The Nation Newspaper

Category: Online Special

  • Malala and Ojonwa: Girls demanding education

    Malala and Ojonwa: Girls demanding education

    Ahead of the visit to Nigeria by Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister and the UN Special Envoy for Education, the Malala Movement of Girl Education campaign  continues to spread with the signing of the petition demanding for education for all children.

    Last Thursday Gordon Brown, former British Prime Minister and the UN Special Envoy for Education brought two young women together in an online video exchange – Ojonwa Deborah Miachi has a BSc in Economics from Bingham University in Karu, and is Nigeria’s  National Youth Advocate for universal education and the Millennium Development Goals – and  MalalaYousafzai the sixteen-year-old Pakistani girl shot by the Taliban and who has also had to leave her country to be safe.

    Both are demanding what 57 million girls and boys like them cannot have – the right to go to school even in times of conflict and, as a result, both see themselves at the centre of a 21st-century civil rights struggle.

    This freedom fight – as Malala and Ojonwa show – is now being led not by familiar adult voices but by young people themselves.  For Ojonwa and Malalaare part of a worldwide movement of girls demanding education.

    From the Common Forum for KalmalHari Freedom in Nepal, to the Child Marriage Free Zones across Bangladesh, and including the Ugandan Child Protection Clubs, the Upper ManyaKrobo Rights of the Child Club, Indonesia’s Grobogan Child Empowerment Group, India’s Bachao Bachpan Andolan and the Global March Against Child Labour.

    As Malala says: “innocent girls only want to empower themselves through education. Obtaining education is every man and woman’s birth right and no one is allowed to take away this right from them.”

    Ojonwa and Malala’s missions- to get girls to school – are the inspiration behind Monday’s  Abuja  summit led by President Goodluck Jonathan and Nigeria’s state governors. This landmark event, which will be attended by Gordon Brown and addressed as UN Special Envoy for Global Education, will bring together cabinet ministers, state governors and state education commissioners together with global development partners to get Nigeria’s ten million out-of-school children into education.

    On Monday they will discuss how we can allocate new financial support for school building, teacher recruitment, teacher training and for new technology with tablets, phones and online school courses; this is part of a global initiative to get every boy and girl to school by the end of 2015.  The movement will build a world where for the first time no boy or girl is denied their right to education.

    Leaders will assemble from  USAID, Qatar’s  Educate a Child, led brilliantly by SheikhaMoza, from the Global Partnership for Education whose head is Alice Albright, and  from the global business community led by the Global Business Coalition for Education.  Each will pledge additional support. The UK is also ready to boosting its help this year with a visit from the Permanent head of DFID coming soon.   All want to applaud the President’s initiative and give practical support to the Nigerian government and states in their renewed drive to expand education opportunity for all children.

    Ojonwa, who spoke to Malala on the video link about her fight for education for girls in Nigeria, emphasises the scale of the uphill struggle the country has to face. This is to move from the country with the world’s largest population of out-of-school children in the world to universal education. 10 million children are yet to go to school because there is a teacher shortage of nearly 1.3 million, and we are missing 1.2 million classrooms.  Child labour, child marriage and child trafficking prevent thousands getting to school.

    And for those that do find ways to get their children into school, there is doubt as to the effectiveness of the courses.  Approximately 52 percent of young women who complete primary education remain illiterate. Indeed the large amount of illiteracy is now an economic problem as well as a social disaster, with the number of adults who cannot read or write up to 35 million.  Illiteracy is standing between Nigeria and its deserved success as an economic powerhouse of the world.

    But in the midst of the education crisis, President Jonathan is prepared to take unprecedented action.  He realises that getting every child into school and learning is feasible and achievable, and the key to Nigerian prosperity. Learning from what works best, financial incentives must be fine-tuned to help state governments deliver; teacher training and professional development must be effectively taken to scale by leveraging technology.

    The curriculum of all schools must be strengthened to develop literacy and numeracy skills and families must be supported in their demand for education through conditional cash transfers.  These transfers – now being pioneered in some states – can be taken up in all states and encourage enrollment and attendance particularly of girls.

    The delegation of business, educational and political leaders is working to present financing options and concrete proposals to support the implementation of state plans for education.  We will look at what more can be done to incentivize the education, and leveraging up resources, including the use of the Universal Basic Education Fund to provide central ministry incentives alongside investments from UK, US, Educate a Child, the Global Partnership for Education, and specific offers from the business community through the Global Business Coalition for Education.

    Nigeria itself is calling for the education it needs for the future.  Despite the violence and attacks on education from extremist groups, in addition to the peaceful civil society movements that have occurred over the past few months, Nigerians are signing the petition to support President Jonathan’s commitment to education, and are calling for safe schools for all of Nigeria’s children and for state level implementation of plans for universal education.

    But the greatest hope for the future is the demand of young people yearning for their right to be educated. Nigeria will succeed not just because of the commitment of the Federal government, the organisation of the state governors, and the support of the international community, but because Nigeria’s young like Ojonwa will not take ‘No’ to her education for an answer. The surest sign we will succeed is that boys and girls are demanding it.  You can sign the petition on www.aworldatschool.org/petitionnigeria

     

  • Int’l Literacy Day: What Nigerians say

    Int’l Literacy Day: What Nigerians say

    For over 40 years, the United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) has been celebrating the International Literacy Day as a human right and foundation,  with the aim of promoting literacy skill globally. But how well has this been actualised? What is the level of literacy in Nigeria? Samson Hope  and Olamilekan Fakoyejo sought the views of some Nigerians on this and more.

    The United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation, (UNESCO) described literacy as a right and a foundation for lifelong learning, better well-being and a driver for sustainable and inclusive development.

    But some Nigerians feel that this might just be a far cry from what is presently the case in the country, as the literacy level is still very low as compared to what is obtainable in other climes.

    Atumeyi Uwanni, security manager in a Lagos based firm, is of the view that the level of literacy in Nigeria is low and as such there is nothing really important about celebrating the day, “There is a great difference between the northern and western part of the country. The northern part is faced with chaotic challenges, war, conflicts and others. Christianity was brought about by western education, so there’s no how an educated person can be cajoled into killing his fellow human being and inherits an eternal life. There is nothing to celebrate on this day because the level of terrorism caused by illiteracy is high.”

    Linking the current Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) strike and the commemoration of the international day of literacy, Uwani queried, “How can we celebrate Literacy Day in Nigeria with the present situation of ASUU strike that has been running for months? The government is not willing to spend on education, instead, they are politicking the issue. So what is it that has been accomplished to be celebrated for, compared to other countries?”

    He spoke further: “It is not a day to celebrate; it should be a day of mourning for lack of proper education in this country. If other countries are doing it, we shouldn’t because education is all about invention, and we have not invented anything. Instead we make use of their used items like cars, aeroplane and others.”

    Andrew Bini, a diction instructor at Drew company concept, believes that the literacy level is not as it should be, “I wouldn’t say we have done well for now because the level of  literacy in Nigeria is not very high. The recent administration through a project tried to bring back the book initiative as a medium where people can get educated and increase the level of literacy, but it died before it all started. So I feel it should be marked but the effect of Literacy is not as it should.”
    On his part, Tosin Alli-Balogun, a presenter with Eko FM believes that “If a country is well educated and groomed, then, it will really affect the country in all ramifications.”

    Expressing his views about the word literacy, Chris Obodo, a lecturer at the Nigerian Institute of Journalism (NIJ) explained that literacy transcends reading, writing and other way of acquiring knowledge. It is the ultimate investment of any country in the future. It comes in terms of cultural value and social economic development plans.

    Speaking on his views about the literacy level in Nigeria, Jack Amaso, also of NIJ said: “I don’t have any data or statistics to comment on, but on assumption, I think we are low.’

    Femi Osuntoki, Broadcast lecturer, NIJ said, literacy goes beyond going to school to earn a degree, but the ability to think by yourself, develope your skill, know what to do, how to do it, and when to do it. The essence of it is to ensure adult could be able to read, write their names and think critically, “When you know when to talk, it means you are literate. So it goes beyond school; because when you hear a primary school student talk sometimes, you will think he or she is mature than their age. This literacy day is focused on adult, but these adults make use of their skill to hack, steal, and embezzle,” he explained.

    For Jide Johnson, Head of Department, Mass Communication, NIJ, the literacy level in Nigeria is improving considering the number of graduates that the country produces every year, “We are getting better than where we were at independence,” he said.

    He added, “The number of Nigerian students that have at least a school certificate in Nigeria is high, so you would agree with me that the literacy level is getting better. And it has helped the country develop slowly.”

    But why do people need literacy skills? How is literacy shaped by culture, history, language, religion and socio-economic conditions? What are the impacts of technological advancement on literacy? Is it possible to determine in a diverse world a minimum set of basic literacy skills? These are some of the questions that UNESCO seeks to find answers to.

    No wonder then that this year’s International Literacy Day is dedicated to “literacies for the 21st century” to highlight the need to realize “basic literacy skills for all” as well as equip everyone with more advanced literacy skills as part of lifelong learning.

    As an organization that believes that literacy is at the heart of basic education for all, and essential for eradicating poverty, reducing child mortality, curbing population growth, achieving gender equality and ensuring development, peace and democracy, UNESCO has been at the forefront of providing basic literacy skills and equips everyone with more advanced literacy skills as part of lifelong learning.

    Speaking on this year’s occasion, the Director General, UNESCO, Irina Bokova, said: “Literacy is much more than an educational priority-it is the ultimate investment in the future and the first step towards all the new forms of literacy required in the 21st Century where every child is able to read and use this skill to gain autonomy.”

  • Bettering lives through charity

    Bettering lives through charity

    As the world observe the first international day of charity today, the United Nations has placed emphasis on recognizing charity as a noble enterprise aimed at bettering the lives of the human condition. Justice Ilevbare writes.

    The international day of charity is being observed today worldwide. It’s a day set aside by the United Nations to call the world’s attention to the need to care for the poor in the society.

    The day is unique in many ways, apart from the fact that it is the first time the world will be observing it; the day also coincides with the anniversary of mother Teresa, a woman widely acclaimed for her love in charity.

    “I welcome this first observance of the International Day of Charity, which was proclaimed last year by the United Nations General Assembly and which coincides with the anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, whose life and good works for some of the human family’s poorest and most vulnerable members inspired emulation across the world,” the United Nation Secretary General, Ban ki-moon said in his goodwill message to commemorate the day.

    He linked the day to the important roles of charity in alleviating humanitarian crisis worldwide.  “In recognition of the role of charity in alleviating humanitarian crises and human ‎suffering within and among nations, as well as of the efforts of charitable organizations ‎and individuals, including the work of Mother Teresa, the General Assembly of the ‎United Nations in it designated the 5th of September, the ‎anniversary of the death of Mother Teresa, as the International Day of Charity,” he said.

    Highlighting the importance of charity, he said; “Charity plays an important role in upholding the values and advancing the work of the United Nations.  Donations of time or money; volunteer engagement in one’s own community or on the other side of the world; acts of caring and kindness with no thought of recompense; these and other expressions of global solidarity help us in our shared quest to live together in harmony and build a peaceful future for all.

    “Strangely, charity sometimes gets dismissed, as if it is ineffective, inappropriate or even somehow demeaning to the recipient.  “This isn’t charity”, some donors take pains to claim, “this is an investment”.  Let us recognize charity for what it is at heart: a noble enterprise aimed at bettering the human condition.”

    Among other messages, the UN seeks the general contribution of major stakeholders across the world to the promotion of dialogue, solidarity and mutual understanding ‎among people.‎

    The UN scribe again highlighted the fact that poverty is still ravaging many homes and societies in the world with particular reference to the developing countries and therefore used the medium to drum up support to alleviate this, “Poverty persists in all countries of the world, ‎regardless of their economic, social and cultural situation, particularly in developing countries,” he noted

    He called on all international and regional organizations, as well as civil society, including non-governmental organizations and individuals, to commemorate the Day in an appropriate manner, by encouraging charity, including through education and public awareness-raising activities.

    At a time when efforts are been made to achieve the Millennium Development Goals and define a bold agenda for the period beyond 2015, Ki-moon believes that the role of charity can and should grow.”

    Highlighting the activities and contributions of UN to charity, the UN boss disclosed that the UN bodies such as the UN Volunteers Programme and UNICEF offer venues for people across the world to get involved in charity.

    He said the UN’s humanitarian agencies rely on charitable donations from the public as well as the generosity of governments to continue their lifesaving work in response to natural disasters, armed conflicts and other emergencies.

    “While establishing the Day, the General Assembly asked that charity be encouraged through education and awareness-raising activities; initiatives such as the United Nations Academic Impact’s ASPIRE — Action by Students to Promote Innovation and Reform through Education — have encouraged young women and men to take on the responsibility of ensuring that their less fortunate peers have the financial opportunity to go to school,” he added.

     

     

  • Scientists’ aim for baby pandas

    Scientists’ aim for baby pandas

    As Edinburgh Zoo and Scotland awaits the birth of a cub or two to Tian Tian, hopefully any new arrivals will happily suckle on
    their mother in order to receive the essential nutrients and antibodies they need to help them grow.

    However, pandas are not always comfortable breeding in a zoo, and will sometimes reject or even accidentally kill their newborn babies if they are feeling stressed.

    Similarly, if two cubs are born to a panda, one will be rejected so that all of the mother’s attention and milk can be invested in just one
    cub.

    In these scenarios humans will step in to lend a hand, which is why conservationists in China are keen on developing an artificial milk
    formula for abandoned or orphaned panda cubs, and are looking for help from scientists at the University of Glasgow.

    At the moment, hand-rearing of orphan panda cubs relies on cows’ milk adapted for puppy dogs or, in the case of twins, swapping them when the mother is distracted so each can get sufficient milk.

    However, better support for panda cubs is needed because pandas, unlike humans, are heavily dependent on the mother’s first milk, or
    ‘colostrum’, which contains large amounts of antibodies needed to protect the newborn from disease. It is absolutely essential for panda cubs to receive their full quota of colostrum milk from their mothers – without it, they would die.

    To help the Chinese conservationists in their quest, researchers at Glasgow are leading a study into panda milk that is being part-funded by the Chengdu Research Base of Giant Panda Breeding in Sichuan, China.

    The project is being led by Professor Malcolm Kennedy of the School of Life Sciences, in collaboration with Dr Richard Burchmore of the Glasgow Polyomics facility at the University of Glasgow and Dr David Watson at the University of Strathclyde. Professor Hou Rong in Chengdu is leading the Chinese arm of the project.

    The team is using state-of-the-art instruments to identify and characterise the proteins and other molecules that make up panda colostrum and the later, mature milk.

    Milk is a complex mixture of nutrients and other molecules that support development and protect against infection. Understanding how the composition of panda milk differs from dairy and human milk may assist in the development of a modified formula that can better support baby pandas.

    Professor Kennedy said: “My interest here is in the biology of lactation in bears. Bears give birth to tiny, helpless cubs that are
    unusually small relative to their mothers in the case of pandas the weight ratio can be as low as 1:1,000 or less. It could be that panda milk is specially adapted to rear such under-developed young. Indeed, we have found that panda milk takes much longer to convert from colostrum to regular milk than in cows, for example.

    We are investigating the lactation period from birth to about 150 days. When we look at how levels of different proteins change during
    panda lactation, we find that these molecules change unexpectedly slowly compared to other placental mammals. Also, certain small molecules that include essential nutrients are produced in large amounts at first, then
    fade away, while some are produced constantly, and others appear later.

    “The research will help us understand lactation biology in different types of mammal, bears in particular. We are still a long way from
    designing a milk substitute for panda cubs, but the kind of data we are generating will set us in the right direction.”

    Professor Kennedy will also address a three-day Giant Panda Research Symposium being held at Edinburgh Zoo on 10-12 September.

  • Strategies for effective customer follow-up

    Strategies for effective customer follow-up

    The end of a transaction is not really the end.  You still have to do follow-up to ensure that after-sales complaints which range from the predictable, to the embarrassing, and even sometimes the inspiring is mitigated.  Whether the customer is being civil or irate; you are the one in the front line and you have to take the hit.

    Many business people see follow-up as a ‘thank you’ after a transaction is completed.  This is a mistake.  Follow-up goes beyond that.  Once a person has showed interest in your product or services, you must keep a tab on him or her.  This helps you not to lose any prospect.  Prospects that have a good impression that they do not only buy, they also tell other people about you.

    Below are some possible factors to enhance effective follow-up:

    • Be organized

    To have an effective follow-up system you must have an organized record keeping system.  It is a

    good idea to categorize your prospects and the information you intend to send to your customers.

    You must ensure that you have useful information for them concerning the product or services.

    • Souvenirs

    Sending season’s greetings is a good idea and you would do well to send out branded souvenirs as

    well.  Be very choosy about souvenirs, it has to be a useful item that gets plenty of visibility.

    • Focus on the individual

    If you use a list system for your follow-up, chances are that you only send out correspondence

    when there is major news about the product or services you offer.  Following up every

    individually is far more effective.  Use a method that records your correspondences history with

    each prospect as well as their personal information.

    • Timing

    Seasonal greetings must be planned ahead of time so you must have a timetable for the year with

    all the seasons and celebrations including religious and otherwise.  Some souvenirs are time

    sensitive as well; as calendars and diaries.  The time of the day is also a factor.

    • Intervals

    Make contact at set intervals. Use carefully pre-written messages.  The intervals must be carefully

    chosen to ensure that they are not too long, too short or too rigid as things could come up outside

    your time table.

    • The Messages

    Take your time to develop your follow-up messages.  The first letter/message which is sent

    immediately the request is made should be informative and catchy.  Below are a few tips on this:

    -Always keep it brief.

    -Always stress the benefits of your product.

    -Always include your contact details.

    -Always include your name.  People connect better with other people.

    -Always refer to the previous mail in the letter.

    • Freebies and special offers

    Ensure the freebies are related to your products or services.  For instance GSM networks give out

    handsets that are configured to their network so winners would buy its recharge cards.

    • Feedback

    Establish a follow-up method that encourages feedback and urges the prospect to respond.  For

    instance, in a letter ask questions that require feedback. The aim is to engage the prospect.

    • Apologize and not excuses

    Do not point fingers and do not make excuses.  Simply let the customer speak and then apologize

    sincerely.  It does not change the fact that it was not your fault.  You are simply speaking for the

    company.

    • Solve the customer’s problem

    If a customer complains about your company, focus on the restitution of the customer first.  You

    can slug it out with the person(s) responsible later.  Ensure you have policies to cater for these

    incidents and you have insurance cover.  There might be situations where the customer is asking

    for something you cannot give; explain the situation calmly and do the best you can do.  But do it

    immediately.

    • Keep the costs down

    As inquiries come in, the list of prospects would grow and the follow-up never ends even after

    the first transaction.  Therefore you must keep follow-up costs down.

  • Behold Godson, Nigerian and first black member of Polish Parliament

    Behold Godson, Nigerian and first black member of Polish Parliament

    John Abraham Godson, left the shores of his country as a missionary but today he is the first black person to sit in the Polish Parliament. Lekan Otufodunrin, spoke with him on his life as a missionary and politician.

    When he travelled to Poland in 1993, it was to serve as a missionary with the International Fellowship of Evangelical Students (IFES), teams in Europe and the former Union of Soviet Socialist Republic (USSR).John Abraham Godson, a graduate of Abia State University, was fully involved in missionary activities in various capacities until 2004 when, according to him, he felt called by God to get involved in politics as an extension of his Christian ministry.Based on his social and community development activities, he first got elected into the District Council in March 2005, City Council in January 2008 and was reelected in November 2010. In December 2010, he emerged as the first black member of the Polish Parliament and was reelected for second term in November 2011.”

    My experience in the Polish parliament has been edifying,” says Godson in an interview at the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), camp penultimate week where he was one of the speakers at a conference organised by the Nigeria Evangelical Missions Association.”It is only God that can do what He has done for me and enable me to accomplish. I believe that when God calls you, He also makes a way for you,. He provides the resources you need to fulfill His call. It has been God’s grace all the way for me,” he explains.

    In the Polish Parliament, Godson who holds dual citizenship of Nigeria and Poland is the Chair of the Parliamentary Team on Africa, Chair, Polish-Nigeria parliamentary Group, Chair, Polish-British Parliamentary group and Chair, Parliamentary Sub- Committee on the Development of Internet Technology. He is also a member of the Economy Committee and the Innovation and New Technologies Committee.

    No easy road to parliament

    Getting elected at the various levels for Godson who is married to a Polish, Aneta, expectedly was not easy particularly being an immigrant of the black race. He had to be on the reserve list in some instances due to the votes he got. He, however, says he never gave up in his quest to get elected because of the vision God gave him to get involved in politics to defend the rights of the people in his constituency.According to him, “I fight for my electorate, those 30, 000 people who voted for me and gave me the mandate to fight for their rights and their protection.”

    Though he left Nigeria with only a degree in Agriculture, he has acquired multiple degrees including four Masters Degrees in Human Resource Management, International Relations, Professional Communication and Business Administration. He also has two doctoral degrees in Political Science and Management to his credit.Godson says education is very crucial to the development of any nation and wish it would be the first priority of the Nigerian government.

    “If Nigeria is to develop, we need to have an educated populace. There should be free education from primary to the university level. That is the way it is in Poland. From primary to doctorate level, there is free education so that everyone who wants to learn can learn. Even if it is not free education, let it be minimum payment so the people can have access to education. The present strike by University lecturers is shameful. It’s a shame that someone enrolls for four years course but after seven years, he is still in school.”

    Energy and Infrastructure, according to Godson, who hails from Umuahia, Abia State, whose recent visit to the country is the fifth in 20 years, should be our second and third priorities.

    “It’s a shame that a country that boasts to be the largest exporter of oil in Africa and is also the giant of Africa cannot enjoy regular power supply. I think these are the major problems that need to be solved once and for all. When I travel and I see some of the roads we call expressway here, it’s a shame. I believe the government should vote money into building infrastructures-roads, trains and other means of transportation, so that people can travel around easily. Then goods and services can travel around easily. All these hundreds of Nigerians dying every year on Nigerian roads will stop.”

    Considering the abundant resources on the continent, Godson believes Africa doesn’t need help rather, it needs partnership and leadership in Nigeria and other countries that should get their priorities right. While saying it is difficult for him to assess politics in the country having not being around for long, he notes that it seems to be money-oriented while politicians are alienated from the society.

    Travelling abroad

    For Nigerians who think the solution for whatever challenges they are experiencing in the country is to travel abroad, he has some advice for them. “If you just want to go outside, I advise you don’t just do it. It’s good to have a goal. Is your goal to study? Or is it to increase your skills? To set up a business what is your goal? It is very important for to have a goal. Many people who travel outside have this ‘taking’ attitude. They want to take and take. That makes you obnoxious to the populace. I advise them to do the opposite. Give, give and give.”

    Asked what his plan is when he completes his second term in the parliament, Godson is not sure but he is seeking divine direction and the opinion of his supporters.

    “I don’t know. I’m a man under authority and God has been the one who is been calling me into the political system that I have been in,” he says.

    The four options for him is to continue in the parliament, run as the Mayor of his city, run for the European parliament in Poland next year or resign from politics.

    “For now, I’m not sure. As I pray I’m also asking my electorate. We are doing a survey on the streets and we are asking people in my contingency and we already have two hundred people answer on what they think in their own opinion, what I should involved in. According to the result we have 50% say I should run for Mayorship; 47percent say I should run for European parliament and 36 percentwant me to continue in the Polish Parliament. I think this is something that will clarify with time.”

    Notwithstanding his involvement in politics, Godson has kept faith with his original purpose of travelling to Poland. He has remained active in the Christian circles and with commitment to his social and community development activities.

    In May this year, he participated in the March for Jesus and was one of those who led prayers for Poland in front of the presidential palace.

    The Non Governmental Organisations he runs includes Pilgrims Missions and Publications, the African Institute and Partnership for Lodz.

    “Politics” he says, “has given me a greater platform for ministry.”

     

  • My untold story, by Elizabeth Dafinone

    My untold story, by Elizabeth Dafinone

    How true is the claim by a 58- year- old lady that she is the first child of renowned accountant, Senator David Dafinone?  Lekan Otufodunrin and Adekunle Yusuf write

    Elizabeth Oghenorvbo Dafinone, a United Kingdom- based lady recently in a press statement claimed to be the ‘first born, albeit illegitimate, child of the renowned patriarch of Nigeria, Senator David Omueya Dafinone.’’

    According to the birth certificate she presented, she was born to the head of the renowned family of accountants by her late Scottish mother, Joan Helen Mackay, in Hull, U.K in June 1955.

    Senator Dafinone’s family is included in the Guinness Book of Records as the family with the most chartered accountants with his three sons and two daughters qualifying as members of the Institute of Chartered Accountants in England and Wales between 1986 and 1999. Senator Dafinone also qualified as an accountant in the UK in 1963.

    However, contrary to Elizabeth’s claim, no mention was made of her or her mother in the chapter on Dafinone’s sojourn in England in the authorised biography of the second republic senator entitled Dafinone; An Uncommon Life by Udu Yakubu.

    Elizabeth, a trained nurse and graduate in French and Italian, said though Senator Dafinone has never denied paternity, and even paid for two years of her secondary education and gave 1000pounds for initial university fees, her alleged father ‘failed miserably in his paternal obligations towards me.’

    She said, ‘I was brought up in poverty. We moved from one tiny, cockroach infested, bedsit to another, in a freezing 1950’s London. Sometimes, we were so poor; we lived on custard for a week at a time. A stew would last us for at least a week. At no point did my father help. Not a birthday or Christmas card, let alone a present, was forthcoming. My mother embarked on a campaign of appeal writing to him and the Nigerian High Commission in London, begging for some compassion, but it was to no avail. I suspect that this campaign caused my father to resent my mother greatly and possibly explains some of his subsequent behavior.’

    She continued ,‘Throughout my life, all I ever wanted from my father was some love and care.

    But my story has been that of survival without a loving family, without a home, without protection and without respect from the human being who created you.

    ‘It tells of the effects of illegitimacy and of rejection, as well as of the consequences of unrequited love, humiliation, distress and poverty, both emotional and physical.’ According to Elizabeth, she once travelled to Nigeria in search of her father and stayed with her grandmother in Sapele.

    All efforts to speak with Senator Dafinone proved abortive as he was said to have travelled abroad and no family member could say when he would be back.

    One of his sons, Chief Ede, who was mentioned in Elizabeth’s statement, did not pick calls to get his reaction. He also failed to respond to a text sent to his phone.

    Senator Dafinone was, however, quoted by an online publication as saying that Elizabeth was trying to blackmail him.

    However, The Nation succeeded in speaking with a member of Dafinone’s extended family who was willing to speak about Elizabeth’s relationship with the well-known family. Insisting on anonymity, he stated that she is a member of the family and that there is no controversy at all about Elizabeth’s paternity, adding that she once came to Nigeria from Britain and spent time with other members of the family.

    Commenting further on Elizabeth’s allegation that she was not formally recognised as Dafinone’s daughter, he wondered, “What is her problem now? I don’t think there is any issue about that.”

    However, reacting to information the following day that some online publications have published Elizabeth’s claims, he said, “Let them publish it. She is not a small girl; she is an adult. I don’t want to be disturbed by this 419 thing who just wanted to blackmail somebody. I know what is going on; they just want to blackmail the guy for nothing. She knows the family; she knows the home because she has been here before. She was accepted. She lived with everybody and she was happy. What does she mean by official and unofficial recognition?”

    Elizabeth, however, denied that her motive was blackmail, saying, ‘’Firstly, the word ‘blackmail’ means that someone has something to hide and another person is asking them for money to keep the story quiet.’’

    ‘’My father obviously has something to hide. Me, his first born child. However, I have never asked him for any money to keep the story quiet. Secondly, I have been silent, respectful and very tolerant over the past 50 years and I think the Dafinone family has taken advantage of my discretion.”

    Elizabeth said she decided to speak out following an alleged encounter between her daughter and Senator Dafinone, adding that she was greatly upset by the incident. According to her, ‘Up until my father was so rude to my daughter a few weeks ago, all I ever wanted from him was a bit of love and care. I have shed many tears wanting my father but if someone is rude to your child, things change overnight.

    ‘It was simply the last straw when he told my child to “go back to the hell she came from” before she even had a chance to say why she was ringing.’

    However, she is hopeful that there might be reconciliation someday, and that she would eventually enjoy the recognition she has always desired.

  • ‘It’s unfair not to honour authors of the national anthem’

    ‘It’s unfair not to honour authors of the national anthem’

    Professor Babatunde Ogunnaike, Dean, College of Engineering, University of Delaware, USA, is one of the five authors of the national anthem who have remained unacknowledged for their work. In continuation of our series on the writers of the words of the anthem, Prof Ogunnaike, a fellow of the Nigerian Academy of Engineering , in this interview with Lekan Otufodunrin recalls his involvement in the writing of the, anthem and the state of the nation.

    Can you recall your involvement in contributing to the national anthem?

    I recall being on my national service (NYSC) in 1977 (in Port Harcourt) when the announcement came out for contributions to the new National Anthem. And I recall reading some of the submissions because they were then routinely published in the Evening Times (this was the evening version of the Daily Times).

    I recall thinking that I might be able to submit something that might be just as good, if not better, than the ones I had read.  So I did.

    What lines of the national anthem are yours?

    I believe that most of the second verse of the national anthem (if not the entire thing itself) was the second verse of the poem that I submitted.  My first verse had a line similar to “The labours of our heroes past” which ended up in the anthem; I am also sure that many of the other submissions had lines similar to this one.

    I think that my line emphasised “sacrifice” instead of labour and I don’t think I used heroes. I do not have the original submission with me, alas; and that was some 36 years ago now, so it is difficult for me to recall precisely what was in the first verse.

    What informed your composition?

    A sense that Nigeria had a lot of potential that was untapped; and that we needed good and selfless leadership; and that with divine guidance and dedication to national progress, we can become a great nation.

    Were you compensated or acknowledged in any way for your contribution?

    A telegram was sent to my home address in Ibadan, but I had left for graduate school in the United States by the time it arrived.  My father forwarded a copy to me.  I did not receive any compensation.

    Has the country been fair to the authors of the anthem by not honouring them with a national award like it did to the composer of the music, the late Pa Odiase?

    Of course it is unfair not to honour someone for such major contributions.

    What should be done about honouring you and other co-authors?

    I am not sure what should be done, but most other nations acknowledge the authors of their national anthem in some way or other.  I have lived in the US now for about 25 years and everyone knows that Francis Scott Key wrote the lyrics to the national anthem (even I, a recent immigrant, know this). At the very least, the people of Nigeria should be told who wrote their national anthem.

    You were quoted in a previous interview that you usually feel a sense of pride and sadness when you hear the national anthem.  Can you expatiate on this?

    A sense of pride to have been involved in writing the words, but sadness because 50-something years after independence we still have not realised even the very basic aspects of what a modern nation should be. That is sad.

    The message of the national anthem seems not to have been imbibed by Nigerians, how can this be done?

    That takes leadership modelling for the nation what our collective values should be; it takes parents modelling it to their children, and elders in the villages showing examples to the younger folks. People who take pride in their nation, people who have reason to be proud of their nation, are often inspired by the lyrics of their national anthem.  People who are struggling to put food on the table; who feel like their leaders do not care about them; who are disconnected from the fabric of society—such people have no time to imbibe any message in any anthem—they are too busy with the task of surviving.

    Why has the country not been able to accomplish the dreams of our founding fathers considering the abundant resources we have?

    This is very simple: extremely poor—and incredibly selfish—leadership.  It is not “politically correct” to say this, but we have not been blessed with inspirational or selfless leaders with vision and the moral strength and courage not only to do the right thing, but also to challenge the nation to be the best that it can be.

    Our leaders have mostly failed miserably. The only leader that was anything close to being inspirational was Murtala Mohammed and he was gunned down before he could do much.

    You and Dr Sota, a co-author of the national anthem, are among many accomplished Nigerians outside the country. How we can limit the high rate of the brain drain we have been experiencing?

    You may or may not know this, but I lived and worked in Nigeria from 1982 to 1988 as an assistant professor at the University of Lagos.  I had to leave in 1988 when I could no longer support my family!  The salary of a senior lecturer was paltry; I was not corrupt; I don’t know how to sell cement and rice—the only thing I knew how to do was to teach and do research.

    I could not do any of that and still make a living in Nigeria at the time.  I had no option but to leave if I wanted a decent life for my children. In addition, the entire system (people in the customs, and the police, NEPA, tax office, even the banks)  all made life difficult.  I couldn’t clear my things through the customs after I arrived because everyone wanted a bribe, but I was a poor graduate student coming back home after finishing my PhD.

    The entire Nigerian system is hostile to people like us.  Not sure what else can be done, but if Nigeria wants people to stay (and many of us truly want to be in Nigeria), perhaps some of these artificial barriers can be removed.

    Also, it is difficult to function in a country where there is no rule of law, and where the government is essentially not very competent.  I do not want to go on complaining about the government, but it really has a significant role to play in keeping its resources at home instead of literally forcing them away (as they did for many of us).

    Tell me more about yourself and your involvement back home.

    I come back to Nigeria as often as I can, mostly to help with a relatively new World-Bank sponsored University in Abuja (The African University of Science and Technology). I am now involved with the Nigerian Academy of Engineering, having been fortunate enough to have been inducted with the class of 2012.

    I love Nigeria and would love nothing more than to be able to put something back into the system that gave me a great foundation.  It pains me that I can be successful in another country and do many things for that country, but I do not have much of an opportunity to do the same for my own country of birth.  I am grateful to the US for providing me the opportunity to study for my PhD here, and in a sense, it is proper for me also to put something back into the US system for what they gave to me.

    But I would also love the opportunity to be able to do the same for my country of birth, where my education foundation was laid.  I just do not want to have to sacrifice my family in the process.

     

  • ‘My encounters with eight African Presidents, others’

    ‘My encounters with eight African Presidents, others’

    Zuriel Oduwole, 10, who lives in California in the United States last week made history as the youngest person to be interviewed by Forbes. Miss Oduwole, who was an invited guest to the African Union 50th anniversary, has interviewed leading African personalities, including eight  African Presidents, Africa’s richest person Aliko Dangote and tennis super stars – Venus  and  Serena Williams. In this online interview with Lekan Otufodunrin, Zuriel gives an insight on her incredible feat and her Rebrand Africa project to make a case for the girl-child in the continent.

    What is the origin of your interest in media and communication, especially personality interviews?

    The origin of me creating documentaries started with a school project. When I was nine, I entered a school competition called, “National History Day.” And I was the youngest student to enter the competition. In that competition, I had to create a presentation, an exhibit, a performance, or a documentary.

    So I chose to do a documentary, because I thought using media would be a better way to show something positive about Africa. If I did a performance or a presentation or an exhibit, no one, besides the judges, were allowed to come into the room while I was presenting it.

    But with a documentary, whoever wanted to come in and watch it could. So if I did a documentary, more people would be able to see Africa in the way I see it.

    And that documentary could lead on to positive and greater things for Africa. I like to show the rest of the world the positive things about Africa, through my documentaries. One of my documentaries won an award in the largest county in the United States. My documentary has also chronicled the impact of the OAU on Africa. Do you know I write my own scripts, I produce my own documentaries, I shoot my own scenes, I do my own voice over, I edit my own documentaries, and I co –direct my documentaries. I am an African Child – a Nigerian Girl Child.

    How much of your Nigerian and African heritage has impacted on your life?

    Oh I would say a lot. Since I want to show the world the positive side of Africa, my African heritage has helped me a lot. I know where my roots are from on the African continent because my dad’s family and my mum’s family are from two different parts of Africa, and I lived in Africa in both regions for periods of time.

    I have not always lived in California. So, when I watch the news, I always see bad things being said about Africa, like the wars and famine going on. And I don’t like seeing those things being said about my home country, even though it happens. It is how they say it that is unfair.

    If I was American, I would still want to help Africa. But because I am African, I feel the need more to help Africa than I if I was just American. It is like helping your own people.

    There are some problems, like the power going off. But do you know that there are times the power goes off in the United States as well. The only difference is they fix it very quickly, or bring it back very quickly. So, we all need to help.

    I read in the papers that General Electric is now in Nigeria doing the power. That is very good, because the children need to study at night for school.

    Why are you passionate about your Dream up, Speak up and Stand up for African renaissance campaign?

    I think my programme, Dream up, Speak up, and Stand up will help the new African era, by helping the girl- child. It is the best way I can help. Other people do things as well like have foundations, or do charities and raise money, but for me, my best way is to work very hard, and be an example. So that means when I say Dream up, they can see I am living the dream and so can they, when I say Speak up, they can see me speaking to World leaders, and when I say Stand up, they can see me standing up for the African Girl child. Also, I am hoping that the parents of girls in Africa will see me as an example, and see that their girls have a lot of potential in life, and can achieve great things in life. Even though they might have very little as some of them do, they can still push harder to get their girls to school, or find more ways to get them educated.

    When I launched the project in Nigeria in March this year, it was very good to have the support of the Lagos Business Schools communication’s department, the US Consulate in Lagos, Protea Ikeja Hotel and Federal Palace Hotel too. They supported the project. So now, I am going to other regions of Africa to launch the project next.

    What is your impression of the African leaders and others you have interviewed and what advice do you have for them?

    First I have to say the whole experience was really cool. They were all very kind and very warm and friendly to me. I think some of them were surprised by my questions, because only one of the Presidents I have met asked me to send the questions before I arrived for the interviews.

    The other seven did not. For example, President Ellen Johnson of Liberia by the time when I asked her the third question said to me you are a tough interviewer, and everyone laughed.

    Also, when I asked President Jonathan how much Goodluck his name has brought to Nigeria, he laughed as well, and then answered. President Fonseca of Cape Verde said he was one a University Professor and has seen many questions, but none like mine, and he invited me to come to his country to inspire the girls.

    President Joyce Banda of Malawi was also surprised by my question. She said when she was my age, she never dreamt of doing things like I was doing, but that she is inspired that I have the boldness to go and interview heads of states.

    Some Presidents hugged me after the interviews, some called me their daughter, some kissed me on the head; they were all very kind. And when I saw some again at the AU last May, they were excited to see me again, like President Kikwete of Tanzania. He spent some time talking to me and kept his entourage waiting. I saw people asking who that girl is. It was a special time for me.

    President Kufuor was also happy to see me again at the AU because I had interviewed him last year in Kumasi, and he remembered me very well. He then introduced me to his friend, President Obasanjo, and then we took pictures together. I don’t have any advice for them because they are older, but I like everyone to know that educating and fighting for the education of the Africa Girl Child, is an investment in Africa. I hope you think so too.

    What is your reaction to being touted as the next Larry King?

    I am just doing my best. Larry King has accomplished many great things in his life. He, like me, has also interviewed many people like sports persons, leaders of countries, leaders in business and we all do it for many reasons. He has done many great things at his age, and that is Larry King.

    I have also tried to accomplish some things but because I want to show what the Girl Child can do, if they are educated, and encouraged. Just imagine all 5, or 8, or 10 or 12 year olds especially in Africa being given an opportunity to go to school and have real dreams.

    It means Africa would be a more developed and have more qualified leaders 10 years from now or 15 years from now. Because it means we would be 20 years old or 25 years old or 30 years old then.

    How supportive are your parents in your campaign?

    My mum and dad have been very, very supportive from the beginning. They are always supportive of me and my young siblings. It doesn’t matter if its Basketball, Music class, Soccer, or Cheerleading, they are always supportive and drive us to all our classes and events.

    Sometimes, I think it is a lot especially when me and one of my parents have to travel overseas for my interviews with Presidents because they have to make sacrifices like ask us to chose between something we wanted to do or me and my parent for the travel.

    I had to learn the meaning of opportunity cost when I was eight years old. Dad said it means choosing between two things and which one has the more value than the other, or which one would have the more potential in the future.

     

     

     

  • National Hotel for the dead

    National Hotel for the dead

    An Ambassador for the dead makes a case for crating better resting conditions for the dead.

     

    Cemeteries are an exceptional teaching tool. Every state or town has its own a cemetery. These are historic sites where people, leaders, followers, icons, wealthy, and national heroes alike rest lay still and are no longer part of the day to day activities of the society.

    The irony is that daily, the living refers to words, theories, discoveries, deeds and actions of the dead. “There are some dead who are more alive than the living”(Roman Roland). Inevitably, the dead have an influence on the activities of the living, daily and the cemetery is indeed a tangible link between the past and the present.

    Cemeteries are eligible to be part of the National Register of historic places; they serve as a means of individual’s recognition of family history and as expressions of collective religious and/or ethnic identities. To future leaders, the cemetery is the only place they have to pay their respects their revered mentors and leaders (who have passed on). Cemeteries can also be deemed to be tourist’s sites where visitors go to learn about the history of various notable people in the country, state or community. The Arlington Cemetery in America, The Military Cemetery in Cuba, and The Kwame Nkrumah national park in Ghana are various beautiful sites loved by local and international tourists over time.

    As a nation, the importance of the cemetery to historical, social, language, art and family studies cannot be overemphasized. With these in mind, it is wise to conclude that a cemetery should be befitting, treated with reverence, respect and decency. The cemetery should be NOT be a place for weeds, litter, broken blocks and badly built tombs but rather a resting place, well built, even comfortable enough to be inhabited by the living for family picnics, excursions, research etc.

    A cemetery should  be seen more as “a hotel for the dead’.

    It is often said that a community that does not care for, protect and preserve the cities of the dead is diminished as a place for living.

    It is appalling to see that many cemeteries which are home to irreplaceable, cherished departed souls have been neglected and abandoned for decades. They have been completely removed from our collective consciousness. “Our dead are never dead to us until we have forgotten them” (George Elliot) This SHOULD NOT BE SO. The plight of both rural and urban cemeteries can be attributed to such factors as abandonment, urban renewal, apathy, encroachment, erosion, pollution, environmental factors, vandalism and theft. The development of states and our great nation Nigeria over the years in most areas is evident, but sadly most cemeteries have been abandoned or completely forgotten. Left to depreciate and waste away. Is this fair? Absolutely not!

    So much money, effort and man-power are poured into the technological advancements which have a direct impact on society. Unfortunately cemeteries needing refurbishment and maintenance to function decently are abandoned. We keep repainting homes, upgrading to latest standards, building new cities, etc but we forget to pay homage to the resting places of icons, patriarchs and matriarchs. We forget to help pick up a single weed and repair the monuments on their graves damaged by vandals and our unforgiving weather day in, day out.

     

    It is often said a man can better be described from the way he treats the people that matter less or have a lower social standing to him. How he treats those that are unable to express themselves, the sick, maimed, infirmed and poor. Regardless of the ambience of a home, a valued visitor will be completely disappointed by the sorry state of the rest room, if it is unkempt. This is simply because a guest to our homes cannot be stopped from using the restroom when the need arises.

     

    When receiving world leaders and tourists who insist on an impromptu basis to visit the graves of certain individuals or national icons that have passed on, would we dissuade them? On a personal level, many parents would be ashamed to show their children the decrepit state of their own parent’s / loved one’s resting place. Is there a sharp contrast to our beautifully prepared tourist sites and the resting places of our cherished late local and national heroes? Yes, IMMENSELY so! Have the dead being forgotten so soon? Our beloved country Nigeria came into existence as a result of the resolute commitment, determination and dedication, of certain people, who we refer to from time to time.  Their beliefs and values still influence our policies and laws today at different points, but sadly they lay in inaccessible cemeteries where future leaders can’t go to be inspired or pay them respect.

    Would it be too much asking for various tiers of government, towns, communities and religious institutions to spare funds, manpower to keep the homes for the dead in good condition? Even if we cannot make it to be seen as “a hotel for the dead”.  Too much for us to weed, clear and ensure it is tidy and decent at all times?

    Nigerians current and prospective leaders, politicians and influencers should be compelled to visit cemeteries and death related institutions as a compulsory part of their tours of the country. They MUST. God’s word in Ecclesiastes 7: 2 is explains the deep truth “It is better to go to a house of mourning than to go to a house of feasting, for death is the destiny of everyone, the living should take this to heart”. This would help remind of the certainty and inevitability of death. This would also help understand that the wisest, smartest, cunniest, richest, most dedicated, fondly hated, fondly remembered, wealthiest people and leaders, ”death makes equal the high and low”(john Heywood, be merry friends)  lay still in the cemetery with people walking over their graves daily, to pray for them to continue to rest in peace or curse them. Whilst the dead can neither respond nor acknowledge the accolades, or otherwise. This emphasizes “the earlier you make a positive mark the better.”

    What legacy are we leaving for the next generation? Do we realize that if they grow to meet us giving inadequate care to our dead, the cycle of abandonment would come back to us? If we do not attach importance to where the dead are buried, if we continue to disrespect the dead, we should be prepared to receive same! Students should be taught that any cemetery or burial ground is an important part of individual and collective history and should be treated with reverence, respect, and care.  When students understand the importance of cemeteries, they will more likely become adults who will participate in the responsible conservation of cemeteries and also adults who have their side of the cemetery permanently tidy and even have generations volunteering to personally put their part of the cemetery in good shape. The earlier we attach importance to these places filled with history and knowledge the better.

    Whilst writing this piece, someone said to me, do you realize the living are lacking in basic amenities not to talk of the dead?  I replied “should poverty, economic recession stop us from sweeping our compounds, cleaning our surroundings”? If we can do these, we must also take care of the dead.

    If we agree:
    A: The maintenance of cemeteries is important for the emotional and historic bonds shared between the past and the future;

    B: The principle of posthumous awards for the dead;

    C: Our day to day lives, policies and decisions are influenced by various individuals who have gone to eternal rest;

    D: Death is certain for all;
    Then Nigeria’s youth should be encouraged to visit the resting place of late heroes and icons. In this day of super fast digital technology, let them remember we have a heritage and history as a nation. It would encourage them to be motivated to become better people with a legacy beyond amassing wealth. As they see our heroes are celebrated even in death and it’s not just about having their statues and busts erected in parts of the city.

    If we can achieve this we might just be taking bold steps in inter-ethnic bonding and subsequently preserving national unity. It will make a people who value the well being of its citizens even in death.

     

    Okusanya 11 is an expert services consultant across industries called an “Ambassador for the dead” hhas over 15 years of experience in the funeral industry, being on the board as a permanent Director of the number one Funeral Company in Nigeria (M.I.C. Funeral Services).

    His academic qualifications include a diploma in Psychology and B.Sc. Banking and Finance, both from the University of Lagos. He is also a member of various funeral directors’ association across the globe.