The Nation Newspaper

Author: The Nation

  • ‘Don’t waste COVID-19 lessons’

    ‘Don’t waste COVID-19 lessons’

    By Lolu Ojo

    Governments at all levels have been advised to build systems and structures that would strengthen the country’s health and economic sectors.

    The advice came after a one-week virtual conference on the pandemic organised between April 12 and 17, by the Nigeria Academy of Pharmacy (NAPHARM) and the Nigerian Guild of Editors (NGE).

    They applauded the collaboration between health and media professionals, saying it would motivate researchers to do more and improve on services.

    According to them, government should scale up Research and Development through improved funding and better motivation of researchers with a view to promoting scientific research in the country.

    Delivering her keynote address during the grand finale of week-long event with the theme, “COVID-19: The Lessons of this Pandemic and the Way Forward”, Founder/CEO of JNC International Limited, Clare Omatseye, said the pandemic blindsided the government, the private and public sectors, leading to economic and health distortions that now pose a big challenge to the country.

    The former president of the Healthcare Federation of Nigeria noted that Nigeria was not prepared for COVID-19 despite what the country went through during previous epidemics such as Ebola in 2014.

    As a result, she said the country has been depending on vaccines from India, China, Russia and Europe, with a huge lack of adequate medical equipment.

    Recounting her personal experience when she contracted the virus in January last year, Omatseye warned that COVID-19 is real and is not “a rich man’s disease,” just as she advised Nigerians to take preventive measures and present themselves for vaccination.

    Urging the government and other stakeholders to take advantage of the lessons learnt from the pandemic, she quoted former prime minister of the United Kingdom, Winston Churchill, saying “we must never let a crisis waste.”

    She urged the government to invest more in the health and economic sectors, pointing out that Nigeria was worst hit by the pandemic because it is an importing country which depends solely on importation for drugs, raw materials, medical equipment and finished products from the US, UK, China and countries that were greatly affected by the virus.

    She advocated a healthcare system that should be at the top of the agenda, as well as a structured way to pay for healthcare services and insurance.

    She said it was an opportunity for healthcare and medical practitioners to make good use of the pandemic, urging them to wave the tide and take advantage of the crisis to get their voices heard and push healthcare to the top of the agenda where it should be.

    On the way forward, she stressed the need to build a sustainable framework, set up effective communication system through the media, leverage on technology, encourage the need for more Pharmacists, as well as engage the private sector and mobilise them for the production of vaccines the way other countries like China and India did.

    She faulted the suspension of COVID-19 vaccination in Nigeria following the temporary ban on exports of AstraZeneca vaccine, observing that the country ought not to have waited till this time to come up with ways of producing vaccines.

    Also, a communiqué issued at the end of the week-long programme with the theme, ‘COVID-19: Facts, Myths and Way Forward’, quoted NAPHARM president, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi, as saying the unique collaboration between the Academy, NGE and other organizations was to complement efforts of the government to mitigate the impact of the pandemic on the people.

    According to him, “government needs to beam the search light on Research and Development in order to promote scientific research via improved funding and better motivation of researchers and also enhance the capacity of the nation to tackle future epidemics speedily.”

    Adelusi-Adeluyi said all pharmacists have key roles to play in the safety and health care of the people, especially individuals or families affected by the pandemic.

    Also, the Director-general of Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Chikwe Ihekweazu, said the impact of the pandemic has resulted in the loss of over two million lives.

    “The COVID-19 pandemic has so far taken over 2 million lives, destroyed livelihoods of hundreds of millions, fractured societies and broken essence of ‘normal life’, with the cost to the global economy estimated at 28 trillion USD by 2025; health, humanitarian and economic crises, unprecedented,” he noted.

    Ihekweazu noted that the use of digital surveillance, training and protection of healthcare workers, strengthening risk communication by taking responsibility and establishment of the National COVID-19 research consortium will go a long way in addressing the challenges.

    For his part, president of Nigeria Guild of Editors, Mr Isa Mustapha, stated that because the pandemic majorly affected the media, anything that can be done to make the situation better would gain the support of the media.

    “The duty of journalists is to separate facts from myths and fictions and dig out facts by partnering with experts like Pharmacists. I am sure the partnership will continue even after this event,” he stated.

    Also, the special guest of honour and former national coordinator of the Presidential Task Force on COVID-19, Dr Sani Aliyu, commended the private sector for contributing their quota to the fight against the pandemic.

    He noted that though public health measures require a change in behavior which is not readily gotten, vaccination is the way to go if the country must rapidly come out of the pandemic.

    Former CEO of the National Orientation Agency (NOA), Prof Tonnie Iredia, commended the leadership of the two professional bodies for coming up with such a brilliant programme which he said has fostered collaboration between the media and healthcare professionals.

    Iredia who was the chairman of the occasion on the second day of the programme said, “As scientists come up with solutions to problems in the Society, credible media experts can give all the necessary publicity required for the society to be informed. This gives motivation for researchers to do more and improve on services, as well as affordability of vaccines as this case is.

    “Public enlightenment must always take the fore runner in National Development discussion and the media are information experts and thus play a major role in information dissemination and thus the collaboration of NAPHARM & NGE on this programme hits a major mark as this ensures the present pandemic is addressed. Controversies give way as the media propagates information to the public.”

    President of Pharmaceutical Society of Nigeria (PSN), Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa, commended journalists for educating the public on the pandemic.

    Ohuabunwa who was chairman of the day said the topic is key in recognizing the efforts of scientists in bringing relief and palliative measures to the general public even as they look to regulatory bodies for safety.

    On her part, Director-general of NAFDAC, Prof Mojisola Adeyeye, said COVID-19 poses an unprecedented challenge to global health and has triggered the most severe economic shock since the Second World War.

    She said, “The escalation of the COVID-19 crisis into a global pandemic highlights the need for collective action across policy fronts to supplement domestic action as well as tackle such trans-boundary challenges in the short and long term. NAFDAC adopted Business Continuity Plan (BCP), a part of an ongoing quality management system.

    “This ensures continuity of activities at a minimum tolerable level and within identified timelines. The imminent arrival of vaccines has created an urgent demand for a strong coordinated multi-country approach to safety monitoring.”

    On his part, the Editor-in-Chief of LEADERSHIP Group Limited, Mr. Azubuike Ishiekwene, recalled a recently published research work carried out between January and March 2021 on the role of the media, particularly social media, in the fight against COVID-19.

    According to him, the study showed a correlation between media reports and the attitude of the general population.

    Also, the Vice Chancellor of Prince University, Abeokuta, Professor Peace Chinedum Babalola recalled how COVID-19 had overloaded the health facilities, causing death of close and distant relatives and friends, as well as hunger, job loss, among others.

    Speaking during third day of the awareness programme, she cited report of the NCDC that the world had lost about $28trillion to pandemics.

    Professor Babalola recalled a conference meeting of the African Union she attended, which bordered on the manufacture of COVID-19 vaccines in Africa.

    She said it was revealed at the meeting that Africa imports 99 per cent of vaccines and produces only 1 per cent, hence the plan to move the figure from 99 per cent importation to 40 per cent and 60 per cent local manufacture of COVID-19 and other vaccines by 2040.

    Also, Prof Ike Uzochukwu of Nnamdi Azikwe University, Awka, listed the consequences of the COVID-19 pandemic to include lockdowns, travel restrictions, supply chain disruptions, budgetary increases amongst others.

    Uzochukwu who was the Keynote speaker on the fourth day of the event said due to the negative psychological effects of the pandemic there was an increase in the level of drug addiction and abuse of tramadol, cannabis, benzodiazepines and codeine.

    For former PSN president, Pharm Azubuike Okwor, health professionals are the unsung heroes of the pandemic.

    He said the pandemic has a different face in Africa which calls for caution as the continent is not out of the woods yet, pointing out that the potentials in average pharmacists have not yet been fully utilized.

    The President of the NGE, Mr. Mustapha Isah, said he was pleased by the outcome of the conference, saying that journalists have an important role to play in helping citizens respond in safe, science-led ways to the pandemic. He promised more collaboration in future.

    Also, the Emir of Bungudu, Alhaji Hassan Bungudu, said efforts must be intensified to get information to the grassroots.

    • Dr. Ojo is a Director of Programmes
  • Day Abiodun rewarded smart students, heroic teachers with houses, cash

    Day Abiodun rewarded smart students, heroic teachers with houses, cash

    By Kunle Somorin

    They filed into the expansive hall of the Obas’ Complex, Oke-Mosan, Abeokuta, with their heads high and clutched their laurels to the admiration of the audience.

    The hall was filled to capacity by top political and government functionaries, royal fathers, academic eggheads, proud parents and well-wishers, who had come to witness the public presentation and celebration of the Ogun finest brains and brilliant minds.

    The event, tagged Ogun Academic Laureates 2021, was a major milestone in the annals of ‘firsts’ by the State. It was a memorable afternoon on Thursday when Ogun indigenes – students and teachers – who had aced various academic competitions and won trophies for the Gateway State, were honoured by the Governor, Prince Dapo Abiodun.

    Leading the pack of the honourees was Oladimeji Sotunde, who emerged the 2020 Overall Best Graduating Student of the Lagos State University, Ojo, Lagos. But by far the cynosure of all eyes was the 15-year-old Mathematics genius, Faith Odunsi, a student of the Ambassadors College, Ota. The shining star was equally honoured for her five-star performance and win in the Global Open Mathematics Tournament.

    Others were students who had made Ogun proud in JETS and some science competitions. Also, teachers who have excelled in their chosen fields, were recognised and rewarded by the state government.

    The teachers included Olalekan Ademola Adeeko of the Baptist Boys High School, Abeokuta, who emerged a winner at the 2020 African Union Continental Teachers Award and his wife, Adeeko Folukemi Asabi who teaches at Patterson Memorial Baptist Grammar School, Idi-Aba who was a runner up at the Maltina Teacher Of The Year 2020. While the husband got a two-bedroom bungalow, the wife went home with N250,000 cash! The Governor also gave a two-bedroom bungalow to Mrs Oluyemisi Oladejo, another teacher at Oronna High School (Snr), Ilaro, who won first position in 2020 African Writer’s Award.

    “The year 2020 Global Teacher Prize has gone to Mr. Olasunkanmi Opeifa, we will be giving you a two-bedroom bungalow, the 2020 African Writers Award has gone to Mrs. Oluyemi Oladejo who came first in the 2020 African Writers Award, you will also be getting a two-bedroom bungalow, the year 2020 African Union Continental Teacher Prize which was won by Mr. Olalekan Ademola Adeeko, you won the first position in the African Union Continental Teacher Prize award, you will also be getting a two-bedroom bungalow,” Abiodun reeled out to the excitement of the audience.

    “To the Ogun State Institute of Technology, Igbesa which has emerged as the most compliant institution when it came to the process of complying with JAMB requirements, we will continue to support the institution; we are motivating you with a sum of one million naira.

    “To Faith, we have decided we are going to invest in you because we can see that the sky can only be the beginning for you. We are giving you a laptop, a brand new and powerful one at that. But, more importantly, we are going to set up an endowment fund for you and we will put money in that Endowment. We are going to put a seed money of five million naira into that fund.

    “We will also call on our private sector partners to put money in that endowment fund. The fund will be managed by a financial institution, the interest alone will be enough to pay your school fees and when you come of age, you can decide to cash it in, I congratulate you,” the governor stated.

    According to him, the awardees have further put Ogun on the global pedestal, hence, the need to fete them. He attributed feats recorded by the awardees to his administration’s methodical and calculated interventions aimed at rescuing the education sector from the dwindling fortunes inflicted on it by the indifference of the past.

    He pointed out that his administration focused on infrastructural development, human capital development and provision of conducive environment, among many others, to redeem the education sector and restore its lost glory.

    Abiodun further said, “We are celebrating awards in Projects, Quiz in Mathematics, Basic Science, Basic Technology, Agricultural Science, Physics and Biology.

    “We are Best State and we have overall best students for both male and female students in JETS. We are the Champion! The story of the deluge of awards we are witnessing today cannot be completed without the teachers and school administrators who are also champions in their own rights. It is not a flash in the pan to have Award of Excellence in leadership and productivity won by five schools in the State.

    “Looking at these young men and women of Ogun State, I find in them not just a reward for our commitment, but indeed, an encouragement to do more. We have continued to dedicate and demonstrate our commitment to the successful implementation of the ‘Building our Future Together’ Agenda.”

    He assured that the state, under his watch, would continue to put measures in place towards providing quality education necessary for the development of the state. He charged teachers to continue to discharge their professional duties creditably beyond the new demands of COVID-19.

    In his remarks, the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Prof. Abayomi Arigbabu, said the event was the showcasing of commitment, dedication and extraordinary engagement by the awardees.

    While noting that the state-owned Institute of Technology, Igbesa, won the Most Compliant Institution in keeping to guidelines of admissions which attracted N75 million award as one of the five best performing tertiary institutions in the country, Arigbabu enthused that the state has achieved a lot since he assumed office. These included the purchase of 25,000 furniture for the use of learners in schools, increase in running cost for public primary and secondary schools; approval of N200 million as State Education Trust Fund for the development of infrastructure in state-owned tertiary institutions and the approval of Ogun TEACH programme.

    The Commissioner, however, said all the feats were achieved as a result of the unalloyed support of the Governor. He pointed out that the Ogun Academic Laureates would continue to inspire hard work and excellence, raise the bar of excellence in education and make teaching a rewarding profession.

    Also speaking, former Executive Secretary, National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Peter Okebukola, said Ogun had been at the forefront of education attainment in the country. He recalled that as a Quiz Master of JETS Competitions, he had witnessed how the state’s contingents swept awards after awards.

    Okebukola, who is the Council Chair of the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), noted that the performance of the laureates was not a fluke, but a continuation of academic excellence the state is known for.

    He said though an Ogun indigene remains the only Nigerian who had won a Nobel Prize for Literature, the crops of junior academic prodigies would in no distant future win a Nobel Prize in science, medicine and physiology.

    On his part, a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Professor Olufemi Bamiro, commended the Ogun State Government’s efforts in the education sector and called for the support of individuals, private sector and the various alumni associations in further taking the state to an enviable height.

    Also, the Registrar, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Prof. Ishaq Oloyede, while urging the young scholars not to rest on their oars, commended the Institute of Technology, Igbesa, for not cutting corners and for keeping to the guidelines of admissions.

    Professor Adewale Solarin, the Director, National Mathematical Centre, Abuja, said Ogun State representatives at the national maths competitions always distinguished themselves by coming out tops. He advised the state government not to relent in its huge investment in education.

    Also, the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, who spoke via Zoom just like Professors Bamiro, Solarin and Oloyede, expressed delight that the state still held its top position in the area of education, science and technology.

    He charged the awardees not to be carried away by the laurels, but aspire to do more in order to gain not only continental recognition, but international accolades.

    A renowned Nigerian historian, Professor Anthony Asiwaju, commended the laureates for making the state proud and urged them to go ahead to win Nobel prize, not only in sciences, but history as well.

    In his remarks, the Alake and Paramount Ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Aremu Gbadebo, remarked that the feats recorded by the students and teachers were not a surprise, but a confirmation that Ogun is a trailblazer in education. The monarch commended the governor for showcasing the academic prowess of both the students and teachers, noting such would serve as the needed elixir to achieve more, not only for Ogun but also Nigeria.

    The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Olakunle Oluomo, said to commemorate the historic event, the House would soon pass a law legalising the offices of Principal and Headmaster Generals in the state, adding that when passed, the law would make the office a permanent one for teachers in the state.

    “For our teachers, I commend you for the good job you have been doing. The idea of Principal-General and HeadMaster-General is not legalised in Ogun State, but, because the governor has done it, the House of Assembly will pass a law which the governor will sign and it will become permanent in Ogun State. I want to appeal to the students in Ogun State to keep on climbing the ladder of excellence and keeping Ogun State on the mountain top,” Oluomo said.

    The State Chairman of Academic Staff Union of Secondary Schools (ASUSS), Comrade Akeem Lasisi, declared that the reward of outstanding teachers and learners would “boost the morale” of the teachers, particularly public school teachers in the state, to be more committed to their teaching profession.

    Lasisi, who is also the National Vice President of ASUSS, commended Governor Abiodun for the improved condition of teaching and learning, assuring that teachers in the state would continue to discharge their duties with commitment.

     

  • Rescuing Nigeria? Functional Followership Forum (3F): The Way Forward! (1)

    Rescuing Nigeria? Functional Followership Forum (3F): The Way Forward! (1)

    By John Ekundayo

    “Followership does not mean changing the rank of followers but changing their response to their rank, their response to their superiors and to the situation at hand.” – Professor Barbara Kellerman, Harvard University.

    In getting it right in Nigeria, what needs be done? Should it not be the responsibility of the leaders to point the way forward? Why does the fault lie with followers? Are followers the real problems bedeviling Nigeria? Contrariwise, if the teacher has been teaching nonsense, does it make sense for students (followers) to “follow follow” (apology to the late Fela Anikulapo Kuti)? In fact, when most leaders within the polity decide to recycle lapdogs, bootlickers and sycophants into core and crucial positions of power and authority ad infinitum, should the followership fold their arms or raise up their hands in submission? To this columnist, it is high time, Functional Followers arose from all the nooks and crannies of Nigeria to intelligently and intentionally initiate a paradigm shift.

    Who are Functional Followers?

    There are many types of followers in organizations and polities globally. There are many scholars, coaches, researchers and practitioners of leadership who did extensive cognitive and empirical work on the subject. Among these scholars are Professors Robert Kelly and Barbara Kellerman. The two authors, scholars and researchers did tremendous work on Followership and brought Followership to limelight to the extent that leaders are now afraid when they perceived workers in organizations or ordinary followers in the polity congregating in a confident, courageous, committed and conscientious fashion on an issue, especially when they are vociferous and vehement in demanding for a shift of stand – change! This columnist while about completing his PhD studies in Malaysia in followership and servant leadership published a journal article titled: “Toward a Functional Followers’ Model in the Organizational Leadership Process,” in 2011. In it, a Functional Follower was defined as: “a subordinate, by rank or behaviour, who relates in a befitting manner and in synergy with similar participants within the leadership process to meet and sustain organizational goal(s).”

    It is noteworthy to point out that this definition was apt for organization leadership process or system. However, this depiction or description of Functional Followership could be adapted or adopted in any polity as well. Even in the present politicking in Nigeria, this is applicable. In this context, followers are greatly needed to relate or respond, no matter their rank or status in the society, in a befitting manner and in unanimity with other participants with a view of meeting a mutually expected goal. In this context, the relationship or response may lead to electing a desired candidate to the chagrin of the most popular party or politician.

    Attributes of Functional Followers

    It is remarkable to point out that for a mutual outcome to be accomplished, there should be a leader and follower(s) dynamic influential interaction within a context. In fact, two scholars, James Kouzes and Barry Posner, who did extensive leadership research spanning over two decades, opined that: “Success in leadership, success in business, and success in life has been, is now, and will continue to be a function of how well people work and play together … to build and sustain those human relationships that enable people to get extraordinary things done on a regular basis.”

    It will be pertinent to note the phrase: “a function of how well people work and play together”. The degree of functionality of participants in organizations as well as in polities matters a lot to the enhancement of the leadership systems of the present and future. The initiation, integration and institutionalization of functional followership can indeed lead to a new paradigm in public leadership that can enhance good governance especially in a nascent democracy such as Nigeria. The following attributes are expected from citizens if they are to be considered as Functional Followers in any polity:

    1. Cultured: They must adhere to the accepted norms and values of the country or community from the outset. This class of followers must be well conversant with the community’s or country’s core values, vision and purpose. These types of followers are proud to align themselves with these core values willingly without any form of compliance demanded by the community’s or country’s leaders. In this context, by rank, they are followers, however, by behaviour they respond as leaders in their own right.
    2. Committed: In addition, these followers must be committed to the country’s or community’s cause or goal. In essence, they must see the community’s or nation’s success as their own success maintaining an attitude of ‘sailing or sinking with the ship irrespective who the sailor is at all times.’ This attribute is core and crucial to functional followership. It is a high time an average Nigerian saw Nigeria as: “this is my country and I have no other!” Reading recently online the comment of Nigeria’s celebrated author, Chimamanda Ngozi Adichie, about her sheer regret of refusing American’s citizenship, I retorted by declaring she should enlist as a committed functional follower! That is the way!! I just believe that I will see the glory of Nigeria in my lifetime. I am irrevocably committed to this stand and stake.
    3. Constructive: Functional followers are resolutely rational in their perspectives. They are not just the ‘yes’ or docile members of the community. These are citizens who are innovative in their thinking as they relate with other stakeholders in the leadership process. Even though they are cultured, this does not mean that they cannot think outside or free of the box. If it happens that the culture has been colourized to contain them from making further progress that can lead to positive outcome for the community or country, functional followers will use their initiative, and innovatively come out to achieve the mutually agreed goal.

    In the next edition, these attributes would be concluded.

    Concluding this piece, it is imperative for many followers to emerge who are cultured with the community’s or country’s core values, committed to swim or sink with the community or country as well as ready and willing to engage albeit calmly, cognitively and constructively the leadership system in order to achieve mutually agreed goals. Hence, functional followers are not rabble rousers or riotous rascals synonymous with the hijackers of the infamous #EndSars protests of 2020.

    • Dr. Ekundayo, J. M. O., can be reached via 08155262360 (SMS only) and drjmoekundayo@hotmail.com
  • Chief S. B. Falegan: A moral colossus departs in a blaze of glory

    Chief S. B. Falegan: A moral colossus departs in a blaze of glory

    By Femi Orebe

    The depth, the meaning, the interpretation and the understanding of every word of the valedictory song, (at Christ’s School, Ado- Ekiti), all put together, was so appealing and penetrating that one could not help but feel a vacuum was being created, while the ones with emotions burst into tears at departure.

    I remember vividly the following January (1955), when the school was resuming and I was miles away in Ibadan in search of a job. I recalled the tolling of the school bell at 6pm for assembly at the school chapel. Full of past memories of the school days and years gone-by, I burst into tears. That is Christ’s School, built on Agidimo Hills, which lives in the hearts and souls of every alumnus. That is why I still value and remember with nostalgia, the Christian life and discipline, and all other beautiful Hymns in Songs of Praise, Hymns Ancient and Modern, Methodist Hymn Book and the Church Hymnals, all of which shaped our lives and behaviour” – Chief Falegan in his Autobiography: MY YESTER-YEARS, a truly powerful, down to earth Magnum Opus, with not a scintilla of the “tawdry burnishing or massaging” of his own ego” – Chief Falegan in his Autobiography: “ MY YESTERYEARS.

    This quote is archetypical of the departed icon. What he loves, he loves to bits. However, God help you if your paths crossed his, as the former Emir of Kano, HRH Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, would readily confirm.

    He simply loved his Christ’s School.

    Attempting to write another article on the life and times of Chief S.B Falegan after the one by Professor Jide Osuntokun soon after the icon passed, (Google:’Falegan: Patriot and Honest Man If Ever There Was One’, Feb 4 2021) will be the equivalent of carrying coal to Newcastle as I shall, willy nilly, have to repeat a lot of the things he wrote.

    Why so?

    Simple: MY YESTER-YEARS, Chief Falegan’s powerful and down to earth Magnum Opus of an Autobiography, “with not a scintilla of the tawdry burnishing or massaging  of his own ego”, as the late Professor Adeloye described it,  is our primary source of information; for while I was privileged to be one of the three who edited the book, Professor Osuntokun it was, who reviewed it to a deafening applause at its launch.

    Instead, what I have chosen to do in honour of this incredible Ekiti elder statesman, who was reputed to be honest to a fault, and who you always knew where exactly he was on any given  issue as he goes home, this week,  to the bosom of his Maker, is to reproduce here, one of my many articles on him  during  his life time; one which shows what a great patriot he was.

    I wrote as follows;

     

    Memo to southwest governors on economic integration – Chief Dele Falegan

    As I have had cause to  write  once or twice on these pages, I speak with Chief Dele Falegan every day of the week. Unlike before, I now make the calls as early as 7 am lest he calls first as is his wont. Chief Deji Fasuan’s calls,  fewer though, come much earlier than 7 am. My prayer for these Ekiti icons is that the good Lord will continue to preserve them in good health. Amen. They are  both archetypical of many elderly Ekiti who love Nigeria like they love their Ekiti –  even though they have had to  endure  tremendous psychological pains arising from the punishing inability  of both Nigeria and Ekiti to attain  to the lofty heights they believed were readily available to the two entities given their endowments. They had both attended the prestigious Christ’s School, Ado-Ekiti, a privilege the columnist  proudly shares with them, and were in a pole position, long before independence, to see the huge possibilities awaiting Nigeria.  That their hopes for country and motherland fatally miscarried must be chalked up to our rapacious politicians and an equally gluttonous army of ‘anything goes’.

    It should, therefore,  be no surprise, to say that I have seen both men agonise severally over many facets of the Nigerian nation, many times expressing their  views in full length newspaper articles or in  Letters to the editor. The first meeting of Southwest governors held in Ibadan, the Oyo state capital, gave Chief Falegan an impetus I have not seen him display in my over half a century close relationship with him. He has, literally, never stopped talking about how unfairly treated in infrastructural development the Southwest had been from one Nigerian federal government to another. In confirmation of this, I remember that at the AGBAJO YORUBA a few years ago, under the leadership of Lt.General Ipoola Akinrinade, we had to set up a 3-man rapid response group to protest the constant neglect of the Southwest when, at the end of every of Obasanjo’s executive council meetings, with Muktar Shagari as his Water Resources Minister, huge irrigation projects were being announced in favour of the North with none to these parts.

     

    I digress.

     

    For Chief Falegan, the next meeting  of the governors’ forum scheduled for Ado-Ekiti was divine. I promptly linked him up with Biodun Famakinwa, the indefatigable Executive Secretary of DAWN. Out of respect to the Southwest Governors’ Forum, I shall refrain from going into the nitty gritty of Chef’s memo. Instead, and as a pointer to his thoughts on the subject matter, I reproduce below my article of 30 November, 2011.

     

    In pursuit of regional integration in Nigeria

    It is for me a great pleasure to present below, the views of Chief Dele Falegan, a renowned banker and Economist, former Director of Research of the Central Bank of Nigeria, and the pioneer Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, as he writes on how Economic Integration can see Nigeria  out of its current economic morass.

    Wrote Chief Falegan: “As a former banker, Femi Orebe’s paper on South-West Regional Integration at the recent EKITI ECONOMIC SUMMIT (14th – 15th October 2011), provided for me, an opportunity to dilate further on how such proposals, both within and , even across geo-political zones, can hasten the much-talked about economic take-off of the country. It is therefore my view that we have to rapidly put in place, a project along the ROAD MAP already outlined in the DAWN document.

    One specific proposal/project I have in mind is aimed at resolving the problem of  neglected Federal Roads in Ondo, Ekiti, Osun and Kwara State in the Northern axis with the South-West serving as the fulcrum.

    I do not think that the neglect of federal roads in this part of the country is deliberate. But the crying lack of attention relative to other parts of the country in this  respect cannot but give room for concern. The daily carnage and loss of lives on these roads cannot but raise eyebrows, especially the inability to drive safely along Ondo and Ekiti States where the Federal roads linking them have been rendered completely impassable.These include the roads from Ikare in Ondo State and Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti State capital; the one between Ikere and Akure, the Ondo State capital, which has become totally impassable, all collectively impacting negatively on the economy of these states. It is unthinkable that as you read this, there is no dedicated Lagos-Abuja highway in spite of all the huge fortune that fell on our laps during the Obasanjo years.

    I concede that apart from financial constraints, there is  in addition, a gaping lack of executive capacity within the Federal government, the Federal Ministry of Works and its direct Agency in this respect, FERMA, which makes it impossible for them to cope with the challenges inherent in this massive business of keeping our road network in top shape as one would normally expect. This cannot, however, be an extenuating reason for the humongous level of carnage on these roads as well as the attendant disruption to economic life

    These are the reasons I like to propose that the named states in the South-West and Kwara State should jointly access the facilities available at the International Development Association (IDA), which is the soft loan arm of the World Bank to fund the  reconstruction of all the Federal roads  in the  zone/s. Should the IDA require a guarantee from the Federal Government, the states should not hesitate to approach the Jonathan -led Federal Government, for same.

    IDA loans have long term gestation periods lasting between 40 to 50 years  and with a grace period of 10 years during which there is no repayment, and with interest charges at less than 1%. This means there will be no repayment burden for the present generation, and the future, paying generation would have benefitted immensely from increased economic activities to be generated there from. Repayment will therefore be almost painless. It is worthy of note too that IDA facilities have no hold on the borrowers’ existing resources which can thus be devoted to other pressing developmental needs.

    The roads within the proposed co-operating states pass and cut the states vertically and diagonally from (a) Akure in Ondo State, Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State to Omuaran in Kwara State: (b) Ikare in Ondo State to Ado-Ekiti to Ilesha in Osun State: (c) Iyamoye in Kwara to Ikole in Ekiti State via Ogotun-Ekiti to Ikeji in Osun State.

    It is suggested that the roads should be dual carriage. They will be about the only major Federal project in this part of the country since independence. The recent inspection of Federal roads (and indeed all Federal projects) in this part of the country confirms the need for a concerted effort by these states in making this joint effort and for a Federal Government, eager to join the group of the most developed 20 economies barely nine years from now, to eagerly lend  its support.

    A committee of experts on infrastructure procurement made up of members  from all the states can be set up immediately to work out details. This should be far and beyond politics and partisan politics must not be allowed to kill it off. Details should include (a) the project coverage showing the number of kilometres from each state which will determine the financial commitment of each state (b) the total financial package which will determine the proportion of repayment by each state as at future repayment schedule (c) debt burden sharing and typology of debt per state.

    Fortunately, these states, individually or collectively, have very low current debt burden and are under-borrowed whether from the point of view of external or domestic debt or both. To make each state a major beneficiary of this scheme is to maximally improve overall economic activities in the country. As at today, only about 10 states are benefiting from IDA facilities in Nigeria. Japan has identical facility and repayment terms as the IDA credit and it is a great pity that Nigeria is not maximally utilising IDA to massively build up its infrastructure stock.

    This proposal, if accepted, will add value to the overall development and growth of the entire country. The example can be replicated in other zones of the country so as to cut down on the carnage and the unnecessary loss of the lives of the most active and productive0segment of our population just as it will generate massive employment opportunities for our horde of unemployed youth and, without a doubt, enhance security of persons and property”.

    • May the good Lord grant Baba eternal rest and comfort his darling wife of many decades, and the children. Amen

     

  • Judges for life?

    Judges for life?

    Editorial

    The suggestion from eminent legal luminary Chief Afe Babalola (SAN), that Supreme Court justices should remain on the bench for life has enlisted mixed reactions. Of course, in some jurisdictions, like the United States of America, the practice is that judges of the apex court stay on the bench for life, or as long as their health allows them. The philosophy behind this special treatment is the common belief that like wine, judges get better with experience at the bench.

    Speaking at a virtual book presentation in honour of the recently retired Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, the founder of Afe Babalola University, Ado-Ekiti, noted that in some jurisdictions, judges stay on the bench “as long as they probably can. In fact, many die while in office. But for those who opt for retirement, the average age is 78.7 years. The average retirement age has grown to a whopping 103 years.” He argued, albeit correctly that: “Experience has shown that a person becomes wiser and more experienced as he advances in age.”

    On that premise alone, Chief Babalola’s proposal is unassailable. But we don’t support the proposal because there are other factors that make it untenable in our country presently, for judges to remain on the bench for life. Take, for instance, the process of appointing judges, which is fraught with irregularities and controversies. The recent nominations of judges to the Court of Appeal shows that sometimes, those who are entrusted the responsibility don’t act conscientiously.

    Even the learned silk rightly inferred that we don’t usually have the best candidates appointed to the Supreme Court, in our country. And if that is so, why should such appointees stay at the bench for life? He had said: “I know from experience that the best judges are those who have been in active litigation, who have interacted with clients, who have drafted claims and pleadings and who have addressed legal issues at different levels of the courts. This is why in other climes, judges are chosen from seasoned legal practitioners.”

    Again, considering the peculiarity of our country, the issue of religion and tribe sometimes determine the choices we make in appointment of judges, or their elevation to higher courts. In the recent appointment of judges, there were allegations that while some zones had a double share amongst those appointed, some other zones were sidelined. Perhaps, but for the possibility that there could be a redress in future appointments, those disadvantaged could react violently.

    So, if as a nation, where a judge comes from,  or the religion he practises is still a subject of national interest amongst the majority of Nigerians, the suggestion that those on the bench should be there for life could be a combustible issue. Thus, there is the need to first determine what is commonly referred to as the national question, before such a far-reaching measure can be put in place. Otherwise it could become a source of friction in our country.

    Another major challenge with the proposal is the state of health of most judges on the threshold of the present retirement age. With the average life expectancy of a Nigerian around 55 years, it is common knowledge that many who are above that age live practically on medication. In his contribution on the debate, the former President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Ayo Salami, noted that most of the judges at the apex court suffer one debilitating ailment or another.

    He argued that it would be unhelpful to further extend their retirement age beyond 70 years; how much more, allowing them stay on the bench for life. Of course, we are mindful of the culture of the average Nigerian, who wants to enjoy a privilege even when he is not in a position to exercise the duties or responsibilities associated with that. So, if an undisciplined judge knows he is constitutionally entitled to stay on the bench for life, he can choose to remain there even when his/her productivity has been eviscerated by sickness.

    In the United States, for instance, judges bow out when they can no longer perform the functions of that office. But here, we have judges who are perennially out of work because of debilitating ailment, but who decide to stay in office, even when the work they are paid to do suffer. Moreover, as long as there are benefits attached to an office, many would ignore public opinion and hang on to the office.

    So, until the basic challenges of our nationhood are sorted out; until the quality of life improves, such that people live healthy in old age; until the socio-economic factors that make people desperate to keep privileges even when they are not in a position to discharge the corresponding responsibility; only then can we support a constitutional amendment to make judges stay on the bench for life.

     

  • The Left grows bigger among Democrats; the Far-Right is dominant among Republicans – Whither America? (2)

    The Left grows bigger among Democrats; the Far-Right is dominant among Republicans – Whither America? (2)

    By Biodun Jeyifo

    “In the current impasse of a Republican party that has been taken over by the Far-Right and a Democratic party dominated by its Left, we are only one or two conflagrations from an apocalyptic showdown between the two forces. But mercifully, this is not the end of the story. In next week’s concluding piece, we will explore how Democrats can hope and plan to expand the plurality of their ruling coalition in the years ahead of us”. These were the last two sentences in last week’s column. Well then, to make good the promise in those “last words’, let us get to work.

    Let us recall the narrowness of the Democrat’s electoral victory in last year’s general elections. Although the party captured the three arms of the government – the White House, the Senate and the House of Representatives – with the exception of the presidency, the margin of victory was quite slim. In the Senate, the two parties were tied at 50/50, with only Vice President, Kamala Harris’ tie vote giving Democrats their one-vote advantage. In effect, the Democrats need every single vote of their 50 votes, otherwise they cannot get much of substance done in their very ambitious, very progressive legislative agenda. Meanwhile, Joe Machin, the most conservative Democratic party Senator from West Virginia, has given every indication that he will not cast his vote automatically but will weigh every vote on how far it “strays” from moderate, centrist interests. Indeed, he has hinted darkly that if he is pushed too hard, he might switch parties and cross over to the Republicans.

    There is also this to consider: in last year’s elections, the margin of the Democrat’s control on the House narrowed considerably from about two dozen to just ten. As a matter of fact, not only did the Republicans narrow the Democrats control of the House, but they also did well in elections for control of state legislatures in many more states of the country than Democrats. Indeed, it is on that basis that the Republicans have embarked on a massive  project of changing electoral laws throughout the whole country to make it extremely difficult for Democrats to win in all future elections at every level, local, state and federal. Thus, if these new laws are not overturned in the law courts, and/or if they are not countermanded by federal legislation in Congress, the future will be very gloomy for the Democrats, specifically for progressive legislation to rectify and reorder present racial, gender and class inequities.

    These ominous facts and realities of Post-Trump America are made even more fraught by the fact that the Far-Right swing of the Republicans is marked by a belligerence, a bloody-mindedness that is absolutely without precedent in America political history. Just to give one instance of this development, consider the “law” that was enacted in the State of Florida earlier this week and signed by the most authoritarian governor in America, Ron DeSantis. In the provisions of this “law”, any driver who plows into a crowd of protesters and demonstrators will be immune from prosecution and punishment. This “law” was passed specifically with the expectation that riots and demonstrations were going to break out if Derek Chauvin, the cop who killed George Floyd, was acquitted. But beyond that specific instance, the “law” targets all present and future protests and demonstrations of Black people and other minorities for racial and social justice. This is because it is only in such protests and demonstrations that White vehicle drivers have deliberately plowed into crowds of protesters. For the avoidance of confusion, permit me to repeat what this “law” permits: any driver can plow into a crowd of protesters and demonstrators and get away with it, no matter how many people he or she kills or maims.

    The reader will have noticed that in the paragraph above, I have bracketed every instance of the appearance of the word, “law”. I hope the reason for this is not only clear but obvious. For it would be a misuse of language, a terminological barbarism to call the legislation that Ron DeSantis signed this week in Florida a “law”. Hopefully, long before the challenge to the “law” reaches the Supreme Court, it would have been struck down by a much lower court. But precisely because in present-day America no one can be sure that this “law” will be struck down in the courts, no one can be sure that many other states will not follow the lead provided by DeSantis in this heinous “law”, we are enabled to get an inkling of just how far the Republicans, as the party of Trump, are pushing the country toward a brutal and savagely racist wilderness.

    At this point in the discussion, we must pause for breath, a breath of hope and unrelenting struggle against these dark, malignant forces that have captured the Republican party, body and soul. For, after all, I started this concluding piece in the series with the claim that all is not lost, that it is quite within the realm of possibility for the Democrats, led by the tremendously progressive energy driving the party at the present time, to expand its current narrow ruling plurality, thereby turning the tables against the Trumpian hordes lying in wait in the Republican party, ready to suspend the rule of  liberal democracy in America for a long, long time. There are about three portents on the horizon of present realities and future prospects that we can draw upon for these resources of hope.

    The first portent – and perhaps the most significant – is the fact that almost without exception, the list of items and projects on the legislative agenda of Biden and the Democrats are enormously popular, so popular indeed that many of them have garnered widespread support among registered Republicans. For example, the $1.9 trillion stimulus package that went through both houses of Congress without a single vote from Republicans and was signed by Biden into law, was as popular among Republicans as among Democrats and Independents. As a matter of fact, after this stimulus bill was passed into law and the benefits started going to poor and middle class Americans, Republican congressmen and women who had voted against it began to clothe themselves, as members of the Congress that approved the bill, in the satisfaction, the praise that Americans in their tens of millions expressed about the package.

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    Equally enormously popular among Americans of all political persuasions is the so-called infrastructural bill, worth $2 trillion, now before Congress. Apparently, all Americans believe the Democrats’ promotion of this “infrastructural” bill as a potential mammoth jobs creator. And indeed, which populace, which electorate in the world would not gladly and widely embrace a legislative bill that promises, credibly, to create millions upon millions of new jobs, new skills, new opportunities? As a matter of fact – and to the utter consternation of the Republicans – the Democrats’ plan that this infrastructural bill will be funded by increasing taxes on corporations is also very popular among all Americans, Republicans included! And as if these signs were not stirring enough, many businesses and corporations are in support of this bill. Though they are not in support of the part of the bill that would increase corporate taxes, the part of the bill that promises renewal and expansion of infrastructures on a colossal scale is expected to be very good for business. As a Nigerian, I look at this bill and I think of our own “stomach infrastructure” – but with a difference. What is the difference? In this American Post-Trump bill, real physical and social infrastructures are in combination, through the creation of millions upon millions of new jobs, with “stomach infrastructure”!

    Beyond the not insignificant concrete economic and social benefits of these and other legislative projects of Biden and the Democrats, there is also the potential social-psychological impact on all Americans. This is because if the Democrats succeed, if they bring about tangible and measurable benefits to all, perhaps – but only perhaps – Americans of the Right would become less open to the conspiracy theories, the lies, the deceits, the open assault on facts by Trump and the Far-Right. Let us place in this in a probabilistic framework. Who would any citizenry, any electorate in the world believe more, the party which thrives on fears, phobias and lies or the party which asks to be judged by the concrete facts and realities of social and economic benefits delivered? In the first year and half of his administration, Trump relied on the seeming successes of his economic policies, especially the big cuts in taxes for the rich. But how utterly woefully he failed at the first sign of deep and real trouble in the form of the pandemic and its catastrophic economic impact! On the other hand, in less than the first 100 days in office, Biden and the Democrats have done what Trump and the Republicans could not do in two years. This is why, as much as Trump and the Far-Right seem dominant in the Republican party at the present time, they really have no concrete policies and no programs attractive to the masses of poor and middle class Americans of all racial and ethnic communities. Indeed, with the exception of about half of the White American electorate, all other groups and communities in the country are overwhelmingly wary or even distrustful of the Republicans. This observation brings me to what I consider the “clinching” point of my reflections in this piece.

    Let me put this point across in as concrete a formulation as is possible: if national elections were held in America today under the existing electoral laws and not the new restrictive, “Jim Crow” laws that the Republicans are enacting all over the country, which party would win and by how large a margin? The answer is unassailable: the Democrats would win resoundingly. Yes, Trump’s supporters are fanatical supporters and they do seem to have a firm grip on the Republican party. But that grip, that fist of iron and bloodshed is on the throat of the party; it is not lodged deep down into the windpipe of the country.

    Human nature is not invariant; it adapts to changes in circumstances and prospects. But all the same, there are constants and verities of human nature and humankind. One of the most commonplace of these constants is self-preservation, which often manifests as individual and collective self-interest. This why is if elections are held in America today, Biden and the Democrats would win and they would win big. Of course, it is another matter entirely what will happen in the forthcoming midterm elections of 2022. My guess is that the odds then will still be in favor of the party in control of Congress and the incumbency of the White House. Thus, the most important thing to watch is the possibility, the likelihood of the expansion of the current ruling plurality of Biden and the Democrats to include what we might call “Biden Republicans” in alliance with the current coalition of liberal and progressive Whites, the Black Lives Matter movement and progressives of other minorities. I am not making a prophecy and I don’t want to get too far ahead of myself. Before we get to that conjuncture in November 2022, there will be many rivers to cross. Indeed, what is certain is that there are many, many struggles and crises ahead.

    The guilty verdict against Derek Chauvin

    We all exhaled when the verdict was pronounced. We could breathe. I was behind the driver’s wheel in my car just before the announcement of the verdict was to be made. Fortunately, I was in a neighborhood where there were parking spaces available for me to stop and park my car. I knew that one way or another, whatever the verdict was, I would need time and space in which to reflect after the announcement. After the announcement was made, I switched off the car radio. I did not want my own thoughts, my own feelings to be “processed” through the instant commentary of pundits. After about an hour after the announcement, I started the car and drove home, still wishing to leave my thoughts free of the expertise of the instant commentariat.

    I am one of those who doubted, doubted fiercely, that a guilty verdict would be returned. Now that I was proved wrong by the verdict that was actually returned, I can breathe. But George Floyd breathed his last that day in May last year. And I am still haunted by the thought that, like George Floyd, other Black men and women will also take their last breaths under a White racist killer-cop’s knee or gun. And then, again, I shall hold my breath waiting for a guilty verdict that may or may not come. There are many more where Derek Chauvin comes from.

    • Biodun Jeyifo bjeyifo@fas.harvard.edu

     

  • Coalition to FG: Increase tax on sugary drinks to reduce diabetes, stroke

    Coalition to FG: Increase tax on sugary drinks to reduce diabetes, stroke

    By Moses Emorinken, Abuja

    A coalition of non-governmental organisations, under the aegis of the National Action on Sugar Reduction (NASR), have urged the Federal Government to increase the tax on sugar-sweetened beverages such as carbonated sugary drinks and energy drinks, which are known to cause chronic diseases like diabetes, stroke, heart disease, etc.

    It noted that asides a Euromonitor report which ranks Nigeria as the 4th highest consumer of soft drinks in the world, the high cost for healthcare would mean that many people who can afford to buy soft drinks cannot afford to treat the chronic diseases associated with drinking them.

    It also urged the National Assembly to introduce a tax on sugary drinks to provide a more lasting solution, which in turn will also provide much-needed revenue to subsidise diabetes treatment costs and control of other non-communicable diseases (NCDs).

    Representing the coalition, Omei Bongos-Ikwue, made these known in a statement duly signed by Diabetes Association of Nigeria, Nutrition Society of Nigeria, Nigeria Cancer Society, Breast Without Spot, Lafiya Wealth Initiative, TalkHealth9ja, Nigeria Health Watch, Project PINK BLUE, Sustainable Development Initiative, and African Youth Initiative on Population, Health and Development (AfrYPoD).

    It said: “A single soft drink bottle contains staggering amounts of sugar – up to 12 cubes. Soft drinks are also a major contributing factor to tooth decay and obesity, a risk factor for a host of chronic diseases. It is a significant cause of premature death in people under 40 years. NCDs have the chilling capacity to cut lives short in their prime. This is a setback to economic productivity.

    “In Nigeria, the cost of diabetes care amounts to $4.5 billion per annum. These expenses come to nearly N37,000 a month – more than half of an average Nigerian’s monthly earnings of N60,000. This also amounts to more than ten times the budgetary allocation for health per citizen.”

     

  • I don’t have a private jet yet though I can afford it – Paul Eneche

    I don’t have a private jet yet though I can afford it – Paul Eneche

    By Alao Abiodun

    Senior Pastor of Abuja-based Dunamis International Gospel Centre, Dr Paul Enenche, has dismissed reports in some quarters that his church recently acquired a private jet as “absolutely false and totally untrue”.

    The cleric said though his ministry could afford to acquire a private jet for the “purpose of easy, stress-less and aggressive spread of the gospel”, the church was yet to buy one.

    Enenche reacted in a statement on Friday through his Secretary, Sylvester Edoh titled: ‘On the purported acquisition of a Private Jet’.

    The statement reads: “By God’s grace, we do not lack the capacity to acquire or own a private jet for the sake of the gospel.

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    “However, the news of our acquisition of a private jet that is currently making rounds is absolutely false and totally untrue.

    “The picture of the jet making rounds is that of an aircraft, N838BB HAWKER 800XP (HS25), belonging to a private aviation company that was chartered in December 2019 for a series of crusades in Benue State,” the cleric said.

    “We do not need to acquire or buy an equipment before we can own it.

    “We have the capacity to announce by ourselves, whatever we deem news-worthy.”

  • Atiku: How long shall we continue to lose precious souls?

    Atiku: How long shall we continue to lose precious souls?

    By Alao Abiodun

    Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar has reacted to the death of three abducted Greenfield varsity students.

    The Nation reports three of the kidnapped students of Greenfield University, Kasarami Kaduna, were found dead.

    Kaduna Commissioner for Internal Security and Home Affairs, Samuel Aruwan, confirmed the development on Friday.

    Atiku, in a terse post on Friday, described the killing of the abducted students as heartbreaking.

    Read Also: UPDATED: Three abducted Greenfield varsity students found dead

    He asked States to be granted constitutional roles in securing their terrains.

    “Heartbreaking to learn of the killing of 3 of the abducted students of Greenfield University, Kaduna.

    “How long shall we continue to lose precious souls? May their families and friends be comforted.

    “It is time states are granted constitutional roles in the management of security,”Atiku said

  • My husband told me he’ll write his story after return from hospital- Odumakin’s wife

    My husband told me he’ll write his story after return from hospital- Odumakin’s wife

    By Toba ADEDEJI, Osogbo

    Dr. Joe Odumakin, the wife of the late Afenifere spokesman, Yinka Odumakin, revealed yesterday that her late husband promised to write his story when he comes back from the hospital. But he never did. He died on Friday, April 2, at 54 after battling with respiratory problems occasioned with COVID-19 complications.

    Dr. Odumakin made this revelation yesterday while speaking with newsmen in Odumakin’s residence at Moro, Osun State.

    The remains of the late Afenifere spokesman yesterday arrived at the country home of the activist, Moro town in Ife North Local Government of Osun State.

    A delegation of Osun State Government, led by the Chief of Staff, Dr. Charles Akinola, received the corpse at Asejire area, the boundary of Osun and Oyo states.

    Akinola, addressing the wife of Odumakin, Dr. Joe Okei Odumakin and other family members from Lagos State, informed them that the delegates received the remains on behalf of Governor Adegboyega Oyetola.

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    He said, “Mournfully and painfully, our brother, an illustrious son of Osun, one of one finest, Yinka Odumakin. His loss is a great loss to the nation generally. The governor has asked us to receive him into the state and escort his body to his final resting place. Odumakin was not just a leader of conscience; he is one of the finest human right leaders. He was not just a nationalist; he was the finest Yoruba nationalist.”

    Responding to the delegations, Joe Okei Odumakin, wife of the deceased, said, “My husband was a comrade, my friend and soulmate. Here is Yinka’s corpse. He owns a part of me as I owe a part of him. If I come back to this world over and over, I will get married to him.”

    We are grateful to Osun State for the great reception at this sober moment. When a spokesperson stops speaking, you know how heavy it is, but our consolation is that Yinka’s ideal legacies live forever, she said.

    Akinola was accompanied by some cabinet members, Commissioner for Regional Integration and Special Duties, Hon Olalekan Badmus, Commissioner for Political Affairs and Intergovernmental Relations, Hon Taiwo Akeju, Information and Civic Orientation Commissioner, Funke Egbemonde, Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Ismail Omipidan and others.

    Also, the Coalition of Osun Civil Society received the remains at Gbongan Town, headquarters of Aiyedaade Local Government Area.

    The remains got to the residence of the activist around 3:15 PM at Ewuru street, Moro via Origbo Anglican Grammar School.

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    The corpse of Odumakin was later moved to a morgue against

    preparations for his final lying in the state and private interment at the premises of his house in Moro today, Saturday.

    The grave for his final internment has been dug and they are mounting canopy for the final lying in state at the open field of Origbo Anglican Grammar School, Moro.

    My husband was against Massive killings- Joe

    Speaking with newsmen in Odumakin’s residence at Moro, Joe said, “Comrade is the friend of the media, he was a complete family man, a dedicated patriot, tomorrow is the lying in state from 8-10 am. There would be service and few tributes. After that, he will be interred in his house here. He loves the media, without the media his work would have been very difficult because nobody will help him disseminate his messages. He was against massive killings; he was for true federalism and a restructured Nigeria.

    “He was for Nigeria that works; he was for the protection of human rights; he was after doing things right. This is the heaviest part of my life to speak about this comrade after knowing him for over three decades. One thing is certain that his ideas are going to live forever. What he stood for will never die and the moment that his physical body will be interred we want to plead that people should rededicate their lives for a better Nigeria for a race that works.

    “Right from the time he went for three meetings and as the time that his physiotherapist told him that his oxygen was low even in the ambulance before going to the hospital, he was there as a prolific writer, writing an article; he was there as a committed patriot dishing out leaflets; he also put up different releases. He said when he comes, he will write his story. He’s no longer here with us but he will never die, his legacies will live on. After 54 years of sojourn on earth; he was for no corrupt society. I salute him,” she said.