Osun - Defender 27th December, 2014 Edition

VOL. 9. NO.155 N50suNday, december 28, 2014

www.osundefender.org T H e 6 T H m O s T - V I s I T e d N e W s -

Front Page Comment“Look at what we did in

Osun State. In Osun, we had the best election conducted so far; the best election we have conducted so far as a commission since 2011.”

Quote

• Quote from Professor Attahiru Jega’s interview in THe GuardIaN of Wed. Oct. 29 (2nd part of a series that started on the 28th).

•Jega

- See Story On Page 2

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- See Story On Page 4

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•a cross section of passengers of the free train service offered by the state government of Osun arriving Osogbo from Lagos for Christmas and New Year festival last Wednesday. Photo: gBeNga aDeNIYI.

Why FG Reduced Osun Allocation By 65 Per Cent - APC

Why Nigeria Needs Buhari - Aregbesola

Pray For Peace Of Nigeria - Osun Dep Gov

- Pg 4

32 UNIO-SUN Pro-grammes Accredited

UN, World Bank Adopt A r e g b e -s o l a ’ s

Ebola: Personal Hygiene Is KeyThe recent declaration of Nigeria as Ebo-la-free by the World Health Organisation (WHO) came as a palatable news for the country. Of course it’s really a great thing to hear from the World

Health body that Ni-geria is free of the kill-er-disease that spreads like the harmattan fire. For a country where you hardly hear any good news; a country that’s hardly asso-ciatedwith anything positive,

to have been given a clean bill of health with respect to EVD, is a thing to rejoice over and the govern-ment and the people of Nigeria deserve to be congratulated

continue on pg5

2 OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 2014News

•The governor, state of Osun, Ogbeni rauf aregbesola (3rd left); President, Nigerian union of Local government employees (NuLge), Comrade adekomi Jacob (3rd right); Permanent secretary, Ministry of Local government staff and Loans Board, Dr Oyebade Olowogboyega (2nd left); NuLge state Treasurer, Comrade Biodun Ojo (2nd right); an all Progressives Congress (aPC) chieftain, alhaji fatai Diekola (left) and former assistant Chief of staff to the governor, Barrister gbenga akano (right), during a courtesy visit to the governor at government House, Osogbo, state of Osun, recently.

by keHINde ayaNTuNjI

Why FG Reduced Osun Allocation By 65 Per Cent - APCTHe all Progressives congress in the state of Osun

has accused the Federal Government of slashing allocation to the state from over N3.8 billion to

less than N1.3 billion.The Director of Publicity,

Research and Strategy of the the party in the state, Mr.

Kunle Oyatomi, said this in a Christmas message made available to OsuN

deFeNder in Osogbo on Wednesday.

The party said that the Peoples Democratic Party-led Federal Government was deliberately punishing the state with reduced allocation because of the defeat suffered

by the ruling party at the August 9 governorship poll.

The APC spokesperson therefore urged Nigerians to vote out President Goodluck Jonathan and replace him with General Muhammadu Buhari of the APC to

liberate the nation from corrupt leadership.

He said: “The last federal allocation paid to the State of Osun was the least in the whole of the federation and was less than a third of what the state used to receive in

the first half of 2014. “Between June and

October, this year, the federal allocation paid to Osun fell from over N3.8 billion to less than N1.3 billion, while the state’s salary profile alone is N3.6 billion every month.

“ T h e F e d e r a l Government has not offered any sensible explanation for this drastic drop, leaving r o o m f o r r e a s o n a b l e speculation that the PDP is taking its ‘pound of flesh’ in reprisal for the defeat it suffered at the August 9, 2014 governorship election in the state.

“The State of Osun in particular, is being made to suffer because the state stood up to Federal Government tyranny and voted against the PDP in the last August 9 governorship election.

“No matter the economic terrorism of the Federal Government and the PDP, the people of Osun shall remain unbowed to the evil economic might of the PDP-led Federal Government, which they are currently using to strangulate workers in the State of Osun.

“In this season, when people are celebrating the great advent of Jesus of Nazareth, the Federal G o v e r n m e n t , l e d b y a so-called Christian, is entertaining himself with the agony of Nigerians, who are miserably suffering under the massive corruption of the PDP that has left our economy comatose.”

The party therefore, called on all the people of the state to be happy in spite of difficulties they were facing, saying the days of the PDP’s treasury-looters were numbered.

“We shall celebrate i n g r a n d s t y l e w h e n ‘Nebuchadnezzar’ shall crawl on all fours into the forest to suffer for his wickedness against Nigerians, including the progressive people of Osun,” he added.

UN, World Bank Adopt Aregbesola’s O’Mealby sOLa jacObs

THe elementary school feeding programme (O’meal) of Governor rauf aregbesola’s administration in the state of Osun has now been

adopted as a global standard. This was made known

by the Country Director of the Partnership For Child Development (PCD), Mrs Bimbo Adesanya, at the Government House in Osogbo, the state capital, whi le p resen t ing the monitoring, evaluation and the revalidation report of the programme to the state’s deputy governor, Otunba (Mrs) Titilayo Laoye-Tomori.

A c c o r d i n g t o M r s Adesanya, the state school feeding programme has been adopted by the United Nations and the World Bank as a model globally to be adopted in feeding school children and it is being currently understudied by many nations of the world.

She added tha t the Partnership for Child Development of Imperial College London had study, monitored and revalidated the programme into globally acceptable standard and it is presenting the papers to the state government for acceptance.

In her response, Mrs L a o y e - To m o r i , w h o a l s o d o u b l e s a s t h e State Commissioner for Education, reiterated the essence of the programme

as a vision of the state programme to feed children in elementary classes, so as to promote healthy living of those children, as well as increasing the enrolment of children in schools and keep them off the streets.

She added that the p r o g r a m m e h a s h a d multiplier effect on the economy of the state, as it had increased the enrolment of children in public schools, provide employment for over 3,000 women food vendors in the state, as well giving over 10,000 youths means of living, by taking vocation in banana cultivation, poultry and fish farming.

Laoye-Tomori said that despite the challenges of paucity of funds, the state government has sustained the programme, as there are structured markets for the programme, while capacity production of the farmers was not limited, as he state encourages them to produce more in view of ready markets that will buy their products.

She further posited that on weekly basis, four tonnes of fish, 35 heads of cattles over 100,000 crates

of eggs are consumed by school pupils in the state.

The programme had also encouraged fruit cultivation, as pupils are served fruits daily with their meals.

“Now the state has more number of enrolees in the state into elementary schools in the country,” she stressed.

Lending credence to the acceptability of the programme, the Chairman of the State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB), Prince Felix Awofisayo, said

the Executive Secretary of the board had been invited to Pakistan to speak on the programme and the country’s delegation will soon visit the state to study the programme.

In conclusion, the Mrs Laoye-Tomori lauded the support of PCD and promised that the state government will continue to invest in children welfare and education, as they are leaders of tomorrow.

Present at the presentation were the tutor- generals in the state and the officers of the PCD in Nigeria.

Pray For Peace In Nigeria, Success Of 2015- AregbesolaTHe Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni

rauf aregbesola, has urged christians and Nigerians of other faiths to take advantage of

the celebration of the birth of jesus christ to pray for peace and the sustainability of one Nigeria, free from the carnage of insurgency.

Aregbesola also enjoined them to always strive to be role models as Christ, according to him, lived and died propagating the message of love, peace and truthful co-existence among mankind.

T h e g o v e r n o r , i n a Chr i s tmas message released by the Director, Bureau of Communication a n d S t r a t e g y, O f f i c e of the Governor, Mr. Semiu Okanlawon, urged Christians to reflect and

re-dedicate themselves to the teachings and lifestyle of Christ, which were anchored on sacrifice, love, peace and truth.

Specifically, Aregbesola reminded Nigerians of the need to intensify prayers for the success of the 2015 general elections, calling on Christians to also supplicate for the nation to overcome the security challenges in the North-East and other parts of Nigeria.

He added that harmony

is the bedrock of national development and peace.

Aregbesola, quoting from 1 John 4:7 said: “Beloved, let us love one another, for love is of God; and every one that loveth is born of God and knoweth God ... Beloved, if God so loved us, we ought also to love one another, God dwelleth in us, and his love is perfected in us” said Osun had demonstrated in very clear terms the freedom of all to choose their faiths according to their convictions, adding that such understanding had assisted in promoting religious harmony in the state.

“With this, we have been able to promote communal peace and development, which is one of our six-point action

plan in an atmosphere, where everyone loves one another,” he noted.

The governor also urged the people of the state to use the period of the Christmas to pray for the state so that development, peace and security would continue to reign.

The governor noted that the current peace Osun is witnessing under his administration can be associated with the prayers of all religions in the state and the commitment of government to providing good governance.

3 News OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28,

•a cross section of Christ apostolic Church (CaC) Latona choristers during the Christmas service to celebrate the birth of Jesus Christ in Osogbo, last Thursday. Photo: gBeNga aDeNIYI.

Osun Indigenes In U.S. Offer Free Healthcare In Iragbiji, Othersby FraNcIs ezedIuNO

medIcaL experts who are indigenes of the state of Osun in the united states of america, have offered to foot the surgery

expenses of 40-year-old rachael akinola with degenerating hip pains in the u.s.

This was coming even as no fewer than 3,000 people benefited from the free medical treatment carried out by the team in the state.

The medical team led by Dr. Oluremi Ilupeju was in the state on a five-day free medical treatment for the people

of five selected towns in the state, including Erin-Osun in Irepodun Local Government Council Area; Inisa in Odo-Otin Local Government Council Area; Iragbiji in Boripe Local Government Council Area; Ile-Ogbo in Ayedire Local Government Council Area

and Osu in Atakunmosa-West Local Government Council Area of the state.

Rachael Akinola (an orphan) had been battling with hip pains for the past 20 years since she lost her husband to a fatal motor accident.

She was admitted at the Igbobi Orthopaedic Hospital in Lagos, but she was abandoned by her relations in the hospital and later discharged, when she could no longer bear the cost of the medication.

W h e n X - r a y w a s

c o n d u c t e d o n h e r a t C o m p r e h e n s i v e Health Centre, Iragbiji, headquarters of Boripe Local Government Council Area of the state, the medical team agreed to carry Mrs. Akinola along with them to the US for proper surgery.

Ilupeju disclosed that Akinola would require a $200,000 for the surgery, adding that the association will take up the bill.

T h e m e d i c a l t e a m had earlier visited some handicapped and homeless

places in the state, where they donated some medical i t ems wor th severa l millions of naira and conducted free medical checks on the children.

They also gave out scholarships to 31 students in the state in 2013, in addition to a promise to suppor t the s ta te government in the area of good health delivery, as part of their contribution to the development of the state.

C h a i r m a n

o f E T C E T E R A Interactions Limited, Mr. Samuel Olaitan, who is also the Chairman, Local Organising Committee of the medical mission, commended the team for a job well-done, noting that the medical team had been supportive of the state government.

According to him: “This free health care is the largest so far, as it cuts across five local government council areas of the state.”

Also speak ing , the President of Osun State indigenes in the US, Pastor Oyetunde Oyegoke, who observed that the people of the state have been finding it difficult to take their sick relatives to the hospital, advised that the government at all levels should provide ambulance for emergency and station them in all the council areas.

Oyegoke also lauded Governor Rauf Aregbesola and former Commissioner for Health, Mrs. Temitope Ilori for accommodating them.

He assured that the team would not relent in striving for good living of the people of their state.

He expressed sadness over the health condition of the people of the state, as he observed that most of them are battling with eye-related problems.

He therefore charged government at all levels to intensify efforts at finding last solution to the development, saying; “eyes are very important parts to the body and it must be given adequate care.”

Outlining the programme of the association, Oyegoke, said:”We have a goal for each year. We started with education last year with 31 scholarships for brilliant students in the state. This year, we have selected five places which are: Erin-Osun, Inisa, Iragbiji, Ile-Ogbo and Atakumosa respectively.

“We have programme for handicapped, which is the primary and most important aspect of our programme, because they did not have anybody.

“We appreciate the government of Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, most especially the former Commissioner of Health, Dr. (Mrs) Temitope Ilori, for accommodating us. We understand their plight, most especially the r educ t ion in the allocation from the Federal Government, which they said had affected them.

“We are calling on well-meaning individuals and politicians in the state to see the good living of people they govern as important,” he added.

I ’ll Form My Cabinet Soon – Aregbesola•Salutes Efforts Of Immediate Past S.A. On Environment, SanitationGOVerNOr of the state of Osun, Ogbeni

rauf aregbesola, has assured the people of the state that the new cabinet members, who

will work with him in running the affairs of the state in his current second term in ofice will be inaugurated in the course of the time.

Aregbesola made the assurance on Wednesday while speaking at the presenta t ion of “End o f Te n u r e Aw a r d o f E x c e l l e n c e ” t o t h e immediate-past Special Adviser to the Governor on Env i ronmen t and S a n i t a t i o n , M r B o l a Ilori, organised by some environmentalists in the ministry.

A r e g b e s o l a , w h o lamented the current state of the Nigerian economy, w i t h s p e c i a l r e g a r d to the dwindling of the state allocation from the federation account and the incessant falling of oil prices, said though, it may take time to put up a new cabinet, he assured that intelligent and progress-driven people will again be put together for the continuous upliftment of the state.

He described as a hard-working and re l iab le

politician, whose efforts and activities during his stay in office have won him many hearts.

Appreciating the group for the recognition, Ilori described the award as a

challenge to do more in the world of environment.

Ilori, who noted that activities in the environment are a continuous task, applauded the people of the state for their cooperation

in making the state a safe haven for all, while imploring them to always keep a clean and healthy environment at all times.

Osun Assembly Confirms New Audi-tor-General For LGs by kazeem mOHammed

THe state of Osun House assembly has approved the appointment of mr emmanuel kolapo as the substantive auditor-General for

Local Governments in the state.Sequel to the appointment

by the governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola , the c o n f i r m a t i o n o f t h e appointment, was ratified at the plenary on Wednesday, just as the House proceeded on New Year break and adjourned s i t t ing t i l l January 12, 2015.

T h e C h i e f W h i p , H o n o u r a b l e I p o o l a Binuyo, moved the motion for the confirmation and seconded by the lawmaker representing Ola-Oluwa S t a t e C o n s t i t u e n c y, H o n o u r a b l e A j i b o l a

Akinloye.Earlier in his submission,

the lawmaker representing I repodun/Orolu Sta te Cons t i t uency, Kami l Oyedele, called for the quick approval of the appointee, because he is a professional, who has his integrity intact.

According to Oyedele, Kolapo has served as acting Auditor-General for about six months and demonstrated diligence in the discharge of his duties.

He said the appointee however needed to be

encouraged to toe the line of justice he is known for, adding that this would further go a long way in assisting the government.

After extensive debate on whether to approve the appointment or not, t he appo in tmen t was subsequently approved.

Honourables Folorunsho Bamisayemi (Ife South), S a m s o n F a f i y e b i ( Ay e d a a d e ) , Wa s i u Adebayo (Olorunda) and Rasheed Afolabi (Ifelodun), among others, requested that the appointee should subsequently be requested to show up before the House for interactions with lawmakers.

The Leader of the House,

Honourab le Timothy Owoeye, who presided over the sitting, commended the understanding of members in the processes that led to the confirmation of the appointment.

Besides, the Chairman, House Commit tee on Judiciary, Human Right, Justice, Public Petitions a n d L e g a l M a t t e r s , Honourable Ademola Ajiboye, presented the reports of findings of the committee to the House on the petition by some dismissed treasury cash officers of the state.

OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 20144 News

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Why Nigeria Needs Buhari - Aregbesolaby keHINde ayaNTuNjI

THe Governor of the state of Osun, Ogbeni rauf aregbesola, has reminded Nigerians that the country needs buhari at this critical time,

when the country has been driven to a precipice, just as the former Head of state came at the nick of time in 1983, when the conservative National Party of Nigeria (NPN) had brought the country to her knees.

Aregbesola said Nigerians must recollect that

the economy, security and social welfare of the citizens had been completely destroyed after the defunct NPN’s rule from 1979 to 1983, when the military took over and gave Buhari the platform to restore the hope of Nigerians.

He stressed that the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has done worst damage to the country.

Aregbesola however noted the signif icant difference in the Buhari of 2014, who is a civilian and a democrat and the Buhari of 1983, who was a soldier.

The governor said the first step towards salvaging Nigeria from the claws of death by the PDP is to vote out the party, demanding for explanations why there is so much poverty and misery in the country despite the fortunes it had been blessed with.

The governor, in a release by the Director Bureau of Communication and Strategy in his office, Semiu Okanlawon, was quoted as saying this when labour leaders in the state met him to submit a report of the efforts by workers in the state to develop fresh means of economic sustenance for the state and increasing the internally generated revenue of the state.

He also spoke at another forum of directors of water and other environmental officials

A r e g b e s o l a , w h o reeled out series of social disorders caused by the Peoples Democratic Party government, said: “In 1983, it was Buhari that God sent to rescue the situation of Nigerians, where the conservative elements had brought Nigeria to a rot. Buhari has come again to lead us out of the quagmire and sweep away all three anti-democratic and anti-development elements, who have brought Nigeria to this deplorable state.

“The PDP and their wicked allies have been known over the decades for misery. If you have them around you for whatever reason, you would realise that they represent nothing other than misery. They represent the best of wickedness, misery and misfortune. Only the misguided would claim to belong to the PDP in

Nigeria. Aregbesola said the

Goodluck Jonathan and PDP cannot be excused from the various crises bedeviling the country today, adding that a country that sold crude oil above

$100 for more than three years must be asked what it has done with the huge resources that accrued to it.

H e s a i d : “ T h e responsibility for the economic tragedy that we are witnessing in Nigeria today rests permanently and absolutely on the PDP and its government at the federal level. There is no way that party and its government can be excused. As a first step to salvage our nation, we must vote out PDP.

“How can we explain

that oil sold for more than three years above $100 level and yet we are faced with this calamity without any redemption in sight? How can we explain it?”

Aregbesola expressed confidence in the capacity of Osun people to make the best choice saying: “Our people can distinguish between the selfish and the selfless.

“Those who voted for me in the August 9, 2014 governorship election in Osun have another assignment on their hands.

If you voted for me and you don’t vote for Buhari and our representatives in the next elections, you have missed it.”

He said all Nigerians r equ i r e i s a ca re fu l easing out of Jonathan and an installation of a government that knows what to do with power to transform the lives of the masses.

“Don’t fight. Don’t carry cutlasses, guns or any other thing. Just go to the polling booths on that day and vote for our party.

That is the power we all have to rescue ourselves from these elements.

“If we love ourselves, our towns and our country, we must al l promote Buhari and campaign for him vigorously.”

32 UNIOSUN Programmes Accredited By NUCby abOsede akINPeLu

VIce-chancellor of the Osun state university (uNIOsuN), Professor bashiru Okeshina, has disclosed that 32 programmes of the university

have, so far, been accredited by the National universities commission (Nuc).

He said the NUC has also approved eight post-graduate programmes for the university and that the programmes would begin in the 2014/2015 academic session.

Okeshina disclosed this while addressing newsmen in Osogbo on the achievements and challenges of the university in the 2013/2014 session.

“ T h e u n i v e r s i t y processed and obtained the approval of the NUC for the commencement of one new undergraduate academic programme in 2013 and four programmes in 2014.”

Accord ing to h im, the university through a ‘Learned Conference Policy,’ has sponsored over 250 academic and non-academic staff to attend local and international

conferences, trainings and seminars.

He said 85 academic staff had benefited from the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND)

o n A c a d e m i c S t a f f Training and Development (AST&D) to pursue studies within and outside Nigeria.

“Academic and non-academic staff have also attended international and local conferences, to broaden their horizon, because the management is committed to continuous training and exposure,” Okeshina said.

Accord ing to h im, with the university duly-recognised as a member o f t h e A s s o c i a t i o n o f C o m m o n w e a l t h Universities (ACU), it will now have access to unparalleled resource of networks and support.

“Membership of the ACU will also highlight the institution’s commitment to a steadfast belief in

social responsibility and international development.

“With this development, UNIOSUN will join other commonwealth universities t o s h a r e i n n o v a t i o n and international best pract ices ,” Okeshina added.

Man In Court Over N.7m Fraud

Pray For Peace Of Nigeria - Osun Dep GovTHe deputy governor of the state of Osun,

Otunba (mrs) Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori, has urged christians to pray for the peace of

Nigeria in view of security challenges being faced, especially, in the North eastern part of the country.

Speaking at this year’s Chrismas carol organised by the state chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), the deputy governor said Christians owe it a duty to pray for the peace of the country and pray for their leaders as well.

She said, despite the current level of insurgency and other challenges facing Nigeria, Christians have every cause to thank God for His mercies over the country.

The deputy governor also encouraged the Christians not to fear in spite of the austerity measure recently introduced by the Federal Government in the country,

adding that God in His splendour will bless His people.

Earlier in his homily, titled: “What shall I give God at Chrismas,” the State Chairman of CAN, Reverend Elisha Ogundiya, quoting from the book of Micah 6:6-8, said the greatest gift mankind could give God at this season is to be truthful, do justice and walk with humility before Him.

He flayed the religiosity of Nigerian, which he said is devoid of godliness in all spheres of our living.

The CAN chairman therefore counseled all to reconsider their ways and turn away from all sins and

ungodliness, which have plunged Nigeria into chaos and crises.

He appealed to members of political class, as 2015

general election is fast-approaching, to desist from utterances that may plunge the nation into crisis and

chaos.Speaking to the clergies

in the nation, he urged them to shun filthy gains at the expense of the salvation of the people and the church of God.

Reverend Ogundiya also counselled Nigerians not to sell their conscience during the 2015 general election and vote prayerful to elect God-fearing leaders and those who will care for their welfare.

Personalities at the event included the State Chief Judge, Justice Adepele Ojo, Honourable Tilewa Sijuwade and the State Head of Serv ice , Mr Olayinka Owoeye.

Different choir groups also rendered Christmas carol songs, while prayers were offered for the state and the nation as well.

by sOLa jacObs

by IsmaeeL uTHmaN

a 37-year-old man, adeyinka Ologbenla, has been arraigned before an Ile-Ife chief magistrate’s court for allegedly defrauding one Ojo

Olanrewaju of a sum of N700,000.T h e c h a r g e s h e e t

m a d e a v a i l a b l e t o OsuN deFeNder on Wednesday alleged that Ologbenla obtained the sum on the pretence of selling a two-bedroom flat to his victim.

A c c o r d i n g t o t h e charge sheet, Ologbenla told his victim that the house belonged to one of his relations, Adeleke Ologbenla, and was for sale.

The charge sheet held that the accused person fraudulently obtained the money for the property, which did not belong to him, and converted the amount paid on it to his personal use.

P o l i c e p r o s e c u t o r , Mr Supo Adeyemo, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said that the accused committed the offence on April 28, 2014, at Iloromu

Quarters, off Mokuro Road, Ile-Ife.

According to Adeyemo, the offence was contrary to Sections 383 (2) (a), 418 and punishable under Sections 390 (9), 419 and 421 of the Criminal Code Cap 34 vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2003.

D e f e n c e c o u n s e l , Mrs Modupe Olufemi, applied for the bail of the accused person in the most liberal term, saying that the allegation against the suspect was bailable.

Olufemi added that reliable sureties would stand for the accused person and

would not jump bail.Presiding magistrate,

Mrs Risikat Olayemi, while ruling on the matter, granted the bail to the suspect in the sum of N500,000 with two sureties.

The magistrate stated that one of the sureties must be a blood relation to the suspect, while the second surety must be a civil servant of Grade/Level 05 or above and present his or her identity card.

She, however, adjourned the case till February 3, 2015 for mention.

•LaOYe-TOMOrI

5OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 2014

Ebola: Personal Hygiene Is Keycontinued from pg1

pro-active manner with which they approached the Ebola epidemic. And of particular mention here is the Lagos state government. In fact, that government really exhibited exemplary pro-activeness. a feat would not amount to exaggeration and it shouldn’t be so con-sidered.

This is why we are proud of our governments both at federal and state levels for the pro-active manner with which they approached the Ebola epidemic.

And of particular mention here is the Lagos state government. In fact, that government really exhibited exemplary pro-activeness.

We are indeed proud of her. For with the myriad of problems confronting us as a nation it would have been a disaster writ large for the country should we have failed to contain the lethal disease. With our popula-tion it would have really

been disastrous for us if we failed to deal successfully with the scourge. The ques-tion is ‘how many problems would we have been dealing with’? For instance the prob-lem of insecurity rather than abate is getting complicated by the day. Quite sad that the administra-tion of President GEJ for the past four years has been pre-occupied with how to tackle our security challenges. This has constituted a major dis-traction for his government making his government’s performance to be at a lowest ebb. Thus wouldn’t it have been unspeakably woeful for his administration to be fur-ther preoccupied with anoth-er big challenge like EVD? This of course is a rhetorical question. However, as we rejoice over this good news we must not go to sleep with the belief that it’s over. Though it could be regarded as being over in Nigeria, we must not forget that some neighbouring West African countries are still being ravaged by this deadly disease. Thus our joy could

C a r -

only be complete when we are able to get rid of Ebola from the shores of Africa, nay, the world at large. In view of this there is a chal-lenge before all of us espe-cially at personal level and the challenge is for us to keep to the rules of hygiene. Personal hygiene is very key in keeping Ebola at bay. Not only Ebola but various types of disease. It’s of course not disputable that personal and environ-mental hygiene play a pivotal role in keeping diseases at bay from human community. For this reason we must not take personal and environmental hygiene for granted. It’s very important that we adhere strictly to hygienic rules. At personal level we must ensure that we wash our hands regularly especially before eating or putting anything into our mouth. Washing our hands or making use of sanitizer and washing our fruits properly before eating, is very import-ant. Not only because of Ebola but it’s the key to warding off certain ailments that can arise out of uncleanliness.

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Computer Operator – Saheed AfolabiComputer Operator – Mary AkintolaAssistant Computer Operator – 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: 0794-8050Telephone: 0803-392-7286, 08033880205Website: www.osundefender.com/index.phpe-mail: [email protected]

And it’s very important to mention here that we need to educate our little children in this regard. We must ensure that they imbibe the culture of hand-washing before they eat or swallow anything. Environmental hygiene is next to personal hygiene. We cannot talk of personal hy-giene without talking of en-vironmental hygiene. In fact they both go together; hands in glove. For time imme-morial the dictum has been that ‘a clean environment promotes good heath’. This is not disputable. On the contrary a dirty environment provides habitat for diseases and brings about ill-health. In the light of the above it’s imperative for us as individ-uals to live by the rules of personal and environmental hygiene. This is the only way to keep Ebola and other hygiene-related diseases away from our midst. It’s also by this that govern-ments’ efforts so far in con-taining the spread of EVD will not be in vain.

OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 20146 feature

Buhari/Osinbajo Ticket And The RCCGFELLOW Nigerians, I am prompted to write this piece as a reaction to some permutations and attempts by political jobbers to drag to unnecessary controversy the name of The Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), where I am a major stakeholder, as a disciple of our revered father in the Lord; Papa Enoch Adeboye. I have read a lot of political sermons from many Ecclesiasts within the body of Christ and from those who suddenly ordained themselves or by PDP as clergy and mounted the political pulpit, purportedly to launch propaganda against the APC vice presidential candidate, Pastor (Prof) Yemi Osinbajo and his Church, the RCCG.

I have always maintained that Nigerian has come a long way for us to base our political campaigns on personalities, religion and ethno-nationalities issue, rather than what capabilities an office seeker possesses to lead us to our El- Dorado. There are insinuations by some Aso Rock favour seekers that the emergence of Professor Yemi Osinbajo as Buhari’s running mate was endorsed by Pa. Adeboye. Waite a minute! I don’t know where these confusionists gather their information. I am quite sure Pa. Adeboye is not a card-carrying member of any Nigerian political party, however as a Nigerian, who loves and cares for the wellbeing of his fatherland, it is very likely he has soft spot for any party that is doing well or will do well. That being said however, he has not made a declaration in support or disagreement to Osinbajo’s choice.

The recent statement made by the church recently dissociating herself from Buhari/Osinbajo Project is normal because RCCG is not an arm of APC as a political party. This should not be seen by APC oppositions as a denial of our brother, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo. We stand by his decision to run and will vote for his party, when we hear their campaign and we are convinced they will deliver the goods as expected. I am convinced they will.

I have also read and listen on Channels Television to some political liability like Femi Fani-Kayode, who has lost relevance morally and politically due to his political prostitution. His vituperations against the personality of the forthright and patriotic Nigerians like of General

Muhammad Buhari is unbecoming of this PDP elitist political thug. This self-acclaimed historian has not read his history books to discover that the man; Buhari, he regarded as religious bigot, offerred out his first daughter in marriage to a Christian; not just a Christian; an Igbo man. This

religious bigot, according to

PDP apologist, when he was the Head of State, granted Sunday off-duty status to Christian soldiers because their Bible asked them to rest on Sundays. When confronted by his Muslim brothers to enjoy the same privilege on Fridays, he asked to show him where in the Quran such declaration was made. According to these emergency Christian converts, who practices and worship unknown god, contrary to the name they bear, do not also know that Buhari reduced by 50% the Federal government spending on Muslim pilgrimage to Mecca as a Head of State.

Let me ask us few questions; why should we as Christians be fearful of any leader turning Nigeria to a single religious state. It’s a reflection of the size of our faith and the amount of belief in the Bible we read and preached. Before you mark me wrong! In Lamentations Chapter 3; 37-38, the Bible says: “Who is a man that speaks and come to pass, when the Lord has not commanded it. Is it not from the mouth of the The Most High that woe and well-being proceeded?” I strongly believe it is only what God permitted that happens. If Buhari as President decided to turn Nigeria into an Islamic nation, if we can pray, as we have done before to bring a cannibalized government down, certainly Buhari’s undesirable

government will not be an exception.

Many Nigerians at home will not appreciate the pain, the discomfort and stigma Nigerians in diaspora suffered with identity on basis of corruption and terrorism in our nation. The international community has so soon forgotten Nigerian pride for sporting erudition, especially in the game of soccer and our indelible footprints on intellectual contributions to global human capital resources. At the mention of Nigeria name now; to an average Non-Nigerian, the first question will be: What has happened to Chibok Girls? What is your President doing with the issue of corruption? Some are more sarcastic that when you are within their space they ensure their wallet is kept to the chest. Just that bad for us with Nigerian identity!

My anger arose when I see respected people in our nation campaigning for continuation of this senseless looting and killing. I wonder what has gone wrong with sense of patriotism! Why would someone in his right mind and senses want a situation to continue, where a cabinet minister is spending $10 billion on maintaining aircrafts and when asked by the parliament to

explain; she call their bluff and our President turned the blind eye. Why should we support the continued controversy over the missing oil revenue by the

NNPC? Do we have to believe the geniuses of a government, where a terrorist convert suddenly becomes Federal Government contractor importing gunboats to the country? This has got to stop.

Fellow Nigerians, my piece may not appease the mindset of some Christian brothers and sisters who might see me as a sell-out against the backdrop of retaining the presidency in the south or at best retaining a Christian President. I have no apology to anyone for my choices. In a civilized world, nobody cares about what religion you practice or professed as a leader, as long as the trust they reposed in you, regarding their safety and better standard of living, is guaranteed. Ladies and gentlemen, if we disallow Muhammad Buhari this eleventh hour opportunity to effect the change we yearn for, we might as well forget a country, which you and I can brag and proudly call our own.

God bless Nigeria.

•Owolabi is the Interim National Auditor of APC, Canada Chapter.

•BuHarI •OsINBaJO

by bOb TuNde OWOLabI

OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 2014 7PHOTOTaLkOmoluabi Free Train Offered by The state Government Of Osun From Lagos To Osogbo Last Wednesday In The spirit Of christmas season. Photo: GbeNGa ad-eNIyI

•a cross section of the beneficiaries of Omoluabi free train-ride from Lagos arriving Osogbo.

•another cross section of the beneficiaries of the free train ride from Lagos to Osogbo in the spirit of Christmas season.

•

8 OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, PHOTOTaLk

•some of the passengers alighting at Osogbo railway Terminus.

•another cross section of passengers at the terminus.

•some of the passengers of the free train ride who made it to Osogbo.

Omoluabi Free Train Offered by The state Government Of Osun From Lagos To Osogbo Last Wednesday In The spirit Of christmas season. Photo: GbeNGa adeNIyI

•One of the passengers answering questions from newsmen at the Osogbo railway Terminus .

9 OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, PHOTOTaLk

•a cross section of worshippers at Cathedral of all saints, Balogun-agoro, Osogbo.

• Prophet ayobami akinrinade of Holy ghost City of Jesus Covenant revolution Min-istry, Osogbo, answering questions from newsmen.

•a cross section of Ministers of god at Christ apostolic Church (CaC), Latona, english assembly, Osogbo.

christmas service To celebrate The birth Of jesus christ In Osogbo Last Thursday.

•another cross section of worshippers at CaC, araromi-Osogbo, during the service.

OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 201410 PHOTOTaLk

•roundabout in front of state government secretariat abere, state of Osun, decorated with Christmas light at night.

Beautification And Decoration Of Osogbo Streets In Preparation For Christmas and New year by The state Government Of Osun.

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•Oke-fia roundabout, Osogbo, decorated with Christmas light.

•

11 OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, feature

To Make Nigeria Safe For DemocracyRECENTLY, the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, called on Nigerians to rise up to the defence of the sacred institutions of democracy, which he claimed are regularly being desecrated by the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan. He particularly flayed the lockout of legislators from the National Assembly and the disruption of academic activities during the recent visit of President Jonathan to Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife. According to him, the administration had pushed Nigerians to a point where they must decide either to submit to impunity or resist it. He thus praised the members of the National Assembly, who scaled the fence to reach their point of duty, saying that was their finest hour.

Earlier, pundits have averred that what Nigeria was witnessing is a ‘‘motor park democracy’’ and that something urgently needs to be done to make the nation safe for democracy. They particularly detested the activities of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Suleiman Abba, whose activities which they claimed put the nation’s democracy in danger.

Recent developments in the policy, particularly the seemingly endless and escalating levels of insecurity culminating in the declaration of a state of emergency in some states leave much to be desired. Pundits have been inclined to aver that history is repeating itself by alluding to the 1965 state of emergency in the former Western Region and the resultant consequences for the politics of First Republic. We can and should make efforts to avert a repeat of the frightening and unedifying scenario. In our present circumstances, all hands must be on deck to make this nation safe for democracy.

For democracy to prosper and flourish necessary structures and facilities must be provided for all tiers of government, facilities akin to modernity, not to permittivity. A tripartite provision of structures and facilities

conducive to democracy is essential to sustain our present experiment.

Our leaders must eschew bitterness and violence, learn to realise that no particular individual or section has a monopoly of violence and that one action of violence evokes greater and more destructive violent reaction the magnitude of which can never by imagined in advance. In the end, the law of retributive justice catches up with the perpetrators of bitterness violence and destruction.

Let every Nigeria tell his neighbour that killings and counter-killings are not the solutions to ethnic and religious dispute, strife and conflict in our country. Let us cultivate a new culture of understanding, tolerance, forbearance, forgiveness and accommodation.

We must restore Nigeria as an haven of peace. Peace does not mean merely the absence of war or conflict between organized states or communities, but also as friendly cooperation and collaboration of peoples

towards common goals. Security as the absence of threat and fear of domination, destruction and want must exist side by side with peace. It is on the foundation of peace and fairly assured security that development and prosperity, they are also co-requisites and at the same time, their end results. The apparent rapid and real violent changes in most countries are the results of the neglect of the mutually supportive relationship between peace with security and development with prosperity. Once we have peace based on security, we can pursue the goal of development of development and sustainable growth.

It is unfortunate that as various actions of some so-called religious leaders in this country have become diametrically opposed to their pious and open declaration of support for the progress and stability of our nation’s religious history and zealotism have not helped to provide answers to the failures of the past. Instead, they have weakened our national will.

The challenge is to remove

this pretence to holiness, religious bigotry and taking undue advantage of the ignorance of the masses of the people to perpetrate violence in the name of religious advocacy. Religious disturbances do not augur well for any community.

I concede that even in advanced democracies, the search for true democracy continues. More so for developing democracies such as Nigeria, where the understanding and practice of democracy is still superficial or better still, just taking root, in countries that have practised democracy for a century and still refining the processes redefinitions and institutions.

I further concede that there are indeed no perfect systems of government anywhere in the world, but the practise of democracy comes close enough for Nigerians, hence our subscription to it. However, how well a democracy works or survives is a function of the strength of the institutions, the honesty and allegiance of its operators. Where the institutions of democracy are violated, weak or non-existent or the operators are pseudo-democrats, the system falters and overheats.

The demands and dividends expected of democracy are the same world over. A system that is equitable and just. One that rewards and never discriminates; one that empowers and helps to unleash the potentials of its people and operates a value system that is non-exploitative. Our search for workable democracy remains a continuum.

The future of democracy will be bright only when our people possess national character, consciousness and responsibility. Intellectuals should come forward and create better society with a true democratic spirit prepared to march further in a democratic way. It is still in the childhood, yet the hope for the future is bright.

•Prof. asaju wrote in from Oduduwa university, Ipetumodu, Ife-North Local

by Prof. a.s. asaju

•BuHarI

OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 12 INTerVIeW

PDP Is Seriously Panick-ing Over Buhari - Senator Husainsenator Mudashir Husain, representing Osun West

senatorial District, Osun state at the senate was a two-term member, federal House of representatives, representing Oshodi/ Isolo federal Constituency of Lagos state, before he returned to his native town, ejigbo in Osun, where he launched the battle for the senate in 2007, but lost to the former governor of the state of Osun, alhaji Isiaka adeleke of the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but the victory of Ogbeni rauf aregbesola at the Court of appeal, Ibadan, Oyo state in 2010, as the duly-elected governor of Osun state had softened the political ground for Husain, who relaunched his senate bid in 2011, and as fate would have it, adeleke was to bid again for his re-election, but this time, it was Husain who won, for the heat wave of the defunct action Congress of Nigeria (aCN) now merged with other parties to form all Progressives Congress (aPC), was too much for the PDP in Osun then.

However, the intrigues and reported violence that accompanied the governorship primary election of the PDP led to the withdrawal of adeleke from the PDP, and joined aPC, to which Husain is one of the political actors who welcomed him to the party, but as the horse-trading for the 2015 electoral contest began, Husain lost the senate ticket to adeleke.

senator Husain spoke with our reporter in Osogbo, kemI akINPeLu, where he explained behind the scene of the impeachment move against President goodluck Jonathan by some senators, police invasion of the National assembly and austerity measure policy of the federal government, et al. excerpts:

OsDf: Does the senate support the newly-introduced austerity

measure of the Federal Government?HUSAIN: Let me speak without

political bias on this issue. Yes, I have my commitment to APC and I see it as the only credible alternative to the rudderless ruling PDP. This country is in dare strait and the nation seems to be an experiment in the hands of economists who are still using her to write thesis. Unfortunately, we have leadership problem, we have a government that is clueless, and we have a President who is living with contradictory decisions. So, the country is at crossroads and all the promises that once provided sigh for the poor are no longer there. We have forlorn hope and uninspiring leader who could stir the nation into innovative change. Therefore, it is not strange to some of us that President Goodluck Jonathan is declaring austerity now, when we knew since July 2013 that the nation is contending with a peculiar austerity, because we are in the know that some states could not meet up the wage bill since then, and the price of the crude, our mono-economic product was still flying high as at that time.

So, the issue of austerity is another experiment and it is a pity, because our people are the specimens. Besides, the picture of the economy is very gloomy, because the budget brought to the National Assembly by the Coordinating Minister of Economy and Finance, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, for $65 benchmark earmarked for the budget is not only unreal, but also mere suppositions and I don’t see much hope in it, because when a barrel was above $100, the Federal Government could not implement the budget to gain balance; let alone when the price of oil barrel keeps on crashing fast.

OSDF: What is the Senate doing to shift the austerity measure in favour of the masses?

HUSAIN: (smile). Senate is working to attract some gains to the people, but in a multi-partisan assembly, some lawmakers would be advancing progressive ideas that may be spanking the position of other parties, while some others would advocate for the ideal situation, and the lawmakers of the ruling party would be offended based on actuality, and some lawmakers would be moving against some policies of the government, using

the ordinary people as an indicators for their arguments, but lawmakers who are committed to the given policies may pick a bone with the argument. That is the way multi-partisan assembly works, and that is what we have at hand. That notwithstanding, the senate is still stabilizing the country on my fronts, and that credit must be appropriated to it.

OSDF: Was it true that some Senators made an attempt to impeach President Jonathan?

HUSAIN: (smile). Impeachment is a weapon of any parliament and any parliament with sufficient grouse against the President or governor could wield it. If there was any move like that against Jonathan, certainly, the President brought the situation to being. However, the question is; why must we not impeach Jonathan, if our nation is saner? Talk of impunity, magnitude of corruption; a number of them being probed by the National Assembly; talk of insecurity and lack of capacity on the part of the Commander-in-Chief of Armed Forces; talk of mismanaged economy. Only one of the variables mentioned is enough for a President to resign or be sacked. So, if there is an impeachment move against Jonathan, I think it is legitimate.

Q: So, why the choice of Professor Yemi Osinbajo, when all eyes were on Govs. Fashola, Oshiomhole, Amaechi, as running mate to Gen. Muhammadu Buhari?

HUSAIN: (laugh!) This question highlighted the fear in the PDP camp immediately after the announcement of Professor Yemi Osinbajo. In the first premise, PDP knows there is nothing to say about Buhari, having exhausted all the lies against the man in the last three contests. Two, the PDP was waiting for a candidate of suspicious character as our vice president or a governor that will ginger their divisive campaign on religion. Three, the PDP was shocked to have found out that our party settled for a man they have not profiled in the propaganda machine. So, Osinbajo is a shocker.

Look, all our governors are performers and poster guys for election any day, but for choosing Osinbajo, we have demonstrated capacity to spring surprise at any given time. Besides, Osinbajo is one integrity personified any presidential candidate will desire to have on his ticket.

This man is a giant in his profession, a lawyer of world standing; he is an erudite scholar and a reader, a nation like ours needs such a man now, because a reader is a leader.

OSDF: Gradually, the 2015 general election is here. What do you expect as a stakeholder?

HUSAIN: The next election promises to be very interesting and the date palpitates my heart. One, the preparation of INEC is not exciting, because the distribution of permanent voter’s card was a false start. Meanwhile, the relationship between the ruling PDP and our security agencies is killing the confidence of the people. Same goes for the desperation of the Jonathan presidency. It will be too feverish for all political actors and stakeholders next year, because I do not see the formidable opposition in APC letting down its guard. Two, I am praying against the prediction of the West that Jonathan may be the last President of Nigeria, but I observe that what our past leaders were avoiding like religious issue has become an instrument of division in the hands of the President’s handlers. Oh, we have never been this divided in the chequered history of this country. Therefore, 2015 is one year that will determine a lot, I just pray the people saddled with responsibilities will not stoke the fire through their narrow interest.

OSDF: Let’s quickly look at the allegation of imposition of candidates in the last party primary election against Gov. Rauf Aregbesola by some aspirants, what is your take on it, given the way you were all treated?

HUSAIN: The allegation is unfounded, baseless and uncalled for, because Aregbesola could not be everywhere at the same time, and he is not a superhuman, who knows everything that plays out everywhere, we have party structure that takes care of selection

process.OSDF: Have you seen the open letter

written by Professor Bolaji Akinyemi to President Jonathan and Gen. Buhari on peace deal in respect of the forthcoming presidential election?

HUSAIN: Yes.Q: What is your take on it?HUSAIN: Give it to Professor

Akinyemi, he is a man of integrity and peace. He has made a pragmatic move expected of elite class, but one thing must be derived, all of us must be self-interested in what the election is bringing to the table. I think one diplomat, late Ambassador Segun Olusola, once related how he saw a well-educated with queen English diction but tattered looking man on the queue for ration at a Liberia refugees’ camp, and when he inquired to know who he was, the man turned out to be the Chief Judge of Liberia, before the war broke out. He left home in the morning, only to find himself in a refugee camp months after. So, peace is what can guarantee everyone’s freedom.

In another look, let it be known that the poor and the disadvantaged, who had been long deprived and cheated in the scheme of things have nothing to lose, but the elite would lose everything if there is violence. So, Akinyemi has taken the initiative. It is now left for those who are drumming war to hear. I am afraid, because the ruling party does not seem to want free, fair and credible election and people would not take it this time. And honestly, there is no middle way to free and fair elections.

•HusaIN

13 OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28,

Fashion & LifestyleWith

eNIOLa aGbaje and sHOLa OkPOmu

Lifestyle

Fashion

Healthy Living

Reflection9 Things We Should Do To Help You A c c o m p l i s h Y o u r G o a l s

d e n t a l

Top 30 Songs That Rocked 2014THE Nigerian music industry

has been a blast in the Year 2014. There have been

different blessings, controversies in the lives of various artistes, but in all, we will all agree that 2014 has been a year of hits upon hits.

So without further ado, we bring you the top 30 songs that really made a hit in the music industry this year.

1. Banky W - Jasi2. Chidinma - Oh baby3. Flavour - Ikworikwo4. Davido - Aye5. Yemi Alade - Johnny6. Olamide - Awon goons mi7. LAX ft Wizkid - Ginger 8. Lil kesh - Shoki 9. DJ Xclusive ft Olamide- Ibebe10. Eva - Deaf11. Patoranking - Girlie Oh

12. Phyno - Alobam13. Mavins - Dorobucci14. Cynthia Morgan - Don’t

break my heart15. Runtown - Party like its

198016. Wizkid - Bombay17. Iyanya - Mr Oreo18. Runtown ft Davido -

Gallardo 19. Sean Tizzle - Loke loke20. Seyi Shey - Murda21. Skales - Shake body22. Slyde - Banana 23. Dr Sid - Surulere 24. Naeto C - Finish work25. Wizzypro - Emergency26. Burna Boy ft D’banj- Won

da mo27. Tiwa Savage - Wanted 28. Wande Coal - Baby hello29. Phyno ft P-square - O set30. Burna Boy - Don Gordon

WE all have plans on what to do and things we

want to achieve in the coming Year 2015. Some old habits we think we need to drop. Here are 8 things we should put in place or motion in order for us to accomplish or individual goals:

1. eat Well: A good diet is a nutr i t ional lifestyle that enhances good health. Eating well does not necessarily involve large quantity of food consumption, but eating correct proportion of balanced diet. This is not just a diet or eating habit but a lifestyle. It will enhance your body image and give you the energy you need to live the life you really want. Eating nutritious food and a healthy eating habit is a preventive maintenance for healthy lifestyle/living.

2. sleep and rest Well: Only few people realise how important sleep is. Sleep isn’t just a form of rest. It plays a critical psychological f u n c t i o n a n d i t i s indispensable for your intellectual development. Those who disregard their sleep are not likely to live to their full mental ability. The modern day is of the belief of “work now and sleep later “, and it is rather unfortunate that most influential people in the world set bad example leaving the people that look up to them to emulate the same pattern. Lack of sleep does not only result to death, but causes anxiety, depression, heart attack

and heart disease, high blood pressure, accidents, lost of productivity at what we do, fatigue only to mention a few. So as you go about making plans and setting goals, remember to sleep.

3. Make good financial decisions: Fran Hewit wrote: “Financial freedom is a wonderful ability to make choices about what we want to do in life without restriction of money pressure.” Most people do not know how to handle money. As soothing and peaceful as it is to avoid the truth about money issues, we all know that its supply fluctuates. It goes and comes. Spending money feels really good, I’m sure we all can relate to that. But going broke is not in any way pretty. Thanks to advertisements and online shopping, they make it very easy.

The most challenging thing to do is to save money, especially when you have lots of expenses and enticing things laying around. Here are few suggestions that can help you save money:

(a.) Keep saved money out of reach: The easiest way to save money rather than spending it is to ensure that you never get the chance to spend it.

b. Pay up all debts and avoid its accumulation.

c. Set realistic/attainable savings goals: If you are earning N200, it might be a little unattainable to save the whole N200, especially if you have little or limited sources of income.

d. Keep a budget e. Keep record of your

expenses: It gives you details on how you spend money.

If you have not been saving money before, it is never too late to start. Your savings can go a long way in time of need.

5. Care and love more: Life will lose its sweetness, if there is no love and care in it. Loving others starts by loving oneself. If you do love yourself, you will not know how to love others, not to mention showing them. Loving o thers involves forgiveness, showing respect, being kind to them, being there for them, especially in time of need. It does you have to get something in return. The bliss lies in the giving of it. Accept others for who they are. And I mean total acceptance; the one without restriction or judgement. Love to that extent that you only see the goodness in other people. Show appreciation to the people, who have one way or the other added something to your life.

6 . P e r s e v e r e : A s the saying goes; “good things does not come easy”. The road to a glorious story is often gory. What distinguishes a looser from a winner is their consistency and perseverance. If you have a plan, make it happen. Do not give up until you see it through. Even if things and circumstances around do not encourage it, do not let go. As you know; “quitters never win, winners never quit”.

7. Learn From your mistakes: Nobody is above mistake. We all tend to make mistakes at one point or the other.

From my own point of view, our mistakes add to our experience and our experience adds to our wisdom. Our ability to learn from our past mistakes goes a long way in achieving our set goals and objectives. Mistakes only appear in case of goal-oriented behaviour. They enhance learning process and it can have positive effect on our future, if we learn from it. Certain lessons canno t be l e a rned until we experience it ourselves.

A s y o u p u r s u e your dreams, do not ignore, overlook or underest imate your mistakes/experience. They are your stepping stones.

8. Take time out and have fun : A popular Yoruba mus ic ian ; Ebenezer Obe, said in one of his tracks: “ Omo to ba si se de de, o ye Ko lasiko Igbadun, igba ti yo fi jaye”. Meaning “ a child that works regularly is supposed to have a time for enjoyment, a time to have fun”. As you work hard, take time to unwind, to have fun and enjoy yourself. Take a minute to laugh and catch your breath again. Because you deserve it. Remember, all work and no play, makes Jack a dull boy.

9. Pray: To some of us that believe in higher power, we know that there are certain things that are beyond our control. Find time to seek God’s face in your plans. No one has the power to do anything, until he is given to grace to do so.

TOOTH decay, toothache, gum problem, cavities, call it whatever, but these dental

issues all come down to one very single phenomenon- poor dental care. It is very essential for us to take adequate care of our teeth, as it is something that gets to be displayed to people around us daily.

Personally, I think people rate your hygiene by what they see about your appearance and how you pay attention to every single detail on your body.

Here are some few tips to boost your dental health:

1) brush your teeth twice dailyThis is everybody’s mantra:

brush twice daily!!! but in the real sense , a large number of us do not implement this dental advice. Brushing at least twice a day (morning and night) helps the teeth to tackle dirts that are hidden in our mouth.

2) make use of mouthwash Most people do not take the

liberty to make use of mouthwash. They help improve the breath of the mouth and also help to flush out foods stuck in our teeth.

3) clean in between your teeth with dental floss

There are some very stubborn food particles that just won’t come

out, no matter how much we brush our teeth. Now, that is why dental floss are available. They help clean in between our teeth and get rid of the food particles in them.

4) Herbal toothpastes play an essential role in our teeth hygiene. They contain some very powerful herbs like eucalyptus, aloe vera, sage, peppermint, etc that helps us prevent tooth decay and cavity.

5) rinse your mouth after taking sweets

Dentists advice that after taking sweets (chocolate, candies, cookies, etc), you rinse your mouth thoroughly with water.

6) avoid cleaning your teeth with sharp objects

Please do not make use of sharp objects to poke your teeth, all in the name of trying to remove stuck food particles, instead, make use of dental floss.

7) Frequently visit your dentist.

You should cultivate the habit of going to see your dentist once a month. Some people feel it is when you have toothache that you should visit the dentist, which is very wrong. Dentists are also available to give us advice on how to take better care of our teeth and to help us check on the general health of our teeth.

The Beauty Of African Prints AFRICAN prints are the best

thing to have happened to the fashion industry. They are

colourful and they come in various materials. In a society like ours today, African prints are seen as a unique definition of our cultural heritage and ethnicity. As there are some distinct languages associated with various ethnic groups, so are there some African prints that are unique to some geographical areas (like the Ghanian Kente, Aso oke of Nigeria, etc). African prints are one of a kind, as it is suitable for both male and female. Even the youths of today are seriously rocking their prints in different ways.

They can be used to make any type of attire you want for both male and female. African prints are one fashion statement that should be anticipated in the Year 2015. You should expect to see more of African prints with various designs and daring colours.

14 OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, 2014

Job Vacancies In Nigeria

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current job Positions in a reputable FmcG company, 24th december 2014

Our company is a major player in the FMCG industry and we seek to engage young, dynamic, self motivated and professionals to fill the following positions across all regions in Nigeria.

job Title: Marketing Manager reQuIremeNTs B.Sc/HND in Marketing or any social science course from any institution of good reputation with 2 to 3 years working experience in the food business.Excellent communication skillMust be competent and experienced in compiling reportsjob Title: Regional Sales Manager reQuIremeNTs B.Sc/HND in Marketing or any social science course from any institution of good reputation with 2 to 3 years working experience in the food business.Excellent communication skillMust be competent and experienced in compiling reportsjob Title: Sales & Marketing Executive reQuIremeNTs B.Sc/HND in Marketing or any social science course from any institution of good reputation with 2 to 3 years working experience in the food business.Excellent communication skillMust be competent and experienced in compiling reportsjob Title: Sales Promoters reQuIremeNTs SSCEExcellent communication skillMust be competent and experienced in compiling reportsHow to applyAll applications and CV should be sent within 2 weeks of this publication to: [email protected] with the desired position written on the subject column of the email. ———————————————————————————————————bobo Food and beverages Limited recent job Openings, 24th december 2014

BOBO FOOD AND BEVERAGES LIMITED a manufacturer in the fruit milk industry invites suitable qualified and competent candidates to fill the positions below:

job Title: REGIONAL SALES MANAGERS jOb resPONsIbILITIes: To ensure the implementation of strategies that would enhance company’s growth in sales.Achievement of monthly, quarterly and annual sales target.Establishment of Sales channel and development of new distributor network.Preparation of rolling sales forecast by quarterly.Coaching and developing of sales skill and competence of associates.QuaLIFIcaTIONs: BSc/HND Social/Management Sciences.Should be proactive, honest, energetic and passionate.Should be able to work in any location in Nigeria.Age range 28-35 years of age.3 years relevant experience in FMCG and 2 years in similar position of management.Should possess good Management, leadership, communication, interpersonal, coaching and selling skills.

job Title: ASSISTANT HR MANAGER jOb resPONsIbILITIes: Support the HRM in all employee hiring and placement processes in line with approved budget.Support the HR manager to source and facilitate employee training for the improvement of skills.Maintain employee files and update regularly the HR database.Follow up the performance of employees as assessed on monthly basis.Ensure accurate computerization of employee salary on payroll sheet for efficient delivery of salary payments.QuaLIFIcaTIONs: Must have BSc/HND in Business administration, human resource management or any of the social sciences.Good interpersonal communication and writing skills.Computer literate in MS Word, Excel, and other programs.Should be between 25-32 years of age.Must have a minimum of 2 years experience in the same position.

How to applyInterested candidates should forward their detailed CVs to: [email protected] & [email protected] using the position title as the subject of the email. All the applications must be sent in within two weeks of this publication. ———————————————————————————————————Lagoon Hospitals Lagos Vacancies for matrons and Nurses, december 2014

Applications are requested from interested candidates for Nursing positions at Lagoon Hospitals, a JCI Accredited Facility.

The Lagoon Hospitals Group was established in 1986 with Lagoon Hospital Apapa, now the flagship hospital, followed by Lagoon Hospital Ikeja and Lagoon Hospital Victoria Island. The Group has since added 2 new outpatient locations: Lagoon Clinics in Adeniyi Jones, Ikeja and Lagoon Specialist Suites in Victoria Island. Our hospitals are highly specialized in orthopedics & Trauma, General Surgery including minimal access surgery, Critical Care, Medical & Surgical Oncology, Urology, Cardiology, Obstetrics & Gynaecology and Paediatrics, acute care and emergency medicine. Mother and child-care is across 2 sites in Apapa & Ikeja including diagnostics and therapeutic minimal access and open procedures related to the practice of Obstetrics & Gynaecology. We provide comprehensive treatment of fibroids and infertility management. Our sites deliver more than 60 babies per month.job Title: Matron requirementsOne (1) Matron in charge of the second floor at Apapa that includes Intensive Care Unit (ICU)/High Dependency Unit (HDU), inpatient wards and operating theatres

13 years and above related working experience in acute secondary or tertiary care hospitals.

job Title: Assistant Matron requirementsOne (1) Assistant Matron in charge of our Diagnostics/Health Assessment Centre9-10 years related working experience in acute secondary or tertiary care hospitals.

job Title: Nursing Sisters requirementsNursing Sisters: (five (5) numbers) Two (2) to form part of our Operating Theatres and ICU/HDU teams on the second floor Two (2) to form part of our Neo-Natal Intensive Care Unit and labour ward teams on the first floor One (1) to join our Diagnostics/Health Assessment Centre team4 - 5 years related working experience in acute secondary or tertiary care hospitals

How to applyDocumented evidence or certificates of experience in the advertised areas will be an added advantage Full registration and affiliation with relevant bodies with current licenses. Ability to multi-task and work as part of a team is highly essential.All these positions attract good remuneration with opportunities for career development and self-fulfillment through training and continuing professional education.Interested candidates should forward their applications, copies of credentials and curriculum vitae with contact telephone numbers within two weeks of this publication to: [email protected]

Only shortlisted candidates will be contacted.

———————————————————————————————————st. saviour’s school, Ikoyi recruitment for an IcT Teacher, december 2014

A Primary School, teaching the British National Curriculum which is well established and has an excellent reputation for quality education is in search for an ICT teacher. If you’re interested, please apply.job Title: Teacher - ICT requirements A B. Ed (Education) or 1st degree and a PGDE/PGCE 4 years teaching experience. Knowledge of the British National Curriculum A commitment to ensuring that children receive high quality teaching Creativity, drive, energy and a vision to deliver an ICT curriculum.

How to applyWe offer a competitive salary with generous benefits package. Well qualified teachers who are interested in applying for the position, to start in February 2014, should submit a CV, download and fill out the application form from our website; www.stsavioursschikoyi.org (Go to Careers tab under School Information) and both MUST BE HAND DELIVERED by Friday, January 9th, 1 pm at the gate,

54 Alexander Avenue, Ikoyi, Lagos.

This School is committed to child protectiveness and always undertakes a Police check of suitable candidates

CLOSING DATE: Friday, January 9th, 2015. ———————————————————————————————————bengrace Global Investment Limited recruitment, december 2014

Bengrace Global Investment Limited, a Manufacturer of BG Table Water, Carbonated Flavoured Drinks (Apple, Orange & Cola), BG Zeepee Drinks (200ml Pouches - Orange, Pineapple & Apple for children) is in need of vibrant Head of Sales, Sales Representatives and Business Development Officers.

job Title: Head of Sales requirementsMore than 5 years experience in FMCG especially Carbonated Drink, Children Drink and Table water.BSc or HND in related or any discipline, must possess excellent verbal and written communication skill

job Title: Business Development Officer requirementsBSc or HND in social studies or related disciplineMinimum of 2 years experience with a proven trait records in FMCG.

job Title: Sales Representatives requirementsMore than 2 years experience in FMCG especially Carbonated Drink, Children Drink and Table water.BSc, HND or OND in related or any discipline, must be resident in the locality of chosen locationRemuneration includes transportation and generous commission.

How to applyProspective Candidate should send CV with a covering letter outlining the reasons why he/she feels ideally qualified for the position, particularly in the context of the requirement given above not later than 2 weeks after this publication.

All submitted documents must be in PDF format and should be sent to [email protected]

In addition, sales representative should indicate Area of choice location.

OsuN DefeNDer sunday, december 28, PHOTOTaLk15

state Of Osun Governor, Ogbeni rauf aregbesola, Toured kajola Water dam, recently.

•The governor, state of Osun, Ogbeni rauf aregbesola (2nd left) and former special adviser to the governor on Water resources, engr (Mrs.) Tawakalitu Williams, at the recent inspection tour to the Kajola Water Dam in the state of Osun.

•aregbesola (middle); Mrs Williams (right) and Mr. sola adeeyo at the water side of Kajola Water Dam.

•aregbesola (left) in a discussion with the Project Manager, engineer Oladini awoyemi (right), during the inspection tour.

www.osundefender.org T H e 5 T H m O s T - V I s I T e d N e W s -

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 ([email protected]); Editor, KaYODE aGbaJE, Telephone: 0803-388-0205, E-mail: [email protected], [email protected]. ISSN: 0794-8050.Website: www.osundefender.org.

A Choice For Nigerians 2015

AUDACIOUS ExPLOIT

with murTaLa aGbOOLa

TeL: 0806-119-7897e-mail: [email protected]

suNday, december 28, 2014

NIGERIANS alive have every c a u s e t o t h a n k t h e A l m i g h t y f o r

sparing their lives to see the end of 2014. There is no denying the fact that many lives were lost in the outgoing year. Only God can truly and accurately account for the number of lives that were cut short either through insurgency ala Boko Haram, road accidents or armed robbery.

It was so bad that one can easily predict when these haters of mankind, Boko Haram, were going to embark on another strike after successfully killing people. Public places especially bus stops, motor parks, churches and mosques were their prime targets.

The government of President Goodluck Jonathan has tried its best but it is just unfortunate that the best of the administration is not good enough for the citizenry of Nigeria.

Promises made by Jonathan have not been kept. Is it in the area of megawatts to be provided by the Transition Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the allied companies, the Electricity Distribution Companies (EDCs) or the promise to improve upon the decayed infrastructural facilities? The behemoth, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has become so self-conceited that it promised to rule the country for the next forty years. This was happening at a time when there was no serious opposition. The opposition used to be fragmented, thereby giving the ruling party at the federal level cause to enjoy. However, with the coming together of major opposition parties to form the All Progressives Congress (APC), the PDP became jittery. To the PDP, the opposition parties could not fuse together because they were strange bed fellows. But because the merging parties were determined to wrestle power from the party at the federal level, they subsumed their personal and individual interests into the larger opposition party.

Contrary to the expectation of the top shots of the PDP, the major opposition political party was able to organize a free, fair and credible presidential primary election acceptable to all aspirants.

Because of its avowed transparent primaries, the best of its kind so far conducted in the land, there was no fallout of any aspirant moving out of the party. Now, Nigerians have a

choice to make between a party that has been in power for sixteen years by next year with empty promises and a strong opposition party that is determined to right the wrongs of the past. This APC has promised to give Nigerians a new lease of life and make Nigerians proud because they are well-focused to do the right things.

The APC-controlled states have shown by example what the party can do at the federal level if power is secured at the presidential election. Lagos State under Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola has shown that if a government is focused; it can generate high internal revenue and using it judiciously without disrupting the income capacity of individuals. The PDP in Lagos State has embarked upon propaganda to denigrate the person of the governor and his party, but

discernible minds know that it is all politics. In the State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has shown that for anybody to be in government, he must have mission and vision. It is the vision backed by mission that would propel him to take unusual decisions to propel the state to the higher height. By every standard, not many people foresaw what has now been termed the Rauf Revolution. With the meagre revenue accruable to the State of Virtue, Rauf, as he is fondly called by his admirers, has achieved what his adversaries thought were impossible.

Comrade Governor, Adams O s h i m h o l e h a s p e r f o r m e d wonderfully well in Edo State. Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun and Senator Isiaka Ajimobi have also not been left out of the infrastructural development in their respective states.

Governors Abdulfatai Ahmed and Rotimi Amaechi of Kwara and Rivers States respectively have demonstrated that whenever there is a will, there will always be a way. On the whole, these governors have demonstrated that they have the ability and the capacity to turn their environment around, provide jobs for their teeming unemployed youths and give governance a meaning.

It is my humble opinion that for any set of people to lead well, they must have the 2Cs and 2Ds. As a leader, courage must not be lacking in you.

The late Chief Obafemi Awolowo had the courage to introduce the Free Education Programme at a time most people of his age thought he was day-dreaming. A leader must be committed to an identified course he has chosen to pursue. Commitment is lacking in most leaders now, hence their inability to pursue any course to a logical conclusion.

A leader must be disciplined. Again, the late Awo was an example of a leader who was disciplined. General Ibrahim Babangida (retd) could not implement the Structural Adjustment Programme (SAP) successfully, because a key element lacking in his government was discipline. The Jonathan-government also lacks discipline, which incidentally is the hallmark of General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd). Finally dedication is a virtue of a good leader, which is lacking in PDP.

In a nutshell, it is my view that Nigerians have a wonderful opportunity to determine their fate next year; a choice between empty promises and a solid achiever. A philosopher once remarked: “You cannot do the same thing every time and expect different results.” This simply means that if Nigerians vote for PDP again, the result is already known. Voters must be courageous to vote rightly.

It is not enough for us to be arm-chair critics. We have had enough of that. We must be totally mobilized to vote overwhelmingly for candidates of our choice. Good enough, churches and mosques are preaching the gospel of people getting their Permanent Voter’s Card (PVC) to enable them to vote. Citizens are being sensitized to help them perform their basic obligation

•BuHarI •JONaTHaN