Category: Life – The Midweek Magazine

The remains of Prof Adetokunbo Olumide Lucas, who passed on last December 25, were recently interred at Ikoyi Cemetery, Lagos in strict compliance with the COVID-19 protocols, Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME reports.

 

Prof. Adetokunbo Olumide Oluwole Lucas, 89, was until his death on December 25, 2020 a rare gem in the medical field. He was a brilliant intellectual and a groundbreaking researcher who became mentor to many researchers across the globe, especially on tropical diseases. He was a medical doctor considered a global leader in tropical diseases.

According to World Health Organisation Bulletin in May 2015, Lucas started out wanting to be a medical doctor, but after returning home from his medical training in the U.K. to Nigeria, he was struck by the discrepancy between the small number of tetanus cases in the whole of England and Wales compared to what he found in Ibadan. He said: “I realised people were dying and ill with diseases that could easily be prevented in Nigeria and that spurred me to pursue a career in public health.”

He asked himself, ‘Why be specialists in the resuscitation of the dead, if we can keep the living well?”

In his tribute, Don Hopkins of Carter Centre said the world would be a much poorer place without Ade Lucas’ intellect, compassion and joyful humour.”I always look forward to welcoming him to the meetings of our International Task Force on Disease at the Carter Centre and I benefited from his encouragement on Guinea worm eradication. Since learning of his passing, I have looked and marveled again at the wonderful autobiography he left his family and the world. I shall miss him very much,” he said.

Immediate past Minister of Health, Prof Isaac Adewole said he would not describe the death of Prof Lucas as shocking for at 89 he was about 36 years past the life expectancy for Nigerian males.

“He personified public and global health, especially tropical and community medicine all over the world. Known by his international friends and colleagues as “Ade Lucas”, he deserves to be celebrated as Ade Lucas is immortal. His book was our bible. His teaching was laced with humour and only the uncircumcised would not follow the trend. He was a teacher of teachers. Truly, he was the last of the “Mohicans”. May his brilliant soul rest in peace,” he added.

Prof Lucas was born and raised on Lagos Island. His father was the educator, Olumide Lucas. He attended St. Paul School and King’s College, Lagos for his primary and secondary education. He studied medicine at Durham University, England, graduating with honours in 1956, followed by a postgraduate training in internal medicine and public health.

He was a professor of internal medicine and public health in University of Ibadan, Nigeria, from 1960 to 1976, after which he directed the Tropical Diseases Research Program of the World Health Organisation for 10 years, from 1976 to 1986. He later became involved in maternal and child health programmes and worked to prevent maternal morbidity and mortality. He was named Professor of International Health at Harvard University in 1990, which position is held in the Harvard T.H. Chan School of Public Health, where he remains an adjunct professor in population health in the Department of Global Health and Population.

He continued to serve on numerous expert and advisory committees for national and international organisations involved to international health issues. Such institutions include the Rockefeller Foundation, the Edna McConnell Clark Foundation, the Carter Center, and the Wellcome Trust Scientific Group on Tropical Medicine. He now also chairs the Global Forum for Health Research.

He was the author of numerous books and articles in refereed public health journals that include: A Short Textbook of Preventive Medicine for the Tropics (University Medicine Texts) (1984), Short Textbook of Public Health Medicine for the Tropics, 4Ed (2002), It was the Best of Times: From Local to Global Health (2010, Autobiography published in Africa) and

The Man: Adetokunbo Lucas (2011 Biography).

Prof Lucas was a fellow of the Royal College of Obstetricians and Gynaecologists and was one of the first foreign associates of the Institute of Medicine. He has received honorary degrees from Emory University, Tulane University, and University of Ibadan; and Harvard University has bestowed academic honours upon him. He was a recipient of the Prince Mahidol Award (1999), based in Thailand (jointly with Harvard Medical School graduate Dr. R. Palmer Beasley of the United States and Dr. Tore Godal of Norway, the Centenary Medal for Life-Time Achievements in Tropical Medicine(2007) and of the Jimmy and Rosalynn Carter Humanitarian Award from the National Foundation for Infectious Diseases (NFID) (5 March 2013).

Prof Lucas is survived by wife, Stella Kofoworola, children and grand-children.

 

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

 

Director-General, National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Segun Runsewe has enjoined all the ambassadors designate to be in the forefront of promoting and engaging foreign nations and their people about the robust and rich Nigerian cultural economy, waiting for collaborations and partnerships.

He said that the federating 36 states have very rich, unique and diverse cultural attributes and contents, which cannot be easily found anywhere in black Africa nay the world.

According to the DG who also doubles as President Africa Region World Craft Council (WCC), the Nigerian arts and crafts sector is a gold mine waiting to be fully discovered and tapped for export, empowerment of the rural peple and artisans.

Runsewe expressed the determination and readiness of NCAC to partner all the new envoys to promote and market Nigerian cultural festivals and destinations abroad as soon as they settle down.

“We have shown over the years that Nigerian culture has the capacity to enthrone peace and promote harmony to a world troubled by many irritations and uncertainty. It is within your call to put this attributes to the use of Nigeria and your hosts for the good of mankind.

“Our culinary skills and fashion are another strategic attractions to which most nations and peoples you are posted would want to know more and appreciate,” Runsewe said, adding, that Nigerian indigenous languages are over 450, spoken across the length and breadth of the country, stands as veritable evidence of Nigerian uniqueness in the map of black Africa and the world in general.

“These are basic diplomatic ingredients and cultural values that can be used effectively to tell a refreshing story about Nigeria and help change the negative narratives of Nigerians and Nigeria abroad,” Runsewe noted.

He presented the new envoys with Nigerian branded mufflers, note pads, promotional materials, laptop bags facemasks made from local fabrics and file jackets.

 

 

The ex-Permanent Secretary Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Dr. Babatunde Olaide-Mesewaku, 60, who pulled out of service last Monday, is a seasoned civil servant with a penchant for culture and heritage. From being an Information Officer at the Local Government Service Commission, he rose to become a Permanent Secretary. In a chat with Assistant Editor (Arts) OZOLUA UHAKHEME few days to his retirement, he recalled how two books: Badagry: The Cultural Heritage and Badagry District: 1863 to 1999 he wrote made him, why he wanted to leave local government job, how tourism ministry weathered the storm of COVID-19 and Endsars protest, update on the burnt Oregun Theatre and his penchant for Badagry heritage, among others.

 

How do you feel rising from local council to becoming Permanent Secretary and retiring at 60?

I feel excited to turn 60. I graduated from the University of Ibadan and did my NYSC in 1990. Within three months after completing my service programme, I got a job at the Local Government Service Commission and was posted to Badagry Local Government Area. I was employed as Information Officer or PRO to the local government.

When I was seeking employment, I wanted a teaching job in order to engage myself. But few years at Badagry Local Govt Council, I felt frustrated and unengaged. I was full of energy yet I was doing nothing at the council. I then promised myself that I won’t spend five years in the job. In fact, I was already looking outside the council when things started to change.

And when I started writing in the newspaper projecting the good image of the council, the council realised that I was adding value to the council.Then the recognition started coming.

I was later deployed as PA to the Council Chairman, and was given an office space and an official car. I was doing this alongside my PRO job. Interestingly, that job I promised I will not spend five years doing is what took me to the apex of my career and retiring now as Permanent Secretary.

How did your experiences at Local Govt Service Commission impact on your career at the ministry?

The impact is massive. My rise to stardom in the local govt service through to the state ministry started at the local councils. I started off at Badagry local government though against my wish. I wanted to experience other parts of Lagos as an indigene of Badagry. However, I did not regret it because working in Badagry afforded me the opportunity to know my roots very well-tradition, culture, environment, history and the people. In fact, I was able to enrich myself with the knowledge of my ethnic group better than I knew.

All these experiences inspired my writing books on Badagry because while at the council I discovered that there was dearth of books and literature on Badagry.

The publications I was able to do in newspapers gave me the confidence that I could also publish books on Badagry.

My first publication was in 1999 titled Badagry: The Cultural Heritage. And it remains the only book on Badagry heritage till date. Later I also found that there were gaps that should be filled in the history of Badagry. This led to the second book, Badagry District: 1863 to 1999, published in 2000, which is purely a research work. In fact, this second book launched me to stardom. When new councils were created in 2003, it was the contribution of the book that earned me the appointment as one of the Council Managers then. That was the beginning. I was moved to Itire/Ikate local council where I laid the foundation of the structures. From there to Ibeju Lekki, Ajeromi-Ifelodun, Ejigbo, Yaba and to Lagos State Public Service.

My experiences at the local councils really impacted in my life especially my rise to becoming Permanent Secretary. Again, publishing of the second book may also have a hand in my becoming Permanent  Secretary. The day Mrs. Abike Dabiri-Erewa and I were presenting the book to the Governor while seeking state support of Badagry Heritage Festival, I observed that the Governor was very enthralled by the book.  In fact, it was the second day that I was announced Permanent  Secretary. So, the book in a way might have played a role.

Your ministry is central to Lagos becoming a megacity. How did you navigate those bad weathers occasioned by COVID-19 and EndSARS protest in terms of policies?

It was tough weathering the storms of COVID-19 and EndSARS protests among others. We had to deal with many circulars on who and when to come to work. One fact is that COVID-19 really impacted negatively on our ministry’s activities. Tourism for instance, was brought to its knees. We were able to initiate some webinar event to interact with the public. So far, we have been able to carry along the stakeholders and live with the pandemic.

2020 Independence Day Ariya Eko crisis: What’s the true story?

 The proposal on Ariya Eko was not submitted through this office. I personally did not set my eyes on Ariya Eko proposal. Before independence, we are proactive in the ministry. The commissioner set up a committee to come up with ideas on how to make Lagos State more visible during independence celebration. That was long before the issue of Ariya Eko came up. I was mandated to streamline the committee’s report in order to meet our financial capacity. I reworked the committee’s report and submitted to the Commissioner for Governor’s approval. As at that time, I never set my eyes on Ariya Eko proposal. It was later that we got a hint that the proposal was submitted to the office of the Special Assistant to Governor on Tourism.

However, the SA told me that he has one proposal from someone on independence programmes, which I asked him to forward to the ministry for incorporation into the main report that I was handling. Unfortunately, he did not send the proposal until three days to the event when we had already gotten the approval of Governor. It was when the proposal matter was generating some noise that I asked her to send in her proposal, which however could not fit into the already approved report. In fact, it was too late to do anything with it.

 Update on the burnt Oregun Theatre? 

A contractor has been invited to look at it. And he has submitted proposal on the rehabilitation and renovation of the theatre. Maybe before end of year, it will come back to life.

 What of those that were not torched? Are they still lying fallow?  

The tourism industry is the most affected by the COVID-19 because we must bring people together. To maximise the facilities, we must bring sizeable number of people together. Now there is a new directive that only 50 people can meet at any public function.

How do we make the operation of the theatre profitable under such restriction?

What’s important now is to save life.Importantly too, government have invited operators in the industry for the running of the theatre. I remember that Dr. Sola Fosudo won the bid to operate the Badagry Theatre.

Post retirement plans?

Last  week Monday, I was conferred with a PhD in Diaspora and Transnational Studies by the Institute of African Studies, University of Ibadan. It is first in Nigeria. Diaspora is my passion. With my retirement, I will be more committed about the project and Badagry stands a great chance to liberate itself from poverty. Remember, tourism is fulcrum of Ghana’s economy.

What will you describe as your legacy?

My tenure has produced critical tourism policies for the state. Also, I will be remembered for producing a document that articulates tourism policies for Lagos State titled: Lagos Tourism 2010 to 20130. It is a 10-year policy plan for the state. Again, the digitalisation of Badagry Museum has started, which is being done without a kobo from Lagos State. I leveraged my membership of ICOM to get grant for the museum. But, because of the COVID-19 pandemic, the work has been slow. Hopefully, it will be completed before second quarter of next year.

Also, I have been able to write a book titled Developing Lagos Tourism: Guiding Practices, which will be very handy for practitioners. Tourism is very dynamic and there is need to constantly update one’s knowledge. I noticed capacity gap, which informed the writing of the book. It is my own small quota towards achieving the tourism agenda of the state.  Governor Babjide Sanwo-Olu wrote the foreword to the book, which was presented on Monday.

By Ozolua Uhakheme, Assistant Editor (Arts)

 

The management of National Gallery of Art (NGA), Abuja has faulted a recent report by International Centre for Investigative Reporting (ICIR), Nigeria circulating online that alleged that gallery directors misappropriated about N394 million within a 10-year period, which they failed to account for. It therefore, described the report as sensational, unfounded and false.

According to the ICIR report entitled: National Gallery of Graft: How former DG, others misappropriated funds anchored by Ajibola Amzat,  the gallery have been unable to build its galleries in Taraba, Niger, Anambra and Imo states despite accessing funds from Federal Government. “Inside sources alleged that directors at the Gallery have misappropriated over N200 million released for the construction of galleries in the four states, all within a period of 10 years.

“While investigating this claim, The ICIR discovered that the directors also have failed to account for N394 million within the same period, according to the record obtained from the Office of the Accountant General of the Federation, OAGF.

“While OAGF’s records show that the gallery was paid a total of N2.7 billion in capital allocation in the last 10 years, the Gallery could only account for N2.3 billion, showing that nearly 15 per cent of federal allocation has gone missing in one decade,” the report alleged.

In its reaction, the management of the Gallery, in a statement issued by Oji Onoko, Head, Public Relations, National Gallery of Art, said: “There is nothing like missing fund in the National Gallery of Art. If there were, our financial statement would have revealed it. Our external auditors or the Federal Auditors would equally have indicted us.

“His report coming more than six months after visiting the National Gallery of Art’s head office in Abuja showed photographs he was given at that time. How would he have known the current state of the galleries? Fact: The Niger State project, Ancient Nupe Gallery of Art was completed and commissioned in 2014. Anambra State had two projects: Ufesoido Community Art Centre and Cultural Gallery, Akpu and the Ancient Gallery of Art, Ukpor, Nnewi South. The Ufesoido Cultural Gallery, Akpu has been completed, commissioned and opened for business while the Ancient Gallery of Art, Ukpor in Nnewi South is almost completed. The Oriental Heritage Gallery, Mbutu, Imo State has been completed and the contractor will be handing over keys to NGA on February 18. It would have been commissioned last year but postponed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. Work at the Kulili Gallery of Art, Kulili-lau, Taraba State has reached advanced stage.”

It stressed that ‘none of the amount mentioned in the story is close to what was appropriated not to talk of actual release of funds for the galleries. We must commend rather than vilify the lawmakers for choosing to take visual arts to the grassroots and their constituents, which will empower the youth in an enduring manner rather than distributing tricycles and wheelbarrows to them’

According to the statement, the ‘adverts for the construction of the galleries in the four states were in the September 2012 edition of the Federal Tenders’ Journal and Daily Trust Newspaper of the same month. All the procedures for awarding contracts were adhered to by the National Gallery of Art which as a government institution executes its projects and programmes through third parties (Contractors and Consultants) according to the quantum of fund release for each year. Like many other Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), the National Gallery of Art never had its capital appropriation released as appropriated between the years 2010 and 2019. It has always been some percentage release. In 2015, no kobo was released from the capital appropriation for any project. We only got N35millon released through AIE (Authority to incur Expenditure) in that year as capital for only one programme.’

“In 2012, we had in our appropriation some constituency projects for construction/development of galleries in Taraba, Niger, Anambra and Imo States. The contracts were awarded following due process but only mobilization was paid to the contractors for the year because further releases were not made to pay for the contracts.

“It is preposterous to claim that inside sources allege that Directors in the gallery have misappropriated over N200m released for the construction of galleries in the four states, all within a period of 10 years. Where is the paper trail? Does the writer believe that monies can just be withdrawn and ‘shared’ without a trail? Government does not work that way. There must be designated programme, approval and disbursement all properly documented. Did the reporter try to investigate what has been released and paid to these contractors and what their contract sums are? Or whether the contracts were advertised, bidded and awarded following due process? Do they understand the meaning of misappropriation? Or maybe all these are some gaging up to attack and tarnish the image of some personalities?” he wondered.

Continuing, the statement said: “The so called discrepancy between the figures from the office of the Accountant General and National Gallery of Art is a matter of accounting reconciliation not fraud. This is the job of our External Auditors and Federal Auditors which the office of the Accountant General of the Federation referred to. These are the offices to indict or clear any agency of perceived malfeasance. Luckily, the National Gallery of Art has a clean bill of health from both.”

Title:            Lazarus: A Triumph of  Destiny

Author:       Israel A. Oshunremi

Publishers:  Dabar House

Pagination:    197

Reviewer:      Chinyere Okoroafor

 

 

Israel Ayodele Oshunremi’s inspiring memoir, Lazarus: A Triumph of Destiny is perceptive in addressing dyslexia, a learning disorder that involves difficulty in reading. The memoir graduates from an account of a miraculous birth to a dysfunctional home, frustration, a turn around and spiritual realisation in a moving way, particularly being born-again Christian in 1997.

Oshunremi, founder and Principal Director Inspiration Youth Call (IYC) lays bare the challenges and frustrations he faced as a result of a breech birth that affected his low-spectrum (neuro-development disorder). The ignorance that it was possible for a child like him with normal vision and intelligence to be unable to read and do well in school by family members and school mates results in being ridiculed by his peers throughout his primary and secondary education. This later became an embarrassment to his well-educated father who expected an academic success from him.

Born in London in 1965, the author managed to finish his primary school education at the age of 16 and successfully graduated from the University of East London in 2001. For Oshunremi, it got worse before it got better. First, relocating to Nigeria at that age worsened his condition largely because Nigeria lacked the support system to help with his situation.

The 197-page book published by Dabar House, UK highlights heartbreaking moments that includes his mother’s absence, his father’s inability to keep a job, the constant changing of homes and the humiliations he suffered from his father because of his constant failure at school. He was called a dullard, useless, shame to the family and a write-off. The memoir is written in chapters, each section details his family, psychological, sociological and educational struggles that he faced and experienced.

This humble and personal work is compelling in its willingness to explore how children with dyslexia can be handled. Family love, care and compassion can help children with dyslexia.

Recalling his family background and his academic struggles at schools in early chapters of the book, Oshunremi whose parents divorced when he was four, believes strongly that the power and importance of family is the place where seed of victory and defeat is sown. Due to the frequent movements of his father from one location (job) to another, he recalls that his sister Mary and him were literally raised by the streets, which perhaps had a negative impact on them.

Unfortunately for the author, his father denied him the opportunity to reunite with the mother who returned to Nigeria in 1974, five years after the parents separated. “Thus began a season in which my sister and I were bounced around from one relative to another. It was during this period that I was reunited with my mother although we still could not live her. I have always wondered why. Was it because she had her hands full with two other young children? Or was Daddy just being obstinate?” he wonders.

Graphically, the author recounts some unforgettable moments of his growing up. These include his short stay at Ajebandele near Ijebu Ode his sad experiences in class that fetched him the nick-name Lagos Boy, hardship in the hands of Iya Onigba (his father’s woman friend) and expulsion from Methodist Primary School in Lawanson, Lagos.

Interestingly, football was his sanctuary having failed in examinations required to give him admission at schools, which naturally became his escape and therapy. As a result of his inadequacies in schools, he earned many humiliating names such as Olodo Rabata, Olori Ofo, Ayo Eyin, Olorun Biti Pepeye and Begbewo. Feeling abandoned, he literally prayed to die before he turns 21.

However, in chapters 7, 8 and 9 all that changed especially at his new school, Sango Ota High School, where Mr. Alani Oyede took special interest in caring for him. As a result, he managed to bluff his way through high school, and also got selected as labour prefect. Yet, he performed badly in his School Certificate Examination, a development that further worsens the relationship between him and his father.

But returning to the UK in 1988 seems a new beginning for Oshunremi, who reflected on his 19 years in Nigeria as that of injustice, neglect and educational struggles. His dream of a fresh start came to a momentary halt when his job was terminated as a Prison Assistant Officer for poor social skills and ineptitude at basic tasks.

Chapter 10 highlights Oshunremi’s turning point in 1997 when he encountered Bruce Reynolds, a Dyslexic student at the University of North London. This confidence building meeting was followed with the author giving his life to Christ, which led to invisible strongholds operating in his life crumbling. “Admittedly, my Christian walk started slowly but I stuck to it. It was like climbing a steep through a phase that would not last long, but that was not the case. I told them that my rebirth was real, and the world would soon hear about it,” he says of his new life. One instructive philosophy the author adopts at this point in his life is that he couldn’t change the past but could draw strength from it to transform his today while preparing for tomorrow. With his newfound faith came inspiration and he acknowledges that his story would have been different but for God.

The closing chapters (11 to 15) are a mix-bag of the author’s later life in UK. Until 1998, he was diagnosed with dyslexia for the first time, which brought him pains and reassurance in equal measures. This was when the author really understood what was wrong with him. After enrolling at the University of East London to study Education and Community Studies, he almost threw in the towel after few weeks following poor performance in test.

In 1997, he founded Inspiration Youth Call in the UK, (a mentoring and life skills organisation), which turned out to be a getaway and place of comfort for many youths. To the author, it was a tool of transformation to others like him. Unfortunately, lofty as the objectives and values of the IYC may seem, things start to fall apart for the founder. The rejection also affected his relationship with God, but for his timely retracing of his step.  “I have wrestled with life and emerged scarred but victorious because God has been my stay,” he reassures.

But, he did not fail to acknowledge the supports and contributions of those who assisted him overcome his travails. Of particular interest was how he sent a letter to his father seeking forgiveness despite his perceived abuse, neglect and abandonment for years.

Lazarus: A Triumph of Destiny is more than inspiring for every reader. It is a moving expression of doggedness of an individual who was determined to succeed and triumph over evil or health challenge. It is highly recommended for all especially parents and educators. However, the book has few typos that should have been avoided if given thorough editing.

By Evelyn Osagie

 

In the wake of COVID-19 and its challenges on SMEs, a TV reality show, ‘The Illuminators’, according to its pioneers, is out to bring to limelight young  entrepreneurs.

The show, credited with being Nigeria’s first crowd-funding TV reality show, is set for its second season.

Inspired by the vision of promoting and building budding African businesses in the face of the pandemic, Higame Digital, one of the show’s principal pioneers, is inviting young CEOs technopreneurs, artists, start-ups with lofty aspirations and good business ideas who need funding to take advantage of the opportunity of winning the highest funding from over 180 million contributors in ‘The Illuminators’.

The show, according to the CEO of Higame Digital, Mr. Henry Ita at a briefing, will be spotlighting the entrepreneurs, and their businesses that require crowd-funding to make their dreams reality as well as the crowd-funding heroes.

“The economy needs to reactivate itself. And to get it airborne it needs to support its young and budding entrepreneurs.We not only believe in supporting our community of diverse and hardworking creators, but are set to bring to limelight 20 young entrepreneurs and their businesses. Conceived as a vista in the world of entrepreneurship lifestyle and the challenges that come with such lifestyle, the reality show explores start-ups before, during and after their crowd-funding campaigns.

“We feel incredibly blessed to be in a community where the role of the entrepreneurs and local content development is seen as essential in shaping our society. For those who will also be supporting the show, The Illuminators is a phenomenal opportunity to help highlight the effects of crowd-funding in the success of entrepreneurs and the value that this reality show will be able to create over the coming years,” he said.

According to the director of programmes, the show will kickstart its season two in March with online auditions across the country, while stating that the organisers and housemates would adhere to all the COVID-19 protocols. He said: “After the online screening, all participants would be tested for COVID-19. The show not only highlights those that dare to dream but also, amplifies the crowd-funding movement through modern, digital media. Africa is known for her significance, the economic potentials, beautiful culture, traditions, colorful landscapes, the seasons of legends, empires and heritages, aspects of which are expected to colour the reality show. Details of the show can be accessed on www.illuminators.com.ng.”

 

 

This year’s yaerly World Congress of the Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), a socio-cultural group whose membership comprises Yoruba citizens in the Diaspora, held in Offa, Kwara State. As part of the event, boreholes were sunk for the people and a free medical mission took place. CHINAKA OKORO reports.

 

The ancient and discreet town of Offa in Kwara State recently came alive with several cultural activities. It hosted this year’s annual World Congress of Oodua Progressive Union (OPU), a socio-cultural group that has its presence in about 82 countries.

The spacious and airy venue was literally shut down as huge crowd made their way to it to behold a cultural spectacle and catch some fun usually experienced once in a year.

There was heavy drumming, singing, trumpeting and breath-taking dance steps by cultural dancers who thrilled guests who had seated before the arrival of dignitaries.

It was all glamour and show of opulence, as an estimated crowd of 10,000 that included members of O’odua Progressive Union at home and in the Diaspora, traditional rulers, friends, well-wishers and some prominent people who are not indigenous to the town or Union participated in the celebration of the pristine and long-standing cultural carnival for which the Yoruba are known. The weather was clement as the sun shone brightly out of the azure sky.

The roomy event venue was largely suffused with beautifully coloured masquerades and traditional dancers who entertained the people. Gaily dressed Yoruba women known for their panache and active social lifestyle were a marvel to behold. The men equally in their beautiful Yoruba attire swirled to the suiting rhythm of drums and other musical instruments in that somewhat balmy afternoon. It was a gathering of who is who of the Yoruba in OPU.

The event tagged Offa 2021 was in fulfilment of the group’s tradition of members to meet once in a year. They come home from all corners of the world to rejoice and deliberate on the way forward for the Yoruba race.

According to the organisers, the annual event was originally planned to be a week-long programme comprising various socio-economic and cultural activities.

The second wave of the Coronavirus (COVID-19) pandemic prevented members of the group from participating in all the programmes.

Aare Onakakanfo of Yoruba land and Global Convener of the group, Gani Adams, praised the wisdom of members of the OPU for organising the event despite all odds, adding that the group had demonstrated strong commitment and consistent efforts in ensuring that the annual fiesta held.

The Yoruba Generalissimo said by November this year, the Yoruba Diaspora group would have been 10 years old. He maintained that members of the group have shown enough maturity and diligence in addressing some issues that concerned the Yoruba race.

“The reason for the annual world congress is to gather Nigerians of Yoruba origin living abroad to discuss pertinent issues relating to the progress and development of our race.

“This year’s congress is the 7th edition. It had been held in Ikeja, Lagos, Ife in Osun State, Oyo, Oyo State, Abeokuta in Ogun State, Akure in Ondo State, Ado-Ekiti in Ekiti State and Offa in Kwara State respectively,” he said.

The Offa Congress, according to Adams, was scheduled to be the best so far because of the series of programmes that were lined up for the annual fiesta.

Part of the programmes, he said, was the royal visit to the palace of the Olofa of Offa His Royal Majesty (HRM), Oba Mufutau Muhammed Oloyede Okikiola Ajagungbade.

Apart from the royal visit, there was also a lecture, a dinner party, and a special visit to the Governor of Kwara State Abdul Rahman Abdul Rasaq.

The group had also planned to visit the Erin-Oke Waterfall as one of the tourists’ destinations in the state.

Adams further explained that the World Congress was a lasting project and a perfect destination for members to visit various tourists’ destinations in the country.

Judging from the huge potential that tourism holds for the economic development of the country, Adams urged the government to resuscitate all moribund tourism destinations across the country.

Leading the train of members to Offa was the Chairman of the 2021 Congress and African Union (AU) Coordinator, Chief Segun Ogunpitan.

Ogunpitan stated that this year’s congress was historic because it marked the beginning of great things, declaring that no fewer than 500 members of the group were in attendance at the various events, with strict adherence to the COVID-19 regulations.

He said the group also embarked on humanitarian services such as the inauguration of a borehole for members of Offa community and a special free medical facility tagged: “Medical Mission,” where over 800 people benefitted from the programme.

“It was a successful congress and I think God supported us from beginning to the end. We actually planned a week-long programme as usual, but we had to skip some of the programmes because of the prevailing health issues in the country. By and large, we were able to touch people’s lives by providing free health care facilities and inaugurating the borehole to Offa community. With the two events, I think we are able to impact lives positively. I am proud to be part of this success story,” he said.

The Offa monarch, Oba Mufutau Okikiola, expressed his delight that members of the OPU had made significant impacts in the town, adding that the group would be remembered for providing basic facilities for the people of the town.

“It is not in all cases that you see a group from the Diaspora coming back home to facilitate an enduring legacy such as this. Many of the people abroad hardly remember where they were coming from because they are in what I describe as their comfort zones. They are exposed to global development around the world. But that is not the case with the OPU. It is amazing that the group could raise such money to provide facilities that are purely in the interest of the community.

“I am very optimistic that Gani Adams, being the global convener of the group had succeeded in building a formidable platform that can change the narrative of our race in no distant time,” he said.

The revered monarch prayed for all members of the group, even as he wished them well in all their future endeavours.

Residents and beneficiaries of the project commended the efforts of the OPU. One of the beneficiaries of the free health programme Alhaja Memunat Ajao expressed her appreciation to the OPU, saying the health care initiative came at the appropriate time. She added that the community will always remember the group for taking care of the residents.

She said: “I want to appreciate all members of the OPU for donating the borehole and for the health care services.

“It is a special privilege, and I am happy that we can now have clean and potable water within our reach.”

General Secretary of the 2021 Congress, Comrade Larry Aderoju said he was impressed with the turnout of people during the medical mission. He expressed concern over the recent health care initiative which has shown that there was a vacuum in the health sector.

Aderoju, however, promised that the group will continue to offer free health services to the host community in future congresses.

“Many of our members that participated in the health care programme are caregivers.” They contributed immensely in ensuring that the services were rendered to those that needed them most. We attended to young the aged. Many of the residents confessed that the medical mission had really helped them,” he said.

Aderoju also urged the Kwara State government to embark on grassroots free health programme, stressing that people at the grassroots need to be taken care of through some comprehensive health care schemes.

“As a group, there are plans to sustain the legacy we have in Offa.  I hope those that benefitted from this project should regard it as their project, so that they can maintain and sustain it,” he said.

The Congress came to a climax with a bash organised at the Omole Phase 2 residence of the Aare Onakakanfo. The gathering served as a showcase for all the members of the group to discuss activities for the next congress, which, according to them, will hold next year in Kabba, Kogi State.

The party featured some presentations of Pillar Awards to some countries and individuals in appreciation of their contributions to the well-being of the union, especially for the success of the 2021 edition of the OPU World Congress.

Some of the members who played crucial roles in the success of the Congress included the Welfare Chairperson Chief Funmi Olumade, Chief Raphael Ajibare and Chief Modupeola Akewusola, who is Secretary of the Finance Committee.

Stories of diversion of donations given to the Niger State orphanage in Minna have been making the rounds and the shock is that these stories are coming from the orphans themselves. In this report, Justina Asishana digs for a clearer picture. 

 

They share the food donated to the orphanage among themselves. We are them ourselves putting this food in their vehicles and taking home,” this was Musa Baba, who was once a resident at the Niger State Orphanage in Bosso Estate in Minna before he and others were relocated to the Home of the Elderly (which was the old Orphanage).

Musa and the others were relocated over what they claimed to be an attempt to keep them from seeing what goes wrong in the orphanage and shut them up from saying what is wrong about the behaviours of the management of the orphanage.

The orphans, who are between 20 and 24 years, told The Nation they were evicted from the orphanage because they were complaining about what the officials were doing.

Their allegations include the diversion of food, insufficient meals despite the donations they get, and threats of permanent eviction without a settlement.

The orphans until some months ago had been enjoying the ambience of the cosy new orphanage built by the state government.

“They cannot make us keep quiet; they are still sharing this food among themselves. They take it home. It is because they don’t want is to see what they are doing that is why they separate us and made us come to this place. We know that the driver still takes food out to the houses of the officers of the orphanage.

“The officials also fight among themselves on who should take what. Although we are not there now, most of our younger ones told us that they fight and quarrel regularly.

“Each time we go there to visit the younger ones, the gateman will tell us that we are not allowed in. They will tell us to stay outside and call whoever we want to see.”

Musa lamented that they had no problem with any of the officer in charge in the past until Hajiya Mama Wakili took over.

They are being mischievous and ungrateful, says management

Hajiya Wakili directed this reporter to the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development when she was approached to speak on the allegations. The Permanent Secretary of the Niger State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kaltum Dauda Rufai said that the children were just being mischievous and ungrateful.

She said the reason for their removal from the new orphanage was because they were being unruly, disrespectful and being bullies to the younger orphans.

“What they say is not true. These children are just being mischievous. They have everything at their disposal. What we do for them, some parents cannot do it for their children. That is why we have to remove them from that place. They were becoming unruly; they were disrespecting the officers there.

“These children are over-pampered, so they tend to misuse the opportunity they have. The children have grudges with the officers in the orphanage and they have said they will deal with them. So, we have to move them away to avoid any issue in the orphanage.

“When this first happened, we decided to take the children away from that orphanage home and take them to the home of the elderly which was a home that they had stayed until two years ago when they moved to the new orphanage.

“The place where they are now, we have spent over N1 million to rehabilitate that home of the elderly for them so that it would be habitable. They have everything they need there, so what is the complaint again? I guess they are missing the new orphanage; that is why they are complaining,” Rufa said.

The Director, Child Development of the Ministry of Women Affairs, Alhaji Mustapha Yunusa, alleged that the orphans beat and bully the younger ones.

“We consider these children as our children, they were brought here as babies and I wonder why they will now accuse us and start misbehaving? If we hate them, will they have become what they are today?

“The problem with them is that they do not want to be corrected if you correct them, it becomes an issue. They beat and bully the younger ones, there are even cases of attempts to sexually abuse the younger ones and they do not want anyone to talk. Why should we be afraid to talk to them? We cannot keep them there to be abusing the younger children, no matter what happens, we are not taking them back to the new orphanage.”

Yunusa said he was not aware that they were banned from entering the orphanage.

He added that the allegations of the orphans had been investigated by the Ministry and it was found to have no substance.

Humanitarian policy gone wrong? 

The Nation learnt that no child should live beyond 18 years in the orphanage but a majority of the orphans who made the allegations were over 20 years.

The Permanent Secretary explained that they had been keeping them for humanitarian reason.

“According to the policy, they should not exceed 18 years in the orphanage but in Niger State, we have been lenient in keeping them. No matter how old they are, we don’t send them away as far as they want to stay; we try to sustain them so that they will be able to have a means of livelihood.

“We should have sent them out from the orphanage long ago because they have overgrown the orphanage. That is why we sent them to the home of the elderly because they have outgrown the orphanage.

“This has taught us a lesson. We now have a new policy that once a child is more than 18 years, they won’t stay in the orphanage again. This has taught us a huge lesson.

“We usually allow them to get their houses and we pay the rent for them for a year, we also empower those who have handiwork by getting them equipment and the ones that want to continue schooling, we sponsor them while the ones that want to get married, we get them married. There is one of them that is in the army now and told us that he wants to get married, we are sponsoring his marriage. That is how good we have been to them.

“We have been telling these ones to get a place and they have been pleading with us to leave them for a time. But after this, once there are enough resources, we are getting a house for them, settle them and washing our hands off them,” the Permanent Secretary said.