www.osundefender.org TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014 Weeks before the August 9th gubernatorial elections which was won by the pragmatic Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola of the APC, it was obvious we were up against forces other than the people of Osun state which naturally should be the determinant of
how the elections will swing. The All progressives Congress (APC) still smarting from its shocking defeat in the previous Ekiti elections had literarily sworn it will lose Osun over its dead body. The murderous villain fielded by the Peoples Democratic
THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA
VOL. 9. NO.126
Front Page Comment The War Called The Osun Elections-By Segun Tomori Party (PDP), outrightly unpopular with barely a few dozens of people trailing him at campaigns however worethe confidence of a Governor-In-waiting. He they
didn’t care a hoot about the people’s wish, all that matters was the full compliment of the paraphernalia of State activated by an
imperial President though utterly clueless, but desperate to add Osun to his conquest in furtherance of his still-born second term bid. So lo and behold, the die was cast!I have not been emotionally attached to any elections in Nigeria as I was with the Osun elections,
N50
maybe June 12, 1993 Presidential elections presumed to have being won by my President, M.K.O Abiola could be an exception. It wasn’t because I had affinity with anyone in Ogbeni’s government or because I enjoyed any form of patronage but because Continue on pg5
Confusion In Osun PDP As Omisore Opts For Senate - See Story On Page 2
Aregbesola Flags Off New Town - Pg 3
Osogbo Gets New Chief Imam
- Pg 9
- Pg 2
•All Progressives Congress (APC) Presidential aspirant, General Muhammadu Buhari (3rd right); State of Osun Governor, Rauf Aregbesola (4th right); his deputy Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd right); former Speaker, House of Representatives, Alhaji Bello Masari (3rd left); former Bayelsa State Governor Timpre Sylva (4th left); Senator Hadi Sirika (right); an Osun APC Chieftain, Senator Bayo Salami and other dignataries, during a courtesy visit to the governor at Government House, Osogbo, State of Osun, recently.
Cleric Likens Journalists To Light In Society - Pg 3
Osun Gov Tribunal Dissolved, New Panel Constituted
- See Story On Page 3
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
News
2
Confusion In Osun PDP As Omisore Opts For Senate By OUR REPORTER
C
ONTRARY to the bold-face being put up by chieftains of the State of Osun chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on the ongoing litigation at the Election Petition Tribunal sitting in Osogbo, the state capital, OSUN DEFENDER can authoritatively reveal that the leadership of the party has all along been playing on the fellow party members’ intelligence. The medium gathered have decided to obtain the from impeccable sources form after what he claimed that unknown to most of the to have been a wide party members, the consultation with his core candidate of the party in the supporters within the party. According to an insider August 9, 2014 gubernatorial election held source, the defeated in the state, Senator Iyiola governorship candidate had Omisore, has discreetly confided in some of his obtained the form of intent personal aides on his lack from the party secretariat to of confidence in the case at the tribunal but was return to the senate. Omisore was reported to prevailed upon by some
party leaders on the need to keep the party members together ahead of the 2015 general elections. The proponents of the litigation had premised their argument on the need to keep the bulk votes of the party supporters for President Goodluck Jonathan as an avenue to get their own share of the presidential largesse that would be released to the party ahead of the election. The source further revealed that Omisore had reportedly got across to the party hierarchy in the state on his decision to return to the National Assembly, as he could not stand
politically idle for another five years. Recent findings by the medium have also given credence to information supplied by the insider sources, as most of the branded vehicles used for his gubernatorial election have suddenly disappeared from the streets in the state, just as they were gathered to have been taken to a location in Lagos where they would be branded to suit Omisore’s new aspiration. Responding to the development, a political analyst, Mr Gbenga Olanrewaju, said he was least surprised by the PDP
•(Setting from left to right) Pa Omowunmi, an APC leader in Olorunda Local Government Council Area of Osun, Mr Solagbade Oladepo, an aspirant for Osogbo Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives under the APC; his wife and Alhaji Fatai Oyedele, Diekola, another aspirant during the declaration of Oladepo at Nelson Mandela Freedom Park recently.
candidate’s political summersault, as he was never known to enjoy his life outside the corridors of power. “If you observe Omisore’s personality carefully, you will notice that he has never imagined himself staying outside the corridors of power for too
long. “That is one of the major reasons why you see him quite often jumping from one political platform to the other and embarking on the unimaginable to ensure his relevance in the scheme of things. “To me, he could best be described as a political desperado,” he stressed.
Osun To Release Water From Dams, Urges Residents Not To Panic By SHINA ABUBAKAR HE State Government of Osun has disclosed that it will release water from its dams across the state to avoid imminent collapse of the dam structures as a result of the heavy rainfall witnessed in the state in the past few days. A statement released by it may lead to terrible the State Commissioner for flooding Information and Strategy, The statement further Mr Sunday Akere called on disclosed that residents of the residents of the communities such as Ede, state not to panic, as little Iwo, Ejigbo, Okinni and flood may occur in many communities around communities hosting the dams in the state should be dams when the water is aware that little floods may released. occur between now and next According to the week, as the water is being statement, weather experts released, assuring them that have predicted heavy it is nothing to worry about. rainfall as the 2014 rainy Furthermore, the season is gradually winding statement disclosed that the up and if government State Water Corporation refuses to allow the would be releasing water excess water to be eased off from the dams to give reliefs gradually, the water because to the dams and avoid of the heavy volume may forced flooding. force flow from the dams It also urged residents of leading to dangerous flood. the state to cooperate with It stated that the heavy government in its effort to rainfall witnessed in the past curb flood incidents in the weeks has led to excess state by ensuring that they water lodging inside the do not dump wastes in dams and if it is not released, waterways as well as inside drainage across the state, while paying their water rates promptly to assist government in getting fund (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso is to sustain and maintain an institution that is jointly water infrastructures at the owned by the governments dams. of Osun and Oyo States.
T
Engineering Graduates Challenged To Maximise Skills By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO
Kilomodemo commended their online portal as RADUATING students of Engineering have been the efforts of the Ibadan graduate members, adding challenged to excel and to stand out and continue to branch of the NSE for that being registered carried it numerous achieve and seek new opportunities the way they initiating and collaborating with with the Faculty of advantages. have been taught during the course of their studies. new Chief Immam has been appointed for Osogbo, Engineering and He pleaded with the They have been also development of the country, Technology the capital city of the State of Osun, in the person of of the authority of the university charged to resolve not to let the engineering profession university for endeavouring Sheik Musa Animashaun, who had since been themselves get lost in the also affords the practitioner to organise the induction to always forward the names installed as the 17th Chief Imam of the city. of graduating engineering shuffle thereby making insights on how to fully ceremony on a yearly basis. The ceremony was leaders across the state and students to the NSE useful application of their appreciate their The Osogbo NSE Chair national headquarters for attended by the state beyond. knowledge, so as not to environment and seek for encouraged the young Governor Rauf Aregbesola, The 78-year-old cleric grow complacent and ways to better and make life engineers to register as proper updates. the Asiwaju Musulumi in succeeded Sheik Mustapha Ladoke Akintola become mediocres. worth the living for fellow members of the society via University of Technology Yorubaland, Alhaji Tunde Ajisafe, who died on This advice formed part human beings.” Badmus and other Muslim September 8, 2014. of the speech delivered by Speaking at the ceremony the President of the also attended by members of Nigerian Society of the League of Imams and Engineers (NSE) at the 9th Alfas in the Southwest, the induction ceremony of Chief Imam of the University graduating students of of Ilorin, Professor Abdulengineering of Ladoke Ganiyu Oladosu, urged the Akintola University federal, state and local governments to correct the (LAUTECH), Ogbomoso imbalance against Muslims recently. in appointments into public The NSE President, who offices. was represented by the He also called on all Osogbo branch chairman of citizens to learn to live the society and Senior together in peace and Special Assistant to the harmony. Governor, Engineer “We all hope today that Ademola Isaac Olorunfemi as Muslims and Christians, aka Kilomodemo implored we will work together for a the graduands not to dwell United States of Nigeria, on their laurels but to look which has been the dream ahead to their next goal. of our founding fathers. According to him, the “And since God did not field of engineering is wide create humans to belong to and it afforded the one religion, everybody professionals a level playing must respect the beliefs of field to practicalise others.” everything they were taught Badmus urged Muslims, in the school. •Standing from third left is Engr. Ademola Isaac Olorunfemi (aka Kilomodemo) and Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adeniyi Christians and traditionalists “Apart from the benefits Gbadegeshin in a group photograph at the 9th induction ceremony of graduating engineers of Ladoke Akintola to work together for the of contributing towards the University of Technology (LAUTECH), Ogbomosho, Oyo State. nation’s development.
G
Osogbo Gets New Chief Imam
A
News
3
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Osun Walk-To-Live Programme Promotes Healthy Living - Akere By SHINA ABUBAKAR
T
HE Commissioner for Information and Strategy in the State of Osun, Mr Sunday Akere, has described the monthly walk-to-live exercise of the state government as a way promoting healthy living and reduce the risk of untimely death among the citizens. He disclosed this at a capable of contributing to walk-for-life exercise the development of the organised by the New Era socio-economic activities Lions Club in the state on of the state, hence, the Saturday at Old-Garage decision to introduce the Area of Osogbo after the idea of exercising the body. He said Ogbeni Rauf walking exercise. The commissioner Aregbesola is determined to disclosed that the state make State of Osun a model government understands for other states in the that only a healthy mind is federation, which informed
his novel ideas in all spheres of governance during his first tenure of office, saying he is determined to break new grounds whenever he begins his second term of office. Akere commended the Lions Club for emulating the good idea of exercising among its members, saying it is the best way to refresh the body after a week of tedious work and reduce unnecessary exposure to avoidable health problems. Speaking at the programme, the Secretary of
Cleric Likens Journalists To Light In Society By MARYAM AFOLABI HE role of journalists in the society has been likened to light, for the society would have been in the dark if not for their efforts. The Chief Imam of world, and if not for their Temidire Estate Mosque, roles in the society, our Osogbo, Ustaz leaders would have been Burihaanudeen Sunusiy, more reckless. Even the made the description in his whole world would have lessons at the monthly been in the dark. Muslim prayers of the “News gathering and Nigeria Union of Journalists dissemination have been in (NUJ), Osun council, held in existence since the creation Osogbo on Thursday. of the world and Chapter 27 He stated that the verses 20-26 of the Holy watchdog role of media Quran testify to this.” practitioners has assisted The cleric then regretted the country in making the that inspite the important little headway it has made, roles of journalists in adding that if not for making the society better, journalists, the nation their freedom to operate leaders would have been freely is being hindered, more reckless. especially by Nigerian “Journalists sustain the leaders.
T
This, he further stated, has made the profession more dangerous than expected, saying that inspite of being appreciated, journalists are rather being haunted for playing their roles. He however urged journalists to remain steadfast and continue to support government by assisting them in their quest to developing the nation and call their attention to errors whenever the government commits them. He also advised them to put God first in all their endeavours and intensify efforts on worshipping and praying to God to strengthen and protect them. Highlight of the programme was a prayer session for members of the NUJ in the state and Nigeria as a whole, led by the cleric.
Nigeria Olympic Committee, Mr Tunde Popoola, disclosed that the good thing everyone can do for their body and soul is to regularly embark on exercise to keep fit at all times. He also charged residents of the state to cultivate the habit of exercising regularly, especially walking for at least twelve minutes in a day and be mindful of the type of food they eat. President of the club pledged that the walk-forlive exercise would be a regular event for the club, as its contribution towards creating a healthy society. He reiterated the determination of the Lions Club to serving humanity through service provision and continuously enhancing human towards creating a crisis-free society.
•AKERE
2015 Elections: Oladepo Declares Interest In Osogbo Federal Constituency Seat By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO
A
S the 2015 general elections draw nearer, various aspirants have begun to show interest in contesting for various political offices in the State of Osun. The latest to join the race Solagbade. for the Federal House of At his formal declaration, Representatives and also which took place at Nelson aspiring to represent Mandela Freedom Park, Osogbo Federal Osogbo, Oladepo remarked Constituency under the that the APC remains the umbrella of the All best political party for Progressives Congress anybody to realise their (APC) is Oladepo Atanda ambitions politically. He ascribed the success of the party in the State of Osun to the lofty dreams of the governor, Ogbeni Rauf of the occasion on Tuesday Aregbesola, who had come 21st October, 2014 include out from the onset of his the State Chief Judge, the administration straight to and has been State President of work achieving results. Customary Court of Appeal, Oladepo praised all the Judges of the State High party leaders in the state for and Customary Court of encouraging an atmosphere Appeal, State Attorney- of peace and fair play within General and Commissioner the APC and also pleaded for Justice, and other with the party members and important dignitaries of the the electorate embrace peace as the party is one Bar and the Bench. that arbours violence. The Osogbo Federal Constituency aspirant used the opportunity to enjoin prides itself of over 3000 the people in the which residential plots with the constituency, smallest plot being 1000 comprises of Osogbo, square metres. It is expected Olorunda, Irepodun and Local Government to cater for an estimated Orolu Council areas of the state. population of over a 100,000 According to him: “I want people. It is indeed a modern the people in my new town that is livable and constituency to back my enjoyable, by all standards. ambition because my tenure
Osun CJ To Declare Magistrates’ Retreat Open
T
HE Chief Judge of the State of Osun, Justice Oyebola Adepele Ojo, will today declare open a four-day Retreat Programme for all magistrates in the State of Osun. This was contained in a schedule to hold between statement issued by the Tuesday 21st October to Chief Registrar of the State Friday 24th October, 2014 at High Court, Mr Ayo Western Sun International Oyebiyi. Hotel and Events Centre, According to the Aisu/NYSC Camp Road, statement, the retreat is Ede, State of Osun.
Oyebiyi said the retreat is part of efforts of the Chief Judge at improving productivity and efficiency in the state magisterial Bench. The theme of the Retreat, according to the statement is “Towards A More Efficient Magistracy in Osun State”. Dignitaries expected to grace the opening ceremony
Aregbesola Flags Off New Town Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, will on Thursday, 23rd October, 2014 perform the official ground breaking/ flag off of the Oranmiyan New Town at the proposed Polo ground. The administration with a boulevard that cuts across view to creating a six neighborhoods. conducive environment for He stressed that the new Healthy living, and a town boasts of a botanical harmonious built garden; commercial strips environment, has Prepared of plots along the major A COMPREHENSIVE roads; serviced plots; a DEVELOPMENT PLAN OF D o w n t o w n / C e n t r a l A NEW TOWN, Business District (CBD) “Oranmiyan New Town” with varying land uses ( within capital territory, State religious, educational, of Osun. commercial and parking). According to the state’s Interestingly, a three Arms Commissioner for Lands, Zone has been created to Physical Planning and accommodate the House of Urban Development, Arc. Assembly (legislature); Muyiwa Ige, Oranmiyan Proposed High Court and New Town is located within Judiciary Quarters the capital territory of the (Judiciary) and the State of Osun, within the Governor ’s Office precinct of the State (Executive), in addition to Secretariat and the Osun the proposed New Grove. Government House. The It is made up of Seven beautiful streetscape brags neighborhoods and has a of sidewalks and bicycle 42m right-of-way main paths on all major roads and
handsome landscaping. Recreational features are not limited to parks and gardens. Adequate provision has been made to accommodate a lawn tennis club, Squash club, 18 hole Golf course and a Polo Ground. Oranmiyan New Town
Osun Gov Tribunal Dissolved, New Panel Constituted
H
EARKENING to the demand of the All Progressives Congress (APC) to dissolve the State of Osun Governorship Election Petition Tribunal, the National Judicial Council has equally appointed a new three-member panel to sit on the petition filed by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate in the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore. I.M. Bako, had earlier been The new members of the withdrawn from the panel. tribunal are Justice E.N. APC, in a statement by its Ikpejime from Benue State, spokesperson, Alhaji Lai who is the chairman; Justice Mohammed, kicked against V.I Ofesi from Delta State his withdrawal and called for and Justice Kutigi from the the dissolution of the panel. Federal Capital Territory Bako’s withdrawal was (FCT), Abuja. said to have been predicated Former chairman of the on initial complaints by the dissolved panel, Justice APC in the state.
Mohammed said the party was not satisfied with the removal of Bako alone on August 27. Other members of the dissolved panel were Justices A.M. Awwalu and Benson Ogbu. Governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the election, Senator Iyiola Omisore, is contesting the votes of Governor Rauf Aregbesola in some local government council areas and seeking the cancellation of the results.
would not be business as usual, as I promise to give them equal and adequate representation.” Oladepo assured that unlike previous candidates, who represented the people from the constituency in Abuja, he would make sure that qualified graduates are gainfully employed as soon as the opportunity presents itself. Speaking at the event, another aspirant for the same position and a friend to Oladepo, Alhaji Fatai Oyedele Diekola, corroborated the earlier statement that the APC is a party that embraces peace and that there is no anymosity between him and his childhood friend. Diekola also pleaded with party members to allow peace to reign at all times because success could only be achieved in an atmosphere, where peace is allowed to reign. He maintained that the only desire he and Oladepo had was to make sure Osogbo local government won the right to put up a candidate to represent the federal constituency come February, 2015. In his words, “Osogbo people are fighting for what rightfully belongs to them because even in the National Assembly, representatives from constituents that have the state capital are always from there. So, in that wise, Osogbo people are the ones that must produce the next candidate that will contest under the APC and thereby represent the people in Abuja.
Change Of Name I, formerly known and addressed as NWAOBASI JOSHUA/ NWAOBASI EMEKA JOSHUA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAOBASI JOSHUA EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public should take note.
4
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The War Called The Osun Elections-By Segun Tomori Continued frompg1 I just couldn’t imagine my home State go back to the disastrous
“years of the locust”. I had participated actively n the campaigns, interacted with the people, felt their pulse and the story was the same – Osun has never had it so good, the people vowed to defend their votes by all means possible! From that moment I had made up my mind to give my all and put myself at harm’s way if need be to ensure we form a bulwark of resistance against the machinery of State to be deployed to thwart the people’s wish.
When I was about to proceed on my journey to Osogbo, the Osun State Capital on Monday preceding the elections I prepared for the worst. Few associates privy to my trip advised strongly that I removed any APC sourvenir from my luggage,any ID card that can associate me with the party amongst other security tips. They were right to be apprehensive, soldiers, officials of the Department of State Security(DSS) including the hooded ones,lorry loads of mobile policemen had since being deployed across the nook and cranny of Osun State. Bearing in mind the desperation of their paymasters, we knew they could stop and search vehicles and abduct anything synonymous with APC, so I took all the precautions. I took off on the journey which in itself was dramatic.
As we got close to Oshogbo, a discussion ensued in the bus and I found out I was not alone in the Save-Osun initiative. Most of the passengers shared the same sentiments with me and were also natives of the State. They spoke emotionally and fiercely about their determination to ensure Aregbesola’s victory. Speaker after speaker reeled out programmes and interventions of the Governor that has brought smiles to the faces of the people. They concluded he was the best thing to happen to the State since its creation. The menacing apparatus of State then suffocating the enviroment will not deter them, they thundered! “Ko si ohun ti soja o se, a ma duro gboin gboin lati dibo Aregbe” they said in yoruba dialect meaning “there is nothing Soldiers can do, we will stand firmly to vote for Aregbe”. I thought to myself, we are about to witness mass resistance unequally in our national history if anything go against the people’s will. Hopefully, the soldiers we met on the various check-points didn’t stop and search, they just peeped through the bus windows and passed us on. I heaved a sigh of relief when I arrived Osogbo safely late in the evening.
I have attended rallies, mega-rallies , name it, but what I saw on Tuesday at the grand-finale of the campaign was frightening. A stadium whose capacity can’t be more than 60,000 almost caved in due to pressure from an unprecedented mammoth crowd. Every space on the covered stands were over-filled, the main bowl of the Stadium was virtually unpassable. My associates and I had to hold ourselves to navigate our way through the crowd, it took us about an hour from the entrance of the stadium to find somewhere to perch! Yet thousands more extend to adjoining roads outside the stadium. It was the APC mega-rally and to say it was awesomely mega is an understatement! We even heard that the Lord of Asorock caught an instant migraine seeing the magnitude of the rally! The effect of that was seen in the sealing off of the freedom park that was supposed to host workers rally the next day by “hooded soldiers” They got the now familiar, albeit emergency “orders from above” to forcefully if need be halt the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and its affiliates endorsement rally for the Ogbeni.
Co-incidentally, Wednesday, 6th August was my birthday but I was in no mood for celebrations of any kind. I told my wellwishers, family and friends that you don’t clink glasses in a battlefront! Interestingly, one of my compatriots who was also a major ‘battle-axe” and good friend’s birthday was 8th August so I told him we’ll do a birthday plus victory party on the 10th, a day after the elections,when we triumph at the polls. We know we had the people behind us, we never gave defeat a thought! By Thursday, preparations had reached feverish pitch, the towns, hamlets and villages was now massively flowing with uniformed men of all hues and shades. Some DSS operatives came to the restaurant we were having dinner, Thursday evening, apparently on surveillance mission. We got the message and we left in a jiffy! On our way to our location, we noticed a car trailing us, so we had to take a decoy to a bar. As we turned to the bar, the car also turned in another direction. Their mission still remains a mystery. Thank God for little mercies!
When we arrived our abode, we swung into action to put finishing touches to our master-plan which was to run a co-ordinated and effective live broadcast of the elections on social and online media in collaboration with the APC situation room which was to start from Friday evening till the announcement of the results on Sunday. This was necessary because leaking the plans of our devious opponents was key to frustrate their rigging machinery; announcing results online as we get it directly from our agents was also crucial to frustrate any manipulation at the collation level. By Friday afternoon, I had to tactically separate from my friends who then proceeded to a high security location. The curfew was going to start around 5-6pm. By 4pm, I arrived at my own secure location and quickly moved to set up. I surveyed the enviroment to assess the possible threat level. I saw that it was negligible so I settled down for the task ahead.
By Friday evening we got intelligence report that notorius election rigger, Chris Uba was in town with a unit of 50 soldiers attached to him. We sent that out and made sure it went viral. Later that night, information about the arrest of our leaders ranging from APC Publicity Secretary, lai Mohammed, the Attorney-general Of Osun State, barr. Wale Afolabi, Tinubu’s Special Adviser on media, Mr Sunday are, Commissioner for Agric among others were swiftly publicised with dispatch. The far-reaching effect of the noise we made contributed in no small measure to the release of most of those picked up by Saturday morning. We discovered by Saturday morning that fake soldiers and policemen had surfaced in many locations. Their logo was a red ankara tied to their left hand. Quickly we activated our instant alert to our people,through all means possible. That again thwarted efforts to manipulate the elections from the beginning.
The elections started peacefully however in most locations with accreditation going on smoothly. The only snag was the continued harassment of APC leaders across the State. The case of the 1st Civilian Governor of Osun State, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke was quite instructive. After failing to assasinate him over-night due to resistance by his security aides, he was trailed from the polling unit to his mother’s residence where he went after accreditation. He escaped the siege by the whisker after he was discreetly notified. He couldn’t come back to exercise his franchise. The results started trickling in by afternoon and the PDP demolition squad sensing their rejection quickly switched to a plan B to disrupt the collation process. We instantly alerted the public about their norturnal meeting and evil plot. What really helped the APC apart from the determination of the people was our access to classified information. We were always a step ahead of them and that frustrated the election riggers.
I got an anonymous call from a patroitic police officer around 8pm who claimed he was at a location at modakeke and that results being collated was about to be altered. You could detect the fear in his voice as he asked me to ensure his cover. He was an igbo officer deployed from other states, he wasn’t familiar with the terrain but what was gratifying that there could still be few men of integrity in the corruption-ridden Nigeria Police Force. In order to confirm the authenticity of his Statement, I asked the Apapa Local Government Chairman who was with me to speak to him. He sounded credible, he concluded. So I made some calls to the authorities and sent text message to our men to act immediately.
I
President. After the bitter division the country experienced when Umaru Yar’Adua was incapacitated, Nigerians believed that Goodluck would unite Nigerians. Today, the discernible sour note in the polity is that we are more divided now than we were even during the Nigerian civil war. From Shehu Shagari to
Baba Obasanjo, and Musa Yar’Adua, my country has never been this torn-apart and polarized. A very high percentage of those who support President Jonathan for reelection in 2015 are from either the South-South or the South-East. An equally higher percentage of those who can’t stand him running are from the South
West and the Northern parts of Nigeria. These two groups are very passionate about their stands for and against, and it’s getting very personal in many cases. The dins and quibbles about Jonathan’s government, governance and competence to lead Nigeria out of the doldrums have grown wilder and wider, and the polity is heated-up
pretty bad. Our security outfits have become the megaphones and foot-warriors of the ruling party, PDP. Jonathan’s yet-to-beannounced candidacy and presidency have pushed Nigerians far apart into their isolated individual tents. Politicians who slap and disrobe judges are pushed to exalted seats, while
If we thought the threats have been subdued, we were in for a shocker! The returning officer whose task it is to announce the final result was under pressure to collect a whooping N1b and announce Omisore winner! They were ready to damn the consequences and ask us to go to court. So we had to practically go on our knees! I salute the indefatigable people of Osun State, they were resolute, they stood like a rock, stayed on the streets all through and formed a human shield around the collation centre. Then the returning officer came in around 1.35pm. The results of all the local governments were announced before 5am. Then we now witnessed dilly-dallying of the highest order. It got to a point around 7am, anxious journalists and people started singing asking for the results. Lo and Behold, at about 7.10am, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola was finally pronounced the winner!
There was instant jubilation across the nook and cranny of Oshogbo. Never in the history of elections have I seen such spontaneous excitement pervade the landscape because of results announcement. Within the twinkle of an eye, the whole town went agog with people clutching their brooms- symbol of the Governor’s party, congratulating themselves, okada riders driving menacingly in such euphoric ecstasy and finally we could say hurray! We won! We didn’t win an election, we won a WAR with a stone like the biblical david. Goliath came to battle with the best arsenal at his disposal but we came with the will of a determined people that vowed that never again shall they go the road of perdition they once trodded. Who says the voice of the people is not the voice of God? Because ultimately the hand of the Almighty saved the day and gave us victory. Osun ti dara ooooooo.
Segun Tomori
Before 11pm, we already had all the results and we had won, though unofficially. What sealed the deal for us and put paid to any manipulation the PDP had in stock was the unexpected congratulation
Nigeria Needs A Uniter, Not A Divider N 2011, almost all the regions in Nigeria came together with one voice to elect Goodluck Jonathan as President. Muslims and Christians called him humble, a source of inspiration, an intellectual, a prayer warrior and the first Ph.D holder to ever become president in the country. Pastors from both orthodox and pentecostal hues used his life story as sermon illustrations because it was compelling. Mothers named their babies after Goodluck Jonathan. If I had a son around that time, I would have named him Goodluck, which means: “You encounter good fortune, especially by chance”, not necessarily by merit. In his life’s story, he has recorded a fleet of good luck since the days he said he had no shoes on his feet. An Assistant Senior Prefect in secondary school who, we were told, became the Senior Prefect, Deputy Governor, later became Governor; Vice-President and now
of Aregbesola as the winner of the election around 9.40pm by the Ooni of Ife, Oba Okunade Sijuade. Omisore according to our sources had already informed Aso-rock that there was fighting in his home-town of Ile-Ife because according to him, the results we were circulating were fake and he was actually leading in the “original” results. The Ooni swiftly debunked that, not only congratulated the Governor-elect, but also stated that nobody was fighting in Ife! That took the sail out of the wind of Omisore and his treacherous gang.
lawmakers who are carrying out their constitutional duties but happen to be in the opposition are harassed and shot at in broad daylight by security operatives hired by ruling party goons. In spite of these brazen acts of utter disregard for sanity in government and governance, the presidency is keeping mum. I am sure this will get worse as we draw closer to February 2015, and mark my word, it will begin from Ekiti, which is gradually becoming a breeding ground for lawlessness and dystopia. Ekiti State, the land of the lettered, is now chaperoned by a generalissimo rapscallion and bumptious, bombastic, blowhard varmint. We shall see what we shall see. Nigeria shouldn’t be where she is today. We, as a matter of urgency need a uniter, not a divider presidency we have today. THIS IS SMACKDOWN STRAIGHTUP TALK!!! •FOLA OJO, United States of America.
OSUN DEFENDER Publisher
–
Moremi Publishing House Ltd.
Managing Editor
–
Kola Olabisi (0803-392-7286)
Editor
–
Kayode Agbaje (0803-388-0205)
Lagos Editor
–
Kola Odepeju (08023191891)
Production Editor
–
Pet-Kola Taiwo Ibitowa
Senior Reporter Senior Reporter
– –
Sola Jacobs Kazeem Mohammed
Magazine Editor
–
Niyi Olasinde
Reporter Reporter
– –
Kehinde Ayantunji Francis Chukwuma
Photographer Photographer
– –
Oluwagbemiga Adeniyi Olushola Aderinto
Admin. Manager
–
Murtala Agboola
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
5
Renaissance OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The State Of Osun Schools Reclassification:
Schooling Made Easier, More Comprehensive III The intention of this edition is to close chapters on the relevance of the schools’ reclassification exercise of the incumbent administration to the inculcation and propagation of the concept of Omoluabi in the present-day State of Osun. NIYI OLASINDE concludes the series as an opener to further issues to come on the Omoluabi ethos.
•Ejigbo High School in the State of Osun under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola.
6
MAGAZINE
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Schooling Made Easier, More Comprehensive III
Continued from last week. E find it most apt once again to maintain a link with the last edition in order to maintain a flow of facts in such a manner that no single aspect of idea brought to the fore is lost, hence we draw reference to the following relevant portions of the closing parts of the edition: Following the declaration of a state of emergency in the education industry in the state, the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola swung swiftly into action when in February 2011, the first-ever Education Summit was put together for the State of Osun. The agenda and thrust of the summit was to actively engage a rich pool of ideas, skills, experiences and expertise of participants; drawn from diverse and related disciplines from Nigeria, Africa and the Diaspora in order to fashion out lasting panacea to the multifaceted hydra headed challenges that had hitherto plagued the sector. As part of the findings and recommendations of the summit, which was chaired by no less a personality than the academic icon and internationally reputed Nobel Laureate in Literature, Professor Wole Soyinka, the teaching-learning environment was identified to be of high preponderating and contributory influence on impact of delivery, efficacy and good outcome. It would not be a mismatch, therefore, to attribute the emergence and evolution of the State of Osun Schools Infrastructure Development Project, known for short as O’SCHOOLS to the numerous landmark breakthrough achievements of the inaugural Education Summit for the State of Osun held in February 2011. Another in the list of programmes rolled out by the incumbent administration sequel to the State of Osun Education Summit is the ongoing Schools Reforms and Reclassification. By the tone of the reclassification, no school was going to, in nomenclature or identity lose the name given to it by its initial owners before the takeover of the mission schools by the government in September 1975. Also by it, the speculation that some pupils or students would have to trek long distances to and fro schools on daily basis is off-track. It is also an unfounded fallacy that government has the ulterior motive of partial or massive retrenchment of teachers at the back of its mind by initiating the programme. In addition to this, the calculated lie fabricated that the Government Unusual has embarked on the mass demolition of school structures claimed to have been erected by the immediate past administration is both unsystematic and irrational. The governor has continuously spared no available medium to debunk these rumors. The Deputy Governor, who also doubles as the State Commissioner for Education has never relented in disabusing the minds of citizens and residents and insulating them from believing these bunches of
W
lies. Below are excerpts from responses by Otunba Lai Oyeduntan to questions bordering on these malicious insinuations: On the negative protestation against the whole essence of providing the public education sub-sector with brandnew infrastructure, this response provides the most apt response: “Osun Schools Infrastructure Development Committee is the Project Management Office (PMO) of Schools Infrastructure Development Project for the State of Osun. The Schools Infrastructure Development Project is an intervention mechanism, one of the intervention mechanisms introduced by the government of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola to revamp the education sector of the state. Our project is essentially to superintend the development of the most decayed and largely dilapidated structures in the schools for basic education in our state. I don’t know whether I will agree with you that the public does not know. If anything at all, we have had a lot of exposure in terms of what we stand for, what we do, how we do it and even the activities that we have been engaged in. The name, the coinage ‘’O’SCHOOLS’’ has been the name for the committee to the extent that many of us have had to answer to the name ‘’O’SCHOOLS’’. O’SCHOOLS is the alias of the committee.” The impetus for the new infrastructural development is here given in lucid terms: “Firstly, there’s no difference. It is a development. It is an enhancement. It is an enhancement of the environment where our teaching and learning functions take place. Why I say there’s no difference? One, the setting on which we are doing our intervention is based on the existing schools. The schools are there, but they have deteriorated so badly that they had become dysfunctional. Yes, some people started that idea in the past, and it is time to improve on it, to modernize it, to bring it up to track with modern Twenty-First Century standards. So what we’ve been making is a transformational projection of what we have been doing and bringing it up to track with the best practices all over the world.” Reacting to the insinuation that demolished school structures are strong edifices that are legacies of the immediate past administration in the state, the chairman responded as follows: “Well, the truth is that we have had to remove dangerously dilapidated structures from our schools. One, at the beginning of this committee’s assignment, we toured the schools and found structures that constituted immediate danger to the users of the premises and this made us to invite the heads of the schools; that is the headmasters and the principals to give us reports and file their returns and give us details of such structures
in their premises that are considered to constitute immediate danger to students. We received their requests and we found out that four thousand and fifty five (4,055) structures were noted to be dangerously dilapidated. You must know, for emphasis, we only go to remove those structures that have been identified by the schools. So we only go to those schools on invitation by the heads of the schools to help remove dangerously dilapidated structures. What that means in essence, is that whatever structures we remove, would have no adverse effect on the capacity of the affected school to function the morning after; because we are only invited to come and remove structures that were not in use as at the date of removal. So it is not true that the intention was to put the schools and the users in hazard or difficulties; the intention was not haphazard. The structures were demolished based on the specification of the users. It was structured and it was mapped out.” The devilish notion contrived that the administration intended through the O’SCHOOLS or the Reclassification exercise to make pupils or students of schools to trek long distances to and fro schools is debunked with this response: “It is not true. It is not possible. It is not practical that we ever moved pupils/students from Ipetu-Ijesa to Ijebu-Ijesa or any of such locations. First of all, I’ve thrown a challenge to the public. Anybody who can identify a structure that was removed without the invitation of the affected schools should please let us know or contact us. I don’t want you to confuse an attempt by a committee in the Ministry of Education to implement the new schooling structures. That is a different thing entirely. That was a recent event and the government is on top of it to make sure that this is done properly. For us as O’SCHOOLS, our relics, purview, our mandate is to superintend the introduction of infrastructure in our schools, and nobody has suffered any deprivation as a result of our activities. The only wholesale demolition we witnessed so far are those school structures marked for demolition for the purpose of immediate redevelopment; and as of today, twenty-four (24) of such schools have been developed.” Lastly in this edition, we shall refer to the Chairman’s response to questions bordering on speculated schools’ merger and the imminent submerging of initial ownership. Also, this response allays the fear of teachers’ retrenchment: “I would have to clarify certain things. The policy of restructuring the schooling system, the policies of even the average size, optimum size of these schools are not arbitrary. They are not new and they are not even farfetched. The results of that reorganization will justify Continued on page 11
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
MAGAZINE
7
Schooling Made Easier, More Comprehensive III Continued from page 6
the exercise. Right now, most of these schools are already of that same size. We have primary schools with the population in excess of one thousand (1,000) all over the state. We have secondary schools with population in excess of 2,000 plus all over the state. But what do you have? In one premises, you have three, four schools. In one premises, you have several schools. All we are doing is rationalization; which is optimizing the allocation, the application of resources. Part of the resources is the teachers, and they are on top of the chart. Why do you have schools with two teachers, three teachers; four teachers; five teachers; and they have two or more schools in that same premises? Why not aggregate them and reschedule them and make the time table and allocation of teachers a lot easier? Then comes the issue of maintaining the schools. The environment is very, very important for the development of the mind. That is even more so for the young mind, the young impressive mind. That is the budget and that is what we are aiming at - That the environment should be conducive; and be of support to a developing mind that is learning and maturing into wholesome personality.” These question and answer sessions were held at a time when the schools’ reclassification exercise had not begun to take effect. At the time the responses were made, the idea of reclassification had not yet been publicly known it was then at the conception stage. Yet the responses are still found apt and relevant! This shows the depth and extent of the preparedness, commitment and consistency of the Government Unusual to its programmes and policies. The programmes and policies of the incumbent administration in the Sate of Osun are mutually reconstructive. They are integrative, well-knit, symbiotic, interdependent and interwoven. OUR last edition closed at the point at which we were clarifying issues that had come up in previous editions pertaining to the events and happenings in the public education sub-sector in the State of Osun. The previous edition had sought out to dig deep in to the crux of the matter that constituted rot, decay and deterioration in the sub-sector; to the extent that as at the time of takeover of the reins of power and governance by the Aregbesola administration, the public education subsector in the state had so deteriorated that it was becoming almost extinct. It was in that regard that we set out at the earlier stage of that edition to trace the events which constituted the antecedents of the man
Aregbesola in power, his determination and deep-seated interest in assuming the responsibilities of power and governance of the state, his election campaigns and his pact with the people of the state. There is a relevant portion of this pact which has become a sort of terms of reference for us in virtually all editions pertaining to ongoing reforms in the affected sub-sector. Owing to the down-to-earth relevance of that particular portion of the Pact, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine shall here draw reference to it all over again, at least for the purposes of emphasis and reminder. It runs as follows: “My mission and ambition are to restore to the people, a state of peace, opportunity, for progress and room for the pursuit of prosperity in our time under a people friendly government. I give you Six-Point Integral Action plan, to the intent that they constitute my actions of faith concerning which I want to be held accountable at any time during my stewardship. SIX POINT INTEGRAL ACTION PLAN · Banish Poverty · Banish Hunger · Banish Unemployment (Create Work/Wealth) · Restore Healthy Living · Promote Functional Education · Enhance Communal Peace and Progress” Further in the line of drawing specific reference, we have the following: CIVIL SERVICE REFORMS “There is the need for a civil service reform that will not lead to any loss of jobs as I Rauf Aregbesola do not believe in laying people off in the name of reforms. Our reform will make the work environment more conductive, stimulating and development oriented. Bonuses, incentives and regular awards shall be instituted to promote a culture of excellence in the civil service along with the prompt payment of salaries, allowances, leave bonuses and year end performance bonuses. Promotions and comprehensive salary reviews and increases shall be regular. Internal and external training, work exchange programmes and overseas training shall be actively reinstituted for comprehensive human development in the civil service. New Tutor General/Permanent Secretary Cadre shall be created for Teachers in new education districts for
better school administration. We shall institute Home Ownership Scheme for public servants and also support and encourage their backyard food production business ventures. We shall do a comprehensive review of civil service names and conventions as part of our efforts to create a people- friendly civil service. Appropriate nomenclature will enhance accountability and promote public access to the services of the ministry. A citizen with a complaint of blockage of drainage will find a Ministry of Roads and Drainages easier to identify with than Ministry of Works, a Ministry of Human Resources and Development will more appropriately communicate its services than a Ministry of Establishment.” WE now swing to the Education sub-heading of the Pact, which we quote as follows PROMOTE FUNCTIONAL EDUCATION Vision: Eradicate the frustration of youths caused by education that does not lead to employment. “To achieve this, the government of AC under Rauf Aregbesola shall: · Provide free education at all levels in Osun State. Focus on functional education. Education that makes one useful to himself and society. · Improve incentives to teachers and work with the NUT to restore the dignity of the teaching profession. · Restructure administration of school management and create Tutors-General (Permanent Secretary Cadre) from among Head Teachers in three Educational Districts which we will establish.\ · Fix all collapsed educational infrastructures in all the schools. · Support with modern teaching aids and wellstocked libraries. · Ensure cooperation with parents and teachers to improve discipline and morality. · Introduce non-partisan community-based governing boards for all schools. · Reduce number of students per classroom immediately. · Introduce home development plans for teachers who wish to build houses in their home towns, through access to special mortgage packages. · Promote mass adult literacy and numeracy programmes. · Promote and support Special programmes that give special attention to education of girls and women. Continued on page 11
•AREGBESOLA
•LAOYE-TOMORI
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
PHOTOTALK
8
Honourable Olubukola Oyewo (BUKOY) Declared His Intention For State Of Osun House Of Assembly To Represent Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency Under The All Progressive Congress (APC), At Ilobu, State Of Osun, Recently. Photo: GBENGA ADENIYI.
•Honourable Olubukola (with Oranmiyan cloth) with a mammoth of crowd during the programme.
•
•Olubukola (right); Governor’s Liaison Officer in Orolu and an APC leader, Alhaji Kelani Orisawale (2nd left) and the APC Chairman in Orolu Local Government, Alhaji Ganiyu Ibrahim (left) and other dignitaries on the occasion.
•(L-R) State of Osun House of Assembly member representing Irepodun/Orolu State Constituency, Honourable Kamil Oyedele and Oyewo during the programme.
•Oyewo (left), welcoming one of the state exco members of the Labour Party, Honourable Adeyemo Razak (middle) to APC. With them is Mr Raji Kolawole.
9
PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
A Team From African Development Bank Paid A Courtesy Visit To The State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, In His Office At Abere, State Of Osun, Recently.
•The governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola (2nd left), exchanging pleasantries with the Country Director, African Development Bank, Dr. Usman Dore, while Special Adviser to the Governor on Rural Development and Community Affairs, Mr. Kunle Ige, watches, during a visit to the governor in his office, Abere, Osogbo.
•Governor Aregbesola (middle); his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori (2nd left); Dr. Dore (2nd right), Ige and Chief Country Programme Coordinator of African Development Bank, Mr. Andoh Mensah, during the visit to the governor in his office, Abere, Osogbo, State of Osun.
10
PHOTOTALK
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
State Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, Received An Excellent Public Administrator Award At The 6th Prince Bola Ajibola Annual Lecture Series At Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, Last Wednesday.
•Former President, International Court of Justice, Prince Bola Ajibola (left), presenting an award to the governor, State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as an Excellent Public Administrator 2014, during the 6th Prince Bola Ajibola Annual Lecture Series at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, last Wednesday.
•(L-R) Prince Ajibola; Governor Aregbesola; his deputy, Otunba (Mrs) Grace Titi Laoye-Tomori; Chairman of the occasion, Professor Nurudeen Adedipe; the Alara of AramokoEkiti, Oba Adegoke Adeyemi and President, Magnacuria Chambers, Mr Akinwole Ayodele, during the 6th Prince Bola Ajibola Annual Lecture Series at Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, last Wednesday.
MAGAZINE
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
11
Schooling Made Easier, More Comprehensive III
•One of the classrooms at AUD Middle School, Araromi, Iwo, State of Osun . Continued from page 10
· Establish institutions that impart life-long skills for all, in and out of formal schooling. ON HIGHER EDUCATION AND UNIVERSITY · I am committed to ensuring that an Osun State University takes off on a sound footing and becomes a first-class institution with linkages to renowned universities in the developed world. · I will make every tertiary institution in Osun State an independent degree-awarding one. · Encourage use of services of retired, but not tired dons and administrators, from reputable institutions.” After the introductory and background aspects traced above, the last edition went ahead to dig deep and pungently the assiduous and dedicated efforts of the administration at turning the tide around in the public education sub-sector immediately after assuming the reins of power and governance in November 2010. In the light of this, we traced the declaration of a state of emergency in the entire sector and the holding of the first ever State of Osun Education Summit, a convergence which was convened to brainstorm and rub minds over the numerous challenges which had plagued the Education sub-sector of the Social Services Sector of the state over time. We then perused the archives as we brought out relevant words of wisdom concerning the rich, resourceful and time-tested policies and programmes of the incumbent administration. Particularly, it was at the clarification of issues bordering on the much speculated proposed merger of schools and the ensuing insinuated effect of pupils having to be given the untold hardship of trekking long kilomtres distances to and fro their schools daily that we drew curtains on the last week edition. That speculation was confirmed to be untrue, unfounded, baseless and quite illogical. One of the first proactive and decisive steps taken in the direction of stemming the tide of rot and deterioration which befell our public schools was the revival and rejuvenation of the schools’ learning environment. It was a worthy; deserving and apposite step that if education was humanized by developing befitting environment, that action alone would go a long way in reviving the spate of decline in the entire education industry in the state. These reactions by the Chairman of the State of Osun Schools’ Infrastructure Development Committee Project, Otunba Lai Oyeduntan gives the background of the impetus for the schools’ develo0pment in infrastructure as pursued by the incumbent administration: “There is no maximum figure, and governance is a continuum. That means until all schools are brought up
to par with the set standards, government should not relent in this direction. So we designed and redesigned our schools and they have not changed within the funding capacity of the government. Since funding is limited, we can now only go for what the government can afford and that is why we are limiting our projections to the stated figures. Well, I have this to say that no school project is being left untouched, why? It is because the concept of dilapidation and reconstruction is precise. Every school taken into consideration will not be abandoned.” Commenting on the number of units of these school structures to be constructed, the Chairman had this to say: “There is no maximum figure, and governance is a continuum. That means until all schools are brought up to par with the set standards, government should not relent in this direction. So we designed and redesigned our schools and they have not changed within the funding capacity of the government. Since funding is limited, we can now only go for what the government can afford and that is why we are limiting our projections to the stated figures. Well, I have this to say that no school project is being left untouched, why? It is because the concept of dilapidation and reconstruction is precise. Every school taken into consideration will not be abandoned.” On the plans ad intents of the administration at the initial stage, vis-à-vis the reality on ground as at the zero hour of implementation, this contribution represents the mind of government: “Yes, the practical it is. I mean it’s not just the optimists; even the realist should have cause to be hopeful. Why? Our plan is a minimum delivery of at least 50 Elementary schools, 33 Middle schools and between 10 to 20 High schools, within the next 15 months. I said 15 months because the high schools is a much bigger project which are projects that will take a longer time to accomplish or complete. And we have started. Out of those numbers, twenty-four sites are already under construction and some of them would be delivered in a matter of weeks. It is possible and it is not exceedingly optimistic that people are expectant. Government of the State of Osun is committed and we are, on our part as committee, we share the passions of the governor; we share the vision of the government and we are committed to that delivery of quality service and programmes for which this government is renowned.” The reality has not been denied; neither has the administration drifted from its promises to deliver this and that number of these structures for the various categories of schools. Reporting the plans of action of the State of Osun Schools’ Infrastructure Development
Committee, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine once documented as follows: “At its inception, O’SCHOOLS as the Project Management Office (PMO) of the Government of the State of Osun was set out for the purpose of the development of infrastructure in Osun schools. In the beginning of its assignment, the primary mandate was to take all necessary steps to build and deliver within 24 months: · 100 elementary schools (2,100 classrooms); · 50 (62?) middle schools; and · 20 high schools Though the committee has not in any way wavered from its commitment to deliver its initial mandate to the people of the State of Osun, exigencies of the present time, governed by limitations imposed by available funds and time has caused it to streamline its efforts to immediately affordable units of structures. According to Otunba Lai Oyeduntan, the O’SCHOOLS Chairman, in a chat with OSUN DEFENDER Magazine crew earlier in the outgoing year, the immediate mandate of the O’SCHOOLS Committee is a minimum delivery of at least: · 50 elementary schools; · 33 middle schools; and · Between 10 and 20 high schools All within the next 15 months! The Chairman also revealed that out of these figures of school structures, work had started and was already progressing on 24 units; with high hope that some completed units shall be delivered latest before the winding of the 2012/2013 academic session.” In September this year, at the occasion of the official commissioning of the first in the list of 900-seater ultramodern schools built throughout the length and breadth of the state, the governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola made a declaration which confirmed that the claims adduced to by Oyeduntan in the above-quoted response has not turned out to be a farce eventually. The declaration as reported earlier in one of Osun Defender Magazine editions is recapped as follows: “With the present effort of the Government Unusual in the Education sub-sector of the state, we owe the administration nothing short of our kind understanding, support, cooperation and prayers. Let it be noted that as at the time of compiling this report, thirteen (13) units of Elementary schools; fifteen (15) of Middle schools; and ten (10) of High schools are under construction throughout the nooks and crannies if the state. But once again, if anyone would kick against any Contiuned on page 12
13
MAGAZINE
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Schooling Made Easier, More Comprehensive III
•Building of AUD Middle School, Araromi, Iwo under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola. Continued from page 12 It is the core policy of the Aregbesola administration to make sound quality control mechanism the hallmark of all
projects executed with the taxpayers’ money. In road projects, school buildings, hospital facilities and virtually all physical projects put in place by the administration; all hands are always on deck to ensure that they are durable and of long-lasting quality. This claim is lent credence to in this response by the O’SCHOOLS project committee Chairman: “O sure, yes! O yes! Look, the essence of having O’SCHOOLS as Project Management Office is to ensure that our office is to help the contractors deliver - not just being there to supervise, we help them to deliver high quality jobs. In all that we do, we are not compromising on quality at all. Our mechanisms for control and supervision, both before, during and after the construction exercises are superb. In fact, I am very proud to say that we have involved a lot of supervision professionals across construction industries. We have approached the Nigerian Institute of Architects, the Nigerian Institute of Engineers, the NIB - the Nigerian Institute of Builders, and Institution of Surveyors - Institutions that control professionals in the building industry to work with us in supervision. From their members, we have appointed people we call TSRs Technical Site Representatives whose duties are likened to those of site engineers they are resident on the sites, they monitor the construction processes, and that is without prejudices! They hammer on standard professional requirements of supervising consultants as well as our own technical-in-house technical capacity to monitor and supervise work done; to supervise construction work on the site.”
nobody dared question the wisdom of the administrations that carried out the reforms in the old Oyo State of which we in the present-day State of Osun were part and parcel. We have spoken extensively on the pitiable conditions of public schools that were inherited by this administration upon its assumption of office three years ago. During the time of the immediate past administration in office, the situation of our schools deteriorated so badly that we who are proud products of those public schools could not hold back our tears for our various Alma Mater. But the old proprietors of those schools (Christian missionaries, Muslim missionaries and communities) never decried the spate of rot, neglect and abandonment which the schools were made to witness. There was apparent conspiracy of silence as our schools were turned into public toilets, arena for social parties, Indian hemp joints, hide-outs for hoodlums and the rest of worst things that a school should represent. Upon this background, it is true and sacrosanct that he who blows the trumpet should be the one dictating the tune. It is also wise to admit that whoever sits in the driver’s seat determines the motion and movement of an automobile. In times past, some administrations in the state had managed the meager resources at the disposal of the state so badly that activities of government were almost dragged to a grinding halt. Also, some governments had failed woefully in the dispensation of social and other responsibilities to the governed. In these areas, they had the shortcoming of being counted among the list of responsible and responsive governments. A case in hand is that of the immediate past administration; during which time in office, subterfuge and profligacy stank to high heavens. Like the scriptures attest, we are all living witnesses to these contrasts.
Concerning the abolition of special schools and singlesex schools, I think this is to the best advantage of all; the students in particular. Classification of schools as schools of science, commerce, arts and /or other branches of knowledge, to me, is unnecessarily discriminatory, and as such should be done away with. Also, single-sex schools impair and retard the development of students in heterosexual relationships, especially in later life. As a qualified teacher and expert in the field of education, I have long had my reservations over the expediency of entrusting a child to a single-sex school. Thank God that we now have a responsible and responsive government who thought it likewise.
The Rauf Aregbesola administration in the State of Osun has so much impacted positively that it constitutes brazen show of ingratitude and wicked selfishness on the part of any person or group of whatever political leaning to attempt at castigating it just on the grounds that it has succeeded in blocking leakages from the treasury and for making most efficient use of our resources. The administration has also succeeded in increasing the revenue status of the state. These are supposed to be pluses on the ground that the administration should be awarded the highest pass mark when compared with any of the previous ones we ever had; or all of them put together.
ON the whole, OSUN DEFENDER Magazine has the following concluding remarks to make. Concerning the unfounded speculations of schools’ merger, the good gestures of the Government Unusual deserve much of praises than denigration. With the few cases of completed new school facilities that we have seen, the old names of those schools have not been lost in the process. The most visible case in hand is that of Salvation Army Middle School at Alekuwodo in Osogbo, the state capital. At a time in the 1980s, precisely during the Buhari / Idiagbon military regime, when the merger of schools was earnestly in vogue,
Though we on the crew of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine may not be in government; holding brief for the government of the day would not constitute an act of mischievous meddlesomeness. We have the constitutional right like any other citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to express our take and opinions on issues bordering on welfare, wellbeing and prosperity of our people. As responsive and responsible news media agent, we owe it a duty to direct the thought and mindset of our teeming readers along the right positive values. Today, if all our old schools should be returned to their initial owners, how many of these owners would be able to cope with all the present challenges
of ownership in the Education sub-sector? With the present effort of the Government Unusual in the Education sub-sector of the state, we owe the administration nothing short of our kind understanding, support, cooperation and prayers. Let it be noted that as at the time of compiling this report, thirteen units of Elementary schools; fifteen of Middle schools; and ten of High schools are under construction throughout the nooks and crannies if the state. But once again, if anyone would kick against any policy rolled out for revamping the public schools by government as proprietor of the schools, such one also has the right so to do. But then, let us ask him and do the necessary verification if the accuser has any ward in those schools. It is only those who have wards in those institutions that are genuine stakeholders. It is only those whose children are in those schools who truly know how the experience had been, so they can now best compare what and what constitute the difference. After all, he who wears the shoe knows where it pinches! We on the crew of OSUN DEFENDER Magazine are not prophets. But sounding prophetic at this stage could not be sinister. In view of this, we foresee that as the morning shows the day, it is only political stability that can enable progress. Our students are a part of the society just like all the rest of us. The Aregbesola administration is on course doing its best by providing a conducive environment to enable them achieve their goals. Therefore, all must try hard to create that environment because that will reduce the rate of distraction in the surroundings. We agree very much with this submission by one of our sages. So far, we have devoted time and space to discussions on ongoing State of Osun Schools’ Redesign and Reclassification. The next one month plus shall be interesting and eventful in the state. This shall be so because the administration of Ogbeni Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola in the state shall be celebrating its fourth year anniversary in office. The administration and the entire citizenry; most especially those who are progress-loving have every cause to celebrate. At the instance of this occasion, the administration shall be commissioning manifold projects; while new ones would be rolled out afresh. We on the OSUN DEFENDER Magazine crew are proud to be part of this celebration – celebration of excellence in administration. We therefore promise you a juicy special anniversary package; more so when the anniversary shall definitely be ushering in another eventful tenure of four years duration for the administration. Weeks ago, we have begun to make series of prelude to the anniversary package. We implore our teeming readers to be on the look-out for the commemorative package that would soon hit the newsstand with an amazing thunderous thud. We shall soon carry on with the earlier-started mid-term assessment on the giant strides of the administration. We mutter our happy anniversary wish to all patriots in advance. Osun a dara o. Concluded.
14
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
Governor Rauf Aregbesola’s Inauguration The People’s Governor of the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, would be inaugurated on Thursday November 27, 2014 for his second term.
There is no denying the fact that Ogbeni Aregbesola has warmed himself into the hearts of the people of the State of Osun with his massive developmental projects.
His impact has been felt in all the nooks and crannies in the state while he has touched every aspect of our lives in the State of the Virtuous.
What else could we do as individuals or corporate bodies on this auspicious occasion if not to identify with him by congratulating him.
Your popular soar away grassroots tabloid, OSUN DEFENDER Newspaper, is doing a supplement to congratulate the workaholic governor of our time in commemoration of the inauguration. Individuals, corporate bodies, institutions, and well-wishers can avail themselves with our low advert rate below:
ADVERT RATE Full Page Colour
- Management -
N150,000
Full Page Black & White
-
N120,000
Half Page Colour
-
N80,000
FOREIGN NEWS
U.S. Hospitals Gird For Ebola Panic As Flu Season Looms
A
young woman complaining of abdominal pain and early stages such as fever The severity of the flu because of the fear factor, as 3,000 and as high as if we start to see 49,000. body aches. nausea who had traveled to Africa arrived at a Long and Half Page Black & White season, which varies from - especiallyN70,000 Island hospital fearful that she had contracted year to year, and any spread more of a spread of Ebola,” Ebola. She did not have the virus, but the pregnancy test But fear often trumps of Ebola in the United Davis said. Doctors and public Quarter Pageeven Colour N50,000 was positive. common sense, States, will be critical health officials INFLUENZA’S TOLL The woman had been to through direct contact with though people should be factors in how strained interviewed by Reuters said worriedPage about Black the hospital South Africa, more than bodily fluids from an far more resources may many hospitals are Quarter & White N40,000 3,400 miles (5,400 km) infected person and the flu given the toll it is known become. And while there Flu season typically implementing protocols to take every year, doctors are tests for influenza and begins in November and that limit Ebola testing to from the three West African virus is not airborne. said. countries enduring the screening protocols being peaks in January or people who had direct worst Ebola outbreak on put in place for Ebola, February. More than contact with the disease, With the annual flu record, and the trip ended season looming, hospitals 200,000 08033927286, people are such “You’re far more likelyphone to hospitals as a healthcare Any of these linescould can also be face contacted: 08033880205, six weeks prior, or twice and doctors are preparing die at this point from not patients with all sorts of hospitalized on average for worker, and recent 08061197897 andailments 08023191891. the potential incubation themselves for emergency receiving a flu shot,” said looking to allay flu-related complications travelers to Liberia, Sierra period for Ebola infection. rooms that may become Dr. Sampson Davis, an misplaced fears. each year, according to the Leone and Guinea. U.S. Centers for Disease medicine flooded with patients who emergency “It tells you how ready fear Ebola but instead have physician at Meadowlands “I think there will be an Control and Prevention Fears that Ebola may Center in increase of people who (CDC). Annual U.S. flu spread in the United States for panic we can get influenza, which can cause Hospital ourselves,” said Dr. Bruce similar symptoms in the Secaucus, New Jersey. want to get checked out just deaths have ranged as low intensified when it became Hirsch, an infectious public this week that the diseases specialist at second Dallas-based nurse North Shore University confirmed with Ebola had Hospital in Manhasset, traveled on two domestic demanded The latest fire exchanges commercial flights days ORTH Korean and South Korean troops exchanged repeatedly New York. “There’s a lot of South Korea ban activists serve as a reminder of long- before she was diagnosed. fire Sunday along their heavily fortified border in anxiety and the answer to the second such shooting in less than 10 days, South from sending leaflets, running tensions between U.S. health officials insist anxiety is information and which often urges North the Koreas despite earlier the likelihood of an Korean officials said. training.” South Korean defense Korean citizens to rise up hopes South Korean soldiers of easing outbreak here remains low. The woman’s fear was broadcast warnings and officials said the North against leader K im Jong animosities after a group emblematic of panic across fired warning shots at Korean soldiers returned to Un. South Korea has of top North Korean “Outside of West Africa the country since Liberian about 10 North Korean the North after the refused, saying activists officials made a rare e you are just not at risk,” who were shooting lasted for about are exercising freedom of visit to South Korea early said Paul Biddinger, head traveler Thomas Eric soldiers this month and agreed to of emergency preparedness Duncan became the first approaching the military 10 minutes. There were no speech. resume senior-level talks. person diagnosed with demarcation line inside reports of casualties. at Massachusetts General North Korea has warned Ebola in the United States the Demilitarized Zone that Hospital in Boston. Travel the Korean on Sept. 30. Two of the bisects On Oct. 10, the two it would take unspecified Only days after the North screening “ is by far and stronger measures if Koreans’ visit, navy ships away the most important nurses who treated him at Peninsula, according to a Koreas also traded gunfire a Dallas, Texas hospital statement from South along the border after leafleting continues. South of the two Koreas also part of our frontline have since become infected, Korea’s Joint Chiefs of Staff. South Korean activists Korean activists said they traded gunfire near their intervention.” and several hundred more floated balloons carrying won’t yield to the North’s disputed western sea the scene of several potential contacts, both Two shots believed to a n t i - P y o n g y a n g threats and vowed to float border, Ebola symptoms that maritime direct and indirect, have have been fired by North propaganda leaflets more leaflets across the bloody skirmishes in recent years. mirror flu include fever, border. One activists’ been tracked. Korean soldiers were found toward the North. There Military generals from the muscle aches, nausea and at a South Korean guard were no reports of group said it will send sides met at a border general weakness. Already dozens of false post, and South Korean casualties from that about 50,000 leaflets on village last week in their Oct. 25. Ebola scares have been soldiers fired toward the incident either. first military talks in more But most flu sufferers reported by hospitals even North, the statement said. than three years to discuss “also have cough, runny how to ease tensions, but though the virus is spread North Korea has the meeting ended with no nose, scratchy throat, very agreement including when congested,” which can help differentiate the two to meet again. illnesses early on, said Dr.
S. Korea: 2 Koreas Exchange Gunfire Along Border
N
15
FEATURE
OSUN DEFENDER Tuesday, October 21, 2014
The Reign Of Terror By PDP As Supervised By The Nigeria Police Force N
IGERIA is bleeding so badly from the current level of impunity, mediocrity and corruption, as our leaders do not give a damn (apology to GEJ) if the country should burn to ashes. After all, most of the so-called leaders have stolen so much, while their wards are living flamboyant lifestyles around the world. The current PDP madness is now taking a new dimension, with the active backing of police officers who are meant to be protecting lives and properties. PDP members were able to display their reign of terror and madness in both Ekiti and Edo States recently. Like an adage in Yoruba that says that
“someone is referred to as a thief, yet he’s dancing with a stolen goat.” When Ayo Fayose was declared winner in the Ekiti governorship election, many people I came across with described him as a thug. Some were wondering how his likes could be given such high responsibility of a state governor because when he was there between 2003 to 2006, they argued he mismanaged the resources of the state before he was eventually impeached. It has now become clear to me that indeed some ajjectives used in describing Fayose might be true afterall with the abomination he committed when he led some PDP thugs to the State High Court in Ado-Ekiti to showcase their madness by beating up one of the judges, while the others took to their heels. The question was: Where were the Policemen, DSS and other security operatives, who were responsible for protection of lives and properties? Alas! I was told they were not just turning blind eyes to the sacrilege, they also gave a helping hand in perpetrating the evil acts.
•JONATHAN
•ABBA
reckless bloodbath that no one ever envisaged the following day on the October 11, 2014.
In all these show of madness described above, not even a word from our President nor from any of his spins its thugs. doctors. What type of a country are The reign of terror by the Edo State we living in? The level of impunity going Just as the nation is yet to recover from the Ekiti madness, little did we PDP and its thugs was taken to the on around the country is worrisome and know that greater madness and terror climax. According to some eye unless this Federal Government puts an act were in the offing in Edo State? The witnesses, these thugs who were more end to it, we should expect more to Since PDP leaders have gradually comrade governor of Edo State has than 100 and led by some police come in the days ahead. In order taken their madness to the judiciary, been doing everything possible to lure officers, stormed the legislators’ words, Nigerians should brace up with the backing of some police officers. investors to the state, while the enemies quarters and shooting sporadically at towards 2015 elections. When the institution of justice was being of progress are trying unsuccessfully to anything on sight. More than 40 cars Mr President, we want peace and we assaulted by Ayo Fayose and his thugs bring the state backward to the era of were damaged, buildings were not and nothing was done about it; the darkness that it was before the spared either, as they sprayed live bullet want it now. The PDP should be told through the windows, doors and any that nom one has monopoly of violence presidency could not give a damn, then emergence of Adams Oshiomhole. available areas the bullets could or thuggery, but for the fact that we in we are in trouble. The President was in Benin few days penetrate with a view to killing their Edo State want peace and we want to That was the first time that kind of ago to lay the foundation of a multi- targets. Unfortunately, they could not live in peace without fear. However, there is a limit to human endurance. In madness and brigandage was being million dollar investment, which was find any of their targets. order words, to be fore-warned is to brought to the state by the governor, displayed in the history of our country, The entire Ihama road, where the be fore-armed. and since then, neither the President nor only for a PDP man that called himself legislators’ quarters were located, was anyone from the presidency has a pastor leading some thugs to the We appeal to Mr. President to call deemed it fit to condemn the barbaric airport, throwing some innuendoes at a turned to a war zone. The information gathered was that the Commissioner of his attacking dogs in Edo State to order act, Nigerians should not be taken state governor, while some of his aides unaware when our President will also were rough-handled. While all these Police was duly informed by the chief because our state has never lead some PDP thugs to the Supreme were going on, the police looked away security officer of the state and even by experienced this level of thuggery being Court to assault the Chief Justice of the and up till now, no arrest was made and the Speaker of the Assembly before the unleashed on Edo people by the PDP nation. After all, “show me your friend woe betides the Commissioner of Police attack took place. When the attackers and its thugs. and I will tell you whom you are”. No in Edo State if he dares make any arrest, were within the quarters, the police Permit me to end this with a sound wonder, the incumbent police boss has he would be retired prematurely, that is commissioner was called by the of warning that when Edo people not be confirmed because woe betides the level of impunity we have found Speaker and informed, but an order- sneeze, the nation catches cold. A word him if he dares condemn any of these ourselves today, when we voted for a from-above stopped the police boss is enough for the wise. evil acts or the madness being President that has no shoes. The from carrying out his constitutional demonstrated by the ruling party and impunity metamorphosed into a duties to save lives and stop arsons. By TOBI IDAOMI
www.osundefender.org
THE 6TH MOST-VISITED NEWSPAPER WEBSITE IN NIGERIA
TUESDAY, OCTOBER 21, 2014
I
T has been proved the world over that human wants are insatiable, while needs are apparently limited. Up till now, nobody has been able to disprove the fact that as one pressing desire is met; the urge for another is already opened up, begging for attention. When such crave is life-threatening, it becomes inevitable; and the status is changed from that of want to need. In Nigeria however, our needs are too numerous that the desire for mere wants has almost fizzled out of every rational being on the street. The ruling class has almost removed the very thin line that separates the duo; leaving the majority in a dilemma of preference. It may happen that people must nurture their patience over a fairly long gestation without allowing for attendant despondency that characterizes similar scenario. This is not going to be a misnomer, if the end product of their endurance will be concrete benefits that add value to their life after the long wait. This is a luxury to most Nigerians because the longer we wait, the more we pile up more on dashed hopes and unfulfilled promises. We have almost turned natural phenomena into elements that can easily be manipulated. It may also not be long when our leaders will succeed in turning day to night, and ordinary Nigerians may have no choice than to fall in line with them, as is usually the case. We have gotten to a point now where things that are globally known aberrations will be referred to as normal and something that appeals to universal rationality would be downplayed within the confines of our geographical boundary. Other nations that consider it an anathema to walk against the tides of time are always branded as foes, when the leaders are themselves the enemies of the nation. Because our perpetual underdevelopment is a delight to those developed nations of the world, they now appear indifferent to our plight; necessitating a home-grown solutions to our multifarious problems that have reduced us to unfortunate folks. It is now very important to seriously x-ray what has brought us to where we are and why. Most Nigerians now feel concerned that deception has become emblematic in the art of governance. People are concerned that exemplary leadership is not known to most of our youths; such that truth is comical as being read in novels and books of tails that are told. The value system that is now known is such that defy any appearance of rationality. The toga of a third world country that is attached to us is localized to mean that we cannot do anything positive. We are now seen by other people of West African subregion as giants with dwarfish mentality. Many Nigerians are yet to come to terms with the yardsticks being employed to measure our own economic growth. Our own parameter, as defined by successive Peoples Democratic
By ADE OLUGBOTEMI
why an ordinary minister in Nigeria would go to Berlin, Germany to acquire a property that the German Chancellor cannot afford. Capital flight under this regime is grossly unprecedented.
Why Nigerians May Not Return Jonathan Come 2015
The South-West is now the most marginalized. There is no federal presence, to say the least. The only project that is ongoing i.e. Lagos-Ibadan Expressway is under a concessionary arrangement that is taking little or nothing from the federal treasury. All other federal roads are in bad shape; most of which have been awarded and abandoned after the contract sums have been collected. That is why people (through the recently-conducted opinion poll) have resolved that if the All Progressives Congress (APC) can field a credible presidential candidate, they will have nothing to do with the ruling PDP. The only option will be to boycott the polls, should APC field a wrong candidate.
•JONATHAN
Party (PDP) governments, is quite degrading and dehumanizing. It is here in Nigeria that we lay claim to economic growth without corresponding benefits to the citizenry. Life expectancy ratio is reducing everyday; the latest figure being 42 years, according the United Nations. Our human capitals are not meaningfully engaged with underemployment smearing us in the face. Ordinary Nigerians cannot feel the impact of any economic growth because the so-called growth is a figment of our leaders’ imagination. Many people have concluded that we are in a crisis situation; and they may be right in a logical sense. The truth of the matter however, is that we are not there yet. The effect of our systemic dislocation is still shrouded in certain hidden reality that we need to reveal to ourselves. The fact that the succour of the cushion effect being provided by the few meaningfully engaged persons, which is still dousing tension, is the reason behind the erroneous generalization that all is still well. Those few, who are supporting the mass of unemployed persons (youths and adults), will soon be out of active service; and they will also need to be supported. That
Investments on the real economy would have absorbed a lot of utility gap that has now been created in our critical sector. The hopelessness that now forms the ids’ contents of our youths would have been averted. Crimes would have been reduced to the barest minimum; and the general social maladies that now permeate our national life would have been non-existent, if the present administration of President Jonathan has been honest with budget implementation, which is always the factor of economic growth and development. Unfortunately, monitoring and evaluation under this regime is mere window-dressing exercise that has no root in objectivity. I don’t think Nigerians are prepared to continue with failure.
is when we will realize the actual problem we are into. Going to the specifics, we have to point to certain ills that government under President Goodluck Jonathan has plunged Nigerians into. Nigerians have continued to groan under the misrule of PDP, but the trauma has not been harrowing as is presently felt. Nigerians have been so dehumanized that we are assumed not to have senses of our own to differentiate between good and bad. It is so bad that it is assumed in government circle that Nigerians can only see what the leaders want us to see. If something is black and they tell us it is white; it is assumed that our level of rationality will make us agree with them intoto. Budgeting in Nigeria is now mere annual ritual which intent and purpose have been overshadowed by leaders’ whims for greed, avarice, and misappropriation. It is just a means to get money out of the vault, only to be spent on items that never originated from the codified budget estimates. The money is afterward either laundered in foreign banks or used to acquire personal properties overseas. That is
Electricity tariffs have gone up twice under President Jonathan without any improvement in electricity supply. Power supply is still epileptic, and the cost of utility remains very high; taking most basic products out of the reach of ordinary Nigerians. The stupendously wealthy Nigerians can no longer continue to dictate the pace, as if the majority are destined to rot in the quagmire of harrowing impoverishment. The time of reckoning is now being patiently awaited. It is hoped that this resolve to have it right after a long period of marginalization will not be punctured by the power of pecuniary inducement that has been the hallmark of successive ascension to power in this country. If it will be possible for Nigerians to decisively defy the power of money, so that objectivity is allowed to play a dominant role in the choice of leaders come February 2015, a new era of responsive governance can then be heralded unfettered. It will also be possible to call to question policies that are not people-friendly, as it is done in many countries of the world, where public opinion drives the vehicles of governance.
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.