The Nation Newspaper

Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

  • NLNG holds reading for Ikeogu

    The Book lovers will gather at Ethnic Heritage Center, Ikoyi, Lagos, for a book feast featuring Oke Ikeogu’s The Heresiad the 2017 winner of The Nigeria Prize for Literature on Sunday, March 25, 2018, by 2pm.

    The book reading is being hosted by the Nigeria LNG (NLNG) Limited, sponsors of the literature prize and the Nigeria Prize for Science.

    According to Tony Okenyedo, the reading is part of the company’s support for literature.

    Since 2004, the literature prize has rewarded eminent writers such as Oke Ikeogu, who won the 2017 edition which was focused on Poetry with his The Heresiad; Abubakar Adam Ibrahim won in 2016, Prose, with Season of Crimson Blossoms; Sam Ukala (2014; Drama) with Iredi War; Tade Ipadeola (2013; Poetry) with his collection of poems, Sahara Testaments; Chika Unigwe (2012 – prose), with her novel, On Black Sister’s Street; as well as Adeleke Adeyemi (2011, children’s literature) with his book The Missing Clock.

    Others are Esiaba Irobi (2010, drama) who clinched the prize posthumously with his book Cemetery Road; Kaine Agary (2008, prose) with Yellow Yellow; Mabel Segun (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) for her collection of short plays Reader’s Theatre; Professor Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo (co-winner, 2007, children’s literature) with her book, My Cousin Sammy; Ahmed Yerima (2006, drama) for his classic, Hard Ground; and Gabriel Okara (co-winner, 2005, poetry), Professor Ezenwa Ohaeto (co-winner, 2005, poetry).

  • ‘Exploitation killing aerial photography’

    Bayo Akanbi is a visual artist redefining the digital switch of transactions at one of the booming online real estate companies, ToLet.com. In this interview, he tells TEMITAYO AYETOTO about his passion for street and aerial photography and the hurdles against his dreams.

    W  HAT  is photography in real estate?

    In real estate, a lot of people want to sell their properties faster and the best way to present the value of your property is to get a professional picture. The way we take real estate picture is different from the way people take landscape, portraits or street photography.  The technique is very different. So, there are certain things you need to capture when shooting for real estate and there are things not needed. If I want to shoot a property, for instance, there are four things I need to shoot: the exterior, the interior, the living room, the master bedroom and the kitchen and maybe, the toilet. Those are the areas people want to see when they want to buy property. Unlike random photography, a novice could shoot different angles of the same object when all you need is a perfect shot. We edit and do finishing touches, but not extreme enough to make it unrealistic.

    Would you say professional photography has given real estate a mileage?

    Real estate in Nigeria is one of the fast-growing sectors as a lot of people are investing in it, especially in Lagos. Most of the people that are really interested in the industry are such that do not have the luxury to go around and check out properties. They usually rely on pictures and when the picture is very good, it helps the property sell faster than when such photography don’t exist.

    How is the drone technology impacting the sector?

    There is a law in Nigeria that before you can fly a drone, you have to have rights. You have to obtain a form before you can get the permission. And the fee is about N300,000 and a yearly renewal of N100,000. That fee alone is ridiculous. You can get a professional drone for about N200,000. So, why should I buy the permission for its use for about N400,000. This kind of law will prevent people from going into aerial photography.

    So, how do you fly your drone?

    I don’t have a right. The only thing I do is to ensure I don’t fly in certain areas where aircraft or helipads fly around.

    Thus the law is effective?

    It is not effective. I know a lot of people who are into aerial photography, but don’t have rights because they can’t afford it. The law appears to be killing the budding sector. It is still a new terrain, most times when I go out to fly some aerial shots, I see a lot of people come out looking amazed and they ask me questions on how I fly it. Someone even asked if it could take him out of Nigeria. So, I don’t know how they will fix a kind of law that will affect the industry.

     The Federal Government has been in active support of the expansion of the creative industry due to the huge potential it has to contribute to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), what input does photography offer?

    It is still growing. To fly a drone in a day, averagely, you could be billed about N50,000 or N70,000. It’s a bit pricy. So, people are not really patronising it because it is expensive. For the exposure, we still need aerial photography. It might not be contributing much for now, but there are potential benefits in the long run. For instance, whenever there is traffic, GidiTraffick flies drone to see the situation of things and feed Lagosians back. The information helps people identify clear  routes and, consequently, spend less productive hours on the road.

    What challenges do you face taking aerial shots in Lagos?

    I have shot a lot of aerial shots on the Mainland and Island and my take is that there are more challenges shooting on the mainland. I think most people there have not yet realised how this technology can help their area because when I go out, a lot of people show up to extort me. They usually insist I drop something. When I went to Surulere, to fly drone at Shitta round-about, I didn’t know that I was in Shitta. I just got there, prepared my device and started flying it. One after the other people started coming, asking where I’m from, who gave me permission and all that. Then one of them insisted that I paid N50,000. Then another woman intervened, saying even if it is just N20,000 you have, just give them. I was shocked by their demands. And to think that I’m not making money from it, but to basically make pictorial documentation of the area. I realised they don’t care about that except the money. In fact, an educated man among came to me, telling me to give them the money, whereas I expected him to understand.

    But most times on the Island, people approach me for my contacts when they see me flying a drone. That’s the difference I experienced. It’s rare on the mainland. But, most importantly, it is about the people, not the area.

    What do people stand to gain?

    The aerial shot of an area will give you an idea of its layout. If they have beautiful infrastructure like a stadium, you will capture how wide it is and how it fits into other units. It gives a good overview of an area from afar.

    If you try to check aerial shots of Lagos, they are very limited. Why?

    I think it is because of the challenges people like me face taking aerial shots. If you need the aerial shot of Mushin, for instance, why would you need to go there when you can just download from the internet, but these pictures are not online because of people that are limiting the access of photographers?

    Weeks back, I was shooting on the third mainland bridge and some policemen challenged me, asking why I was shooting. I told them I wanted to take a view of third mainland bridge with Lagos Island for personal documentation. They said okay, but I have to drop something for no reason.

     How can this perception change towards photography in Nigeria?

    I think it is all about mentality. Some Nigerians are insecure and feel they are not too good to be captured. Most times when I’m doing street photography and I take candid pictures of maybe people in the market, immediately they see that camera, they just become aggressive. At times even my attempt to be friendly or explanatory does not work because they just don’t want their face taken.

    Why?

    Maybe some feel like they aren’t supposed to be in the market or that they are too good to be selling stuff in the market. It just shows they are not really happy with the situation they find themselves. Unlike in advanced countries, people don’t bother. They just mind their businesses.

    How should the government help?

    The police should be more supportive. In most of the challenges If I face problems during shooting in unfamiliar terrains, the only person I can run to is the police. If they are aware that the effort is to digitalise the geographic documentation of the country, then they can back us rather than contribute to the exploitation. As a photographer, I prefer street photography but the situation of things in the country is discouraging. Because of that, I prefer real estate since I shoot buildings and buildings don’t complain.

  • Rotary assists 30 hernia patients

    No fewer than 30 hernia patients have benefited from the Victoria Garden City Rotary Club’s goodwill which, in collaboration with the Graceland Hernia Foundation, Ajah, did surgeries for them.

    The club’s hand of fellowship was for the poor battling with hernia and other ailments. Some of the beneficiaries in their active years have been rendered ineffective by hernia.

    The intervention by the Rotary did not only bring succour to the patients, who have been living in pains, but would also re-launch them to productive life.

    This act of magnanimity made some of the beneficiaries to shower encomiums on their benefactors and prayed God  to take the club to greater heights.

    VGC Rotary Club President, Mr. Steve Asuquo said the club assists the needy at the beginning of its year, noting that its focus was on the plight of   hernia sufferers.

    He said people with hernia were confined to pains, solitude and deprivation that prevent them from making economic impact on the society.

    He added: “The intention is to help the poor, but it was noted that some of these poor have serious issues with health and the only impact that we can add to their lives is to assist to get over it.

    “That is why we partner Graceland Hernia Foundation in view of its outstanding records in hernia operation. I hope that this will continue every year and for this year 30 patients will benefit.

    “I want to say that this hospital, where the operation is being carried out, offers the cheapest in this environment. That is what really motivated me to key into the project.”

    Osuquo said some people were so poor that they could not afford to feed themselves not to talk of paying medical bills. He noted that the club was out to impact on the community.

    “I am sure by the time we create more awareness, more people will approach the club to find solution to the problems they have. Under my leadership, we will continue to do our best for the people at Ajah and environs,” he said.

    Graceland Hernia Foundation Medical Director/CEO Dr. Paul Jesuyajolu said he had done over 4000 sugeries, noting that hernia is common among low income earners, who indulge in hard labour.

    “One of the Rotary members, Asuquo heard about us and approached me on the possibility of working together. This dated back to 2015 and since then, we have been relating together.

    “They been inviting me to Rotary meetings and on some occasions was given the opportunity to speak on issues that could elevate the health of the people. They have equally funded some of our surgeries which have been successful.

    “Again, I am privileged to operate on over 4000 hernia patients and I am still praying that God will continue to strengthen me; so far, of the 4000 surgeries carried out at this hospital, we only lost a patient. The cost of the sugeries has mostly been borne by me as part of my humanitarian service to the society.”

    Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Dr Adewale Ogunbadejo said the club would continue to render service in the areas of growing local economy, addressing peace and conflict issue and health problem.

    Ogunbadejo, who was represented by Rotary Club Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Uyi Sowobi, said: “We were largely involved the polio eradication and I want to say we have made huge contribution to its success. I have been living in this community for over 20 years. This hernia surgery is the first of its kind by the club to the people and we are happy at the feat.”

    A beneficiary, Mrs. Victoria Unchendu, said she got the information through her friend that VGC Rotary Club was conducting free medial hernia operation.

    “I came here because of my three years old son who is suffering from hernia. I came all the way from Egbeda to be part of the operation. My son has been ill over time and I am quite convinced that the surgery will be successful given the profile of the doctor. “

  • Two UNILAG lecturers win RHODES fellowship

    Two lecturers at the University of Lagos (UNILAG) have been awarded the 2018 edition of RHODES Artist and Writer Residency Fellowship (RAW). They are Prof Peju Layiwola of the Department of Creative Arts and Dr. Patrick Oloko, a Senior Lecturer in the Department of English.

    The RAW programme is hosted by the Department of Fine Arts of Rhodes University in Grahamstown, the National Research Foundations (NRF) of South Africa and the Andrew W. Mellon Foundation under the theme: The Arts of Africa and the Global South.

    It is a unique two months programme encouraging team participation in the production of art, scholarship and enhancing cultural and professional understanding among artists, scholars and activists in Africa and the Global South.

    In this year’s competition, Prof Layiwola, who is a visual artist, and Oloko, a Literary Analyst, will be exploring the relationship between art production and scholarly writing. Their methodologically innovative joint application is focused on demonstrating how social experience and visual culture connect and intersect in Nigeria /South African historical and contemporary experiences. Peju Layiwola will utilise her wide experiences as a creative artist and art scholar to produce visuals exploring commonalties between Nigeria and South Africa. Her community engagement with youth and women will hopefully play a role in her artistic project for the RAW residency.

    Patrick Oloko will produce an essay themed on how the artistic productions of Layiwola invite and initiate conversations around everyday experiences in Nigeria and South Africa.

    The relation between Nigeria and South Africa is expected to be enhanced through these cultural and scholarly collaborations while the work and experiences of both scholars will foster inter-university cooperation between the University of Lagos, Nigeria and Rhodes University, South Africa.

     

  • Ajagun Nla: Ode to Sango Duro Ladipo

    Forty years after his death, iconic actor and playwright Duro Ladipo has been remembered by his family, with the staging of one of his plays, Ajagun Nla, at the National Theatre, Lagos. It was an evening of celebration, fond memories and theatrical excellence, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

    After an exciting two-hour command performance, the cast and crew of a stage play, Ajagun Nla, directed by Prof Bakare Ojo Rasaki, were literarily drowned in ovation.

    The audience, who filled Cinema Hall One, National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos, were on their feet applauding. It was a deserving Friday offering to theatre buffs who defied the chaotic traffic on Western Avenue to attend the evening performance.

    Apart from being a timely presentation, considering the increasing spate of killings of farmers by Fulani herdsmen across the country, Ladipo’s classic Ajagun Nla also drew attention to many national questions.

    The play was organised  by the  Lagos State government as part of activities commemorating the 40 years of the death of the actor, playwright and musicologist, Duro Ladipo, who passed on in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital on March 11, 1978 at 45.

    Expectedly, the wife of the late actor, Mrs Abiodun Duro Ladipo, 81,  in her famous Moremi hair style, was full of joy as she thanked  the government for its support in making the evening a rewarding outing in memory of her late husband. Her message to the womenfolk on the need to be patient as wife and mother, as well as why ‘our rich culture must be preserved and promoted,’ set the tone for the evening performance.

    Of all the many calamities that continue to befall the nation, the Fulani herdsmen killings remain worrisome and of great concern to most Nigerians. Little wonder it formed the crust of Ajagun Nla, a play written decades ago by  Ladipo. Today, most of the issues raised in the paly are still much with us.

    Opening with a scene showing how Fulani herdsmen invaded a Yoruba community, the traditional ruler of the community summoned his chiefs to his palace to discuss how to protect the people and their property. This resulted in the invitation of Ajagun Nla (Wole Duro- Ladipo), a notable war lord from IlaOragun, to help crush the Fulani herdsmen. But before the battle line was drawn, the three Baloguns, Aresa (Yomi Duro Ladipo), Olugbon (Muyideen Lalaa) and Onikoyi (Kenny Ayeni) consulted Ifa oracle, whose findings and suggestions they ignored.

    The in-fighting that ensued among the war lords and family members in the play were synonymous with what Nigeria experiences today, especially in government. Issues such as greed, corruption, favoritism, ethnic rivalry and religious intolerance were the undoing of Ajagun Nla and his lieutenants in the battle to crush the Fulanis. Every scene in the play captures many aspects of our everyday life as a people, be it in social or political environment, especially the actions and inactions of the leaders and the led. All these are a mirror image of our present reality.

    Interestingly, the epitome of these vices, which the ifa (conducted by Segun Adefila) it had warned against, was Esu (Ayo Ogunsina) who at each turn planted the seed of discord in the people, especially the key actors. For instance, at the peak of the battle against the Fulanis, Esu visited the home of Ajagun Nla who was on the battle field in company of the Baloguns.  Esu tricked Ajagun Nla’s wife, Omolola, (Sola Duro Ladipo) to serve her husband with poisoned water whenever he returns from the battle field. Unfortunately, Ajagun Nla saw the poison and refused to drink from the water, which Aresa and Olugbon drank.

    Summarily, Ajagun Nla is a fresh clarion call on Nigerians to count less on those divisive elements and join hands together to eliminate seeds of discord and bitterness. The play lived up to its trappings as a rich package of Yoruba epic drama. The large casts were thrilling and colourful on stage backed by effective choreography. However, the set seems static most times. Director of the play, Prof Bakare Ojo Rasaki said Ajagun Nla was chosen for the commemoration because of its contemporary relevance to the issue of Fulani attacks all over the country.

    Earlier, Lagos State Cultural Troupe thrilled the audience to scintillating performances. Also, in appreciation of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode’s distinguished performance in promoting Yoruba culture, Ladipo’s family presented him with an award. It was received by Mrs Aramide Giwanson on behalf of the governor. Presentation of national anthem and pledge in Yoruba language by EgbeAkomolede led by Mrs. Zainab  Olaitan spiced the night.

    Present at the evening were Permanent Secretary Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. FolaAdeyemi, Special Adviser on Arts and Culture to Governor, Mrs. Aramide  Giwanson, Director, Lagos Council for Arts and Culture, Mrs Otulana, ace Yoruba actor Adebayo Salami, Tunde Kelani, Publisher City People, Mr. Seye Kehinde, Makinde Adeniran and Mrs Anike Adekanye, among others.

    The family organised a week-long 40th anniversary programme starting from Saturday, March 10 to 18 featuring the launch of Duro Ladipo Monument, (the new Mbari in Osogbo, Osun State), arts exhibition, stage performance of Ajagun Nla and premiere of Moremi Ajasoro. Ajasoro was shown in Chicago, United States last summer, which was directed by Ladipo’s wife – actor, Mrs Duro Ladipo, alias Moremi. Other of his classical operas and plays include  Oba Moro, Oba Koso, Ajagun Nla and Eda.

    Recall that Ladipo went on full-time play writing and stage production in collaboration with a German and former lecturer at the University of Ibadan, Prof. Ulli Biere, who converted Duro Ladipo’s Popular Bar in Osogbo to the famous Mbari Club.

    The late Ladipo belonged to the talented group of doyens of theatre, such as Hubert Ogunde, Oyin Adejobi, ‘Wole Soyinka, Ola Rotimi, Segun Olusola, Sam Akpabot, Sonnny Oti, Kola Ogunmola and Akin Euba.

  • ‘Women were kings in the past’

    pre-colonial African society believed in the complementarity of both genders  and their necessary contribution to public affairs. Today, many people justify women’s maltreatment by using culture or so-called traditional norms”, said Prof Sophie Oluwole, a Nigerian philosopher, at an event commemorating this year’s International Women’s Day.

    With the theme: Women on the move: gender expectations and unequal power relationships in the Nigerian society, the event, which was held by the French Consulate in partnership with the University of Lagos (UNILAG), focused on societal expectations from men and women.

    While questioning what the society believes are women’s responsibilities in Nigeria, answers were supplied  by a few in the audience who said that en were still expected to provide and cater for their families’ financial needs while women were expected to passively receive.

    However, it was generally agreed that men and women were prisoners of certain stereotypes which are a hindrance to healthy relationships. This is because financial power is mostly in the hands of men; therefore, women’s entry into business, politics or other industries is more difficult and they are limited to secondary roles.

    Challenging the societal expectation from women in the 21st century, Prof  Oluwole, the first panelist, said “African women, contrary to popular opinion, worked side by side with men in ancient times, serving as religious and community leaders.”

    Giving historical examples, she said: ‘There are instances in Yoruba land where the monarch was a woman addressed as a king and not a queen in a secondary role’

    Highlighting forms of oppression women suffer and raising confident women who will not be cowed into silence if abused, TitilolaVivour-Adeniyi, the Lagos state coordinator of the Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team (DSVRT)spoke  about the subtle ways in which a woman can spot a potential abuser ‘A man who tries to separate you from friends and family, a man who wants you to stay home but without making adequate preparations and others’

    Claudine Lepage, a French Senator who took the audience on a journey through the laws which her home country, helped secure equal rights for men and women and fight gender based poverty. ‘Boys and girls must have the same opportunities in society for it to be considered a real, functional, democracy,’ she said.

    The event also focused on the portrayal of women in the media through Rita Dominic’s contribution in which she admitted that Nollywood’s portrayal of women is both at times empowering and other times stereotypical as an audience member put it “showing women as witches or video vixens”.

    TabiaPrincewill, the moderator and organiser of the event as well as SA to the Lagos Secretary to the State Government asked relevant and insightful questions to ensure the audience got the best from the panel discussion. She also worked closely with the French consulate cultural attache to design a fitting experience and was pleased to “show the world that Africa is more than the stereotype of women waiting passively for things to happen. African women have been leaders in many fields, she said.

  • Alaafin: Absence of value system hindrance to growth

    The Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Olayiwola Adeyemi 111, has said without a solid moral base, the country’s social, economic and political development will be in a shambles.

    Oba Adeyemi gave the warning at the conferment of awards on him and his aides by the Lokoja-based International Centre for Ethics and Self Value Orientation.

    The Alaafin stated that he shuddered to think of a Nigeria of intellectual giants, astute economists and politicians withoutrelevant moral values as internalised through socio-cultural orientation and espoused by religion.

    “We need to relate our development to our values system. To do contrary is to entrust the safety of the insane man into his own hand which is a recipe for self-destruction. Consequently, a scientific modern Nigerian society without a sound social and moral base will be her worst enemy in terms of the human misery, fear, insecurity and barbarism that would be self-inflicted in the process of a misguided scientific advancement,” he said.

    The monarch explained that “if a country produces intellectual giants” but who are “moral dwarfs”, it is simply producing obstacles to its own development. He noted that the import of this is that morality is germane to social growth and development. “Therefore, to extricate morality from the Nigerian society is to destroy the very essence of the society, thereby inviting anarchy and disorderliness. Morality is a necessary tool for the survival of human society. It is vital to the survival of any society because it is the basis of all social structures and institutions,” he added.

    Oba Adeyemi noted that the problems facing the country, are anchored on non-compliance with or total neglect of moral principles and these have led to the doldrums we are experiencing in our private and public lives.

    This, he added, shows that national growth and development depend largely on the good sense of justice, moral worth and responsibility, conscientiousness, devotion to duty, selflessness, probity and honesty exhibited by the leaders and the led.

    “Nations often have constitutions used to establish the groundwork for their social, legal and ambitious future. It establishes the basic relationships between the citizens and their rulers. It defines rules for good and bad practices, laying down laws against taboos while preaching certain practices as essential. This generally is the means of identifying the nation’s values or value system.

    “It is assumed that a nation’s value system is sacred and could extend beyond that nation’s boundaries. All nations are supposed to be proud of their value systems, just as a person is proud of his or her upbringing and character and would try to impress that behaviour and beliefs on others. Basic values are traditional and historic, reflecting aspects of the experience that each nation went through since its inception as a national unity,” he said.

    Continuing, he said: “Where are values like honesty, integrity, good neighbourliness, religious tolerance etc that once defined our society? Whatever also happened to being our brother’s keeper? Today, we’ve grown so numb and we are no longer shocked when people are slaughtered in a senseless terror campaign by some deranged individuals. As a result, we now have internally displaced people in the country, yet we carry on as if all is well. Everything has been reduced to politics”.

    Oba Adeyemi who lauded the management of the Centre for their sense of devotion and commitment to duties stressed that ‘there is urgent need for a re-orientation, a re-engendering and a re-focusing on our moral values with the view to actualising our potential and harnessing our resources both human and materials, for a greater, purposeful, egalitarian and vibrant society.

    “As a result of this, all hands must be on deck to actualise this goal. In this regard, moral instruction and education must be given a pride of place in all our educational institutions starting from the primary to the tertiary levels. Also, every citizen must imbibe the culture of moral value recognising that society is real only to the extent to which the members are instructed and guided by their value system. This presupposes that every social institution such as the family, the church, the schools and the government must take the culture of punctuality very seriously, we must preach against insolence, violence and other vices which will project the nation in bad light’’.

    Earlier, the Executive Director of the Centre, Prince Salihu Musa Yakubu who led other members of the management team, said they have been keeping close watch on Alaafin’s stewardship amongst others within the period under review.

    According to him, ‘’from our findings, you (Alaafin) have used character to change the pattern of kingship in Nigeria, in addition to your commitment to uplifting humanity via your philanthropic gestures. You have institutionalised a new concept in traditional leadership, building bridges across kingdoms and helping to ensure national cohesion, unity, peace, and prosperity of Nigeria’’.

    Yakubu explained that the management of the Centre has shortlisted the Alaafin and his kingdom for this unusual character so demonstrated in the country since his ascension unto his father’s throne.

    Presenting the award, Oba Adeyemi was formally issued with a National Certificate of Credence, and a Gold medal having scored over 79 percent in the Centre’s assessment criteria.Alaafin was also inducted as His Excellency Ambassador of Ethics and Conscience and presented with score cards measuring his scores in the Centre’s 10 thematic areas of independent assessment.

    Also conferred with awards of diligence to duties were the Palace Provost, Prince Totoola Adeyemi, and the Accounting Officer, Mrs Abosede Oyatokun.

  • Selflessness? Ask the ants! (7)

    I want to begin this article by being sincere with you. This is the most difficult piece I have ever written! I contemplated this topic for days, even weeks; trying to figure out how to write this. Of course it is a lesson from the ants but ant-life appears to be less complex when it comes to selflessness. To appreciate my dilemma, think of these: how can we talk of selflessness in the world where only the fittest are expected to survive and they lord it over everyone else? How can we think of putting other people’s needs before ours in a world of scarce resources and abundant opportunists? How can we consider others who are already obsessed with themselves?

    It is pretty difficult to answer these questions. Everything in our lives centres on what we have to gain. So, when we do good we keep looking around the corner for our reward. What if our reward doesn’t lie in other people’s appreciation of us but in the fulfilment we derive from the act? There is so much to reflect on here but let’s learn from the ants:

    • Ants share their secrets: when a scout ant finds a source of food, for instance sugar water, the ant drinks as much as it can- not for itself but for its nest mates. The sugar water is stored in the ant’s social stomach. When the ant returns to the colony, it recruits others by sharing with them some of the food and they all return to the source for more. In contrast, humans tend to hide opportunities. This may be understandable in competition with opponents in business but deliberately withholding information from teammates is selfish.
    • Ants sacrifice for the greater good: every colony has just a queen but all female workers are potential queens. The queen produces a scent that spreads across the colony to inform the ants of the health of their queen. For as long as the scent remains strong, female workers remain infertile and will not release their eggs to maintain order.

    Selflessness is forgoing our personal benefits for a greater good. Many organisations are full of workers in transit; people who have their own visions and goals, who would sacrifice the corporate goals to achieve their own. The greatest enemy of selflessness is fear. We fear that people would take advantage of us or that we would lose out. We fear that we may never be duly rewarded for our sacrifices. It is this fear that leads to selfishness. However, selfishness closes us up to opportunities while selflessness opens us up.

    A selfless person can never lose out because selflessness builds character and character makes a leader. If the people around you are defensive, take another look at your leadership style. The moment people see that you intend to take more than you are willing to give, the survival instinct will take over. As individuals, we should see selflessness as a virtue that helps us to build character. As leaders, however, we must realise that we have no right to demand what we cannot give. If a CEO cannot take a pay cut to save the company, why should the employees? When we create an atmosphere of trust and fairness, people will be willing to be selfless because nobody will take advantage of them.

    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.

     

  • Win-Win Deal? Ask the ants! (6)

    Everyone seems to know a thing or two about leadership. At least so it appears when you listen to people argue on the subject. Even those who don’t consider themselves as authorities on how to lead still blame every adverse situation in their countries, organisations or families on leadership failure. A search for the word “leadership” on Google returns over 800 million entries! Unfortunately, it appears that the more we know, the less we do.

    According to John Maxwell, “A leader is one who knows the way, goes the way, and shows the way”. You won’t believe how true this quote is among ants! Ants’ leadership style is unique. Though each colony has a Queen, she is a ceremonial leader whose main role is to reproduce, thereby giving the other classes of ants a reason for existence. She is not involved in daily activities such as food sourcing and defence. Hence, it is usually said that ants have no leader because they don’t have unit heads that match ahead of others or command them. Here are some outstanding leadership lessons from the ants:

    1. Leaders Find Opportunities: when a scout ant finds a good supply of food, it returns to the colony with some of the food to recruit other ants. The quality of the food determines other ants’ willingness to follow. Followership is earned, not forced. Leaders represent the ideals we cherish, our hope to flourish and the future we long to relish.
    2. Leaders Create Roadmaps: clarity of focus is one of the most important attributes of leaders. It is not enough for a leader to achieve success; he or she should be able show others how to do same. Not only do scout ants find opportunities, they know exactly how to lead other back to them. The scout ants lay chemical trails from the food to the colony and the strong scent guides them back to the food. Leadership is about having clear vision, direction and motivation.
    3. Leaders make followers independent and not reliant: some leaders ensure that their followers don’t ever have enough information to become independent. Some only use their followers to achieve their selfish goals while making vain promises. As for ants, even if the scout ant that recruited others is killed while getting the food, the chemical trail laid is strong enough to ensure that the mission is not aborted. A leader must raise followers as assets and not liabilities. Assets relieve the burden of leadership but liabilities create more burdens. It is in your best interest to replicate your skills in your followers.
    4. The best idea leads: ants don’t have leaders in the manner humans do. Whoever finds an opportunity leads others back to it. Hence, everyone plays an active role in leading. Ants never care about shapes, sizes, gender or colour of the leader. They simply follow whoever knows the way. To achieve leadership goals, sentiments must be eliminated. May the best idea lead!

    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.

  • Rotary assists 30 hernia patients

    No fewer than 30 hernia patients have benefited from the Victoria Garden City Rotary Club’s goodwill which, in collaboration with the Graceland Hernia Foundation, Ajah, did surgeries for them.

    The club’s hand of fellowship was for the poor battling with hernia and other ailments. Some of the beneficiaries in their active years have been rendered ineffective by hernia.

    The intervention by the Rotary did not only bring succour to the patients, who have been living in pains, but would also re-launch them to productive life.

    This act of magnanimity made some of the beneficiaries to shower encomiums on their benefactors and prayed God  to take the club to greater heights.

    VGC Rotary Club President, Mr. Steve Asuquo said the club assists the needy at the beginning of its year, noting that its focus was on the plight of   hernia sufferers.

    He said people with hernia were confined to pains, solitude and deprivation that prevent them from making economic impact on the society.

    He added: “The intention is to help the poor, but it was noted that some of these poor have serious issues with health and the only impact that we can add to their lives is to assist to get over it.

    “That is why we partner Graceland Hernia Foundation in view of its outstanding records in hernia operation. I hope that this will continue every year and for this year 30 patients will benefit.

    “I want to say that this hospital, where the operation is being carried out, offers the cheapest in this environment. That is what really motivated me to key into the project.”

    Osuquo said some people were so poor that they could not afford to feed themselves not to talk of paying medical bills. He noted that the club was out to impact on the community.

    “I am sure by the time we create more awareness, more people will approach the club to find solution to the problems they have. Under my leadership, we will continue to do our best for the people at Ajah and environs,” he said.

    Graceland Hernia Foundation Medical Director/CEO Dr. Paul Jesuyajolu said he had done over 4000 sugeries, noting that hernia is common among low income earners, who indulge in hard labour.

    “One of the Rotary members, Asuquo heard about us and approached me on the possibility of working together. This dated back to 2015 and since then, we have been relating together.

    “They been inviting me to Rotary meetings and on some occasions was given the opportunity to speak on issues that could elevate the health of the people. They have equally funded some of our surgeries which have been successful.

    “Again, I am privileged to operate on over 4000 hernia patients and I am still praying that God will continue to strengthen me; so far, of the 4000 surgeries carried out at this hospital, we only lost a patient. The cost of the sugeries has mostly been borne by me as part of my humanitarian service to the society.”

    Rotary International District 9110 Governor, Dr Adewale Ogunbadejo said the club would continue to render service in the areas of growing local economy, addressing peace and conflict issue and health problem.

    Ogunbadejo, who was represented by Rotary Club Zonal Coordinator, Mrs Uyi Sowobi, said: “We were largely involved the polio eradication and I want to say we have made huge contribution to its success. I have been living in this community for over 20 years. This hernia surgery is the first of its kind by the club to the people and we are happy at the feat.”

    A beneficiary, Mrs. Victoria Unchendu, said she got the information through her friend that VGC Rotary Club was conducting free medial hernia operation.

    “I came here because of my three years old son who is suffering from hernia. I came all the way from Egbeda to be part of the operation. My son has been ill over time and I am quite convinced that the surgery will be successful given the profile of the doctor. “