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Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Survivors relive ordeal as gunmen turn festival into bloody scene

    Survivors relive ordeal as gunmen turn festival into bloody scene

    Zarache, a festival annually held by the people of Miango District in Bassa Local Government Area of Plateau State to pray for peace and good harvest, among other needs, turned bloody last weekend as the people were attacked and shot by gunmen believed to be herders. No fewer than 17 people were reportedly killed in the attacks during which many others sustained various degrees of injuries. Such mindless attacks on the community, according to the natives, date back to 2001 when killer herdsmen started experimenting with shedding their blood in the middle of celebrations, INNOCENT DURU reports.

    • Three mourners killed, bereaved mother shot in another attack

    • Soldiers told us they were not instructed to shoot – Community leader

    • Survivors in critical conditions —Doctor

    Yakubu Danladi, a seven year old boy, went out last Saturday to join other members of the community to celebrate the annual festival of Zarache. After the initial rituals, he moved with the elderly members of the community on a hunting expedition that saw them journeying for a long distance.

    Although he was fatigued, the excitement the exercise provided kept him going as he looked forward to getting home to share his experience with his peers who would not dare the trip. But his plans were shattered towards the end of the ceremony as killer herdsmen swooped on them and shot indiscriminately.

    Although Yakubu narrowly escaped being hit by a bullet, he was not lucky enough to escape bloody injuries. He had in his head a machete cut that left a big gash on his skull. He was not able to talk yet when The Nation called at Enos Hospital where he and many other survivors of killer herders’ attacks were admitted.

    His distraught mother who sat beside him on his hospital bed said: “He went hunting with the adults during the festival. We did not even know that he went with them.

    “In the course of the attack, the herders cut his head with a machete. He cannot talk now. His condition makes us sad.

    “I don’t know how we would raise money to settle his bills. Our farm produce that could have fetched us money was destroyed by cattle.  The menace of herders in this area is worrisome. They are bringing untold sorrow to our community,” she added.

    Zanjo Patrick, 27, was not as lucky as Yakubu as he tried to flee from the assailants. He was shot in the neck and left writhing in pains.

    “On Sunday, we went for the final rites and that was where the herders attacked us,” he said.

    “They shot me in the back of my neck. Three of us were shot at the spot. The two others have been discharged.

    “I saw that two of my people that were shot and killed instantly. I learnt they were buried on Sunday.

    “We have a festival here that we celebrate annually. The festival started on Saturday, which was April 2.”

    Another survivor, Bari Dauda, escaped unscathed but fell badly in the course of fleeing and sustained serious injuries.

    He said: “I was coming back on Sunday from the last point of our annual festival when the herders attacked me and others. I fell badly and injured my neck and leg while fleeing from the murderous herders who were shooting sporadically.”

    Before the April 2 attacks, checks revealed that there had been many others in which children and adults were killed.

    For Madam Ladi Ize, a 75 year-old member of the community, it was a case of compounded woes. She had lost her son, and while mourning his demise in the company of other relations, some killer herdsmen stormed the premises and shot at everyone and everything in sight.

    By the time the smoke from their guns cleared, three of the mourners lay dead while the septuagenarian woman was hit by a bullet.

    Speaking through an interpreter, Madam Ize said: “The incident occurred on March 28. I lost one of my sons and went for the burial. But while we were there, the herders came and attacked us. They killed three female mourners that very night. I was shot on my rib but I managed to escape with my two grandchildren.”

    A day before the attack on Madam Ize’s area, the gunmen had attacked another area, killing one person in the process. A survivor of the incident, Ishaya John, told our correspondent on his hospital bed that it was a dark moment in his life.

    John said: “On the 29th of March, I was sleeping in the house at about 10pm. I heard a gunshot and woke up. When I peeped through the window, I saw the herders surrounding the whole house.

    “Before I could think of escaping, they broke the door and entered the house. They shot me in the ribs. After shooting me, I lay down half dead and they thought that I was dead.

    “I fell face down. They lifted me to see if I was still breathing, and knowing what they were up to, I pretended to have died and they dropped me on the ground. When they saw that I was not moving, they left.

    “After they had left, I was still hearing gunshots so I remained on the ground.  They later came back to check if I was alive or dead.

    “Other members of my family had fled before the assailants came.  They thought I had run away, but unknown to them, I was sleeping inside the house.

    “The gunmen killed one person in the neighbourhood that night.

    “These attacks started way back in 2001. They started killing us from then till now.  Unfortunately, the government is saying nothing. We have surrendered everything to God. We can’t fight them.

    One attack too many

    On March 31, 2022, herdsmen attacked La’ake Village of Kwall District, Rigwe Chiefdom.  A statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Davidson Malison, said two people were killed in the attack with houses razed.

    “Four motorcycles were burnt, 10 water pump machines were burnt down, nine generators were also burnt while three motorcycles were carted away.

    “The attack, according to eyewitnesses, started around 1:05 am and lasted more than two hours unchecked. The entire Village has been sacked.

    “The land has suffered a lot and the damages are becoming unbearable. The agenda of ethnic cleansing of the Rigwe people will not triumph.

    “This is the third day the area has continuously been attacked without efforts by those saddled with the responsibility of protecting lives and property of the citizens to curb it,” Malison said. On November 26, 2021, 10 people, six of whom were members of the same family, were said to have been killed by the herders.

    A statement by the Public Relations Officer of Miango Youth Development Association (MYDA), Nuhu B Nga, after the incident reads: “Te’egbe, a community under Miango District was attacked in the early hours of 26th November, 2021. The attack lingered for more than 2hrs from 12am-2am.

    “During the attack, 10 people, six of which were from the same family, were killed. They include Gara Ku (80), Wiye Gara (67), Tala Gara (68), Rikwe BalaYoh (65), Tabitha Danlami (8), Sibi Danlami (4), Friday Musa (35), Daniel Mandi (45), Mweri Chogo (86) and Ayo Balai (6).

    “They were claimed and buried today.

    “Three persons identified as Musa Kwa, Sibi Gara and Nma Weyi sustained some level of injuries and are currently receiving treatment.

    “About 278 residential rooms belonging to 114 households were burnt down completely.  Fifty-seven food barns, with the exception of kitchens and bathrooms, were also affected. This singular incident led to the displacement of over 690 persons in that area.

    “This calculated attack was carried out by the herdsmen who intruded from the boundaries of Kaduna-Plateau. Eyewitnesses have it that the attackers came en masse to carry out this devilish act.”

    The councillor representing Taagbe Ward in Bassa Local Government Area, Hon. Daro Adams Ruvo, expressed worry that the attacks have been happening for a long time without any help for the people. He said: “That April 2 incident claimed the lives of one of my brothers and a neighbour’s son, including a husband to my younger sister.

    “This is becoming too serious and worrisome. At times, the murderers will call to inform you that they are coming. You will think that it is a joke, but they will come and attack the village.

    “We have been calling on the government but there is no action. There are soldiers in some of the communities but the killers can come and attack in their presence. When you ask them questions, they will say they were not given the go ahead to shoot at anybody. That is what has been happening.

    “Our leadership, paramount rulers and the chairman of the local government have been complaining to no avail. I am the chairman of peace and security on the legislative arm. I have been running around to settle the hospital bills of the victims.”

    Survivors’ conditions critical, says doctor

    One of the doctors at Enos Hospital identified simply as Dr Issa told our correspondent that the injuries sustained by the survivors were very serious, adding: “There are some who have gunshot wounds on the face, arms, and the legs. There are those who have fractures and head injuries.

    “We have carried out operations on some and removed bullets that were stuck there. Their injuries are very bad, but, thank God, they are responding to treatment.

    “There are those that only had bruises while escaping.  The seven-year-old boy is getting better. He lost a lot of blood and we transfused him and he is getting better.”

    ‘How killer herders shattered our festival’

    Secretary to the traditional chief, Chinge Bala David, who witnessed the attack on his people, said the attack took place at Tafigana in Miango District of Basa LGA.

    He said: “It happened when our people went to observe the normal annual festival we do in this area.  The festival is well known as Zarachi. It always takes place between March and April.

    “This year’s celebration fell on the 2nd. On that fateful day, people went out peacefully for hunting. They moved from one location to another.

    “The essence of the movement is for them to pray at their border areas and keep reminding people and the children about our ancestors.

    “There is a particular house that takes the lead. When they moved to where the ancestors settled, they had to pray for rain and for good harvests.  The location where they prayed is called Rosu.

    “From Rosu, they moved to spend the night at Zandroachi in Tafigana. It was at this time that herders and some other gunmen attacked them. They killed about 11 members of our community. Those people died on the spot. In spite of the incident, our people were controlled and made to still spend the night there.”

    He added: “In the morning time, as it is the custom, they would have to go to the final point for their prayer. The final point is called Richibo. That is the place our people first settled before migrating to where they are living now.

    “After completing their prayers and heading home, the herders resurfaced and surrounded them again. This time around, security men were there witnessing the incident.

    “Suddenly we heard a gunshot followed by sporadic gunshots. Our people started running for their lives.

    “While our people were running, the herders had to lie in wait for them in front. The fleeing people started hearing booming sounds of gunshots in the direction they were heading to and became confused over which direction they should go. It was when the security operatives moved in that the situation was brought under control.

    “Before then, two people had been shot. One was cut with machete and his body packed as if it was meat that they cut. Most of our people had to run for their dear lives and return home.

    “We were not able to find all the corpses earlier. It was on Wednesday that four more bodies were found. We have recovered and buried about 17 dead bodies. That was what happened during the festival.

    “To tell you the truth, this festival is well known and it is as old as this tribe. We don’t attack anybody during the festival. We go hunting, killing animals and praying for peace and rain, and good harvest. We pray for peace for our land.

    “We celebrate this festival not to haunt anybody, but we discovered that many people were planning evil towards us.”

    According to Chinge,, killings in the area involved children and adults.

    “An attack took place last week from Monday. The herders attacked seven communities. They attacked a village called Ariri aside from the one that took place at Laake as well as Gurudu and many others.

    “There were many attacks that took place before the one that occurred during the festival. There are so many communities now that have been deserted.  Many houses have been vandalised.

    “People are afraid and fleeing from their communities. If you go to some communities now, you will see nobody.”

     Youths stage protest

    The Coalition of Ethnic Youth Nationalities from the Northern Senatorial zone, the Christian Association of Nigeria, Plateau State chapter, youth, and women wings, during the week gathered at the new Government House to protest the recent killings in Bassa communities of the state.

    The Nation reports that several communities had, in the past one month, come under heavy attacks by gunmen suspected to be herdsmen in Bassa Local Government Area of the state, which had claimed about 20 lives, and resulted in the massive destruction of farmlands and burning of homes.

    The protest was led by the National President of the Irigwe Youth Movement, Ezekiel Peter Bini. The residents called on the government to show commitment to securing the lives and properties of their people.

    He said the continuous killings have forced the Irigwe people and other groups on the Plateau to come out in protest to let the government and the world know what is going on and the need to put an end to the situation.

    Addressing the protesters, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Danladi Atu, said the state government was working on resolving the killings in Irigwe land in order to bring lasting peace to the communities.

    He said Governor Simon Lalong commiserated with the families of those affected, adding that he had ordered the security outfits in the state to dominate these areas while a thorough investigation was being carried out to ascertain those behind the attacks and bring them to justice.

    “Governor Lalong has further directed the State Emergency Management Agency to step in to ascertain the extent of damage and casualties as well as provide relief materials immediately to cushion the effects of the condemnable act of man’s inhumanity to man,” he added.

    Paramount Ruler sues for peace

    The paramount ruler of Rigwe Nation, Brra Nggwe Rigwe, and acting President Bassa Traditional Council, HRH Rev Ronku Aka (rtd), condoled and praised the people of Ariri village for their bravery and resilience.

    The paramount ruler spoke the words of condolence and praise on Thursday at Ariri village during the burial of Mr Ichemi Ritivo who was shot by militia when the village was attacked on April 4, 2022. Ichemi sustained gunshot injuries and was taken to the hospital, but he gave up the ghost in the course of treatment.

    He reiterated the need for the nation to keep kneeling to God for an end to the evil work of the enemies on the land, and maintained that the land blessedly given by God to Rigwe will live till thy kingdom come.

    The monarch, according to a statement by the National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association (IDA), Davidson Malison, said: “This is the third time I’m coming to Ariri on issues of militia attacks. The last one was during the mass burial years ago, and I pray we will not witness this again.”

    He further charged the Rigwe People never to give up as the challenges facing the nation will one day become history. He added that the Rigwe people can never be wiped out from the surface of the earth because God created them for a purpose.

    He, however, insisted that security surveillance and consciousness must be intensified and called on government to do all within her reach to ensure the protection of lives and property of the Rigwe People.

    He concluded by encouraging the immediate family of the deceased and the entire nation to be comforted and take solace in the fact that he and other faithful departed are resting in the bosom of the Lord.

    Responding on behalf of the family, Mr Yusuf Musa thanked and appreciated the paramount ruler for the noble gesture and said it will forever remain fresh in their minds.

    Other people who spoke at the burial includes the Secretary of Bassa LG, Mrs Tabawa Jesse Aruku; Leader, Bassa Legislative Arm, Hon Williams Wuje, Hon Lumumba Dah Adeh

    The paramount ruler was accompanied to the burial by the District Head of Miango, HH Daniel Chega, Village Head of Nedzie, Rev John Wambe Pawa (rtd), other village heads and National Publicity Secretary of Irigwe Development Association (IDA).

  • Nkechi Blessing: From love to war

    Nkechi Blessing: From love to war

    Popular Nollywood actress Nkechi Blessing Sunday and her husband, Ekiti-born politician, Opeyemi David Falegan, during the week, set social media agog as they opened a can of worms amid a messy breakup.

    Last year June, Nkechi confirmed her marriage to Falegan after she shared photos from their traditional marriage on Instagram. She was constantly ‘hyping’ the politician who is based in London. The union produced a son.

    Also, Falegan in February, took to his Instagram page to celebrate the actress on her birthday. He wrote, “Happy birthday my goddess, my hope, my joy, and my happiness. Please be with me forever, my love. My unending love for you is my vision, my hope, my goal, and my soul. Together forever.”

    But now, it appears the once-sweet relationship has gone sour just one year after they got hitched.

    It was learnt the duo started having issues when Nkechi completed her house in Nigeria; her husband was absent at the housewarming.

    The 33-year-old actress, who has been in the news for so many controversies recently, had in 2020 said she wished to never make the mistake of marrying someone who would disgrace her on social media, should the union eventually collapse.

    Confirming their separation, the estranged lovers – Nkechi and Falegan – spoke about their ‘broken relationship’ in separate videos on Instagram. There were a series of accusations and counter-accusations.

    Their posts have opened the floodgates of mixed reactions on social media platforms.

    Falegan threw the first salvo on Instagram live video where he stated he couldn’t be the husband of a lesbian.

    But Nkechi, while beating her chest in rage, affirmed that she was a lesbian and proud of it.

    “I’m coming out with my full chest that I’m a lesbian, so what now happened? This life will end? If you say I’m a lesbian, yes with my full chest, I am…”she said.

    During Nkechi’s onslaught of rage via a live video, she told her over two million Instagram followers that she had had female sexual partners and looks forward to having more.

    She also called Falegan a “two-minute” man, describing his alleged failure to actively carry out his sexual responsibility as a husband, adding that her sex toys satisfy her better than him.

    Nkechi also spoke of the alleged fake life of the Ekiti politician, adding that he would “buy economy ticket but wait till flight is empty to snap pictures from business class”.

    Nkechi is the Group Managing Director of a real estate company, Ojulowo – Omoluabi Empire Holdings Limited in Abeokuta, Ogun State capital. The actress is accused of dating the owner of the company. A notorious Nigerian gossip blog had accused her of having a secret affair with a realtor for an endorsement deal.

    She later broke down in tears, cursing the blogger behind the reports that she cheated on her husband. Nkechi explained that “this relationship ended in February when I chased him out of my hotel room, but something led to all these tonight. I am a partner at a real estate Company called Ojulowo- Omoluabi Empire Holdings Limited. So for every land I sell, I know how much I get.

    “So tonight, Gistlover published that I am dating the Chairman of the company, Omoluabi Estate, and that got me freaked out. But before I can say, Jack! I saw a video where Opeyemi was saying, ‘I am nobody’s husband and all,’ and that got me extremely angry, and that was what caused my anger and outburst.”

    Reacting, Falegan disclosed that he had a name to maintain and would never want to associate himself with anyone that would dent his image

    He said: “I don’t want to be known for any notoriety or anything controversial. I have a name, that name is my pride. I want to be known as someone who added value to people and who will keep doing the work for people.

    “I have a name that I am trying to protect here. Anything at all, husband of who? Where did you see the husband? “I’m not the husband of a lesbian; put some respect on my name.”

    There are still lots of controversies over the reasons for the failed marriage of Nkechi and Falegan. Social media users, who are surprised that the two love birds disowned each other, will be interested in the turn-out of events over the next couple of weeks.

  • Leke Adeboye: In the name of the father

    Leke Adeboye: In the name of the father

    In the last few days, Pastor Leke Adeboye, son and Personal Assistant to the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, sparked outrage over his comment on his verified Instagram page about some pastors preaching after his father’s usual thanksgiving day sermon.

    The first Sunday of the month in RCCG is designed as Thanksgiving Day.

    The church’s parishes across the world are expected to connect to the national headquarters in Ebutte-Metta where the General Overseer of usually delivers his sermon.

    But after the cleric’s message last Sunday, some pastors were said to have delivered their own messages, an action which seemed to have enraged Leke. But he apparently took his anger too far.

    “Why would you preach another sermon after Daddy GO has just finished preaching. You’re not a son. You’re a goat, sir. Next thanksgiving service, just do altar call, then thanksgiving,” Leke wrote in the now-deleted post.

    Incidentally,  his father’s sermon last Sunday was one of the most usual in recent times. Daddy GO as he’s fondly called, is normally very diplomatic in addressing public issues that call for concern.

    But his comments last Sunday stemmed from reactions to the memo the church sent out to parishes setting up the Directorate of Politics and Governance.

    Suggestions in many quarters was that the directorate was set up to galvanise support for Vice President  Yemi Osibajo over his alleged presidential ambition. Both the church and the Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria (PFN) have seen debunked the insinuation. They have made it clear the church is only galvanizing its members to be politically active and they should do this by registering to vote and protecting their vote come 2023.

    Adeboye came out hard on politicians and took the government to the cleaners over the state of economy and lingering insecurity.

    He also expressed his fears about the 2023 election stating. He was yet to hear from God if 2023 election will hold.

    He asked series of questions about Nigeria, especially the killings in Kaduna State. “I have a lot of things occupying my mind. Kaduna is on my mind. You can’t travel to Kaduna by air, by train or by road. The question is: Why Kaduna. Who is trying to isolate Kaduna? After Kaduna which is next. Some of you are killing yourself about 2023.

    Adeboye also lamented oil theft in the country, warning that Nigeria might go bankrupt if the trend was not checked.

    His comments thrust him into the epicenter of controversy and national discourse, with many hailing him for his fortright comments.

    While Nigerians were still ruminating on his remarks, by midweek his son seized the headlines with his controversial social media post.

    On Wednesday, it was reported that the younger Adeboye was made to appear before a three-man panel for insulting pastors and labeling them ‘goats’. This led to his public apology which he posted on his verified instagram page on Thursday.

    Many social media users have reacted positively to his apology

    A facebook user, Olanite Emmanuel said “Thank God for the humility and fear of God in you my dearest Pastor Leke, the devil has been put to shame over the church and all the members, we shall all finish well and strong in Jesus mighty name Amen. God bless you sir.

    Another Facebook user, Kunle Falade said that the outburst was extreme but to err is human and to forgive is divine. Bless you pastor. We are all learning, trying to work out our salvation and the grace of God will continue to uphold you in Jesus Name Amen.

    In his apology post Leke had suggested that some form of disciplinary action has been meted to him. He wasn’t specific and the church hasn’t indicted what has been done to him. He did say he accepted the punishment. Could it be a social media ban perhaps? Time will tell if this is the case.

  • Mubarak Bala’s blasphemy woes

    Mubarak Bala’s blasphemy woes

    A 37-year-old self-proclaimed atheist, Mubarak Bala, was during the week sentenced to a 24-year jail term after pleading guilty to an 18-count charge of blasphemy levelled against him by the Kano State Government.

    Bala was initially arrested in 2020 in Kaduna State, following a petition by a lawyer, S.S Umar, and other Islamic clerics and was transferred to Kano State.

    The Kano State High Court convicted Bala after he pleaded guilty before the court on 18 charges.

    The conviction has generated mixed reactions. Organisations including such as the Humanist Association of Nigeria, the United States Commission on International Religious Freedom (USCIRF), have described it as a sham court process.

    Bala, who is the president of the Humanist Association of Nigeria, was arrested at his home in Kaduna State on April 28, 2020, over his Facebook post considered to be critical of Prophet Mohammed and Islam.

    In 2020, he compared popular Lagos pastor and president of Synagogue Church of Nations late Prophet T.B Joshua to Prophet Mohammed.

    In another post, Bala said, “Whoever believes religion has been duped – If you can’t take blasphemy against Islam, criticism of its doctrines, this page is not for you. I have not even started ooo.”

    “Religion insults human reason and conscience, duped me that I have another lifetime,” Mubarak said in his Facebook bio

    His posts were greeted with threats of arrest for blasphemy in the comment section. Unperturbed, Bala said the threats were from ‘morons’ who should know better.

    Days later, a group of lawyers petitioned the Kano State Police Command to prosecute Bala for insulting Prophet Muhammad. He renounced his Islamic faith in 2014.

    The post was said to have caused outrage in many parts of Northern Nigeria where people are predominantly Muslims.

    Bala was awarded Humanist Society Scotland’s Gordon Ross Humanist of the Year Award on 8 January 2021.

    He became well-known in 2014 when the media reported that he had been forcibly drugged and committed to a psychiatric unit by his family members after telling them he was an atheist. He was released shortly thereafter and became an outspoken advocate for Nigerian atheist rights and freedoms.

    While pleading with the court to tender justice with mercy on the case with blasphemy, Bala reportedly promised not to repeat the said blasphemous post, saying he did not know it would elicit the sort of reactions it got when he shared them.

    Bala’s lawyer told the court that his client had health-related problems, for which he was treated at Aminu Kano Teaching Hospital, Kano.

  • ADEJOKE AKINSEYE: I’m running against 12 men and will floor them

    ADEJOKE AKINSEYE: I’m running against 12 men and will floor them

    Adejoke Taiwo Adekambi Akinseye is a researcher, with a doctorate in Mathematics. She is the founder Aderoju Ayoade Adekanbi (AA) Foundation and at the moment, she is contesting to be a member Ibadan North East\South East Constituency for the Federal House of Representatives. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talks about what she would be bring to the table, touching lives , role of women in politics and more.

    What are you bringing to the table as a politician?

    As a politician, as a woman, I am bringing a lot of things. I have been doing a lot of help for the community in the past six or seven years and so whatever I am bringing now is in addition to whatever I have been doing. I have been helping women, empowering them, training women, youths and men in a lot of things like agriculture, fashion and so many things.

    So, coming to the table, I am going to improve the lives of people, add value to them and make sure as much as possible that I alleviate poverty. Not only that, I have a lot of friends abroad because I have lived in the UK for 20 years. I can bring them in, investors, educationist to come and improve my state.

    What constituency are you representing?

    I am representing Ibadan North East and South East constituency.

    How was the reception when you told them that you would be contesting?

    It was awesome. I never thought that they would embrace me the way they did but they did. As a woman and that I was educated, I am an Ibadan indigene, educated to doctoral level, PhD in Mathematics. So, they embraced me and they were happy that they had a woman who could represent them in the House of Representatives.

    Were there challenges?

    There was a lot of challenge but with every challenge, there is always a way out. There is a challenge of funding because when you get there they would tell you, if you don’t have 100 million madam forget it.

    Another aspirant would come, give them money and you don’t have that kind of fund. But the only solution that has been able to help me is that the work that I have done in the past six years. All the gifts, the businesses that I have been able to set up, the equipment that I have given to people. Now, people are coming out to say this is what this woman has done. If she was not in the government and she did this, if she gets to government, she would certainly do better. That has been what has been helping me so far.

    Do you know the number of men that you will be contesting with, since you are the only woman in the race?

    There are about twelve men in the race. For the primaries, I believe that I am going to get it, because with God on my side and with the work that I have done speaking for me. The Bible says that your gifts will make room for you. People are telling me that this people are coming now, we have never seen them but we know you in the community.

    We have known you for the past six years, so you don’t have any problem.

    Ibadan is known for strong politics with the likes of Baba Adedibu and amala politics. Did this have any impact on you personally?

    They are very strong but I believe that with people, funding, God will help me. That is all I can say.

    To be in the political process, you must have studied the trend. You are also a very scientific person, what have you been doing to get yourself to this level?

    I have been studying the way politicians have been doing in that state especially in my constituency. I have studied and researched so many of the politicians that have gone to represent, especially in the house of Reps.

    They go for four years and you won’t see them. Then when the time for elections comes, they would give them some bit, money and all that and people would rush there. But, I am changing that strategy. That was why for the past six years, I have been doing all this work.

    Interestingly, I wasn’t looking at going into politics but my people were the ones that said why you don’t push this into politics. So, my strategy is what I am doing while I was not in government, I would do better when I get into government.

    Let’s talk about the five bills rejected by the National Assembly and the women’s protest?

    Following that Bill, I would have thought that with the way women came out in their thousands they would look at that bill and use it to favour us. At least 35 per cent of women in positions and all that.

    But, the Bill is still not satisfactory and I believe that with the tenacity of women, we would get there. So, we should not relent in whatever it is that we are doing. We should do more to make sure that they listen to us and give us what we want.

    Let’s talk about the theme for the 20222 International Women’s day celebrations, #BreakTheBias. What does this mean to you?

    Breaking the bias actually sums up all that we have been saying. There is a lot of bias, women you cannot get there, women you cannot do this. Women you are only supposed to do this, you are not supposed to do that and go beyond the barrier. But there is need to break that bias and until we break that bias, Nigeria as a nation cannot experience what they should experience as a nation. That is because; women are the ones that can make the difference. Women are natural nurturers, women would go out of their way, ensure that children go to school, eat, and take care of the husband and the family. They do a lot of things. So, if you give women the chance, this nation would change and transform totally. I strongly believe that.

    Mentoring has helped a lot of people. Did you have mentors in politics or in your career and how did it help you?

    Mentoring is very fantastic because there are some women that I go to, to ask questions, to lead and direct me. There is also Mrs. Omowunmi Gbadamosi especially when I shared my ambition with her two years ago and she counseled me and led me through the right step to take. In my career also and in a lot of things that I do, I usually look up to mentors.

    Even as a pastor, I have mentors as well. I look up to them; ask them questions so that I would not go wrong. So mentors and mentoring is very important in anything that we do.

    Violence is linked to politics, has it ever cropped up at all?

    Yes, that is another obstacle that affects women. This is because when it comes to violence, I have had to handle it. When you go out, you need security and protection. You need people to go out with you, when you are on the field.

    But people that are going to surround you with security and prayers, and with God, I believe that would be overcome. Women make the difference. It is time for women to take their stand. The more women that come out, the better and the more change for Nigeria.

    Tell us a bit about your professional background and where you are coming from?

    I had my first degree in Microbiology in 1989, University of Ibadan. I went to staff school Ibadan, went to St Anne’s, Ibadan polytechnic for my A-levels and then UI. I had my first degree in Microbiology but I have always had passion for Mathematics. My father while I was growing up gave me that passion. In secondary school, he usually teaches me Maths a lot that was back in the days. In the western region my dad came second in the exams that they did. So, the western Region sent him to study Quantity Survey in UK with Chief Olunloyo. So, with that passion of Mathematics, I took that on after my first degree, I went to UK and did my BSc again in mathematics, did my masters and did my PhD and here I am today.

    Mentioning chief Olunloyo means that politics runs in the blood. If he was close to your father, that must have been a great influence. Did he influence in any way?

    No. Not really directly. But indirectly, Yes.

  • Mr Ibu’s poisonous ordeal

    Mr Ibu’s poisonous ordeal

    Nollywood actor and comedian John Ikechukwu Okafor, popularly known as Mr Ibu, has confirmed that he is back stronger after being poisoned for the third time in about three years.

    The 61-year-old actor is one of Nigeria’s most talented comic characters. His amusing and witty gestures constantly send fans into fits of laugher. Many admire his acting which is often characterised by acts of silliness and hilarious gestures.

    The Enugu-born actor has featured in over 200 Nollywood movies, including Mr Ibu (2004), Mr Ibu and His Son, Coffin Producers, Husband Suppliers, International Players, Mr Ibu in London (2004), Police Recruit (2003), 9 Wives (2005), Ibu in Prison (2006) and Keziah (2007).

    The actor who hails from Nkanu West Local Government, Enugu State, finished elementary school in 1974. He moved to Sapele, Delta State, to stay with his brother after his father’s demise.

    While there he did menial jobs so he could sponsor himself to school and support his family. He worked as a hairstylist, ventured into photography and also worked in a company that produces crates.

    After secondary school, he was admitted to the College of Education, Yola, but pulled out due to financial difficulties. He later enrolled in the Institute of Management and Technology, Enugu, as soon as he was financially able to.

    In past years, Mr Ibu had battled with series of attacks. He stated that his ‘village people’ had attempted to kill him twice through poison. He also faced what he described as an unknown ailment for a long time.

    He was ill in the past weeks and received treatment at Zenith Medical and Kidney Centre Abuja, but has fully recovered and was discharged from the hospital.

    The leadership of the Actors Guild of Nigeria (AGN) paid a get-well-quick visit to him. A video shared by the Guild’s Director of Communications, Monalisa Chinda-Coker, on her Instagram page, showed the ailing actor was in a cheerful mood, as the actress stood beside him.

    Explaining his ordeal, Ibu said he was poisoned during his numerous trips to his country home in Nkanu West, Enugu State. He said the effects weighed him down when he returned to his base in Abuja.

    The comic who claimed that his ‘kinsmen’ had attempted to kill him. In 2020, raised the alarm about how they allegedly paid his domestic staff to poison him because of his successful career.

    He recounted how he was kidnapped and poisoned at an event in Nnewi. He also noted that his protruding stomach was a result of the poison.

    Ibu remains a household name in Nigeria’s thriving movie industry. Last year, he said hopes to die at 100 as his mother died at 90.

    He posted: “My name is John Ikechukwu Okafor. It is another God sent day for me. I have completed 61 years; Jesus! I cannot believe this, are you serious. My mother died at 90 years and I said I am going to go 100 years. It is by God’s power not by any man. I do not know what is going to happen when I get to 100 years but I know that I want to leave a history in this country.”

  • Portable: Stirring pots of unending controversies

    Portable: Stirring pots of unending controversies

    Every week, activities in the entertainment industry are incomplete without a dose of controversy from fast-rising singer, Habeeb Okikiola, popularly known as Portable.

    He has become notorious more for his antics than for his singing talent since coming into the limelight, and continues to make headlines for the wrong reasons.

    Many music lovers view Portable as arrogant due to his frequent outlandish conduct. Some others see him as outspoken; a person who does not hide his displeasure or feelings over any issue.

    Although his career has witnessed series of dramatic events, clashes, and conflicts – especially with stories of face-off with colleagues, family and friends – the singer has grown to become one of the most talked about entertainers.

    Portable’s rise to stardom towards the end of last year took many by surprise. He gained popularity with ‘Zazoo Zeh‘, his collaborative single with Poco Lee and Olamide.

    The slang ‘Zazoo Zeh‘ from the hit single became an alliteration that found its way unconsciously or consciously into the lips of many Nigerians.

    The street-inclined song became the rave of the moment on social media platforms and social gatherings. It offered the singer opportunity of performing at several concerts with top music artistes such as of Tiwa Savage, Small Doctor, Wizkid, Davido, Zlatan Ibile and many others where he sent the audience into a frenzy.

    But trouble began when Portable had called out popular dancer Poco Lee for allegedly ripping him off on their hit track. He accused him of claiming ownership of the song.

    The star further had a fallout with his promoter, Quadri Taoreed, aka Kogbagidi, when he accused the Poco Lee of taking $2,400 out of the $3,000 that Wizkid allegedly ‘sprayed’ him during their performance at the Livespot concert in Lagos.

    Expressing his anger in a video, Kogbagidi said: “Unruly and unprofessional conduct is always expected from up-and-coming artistes. One can never tell what goes on in their minds or heads. I am shocked and embarrassed at this point. Do I need to fix your career and your head at the same time?”

    The singer would later claim his altercation with the promoter was a publicity stunt. Apparently it wasn’t because he and Kogbagidi who had called the former an ungrateful person soon parted ways.

    In January, a popular Kenyan radio presenter, Black Cinderella, called Portable out for sharing videos of his moments with ladies in the East African country.

    He stirred fresh controversy when he threatened to use charms on anyone who comes to raid his house in search of drugs. This was after operatives of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) arrested some of his colleague artistes in February.

    On the romance front, Portable has disclosed he has two kids with different women.

    But it’s not all been controversies and scandals. In a touch of positive news, the singer recently bagged an endorsement deal worth N50 million with socialite, Obi Iyiegbu, popularly known as Obi Cubana, to be the face of his newly-launched Odogwu Bitters.

    However, that rare bit of positivity didn’t last long. He set tongues wagging again on social media after announcing via Instagram that he had fired every member of his crew – including his manager, personal disc jockey and show promoter.

    The ‘Zazzu‘ crooner said he no longer wanted their services because of ‘fake love’ and mediocre professionalism. He further accused them of being “unruly” whenever he wanted to mingle with new people.

    But this singular action by Portable came at a price: he lost the chance to perform at a forthcoming show organized by a comedian, MC Morris, in Canada. Morris made the announcement on Instagram shortly after the news went viral that the singer had sacked his close associates.

    Portable had claimed that his manager, deejay, and promoter were solely dependent on him for money.

    But reacting, his enstranged promoter, popularly known as Ijoba Danku, said he never collected a dime from the singer while acting as his promoter.

    A few weeks ago, the singer alleged that he was being threatened by one Yusuf Ija-Omode in Ogun State and that the latter had given him a seven-day ultimatum . But he shortly after disclosed that he had settled the rift with with the individual.

    The latest of his controversial actions was the crashing of his new white Range Rover SUV.

    Portable said his vehicle ran into a fence and iron railings after the vehicle veered off the road due to brake failure. He had received the vehicle as a gift in December last year.

    In a video of the accident shared on Instagram, the ‘Zazoo Zeh‘ singer claimed the crash was the handiwork of “enemies” who he said “touched the SUV with spiritual hands”.

    Even if Portable turns out to be a one-hit wonder, his unending controversies are bound to keep fans entertained for a long time to come.

  • The man Elekama at 70

    The man Elekama at 70

    If the world would have its way, Lance Musa Elakama, the maker of Lasena waters, who currently sits atop as Chairman, Oak Group of Companies at 70 years should be the grand old man sitting by the fireside at night in a fenced house built for him by his first son – Yusuf.

    The young and old would form a circle about the retired former Deputy Director General, Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), listening to great exploits of the man on how he made his BED OF OAK. At sunrise the following day, he would sit in a cane chair overlaid with soft cushion, reading and watching the world go by, waiting for the moon to announce the delivery of more tales of the past to anxious listeners.

    But the man God moved to birth Oak Group of Companies, in 1996, has confounded popular thinking about a so-called diminishing power in old age.

    Today, the Chairman of Oak Group has taken up more laborious work. He has become part of the Oak Business School academic staff. Lance teaches Accounting, Law, Management Psychology and other courses.

    He will be on his feet for over two hours teaching students Monday to Sunday of every week. Lance is daily driven by the desire for the better future of our youths. This aspiration has metamorphosed into passion which he pursues with all his might and heart. OBS has been a huge blessing to many youths, especially my children.

    Hear what Mr Ogbonna I.Y. a lecturer of Oak Business School said: “Elakama’s systematic and expository approach to practical study has become a standard in Oak Business School.” All these have resulted in the remarkable growth of the school in its first year.

    When on this day of March 31st 1952, Mrs Alhaja Aishetu Musa Elakama a devoted Muslim gave birth to her son in a small village called Iyaro, Owan East Local Government Area of Edo State, Nigeria, little did she and her husband Chief Musa Elakama know that God was sending a role model for youths not only in Nigeria but also in Africa through them to this generation. Young Lance pedigree is like a star risen from obscurity to illuminate and brighten the horizon.

    Lance, a man of destiny was raised in a Muslim family where the Quran was taught to be the word of Allah. His father was a devoted Muslim, who compelled his family to pray five times in a day according to Muslim ways. This early upbringing helped to shape the view of young Lance. Due to his academic brilliance, he was awarded a scholarship for further studies. Since then, his quest for more academic laurels at home and abroad has not waned.

    There is no gain-saying the facts that Lance Musa Elakama (PhD) a Lawyer, Stockbroker and Chartered Accountant by training is a thorough bred professional. A Fellow of the Chartered Institute of Secretaries and Administrators of London and the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria and Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria, and he is a Solicitor and Advocate in the Supreme Court of Nigeria and also a Solicitor in the Senior Courts of England and Wales.

    Lance at 70 is hereby presented as a man determined to offer a brighter future for the young ones.

  • My success secrets as inheritor of 100-year- old Zard Dynasty’s business — Kopec Construction boss Issam

    My success secrets as inheritor of 100-year- old Zard Dynasty’s business — Kopec Construction boss Issam

    Meeting him for the first time, one is bound to be amazed by his gentle nature, in spite of his high standing as the Managing Director of Kopek Construction Limited, a foremost indigenous construction firm based in Ibadan, Oyo State.

    Feghali Issam comes across as a complete gentleman reputed for his charity works and benevolent nature; a silent giver with milk of human kindness who hates to see people around him suffer or experience any form of hardship. His workers would not only attest to his kindness, they would readily point to it as the reason why many of them have served the company for so many years and still counting, certain that they will retire with good benefits.

    Only recently, he reluctantly accepted an award in recognition of his contributions to the growth of the society and his benevolent disposition to boot. After series of correspondences and persuasions from the leaders of the Oyo State chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), he grudgingly accepted the award that recognised him as the Head of Most Outstanding Indigenous Construction Company.

    The award also came as a result of his refusal to compromise quality and his uncommon spirit of charity. For instance, all the road contracts executed by his company are of high quality, dotting the nation’s network of highways. While there are many people who espouse a lot of lofty ideals, only a few would reflect them in their conduct and interactions with other people as does Issam.

    And going by the testimonies of people who have had direct or indirect contacts with him, it can be safely said that the man has enthroned himself in the hearts of many people and exhibits the ideals he espouses very religiously. Indeed, it is on account of his kind gestures that many people call him a man of the people.

    Owing to his goodness and feelings for others, Issam, who has been in the saddle as the company’s CEO for close to two decades, has used his influence to grow it to an enviable height and impart positively on the fortunes of the workers.

    In fact, a major lesson to be learnt from Issam’s life of humility is that success is not about one’s acquisitions but about one’s ability to positively impact on fellow man and his environment.

    Each time a list of his achievements is brought to fore, Issam never fails to mention or give credit Assad Khalil and his lovely wife Latife Zard of the Zard Dynasty, who by a dint of hard work and perseverance, planted the seed that has since grown into a shrub. The couple had sailed from Lebanon to Nigeria in the 1920s and started a cocoa business on arrival. Today, the business that began in Ibadan and Ile-Ife has grown into a colossus under a group of companies known as Zard Holdings.

    Due mainly to Issam’s resilience, Kopek Construction Limited is now a household name in the construction of quality and durable roads in Nigeria since 1984.

    In a recent chat, Issam spoke on a number of issues, especially his success story and why the company has refused to compromise on standard despite the current economic challenges globally.

    He said: “Well, let me tell you, Kopek Construction Company Limited is part of Zard Group of Companies. You know, that family has been in the country for long, and they considered themselves indigenes of Ibadan since they came into the city in 1920; that is about a century ago.

    “They have businesses in many fields and construction is one of them. Kopek was established in 1988, which is now 33 years plus. We are known for transparency as serious contractors doing jobs diligently as all our contracts have shown in the South-West and the country in general.

    “We can say that this is our home. So, we do the best for Oyo State and any other place in this country.

    “Talking about the financial situation, definitely, it has not been easy for everybody. We have been struggling just like every other company and every other Nigerian. Everybody is feeling the impact of COVID-19 and the financial constraints.

    “God has been on our side. We work as a family with our workers, we understand one another, and we know how we rob minds to find the way to move forward without compromising quality through this difficult phase in the life of this nation.

    “Well, like I said, we in Kopek Construction Company Limited, we work as a family. That is, we always consider ourselves as one. We belong to Kopek family and we aimed for the best, for the company and we look for same direction to achieve the best.

    “As for the host communities where we carry out our jobs, we work hand in hand with them and we listen to them to know their needs and their plight. And we try to be helpful, to assist them where the need arises, because we always bear in mind that when a road is being opened, it is for the welfare of the citizens.

    “So, definitely we have to collaborate with them to see what is best for them. They have been of assistance to us too. That is why we are able to make progress in our work in all these years.

    “As we all know, all these crises are being felt by everybody in the country. The most important thing is that we are part of this country; we don’t have any other place to go.

    “We live here. We live with the difficulties. We collaborate with our workers and clients for the progress of the company, and we are always doing things diligently, keeping our name and integrity intact all these years.”

  • ACE BROADCASTER SONI IRABOR @ 70: How I survived life-threatening stroke

    ACE BROADCASTER SONI IRABOR @ 70: How I survived life-threatening stroke

    Watching ace radio broadcaster, Soni Irabor, take the steps one after the other, as he went upstairs his Soni Irabor Institute of Media and Communications in Lekki, Lagos, gently and with the aid of the railing, this reporter, who worked with the Irabors for years until just over a decade ago, couldn’t but notice the difference. In the past, he would have taken those steps two at a time, maybe three. So this reporter couldn’t help but chip in, ‘The 70 is showing’, to which he replied: “Oh, I had stroke, you didn’t know? I’m just grateful the thing left me alive, hale and hearty.”
    That little conversation set the tone for this interview, conceived to celebrate a man who has been adjudged by many as one of the First Eleven of the Nigerian broadcast industry at 70. A man who has seen it all in his career path; from his days at Radio Nigeria, to Ruyi Communications, his broadcast production/PR/advert outfit, to his lively Soni Irabor Live on AIT, which now runs on Inspiration FM Radio, where he was also CEO until recently; a man who ostensibly felt incomplete until he birthed his Soni Irabor Institute of Media and Communications, to impart knowledge and ensure that the light of his beloved profession does not dim; a man who is so good that a jingle he produced almost 30 years ago, along with several other programmes he conceived and created back then before retiring over a decade ago, still runs. Interview by GBOYEGA ALAKA.

    Tell us about this stroke and how you survived it. The story is very strange. It was very early in the morning, and they were washing the floor at home. I came out to give the car key to the driver, and the moment I stepped into the kitchen from upstairs, I started gliding like Tom and Jerry (laughs). I’ll never forget that day. And I was busy swaying my hands for balance, so as not to fall or collide with anything; and I managed to navigate my way through the door, and then straight out to the four steps at the kitchen entrance, and I literally flew in the air until I landed, hitting the edge of the step with my back.  And then I got up, with the lady cleaning the floor and the driver, profusely telling me ‘sorry sir, sorry sir,’ and went about my normal day’s schedule. Later, I called to tell the doctor and he asked what I did immediately after. I told him I got up and went about my business. And he said I should not have got up. I said how would I know? This was late August, 2020.

    He asked, ‘Did you hit your head,’ I said ‘No’. He said are you sure? I said, ‘Yes’. Then he said, ‘Okay, go and do MRI.’ All this while, I was still feeling normal. Thereafter, I sort of took things easy, but I still felt nothing. And then in the evening when I was watching TV, I started having this strange sensation. And then my wife said my shoulder was drooping, but I told her, ‘I’m okay, because I could still use the hands. I said, ‘but I’m feeling funny.’ She then said, shouldn’t you go and see the doctor?

    But this was already late in the night. We called, and the doctor said, ‘come right away’. So we got in the car: me, my wife, Betty, my daughter, Sonia and my son, Ruyi. I must say they’ve all been wonderful. The doctor said, shake my hand, I did; and he said, ‘Oh, what a grip. You’re okay. But if you feel worse in the morning, go to Mecure, do an MRI.’ In the morning, I was no longer feeling the best. I was sort of limping, although the hand had not collapsed. So we went to Mecure, the whole of my family again, very early in the morning. There, I waited five hours.

    Five long hours? How so?

    I was the sixth person, but they said one MRI took like 20minutes. Add that to the usual human rigmarole and all that. Eventually it got to my turn at past noon. And then the machine was such a noisy one. We did it, and I came out in one piece. But by the time I came out, I was no longer feeling my right hand well. The scan result was sent to the doctor and the following day, when we went to see him, he said there was a tiny sign of an evolving stroke, but that it was nothing serious and nothing to be worried about. And then he immediately sent me into admission. I was there for almost two weeks.

    Can we say that you recovered well because you got the best of treatments?

    Yes of course. Dr Seyi Roberts is a very good neurologist. And St Nicholas paid attention to me as if I was some minister or president. They were really good, and that sort of kept me on my feet.

    Baring this new information, my first line of question was going to be that you look so young at 70. What have been the secrets?

    I’ve just been myself. I love what I do, and I’ve had a good family. They’ve been very loving and dotting. And all of the people around me; even you. You were once with us. If you have anything against me, please say it now (laughs).

    You also have this charm and a smile that doesn’t go away. Your smile captivates even men. Did they teach you that in broadcasting school or you’ve had it from childhood?

    Really? I don’t know why I haven’t had so many girlfriends, but as for men, no interest (Laughs). But on a serious note, I just thank God.  I’m a kind of happy-go-lucky person. I come from a very good family, right up to my siblings. We have our differences, but we get on very well. My father, when he was alive, was a great polygamist; and he loved to have all his children around him. And none was more important than the other. As for the smile, I think it came from God. My mother used to say I came out smiling. And I saw that with my children too; my daughter, Sonia, especially came out smiling.

    You have also retained almost the same face and look since you were in your 50s. How does a 70-year-old retain a 50-year-old’s face?

    I don’t know whether I retain the same face but I just know that you worry, you die; you don’t worry, you die. I got that from my old friend, Chief Mike Inegbese. It doesn’t mean I don’t worry, but I shouldn’t carry it on my face.

    You were one of the First Eleven of Radio Nigeria back then, if I can call it that. You’re blessed with this fantastic voice that resonates. I think it was Funke Treasure who posted that a certain jingle you produced still runs almost 30 years after. Tell us of your adventure into the radio.

    It was more of accidental. I had friends from Radio Nigeria, like Jones Usen, Irea Enakhmion and Patrick Oke, who used to come to a joint called Sharp Corner around Alagbon Close, Ikoyi to eat. Then I was a Social worker with the Nigerian Prisons Service. Forgive me but I won’t be giving you too many details here because I’m writing my book. Anyway, I joined Radio Nigeria through my connection with these friends. They would eat, drink and then we would chat. I would also leave my office and go with them to Radio Nigeria, because we just took to one another. Irea, who was a very powerful producer with Radio Nigeria then, met his wife during those visits. I took part in bits and pieces of some of the dramas he produced. These exciting people got me very interested in the radio and I found myself pushing towards the radio. In 1974, I was doing a programme with Patrick Oke as the narrator, and they all kept telling me my voice was good. One pretty lady called Boma Kalaiwo was very particular; she was a producer at the time. So I went for an audition and passed. I now met the big names I used to hear only on radio, like Bode Alalade, Martins Okoh, Mike Enahoro…; names that conjured some kind of reverence. And to think that I was to become one of them… Osanobua! (laughs deliriously).

    And then you suddenly transcended to television.

    TV didn’t come suddenly. That was a development over time. I got into radio in 1976 and I went for training at the Radio Nigeria Training School in 1977. I got my first award in 1979. The training was in partnership with the BBC. They used to come in, but because we had broadcasters who were more oyinbos that the oyinbos, we didn’t need too many of them coming in. These were guys who spoke perfect English English, not American English o. It was something we looked forward to. We heard people like John Wayne. They got us loaded and waiting for action.  Unlike what obtains now, however, back then, you didn’t finish training and go straight to the microphone. I was trained and three months after, I was still observing; and the hunger to go on air was so much. Jones, I recall was my best teacher, even though he pushed me into the deep end. While others were cautious, he was an adventurer.  He made me understand the importance of being a broadcaster. In our case, we were not just broadcasters; we were announcers, presenters. Those days, we used to announce the programmes, announced time checks….

    You seem to have an aversion to the coinage AOP (On Air Personality); how best would you then describe yourself?

    I’m a presenter. I’m a broadcaster because I produce programmes, I created programmes. I created Radio Link in 1987; it’s still running on Radio Nigeria till date. I created Soni Irabor Live, the TV version of it; it’s still running, though on radio (Inspiration FM).

    Soni Irabor Live is now on radio?

    Well, that started with AIT. It was Raymond Dokpesi’s idea, when he was recruiting for AIT, which was taking off then. He kept saying, ‘Soni, you cannot just have Radio Link; come and have Soni Irabor Live. Didn’t you say Larry King once hosted you?’ Indeed Larry King hosted me in 1987 and I learnt a lot from him. I encountered him and he interviewed me alongside the then retired National Security Adviser to President Jimmy Carter. And King made me feel like one very important man from out of Africa.

    Tell us about this training school; I guess it’s a lifelong ambition come through.

    This place is called Soni Irabor Institute of Media and Communications. It also houses Ruyi Communications. Ruyi Communications by the way, started as a broadcast production company. It’s also into Media Relations, advertising and PR. Back then at Radio Nigeria, I got into training almost by default. Theresa Nyong was the one in charge of training at Radio Nigeria Training School, but in 1981, she just got up and left for Belgium with her fiancé. There was a void, and Stella Nwanne said to me, ‘Oya Soni, go and take over training.’ So, I was now doing everything together- training, reading news, presenting programmes; and then of course I was going to Lintas and co, doing voice-overs. My hands were full, but I was enjoying every bit of it. I got the likes of John Momoh, Bisi Olatilo, Andrew Sefa and many others.

    Were these names helping you with the training?

    No, I was training them. Probably there was ten years between me and some of them.

    Really? Looking at the heights some of these people you mentioned have attained, one may even think they were your contemporaries.

    We were contemporaries, because we were literally doing everything together, side by side. There was really no break in transmission, as we used say. They would finish in the class and go to the studio and do their work. We used to tell the two Stellas – Stella Bassey and Stella Awani, that why should we be in training and still go and do our normal work? And they’d say it’s learning on the job (smiles).

    So, that whole background sowed the seed for this media school?

    Literally. I’ve had the likes of Bisi Olatilo here, the late Sadiq Daba, Funke Treasure Durodola, Boma Kalaiwo, Emeka Mba, my former lecturer at the University of Lagos now based in the US, Prof Olu Fadeyibi. He gave about three or four lectures here. I even got IK Osakioduwa, the famous MC and Frank Edoho of the Who wants to be a Millionaire? fame, to talk to our trainees.  This place has been running since December 2016.

    Those are great reservoir of knowledge and inspiration actually. Do you feel fulfilled running a communications school?

    I’m always very happy seeing our trainees; but when the pandemic came, everything slowed down. In fact, just before the pandemic, I was a bit confused as to whether I should continue. And then I got Lagos State to give me some work to turn around Lagos Television. I even took some twenty of their staff to CNN for two weeks training. So it’s been a fulfilling thing for me. It’s an adventure, and as with adventures, sometimes it can be positive, sometimes it can be negative. In my case, I want to thank God that it has been more positive than negative. And we’ve had our trainees work in remarkable places. We’re even organising one as we speak for a very top corporate organisation – I don’t know if they would want their name mentioned. It is starting first week of April. And we’re talking of top executives. We’ve done for the Dangote Group as well. For the radio and TV stations, it’s a regular.

    You also had this stint at Inspiration FM Radio.

    Stint? I’m still there. We started it. I was CEO from 2011 to 2015. Then I retired. But I still do my Soni Irabor Live every week. I also I go in when I’m needed. Otherwise, I’m a retiree.

    You were also in politics briefly, as Edo State Commissioner for Information under former Governor, Lucky Igbinedion.  Some other people would have used that opportunity to entrench themselves in politics.

    Actually, it was a beautiful experience but it just so happened that it was difficult for me to put all my energy into politics. When I saw what was happening, it was not that easy for me to extricate myself and go straight into politics. More-so when the governor of the state was doing his best to meet everybody’s expectations, which was not easy. There are some things I may not be able to go into, but going into the 18 local governments in Edo State and dealing with the youths especially, I found some reasons to worry. It occurred to me that if politics got out of hand, Nigeria would scatter.

    How do you mean?

    I mean the youths were always sidelined. What if they get angry?

    Like it happened in the EndSARS riots?

    Well. When you promise the youths and they vote for you and you don’t fulfill the promise. What do you think will happen? Babangida was fighting youths in those days; and there are reasons to believe, I can’t prove it though, that cultism started at about that time. And then there were so much debts. Teachers were not paid, civil servants were not paid; strikes all over the place; and the governor was always striving to see whether he could get enough. If he got some money, it may go this far and not go that far. Because it was not always enough to go round.

    You saw politics and governance at close range.

    Yes, and I found out that those politicians; those governors were fighting a battle that they often couldn’t win. They were dealing with people who were eating from here and eating from there. People who were never truthful to them. In fact when I said I was leaving, the governor just announced my resignation.

    We could say that you were not cut out for politics. You are a broadcast journalist and that is it.

    Is anybody cut out for politics? There are just those who took advantage of political loopholes.  It doesn’t mean they are politicians. It doesn’t mean they are cut out for politics. They are the people wrecking the country today. If you were cut out for politics, then you should understand bureaucracy in positive terms; you should understand the rule of law; you should understand civic responsibility and fundamental human rights. If you are a man who is in charge and you can’t obey the rule of law, where is the politician in you?

    You combine so many things. How do you get the energy to do all these things?

    Yes, because they make me happy. They haven’t taken too much out of me or dealt with me in a manner that would exhaust me.