The Nation Newspaper

Category: Commentaries

  • Why Okowa is in EFCC custody

    Why Okowa is in EFCC custody

    sir: In 2015, former governor, Ifeanyi Okowa promised Deltans prosperity during the electioneering campaign that brought him to power. But before the end of his second tenure in 2023, Okowa left Deltans impoverished and in total penury. 

    As a sitting governor, he reigned like an emperor. No one dared him. Sycophants in government hailed him as the ‘Ekwueme’ (a man of his word) of our time. Probably a chieftaincy title he derived from his community in Ika Northeast.

    Contrary to his promise of prosperity for all Deltans, Okowa’s reign of terror started immediately after he entered the Dennis Osadebe Government House in Asaba.

    Civil servants were the first recipients of his draconian leadership style in Delta State. He summarily dismissed thousands of Deltans employed by Delta State Polytechnic, Ogwashi-Uku. He said their employment did not meet the approval of the state government. But he was not their employer.

    Finishing with the polytechnic, Okowa turned to workers in the 25 local governments across the state. Through a consulting firm, Infostech, he descended on the workers and with the instrumentality of operation-show-your-primary-six-certificate, Okowa chased away scores of local government workers.

    It then came the turn of the state workforce. With the help of another firm, Herkebellah, thousands of Deltans working in the state civil service lost their jobs, while service years of several thousands of workers still in the government payroll were cut down.

    Okowa left the state workforce bleeding, after tormenting and impoverishing them. Somehow, he succeeded in buying the labour unions to his side, as he carried out his anti-worker policies. To date, Delta State workers have not recovered from the pains suffered under Okowa’s government.

    While all these were going on, not for once did Delta State House of Assembly, then under the current governor of the state, Sheriff Oborevwori, as speaker, raise an eyebrow as the representative of the people.

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    He was the sole decider of what happened anywhere in Delta State then. All allocations coming into the state remained at his beck and call, as he prided himself as the “Road Master’. This was coined by his horde of praise singers. To date, many Deltans are still asking Okowa to show them the roads he constructed that earned him the name ‘Road Master’.

    It was foremost Ijaw National Leader, Chief Edwin Kiagbodo Clark that exposed Okowa’s atrocities in an open letter he wrote towards the twilight of the former governor’s administration. Clarke called him out to render an account of what he did with the 13 per cent derivation fund released to him for the development of the oil-producing communities in the state, Okowa took the call with a pinch of salt, after all, he is the ‘Ekwueme’ of Delta.

    Clarke’s letter was later followed by another from an activist, Mullade Sheriff to the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC), alleging that Okowa misappropriated over N1 trillion released to oil-producing communities.

    His current arrest and detention by the EFCC to some well-meaning Deltans were long overdue. Besides the derivation money, the financial crime agency would do Deltans a world of good if they could find out from Okowa how he spent the trillions that were released to his government as monthly allocations.

    The commission should also find out his relationship with a private company he used for land acquisitions in many communities in Delta North Senatorial District.

    A recent video trending online showed the senator representing Delta North Senatorial District, Prince Ned Nwoko, telling some people of his encounter with Governor Sheriff Oborevwori over his inability to do anything tangible despite receiving nothing less than N40b every month from the Federation Account is also revealing.

    According to Nwoko, Oborevwori had told him that he was not doing much because he was paying back the loan Okowa’s administration incurred. Oborevwori forgot that as the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, he was the one approving those loans.

    Deltans are, therefore, watching and waiting to see what becomes of the EFCC investigation. Deltans want nothing short of the total recovery of all Okowa allegedly took from the state coffers and a diligent prosecution that will ensure that justice is well served.

    •Ifeonu Okolo,Asaba, Delta State

  • Aregbesola: Hypocrisy of a pretentious revolutionary

    Aregbesola: Hypocrisy of a pretentious revolutionary

    sir: The way Rauf Aregbesola has continued to demonstrate all manners of inconsistencies with his actions and utterances is quite worrisome. He took it to a higher level by his recent comment on the state of the nation. His speech reeks of hypocrisy that is not in the least expected of a supposed elder-statesman. Or should we just conclude that he’s trying to lead a revolution against the state?

    “When I was born, and during my developmental years, wealth was not as limited to the hands of a very few people as it is today”. This particular statement he made shows how shameless he can be. A man with no cognate experience in any field or known business anywhere that became wealthy can’t be guiltier of what he’s accusing others for. The man should tell us what he was doing before 1999 and how much he was worth then in comparison with how much he and his immediate family members are worth today.

    The same man that ran the Osun State aground is today to talking about building prosperity for the people. A man that initiated half salary as governor that led to the impoverishing civil servants and pensioners in Osun. Is it not laughable how hypocritical he is? He left the state in total state of despair with the state languishing in all the debts he incurred till today.

    He didn’t only fail in the critical sectors of our economy; he wasted Osun money on many white elephant projects. The park he built in Gbongan was made useless by the same flyover he constructed by himself. He was so bereft of ideas in the agricultural sector that he had to travel to foreign countries to source for ideas which eventually led to no result. Maybe he should tell us what he achieved in Osun in the area of food security.

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    The Opon Imo project, a tablet for secondary school students he did, remains one of the biggest scams in the history of the state. The computer tablet disappeared before he left the state in 2018. How much of prosperity would the money wasted on the project have built for the common man? He wasted the opportunity to drive the economy of the state to an enviable level. Perhaps we should just ask him to name, just one major company or industry that entered the state in the eight inglorious years of his administration.

    As the Interior Minister, the number jailbreaks under his nose were enough for an honourable man to resign. He didn’t only finish the administration with President Muhammadu Buhari, he was seen arranging several welcome back parties for himself!  The young man that succeeded him was able to clear the mess around passport issuance in a matter of weeks. Instead of admitting failure and commending the good job, he’s offering advice he could have used while in office.

    Again hear him: “I am opposed to executive system of government, I believe in collective arrangement which parliamentary system guarantees. It is best for a nation like Nigeria if indeed we’re committed to advancing the interests of the large population and mass of our people”.

    Has this man forgotten that all his years in the public office have been in the executive? He was commissioner twice in Lagos, two-term governor and a minister for four years. 

    It’s high time this man kept quiet and focused on how to revive his lost political relevance rather than jumping on a futile endeavour of trying to incite violence. Nigerians are wise and are obviously wiser than him.

    •Ayotunde Rasheed,Osogbo, Osun State

  • Law agents and rank indiscipline

    Law agents and rank indiscipline

    What’s the update on the recent clash in Osun State between personnel of the Nigeria Police and those of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC)? It’s about four weeks on that the state government and respective security service promised to investigate the shameful incident, but seem yet to follow through.

    Hostilities flared between officials of the two security services in Osogbo last month in a supremacy battle that the agencies blamed on each other, but which boils down to rank indiscipline. The corps accused the police of brutalising its personnel who were on lawful security duty at a housing estate in the state capital, and keeping one of the corpsmen in detention for some days. A statement by the spokesman of Osun NSCDC command, Adeleke Kehinde, said the problem began on Tuesday, 22nd October, at about 8p.m. when individuals in native ‘Ankara’ fabric but with jacket top, claiming to be policemen, drove in a private vehicle into an estate that is guarded by personnel of the Osun command of the NSCDC purportedly to arrest a suspect. The plainclothed individuals were reportedly confronted  by the corpsmen for proper identification, which they refused to provide and rather resorted to intimidation of the NSCDC personnel before leaving the estate.

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    But that did not end the matter, according to the NSCDC statement. Policemen numbering about 20 returned the following day to physically assault corpsmen at the estate and took one of them away in handcuffs – first to Ataoja police division before moving him to the Police State Headquarters. Efforts by the leadership of the Osun NSCDC command to bail out the arrested corpsman were allegedly rebuffed, and he was held in police detention for three days before being released. Osun NSCDC Commandant Michael Adaralewa demanded a probe, saying “there should be no sacred cow, and we are not going to allow the matter to be swept under the rug.”

    The police issued its own statement in which it accused NSCDC operatives of obstructing policemen who had gone to the Osogbo estate to arrest a criminal suspect. Spokesperson of the Osun Police Command, Yemisi Opalola, said policemen who came from the Oyo State Police Command on investigation and to arrest the suspect were rough-handled by corpsmen guarding the estate, making the policemen call for reinforcement from the  nearest division. “Upon arrival of the reinforcement, the policemen were rescued and one of the (NSCDC) personnel who assaulted the police officers and prevented them from performing their lawful duty was arrested and taken to State CID for investigation,” she further said, adding that investigation of the incident was ongoing.

    Following the clash, Osun State Governor Ademola Adeleke called a State Security Council meeting to interrogate the matter. Police Inspector-General Kayode Egbetokun as well condemned the incident and vowed a probe. The narratives suck, but Hardball won’t preempt the official probes. What’s the update? 

  • Mobilising youths to tackle climate change

    Mobilising youths to tackle climate change

    • By Zayyad I. Muhammad

    Sir: The effects of climate change are now at everyone’s doorstep, whether they are aware of it or not. While Nigerian youth are the most vulnerable to climate change, they are also the group that can most effectively tackle it because of their huge numbers and their future needs.

    Climate change advocates and researchers, including government and non-governmental agencies, can engage youth to raise awareness in society about the need to address climate change and tackle its impacts. Youth are the most active members of society and the majority, whether educated or uneducated.

    Most Nigerian youths can now easily transmit or receive information through social media and other means of modern communications. So, empowering youth and mobilising them to use social media and other modern communications tools can have a huge impact on awareness and campaigns on the effects of climate change.

    Youths can be trained and equipped to engage in sustainable farming practices that protect the environment while providing productive employment. In this way, young people can play a vital role in environmentally-friendly farming while earning an income. If the government and climate organisations train youth in eco-friendly farming and provide the necessary inputs and funding, many young people will turn to sustainable practices, recognising them as both a source of income and a means of helping the environment. This approach could engage young people in both urban and rural areas, contributing to climate change mitigation, environmental protection, job creation, and food security.

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    Another approach is to protect the environment while generating wealth by involving youths in a well-designed economic tree-planting scheme. A designated area in a community could be set aside for planting economic trees. For instance, a plot of 20–30 trees could be allotted to one or two young people to nurse until maturity. When the trees are ready for harvesting, ownership would be transferred to the youth. Equally, Nigerian cities and towns can be turned green with this approach. Nigeria has fertile soil for the cultivation of many economic and other trees; most Nigerian youths, whether educated or not, are enthusiastic about generating wealth via farming; thus, such a scheme will be successful and sustainable.

    Many young Nigerians are tech enthusiasts, and technology can be a powerful way to engage them in climate change efforts. This could include making simple windmills or engaging in manufacturing, retailing, and installing solar stoves and wind-powered electricity systems. Engaging young people not only amplifies innovative solutions but also ensures a sustainable, long-term commitment to environmental protection. This strategy leverages the passion, energy, and unique perspectives of the younger generation to create impactful change for future generations.

    •Zayyad I. Muhammad,

    Abuja

  • Why Nigerians will thank PBAT later

    Why Nigerians will thank PBAT later

    • By Kenechukwu Aguolu

    Sir: Nigeria should be an economic powerhouse not only in Africa but globally because of its enormous human and natural resources but ironically it is fighting for economic survival. This contrast has been linked by many to inappropriate leadership over the years. However, President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has demonstrated exemplary leadership marked by patriotism, boldness, action, foresight, and commitment since he came into power on May 29, 2023.

    Fuel subsidies and the constant defence of the naira have historically done more harm than good, consuming trillions of naira that could have been invested in nation-building resulting in infrastructure decay and mounting national debt. Over the years, the federal government has had little left for capital expenditure and investment in critical sectors of the economy after covering salaries and other recurrent costs which, has significantly contributed to the poor state of roads, hospitals, schools, power supply, and the inability to adequately fund security agencies etc. Therefore, President Tinubu should be commended for removing fuel subsidy and floating the naira despite being unpopular decisions.

    President Tinubu’s policies have started to positively impact the lives of Nigerians. For example, it is worth noting that when he came into power, some state governments struggled to pay minimum wage and pensions. Currently, no state is reported to be behind on salary payments. The federal government has begun implementing the new national minimum wage of N70,000, and state governments have also announced and started paying new minimum wages at varying rates, with none below N70,000, much to the relief of Nigerian workers. Insecurity is on the decline, with areas like the Abuja-Kaduna road no longer plagued by incidents that once made it a nightmare.

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    Also, students have already started benefiting from the student loan scheme introduced by this administration; just to mention a few.

    Despite mixed reactions to President Tinubu’s recent cabinet reshuffle, it signals his commitment to fixing the country. This reshuffle was timely and it strengthened the cabinet sending a clear message that Mr President will not tolerate mediocrity. Nigerians hope this will lead to a more responsive government and better policy implementation, fostering stronger synergy among ministries. The long time lag between policy announcement and implementation previously experienced should become a thing of the past.

    With inflation slowing, debt service to revenue ratio reducing from 97% to under 70%, gross foreign reserves hitting $40 billion, and the outcome of GDP rebasing awaited, there is optimism about the country’s economic future. Additionally, the removal of the fuel subsidy has freed up funds that the government plans to invest in education, healthcare, infrastructure (power, transport, etc.), security agencies, and other key sectors.

    For these efforts to succeed, the government must also adopt zero tolerance for corruption and waste. The World Bank has commended President Tinubu’s bold policies and emphasized the need to sustain them to achieve the desired economic reforms. Nigeria has a hopeful path ahead, and in time, Nigerians will look back and appreciate President Tinubu’s leadership.

    •Kenechukwu Aguolu, FCIA

     <kenerek1@gmail.com>

  • Grid collapse: Urgent need for permanent solution

    Grid collapse: Urgent need for permanent solution

    • By Aisha Abubakar Tijjani

    Sir: Nigeria’s persistent struggle with power outages has reached a critical point as the national grid faces repeated failures, creating a climate of frustration, stagnation, and economic uncertainty. The most recent grid collapse has left countless Nigerians without power, affecting homes, industries, and essential services. This marks the eighth failure this year, a shocking statistic that brings into focus the nation’s glaring energy deficiencies.

    Each grid collapse disrupts daily life and threatens Nigeria’s economic stability. Industrial processes grind to a halt, businesses incur losses, and vital services such as hospitals and security agencies face severe operational disruptions. Many Nigerians are forced to rely on expensive, unreliable alternative power sources. These conditions intensify public dissatisfaction and highlight the urgent need for robust, sustainable solutions rather than temporary measures.

    The Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and other power authorities often focus on restoring electricity after each collapse. Yet, this approach fails to address the systemic issues within the grid infrastructure. The current network, heavily outdated and overstretched, lacks the resilience to support Nigeria’s growing population and economic demands.

    Without addressing these root issues, grid collapses will continue to hinder development and growth.

    Historically, Nigeria’s power infrastructure has suffered from underfunding, mismanagement, and a lack of long-term planning. While government efforts have included short-term repairs and quick fixes, these actions have not led to significant improvements. Experts argue that a sustainable solution requires a complete overhaul, including investment in new technologies and infrastructure.

    One of the fundamental problems facing Nigeria’s grid is its reliance on centralized generation. Many experts have called for decentralized energy solutions, such as mini-grids and renewable energy sources. Such systems would reduce the strain on the national grid and provide more stable power to remote and rural areas, which often suffer the most during power failures.

    Moreover, the power sector needs stronger regulatory oversight to enforce standards, improve accountability, and ensure transparency in project implementation. An independent regulatory body could help prevent mismanagement and corruption, which have historically plagued the sector. Stronger regulation would also build public trust, which is currently low due to the frequent blackouts and perceived inefficiency.

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    Another solution lies in diversifying energy sources. While Nigeria has vast natural gas reserves, the country has yet to leverage renewable energy effectively. Investing in solar, wind, and hydropower would diversify energy production and reduce dependence on traditional, often unreliable, sources. Renewable energy is also more environmentally sustainable and can offer long-term economic benefits.

    Countries like Kenya and South Africa have made notable strides in renewable energy. Nigeria can learn from their experiences, tailoring strategies to fit its unique circumstances. Transitioning to renewable energy may be challenging, but it could mark a turning point in solving the country’s energy crisis.

    Foreign investments could also play a role in revamping Nigeria’s power infrastructure. However, attracting investment requires stability and transparent policies. The government must create a favourable business environment, encouraging international stakeholders to invest in energy projects that contribute to long-term grid stability.

    To further stabilize the grid, modernizing the existing infrastructure with smart grid technologies is essential. Smart grids allow for better demand management, real-time monitoring, and faster response to disruptions. Countries around the world have implemented smart grids with considerable success, finding them to be cost-effective in the long run.

    Education and training in power management should not be overlooked. Building local expertise in energy systems will reduce reliance on foreign contractors and create job opportunities for Nigerians. Investing in education would foster a skilled workforce capable of managing and maintaining a modern grid.

    Another vital component of a sustainable solution is community involvement. Engaging local communities in power projects ensures that solutions are tailored to their specific needs and circumstances. Furthermore, involving the public in energy discussions can build understanding and patience as Nigeria navigates the path toward energy stability.

    The government has an opportunity to pivot toward sustainable energy solutions. By choosing long-term investments over temporary fixes, Nigeria can finally break free from the cycle of grid failures. A stable, reliable energy supply would be a powerful engine for economic growth and social development, positioning Nigeria as a leader in energy resilience in Africa.

     •Aisha Abubakar Tijjani,

    Borno State University, Maiduguri

  • Beyond profits, Kyari-led NNPCL gives back, uplift Nigerians

    Beyond profits, Kyari-led NNPCL gives back, uplift Nigerians

    By Ademola Bankole

    The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, as a public company is of critical interest to Nigerians. In recent times, following the removal of the petrol subsidy, the national oil corporation leadership has come under intense criticism, following issues that arose as a fallout of the government decision to save the nation from further hemorrhage by plugging the wastes and fraud of the subsidy regimes.

    While many, out of ignorance, accuse the leadership of the NNPCL for doing little, the well-oiled smear-campaign set in motion by fraudulent petrol cartel, who had fleeced the nation of billions of dollars under the opaque subsidy scheme, were even more voracious. However, despite the orchestrated campaign of calumny against the NNPCL Chief, Kyari remained on top of his game, expanding exciting energy infrastructure, enabling other sustainable energy options, like the Compressed Natural Gas, CNG among others, above all, the company under his leadership is not just fixated on swelling the bottom line, and making the company a continuous thriving going concerns. NNPCL is also giving up to distraught Nigerians, and communities through various humanitarian endeavors, using the company’s Corporate Social Responsibility, CSR.

    In a historic step towards cancer prevention, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Ltd (NNPC Ltd), through its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) arm, the NNPC Foundation, has embarked on an initiative that underscores its commitment to the health and well-being of Nigerians. The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign was a free, nationwide initiative that aims to provide cancer screening, health education, and consultations, especially for the underserved. The campaign reflects NNPC Ltd’s commitment to social responsibility, addressing Nigeria’s rising cancer crisis and showing the company’s dedication to a healthier, more equitable future.

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    The intervention became extremely important as cancer remains one of the most serious health threats in Nigeria, with over 79,000 cancer-related deaths each year, according to the World Health Organization (WHO). The most common cancers affecting Nigerians include breast and cervical cancer among women, and prostate and liver cancer among men. Despite these alarming statistics, access to early detection resources remains a significant challenge, particularly for the economically marginalized Nigerians, particularly those living in the rural areas. The NNPC Foundation’s Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign takes a vital step in addressing this gap.

    Driven by its commitment to promoting healthcare equity, NNPC Ltd has leveraged its resources and reach to address this health crisis directly. The campaign reflects the vision of a company that sees the health of its people as an integral part of national development. By focusing on early detection, the initiative not only aims to save lives but also to educate the public on the importance of preventive healthcare and early cancer detection.

    The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign, aims to make cancer screenings accessible to approximately 3,000 individuals across Nigeria. The initiative will establish screening centers in six states—Kaduna, Rivers, Ondo, Benue, Imo, and Gombe—strategically covering each of Nigeria’s six geopolitical zones. This expansive reach is emblematic of NNPC Ltd’s dedication to inclusivity and equity, making screenings accessible to people in both urban centers and rural areas.

    Ms. Emmanuella Arukwe, Managing Director of the NNPC Foundation, emphasized that this initiative is about more than just medical check-ups; it’s about saving lives and creating a healthier Nigeria. “The fight against cancer requires a collective effort and a commitment to ensuring accessible healthcare. This campaign is about more than just screening; it’s about saving lives, building awareness, and creating pathways to preventive care for Nigerians who need it most,” she said. Her words resonate with NNPC Ltd’s broader mission to ensure every Nigerian, regardless of socioeconomic status, has access to quality healthcare.

    Over the years, NNPC Ltd has demonstrated a deep commitment to Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), addressing critical issues that extend beyond its primary focus in the energy sector. The NNPC Foundation, as the CSR arm, has championed various projects that tackle healthcare, education, community development, and more. The Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign reflects NNPC Ltd’s broader CSR philosophy, emphasizing the idea that corporate success should be aligned with societal benefit.

    By addressing healthcare inequities in Nigeria, the NNPC Foundation is setting an example for other corporations. This commitment to healthcare shows the far-reaching potential of CSR, going beyond traditional charitable donations and engaging in sustainable, impactful projects that address urgent societal needs. NNPC Ltd’s initiative is not only a step towards a healthier Nigeria but also a testament to the company’s belief that the private sector has a vital role in national development.

    NNPC Ltd’s Cancer Awareness and ZSX Screening Campaign is a groundbreaking effort that embodies the company’s commitment to the well-being of Nigerians. The campaign serves as a beacon of hope for individuals who may otherwise lack access to essential health services, offering them a chance at early detection and, potentially, a longer life.

    Through this initiative, NNPC Ltd is doing more than addressing Nigeria’s cancer crisis; it is laying the foundation for a healthier, more equitable future. This campaign is a powerful reminder that corporate responsibility, when driven by genuine commitment to social good, can create transformative change. As NNPC Ltd continues to champion health initiatives and lead by example, the future looks brighter for the people of Nigeria.

    In the same vein, the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited (SPDC JV), operator of the NNPC Limited, SPDC, TotalEnergies and Nigerian Agip Oil Company Joint Venture, has announced the donation of $1 million to provide comfort for  over half a million people displaced in flood impacted communities of Borno.

    Disclosing the monumental plan, the Managing Director, SPDC, and Country Chair, Shell Companies in Nigeria, Osagie Okunbor, said the donation would go into the procurement and distribution of relief materials and medical supplies for displaced residents who are now in urgent need of critical aid,

    He said, “We consider providing this support to be of necessity to demonstrate our commitment to our society and the duty of care to our people. It expresses our deep concern for the victims of the devastating floods in Borno State,” Okunbor said.

    •Bankole writes from Abuja

  • Gbenga Omotoso: 63 garlands for a humanist

    Gbenga Omotoso: 63 garlands for a humanist

    By Steve Omolale

    With hillcrest hope of getting a new job in my dream newspaper, I sauntered into the expansive newsroom of The Guardian this sunny Friday afternoon in April 1994. My mission was clear: to see the then editor of the now rested Guardian Express, the much-sort after evening tabloid of The Guardian stable, Mr. Gbenga Omotoso, who is the current Lagos State Commissioner for Information and Strategy.

    Armed with a colourful, glittering complimentary card of my uncle, Prince Emmanuel Daramola, then operative of the dreaded military-era State Security Service (SSS) and Omotoso’s senior at Ajuwa Grammar School, Okeagbe-Akoko, Ondo State, I was ushered into the newsroom from the reception after a brief intercom phone call by the receptionist.

    Omotoso’s secretary, Dan, a clean-shaved elderly man, breezed into his office and breezed out within seconds and in a clear tone, said, “you can go in.”

    Sitting confidently behind a table littered with heaps of  offcuts with stories written in different handwriting, newspapers and other materials and a cup of steaming hot tea in his front, Omotoso warmly welcomed me to his moderate-sized, chilly office.

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    After collecting the complimentary card and reading what my uncle wrote on the flip side, he told me to bring my Curriculum Vitae (CV) the following Monday. Within minutes, I was out of his office, satisfied. The encounter was brief but very enchanting. It marked the beginning of my a little less than a decade journey to The Guardian newspapers.

    Unexpectedly, within two weeks of submitting my CV and starting work as a “test candidate”, The Guardian’s way of testing the ability and capability of anybody seeking a job as a reporter in its establishment, which usually lasted for four weeks, I was hired as a full-time reporter on The Guardian Express desk, having been a staff writer with The Republic newspapers for four years before then. The dream I had right from my undergraduate days in the University of Lagos (UNILAG) in the mid-1980’s had been fulfilled, courtesy of Omotoso.

    The period I worked under this gentleman, whose birthday is today, was one of the most fulfilled years of my journalism career, for he laid a rock-solid foundation for me to build an exciting career.

    With the likes of ebullient Joe Idika; the late Nnamdi Inyama; gentleman Gbenga Ohiani-Jegede; man of a few words Dokun Omojola, now a university don; the brief and quarrelsome Ibe Uwaleke; gentle giant Austin Agbonsuremi; fast-talking David Ogar; Idowu Ajanaku, who resumed same day with me in Guardian Express, and a few other reporters under Omotoso, we took the tabloid to greater heights before the dark-goggled late General Sani Abacha’s heavy hammer fell on The Guardian stable, leading to the death of the evening publication.

    However, with Omotoso as our  editor in The Metro Section of The Guardian daily, where some of us in Guardian Express were moved to after the reopening of the establishment, we soldiered on as a formidable team.

    His red ink with which he marked our stories never ran dry. He was the quintessential editor that even if your brain was made of sawdust, you would be forced to learn under him.

    Gradually, our relationship moved from the realm of an editor and his reporter to that of brothers. And as part of my training as a reporter under his tutelage, Omotoso would bombard me with difficult assignments that made me to traverse Badagry to Ibeju-Lekki, Ikorodu, Ijebu-Ode, Ijebu-Igbo, Ilodo, Iperu-Remo, Ikenne, Sagamu,  Ibadan, Oyo town, Kogi State, Ekiti and several other towns and many parts of the Lagos metropolis.

    After leaving The Guardian as its Saturday editor, he had wanted me to come along with him to The Comet where he was the pioneer editor, but I politely turned down the request for personal reasons. Then as the pioneer editor of The Nation when The Comet changed ownership, Omotoso invited me again as an assistant editor (features), an invitation I honoured this time.

    Even when I left the newsroom for the corporate world after pioneering the Nigerian Compass with others, Omotoso stood with me like the Rock of Gibraltar. His unflinching support contributed in no small measure to my success as the head of corporate communications of Bi-Courtney Aviation Services Limited, operators of the Murtala Muhammed Airport Two (MMA2), Lagos. He was there for me like a father would for a toddler trying to learn how to walk. Even up till now, I keep drinking from his ceaseless fountain of knowledge.

    Omotoso’s contributions to my family have made us achieved what we ordinarily would not have achieved, for he keeps supporting us unconditionally. To us, his compassion knows no bounds.

    Testimonies also abound of how he has been quietly supporting many organisations and individuals and how he has been giving water to quench many people’s thirst.

    While some men are easily intoxicated by power, position and money, Omotoso remains his humble and easily accessible self as a two-term commissioner for information and strategy under the administration of Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu of Lagos State, where he is discharging his duties in a unique and professional way expected of a man of his calibre. And this is adding immense value to the Babajide Sanwo-Olu’s administration.

    While to those of us whose paths crossed his in journalism, he remains our “Editor”, to his old school and classmates, as well as his friends, he is simply Gbenga or “Gbengulu”.

    Born on November 11, 1961, Omotoso, who hails from Osun State, a multiple award-winning journalist, editor and columnist, obtained a Bachelor of Arts (B.A. Hons) degree in English and Literature from the University of Benin (UNIBEN) in 1984 and Masters in Public and International Affairs from UNILAG in 2007.

    He has won many awards in the course of his career, including the DAME Award in 2010, the Nigeria Media Merit Award (NMMA) Editor of the Year in 2013, 2015 and 2017, among others.

    As you celebrate your special day today, I wish you the best in good health and sound mind. God Almighty will keep you for long to continue contributing to the development of your fatherland. 

    •Omolale, a journalist and media consultant, can be reached via somolale@gmail.com.

  • Lakurawa and the challenge of counter terrorism

    Lakurawa and the challenge of counter terrorism

    Sir: In 2007, a group of terrorists called “Taliban” entered Nigeria through our north-eastern border. These terrorists moved down up to Panshekara in Kano metropolis, ambushed and killed 13 of our gallant police officers. It was in the same year that Sheikh Jafar Adam was killed while leading a congregational Subhi prayer. Thenceforth, terrorism and violent extremism has never stopped in Nigeria.

    Terrorism and violent extremism are foreign incubated ideologies imported into Nigeria. Even the leader of “Maitatsine group”, Muhammadu Marwa was a Cameroonian.

    The latest group of terrorists sighted in Sokoto and Kebbi are not Nigerians. They are foreigners. Apparently, they came through our north-western border, Niger Republic in particular.

    Like I have said elsewhere, Nigeria is not only attractive to terrorists because of its richness, and a young population that are susceptible to manipulation, but also because we are surrounded by hostile neighbours that abet the movement of insurgents.

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    We know that terrorists cannot enter Nigeria through the north without passing through Niger Republic.  I warned that the military junta of Niger would undermine us and sabotage us and that is exactly what has been happening since the military coup of last year. The head of Niger military junta, Abdurrahman Tchiani hates President Bola Tinubu because of the latter’s stance against military authoritarianism. Several times, I wrote letters and tried to draw the attention of the then Director General National Intelligence Agency, Ahmed Rufa’i and the Minister of Foreign Affairs Yusuf Maitama Tuggar at no avail.

    I don’t have to be a prophet to predict the coming of Lakurawa. Because I know even Tchiani himself could invite them to come to Nigeria. The sub regional body, ECOWAS is wasting its time cajoling the Russian stooges. It is not in their political interest to come back to ECOWAS unless the body is ready to be led by military autocrats.

    I want to say it once again that so long as Russian stooges continue to lead Niger, Burkina Faso and Mali, Nigeria would remain in a fatally disadvantageous position.

    What about the so-called ECOWAS standby force! When is it going to be activated?

    •Comrade Bishir Dauda Sabuwar,Unguwa Katsina

  • The return of Donald Trump

    The return of Donald Trump

    Sir: Donald Trump has won the US elections to become the 47th president of the United States, beating incumbent vice president, Kamala Harris, to the seat he occupied between 2016 and 2021 as the 45th president of the world’s largest democracy and economy.

     Trump’s entrance into the race changed the dynamics of the most important election on earth, overshadowing the decision of the incumbent, Joe Biden, not to seek re-election.

    As the campaigns carried on with ferocity, the mere thought of Trump reoccupying the White House was a source of great trepidation for  many. The combative and combustible former president’s first tenure was a nightmare to many people on many levels.

    Even after leaving office, lawsuit after lawsuit followed him for infractions his time in office had put into abeyance.

    Unapologetic and unafraid to take difficult decisions, what does his re-election mean for those on the fringes of US foreign policy?

    For human rights campaigners who look to the world’s most liberal democracy for hope and direction in the global fight for human rights, Trump is the worst possible news at a time when human rights are being peeled back around the world.

    His first tenure was a catastrophic loss for human rights around the world as his charged rhetoric embolden autocrats around the world leading to policies that set back human rights many years.

    For immigrants, it is well time to beat another path for their dreams to leave their conflict-ridden and poverty-stricken countries.

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    The fact that he takes a very dim view of immigrants is well-known. He is always talking about borders and security and no doubt, he would want to keep as many people as he can from entering the United States.

    Trump is not all bad news, though. His ruthless statecraft is sure to keep terrorists around the world on their toes because they would know that the world’s most important politician is also a stickler for peace and security.

    For all his grumpiness and controversies, the man is always a wellspring of clarity on where he stands and what he stands for. He says things the way he feels and leaves it at that. He also walks his talk.

    In a world where sentiment often trumps security and sustainability, Trump is a trump card for many who feel that a return to the old ways is the way to go.

    Is he racist? Is he toxic? Is he ruthless? He may be all these and more, but what he isn’t is weak or stupid and the mounting problems of the world, which the US has a bird view of, requires an iron will.

    In engaging with Nigeria and Africa, Trump’s iron tactics may finally force an impoverished and unserious continent to reckon with its complacency while recording the many failures it has tallied when success in many respects was tantalizingly  close.

    While congratulations are in order for President Trump for making what is for his teeming supporters a rousing comeback, he will do well to remember that he comes with a target on his back and the eyes of the world watching him.

    It is not for the absence of fanatics and extremists in different ideologies that America has been able to remain a beacon for the world all these years. Rather, it is because American institutions have always managed to somehow check those excesses.

    More than ever, with the such a controversial personality about to assume such a key position that has repercussions far beyond the borders of the United States, there is need for those institutions to be at their vigilant best to check and curb the  excesses he is sure to bring to office.

    It is also a lesson for other countries around the world, especially those suffocating under the iron boots of tyrants and autocrats. Institutions outlive individuals, and no country can develop without efficient institutions.

    •Kene Obiezu,keneobiezu@gmail.com