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Category: Saturday Magazine

  • Why there can’t be female president in near future — Olufunke Arthur-Worrey

    Why there can’t be female president in near future — Olufunke Arthur-Worrey

    •Reveals the secrets of her good health at 94

    •Why I’ve retained  northerners as guards for 40 years

     

    Former President of the International Women Society (IWS), Chief Olufunke Arthur-Worrey, is the younger sister of the late nationalist lawyer, journalist, trade unionist and politician, Chief H. O. Davies. The 94-year-old mother of a former Lagos State Commissioner for Land, Fola Arthur-Worrey, and holder of high traditional titles from prominent Lagos, Delta and Osun communities spoke with GBENGA ADERANTI about her private life and the state of the nation, among other issues.

     

    At 94, you still come across as a fit and witty individual. What is the secret?

    If you believe in one God, everything is possible. One of the things I can say about my life at the moment is that God is there for me. He has been looking after me and He has done wonders in my life. I am very lucky my health has been wonderful. I still engage in activities and my faculty is intact. I can see, I eat what I want and I go out voluntarily. I have people around me. My family members are there. Most of my childhood friends have gone to rest but I still have Nigerians looking after me. What else do I need?

    I still belong to a society like the International Women Society. The members of IWS are like my sisters and children. We all still gather. They still ask for my advice and I advise them in whatever way I can.

    I am satisfied and I thank God that I have the facility to enjoy what God has done in my life.

    God has done so many things for me. I’ve seen so many things that cause me to thank God.

    You just spoke about your faculty remaining intact. Can you explain that?

    For instance, I still remember where I keep my things whenever I’m looking for them. You know I am 94. I still remember all the files. If I want something or if my son comes and says, ‘What about the passport of my father?’ or anything like that, I know where exactly it is. And if I keep something like money in a place, I remember where I kept it anytime I want it. When you came in, we talked about politics. That is faculty. Thank God, I can sing. I can pray on my own. I dance and I tell children stories, and I ask them to tell me stories. That is my faculty, and I thank God it is correct. What else do I need? I can walk, I can jump. But at times, something pulls me back and tells me that you are no longer young again.

     Many people of your age are battling one ailment or the other. Does that apply to you?

    God has been wonderful to me health wise. Apart from when I was having my children in England, I hardly go to the hospital. Even some of the time I went to the hospital, it was because I was forced by my son and the family. They would say, ‘Mummy, you have to see a doctor.’ Left to me, I don’t think I have to see a doctor. But they always insist, so I go. The only drug I use regularly is the one prescribed for me to normalise my blood pressure. A family doctor gave me the medicine in England. He said ‘regularly, for the rest of your life, you have to take it.’ I’ve been taking it. Sometimes, the doctors change it.

    But I like eating organic food. We have so many in our markets, especially vegetables and onions. There are some onions in our markets that are better than the ones you get from anywhere. I go for that. I go for okro and I love our native foods like amala and eba. Health wise, you can see me. I thank God. I’m not boasting; I’m just saying the fact so that you will thank God for me.

    I sleep well. I don’t believe in dreams. If I lie down here, I will sleep, especially when I’m watching the television. I just feel comfortable. I’m not rich as such, but I’m comfortable. I thank God for what he has done for me.

    You grew up as a Lagos girl. How was Lagos then?

    The Lagos of those days was like a family. We were so happy together and movement then was easy. You didn’t have to rack your brain before going out. For instance, on the spur of the moment, you could say let’s go to Epe and buy fish or go to Ota and buy vegetables and smoked fish just for a change. Of course, going to Ota then was like going to London. Then, we were so comfortable. The Bar Beach was there for us, unlike now when they have built the Eko Atlantic. We used to go to Eleko. All these little hamlets and beaches, we used to enjoy them. Lagos was fantastic. We didn’t have to bother about anything. We were close. Like my family from Isale Eko, I’m connected with Isale-Eko, Tokunbo, Sango and Ita-Faji. We were so connected. I enjoyed my life. My youth was beautiful, lovely and fantastic.

    You are current not only about what is going on in the country but also around the world. Does that mean you still read?

    I still read novels (points to her collection of books on her bookshelf.)

    How long does it take you to read a novel?

    It depends on its volume. I like poems. I like history. I love history. I love to read about what happened in England and their lives; how they got married, how they started their fight over nothing. Then the current world affairs, how they are all jealous of each other, like Russia and these little countries, the way they go about fighting each other. I like reading about this young North Korea leader; the one that is throwing bombs.  And you go to the Middle East, there were some small countries we used to visit, like Lebanon, Syria, Libya. You remember when Ghadafi was their head of state. Nigerians used to go to Tripoli to trade.

    Another thing I do now is to travel throughout the world by looking at the world map, the atlas. Now I know Nigeria more by knowing all the nooks and crannies, how we are connected and all that; and to our neighbours in Chad and Niger. The world is wonderful. I read a lot. It is part of me, I must read. I read magazines. I love to read about people. I’m still learning every day to know more about Europe, about the world and the connections. Recently, I asked myself, our children who are going to Tripoli, how do they do it? Then I started looking at the connection with Africa, all the way from Nigeria to Tripoli, and I said it is a lot of wahala (trouble). I looked at Egypt and I saw the Suez Canal where there was a blockade recently. I learn so much. That is my life.

    I still go to my IWS meeting. I am a member of their (board of) trustees. I still go to Abeokuta, my mother’s family, in Decembers for family harvest.

    The outbreak of COVID-19 must have affected your movement. How have you been managing?

    Yes. I hate covering my nose, but these airlines, 100 of them lying down, they can’t fly. All the shops are empty. What is happening in India is alarming. The way they were burning dead people openly really upset me. They are still talking about the second wave and third wave. It is only God that can stop this. This thing came surprisingly. I have been vaccinated. They said we should come back in June to take the next one. What I’m saying is that we are lucky; we got the first one by the grace of God. They said we can’t take half and leave half. They said 75 per cent of the population of Nigeria has taken. What about the rest 25 per cent? What about the beggars on the street? What about the prisoners? What about the aged? What about the villagers, how do you get them? I don’t know. It is only God that can heal the world. I think with the 75 per cent, they have tried. We heard that they would bring more vaccines. I wish Nigeria best of luck.

    When it first came, I remember, they said people would be dying on the streets of Africa. We thank God today and I hope it will get better. There was a report that for two days, nobody died in Lagos. But in our markets, nobody covers their noses. We are in the hands of God. I think God loves Nigeria.

    Some of your guards are still with you. Considering the level of insecurity in Nigeria, one would think you would have replaced them. Why did you choose to retain them?

    Two of them came with me from Ikoyi, Liverton Road. That was in 1967, during the Biafran war when we all left the government. First of all, we went to live at Agege, though we got an offer in Apapa. We had this farmland at Agege where we used to go and spend weekends if we did not travel. We would take friends there. It was like a farmhouse. We would do barbecue, children used to go there and enjoy themselves.  My husband decided that instead of paying so much for Apapa, why couldn’t we go to our farm? We had already built two rooms like a shed. We went there from Ikoyi. People were saying, ‘From Ikoyi to Agege? What is in Agege?’ But we enjoyed it. We had the opportunity to buy everything and we enjoyed the neighbourhood.

    The two (guards), Yaya and Yellow, followed us from Obalende in Ikoyi. They were from Borno. They helped us to put the bungalow there. From there, Yaya left. Yellow too later left. They would not say they were leaving; they would say they were going home. But before they leave, they would bring another person. It has been like that. These people have never bothered me. For security, night and day, they are here. I’ve been lucky with them. I’ve kept them since 1967. They are part of my family. That Baba you see out there has been with me for over 40 years the other one has been with me for 17 years.  I’m afraid that if something has to happen and they have to leave, I don’t know what I will do.

    The only thing is that we want our government to do the right thing. Our government should make people comfortable.

    You said that many of your contemporaries have passed on. How do you feel each time you hear that another one is gone?

    Anybody can go. It can happen at any time. I was looking at the Queen the other day. Queen Elizabeth, who lost her husband recently, is two years older than me. And I looked at her; with all the power, with all the money all over the world, she is still there. Now the husband of seventy-something died. My husband died some 12 years ago. If anybody had said I would be able to live for one year without my husband, I would have said no. But you have to find a way of making yourself happy once you are alive and healthy.

    First of all you must believe in God. You must pray. Once you believe in your God, there is nothing else that will happen to you that will be too big. All my neigbours are gone. Fatai Williams, Justice Ademola, they used to come here and we would play. I can go at any time. I’m ready. But I know I can’t go unless it is my time. But I’m so happy. God has done so much for me. I’m a happy person because God made it like that.

    You are always referring to your late husband. How close were you?

    He was a God sent. He was like my brother. We didn’t take ourselves like a husband and a wife. We were like sister and brother. Something would just happen. If he said this, it would go along with me, I would agree with him. It was not as if we never quarreled. Like every other human being, we had our differences. But when he is hot, I’m cool; when I’m hot, he is cool. He was a good man and I thank God for that.

    What is that thing you’re not likely to forget about him in a hurry?

    I will never forget him because he is always there for me. Whenever we wanted to travel, he was the one that was always  doing the packing and preparations because I never had the patience to do the packing properly. We travelled a lot. He would say, ‘Funke, you can’t travel like that.’ He would arrange everything patiently.

    He was a good man and a man of God. He believed that whatever would be would be. Anytime I was jittery over a thing he would say, ‘Funke, don’t bother yourself.’ He has been looking after me since his death. There has been no problem.

    Do you see a woman emerging Nigerian president in the near future?

    You never can tell. But the way Nigeria is planned, it could be difficult. Earlier, let us say about 25 years ago, I would have said that it was possible. But the way things are right now, I would not deceive myself. Even for a woman to become a governor, it is difficult. Out of the 36 states, do we have a state that has a woman as governor? No. It will be very difficult. To me I don’t see it possible now, but maybe in the future, because anything is possible. We have so many brilliant women that would have made Nigeria better, but there is a blockage. At the moment I can’t see the way unless we want to deceive ourselves.

  • JONATHAN AREMU : I’m liberal but firm

    JONATHAN AREMU : I’m liberal but firm

    THE story of Professor Jonathan Adeyemi Aremu, the backstreet boy who rose from obscurity to limelight, is a very riveting one indeed. Born without a silver spoon, the young Aremu managed to send himself to school against all odds and would later begin a successful career at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) where he rose from the position of Assistant Economist in 1980 to become the Acting Assistant Director of Research before voluntarily retiring in December 1992. A man continuously setting and resetting targets for himself, he would later bag a PhD and his story has not been the same again as the world has literally become his oyster such that the little unknown Aremu is now sought after by several multilateral institutions across the globe. The Kwara State-born technocrat, academic, Christian missionary who spoke with FUNKE COLE in Abuja, shares fond memories of his youth, career trajectory, among others. Excerpts: 

     

    What’s your typical day like?

    My day starts at 5:30 am in the morning. Thereafter, I listen to news. I don’t have time to watch movies, as I have several messages to attend to on my Whatsapp and other social media platforms. And it is important that I attend to these messages properly and appropriately. You can’t afford to do it wrongly.

    What kinds of songs do you listen to?

    I hardly listen to music especially these new generation music. It’s too late for me to listen to such songs anyway. Those songs don’t appeal to me, and I’m not sure it will appeal to anyone unless you’re playboy.  (Laughs).

    What’s your philosophy about life?

    Life is too short, but it’s good to make impact. Take for example, the life of Sir Isaac Newton who was supposed to be a priest but ended up impacting lives through science, because of his flair for science. Though his wife suffered a lot due to the nature of Isaac’s job and his devotion to the pursuit of technological advancement, yet he made a good name for himself. I believe is a good name is very important. Therefore, my philosophy towards life is to make a positive impact anywhere I find myself.

    Have you ever considered joining politics too?

    Unfortunately, I cannot venture into politics. I don’t like politics especially of the kind in practice in Nigeria where our politicians commit all sorts of atrocities and impunities in the name of politics. Take for instance a situation where roads meant to be repaired are left unattended to, while the funds that are meant for it are siphoned by the politicians. These are the sorts of issues with our politics which makes it unattractive to someone like myself. Look at the case of Governor Godwin Obaseki, who was denied an application form under a political party because of controversy over his certificates? It would interest you to know that we were both in the University of Ibadan 1976-1979. He read Classics and I read Economics. We both lived at Nnamdi Azikiwe Hall throughout. We both sat for the A-Levels which couldn’t be forged as at that period. But, look at what politics did to him.

    But sir, you can make a difference in politics…

    No, it’s not that easy because those who had integrity and wanted to make a difference got absorbed in the mess. Nigeria economy is not doing well, but, the salary our leaders are getting, none is getting that amount elsewhere. These are the reasons why we have infrastructural decay. Some of us do not like politics and can never be a party to it because before you know it, you will be totally useless, and you will lose people’s respect. I remember an incident when a governor (name withheld) felt that I must belong to a political party when he saw my house in the village. The question I asked is, ‘must I belong to a party to be able to survive?’ The answer is no.

    What’s the best decision you have taken so far?

    The best decision I took was to go back to school, my father didn’t have money, so I decided to take exams on my own to return back to school. I took the decision not because I’m qualified to take it but by God’s grace. Secondly, I was put in an office that equally determined what I’m today. I was posted in a department that was not common, a foreign investment, which permitted me to see the country’s investment policy, and through which I got inspiration to write a research on this, including my PhD thesis, because CBN trained me so much until I retired on December 12, 1992.

    What motivates you?

    To discover things and add value to the present situation and to impact lives positively. My bible says the world is waiting for the manifestation of the sons of God. For me, adding value to humanity by looking at how to make the economy better, which incidentally is one of areas of my academic scholarship is all I care about. I remember my inputs in helping to develop the Pan Africa Investment Code to negotiate investment protocol. For example, in CBN, our assignment research was on investment, in 1981, I did a research that led to the abrogation of Decree 36 of 1988 which was Industrial Development coordinating committee which was abrogated and replaced with the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission Decree 15 of 1995 which is an Act now. When I wanted to launch my PhD thesis, former President Olusegun Obasanjo said it should be launched at the NEPC because of my contribution. I want to be remembered for making impacts to lives and not just living like Methuselah.

    What makes you tick?

    I can’t be describing myself that I’m unique. I’m only who I’m. I really don’t know; it’s only outsiders that can answer that. I remember when I finished primary school; I left for Lagos to sell owu (thread) around Carter Bridge. I was selling for a woman at Awe. I later left for teachers’ training and I was among the Kemebiris who didn’t wear clothes at the time. Kemberi is a tribe in Kebbi State now under Borgu Local Government Area. I was a Grade II Certificate teacher in Papiri Primary School 1973-74; after I graduated from Igbaja Teachers Training College in 1972. Note that part of Kebbi State was in my State (Kwara State) at that time. So, it’s God that makes me unique because I know where I’m coming from. I’m a typical example of God’s grace but I prefer my relationship with God. I’m very close to God, and that’s where I derive my fun and relaxation. I believe if you count your blessings one by one, it will surprise you what the Lord has done. I remember how I came to be close to this man of God, Bishop Oyedepo of Winner’s Chapel. The church wanted to assist Rwanda refugees and my wife and I decided to produce bags which we gave to the church. Then the Bishop asked for the person who produced the bags in order to pay him. But then, I said I did them for free and he prayed for me.

    What was the last book you read?

    I don’t know because I can read more than ten books a day. I have a library here in Abuja and also a library in my office in Lagos on Akowonjo road, Market Link by Jimoh bus stop.

    So how do you shuttle between Abuja and Lagos?

    No, I have stopped shuttling. There are people who work there to monitor activities there. We have a warehouse there with products that we sell though I don’t do that again. My library is bigger there than here. If I have money I will get a bigger library.

    Sir, I noticed that you been punctuating your responses with rich Bible quotes and all. You seem to have strong views on religion?

    Religion is about what you worship. The word Christian actually emerged first in Antioch in Acts of Apostles. My background is ECWA and I thank God that I know Christ. Before I started my primary school, I remember the white missionaries gave us tracts which had helped my journey in Christianity. So, Christianity is about living a Christ-like life.

    What is your management style?

    Managing men and resources is the most interesting thing job you can find because every day affords you the opportunity to learn new things. Following my voluntary retirement in December 1992 I established Market Link Group. We went into manufacturing at first and subsequently diversified into consultancy and training. What I have learnt over the years is that if you must set the rules and boundaries but allow the individuals to use their own initiative wherever necessary. That way, you can get the best from them. As a rule, I’m liberal but firm at the same time.

    Apart from your professorial duties, what else do you do?

    I usually have schedule of meetings and take time off work to rest at Acropolis, a fun/relaxation spot which was designed by my son, which people have acknowledged as a nice architectural design. We don’t sell beer and hot drinks here at Acropolis. Because God built this place not me. So, it’s a full restaurant.

    What’s your dress sense?

    I wear corporate, and when I’m not going out, I put on something light, like the traditional buba and sokoto I’m wearing now. (Laughs).

    What is your favourite dish?

    It’s Amala and a very good soup. I like most of the Yoruba soup, but I like gbegiri, especially when combined with ewedu. I remember those days when I couldn’t buy meat when we buy food, so we get bones and begin to lick it. I was living at Akapo Street then close to Okepopo.

    Do you cook?

    Compulsorily, I had to learn how to cook, when I was alone doing teachers training. Even when I served in Plateau State, I cooked my meal. Sometimes too, when my wife travels to visit our children, I cook for myself. But, when she’s around, I do not need to compete with her, I eat whatever she cooks, I don’t dictate.

    What is your choice holiday destination?

    I like to say Canada because my children are there, UK is okay, but I don’t like too much cold. To me, the climate condition here is perfect. For example, my friend who traveled to visit his children kept calling me because of loneliness. He had nobody to visit. If I travel, I spend maximum two weeks.

  • ‘Friends made me do it’

    ‘Friends made me do it’

    • Pandemic of ‘gang-bang’, drug dependence seize Nigerian teens
    • Their frantic battles with peer pressure
    • They are getting bolder, slipping to self-destruct – Psychologists

     

    By Olatunji OLOLADE, Associate Editor

     

    For Bola Akinde, watching his daughter smoke weed was like peeping into a time capsule. The image spiralled rearwards, like dismal paste-ups to his younger self.

    “I experimented with weed on my 17th birthday. I lived in the school hostel and my friends urged me to try it. I stopped four months later, after our housemaster caught us smoking and I got suspended for two weeks. I vowed never to touch weed again. But my daughter, Joke, is only 14, and she is a chainsmoker. She smokes and drinks marijuana. She hosts gang-bangs.”

    Since he caught his 14-year-old daughter “sucking on a claro,” – that is, smoking the butt end of a giant weed wrap – with her male cousin and twin daughters of a family friend, he has been afflicted by a strong foreboding about his child’s future.

    Despite their affinity for marijuana, father and daughter are light and shade of the same fever. While Akinde quit smoking at age 17, at 14, his daughter still suffers heavy drug dependence.

    Yet getting high is not her only vice. “Joke is very reckless; so reckless that she was caught pants-down letting strange boys run a train on her (gang-bang). She is just a child,” said Akinde, revealing that his daughter orchestrated and hosted the sexual activity with classmates.

    “We found out that, that was the second one masterminded by her. What her mother wouldn’t dare as a teen, Joke dares recklessly. She is very reckless,” said Akinde in a wavering tenor.

    Then, close to tears, he said, “Mi o to set lori omokankan ri, bawo lawon boys buruku kan se ma wa ma to set lori omo mi (I never participated in any gang-bang of someone’s else’s daughter. Why should my own daughter become the vixen of multiple gang-bangs?)”

    He said, “When we queried her, she said, the first time, her friends convinced her to do it. And the second and third sessions were initiated by her. Her cousin said she did it to gain ‘street cred’ (street credibility). Now, someone will say she is acting out. Acting out what exactly?

    On New Year’s eve, Joke’s mother reportedly caught her pants down with the son of her childhood friend. A 12-year-old boy. “But she (the mother) never told me about it until I caught Joke smoking weed on an unannounced and unscheduled visit to their place. Then, the mother cried that it was about time we sought spiritual help for her,” said Akinde.

    The 51-year-old disclosed that although he and Joke’s mother are divorced, they maintain cordial relations for their daughter’s sake.

    He said, “Yes, I experienced peer pressure too as a teenager, but there was a limit to the things I did. Yes, I smoked Igbo (weed). Yes, I took some alcohol. Heck, I had girlfriends but  I didn’t have sex until I clocked 20. My daughter has been having sex since age 13,” he said, lamenting that she got deflowered while experimenting with the 14-year-old son of a former neighbour.

    smoking marijuana
    •Teenagers smoking marijuana at a makeshift colony established by them in Adeniji Adele Estate, Lagos Island

    “That was why her mother changed apartments, because the boy’s mother became hostile, claiming Joke was a bad influence on her son…I had saved up money to send her abroad for schooling. Who knows what she would do over there? I would rather commit my money to my bar and printing business,” said Akinde.

    Frustrated, the Akindes took their daughter to a white garment church in Ibadan, where she is currently been exorcised of the “demons of addiction.”

    “We had to take her that far to avoid uncomfortable questions from neighbours and close relatives. They know the truth  but they will still come to rub it in, showing scathing concern,” said Hannah, Joke’s mother.

    Were the Akindes right to haul their daughter to a spiritualist? Tunde Allen, a teen psychologist and school counsellor stated that teenagers like Joke often times “act out of character” to get their parents attention.

    “Random sex, minor or extreme drug dependence are often manifestations of deeper emotional issues. They represent a deeper cry for help. But most parents hardly hear such a child’s cry until it gets too late. The child is probably broken by her parents’ divorce. The trigger to her rebellion could be something a classmate did or said to her. It could be a line or scene from a teen movie she watched. It could be as a result of having suffered molestation. Her parents must seek urgent mental health support for her,” he said.

     

     ‘Parents need to chill’

    “Kids really don’t have it easy,” argued Ruki Awosile, an aspiring writer and high school senior. The 16-year-old argued that teenagers “use drugs sometimes to catch fun.”

    She said, “Most famous people, politicians and celebrities did drugs when they were young. Yet they turned out well. I have an uncle who smokes weed with coffee to unwind every night. He is married with kids and very rich, richer than my parents. They tricked me back to Nigeria from the UK. They even enrolled me in a trashy public school to teach me that life is hard.

    “Yes, life is hard, for me especially. What? I must be grateful, they keep saying. Too many parents think this way.

    “Parents make our lives hard. Jonzing (Using drugs) is allowed to deal with their stress. I spend every day in school and still come back home to do house chores. There is no law that says I must wash plates or sweep the floor. That is why people employ housemaids. On top of that, my father expects me to perform excellently in school. The pressure is too much. I can’t deal, abeg,” she said.

    Corroborating her, Noah Idaba, 19, argued that many teenagers do drugs in order to avoid a meltdown. “Parents are in your face, everywhere. They don’t even let you watch TV when you feel like. Parents just need to chill. Yes, they pay school fees, but children too are cashing out these days. We are hustling, doing forex and other businesses. Even being a Game Boy (Yahoo Boy or internet fraudster) is good hustle. I am yet to see any parent refuse a car gift or money from a child,” he said.

    Encounters with teenagers across Lagos offered interesting glimpses into their mindset. “We are using drugs, breaking rules, because we want better attention,” was the resonant refrain.

    Bisi Agaba, an addiction counsellor and child psychologist, described it as indicators of the usual teen rebellion and a part of growing up. She said, “Several kids engage in anti-social behaviour; they start using hard drugs either to get their parents’ attention or avoid their attention. Parents must rethink their approach to parenting, she said.

    Olumide Michael, a retired school principal, however, argued that the modern teenager is a beneficiary of excessive cuddling. He said, “My 16-year-old niece once told her mother that her life is hard because she is made to do house chores and attend to her personal needs, like fetching and heating water for her own bath, washing and ironing her own clothes.

    “She lamented that her parents failed her and her siblings by being ‘too middle-class.’ Look at that entitlement mentality. In our days, such drivel would earn you a slap and thorough thrashing.”

    Michael said, “When you spare the rod, you spoil the child. Teenagers need tough love. Teach your children to pray. Teach them to know God. Ultimately, prayers and constant counselling, and an occassionally good thrashing, exorcise the wildest demons from a rebellious child,” he said.

    But are these enough to divest the modern teen of rebellion? In several parts of Lagos: schools, playgrounds and unchaperoned house parties, teenagers immerse daily in seething currents that flow beyond their ken and frequently sweep beyond their depth. Outright neglect by their parents and the lack of a dependable guardian and mentorship has led too many of them into chasms of misdemeanour, argued teen psychologists.

    In a frantic bid to ride the tide of abstruseness characteristic of adolescence and the apathy of their parents, they shoulder each other into the quicksands of vice, oftentimes. They experiment with hard drugs, hard partying, and unsafe, random sex.

    Cynthia, 14, and her 13-year-old stepsister, Ijeoma, were recently rescued from sexual indiscretion by their mother’s automobile mechanic. Their mother, Theresa Obiekwe, said but for the artisan, her daughters would have “grossly misbehaved.”

    The mechanic and his apprentice reportedly caught a glimpse of both girls and four others as they filed into a bungalow behind one of his clients’ building, where he had gone to service cars.

    “I was preparing to go out when my mechanic called me that he had just glimpsed my daughters around Egbeda. Cynthia is SSS1 and her younger sister is in JSS3. And their school is in Ikeja. I wondered what they were doing in Egbeda.

    “He urged me to come immediately stressing that they weren’t in good company. Luckily, two of my brothers were with me. We hurried to the place and together with the mechanic and their hosts’ neighbours, we stormed the apartment. We banged on the door for 20 minutes before they opened it. They didn’t open it because they were playing loud music.

    “I still can’t wrap my head around what I saw. My daughters and four other girls were strip-dancing to this lewd song while the boys, sprayed them with cash. The oldest among them all was 15 years old. After forcing them to put on their uniforms, I discovered that they didn’t put on underpants to school. ‘Marlians don’t wear pants,’ said the mechanic’s apprentice derisively, and I was completely overwhelmed by shame.

    Read Also: Drug abuse: Lagos seeks federal agencies’ cooperation

     

    “I hauled them back home and gave them a sound beating,” she said, adding that since the shameful incident, she had been personally dropping off her daughters at school and picking them up at closing hour.

    Few people would forget in a hurry, the sad case of Lizzy, who started using cocaine at age 19. She developed a hankering for the hard drug while smoking marijuana to seem cool before her boyfriend.

    The latter, she said, eventually revealed to her that he had been mixing her marijuana wraps with cocaine to her surprise but it was too late as she was already dependent on the psychotropic substance.

    Lizzy became hevaily dependent on crack cocaine and lived with her captors for seven years until her rescue by Dr. Tony Rapu, a pastor and founder of Freedom Foundation, an anti-drug dependence non governmental organisation (NGO).

    The latter disclosed that the drug dealers and pimps fed Lizzy’s drug habit. For seven years, she loitered the streets from noon through dusk, begging for alms in the traffic along the Ikeja axis.

    “At night, she resorted to commercial sex work, all in a bid to fund her drug habit. We took lizzy off the streets to begin her long journey of rehabilitation and hopefully, successful integration back to a normal and productive life,” said Rapu, soon after he rescued her from the claws of her captors in Ipodo.

    Then there is 15-year-old Doyin Lawal, who started smoking weed to fit in with his high school’s hip crowd. He said, “I was at a house party, and everyone was doing drugs. My cousin offered me weed (marijuana) but I declined. Then this classmate made fun of me that I couldn’t smoke it because I was too scared that I would cough and mess myself up. His crew was always taunting my crew, fighting us. Everybody started laughing at me and to show them that I wasn’t scared, I took a drag, and I didn’t cough,” he said.

    That night, Doyin smoked two wraps of marijuana to the pleasure and applause of his mates.

    But his vision became blurry and he developed a nasty headache. “To calm me, I was given a cigarette with strawberry flavour and a cup of soda mixed with tramadol. After taking it, I fell asleep,” he said.

    Nothing happened until midnight when he woke up to see vomit all over him and his friends. He said, “Four of us slept in the same bed at that party. I threw up all over them. They made fun of me but promised to keep my secret. It would be bad for our crew, and terrible for our rep, if our mates knew that I eventually threw up over night.”

    In time, Doyin got hooked to marijuana. “Sometimes, I added ‘level’ (cocaine) to give it kick,” he said, stressing that his cousin knows a dealer who usually got them marijuana laced with cocaine.

    Doyin became totally dependent on the hard drug. He soaked it in fruit punch and potions of soda and tramadol, until he hit a learning curve. Wola, his  17-year-old cousin, who taught him to smoke weed overdosed on Pamilerin, a psychotropic brew containing marijuana, cocaine, and black berry juice and almost lost his life.

    The latter’s older girlfriend, a sex worker called Franca, allegedly plied him with a stronger version of the brew before engaging him in a sex romp at a hotel in Akowonjo; when Wola started convulsing, she escaped and called Doyin to get his cousin at the hotel.

    Wola’s close shave with death served as a deterrent to Doyin.  “I will never take ‘levels’ or Pamilerin again. I will stick to marijuana and drinks,” he said.

    Even if it doesn’t amount to much. It’s a beginning.

     

    Inside the teenage brain

    For several decades teen psychologists have pondered the reasons for teenagers’ intense rebellion against constituted authorities and their parents. The whole thing remained a conundrum until Frances Jensen, Chair of the neurology department at the Perelman School of Medicine at the University of Pennsylvania, United States (US), however, encountered an eureka moment in her child’s rebellion.

    When Jensen’s eldest son, Andrew, reached high school, he underwent a transformation from a supposedly calm, predictable child to a complete stranger. He changed his hair color from brown to black and started wearing garish clothing. He turned into an angst-filled teenager overnight, said Jensen to an international news medium.

    She wondered what happened and whether Andrew’s younger brother would undergo the same metamorphosis. So she deployed her skills as a neuroscientist to examine the situation. “I realized I had an experiment going on in my own home,” said, the author of The Teenage Brain.

    That was about two decades ago, when doctors, parents, teachers and society at large, believed that teenagers act so reckless and impulsive due to raging hormones.

    Advances in brain imaging, courtesy studies like Jensens’ reveal that the teenage brain has lots of plasticity, which means it can change, adapt and respond to its environment until a person’s 20s.

    The brain undergoes a growth in connectivity which presents itself as white matter, and comes from a fatty substance called myelin. As the brain develops, myelin wraps itself around nerve cells’ axons—long, thin tendrils that extend from the cell and transmit information—like insulation on an electrical wire.

    The process starts from the back of the brain and works its way to the front. That means the prefrontal cortex, the area of the brain involved in decision-making, planning and self-control, is the last part to mature.

    Thus it’s not that teens don’t have frontal- lobe capabilities but rather their signals are not getting to the back of the brain fast enough to regulate their emotions. It’s why risk-taking and impulsive behaviour are more common among teens and young adults. “This is why peer pressure rules at this time of life,” said Jensen.

    Teenagers also undergo major changes in their limbic system—the area of the brain that controls emotions—at the onset of puberty, which is typically around the ages of 10 to 12. Doctors now believe that this mismatch in development of the impulse-control part of the brain and the hormone- and emotion-fueled part of the brain is what causes the risk-taking behaviours that are so common among teenagers.

    This new understanding of the biology that underlies teenage rebellion can be helpful to both teenagers and their parents. Jensen stresses the importance of setting examples of appropriate emotional responses and helping young people navigate difficult situations that are increasingly common among teens and adolescents.

    •Female students of Oreyo Senior Grammar School, Igbogbo in Ikorodu, seen smoking shisha in a video
    •Female students of Oreyo Senior Grammar School,
    Igbogbo in Ikorodu, seen smoking shisha in a video

     

     The scourge of the internet

    Social media networks have been declared inimical to the mental health of adolescents, according to a recent survey of almost 1,500 teens and young adults. While enhancing social bonding, social platforms have also been associated with high levels of anxiety, depression, bullying and failure.

    Bullying has migrated from the playground to assume a more personal and sinister dimensions on teenagers’ phones, timelines and message inboxes. As modern technologies and social media make it easier to spread sinister information, leading to suicide ideation by troubled teenagers and outright suicide, virtual interactions have become harder for parents and teachers to monitor and control.

    “As parents, we often want to protect our kids from failure or any emotional pain. But opportunities for learning from such experiences in the context of a loving and supportive family are key to helping the adolescent develop and use this ability as an adult,” advises B.J. Casey, the director of the Fundamentals of the Adolescent Brain Lab at Yale University.

    Notwitstanding biological analysis of the rebellion and storms of the teenage years, not a few Nigerian parents vote for tough love: a more psychological and physical approach, involving using the rod, prayers and counselling.

    Kennedy Adenekan, 48, argued that, “Kids have it easy these days. Yet they are more daring and driven to self-destruct. Parents experienced adolescence too. But we were more responsible. The worst I did was to engage in the so-called ‘deals.’ Back then, it was hip to say you ran a ‘deal.’ In truth, we were committing theft, and burgling our own homes.”

    The architect and father of five disclosed that his friends pilfered valuables from their own homes and sold them off at a paltry fee, even though they were from wealthy homes.

    “Foolishly, I emulated them. Back then, the pendulum of the old, classic analog wall clock was valuable because it was made of mercury. Goldsmiths made use of it to process gold products. At a friend’s advise, I stole the entire wall clock and took it to my friends. Together, we took it to a goldsmith and pawned it off at N2, 000. We later learnt that the goldsmith swindled us, that we ought to have sold it around N15, 000 at least.

    “It was stupid of me because it was the only clock in our living room and its absence was glaring. My parents got me arrested but later released me at my grandma’s urging. I have stolen pumping machines, headlamps of cars and compressors. I pawned it all to for a paltry fee, and to my friends’ applause.  I used the proceeds to buy biker boots, lumber jacks, hamburgers and face caps. It improved my street credibility as a tough guy. A homie. A big boy.

    “But today, my own children scare me. My daughter wants to become a video vixen. She wants to dance in hip hop videos. I believe she would outgrow this phase. But my son, Bosun, is a lost cause. He is into Yahoo-Plus (advance fee fraud laced with voodoo).

    Adenekan’s fears are probably well-founded. “At 18 years, Bosun has failed SSCE twice and won’t resit the exam,” he said.

    In late February, he told the teenager to move out if he won’t stop keeping late nights. To Adenekan’s chagrin, the boy moved out the next day. “He told his mother and sisters that he would come back in August to buy me and my house. I am waiting,” said Adenekan, in the tenor of a father who knows that paternity may be borne by equanimity or regret.

  • Five unnecessary questions women ask men

    Five unnecessary questions women ask men

    By Chinyere Okoroafor

    Questions are asked for the sake of obtaining information that will help the person get a better understanding of something or affirmation to what they know already.

    However, in a marriage relationship, there are questions that are meant to be kept under the carpet to avoid arguments or feelings of low esteem.

    Some questions have led to the break-up of relationships.

    We are all wired differently when it comes to perceptions, ideas, knowledge and understanding.

    Here are a few selected five unnecessary questions women ask their men:

    · Do you notice any change in my appearance?

    Asking your man if he noticed anything different in your appearance is like him taking you to his car and opening the car hood and asking you what you notice.

    This kind of question is definitely going to generate a response that will insinuate a lot of things to you and thus leads to an argument.

    The way I see it, this is a setup question women bring up to psych their men mostly to know what he feels about them.

    The problem with this kind of question is that most men are likely going to say the wrong thing because he doesn’t want to demolish your own poor self-image if you constantly think negative about how you look.

    Give your husband the ability to affirm you without feeling like they are going to get in trouble if they get it wrong.

    · Do you think this dress makes me look fat?

    This is a stupid question because the man will never give you an honest answer and you don’t want to know the honest answer to this question. Men do not fall for that trap because she doesn’t want the honest truth.

    Why not check out your weight yourself? Even if you are big, he wouldn’t tell you because he doesn’t want you to feel bad so he pretends like he is not seeing it.

    Struggling with weight is something that many women will deal with at some point in their lives between pregnancy and menopause.

    This is your insecurity messing with your mind. It makes you want to be affirmed by your husbands.

    · ‘So what are you thinking?’

    Never ask a man the above question when he is watching his favorite football game. You are likely to get blank stares.

    With men, this question is about timing. Part of learning to tolerate one another is learning to embrace what is important to the opposite sex. We need to learn to ask better questions with better timing.

    · ‘Do you think that woman is prettier than me?’

    Never ask your man if another woman is prettier than you, he will give you the wrong answer.

    He will never give you an honest answer to that question so that he doesn’t hurt your feelings which will likely make you feel insecure.

    Comparing the beauty of another woman who you already think is prettier than you will only put your man on the spot.

    The only way he can answer it and not get in trouble with you is to say ‘what woman?’ Every woman has been woven together by her maker in heaven.

    We have all made to be beautiful, no matter what our present cultural norms say.

    Don’t ask your man what is wrong in a not relaxed mood?

    A man walks into his house obviously looking stressed or worried. You don’t approach him immediately when he hasn’t yet taken off his clothes, bath and relaxed. You will not get a good response.

    Communication and intimacy is something that women and men both value. Again, this question is about timing.

    When you noticed such a situation, keep calm; it is not the best time for a deep conversation. Allow him to process, pray, and at least unwind from the day.

  • We’re in dilemma! Nigerians in India lament as COVID-19 ravages Asian country

    We’re in dilemma! Nigerians in India lament as COVID-19 ravages Asian country

    By Innocent Duru

    •Mass cremations begin as India’s capital faces deluge of COVID-19 deaths

    Palpable fear rules the camp of more than 55,000 Nigerians resident in India following the exponential spike in the number of people testing positive for COVID-19 and dying from it in the Asian country.

    India, home of some notable manufacturers and exporters of COVID-19 vaccines, has been recording more than 200,000 cases daily since April 15, well past its peak last year when it averaged about 93,000 cases daily.  The country has consequently overtaken Brazil and other nations to become the second worst hit country globally.

    Following the rate at which the pandemic was spreading, curfews were initially announced in some areas but when the plague would not abate, many states went into lockdown.

    The ugly development, according to findings made by our correspondent, is making Nigerians and other Africans resident in the country to panic. And they face ugly prospects because they are not entitled to palliatives and also cannot go out to earn a living.

    Malik Ali Paul, a Nigerian resident in India, said: “The major challenge now is that there has been a total lockdown for two to three weeks in Delhi, which is the capital of India, and also in Pune City of Maharashtra state, and there is no movement.

    “The implementation of the directive is very, very strict. We don’t even have the ability to move out of our homes. People are always indoors, and if you need anything, it has to be brought to you.

    “The whole situation is disturbing. A lot of Indians are dying like fowls. The death rate has gone up tremendously. I have some brothers here who have also gone for the COVID-19 test and came out positive.

    “They just went for check-up, got tested and came out positive. As a result of that, a lot of them are scared. In all this, we thank God that there is no African that has been reported to have died of the pandemic.”

    •Inside India’s Covid-19 hospital

    Mrs Janefrances Fortune, who operates a restaurant in India, bemoaned the ravaging effects of the pandemic on their businesses, saying: “This COVID-19 is on the verge of disorganising our businesses and life here in India. It has not been easy for us as business owners. The number of infected people keeps increasing every day. We no longer go out the way we used to, business is very dull.”

    She added:  “Some of us who are with kids no longer feel safe again going out with our kids. These days, I leave my kids with their dad at home to take care of them while I run around to get things done in my shop.

    “Sometimes, most of our customers prefer home delivery because they don’t also feel safe coming out to a public place. We all pray that with time, this too will pass and things will be normal again.

    “We know that people back home are worried about us. They are really worried about us. But about returning home to Nigeria this time, I can’t risk that. We are also concerned about our loved ones over there. We always call to check up on them.

    “The Indian government is trying their best to control it. I really commend their efforts. Indian citizens respect their government and always abide by the rules and regulations, unlike we Nigerians.”

    Faustina Ebube, a Nursing student, decried the effects of the pandemic on her education.

    She said: “We are only doing online classes for now. We don’t have to go to the hospital or school, and because of this, we are not doing practicals; we are only doing theories.

    “But they say practice makes perfect. Without the practical aspect, you cannot learn and perfect what you have been taught.

    “I am worried about my mum and my dad and siblings. People here at a point took COVID-19 for granted as if it had already gone, but it came back with so much force.

    “Nigerians are putting up the same attitude. If the same thing happens in Nigeria, I don’t think the government will be able to do anything to save the people.

    “In spite of the fact that the hospitals here are very big and well equipped, beds are no longer available for patients. I am really worried for my people back at home.”

    Also lamenting the effects of the lockdown on the cost of living in India, Ebube said: “Prices of goods have increased because of the pandemic and it is not all the shops that are allowed to open. Only businesses that are into essential services are allowed to operate, and their prices have been very high.

    “I don’t eat Indian food and have to buy things from African market to make things for myself.  But most of the things are not coming again from Nigeria because of the surge in the pandemic. The ones available here are very expensive because of the increase in demand, and it is not fair to us as students here in India,

    “I am not willing to return home because of the security challenges at home. The only thing that can make me want to come home is my family. Seriously, Nigeria is not safe. I have been reading the news lately. Nigeria is not safe at all.

    “I am always checking up on my family to know if they are safe. If I have the power, I will do everything to take them out of Nigeria. Seriously, I am not willing to return to Nigeria.”

    Fears spread

    A former Public Relations Officer of All India Nigerian Students and Community Association (AINSCA), Samuel Dickson, said   the COVID-19 pandemic in India has been a very horrific experience.

    “We fear for our lives each passing day,” he said. “There is huge fear among Nigerians here in India. Our parents are waiting for us back home. So we fear for our lives. We have been following the guidelines in order not to contract the deadly virus.

    “As things stand now in India, this second wave has spread very fast. It is spreading wide, but we keep praying that God will help the government to combat the pandemic, because they have been working tirelessly together with their researchers, doctors, scientists, including law enforcement agencies, to stem the tide.

    “Here the citizens obey instructions and the law.”

    Going down memory lane, he said: “In March 2020, there was a lockdown which lasted for six months before the government started relaxing it. When the second wave started, the government imposed a curfew from 10 pm to 5am.

    “Later on, they introduced a fresh lockdown for 10 days starting from April 26. But when the cases kept rising in thousands, they extended the lockdown till May 2 with a probability that there may be complete lockdown subsequently. Now there are a huge number of deaths and new cases coming up every day. For me, I fear for my life, those of my friends, and others. The experience is very horrific.

    “Social and economic life has not been the same again. Imagine yourself staying at home during this lockdown. We have bills to pay. This is not our fatherland. Here we live in rented apartments. We buy food and water and pay for electricity.

    “It hasn’t been easy. It has been a very tough one. As Nigerians, we can no longer socialise as we used to.  As it stands now, not more than 58 people are expected to be in any gathering. For now, there is no gathering of Nigerians.

    “We don’t even go to church or go out for the purpose of earning livelihood. It has affected us enormously.  There is a shortage of beds and oxygen because of the large number of cases they are having every day.”

    Like other respondents before him, Dickson said:  “There is possibly no way for us to come back home. We also fear for our families back home because of insecurity. There is also the problem of high cost of living in Nigeria, which is highly uncalled for. It stresses the citizens. It is just so frustrating for us.

    “In terms of the vaccines, they are made available to everyone by the Indian government. Last year, our association gave palliatives to Africans in different states in India. The Nigeria High Commission also gave out palliatives with few individuals making contributions to that effect.”

    One of the leaders of the Nigerian community in India, who identified himself simply as Bakare, said they didn’t expect what is happening in the Asian country now.

    Bakare said: “This second wave of the pandemic here in India was unexpected. It is spreading like wildfire and people are dying.

    “It is really affecting the Indians because of their population and because of the way they gather together during their festivals. In our own case, we have stopped going to church or mosque and even meetings.

    “Our people back home are worried and we are also worried. Because of the situation back at home, we are scared of coming.

    “In spite of the situation here, this place is more peaceful. Nigeria is not worth coming back to for now with the unpleasant stories we are hearing about insecurity and scarcity of food, among others.”

    Nigerians shun hospitals, fear they could be injected with virus

    For many Africans resident in India, particularly Nigerians, going to hospital to complain about any kind of ailment is out of it for now. Some of them fear that any African that goes to the hospital may be injected with the virus as they have grown envious that the black communities are not affected by the pandemic.

    Licoln, a business man said: “We are scared of going to some hospitals because they are not happy that blacks are not contracting the virus. No black person, from my findings, has contracted it.  It is just that any black person that is sick should just be careful because they can be labeled as carriers of the virus.

    “Anybody that dies right now of either kidney failure or whatever, they see them as Coronavirus patients and would have their bodies cremated. It is a dicey situation. We are all at a standstill.

    “We are calling on the Nigerian government to see what they can do.  Our embassy is not working properly. The new ambassador that has been posted here is still in London because of the pandemic. We are just in the hands of God.”

    He further said: “When the second wave started, you would see people walking on the street and falling down. The opposition party is saying that they should go on full lockdown but the prime minister is begging and asking that they should see how they can administer the vaccines which they have been selling to other parts of the world to enable their economy to thrive.

    “Their economy was badly affected in 2020. Now the pandemic is growing at an alarming rate.

    “Our family members and friends back at home and other places are calling to check on us. But there is no case of a black person or Nigerian contracting the virus. The Nigerian government has to look into the area of getting its citizens protected.”

    Asked if he would be willing to return to the country, which has a very low record of the pandemic, Lincoln shared pictures and videos of killings and news of kidnappers asking for ransom in Nigerian with our reporter and asked: “Is this where you want us to return to?  If we are asked to return home, I don’t think any Nigerian will be willing to go back.

    “I have been seeing some gory pictures, some horrible videos from Nigeria. The situation in our country is so pathetic. Nigeria is not safe, my brother. People are not willing to come; I will not lie to you.”

    Another respondent, Ann, also nurses the fear of being infected with the virus if she goes to any hospital over there.

    “I am also scared of going to the hospital because I don’t want them to infect me with coronavirus. They restrict us from doing so many things here because we are Africans. I have financial problems because it is not easy getting money from Nigeria.”

    Nigerians shun vaccines, resort to local measures

    Africans in India, aside from adhering to the COVID-19 preventive protocols, are said to be depending more on local preventive measures to avoid the deadly virus.

    Malik, a resident, said: “We are actually taking preventive measures as African communities here. We are always enlightening ourselves on what to do whenever we feel any symptom.

    “If we decide to go to the hospital, you know what it means. We are also applying our local measures. We use dogoyaro leaves with ginger and garlic. We boil them together and consume them for prevention purposes.

    “Pune City has a high rate of COVID-19 infection rate, yet they are the ones producing the vaccines. Many are actually taking the vaccines but they are still dying. I don’t think the vaccines are working.

    “Meanwhile some Africans are not taking it.”

    Maik added: “What we are hearing in the news is that beginning from May, they will embark on a strategic plan to make sure that everybody takes it. So many people have taken it already.

    “The pandemic wiped out three Indian families in just one week in the same Pune City where the vaccine is produced. The safety of the vaccine is minus 100 per cent in my own view.

    “I don’t know what the plan is now for May 1 when they will be embarking on a very serious vaccination exercise.

    “Many Africans are not going to take it; I am sure of that. If that would be the case, many would just have to go back to their country.”

    As part of Nigerians’ strategy for staying safe, Bakare, a leader of the Nigerian community in India, said: The elders and the executive of Nigerian communalities always caution our people against going out anyhow. We have stopped meetings in all our communities. I don’t think any African community is having problems with the pandemic. It is only the Indians that are facing it.”

    Why we can’t evacuate citizens yet – FG

    The Nigerian authorities said they cannot evacuate the citizens until there is a request to that effect.

    The spokesman of Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM), Rahman Balogun, said: “Evacuation of Nigerians is a policy matter. You have to ask the Ministry of Foreign Affairs. It is when it is decided that Nigerians are under threat that the ministry would direct us to work out the modalities for evacuation.”

    Contacted, the spokesperson of the Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Ferdinand Nwoye, said: “Evacuation is done on request. It is when the people there indicate that they are helpless in most cases. It is not like the federal government goes out to evacuate; we just coordinate it.

    “They will pay for their tickets and, through the embassy, we profile them. I don’t think there is any request, to my knowledge.”

  • Parents, your children become who/what you expose them to!

    Parents, your children become who/what you expose them to!

    By Temilolu Okeowo

    DEAREST Mummy Temilolu, Although, I’m a Muslim, I love you so much because your articles always touch my heart. Since I began reading your articles in my grandfather’s newspaper, my life has never been the same again! I feel so free of the weight my friends succeeded in placing on my heart because I want to keep my virginity till my wedding night. Please don’t stop writing as I look forward to reading you every weekend! Thank God for you!

    Misturat Alao

    Dearest Parents,

    In the last 2 months, the black community especially Nigerians all over the world have been applauding the first African, first black and the first woman in the world to head the World Trade Organisation- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala who is unarguably a worthy role-model for any female the world over. Her rising and focus in life makes her a priceless gem, an enigma and a global wonder which any female should aspire to be like. Sadly, the role-model of an average Nigerian girl today is one with a questionable character who appears to have more vices than virtues. Please feel free to correct me if I’m wrong! However, I deal with girls on a daily basis and I know those they gravitate towards and those they wish to be like! But can one really blame them? We are all a product of our background, pedigree and what we were exposed to in our impressionable years/the values our parents handed us.

    Parents…parents…parents, please may I ask what you are exposing your children to and how you’re preparing them for the future? Are you intentional about your parenting or overwhelmed by the storms of life? This is a very serious matter! The average Nigerian girl is completely lost in guys/romance to start with, most of those with smart phones are mostly interested in what’s trending on the social media and what would make the world notice them so soon even when it doesn’t makes sense and comes with a price that could completely scatter their life’s settings!  These girls carry much more than you can ever imagine! They carry what can settle you in future and give you a life of your dreams! You need to monitor their focus, their friends, their role-models and prayerfully guide them to where their potentials can place them in life. I bet Dr. Okonjo-Iweala’s parents must have ensured all her potentials were put into good use! You can’t just mind your business saying you want them to follow the path their feet want to go! Haaa…may they not have fatal accidents on the highway of life!

    Girls…girls…girls, show me your friends and I will tell you who you are! Show me your role-models and I will show you your future!!!

    I pray your lack of foresight, impatience and inability to delay gratification will not kill your stars! I pray your concentration on the flash and glamour and those trending on social media today would not derail your destinies completely when you should be studying hard and developing yourself to have the best of life and become what no one in your generation can boast of! Do you even care to know God’s plan for your life?

    Enough of following makeup, Fashion, Art of Seduction & Dream Life Styles on Instagram! you can build yourself to become a great dream, an envy of nations like this global phenomenon- Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala -Nigeria’s first female Finance Minister, first female Minister of Foreign Affairs, Managing director of the World Bank and now the first African and the first female Director-General of the World Trade Organization!

    Lord have mercy!!! What a wonderful wonder! A fortress, an institution! The real eternal Excellency described in Isaiah 60! Now, nations would be clamouring for her attention!

    When she was your age, there was no internet, she didn’t have as much access as you have to acquire all the knowledge needed to be everything she is today! DO YOU KNOW YOU CAN BE MORE???Can you please in God’s name try and have excellent grades to start with and not be contented with being an average student and see where it can take you?

    Stop fantasising and sleeping on social media! Who says your star is destined to shine with modelling or singing or blogging or you know what? That may not be God’s plan for you! May the social media not derail your destiny! May your hard-work, consistency, diligence, excellence, dignity and integrity stand you out in the world and may you not end up with a man that’ll scatter your destiny in Jesus mighty name!!!

    I invite you to follow me on Facebook –TEMILOLU OKEOWO Instagram @ Okeowo Temilolu.

    FINAL WORD

    Chastity does not belong to the past. It saves you a lot of trouble, preserves your beautiful destiny and stands you out from the crowd. You are better off not engaging in pre-marital and extra-marital sex. Stay chaste!

    Evangelist Temilolu O. Okeowo is the founder and Head girl of The Girls Apostolic Ministry of All Nations, an apostolic ministry for girls in their teens and twenties, and Girls Club of Nigeria, an NGO for Nigerian girls aimed at influencing a positive change. She published her debut-book for girls – THE BEAUTY OF LIFE – as an undergraduate and has other books and publications. She was called to the Nigerian Bar in 2003 and is a Certified Forensics Examiner.

  • OLANIKE SHODUNKE: I built my self esteem on the job

    OLANIKE SHODUNKE: I built my self esteem on the job

    Olanike Shodunke is a woman with so many parts. A caterer, farmer, health advocate and entrepreneur. Interestingly, she tells you that the secret of her success is making sure that all the different parts are given attention. In this interview with Yetunde Oladeinde, she talked about her passion, memorable moments, challenges, future plans and more.

    What was the inspiration at the beginning?

    This is something that I am very passionate about and I would say that the inspiration to go into the sector was a calling.  In addition, I got inspiration from food Networks, top bakers in the industry and most importantly the feedback from my clients keeps me going.

    There are so many opportunities in the sector.  Man needs food to survive on a daily basis. In addition, my craving for a good meal, balanced diet inspired me to monetise this need. Personally, I love good food.

    What are some of the memorable moments in the sector?

    I have quite a number and they motivate me to do more and put in my best. One of such moments  was when I was invited by one of my clients for an event.  It was a catering job and I catered  for Kings, politicians and a number of celebrities.  It was an awesome experience  and my presentation was satisfactory and they all testified to it.

    What do you consider as the turning point in your life and career?

    The turning point in my life and career  was attending Leading Ladies Business Institute.  It is Nigeria’s foremost Business Institute for  female entrepreneurs . It was a wonderful  phase and the  exposure gave me a better  perspective and new orientation about the ease of doing  business.  It also broadened my knowledge in my field of expertise.

    What are the challenges?

    There are so many challenges.  This includes the current state of the economy, high cost of raw materials and so many other factors.  Unfortunately, this is not making the client to get the treats that they deserve or want.

    How has doing this influenced your personality?

    Working in the sector is very interesting  because you meet a lot of people on the job. It has therefore helped me to build  my self esteem and understand people  very  well. Now, I have great confidence in myself I believe that I can  achieve any goal that I set for myself.

    What advice do you have for Nigerian youths?

    I would tell them to maximize the opportunities around them and discover  their talents. Going to school  is good  but I will advise any youth today to look inward and get a trade. The crux of the matter is that  being financially independent and successful is very  important.

    There are no jobs out there and so must know your Onions, work hard and be determined.  Always remember that personal development is critical.

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

    I am into network marketing and it’s been very worthwhile experience. Here I promote particularly health products. In addition, I am also a real estate consultant and poultry farming. I did a little bit of cucumber farming and right now, I am fully into poultry farming. And most importantly, my family occupies a big chunk of my time .

    What are some of the developments that you will like to see in the sector?

    The sector is a gold mine and there are so many opportunities  that need to be explored and developed.

    So, basically the changes that I would like to see in the sector are many. One of such is that I want to see Nigerian Menu being embraced all over the world. Our food is rich and it would be great to see our caterers making a mark and generating good revenue for themselves and the nation.

    What are you looking forward to in the next few years?

    There is so many things and aspect of the business that would have developed in unique ways. By God’s grace, I would love to see  my brand, Taste Imaginations become a household name and having branches in different parts of the world.

    Who or what do you consider as the greatest influence in your life?

    I have quite a number of people that I have worked with and they have influenced and impacted on my career greatly. However, I would just want to mention two of them here. The first is Mrs. Ibukun Awosika  and secondly, there is Mrs. Ayodeji Megbope. They have been a great source of inspiration and I admire them for the passion, hard work and dedication.

    How would you describe the impact of COVID-19? 

    We all know that COVID-19 impact my sector and it affected businesses and social gathering tremendously. Of course, we know that this   is actually the bedrock of outdoor catering,  events, parties and all this were all put on hold because of social distancing. So, basically  businesses  were affected including mine. However, I used that opportunity to work on the other aspect of my business and that gave me the ability to be innovative in different ways. I also spent more time on farming which is something that I am also very passionate about.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in Nigeria today?

    Nigeria is a very great nation and there are so many untapped opportunities and potentials. I have lived here for four decades and unfortunately, I am still looking forward to great things. I am yet to experience the greatness the way I would have loved to in different areas. So, I strongly believe that it is time for our youths to actively  participate in creating the  future that they want for themselves and for posterity.

    Tell us about your experience as a farmer?

    My experience as a farmer has been very interesting and impactful. As a poultry farmer we deal pure layers and the experience has been interesting and demanding as well. You need to be timely especially when it comes to feeding the birds. You have to be sure that the weather is perfect for the birds, not too hot and not too cold. It is also good to have very good and faithful staff. It is an asset to have trustworthy staff around the farm. They would make sure that nothing goes wrong any time or at all times.

    What are the challenges in farming?

    For me, the major challenge is getting staff that is trustworthy. This is very important when it comes to handling finance, sales of eggs, feeds. At some point, for close monitoring we had to install CCTV camera and another major challenge is that you need to avoid staff that are smoking and drinking alcohol. This can cause high bird mortality rate and we thank God that we have been able to manage all this challenges with wisdom.

    What are some of the changes that you would like to see in the sector?

    The price of a crate of egg for example has almost doubled within the last two years. The increasing insecurity challenge in the country has led to shortfall of the raw materials needed for chicken feed. If the government can help us solve the issue of insecurity in the country, then our produce would be available.

    How does this help to boost your catering business?

    The best way it can help me as a caterer or caterers generally is if government can solve the issue of insecurity in different parts of the country. Farmers would be encouraged to work or farm if insecurity is resolved. Then you would find that the prices of food stuff, vegetables, fruits and others would be affordable. That way aterers can serve or deliver their services at prices that are reasonable.

    Do you have young people who you mentor?

    Yes, I have people that I mentor. I actually mentor people in different aspects and the most important for me is being self employed and having good morals. All this help you to develop your personality as well as help to grow and sustain the business.

    You just clocked 40, what does this mean to you?

    To the glory of God, I believe that this is a new phase in my life. A new phase has started and I also believe that it is a phase of increase and responsibilities, leadership and mentorship. The past few years have afforded me some responsibilities that I carry. I want to use this to help others to thread safely in their endeavors. I would also want to make deliberate efforts to impact positive in lives and make it a life worth emulating.

  • Straw bags that thrill

    Straw bags that thrill

    By Yetunde Oladeinde

    One fashion item that women just cannot do without are bags. They treasure good bags and luckily there are a variety of bags that  play an essential role in the life of women.

    From the cute totes, clutch bag , handbags and more. Bags are not only used for style purpose but are also useful in carrying daily items depending on the mood and event.

    The raffia or straw bag is a delight. They have metamorphosed over the years and now, you have wide collections that are a collector’s item.

    In the past thet were synonymous with beach and casual events. While some make use of them alone other combine with straw hats that are also usually cool and casual.

    These days, you find a number of interesting bags in this category that you can use any time and leave that lasting impression. Our bag designers have churned out a number of creative pieces using additions like leather, studs, fabric and more.

    The straw and raffia bags are creative pieces, art pieces that you just want to have for keeps.

  • How my parents’ death 11 months apart inspired my business outfit’s birth — Yinka Opeke

    How my parents’ death 11 months apart inspired my business outfit’s birth — Yinka Opeke

    The founder and CEO of Smart Gas & Petroleum Ltd, Dr. Yinka Opeke, is a US based international business consultant with core competencies in strategy formulation and implementation. In this interview with GBENGA ADERANTI, she talks about her journey into entrepreneurship and how the death of her parents 11 months apart birthed Smart Gas, among other issues.

     

    It what point did you decide to become an entrepreneur?

    My journey as an entrepreneur started during my NYSC (National Youth Service Corps) days in Port Harcourt. Upon completion of my undergraduate degree from the University of Ibadan in 2004, I was posted to Rivers State and I served in Panalpina Logistics. Due to the cordial relationship I had with my co-workers at the time, I would seldom get free or highly discounted tickets to Lagos on some of our partner airlines, to go to Balogun Market and buy children’s clothes to resell at work.

    My flat mate at that time was also a youth corps member and she made lovely sandwiches. She would sell them to me at N80, and I would go to work and resell at N120. During my entire service year in Port Harcourt, I never had to touch my NYSC allowance because my other side hustles were paying the bills.

    After NYSC, I had saved enough to buy a Nissan Primera. I returned to Ibadan to commence my master’s degree in GIS in 2005. Upon completion of my degree, I moved to Lagos. Due to my prior knowledge of Balogun Market, I started selling London wax materials and saved enough to start selling gold.

    In 2006, I was employed by Zenith Bank and my co-workers became my main clients. They loved my pieces and would give me postdated cheques against the next payday. A few months after, I started traveling to London to shop for corporate outfits from Zara, Primark, H & M, Next, and I sold them all within the bank.

    In 2007, I travelled to the United Kingdom for my second master’s degree in Project Management from Queen Mary, University of London, and upon completion, obtained my PRINCE2 Certification. In 2008, I returned to Nigeria and started working with Stanbic IBTC in Maitama, Abuja. At that time I had figured out I wasn’t cut out for a 9 -5 job so I resigned in 2010 to officially start my journey as an entrepreneur.

    Yinka Opeke
    Yinka Opeke

    Photography was my first attempt. I attended London School of Photography and PhotoFusion to hone my skills. In the last quarter of 2010, I moved to Lagos and my experiences in photography birthed D’Acero Ltd, a brand consulting firm. I was opportune to have partnered with UNICEF, Zenith Bank, Stanbic IBTC, AXA Mansard, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Infinity Trust Mortgage Bank Plc amongst others.

    In 2013, I started my doctorate at Walden University, Minnesota, USA, where I specialised in Entrepreneurship and Organisational leadership. I graduated in 2018. I am also an alumnus of Lagos Business School and Enterprise Development Centre, both arms of the Pan African University.

    In 2014, I explored the possibility of establishing another income stream since I had pretty much stabilised my brand consulting business and my team members were competent enough to run daily operations. After much research, I established Drape Kings, an events decor company.

    I attended the Event Décor Academy, Miami and sourced my décor items from different countries. However, upon executing my first contract (which ended up being my last), I knew I couldn’t continue in that line of business.

    What went wrong?

    I am by no means one to shy away from hard work, but I knew from that first job, I couldn’t cope with that type/level of stress. I immediately decided to start selling decor items since I already had a huge inventory anyway. This plan seemed perfect until the dollar increase hit the Nigerian economy. My business was greatly impacted by increased freight charges, customs issues, and all the hiccups associated with importation. As a result of this, I sold off the décor business completely.

    It was based on these new realities that I decided to look within, something with more local content where I could source at least 70% of my raw materials locally. In 2015, I pioneered Opeke easy-to-tie geles (head gears), which happens to be my maiden name and also means fine girl or omoge in Yoruba. The name seemed apt since my focus was to promote the African beauty, our rich culture and heritage using aso-oke to make ready-to-tie, already pleated gele. Opeke was a huge success. We exported our gele to so many states in the US, UK, Canada, Ghana and different states in Nigeria. During this period, I also founded Thomas O. Women Network (TOWN), a not-for-profit organisation based in Nigeria, focused on connecting, empowering, and celebrating women involved in selfless community service.

    In 2016, I moved to the US, continued with the gele business but soon had to re-strategise because I was in a different country with different types of opportunities and peculiarities. However, when I look at the inventions and reinventions that have taken place in the easy-to-tie gele industry, I couldn’t be more proud to have pioneered such a great idea.

    In Houston, I immediately joined a few chambers of commerce and before long, I started learning the culture, business terrain, areas of opportunities, and so on.

    In 2017, I established Trade Expo Africa (TEXA), a U.S. registered Houston based company focused on promoting bilateral trade relations, investment opportunities, educational advancements, international collaborations and information exchange between businesses in the U.S. & Africa.  With my strong business networks with SME focused, public and private organisations in Nigeria, I am able to help businesses penetrate international markets.

    I achieved this through exhibitions, study trips, B2B Meetings and trade missions.

    I was honoured to  have received certificates of recognition from Congresswoman Sheila Jackson Lee, State Representative Shawn Thierry and Mayor of Houston, Mayor Sylvester Turner for my tremendous efforts at promoting trade and investment in Houston.

    I am also a Managing Partner at TEXA Property Group, a U.S. registered Houston based company focused on empowering individuals through real estate investments in Texas.

    Presently, I hold an executive board position at the Texas West Africa Chamber of Commerce (TWACC) as their Treasurer, Head of Strategy & Corporate Governance.  Together with my team, we promote trade alliances between businesses in Texas and West Africa. Since the inception of TWACC in 2019, my team and I have hosted the President of Guinea, three Ambassadors, and visited over seven African Ambassadors in Washington D.C and Houston.

    How has COVID-19 affected your business?

    Due to the COVID-19 pandemic, I suspended all exhibitions but continued with my international business consulting and real estate. On the 22nd of February, 2020, I lost my dad, and that was when the Smart Gas journey started. Smart Gas is a tech company established to leverage technologies to solve challenges faced by consumers when purchasing cooking gas, and the dangers associated with it. We are a technology driven, app based platform, designed from ground up for clients to experience a more convenient way to purchase cooking gas, increase transaction efficiency and optimize user experience. Our focus areas are retailing, wholesaling to corporations, LPG logistics, bobtail leasing, and LPG storage tank lease.

    Barely 11months after my dad’s passing, my mum also passed on to glory on the 25th of January 2021. It was indeed a tough start to the year. I am today taking it each day at a time. My siblings and I established the Raphael & Rosaline Opeke Foundation (Raph & Rosa) with a focus to supply adult diapers and bed mats (Macintosh) to community hospitals for their older patients.

    Our medium to long term vision is to establish senior living homes that will cater for older adults who are generally able to care for themselves, however, assistance from professional care givers will be provided. Activities and socialization opportunities will be provided within the facilities as well.

    You said your focus would be to supply adult diapers and bed mats (Macintosh) to community hospitals for their older patients, but in Nigeria there are very few old peoples’ homes …

    Though there is the general belief that our culture frowns at putting our parents in homes, we strongly believe there is a market for those people who prioritise the care of their aged parents above myth and culture. We solicit donations from, and seek collaborations with individuals, corporations, and government agencies.

    How would you describe your experience as an entrepreneur?

    My journey as an entrepreneur has been an eventful and insightful one, with so many highs and lows, but I am better off for it. The establishment of Smart Gas in Nigeria has been particularly challenging to say the least. People wonder why I am establishing something this big back home when so many are seeking greener pastures outside the shores of Nigeria. Quite honestly, I don’t know. I love Nigeria, and hope that ease of doing business will sooner than later be implemented in our processes because right now, it is none existent. However, I believe it’s a calculated risk, and as the saying goes, the higher the risk, the higher the rewards. Nigeria, be good to me and the entire Smart Gas team.

    At what point did you decide to go into the gas and petroleum business?

    My outfit, Smart Gas is a dedication to my father and my mother, who passed on 11 months apart. The heart will break, but the broken lives on. Though my father’s demise is the most devastating experience I have had in my adult life, it birthed an idea in my spirit, which has now become a reality. Where do I begin? A vision birthed in grief and the onset of a global crisis, good tidings can indeed come from the most un-ideal situations.

    I lost my dad on the 22nd of February, 2020, and it seemed my life halted at the time. His demise shook me to my core, unexpected and painful. My inability to pay my final respect was the salt on the injury because I was in the US and international flights were suspended. I missed him so much I cried so often. The pain of the void was so deep, and almost as if he felt it, and was saying I will give you something to distract you, Smart Gas was birthed in my spirit on the 20th of March 2020.

    Smart Gas was the distraction I needed to manage his loss. When I wasn’t mourning him, I buried myself in this project, and in no time I had a comprehensive business plan to work with. Looking at the progress I have made since inception, I have no doubt that God’s hand is in this.

  • Sorrow, tears as ethnic attacks render Gombe community desolate

    Sorrow, tears as ethnic attacks render Gombe community desolate

    By Sola Shittu, Gombe

    They had lived together as one family for as far back as 400 years ago when the entire terrain of Nyuwar and Jessu was a thick forest inhabited by wild animals. Then, there were no such distinctions as Waja, Lunguda or Tangale; they all lived together as brothers and sisters, marrying and bearing children for one another and watching one another’s backs for any external aggression.

    Such was the life the Nyuwar and Jessu communities lived until the night of Monday, April 10, 2021 when an attack by hundreds of youths from Waja believed to be high on drugs disrupted the age long peaceful co-existence between Waja and Lunguda tribes in Nyuwar and Jessu communities, Gombe State.

    This was the scenario as armed soldiers, police and DSS men sent to keep the peace received a delegation of the Gombe State Government at the palace of the District Head of Nyuwar. The group of security operatives, community leaders and top government officials sat quietly unable to say a word for more than 10 minutes. The damage was massive and unbelievable particularly because it was a case of brothers attacking brothers.

    At the centre of the semi-circle seating arrangement was the spokesman for the District Head, Yuhana Galmaka Pisagi spotting a caftan and armed with a dagger in his hand. His legs were shaking, almost uncontrollable and restless. Sitting beside him was the state Commissioner for Internal Security, Adamu Dishi Kupto who stretched forth his hand to tap the apparently furious Pisagi and ask him to calm down.

    Pisagi had just lost his brother, who also was the elder brother to the district head in the attack on Nyuwar community by Waja youths who stormed the once bubbling community around 10 pm on Monday and unleashed untold horror, leaving blood, tears and fire behind.

    The district head’s elder brother was not only killed, his attackers also severed his head and took it away. Ten other persons were killed in similar circumstance with their heads, wrists, feet and vital organs like the heart, kidney and private parts removed. Nyuwar community was devastated with more than 90 per cent of its structures torched by the attackers.

    The attacks, which started with a mere statement by a certain man around 2019, snowballed into what has today claimed lives and properties in Nyuwar, the community that had produced the immediate past Secretary to the State Government and the Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in Gombe State.

    For the state government, it was one attack too many. Hence Governor Inuwa Yahaya and his deputy, Manasha Jatau, immediately rushed to the scene on Tuesday evening only to find the entire town engulfed in smoke and raging fire as displaced women and children wailed over their losses.

     

    Genesis of crisis

    Recalling the genesis of the crisis, Pisagi said: “In 2019, a certain man named Shata said that the Wajas in Nyuwar were prepared to fight our people. We thought that he was joking because we were not expecting something like that.

    “He came the second time and told us the same thing. When he came the third time, I reported him to the district head. The district head took up the matter and reported to the police and we got the man arrested.

    “He was arrested somewhere around Gelemutu area, but as he was being taking away in the police van, the youths in Gelemutu, armed with bows and arrows, ambushed the police.

    “Later, the suspect said he forgot something in the house and wanted to go and take it. The police allowed him and that was how he escaped through the backyard.

    “He was later seen in a nearby village called Walhi and he spent three months there in 2019. That was how the matter was rested and we thought it was over.”

    Pisagi said, however, that sometime in 2020, there was a tussle over a piece of farmland in Nyuwar and the village heads met and resolved the matter peacefully. “But in July last year, they (Wajas) invited people from Bambam, Dogoruwa, Makasi, Kulani, Degeri, Shaka and others. Before we knew what is happening all the hills surrounding us were full of people.

    “We were all in panic because we didn’t really know what was happening, but the incident confirmed to us the statement made by Shata in 2019 that they were prepared to attack us.

    “Somehow, God was so kind to us on that day, because there was a heavy downpour. It was so heavy that visibility was so poor and the river overflowed its bank, thereby preventing the invaders who had surrounded us from crossing to our side.

    “The following day, there was a thick darkness everywhere that people found it difficult to move. That was how God saved us from the planned attack in July last year.”

    “The attacks started on Monday night till around 11 am on Tuesday, and by Thursday, attacking youths were still hanging around on top of the hills despite the deployment of armed soldiers, police and DSS to restore normalcy.

    “This morning, they still came, shouting and jumping around the hills before the soldiers started shooting to drive them away.”

    Although peace has been restored in Nyuwar, normalcy was yet to be restored. It is believed that it will take more than 10 years of consistent investment from both government and the individuals for life to return to normal in the community.

    Seventy-five years old Nancy Philemon was a victim of the intra-ethnic attack which claimed her house and those of her three children. Nancy, now homeless like many other women and children, is taking refuge in the ECWA Church in Nyuwar. Her children ran to the neighbouring village of Cham for safety.

    The story was the same with Jerome Kunama Kahala, a retired teacher in Nyuwar, who lost everything to the incident. “All I have now is this clothe that I am wearing,” said Jerome who armed himself with bow and arrow.

    He said the attack started around 10 pm on Monday when they started hearing strange noises from neighbouring villages.

    He said: “I was in bed when my children woke me up and asked me to come and see what was happening. When I came out, I saw flames rising up to the sky. Soon, we saw the fire in another neighbouring village and then in Nyuwar here.

    “We all came out with our children and started defending the community. It was a fierce battle which lasted till 11 am on Tuesday. By the time the police came, we had already repelled the attacks.

    “They destroyed so many things as you can see—our houses, our animals, grains, ban, everything. They even stole my cattle.”

    Jerome’s story was not different from that of Ziliyau Yuhana, except that in Yuhana’s case, he lost three of his family members to the incident. Ziliyau’s ban of grains and houses were also set ablaze. The grains were still burning as he struggled to salvage some of them for the remaining members of his family to have something to eat.

    When the soldiers arrived, they packed the carcasses of human bodies into a mass grave near the checkpoint at the entrance of Nyuwar. At the end of the attack, 11 lives were lost, excluding those that were burnt inside their houses.

    The Galadima of Jessu, Goma Jesmel, blamed the attacks on Waja youths who he said were high on drugs.

    Jesmel said: “It was the hunting season, so a group of hunters from Jessu went into the bush to hunt. Hunting is our normal business during the dry season and we hunt normally on Jessu side, not Waja side.

    “It was while we were hunting that some Waja people came into our territory through Heme. All of us are from the same territory, same chiefdom, same local government area and same state.

    “What is shocking to us is that we did not have any previous conflict with Waja people. The conflict used to be between Waja tribe in Gombe and Lunguda from Adamawa.

    “The attack started around 7 pm on Monday in Heme when we started seeing fire in the villages.”

    According to him, 10 people were killed in the attack on Heme but they were not able to recover all the bodies.

    Immediately the news of the attacks filtered into the state capital, Gombe, Governor Inuwa Yahaya convened a security meeting and ordered the deployment of soldiers, police, DSS and Nigeria Civil Defense Corps men to the venue. After his visit, he imposed a dusk to dawn curfew on Nyuwar and neighbouring villages.

    Governor Yahaya condemned the incident and vowed to look into it and bring the perpetrators to book. He then led the Deputy Governor and other top government functionaries to the place.

    Governor Yahaya said: “Let me extend my heartfelt condolences to you over the loss of precious lives and property as a result of this senseless act. Our thoughts and prayers are with you, and as a responsible government, we are conscious of our responsibilities of safeguarding the lives and property of our people.”

    Immediately the governor left Nyuwar and Jessu, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Ibrahim Abubakar Njodi, announced a dusk to dawn curfew in the two communities.

    According to the SSG, the curfew becomes necessary to douse the tension and restore peace and order in the affected areas. He said security personnel had been deployed to restore normalcy while the curfew would subsist until further notice.

    The Commissioner for Internal Security, Adamu Dishi Kupto, who led the delegation to deliver the relief materials promised by Governor Yahaya, said he was still in shock over the incident even though he was there earlier with the Governor.

    He said the level of trauma suffered by the people had affected them psychologically, adding that because of the way the attacks came, many of them were now living in fears and even finding it difficult to sleep.

    “We are really shocked, we are disappointed and dismayed with the way the thing happened. It is so sad to see lives and properties destroyed like this,” he said.

    Although peace has been restored, the displaced people, mostly women and children, are scattered in churches in neighbouring villages.