Traditionally, African pottery is hand-built. They have the advantage of low cost and thermo-shock resistance quality which make them suitable for all use.
Pottery has been described as one of the cheapest arts practised in virtually all the ethnic groups in Nigeria and heavily dominated by women.
The raw materials used in making pottery are clay and water, which are common as well as found throughout the country. Likewise, the implements used for both gathering the raw materials and molding the pots, such as shovel diggers, hoes, machetes, trowels, pick-axes, calabash or basins as the case may be are not far-fetched, they are universal.
Generally, pottery making involves digging the clay at water–side or stream, pounding, soaking, sifting, kneading, and shaping them into various styles like cooking vessels, food bowls, water fetching pots, storage red pots, drinking cups, flower, decorative, frying, or dyeing pots, funerary urns etc.
They can be of various types, such as pitchers, plates, kettles, lamps, which in Yoruba language are ikoko, ladugbo, ape, isaasun, isa, kete, fitila, sago, oru, amu, ikoko (ilu), etc. After molding is decorating, and finally, firing the pots to make them strong follows.
Clay pots are important items in traditional Nigerian worship. They are characteristically decorated with reliefs of anthropomorphic and zoomorphic (use of animal) symbols. In the use of clay pots for traditional worship, the design often reflects some of the attributes of the divinity the pot is used to venerate. They are used in various ways, such as containers for storing sacred water and pebbles, medicinal or magical preparations, and other items of worship or as pot drums. Traditionally, clay pots are used in various ways.
A special pot called bridal pot stool is given to a newly wedded bride on the night of her wedding to sit on. This pot stool acts as a ’detective’ of the virginity state of the bride.
The pot is strong to be used as a sit irrespective of the weight of the bride and if it withstands her, she is a virgin. However if the pot stool breaks, it means she is not a virgin and she is shamefully returned to her parents.
Another is a twin shaped pot known as Akwe-Unga which is used for storing poisoned war weapon such as arrows, gun powder, bullets, in the ancient times.
The perforated pots Ajere are incense burns used during traditional worship. They are usually hanged on the wall with strings passed through holes in the rim. The clay lamp Fitila oloju merindinlogun is used for illumination at night during traditional ceremonies and to light fire for rituals which empower warriors or hunters but the fire must not go off until they come back from the war front or hunting expedition.
Small size medicinal pots konjo are tinning traditional pots that are used for keeping medicinal rings (ikoko oruka ere) which are hung up and kept which must not touch the floor. The rings are used for family planning, spiritual power against attacks at war, cure for dizziness etc.
Isaasun Agbebi: Is used as container for placenta, to pray for the child’s long life before burring it. Ikoko agbo (concoction pot) is usually filled with herbs and roots of various kinds . They are boiled; ritual birth is taken by warriors, hunters, herbalists, etc. to empower them. The content of the pot must not be poured nor the pot be broken else the owner will be in trouble because it is a source of spiritual power for them. That is why the custody of the pot is given to a very trusted person in their absence.
In some parts of Nigeria, it is the tradition to mark the grave of some personalities with traditional clay pots. Numerous shrines and graves are indicated with ceramic alters representing monuments erected by the living to celebrate the dead. The graves of chiefs and important personalities including hunters and priests are decorated with figures called Dakakari (sculpture of animals such as camel, mounted on a clay pot with a base) symbolising the greatness of the dead man especially if the dead lived a good and acceptable life in the community. Also, cooking pots are placed on their women’s grave to demarcate the female’s graves from that of male.
Lidded burial clay pots are used to contain the corpses of “special people”; such as hunched back, children, and those who died of inflicted diseases in their community as a coffin which is then buried in the ground. Likewise, is Banglu, which are ceramic vessels, produced to contain the spirit of deceased chiefs; these are kept in enclosed grass shrines and sacred groves to appease the ancestors.
In some areas of northern part of Nigeria where clay pots play significant roles in their traditional religious beliefs, Wandipa’ta Baxanda pots are produced for healing diseases like small pox, chicken pox or even fierce anger and the likes, usually by filling the pots with medicinal mixture and hung in the patient’s sleeping room for cleansing to be rubbed or dabbed on the shoulder, navel, back or whole body as the need arises until the patient recover fully.
Other uses of clay pots in traditional worship include: as cola nut receptacle – Awo Obi for keeping and serving cola nuts at the shrine during rituals. Plates used for serving medicine: Awo Sobi. Plate used for serving concoction at the shrine: Awo Afebi.
Storage water pot specially made for a widow Isa Opo as a reminder of her late husband as she takes water from it.
Pottery making for traditional use is common in Nigeria among many ethnic groups. However, some customs and taboos are associated with their making and use. Some of which are; at a joint Yoruba clay pit, the women break cola nuts to appease the goddess of pottery Yeye Erefin before collecting clay but pregnant potters and those under menstruation are exempted from collecting. No man is allowed to pass through the arena where women fire the pots. In case he must pass, as a matter of compulsion pick some sticks and throw them into the open fire first.
Potters whose husband is still alive irrespective of age and women of childbearing age should not produce “ajere”- the perforated pot which is synonymous with creation and destruction. Also sexual promiscuity and stealing especially another potter’s clay are forbidden. One other belief that is upheld especially among potters in Yoruba land general is that pots should not be counted and prices should not be fixed on them before firing.
In addition, mourning at the clay pit, ebu as it is called in Yoruba language is a taboo. Any potter that loses husband or close relative she should stay away from the ebu until her period of mourning is over. In recent times, industrialisation and transition in religious practices has invariably influenced and reduced the demand for and the common use of clay pots drastically. However, the culture of clay pots for traditional worship is not and may not be eradicated.
•Oluwaseye is of the National Museum of Unity, Ibadan
Category: Arts & Life
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Traditional pots, their uses in religion
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Working in the shadow of death
Workers can be victims of the work they do. This is the case of seven staff of the British American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) who at the time of their employment many years back were certified medically fit. But have suddenly developed different terminal ailments after several years in the company’s employment. Omolara Akintoye reports on their horrifying stories
Mr. Folarin Shamsideen was employed in 2003 by BATN in the manufacturing department where tobacco leaf is processed and packaged into cigarette packs. His job at the Pneumatic Control Unit put him in the line of danger when it was discovered that most of the machines imported by the company were scrap, which have been phased out in other countries.
According to him, “Before the cigarette is packaged we have to examine it and in the process smell and feel it to ensure that it is well certified. In the process, some of us in the department became allergic to the tobacco substance and majority of us developed skin diseases. Also, whenever there is a breakdown, we climb the silo to fix it. Sometime in 2007. I started feeling some movement in my ears, I decided to go for test and have my ears examined and to my greatest surprise, a tobacco ball came out of my ear. If such can come out of my ear I wonder the quantity of tobacco that will be in my system. “Asked if the matter was reported to the management at any time, Shamsideen said.
“Most times when such matters are reported to the management, they are less concerned.” Apart from this, Shamsideen revealed that most times they are subjected to manually push 200 kilogrammes of tobacco in the manufacturing department. In the course of doing this for five years, he discovered that he had suddenly developed back/leg pains.
Whenever we are expecting visitors in the company, management compel our department to stop work for 12 hours so as to have less dust and steam in the premises. All these he said went on for six years and in 2008” I was diagnosed as having chronic respiratory disorder. I started undergoing treatment at UCH, Ibadan. At a stage, BATN stopped their relationship with UCH in order to cut costs. Apart from this, because we have to put on boots for long hours in a hot environment, I developed wound on my big toes.
When I was going for treatment the healing process will start but once I get back to the factory, the pain will start again. I was also diagnosed of having high blood pressure which I’ve been managing for the past four years. I got to the office one day only to be given a sack letter. It was given to me after having worked with the company for 12 years without any compensation.”
Shamsideen was not alone, his colleague, Mr. Alabi Taofeek Adekunle, joined BATN in April 2004 as an electrical technician after having been certified medically fit. But due to the harsh and strenuous working conditions, after nine years of working, he has developed a problem on the waist and now moves around with a lumber corset. “When I initially developed the sickness, BATN thought I was pretending, until the company doctor testified to it that truly I had the disease. But when BATN could not pay for the treatment again, the medical report from the hospital was tampered with and suddenly my medical report from BATN Clinic read that I was medically fit which was not true. When I confronted the company’s medical adviser about it, he said he had to do it to save his job, I was surprised. Then, last year January I was invited for a medical evaluation, and the report said I can no longer work in the production department and that I should be posted to another department he said. “The company decided I cannot work in another department and even my salary was stopped without giving me a disengagement letter.”
After waiting without any help Alabi had to write a letter to the parent company in the United Kingdom. The head office agreed that he should not be rendered useless and that the Nigeria office should take care of him. This was not done. Rather than get a succour on a shoulder to lean on, he was disengaged without any compensation. Today his health is fast failing him.
Birds of a feather
For his part, Mr. Awe Ayodele, a machine operator, started his career with the company in 2003. When he joined, he was also certified medically fit and was working in the section where tobacco is being packaged. Four years later he discovered he was always falling ill. He went to the hospital and was diagnosed of asthma. The sickness according to medical report from his doctor was as a result of the heat and the dusty environment in which he worked triggered the ailment. “My department was later changed to Quality Inspection Unit but even that did not help matters. But the issue is in my course of working with the company for 12 years! We were not given any safety kits to work with and this no doubt worsened my health.”
According to him, he has been diagnosed of lung related disease and for him to survive he now carries a canister/inhaler with so many drugs, “Now I’m being rendered useless thanks to BATN after terminating my appointment without any compensation.” On the other hand, Mr. Ayodeji Da-Silver’s fate can be likened to that of someone who was used, and abandoned. Mere looking at him, he cuts a pitiable picture of a man in great distress. He moves around with the aid of a knee support. “I can’t walk for 10 minutes without my knees giving way,” he cried. In 2007 when he was employed, he was pronounced medically fit. However, three years after, he developed problem with his ligament. “Doctor said my leg might be amputated and rather than BATN coming to my aid, I was given a disengagement letter without any compensation. I was given two disengagement letters. In the first one there were severance packages, but before I was given that one, I got another letter where those packages were not included, so no compensation was given to me,” he lamented.
His case is bit worse because among all his colleagues who were “disengaged, he is the only bachelor and may remain so for life due to his health challenges. He revealed that the ailment which had affected his backbone made his doctor to be frank with him. The doctor said. “I’m too young to suffer the disease but it is a pity so many of us working in BATN are suffering from one ailment or the other and some are already dead.” He considers himself luckier than “the likes of Dele Shittu, Phillip and Arogundade, among others, who have lost their lives as a result of working with the company BATN.”
Others who have suffered similar fate in the hands of the company are Mr. Olushina Makinde’s who slumped on the factory floor a few years ago after working for the company for eight years, same with Mr. Winston Ofulue and Jokonla David whose appointments were also terminated after over 10 years without any compensation.
Between the tummy and harsh working conditions
While fielding questions from journalists on why they were still working with BATN after having discovered their state of health, they said the company gave them assurance that adequate care would was be given to them in their course of work. “But it later dawned on us that it was all a lie that they actually wanted to use us and dump us after rendering us useless. Also, the fear of the unknown kept us there, as long as the work is still putting food on the table for us. We couldn’t look for job in another company because we are no more medically fit. Moreover, majority of us are family men with our wives and kids with responsibilities. We’ve tried to lodge complaints with them about the harsh and dangerous working conditions which we were all subjected to, but it all fell on deaf ears”, said Alabi. Speaking about the content of employees’ code of conduct, he said the company has three different types of the book, “no hazard was indicated in the first two which you will be given before you are employed. But once you are employed, another one will be given to you which you may not have time to read.” Therein lies the hazards, he said. He lamented that almost all of them are living on families and friends and they need to be compensated. “The fight is not for us alone, there are still over hundreds of people working under inhuman conditions.”
Most of them noticed that the company was using wrong and inferior nose masks which are not powerful enough to prevent the inhaling of tobacco flakes, they are appealing on government and the ministry of labour and environment to take a deep look into the activities of the company in Nigeria and compare whether they operate under the same international best practices that their headquarters do in the United Kingdom.
In an interview with the Deputy Executive Director, Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN), a platform on which the aggrieved staff converged to cry out, Mr. Akinbode Oluwafemi, called attention to the anti-labour practices of British American Tobacco Nigeria. He is of the opinion that these young men who gave their best working lives to a company they believed would lift them out of poverty have become victims of an industry that not only markets lethal products, but also ensures that people it engages for work do not leave its company in good health or better. He said, “Every employer of labour is obliged under the law to protect its workers from all forms of hazards and protect them. This is a clear negation of what the company claims to be doing.” He added that the goals of occupational safety and health programmes of a good organisation must be to foster a safe and healthy work environment.
Also speaking on laws that guide workplace concerning employer/employee relationship, Mr. Yinka Kotoyi, a human rights lawye,r said, “In common-law jurisdictions, employers have a duty to take reasonable care of the safety of their employees. Also referred to as labour law, these rules are primarily designed to keep workers safe and make sure they are treated fairly, although laws are in place to protect employers’ interests as well but this should not be to the detriment of the employees.”
Under the Occupational Health and Safety Act, Kotoyi defined occupational safety as a condition that results from exposure in a workplace to a physical, chemical or biological agent to the extent that the normal physiological mechanisms are affected and the health of the worker is impaired, this he said is the case of these men. “And when such things happen BATN is expected to compensate them adequately. For example, employers cannot fire workers for discriminatory reasons. Likewise, they cannot fire an employee in retaliation for filing a worker’s compensation claim, among others. A minority of states also prohibit employers from terminating employees in bad faith, such as firing a worker to avoid paying a bonus or other benefit.” Said Kotoyi.
Dr. Eniola Kadmus, who works with the University College Hospital, Ibadan, explained that workers are not expected to suffer as a result of earning a livelihood. “BATN is expected to provide adequate welfare for their staff, it is pathetic that such things still happen in this country.”She therefore called for strict laws and its implementation by government so as to guard against such in future.
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Day the Durbar stole the show
Not only that the durbar displays took centre stage during the just concluded Abuja Carnival, it also proved that it is one festival that can make the difference in the culture and tourism sectors if given the proper attention, writes Edozie Udeze
It was in the glittering Abuja harmattan haze. Guests had seated for hours waiting for the event to begin. The festival was part of the displays at the just-concluded Abuja Carnival. The Durbar has come to form an important component of Abuja carnival that most tourists purposely come to Nigeria to witness and savour this wonderful sports from the North.
This year’s participation was not as outstanding and glorious as it used to be due to the current economic recession in the land. Yet the only two states that participated came with such large contingents of horse riders that people were made to have their fill. The two states were Yobe and Bauchi. Each state came with about ten different regiments of horsemen, surrounded by trumpeters, flutists and warriors who gave the entourage their normal traditional colours.
Durbar is the sports of soldiers on horsebacks that dates back in time. It is said to be about 500 years old, originating from the trans-Saharan trade. The trade existed between the Arab and Northern Nigerian traders. Today it is an annual festival in most northern states where they use it to pay obeisance, tribute, homage and respect to the Emir.
It is most known to culminate into the Muslim festivals of Eid-a-fitr and Eid-al-adha. The festival usually begins with a prayer. Thereafter the long and colourful parade would ensue during which the Emir will appear on horseback. He is accompanied by musicians, drummers, trumpeters, flutists and warriors, all decked in colourful costumes.
While this is on, the Emir is shielded by gold-plaited and embroidered yellow umbrella. This is to accord him his revered place in the order of things. Festival parade is indeed a form of the demonstration of military valour, power, prowess and skills before going into the war proper. In during this, the people have to show their unalloyed loyalty to the Emir which is essential for the Empire or Emirate..
When the Abuja Carnival committee put together the Durbar event, the intention was to use the few states that had the money to come to bring out the total significance and beauty of the Durbar. In this, they were able to help children and different families to showcase their artefacts and bring back in time the historical relevance of the roaring muskets, indigo coloured turbans, ostrich feathers, glistering swords and spears.
Beyond the sportsmanship which the Abuja carnival was noted for, the total display of colours showed how the warriors used the horses in those days to protect the emirate from outside invaders. This was why those of Yobe and Bauchi came in their full epitome to prove the relevance of warriors even in this modern time. Each group had its own unique talking drums, with rhythmical tones which filled the air. with this, came shrilling noises of the trumpeters, with some acrobats in constant displays. Often there was that awful noise of the womenfolk to show their happiness and then herald the warriors, the guards and the servants. It was indeed a sight to behold, very glamorous and attractive.
While on parade, the first of Bauchi contingents known as the Madaki appeared in full military regalia. The Madaki emirate is one of the oldest councils in Bauchi State. The group was made of soldiers of conquests who did their utmost before now to defend the emirate. Then came the Galadima, known essentially as warriors whose love for colours have no equal. The beautiful decorations of their horses was said to be the most expensive in the annals of horse costuming. An average horse in their entourage was decorated with over one million naira.
In the hands of the horse riders were glittering spears and arrows. They sparkled in the mid-day sun of Abuja to instill fear in the hearts of many. Then came also the Tafida Bauchi decked in spotless white costumes. They were not only regal and outstanding, the Tafida group proved to be more at home with the handling of their spears and swords which were elaborately decorated. After Tafida came the Makama Barban. This group was supposed to be led by the governor of the state. However, in his place came his son, who rode a royal horse decorated with gold-plaited ornaments to distinguish it from the rest. On his head, was placed an umbrella, a royalty reserved only for people of his estate in life. Governor Mohammed Abdullahi of Bauchi State sent his son to demonstrate the place of Durbar not only in the emirate council but in the overall running of the state. Behind them were the Danmadami Bauchi whose green white outfits were the only of its kind in the assembly. The multiple green colours proved to usher in moments of abundance after the war has been fought and won. In their midst also were the Mai Borno showing some remnants of Kanem Borno in Bauchi State. The Kanuris are known as the Mais. The Mai Borno is noted to be the adviser to the Emir both in time of trouble and peace. The Emir relies heavily on him for most of the decisions he takes for the upliftment of the emirate.
Among the groups were also the Wakih Bauchi, the Sarkin Sadam. In the case of Sarkin Sadam, they were led by Ahmadu Hassan whose flag had a red background. The colour was meant to show that Sarkin Sadam is the main chief security officer of the emirate. With themcame an endless shooting of guns and flintlock muskets by the warriors. They looked frightening and fearless. They brandished deadly local guns and weapons used in inter-tribal wars of old. The shootings actually scared the audience and shook the walls of the Eagle Square, Abuja, venue of the programme.
The hunters called the Ajiyan ended the Bauchi contingents. Led by Suleman Adamu, the group wore terrible costumes and had horses that represented terror. From the way the horses prattled and jumped to the rhythmic sounds of the booming guns, it was obvious that they were trained for wars. Among the hunters were the Sarkin Dawakin Mai Futa and Uban Dawakin Bauchi who himself was incharge of the horses of that area council. In all, the beauty of the horses, the rich and colourful armours and more showed the profound love the people have for the Durbar.
And when it came to the turn of Yobe, the mode of presentation changed slightly. Most of their group leaders remained in the centre. As they were surrounded by guards and servants, the royalty took the centre stage in form of display of splendour. The Fika Emirate council opened the floodgate of fantastic displays of brightly armoured horses. The hunters were the first to appear to clear the way for others to follow. With dangerous spears in their hands, they danced, throwing their implements of war up and down for effect. Most of their horses were said to have been decorated with about 2.5 million naira each. The one that carried the symbol of the Emir of Fika was decorated with 5 million naira. The grace with which the horse belonging to the Emir danced in the procession demonstrated how highly the emirate council valued it.
Indeed, the highpoint of the Durbar displays came when the Damaturu emirate came out. Since their Emir was in the crowd, it was time for them to dance and truly display the real components of Durbar. As soon as they got to the stand where he was seated, his own horse galloped to a halt. It was time to pay homage to the Emir. The horse shrilled noises as the people chorused ranka ya dede. Then there was a roaring muskets which flashed in absolute salute. As this happened more horsemen joined to see that the Emir was in the know about their displays. For over 20 minutes, more accolades followed, the people danced gracefully with horses forming a sort of military guard of honour for Emir Shehu Hashim of Damaturu who glowed joyously, smiling and waving.
The last group came from Mashina emirate. Their Emir was also present and then with them came another round of displays. They were all in white colours and which showed that they have not been dented by the spoils of war.
His name is Alhaji Al-Bashir who, when the show came to an end invited everybody to his emirate for a bigger show of Durbar come April 2017. For him, it is to promote love and unity, not only in his emirate council, but in the whole of Yobe state. And that, for sure, is what the Abuja carnival is meant to be – to promote love and extend the frontiers of cultures to all nooks and cranny of Nigeria.
The Artistic Director of Abuja carnival, Biodun Abe expressed his gratitude to those who took time to prepare the Durbar. He described the Durbar as one of the most attractive cultural displays that can always drive tourism. “it is often one of the most glorious sights to behold in this carnival,” he said.
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‘We need infrastructure to drive tourism’
Ini Akpabio is an entrepreneur who has invested hugely in the tourism sector. He is also a hotelier whose Manet Group of Companies has helped to power the Nigerian economy. In this interview with Edozie Udeze, he harps on the urgent need for government to revive broken down infrastructure in order to empower tourism and attract investors to the country. Excerpts.
In this time of deep economic recession, a lot of experts and business entrepreneurs have been working round the clock to see how Nigeria can expand its sources of revenue. In this regard, the tourism and culture sector have been taunted to be the next option to oil as a source of revenue for the country. One man who has persistently advocated for this paradigm shift for a long time is Ini Akpabio.
Akpabio is a well-known entrepreneur, a hotelier, who is into food services, hospitality and sorts. Based in Abuja where he runs the Manet Group of Companies, he believes that this period of economic recession is not really a moment for business enterprises and tour operators to lose hope completely. “First and foremost, the developed nations of the world are known to be the most advanced in terms of tourism. Why I am starting from this point is that tourism generally is like a way of life. A place that has developed its tourism potentials is a place that has a charging economy. This includes good infrastructure, and in all ramifications has developmental issues that help to power tourism. When this is done and tourism issues become quite in place and attractive, of course, tourists will always come. This has nothing to do with recession or not. For whether we like it or not, those who have the means will always look for places to relax, spend their money, have fun and see new ideas and discover fresh areas of interest.”
For Akpabio who has invested heavily in the hospitality industry and whose love for the growth of the sector is indescribable, “when all aspects of the tourism sector are down, what do you expect? The health sector is low; there are no roads to get to tourism sites in the country; the security of tourists and even Nigerian cannot be guaranteed, then how can the sector effectively serve as an alternative to oil? There have to be energy and power. Government owes it to the people to refurbish broken down infrastructure in different aspects of the national economy for there to be new lease of life for tourism.”
In a place where agriculture is down, industrialisation is not encouraging, to say the least, it is near impossible for the economy to thrive. He said, “Inversely, if these sectors are thriving, tourism itself will thrive. This is so because all these are tied to tourism. In fact, tourism is like a person inviting people to his house. He must ensure that the house is comfortable. It has electricity, because the occasion may extend into the night. He must make sure he has adequate chairs to accommodate his quests. He should also have medical support in case someone takes ill. Then when these are properly in place, you’re really prepared for tourism. Therefore, to reflect our economy, Nigeria needs to go back to foundation. Indeed, we need to restart with clear sanity. Let us have a vision; vision drives the process. Without this defined vision to know where we are going, we will not get there.”
Akpabio clearly defined this vision to include a broad proclamation by the president. This proclamation has to hinge on the fact that it is now time to make Nigeria a better economy. “Yes, this has to come from the leader of the country. Yes, we should turn Nigeria into a tourist destination. We have all it takes to do so. And no one can do it for us. It takes a serious government to go into serious infrastructural strides to attract people into our economy. Now, we can go back to our hospitals. There is what is called medical tourism. Now we can turn them around for good. When this is accomplished, we can encourage people to come and use our hospitals. And so it is in all other segments of the sector. No one ever goes to where social infrastructures are moribund when he has much better alternatives world-over.”
Government has been harping on the development of this sector considered to be a goldmine. Yet, it has been all talk and no action. In Italy alone, for instance, there are about 51 UNESCO – designated tourism sites. Now Nigeria has only two. Even the two have not been properly upgraded. Where tourists look for places with variety of sites to savour Nigeria is not considered. Yet, there are many natural sites that are wallowing in object neglect all over the country. These are gifts bestowed on the people by God. These are domiciled in these communities with abundance of beauties waiting to be explored. This is why Akpabio is piqued that Nigeria is in the midst of a river, but washes its hands with spittle. “See, people from the riverine areas of the country are good swimmers. They are even better than the ones we see at the Olympics. Now, why don’t we retrain and streamline them? This is also a source of tourism. We have that in abundance here in Nigeria.
“When the nation has plenty of sports tourism in certain areas, then state governments can go back to all the stadia in Nigeria to see how to re-infuse life into them. This will reflect in our economy. Thereafter, we will go to the transport sector and rework it for viability. The railways have to be updated to meet modern standards. This is what tourism is all about. It is not a mere gimmick or empty promises or big talks without proper actions. If we have people in the country, we need transport to move them around. Do you know that the roads are bad and the transport system is in shambles? How do you fly a tourist from Abuja to Calabar, for instance, when they keep cancelling and postponing or even delaying flights? Do we have reliable domestic airlines for an effective tourism sector? All these have to be looked into with the urgency that they deserve.”
In other words, if the proper things are in their proper perceptives, tourism drives the process; tourism drives the vision. “You can’t be expecting visitors in your house and be naked or be in your pajamas. No, it is not proper. The country has to go through eco-tourism, medical-tourism, sports-tourism, and so on, to make the system work. This is why we’ve been saying let our people sit up. Let government do what it should do to recharge the economy. “When we look at India, we can see that they have very seriously factored medical-tourism into their system. They have used it to attract the world and boost their economy. Nigeria has even more potentials. When Abuja was conceptualised as a conference city, what is the definition of a conference city? Government should have built world-class exhibition and conference centres to compliment this status given to Abuja. But those things are not there. And how do you, then, attract world-class tourists to the city?”
Akpabio argued that Nigeria can also build artificial towers and monuments to embellish its tourist base. “Most countries of the world do it. In Chicago, USA, where I go every year, they have hospitality exhibition. They have very large exhibition halls where this is done every year. The hall has capacity for more than twenty thousand people. In fact, its capacity is more than the Eagle Square in Abuja. It is so massive and whenever the exhibition is on, the hotels in Chicago cannot cope. You book ahead and once your moment is over, you are asked to check out to create space for others.
“This is the sort of thing we need to have here”, Akpabio explained, saying, “we can also create our own artificial centres of attraction to keep people interested in our own massive exhibition halls so that we can attract people from West Africa, from all over the world and it will become our own tourism identity”, he said, with professional gusto.
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We’re committed to workers’ welfare, says BATN
BRITISH American Tobacco Nigeria (BATN) in its reaction, reiterated its commitment to the welfare of its employees, saying that it is part of its internal human rights policy to be fair to all its employees. Oluwaseyi Ashade, the BATN’s Head of Corporate Affairs in a statement to clarify issues said that it has existed in Nigeria for over 100 years and extremely proud of its heritage and positive relationship with Nigerians.
The statement reads: “Our attention has been brought to certain allegations that were made by a group of former employees and anti-tobacco NGOs against our company.
“These allegations are based on labour issues which were managed according to our policies and ranged on various issues, which included poor performance, disciplinary issues as well as health related redundancy. All these cases were objectively determined in line with our internal processes, global policies and all extant Nigerian Laws.
“However, some of these former employees wished to serve their self-interest by making demands which are not acceptable under Nigerian Laws. In addition, they have continued to make veiled and written threats against us with the intention of causing reputational damage.
“Our expectations will be that if there are any grievances with the process and procedures for disengagement, such grievance will be heard and determined under existing employee/employers dispute resolution mechanism including taking such grievances to the relevant court and trusting the judicial system to hear both sides before making a judicial pronouncement. As it stands, one of the employees has a case in court against us and we are unable to comment on the specifics of this case in deference to the court.
“We therefore note with bewilderment that the former employees involved anti-tobacco NGOs who have over the years openly advocated for the closure of the legal tobacco industry in Nigeria to suddenly become the vanguard for tobacco employees.”
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Grandfather puts up abandoned girl for adoption
Unable to bear the financial and physical burden of raising his abandoned nine year old granddaughter, a helpless octogenarian based Ekpoma, Edo State, has put up the girl for adoption as a way of ensuring that she get what he described as “the good life this innocent girl deserves.”
The child, Favour Otalogbe Airiohuodion, according to findings by The Nation, has been left in the care of her aged grandfather, Pa Lucky Airiohuodion, since 2010, when his biological father, Kennedy Airiohuodion, brought him to the old man and left a few days later. He is yet to be seen ever since.
Left to grow up with her grandfather at his Idumegbede Quarters Iruekpen Ekpoma residence, Favour, according to neighbours, lacked many things as her aged guardian could do very little to fend for her needs. This, they added, made life quite difficult for the little girl.
Speaking to our reporter on why he decided to give out little Favour up for adoption, Pa Airiohuodion said he can no longer afford to keep the little girl with him as he is unable to meet her needs. He regretted that her son, who is Favour’s biological father, has refused to look back since he left the girl with him.
The octogenarian said apart from the financial burden of taking care of the child, he is daily getting weaker physically. Consequently, he is afraid that soon, he will not be able to take good care of the child he described as “very smart and hardworking.”
“I am sad that Kennedy my son, who is Favour’s biological father, has refused to look back since he left the girl with me. He left her over six years ago and went away. I am yet to see him since then. I am not able to meet all the needs of the little girl and I am not happy seeing her in need.
“Also, I am daily getting weaker physically. I am not as strong as I used to be when I was younger, so I am afraid that soon, I will not be able to take good care of Favour, who is a very smart and hardworking child. That is why I want to put her in the care of parents who will adopt her and take good care of her,” he said.
The Nation also gathered that Favour’s mother, who was never married to Kennedy, may have also chosen to abandon the poor girl like the father, as she is never known to have visited or asked of her since. It was also learnt that she may have travelled out of the country few years back without bothering about her daughter.
Favour, a junior primary school pupil, currently attends Deed Royal Academy, a private school situated in Ukpenu area of Ekpoma. Insisting that Favour has been abandoned by her biological parents, Pa Airiohuodion said his desire is to see the girl legally adopted while he is alive, as his son’s whereabouts is unknown to him.
“I want tell the whole world that Favour Airiohuodion has been abandoned by Kennedy my son and the woman who gave birth to her for him. I have not seen either of them for six years now and my desire is to see the girl legally adopted while I am still alive, as my son’s whereabouts is unknown to me,” he explained.
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For healthy living
Title: The Master Guide to Food Safety (food poisoning prevention)
Author: Matthew Okiroro
Publishers:Xlibris Corporation, The United States of America
Reviewer: Edozie UdezeThis book is a must read for every individual who wants to live the good life. It has all the ingredients and requirements necessary to help people know, understand and appreciate how to ensure that the foods they eat meet the normal and standard health conditions. The author, Matthew Okiroro, an international expert on nutrition and food safety makes it clear that when we prepare foods in terrible conditions; when we neglect to obey normal food safety standards, we should not have recourse to the belief that someone has poisoned our foods or that our enemy has got us.
On page 13, he states it clearly that, “it is time we stopped believing that someone else poisoned us or poisoned our food, whereas carelessness and ignorance caused us to poison ourselves. In other words, for every food prepared, care must be taken to follow the normal regulation to arrive at the best format for human consumption. Put succinctly, the human hands are the number one problem and threat to food safety and human health and long life. Therefore, our hands have to be thoroughly washed at every point whether we are working, eating or playing with the hands.
On page 15, the book defines what it refers to as importance of food safety thus – food safety can be referred to as a group of programmes, procedures and measures designed to prevent food-borne illnesses (diseases) by actively controlling risks and hazards throughout the flow of foods”.
Put in its proper perspective, the flow of food is the path food travels in a food service operation, i.e. from production to service, preparation and taking it to the dining table… Like every travel, there are some hazards (incidents) and hurdles (risks) that may be associated with food as it makes its way from the service to delivery, storage, preparation, cooking, holding, serving, cooking (leftover), storing (leftover) and reheating for next day’s serving.
It is imperative that one is able to identify the risks and hazards that accidentally make food unsafe and cause food-borne illnesses or food poisoning. For every food that is cooked or prepared, there is a procedure. This procedure has to be followed to the last in order to avoid food poisoning which often occurs. What the author is saying, having been an internationally-certified chef in most multinational corporate bodies is that equally water is imperative. This is why for every food that is prepared, the vegetables, the ingredients and the condiments in them have to be properly washed and assessed before use. Most of the foods that we eat do not undergo these processes in their due time which makes most of the foods that we eat not only unsafe but totally hazardous to human health.
On page 30, he points out one of the basic sources of food poisoning in Nigeria, nay world-over. Title the place of personal hygiene in food safety, Okiroro says, “One of the most critical aspects of food hygiene is good personal hygiene. A clean caring person is very hard to replace. Therefore when properly trained they always turn what they learn into their personal business with keen interest…” To achieve this, there are normal rules – wash your hands before and after attending to food preparation, do not prepare food when you have fever, severe cold and cough and so on. Again, keep medicines away from food storage areas. In other words, for the sake of proper safety, people should cover their hairs when they are in the kitchen and also try to cut their nails very low to avoid contamination and so on.
In the real sense of it, these are simple rules, but how many people obey them. Inasmuch as those who prepare our foods do not observe or obey these health rules, there are bound to be problems with the health conditions of our foods. What the author is saying invariably is that food forms the basic component of our very existence. Therefore, those essential tips have to be observed in all circumstances. Even the temperature of the food, the storage facilities and so on have to be in order at every point.
With appropriate illustrations and diagrams, the author makes the book simpler and more instructive. It is a book basic for human consumption since food safety requirements are meant for everyone. It is good for Biology scholars, for chefs all over the globe. It is indeed an eye-opener on
certain things we often take for granted.
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Recession hits Lagos cane village
In this season of goodwill and exchange of gifts, Dorcas Egede visits the popular Cane Village in Lagos and reports about the low patronage
Coming from either Ikeja or Ikorodu Road as you descend the bridge at Maryland, Lagos, and walk towards the area popularly called Odo Iya Alaro, you will walk right into the Cane Village. The sight that greets you as you approach the village is one of simplistic beauty. Weavers and sellers of baskets, chairs and other household furniture, made from cane, are lined up on all sides.
The first person the reporter came in contact with was a middle aged woman, who gave her name as Blessing. Together with her mum and sister, Blessing sells baskets of all shapes, sizes and colours at the village. Beautifully crafted baskets of varying colours and hues are seen dangling on wooden stakes. If one had hitherto not felt the aura of the season, a visit to the cane village instantly reminds you that Christmas is just around the corner.
Low patronage
But unlike what it used to be like during the festive periods, the cane village had very little traffic on this day the reporter visited. The first words Blessing blurted out when she was approached by the reporter were, “Business is bad, no market.” After a little persuasion, she continued, “Buhari is the cause of this. See how the whole place is filled with unsold baskets.”
How has the patronage been in recent times? The reporter asked. Blessing’s reply was a near retort. “Isn’t it obvious? If people are really patronising us, our wares would have reduced by now. Before, by this time of the year, I will not have the time to even talk to you because I would be attending to at least 10 people at the same time, so will my mum and sister be busy, but see how we’re sitting, practically idle. Since Buhari came in, there has been hardship everywhere. When you can’t sell your wares how can you even feed?”
Asked who their customers are, Blessing said customers cut across the society. “Our customers vary from bankers to private individuals, the police force too used to come and buy baskets from us to package hampers, and we even used to help our customers to package hampers. The way things are now, customers who used to buy up to 1,000 baskets now buy like 300, even 50, and they’ll be telling you they’re taking a risk by doing so. The truth is that they actually don’t just want to package the hampers at all, but because they can’t avoid giving few of their big customers, they reluctantly package a few hampers.”
Lamenting even more, Blessing added, “See everywhere is still full and we have only a few days before Christmas. There is nobody that isn’t affected by this change; everywhere is tight. And you see, of all the things needed to package hampers, I can say that the cheapest is the basket, yet people are still not buying; everything is just at a standstill.”
Other attempts to speak with more basket weavers and sellers was met with rebuffs, Chibueze, a weaver, who this reporter met arranging canes for weaving, bluntly refused to speak after he was told the reporter’s mission. He, however, said he will only speak on the ground that the reporter pays him for speaking.
Moving further into the village, another weaver, who gave her name as Victoria also refused to say much after she found out that the reporter wasn’t a potential buyer. “Business worse pass dry. Na Sai Baba hold everything” was all she offered in pidgin. Claiming that she will be disciplined by the chairman of the cane village (a convenient excuse to get the reporter off her back) she asked the reporter to go and speak with him instead.
Business hasn’t been this bad
The chairman was working on a basket when the reporter approached him. Without looking up from what he was doing, he greeted the reporter in return. He soon raised his head however, when mention of The Nation newspaper was made. “Have you come to interview us so that you can send the message to Buhari?” he asked, suddenly interested. With a nod of agreement from the reporter, the chairman, who later introduced himself as Prince Idowu Adesoji continued eagerly, “Because Buhari has to hear that we are suffering hard times.”
Before the reporter finished the question of how business has been, Adesoji’s response was, “Business is not booming. We are working still because we are hanging our faith on hope. If business is booming you will see the signs, but we thank God we are surviving.” What about their regular customers? Adesoji said, “We are not seeing all our customers, they are all complaining. Even when you call them, they don’t take your calls. So, we have to apply wisdom; when you call once or twice and they don’t pick, don’t push it, so that you won’t hear what you don’t want to hear. I’m not joking; I’m being sincere with you.”
Asked who their regular customers are, Adesoji said, “Our customers are banks, individuals, who have stores; they come and buy baskets, package the hampers and sell in their stores for others to come and pick up. So, when they sell, they come again and pick up more. We also have those who get orders from companies, come to us, and package hampers for those companies. For some of those people, they know that every year, they will get orders from the companies they supply, so they book baskets ahead of the festive season to avoid delay. I have about three customers like that, but till now I haven’t even seen them.”
What is it usually like yearly? “In previous years, we start production from September because orders start coming in from that time; and everybody is happy. You’ll see it on their faces that there is money. Even our neighbours selling food and drinks enjoy us during those times, because our patronage increases. Now, they say it’s economic recession; we don’t know when we are going to get out of it. But we can only trust God that it won’t be too long. But, I won’t lie to you, things have been so bad.”
Adesoji, who said he has been in the cane weaving business for 31 years, first as an apprentice and then a boss, said in the 31 years, business has never been this bad. “It has never been like this before. I have been in this business for 31 years; things have never been this bad. I was trained here in Maryland, and I have taken my trade to the northern part of the country. But since I have been in this industry as an apprentice and as a boss of my own, I have never had it this bad. I was in Abuja, Kaduna and many other states, but things have never been this bad,” he said.
Isn’t it possible that since the cost of production may have increased, their customers are discouraged by the hike in the prices of their wares, the reporter asked, curious. “Who is talking about price now? In fact, we are even selling below the cost of production, so that people will even come and buy, yet we are not seeing anybody. We need money as a means of exchange; at least I won’t get on a commercial bus or buy meat in the market and give the conductor or meat seller a basket in exchange. If we even see customers, we will sell. As I am now, if I see someone who will pay N2,000 for a basket of N3,500, I will sell it, let me just have a little money in my hand. See, our products have alternatives. If people can’t afford our baskets, they can choose to buy plastic baskets, or even use coolers to package their hampers. That is why our market cannot be so high. It’s money we need to meet other needs. I borrowed money from cooperative to produce, I produced to some level and couldn’t continue because I looked at the market and saw that there was no need to continue producing.”
How about cane materials for weaving of the baskets, how do they get those? “We get materials from the Niger Delta, and now they are even agitating for an increase. You can’t blame them because the cost of everything in the market has increased.”
If baskets are not selling, how about other furniture being produced by these weavers, the reporter asked. “Even the chairs we sell are not moving either. Now, we make chairs and they can stay for up to five or six months before a buyer comes along, and most times, they price below the cost price. Is that how I’m going to feed my family? I have three children in the higher institution, two of them did project this year, do you know what length I went to ensure that those children are happy? I made that chair you’re seeing there because I wanted to use the money as part of expenses for my mother-in-law’s burial, but the chair is still there, even though mama has long reached heaven. In fact, even if she were crawling, she would have long reached heaven.”
Itching to go back to what the reporter met him doing, Adesoji, as if to reiterate what he had been saying all along, said, “Everywhere is dry, a lot of people are complaining, but what can we do? We will not steal, we will keep doing what we know is best and keep trusting God. If we’re unable to sell now, we’ll treat the ones on ground with chemicals in preparation for next season; peradventure things would have gotten better then.”
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Sustaining indigenous black soap
Black soap, otherwise known as Ose-Dudu in Yoruba, is a handmade soap that is gentle and alleviates skin ailment. It consists of an emollient derived from natural source, combined with the nutrient rich ashes of native African plant materials.
Different tribes, who manufacture these soaps have their own typical way of making recipes that make the final product in varying qualities. The colour of the soap is never in uniform, it ranges from light brown, beige, gray to jet black, depending on the indigenous ingredients and method of production.Benefits and uses of black soap
Black soap has a lot of benefits. It is an antibacterial and antifungal property, oil controlling properties and a face cleanser. It has also skin healing property that clears acne, soothes psoriasis and eczema,reduces fine lines and wrinkles, and provides relief to children suffering from ring worms and measles. Black soap is a great moisturizer that is mild and good for sensitive skin. The soap is said to be rich in vitamins A and B. Jennifer S.LI (2015). The emollient properties of the ingredients are suitable for dry hair and alleviate dandruff. If well packaged, it could serve as a source of income whereby the unemployed could be self reliant.Materials for making black soap
Materials for making this soap include clay pots, base oil (palm oil, palm kernel, shea butter), peels of plantain, cocoa pods, shea tree bark, coconut husks, palm leaves, regular banana leaves or palm bunch, (either of these are sundry or oven dry then burnt to ashes), fire wood, cooking stand (Adogan) tripod stand (Aaro), water, local fryer (Agbada), Bowls and lighter.Procurement and installation of a black soap making industry
To establish black soap industry, the first thing to think about is a space for the installation of the equipment. At least 25ft X 50ft (half plot of land) will be needed. Buy at least three big clay pots (ikoko) and three smaller ones made purposely for Okiti (site of black soap making). The big pots will have holes at the bottom while the smaller ones will have at the side that will be able to contain a small bowl.Installation:
The three smaller pots will be half buried and arranged close to each other, while the bigger pots with holes will be placed on the smaller ones. The big pots will be filled with ashes while leaves are placed on the holes at the bottom to stop the ashes from dropping into the smaller pots during the processing. The three big pots are filled with ashes and mixed with water for draining.Methods of production
Production of Black soap involves the following: step I: Select a base oil which could be palm oil, palm kernel oil or shea butter. If using palm oil, you can extract it yourself by processing coconut palms in a hand press. But since this is a laborious work, and palms are hard to get in some regions, you can purchase palm oil that has already been extracted. The quantity of base oil needed will vary depending on the quantity of soap you wish to make, the quantity of oil to be used should not exceed half the capacity of your double boiler. However, those who wish to make a large quantity of soap generally process it in batches. Here are the steps:
Step II: Remove the cocoa beans from the pods and burn over low flame until they turn to ashes, Oven roast the plantain skins (or alternative ingredient), burn the plantain skin creating an ashes that will be beached to release its component parts. Step III: Fill the three big pots with the burnt ashes, number the set of pots A – C, add water to pot A. STEP IV: The filtered drain from pot A will be transferred to pot B, that of pot B will be transferred to pot C. At this point the water must have been highly concentrated. This will now be transferred to the flat iron pot for cooking which can last for a day or two, until the water becomes very thick. STEP V: Heat the base oil over low heat until it is melted and heated through. STEP VI: Pour the thick heated filtered water to the heated base oil, while stirring; add more until you achieve the desired shade of dark brown or black. Continue stirring over low heat until the liquid is smooth. STEP VII: In the process of stirring, a frothy, waxy substance will begin to form at the surface. Scoop this liquid soap from the surface of the boiler as it forms, continue until all the water has boiled off. Transfer it into a mold or pound in the mortar to make the soap smooth , then cut to the shape desired. The finished product will now be used or sold.Challenges
As good and laudable as this black soap is, there are still challenges facing its production, ranging from materials and time of producing it. Rainy season is not a suitable season to get the materials. Plantain skin, cocoa pods and the likes may not dry easily as a result of constant rainfall. Oven roast may not be reliable because of electricity failure. The skill is gradually going into extinction because most producers of this soap are growing old and they have refused to transfer the skill to the younger ones. Black soap may have negative reaction on some peoples’ skin probably as a result of high potassium content, thereby damaging the skin. Moreover, the production of the soap work is a tedious one and time consuming. It takes between two and four days to complete a batch of production. Many people associate black soap with fetism because of the colour. Since there is difficulty in drying the materials during rainy season, recipes should be made and preserved during dry season to make production hitch-free.
Financial assistance through bank loan that attracts low interest should be granted to the producers of black soap to purchase the modern gadgets like oven and powerful generators that can power the Oven. This will make the materials available at all seasons. Adulteration should be discouraged. There should not be alteration to the original product. In addition, museum should organise teachers’ workshop whereby the museum professionals will train the trainers. For those with tender skin, the user should discontinue the usage it has negative effect. Moreover, emphasis should be laid on promoting the production and usage of black soap through sensitisation programmes.
In conclusion, the production and usage is not fetish but our cultural heritage. Hence, the wide use of black soap is, therefore, recommended to all generation.•Jolayemi is Chief Museum Education Officer, National Museum, Ilorin
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Anenih: From policing to politics
He is a recurring decimal in Nigerian politics. Like him or hate him, you cannot ignore him. Such is the stature the author has acquired in our political firmament that his name continues to reverberate across political divides and from generation to generation.
This nation has never seen and may never see again a politician with such an enduring credential and impactful sagacity. Bishop Mathew Hassan Kukah succinctly captured the man, Tony Anenih, when he posited: “Chief Anenih has traversed and adapted to the ever-changing landscape of Nigerian politics with a combination of unobtrusive survivalist instincts of both a chameleon and a cheetah. He has displayed an uncanny ability to adapt to the political temperatures and temperaments around him and exhibited a phenomenal staying power — in truth, no matter the controversy, no other Nigerian in history, living or dead can make the claim of having been such a central and sturdy hub in the politics of the nation- Today, Chief Anenih has come to be more famously known as Mr. Fix it. Some say it with admiration while others mouth it with approbation. What is not argued is that Chief Anenih fixes the problem he is called to manage at any particular point.”
What, however, stands Chief Anenih out is not his capacity to “fix” things euphemistically speaking or his cult-like followership and popular reverential acknowledgement as “leader” in political circles, but his decision to personally document his thoughts in this book, that will endure for all times. In doing this, Anenih has avoided a debilitating Nigerian malady that tends to prevent our political leaders from documenting or chronicling their political engagements for posterity.
Today, therefore, I join all men and women of goodwill in saluting Anenih for this significant achievement, for his industry, tenacity of purpose, research acumen, scholarship and penetrating logic.
The autobiography is titled: My Life and Nigerian Politics. Published by MINDEX Publishing Company Limited, the 257-page book is divided into three sections and eleven chapters. An idea that was conceived in prison in 1984 took the author 32 years to accomplish. Here, the author has given a personal account of his life’s sojourn, chronicle events as they unfolded, corrected impressions, put things in proper perspective and make projections for the future.
It is instructive to mention that this autobiography enables the reader and, indeed, Anenih’s admirers to appreciate his early life in the village setting of Arue, his humble beginning, primary school education at Government School, Uromi, his failed ambition to get into Teachers training college and his enrolment at Police College on July 1, 1951 to kick-start what turned out to be a brilliant career in the Nigeria Police. By a letter dated January 14, 1976, the Police Service Council accepted Anenih’s application to voluntarily retire from service.
The litany of commendations while in the force, some for bravery and others for devotion to duty, including the long service medal, which an officer receives only if he has a clean record, bear eloquent testimony to a character trait which was efficiently deployed in his numerous triumphs in the political arena.
Anenih also had a stint in business before venturing into politics. His approach to business clearly underscores his attributes as a tactician and strategist who covers his flanks excellently and effectively. By establishing a super market in Warri, Chemist in Benin city, electronic shop in Enugu, sale of frozen meat from Bauchi, oil palm plantations, import and sale of fast-cars, Anenih successfully “fixed” his way into lucrative business.
It should be said that but for the author’s incarceration for 18 months after 1983 coup, this autobiography would not have been conceptualised.
But his detention marked the collapse of his business and the beginning of life in politics. As a strategist that he is, the reader will greatly appreciate Anenih’s choice to commence his political career from the grassroots from where he was sucked into the vortex of Nigerian politics.
Starting as sympathiser and financier of N.P.N in 1980 under President Shehu Shagari, he became the chairman of National Peoples Party (NPN) in the then Bendel State. He was instrumental to the enthronement of Governor Samuel Ogbemudia in 1983, Odigie Oyegun in 1992 and Lucky Igbinedion in 1999.
Anenih’s election as National Chairman of Social Democratic party (SDP) marked his entry into the centre stage of the political orbit of Nigeria. Chapters six and seven of this autobiography lucidly and comprehensively accounted for the events, circumstances and authentic narrative of June 12, 1993 election and outcome. As a major actor in the drama that unfolded after the annulment of June 12 election and the intrigues that made the Interim National Government an imperative, Anenih’s perspective ideally is compelling and undeniably convincing. The reader will also find Anenih’s incisive exposé on the Abacha regime in Chapter eight, profound, illuminating and most engaging.
The author devoted Chapter 9 to the emergence of the Fourth Republic and the New Democratic Experiment. Again as a major actor and participant in the theatre of politics, clear account is given of his preference for PDP; why PDM supported the candidacy of General Olusegun Obasanjo, his role in the victory of President Obasanjo when personally invited by the General to strengthen his campaign as an acknowledged political strategist; the making of Vice President Atiku Abubakar; and his appointment as Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria in charge of Works and Housing.
Two Issues that the author addressed with a lot of introspection are the tag of “Mr Fix It” and the circumstances that led to re-nomination of President Obasanjo for the election. It is evident that Anenih enjoyed being called or addressed as ‘’leader”. In his words “my past records and antecedents show clearly that I have always led well and those whom I have led appreciated my leadership qualities. If such people refer to me as leader, of course, I will accept it. It is by performance and not something you buy from the market. If you have not earned the position of leadership and you are called a leader, you would be ashamed to answer it. It was General Shehu Musa Yar’Adua who gave me that name when he was campaigning for his presidential nomination. I earned it. I did not buy it. I did not seize it or force it on people.”
Unlike his acknowledgement of “leader”, Chief Anenih is not too favourably disposed to the tag of Mr Fix it . Readers in page 165 of this autobiography will read his total disapproval of that appellation. According to him:
“I am aware that some people call me ‘Mr Fix it’. I think such people call me that name, either in contempt or in admiration. It is possible that they are being mischievous. A few questions arise here. Am I “Mr fix It” as a reformer or someone who always does things right? Am I being portrayed as one who gets things settled or fixed? Am I being held out as someone who, by hook or crook, achieves results with the belief that the end justifies the means? In any case, I do not enjoy this appellation. I have always believed in what I do and I always make sure I achieve successes, without listening to the crowd of voices. If I am called an achiever, that sounds more complimentary, satisfying and positive than the ambiguous impression, which ‘MR FIX it’ Connotes”
Any keen follower of political developments in Nigeria will be captivated by the author’s narration of how the plot to stop President Obasanjo’s re-nomination for 2003 election was thwarted largely through his instrumentality. The reader will appreciate how certain information hitherto considered as rumours have been confirmed by Anenih in this book.
In Chapter 10 of this book, Mr. Achiever, Anenih, took time to capture his legacy. This is something that appears to be lacking among Nigerian leaders and politicians- a sense of history and the significance of legacy in governance. To have been able to meet the targets he set for himself is not only worthy of commendation but a cause for admiration. When you have been involved in coronation of Presidents, enthronement of governors, blazed the trail as a Minister of Federal Republic of Nigeria, led political parties successfully at state and federal levels, chaired the B.O.T. of the largest political party in Africa, you are no longer simply a leader, you are, undoubtedly, an institution. These are the legacies that are well chronicled in this autobiography.
But beyond politics, there are also legacies of philanthropy, of traditional nobility as Iyasele of of Esan land. Over and above all these is the legacy of fidelity to friendship. Anenih, in his acknowledgments, painstakingly mentioned all those who impacted his life story one way or another.
The litany of names lend credence to his belief in enduring relationship and loyalty to friendship
One noticeable lesson that flows from this book is the obvious advantage or edge the author has as an autobiographer over those who have either failed to document their thoughts at all or who left their destiny in the hands of biographers.
Chief Tony Anenih alluded to the challenges of an autobiographer when he stated as follows in page 197.
“One serious problem, which is difficult to overcome and which confronts anyone attempting to write his own biography is the inability to praise oneself, without being regarded as over – stepping the bounds of decency and modesty. It raises the question of how far one can go in exposing one’s qualities and achievements without being accused of exaggeration, unwarranted encomiums and intemperate self adulation. Quite a lot of people, therefore, refrain from writing their autobiographies. Some even go to the extent of refusing to grant interviews to speak about themselves or answer questions requiring an elaboration of their life’s achievements. But if one remains guided by the limits of truth which, most of the time, is public knowledge, the constraints in an autobiographical account can be minimally overcome.”
This is Chief Tony Anenih’s words on the marble, which will endure for all times. It is also an invitation to our statesmen, leaders and members of the political class to strive to render an account of their stewardship by writing their autobiographies.
This autobiography is in readable prose, elegantly crafted and devoid of stylistic infelicities.
The use of pictorials added colour and vibes to the book. The reader will appreciate the use of Appendix to present original documents, which, ordinarily, can only be found in the archives of a dramatis personae .
Your Excellencies, distinguished ladies gentleman,
It gives me great pleasure therefore to present this world class autobiography to the Nigerian reading public and the world at large. Generations of Nigerians yet unborn will derive immense pleasure in ready this autobiography of a highly distinguished Nigerian, a consummate politician, quintessential statesman, a leader, achiever, philanthropist, humanist, officer and gentleman, traditionalist, business mogul, Iyasele of Esanland and an illustrious Nigerian who bestrode our political landscape like a colossus and left an indelible footprint in our national consciousness.