The Oyo State Commissioner for Youth and Sports, Ashiwaju Seun Fakorede on Saturday appealed to the Federal Government to lift the ban on the operation of Twitter in the country.
Fakorede in a press release personal signed by him the micro blogging app as crucial to many Nigerian Youths because that is where their economic livelihood lies.
“The suspension of Twitter has been a tough pill to swallow, as I have been pondering on what our fundamental rights as citizens are and how much we Youths have to keep doing (because we are doing the best we can) in other to get the ideal life we desire.
It is public knowledge that Twitter is crucial to many Nigerian Youths because that is where their economic livelihood lies. And even for some has become a therapeutic tool to express and put their thoughts into writing. It is also evident the importance this app has to the older generation as we have seen political campaigns, promotions and worthy causes being carried out through this platform — indeed, Twitter is everybody’s social tool, the young and old.
As leaders we must not allow sentiments and emotions inform or overpower our judgments, especially those with outright adverse effects to the people we are serving.
I join the well meaning people of Nigeria to use this medium to appeal to the Federal Government to rescind the directive in the overall interest of the good people of our dear country, the Youth in especial.” he said.
Governor Seyi Makinde of Oyo State has announced a 25 per cent reduction in the overall tuition fees paid by students of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology (LAUTECH).
The governor, who made the announcement while paying a thank-you visit to the students of the institution, also pledged that the reduction will cut across the board benefitting indigenes and non-indigenes, adding that he is making such a move even though the institution’s tuition is the lowest in the entire South-West.
Gov Makinde also stated that in a bid to fulfil his promise to the students during his electioneering campaign, he actualized the sole ownership of LAUTECH for Oyo state and fixed the Under G road in the school.
In his words, “Let me tell you, the LAUTECH fee is still the lowest in the entire South West. Having said that, I will reduce your fee across the board; whether indigenes or non-indigenes, even new students. There will be a reduction of 25 percent across board.
In May edition of OduduwaNews personality Interview, our correspondent had a chat with the C.E.O/Founder of Tobest Agricultural Products Limited.
Mr Tobi was a one time President of Faculty of Science, Obafemi Awolowo University. He spoke on what Unionism/Leadership should represent, the expectation from student leaders and many more.
As a background player in Politics, Mr Oluwatobi gave an assessment of Engr. Makinde’s administration.
Enjoy reading.
OduduwaNews: Can I meet you sir? Mr Oluwatobi: My name is Oluwatobi Matthew Ogunlere, the Founder/CEO of Tobest Agricultural Products Limited. OduduwaNews: As a one time President of the Faculty of Science of the prestigious Obafemi Awolowo University, what was Unionism experience like? Mr Oluwatobi: It was an opportunity to me. Leadership is not a birth right but a privilege to serve. So, when I was given the opportunity, I tried my best. OduduwaNews: Is Students’ Unionism achieving its purpose? Mr Oluwatobi: Well, for now, I can’t say. The body is meant for a better welfare of Great Ife students. It’s high time, students stopped aiming at political position as an opportunity to embezzle or abuse power. OduduwaNews: Coincidentally, the current holder of the Position you held some years back was accused of embezzlement, is leadership all about the money and fame that come with it? Absolutely No! Leadership is not about embezzlement of fund or fame. OduduwaNews: What should student leaders represent?
Mr Oluwatobi: According to Arnold H. Glasow, “One of the tests of leadership is the ability to recognize a problem before it becomes an emergency” Also, John Maxwell said, “a leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way.” As a leader, there must be a vacuum you’ve observed. This would trigger you on how to fill it up by providing solutions to solve such problems. You don’t just wake up that I want to become this, I want to vie for this post or that. No! There must have been some things you’ve observed in the system that you want to correct or improve. Then when you get there, make sure you don’t disappoint the people who trusted you with their votes. You have to deliver. OduduwaNews: From Unionism to being an Agric Entrepreneur, how was the transition, what was the motivation?
Mr Oluwatobi: To me, it’s easy because both unionism and entrepreneurship deal with people and good management. If you can manage people and their resources well, then you are good to go. Unionism and entrepreneurship deal with goals and visions that must be achieved. My motivation is about creating and adding values to people’s life. In Unionism, you solve problems, but no profit. But in entrepreneurship, you solve people’s problems, you get profit. So, if you can balance both together, public funds won’t be entering your eyes anyhow.
OduduwaNews: How is the experience like and what advice will you give for a youth who’s consider going into agriculture? Not easy, but the motivation to create value and impact lives with good legacy will keep pushing you not to relent. Agribusiness not a quick get rich scheme. You have to be consistent and focused. Some farm businesses are capital intensive, while some are not. In all, if you have interest in it, start from somewhere. I started from being a distributor for Amugold and Mr. Cook when I was in part 2. I also combined garri, eggs etc with it. OduduwaNews: You’re gradually becoming a politician, democracy in Nigeria, are we where we are supposed to be?
Mr Oluwatobi: “Are we where we are supposed to be” as a question is ambiguous. In some states, they will say they are progressing .. while in Nigeria as a country, we still have a long journey ahead. It’s high time we started voting based on credible personalities; it’s high time our leaders took it as a responsibility that they owe the masses GOOD GOVERNANCE, it’s high time the citizens made use of public amenities well and judiciously. For instance, I was perturbed when I heard that some unscrupulous element cutting the tracks of the railways. That’s bad! We all have our quota to contribute, as we are clamouring for better leadership and better Nigeria, we must also be good Citizens of Nigeria.
OduduwaNews: Oyo State is your home after Ekiti, how can you assess the achievements of Gov. Seyi Makinde in 2 years? Mr Oluwatobi: 90%. I want to use this opportunity to tell all Oyo Indigenes that you are blessed to have GSM as a Governor at the right time and moment 👌🏼
OduduwaNews: What should we be expecting from you in the nearest future, are you contemplating contesting for elective position? Mr Oluwatobi: Expect more of creation of values, impacting people’s lives and obviously job opportunities from our brand . Life is in stages, for now I’m focusing on Tobest Agricultural Products Limited. If any opportunity shows up to serve, I will honourably accept it to serve the people. OduduwaNews: What advice do you have for Gov. Makinde? Mr Oluwatobi: I want to use this opportunity to implore him to keep being the people’s governor.
OduduwaNews: Any word for the youths? Mr Oluwatobi: No matter how loud the social media noise could be, never look down on yourself but keep focusing and never relent. OduduwaNews: Thanks for your time sir. It’s most appreciated. Thanks.
The Logos State Government through the Department of Women Affairs marks this year World Menstrual Hygiene day with students in the State.
The Director, Women Affairs Department Mrs Funke Shyllon flanked by recipients of sanitary towels, during the street sensitization on World Menstrual Hygiene Day Celebration at Agindigbi.
World Menstrual Day is a global event usually celebrated on the 28th of May of every year.
ADESEUN OGUNDOYIN POLYTECHNICP.M.B 1015, ERUWA, OYO STATE
VACANCIES FOR THE POSITIONS OF RECTOR, REGISTRAR, POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIAN AND BURSAR FOR ADESEUN OGUNDOYIN POLYTECHNIC, ERUWA, OYO STATE
ADESEUN OGUNDOYIN POLYTECHNIC, ERUWA (AOPE), previously a satellite Campus of The Polytechnic, Ibadan since 1981, became an autonomous institution in 2014. It runs 35 recognized National and Higher National Diploma (ND and HND) programmes in 20 Academic Departments and Four (04) Directorates spread across Four (04) Faculties.
Applications are hereby invited from suitably qualified candidates to fill the vacant posts of RECTOR, REGISTRAR, POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIAN AND BURSAR of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic, Eruwa (AOPE), Oyo State.
RECTOR The Rector is the Chief Academic, Administrative and Accounting Officer of the Polytechnic and he/she exercises authority over both staff and students. The Rector is a member of the Governing Council and the Chairman of Academic Board, Congregation and Appointments and Promotions Committee. Subject to the general control and superintendence of the Governing Council, he/she is also responsible for discipline in the Polytechnic. In addition to proven management and leadership experience, the person desiring to be the Rector of Adeseun Ogundoyin Polytechnic must have a demonstrable passion for academic endeavours and be credible to the academic community.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: Interested candidates for the post should possess the following qualifications: Must be a Chief Lecturer or equivalent with doctorate degree in any of the following disciplines: Agriculture, Engineering, Environmental Studies, Technology, Natural Sciences, and Management Sciences with at least Eighteen (18) years graduate/professional and administrative experience, not less than five of which must be at the level of Chief Lecturer in a Polytechnic or an institution of comparable status. Additional qualification (s) will be added advantage.
In addition, the candidate must: ii. have demonstrable ability to offer academic and administrative leadership as well as the ability to effectively discharge the duties and responsibilities of the office of the Rector; iii. show evidence of scholarly publications in reputable national and international peer-reviewed journals; iv. belong to relevant professional body / bodies in Nigeria; v. be capable of developing initiative and vision with the capacity to sustain the accelerated pace of development of the Polytechnic even under financial and other challenging constraints; vi. be a fair-minded and dynamic individual with an impeccable reputation; vii. be a person who will not pursue racial, ethnic, gender, political, religious or other sectional interests; viii. be proficient in the use of Information and Communication Technologies;
THE REGISTRAR The Registrar is a Principal Officer and Administrative Officer of the Polytechnic and Secretary to the Governing Council, Academic Board, Congregation, Convocation and other Statutory Committees that may be put in place. He/she is responsible to the Rector for the day-today administration of the Polytechnic.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE: The prospective candidate is expected to possess the following academic and professional qualifications and personal qualities: i. A good honours degree with a minimum of Second Class Honours from a recognized University. Master’s degree will be an added advantage ii. Not below the rank of a Deputy Registrar in a higher education institution with at least Seventeen (17) years post-qualification cognate experience at least 12 of which must be in the Registry of a higher education institution, Excellent managerial, interpersonal communication, organizational and planning skills, iv. Belong to relevant professional body/bodies in Nigeria, v. The candidate must be a person of proven integrity, intellectually sound, professionally skillful, and knowledgeable in the management of the Nigerian Higher Education system, vi. The candidate must be a person who will not exhibit racial, ethnic, political, religious or other sectional sentiments in the discharge of his/her duties, vii. Must be proficient in the use of Information and Communication Technologies;
POLYTECHNIC LIBRARIAN Job Description The Polytechnic Librarian is a Principal Officer of the Polytechnic and reports to the Rector for the day-to-day administration of the Polytechnic Library and coordination of Library services. He/she is the administrative and academic Head of the Library.
QUALIFICATIONS AND EXPERIENCE Prospective candidates for the post of the Polytechnic Librarian must be a serving Deputy Librarian or its equivalent with good Honours and Master’s Degrees in Library Science/Library and Information Science. Possession of a Doctorate Degree in Library Science/Library and Information Science or related disciplines will be an added advantage; ii. have at least 17 years post-qualification cognate experience, preferably in a tertiary institution; iii. have a good number of scholarly publications in reputable peer-reviewed local and international journals; iv. be proficient in the use of Information and Communication Technologies in particular Library Management Software (LMS) and automation; v. possess excellent managerial, interpersonal communication, organizational and planning skills vi. be registered with the Librarian Registration Council of Nigeria (LRCN);
THE BURSAR The Bursar is a Principal Officer of the Polytechnic. He/she is the Chief Financial Officer of the Polytechnic and responsible to the Rector for the day-to-day administration and control of the Financial Affairs of the Polytechnic.
QUALIFICATION AND EXPERIENCE The Candidate for the position of Bursar must i. be a holder of a good honours degree in Accounting from a recognized Higher Education institution, with at least 17 years post qualification cognate experience or Master’s Degree with at least 15 years accounting experience preferably in a Higher Education institution; ii. be a serving Chief Accountant in a Polytechnic or similar cognate institution; iii. resourceful and conversant with current Federal/State Government Financial Rules and Regulations; iv. be a member of any of the nationally-recognized accounting bodies: ICAN, ANAN, ACCA or any recognized equivalent; v. be honest, accountable, transparent and capable of providing sound leadership in financial management and administration with high sense of integrity; vi. be proficient in the use of Information and Communication Technologies in relation to financial management;
TERMS OF APPOINTMENT AND CONDITION OF SERVICE i. The appointment (Rector, Registrar, Polytechnic Librarian and Bursar) is for a single non-renewable term of Five (5) years. The salary and other conditions of service attached to the posts are as applicable in similar or other Tertiary Institutions in Oyo State as may be reviewed from time to time by the Governing Council.
METHOD OF APPLICATION Applicants are to attach to their applications, Thirty (30) copies of their Curriculum Vitae (C.V.) and a detailed statement of their vision and mission as part of the application document giving details in the following order: i. Full Names with Surname in capital ii. Present Employment, Status and Salary iii. Date and Place of Birth iv. State of Origin, Senatorial District and Local Government Area v. Nationality vi. Marital Status vii. Name of Spouse viii. Number, Names and ages of children ix. Current Postal and Contact Address including telephone number and e-mail address x. Educational Institutions attended with dates xi. Academic and Professional Qualifications obtained with dates xii. Academic and Professional Honours and Distinctions/Commendations with Dates xiii. Membership of Professional Bodies/Associations xiv. Work Experience in chronological orders indicating posts and dates (most recent first) xv. Academic/Scholarly Publications, Patents, Inventions, Exhibitions xvi. Conferences attended and papers presented with dates (if any); xvii. Other Co-Curricular activities outside current employment; xviii. Names and addresses of Three (3) Referees (from Employer, Educational and Personal); xix. Normal Signature and Date.
Applicants are required to • produce originals of their certificates and other relevant credentials for sighting if invited for interview (photocopies will not be accepted); • present certificate of physical and mental health well-being from a Government tertiary Hospital; • support every claim on the CV with documentary evidence, where applicable; and • request their nominated Referees to forward on their behalf confidential reports directly to Council Affairs and General Administration Secretary, with scanned version of the signed copy of the report sent to aogundoyinpolyeruwa21@gmail.com
Applications are to be submitted in a sealed envelope and marked “APPLICATION FOR THE POST OF —— at the Top left hand corner addressed to:
COUNCIL AFFAIRS AND GENERAL ADMINISTRATION (CAGA); ADESEUN OGUNDOYIN POLYTECHNIC, ERUWA (AOPE) P.M.B. 1015, ERUWA, OYO STATE, NIGERIA.
All hard copies of applications are to reach the office of the Registrar not later than Six (6) weeks from the date of this publication. All documents in the application package should also be scanned as a single PDF document and sent as email attachment to aogundoyinpolyeruwa21@gmail.com
(Signed) MR S.A OBAGUNLE AG. REGISTRAR/ SECRETARY TO GOVERNING COUNCIL
As the process of constitution amendment is ongoing in the country, the Ondo State Governor, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu, on Wednesday said it would be better for the country to adopt the 1963 Constitution, which he said contained the principles of true federalism.
The governor, who berated the current 1999 Constitution, noted that the constitution was improper and needed to have been changed before this time.
Akeredolu stated this in his remarks at the opening of the zonal public hearing on the proposed alteration in the provision of the constitution, held in Akure, the state capital.
According to the governor, there was a need to correct the fundamental mistakes that had been made in the past on the existence of the country. He warned that the ongoing process of amendment of the 1999 Constitution must not be taken frivolously.
He said, “The current attempt at constitution amendment should be taken beyond the usual jamboree conceived and executed to arrive at the predetermined result. This country has been experiencing constitution review since 1922 when the colonialists pretended to give a semblance of representation in our affairs.
“The 1946 Richard’s Constitution followed due to agitations of the people who clamoured for more representation. The Macpherson’s of 1951 and Lyttleton’s of 1954 followed the same pattern. The 1958 Conference held in London gave provenance to the Independence Constitution of 1960. The 1963 Constitution retained Regionalism and upheld the principle of autochthony, an organic development of the law using local experiences.
“The republican status of the country was reflected. Each Region had considerable latitude to blossom at her own pace. There was devolution of powers in the true sense of the term. This was the period when even outsiders noticed the potential greatness of the nascent post-colonial country. The major provisions which allowed the three regions which existed before independence were retained in the 1963 Constitution. That remains the best document for a country as heterogeneous as Nigeria.
“It was the best practicable guide towards nationhood. Unfortunately, the military coup of 1966 destroyed that when it abolished regionalism and created the so-called provinces while imposing a unitary system on the country.”
He specifically warned that the exercise must not toe the path of the previous attempts at “tokenism,” saying “the basic law of any country must not be reduced to frivolities reflecting preferred whimsies.”
“It must not be oppressive of the minorities. Its provisions must indeed give teeth to the primary purpose for which the government exists. No provision of the law must not be justiciable as Chapter Two of the current 1999 Constitution seeks to impress on us. All the agitations of the peoples of this country must be looked into with a view to improving the economic power of the average citizens. The best way possible is to allow each region flower in its areas of comparative advantage” the governor implored.
In his own remarks, the Chairman, the Senate Ad-hoc Committee on the Review of the 1999 Constitution, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, explained that the ongoing review provides a platform for the people of Nigeria to express their opinions on the “fundamental law that governs our lives through proposals that will lead to the highest good for the greatest number of our people.”
Represented at the hearing by the senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, the chairman said, “No doubt, we are going to have diverse and differing views on the different themes of the exercise. However, the focus for this Committee is how to manage the review exercise in a fair, inclusive, credible, and transparent manner.”
Memoranda were submitted at the public hearing by the representatives of different groups from Ondo, Ekiti, and Osun states.
Some of the areas in the constitution they wanted to be reviewed included, power devolution, state police, gender equality, residency, local government, legislative and judiciary autonomy among .
Ondo State Governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, congratulates former Governor of the State of Osun and Minister of Interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, on the occasion of his 64th birthday.
Governor Akeredolu describes Aregbesola as a man whose passion for service is contagious and admirable, particularly with his years of service as commissioner in Lagos State, two-term governor in the state of Osun and now a minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
“Rauf has a remarkable record of simplicity and humility in public service. He is a progressive committed to the service of the country. He is deserving of all admiration.
“As you mark your 64th birthday, I am sure the country still has a lot to gain from your wealth of experience in various areas of public service. We are proud of you and many strides you have recorded in your service to the people of the state and the nation at large,” Governor Akeredolu says.
Arakunrin Akeredolu wishes Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola a very happy birthday while praying that the Almighty Allah will continue to grant him good health, peace and success.
Progressives Congress leaders as invitation to the excluded the party’s key stakeholders in the zone.
In the notice of the meeting signed by a former National Chairman of the party, Chief Bisi Akande, those invited to the meeting included the APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu; a former Ogun State Governor, Chief Segun Osoba, Gen. Alani Akinrinade (retd); the Speaker, House of Representatives, Femi Gbajabiamila and the Minister of Trade and Investment, Otunba Niyi Adebayo and another party leader, Chief Pius Akinyelure.
Other are the Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu; his Ekiti State counterpart, Kayode Fayemi; Governor Dapo Abiodun of Ogun State; the Osun State Governor, Adegboyega Oyetola; Governor Babajide Sanwo-olu of Lagos State and the Chairman of the Police Service Commission, Alhaji Musiliu Smith.
A chieftain of the party, who confided in one of our correspondents, said he did not understand why the Minister of Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola and his counterpart for Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, were not invited to the meeting.
APC
Another top official of the APC, who spoke on condition of anonymity, stated, “If two former governors were at the meeting, I expected the ministers to be there. They are key stakeholders too.”
Mr Lani Baderinwa, an aide in charge of Public Communication for Chief Bisi Akande, could not be reached for comment on the matter.
Calls to his line did not go through and the reply to text message sent to him on whether the ministers were invited , was still being expected as of the time of filing this report.
Also, Sola Fasure, an aide to the Minister of Interior, Rauf Aregbesola, did not respond to text message asking if the ex Osun governor was invited. He did not pick calls to his mobile line as of the time of filing this report.
Similarly, Hakeem Bello, the spokesman for the Minister for Works and Housing could not be reached.
However, one of his former aides in Lagos, who declined to be named, said the minister did not mention about the meeting.
“I cannot say if he was invited or not; he never mention a meeting in Lagos to us,” he said.
But a source the meeting who spoke to one of our correspondents, said there was no hidden agenda in exclusion of some key stakeholders.
He said, “This is just the first in a series of meetings. They were not invited to this one because the issue at hand at the moment is internal.
“This is like foundation laying, they will be invited subsequently. The fact that they were not invited to this one is not to slight anyone.”
Governor ‘Seyi Makinde of Oyo State and the Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Amechi met in Ibadan on Friday where they agreed to resolve all issues delaying the take-off of Ibadan Inland Dry Port (IDP).
The governor and the Minister, who also jointly inspected the location of the Dry Port and the Moniya Terminal of the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, said that the Dry Port would bring great economic benefits to Nigerians and relieve the Apapa Ports, Lagos of congestion.
While speaking when Amaechi led the delegation including officials of his Ministry and the Nigerian Shippers Council to Government House, Agodi, Ibadan, Governor Makinde declared that the State wanted the Dry Port to start operation almost immediately adding that the government would do all that is necessary to ensure the bottlenecks are resolved.
He promised to further reinforce the synergy between the state government and the Federal government over the project.
The governor said that he was aware of most of the issues affecting the take off of the project and gave the commitment that all issues would be amicably resolved.
On Infastructure around the Dry Port corridor, Makinde said that his government had completely reconstructed the Moniya – Iseyin road, which linked the Inland Dry Port (IDP).
He said: “We are thinking of a very solid infrastructure that will ensure that the headache at Apapa in Lagos doesn’t happen here, we will be able to handle it very well and plan ahead in this place; that is the scheme and scope of infrastructure we are thinking about.
“For us, the whole area, the IDP, the rail corridor and the few acquisitions that will be done around that place; we think that should be our new world, a new business district for us.
“If what we are putting in place are not going to fit into the plan of the Inland Dry Port, we can always look at other areas for us to execute the same plan.”
On the plan by the state to have Equity in the project, Makinde stated that it was to smoothen the operations of the Port. He said: “We feel that irrespective of who is in government, it’s better for the state to play a part in the project.
“So Oyo state is pushing to have 15 per cent equity in the dry port and industrial park, we believe that will help the project in the future.
“We think that model is actually good for the Federal Government and the project promoters as well.
“Because, further down the line, when there are challenges, such challenges can be quickly resolved if the state government is participating in the project.
Makinde assured the Minister of his commitment and that of the state government would do everything to ensure that the IDP project becomes a reality.
The Minister, while speaking during the courtesy visit said that the Federal Government plans to inaugurate the Lagos/Ibadan rail project in June. Amechi said his visit to Ibadan was to intimate the governor on issues as regards the early commencement of the IDP project.
The Minister, who said Ibadan had been selected for the project before the Buhari administration came into power, said that the present Federal Government wanted to start the project and complete it before the end of its tenure in 2023.
He, however, noted that FG was having issues in securing the 90 hectares of land granted by the state government for the project, saying that only 40 hectares of land have been released.
He said his Ministry had complained to the state government because the preferred bidders needed to do construction design but was impossible because the entire land for the project has not been secured. He further stated that “part of the regulations is that when state government acquire land and give to FG for IDP project, the state government will provide infrastructure.”
He, therefore, implored the state government; as part of the infastructure, to construct link road that will link the IDP with Ibadan-Oyo road.
On the 15 per cent equity requested by the Oyo state government, the Minister said the government has “to pay money for equity participation in the project.
“If Oyo state want 15 per cent equity in the project, then it has to contribute,” he said.
He, however, clarified that the donation of land for the project and provision of Infrastructure, such as roads and others, cannot be converted to equity.
The Minister posited that construction work on the site would commence once the Federal Executive Council gives approval and the state play its part. The Executive Secretary of the Nigeria Shippers Council – Mr Hassan Bello was among the entourage of the Minister during the visit.
Signed Taiwo Adisa Chief Press Secretary to Governor Seyi Makinde May 21, 2021.
In April edition of Personality Interview, our correspondent had a chat with the former Caretaker Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, who is currently the flag bearer of the ruling party in Oyo State vying for chairmanship position in the forthcoming LG election.
In this interview, our guest gave stewardship account of his days in office, challenges confronted, how he overcame them, his relationship with his committee members, his response on some people’s impression that he is stingy and most importantly, the journey ahead. Enjoy Reading! Oduduwa News: Can we meet you sir?
Chairman: I’m Abilawon Muftau Osuolale, the former Caretaker Chairman, Iseyin Local Government and the flag bearer of our great party in the forthcoming Local Government election that will come up in May, 2021. I was born in 1967 precisely, and I attended St. Mary Primary School, Iseyin between 1973 and 1979, also, I attended Ekunle High School, Iseyin, between 1981 and 1985. I thereafter proceeded to St. Andrew’s College of Education now Emmanuel Alayande College of Education to study Fine and Applied Arts with Distinction between 1987 and 1990. I served my fatherland which was called Olurin Service then between 1990 and 1991 and later joined the Teaching Service Commission TESCOM in 1992 and was posted to Muslims Grammar School. I have worked in many schools before I finally retired. I am currently pursuing postgraduate course in University.
Oduduwa News: You were a teacher who even rose to the rank of Vice Principal, how did you manage to merge politics with teaching career? Chairman: That was where I developed interest in politics because you have your own team, people will be praising you, and hailing you, we thought everything was a childish play then, it was then I discovered myself and later dawned on me that politics is somehow interesting, and thereafter I developed interest in it. When I got to college of education, I was the Publicity Secretary of our great association, I mean association of students of Fine and Applied Arts. I contested for elective post and won. So, my sojourn in politics started from my tertiary school days. When I was appointed as a teacher, you see, you may find it difficult to combine teaching career with politics, but I know how I was able to combine both without one affecting the other. I see politics as a game and a call for everybody to be involved. Then, as a teacher, I was able to manage politics with my career and I didn’t allow politics to jeopardize my activities in teaching career, I know how I used to play the game very well. I used to carry out my work as expected, if you can interview some of my past students, you would see the feedback. I usually went to school as expected, did all activities in school as expected including writing of my lesson note. In summary, politics did not in any way affect my teaching career.
OduduwaNews: You served in the capacity as Caretaker Chairman of Iseyin Local Government, can you share your experience with us?
Chairman: I even forgot to tell you that between 2007 and 201, I was appointed as the electoral officer of this local government during Akala regime, I served as the electoral officer for Oyo State Independent Electoral Commission, OYSIEC then, coming back to your question, I see my appointment as a clarion call to serve humanity, when I came on board as the Caretaker Chairman of this local government, I faced many challenges, and to the glory of God, I was able to overcome those problems. Coupled with the experience I gathered during my teaching career, I was able to successfully manage the seat, and interacted freely with people. If compared to other local government councils, though, I can’t hail myself but people would say I have done very well.
OduduwaNews: Sir, before you took over as Caretaker Chairman, there was a legal battle between the State Government and the then ALGON, has the case been resolved? Chairman: Well, I think all I know is that the then ALGON took PDP to Court for dissolving the local government chairmen, the case is still in Court, I think by May 7 they said there would be a judgment, let’s wait and see. OduduwaNews: Can you give us an insight on your tenure as to what people were expected from you? Chairman: Once again, I want to thank our dear governor, a listened governor, who has been doing marvelously well in Oyo State, who deemed it fit to appoint me as the Chairman of the ancient Iseyin Local Government. I also thank our leaders in the party, the likes of Hon. Hosea Ayoola Agboola, AKA Alleluyah, Alh. Kunmi Mustafa, and others in the party at large for their support. As I said earlier, when I came on board as the caretaker chairman of Iseyin Local Government, there were many challenges I faced, the first thing I noticed when I got to the Secretariat was that everything was black out, the whole council was in total darkness. What I mean was that, no electricity supply in the local government. Having noticed this unpalatable atmosphere, I decided to query why it was so, and was told that it had been like that for over 6years, and that all the wires that led electricity into the local government had been seriously disconnected, I was told by staff members that they were helpless because the past administration left it undone. To God be the glory, I was able to restore electricity back to Iseyin Local Government. Honestly, Office accommodation in the local government was nothing to write home about, even in the chairman’s office, if you see it, you won’t say this is a chairman’s office, I took time to renovate everything, if you get there now, you will see that the office has been well furnished, because your personality will show where you’re living, residing and where you’re working, that was why I took time to put everything in proper shape in the local government. Also, if you go to the typing pool, all our computer systems that were not functioning properly, I took time to replace them, we reorganized everything and things are going on well now in the local government. Aside from that, there were many challenges on infrastructural facilities in Iseyin which we addressed promptly. We provided portable water, we ensured rehabilitation of road network in some areas. We graded some and we fixed granite on some of the roads so that they can be motorable, and people are now utilizing those roads now for their daily activities. Out of the above stated roads, we have road linking Aseyin High School to Gboleya road, that road was very bad, we tried as much as possible to make sure that we make the road accessible to people, we rehabilitated Gaarigbayi area, if you are going through IDGS road and you branch at Ansar-Deen Area, the linking roads in that axis were very bad, and we were able to grade them. Also at Shabab Area, there were some linking roads that were very bad, before rehabilitation people usually faced with a lot of difficulties in getting into their various houses. Again in Isalu area here, the road from Oke-Ayo to Ebedi Pure Water linking Ikere dam road, and some other linking roads around that place were also graded. So, these were some of the roads, and there are still more that we did. We did our best in terms of provision of infrastructural facilities, we were able to dig at least five boreholes in my area of jurisdiction. We dug one at Momak area, one at Ode-Olomu, another one at Idi Ose, Ita Adu. There’s another one at around Oju Sango Area, the other one is located at Oke Eyin area. So, those were the areas we were able to dig boreholes. You know as Chairman, people would come to you with different requests which we were able to grant within our capability, we rendered financial assistance to people, we were able to assist financially the less privileged, aged, widows even the disabled people. Just before we stepped aside from the Local Government Council, we empowered some people with different materials. We gave out generators and distributed quite a large number of electric switch box to some school leavers who were idled to be engaging themselves in charging phones for them to earn income for their daily survival. Also, we distributed clippers to barbers, both males and females, about 140 people were also given cash gifts that very day. So, these are some of the programmes we embarked on. Furthermore, I want to tell you, in the heart of the town, Oja Oba, you will notice that there used to be refuse dumpsite there, our administration found a lasting solution to the incessant dumping of refuse in that area. When we came on board, I probed into why the place was turned to a dumping site and we found out that one that the vehicle they used in carrying the refuse was not in good shape. We swung into action and we repaired the vehicle, we were able to at least encourage productivity among the workers there. If you go there now, every blessed day, the health workers and those concerned with the job usually go there everyday to carry the refuse and the place has been free of series of refuse that can cause spread of diseases if not taken care of. OduduwaNews: Sir, with all these you said you have done, I believe some of these things are outside there for people to see, I want to ask because some of your colleagues did complain about paucity of funds, that the allocation coming in was not enough to carry out some projects, as I was made to understand that every month, the State Government usually released certain amount to you to carry out some identified projects, if I may ask, what is the amount of that money been given to you every month, and how were you able to justify the existing projects with the allocation given to you every month? Chairman: You see, during that time, we were not given allocation, let me correct you, we only sought for approval whenever we wanted to embark on any project, when the project is approved, they would release fund to us, but as God will have it, for having the interest of my people at heart, I was able to write as many request letters as possible to the State for approval so that many projects can be executed, and that was what really helped me. As you write, they release funds for you, and not all that alone, if there’s a special project to be done, and you approach the State, you will be given, a good example is that of the NPC exercise that was carried out some months ago, on the delimitation of some of our areas here, the amount to be spent was too much and the community could not bear the expenses, they wrote to the Local Government and I took it as a point of duty to write to the State and about N7million was released for the exercise. Aside the monthly money usually released by the State which people used to insinuate, what I know is that if you write to the state that you want to do a particular project and is verified and approved, they will release the money for you to do it. I didn’t relent in writing as many requests as possible and did follow it up and that was one of the things that helped me in making sure that some of the projects we embarked on were properly executed. OduduwaNews: What could you say about the five million naira people insinuate that the State Government usually give you every month? Chairman: If you write a project, at least, it should not be more than five million naira and that will be released for you every month. OduduwaNews: Before the expiration of your tenure as Caretaker Chairman, the State Assembly mandated all caretaker chairmen to come with their financial records, were you cleared of financial irregularities? Chairman: Yes, I was cleared, nothing to say about that. You see, there were two occasions that we had visitors like that, firstly, a committee was set up by the governor, to oversee the works done by each caretaker Chairman, and I want to say that Sen. Monsurat Sunmonu led the Committee, they came to my local government, they inspected everything and commended me. Secondly, the House of Assembly members came on oversight functions, they inspected everything, the roads we did, including all projects we were given approval for which we did, and I was equally commended. OduduwaNews: It’s a general belief that to succeed politically, one needs to run administration between politicians and the people been governed, how did you manage the two together? Chairman: You see, people will say experience is the best teacher, at least, I have been a teacher before, even though I’m still a teacher, because once a teacher will always be one. I have retired but not tired. What I want to draw out of it is that, a school system is a learning space where people of different personalities would be managed. So, for me to have been a teacher, who have taught for about 29years gave me that privilege to manage the politicians and the people. We know what the politicians want, as well as the needs of the people who constitute the voting populace. I was able to manage both parties by utilizing the experience I gathered during my teaching career and it really helped me to be able manage the two sets of people. I thank God for the wisdom bestowed on us to manage them successfully. OduduwaNews: In Iseyin, it’s factual that there’s crisis within your party, I think we have like two factions claiming the ownership of the party currently, which side of the faction do you belong to? Chairman: Well, in Politics, there’s bound to be groups, people may be telling you that, but I don’t want to believe that there are personal groups. To me PDP is one, PDP is a family, one great family which cannot be divided, though, some are trying to divide it but I believe PDP is one. The only thing we are having are groups, and that’s not peculiar to PDP alone, it cuts across all political parties. We have people who belong to group A or B, but as I was appointed as the caretaker chairman, I should be the chairman of all, I don’t say I belong to one group or the other, I governed all people in the party and the entire citizens of Iseyin Local Government. OduduwaNews: As a journalist, it’s our work to find out what’s going on, and as we know, this is not limited to PDP alone, APC is also having the same crisis, it’s a general occurrence in political parties. Before the primary election, there were series of allegations regarding imposition of candidates, it got to a point that the PDP Chairman in Oyo State, Alhaji Kunmi raised concern about a certain faction from the other side, wanting to impose on the party, it was in the news then. What can you say about that? Chairman: You journalist, you used to carry out some news that may not be genuine at times. I equally heard that, but as I said the other time, PDP is one, and what’s transpiring in a political party may not transpire in another, you see, when the issue of primary started, the aspirants started moving from one place to another to make sure that they achieve their aim, there were many things that they might not see that the party leaders foresaw, PDP as one family made our leaders to come together and agreed if they should allow things to be going on like that, I mean seeing people moving here and there to seek political favour, there might be crisis in the party. That was how our leaders found a lasting SOLUTION to the problem and agreed that we should go for consensus, having invited all the aspirants to the State Office to have their own views either we should go for primary or not. At the end, the primary was conducted in all local governments, and thank God, I’m one of the flag bearers, I came out victorious in my local government. OduduwaNews: We usually hear from some certain people from Iseyin that you run your administration as a sole administrator and that you’re “stingy”, what can you say about that? Chairman: Smile, people who are saying that are ingrate, if not that you came late, as early as 6am, people have been trooping into my residence here seeking for assistance, including Ramadan gifts and I know how much I have spent since the beginning of Ramadan. In politics, if someone comes to you now that he needs something, it’s that person that will go out again and say he has not been given anything, that’s how our people behave a times. If they collect millions from you and they go out now, they will say they have not collected anything. I know how much I give out from my salary whenever I received it and they would still complain that one is stingy, that’s people for you in politics. I want you to know that before politics brought us together, every Individual has his own occupation either as a carpenter, bricklayer, and hairdresser etc, people do not care if you give out money from what you earn from your profession in as much you satisfy their demands. They want you to go extra mile to satisfy them even if it requires tarnishing your name. With the little I have, I have been able to do my best, people may talk in contrary, but to the best of my ability, I know I have been doing my best. Go and ask my caretaker members, they know how I used to operate, if there’s anything, I will call on them to brainstorm on every decision I want to make as I never engaged in one man show, nobody among them can say that he doesn’t know how our administration was run. My administration was very open, and all inclusive. As people do come to my residence here, they used to come to my office as well to seek for assistance and the little I could, I used to do it. Like I said, if you give our people an opportunity like an inche, they will increase it to ten inches, that’s people for you. OduduwaNews: During the last primary election, there were some people who are not happy with the outcome, we also learnt that some are still in Court to challenge the outcome of the primary election, what has been the step taken by the party to resolve that amicably, or has it been resolved? Chairman: Anyway, that’s not happening in our town here, especially in Iseyin. You know Iseyin is a peace loving town and those of us in PDP in Iseyin are equally peace loving people. I think all happenings that you’re talking about are in Ibadan, we have heard about that, that some set of people have gone to Court and I think it is between the State Party Office and those involved. I don’t know much about that but I think that one has been handled by the State Secretariat. OduduwaNews: Sir, before the expiration of your tenure as Caretaker Chairman, some people worked with you, Politicians and non-Politicians, how was your experience working with them, and if you are elected, will you prefer the State Government to allow the set of people to work with you again? Chairman: Honestly, I really enjoyed the company of my caretaker members because they really cooperated well with me, we used to dine and wine together, no problem at all when we were in office, because I equally ran an open door administration, all inclusive one. I will not say somebody is this or that, when there’s an issue to discuss, I call on everybody and we discussed it together. Go and ask, in Oke-Ogun today that I know, I was the only Chairman that bought an official vehicle for my secretary, so my relationship with my caretaker members was very cordial and nobody can speak ill of it among them. I equally enjoyed the company of Career Officers there, HLA, DF, and some other directors that were there, they really worked well with me, and I want to at this juncture commend their efforts and thank my able HLA, in person of Alhaja Kudirat Naibi, the Director of Admin and General Services, Alhaji Alabi and the director of Finance and Supply, Alhaji Tunde Olagunju, the Director of Education and Social Statistics, Prince Ekun Adeyemo, Director of Agric, budgets and hosts of others, they did wonderfully well when I was serving as the Caretaker Chairman. May God continue to bless them.
To my able caretaker members, their efforts and contribution are quiet appreciated, starting from my able Secretary, Hon. Lateef Kolawole Olayiwola, Hon. (Mrs) Selihat Adeniji, the supervisor for Education, Hon. Yekeen Tajudeen Bolaji, Supervisor for Agric, Hon. Ojo Michael, Supervisor for Health, Hon. Muhibi Afeez, Supervisor for Works and Hon. Afolabi who was in charge of women affairs, I thank them all for their cooperation, may Almighty Allah continually to bless them. Again, to the part B of your question, they have worked very well with me, there was mutual understanding and if it’s the tradition that they will be reappointed, I will not regret working with anyone of them again, they have done wonderfully well. OduduwaNews: Will the sharing formula of 60 % to main Local Government and 40% each to the two other LCDAs continue after the election? Chairman: I might not be able to answer that one, when the time comes and we get there, we would know more about the sharing formula. OduduwaNews: What can you say about Local Government Autonomy that people have been clamouring for, I mean running local government independently, what is your position about that, considering the fact that election will be held soon?
Chairman: This is a very good question, I have read many write ups about that, heard people’s views, but to me, I think giving local government autonomy is a very good idea, the little experience I gathered during that caretaker period gave me an insight into that, you see, the local government administration is the nearest to the grass root people and those that are appointed or elected to be managing their affairs should know better about the people living in that area, community or in the local government, so he will know where the shoe is pinching the people of his each area or community, and that will help alot in developing our communities at the grassroot level if we have local government autonomy Like I said, it will be very good, and I want to advise again that autonomy should be given to local government and if that comes into reality, the people at the grassroot will be enjoying governance unlike before, that’s my submission.
OduduwaNews: They say politics is a dirty game, how can one survive? Chairman: To me, politics is not dirty, it is the people that are playing politics that are painting politics to be dirty, if you know what you’re doing in politics, that dirtiness in politics will never get to you. So, to me, that has been my answer whenever people say politics is dirty.
OduduwaNews: What will be your advice to aspiring youths in politics and in general, what do you have for the people of Iseyin provided you are elected as the Chairman.
Chairman: By God’s grace, the good intention I have in heart has been following me in my path to succeed, nobody will say when he gets to power he will not perform, but the first thing one should see as watchword is prayer, I use to pray alot to be guided in all my endeavours but I can assure that the people of Iseyin will never regret voting me into power. I have many goodies for the people of Iseyin Local Government which we shall kickstart immediately I am elected. Virtually every sector of life shall be touched if given the mandate to steer the affairs of Iseyin Local Government. I will advise the youths to be determined and courageous in all their endeavours and ensure they face their education as this can catapault their to their Promised Land.
