The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • For preservation of their cultural heritage

    Brazilian Descendants Union Lagos, in conjunction with The Brazilian Consulate Lagos, has held its second yearly memorial lecture to immortalise its ancestors and celebrate the living. The event was held at the Shoremekun Hall on Broad Street, Lagos, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI and PETER OLUWADARE write.  

    TO preserve the Brazilian cultural heritage and values in Lagos, the Brazilian Descendants Union Lagos, in conjunction with The Brazilian Consulate, Lagos, has held its second annual memorial lecture to immortalise their ancestors and celebrate the living.
    The theme of the lecture was: “Social vices in our society- why and what is the solution.”
    The event was in honour of Libento Pedro family. The Brazilian descendants in Lagos consist mostly of descendant’s of freed Afro-Brazilian slave returnees who settled in Lagos.
    In his welcome address, Lawal Pedro (SAN), said the lecture was in honour of Libento Pedro, who was one of the first set of freed or emancipated Africans repatriated from Brazil to Nigeria after the 1835 rebellion known as the Male Revolt led by the Yoruba slaves in the city of Salvador.
    According to him, the lecture aims to revive the community known as the Brazilian descendants that has come to stay in Lagos. He referred to it as the beginning of civilisation on development in Lagos and in Nigeria in terms of architecture, culture and values.
    He explained that the social vices in our society are caused by among other things the loss of our heritage and social/ moral values.
    This, he said, is traceable to the omissions or actions of successive government in the state for not pursuing with passion the policy and law for the preservation / conservation of our cultural heritage.
    “Why did we allow the destruction of most of the standard Brazilian Architecture houses in the community? The recent of which is d demolition of the Casa do Fernandez, one of the most beautiful mansions in the Brazilian quarters, whereas the National Commission for Museum and Monuments (NCMM) of the Federal Ministry of Culture and Tourism had listed the building as an historical property on April 5, 1956 and declared patrimony of the Federal Government in 1984.”
    Pedro called on government agencies to have the passion to drive the policy of government in respect of preserving the cultural heritage.
    “There is a policy and there is a law in this regard but what we need is to drive the policy with passion,” he said.
    He announced the creation of an Endowment Fund by the Descendants to establish a Brazilian Descendant Cultural Centre (BDCC) for the restoration of the historical heritage, development of the community and empowerment of the youths towards reaching the social vices in the community.
    The centre, he said would act as a tourist site for people in diaspora both Nigerian and foreigners, adding that it would also attract revenue for Lagos state government.
    The Chairman on the occasion, Senator Oluremi Tinubu, represented by the immediate past Sole Administrator of Eti-Osa Local Government, Princess Abiodun Elegushi, said the legacy of the indigenous Brazilian community in Lagos is a lasting and laudable one, noting that Lagos State and the Lagos Central Senatorial District were proud to be home to the popular Brazilian Quarters or ‘Popo Aguda’ with which the members of the Brazilian Descendants Union are historically and culturally associated.
    According to her, there are many fascinating stories about the return to Nigeria of the wonderful people who populated the Brazilain Quarters of Campos, Tokunbo and Igbosere in Lagos Island. “The contributions of the members of the Brazilian Quarters to the culture, cosine and fashion of Lagos cannot be over-emphasised.”
    She noted that increase in population and modern infrastructural development has ensured a change in the outlook of the area. “Still, the families in the quarters have kept their traditions alive; maintain the Brazilian architecture, passing down property and customs for more generation to the next.”
    She urged non-governmental organisations and private entities to contribute to the growth and development to shared existence. “We must be determined to increase our engagement with the government and other social organisations to improve the physical, mental and social health of our community with the aim of bequeathing a better society to future generations.”
    Consul-General of Brazil Flaviour Bonzanini said corruption was one of the social vices in the country, noting that it has some associated manifestations, including drug abuse, thuggery, cultism, inordinate ambition,  sexual abuse and examination malpractice.
    According to him, these vices are common among the youths; “the youths need directions in which to go and follow their dreams, they need role models and they need to close the generation differences. They need to keep away from social vices that could prevent them from realising a bright future.”
    He advised that whatever factors have led to the social vices must be wisely handled in the spirit of development, social inclusion, community actualisation and long term collective future projects.
    “Statistics are important in keeping to a focused strategy of eliminating or completely reducing the adverse effects of social vices on the lives of the members of the community because these face challenges continuously in meeting their various kinds of needs.
    He described the lecture as important, noting that it preserves the Brazilian culture in Lagos. “The Brazilian people and government are proud to have
    descendants in Nigeria that preserves the Brazilian culture and values, and we will support the community to preserves those values.” He said
    Prof Abolade Adeniji form the department of History and International Studies, Lagos State University (LASU), said the Brazilian descendant must appreciate their history and heritage.
    He identified the social vices in our society as corruption, both political corruption and non-political; kidnapping, adoption, rape and 419.
    “No society where these vices are rampant can progress. The solution to these vices is moral, regeneration and it concerns all of us, including, parents, teachers, community leaders, religious leaders and government.
    He stressed that unemployment is not an excuse for hooliganism, cultism, prostitution, abduction, kidnapping and other nefarious activates.
    “The society, especially the youths must regain and strengthen its moral fibre. Parents, teachers, religious leaders and elders must rededicate themselves to the cause of returning our lost values. We all hold it a responsibility to hold our heads high and resist the temptation for serious unbecoming of our great heritage,” he added.

  • Rotary donates to DG, president’s alma mater

    THERE was excitement among pupils of Lagos Mainland Primary School, Onayade, Fadeyi  when Rotary Club of Gbagada inaugurated the six classrooms it renovated in the school, and donated six white wax boards to it.

    The event was attended by some senior members of Rotary International District 9110, including its Governor Dr Wale Ogunbadejo and Rotary Club of Gbagada President Ademola Olutusin.  The pupils were not only glad for the good job done by Rotary, but were happy to learn that former pupils of the school championed the work.

    Olutusin said he was glad to return to the school he left in the 70s. But he decried the infrastructural decay in his alma mater, putting the blame at the footsteps of the government. He urged the government not to neglect the school, adding that schools as molders of the young play a big role in the society. He said the facilities cost millions of naira.

    Inaugurating the classrooms, Ogunbadejo asked the school management to maintain the facilities. He recalled that he was a pupil of the school between 1965 and 1970. He asked its management to maintain the facilities. He also expressed dismay at level of decay in the school. He promised to partner other alumni of the school to do more to restore its lost glory.

    The school’s Head teacher Mr A. A. Akinnagbe thanked Rotary for the gesture. He however asked for a sick bay and toilets, urging them not to turn down the requests.

     

  • Specialisation? Ask the ants! (9)

    To specialise means to become more focused on an area of activity or to become more specific and suitable for a special purpose. You are considered to be a specialist when you acquire skills, ability, knowledge and experience unique to an area. It is good to be able to do several things well but it is far better to be able to do a few things or even a single thing excellently.

    Success in any area on life always requires a niche. There are hundreds of thousands of people doing the same job but only the few exceptional ones stand out. To be exceptional requires exceptional efforts and that doesn’t come by trying your hand on every job or business that comes your way. When I mention the names of some outstanding people, such as Bill Gates, Michael Jordan, Albert Einstein, Michael Jackson and Barack Obama, a specific picture comes to your mind. That picture is their niche and that is why they are unforgettable.

    Understandably, some people may have to try their hands on a few things before they discover what works for them. But unfortunately, several people move with the crowd; they migrate to any business that is currently making money. They neither have passion nor competence to succeed at it but they go for it anyway. Soon, the business becomes saturated with a large number of service providers with ever decreasing quality. Eventually, patronage begins to drop until that business is totally ruined. Then, of course, people move on to the next “hot” idea and vicious circle continues.

    Ants have great wisdom when it comes to specialisation. Scientists consider the grass-cutter ants the most complex of all ant states because of their level of specialisation. The first specialists among these ants are the cutter ants. They do nothing but to cut through tough leaves. The second specialists are the transport ants. They move the chopped stems to the ant colony. Here’s why you need to specialise like the ants:

    1. Maximise your strength: cutter ants have strong muscles and jaws while transport ants have lighter build appropriate for running. Imagine what happens if each one desires the role of the other. When you specialise, you focus on your area of strength and you get stronger. You can’t win by doing part-time what your competitors do full-time.
    2. Make your experience count: through experience, cutter ants instinctively measure the length of the cut section for easy movement while the transport ants carry the stems for 50 metres and deposit them for the next relay of transporters. Compare someone who worked five unconnected jobs in five years with one who maintained the same line of job for the same period even if he changed employers. The former will have one year of experience in five different areas while the latter will have five combined years of experience. If you know experience counts, you will treat your current job differently. The more experienced you are, the more valuable you become. Don’t merely pass time.

    I look forward to reading your comments and stories of great successes. Share your views with me by sending SMS to 07034737394, visiting www.olanreamodu.com and following me on twitter @lanreamodu.

  • ‘Exercise tool for national development’

    Exercise as a weapon for national development was the highlight when women, under the umbrella of The African Women Network (TAWN), gathered at the National Stadium in Surulere, Lagos, OLATUNDE ODEBIYI writes.

    For the women from various sectors, tribe and religion, under the umbrella of The African Women Network (TAWN), exercise is a tool for national development.

    Many women and children participated in the exercise at the National stadium in Surulere, Lagos State. They were led by various groups and individuals, including the Safari Dance Team, Zumba Dance Team and Coach Bello Adams, in various aerobics.

    The exercise was part of activities  marking TAWN Fit Woman programme.

    The event also featured exhibitions by various organisation, nutrition and health talks, and awards for some members.

    The exercise, which lasted for about two hours, enabled participants to know the kind of exercise to do to keep fit, to lose weight and for pregnant women, among others.

    According to TAWN convener, Mrs Gift Martins, exercise enables people to keep fit. “When a woman is fit, her family will be fit, and when the family is fit, the nation will be fit and it would yield national development because there is nothing a fit nation cannot do. Without fitness we cannot achieve success as a nation because health is wealth.”

    She urged women to make sacrifices to live healthy to contribute meaningfully to the larger society as they press for progress. She added that women should take their health seriously and keep their dreams alive.

    “The aim of this program is to bring to our attention the urgent need for women to take their health matters seriously. With the rising rate of maternal mortality, weight problems, infertility and pregnancy complications among others, women have no choice than to find creative and innovative ways to tackle these challenges. Our goal is to strengthen our capacities and provide sustainable methods of health management. As mothers and wives, maintaining an optimal health is a priority because our family’s well-being depends on us.

    She said TAWN is an empowerment platform for women, where they educate, network and interact with one another.

    “TAWN is an empowerment platform for the African women and empowerment cannot be total without physical fitness, which involves physical, mental and social well-being of a person.  Fitness requires discipline and dedication, it is not an option, and it is a priority. ”

    Pat’s Amazing Blends Chief Executive Officer, Pat Biney, said the programme was aimed encouraging African women and make them more aware about their health and fitness.

    According to her, health issues including high blood pressure and diabetes can be prevented if women are fit and eat healthy.

    “Women have to exercise regularly, using the different types of exercise as they have been shown today; they also have to change their diet if they want to live long, she said.

    She urged women to feed more on fruits, vegetables and avoid red meat.

    “Our belief is that with exercise, a woman will be strong and she will be able to encourage the family to do the same and we will have a healthy society, while also saving money that would have been spent on health issues.”

    Another highlight for the day was an award ceremony by WhatsApp group of TAWN, tagged: TAWN Saturday in Style. The Fashion Designer, who host of the group, Ewoma Efijemue, said those awarded were rewarded based on their contributions over time to TAWN Saturday in Style, while urging women to be bold, strong, confident face their fears, don’t be scared and be ready for anything.

    “The award is to show that every contribution of members matter a lot. As a fitness group we believe that every woman should be fit mentally, socially, physically, academically and in all areas. We women are okay where we are; what we want is to be loved, given attention and be able to attend position that men attain based on merit and capabilities.

    Women don’t get such positions as much as they should because we are looked upon as women; we are trying to change this, break stereotypes and create a platform where women can be empowered,” she said.

     

     

  • Foundation empowers 230

    No fewer than 230 fatherless children and orphans were empowered in five vocational skills by the Rose of Sharon Foundation in its second edition of youth empowerment programmes.

    Held at the Multipurpose Hall, Yaba College Technology, Lagos, the training, which lasted about two hours, included wig making, fancy slippers making for both males and females, shea butter processing for export, perfume making and processed black soap making for skin improvement.

    This was a follow up to the previous editions that focused on employability skills, basic components of Curriculum Vitae writing and how to chase job. This year’s edition was aimed at empowering the youth on vocational skills, which would serve as an alternative to white collar job.

    The empowerment is one of the foundation’s efforts towards promoting the welfare of widows and orphans, especially to prepare the youth for entrepreneurship.

    According to founder, Rose of Sharon Foundation and business tycoon, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, entrepreneurship is good for the continent to enable it develop.

    She noted that the rest of the world had been saturated with  entrepreneurial skills because they have been able to provide what the people need to live while African countries have barely changed their challenges to opportunities due to the inability to face challenges. This, she said, is why most of African countries are still waiting for development.

    Mrs Alakija added that Africa is blessed with resources, such as manpower, weather and the population, adding thatthese are good for industrial growth.

    She stressed that Africans need to key into opportunities and turn them around to make big changes for individual development and give back to the society.

    According to her, millions of graduates are not employed due to their failure to identify opportunities and that tapping into opportunities like the empowerment programme will go a long way in developing the country. “Everything needed for the production is available locally. It’s embellishment and packagingthat are the only things require for theirproduction,” she said.

    Mrs Alakija, however, admonished the youth to imbibe the principles of determination, perseverance, being focused and have the ideology of being successful.

    “You are advised to be on the look out and see what competition about what you are doing is available so that you will be able to see the area you need to improve and you can begin to take yourself through to the next level. I am not going to tell you that it is easy. By all means, nothing comes easy but don’t run away at the first bus stop of a challenge you come across; forge on and look at the light at the end of the tunnel because that is where you are going and don’t turn back until you get there.

    “If you don’t want to remain where you are, you need to put all the ingredients you need in place to be able to get to that location so that you will be able to say at the end of it that I have succeeded and I will continue to take myself to as many levels I can.”

    Mrs Alakija noted that the foundation will not stop at empowering the youth alone but will take it as a responsibility to organise a forum to enlighten the participants on how to manage the business and other things to accompany the skill acquisition.

    All the products made during the programmes will be exhibited during the 10th anniversary of the foundation in June when more empowerment items will be given.

    Speaking on Own your future, be your own boss: the alternative job founder Sheroes Global Mrs Yemi Adenuga charged the youth not to let their circumstances stop them from doing what they want to do.

    According to her, Africa is one of the best places to be an entrepreneur and one of the best ways to do that is the desire to solve problems and not let money be the only drive, add-ing that the problem facing the country is the quest to make money without solving a problem.

    She noted that as an entrepreneur, there must be a problem in the society, and that solving it would be the major drive to success. She advised against  relying on one source of income.

    “You should be proud of what you do,whatever you think as an idea you need to start now. Because as you are thinking about that idea, someone somewhere is also thinking about it.Use it to your betterment because if you decide today, no one will stop you. Ask questions around,use whatever you have positively. If it is an idea, throw it out and work towards it. Let people suggest different things to you and you pick best of it because the business you are going to do is for the people, therefore you should find out what people need,” she added.

    Project Director National Youth Summit Nigeria Ambassador Utchay Odims, who spoke on youth entrepreneurship as solution to unemployment, stated that waiting for white collar jobs will impoverished the country while entrepreneurship is the best solution to its problem.

    He, however, admonished the youth to follow their passion as the master of their life and make their life a valuable asset and not be discouraged achieving their purpose. He also added that self-determination is the key to attain success in life and avoid pride and greed to rule their life.

    Dignitaries who attended the occasion included Flourished Africa founder, Mrs Kehide Okoroafor,  Yomi Otunbela Foundation founder, Otunba Yemi Otunbela, Toyin Alausa Foundation founder, Mrs Oluwatoyin Alausa, and So Rich International Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Yemi Eniola.

     

  • NGO empowers army officers’wives

    Comfort Literacy and Capacity Enhancement (CLICE) Foundation, a non-profit organisation, has partnered the Nigerian Army Officers’ Wives Association (NAOWA), 13 Brigade Chapter, Calabar, to commemorate this year’s International Women’s Day in Calabar.

    The event held at the Headquarters of 13 Brigade Barracks, Akim-Calabar with the theme Time is now…Transforming women’s lives, witnessed the unveiling of Barracks Women Economic Empowerment Program (BWEEP), an initiative aimed at enhancing the livelihood of women in the barracks through theri involvement in agricultural production.

    Participants witnessed the demonstration of fish processing using the Market Development Programme in the Niger Delta (MADE), which facilitated 250kg-improved smoking technology adopted by the 13 Brigade Commander, Brigadier-General Ismaila Isa to support the BWEEP through the 13 Brigade Barracks Investment Initiatives.

    CLICE Foundation founder Ms Comfort Onyaga, expressed appreciation to individuals, groups and associations who honoured the invitation to attend the event. She noted tht having stayed in the barracks, she understood the plight of women who live in the barracks, hence, her resolve to take this year’s Women’s Day celebration to the place to change the narratives of the women for the better.

    Ms Onyaga revealed plans to set up cluster farms for the women in  various value chain, such as cassava, mushroom farming, snail farming, fish processing and poultry.

    NAOWA Co-ordinator, 13 Brigade Chapter, Calabar, Mrs Maimuna Isa, who was represented by the Assistant Co-ordinator, Mrs Juliet Nzan,, described the 2018 International Women’s Day theme as apt and timely, given the challenges confronting women.

    American Corner Coordinator Mrs Ann Mesembe, who spoke Rural and urban activists – Transforming women’s lives, described women as home-makers, who nurture family and society. She harped on gender parity to actualise equal opportunities for men and women in political, economic, social and cultural arena.

    Guest speaker and former Registrar University of Calabar Dr Julia Omang called on women to distinguish themselves through diligence and hard work.

    Nigerian Legion Chairman, Capt. J. E. Offiong (rtd) donated two garri processing equipment and one grinding machine to CLICE Foundation to support BWEEP.

    Other individuals and guests at the event includedYacine Fall from the United Nations Office for West Africa and the Sahel (UNOWAS), the Naval Officers’ Wives Association (NOWA), Immigration Officers’ Wives Association (IMMOWA), Police Officers’ Wives Association (POWA), Prison Officers’ Wives Association (PROWA), Road Safety Officers’ Wives Association (ROSOWA), the Nigerian Legion, NDLEA, NSCDC, DSS, Nigerian Custom Service and the Nigerian Air Force.

  • Foundation empowers 230 widows, orphans

    No fewer than 230 widows and orphans were empowered in five vocational skills by the Rose of Sharon Foundation in its second edition of youth empowerment programmes.

    Held at the Multipurpose Hall, Yaba College Technology, Lagos, the training, which lasted about two hours, included wig making, fancy slippers making for both males and females, shea butter processing for export, perfume making and processed black soap making for skin improvement.

    This was a follow up to the previous editions that focused on employability skills, basic components of Curriculum Vitae writing and how to chase job. This year’s edition was aimed at empowering the youth on vocational skills, which would serve as an alternative to white collar job.

    The empowerment is one of the foundation’s efforts towards promoting the welfare of widows and orphans, especially to prepare the youth for entrepreneurship.

    According to founder, Rose of Sharon Foundation and business tycoon, Mrs Folorunsho Alakija, entrepreneurship is good for the continent to enable it develop.

    She noted that the rest of the world had been saturated with  entrepreneurial skills because they have been able to provide what the people need to live while African countries have barely changed their challenges to opportunities due to the inability to face challenges. This, she said, is why most of African countries are still waiting for development.

    Mrs Alakija added that Africa is blessed with resources, such as manpower, weather and the population, adding thatthese are good for industrial growth.

    She stressed that Africans need to key into opportunities and turn them around to make big changes for individual development and give back to the society.

    According to her, millions of graduates are not employed due to their failure to identify opportunities and that tapping into opportunities like the empowerment programme will go a long way in developing the country. “Everything needed for the production is available locally. It’s embellishment and packagingthat are the only things require for theirproduction,” she said.

    Mrs Alakija, however, admonished the youth to imbibe the principles of determination, perseverance, being focused and have the ideology of being successful.

    “You are advised to be on the look out and see what competition about what you are doing is available so that you will be able to see the area you need to improve and you can begin to take yourself through to the next level. I am not going to tell you that it is easy. By all means, nothing comes easy but don’t run away at the first bus stop of a challenge you come across; forge on and look at the light at the end of the tunnel because that is where you are going and don’t turn back until you get there.

    “If you don’t want to remain where you are, you need to put all the ingredients you need in place to be able to get to that location so that you will be able to say at the end of it that I have succeeded and I will continue to take myself to as many levels I can.”

    Mrs Alakija noted that the foundation will not stop at empowering the youth alone but will take it as a responsibility to organise a forum to enlighten the participants on how to manage the business and other things to accompany the skill acquisition.

    All the products made during the programmes will be exhibited during the 10th anniversary of the foundation in June when more empowerment items will be given.

    Speaking on Own your future, be your own boss: the alternative job founder Sheroes Global Mrs Yemi Adenuga charged the youth not to let their circumstances stop them from doing what they want to do.

    According to her,Africa is one of the best places to be an entrepreneur and one of the best ways to do that is the desire to solve problems and not let money be the only drive, add-ing that the problem facing the country is the quest to make money without solving a problem.

    She noted that as an entrepreneur, there must be a problem in the society, and that solving it would be the major drive to success. She advised against  relying on one source of income.

    “You should be proud of what you do,whatever you think as an idea you need to start now. Because as you are thinking about that idea, someone somewhere is also thinking about it.Use it to your betterment because if you decide today, no one will stop you. Ask questions around,use whatever you have positively. If it is an idea, throw it out and work towards it. Let people suggest different things to you and you pick best of it because the business you are going to do is for the people, therefore you should find out what people need,” she added.

    Project Director National Youth Summit Nigeria Ambassador Utchay Odims, who spoke on youth entrepreneurship as solution to unemployment, stated that waiting for white collar jobs will impoverished the country while entrepreneurship is the best solution to its problem.

    He, however, admonished the youth to follow their passion as the master of their life and make their life a valuable asset and not be discouraged achieving their purpose. He also added that self-determination is the key to attain success in life and avoid pride and greed to rule their life.

    Dignitaries who attended the occasion included Flourished Africa founder, Mrs Kehide Okoroafor,  Yomi Otunbela Foundation founder, Otunba Yemi Otunbela, Toyin Alausa Foundation founder, Mrs Oluwatoyin Alausa, and So Rich International Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mr Yemi Eniola.

     

  • Corps member erects sculptures in NYSC Camp

    A corps member, Sunday Chukwu, has unveiled two  metal sculptures at the National Youths Service Corps (NSYC) Orientation Camp in Jigawa State.

    The two life-size art pieces, titled The Unknown Corpers, were unveiled as part of the University of Benin Fine and Applied Arts graduate’s Community Development Service (CDS).

    At the unveiling, the NYSC state Coordinator, Mr Michael Ashimedua, described them as one of its kind, stressing that he was dazed with Chukwu’s creativity. He urged corps members to emulate Chukwu, who he noted is a worthy ambassador of the scheme, to leave positive footprints while serving their fatherland.

    He said corps members should seek ways to leave their host communities better than they met them, adding that the NYSC remained one of the unifying factors in the country.

    On why he embarked on the project, which took him three months to complete, Chukwu, reputed to have built a 21ft sculptural piece, the 21st Century, as an undergraduate, noted that it was his contribution to his host community.

    “When I came to serve, the camp was complete but lacked an aesthetic bit. To add beauty to the camp, I decided to embark on the project which took me two months to finish,” Danladi, as he is fondly called, added.

    “Also, there was little or nothing to point to that there was an NYSC camp here. So, I took it as a duty to erect the artwork as my own way of leaving footprints in the sands of time, like they always told us to do.”

    He added: “It is a mark of honour to corps members who have served and still serving the nation but only remembered by a few.

    “Just like the torchlight in the NYSC logo, these corps members have illuminated the nation through their selfless service.”

    The 24-year-old also lauded the NYSC for building bridges across the nation, calling for its sustenance.

  • Forming new blueprint for royal stools

    A Professor of History at the University of Ibadan, Prof Olutayo Adesina, has urged traditional institutions to develop a new blueprint for growth and development.

    He spoke on Repositioning the traditional institution and local government administration in contemporary Nigeria at the 10th coronation  lecture of Oba Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, Laminisa I, the Timi of Ede at Ede, Osun State.

    He said Nigerians had got to a stage where tradition and modernity should work together in a more organised fashion, adding that traditional institutions should reconnect with the grassroots and the government in a way that would help to redefine the intellectual trajectory of development and governance.

    ‘’How should we be going about raising the ‘functional integrity’ of our local governments?Our governments are becoming anachronistic and pernicious abstractions. We must begin to understand the need to quickly redress the injustices that have suffused the nation. We are tired of our governments at all levels and I am sure our governments are tired of us.

    “In essence, the Council of Chiefs’ meetings should as a matter of urgency, transform into a tool of social and economic development where serious business for governance is discussed. It should no longer be a point for laying claims to hierarchies, superiority and personal matters. We are tired of listening to who is more superior or older. Our youths are jobless, our people are hungry, our roads are bad, and our towns are insecure. That is what we are concerned with now. ‘Council of Chiefs’ meetings should become ideological, philosophical and enduring grounds and conclaves for charting the path towards sustainable national progress. Every ruler should now take a cue from that roadmap established by the collective. Let the songs of economic development, safety, freedom and progress begin now. That is the sound of the future. It is the only sound we are happy to hear now,” he said.

    Adesina, who said sharing his thoughts on this topical issue, was one of his most defining periods in his career as historian and an academic, however, noted that it would be hypocritical of him if he did not raise certain fundamental questions.  ‘’First, is there a conversation going on between the traditional institutions, local government administration and contemporary Nigeria?

    ‘’Secondly, how do you go about repositioning the traditional institution, an institution that has survived centuries of challenges? Thirdly, is there still in existence an authentic third tier of government known as the local government administration?

    ‘’Fourthly, is contemporary Nigeria interested in any form of repositioning?

    He described the history of local government as the history of both repeated injuries and usurpations.

    He said Nigerians must be tired and disillusioned about local governments because they have raised the hopes of the people in the past and have proved to be an introduction to a new sense of tyranny and human debasement.

    “Once a resounding celebration of hope and freedom, the LG system has  become our heavy iron chain of slavery. As a result, we have developed a deeply-critical insight into the hypocrisy that is governance in Nigeria. Prior to the 1976 LG reforms, local government had been the responsibility of the regional governments, and each region’s system ‘reflected its colonial experiences and the forces of regional politics during the first republic.’

    “Historically, therefore, we are all living witnesses to the levels of contradictions that created the LGs over time and then bound them up in chains. We have created in the LG system the imagery of bondage and underdevelopment. This is antithetical to the design that gave rise to the LG systems in other parts of the world,” he stated.

    According to him, in the past, the important role of a chief was to lead his people to war to defend, protect and extend their territories. But, the nature of warfare for the chief in contemporary times has changed. “The enemy is poverty, hunger, disease, squalor, illiteracy, crime, injustice, injustice, environmental degradation, depletion of resources, greed, covetousness, ignorance and conflicts. These are the challenges of the new millennium. The pomp and pageantry associated with the institution mask the onerous responsibility and challenges that confront the modern chief. Chiefs are under pressure to achieve good governance in their traditional areas within the parameters of the n-going debate that seeks ways of integrating tradition with modernity,” he added.

    To him, traditional rulers are the owners of the land and its peoples; and without their cities, towns and villages, there can be no local governments.

    Earlier, chairman of the occasion, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, recalled when Laminisa I mounted the throne on March 5, 2008, the selection tussle following the passage of the Laminisa’s predecessor was resolved amicably, to the extent that other notable contestants later joined hands with Oba AdesolacLawal in piloting the affairs of Ede community.

    The former Osun State governor said: “We went through the process without rancour.’’

    Oyinlola, while congratulating the monarch “on sustaining a peaceful reign in the last 10 years.  said there had been progress, unity and peace in Ede community’’, adding: “These are the pre-requisites for development.”

    “I am part and parcel of Ede. Given the historical antecedents between Ede and Okuku, I am not a stranger to Ede. Ede has witnessed peace and unity since Laminisa I ascended the throne,” he added.

    On his take on politics in the state, he said: “I will not do anything that is unjust. The essence of the coalition is to transfer power to the youths and women.There must be equal distribution of post and amenity in the state. If we want power to shift to youths, is a 64-year-old man a youth?  Oyinlola has no candidate in mind. That is not my mission. I am saying it with sincerity and honesty. And that was the outcome of the meeting with my political associates.”

    Oyinlola also canvassed the strengthening of traditional institutions, particularly as vehicle of good governance, conflict resolution and effective security and community policing.

    Planning Committee Chairman, Prof Siyan Oyeweso said activities commemorating Laminisa’s 10th year on the throne were significant, signposting the steady developmental strides and social economic growth that was being witnessed since enthronement of Oba Lawal 10 years ago.

    He acknowledged the invaluable contributions of Ede sons and daughters, as well as friends of the ancient city, first, to the success of the 10th coronation anniversary, but most important, to the growth of the town, adding that they should continue to support the monarch until Ede attain its prime position, not only as great and historic city in Yorubaland, but also as a contemporary city of 21st century in terms of modernity and preservation of cultural and artistic heritage.

    Prominent traditional rulers at the lecture included the Orangun of OkeIla, Oba Adedokun Abolarin; Olofa of Offa Oba Mufutau Gbadamosi Esuwoye II; Ataoja of Osogbo Oba Jimoh Olanipekun; Akirun of Ikirun Oba Abdul Rauf Olawale Adedeji; Olunisa of Inisa Oba Joseph Oladunjoye Oyedele; Aragbiji of Iragbiji Oba Abdurasheed Ayotunde Olabomi; and Olokuku of Okuku Oba Abioye OyebodeOluronke II.

    Others were Oloyan of Oyan Oba Adekeye Oyedare; Olufon of Ifon Oba Al Maroof Adekunle Magbagbeola Olumoyero II; and Olobu of Ilobu Oba Ashiru Olatoye Olaniyan, among others.

    Emir of Kano Muhammadu Sanusi, who gave the keynote address, was, however, represented by Bauran Kano and District Head of Rogo Alhaji Muhammad Mahraz Karaye.

     

  • Institute seeks cooperation at members’ induction

    President/Chairman of Council, Institute of Information Management, Dr. Oyedokun Ayodeji Oyewole, has enjoined members not to derail from the pace it built, but work together for the growth of the institute.

    He spoke at the 10th lecture, induction and awards of the institute at the University of Lagos (UNILAG).

    He said: “Coming together is the beginning, keeping together is progress, and working together is success.’’

    He said his priority remained a focal point for giving the institute a purposeful leadership by dwelling more on the legislative agenda for a better and restructured Governing Council.

    ‘’Part of my dream and mission on this new mantra of leadership bestowed on me is to make the Institute more centric, open and closer to every member, irrespective of race or gender,” he added.

    He said there would be challenges, but that the ‘’challenges are positively inclined as it will spur us to achieve our desired result.’He therefore sought the cooperation of all members,’’ saying: “I know we’re all blessed with different intellectual and ideological gift by the Almighty, but the most important thing for us is to see ourselves as a team, out to achieve a common goal.’’

    Mrs. Aisha Iyabo Ogeiriakhi was awarded the Outstanding Contribution to the Information Management Industry, for her selfless service to the information management industry in Africa.

    The special award by Records and Information Management Awareness (RIMA) Foundation was given to her in memorial of late Abiola Juliana Oyedokun.

    She was also awarded the Best IIM Coordinator of the Year, for organising and hosting the first IMM Africa International Programme and induction in the United Kingdom last year.

    The Best International IIM Fellow of the Year award went to Ngwanaphalama Margaret More, a South African, for consistency in membership obligation since 2015.

    Other awardees included Princess Tiwalade Owho (the Most Outstanding Member of the Year) and Olukayode Adeniyi – the Best IIM Social Media Group Administrator of the Year.

    In his lecture titled: Blockchain and the future of Information Managements, Computer Warehouse Group Plc Vice Chairman Mr. Austin Okere said blockchain went beyond financial application. It is expected to disrupt global supply chain by boosting transaction speed across borders and transparency. “Practically, the key to this revolution lies in currencies such as bitcoin,” he said.

    Okere added that block chain is a shared virtual public ledger where encrypted transactions are confirmed by outside parties, noting that it is this technology that the Fintechs are leveraging to disrupt the traditional banks while confirmed transactions are placed in a block and added to the chain.

    The institute also inducted new members into various IIM Memberships ranging from graduate, associate professional, senior professional, fellow Hon. Fellow and Corporate.

    Among the new governing council members inducted were Oyedokun Oyewole, Mrs. Soyebi Oluwakemi Abiodun, Alhaji  Fatai Oyewole Salahudeen and the Director, Digital Asset, Leadership, Mr. Tayo Adelaja, among others.