Category: Featured

Today, Nigeria clocks 61 and many believe that, despite myriad challenges confronting the world, affecting all nations, Nigeria still has numerous reasons to roll out the drums and celebrate, writes EMMANUEL BADEJO

The mode among Nigerians across the geopolitical zones does not suggest that many are celebrating the nation’s independence from the colonial masters. While it is incontrovertible that the nation has indeed grown in some aspects, however, the reality on ground reveals huge gap between the expectations and projections of both our task masters and the nation’s founding fathers on one hand, and the happenings within the country on the other hand. Yes, the country is endowed in human capital and natural resources, but the pace of development in the last 61 years, analysts said, left much to be desired.

But, all is not woes, as some Nigerians have said that every October 1 in Nigeria is a date that calls for celebration. Those who hold this view said, in spite of the hard times, the All Progressives Congress-led administration has made some landmark achievements. These feats, according to them, are noticeable in almost all the critical sectors of the economy.

On October 1, 1960, the nation started on a promising and bright future. World leaders acknowledged the enormous natural endowment, the quality and quantity of its population, and vast opportunities available to the former British Colony. The three premiers laid examples of transformational leadership in the Western, Eastern and Northern regions. Also, the colonial masters predicted that, by the mid-seventies, Nigeria would become a medium ranking world power playing enviable roles in the comity of nations and shouldering continental responsibilities in times of peace and war.

But, two years to October 1, 1960, every Nigerian had eagerly looked forward to the celebration. It may be difficult to describe how elated most Nigerians felt as Nigeria was declared by Her Royal Highness as an independent nation, which reserves the right to operate by her constitution.

Seven years after independence, the euphoria, which greeted the epochal event, became regrettably short lived with the breaking out of the civil war, which pitted the most part of the eastern region against the Nigerian military government ruled by Yakubu Gowon. The Eastern region, led by the unforgettable warlord, Odumegwu Ojukwu, wanted to secede from the existing government to become the State of Biafra. The three-year conflict brought about the death of more than two million people, most of whom were women and children who died of starvation in eastern Nigeria. The war ended, as the saying goes, with no victor and no vanquished. The easterners, especially those who had lost their houses – termed abandoned properties – and all their savings were worse hit after the war in 1970, as it took them a stretch of time to recover both emotionally and financially.

Therefore, breakdown, breakaway, civil strife, civil war, minority nervousness, and violent clashes, all of which could typically be regarded as unusual in normal states, are common forces or actual occurrences in divided states. The country is finding it very difficult because of a complicated network of politically silent identities, coupled with a history of protracted and seemingly stubborn wars and instability, Nigeria is high on the list as one of the most unstable states in Africa.

The situation, which many say is unfortunate, has eroded the pomp and joy that should have greeted today’s independence anniversary.

Reviewing the state of the nation, former Military Head of State, General Abdulsalam Alhaji Abubakar has urged Nigerians not to allow present day challenges divide us, rather such challenges should serve as a unifying factor to fight the country’s common enemy.

Read Also: Ebonyi people will not obey IPOB’s `sit-at-home’ order on Oct. 1 – Umahi

Abdulasami emphasised that for Nigerians, includig those agitating for self-determination to heed the call for a one indivisible Nigeria efforts must be made by the central government to ensure that; equity, justice and fairness rules in the affairs of the country.

General Abdulsalami spoke to journalists at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger state to mark Nigeria’s 61 independence anniversary cerebration. He however expressed optimisms that the numerous challenges facing Nigeria notwithstanding, ‘democracy is on course’.

Every country, developed and developing according to the former President has had its own challenges before attaining desired status hence the need for Nigerians to eschew bitterness and embrace peace no matter the current challenges confronting the nation.

The former President attributed agitations for self-determination by some of sections of Nigeria to perception of exclusion in to the sphere of things including governance as well given more relevance to states than the central government.

General Abdulsalami spoke to journalists at his hilltop residence in Minna, Niger state to mark Nigeria’s 61 independence anniversary celebration. He, however, expressed optimisms that the numerous challenges facing Nigeria notwithstanding, ‘democracy is on course’.

Every country, developed and developing according to the former President has had its own challenges before attaining desired status hence the need for Nigerians to eschew bitterness and embrace peace no matter the current challenges confronting the nation.

The former President attributed agitations for self-determination by some of sections of Nigeria to perception of exclusion in to the sphere of things including governance as well given more relevance to states than the central government.

The retired general urged Nigerians to eschew patriotism by avoiding divisive comments and speak for the country this according to the former leader can be achieved through avoidance of locality agitations such as; ethnicity, religious bigotry as being experienced in recent times.

He maintained that Nigeria has come along way and can not afford to break up with over 250 ethnic groups each yearning for a place in governance hence there was unity in diversity until the coming of Boko Haram, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, sessession and Biafra agitation among others as everybody must be involved in tackling insecurity, insisted that the country is worth celebrating at 61st Independent Anniversary.

While felicitating with Nigeria @ 61, Abdusalami called for the celebration of founding fathers and leaders who in one way or the other had contributed their quota to the growth and development of Nigeria despite peculiar challenges.

He maintained that Nigeria has come a long way and cannot afford to break up with over 250 ethnic groups each yearning for a place in governance hence there was unity in diversity until the coming of Boko Haram, insurgency, banditry, kidnapping, secession and Biafra agitation among others as everybody must be involved in tackling insecurity, insisted that the country is worth celebrating at 61st Independent Anniversary.

While felicitating with Nigeria @ 61, Abdusalami called for the celebration of founding fathers and leaders who in one way or the other had contributed their quota to the growth and development of Nigeria despite peculiar challenges.

Wale Oshun, Chairman, Afenifere Renewal Group, said, the nation can thank God because it is still together. “This is a big country that does not appreciate its weaknesses, potentials and diversities. The country needs to appreciate its diversities to be able to grow and develop.  Though, we can celebrate for still being together, our leaders need to know that, the thread that binds together is loosening and that means there is need to come to terms with restructuring and listen to the voices of all Nigerians clamouring for change. It is on this stand, that, we can have full celebration.

Read Also: Tension in Southeast over IPOB’s Oct 1 sit-at-home order

“Honestly, if I look back at the previous years, I mean 1999 till date, under Gen. Gowon, Nigeria was better than this whether in terms of per capita, health, education, though the population has exploded.

But, a country must grow along with his population. If it is not growing and adjusting along its population growth, then, it is failing. We must, however, recognize the fact that, some infrastructural projects are being renewed, but is there where we should be?”, he added.

Sani Danaudi Mohammed, National President of Arewa Youths Advocate for Peace and Unity Initiative, said the survival of Nigeria as one indivisible and indissoluble country, despite many unfruitful attempts by certain ethnic groups at breaking away from it, was enough reason to celebrate the nation’s independence at 61.

He, however, said it was an unarguable discourse that the nation-state model is in danger in Nigeria, as in many other so-called nation-states, saying that, the New Year gives an opportunity for both the leadership and the followership to correct the past ills and, together, heal the wounds so as to set a new standard for an emerging new Nigeria.

But, Dr. Joe Okei-Odumakin President, Women Arise and Centre for Change Lagos, in her view, said there was nothing to celebrate, as unity of purpose was lacking among the component groups and the different elements within the country are at war against one another all the time.

“This is not the time for Nigeria to dance and celebrate. Rather, it is time for it to put on its thinking cap.

“The starting point is for Nigeria to come to the table of brotherhood, so it can be properly reconstituted and have a proper “We the people” Constitution.

“Experience has shown that a diverse country like Nigeria can only survive and its different people live happily together on the basis of a truly federal arrangement.

“Nigeria must make a decision to become productive and every section of it must contribute to national growth and development.

“It must discard the lazy idea of sharing oil and gas proceeds, as that tend to poverty.

“Netherlands, the fourth largest exporter of agriculture in the world, is not up to Niger state in land mass. In Nigeria, land mass is employed to fight only for a larger share of the so-called ‘national cake’ which is shared in Abuja every month.

“There can be no future in that for any country but making every section productive will create a new push for the country to fulfill its potentials.

“The various units will develop in healthy competition rather than fight over limited resources.

“The struggle over who controls the Centre will also be reduced to the barest minimum.

“There are ample resources to make Nigeria great and, going forward, to also extend a helping hand to the vulnerable in Africa if we better harness our resources”.

By Justina Asishana, Minna

The election of the new Emir of Kontagora Emirate has been concluded.

The Nation reports the new Emir would be announced by Governor Abubakar Sani-Bello any moment from now.

Speaking shortly after the conclusion of the election, the Chairman of Kontagora local government area, Alhaji Shehu Fawa, said the election was conducted peacefully and in orderly manner.

Read Also: Full list of contestants for Emir of Kontagota

The Chairman said that only the Governor has the mandate to declare the winner who would be the substantive new Emir.

Efforts to reach the Secretary and Chairman of the electoral committee set up by the king makers were not successful as neither of them accepted to speak on the matter.

As of the time of filing this report, security operatives, including the police, the military and civil defence have barricaded the roads leading to the venue of the election while others were patrolling the area.

By Bolaji Ogundele, Abuja

President Muhammadu Buhari has commenced the implementation of the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) by directing that the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited be incorporated.

He also approved the appointment of the Board and Management of the NNPC Limited with Senator Ifeanyi Ararume as Chairman and the Group Managing-Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari, as Chief Executive Officer.

In a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina, President Buhari acted in accordance to provisions of the PIA as Minister of Petroleum Resources, adding that the appointments take effect from the date of the company’s incorporation.

“President Muhammadu Buhari, in his capacity as Minister of Petroleum Resources, has directed the incorporation of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

Read Also: Tough measures that turned NNPC to profitability

“This is in consonance with Section 53(1) of the Petroleum Industry Act 2021, which requires the Minister of Petroleum Resources to cause for the incorporation of the NNPC Limited within six months of commencement of the Act in consultation with the Minister of Finance on the nominal shares of the Company.

“The Group Managing Director of the NNPC, Mr Mele Kolo Kyari, has, therefore, been directed to take necessary steps to ensure that the incorporation of the NNPC Limited is consistent with the provisions of the PIA 2021.

“Also, by the power vested in him under Section 59(2) of the PIA 2021, President Buhari has approved the appointment of the Board and Management of the NNPC Limited, with effect from the date of incorporation of the Company.

“Chairman of the Board is Senator Ifeanyi Ararume, while Mele Kolo Kyari and Umar I. Ajiya are Chief Executive Officer, and Chief Financial Officer, respectively.

“Other Board Members are; Dr Tajudeen Umar (North East), Mrs Lami O. Ahmed (North Central), Mallam Mohammed Lawal (North West), Senator Margaret Chuba Okadigbo (South East), Barrister Constance Harry Marshal (South South), and Chief Pius Akinyelure (South West),” the statement reads.

By Damian Duruiheoma, Enugu

Suspected arsonists on Sunday morning set ablaze another office of the Independent Electoral Commissioner (INEC) in Awgu Local Government Area of Enugu.

This brings to three offices of the commission set on fire by hoodlums in the State in the past four months.

Read Also: JUST IN: Three feared abducted, one killed as gunmen attack Kogi church

A source in the area told The Nation that the arsonists climbed through the perimeter fence to gain access into the office.

The fire, which started in the early hours of Sunday, did substantial damage to the INEC office before the quick response of the Fire Service helped to salvage the situation.

Details shortly…

By Kolade Adeyemi, Jos.

A former Deputy Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Dr. Obadiah Mailafia is dead.

The Nation learnt the 64-year-old public commentator died at the National Hospital Abuja, on Sunday after a protracted illness.

Details shortly…

• Underage boys on life of hustle, drugs and battles with police

They are young, impressionable and should still be at home taking lessons from their parents and going through school; but these boys, regarded in local parlance as Osanle Boys have snatched their freedom rather too early and are hustling and fending for themselves in markets, amid speculations that they also indulge in other atrocities, including petty stealing and use of drugs. Gboyega Alaka, who recently interacted with some of the boys in Ikotun market, Lagos, reports.

It was a most disheartening spectacle –a distraught mother on her knees, pleading with her 14-year-old son, to abandon life in the market and follow her back home. As the story went, the boy, identified as Wale, had run away from home  and the family had been looking everywhere for him to no avail until a neighbour sighted him in Ikotun market, Lagos,  helping to carry load and stuff for stipends, in company of Osanle Boys. Osanle, by the way, is a Yoruba designation for under-age boys who ran away from home to live free, reckless life.

On getting wind of this piece of information, the mother had rushed to the market that very morning, as early as 6.30 – 7am, when the market was still sleepy. She had been warned that was when she would see him and be able to corner him, as the crowd and bustle would not have assumed the usual tempo.

In truth, she found her little boy, to his shock; but like they say, you can take the horse to the river, but you can never force the horse to drink water. Wale vehemently refused to go back home with her and stressed that he was okay and living well in the market with the boys.

In desperation, and as if to explain to the little crowd that had now gathered that they weren’t the ones that pushed him out, the mum launched into a brief family background. “I am his mother; and I live with his father. We have been looking for him for over three months and have gone everywhere, including police stations. We never for once suspected that this was where he ran to. We are not a poor family. His father has two houses, storey buildings and he was attending a private school; so I really can’t understand why he prefers this kind of life. Please help me beg him to come back home; the only thing we have insisted is that he must take his studies seriously and must not keep bad company. Is that too much to ask? Is it not for his sake?”

The matter dragged for minutes, with the boy vehemently insisting on not going anywhere with the mother. All the while, his gang of rebellious kids, watching from a distance, hailed him for his stance. For some pressing reasons, this reporter, who was in the market to quickly purchase some fresh fruits, could not wait to see the end of the brief saga, and could not determine if the boy finally capitulated and went home with the mum.

Wale’s case is just one of many such cases of under-age children, who ran away from home to live reckless, independent life, often engaging in petty labour, petty stealing, life of drugs and sometimes, prostitution, in the case if female.

That incident however sowed a seed in this reporter. What could be so fascinating in living a homeless life? How could a boy with such comfort, as reeled out by the mother prefer a life of homelessness in ramshackle shops and stalls in such a dingy market? Surely, there must be an explanation, which can only be obtained from the kids themselves.

Ikotun market, by the way, is one of the biggest retail food and assorted items market in Lagos. According to Wikipedia, it is “an open market located at Ikotun, a metropolitan city in Alimosho Local Government Area of Lagos State…with about 8,400 lock-up shops and over 10,000 traders selling items ranging from foodstuff to clothes, appliances, gadgets and so on….”

Once, twice shy

This reporter’s first two attempts to identify and interact with the kids met brick walls. On the first attempt, he was told that the boys could only be found on the top floor of the rear of the market. He was however warned not to dare venture, especially going by the way he was dressed and the ‘expensive’ phone he was holding.

Curious and astounded, he asked why? They told him they would immediately identify him as an outsider and may not even give him the chance to express his mission before descending on him. They also warned that they are a huge number and vicious, and that he stood no chance of coming back safe and whole. He only stood a chance, they stressed, if he got an elderly familiar face to the boys, to stand as a link.

Unfortunately, on this day, there weren’t too many men or women, who admitted to any kind of familiarity with the boys. Mission aborted.

Read Also: 24,311kg of cocaine, others seized at Lagos airport

Not willing to give up, this reporter again visited. On this occasion, he chose to work through the market officials in the office of the Baba Oja (Market Head). If anyone could provide a cover, it has to be them. Unfortunately, it was another brick wall.

The official, who claimed to be a representative of the Baba Oja, acknowledged the presence of the notorious boys in the market but stated clearly that there was no love lost between them.

“Look, even we do not see face to face with the boys. Once they see us, they take to their heels, because they know we have zero tolerance for their nuisance in the market. On several occasions, we have apprehended and handed a number of them over to the police, but they always found a way to come back. We need you to tell the police to stop releasing them,” the official said.

Asked how much nuisance the boys constitute, he said, even their presence is a threat to the traders. There have been cases of them breaking into shops, and regularly we have cases of them removing fans, especially those fixed in shop verandas. He however said there hasn’t been any reported case of rape.

Asked what the attraction is for the boys, the representative said they are just recalcitrant boys who run away from home and have made the market their abode. He also acknowledged that they are mainly underage boys and dispelled any suggestion that they belong to the alabaru (porters group) in the market, saying, “Those ones have an association and clearly do not entertain such little boys in their midst.

Does he have any idea where they come from?

“We don’t know where they come from or how to categorise them. All I can say is they are of different ethnic backgrounds. Some are Igbo, others are Yoruba from as far as Oyo town; and you would even find Hausa and other tribes amongst them.”

‘We just want to make money’

This reporter was however third time lucky on his third visit, as he was able to interact with some of the boys, courtesy of a female trader with whom some of them had struck a kind of friendship and understanding. The first thing to notice as one tries to break the ice of suspense is the communal life they seemed to live. Clearly, they seemed to have a leader, who appeared clearly older and of remarkable influence and control. He actually claims that they are all his boys. For the purpose of this report, we shall refer to him as ‘the leader’.

On enquiry, as they converged to field questions from this reporter, he said in a rather commanding tone: “You may put my age at 27.” Although he didn’t quite look it, age could be deceptive, like they say. Surprisingly, he isn’t a total illiterate, as he noticed within seconds that the interaction was being recorded: “You want to record us and you’re not telling us.” To this, the reporter apologised and told him it is so that he doesn’t forget their responses.

“Anyway, I am not afraid to talk to you; I am an herbalist. I learnt trading in herbs in this market. It’s also in this market that I learnt to hustle and make money. I am an orphan and I need money to secure my freedom; you can help me tell government to help me in this regard.”

He also declared with pride that he had been hustling in the market for ten years – long enough time to garner the experience to dazzle and lead the bunch of kids, who literally look up to him, one must admit. Witty and sometimes funny, and at other times authoritative, he quickly cautioned a trader who was striking a quick contract with one of the boys not to call him alabaru, but alabagbe. Alabaru, he said, is lowly and derogatory, while the other carries more respect.

To this reporter however, both Yoruba expressions mean the same thing – one who helps to carry load for stipends.

However, that’s the level of power he wields; and failure to comply may mean him ordering the boy or boys to decline the offer. That’s the job he also does for a living, he revealed; adding that he makes between N1,800 and N2,000 if business is poor.

“It’s our way of making money to survive. The boys come from different places. Some are from Ikorodu, some from far away Ijebu towns; we also have some from the East. If you tarry a while, you’ll get to meet one omo Ibo (an Ibo boy).”

Even before this reporter struck a conversation with 17-year-old Lasisi – not sure it’s his real name; he already declared in a conspiratorial tone that his ultimate ambition is ‘to learn yahoo’ (Cybercrime) business and start making big money. So this reporter asked if he didn’t think he would do better in the ‘yahoo’ business if he went to school; or at least finished his secondary school education, rather than run away from home.

His first response, however, was to debunk the notion that he ran away from home.

“I did not run away from home. I only come here to work and I go back home at the end of the day.”

Home for Lasisi, is Egan near Igando, another Lagos suburb. He however confessed that he dropped out of school in SS1, even though he couldn’t muster any cogent reason other than that, “I just wanted to start making money.”

When asked if he didn’t think he stood a better chance of making more money if he finished his schooling, Lasisi had no answer, as he seemed to just shuffle his feet. But the leader came to his rescue in his sassy manner: “There was no sponsor and he needed to survive. Both his parents are separated and he currently lives with his aged grandmother.”

Not willing to accept the part about his parents being separated or that he returns home after each day’s hustle, this reporter asked if his parents don’t ever come to look for him in the market, but Lasisi curtly responded: “I already told you that I go home; this market is just work place for me.”

Asked if he gives his grandmother part of the money he makes, Lasisi replied, “No, I don’t give any of it to grandma o. My money is my money and I do whatever I like with it.”

Has he thought of learning a vocation? At some point, age may not allow him to continue with this type of hustling, this reporter reminded him.

“Yes, at some point,” he replied; but in the meantime, he is okay with making quick money in the market.

Again, the leader chipped in: “That’s why we make daily savings at DA Dollar. We save 100 naira per day; that gives us N3,000, which we collect at the end of the month to buy clothes and generally have fun.” Da Dollar, he explained, is a small daily savings system operated by a gentleman in the market.

Are they all about carrying loads or do they somehow engage in petty stealing, especially when things don’t go as expected?

To this the leader interjected: “Let me tell you, there is no thief among us. In fact, if we catch any thief, we eliminate him straight. We’ll throw tyre on his neck and set him ablaze. That is our own justice system here; so no room for stealing.”

Read Also: Troops smash syndicate, recover N7.5m drugs

Not willing to let the part about learning to ‘do yahoo’ pass, we asked Lasisi how he hoped to ‘do yahoo’ with his level of education, and he replied with confidence that he can teach himself. He doesn’t have a laptop yet, he admitted, but at the right time, he would get one, he muttered.

“That boy is crazy; his problem is that he’s in a hurry to start making big money, so he can be sleeping with prostitutes,” the leader interjected.

That drew a roaring laughter from among the youngsters, with them giggling and tickling one another with knowing looks. This did not come as a surprise. Sex to people of that age is always an exciting topic. Lasisi would however not confirm whether or not he has started eating the forbidden fruit.

Yes we smoke

“The only vice you can say we indulge in here is smoking. Call it drug if you like but it’s not a crime,” the leader continued, rather brazenly. He drew out a little sachet of weed on which is written, ‘Anuoluwapo’ (God’s mercy is bountiful). He even allowed a photo of it to be taken, while warning the boys to move away, so their faces would not show. He already made it clear that none of their photos would be taken.

The conversation shifted to Smally – he refused to give his name, who surprisingly said he is 17. He looked much younger than 17, but again, looks can be deceptive. Introducing him, the leader said, “He was supposed to be learning work before he ran to this place. He has been here four to five years.”

That would mean that he ran away from home when he was barely 12. Wasn’t he the one the mother came to beg to come home sometime ago?

“No, he’s not,” the leader, who seemed to know everything again answered. “That one just passed with some load now.”

Asked what he’s been doing in all that years and why he ran away from home, Smally answered smiling, “I do carry carry work to make money.”

He also says he goes home once the market closes, but a store owner nearby interjected that he was lying, stressing that she has been telling him to go home, because he was too young for the life he was leading.

But Smally reiterated that he goes home to his parents, whom he said are alive and live around Carwash bus-stop, along nearby Ijegun Road. He also said he still attends school and that he is a JSS3 pupil of Ikotun High School.

Although the part about still going to school appeared hard to believe, Smally stuck to his story. “We are on holiday,” he insisted.

If all is well and he did not have any issues with his parents, why is he found among the boys in the market?

“I just came to hustle; I help carry loads and I make as much as 1k (N1000) per day.”

He admitted though that the market authorities, whom he referred to as ‘Baba Oja people,’ come around from time to time to harass and chase them from the market.

“Even this morning, they came and tried to arrest us but we evaded them. Usually when they arrest us, they take us to the police, who take some of us to Kirikiri (Correctional facility).”

At this point, another boy, who gave his age as 18 and name as Richard said, “Sometimes they take us to Adigbe in Abeokuta, Ogun State.”

He learnt furniture-making, he declared, and said he was only in the market to make money to buy equipment. “I have been cleared for freedom but I don’t have money to set up or obtain my freedom; that’s why I’m here. One of the boys invited me to come and hustle in the market, and since then, I’ve been making money and saving N500 per day. I actually make around N2,000 to N2,500 every day.”

Battle with the authorities

Shedding more light on their running battle with the market authorities and the police, Richard said, “They came one early morning and rounded us up. Actually they got wind of some criminal activities, which was not committed by us. There are some real tough boys up there at the back of the market, who may have been responsible for that crime. I was even sleeping when they came. They took us to Ikotun Police Station, then to Adigbe in Abeokuta. They took us to court. I called my mum and she came to bail me. I spent about four days in Adigbe. It was the former DPO who said they should take us to Adigbe; that our parents should go and bail us there. In fact, if not for the lawyer who told us to plead ‘not guilty’, the case would not have stretched. In the end, they said each parent should come up with 50k as bail and two sureties. I was lucky my mum came immediately. Some of us who didn’t have anybody to bail them spent a year and half there, but in the end, they were set free.

“They arrested me alongside this boy,” he pulled another boy to himself, laughing.

The part of his story that however drew a huge question mark was the part where he said he was 18 years old, yet had been working in the market for six years. If that be so, when did he find time to learn furniture-making?

Richard had no answer.

Again, like the don that he is, the leader supplied: “Some of them spent six months, some one year plus in Adigbe, but I have never gone to prison. Trust me, I am invincible; somehow, I normally find my way out at the task force office. I simply tell them that I am only in the market to work and not engage in any criminal activity.”

He said he could not understand why the market authorities and the police are constantly after them, stating that the worst they do is make noise. “We do not steal or harass anybody; you can ask the women who own the shops.”

Asked how they spend their Sundays when activities in the market are low, the Leader said, “On Sundays, when there is not much business, we go out and mix with the yahoo boys who give us money and food. Sometimes they give us like 3k with which we catch own fun.

“And during the EndSARS protests, when there was war,” he said, “we all lay low. That was really bad time because those bad people really messed up things.

Yet another minor who claimed he lives with his grandmother in Ikotun, while his parents live in Sango, Ogun State, said he is in the market to make money to buy machines for his tailoring job. He however said he has never been arrested because he does not sleep in the market.

“I go home at the end of every day’s hustle,” he said.

Asked if he also smokes or take drugs like the other boys, he said, “No, I don’t smoke; and I don’t take drugs.”

Oluwaburna

That’s what the group call 22 year-old Daniel from Enugu State, who claims he is a trailer mechanic apprentice. In truth he shares a striking resemblance with the Grammy award singer, Burna Boy, though with a smaller frame.  He lives with his parents in Idimu, not too far away and only came to Ikotun market to make money, he claimed.

“I didn’t run away from home; I’m still under apprenticeship with my boss, where I learn to repair trailers. I just want to make some money, that’s why I came to the market.”

Asked why did not do his hustling in Idimu market where his parents live, Daniel said, “The market in Idimu is no market. You can’t compare it to this one, where there is huge activity.”

To corroborate his point, he reached into his pocket and brought out some rumpled notes: “See? This is the money I’ve made this morning alone. There is no other market where you can make such quick money in this area.”

Though his expressions reflected one who has gone through a bit better breeding – he was the only one who had strung a couple of good English sentences together all day; this reporter couldn’t resist the temptation to ask if he took drugs, especially because of his tough look.

But like many others, he denied. “No, I don’t smoke. I’m not a bad boy, believe me. You can ask about me from my parents, they live in Gafaru Street, Ikotun here,” he finished off. Yet again, the leader chipped in, “That is the Omo-Ibo among us; he likes money dieeeee.”