•From left: Chief Wombo, Governor Suswam (in white) Sarah Ochekpe, Speaker Dave Iorhemba and John Ngbede cuts the tape to commissioned Katsina Ala Water Works
Minister inaugurates treatment plants
The long search for potable water in two Benue State communities, Katsina Ala and Anyiin in Northeast senatorial zone of the state, has ended. Also gone is the spate of water-borne diseases which ravaged the communities as their search lasted.
Two giant water treatment plants took care of all of that, sending residents of the areas into wild jubilation. The Minister of Water Resources, Mrs. Sarah Ochekpe inaugurated the plants.
The Minister, who was on a two-day official visit to the state, first launched the Katsina Ala water plant which has a capacity to process and pump 15,000 cubic meters per day.
The plant, which solves the water needs of not only Katsina Ala town but also those of surrounding communities, has a lifespan of 25 years. It was built by SGC Nig. Ltd, which started and completed it under the Gabriel Suswam administration.
From Katsina Ala, Mrs Ochekpe, accompanied by the governor, commissioners and other top functionaries of the state government, moved to Anyiin in Logo Local Government Area, Suswam’s country home, a distance of 30km from Katsina Ala.
At Anyiin, the Minister inaugurated the second plant built by the Waste Management and Environmental Services (WMES), an American company.
In his brief remarks, the Commissioner for Water and Environment, John Ngbede, said the water projects embarked upon by the Suswam administration reflected the government’s policy to alleviate the suffering of people in the rural areas.
Ngbede stated that the Ayiin water treatment plant has the capacity to pump 1.5 million.
He said the state has provided for N500 million in the 2012 budget for water projects, adding that before the end of the year, more water projects would be completed.
Governor Suswam said he has completed the gigantic Greater Makurdi water projects which were inaugurated by President Goodluck Jonathan during his last visit to the state.
Suswam said if he has provided gigantic water projects across the state, a small water project for his community would not be too big to accomplish.
The Minister said with the water treatment plant, the people of Anyiin have a new lease of life, as they no longer have to suffer from water-borne diseases. She urged the people to guard the facility against vandals.
A memorable moment was when both the governor and the visiting Minister filled their cups and drank from the taps.
Things are looking up in different parts of Oyo State. In Saki West Local Government Area, the chairman, Hon Dapo Popoola gave out jobs tools to residents.
In Eruwa, Ibarapa East Local Government Area, Hon. Sunday Sunday Adepoju, a lawmaker of the Action Congress of Nigeria (ACN), also handed out work tools to the people. In Oyo South Senatorial District, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin inaugurated over 10 automated boreholes to ease the perrenial water challenges in the area.
Changes hardly come without sacrifices . The people’s representatives elected to positions of authority had made tremendous effort to demonstrate good governance to the people at the grassroots.
Hon. Popoola, the House of Representatives member representing Ibarapa East /Ido federal constituency, Hon. Adepoju and Senator Lanlehin representing Oyo South Senatorial District have lifted the spirits of their people. It was a time to render an account of their stewardship in the last one year.
The people beamed with a smile, as they savoured the new lease of life .
“It has never been so good in the history of the state,” Alfa Muideen Kola, a farmer in Saki West told this reporter during the distribution of working tools to beneficiaries.
A few months after the donation of seven solar-powered boreholes to the communities, Lanlehin extended the gesture to six more communities.
The communities where the borehole projects were recently commissioned for public use include: Iberekodo in Igbo-Ora (Ibarapa Central Local Government), Ido township (Ido Local Government), Adabeji-Moor Plantation (Ibadan South West Local Government), Felele (Ibadan South East Local Government), Orita-Aperin (Ibadan South East Local Government) and Oje (Ibadan North East Local Government ).
Lanlehin, accompanied by a mammoth crowd made up of chieftains and members of the ACN as well as other supporters, assured the residents of each community where the projects were located of better things to come as long as they kept faith with the government of his party at all levels.
He said: “Provision of ultra-modern boreholes in your various communities is just a token of what we plan to offer in fulfilment of our campaign promises. All we require from you is maximum cooperation and peaceful co-existence to enable us provide more good governance and dividends of democracy to all and sundry.”
The Oluaso of Iberekodo community in Igbo-Ora, Oba Jamiu Adedamola Badmus, led other traditional, religious and community leaders to inaugurate the borehole in his domain. The monarch was full of appreciation to the lawmaker who he described as a rare breed politician.
Similarly, the Onido of Ido, Chief Tajudeen Akinola Agura, could not hide his happiness over the borehole cited in his community.
He demonstrated this by conferring the chieftaincy title of Otunba Onido of Idoland on Senator Lanlehin, complete with a staff of office presented to the lawmaker at the occasion.
Alhaji Muibi Yusuff, led the people of his community to welcome Lanlehin and his entourage at the borehole site in Felele community.
Party chieftains such as Mr. Arowolo and Ademola Adegoke were also on hand to convey the goodwill message of the residents to the Senator who they urged to move ahead to empower the youths in his selfless service to humanity.
At Oje market, venue of another borehole project commissioning, the Gbonka Olubadan, High Chief Delesolu saluted Lanlehin’s courage, noting that he was always willing to assist his people without discrimination.
He, however, urged the benefiting communities to make good use of the boreholes.
While acknowledging cheers from the crowd at Aperin where he had launched one of the six projects, Senator Lanlehin hinted that the general public would always be carried along in his activities as a representative of the people.
At Saki town, hundreds of rural dwellers as well as members of the ACN trooped out in joyous mood to witness the distribution of N7.2million worth of working tools for artisans, and traders includinghairdressers, barbers, fashion-designers and tailors, among others.
The ACN leader in the Oke-Ogun area of the state, a former National Chairman of the Alliance for Democracy (AD), Chief Michael Adeniyi Koleoso and the paramount ruler, the Okere of Saki, Oba Kilani Olatoyese Olarinre II and the state Deputy Governor, Chief Moses Alake, led hundreds of the people of the ancient community to the two-storey Town Hall, venue of the event.
•Mr Alloysius Nwagboso (middle) with Mr Peter Ezeobi to his right and Hon. Dominic Edem on his left as they inspect a road project
The Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) has reiterated its commitment to the completion of existing projects across the nine states covered by the commission. Head of the Corporate Affairs Mr. Ibitoye Abosede stated this on Monday while reacting to concerns being expressed in some quarters about the fate of such projects.
He said such concern by stakeholders and communities about the fate of the many projects awarded by former boards of the commission is genuine but that they should rest assure as the present board has taken the issue of completing existing projects as a matter of priority.
“The board is aware of their concern and appreciates it. The MD/CEO, Dr. Chris Oboh has said at various fora, that no existing project would be abandoned. He means just that and that is what the Commission is focusing on,” he stated.
Indeed, the desire to complete existing projects is a cardinal focus of present Board. There many uncompleted projects initiated by previous boards of the interventionist agency since it was set up by the government in 2000 to drive development in the oil rich region which has suffered serious neglect and degradation over a long period of time.
At one of his major media briefing in April, the MD/CEO acknowledged the challenges posed by such uncompleted projects had declared his determination to deal with the issue.
“One of the challenges we met when we came on board was the multiplicity of uncompleted and ongoing projects across the region. We are aware of stakeholders’ concerns and are committed to ensuring the completion of as many of such projects as possible within the limit of available time and resources.”
And to give effect to the new vision by the board, Oboh told members of the Presidential Monitoring Committee on the Niger Delta who visited the commission recently that: “the 2012 budget would target completion of existing projects and they have all been placed on priority list. A lot of projects have been awarded since the establishment of the NDDC; we intend to focus on the completion of the projects.”
The Commission has since swung into action by undertaking a comprehensive and extensive audit of all on-going projects across the region, an exercise Oboh described as a “demonstration of the commitment of the board to the completion of projects awarded since the inception of the NDDC in December 2000”.
And the Board’s approach was simply to constitute itself into three monitoring committees made up of three members each to go round three states and see things for themselves. One for Delta, Edo and Ondo states; another for Rivers, Bayelsa and Akwa Ibom states and the last one for Cross River, Imo and Abia states.
The monitoring committees made up of the nine representatives of the various states on the board of the NDDC have since inspected projects in all the states spread across the region. These include roads, bridges, land reclamation and shore protection, flood control and channelization as well as university hostels projects.
The task before the monitoring groups was to assess what was on ground and recommend measures that would facilitate the completion of the projects placed on fast-track by the commission.
The first monitoring committee to Bayelsa, Rivers and Akwa Ibom was led by Mr. Edi Orubo, the Bayelsa State representative. The others were Prof. Ibitamuno Aminigo representing Rivers State and Imaobong Inyang, representing Akwa Ibom State.
Orubo said that some of the problems that had previously slowed down the pace of work on NDDC projects had been addressed.
President Goodluck Jonathan and the 36 state governors have been asked to involve people with disability in the running of the country. This is because, in spite of their challenges, they can make a difference in governance.
The appeal was made in Jos, Plateau State capital, by the Administrative Officer on Disability Matters at the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs. Omotunde Ellen Thompson, during a stakeholder’s meeting on community-based rehabilitation organised by the state Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development.
Mrs Thompson urged the federal and state governments to pay particular attention to people living with physical disability when making political appointments or recruiting for jobs.
Speaking at the event, she said that if people with disability are in strategic political or other leadership positions, they will make a difference and help to transform the country.
The appeal was timely. The Nigerian team to the Paralympic games in London lifted the profile of the country, returning with a good haul of medals and placing third in Africa. Their able-bodied counterparts came back home earlier empty-handed.
Mrs. Thompson, who also lives with physical disability, maintained that if people with disability are empowered people with disability will quit the streets for better things that will aid in Nation building.
The Plateau State Commissioner of Women Affairs and Social Development Olivia Dazyem, a lawyer, said the stakeholder’s meeting on people living with disability was borne out of the desire of the state governor, Jonah David Jang, to better the lot of people with the challenges.
She urged stakeholders at the meeting to do away with all barriers that will put the disabled at a disadvantage by modifying all buildings to enable them free access to all structures.
She said: “Improving the quality of life of people with disabilities entails the removal of all these barriers by way of modifying our buildings, access doors to our banking halls, adopting inclusive road and building designs and constructions, changing our negative perception that people with disability are useless and appreciating their innate potentialities in employment and services.
“In the law and human rights perspective, the human rights of people, including those with disabilities, are not negotiable; in the short journey into my present position as Commissioner in charge of disability issues, I have realised with a heavy heart that a class of people are denied their fundamental human rights even with the international proclamation of their inalienable rights to legal protection, education, housing, equal opportunities, employment and better health”.
She disclosed that Plateau State is the first state in the federation to organise a stakeholders’ meeting to marshal out plans on how to better the lives of people living with challenges, maintaining that the administration of Governor Jonah Jang has approved the establishment of a desk for people with disability in all ministries and government agencies in the state.
A non-governmental organisation, CLEEN Foundation International, has held a two-day training programme for town union leaders and youths in Owerri, the Imo State capital.
Over 500 trainees turned for the exercise, drawn from all the autonomous communities in the 27 local government areas of the state.
They were taught on how to partner with government in the areas of development and their roles as drivers of development in rural communities.
The conveners sought to bridge the gap between the government and the people, blaming ignorance on the part of the people for poor governance and its attendant consequences.
In his address, the Head of the Foundation in Owerri, Mr. Ifeanyi Anyanwu, maintained that development of the society by government should not been seen as a charity but as a right of the people, noting that, “a situation where the government fails to provide basic amenities for the people, where it fails to create employment, the only option left is for the people to resort to self help, which often times lead them to crime”.
Anyanwu said that government will be ac countable to the people if they have the right attitude to development, “a situation where then people does not know their rights and obligations, government may not be accountable to the people and this has greatly impaired the delivery of democracy dividends in the Southeast. This training therefore is to prepare the town union leaders to teach their people at the grassroots on their rights to good services and governance”.
Blaming poor governance and leadership failure for the mounting insecurity and abject poverty ravaging the states in the Southeast region, Anyanwu, noted that, “a situation where government fails to meet its obligation to the people can become bedrock of crime and apathy to the activities of government”.
According to him, the near collapse of the industrial sector in the zone, occasioned by bad governance, has resulted to high level of unemployment with its attendant challenges, noting that if government provides an enabling environment through the right policies hinged on accountability, the temptation to take to crime by the youths will be drastically reduced.
The Foundation also blamed ignorance on the part of the people for the poor economic and social state of the zone, saying that, “this training therefore is aimed at broadening our knowledge of Right-based approach for adoption as a tool in promoting good governance in the Southeast and Nigeria at large”.
In his presentation, the Chairman of Association of Indigenous Imo Town Unions, Chief Emeka Diwe, disclosed that the collective input of the people through various organized communities, in the development of the zone, far outweighs that of the government especially at the rural a, which forms more than 80 % of the Igbo population and land mass.
He said that the developmental consciousness among the Igbos has tremendously helped in laying a solid foundation for the government to actualize its development objective but lamented that government has failed to take advantage of the situation.
Diwe however maintained that the people should recognize and appreciate what their demands and right are to be in a position to hold the government accountable to them, stressing that the Right-based approach will identify and recognize the people’s need, culture, tradition and value system to drive development.
Speaking at the end of the training, some of the participants, commended the NGO for the initiative, stating that they have been exposed to right-based attitude that will assist them in demanding their rights from government and educating their people on adopting the right approach to governance.
•Dr Ajayi (in tie) surrounded by his staff in celebration of the award
Assisted reproduction is gradually being acceptable in the country because there are encouraging results, helping to crash the myths associated with it.
The Managing Director, Nordica Fertility Centre, Dr Abayomi Ajayi said this while commending his staff for their devotion and professionalism that earned the centre the West Africa’s Best Healthcare Services Brand of the year, 2012. It was given by the African Business Marketing School under the Institute of Direct Marketing.
Dr. Ajayi, the country’s representative of Obgyn.net, a network of obstetricians/gynaecologists all over the world, said the success story of Nordica Fertility Centre owes largely to the fact that it simplifies the terms and terminologies involved in the techniques and services involved in the assisted reproduction.
“By word of mouth, everybody can communicate the basics to infertile couples, without misinforming them,” he said.
For instance, women are often seen as being responsible for infertility in marriage. But the two sexes are responsible and must be examined so as to determine the cause and the treatment options available.
“If you are planning to get pregnant, it’s important to consider ways to prevent infertility. Most women are unaware of how to avoid infertility. In fact, few women realise that their fertility clock winds down quickly, declining at around age 27. Surprisingly, the fertility clock declines for men, too. Studies show that men start losing their fertility as young as age 35. Age is an important fertility consideration for both women and men,” said Dr Ajayi.
Defining infertility, Dr Ajayi, a member of Global Health Council, said it is the inability of a person to contribute to conception. Those couples who are unable to conceive after 12 months of contraceptive-free intercourse, with the female partner being under the age of 34 should get themselves checked for fertility test.
Dr Ajayi said: “An important preventable cause of testicular damage in men is uncorrected un-descended testes. Un-descended testes should be surgically treated at an early age to prevent damage, preferably before the age of two years. This requires educating mothers of young boys; and doctors as well. It may also be a good idea to immunise boys against mumps in childhood, thus preventing the ravage which mumps can cause to the testes in later life,” he said.
The Clinic Manager, Nordica Fertility Centre, Tolani Ajayi said from interactions with clients, and based on clinical assessments, the issue of male infertility could also be traceable to occupational hazards.
Mrs Ajayi said: “Occupational hazards can decrease sperm counts. Many toxic drugs including radiation, radioactive materials, anaesthetic gases, and industrial chemicals such as lead, the pesticide DBCP and the pharmaceutical solvent ethylene oxide can reduce fertility by impairing sperm production. Intense exposure to heat in the workplace, for example, long-distance truck drivers exposed to engine heat; and men working in furnaces or in bakeries, can cause long-term and even permanent impairment of sperm production.”
The Clinic Manager said: “Drugs including alcohol, cocaine and marijuana – are all poisons. They can reduce sex drive; damage sperm production; and interfere with ovulation and sometimes this damage is irreparable. Smoking tobacco also affects reproductive function by depleting egg production; increasing the risk of Pelvic Inflammation Disease (PID); and lowering sperm counts. Often, the adverse effect is temporary, so that when these are stopped, the harmful effects on reproductive function are likely to be reversed. However, since abstinence is easier than moderation, the best option is not to smoke, drink or use drugs Wearing loose cotton underwear and trousers is advisable – tight clothes increase testicular temperature and may harm sperm production.”
Dr Ajayi said: “Exposure to high temperatures on a continuous basis can also affect the sperm production and motility. It is important for men to protect the genital organs from excess heat. X-rays can be harmful to gonads. If X-rays are needed, the scrotum should be covered with a lead shield.
“Exposure to pesticides, lead, heavy metals, toxic chemicals and ionizing radiations over a long time, reduces fertility in men. Proper protective gear should be used to prevent such chemicals or rays affecting a man’s health especially reproductive health. Smoking has been found as a major culprit for low sperm counts and sluggish sperm movement in men. Alcohol also reduces sperm counts and can interfere with sexual performance. It may also disrupt hormone balances in women and increase the risk of miscarriage.”
On the whole, Dr Ajayi, said there are bevavioural changes which can prevent infertility in men. “It is found that about forty percent of infertility is due to the man alone. Adopting healthy lifestyle can help in preventing infertility in men.
“So it is advisable for a man to use multivitamin supplements which provides selenium, zinc and folic acid. These nutrients are important for optimising sperm production and function. Eat plenty of fresh fruits and vegetables which are rich in antioxidants. Such minerals help to improve sperm health. Reduce stress as stress might interfere with certain hormones needed to produce sperm. Get regular exercise to keep healthy and fit as proper blood circulation and functioning of glands are necessary for fertility.
“Keep your weight in control as too much or too little body fat may disrupt production of reproductive hormones, which can reduce your sperm count. Quit using tobacco which can adversely affect fertility by producing inferior quality sperms. The sperm of men who smoke may be misshapen and may move more slowly than those of non smokers.Smoking can also damage your sperm’s DNA. Most importantly, be your own bodyguard to protect your fertility. Avoid lubricants during sex as even saliva can interfere with sperm motility. However, vegetable-oil-based lubricants are safe and can be used. You and your partner should be educated and aware of problems that can make pregnancy difficult,” said Dr Ajayi.
Dr. Tunji Braithwaite is a familiar figure on the political terrain. The presidential aspirant of the defunct National Advanced Party (NAP) is versed in the theory and practice of constitutional law. In 2009, he retired from politics after being in it for 30 years. In this interview, he speaks on his book, The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles, the many injustices he experienced and why the book is a global product.
The first edition of the book was written in 1986. What prompted writing of the book and the idea of having a second edition.
Usually academic works have subsequent editions. I expect that even after we would have departed this life, that some scholars will continue subsequent editions. There are few legal books and also medical books that have many editions like that which started like 250 years ago. The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles is a book that will have subsequent editions. There few legal books and also legal books that have live over 200 years.
The expectation of the book is for it to live 100 years after I have departed this world because we need to update issues that are treated in the book. The The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles is a legal book but has multi-leisters disciples. It has Philosophy. It has science. It has religion. It has Astrology. The essence of the book is just to show the origins of all laws. The book traces the constitution of so many countries. The United States, The Great Britain, USSR, before USSR collapsed, Nigeria of course, South Africa in the days of apartheid.
In my own humble way, I have tried to show that the origin of all works is from the law of God—The ten commandments. The Islamic scripture, The Koran, takes a lot of materials from the Torah.
The 10 commandments is not only law for Christians. No, No, No. It has Koran, has Torah, Jewish, Buddhism, Hinduism and all sorts of religious tonics, and to show that there is a difference between law and justice.There are basically two school of thought among the Jewish. Some will say that the law should be applied as it is, while others will say law should be applied with rich contempt of element of justice.
You must have heard judges talking about their hands being tied to do justice. My own idea is that no body’s hands should be tied to do justice. It is all a lame excuse not to do justice. That is what the book is saying . Once a judge is sitting on that bench, he should do his best to give justice in any case brought before him.
For those who feel that the law should be administered as it is, they have their reason; that they are not suppose to be the law makers. That law makers are found in the legislative assembly. That their own duty is to apply the law made by the legislators, not to make it.
No, I disagree. Judiciary as the third arm of the government does have the power and the disposition to make laws. So, essentially, it is a book not only for lawyers and judges but virtually for everybody. Lawyers are not the only learned persons.
Apart from law, what inspires you as a lawyer and politician to write such a book?
Like I said, philosophy is also a branch of the law. And when you are writing books your motive is to enlarge frontiers of knowledge. It is an ongoing process. That is how man-kind is improved. Take technology for instance, take IT. Knowledge is not static. It is an on-going thing.
What inspired me to do that basically is that every body knows that I champion the cause of the oppressed. The book itself is dedicated to the oppressed and those fighting for justice all over the world not just in Nigeria. The book is found all over the world. It is found in so many famous universities all over the world.
I have experienced a lot of injustices in Nigeria, probably arising out of neo-colonialism. For instance the case of the late Fela Anikulapo-Kuti is treated extensively in the book where a judge made a finding that a lot of atrocities were committed on Fela but he failed to give justice for Fela because this was under the military regime. Part of the purpose of writing the book is to encourage judges and lawyers alike to strive for justice, to redress injustice of the dictators, to curb dictators. That is to use the law to curb dictators.
The purpose of writing is to encourage lawyers. The first edition was written during the time of dictatorship in Nigeria, apartheid in South Africa, oppression all over the world, in USSR, even in America.
Precisely, what the book sets out to do is to warn people about it. Funny enough, it is what is happening even now in the Arab spring and if time is not taken it will spread to every place.
What is the relevance of the book to present political dispensation in Nigeria?
Like I said earlier, my mantra is championing the cause of the oppressed. That is one of the reasons for writing the book.
What effort did you put in doing researches to come up with the book?
There is a lot of research. When you read it you find out that the world has moved from what it was in 1986 to now 2012.
There is a lot of development. The world is moving. There have been a lot of development. Before we had two super powers – America and USSR. And Europe is now a block that is aligned with United States. Look at the sort of things that are happening the Arab world. Before now, United Nations would not have waded into it. It would have been termed it as domestic matter. Remember what happened in Ruwanda and Balkan. Also Chekoslovakia and Bulgaria. The experience of The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles is not a Nigerian. It is is global. If you look at what is happening globally. Take the Nigerian civil war for instance, the dynamics of the world crushed the Nigerian civil war. Had it been now, Biafra would have survived.
Does time of launching the book has any political undertone?
The book would have been launched few months back. In fact, President Goodluck Jonathan is going to launch the book. The Jurisprudence of the Living Oracles is not a Nigerian book. It is global.
What is the feedback on the books, especially, the first edition? Looking at the gap between the editions.
It is because of the feedback in the first edition the brought about writing the second edition.
How long did it take you to write each of the editions? I mean, the first and second editions.
Braithwaite: I remember the first edition was after the 1983 election. It took me about two years to research the first edition. The second edition relatively easier because it was updating .It took me just nine months because we had to do research.
How available is the book especially to pra
cticing law students.
The book is available when it is launched for everybody. It is not only for law students or practicing lawyers. Not just for law student, for also science students and religion as well.
As a well known and respected lawyer and politician. How where you able to create time in your very busy schedule to research and write books with such in-depth?
T: I don’t have time for socials. And I don’t have time for much leisure. I spend my time thinking ahead. That’s my life.
Speaker of the Adamawa House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri,
The Speaker of the Adamawa House of Assembly, Alhaji Ahmadu Fintiri, and three members of the state assembly have launched free malaria treatment for patients in their constituencies.
Fintiri launched the programme in Madagali Michika, Mubi North and Mubi South constituencies.
The speaker said the programme was jointly initiated and sponsored by him and the three lawmakers to check the malaria scourge in the Northern Zone of the state.
He said the measure was one of the ways they decided to pay back the people who elected them.
He also said they would initiate free surgery programme for some needy persons.
The speaker urged those entrusted with the medicines in the affected constituencies to ensure that they reached all wards and units for easy access by the people.
“Malaria is a major threat to our people, particularly at this time of the year, and that is why we decided to embark on this programme to complement government effort in fighting the scourge.
“We want to contain malaria in this zone and hereby call our people to give us the necessary support to succeed,” Fintiri said.
In their remarks, Mr Musa Kamale (PDP-Michika), Alhaji Usman Lamorde (PDP-Mubi South) and Alhaji Abubakar Jarengol (CPC-Mubi North), said they were committed to the programme and would sustain it.
Also, the Emir of Mubi, Alhaji Abubakar Isa, whose emirate covers the affected constituencies, described the measure as a welcome development that would enjoy his full support and that of other leaders in the emirate.
“This is good news to our people and I want to warn those involved in handling the drugs against diversion,” the emir said.
He called on the people of the zone to complement the lawmakers’ effort in the fight against malaria by keeping their environments clean.
The highpoint of the occasion was the presentation of drug to the acting Chairmen of Madagali, Michika, Mubi South and Mubi North local governments by the speaker assisted by the lawmakers.
Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State has reiterated his commitment to creating the enabling environment for the youths to discover their talents.
Ahmed gave the assurance while receiving two indigenes of the state among the youth corps members that won Presidential National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) Honours Award in 2011.
Represented by the Secretary to the State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, the governor urged the youths to emulate the good work of the recipients.
He advised them to be diligent and hardworking in order to be successful, and warned them to shun violence and evil vices.
He said that this was one of the ways by which our youths could contribute their quota to the development of the country.
He praised the recipients, Messrs Afolayan Gabriel and Shittu Adewale, graduates of University of Ilorin, who served in Anambra and Ekiti States in 2009/2010 for being good ambassadors of the state.
He urged them not to rest on their oars and pray to God to grant them more knowledge and understanding.
The governor commended University of Ilorin for producing quality graduates who could compete favourably with others in the country.
In their remarks, the recipients, Gabriel and Adewale, thanked the government for the honour done them, and gave assurance that they would continue to be good ambassadors of the state.
Is the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBCIU), Osogbo, a public property or owned by former Osun State Governor Olagunsoye Oyinlola?
The National Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was said to have written a letter to President Goodluck Jonathan, claiming that the centre is a non-governmental organisation.
However, other indigenes have objected to the claim, saying that the centre was promoted and sponsored by the people of the state, in partnership with the United Nations Education, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO.
The centre, they claimed, was established by the law passed by the House of Assembly. It was assented to by the former governor, they added. It was titled: “A law to make provision for the establishment of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding in Osogbo, Osun State of Nigeria”
In the last four years, the state expended N667.6m on the construction and supply of equipment. Government officials also claimed that the running cost is borne by government.
When the centre was set up, Oyinlola was the permanent chairman. Expected to serve on its board were two representatives of the Presidential Library, Abeokuta, owned by former President Olusegun Obasanjo.
When he assumed the reins, Governor Rauf Aregbesola amended the law setting up the centre. Henceforth, a sitting governor or his representative ceased to be the permanent chairman. According to Section Eight of the law, the board shall consist of the following members: the Chairman of the board, who shall be the governor or anyone appointed by him for this purpose; Commissioner or Special Adviser in charge of Culture and Tourism, two representatives of the academia appointed by the governor, one of whom shall be an expert in Black History and Culture; four representatives of Art and Cultural community appointed by the governor, a UNESCO representative and Nigeria’s Permanent Delegate to UNESCO.
The amendment also limited the tenure of the chairman to two years and maximum of four years. The state government therefore, said that it is wrong for a person to lay claim to such huge state investment.
According to Osun State government, the era when a governor would use state resources to set up ventures, which would be converted later to private concerns, has elapsed in the state.
Now, other indigenes are calling for the probe of financial activities of the centre since it was created. They want the audit report on the input of the federal government and other donors in the CBCIU project. This account, must include the valuation report of all such donations in cash and kind.
The state government has said that it will continue to uphold the rule of law and good governance. “The case of the centre will not be an exception”, it added.
