Osun Defender - May 29th, 2014 Edition

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www.osundefender.org THURSDAY, MAY 29, 2014 Who will advise the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to take it easy in its desperation to coast home victory in the coming governorship elections in Ekiti and the state of Osun, even as it's glaring that all the factors on

PEOPLE FIRST

VOL. 9. NO.064

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Osun 2014 Governorship Election:

Aregbesola Campaign Receives Ooni’s Blessings •Says His Administration Has Constructed 51km Of Roads In Ile-Ife •As Huge Crowd Welcomes Him To The Ancient City - See Story On Page 2

•A mammoth crowd during the official flag off of Campaign for Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s re-election into office at Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State of Osun, last Tuesday. INSET: (L-R) Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomeori; Governor Aregbesola and his wife, Sherifat, regally seated at the campaign.

- See Story On Page 14

Osun 2014: Aregbesola Takes Fight To Omisore’s Doorstep

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

AREGBESOLA’S RE-ELECTION MEGA RALLY IN ILE-IFE

Aregbesola Campaign Receives Ooni’s Blessings •Says His Administration Has Constructed 51km Of Roads In Ile-Ife •As Huge Crowd Welcomes Him To The Ancient City

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

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HE popularity of the state governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, was on Tuesday put to test in Ile Ife, at the flagg-off of his governorship campaign in Ife Federal Constituency, as the ancient city was at a standstill for several hours while the campaign rally lasted, with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade, showering royal blessings and encomiums on him.

Aregbesola, who arrived the city at exactly 2.00 pm was followed by a mammoth crowd from Obafemi Awolowo University campus gate through Lagere, Sabo to the palace of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Sijuwade.

The governor, cladded in white traditional attire, sat on top of a mini luxury bus, waving at the excited crowd, who were trooping out from

different corners of the ancient town and distributing various campaign materials.

Aregbesola later arrived the palace at exactly 3.05pm and moved to the house of chiefs within the palace.

The security arrangement at the palace was doubled to minimise the flow of crowd into the palace, as there were gridlocks of supporters of

Ile-Ife Rally, A Carnival Amidst Pump And Pageantry •Ancient City Standstill For Aregbesola

Governor Aregbesola, who had stormed the palace.

In the entourage of the governor were the State Deputy Governor, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Laoye-Tomori, former Deputy Governor, Sooko Adeleke Adewoyin, Senator Babajide Omoworare, Senator Sola Adeyeye, Honourable Rotimi Makinde, the Chief of Staff to the Governor, Alhaji Gboyega Oyetola, the State Commissioner for Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun among others.

The governor was given a grand reception by different traditional dancers in the presence of traditional chiefs at the palace.

The Lowa Adimula of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, who welcomed the governor on behalf of the Ooni-inCouncil, said all the people of Ife at home and in the diaspora are in support of the governor’s second term bid.

Speaking at the palace, the Ooni of Ife, Oba

Sijuwade, showered blessings on the governor to secure victory in the coming election.

The monarch said: “We don’t have anything than God. You have come to the source for royal blessing and by God’s grace, you will succeed, and we are going to support you to succeed.”

Oba Sijuwade described Governor Aregbesola as a performing governor, who has raised the bar of governance and admonished the governor to ensure peace in Ifeland before and after the August 9 election.

“I have convened the meeting of all political stakeholders in Ifeland including the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) National Secretary, Professor Wale Oladipo, on the need to maintain peace.

No one will kill each other.

Nothing will happen to you and I have told your people to also be peaceful. By God’s grace, you will get

there again.

“I have seen the letter my children, who are members of your party, wrote to the security agencies on the alleged threat to their lives.

I can assure you, there will not be any form of violence,” the monarch said.

The governor commended the monarch for his usual support since 2006, when he launched Oranmiyan Campaign Organisation and his fatherly advice at all times since his assumption of office on November 26, 2010.

The governor said it has become a tradition to kick start all his party election campaign in Ile-Ife since 2006, 2007 and 2011.

Aregbesola later arrived the venue of the rally, Government Technical College, Ile-Ife around 4pm in the midst of several thousands of his supporters, who had waited to receive him.

Speaking at the rally,

Aregbesola said the April 9 election will put the PDP to shame to the extent that they will not move near any electoral contest in the state again.

Aregbesola said he is seeking re-election to sustain development, good governance and brighter future for the yet-unborn generation.

He stressed that for those who are not sure of his performance, his administration has constructed 51 kilometres of roads in Ile-Ife and built many model schools and also renovated major hospitals in the federal constituency.

According to the governor, his administration has also distributed 1,400 tablets of knowledge in the federal constituency and dredged major rivers in Ife City, where they normally experienced flooding and promised the people to do more.

He then urged the people not to exercise any fear and vote for the APC in the coming election.

By SHINAABUBAKAR

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OLITICIANS and residents of Ifeland last Tuesday turned the inaugural electioneering campaign of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of the State of Osun in Ile-Ife into a carnival, as the ancient town from Enuwa Square to Technical College at Ilode stood still for the All Progressives Congress (APC) loyalists and their supporters.

He urged the people not Many party members had to abandon their vehicles at to be afraid of anyone that Lagere end of Ilode and might be attempting to walked to the venue in a bid intimidate or harass them to witness the entire before or during the polls, charging everyone in Ile-Ife programme.

The entourage of the and its environs to come state’s First Lady, Mrs. out and vote en masse for Sherifat Aregbesola, Aregbesola come August 9, comprising of wives of 2014.

Diekola disclosed that commissioners, lawmakers and council chairmen were the APC-led administration held in the traffic jam for in the state has delivered on its 2007 electioneering hours.

Some commissioners had campaign promises and to drop from their vehicles should be re-elected for and walked to the venue, another four years to while others joined further make Osun proud.

Also speaking, the commercial motorcyclists to lawmaker representing Ifeease the heat on the road.

When OSUN DEFENDER Federal Constituency at the Assembly, got to the venue of the rally, National Rotimi the school’s field was filled Honourable to capacity, as several Makinde, was appreciative and support the political organisations of the love of Ifeland showed competed for relevance and people the party since 2011, test of their popularity adding that the support at strength. the rally was awesome.

Nollywood actors and He wondered if the musicians were not left out opposition party candidate of the rally, as some of them, hails from Ife, particularly led by Toyin Adegbola, with the support the party Taiwo Amusan and Saheed enjoyed from the teeming Balogun added glamour and residents of the ancient glitz to the rally. town.

Similarly, Tony Tetula led Makinde described other musicians to the Aregbesola as God-sent, venue and entertained whose ascendency to power has brought relief to people at the rally.

As Governor Rauf the populace, particularly Aregbesola arrived the in Ile-Ife. The lawmaker further venue, swamps of brooms were dancing in the air, disclosed that prior to the of welcoming the governor to administration the rally, who was Aregbesola, roads in Ile-Ife neglected only for the accompanied by some were governor to break the jinx national party leaders. commenced One of the party and construction of roads in the chieftains in the state, Alhaji ancient town.

Fatai Diekola, while Many political groups, addressing the crowd, including Oranmiyan disclosed that Governor Support Group, Mandate Aregbesola is currently not Group, Osun Progressive just seeking second term in Torch Bearers, The Young office, but seeking the Aregbesola Victory Group support of the people of the and many others too state towards making Osun numerous to mention a pride for indigenes at added glamour to the event. home and in the Diaspora.

•Senator Isiaka Adeleke (left) joining “THE BIRTHDAY BOY,” Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, in cutting his 57th birthday anniversary cake last Sunday at Government House, Osogbo.

Ife Zone APC Political Players Confident Of Aregbesola’s Victory

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED

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OLITICAL players of All Progressives Congress (APC) extractions in Ife Federal Federal Constituency of the State of Osun have expressed their confidence that Governor Rauf Aregbesola would have a landslide victory in the area and the state in general during the forthcoming August 9, 2014 governorship election.

They gave the assurance at the flag-off of Aregbesola’s campaign in Ile-Ife for his second term bid.

Ile-Ife is the hometown of one of the major contenders for the governorship seat, Iyiola Omisore, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate.

Declaring the campaign open, the Chairman, APC Campaign Committee in the zone, Honourable Folorunsho Bamisayemi, said that there was no cause to entertain any fear, as the party has gained enough ground to emerge victorious.

“We have all seen reasons why we should vote Aregbesola again, because under his administration, Ile-Ife and its environs have changed for the better.

“Despite the fact that one of the major contenders for the governorship race is from IleIfe, Aregbesola would win in Ile-Ife and other parts of the state,” he insisted.

Also, the senator representing Osun East Senatorial District, Babajide Omoworare and his Osun Central counterpart, Professor Sola Adeyeye, said the only option the PDP is working on is to kill people in the name of election and steal votes, having realised that they lack political strength.

Omoworare stated that the PDP candidate has been occupying positions of authority since 1999 and he has not been able to attract any development, even to his hometown, Ile-Ife, until

Aregbesola assumed office.

“Ask my brother, what does he want again. He was a deputy governor and he was a senator, who chaired the appropriation committee in the Senate, yet, there was nothing to show for it.

“He had contested for governorship seat for, at least, three times, and he failed. He should succumb to fate that he is not destined to be governor.

“Having realised that they have no strength, the only option they have now is to kill people and snatch our votes.

We should not allow them to achieve that dream because it is anti-people,” he noted.

Also, Adeyeye stressed that the love and support that Aregbesola received in Ile-Ife have shown that the people of the ancient town want him for a second term.

According to him, the PDP candidate has no strength to win just a councillorship seat, as he was defeated in his ward when he contested for senatorial seat in 2011.

In his own address at the event, the House of Representatives member, representing Ife Federal Constituency, Honourable Rotimi Makinde, expressed hope that the election would be free of violence, saying the administration of Aregbesola has provided jobs for the youths who would have been used as thugs.

He stressed that the APC members would not fight, but would rather stand firm to defend their votes, as the only focus of the PDP is to cause violence.

In his remark, the State Acting Chairman of the APC, Elder Adelowo Adebiyi, said Aregbesola has not disappointed the people on the promises he made prior to his first term election.

According to him, Aregbesola’s administration has brought rapid development to the state and therefore, deserves a second term, with a view to allowing him complete his developmental programmes.

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Aregbesola Advocates Collaboration On Schools’ Competition •School Literary Champions Get Prizes •Winner Spends A Day With Governor

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

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OVERNOR of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, wrote another history in the hallmark of the state on Monday by marking his 57th birthday with the Champion of Inter-schools Debate held recently in Osogbo, the state capital.

Habibullah Ayodele, the Black Culture and International winner of the debate Understanding, while the cash competition, spent a day with presentation and ceremony was the governor in the same attire fixed for Monday, the 26th, the and performed official duties day after the governor’s together throughout Monday, birthday.

People defied the heavy which was the first of its kind downpour on Monday night in the history of the state.

The schools’ debate grand and stormed the Government finale was organized by House, venue of the programme, Omoluabi Support Group and in their hundreds to celebrate the Oramiyan Worldwide on 13th giant strides of the governor in May, 2014 at the Centre for the education sector, which

reflected in the school debate.

Dignitaries on seat at the Dinner Night included the First Lady of the State of Osun, Mrs Sherifat Aregbesola, the Deputy Governor, Otunba Grace (Mrs) Laoye-Tomori, Senator Olusola Adeyeye, representing Osun Central Senatorial District, members of the Federal House of Representatives from the state and members of the State Executive Council.

Lagos State House of Assembly members also flooded the venue led by the Speaker, Honourable Adeyemi Ikuforiji, the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Kolawole Taiwo and Honourable Muyiwa

Jimoh, while the State of Osun parliament was also led to the dinner by the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Akintunde Adegboye.

Speaking after the presentation of certificates and cash prizes to the winners, Governor Aregbesola urged the corporate organizations and philanthropists to collaborate with the state government on schools competition, especially in Mathematics, Civic Education and indigenous languages.

According to him, the competition will encourage students and teachers to put in their best in providing quality

knowledge that can stand the test of time.

He said: “If not this simple effort, we may not discover the talent in our schools. Their brilliant performances during the debate and logical presentation of issues inspired me. I was so excited with their performances.”

“Brilliance is not determined by oratory. That is why by next year, it is important to introduce competition in Mathematics, civic education and local language. We are therefore, calling on the people to collaborate with us at all levels of our basic education, elementary, middle and high schools.”

“Competition in schools is a process to stimulate acquisition of knowledge and other skills to succeed and we must support them to succeed,” Aregbesola said.

The governor, while expressing satisfaction on the academic performance of the students at the basic level, urged the teachers to improve on physical education, urging them to develop the spirit of sports to become active children.

Aregbesola also commended the Omoluabi Support Group for the initiative and urged members not to relent in their effort to impact positive changes in the society.

Earlier in her address, the deputy governor, who doubles as the State Commissioner for Education, said the students were justifying the state government’s huge investment on education with their performances in internal and external examinations.

Laoye-Tomori stressed that the state has produced overall best student in Basic Education Certificate and overall best student in the last Junior School Certificate Examination and most-recently, the best Chemistry student in Nigeria.

Early in the morning, the governor’s convoy had gone to the residence of the champion, Habiblai Oyedele and picked him with security escort to his school, Osogbo High School, where he addressed the assembly of the students.

He also accompanied the governor to Delightsome Hotel, where the governor declared open a two-day seminar on capacity building for security personnel in the state.

He was later presented an undisclosed cash prize during the dinner, while N750,000 was donated for the development of his school, while the first runnerup, Miss Jacob Mary, received N500, 000 for the development of her school, Apara High School, Kajola, State of Osun.

Obokun APC Endorses Aregbesola

By ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN

•Some of the State of Osun House of Assembly members and State of Osun Executives at the flag-off of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign at Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State of Osun, last Tuesday.

Photo: SHOLA ADERINTO.

Osun 2014: UPP Picks Gov Candidate, Running Mate after the August 9 election.

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN He described Aregbesola HE State of Osun chapter of the United Progressive as the best governor so far Party (UPP) has picked an indigene of Ase-Ijesa, in since the creation of the Obokun Local Government Council Area of the state, even as he said the state, Prince Victor Adeniyi, as the flag-bearer of the party, UPP would offer better while Mrs Christiana Oluwatoyin Morondiya was governance than designated as his running mate to contest the August 9, Aregbesola, adding that the 2014 governorship election in the state. party would deliver Over 200 delegates at the bring more fortune to the dividends of democracy to party’s congress held in state if he wins the people of the state, Osogbo, last Friday, forthcoming gubernatorial regardless of their political affiliations. unanimously adopted election.

Speaking at the event, the Adeniyi as the UPP Olusola, who governorship candidate, commended Governor Rauf state chairman of the party, following the refusal of Aregbesola for what he Alhaji Idowu Omidiji, other members of the party called sudden and described the UPP as a to obtain the governorship unexpected development party that was ready to intention form of the party. rate of the state, said the provide political sanctuary The 31 local government UPP candidate would and hope for the oppressed council area chapters of the continue from where and marginalized people of party, including the Area A r e g b e s o l a ’ s Nigeria.

Omidiji, who maintained Office in Modakeke, administration stops and presented three delegates execute the projects it is that the party was formed each for the congress. unable to achieve to fight for the plight of the Secretary of the party in immediately the party takes masses, expressed optimism the state, Mr Adesoji Alabi, over the mantle of power that the party would surely moved the motion for the adoption of Adeniyi as the touch bearer of the party and was was seconded by Akeeb Adedeji, a delegate.

Presenting Adeniyi to the

By ISMEAL UTHMAN public, the National Vice Chairman of the party, S the campaign for re-election of Governor Prince Segun Olusola, said Rauf Aregbesola gathers momentum, the the UPP was contesting the Road Transport Employees Association of forthcoming governorship election in the state to Nigeria (RTEAN) has offered free transportation liberate and give the people for governor’s supporters to any part of the state of the state a total freedom. during the campaign.

According to Olusola, The RTEAN had on Tuesday, without the emergence of the taking a dime from them. party’s candidate was borne supplied over 15 buses to The buses were out of the passion to render convey loyalists of the All assembled at the spot Progressives Congress selfless service for the opposite Aregbesola development of the state, (APC) to the flag-off Campaign Office, campaign rally in Ile-Ife, stating that Adeniyi would Gbongan/Ibadan road,

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emerge in the August 9 gubernatorial election.

He enjoined all the members of the party to work very hard in their various domains to ensure that the UPP candidate emerged victorious in the election.

Delivering his manifestoes, Adeniyi, the candidate, said he decided to vie for the governorship position in order to be an instrument of change for the state and makes it a better place of abode for everybody.

Adeniyi said he would reform agriculture, health and education sectors, as well as housing and environment if eventually emerged, promising that he would run an open-door administration.

Ile-Ife APC Mega Rally: RTEAN Provides the state capital.

Free Transportation Osogbo, According to members of the RTEAN who drove

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the buses to Ile-Ife, they were contributing their own quota to the reelection of Aregbesola, who they described as their benefactor.

“To any part of the state, we are ready to convey APC supporters free-ofcharge in the interest of Aregbesola. We have said it that Aregbesola is our man and we will continue to stand by him.”

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HE Obokun Local Government Council Area Chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the State of Osun, has endorsed the governor of the State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as its flag-bearer, in the forthcoming governorship election in the state on Monday.

Party members that were present at the event came in their thousands as they all claimed to have confidence in the governor.

According to them, their confidence was due to the incomparable and unprecedented projects and the good name the governor has given the state by his numerous projects.

The State Commissioner for Lands and Physical Planning, Mr. Muyiwa Ige, represented by his aide, Mr. Lekan Odediran, thanked the people of the area for their massive turn-out for the programme.

He therefore, urged them to turn out en masse to vote for the governor during the August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election in the state.

“I am expecting a 100 per cent vote for Governor Aregbesola in Obokun and especially in Esa-Oke,” he said.

He thereafter, urged them not to fear any antics of the opposition, as there is no cause for alarm since the people are in total support of the party In his address, Mr. Soji Ajayi, the Chairman of ALGON in the state, stated that the turn-out of the people had shown how prepared the party was for the forthcoming governorship election in the state.

He added that he had no fear, as it was glaring that the governor of the state remains the people’s choice, whose unprecedented performance has spoken volume of his ability.

“Without mincing words, no government has done so well as the governor of the state. His performance over the years is incomparable to any and that has made preparation very easy for us.

“Although, we are prepared to win the gubernatorial election, but the major preparation for the election has been done by the governor himself”

Dignitaries At The Event Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Mr Sunday Akere, Commissioner for Home Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Sikiru Ayedun, Deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Alhaji Akintunde Adegboye, Chief Whip of the House, Ipoola Binuyo, Majority Leader of the House, Hon Timothy Owoeye, Hon Atetilewa Sijuade, First Woman Deputy Speaker in Nigeria, Nike Omoworare, the Director, Ogbeni Aregbesola Door-to-Door Campaign Organisation, Mr Segun Omoworare, Civil Service Commission, Prince Felix Awofisayo, Special Assistant to Aregbesola on Youths, Sport and Special Needs, comrade Biyi Odunlade and Hon Ayo Omidiran.

Other are: Elder Peter Babalola, Former Supper Eagle’s coach, Chief Adgboye Onigbinde and popular Nigerian artists and musician like Aderupoko, Bolaji Amusan, Lola Magret, Folake Olowe, Yemi Faloyin, Babtunde Omidina (baba suwe), Tony Titular, Saheed Balogun, Toyin Adegbola, Alhaji Sule Alao Malaika, Tejo Tufulu, Lanre Omiyinka (Baba Ijesa), Fadeyi Oloro, Charles Olumo (Agbako), Aderupoko among others Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Adeyemi Kuforiji, Cardinal James Odunbaku (Baba Eto),

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OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Suicide Bombing, Result Of Social Animosity - Aregbesola

By KEHINDEAYANTUNJI

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HE governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, stated on Monday that suicide bombing and terrorism have no origin in African continent and attributed it to social hatred and ignorance.

The governor added that people must eliminate social animosity, with a view to ensuring that there is steady peace in the society, while advocating poverty eradication and provision of qualitative education across the country.

Aregbesola said this while declaring open a two-day

capacity building seminar for security personnel facilitated

by Society for Peace Studies and Practice (SPSP), held at Delightsome Hotel, Osogbo, the State of Osun capital.

He said: “Peace is not absence of violence. Not that peace cannot end conflicts, violence or war, but the most

important of it all is elimination of animosity, which include anger, hatred and religious intolerance”.

He said recent wave of insecurity in the African continent has proved that peace is not an end to violence, rather a means to an end and urged people to struggle to eliminate those animosities in Nigeria.

The governor, who linked increasing crime rate in the country to economic depression and social instability, also challenged the

security apparatus to conduct a further research on the source of courage and motivation for suicide bombers.

According to him; “there cannot be greater expression of grief than for someone to engage in suicide bombing. It may be poor education, bad influence or misguidance, but by my own findings in African context, it is beyond these conventional issues. Human animosity is the problem.”

“By nature and African culture, an African will desire to live long despite poverty and

penury. Suicide bombing is never an option for a black man, but quite unfortunately, it is happening in Nigeria now and ignorantly they are using religion as an excuse.”

To eliminate this social animosity, we must ensure that no one is cheated or discriminated on the basis of faith. People must be allowed to full expression of their religion, since there is no collective salvation.”

“In all the religious books I have read, there is no where God promised collective salvation. I am a Muslim and it is not in the holy Quran.”

Governor Aregbesola, while quoting from holy Quran Chapter 18 verse 29 said: “Truth is from you lord, let people believe or disbelieve.

For those who believe, we have prepared the good place for them in heaven and for those who disbelieve, we have prepared their punishment,” arguing that people should allow God to judge.

“We must accord all faith equal respect and not allowing individuals to assume that his or her religion is superior to another,” Aregbesola said.

Speaking earlier, Chairman Board of Trustees of SPSP said the institute brought together the security agents in the state for the capacity building seminar to increase their skills on civic responsibility and intelligence gathering and commended the governor for the steady peace in the State of Osun.

Osun 2014: Ijesa-North Traditional Rulers Declare Support For Aregbesola

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

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•Newly-powered electricity transformer at Ilahun, under the administration of the governor of the State of Osun, Photo: ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

head of the August 9th, 2014 gubernatorial election in the State of Osun, all the traditional rulers in Ijesa North Federal Constituency, comprising of Obokun and Oriade Local Government Council areas, have declared their maximum support for Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s re-election. four years had spoken for The traditional rulers, at him. their meeting with the Speaking at the meeting, members of Aregbesola the Chairman, Obokun Campaign Committee in Chieftaincy Committee, Oba Obokun and Oriade councils Enoch Adejare Oyooyo 11, respectively, unanimously Owa Ooye of Imesi-Ile, said agreed to give their the traditional council in the unflinching support for the area would give governor ’s re-election, Aregbesola’s re-election full adding that Aregbesola’s support because he has performance in less than transformed the area through his infrastructural development programmes.

The traditional head maintained that the received by wife of the governor had placed high Governor, Alhaja Sherifat premium on the welfare of the citizenry.

Aregbesola.

Urging the governor to He later accompanied the governor to some events such see to the elevation of as the opening ceremony of traditional rulers in the area, training work shop organised Oba Adejare said traditional by the Society for Peace rulers, being the custodians Conflict Practice. of culture and security of A dinner was later held in their domains, needed to be his honour at the Government properly taken care of, House where prizes were given adding that the joy of the to other winners in the debate traditional heads will reflect contest. in the community’s development.

In the same vein, the chairman, Oriade Chieftaincy Committee, Oba a better nation through taxes.

Adebayo Ogunmokun, The STAI operator then praised Governor noted that the students of Osun for his have actually taken the lead role Aregbesola in educating their parents, uncles transformation agenda and and the general public on the the way he had fast-tracked importance of taxation. series of development in the She also hinted that the state; particularly in all the programme is being replicated towns in Oriade Local across 12 states of the Government Council Area. federation and the FCT through Oba Ogunmokun said over 170 schools.

Highlight of the programme A r e g b e s o l a ’ s was presentation of drama, administration, in three and documentary and paper half years, had put smiles on presentation by resource the faces of all and sundry persons. in the state.

Aregbesola Hosts One-day Alternate Governor TATE of Osun One-day Alternate Governor, Master Aregbesola told Master Habibllah Ayoola Ayodele, has said he was overwhelmed Ayodele that his guiding by the enormity of the purposeful leadership provided principles as governor are

by Governor Rauf Aregbesola to the good people of the state. patterned after one of his role Master Ayodele who was my quota to the governance of models, Chief Obafemi selected as the overall best Osun and Nigeria when I come Awolowo’s slogan of “freedom for all and life more abundant.” student in a keenly contested of age too.

“My administration is Omoluabi High Schools’ “Beyond anything else, I Debate across the state said he want to implore Omoluabi patterned after Chief Obafemi learned the virtues and value of Support Group to make the Awolowo’s philosophy which hard work and diligence from debate competition an annual says freedom for all and life his parents who are his role event so that others can benefit more abundant.

“So, my guiding principle is models. from it”, Master Ayodele said.

He said he knew that Nigeria Earlier, Governor Rauf to become an agent of positive change, which will impact on will only survive its innumerable man-made afflictions when good people who understudy society like Governor Rauf Aregbesola

By KAZEEM MOHAMMED assume positions of OVERNMENT of the State of Osun has begun to get leadership. support for the increase in its Internally Generated Asked about his impression Revenue, as a non-governmental organisation, of the governance of the state, Master Ayodele intoned that he Students’ Tax Advocacy Initiative in partnership with Centre for Youths Initiative and Self Education have pushed for has never had any negative prompt payment of taxes to governments. impressions about politics and This emerged in Osogbo on their parents to pay taxes. governance of Nigeria, only that Monday, as the groups organised “This seminar is not all about political scene in the country a seminar, themed: “Building a alone, it is also about scares a good number of well- Tax Paying Culture in Nigeria taxation leadership and talents, so that intentioned Nigerians.

Youths - the Key to Social and when these youths grow up, they “I have never had any Economic Development” for will know the importance of tax negative impressions about the some selected students of both payment and those of them in politics and governance of my private and public schools in the the position of authority would country. If good people like state, as advocates for tax know how to use the tax-payers money judiciously.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola stay payment.

“We are not just using this to Speaking at the seminar, the out of politics, bad people are encourage the people to pay in it, then the good will suffer Executive Director, Center for taxes alone, we are also Youths Initiative and Self and the bad will take Education (CEYISED), monitoring people at the helms preeminence Mohammed Sarafadeen, said the of affairs for effective usage of “The development I have programme was organised to the taxes.

“We have seen that the seen in some parts of the enhance the understanding of state today on my tour with children about taxation, with a government of Osun is actually using the resources of the state the symbol of modern view to grooming worthy tax judiciously, but it still has to do governance, Governor Rauf advocates that would be able to more, so that people will be Aregbesola, has shown that enlighten the people on tax more encouraged to pay their there is hope for my country if payment. taxes,” Mohammed said. stated that the efforts of Also speaking, the Chief this is what is going on all over theHe organisations have started Operating Officer, Studentss Nigeria. yielding results, as the trained “I will also like to contribute children have been encouraging Tax Advocacy Initiative

S

the people in a way that will improve their conditions.

“Those who seek power for the sake of it and other personal entrenchment often realise that power without social enhancement for the society responsibilities is useless”, the governor.

Master Ayodele is an SS 2 (Grade 11) student at Osogbo High School, Osogbo.

Ayodele had earlier arrived at the Oke-Fia Government House in the morning and

NGOs Push For Tax Payment In Osun

G

(STAI), Robo Oduwole, said that

the students were being used for advocacy on tax in recognition of their roles in the development of the country.

Adding that taxation is key to revenue generation, she added that without taxation, it would be difficult for government to provide all the necessary amenities for the people, hence, the need to embark on effective advocacy for tax.

Oduwole said that the event further underscored the STAI’s commitment towards equipping the children to become tax advocates to ensure building of

Change Of Name

Change Of Name

Change Of Name

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS ADEREMI DEBORAH OLUKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ATANDA DEBORAH OLUKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ADEREMI GLORY GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as MISS ATANDA GLORY GRACE MODUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR ADEREMI ATANDA OLUSEGUN, now wish to be known and addressed as MR ATANDA OLUSEGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

5

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

PDP's Desperation Over Ekiti, Osun Continued from pg1

the impressive performances of the incumbent governors of these two states, the PDP in its desperate nature is hell bent on winning the coming elections at all cost; an ambition that has been described by political analysts as a pipe dream.

But if the party is lucky to get good adviser/s, is it ready to take to wise counsel? Another important question again. The answer to this second question is not farfetched really. Going by the party's antecedent it cannot listen to good advice as it has always been behaving like the proverbial hunter's dog destined to go astray and for that never can he listen to his master's whistle.

Based on reality on ground it will be easier for the camel to pass through the eye of the needle than for the PDP to win the coming governorship elections in these two states. This is a statement of fact which the party itself is aware

of. And it's for this very fact that the party is unnecessarily desperate. But clearly no amount of desperation can help the PDP's cause and it's high time it gets this sunk into its head.

fool's paradise. This is why the journey of desperation the PDP currently embarks on cannot yield any positive result.

For one, like we stated above the chief helmsmen in these two states have endeared themselves to the electorate through provision of responsible and credible leadership.

The people are satisfied with the level of unprecedented transformations going on in the states and they are not in the least ready to give their votes to any other party even apart from the PDP - except the party in power as they know that to do that will be tantamount to wasting their votes.

PDP must also be warned against engaging in its usual trades of unleashing violence and rigging as the party cannot find it easy this time as it used to. People know that when the party is boasting of taking over power in a particular state of the federation it's not saying so with the aim of winning election through the democratic praxis of one man-one vote but through violence and rigging just as we witnessed in 2007 especially in the South-West here where the party's 'do or die' election philosophy was highly practised.

Secondly having ruled in these two states with little or nothing to show for it the PDP as a party has lost its credibility completely and in Yoruba land fake and fraudulent politicians can only succeed in deceiving the people for just once. To believe that you can fool or deceive our people twice is to live in

This time around the PDP should know that it isn't going to be business as usual as the consequence of rigging in these two states will be dire indeed. So the party better warns itself against rigging and its members against perpetrating violence. It (PDP) should not forget that the era of Professor Maurice

Of Osun And Kerosine Politics

T

HERE was the time when Oyo State nay Ibadan, the old administrative capital of Western Nigeria, was in the hold of the ‘Garrison Commander and Commander-In-Chief’ of ‘Amala Politics’, High Chief Lamidi Adedibu.

The man kicked the bucket in 2008 and Oyo gained ‘independence’.

Unfortunately, the phoenix has risen again in my beloved Osun in the guise of one Senator Iyiola Omisore and his kerosine politics.

I just wonder what the man wants this time around? He is bent on ruling Osun by all means and he would use everything at his disposal to grab that seat at Bola Ige House.

He is a man that has achieved many firsts negatively and by God’s

grace, his failure at the polls would help to depreciate his alreadylean curriculum vitae.

In Osun as of today, he is the first and only deputy-governor to be impeached.

The first prisoner to be elected a ‘Distinguished Senator’ of the Federal

Republic.

The only politician, who has been defeated on all fronts; gubernatorial and senatorial.

For his information in case he has a short memory, the governor of the State of Osun facilitated the sale of kerosine round the state at

N50:00 per litre two years ago and there was no much noise.

Now Omisore is selling kerosine at N400 per 5 Litre and before you are entitled to it, the customer must part with a passport photograph and voter’s card inside the PDP/ Omisore Campaign

Secretariat in Osogbo.

Aregbesola came out with an innovation called bio-gas, though it is not new, but it has never been used in Osun and here you are distributing kerosine.

Permit me to ask?

How many days would that meagre quantity last an average Osun family?

And are they entitled to come for more since they have been foolish enough to surrender their voters’ cards?

As I round off this letter, I call on all worthy Osun indigenes and residents, who know their onions, to vote wisely and vote out anybody who wants to govern them by all known and unkown dubious means.

‘One good turn deserves another’ and the present APC administration has managed Osun well and it deserves a second term.

Also, for what he has done, only posterity would judge him.

Osun A Dara O! • O K A N L AW O N OMOBOLANLE, Iree, State of Osun.

Iwu whom it found a willing tool in carrying out its rigging plan in 2007 is gone.

So also the party should bear it in mind that Olusegun Obasanjo, the proponent of 'do or die' election is no more in power. And more importantly, much as the incumbent President may wish that his party wins these elections, he will not be willing to associate with any act capable of adding salt to injury for him as rigged election will further tarnish the already battered image of his administration.

In the light of the above, it will be better for the PDP to follow the path of honour by being a gallant loser in the coming elections rather than engaging in acts that will bring more opprobrium to the party's doorstep and destroy the future of the party the more. The coming elections must be free of fraud and violence. That's the only condition for peace in these two states. Half a word, they say, is enough for the wise.

OSUN DEFENDER Publisher

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Moremi Publishing House Ltd.

Managing Editor

–

Kola Olabisi (0803-392-7286)

Editor

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Production Editor

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Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa

Senior Reporter Senior Reporter

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Magazine Editor

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Photographer Photographer

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Computer Operator – Computer Operator – Assistant Computer Operator

Saheed Afolabi Mary Akintola – Lukman Oseni

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

6

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Osun PDP Trading In Electoral Criminality OLUSESI ISAAC writes that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)’s trades in electoral bribery, electoral nepotism, and electoral misappropriation in the manic desperation for the 2014 governorship poll in the State of Osun is paradigmatic of the party as a poorly functioning one in endless proportion. some and maiming others in

“Affix your recent passport photo on the form; and supply your names, vin number, date of registration, batch number, serial number as you have them on your voter’s card; and then, you are automatically handed a fifteen thousand naira (N15,000) from Omoilu Foundation, the precursor of the form on which you also fill your other personal data”– Authoritative

T

HERE are numerous unresolved problems of the Peoples Democratic Party(PDP) in the State of Osun. The party’s electoral fraud symbolizes the unwholesomeness of the party in incidence and magnitude.

The Omoilu Foundation is the upsurge of the PDP’s electoral criminality, alarming and astronomically dangerous to the ethical hygiene of the gubernatorial election come August, and other polls in the state.

The form has been widely circulated free to the students of the tertiary institutions and a few vulnerable civil servants in the state, by the Foundation.

Take a more than cursory look at the form and on lines 10 and 11, before the MEMBERSHIP ID CARD, you will effortlessly point up the PDP’s direct collaboration and conspiracy in criminality, with impurity.

The Independent Electoral Commission (INEC), State Security Services (SSS), the Police and other relevant security agents should watch out for the address of Omoilu Foundation and phone numbers of its functionaries on the form. The Osun PDP ultimate objective is to print counterfeit voters’ cards that will only canonize the party’s electoral decadence, with lavatorial rottenness.

In Osun electoral history, it is the conservative party, the PDP that permits electoral recklessness and allows normative chaos that erodes sane electoral values. In the 2007 elections in the state, particularly the governorship poll, the PDP inflated electoral irregularities by such behaviors as electoral bribery, using rewards that perverted the governorship election; electoral nepotism that allotted victory at the polls by reasons of ascriptive relationships; and electoral misappropriation that illegally appropriated ballot papers for illicit electoral reasons.

The trio of electoral bribery, electoral nepotism and electoral misappropriation are paradigmatic of the PDP’s electoral corruption, that also symbolizes the party as a poorly functioning political

party, the characteristic that practically undermined the socio-economic and political growth and development of Osun, all the years of PDP in the Oke-Fia government house, Osogbo, the state capital.

And in the manic desperation

for the 2014 gubernatorial poll in the state, the PDP, deploying several fronts including Omoilu Foundation has started trading in moneychange-hands, trading in voters’ cards, trading in ballot papers, trading in special

favours, trading in coercion, trading in intimidation, trading in votes inflation, trading in result fabrication, and trading in diverse interferences with the freedom of election to foist self on the Osun electorate, with the attributive intent to kill

“And in the manic desperation for the 2014 gubernatorial poll in the state, the PDP, deploying several fronts including Omoilu Foundation has started trading in money-change-hands, trading in voters’ cards, trading in ballot papers, trading in special favours, trading in coercion, trading in intimidation, trading in votes inflation, trading in result fabrication, and trading in diverse interferences with the freedom of election to foist self on the Osun electorate, with the attributive intent to kill some and mainin others in the name of election.”

the name of election.

Of course yes, such illicit trades are embedded in the PDP ethos, practices, conducts, beliefs, sayings, culture, idiosyncrasies, and heritage, just as the party’s chieftains’ trading in the misuse of electoral resources have always led to a litany of sordid electoral practices that reduced, for instance the 2007 governorship election in Osun to a fraud riddled farce, with votes turned up in areas where votes were not cast and the losers, the PDP ended up as winner in the election, the scenario that destabilized the state; and tarnished the image of INEC. And the farce made possible personal enrichment, ostentatious living, squandering of riches, praise-singing, and overwhelming depredation of a series of electoral corruption, abuses and unaccountable governmental activities as the PDP lasted in the governance of Osun. As consequence, the quality of state goods and services available to the public became too poor while Osun was robbed of valuable resources that could have been used for development. In the main, the very process of socio-economic and political development of the state was stultified.

In government, the PDP see Osun as a source of wealth and influence whose treasury is assumed inexhaustible that must be pilfered, exploited by all means, without regards for due process and the rule of law. It is this mind-set that intensely dominates the instincts and struggles by the Osun PDP to capture Osun again this year, and exploit its commonwealth, not for the good of all, but for personal gains, with stagnated public economy, unstable political system, and high-pitch poverty, diseases and hunger, inflicted on the electorate as consequences.

The use of INEC voter’s card readers to detect probable discrepancies on the voters’ cards becomes exigent and expedient in face of the PDP OmoiluFoundation form and such other forms in circulation in Osun today, meant to generate fake voters’ cards, the INEC voter’s card exact replica, enthroning the reign of PDP’s unvarnished dishonesty and criminality to deface and corrode electoral mores and sabotage the electoral free-will and electoral preferences, expressive in the votes cast. Like Nigeria’s Transition Monitoring Group (TMG) observed Nigeria’s polls and concluded. “It is doubtful whether the elections can in any way be considered to be reflective of the will of the people”.

The PDP is the causal factor.

•Olusesi is Assistant Director, Directorate of Publicity, Research and Strategy, All Progressive Congress, State of Osun.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

7

PHOTOTALK

Flag-off Of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign With A Mega Rally At Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGAADENIYI And SHOLA ADERINTO.

•(L-R) The deputy governor, State of Osun, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade; the Governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and Senator Jide Omoworare in the palace of the Ooni of Ife before proceeding to the mega rally at Government Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife, last Tuesday.

•Governor Aregbesola (on an open bus), acknowledging cheers from his supporters after paying homage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade, during the flag-off of campaign for his re-election into office at Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State of Osun, last Tuesday.

8

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Flag-off Of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign With A Mega Rally At Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGAADENIYI And SHOLAADERINTO.

•A cross section of traditional chiefs in Ile-Ife during the visit of Governor Aregbesola to the Ooni Okunade Sijuwade last Tuesday.

•Ecstatic supporters of Aregbesola in Ile-Ife.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (on a bus), acknowledging cheers from his numerous supporters during the official flag-off campaign for his re-election into office, at Government Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife, last Tuesday.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

PHOTOTALK

9

Flag-off Of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign With A Mega Rally At Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGAADENIYI And SHOLAADERINTO.

•A cross section of Ile-Ife indigenes at the campaign.

•

•A sea of heads of a cross section of Aregbesola’s supporters and admirers at the Ile-Ife APC mega-rally last Tuesday.

10

PHOTOTALK

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Flag-off Of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign With A Mega Rally At Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI And SHOLA ADERINTO.

•

•Some of the Aregbesola supporters on the tree struggling to catch a glimpse of their political idol during the Ile-Ife mega-rally.

•

•Governor Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (left), dancing with his supporters during the official flag-off of his re-election campaign for second term in office, at Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State of Osun, last Tuesday.

11

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Media Recruit Current Opening Job Categories Editorial Input Head Responsibilities Intake editor is responsible for providing content.

Required to prepare operating budgets and collaborate with top management.

Will approve and give go-ahead for story ideas they have.

Will decide movement of DSNG vans across the country.

Will have overall responsibility for forward planning.

In conjunction with the Home News Desk, should have a compiled day plan reflecting the Nigerian stories being covered from across the country for when he comes for the morning meeting.

In conjunction with the Foreign News Desk, should have a list of major non-Nigerian stories being offered by our foreign correspondents and the TV news agencies; Will provide editorial insight on all stories.

Will be responsible for deciding breaking news and its importance.

In case of breaking news situations, will immediately inform appropriate units.

Will be accountable for any miss and error, editorially.

Other duties as assigned.

Write the script for the news anchor(s) to read.

Organize the show, to ensure that there is good “flow” Gather leads for possible stories.

Monitor the wire agencies/network feeds for potential stories.

Ensure videos are edited for voice-overs.

Keep in touch with reporters and crew in the field in order to monitor how stories are developing Write in-show and pre-show teases Co-ordinate live shots Other duties as assigned Qualifications and Requirements:

Minimum of 5 year’s experience as an Editorial Input Head in a media house.

Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job —————————————————————————————————————

A News Producer with T.V knowledge.

The person should have minimum of OND and preferably have studied mass communication or its affiliates.

The person must be a good script writer, resourceful and creative.

The person must be living in Lagos and can come from any part of the country.

The salary is negotiable based on experience and ability to meet set targets.

It’s prevalent with industry standards.

Must have good communication skills.

Must have had a hands on experience Must look good and speak well with good dress sense.

Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job —————————————————————————————————————

Content Acquisition/Programme Head

Assistant Producer

RESPONSIBILITIES

Responsibilities

Creating the strategic short and long term catalog programming plan to drive viewing and elevate profile of the entire library; Identifying appropriate films to acquire and participating in all aspects of negotiation (financial analysis and forecasting and contract drafting) as well as long-term partner management; Communicating strategy to internal and external stakeholders on on-going and project-byproject basis; Tracking library performance and key industry trends and shifts to assess potential implications on new and existing deals and make changes accordingly; Tracking competing offerings and business models and stay up-to-date on important industry, cultural and social events to better program the service; Liaising with the marketing and PR teams on opportunities to promote catalog programming through social media and other outlets Working with internal teams on on-going improvements to catalog merchandising Qualifications and Requirements Candidate must have a good university degree related fields.

Candidate must have 3-5 years working experience.

A Masters’ Degree is added advantage Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job ————————————————————————————————————— News Editor

Assist a Producer in putting the newscast together.

Duties may include writing, editing, organising scripts, running the teleprompter, or helping the Planning Editor by making check calls.

May often be called upon to make simple editorial decisions when editing video by choosing the shots that match the copy.

Generally be required to re-write wire copy.

May also be responsible for cueing up tapes; making sure scripts are in order, and monitoring the wires and feeds during the news bulletin.

To support the Producer(s) in all aspects of making programmes for the channel – from the development and commissioning stages through to studio and location filming and postproduction To provide back-up to the Producer(s) and, where required, assist in every aspect of content production, assuming any role delegated by the Producer(s) To undertake Programme research and coordinate production teams To be able to deputise for Producer(s) where necessary, including liaising with crew on location who may be freelance producer/directors, production outfits etc.

Other duties as assigned

Qualifications and Requirements

Responsibilities News Editor is responsible for initiating, organising coverage and gathering all news stories occurring within the borders of Nigeria.

He is responsible for liaising with our bureaux, and also with state correspondents and stringers across the country.

News Editor is expected to set the news agenda for the coverage of domestic news stories and features.

In conjunction with the Head of Input, he will assign stories to, and brief beforehand reporters.

News Editor is also responsible for overseeing the content and rundowns of the news bulletins, and lead the way in “breaking” news stories for domestic consumption.

Other duties as assigned Qualifications and Requirements

Qualifications and Requirements Applicants must be able to manage a studio.

Minimum of HND. Must have 1-3 years experience in music production and must be good in hard core beats.

Good interpersonal relationship skills Excellent communication skills Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job ————————————————————————————————————— LIBRARIAN RESPONSIBILITIES

Reporter

Finding and checking information, using sources such as the internet; Discussing news/programme ideas and research needs with producers; Searching media libraries and archives for music, photographs and film footage; Writing briefs for presenters, or briefing scriptwriters; Checking copyright and arranging permission to use archive material; Meeting with producers, presenters and writers to discuss the research needs of a programme; Generating and developing news leads; Conveying findings accurately to others in report form and ‘briefs’.

Other duties as assigned

RESPONSIBILITIES:

Qualifications and Requirements

Candidate must have a good university degree in Communication Arts / Journalism / English Arts.

She must have experience in editing stories and news and must be a prolific writer.

A Masters’ Degree is added advantage Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job —————————————————————————————————

A general news reporter is one who can cover any event, from hard news to features, on any given day.

Before leaving the station, the reporter will research the story, set up interviews, and discuss the plan with the News Editor . At this point the crew will set out to get all the elements for the story. At some time in the field the reporter will want to do a stand-up, which adds a personal element to the story and gets the reporter some on-camera time.

Upon returning to the station, the reporter will then view and log the video, noting the sound bites, b-roll and natural sound. The reporter will then write the script, and have the script approved by a manager or senior producer. The reporter will then return to the edit booth to record a voice track and put the story together. When the package is complete, the reporter may be asked to “front” the story via a live shot or set piece. In this case the reporter will take a toss or “throw” from an anchor and handle the intro and outro of the story.

Qualifications and Requirements A degree in a relevant field At least 3-5 years of experience Ability to work in a real-time news environment Proven track record of strong writing, storytelling and live reporting skills Very strong speech skills with the ability to ad-lib effortlessly in various types of situation.

Strong understanding and demonstration of editorial judgment and journalistic ethics, including a current knowledge of the laws Interested and qualified?http://www.themediarecruit.com/job ————————————————————————————————————— Producer Responsibilities: A news producer is one of the most integral members of any news-production team.

Takes all the elements of a newscast (packages, video, graphics, etc.) and compiles them into a cohesive show.

Minimum of NCE/B.Sc in a relevant field Minimum of 2-3 years experience Good Communication Skills Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job ————————————————————————————————————— Web Online Researcher Responsibilities An online producer oversees the making of content for websites and other online properties.

Online producers are sometimes called “web producers.”

The online producer’s responsibility is to create, edit and arrange the text, video, audio, images and other materials that may be included on a website.

Online producers define and maintain the character of a website, as opposed to running it from a technical stand.

The role is distinct from that of web designer, developer or webmaster. However, technical and design knowledge is imperative for a web producer to be effective at his/her job.

Online producers also work with web teams to conceive, design and launch new web products such as blogs, community forums and user profiles.

Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Requirements: Minimum of BSc/HND in Computer Science or relevant field Proven Web Design experience with a creative flair. (Examples of Work will be required) Minimum 1-3 years work experience Must be computer literate.

Good communication and writing skill Interested and qualified? http://www.themediarecruit.com/job

12

VOX-POP

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Osun People Bear Their Mind As Aregbesola Kick Starts Campaign With Mega Rally In Ile-Ife It is not news again that the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, is the darling of the people of the state. Nothing better could attest to this fact than by the large number of his supporters and admirers who thronged the expanse compound of Government Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife for the flag-off of the mega rally for his second term. OSUN DEFENDERman EZEDIUNO FRANCIS was there to x-ray the views, hopes and opinions of the people for their beloved governor and candidate in the upcoming August 9th, 2014 gubernatorial election in the state.

ALHAJI ISSA AZEEZ ADESIJI (Executive Secretary Ilesa-West ) First and foremost, we want to thank the Almighty God for realizing that Ogbeni actually worth to be governor of the State of Osun for the second time.

My own assessment is that I am overwhelmed with joy on the kick-off of this campaign and by the number of people who have trooped out.

Surprisingly, they have been here as early as 6:00 am and still waiting for the Ogbeni even till now, it shows that they appreciate the good works and the transformation that his administration has brought to this state.

To say the least, I am not surprised at the large turnout of the crowd, who came out to witness this campaign. It is a testimony of the good works that he has done for the people of Osun in the last three and a half years.

The idea of the governor kick-starting his campaign in Ile-Ife is a tradition because in 2007, he started his electioneering campaign in the ancient town. It is because Ile-Ife is the cradle of the Yoruba race.

Our expectation is that Ogbeni should always continue with his good works and should prove to the opposition that he means business. In short, we want him back as the governor for the next four years.

I strongly advise the electorate to hold tenaciously to their voters’ cards and refuse to sell it because it is their electoral

•Alhaji MURAINA OLAOYE

Chief ADEGBOYE ONIGBINDE

decided to support him for a second term.

He has made his promises and fulfilled them in the last three and a half years and he would keep his promises in the next four years.

•Elder BISI OLA

weapon. They should not exchange it for money, no matter the circumstances, because it cannot be equated to any amount of money.

HONOURABLE KOLAWOLE SAMSON (Youth Leader) There is no doubt that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has

OLADIRAN AJIBOLA I am extremely happy for Ogbeni kicking off his second term campaign from the ancient city of Ile-Ife. I am an indigene of Ile-Ife and I am absolutely sure that Omisore and the PDP will not have any vote come August 9.

For coming to Ile-Ife, we have adopted Rauf performed better in this three Aregbesola as an Ife indigene from our heart. and a half years. Even We are not in support of the outside Osun, there are PDP at all and its candidate. testimonies that he has All Ife indigenes and worked well for the people residents are in support of of Osun and the people are Aregbesola and I want to strongly behind him. advise the electorate to be He is well-known and a mindful and not to foment wise leader and that is why trouble and always guard the people of Osun have theirContinued votes. on page 13

13

VOX-POP

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Osun People Bear Their Mind As Aregbesola Kick Starts Campaign With Mega Rally In Ile-Ife is into governance because of the masses of the people. He is a people-oriented governor.

You can see that from his physique. When he was campaigning in 2007, he had black beard and now, he has grey beard all over. That shows that he eats, drinks and sleeps Osun.

•Mr OLADUNNI AJIBOLA

•Mrs. TEMILADE KAZEEM

•Mr KOLAWOLE SAMSON

•Alhaji AZEEZ ADESIJI

Omisore should not think because he is an Ife indigene that TEMILADE KAZEEM (Ilare he can win our votes. Our vote is for our true governor and that is Ward 3) Something good has come to the Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola. city of Ile-Ife and we are happy ALHAJI MURAINA OLAOYE about it.

OYEOLA (Interim Deputy APC In all honesty, I am telling you Chairman, Ife Zone) today that by the grace of God, I am happy for today because it Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola will come back as governor of the State of is approved by God and in accordance with the wishes of the Osun for a second term.

PDP and any other political people. I will define it as a parties should just pack their things celebration of success in a grand way. and leave Osun for us.

Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola In fact, they should go back to has indeed shown himself to be a Abuja.

Continued from page 12

colossus through all he has done and people will continue to support him because of all what he has done.

By the presence of a massive crowd here for this mega campaign rally, it’s a testimony that Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola is our next governor come Saturday 9th of August, 2014.

There are many programmes in place, which qualify him to be governor. He has given us O’Meal, O’School, good roads, Opon Imo and a host of other laudable programmes, which are all peoplefriendly.

He is not a proud person and he

CHIEF ADEGBOYE ONIGBINDE (Modakeke High Chief) As you can see, the turnout of people is like a sea of heads. Surely, Rauf Aregbesola is very popular among the people of the state.

I sincerely dind’t think the presence of anybody here is as a result of a joke. Our presence here is because we appreciate him and what he is doing in Osun.

Some leaders among the PDP have come and testified that he is a performing governor, even better than some of the governors in their own party.

Not only that, the governor has won a series of awards from within and outside the country, all showing that he is widely acceptable to all.

As per the coming election, I don’t think there is need to talk much because there is a difference between the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and his predecessors in terms of education, infrastructure, school feeding, roads and him getting a second term as governor would afford him the opportunity of even doing more.

We don’t only owe Aregbesola a second term, but we owe ourselves because his good works must continue.

We don’t want to put the vehicle of our progress and advancement in a reverse gear and I believe that the only man who can do that is the Ogbeni.

ELDER BISI OLA (APC Elder Modakeke) Without any doubt, Rauf Aregbesola is our next governor after the August 9th election.

We have seen physically what he has been doing. Rather than sharing and distributing money, he engaged in O’Meal, O’School, and employment of 40,000 OYES cadets and roads.

He is strictly following the footsteps of Chiefs Obafemi Awolowo and Bola Ige. We are praying that by the grace of God, he will win as governor and even the opposition cannot contest that.

14

FEATURE

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

Osun 2014: Aregbesola Takes Fight To Omisore’s Doorstep O

NE of the strategies to maintain political dominance is to weaken your opposition and ostracize it in every way. In the case of tough opponent, the strategy is to always appear happy, focused, resolute and untouched by banters and criticism and portray the opponent as a ranting dog and a feeble being. It takes a courageous and dedicated opposition to wrestle power from the incumbent, and it is only a fool incumbent that will take the opposition for granted, no matter how small or weak it might appear. What an incumbent needs is to totally crush the enemy. Politically, any party that does not have representative in government naturally considers itself as an opposition, even if it just left the office yesterday.

The Alliance for Democracy (AD) was an opposition party in the April 14, 2007 governorship election in Osun State as then was.

The AC candidate was Mr Rauf Aregbesola, a former Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure in Lagos State. AC, which later metamorphosed to the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), underwent what was meant to be an opposition, especially, in the hands of a party that rigorously knows how to wield power and use it with impunity. Few days to the governorship election, Aregbesola was declared persona non grata in the state. Some of the ACN leaders were sent into exile. The April 14, 2007 was a black day in the state. Many died defending their votes. Many were maimed, while many were raped in the cause of voting for Aregbesola, who they perceived then as the symbol of change. Aregbesola eventually won the election but he was not declared the winner ironically. It took three and a half years of legal fireworks to reclaim his victory. Aregbesola is now the incumbent, while the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), which wielded the power then is now an opposition. Power is transient and change is permanent.

Aregbesola, who many people consider now as a symbol of good governance and hope for better Nigeria, is seeking re-election in the August 09 governorship election. Senator Iyiola Omisore is the PDP candidate for the same election. The two elephants that contested the 2007 governorship election are on the field again.

Though, Omisore did not contest the 2007 election, he played strategic roles in awarding underserved victory to former Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola. The political skirmish was actually between Oyinlola, a well-connected retired Army General, the PDP, Alhaji Tajudeen Oladipo, PDP National Vice-Chairman, SouthWest, all the 31 local government council chairmen, all the National Assembly members from Osun, all the councilors, all the members of the PDP Board of Trustees from Osun, all the PDP governors in the South-West, to mention but a few and Aregbesola. Each and every one of them engaged in one activity or the other, including spiritual, to retain Oyinlola at all cost, but Aregbesola defeated them.

Ile-Ife is believed to be the stronghold of Omisore because Omisore hails from there.

According to political analysts, Omisore might get chunk of Ile-Ife votes based on indigenous sympathy. Aregbesola is an Ijesa man. He shares the same senatorial district with Omisore. The two politicians are strategists; schemers and masterly skilled in political calculations. But one is known for terror, thuggery and political brigandage, which has raised the fear of reoccurrence of what the AC went through in the 2007 governorship election.

Eventfully, Aregbesola chose to take the battle for his re-election to Omisore’s doorstep. He started his campaign rally in Ile-Ife, the acclaimed Omisore’s stronghold. Aregbesola was daring and courageous, as many people had remarked.

But the political gimmick is to shake Omisore’s stronghold to its foundation. Aregbesola had executed numerous developmental projects in Ile-Ife, thus, he has the morality and conscience to face Ife people and demand for another four years. If he had not performed well in the ancient city, Aregbesola would not have summoned that courage to stand before the thousands of the Ifes, who cut across all the political parties in Nigeria.

Aregbesola was welcomed by a mammoth crowd at the Ife mega-rally held at the Technical College, Ilode, Ile-Ife. The horde of people that welcomed Aregbesola at the rally did not depict

•Aregbesola’s supporters and admirers at Ife APC mega rally last Tuesday.

By ISMAEEL UTHMAN the common saying that Omisore has the grip of Ile-Ife. One would have expected a sparse gathering at the rally, because the ancient town produces a governorship candidate in the person of Omisore. The irony was however the case at the rally. As early as 11:30am, the road leading to the Government Technical College, venue of the rally, had been hit by heavy traffic. The rally held Ile-Ife to a standstill. Commercial activities were partially paralyzed, as shop owners on the roads closed their shops to attend the rally.

It was a lucky day for traders of schachete water, soft drinks and kolanuts sellers, food vendors and others, as they sold beyond expectations due to the influx of people into the city.

Many abandoned their vehicles on the road as a result of the traffic jam and walked on the street to get themselves to the venue. Series of banners, uniforms, placards were displayed by the APC/Aregbesola’s supporters. The sea of heads at the venue could easily scare away lightminded persons. Chanting different political songs, the APC supporters were undaunted, as they forced their ways through the security agents to catch a glimpse of the governor.

A helicopter was roving in the sky for security surveillance, though no right-thinking hoodlum would dare attempt to cause mayhem in that vicinity. The fear had been that since Omisore is from Ile-Ife, his supporters might attack the APC members before and during the rally. It would be recalled that a pastor, Prophet Joseph Akinola, his son, Wale, Tope Ologbenla, Taofeeq Kolawole and Opeyemi Omisakin, were killed in the early hour of the 2011 National Assembly election in Ile-Ife. Omisore’s loyalist, Mr Adedotun Adebowale, known as Meree was accused of being the mastermind of the killing and he was charged to court for murder. Several criminal activities had been carried out against members of the APC in Ile-Ife and its environs by the Peoples Democratic Party, a development that portrayed Ile-Ife and as a threat zone to the APC. But that did not deter Aregbesola from testing his popularity in the ancient city, as he flagged off his campaign therein.

Aregbesola’s entry into Ile-Ife was triumphal.

It was very hectic for Aregbesola’s convoy to pass through to the Ooni’s palace. The governor had stopped to pay homage to the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuwade. Aregbesola’s supporters bombarded the palace, a development that grounded the area. The arrival of the governor, however, changed the disposition of the crowd.

The advent of Aregbesola at the event thrilled the crowd. The crowd even multiplied upon the arrival of Aregbesola. The crowd was electrifying and intimidating. With smiles on his face, Aregbesola waved to the crowd with APC

symbol - broom in his hand.

Honourable Folorunsho Bamisayemi, who is the Chairman, Ile-Ife Federal Constituency Campaign Committee, declared the campaign opened at exactly 2:36pm. Bamisayemi expressed his optimism that Aregbesola would win the August 9 election, adding that his achievements in the Ife Constituency would secure victory for him. Engineer Sola Akinwumi, former Secretary to the State Government, under Chief Bisi Akande’s administration, said the governorship election is all about Aregbesola.

He commended the Ooni of Ife and the people of Ile-Ife for standing behind Aregbesola.

Elder Peter Babalola, who spoke at the event said: “It is only a stupid politician that would attempt to buy people’s votes with kerosene.

We are in Ile-Ife, and we know ourselves. Let them come out and face us. Their style of government is do a little spot-patching and embezzle the rest of the state allocation. How do you explain a governorship candidate that does not have manifestoes. I have been saying it time without number that those that worked under the PDP administration in the state were senseless. I did not exclude myself. Let their governorship candidate come out for a debate with Aregbesola. I am sure he does not have anything to offer. The fact is, Aregbesola will win the August 9 election.”

An APC leader, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele popularly known as Diekola urged Ile-Ife people to come out en-masse and vote for Aregbesola, maintaining that no one could scare them away from voting. He said: “Policemen, soldiers and other security agents are human beings like you.

Don’t let them scare you away from voting. Tell that short man that his time is over. We have machinery do deal with anybody that thinks he or she can frustrate the electorate. We, Yoruba, have the mechanism to deal with soldiers, policemen and anybody that want to frustrate us.” Alhaji Sule Alao, an APC chieftain from Ede canvassed for one man-one-vote. He warned the people against releasing their voters’ cards to anybody that requested for them through what he called kangaroo empowerment. Alao promised the youths that Aregbesola would continue to empower them and banish unemployment. He said: “Aregbesola has transformed Osun. Look at the Nelson Mandela Freedom Park in Osogbo, it was a place where people played pool. Now, it is a beauty to behold.

Shamelessly, the useless opposition used the place for declaration of their ambition. They are shameless.”

Professor Sola Adeyeye, while speaking at the event, said: “Those that are opposing Aregbesola in Ile-Ife contested with us in the 2011 general elections and they lost. One was qualified for a local government chairman,

another was qualified for a councilor and the other could not even win his ward. That shows that they are rejected politicians. I am very excited with the crowd that welcomed this flagoff.”

Senator Babajide Omoworare said: “My brother in Ile-Ife is just chasing the shadow.

Aregbesola is an installation of God. My brother has nothing to show for three and a half years as deputy governor. He was chairman, Senate Committee on Appropriation for eight years and a he has nothing to show for that too. In just three and half years in office, Aregbesola has transformed Osun. Lokore and Omi-Okun roads were constructed by Aregbesola. I urged my people from Ile-Ife to continue supporting Aregbesola and reject any politician who plays with their intelligence. Osun is no longer for miscreants like them.”

Honourable Rotimi Makinde in his own address at the event said: “Is our brother not from Ile-Ife again? Where is he? Who are the people supporting our brother again? Our brother has absconded. the Ooni has spoken; the Ooni said we should vote for Aregbesola.

Men and women should vote for Aregbesola.

Let us be careful. We know them. They are murderers. They use guns and cutlasses. But all the youths they used to use for violent activities have been engaged in OYES, O’REAP and other empowerment programmes. What they have resorted to is to snatch ballot boxes and cause violence. We should resist them. Aregbesola has performed well in Ile-Ife an in Osun generally.

What else could our brother do? Does he want to build road in the air? He wants to kill, but God will guard us. We will not fight them, but we will protect ourselves. Let us all vote for Aregbesola on the election day.

Aregbesola had entered Osun politics through Oranmiyan organization in 2005. Oranmiyan is the name of one of the sons of Oduduwa. History recorded him as one of the youngest and one imbued with restless, but valiant attributes. He led and won several war campaigns even before his father’s death. He was a successful diplomat and Prince from Ile-Ife. He was remarkable for his intelligence, bravery, industry and leadership qualities. He was an exemplary nation builder in the real sense of the word. The Ife ancestors would like and always support Aregbesola for the resuscitation of the Oranmiyan. “Oran Mi Yan” meaning “My Issues have been resolved”.

Oro Gbogbo Wa Lo Ma Yan O. May all our issues be resolved. Amen.

The Ile-Ife mega-rally has dispelled the insinuation that Omisore has the grip of Ile-Ife. Like any part of the state, Aregbesoa’s popularity soared in Ile-Ife and the crowd that greeted the mega-rally was incredibly impressive.

If the crowd alone vote for Aregbesola in Ile-Ife, his victory is certain in the August 9, 2014 governorship election.

OSUN DEFENDER Thursday, May 29, 2014

PHOTOTALK

15

Flag-off Of All Progressives Congress (APC) 2014 Governorship Campaign With A Mega Rally At Government Technical College, Ile-Ife, State Of Osun, Last Tuesday.

Photo: GBENGAADENIYI And SHOLAADERINTO.

•Governor Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (left) and other dignitaries, acknowledging cheers from the crowd, during the official flagoff of the Aregbesola re-election campaign in Ile-Ife last Tuesday.

•Aregbesola’s admirers and supporters in Ile-Ife on their way to the APC mega-rally.

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“Welfarism is an attempt in governance to bring health, wealth and happiness to all” is this THERE 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 self-interest, 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 dulyfollowed, 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

By FUNSHO BAMIDURO

Aregbesola: The Politics Of Welfarism

•AREGBESOLA

bold steps to redeem the image of our dear state and all he is asking for is patience and another chance, as 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, open-door 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.

changes. One I can liken to a process involved in “Road 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 administration has parted ways •This piece, first published with the status quo in many in the Tuesday, February 25, ways, as he has taken 2014 edition is repeated due seemingly impossible albeit to popular demand.

-Editor Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondence

will do all in his power, according to the rule of law, to ensure and secure the future even, at the risk of losing socalled 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

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, 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.