VOL. 9. NO.041 NNNNN5050505050SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014

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Front Page Comment

- See StoryOn Page 3

Who KilledChief Bola Ige,former Attorney-

General andMinister of

Justice? IGE

- See StoryOn Page 4

•Front view of the ongoing construction of Ejigbo High School, Ejigbo, under the administration of State of Osun Governor Rauf Aregbesola as captured by our cameraman,GBENGA ADENIYI, last Wednesday.

How Jonathan’s Minister,Omisore Beat Ex-Gov Adeleke•Isiaka, I Am Warning You To Steer Clear Or Else I ‘ll Kill You - Omisore

Osun Assembly Passes N234bn Budget Into Law

Countdown To Osun PDP Gov Primary Election:

IGR: Osun's Quantum Leap

From a paltry N300million a month lessthan three years ago

to N1.6 billion now, in-ternally generated revenue(IGR) in the State of Osunwill appear to have taken aquantum leap.

This, of course, cannotbe in absolute terms. Com-pared to Lagos that nowdoes no less than N15 bil-lion a month and is set tohit the N20 billion mark,N1.6 billion monthly ispuny.

But the news is notOsun's present IGP in abso-lute terms. It is even not itscomparison with Lagos,brother states they may be.

The news is rather aboutwhere Osun was comingfrom, and the strides it hasmade, less than three years,

and the strides it hasmade, less than three years,under a government that isfocused but which neverthe-less inherited a near-para-lytic infrastructure from aprevious government, whichwas in power for more thanseven years.

Indeed, it is from thisstandpoint of near hopeless-ness in government that the

Osun current IGPtriumph must beviewed and cel-ebrated. The atAregbesola administration

has done well. So it is kudosto the governor and his team.But as the reward for hardwork is even more hard work,they must know that it is onlya sweet beginning. Theyshould therefore also aim aneven sweeter ending.

continue on pg5

2 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014News

•Nigeria Police Officer (NPF) surrounding Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) State Secretariat at Ogo-Oluwa, Osogbo,State of Osun, during the crisis between two PDP governorship aspirants in the state, Senator Iyiola Omisore andSenator Isiaka Adeleke as captured by OSUN DEFENDER, last Wednesday.

Preserve Nation’s History - AregbesolaBy SOLA JACOBS

AN appeal has gone out to federal, state and localgovernments in Nigeria to protect the nation’s historyfrom going into extinction through the maintenance

of high level safety of the nation’s history through thepayment of quality efforts to safeguard the nation’smuseums and monuments.

Governor of the State ofOsun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola,gave this appeal at an officialopening of Exhibition/Gallerywith the theme: “IfeArchaeology and MaterialCulture in Retrospect”, held atthe National Museum, EnuwaSquare, Ile-Ife.

Represented by his deputy,Otunba (Mrs.) Grace TitilayoLaoye-Tomori, Aregbesolatasked management ofmuseums across the nation toinculcate international bestpractices in tourismmanagement into theiractivities, with a view toattracting foreign tourists andsensitising the Nigerianpopulace on how best topreserve these sites togetherwith telling them about thesignificance of the sites to theirbeing.

Relaying the various effortsof his administration on makingtourist centres in the state tomeet international standards,Aregbesola said hisadministration has investedsubstantially on the upgradingof facilities at all the tourist

centres in the State of Osunand urged Nigerians abroad toreturn home to see the richheritage of the state.

According to the governor,the state government hadsigned a Memorandum ofUnderstanding (MoU) withgovernment of Antigua andBermuda for the promotion ofYoruba culture.

Minister of Tourism,Culture and NationalOrientation, High Chief EdemDuke, said Osun OsogboFestival will receive attentionof the Federal Governmentbudget starting from thecurrent Year 2014, adding thatIle-Ife Museum could beupgraded to the status of thesecond World Heritage Centrein Nigeria after Osun OsogboGrove, if all concerned couldplay their expected rolesjudisciously..

Describing culture as avector of development thatcould be used to create wealth,generate employment andreduce poverty in the nation,Duke said culture and tourismsector is one of the epicentres

of the transformation agenda ofthe Federal Government.

He therefore, urged allNigerians, irrespective ofpolitical, ethnic, religious orsocial status, to join handstogether to restore the lost gloryof the nation’s museums, witha view to annexing the avalancheof natural resources available inthe sector to the best interest ofall.

The Ooni of Ife, ObaOkunade Sijuwade, said Ile-Ifehas continued to receive diverseaccolades from across the worldthrough the presence ofartefacts in the ancient town.

The royal father saidartefacts found in Ile-Ife datedback to 11,000 years before thebirth of Jesus Christ, saying theNational Museum hascontributed immensely to thepropagation of Yorubapremodial heroes and heroines.

In his welcome address,Director-General of theNational Commission forMuseums and Monuments,Alhaji Abdallah Usman, said theexhibition was focussed onbringing Ife clay, stone, bronze,technology and abstract form ofartwork from 800AD to thenaturalistic masterpiece ontothe fore.

He said the exhibition alsorecognized and honouroutstanding heroes of Ile-Ifearchaeology and materialculture.

High point of the epoch-making event, which drewparticipants from all works oflive, was the official openingof the exhibition by theHonourable Minister ofTourism, Culture and NationalOrientation, High Chief EdemDuke, assisted by GovernorRauf Aregbesola and othernotable figures presenttogether with cultural displays.

•Isiaka, I Am Warning You To Steer Clear Or Else I ‘ll Kill You - OmisoreCountdown To Osun PDP Gov Primary Election: How Jonathan’s Minister, Omisore Beat Ex-Gov Adeleke

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

THE crisis rocking the State of Osun chapter of thePeoples Democratic Party (PDP) over the conductof its governorship primary election in the party

has taken a new twist, as Senator Iyiola Omisore and theserving Minister for Police Affairs, Mr. Jelili Adesiyan,reportedly attacked the first Executive Governor of thestate, Alhaji Isiaka Adeleke, before members of theNational Working Committee (NWC) of the party.

According to a source atthe party secretariat, thecommittee was in the stateto see to the smoothconduct of the primaryelection and decided tomeet stakeholders in the pollto ensure that the exercisewould be violence-free.

However, the gathering,held at Ideal Nest Hotel inOsogbo, turned sour

midway as supporters ofthe major aspirants madethe atmosphere tense andalmost uncontrollable, asthey clamoured forattention.

It was gathered thatAdesiyan was all over theplace giving instructions tothe anti-riot policemen andofficers from the Directorateof State Security (DSS)

around to unleash terror onthose he perceived assupporters of otheraspirants.

Adeleke’s supporterswere also gathered to havereceived more of the raw dealfrom the Omisore henchman,as they were severallybeaten before the arrival oftheir principal by the securityoperatives on Adesiyan’sinstruction, who labelledthem as thugs, who came todisrupt the meeting.

Matters however got tothe climax with Adeleke’sarrival at the venue, who wasobserved to have been moresurprised to see hissupporters being brutalisedby the security operatives.

He was reported to have

explained to the securitymen that those beingbrutalised were actually hissupporters and were not inany way connected tothuggery as beingerroneously painted by thePolice Affairs Minister.

It was at this stage thatOmisore walked up toAdeleke and startedwarning him to steer clear ofhis path or must be ready toface the consequences ofhis action.

“On entering the hall, Isaw Omisore, Adesiyan,Sogo Agboola sittingtogether. I went toAdesiyan to complain thatpolice officers and DSSoperatives were holdingparty men outside. But,

instead of listening to me,he jumped over a tablebefore him and hit me with ablow on the chest. SogoAgboola also attacked me.Before I knew what washappening, Omisore hit mewith a blow from the back.About seven guns corkedwere pointed at me,”Adeleke asserted.

According to animpeccable source at thegathering, Omisore lookedat the senator in the eye andsaid: “Isiaka, I am warningyou to steer clear of my way,else I will kill you.”

Adesiyan, who had allalong stood at a distancewatching what was goingon between him andOmisore, could no longercontrol his anger and wentahead to slap the formergovernor from the back, onthe instruction of hisbenefactor.

Findings revealed thatAdesiyan slapped Adelekeand harassed him beforethe entire committee, pavingway for other thugs toharass the former governor.

It was gathered that ittook the intervention of anti-riot policemen at the hotel,venue of the meeting, to freethe Ede-born politician fromhis assailants.

However, as tensiondoused a bit, Omisore stillmoved closer to the formergovernor and warned him ofthe consequences ofstanding on his way ofbecoming the next governorof the state.

With what transpiredbetween him and the formersenator, Adeleke wasgathered to have hurriedlyorganised a pressconference at his countryhome in Ede where healleged Omisore ofthreatening his life.

Adeleke confirmed thatpolitical thugs suspected tobe working for Omisoreattacked him and some ofhis loyalists on Tuesdaynight.

He said he had sincepetitioned theCommissioner for Police inthe State of Osun, MrIbrahim Maishanu, on thealleged threat to his life byOmisore’s loyalists.

The petition wassubmitted to the police onWednesday.

Adeleke, whileaddressing pressmen on

Wednesday said: “At about11pm on Tuesday, I went tothe Ideal Nest Hotel inOsogbo, where I was invitedby the officials of the partyfrom the National Secretariat,who were in the state for theparty’s ward congress.

“On getting to the hotel,I saw some of my loyalistslying on the floor. I askedwhat they did wrong towarrant such cruel treatmentand I was told that theywere thugs and they wereordered to be arrested by theMinister for Police Affairs,Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan, whois an associate of Omisore.

“I was later asked to gointo the meeting and as Iwas going, I told Adesiyanthat it should not have beenhim, who I made theDirector-General of mycampaign organisation,when I wanted to contestthe governorship electionin 1992.

“Before I knew what washappening, I was punchedseveral times by Omisore’smen, who were there.”

Omisore has howeverdenied the allegation,saying he and none of hismen was after Adeleke’s life.

Speaking through thedirector of his campaignorganization, Mr DiranOdeyemi, on Wednesday,Omisore said the Minister ofPolice was assaulted bysome thugs, who claimed tobe working for Adeleke.

The Commissioner ofPolice in the State, MrIbrahim Maishanu,confirmed that some peoplewere arrested at the IdealNest Hotel in connectionwith political matters, butwere later released on self-recognition.

Maishanu alsoacknowledged that Adelekehad made a formal complaintto his office on the allegedthreat to his life, promisingthat the police wouldconduct thoroughinvestigation into the matter.

OSUN DEFENDERgathered that a formerChairman of Ede-NorthLocal Government Council,Alhaji Kazim Akinleye, wasone of Adeleke’s loyalists,who was attacked bysuspected Omisore’s thugs.

Akinleye, as at the timeof filing this report wasreceiving medical treatmentat an undisclosed hospitalin Ede, following the severeinjuries he sustained whenhe was attacked.

PDP Primary: Osun CautionsCitizens To Be Wary Of Party

STATE Government of Osun has called on the teemingpopulace of the state to be wary of the ongoing crisisamong gladiators in the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) in the state ahead of the primary election schedule tohold today.

A press statement issued bythe State Commissioner forInformation and Strategy,Honourable Sunday Akere,disclosed that reportsemanating from the variousmeetings of the party (PDP) inthe state is a pointer to whatthe party is capable ofunleashing on the its membersand the populace, as the racefor the governorship electionthickens.

He said the state has beenexperiencing peace and

harmony for over three yearsof the Rauf Aregbesola-ledadministration, calling on thesecurity operatives not toallow the PDP truncate thepeace the people of the statehave been enjoying over theyears.

According to him, if thepresent lack of decorum,decency and civility is allowedto continue unchecked in thename of politicking, the masseswould be at the receiving end,calling on the PDP leadership

to put its house in order andnot jeopardise the peace Osunpeople have been enjoying,including members of the party.

Akere further cautioned theteeming populace of the stateto steer clear of venues of PDPmeetings, so as not to fallvictims of violence or share intheir orgy of violence, whilealso calling on the peace-lovingpeople of the state to bevigilant of the violence-pronepoliticians.

He reiterated thecommitment of the Aregbesolaadministration to thepromotion of law and order andassured them that adequateprovision has been made tosecure the lives and propertyof the entire citizenry.

By SHINA ABUBAKAR

3 News OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014

If you have a story or advert for us, contact 08033927286, 08033880205, 08061197897, 08023191891.

•An ongoing rehabilitation project of Osogbo City Stadium, under the administration of the State of Osungovernor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, as captured by our photographer, ABRAHAM JESUDOYIN, last Thursday.

Osun Assembly Passes N234bn Budget Into LawBy KAZEEM MOHAMMED

THE State of Osun House of Assembly on Wednesdaypassed into law, the 2014 Appropriation Bill of N234billion.

The budget had an increaseof N18 billion from the N216billion initially presented to thestate legislature by the stategovernor, Ogbeni RaufAregbesola.

Aregbesola, through hisSpecial Adviser on Budget andEconomic Planning, Mr BadeAdesina, had on December 31,2013, presented the budgetestimate of N216 billion beforethe House.

In the passed budget, therecurrent expenditure stands atN99.7 billion, representing42.55 per cent, while capitalexpenditure stands at N134.7billion representing 57.45 percent.

The recurrent revenuestands at N101.6 billion,representing 43.34 per cent,while the capital receipt standsat N132.8 billion, representing

56.66 per cent.The Speaker, Honourable

Najeem Salaam, said the budgetwas increased to meet theyearnings and aspirations ofthe people.

According to him, thebudget was not increased toincrease the salaries orallowances of the lawmakers,but to ensure that Aregbesola’sadministration continue todeliver the much-desireddividends of democracy to thepeople across all parts of thestate.

“The budget was increasedso as to ensure equitabledistribution of service deliveryto all parts of the state becausewe envisage that thisgovernment needs to do more.

“We did a thourough

assessment of the situation andwe believe that the increamentin the budget would bring aboutmore service delivery to thepeople.

“The successfulimplementation of this budgetneeds the collectiveresponsibility of everybody inthe state and we must joinhands together to see itssuccessful implementation,”Salaam stressed.

Earlier moving the motionfor the final reading of thebudget, Chairman, HouseCommittee on Finance andAppropriation, HonourableKamil Oyedele said the budgetmust be revenue-driven in thecourse of implementation.

Oyedele added that thevarious House committees

must ensure that Ministries,Department and Agencies(MDAs) of government intheir care are well-monitoredand pushed to improve on theirInternally Generated Revenue(IGR) for the successfulimplementation of the budget.

He explained that due to thedwindling allocations from thefederation account, all handsmust be on deck to improveon the state‘s IGR.

The House Chief Whip,Honourable Ipoola Binuyo,urged all the MDAs to complywith the principles of fullimplementation of the budget.

He said the MDAs mustalso ensure that they did notspend beyond what wasapproved for them in theappropriation bill, saying that

Avoid Osun PDP SecretariatToday - APC Warns Supporters

Aregbesola Approves 20,000 Jatropha SeedlingsFor Osun - Oyawoye By SHINA ABUBAKAR

AS part of his six-point integral action plan to promotean eco-friendly environment, Governor of the Stateof Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has approved

the take-off of a twenty thousand seedlings Jatropha PilotProject for the state.

The State Commissionerfor Environment andSanitation, ProfessorOlubukola Oyawoye,

disclosed this during aseminar held forstakeholders on economicimportance of Jatropha,

locally known as ‘Lapalapa’in the state.

According to her,Jatropha, used to be verycommon in the South-Western part of the countryin the past, but is now fast-becoming an endangeredspecie, because it is beingthreatened with extinction.

She added that, however,Lapalapa or Jatropha hasin recent years attractedattention from researchersand scientists, who haveidentified its medicinal,industrial, domestic andother values, hence, theneed to preserve it.

The commissioner

disclosed that amongstother uses, Jatropha hasbeen discovered to beeffective in curing diseasessuch as fever, cancer andsores, while its industrialpurposes extends toproduction of domestic andengine fuel, soap making etc.

Professor Oyawoyeparticularly observed thatdespite its many uses,markets for the differentJatropha products have notbeen properly explored,while the actual andpotential stakeholders, wholack adequate information onits prospects, have beenunable to achieve optimumeconomic benefits from theplant.

Amongst eminentpersonalities present on theoccasion were the Secretaryto the State Government,Alhaji Moshood Adeoti,Senior Special Adviser to theGovernor on Environmentand Sanitation, Dr. AfolabiHassan, General Manager,Osun State WasteManagement Agency, AlhajiGaniyu Oyeladun, whorepresented the Governor,Special Adviser Bola Ilori,Chairman Special Task forceon environment andForestry, Prince Ayoola,members of Biofuel FarmersAssociation of Nigeria, andof the Jatropha Producers’Marketers Association,Directors and Staff ofMinistry.

‘Lack Of Infrastructure, Bane Of Tertiary Institutions’

LACK of infra-structural facilities in tertiaryinstitutions across the nation has been describedas one of the factors militating against the

development of the sector in the country.The governor of the State

of Osun, Ogbeni RaufAregbesola, made thisremark at thecommissioning of a collegelibrary and twin 500 ETFbuilding at Ikire campus ofOsun State University onTuesday.

According to the deputygovernor of the state,Otunba (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori, who representedthe governor on theoccasion, the significant ofany university is not on thestructure but on thefundamental ideals;broadening knowledge,cross-fertilization of ideasand others.

She noted that for suchideals to materialise there isthe need for buildings andother facilities, especially,the necessity of a library,

which cannot be over-emphasised.

Otunba Tomori said auniversity without library isunthinkable as the essenceof university revolvesround acquisition ofknowledge and research.

She however laudedA r e g b e s o l a ’ sadministration for theprovision of infrastructuressuch as befitting library andlecture hall for the stateuniversity.

In her words: “UNIOSUNis giving the bestatmosphere for learningenvironment and this is onearea that is responsible forthe failing of highinstitutions in Nigeriatoday,” she stressed

She however concludedthat the provision ofcommissioned facilities will

enhance the academiclifestyle of the students ofthe institution.

Earlier in his remark, theChairman of the GoverningCouncil of the institution,Professor Gabriel Olawoyinhad lauded the governmentof the State of Osun forgiving financial support tothe institution, despite thedwindling federal allocationaccruing to the stategovernment.

According to him, thishas shown the deep lovethe Ogbeni Aregbesola’sadministration has foreducation.

Other attraction of theoccasion was the danceperformance by the dramaticarts students of theinstitution.

The library and the twinlecture hall were latercommissioned for the use ofthe institution by thedeputy governor and the

key officers of theinstitution.

As part of the activitiesmarking the event, an 18-seater bus was donated tothe campus of theinstitution by the ExecutiveSecretary of Irewole LocalGovernment Council,Honourable Soji Ajayi.

Different Personalities atthe commissioningincluded Professor SiyanOyeweso, Professor KoyaOgen, Dr (Mrs) AdeolaAmao, Colonel Fijabi andmany other personalities

THE All Progressives Congress (APC) has alertedcitizens of Osogbo, the state capital- especially itsmembers and supporters- to avoid as much as

possible any contact with or attempt to observe the PeoplesDemocratic Party’s scheduled governorship primaryelection at its State Secretariat HQ along Gbongan road inOsogbo today, that is if the event holds as planned.

if there is the need for it, suchMDAs must seek the approvalof the state parliament.

Binuyo added that moneyshould be released to MDAs atthe point of their needs.

In their separatecontributions, the DeputySpeaker, Akintunde Adegboye;Leader of the House, TimothyOwoeye; Kamardeen Akanbi(Ede North); and SamsonFafiyebi (Obokun) amongothers commended the governorfor coming up with such budgetprojection, inspite of thedwindling allocation from thefederation account.

They therefore called on allstakeholders to continue theirsupport for the administrationto be able to actualise all itsdreams for the state.

This is because there aregrave security fears that theevent could turn out to beviolent - perhaps evenbloody, the APC warned.

According to a releasefrom the party’s directorateof publicity, research andstrategy signed by itsDirector Barr.KunleOyatomi, the APC allegedthat even before thisscheduled primary, one ofthe aspirants has beenreported as saying that ifanother of his colleaguesstood on his path in thiscontest, that colleaguewould be killed by theaspirant.

This threat amongst thecontestants, coming 72hours before the scheduledprimary, is a clear indicationthat all will not be well in thePDP secretariat onSaturday. At least, it is nowa common knowledge thatat a meeting of PDP inOsogbo on Wednesday,Senator Isiaka Adeleke,former executive governorof the state, alleged that hewas beaten black and blueby a Minister of PoliceAffairs and another aspirant who is hellishlydesperate to becomegovernor.

If at that level, the PDPcan exhibit such meanbehaviour, one can onlyimagine what might happentoday at their primary. “Itwill therefore, be foolhardyfor APC supporters, or anypeace-loving residents ofOsogbo to ventureanywhere near the PDPsecretariat because theycould suffer serious if notfatal collateral damage”, theparty warned.

“Besides”’ according tothe APC, “the PDP couldturn around to frame up anyAPC supporter seen aroundthe PDP Secretariatpremises as the cause oftheir bloody primary, in theircharacteristic manner”.

The APC said that thethreat to violence in Osunby the PDP is growing from“latent to real”, andinformation from within theranks of the PDP itselfspeaks of “a bloodyelectoral process in which allforces of coercion availableto the PDP will be deployedin Osun to win the comingelection by hook and

crook.”They are prepared to shed

ocean of blood for onedesperate individual tobecome governor andreverse all the dividends ofdemocracy that the peopleof Osun have been enjoyingsince 2010 when OgbeniRauf Aregbesola came topower”, the APC said,adding that, “God and thedetermined people of Osunwill forbid this happening”

“Therefore,” the partyconcluded, “anybody whomakes himself a victim ofPDP violence by cominganywhere close to thatparty’s Secretariat wouldhave himself or herself toblame; that is why we aregiving this warning inadvance,” the APCdeclared.

Change Of NameI, formerly known and

addressed as MRSG A R U S - A L A K AOMOWUMI FOLAKE,now wish to be knownand addressed as MISSF A J U Y I T A NOMOWUMI FOLAKE.All former documentsremain valid. Generalpublic should take note.

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 20144 News

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

•An ongoing road project at Igbona area, Osogbo, under the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola as capturedby our cameraman, BRAHAM JESUDOYIN, last Thursday.

Group Launches Campaign Against Electoral Violence, Rigging In Osun

A Non-Governmental Organisation, DemocracyVanguard, on Wednesday presented Voters’Handbook to the members of the public and tasked

the people to protect their votes in the forthcoming August9 gubernatorial election in the State of Osun.

By KEHINDE AYANTUNJI

The National Coordinatorof the group, ComradeDeola Soetan, said theorganisation is duty boundto ensure that electoral rulesare strictly adhered toduring the officialinauguration of theorganisation in the State ofOsun, held at Nigeria Unionof Journalists (NUJ) PressCentre, Osogbo, the statecapital.

According to him, thepower of the people tochoose whoever to leadthem, as guaranteed by the1999 Constitution, must beprotected by allstakeholders, by ensuringcredible electoral process inthe country.

He said: “Sincedemocracy has been

defined as the governmentof the people, by the peopleand for the people, it meansthe voters are the most-valuable consideration inany democracy, but inNigeria, voters are the least-considered to freely choosetheir leaders.

“As an independent andnon-partisan organisation,we shall interface with allcore stakeholders in theNigeria, election project andall election managers toensure that the sanctity ofelectoral process arepreserved before, duringand after elections, so as toguarantee that all votescount and the principle ofOne-Man-One-Vote isrespected and observed.

The State Director of

National OrientationAgency, Mr Remi Omowon,attributed electoral violenceand rigging to humanattitude and character,which is a reflection of therot in the society andtherefore, advocatedchange of attitude byrespecting the will of thepeople to freely choosetheir leaders.

He rolled out theagency’s action plans toensure that the comingelection in the state issuccessful and pledged towork with DemocracyVanguard to ensure credibleelection.

The State ResidentElectoral Commissioner ofthe Independent NationalElectoral Commission(INEC), Ambassador RufusAkeju, represented byReverend StephenOjewande, said thecommission is working hardto ensure that all electoralprocesses are creditablyperformed to achieve

credible and acceptableelection.

He urged the politicalparties and politicians toparticipate in the electoralprocess with full respect andadherence to the rules, incompliance with the code ofconduct they had signedwith civility and decorum.

INEC however, solicitedthe collaboration of NGOsCivil Society Organisations,and faith-basedorganisations in the area ofvoters and civic education

and public sensitisation.Earlier in his welcome

address, the StateCoordinator of the group,Comrade Olowu Emmanuel,said the organisation hasdesigned a programme ofaction to reach the marketwomen, students, artisansand professionals inensuring that the sanctity ofballots is protected in theAugust gubernatorialelection and 2015 generalelections.

Osun NUJ Chairman

Comrade Abiodun Olalere,who presented thehandbook to the public,urged the people to read themanual so as to understandtheir rights and limitationsin electoral process andcautioned the peopleagainst violence before andafter the election.

Stakeholders at the eventincluded professionalbodies, market women,students, artisans and non-g o v e r n m e n t a lorganisations.

PDP Crisis: Kashamu Dumps Omisore For Adeleke

IN what appears to be last-minute U-turn, the South-West Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)Mobilisation Committee, Kashamu Buruji, has

withdrawn his support for one of the party’s gubernatorialaspirants in the State of Osun, Senator Iyiola Omisore.

OSUN DEFENDERconfirmed on Thursday thatthe party chieftain haspulled his weight behind theformer governor, SenatorIsiaka Adeleke, for theSaturday governorshipprimary election of theparty.

A top strategist fromOmisore’s camp confirmedto OSUN DEFENDER thatKashmu backed out from theOmisore project as a resultof disagreement on partyissues, based on principles,which they have beenmanaging for a long time.”

The source said: “Thedifferences started on theday Senator Omisoredeclared his ambition at theFreedom Park in Osogbo,where Kashamu wasrelegated below hisexpectations. He hadexpected that with hisfinancial support for thesenator, he deserved more

than what he got, as he hadhoped to be the one thatwould raise Omisore’s handat the rally. If you noticed,he was invited to the podiumat the tail end of theprogramme.”

“Apart from that, Omisoreand the party Chairman,Gani Olaoluwa, have notbeen consulting him intaking decisionsconcerning the party, whichforced Kasamu to consulthis loyalists in the state foran alternative aspirant,sensing that Omisore willnot be submissive, shouldhe eventually pick the partyticket,” the source hinted.

However, a senatorialleader of the party, whopleaded not to bementioned, dismissed theinsinuation, sayingKashamu backed out fromOmisore’s project as a resultof the body language of thenational leadership of the

party not to field Omisore astheir flagbearer in theAugust election.

He said: “I can confirm toyou that Kasamu hasdumped Omisore forAdeleke, but was never as aresult of any disagreement.It was a signal from thePresidency and our partynational leadership andKashamu can never workagainst the presidency’sinterest,” the source said.

It was also gathered thatOmisore has made franticefforts to reconcile withKashamu, but to no avail, asKashmu was said to havebeen avoiding the formersenator.

It will be recalled that fewdays to Omisore’sdeclaration, Kashamubrought two trucks ofKerosene that were sold tothe people at the controlledprice of N50 per litre and wasused to woo unsuspectingmembers of the public to theparty.

Senator Adeleke, whojoined the gubernatorial raceappeared to have

distablised the plans ofOmisore, who had beenadjudged to be the leadingaspirant of the party in thestate.

It was believed that somepeople from the Presidencysponsored Senator Adeleketo contest the gubernatorialticket.

‘Desist From Taking Interest’By MURTALA AGBOOLA

MUSLIMS have been enjoined to desist from takingor giving interest on capital. The admonition wasmade by Alhaji Taofeeq Abdul Hameed at the 11th

Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the NACOMYO(Islamic-Interest-free) Co-operative Investment and CreditSociety Limited, Igbona, Osogbo, the State of Osun capital,last Sunday.

Taofeeq, who is the ChiefImam of FederalPolytechnic, Ede, spoke on

the topic: Islamic Banking ina Capitalist Society likeNigeria”, explained thatcapitalism is built oninterest, which is against theteachings of Islam.

According to therenowned Islamic scholar,Almighty Allah haspermitted trade andforbidden usury as stated inthe Holy Quran.

He emphasized the factthat economic meltdown isa characteristic of thecapitalist economy, whichemphasizes the individualsin the pursuit of personaland selfish interest.

Taofeeq did not fail toreiterate the fact that as itaffects the individuals, itdoes affect countries thattake loans from theInternational MonetaryFund (IMF), which is acapitalist institution.

He enquired to know ifany country has taken loanfrom IMF and come outclean to which thecongregation respondedwith a thunderous ‘No’.

The guest speaker urgedMuslims to take advantageof the interest-free co-operative societies, whichimpose less discomfort onborrowers, relative toconventional co-operativesocieties.

Imam Taofeeq madereference to how theycommenced Islamic-interestfree co-operative at theFederal Polytechnic, Ede,

where today members canborrow above a millionnaira.

He said it smacks ofhypocrisy, when peoplechoose to undertake bothIslamic interest-free co-operative with theconventional one.

Earlier in his speech, thechairman of the occasion,Alhaji Abdul Rauf Ayinla, ofSalam Co-operative Society,Ikirun, had commended theleaders and the organisingcommittee for a job well-done.

He was impressed withhow the society has beenable to withstand theeconomic realities of thecountry to stay afloat foreleven years.

The President of themother union of the co-operative society, AlhajiAbdulLateef Olayanjuthanked Allah for anothereventful year and remindedmembers of the objective ofthe society, which is toempower Muslimseconomically and bail themout of evils of usury, ascondemned by the tenets ofIslam”.

He also spoke about thestrengthening of theinvestment committee in theNew Islamic Year to go intobusiness ventures thatwould generate income andprofit for members.

The AGM, which waswell-attended by members,had the new resolutionsread and well-embraced bymembers, while theincoming executivemembers for the year for thefour units were inaugurated.

The Financial YearReports of the units werealso presented and acceptedby members.

Osun Committed To DevelopmentOf Cocoa, Other Produce

By FRANCIS EZEDIUNO

THE State Government of Osun has restatedits commitment to the production of qualitycocoa and other agricultural produce for the

economic advancement of the state.The State

Commissioner forAgriculture, Mr. WaleAdedoyin revealed thatthe state government hadcommenced theenumeration of cocoatrees to ensure effectivemanagement.

He added that theenumeration was one ofthe measures put in place

to boost cocoa productionin the state.

According to him, AllFarmers Association ofNigeria (AFAN) andother farmers’ unions inthe state are co-operatingwith the government onthe efforts to boostactivities in the agriculturesector.

The commissioner said

the enumeration wouldassist the government inthe provision of statisticsfor inputs, financialsupport and otherincentives for cocoafarmers.

He stressed that thestate government hadinaugurated a committeeon cocoa treeenumeration, adding thatit involved all thestakeholders in cocoaproduction.

The commissionernoted that other measureshad also been worked outto boost the production offood crops in the state.

5OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014 News

IGR: Osun's Quantum LeapFrom their performance these threeyears past, they are well positioned todoing it. They must grab this historicopportunity to make a difference andmodernize Osun for good.

Still, what is responsible for this near-meteoric rise in Osun IGP? Some say itis sounder husbandry of Osunresources. This cannot be wrong. Toassume office under those debilitatingcircumstances and yet engage 20, 000youth volunteers under the Osun YouthEmployment Scheme (OYES) was welland truly amazing. Now, to see thesecond batch of OYES literarily fallupon their jobs, menial as it is, evenwith their educational attainments,shows a positive improvement in thecollective ethos of Osun people.

Still on good husbandry of stateresources, that the Aregbesolagovernment has embarked on amassive infrastructure and urbanrenewal programmes, the mostextensive and ambitious in the historyof the State of Osun, is well and trulybreath-taking.It almost sounds as if the state isexperiencing positive spiritual payback: it is as if the state is gettingcompensated, in arrears and on thedouble, for past misrule that hadresulted in stagnation.

OSUN DEFENDERPublisher – 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 – Sola JacobsSenior Reporter – Kazeem Mohammed

Magazine Editor – Niyi Olasinde

Reporter – Kehinde AyantunjiReporter – Francis Chukwuma

Photographer – Oluwagbemiga AdeniyiPhotographer – Olushola Aderinto

Admin. Manager – Murtala Agboola

Computer Operator – Saheed AfolabiComputer Operator – Mary AkintolaAssistant Computer Operator – Lukman Oseni

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

In all sectors of the Osun economy -education, health, agriculture, roads,environment and rural development,just to name a few - something new ishappening.

Even in commerce, something big isabout to happen with the impendinglaunch of the standard measure forgrains, to further instill the ethos ofparts of the country, Lagos prices.

or grains, to further instill the ethos ofparts of the country, where inOsogbo, products and produce canbe bought at Lagos prices.honesty and integrity in the Osunmarket folk.

This development is intended tomake Osun the hub of commerce,between the South-West and thenorthern . That in itself would reclaimthe old glory of the railway-linkedOsogbo as a commercial nerve, nextonly to Ibadan and Lagos in the oldWestern Region. So, from aneconomic backwater whichinhabitants groan with moans andregret,

Osun, with its futuristic infrastructureunder construction, is on its way to be-ing a competitive player on the eco-nomic front.

But while doing all these, the govern-ment is also building its tax base. In-deed, the climb in IGP, aside from goodresource husbandry, is also due to tax-able economic activities. The morepeople witness upswing in facilities, themore they are convinced to pay tax.

The more tax payable, the greater thepossibility of higher IGP and even morefacilities. This economic growth, otherthings being equal, in due course trans-lates to development and developmentitself translates to prosperity.

Even with its puny resources, theAregbesola government has proved thealmost limitless possibilities of the Osuneconomy. But it is early days yet. Thegovernment should continue on thesewinning lanes. That is the logical andreasonable path to socio-economic de-v e l o p m e n t .

Continued from pg1

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 20146 FEATURE

Corporal Punishment And Adults’Misplacement Of Emotions In Schools

“Corporal punishment is anypunishment in which physical force is usedand intended to cause some degree of pain ordiscomfort, however light.”

AND when most parents in the west getupset for the mere mentioning of

corporalpunishment in schools and fought tooth

and nail for their kids not to be punished thisway no matter what, because it is just notright to encourage violence in schools, as theend result is never any good. When thishappens, most Nigerian teachers just couldnot get it. ‘How do children learn, if you don’tbeat them?’ They’d say. In Nigeria, mostteachers think we needed to be flogged, beatenlike a loveless animal before we could learn.‘That’s how I was raised, they’d boasted.’That’s right, of course you were raised thatway, which only explains your inability tomanage your frustrations now as adults.

I have never learnt a thing from beingflogged and most of the beatings that I stillremember today are from teachers for theoffences that I didn’t know I had committedand or that the punishment was way tooextreme in comparison to my offence.

The thing is we don’t learn from ourmistakes, and when horrible accidentshappens as a result of being flogged bymindless teachers or adults in care, we will bequick to misplace blame, usually all wouldcome down to the devil’s work anddisobedient children/students and right beforeour eye, the same accidents would happen,again and again.

Take for example the recent case of a younggirl, whose life was cut short by a completemindless student teacher at Akingbile OluanaMemorial School, Moniya, Ibadan, Oyo State.Esther Oyeleke was 14 years old, pride of herfamily, I bet! On January 27th, 2014, she wasamong three students that their teacher beatwith a cane for not paying attention in class.Few days later, Esther was showing signs ofill-health; her whole body had swollen up. Shewas rushed to Osoko Maternity Hospital inIbadan, where she was pronounced dead onJanuary 30th, three days after she was floggedby her teacher.

My condolences to Esther Oyeleke’sfamily; no amount of tears or sympathiescould ever fill the hole that has just been duginto their lives. They will forever feel theabsence of their dear daughter.

This is where I don’t understand mypeople and this is why it makes me so sad(decided not to be angry anymore). Esther isdead and people are beating around the bushabout who was responsible. I have read aboutthe fact that it must have been the devil’swork - no surprise with that one, I read aboutEsther being Emere (a spirit child) - I expectedthat. Now hear me, obviously Esther did notdie as a result of been beating with the cane,however, it was the act of been flogged thattriggered whatever medical condition thatEsther had, which perhaps was not obvious toher parents before now. Esther’s medicalcondition could have showed up in months,years time, and could have been treated andshe might have survived, grow up to lead ahappy healthy life. However, a studentteacher, whose job was to teach, decided tobeat students. It is clear whom the murdererwas, so why do we pretend or blameimaginary people? It is up to the court todecide the right punishment the teacher shouldbe given after the medical staff have done thenecessary checks. In this case, autopsy toconfirm the real reason Esther died, to raiseawareness for others. God help me, theteacher does not deserve to walk the street likea saint, too bad she would learn her lesson thehard way, but someone need to be made ascapegoat, so the message could be clear thatno student or any children for that matter,enjoys being beating. It is just plain wrong.

The student teacher is a product of failededucation system in Nigeria. Her lecturersspent half of last year on industrial strikeactions, so the school skipped the part thatshould have taught her how to engage studentsin class. So, obviously she lacked the formaltraining and most of all common sense. Theresult: Murder.

What is ironic in our schools was that nineout of 10 times the pupils get beating, it hasnothing to do with learning. I was once avictim of such teacher, Mrs Oshobi. I have noidea how she managed to be principal of aschool or even teacher of any level. Thewoman was a sadist and a mad one at that; notsome of the time, but all of the time.

One morning at the assembly, I was at thefront of the row, one of the teachers led theprayers and we were supposed to say amen,which I did religiously. Out of curiosity as anynormal 16-years would, I opened one eyemomentarily out of boredom. A couple of

seconds later, Mrs Oshobi; our new principalhit my head with her callous fingers, so hard Istaggered sideways. I cried for most of thatday, not necessarily for the constant throb ofache on my temple, but because I had no ideawhat I did wrong. It was her first week in myschool, we have heard about her wickednessweeks beforehand, so we called her Mrs Oso(wizard) and I promised myself never to crossher path, I was wrong.

Another time I was late to school by fiveminutes. This day, I had to run back homemidway to school because I left my ball pen athome while doing my homework. So, by thetime I got back to school at 7.50am, the schoolgate was closed as I was five whole minuteslate. Mrs Oshobi only gives three strokes ofcane, not on your hands, not on the buttocksand not across your back. She gives itvertically on the spine! This is true. Threestrokes could end up being 10, if you daredmove. In front was a chair that you hold on to,the 5-foot monster, whom I am sure God has aspecial place for in hell, would flog us frombehind. She had no heart, not even a small one,so The Grinch was a saint. She didn’t want toknow reasons behind any lateness and therewere absolutely no logic to her punishment.When I went to the village on the weekend andtold my mother I needed two pens so onecould be in my bag always just in case I leftone at home, I showed the scars on my backto her, like many mothers would ‘God willpunish her.’ she said with empathy and thatmotherly aching heart. See, Oshobi’s beats memercilessly because I was late for assemblythat I have attended hundreds of times and itwas the same old story. I was a good studentand was rarely late for school. My first lessonfor the day was 8.00am, I missed that lessonbecause of the school principal’s irrationalbehaviour.

Like any other situation in Nigeria, it’s allabout survival, hustle we say. You find a wayto ride the tide, otherwise there were just toomany forces about that were there just toswallow one up. They don’t know nor caredfor your personal story. They were just reallybad and sad public figures, who weresupposed to educate, but will take theirfrustrations on the innocent young onesaround them, ignoring we all had stories to tell.

Just after the first morning lesson one day,at around 9.00am. Our next subject teacherdidn’t show up, so naturally, we were chatting

with one another. Behind the class was a groupof quite matured girls, all looking at amagazine; something like a Playboy type, sothe noise got out of hand from there. I didn’teven get to see what the noise was about, but Iheard it was about nude adults. You couldimagine what a group of sixteen year old girlsin a Catholic all-girls school would be doing...right? I was rushing to finish my course work,so I could beg to have a glimpse. About to getup feeling excited, I heard someone said MrsO... She didn’t have to finish saying her name,I knew we were in for a very big trouble, notonly for the noise, which we wouldn’t bemaking, if we had our teacher in the first place,but we would have to explain the cause of thenoise. No one in his or her right mind wouldever show that magazine to Mrs Oshobi. Having heard someone mentioning her name, Iwas so terrified like I have never been in mylife. I was convinced she would kill me. Shehas only been in school for a few months and Ihave been in trouble with her twice already. Ilooked back and spoke to my best friend,Kemi. I told Kemi I was running out of theclass before Oshobi got to us, Kemi didn’tneed much convincing, she has being a victimonce too, and only a week prior a whole classwas suspended for a week because someonebrought sweets to class for her birthday andthey sang Happy Birthday songs to celebrate.They were all flogged and had a whole week athome to ‘think’ about their sins. That was thefirst and the last time I would witness a wholeclass been suspended. As it turned out,cheerful songs were like daggers to MrsOshobi’s non-existing heart. Without goinginto lengthy details, I told Kemi exactly whereI’d be, she joined me a few minutes later. Wesat by one of the big trees by my school gate.My school was one of the very lucky schoolsthat were built with a purpose; plenty ofspace and greens around, it was built by themissionaries. Kemi and I were glued to ourspots for at least three hours. Our gatemanwas terrified for us, he was happy we escapedbut worried we might never live to tell the taleif we were caught. Mrs Oshobi wasn’t thatsmart to do a head count, she just assumed wewere bunch of morons that no one could havecontemplated running away. On our return toclass, all our classmates were very sad withred eyes and scars to show the source of thepains, Rashida, one of my mates ended upwith 12 strokes because she just could notstay still, we nicknamed her waterleaf. Theyall hated Kemi and I for escaping the torture,but not enough to tell on us.

A note to say I was not being brave to runaway, I was just so scared and didn’t think Icould survive another beating down my spine.I wanted to save my parents burying yetanother child. That was my rationale at thetime.

For the two years that this woman was inmy school, it was just plain pain. Why didn’twe do something about it, you ask? We or Ididn’t know how. School principals aresupposed to be caring, loving and aid learningin schools, not torturers. I have had adifferent female principal at the same school,who took great pains of teaching the wholeschool at the assembly how to sit properlylike a lady; the lesson I still cherish untiltoday. For those who may have difficultyvisualizing Mrs Oshobi, think about MissTrunchbull (a character in ‘Matilda’ by RoaldDahl) and multiply her attitude towards herpupils by 10. Yes, you are right there!

Mrs Oshobi ended up leaving my school togo to Urban Day Grammar School inModakeke to take up a lower position. Wewere just happy she was gone. She blamed herleaving on the fact that we were all witchesand wanted to kill her. The rumour I knew wasfar from the truth. If I knew how to get intowitchcraft, I would without any slighthesitation get into it just so I could floataround my school peacefully and beinginvisible would be my preferred spell, perhapsmy first real job would have been to disableher right hand wrist.

Having read enough about Mrs Oshobi, youwould be pleased to know that the day she gotinto a car accident one mile away from myschool, she was chasing students around town.My school gate closes at 7.45am during hertorturing years, so if you were not in beforethis time, you were doomed. Some simplywent back home, others like me, who just hadto be in school, would have to risk beingflogged. At this point, it was not enough forher to stay at school, so she embarked on amission of rat racing students around town.On this fateful day, she was so focused onrunning after students, who were supposed tobeen in school, but chose to wander aroundtown in uniforms instead, so she lostconcentration of her driving and drove straightinto a sharp bend, lost control of her car andthe car turned over, she was lucky, as shesurvived. That was her last day at my school,she left after few weeks at the hospital and wewere happy.

See, Mrs Oshobi was chasing students thatchose not to learn. She left those who reallywanted to learn behind and when she wasactually at school, she just had to pick onsomething to beat us for.

Mrs Oshobi was not the only mindlessteacher that used beating to torture youngones in their care. I was taught by quite a fewsimilar to her, but she was by far the worst ofall. Take Mr Adio for example, a good-lookingmusic teacher. I liked him the first time and Iwas excited to learn music. He was good atteaching and would speak clearly and then Inoticed his obsession for beating us at the tipsof our fingers with the shard end of a longruler if we got anything wrong and hisinability to realise it was near impossible toteach music without instruments. We weresupposed to visualise and play imaginarypiano (I have never seen a piano at the time)and sounding out the notes correctly... heavenhelp me.

To come back to the original story, thisstudent teacher, who triggered whatever healthproblem Esther Oyeleke had that eventuallyled to the poor girl’s untimely death deservesto face the consequences, otherwise how couldanyone learn that there are other ways toengage students than flogging them.

On a more positive note, I recently ran intoone of my high school teachers –MrsAyandike at Obafemi AwolowoUniversity (OAU) Museum. It was over twodecades ago she taught me, I jumped into her,she was one of the many teachers who mademe believe there’s still hope for decenteducation in the country and particularlyOsun State. Very beautiful woman, she taughtme English Literature. I had huge problemunderstanding Shakespeare’s play, Macbeth,she made tremendous efforts withoutintimidating us, her students. If you thinkteaching any subject in Nigeria is hard, imaginean Ibo lady teaching English Literature to agroup of Yoruba students... ha, notuncommon, but super confusing, everyonewas, trust me! But Mrs Ayandike managed tocarry us along. So when I saw her years later, Ihad the utmost respect for her strength andperseverance. She now has a school of herown somewhere on Road Seven in Ife, she toldme. I was happy for her. She was that great ofan educator.

•ODOAJE wrote in from London.

By FOLAKEMI ODOAJE

•The Late ESTHER OYELEKE

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014 7FEATURE

Media Tour Of Completed And Ongoing Projects In The State Of Osun Under TheAdministration Of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

•Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, State of Osun, Mr Ajibola Basiru (middle); his Permanent Secretary, Mr Adelowo Adewumi (2nd right) andjournalists, during the media tour of completed and ongoing projects in the State of Osun, recently. Behind is Olufi Model High School in Gbongan; awaiting commissioning.

•An ongoing Freedom Bridge along Ring Road East Bye-Pass, Osogbo.

•Another Freedom Bridge along Ring Road, East Bye Pass, Osogbo.

8 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014PHOTOTALK

•One of the blocks of classrooms.

Ongoing Construction Of Ejigbo High School Under The Administration Of OsunGovernor Rauf Aregbesola As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI,Last Wednesday.

•Back view of the school building.

•Administrative Office.

9OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014 PHOTOTALK

•An ongoing construction of the school hall.

•Aerial view of the block of classrooms.

•One of the classrooms.

Ongoing Construction Of Ejigbo High School Under The Administration Of OsunGovernor Rauf Aregbesola As Captured By Our Cameraman, GBENGA ADENIYI,Last Wednesday.

10 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014 PHOTOTALKMedia Tour Of Completed And Ongoing Projects In The State Of Osun Under TheAdministration Of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola.

•Completed portion of road along Oba Adesoji Aderemi Road, East Bye-Pass, Osogbo.

•Another completed road at Oroki Estate, Opposite LAMECO Petrol Station, Osogbo.

•Prophet Ilesanmi Crecent, Eleyele Estate, Old Governor’s Office, Osogbo.

11 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014HEALTH

Need For Medication While Travelling?TRAVELLING outside Nigeria

brings you into contact with newsights, sounds, and new foods

and perhaps with new bacteria andviruses that your body is notaccustomed to. The result can beserious disorder or nagging, irritatingdiscomfort such as traveler’s diarrhea.

In this edition we are going todiscuss some of the illnesses that canaffect you when you travel abroad andhow to prevent them.

ImmunizationsBefore you leave on a trip out of the

country, make sure that you and yourchildren are adequately immunizedagainst any infections diseases youmight encounter. Every adult and childshould have up-to-date immunityagainst tetanus 5-and polio, whethertravelling or not. The other types ofimmunization you may need woulddepend on the country. Generally, youare more likely to be exposed toinfectious diseases in rural areas than inan urban one [particularly less-developed countries] because watersupply systems and sanitary conditionsmay not be as up-to date in rural areas.

Therefore, each country hasimmunization requirements thattravellers must fulfill before entering.These are listed in the booklet “HealthInformation for International Travels”which is written by the Centre forDisease Control [CDC] and publishedyearly by the US Government printingoffice. For more up-to-dateinformation, you can call the CDC inAtlanta, Georgia. You can also ask yourphysician, Local or State HealthDepartment or the consulate orembassy of the country you plan tovisit recommends that you only takethose vaccinations that are reallyrequired.

If you are going to an area wherediseases are prevalent, check with yourphysician about immunization, at least amonth before you plan to depart,because some vaccines must be givenseveral weeks before exposure to theinfection.

Take vaccination records with youwhen travelling out of Nigeria. Somecountries require certificates ofvaccination against disease such asCholera and Yellow Fever.

Some trips-related illnesses do notbecome evident until after you returnhome. If you are reporting symptomsto your physician, be sure to mentionany trips you have recently taken. Hereare some suggestions for basisvaccination schedules.

Tetanus: Tetanus vaccination isusually given to children as a series ofshots and is completed by the time thechild enters school. A tetanus/diphtheriabooster is given to adults and childrenover 12 years every 7 to 10 yearsthereafter. Every child and adult shouldhave up-to-date immunity at all times.

DIPHTHERIA: It is usually given tochildren in combination with tetanusand pertussis vaccines (DTP shot). It isgiven as series of four shots. Childrenover 12 and adults should receivetetanus diphtheria toxoid, adult type,and booster shot every 7 to 10 years.Mark sure that your immunizationschedule is up to date.

Polio: Poliomyelitis vaccinationgenerally is performed by giving a linevaccine orally at ages 2, 4 and 18months of age (and 6 months if polio isprevalent in the area) at the same timeat the DTPvaccine. All adults must beimmunised, whether they are travelingor not.

Influenza: Immunization is notrecommended for the generalpopulation, but certain persons at highrisk of serious illness should bevaccinated before leaving the country.Elderly people in particular should bevaccinated.

Pneumococcal: Pneumonia- elderlypeople who have not received thisvaccine previously should bevaccinated. Once a person has receivedthis vaccine, however, no further doseshould be given.

Hepatitis B :- There are twovaccines available for people who donot test positive for antibodies to thehepatitis B virus, but are at risk to travelto a country where hepatitis isprevalent. If you are at risk of acquiringthe disease, you should be vaccinated.

Meningococcal meningitis: - If youare travelling to regions of Africa orSouth America, where meningitis isprevalent, you should receive types A,C, W 135, and Y vaccines against thisdisease.

Rabies: - If you plan to stay or livein areas where rabies is common indomestic animals, such as India andparts of South America, you may wantto develop immunity to the virus beforeleaving, by obtaining injection of humandiploid given as three injections atintervals of one week with a booster 3weeks later. Mild adverse reactions arecommon

Malaria: There is no vaccine, asyet, against malaria; but effectivepreventive medications are available.Consider taking chloroquine phosphateonce in a week; begin a week beforeyou arrive in a country where malaria ispresent. Continue taking the drug forsix weeks after you leave the area. Ifyou are traveling to countries, wherethere is malaria that is resistant tochloroquine, consider an additionalmedication (fansidar). Consult yourphysician about other prescriptiondrugs and ask about possible adversereactions to them.

Cholera: - If you are traveling tocertain areas of the Middle East or orAsia or other areas where cholera ispresent, you should be immunizedagainst this disease. The vaccinationsare given as two injections, 2 to 6weeks apart, with booster shots every6 months while you are at risk ofexposure.

Typhoid: - If you are traveling to acountry where typhoid is prevalent,consider receiving the vaccine which isgiven in two doses at least one monthapart. If you live in that country for anextended period of time, have a booster

short every 3 years while you are atrisk of exposure.

Plague: vaccination consists of threeinjections a month or more apart and isgiven to people traveling to area wherethe disease is still prevalent.

Yellow fever: - A live virus vaccine,available only at certain medicalcenters, should be given to thosetraveling to certain areas of Africawhere the disease is wide spread.Vaccination must be repeated at leastevery 10years.

Small pox: - This has beeneradicated since 1980; therefore,vaccination is not necessary.

PREVENTION OF TRAVELER’SDIARRHEA Traveler’s diarrhea,turista, montezuma’s revenge arefamiliar name for a common ailment oftravelers. A trip to a foreign country byno means guarantees above withgastrointestinal discomfort but if youtravel to a land whose climate, socialconditions or sanitary standards andpractices are significantly differentfrom yours at home, the risk may behigh.

Traveler’s diarrhea may be attributedto a number of causes, includingunaccustomed food and drink, changein the bacteria that live naturally in thebowel, change in living habits andsometimes, viral infections.

Prevention : - Taking antibiotics orother medications as a preventivemeasure before and during your trip isnot generally recommended, but followyour physician’s advice. Takingbismuth subsalicylate throughout yourtrip as a preventive measure can reduceyour risk of diarrhea.

The first rule for avoidingdiarrhea while traveling: Do notdrink water whether it comes from thestream, a well, a tap unless it has beensterilized. Bottle water may be safe, asfar as it is indeed factory-bottled.Cooked foods are usually safe, but donot eat raw foods, especially, do not eatsalads that contain lettuce or rawvegetables. Fruits and vegetables thatcan be peeled immediately before youeat them are safe. Orange, pineapples,melons, apples, and other fruits withred skin that can be peeled off usuallyare safe. Eat in restaurants that have areputation for safety. When you travel,most of what you think about should beyour wallet, passports [if necessary],and suitcases. But also remember to

take a range of items to fill any of youror family’s health needs during the trip.Here are some suggestions:

Medication: - If you need amedication at home, you probablyneed it while you are travelling too.Make sure that you have an amplesupply of medications you takeregularly on prescriptions and it shouldbe up-to-date; an extra supply is a goodidea, too because you may be stayinglonger than you anticipated.

Other Pharmaceutical Products: -If you need sunscreen, contact lenssolution, insect repellant other familiarproducts, take them with you.

If you have allergies or other acutemedical problems that you routinelytreat with medications, take themedications along. A familiar remedymay not be readily available in foreignlands.

First Aid Kit:- Taking a simple firstaid kit is a sensible precaution.Antiseptic cream, aspirin oracetaminophen, adhesive and gauzebandages, a thermometer, and an elasticwrap [for sprains].

Medical Records:- In case ofemergency or illness, the physician youconsult on your trip will need to knowsomething about your medical history;be prepared to inform him or her of thefollowing;

•Any chronic diseases you have inparticular, like diabetes, glaucoma, heartdisorder, or hypertension.

•The prescription medications youare taking for either chronic or acuteailments; make sure you know thegeneric and brand names [if any] aswell as the dosage and frequency atwhich you take them.

•Whether your physician hasobserved abnormalities on an x-ray orelectro cardiogram, if so, have thosetest results with you.

Any allergies you have, especially todrugs, foods or insects stings keep allthese materials together. Make sure thatother members of your family knowwhere it is kept, so they can quicklyand easily provide relevant informationto any medical professional who mayneed it. The package should alsocontain the names, addresses andtelephone numbers of your PrimaryHealthcare physician and your travellingcompanions and physicians.

By MOSES BOBA

OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 201412

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Candel Company Limited Entry Level Graduate Jobs for Warehouse Assistant/Territorial Administrative Personnel (30 Positions)Candel Company Limited - A Nigeria’s leading crop yield advancement and productioncompany. As a result of growth and the need to strengthen our current team, we requireexceptional individuals with the right qualifications, mentality, drive and experience to join ourteam of professionals.We require the services of suitably qualified candidates to fill the position stated below:Job Title: Warehouse Assistant/Territorial Administrative PersonnelReports to: Supply Chain OfficerLocation: NigeriaJob Function: Distribution, Administration, Customer ServiceEmployment Type: Full timeSlot: 30Job DescriptionConduct smooth functions of the warehouse relating to requisition, receipt, stacking, anddispatch of goods and supplies.Perform all work related duties assigned by the Warehouse Manager.Coordinate with transporters and supplies for the dispatch and procurement of goods.Supervise the maintenance of warehouse tools and machinery.Organize the systematic storage of goods and materials in the warehouse.Follow proper documentation and safety procedures of all warehouse functions.Maintain inventory of all supplies and take note of damaged goods, expired goods etc.QualificationHND/B.Sc in relevant discipline from a reputable institutionAt least 3 years experience (Entry Level).Desired Skills and Expertise:Cognate experience in warehouse management with emphasis on stock management.Ability to maintain accurate computer records.Excellent interpersonal and communication skills.Adherence to oral and written instructions.In-depth knowledge of modern storeroom and inventory practices.Ability to count and inspect a variety of stores and materials accurately and thoroughly.Sound knowledge and application of Microsoft Office suite.Method of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates should forward their applications to: hr@candelcorp.comApplication Deadline 15th April, 2014.—————————————————————————————————Vacant Job Positions in Nigeria today, April 3rd 2014 at Compovine Technologies LtdCompovine Technologies Ltd was incorporated as an indigenous company with the main aim ofoffering Information Technology, sales and services to individuals and corporate organizations.The company was incorporated in Nigeria on the 14th May, 2004 with registration no RC510866.Our services, which are tailored to meet individual and corporate needs of our clients, have beenfound appropriate even in diverse and harsh conditions of operation.Compovine Technologies Ltd is recruiting for the vacant positions of:Job Title: General Manager, AdminLocation: LagosQualification/ExperienceHND/BSC 2nd Class Upper in Bus. Admin/Mgt or any related discipline with 7 Years Post NYSCExperience, out of which 3 years is in senior mgt positionJob Title: Branch ManagerLocation: LagosQualification/ExperienceHND/BSC 2nd Class Upper in Mgt Sci or Computer Sci/ Engr. or Related Discipline with 5 YrsPost NYSC Experience.Applicant must be ready to relocate outside of LagosJob Title: AccountantLocations: Minna, Lokoja, Port-Harcourt, & LagosQualification/ExperienceHND/BSC 2nd Class Upper in Accountancy, with 5 Yrs Post NYSC Experience Job Title: Computer AnalystLocations: Lagos, Abuja, Port-Harcourt & LokojaQualification/ExperienceHND/BSC 2nd Class Upper in Computer Sci Engr. or Related Discipline with 3 Yrs Post NYSCExperience Job Ttile: Company/Truck DriverLocation: LagosQualification/ExperienceSSCE with 5 Yrs Experience.Higher qualification will be of added advantageMethod of ApplicationInterested candidates should submit their credentials/CV to:The Compovine Technologies Ltd2 Olu Koleosho Street, Off Simbiat Abiola Way,Ikeja-Lagos.ORE-mail to: job@compovine.comNote: Please include your phone numbers and email address.Shortlisted candidates shall be contacted.Application Deadline 16th April, 2014—————————————————————————————————Vacant Job Positions for Marketing Executives in an Insurance CompanyWhyte Cleon Limited - Our client, a major player in the insurance industry seeks to engageintelligent, self-motivated, driven and dynamic young professionals with integrity for thefollowing position:Job Title: Marketing ExecutivesRef: (ME - 200)Location: NigeriaJob DescriptionAggressive marketing / Selling of the company’s insurance mobile platform product -GNIONGO.Enlightening prospective buyers of the functionality and advantages of the mobile platformCreating awareness for the product.Processing customers request and ensuring that customers inquiries are adequately treated and ontime.Perform other duties as assigned by the Marketing Manager.QualificationB.Sc., HND, NCE (Minimum Lower Credit).Age: 25 - 40 Years.Commission will be paid on all sales made.Skil ls:Great communication skills.Good documentation and record keeping.Good reading and listening skills.Good dress sense.Good customer service skills.Good relationship skills.Good problem solving skills.Method of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates should:Click here to apply at http://www.whytecleon.com/component/content/article.html?id=150&vaccode=ME-200Application Deadline 9th April, 2014.—————————————————————————————————Vacant Job Positions for Field Sales Representatives at Gateway UniversitiesPublishersGateway Universities Publishers - A fast growing Publishing Company with distribution channelacross Nigeria seek dynamic persons who are goal getters and are zealous in result orientatedcourses to fill up positions in the areas below:Job Title: Field Sales Representatives

Job Location: Calabar, Enugu, Owerri, llorin, Akure, Yenogoa, AsabaResponsibilitiesBegin and carry out marketing strategies for achieving a given sales and revenue targets.Source for customers: promote company’s titles especially in top grade SchoolsConduct simple market surveys and market intelligence.Carry out any other assigned dutyRequirements and QualificationMust be dedicated and result-oriented,Must have desire for creation of new business relationships and breaking new grounds.Minimum of OND (Ordinary National Diploma) in relevant discipline.Minimum of 0-1 year relevant work experience.Mode Of Application:http://www.gatewayunipublishers.com/index.php/vacancyor submit by hand at:Gateway University Publishers71, Textile Mill RoadBenin City, Edo StateApplication Deadline 20th April, 2014——————————————————————————————————Chams Plc Jobs for an Installation Officer in LagosChams Plc is recruiting to fill the position of:Job Title: Installation OfficerLocation: LagosActivitiesTroubleshoot hardware, software and network operating systemBe familiar with all hardware and softwareBe familiar with network operating systemProvide recommendations about accessing information and supportMaintain current and accurate inventory of technology hardware, software and resourcesMonitor and maintain technology to ensure maximum access.Provide orientation to new users of existing technologyTrain staff about potential uses of existing technologyTrain staff about new and potential useProvide individual training and support on requestMain ActivitiesTroubleshoot all technology issuesMaintain log and/or list of required repairs and maintenanceInstall work stationsConnect and set up hardwareLoad all required softwareMake recommendations about purchase of technology resourcesResearch current and potential resources and servicesProvide network access to all staff and studentsRequirementsOND / HND / BSc qualification requiredDesired Skills and ExperienceKnowledge:The incumbent must have proficient knowledge in the following areas:Computer hardware and software systems andPrograms:Computer networks, network administration andNetwork installation:Computer troubleshootingComputer viruses and securityE-mail and internet programsSkil ls:The incumbent must demonstrate the following skills:Ability to install and administer computer hardware, software and networksTeam building skillsAnalytical and problem solving skillsOperate computerized accounting,Spreadsheet, word-processing, graphics and website development programs at a highly proficientlevelStress management skillsTime management skills.Decision making skillsEffective verbal, presentation and listening communications skillsEffective written communications skillsComputer skills including the ability toMethod of ApplicationInterested and qualified candidates should:https://docs.google.com/forms/d/10HEEnI0Qf9llWLX3bNvU7Tw6gyfTg4smpEj4Rb2rt4g/viewformApplication Deadline 16th April, 2014.—————————————————————————————————April 3rd Jobs in Lagos, Nigeria in a Manufacturing/Marketing OrganizationA reputable Manufacturing/Marketing Organization in Lagos, requires the following personnelbelow:Location: Lagos1.) Marketing/Customer Service OfficersRequirementOND/HND/B.Sc in Marketing or Business Studies.Three (3 years) cognate experience, Age 25-35 years.Excellent communication/interpersonal skills.At least three (3) years driving experience + valid drivers license.2.) DriversRequirementMinimum of Secondary School Certificate.At least five (5) years experience, preferably in a marketing/manufacturing company.Valid National Drivers’ License.Valid Lagos State Drivers’ Institute Re-certification Card.Age 25-40 years.3.) Graphic ArtistRequirementMale of female, OND/HND/B.Sc. with 3-5 yrs experience in Computer Graphic Arts and designwith Photoshop, corel draw, and ICT Knowledge.4.) AccountantsRequirementHND/B.Sc. with 3-5yrs experience in manufacturing Accounting with a production-orientedorganization and experience in Tally ERP.5.) Printing TechnologistsRequirementHND in Printing Technology with five years experience in operation of Sord Z, Cord and 201printing machines, die-cutting and polar machines.6.) Admin. SecretaryRequirementOND/HND/B.Sc. in Business Administration, Secretarial Admin/Office Technology with vastexperience in computer and internet.How to ApplyInterested and qualified candidates should forward their applications and CV’s to the HumanResource Manager: oruhtradeinterl@yahoo.comOrP.O. Box 4271,Oshodi.Application Deadline 7th April, 2014.—————————————————————————————————

13 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014FOR THE RECORDS

•OMISORE •ADELEKE •ADESIYAN

A memorable Quote from SenatorIsiaka Adeleke on A PDP Aspirant inthe State of Osun, Senator IyiolaOmisore, Minister of Police Affairs,Alhaji Jelili Adesiyan and Another PDPchieftain in the state, Sogo Agboola.

Omisore, Police Minister Beat Me Up - Adeleke“On entering the hall, I saw Omisore, Adesiyan, Sogo

Agboola sitting together. I went to Adesiyan to complainthat police officers and DSS operatives were holdingparty men outside. But, instead of listening to me, hejumped over a table before him and hit me with a blowon the chest. Sogo Agboola also attacked me. Before Iknew what was happening, Omisore hit me with a blowfrom the back. About seven guns corked were pointed atme,” Adeleke asserted.

•Culled from Nigerian Tribune,Thursday April 3, 2014

14 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014FOREIGN NEWS

Egypt Crisis: Police Chief Dies In Cairo BombingsA police brigadier-general was killed and at least

five people were injured when three bombs went offnear Cairo university, officials said.

A group calling itselfAjnad Misr, or Soldiers ofEgypt, said it was behindthe attack.

The first two bombs wentoff within minutes of eachother, with the thirdexploding about two hourslater.

There has been a rise in

militant attacks ongovernment targets sincethe Muslim Brotherhoodwas ousted in 2013.

The government saysmilitants have killed almost500 people since last July,most of them policemen andsoldiers.

There have been fears of

an increase in violence inthe run-up to thepresidential election in May,correspondents report.

‘Screaming’ policeAjnad Misr issued a short

statement, saying it wastargeting police officersinvolved in mass killings ofprotesters, the AssociatedPress reports.

The little-known groupsaid the attack also came in

response to increaseddetentions of femaledemonstrators.

Wednesday’s explosionshappened near a riot policepost outside the main gateof the university’s faculty ofengineering.

The blasts were reportedto have been caused byimprovised explosivedevices.

Investigators inspect the

scene of the bombings nearthe police post

State TV named the deadofficer as Tariq al-Mirjawi,the head of Giza’sinvestigation department.

“I was waiting for the buswhen I heard twoexplosions. There was dustin the air and policemen werescreaming” an eyewitnesstold AFP.

The third explosion tookplace as journalists andemergency workersattended the scene, but wasreportedly much smallerthan the first two andcaused no casualties.

The BBC’s Orla Guerin inCairo says the area aroundthe university has becomea battleground for clashesbetween police and student

supporters of the bannedMuslim Brotherhood inrecent weeks.

The military-backedinterim governmentoutlawed the movement atthe end of last year,declaring it a terroristorganisation.

It accuses the movementof supporting attacksagainst the police and army- a claim the Brotherhoodstrongly denies.

Since the overthrow ofthe Brotherhood-linkedPresident MohammedMorsi, more than 1,000people have been killed andthousands of members havebeen detained in acrackdown by the interimauthorities.

•Egyptian security forces stand guard outside Cairo university after the blasts.

Gunman Kills 3, Wounds 16 At Fort Hood Army BaseAN Iraq War veteran being treated for mental illness

opened fire Wednesday on fellow service members atthe Fort Hood military base, killing three people and

wounding 16 before committing suicide at the same postwhere more than a dozen people were slain in a 2009 attack,authorities said.

The shooter apparentlywalked into a building andbegan firing a .45-caliber semi-automatic pistol. He then gotinto a vehicle and continuedfiring before entering anotherbuilding.

He was eventuallyconfronted by military policein a parking lot. As he camewithin 20 feet of an officer, thegunman put his hands up butthen reached under his jacketand pulled out his gun. Theofficer drew her own weapon,and the suspect put his gun tohis head and pulled the triggera final time, according to Lt.Gen. Mark A. Milley, seniorofficer on the base.

The gunman, who served inIraq for four months in 2011,had sought help for depression,anxiety and other problems.Before the attack, he had beenundergoing an assessment todetermine whether he had post-traumatic stress disorder,Milley said.

The married suspect hadarrived at Fort Hood inFebruary from another base inTexas. He was takingmedication, and there werereports that he had complainedafter returning from Iraq aboutsuffering a traumatic braininjury, Milley said. Thecommander did not elaborate.

The gunman was neverwounded in action, accordingto military records, Milleysaid.

There was no indication theattack was related to terrorism,Milley said.

The military declined toidentify the gunman until hisfamily members had beennotified. Texas Rep. Michael

McCaul, chairman of theHouse Homeland SecurityCommittee, said he was namedIvan Lopez but offered no otherdetails.

The weapon had beenpurchased recently in the localarea and was not registered tobe on the base, Milley said.

Late Wednesday,investigators had alreadystarted looking into whetherLopez’s combat experiencecaused lingering psychologicaltrauma. Among the possibilitiesthey planned to explore waswhether a fight or argument onthe base triggered the attack.

“We have to find all thosewitnesses, the witnesses toevery one of those shootings,and find out what his actionswere, and what was said to thevictims,” said a federal lawenforcement official, speakingon condition of anonymitybecause he was not authorizedto discuss the case by name.

The official said authoritieswould begin by speaking withLopez’s wife and expected tosearch his home and anycomputers he owned.

The injured were taken tothe base hospital and otherlocal hospitals. At least threeof the nine patients at Scottand White Hospital in Templewere listed in critical condition.

Wednesday’s attackimmediately revived memoriesof the shocking 2009 assault onFort Hood, which was thedeadliest attack on a domesticmilitary installation in U.S.history. Thirteen people werekilled and more than 30wounded.

Until an all-clear sirensounded hours after

Wednesday’s shooting began,relatives of soldiers waitedanxiously for news about theirloved ones.

“The last two hours havebeen the most nerve-wrackingI’ve ever felt,” said TayraDeHart, 33, who had earlierheard from her husband that hewas safe but was waiting tohear from him again.

Brooke Conover, whosehusband was on base at thetime of the shooting, said shefound out about it whilechecking Facebook. Sheimmediately called herhusband, Staff Sgt. SeanConover.

“I just want him to comehome,” Conover said.

President Barack Obamavowed that investigators wouldget to the bottom of theshooting.

In a hastily arrangedstatement in Chicago, Obamareflected on the sacrifices that

troops stationed at Fort Hoodhave made — includingenduring multiple tours to Iraqand Afghanistan.

“They serve with valor.They serve with distinction,and when they’re at their homebase, they need to feel safe,”Obama said. “We don’t yetknow what happened tonight,but obviously that sense ofsafety has been broken onceagain.”

The president spoke in thesame room of a steakhousewhere he had just met withabout 25 donors at a previouslyscheduled fundraiser for theDemocratic NationalCommittee.

The November 2009 attackhappened inside a crowdedbuilding where soldiers werewaiting to get vaccines androutine paperwork afterrecently returning fromdeployments or preparing to goto Afghanistan and Iraq.

EU-Africa Leaders discussCAR Crisis At Summit

AFRICAN and EU leaders held crisis talks on thespiralling sectarian unrest in the Central AfricanRepublic (CAR), at a two-day summit in Brussels.

The UN Secretary-GeneralBan Ki-Moon, who is alsoattending, promised to do“everything possible” toimprove the internationalresponse to the crisis.

The European Union (EU)has already announced plans tosend 1,000 troops to thecountry.

The UN earlier warned that19,000 Muslims “faceslaughter” in CAR.

Trade and immigration willalso be high on the agenda at

the summit, which ends onThursday.

The meeting is beingattended by 30 heads of stateand government - 15 each fromAfrica and Europe.

Zimbabwe’s PresidentRobert Mugabe is boycottingthe summit after the EUrefused to temporarily lift avisa ban on his wife, Grace.

Mr Mugabe receivedsupport from South AfricanPresident Jacob Zuma, whochose to boycott the summitin a show of solidarity for hisZimbabwean counterpart.

“I think that time must passwherein we are looked [upon]as subjects,” Mr Zuma said.“We are told who must come,who must not come. It is wrongand causes this unnecessaryunpleasantness.”

Genocide warningMr Ban warned that the

situation in CAR could spiralinto a genocide, at Wednesday’scrisis meeting with EU andAfrican leaders.

He said the people werefacing “grave and deplorableatrocities”, and he promised todo everything possible toimprove the internationalresponse to the conflict.

The EU is sending 1,000troops to join the 6,000 AfricanUnion soldiers already in CAR

German Chancellor AngelaMerkel said her country andFrance were “seeking to be amotor” for Africa’sdevelopment, including itssecurity.

The EU force was due to bedeployed to CAR last month,but was delayed because ofinsufficient troop and aircraftcommitments from the group’s28 member-states.

The EU said its troopswould operate in the capital,Bangui, which is worst-affected by the conflict.

Some 8,000 African Union(AU) and French forces arebattling to restore stability inCAR after more than a year ofconflict, following the seizureof power by mainly Muslimrebels.

On Tuesday, the UNHCRsaid it was trying to evacuatesome 19,000 Muslims fromareas near Bangui.

Nearly 16,000 people hadfled their homes in Bangui inthe past 10 days amid anupsurge of violence, it added.

After rebel leader MichelDjotodia, who had becomepresident, was forced to stepdown in January, vigilantegroups began targetingMuslims across the Christian-majority country.

Army psychiatrist NidalHasan was convicted andsentenced to death last year inthat mass shooting. He said heacted to protect Islamicinsurgents abroad fromAmerican aggression.

According to testimonyduring Hasan’s trial lastAugust, Hasan walked insidecarrying two weapons andseveral loaded magazines,shouted “Allahu Akbar!” —Arabic for “God is great!” —and opened fire with a handgun.

The rampage ended whenHasan was shot in the back byFort Hood police officers. Hewas paralyzed from the waistdown and is now on death rowat the military prison at FortLeavenworth in Kansas.

After that shooting, themilitary tightened security atbases nationwide. Thosemeasures included issuingsecurity personnel long-barreled weapons, adding aninsider-attack scenario to theirtraining and strengthening tiesto local law enforcement. Themilitary also joined an FBIintelligence-sharing programaimed at identifying terrorthreats.

In September, a formerNavy man opened fire at theWashington Navy Yard, leaving13 people dead, including thegunman. After that shooting,Defense Secretary Chuck Hagelordered the Pentagon to reviewsecurity at all U.S. defenseinstallations worldwide andexamine the granting ofsecurity clearances that allowaccess to them.

Asked Wednesday aboutsecurity improvements in thewake of the shootings, Hagelsaid, “Obviously when wehave these kinds of tragedieson our bases, something’s notworking.”

•OBAMA

15 OSUN DEFENDER Saturday, April 5, 2014

SATURDAY, APRIL 5, 2014

IF one may ask, what isgovernment all about? Do weneed government in our daily

activities, especially in modernsociety, where the rich can affordto be independent, so to speak, ofthe government?

The answer is an affirmative‘Yes’. This is so because the theoryof mandate in a democracy ensuresthat while the people surrendertheir sovereignty to the electedrepresentatives, the leaders owe ita duty to protect life and property.

In a nutshell, the basic orfundamental function of anygovernment is the protection oflife and property. The naturalquestion that follows is that whathappens if the government is notable to perform this basic tasksatisfactorily? The response is thatit has no business being ingovernment.

One is compelled to ask thesequestions in the face of a seemingintractable security challengesbedeviling the country. Thechallenges seem to overwhelm oursecurity forces, such that they areonly made to react when the deedhas been done.

Unfortunately, rather than look atissues holistically, we prefer toadopt the reductionist approach,whereby we simplify it on an issue.This has not helped in the past andcannot be the solution to thechallenges.

The menace of Boko Haram mayhave international dimension, but Istrongly believe that we have notdone enough to justify our claimthat we are fighting the terrorists.The terrorists seem to be having anupper hand with the way they goabout their callous activities.

This is exactly what theGovernor of Borno State, AlhajiKashim Shettima said recently andhe was condemned by PresidentGoodluck Jonathan and one of hismedia aides, Dr Doyin Okupe. Ifthe truth must be told, whatShettima said was not anythingextraordinary. He had toldjournalists after meeting withPresident Goodluck Jonathan atAso Villa that the terrorists seemto be well-motivated than ourArmed Forces.

The bandits have attackedmilitary barracks, schools andother public places before thepolice and other armed forceschase them out.

People who know have talkedabout making use of intelligencereport, which could help solve this

Our Approach To Security Challenges

AUDACIOUSEXPLOIT

withMURTALA AGBOOLA

TEL: 0806-119-7897E-mail: murtalamuag@yahoo.com

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problem. Among the places thesewicked souls attacked are thePolice Headquarters, AbujaThisDay newspaper headquarters,Abuja, The Sun newspaper officein Kaduna and the United Nationsoffice, Abuja.

Infact, some Nigerians haveconcluded that the fear of the BokoHaram is the beginning of wisdom.

The security breach at the StateSecurity Service (SSS) office inAbuja close to Aso Rock lastweekend is a testimony to the factthat, our security services are notin absolute control.

According to Ms Maryln Oga,the Deputy Director of SSS onPublic Affairs, one of the BokoHaram detainees hit an operativeof the SSS with the handcuff in anattempt to force their detainedmembers to flee from detention.

The social media was awash withinformation to the fact that it wasa serious breach in the comfortzone of the presidency, which wasakin to a coup de’tat. This even led

•JONATHAN

OSUN DEFENDER is published by Moremi Publishing House Limited, Promise Point Building, Opposite Guaranty Trust Bank GTB, Gbongan Road, Osogbo, State of Osun. All correspondenceto 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.

to speculations in some quartersthat there was an attempt tooverthrow the government.

In this modern technology, arewe saying that there is no deviceby which the ogas at the top canmonitor the detainees to knowwhat is transpiring at anytime. Asclose as the office of theDepartment of Security Service isto Aso Rock, one would havethought than close monitoringwould be given to activitiesinvolving these bandits.

Closely related with the banditshavoc is the issue of armsimportation into the country.Recently, an arms daler wasapprehended in Lagos, when hestated that he buys rifles from Maliand Burkina Faso through BeninRepublic. There are so manycriminals who carry out suchnefarious activities.

The level of killings in theNorth-Central states of Plateau,Nassarawa and Benue is alarming.Benue State popularly called the

food basket of the nation was untilrecently, very peaceful. Though,the Tivs are warriors by nature, theyhardly had problems or issues tosettle with the nomadic Fulanisuntil recently at anytime of the day.

The people of the Plateau usedto enjoy near perfect tranquilitysome years back until everythingwent haywire. Jos, the capital ofPlateau state has a climaticcondition similar to the coolatmosphere in Europe. During myuniversity days in Jos, travelers whowent by train could access any partof the city.

It was convenient for people tomove at anytime of the day withoutbeing molested or arrested. As aperson, my attraction to Jos wasthe fantastic information I heardabut the city.

However everything has changedsuch that people are beingslaughtered as goats. Sometimes,one wonders if what one hears orread in the newspaper is a truerefection of what transpires in thetin city. Marauders now hunt forpeople to kill, either as reprisalsor for the joy of it. The samepeople that have lived together fordecades suddenly have becomeenemies.

Unfortunately, all attempts bysuccessive governments havefailed to solve the problem. Whyhas killing of fellow human beingsbecome the pastime of somecriminal elements in the society?

I have been so concerned aboutthe level of killings in the countrythat I am so amazed. Nothingconcret has been done. However, Istand to be corrected that the levelof killings under Jonathan’sadministration is unprecedented,except during the civil war,Nigerians have not been killed onsuch a large scale. It is a frontpagenews everyday about killings in thecountry.

When government wanted tojustify hike in petroleum products,reasons adduced was that customofficials are helpless in the face ofpetroleum cabals.

Maybe these customs officialsare equally helpless in the face ofarm merchants, who import armsand ammunitions into the country?

The arms that have found theirways into the economy is not meantfor animals, but human beings. Onehopes something would be donevery fast.

May God help us underJonathan’s administration?