The Nation Newspaper

Category: Saturday Magazine

  • CYNTHIA UMEZULIKE : My skills harnessed under my father’s tutelage

    CYNTHIA UMEZULIKE : My skills harnessed under my father’s tutelage

    Cynthia Chisom Umezulike is a London-based International Human Rights Lawyer, a third sector Head of Racial Equality, Diversity and Inclusion, Constitutional and Administrative Law lecturer at the University of London and founder of Sustain X, an eco-sustainable retail brand.

    A proficient writer with several published articles and soon to be published fictional short novel ‘Mother Buried Me Alive’, a self-help book ’10 Hacks for Self-Empowerment and socio-legal text ‘Redrawing the Values of Liberal Feminism in the Modern Age”.

    To her credit, she holds a first degree in law from the Igbinedion University Nigeria, a Master’s degree in International Human Rights Law from the Queen Mary University of London, another Master’s degree in International Law and Criminal Justice from the University of East London and a Ph.D in International Human Rights Law from Birkbeck, University of London.

    In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, Cynthia who is also the daughter of the longest serving Chief Judge in South Eastern Nigeria, Late Justice, Innocent Azubike  Umezulike takes you into her world.

     

    Tell us about your experience as a Human Rights and Racial Equality lawyer?

    I work in an in-house and non-litigation capacity in the UK, developing, sustaining, and advising on human rights and racial equality policies and strategies required to fulfill  third sector organisations’ value-driven goals. I manage human rights impacts, conduct evidence-driven research, and offer rights-based advisory and technical support in fulfilling established human rights and equality priorities and agendas. I  also provide expertise in human rights data collation, monitoring, analysing and comprehensively reporting on mechanisms that impede the rights-based value-driven goals of organisations. In delivering crucial technical advice and direction, I provide resolutions on thematic human rights issues, manage complex projects, and advance organisations’ strategic positioning to mitigate human rights corporate risks and embed human rights policies and structures to drive systemic and cultural change. In this role, I actively lead research on diversity and equality issues – translating the Equality Act 2010 and anti-discriminatory legislation to ensure that the organisations meet statutory requirements in promoting racial equality, diversity and best practice.

    What are some of the achievements as Head of Human Rights and Equality?

    I effectively managed and implemented grassroots racial equality, diversity and inclusion strategies and programs to address systemic discrimination, unconscious bias and prejudice within the organisation. I have successfully utilised the theory of change approach in implementing a comprehensive human rights strategy and structure, which strengthened the organisation’s internal and external social performance and social responsibility. Instrumental in developing priority policy strategies for right-based action and effectively assessed indicators, actors, mechanisms and practices that impede the advancement of human

    rights. I ensured the fulfillment of human rights due diligence processes and kept abreast with evolving regulatory standards during project commitments and field presence in various assignments. In this role, I oversaw the organisation’s compliance and alignment with international human rights standards in policy implementation, including providing an in-depth analysis of mechanisms for monitoring core international human rights treaties. Created online indicators to monitor the performance of the recommended changes in the political and legal structure and were instrumental in identifying and developing new networks and partnerships, which capitalised on collective action to drive long term change. High impact success is always evident as activists and stakeholders can independently set up their own human rights and equality agenda using the new policy standards creatively and productively to fit into a broader framework.

    You produce eco-friendly and sustainable clothing and products. What inspired this venture?

    My company SUSTAIN X is a London based retail brand focused on producing sustainable organic clothes, eco-conscious detox and wellness products, ethically compliant home goods. clean beauty cosmetics and digital book library. We provide sustainable and eco-friendly alternatives to the current synthetic plastics and preservatives used in the beauty, garment, and fashion industries. The ethos of Sustain X is in line with the United Nations 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development. Goal 6 of the UN 2030 agenda which encourages companies to adopt sustainable practices and implement environmentally friendly production cycles. We, therefore, juxtapose producing sustainable, ethical compliant fashion pieces and products with human rights in fashion activism – providing an environment that effortlessly upholds human rights standards, biodiversity, ecological integrity and social justice in practice. We ensure our products are environmentally friendly and therefore reduce waste and harm to the environment.

     

    Cynthia Chisom Umezulike
    Cynthia Chisom Umezulike

     

     

    You are a young lady thriving in academia, law and fashion; how do you balance and address perceptions?

    I have always slithered in and out of the fashion industry; however, fulfilling all academic requirements and building an excellent legal résumé always took precedence. Recently, I realised that it is acceptable to officially work in one sector and still have a deep appreciation and connection to a contrasting industry. There are no rules for cross-sector engagement. I had struggled with public perceptions of why a law lecturer and human rights lawyer should have a vested interest in the fashion industry. The idea that women in law or academia – the

    so-called “serious-minded” professions should plain Jane their appearance to appear more serious is medieval and archaic. Having a double masters degree, a doctorate degree in law, working in human rights and academia, managing a small business, and two thriving NGO’s should lend to my credibility and competence, not the fabric of my clothes and the colour of my lips. I refuse to downplay my elegance, beauty, and love for fashion to fit into society’s myopic expectations and mindset. I am not my job. We have this unique gift of life and should explore every passion without morbid limitations or fear of career disenfranchisement. I am, therefore, always super ecstatic to step away from my daily legal and academic schedule to absorb all the magnificence, creativity and talent of fantastic fashion designers and curators that make me feel vibrant and alive. It is also very inspiring to see that activism has become an integral part of the fashion industry, and I can consciously advocate for rights-based ethical policies, equality, diversity, inclusion, and sustainability.

    What are some of the other things that occupy your time?

    I painstakingly devote my spare time to human rights activism through the two thriving not-for-profit organisations I founded. The Human Rights in Fashion Centre provides resources and support for activism, advocacy and rights-based initiatives in advancing human rights, ethical policies, inclusivity, diversity, and sustainability in the fashion and garment industry. The centre provides a diverse and inclusive workspace for fashion industry activists to engage and collaborate on impactful projects by providing a safe space for activism rallies, dialogues, and strategic meetings for calls to action on human rights violations in the fashion industry. We hire out conference rooms, discussions rooms and workspaces, including photography, film and art studio, and podcast studios for recording advocacy and rights-based podcasts. CRA Journal advances children’s socio-economic and cultural rights through digital activism, history, art, and law. I co-chair the Hon Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation, Law Library and Legal Research Centre and partner at Umezulike&Umezulike Law Firm in Nigeria. The Hon. Justice Innocent Umezulike Foundation, Law Library and Legal Research Centre provides access to quality legal research facilities, educational grants and implements sustainable charitable initiatives.

    What would you consider the turning point in your life, and what have you learnt?

    The death of my father was significantly a defining moment. The sequence of events that culminated in his death was so sudden and unreal that I had no time to grieve. Immediately I was thrown into a verve of pejorative human chaos, including shouldering enormous responsibilities and making hard-hitting and sometimes precipitous decisions. I always said, “I was not raised to hustle”, so at first, it was a tough place to be mentally, physically and emotionally, but I had to wear my big-girl pants and develop an action plan. I now embrace the hustle and enjoy working two great jobs and running a small business. In working hard to provide sustenance to everyone that depends on me, I have become a confident, content and self-assured woman. I have learnt that financial stability provides options and dignity of choice. Every forward-thinking woman and feminist must ensure no negative impact or change in their quality of life, regardless of the presence or absence of third aid.

    Tell us about your life working in the UK?

    Working in the UK is challenging, but it can be incentively satisfying with the proper formal education and experience. It is fulfilling to work in a country where my skills, competence and expertise are valued and valuable. The system also provides paid leaves, higher average salaries and incomparable social security benefits.

    What advice do you have for young people who want to enter the human rights sector?

    Building a career in human rights requires developing the prerequisite skills and gaining experience. It is crucial to acquire formal education, be well informed and passionate about thematic human rights issues, and progressively think critically about developing and implementing human rights. Also, actively prepare for impact by gaining grassroots experience through volunteering and internships in human rights or inter-development organisations. Learn and build NGO management skills in conducting high impact research, grants writing, fundraising, communications and digital activism.

  • KAYODE AJULO: ‘I manage the rich to defend the poor’

    KAYODE AJULO: ‘I manage the rich to defend the poor’

    DR. Kayode Ajulo, a Constitutional lawyer, human rights advocate, is the Founder/Managing Partner of Castle of Law, an upscale law firm with offices in Nigeria and other countries. A onetime National Secretary of the Labour Party, Ajulo began his law career as a Federal Attorney/State Counsel at the Office of Attorney General of the Federation about 20 years ago. He also served as Counsel at the Law Office of Afe Babalola, Abuja and was equally Head of Chambers of Tunji Abayomi & Co, also in Abuja. In this interview with FUNKE COLE, the University of Jos trained Attorney from Ondo State who is also the Founder/Initiator of the Egalitarian Mission of Africa, a non-profit, non-governmental organisation speaks on his management style, career trajectory as well as pastime. Excerpts:

    When does your typical day begin?

    My day usually commences by 5am and after saying my morning prayers, I proceed to do my morning exercise, basically brisk walking, in order to keep fit and therefore do some golf practice at the lakeside not far from my residence. I reserve the main golfing to the golf courses at IBB and Buratai Golf Club among other places.  On a less busy day, I resume office work at about 10am. On a busier day, you will definitely find me behind my desk at about 9am in the morning.

    What is your management style? 

    My management style is to scout for hire, good raw talents, train and trust them to deliver on the job and I try to understand individual strengths and weaknesses.

    What is your management philosophy?

    My management philosophy is to create the right environment for my team and give credit to them when they deserve it.

    Do you delegate responsibility or micromanage people?

    I always give room for everybody to learn and as the adage goes, a tradition that is not passed down will perish. I try to show my workers how it is being done, I allow then room to work on a project as well as assignment and I then supervise it. Above all, I imbibe in them the ethics of the profession and how to be indispensable.

    Are you a team player?

    Sure I am. My learning experience with being a team player started way back in my elementary school days when I joined the Boy’s Scout. And I could remember that when I was a member of the Young Pioneer Movement by Bola Ige, we were instilled with the need to succeed as a team!

    What are your other areas of interest besides business?

    Beside my business, my areas of interest include: human right activism, lecturing, charity. I think I must distinguish between philanthropy and charity. People believe you have to be wealthy to be a philanthropist. However, you may be reeking in wealth and yet not involve in charity. Give the little you have to better the lives of others and without money, you can still solve problems.

    How do you unwind?

    I am always a busy person, however anytime I get to unwind, I listen to the great and classic hymns via a piano. Music is therapeutic and inspiring. I’m an Anglican and hymns’ being played by acoustic stringed musical instruments is it for me to unwind. The feeling is indescribable that’s why I have grand pianos in my offices and homes.

    What was the last book you read and when?

    Before I used to count the number of books I have read. However, it is instructive to note that the COVID-19 pandemic came with both good omen and bad omen. Good omen in the sense that same has exposed the world to a new world of learning and the lockdown period has being a learning experience for me. Now I count the number of Massive Open Online Courses (MOOC) I take. I have taken over 30 both verified MOOCs and a lot of unverified courses from prestigious universities including Imperial College, Harvard University, Oxford University, Cambridge and a lot more on the EDX online platform.

    What is your choice holiday destination?

    I have traversed some great places in the world; from Europe, America to Asia, some parts of Africa. However, the place where I feel at home is in the United Kingdom. This I think may have to do with my progression, their customs and legal system always fascinate me, though, the United Kingdom has no written Constitution, yet the culture and the ambience that pervades the United Kingdom is pacifying. In addition to that, whenever I am in the United Kingdom I utilise the opportunity to do some research, and visit their endless monumental places and engage in arbitration proceedings.

    What motivates you?

    What motivates me is the need to always be available to solve people’s problem when confronted with same.

    What makes you tick?

    What makes me tick is knowledge, diligence and the need to exude perfection in whatever I do and these qualities have given me the privilege to have working relationships with many, both high and mighty as well as the not privileged. I took the pride sometimes ago when one of your colleagues described me as someone “who manages the rich and defends the poor.”

    What is you sense of style?

    I make sure I am confident regardless of the situation and I exude energy to make sure I am on top of my game.

    How do you maintain your looks?

    I exercise to keep fit and I try to dress well. And I have always developed a style that distinguishes me from the crowd.

    How do you motivate your staff?

    I motivate my staff by commending a job well done and encourage them to give their best to every task given to them.

    Do you apply stick and carrot approach?

    I prefer the carrot approach. I try to ensure a relaxed working environment for my staff in order to allow them bring their best to the table. I have never sacked any of my employees. I would rather suspend them that’s where being indispensable comes in. I also ensure to keep a cordial relationship with every person I ever work with. I don’t burn the bridges with any of my former employees or colleagues. You know, devil can be dined with provided there’s a long spoon.

    What is the best decision you have taken thus far?

    I have had a lot of best decisions in life. One among others that stands out for me was opening my law office when I did. I am glad I took the bold step to open a law firm at the time I did. It’s somewhat a leap of faith which I never regretted.

    What is the worse decision you have taken in your working career?

    I never had a worse decision in my working career regardless of the choice of clients, employers, employees and steps taken. I, at one point tried to be a Senator, but that didn’t work out. For me, whatever seems to be a bad decision is to me only a learning experience. I believe life is a rollercoaster.

    How did your background and growing up influenced who you are today?

    I was raised by a family of booksellers. Growing up, my toys were the books in the bookstore and that afforded me the opportunity to learn a lot about different areas of life. Similarly, my mum was an entrepreneur. These two shaped my life both as an academic and an entrepreneur.

    Do you cook?

    I enjoy cooking and my culinary skills are superb (smiles).

    Do you do the dishes after eating?

    Well, occasionally, I do the dishes. I can vividly remember that during the lockdown, I frequently did the dishes after eating in the morning to while away time. Doing the dishes is not a chore for me.

    What is your favourite Nigerian dishes?

    Hot Amala with Jollof Okro soup or Fisherman soup.

    What lesson has life taught you?

    Life has taught me that whatever the mind can conceive, with persistency and the right attitude, it can achieve it!

    What are your hobbies?

    I enjoy writing, reading, critical thinking and playing golf.

    What is your definition of success, career-wise?

    Success in the legal profession is quite relative. To be called to Bar alone is a success and I’m yet to see an unsuccessful lawyer. Well to me, success for me as a lawyer is to be able to solve other peoples’ problem and to be remembered for amiable feats in the profession.

  • 10 Romantic Ways To Celebrate The Wedding Anniversary 

    10 Romantic Ways To Celebrate The Wedding Anniversary 

    When it comes to celebrating your wedding anniversary you want to make sure that the day is special. This means that you are required to put in some thought to the day to make sure that firstly, you have something planned and secondly, the day is as romantic as possible. If you are unsure where to start, don’t worry, we’re here to help. Here are 10 romantic ways to celebrate the wedding anniversary.

    Weekend Getaway

    Nothing says romance quite like being whisked away on a weekend break. The beauty about these is that you can stay within your own country of jet off to a city break somewhere else. You don’t have to go for a week, simply go away on the Friday night and come back on the Sunday. You’ll both feel revitalised for a break away together. This is the perfect anniversary gift!

    A Special Meal

    If your significant other has a favourite meal that they enjoy, why not try and cook it together. There’s something fun about getting into the kitchen and working through a recipe. Not only can you have fun, but you’ll also both end up eating something that you created.

    Relax At A Spa

    Nothing says romance and relaxation quite like a spa! Why not treat yourselves to a spa break? You can opt for more treatments to really make the day extra special. From massages to flotation wraps, you want to come away feeling refreshed and relaxed together.

    Picnic In The Park

    If you are short on time and money, then one way you can get round this is a lovely picnic in the park. You can get all your favourite snacks, from chocolate, sandwiches to champagne and Strawberry’s. You can while away the hours in the sun and make the most of each other.

    Find A Botanical Garden

    If the weather is nice and going away just isn’t an option due to work schedules, why not find a beautiful botanical garden. There are plenty of them to choose from and you can make a day of it. Botanical gardens are full of sensory options you can explore together. You can walk, talk, and grab coffee.

    Rewrite Your Vows

    When you got married, chances are you wrote and read wedding vows. Why not spend an evening revisiting these? You don’t just have to read them together, why not rewrite them? If you’ve been married for a long time, then it may be time to update them to vows that reflect how long you’ve been together and how much you’ve been through over the years. Not only will it bring back memories of your special day, but it’ll also work towards goals together.

    Order Gifts To Be Delivered On the Day

    Anniversary’s require special gifts; you don’t need to get ones that relate to the traditional items though. If you aren’t able to spend the day together for whatever reason, then why not order a special gift to be delivered on the morning of the anniversary? This could be anything from flowers to jewellery! This way, when your other half opens the door, they’ll be surprised and happy that you took the time to remember.

    Go Out for A Meal

    If you went out for a meal on your first date, why not go to the same restaurant? It may well not be your favourite one, but the fact that this is where you connected could make the night extra special. You can talk through old memories and laugh about how young you were when you first met.

    Recreate Your First Dance

    When you did your first dance, chances are you were filled with nerves when other people were watching you. This time, make it about just you two. Put the music on and dance around your living room and kitchen and just enjoy one another. Dancing is a great way to connect and by retracing your steps you are making it extra special, filled with love and laughs.

    Use Your Wedding Gifts!

    Chances are you were given a lot of special gifts on your wedding day, and we would bet that you actually haven’t used the special gifts. If you were given lovely glass wear and table wear why not get it out and make the most of it? You don’t need to use to everyday, just make sure that you do get round to using it!

    Wrap Up

    When it comes to wedding anniversaries you don’t need to spend the earth to make the day extra special. It is the small gestures that make a world of difference and can really make the day romantic. Whether it is a weekend break or rewriting your vows together, you can cement your relationship further and look forward to a future together.

  • 14 erroneous beliefs about love

    14 erroneous beliefs about love

    By Ekaete Bassey

    Love is one of the world’s most misunderstood concept. It’s not quite like they make it seem in the movies, but real love is often better than you might have imagined.

    From the idea of love at first sight to a perfect soulmate, here are 14 myths about love that you’ve probably bought into that are totally erroneous.

    LOVE WILL MAKE YOU HAPPY

    Love is often represented as the ultimate happy ending, but that’s not necessarily correct. It isn’t a fix-all cure.

    If you’re unhappy before you find love, you won’t suddenly be a different, happier person after you’ve found it.

    The best relationships can definitely enhance our lives, but they can’t make us happy all on their own.

    IT’S EASY ALL THE TIME

    When a relationship is hard all the time, you know that it’s not right for you. But that doesn’t mean healthy love is always easy.

    When two people come together and connect, difficulties will always arise. No matter how amazing your love is, it will get hard sometimes.

    LOVE AT FIRST SIGHT IS A THING

    Sorry, but love at first sight is not a thing. After all, love involves trusting someone and committing to them. So, how can you get that from just looking at someone?

    The good news is lust at first sight is definitely a thing, and that pretty much feels the same anyway or better put, is usually mistaken for love.

    YOUR SOULMATE WILL BE PERFECT

    Maybe the one is out there for you. While some of us have a few soulmates or feel like we have none at all, others find that one person they believe was meant for them.

    But even if you find that person, they will have flaws.

    Forget about finding the perfect soulmate because, they don’t exist any more than love at first sight.

    YOU’LL BE HAPPIEST WHEN YOU ATTRACT YOUR OPPOSITE

    They say that opposites attract. And although that’s true in some situations, don’t believe that you’ll automatically have the best relationship with someone who’s the complete opposite to you.

    In fact, if someone has different values and fundamental beliefs from you, it’s actually very difficult to have a long-lasting relationship with them.

    YOU CAN CHANGE ANYONE IF YOU LOVE THEM ENOUGH

    Fairytales would have us believe that anyone can change for love.

    The truth is that, this kind of thinking will leave you trapped in hopeless relationships, waiting for someone not worthy of your time to change.

    Some people can change. But if you’re seeing no signs of it, don’t wait around for it just because of love.

    YOU’LL NEVER ARGUE IN A HEALTHY RELATIONSHIP

    Healthy relationships might be more blissful than toxic ones. But there will still be arguments. All couples fight eventually and it doesn’t mean that they don’t love each other. Disagreeing is normal and healthy, and one of the hurdles you’ll have to overcome.

    LOVE HAS TO LEAD TO MARRIAGE

    Tradition says that love has to lead to marriage, and that marriage is the ultimate declaration of love. But regrettably, marriage isn’t for everyone.

    And while we think of marriage today as an act of love, it’s way beyond that.

    LOVE HAS TO BE DRAMATIC

    Although the relationships in the shows we grew up watching, like “Sex and the City”, “Friends”, and “Gossip Girl” are full of drama, real love doesn’t have to be so dramatic.

    If it were that intense in real life, it would be extremely draining.

    YOU’LL ONLY EVER LOVE ONE PERSON

    Some people do end up only loving and being with one person. But that’s definitely not the way love has to be.

    It’s okay to fall deeply in love with several people throughout your life. It doesn’t mean that the love you feel is not as authentic or meaningful as the love two people share when they’ve never loved anyone else.

    IF YOU’RE IN LOVE, YOU CAN’T BE LONELY

    Ha! In theory, being in a loving relationship should help to ease loneliness. But people who are in love can and do feel lonely for a variety of reasons.

    Love doesn’t stop two people from working in different countries. And it doesn’t stop couples from spending Saturday night alone during a fight.

    Unfortunately, love is not an end to loneliness.

    LOVE IS ONLY FOR THE YOUNG

    Again, some people think of love as being an experience for the young only.

    In popular culture, most of the stories we consume about love feature young characters. But in reality, love is for people of all ages.

    You’re never too old to fall in love.

    LOVE IS ALL THAT MATTERS

    In other words, love is enough. This falsehood is another belief that will keep you trapped in the wrong relationship.

    Loving someone isn’t a good enough reason to stay with them if you have every other reason to leave.

    Trust, commitment, loyalty, vulnerability, safety, and happiness all play a part. They all matter too.

    FALLING IN LOVE COMPLETES YOU

    Nah! Falling in love is a wonderful feeling that can definitely enhance your life. But if there’s a void inside you, it won’t magically disappear when you start loving someone.

    Just as it won’t fix an unhappy person’s problems and make them happy. Love won’t complete someone who is lost and trying to find their purpose in life.

    Love is a powerful part of life, but it’s still just a part and not the whole.

  • Herdsmen are exploiting our gold deposits – Olowo of Owo

    Herdsmen are exploiting our gold deposits – Olowo of Owo

    As he prepares to mark his 55th birthday anniversary on Tuesday, the Olowo of Owo, Oba Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye III, shares his life story with TAIWO ABIODUN.

    How do you plan to celebrate your 55th birthday?

    It will be just like any other day. I will be with my family and a few friends to celebrate it. I will ruminate over my life and thank God for the journey so far.

    How would you recall your early life?

    I came into this world on July 6, 1966. I was two years old when my father, Oba Adekola Ogunoye II, ascended the throne in 1968. I started my primary school at Government Primary School, Owo. I had a little stint at the Government Primary School Owo. I later lived with my late sister who was an engineer, Princess Bolaji Ogunoye, who was working in the Ministry of Works in Akure, where she enrolled me at Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Akure shortly after FESTAC ’77.

    But things changed when my late sister was on leave and went to Lagos, so I had to return to Owo. Ondo State was then newly created and the Federal Government distributed luxury buses used to all states after the celebration of FESTAC. Ondo state’s own was then used as a commercial bus plying Akure-Owo, Akure-Ondo. I had to be going to Oke Mapo to board the bus to Akure in the morning to school and would return in the evening in the same bus every day.

    When my sister returned to work and came back from Lagos to Akure, she asked me to come back to Akure. But since I had found new friends in Owo and was subsumed, I told my sister that I was not going and then stayed back. But my sister reported me to my uncle, Monday Fadamitan, who locked me up in his room and flogged the hell out of me. Unfortunately, as fate would have it, my uncle forgot to lock the door when he went to see his visitor off, I then bolted away.

    When I got to the palace and my father saw the scars, he said it was too much and asked me to stay behind. That was how I continued my primary education at Government School, Owo and did not go to Sacred Heart Catholic Primary School in Akure again. I went to secondary school in Owo and then to the university to read some courses. Then I had masters in Public Administration and later capped it with a degree in Law at Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba -Akoko.

    I joined the civil service in Ondo State and rose to the position of Permanent Secretary before I ascended the throne of my forefathers.”

    Were you under any instruction to dethrone any of your chiefs when you were appointed as the Olowo?

    There is no need for all that in order to ensure there is peace in the kingdom. We should all give the town’s development the benefit of the doubt. I believe that everybody cannot support me. Once the greater number of our people is behind me, I should stay focused and face the challenges of leadership. Nobody has advised me to do that (dethrone chiefs), and they knew I would not do that. I cannot find any reason to do that anyway.

    What would say are your achievements so far as the Olowo?

    I have provided the expected leadership and I ensure we have peace. I believe that without peace, the development of the town would be compromised. I want peace in the kingdom. This is a clear departure from the regular experience of the past where there were primordial leanings and divisions. Now the kingdom is united and focused towards development.

    The other achievement is that we have been able to rally round our governor, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, who we see as our great Ambassador. We see him as our pride. The kingdom rallied round him and he succeeded in his second term bid.

    On infrastructure, a lot of our roads are being worked on by the state as new areas are opening up. I can as well put it on record that today I received in audience officers of land and Permanent Secretary of Infrastructure. We had a discussion on the dualisation of Ifesanmi /Mobil to Ikare Junction Road, which will commence any moment from now.

    During my quest to become the Olowo of Owo, I told the youths that there would be employment. Now, some of them are gainfully employed. We encouraged some who are interested in agriculture. The state government also gave them cocoa pods in the cocoa plantation at Jugbere Farm Settlement. Unfortunately, the issue of herdsmen has impacted negatively on the use of these farms.

    How have you dealt with the issue of cultism in your domain?

    A lot of our youths are involved in cultism. We have taken practical steps and a lot of them have renounced their membership. We used the instrumentality of our culture to fight the scourge. Some were made to use the traditional belief system to renounce it, and there are consequences for going back. We have a lot who renounced their continued participation in it. So now, it has gone down drastically.

    Are you bothered by the menace of herdsmen attacks in the Southwest and other parts of the country?

    Our gold deposits in the government reserve in Owo are being exploited by these herdsmen. We have been having discussions. It is the government who can put a stop to it.

    Olowo of Owo

    What informed the chieftaincy titles you have awarded so far as the Olowo?

    It is for those who have contributed immensely to the development of Owo. They deserved to be honoured and we are still doing it; honouring those who contributed to the development of  the town. This is to appreciate the indigenes.

    What is your relationship with the Olagbegi family like?

    We are from the same family. We are cousins. We are from Elewuokun Dynasty; the Olagbegis, Ogunoyes, we are all one. We are cordial and have a healthy relationship.

    Is it true that your late father was a very powerful man?

    Well, that is that. The fact remains that monarchs are powerful. The Olagbegi was also powerful. Any Olowo that rules has always been powerful.

    Your father, Ogunoye II died at very old age. Your mother also died recently at the age of 95. What is the secret of their longevity?

    “The secret of their longevity was because of their love for their people, peace of mind and service to humanity. My late father was interested in giving service to Owo. He was friendly but very tough when the need arose. He was feared and honoured. My mother was loyal and beautiful. He was loyal to her husband. She would do anything to satisfy you. She was a dedicated woman. My desire is to follow in my father’s footsteps, service; ensure development, unity and peace. I believe these are the catalysts to develop the community and love for humanity.

    During the last election, you campaigned publicly for Governor Akeredolu as a traditional ruler. Why?

    Not only that I supported him publicly, we saw the quality that he was made of. He delivered greatly to the people of Owo Kingdom. He is a good ambassador, so why not? It was not only me that supported him but the whole Owo Kingdom, so that he would continue to deliver, and he has  never disappointed us ever since. The good people of Ondo state are enjoying the dividends of democracy. The governor distinguished himself not only to the people of Owo but across the length and breadth of Ondo State.

  • Sacrilege in Nasarawa as twin sisters get pregnant for their mother’s lover

    Sacrilege in Nasarawa as twin sisters get pregnant for their mother’s lover

    By Linus Oota, Lafia

    • They lured me to sleep with them, says errant lover

    • First twin sister: I couldn’t resist his swag

    • Second twin sister: First time was amazing, I demanded another round

    • I can’t be alive to see this shame — Distraught mother

    It all sounds like a scene in Nollywood movie, but it is as real as daylight. Twin sisters had a baby each two months apart for a man their mother was dating and planned to marry after losing her husband in one of the incidents of the farmers/herders crisis that has rocked Nasarawa and other neighbouring states in recent times.

    Thoroughly embarrassed by the ugly spectacle, the distraught mother of the twin sisters, Mrs Alice Ukange, is threatening to take her own life, saying that she cannot be alive to see “the shame” meted out to her by Philomina and Patricia.

    Both Philomina, who was delivered of a baby girl in January, and Patricia, who was delivered of a baby boy in March, insist that they were impregnated by Mr Augustine Angwe, who had been dating their mother, Alice, since she lost her husband, Francis Ukange, after 14 years in marriage.

    The couple were said to have been blessed with the twin sisters about four years after they got married. And with the death of Ukange, Alice resorted to combining farming with petty trading in order to make ends meet.

    With life becoming extremely hard for Alice and her daughters, they relocated to Assakyo, a suburb community in Lafia, Nasarawa State capital, where she started buying raw food items from local farmers and selling same to make some money.

    With this, she was able to send her twins to a public school in Assakyo and the family appeared to have found their feet until a wolf in sheep clothing found its way into their fold.

    The poor mother had met Mr. Angwe, an indigene of Vandeikya Local Government Area, Benue state, in 2017 while the latter was in Nasarawa State to transact his business, which was buying raw food items from the local farmers and taking them to the Southeast to sell at higher prices.

    In the course of doing the same business, Angwe and Alice met in a local market in Obi Local Government Area of Nasarawa State and they struck a relationship which within three months blossomed to the point that Alice relocated from Assakyo to stay with Augustine in Lafia where he had paid for an apartment.

    In no time, Angwe, who had lost his wife and two kids in a fatal accident on Katsina Ala Road in Benue State and was yet to remarry, became a part of the family, rendering finance assistance to Alice’s female twins to meet their basic needs; a development that soon drew the twins very close to him.

    Later, Angwe and Alice began a joint business, buying yams from local farmers in Nasarawa State and transporting them for sales at higher price in Lagos and Port Harcourt. The business flourished with Alice always on the road while Angwe took care of the home front and made arrangements for new stocks.

    Meanwhile, one of the twin sisters, Philomina, had completed her secondary school and secured admission into the College of Education Akwanga to do a Pre-NCE programme while Patricia remained in Lafia for a diploma programme at the Nasarawa State Polytechnic.

    Now a father figure to the twin sisters, Angwe allegedly started enticing them with luxury items and seized the chance to sleep with them at different locations until he got both of them pregnant.

    Lamenting her condition in an interview with our correspondent, Alice said: “The man (Angwe) encouraged me and gave me some money to run this yam business, going from Nasarawa to Port Harcourt and Lagos. So I was always away and he took them as his own children. Little did I think that he could lure them to sleep with him.”

    Alice believes that Angwe might have used a charm on her daughters to get them to sleep with him, saying: “How he was able to start sleeping with them so easily is what I don’t know. At 22 years, my twins are no longer kids. They are fully aware that the man is dating me.”

    •The twin sisters, Philomina (left) and Patricia, with their babies
    •The twin sisters, Philomina (left) and Patricia, with their babies

    “It is unthinkable and unbelievable. He was visiting Philomina in Akwanga and using the opportunity to sleep with her in a hotel. He enticed her with luxury items and bought her a big phone. Back in Lafia, he was also sleeping with Patricia using the same tricks.

    “I was always away on business trips while he stayed behind, looking for local yams to buy. When I noticed that they were both pregnant, they refused to tell me who was responsible for them.

    “Before the untimely death of their father, he had warned them never to do an abortion, saying that any of them who tried to abort a pregnancy would die. The essence of it was to scare them so they would not destroy themselves early.

    “So when the idea of aborting the unwanted pregnancy was mooted, the thought of their late father’s words came and we all became afraid. They also refused to disclose the person that was responsible. So out of anger, I left them alone.

    “Incidentally, Mr Augustine (Angwe) too was asking me to leave them alone, saying that they would make their confessions at their own time. But one month, two months, three months and four months passed without them identifying the person. That was how they carried the pregnancies for nine months and were delivered of babies.” Shocking revelation

    Alice recalled that two months the second of the twin sisters was delivered of her own baby, Angwe woke her up one night and broke to her the news that he was actually responsible for their pregnancies and that the new born babies belonged to him.

    “I broke down in tears and cried for a whole week. I asked him what I had done to deserve this wicked act. It is a shame that my own fiancé is the father of my twins’ babies. How would I explain this shameful development to people?

    “My husband was killed with members of his entire family when herdsmen invaded their village and cleared everybody in the village. We had travelled to Lafia for some medication and were the only surviving people in the family.

    “I met Augustine as a gentle, nice and humble man. He treated me like my late husband. He cared so much about my twins. But he ended up ruining our lives. How can you be sleeping with me and my twin children at the same time?”

    Our correspondent had got hint of the development early last month (June), but getting the parties involved in the matter to speak was a herculean task until he met Alice in Awe Market where she had gone to buy yams and she obliged to speak about it.

    She said: “My name is Alice Ukange. I am a widow. I lost my husband here in Awe during the herdsmen/farmers crisis some years back. I met one Augustine Angwe in the course of my business. One thing led to another and we started dating ourselves.

    “He appeared to be gentle, humble and kind. I was carried away and I allowed my twins to be close to him. He took time and planted evil in my house by impregnating them. “They have now given birth. I allowed it because their father warned them not to do abortion and that they would die if they did.

    “Augustine has finished me. He slept with me, slept with my twins and impregnated them, and they have given birth for him.

    “I am confused and have informed one of my late husband’s relatives and he too is speechless.

    “Going to the police would not solve the problem as the damage has been done already. There is nothing the police can do, more so that Augustine is ever ready to take care of them. But the big question remains how a man would marry twin sisters.”

    In a chat with or correspondent in Lafia, Angwe admitted impregnating the twin sisters, saying that he would have aborted the pregnancies but they insisted on keeping them. He also said the girls in question were the ones who lured him into sleeping with them.

    He said: “I didn’t know that they would get pregnant. But when they did, I wanted them aborted but they refused, saying that their father warned them against it.

    “My brother, these girls were actually the ones who lured me into sleeping with them. They enjoyed it the first time we had it. From what started like a joke, it became a regular thing.

    “I know I have deeply hurt the mother but it has happen and there is nothing anybody can do. That is the work of the devil and I wholeheartedly accepted responsibility so as not to ruin their lives. They can pick up the pieces of their lives and move on after nursing the babies.

    “To avoid the shame, I moved them to Makurdi. I will take care of the little babies. And if their mothers want to go to school after the babies might have walked, they can continue and I will support them. If they don’t want to stay with me, I will take my children while they continue with their lives.

    “I have been begging the mother since I disclosed this information to her that I am responsible for it and I will take care of it, but she is still angry. I know that what I did was wrong. It is a taboo, but it is late to correct it.”

    Our correspondent also travelled from Lafia to Makurdi to meet one of the twin sisters, Philomina, who was seeing nursing her new born baby.

    Philomina said she was in a dilemma, adding that she wished that all that had happened to her never did. She added that both she and her twin sister, Patricia, were in agony.

    She said: “I can’t really explain how I found myself here. I didn’t know that the man was sleeping with my twin sister too. I know that he was dating my mother, but how he got to impregnate me, I don’t know.

    “I think I have made one of the biggest mistakes ever. How did I get here? Augustine (Angwe) is my mum’s lover and I know it quite well. But every time he came visiting me in Akwanga, I just had this feeling. He is very attractive and there is a unique swag about him.

    “I started messing with him in Akwanga. There was a time he came to Akwanga in the evening and decided to see me. My mum had travelled to Port Harcourt on a business trip. He called me to meet him in a beer palour and he was there alone drinking beer.

    “We began to talk and I eased my way over to him. He was resistant at first, but that just made me more excited. I low key seduced him and our affair began. Every time my mum travelled, he would come over and have sex with me.

    “I knew him when he started dating my mother and we were intimate right afterwards. So when I missed my period, it took me some time to disclose to him that he was responsible for it. I didn’t also know how to break the news to my mum

    “Well, the worst has happened. My late father warned me not to do abortion and my child deserves to have a father. She will walk and I will return to school to pick up my life. That is all I have to say.

    “As for getting married to him, she said it is not possible. I will further my education.”

    Our correspondent also visited Gboko where Patricia was also nursing her new born baby boy.

    She said: “The first day I had sex with Augustine, my mother went to Obi Market. It was in the morning. My mum left us at home. She forgot some money and returned to pick it.

    “She almost caught us but I lied about it when she asked what we were doing. She suspected something, but the trust she has in Augustine convinced her.

    “The thing is she got a glimpse of me while I was fixing my clothes up and asked why I got undressed in the morning hours.

    “I told her I was trying out the new outfit I had just bought. In the whole of that time, Augustine was in the bathroom cooling off. She didn’t question me any further. She picked up her money and left.

    “It was amazing. I see why my mum loves Augustine so much. So when she left, I decided we should have a second round, because I enjoyed it, and we continued at every little opportunity.

    “When I missed my period, I was actually afraid to tell my mum that Augustine was responsible. I had thought about abortion to just mask everything, but remembering the warning our late father gave us about abortion, I decided to leave it.

    “I have brought shame to my mother and the entire family. May God forgive all my sins. I never knew it would get to this level. I was doing it blindly and it has consumed me.”

    On her future plans, she said she would hand the baby over to Angwe at the appropriate and move on with her life.

    “I can’t marry him. I will nurture his son for him and walk away.”

    Mr Clement Agbe, a relation to the late husband of Alice, said that what had happened in the family was strange to the culture of Tiv people.

    “It is a taboo. But let’s see what the future holds for the new born babies. It is unthinkable.”

    The Public Relations Officer of the Nasarawa State Police Command, Mr. Rahman Nansel, an Assistant Superintendent of Police, said the matter had not been reported to the command.

  • 10 things to avoid during disputes with loved ones

    10 things to avoid during disputes with loved ones

    By Ekaete Bassey

    It’s quite easy to hurt a person especially a loved one with a word or an action during a fight.

    The resentment can linger for much longer after the fight is over thereby, ruining the once loving relationship.

    Below are ten actions to totally avoid when having a misunderstanding or fight with a loved one:

    Never resort to name-calling

    Name-calling or zeroing in one of your partner’s insecurities or vulnerabilities during an argument is a low blow. You may be angry, hurt or frustrated in the moment, but that’s no excuse for this type of behavior.

    If you’ve been with your partner long enough, you probably have a sense of certain things about them that would be especially hurtful if you brought them up during an argument.

    The problem with these types of jabs is that they can be particularly difficult to move past.

    Try focusing on the issue at hand rather than making personal attacks and saying something about your partner that you will probably later regret.

    Arguments can be tough to get through, but you still want to demonstrate mutual respect towards each other.

    Never fight in public

    If you allow yourself and your partner to fight in a public place then, most likely, you do not respect each other or the surrounding people.

    Do not take skeletons out of your closet in public. It’s way better to talk about your issues at home.

    Do not go to bed separately

    If it wasn’t a tradition to go to bed together, ensure on the day of any fight you consciously make the attempt to actually retire to bed together as this will ease the atmosphere and quickly resolve the conflict.

    You may end up lying back to back at first, but in the morning you will wake up in each other’s arms without the tiniest hint of last night’s fight.

    Note: By going to sleep separately, you show that you are not ready to make up.

    Never walk away mid-argument.

    When a person completely shuts down or disengages in the middle of an argument without warning, it makes your partner feel as though you’ve pulled the rug out from under them.

    The conflict remains unresolved and it leaves your partner alone, confused and even more frustrated.

    Simply leaving the house during a fight will only show how uncomfortable you feel staying under the same roof as your partner.

    Slamming the doors, running into the darkness, leaving the conflict unresolved, all these will make your partner think twice about your level of maturity.

    It’s way better to wait until you both calm down, and then you can discuss everything as adults.

    However, if you’re feeling overwhelmed and need a timeout, that’s fine. But it’s better to voice that to your partner than to just bail.

    Never ever talk about divorce/separation

    When you say “Let’s divorce or go our separate ways” during a fight, this can become the biggest insult ever.

    These words have the ability to hurt the feelings of your partner really badly. And the more often you say them, the faster the divorce will actually occur.

    If you love each other, never talk about parting.

    Never make a major decision during an argument.

    When things between you and your partner are heated, you probably don’t have the clarity necessary to make a weighty decision. Instead, wait until things have cooled down before you try to come to a consensus.

    Unless you are in an immediate health and safety situation such as domestic violence, it is usually wise to refrain from making important decisions during the heat of battle, when emotions tend to run high and judgment tends to run low.

    Never bring up past mistakes or unrelated issues to deflect and distract.

    If you want to fight fair, then dredging up your partner’s past errors in a bid to “win” the argument is a big no-no.

    It’s often irrelevant to the present debate, counterproductive and can make your partner extra defensive.

    If the main cause of the fight is a pile of unwashed dishes, then let it stay that way.

    Do not remind your partner of all their prior wrongdoings as this is a way to turn a minor domestic issue into a big ugly conflict.

    It is always best to address the direct cause of the fight rather than bringing in other past issues into the present one.

    Work through the issue rather than focusing on being ‘right’ or the ‘winner’

    Even in the heat of an argument, try to remember that you and your partner are on the same team.

    So proving how “right” you are and how “wrong” they are isn’t a worthwhile pursuit. Plus, if you’re more focused on building your case than you are on understanding your partner’s point of view, you’re not going to get very far.

    Finding middle ground or agreeing to disagree helps a relationship to thrive while both partners feel worthy of consideration.

    Never get physical/Avoid violence at all cost

    While fighting, people tend to show the worst sides of their character.

    Some, trying to prove themselves right or more powerful than the other, resort to violence.

    Don’t ever allow yourself or your partner to use violence, no matter how angry you might be with each other.

    The physical pain caused by a loved one has the ability to kill all the feelings that once bound you together.

    Don’t include other family members in your fight(s)

    Your fight concerns only the both of you and no one else.

    By drawing your parents or any other family member into the conflict, you risk turning a regular fallout into a real family mess.

    Even if harmony returns to your relationship, the other members of the family will most likely remember everything and use that against you or your partner when given a chance.

    Thus, it best to handle your issues between the both of you than bringing the entire family into it as long as no one is being battered.

  • Tambuwal’s most cherished ambition

    Tambuwal’s most cherished ambition

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal is not a rookie in the Nigerian political terrain. He is one of the leading lights in the nation’s political class. Despite his youthfulness, he has served the nation in different capacities playing an excellent role as a seasoned democrat, who believes in the unity of Nigeria. Under his watch as speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011-2015, he commanded immense respect. Anytime he speaks, he is given rapt attention. He is intelligent, brilliant, blessed with great human relation skills, and also a man of many interesting parts.

    The Governor of Sokoto has proved himself to possess distinguishable qualities that make a good leader. Despite throwing his hat in the ring to contest for the presidency at the 2019 general elections under the platform of the People’s Democratic Party, losing the ticket to former Vice president Atiku Abubakar, he is not relenting on his quest to fulfill one of his childhood dreams. Those close to him have often disclosed that all his life, he has always believed and stayed true to his dreams. His close associates often averred that if there is one thing left for him to achieve in his political career, it’s to clinch the Aso-rock top job as the President of Nigeria. “At a time when the country is on the precipice, the searchlight should be beamed on individuals who can give the nation positive vibes. Therefore, ahead of the 2023 general elections, I am sure he will contest again. Although he has not made his intention known but from his body language and political moves he is likely to join the race of those who succeed President Buhari in 2023.” A source close to him disclosed.

    Tambuwal is embedded with the innate skills to take very urgent decisions and solve impending issues confronting the nation. Under his governance, Sokoto state has witnessed tremendous development. With his age, he has been confronted by hardships brought on us by the destructive actions of former leaders, the highly cerebral seasoned politician is prepared to create a perfect environment to turn the situation around by get it to work for his generation and those yet unborn. He is devoid of religious and cultural bigotry and mixes freely with all sundry.

    His foray into the murky waters of politics has seen him moving from the Democratic People’s Party (DPP) back to the ANPP to PDP and then to APC and back to PDP. His fans maintain that despite his moving from one party to the other he never dumped his beliefs in the ideology of one Nigeria. According to them, the moves essentially got him close to more people from the different parts of Nigeria and prepared him for the roles ahead.

     

  • Innocent Ike confounds critics with new move

    Innocent Ike confounds critics with new move

    By Oladapo Sofowora

    Against all odds, Innocent C. Ike, the acting Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of Polaris Bank, is succeeding beyond the imagination of his enemies. To the chagrin of naysayers, the best graduating accounting student of the 1988 set of the University of Lagos, has raised the bar high at a time when many thought he was going to fail due to the effects of the Covid-19 virus and its impact on the world economy and businesses.

    Innocent’s appointment came at a period when the Bank needed someone that would step into the shoes of former MD now Senator representing Lagos East, Tokunbo Abiru, who resigned his position to obey the clarion call of his people.

    After taking over, he bonded well with staff from all levels. He continued the repositioning journey of his predecessor unabated in the bank by making sure that all channels of the online transaction were functioning excellently, paying special attention to the information technology section of the bank to enable customers to make and experience seamless transactions without needing to visit the banking hall to avoid clustering together in a bid to curb the spread of the deadly COVID-19 virus. With all the parameters put in place by the former Executive Director (Technology & Services), the bank recorded a massive turnover in revenue.

    To further prove his critics wrong, on May 11, 2021, under his watch, Polaris Bank launched an innovation regarded as Vulte, the best omnichannel platform accessible with the same credentials and consistent user experience on both web and mobile platforms in banking history within Nigeria and sub-Saharan Africa.

     

  • Ifeanyi Ubah backs Omotayo Abayomi’s ambition

    Ifeanyi Ubah backs Omotayo Abayomi’s ambition

    Senator Ifeanyi Ubah might be confident of defeating APGA, PDP, and APC at the Anambra state governorship election but that’s not all he has his eyes on. The billionaire politician is also looking at making a grand entry into the Lagos political scene.

    The Capital Oil boss has thrown his political and financial weight behind young and vibrant Lagos politician, Omotayo Abayomi. According to sources, Ubah has identified with Omotayo, who is vying for a political office in the Ifako Ijaiye area of Lagos under the Young Progressives Party (YPP). It was further revealed that Ubah had been meeting with Omotayo after he won the primaries to contest for the seat of the councilor representing Ward B of the Ifako Ijaiye Local Government. Omotayo is  a certified synthetic turf entrepreneur and Microsoft excel expert.