"WITH MY CROWN AND SASH,I CAN WALK UP TO ANY INDIVIDUAL..."- MISS TOURISM OSUN

Miss Adegbite Adepeju, reigning Miss Tourism Osun

     Miss Adegbite Adepeju is the reigning Miss Tourism Osun and Former Miss National Association of Osun State Students (Obafemi Awolowo Chapter). Radar News Network via her correspondent, Omole Isaac, did have a chat with her. The elegant and down-to-earth beauty Queen did lay bare some details in the course of the chat.
       The beautiful Miss Adegbite Adepeju did reveal the reason(s) behind Beauty Pageantry. She also spoke about her plans as Miss Tourism Osun state.
   Read the interview she had with Radar news network:

Interviewer:

First.... Tell us about yourself?

Miss Tourism Osun:
My name is Adegbite ADEPEJU Deborah. I am from a family of 6, the second and the only female child. I am a student of Obafemi Awolowo University and a part 3 student of the department of linguistics and African Languages.
I am into modelling and beauty pageantry. I am 22years of age, a Christian, the current vice president 2 of National Association of Osun State Students(OAU chapter) and also the treasurer of my department  as well the assistant class representative of my class.
Am 5'6 feet tall,and I am dark-complexioned.
My favorite colour is purple because it stands for royalty
My hobbies are making friends,  meeting people, travelling, cooking, modelling, dressing up and listening to music.
I like honesty, neatness
I dislike looking down on people, gossiping, dirtiness and dulling myself
I'm of the baptist denomination.
I'm currently the Miss Tourism of the state of Osun and the former Miss Osun OAU chapter.

Interviewer: what is the motive behind beauty pageantry?
Miss Tourism Osun:
build myself in terms of confidence
To show people what I've got, that am not only Beautiful but am Bold and Brilliant (the 3 Big Bs).

Interviewer:

How have you been able to cope with academics and being a beauty pageant?

Miss Tourism Osun:

Yeah... Seriously, at the beginning, it wasn't easy cos I needed to meet people. Being the first Miss tourism in the state of Osun, I together with the organisers of the event need to let them know the office of Miss tourism now exists in the state. Right now, am fully on campus, attending lectures. But once in a while I just must attend events organized by the state government.

Interviewer:

As the first miss tourism in the state, what do you understand by tourism?

Miss Tourism Osun:

Hmmm... Tourism in my own view is the marketing of the enjoyable and other features of a travel destination, and provision of facilities and services for the pleasure of travelers(tourists).

Interviewer :

How do you think Tourism can be importance to the State?

Miss Tourism Osun:
There is no state without at least a tourist center. Tourist centers sometimes attracts business men from all over the world to make establishment in a particular state. Let me cite hotels as an example, foreign visitors coming around to see a tourist center in a state needs a place to stay after they have had fun. This alone is a very good source of fund for the state government cos owners of hotels must pay their tax.
Also, visitors pay at the entrance of tourist centers, part of the gate fee goes to the ministry of tourism. If there are lots of establishment as a result of tourist centers, the state is going to develop, rural areas will gradually turn to urban area, there will be job opportunities, the state itself will be highly recognized, there are also other benefits.




Interviewer:

What plans do you have as Miss Tourism, Osun?

Miss Tourism Osun:

Presently, I have my projects on ground. I already carried out one during the children's day at Ooni of ife's palace With the Olori. I have a cultural night that will be coming up before the end of this year. I am planning Osun festival at the end of the year.  An empowerment program for the less privileged will come up in Oshogbo , this is in conjunction With Queen Osun and the state government. I am also planning touring round tourist centers in Ife and on that same day, participants are gonna party till day break. I am working on documentaries about our tourist centers in the state of Osun, this will be showcased on TV stations in and outside the state of  Osun.


Interviewer:
Why do you like about pageantry?

Miss Tourism Osun:
Like is not the word, I love it! What really is the cause is the fact that all beauty Queens, both past and present are big ladies. They go to places, they are recognized. With my crown and sash, I can walk up to any individual without being stopped by anybody. Also, pageantry makes one an automatic ambassador, people will always want see and hear from a beauty Queen. Queens are always well connected. To mention but few.

Interviewer:

How did you get to become miss tourism, Osun?

Miss Tourism Osun:

I would have contested last year, but then I was still having the Omidan Osun title on OAU campus. I got the form by March and went to camp by April. The competition was on the 16th of April. And I did so well adding the OAU aluta stuff(smiles) I can say that in addition to my boldness, I stood out because of my good knowledge in Yoruba language which other Lagos babes dont really have.

Interviewer:
Between  omidan Osun and  miss tourism, Osun, which one do you think would give you the better platform to serve humanity?

Miss Tourism Osun:
Miss tourism Osun of course. Cos now, am closer to the government . I can serve as a link between people, most especially the youth and the government.

Interviewer:
Did you contest for miss Osun or you just went for miss tourism??

Miss Tourism Osun:
I contested for both.

Interviewer:
Would you have prefered to be miss Osun rather than being Miss Tourism, Osun?

Miss Tourism Osun:
No. The reason is, the current Queen Osun cannot vie for any contest in the state next year. But I still have another chance of vying for Queen Osun. This will further strengthen the link I have in my state before going to the outside world.

Interviewer:
As a student of Obafemi Awolowo University, you did say you are studying Linguistics and African Languages, why the choice of that course?

Miss Tourism Osun:
Smiles... Linguistics and African languages is the name of my department. In my department, we have linguistics students and Yoruba students. Am proud to tell you that am a Yoruba student. I chose it when I was filling my Jamb form. My love for Yoruba started right from my secondary school days. I used to lead my class mates then . Am telling you that, my knowledge in Yoruba language really helped me in all the competitions I have been to. Because Yoruba students are taught both in English and Yoruba languages. We have knowledge also in other fields. But other contestants always fail when it comes to Yoruba aspect of contests. In fact ehn, as far as the Miss tourism contest is concerned, it was at the Traditional appearance that some of the contestants were evicted from stage because of their bad usage of Yoruba language. I chose Yoruba language in the start because of three good readons:
1. my love for that course while in secondary school. I led my set in Yoruba language all through
2. My love for yoruba culture and tradition. I want to know more
3. I want to stand out! You may be wondering how? Most of my friends are studying law and English. I don't want to follow crowd. I want to follow my passion. When I started as a diploma student 5 years ago, most of my friends then used to laugh at me that I am studying ordinary Yoruba. Some would hiss, etc. But today, they bow. And some of them are now ashamed. This is so because of all the achievements I have been able to achieve as an 'ordinary' Yoruba student.

Interviewer: Hope being a student has not been affecting your duties as a beauty queen?

Miss Tourism Osun:I am coping definitely. Some of my courses right now have been chosen when I was a diploma student. And I no longer offer restricted elective courses. And my course mates have been so wonderful as regards the time table. These make it so easy for me.

Interviewer: You did mention being a diploma student, tell us about that...

Miss Tourism Osun: Yeah. I was a diploma student for two years before I came in fully in 2014. I got admitted  as a diploma student in 2012. I wasn't happy then cos all my friends then were admitted fully. Then, I was not considered as a full time student and could not participate in so many things. But today, I thank God I passed through diploma. I see it as an extra time. If I have graduated last session, I won't have been able to think of involving in so many activities today. It is not how fast but how well..

Interviewer: You mean you did Diploma in Linguistics and African Languages?

Miss Tourism Osun: Yes.

Interviewer:On OAU Campus?

Miss Tourism Osun:Yes.

Interviewer:So,miss Peju, what is your relationship status? I am sure, most people out there want to know

Miss Tourism Osun: I am single.

Interviewer: What is your philosophy about life?

Miss Tourism Osun: One should not forget one's solace

Interviewer:What advice do you have for Youths out there?

Miss Tourism Osun: I am a lady of few words. BE YOURSELF! Don't ever copy anyone. One man's meat is another man's poison. No one knows it all and you can't satisfy everybody. Set goals, follow them up, and be the best you can be. Anything you have interest in, surf the internet and read about people that have been into it in the past and presently. That will ginger you to work more on yourself so that they can read about you as well. Don't wait till you are out of school. It may be too late then . Start now, pray fervently, eat and rest. The body is the  carrier of your dream, so take good care of it. Build your confidence, you can do it! And always look good. Be neat and simple. God bless you all. I love you all....
   

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EFCC TAKES ELUJOBA TO COURT ;ELUJOBA APPEARS IN COURT HANDCUFFED

By O'Zik

On the 6th of July, 2017, Obafemi Awolowo University erstwhile Acting Vice-chancellor, Professor Anthony Elujoba was arraigned before the Oshogbo high court, sitting in Ede, on a seven-count charge. The suit was filed by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission on behalf of the federal government of Nigeria.

Professor Elujoba appeared before the court with his hands handcuffed.

Professor Elujoba wasn't the only one who appeared in court but also in court was Mrs Josephine Akeredolu(Obafemi Awolowo University Bursar).

The 7-count charge levelled against OAU's erstwhile Acting Vice-chancellor and OAU Bursar includes - conspiracy to commit felony to wit contrary to section 316 of the criminal laws of Osun State, 2003;Stealing, contrary to section 390 of the criminal code laws of Osun state, 2003;Abuse of office, contrary to Section 104 of the Criminal code laws of Osun State, 2003;Abuse of office, contrary to section 104 of the Criminal code laws of Osun State ;Stealing, contrary to section 390(9)of the criminal code law of Osun state;Conspiracy to commit gratification, contrary to section 26(c)of the Independent corrupt Practices and other related offences act, 2000, and ;Using position for gratification, contrary to section 19 of the Independent and Corrupt practices and other related offences Act,2000.

The particulars of the alleged offence committed by Prof Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu  contained in the suit filed against them by EFCC on behalf of the federal government are:
1.Alleged conspiracy to commit felony ;
2 . That Prof. Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu allegedly converted the sum of  #5,777,595.00k belonging to OAU for furniture allowance;
3. That Prof Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu allegedly deposited the sum of  #108,508,378.21k, property of Obafemi Awolowo University into a fixed deposit account with WEMA bank plc without following due process;
4.That Between August and September 2016, Prof Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu allegedly with the intent to defraud deposited the sum of #9,939,719.86k into a fixed deposit account with WEMA bank Plc without due process ;
5.That Prof. Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu allegedly converted to their own use #300,000.00k belonging to Obafemi Awolowo University to be their productivity bonus ;
6. That Prof Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu distributed the sum of #1,060,725,000.00k to OAU staff as productivity bonus , and ;
7. That Prof Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu allegedly conferred unfair advantages to themselves and colleagues to the tune of #1,060,725.00k which was purported as productivity bonus.

However, reactions have trailed the detention of Prof Elujoba as some persons feel that he is been punished for doing the right thing.
A student of Obafemi Awolowo University,Adekunle, in an interview with one of our correspondents had this to say :
"Prof. Elujoba is a good man and one of the best Vice-chancellors OAU has ever had. I feel he did the right thing by paying OAU staff the money owed them. We were on strike, and we were on the verge of wasting an academic calendar, I do not see any wrongful spending in paying allowances of university staff "

Another student who pleaded on the grounds of anonymity had this to say," Prof Bamitale was accused of corruption, yet he wasn't treated this way. I don't think he was even taken to court. What kind of country are we? This man(Prof. Elujoba) did nothing wrong as far as I am concerned .Paying staff allowances isn't wrong  and come to think of it, he saved us from another crisis. "

We would recall that Prof Elujoba and Miss Akeredolu were invited to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission office in Ibadan a while back for quizzing as regards the payment of OAU workers' allowances, salaries and arrears.

Professor Elujoba and Mrs Akeredolu are to appear before the Oshogbo state high Court,sitting in Ede,on the 7th of July, 2017.

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LAGOS AT 50 ; STATE OF SECURITY IN LAGOS STATE.

A view of the state.

By O'Zik

This year, 2017, does mark the 50th year(golden jubilee) cum anniversary of Lagos being a state within the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
We should not be quick to forget that this same area was at a time a colony of Britain in 1861, before it was amalgamated to be part of the southern and northern protectorate of Nigeria in 1914 by the then Governor-General, Lord Lugard.
It is also fact that it had once held the position of being capital of Lagos(technically/officially) and it does has a rich history as part of the over  50 years old Republic Republic of Nigeria.

The state has grown and as at 2007 population census, ranked second in Nigeria, trailing behind Kano. It is seen as the commercial nerve of Nigeria and maybe the "business centre" of the country. As a matter of fact, it is seen as a metropolis and is gradually transforming into a megacity.

However, no country or state is without challenges. Since the inception of the Akinwunmi Ambode administration, Lagos has developed tremendously as he did lay new standards and continued with laudable projects commenced by his predecessor.

Security in Lagos has been technically good but issues still abound, especially in the main lands of Lagos- Ikorodu axis, Kosofe, Bayeku and Ibeshe axis, Isawo and Agric.
For over a year or so, there have been killings in Agric by persons suspected to be Ijaws from South-south geographical zone. These persons are alleged to rob and steal from their victims and eventually end up killing them.

Residents of the affected area(Agric) did lay their grievances and cried out but the matter wasn't attended to in time. We are not sure if the onslaught of persons in the area has stopped officially. The question is, why the stealing and killings?
From the research we made, the Ijaws seem not to like the emergence of  Mohammadu Buhari and they feel their person (Goodluck Jonathan)  was "slied". A version of the reasons for the killings and stealing Posits that(allegedly) that these Ijaws engage vehemently in oil bunkering and vandalism but they've lost their grip on their supposed cum illegal means of livelihood due to certain security measures put in place by the Federal and state Government.

Examining areas like Ikorodu central, Odogunyan, Ikorodu Garage, we do hear of cases of cult group clashes at regular intervals. I do commend the "Onyabo group"( a security outfit) which has succeeded in reducing the operations of these groups.

Just recently, an hydra-headed security issue arose, the killings of  people by a group popularly called " Bhadoo".
This group first started their Onslaught of humans in Ibeshe,Lagos. Residents in the area claim that they would enter a house around 12-4am, rape females and kill everyone in that house using a stone made completely with(of) cement.

The latest news heard of them is that they did wipe out a whole family in Adamo, Ikorodu North local council development area. Most people in the area are fleeing for their life, confusion has rented the area, most families and individuals cannot sleep with their two eyes closed.  They live in perpetual fear.

Speaking with a resident of Adamo, he did say this, "We want the Federal government and Lagos state government to come to our rescue. Most of my neighbors have abandoned their homes and most of us sleep in fear after the awful incident that happened recently,we appeal that security agencies be deployed to our area, the Federal and state government should tighten up security of lives and property-we would also be on the lookout ".

In an attempt to know the origin of the bhadoo group or how they operate. It was discovered that their paymasters most likely are politicians and some wealthy individuals.
A guy was said to be apprehended in Ibeshe while trying to rape a lady, on interrogation, he did confess that he was a member of the dreaded  "bhadoo" group and they do work for politicians and some wealthy people. He did also shed light on their modus de operandi.

Sincerely and honestly speaking, the Federal government and even the Governor Ambode Administration should really look for ways and means of strengthening security within the state especially her mainlands.

I think at this juncture, residents of areas in Lagos that have been ravaged by killings and stealing should not totally depend on security agencies-it is high time they also made use of local vigilante groups cum security outfits to serve as support for the existing security agencies that may be deployed by the government.

Lagos is a state with diverse ethnic groups and persons, a state loved by all but it would be very weird if this same state is marred -killings, security issues in the main land if not controlled may become a national or big security problem/challenge.

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