliferation of online media profession. journalism, which according to Delivering a lecture titled: him, has the capacity to derail “Governance deficit and the journalism profession. Accountability in the Age of He expressed appreciation Twitter,” the Guest Speaker to the governor of the state for and the Editor of Premium the unprecedented Times, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi, development which has been described journalism as a very witnessed in the last three and important tool to transform a half years of his any society. administration. He said, journalism that is “The State of Osun has dwelling much on witnessed tremendous accountability is a driving force development under the present of good democracy. administration and we are very Olorunyomi said: “Without proud of you”. accountability, democracy Presenting the award, Editor means nothing and journalism in Chief, National Infinity is in a position to check our Magazine, Mr Jide Ige, politicians, which is a very stressed that the process of important task. selecting the Nigerian of the “It’s a pity that most media Year is done on a monthly basis houses these days are being throughout the year where seriously hit by economic Nigerians who remarkably crisis, which has adversely achieved, are placed on a scale affected their objectivity. and some of them were “It is important to invest knocked off, saying Aregbesola more on investigative emerged after a careful journalism and reporting selection process. because it can help restore “At the end of the twelve values, accountability and months of 2013, Aregbesola promote our democracy. emerged the winner. This award “Investigative journalism is our own little way of giving can cure the crisis that has back to the society, as this bedevilled our profession. To award comes with a cash prize be free from the current of N100,000 and we want the lethargic condition we are in governor to donate the money journalism, we have to carry to any NGO of his choice,” Ige

said. Receiving the award, the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, who noted that journalism is not only about reportage, but about asking questions with a view to mould the society into the right direction. He said leadership is a core pillar upon which the growth of a society can be, adding that there is no part of the state that has not experienced new projects, which is the main reason he sought to be elected into office. “For me, leadership is defined by what one does for the people, by the fact of whose existence one is in a position of leadership. It is all about making a big difference in the lives of the people we claim to govern. “Indeed, it is my belief that leadership offers a golden opportunity to serve the people and bring improvement to bear on their lives and existence of the people. I also do hold the view that leadership is a core pillar upon which a viable and successful human society can be built. “In effect, when I sought the leadership of the State of Osun as governor, I was fully aware of the implications and well-prepared to face the responsibilities. “It is a result of this, and to the glory of God, that my leadership of the state has been able to make a difference in the lives of the people of Osun because as a leader, I constantly seek for ways of bringing about progress and advancement for my people in every area of their lives.”

The governor said he accepted the award with the promise to continue to improve the state, while donating the cash reward attached to the award to the “SHERI CARE Foundation.

The campaign committee chairman explained that the numerous developments which the APC government under the leadership of Ogbeni Aregbesola has brought about in education, agriculture, employment and empowerment of youths, women and artisans, social security for the elderly, urban renewal programme and the transformation of the economy that is beginning to see industries growth in a state which once was called a civil service state, shall all be articulated at the mega-rally. Bamisayemi-Oladoyin who noted that the flagship project which has incorporated a massive knock-out effect on several sectors of the economy and every home is education, said through progressive development of education sector, Aregbesola has attracted unprecedented international attention, adding that “the Opon Imo was a spectacle. But the feeding of children in our primary schools has become an international attraction for world government, and a study for the World Bank.” According to the chairman, the PDP left a disgraceful legacy of run-down educational infrastructure and a woeful performance record of our students in national and regional examinations, adding that; “today, not only has all of these changed, education in Osun is now on a firm footing and the prospects for the future which it is building is evident everywhere. “Indeed, only one component of the new Osun education plan, the O’Meals, has become so inspiring for the international community, the World Bank sent a delegation to Osogbo to study how a state with such lean funding can feed 500,000 primary school children once daily with a rich, health-promoting meal. “To give you a sense of how impressed with the World Bank was about what they saw of the O’Meals project, its

team leader, Professor Don Bundy, revealed that what the World Bank team learnt in Osun about feeding school children was more than what it knew about the programme elsewhere in the world. “But these great achievements of Rauf Aregbesola has so angered evil PDP gand leaders that they have vowed to dismantle them, first by rigging themselves to power and then proceeding to ‘reconstruct’ the projects. The battle to stop these ‘Ojelus’ from bringing Osun down to their criminal level of corruption, impunity and bad governance, has just started. “So, while this campaign is about showcasing our achievements, it is also about stopping evil from resurrecting in our Ipinle Omoluabi. Besides, we have a huge task of awakening the consciousness of our people that they are not deceived by the PDP or intimidated by its violence and misuse of federal power”, he said. He enjoined the people of the zone to join the other zones in the state to be prepared to defend their votes because the locusts are positioning themselves to steal their glorious heritage of good governance which they proudly inherited from the days of Chief Obafemi Awolowo. Bamisayemi-Oladoyin declared that: “These traitors of the Yoruba nation and inheritance shall be defeated on August 9th, and with one loud voice, we shall sing the ‘Nunc Dimittis’ over the death of the PDP and its cohort of thieves and terrorists in Yorubaland and especially in the State of Osun. “Arise compatriots and let us march into the political battle field to secure a second term mandate for our leader, Rauf Aregbesola, who has done so well in the first term ; we can only expect something better and a vibrant new state of Osun that will lead the leaders in developmental achievements, after he must have completed his second term by the Grace of God”.

Use The Occasion Of My Birthday To Pray For The Nation, Aregbesola Tells Clerics

HE governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on Sunday called on religious leaders in the state to offer prayers for the peace of Nigeria and Osun in particular. The governor made the ap- ment can only take place in an peal as both Christians and atmosphere of peace. People Muslims gathered at the Gov- should be allowed to freely ernment House in Osogbo to choose their leaders in the forthcelebrate the 57th birthday of coming election,” the governor the governor. stressed. Aregbesola charged the clerAregbesola pointed out that ics to use the occasion of his in ensuring good governance and birthday to offer supplication conduct of free and fair elections, to God on behalf Osun for a the choice of the people must peaceful conduct of the August be respected without compro9 election. mise or reluctance. The governor stressed that Earlier in his remarks, the the peace which the state is wit- Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba nessing must not be tampered Abdulrauf Olayiwola Adedeji with as election draws nearer. who spoke on behalf of the traAccording to him: “ I am ditional rulers recounted the ungrateful that you have come to precedented developmental pray for me on my birthday. achievements of the present This is the best gift one can get administration. on his birthday, I want you to He averred that the adminuse this occasion to pray for our istration has changed the face country so that it will not be of the state both physically and overcome by insurgents. environmentally in just three “You must also pray for our and a half years. state as the August election apThe monarch lamented that proaches, the peace that our the traditional rulers and foundpeople have been enjoying must ing fathers of the state almost not be toyed with before and regretted agitation for the creduring and the election. ation of the state for close to “You as religious leaders and twenty years, the state repeople devoted to prayers mained undeveloped. should use today that God According to Akinrun, “we, should continue to make the monarchs, were at the fore front state peaceful, because develop- of clamour for the creation of

Osun. But for many years after the creation when the state remained a toddler, we began to ask whether the clamour was not a mistake. This was our feeling until the advent of Rauf Aregbesola when he began to turn things around,” the monarch told the gathering. After prayers were offered, the clergy, the Chief Imam of Osogbo and Reverend of the Baptist Church, Sheik Mustapha Ajisafe and Rev. Adeloye Elijah advised the governor not to be distracted in the good work he has started. Rev. Adeloye said as the chief security officer of the state, the governor must always assure people of the safety of their lives and property at every public gathering he went. The cleric attributed the massive transformation of the state to security and safety being enjoyed by the people. In his words: “Security is very important as we approach the election period. Some people want to vote, some people plan to destroy the voting process, therefore, it behoves on you to guarantee people’s safety. “Even though we know that God is the chief protector of every creature, our leaders too must compliment God’s work by making sure that the people they govern are very safe under their administration”.

News

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

FG Pledges 5% Supplement For Osun School Feeding Programme •School Feeding Can Transform Nigerian Economy – Aregbesola Osun, Ogbeni Rauf By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI HE Federal Government of Nigeria on Thursday commended the Government of the State of Osun for sustaining the School Feeding and Health programme (O’MEAL) in the last three years. It also recommended I n t e r n a t i o n a l the scheme for other states Understanding, Osogbo, in Nigeria as one of the the state capital. best ways to achieve The meeting was sound and quality facilitated by the education. government of the State of The Universal Basic Osun and Partnership Education Commission, Child Development, an (UBEC) Executive Agency from the United Secretary, Dr Diko Kingdom. Suliamon, hailed the UBEC Executive programme during a three- Secretary represented by day Technical Meeting on his deputy, Dr Yakubu O’Meal held at the Centre Gambo, on the occasion, for Black Culture and announced five per cent

supplement for the school feeding programme from the commission to assist the state government. Gambo said despite that the fund will cut across the country, Osun and Kano will be given priority as a result of their commitment for sustaining the programme. Also, the Federal Minister of Health, represented by Dr Chris Isokonu, said it has been scientifically-proven that appropriate nutrition is key to child education and commended the state government for its huge investment on the scheme. Governor of the State of

Aregbesola, said apart from educational benefit of the programme, it has also improved the economy of the state, through sourcing of the food items and food vendors within the state. He said the focus of his administration presently is to digitalise the scheme with the introduction of smart cards and serving points in schools, with a view to ensuring that the fund is judiciously used for the benefit of the school children. The governor disclosed that by August, the biometric data of the children will be captured to

produce the smart cards, which would be used to calculate the volume and quality of foods served to the pupils, which would also serve as evidence to pay the vendors at the bank. Aregbesola commended Partnership Child Development (PCD) for its intervention, which is to facilitate the national acceptance of the programme and ensure transparency and efficiency in the programme. The governor, who was excited over the UBEC support for the programme, urged the commission on the speedy implementation of the supplement announced. He said: “It is not that

we cannot continue without the UBEC support, but their support is the recognition of the importance of the programme for the survival of Nigerian education. Education without nutrition is incomplete, especially at the elementary level.” According to the governor, if the scheme is adopted across the nation, it will create jobs, improve the nation’s economy and reduce crime rate. “With the recent estimations that over 10 million children are in elementary schools in Nigeria and through the programme, Nigerians will be producing 10 million eggs on daily basis. If we have the capacity, many Nigerians will abandon white collar jobs and become millionaires through the scheme,” Aregbesola said.

Osun Assembly Faults Lecturers’ Strike By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd right); Senator Bayo Salami (3rd right; Education Liaison Officer, Osogbo Local Government, Alhaji Sulaiman Afariogun (right); a governor’s aide, Mr Kola Young (2nd right); State Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Hon. Kolapo Alimi (4th right) and other dignitaries, during the governor’s inspection visit to the newly-completed Laro Timehin Middle School, Osogbo, last Friday.

Osun Speaker Raises Alarm Over Fake Voters’ Cards Deployment saddled with the responsibility of gathering intelligence on the efforts of political players in the state to the media if the INEC footdrag the matter. He said: “I make bold to say that we have gotten some fake INEC voter’s cards from our field workers. We are actually informed that the state is flooded with fake cards now. “How those cards were fabricated was unknown to us now, but it is certain that the target is the forthcoming governorship

PEAKER, State House of Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has raised alarm over alleged mass deployment of fake voters’ cards in the state. In a statement signed by The Speaker then called his Press Secretary, Mr. on INEC to choose the Goke Butika, the Speaker option of voters’ card said the availability of the reader machine, if the fake voters’ cards has security device of the justified the fear of permanent voters’ card is concerned stakeholders in genuine and truly dataOsun. captured. Speaker Salaam said it He also promised to was heartbroken to know make some of the fake that no sooner the cards brought to his office leadership of the by some leg-walkers Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) rejected the use of S the governor of the State of Osun, voters’ cards reader for the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, marks his 57th August election, than some birthday, the State House of Assembly said unscrupulous political players began to flood the that he has justified his existential mission on circulation with fake earth through his service to humanity and his covenant with his God. voters’ cards. He said this is The parliament stated behalf of Speaker suggesting that the most this in a congratulatory Najeem Salaam. significant instrument of message to the governor According to the election had been on his birthday, signed by message, Aregbesola has compromised before the the Deputy Speaker, further reinforced the election. Akintunde Adegboye, on essence of leadership in

election, and that makes the INEC to be left with the option of the card readers for the election. “Besides, if the leadership of the INEC is interested in the proof, we shall make all fake cards retrieved by our field workers available to them,” he added. Salaam then asked the people of the state to be vigilant and spare no criminal, who intends to shortchange the system for selfish interest by exposing them, and cause the security operatives to bring them to book.

HE State of Osun House of Assembly has charged workers’ unions to stay away from politicking while driving home their demands from government. It said that using and return to the partisan motive to negotiation table with articulate demands was open mind, with a view to r e t r o g r e s s i v e , working with obtainable mischievous and statistics. antithetical to the He noted that if the principles of unionism. leadership of the union The Speaker, elect partisan compromise Honourable Najeem to score points, the result Salaam, in a statement in the long run would be signed by his Press unfortunate. Secretary, Mr. Goke Besides, the leadership Butika, stressed that the of the parliament has adamant position of the tasked the leadership of the teaching staff of the state- student unions in the state owned tertiary institutions to learn how to verify on industrial dispute, facts behind the figures, despite the all-inclusive instead of jumping to the intervention of the state streets to cause violence. The government of parliament, has suggested that there was more to the Osun, according to him, is bearing the brunt of on-going strike. He said: “While the reduction in school fees agitation of the teaching by 50 per cent, while and non-teaching staff is federal and some state understandable, the institutions of learning are insistence on using strike, hiking fees, only for the and mobilizing students to leadership of the same blackmail the government, student unions to be despite the fact that the attacking the same major demand of government that is taking retirement age push has pains for defending their been forwarded to the interests. He said: “Protest is a legislature for legislation, democratic tool could not be a better guaranteed by all known option, but concerted conventions, but for some effort in line with the students to take liberty for reality check.” license by instigating Salaam then appealed to violence on the streets, the lecturers to suspend making attempt to picket their current strike action state institutions for not tarring all roads within their campuses, suggested that a compromise had once a backwater to a been reached somewhere, reference point of and that is not good for who enjoy the development and students lowest school fees in this progress. part of the country.” It reiterated that the Salaam then submitted birthday of the governor that the state parliament is worth celebrating, was there for any interest because he throws group to push its demands, himself into the job given promising that any genuine to him by the electorate, grievance would not be unattended to, as long and has asserted himself left as it tallies with the reality as a leader to be trusted. on ground.

Osun Assembly Congratulates Aregbesola At 57

actual human society through his peopleoriented programmes, which have defined Osun as a state of possibilities. The state legislature then expressed confidence in the leadership of the celebrant as the Chief Executive of the state, saying his initiatives have moved the state that was

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Aregbesola: A rash of endorsement Continued from pg1

Also, Osun indigenes in the Diaspora are not left behind in adding their voices from afar to that of the millions at home to the call for 'Aregbe for second term'. Everyday the bell rings. The message echoes even beyond the shores of our land. The message is clear; 'here is a man who has done well, who has kept to his promises; so since he has the constitutional right to go for another term then we must support him again'.

The above message is on the lips of majority of the people in the state. It's the song coming out from the mouths of all categories of people; the old ones, the youth, the children, workers, students, artisans, transporters, free borns, emigrants etcetera. One fact that is

deducible from this rash of endorsement is that the people are satisfied with Aregbesola's job in the state so far. The Governor, unlike other unreliable politicians, has not reneged on his electioneering campaign promises as he has kept to his words to the letter even in spite of the monetary challenges facing him. Thus for the people of the state, the coming election is a pay back period; an opportunity for them to appreciate Ogbeni Aregbesola for having brought dividends of democracy to the doorstep of the people. Like an axiom which says 'one good tune deserves another' so for Ogbeni Aregbesola and its can-do administration it's one good term deserves another as obtained in political parlance. To those who are aware of the level of development that has taken place in Aregbesola's state

of Osun it's no surprise that the Governor is being endorsed left, right and centre. Of course it shouldn't be less for him given his stellar performance within a period of four years. That Aregbesola has performed even beyond the expectations of many he has been able to warm himself into the hearts of millions of people in the state. No doubt when our people see good things they appreciate it. So on this score all these endorsements are not just coming. They are not being sponsored. Neither are they sycophantic. They are born out of the reality on ground in terms of the unprecedented feats Ogbeni Aregbesola has been able to achieve during his tenure so far. In fact, we join others in saying kudos to him. By implication all these endorsements for Ogbeni are pointing to one fact; that no Jupiter can stop

The Rains Are Here Again, Let’s Be Omoluabis

HE rainy season is here again and this is surely an answer to the prayers of many of our farmers who have been waiting for the opportunity that the early rain would provide to start their planting. Of particular interest is the environmental effect of the rain, as we are all living witnesses to the July, 2010 debacle in Osogbo and the havoc that rain could cause when man in his foolishness decides to interfere with the wonderful work of nature. During that sad episode of 2010, the state governor then; Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola could not proffer a solution but all he could do was to watch in disgust, as lives and properties gave way. Alas, in came Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and the people of Osun saw for the very first time the use of dredgers on pontoon

dredged the rivers and streams throughout the state. Not only was this done, the governor also declared a 90-day environmental emergency throughout the state and re-inforced both the weekly clean-up exercise that comes up every Thursday and also the second Saturday of the

month as the state sanitation exercise. Not long, the effects were seen round the state, when the 2011 rainy season commenced, there was a drastic reduction in flood occurrence in the state and where it did occur, it was on a very small scale. 2012 recorded no

flooding at all. Even when states like Oyo and many others had flooding disasters knocking at their doors, we in Osun were sleeping with our two eyes closed. We all remember the national flood disaster of 2012, Osun came clean with no recorded incidence and this credit

must go to both the government of Ogbeni Aregbesola and to the good people, who decided to make it happen by cooperating with him in carrying out all the environmental counsel. Well, another rainy season is about to start and I am using this medium to call on all the good people

of this state to always abide by the state’s environmental laws. Refuse should not be dumped in open drainages and streams, as there are O’Clean Plus Waste Disposal bins across the state. This is indeed a novel achievement, being the very first in the state. Citizens should come out when due to carry out to participate in the sanitation exercises whenever it is time. I also call on both the State Commissioner for Environment; Professor Bukola Oyawole and the Special Adviser to the Governor on Environment; Mr. Bola Ilori to continue in their good works and not to rest on the past achievements. There is still work to do and more is still expected of the duo. Osun A Dara O! • O P E Y E M I FATOKUN, Orile-Owu.

him from winning the coming election. The people are already speaking and as we know, the voice of the people is the voice of God. Baring any electoral 'magomago' (malpractices)the handwriting is already on the wall apropos direction to which the pendulum of victory will swing in the much awaited election. And God forbids, never again can reactionary politicians succeed in their anti-democratic plans to come to power through the back doors. Surely, the victory is for Ogbeni Aregbesola in the coming election. His victory is important to us as stake-holders in the development of our state just as it's important to all lovers of development. We need him to continue for another four years all this good work. We cannot afford to miss his valuable contribution to humanity now.

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

Infrastructure OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Ona Baba Ona In The State Of Osun

Counting The Costs; Celebrating The Benefits (IV) The harvest of dividends of democracy continues in the State of Osun. The state and its residents are better for it. Rapidly, the state is being transformed into a model that it was destined to be at creation. The recent mass commissioning of roads attracts adequate documentation; hence NIYI OLASINDE's time-tested epistles. This part of the series is dedicated to the fifty-seventh birthday anniversary of the Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine crew wishes the celebrant greater grace; long life; sound health; Solomonic wisdom; and abundant prosperity.

â&#x20AC;˘The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (arrowed), acknowledging cheers from his admirers during the inspection of the roads at Oluode, Osogbo, few days. INSET: One of the completed 21 roads by the governor, at Oroki Estate, Osogbo, during the commissioning.

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Counting The Costs; Celebrating The Benefits (IV)

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (right), commissioning the completed 21 roads in Osogbo. With him; his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti (left) and Chief Executive Officer (CEO) RATCON Construction Company, Mr Elias Zaad (2nd right), during the occasion when the governor commissioned the completed roads in Osogbo few days ago. Contiuned from page 5

· Continued from Tuesday, May 6, 2014. •New Gbongan Road HE New Gbongan Road is vital and important in many respects. First, it is one of the major entry / exit routes for the state capital from many external places. Secondly, it links the city and several other areas of the state with the State Government Secretariat, Abere. Thirdly, it is one of the numerous federal highways which criss-cross the State of Osun. The shameful side to it is the fact that like many other Federal Government roads in the country, it was not well paved; neither was it well maintained in periods preceding the advent of the incumbent administration in the State of Osun. We have made it a point of duty in earlier parts of this series to clarify how the immediate past administration started its purported first phase of the Gbongan / Erin Ile / Kwara State Boundary Road; stretching from Akoda to Old Garage area of Osogbo, the state capital; and how the road project was slowed down throughout its seven-and-a-half years in office. Even then, the road project was haphazardly done. Upon its assumption of office, the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola has turned the road around by redefining it and bringing it up to the standard of a true inlet / outlet into a state capital of modern times. As at the time of filing this report, the portion of the road from the Government Secretariat at Abere to Old Garage of the city is receiving attention in terms of broadening, provision of walkways, drainage, erection of bus stop sheds and general beautification. Also, matters relating to street-lighting and provision of parks cum ornamentation are receiving priority attention. Before now, motor parks were sited indiscriminately along the roads. Also, motorists parked their vehicles along roadsides, further narrowing the road thereby. Residential and other kinds of buildings were built with absolute disregard to the provisions of spaces from the roads. In most cases, too many spaces existed for uturns. Activities of traders along the road were so rampant that there subsisted much of unnecessary competition and struggle for spaces among all road users. As could be visibly discerned, this road under consideration has lined up along it great retinue of corporate offices which attract crowds of people and vehicles. This situation caused much hiccups, headaches and upset. To worsen matters, there was no alternative route to this very one into and out of the state capital. By the time the incumbent administration is through with its reconstruction activities, all the matters of concern raised above would have been flung overboard. The incumbent administration is obviously leaving impressive imprints in the sands of time; such that would be difficult, if not impossible to beat. •New Iwo / Ibadan Road

HIS road received its last construction treatment during the military regime of General Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida (rtd.); prior to the carving out of the State of Osun out of the old Oyo State. The road, apart from linking the Iwo axis of the state with outside states, also provides an alternative route for the state and its populace to places like Ibadan, Lagos, Ilorin, Oyo, Ogbomoso, Aawe, Odo Oba and the rest. It is therefore significant to place on note its invaluable potential contribution to growing the economy of our dear state. At this time when work is going on, on the Ido Osun Airport, the invaluable contribution which this road wields for our state cannot be exaggerated. The prominence of Iwo in the State of Osun is rising radically. The road is also of great importance to travelers through our soils to other states. Already, Iwo is playing host to two or more universities, not to talk of other institutions. There also exist links through roads within Iwo axis to such other areas of the state as Gbongan (Ayedaade), Ikire (Irewole), Ejigbo, Ede and other parts which implies that the road project would enhance smooth massive movement of people and goods (mainly farm produces) upon its completion. It is on this note that we proudly conclude that the contract for the construction of the road has been awarded by the administration of Ogbeni Aregbesola. The project is expected to be delivered in months to come. We commend, in strong terms the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola for its giant strides taken in the State of Osun. We forecast that by the time the administration is through with its development projects, especially in the area of road infrastructure provision, Osun would have transformed indescribably from the status of a glorified rural populace into a cosmopolitan status. By the time the administration of Senator Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo State also does its own bit along this axis, the regional integration roadmap of the SouthWest geopolitical zone would be nearing full consummation. We thank God for this development. The West is fast moving toward the reclamation of its old place of prominence and greatness among the comity of states in the federation of Nigeria. •Ilesa Road HIS road is yet another among the numerous ones that link the state capital with major divisions of the state. Apart from this, it links the entire state with the South-East and South-South geopolitical zones of the country. Ilesa and the entire Ijesaland constitute vibrant food basket for the state and other parts of the country. The stretch of Osogbo-Ilesa Road is one of the road projects that have received mere lip-service from previous administrations since the time of the old Oyo State. Its construction at a time like this is most heartily welcome. We have dwelt much on the importance of

this stretch of road in earlier parts of this report. •East Bypass TILL on combating the problem of traffic congestion in Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun, we now shift focus to another road project initiated by the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. That road is the East Bypass; the twinsister to the West Bypass, popularly known as Ring Road in Osogbo today. Any doubting Thomas on the intent and anticipated effectiveness of this road under construction would just need to take his cues from the usefulness of the existing Ring Road to human and vehicular movement. Also, the work of beautification it has wrought on the city is admirable. Yet al is not yet through with the West Bypass. By the time the planned upgrade of the road is in full swing, it shall be crystal clear to the most obstinate pessimist that its kind of toad project is crucial to fast-tracked development in practically all sectors. Much has been written on the East Bypass in our previous editions. The road project is planned to link the Iwo / Ede axis of the city from the Ido Osun end to the Ikirun/ Ila Odo / Erin Ile / Kwara State Boundary Road, currently under construction. The long road is planned to link the New Gbongan / Ibadan Express Road through the Ataoja High School / State House of Assembly belt and connect the city centre somewhere at the Ita Olookan / Ilesa Road latitude. From there, the road moves further to connect the earlier-mentioned city outskirts at the Testing Ground / Unity School area and burst out at the Power Line end. The ongoing project, named after the late monarch of the Source, the first and the last Governor of the Western Region, highly reputed royal father and great custodian of the Yoruba culture and traditions, the late Ooni of Ife, His Royal Highness, Oba Adesoji Tadeniawo Aderemi. Upon completion, the road would complement the West Bypass, the popular Ring Road in counting down on the problem of traffic congestion within the Osogbo metropolis. From the Osogbo / Iwo / Ibadan Road end of the city, the Oba Adesoji Aderemi Way shall provide an alternative route for motorists making it from that end, traveling either towards Ikirun or Gbongan; and who have no business doing in the centre of the city. In this, the road dispenses well its role as a bypass. Similarly, travelers through Osogbo from the Gbongan end, making it either towards Ikirun or Iwo could link the road midway at the House of Assembly crossing; provided they have no need to transverse the city-centre. This situation is also applicable to motorists plying the road from Ikirun end who may intend to avoid the hustlebustle of the city by taking the route either to the Gbongan Road exit or the whole length of it to Iwo Road end; depending on their actual destination. Finally on this Contiuned on page 11

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Prayes For Governor Rauf Aregbesola During His 57th Birthday Anniversary Last Sunday In Osogbo.

•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, addressing his admirers and well-wishers during a special prayer in commemoration of his 57th birthday anniversary at Nasrul-Lahi-Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo branch, State of Osun, on Sunday.

•Chairman, Nasrul-Lahi-Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo branch, Alhaji Biliaminu Isola, presenting a copy of the Holy Quran to Governor Aregbesola, while the ViceChairman, Nasrul-Lahi- Fathi Society [NASFAT] Osogbo Branch, Mr. Yinka Anjorin (left) and Acting Secretary of Nasrul–Lahi-Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo branch, Alhaji Mukaila Ajileye (right) watch with admiration during the special prayer for the governor in commemoration of his 57th birthday anniversary at Nasrul-Lahi-Fathi Society (NASFAT), Osogbo branch, State of Osun, on Sunday.

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

PHOTOTALK

Presentation Of An Award Of Nigerian Of The Year 2013 To The Governor, State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, By National Infinity Magazine At Centre For Black Culture And International Understanding, State Of Osun, Last Saturday. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.

•(L-R) President, Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Femi Adesina; Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; his wife, Sherifat and a House of Representatives’ member representing Irewole. Isokan, Ayedaade Federal Constituency, Alhaja Ayo Omidiran, at the event.

•(L-R) Editor-in-Chief, National Infinity Magazine, Mr Jide Ige; Guest Speaker, Mr Dapo Olorunyomi and State of Osun All Progressives Congress (APC) Interim Chairman, Elder Lowo Adebiyi, at the event.

•(L-R) Chief of Staff to State of Osun Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola; Secretary to the State Government of Osun, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti and State Head of Service, Mr Sunday Owoeye, during the programme.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

•A cross section of traditional rulers at the event.

•A cross section of guests during the programme.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat (right), receiving a cheque of N100,000 from Ige (2nd left); with them are Dapo Olorunyomi (left); and Femi Adesina (middle) during the programme.

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Received A Book On World Crises And Pathway To Peace At The Ahmadiyya Central Mosque In Osogbo, State Of Osun, Last Friday.

•(R-L) The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; President, Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Osogbo, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiy Akere and Chief Imam of Ahmadiyya Muslim Jama’at Central Mosque, Alhaji Abdul-Ganiy Oladipupo, during the presentation of a book, titled: ‘World Peace And Pathway To Peace’ to Governor Aregbesola, at the Central Mosque in Osogbo, State of Osun, last Friday.

•

•Aregbesola acknowledging cheers from his admirers after the presentation of the book at the Central Mosque in Osogbo, State of Osun, last Friday.

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Counting The Costs; Celebrating The Benefits (IV) Contiuned from page 6 note, road users coming from Gbongan end who intend to link Ikirun axis without getting into the city would also find the road very useful. We can also fashion out there numerous uses for the road for travelers from the Ilesa end and even those who intend to connect various ends of the city in a jiffy. It is hoped that when the Oba Adesoji Aderemi Way is completed, the long road shall impact wonderfully on the traffic flow of the state capital of Osun such that all unnecessary hold ups, congestion, hiccups and bottlenecks shall be removed. Another important role to be played by the road is that of providing direct access to and fro the Airport that is currently under construction. In this light, we can safely say that this road under review, alongside numerous other road projects ongoing or already completed in the State of Osun is preparing grounds for pragmatic and genuine transformation of Osogbo and the entire state by extension into a cosmopolitan setting. For the purpose of greater ease and convenience, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine strongly recommends that a feeder road should be paved directly from the Oba Adesoji Aderemi Way to access the Ayegbaju International Market from the rear. We do not doubt the ingenuity of the architects and planners of our roads in ensuring that several feeder roads are paved from different spots of the Aderemi Way to access various parts of the city. •Old Garage / Ikirun-Ila Odo-Erin Ile-Kwara State Boundary Road UCH has also been written on this ongoing road project. If we d not forget, this road project was supposed to form the Phase II of the entire Gbongan-Kwara State Boundary Road project spuriously embarked upon by the immediate past administration. If the reconstruction of that road project had been genuinely pursued by that administration; with all sincerity of purpose; then the entire stretch would have been completed a long while ago. We had, at various times during the time of that administration in office pointed out that if it had been its top priority and commitment to pave the dualized road, then, the two phases should have been awarded simultaneously to two separate contractors. The two contractors should have taken the projects from their two extreme ends at Gbongan / Akoda as the case may be; and Erin Ile / Ila Odo. The road projects could have wonderfully progressed, with the Old Garage area of Osogbo as their meeting point. Today, apart from the fact that the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aegbesola has brought the Akoda / Old Garage stretch of the road to 100 per cent stage of completion; work is earnestly in progress on the Old Garage / Kwara State Boundary stretch, which is hoped to be completed well before the administration is done with its first tenure in office. Already, all preparatory work on the road has been satisfactorily completed. This includes clearing the space for the second lane, blasting of rocks, removal of other obstructions and construction of culverts and bridges. Currently, tongues are being wagged by a cross

•AREGBESOLA: Governor, State of Osun

section of detractors and pessimists, insinuating it as stark impossibility that the road could be completed within the stated length of time. The take of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine on that is that since it took the Oyinlola administration its entire years in office, spanning seven and a half years, to construct the Old Garage / Akoda Road as its only notable project; the stage which work has reached on this road within the space of a year is quite encouraging. The problem with cynics of the incumbent administration is that they are dazzled, petrified and confounded with the astonishing achievements recorded so far. Instead of being repentant, many of these cynics have preferred the path of denigrating the administration; just as they fear that these numerous achievements recorded so far shall work wonders at the next polls. So they stand stuck with fear of their obvious end – political demise. OSUN DEFENDER Magazine’s wise counsel to these spent politicians and their cronies is that they should bury their shames and put the patches of their failed political careers together as is being done in jigsaw puzzles all over again. One best thing to do in such situations is to begin to take recourse to pitching tents with the camp of the progressives. Too much has been stolen; so much that the genuine owners, the people have noticed. The people have resolved that the only way out of their plight and enslavement is the purposeful governance of the progressives. The intimidating posture of the incumbent administration, thrown forward by the gait if its numerous achievements has convinced the people. So, they remain strongly convicted that the tide of progress must continue. Before we shift focus from this road in this edition, we have further remarks to make. With the rains just subsiding for the current year, the hope is high that the long dry season that is just setting in would give enhanced performances to the contractors handling the road project. The length of time between November 2013 and March / April 2014 would provide dry hand hard terrain with weather that is uninterrupted by incessant rainfalls which are enough facilitators to speedy progress of work coverage. God willing, we shall be here at the outset of the rainy season next year to assess the progress so far on the road project and other similar ones. •Testing Ground /Aderin / Orita Sabo / Onisekere Road HIS road branches from the Power Line Junction and extends through the Orita Sabo Junction to terminate at the Orita Onisekere at the famous Ayetoro Area of the state capital. Before the advent of the Rauf Aregbesola administration, it constituted an eyesore, as it had become almost impassable. There are some other feeder roads linking this road with other communities in the area. Examples of these include the ones connecting Kelebe and the Christ Resurrection Power Assembly, a.k.a. CREPA. As part of the thrust of the incumbent administration, these roads have been fixed. The to the importance of this road must be underscored. It connects the Ikirun / Kwara State outlet of the state capital with the heart of the city – the Palace Square along Ilesa Road. What

this implies is that any traveler into the city from Ikirun end is by it provided an alternative route into the interior without undergoing any interruption. The same is applicable to those coming from that interior with the Ikirun Road outskirts as their destination. Also, motorists approaching the Kola Balogun / Testing Ground Area in the precincts of Osun Presidential Hotel and those wanting to avert the unnecessary delays on the Ayetoro / Omo West Area could take the route to burst out at Power Line Junction. In addition, those at Ayetoro / Onisekere Junction and adjoining areas who intend to go to Ilesa or avert delays to get to Oja Oba could also find the in road an escape route. It is this important nature of the road which has obviously accorded it priority attention by the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. By the road and the West Bypass, with the new East Bypass under construction, much solution would be proffered persistent problem of traffic congestion in Osogbo metropolis; in addition to the ongoing rehabilitation efforts on the Osogbo / Kwara State Boundary Road. •Gbongan / Akoda Road T had been made known over and over again that the road construction efforts of the immediate past administration along Osogbo / Gbongan Road, especially, as far as road dualization is concerned terminated at Akoda. This means that the remaining stretch to Gbongan remained single-lane. The administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in fulfillment of the promises of the SYMBOL that all roads leading into the state would be made befitting has begun the dualization project on the remaining stretch of the road. In addition to this, the Ife / Ibadan Expressway exit of that road is also being made broad, elaborate and riskfree. This is as the necessary flyovers are currently under construction. The implication of these developments include smooth and easy drive, convenient, flawless and hitch-free journeys, improving durability of motor vehicles, thereby elongating their life span and reducing to the barest minimum the frequency and incidence of carnages on our roads. ON the note of the fore going, the entire communities that inhabit the metropolis of Osogbo, the capital of the State of Osun went agog with wild jubilation few weeks ago, as history was made when the incumbent administration under the able and dynamic leadership of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola came out pungently to unveil the mask on the new road projects constructed to criss-cross the entire city. From across the entire state and even from neighbouring communities located within the confines of the states adjoining the state, people trooped in, in their large numbers to witness yet another in the series of massive road commissioning put together by the Rauf Aregbesola administration. At the instance of that occasion alone, twenty-one (21) township roads were commissioned within the state capital. As early as the break of day on Monday, April 28, 2014, news filtered through the air that the governor of the State of Osun was billed to conduct a tour of all the

Contiuned on page 12

•LAOYE-TOMORI: Deputy Governor and Commissioner for Education

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Counting The Costs; Celebrating The Benefits (IV)

•A newly-commissioned road at Oroki Housing Estate, Osogbo. Continued from page 11

new roads, an exercise which was to climax into the official commissioning of the roads. In swift response to the news, frenzy jubilations charged the atmosphere as residents and others from far and near trooped into the city to witness the harvest of goodies in the list of dividends of democracy, dispensed through the good governance amply provided by the Government Unusual of Ogbeni Aregbesola. All classes of people jolted to outwit one another in sharing the joy of the day, as many shops remained closed, markets deserted and schools were bereft of the usual hustle-bustle that characterized them habitually. Motorists were about the gladdest set of people as their parks were speedily transformed into a bee-hive of activities preparatory to mass mobilization to accord the governor a rallying welcome to the road sites and the venue of the ultimate official commissioning later that day. It is placed on note that in consonance with the costsaving policies of the administration, which prompted a collective commissioning of like roads in similar locations in the first place, the festivities were bereft of frivolities which would have made the commissioning ceremony outstrip the project execution in cost. However, it was a ceremony that is worth coveting, as it inspired any lover of progress with joy. Some of the roads had long been completed up to a year prior to the date of official commissioning and the glad side is that they had since been put to use by the intended endusers. All the same, the official commissioning ceremony justified its purpose as it silenced wagging tongues accusing the administration of lack of any meaningful and / or demonstrable success in all its exertions. Detractors, comprising mainly accusers from the camp of the leading opposition party in the state – the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) – had tongue lashed the ruling party and leaders of government in particular of jumpstarting too many projects simultaneously with no appreciable success in all. This was even against the visible backdrop of the dramatic transformation being witnessed within the state capital in particular; and all over the state as a whole. At last the long-expected day came. It all went well and it ended well. Residents everywhere trooped out excitedly in their large numbers as they applauded the governor who drove round the city, acknowledging cheers from his admirers. Residents of places in the vicinity of the famous Old Governor ’s Office, FOWMAN School and Heritage Hotel could not hide their joy and ecstasy as they stopped the governor’s convoy in copious, practical demonstration of their appreciation for his good gestures. On and on, the governor moved, linking the stretch of the new roads through Ebenezer Hotel and Station roads; en route Fagbewesa Road. The procession was slow yet the governor’s convoy meandered through. The governor mounted an open-roof SUV van, dressed in immaculate white, beaming with radiant smiles and waving in acknowledgement of the ever-teeming cheering crowd. The crowd of admirers grew in strength as the procession made it through the city; moving through Boorepo (Ayetoro end) to Orita Elelede to Gbaemu;

Gbod0ofon / Isale Aro / Gbaemu Road; Church Street / Owoeye / Bisi Bankole / Oke Onitea / Olu Alabi stretch; linking Ilobu Road axis thereafter. Various versions of slogans of approval rented the air. Shouts of “Aregbe”, “APC”, “Ona Baba Ona” and all the rest rented the air. It was indeed a memorable occasion; a sight to behold. A man of the people that he is, the governor did not make the journey through the city alone. He was accompanied on the noble, worthwhile and impressive assignment by notable members of his entourage. Among these was the Wife of the Governor, Alhaja Sherifat Abidemi Aregbesola, the State Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs.) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Olalekan Adeoti, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola and the State of Osun Head of Service, Mr. Sunday Owoeye. Among the numbers was an impressive turnout of the members of the State Executive Council. At5 the Oroki Estate venue of the official commissioning, the crowd gathered momentum as the place was filled beyond capacity. In attendance were top government functionaries, members of the State of Osun House of Assembly led by the Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, Chairman of the House of Assembly Committee on Works, Honourable Abiodun Awolola and a cross section of National Assembly members representing the state in the Senate and the Federal House of Representatives. Grassroots administration threw its support and admiration of the events of the occasion as it recorded a huge turnout of royal fathers and traditional rulers across the state. Among these custodians of culture and traditions who graced the occasion are His Royal Majesty, the Ataoja of Osogbo, who doubled as the Royal Host, Oba Jimoh Abidemi Olaonipekun Larooye II; the Akinrun of Ikinrun, Oba Abdul Rauf Olawale Adedeji; the Olokuku of Okuku, Oba Samuel Abioye Oyebode Oyeleye Oluronke II; the Olunisa of Inisa, Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Oyedele Fasikun II; the Oloyan of Oyan, Oba Kelani Adekeye Oyedare; the Elerin of ErinOsun, Yusuff Omoloye Oyagbodun; the Oloogi of Oogi, Oba James Adeleke; the Olona of Ada, Oba Abimbola Abioye; the Olu of Sekona, Oba Abimbola Waheed; and the Olufi of Gbongan, Oba (Dr.) Adetoyese Odugbemi and a host of others. The occasion also played host to various political groups which include the Adaba Projects; De Young Mandate; Osun Positive Force; Progressive TorchBearers; De Raufs; De Integrity, Itesiwaju Dynamic Group; Women in Action; Oranmiyan Democrats; Asiwaju Grassroots Movement; just to mention a few. Professional groups of note that heeded the clarion call made by the occasion include the Motor Dealers Association of Nigeria; Nigerian Automobile Technicians Association (NATA); Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN); and the market Women Association. The political class was not excluded. The event of the day had in attendance the State Interim Chairman of the All Progressive Congress, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi; other leaders of the party including the Interim Secretary, Prince Adegboyega Famodun,; State Interim Deputy Chairman, Alhaji Muraina Iyiola; State Interim Women

Leader, Alhaja Kudirat Fakokunde; State Assistant P.R.O., Apostle Samson Oyebode; Osun Central Senatorial leader, Alhaji G.O. Lawal; former Chief of Staff, Elder peter Babalola (Peter Action); Alhaji Wale Lasisi, Chairman State Civil Service Commission, among others. Speaker after speaker at the occasion were full of praises for the good gesture and landmark achievements of the governor. The speeches featured a fair representation of all interest groups which included politicians, trade associations, royal fathers, market men and women, community leaders, artistes and stage performers who registered their support and approval for Governor Aregbesola. The toll of goodwill messages did not exclude the National Chairman, Radio and Television Artistes and Workers’ Union (RATAWU), Comrade Yemisi Bamigbose who eulogized the governor and rated him as first among contemporaries across all geopolitical zones in the federation. According to him, the governor’s commitment to the growth, development and progress of the state is unprecedented anywhere. He counseled that the governor’s enigmatic giant strides are such that the people of the state dared not sacrifice or miss on whatever altar. As soon as the stage was set for the governor to present his speech, he descended on the opposition which had been busy launching campaigns of calumny and propaganda against his administration all the while. The governor, while lambasting the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) pointed out that the commissioning programme was put together to shame these critics who were out on baseless denigrating of the administration and all its positive transformations which are visible all over the state. According to him, the projects and the programme of the day were to sho2wcase to the whole world the results of “ingenuity and purposeful leadership”. He in particular cited Senator Iyiola Omisore, the PDP governorship candidate in the state, who he described as least competent to contest any election or aspire for leadership at any level; saying in clear and lucid terms that Omisore “lacks all the political credentials to contest for public offices”. He said: “I assure the people of the state of your protection of lives and properties. You must not fear the charlatans in choosing the governor of your choice. Their candidate, Omisore, who was unable to vote for himself in 2003 and in 2007, his electoral doctored figure was nullified by the court. “He was in prison when he emerged as a senator. He was unable to vote for himself, not to talk of campaigning. INEC and the power that be in Abuja doctored figures for him to become a senator. “Also in 2007, when he contested with Jide Omoworare, the court nullified his election on account of irregularities, but when we clearly understood that their intention was to kill our supporters, we boycotted the election. He then contested against himself. The 2011 election was not also different as they killed five people at Isale-Agbara area of Ile-Ife before the election and despite that, he lost his ward. “Our victory is not by human power, but by God’s grace. God has given us victory since 2007 and handed Continued on page 13

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Counting The Costs; Celebrating The Benefits (IV)

•Newly-commissioned road at LAMECO Area, Osogbo. Continued from page 12

over power to us on November 26, 2010. God removed an army General, who fought war in Somalia, not to talk of a prisoner, who does not deserve to be a councillor. “You must not fear them. God is by our side and for those who sent them on vendetta mission from Abuja, Kaduna or anywhere, they have invested on a failed project and by God’s grace, they would fail”. Aregbesola stated that he was not perturbed by the huge amount of money committed to the road projects, because they would have unquantifiable benefits on the lives of the people. He added that at the inception of the administration, he had a vision of progress for the state; of which road infrastructural development was a vital component. Governor Aregbesola further stressed that because of the paramount importance of road transportation to the movement of people and goods in Nigeria, including Osun, government accorded it priority attention in it development scheme. The helmsman of the state pointed out that his administration was not deterred or discouraged by the little details of short-term inconveniences but focused on the big picture and the long-term value of the sacrifices it is making today. In furtherance of his speech, he said: “When we started these roads, our traducers scoffed and mocked the project, claiming that we would never have the funds or the presence of mind to see them through. But to the glory of God and their eternal shame, we have delivered on our promise. “We are not resting on our oars; our greater vision is to tar every road in the state since we cannot conceive of a beautiful environment without good roads. “We will therefore continue to convert our visionary road map for Osun into concrete and enduring legacy of asphaltic surfaces for the engendering of socioeconomic development, progress and prosperity for our people”.

He stressed that as the state capital, Osogbo Township and development project stands out as the product of a visionary roadmap, intentionally aimed at making Osogbo the truly modern state capital it deserves to be. In his further exposition, the governor stressed that the roads were designed to ease transportation within the city; as well as in and out of it, adding that the total number of roads being commissioned in Osogbo on that occasion was twenty-one (21) of a total stretch of 26.31 kilometres.

The governor went as far as listing one-by-one the roads being commissioned. A substantial part of the itemized road projects have already made our list in this series of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine edition. The governor’s list includes the following: Station Road to Ebenezer Hotel Road; Boorepo to Elelede Junction Road; Elelede to Gbaemu Road; Gbodofon to Gbaemu Junction Road; and Ilobu Road to GRA Road. Others include: Oja Oba Road to Plantain Area; Balogun / Biiro to Oke Baale Road; Alafia Street to Church Street; Awolowo Way; Coca-Cola to Capital Hotel Road; Oke Onitea Road to Anaye Market Junction; Okefia to Ita Olokan Road; the Road from Opposite Capital Hotel to Oroki Road; Oroki Estate to Ilobu Road; Odetoyinbo to Heritage Hotel Road with Spur; and Kola Balogun Road Junction to Fiwasaye Olorunosebi Junction. There are also the Osunbukola to Ede Road; John Mackay Road to Oke Baale; the road from Tanisi to Keji Adigun Street; Adams Street to Mercy Land and Road Spur; Steel Rolling Camp to Kabelo Filling Station; and Rehabilitated Ifeloju Omo-West Road. Giving the nitty-gritty of the roads, the governor said:

“A closer look at these roads would reveal a deliberate pattern of an Inner Ring network of roads within Osogbo which connect and complement the existing Outer Ring Road around the city. The Inner Ring Road takes off from a point directly opposite First Bank along Osogbo-Gbongan Road, from where it winds through Gbodofon to Jaleyemi and Gbemu Junction Road, and up to Isale Aro. This stretch covers 1.79 kilometres. It then cuts across the Oja-Oba Road to connect Gbemu Junction to Oluode Market through Elelede Junction and Abaku Road, and on to Boorepo, covering a distance of 1.47 kilometres. “From there, it links up with the ongoing dual carriage Osogbo-Ikirun-Ilaodo Highway. From across the Highway, another stretch of the road runs from Church Street to Bisi Bankole/Anaye Market Street, through Alaafia Street to Oke Onitea Road and up to Anaye Market Junction, to connect with the existing West Bypass Road. Here it covers 2.08 kilometres and loops into a semi-circle inside Osogbo. Another 1.35-kilometre section of the Inner Ring continues from GRA Road to Adesina Crescent and up to Osogbo-Ilobu Road around Lameco Junction. From here it branches off into the dual carriageway Oroki

Lane. Up this lane, an L-arm of the road turns right to connect with West Bypass at Jerry Paul Filling Station. “The other arm goes up through Oroki Estate onto Tinumola/ Wonderful Road to intersect with the Iwo Road to Okefia, at a point directly opposite Capital Hotel. Another span of the road goes in from beside Capital Hotel to Alekunwodo right through Coca-Cola. This 2.33-kilometre section bursts out onto OsogboGbongan Road, but this time beside First Bank, from across the point where it took off, to complete the Inner Ring Road formation in the Osogbo Road Master Plan.” He further revealed that:

“These roads are constructed to last between 15 and 20 years. They feature drainages that are fortified with iron and concrete thickness of between 60mm and 70mm. The accompanying drainage channels will further enhance the life span of the roads by draining flood water away from the roads and thereby preventing their being washed away by erosion. “To improve the engineering integrity of the roads, they have been constructed with various layers consisting of laterite, stone base and asphaltic overlay of 50mm. Their asphaltic thickness is of the same quality because they will be plied by all grades of vehicles. “All these roads put together have cost us tens of billions of naira. But we are not perturbed by the huge amount of money we have committed into the road projects, we have our minds on the unquantifiable benefits they will have on the lives of our people and the overall socio-economic development of Osun. In what we do, we do not allow ourselves to be detained by the little details of short-term inconveniences; that is for small minds to get in a stew over. Instead, we focus our minds stoutly on the big picture and the long-term value of the sacrifices we are making today”.

The full text of the governor’s speech at the occasion is here relayed:

Continued on page 14

MAGAZINE

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Counting The Costs; Celebrating The Benefits (IV)

A Visionary Road Map Speech Delivered By The Governor Of The State Of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, At The Official Commissioning Of The Osogbo Metropolitan Road Projects, Held At Oroki Estate, On Monday April 28, 2014. Protocols

want to start today’s commissioning

ceremony on a note of congratulation to the people and State Government of Osun. This stems neither from a sense of vanity nor an attempt to celebrate frivolity. Rather, it arises from a feeling of concrete achievement at transforming our vision into reality. As an administration, we have operated on the notion that governance is inescapably about vision – a clear conception of where you want to go from where you are. But the vision would amount to nothing without actually moving from where you are in the direction of your conceived destination. This means that vision must be translated into concrete achievements on the ground. In effect, at the inception of our administration, we had a vision of progress for Osun, of which road infrastructure development is a vital component. Because of the paramount importance of road transportation for the movement of people and goods in Nigeria, including Osun, we also accorded it a priority attention in our development scheme. Consequently, we came up with a map for the comprehensive development of our road network. These encompass rural and local roads, intra-city and inter-city roads, as well as interstate roads. This road plan cuts across the length and breadth of Osun. But we conceived our road infrastructure development plan in the full consciousness that people do not commute on road maps; they travel on actually marked-out asphalted surfaces. Consequently, we embarked on giving concrete effect to what we have conceived in our mind and mapped out on paper. All over the state we commenced in earnest the construction of new roads, the reconstruction of some others, and the repair and rehabilitation of old and dilapidated ones. In the Six Geo-political Zones of Osun, we selected six roads extending for over 74.1 kilometres. Likewise, in the state’s Federal Constituencies, we chose for construction and rehabilitation intra-city roads which cover 79 kilometres. In the road map being executed, there are also 20 inter-city roads that extend over a

distance of 294.27 kilometres.

John Mackay Road to Oke Baale; the road from Tanisi to Keji Adigun Street; Adams Street to Included in the road plan under Mercy Land and Road Spur; Steel Rolling Camp implementation are 10 kilometres of road to Kabelo Filling Station; and Rehabilitated construction in each of the state’s local council Ifeloju Omo-West Road. areas including the Area Office. These are in addition to the eight road rehabilitation projects A closer look at these roads would reveal a that we inherited from the immediate-past deliberate pattern of an Inner Ring network of administration, with a total coverage of 144.29 roads within Osogbo which connect and kilometres. complement the existing Outer Ring Road around the city. There are of course the big ones, the massive road projects that connect various parts of Osun The Inner Ring Road takes off from a point to other states with which we share borders. directly opposite First Bank along OsogboThese include the 36.85-kilometre dual Gbongan Road, from where it winds through carriageway road we are constructing from Gbodofon to Jaleyemi and Gbemu Junction Osogbo to Ila-Odo on the state’s border with Road, and up to Isale Aro. This stretch covers Kwara State, and the Gbongan-Orileowu-Ijebu 1.79 kilometres. It then cuts across the Oja-Oba Igbo Road, which is also a dual carriageway. Road to connect Gbemu Junction to Oluode Market through Elelede Junction and Abaku Then, there is the Omoluabi Motorway, being Road, and on to Boorepo, covering a distance of reconstructed into a dual carriageway, from 1.47 kilometres. Akoda to Gbongan Junction, where it will have a Trumpet Interchange named after our elder From there, it links up with the ongoing dual statesman and former governor, Chief Bisi carriage Osogbo-Ikirun-Ilaodo Highway. From Akande. across the Highway, another stretch of the road runs from Church Street to Bisi Bankole/Anaye The township roads component of the plan Market Street, through Alaafia Street to Oke includes different towns and cities in the state Onitea Road and up to Anaye Market Junction, in their coverage. They have been completed in to connect with the existing West Bypass Road. Ede, in Ilesa, and now in Osogbo. As the state Here it covers 2.08 kilometres and loops into a capital, the Osogbo township road development semi-circle inside Osogbo. project stands out as a product of a visionary road map. They are intentionally aimed at Another 1.35-kilometre section of the Inner making Osogbo the truly modern state capital it Ring continues from GRA Road to Adesina deserves to be Crescent and up to Osogbo-Ilobu Road around Lameco Junction. From here it branches off into In view of this, the roads are designed to ease the dual carriageway Oroki Lane. Up this lane, transportation within the city, as well as in and an L-arm of the road turns right to connect out of it. Together the roads stretch for 26.31 with West Bypass at Jerry Paul Filling Station. kilometres. They are a total of 21 roads that we are commissioning today. They include: Station The other arm goes up through Oroki Estate Road to Ebenezer Hotel Road; Boorepo to onto Tinumola/ Wonderful Road to intersect with Elelede Junction Road; Elelede to Gbemu Road; the Iwo Road to Okefia, at a point directly Gbodofon to Gbemu Junction Road; and Ilobu opposite Capital Hotel. Another span of the Road to GRA Road. road goes in from beside Capital Hotel to Alekunwodo right through Coca-Cola. Others include: Oja Oba Road to Plantain Area; Balogun Biiro to Oke Baale Road; Alafia This 2.33-kilometre section bursts out onto Street to Church Street, Awolowo Way; Coca- Osogbo-Gbongan Road, but this time beside Cola to Capital Hotel Road; Oke Onitea Road First Bank, from across the point where it took to Anaye Market Junction; Okefia to Ita Olokan off, to complete the Inner Ring Road formation Road; the Road from Opposite Capital Hotel to in the Osogbo Road Master Plan. Oroki Road; Oroki Estate to Ilobu Road; Odetoyinbo to Heritage Hotel Road with Spur; These roads are constructed to last between and Kola Balogun Road Junction to Fiwasaye 15 and 20 years. They feature drainages that are Olohunosebi Junction. fortified with iron and concrete thickness of between 60mm and 70mm. The accompanying There are also the Osunbukola to Ede Road; drainage channels will further enhance the life

•Another recently commisssioned road in Ilesa.

span of the roads by draining flood water away from the roads and thereby preventing their being washed away by erosion. To improve the engineering integrity of the roads, they have been constructed with various layers consisting of laterite, stone base and asphaltic overlay of 50mm. Their asphaltic thickness is of the same quality because they will be plied by all grades of vehicles. All these roads put together have cost us tens of billions of naira. But we are not perturbed by the huge amount of money we have committed into the road projects, we have our minds on the unquantifiable benefits they will have on the lives of our people and the overall socioeconomic development of Osun. In what we do, we do not allow ourselves to be detained by the little details of short-term inconveniences; that is for small minds to get in a stew over. Instead, we focus our minds stoutly on the big picture and the long-term value of the sacrifices we are making today. When we started these roads, our traducers scoffed and mocked the project, claiming that we would never have the funds or the presence of mind to see them through. But to the glory of God and their eternal shame, we have delivered on our promise. We are not resting on our oars; our greater vision is to tar every road in the state since we cannot conceive of a beautiful environment without good roads. We will therefore continue to convert our visionary road map for Osun into concrete and enduring legacy of asphaltic surfaces for the engendering of socio-economic development, progress and prosperity for our people. I thank you for being attentive. Osun a dara!

To be continued.

NEWS

OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, May 27, 2014

Akere Empowers 450 Women, Youths By SHINA ABUBAKAR four hundred and fifty persons from O VER Boluwaduro Local Government Council Area of the State of Osun have benefitted from the skill acquisition programme organised and sponsored by the Sate Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere. The beneficiaries, who counselled the participants were from the five on how to use their skills to communities in the council create business capital and area and Ila-Orangun, expand their capital base. received two weeks She described the gesture intensive training in beadmaking, cake and snacks extended to them by baking, soaps, detergent Honourable Akere as a lifeand air-freshener making, as time opportunity for each of them to be self-reliant and well as fabric branding. to be able to support their Speaking at the families. graduation ceremony and She also commended presentation of certificates to the graduating women in the communities participants, the Bamofin of for participating in the skill Igbajo, Chief Adegboyega acquisition programme, Awomolo (SAN), urged the saying they were the ones participants to be diligent who needed the scheme and apply the knowledge most, as it would empower they acquired to improve them towards taking care of their socio-economic status. the immediate needs of their families. He charged the In his remark, the beneficiaries to utilise their new skills to contribute their facilitator of the skill quota to the development of acquisition programme and their communities and their State Commissioner for Information and Strategy immediate family members. disclosed that the objective The legal luminary of the programme was to disclosed that a loan support the vision of scheme was also on ground Governor Rauf Aregbesola for the participants to of empowering women and access as a take-off capital youths in the state since his for their businesses, while assumption of office in the stressing the need for them state, acknowledging that to repay such loans for the the state government cannot do it alone. benefit of others. Also speaking, the State Commissioner for Women and Children Affairs, Mrs Mofolake Adegboyega,

According to the commissioner, the best way to give youths and women a sense of belonging is to

empower them through meaningful vocational skills, instead of giving them cash gift, which is terminal, while urging beneficiaries to make judicious use of the skills they acquired during

the training. He stated that a loan scheme, which is community-driven would be made available for

participants to access, so they could have a take-off capital to start their businesses. Prominent members of the community present at the

programme, through Architect Adegbite, reiterated their readiness to ensure effective take-off of the credit scheme to improve the socio-status of the members of the community.

Osun Speaker Honoured By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

for us to have a better society.

“This is in line with the PEAKER of the State House of Assembly of Osun, Honourable Najeem Salaam, has been conferred with an award of Commander of Great Ife (GCI) by the Obafemi Awolowo University Alumni Association. He was honoured alongside him to do more interm of the Governor of Abia State, adding values to the Theordor Orji; the business development of the society. magnate, Chief Jimoh Ibrahim; Mallam Yusuff Ali (SAN) Saying that he has always among others. been an advocate of good representation, the Speaker The awards were presented noted that this quality has been to the Speaker and other displayed on the floor of the awardees at the 21st Biennial House as a lawmaker. Convention of the OAU Alumni Association. “This award is a challenge for me and it is a call to service •SALAAM Salaam was honoured as a role model to younger generation for his outstanding achievements and contribution to the development of Nigeria. HE State Government of Osun has felicitated S

efforts that we have been making in the State House of Assembly under my leadership, in collaboration with the executive, to better the lives of the people,” he said. Salaam commended other members of the state parliament for their support in making sure that the body maintains its standard to justify the honour. He also appreciated the OAU Alumnus Association for their trust in him, promising to continue to be a good representative of the institution.

Osun Felicitates With Mr Speaker

Presenting the award, the President Emeritus of the Association, Mr Wole Olaoye, stated that the values that the awardees have brought into the university and the society at large qualified them for the honour. Salaam, who was represented by his deputy, Honourable Akintunde, to receive the award, said that the honour was a great challenge for

with the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Najeem Salaam on the award of Great Commander of Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife. It described the Speaker A congratulatory message signed by the State as a patriotic lawmaker, who Commissioner for is committed to the Information and Strategy, development of the state Mr Sunday Akere, and the country as a whole, disclosed that the award saying the award was timely. conferred on the Speaker by The statement urged Mr the OAU alumni worldwide Speaker to see the is a honour well-deserved. recognition as a challenge

to rededicate himself to serving humanity, with a view to making the state and the country as a whole a better place for all to live and thrive. It also commended the OAU Alumni for deeming it fit to recognise the Speaker of the state parliament as worthy of the award, describing it as a pride for the government of the state.

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TUESDAY, MAY 27, 2014

“Welfarism is an attempt in governance to bring health, wealth and happiness to all”

is this T HERE pervasive view of politics in this part of the world that claims that politics is all about interest of individuals, or groups and the best ways to achieve this selfinterest, however it is true that good governance is one that strives to please all, notwithstanding religious or social affiliation, while also maintaining social order and upholding societal values. The above task looks so simple on paper and especially, when being debated upon in the worlds of public opinion and social evaluation, but as a student of politics, I know it just happens to be a daunting herculean task to bring about consensus and provide general welfare for all. I believe it is obvious to the most-biased of political minds that the State of Osun, under the welfaristic auspices of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has carried out the best welfare oriented government since the great AWO in the 60s with many positive changes and strategy oriented visionary programmes that, if duly-followed, will not only take Osun to greater height, but put the humble Ogbeni on the same historical pedestal with the likes of AWO and other great progressive minds. It is vital to note that the key to a sound politics of welfarism is sound strategic planning which Baba Awolowo utilised with great grace and one which the South West will continue to enjoy. However, it is only courageous and bold individuals like our amiable Ogbeni that can choose to transcend the petty “play safe” politics of Nigeria and instead decide to be a statesman, who will do all in his power, according to the rule of

By FUNSHO BAMIDURO

Aregbesola: The Politics Of Welfarism

•AREGBESOLA

law, to ensure and secure the future even, at the risk of losing so-called political points graded by biased opposition. But I am sure the good people of Osun know better. CHANGE is the accepted creed of progressives and a change forward is what Osun must embrace. In the history of political development of nations, it is important to note that any nation or state that will be economically and socially buoyant has to go through a period of revolutionary uneasy changes. One I can liken to a process involved in “Road

every step taken culminates into a promise kept. There are many so-called truths being peddled by some biased minds, but the real truth is that; although Ogbeni is not there yet, but he is on the right track and closest to the best welfare oriented governor we have had in decades. It is real to point out that asking for patience from the good people of Osun is a big demand since past administrations have shown that government is simply not to be trusted. Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is not disconnected from this truth and pain of the people and that is why he has been doing many things at once, trying to convince the good people of Osun that he will deliver on all his promises. To discerning and unbiased minds, he seems to realise that to whom much trust is given, much services are also expected, hence his down-to-earth, opendoor policy, and charismatic public display approach backed up by strategic, welfare oriented governance. Ogbeni asked for our mandate before, secured it, was denied and eventually fought to claim it, and he has shown that the State of Osun can go places if strategic plans are followed; He has been widely-acclaimed and awarded on his numerous programmes. In fact, he has done well, and we can only strive forward to achieve the much-needed changes, which can only be achieved when we give him another chance at the polls to finish this unravelling wonderful political welfaristic strategic masterpiece.

construction” where signs such as “SLOW DOWN, CLOSED, and DIVERSION” are boldly inscribed to warn road users of the changes going on. For road users, this period often takes great measure of patience, due to traffic, longer diversion routes or closed pathways, but when the road is done, everyone is happy. Aregbesola’s •This piece, first published administration has parted ways with the status quo in many in the Tuesday, February 25, ways, as he has taken seemingly 2014 edition is repeated due impossible albeit bold steps to to popular demand. -Editor redeem the image of our dear state and all he is asking for is patience and another chance, as

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.