Osun Defender Newspaper Online Version of February 13, 2026

•Akinbolawale Omole, National Vice Chairman; Captain Tunji Shelle, National Director, Communication and Programmes; Professor Bode Ayorinde, Diversity and Inclusion Secretary; Fabiyi Oladimeji, Deputy National Financial Secretary; Alhaja Khafilat Omolabake Olayiwola, Deputy National Women Leader; Olufemi Adeleye, Deputy Coordinator, Diaspora and Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni, Assistant National Organising Secretary, were among the newly inaugurated African Democratic Congress (ADC) South-West o

cials at the stakeholders

Osun Govt Vs UBA: CSOs Accuse Osun CJ Of Forum Shopping

THE Network of Civil Society Organizaons in Osun State has accused the Chief Judge of the state, Jusce Adepele Ojo of forum shopping with the way she handled the case involving the United Bank for Africa (UBA) and the mul -billion naira local government funds of Osun State.

The group in a statement made available to OSUN DEFENDER alleged that the conduct of the Chief Judge was suspicious and unacceptable, adding that her ac ons on the UBA and local government ma er in the state undermines public confidence in the administraon of jus ce.

To this end, the group threatened to drag the Chief Judge before the Na onal Judicial Council (NJC).

The statement was signed by Olowu Emmanuel of the Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy, Tobiloba Richards Agboola of the Good Governance Ini a ve (GGI), Raufu Sodiq Akinkunmi of the Youths for Be er Nigeria, Olanrewaju Stephen who is the convener of the Center for Accountability & Democracy and Janet Olayemi Gbadebo Of the Grassroots Watch on behalf of the Network of Civil Society Groups.

The statement reads ‘we strongly condemn the exhibi on of bias and personal interest demonstrated by the Chief Judge through the importa on of Hon. Jus ce M.O. Agboola from the Ifetedo Judicial Division to the Osogbo Judicial Division to hear a mere ex-parte applica on. This ac on does not portray good faith and raises grave ques ons about the integrity of the process.

“We state that on the 29th and 30th of January, 2026, the Chief Judge acted in bad faith in the case involving Abiodun Layonu (SAN) who filed an applica on seeking leave for judicial review for and on behalf of UBA and other defendants in the ongoing criminal trial of UBA officials before the Chief Magistrate Court in Osogbo.

“It is on record that there are 22 Judges in the High Court of Jus ce of Osun State, out of which Hon. Jus ce M.O. Agboola is number 17. Exercising her cons tu onal powers, the Chief Judge posted six Judges to the Osogbo Judicial Division and voluntarily posted Hon. Jusce M.O. Agboola to the Ilesha and Ifetedo Judicial Divisions. Pursuant to this

on Tuesday

pos ng, Jus ce Agboola sits in both Ilesha and Ifetedo Judicial Divisions.

“Consequently, on Friday, 30th January, 2026, His Lordship was scheduled to sit in Ifetedo Judicial Division to a end to several cases affec ng the good people of Osun State.

“Specifically, Jus ce Agboola’s case list in the Ifetedo Judicial Division for that day shows that he was to a end to the following eight cases: (i) HFT/4/2025: Monday Akomedaye & Ors vs Prince Adegoke Adeyemi & Ors; (ii) HFT/7/2025: Titus Abiodun & Ors vs Peter Ani & Ors;(iii) HFT/8/2025: Dr. Ma hew Odukunle vs Chief Akin Obalolu; (iv) HFT/12/2025: Prince Adegoke Adeyemi & Ors vs Monday Akponmedaye; (v) HFT/5/2025: Chief Kazeem Adeboye & Ors vs Mr. Kola Ogunsakin & Ors; (vi) HFT/M.8/2025: Pastor Adegoke Folorunso Benjamin & Ors vs Mr. Adewunmi Ademiluyi Okero; (vii) HFT/11/2025: Adegoke Adebisi Taiwo vs Mr. Segun Alamu & Ors; and (viii) HFT/9/2024: Adeloye Azeez Ologbenla & Ors vs Adeyemi Badmus Aderibigbe.

“We further state that the six Judges assigned to the Osogbo Judicial Division were equally expected to sit in Osogbo on 30th January, 2026. These Judges are: Hon. Jus ce Adepele Ojo – Court 1; Hon. Jus ce O.D. Afolabi – Court 2; Hon. Jus ce Onibokun – Court 3; Hon. Jus ce Adeyinka Aderibigbe – Court 4; Hon. Jus ce Ayo Oyebiyi – Court 5; and Hon. Jus ce Ayo Awe –Court 6.

“Out of these six Judges, the first five are senior to Hon. Jus ce M.O. Agboola. Therefore, when the defendants filed their suit, it was only logical,

reasonable and natural to expect that the case would be assigned to one of these six Judges. Indeed, the mo on paper bore “Court 4” on it, giving the clear impression that the ma er had been assigned to Court 4, pre-

sided over by Hon. Jus ce Adeyinka Aderibigbe.

“However, to our u er shock and dismay, on 30th January, 2026, Hon. Jusce M.O. Agboola was imported by the Chief Judge from the Ifetedo Judicial Division where he was

duty-bound to a end to eight pending cases to the Osogbo Judicial Division to hear the UBA applicaon for judicial review.

“This was done despite the fact that none of the six Judges posted to Osogbo Judicial Divi-

Osun Govt To Collaborate With Ijesa Development Fund Initiative To Empower Ijesha People

OShola Aderinto He observed that the objec ve of the ini a ve is to capture over 99.5 percent of Ijesa people whose names were omitted by the Ijesa Development register.

SUN State Govern-

ment is collaborating with the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) through the Ministry of Cooperave and Employment to make a revolving loan available for Small and Medium Scale business entrepreneurs in Ijesha land to fast track economic growth

The Chairman of ICDA who is also the Asiwaju of Ijesa land, Chief Yinka Fasuyi made this known in Ibokun, headquarters of Obokun Local Government Area of Osun State, during a training programme on Ijesa Development Fund with the theme “’Community Needs Iden fica on and Appraisal for Ijesa Development Fund (IDF).”

He disclosed that the ICDA had paid its counterpart fund of #68 million, while the Owa Obokun has supported the funding with #32 million to make it #100 million.

Fasuyi noted that the government’s contribuon would be announced as soon as it is made.

He said Ijesa Development Fund was established by the Ijesa Community Development Assembly, an indigenous Non-Governmental Organiza on, to iden fy and implement socio-economic projects for the people of Ijesa land, promo ng sustainable development in the area.

Fasuyi highlighted the newly constructed ultramodern Owa Obokun’s palace, Ijesa land Geriatric hospital, a three year full scholarship for 250 under privileged Ijesa students to a end the Federal School of Science and Technology Ilesa, and 100 others to study at Lenven s Founda on Agricultural School, Ilesa on a yearly basis.

“The sustainable development of Ijesa land is the responsibility of all Ijesas In the noble mission to rebuild, restore, and reposi on Ijesa land. The Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) has embraced a progressive and inclusive framework to honour every act of generosity, no ma er the size or scope.

No finger is too small, no hand is too big, but every contribu on counts towards Ijesa development through a par cipatory and inclusive ICDA ini a ve, Ijesa Development Fund” Asiwaju emphasized.

The IDF Accountant, Mr Akin Olatunbosun explained the criteria for accessing the Ijesa co-op loan to include Na onal Iden fica on Number, warning that the revolving loan is not a na onal cake.

The Guest Lecturer, Professor Niyi Okunlola, enlightened the parcipants on Community Needs Iden fica on, noting that a significant gap exists between needs and wants.

The Professor emphasized that community needs take precedence over its wants, stressing that sa sfying people’s wants may not necessarily meet their needs.

He cited the example of a man whose requirement was funding to purchase farm implements, but instead u lized the loan to marry a new wife. This, he stated, would not have occurred if the loan had been converted to meet his actual needs, which were farm implements, rather than giving him cash.

He iden fied an all inclusive par cipatory approach to the Needs Idenfica on and Appraisal as the catalyst for sustainable development.

The Ijesa Development Fund (IDF) is an all-encompassing, allinclusive, par cipatory, demand-driven, and sustainable Development Model developed by the Ijesa Community Development Assembly (ICDA) to iden fy and drive socioeconomic projects by the people, for the people, upli ing every ward and complemen ng government efforts across Ijesa land.

sion by the Chief Judge herself was considered fit to hear a mere ex-parte applica on. We therefore ask the following cri cal ques ons:

“Why did the Chief Judge import Jus ce Agboola from the Ifetedo Judicial Division to sit on a mere ex-parte applicaon in the Osogbo Judicial Division which already has six substan ve Judges, thereby depriving li gants in the Ifetedo Judicial Division who share a single Judge with Ilesha of their right to have their cases heard on 30th January, 2026?

“Is the Chief Judge admi ng to having a personal interest in this case, or is there an external influence dicta ng to her who must sit on this matter?

“It is on record that the Honourable A orneyGeneral of Osun State drew the a en on of Jusce Agboola to several applica ons challenging the jurisdic on of the Court, including an applica on alleging bias, yet these were ignored.

“Why the sudden and unusual importa on of Jus ce Agboola to the Osogbo Judicial Division? Is this assignment beyond the competence of the six Judges in Osogbo, or is it simply an act of compromise?

“The inability of the Chief Judge to find any Judge in Osogbo Judicial Division worthy of determining an ordinary ex-parte applica on only confirms the fears earlier expressed by His Eminence, the Sultan of Sokoto, that the rich are purchasing jus ce, and by Professor Chidi Odinkalu that abnormality has become the norm in the temple of jus ce.

“We state firmly that the act of the Chief Judge in depriving li gants in the Ifetedo Judicial Division of their right to have their cases heard on 30th January, 2026, while impor ng Jus ce Agboola to Osogbo Judicial Division to determine a mere ex-parte applica on, is not only done in bad faith but amounts to clear misconduct.

“We therefore demand a thorough and independent inves ga on into this infrac on. This ac on cons tutes a clear abuse of power by the Chief Judge. Accordingly, we call on the Osun State House of Assembly, the Osun State Judicial Service Commission, and the Na onal Judicial Council to urgently inves gate this ma er and take appropriate ac on in the interest of jus ce and the rule of law,” the group added.

WHAT the debate over the transmission of results reviews about the state of Nigeria.

The ongoing rancour over the method to be used in relaying elec on results will con nue much of it as an academic exercise.

In any review of what is or should be in na onal embarrassment, the often quoted posi on of the Russian dictator Josef Sterling comes to mind.

Sterling said “it is not the vo ng that ma ers, it is the coun ng”. Those who are determined to gain electoral advantage from keeping Nigeria in the dark ages have turned out to be very bright students of Sterling. They have learnt well from the master an -democrat!

Nigeria should be in all areas of human endeavor the beacon and shining light of the en re African con nent setng the pace and erec ng con nuously improving standards. Sadly, it is not.The economic interest of those who benefit from the con nuous economic access to treasury means that simple issues such as the electronic transmission of the elec on result becomes full-blown crisis.

A significant sec ons of the poli cal establishment are not bothered that we are behind other African countries who will should be showing the way.

After The Debacle

And it is not just about the method of transmi ng elec on results alone. During the last presiden al elec on in

Kenya, the interna onal News organiza ons Stated that ci zens of Kenya voted as voters in the diaspora in 15

The Discourse

“Nigeria should be in all areas of human endeavor the beacon and shining light of the entire African continent setting the pace and erecting continuously improving standards. Sadly, it is not.The economic interest of those who benefit from the continuous economic access to treasury means that simple issues such as the electronic transmission of the election result becomes full-blown crisis’

countries.Kenya is not the only African country where Diaspora vo ng is allowed.on the contrary, Nigeria with a Diaspora contribu ng 18 Billion dollars to the country annually does not have Diaspora vo ng and it is clearly not anxious to have Diaspora vo ng any me soon. This of course has an economic effect. We ought to be mo va ng our Diaspora to do more. A good way of achieving this is to make them ac ve ci zens by being able to vote in our elec on.

Those against electronic transmission of vo ng are clearly adver sing Nigeria as a backward, uncompe ve country. There is a cost to this especially for those who adver se their obsession which is clearly contrived to a rac ng a largely illusory Foreign Direct Investment.

The people of this country are the losers in all of this and the price to be paid in adver sing the country as a backward en ty would be very high.

Boosting Productivity In The Civil Service: Pathways To A More Efficient Work Place

By Olufunmilayo Adebomi Ojo, PhD

RODUCTIVITY in the civil service re-

Pmains a cri cal factor in driving na onal development, effec ve governance, and improved public service delivery.As the engine room of government, the civil service plays a vital role in policy implementa on, service provision, and administra ve con nuity. Produc vity in the civil service refers to the ability of public ins tu ons and employees to deliver quality services efficiently, transparently, and mely, using available human, financial, and material resources.Unlike the private sector, where produc vity is o en measured by profit, public sector produc vity is assessed through service outcomes, ci zen sa sfac on, policy impact and ins tu onal effec veness.

However, challenges such as bureaucra c bo lenecks, inadequate skills, poor mo vaon, and outdated work systems have connued to affect efficiency in many public ins tu ons.Experts say addressing these issues is key to building a produc ve and responsive civil service.

In an interview with the Chairman of Nigeria Labour Congress, Osun State, Comrade Christopher Arapasopo he iden fied con nuous training and capacity building as one of the most effec ve ways to improve produc vity in the civil service.

A produc ve civil service begins with a competent and mo vated workforce. Connuous training and capacity-building programmes are crucial to equipping civil servants with modern skills in policy analysis, data management, digital tools, project implementa on, and customer service.

“Regular in-service training, leadership development programmes, and exposure to global best prac ces help civil servants adapt to evolving governance demands. Equally important is aligning training programmes with

“Access to healthcare, housing schemes, and work-life balance initiatives further enhances job satisfaction and reduces absenteeism. Leadership quality significantly shapes organisational productivity’

ins tu onal needs rather than trea ng them as rou ne or ceremonial exercises.”

No doubt, an effec ve performance management system is central to produc vity enhancement. Clear job descrip ons, measurable performance indicators, and regular appraisal systems help ensure that civil servants understand expecta ons and are held accountable for results.

Performance-based promo ons, rewards, and sanc ons encourage diligence and innova on while discouraging complacency. Strengthening accountability mechanisms, including internal audits, service charters, and ci zen feedback systems, also reinforces discipline and service delivery standards.

Another factor is the adop on of digital technologies which has proven to be a powerful driver of efficiency in the public sector.

E-governance pla orms, electronic file management systems, online service portals, and data-driven decision-making tools significantly reduce delays, paperwork, and opportuni es for corrup on.

Automa ng rou ne administra ve processes allows civil servants to focus on highervalue tasks such as policy development and problem-solving. Digital transforma on also

improves transparency and enhances ci zens’ trust in public ins tu ons.

A conducive work environment directly influences produc vity. Adequate office infrastructure, reliable power supply, func onal equipment, and safe working condi ons enable civil servants to perform their du es effec vely.Equally, employee welfare, including mely payment of salaries, pensions, and allowances, plays a cri cal role in boos ng morale and commitment.

Access to healthcare, housing schemes, and work-life balance ini a ves further enhances job sa sfac on and reduces absenteeism.Leadership quality significantly shapes organisa onal produc vity.

Ethical, visionary, and results-oriented leadership fosters a culture of professionalism, integrity, and service excellence within the civil service.Leaders must model discipline, fairness,

OSUN DEFENDER

and transparency while encouraging teamwork and innova on. Strengthening ethical standards through codes of conduct, an -corrup on measures, and whistleblower protec ons helps build public trust and ins tu onal credibility. Frequent policy reversals and weak ins tuonal frameworks o en undermine civil service produc vity. Consistency in reforms, clear mandates, and strong coordina on among ministries, departments, and agencies (MDAs) are essen al for efficiency.Civil service reforms should focus on simplifying procedures, reducing duplica on of roles, and strengthening interagency collabora on. Ins tu onalising reforms ensures con nuity beyond changes in poli cal leadership.Boos ng produc vity in the civil service is a mul faceted process that requires sustained commitment, strategic reforms, and collec ve responsibility. By inves ng in human capacity, strengthening performance management, embracing digital innova on, improving welfare, and fostering ethical leadership, governments can build a more efficient, responsive, and ci zen-centred civil service.

Ul mately, a produc ve civil service is fundamental to good governance, na onal development, and the delivery of tangible benefits to ci zens. The path to efficiency may be challenging, but the rewards, in improved public trust, service quality, and socio-economic progress are invaluable.

Telephone : 0809-301-9152

Website : www.osundefender.com/index.php e-mail : osundefenderhq@gmail.com osundefenderbank@gmail.com All correspondence to the above email addresses.

•Olufunmilayo Adebomi Ojo holds a Doctor of Philosophy (PhD) in Mass Communication and she’s a practicing Journalist, Member of ASPCN, NIPR, NUJ and NAWOJ

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026

Amotekun: Four Months After, Akinlalu Still Await Justice

RESIDENTS of Akinlalu community in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State were thrown into mourning following an invasion by opera ves of the Western Security Network, codenamed Amotekun, an incident that le four people dead and several others injured.

Four months a er the tragic episode, grief s ll hangs heavily in the agrarian town as vic ms and residents con nue to call on government to ensure jus ce is served without compromise.

Akinlalu is one of the seven ancient towns that make up the Origbo Meje communi es. The palace square doubles as the town’s central market where, every five days, traders from Lagos, Ibadan and neighbouring towns converge for commercial ac vi es. Today, that once-busy market appears like a dessert with close to total silence domina ng the town. What began as a normal day, on the eve of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary, quickly turned tragic. Farmers, traders and ar sans had gone about their usual rou nes, before the tragedy came upon the town without knocking.

Community leaders explained that Amotekun opera ves had earlier attempted to arrest a resident over allega ons of stealing farm produce. During the opera on, the suspect reportedly escaped and disarmed one of the opera ves. The youth leader, Musibau Adeboye said he assured the officers that the community youths will locate the suspect and hand him over to them. However, he said, residents were shocked when Amotekun operaves returned to the community in what witnesses described as a retaliatory opera on. According to accounts, four residents including three members of the same family were shot dead, while several others sustained varying degrees of injuries.

Three vic ms reportedly died on the spot. Another, Segun, who was rushed to the UNIOSUN Teaching Hospital with cri cal injuries, was said to have died 48 hours later. Those injured during the invasion were iden fied as Adeagbo Kadijat (female, 22), Oke-Ila Oyebamiji (female, 60), and Fayomi Toheeb (male, 19). Those

who lost their lives were Ibrahim Oyebamiji (26), Sefiu Oyebamiji, and Abiola Olutayo. Their bodies were allegedly taken away by Amotekun opera ves.

Ibrahim Oyebamiji, a hairstylist who operated a barber shop directly opposite the palace, was among the vic ms. Resi-

dents said he was first shot and later hacked to death. Two of his cousins also died in separate loca ons within the town. A nursing mother and a pepper seller in her six es narrowly survived the a ack but sustained severe injuries. Another resident, 45-yearold Akeeb Odefunke, a

stroke pa ent, was also reportedly brutalized. A visit to the palace reflected the community’s grief. The Alakinlalu of Akinlalu, Oba Israel Oluwabusola Aborisade, expressed confusion over the inten ons behind the a ack and vowed to pursue jus ce for his subjects. He appealed to

government for urgent interven on, stressing that Akinlalu had always been a peaceful and lawabiding community. Inves ga on by Police later confirmed the incident, and the state Police Public Rela ons Officer, Abiodun Ohelabi disclosed that Amotekun opera ves involved had

other dignitaries at the

Black Culture and International Understanding,

Aregbesola Tasks ADC Members To Remain Committed To Party’s Goals

The

NATIONAL Secretary of the African Democra c Congress, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, has urged all elected officials and stakeholders of the party to remain commi ed to strengthening the ADC both in the SouthWest and na onwide.

Aregbesola also emphasized the importance of con nuous engagement with the na onal leadership of the party to ensure proper harmonisa on, valida on and accuracy of party officers in all states.

The former Governor of Osun State made this known at an ADC stakeholders’ mee ng held in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

He highlighted the organisa onal stability and growing influence across Nigeria’s South-West region.

“Unity, discipline, and effec ve coordina on are crucial for building a formidable party capable of offering Nigerians a credible and people-oriented alterna ve,” he said.

He added that the ADC remains resolute in its mission to deepen democra c values, strengthen internal party structures, and posion itself as a viable force for na onal development.

The mee ng featured comprehensive reports from state leaders across the South-West, highlighting the party’s structure, grassroots penetra on, and readiness.

the Lagos State ADC Chairman, Ashiru George, who provided confidenceboos ng accounts of their

respec ve states’ party acvi es. During the session, the

•Continued on Page 6

The Path Is Known By The Elder’s Feet Art/Culture

•There Are Some Truths Only Lived Experience Can Teach

AFRICAN wisdom often arrives quietly, wrapped in proverbs that carry more meaning than long speeches. One such saying reminds us that the path is known by the elder’s feet. It is a simple statement, yet it captures a truth that modern society frequently forgets: experience is not theory, and wisdom cannot be rushed.

In a world increasingly driven by speed, novelty, and youthful certainty, the value of lived experience remains irreplaceable. Across Osun State and much of Africa, elders have tradi onally been the custodians of memory. They know where communies have stumbled before, where they endured hardship, and where pa ence saved what force could not. Their authority was never derived from formal tles alone, but from journeys taken, mistakes survived, and lessons earned. Long before leadership became associated with office, it was associated with under-

standing—an understanding shaped by me.

Yet today, experience is o en mistaken for irrelevance. The modern obsession with innova on somemes treats age as a liability rather than an asset. While new ideas are essen al, progress becomes fragile when it ignores history. Roads that appear new have o en been walked before. Economic policies, governance structures, and social reforms frequently repeat old pa erns, some mes unknowingly. The elder’s feet recognize these paths not because they fear change, but because they have seen its consequences.

In public life, this truth carries par cular weight. Poli cal leadership, community governance, and ins tu onal decision-making require more than enthusiasm and rhetoric. They demand judgment—judgment refined by years of observing cause and effect. Osun’s poli cal and cultural history offers countless examples where experienced voices

been iden fied. He noted that the Inspector General of Police has also ordered the IRT-FID to take over the inves ga on. At least 20 Amotekun opera ves were arrested on October 8, 2025 during a raid at their Ife and Osogbo offices by the police special squad Police for their possible involvement in the crime. Controversy followed the role of Amotekun Commandant, Isaac Omoyele, in the incident, Omoyele was however invited by police but ini ally failed to honour the invitaon. Amotekun authories later clarified that their commandant voluntarily reported to police headquarters in Abuja to assist ongoing inves gaons.

Today, normal ac vies have gradually returned to Akinlalu. Yet for families who lost loved ones, the pain remains fresh. Residents say their collec ve prayer is simple, that jus ce will not be delayed.

For Akinlalu, healing may take me. But un l accountability is achieved, the echoes of that tragic day will con nue to linger in the streets of the ancient town.

provided balance during moments of excitement or crisis. When such voices are sidelined, socie es o en relearn old lessons at great cost.

This does not mean that elders hold all answers or that youth must remain silent. African tradi on never promoted blind hierarchy; it promoted dialogue. The village square was a mee ng place for both age and energy, where wisdom guided strength, and innova on found direc on. The danger arises when either side dismisses the other. Youth without counsel risks recklessness; experience without openness risks stagna on. True progress emerges when both walk the path together. In everyday life, this proverb extends beyond poli cs. In families, trades, and professions, lived experience shapes mastery. A cra sman’s steady hands, a farmer’s read-

ing of the seasons, or a teacher’s understanding of human behavior cannot be downloaded or fast-tracked. These are insights acquired through repe on, pa ence, and me. In African sociees, such knowledge was passed through observaon and appren ceship, not shortcuts.

Osun State, rich in culture and communal memory, stands at a point where these lessons matter deeply. As moderniza on accelerates and social structures evolve, the tempta on to discard tradi on in the name of progress grows stronger. Yet development that ignores experience o en lacks depth. Roads may be built, policies announced, and ins tu ons renamed, but without wisdom, sustainability remains uncertain.

•Read full article on www.osundefender.com

Oyetola Fires Back At Adeleke Over Collapsed Osun Health Sector

THE Minister of Marine and Blue Economy, Mr Adegboyega Oyetola, has responded to the allega on made against him by the Osun State Government over the deplorable state of Primary Health Care centres (PHCs) in the state. Recall that the state

government had through the office of the Commissioner for Health, Mr Jola Akintola, last week, accused Oyetola of mismanaging a whooping World Bank Grant to the tune of $20 million and claimed to have devoted same to renova on of PHCs, what the government described as smokescreen and mere window dressing.

The former Governor while responding in a statement by his aide, Bolaji Akinola, launched a blistering a ack on Governor Ademola Adeleke, accusing him of gross ineptude, derelic on of duty and the wholesale collapse of primary healthcare and public educa on across the state.

Akinola, described the

current state of Primary Health Care Centres in Osun State as a damning indictment of Governor Adeleke’s administra on, stressing that no serious government would s ll be blaming a predecessor more than three years after assuming office.

According to the Minister’s aide, Oyetola le behind a func onal system

protesting

Osun Govt Woos Foreign Investors

Bamigbola

OSUN State Government has intensified efforts at a rac ng foreign investments into the state.

This is even as the state government is diversifying the economy and s mula ng sustainable growth across cri cal sectors of the state.

Receiving some investors from Hejia Group, China and Green Apple Holding from Hong Kong, who paid a strategic visit to the state to explore opportuni es across key sectors of the economy, Governor Adeleke assured the investors of good business environment.

The engagement, which focused on renewable energy, affordable housing, mobility and light manufacturing in line with the state government’s economic diversificaon agenda, provided an opportunity for Governor Adeleke to show case the rich investment benefits of the state.

The Governor who spoke through the state commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Rev. Bunmi Jenyo

disclosed the government’s commitment to a rac ng credible investors and strengthening state’s posi on as a preferred investment des na on.

Jenyo expressed apprecia on to the Governor for giving him the opportunity to lead the State’s Investment Inia ve, providing an enabling environment and ease of doing business in the state, through suppor ve policies, infrastructural development and openness to Public Private Partnerships (PPP).

He also appreciated the facilitator of the visit for connec ng the investors with the Osun State Government, describing the engagement as a significant step towards unlocking new economic opportuni es for the state.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Food Security, Otunba Tola Faseru made a detailed presenta on on investment opportuni es within the agricultural sector, highligh ng the state’s drive in commercial farming, agroprocessing, mechaniza on, storage and value-chain development, aimed at boost-

ing food security and job crea on for the ci zens.

In addi on, representa ves of the Ministries of Commerce and Industry, Energy, Transporta on, Agriculture and Lands and Physical Planning made separate presenta ons, outlining their respec ve investment ini a ves and priority projects.

The presenta on focused on renewable energy development, modern transporta on systems, land availability and documenta on to support large scale investments.

The Hejia Group delega on commended the Osun State Government for its deliberate and coordinated investment drive, describing the state’s economic vision and investor-friendly policies as encouraging and forward-looking.

Ying Wang who spoke on behalf of Hejia group noted that the clarity of Osun’s development agenda and the commitment of the government to crea ng an enabling environment for businesses were key factors that informed their interest in Osun State.

and a clear development trajectory, no ng that the immediate past Governor of the State performed excellently in office, parcularly in healthcare reforms, workers’ welfare, and ins tu onal strengthening.

“What Osun people are witnessing today is not inherited failure, but the direct product of Adeleke’s incompetence and lack of capacity to govern,” the statement said.

“Healthcare in Osun State has deteriorated rapidly under his watch, while his inept and underperforming Commissioner for Health, Jola Akintola, appears more interested in issuing excuses than delivering results,” he added.

Akinola noted that despite huge financial resources and statutory alloca ons available to the state since Adeleke assumed office over three years ago, PHCs remain abandoned, poorly staffed and ill-equipped, while rural communi es are le without access to basic medical care.

Also , he lamented that the situa on in pub-

lic educa on is equally dire, with acute shortage of teachers across schools in the state, overcrowded classrooms and declining learning standards, describing it as a complete reversal of gains made under the Oyetola’s administra on.

“The present government in Osun State has destroyed both the healthcare and educaon systems it inherited. Instead of governance, Osun now has a circus of theatrics, blame-shi ing, propaganda, and administra ve laziness.”

Akinola further pointed to a growing wave of public anger and dissa sfac on across Osun State, saying residents in every part of the state are united in frustra on over what he called the “Adeleke’s failure to jus fy being in the government house for three years.”

“Osun people are yearning for change,” he said. “They are red of excuses, red of media stunts, and red of an administra on that has nothing tangible to show for over three years in office,” he added.

Former APC Treasurer Leads Osun ADC Campaign Committee

Yusuf Oketola

THE African Democra c Congress (ADC), Osun State Chapter, has appointed Hon. Prince Segun Olanibi as the chairman of the party’s Campaign Commi ee ahead of the August 8, 2026 governorship elec on in the state.

Olanibi was a former Treasurer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun State. He also served as a Special Adviser on Rural Water and Environmental Sanitaon Agency (RUWESA) in the state during the administra on of Governor

Rauf Aregbesola. Also, former deputy Chief Whip of the Osun State House of Assembly, Hon. Gbenga Ogunkanmi. Ogunkanmi was appointed to lead the governorship campaign in Osun west.

Others are, Abdulhakeem Olaoye, Chairman (Director General Osun Central), Hon. Sikiru Ayedun, Chairman (Director General, Osun East).

Those appointed to lead the governorship campaign across nine federal cons tuencies include; Hon. Nurein Adebisi (Ede), Taiwo Adedoyin Esq. (Ife), Francis

Famurewa (Ijesha South), Niyi Olanipekun (Ijesha South), Muyideen Olateju (Osogbo), Prince Jide Zubair (Ifelodun/Boripe/ Odo-O n), Hon. Oguntola Kehinde (Irewole), and Dr. Peju Adigun (Iwo).

Inaugura ng the Campaign Commi ee, the state chairman of ADC, Dr. Charles Omidiji, said the party is poised to win the governorship elec on.

He opined that the leadership of the party has put necessary machinery in mo on to ensure smooth campaign for the party ahead of the elec on.

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026

150 CHEW, JCHEW OSCOHEALTH Graduates Inducted Into Nigeria’s Community Health Practitioners Board

TShola Aderinto

HE Community Health Prac oners

Registra on Board of Nigeria (CHPRBN) has inducted no fewer than 150 Community Health Extension Workers (CHEW) and Junior Community Health Extension Workers (JCHEW) graduates of the Osun State College of Health Technology, Ilesa into the board.

The event held at the College’s premises showcased the ins tu on’s dedica on to equipping students with the skills required to thrive in an interconnected world, as well as producing graduates who are not only academically proficient but also adept in leadership.

Speaking at the ceremony, Provost of the College, Dr Lateef Olarewaju Raheem urged the students not to rest on the feat they have achieved in the field of Community Health Work.

Also, the Provost charged the new inductees to see the achievement as a founda on for greater things to come.

The Provost who was

represented by the Deputy Provost, Mrs Margaret Oparinde admonished the inductees to uphold their professional ethics and standard at all mes.

He urged them to con nue to be good ambassadors of the college wherever they find themselves, stressing that they should see their licenses to prac ce as an opportunity to improve humanity.

Administering the oath on the new inductees, Registrar, Community Health Prac oners Registra on Board of

Nigeria, Dr Bashir Idris urged them to commit themselves to professional integrity, competence, accountability and service to humanity.

The Registrar who was represented by the Director, Ins tute of Community Health, Abuja, Dr (Mrs) Risikat Motunrayo Onawola advised the inductees not to see ethics as an abstract concept, but should live daily in confiden ality, respec ul care, non-discrimina on and fidelity to scope of prac ce. His words “Com-

petence is sustained through lifelong learning, evidence-based prac ce, and adherence to naonal guidelines, including the Na onal Standing Orders.

“As a statutory regulatory body, CHPRBN remains resolute in its mandate to set standards, accredit training ins tuons, conduct professional examina ons, induct qualified graduates, enforce ethical conduct, and promote con nuous professional development.

“Our ongoing reforms

News

OSUN State Government has been urged to tackle the indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the streets of Osogbo, the state capital which has been causing blockage of drains.

In a Facebook post by the Chairman, Social Economic and Civil Rights Advocacy, Comrade Olowu Emmanuel, Osogbo is steadily descending into one of the dir est ci es in southern Nigeria.

OSUN DEFENDER reports that Osun was in 2024 ranked as the sixth dir est state in Nigeria, according to a report by the United Na ons Environmental Programme (UNEP) and Clean-Up Nigeria.

According to Olowu, the state government is not taking environmental sanita on seriously while calling for urgent reviewing, strengthening and enforcing of environmental and sanita on laws in the state.

He wrote: “A walk

through Olonkoro Area of Osogbo today, I stumbled on the drain system full with all forms of dirt, this led me to further moving through a few streets of Osogbo and I could pick a few pictures which affirms the claims.

“This alarming decline reflects a glaring failure of the Adeleke administra on to take environmental sanita on seriously. The situa on has gone beyond tolerance and can no longer be excused.

“The prac ce of al-

lowing people to dump dirt on the street for days before clearing them is further making the situa on worse. The Osun State Government must act without delay by urgently reviewing, strengthening, and enforcing environmental and sanita on laws.

“The people deserve a clean, healthy, and dignified capital city and

par cularly in digital transforma on, creden al verifica on, professional examina ons, CPD management, and regulatory oversight are designed to align Nigerian community health prac ce with interna onal best prac ces while remaining responsive to local reali es”. He stated.

In a goodwill message, a former board member, Community Health Praconers Board of Nigeria, Comr. Olabisi Adewumi called for the empowerment of CHPs and sustainable PHC for na onal development.

While congratula ng the inductees, he charged them to work with the mindset that an healthy popula on is the backbone of any na on’s socio economic development.

Delivering the inducon lecture at the event, the guest lecturer, Dr(Mrs) Oluwatoyin Oladejo from the Department of Community Health, University

of Medical Sciences, Ondo, Ondo State described Community Health as the backbone of Primary Health Care system.

She urged them to ensure fairness and equity at all mes, while also ensuring that they are tranparent and accountable in all their dealings.

In her address, the Head of Department, Mrs Joyce Folasade Adebayo congratulated the students for their commitment and resilience to achieve their success, just as she expressed gratude to the school management for the support towards the department.

The ceremony also witnessed the induc on for graduates from Seventh Day Adeven st College of Health Technology, Ile-Ife, Adonis American College of Health Technology, EsaOke, Interlink College of Health Technology, IjebuJesa, Foreinglinks College of Health Technology, Moro.

Osun Govt Urged To Tackle Indiscriminate Dumping Of Refuse On Streets

anything less is unacceptable.”

Commen ng on the situa on, the Osun State Commissioner for Environment and Sanita on, Hon. Mayowa Adejoorin, said the ministry is carrying out surveillance with a view to discourage indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the roads and drains.

He made this known

while responding to an inquiry made by OSUN DEFENDER.

“The Ministry of Environment and Sanita on and Osun Waste Management Agency have been monitoring the situa on. We are also carrying out surveillance with a view to discouraging indiscriminate dumping of refuse on the roads and drains,” he said.

Aregbesola Tasks ADC Members...

•Continued from Page 4

names of South-West officers serving at the na onal level were formally read and acknowledged, recognising their contribu ons to the party’s growth.

Na onal officers from the region include Akinbolawale Omole as Na onal Vice Chairman, Captain Tunji Shelle as Na onal Director of Communicaon and Programmes, and Professor Bode Ayorinde as Diversity and Inclusion Secretary.

Other officers include Fabiyi Oladimeji, Deputy Na onal Financial Secretary; Alhaja Khafilat Omolabake Olayiwola, Deputy Na onal Women Leader; Olufemi Adeleye, Deputy

Coordinator, Diaspora; and Mrs. Yidiat Omolara Oseni, Assistant Na onal Organising Secretary.

Chairman of the Directorate of Media and Publicity, Osun ADC, Abosede Oluwaseun, signed the statement, confirming the party’s commitment to uni-

ty and strengthened structures across the zone.

Stakeholders at the mee ng renewed pledges to maintain discipline and effec ve coordina on, aimed at posi oning the ADC as a credible alternave for Nigerians in upcoming elec ons.

Ayoola Umar Triumphs At Osun Under 13 Table Tennis Tournament

THE third edi on of the Adekola Billianu Adegboyega under 13 Table Tennis tournament came to an exci ng conclusion on Wednesday with Ayoola Umar emerging the winner of the tournament.

The tournament which featured young talented experts in table tennis also provided the opportunity for young and talented persons to be discovered in the grassroots.

The tournament, organized by Alhaji Adekola Billianu Adegboyega, popularly known as Billion Dollars, has con nued to gain recognion as one of the key platforms for developing young table tennis players in the state.

The compe on, which started earlier in the week,

drew young players from different clubs across Osun State with the semi-final and finals providing an entertaining climax for spectators and officials present.

Ayoola Umar of Billion Dollars Table Tennis Club emerged as the overall champion a er an impressive run in the knockout stage.

In the first semi-final, Umar faced Olawuyi Qoyum of Otunba Kufolag Table Tennis Club and delivered a dominant performance, winning in straight sets 11–3, 15–13, and 11–3 to secure a 3–0 victory.

The second semi-final saw Ganiyu Samad of Ajeolokun Table Tennis Club ba led Muhammad Yusuf of Billion Dollars Table Tennis Club.

Samad displayed com-

of the

posure and resilience to win 3–1, recording scores of 11–7, 11–7, 13–15, and 11–8 to advance to the final.

The final round between Ayoola Umar and Ganiyu Samad lived up to expectaons, producing four intense rounds of high-quality compe on.

Umar led in the opening with 11–8 before Samad responded with a narrow 12–10 win in the second.

Umar, however, regained control and closed out the contest with 11–9 and 11–8 victories in the third and fourth rounds, sealing the match 3–1 to li the trophy.

News

At the end of the tournament, Ayoola Umar emerged the overall winner, while Ganiyu Samad emerged second.

Speaking at the end of the compe on, the winner, Umar encouraged upcoming players to remain commi ed and never lose confidence

despite setbacks, urging them to keep training and believing in their poten al.

The Head coach, Mr Saka in his remarks at the end of the final compeon, praised the young players for their discipline and sportsmanship spirit, saying that “the tournament has con nued to serve as a strong founda on for developing future champions in Osun State.”

“Now in its third edion, the Adekola Billianu Adegboyega Under-13 Table Tennis Tournament has con nued to grow in stature, providing an important pla orm for discovering talent, promo ng sportsmanship and strengthening grassroots sports development across the state,” he stressed.

LG Crisis: Save Our Soul In Osun, PDP Chieftain Begs Nigerians

Aformer Deputy Na onal Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, Prince Diran Odeyemi, has sought the support of Nigerians over the hijacking of Local Government administra on in Osun State by the chairmen elected under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) following the expira on of their tenure.

Odeyemi accused

Federal Government of paying the withheld local government alloca ons meant for Osun State into personal accounts opened by the APC Chairmen through the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) using United Bank of Africa (UBA), describing it as an aberra on and an outrageous use of Federal might in the state.

Odeyemi, who is the chairman, Governing Council of the Osun State College of Tech-

nology, Esaoke made the appeal in a post on his Facebook handle.

He wrote: “Government of Osun State is being hijacked from the elected Governor, Sen Ademola Adeleke. The Local Government Administra on is in the hands of expired APC Chairmen whose tenure ended in Oct 2025.

“The Federal Government, through the Central Bank of Nigeria using UBA pays Local Government funds to the personal accounts opened by APC Chair-

Ooni Reconciles Ogunsua And Olomoni Long-Standing Feud

THE Council of Obas in Ife North Local Government Area of Osun State, has reconciled the Ogunsua of Modakeke, Oba Joseph Olubiyi Toriola and Olomoni of Okuu-Omoni, Oba Taiwo Odedoyin a er a long- me ba le between the duo.

OSUN DEFENDER gathered that the high-powered royal engagement was convened at the instance of the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as part of his ongoing peace-building efforts across communi es in the area. At the mee ng, the

Council formally presented Oba Odedoyin, for reconcilia on with the Ogunsua.

Speaking during the visit, Olomoni pleaded for forgiveness, urging that all past misunderstandings be put behind them and pledged to embrace peace, declaring his resolve to “sheathe the sword.”

In a moment widely described as historic, the Ogunsua openly pronounced forgiveness, extending reconcilia on and brotherhood to the Olomoni.

“I today declare that I have forgiven you and embraced you. This is your home. You have a lot of

benefits here at home. Do not be further misled,” the Ogunsua stated, while also announcing his inten on to pay an imminent royal visit to Okuu-Omoni.

The Ogunsua expressed deep apprecia on to the visi ng royal fathers and specially commended the Ooni of Ife for his deliberate and sustained peace ini aves across Yoruba land.

The Council of Obas used the occasion to disown and denounce a self-styled and unrecognized individual parading himself as “Olu-oje of Ojenpetu.”

The Council stated that the individual is unknown to both Ife North Council of Obas and the Osun State tradi onal ins tu on.

According to the Council, the individual had previously iden fied himself as Obaala of Ipetumodu before being cau oned by the AIpetumodu-in-Council over alleged impersona on.

The council further alleged that similar claims were rejected in Gadumo, Kogi State, and later Ido, before he resurfaced in Modakeke.

The Council described him as a deceiver who allegedly associates with unsuspec ng monarchs mainly for media exposure, adding that his royal regalia was used to mislead other tradional rulers.

The Council warned that the ma er would soon be subjected to legal scru ny.

men. This is an aberraon and an outrageous use of Federal might in Osun.

“As if this Is not enough, Osun security ou it “Amotekun” has been caged, its wings to fly had been clipped while many of its officials are in deten on.

“Nigerians must not look away, Osun needs your voice, poli cal coercion towards captur-

PUBLIC NOTICE

ing Osun by all means is being tested. “Save Osun State, save our democracy, save our country.”

Both the Osun Government and the APC have con nued to trade blame on the ongoing crisis in the state.

Governor Ademola Adeleke had during a state-wide broadcast last week accused former local government chairmen and councillors of the APC of illegally occupying council secretariats across the state, despite court judgement nullifying their elecons.

The Governor has also urged the police to immediately li ban on Amotekun opera ons in the state to combat spill over of banditry and kidnapping from Kwara into Osun.

ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING (AGM)

The general public, particularly members of the Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association, is hereby notified that the Association will hold its Annual General Meeting (AGM) as follows:

Date: Sunday, 15 February 2026

Time: 12:00 noon prompt

Venue: FUNPLEX Resort, Beside Centre for Management Development (CMD), CMD Road, Magodo, Lagos.

Attendance and participation at the AGM are strictly limited to financial members of the Association. Members who have not paid their annual dues are required to do so through their respective branches prior to the meeting.

A virtual meeting link will be circulated to eligible members who may be unable to attend physically.

This notice is issued for public information and strict compliance.

Signed:

Comr. Olatunji OLORUNFEMI Awokoworldwide, FCILMMD

National Publicity Secretary I Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association 08039660276

For enquiries: Secretariat, Federal Polytechnic Ede Alumni Association

FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 13, 2026 VOL. 21 NO 12 www.osundefender.com, email: osundefenderbank@gmail.com

IN every democra c society, poli cal maturity is not measured by the loudness of one’s allegiance but by the quality of one’s judgment. As Osun State approaches another gubernatorial elec on cycle, the conversa on should rise above familiar chants and entrenched loyal es. It is within this context that suppor ng the African Democra c Congress (ADC) deserves to be understood not merely as a poli cal choice, but as a statement about poli cal maturity. For too long, poli cs in our space has been shaped by habit rather than thought. Many voters inherit party loyalty the same way they inherit family names— unques oned, unexamined, and o en unchallenged by performance. This culture has weakened accountability and reduced governance to a contest of symbols instead of ideas. Poli cal maturity begins when ci zens pause to ask harder ques ons: What does this party stand for? What solu ons does it offer? And how does it plan to improve the everyday lives of the people?

The ADC presents itself as a response to this very fa gue. Its growing relevance lies not in noisy rhetoric, but in its insistence that poli cs must return to principles— internal democracy, transparency, inclusion, and service. Suppor ng such a pla orm signals a willingness to think beyond dominance by a few familiar par es and to accept that democracy thrives when alterna ves are taken seriously. In mature democracies, strong third forces are not dismissed; they are studied, debated, and some mes embraced.

Poli cal maturity also means separa ng governance from personality worship. In Osun, as in many parts of the country, poli cal discussions o en revolve around individuals rather than ins tu ons. This tendency encourages blind loyalty and excuses poor performance. The ADC’s appeal, however, is largely ins tu onal. It invites citizens to evaluate structures, policies, and long-term vision rather

“Ultimately, supporting ADC is not a declaration of perfection. No party is flawless. Rather, it is an affirmation of values—critical thinking over conformity, ideas over noise, and accountability over entitlement. It says that the voter is engaged, informed, and prepared to hold power to account, regardless of who holds it”

PERSPECTIVE

By

MATT OLU OLOWOKERE

Why Supporting ADC Is Also A Statement About Political Maturity

than charisma alone. Choosing such a party is an acknowledgment that sustainable development depends on systems that outlive individual office holders.

Another marker of poli cal maturity is the rejec on of poli cs as warfare. Elec ons are not battles between enemies but compe ons among ideas. The ADC’s posture, na onally and locally, has consistently emphasized issuebased engagement over insults and in mida on. Suppor ng a party that values civility in poli cal discourse is a conscious stand against the poli cs of bi erness that has le many ci zens disillusioned and disengaged.

Osun State, with its rich history of progressive thought and civic awareness, is well posi oned for this kind of shi . From educa on reforms to public sector accountability, the state has o en served as a tes ng ground for new polical ideas. Suppor ng ADC aligns with this tradi on of though ul experimenta on. It reflects confidence in the electorate’s ability to weigh op ons carefully rather than default to the familiar. There is also a genera onal dimension to this conversa on. Many young voters today are politically aware but skep cal. They are less interested in party labels and more concerned with outcomes—

STRIKER Striker is

“There

Tjobs, security, infrastructure, and dignity of life. When such voters support ADC, they are not rejec ng poli cs; they are redefining it. They are asser ng that loyalty must be earned through performance and clarity of purpose, not demanded through sen ment.

Cri cs o en label support for alterna ve par es as idealis c or wasted. Yet history shows that every major poli cal transformaon begins with a minority willing to think differently. Poli cal maturity involves the courage to stand by convic on even when it is not the most convenient choice. It is the understanding that democracy is weakened when ci zens limit themselves to two op ons, regardless of results.

Ul mately, suppor ng ADC is not a declara on of perfec on. No party is flawless. Rather, it is an affirma on of values—cri cal thinking over conformity, ideas over noise, and accountability over entlement. It says that the voter is engaged, informed, and prepared to hold power to account, regardless of who holds it.

As Osun looks toward the future, the quality of our democracy will depend on the quality of our choices. Suppor ng ADC, in this light, is not just about winning an elec on.

It is about raising the standard of poli cal engagement in the state. And that, perhaps, is the clearest expression of poli cal maturity.

not the opinion of the Columnist featured above

Is Such A Party”

HE catch phrase in the tle is credited to the unforge able Vladimir Ilyich Ulyanov [Lenin], leader of the Great October Bolshevik revolu on of 1917 in Russia. A er the February Revolu on in 1917, social and poli cal chaos characterised the Russian society increasingly. At the First All-Russia Congress of Soviets in June-July dominated by delegates of the Socialist Revolu onaries (285 seats), Mensheviks (248 seats) and Bolsheviks (105 seats), the Chairman of the Petrograds Soviets, Irakli Tsereteli, posed the historical challenge of Russian poli cs in the ques on: can any delegate name a party that would risk taking power and accep ng full responsibility for everything happening in Russia? On the second day of Congress when it was Lenin’s turn to speak, he started boldly by saying “There Is!” There was only loud applause from the Bolsheviks and laughter from the rest of the hall. However, by October, the Bolshevik revolu on and total takeover of power happened.

Fast forwards to Nigeria in 2026, the historical challenge to the social, economic and poli cal crises of Nigeria would likely be posed today in such a ques on as: can any party confidently come out to say it will return Nigeria to a Genuine Federal Republic if given power at the centre in 2027?

Expecta on of a firm posi ve answer from the All Progressives Congress (APC) was what made Nigerians, against all odds, vote out an incumbent government and

party at the centre in 2015. A er 4 years of “Change” plus 4 years of “Next Level” with APC’s Buhari, and now the ongoing 3rd of 4 years with APC Na onal Leader that sold Buhari to Nigerians: now President - Bola Ahmed Tinubu, Nigeria is as far away from a genuine federal republic as it ever was and mired in unremi ed insecurity challenges, sec onal and sectarian extremisms and economic woes.

Having escaped from a party with a “stealing is not corrup on” philosophy to where we are now with an imperial party and government, the ques on remains “which party can come out boldly to commit to the return of Nigeria to a true Federal Republic if given power at the centre in 2027?” If APC of all par es can renege and fail woefully on that promise, is there then such progressive party today? If not, what is to be done, considering that the ul mate solu on to Nigeria’s mul faceted problems, without doubt, is a return to its original self – A Federal Republic of Nigeria?

This is the key ques on young people must ask themselves to arrive at “what is to be done” today ahead of 2 years’ me - then organise around their resoluons. They must realise and accept that a hundred more general elec ons in 800 years would never deliver anything good so long as we remain a fake and self-deceiving Federal Republic centrally hooked by the lazy, unpatrio c elites on control, sharing and mismanagement of “free” oilrent money, without any sense of social

responsibility. In the specific context of an almighty unitary, presiden al system, what we need are poli cians gathered in a fresh poli cal party commi ed to the restructuring deal!

Accordingly, young people especially and progressive popular organisa ons at large should look beyond par es as presently cons tuted and composed; they should look beyond ethnic and religious divides in the readiness to mobilise behind an assemblage of poli cians with a track record of commitment to TRUE FEDERALISM, vo ng only for such individuals for the state houses of assembly all the way to the President. Once all elecons are done with by 2027, their task is to organise the mass pressure movement to ensure cons tu onal return to a TRUE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA “by all means necessary.”

On the basis of the current virus-ridden and wrong cons tu onal opera ng system, no quantum of good inten on or “integrity” by any Governor or President can make him or her deliver sustainable democra c or development dividends. Not having any love or good inten on for the people in the first place, and being slaves of foreign powers indeed, the warped opera ng unitary system is a readymade excuse for resounding failure; whereby they can only keep looking back a er exit and contemptuously saying “I’ve done my best, Nigerians are more difficult to govern than cows.”

Once above is understood and accepted, next is organisa on and ac on! Everything else is deceit and exercise in fu lity and a delay of the “judgement day” for Nigeria.