The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  •  Letter to Nigerian youths

     Letter to Nigerian youths

    Dear Nigerian youths,

    This letter being addressed to you through this medium (The Message)is not by design but by accident. Nigerians of my age and beyond (70+) never had an opportunity to be so addressed. Let it be known to you that except life and sound health, none of Allah’s bounties to man is as treasure-able as youthfulness. The definition of youth varies from place to place and from faith to faith. But generally, youthfulness spans from the age of puberty (at 16) to that of reasoning (at 40).

    That is the second stage of human life as it follows that of adolescence. It can be said therefore that the juiciest part of human life is what people call youth. And whoever is blessed with it is blessed with all hopes of life.

    Youth is the spur of ambition and risk. It is the period of determination and resolution. It encourages attraction between genders and engenders association across boundaries. All efforts in human life that yield results in old age are made at youthful age. To an average youth anywhere in the world, the sky is never the limit. There are still many other firmaments beyond the sky. Youth is the stage of hard work. It is the stage of planning. It is the stage of vision and mission. That is why the youths of any nation are seen as the bone marrow of such a nation and the beacons of the future. And fortunately, youths invariably constitute majority of the existing people at any given time in any given nation.

    Youths before now

    In the years past when life had meaning and culture had value, youths were seen as the pride of the nation. They were the natural arrows fixed to the parental bows which were often shot through the iron gate of life. This was the case in Nigeria before and during the colonial era. And after the country’s independence, the youths constituted the glory and hope of their parents. Their role in the family encouraged the bearing of many children as they partnered their fathers in tilling the farm land and harvesting the crops. In short, they formed the live wire of their families.

    When a father was said to be rich in those days, it was only because he had many children (male and female) who constituted the workforce of the family. The father’s pride then was not just the number of children he had but the volume of contribution made by those children to his wealth. Thus, children were considered as wealth.

    Read Also: Yomi Faparusi: U.S.-based Nigerian to contest for House of Reps

    In those days, youths were not just helpers of their parents on the farms or in   their trades they also assisted them in training the younger ones. Yet, they had the highest esteem for those parents in their utterances and in their conduct. The level of discipline in those days was such that boys were handled by their fathers while girls were mostly handled by their mothers. And the mothers dared not utter a word while any child was being subjected to discipline by the father. In a nutshell the upbringing of a child was the main key to societal serenity.

    Change of trend

    Today, Nigeria is a different story altogether. The youths of yesteryears have become the elders of today. They have left the chord of discipline that escorted them into the world of decency to the new train of indecency. And that chord is no longer suitable for either today or tomorrow as the trend has changed dramatically. The current trend began in January 1966 when some uncultured youths in military uniform, spurred by blind ambition, threw the value of age and experience to the winds and killed the then leaders of the Nigerian nation in what was called a military coup d’état. By that unfortunate act they plunged the nation into a precipitate civil war that rendered the youth wild and eroded the value of youthfulness.

    For 13 years thereafter, the vagabonds remained in power using whim in place of experience. And when a brief civilian interlude came on board in 1979 for only four years, the vagabonds perched on the governance again and like hungry vultures, they fed on the carcass of democracy to their fill. Through that unbridled usurpation of power, the so-called Nigerian military weaned themselves from the ladle of integrity and destroyed whatever was left of their nomenclature.

    Here we are today, looking desperately like a starved hawk and hanging restlessly in the balance like a gagged hyena. Virtually every Nigerian has forgotten the real cause of our calamity. The cry everywhere is now about the effect of that calamity on the nation. No one endeavours to look back and see where the downfall started from.

    And without looking back, there can never be any correction as to how to rise again. A Yoruba adage states axiomatically that when a toddler falls down he looks forward (to see if there is any adult around to lift him up). But when an adult falls he looks backwards (to see the cause of his fall). That is the difference between experience and potential.

    Banking on potential to govern a nation that requires experience as did the eaglet Nigerian military can never bring any meaningful result. Both potential and experience have their roles and chances in any society. But neither can take the place of the other.

    The difference

    You the youths of today are different from those of yesteryears in many ways and the differences are clear. The youths of the past were very hardworking and dedicated. They served their parents diligently and stood by them in all circumstances. They sought their parents’ advice and learned from the latter’s experiences. You the youths of today are very lazy, slothful, time wasting and lackadaisical in your attitude to life even as you are served by your parents from infancy to old age. Yet you despise those parents and treat them with disdain like nonentities. You believe that those parents had worked on your behalves and that you are only in the world to enjoy the fruits of their labour.

    The youths of the past were patient, contended and full of respect for the elders. They were humble, obedient, always eager to know as they queued up to learn.  You the youths of today are very inpatient, greedily ambitious and you see yourselves as masters of knowledge when in actual fact you are slaves of ignorance. Unlike the youths of the past, you the youths of today are mostly empty-headed, very arrogant, highly materialistic and hastily avaricious.

    You always want to start your lives from the peak of your parents’ achievements without asking about what those parents had gone through before reaching the peak.

    You spend money lavishly without working for it and you never think of bearing any responsibility either in the homes or in the society. You are generally characterised by all the conducts that were classified as shame in the past. To you shame has its price. And as long as you can pay that price in coins by whatever means, you are important in your own estimation. Thus, shame, as far as you are concerned, is a vital aspect of culture which has no negative effect on your lifestyle. As a matter of fact you have taken shame for pride.

    If a few youths of the past can be described as a bunch of problems for their society, due to their misbehaviour, majority of you today’s youths are the real cogs in the societal wheel of progress. To you, life has no meaning except it is heavily coded in money.

    Your slogan that “long life is irrelevant in the absence of money” is a testimony to this assertion. That life span in Nigeria has dropped so drastically is due to your disappointing lifestyle which often creates hypertension for your parents and leads to their early death. Few parents talk of heirs nowadays because those of you who are supposed to be their heirs have long thrown away the toga of worthy heirs. In the past, mothers were not known for staying with their daughters in the latter’s matrimonial homes while leaving their husbands behind without care. This strange but new trend that has almost become a part of Nigerian culture arose because of the incompetence of today’s young women, even after many years of training, is questionable. Thus, despite the ubiquity of young men and women, there is scarcity of husbands and wives just as there is dirge of fathers and mothers.

    Virtually everything that matters to you today’s youths is devoid of our known core value. By your measure, the value of life can be found only in the volume of naira.

    Causes of generational change

    Whenever there is cause to review the generational trend with the intention of righting the wrong, you the youths of today are often quick in pointing accusing fingers mischievously at the generations ahead of you saying they caused the debacle. But while pinching the back of the elders you often forget that sooner or later you may become elders whose back will be pinched by the youths who succeed your own generation.

    You have forgotten that most of the scientific discoveries and technological advancement of your age which lured you into roguery were not available for the past youths. There were no such things as hard drugs, cyber crimes, armed robbery, sophisticated fraud through manipulation of figures and forgery of signatures. There were no cases of rape, child and human trafficking, audacious prostitution and day light murder with impunity as are rampant among you today.

    To you, all these crimes are either professions or callings in which you   actively engage. Thus, you do not believe in the existence of any demarcation between decency and indecency an indication that ‘family name’ which was highly valued in the past has no meaning to you. Unlike most youths of the past, you were sent to school but your goal was mere certificate rather than knowledge. And what you acquired in those schools in the name of education is hardly worth the paper on which your certificates are printed. For most of the years you spent in school, your preoccupation was either cultism or other frivolous activities that have no bearing with education. That is why most of you turn out to be unemployable University or Polytechnic graduates. A few of you who secured public employments have been discovered to be sheer misfits on those jobs as your competence remains questionable.

    Implications

    The implications of all these are many. While most of you are not quite useful to the present you are also not hopeful about the future.

    There is hardly any major crime in Nigeria today that is not principally committed by you today’s youths all in the quest for money.

     It seems that the only language you understand is money and only those who can speak the language of money command your respect.

    Many centuries before our time, an Arab poet intuitively came up with a sonnet fits perfectly into today’s Nigerian situation. He said: “Here is the era against which we had been warned through the admonitions of Ubayy Bn Ka‘ab and that of Abdullah Bn Mas‘ud; an era in which truth would be totally rejected while falsehood and insurgence would be glorified and held aloft; Should this era linger without any change (of attitude) neither cry at a funeral nor smile on the announcement of a new birth would be experienced”.

    Which of the situation expressed in the above poem is not applicable to Nigeria today. What impact does religion have on the society again?

    We used to know of motor spare parts. Today, spare parts are no more of motor but of human beings. And the most active merchants of this queer business are you the youths of today. When we talk of illegal oil bunkering, it is the business of the youths. When we talk of kidnapping, it is the business of today’s youths. When we talk of suicide bombing and terrorism, it is the business of today’s youths.

    And all these are for money and nothing else. Where is Nigeria going from here?

    Conclusion

    The aim of this expository article is not to malign or denigrate the youths of today. All the children of this columnist are today’s youths who do not constitute a separate island. But preaching is like a mud surrounded by men and women in immaculate regalia. No one of them will be spared if the mud is splashed. As a onetime youth and now a father qualified to be called an elder, it is not expected of my type to start throwing stones while residing in a glass house. But truth knows no boundary. It cruises on like a surging train without minding whose ox is gored. To rekindle Nigeria’s old hope or create a new one for the future, the youths of today must return to the established values of the past. It was through those values that the tranquility of the world was solidly upheld. And it was through deviation from it that the world became as restive as it is today. If tranquility must return as wished by many, you the youths of today must change your loins. And that is the only atonement that the world requires to return to tranquility.

  • Uba Sani’s strides in education

    Uba Sani’s strides in education

    Sir: Since his inauguration as the executive governor of Kaduna State on May, 29 2023, Governor Uba Sani has never hidden his desire and passion to develop education in the state. Evidence is the reduction or slashing of tuition fees of state’s tertiary institutions by 50% as witnessed last year.

    The downward review of the fees aligns with his government’s commitment to offer palliatives to cushion the effect of general rising cost of living in the polity, especially in the wake of recent petroleum subsidy removal.

    The governor continues to take all measures necessary to ensure access to free and qualitative education for every child in Kaduna State from primary to secondary school; expand access to higher education; enhance teachers’ welfare and teaching standards; improve school infrastructure; build ICT competence in students from basic education level; and intensify investments in technical and vocational education.

    Read Also: Banditry, kidnapping responsible for declining school enrollment in Kaduna – Gov Uba Sani

     Governor Uba Sani did not stop at that. His sympathy for the less privileged has further manifested recently, where he directed the state university to allow students facing financial difficulties to sit for exams despite outstanding school fees for the 2023/2024 academic session. The university’s management, will later in a statement explain that the development was under the directive of Governor Uba Sani, to lessen the impact of current economic challenges on its student body.  Governor Uba Sani’s giant strides in education within a period of less than a year are a testimony of his avowed determination and commitment to improve literacy rate in the state.

     The trajectory of primary education in Kaduna State started during the last administration of Nasir El-rufai where thousands of primary school teachers considered incompetent or unqualified were sacked. However, the subsequent recruitment by the government failed to fill in the vacuum created by the massive retrenchment. I believe Governor Uba Sani is not unaware of the understaffing in the primary education. Some primary schools in the state are in desperate need of teachers. Disturbingly, one can find many schools with more population but insufficient teachers to cover up expected lessons. The governor should scale up massive recruitment to augment the shortages of manpower. If the twins problems of inadequate teachers and training of teaching personal are addressed, our struggling primary education will breathe a new life, emerge stronger and become a force to reckon with.                                         

    •Job James Maigamo,

    Nasaru, Kubau LGEA, Kaduna State.

  • Can the judiciary save local government system in Anambra?

    Can the judiciary save local government system in Anambra?

    By Chekwube Nzomiwu

    Another opportunity has beckoned for the judiciary to resolve the prolonged impasse in local government administration in Anambra State. Since 1999, Anambra State has witnessed only two democratic transitions at the local government level. Within the same period, there were transitions to five democratically elected administrations at the state-level under different governors. The governors were Chinwoke Mbadinuju (May 1999 to May 2003), Chris Ngige (May 2003-March 2006), Peter Obi (March 2006-March 2014), Willie Obiano (March 2014-March 2022) and Professor Charles Soludo (March 2022 till date). All these administrations had their democratically constituted legislative arms, comprising elected members of the House of Assembly who make laws for the state.

    But, at the local government level, the opposite was the case. Rather than conduct elections to elect chairmen and councillors for the 21 councils and 326 wards in the state, respectively, governors ran the local government administration with handpicked officials, in contravention of the law and a subsisting judgment of a competent court, which held that the state government cannot impose leaders on the local government areas.

    Read Also: Court rejects suit against Fed Govt’s plan to delay payment of CBN’s N22.7tn loans

    Section (7) 1 of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution (as amended) guarantees a local government system by democratically elected councils. The constitution further imposes a duty on the state government to ensure the existence of such democratically elected local government. In Anambra State in particular, the Local Government Law of 1999, provides for the establishment, structure, composition, finance and functions of the local government councils, and for related purposes.

    It will be recalled that the Federal High Court Enugu in a landmark judgment in suit no. FHC/EN/CS/90/2005, declared that the Anambra State Government has no power to appoint officials to govern local government areas. Justice A. L. Allagoa entered the judgment on September 26, 2006, in favour of an activist and politician, Dr. Ifeanyichukwu Okonkwo who was the sole plaintiff in the matter.

    The judge held that by the combined effect of Section 7 (1) and 318 (i) (c) of the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Governor of Anambra State has no power in the appointment and approval of caretaker management committee, or in whatever name so called, to administer respectively, the 21 Local Government Council Areas in Anambra State.

    Okonkwo had complained to the court that he was being denied the right guaranteed him in the African Charter on Human and Peoples Right, Cap A, 9 Articles 13 (1) 24; 28 and 29 (2) of the L.F.N.2004 vol. 1, to participate in his domestic government in Idemili South and the third tier of government-the Local Government Council-which Section 7 (1) of the 1999 Constitution decreed.

    In his judgment, Justice Allagoa held that the Anambra State law providing for caretaker committee is inconsistent with Section 7 (1) of the Constitution. “Looking at the provision literally, it is clear that the constitution of the local government by democratic system is guaranteed by the constitution itself. The constitution then imposed a duty on the state government to ensure the existence of such democratically elected local government,” Allagoa said.

    He further made it clear that the powers of the State House of Assembly under Section 7 (1) of the Constitution, to legislate concerning local government councils, clearly did not include power of the state government to appoint caretaker committee to run local government.  Consequently, the court ordered the 2nd, 3rd and 4th respondents-the Governor of Anambra State, Anambra State House of Assembly and Commissioner for Justice, Anambra State-to pay the sum of N5 million as exemplary damages to the plaintiff. The defendants complied with the judgment and it subsists till date.

    Regardless, 18 years after the judgment, governors in Anambra State continued to run local government administration with undemocratically elected officials, wearing the garb of transition committees. The last local government election in Anambra State was held 11 years ago at the twilight of the Obi administration in November 2013. Incidentally, it was the only council polls held during the eight years of Obi administration, which ran the councils with transition committees.

    Piqued by the obstinacy of the governors, Okonkwo recently dragged Soludo and three of his predecessors to the Federal High Court, Awka Division, over alleged use of undemocratically elected officials to run the councils. In the fresh suit brought through originating summons, he is requesting for nine consequential reliefs/directing orders, premised on the interpretation of the previous judgment of the court in suit no. FHC/EN//CS/2005, delivered on September 26, 2006.

    Listed as 1st to 8th defendants respectively in the latest matter are the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Governor of Anambra State, Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice, Anambra State and Anambra State House of Assembly. Others are former governors, Ngige, Obi, Obiano, for themselves and on behalf of their transition chairmen and councillors, and Livinus Onyenwe for himself and on behalf of transition chairmen under the Soludo administration.

    Besides redefining local government administration in Anambra State, the suit has wider implications. For instance, having acted contrary to the constitution which they swore to uphold, the governors risk being barred by the court from contesting election or occupying public office or seeking for re-election under the 1999 Constitution. In particular, the suit constitutes a threat to the second term ambition of Soludo.

    The plaintiff is also asking for an order to compel the 2nd to 8th defendants to render public account before the court, of all funds, illegally expended by them or agents and privies, during their respective administrations, while executing their illegal and unconstitutional usurpation of offices at the local government council areas in Anambra State, by tampering with public funds, excluding salaries and allowances of local government council employees and workers expenditure. If the court grants the orders, it will serve as deterrence to governors from usurping the functions of the councils and scare people away from accepting illegal council appointments. It will equally encourage the conduct of local government election.

    The plaintiff is further asking for an order, directing the 1st, 2nd, 3rd, 4th and 8th defendant to publish before the Honourable Court, the FAAC Allocation to the respective 21 local government areas in Anambra State from 2006 to 2024. This will improve accountability in the councils.

    In addition, he is urging the court to order the 1st respondent (the Federal Republic of Nigeria) to put into the effect the unanimously passed resolution of the Senate, asking the Federal Government to halt the statutory allocation of funds to local government area councils, where chairmen and councillors were not democratically elected. Okonkwo demanded for exemplary damages of N100 billion in his favour, against the 2nd to 8th defendants. 

    Finally, the case will impact positively on the traditional institutions and town unions in Anambra State, which have been bedevilled by crisis as a result of imposition of leaders, giving rise to grassroots autocracy and financial malfeasance. The plaintiff wants an order, nullifying/setting aside all the purported directives,  financial expenditures, presentment of “Igwe elects” by town unions to chairmen of transition councils, and issuance of certificates of recognition to them as His Royal Highnesses (H.R.H) for government recognition, purportedly made by the illegal and unconstitutionally constituted caretaker/transition committees with effect from September 26, 2006 by the 2nd to 8th defendants, having not been democratically elected.

    •Nzomiwu writes from Awka, Anambra State.

  • A year of healing and unifying Nigeria

    A year of healing and unifying Nigeria

    Sir: It has been President Tinubu’s one year of healing and unifying Nigeria. In his inaugural speech on May 29, 2023, the president made a declaration that has become a defining motif of his administration.

    He said: ‘Our administration shall govern on your behalf but never rule over you. We shall consult and dialogue but never dictate. We shall reach out to all but never put down a single person for holding views contrary to our own. We are here to further mend and heal this nation, not tear, and injure it.’’

    And true to his promise, President Tinubu has been listening and reaching out to Nigerians of diverse complexions and artificial partitions, as well as mending and healing the nation.

    The president has maintained an accustomed patriotic, graceful, and expansive mien. In his public statements, mostly done extempore, he has always faithfully affirmed his commitment to Nigeria’s unity.

    In one of his many noble articulations, he said: “I am irrevocably committed to the unity of Nigeria and constitutional democracy. Constitutional democracy has been reflected greatly here since we assumed office.’’

    Read Also: Prince Harry, Meghan arrive Nigeria Friday

    Also to consider are the broad and far-reaching projects and programmes which are in themselves totems of unity – with all Nigerians, irrespective of class or creed, as beneficiaries and potential beneficiaries.

    The approval of the Renewed Hope Infrastructure Development Fund to facilitate effective infrastructure development across the pivotal areas of agriculture, transportation, ports, aviation, energy, healthcare, and education, with salient projects across the country is a further affirmation of statesmanship and leadership.

     The ongoing epochal Lagos-Calabar Coastal Road, with its attendant immense economic and social benefits to many states within and outside that corridor; the Sokoto-Badagry Road project, and the completed Port Harcourt to Aba stretch of the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri narrow-gauge rail, among other key developments across the nation, asserts the all-encompassing and genuine intentionality to nation building. No Nigerian is left behind.

    Within the first year, the president also approved the upgrade of key health infrastructure and equipment across all six geo-political zones in line with his administration’s vision of overhauling the health and social welfare sector for enhanced service delivery to all Nigerians.

    The following teaching hospitals across the geo-political zones were marked for the establishment of oncology and nuclear medicine centres as part of the president’s bid to ensure that top-tier cancer diagnosis and care is accessible across the country: (1) University of Benin Teaching Hospital, (2) Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, (3) University of Nigeria (Nsukka) Teaching Hospital, (4) Federal Teaching Hospital, Katsina, (5) University of Jos Teaching Hospital, and (6) Lagos University Teaching Hospital.

    Ten other hospitals across all the geo-political zones were also pencilled for critical healthcare-service expansion projects across the fields of radiology, clinical pathology, medical and radiation oncology, and cardiac catheterization.

    The take-off of the first phase of the Consumer Credit Scheme, to enable citizens improve their quality of life by accessing goods and services upfront, paying responsibly over time, and by the same token bolstering local industry and stimulating job creation is another social cohesion sealant – with all classes of working Nigerians as beneficiaries. 

    In summary, the establishment of the Nigerian Education Loan Fund (NELFUND) with the pre-eminent vision of safeguarding Nigeria’s future by ensuring that all Nigerian students and youths, regardless of their social, ethnic, or religious backgrounds, have access to sustainable higher education and functional skills, further accents the president’s fidelity to building a stable, strong, united, peaceful, and progressive nation.

    One thing is certain: Citizens agree that they have a president for all Nigerians.

    •Fredrick Nwabufo,

     The Presidency, Abuja.

  • Cultivating a favourable work environment for women

    Cultivating a favourable work environment for women

    Sir: In Nigeria, as in many parts of the world, women have from time immemorial been an integral part of the workforce, contributing significantly to various sectors of the economy. Despite their undeniable capabilities, women across the continent often face unique challenges and barriers especially in the workplace.

    According to the International Labour Organisation (ILO), women globally are paid 20% less than men and majority of the gender wage pay may be related to sexism or gender discrimination even though sometimes it can be attributed to individual qualities like education, experience, or skill level. The situation is even worse in several African countries.

    Issues of pregnancy, childbirth and caring for children or the elderly are just fewer personal reasons that frequently require more women than men to take a job break. It is clear that most times the difficulty of juggling work and home obligations prevent a lot of women from pursuing formal jobs and leadership positions due to the aforementioned challenges.

    Read Also: Prince Harry, Meghan arrive Nigeria Friday

    Women frequently find themselves in a bind between missing their children’s school performance, games, open day, sport day and working late hours at the office or travelling long distance for significant projects. Creating a favourable work environment for women is not only a matter of gender equality but also essential for maximizing talent, productivity, and innovation.

    In recent years, Nigeria has made strides in this regard, but there is still much work to be done to ensure that women can thrive professionally without facing discrimination or limitations. Some organizations now have a hybrid style of work to enable people to work from home, have crèche for nursing mothers and employed a professional care giver and HR policy that encourage women to apply for job opportunities and also ensure staff sign the anti-harassment policy.

    One of the primary factors in fostering a favourable work environment for women is ensuring equal opportunities for career advancement. Historically, women in Nigeria, like in many other countries, have faced systemic barriers to climbing the corporate ladder. However, there is growing recognition of the importance of diversity and inclusion in the workplace, leading to efforts to promote gender equality in leadership positions. Companies and organization are implementing gender policies and anti-harassment policies to support women’s career development, including mentorship programs, leadership training, and initiatives to address unconscious bias in promotion decisions.

    Flexible work arrangements also play a crucial role in creating a conducive environment for women in Nigeria. Balancing work and family responsibilities can be particularly challenging for women, especially in a society where traditional gender roles are deeply entrenched. Offering options such as remote work, flexible hours, and parental leave can help women better manage their personal and professional lives. By accommodating the diverse needs of employees, organizations not only support women but also benefit from increased employee satisfaction and retention.

    Furthermore, promoting a culture of respect and inclusivity is essential for creating a safe and supportive work environment for women. Addressing issues such as sexual harassment and discrimination is paramount in ensuring that women feel valued and empowered in the workplace. Companies must implement zero-tolerance policies for harassment, provide training to employees on appropriate behaviour, and establish confidential reporting mechanisms. By fostering a culture of respect and accountability, organizations can create an environment where all employees feel safe and able to contribute their best work.

    Additionally, promoting work-life balance and employee wellness initiatives can contribute to a positive work environment for women. Offering benefits such as onsite childcare facilities, wellness programs, health insurance and mental health support services can help women better manage the demands of their professional and personal lives. By prioritizing employee well-being, organizations demonstrate their commitment to creating a supportive and inclusive workplace culture.

    Creating a favourable work environment for women in Nigeria requires concerted efforts from businesses, government agencies, and society as a whole. By promoting equal opportunities for career advancement, implementing flexible work arrangements, fostering a culture of respect and inclusivity, investing in education and skills development, and prioritizing employee well-being, Nigeria can unlock the full potential of its female workforce.

    •Weng Dung,

    Centre for Social Justice, Abuja.

  • Every journalist should write a book

    Every journalist should write a book

    As I read Niran Adedokun’s new book, ‘Every Journalist Should Write A Book’, I see a number of our colleagues either dusting up their abandoned manuscripts or starting afresh. I see many who will read this book deciding to go beyond being just journalists and transiting into published authors. I see many being inspired and I see many still preferring to maintain the status quo, still saying no one will read them, still saying they don’t have time, still saying they don’t have money, still saying they don’t know how to find a publisher and still saying ‘I’ll start it tomorrow’ and when tomorrow comes, they’ll say there is still time; the same time we all know waits for no one. And in the long run, not every journalist will write a book.

    ‘Every Journalist Should Write A Book’ captures the multifaceted role of journalists, who traverse diverse landscapes from palaces to slums, documenting the tapestry of human experiences. They serve as catalysts for economic revival, dissecting facts and figures for the masses while engaging with leaders and dissecting public policies. The author laments the loss when journalists fail to immortalise their wealth of knowledge and experiences in books, a missed opportunity for personal growth and societal benefit.

    The author doesn’t present this book-writing task as being without challenges. Adedokun underscores the need for perseverance and discipline in mastering the art of writing. He goes further to establish the wide gap between journalistic writing and the delicateness of the long-form writing that books require.

    He also gives insights into why many journalists are yet to become authors. Reasons: Mindset, procrastination, self-doubt, what to write about, fear of acceptance, money, perfectionism and unrealistic goals. He urges journalists to envision success, join support groups, defy negative thoughts and show themselves compassion.

    Read Also: Prince Harry, Meghan arrive Nigeria Friday

    Adedokun, who has authored books of essays, biographies and fiction, provides a roadmap that can lead journalists towards enlightenment and self-discovery.

    ‘Every Journalist Should Write a Book’ offers a practical approach. It has a ‘how to’ section which offers a slim-fit, step-by-step guide on craftmanship hurdles. He provides a catalogue of what journalists can write about. These include fiction and non-fiction. He breaks these genres further down into novels, memoirs, creative non-fiction, biographies, self-help, and more.

    Many journalists are beat reporters, meaning they cover specialised areas such as judiciary, entertainment, crime and so on. Documenting their experiences on the beat, especially major events, Adeniran believes, can make interesting reads and great books.

    Journalists also travel a lot in the course of their duties. Adedokun suggests travel books as something worth pursuing. Travel reporters, he urges, can even write travel guides as books.

    The book instills confidence and motivation with its examples of successful author-journalists. From Charles Dickens to Mark Twain and Napoleon Hill, Adedokun shows us journalists who transitioned to authors. He also has Nigerian examples such as Segun Osoba, Mike Awoyinfa, Dimgba Igwe, Toni Kan, Azuh Arinze, Lanre Idowu and others.

    Arinze, who edited National Encomium for years before starting YES magazine, has many books. One of them is called ‘Encounters’. It is about his meetings with important figures such as boardroom guru Dr. Christopher Kolade, ex-beauty queen Bianca Ojukwu, elegant stallion Onyeka Onwenu, ex-Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, the late Dora Akinyili, ex-Governor Segun Osoba, ex-Minister of Transportation Rotimi Amaechi, and Minister of Aviation Festus Keyamo. Others include Dr. Tunde Braimoh, advertising guru Biodun Shobanjo, United Bank for Africa owner Tony Elumelu, ex-Super Eagles star Nwankwo Kanu, Zenith bank owner Jim Ovia, Queen’s counsel, Fidelis Oditah, businessman Ken Caleb Olumese, movie star Kanayo O. Kanayo and Public Relations expert Yomi Badejo-Okusanya. Almost all reporters have met important people on their beats and can replicate something similar. Adedokun feels that the role models in the beats reporters cover can be subjects of books for them.

    Kan, a former editor of Hints, has written or co-written over 20 books. His first non-fictional book was on Princess Diana, which he co-wrote with David Dozie Njoku. He has also authored critically acclaimed works of fiction such as ‘Nights of the Creaking Bed’ and ‘Carnivorous City’. The two are still in so much demand over 10 years after they were released.

    The author also tells of his personal journey into becoming an author. His first book, ‘Ladies Calling The Shots’, is about female directors. He interviewed and did extensive profiles of them, which told us almost everything that should be known about them. Hungry for more, he followed up with a book of essays, ‘The Danfo Driver in All of Us’. A collection of short stories, ‘The Law is An Ass’, followed. Two biographies, one on the late Lt-Gen. Ibrahim Attahiru and the other on Wale Adenuga, have also come from his fountain.

    Seeing many of his colleagues sitting on books led to his latest, which offers pieces of advice on putting the ideas together, publishing and marketing of books and breaks down the types of publishing. The book’s value extends beyond mere authorship; it symbolises a legacy that transcends material wealth and fame. Adedokun emphasises that books, more than any other possession, ensure a lasting imprint in history, immortalising the author’s legacy.

    Long after I closed the last page of this book, I keep telling myself that veteran journalists need do us the honour of giving us books. They should not be like the great Lateef Jakande, whose memoirs went with him to his grave.

    The first female editor of a national newspaper, Dr. Doyin Abiola, owes us a book or books. One of them is a memoir on the June 12 crisis; the other is about her exciting times as a record-breaking journalist. It will be interesting to find out what was going on in the MKO Abiola family while the drama lasted and other juicy details I am convinced she has documented, for now, in her memory and needs to be downloaded on paper. And she has the mental and writing skills to do this. Will she oblige us?

    High Chief Ikechi Emenike, from snippets I have heard, has had fascinating experiences with finance ministers across Africa, especially West Africa, for decades. As the publisher of specialised Afro-centric magazines, he has had dealings with the drivers of economies. He has traversed that corridor like no one else I know. His adventures are the sort that will make a readable memoir, the type I’m dying to lay my hands on. Another book may also be about his wife’s emergence as Nigeria’s first female ambassador to the United States. Dr Elizabeth Emenike was our envoy to the Republic of Ireland before the then President, Muhammadu Buhari, named her the first female Nigerian ambassador to the U.S.

    Aside Dr Abiola and Emenike, there are so many other senior journalists owing us books. It is a debt they have to pay and it is hightime they paid it.

    My final take: It is a sin to die with a book in you, especially if you have all it takes—writing skills, resources, time and so on—to make it a reality and thus enrich the portfolios of human knowledge.

  • Can we let Ajuri Ngelale be?

    Can we let Ajuri Ngelale be?

    By Yinka Adaranijo

    Against the backdrop of their aroles in the management of media and communications during the campaigns of President Olusegun Obasanjo, a few names were already engraved in the public consciousness who could possibly lead his communication team. Dele Alake, Bayo Onanuga and Tunde Rahman were at the very top of the list. Alake and Onanuga indeed had very long relationships with Tinubu beginning from their years as editors of major newspapers and magazines. They were potent operatives with Tinubu and concerned Nigerians opposed to the better forgotten fistic rule of General Sani Abacha. They were the arrowheads of the “underground press” which reported the despondency of the Nigerian socio-political situation to the international community under the famously repressive reign of Abacha.

    Alake served as Tinubu’s topmost publicist in the latter’s years as governor of Lagos State. Alake it was who affixed the schedule “strategy” to the primordial brief of information commissioner. This has since been widely adopted by many who barely understand the origins of the initiative. Onanuga was director-general of the News Agency of Nigeria, (NAN), under Buhari, courtesy of Tinubu. Rahman succeeded Sunday Dare who would later serve as sports minister under Buhari as Tinubu’s media adviser, all the way into Tinubu’s presidential project. All three gentlemen could confidently and confidently stake their curriculum vitae in the quest for the job of presidential spokesperson.

    Read Also:President Tinubu deeply concerned about Gabon coup – Ajuri Ngelale

    The dynamics of politics is oftentimes unpredictable. For all his good works and professionalism as presidential spokesman during the presidential campaign of Obasanjo in 1998 and 1999, Onyema Ugochukwu, the legendary journalist was tipped indisputably for the job of Obasanjo’s media adviser. In working for Obasanjo, Ugochukwu incurred the wrath of his kinsmen in the Igbo country who thought him a betrayer. Alex Ekwueme a former vice president was also running for the presidency. Why would Ugochukwu choose to work for a Yoruba aspirant? One of the very first appointments Obasanjo made immediately after his inauguration was that of Doyin Okupe, a medical doctor as his media adviser!

    As it turned out, whereas Alake was at the very fore of presidential communication in the early weeks of the Tinubu government, the president’s sights were on Ajuri Ngelale as his media points man. A familiar face on television during his years in the African Independent Television, (AIT) and Channels Television, the young Ngelale had also served in the office of the immediate past vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, SAN. He is the son of Chief Precious Ngelale, from Rivers State who was Minister of State for Water Resources during Obasanjo’s first term. The president apparently had another crucial brief for Alake to handle, in developing the nation’s solid minerals sector as potential alternative to oil. Petroleum has remained the mainstay of the nation’s economy over several decades. Tinubu had his name on his ministerial shortlist close to his chest. He also had his ideas about how to accommodate and deploy the media human capital resources around him, variously.

    Tinubu would subsequently appoint Bayo Onanuga as Special Adviser on Information and Strategy, (remember Alake), and Tunde Rahman as his Senior Special Assistant, (SSA) on media matters. For the purposes of clarification, the Special Adviser and SSA are at par in terms of ranking and entitlements. It was suggested for adoption into the Nigerian presidential organogram in 1999, by former Vice President Atiku Abubakar. Obasanjo filled up the quota of advisers approved for him by the National Assembly. He was still left with substantial numbers of technocrats to integrate into his new government at the advisory level. Atiku came to the rescue with that ingenious suggestion, probably borrowed from the US presidential system.

    Tinubu is the first president to operate with a tripod of key media aides. Obasanjo maintained just one in the State House, while other media specialists were assigned different designations. Ugochukwu, was in-charge of the Office of National Orientation and Public Affairs, while the respected Dr Stanley Macebuh (of blessed memory) was SSA Special Duties. Ad’Obe Obe who succeeded Ugochukwu as editor of West Africa magazine in the UK was on the speech writing and foreign affairs schedule, while Tunde Olusunle managed Special Services. All these operatives, however, collaborated with the Media Adviser seamlessly. Buhari adopted a two-pronged system which comprised of Femi Adesina, Special Adviser, and Garba Shehu, SSA, and they complimented each other without glitches.

    While the Tinubu administration has brought the Ngelale, Onanuga and Rahman triad together and they collaborate on their assignments, there seem to be ghost agents perennially opposed to Ngelale. From the incident at the United Arab Emirates, (UAE) and the NASDAQ, United States incident last year, to the more recent Maersk incident, certain tendencies seem to be consistently baying for his blood. They seem to detest his youthfulness and self-confidence. They are thus never tired of innuendos and insinuations calculated to undermine his hardwork. Ngelale did not appoint himself to his job; President Tinubu did. And he evidently did so on his convictions even at that time. Those who watched the television shortly after the Supreme Court upheld Tinubu’s election in October last year would probably remember the president’s words when Ngelale visited him in his office. “Ajuri, congratulations. Your job is secure,” was Tinubu’s comment. Ngelale had been with Tinubu for just a few months and was convinced enough by Ngelale’s services that he reassured him of his retention on his desk.

    Sources in Aso Villa will tell you that beyond packaging and managing the public perception of the president, Ngelale also functions as master of ceremonies for events held in that complex. Elsewhere and at other times, this in itself is a full portfolio at the pedestal of an adviser. The daily schedule of the president as articulated by the Department of Protocol in conjunction with the Chief of Staff, (COS), should be served to the official manning this outpost regularly. His work could indeed involve some research work to keep the compere updated about what to say in specific terms, displaying situational and spatial awareness. Just in case the president was receiving in audience say Anthony Blinken the US Secretary of State, introducing the dignitary and situating the context of his visit are beyond spontaneous conjuration.

    Beyond rhetoric, Tinubu is conscientiously committed to grooming the younger generation to become leaders of the future. The likes of Betta Edu, the ostensibly 37 year-old medical doctor, who was entrusted with the crucial Ministry of Humanitarian Affairs and Poverty Alleviation might have failed the president. His faith in the younger generation, however, as baton-collectors from the older dispensation remains unshaken. This explains his entrusting the National Agency for Science and Engineering Infrastructure, (NASENI), to the 33-year old Khalil Halilu as Executive Vice Chairman and Chief Executive, and the 38-year-old Jamila Bio-Ibrahim as Minister for Youth Affairs. Ngelale is 37 and fits the profile Tinubu wants to groom for the future.

    •Adaranijo a renowned journalist and seasoned public affairs analyst, writes from Lagos.

  • AGN honours Emeka Ike, Victor Osuagwu, others

    AGN honours Emeka Ike, Victor Osuagwu, others

    Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) Lagos State Chapter in conjunction with Ojez Entertainment Limited has honoured and celebrated Emeka Ike, Secretary BOT AGN, Sunny Macdon, Prince Emeka Ani, Chief Victor Osuagwu, Barr. Kingsley Ogbonna( aka Dauda), the Chairman and Chief Executive Officer of Ruzu Herbal Products and Services Limited, Dr Roberts Onyemaechi Uzu, among others.

    The event, tagged Nollywood Actors Night held during the weekend at Ojez Restaurant inside the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos. It also served as an opportunity to honour some patrons of AGN and present certificates to 172 incoming members of the movie guild, who have gone through some professional training to enable membership.

    According to the Lagos chapter AGN chairman, Hon. Emeka Rising Ibeh, Dr Uzu, was awarded for his stewardship and contribution to the affairs of AGN.

    Read Also:BREAKING: Rivers Assembly clerk disowns pro-Fubara faction, insists Amaewhule is Speaker

    Speaking on the sideline, he said that the idea of training new aspiring actors was to encourage them to pick up a skill other than wandering about idle, leading to the committing of fraudulent acts like scams, hookups, and other vices.

    “The training session was to educate, nurture, and enable capacity-building amongst the youth and adults who participated,” he said.

    Ibeh added that the training of aspiring actors will be the fourth set of trainees since the guild’s commencement of humanitarian development in the three years of his administration.

    The first set had 280 participants; the second set had 185; the third had 210; and the fourth set had 172. 

    He lauded the effort of Dr Uzu for his support towards AGN and his contribution towards making the free training of aspiring actors a successful venture.

    In his remark, Dr. Uzu said that Nollywood was the second largest employer of labour after the Federate Government.

    He said AGN is an industry that has made an impact in the lives of people at large and deserves support.

    Dr. Uzu noted that as an awardee and a member of AGN, he will continue to give health treatments to ailing actors for free nationwide.

    Emeka Ike, a special guest, appreciated Dr Uzu for being a reliable support system in giving free healthcare services to better the healthy lives of actors.

    He urged upcoming actors to stay focused despite any challenges, and for them to also remain original to their act without emulating someone else’s character.

    Emeka Ike also reveals that as the chaperone of a safety committee appointed by AGN to oversee actor welfare and safety in executing primary assignments by producers, he will ensure that the incident leading to the death of star actor Junior Pope and others will never repeat itself in Nollywood.

    He said there would be rules and binding laws to checkmate matters of safety in the association.

  • Glitz, glamour at Independent awards

    Glitz, glamour at Independent awards

    It was indeed a colourful event at the Independent Awards 2023 which was held recently at Eko hotels and Suites, Victoria Island with the theme: Celebrating Excellence.

    The chairman of the occasion, Chief Segun Osoba, said in his remark that the event will not be an evening of long speeches but of celebration, and the occasion lived up to its billing of honouring its awardees.

    With the Ebony band reeling out songs and the rib-cracking jokes of the Compere, Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st  alongside the co-host, the beautiful Princess Okafi, guests had a swell time.

    The Managing Director /Editor –in-Chief, Independent Newspapers Limited, Steve Omanufeme welcomed everyone as he declared the event open to the admiration of the dignitaries that graced the occasion.

    Read Also: Prince Harry, Meghan arrive Nigeria Friday

    Among the awardees were; Chief Olabode George (Lifetime Achievement Award), Chief Emmanuel Iwuanyanwu (Lifetime Achievement Award), Governor Peter Mbah (Governor of the Year, Urban Development), Governor Caleb Mutfwang (Governor of the Year, Infrastructure Development), Governor Umo Bassey Eno(Governor of the Year, Fiscal Discipline),Governor Dapo Abiodun(Governor of the Year, Tech Innovation), GovernorAgbu Kefas (Governor of the Year, Education and Youth Empowerment), HRM, Ogiame Atuwatse III, Olu of Warri Kingdom (Bridge builder of the Year), Chief Chibuike Peter Orogwu (Businessman of the Year), Dr. Jukius Dediare Rone (CEO of the Year, Oil and Gas), Tantita Security Services (Security Company of the Year), Fidson Healthcare PLC (Pharmaceutical Manufacturing Company of the Year), Prophet David Omolayo Oladugbagbe (Humanitarian Personality of the Year), Dr. Richard Nyong (Real Estate CEO of the Year), Hon. Frederick Yeitiemone Agbedi (Legislator of the Year) Nnamdi Okonkwo (Independent Banker of the Year), BUA Foods Plc (Food Company of the Year), Zenith Bank PLC, (Bank of the Year 2023), Engr. Gbenga Komolafe (Regulator of the Year), Hon. John Obukohwo Nani (Public Servant of the Year) and Seplat Energy PLC (Oil and Gas Company of the Year).

  • Fireboy DML speaks on new phase of career

    Fireboy DML speaks on new phase of career

    Nigerian singer-songwriter, Fireboy DML has opened up on the new phase of his musical career.

    In a recent chat, Fireboy DML said he wants to focus on things that truly matter including love, family, and personal health while reconnecting with his roots and old self.

    “This new era of my career is about reconnecting with one’s roots, old self and focusing on the things that truly matter — love, family, personal health. I think that’s where success truly lies.”

    Read Also: Nigeria’ll soon take place in comity of nations — First Lady

    Continuing, Fireboy DML speaks on his newly released single saying, ‘Everyday’ is a song that reminds you of the days when we used to make celebratory love songs, of simpler times. From the moment the instrumental starts playing, you can already tell what you’re in for. I’m excited to share this record with the world!”

    Fireboy DML is signed under Olamide’s YBNL records and Empire Music distribution. He has three albums to his credit and is working on his fourth album since his breakout in 2018.